78 Finally Mee (2/2)

”I, Captain Bai of the Guando province come on behalf of the city to surrender. Governor Tao has taken his life to ensure peace in the city. Regarding his actions, I ask if you conceal your anger and accept our surrender.”

Composedly, Rin elevates her head. She focused her eyes in An Sun's direction, with a calm and steady gaze without a trace of fear or weakness - her eyes were impassive and resolute.

”Inside this chest is Governor Tao's head. You may look inside if you wish to confirm.” Rin lowered her head respectably once more and raised the chest toward An Sun in a kneeling position, all thoughts of the numbness in her feet disappearing.

From the beginning, An Sun remained silent, however, the slightest twitch in his eyebrows could be seen and his deep eyes darkened even further.

[This female-looking guy...was who he'd been fighting with all along?]

From their previous word of surrender, he was able to distinguish the small figure of someone staring down at him from above. He could already guess it was Captain Bai, however, he hadn't realized how weak the boy looked until he stood a few feet in front of him.

Not minding his silence, Rin continues to speak with her head lowered. ”We hand you all the cities riches to you willingly. If there is more you wish for we're willing to give it but…please spare the lives of the citizens inside the walls.”

Swish--!

Following her words, the sound of a blade could be heard unsheathing and swiftly approaching Rin's face.

Feeling something drip down her cheek, Rin calmly looks up to greet the eyes of Commander An Sun – behind his mask Rin discovered his gray eyes looking at her with contempt.

Just now the tip of his sword scraped her cheek, causing a red liquid to flow down gently as if it were a tear. Although the cut wasn't deep, it was still enough to slice until there was blood.

”You dare beg for your life and seek forgiveness now?” A sinister yet calm smile gradually surfaced to show upon An Sun's face. ”Why should I heed your requests and allow insignificant people to live when I can merely kill you all and take what I want?”

Unaffected by his harsh tone, Rin lifts her eyes to stare up to look directly into the man's eyes. ”In that case, why don't we discuss your tributes, Commander An Sun.”

”Are you asking to negotiate with me or to stall time to issue another attack?” An Sun's voice deepened.

”I dare not issue another attack. You are the victor while I have lost, that I acknowledge. You can kill me as you please, however, the citizen's lives…I will ensure their safety.” Rin stood from the frozen ground. ”All I ask is a bit of Commander An Sun's time to settle this civilly.”

The soldiers listening to Rin's words couldn't help but laugh mockingly.

”Haha, settle this civilly? What's with this guy?”

”What grants you the right to ask our Lord to negotiate?”

”He really must be courting death.”

An Sun, with crossed arms, looks down at Rin. His gray eyes shone with a chilling, murderous aura.

”And if I don't agree to settle it peacefully? Why not just kill you now?” His voice had become ten times chillier than before.

Leisurely, a faint angelic smile spreads upon Rin's pale lips.

”In that case, if you kill me and don't spare the lives of the citizens, you'll leave us no choice but to settle things violently.”

As if amused by her words, a blood-thirsty smile spreads across his lips, however, his eyes deepened even further.

An Sun gave a cold laugh. ”You still possess the strength? Let me tell you; I don't like being threatened. Especially by a female-looking guy like you.”

Casually, An Sun leaps off from his horse, his boots slamming down onto the deep snow creating a thudding sound.

”But since you asked so politely.” Calmly, An Sun walked toward Rin, the powerful aura around him intensifying. ”I'm willing to listen to your negotiation.”

Rin lowers her head, her silk lashes fluttering. ”I thank Commander An Sun for granting us a chance at a settlement.”

Staring down at the boy who was now only a foot away from him, An Sun chuckles darkly.

”I wouldn't be too excited.” The man calmly plays with his glistening sword.

”After all, if I don't like what you give me…I won't hesitate to kill you.” An Sun said with a light, playful smile, pointing his sword toward her narrow shoulders.

Rin remains calm despite the weapon pointed on her. Her head still lowered, Rin's mellow voice speaks.

”Then I can only hope my tributes will please you. My fate, for now, will be in your hands, Commander An Sun.