Chapter 20: Twenty
Roxia has returned to the Crane's Duchy. Historia gave her an excuse that she could use to avoid suspicion from Admarine. Roxia told Historia that even Admarine is unaware that she is Vivian's spy. Typhis gave her a contract that said if she betrayed them, her body would explode and she'd die. Roxia immediately signed without hesitation. Of course, as Historia promised her, she paid off all of her debts.
Historia returned to the training ground in the hopes of seeing the man known as Xyan, but it appears that the man had not yet arrived. She chose to walk away and visit the garden. She remembers Zion and misses him. It's been days since they haven't met.
"I wonder what he's doing right now," she thinks to herself. "Should I write him a letter?" she asked, walking between the orange Chrysanthemum flowers, which bloom in the fall as well. She bit her lower lip and looked down when she was abruptly bumped into. "Ouch," she moaned in pain, raising her head.
She wasn't expecting to see Xyan in front of her. Xyan immediately kneeled down in front of her. "My Lady, I apologize for bumping you; it was clearly my fault for not looking around," he said, raising her eyebrows.
"No, it's okay; you can stand up now," she said. Xyan kept his head down before slowly standing up.
"Thank you, My Lady," he continued. "I need to excuse myself." Xyan was about to leave her sight when she called his name, causing him to pause and turn to face her.
"Be my personal knight," she said directly, surprising Xyan, whose eyes widened. He began to chuckle softly, which caused her to raise her eyebrows.
"What's funny?" she asks.
"Nothing, My Lady. It's just, why did you ask me to become your personal knight? When you already know that I am just a sweeper and the servants of the knights of the Crane Family. I am nothing but just a servant, My Lady. Please choose much better person that is deserving of that position," he responded. This causes Historia to crack a smile which surprised Xyan as well.
"You're being so humble, you know to yourself that you can do better than them yet you keep on gatekeeping your talent, it will be such a waste if you won't use it," Historia explained made his eyes to widen.
"My Lady, I don't have any talents—" Xyan wasn't able to finish his sentence when Historia interjected him causing him to shut his mouth.
"Do you just want to waste this opportunity I am offering to you?" she pauses for a moment waiting for Xyan's response but he just keep his mouth. "I will give you two days to think about it," she added.
Historia turned her body to walk away from him, however she stopped when Xyan opened his mouth to speak causing her to turn around again to face him. "You kidnapped Roxia, right?" he asks.
Historia just looks at him seriously, while Xyan continues to stare at her, waiting for her reaction now that he knows about it. "I saw a man disappeared out of nowhere carrying Roxia's body away from the mansion. What causes you to let her live and come back to the mansion?" he asks once more.
"If you wanted me to be your knight, how can I be so sure that my life will safe from your hands? That I am with the right master I will serve for. I need to be sure of my well-being, My Lady. I don't just accept things without thinking logically. My talent would be a waste if I let myself serve a master that isn't intelligent and strong enough to handle situations," he said directly. Historia snickered and looked at him with great interest.
"Are you aware of what you're saying right now, Xyan? Are you really doubting my abilities and skills? You aren't my knight yet you're looking down on me," Historia replied taking steps to walk closer to him but Xyan just stood there looking at her. "I will give you two days, Xyan," she added.
"I just want to be sure, My Lady," Xyan said seriously.
Historia crossed her arms and stared at him. "You really believe what the rumors are saying? About how childish, ignorant, stupid, and villainous lady I am in this empire? I have no words for you. It really doesn't matter anymore if you want to take my offer or not. I can find much better anyway," she said and quickly turn around to walk away from him. She pouted as she can't believe Xyan really think that she is that kind of rumored lady.
Moments later, she heard someone running towards her, prompting her to turn around and see Xyan gasping for air in front of her. She raises her eyebrows, and Xyan immediately stands up properly. "What?" she asked.
"I apologize for my rudeness a while ago, My Lady; if you allow me, I would like to accept your offer," he said, placing his right hand to his heart. She looks at his hip, which now contains a sword, and then looks at him.
"Xyan, I don't just want a knight; I need a loyal, faithful, and dependable knight, one whom I can trust, but if you ever betray me, I can take your life immediately, do you understand?" Historia speaks seriously, looking Xyan in the eyes, attempting to read his mind.
"Yes, My Lady," Xyan responded, making Historia smile genuinely.
"Very well then," she replied.
Xyan draws his sword from his hips and lowers it to the ground, placing his hands on the sword and bowing his head. "I, Xyan Obelian, do solemnly swear and pledge my sword to serve, remain loyal and faithful to Lady Historia Crane until the rest of my lives. To defend and obey her until she depart her death shall take me. I will protect her even if it cost my life."
After his pledge, Historia smiles at him. "You are now Historia Crane's personal knight, Xyan Obelian."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone