Demonic Conqueror: Heroic Valor - Chapter 25.1, 25.2

The Hurricane safehouse was an unassuming building located in the lower city residential district. Though it looked decrepit and abandoned on the outside, its interior was surprisingly spacious and well-furnished. The walls and front entrance were also reinforced to prevent unwanted entry – and unlike the bandits' hideout, there was a hidden underground passage to allow for retreat if Helmund's soldiers came knocking.

Which...might become relevant soon.

Even in the relatively short time it took to reach the safehouse, Caelryn City had already started gossiping about a royal stronghold being assaulted by rebels. The streets were abuzz like a kicked beehive, its people whispering in hushed undertones over what Duke Helmund's response would be.

And while there was no direct trail of evidence linking the attack to Simon's band of miscreants, they couldn't rule out being discovered by magical scrying or an Artifact with unknown effects. Bastian seemed to believe they'd be okay, but he still strongly advised that everyone stay put inside. The safehouse was stocked with plenty of food to tide them over as they waited for things to die down.

He only left briefly to bring a Hurricane-affiliated healer; a man whose eyes were burning with curiosity and caution in equal measures. The healer clearly wished to know more about why they'd been injured, yet he also recognized that the less he knew, the safer he'd be. In the end, after patching up their wounds, the man departed without asking even a single question of them, choosing to accept coin as payment for his discretion.

"Surprised you needed to pay him at all," Simon commented. "Figured the rebellion would run on plucky idealism, not back-alley dealings of purchased loyalty."

"Loyalty is best when purchased," Bastian muttered. "Much more stable that way. When you're aiming to subvert someone to the cause, a thousand impassioned arguments pale compared to the jingling of a coinpurse."

"If it's that easy, then why has the Hurricane made so little progress?"

"What, you think we're made of money? Why do you think I went so far as to steal and sell a carriage?"

After that, Simon, Katarina, Bastian, and Cyna all settled in. Cyna was unconscious once again – though she looked much better than before, a healthy glow having returned to her face. The other three took a well-earned rest as they spent hours listening to the sounds of turmoil growing outside.

Slowly, it sank in that they'd sparked a real, genuine stir among the populace. Wasn't often that Helmund lost dozens of soldiers in one fell swoop. For that to happen, and for the aggressors to escape scot-free? Unprecedented.

It was more attention than Simon had wanted to draw to himself this early in his transmigration, but, oh well. He'd gained six Levels, a Class Advancement, and a skilled Boon-Bearer – needing to lay low for several days was more than fair trade.

Guess we'll be getting some time off after all.

Katarina retired early for the night, grumbling about how today had ended up much longer than she'd thought it would. As soon as she'd left the Contractor and Contractee alone, Bastian ran his hands down his face, sighing like he was being led to a hangman's noose.

"Alright." The rebel straightened his posture, donning a mantle of calm. "To start with, we should discuss how you miraculously transformed me into a Swordsman beyond my wildest dreams. This power you've bestowed...the Boon that was Granted...I need to know more."

Simon gladly obliged, gave him a rundown of what having Levels, stats, and EXP entailed. He also made sure to specify that if for whatever reason, the Boon was rescinded, Bastian's power would revert to its former glory – or lack thereof.

"Don't have the luxury of being frustrated by that," the Swordsman mumbled to himself. "Alright. No more stalling. Let's get this over with."

His body tensed. "What are your intentions, Demon? What shall be expected of me?"

Simon arched an eyebrow. "You know, you acted way more personable than this when you were begging me to rescue Cyna."

"I was on the job then."
"Aren't you still? Or do you think that Cyna is safe with me? She is, don't get me wrong, but I'm surprised you're willing to let her recover in the same building as a big bad Demon. Thought you would try to run off with her."

Bastian shook his head. "You'd find us. Just like how you hunted me across half the city when I was certain I'd covered my tracks. And even if we somehow slipped your net...it wouldn't matter, would it? I'd be back at your side by the very next day."

