The Emperor's Daughter

Chapter 13: Rescuing Lady Edelweiss

Pushing a girl to fall down the stair was one way to know how a kidnapper would treat their victim. The basement was dark and lack of air. The only small window where the light could pass was barricaded by wood and nails, like it was already built to be a prison.

"Hello." a voice echoed in the dark corner.

She squeezed her eyes to adjust to the darkness and saw a blonde girl. The blonde girl in the photo.

"Miss Helen?"

"Yes. Who are you?"

"My name is Shiki. We are requested by your father to find and rescue you."

"My father?!" the girl sounded happy for a second, then she said with a worried voice "He is going to kill me."

"Why is that?"

"Well. I never knew that one day Ranzy would come to my house and kidnap me. I thought he loves me. I told him the back entrance of my house so he can sneak in to visit me more. The next thing I knew was waking up in this place." The girl's voice began to crack "Father will never forgive me."

While the blonde girl was crying about how she disappointed her family, Shiki began her part of the plan. First, she sat down in a kneeling position so her legs were close to her tied hands. Second, with her restrained hand, she pulled out a knife that was hidden in one of her boot. With the knife, she cut the rope and freed her hands. It was fortunate that the thugs underestimated their new hostage.

"Whether he will or not, I need to get you out of here. Do you want to stay in here for another day?"

The blonde girl shook her head, which was enough.

"Alright." She got close to the young lady and cut the rope to free her "I need you to be quiet. I will get you out of here."

Another fortunate thing was the size of the window was big enough for a person to fit and get out. Shiki pulled out her scythe from the thin air and cut down the wood panels. It made quite a big sound so she hurried to get the kidnapped Helen to get out soon as possible.

The sound did catch the thugs' attention and one of them came in to check out. Seeing two girls, who were supposed to be on the floor unable to move, were escaping, the thug yelled to let the gang know. Helen was already outside the house, which was good enough. Shiki decided to dash to the thug and knocked him out. The other came to get her, but without any problems, she took them out one by one, leaving them either unconscious. and moaning on the ground with their pain. She then quickly went to the living room to grab the necklace that she saw, which was still at the same place. Ranzy, came from behind her, tried to slash her with his knife, which she quickly dodged. Without waiting for any second, she ran to the front door, which was guarded by a person. Escaping his attempt to grab her, Shiki cut down the door and got out, with the necklace on one hand. The thugs tried to go after her, but couldn't because she was already outside. They would attract the people around them if they tried to pursue the girl, as outside of this house, it was no longer their territory.

"Goddamn it!" Ranzy screamed out loud with his frustration.

After the daughter went missing for a few days, the father was outburst with joy to see her safe and sound. The first he did was to embrace that girl who was the most precious thing of him. He was so happy that he shed tears of happiness.

"Helen! I am so glad to see you."

"Yes father. I am sorry that I made you worry. There is also something I need to tell you." Helen took a deep breath "I skipped school to hang out with that guy Ranzy. I thought he cares for me. But turns out, I led him robbing our house."

"It's alright. As long as you are safe, I and your mom can live another day. That is good enough. Also..."

Lord Edelweiss turned to two of them "Did you retrieve the necklace?"

"Yes." Vincent handed it to him.

The old man then turned to his daughter again.

"It was supposed to be a surprise. But I guess I will do it now. Here."

It was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. The diamond was sparkling like a thousand stars. Helen's eyes couldn't take off the necklace. Then her father put it around her neck.

"Happy early birthday, my dear Helen. It is a very rare diamond in the deep mine and it was cut by the finest diamond cutter. Took him a year to perfect the gem so it could match your beauty."

"Thank you father." Helen cried in joy then hugged her father again tightly "It's lovely."

It was a nice touching moment between father and daughter. However, Shiki couldn't help but felt a throb in her heart.

So this is how a loving family look like. Such a different world.

The daughter and the diamond had returned to the Edelweiss's family. Their job was done. As a return, Lord Edelweiss promised that he would send the payment. In addition, the organization now had the gratitude of the Edelweiss family.

After returning to the inn, two of them began to pack their stuff to return home on the next day. Since Vincent had to finish his written report, which he preferred to have it ready when they get back, Shiki went to sleep early. Somehow, she felt exhausted and wanted to fall asleep. The image of a father embracing his daughter with full of love was in her head until she was too tired and drifted into a slumber. It was a beautiful image.

Lord Edelweiss was talking to her, his voice was tender and joyful. She could hear him calling her dear daughter and said goodnight to her like she were Helen. The moment was short, the image of a middle-aged man then suddenly faded into a pitch black. Was she thinking about them too much that she would dream about them? Or somewhere in her mind, she wished to have a father like lord Edelweiss? To have a family that loves her like Helen's? The next thing in the dream was the sound of burning wood, cracking like a firework. And grandfather was there.