The Villain, The Hero, And A Deal (UNDER MAJOR REVISION)

EP 5 - The Red Devil Visits Part II

I didn't answer and only battled her in a staring contest. Which maybe I shouldn't have as my silence and lack of reaction could prove me guilty.

Should I just play dumb? Never mind, I doubt it would work on her. "How did you know?" I replied after that short contemplation, and she smiled a little. "It's by luck. I was patrolling around the royal borders not far from here and caught them by chance. I can tell that she came from here." She answered, glancing down at her cup and then back at me. My breath starts to get heavier. There was a pause between us.

"Did you kill them?" my voice came out rather faintly.

Silence.

I gulped. Maybe it's better that I didn't know. Whatever happened to them, there was nothing that I could change. As for what would happen to me...

I breathed out and lowered my chin, eyes cautiously locked towards her.

"So, what are you gonna do now? Ah, is this why you came here? To personally arrest me?" I slightly jeered. If she's indeed here to arrest me, well, I won't come so easily. Under the table, I prepared myself to launch an attack – no, it's more like a way to escape from her. I must admit that I'm not confident taking her on a fight right now. Nonetheless, I don't plan on doing nothing either. That would be another waste, now wouldn't it?

"When I caught them, only I raised a weapon and prepared for a confrontation. They just stood in front of me, like a clueless deer." her voice as she spoke was soft.

"So I let them go."

I blinked, my mouth falling slightly ajar. Did I just hear it right?

She let the elf escape?

I felt my body freeze from the shock while my face was probably stuck with a hanging jaw and wide eyes. This is a huge surprise for me. Veiltrese spared an enemy of our kingdom.

"Who knows about it?" I spoke out in a hurry.

"Only you and I," she answered almost immediately as if she was expecting the question.

Somehow, it made me internally breathe out a sigh of relief but still kept my guard up.

"Should I do the same to you, brother? Should I also let you escape?" she asked. What a funny statement, definitely made me chuckle.

"Is that an act of mercy?" 

"Is that how you wish to see it?"

"Why? After all this time, why do it now? Why betray your beloved duty? Is it because I'm supposed to be your family?" I peered; head slightly tilted. She didn't answer right away again. She was just looking down at her cup, half-full and slowly losing its warmth. I couldn't decipher her expression at all which further made me curious about what she was thinking about. She's deep in her trance. This might just be an interesting one, after all. This is so unlike her to do which is why I'm intrigued.

Her words came out after that long silence, "Should we make a deal then?" 

Oh god, I couldn't believe she would go for that.

"Seriously, a deal?" how many deals do I have to involved myself in this lifetime?

"Yes. I would keep your little involvement with the elf, in return..."

"I won't live back at the palace."

She paused for a second.

"I won't ask that."

"Then what is it?"

"I want your help."

I blinked. 

"Help with what?"

"I shall tell you soon. But I need your answer now, what would it be, brother? Can I expect your help."

She had a very serious look on her face, there's no playing in her words. I continued to observed her.

"What are you trying to achieve, Veiltrese." 

"Only the best for the kingdom."

---

It was nearing high noon when our little talk  finally came to its end. She gracefully stood up from her seat and getting ready to walk out of the place. I remained on my seat, looking at my untouched cup of tea.

Before she could fully step out of the pavilion, she stopped and glanced at me over her shoulder. "Oh, before I forget, I look forward seeing you on the coming Knighting Ceremony. Your presence is highly requested. Don't miss it."

She finally bids goodbye and I watched her figure disappear from eyeshot. I was left sitting on my seat, eyeing my trembling palm. I don't know how long my hands were trembling, I didn't notice. She didn't hold back at all. It seems too that I placed myself too much under her gaze. I wonder if it's the same as in my previous live. Could she have known? If yes, how much was she aware.

I sighed heavily and shoved my hands into my pockets.

I need a plan.

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