Clause 6: At least once per day, Bastian Evergray must report to Simon Cobblestone for orders, in-person.

A bit of insurance to keep him from fleeing the coop. It might breed resentment in the long-run – Simon could already see a glint of suppressed despair in Bastian's eyes – but there was insurance for that too.

Clause 4: Bastian Evergray will never seek to physically harm or kill Simon Cobblestone or Katarina Cartier.

Funnily enough, Simon was fairly positive that he would lose a one-versus-one duel against the Contracted rebel. While their Levels were similar, the system used Levels as more of a representation of innate mana, latent power, and enhanced physicality. It didn't account as much for experience and expertise, which Bastian had in spades.

Not that it would help him here. He'd signed on the dotted line. No amount of power or skill could reverse a Contract etched onto your soul.

"I ask again," Bastian said. "What should I expect from this...arrangement, of ours? You don't appear to be a Demon driven by meaningless bloodshed, but I'd be a fool to trust that impression."

"Meaningless? No. Meaningful? Absolutely."
Simon grinned. "In truth, your life won't change as much as you're assuming. I'll only be tasking you to kill people affiliated with the nobility. Or trash like slavers, but those aren't really people."

Bastian narrowed his eyes. "To what end?"

"Same as yours – dethroning Duke Helmund."

"And why would you...hmm. Is this a ploy enacted by the Queen of Demons? Have you journeyed here from Ashora to weaken the Severed Isles? Remove the Duke in preparation for an invasion?"

"Never met the Demon Queen, never set foot on Ashora. I actually can't remember anything from before three weeks ago. Ask Kat if you don't believe me."

Bastian obviously didn't, but elected to play along regardless. "Then why? What purpose would slaying Duke Helmund serve for you?"

Simon laced his fingers together. "A question for you, Bastian. When a boil becomes infected, filling with pus and rot, do you let it fester and spread until an entire limb needs to be chopped off...or do you lance it and cauterize the wound, no matter how painful that may be?"

"Quite a descriptive analogy," the Swordsman remarked, in a sardonic tone. "But it's not an explanation. Recognizing that the nobles are poison doesn't mean you'll risk your life to kill them. If that was the case, we'd have droves of people lining up to join the Hurricane."

A valid point. Simon was intimately aware that the vast majority of people would never take up arms to fight for their own betterment. Not even if they knew of Valtia's impending apocalypse. They would only admit that the sky was falling when it was already five minutes too late to stop it.

Bastian paused. "Are you aiming to grab power in the chaos that will follow Helmund's death?" he posited. "Because that's an ambition bordering on lunacy, and I say that as a member of a doomed rebellion."

You admit the rebellion is doomed? They would have to touch on that later.

"You're overcomplicating things," Simon said. "Overthrowing Helmund is for the good of the Severed Isles – for the good of Valtia as a whole. Do I need a reason other than that?"

'Yes' was the answer written on Bastian's face. Instead, the Swordsman remained silent, choosing his words carefully. "Then...your goals align with the Hurricane."

A sliver of excitement entered his voice. Like a flickering ember of hope that he knew he should quash, but didn't have the heart to. "Do you intend to support our case? Work for us to attain a brighter future?"

Simon chuckled. "If anything, you'll all be working for me."

--

Bastian had turned in for the night. He and Cyna were sharing a room. Simon had his own private quarters – which he was now putting to good use.

Been waiting all day for this, he thought, his anticipation building. Character Sheet.

Simon
Class: Nascent Demon [Advancement Available]
Attributes: Transmigrator, Fell-Shrouded
Level: 26
HP: 310 / 310
MP: 470 / 470
Strength: 35
Dexterity: 33
Vitality: 33
Intelligence: 47
Unspent Points: 15

Were there any two words more glorious than 'Advancement Available'?

Last time, the system had offered him a variety of basic starting Classes. Swordsman, Brawler, Survivor, Con Artist, Thief, and Nascent Demon. As he'd chosen Nascent Demon for his initial Class, his next Advancement should presumably continue down that path, granting stronger, more specialized Demonic abilities.

