"So, Asabe, tell me, how many candidates are there?" Xialdre inquired.
"Um, sorry, I have a bad memory. Maybe fourteen, sixteen? I don't know," Asabe replied.
"Is it at least over ten and below twenty?" Xialdre pressed.
"Yeah!" Asabe confirmed.
Natalia chimed in, "That's quite... like, wow. Just wow. Being a candidate to be the next Dragon King is just so overwhelming."
"Woahhh, you're a candidate to be the next Dragon King? What's a Dragon King?" Isayao muttered.
"The Dragon King is one of the most powerful beings in our planet, surpassing even the Demon King in power scaling. Being a Dragon King also means ruling over all the lizard races, including dragons and dinosaurs. These two races are the first and fifth strongest races in the world," Asabe explained.
"Good job, Clementine. I guess I really don't have to explain it myself, huh? Anyways, let's knit you up some clothes. We'll also need to find a way to make your clothes disappear when you transform and reappear when you transform back," Xialdre said, noticing Asabe covering her body with her hands.
"Xialdre, you perv..." Asabe retorted, to which Xialdre shot back, "Say that to yourself, who is literally naked in front of everybody."
As the snow finally disappeared and the sunlight pierced through the clouds, the wind gently brushed against the five travelers as they made their way to a forest that gradually thinned out until they reached the towering wall separating Satra Country from Alisha County, home to the first princess of the Satalias continent.
The wall stood over two hundred feet tall, daunting in its enormity as the group pondered how to cross it. "Asabe, can you fly us to the other side one by one? Just grow your wings on your back, but don't fully transform. I don't want to knit new clothes for you again," Xialdre instructed, and Asabe nodded in agreement.
"I could actually just make the five of us float to the other side," Natalia suggested, but Clementine interjected, "No worries, guys. I can literally climb this wall easily. As an assassin, I have the skill to scale these kinds of walls, and I also want the exercise."
"I see. Then, Natalia, just let the three of us float – you, me, and Isayao. Let these two girls do whatever they want," Xialdre decided.
As the three floated across the wall with Asabe flying alongside them, Clementine took a deep breath and immediately ran at the wall sideways. Just before losing momentum, she pulled out a pin and thrust it against the wall, using it to launch herself upwards.
Passing the four on the ground, she reached the top and took out two more pins. Tying a rope to them, she thrust them into the wall and secured herself to the rope before leaping to the other side. Using the rope to slow her descent, she cut it when she was about ten feet from the ground, landing safely.
The others soon joined her on the other side, applauding her feat as she smiled and bowed, as if it were a performance.
As they continued their walk, they finally arrived at the capital of Alisha's ruled country. Upon entering, they were struck by the beauty of the town, though Xialdre seemed unaffected.
"Woahhh..." Clementine exclaimed, while Natalia responded, "Looks like we're about to encounter some major problems." "I haven't been in a town in such a long time. I'm so excited to explore it," Natalia added, as Asabe questioned, "What's so special about this?"
"Guys, let's find somewhere we can sleep first," Xialdre suggested, and Asabe agreed, mentioning her fatigue. Natalia's curiosity was piqued as she asked, "Wait, how many metal coins do you guys have?"
"We have about twenty-one platinum coins..." Xialdre responded, prompting Natalia to exclaim, "Ehh!? Wait, you guys are actually not that poor." Surprised, Xialdre asked Natalia, "How many do you have?"
"Since I'm a Class S adventurer, my average salary is ten platinum coins, so in total, I have about 67 platinum coins," Natalia replied.
"Cool, now let's find accommodations for the night," Xialdre replied. As the five walked to one of the fancy hotels, Xialdre spoke to the reception area. After a brief conversation with the receptionists, he turned back to the girls.
"What is it?" Natalia asked. "Do you guys want to sleep in one room with a big bed, or should we sleep in different rooms?" As Xialdre asked a question over Natalia's, Clementine said, "Eh!? Well, I'd rather we get different rooms."
"Me too," Natalia agreed, and Isayao seemed to concur, blushing as she replied, "Big brother, I really don't wann-" The three blushed, unable to fathom why Xialdre suggested they share the same room, as Asabe said, "I'll sleep in the same room with you, master, to save on the budget."
"Sure, four roo-" But before Xialdre could finish his sentence, Clementine interrupted, "Ehh!?, why do you want to stay in the same room as master!!???" As Clementine asked a question, Natalia also asked her, "She's right, yeah why!?"
Xialdre: What's the matter?
