Villain's Will: Redemption

..෴✿۝CHAPTER 13۝✿෴..

Willow stealthily arrived outside the palace. She went in to arrange her pass.

"Good morning" the receptionist looked flabbergasted while greeting.

"Good day to you too, Lady. I'm here for an audience with the emperor" Willow brought out the invitation and handed it to her.

She gasped after looking at the seal.

"Wait a moment, please" she doesn't seem to know what to do. Thus, Willow assumed that she went for her superiors.

Willow took her time and observed the place.

Why is everyone staring? I'm not assuming but their glances were very obvious.

Even though the room is busy, their whispers reverberates.

"Woah, is he a knight"

"He's pretty tall"

"Check 'em out"

"He looked lanky for a man but it only added to his charms"

Willow mentally groaned and didn't bother listening any longer.

I'm not lanky, I'm pretty toned underneath. Though, they thought I'm a man, so my size is lanky for them.

With her get up and short hair, she can be easily mistaken as a man. Even Willow agree with their perception as she think of her face. Tanned from years of staying at the battlefield, her face could no longer be classified that of a delicate lady. All feminine traits was gone, and what was left is a gruff look of a warrior.

"Thank you for waiting. We've verified your invitation from the chancellor, please fill out the necessary papers for your visit."

Willow complied and let them guide her to the waiting area. It wasn't long when a page came to pick her.

He briefed Willow about manners before announcing her arrival.

"Please keep in mind what I told you" he humbly repeated before opening the door.

Willow bowed "Greeting to the sun of the kingdom. May the blessings of Hekate always be with your presence. I am Willow, of the black warriors, requesting an audience to your majesty."

"Oho, disregard the formalities Willow. I'm the one who insisted this audience. To think that the mighty leader of the black warrior's is a woman" Kindness oozed from his voice.

Even now, Willow cand tell that he's still the type of person who's merciful towards his subject. This trait of him made the people belittle his highness, thinking that his mind was all over the clouds. He may not look like it but Willow knew how competent their emperor was. It was not a fluke when he ascended the throne.

"You jest your majesty, If I may be bold, I'm here to take up your generosity for our reward."

"Indeed, I'd promised a reward to your liking in the letter. And what might it be?"

"Perhaps the citrine eye of Hekate?" Willow stated and lifted her eyes to observe their reaction.

The emperor didn't faze one bit but the chancellor flinched. "Fufufu, my, the leader of the infamous Black Warriors seemed to believe the existence of the legend. It was told that with that treasure, you can even snare a dragon." He laughed pointedly and scrutinized Willow.

"Ah ha ha ha" Willow tag along and gave the emperor her best smile. "Surely that's a jest, your majesty. Even a child knew the legend."

Willow stopped probing and didn't hesitate to voice her real demand. "Please buy us the rank of a knight"