Julius knew picking the second option would be no different from selling his brother as a slave, not to mention the duration. A millennium was too long.
But the first option was a risky bet, too. After all, once he agreed, what guarantee did he have the ghost king wouldn't kill him and turn him into a ghost on the spot?
'I don't know,' he thought, despair creeping into his young heart. Yet, he had to make a choice. One with lasting consequences for both of them, no less.
Sweat dripping from his forehead, he gathered his courage and asked, "What prevents you from turning me into a ghost on the spot after I pick the first option?"
"Lies are banned from my territory, and I only speak truths," answered the ghost king, a smile tugging at his lips. Then, after seeing the boy's sceptical expression, he added. "If you are unconvinced, I can take a soul oath."
