Chapter 5 Mirella

THIRD PERSON POV

"How many times do we have to change cars so that I can go to the banquet?" Mirella asked one of her bodyguards when they finally arrived at The Academy's vicinity. "It is for your safety, princess. Daddy's gone. So your cousin is taking his place to make sure you're safe from the killing machine." Mirella scoffed. "Are you forgetting that you're talking with the same woman who killed one of the deadliest drug Lord in this country? Or should I just say it out loud?" The rest of the bodyguards giggled.

"Yes, we are well aware. But we also know that the only reason why you killed Lord Mika because he was in a trance by your naked body. We read your report, princess. It was smart of you to use your wits to seduce him." Mirella shrugged her shoulder. "Well, Lord Mika is probably the easiest for you, but right now, we're facing someone far deadlier than Lord Mika. This woman- Haraya, is different. The only reason why I have to use this prosthetic arm is because of that woman." Mirella sighed. "How did that happen?" Mirella asked. "That woman used a saw while interrogating me. Because I decided to keep my mouth shut, she saw my arm off." Mirella's eyes widen. "Haraya- did that?" The man nodded.

"Haraya's likes a slow, simple death for her enemies- hence the dagger she always carries around. But when she gets serious, even her fist is deadly. Don't let that weak physique fool you. Her agility is no joke. By the way, I don't know why the new head even dares to continue hosting this banquet even after what happened to the elders. What is going on inside his head, princess?" Mirella shrugged her shoulder. When the car stops in front of the main entrance, the bodyguards were the first to got out of the car and made sure that the coast is clear from any kind of disturbance. Once they're convinced, Mirella got out of the vehicle while being escort by the leader of her security personnel.

"This is my first time going to a banquet with someone. You're lucky to be my first." The man blushed before shaking his head, no. "I am on duty. Please refrain yourself from sayings such things, princess." Mirella chuckled as they make their way towards the banquet area. Upon entering the room, Mirella couldn't help but be in the center of attention.

"If I had known this is how you deal with your daily life, I would have asked a younger bodyguard to escort you. Now, this sight only ruins your reputation, princess." Mirella giggled. "It's okay. I like being escort by an older man. They have experienced in this field." Mirella whispered the last part only for her escort to hear. "Now, let's find that useless cousin of mine. I would like to leave this place as soon as possible." Both Mirella and her bodyguard searched for Andrei among all these esteemed guests. It wasn't that hard for them since Andrei is with the country's defense minister. And everyone knows who the defense minister is. That minister is one of the most prominent people in this banquet.

***

MIRELLA'S POV

"Oh my. What a surprise to see you here, Mirella." The minister is surprised? Because I'm here at the banquet which celebrates my cousin as the new head? Hmmm. "I'm even more surprised to see you here, sir. I didn't see you at the funeral, though. Even though I leave before they buried my father, I was long enough to greet the guests." I smiled at the minister. The minister cleared his throat and turned to face Andrei.

"I hope you will do a splendid job guiding this organization, just like your uncle. Perhaps you can start by fixing your cousin's attitude whenever she met an elderly." The minister didn't even bat an eye at me but dares to question my attitude? "Even as the head, I can't do that to my cousin. She's family." Andrei smiled at the minister before winking at me. I shake my head, amused by his reaction. "The only reason why I'm here is because of the elders. If I have to choose, Mirella is a better leader than I am. Besides, she has the highest killing streak in The Academy. Mirella has the wits and potential to be a better headmistress than I am." I can't believe Andrei just challenged the elder's authority. Is this why he decided to proceed with this banquet even after the deaths of the elders? This man just uses the current issues to his advantage.

"Andrei, do you have any idea of what you're saying. What you just said will only be your weakness." The minister warned him. "I am aware, sir. But what I'm saying is the truth. Mirella has the potential while I'm only here because of my gender. It's time for us to give the opposite sex the same attention. I'm sure every single person in this ballroom knows what is happening out there. Our current enemy is a woman who wields a dagger. Also, our current president is a woman. Isn't that enough to make us open our eyes?" Andrei! What are you doing?!

"Hmmm. The president was only elected because of her bloodline. It doesn't change the fact that she's from the weaker sex." Andrei chuckled. "Weaker sex? Sir, need I remind you that a woman gave birth to us. Without them, we wouldn't be here. That's enough information to tell me that women are as strong as men. Perhaps even stronger. One of them is standing right beside you. Isn't that right, Mirella?" Andrei smiled at me. The minister scoffed. "Humph." Andrei continues to smile as the minister leaves us. "Why did you do that? You're only making the elders determine to keep an eye on you." Andrei shrugged his shoulder. "Isn't that the whole plan? I want them to keep an eye on me so you can do whatever it takes to take this position from me. Mirella, I'm serious. I'm not as bad as you think I am. I, too, have feelings, and I know that I am not suitable to be the headmaster." This man is making my life a lot harder than it should be. "Let's just talk about this matter when we're alone. There are too many eyes and ears on us right now." Andrei smiled before offering his hand. "We should dance." "I think we should." I smiled.

