Chapter 14: Bloody Encounter (1)

Vega's carriage took the Renascente House's direction and I continued on my path to the capital. There is only one person whom I know who does business around here… But damn him for having so many stores, I don't know where he is.

I spread my knights to look for Fredrick's whereabouts. And it took hours, thinking of which, just how rich is he to have this capital be his domain? I'm jealous, I miss my Company.

I'll look around first before the knights find him. Lora and I walked down the road, watching the people do their businesses. I saw the flower shop and looked at them… different and unusual kinds of flowers, it's not our usual flowers in the modern era.

"What do you call this flower?" I asked the storekeeper. It was an ocean-blue flower with sparkly silver-in-color spots at the center; it has five petals. It's beautiful.

"Lady, you have good eyes. This flower is called Fiona, each one of them contains a little magic and is in demand by Alchemists. It is said if someone gave Fiona flowers to their lover, it would bring good luck and a happy long distance relationship. Fiona means 'until we meet again'." The shopkeeper happily explained.

Until we meet again? Too bad… I have no one to give it to. Let's look for another flower.

"How about this one?" I pointed at the Yellowish to greenish flower with three petals. The four pollen stems were longer than usual, about 3 inches. The pollen grains are glowing!

"These are called Amirienachi Flora, they are often given to a friend or someone you want to befriend, it means 'take care forever'." Woah! So there is a meaning if you give someone a flower, but…

"So if there are meanings behind different flowers. What if there is a scenario when someone randomly picks up flowers without knowing its meaning and gives it to his lover and what if those flowers given have a bad meaning… It might cause a misunderstanding." I wondered. The shopkeeper gave me an awkward smile.

"My lady, if one intended to give flowers to someone he loves, wouldn't it be better to prepare for it in a special way? Why randomly pick if it was for someone he loves? That situation is unlikely." The shopkeeper answered.

Yes, that's right. If it was for someone you love, then prepare for it specially for her. So what's my point? I was going to say something but I forgot, Hahaha I don't have someone I like so I don't need it. I better move.

"Thanks. I'll buy this Amirienachi Flora wrapped nicely in a bouquet." After that, we took off for another shop.

"Lady Tania, what are you doing here?" Lora asked, looking at the shop sign.

[Armory of Sun] - means weapon shop

I beamed- this is it! I looked forward to visiting this shop for ages and finally I'm here.

"Let's go." I ignored her question and happily entered the shop.

Different types and kinds of swords, bows and arrows, spears, armors, and knives- whaaa~ heaven. I mentally jumped in amazement and looked around.

I picked up a thin and small sword. It's obviously for girls. It's a bit heavy so I put it back. Next one was a well designed knife, whoa~ I had one in my bag during the plane crash. Bruce gave it to me…

"Lady Tania, are you alright? Did it cut you? Why are you crying?" Lora worriedly asked.

I touched my face and realized I really was crying… It was so nostalgic seeing this knife, it was only a few weeks since I received his gift but I died without even using it. A bitter smile curved on my lips.

"It's alright. Seeing this knife… feels like I have a connection with it." I stared at the knife admiringly. "I'll buy this."

"A-are you sure, my Lady?" She confusedly asked. And I nodded. "Well, if you really want it…"

We handed it to the cashier and I realized the shopkeeper was frowning at us, what's his problem?

"It is unusual to have a customer like you are, milady. Usually ladies who purchased weapons were members of knight factions or adventurers, but from your clothes and physique, it looks like you are not like them." He stated. I did not respond, instead I observed him

He wore simple clothes like a commoner would wear, a little dirty because of some smudges from the metal polish. His face is well-looking and also has a little dirt but recognizable, but he talks and moves not like a commoner. Nice work, noble.

"Unusual doesn't mean it's impossible. I wonder why a noble like you looks like that? You may love weapons to such an extent to work here, but at least hire someone to help you." I stated. He looked a little surprised, but composed himself and smiled sheepishly.

