Contract of Submission with the Enemy - Chapter 28
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At that moment, Aster was in his private office, attending to his duties. His desk was cluttered with numerous newspapers, all discussing the political situation of the Luminous Kingdom. Particularly, the headlines detailed the growing and strengthening influence of the once unpromising young king, Shine Luminous.
The royal family’s resurgence was due to Shine Luminous, the last descendant who had emerged from hiding. When the previous king died, it seemed the era of the monarchy would finally end. However, this young man had suddenly appeared, claiming royal lineage and vowing to revive the dying kingdom, causing a significant stir.
Despite the increasing power of the republic, many royalists remained hidden, valuing pure bloodlines highly in this country. Shine’s declaration reawakened their voices, making it difficult for Lieutenant General Russell, the head of the republican faction, to fully transition to a republican government.
The only solution was clear: assassinate Shine Luminous, extinguishing the royalists’ hope entirely.
Aster studied the man in the newspaper, with his blond hair slicked back and serious brown eyes staring straight ahead, exuding a brilliant light even through the monochrome paper. He then reviewed the intelligence reports from spies about the royal family, his gaze sharp as a blade.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
“… Major, it’s Lieutenant Khalid from the Intelligence Division. May I come in?”
“What is it?”
“It concerns Rité Rainhills.”
Aster paused, setting the documents aside, and interlocked his fingers.
“Come in.”
The man who entered was the memory-scan ability user who had previously delved into Rité’s memories. Aster asked,
“Has she caused another incident?”
“No, sir. Major Melton is currently at her quarters, abusing her. I thought you should be informed.”
Aster’s brow furrowed slightly. He stood up abruptly, grabbing his coat, and walked out.
Khalid, glancing at the piled-up documents, noticed how busy Aster seemed. Yet, he always prioritized news about her, setting everything aside. Khalid followed Aster after closing the door.
As they approached Rité’s quarters, sharp voices echoed down the hallway.
“… Keep your expression in check! Do you want more? Should I make sure you can’t show your face again?”
Rité stood against the wall, her hair disheveled, hands behind her back, while Reyna Melton raised her hand as if to slap her.
“What’s going on here, Major Melton?”
At the cold, heavy voice, Reyna paused, looking to the side to see Aster walking down the hallway with an imposing presence. She was startled by his informal tone, a first for her, but tried to hold her ground.
“I’m conducting an education session.”
“Education?”
“Yes. This woman frequently violates military regulations, even showing defiance to Major Cloud. Her attitude is affecting the soldiers’ morale and discipline. So, I’m teaching her a lesson in obedience.”
Reyna smirked and glanced at Rité. Rité, however, stared blankly at the floor, ignoring both her and Aster.
Aster approached Rité and examined her swollen, bruised cheek and bloodied lip. She still did not look at him, her blue eyes empty.
“… Am I your friend?” he asked.
Reyna interrupted confidently,
“I’ve properly disciplined her, so she won’t act out again.”
Aster slowly turned to Reyna and repeated,
“I asked if I am your friend, Major Melton.”
Reyna, startled by the coldness in his black eyes, mumbled an apology,
“I… I’m sorry.”
Aster stepped closer, looming over her.
“Who told you to do this? Did I ask you to?”
His towering figure cast a menacing shadow.
“That, that’s…”
Reyna looked away, flustered. Aster stared at her and firmly said,
“I have no intention of getting close to you. Let me make it clear, soldier. I have no interest in you, Reyna Melton.”
His calm, yet piercing words struck her deeply. Reyna’s face flushed with humiliation. It was a definitive rejection.
“And remember, no one is allowed to educate my partner without my permission.”
He leaned in, whispering like a demon,
“Don’t touch what’s mine. Understood?”
Reyna was visibly shocked by the possessive term ‘mine.’
Was Aster Cloud always this assertive with women?
This was the first time she saw him show such possessiveness over anyone, especially a prisoner. She felt a mix of shame and jealousy that she wasn’t the one he was so fiercely protective over.
Unable to bear the situation any longer, she turned and walked away, her steps heavy with anger. As she reached the corner, she turned and said bitterly,
“… You’ll regret this.”
Aster glanced at her, seeing her wounded pride.
“If you don’t stop her now, that woman you call your partner will eventually destroy you. The more you protect her, the more she’ll become a threat, until she finally stabs you in the back and drives a knife through your heart.”
Aster smiled.
“That sounds intriguing. My goal is to raise a perfect assassin capable of killing me.”
Reyna trembled with frustration, then stormed off around the corner. Silence fell over the hallway.
Aster turned to Rité and spoke calmly,
“Let’s go inside. I’ll treat your injuries.”
When he extended his hand, Rité turned away. Aster paused, his hand in midair. She spoke in a subdued voice,
“This isn’t your business.”
Aster’s expression softened as he replied,
“Why wouldn’t it be? I’m your partner.”
“… Really? But you and that woman are the same. I never know when either of you will decide to torment me.”
He was the man who had tried to drown her and set a warehouse on fire to kill her. Though he rewarded her survival, there was little difference between him and Reyna in terms of cruelty.
Aster seemed affected by her words, staring at her in silence. He then addressed Khalid behind him,
“… Bring her in.”