- Shari -

Since I haven't seen the other two members of our party, I wait with Liqu at the signpost in front of the settlement.

There isn't much going on since only few people are out right now.

Honestly, it's extremely boring.

And Liqu's company doesn't make time run any faster.

We have to wait for some more hours, but eventually, they arrive.

"What took you so long? I thought we were the ones staying behind?" (Shari)

"We had to walk through the forest since we didn't know if the road would be safe." (Elin)

The boy really doesn't look too well.

Rather he seems to be like terribly exhausted.

I hope his father won't blame us for this.

"But still! Why didn't you catch up? We two can't even run." (Shari)

In return, I receive an absolutely exasperated look from Elin.

"Is this a joke?" (Elin)

What does she mean?

"No? We really can't run with our bodies." (Shari)

"What does this matter?! I thought you were just being inconsiderate, but you've completely lost it!" (Elin)

"I don't understand." (Shari)

"You two are inexhaustible! Marching with you is hell! It's so difficult to keep up your pace and if you can, even after hours you won't slow down! Humans become tired! Did you already forget that?" (Elin)

Uhh, that was really a mistake on my side.

Can't say anything against that.

You simply don't pay attention to things that don't concern you.

That movement over a long period of time is possible might be an advantage, but especially regarding the kid, I should have been much more aware of building up exhaustion.

"But it's so difficult! Always keeping track of what humans need! Right, Shari?" (Liqu)

Ouch!

This blow hurt!

Now I also have to hear that my common sense as a human is degrading and got exchanged with a slime's.

"Sorry, it was my mistake. I will try to do better." (Shari)

No excuses here!

If I want to retain my shallow last bit of humanity I can't make concessions!

"Well, you stayed back and protected us, so I can't blame you that much." (Elin)

"I'm glad that both of you made it safe here." (Shari)

"This part of the forest is not very dangerous. A little, maybe. But Ekoras acts as some kind of breaker to the creatures dwelling in the Evergrove." (Elin)

Another lesson from Elin, our friendly local guide!

"I would suggest we get going or it will be dark before we reach the estate." (Shari)

It's just late midday, but evening and night will eventually come.

We walk up the path and are soon halfway there.

Promptly Elin speaks up.

"How are we going to do this?" (Elin)

"We give his son back and get rewarded!" (Shari)

"We want information and backup." (Elin)

"Yes, that's what I mean." (Shari)

"And how do you intend to explain our demands to him? It will become messy if we just barge in with his son." (Elin)

"And that's your part to handle." (Shari)

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How glad I am to have this mask on, cause otherwise right now one might see this stretching smile of mine, which always shows whenever I am going to take advantage of someone.

"What do you want from me?" (Elin)

"I planned to let you go in advance and inform them while introducing us a little." (Shari)

"Why should I be the one who is jumping into the direwolf's den!?" (Elin)

"It won't be dangerous, I think. You're bringing good news. This should be received well. And like you said, barging just in there the way we look would be quite bad. However, apart from you, the only others who could go would be me and Liqu. And we both know that if something happens there to me, this whole region will meet its slimy demise. So I would obviously be the wrong choice. And on the other side, are you seriously considering sending Liqu?" (Shari)

With the rule of elimination, just one remains.

"A-and what about me?" (Lidan)

Does he really think I will let go of my sole negotiation object for this bargain?

Anyway, I answer him as politely as possible.

"As we promised we will bring you back to your father. You might even recognize this area by now." (Shari)

"Y-yes, a little." (Lidan)

"See? You can trust us. So please, trust us here as well." (Shari)

With this, I send Elin on her way and begin to wait.

And after a while, I hear marching sounds.

"Liqu. Whatever happens, stay calm. And don't act in any way without my permission." (Shari)

I don't wait for her response and instead concentrate on the direction the sound comes from.

You might call it a small army.

Several well-armed men, with a strong emphasis on halberds, swords, and partial plating on their blue uniforms.

Yet I guess I should concentrate on those who ride ahead by horse.

Actually, there are three of them.

From the positioning, my educated guess would be that the one in the middle is the lord.

All of his clothing looks expensive, he bears a well-maintained brown beard and glares at us with rather piercing yet restless yellow eyes.

Restless probably because his abducted son stands here right next to me.

Meanwhile, the one to his right looks like a soldier, with his heavy plate armor, much to the disadvantage of the poor horse below him.

This leaves just the one to the left.