I passed him the item. Lora also looked surprised about what I'd said and scanned the guy carefully.

"You've got a great observation there, milady. I'm impressed." He wiped the knife shiny, "Only you who guessed it right, usually I was treated as a commoner but I don't mind. I don't overlook status, but strength. Here you go."

Lora paid for it but he refused the money. No good.

"Take it, I don't want to owe anyone." I had Lora give it to him, but still refused.

"It's alright it was your prize, I admire your skill. But if you really insist on paying, then telling me your name counts." He coolly said. Name?

It won't hurt so just give it, tsk.

"Tania." I took the item and prepared to leave.

"Then, I'm Valentine Muri Eckardes, you can call me Alen, thank you for the purchase, Lady Tania." He waved goodbye, and we left.

'Valentine? Where have I heard it again? February 14? Hmph!'

*dingg!*

Then the window appeared…

+

♤Character Status♤

Name: Valentine Muri Eckardes

Age: 20

Gender: Male

Title: <Son of a Marquess> <Heir> <High-grade swordsman> <Wild Butcher>

Job: <Noble> <Shadow Knight> <Clerk>

Family: Eckardes Family

Status: <Amused>

Level: 70

Next Lvl.: 34.16%

⌸• Stats •⌸

Health: 300/300

Magic: 90

Stamina: 270/270

Power: 370

Agility: 370

Intelligence: 80

Wisdom: 60

Luck: 80

----

Short description:

The Butcher of the Battlefield. He is a cold blooded knight who regards strength over status, he acknowledges anyone with strength comparable or greater than him. He has great senses when it comes to observing someone and determining their skills.

+

"He's from the Eckardes Family, milady. First son of Marquess Veldora Heron Eckardes" Lora whispered. It can't believe the memory of this girl, unbelievable.

Eckardes... Oh! Lavinia Eckardes, she's the one who pathetically lived and died in their own mansion, because of the fact that she is a replacement for the true lady of Eckardes Family. The girl who has a commoner's name that goes by Viance Rion Restia lived peacefully at the countryside turned out to be the real Lady then after year later, the girl will appear and Lavinia, who was then neglected will die pathetically, bullied by the servants and even her fake brothers, VALENTINE and Valdis.

'I don't overlook status, but strength.' my foot! You dare bully Lavinia because she's not your real sister? He only knows grand words, tsk.

"Milady, we found him."

-----

At the cafè's discussion room.

"Hohoho~ you even spread your minions just to look for me?" Fredrick was barely holding his laughs, what's funny?

"Are you Santa?" I unconsciously asked. Oops...

"Who?" He looked confused. Eh? There's no Santa here? What a let down, I thought I could finally see a real life Santa Claus. Welp... Fredrick laughed like Santa so he must be him.

"Nevermind. I need to rent a man." I said directly to the point. Then he blinked two times, what's up?

"…rent what?" It must've taken him by surprise but I don't care, that's the sole reason I searched for you.

"A man. Nicely built, well-mannered, good looking, and good at acting." I mention all the specific traits a man needs. I even gave him a list of it.

The face of his then again can't be painted, he scanned the list and looked at me like a puzzle, unable to solve.

"What for?" His frown got deeper and placed the list on the table. He sat opposite me on a little round table. I can hit him anytime if he laughs at me again. But calm down, this transaction won't end well if I do that.

"That's a secret." I nonchalantly answered. Then his frown turned to a poker face…

"If that's the case then I can't help you." He said that made me click my tongue. Of course, this kind of transaction isn't reliable since doing business with someone for unknown purposes will complicate the business, I understand him asking that, so…

"Simple, I need someone to act like my lover in front of the Prince and everyone present in our engagement party." I smirked, "I want someone that can satisfy the audience and embarrass the Prince. That way, no one will dare to question my decision to cancel the engagement."

He listened carefully to my words and suddenly...

