The Negotiation

Roland was dragged out of bed by Nightingale.

He was taken aback when hearing the news that Nana Pine's father was waiting for him in the hall. But he realized it was a good opportunity—in order to have the girl's support in the fight against the Months of Demons, he must persuade the Pines to spend winter in Border Town.

It had been a tricky situation for Prince Roland, as his reputation and popularity had hit rock bottom among the noble. Even his relations with Longsong Stronghold had turned strained. He would not stand a chance to keep the nobles at Border Town in winter, as their business lay mostly in the east of Longsong Stronghold. From the very beginning, Roland had not thought of cooperating with the nobles, who were good at winning power and possessions, rather than fighting side by side.

He got dressed quickly and briefly cleaned himself, before heading to the hall.

Being left alone for so long that he could no longer hide his rage, Tigui Pine stood up and asked as soon as he saw the prince, "Your Highness, where is my daughter?"

This was the first time Roland saw Nana's father. He was strong and sturdy, not very tall, and had a thick beard that made him tough looking. From his attire of the waisted cotton garment and leather pant attached with big pockets, he looked like more a huntsman than a noble.

"She's fine, Mr. Pine..."

"Why did your guards let her in but yet bar me outside?" Tigui interrupted loudly. "I need an explanation, Your Highness! Please take my daughter to see me!"

Roland did not expect this and got stunned for a little while. He had pictured a scene that a father, who knew that his poor daughter was a witch, would beg his prince to hide the news, or ask him for help to deal with the problem. However, a father who was so pushy and discourteous without his noble manner, did surprise Roland.

Certainly, he knew why the guards allowed Nana in, for they were under his command. They became familiar with Nana who had been coming here for Anna from time to time.

After a moment's thought, he summoned the maid to take Nana here.

[However rude he is, Tigui Pine is Nana's father. Let's see what'll happen when they meet each other. If he has any plans to send the girl to the church or abandon her, I'll intervene and take action,] Roland thought.

Following Anna, Nana stepped in the chamber.

Seeing his daughter, Tigui Pine's anger died away at once. He opened his arms and called Nana, "Come here, my daughter."

The young girl did not move. Hiding behind Anna, she popped out half a head and asked, "Will you sell me to the church?"

"Nonsense... what are you talking about? Silly girl, the church doesn't want a girl as silly as you. Come home with me now."

Roland was confused about what was happening. Nightingale told him that after Nana's father bumped into her when she was doing magic, she ran to the castle for Anna in panic. Her father was after her, his face murderous.

But all he could see from Tigui was how he cared about and loved his daughter, unlike ordinary people who loathed the witches.

[Do I have my facts wrong?]

Roland hesitated for a little while and decided to be frank. "Mr. Pine, I believe you've already known that your daughter is a witch."

"Pardon me, Your Highness, I don't understand," said Tigui, as he stepped over and tried to grasp Nana's hand, but was blocked by Anna.

"Father, I'm a witch now... sorry," Nana whispered.

Tigui became anxious and said, "Nonsense! Witch? Must be the teachings from the damn guy Karl. I shouldn't have sent you to the school because what you've learned is nothing but bullsh*t!"

These words hit Roland's mind, and he realized that all the concealing Tigui had done for Nana might be due to his misunderstanding of him.

Therefore, he was so anxious and worried before seeing Nana.

"Anna." He winked at the witch, and she nodded. She reached out her right hand to Tigui who tried to bypass Anna and get Nana. Fire burst from her palm, flying pass his top.

Tigui's eyes widened, flustering backward to dodge the fire. Nana held Anna's arm in alarm. "Sister Anna, No!"

"Your Highness, what's..."

"As you see, she is also a witch, like your daughter." Roland extended his hand and said, "Maybe you've misunderstood the reason why Nana is free to walk in the castle. Shall we have a real talk now?"

Tigui seemed awakened. "Ha! Ha!" he said, "Your Highness, I..."

"Take a seat." Roland pointed to the table and said, "Let's begin our talk with some nice tea."

He sighed secretly. [Now I see now how notorious my reputation is. They even think I'll put my claw on little girls. Now, I've understood everything from Tigui's ungracious behavior. What will a father, who loves his daughter so much, think when he sees his girl running into the castle where the guards are accustomed to her?

If I'm the father, I'll bring down the castle on my own.]

The words Tigui used to cover up the truth that his daughter was a witch had proved all things clearly—worrying that the prince would threaten him with some excuse that Nana had fallen into depravity, and only cleansing could save her. He personally did not care much about whether his baby daughter was a witch or not.

Tigui hesitated for a long while before taking the seat. He drank up a cup of tea, dried his lips with his sleeves, looked awkward, and said, "My apologies, I've been rude. Please tell me when did you know my daughter was a... witch?"

"It was before winter, and it was not me but her teacher Karl Van Bate who found her awakened. He entrusted me to protect Nana because of Anna, his friend." Roland explained explicitly. "In this half month, she came to the castle to practice her power when she was available. By the way, she has the power to heal."

"Has she?" Tigui scratched his head and said, "That was why the cat started to run and skip again."

"Cat?"

"Er... Nothing special. When I came back home, I found her sitting on porch and carrying a cat wounded by a carriage. I was about to scare her from her back, but when she spotted me, she ran away immediately. The cat had broken legs, but suddenly it recovered." He gazed at Nana and Anna and asked, "You two are friends?"

Nana nodded quickly before Anna could make any response.

Tigui's face turned gentle.

Seeing this, Roland asked, "It seems that you don't trust the rumor that the witches are the evils seduced by the demon."

"Certainly, my daughter is no evil!" he said firmly, "and whatever she turns into, there's no doubt about that."

Roland was touched by Nana's father who was much different from Anna's father. He finally understood the reason why Nana was always so sweet and innocent, wearing a smile on her face almost every day. This family was like a warm cradle for a kid to grow up in.

"I have no doubt either, Mr. Pine." The prince was straightforward. "Your daughter has a marvelous power to heal the wounded. I hope she'll stay in Border Town, assisting me to fight through the Months of Demons."

Tigui was indecisive. "Your Highness, forgive me, I have no choice but to refuse. When the Months of Demons come, Border Town will be deadly dangerous, and I'd never allow her to stay in danger."

[Tigui Pine's land is beyond Border Town's governance, I can't command him directly even in the name of a prince.] Still, Roland believed that nothing was impossible when they were willing to sit down and talk.