Chương 136: Chapter 128-Chosen Games

The worst kind of danger is the one you don't see coming. It's ever-present, growing in the background like a bad case of toe fungus. Annoying, potentially fatal, and honestly a bit scary. So, what does one do when faced with a hidden danger? You get it before it can get you. Hopper pats me on the back.

"The Pope is really tearing into him, isn't he?" The Pope continues to press Alexander in a way that is both polite and brutal.

"Yup. He certainly is. I think my job here is done. Thanks, Hopper. Can you do me another favor?" I whisper to him.

"I only lead them to the conversation. What can I do?" he asks as he eats a piece of his carrot cake.

"Find the Dark Elf Chieftain. Ask her if the quar ry has made any suspicious movements."

"She's here?" he asks in surprise.

"She should be. Be careful. I sense something foul in the air," I say with a hint of wariness. Hopper nods and walks away.

"An impressive display," The Emperor says as he appears beside me.

"Thank you, Emperor. Although it was only a friendly debate," I [Lie] as I search the crowd for help. Speaking with the Emperor is a gamble that I'm not looking to make. If only Penelope was here, she could run some interference. My gaze settles on her as she speaks to the Marchioness. From the looks of it, things are going well. She can do it when she tries.

"That's a [Lie]," he says with a tone that could cut through stone.

"I'm sorry?"

"You used [Lie]." The room begins to spin as he continues to stare at Alexander being berated. What did he mean by that? How did he know? Why isn't he saying anything? My stomach drops as I try to figure out what in the hells is happening. First, I need to keep my composure. Considering that I'm not in a cell or under a guillotine, I should assume he doesn't know that I'm not The Chosen One. He may be poking around, but he would've done something if he had proof. So, calm the fuck down, CJ.

"Is that how you start all your conversations?" I joke as I keep up my facade. The first thing about [Lying]. Never admit you're [Lying]; No matter what happens, you deny everything. The truth dies with you, or the truth kills you. Not great options, but as a point of pride, I choose the former every time. The Emperor nods with a slight smile.

"Mr. Argent is not a good man. He's a snake. A viper in my garden. If I had it my way, he would be dealt with in the same way we used to deal with traitors back in the war, but this is a time of peace. The ways of the sword must give way to those of the gavel. On paper, he is a noble and honest man who would do great things for this Empire. He has twisted fear into anger, and as we both know, anger is rarely smart. Even after your stunt, he will win the vote to become the next Headmaster.

If only by a small margin."

"Why are you telling me all of this?"

"If you plan to deal with him using the way of the sword, you may win the battle, but you will lose the war. Be smart, Chosen One," he says as his green eyes bore into me.

"I see you've met Carlos," Penelope says as she joins the conversation.

"Yes, I have. We were having a lovely conversation, isn't that right, Carlos?" Emperor Rowan says with a sudden warm tone.

"Yes, we were," I [Lie].

"Well, if you'll excuse us, Father. We must get ready for the dance," she says as she leads us away. As I'm dragged away, the Emperor stares me down.

"Your father is nice," I [Lie].

"He usually is. Now, you need to be back before the dancing starts. Do you remember where you're going?" she asks as she grabs a drink from a nearby tray.

"Yes, you drilled it into me yesterday. Are you sure he's hiding it in his office?" I ask as I straighten my tie. Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

"Steward Evans is a very paranoid individual. He likes to keep anything he deems of value close by. If he has the Unicron horn, it's going to be in his office. I don't know where, but that's your job to find out. Now go," she whispers as she brushes some dust off my shoulders.

"Okay. Wish me luck and don't miss me too much," I say with a wink. Penelope gives an annoyed groan as I leave the ballroom. Walking with purpose, I walk through the halls of the Imperial Palace. Right, left, down the hallway, and then I'll find my- A pair of Palace guards round the corner. Before they can see me, I push into the nearest door. The darkness of the room greets me as I wait for them to pass. Step by step, their footsteps grow quieter until they disappear. That was close.

Pushing out of the room, I count the doors until I find the 5th one. This should be it. Taking my tools out, I unlock the door swiftly. The interior of a regular office greets me. A desk, some bookshelves, and a couch. Nothing too extravagant. I'm in. Time to get to work. If I were a Unicorn horn, where would I be hiding? As I scan the area, I mentally cross off the potential hiding spots until I find the perfect spot. There you are. Taking a seat, I trace the underside of the desk.

