After losing the battle, only one outco is waiting for Sarika.
She was imdiately restrained. Both of her hands were tied tightly behind her back.
"Ouch! Can't you be more gentle?" Sarika complained, wincing at the rough treatnt she received.
"Stop your fake whining, my lady. I know you're not a typical pampered noble lady." Agent No. 45 tightened the ties, ensuring there was no chance of Sarika slipping free.
She couldn't afford to let her guard down when handling the duke's daughter.
Her strength and prowess are well known.
As soone from Ryntum, who hasn't heard the na of Sarika that captured cities one after another.
Although Sarika was defeated, her fa did not diminish.
It felt almost surreal to be the one capturing such a renowned figure.
Who would have thought their paths would cross like this?
Sarika pursed her lips, disappointed that the woman didn't buy her act.
"Let's go," No. 45 said, giving Sarika a firm push from behind.
The two of them exited the dilapidated building.
It was still dark outside but the city beca quieter.
The chaos Sarika had tried to sow earlier had subsided.
Without her and her soldiers to fan the flas, the panicked citizens eventually cooled down and began to think rationally.
"Are you taking to Johann?"
"Yes."
"Did he pay you well?"
"...Very."
"You hesitated for a mont. Does that an you're lying?" Sarika's voice was suddenly full of energy as if she saw a glimr of hope.
Agent No. 45 didn't respond. She can't possibly tell Sarika that her promotion took precedence over monetary reward.
Sarika continued. This ti, her voice sounds persuasive, "You know I'm Duke's daughter right?"
No. 45 sighed, sensing where this is going. "If you want to betray Johann by offering to double or triple my paynt, forget about it. Trustworthiness is more important to ."
"Wow! You sound so professional." Sarika glanced at Agent No. 45 suspiciously.
Agent No. 45 simply smiles. 'I see, so that's what you're trying to gauge.'
Seeing her probing was left with no response, Sarika stopped her inquiries.
Knowing this woman is a trained agent is considered good enough.
Sarika was sure that No. 45 ca from an organization.
There's no way No. 45 can achieve this level of expertise independently at a young age. She must have gone through systematic training.
That also ans Johann had collided with another force.
He didn't act alone or purely driven by his emotions.
Perhaps the preparation had been made far longer than her father initially thought.
"This is troubling," Sarika said in a low voice.
....
"Sarika!" Johann greeted her warmly.
His tone was affectionate and welcoming as if nothing had transpired between them.
He spread his arms wide. A smile plastered on his face though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
Beside him stood Demin and Betto. Unlike Johann, they didn't bother to put on any pretence and openly displayed their indifferent attitude.
Sarika chuckled, "Why am I not surprised seeing the leaders of the collateral faction gathered here?"
Ignoring her sarcastic remark, Johann turned his attention to No. 45 and thanked her for completing the mission.
In Sarika's eyes, Johann's deanour toward No. 45 was oddly respectful.
Anyone witnessing this scene might have mistakenly assud that No. 45 was the superior.
This made Sarika confused.
"You seem cautious around her," Sarika said to Johann. A sly smile appeared. "Now I'm more curious about her identity."
Instead of answering, Johann gestured to the sofa in the room. "Please take a seat, my lady."
Sarika settled down on the plush sofa, crossing her arms.
The three n sat to the opposite of her.
Her eyes road around the room with curiosity. "So this is where you've been hiding. Why couldn't I find you when you're in such a conspicuous place?"
Demin chuckled. "Hehe, that's because we killed all of your soldiers who approached here."
"So, what do you plan to do with , Johann? Since you treated like a noble lady, you must've got a plan right?"
"First of all, let praise you for your bravery in breaching this city and causing us a lot of trouble. Not many people have guts like you are."
"Hmph, what bravery," Betto scoffed. "She's just a crazy woman who thinks too highly of herself."
"At least I was once an army commander, unlike soone who's playing knight in a safe place."
Betto's face reddened, "You!"
"Calm down, Betto. We're not here to bicker," Johann interjected.
Sarika smirked, enjoying the sight of Betto's angry face.
"So, what's the plan, Johann? You want to execute or make so sort of pawn or use as a hostage?"
Johann was annoyed seeing the nonchalant attitude that Sarika showed. "You don't know how much I want to kill you right now."
"Heh! Because I killed your grandson? Do you have proof?"
"..."
"Do you really believe that I did it? I know you've always observed whenever I visit your mansion."
"What is there to ask?" Demin interjected. "It's clear you did it. Who else can get so close to his grandson without raising suspicion?"
Demin cannot allow this girl to play word tricks on Johann and raise his suspicion.
Sarika's lips curled, "What about his tutor?"
Demin scoffed. "That commoner has a family to think about. He wouldn't dare. He wouldn't benefit from Adam's death."
"What benefit would I get by killing him? I hate to say this, but Adam is too weak to be my opponent."
Johann's face remained calm, "Your motive is to reduce the number of competitors and firmly secure your place. Just like your father did to my son."
"Nonsense!" Sarika raised her voice. "My father was the heir long before your son died. If anything, your side should be the one trying to assassinate him. Just like how you're doing to right now. Admit it! You want power, right?"
Johann's composure faltered for a brief mont.
"Since you're curious about our next move, let tell you. We'll let Percival choose between his power or his daughter."
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