Chapter 23: Reaching an Agreement

Nephthys gradually calmed her emotions. Though young, she was no naive girl unaware of the ways of the world. Since the other party had openly disclosed information about the "Key of the Black Rose," he must have had some designs on her; furthermore, she could feel the invasive, predatory nature of his gaze.

She sighed softly, offered a bitter smile, and untied the black veil from her face.

The girl’s complexion was fair, her nose bridge straight, as if carved by the meticulous hand of a creator. Due to the trace of helpless irony, her facial features appeared incredibly soft, radiating an irresistible charm.

Looking at her face, Cohen understood why she had kept it hidden behind a veil all along.

She was simply too adorable—supple strands of hair draped over her cheeks, her slightly trembling eyelashes fluttering like the fragile wings of a butterfly, and her lips were pursed as if in grievance. She looked so vulnerable and weak that it made one want to bully her mercilessly.

For some reason, Cohen was reminded of a snack from his past life called "Milk-Puff." It was cute, and he wanted to...

The girl, unaware that Cohen’s thoughts had drifted far away, parted her crimson lips:

"If you can help me find the 'Key of the Black Rose,' I am willing to offer you everything I possess... including myself."

Er...

Cohen snapped back to reality. He hadn't expected this item to be so important to Nephthys that she would be willing to sacrifice herself to obtain it. He only knew of the "Key of the Black Rose" because he had stumbled upon it in a forum during his previous life; he was unaware of its true significance to the Roben family.

He stared at Nephthys and sighed inwardly.

Girl, this look of yours, as if waiting to be plucked, really puts me in a difficult position.

Should I be a beast, or something even worse than a beast?

Although Cohen wouldn't mind experiencing some pleasantries with such a beautiful girl, the pressure he was currently under was too great; he simply lacked the time or inclination for flirtation.

He said softly:

"Miss, have you misunderstood something? I simply want to discuss a deal with you."

"Ah?"

A blush crept onto Nephthys’s cheeks, and she let out a small gasp:

"I... I am sorry, sir. I thought you..."

Cohen teased her:

"Of course, such a lovely lady—if you were to throw yourself into my arms, I wouldn't refuse."

Nephthys bowed her head slightly, her voice soft:

"Please do not tease me, sir. The 'Key of the Black Rose' is the key to my family's potential resurgence; it is truly very important to me."

Cohen asked:

"How many people are left in your Roben family?"

Nephthys’s lips curled into a bitter smile: "After my mother passed away, I was the only one left."

Cohen fell silent for a moment. He had the urge to make a flippant remark about how, as the last one remaining, she couldn't possibly revive a family—at the very least, she would need a man. But looking at the aggrieved, helpless girl, a sense of guilt welled up within him; he felt he shouldn't have asked such a heavy question.

Nephthys composed herself and said softly:

"However, my ancestors were not entirely unprepared. When they fled, they hid a portion of their treasure in a secret location to facilitate a comeback. The key to opening it is the 'Key of the Black Rose,' but it was lost before we could ever use it. We have been searching for over a hundred years, but unfortunately, even by my generation, we have had no leads."

Cohen understood completely and said:

"Don't worry. As long as we reach an agreement, I will help you find that 'Key of the Black Rose'."

Nephthys’s spirits lifted significantly as she asked:

"What exactly is the deal you speak of, sir?"

Cohen replied with a smile:

"It is very simple: I want to hire you to serve me! Of course, it is a perfectly normal service; please do not misunderstand again."

Nephthys’s face turned slightly red as she asked:

"Hired? Is the sir a leader of an adventure group?"

Cohen paused for a few seconds, then replied:

"More or less; you could understand it that way."

*My adventure group just happens to be a bit large,* Cohen added silently to himself.

He continued:

"The term of employment is five years. During these five years, you must obey my commands absolutely. During this time, depending on your loyalty and performance, I will take you to find the 'Key of the Black Rose' at an appropriate time."

Nephthys breathed a sigh of relief. Five years—that was manageable; the time wasn't too long.

Cohen added: "If you are concerned, we can go to the Temple of Fairness to sign a formal employment contract."

Nephthys shook her head: "That is unnecessary. I trust your character, sir."

Cohen continued: "Furthermore, you must improve your strength as much as possible... May I ask, how old are you now?"

"Fourteen."

Cohen looked at her rather striking figure, thinking to himself that she was remarkably developed for fourteen. He said:

"You must try your best to break through to the Bronze rank before you come of age. Naturally, I will provide whatever help I can."

Nephthys nodded gently, then suddenly asked:

"Sir, may I see your face?"

Cohen shook his head:

"Miss Nephthys, you are not yet someone I can trust, so I am sorry, but I cannot reveal my true identity to you for the time being."

Nephthys felt a slight disappointment; she was very interested in this young noble who understood her family's history and could easily sweep aside those of his own rank.

She bit her lip and said with determination:

"Do not worry, sir. You will see my loyalty in time!"

...

Andre looked at the dissolute young master before him, who still bore a look of anger, and chuckled:

"I do not believe that the Gaunt family has no grievances against the Angrain family."

Sandro thought to himself that he had none at all; if there were any grievances, it was why the Queen hadn't just finished off his older brother directly.

Facing the special envoy from the Kingdom of Ceylon, Sandro wore an exaggerated expression of fury:

"That was the Queen's own stubborn decision. The Prime Minister has already sent a letter explaining everything clearly. We know exactly what your Third Prince is planning; do not attempt to sow discord between us and the Prime Minister!"

Andre smiled enigmatically: "Oh? I did not expect the Grand Duke of the Southern Territory to be so accommodating now. A lukewarm letter of apology is worth the arm of a direct descendant and a Legend-rank guardian?"

Sandro stood up abruptly, his lips trembling: "But what you are talking about is treason! Treason! Our Gaunt family are descendants of the Four Knights; our swords are only meant for our enemies!"

Andre waved his hand:

"No, this is not treason. The she-wolf of the Angrain family has bewitched His Majesty the King. As descendants of the Four Knights and successors to the 'Sword' emblem, do you not have an obligation to use your blades to purge evil and restore royal authority to the Corleon crown?"

Sandro’s tone faltered, and he fell into deep thought.

Simultaneously, his father's final instructions before he left surfaced in his mind: *No matter what the other party says, do not agree to anything, and do not easily reveal your stance. If you must take a stance, there is only one—the Gaunt family will always be the most loyal knights of the Southern Territory of Ephin.*

Sandro shook his head:

"I thank the envoy for the 'Elven Holy Fruit.' If this is the bargaining chip for us to betray Ephin, then please take it back."

Andre suddenly laughed out loud, pointing at Sandro:

"Second Young Master, are you not currently wishing that I would take this fruit back?"

Sandro’s face showed the agitation of being caught.

Andre did not give him a chance to react:

"Very well. I did not come here to force you to take a stand. Go back and tell your father that if he is willing, the 'Oath of Ceylon' held by our Third Highness is ready at any moment!"

The "Oath of Ceylon"!

Although Sandro was a playboy, he understood the significance of that name.

An elite-level army—that was a force truly capable of opposing the Ephin royal family!

His breathing suddenly quickened; the words "Son of the King" hovered in his mind like a curse.

Andre watched Sandro’s reaction and sneered internally.

Finally, Sandro nodded slowly:

"I will pass the message to my father. Furthermore, I need the envoy to help me do one thing!"

As he spoke, a flash of malice crossed Sandro’s brow.