My fingers eventually find a groove. With a small push, a secret panel opens on top of the desk. Who's the best thief? I'm the best thief! Opening the panel, I pull out a long white horn.

"My horn is beautiful, isn't it? ~" a feminine voice says from the couch.

"Yup. It-" In one swift motion, I draw The Chosen Blade just in time to block the attack. A small white blade clatters to the ground. That was close. Why didn't I sense a threat? My attacker playfully twirls a small white blade between her fingers. Stark white skin, curved Demon horns, and large leathery wings. A Demon!

"Ah, I just knew that wouldn't kill you. How fun! How truly joyous that we get to play~," she says in a playful tone.

"Who are you?" I ask as I watch her blade.

"Me? Why isn't that a lovely question to ask me, but are you sure you have time to ask me~?"

"Time? What do you… What have you done?" I ask as I remember the dreadful feeling from earlier.

"You are quick. I like that, but that's not how that works. The Last Chosen One was a real drag. He wouldn't play with me, but I'm certain that you will. Won't you~?" she asks as she plops down on the couch.

"What kind of game are you hoping to play?" I ask as I pocket the Unicorn horn.

"Let's see, why don't we play a game of Guess Who? I'll give you three guesses to figure out who I am. If you guess correctly, I'll answer anything your heart desires~." I can feel it, but I can't at the same time. She's obviously a threat, but for whatever reason my alarm bells aren't going off. Until I can figure out why that is, it's best if I play along. The more I play along, the more likely she is to let something slip, and at the very least it'll keep her from killing me. I hope.

"You're obviously a Demon. One who likes to play games and who has fought the previous Chosen One. So, you must be pretty old and strong. That description fits very few Demons. I'm guessing a Sin. Can't be the Wrathborn. He's dead. The Greedborn and Envyborn are men, so they're out of the question. That leaves four. The Lustborn is known to have a captivating presence, and sadly I don't find you that pretty," I say as I slowly get out from behind the desk.

"That's rude~!"

"Which leaves me with three. The Gluttonyborn, Prideborn, and Slothborn. My guess would be the Gluttonyborn, considering that she's the weakest of the seven," I say, laying the bait.

"Wrong! Please, it wounds me that you would even compare me to her. A weakling like her, really~?"

"So, you're the Prideborn."

"Why would you say that~?"

"Even though the Slothborn is the strongest of the seven, she is known to never acknowledge herself as the strongest. On the other hand, you are well known to do the opposite, isn't that right, Prideborn?" I ask with a devilish smile.

"Ah, you got me… is what I'd like to say, but you're wrong. You have one more guess. Choose wisely; The answer might just be staring you in the eyes~," she says with an evil glint.

"You have to be the Prideborn. It's the only thing that makes sense," I say out of frustration.

"Is that your third guess~?" I need to be careful. I only have one guess, and wasting it on something she already said is wrong is a mistake at best. She's definitely the Prideborn. There's no doubt in my mind. Okay, maybe there's a little bit of doubt, but that doesn't matter. If my answer isn't wrong then… Maybe it's the question that's wrong.

'Who am I?' That's what she asked. Why- This fucker! Not what's my name, but who am I!

"You're Steward Ivan Luke Evans, or more specifically the owner of this beautiful horn, right?" I ask as I hide the fear pulsing through me. She blinks slowly before giving me a large, toothy smile.

"Correct! I'm so happy the Wrathborn didn't kill you. We wouldn't be having as much fun right now if he did~."

"Yes, fun. You owe me an answer. I felt a threat in the Ballroom. Was that you?" I ask.

"No… Well, not directly at least. I mean, I'm not the one who's the threat. I just came to play. I can't say the same for my children, though. They have a mind of their own. What is a mother to do~?" she says, feigning helplessness.

"Your children? What…" My mind suddenly thinks back on the Purists that Kat and I fought. The pride in their eyes. I've seen something like that before with Professor Stargazer.

"The Purists are planning something," I say absentmindedly.

"You really are fun. It's a shame I've been ordered to kill you, but not tonight. I'll save you for later, Chosen One. Oh, let's keep the fact that I'm the Steward between us. Wouldn't want me getting all angry, would we? Who knows who I might hurt? Maybe I'll start with that pretty little redhead~," she whispers in my ear. With a swing of The Chosen Blade, I cut through nothing but air. She's gone! Damn it! I don't have time for this! I need to get back to the Ball before something terrible happens.

Who knows what the Purists are planning.