After waiting what felt like ages, Leon spoke.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Get on with it." [Leon]
"Huh?" [Solace]
That was a bit surprising.
"What do you mean by that?" [Solace]
I had a few ideas, but I wanted to be sure.
"Kill me." [Leon]
"Oh." [Solace]
That was pretty direct.
"Look, I'm not going to kill you." [Solace]
This would be the part where I say that Leon raised a brow or something, which didn't happen since she's got quite the stone face.
"Don't lie to me. Finish me off." [Leon]
I chuckled.
"You make me think of one of those fanfics of knight girls going "Kuh! Kill me!". No? Don't get the reference?" [Solace]
"..." [Leon]
Yep. The cold treatment.
"Let's make a deal. You tell me why you tried to kill me, and I'll let you go." [Solace]
I was going to uphold that promise… depending on circumstances.
"...My master tasked me with the mission to end your life." [Leon]
("Her master?") [Solace]
I took it that her "master" was the person she served. Something like an employer.
"Who's your master?" [Solace]
I asked because I was curious as to who would hate me enough to send an assassin. I mean, I'm pretty sure I didn't have as many enemies at this time.
"Jukhan." [Leon]
I inhaled deeply with a pained expression. It hurt knowing that I had to deal with that guy even when he's not here.
"...Mind telling me why he wants me dead?" [Solace]
"He said, "If my disciple can defeat Vincent's disciple, then that means I'm better than him". Or something like that." [Leon]
The sad part was that the reasoning was very believable.
"Now, unhand me so I can kill you." [Leon]
"What? You're still going to kill me?!" [Solace]
"Yes." [Leon]
I now was having second thoughts of releasing her.
"Hold on. You want to kill me because Jukhan told you to?" [Solace]
"There is a reward." [Leon]
"Is it money? How much?" [Solace]
Leon shook her head.
"Food." [Leon]
"Huh?" [Solace]
I saw her start drooling a bit. It appears the thought of her reward was enough to crack her cold visage.
"Food?! Really?! Am I worth that little?!" [Solace]
"Master cooks very well." [Leon]
"HE CAN COOK?!?!" [Solace]
I was absolutely baffled and astonished. There were a lot of things to process, and I wasn't even sure if I wanted to.
"Now that I've spoken, let go. Are you going to keep your promise or not?" [Leon]
I gave her a weird look.
"Uh… Yeah." [Solace]
I said while trying to find a way to make her stop.
"Actually, can I clarify something?" [Solace]
Leon remained silent.
"I'll take that as a yes. Anyways… your master said that you had to defeat me, right?" [Solace]
Leon still laid there, just staring.
"Defeat doesn't mean you have to kill me, you know? How about we say that it's your win and get this over with?" [Solace]
"Hm." [Leon]
That was literally all she said. She didn't even confirm anything. Why do I always get the weirdos?
"...Is that a yes or no?" [Solace]
"As long as I get my reward." [Leon]
"I'm certain Jukhan will be happy if you return saying you beat me." [Solace]
"Hm." [Leon]
My god I can't deal with this person.
"Alright then, I'll let you go now." [Solace]
As I released her, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
"Ah! There you are!" [Wilharrow]
And that was how my day got worse. I cannot stress how much EFFORT it took to lose him before meeting up with Leon.
"Can my day get any worse-" [Solace]
I clamped a hand over my mouth. I did not want to raise any flags.
"Hey, Solace!" [Leyhna]
It appeared the flag was already raised.
"Couldn't you at least wait until the next chapter!" [Solace]