As Llavin left the dining hall, two people watched his retreating back until he disappeared from view. "He seems different today." Ebiene suddenly spoke capturing the bodyguard's attention. Ebiene have always been very perceptive of their master. She can immediately notice changes, when something is bothering him, when he doesn't like something, when he finds something interesting, and so on. And her judgment rarely goes wrong. Daniel knew to believe her.
"Perhaps it's because of his episode yesterday?" he guessed but Ebiene doesn't seemed to agree. Daniel sighed. "Fine, I'll talk to him. He had business to attend to anyway." He said and exited the hall following their master. "He'll be at his library." Ebiene added and Daniel responded with silence but took note of it.
---
Ebiene is always spot on, finding their master in the library, sitting comfortably on his reading chair, obviously reading a book. "Your Highness-"the guard first called out but was immediately cut off by his master as soon as he noticed his presence at the doorway.
"Daniel, impeccable timing. I need you to deliver a letter to the Coin Collector for me." The young prince commanded, Daniel's brow raised in response upon hearing the infamous title. "Coin Collector? I thought you don't trust them?" he walked towards Llavin. "Yes, perhaps I don't. But things are different now, desperate situations calls for desperate measures. You must go now." He announced, sliding an envelope with a blank stamp across the table together with a small ornate box. "That's the payment." The young prince added.
"Is this what Ebiene meant when she said something is different with him today?" Daniel thought to himself.
"Did something happen? It's not so often that you're in a desperate situation. Desperate enough to contact those people. Moreover, if you really needed something, you can just ask the circle." he inquired the prince with wariness, even mentioning a certain group, but the latter was quick to dismiss it. "Nothing to be concerned with and it's unnecessary to involve the circle with it. Off you go." He then went back reading his book with no care. Daniel took the letter and headed out towards the door before he stopped midway and turned around. "I almost forgot. Doctor Saltzan would like an audience with you. He also said that its almost ready."
Llavin stopped reading for a moment after hearing the message. He then looked at his bodyguard, "Tell him I can't meet him. And to halt the operation for the time being. No actions until I order so." He plainly said. It earned a furrow on Daniel's face. "Pardon me, Your Highness. Halt the operation?" he repeated. "We've been waiting for this project to finish and you want to halt all activities now?"
"I already said my word, your duty is to see it be done. Halt all operations." The prince threw a piercing stare, emphasizing each word. Daniel scoffed quietly, "As you wish." He muttered under his breath and left the room, trailing a bitter air.
---
Just a day after Daniel obediently sent the letter, I already received a response from the so-called coin collector, one that we did not expect.
"The Coin Collector is out of their mind. We're going to be executed." Daniel spoke with dread as we watched the unexpected guest standing with their back in front of us. Ebiene on the other hand, could not hide her surprised face either.
"I don't think so. I think they just sent me exactly what I needed." I chimed between them.
Daniel massaged the bridge of his nose in attempt to ease the incoming headache despite the situation. He heaved a sharp breath in before speaking, "What suddenly came over to you? This is ridiculous! Beyond even!"
"I hope they arrived undetected. It would be dangerous if anyone find this out." Ebiene commented in her usual voice. "The Coin Collector may be crazy to send them here as per my request but not dumb to send them here bare in our lands. They can't have one of their costumers die because of their services, won't they?" I refuted.
"Even so this is too reckless and stupid. If someone would discover, we would lose our heads for treason." Daniel grumbled again.
"You worry too much it's ruining my mood." I shut him off.
Suddenly, our guest finally moved, they kneeled down and placed both of their palms on the ground. The three of us seem can't help but to hold our breath for the next thing to happen.
And then from their position a green light glowed, the light spread and with it comes a surge of magic blowing up and engulfing the whole backyard. We instinctively propped our arms to cover our eyes from the blinding light, our hair sways with the gust. The green light and surge of magic continued for few minutes before slowly fading away. When we brought our arms down and opened our eyes, what we saw was a miracle performed through magic.
The once dead and dried land that not even weeds would grow is now covered in verdant green. What once was bleak to the eyes is now a healthy patch of land. The three of us are in total awe.
"By the grace of Antonias..." Daniel softly gasps, "Elf magic never cease to amaze me."
Smile draws on my lips.
I made a decision to revived the backyard of my manor. I wished to see her beauty again. But using normal ways won't be able to save it as the soil already lost all its vitality. So, I sought the help of the Coin Collector, they're an infamous individual in the backcity who can provide many things - services, money, information, weapon, anything as long as you can pay. In my case, I asked if they can provide me help in reviving a piece of land so I can rebuild my garden, that was the content of my letter. They must have found it as a silly request, I'm not familiar with their dealings as this is my first time reaching out to them. They could've ignored my request so I prepared the payment to be something most sought, something only few individuals can provide. Of course, it came with a risk that they might just take the payment for themselves without doing in return. Thankfully, they complied although in a way most surprisingly.
They sent an elf. This kingdom's biggest enemy.
This country loathes the race of elves more than anything. Many wars had broken out between mankind and the elves for centuries. It's a war that cannot be resolved by the two races and its roots came very deep. Contact or being affiliated with the elves is considered as one of the highest crimes in Veneralia and some other kingdoms.
But here I am, Prince of Veneralia, having an elf to his home to revive a patch of land.
Is reviving my little garden worth such crime?
Definitely not.
Maybe it is.
Additionally, this is just one of the crimes that I've committed so far. I just need to make sure this keeps under wraps like the others.
"What now?" Ebiene curiously glanced at me.
"Time for a little gardening."
---
Butterflies softly flutters above pastel pink roses and the sound of gushing water coming from the fountain can be heard. And when wind breeze blew, the hairs of the willow tree would sway with it. The plants that grew there are healthy and abundant, it now teems with life, showered by the golden light of the morning sun. It is a majestic sight and the atmosphere is most relaxing, and a sole person sitting at the pavilion now bask upon the best view of the garden. The head maid offered her service to pour her tea and provide company as she waits for him but the lady kindly decline. Her fiery red tresses softly flows on her shoulders and back. While waiting, she wishes that he would arrive later so she can bask longer on the beautiful view and atmosphere of the garden. She deducts she won't be able to stay longer once they start talking. After all, this is the first time in years that she visited him, they have a sour and complicated past. She expects not that he would be very welcoming of her presence.
A rather strong breeze blew towards her direction and few strands of her hair flew away. Her fingers chased after it to tuck it back behind her ear when she noticed his presence. He was there, standing on the entrance of the pavilion. His face showed displeasure but she returned it with a sincere smile, bearing no ill-intent to the other.
"It's been a while, brother."
YOU ARE READING
The Villain, The Hero, And A Deal (UNDER MAJOR REVISION)
FantasyLlavin, the "villain" of the story, was given a chance by an unknown deity -- a second chance in life to fulfill his desperate wish. But as he goes back to time, things turned complex and complicated than he expected it to be. To fulfill his wish, h...
