Chapter 18: A Deal

"Well, you can't blame me for being surprised, can you?" Arisanna frankly pointed out.

"I did tell you my identity is uncalled for," Emberlynn answered.

"So, weird question, how should we address you?"

"Considering how most people don't know, I prefer Cecilia. When we are alone, if it is more comfortable, you could call me Emberlynn," she decisively answered.

"We'll stick with Cecilia," Theodore cuts Arisanna off, preventing her from further going off-topic.

"Now, what exactly are you planning to do?" he continues.

"I... would like to refrain from speaking too much of my future plans. I can tell you that I don't plan to stay for long. Let's decide on a time frame, shall we? I propose five years," Cecilia spoke while taking a sip of tea.

Theodore cocked his head to one side and starts to think. Cecilia was nervous, but she kept a calm facade under his gaze.

"How about I lay some conditions in those five years? We will restrict what you can do in those five years with my status," he nodded and took a sip.

"Won't that defeat the purpose of why I am asking this of you?"

"You have to be conscious of what you are asking of me here."

She nodded, "Alright, please propose your conditions."

"First, we need to address how you are going to affiliate with my status. How are you going to plan to use it to defend yourself?"

"I plan to use my identity of 'Emberlynn Levin'. I need a way to defend myself from the social backlash."

"Backlash?"

"You will soon find out," she cunningly spoke while lightly smiling.

"Then my first condition. You may affiliate yourself with me, however, it can't ruin my status. Before acting, you must confirm with Arisanna how you are going to use it."

"Alright, I agree."

"Then my second condition. You can't use my status outside of the social scene. This includes any trades or deals with companies. If there is any problem that needs to be discussed, you will also find Arisanna for that."

"Yes, I agree with the second term."

"Alright then. The third condition concerns where you will stay."

"That-"

"I will allow you a room in the Rosenvelt household."

Her eyes widen at his ridiculous words.

"In case of your betrayal, you won't be able to run," he coldly smiled while elegantly sipping the now cold tea.

"Y-Yes. I believe it is necessary for you to do so."

"Then, I would like to make a fourth condition. Anything that is said in the mansion is kept in the mansion. You are not allowed to spread rumors or secrets of the like."

"I agree."

"The rest I am sure you know where to draw the line."

"I believe so."

"Do we have a done deal?" he asked while reaching out his hand.

"Yes, it is my pleasure," she replied while shaking his hand.

A voice that hasn't spoken a word suddenly echoed in the room.

"You may sign here," Arisanna cheerfully said while waving her hand. The contract and quill from her hand float towards Cecilia, assuming she would sign.

"May I take a look before signing?" Cecelia sternly asked.

"Be my guest," Arisanna rested her chin on her hand.

After a couple of minutes, she then raised her voice.

"Concerning the information, may I not reveal my sources?"

"Why is that?" Arisanna lightly raised her eyebrows.

"I can confirm the sources are not from the church. Let's just say, it's not through normal means."

A silence ensued. Theodore gave Arisanna a look, letting her decide.

"Alright then. I will add it in. But I also want to clarify, how much information can you give us?"

"How much?"

"It came from abnormal means, correct? How much can you give us at a time?"

"That depends on the situation."

"Specifically?"

"Then how about this. Since I know the most, I will give them to you accordingly."

"Accordingly? How will that work out for us?" she playfully stared.

"I know how valuable this is to you. You would give up anything for any information that is a threat to the throne. I know my value."

There was another silence. Arisanna furrowed her eyebrows as she thought.

"Then may I ask if you will be involved in this fight?"

"Enough to give you critical pieces of information."

"How do I know you will be on our side."

"I'll swear it on my life. I will even make an oath."

An oath is a pact made between two. It could be used for making one-sided pacts as well. If one were to betray the other, they will pay with their blood being magically drained. Due to the nature of this, people don't actually make real oaths. At most, someone uses it as a joke or as an idiom. Strangely enough, the magic came from a fanatic believer of "God" swearing their life to the belief of "God". People were crazy back then, completing several unsightly rituals. However, humanity has now changed and is actively against something that can potentially take one's life.

"Do you understand what you mean by taking one?"

"Yes, it would ensure you that I won't betray you."

Arisanna gave her a light sigh.

"Although we could take your life whenever we wanted, especially now, we won't do it through an oath. We are cruel, but not to the point of constantly putting you in danger. It's your first time making a deal, right? A deal must be of equal value. I'll add the conditions and sign the contract."

Theodore gave a small smile at her comment as he gazed at her adding to the contract.

He then signed and handed it to Cecilia. After she signed, their signatures glowed into a beautiful golden light, solidifying their signature as proof of the contract's existence.

"Alright then, the maid outside would show you to your room," Arisanna smiled and Cecilia began to walk out.

"Although... I am a bit curious," Arisanna suddenly sounded out.

They both turned to look at her.

"Why come to us instead of the imperial family? They wouldn't kill you on the spot if you propose and could prove your information is valid. You'll get more to bargained there."

Cecilia turned around and pursed her lips. Her disguise transformed her back into the familiar yet foreign young lady.

"I... would rather not meet a certain individual."

Arisanna chuckled at her response and she left the office.

"Well? We should talk," Theodore sounded as he carried the cold tea set off the table.

"Alright. What do you think?"