QT: Against My Will

205 4.29 – Our Debut – Dangerous Angels

Zhao Rong stared at the businessman who had no power in politics, military, nor did he have any noble background, “This prince will agree under one condition. Renew the contract.” In short, he wanted Tian Shi back. There was nothing out of the ordinary about her until she exhibited her fast reactions to certain situations, which answered the question on how she escaped Hasan’s claws. She always gave him a sense of satisfaction, so when she refused once, he blew up. Now, he had to clean after his own mess.

“This subject begs for your Highness’ forgiveness. To stay true to our customs, we don’t accept old members,” said Hasan.

Zhao Rong already planted a few spies into that brothel, and he could see how this shrewd man would bring traffic to the capital from other cities, maybe even from the countries with whom Rania pledged peace. It wouldn’t be bad to have Hasan on his side. “How much?” he asked.

“!!!” Frightened, Hasan’s legs trembled under the pressure, “B-because it’s Your Highness, we’ll make an exception. But we only dispatch Tianshies in their best condition. Your Highness would need to wait until she recovers.”

“This prince wants her presence by this evening’s banquet. You don’t want something happening to your money on your way home, do you?” Zhao Rong threatened, indicating how Hasan would get into an accident if this order was disobeyed.

“This subject understands.” Hasan bowed down. Was this prince asking for death? Stealing money from Angel was like begging to be devoured wholly by Kuro, whilst leaving no bones behind.

· · — · ???· — · ·

As a lone stallion galloped through the bleak landscape, there stood a man in the middle of nowhere. Xuan Mu took out a pill from the hidden compartment under the leather bracelet on his wrist and crushed it with his teeth, marching towards Bing Shi’s direction. To lower the wind resistance, a crystalized second layer enveloped his body. Muscles rippled under his flesh, allowing him to reach inhuman speed, enough to run over water without submerging.

Bing Shi told him to never use the pills if not an emergency. So later she could put it back in the system shop to gain back her money. It could be said that she was the worst sugar mommy ever. Each pill cost her 250p if used by somebody else. (Xuan Mu didn’t know the prices.)

.....

Passing through the entrance, Xuan Mu stretched his hands out towards the silent girl on the ground. He thought she was asleep, but when he turned her over, she didn’t stir. There was no response. “Bing Shi?” his lips quivered as he checked her pulse, sighing in relief. She was alive.

Xuan Mu looked down at his black robe drenched in dirt and dust, the disadvantages of a speed pill. Walking towards her bag, he opened it up. Their change of clothes were neatly folded into a small roll. Bing Shi knew him too well and prepared beforehand in case he couldn’t control himself. He would continue staying at home if it weren’t for this unexpected situation. He had a hinch here and there. His girl had a fatal weakness that rendered her useless in close combat. She could avoid being touched, but for how long?

He didn’t think that Zhao Rong would be so violent, despite Bing Shi doing nothing to anger this stupid bug. She didn’t reveal her plan, but from his observation, he could tell that her, calling out for him, wasn’t a part of it.

After he slowly stripped down her dress, Xuan Mu, in a new robe, gently cleaned her body with a wet cloth. “What trauma is she going through?” he asked the device at the side. The reason why he rushed here, was this.

Kuro responded through the device.

[She is probably recalling some events from the past. I can’t read thoughts without a Host’s consent. Her instincts are high. It would cause paranoia and immeasurable trust issues, which would result in a Host’s lowered performance during world missions. In the worst case, we’ll need to transfer her out and reset her memories.]

“Forget it.” Done with the cleaning, Xuan Mu carefully changed her clothes. ‘Why does it take her longer than me?’ He sat at a wooden stool and held her body against his chest, caressing her hair, he whispered sweet nothing to her ear, “Is this what you felt like when I was dying? Unable to do anything but watch helplessly how the misery, the darkness, was eating up my soul?”

The handprint on her neck ignited his scorching anger that sought to harm. Wasn’t her father enough? His harem, the rapist, the stalker, Zhu Cai, Yi Zen, now this Zhao Rong too. What did she do to deserve this treatment? His eyes traced down towards her tights. Bitting his lips, his eyes dampened.

‘I’m no different.’ He immediately shook the dark thoughts away. Xuan Mu was getting anxious, another minute passed by, and she still didn’t wake up, “Bing Shi, come back to me. I miss you.”

Listening to a carriage coming his way, throwing her bag over his shoulder, he lifted the unresponsive Bing Shi and walked outside. This all familiar Dèjá Vu was making him sick.

· · — · ???· — · ·

Hasan looked at the departing carriage. His eyes almost fell from his eye sockets when he saw Angel’s intimate interaction with that crazy man. What kind of entity was Ru Quan? ‘Is he another angel?’ He couldn’t connect Ru Quan with any angels. He withered as he touched his throat, remembering the red glint in Ru Quan’s eyes. Angel? All he could see was a man clothed in black with a giant scythe hovering over his neck, ready to cut off his head if something went wrong.

‘Angel won’t attend the banquet?!’ Hasan started to pour crocodile tears. How was he going to go against his Highness’ order?!

· · — · ???· — · ·

As the sunset was illuminating the horizon, an endless number of soldiers secured the surroundings. Hidden in the tall trees that stood against the deep blue sky, they protected the guests arriving at the banquet.

When the visitors entered the main feast, all the commanders, generals, nobles, and court members, with the company of their sons and wives, seated themselves in accordance with their rank. While tasting the delicacies from the tea tables, they engaged in little talks, waiting for his highness arrival. Their eyes would occasionally switch to the empty throne at the end. The king and the queen were ill, ensuing prince Zhao Rong to hold the reign of the country.