Agreement between Araya and Margarida

I felt heat rise to my face. I was flushed, and I knew Margarida had noticed. She smiled as if every shiver I made was a victory.

"I won't fall for your tactics," I murmured firmly, even though my voice was shaking a little.

— I don't want your body. — I told her.

Margarida arched an eyebrow, her smile even sharper.

"Oh, really?" he said ironically, bringing his face closer to mine.

— Funny you should say that… when you’ve already kissed me twice under the influence of your “ Slime Pleasure .” — continued Daisy.

My heart raced. I relived the memory against my will, and blushed even redder.

She took a step back, but her voice lost some of its malice and sounded calmer, almost sincere.

— I'd rather surrender my body with my conscious mind... than be forced by something that takes away my control, — said Margarida.

Her gaze wandered to the bed in the corner of the room. An enigmatic smile played across her lips.

— Say, Araya … don't you want to do something with me? Something only a man and a woman can do in bed? — Margarida said , laughing.

I felt my face burn even more.

— Wh -what … what are you saying?! Are you crazy?! — I exclaimed, taking a step back.

Margarida just laughed softly, approaching slowly, like a cat surrounding its prey.

"It's not madness, Araya . It's strategy." Daisy whispered.

—Now, at this moment, the best decision for both of us is to be allies. And alliances… sometimes need to be sealed in more intimate ways.

I stood still, trying to process those words. The hatred I felt for her mixed with confusion, with the strange feeling that Margarida was trying to trap me in some kind of pact that wasn't just political.

Ally… or slave?

My heart was pounding. I didn't know whether to laugh, scream, or simply turn away. But one thing was certain: Margarida was willing to do anything to survive, even give up her body if it meant saving her life.

And I needed to think carefully… whether to accept this “alliance” or to crush the mask she tried to wear in front of me.

I was lost in thought, my thoughts spinning in circles. But when I looked up, I found Margarida smiling, as if certain of victory. I took a deep breath.

"I accept your proposal. It will be the first time I've... done this kind of thing," I said firmly, though my voice held an uncertain tone.

Her eyes sparkled, and her smile softened.

"It's my first time too. So take it easy, Araya ," Margarida confessed in a calmer, almost sweet tone.

I swallowed hard, feeling my heart race.

—Any pain you feel… tell me. — I told her.

The night was long. The first night. Between hesitation, uncertain touches, and moments of discovery, we crossed the line between hatred and alliance, and nothing would be the same after that.

Sunlight streamed through the narrow windows as I walked to the barracks' dining room. I grabbed a piece of bread and a cup of bitter coffee, trying to clear my head after the previous night's storm.

Oliver was the first to notice me. His cynical smile immediately appeared as he approached.

"So, Araya … have you completely dominated the princess?" Oliver said mockingly.

Before I could respond, Daisy appeared behind me, straight as ever, her princess-like air untouched even there. She shot Oliver a cold look.

“Useless,” said Margarida, her voice sharp as a blade.

Oliver took a step back, still smiling nervously.

I didn't say anything. I just turned my face to Margarida and let out a faint smile. A smile that mixed irony, victory, and the strange feeling that somehow our lives were now intertwined.

The silence in the dining room was broken by light footsteps. Ryn and Kalea entered, each carrying a simple tray. Seeing Margarida beside me, their expressions changed.

Ryn narrowed her eyes, her expression serious, almost stern. Kalea , on the other hand, showed immediate shock, her mouth hanging open, as if she'd seen something impossible.

Kalea murmured in a low tone.

Margarida, noticing the looks, crossed her arms and raised her chin.

"Is there a problem?" Margarida asked in a challenging tone.

— Several. — he replied. Ryn with a deep voice like contained thunder.

" Araya … you know who she is. What she did. And now she's here, walking free, like she's part of us?" Ryn asked me.

Kalea dropped her tray on the table, her nervous gaze darting between me and Daisy.

—Araya … you can't be thinking of accepting her. After everything… after the Zairos family … — Kalea told me.

Her words struck me like a blade. Memories of Sabrina, Sairo , Clarice, and Beltrond burned through my mind, and for a moment I hesitated. But I didn't let my doubt show.

I looked at Ryn and Kalea , steady.

—I know exactly what I'm doing. — I said dryly.

"Margarida may be an enemy... but she may also be a key," I continued .