"Big brother, you perv..." Isayao accused Xialdre, who responded, "You talk big. Do you want me to scold you? Besides, it's your girls' decision, why I'll buy four rooms."
The receptionist gasped and blushed at their conversation, giggling while smiling. Isayao, Natalia, and Clementine then yelled, "FINE, WE'LL SLEEP IN THE SAME ROOM AS XIALDRE!!"
"Damn, Chill you guys don't have to scream it." Xialdre exclaimed.
"That boy is so lucky." "Yeah, I'm so jealous." "Yeah, can he even handle four girls at a time...?" The people around them whispered to each other, causing Natalia to say, "Geez, now some stupid weird rumors are gonna spread...!"
As the five entered their room, they realized the bed was about ten to fifteen feet wide. Clementine sighed and looked at Asabe, who asked, "What?"
As the five explored the town, Isayao, Natalia, and Clementine ventured into various shops, purchasing supplies and food for their upcoming adventures. Meanwhile, Asabe and Xialdre headed to a clothing store.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a receptionist who eagerly inquired, "So, what are you both looking for today?"
"We would like clothing that can disappear and reappear when transformed," Xialdre replied. The receptionist nodded enthusiastically, remarking, "Oh, you're looking for high-quality items. Follow me to the VIP room."
As they followed, Xialdre yawned, feeling a hint of weariness. In the VIP room, the receptionist presented them with various options. Asabe tried on several outfits until she found the perfect one—a grey shirt with an attached black cloak. She also purchased panties and a bra for bathing during their adventures.
Once everything was fitted, Xialdre requested a hole in the back of Asabe's clothing that would also disappear and reappear. The receptionist, who was also the manager, agreed with a smile. Asabe's new attire—a black cloak with a grey long-sleeved shirt—covered her body adequately.
Satisfied with their purchases, Xialdre turned to the receptionist and asked her name. "Kaori Takahashi," she replied, "I'll make sure to craft her the best clothes ever." Xialdre expressed his gratitude, calling her "Kaori-chan," to which she responded, "No worries, it's just my job." Asabe added her thanks as well.
As the two left the shop, it was already night, and the three other girls were waiting for him outside.
"You guys done?" Natalia asked.
"Yeah, I bet my clothes are gonna be the best ever," Asabe boasted.
"Really...!?" Clementine was surprised.
"Of course, it's clothes that are perfect for seducing Master, since they have no pants," Asabe explained.
"Wait, what?" Natalia was taken aback.
"She's the one who picked them," Xialdre clarified.
"No, I didn't," Asabe denied.
As the five entered their room, Xialdre immediately went to bed, but Asabe jumped onto him with a smile.
"What are you planning?" Xialdre asked.
"Natalia , get her off him!!!" Clementine urged.
"Are we even allowed to do this? I mean, like me and Isayao still haven't turned fifteen yet," Clementine expressed her concern.
Isayao shrugged, "It doesn't matter even if we're gonna do some... things to Big Brother. I'm pretty sure no one is gonna scold us."
Natalia raised an eyebrow, "What are you both talking about? Master, are you really just going to let this happen?"
Xialdre sighed, addressing Isayao and Clementine, "You're both still too young for this kind of things."
Natalia's eyes widened, "Wait, so you're actually going to do it with Asabe?"
Xialdre looked incredulous, "What? Of course not. Why did you even think about that?"
Natalia hesitated, "Well, since I'm the eldest here, I should take responsibility."
Asabe chimed in, "What makes you think you're older than me?"
Natalia shrugged, "Since you look like a kid. Why, how old are you?"
Asabe replied confidently, "Over a thousand, since I'm a dragonborn and we are immortal from aging."
Xialdre yawns, "Can't we just sleep?"
The girls nodded in agreement, "Right!"
As Xialdre lay in bed along with the girls, the room fell into complete silence, illuminated only by the dim moonlight seeping through the curtains. Xialdre gazed at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts.
Xialdre's mind raced with questions, *"Have emotions finally surfaced within me?"*
Suddenly, the girls enveloped Xialdre in a group hug, pulling him back to the present moment. As Xialdre realized they were all still awake, Isayao spoke up.
Isayao: "Big brother, how do you really feel about us?"
Xialdre furrowed his brows, "Why do you ask?"
Natalia chimed in, her voice gentle, "Because from what we know, you've never smiled in your entire life."
Asabe nodded in agreement, "They're right, Master. I've never once seen you smile, as far as I can remember."
