V2 Chapter 187
“That’s so mean of you… I’ve always acted accordingly to Aanuel’s view though?” replied with Sibylla as she placed down the paper she was reading on the table.
She turned towards Quinto with great amusement, and a bit of bewilderment as she finds no basis of what she had meant by her words.
Quinto giggled in response; “Yes, that’s exactly it. Up until now, the only one that shares the closest point of view with the Master was always my lady. Even before we can understand our Master’s desire, you already caught up with a bit half of it and will do according to his wishes without hesitation, despite how strange the Master’s orders were. Although with a bit of complaining, but it was clear to see that is not taken from the heart. I think that if it was the former lady, you would have chastised him for his, somewhat reckless, and strange actions. Just like this time, when he is nowhere to be found.”
Although Quinto didn’t want to admit it since this was all about her mistress, even she had to admit that her Mistress is a bit of a lunatic but at the same time, she has a very keen mind. She was decisive and would do anything, no matter how wrong it is just to realize her ambition. She won’t hesitate to use any means or advance preparations in order to achieve her goal.
That characteristic of her is very similar to their Master's. However, she will plan carefully well, and would never do any actions that are beyond her understanding as well as decide without much thinking three steps ahead beforehand.
She tends to be reasonable and bound to logic. Unlike their Master who seemed to be living on a whim and doing things that seemed out of meaning or purpose but in fact, have a greater value than they could ever imagine.
Everything seemed to be planned out by him beforehand, but with how he normal acts, you will never know that it was.
But lately, to her surprise, Quinto realized that Sibylla had completely changed from before, as right now, she had been going with their Master's lunacy without many gripes.
Sibylla chuckled, with her eyes twinkling in great enjoyment from their topic.
“I just felt no need of things just like he did. If you are in my dress, Sinope, and you stay beside him for quite a long time, you will find no need for such consideration as it will bring you many headaches that you could possibly die from worrying about trivial things. If you must, sometimes, worrying is but a needless anxiety that birthed because of a lack of trust. Such a feeling is completely unneeded in my heart and our relationship as well for that matter…for I am capable of falling into the deepest of hell for him.”
“Such love is boundless, enviable even…my lady.”
Quinto stared at her mistress with jealousy on her eyes, but also relief that she found such purpose and love that many women in this world desired and dreamed of.
“Thank you, Sinope. Though I wanted this topic to last for a while, sadly, it must come to an end. Why don’t you be dear for me, and open the door for our visitors.”
A quiet knock came at that moment.
There was no magic played at hand in this—Sibylla’s hearing was sharper than a bat’s, and perhaps it also because of the existence of the monstrous fellow hiding within her shadow like always.
Quinto smiled faintly, ignoring her lady's strange abilities, as she opened the door, and bade the two visitors come in.
“So you’ve come?”
While reading on the reports piled up in the table, Sibylla muttered calmly, seemingly not surprised by the identities of the sudden visitors.
Long red-hair tied up in a simple ponytail. Her beautiful red hair that seemed to be strands molded from blood glowed in the sunlight that poured through the window. Her nose and chin were small, her cheekbones high, and her lips full and perfect.
She was still wearing that familiar fiery red leather armor and spear on her back just like she remembered. She appeared ready for a fight, whether it would be necessary or not.
“Where is he?” the first words she muttered the moment she stepped inside.
Sibylla could see a frown forming on Quinto’s brows and she almost let out a faint smile.
“Since you cannot see him here, then there could only be the fact that he’s still out there in the woods, having his fill of adventure, or so he calls it,” answered by her with utmost calm and indifferent. Then, suddenly her gaze stops at the unfamiliar person following behind Levelia, and her pupils narrowed into a slit.
“I see you brought some company. Does this signify your answer to the question left hanging in our last meeting?”
There’s a cold sharpness hiding within her voice, that Levelia was assured by the notion that she would surely be attacked by daggers and blades the moment she made her answer that is not to the beautiful girl’s liking.
