Flower of Steel

The man, who was alive just moments ago, had his neck sliced off. I looked at that terrifying sight in shock. Then, I heard Daisy’s determined voice.

“Milady, you have to run. He is stronger than me.”

I shook my head. No, I won’t run. Losing someone precious to me once was enough for me. I promised myself that I’ll do my best to live in the present so that I don’t regret it.

“Even if I run, I won’t outrun my speed. And I will also regret it. I’d rather make a decision that I won’t regret.”

Daisy made a faint smile, shook her head at my words, and commented, “…I can’t understand you.”

“Me too. I can’t understand why you’re trying to protect me when you can live by running away alone.”

Even while we whispered to each other, the enemy didn’t show himself. Or I thought he didn’t until a certain man appeared in front of us.

“Milady! Stay back!” shouted Daisy and held up her dagger.

The man in the black robe just smiled in a relaxed state even when Daisy was glaring at him. He had dark red hair and brown eyes. His face was ordinary, but the red scorpion tattoo on his face was striking.

“Oops, my mistake. You seemed to think I was going to attack, but unfortunately, I have no intention of harming you ladies right now. I am a gentleman.”

He spoke kindly, but I instinctively knew that this man was dangerous. Very dangerous. While I was watching him with such a thought in mind, the man narrowed his eyes and coldly peered at me. It made me shiver.

“Our client is a bit picky and wants to get rid of all the evidence. I guess I have to deal with those bodies that you ladies made a mess of.”

He snapped his fingers, and the bodies disappeared into thin air. Dumbfounded, I made a dumb expression, then returned to my senses. It wasn’t magic, so it must be his men who quickly snatched those bodies up. From this situation, I’m certain this man wasn’t on my side. He must be my enemy.

“Who are you?” I asked.

The man smiled playfully at my question and replied, “Isn’t it up to you to find the answer to that question, cutie?”

I knew he wouldn’t answer my question anyway. I just asked to see what kind of man he was. That man was only a minion.

“Even if I ask you who you work for, I’m sure you’ll tell me that I’ll have to find the answer to that as well, right?”

“Of course, cutie. I heard you’re good with chess.” He answered my question playfully again and looked at me with his brown eyes.

“You’ll have to play a game for your life from now on. Hope you enjoy that game.”

I shivered from the sudden chills, and Daisy covered me and glared at him.

“Oh? That’s quite a strong piece of pawn you got there.”

To put Daisy’s marvelous skills as some strong pawn… How strong is he then? While I was wondering about his strength, the man who was grinning as he looked at us glanced to his sides and smiled.

“Well, you don’t seem to know this yet, but there are strong people around you. I’m not sure if they’re on your side, though.”

What does he mean that there are strong people around me? The people on my side would be my cousins and Rey. Was he talking about them? Chelleno is a part of the Central Knights, and I heard Jianne is a skilled swordsman. Rey also won duels against Chelleno, so he must be skilled as well. But they’re certainly on my side, so I’m not sure why he said he wasn’t sure if they’re on my side.

I was thinking of his words, when he added with a smile, “Anyway, my job here today is done. I’m actually worried about that bloodline. I can’t measure if it’s strong or not. I hope he’s not on your side.”

After speaking such words, the man instantly disappeared. I looked around, but the area was dead silent. Daisy closed her eyes, then opened and spoke softly, “He’s gone. Milady, are you alright?”

Hearing her words, I looked at her and answered, “No, actually, I’m shocked about the trash that tried to attack me and the suspicious man, who’s certainly my enemy’s minion. I’m even shocked about you.”

Daisy looked surprised as I pointed her out. I looked at her, then loosened my eyes and laughed, “But that’s okay. You’re my servant, Daisy. You’re with me of your own will. I don’t care who you are.”

She seemed to get rid of her worries at my words. I offered her my hand and added, “Let’s go home, my hands and feet.”

Daisy then wore a bright smile, one she had shown me before, and replied, “Yes, milady!”

***

When I returned, everyone was shocked at me, who looked messy. I didn’t tell the truth to my uncle, who questioned me on what had happened. I couldn’t tell him the truth as I had to reveal about Daisy too if I explained. I just had to wake up from my recklessness and bring guards with me from now on. Although Uncle was dealt with, the problem was Lumi.