With the glee of opening a gift-wrapped present, Simon willed his list of Advancements to appear. The first of six possible Classes appeared in front of him.

Class Advancement: Anti-Demon
-For those who think they've made a grave mistake.
-Learned Skills: Holy Immunity, Form Integration, Aura of Deniability
-Bonus Stats: Dexterity, Vitality
-Note: All Class Advancements will gain an equal amount of Bonus Stats.

Simon frowned as he concentrated on the potential Skills. Like before, he could intuit which function each ability would perform.

Apparently, Anti-Demon was the system's emergency exit – a failsafe in case he'd come to regret embracing the Demon Class path. Holy Immunity erased his mild weakness to sacred mana. Form Integration made it so that he didn't need to Shapeshift and reveal his right arm to use Demonic abilities. Aura of Deniability subconsciously prevented people from suspecting his true nature.

With all those Skills combined, he could effectively masquerade as a full-blown human forever. No one in Valtia, aside from Katarina and Bastian, would ever learn what he was truly capable of.

Worthless. Not a single combat-related ability. Perhaps these three Skills would've been useful if he'd decided to enter politics and covertly amass influence, but he wasn't in the business of schmoozing nobles.

Not when deposing them was much more expedient.

Simon held no delusions about the future. Valtia's new history would be written in blood. He didn't need Classes that helped him hide – he needed power. Skills that would fell foes and bend society to his will.

Anything else was cowardice.

He promptly dismissed Anti-Demon, moving on to the next choice.

Class Advancement: Demonic Berserker
-Rip and tear until it is done.
-Learned Skills: Rampage, Lifesteal, Not A Scratch
-Bonus Stats: Vitality

Berserker seemed to be an intriguing, versatile Class. Rampage was a mobile short-range dash that empowered one weapon attack. Lifesteal healed the user whenever they damaged their opponent. Not A Scratch completely nullified any single instance of damage, although the Skill was on a fairly long cooldown.

Simon could see this Class being extremely effective when utilized by the right person. Its game plan was simple: outlast. With Rampage and Lifesteal, a Berserker could embroil themselves in the middle of a hectic melee and come out nearly unscathed, regenerating wounds with every enemy they slew, an unstoppable avatar of savagery. Not A Scratch also made for an excellent just-in-case panic button.

Unfortunately, it was suited to close-range brawlers, and Simon was getting more mileage out of his spells as time went on. Berserker's unrestrained fighting style probably wouldn't mesh with how he tried to approach encounters. It was still a solid backup option, but the other Classes might fit him better.

Next up is...

Class Advancement: Demonic Conqueror
-Lead. Rule. Make them kneel.
-Learned Skills: Upgrade to Subjugate Territory, Upgrade to Channel Essence, Upgrade to Grant Boon
-Bonus Stats: Balanced

A Class styled after the Sealed Demon of Ruination's namesake. Kirkelas the Conqueror, eat your heart out.

Rather than teaching Simon three brand-new abilities, this path seemed to improve what he already had. Subjugate Territory, Channel Essence, and Grant Boon would all become more powerful than before.

Channel Essence gets permanent multi-casting, he noted. Two spells at once. That was something he'd struggled with until now. If he took this Advancement, it would be far easier to form – for example – a Barrier and a Landmine at the same time.

Grant Boon's upgrade made him hum appreciatively. It would gain the ability to 'Empower' a Boon-Bearer, temporarily strengthening one person that he'd given a Boon to. Considering the high-Level Swordsman that had just fallen into his lap...

Yeah, he could think of some uses for that.

Subjugate Territory's enhancement didn't prove instant gratification, but out of the three, it was maybe the most enticing to him. Its upgrade allowed Simon to teleport between any of the settlements that he'd Subjugated.

If he someday wrested authority from Caelryn City, then he would be able to travel between Caelryn and Springwater Village in the blink of an eye. Same went for anywhere else under his control.

