Chapter 150
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Caesar stood alone in the dark meeting room, a single candle just barely illuminating the right side of his face. He suddenly breathed out a deep sigh and pinched the flickering flame, descending the room into complete darkness.
Caesar then stripped his casual clothes and adorned an outfit fit for fighting. He wore a tight black shirt that his abdominal muscles almost popped out of, blue trousers, black military boots, brown belt, and black gloves.
His current attire, coupled with his chiseled facial features, piercing red eyes, extremely tall stature, and fit body, caused him to look quite dangerous, but elegant at the same time. He didn't hesitate to place a few small daggers in his belt, for further preparation.
Caesar then walked out of the meeting room, his boots creating a loud echo with every step. He headed towards where the small family of three were, he didn't intend to show himself, but he was quite intrigued as to how Ahri was going to handle things.
With this in mind, his pace quickened and he soon arrived in the hallway where their room resided. He could see Ahri, and a few other beautiful looking maids waiting outside of a door. The maids held cups of tea, snacks, scent packs, and other small things in their hands.
Ahri then raised her graceful hand and gently knocked on the door, to which, it was opened just a few seconds after. A middle-aged woman with weathered facial features popped her head out, she looked at Ahri and the maids warily before asking, "d-do you need something?"
Ahri simply smiled and bowed, "pardon my intrusion, however, my husband had told me of your arrival and how he treated you on the journey, please take these gifts as an apology," Ahri said whilst the maids handed the woman an assortment of goods.
"Ah, he treated us fine…" the woman said hesitantly as she eyeballed the snacks on the platters. It was clear that she wanted to take them, but her pride would just not let her.
"I insist," Ahri said adamantly and practically shoved the snacks into the woman's hands, she then bowed once more and walked away. However, before she even walked a few steps, the woman called out to her.
"Please come inside… I can't thank you and your husband enough" the woman said thankfully, it was the least she could do for such a magnanimous person. Alas, confliction and regret were reflected into Ahri's eyes as the woman called her back.
"Very well" Ahri reluctantly agreed and walked into the room, without her maids. Seeing this, Caesar approached the maids still waiting by the door with a smile, "you may leave, I'll keep watch" Caesar said quietly.
The maids, who were focused on the door, wanted to harshly rebuke the person talking, however, when they turned their heads and laid their eyes upon the speaker, they could only shake in fear and unwillingly walk away.
Once the maids left the hallway, Caesar did something very unbecoming of himself and placed his ear on the door. Using his heightened senses, he could vaguely hear the two women from inside.
He could hear the melodious laughter of the two children, presumably happy after seeing the snacks. He could also hear both Ahri and the mother engage in small talk before finally, they exchanged names.
"My name is Ahri, the empress of the fox-kin" Ahri introduced without a hint of arrogance or pride.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ahri, my name is Andrea, and this is Symphony and Seraph" Andrea replied happily, it wasn't every day that she could converse with another woman.
After they introduced themselves, they talked about more sensitive topics for at the very least, a couple of hours. He could vaguely hear the two children's snoring, and both Andrea and Ahri quiet down.
"Ah, we were supposed to leave by noon…" Andrea said, shocked. She had never expected that she would converse with such a young lass about her past and other troublesome matters for this long.
"I s-should probably leave now…" Ahri said strangely before standing up and getting ready to leave. In the end, she wasn't able to do what Caesar asked of her, she felt saddened, however, how could she possibly send such a nice family to their deaths.
But before she could leave, Andrea called out from behind her, "what is on your mind young girl, you've been holding yourself back this entire time… don't underestimate a woman's intuition!" Andrea said with a warm smile.
Ahri, who was just a few steps away from the door, turned around with tears threatening to fall from her eyes, she walked towards Andrea and hugged her tightly. She then briefly explained why she was there, and why she didn't' say anything earlier.
After Ahri finished her explanation, the room descended into silence and Andrea sighed deeply. The agony, bitterness, and relief in that sigh was noticeable even by Caesar, outside of the room.
"I've lived as a slave for over 10 years, my body has been tarnished, and my heart poisoned. The only reason I still carry on, the only reason I still walk, is for my two children… they are the stars and moon in my dark world" Andrea said whilst choking on her tears.
