Is it wise to show up like this, Grand Duchess?
Apollonia turned towards her most trusted retainer. I havent been accused of treason yet, she said and shook her head. The carriage they were in jolted up and down as it rolled over a wooden bridge to traverse a river. A few droplets of water splashed upwards and through the window, landing on Apollonias cheek. She dabbed her face with a handkerchief and sighed. If I dont show up for her banquet, the empress may create an excuse to have killed. If I show up, I may be executed. If I dont show up, I may be executed. Theres no reason not to have my final al be the dinner served at an empresss birthday.
Daniel placed a closed fist against his chest and stared into Apollonias eyes. If the demon lord tries to kill you, Ill find a way to save you.
A wry smile appeared on Apollonias lips. Is that so? I appreciate the sentint, but you and I both know its impossible. The grand duchess turned her head and gazed up at the clouds through the window. That girl is simply too strong. The only thing we can do is pray she lost her life to the devil or black dragon that took it away.
***
Mary stared down at the plate by her feet. She was sitting on the ground with her legs crossed. Her armor covered her thighs, but her shins and feet were still bare and smudged with dirt. Steam rose out of the roasted sothing in front of her. Mary raised her head away from the unidentified al and stared at Lindyss. Am I a prisoner?
Lindyss turned her head away from her book and stared back at Mary. Have we treated you like one?
This food slls funny, Mary said and pursed her lips.
Lindyss eyes drifted to Marys plate. The al was exactly how she had presented it to the empress, and the utensils hadnt even been touched. Then dont eat it.
Ill go on a hunger strike, Mary said. Her stomach growled, but she pretended as if it hadnt, her gaze still fixed on Lindyss face. I wont eat. And if I die, itll be your fault.
Freeloaders dont get to go on hunger strikes, Lindyss said. She closed her book, keeping one finger inside to preserve her page. Did you know that thats what you are? Youre a freeloader.
Im not, Mary said. You imprisoned here. Its your responsibility to keep alive as a prisoner of war.
Lindyss expression darkened. What war? And youre not a prisoner. No, rather, why are you still here? Dont you have other things to do? Other places to be? Why are all the empresses and queens so irresponsible and carefree that they have ti to bug ?
A lump on the cursed elfs head squird as Erin popped out of her hair. Maybe bugging you is just really, really important? Its so important that we have to drop everything were doing to do it.
Im really not a prisoner? Mary frowned. But you have my sword. And the dragon has my armor. I cant leave without them. She nodded. Since I cant leave, that ans youve imprisoned .
What if I said I dont have your sword? Lindyss asked. Then what? Will you go away?
I still want to fight the devil too, Mary said and pursed her lips. And I know you have my sword. Please give it back.
Lindyss expression darkened. Youre awfully needy for a self-proclaid prisoner, huh?
Please. It ans a lot to .
The corner of a piece of paper poked Marys calf. Grimmy grinned at her when she turned to face him. Just sign the contract and well return everything to you.
Mary furrowed her brow as she grabbed the paper. The dense text seed to jump out at her, and she looked away. Theres so much to read, she said and sighed. She placed the contract down and stared at Grimmy. If I sign this, will you tell what you ant by the other fellow will take over my body and destroy my soul?
You know, that sounds pretty self-explanatory, Emile said from his position near the front of the cave. Soone out there wants to take over your body by destroying your soul. Whats so hard to understand about that?
Mary wandered over to Emile. But how does he know? Who wants to destroy my soul? How can I defend against it? She pushed the contract towards the phoenix. Can you read this for and tell if there are any disadvantageous clauses?
Emile peered at the page. The very first line says youll give up your soul for all eternity to Grimmoldesser after you die. That sounds very disadvantageous. Should I continue?
I dont think I need my soul after I die, Mary said and bit her lower lip. Continue.
Emile stared at Mary. Okay. He cleared his throat and focused his attention back onto the contract. The next line says that your spouse will be determined by Grimmoldesser.
Mary tilted her head. If I dont like the spouse he chooses, I can beat him up, so thats okay too. Continue.
Your firstborn child will also be given to Grimmoldesser.
I dont plan on having children. Continue.
You must beco a willing participant in any experint that Grimmoldesser cos up with.
Mary furrowed her brow. For how long?
Emile squinted at the contract before shrugging. Theres no ti limit, so Im assuming forever.
Forevers a long ti, Mary said. But if its only participating in experints. Im used to those, so it should be fine. Continue.
Lindyss patted Grimmys snout. Has anyone ever been crazy enough to sign one of your contracts?
Yep, Grimmy said. Theres the few who think they can outsmart sohow but end up having their souls sucked out of them for breaking the contract. And theres the ones willing to do anything for a short mont of fa. He shrugged. Its not like Im offering unbalanced deals either. I take advantage of their desperation and give them an offer just slightly under their breaking point. I an, really, which one would you rather have? A lot of power, or your firstborn child?
What do you even do with firstborn children? Lindyss asked. Ive never seen you with a kid before. Other than Vur.
Grimmy cleared his throat. Thats classified information.
Ill sign it. Mary walked between Grimmy and Lindyss and held out the contract in her outstretched arms. Give sothing to write with.
Youre going to sign it? Lindyss asked, her eyes widening. Didnt I warn you earlier?
Mary pouted. But you wont return my sword.
Your sword is really that valuable to you?
Marys head bobbed up and down.
Youre really willing to give up anything for this sword, huh?
Mary continued to nod.
Lindyss sighed. Dont sign the contract, she said. Ill return your sword to you, but under one condition.
Hey, Grimmy said and poked Lindyss side before she could say anything else. Are you poaching my prey?
Lindyss snorted. It feels wrong to watch an innocent young girl fall into your clutches.
Wow, Im offended, Grimmy said and blew a puff of smoke out of his nostrils.
Lindyss rolled her eyes and reached into her pocket. She took out Marys sword and pulled her hand back as the empress extended her arm towards it. I didnt say the condition yet, Lindyss said, taking a few steps back.
Thats okay, Mary said as she sidled closer to Lindyss. I agree. Anything you want. You said youll be fairer than the dragon, so its okay. She held her hands out, her palms facing the ceiling. Sword, please.
Lindyss sighed as she placed the sword into Marys hands. Dont regret your decision.
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