Something about the elf woman in front of him really awakened his desire.
Of course, who wouldn't like her? She has beautiful hair with the color of the morning sun. Each step she took radiated authority and beauty, easily making any guy fall for her. But, beyond all that, there was something that really interested him.
Was it her cold personality, or her fierce demeanor? He wasn't sure, but what he was sure of was the fact that she is surely the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
"What is it, Lady Serene? Anything I can help you with?"
"I came to take you to see Mina now!"
"Mina?" Tristan stared at her, unsure what she was talking about.
"My pet tiger, Mina! Don't tell me you forgot!"
"Ooh, yes, of course… I understand, I can do it right away!"
Tristan stood up and walked closer to follow her, and the Kingsblade immediately stood up to follow them. But, Tristan glanced at them and said. "Actually princess, the fewer people there are, the better the chance for me to succeed… This is a very delicate matter."
To his surprise, the princess immediately believed him. She ordered the Kingsblade to stand down, as it would be better not to have too many outsiders walking around.
Knowing they are in the elf territory, Captain Raika finding it easy to agreed and told the other Kingsblade to just take a rest.
Tristan smirked, his plan had succeeded.
"Being this close to the elf princess is like winning a jackpot, really…" Tristan was laughing loudly inside. He managed to play them like a fiddle.
"What is it you are saying, Sir Tristan?" Serene glanced at him and asked.
"Nothing, Lady Serene, I am merely appreciating your excellent decision and admiring your beauty."
The princess looked away, but for a split second, Tristan was able to see the red blush coloring her face beyond her smile.
"Oh my god, this is too easy."
Serena took him outside the palace and led him on a walk around the Vanyar City. The elven city was beautiful, the houses built under gigantic trees bustling with life all around them. Some people gathered around stalls selling various things ranging from beautiful crystals to exotic foods.
Every time they passed other elf city residents, they stared at them while giving their respects to their Valkyrie. Tristan felt like he was walking with a celebrity.
The two of them walked away from the hubbub and into a small overgrown area, where a tunnel-like structure leading down the earth could be seen. Barricades were placed all around it to ensure no one could get in.
At first, Tristan saw horse stables on both sides of the path, but then, as they went deeper, he saw many kinds of weird-looking animals. They passed several animals before stopping at the cage where they keep the white tiger.
"Here she is, Sir Tristan."
The white tiger was roaring wildly and thrashing against the enchanted cage until she saw Tristan. Within moments, she turned from a wild beast to a spoiled cat.
Seeing this scene made Serene have to hold back her annoyed sigh.
"Please, Sir Tristan, if you undo what you did to my mina…"
"Of course, Lady, I will do it right away."
Tristan raised his hand, looked at the tiger, and acted as if he was concentrating. He made a pulling motion with his finger before letting out a long sigh.
"What is it, Sir Tristan?" The Valkyrie asked.
"Unfortunately, we are a bit too late, lady… I am afraid releasing her from my power will be too hard."
"What?! How could it be?!"
"My sincere apologies, my lady, but in my current condition, it will be too hard for me."
"Too hard?! Please, if there is a way, please try it!"
Tristan looked away as if distraught, closed his eyes, and said. "There is… But, will you pay the price?"
"What price…?" Serena asked. From her eyes, it was clear her hopes were rekindled.
Tristan approached the princess and whispered something that made her blush.
"That's it, my lady, my special skill really has a special… um, requirement for its activation. If you promise to do it, I will use all the energy left inside me to help your poor tiger."
The princess was reluctant, but afterwards, she nodded in silence.
He was ecstatic, he couldn't believe it! This beautiful elf who had stolen his breath since the beginning of their encounter would let him do whatever he wanted to her. He closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and made a show to pretend this was the hardest thing he had to do.
[Will you remove the blood seal from the target?]
[Blood Seal has been removed]
[Your blood essence had returned]
[You have received 250 blood essence]
He pretended to look down towards the ground and grinned. His other purpose for coming here was to take away his blood essence from this creature. To control the tiger, he needed 500 points of blood essence from his total 3000 blood essence limit, which was such a waste. This way also, he could get half of his blood essence back.
As a bonus, he would also receive his wonderful 'reward' from the princess.
Red mist bubbled from the tiger's forehead and returned back to Tristan.
"Mina? Mina!"
"My lady, please do not worry, she will be fine."
The tiger trotted closer to the princess and rubbed its cheek against her before licking her arms. Serene smiled, happy and content that her tiger was back to her. Suddenly, she took out a leather collar accessory and put it on the tiger's neck.
Tristan glanced at the collar, it was weird that she would put such an item to the tiger right now, until he saw the pitch black stone stuck on the collar.
Is that… A godstone?
Like being struck by thunder in daylight, Tristan realized the female elf had been fooling him the whole time.
Serena shouted, and dozens of elf soldiers came filling the tunnel.
"Capture this shameless pig!"