Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 481: The Return

"Between me...and his power?"

"Yes," Johann replied. "Aren't you curious as well? About his choice."

"Hmph, what a futile effort! The answer is obvious to all. He will surely prioritize me."

Johann's lips curled into a thin smile.

"We shall see. This is a situation Percival has never faced before. His power has never been so thoroughly threatened until now. For now, you will be our guest. And you will remain under our surveillance until we meet your father."

"Take her away," under Johann's signal, the guards seized her arms and Sarika was escorted to the room prepared for her.

While the room was luxuriously decorated, its purpose was nothing more than to serve as her prison.

After being thrown inside, the door behind her shut.

She immediately tested the door handle but found it was securely locked.

Her attention then turned to the window.

To her despair, the room was situated far too high above the ground. And there's also nothing on the wall outside that can be used as a foothold.

She was not suicidal enough to attempt scaling down the wall.

"Great!" Sarika abandoned the idea of escaping.

She walked back to the centre of the room and let herself fall onto the bed. The plush mattress cushioned her fall, but it did little to comfort her.

She stared up at the ceiling, having no idea for how long Johann intended to confine her.

Days? Weeks? Month?

....

The next morning, a loud knock jolted Sarika awake from her sleep.

She sat up, groggily and disoriented, blinking against the morning light that entered passed the curtain.

"Who comes here this early in the morning?" Sarika grumbled as she rubbed her eyes and yawned.

"My lady, please get yourself ready. We are going to the estate shortly after breakfast," there's came a voice from the other side of the door.

Sarika's sleepy eyes brightened. It looked like she wouldn't be confined here for as long as she had initially thought.

"Now that Johann has an advantage over my father, he must wish to conclude this fight as soon as he can," Sarika murmured to herself.

She walked to the small washbasin in the corner of the room and splashed her face with cool water to fully wake herself up.

Sarika quickly dressed in the simple dress that had been provided for her in the wardrobe.

A few minutes later, there was another knock on the door.

A servant entered, carrying a tray with a modest breakfast.

"Good morning, my lady," the servant said, setting the tray down on a small table. "Please eat quickly. We will be leaving soon."

Sarika nodded, sitting down and quickly eating the bread provided.

Her appetite was minimal as her mind was too preoccupied with the upcoming negotiation.

But she forced herself to eat enough to sustain her energy. Her strength will be needed if things go south.

As she finished her meal, the servant returned to escort her downstairs.

They descended a flight of stairs and emerged in front of the building where a carriage awaited.

Sarika noticed Johann, Demin, and Betto were already there, along with their army.

The scene slightly intimidated her. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Their number amounted to a few thousand. Adding to the remnants of the mercenaries, her father stood no chance.

Johann greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Sarika. I trust you slept well."

"Yes," Sarika returned the smile.

"For a prisoner, you look pretty relaxed and unbothered." Betto makes his remarks.

"You should experience Ryntum's prison and you'll understand why I can be so calm," said Sarika before hopping into the carriage.

Rebel's army began its departure. The entire ride was short and silent, with tension in the air.

Before Sarika knows it, the estate gradually emerges in her sight.

The aftermath of her last night's attack is still there. Smoke still curled from the burned tents, and the grounds were littered with debris and dead bodies.

Despite the destruction she had caused, Sarika had no time to feel proud. Her thoughts were entirely focused on the looming negotiation ahead.

The duke's men instantly noticed the arrival of Johann's rebel army.

The estate was thrown into panic. Soldiers scrambled to their posts, readying themselves for an imminent attack.

However, Johann has no intention of doing so. Instead, he ordered his rebel army to simply lay siege on the estate.

The carriage carrying Johann, Demin, and Betto slowed down as it neared the estate's main gate.

Sarika was dragged out of the carriage. Her hands were bound tightly behind her back.

The rough treatment once again reminds her of her current status.

"Now, Sarika, walk to the gate," Johann ordered.

Under the stern gaze of the trio, Sarika reluctantly complied.

On the opposite side of the gate, Duke Percival was relieved to see his daughter still alive.

He has been worrying sick about her for the entire night. His heart had prepared for the worst since he hadn't got any news.

Thankfully, his daughter was safe and sound. At least, for now.

"Hold your fire!"

"It's been a while, Percival."

"What is the meaning of this, Johann?"

"We're here to negotiate. I suggest you let us in unless you want to see her die in front of you."

Percival's gaze flicked to Sarika, and then back to Johann. "You dare to use my daughter as a bargaining chip?"

"I dare," Johann replied. "Now, are you going to let us in, or shall we spill more blood?"

Percival clenched his fists. He didn't want to comply with the request but had to think of Sarika's safety first.

After a tense moment, he signalled his men to open the gates.

The heavy iron gates creaked open. Johann and his entourage took their step inside.

Johann looked around. A wistful smile spread across his face. "It's been a while since I've been here. I missed this place so much."

"Cut the crap, Johann. You ran away less than a month ago."

"A month can feel like a lifetime, Percival. Especially when you're plotting a rebellion."