Clementine added softly, "And because of this, we can never truly understand your intentions."
Xialdre sighed, his tone heavy with resignation, "I'm sorry, guys. The truth is, I've never shown any expression in my life. It's not that I can't smile or express myself, but I find it difficult to do so. For me, a smile signifies understanding, and since I can't fully comprehend myself, I hesitate to force it. This is a journey that belongs to all of us, one that you will help me navigate."
Isayao's eyes widened in surprise, "Really, big brother?"
Natalia reassured him, "Don't worry, Master. We'll help you regain your emotions."
Clementine nodded in agreement, "That's right, Master. We'll be the first to make you smile."
Asabe's voice was unwavering, "They're right, Master, even if it means you Sexually assaulting me."
"Im pretty sure that will only pleasure you pervert dragon" Isayao replied.
Xialdre nodded solemnly, "I'll count on you, guys..."
In his mind, however, Xialdre's thoughts diverged, *"I'm not interested in regaining my emotions. My true goal is to manipulate and exploit them for my benefit, to find Adonai and defeat Azathoth. But I'll let them do whatever they want. If they do succeed, let's just say there might be a lot of changes to my plans, but only if they manage to."*
As the day approached, the five set off to retrieve Asabe's clothing. But as they walked toward the clothing store, a bustling crowd in the distance caught their attention. It appeared to be gathered in the heart of town, drawing the five towards it to get a better view of the commotion. To their surprise, it was none other than Satra Astras, the Ruthless Prince of the Satalias continent, delivering a speech in his yet-to-be-ruled country.
"Listen here, all of you pr*cks," commanded Satra, his voice filled with rage. "If you don't want me to f*cking kill every single one of you, I suggest you all just f*cking hand over your metal coins. I will continue to tax all of you, as I am part of the royal family."
As Xialdre observed Isayao and Clementine, he noticed their eyes grow distant, consumed by the rising urge for revenge. Sighing, Xialdre had already anticipated what would unfold next. Natalia, sensing their turmoil. Meanwhile, Asabe remained alert, recognizing the brewing tension. Asabe studied Satra intently, unfamiliar with the man who had ignited such intense emotions in her companions.
In the midst of the tension, Xialdre fixed his gaze on Satra just as an arrow came hurtling towards him out of nowhere. Once again, the Golden Knight emerged, intercepting the projectile and shielding Satra from harm. As twenty more guards materialized on the scene, Satra's laughter echoed through the square.
"Well, well," sneered Satra, his gaze sweeping over the group. "What memorable faces we have here. The slave, the siblings, and ohhhhhh, the mage seeking revenge for his family. What a delightful reunion we're having, and of course, you, Xialdre!"
"How do you know my name?" Xialdre demanded, coldly showing the same expression as he always shows.
"You're still as cold as ever, Xialdre," Satra taunted. "But I'll show you what real trauma feels like."
Satra summoned a freezing portal, hurling the head of Ayane at Xialdre's feet, sending the crowd scattering in terror. Isayao screamed as childhood memories flooded back, his mind reeling with trauma. Yet Xialdre remained impassive, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Satra, piercing through the prince's facade.
Satra, feeling a shiver of fear run down his spine, faltered under Xialdre's intense stare. Meanwhile, Clementine doubled over, overcome with nausea at the sight of Ayane's severed head. Natalia swiftly stepped in, casting healing and calming magic to soothe the distraught Isayao and Clementine.
"Should I kill him master?" Asabe ask's as Xialdre shakes his head, As he replied "Don't worry, this commotion is going to stop otherwise then the first princess yelled as she stops the commotion just like how Xialdre predicted.
"Xialdre, my dagger left you an extraordinary scar, one that still hasn't healed," declared Satra through gritted teeth.
"You son of a b*tch!" Satra seethed in response.
"Satra, I order you to leave my realm immediately. If you refuse, I'll report this to Father," commanded the First Princess, her authority unwavering.
"Alisha! She's the one who f*cking blinded my left eye!" Satra spat out in fury.
"Too bad for you, then, Satra... NOW LEAVE!" Alisha's voice rang out with finality.
Enraged but powerless against his sister's authority, Satra stormed off. Alisha, turning her attention to Isayao and Clementine, gently pushed Natalia aside as she approached the two.
"Alisha, are you both okay?" Alisha asked, genuine concern etched on her features.
"We're fine, thank you," Isayao responded, appreciating her concern.
