"Your expression makes curious, Oriana. Pray tell, what is the reason you called here?"
"Teach how to use my powers."
Oriana was straightforward, her tone akin to that of a businessman doing a transaction which she confidently believed would not be refused.
A corner of Rosetta’s lips curved into a smirk.
"And why do you think I will do that?"
"Because you are the sa as , Lady Rosetta. You are a Black Witch as well, one who has vested interest in ."
Rosetta stared at Oriana for a while, as if trying to see through her. However, there was no chink in the young witch’s armor. Her decisive expression showed nothing of her inner thoughts, although one could see from her posture that she truly believed her words to be true.
"Mind your manners, young lady," was all the black-haired beauty said in response, as she turned around to make herself comfortable on the seat of the lounge area.
Her smile held amusent, but similar to Oriana, her real thoughts never showed on her face. Be it her speech or composure, one would think it was Rosetta who owned the place and invited Oriana over. "Manners—that is the bare minimum soone needs when asking to be taught sothing."
Although Rosetta did not say it, her question scolded Oriana for being silly and expecting her outright agreent.
Oriana’s gaze also deepened as she made her way to the seat opposite Rosetta’s.
’She’s no easy opponent,’ that was what Oriana realized.
As a person who grew up eting all sorts of shady characters, Oriana could be considered to be shrewd, with a great ability to take advantage of situations. She was skilled in using words, smooth in lying, flexible in thought and good at understanding people. Gaining montum in a negotiation was important to gain favorable results.
However, in a single statent, Rosetta was able to gain the upperhand in their conversation.
"What if I refuse, Oriana?"
Another jab.
But Oriana’s expression did not change. "You will not."
"And how did you reach such a conclusion?"
"Though I may be young, I have my own thoughts and ability to see through things. I have been dealing with different kinds of people all my life while trying to survive...and from what I have seen so far, you need sothing from . That is how I know you will not refuse."
To Oriana’s response, Rosetta simply raised her brow.
Oriana continued, "From the beginning, your goal is to lure to et you. Otherwise, why would your people all of sudden seek help from a young servant from another kingdom? You yourself are capable of helping people, and even if not you, there are plenty of options aside from , who is not even an official physician.
"Not to ntion, you showed interest in , a total stranger, even offering to have tea inside your private chamber. Wouldn’t that be plenty suspicious? How can a noble lady simply offer a boy to co to her chamber? But you did. That ans you already knew I was a woman from the start.
"When I suddenly felt faint, I could already tell there was an external factor you prepared beforehand. You wanted to verify a suspicion in person. You needed to touch , and afterwards, your attitude towards grew better. That ant you gained what you wanted.
"You even gave an ancient artifact, such a precious communication. You knew things about enough to decide I am worth your investnt to have a good relationship with .
"All of these efforts to bring to you, Lady Rosetta, don’t you think it leads to thinking you need sothing from ?"
Rosetta’s eyes flashed in appreciation. Despite her young age and her lack of proper education, it beca more apparent to her Oriana was no fool.
"I was really too obvious about that," Rosetta chuckled. "But how did you discover I am a Black Witch?"
Oriana learned that truth from Drayce and Yorian, but she could not tell her that. However, she was one who could even lie with a straight face on the spot, what more she prepared beforehand.
"You say you are a special human, but in my knowledge, there is no such thing. I knew you were a supernatural being, I only don’t know which race you belong to. I had my doubts but what made more confident was when I visited you for the second ti. You didn’t want to hide the fact that you know I am aBlack Witch.
"Witches with the darkness attribute are discriminated against, not only by other races, but even by their fellow witches. For you to offer to help and give that pendant, it strengthened my belief we belong to the sa kind. After all, that ancient artifact contained a spell not sourced from nature...and from what I know, most races rely either on their bloodline talent or magic of the five elents. Complicated spells like that are only within the abilities of witches."
Rosetta chuckled, "Amazing. It seems the King of garis has taken ti explaining our world to you."
At this point, Rosetta no longer pretended to be ignorant.
It was Yorian who taught her. However, the Thevailese delegation were only aware of Drayce’s and Seren’s existence, thus, Oriana did not correct her misconception. She neither confird nor denied the witch’s guess.
Rosetta continued, "So knowing I sought you out with an ulterior motive, you are still here asking for my help."
"Yes, because you need sothing from , and I need sothing from you. In the end, both of us will benefit."
Rosetta cradled her face with a hand as she studied Oriana.
"But, that young king from garis must have warned you about ."
"He does not know you are a witch, only he finds you suspicious. It is all my own guess."
"Is that so?" Rosetta rely smiled, but no one could guess whether she believed her or not. "Why do you sound so desperate to learn all of a sudden?"
"Is it important?" Oriana asked.
"Of course. If I will be taking you in as a student, I must understand you well, don’t you think?"
Oriana gave her a deep look.
"Can a witch be a proper witch when she cannot wield her power? I have sothing in , so why not use it to my benefit? I will not be a servant forever. I too want to live a better life. Power is sothing that everyone wants and I am no different. I am greedy as well."
"Then what about my greed?" Rosetta slyly asked.
"I will make sure to satisfy it as long as it’s not evil."
"Evil?" Rosetta chuckled. "Oriana, Oriana, you have to be more precise about what counts as evil."
"Harming a person is evil," Oriana replied confidently.
The smirk on Rosetta’s lips widened. "Are you sure?"
"I am as long as you teach how to use my powers," Oriana replied with the sa confidence. "One favor."
It was a dangerous bargain, where her moral integrity was compromised.
Reviews
All reviews (0)