Simon immediately understood how valuable that prospect sounded. The logistical importance of distance couldn't be underestimated, especially in a series of scattered islands like the Severed Isles. Reducing travel time would make virtually all of his future plans significantly easier to accomplish.

Overall, Demonic Conqueror seemed to offer both short-term and long-term boons. Definitely an Advancement to keep in mind moving forward.

...And it looked even better when compared to the next Class available.

Class Advancement: Demonic Corrupter
-People think their minds are a sacred, inviolable temple. Show them otherwise.
-Learned Skills: Infestation, Boon of Corruption, Degrade Mind
-Bonus Stats: Intelligence

Eugh.

Simon took one look at the potential Skills and recoiled. He...was not a fan. Contracts were one thing – this was total mind control and worse.

Is the system inventing Demon-appropriate abilities for me, he wondered, or is it cribbing them from currently-living Demons? Is 'Infestation' an ability that already exists in Valtia? I'm trying to give native Demons the benefit of the doubt, shouldn't judge them all based on rumors and hearsay, but, yikes.

Plus, Corrupter was just the first Class in its line. Its later Advancements would likely iterate on the concept. Up the ante. Grant him abilities that went even further beyond the pale.

By his estimate, this was the type of Class that sought to erase free will from the world and replace it with a flesh carnival of twisted smiles and soulless eyes.

Pass. If he chose Corrupter, and Heroic Valor yelled at him for it, he would've actually agreed with the Trait. That was all that needed to be said.

Class Advancement: Demonic Schemer
-Knowledge is power.
-Learned Skills: Eavesdrop, Suggestion, Mind Reading
-Bonus Stats: Intelligence

Ooooh. Now this was tempting. More information-gathering abilities never hurt – Identify and Sin Scry were consistently paying big dividends.

Mind Reading spoke for itself. Every secret laid bare. Eavesdrop was better than advertised. It not only allowed him to listen in on people's conversations, but could do so from very far away, while also informing him of their precise location.

Suggestion implanted subconscious commands in people's minds...although it failed against anyone with the slightest amount of innate mana. Which was basically all of Valtia, rendering the Skill largely useless. Guess the system would've deemed it too powerful otherwise.

Still. One dud didn't outweigh two exceptionally useful abilities. And on a more personal note, Schemer highly appealed to his sensibilities. If he didn't already have Identify and Sin Scry, he would've picked it in an instant.

But he did have Identify and Sin Scry, so...

It was with a heavy heart that Simon removed Schemer from consideration. The day of reckoning was drawing nearer – when he would be forced to slay Piers Helmund and Duke Helmund in direct combat. If he wished to survive the battles to come, then he needed more up-front strength than what this Class was offering.

Class Advancement: Demonic Warrior
-Crush all who dare to stand before you.
-Learned Skills: Fell Claws, Monstrous Strength, Stalwart Heart
-Bonus Stats: Strength, Dexterity

Speaking of which, the last Class Advancement in the list provided exactly that.

Fell Claws permanently lengthened the claws of his Shapeshifted arm, making them deadly sharp. Monstrous Strength was an ability that temporarily – but drastically – increased his physical Strength, similar to the Glove of Power. Stalwart Heart granted him the mental fortitude to shrug off almost anything, even debilitating pain.

Ask and thou shalt receive...sort of. While Demonic Warrior would undoubtedly make him a stronger combatant, Simon had some reservations about it.

Mostly due to Stalwart Heart being a waste of a Skill. Increased mental fortitude was swell and all, but that hadn't really been a problem for him so far, not even when the Ravenous Wanderer infected him with nerve-searing acid.

Compartmentalization was a hell of a drug.

Also, Fell Claws and Monstrous Strength weren't ideal either. They seemed more appropriate for mowing down hordes of low-Level enemies – not for toppling the giants of Valtia. Would sharper claws and a temporary burst of Strength truly help him defeat people like the Helmunds?

