Married To The Enemy Kingdom's Illegitimate Prince
Chapter 75 — Unexpected Encounter (2)

Chapter 75: 75 — Unexpected Encounter (2)

"Is there something you want from me?"

The golden-haired man shut for a moment before bursting into laughter.

Cynthia stared at him, without showing any ounce of emotion.

"My, you could at least frown so I know you are mad at me for laughing at your question," the man chuckled.

"Get straight to the point or else I will get going."

"Well..." the man coughed to clear his throat, his nervousness evident from the way he fidgeted with his hands before continuing. "I want to help you as an apology for the way I behaved that night. It wasn’t directed at you. You’re one of us, after all and I know how hard life can be for a commoner shapeshifter young lady..."

Cynthia didn’t speak, and quietly listened to him.

"Uhm... so how can I help you?"

"Can you help me with anything?" Cynthia demanded, her voice and gaze sharp.

"Yes, of course. Do you need money? Or maybe you want to work somewhere better? I have good places—"

"None of that," Cynthia interrupted.

The man tilted his head to the side, trying to think of what else she could want.

"Can you overthrow the king?"

The golden-haired man froze, shivers ran down his spine upon hearing her question. He blinked rapidly before letting out a soft chuckle.

"You can joke even with a straight face, can’t you?"

"And if I were serious?"

"W-why would you do that?" The man stammered, wavered by her unexpected demand.

"The king is behind shapeshifters’ extinction. Don’t you want revenge for those who were exterminated without having ever done anything wrong?" Cynthia stared up at the young man who somehow seemed unable to speak.

It wasn’t like he didn’t know what was going on, but not just anyone could oppose the king. Even if they had the strength of a shapeshifter, it would all be meaningless.

"I— I’m going to have to give that some thought..." he stammered as he walked backwards feeling the wall behind him. Never did he expect the young lady to have such strong ambition or determination.

"You sound like you’re running away," Cynthia smiled at the young man.

She scoffed inwardly.

No one in this country dares standing against the king, do they? Cowards!

"I promise I’ll have an answer for you when we meet once again," the golden-haired man hid his face with the collar of his shirt in an attempt to hide his beet-red face from the lady before him as he ran out into the street.

Finally this is over and he’s gone!

Cynthia counted to thirty before coming out of the alley, making sure that onlookers wouldn’t assume that they were together. She boldly stepped forward, acting as if nothing ever happened. This day has been nothing but amusing so far. From her maids—

How could I forget about them?!

Cynthia started looking down the street in an attempt to find her maids. She began rushing from store to store, in hope to find them soon.

Just then, she entered an unknown store. It was too dark for her to make out anything. She blinked her eyes looking around trying her best to see in the dimly lit room.

"So bright!" Cynthia stubbed her toe on the counter in front of her.

Who would set up a place like this?

She wondered, amazed by the decoration.

Just then the blinds were flung open, revealing a beautifully decorated storefront. Curiosity picked, and Cynthia slowly stepped forward into the store.

"Welcome Miss!" A man exclaimed with a bright smile on his face, clapping his hands covered in dark gloves.

"What is this place?" Cynthia asked, feeling an immense heat hitting her face. She gently waved her hand to fan herself down, however she only felt hot air.

"Oh! This is Ignot’s Blacksmiths. Would you be interested in looking at some swords we create here?"

"Swords..." Cynthia mumbled. It had been a while since she had last welded a sword and the greed to hold a new one couldn’t be submerged.

"Alright... Show me some nice and new swords."

Walking to the hangers on the walls, the elderly man walked past many magnificent long swords. They seemed to possess different enchantments and protection spells.

Cynthia began to wonder why he wasn’t saying anything. He walked past so many fine swords yet he didn’t stop nor hesitate to look in their direction. Just then, he bent down behind the counter. It took awhile before he took out a long slender navy-blue box engraved in silver elven ruins.

Dusting off the cover, Cynthia couldn’t help but be amazed by the high craftsmanship. Clicking the locks at the front of the box he then opened it to reveal a bright red velvet interior with a scimitar sitting squarely in the middle of the box. It had a mirror like finish with matching silver hilt and guard, and a obsidian black leather handle with a sheath to match. Cynthia was awestruck by its beauty.

"This has been sitting in my shop for many decades, until today. One look at you and I can tell you fought countless battles. You’re the only person who can do this sword justice my lady."

Leaning forward he took the sword out of the box and handed it to her, holding it by the handle and the blade as he bowed his head before her.

For a moment, Cynthia stared at the man suspiciously. How could he know either or not she ever held a sword?

"Your hands... they can’t hide how often you hold a sword, Miss," the man smiled softly, extending the sword closer to her.

As if in a trance, Cynthia wrapped her hands around the handle gripping it firmly in her hands. Immediately, she could feel the centuries of experience that went into this masterpiece. Its well balanced blade and handle was the type she always went for in her swords. Swinging it a few times, she fell in love with it!

"How much?" Cynthia inquired, unable to look away from the blade as her own reflection stared back at her.

"This is on the house, my lady," the old man smiled as he took a deep bow. "Finding a partner for this sword is more than I could have ever wished for."

Before Cynthia could protest, the old man held up his hand signalling that he would have none of it. Just then, another box in the corner of the room jumped violently startling both Cynthia and the old man.

"Ahh my apologies, just some faulty equipment," the old man smiled nervously. However, she couldn’t believe him.

Walking over, she found a box almost as large as a man bound in heavy chains. At first glance, they looked normal but to Cynthia’s trained eyes she knew fully well they were made of magic whatever was inside was very powerful. Drawn in by her curiosity she reached out her hand to touch the box only for it to jump again. It was almost as if it was resonating with her. At that moment, the sword in her hand started to glow.

"Looks like Miss isn’t easy to deceive... I apologize for lying to you. This sword once belonged to a very powerful swordmaster. Even your prowers wouldn’t be enough for it," the old man said disheartedly.

"I’ll take it," Cynthia exclaimed with a smile breaking out on her face. If there was one person this sword would agree to be its partner, it would be Lucian.

This would suit that sword loving maniac quite well and if in any event he can’t control it...

"I know the perfect person for this sword so no need to worry," she reassured the old man handing him a massive bag of gold. "Also, can I have a longsword? Preferably, one with a minor healing spell."

"Of course, Miss!" The man grinned brightly.