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Despite Dixie's threat, the glare that Amos aimed at the crimson-haired girl approaching him was no less murderous than before. After all, the hatred he had in his heart for this girl had long since exceeded the point where he could keep it from showing on his face.
Not to mention, even if he could have, Amos would never choose to show meekness in front of his enemy. That was the last of his pride.
But even though the rage in his eyes was palpable, surprisingly enough, the boy didn't speak a word.
Emilia smiled thoughtfully as she got closer to him. "How have you been the past few weeks? I trust my dearest knight has been treating you 'well'?"
Her statement alone was a blatant attempt at prodding his open wounds, and since the crimson-haired girl didn't kneel down to get on his level while Amos was tied to the ground, the feeling of being looked down on was even worse.
Seemingly disappointed by his lack of response, Emilia sighed. "Anyway, although we're not exactly on friendly terms, I actually brought you some good news."
She smiled. "I'm guessing you must be bored and feeling suffocated in such a place, right? Well, don't worry! Within a few weeks, we should be able to take you back to Blue Dawn!"
Her cheerful tone made it seem like such a good thing, but Amos knew only a worse fate awaited him in that place. But at this point, he didn't really care about that.
Ever since he'd been caught by these people, he'd suffered from continuous derision and mockery while being tied down helplessly by that dark-haired bitch, Dixie.
Of course, while he was infuriated at her daring, he hadn't thought she'd be able to really hurt his pride… at first. But that was when she started showing him those videos.
She showed him his comatose 'father' partially recovering and cursing at him deliriously, calling him ungrateful, worthless, and a disgrace to his bloodline.
She showed him how everything that he once took pride in was now no more, and how his enemies were doing so much better instead. Especially that bitch he hated the most.
And worst of all… she showed him just how deeply the love of his life had betrayed him. Not only falling for someone else, but also indulging in depraved and sick pleasures like a disgusting deviant.
What really pushed him past the brink of despair was when the dark-haired bitch actually made Crystal talk to him on video, and join in on mocking and deriding him while he was still tied and gagged.
Not only were all his hopes completely shattered, but even the vaguest of delusions that he could ever punish and recover Crystal for himself were completely turned into smoke.
All that remained in his heart… was revenge.
Revenge against his worthless father, this venomous dark-haired bitch, that crimson-haired whore who started it all, and even… the so-called love of his life.
He would show them all what a grave mistake they'd made by taking him on, and make them regret it for the rest of their pathetic lives!
Emilia seemed to find his twisted expression extremely funny, however, and even giggled openly, abruptly breaking the hero out of his vengeful fantasies.
"I'm glad to see that you're also just as excited to see me take over Carmen. Don't worry, I won't make you wait long. A few weeks at most, promise!"
Almost immediately, the silver-haired hero started laughing deliriously.
It was the first time he opened his mouth since she arrived, and Emilia couldn't help but tilt her head curiously. 'Wanna bet that the first actual word out of his mouth is a curse aimed at me?'
Cynthia blinked. "What are we betting?"
The crimson-haired girl hummed. 'I don't think there is any need for materialistic exchange between us partners. So how about… a kiss?'
"Huh?"
Feeling the raven-haired girl's confusion, Emilia graciously 'explained' it in detail. 'If you lose, I get to kiss you. And if I lose, you get to kiss me. Deal?'
Of course, as expected, Cynthia immediately exploded. "That's the same damn thing! Do you think I'm as stupid as the hero?!"
Emilia shrugged. 'Well, it was worth a try.'
"I'm never betting with you, anyway! You clever little cheat!"
Although her partner had clearly learned not to 'compliment' her by now, Emilia could still tell by her tone that she was actually quite proud and satisfied, and she couldn't help but giggle.
Of course, Amos took it as her not taking him seriously, and his derisive laughter froze as he sneered. "You think you're so amazing, huh? Just because all these bitches and morons lick your boots and prop you up like that, has your dumb little head really gotten so big that you think you can take over this country too?"
Despite being someone who wasn't very interested in such things, even Amos knew the difference between Carmen and Blue Dawn. Just like a shrew and a whale, they had more that set them apart than they had in common.
If this little bitch was really so delusional that she dreamt of taking over Carmen just as she had with Blue Dawn, then perhaps he wouldn't even have the opportunity to take his own revenge.
Naturally, Emilia didn't let his words bother her, and only smiled confidently in response. "Oh? Are you willing to bet on it with me? If you win, not to mention setting you free… I'll even give you back a part of what you once used to have, you know?"
The hero's eyes immediately turned sharp, and his heart started beating erratically in excitement. Obviously, he already knew thanks to Dixie that much of what once was Black Tiger's had already changed hands multiple times, first going to the government of Oriana, and then to the allies of this hateful bitch.
If she was really stupid enough to make such a bet with him…
'This might be my chance to rise back up!'
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