Villain's Will: Redemption

..෴✿۝CHAPTER 9۝✿෴..

"Gather around mates! I have an important announcement" Willow shouted as her voice echoed on the wide training grounds.

"I received a letter from the emperor and it looked like our fame had reached across the empire" they cheered in joy.

"The emperor himself invited us to attend the banquet and he would like to award us for our bravery along with the soldiers" They stared in shock, at lost on how to react.

"It's a fact that we're hired mercenary from different nations, and by accepting this rewards would mean that we're acknowledging the emperor as our ruler."

"It's a given that we're not affiliated to any kingdom nor the empire. I don't want you to be caught up in the whirlwind of politics but at the same time, I won't deprive you of this opportunity to change your lives. Thus, I implore you, would you stay or would you go to the capital? Remember nobody's forcing you" She paused and skimmed through the crowd.

Thirty people. They are her remaining comrades in battles and the person who's with Willow through tough times and good times during the war.

"Due to certain circumstances, you lot only knew me by Willow, isn't it? It may be a late introduction, but my name is Willow Liariaz" the people who were born from the empire gasped in surprise.

The others looked at them in question.

"It's the name of the western duke, you imbecile" Willow heard someone murmured.

"Indeed, I am the daughter of Duke Liariaz from the western territory." They're dumbfounded after she confirmed her identity.

But she paid no heed and continued without letting them butt in her litany. "Five years ago, I run away from home due to certain reasons. Unexpectedly, I encountered you, you crazy bats, and all hell went loose. Soon after, we grew big until we're known as a mercenary troupe and the soldiers started calling us 'the black warriors'."

"At first, we struggled to earn a living and we often got injured, our lives were basically at stake in the frontline of the army"

"But good things has also it's end. This is not the end for us but I could now see the end for me. Currently, I received a letter from the house informing me of my father's health in dire condition. I still don't know what awaits me when I go back so I would like to step down from my position. 'tis better than to be uncertain of my return."

The whole ground went silent.

"It is so sudden but I need to go back" she said solemnly.

The meeting was over and when they concluded to accept the rewards, the troupe agreed to meet in the capital after one month, during the procession.

Willow feel saddened with the situation but dragging them with her is not worth it.

"Captain! You don't need to quit! Damien can hold the troupe while your gone." Sid, the youngest member of the troupe pleaded and the rest nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, Willow, you can take your time and come back whenever" Damien reassured Willow.

"Haha" she awkwardly laugh, wavering at her decision. "Then, let's see after the ceremony?"

"Woooooo" the troop cheered.

"So we'll be seeing each other at the procession ceremony, no?" They nodded in agreement.

"I knew it Willow! you are pretty sophisticated for a mercenary" Kira put her arms around Willow's shoulders and poked at her sides.

Willow laughed at her and tried to escape her grasp.