Chapter 198: Say No (2/2)

Sadly, his arrow didn't go by far before deviating. The rest were busy so they didn't see his failure, making Arthur sigh in relief.

”Pft,” A laugh came from behind him and Arthur turned to find Emma standing there, watching him.

”Well,” Arthur scratched his cheek. ”I've never done this before.”

”Really? I couldn't tell.” She answered sarcastically and Arthur snorted.

”Why don't you try too?”

”I've never done archery.”

”And you still laugh at me.”

”I wouldn't fail that miserably.”

”I believe you, one hundred percent.”

”Give me the bow.” Emma rolled her sleeve in annoyance as she grabbed the bow from him. She nocked the arrow as she aimed at a target. As she straightened her back, she pulled on the string until the bow became a full circle.

”Wait, is that a bug on your shoulder?” Arthur said aloud and Emma flinched, releasing the arrow in her fright. The arrow landed next to Arthur's as Emma turned to her shoulder, which was spotlessly clean.

”You sore loser,” Emma said in anger and Arthur laughed. He took the bow from her and nocked an arrow.

As his finger touched the arrow, it glowed slightly before being released. Arthur used his telekinesis rune to adjust the arrow's direction. The arrow, despite not hitting the bullseye, managed to make it to the target.

”Heh.” Arthur grinned smugly as Emma watched him, speechless.

”Hah,” She sighed suddenly. Looking at the target, she muttered. ”You remind me of my friend.” Her mood turned gloomy suddenly.

Arthur didn't know what to say. As he stood there looking at Emma, who was immersed in her thoughts, he asked.

”How was he like?”

Emma turned to face him as Oliver's and Reinhold's bickering grew louder. With sad eyes, she told him.

”He was a good person and a great friend,” Emma said before continuing. ”I couldn't imagine that he'd be gone so suddenly. I was so proud of him when he stood there on top of a generation of runes' apprentices.”

”I'm sure he would have loved it if you moved on,” Arthur said with guilt in his heart. ”No one wants their friends to be sad.”

”Maybe,” Emma said curtly. ”But I don't believe that he died.”

Arthur was speechless again. He was tempted to tell her but was hesitant as well. He wouldn't only endanger himself through this, but also his family.

Emma might be trusted, but what would happen in a moment of danger? Wouldn't she rush forward to rescue him, despite the odds, if she knew who he was? What about the King's mind-reading ability? The moment she meets the king, he would know of his disguise.

Then again, what was he doing here with her? Was he motivated by guilt to make up to her? Arthur hated his weakness. He hated that he needed to hide, to begin with, and hated that he was unable to make the decision that he needed to make.

Everything would be better if he simply walked away from here. He can start acting cold toward her and distant himself from her. This way, he would guarantee her safety as well as his secret. That was the logical thing to do.

”Want to grab some food?” Emma asked. ”You must be hungry.” It was the same as the first time they met.

'Say no, it's simple.'

”I,” Arthur opened his mouth.

'She might be hurt now, but it's for the best.'

”Would love to.”

He couldn't bring himself to do it. Emma gave him a thin smile just like the first time they met before starting to walk toward the restaurant at the edge of the archery field they rented.

”You're different from other nobles, Alexie Linan,” Emma said as Arthur looked at her back. ”You're a lot less arrogant.”

”Well, I'm a bastard.” Arthur heard himself say as if it wasn't him. ”Arrogant bastards get beaten more than normal bastards.” He began walking behind her as she laughed.

”It must be tough to become a noble.” She said as Arthur smiled. It truly was. ”You'll get used to it.”

”Heavens, I hope not,” Arthur said dramatically and she laughed again. As he looked at her, Arthur thought to himself as his stomach turned in regret.

'I'm a fool.'