Still, her expression left unperturbed as she responded; “Before you made a critical misunderstanding, I shall convey to you the fact that you had misunderstood my intention of bringing a confidante here. Though, I indeed had arrived on my answer, and considered it carefully, despite the odds, per se—but I’m sure it’s of your expectation, but I fear not to your liking enough,” she said, pleasantly enough despite her obvious—to the others looking at her—chagrin.
Sibylla’s brows furrowed and she stared as Levelia leisurely walked through the room, grabbed a free wooden chair, and sat on it with faint confidence that she had not seen the last time they had met.
It seems, indeed, she had composed herself, far better than before.
“But there’s a condition,”
Sibylla’s brows furrowed; “I fear your misunderstanding something here, human…”
The air around the room turned tense and stiff.
Levelia felt as if there was a terrifying monster behind the female demon, glaring at her.
Cold sweat appeared on her back and even the girl she brought flinched and almost fallen on to her butt in fear.
“You are not in a status, or position where you can ask for a condition and be certain to be accommodated for. If you don’t agree, then—”
“Hold your horses, your highness,”
Levelia cut her off, somewhat calmly.
“I did say conditions, but it won’t be detrimental to you at all. Or to that man as well, I can assure you that. It’s more of a personal request,”
“Whether it something that affects us or not, is not to your own discretion, I believe?”
Sibylla remarked coldly.
“But nevertheless, I shall acknowledge the right for you to open your mouth, though never thinks that I shall accommodate it. This is not a negotiation or a business deal. We have no common grounds, nor can we see ourselves at eye level either,”
“You’re as cold as ever, I see…”
"... ..."
Levelia sighs; “Doesn’t matter though, as firstly… all I want is for you to hide my involvement onto your organization from him, and never reveal the fact that I had learned of his true form. At least when the time comes that it is truly needed to be revealed. At the very least, I want to hear the truth from him.”
“You want me to lie to him?!”
Sibylla’s voice rose higher, and even Quinto, Levelia felt she had released quite a frightening amount of murderous intention, enough to kill someone.
As I expected this servant is not normal either. She should not be just a normal servant, but a powerful killer Perhaps; even she was a member of the so-called [Garden of Eden].
“It’s not a lie,” said by Levelia.
“I just want you to hide it from him. Hiding something is not similar to saying a lie, isn’t it? After all, you don’t need to go and say anything about it to him—I can take a guess that you should have yet to tell him about our conversation. A way to protect him from any unexpected reaction from me, I suppose~”
Sibylla snorted; “Even if I won’t, a piece of advice, you better not underestimate him. Or it will bite you back harder than you could ever imagine."
"... ..."
"He’s beyond your imagination, or mine in that matter. He’s like ridiculousness and madness merge together to combine into being. His mind and perception are beyond what you will ever expect. As if he can see through everything this world tries to hide. Many thought themselves infallible, but where are they now…six feet deep underground. I hope you won’t make the same mistake as those fools, and find yourself, in a hole you dug yourself,”
“I appreciate the advice,” said Levelia with a wry smile.
“However, I already expected it. If not, I would not ask you to do something ridiculous as this. I shall bear the consequences myself. So I’m not asking for more, though I will appreciate it if you try to gloss over it or act dumb when he did suspect nonetheless. In any case, I bet, he’s quite used to lie about anything…to me, to other people, obviously including you. Sometimes, I think he also needs a taste of the medicine he brews, and see how bitter it was,”
“Are you trying to sow discord?”
Sibylla growled.
“It’s not my intention, and I don’t plan in doing so in the future as well. So rest assured. If you can be open-minded, why can’t I do it as well? If I do otherwise wouldn’t it be like seeking pain myself? There’s nothing I would get being selfish for, especially in this kind of matter. Only pain and disappointment. I fear trying to act as it would never be enough to penetrate that bastard’s defenses. In off-chance, he would instead be turned off by it.”
