Book 4: Chapter 37
Once we entered the room, Nier released me. The individual in charge of the company sat in his chair with a look of despair on his face, and looked at me. I smiled and walked up to the window. I pulled the thick black curtains shut. The room went pitch black instantly as if the sun had yet to come up outside. I then went to the door and locked it. I then finally walked up to the desk and sat down on the timber chair. I looked at the face that was due to the shadow cast on the other side of the table opposite me with a smile. With my smile still on my face, I said: “You don’t have to be so tense. I didn’t come to judge you….. My, is that your wife and daughter? Your daughter sure is cute. You’re a fortunate man, congratulations.”
I waved my hand and Nier walked up front, drew her sword and then stood behind him. She placed her blade up against his neck.
I picked up a small crate on his desk, but inside was a drawing. It was a drawing of an elegant and dignified wife holding a young girl with a smile. His hands trembled like he wanted to leap over and snatch it from me. However, he still had a sword to his neck. If he were to budge, that blade would cut his neck open without any hesitation.
“Your majesty…… Your majesty… I beg you… I beg you……”
I saw a flash of despair and anguish in his eyes. His lips trembles and his face was white as a sheet as if he was ready to keel over. His voice was shaky and hoarse, sounding like he was sobbing. I smiled. I stood up, walked over to his side and patted his shivering body. I placed the drawing into his hands and he gripped it tightly akin to someone scared of drowning and grabbing onto straws. I looked at him, bent over and next to his ear, quietly said: “If I report this you’ll be executed while your wife and child will be sold off. Wait, considering our friendship, I could let them enter the palace. If you can’t accept that, I can let you and your family reunite in heaven.”
“Your majesty…… don’t… don’t… I beg you……”
“Of course, if I was going to do that, I wouldn’t have come here.” I chuckled as I walked back to the front of my seat and sat down. I then clasped my hands by interlocking my fingers and looked at him, “I’ve already shown enough sincerity, so let’s negotiate. What you say next determines the fate of your wife, your child and your life.”
He despairingly shouted: “Your majesty, just tell me, what do you want to know from me?!” After that he slouched into his chair like he’d been sapped off all of his life-energy.
I smiled casually and then said: “I want to know who tried to assassinate me.”