Book 10: Chapter 68
Book 10: Chapter 68
I didnt expect youd want to be back. What happened? Did you actually come back for our delicious food? I reckon the food at the imperial palace tastes better. This place isnt an eatery.
Serious. I seriously didnt think the boy would come looking for me. We werent ever friendly. At the very least, I didnt think we were friends. We didnt do anything but ridicule each other and argue, after all. I inferred that he had a request for me judging from his gift.
The boy grinned. You dont appear unwell. Why did the maid say you were unwell?
Because that was an excuse. I dont want to be involved with the matter or interact with them. Its a different case for you because I never expected you to visit. Whatever, come in. I dont know who told you to buy me stuff, though.
He felt right at home. He had already been to our place, so he was familiar with it. Maids even greeted him. The steward took the gifts, while we went to the dining hall. Leah was happy to see him.
Miss Leah, are you well? he inquired with zest.
Im great, thanks.
His stupefied reaction at Leah enunciating thanks in the elven language earned a mischievous laugh from her. Leah then gracefully sat down which was totally unlike her usual self. The elven diplomat often reminded her to mind her manners as she usually paid no heed to them. I had no doubt she was trying to display her noble lady demeanour in front of the boy. He did indeed live together with us before but never came to the dining hall and, therefore, didnt have any chances to see Leah.
Leah enjoyed boys ingratiating themselves with her and admiring her. Id probably be jealous as a father if I didnt know I was his target. I just felt sorry for him, however. I felt I shouldve persuaded him to just focus on his sister since Leah was just playing him.
Playing him was just Leah being a succubus. I didnt feel a need to force her to adjust her nature since she definitely, absolutely, certainly loved me. Succubi liked men fawning over them as that was their innate nature. That said, they were stubborn and loyal to their food and target, a fact I personally witnessed Leah, who was willing, to become a Demon King to possess me wouldnt fall for a boy.
You havent forgotten your goal while youre conjuring ideas about my daughter, have you? I sat down in my seat.
The boys face turned red as a ripe tomato. He glanced over to ensure Leah wasnt angry before facing me. Voice stifled, he protested, Im not having ideas about Miss Leah! I just just I was just speaking to her
Oh, really? Im disappointed to hear that.
Leah bit her fork then flirtatiously licked the tip while charming the boy with her entrancing smile. Veirya slapped her on the back after watching her for a while. The boy quickly took his eyes off Leah. I suddenly understood why he was so sensible around me It was because he had a crush on Leah!
Ross never liked him and still didnt want to give him any attention. He coldly snorted and flapped his ears down, indicating his intent to ignore him. That was the first time I saw Ross express hostility.
I came to ask you to join this evenings conference. As the nobles in the imperial capital control all the resources, I need them to provide us with help. I need Queen Sisi to give the command, if necessary, to provide us with the best reinforcements. Also, I heard you were in charge of firearms and gunpowder.
I doubt the boy wouldve been so polite and reserved if it was a personal matter between the two of us. We werent completely hostile to each other; I quite liked him. Realising something, I replied, I can do that. I didnt plan to attend the conference, but since youve pleaded me, I can attend. With that said, bear in mind that those nobles arent good people. They wont do much for your justice and well-being. All I can do is help coordinate between you and them. Most importantly, I want you to stay here.
Here?! My Queen needs me, though!
The boys reaction didnt surprise me.
Calm your horses. Why would your Empress need an assassin who cant carry out assassinations? Whats the point of keeping you around? To hold her curtain? You need to stay here and supervise them. That way, they wont try to tamper with things. You cant just leave your reinforcements to their own devices. The two of us can stay here and keep an eye on the resources they provide. Else, you wont be able to find them when you need them.
He pointed to himself and me. Unconvinced, he asked, You and I work here?
Correct. By the way, stop giving me that look. Im not celebrating working with you, either. But nonetheless, this is for your goal. You understand what I mean, dont you? Its just a suggestion, having said that. The final call is in your hands.
He couldnt change the outcome of the war alone at home. Here, on the other hand, he could ensure his soldiers didnt receive boots with holes or uniforms made from stitched fragments. He was more useful away from home. I suppose he couldnt accept it. Alas, he had no choice.