Regina was seated on the edge of the bed in a bold and unconstrained manner, a bandage girdling her abdomen.

  Despite her injury, her imposing presence remained undiminished. In particular, her beast - like amber - gold vertical pupils radiated an intense and intimidating aura, reminiscent of a female bandit chieftain from a mountain stronghold.

  Confronted with the man's unbridled gaze, Regina was momentarily perplexed.

  Given her temperament, those who had surreptitiously scrutinized her in the past had met with rather dire consequences.

  Yet, this man's gaze did not evoke in her the same sense of revulsion.

  In his jet - black eyes, she discerned none of the familiar disdain, loathing, alarm, or fear.

  Although there was an element of curiosity, it seemed that admiration was more preponderant.

  Regina was not entirely certain, but she was sure that this man harbored no ill - will towards her.

  "Who precisely are you?!" Regina's tone was laced with a hint of anger. Even without animosity, no one relishes being stared at intently.

  "I shall attend to your wound first." The crude bandaging caused Aiden's brows to furrow.

  Since Regina was essentially in his employ, he was naturally concerned about this woman's physical state.

  Casually taking a seat on the edge of the bed, his overly - familiar gesture startled Regina.

  What was the meaning of this? Was he not afraid of her?

  "Do not move!" A stern command caused Regina, who was instinctively about to evade, to freeze. Aiden had already unwound the bandage around her abdomen.

  Inside, there were merely some haphazardly stuffed herbs. It was incredibly crude.

  Aiden disinfected and reapplied medication to the wound, treating it anew.

  During this process, both remained silent, and an uncharacteristic quietude prevailed.

  However, Regina felt a tinge of nervousness and unease.

  In her entire life, this was the first time someone had come so close to her, and it was a man.

  Certainly, if not for Aiden's distinctive gaze initially and his proper conduct during the treatment, Regina would likely have struck him down with her axe long ago.

  After re - treating the wound, Aiden rose, retrieved a chair, and sat down two meters opposite Regina, facing her directly.

  "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Aiden, a Beast Tamer. Henceforth, I shall be your new master."

  Having spoken, Aiden produced a document and brandished it in his hand.

  It was the indenture contract that Regina had signed with the Black Thorn Arena.

  Regina's expression shifted, and she let out a cold laugh.

  "A Beast Tamer? What, do you intend to transform me into your contracted beast?"

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  Initially, she had assumed this man was a physician, but to her surprise, there was more to his intentions. The nascent favorable impression she had felt vanished instantly.

  Aiden regarded Regina with a quizzical expression and said, somewhat exasperatedly,

  "While your idea is rather imaginative, that is not my intention. I merely wish to engage you as my personal bodyguard."

  "I am not interested. You would do well to seek someone else." Regina rejected him bluntly, her tone frigid.

  Regarding Regina's demeanor, Aiden smiled nonchalantly. He casually retrieved another document and began to read:

  "Regina, orphaned, abandoned in an orphanage from a young age. Entered society at the age of seventeen but was unable to secure a suitable occupation. A year later, she signed a contract with the Black Thorn Arena and has been employed there for four years until -"

  "Cease!"

  Before Aiden could finish, Regina interrupted him brusquely. With a resounding clang, the butt of the halberd - axe struck the ground, creating a web of cracks.

  It was evident that this woman was truly enraged.

  "Be calm. Consider this from another perspective. I am, perhaps, the first person to show concern and take the time to understand you. Ought you not to be somewhat pleased?" Aiden said, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

  "Smooth - talking."

  Regina shot a fierce glare at the man across from her, yet the atmosphere had considerably eased.

  "What is your true purpose?" Regina posed the question once more.

  She could not bring herself to believe that he had genuinely come to hire her as a bodyguard. Although Regina was resentful of her social standing, she was not delusional.

  She was more inclined to believe that he intended to use her for scientific experiments.

  "I have not deceived you. I have been forthright from the very beginning. If you ask me why I chose you, I can only say that you offer good value for money."

  Good value for money?

  Observing Regina's puzzled expression, Aiden rubbed his nose and chuckled,"You may interpret it as me being somewhat strapped for funds at present."

  Witnessing Aiden's forthright demeanor, Regina felt a twinge of amusement.

  She also lowered her guard to some extent.

  "You are surely aware of my identity," Regina said gravely.

  Yet, the slight flicker in her eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness.

  "I am indeed aware, but I have never concerned myself with such matters. I myself am a bastard. One's abilities are intrinsic, and one earns one's respect through one's own efforts. If I were truly concerned about your lineage, I would not be standing before you today."

  Aiden's words brought Regina to a sudden stillness.

  She could sense the sincerity in his words.

  Closing her eyes, Regina seemed to lapse into deep thought.

  Aiden did not rush her in the slightest. He was confident that this woman would come to a realization.

  After approximately a minute, Regina opened her beautiful eyes and regarded Aiden calmly, asking,"What can I obtain?"

  "Dignity and honor."

  "Why should I place my trust in you?"

  "Very well, let us set a time limit of four years. By the time I reach twenty years of age, if -"

  A raw gust of wind swept by, and a cold glint flashed towards him. When all had once again stilled, the tip of the halberd - axe was less than two centimeters from Aiden's forehead.

  Yet, Aiden, whose words had been interrupted, remained seated on the chair, smiling serenely, his expression unperturbed.

  "If I fail to fulfill the agreement, I shall offer my life to you."

  "Agreed, but what if I fulfill the agreement?" Aiden asked, a confident smile on his face.

  "Then my life shall be in your hands. I shall serve you for the rest of my life, accompanying you through life and death." Their eyes met, and Regina did not flinch.

  "Done!"

  After reaching an agreement with the Black Dragon Warrior - Princess, Aiden led her on a swift journey back to Wild Twilight City.

  First, they procured food and supplies. Given that there were only two of them, this did not entail significant expenditure.

  Subsequently, Aiden acquired a new set of armor for Regina.

  Regrettably, he had not unearthed any suitable items in the Divine Ruins Palace, so he had to purchase it.

  A high - performance and resplendent armor cost nearly five hundred thousand dollars.

  Since it was a life - saving item, it was essential to spare no expense.

  Aiden was frugal where necessary but always generous towards those in his employ.

  Upon first receiving this rune - inscribed armor, Regina could scarcely believe it was for her. However, after verifying its authenticity, she cast a profound glance at Aiden and then silently accepted it.

  When Aiden beheld Regina donning the new armor, he was captivated.

  The silver armor, silver helmet, and blue cape, complemented by Regina's statuesque and long - legged figure and her aloof demeanor, were truly breathtaking.

  This full - body armor was far superior to the tattered set she had worn in the arena.

  What struck Aiden most was Regina's figure, which was astonishingly voluptuous.