The girls next to me all made out noises of fear.

“Rejected!” A voice sprung out, but it wasn’t mine. “Brother, how dare you suggest something like that!”

“It would work.” The prince shrugged. “Maybe… well, we could always try.”

“We’re not going to murder four people to try something!” Eliana protested.

“You’re not murdering them at all!” I added. “There has to be another way!”

“Look, the curse is embedded into your skin!” Edward sighed. “Either the skin has to go or your girls do. Even if we had a level 100 Slave Master, I don’t think they’d be able to break your blessing. Alright?”

“Then what are we going to do?” I asked. “We’re at an impasse.”

“Not really…” Lord Tibult spoke up. “In fact, I’d say it’s very clear how we proceed.”

I shot him a dirty look, but Edward spoke up. “What is it?”

“The bet is simple. We have a competition. My slaves against his slaves. If he wins, he keeps his slaves, gets his lordship, heck, I’ll even release my own slaves as part of the deal. However, if I win, he releases his slaves, one way or another.”

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“One way, or another?” I gulped.

“Either you give up a pound of flesh, or you watch your women die one at a time.” Lord Tibult grinned darkly before shrugging. “Of course, this is a consequence you’d never have to face. If you win, of course. However, don’t think I’ll go easy on you. Not only have the slaves from before grown stronger under my care, but I’ve acquired a new slave recently who is extremely powerful and capable. Even you little… tigress… won’t be able to keep up with her.”

“This… “ I shot a look back to the girls. “I…”

Lord Tibult really had me in a bind here. It was truly a cruel thing. I couldn’t afford to lose. Either I’d be disfigured painfully, or the girls would have to be killed one by one, which was traumatic in its own way. I knew that from personal experience.

“It’s okay, Master… we won’t lose!” Lydia put on a strong face.

Her words seemed to break the layer of fear that was permeating the other girls. They all put on grim expressions and nodded in turn.

“The people of Chalm have been good to us,” Miki said. “We have to do this for them.”

Celeste nodded. “I won’t have anyone saying I don’t belong with Master anymore!”

“I will follow Master regardless,” Terra added.

I sighed and then turned back to the men. “Alright, we’re in.”

“Excellent!” The prince clapped his hand. “Then, tomorrow we’ll be postponing the championship. I need time to set up some particularly worthwhile challenges. In two days, we’ll convene to have a slave-off between Deek and Otto Tibult., would be much more impressive if done in the arena with roaring crowds!”

“Can you just postpone the competition like that?” I asked.

“He’s the head of the competition, and I’m the prince! Of course, we can!” The Prince let out too, “Now since all of this is settled, weren’t we having a banquet? Let’s start!”

“Finally, something I can agree with.” Pait declared. “Although, you did chase all of the guests outside.”

“Well, bring them back in!” He said in a carefree manner.

It must be nice being a lord and doing whatever you wanted.