Villains also get Second chance

Marianne pov

Sitting in my office, I heard the both parties talking about how foolish my idea was to train and recruit outlaws. Do they think they could control my will? Tsk tsk.. Have I ever listened to anyone when it comes to making decisions in my life?

I would rather suffer losses in future then regret all my life that i had not been able to achieve what i wanted. It would make me blame the circumstances and people around me.

I looked back at the file and then back to Roselia and Damien who were still arguing and pinched the space between my brows.

"Enough" i shouted and they both looked at me surprised,

"I am the one who takes the decision here,. And I have decided that I will find a way to help the outlaws somehow.

And both of you are helping me, that is what friends are for.`` I said loud and clear and Damien smiled. 

His smile  was so bright and blinding that even a fool could see how happy he was, yet his sister, my best friend, was not getting the hint.

I shook my head. Sometimes I have a strong doubt on the IQ of my friend. As if she could only use hands , not mind.

"Why did you not see how they attacked us? Most of the members of our troop are heavily injured because of this.

Even James, he got a few injuries, and so as i. See '' she pointed at the bandage on her shoulders in an aggrieved manner and I sighed.

"I know, it was all wrong and I truly apologize for the injuries you all have suffered because of me. But it was their way to protect themselves and their family. Things were not conversed well and it created misunderstandings. We can sit and improve things in the future." i tried to explain but she was not looking at all convinced.

"Why do we even need to do so?" she asked with anger bubbling up and I sighed.

"Because we are the responsible citizens and nobles of the empire. It is our duty to help the commoners" said Damien in a righteous voice and I shook my head.

"Both of you, don't behave like a kid. Roselia, if you ever feel that we have a threat from them, I give you the complete right to throw them out of the palace. You will be their in charge.'' I said and she nodded reluctantly.

"And you, find a way.. Any way to help me in getting rid of the things they have done. If needed, send them to prison for a while, but not for too long that they lose their trust over us.`` I added and he sighed.

He moved the chair and sat over it with a tired face.

"It would not be that easy, Mari. you know how commoners have very rules in their favor. Much less outlaws who had broken laws and hurt nobles somewhere. Nobles are no less than god in our empire." he added and I could only shake my head.

"Then what do you think? There is no way?" I asked with a pending face and he shook his head.

"There is, your husband.. The one whom you were going to divorce but now I am not sure anymore." he said and I bit my lips.

"Have you resolved all your matters? If that is the case then i am happy for you. But if you are just adjusting because of family and Killian then i will make sure that no one could stop this divorce." he said in a strict tone. But instead of feeling anger or hurt I felt warm inside.

No matter what has happened between Damien and me, he was the one who had always supported me. I always had the guilt that he did not marry anyone else because of me but even that guilt is gone now. Now all i wanted was him to settle down and live a happy married life. And for that too, we need to get rid of this problem.

"What can Cassius do in it?" I asked to change the topic of conversation again.

"Well he is the head of the administration department. Second most powerful man after the emperor. If he wants he can change a few laws and if not he can ask the emperor, but I think that would not be needed since he had the power to improvise the rules if needed from time to time. He had a lot more power than you can expect" he pointed out and I nodded.

Of course, I know that as the archduke he had a lot of power. And he was the one who had promised outlaws again and again that he would help them, so a couple asked him.

"Then I will ask Cassius about it. I think he would help gladly.'' I said and they both looked at me surprised.

"What happened now??" I asked , raising a brow and they shook their heads.

"It was the first time that you have said something positive about his highness without snarky comments and furrowing your brows." said Damien and Roselia nodded.

"In fact, from the day they have returned from the woods brother, they are looking close." said Roselia with a double meaning and I glared at her.

"That is good to hear then. I am getting late for work. I will see both of you tomorrow. Don't stress much and handle everything with patience, Mari. I am sure you will find a solution." he said as he took his coat from the chair and left.

As he crossed the door Roselia looked at me with her gossipy face and asked, "tell me, did you finally do it?" she asked shamelessly with a giggle and i could not believe that she asked me just like that. Did she not know that she is a maiden?

"I never knew you both have open love fantasies" she added with a giggle when i didn't reply