Ahri wanted to respond, however, Andrea's words carried on, "I have failed as a mother, I forced them to live in such a terrible environment for years, but they never once complained. They ate biscuits every night and I'm afraid they have even forgotten the taste of meat"
Once Andrea spoke to here, Ahri interrupted her, "you did what you could, and you deserve to live a happy life… I'll talk to my husband and somehow convince him" Ahri said hesitantly, she wasn't confident of convincing Caesar, however, she could try.
"No, no, I am painfully aware of the fact that I, alone, cannot provide for my family, and thus, I will accept this mission your husband has proposed, on two conditions" Andrea replied with determination in her eyes.
"First, your husband must promise me that he will keep my children safe, and give them a grandiose upbringing… from what you've told me thus far, it would appear that although he seems to be an evil bastard, he keeps his word" Andrea spoke with a hint of jest, to lighten the mood.
She then raised her second finger, "Second, he must, no matter the cost, defeat the trolls… those bastards killed my husband, raped me, and forced my family into poverty. I will never forgive them!" She said angrily.
Ahri was first shocked, then relieved, and finally saddened, "You mean to go alone?" She asked curiously. She figured Caesar's plan would still work, even if Andrea went alone.
"Indeed" Andrea gave a curt response
Ahri nodded her head and placed her hand over her heart, "I, on his behalf, promise, and I will tell him your conditions right this moment… please wait here" Ahri said solemnly and rushed towards the door.
However, Caesar, who had perfectly heard Andrea's words from behind the door, walked inside before Ahri could leave. His expression was serious and his eyes squinted. He had never expected things to evolve to such a state, alas, giving such a mission to the warm-hearted Ahri, was his and Musashi's first mistake.
Thinking to here, similarly to Ahri, Caesar placed his hand over his heart, "I accept your conditions on the pretense you do not fail" He said solemnly, but also ruthlessly. His words meant, that if she were to fail in convincing the trolls, he would promise nothing.
Andrea squinted her eyes and observed Caesar for a few moments before chuckling and agreeing, "it's a wonder how such a warm and sweet girl is paired with you" she said in jest before sitting down on the sofa.
Caesar didn't reply, but instead, looked at the back of his wrist, as if looking at an invisible watch, "if you want me to complete your second condition, you must leave in the next four hours. You can do whatever you want in your free time… I'll be taking my leave" Caesar dismissed himself and walked out of the room.
His plan was to give Ahri the magic accessory, but he figured that could wait for a more appropriate time. Until then, he would keep it safe, inside of his storage ring. He proceeded to head towards the training grounds, as to let the two women talk to each other longer.
If he was being perfectly honest, he dreaded the fact that he was sending such an innocent woman to a place where she was more than likely to end up dead. And the more he remained in her presence, the more he regretted his actions, thus, he left as quickly as possible.
"I'll be surely going to hell, for this one" Caesar whispered to himself as he walked… his tall back looked extra desolate at this moment.
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Caesar stood alone in the dark meeting room, a single candle just barely illuminating the right side of his face. He suddenly breathed out a deep sigh and pinched the flickering flame, descending the room into complete darkness.
Caesar then stripped his casual clothes and adorned an outfit fit for fighting. He wore a tight black shirt that his abdominal muscles almost popped out of, blue trousers, black military boots, brown belt, and black gloves.
His current attire, coupled with his chiseled facial features, piercing red eyes, extremely tall stature, and fit body, caused him to look quite dangerous, but elegant at the same time. He didn't hesitate to place a few small daggers in his belt, for further preparation.
Caesar then walked out of the meeting room, his boots creating a loud echo with every step. He headed towards where the small family of three were, he didn't intend to show himself, but he was quite intrigued as to how Ahri was going to handle things.
With this in mind, his pace quickened and he soon arrived in the hallway where their room resided. He could see Ahri, and a few other beautiful looking maids waiting outside of a door. The maids held cups of tea, snacks, scent packs, and other small things in their hands.
Ahri then raised her graceful hand and gently knocked on the door, to which, it was opened just a few seconds after. A middle-aged woman with weathered facial features popped her head out, she looked at Ahri and the maids warily before asking, "d-do you need something?"
Ahri simply smiled and bowed, "pardon my intrusion, however, my husband had told me of your arrival and how he treated you on the journey, please take these gifts as an apology," Ahri said whilst the maids handed the woman an assortment of goods.
