Chapter 8 - Are You Willing to Comply?

-In the Moonlit Tearoom Cafe-

The Moonlit Tearoom Cafe was bustling with patrons, laughter, and the clinking of cups, but all I could feel was the weight of my mission pressing down on me. 

Myla, my ever-curious companion, broke the silence. “I still don't get why we're here, Princess.”

“You'll know soon. Just follow me,” I replied, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me.

As we sat down on a table, Myla raised her hand to get the waitress's attention. “Excuse me, Miss.”

“Apologies for the delay. Please place your order,” the waitress said, her tone professional yet distant.

“Sit down,” I ordered, pointing to the chair opposite us, my voice sharper than I intended.

“Hmm? Pardon?” the waitress stammered, looking perplexed.

"I ordered you to sit down," I repeated, my tone firm.

“Wh-why?” she questioned hesitantly, her eyes darting between Myla and me.

“Just shut up and do as My Lady says already!” Myla exclaimed, her frustration boiling over.

What do they want from me? The waitress thought, feeling a mix of annoyance and urgency. “Fine.”

I removed the hood of my cloak, revealing my identity. The waitress's eyes widened in shock. “Yo-Your Ha-Highness!” she shouted, jumping up from her seat.

“Shhhh!” I placed my index finger on my lips, urging her to lower her voice. 

“What is Your Highness doing here?” she whispered, her voice trembling as she sank back into her chair.

“Leena,” I said, my tone firm, “I'd like for you to resolve my query.”

Suddenly, Leena began to sob, her composure crumbling. “Your Highness, it's all my fault...I couldn't even protect Her Late Majesty,...” Her tears flowed freely, and I felt a pang of empathy.

“Leena, I implore you, this is not the moment for tears. We must remain composed and focused on the task at hand,” I exclaimed, my voice steadying as I tried to regain control of the situation.

Leena's sobs only intensified. “I was her Lady in Waiting! I was supposed to protect her!” The weight of her guilt hung heavily in the air.

Leena Lobis, was actually My Mother's Lady in Waiting. My mother's most trusted confidant and attendant. Always by her side, Leena attended to her every whim, ensuring her utmost comfort. Her unwavering loyalty and devotion were truly exceptional, making her an indispensable part of our household. It's no wonder she feels guilty and blames herself for failing to protect my mother, as she was deeply invested in her well-being.

If I recall, it was customary in Domino for the children of noble families to be sent to the temple to learn about God and his teachings, in order to become respected members of society. Thus, Leena was forced to lead a life of servitude and devotion in the temple during the tumultuous conflict between my mother and the concubine.

Essentially, it was a strategic move on the part of the Lobis Household to distance themselves from the clashes within the Dominion Royal Family, to maintain their image and avoid any potential political entanglements. This was their primary means of survival, especially considering the corruption that had taken root within the Lobis Family's head.

“Leena, I must regrettably cut our conversation short,” I said, my voice softening. “However, I assure you that I will make time to speak with you again soon. At present, there is a matter of greater urgency that I must attend to. I need information about a particular man who appeared to be a Holy Knight. He had striking golden eyes and vivid yellow-gold hair. His muscular build was notable, and even the pope seemed intimidated by his presence-”

“Lord Heron!” Leena interrupted, her voice rising in alarm. “That rascal!” 

“What about him?” I asked, intrigued.

"Your Highness, please do NOT associate with him at any cost. He's known for his deceitful ways and manipulative tactics, and he's led all ranking people to their path of destruction. He cannot be trusted under any circumstances. His charm and charisma may be enticing, but do not be fooled by his facade. His ultimate ambition is always self-serving, and he will stop at nothing to achieve it, even if it means sacrificing others in the process. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to his manipulation. 

From what I remember, he was always impulsive during his training. Not a single one of his opponents came out unharmed or unscratched. He always wanted to be at the top of the ladder, be it in studies or society. Always doing whatever he can to climb up the ladder. And now that he's got a little wealth, he's bribing all those who he deems worthless or even a threat to his position. He's willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his status." said Leena.