“Mind your words, human!!”
Booom!
Suddenly as Levelia was talking, a lightning bolt flashed brightly and struck the floor just beside Levelia.
The attack was fast, quick and sudden that even Levelia was unable to react, much less the girl behind her who was keeping her guard up all this time due to knowing the situation could only stare in astonishment as well as deep fear at the burned part of the wooden floor, still sizzling in smoke.
However, it didn’t come from Sibylla, but instead from the golden-haired elf-like beautiful girl herself.
A Lightning Magic?
A variant element… but what’s with that fast and without warning invocation…?
She didn’t even chant any magic spell…!
Levelia’s eyes narrowed as she glared at the golden-haired elf in astonishment as well as curiosity.
Among the basic elements of magic, there are those who are so-called variants and Unique.
Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, and Darkness.
These are the six basic elements of magic. And they are the common magic of most mages in the world. However, there is also that appeared outside of the common elements—one out of thousands—they are called [Variants].
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Lightning, Ice, Death, Blood, and many more.
Though rare and uncommon, they are far stronger than the normal magic element and were quite desperately been looked out for. Their destructive capabilities are far beyond what normal spells can do, and they are also those powers that cannot be normally used by normal elements but easy for the [variant].
In addition, apart from these, there are also those considered [Unique].
But since these elements were quite rare and uncommon, there's barely any information regarding them.
“Quinto… be mindful of your manners in front of a guest!”
Sibylla somewhat scolded. However, one could see that she really didn’t take it to heart.
“I apologize, my lady,”
Quinto hanged her face down, but her expression didn’t say otherwise as she steps back and still glared at Levelia.
“I hope you wouldn’t feel offended by her sudden misbehavior,” said Sibylla, though her expression still remained indifferent.
“Despite what she did, I also do hope that you would mind your tone while referring to that idiot…after all, even at this juncture, you are still not yet qualified to do so. You might have gotten his favor, but that doesn’t mean you can act impolite to our Highness Supreme. If you want to join our little Garden, best mindful of it. Private matters are outside the Organization’s and even if you are his favored lover, you shall act like a proper subordinate and forget about personal notions."
"If it’s not Quinto who was present but someone else instead, no matter who you are your head would have rolled on the floor…”
“… …”
“In the Garden, Primo is our Highness Supreme, and his authority cannot be challenged. Even using his name directly is a taboo, and should be referred to ether be [Primo] or [Highness Supreme], if you are not careful, the executioner would tear you apart,”
“…I’ll remember that,”
Levelia smiled bitterly.
It seems like she was intending to join such a strange but strict cult instead of a simple organization.
Despite what she was feeling, she thought it was reasonable as it would never be a good organization without such rules implemented.
Personal matters would only get in the way of the Organization’s goal.
"I apologize for my impertinent,”
“…hm? At least you are aware…if you do manage to become one of us, you would not care about little rules such as this as you would get used to it in no time. Just,”
Sibylla smiled mischievously.
“Try not to stand out too much by relying on your status, as even I couldn’t do so. Or else the hound will get my head as well…only that man could tame the Hound, not even I’m capable of,” she said with a clear teasing in her tone. Which of course, was quite surprising for Quinto, who had known Sibylla for a very long time already.
My Lady is trying to ease the tension...?
It seems like this woman's position in the Master's heart is not simple.
Levelia sobered up. and ignoring Quinto's strange expression of doubt pointed at her, she said with a smile: “The Hound, is it? That’s a rather peculiar...though, quite horrifying name...must be someone interesting~”
“You will meet her in the future. Though, if you do, best mindful around her. Despite her, rather harmless appearance, she’s the brutal Garden’s Executioner. One mistake is all it took for her to bare her fangs and bite your head off. If there’s even a hint of betrayal, you would be devoured before you know it,”
“That’s indeed a rather intriguing existence…”
Levelia smiled bitterly.
