To Be a Power in the shadows part 2

chapter 85

Until that breathtakingly beautiful flash, Rose had been resolved to die. If she herself is captured and used, then there'd be no meaning in her father's death. That alone, she can never allow to happen.

Death is frightening.

However, that is her only venue of escape. She got to live as a princess, and had so many wishes fulfilled. And in turn, she believes she's carried out her duties as befits her station in life.

So that's why this is her final duty.

So she had resolved.

"Y-, you are......"

But the instant she saw the sword that deflected all swords, and the young man who wielded that sword, a memory from her youth rises unbidden in Rose's mind.

"The time for lies is over......"

Then Jimina places his hand on his face, and tears it off.

Shock runs through the audience.

Beneath the peeled off skin is a mask familiar to Rose.

Then a black mass bursts out in a spiraling cloud that envelopes him.

When the black spiral settles, it reveals a man wearing a jet black longcoat.

"Shadow......"

So whispers someone.

However, for Rose, he goes by a different name.

He is the reason why Rose had started on the path of the sword, he is the one who wields the beautiful sword that has captured her heart.

"Shadow, don't tell me you...... you are Slayer-san?"

A flashback plays in Rose's mind.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Long ago, just once, Rose had been kidnapped.

When she had accompanied her father to Midgar Kingdom on official business, she had secretly slipped out to play. While playing with the commoner kids, her world had suddenly gone black.

The next instant, she had lost consciousness.

When she came to, she found herself in a dim room, bound.

Her hands and feet were both tied up with straw rope, and her mouth was gagged.

Despite the lack of any external wounds, the fear and unease made her shake uncontrollably.

"Here I was, thinking that she was a brat with a well-groomed appearance, and she turns out to be the princess of Oriana Kingdom!"

The bandits were talking in the next room over.

They probably searched her personal belongings. Rose's identity had been exposed.

"As expected of Big Bro! You sure are lucky!"

"Stoopid, this is my own ability!!"

Coarse laughter rang out.

Rose considered her situation, and despaired. There were two options available to the bandits. They could demand a ransom from Oriana Kingdom directly, or sell her to someone else who understands her value.

She knew they would choose the latter. Rose's usefulness is high, but it's too much for lowly bandits to handle.

They would sell her, and safely get the money. Then Rose herself would be used by enemies of Oriana Kingdom......