***

HARAYA'S POV

"What a fancy party," I threw away my handgun at the corpse on the ground and made my way towards the massive building in front of me. What a pity that this is all that they can do to stop me. Are they being too careless? I mean, hosting such an extravagant party like this without proper security? They probably never thought that I would be here. "Hey! This place is a restricted area! You cannot enter this building. Please leave before-," I threw my dagger at the bouncer before using my brass knuckle to hit his friend. Once the man dropped dead on the ground, I pulled my dagger out from his chest and stabbed the one I hit earlier. I smiled when he choked on his blood and died in front of me.

"Hmmm, let me clean my dagger with your coat. Sorry about that." I patted his face before I continued to walked into the building. "Excuse me, do you know where I can find someone named Mirella?" I asked a group of people who were too busy talking with each other. "Mirella? She's probably inside the ballroom for all I care. Who are you-," I grabbed my handgun and shot all of them on the head. Luckily I stole a sound suppressor from the storage. Or else, I might be surrounded by now. I hope Lady Red wouldn't mind.

"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Two guards are running towards me, but I managed to kill them with my gun. Ballroom. I need to go to the ballroom. That's where Mirella is. "Is this the ballroom?" I asked a man who carries around a book-like thing in his hands. "Yes. Can I have your name, please?" I tilted my head, confused by his question.

"I need your name for the checklist. Also, it will be easier for me to announce your arrival." He smiled. Since he was being polite, I told him my name. "I'm sorry. Could you please repeat that again." He stuttered. "Haraya Convington." He screamed at the top of his lungs, which makes me annoyed. I shove my gun into his mouth and shoot him dead. While I was reloading my gun, I noticed a group of guards are on their way to apprehend me. Without a care in the world, I use my foot and kick the door down. Some of the guests inside were surprised to see me while others were relatively quick-witted and ran for safety. As the guards tried to capture me, I used my gun to kill anyone who approach me while my eyes searched for Mirella.

"CAPTURE HER! WHAT ARE YOU DOING! SHE IS ALONE! SHOOT HER! SHOOT HER DEAD!" I glared at the owner of the voice while aiming my gun. "You'll regret it if you pull the trigger! Don't you know who I am?!" He stuttered. As if I care for who he is. I smiled before pulling the trigger and shoot his neck. "Keep your mouth shut. I'm here for Mirella. Where is Mirella?" I asked. "What have you done?! Don't you know that he is the minister of defense! You'll get into trouble for this!" I ignored them all as I search for the person I'm here for. "I want to see Mirella. Where is she?" I asked once again while grabbing my M4 gun from my back. "Mirella! Where are you? Show yourself now, or I will kill every single one of the people in this ballroom. Your choice, Mirella." I can't see anyone with red hair. But I know she's in this ballroom. My instinct tells me that she is one of the people in this room. Where is she?

"GET HER!" I heard someone screamed behind me. I aimed my gun at the person charging at me and pulled the trigger. I smiled at the sight of him, struggling to breathe as he choked on his blood. Well, it wasn't my intention to shoot his neck. Oh well.

"Last warning. SHOW YOURSELF OR I WILL FUCKING MASSACRE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM! AND ANYONE WHO LEAVE THIS ROOM; I WILL FUCKING SHOOT THEM TOO! COME OUT!" I immediately aimed my gun at a woman who suddenly raised both hands. "Put the gun down! It's me!" I was skeptical, but her voice seems familiar. "It's me! I'm wearing a wig- see?" She removes her wig.

"Now! Put the gun down. I will do whatever you ask me to do. Just stop shooting-," I accidentally shoot another person who tried to come at me. This red-haired woman pinched the bridge of her nose. "How did you find me?" This woman asked. "A little bird told me." I made my way towards this woman before tilting my head to make sure that she is the one. "Are you Mirella?" I asked. "Yes. I am Mirella. So, what are you going to do now that I am here in front of you?" A whiff of her scent tells me that she's the one. I smiled before carried her on my shoulder while shooting anyone who tries to get in my way.

"Let me go! I can walk on my own! LET ME GO!" This woman struggles as I carried her out from the ballroom. "Usually, I would carry you in my arms, but I'm busy right now. So please, stop struggling and just do as I say." I am happy to finally have met the person who keeps getting in my thoughts all this time.

***

THIRD PERSON POV "You know, it would be nicer if you choose a luxury car rather this beat-up armor vehicle. Why do you have to take this death trap among all the gorgeous vehicles at the parking lot? The owner won't even care if it's gone." Mirella asked while Haraya drives.

