Negotiation

Taluchin Empire, the neighbouring empire of the Avalora Empire.

Originally, it was a part of Avalora's empire but after the great war with the demons from the middle realm, they began warring with Avalora, aiming to seize some of Avalora's land.

This conflict led to significant tension and territorial disputes between the two empires.

And so the two empires began a war.

And when things were looking good for the Avalora empire, Taluchin planted spies in the 10 great families of the empire.

And one of those spies was just in front of me.

And he was one of the main characters of "The Rise Of The Crazy One" and helped the protagonist a lot.

And personally, he was my second favourite character, his cool and uncaring attitude still gives me goosebumps to this day.

"Thank you, Miss Hana! But I have a question for you, is your dick fine Miss Hana—or should I say Mister Arthur Smith?"

'Mission... failed!'

"What do you mean? YOUNG MASTER~ did you perhaps mistake me for someone else?"

Hahaha, Why does everyone act like this when they are caught?

"Do you think I am some idiot to call you Arthur for no reason? I told you it'll be a pain in the ass if others heard about it. I brought you to a quiet place on purpose and yet, you suspect me. Typical spy."

'On purpose...? No... What if this is also a trap?'

"...Please cut it out. Even I have the pride of a knight." With a voice softer and more delicate than any girl's, he retorted.

"With that poor acting of yours, you aren't fooling anybody? Taluchin Empire's spy?"

-Swoosh!

A sudden and piercing swoosh echoed through the room as those words slipped from my lips. In the very next heartbeat, Hana—no Arthur's sword hovered menacingly before my oesophagus, poised to pierce at any moment.

His eyes bore into mine with a cold intensity that sent shivers down my spine. And the murderous aura coming from the beautiful yet ferocious male made my whole body tremble.

[Detected!]

[The Host is Feeling Fear.]

[The A-Grade trait 〈Courage〉is taking effect.]

[Due to the A-Grade trait 〈Courage〉, the fear is being nullified 10%...20%....50%.....100%]

[The fear has been nullified.]

The initial wave of fear that washed over me was gone, and I felt a strange sensation building within. It was as if a dormant strength was awakening, pushing back against the paralyzing fear.

With a calm facade, I said. "So you're admitting that you're a spy?"

For a moment, there was silence in the forest, broken only by the faint sounds of our breathing. The tension hung in the air like a storm ready to break.

Arthur's eyes bore into mine, and then, unexpectedly, he let out a low, humourless chuckle.

"You have sharp instincts, I'll give you that," Arthur replied, his voice taking on a tone of bitter resignation. "But it seems you have overestimated yourself, Young Master.''

"And how so?"

"I'm just saying that were careless since you wouldn't be able to leave this forest alive and my secret won't be revealed."

Arthur's cold and calculating demeanour made me shudder. The situation had escalated, and the stakes were higher than ever.

Keeping my demeanour chill and calm, I replied. ''That's true. since I'm the only one who knows about your true identity. And there's only the two of us here... I could get myself killed, huh?"

'I just can't tell what he's thinking. Is he just stupid? or is he trying to intimidate me? Damn it... I shouldn't be worrying about that. How did he figure out that I was a spy? I am sure I had never acted suspiciously before.'

"Careless, am I?" I retorted, maintaining my composure. "Look around, there's only the two of us here and everyone on the training ground saw us leave. Even if I, the trash youngest son of the duke, whom my family had abandoned dies here, there will be questions. Questions that might lead to investigations. Investigations that might uncover the truth."

Arthur's eyes narrowed as he considered my words. The tension in the air grew thicker with each passing moment.

As he was busy, Thinking deeply, I grabbed the tip of his sword gently, "Why don't you calm down a bit and hear me out? I know better than anyone else how important this mission is for you, after all your little sister's life is at stake, right?" With a sly smile, I said.

Arthur's eyes widened in surprise as I mentioned his little sister. It was a gamble to bring up such a personal and sensitive topic, but it seemed to have hit its mark. The tension in the air shifted, and his grip on the sword loosened slightly.

"How... how do you know about my sister?" Arthur asked, his voice no longer as cold and threatening as before.

I released the tip of his sword and took a step back, giving him a bit of space.

"I've done my homework, Arthur. I know a lot about you and your mission. I also know that you're not doing this for personal gain but to protect your family. Am I right?"

Arthur's gaze was still wary, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. He didn't deny my statement.

"You're a spy for the Taluchin Empire, and I'm a member of the Avalora nobility," I continued. "I know that you hate the Taluchin Empire to the core of your heart."

Arthur remained silent, seemingly considering my words. His guard was still up, but the mention of his sister had clearly shaken him.

"I propose a truce," I said, taking a bold step forward. "You, become my personal guard for ten years, and in return, I'll ensure that your sister is protected and that your secret remains safe."

Arthur's expression remained guarded,

"What guarantee do I have that you'll protect my sister when you can't protect yourself?" Arthur finally asked.

'Aghs! That hurts. But it's true though.'

"Ahem! How do you think I got so much information about you?"

Arthur remained silent, thinking about what I just said.

"So, now you believe it, Right?" Arthur still didn't reply.

'Thank god, he believed that bullshit. Now there's one last thing I have to do.'

"I will take your silence as a yes. Meet me at the black forest at 10 pm 3 days from now."

At the mention of black forest, his eyes expanded, he instantly raised his head. From the look of it, he wanted to ask questions but I didn't wanna answer them right now.

"Then, take care, I'll be going." I turned around and left.

***

"Fuck that was scary!!"

Sitting on my bed, I said, taking a big breath of relief.

If it weren't for the fact that I have this skill, I might have really died there.

"Thank god he acted rationally or else…" Just thinking about my head slitting made me shiver.

"But will he come?"

Even though I acted all confident, I am not sure If he'll even come. Well that's then, right now I should just sleep.