Chapter 80: The Price of a Promise

“We will act tonight. The longer we delay, the greater the risk.”

“Remember, you must carry out the deed in the Lord’s bed. We cannot have people believing the Lord of Moon Isle died en route, poisoned by the Governor’s cuisine.”

“I am a meticulous person, and I despise having my reputation tarnished. My subordinate’s slip-up last time already aroused his suspicion, so this time, it is most fitting for you to strike.”

“Once Rodd is dead, do not forget to immediately sprinkle this potion over his corpse. Only then can we truly deceive everyone.”

“As long as you successfully complete this mission, the child you yearn for will be safely delivered into your hands.”

“Though I heard it from an old client, this child is your adopted daughter, isn’t she? Oh my, you care so much even though she’s not your own. If she were, you’d probably go mad, hahahaha…”

“Enough, enough. Stop clinging to that child. Until the mission is complete, I will ensure her safety.”

“However… given her current state, I cannot guarantee how long she will last, you know.”

As I stepped out of the ship’s cabin, my back was drenched in sweat, completely clammy.

My steps felt incredibly light, and my vision swayed erratically.

‘Kill Rodd…’

I found myself muttering the words unconsciously.

Quiet, quiet!

Governor Sherlock made a shushing gesture at me.

“Don’t forget, this Rodd is a formidable figure capable of destroying a Lord’s fleet. Be careful he doesn’t hear you, or your life… and your daughter’s life, will be forfeit!”

A wave of powerlessness washed over me, and my eyes slowly closed.

I took a deep breath, swallowing the grief that threatened to rise in my throat.

‘So, if I succeed, will she and I be safe?’

As soon as I uttered the question, I regretted it.

‘What was I thinking, asking such a foolish question?’

“Are you seeking my… promise?” Governor Sherlock’s voice held a hint of amusement. “Very well, I promise you.”

This answer did little to ease my mind.

I knew the typical nature of merchants; they could always renege on a deal before the outcome was final.

They could simply deny it.

Governor Sherlock held a high position, but could his words be trusted?

Ultimately, his ‘promise’ was, at best, a mere comfort to me.

Yet, I had no other choice.

For my sake, and for the child’s, I had to take this step.

Kill Rodd, and secure our safety.

My memories of returning to the dining room afterwards were hazy.

It seemed Governor Sherlock had presented Rodd with a fairer business agreement, which Rodd reviewed. He said he would take it back to consider carefully, offering no immediate reply.

As we were about to leave, Miss Cassina said she wanted to speak with me privately.

Already feeling somewhat detached, I walked with faltering steps towards her. I heard her speak in an extremely soft, yet utterly confident tone:

“Lilian, I always welcome your groveling, hehehe~”

It was already night when we returned.

The world outside the carriage was pitch black, and inside, it was eerily quiet.

Rodd seemed exhausted, reeking strongly of alcohol. He rested, leaning against the seat with his arms crossed, emitting heavy breaths.

I was also very tired, but my eyes refused to close. Despite being bloodshot, I couldn’t help but stare at the man before me, my mind consumed with how I would kill him once we returned.

‘Kill him, and Lulona and I will be free, safe…’

‘How should I do it?’

‘Poison? No, potent poisons are too rare in this medieval age. Even if it worked, that damned Allen might rescue him.’

‘Strangle him? No, my strength is too meager. Against that burly body, it would be like a flirtation. If Rodd exerted even a little force, he could easily pin me down and ruthlessly retaliate.’

‘Indeed, a sharp weapon is the simplest and most direct method.’

‘What kind of weapon would be best?’

At that moment, Sharon’s words resurfaced in my mind:

“Indeed, you have no talent for weapons, but compared to others, you possess a cute and innocent face. This face will make no one see you as a threat; they will all let their guard down. All you need to do is take advantage of their complacency and plunge this little trinket into their bodies. It requires neither much skill nor strength, only a ruthless heart!”

‘A dagger…?’

I recalled the item on my bedside table, a gift from that spirited sister.

‘Only a ruthless heart is needed…’

My gaze focused on Rodd’s chest, and my slender, rosy hand formed a virtual grip in the air, slowly moving forward, mimicking a stabbing motion.

Rodd remained asleep, his eyes closed.

“Hmph.”

I slowly exhaled, scoffing at myself.

‘Cowardly…’

‘At this point, I’m still afraid?’

‘If I had that dagger in my hand right now, would Rodd already be dead?’

‘He should be dead. He isn’t a s*ave like Mankha; no matter how strong he is, he is still human, without such terrifying regenerative abilities.’

‘Heh.’

‘Ultimately, what am I afraid of?’

‘I have such a cute face; it might even remind him of his past love.’

‘Even if he dislikes me a bit now, he would never imagine I want to kill him, would he?’

‘Poor Rodd, you would never guess that the greatest danger, in fact…’

“Why are you staring at me?”

‘Eh?’

Rodd slowly opened his eyes, looking at me. His brown pupils shone like morning stars in the dark night.

“Ever since we got into the carriage, your eyes have been fixed on me, not leaving me for a single moment.”

The words had barely left his lips before I immediately shifted my gaze.

“I’m sorry, I… I thought you were asleep.”

‘Damn it!’

‘He noticed?’

‘Was he pretending to sleep?’

‘Are you a wolf?’

‘So cunning!’

‘He couldn’t have discovered anything, could he?’

“You still haven’t answered my question,” Rodd repeated, his voice calm and gentle. “Why are you staring at me?”

I couldn’t possibly answer that question.

‘Am I supposed to tell him I’m thinking about how to kill you?’

I lowered my head slightly, hiding my expression beneath my now somewhat thick bangs, remaining silent.

‘Please, let this question go…’

I silently pleaded with the man in my heart.

The carriage fell into a period of silence, so quiet that only our breaths could be heard.

After a long while, just as I thought the matter had passed, a warm hand suddenly brushed aside my bangs and gently cupped my cheek.

His hand was hot and rough.

“I think I can guess one reason.”

Rodd’s voice was deep, carrying a magnetic resonance.

The moment his voice reached me, my body shivered as if struck by lightning, and my nose involuntarily let out a soft, feminine gasp—a sound I couldn’t control, despite my reluctance.

“Are you afraid of me?” Rodd asked.

I nodded involuntarily, then quickly shook my head, but still felt it was wrong. So, I simply kept my head down, lips pressed tightly together, trying my best to appear pitiful.

Though I hadn’t deliberately practiced, I believed the pitiful expression now on my face would surely evoke a man’s compassion.

‘A few tears, just a few more…’

I secretly urged myself, even pinching the soft flesh at my waist, trying to make my eyes well up.

“Enough.”

Suddenly, my arms were firmly pressed above my head by a powerful force.

Rodd’s body moved closer, his strong physique almost completely covering mine.

“Eh?”

I gasped in alarm, realizing this posture was like a male wolf pinning down a female attempting to flee, imbued with an undeniable possessiveness.

‘What is he going to do?’

I didn’t understand, but at this moment, my heart pounded like a drum.

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