"Ah, he treated us fine…" the woman said hesitantly as she eyeballed the snacks on the platters. It was clear that she wanted to take them, but her pride would just not let her.
"I insist," Ahri said adamantly and practically shoved the snacks into the woman's hands, she then bowed once more and walked away. However, before she even walked a few steps, the woman called out to her.
"Please come inside… I can't thank you and your husband enough" the woman said thankfully, it was the least she could do for such a magnanimous person. Alas, confliction and regret were reflected into Ahri's eyes as the woman called her back.
"Very well" Ahri reluctantly agreed and walked into the room, without her maids. Seeing this, Caesar approached the maids still waiting by the door with a smile, "you may leave, I'll keep watch" Caesar said quietly.
The maids, who were focused on the door, wanted to harshly rebuke the person talking, however, when they turned their heads and laid their eyes upon the speaker, they could only shake in fear and unwillingly walk away.
Once the maids left the hallway, Caesar did something very unbecoming of himself and placed his ear on the door. Using his heightened senses, he could vaguely hear the two women from inside.
He could hear the melodious laughter of the two children, presumably happy after seeing the snacks. He could also hear both Ahri and the mother engage in small talk before finally, they exchanged names.
"My name is Ahri, the empress of the fox-kin" Ahri introduced without a hint of arrogance or pride.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ahri, my name is Andrea, and this is Symphony and Seraph" Andrea replied happily, it wasn't every day that she could converse with another woman.
After they introduced themselves, they talked about more sensitive topics for at the very least, a couple of hours. He could vaguely hear the two children's snoring, and both Andrea and Ahri quiet down.
"Ah, we were supposed to leave by noon…" Andrea said, shocked. She had never expected that she would converse with such a young lass about her past and other troublesome matters for this long.
"I s-should probably leave now…" Ahri said strangely before standing up and getting ready to leave. In the end, she wasn't able to do what Caesar asked of her, she felt saddened, however, how could she possibly send such a nice family to their deaths.
But before she could leave, Andrea called out from behind her, "what is on your mind young girl, you've been holding yourself back this entire time… don't underestimate a woman's intuition!" Andrea said with a warm smile.
Ahri, who was just a few steps away from the door, turned around with tears threatening to fall from her eyes, she walked towards Andrea and hugged her tightly. She then briefly explained why she was there, and why she didn't' say anything earlier.
After Ahri finished her explanation, the room descended into silence and Andrea sighed deeply. The agony, bitterness, and relief in that sigh was noticeable even by Caesar, outside of the room.
"I've lived as a slave for over 10 years, my body has been tarnished, and my heart poisoned. The only reason I still carry on, the only reason I still walk, is for my two children… they are the stars and moon in my dark world" Andrea said whilst choking on her tears.
Ahri wanted to respond, however, Andrea's words carried on, "I have failed as a mother, I forced them to live in such a terrible environment for years, but they never once complained. They ate biscuits every night and I'm afraid they have even forgotten the taste of meat"
Once Andrea spoke to here, Ahri interrupted her, "you did what you could, and you deserve to live a happy life… I'll talk to my husband and somehow convince him" Ahri said hesitantly, she wasn't confident of convincing Caesar, however, she could try.
"No, no, I am painfully aware of the fact that I, alone, cannot provide for my family, and thus, I will accept this mission your husband has proposed, on two conditions" Andrea replied with determination in her eyes.
"First, your husband must promise me that he will keep my children safe, and give them a grandiose upbringing… from what you've told me thus far, it would appear that although he seems to be an evil bastard, he keeps his word" Andrea spoke with a hint of jest, to lighten the mood.
She then raised her second finger, "Second, he must, no matter the cost, defeat the trolls… those bastards killed my husband, raped me, and forced my family into poverty. I will never forgive them!" She said angrily.
Ahri was first shocked, then relieved, and finally saddened, "You mean to go alone?" She asked curiously. She figured Caesar's plan would still work, even if Andrea went alone.
"Indeed" Andrea gave a curt response
Ahri nodded her head and placed her hand over her heart, "I, on his behalf, promise, and I will tell him your conditions right this moment… please wait here" Ahri said solemnly and rushed towards the door.