Margarida smiled, satisfied, taking the opportunity to get closer to me.

"See? Even he understands. You two should stop acting like children and learn to think in terms of power," Daisy said sarcastically.

Kalea clenched her fists indignantly.

— Araya , she's manipulating you! — Kalea told me.

—Enough. — I interrupted, raising my hand.

"I told you I know what I'm doing. You two trust me, don't you?" I asked them.

Ryn was silent for a few seconds, her gaze fixed on me. Finally, she took a deep breath.

"I do. But I don't trust her." Ryn replied firmly.

"And if she tries anything… I'll slit her throat myself," Ryn said.

Kalea looked away, clearly hurt and suspicious, but didn't argue.

Margarida just laughed softly, triumphantly, and sat down next to me at the table as if she had already earned her place.

And so, the barracks filled with a new tension. It wasn't just the fight against Argarill or the other heroes. Now, there was an enemy princess in our midst, and no one but me seemed to believe this could be an advantage.

I noticed that Margarida hadn't touched her bread or coffee. The cup in front of her was untouched, the steam already disappearing. I raised an eyebrow.

“You haven’t eaten anything,” I said with a hint of concern.

"If you don't eat, you'll end up getting sick," I said worriedly.

She shrugged, as if nothing around her could really affect her.

"I'll go back to the palace in a little while and eat there," Margarida replied, looking as if she had already rehearsed her excuse.

“Your father will scold you for sleeping outside the palace,” I told her.

—Get scolded? Yes. I'll make up a convincing excuse for my father, — replied Margarida.

There was a calculating glint in her eyes as she added, more seriously.

"Before I go back, I want to discuss with you how you intend to get revenge on the other heroes," said Daisy.

She leaned in close, her voice low and purposefully seductive. The question came like a sharp caress.

— Am I on your revenge list, Araya ? — asked Margarida.

Heat rose automatically to my face. Blushing wasn't something I planned, but it happened—and she noticed, smiling beneath it.

— No… you're not on the list. — I replied in a low, almost meek voice.

Her smile widened in genuine triumph. She leaned in even closer and, with a quick gesture, placed a kiss on my cheek. It was a simple, provocative, and intimate act, and for a second I lost my bearings.

“Thank you,” murmured Margarida, satisfied.

"Now tell me… which hero should you take down first?" Daisy asked in a calm voice.

Before I could answer, she herself completed

— I suggest Yukiko , the healer, — said Daisy.

The name echoed in the room, full of possibilities.

I remained silent, analyzing. The heroine of the cure was a strategic target, respected, surrounded by fragile allies, and her downfall would carry enormous moral weight.

Margarida tilted her head, pleased with her own idea.

"Think carefully, Araya . If the healer falls, the soldiers will lose confidence, the wounded will lose hope… and the other heroes will be more vulnerable," said Daisy.

I just nodded, absorbing the suggestion and already thinking about how to turn it into a real plan.

After a few seconds of silence, I turned to Margarida.

"You suggested Yukiko ... but tell me, princess, do you really have a plan?" I asked her.

She crossed her legs elegantly and tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear, a confident smile playing on her lips.

“Of course I do,” Margarida replied in a soft, venomous voice.

— I intend to make Yukiko reveal the secret she's hiding, — completed Margarida.

I frowned, puzzled.

—Secret? What secret is that? — I asked.

Her smile widened, and the cold glint in her eyes made me swallow hard.

"Each of the three heroes has become quite famous these past three months. They all have secrets… sins they try to hide," replied Margarida.

My heart raced.

— Explain. — I asked for explanations.

Margarida raised her first finger with a venomous smile on her face.

" Ayano , Mira's heroine. She's become a regular at noble casinos. She uses her skills to secure wins, and in return, she sleeps with men who can afford her "company." This is how she maintains her influence among the elite," said Margarida about Ayano .

I felt my stomach churn. Ayano was still as disgusting as ever.

The second finger rose.

" Masahiko . He lives in the palace, surrounded by luxury. Banquets, carnal pleasures, servants at his disposal. He's forgotten any ideal of a hero. Today he's nothing more than a royal parasite," said Margarida about Masahiko .

Finally, Margarida raised her third finger, her eyes fixed on me.

" Yukiko . She opened a church and sells herself as a saint to the people. But behind the facade, she charges coins for healing. The more severe the wound, the higher the price. There's no compassion in her healing, only profit," Margarida said of Yukiko .

