NEGOTIATION IS OFF
After the discussion, we began to prepare for the evening. My father, on the other hand, paid me a surprise visit and advised me to return safely. I'm not sure if I should be grateful, but I'm confident that this won't take long.
Why would I harm other people when I can only harm the culprit? The fact that the Prince has the audacity to challenge me makes me want to kill him so badly. But alas, he should be thankful as I have some consideration left in my personality.
The dinner was over, and my mother prayed for the Empire's success. I don't believe in prayers or worship, but I do believe in talent and good fortune. "Do you think you could make it out alive?" It was like a prick of the needle when I heard Lithia's question.
"I mean, no one goes for a war with 5 people. It's not a game. I'm afraid we're taking things too lightly when you could send them all." And what? Sacrifice them to die? Have their neck get slit by the opponent?
"You must've forgotten, Lithia. It's not only them, we need to fight. We have another entire empire to fight seriously soon. And I can't lose my people. If we die this instant, then what's the sense of being an Emperor?" The father of that boy must've had a short tail.
"But the negotiation should work or else other empires will take an interest in our land. The ground has ears, and rumors are easy to spread nowadays. Soon enough, they'll devise a plan to move in secret, without our knowledge. And so, I would like to take the risk of negotiations. But in the end, it'll be his choice. I guess no one wants to die in that early age." Unless he acts like a hero, then he'll end up dying.
"We need to get moving. Some of them must be getting ready for the fight. We can't afford to waste a single second." Camilla gives me another look. Her expressions were agitated, yet her stance was unaffected. And all of a sudden, my lips moved on their own. Kissing her forehead gently as I look at her.
"I'll be back at sunrise." There was an unpleasant hush across the gate, but Camilla simply smiled, and that's all I need before we leave. The tease started as soon as we departed. Vien was looking at me with such an invigorating expression as she repeated my words.
"I'll be back at sunrise." She said this with such an amiable tone. "If it weren't for your ability, you'd definitely be the first one to die this night." She attempted to contain her laughter when Naereus abruptly came to a halt. "Your Highness, I think that's their tents." He pointed out.
Vien looked at me while I started to signal. Looking around at the knights, it appears that only a handful are awake this night. "I should be able to divert their attention for a short time. You have barely five minutes to find the Prince's tent. After that, send me a signal." This must be the most embarrassing moment I've ever had in my whole existence.
A while ago, Camilla picked a dress for me. The one I hated the most. Because it was childish. But she thinks it's a good idea to pretend to be a teenager when I'm already 18. How can I even act as a kid when my expression's too stiff?
"You're not supposed to be roaming around in this area." That was one of the high-pitched voices coming from a knight. "No, I'm just lost. It's dark already." I hate how I adjusted my voice just to please a man.
"You shouldn't be in here. Do you want us to escort you back home?" A hand reached out. "No. I think I'd rather stay in here for a bit. I had a minor altercation with my father. Perhaps, I'll be heading home later on." Rather than sending me out, they offered me a seat and began to treat me as a guest. Their looks, I can say, are intimidating.
"A lady shouldn't be going outside. You might not know what danger you're going to face."
"Danger, you mean like yourself?" I asked while laughing. Their tea is the worst I've ever tasted. I couldn't just say that, though. After all, it's just an offer. "We aren't dangerous. We have wives and children back home, so we know what the real danger is." A knight who has a scar on his cheeks said as he muttered gently.
"Women can also be dangerous, you know? My sister would smack me in the head whenever I tried to tease her." And the rest of the knights started to laugh. I placed my tea back on the table as I looked at them.
"Being a knight entails the prospect of death. Why did you choose to commit yourself here if you have children and a wife at home?" They exchanged glances as they awaited the other's response. These aren't the faces of my knights. They seem to have been coerced into doing something they don't want to undertake.
"Money is tempting. They offer us a high amount if we successfully win all our fights. It's just unfortunate that we ended up with the wrong ruler. We might die tomorrow. We never know. The Emperor just informed us that we should follow the prince. But he's young enough to rule a battalion." They all fall in silence.
"Can you describe him for me?"
"He's a prideful person just like his father. They're both fools and selfish, attempting to raise taxes and exploit us by posing as knights. They wouldn't even give us a break because money was on the line. The harder we work, the more comforts our family will be able to enjoy."
"My wife will bear a child soon. But I don't think I can survive. If I ever lose this battle, then they'll also have money for compensation. My death is worth it if it's going to happen."
"I have 3 siblinhs. We don't have parents, so I'm the only one who has the capability to let them live a luxurious life. As long as they can eat thrice a day, then I'm fine with it."
"All of us here might not be able to make it tomorrow. We were just informed that the new Emperor is ruthless. As much as I wanted to go home, but money is the reason we're here."
"I'm sure your father has reasons. Or if he's being too much, then we can be your elders! We can protect you until sunrise." I came to a halt, looking at them with a serious face.
"Would you like to have a contract with me? I'll pay triple." I explained the matter regarding the plan that I have and who I really am. It was risky and careless of me. But I gained their trust in just a matter of time. They told me I looked like their younger sister. And I almost tell them half of my story and how I have a woman as a fiancé.
I've never had a conversation like this before. Not even like this topic with my mother. "I mean, there's no reason to be embarassed about it, Your Highness. You like her. That's what matters, isn't it?" They're too nice. I wonder if I did the right thing.
They told me that my father was a jerk. However, I should give him a chance. I thought they wouldn't take my offer seriously, but they wanted to work under my name instead of working for a scumbag Empire. How lucky I am to meet these fools.
The talk ended as Vien and the other knights found me. It was a long explanation, but they all seem to get along. "How dare you WORK BEHIND MY BACK?!" Vien pointed her sword at Razhan's neck as I kept locking my contact. "It was your carelessness and offer that made your troops betray you, Prince, whoever you are."
"And you think they won't betray you? If the offer is high, they'll bite into it like a dog." His presence disgusts me. I don't think I'll be able to negotiate with this kind of person.
"A woman can't LEAD an Empire." With those words, my hands slipped on their own. And kill the Young Prince who's supposed to fight us tomorrow. "I may not be capable of LEADING, but I am capable of KILLING."