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Death’s Daughter Chapter 117

Author: “FoodLovingPanda”

CHAPTER 117: BARGAINING CHIP

With swords being lowered the atmosphere in the room seemed to have calmed down a bit. I decided to put away the sword to not allow the king to inspect it for any longer however I did not lower my alertness. After a while the King also backed away.

“Naoko-chan, that sword of yours is no replica at all. I had my doubts, but I didn’t think it would prove to be true. Care to share how you obtained such treasure.”
He sounded quite arrogant so I replied in such manner as well. It’s not like he deserves better treatment from me.

“No, I don’t!”

“A shame, truly a shame. It would appear that this party is over right now. I don’t think we can continue anymore. Moreover I think I have something to discuss with the Archduke in private. Let us make the bystanders leave before we continue on.”

The King called Vitou-sama and several other guards to follow him, including the two of us and few guards. The heroes were left to escort the guests outside. I followed them to the drawing room where the discussions would be held.

“Father, this is bad. Just approve of this and let it go. It is not worth risking the entire kingdom over this matter. I told you before, so why don’t you value my opinion at all.”
Vitou-sama was whispering, but I could hear him perfectly fine thanks to all the skills that I was able to perfect. Since you think that way, why didn’t you agree before?

“Trust me, I know what I am doing. Just stand back and observe. You need to take risks in order to gain greater benefits.”

As he replied to Vitou-sama, he looked back towards me. I had no idea what he was scheming, but I sure won’t let him use me like a tool. As soon as we arrived at the drawing room the tea was already being prepared and served.

“Please sit down Archduke, our earlier discussion is still not over. Let me tell you bluntly since there are no outsiders here: I do not want to give you Naoko-chan. Since you have that title, you have some authority and can evade my laws and honestly speaking by giving her to you I would be losing on such a talent which is not something that I want.”

“She can remain in Orzakn for what I am concerned and if she wants to attend your annual meetings she can. I don’t care about those silly things. What is wanted is for her to have MY backing and I want it official.”

They were discussing about me like I was not in the room and it was really making me angry at both of them.

“Having your backing is the same as her not needing to obey my laws. Moreover, she wouldn’t have to move if there is any danger or threat to the kingdom. I really don’t like that you see. When that title was given to your ancestors it was agreed upon that our families would not mix, that implies marriage as well. If Naoko-chan becomes part of your family that will mess up a lot of my plans you see. However…”

I don’t like how this conversation is going. It is turning more and more like I would soon become a bargaining chip for these two people.

“However… what?”

“However I am willing to open discussion about changing that agreement in the case you want to be Naoko-chan’s backing.”

So that was his plan. I could finally see him. The Archduke holds immense power and he does not want him to roam as free as he is and wants to tie him down under his rule. And he plans on doing that by using me. From a perspective of a ruler it was a brilliant move, but from my personal perspective I absolutely hated it.

“You’re the first one to have the guts to negotiate with me about that deal the others were all cowards. You got me interested, what do you have in mind.”

I scowled at his words. I wanted to protest but when I tried to open my mouth I felt something hitting me and making me lose focus for a bit.

“First of all I want the no mixing rule to be abolished. My family has great talent as seen from my son, also looking at you; your family also possesses great power. I think strengthening both bloodlines will be beneficial to us both.”

“So you want a stronger connection?”

“Indeed, but what I am aiming for is to unite our families. So to say, Naoko-chan gets your backing and you remain as free as before with the exception that you must stand alongside us in case of a war since the families would be united you see. To symbolize this unity I will have Vitou take Naoko-chan as his wife.”

“WHAT?!”

“Say what?”

Both Vitou-sama and I exclaimed in surprise and disbelief. I couldn’t believe that the King was still trying to match me with his son. I looked at Vitou utter terror and then turned to the Archduke only to realize he still was silent and not denying his request.

“I refuse to have my life discussed like this! I am my own person and will not let myself become some bargaining chip that the two of you can toss around. I decide upon my own life and nobody has a say in it other than me.”
I protested. I couldn’t remain calm after all that was said and especially when I saw that the Archduke was seriously thinking about this deal. Have they no respect for the freedom of choice. Right now I was so angry and was preparing to fight once again with everything at stake.

Sadly before I could do anything moren a wave of pure mana hit me making me feel nauseous and extremely dizzy to a point where I was left on the floor gasping for air. I knew exactly who did this. I glared at the perpetrator as he finally gave his reply to the King.

“I can agree to that change if you comply with this demand of mine.”