Alisha's gaze then shifted to Xialdre, and she approached him purposefully. With a sinister smile, she leaned in close to whisper into his ear, her words dripping with malice.
"Is she your sister and the other your slave, Xialdre? Their innocence could be quite profitable for me. Using them both for my nighttime pleasures... Wouldn't it be delightful? And considering they're both girls, perhaps you'd like to indulge as well? Oh, to see your sociopathic facade crumble in fear... It's quite the tempting thought."
Xialdre's mind raced as he processed Alisha's words. She intended to manipulate Isayao and Clementine, exploiting their vulnerability.
"Are you telling me, in short, that you're going to rape them despite being a girl like them?" Xialdre asked, his voice cold and accusing.
"Isn't that not too hard to understand?" the princess responded casually.
"And besides, I can easily control them with my manipulation capabilities, unlike you who is already dancing in my palms," the princess continued, a hint of smugness in her tone.
As Xialdre pondered her words, he couldn't help but feel a surge of defiance. "Does she think she can win against me and leave me as the loser in her game? I mustn't underestimate her, even though I cannot imagine myself losing to her," he thought to himself, his resolve firm.
"Do you think you're capable of defeating me, Princess?" Xialdre challenged, his voice cool and composed.
"Hehe, anyway, do you guys want to come with me to the castle? I'm inviting you for dinner," Alisha suggested with a coy smile.
"Sorry, we only go if big bro--" Isayao began, but Xialdre interrupted smoothly.
"We'll go. Don't worry, Princess, we gladly accept your offer," Xialdre replied, his tone confident.
Alisha couldn't help but smirk inwardly. "What the hell, Xialdre? You're just making my work easier. You talk big despite already being in my palms," she thought to herself.
"Amazing! Why don't we all walk there together? Despite being a princess, I still like to get a little bit of exercise," Alisha proposed.
As the six walked to the castle, the First Princess engaged Clementine and Isayao in lively conversation, overwhelming them with tales and topics. Meanwhile, Natalia and Asabe stayed by Xialdre's side, observing him closely as he remained expressionless.
"What are you planning, master?" Natalia inquired.
"She's right. You're so unpredictable. You make us look like fools just following you, like sheeps tied by our necks to a rope," Asabe added.
"I guess you both see through me more than I expected. You should," Xialdre admitted.
"That's because our minds are fully matured, just like yours, Xialdre," Natalia explained.
"Despite being older than you, and you and Natalia having about a year's gap, you still surpass our IQ like we're not even one percent of your brain," Asabe remarked.
"Just trust me by my actions, if the two of you truly see me like that," Xialdre reassured them.
"Absolutely, Master," Asabe replied.
"Now just watch how she profits us with her plans," Xialdre concluded confidently.
As the group walked toward the large bridge spanning the thick river surrounding the castle, a luxurious carriage approached, halting directly in front of Alisha. The window slid open, revealing Queen Shion Astras.
"Dear, I think you really shouldn't walk this long path. Aren't your legs getting tired, dear?" the Queen inquired with concern.
"I'm okay, Mom. Anyway, look at my new friends!" Alisha replied cheerfully.
As the Queen scrutinized Clementine and Isayao, a peculiar giggle escaped her lips, devoid of innocence. Her gaze then turned to Xialdre, and she peered deep into his eyes, sensing an unsettling aura. Despite Xialdre's expressionless demeanor, the Queen couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.
The Platinum Knight accompanying the Queen cast a wary glance at Xialdre, causing the Queen to snap back to reality. With a shake of her head, she turned her attention back to Alisha. The carriage departed without further acknowledgment, leaving Alisha perplexed.
Giggling to herself, Alisha assumed her mother had simply overestimated Xialdre, unaware of the tension that had passed between him and the Queen.
"Princess, may I inquire about your mother's special ability? Since we're friends, isn't it alright to share such private information with us?" Xialdre asked.
"Sure, her special ability is to see through the full information and power of a person," Alisha replied.
"I wonder why she went silent the moment she tried to see through me," Xialdre mused.
"Why, are you some kind of big shot? She probably just had the wrong information. Sometimes her ability isn't that accurate, which is why she occasionally blunders when predicting someone's potential or history," Alisha explained.
"I see. May we continue?" Xialdre redirected the conversation.
"Master, why? What is your potential?" Clementine queried.
"Even I myself do not know," Xialdre lied.
"Lame. Anyway, Alisha, could you tell us more about the history of this castle?" Isayao interjected.
"Of course," Alisha agreed.