So the Royal Family's got no clue about the Temple's hidden orchestrator and the fact that Leena called him a Rascal. She definitely is hiding something. Rather...this is getting pretty fun. I thought, smirking.

“Thank you, Leena. I will come visit another time. Until then, please take care of yourself,” I said, rising from my seat.

"Ah, Your Highness, one more thing. If you ever encounter him, and he says something bad to you, then just say "Vareena". The name Vareena will make him stop immediately."

"I'd like to stop by, and ask what's the reasoning behind her name, but unfortunately, it'll have to wait."

"I understand. But Your Highness, if you're perhaps planning to bring down the Temple, you have my full support. Additionally, I'll give you updates on the Temple's affair, if possible." 

"Once again, Thank you. I'll really appreciate that." I replied.

-In the Carriage-

As we settled into the carriage, Myla broke the silence. “Woah, to think a Temple Maid was working in a cafe!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.

Ah, the Princess doesn't seem to be in a good mood anymore.......but I'm....Myla thought.

I could sense Myla's curiosity bubbling beneath the surface. “Is there something you're curious about, Myla?” I asked, glancing at her.

“Huh? How’d you know?” she stammered, her cheeks flushing.

“Your facial expression tells it all,” I said, a hint of amusement creeping into my tone.

"Huh? Oh God! I need to get a hold of myself!” she muttered, slapping her cheeks in a futile attempt to compose herself.

“Please cease inflicting harm upon yourself,” I replied, my voice flat as I turned my gaze out the window, the scenery blurring past.

“Your Highness, I wanted to know about the Lobis household. From what I know, the head didn’t go corrupt; rather, he was framed for crimes he didn’t commit. I believe there’s more to the story than what meets the eye, and it may be worth investigating further,” Myla suggested, her brow furrowing in thought.

“...” I remained silent, contemplating her words.

“Your Highness, I suggest looking into the Lobis household situation further to uncover the truth behind the framing of the head. It could reveal a deeper conspiracy that needs addressing. I suspect that waitress; her expression when you ordered her to sit down was so...unforeseen,” Myla added, her eyes glinting with intrigue.

“I can agree with your last statement,” I affirmed, my mind racing with possibilities as I continued to gaze out the window.

“Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the destination,” the coachman announced, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Myla, I want you to remain in the carriage,” I requested, my tone firm.

“Alright, Princess,” she replied, her voice tinged with concern. I could sense her worry for me, but I needed to face this next challenge alone.

-At the Bar-

As I stepped into the bar, the atmosphere struck me like a wave. Wow. Look at them. Drinking as if they have been stranded in the desert for days. It's only happy hour, but they're already knocking back shots like there's no tomorrow. It's almost like they're trying to escape from something, drowning their sorrows in alcohol. I thought, glancing around.

I scanned the room, and my gaze landed on a man. Oh! Seems like that man's not drinking. I guess he's the only one sane here right now. I thought, striding towards him.

“Hello,” I voiced, raising my voice above the cacophony of drunken laughter and raucous conversations.

“Greetings. And what might a prestigious lady like yourself be doing in such a shabby place?” he replied, his voice hoarse, his head bowed low.

“I have a job offer for you,” I declared, my voice steady and commanding. “I’d like to hire you as my henchman. Are you willing to comply?”

“Why would an esteemed lady choose a filthy man like myself?” he questioned, skepticism lacing his tone.

“You will be paid the sum of your wish,” I replied, my eyes narrowing as I gauged his reaction.

“Sum of my wish? I have no wish,” he said, a hint of defiance in his voice.

"Then, get one." I ordered.

“How? Will you help me?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

“It depends on your performance,” I said, my tone leaving no room for doubt.

He scoffed, a smirk playing on his lips. “Very well then, I’ll comply with you, My Lady.”

"Then follow me." I added.

-Infront of the Carriage-

“Get in,” I ordered as we approached the carriage.

“Seems like the lady’s got...” he began, but I cut him off.

“Shut up and do as I say,” I interrupted, my voice firm.

Hmm....the lady's got real guts herself. I wonder what new chapter will unfold in my life from here on out! He thought, stepping in the carriage.

To be Continued...