"HAHAHAHA!" He touches his belly and laughs as hard as he can… Patience, Randall… Patience... Inhale… exhale… sigh.

"…I-I…Hahahahaha! S-sorry… Pff… hahaha~" I gritted my teeth, he was still laughing… go on laughing as much as you can, let's see if you can withstand my deadly move that even Sunny flipped.

"Finished?" I asked in poker face. He was calming himself at the moment, and bit his lips to stop laughing. He nodded.

"Yes, yes… That was hilarious! But think about this, Lady Tania. By your… ehem… attitude, your… err… looks somewhat unappealing, and your… is not that big. So even if I am selling or renting a human, no one is willing to act like your lover… haha~ Fortunately, I don't do that kind of business, because it's illegal. So no. Byee~" He sounded like an expert critic and during his 'criticism' towards me… Unfortunately for him, the evil inside me was unleashed.

I stood up banging the table which almost made him fall from the chair. I bent over to him, six inches distance between our faces and he was taken aback but I pulled him back. I flashed my most seductive smile and talked in my most seductive voice… Revenge!

"Do you really see me like that?" I lifted his chin to forcefully look at me, then slid my hand down to his neck then to his nape, I could see him gulping. Pff… Hahaha! He can't move, his heartbeats are racing. I can hear it.

"Why? Am I really not appealing? Was all you said the truth?" I closed the distance between our faces but instead of kissing him, I put my lips beside his ear, "tell me~" I whispered in a seductive way.

"…N-no…" After hearing that, I backed away and sat looking at him like an innocent child.

His ears were really really red, and though his face was pink, it was very visible… His eyes were avoiding me, and his hand immediately covered his mouth. Ha! Holy mother of shits! My stomach can't hold on!

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" I burst out laughing, shit! I think my belly was going to explode, "HAHAHAHA!"

I slammed my forehead on the table and repeatedly banged my fist on it too, the other hand supported my belly... while laughing as hard as I could, I even cried in joy.

Several minutes later. I trembled… my tears can't stop. It's rushing non-stop. I'm no longer laughing. I don't know why but I feel like crying… then my silent cry slowly gets louder, until I cry with my eyes out. I don't care if Fredrick is watching me. Rush of memories came flowing.

"Whaaa! *sob* Mom! Dad! *sob* I'm sorry… *sniff* I didn't know… *sob* it just crashed… Whaaaa! Alice! Bruce! *sob* I'm sorry for leaving… huhuhu… *sniff*" I hid my face on both of my hands. And continued crying silently.

I miss you… I regretted leaving. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Dad, Mom… you must be upset and grieving, I'm really really sorry you're causing you trouble, for leaving you behind… for dying just like that. Alice, Bruce… Sorry I can't fulfill my promises, I miss you both so much. Sunny, I'm sorry for making you hate me at the last moment… you must be regretting saying you hated me back then, I'm sorry for teasing you… Everyone… I'm sorry for leaving you behind. I miss you.

It took moments before I got back from crying and looked for my handkerchief, but my pocket was empty. Lora has it, but she stayed in the carriage. It's embarrassing to walk out there looking like this.

"Here." Fredrick offered me a plain looking handkerchief. But I didn't dare complain… I think it was clean so it's fine. I took it.

"Thanks. Sorry for having you see me like this, I never thought I was going to cry like that in my entire life after laughing so hard." I wiped all the tears but my eyes can't deny that I cried.

"It's natural to cry just so you know. But if you hold it in for a long time, you might go insane. No wonder you have gone crazy in the past." He huffed. I can sense that he's comforting me, but his words can't hide his prideful nature.

"Yeah yeah. This is your fault, if you didn't display such a face then I won't laugh like that and eventually cry, tsk, what a gentleman." I crossed my arms and looked at his in displease

His eyes went wide and gritted his teeth. Face red in rage.

