260: 6.20 Peace Treaty

6.20 Peace Treaty

What Lu Yizhou and Jillian didn't know was that Maia had long since noticed Jillian's presence, after the great fanfare caused by the intimidating troops arriving in Orun early this morning. Maia had heard his name all along the street, spoken with reverence, fear and admiration and as a result, her interest was piqued. How could she not, after all the rumors about his doll who looked realistic enough to look like a mini human with an unparalleled beauty, who was said to manifest from the ghost who fell in love with him? That was just so… intriguing! She just wanted to take one look! Just one look to curb her shimmering curiosity…0

It was totally a coincidence for Maia to be here, though. Yes, her father might cut her head off if he found out that she had been running around — to the enemy's land at that — but Maia couldn't help it. She had always been a free spirited girl. Wild and unruly, or so her father said. 

Maia just didn't understand why the war had to happen. 

The main problem was quite simple, actually. The prolonged winter had drained the tribe's food reserve and they were facing a huge crisis of starvation. All animals were either hiding or hibernating and they couldn't get a decent hunt for days. As a nomaden tribe, they had gotten used to resorting to forceful ways to get what they wanted, as much as she didn't want to admit it. 

The rule that only the fittest could survive was absolute. Children were taught early to hunt for their own food and worked hard to get what they wanted; they were raised independent enough that they could survive even if trapped in a rainforest with a tiger. 

They didn't have enough meat to feed people but this prosperous country near them had such an abundance that they even had the luxury to throw leftover food away? Steal. 

Those people didn't want to give it up? Kill. 

They were weak anyway, lulled by their daily comfortable and peaceful life. Their women stayed at home all day, raising spoilt brats who didn't know how to do anything but whine; and their men were cooped in office jobs, wearing clothes made from high quality silk and enjoying wine, unaware that out there, thousands of people were cold and starving.

Maia wondered why they couldn't just ask nicely for help. This way, they could evade war and death. Surely if they just lowered their pride and didn't act as if they were above everyone, the country might be generous enough to lend them help.

Alas, when she voiced it out loud, all she earned was her father's wrath for suggesting such a cowardly idea and in a fit of anger, grounded her for a week and only gave her one meal per day. Feeling frustrated from being cooped up for days, Maia — with Frey, her personal maid that decided to stick to her everywhere — decided to run away. Coincidentally Orun was the first city close enough that she could return in less than three days but far enough that her father wouldn't be able to find her. She just didn't expect to meet the entire army here!

Seeing their armors and deadly weapons in person distressed Maia so. 

She knew her father had greatly underestimated these people, thinking that they knew nothing of war and survival but he was sorely wrong. They were a force to be reckoned with and throughout the span of months, many people in her tribe had fallen under their swords. Maia dreaded the future because her father could no longer stop himself; he wouldn't give up until he could pierce his spear into the heart of the country. Too blindsided with the glory and wealth he would gain once he sat on the throne. 

If it continued like this, Maia knew that her tribe would lose sooner or later!

"Y—You shouldn't do this," Frey whispered fearfully, her eyes darting back and forth as if the soldiers would spring up in the next second to pounce on them. "Let's go back, okay Miss? It's dangerous!"

Maia merely brought the cup to her lips and downed it in a single gulp. In an instant, bitterness exploded inside her mouth and she grimaced in disgust. Damn it, how could anyone drink this kind of thing? She really didn't understand these people. On the first floor, people were transfixed on the storyteller but Maia only had eyes for the man with a cold expression who was sitting by the window. "Do you see that man there?"

"Who…?" Frey followed her line of sight and she almost choked on his breath when she saw who Maia was talking about. "G—General Lacrosa! He… He is…" Frey became even more flustered, her face as pale as a sheet. "We should get out of here!"

"Watch me." The corner of Maia's lips ticked upward and under Frey's horrified eyes, she stood up and made a beeline straight toward the General's table. Rude bastard, he didn't even bother to look up at her. "Good evening, gentleman. Is this seat taken?" She gestured to the empty chair opposite him.

"Yes," he answered curtly.

Maia shrugged and sat down because well, she was Maia. "Well, I won't take long." The General's expression soured and he looked like he was seconds away from choking the life out of her throat. Maia grinned and met his piercing golden eyes head on. Oh wow, talk about intimidating… "I will just sit here until your companion returns. Such a dashing gentleman like you isn't supposed to be left alone!"

As soon as the last word left her lips, chill abruptly ran down Maia's spine. She tugged the heavy cloak tighter around her and shuddered. Weird, why did it get so cold all of a sudden? Suddenly something clicked in her mind and she looked around curiously. "Is he here? The ghost that falls in love with you…?" At the General's startled look, she giggled. "Oh Heavens, please don't worry. I don't have any intention to flirt with you. Sorry General, but you're not my type." She laced her fingers together and rested her chin there. "So the rumors are true? There's really a ghost around you?"

If previously she had thought that Jillian looked murderous then right now, he looked plainly savage. His eyes were feral and his expression twisted in a terrifying look. Maia gulped and let out a nervous chuckle, praying that her head would still remain intact for the next two seconds. 

"I don't mean anything by that, General. Gosh, both of you are so possessive of each other." She couldn't help but sigh dreamily. "That's so romantic."

"Scram," he hissed.

Maia clapped cheerfully. "Look at how mannerless I am! Let me introduce myself first, I am Maia, the daughter of the 47th Chief Tribe, Ernoul." Seeing surprise flashed through the General's eyes, Maia couldn't help but feel victorious. She ignored Frey's despairing look from the corner of her eyes. 

Alright she knew that it was a suicidal move to expose her identity just like that. But the tea shop was noisy and she had said it almost in a whisper. Surely, nobody could hear her other than the man in front of her. And somehow… Maia had the feeling that if she was searching for someone who could hit some sense into her father's head, the person would be him. 

Now what should she say so that she would be allowed to catch a glimpse of the infamous doll? Aha! Here's a brilliant idea. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes twinkled in excitement. "General, what if I say I am here to talk about the peace treaty?"

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