“I agree, but returning to the topic… if this is all about benefits, don’t mind me asking but why would you rather choose to hide this? I find it extremely strange. If Aanuel knows about your acceptance of this matter, he will surely be elated enough to drag you with him into every corner of the world, laughing at the peak,”
Sibylla said as she looks at Levelia with a strange, doubtful expression. Her pupils turned into slits as she stared at her, as if trying to read her mind, and see what she was hiding or scheming...if ever she was.
But Levelia remained unperturbed.
She picked up her glass and took a small sip on the glass, which had turned into a bit gulp after liking the taste. She then turned her attention back to Sibylla, “That’s the problem…I’m still trying to accept it,” she remarked with a solemn expression.
“…??”
“If you suddenly dump all these in me, even I wouldn’t know how to react. I’m still plagued with the notion that Demons are the wicked existence in the world. That by doing this, I’m betraying my own kind and myself, in that matter. Despite this raging sense of guilt, I love him. That’s why I’m willing to bet on these feelings, no matter how foolish it is.”
“That’s a rather compelling thought… even I started to feel a sense of sympathy for you. Of course, only between two women who had been bewitched and fooled by a lying Demon Prince,” Sibylla giggled.
Perhaps this was the first time that Levelia had seen Sibylla’s true smile, without anything behind it. Hence, despite the weird and seemed out of place visage of hers, she found her somewhat very attractive.
“Even I sometimes felt that I should regret choosing him over the world…though, the feelings of undisputed love, always erase those unnecessary thoughts, like a superpower trying to lead me into this stage. And I can take a guess, as you and I are not the only ones having such heart issues as well…”
Sibylla nevertheless, completely shed her strict mask and spoke following her heart's intention.
Finding some kind of true kindred spirit made her defenses against strangers somewhat loosen. And although she hates to admit it, she already started to regard Levelia as their person the moment she had conveyed her willingness to cooperate.
Much less, she was regarded highly by her fickle lover to the point that he had seduced this human to be his.
Sibylla greatly understands her lover's character, and that he might be fickle but he would never be blinded by something-like love, especially if this person is standing at the opposite side.
Since he went his way to seduce this human, and even displayed such strong feelings for her, meant that this human had some use for him...whatever it is.
Levelia smiled faintly; “Perhaps, though it’s good to see that I have someone who is sharing the same rocky road as I. Complicated as it is, my mother once told me that—sometimes, I just have to stop thinking and worrying, just close my eyes, and embrace what my heart wants me to. No matter how foolish it is, whether pain or destruction is what ends me in this road—it’s a human thing to become a fool, especially in love.”
“Hehehe, you have a good mother.”
“She’s the mother I’m proud of,”
Levelia smiled happily as she heard Sibylla praising her mother. Truly, she loved her mother more than anything else in this world—well I guess, it’s at least comparable to her love to Cian…?
“Though I want to point out—it’s not just a human thing. Be it demons, monsters, or demi-humans—as long as you are a woman, it’s a thing for them to become stupid and idiots in the name of love. No matter how smart or incredible they were, if love strikes at the middle, rest assured you’re done for. It’s like a curse, you see… and women get it harder than any creature in the world.” Sibylla mused.
“There’s a reason in your words…”
Levelia laughed out loud.
The atmosphere turned bright and relaxed as the two of them conversed, and unexpectedly see an eye to eye level in a strange matter.
No matter which world it was, women are always a strange creature that can hardly be explained by logic and reason!
“Anyway, I hope you consider it. Now, onto the next condition, actually—I want to join the organization you’re talking about. If what you say about him is all true, then I want to see it with my own eyes and judge it with my own heart. And also, I want to be a part of it as well, the journey to the place where he wanted, and where his true heart lies."
"... ..."
