Chapter 72: ~Again.~ (2/2)

“I am not sure if there is a proper method to apologize for looking at other women.” He scratches his cheek and gives off an impression of being deep in thought.

I give up. “Haah... I understand. An old man like you can't lower himself to flatter an old woman like me. I guess we will simply forget about the matter and continue with our work. Such a pity, there may be no time to cook chocolate.”

Then he smiles at me like a gentleman. “Sugar cat, I love you. There is nobody else for me. I would pick the stars from the sky if you wish it.”

A shudder runs down my spine at his sudden change and I smirk. “So you can act like that if you want to.”

“You are the one who gives me sweet dreams.” He focuses on my eyes and comes closer.

“I see...” So he just doesn't want to have nightmares.

“You are the provider of the thing which I need the most.” His hands wander farther up my arm.

“So that's the reason...” He would do everything for chocolate! But I can't find a hint of lying in his face.

“You are the perfect match for me, as you do the bothersome work for me.” Now his face comes too close!

“Stop it. I can't take it any more! You won!” I shy away. There is only so much I can take. He immediately returns to his usual self and I ask, “Such frightening skills. Were you an actor at some point? Why didn't you display those skills earlier?”

“Those skills are reserved for dire situations.” He lifts his glass and takes a sip.

Then we are interrupted by a group of people with a dazzling white haired beauty in their midst. Both of us stand up to greet the Immortal Empress. “It's pleasure to meet you again, even if our first meeting wasn't that happy. I am the Jarl, Celestial Asceron. And this is my husband, Ascathon Asceron.”

The Immortal Empress smiles and nods. “You may call me Jazira. This is my aid, Tjena.” She gestures at a familiar face. I knew that person for a short while as my babysitter. Tjena bows fast and steps behind Jazira after taking a look at Ascathon. He just smiled at her and she immediately paled.

“And this is my old friend, Sagittarius. The headmaster of the Academy. I convinced him to join hands with me.” The old man beside her nods.

“It's a pleasure to meet you for real this time?” She looks at Ascathon with curiosity.

“Yeah, the real thing is quite a disappointment, isn't it?” Ascathon chuckles.

Jazira shrugs her shoulders. “I don't know what I expected. May I take a seat?”

I gesture for them to continue and sit down again. The rest of Jazira's staff leaves, or backs off to give us privacy. “Please do. What's spoken on this table shall remain between us. There is a warding spell against sound on every table. Nobody who is farther away than a metre can overhear us.”

“So? How did your little distraction for Mislow look like?” Ascathon smiles and asks Jazira about her part in our secret plan.

She shrugs. “I marched my army to their borders and crushed one of their outposts. That was enough to trigger a massive reaction from them. They intercepted me with a huge army and we had a stand off for a few days. Then I retreated. At least I know now that they can mobilize very fast within their own land.”

“Mislow and Jamaian were always in conflict with each other. Even if they didn't have an open war, there were still small scale conflicts and both countries kept their military in top condition.” Sagittarius explains the situation.

“~Yes, Yes.~ That's all very nice, but before we continue. Do you have the certain item, which I requested.” She looks at Ascathon with shining eyes.

He nods and pulls something out of his pocket. It's a device with a screen and I watch curiously as Jazira grabs it.

“Finally! Oh I missed technological realms so much! There is nothing more wonderful than having a camera to take pictures of important moments!” She raises the device and takes a photo of Tjena and Sagittarius. Their faces went expressionless as soon as Jazira received the device.

“We moved an entire army …” “... for that device...” “... to make pictures?”

“~Of course! Look! It's a version with a screen, so you can immediately take a look at the photo!~” Jazira turns the camera and shows the picture of their dumb faces to both of them.

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