As the Queen's carriage began to speed up, her eyes began to bleed and she vomited blood.
"My Majesty, what did you see through him? Please tell us, I'll get rid of him for you," the Platinum Knight offered.
"Don't! He'll F*cking obliterate you!" the Queen warned urgently.
"Why, my Majesty? Are you sure you're not just blundering again?" the Diamond Knight questioned.
"I'm not! Can't you knights see? His potential alone managed to break through my tenth eye protection. The only reason I'm still alive is because he himself, that kid right there, resisted and threw me out of his mind. It's like he knew I would die, and he pulled me out because he spared me..." the Queen explained, her voice trembling with fear.
"Why? What did you see, my Majesty?" the Diamond Knight pressed for clarification.
"The things that I saw are unexplainable. Bring me back to the main kingdom. The only people who can probably put up a fair fight against this monster are the people of the Diamante Continent. Let's leave for now. I'm sorry, Alisha..." the Queen declared, her decision made.
As the six entered the castle, Asabe, Natalia, and Xialdre could sense the scrutinizing gazes and muffled laughter of the guards around them. Meanwhile, Clementine and Isayao continued to be impressed by their surroundings, their childlike wonder evident.
Alisha led them to the dining room, where the two young girls were awed by the elegance and cleanliness of the place. As they took their seats, a flurry of maids and butlers bustled about, serving fancy food.
As the six were served, Isayao dove into her meal in the most unrefined manner. Xialdre sighed, watching her behavior with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Alisha giggled and stood from her seat, walking over to Isayao. She gently wiped a smudge of food from Isayao's cheek, causing the girl to blush as she looked up at Alisha.
"Now, now, Isayao, no one is going to take away your food. Eat slowly, okay?" Alisha reassured her.
"Can you please not bother her while she's eating?" Natalia interjected, her tone protective.
"Oh my, did I make you jealous?" Alisha teased, earning a scowl from Natalia.
"It's alright, Natalia. Why are you suddenly concerned about me?" Isayao replied, trying to diffuse the tension.
"Stop being arrogant," Natalia retorted sharply.
"Let her be, Natalia," Xialdre intervened calmly.
"But Master--" Natalia protested.
"It's an order," Xialdre stated firmly, silencing Natalia's objections.
As Natalia returned to her seat in silence and Isayao giggled, Clementine couldn't help but feel confused by the dynamics at play. Meanwhile, Alisha spoke up during the meal.
"Tell me, Isayao, what do you think of your brother?" Alisha inquired gently.
"He's my everything, to be more precise. He's the only family that I have left, after... after Satra, well, umm," Isayao responded, her voice trailing off uncomfortably.
"Now, now, you don't have to force yourself to say it," Alisha reassured her, sensing Isayao's unease.
Meanwhile, Xialdre observed the interactions with a calculating gaze. In his mind, he contemplated the scene unfolding before him.
"As I sit at this lavish dining table, surrounded by esteemed comrades, I watch with a calculating gaze as the first princess deftly weaves her intricate tapestry of manipulation, ensnaring my naive younger sister in her deceptive grasp. It is a performance worthy of admiration, yet beneath the facade of elegance lies a sinister agenda. Each graceful movement, each honeyed word, is carefully orchestrated to serve her own interests, to bend the will of others to her whim. And yet, little does she know that her elaborate charade plays directly into my hands, a mere pawn in the grand game of strategy that I have meticulously orchestrated. As I observe the subtle dance of manipulation unfold before me, I can't help but feel a sense of no satisfaction yet any emotion knowing that every move, every whispered promise, only serves to further my own agenda. For in this intricate web of deceit, I am the master puppeteer, pulling the strings unseen, guiding the course of events to my own design. And so, as the first princess basks in the glow of her perceived triumph, unaware of the true depths of my cunning, I should now silently plot my next move, knowing that in this game of manipulation, victory will ultimately be mine," Xialdre contemplated silently.
"Now tell me, do you think your brother feels the same way as you?" Alisha prodded.
"Well, umm..." Isayao hesitated.
"Can't you see it, Isayao? Xialdre is a sociopath and probably doesn't even care about you," Alisha interjected, her tone laced with concern.
"What are you talking about?" Isayao questioned, confusion evident in her voice.
