The Deal

"You were right"

All of her statements were true. That person on the other side, became completely different after he took in the pill, first I though it will have no effect but I made all necessary precautions. We are talking about a Church pill after all. What amazed me that it completely changed the character of the person. No, a completely different person took over the body before my eyes. My questions proved that he has the memory of the former owner and the memory of his own. I see no other way how he managed to answer all of my questions after taking the pill, but his memory from the other world is dominant that's why he gave me a completely foreign name. No matter how tipsy or barely conscious a person is, anyone would be able to give his own name. Also it was a noble name this...Hofmann. A street rat would never have a family name.

All of this is unbelievable, yet I have too much evidence to ignore the conclusion, that there is another world just like ours...I feel dizzy...

I-I should sit down first.

The bodyguards quickly stopped him doing that. They were so worried that none of them even dared to blink.

Oh yeah I am a lord that would be disgraceful. Damned etiquette. Guess I just have to pull myself together or...I can just make them leave. "Guards I want to speak with the prisoner."

"Bu-but my Lord you are clearly not well we shouldn't leave your side..."

"In private!"

All of the guards left the dungeon.

It's good to be a lord. I am also not worried about her. Why would a person who ran for her life for two years would care about the disgraceful attitude of a lord, and why would anyone believe her.

I can also hardly stand. I wore this plate armour all day.

He then sat down. "I am here to make an offer to you but first let me hear your request." I did say that she can ask anything except her freedom, but I hope she don't want to ask anything luxurious.

My own castle is in ruins. That says something about my current situation.

"I want to hear your offer first then I will say my request."

Excellent choice. You don't know what to except from me so you made sure that at least you have some leverage. Though it's a bit annoying. "I decided that you will remain in my court. I will protect you and your identity from all outsiders, but you are not permitted to leave without my approval. You will have to fulfil the tasks I give you, and you can never tell anyone that you are a witch. However you are permitted to perform witchcraft whenever you like." She said she never tested the boundaries of her ability. It would be a waste of opportunities not allowing her to explore the limits of her magic. "Do you accept ?" Like you really have a choice, but building trust between me and my future subject is always what a lord should do no matter the circumstance. Trust is mutually beneficial and the best way to secure your position. It also helps you not getting killed.

Hearing this Morrigan started to smile then made a bow and said: "I graciously accept my merciful Lord"

I am not merciful just resourceful, the two just happened to give the same results. For example sparing the peasant in a war would seem like a merciful act however, soldiers would never cultivate the farmlands so it is just a resourceful act that results in the rise of reputation and popularity among most of your future subjects. Because everyone is a future subject...

"Now here is my request." Morrigan interrupted the though train. "Because I will be still 'detained' by you I want to have the best living conditions possible. Second only to you of course. "Said while holding back her laughter.

"I accept your request." That's actually a pretty good idea. I can keep her identity secret easily, and at the same time keep an eye on her. "However my current living conditions are not as good as you thing but I believe they will satisfy your needs." Yes my own bedroom got hit by a catapult. The kitchen wasn't as lucky either. I am forced out of my own castle. I have to live in another noble's house...Fortunately that house belonged to spies so I had to confiscate their property anyway, but every other noble calls me castle-less lord behind my back...

"Really?" She said with her eyes full of disbelief. "I-I can live like a noble?"

Like an insignificant noble right now..."What I said is true according to your description." However what about my sister? I should tell Margherita and Spring about this first. If they accidently find it out that would make everything much more complicated.

He stood up and said: "Guards! "All of them came in like they were all waiting for this moment. "Listen to me what I am going to say is important lady Morrigan is Indeed a Witch!" Morrigan grasped her arm and got scared for a moment." However I am going to let her use her demonic magic to save lives. Everything you heard today is a deep secret that you can never tell without my consent. Do all of you understand that this witch is going to save your neighbours and family members? "This will shut them up, even if they were devout believers or someone pays them a huge sum of money in the future. Gratitude and respect can't be easily bought.

"Now open the cell, but remember that she is still detained."

I guess I found a third road that I can take...