NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39: To England
"Thank you so much, Erica! We of Bronze Black-Cross have been desperately trying to earn the King's forgiveness and recognition ever since the events at Rome's She-Wolf headquarters. Those events caused a lot of strife within our organization. Teacher has faced significant criticism, and some elders are even suggesting she step down from her position as 'Commander.'
"…I also acted improperly back then. Fortunately, in the end, the King chose to forgive us."
Liliana expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her companion as the two walked side by side.
Although Erica had schemed against her during the confrontation at She-Wolf headquarters, Liliana considered her own personal loss insignificant compared to the survival of Bronze Black-Cross and the stabilization of her teacher's position.
Erica and Liliana strolled leisurely along the path toward the villa, where Roy awaited. Since the King hadn't specified a deadline, Erica wasn't in any rush. She took this opportunity to walk Liliana through the etiquette and precautions necessary when meeting the King.
"The King has already declared his forgiveness of Bronze Black-Cross, so there's no need to dwell on it. Besides…"
Erica paused but refrained from finishing her thought. She didn't want to spell out the truth her friend seemed blissfully unaware of—that the King had no intention of targeting Bronze Black-Cross specifically during that confrontation. It had merely served as a convenient example to demonstrate his authority and force the Seven Sisters Alliance into submission. It can only be sheer bad luck for them.
If Liliana couldn't recognize this on her own, Erica saw no need to explain further.
Instead, Erica's gaze brightened with mischief as she teased, "Lili, you should really thank me for risking my life to plead with the King on your behalf. This opportunity to make amends is all thanks to me, you know!"
"Erica, how should I thank you? Whatever you need, just ask," Liliana responded earnestly.
Deep down, though, she couldn't help but feel uneasy. Why had Erica described her plea to the King as 'life-threatening'? Could the King truly be that terrifying and cruel?
In truth, since Copper Black-Cross had pledged its full allegiance to the King, Bronze Black-Cross had briefly considered switching allegiances to another King for survival. Their chosen candidate? The oldest Devil King, Marquis Voban. However, Roy's unyielding dominance over the Italian Seven Sisters Alliance had made betrayal unthinkable. Their only option now was obedience and vassalage.
As Liliana mulled over these developments, Erica's grin turned sly. "Lili, as thanks, how about letting me read one of your romance novels? I've always wanted to see what you've been writing. Don't worry—I'll be your number one fan!"
"You—! How do you know about that?!" Liliana's face flushed crimson as she nearly leapt into the air. Her flawless, porcelain-like skin turned a deep shade of pink.
"I might've overheard your maid, Karen Jankulovsky, mention it in passing. Judging by your reaction, I guess it's true!" Erica replied, feigning innocence.
Realizing she'd fallen into Erica's trap, Liliana flushed even redder. With narrowed eyes, she snapped, "You lied to me, Erica! It wasn't you who pleaded with the King to give Bronze Black-Cross this chance, was it? The King himself requested me!"
"My, my, I knew I couldn't fool you for long! You may act naïve, but you're actually quite sharp Lili, " Erica admitted with an exaggerated sigh, though her smile remained playful. In fact, she knew her companion was very smart, its just that in the current situation she wasn't able to think straight.
"You're awful, Erica! No wonder people call you a 'Diavolo Rosso'—a devil of a woman!"
The two fourteen-year-old girls bantered and laughed as they approached the grand villa where Roy awaited.
…
Inside the villa's luxurious interior, Liliana knelt on one knee before Roy.
"Bronze Black-Cross's Liliana Kranjčar pays her respects to our Seven Sisters' overlord, King Roy!"
She performed a flawless knight's salute, her knightly uniform pristine. A dark blue and black cape draped over her shoulders, and the short hem of her skirt revealed a tantalizing glimpse of her thighs, framed by white stockings.
Her voice was not as sultry and aristocratic as Erica's; instead, it carried the resolute and honest tone of a knight, evoking images of bravery, honor and nobility.
"Liliana Kranjčar, you left a lasting impression on me. At She-Wolf, you were the only one who dared draw your sword against me," Roy said evenly, his tone calm and unbothered, as if he were merely commenting on the weather.
Yet those simple words sent chills down Liliana's spine. She swayed slightly, sweat forming on her brow. Fear gripped her heart, amplified tenfold by Roy's oppressive aura and the passive influence of his Face of God. If not for her exceptional mental fortitude, she might've fainted from terror.
"My actions offended the King's dignity. I am ready to accept any punishment you see fit," Liliana declared firmly, her voice unwavering despite her trembling body.
Erica, standing quietly to the side, chose not to intervene.
"Are you willing to bear any punishment?" Roy asked with a wry smile, standing and crossing the room to approach the kneeling girl.
Her wide blue eyes followed him as he crouched down before her, his proximity unnervingly close.
Roy's gaze roamed across her youthful, delicate features, taking in every minute detail of her flawless skin. A faint, pleasant fragrance unique to Liliana filled the air, softening the tension with an unexpected sweetness.
"Yes, my King. Whatever you deem necessary, I shall endure it. My only wish is that you grant our Bronze Black-Cross your trust and recognition," she replied earnestly even though she wasn't used to Roy being so close to her.
"Then… raise your head," Roy commanded.
Liliana obeyed, tilting her head upward—only for Roy to lean in and blow gently against her slender neck.
"Ah!" she gasped, her body jolting as the unexpected warmth tickled her sensitive skin. A shiver ran through her, leaving her momentarily weak as she propped herself up with her hands to avoid collapsing.
"Ha! Erica told me your neck is particularly sensitive. It seems she wasn't lying," Roy chuckled, thoroughly entertained by her reaction.
Embarrassed, Liliana cast a fleeting glare at Erica, who stood by with an innocent expression, feigning ignorance.
"That's enough teasing," Roy said, his laughter subsiding. "I've already forgiven your offense. Let bygones be bygones. Now, I have a task for you, Liliana Kranjčar."
"…Name it, my King!"
"You'll accompany Erica and me to England. Once we've gathered all the necessary components, you will use your magical lineage as a witch to conduct a ritual for me."
"As you command!"
Without knowing the specifics of Roy's intentions, Liliana accepted the task without hesitation.
…
A plane departed from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, bound for England.