CHAPTER 9 : LITTLE ONE

As Maria continued her operations guarding her proxy, Lord Bison; despite her lack of interest, she couldn't help but reflect on her own strength and how it had always set her apart from others. The thought of competition had never crossed her mind before, as she had always been the dominant force in any situation. However, as nightfall approached, she couldn't shake off this strange feeling. Bison's persistent advances had irritated Maria to no end, and she had been actively avoiding him. Captain Axel's specific instruction not to harm the bureaucrat only added to her frustration. She had a strong desire to put him in his place, but she begrudgingly followed orders and kept her distance. As Maria patrolled the mansion for the third time that night, she noticed a man who seemed vaguely familiar. He introduced himself as Oisson, the Lord's cook, and was accompanied by his little daughter, a girl with long brown hair covering her eyes. Maria, slightly surprised, walked past them without giving much thought to their presence.

It was at that moment that the little girl spoke up, breaking the silence. She asked Maria why she continued to protect Lord Bison despite her apparent disdain for him. Maria stood there, arm resting on her sword sheath, taken aback by the unexpected question. She didn't respond, unsure of how to explain her complicated motivations. The little girl, undeterred by Maria's silence, made a promise. She offered Maria a much more entertaining battle if she agreed to join her on just this mission. The prospect of an intriguing challenge piqued Maria's interest, and against her better judgment, she agreed to the girl's proposal.

With Maria leading the way, they arrived at Lord Bison's room, where he sat up, confused by her presence at such a late hour. He assumed Maria was there to fulfill his intended desires. However, Maria swiftly drew a pistol from her inventory, aiming it directly at Bison's temple. In one swift motion, she pulled the trigger, ending his life abruptly. Oisson "the cook", stared in disbelief at the turn of events, while the little girl smiled, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

"Jafar would be pleased," she said aloud, hinting at a mysterious connection that sent chills down Maria's spine. Before anyone could react, the butler walked into the room, unaware of the shocking scene before him. Maria and Oisson stood side by side, united by their shared allegiance as the antagonists in this situation. The little girl seemed to vanish into dust. The butler, consumed by a desire for vengeance, faced them, his eyes filled with determination.

As the butler prepared to launch his attack, Maria and Oisson exchanged a knowing glance, silently understanding their roles. They had a mission to complete, and they would defend themselves at all costs. The butler summoned his teleportation magic once again, disappearing and reappearing behind Oisson. With lightning speed, he attempted to strike Oisson from behind, seeking to catch him off guard. But Oisson's senses were heightened, and he swiftly turned, parrying the butler's attack with a quick, evasive maneuver. Maria seized the opportunity. Her sword crackled with electric energy as she charged toward the butler, her lightning magic swirling around her. She unleashed a torrent of lightning bolts, aiming to incapacitate him. The crackling bolts sizzled through the air, creating an electrifying spectacle.

The butler, however, displayed his mastery of teleportation, vanishing once more just as Maria's lightning bolts neared him. He reappeared behind Maria, his teleportation skills granting him a momentary advantage. With a swift movement, he attempted to strike her vulnerable spot. But Maria was not so easily defeated. She spun around, her lightning-infused blade meeting the butler's attack with a resounding clash. The impact sent shockwaves through the room, the force of their clash reverberating. In a display of synchronized teamwork, Oisson seized the moment. With a series of rapid strikes, he closed in on the butler, his powerful punches delivered with precision. The butler, caught off guard by the combined assault, struggled to defend himself against the coordinated attack. Maria, fuelled by her lust for battle, summoned a surge of lightning magic that crackled and danced along her blade. With a swift, precise movement, she swung her sword toward the butler, aiming to sever his arm and bring an end to his vengeful pursuit. Her strike connected, slicing through the air with a resounding impact. The blade bit deep into the butler's right arm, severing it cleanly. A cry of pain escaped his lips as he stumbled backward, clutching his bleeding limb.

The room fell silent, save for the heavy breathing of the combatants. The butler, wounded and overwhelmed, stared at his severed arm, his vengeance momentarily forgotten. Maria and Oisson stood firm, their eyes locked on their fallen opponent. Though they had succeeded in defending themselves, the battle was far from over. Maria and Oisson prepared themselves for whatever consequences would follow, their alliance unshaken, and their determination unwavering.

The butler let out a deep sigh and cursed under his breath.

"This won't end well for you lapdog," he said to Maria and teleported away.

Maria sheathed her sword and picked up her pistol which had fallen during the fight. The little girl seemed to gesture for her pistol, so she stretched it towards her. The butler's severed arm picked it up. Maria was utterly confused as the arm pulled the trigger and shot Oisson straight in the head. He collapsed beside Lord Bison's cold corpse as his "daughter" chuckled to herself.

"I'll see you soon little one," she said to Maria as the severed arm fell to the floor with the gun in hand.