"I don’t know if I could make a change, but I will do what I can for him. That’s all I wanted. And if the orders are against my principles and morals, I wanted to have the right to refuse it. Of course, if possible, not alone. I want to bring Aratheia with me. She’s someone I can trust and place my life with. Although not as strong as me, but she’s still a can be considered an elite among Mercenaries and Adventurers.”
When she introduced the girl she came in with, the girl who’s shockingly quite good looking even for a human, if not for the fact that there were two slanted scars on her right face that seemed to be done by a sharp dagger. Her hair was dyed in pinkish-purple, dark brown skin, and fierce hawk-like blue eyes.
She stepped forward and bowed quite like an aristocrat, though stiff and unpracticed.
Judging by her actions, it was clear she was of common birth.
She should have been told by Levelia as to the true identity of Sibylla, hence the sudden awkward politeness she was trying to induce.
Levelia stared at Sibylla and said; “…Although my words might not be enough as a proof, will you take this gamble, your highness?”
“That’s a very hard decision… in fact, you sure ask for too much, after claiming that your conditions would never be detrimental to us. Just by not following orders, no matter what it is, is already far beyond what we can allow.”
Sibylla’s eyes narrowed in displeasure.
“...Allowing that to happen, is like rearing a wild beast that can bite back in an opportune moment. Do you really think that we can allow such selfishness to stay beside our beloved Prince? And pray tell, before you had proposed the existence of another person, why have you brought the said stranger in our front door—do give me a reason, proper or not, or else, that head of that companion of yours would roll the next moment.”
Aratheia’s expression suddenly pales as before she could react, a cold blade suddenly appeared on her throat.
Before she knew it, Quinto had already stood behind them, brandishing her dagger.
Perhaps when her attention turned towards Sibylla to pay respect, Quinto had already moved behind her. And that’s during that momentary period.
Aratheia gulped, swallowing a mouthful of saliva. However, she didn’t do anything or say a word as she felt death brushing past her skin. And if she shows, even just a bit of untoward action or words, the dagger would unhesitatingly pierce through her neck.
Levelia bit her lips, but she stared confidently at Sibylla; “I know that this is an improper act, but I want to show my allegiance and at least, a token of sincerity in my part…”
“…??”
“Aratheia is the child I reared these past few years of roaming around the world, teaching her everything I know. I know her, perhaps much better than herself. I can trust her, apart from my mother, as she was one of the few remaining members of my family. She’s also the leader of the [Fighting Eagles], a rather medium-sized but well-known mercenary group in this City. My Flame Tyrant Clan was able to easily maintain its footing in this City, largely because of them. If my Clan is my sword, then she and her group is my dagger.”
“So you are saying, you are offering that said sword and dagger to the organization, is that it?”
Sibylla furrowed her brows.
“Yes, at least that’s what I intended to… they are not much, but I can assure you, they are at least useful to you,”
“This is your display of sincerity?”
Sibylla’s menacing expression softened, and her lips curled into a faint smile. She turned towards Quinto and the latter slowly took back the dagger on Aratheia’s throat, before stepping back and walk back towards Sibylla’s side.
“...Can’t say I’m not tempted to accept it, after all, just like you mentioned, it would be useful complements to what I had planned to cook up in this City. However, even if that is the case, do you really think that I had such power to let anyone enter the garden as much as I please? Ooh, it’s hard to say whether I should feel happy that you compliment me so much, or worried that you had such high expectations of me. Sadly, I need to give you a piece of bad news—the Garden is not mine. I’m only one of its caretakers… the one who managed it is someone else, and I fear, one of them is the Hound I had told you about.”
“No, you can do it. If it’s you, you have that kind of power,”
"... ...?"
Levelia stared at Sibylla with a faint but confident smile as if she was certain of her conjecture.
“No one perhaps could, other than Cian of course. However, you are different. No matter what you say, I have enough reasons to be ascertained of my claim. Although I understand that this is shamelessness on my part, there would only benefit for your organization to have me, us…as I said before, will you take this gamble, your highness?”
