Upon the Emperor's Lap

(#04) The Soldier

"Oh My, you are confused. Don't be. You haven't done anything wrong and all. It is just that a criminal like you is too pretty. I don't like anyone being prettier than me.

Oh My, it gets me very happy when I think about disfiguring that beautiful face and gouging out that beautiful tanzanite-blue eyes." She said, giggling with happiness.

Seriously? What is wrong with the people in here?

Are they all insane?!!!

"Miss?" I heard the soldier call for me and my attention came back.

"Coming," I said and left.

But even after I left, the scene kept on replaying in my head.

They just get rid of people because they are prettier?

And as much as conceited as it sounds, it is not my fault that I am pretty.

"Miss?" I saw a hand waving before me.

"Are you here?" The soldier asked.

"Ah, yes. Sorry. What were you telling?" I asked.

"Well... nothing much important. We will reach the Hall soon." He said.

"Yes. Thanks for notifying me." I said.

"In reality, Captain is in big trouble." He said.

"Why?" I asked.

"You are asking me that? You are the one who should know the answer." He said.

"You... you believe me?! You think I am telling the truth?!" I asked.

"Believe me when I say this lady, I am more experienced than I look. I have been serving on the border for years. Even longer than Captain.

Captain came to the border because he was demoted. He did something... let's just say unforgivable. But he had good connections. So, he escaped death.

And just as I was in my promotion zone, so he came and... well, yeah, started ruling.

So, back to the topic, since I have been in there for a long time, adding the fact that it was a desert. No proper man ever came through that place.

I am not telling you are improper. Hardly anyone proper comes. So, yeah, I have seen too many ruffians and hoodlums, more than captain has ever had, so I know when I see one.

And the reason why Captain picked on you was, he needed someone to get promoted, innocent or not.

And it's not the first time, he has done it. The previous times, if he does not get caught, he would get points, that when reached a certain number, he would get promoted.

And if he does get caught, that man's luck, he would get some light scolding and such.

But when he saw you, practically with that letter, he went over the moon, thinking about his promotion.

I know he is not right, so he is practically screwed.

And if he is screwed, so will be those behind, at least, some." He said.

"Oh, you must hate him a lot, when he came in that promotion time," I said.

"In the beginning, yeah. But with those much power, there comes a lot of stress and all. And unluckily for the captain, someone who grew up in the capital, that amplified.

And unlucky me, for having such a captain, he made me do most of his labor too.

But that had a good side too.

All the other soldiers and related workers sympathized with me and we often have a drink to talk bad about him." He said.

I then kept my hands on his shoulders.

"Men like him, are meant to fall down deep one day. Believe. Have faith. Even though no one would hear our prayers, knowing that there is someone, will be enough to cope." I said.

"I am a believer."

"Good for you."

I said and we laughed.

"Hey, hey, hey. Enough." The Captain said and walked to us, as we reached the Hall.

"Even though you are fine with it, I am not fine with my men talking and laughing with a criminal." Captain said.

"A criminal who became so because of you," I said.

"You-you... Hey, now from where did you get your tongue?" He asked, and I felt unnecessary to answer him.

So I ignored him.

"Whoa, now a criminal is ignoring a barrack captain?" He asked.

"Enough. We all know the reality in here, Captain. So let us all not through any airs around." Sir Hefield said.

"Excuse me?" Someone opened the door and came out.

"Yes?" Sir Hefield answered.

"Where is the criminal that ought to be brought before the court?" The man asked.

"Here." Sir Hefield said and brought me to the front and needless to say, that man was shocked, but he recovered fast.

"Alright. This way, please." The man opened the door wide for me.

I nodded and started going forward.

I then stopped and turned back.

"Both you and I know that I am not the criminal. So you better pray that I am not proved innocent. Because if I am, you will meet your end fast. And when that happens, don't come begging to me."

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Note For the Readers

I am very sorry for not updating the past week. I had a lot of notes to complete and exams are coming too. 

I am very sorry.

And please, vote, comment and follow. 

And please share and recommend my story to your friends and such. I am in a dire need of your guy's support. 

So, till next time, 

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Last updated on 28/05/2021