"That girl! Is she not your slave also?" Lord Tibult demanded.
Since the Prince knew about her, it stood to reason Lord Tibult could get that information too. This is why the Prince let me know she should come. He assuredly would have made a giant commotion if I hadn't brought her. He might have even declared me a cheater and claimed I was going back on the bet. Since she was here, at least he couldn't cause those kinds of problems.
I cleared my throat and stepped forward. "It is true, she is my slave, however, she is merely a maid, and hired after our bet. I'd ask that she not be included."
"Absolutely unacceptable!"
"I'm sure you also have slaves at your home that will not participate in this championship…" I said helplessly.
"Hmph… Do you dare accuse me of dishonesty? I assure you that all of my other slaves were handed over to others in preparation for this competition!"
He said that so proudly that my eyes couldn't help but pop a little. He argued against dishonestly by blatantly saying he rigged things. Only those participating were bound to him, so even if he lost, he'd only have to free his current slaves. Everyone else he could simply get back after the championship was over. Many in the crowd booed him, and I could see the Princess with a scowl on her face, clearly not pleased.
"There is nothing stated against that in the book! All of your slaves against all of his!" the prince shouted helplessly.
"It's more than that! It's written in her contract that she can not be freed!" I shouted out.
"Then, naturally… I will take possession of her." A grin formed on his face, and the true purpose was revealed.
A rare elf worth 2000 gold, that wasn't a small sum even by a noble's point of view. He naturally wanted to take her away from me. I took a step forward, my fist clenched.
"Are you going to go back on the agreement?" he mocked.
A small hand grabbed my arm, and I looked back to see Faeyna holding my arm.
"Master… it's okay. I believe Master will win." She nodded reassuringly.
"Even so… this…"
"Deek, as long as you concede, you will be allowed to use Faeyna in the competition." The Prince shot me a look.
I frowned, but something about the way he looked at me suggested like I may need Faeyna. The look was brief and Tibult was too busy gloating to notice it. I finally gave a slow nod.
"Fine… if you win, you get her!" Even saying it put a bitter taste in my mouth.
The Priest nodded and then touched Faeyna's hand gently.
"Faeyna, Slave, E… e… and elf!" The Priest's shock was a dozen times greater when he said those words, unable to get out anymore.
The crowd was dead silent.