Sword of Salvation-Chapter 40: - Empress Lasyana (4)

At this point, Lasyana had lost all sense of direction to escape the situation.

The best thing she could do was follow M’s game without making matters worse. She didn’t know what the dangerous young man in front of her wanted, but it was clear his words were nothing more than satire. Was he laughing inside his head?

"Exactly, Lasyana. The empire has wallowed in filth for too long. As someone born on this sacred land, I cannot let this continue. We must do something to restore the dignity of this land. For that, I have an idea."

Lasyana had completely lost control of the conversation.

The reins were entirely in M’s hands. He had skillfully steered the discussion to this point. Lasyana didn’t want to accept this; she was someone who always wanted to be in control. However, all doors were now closed. If this was a game, she had lost badly.

"But before that," M continued before Lasyana could ask, "I need to confirm one thing. Is the task you’ll give us related to eliminating Zagabob and his subordinates?"

"Exactly. Zagabob and his forces are too many for us to handle alone."

There was no reason to prolong the conversation. The sooner they finished, the better for Lasyana. She could also consider whether to eliminate the young man in front of her. If he was a threat, he had to be dealt with. Lasyana acknowledged his intelligence—she had made a mistake by underestimating him.

"In that case, my idea will be perfect."

Lasyana gestured for the young man to continue.

"Instead of just employing me and C, why not include the leaders of Libertania?"

Lasyana hadn’t expected that.

"When we destroyed One Eye’s main headquarters," M continued, "the Libertania members extended their hand. With their help, we quickly crushed One Eye. They may be rebels, but what they want is the same as you and me. They only want to pull this country out of the mire. Tonight, Girhamvell and I will meet."

Of course, Lasyana knew Libertania’s goals. That was why she had never seriously hunted them. They were needed for her future plans. However, she still hadn’t expected M to suggest that. It was better than her original plan. She no longer needed to try hard to make Libertania comply.

"I completely agree," Lasyana responded. "But will they be willing? They have a bad impression of me. They don’t know the problems I’ve faced that have allowed the empire’s situation to drag on to this point."

"You just need to explain your problems to convince them. If necessary, make Girhamvell a general of the imperial army. He’s strong. He wants to create a better environment in Neiracia. He also has many fairly strong followers. If he becomes a general, his subordinates will automatically join. Isn’t that the perfect option for you?"

It was indeed ideal, a perfect situation. However, what Lasyana didn’t understand was what M really wanted. He knew the truth, yet he gave her a good story as a shield. Did he truly want the best for Neiracia?

"If I agree, are you implying that I should go with you to your meeting with Girhamvell?"

"If you want to show your sincerity."

Lasyana nodded in understanding. She did need to do that to show her seriousness.

Meeting in a location she chose would make Girhamvell and his associates feel threatened. The best option was to meet at a place Girhamvell chose. She also needed to avoid bringing too many guards to prevent them from feeling ambushed. Delphia would be more than enough.

"We are staying at the Lexuria Inn. If you agree with my idea, meet us at sunset."

M stood up immediately after saying that. The box of gold coins disappeared into a portal, revealing a glimpse of the masked man’s abilities. Lasyana had never seen a power like that before.

"We’re leaving, C," M said after taking what was his. The masked woman nodded in agreement.

Lasyana didn’t say anything, and they left without saying goodbye. Was that payback for making them wait too long? Did they hate being kept waiting, even by an empress like her? Did they not care about her status as a ruler?

"Ah." M stopped briefly before they fully left, his head turning slightly back. "Lasyana, are you aware of how beautiful and captivating you are?"

"Huh?"

"Especially with that style of clothing. No normal man wouldn’t fantasize about you. It’s a bit of a shame. I see you as a goddess who should be praised and admired, but you present yourself as a seductive demon. Do you enjoy degrading yourself?"

M left without another word. He didn’t even bother to see what kind of expression was painted on the empress’s face. He was gone, and in an instant, they vanished from sight.

"Wow, even I’m surprised."

Delphia’s mutter didn’t register in Lasyana’s mind. The empress’s eyes and thoughts were locked on the direction their guests had gone.

-----ooOoo-----

"What did you mean by those words, Mariel?" Celinee asked as soon as they left the palace. "Why did you say those things? What is your goal?!"

The tone of Celinee’s questions was a bit sharp, and Mariel found it slightly puzzling. "Is there something wrong with what I said?" he asked.

"Listen, I know what you did in there. First, you cornered her, then helped her, and finally, you praised her. You manipulated the conversation to mentally dominate the empress and made it clear that you were in control. But those final words— it’s like you wanted to leave a lasting impression on her. What are you really after? Don’t tell me you’re trying to approach that woman on a personal level."

"Approach Lasyana on a personal level, huh? You know, that’s not a bad suggestion. I wouldn’t mind making her my woman, but it seems impossible. I’m a bit possessive; as long as she enjoys flaunting her beauty and body, I can’t see us ending up together."

"Hah! So that’s why you said those things, isn’t it? Don’t deny it! Your behavior made it obvious."

"You really think so?"

"You haven’t given me any other reason to think otherwise."

"If you don’t like the idea of me belonging to another woman, why don’t you make your move? If it’s you, Celinee, I’m sure you can melt my heart."

"In your dreams!"

"Then there’s no reason for you to take my actions so seriously, right? You don’t care whose woman I’ll become, so stop wasting your energy like that."

Celinee fell silent, completely stumped. She was stubborn, but this half-demon woman knew when to stop before losing an argument. Mariel let his lips curve into a smile, amused.

Still, if Mariel had to give one reason for why he said what he said, it was because Lasyana’s beautiful eyes reminded him of his mother’s.

Perhaps there was no other reason.

-----ooOoo----- 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Lasyana’s eyes remained fixed on the direction M had gone. Several minutes had passed, but her gaze stayed locked there. Even though she knew they wouldn’t return no matter how long she stared, Lasyana couldn’t turn away.

M’s final words, about her degrading herself—what had he meant by that?

"Your Majesty, I just remembered something important."

Delphia’s words managed to pull Lasyana’s attention. She pushed her thoughts aside for the moment and looked at Delphia, demanding an explanation.

"Do you remember the poster distributed from Camelot?"

"What about that poster?"

"The earring on the young man in the poster... isn’t it the same as the one M wore? Their hair structure and half of their face are identical. If we pull off M’s mask that covers half his face, I’m one hundred percent sure they’re the same person."

"Honestly, I’m not surprised."

Lasyana truly wasn’t surprised, even though the information was shocking. Not only had he saved the Primordial Demon Lukhiel, but he had also fled from Arthur IV.

"More importantly," Lasyana continued, "what do you think about M’s last words?"

"You want my opinion?"

"Yes. I need your opinion."

Had she truly degraded herself? Could she have chosen to be a goddess but instead became a seductress? Was there truth in M’s words?