He also wears expensive clothing, yet looks more civilian, which indicates that he is some kind of aide.

I have no intention to provoke anyone by forcing the boy to stay at my side.

However, this fully-equipped army seems to even intimidate Lidan.

And just now they are circling us as if they're going to apprehend the kidnappers.

Maybe a misunderstanding?

Is Elin alright?

At least they don't attack us, yet.

But this might have to do with the boy.

Conversely, this man seems quite indifferent to this family reunion.

They come close, but a wall of soldiers still separates us from them.

"You have my son!" (supposedly Lord Kahan)

You don't say?

At least now it's certified.

"And if I'm allowed to add, we brought him to you." (Shari)

"Come here!" (Lord Kahan)

Hey, I know you want to look strong, but this is your son you're talking to.

And he went through hard times.

I mean, first, that human scum kidnaps him and then he gets abducted by a slime.

He must have been scared to death.

I speak from experience.

And this stare starts to become exhausting!

Like I said before, I let him go past this wall of soldiers, since I want his help and can't afford to bear animosity.

Yet suddenly this soldier in plate armor shouts out.

"How dare you hide your faces in the presence of our lord! This is Radon Kahan! Reveal yourself this instant!" (soldier officer)

"I'm sorry, but under these circumstances, I have to refrain." (Shari)

Before the loud guy can rage any more than this, the assistant takes the initiative.

"Under these circumstances? Could you explain this?" (supposed aide)

This time I would like to try the truth.

"Very well! If we would take the masks off, two things will happen. The first is that the soldiers here will probably panic and instantly attack us. Against our will I'd like to add." (Shari)

"I don't recognize your voice and would know of no past incident which might cause such a rash reaction." (aide)

"Oh, this has nothing to do with things we did. It's more a common reaction I get quite frequently." (Shari)

"So, because you fear to be attacked you would rather hide your identity. Even in front of nobility." (aide)

"We brought the lord's son back. Shouldn't it be possible to grant us this much?" (Shari)

"Fine. Wait here! Dion will bring your reward along with your acquaintance! Then you'll leave!" (Radon)

Good to know that Elin is still alive.

However...

"I am very sorry, Milord. But we don't want money!" (Shari)

"Then why are you here?" (Radon)

"I would like to speak about this more privately." (Shari)

At this most of these soldiers grip their weapons tighter and the situation becomes tenser in general.

"Are you aware how suspicious your demand appears in this quite peculiar situation you caused?" (Dion)

"Suspicious? I wouldn't know why." (Shari)

"Instead of just handing the child to an official and claiming the reward, you come all the way here, very eager for a personal audience with the count. And so soon after said child was abducted by a hostile party. Very suspicious!" (aide)

Somehow, I no longer want this person to participate in this talk.

"I am very sure the lord's son's testimony is proof enough that we hold no ill will. He should be trustworthy, right?" (Shari)

And this discussion starts to become exhausting as well!

"I am sure he believes what he says. Yet it might all be an elaborate play to come close to the count. And now you refuse to identify yourself. You see the problem?" (Dion)

Maybe I should have applied the powder beforehand, yet I planned something different.

"We have here our guild cards. Isn't this confirmation enough?" (Shari)

"It isn't possible to verify their authenticity this instant and they might be stolen. How should we know without seeing your faces?" (Dion)

"It's of greatest importance for us. Can't we find a solution?" (Shari)

"You dare to make demands to the lord?! I will..." (soldier officer)

At this, the count raises the hand and he falls silent.

"You said two things will happen if you remove these masks. I am curious, what is the second?" (Radon)

I stare at him for a moment, uncertain if I should say it.

"The second thing that will happen is simple. Everyone but us will die." (Shari)

My tone is dark and heavy, emphasizing the weight of what I said.

While I wouldn't want to cause a blood- or rather slimebath, I don't know how many will die before we can break through their ranks and escape or if Liqu could fully lose control and go on a rampage.

Some may survive, but it wouldn't be too sure about this.

"You dare to..." (soldier officer)

Looks like things could get out of control.

"Hah!" (Radon)

"Milord?" (soldier officer)

"Very well! You will get your private talk!" (Radon)

"Milord, do you think this is a wise decision?" (Dion)

"When you ever heard of an assassin who states that he can kill you this very moment? They piqued my interest, so we will see!" (Radon)

It seems we shall live and with an escort of rather tense soldiers around us, we are allowed to enter the estate.