"Why is Expatriate joining the Alliance he almost destroyed?" asked Weeblow. Eden asked herself, why is this chick always questioning my decisions when she was given the opportunity to influence them before they're made. Eden replied, "Do you have the reports and compensation records that weren't paid for that incident?" Eden knew it was all taken care of and how it was handled. She didn't even bother asking about it until now. Weeblow replied, "it's on the attack logs, why do we need someone like him?" Eden took a deep breath and replied, "the decision has already been made, I talked about it with the leadership team already. I sent mail to read everyone's response. The majority already agreed to it. If you had made our meeting when the incident happened, you would know all the details of what was actually lost and how everyone was compensated." There was no reply from Weeblow after that.
Eden sometimes wondered if she was doing the right thing and she would seek the opinion of Corruption to clear her mind. She was going back and forth on whether to keep Weeblow on the leadership team or not. She had her pros and cons, but Eden didn't like the constant accusatory tone. "Did she say she didn't want him here or just ask why?" asked Corruption and Eden felt her argument deflate completely. She was right, she just asked a question and I snapped. I should have taken a walk to read that again.
"I'm not saying your feeling about it isn't valid, it's just that if you feel a certain way about someone already, then it gives you a prejudiced point of view."
"I don't believe she has outright said anything insulting, it's just my instinct telling me there's more to that "friendly and caring" persona. If she wants to be the leader because she can do a better job, she should just say so. I already established that at the beginning. All she needs is votes to dethrone me. I'm not even going to put up a fight," Eden said as she stuffed a cookie in her mouth.
"No one is going to vote you off the leader's seat, you know that, but I think you should put it out there how she is making you feel," said Corruption.
"Talk about my feelings? Heck no. First of all, she ain't the boss of me, second, I'm the boss of me, Third, did I mention she ain't my boss?" said Eden as she chuckled before continuing," I believe she doesn't think highly of me, but because of peer pressure, she won't openly say it. I know I'm awesome, but you don't have to hate, congratulate. Hehehe .. in all honesty, she is a tough one for me to talk to. She is full of feelings."
"You have feelings too! Otherwise you wouldn't be sitting here venting over them."
"If you tell anyone, I'll deny it, I have a reputation I need to keep up"
"Hahaha stop, you know you care about everyone. People have been trying to poach you but you refuse to leave"
"Okay, you're right, but don't go telling the world, I feel people in this realm are more deceitful than what they lead to be, that's why I have my guard up."
"Oh that reminds me, what's going on with you and Expat?"
"We flirt a bit here and there but nothing is really going on. I don't go beyond being playful and even that is way too much for me. It feels wrong because we all have a life waiting for us back home and even though I was single to begin with, I won't support a man doing things he shouldn't. I told him I can't really give him more than light teasing for giggles. More of a friendship."
"So when did that start?"
"I think he felt a sense of admiration for how I handled the situation of that attack on a resource area and he saw himself in me with how I challenged him openly. Then he decided to come to our alliance after his city got plundered by Jericho and lost to him. I felt sorry for him because that was supposed to be his friend. After that, I don't know how much I can trust Jericho."
"So nothing is going on?"
"Yeah, nothing real. He's the one that insisted we "pretend" to date. I think he's super depressed and it makes him less lonely."
"How so?"
"It's not my business to tell, but all I can say is he's going through it"
"Just be careful, you don't want rumors to start"
"They already started, but I don't care much, my conscious is clear"
"As long as you're aware"
Eden stared at her drink for a bit and asked, "Do you think Expat being in our alliance is a hindrance?"
"No, he has been quiet, but I think when he recovers he will help out."
"I thought so too as a possibility, but I don't want him to feel pressured to. I remember how strong he was before Jericho took his power."
"I'm sure everyone remembers and is still afraid of Expat, give it time"
They continued to finish their drink and snacks.
In Expatriate's Castle a woman sat on a red love seat sofa with wide hips and small waist, her thin waist exposed and her top showing enough cleavage that it was hard to dismiss. Expatriate was pouring a drink while looking away from her. She caressed her hair and crossed her leg while she leaned lazily while moving her toe in a circle. She took in a breath and said "Please Expat, come back. I miss you"
"'I'm not going back"
"Why do you want to stay there? Is it because of Eden?"
"She is a remarkable woman"
"Are you together now?"
"Yes"
"Then why isn't it public? She is still sought out by others who want her?"
"Why are you meddling?"
"Because I care about you"
"I cannot reciprocate your feelings"
"You don't even look at me when you say this" Isabella raised from the couch and walked to stand behind Expatriate as she reached to hug his waist. Her hands slowly traveled up his chest while saying, "I just want to be close to you, you saved me and protected me." Expatriate walked away to release himself from her arms. Then stood by the door frame and said "I won't go back where I was not valued." Before he could say more Isabella interrupted him, "Then I will go with you! Ask Eden to allow me to join." Expatriate replied, " I will talk to her, but I cannot guarantee it. Thank you for checking in on me, but I must ask you to see yourself out. Your outfit is too revealing for me."
In Expatriates study
"Guide, has Esabella left?" asked Expatriate to the pixie fairy sitting on his desk. "Yes" answered the guide. "Send a message to Eden to talk to me when she has time" commanded Expatriate. "Done" Replied Guide.
Eden was replying to her messages when she saw the incoming message from Expatriate. She paused for a moment trying to think what he was going to talk about. Recently she had attended a social for a lot of the warriors and leaders. The server battle was in a few hours. Maybe he wants to prepare with her, so it should be important and the rest can wait. "Sure, I'm making time now to talk to you. What is on your mind." replied Eden. "Isabella, she wants to come to the alliance," said Expartriate really quickly. Eden groaned and let out an air before replying,
"I know she is your friend, but she caused a commotion at the mixer and her tongue can cause a war between my alliance and whomever she insults. I am only one and my guys are still building up. I cannot take that risk for your friend."
"She is a good person"
"I'm sure she is to you, but she she doesn't think of how her words affect the people around her"
"She can stop, I will talk to her"
"She needs to control her tongue, but not in my alliance. After sometime, we can talk about this again. For now, the answer is NO."
"Okay, I don't want you to get upset over it"
"I'm not upset, I'm watching out for the best interest of my people. Whatever relationship you have with her is not my problem."
"Okay, I also wanted to talk to you about going public with our relationship"
"Why?"
"So other men stop pursuing you, Are you interested in them?"
"Not at all, but why make something like this arrangement public?"
"I don't like them flirting with you"
"Hahaha are you getting jealous?"
"Yes, I am a man, of course I get jealous"
"There is no reason to get jealous, I am not interested in a relationship here in this world."
"I know, but while you are here, please"
"Fine"
"Thank you my love"
Eden frowned after reading the last message and got up from her chair while releasing a breath of air. She was wearing a comfortable dress and slippers with her hair down. Erza followed as Eden walked to the door and said "equip, training gear and tell Arthur to meet me there." Eden's clothes glowed and turned into numbers, then turned into training gear. Her boots made of leather and her sword appeared tied to her hip.