Chapter 100

In outskirts of Westreon city, two shadow like beings were running quickly, clad in black tattered robes. They moved discreetly in the shadows, avoiding the eyes of the people walking by.

They ran around checking tea houses as if they were looking for someone. They stopped behind a big willow tree and looked inside the tranquil tea house through the window. A short haired young lady was chatting happily with the couple on the counter. When the two black robed people saw her they nodded to each other and approached the door.

The door to the tea house opened, making the three people inside turn to greet the guests.

"He-hello, table for two?" The man asked but was ignored by the black robed guests who looked directly at the short haired lady.

"Long time no see, Madam Bloom." One of them spoke as they took off their hoods.

Miss Bloom's eyes went wide at the sight.

"You.."

Back at the Westreon castle

I did not know when I fell asleep but when I woke up, I was already lying in bed. I looked at the book on my side, written on the old dilapidated cover, in gold, was the word Castellan.

"My lady." Sebastiene knocked on the door lightly, obviously knowing that I was awake.

"Come in." I replied as I sat up.

Sebastiene came in and stood at the side of the bed.

"The generals, commander Klent, Sir Anderson and Sir Klaus are waiting for you in your office, my lady." Sebastiene informed me.

My brows furrowed and my forehead wrinkled.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" I asked him as I climbed out of bed. Without waiting for Sebastiene to respond, I already walked out of my room.

Inside the office, the knights were all sitting around the coffee table and studying the map. Their faces were all serious and their heads snapped up when they heard the door open.

"Greetings, eldest lady." They all placed their right hand over their left chest and bowed their heads to me.

"Be at ease." I rolled my eyes at their formality. "Is that the gesture for the knights?"

"Yes, my lady." Haktor answered with an awkward smile, as if he was embarrassed. "Lady Uriel taught it to us."

I was speechless. I should have known. Uriel likes to watch historical dramas back on Earth and must have seen knights and warriors do it to their masters.

"I see." I tried to smile even though the side of my mouth was obviously twitching. I took a deep breath and calmed my expression. "Klaus, please explain to us your plans."

"Yes, my lady." Klaus stood up and started to explain. We all looked at the map and followed his explanation.

Klaus explained an intricate plan that includes trapping and taking Karciel alive with as little casualty as possible. He also had some contingency plans in case there are unexpected help for Karciel.

"Why take him alive?" Haktor frowned in disagreement. "We can just kill him there and rid ourselves of future headaches."

"It is what the lady wants." Klaus explained while smiling at me.

The others all turned to look at me who was sitting with my legs crossed, sipping tea.

"What Klaus said is true." I said with my eyes downcast.

"Why do you need someone as filthy as him, lady Mel?" Haktor asked.

"I need something from him." I shrugged and raised my eyes to meet his. "There are also others who needs to have their revenge."

"But-" Haktor was about to reason out when Marionne held him back by grasping his arm.

"If that is what the lady wants, we will do our best to fulfill it." Marionne glanced at Haktor sharply. "Isn't that right, General Haktor?"

"Ah.. Uhm.. Ye-Yes.." Haktor was caught off guard that he stumbled over his words. "I mean, yes, she is right, my lady."

"Ehem." Sebastiene cleared his throat.

"Has everyone here been to the dungeon?" I asked to change the topic.

"Yes, my lady." Marionne, Anderson and Haktor answered.

Klent shook his head.

"I don't like going into dark and filthy places, my lady." He smiled nervously and even made a disgusted expression.

"I see." I nodded and smiled. "We-"

My sentence was cut off by a knock at the door. I frowned and motioned for Sebastiene to check it. I saw the maid passed a paper to Sebastiene which he read before hurrying back to me.

"My lady." Sebastiene gave me the folded paper that the maid passed.

'Black Circle members would like to have an audience.'

I read the paper and passed it on to a surprised Klaus.

"This.." He thought for a moment. "This could be a chance to know more about them."

"What do you mean?" Haktor asked, frowning at the piece of paper in Klaus's hands.

Klaus placed the paper on the table on top of the map for everyone to see.

"Should I go meet them?" I asked Klaus.

"No, my lady." He shook his head and smiled vaguely. "They should come and meet you."