The best choice ever

Murmurs and whispers circulated between the gathered crowd, while Dermi fell into deep thought, thinking about what he did wrong in his plan he prepared a long time ago.

Meanwhile, Genus found himself having trouble figuring out himself.

When he heard the argument between Dermi and Shily, and how Dermi proposed marriage. As always, he doesn't know why, but he found himself thinking about what the outcome would be.

Maybe a habit of his, but he thought he had gasped the situation and concluded that Shily would accept marriage as that would be her best choice according to what he heard about her.

He always guesses every situation' outcome using his mind, not paying attention to the disdain and arrogance he felt during such times.

But now, he was shocked that his prediction was wrong and she refused. For the first time in these eight months he remembers, some unknown irritated emotions surfaced within him.

He always thought that he feels nothing, but he just never cared about what he felt. Yet now, the scent of these emotions caught his interest, realizing how familiar they were. It's as if he felt these emotions before, in the past that he doesn't remember.

'What are these feelings?… I don't know how or why, but I don't feel they're coming from me…'

Genus was bewildered when he felt excitement, irritation, rage, affection, disappointment flooding inside him all at the same time.

This was supposed to be a boring torture day, yet it was a hell of an interesting abnormal day, for him at least.

He had expected the day to pass boringly slow with torture and people' barks. Yet, just because a veiled woman accompanied by a weirdly straight man showed up and decided to 'purchase him', it got ruined.

I mean, it was the most fun and interesting day he got after six months of torture, or so he thought.

What could be the reason he found today interesting? It can't be because of a woman, right?

Genus turned his mind gears trying to look for the reasons that caused him to be affected by the situation, and why did he react like that.

Was it because he was tired of everyday torture? Not likely, he doesn't feel pain from his body, so obviously he doesn't feel tired, or so what he felt.

Was it because he saw hope? He hoped to be free one day? Mybe, but he doesn't remember ever hoping anything, could it be that those unknown feelings are hope? He doesn't know for sure, but he can't deny that he wants to live a peaceful life.

Was it because he wasn't eating well lately that his mind got slow? Hardly, his efficiency in things can't be the reason for his weird emotions, or could it?

Was it because…

The more Genus thought about it, the more unreal it got. So, at the end, he found nothing he could call a 'reason' for his sudden behavior.

Still sitting on the ground, and ignoring the whispering of the atmosphere around, only one figure stood in his sight, Shily Norwen.

Unbeknown to anyone, and without realizing it, Genus formed a light smile on his face.

'What an interesting lady…'

With only that thought crossed his mind, as he kept looking at Shily.

—

Shily didn't linger around, and without delay, she gazed at the stunned Ruga and said, "What are you waiting for? 50 gold coins for him, no?"

Ruga, despite his bulky figure, was only a servant of Ugu Loy. He couldn't do anything since Ugu was still not there.

'Though, where the crap did that bastard guard go? I told him to unform not take shi*!!' He rampaged inwardly.

So, he glanced in the direction of Dermi who was still in trance, to see his reaction.

He hoped that Dermi would intervene again to stall for time!

'What is he thinking of?!! hurry and stop her, I can't do a crap!! Damn it!!'

Dermi was having a bad time, which is rare since he's a young master of a big family, figuring out why Shily rejected him.

All in his head thinking, why did she reject him when she appeared to be accepting? And why didn't take the chance despite the fact that his proposal was her best choice, ever?!!

Hearing Shily' insisting words, he straightened up, determined to propose again.

'She just didn't think clearly, right, I just have to remind her.'

This will be his last chance, so he must make her understand how grave her situation is.

"Shily, I think you should think ag-" The rich handsome young man got his speaking interrupted before he could even finish.

"I've already made up my mind and I am ready to bear the consequences. Even if you tell me he's evil, but evil can't deal with evil. Just because he's from an enemy kingdom, doesn't mean he'll be tortured for life."

Shily spoke indifferently, not intending to waste time arguing with Dermi.

The crowd thought she was insane and immature, as expected of a cursed and abandoned vessel. But they didn't dare voice it, she's still under the banner of the Norwens, you know?

Benso on the other hand, was proud of how she spoke like a dignified lady, and more importantly, how his student didn't render his lessons to waste.

Genus was mesmerized by the meanings she embedded in her words and kept smiling, and because he's still thinking about himself, he didn't notice himself smiling yet.

Though, why are they saying he's from an enemy kingdom? Was he? He doesn't remember… whatever.

Shily turned to Ruga again, "Are you waiting for me to change my mind or what?"

"..." Ruaga began to sweat as he couldn't bear to offend both of her and Dermi.

But suddenly, just as Ruga thought his demise neared, the sound of his panting lord resounded, "Wait, Wait!"

People made way for him as soon as he came, while Ruga took the chance and hurriedly recounted what happened to Ugu, separately.

Shily waited for them with Benso standing in her guard, leaving Dermi like a bypasser with no presence whatsoever!

Moments later, Ugu bowed his head in respect, "Lady Shily, sorry for the incompetence of my servant, but please, you may take the slave whenever you wish!"

Shily wasted no time after hearing his words, signaling to Benso to bring Genus along with them, while tossing the gold pouch to Ugu.

"Thanks for your generosity!" Ugu said after catching the gold, the thing which he dies for. Not to that point since he's a coward.

Just as Benso held Genus from the arm, pulling him up to stand on his feet, Dermi's couple guards held their swords up, not in a friendly manner.

Dermi said in a solemn voice, "What do you think you're doing? Ugu, did you forget that he's our archenemy? Do you think you can handle the consequences for letting such a person be free?"

Ugu, not even flinching, replied respectfully, "I'll advise sir Dermi to not peek upon my business, whatever I can bear the consequences or not, it all up to me."

He then gazed at Genus, smirking, "As for his evilness, after all, his actions are the responsibility of Lady Shily."

Dermi could not refute him, as Ugu was more mature at cunning than he was. And Ugu didn't even intend to obey Dermi, thinking he finally got rid of a troublesome bastard slave.

In his mind, it's hundred times better to offend the Utin family than that monster in the shadows, he would beg to not play with that lunatic ever again!

Shily ignored their little chatting games, and pierced a threatening cold gaze at Dermi, she's not in the mood to play with anyone anymore.

"Are you going to fight me or what?" Her voice overflowed with confidence and seriousness.