“When did he…?”

Daliyah’s eyes widened as she saw the masked soldier behind Agatha. She remembered seeing his silhouette next to the man named “Myer” as they had approached a few moments ago but missed the moment he disappeared. Now he was right behind them, shooting daggers through his eyes.

“As you can see little maid, you are outnumbered”

Daliyah slowly returned her gaze towards Myer. She thought about how naive and foolish she had been at thinking for even a moment this plan of hers would have worked. The moment they had taken a different route she should have figured things were not going to be as smoothly as she had calculated for the last few months. She looked around, trying to come up with a solution to the present situation.

“You’re stubborn, aren’t you? Trying to find a way to escape even now.”

Daliyah said nothing as she glared at the man in front of her.

“I admit, I respect your boldness and stubbornness. I don't know about your intelligence, but hey, we can’t have too many things at once now can we?”

Myer chuckled as he saw Daliyah’s eyes trying to pierce a hole through his forehead.

“You sure you want to waste your time glaring at me like that?”

Daliyah turned her head once again. This time, her eyes widened as she saw the masked soldier holding a small knife against Agatha’s neck.

“What are you doing?!”

The masked soldier remained silent as he used his other hand to point his sword at Daliyah.

“Drop your weapons.”

The chilly whisper coming from within the mask rang through Daliyah’s ears. She looked at Agatha who had not uttered a single word despite having a blade pressing against her flesh.

“Get away from her!”

Daliyah clenched her teeth as she felt desperation and anger running through her body. The masked soldier, feeling unmoved by Daliyah’s threatening glare, pressed the blade even harder against Agatha’s skin. Agatha’s eyes widened as she felt the blade very close to cutting her. She knew he was not pressing hard enough to pierce her skin, but with a little more force…

“Wait!”

Agatha heard Daliyah’s fearful voice. She saw as the young woman took a deep breath and slowly opened her hands. Her two daggers fell softly on the grass. She then raised her hands and begged.

“Please…don’t hurt her.”

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“Hurt her? She deserves more than a cut for pulling such a stunt and running away from her duty.”

Myer crossed his arms as he said this.

“No! She had nothing to do with this!”

Daliyah, still with her hands raised, realized the position Agatha was in. The Sapphire Warriors were the most loyal soldiers the Crown had. They were known for their merciless punishments towards those who betrayed the empire and at this moment… that is exactly how they saw her and Agatha.

“If you want to blame someone you can blame me!”

“And why would we believe you? As far as we know, she is your master and you are her servant. Why else would you help her escape if not because she ordered you to?”

Nerian asked as he rolled his eyes.

“I can swear on my life that she knew nothing of this! If you want to punish someone for treason you can punish me!”

Nerian and Myer looked at Daliyah, still not believing her. Daliyah ignored them as she realized that pleading with them was a waste of time. The one she truly had to be pleading with was,

“Their leader.”

She slowly kneeled while facing the masked soldier.

“I beg you, please don’t hurt her.”

“Why are you begging me now?”

“Because those two are under your command and I do nothing begging the dogs when I should be begging their master.”

“Did…did she just call us dogs…?”

Nerian asked as he looked at Myer.

“Did she? I heard ‘dog.’ I think she was referring to you.”

Myer said as he nonchalantly smiled.

“What did you say?”

Nerian raised his voice as he grabbed Myer’s collar.

“Enough.”

Myer and Nerian stood up straight and regained their composure. Just as Daliyah had thought, the man before her was the one in charge. One word from him was enough to make such strong fighters obey. One word from him, and Agatha would…

“What makes you think begging me for her life will work? Seeing you being so committed to preserve her life makes this all the more questionable. Us Sapphire Warriors don’t tolerate treason.”

“She is the vessel for crying out loud! She is the last person who would ever betray the Empire! You talk about not tolerating treason and yet you are the one holding a blade against her neck! What bigger treason is there than the one you are committing now?!”

“Ha ha, the little maid has guts.”

Myer looked towards the ground for a moment trying to keep his comments to himself. He then felt a pat on his shoulder from Nerian, making him look up.

“...and she is full of surprises.”

Daliyah was no longer holding her head up. She had placed her forehead on the ground as she begged the masked soldier.

“Please…I know I don’t deserve it…but please…believe me…”

Her voice trembled as the silence surrounded her. Pride? Dignity? None of this mattered to her at the moment. She had put Agatha in this position. She was aware that her wish had driven her to do something so reckless and put the life of the person she cared for the most at risk.

“All this for one selfish wish…one selfish dream…”

“Little maid, you are aware that if we let her go, it means all the blame falls on you.”

“Yes.”

“Then that means that all punishment and consequence will be suffered by you alone.”

“Yes.”

“And you are willing to just accept it?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Daliyah did not respond. Instead, she slowly lifted her head and looked straight into Agatha’s eyes. Her eyes were a little teary as she tried to hold her emotions back. Agatha tried to figure out the pained eyes that were piercing her soul. She was still processing what had happened. It was obvious that Daliyah had deceived her by hiding who she truly was, and yet she was trying to protect her. Why?

“Daliyah…who are you?”

Agatha wanted to cry. None of this was making sense. Daliyah, the monsters, the Sapphire Warriors…him. She could feel her back pressing against the man’s chest as he kept her close. She felt overpowered as his tall figure surpassed her. She unconsciously reached to the hand that was holding the knife threatening her life. His hand was big and firm. They were strong enough to break her neck without the need for a weapon.

“Don’t move.”

The man whispered into Agatha’s ear as he felt her hand touch his. Agatha quickly lowered her hand and breathed nervously. The man returned his attention to Daliyah.

“Let’s say I decide to believe you and don’t kill the vessel. What will you have me do with you?”

This time, the pain and fear instantly left Daliyah’s eyes. All that was left was determination.

“You can have my life.”