Arslan Senki: Legend of the Twins

27. The Prince from the Eastern Region

"And in exchange, you expect my help in your war as well. Is it?"

"Yes," Arslan smiled, glad that the other prince quickly understood what he wanted. "I do not think this is a bad deal, but what do you think?"

In response to his question, Rajendra showed a smirk. "It's interesting to hear that coming from you. What can a prince who's been driven from his country possibly do?"

His mockery promptly angered Elam and Alfarid, but before they could step in and warn him, Asa had already spoken for them, "Pardon the intrusion. Rajendra-ouji, I would advise you to think thoroughly and carefully about your current position before conveying your thoughts."

Rajendra squinted at her.

"...hee... did you mean that as a threat, Asa-hime? But to hear that from your lips... it sounds less unnerving. Rather, it's charming." He replied casually.

Arslan again resisted the urge to make a face as Asa calmly remarked, "I don't blame you for interpreting it that way."

"Hmph. Well if you plan on hurting me you can go ahead and try. My men won't let you get away with it."

"Ah, we would not do something as barbaric." Arslan shook his head in response and Narsus promptly joined in their discussion, "Indeed. In fact, we have informed those within Sindhura... that Prince Rajendra and Crown Prince Arslan of Pars have made an alliance based on friendship and righteousness. Furthermore, the prince, in order to bring peace to Sindhura had commenced a march towards the royal capital of Uraiyur."

Rajendra's face was red, as he was furious to hear him. "You bastards! Do you intend to make me a traitor?!"

"Pardon, but for you to rebel against your lord brother, wouldn't it be already considered as a traitor's doing?" Asa calmly replied him with an innocent smile.

"Yes, wasn't it your intention from the outset to fight it out with Prince Gadhevi? The time just comes a little sooner, is all. You actually should be grateful." Narsus casually added.

"And I of course do not wish to use you in a negotiation with Prince Gadhevi." Lastly Arslan told him, also with an innocent smile sprawling across his lips.

Rajendra stared wide-eyedly at the three smiling people before him. Speechless.

"Hmph... hahaha!" He broke into laugh a few seconds later, praising, "Quite the trick you pulled on me, Pars' royal duo and Mr. Counsellor."

The three Parsians retained their smiles. "Can we expect your cooperation?" Asked the young prince.

Rajendra stood up from his seat, displaying a somewhat conceited smile for Arslan as he declared, "Very well. I, Rajendra, will lend you my aid."

○○○

As soon as the the negotiation with Rajendra ended, Asa went straight to Kishward's chamber to inform Nasrine and Ayyar about her and Bahar's participation in the march towards Uraiyur tomorrow. After she had finished telling them Asa was expecting Nasrine to scold her, but instead, she only received a small smile.

"If that is your decision, I won't stop you," Nasrine said assuringly. "Just be extra careful there..."

Asa gave her a grateful smile."I will... thank you, Nasrine." 

"Hime-neesama!" She turned upon hearing Ayyar's call. The little boy held out his tiny hands to her and she could see a small embroidered rag pouch there. "This is a good-luck charm my grandfather gave me. I want you to have it!" He told her with one firm nod.

Asa was surprised. "But you got this from your grandfather... isn't it very precious to you?"

"Yes. That's why I want you to hold into it!"

She again only stared at the charm until she saw Nasrine nodding in assurance. Turning to Ayyar again, she smiled and finally took it from him. "All right. Then I will be borrowing this for awhile, Ayyar-kun!"

Ayyar giggled happily as Asa ruffled his hair. "Fight all those bad guys, Hime-neesama!" He exclaimed.

"I will!" Asa grinned.

As Asa waved and started leaving the room Bahar bowed and proceeded to follow her. Before she could though, Nasrine stopped her. "Keep an eye on Asa-hime, Bahar-san... promise me you won't let anything harm her."

The onyx-eyed woman could feel the other woman's worry. She nodded solemnly to her, assuring, "I promise you. I will protect her even if it costs my life."

Nasrine smiled softly upon hearing her. She gave the other woman a thankful bow, and watched as she turned and followed Asa. Nasrine was relieved, but somehow she felt something was wrong...

"What's wrong, Mother?" Ayyar's curious call snapped her out of her pondering.

She slowly shook her head, smiling assuringly to him although she still couldn't shake off her bad feeling. "Nothing... let's pray for Hime-sama's safe return, Ayyar."

Meanwhile, Bahar was following after Asa as they discussed about their equipment for tomorrow. "This time you will need to cover your identity. Wearing a helmet will help hiding your white hair and protect your head."

"Can't I just wear a hood? I don't like helmets," Asa let out a sigh, "I think helmets and armors are only heavy decorations. They have no true purpose!"

"It's better safe than sorry," Bahar replied. "...but you might be right. If you wear flashy equipment, enemies may identify you as Denka and go after you..."

She stopped when she saw Asa had abruptly halted. "...Hime-sama?"

The princess didn't reply, only continue to stare sharply forward. Bahar traced after her gaze and soon found him there, standing with a smug smile plastered across his lips.

"Good evening, Asa-hime."

~Chapter 27 : End~

(*Translation note: Ouji means Prince)

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