"Because I know where the tracker is in this type of car. I can give you whatever kind of luxury vehicle once we made it out of this place." Haraya looked at the rearview mirror and noticed a couple of black sedan following them from behind. "They really won't let you go, huh." Mirella was confused before she turned around to look at the back. She sigh. "Well, they were paid to protect me but fail to do so. Even though I hate almost half of the people in the ballroom, they're important for my cousin's survival in this cruel business. Why do you have to go this far to find me?" Mirella turned back and faced Haraya. Haraya ignored Mirella's question and threw a grenade at the sedans that following them. "You were saying?" Haraya asked after spitting the safety pin from her mouth. Mirella closed her ears seconds before the grenade exploded and destroyed two of the vehicle that's following them.

"Damn it! I thought using one is enough. Lady Red is going to kill me for this." Mirella closed her ears yet again when Haraya threw another hand grenade at the cars behind them. "You do realize that this explosion will be all over the news, right?" Haraya nodded while she continues to drive. "Where are we going?" Mirella asked when she noticed Haraya is going into a private territory after reading the signs all over the road.

"Somewhere safe." Haraya drives through the thick jungle and rocky roads without looking back while Mirella is scared of her wits. "Are you going to kill me for real? Look! I didn't mean to make you lose your memory. It was not my idea. Perhaps, we could make a deal?" Haraya smirked when she made the sharp corners while facing Mirella, who covered her eyes with her hands. "KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD!" Mirella screamed at the top of the lungs. Haraya find this amusing.

"Don't worry. I am an experienced driver." Haraya continues to drive until they reached a massive metal gate. Mirella was confused. Haraya didn't give a single thought when she rolled the windows down. "Haraya Convington." The blonde woman says at the small metal box before the gate opens on its own. "Where are we?" "Don't you recognize that crest on the gate?" Mirella was even more confused. "Oh my. You're Russian, and you don't even know the meaning of that crest?" Mirella shakes her head no. Haraya shakes her head while driving into the territory. Mirella was surprised to see such a beautiful villa in the middle of nowhere.

"You bought a property here in Russia?" Haraya shakes her head, no. "Then whose house is this?" "Why don't you find out yourself." Haraya pointed at a familiar woman standing at the front door of the villa, who's crossing her hands on her chest. "Haraya- I am speechless. Just what did you do?" Haraya sigh when Lady Red bombarded her with questions after questions. Haraya tried to avoid answering her guardian, but she failed to do so when her benefactor walked out from the villa with a scowl on her face.

"Haraya! I told you to stay put! Why do you have to go and kill the defense minister without waiting for my approval? Did you went into my office to find out where The Academy location is?!" Mirella's eyes widened when she came face to face with the country's PRESIDENT! "And who is this woman? Did you kidnapped her while slaughtering others?!" Haraya sighed.

"You told me to kill someone, and I did. So what's the problem?" The president pinched the bridge of her nose. "Because I want to bring the defense minister to face justice. Haraya, you need to control yourself. You can't simply go and massacre all bunch of people like this. There is so much a president can do for you." The president faces Mirella once again. "Who are you?"

"Mirella Vladimirovna." "Lady Red- did I just heard the name Vladimirovna?" Haraya's guardian nodded. "This woman is Sera's daughter; Mirella." The president took a step forward and lifts Mirella's chin. "Haraya, you're willing to go this far to get her? What are you going to do to her now?" Haraya smiled.

"She's going to stay inside this villa until my mission is over. And in that period, she will not have the freedom she used to have. Lady president, I hope you'll let me keep her in check. I'm doing this because I have to. But if anyone in this house decided to go against me, I will not stand down. Even if I have to drag everyone to Hades myself." Haraya grabbed hold of Mirella's hands and dragged her into the villa. "Lady Red, please prepare everything a lady needs while she's 'held hostage' in MY villa.'" The president pinched the bridge of her nose. "But this is your home. It wouldn't be good for your image if we keep Mirella in your villa." The president smiled.

"Lady Red, I'm more scared of Haraya when she gets serious than a mere reputation. Just do as I say. I will talk with your superior myself. Haraya will not get herself into trouble for this. It's just; I am worried about the lady's safety. Will Haraya be good to her? What did Sera's daughter do to Haraya for her to act this way?" Lady Red sigh. "It's a long story."

***

*The Next Day*

MIRELLA'S POV

When I woke up this morning, I was greeted by the beautiful sound of classical music coming from the home theatre system. Except for being kidnapped by Haraya, everything seems like it should be. Of course, Haraya said I should never step out of this villa or I will be in trouble. Haraya even warned me that I wouldn't like her when she's angry. "Good morning, milady. Miss Haraya apologizes for not be able to be here when you wake up because she has a mission to complete. We were assigned by the Miss to take care of your needs." My needs? I need to get out of this place.

