Chapter 29 - The Bargaining

I quickly left the lobby and logged into the Ar Ciel.

All sensation drained from my body, leaving me stranded in a feeless nothingness. I wanted to take a deep breath, to break the anxiety before speaking out, but couldn’t.

I was restless and worried, the feelings only grew stronger with time, slowly becoming unbearable.

-’ What should I start with? What if… ‘ I couldn’t even shake my head, so I concentrated heavily, trying to banish the thought. -’ I can’t have any if’s! ‘

Urged by the uneasiness, I gathered my composure and exclaimed into the nothingness, trying my best to project confidence with my voice. -” Three hours had passed, are you ready to talk now? “

-” What kind of sorcery is this? “ Book responded immediately, surprise apparent in its shrill voice. -” You are my bound sacrifice, I am sure of it! Even the protective barrier cast on your soul won’t change that! “ Desperate tones appeared in its speech. -” Yet, somehow, you can escape. How can this be? I demand answers! “

I was relieved to hear the book’s doubts, they allowed me to figure out some details of my situation. Using my newfound confidence I went on the offensive. -” Have you heard of adventurers? ‘ I asked simply.

-” Are you mocking me? How can a bunch of suicidal vagabonds have a part in this? “ The book responded warily, confirming my suspicion that it had been out of a loop for quite some time. -” Or are you referring to god’s chosen? Still, even one chosen by the god couldn’t escape these bonds! “

-” That might have been true before. “ I spoke lightly to undermine my opponent’s confidence. -” Now, the rules have changed and new type of chosen came to the world. Like yours truly. “ On reflex, I wanted to curtsey, but I had to make do with sighing in my mind.

-” So you are telling me that the rules had changed? Again? “ The book’s voice became softer, giving out signs of tiredness. -” Very well, you tiresome hussy, I will hear you out. Speak out your demands. “

-” First off, drop the insults. “ I decided to start strongly. -” Next, tell me what have you done to my body and what can you do to save it. “

-” Ha, body, a typical mortal weakness.“ The book spoke out in contempt. - ” Here’s what I want, wench. “ It continued in menacing tone. -” Unless you want to die, you will retrieve me from this hellish dimension and treat me with respect befitting your master. And you will never, ever, put me back here again. “ The book paused for a second and added thoughtfully. -” I will want a binding oath for all of that. “

Initially, I wanted to interrupt the book’s tirade, but a glimpse into its perspective was too valuable to pass over. -’ Hm, I might have spoken a bit too strongly earlier, that damn book found out way too much of my agenda… ‘ I thought quickly. -’ Luckily, it didn’t have enough pieces to hit the mark. ‘ I sighed in my mind, the book was at disadvantage though it thought otherwise. -’ Still, subduing it is risky… ‘

-” So, what it's going to be? I won’t keep your body alive indefinitely and you will die if you hold me here for too long. “ The book tried to pressure me further.

After weighing the options for a moment I decided that it's better to equalize the situation and bring the book to a bargaining table. -’ I won’t get as much, but having a willing accomplice instead of a barely subdued servant has a lot of worth in the long run. ‘

-” Your faith in my death seems to be your weakness. “ I couldn’t stop myself from paraphrasing the Emperor and I spoke out smilingly. -” Please do let it die and enjoy your stay in here, but before you do let me tell you a secret. The adventurers do not fear death, it's only a minor inconvenience before we are resurrected again. “

-” You are bluffing… “ The book said with a sliver of doubt.

-” Kill me then. “ I responded simply.

-” ...or mad. “ It said uncertainty.

-” It sucks to be forced to bargain with a madman. “ I continued and got struck with a sudden thought. -’ Wait, shouldn’t I say madwoman instead? ‘

-” Grrr… “ The book exclaimed in impotent anger. -” I will listen, what are you proposing? “

-” An exchange. “ I began the negotiations. -” For a start I want integrity and respect. No insults, no curses, no backstabbing and you will behave in a way that won’t bring undue attention to me. Fail at that and I am going to put you back here until sufficient time has passed. “

-” Hell no! “ The book screamed intransigently. -” I am not going to stay in this place for a second longer than needed! “

-” You seem to be misunderstanding. “ I wanted to smile deviously. -” This is the point that is non-negotiable, if you will look harmless and shut up I won’t have to put you in here. “

I wanted to laugh at a sudden silence, pushing the main topic first thrown the book of balance, since it was expecting something of a token worth to be talked out first.

-” Hmph, then what is your offer for saving your body? “ The book spoke out after a pause, though its voice was weak - it must have realized my game.

-” You already know. “ I spoke mischievously. -” I get out, you get out. Or I die, and you are out of options. “

-” I can just keep you here… “ The book tried to stall, but it already knew the outcome.

