271: Dangerous Bargain

Dangerous Bargain

"Your expression makes me curious, Oriana. Pray tell, what is the reason you called me here?"2

"Teach me how to use my powers."

Oriana was straightforward, her tone akin to that of a businessman doing a transaction which she confidently believed would not be refused.

A corner of Rosetta's lips curved into a smirk. 

"And why do you think I will do that?"

"Because you are the same as me, Lady Rosetta. You are a Black Witch as well, one who has  vested interest in me."

Rosetta stared at Oriana for a while, as if trying to see through her. However, there was no chink in the young witch's armor. Her decisive expression showed nothing of her inner thoughts, although one could see from her posture that she truly believed her words to be true.

"Mind your manners, young lady," was all the black-haired beauty said in response, as she turned around to make herself comfortable on the seat of the lounge area. 

Her smile held amusement, but similar to Oriana, her real thoughts never showed on her face. Be it her speech or composure, one would think it was Rosetta who owned the place and invited Oriana over. "Manners—that is the bare minimum someone needs when asking to be taught something."

Although Rosetta did not say it, her question scolded Oriana for being silly and expecting her outright agreement.

Oriana's gaze also deepened as she made her way to the seat opposite Rosetta's.

'She's no easy opponent,' that was what Oriana realized. 

As a person who grew up meeting all sorts of shady characters, Oriana could be considered to be shrewd, with a great ability to take advantage of situations. She was skilled in using words, smooth in lying, flexible in thought and good at understanding people. Gaining momentum in a negotiation was important to gain favorable results. 

However, in a single statement, Rosetta was able to gain the upperhand in their conversation.

"What if I refuse, Oriana?"

Another jab. 

But Oriana's expression did not change. "You will not."

"And how did you reach such a conclusion?"

"Though I may be young, I have my own thoughts and ability to see through things. I have been dealing with different kinds of people all my life while trying to survive…and from what I have seen so far, you need something from me. That is how I know you will not refuse."

To Oriana's response, Rosetta simply raised her brow. 

Oriana continued, "From the beginning, your goal is to lure me to meet you. Otherwise, why would your people all of sudden seek help from a young servant from another kingdom?  You yourself are capable of helping people, and even if not you, there are plenty of options aside from me, who is not even an official physician. 

"Not to mention, you showed interest in me, a total stranger, even offering to have tea inside your private chamber. Wouldn't that be plenty suspicious? How can a noble lady simply offer a boy to come to her chamber? But you did. That means you already knew I was a woman from the start. 

"When I suddenly felt faint, I could already tell there was an external factor you prepared beforehand. You wanted to verify a suspicion in person. You needed to touch me, and afterwards, your attitude towards me grew better. That meant you gained what you wanted. 

"You even gave me an ancient artifact, such a precious communication. You knew things about me enough to decide I am worth your investment to have a good relationship with me. 

"All of these efforts to bring me to you, Lady Rosetta, don't you think it leads to me thinking you need something from me?"

Rosetta's eyes flashed in appreciation. Despite her young age and her lack of proper education, it became more apparent to her Oriana was no fool. 

"I was really too obvious about that," Rosetta chuckled. "But how did you discover I am a Black Witch?"

Oriana learned that truth from Drayce and Yorian, but she could not tell her that. However, she was one who could even lie with a straight face on the spot, what more she prepared beforehand.

"You say you are a special human, but in my knowledge, there is no such thing. I knew you were a supernatural being, I only don't know which race you belong to. I had my doubts but what made me more confident was when I visited you for the second time. You didn't want to hide the fact that you know I am aBlack Witch.

"Witches with the darkness attribute are discriminated against, not only by other races, but even by their fellow witches. For you to offer to help me and give me that pendant, it strengthened my belief we belong to the same kind. After all, that ancient artifact contained a spell not sourced from nature…and from what I know, most races rely either on their bloodline talent or magic of the five elements. Complicated spells like that are only within the abilities of witches."

Rosetta chuckled, "Amazing. It seems the King of Megaris has taken time explaining our world to you."

At this point, Rosetta no longer pretended to be ignorant. 

It was Yorian who taught her. However, the Thevailese delegation were only aware of Drayce's and Seren's existence, thus, Oriana did not correct her misconception. She neither confirmed nor denied the witch's guess.

Rosetta continued, "So knowing I sought you out with an ulterior motive, you are still here asking for my help."

"Yes, because you need something from me, and I need something from you. In the end, both of us will benefit." 

Rosetta cradled her face with a hand as she studied Oriana.

"But, that young king from Megaris must have warned you about me."

"He does not know you are a witch, only he finds you suspicious. It is all my own guess."

"Is that so?" Rosetta merely smiled, but no one could guess whether she believed her or not. "Why do you sound so desperate to learn all of a sudden?"

"Is it important?" Oriana asked.

"Of course. If I will be taking you in as a student, I must understand you well, don't you think?"

Oriana gave her a deep look. 

"Can a witch be a proper witch when she cannot wield her power? I have something in me, so why not use it to my benefit? I will not be a servant forever. I too want to live a better life. Power is something that everyone wants and I am no different. I am greedy as well."

"Then what about my greed?" Rosetta slyly asked.

"I will make sure to satisfy it as long as it's not evil."

"Evil?" Rosetta chuckled. "Oriana, Oriana, you have to be more precise about what counts as evil."

"Harming a person is evil," Oriana replied confidently. 

The smirk on Rosetta's lips widened. "Are you sure?"

"I am as long as you teach me how to use my powers," Oriana replied with the same confidence. "One favor."

It was a dangerous bargain, where her moral integrity was compromised. 

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