The weight of the words crushed me. Margarida leaned toward me, as if she wanted to drive the truth straight into my chest.

"The three of them have already sold out. And Yukiko will be the easiest to take down, because her entire 'sanctity' depends on this lie," said Margarida.

I crossed my arms and stared at Margarida.

"So tell me, princess. What's your plan?" I asked her.

She fixed her blonde hair with a theatrical gesture and smiled as if she had already calculated everything.

"Simple. I'll convince Yukiko and the king to agree to her giving a magnificent speech to the entire population of the noble area, right in the center of the city, in front of everyone. Yukiko loves being the center of attention, and this will be the perfect bait," Margarida replied.

I thought for a few moments and nodded slowly.

— It… really suits her. — I told her.

Margarida then stood up, walking around the table like a strategist in front of the board.

"But it's not enough to just put her in front of the people. I'll order a special tunic as a gift for Yukiko . A tunic that will carry a blue brooch," said Daisy.

Margarida paused and looked at me directly.

—And I'll give you the red brooch, —continued Daisy.

I raised my eyebrow.

“And what exactly does this red brooch do?” I asked her.

"It forces the wearer of the blue brooch to repeat out loud everything you say," Margarida replied with a smile of pure malice.

I felt my heart race. I imagined Yukiko , before the king and the entire noble population, pronouncing truths she would never want to reveal.

Still, doubt gnawed at me.

"What if she notices? What if Yukiko notices that she's being forced to say what I say?" I asked.

Margarida laughed softly, a laugh that felt like a blade sliding across her skin.

"That's the trick. Once you put on the robe with the brooch, you can't take it off in public. If you do... the robe disappears instantly, leaving you in only your underwear, " replied Daisy.

I widened my eyes.

"So... either she humiliates herself by undressing in front of everyone, or she's forced to say whatever I say?" I asked.

—Exactly. — said Margarida with satisfaction in her eyes.

A confident smile spread across my face. For the first time, I saw clearly how Yukiko could be exposed and destroyed without even raising my blade.

"How will you know the right time to start her speech?" I asked, still glued to the details of the plan.

Margarida smiled, already mentally picturing the spectacle.

"I'm going to build a huge stage in the center of the main square, with heavy curtains and guaranteed lighting," Margarida replied, her eyes shining with ambition.

"When the curtain rises and the audience is ready, it's time. I want a setting that captures everyone's attention; Yukiko loves a full house," Margarida continued .

"And me? How do I enter the kingdom without causing a stir?" I asked.

She tilted her head thoughtfully for a second, then smiled mischievously.

“We’ll make you look like a simple passing trader,” Margarida replied.

I smiled, satisfied with the obvious solution.

" Ryn can solve this with the Transform skill , no doubt," I told her.

— I agree — murmured Margarida, satisfied.

"I'll return to the palace and begin the preparations. I'll come for you in two days. Bring only what's necessary; the scenery and tunic will do the rest," said Margaret.

I stood and walked toward her. For a moment, the tension between us was just a thin line of forged trust and danger. We exchanged a brief, meaningful kiss, a silent pact. Margarida stepped back, straightened her dress, and left the room for the long hallway to the barracks gate.

Alone, I stared at the closed door. The alliance was useful, perhaps even necessary, but the vengeance that drove me knew no respite. That night, as the city's shadows lengthened, I swore to myself that I would use every piece of that plan not only to overthrow Yukiko , but, when the time came, to tear Margarida from the throne she helped uphold. The thirst for revenge burned brighter, and I would not let it die.

I gathered Ryn and Kalea in the room, the door closed so no one else could hear. I explained every detail of what Margarida had proposed: the public speech, the tunic, the red brooch that would allow me to manipulate Yukiko in front of the entire noble family and the king himself.

When I finished, the silence was heavy. Ryn was the first to speak, arms crossed and a frown on his face.

"This is too dangerous, Araya . If something goes wrong, you'll not only expose yourself but also condemn us all," he said . Ryn .

Kalea nodded, her eyes brimming with worry.

"You're messing with the princess and the Church Yukiko founded. They won't forgive you if they find out…" Kalea said.

I looked at them both, feeling the weight of their loyalty, but also the urgency of my revenge burning within my chest.

