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Chapter 10 - Blue Eyed Girl

The Navaell Kingdom's Northern part was divided into four districts: Savo, Vale, Catania, and Aesis. Savo District was led by Diggory Millys, while Vale District was led by a 65-year-old man named Timothy Lanisius.

The arrival of the Grand General of the Navaell kingdom in their district was highly unusual, leading to a surge of anxiety among the four regional districts, except for Timothy Lanisius.

Timothy had held his position as the head district of Vale through three changes of kings. He was confident that the governance of the new king, wouldn't be any different from the others.

Wanting to be the first district head to welcome the general's arrival, Timothy decided to meet Daemond that very afternoon. Bringing the requested documents and gifts, he hoped to be on a good term with the General.

But now, sitting in the General's room, Timothy felt like he might have made a big mistake by underestimating the man.

This was the first time Timothy had met the General in person. And to be honest, he was a little surprised by the general's appearance. The old head district had expected the face of a monster, with a thick beard and a rough complexion, but what was in front of him was not like that at all.

The man who was currently studying the report in his hands was young, with a face that—although marked with fairly deep scars, like scratches on wet sand—looked normal. The young general not only looked calculated but also meticulous and cunning. Clearly not someone to be taken lightly.

Having served as the District Head for forty years, Timothy was quite adept at reading someone's face. He could usually guess what someone was thinking from the wrinkles on their face or the twitch of their lips.

Unfortunately, this did not apply to Daemond. The stiffness in the man's face as he examined the report in his hands prevented Timothy from guessing what the General was thinking.

After almost 30 minutes of long silence, Timothy couldn't bear it any longer. Restlessly shifting in his chair, Timothy cleared his throat.

"Please inform me if there are any other reports that you need, General," he said.

Daemond didn't answer immediately. He was still studying the numbers and writings on the paper meticulously. 

After a few minutes, the General finally set the report on the table and raised his head to look at Timothy. 

As suspected, Daemond knew that something was off about the report. Whoever made the report deliberately altered its contents to conceal something. What exactly, he still couldn't figure out. One thing for certain, the head of the Vale district was planning to overthrow King Gustav's rule in the north. Unfortunately, he still couldn't prove whether Timothy was acting alone or if the other three were also involved.

There were only two things that could explain how someone guilty could remain calm like Timothy. If not because he was incredibly stupid, then because he believed he wouldn't get caught. And since Daemond hadn't found what he was looking for yet, for now, he decided to play along with Timothy's game.

"I've got everything I need, District Chief Timothy," Daemond replied with a smile. "The financial records you prepared were detailed and thorough, truly done by someone meticulous and experienced."

"Ah... you're too kind, General," Timothy replied, bowing his head respectfully.

Daemond's words should have made Timothy feel relieved. But for some reason, his hair stood on end hearing the calmness in Daemond's voice.

"Not praise, District Chief. But a statement. I appreciate how quickly you provided me with this report. It's just that I don't understand..." Daemond glanced at the two women standing behind Timothy. "Why did you bring these women here?"

"Ah... Well, General. The Northern Region could get very cold in the autumn months like now. I just didn't want the General to be lonely at night. So, I brought to you two of the most beautiful women from Vale to warm your bed. Unlike the dirty slaves prepared by Diggory, they were both virgins and came from good families. I was sure they would be more suitable to entertain you, general."

Daemond observed the two women brought by Timothy. The man wasn't wrong; they were indeed attractive girls. With faces still very young and slender bodies wrapped in tempting sheer dresses. A bribe or a spy to keep an eye on him, Daemond was sure.

Daemond shook his head, "It's not necessary. I don't need them. You all may leave."

"B-but... is there anything wrong with them, General?" Timothy asked.

Daemond knew maybe he shouldn't outright refuse the man's offering. Especially when he was trying not to make the man suspicious. The saying goes, keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer. But what's the point of wasting his time with women who don't interest him?

"No. There's nothing wrong. They just... don't suit my taste."

The obedient beautiful women wouldn't excite him. What he's looking for is someone with fire in their eyes. Someone like the girl with blue eyes. With her soft white skin and her curvaceous body. Daemond couldn't help but imagine what her lips would feel like when he kissed her.

"Ah.... I apologize if that's the case, General," Timothy's voice snapped Daemond back to reality. "I'll find other women more to your liking if that's the case."

