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Death’s Daughter Chapter 284

Author: FoodLovingPanda

THE OUTCOME

“Nao-chan, what is he saying? Why can he recognize you and how come he said you stole the Sword of Fire?”

“Remember the thief that was caught stealing that time we were in Tiremia? Well he’s the one. What you didn’t know is that at that time he failed to steal the Sword of Fire because someone else got to it first.”

I could see disbelief written all over his face. At that time, when he accused me of stealing the sword, the news about a thief being caught dispelled all doubts that he might have had against me. That and my excellent acting skills. But now, he has to accept the fact that none of it was true and his initial guess turned out to be the correct one.

“That still doesn’t answer my questions. How come he ended up here, in Kapitalia? Shouldn’t he be in a prison somewhere in Vilikis?”

“Well, this kinda relates as to how I came to know him. You see, the Archduke and I went to see him that night. I was curious to find out who had the guts to try and steal such a treasure under the King’s eyes. But much to my disappointment, it turned out to only be a dog. That is why I set him free and let Archduke keep tabs on him so that he will lead us to his master. And sure enough, he exposed everything.”

“That’s impossible, you’re bluffing! I was never followed by anyone after I left Tiremia.”

I saw his face turn pale. He was clenching his fists to hide his fear and nervousness. There is not much he can do now. He can only place his hopes in the slim chance I was bluffing and only trying to make him show a flaw. Sadly…

“If her brother was involved, there is no way you would be able to realize you were followed. Besides, she has no reason to bluff.”

“It’s a lie… It’s a lie… It has to be a lie.”

I didn’t have to do anything and he was already broken. He might not collapse under torture, but this time his life is over. He has no worth anymore and he knows it. King Erik will not allow him to live any longer.

“Guards! Come and take him away! Lock him up in the dungeons. I’ll interrogate him personally later on.”

Vitou called for nearby guards that were alerted by the commotion earlier, but they stood some distance away once they saw both Vitou and I were safe.

“As you command, Your Highness.”

“Go and find out how he was able to sneak in here in broad daylight. If you can’t do your jobs, what’s the point in keeping you here.”

Vitou was really angry this time around. When the guards took the thief/assassin from Vitou he finally snapped out of his delirium and began struggling, trying to break free and escape.

“No! You can’t do this! You can’t lock me up and send me to that person! You’re killing me! You are killing me!”

His voice became weaker and weaker as he was dragged away. I watched the group leave the gardens and peacefulness finally returned to this small corner.

“Nao-chan, I think you owe me an explanation. Go ahead, I’m listening.”

He sat down on the stone bench and waited for me to start. I heaved a sigh and joined him on the bench. This time I told him the truth about the whole matter surrounding the Sword of Fire. I skipped the details of the theft and moved onto the scene in the dungeons and how the Archduke and I set him free.

“Actually, the main reason I wanted to visit Tiremia is for the sake of that sword. When Princess Zimo poisoned me, I was only given an excuse to take revenge this way.”

“I can’t believe that you actually stole that sword. Aren’t you afraid they might find out and hunt you down?”

“No, they have no reason to suspect me. Do you think I would be allowed to leave if they had even an ounce of suspicion against me? Or any one of us who were present that day? And looked how things played out; we walked out perfectly fine, didn’t we?”

Vitou was caught speechless. He couldn’t refute my words, because he was also with me the entire time that day. I haven’t told him how I stole the sword, so he can’t put blame on me, even if he wants to.

“I give up. There is nothing I can do or say. The sword is yours now, just be careful with it in the future. What about that person’s boss? You said you found out who they were.”

This time I remained silent. I was considering whether I should tell him the truth or not. This matter was sensitive and knowing it will definitely break his heart.

“Why aren’t you speaking? If you don’t want to tell me, I’ll get the answer myself. Once I break him, I would be able to learn everything I need.”

He turned around and was about to leave when I caught his arm and stopped him in his tracks.

“There is no need for that. He is already dead.”

***ERIK’S POV***

I stared at the man being tossed into the dungeon and clicked my tongue. I knew this mission failed from a single look of his insane eyes. I turned to the nearest guard and gave the order.

“The prisoner committed suicide by hanging himself in order to not reveal any secrets.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. It will be done as you instructed it”

Useless dog, can’t even get a single thing right. Such a liability doesn’t need to be kept around. Ever since Naoko started involving herself, nothing is going right. It is like her being around prevents all my efforts to be valid. Even Vitou, he has completely changed and needs to be brought back to my side. I shouldn’t have let him mingle with her in the first place. Now everything is a huge mess.