"If the young lady has plans to escape from this villa, this old woman suggests that the young lady should stay put and wait for the Miss instead. This villa might belong to the president of this country, but Miss Haraya has the final say." The maid smiled at me. I guess I can just toss that plan in the trash. Wait, Haraya has the final say? But this is the president's home! "Do you have any food allergies that we have to consider?" I shake my head, no.

"The bath is ready." The old maid smiled at me. "Here, your robe. Do enjoy your bath, milady." Hmmm. Somehow this treatment is not that bad. After stripping off the clothes I wore from last night, I went to the shower before soaking myself in the tub. In all my life, I have never felt so serene like now. Perhaps I have nothing to worry about. Wait, what am I saying?! Of course, I have things to worry about. My mother, my position as the top killer in The Academy! All of that are important to me. I have to find a way to escape from this villa without causing my demise.

"Is there any way for me to escape this place?" I asked no one in particular. "Like I said earlier, milady, you can't escape from this villa. But, if you want to leave, there's always a way to do so, but it might be the death of you. None of us here really like to see miss Haraya get serious. The last time she did, this villa lost a few loyal servants." I didn't even notice this old maid went inside the bathroom.

"What are you doing here?" The old maid smiled. "I am here to wash your back. Unless the lady wishes that I leave, I will do as you please." I sigh and let her do whatever she came here to do. "You have such a beautiful and soft skin, milady. No wonder miss Haraya would do whatever it takes to have you by her side. Although her ways of doing it seem a little out of this world, the Miss means no harm." It seems the old maid is trying to make me stay.

"That woman kidnapped me while I was enjoying myself in a banquet. Should I be afraid of whats going to happen in the future, or should I just give up on myself?" The old maid chuckled. Is this even a laughing matter? "Well, her method might be impractical for some but for her, it's the only decent way to do it. When the Miss first came to see the president, the Miss seems distraught. It's rare for us to see the Miss like that. Even the president started to get worried. We might not know what exactly happened between the two of you, but the Miss, even though she's well known as a murderer, she is still human." The old maid rinses my back with the showerhead before she went to get me a towel. "We have prepared your attire for the day." The old maid smiled. Hmmm, I don't hate this at all.

***

HARAYA'S POV

"Who is listening to dancing queen? How many years has it been since I last heard any of Abba songs?" I asked my guardian when I entered the house after completing my mission. Lady Red was surprised to see me all covered in blood. "I hope that's not your blood. What happened to you? And why did you put yourself offline the whole time? I didn't even get to be your eyes and ears." I didn't mean to get offline. I showed her the radio that was strapped on my stomach.

"They shot my communicator. I don't have any other way to tell you about my condition. Even the camera doesn't work at the time." My guardian's eyes widen. "You were shot?! Wait! They got you?!" I waved my hands away. "I got the bullet out using a fork that I found in the target's kitchen. But I do need help to stitch the wound. I tried to do them myself, but-," I was surprised to see Mirella suddenly appeared from wherever she was at before.

"You got hurt?" She looks down on my wound. "I can stitch them up for you." She smiled. I was about to decline when Mirella took me by the hand and dragged me towards the kitchen. "May I have the first aid kit, please?" The maid, who was working in the kitchen, nodded. "Do you know what you're doing?" I asked while she is preparing herself.

"Yes. I usually tend to my wound myself. Don't worry. I know how to stitch a wound." Mirella smiled. "I'm ready. Are you?" That smile of hers made me think that she's up to something sinister. "If you're ready, you should remove your shirt. It's easier that way." Did she expect me to remove my shirt in the kitchen where everyone is staring at us? What is wrong with this woman? Sure, I did kidnap her, but it wasn't that long since she got here.

"Please leave the kitchen," Mirella ordered the servants to leave. "They're gone now. Let me see how bad it is-," Mirella smiled when she noticed my hesitation. "Oh, come on. I saw you naked before. This is nothing." I finally revealed my wound to this woman. I'm pretty sure she didn't expect it this way. "How many times did they got you?" I shrugged my shoulder. I winced when this woman used the antiseptic medicine on my wound.

"Oh come one. Compare to what you have to endure while the fucking bullet inside of you; this is nothing." Mirella has a point, but that doesn't mean she can do whatever she wishes to me! "Who did you kill this time?" She asked while treating my wound.

"Antonio Mueller." This woman suddenly laughed after hearing my target's name. "How did you kill him?" "I choke him to death using a large chain." This woman's mouth burst from laughing so hard. "Did he begged for his life?" "He did. But I ignore his plea and just choke him." I winced when she made a mistake. "Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to do that- or am I?" Mirella wiggles her eyebrows. Hmmm, I shouldn't let her do this in the first place. This woman is trying to get back at me.