Chapter 46
1528 Words
CHAPTER 46
Aaron entered his room still out of himself.
Whenever he remembers their conversation earlier, he can’t help but be dumbfounded. He couldn’t believe what Tatiana said and how she acted.
How did she change so much in just a year? Is that even possible? She’s like a completely different person.
Aaron was puzzled at the same time amazed,
.
“What is your proposal?” Noah asked.
Tatiana glanced at Aaron again, still worried that he’s here. But she can’t do anything about it anymore. Tatiana sighed in defeat and turned back to Noah.
“I’ll help you find the culprit, in exchange, do me a favor,” she said quite confidently and determined.
Noah raised an eyebrow, “And how will you do that?”
Tatiana exhaled deeply and thought to herself ‘This is it, no more turning back.’
“Give me a week and I’ll introduce you to someone,” she answered.
When Noah didn’t answer, Aaron but in. “Someone? Who is it?” he inquired.
Tatiana looked at him and smiled, “Just someone.”
Noah leaned back against the couch and stared at Tatiana. He’s not sure what she’s planning, but he’s not really considering rejecting her offer either. From everything he had seen and known these past few days, Noah is confident that Tatiana is someone he can trust.
When Tatiana noticed Noah’s stare, she instantly assured him, “Don’t worry, he’s someone who can help us.”
“How sure are you?” Noah questioned.
“I’m at least sure he’s our best choice at the moment,” she answered confidently.
Noah nodded his head in understanding. It is true that they currently have no lead about the culprit behind the bombing. The officials are also starting to pressure Noah, so he needs any information he can get.
He stared at Tatiana's unwavering eyes and asked, “Then...what do I do in exchange?”
Tatiana thought for a moment. Although she already started this, she’s still hesitating whether it’s right to tell this to the Crown Prince—and to her brother. They will definitely become suspicious. They’ll ask more questions and Tatiana will have no choice but to answer them.
‘Still, the Crown Prince is the best option right now.’
Tatiana exhaled deeply and looked at Noah with seriousness.
“Help me meet with Cali Williams,” she said.
Tatiana’s goal is to meet with Cali Williams as soon as possible. A lot is going on right now, and Tatiana feels like there is more to come. That's why she figured the earlier she has a connection with him, the better. Besides, she needs to find out about that strange time her eyes changed color.
“What?!” Aaron was the first to react while Noah only furrowed his eyebrows.
Tatiana had already expected this kind of reaction from them. Of course, they will be shocked.
Cali Williams is the headmaster of the only Magic Tower in the empire. Aside from that, the magic tower is not under the Imperial Family and they tend to keep themselves away from the empire’s affairs.
That said, Noah and Aaron are both confused why Tatiana would ask for such a thing.
“Why do you want to meet that man, Tati?!” Aaron asked, fazed.
“I need to...ask him something,” Tatiana answered carefully. She can't tell them about the strange thing that happened to her. Maybe, they'll figure it out soon, but not now.
“You have to tell us more, Tati.” Aaron urged. “Do you even know that person you’re asking to meet? He’s the headmaster of the Magic Tower! Not to mention, they don’t have a good relationship with the empire. Why would you want to meet that man?!” he asked again, his voice getting louder this time.
“Brother, I know that of course. But there’s really just something I have to ask him, and... I'm sorry, but I can’t tell you about it. At least, not now." Tatiana stated.
Aaron became even more curious.
“Why? Is it dangerous? Just—what are you planning, Tati?” Aaron was starting to get frustrated.
Aaron is very sure that Tatiana is planning something. From the moment she asked him to train her, Aaron knows something is up. He had been really curious, but he stopped himself from questioning Tatiana. However, this just confirms his suspicions that Tatiana is really doing something behind their backs.
He has to know. If it happens that what she's doing would put her in danger, Aaron wouldn't forgive himself.
Tatiana kept quiet and still refused to answer. So, Noah decided to interfere.
“If you can’t tell us, then we can’t help you.” He stated. Although this is not entirely true because he’s sure he’ll help Tatiana regardless.
Tatiana sighed. As expected, they will really pressure her to tell more, that they even have to resort to threatening. But she won’t give up that easily this time.
“Then, I guess...we’re done here. Thank you for your time, your highness,” she said.
Tatiana rose to her feet, smiled at them, and curtsied. She walked back to the door while deliberately slowing her steps down to give them time to stop her. Good thing, it didn’t take them a long time to do so.
“Tatiana,” Noah called.
Tatiana smirked to herself before turning back to them. “Yes? Do you still have something to say, your highness?” she asked in an already victorious tone.
Noah smiled smugly and stood up. He raised his hands in the air as if saying he gave up. “Alright, I’ll help you.”
Tatiana held back her snigger and nodded. “Great!”
She walked back towards them and sat back on her seat quite enthusiastically. Noah grinned before he sat back down as well.
Aaron, on the other hand, was looking back and forth at them in disbelief.
“Wait, your highness! Are you really just going to let it go?” He asked. Aaron couldn’t understand why Noah gave up that easily.
Noah is not like this. Usually, Noah would force the person if he/she refuses to give what he wants. But when Tatiana just did that small act of withholding, he gave up easily. Although, of course, he doesn't want Noah to force her sister, he was still expecting Noah will convince Tatiana to tell them everything.
“Yes. The most important thing right now is to look for the true culprit. If Lady Tatiana has the information that we need, then I think it’s a good deal.” Noah reasoned.
Tatiana smiled in triumph.
“Thank you, your highness,” she said. “After one week, I’ll tell you an address and you should meet that person there. He will help you willingly and give you the information that you want. However, there is just one thing...”
“What is it?”
“You shouldn’t ask for his name nor force him to reveal himself,” she stated.
“What?!” Aaron reacted vigorously again. “What kind of man needs to hide his identity? Is he dangerous? A criminal?”
Tatiana turned and frowned at him. “Of course not, brother. Why would you think I’m keeping in touch with a criminal?”
“Then who exactly is that person, Tati? I can’t feel at ease if you don’t tell me who he is!” Aaron pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a deep sigh.
He’s trying his best to calm down, but he’s worried that Tatiana is meeting with an unusual person.
Tatiana noticed his concern, so she reached out to caress his hand. “Don’t worry too much, brother. I promise he’s not a bad person. He’s just...scared of people.” she reasoned.
“I’m still worried. Should I just go with you when you talk to him?”
Tatiana let out a sigh and answered, “There’s no need, brother. Besides, I’m not going to meet him.”
Noah and Aaron looked at her in confusion. “What?” They simultaneously asked.
That’s when Tatiana realized what she just said. She internally punished herself for that slip and immediately thought about what to say.
“I--uh, I have some ways...” she reasoned and laughed nervously. She looked at Noah again and changed the topic, “Anyways, enough about that. Your highness, I believe we have an agreement now?”
Noah cleared his throat and nodded. “I believe so as well.”
“Then, I think that’s everything for now. I’ll send you a message if there’s anything more. Thank you for your time, your highness.”
Tatiana stood up and curtsied. Noah also stood up to walk her towards the door, with Aaron following behind.
.
Aaron can't help but feel restless. Tatiana may say it's nothing to worry about, but he knows there is something going on with her. Aside from that, Tatiana was acting strange. She'd become clever and smart.
Whatever it is, I will undoubtedly uncover it.
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reyankleyr
- Writer