However, Caesar, who had perfectly heard Andrea's words from behind the door, walked inside before Ahri could leave. His expression was serious and his eyes squinted. He had never expected things to evolve to such a state, alas, giving such a mission to the warm-hearted Ahri, was his and Musashi's first mistake.
Thinking to here, similarly to Ahri, Caesar placed his hand over his heart, "I accept your conditions on the pretense you do not fail" He said solemnly, but also ruthlessly. His words meant, that if she were to fail in convincing the trolls, he would promise nothing.
Andrea squinted her eyes and observed Caesar for a few moments before chuckling and agreeing, "it's a wonder how such a warm and sweet girl is paired with you" she said in jest before sitting down on the sofa.
Caesar didn't reply, but instead, looked at the back of his wrist, as if looking at an invisible watch, "if you want me to complete your second condition, you must leave in the next four hours. You can do whatever you want in your free time… I'll be taking my leave" Caesar dismissed himself and walked out of the room.
His plan was to give Ahri the magic accessory, but he figured that could wait for a more appropriate time. Until then, he would keep it safe, inside of his storage ring. He proceeded to head towards the training grounds, as to let the two women talk to each other longer.
If he was being perfectly honest, he dreaded the fact that he was sending such an innocent woman to a place where she was more than likely to end up dead. And the more he remained in her presence, the more he regretted his actions, thus, he left as quickly as possible.
"I'll be surely going to hell, for this one" Caesar whispered to himself as he walked… his tall back looked extra desolate at this moment.
Caesar stood alone in the dark meeting room, a single candle just barely illuminating the right side of his face. He suddenly breathed out a deep sigh and pinched the flickering flame, descending the room into complete darkness.Caesar then stripped his casual clothes and adorned an outfit fit for fighting. He wore a tight black shirt that his abdominal muscles almost popped out of, blue trousers, black military boots, brown belt, and black gloves.His current attire, coupled with his chiseled facial features, piercing red eyes, extremely tall stature, and fit body, caused him to look quite dangerous, but elegant at the same time. He didn't hesitate to place a few small daggers in his belt, for further preparation.Caesar then walked out of the meeting room, his boots creating a loud echo with every step. He headed towards where the small family of three were, he didn't intend to show himself, but he was quite intrigued as to how Ahri was going to handle things.With this in mind, his pace quickened and he soon arrived in the hallway where their room resided. He could see Ahri, and a few other beautiful looking maids waiting outside of a door. The maids held cups of tea, snacks, scent packs, and other small things in their hands.Ahri then raised her graceful hand and gently knocked on the door, to which, it was opened just a few seconds after. A middle-aged woman with weathered facial features popped her head out, she looked at Ahri and the maids warily before asking, "d-do you need something?"Ahri simply smiled and bowed, "pardon my intrusion, however, my husband had told me of your arrival and how he treated you on the journey, please take these gifts as an apology," Ahri said whilst the maids handed the woman an assortment of goods."Ah, he treated us fine" the woman said hesitantly as she eyeballed the snacks on the platters. It was clear that she wanted to take them, but her pride would just not let her."I insist," Ahri said adamantly and practically shoved the snacks into the woman's hands, she then bowed once more and walked away. However, before she even walked a few steps, the woman called out to her."Please come inside I can't thank you and your husband enough" the woman said thankfully, it was the least she could do for such a magnanimous person. Alas, confliction and regret were reflected into Ahri's eyes as the woman called her back."Very well" Ahri reluctantly agreed and walked into the room, without her maids. Seeing this, Caesar approached the maids still waiting by the door with a smile, "you may leave, I'll keep watch" Caesar said quietly.The maids, who were focused on the door, wanted to harshly rebuke the person talking, however, when they turned their heads and laid their eyes upon the speaker, they could only shake in fear and unwillingly walk away.Once the maids left the hallway, Caesar did something very unbecoming of himself and placed his ear on the door. Using his heightened senses, he could vaguely hear the two women from inside.He could hear the melodious laughter of the two children, presumably happy after seeing the snacks. He could also hear both Ahri and the mother engage in small talk before finally, they exchanged names."My name is Ahri, the empress of the fox-kin" Ahri introduced without a hint of arrogance or pride."It's a pleasure to meet you Ahri, my