Was hard to say when he hadn't seen either of them fight yet. However, Simon couldn't help but feel underwhelmed by Demonic Warrior. If he was to choose a Class solely to bolster his combat prowess, Berserker seemed like a better pick.

Which led him back to the main frontrunner for his next Advancement: Conqueror.

Classes like Warrior and Berserker are tailored for short-range melee fighters, he reasoned, and I've been favoring spells as of late. While I do still need to get up close and personal, my victories have largely been a result of using Channel Essence at the right moments. An upgrade to my casting speed would be extremely advantageous.

Then there was the upgrade to Grant Boon – Empowering a Boon-Bearer. It wouldn't make him stronger, but in practice, was it really any different?

Boon-bearers were assets to be employed at his disposal. Katarina because he could trust her, and Bastian because the man had no choice. Empowering either of them could turn the tide of battle in Simon's favor.

And lastly...all else aside, he wanted the upgrade to Subjugate Territory. Badly.

In a world with severe limitations on travel and long-distance communication, the capacity to teleport between settlements would be invaluable. He didn't mind sacrificing a bit of short-term power for incredible long-term utility. Sure, it wouldn't help him kill the Helmunds, that was true.

But it would help him build an empire afterwards.

Overall, Demonic Conqueror fit him better than any of the other possible options. Little surprise there. It seemed to be derived from the Sealed Demon's original powerset, and Kirkelas had been powerful enough to war against Duke Helmund for supremacy of the Severed Isles.

If it worked for him... Grinning, Simon made his selection. His grin widened as a burst of energy flowed into his body.

Your Class has upgraded from 'Nascent Demon' to 'Demonic Conqueror'!

Attribute 'Fell-Shrouded' has morphed to 'Fell Symbiosis!'

Subjugate Territory has upgraded! Rank 2 → 3

Channel Essence has upgraded! Rank 1 → 2

Grant Boon has upgraded! Rank 1 → 2

Strength: 35 → 37
Dexterity: 33 → 35
Vitality: 33 → 35
Intelligence: 47 → 49

Excellent.

Though he wasn't finished yet. Simon looked at his Character Sheet, examining his 15 Unspent Stat Points.

Think I'll keep to what I've been doing, he thought. Roughly equal distribution for Strength, Dexterity, Vitality. Intelligence gets to sit on a higher tier. Really need the extra max MP for–

Alert: Your first Sub-Class is now available!

Choose any Class Advancement among the recent five that were not selected. One ability will be granted at random from the chosen Class, which shall then be deemed a Sub-Class.

Simon blinked.

Sub-Class? He squinted at the system notifications. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but why wasn't I informed of this beforehand? Knowing that I would gain a bonus Skill from a non-chosen Class could have altered my final decision.

It was a rhetorical question. He hadn't been informed of Sub-Classes because he'd barely been informed of anything related to the system. His rushed transmigration would keep biting him in the ass until Voice-In-The-Sky was allowed to give a full, detailed explanation.

With a shrug, Simon looked over his remaining Classes. Apparently, he would receive a random Skill from one Advancement that he hadn't yet chosen. Process of elimination quickly narrowed down the field.

The main Skills he was interested in were Lifesteal, Eavesdrop, and Mind Reading. Lifesteal belonged to 'Berserker', while the latter two belonged to 'Schemer'. Choosing Schemer as his Sub-Class would give him 2/3 odds at snagging something good – and it was his personal favorite of the Classes anyway, so why not treat himself?

Here goes. Big money, no whammy. Mind Reading or Eavesdrop. As long as it's not Suggestion, I'll be happy.

Simon breathed deep, feeling oddly nervous. He didn't like the idea of leaving a Skill acquisition up to chance. Had never been a fan of casinos, either. Gambling wasn't as fun when your life wasn't on the line.

A mental image of dice being rolled played out inside his head.

You have gained the Sub-Class 'Schemer!'

Skill Gained: Eavesdrop!

