Bargaining

Yerni gives a reassuring look. "I am here to help you."

This is not what Niva had in mind. "Is there a particular reason that you would help us?" He crosses his arm.

"This is not a matter of loyalty. I dare say this because of what will happen if The Order catches you. You won't be classified as human anymore and will be locked up amongst the artifacts in a dark creepy dungeon."

Somehow Niva already knows what's waiting for him if caught. "Do you know what you're doing is treason? Not only for The Order but for the realms as well."

Yerni pauses for a brief moment. "You should not worry about me. For a long time, The Order has done atrocities you would never have imagined. But this is personal from me. Locked up with those strange artifacts are the last thing you wanted to experience."

"I already know you are not guilty all this time. But The Nature's fate did not favor you. So let me spin the wheel of fortune for your sake here." The blindfolded girl sounds condescending.

Niva does not believe her one bit, or any of her benevolent reasons. But there is no guarantee that they can get out of the places alive. From the looks of the situation, they are already on The Order's palm, waiting to be grasped. This is a deal that he can't refuse.

"Hmm, what would you offer us as a way out?" asked Niva. He wanted to assess the whole situation first before confronting her.

"I guarantee that you will get out of here alive, forget everything that has happened. Save your compfreund and gets out of Faroo continent at once. They won't stop until you get out from their sphere of influence."

Niva is thinking of the prospect if he is successful getting out of the continents. First option will be the Mutnis Archipelago directly north of the continent. A country with warm tropical weather. Specializes in maritime and seafaring.

Second option will be the Elian volcanic island. Further north east from the continent. A continent of its own that is also a sanctuary for the non-humans that have been expelled from the continents in the antiquity era. Long before the forming of Voltingen and Gewjory Kingdoms.

Most non-humans decided to go out of the continent. But some of them chose not to, instead, they co-exist with their human host. The prime example is the elven magical forest in the At'lana administrative region, a Voltingen Kingdoms vassal. And The Foxtren race that constitutes 90% of Songhara region. Lynel and the whole Wisteria household are Foxtrens.

Or the southern continent. Mysterious place that is rumored to have been filled with dark magic. Not much is known about the continent except, the people that did expedition there never came back to Faroo. Hinders the further identification of the continents. That place is not an option.

For Mutnis, it is one of the areas that recently kneels and swore allegiance with The Kingdom of Gewjory. Niva is hoping that The Order haven't casted their influence there.

Meanwhile, for Elian volcanic island. They had been declaring wars with the Faroo continent since they were expelled. They most likely will kill any human on sight.

"If we refuse the offer, what will happen then?"

Yerni chuckles. "Consider yourself a free man for today. But whatever happens tomorrow is not in my slightest concern."

Niva interprets Yerni's offer as an indirect threat. He looks at the nodding from the subordinate beside him. It is no guarantee that they won't find Niva if ever he declines the offer. Guess he has no choice then.

"We'll accept the offer," declares Niva as he stares at the Yerni's eerie blindfold. Still skeptical of the 'deal' thing. The good news is it might buy them sometimes until they are reunited with Krilo.

They both shake hands as a sign of agreement. Yerni's offer somehow left a bitter taste. Everything is not in their favor from the very beginning.

"Another reason why I'll help you is because of the threat that is posing from the shadow figure that plagues the village. We shall investigate thoroughly with our greatest effort. The reason is the shadow figure may be linked to the creatures of The Void."

Niva suddenly got goosebumps. The creature that was plaguing the realm in the past. If they actually lay their hands on Krilo means that he is indeed in great trouble.

"Any question before you two leave this carriage?" asks Yerni.

The two boys stare at each other. Niva is itching to criticize how passive Lynel is in this important moment. He might never ask if Niva does not ask first.

This is now or never. "Do you understand why my compfreund is yellow and also a crime?"

"Two questions but very well. The first answer is no and the second answer is not technically a legal offense, we tried to capture you and your compfreund for further study. And that … is where my opinion differs from them."

"Can you spare me from my crimes?" Lynel coming forward.

"The only crime we saw was the smuggling of various criminal and illegal goods that you and the senior guard conducted. It is not in the concern of The Holy Order but we may inform the head watchguard."

Lynel goes silent. His body trembles in fear.

"You may both leave now."

An idea immediately came across Niva's skull. "Wait. We want to request something from you. You see, we are currently low on cash to rescue my compfreund. Can we request to be facilitated for the rescue expedition, at least it is enough for equipment and weapons for the dungeon."

"Very well." She raised a gesture to the on looking house servant. The house servant takes out a note and writes a bunch of listed items.

The note is given to the person next door on the other side of the partition. A red signature is written at the bottom of the paper. It is a pity that they have not seen the other person behind the partition.

A single thundering clap suddenly heard behind the partition. Something happens in front of Niva. A door suddenly conjured behind Yerni.

The house servant opens the newly formed door, revealing a similar room with wooden floor and wallpaper with the same pattern as this one. She then enters the room.

Not so long as 5 minutes, she gets out with a poach in her hand. The poach rings of metal colliding with each other, a bunch of gold Volvalen coins are present there. He estimates at least 3000 Volvalen is in the bag.

Both Niva and Lynel stand up. They bow on Niva's command. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"Wait, Niva!"

The boys waited one last time.

"If you finds your compfreund alive, please, be careful and take care of him next time." A tear falls from the gap of her blindfold.