-Master...-
Ying SheGu turns his long eyes toward the Woman, with an annoyed expression -Let her in and leave us- he murmurs going back to stare at his sharp finger rings
-Sure- the woman leave and comes back, throwing the tied up goddess on the ground and leave the room again. Qiao ZhongXin tries to force herself up on the knees, gaining a stare from the man on the black throne
-Why... Are you kneeling?- he question, looking almost sincerely curious
-Lord Ying...-
-Shh, let's enjoy some silence while I stare at you- he stands up and slowly walk down the stairs in front of his throne, coming toward the tied up woman with both hands behind her back. He takes a few steps going around her figure, before bending foward and facing her in an elegant and intimidating pose -You truly are as beautiful as they say, Mylady- smiles the man with kind eyes. The woman gulps down... -A common beauty tho, unlike the one who rescued you... You're well behaved, submissive and just pretty. All things I find boring- he stands back up and takes a knife out of his sleeve
-Lord Ying... What use can someone like me have for a powerful person like you?-
-You really like to talk- he cleanch his jaw and throws the knife toward the ground trying to hold back any rage from showing on his face. She, contrary to what he thought, does not close her eyes nor shiver but keeps staring at the floor on her knees... The knife cuts the ropes tying her, setting her free.
The man reaches and hand to grab her face and force her to meet his eyes -Tz- he let go displeased and turns to go seat on his throne -Stand up- orders, so the woman hiss on one leg then the other, standing up in silence -You asked me what use i have of you... Actually none at all. I'm just trying something, and to do that I need in my possession each Deity and Ghost out there... Simple- He reaches for a cup of tea and takes an almost inexistent sip, not moving a single facial muscle -That woman...- he begins putting the cup down -Ying ChangLai, what do you know about her?-
-Nothing actually... Only that she's really strong and meant to end the War-
-Mmhn... What about her allies? Or her powers?-
-I'm sure My Lord knows more than I do regarding this matter...- she bows her head while talking
-Mmhn, it's true... Afterall you were imprisoned for quite a few years by now. I still need to discover more tho, I'm sure she's hiding something under those weird powers of hers-
-Are you... Going to... Hurt her?-
-No, I do not operate that way, not when I'm interested in the subject... I'll just test her- he takes again the cup to his lips -Or else I'll have to kill her owner, and I cannot afford to lose a good pawn like him- and drinks more tea
...
After the doors close behind the guards escorting the goddess away, Guan Gui turns to face her Master, trying to hold back the anger -Master...! Why giving her a room?-
-Why not?- he rise an eyebrow
-She's only one pawn out of many... Why kidnap her and tie her up if we're gonna treat her like a guest at the end?-
-I never said that she had to be treated harshly, nor will any of the other pawns... I do not hate any Deity in Heaven or Ghost in the Underworld, I need them but I do not have any resentment... I just allowed you to have some fun- He stands up and walks down the purplish carpet leading to the doors, with both hands jointed behind his back -I do not hate anyone in this world, I simply pity those who created all of this and got forced to see it slowly fall...-
Before leaving the Hall he throw one deep stare at his servant -Your parents must have really hated you for giving you such a name... Next time you have the audacity to question my doing, try to remember where you come from and that I own you now- he nods with a smile
...
Ying SheGu enters the Prince's room, the young man is changing clothes with the help of some Maids -Your Highness...- he bends down, showing respect
-Ah you came afterall, I was tired of waiting- says the 5th Prince through the mirror, still half naked
-I apologize... I had some matters to attend-
-What could, a paid assassin like you, be doing if not to simply kill who I order?-
-Assassins do not just go and kill, Your Highness... We have our web of collaborators with whom we constantly keep ourselves updated-
-Whatever- the Prince sends the Maids away and turns to face the man -Against your concerns... My long planned victory has finally come! Let's drink and rejoice!- the Prince rushes to a table and pours two cups of wine -You doubted my plan, but look at me now! I'll be crowned Emperor today!-
SheGu smiles kindly -I hope Your Highness can forgive this lowly servant... I'm only but an Assassin, I cannot compete with a refined Royal mind. I only spoke out of concern for Your position-
-It's all forgiven, you served me well ever since I rescued you...-
-I will never be able to repay you enough Your Highness- lower his head the other, a small smirk in his lips
-No need to, just keep being loyal-
-Your most devoted servant- smiles the man, looking incredibly young
-Well said- pat his shoulder the Prince, offering him a cup of wine. The young prince seats down and pours himself more -Only two things do not seem right...- he murmurs with the bottle still in hand
-What is it Your Highness?-
-First... Why were the main Gates locked the morning after, and why didn't the 4th Prince attend the meeting?-
-The XianLen Prince is a very weird person, it's not new for him to skip on important Royal meetings and wander around instead. As for the Gates... I will indagate-
-Mhn... That's true, well he's dead now anyway... No need to be worried about him or his rank anymore-
-Indeed-
The Prince gulps down one last cup and stands up -How do I look?-
-Like a Glorious Emperor that will earn anything he wants-
-All I want now is The Throne and Miss Ying's head... Not because I resent her obviously. She only helped me, taking my brother and cousin away from my path to the Throne. But she might be a menace for my position- He says heading out of the room with the Assassin behind him. The Prince throws one last stare at the man who bends down, hiding an evil smile -A menace to your position indeed...- he whispers, following The Prince toward the Throne's Hall