Volume 2 Chapter 44 – Magical Contract (Patreon)

"It is truly inspiring to see a princess who is ready to do what is necessary to take care of her people. But do tell me. Why should I let my son marry you instead of you taking the materialistic recompense? After all, we'd have to wait for you to grow up first and in that time you can come up with all sorts of ploys to get out of marriage," the Fallen King said with a smile.

"If you doubt that I would keep my word, then we can sign a magical contract that will bind us to our word. In exchange for returning all of my blood that you have taken I shall marry your son," Morrigan replied confidently. 

"Magical contract. You do understand that a magical contract cannot be broken unless you forfeit your life," the Fallen King warned, resting his chin on his arm and observing her like she was an interesting zoo exhibit.

"Of course, I understand that. It is because it is binding that I am suggesting it," she said. The Fallen King suddenly burst out into laughter, startling her as well as everyone else in the room.

"You're a clever little demon, aren't you? I suppose you've already prepared the magical contract, expecting our conversation to lead to this," Uriel said, watching Morrigan with fascination. She felt uncomfortable underneath his gaze but didn't dare to look away and show any weakness.

"We have it right here, Your Majesty," Viana said and motioned one of the demon servants to step closer. He was carrying an ornate wooden box which Viana opened and then pushed towards the Fallen King. He reached out and took it out of the box, reading over the contents written upon the parchment that lay within. The whole time he was reading, Uriel was smiling as if it were some comedy. Morrigan's heart thundered in her chest as she watched his eyes trace the lines written on the paper.

Please, do not notice that it's an illusion! 

Yes, the magic contract the Fallen King held in his hand was in fact a masterful illusion created by Viana. After their conversation, Morrigan had the idea of tricking the fallen into signing an agreement in order to retrieve her blood. It didn't matter that they would discover that it was a fake afterward. As long as they managed to get Morrigan's blood back before then, it didn't matter. 

The problem was that making an illusion of a magical contract was one of the most finicky types of magic since Viana didn't just have to create a paper with words on it. She also had to mimic the magical aura that the contracts exuded in order for it to feel real.

On their way to Tamrin, Viana worked without rest in order to try and create the perfect magical contract illusion. Unfortunately, Azrael was able to figure out that it was a fake each time. The question was – would the Fallen King be able to figure it out?

"I'd like to suggest an amendment," Uriel finally said after several long minutes of silence. 

"And what would it be, Your Majesty?" Morrigan said, hiding her trembling hands underneath the table.

"While a marriage would certainly solve a lot of issues that exist between our countries, I believe a remuneration for the damage inflicted upon our lands is still necessary. So I'd like to add that the Demon Kingdom has to pay 300 million gold to the Fallen Kingdom," Uriel said.

"You're already getting my daughter as the bride for your son. There's no way you're getting anything more," Alphegor growled, his eyes flashing red. It was clear that if it wasn't for the blood that Theobold held, he would have long since killed everyone from the Fallen Kingdom.

"But marriage is not instantaneous. It's not like she'll be coming to live in the Fallen Kingdom tomorrow, next week or even next year. It'll be many, many years before we reap the benefits of this union. But my people require help right now," Uriel retorted, his smile unwavering.

"5 million gold," Alphegor stated. The two parties had entered the true negotiation grounds. 

This is good. Let them be distracted by gold and stop paying attention to the contract itself.

"Come now, King Alphegor. You've paid 3 million gold for my slave," Uriel objected.

"Yes, exactly. So you already have 3 million to help you feed your starving citizens. Another 5 should keep your people fed for a few years," Alphegor retorted. This seemed to strike the Fallen King's nerve, his smile finally disappearing.

"Do not treat us like some vermin. Remember that there are demons living among us as well." 

"Valid point. 7 million," Alphegor said, a smile flickering upon his features. This back-and-forth exchange continued for almost an hour with ministers from both sides joining in and arguing; demons trying to lower the amount while the fallen tried to increase it. 

As it turned out, the fallen were not as eloquent or stubborn as demons so in the end, the gold debate ended with the Demon Kingdom paying the Fallen Kingdom 50 million gold. Although it was a much smaller amount than initially, Morrigan still couldn't believe that her father was willing to give away such a huge amount of gold.

"Alright with that settled, I suppose it is time for us to make the amendments to the contract," the Fallen King said and waved his hand towards one of his servants. A drow ran forward and presented him with a golden inkpen which Uriel took. As he placed the contract on the table and began writing upon it, Morrigan noticed with the corner of her eye, how Viana was beginning to sweat. Her complexion got pale and it looked like she was about to faint.

What's wrong with Viana? Why did she suddenly go so pale?

Nobody else seemed to have noticed Viana's struggle, and it appeared that she was also doing her best not to show it. Morrigan looked at the illusory contract, wondering if it was becoming too difficult to keep up magic. But then she saw how Uriel's eyes were locked straight onto Viana and there was an odd sort of sparkle to the letters on the paper.

He's attacking her somehow with his magic!

Viana clutched onto the side of the table, turning everyone's attention to her.

"Viana?" Alphegor took hold of his daughter, preventing her from falling over. Meanwhile, Morrigan's reason disappeared as she saw her pain twist in pain. Before anyone had time to react, angry blue flames were circling around the Fallen King.

