Ever since August had transmigrated into this new world, he had learned the hard way that trust was a rare commodity. Every encounter was approached with caution, every interaction scrutinized for hidden motives. His past experiences had instilled in him a wariness that colored his perspective on others. The only exception to this rule was Rhea. In his eyes, she was not just an ally; she was an inseparable part of his future, vital to his success in this second life. She was also his most valuable secret and key treasure that he had never revealed to anyone.
As he looked into Rhea's golden eyes, now flickering with a hint of confusion, he felt the weight of his words. "I told you that I would never see you as merely a tool or a treasure to be possessed." His gaze was serious and unwavering, each word carefully chosen. "What I want is not a servant who will merely follow my every desire and whim. What I truly desire is a partner, an ally."
