My Fate as a Cannon Fodder

Chapter Nineteen: Elysian

"Let's go."

The three princes stared at Serenity with her bright and smug smile plastered on her face. Each of them have now different impressions of her because of what happened earlier in the library.

Everett, although he hate to admit it, is now a bit scared of Serenity. Knowing that his diary is in the palm of her hands and could leak it any time of the day, just the thought of it scares him knowing that the notebook contains almost everything important to him. Other than that, Everett is scared mostly because of the fact that how the hell did Serenity even manage to snatch his diary right under his nose?

Forget about his father, even his personal butler who always clean every nook and cranny of his room doesn't know about the diary because he, Everett Valiant, is the only one who knows of the secret place he store his diary and other important stuff. And even if Serenity were to know, the palace is not an easy place to sneak into.

He always had an unfavorable opinion on women. He thought of them as weak and are only good at scheming to get what they want. But despite that, he still did know how to respect some but only to those who are worthy of his respect. And women who earned his respect can only be counted by one hand.

At the start, Everett already regarded Serenity as the most despicable woman he ever knew, but he did not expect that at the end of the day, his impression on her will change greatly.

"Are we going to go and have fun, Miss Lockett?" Zephyr asked jokingly, clearly indicating to the brothel they just passed by.

Serenity only rolled her eyes, "Please, just call me Serenity. And both of us will be damned if we so as much step into that place."

Zephyr only smiled, clearly the least worried among the three princes. Although he hated how Serenity pried on his private life just so she could dig up some dirt on him to use against him, he couldn't help but commend Serenity's efforts to try and make them listen to her. Atleast she tried compared to all of his previous tutors who always complain to his royal father instead of doing something.

And as for Winston, he became very wary and suspicious of her just like Everett. His identity as Young Master Wei, the owner of renowned businesses across the country, is a secret only he and a few trusted aides knew. For Serenity, a mere noble lady to know of it will completely sabotage his future plans if the king, especially the crown prince, were to know of it.

So with gritted teeth, Winston asked one of his personal guards to conduct an investigation on Serenity Merle Lockett. While he continued to observe her and learn more about what the girl is hiding.

"So what are we supposed to do?" Everett asked.

"It's your first time here, correct?" Serenity asked but then she looked at Zephyr and pointed at him, "Well, except for Zephyr."

Both Everett and Winston nodded.

It was obvious that being direct descendants of royal blood has its fair shares of burdens. Among the four, Zephyr being the youngest, lives the most carefree life which is why he is able to sneak out of the palace and goof off in Elysian.

"Well then," Serenity pointed at Winston, "You come with me. Zephyr, you go with Everett. Don't go to brothels, gambling houses or any inappropriate places, alright? The elite guards will report to me if you do something... suspicious."

Zephyr smiled enthusiastically and immediately pulled Everett with two guards in tow.

"Shall we?" Winston asked as he held out his hand for her.

Serenity at first wanted to decline but seeing that dark and malicious smile of his caused Serenity to comply.

He's very suspicious of me now.

"May I ask you a question Serenity?"

Serenity nodded nervously, "Okay. Ask me anything you want."

"How did you find out?"

"If I tell you the truth you won't dispose me, right?"

Letting out a cold laugh, he answered, "Well that depends if you're worthy to keep your life or not. So humor me just this once Serenity."

"Yesterday."

"What?" Winston frowned at her vague answer.

"Yesterday in Blithe. I saw you wearing a mask. I recognize it was you from the start."

"Really now? You're the first to be able to recognize me just from one encounter alone."

"So you won't kill me right?"

"Atleast not for now."

Unbeknownst to Serenity, at that moment she let out a sigh of relief hearing that from him.

Who is Winston? He is the protagonist of this story when compared to her, a cannon fodder, is like comparing heaven and earth. Elite assassins and shadow guards are at his beck and call, just one word from him and she'd be wiped out from this world.

She already knew the risk she took when she told him that she knew his real identity. But never did she expected that the thing that'll be at risk here is her life. Serenity glossed over the fact that Winston is known to be cold-blooded and ruthless to his enemies. Just how did she forgot that important fact amazes her.

The two of them explored Elysian. The trip was... emotionally draining for Serenity. While Winston enjoyed tormenting her, Serenity whereas felt like she was walking on eggshells.

After an hour, the four of them met again at the fountain in the middle of Elysian.

"So, what's the purpose of coming here? I thought you were trying to teach us a lesson?" Everett asked with his arms crossed.

"Finally! Someone asked it!" Serenity excitedly said as she stood on the rim of the fountain.

"What did you notice about Elysian? Only one word, just one."

"Prosperous."

"Lively."

"Fun."

"Right! And it's all because of how the current king, your father, rules the country. Remember Winston's question earlier? Why should a king protect his kingdom?"

"It's because of them. Their smiles. A king would do anything for its citizens just to see them smiling, knowing that they're happy. Happy with their lives here in Valhaven."

"You get me now?"

Unbeknownst to Serenity, at that moment she looked so radiant and valiant that the three princes were a bit moved by her statement. Even Winston, who plans on overthrowing his older brother, the crown prince, in the near future couldn't help but think deeply about Serenity's statement.

The three nodded, their eyes shining with interest.

"Come on, let's go find something to eat. I saw a barbecue stall earlier..."

Serenity couldn't even finish her statement when an ear piercing shriek cut through the peaceful atmosphere.