"Cease your attack on my sister at once!" she commanded in a booming voice which made the servants flinch in fear and step back. The fallen guards grabbed for their weapons and the demons guards grabbed for them, but Morrigan moved the angry flames ever so closer to the King, making everyone stop dead in their tracks.

"I was merely testing the integrity of the magical contract. I'm not sure why your sister is suddenly feeling under the weather," the Fallen King smiled, completely unperturbed by the blue flames. Theobold and the Fallen Prince who were sitting next to him had jumped away, unsure of what to do next. It was clear that if Morrigan attacked the King, it would force Theobold to kill her using her blood. And if she were killed the Demon Kingdom would declare open war on the Fallen Kingdom. It was a stalemate.

"I will not hold back when it comes to protecting those who are dear to me," Morrigan said firmly, her eyes flaring blue just like her flames. King Uriel chuckled then lifted his inkpen up from the illusory contract. Viana gasped for breath, her complexion regaining its previous color as Alphegor held her tight. But the contract she created vanished into nothing.

Morrigan exhaled and the blue flames around the Fallen King disappeared. The whole room took a deep breath, tension slowly disappearing as the guards sheathed their weapons. Her eye color also returned to normal as she sat back down in her seat, doing her best not to show how truly relieved she was.

He probably saw that the contract was fake from the beginning but decided to play around and hurt Viana. Or perhaps he merely wanted to hurt the one who had created the contract and didn't know it would be Viana.

"It is truly wonderful to see such a strong bond between sisters. Alas, I do not take kindly to being thought of as a fool. I demand the gold payment to be doubled," Uriel announced, and the expression he wore was finally serious. It appeared that the time for games was over.

"Be grateful my daughter was gracious enough not to burn that obnoxious mop of hair off your head," Alphegor retorted. His expression was also serious but there was a hint of pride in his eyes.

Is he happy about what I did? I'm glad he's not angry, but I get a feeling he should be. I almost plunged two kingdoms into war.

"If she did that, I'd demand a triple recompense," Uriel said.

"Oh, perhaps it is not too late for a haircut then?" Alphegor suggested.

Both kings stared at each other for a long while until Uriel snapped his fingers, ending the stand-off. The same drow servant from before ran up to him with a parchment in hand.

"I believe we have to write a new magical contract," he said, setting the parchment in front of himself. Alphegor gritted his teeth, then looked at Morrigan. The sadness in his eyes said it all. He did not want her to make this sacrifice. To promise her future to the next monarch of the Fallen Kingdom. To leave him as soon as she became an adult.

The thought that she would have to leave her home in the Demon Kingdom made her heart ache. It was by no means perfect for there was no sun or sky or wind, things she missed me so much. However, those things did not exist in the Fallen Kingdom either. And even if they did, she would not exchange them for her family. 

After all, she could have remained on Earth and continued living as a human. But Morrigan wanted to be with her father, who loved her no matter what. Deziara who accepted her even if she was a human in the past. Even Viana who despite her prickly attitude traveled with her to the end of the Demon Kingdom to save Morrigan from becoming the Fallen Prince bride. 

Morrigan could just say 'No, I don't want to marry'  and Alphegor without a shadow of a doubt would give up the lands, gold and gems that the Fallen demanded. But many demons would suffer because of it, and before long the two countries would go to war. She couldn't allow a war to happen in a kingdom she is supposed to protect.

"It's alright, Father," she put a hand on Alphegor's hand and gave him a reassuring nod. In reality, she was afraid of the future. What kind of life could she lead in the Fallen Kingdom? Would she even be allowed to see her family again? 

Alphegor gazed into her eyes for a long while, then finally squeezed her hand and nodded.

"Write the contract. We shall read it," he announced. King Uriel smiled victoriously and began scribbling on the paper. After a few silent minutes, save for the sound his inkpen made upon the parchment, he was done and slid the magical contract across the table for Alphegor to check.

"Azrael, is this real?" He lifted the contract. Azrael got up from his seat and took a look at the contract. An odd sort of mist swirled around the contract, and after a moment the white-haired demon nodded.

"It's real," he confirmed and returned to his seat. Alphegor nodded in thanks and then put it on the table in front of him, reading it. Morrigan leaned in to read it as well, as did Viana.

This Magical Contract is concluded between the King of the Fallen Kingdom, Uriel Pavone, and the King of the Demon King, Alphegor Nachtstern. 

• Uriel Pavone shall return all of the blood of the Crown Princess Morrigan Nactstern to Alphegor Nachtstern.

• In exchange, Crown Princess Morrigan Nactstern shall wed the son of Uriel Pavone on the day she becomes a fully-fledged adult.

• Alphegor Nachtstern shall pay remuneration of 50 million for the damage inflicted upon the Fallen Kingdom.

As soon as he was done reading the contract Alphegor said, "I wish the first clause to state that Morrigan's blood shall be returned right after signing."

The Fallen King smiled and took the contract to amend it. It was clear that he had hoped that Alphegor would not notice this little detail. 

"Here you go. I believe this should be satisfactory."

Alphegor read over the contract again. Then once more. And again. After the fifth time, he snapped his fingers and an inkpen materialized in his hand. He brought it closer to the paper, hesitated for a moment and then finally signed it.

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