The Tale of the Redeeming Villain

Note: This is an unedited version. If you find some major spelling mistake, then let me know.

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The meeting with the Emperor of Hedgalge was arranged in the morning while Charlotte and Carlson arrived here late at night.

The next morning, when they woke and got dressed, Charlotte anxiously asked, “When will that woman come? We are only half an hour away from the appointment time.”

Veronica Saberstone, the four Apostles and also the person whom they were supposed to meet here and attend the meeting together.

“You know her, Char. She won’t be late.” While Carlson buttoned his shirt, he told her.

It wasn’t the first time when Veronica remained hidden until the last moment that’s why Carlson wasn’t stressed.

Charlotte rested her shoulder on the wall and while looking out of the window, to be precise at the banners hanging across the streets, she couldn’t help asking,

“Why did Veronica even announce it to the public about this meeting?”

The person who was responsible for advertising about this meeting was Veronica. Why she did that was not within Charlotte’s knowledge. However, the violet-haired clearly stated that unless Emperor Noelle didn’t announce this gathering, then the apostles wouldn’t be coming to meet him.

Carlson trusted her intelligence and planning so he didn’t think twice before showing his agreement.

Noelle didn’t have a problem with the demand since, from his perception, for the world to know that the Apostles were coming to meet them in person would only make them realize the close relationship between the children of God and the Hedgalge.

“Shall we go?” Once Carlson was ready he asked as he offered his arm to the girl

Charlotte felt her face turning a little hot, as she inched closer to him and hooking her arm with his, as she nodded, “Mm.”

Boarding the carriage it took them a few minutes to reach the main palace.

There were numerous soldiers stationed around the palace, which urged Carlson to say, “They are pretty serious about our security…”

Charlotte scoffed, “In my opinion, Your Majesty is rather worried about his own security when you are around.”

Carlson blankly stared at her, only for Charlotte to chuckle at that reaction.

Soon, the horses came to a pause, and the door of the carriage was pulled open from the outside.

Carlson stepped down and offered his hand to his lady.

It was not every day that Charlotte was treated like a true lady, which he could see from her awkward exit from the carriage and that rosy blush her cheeks adapted.

Carlson fondly smiled at that reaction, making Charlotte even more embarrassed as she whispered, “Don’t share with me.”

“Blame yourself for being this beautiful.” Carlson sweetly retorted, urging a beautiful smile to appear on her lips.

“Haa~how romantic. I want to vomit.” Hearing those words, Carlson could already tell who the speaker was.

“My long lost friend, Veronica. How have you been?” Turning around, he found a familiar person standing there while wearing her old favourite robe that covered her body down from her neck to her knees. A long witch’s hat and those round glasses covered her sharp violet eyes.

Veronica rolled her eyes and stopped Carlson before he could hug her, “You reek of perfume. Blood smelled better,” Glancing st Charlotte she added, “I guess you were forced to change.”

Charlotte rolled her eyes, “What did you expect him to smell like while meeting royalty?”

Veronica shrugged and began walking towards the Palace entrance, where the Emperor himself awaited their arrival.

Carlson and Charlotte also joined Veronica as the three of them arrived before the blue-haired man.

Spreading his arms, he said, “Thank you for coming here, my friends. I am honoured to be provided with the opportunity-”

“Yeah, cool. Shall we go in? It’s too hot here.” Veronica cut him short and asked while fanning her face.

Noelle was slightly embarrassed being interrupted but he didn’t say anything regarding that and asked them, “Let’s go inside and chat.”

Carlson inwardly chuckled, seeing that his friend hadn’t changed at all in these months.

As they walked inside, Charlotte couldn’t help but ask, “Around the capital, I couldn’t see many soldiers, and even at the checkpost, there were only two of them stationed?”

Her question was met by a brief silence score Noelle responded, “They were sent to accomplish a greater importance than to ensure my safety.”

Charlotte narrowed her eyes…what could have caused this man to sacrifice his safety?

To change the topic Noelle asked, “I hope you are satisfied with the advertisement of this meeting, Miss Veronica.”

The purple-haired hummed, “Hmm…you have done a good job.” Although she said, the way she kept looking around suggested she didn’t mean it actually.

Soon, they all reached the reception area, and along with the Emperor, they sat down for a conversation.

The reason why Noelle wanted to invite Carlson was the first thing he spoke of,

“Hero Carlson, I won’t go around the bush and will ask you directly, “As the maid poured tea for everyone, the Emperor added, “When the great war descends, I want you to protect Hedgalge.”

“–?!” Carlson’s eyes parted wide and so did Charlotte’s.

They were expecting him to ask to keep the war zone away so Hedgalge. But here, he was outrightly demanding protection from Carlson.

Veronica scoffed, “What do you think? Is Carlson the guard dog that will wag his tail and protect you when big guys arrive?”

Her voice held contempt, and by her behaviour, it was evident that she didn’t also like what the Emperor demanded.

Carlson’s mana was leaking, making the cutlery on the table tremble.

The knights were about to wield their swords, but Noelle raised his hand and told them not to.

Carlson’s eyes adapted the shade of red as he asked the man in a threatening voice, “Do you realize the consequences of those words, Your Majesty?”

Throughout the small ordeal, Noelle remained unwavering, and a smile never left his face. It was evident that he was far from being scared.

Hearing Carlson’s words the older one gestured towards his butler before the said man delivered a glass orb to his master.

Noelle rested the projection artefact on the table so everyone could see what he desired them to look at.

“Please watch carefully Hero and then tell me your decision.”

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