Everyone in the room look at me in disbelief as I announce that I am out.
"What's wrong? Scared?" I did not bother to bat an eye at Myleane, instead focused on Mr. Red and Alexia who both were displaying varying emotions.
I made eye contact with Alexia and noticed her watery eyes.
"On what basis did you arrive such decision? After making yourself the key man of this plan, how could you back out? It was you who ignited the fire of hope in my eyes… I hate to admit it, but I searched so much that my eyes became clouded, it made me believe that my daughter Madison would always remain the way she is. I truly thought that for a long time. Until you arrived."
I saw Mr. Red face getting relaxed for once, the always stern and solid personality cracked a little and I only could see a tired man, a tired father. But in those wrinkled eyes I saw fire of hope and a bucket filled with cold water of guilt fell on my head.
I deceived, killed and gave false hope to countless people in my past life, I was the court magician, the right hand of the god emperor himself. People worshipped me, every city I step foot upon was turned into a shrine, every living being believed me that I was going to save the empire.
Here, I was struggling to give an answer to Mr. Red.
'Huh? Why am I thinking so much? I-I just to make some bullshit. Just tell them no. Like I did thousand times.' My dry throat ached when I open my mouth to speak, I closed my sweaty palm and looked away from Mr. Red. Myleane let out a disappointed groan.
"Hic! You don't have to do it." I heard a whimper, I turned my neck to saw Alexia struggling not to cry, her voice already softened and tears were on the verge of falling. Still, she looked at me with a determined face as if giving me permission to do something.
"Hic! I know you are doing this because of me. B-Because I am participating. But M-Maddy needs to be saved and Uncle Red told me that only you can save her. Hic! If you want it so bad, then I w-won't come but please s-save Maddy."
I found myself in tough spot, it was true that I wanted to keep Alexia safe, away from danger mainly due her mark but this was only half truth.
I cast a glance at Myleane and Mr. Red who were waiting for me to console her and handle the situation.
I hesitantly put my hand on Alexia's shoulder. She looks up at me. "H-Hey. Don't cry, I-I am sure Mr. Red will find some other cure in the capital or something, righttt?"
Mr. Red sighs and rubs his own forehead. Alexia bursts out crying and dashes out of the room.
"Good. You made her cry." Myleane sarcastically remarks me. I get up to follow her.
THUD!
Mr. Red and Myleane watches the door close and the red beast lets out a loud yawn. "Haagh! I am going for now. Our deal stands, I keep the guild away from you and in exchange you will convince Melsier to marry me."
"Hmm. I contact you soon." Mr. Red answers without looking at her.
Myleane stands up and smiles widely. "Don't hurry. Love tastes best when it is slow burned."
I run to the main counter searching for Alexia when Marie caught me, she was wearing an apron with multiple plates in hand. "Woah. What happened? Why is she crying?"
As I was going to answer her, I panicked and decide to stop as I don't want her to feel that I am abandoning their daughter.
A memory resurfaces in Marie's mind. "Actually, when Lambert brought her home, she was all shaking and scared. When I inquire her about it, she refused to say anything and she hated to even look at you or Lambert. Is this why?"
I avoid eye contact and awkwardly scratch the back of my head. "It might have because I told her that she murdered someone which actually was an accident… probably. Also, Mr. Red had her bathed in blood."
I sense intense bloodlust from Marie as she grinds her teeth together. "Lambert that bastard." The very next second she turns to me and talks in a soft voice. "Boys should never hurt a girl, okay? Go and apologize to her."
Marie turns around and serves the front table with their food, she clearly appears busy. I try to talk with her without revealing much. "I-I don't know. She thinks that I am refusing to help because of her."
"Is she wrong?"
"No?" I answer immediately.
"Then she is the problem."
Marie hands me the empty plate and I follow her to the pass counter. "It's complicated. She is not the main problem but a part of it."
"Then tell her the truth?"
I roll my eyes at Marie's words. "Do you think I never thought of that? Alexia will throw the biggest tantrum ever, begging me to change my decision."
Marie chuckles at the thought. "Still. Tell her."
"What?"
I hand the empty plate to her. "The world is far too cruel kids but she is not a kid anymore. Even though she is young and one could spoil her so much. Sometimes letting the kids know the bitter truth might cause tantrums but it will help in their growth long term growth. Remember. That parent can't always be with their child."
A realization hits my mind and I turn around as my mind fixates to tell Alexia the truth.
Marie pats my head and whispers in my ear. "She is in Maddy's room. On second floor."
I nod and run off to the stairs. Marie smiles as she heads to the kitchen.
Suddenly I call her out. "Also, Marie!" She turns around. "You are an amazing mother!"
It was the first time I saw Marie ever blush, her cheeks matched her fiery red colour. She looked very stunning.