Plots and schemes

Dan sank into a sea of endless thoughts, reflecting on what had led him to this moment. He suddenly remembered Valerie trying to stop him just a few minutes before he arrived. Now, he was filled with regret. Dan considered escaping, but the image of the handsome swordsman with a blade at his neck flashed in his mind. If someone like that existed here, there were likely more like him. Dan realised he was in a tight spot indeed.

"But is there anything I can do…" he began to voice his thoughts aloud when the door suddenly slammed open. Five guards, led by Cornelius, stormed into the room. Cornelius scanned the room and noticed Ella's presence.

"Permit my intrusion, Milady…" he said, bowing his head before turning to Dan. "In accordance with Durakon Penal Code, Article 56, you are hereby placed under arrest for the charge of treason against the Nine Chief Rule. Any form of resistance will warrant the immediate death penalty," Cornelius declared, signalling to the guards behind him.

Two of the guards approached Dan and placed heavy handcuffs on his wrists and left the room. Cornelius bowed again and was about to leave when a voice interrupted him.

"Stop, please stop!" Naya shouted, falling from the bed and dragging herself across the floor. Ella rushed to her side, trying to calm her down.

"He is going to die because of you. I'd advise you to stay calm and not act up, to avoid more trouble" Cornelius warned, glancing at Naya before leaving the room with the rest of the guards.

"We need to help Dan, please. We need to help him," Naya cried, grabbing Ella by her clothes.

"I will do my best. I promise I'll try my best to save him. You just need to calm down and wait," Ella reassured her.

"But how are you going to save him?" Naya asked, her voice trembling.

"I will have to talk with my father. I think there is something he can do. But for now, I need you to stay here and wait," Ella said, helping Naya back to her bed before leaving the room.

***

In the prison cell, Dan sat cross-legged, gazing at Cornelius, who faced him from a chair. Unlike Dan, Cornelius wore a weary expression, attempting to mask it with a forced smile. The reason was clear: the dark amulet.

"My demands are clear. If you get me out of this situation, I'll keep quiet about the amulet," Dan said in a stoic tone.

Cornelius's face twisted in annoyance. "Are you threatening me?"

"No, I don't see it that way. After all, it's a win-win for both of us," Dan replied.

"You know if you expose our little secret, we will both be killed," Cornelius said.

"No, you will be the only one to be killed. As I said, Master Valerie gave the dark amulet to me."

"And I'm telling you, kid, there is no such person as Valerie," Cornelius grunted, but Dan remained silent. Cornelius considered leaving Dan in his ignorance but wasn't willing to take that risk. Although he was sure the name Valerie wasn't in any record book, something urged him to comply with Dan's conditions.

"Alright, kid, I'll do my best to get you out of this situation, but in return, you will work under me," Cornelius said with a grin.

"Work under you? What do you mean?" Dan asked, turning his gaze to Cornelius warily.

"From the looks of things, you've already gained the trust of Lady Ella, even though you haven't realised it. I want to use that trust. I need you to stay close to her, very close, and report her every move to me," Cornelius said, leaning forward. "She's very smart, calculative, and shows no weakness. I need you to observe and find her weakness. Are you in?" he asked.

Dan bowed his head, pondering. He didn't know Ella well enough to consider her a friend, but being a double agent will surely leave a bitter taste in his mouth. Still, it was his life at stake.

"I'll do it," Dan said with a stern face. "But I have another request."

Annoyed, Cornelius asked, "And what is that?"

"No one should lay a finger on Naya, no matter their status," Dan said, staring deeply into Cornelius's soul through his eyes.

"S-Sure... your trial will begin in an hour. Just make sure you stay quiet during and after," Cornelius said as he left the prison cell. "Stupid brat, biting off more than he can chew."

***

Less than an hour before Dan's trial, the palace was engulfed in turmoil, buzzing with schemes and intricate plots. Amidst this chaotic atmosphere, Ella resolutely made her way to the chambers of the Head Chief, determined to play her part in the unfolding events.

Approaching a large wooden door guarded by two sentries, Ella gave a slight nod, prompting them to open it. Inside, she found a room far more spacious than the champion's quarters. A large bed stood at the center, covered with various pieces of clothing, concealing whatever was happening within.

"Father, we need to speak," Ella's voice echoed in the room.

Two young women, barely dressed and covering themselves with white towels, hurriedly emerged from the bed and left the room, avoiding Ella's gaze.

"You know I'm usually busy at this time of night," Lucien remarked, emerging from the bed. He remained unclothed, casually strolling around the room.

"There is a trial in less than an hour, and you have the luxury to play around. That's not what a Head Chief should be doing," Ella stated, her voice indifferent as she expected this behaviour from her father.

"Always nagging and demanding. Did I ever tell you that you take after your mother?" Lucien said as he walked to a table laden with fruits and a large jar of wine. Pouring himself a glass, he took a sip. "And I'm afraid if you continue like that, you might end up like her."

"I didn't come here to talk about my mother," Ella replied.

"Then why are you here? Don't tell me you ruined my lovely night for nothing–"

"I have a request," Ella interrupted, piquing Lucien's interest. He sat on a chair, still naked.

"Well, my darling, you should know that I don't grant requests for free," Lucien said.

"I want Dan to be kept alive. Don't give him a death penalty; rather, give him a punishment," Ella stated.

"Well, that's something I can't do myself even if I am the head chief–"

"Anything, I'll do anything," Ella added.

Hearing those words, Lucien's expression changed to a creepy smile, his mouth stretching wide almost to his ears.

"Anything you say…?" Lucien asked.

"Yes, anything."

"Alright then, I just need one thing. I want Naya as one of my night girls," Lucien said, stroking his manhood. "Just thinking of her already turns me on," he chuckled.

"She is not yet mature for that; she is too young," Ella voiced.

"Well, as they say, the young shall grow," Lucien said. "Are you in?" he asked.

With a stoic face devoid of emotions, Ella answered, "Fine, just make sure you keep Dan alive."

"You know, that's why I love you, Ella. Unlike your mother, you are fun to deal with. That is why I can't kill you. How I wish you could accept me as your father. We would be an unstoppable force, Ella," Lucien said with a smile.

"I can't accept a power-hungry monster like you," Ella scoffed, turning her back to leave.

"I wish you could see yourself in the mirror while saying that. After all, we are the same."

"I am nothing like you," Ella retorted.

Ella left the room with a weary face. She had done what she promised, but the price was higher than she expected. As she exited, she came face to face with Cornelius, but paid him no attention and walked past him, maintaining her emotionless expression.

Cornelius, on the other hand, bowed to pay respect and took a look at Ella's vanishing figure "That's unlike you Milady, why the long face" Cornelius chuckled lightly before entering the room.

[NEXT CHAPTER: DAN'S FATE]