Xialdre's thoughts drifted once again as he observed the unfolding drama, "As I sit at this lavish dining table, surrounded by esteemed comrades, I observe with detached amusement the intricate dance of manipulation unfolding before me. The first princess, with her calculated charm and deceptive allure, maneuvers effortlessly to ensnare my unsuspecting younger sister in her web of deceit. While others may be deceived by the veneer of elegance and grace, I, as a sociopath, recognize the true nature of this performance. It is a display of cunning and manipulation, a game of power and control played out for the amusement of those who understand its rules. But as I watch the first princess ply her craft, I feel not the satisfaction of a well-executed scheme, but rather a detached curiosity, an intellectual appreciation for the complexities of human behavior. For in this world of manipulation and deceit, emotions are mere tools to be wielded, and victory is measured not in satisfaction, but in the cold calculation of success."
Alisha continued, "What I'm saying is that the way Xialdre is acting on the outside might also reflect how he thinks on the inside."
"You're lying! Big brother, she's lying, right!?" Isayao exclaimed, her voice tinged with desperation.
As Isayao struggled to discern truth from manipulation, Clementine attempted to speak up, but Xialdre intervened once more.
"Asabe, Clementine, and Natalia, stay silent. That's an order," Xialdre commanded.
Alisha noticed that the three girls were already under a slave contract, so she shifted her focus back to Isayao.
"Isayao, he's been playing you all this time. You have to trust me," Alisha urged.
"No, no, no! Why would you even care about me, big brother? Why are you not responding to my question, and why did you silence Clementine, Asabe, and Natalia!?" Isayao questioned frantically, her world unraveling before her eyes.
As Alisha glanced at Xialdre, she noticed his apparent indifference to the chaos unfolding, as if he were mocking her manipulation skills, calmly continuing to eat.
Isayao's words cut through the tension like a knife. "She's right, aren't she, big brother? Despite witnessing Ayane being rape, mother's death, and father's sacrifice, you remained unfazed. It's as if our entire beings are just games to you, right, big brother!?"
Alisha seized the moment. "That's right, Isayao. But there's no way we could save your other allies without killing Xialdre. Killing him is the only way we can break the contract within them."
Xialdre interjected, his voice calm but resolute. "Isayao, don't you know that already? I care for no one but myself. Didn't we talk about this last night?"
"Get out of the castle!!!" Isayao's voice cracked with emotion, her frustration boiling over.
"Isayao, this is a foolish way to fall into her trap. Despite my flaws, I urge you to consider that it's better to stay with me than with her," Xialdre reasoned, attempting to appeal to her sense of logic.
"It's not like you'll care. I'm staying here with Alisha. At least she cares about me," Isayao declared defiantly, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Are you not going to let me execute him to save your other allies?" Alisha pressed, her tone tinged with frustration.
"Don't worry about them. They have already pledged their loyalty to big brother," Isayao replied firmly.
"But there is still a way to sav--" Alisha began, but Isayao cut her off.
"Please, princess, just exile them from this castle," Isayao pleaded, seeking solace in Alisha's embrace.
As Isayao wept into Alisha's chest, golden knights suddenly appeared, drawing closer to the group.
"Teleport us out, Natalia," Xialdre commanded calmly.
With a flick of her fingers, Natalia obeyed, and the four were teleported out of the castle, leaving behind a whirlwind of emotions and unanswered questions.
Xialdre broke the silence. "Okay, you guys can speak now."
"We're good," Natalia replied.
"So, what is this plan you're planning?" Asabe inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"Is this all still part of your game?" Natalia added, her tone cautious.
"Of course. Just follow everything I order, and I'll make sure everything is just right, okay?" Xialdre reassured them.
As Clementine remained silent, tears began to fall from her eyes.
"Are you mad at me?" Xialdre asked softly.
"No," Clementine replied quietly.
"Are you lying?" Xialdre pressed.
"No," Clementine insisted.
"Are you sure, sure?" Xialdre persisted.
"No!" Clementine admitted.
"Why?" Xialdre questioned.
"I'm not. It's just that losing one of our main comrades is heartbreaking to me," Clementine confessed.
"We didn't lose her, we just used her," Xialdre stated matter-of-factly.
"Wait, so do you actually see us as just tools to you?" Clementine's voice wavered with uncertainty.
"And isn't that your guys' job, to change my mind towards you guys?" Xialdre replied.
"Right," Clementine conceded.
"Don't worry because everything is going to be alright. Trust me, since everything that is happening right now is just part of my plan. My plan will get Isayao back, along with something that would benefit us, something that we could use. And I'll show you that everything I just did is worth it. I'll prove it, just for you, Clementine, and also for you, Asabe and Natalia too," Xialdre assured them with determination in his voice.