Voyage Of The Villainess

Instead of replying to anything related to Malaya's remarks, Oliver replied something different. "You cut your hair." His gaze was fixated at Malaya's back. Although she was wearing a mask and the native's dress, with her demeanor and words, he would still recognize her nonetheless.

"..."

Malaya didn't respond anything back since she doesn't feel any need to respond with that remarks. Oliver also did the same. He didn't speak anything more until she was completely out of the house.

Without looking back, Malaya focused her attention on the road, observing every bit of her surroundings. Only that guard and Oliver recognized her so that was still not a problem for her. Although she couldn't read Oliver's thoughts or what he is planning to do, he is not the threat right for her.

Malaya paused for most of the time and bowed her head when there were villagers that greeted her. Then she proceeds to walk towards her destination. 'From what that guard has said before, the others are still probably looking for me. This is really the perfect time for everything.'

Malaya finally halted her footsteps when she reached her destination. She glanced up to the quiet house of Elder Hashna. 'I'm finally here.' A sinister smile escaped her lips. 'If you are going to frame me, I will gladly oblige with that.'

---⚓⚓⚓---

Meanwhile, inside the house of Elder Hashna, Kiana, together with the three healer elders were cleaning around the house. 

"For this to happen to Elder Hashna, really such an unfortunate event for her." The first elder spoke as she finished arranging the bed sheets where Elder Hashna was lying.

"I hope Elder Hashna already wakes up." The second elder said as she took a seat on a wooden stool beside the bed. She looked with great worry to the elder who was still unconscious. 

"Despite having a sharp tongue, Elder Hashna never hurt any people." The third elder this time spoke.

"You are right." The first elder sighed. "She has a tough appearance, yet on the heart she is kind and gentle. She did not deserve this thing to happen to her. May God Bradimyll punish the ones who did this to poor Elder Hashna."

Kiana who just entered the room from the kitchen heard the last words of the first elder. Her smile faltered for a bit but she regained it once again. She called the three elders with a gentle smile on her lips.

"Elders, I have prepared herbal teas for all of you."

The three elders looked at Kiana with a smile as well.

"Kiana, why are you not wearing your mask? The harvest season is still a week's time before anyone will be allowed to take it off." The first elder said with worry. "What if bad luck struck you?"

"It will be alright, elders." Kiana handed the first cup on her tray to the third elder, next to the first elder and the third elder. "You are not wearing your masks either."

"Look at this mischievous child." The three elders gave a light chuckle to the first elder's remarks. Then she continued on with her words. "Don't mind us, child, with our little time to live, we are already very old enough to worry about our luck. Child, you still have a lot of things to experience so you must not neglect these traditions." 

"I understand elders, I will wear it once I get outside." Kiana smiled as she looked at the elders. "Please drink now, it will be delicious while it is still warm. I just want to serve my elders to the best of my capabilities while you continuously look after Elder Hashna."

"We are glad to hear, Kiana." The second elder responded this time. And took a sip in the tea Kiana prepared for her. When the elder drank the tea, something flashed to her eyes.

"By the way Kiana, how is the head chief's daughter?" The third elder asked then she too drank the tea. The first elder also sipped her tea as well. 

"She is doing fine now," Kiana answered politely.

"Ah, that poor child. I hope she can move on now from her mother's betrayal. But I'm thankful that she sent you to us to help. If you return to her, please give our appreciation." The first elder said.

"I will tell her your kind words elders," Kiana said as she continued to observe the elders drinking their teas.

"Ah now that I remember. That smelly guard earlier," the first elder shook her head.

"Some kid must have played tricks on him." The second elder chimed in. "Kid this day is becoming more mischievous." 

"You say it." Both the third and first elder said in unison.

"But luckily, there are some kids such as Kiana who are still good and serve as a model to the other kids." The first elder said.

"You flattered me, elder." Kiana humbly replied. "I just do what I think is the right thing to do."

"And as humble as always..." The third elder didn't finish her sentence when she suddenly...

*Clank!* All of a sudden, one by one the elders dropped their cups. The first elder dropped on the ground, the second elder's head dropped on the table, and the third one on the ground as well. 

Kiana picked the teacups one by one as a malicious smile escaped her lips. She placed the cups on the tray and placed the tray towards the table where the second elder was lying. "Please rest well, for now, elders." She checked first if they were now completely unconscious. Afterward, she started walking towards the bed where Elder Hashna was lying.

"Just what the elders said, you have lived long enough Elder Hashna." From her sleeves, Kiana picked a small black needle and a small bottle with violet liquid on it. She dipped the needle on it. She stood up beside the bed of Elder Hashna. "Die with the honor of serving Milady." 

Kiana picked up Elder Hashna's right wrist and carefully moved her left hand with the needle towards it.

"Your sacrifice will not be forgotten by us, Elder Hashna."