“Indeed, quite shameless, depending on your status and small influence. Perhaps in normal people, you are on a high cloud, but in front of us, sadly it’s not enough. In a true stage known as the World, it’s just like a gathering of small kids playing wannabe’s.”
Sibylla snorted in contempt.
However, Levelia was not angered, instead, she smiled fearlessly.
“Perhaps, we are just little children indeed. However, even children have something they quite take pride in, doing things far better than any other adults can.”
“I hope you’re not saying this because you know that there is something that Aanuel might want from you,” Sibylla coldly snorted.
Levelia shook her head; “No, though I might already know what it was that he wanted from me…and I can see that you also have guessed it by now, since you even tried to accommodate me as best as possible,” remarked by her with a playful smile; “…and I will do my best, to answer his expectations. But other than that, you will still need my help even after he succeeds,”
“Despite saying that Demons are wicked beings, you sure able to talk normally despite claiming you already know what he wanted from you”
Sibylla frowned suspiciously.
“Those in love are fools, and I agree with those words. Perhaps I might regret this in the future. But still, I want to take a gamble. I want to see if what you said he wanted was true or not with my own eyes—after all, you are not the only one who has words to say about the present country I am in. If Cian will become a better ruler, then, why would I try to block it?” said Levelia with a confident grin, that it even somehow amazed Sibylla and Quinto, causing their impression of her slowly rose up.
“… I had words reaching my ears before, your highness. There is no one that has the right to rule and become a King, nor a man born to be a peasant and commoner. That’s just a misconception. All men are equal. Destiny molded a King. She once says. In the ancient past, whether they be the royal family or the nobles of this Kingdom, all of them are just but commoners who had luckily formed a country, though destiny perhaps had made its role.”
“… …”
“If Cian is destined to be a King, then I will follow him and make sure, he will be!”
Levelia declared with firm determination and confidence, that it dazzled even Sibylla and Quinto.
At this moment, she really looks pleasing to the eyes, beautiful and strong.
“Those words of yours, if someone heard it, you will be sent into the gallows,”
Sibylla suddenly laughed in amusement.
“Nevertheless, pave the path for him; those words of yours win my appreciation. You wanted to be a King Maker for this country, I see. So be it, I shall give you a chance. You will have what you seek. Though, you better remember those words you utter right now. In off-chance, you turned your back against us, betray the heart of my beloved, I will make sure to be the one to strip you off of everything you cherished in this world. Do we have an accord?”
“…count me in.”
Levelia smiled happily.
“Let me the first one to welcome you in our Garden, Ms. Levelia Ornsted,”
Sibylla muttered as her expression somehow quite different than before. She stood up and takes a bow like a proper aristocrat towards Levelia. This was her own way of showing her respect.
To the opposite party, this might be one of the greatest honor she could have, judging from the Heaven-Earth difference in their status.
At this moment, perhaps, Levelia had truly gained Sibylla’s respect and acknowledgment and felt that she had won her gamble from before. Right now, Sibylla was finally accepting her as a companion, now and for the years to come. Even Quinto did the same as she placed her fist in front of her chest, showing the ring on her finger- the sign of respect commonly used by the organization.
“Thank you very much,”
Levelia hurriedly stood up, and so did Aratheia.
They look at Quinto and stiffly re-enact what she had done, placing their fists in front of their chests, though Aratheia tried to bow, Sibylla gestured her to stop as it is unneeded.
Sibylla pressed her fingers together and stared straight ahead, seemingly thinking hard.
Finally, she spoke; “First of all, I’ll give you both some understanding about our Garden, Lady Levelia. Although it was called a Special Organization, it isn’t that much different from the others, just a bit more humane, or some like a close bond between members. Though I wanted to elaborate more about it, I’m certain that you should be aware of its goals and ambitions but just have a hard time believing it. Hence, I wouldn’t say much about it and just let you witness it with your own eyes just like you wished.”
“… …”