Chapter 11: Felmina

Chapter 11: Felmina

Felmina

I used the wrong approach, I see now what father and Shanon meant when they said not to try and put on airs with him. But I had to know for certain.

I'll just adjust my approach accordingly next time. 

I won't give up that easily. I can't let you get away.

I look at Roka, why do I feel like I lost. It's infuriating.

"Lady Felmina"

I snap out of my thought pattern and look at my butler.

"The message"

Oh yes the message.

"Roka" 

She looks at me.

"I have a message for you from the king."

"Oh!"

The Butler hands her the letter. 

"Well then, I'm off"

I leave. I've already read the letter, basically the king wants to see her regarding an extremely important matter, something to do with final preparations before the marriage can be finalized. 

I have to be at that meeting, I need to know what's so important, gathering information is the most important thing in war. 

And make no mistake.

This is war.

The Meeting

Felmina

I'm wearing my stealth suit today. I can't go sneaking around in a dress ya know.

I'm currently hiding underneath the big side table in the room the meeting is taking place. It has a tablecloth that goes all the way to the floor. I'll use my erase presence skill just in case, I've been here for like 30 minutes already. and it's finally staring. They sure like to take their time.

"Father, what's this regarding exactly" 

"Roka. Are things going well with Sir Kaijuu?"

"Yes, I believe so"

"Would you say you're in love with him?"

She's taking a while to answer, I'm assuming she's blushing.

"I think so, yes"

"And as far as you can tell, he feels the same?"

"I guess." 

wait you guess? Maybe I still have a chance.

"Roka, look at me"

"Yes father"

"As you know, Sir Kaijuu has some trust issues. Just listen... I suggested to him the use of the Absolute Loyalty Seal to appease his mind, but according to the head assistant, he seems kind of reluctant to use it. Don't let this chance pass you by. I don't mean to alarm you or anything but Lady Felmina, your cousin has been asking after him. So I thought it best you act now. That is, only if he's still dead set on taking only one bride that is, but I feel it best not to take any chances."

Silence. for a long time

"I've read the documents, I'll have to think about it, but I'm not totally against it or anything It's just..."

"Just what?"

"Please excuse me for today father, I wish to speak to Ryu-san first then I'll let you know what I decide." 

Whatever this Absolute Loyalty Seal business is, I have to investigate. This could be my chance.

I hear the door close. She left? Did they both leave?

"Felmina" 

WHAAAT, I bang my head under the table as I jump

"OUCH DAMN!"

OHShit, I instinctively cover my mouth. I'm busted. Crap. The king lifts the tablecloth

"Come on out" 

I reluctantly crawl out. 

"Have a seat"

I sit down at attention, I messed up.

Was it my skill, what the hell.

"Lady Felmina, I understand somewhat your frustration, You like Sir Kaijuu as well."

Busted again.

"But this meeting needs to stay confidential, If you agree, I can share the Absolute Loyalty Seal's information with you. Maybe then you can understand the seriousness of this matter. Roka just brought it back after reading it. Can you agree to this?"

The king looks super serious. He has his fingers crossed in front of his face.

I nod.

"I need to hear you say it"

"Yes, I agree, dearest uncle, I mean father"

"I heard about what happened today, I warned you not to put on airs. I don't know why you did though, I'm sure you have your reasons. But from now on try and be honest. As far as I can tell, this is why Roka was successful. Tell him everything, bare your soul. He's not the type of person to fall for deceptive techniques for long, I can guarantee it. I'll make a case for you with him, but after the interview you're on your own."

"Thank you. unc.. father"

"Now review these documents and leave them on the table when you go. Got it?"

"Yes dearest father"

He leaves. I read it seriously. What the hell, death for betrayal. Damn no wonder Roka sounded reluctant, but I feel like this is my last chance. I'll be sent back in another 18 months. I'll have to become a farmer's wife. I'd rather die. I turn 31 this year, not only that, I've had 8 interviews over the years, and none of them showed any results.

I even changed my approach each time. The last one was the worst. That damn prettyboy duke's son just kept staring at my tits. I even felt a kind of dangerous vibe from him and that's not even the worst part.

He just kept asking about princess Roka, damn what's she got that I don't.