"Then it is YOUR fault, if you hadn't done THAT then I won't make that face." I can imagine the steam coming from his nose, hahaha~

"Huh? Do what? You sounded like I have done something, but we're just talking." The smug look on my face was brighter. I don't feel sad anymore and thanks to him.

"What?! Y-you call that talking?! Argh! I think my veins are popping." He massaged his forehead, then touched his nape- like he was having high blood pressure. Funny.

"Hahahaha~" I snickered. Covering my mouth with the handkerchief.

He looked up looking annoyed. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist. He was about to say something but I talked first.

"Thank you." I sincerely said.

"…What?"

His annoyed looking face turned confused, he doesn't know how much he helped me today. It's an honor to meet him not as Tania Roa Cavelier but as Venice Randall Mel'v.

"Thank you because you're funny and it comforted me. You don't know how much you helped me a lot today, since I lost my memories… This is the first time I cried in front of someone because of anxiety. I felt stressed this whole time and I can't bear to trust anyone because I don't know anyone. Turns out, my former archenemy will be the one to comfort me… So thank you from the bottom of my heart." I said looking at him directly, I stood up and picked up the flowers I bought earlier. "Here, take it. This is all I can give you as a thank you. The shopkeeper said it is Amirienachi Flora and it means-"

"Take care forever." He finished. "Why should I accept it?"

"Haa… if you don't want to just say so. Anyways, this is a sign of our future business partnership. I plan to build my own business 'ya know? You're not the only one who can be on top" I smirked, but I am serious. I won't remain shameless as Tania who was forever sucking the Marquessate's wealth. Well… I am originally the youngest CEO in our country.

"Pfft… You? Seriously?" He asked as if hearing the most unbelievable story in his entire life, but when I saw my serious face and sincerity, he put up his business smile, "Alright, I'll accept it. It is a sign of partnership, so I won't refuse."

He took the bouquet and placed it on the side before standing up. I rolled my eyes, so much business on his head. But it's not that bad for someone who wants to achieve greater goals. Like my former self.

"Do whatever you like. I'll go ahead." I went to the door and he followed but he suddenly reminded me of something that made me stop.

"What about the fake lover you're supposed to rent? What are you planning to do about that?" He scratched the back of his head.

Right. My fake lover. My sole reason why I'm here in the first place. Hayst, if he can't offer someone then I'll order someone do it--

Then I realized something…

Evil plan formed in my head and turned around to looked at him with seductive face, he's close to me hahaha~ I pulled his nape with my left hand and the other hand caress his right cheek, as expected, he's gone stiff and has a heavy breathing, face was now red.

"Now that I think about it… Why don't I personally hire you? You have most of the traits on the list, fit to be my fake lover…" My seduction that he can't resist made him weak

I can even hear the beat of careless whisper music… asdfghkl… I think I'm gonna hurl

"Do you agree… Sir Fre~dri~ku♡~?" My breath was almost close to his lips, and the redness of his face covered his whole face.

I traced his jaw line and slowly slid it down to his collar and buttons.

"…Y-yes…" he whispered and I can barely heard it

"Louder…tell me…" I whispered, this time, it was on his ear almost touching my lips.

"…Yes." When I heard it clearly, I let go. And straightly opened the door behind me

"It's fine, Sir Fredrick. It was just a JOKE, maybe I'll just grab a stranger downtown, I won't bother you anymore." I smiled and winked, "I should leave, Sir Fredrick. See you again~"

I walked on the hallway leaving him there in daze, while his mouth was in gape. Success! Hahaha I beat him!

You dare say I wasn't appealing? You dare say I wasn't good looking?

You dare say my boobs aren't big? Now look who's beaten on the ground because of my seduction. Hahaha~ Victory!

When I reached the carriage, Lora noticed my puffy eyes and was in panic until I told her that I beat Sir Fredrick that caused me to cry in happiness. I didn't tell her everything, I'm afraid my chastity will be misunderstood and her image of me will suddenly change.

"Let's go downtown."