Brooke's Priority
Chapter 9's

I was envious of Haley standing watching us in front of the entrance. I would love to get out of this store. It's not that I don't like the beautiful clothes they offer, I'm just tired of Grace and Alyson telling me to try on all kinds of clothes. Unlike my expectations, they drew me in a circle of shopping pleasure.

“You've decided?”

Now the two are confused to choose two of the five clothes that they consider the best in this store. I thought about buying all the clothes so we could go home soon but my allowance wasn't as much as I imagined (father had a principle about the value of money). Actually, I want to go to the shop located across the street. The place where real swords are sold.

“Grace, I want to go to the bathroom briefly.”

I then made up that excuse when I saw this store had another exit. I feel like I need some fresh air.

I came out without anyone following me. The strong appeal of the shop across the street made me desperate to go there. But Haley's gonna see me. So I decided to look for another shop. I found one store that was located parallel and not far from the clothing store. I opened the door and the sound of bells hanging above the entrance rang.

“Good afternoon, Miss. What can I find for you?”

The man who greeted me was just in his thirties. Smile typical of the sellers who expect me to buy the most expensive items in the store.

“I'm looking for the best sword I can use.”

“You are new in terms of using a sword huh?”

“How can you guess it?”

The man took out a wide variety of swords with many size variations.

“Typically, the knights would instantly provide specific information regarding the items they wanted. Not all types of swords are suitable for everyone to use. Usually, they already knew the most convenient sword type to use. The sword is like your right hand, Miss.”

Hmm, my right hand.

“I want this sword,” I pointed at a long sword similar to Haley's.

“You have good eyes.”

The man laughed.

“What if you try to take this too?” the man then pointed at a dagger that could be tied to the waist.

“By also.”

As I looked around again and tried to adjust to my finances, I heard the sound of entrance bells. Someone came with a face covered in a black cloak.

Instantly my body shakes.

I spontaneously looked towards him. He was much taller than me and I tried to look at his face by puffing my face.

We meet view.

He's the guy I saw.

I felt danger afterwards. It was so weird that I stuck to it for a while.

“I'll be back later.” My premonition told me to get out of that place and escape from the black-robed man. I can't leave Grace and Alyson too long either.

As I walked half-run away from the store, I paused for a moment and looked back. I then felt that something was awkward, as if I shouldn't have run away even though I was afraid of him.

What is this feeling? I feel like I met someone I know.

I stopped looking back and finally managed to enter through the back door of the clothing store. I am grateful they are still looking at clothes. I took a deep breath to calm my heart that was beating so fast. I asked myself if my actions were right.

“You all right?” Alyson asked me to talk when I saw me sitting limp. “Your face is pale, Brooke.”

“Brooke what's wrong?” Grace asked in a worried tone. I need to be calm so as not to look suspicious.

“Looks like I'm thirsty,” I'm laughing like this. “Are you ready to choose?”

Been resolved by me to look for that black-robed man. My instincts say he's not an ordinary person. On the other hand, I feel like I know him and I need to see him.

While thinking about it, Alyson and Grace invited me to eat at a restaurant. I tried to stay calm but it didn't work. I can't forget the dark blue eyes I saw.

“I accidentally saw a bookstore. I'd like to go there for a second. I'll be right back.”

Since I was already here, I decided to go back to look for the black-robed man. If we knew each other, he wouldn't ignore me. I gathered all my courage. I refused when Grace and Alyson offered to accompany me. I ordered Haley to look after them.

“More dangerous if go alone.”

“I went to buy a book,” I said. “Better just pay attention to the men sitting in the right corner. They've been glancing this way since we got in.”

Haley followed my line of sight. Finally, Haley nodded in agreement. Actually, there were a few other bodyguards following us from a distance so I was able to convince Haley.

After gathering my resolve, I randomly selected a bookstore and found another way out. Behind that exit, there was a dark passage that was a bit scary to me. I sniffed as I could and suddenly a hand grabbed me and smothered my mouth.

The black-robed man managed to corner me into the wall. It was so dark that I was sure the guards didn't know I was in danger.

He stared at my face long enough while covering my mouth with his hands.

“What information do you want?”

That voice sounded very cold. He took out a dagger and put it on my neck. Then let go of the hand that shut my mouth. This isn't the first time I've been pinned to a sharp object by someone. I once handled a pickpocket holding a knife. Only, this time it felt different. There was a gripping aura around me.

“We know each other?” tanyaku. I was afraid the knife hit my neck.

“We're not too close to have a relationship. About so.”

Not long after, he smiled at the end of his lips.

“I lost my memory,” I explained. I hope he understands that reason so that I can survive this situation. If he really knew me, he would know I wasn't lying. Even though the risk of being killed increases.

My impulsive attitude is a big deal.

I complained inwardly and made a promise to correct my impulsive attitude. I should have been more calculating given my experience past death before. I'm after a criminal without working with my teammates.

“I thought it was just a joke.” He then moved his face closer to me. “But your eyes don't lie.”

“I'm not lying. So, can you please keep the knife away?” I said in a pleading voice.

“No.”

He refused with a flat face.

I started thinking about how to beat him without hurting my neck. I recall some judo moves.

“You may forget but I just reminded you of the poison I gave you.”

“You poison me?” glared at. I can't hide my surprise.

He seemed to laugh at me. “You paid quite a price for the poison. I told you not to drink more than four drops.”

Brooke bought poison?

I didn't expect Brooke to get poison from the black-robed man before me. What is clear is that I think Shaeviro is behind Lucas' attempted murder.

“I poisoned Lucas?” I asked with a face of disbelief. If so, Brooke tried to kill her brother or kill herself? I'm trying to convince myself that Brooke couldn't have tried to kill Lucas. A very different thing from the dream I saw in the early days of my coming into this world.

“It looks like you forgot the real reason. Too bad, even though you took the trouble to decide.”

He began to keep the dagger away from my neck. I am at once confused.

“Tell me.”

The man was talking about Brooke's decision. Why would Brooke put himself in that bad scenario? I don't want to believe a single word that comes out of his mouth.

“No.”

He refused again and put the dagger in his hand into the leather sheath tied around his waist without widening the distance between us.

“Meet me the next seven days. In this place.”

“Wait a minute.” I subconsciously grabbed his sleeve. “Explain now.”

I didn't want the man to just walk away after pointing a sharp dagger at my neck.

“It seems young Miss forgot the meaning of the word no,” she threw my hand. “Don't make me lose interest in you.”

Then his right hand pulled my back head until I was in his arms. He stroked my hair and whispered, “Brooke.”

He called my name with a warm-sounding voice.

He also pulled my hair, making me look up at his face. I saw him smile for a moment before he kissed my forehead. “Until meet seven more days.”

For the first time, I didn't know what to say about a person's personality.

*****