"What makes you think that I would care for lives of Clomodorians in the face of this…Persephone spirit?"
Marianne widened her eyes in shock and fury.
"Cousin," Sylvester mumbled, "Do not go too far, for the walls have ears."
"Oh, unlike someone else, I was smart enough to soundproof my walls with magic," Henrik dismissed Syvlester impatiently.
Turning to Marianne gleefully, he chuckled, "You see, if I were to publicise that Auglarus has set loose a demented spirit in Clomodor, wouldn't Auglarus be forced into a position to pay reparation for the 'damages' and 'emotional hurts' that Clomodorians face?
"You must be aware, Moon Saint," the man sipped his wine, "That the onus to make me agree to help you, an act which would require me to take substantial risk, is on you, not me. So, let me ask you again: why should I help you? Why should I trust you?"
Marianne was silent.
"Sir Henrik Quille," she then whispered, "I am an eighteen-year-old girl, not graduated from the Academy, ignorant of the world, and surely I cannot compare to a worldly man like you in this game of words and knowledge.
"As the Moon Saint of Morobeau, there is no worth in me except for my sincere heart that wishes to extinguish the danger that the Demon Spirit will cause to people. Therefore, there may not be a reward for you, even if you help us, at least not from my power," Marianne looked down at her feet.
"In my eyes, there is no differentiation between Auglarus and Clomodor and Bylonia, so I cannot speak on any country's behalf nor take any stance. I just hope to create a safe world where sufferings can be prevented, even if my power is insufficient at the moment. So please help me, and you can request anything in my capacity as Moon Saint and as my identity as Marianne Blanche thereafter," Marianne clenched her fists.
"A world where sufferings can be prevented? That would…be what some call ideal and impossible, for the wealth and happiness of others is often steeped in the bitterness and pain of another," Henrik breathed.
"But it is a dream that is worthy of dreaming too, Moon Saint."
Then, Henrik closed his eyes and his shoulders shook, "Ha-ha."
"You," Unexpectedly, Marianne heard Sylvester grumble. "You sicko and pervert. Marianne, you did a good job."
"Hark aye, I never change, and will never change," Henrik declared proudly.
"Bastard," Alistair rubbed his glabella while Yurian smiled wearily.
"What…?"
"Moon Saint Marianne." Henrik looked at Marianne, the fierce and threatening look in his eyes now replaced by a gentle warmth more suitable for a charming gentleman.
"Sir Quille?"
"You are a kind, innocent and ignorant little child who does not know how the world works. But perhaps you were chosen by your church to be the Moon Saint for this reason, for your purity is quite a wondrous and idiotic thing. Coincidentally, you happen to be my type of people and I have decided that I like you. You passed my test."
Marianne was stunned. 'Was he insulting or complimenting her?'
"Therefore, I will agree to your proposal and lend you my power as my position bequeaths to me, to guarantee you access to our Magic Tower. However, my help must be kept secret, or my head will roll like how Great Queen Elister of Clomodor's did. But don't forget that promise from Marianne Blanche that you have given me; I'll be looking forward to receiving it."
Henrik passed the wine glass he had poured previously to Marianne.
She glanced at her team members' encouraging look before receiving the wine glass.
With a clink of the glasses, Henrik and Marianne sealed their deal.
"I look forward to our cooperation!"