When Dustin heard Felicia’s word, his hand briefly hesitated before he ced the chess piece.


    He smiled and said, “I thought you came to learn chess, but I didn’t expect you to be here as a messenger.”


    Felicia gave a light, teasingugh. “With a mind like yours, how could you not know why I’m here?”


    She added candidly, “Prince Nathaniel saved my life and weed me as an honored guest. It’s only right that I repay the favor by helping solve his troubles. I hope that it doesn’t bother you.”


    “You’re frank and gracious, Ms. Thorns. Why would I take offense?” Dustin replied with a faint smile.


    He had expected her to start with pleasantries or try to butter him up. So, her bluntness actually caught him off guard.


    “To be honest, Prince Nathaniel has never taken this kind of interest in anyone before, “Felicia said as she ced another chess piece on the board.


    She smiled and continued, “I can tell he truly wants you on his side. And as someone close to him, I’d like to help make that happen. If you agree, just say the word. Whatever your terms are, I’ll agree to them.”


    When she finished speaking, she slowly raised her head. Her eyes gleamed with a brilliance that carried an indescribable allure.


    The top ten on the Beauty Ranking were not about appearance. What truly set them apart was their status, influence, and talent.


    Felicia was ranked eighth on the Beauty Ranking. Her looks and figure left little room for criticism.


    Her eyes brimmed with warmth and invitation. It was framed by arched brows the color of ink.


    Her nose was small and straight. It was sculpted with such precision that it gave her features a striking definition.


    Her lips were naturally rosy. When she smiled, shallow dimples formed-subtle, but disarmingly gentle.


    Her skin was fair and wless, with a pearly sheen under the sunlight that gave her a quiet, refined elegance, like a figure drawn straight from a painting. She was beautiful enough to make it hard to look away.


    Even Dustin, who’d seen his share of beauties, was momentarily dazed when their eyes met.


    She wasn’t only beautiful, but her every movement carried a natural, disarming charm.


    Dustin knew this was a ssic honey trap, yet he didn’t find it off-putting at all.


    Felicia spoke earnestly. She was so sincere that it was almost convincing. He had to admit that Nathaniel had yed this hand masterfully.


    “Mr. Rhys, look at the board,” she said with a warm smile.


    She deliberately changed the subject without pressuring him to respond immediately.


    She went on, “ck and white maypete, but only by working in tandem can they create a truly brilliant match. It’s the same with you and Prince Nathaniel. If the two of you joined forces, you’d have the upper hand in this ever-changing situation.”


    “Life is like chess. If you make a wrong move, you will lose the whole game,” Dustin remarked with a smile.


    “There’s nothing wrong with being cautious,” she replied. “But if you’re too cautious, you might miss your chance, and that would be a shame.”


    Felicia began cing her pieces faster. Her strategy turned aggressive. With each move, sheid careful traps as she tried to corner Dustin.


    “I’ve always been cautious,” he replied evenly. “I’d rather do nothing than make the wrong move.”


    But he navigated every crisis with precision and counterattacked her moves at just the right moments. Slowly, the tide began to turn.


    Felicia, who had been attacking him, suddenly realized she was the one at a disadvantage.


    “Well yed,” she said.


    She smiled as she watched Dustin move his piece.


    Felicia had always prided herself on her chess skills, but he had outyed her. In just a few moves, he hadpletely turned the game around and trapped her.


    His technique was nothing short of masterful.


    “Mr. Rhys, your chess skills are truly impressive. I must admit, I’m outmatched, “Felicia said.


    She ced her chess piece down and nodded at him. Her gaze was filled with admiration.


    At first, she thought Dustin was just a talented martial artist, but now, she saw him as a genius with both brains and brawn. She finally understood why Nathaniel valued him so highly.


    “You tter me. It was just luck,” Dustin said modestly.


    “If you’re interested, I’d be happy to have another match tonight. I promise, it’ll be an experience you won’t forget,” Felicia said with a flirtatious smile.


    Her words were no longer subtle hints but an open invitation.


    Dustin cleared his throat and said, “I don’t usually y chess in the evening.”


    He purposely pretended not to understand her implication.


    “Mr. Rhys, you really don’t know how to take a hint.”


    Felicia was exasperated. She rarely encountered a handsome and talented young man who excelled in both martial arts and intellect like Dustin. It felt like a waste to just let him slip away.


    Who knew when she’d meet someone like him again? Instead of handing herself over to some pompous old man, why not give her first time to Dustin? At least then, she’d enjoy it.


    “Ms. Thorns, since you’vee all this way, I can’t let you leave empty-handed,” Dustin said.


    He pulled out a delicate ornate box and ced it on the table with a smile.


    He continued, “Inside is the Dracan essence that Prince Nathaniel needs. Please deliver it to him for me. As for the matter of loyalty, I still need to give it some serious thought.”


    “Dracan essence?” Felicia’s eyes lit up at the mention of it.


    She had two missions-to obtain the Dracan essence and to persuade Dustin to join their cause.


    Felicia had expected it to take time. But now that half the job was done, she could return and report to Nathaniel.