name is Andrea, and this is Symphony and Seraph" Andrea replied happily, it wasn't every day that she could converse with another woman.After they introduced themselves, they talked about more sensitive topics for at the very least, a couple of hours. He could vaguely hear the two children's snoring, and both Andrea and Ahri quiet down."Ah, we were supposed to leave by noon" Andrea said, shocked. She had never expected that she would converse with such a young lass about her past and other troublesome matters for this long."I s-should probably leave now" Ahri said strangely before standing up and getting ready to leave. In the end, she wasn't able to do what Caesar asked of her, she felt saddened, however, how could she possibly send such a nice family to their deaths.But before she could leave, Andrea called out from behind her, "what is on your mind young girl, you've been holding yourself back this entire time don't underestimate a woman's intuition!" Andrea said with a warm smile.Ahri, who was just a few steps away from the door, turned around with tears threatening to fall from her eyes, she walked towards Andrea and hugged her tightly. She then briefly explained why she was there, and why she didn't' say anything earlier.After Ahri finished her explanation, the room descended into silence and Andrea sighed deeply. The agony, bitterness, and relief in that sigh was noticeable even by Caesar, outside of the room."I've lived as a slave for over 10 years, my body has been tarnished, and my heart poisoned. The only reason I still carry on, the only reason I still walk, is for my two children they are the stars and moon in my dark world" Andrea said whilst choking on her tears.Ahri wanted to respond, however, Andrea's words carried on, "I have failed as a mother, I forced them to live in such a terrible environment for years, but they never once complained. They ate biscuits every night and I'm afraid they have even forgotten the taste of meat"Once Andrea spoke to here, Ahri interrupted her, "you did what you could, and you deserve to live a happy life I'll talk to my husband and somehow convince him" Ahri said hesitantly, she wasn't confident of convincing Caesar, however, she could try."No, no, I am painfully aware of the fact that I, alone, cannot provide for my family, and thus, I will accept this mission your husband has proposed, on two conditions" Andrea replied with determination in her eyes."First, your husband must promise me that he will keep my children safe, and give them a grandiose upbringing from what you've told me thus far, it would appear that although he seems to be an evil bastard, he keeps his word" Andrea spoke with a hint of jest, to lighten the mood.She then raised her second finger, "Second, he must, no matter the cost, defeat the trolls those bastards killed my husband, raped me, and forced my family into poverty. I will never forgive them!" She said angrily.Ahri was first shocked, then relieved, and finally saddened, "You mean to go alone?" She asked curiously. She figured Caesar's plan would still work, even if Andrea went alone."Indeed" Andrea gave a curt responseAhri nodded her head and placed her hand over her heart, "I, on his behalf, promise, and I will tell him your conditions right this moment please wait here" Ahri said solemnly and rushed towards the door.However, Caesar, who had perfectly heard Andrea's words from behind the door, walked inside before Ahri could leave. His expression was serious and his eyes squinted. He had never expected things to evolve to such a state, alas, giving such a mission to the warm-hearted Ahri, was his and Musashi's first mistake.Thinking to here, similarly to Ahri, Caesar placed his hand over his heart, "I accept your conditions on the pretense you do not fail" He said solemnly, but also ruthlessly. His words meant, that if she were to fail in convincing the trolls, he would promise nothing.Andrea squinted her eyes and observed Caesar for a few moments before chuckling and agreeing, "it's a wonder how such a warm and sweet girl is paired with you" she said in jest before sitting down on the sofa.Caesar didn't reply, but instead, looked at the back of his wrist, as if looking at an invisible watch, "if you want me to complete your second condition, you must leave in the next four hours. You can do whatever you want in your free time I'll be taking my leave" Caesar dismissed himself and walked out of the room.His plan was to give Ahri the magic accessory, but he figured that could wait for a more appropriate time. Until then, he would keep it safe, inside of his storage ring. He proceeded to head towards the training grounds, as to let the two women talk to each other longer.If he was being perfectly honest, he dreaded the fact that he was sending such an innocent woman to a place where she was more than likely to end up dead. And the more he remained in her presence, the more he regretted his actions, thus, he left as quickly as possible."I'll be surely going to hell, for this one" Caesar whispered to himself as he walked his tall back looked extra desolate at this moment.