Simon exhaled with relief. He would've slightly preferred Mind Reading, but Eavesdrop was great too – and far superior to a Suggestion spell that was guaranteed to fail on almost everyone.

In contrast, Eavesdrop appeared quite generous. It functioned on anyone that he'd 'met in person', whatever that meant.

I imagine I have to speak to them directly. Probably couldn't Eavesdrop on Duke Helmund after using a telescope to spy on him from half the city away...but if I can get within shouting distance, have him take notice of me, that should count.

The Skill's cooldown was fairly long, being usable just once per day. To ensure that it wouldn't go to waste, it had a failsafe that prevented activation if the target in question wasn't currently speaking to anyone.

Simon idly tested it on everyone he could think of. Katarina...asleep. Good, she needs her rest. Armand Calloway...dead. Eavesdrop auto-failed. Didn't hurt to check. Lucia, mayor of Springwater...also asleep.

Despite the late hour, Irving the Waystation guard was actually available for Eavesdropping. He was likely drowning his sorrows in a tavern somewhere, whining to the poor bartender about his self-imposed troubles. No need to waste the Skill usage on him – not unless there were literally no better options.

On that note... Simon perked up. Bastian is awake. And talking to someone.

Who could only be one person.

Curiosity overtaking him, the transmigrator activated Eavesdrop.

Everything around him vanished, the world replaced by a featureless white void. Immediately after, two figures appeared: Bastian and Cyna, both looking blurred, as if viewed from a distance.

The sensation felt akin to Sin Scry – albeit less disconcerting. With Sin Scry, it was all too easy to become immersed in who you were scrying, as if you were that person. This was more like watching an online stream with sub-par video quality.

Eavesdrop puts me in a trance as well, Simon noted. I must be zoning out in my room right now. Should be careful to only use it when I'm in a secure location.

He turned his attention to the rebel duo. Eavesdrop didn't recreate the room they were in, or the furniture they were resting on, so Cyna was lying prone on air, hovering several feet off the ground. Bastian was in a seated position, his hand gripping hers.

"-back to sleep," Bastian said. Simon had caught him mid-sentence. "You're safe now. We can discuss the rest tomorrow."

"I'll sleep when I'm dead," Cyna whispered. The woman spoke with a deep-rooted confidence – which was betrayed by how utterly exhausted she sounded. "Where's the guards? Will they find us? Need a weapon."

"They won't find us," Bastian promised. Even with Eavesdrop's questionable audio quality, the tender concern in his voice was evident. "We gave them quite the slip."

That was a neat way of phrasing 'we slaughtered dozens and painted an entire hallway in red', but perhaps it was a story best reserved for when Cyna wasn't drifting in and out of consciousness.

"We?" She rubbed her eyes, urging herself to stay awake. "You said 'we' strangely. Did others help? You enlisted people?"

Bastian smiled at her. "Two wayward souls came to our aid. Admittedly, it was rather desperate on my part, recruiting the first people who agreed, but they certainly rose to the chall–"

"Are you safe?"

Cyna propped herself up on trembling arms. "I know that face. That tone. You're nervous. If it isn't because of the guards, then it's because of these new people. They helped, but Caelryn City isn't known for its compassion. Their cooperation had a price."

Her voice steadied. "If they've threatened you, I'll kill them."

Bastian winced. "...Must you be so perceptive, even to your detriment?"

"Who are they, Bastian? Not from the Hurricane. That much is obvious. Not linked to the nobility, if they helped infiltrate a stronghold. Where did you find people of their caliber – people willing and able to secret me out from under Helmund's nose?"

He hesitated. In his expression, Simon saw a desire to tell the truth. To reveal that he'd run afoul of a rogue Demon.

Yet he couldn't.

Clause 3: Bastian Evergray will never purposefully reveal Simon Cobblestone's status as a Demon to anyone, whether directly or indirectly.