"No need, District Chief. You must be busy with your work. Besides, isn't the Harvest Festival coming soon? No need to waste time on unimportant matters."

"I don't mind really—"

"Thank you."

Daemond waved his hand towards Oktavianus who was standing near the door, signaling to Timothy that his time there was up.

***

***

The Harvest Festival was an event held in the last week of October.

The festival was held every year to mark the end of the harvest season in the four regions and the beginning of winter.

This year, the event was held in the town square of Savo.

Since morning, the residents of Vale, Savo, Catania, and Aesis had been flocking to the event area. Dance performances and entertainment were held throughout the day until late at night. Traders and vendors had been ready since dawn, displaying their goods along the festival area, making the town square even more bustling that day.

The presence of the high-ranking General of the kingdom seemed to attract more curious visitors that year. 

Everyone seemed to be in a good mood that day. Even the general's mistress who were usually fuzzy allowed Annica to come with them to the festival. Not to enjoy the event, of course, but to help them carry their shopping. But still, this was Annica's first time attending such an event. So even though she had to carry all sorts of fabrics and food purchased by the General's mistress, she could also see various interesting things. Like a clown who could stand on two very long sticks almost touching the sky. Or humans who could dance and play music together with venomous snakes. All of this made Annica scolded several times by Brianna because instead of following, the girl was enjoying the show. So enthusiastic about all that was happening, Annica didn't even realize that someone was watching her from a distance.

"Sir, would you attend the dinner party hosted by General Daemond tonight?"

A voice distracted the Head Chief from the girl he was observing.

Diggory turned his head and was half surprised to find one of his secretaries, Lionel already standing beside him, holding a pen and paper.

"What?" Diggory asked with a confused look.

"I was about to write a reply to General Daemond, Sir. They want to ensure the number of guests attending the dinner party tonight," Lionel added.

"Oh yes, of course. Write that I will attend tonight," Diggory Millys replied.

"Very well, Sir. I will do it right away."

Lionel was about to turn around when Diggory called out again.

"Wait, Lionel."

The man stopped in his tracks and turned back to face Diggory.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Can you do something for me?"

"Of course, Sir."

Diggory grabbed his secretary's arm and pulled the man until their heads were almost touching. Then, whispering, Diggory said, "Can you deliver a message to Annica?"

Lionel furrowed his brows. The man glanced sideways before asking, "Annica? You mean the slave that now works in the general's household?"

"Yes. I saw her at the Festival. Find her and deliver my message to her. Tell her that I will meet her tonight. Tell her that I'll find a way to get her out of the General's house."

Lionel's eyes widened upon hearing the request.

"B-but if General Daemond finds out—"

"General Daemond won't find out," Diggory cut in quickly. "That's it. Do my bidding quickly and don't let yourself be caught. My message is only for Annica's ears. Don't let anyone else hear it. Understand?"

Lionel looked confused and hesitant. But shortly after, the man nodded hastily.

"A-alright, Sir. I'll do it."

"Good. Thank you, Lionel."

Diggory withdrew his head and released his grip on Lionel's arm.

Once the man disappeared, Diggory returned his gaze to where he last saw Annica.

She's not there anymore, of course. And with the increasing number of visitors, Diggory found it increasingly difficult to separate one face from another.

No matter, he thought. He'll have a chance to meet the girl later tonight.

Initially, he thought Ruth deliberately drove Annica away. But when Ruth explained that Annica volunteered to work at the General's house herself, how broken Diggory's heart was.

All this time, Diggory thought that if he was patient, he would eventually be able to make Annica forget her resentment.

If he could break Annica's defenses, she would finally let him in and love him. But it seems he was wrong. After all these years, Annica still hates him.

The hatred that the girl holds seems to be too deep. Not only directed at the person who killed her family but the whole world. Annica seems like she would burn the entire kingdom if she could.

Diggory always hated her anger and rejection. Perhaps that's why sometimes he deliberately hurt her. Deliberately raped her. To punish Annica. To break Annica. To retaliate for the rejection Annica gave him.

But even when Annica clearly hated him, Diggory still couldn't stop wanting her.

Maybe his wife was right. He was bewitched. He might have lost his sanity. And now with the girl in the General's house, his hope to have Annica completely was slipping away.

Diggory sighed deeply. How he loved the girl with blue eyes with all his heart. He just hoped Annica wouldn't do something rash before he could get her back.