"I know. But taking risks is also necessary to achieve goals. If we don't take risks, we'll never change anything," I replied firmly.

Two days passed. The hours dragged on like centuries until, as dusk fell, firm footsteps echoed through the dorm. Margarida appeared in the hallway with her usual aura of confidence.

"Everything went well," Margarida announced with an almost triumphant smile.

"The speech will be tonight, and Yukiko agreed to wear the tunic with the blue brooch," Daisy said.

My heart raced. The plan was one step away from execution.

“And the red brooch?” I asked anxiously.

Margarida stopped. Her smile changed, becoming darker, more malicious.

"The red brooch... I'll only give it to you if you kill all the slaves here. And Oliver too," Daisy said.

I froze, shock washing over me. Ryn and Kalea gasped behind me, unable to believe what they'd heard.

My chest tightened. I knew Daisy could be poisonous, but this… this was cruel even for her. I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. If I wanted revenge, I had to pay the price.

"What if I ask you to spare at least Ryn and Kalea ?" I asked, my voice low but firm.

Margarida watched the two of them for a moment, then nodded slowly, as if offering alms.

"They can live. The rest can't," replied Margarida.

The silence that followed was suffocating. Ryn clenched her fists, Kalea looked down in shock. I took another deep breath, trying not to let my anger overwhelm me.

Finally, I looked at Margarida and nodded.

— I accept your condition. — I told her with a sad look.

A cold glint flashed across her eyes, as if she'd won a game. And in that moment, I understood that to exact my revenge against Yukiko , and eventually against Margarida herself, I would have to get even dirtier than I already was.

The decision fell like a hammer. I accepted Margarida's demand; I accepted the price. Now came the execution.

I closed my eyes for a second, taking a deep breath, and tried to push away the memory of Sabrina and Sairo , the image that inflamed me even as it corroded me. Revenge demanded blood, I thought coldly, and coldness was what kept me going.

I called Ryn and Kalea into the courtyard. They came with hard eyes; Ryn said nothing, Kalea tried not to tremble. I explained in a few sentences what I had agreed to: Daisy would give me the brooch if I met the condition. They knew I had already agreed. Ryn clenched her jaw; Kalea looked away. I told them to stay out of the way; they were the two people I had managed to promise to spare.

Then I went to the main cell. The prisoners watched me arrive, and a heavy silence fell over them all. Some, hopeful, still spoke quietly about the possibility of freedom; others, accustomed to violence, simply studied my face, as if reading an omen.

I ordered Oliver brought in. He entered with his usual mask of superiority, but his eyes betrayed terror. I knew something had changed in him, as had been imposed on me before. I placed him there, in front of everyone, and spoke in a controlled voice, without raising my voice:

— Oliver, you'll be first — I said.

The murmurs turned into a subdued growl. Wobo , from his cell, watched with a smile that betrayed no humanity. Ryn stepped forward, perhaps ready to intervene; Kalea grabbed his arm tightly. They knew I wouldn't allow help.

Without hesitation, I drew the small dagger I always kept hidden, not for show, just to make a point. Oliver tried a word, a request, a final sales pitch. Nothing made sense. The blade came down fast, dry, and his life ended there, without heroism, without rhetoric. He spoke a name, perhaps a request, and then she was gone from this world.

The impact of the act was immediate. Screams, confusion, crying. Some men advanced; others tried to flee. I didn't give them time to organize anything. I used the last of my authority, ordering in a cold voice that no one was to move. I knew I couldn't rely on words now; I needed something more to impose the terror that Margarida demanded as a method.

I called two prisoners who had the strength, not by will, but by necessity, and dragged them through the lines. Within minutes, I began the execution, with short roll calls, orders given in a firm voice. There was no speech. There was no orderly struggle. There was panic, a stampede, a feeling that everything was falling apart.

Ryn tried to intervene only once, his eyes spoke volumes, but I met him with an expression he recognized as irrevocable. Kalea , hands trembling, covered her face. They had been spared by my promise; that promise was now a stain on all our souls.

In less than an hour, the silence returned, heavy, buried under the weight of what had happened. Some bodies lay on the ground; other voices had fallen silent forever. I left no room for public lamentations: I ordered the few who remained to clean and gather. Every movement seemed absurd, cleaning as if those people were nothing but dust. The responsibility was mine; I felt it like a knot in my stomach that wouldn't budge.