" What do you want?"
…
" You must want something from me, isn't it? What is it? What is it that you want?"
I stared at Concubine Meng Xi, who was grinning at me maliciously. She laughed at my reaction. It was as if she was having fun seeing me so tense.
" You got it, Haruto! There is something I want and if you give it to me, I'll take back my allegations against you and Chu Hua. I'll go to her majesty and retract myself. You have my word."
Ying Yue stared at the concubine attentively as she wondered why the latter would want to help her and what she could possibly want from her. As she couldn't find a reason for her actions, she decided to ask her directly instead of beating around the bush.
" In everything you've stated, you haven't mentioned, not even once, what it is that you want from me. State your request and let's get it done over with!"
…