-” ...and I can just spend that time elsewhere. “ I finished the book’s sentence and pushed for resolution. -” It boils down to one thing, what do you want for being my servant… “

-” Arghhh. “ As expected, the book erupted in rage. -” You audacious bitch, I am not going to be a servant of yours, never! “

-” Let me rephrase that then. “ I spoke calmly. -” Think what will you gain by collaborating with me, I am not a mindless monster and I can easily get around the cities and villages. There must be things out there that will make your recent loss seem insignificant, also, I haven’t spoken a word about tapping your power for free each time… “

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

-” Hmph, for a little girl you speak well… “ The book grew thoughtful. -” Even in light of your vile ways, or considering the future, thanks to them, I might be inclined to accept an offer of partnership… “

-” Call me Mistress… “ I added the final argument.

-” WHAAAT?!  HELL NO… “ The book yelled out in denial.

* * *

[ Getting the last point across took rather long time. ]

* * *

-” I can’t deny that you are a tenacious, little… “ There was exhaustion in the book’s voice.

-” ...stop with the praises and concede… Culdreth… “ The argument was going for an indeterminable amount of time and we were exhausted by the ordeal. In the meantime I have learned that the book’s name was Culdreth and that it was some sort of demonic being sealed in the form of a book. -” If this goes one any longer I might die… “

-” Ehhhhh… “ Culdreth said in a weakened, resigned voice. -” I will accept, little Mistress… “

-” You don’t really want… “ I wanted to bang my head on the wall. -’ Argh, after all the time we spend arguing that damn book is still going on… ‘

-” Take it or break it, stubborn Mistress. “ I could feel menacing glee in Culdreth’s voice. -” Though, can you waste any more time here… “

The book was right, my return was much overdue. I shivered at a thought of something  happening while I was away arguing. -” Fine, have it your way. Remember though, no insults. “ I decided to give up the rest of the argument.

-” Take me out when you are back! “ The book spoke out while I was suddenly moved. A strange sensation of being stretched between two places at once came over me, and then it was gone with a sudden snap…

* * *

My consciousness returned abruptly. I felt relieved as a wave of familiar sensations washed over me, a smell of forest, a soft touch of leaves and ground under my back, a gnawing sensation in my stomach and that strange feeling of just having a body. There were unfamiliar sensations too, something heavy was on my chest and there was something thick between my knees…

I opened my eyes.

Above me there was a brigand boy resting his hand on my breast, and his leg was between my thighs. -” Uaaa… “ He exclaimed in surprise and grew beet red. -” I haven’t done… I mean I fell… It was an accident! “ He started stuttering excuses while still keeping his hand where it was…

My killing intent was slowly waking from its slumber…

-” Aiii! “ He suddenly readjusted his hand, getting a good measure, and as if just realizing what he was doing he tried to jump back, but failed miserably by tripping on my feet. -” I am really sorry, I didn’t mean to do anything! I didn’t know you were alive… “

-” So groping a corpse was perfectly acceptable? “ I asked menacingly, while rising to my feet. I realized that some alien force was coursing through my veins. -’ Like a dark magic, but different… must be books power. ‘ I concluded.

-” No, its misunderstanding! I didn’t… “ The boy pleaded desperately, and must have somehow grasped my intent as he suddenly started running.

I tried to jump after him, but sudden burst of power and then abrupt weakness in my muscles made me miss. I was barely able to stay on my feet, all thanks to the experience which I gained while fighting my companions earlier.

The boy ran into the bushes and I quickly gave up on chasing him, after failure at chasing Forest I felt disinclined to pursue. I let the boy go and promised myself to turn that little pervert into mincemeat next time I meet him.

I sighed, satisfied that I was finally able to, and reached for the pouch. I risked breaching the agreement if I didn’t pull the book out after I regained consciousness.

Rectangular shape came out of my pouch and I was assaulted, verbally. -” How could you wait for so long! You… you… thoughtless Mistress! “ Angry words which turned into whiny complaint almost made me laugh.

-’ Preventing it from insulting me might  turn out better than expected. ‘ I thought in satisfaction while doing my best to hide my glee.

-” So what is this dump… “ The book started and demonic figures on its cover seemed to be coming to life, as if to observe everything around. -” ... and why do you have a Mark?! How can you go to the city with that! “ Culdreth complained in a demanding voice.

-” Don’t worry, I have my ways. “ I tried to sound reassuring. -” Anyway, how long can you keep me alive? “

-” Depends on your definition of alive… skinny Mistress. “ The barb in book’s voice hurt, but I did my best to ignore it. In the nothingness I learned that fighting with it requires a lot of time and willpower.

-’ Sometime it’s better to let things slide. ‘ I concluded and walked to the bandit camp.

I noticed that there were three sizable mounds in a place where I fought the brigands. It was quite surprising to find out that brigand boy actually cared enough to return and bury his peers.

I quickly banished the thought at a sight of a bandit camp, there were crates, bedrolls, wagon, and horses. I could feel tears of relief streaming down my face as I fought to open a sack of apples. It was an arduous afternoon as I tried to eat sparsely, because I remembered that stuffing oneself after a period of starvation can be fatal…

Still it was a really satisfying time, despite book’s barby comments…

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Hey~, Author's here~

I don't know why but recently its really hard for me to sit down and start writing. Well, I still will try to provide new chapters. Anyway I hope you enjoyed today's developments.

Cheers,

Mea

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 30 - The Riding (Special, 2nd Arc)

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