The Swordsman put on a devil-may-care smile that looked false even to Simon. "I won't lie, Cyna. They're dangerous – but they are on our side. At the moment, that's what matters."

She glared at him. "You'll explain more tomorrow."

"I swear I will." Bastian gripped her hand tighter. "Now please, please rest. I can't..."

His voice wavered. "Can't bear to see you in such a state. Ancient One take me, I almost lost you. When you told me to run, and I looked back to see those guardsmen swarming you, it...it felt as if the world had fallen out from under my feet."

"Would do it again to save you," Cyna told him, sounding completely unrepentant.

"I know. Damnit, I know."

Their faces drew closer.

Simon ended the Eavesdrop. He was a Schemer, not a voyeur.

--

Cyna confronted him early next day.

The woman stood tall on weary, shivering legs. She wasn't even close to fully recovered, but that didn't stop her from taking center stage in the proceedings, Bastian hanging behind her with a worried air about him.

"Hello," she began, shifting her gaze between Simon and Katarina. "I am told that the two of you aided in my rescue."

It wasn't the warm welcome that others might've expected after carrying out a perilous mission to save her life, but Simon just grinned. He preferred this over weasel words and plastered-on smiles. If she was suspicious of them, better to address it from the beginning.

"That we did," he replied. "My name is Simon, though I'm sure Bastian already told you. As for my compatriot over there..."

He gestured at Katarina pausing to let her introduce herself – but she merely inclined her head in greeting. The Arcane Rogue's face was cold as she stared at Bastian and Cyna, her glower seeming vaguely hostile. Not to the point where she was ready to strike, but enough that her thoughts on them had been made eminently clear.

...Huh. Didn't anticipate that. "Her name is Katarina," Simon quickly said, pivoting before tensions could rise further. "We're simply a pair of good-hearted altruists always eager to lend a helping hand."

Cyna rolled her eyes. "Was that an attempt at humor?"

"Yes. My best material, I'm afraid."

That earned a wry smirk from her. She swiftly erased the glimmer of amusement before it could affect her judgement, locking eyes with Simon. "Bastian informed me that you were promised a princely sum in exchange for my liberation. How much?"

Katarina made a scoffing noise. "Whatever he got for selling the carriage he stole from us," she murmured. "Let's start with that."

Unsure of how he'd stumbled into the role of peacekeeper, Simon interjected before Cyna could fire back a retort. "The monetary details can be ironed out later," he assured. "In truth, there were two far more pressing reasons why we agreed to help."

"That so?" Cyna asked, her interest piqued. "And what might those be?"

"First: we surmised that you and Bastian are rebels. Rescuing you would be the same as assisting the Hurricane."

Simon put on a smile that was more teeth than mirth. "I could hardly pass up an opportunity to inconvenience Duke Helmund. Whatever you believe or don't believe from me today, understand that tearing down the nobility is my heart's greatest desire."

Cyna eyed him with an assessing gaze. "Feels like you aren't telling me everything."

"Of course I'm not. You'll just have to be satisfied with the fact that I haven't lied – directly, at any rate. Lying by omission is still on the table."

"I see." She tapped her foot on the floor. "What's the second reason?"

Simon pointed at Bastian. "Because he loves you."

The room went silent for a few seconds. "Come again?" Cyna eventually said.

"Oh, you should have heard how he tried to convince us."

Simon put his hand over his heart and adopted a fervent, stagelike tone of voice. "You can have everything," he pantomimed. "My blade, my life – everything I own shall be yours, if only you would save my dear love from harm!" He threw his arm out in dramatic fashion. "Please, good sir and madam! I can't bear to lose her!"

The transmigrator let his arm fall, nodding sagely. "After days spent in Caelryn City, his sincerity was refreshing."

Katarina snorted. Bastian frowned with poorly-hidden embarrassment, muttering about how it hadn't gone exactly like that.

As for Cyna, she burst out laughing, her composure finally breaking as she glanced over at Bastian. "I think I like this one," she told him.

--

Thanks for reading!