Next day Trevor, me and Lyndria were having breakfast on the balcony, when a man from Lyndria's escort approached us. He was wearing toga, had curly hear and was clean shaved, which was rare for human men.

  - Let me introduce to you, ndlord Asclepius from Romanium. He wished to talk to you, miss Avone.

  - With me? - I curiously looked at the man.

  - Yes. I was asked to look into one matter, that one of our senators was interested in. According to my sources, you are the only person, who can help me in Rakshasar.

  - And what matter is it?

  - I heard that you used to work for Grimsburg Mage guild master Mesmer. And that you also worked for him as a guardian and overseer for his coffee pntation.

  I had a feeling, that I knew what the matter was, after hearing the word coffee.

  - Yes. I also helped him to arrange the trade for coffee. But I should warn you, that if you wish to buy the cofea seeds of tree samplings it will be impossible. Master Mesmer received the seeds from goddess of light and is forbidden to sell, trade or give it to anyone.

  - Yes. I am aware of that. But I would like to ask you to negotiate on our behalf with honorable Mesmer. We would like to purchase coffee, but our retionship with Grimsburg is difficult at best.

  - I see. Well I did participated in such talks, and master Mesmer informed me that he is interested in making other deals, but he was not interested in money. You will have a better chance at negotiating, if you offer him artifacts.

  - He is gathering powerful artifacts? - asked Lyndria.

  - In a way yes, but not in a way that you are thinking. He was not interested in earning money, after all he is not a merchant. He was interested in charity. Artifacts that can create water, food, or maybe some metals or simir things. Such artifacts can be used to help the poor. He was less interested in artifacts that can be used in war. After all, he received the seeds from the goddess of light, not the god of war.

  - I misunderstood, - nodded Lyndria: - And I guess that it does make sense, in a way.

  - Yes. I also heard that he promised hero from Holy Griffin Empire a supply of coffee for many years in exchange of artifact, which had ability to produce small amount of food, - nodded Asclepius: - I do have an artifact called Mermaid cup. It fills with water, once a day, when sunlight touches it. Do you think that he will be interested in it.

  - Yes. That sounds like something that he would be very interested. But don't your senator understands the difficulty of such trade. Mostly the distance between two kingdoms.

  - Yes. You may not know that, but merchant regurly travel between our kingdom and your continent. The auction owner Alexandrios is a trusted partner, of one of our houses. I believe that you as well work with him.

  - We do have some business and agreements between us. But what exactly would you like from master Mesmer?

  - As we heard, his coffee supply is limited, and some of nobles have to wait in line, if they want to receive it. We would like assurances, that our merchant would have opportunity to buy coffee, upon arrival.

  - You know about the price.

  - An orichalcum coin, in exchange for a small pouch of coffee? As far as I know? Equal price for everyone.

  - Yes. That is correct. So you wish to offer this artifact, in exchange for guarantee that master Mesmer will sell some of the coffee to your merchant, let us say once a year or once in two years, considering the distance.

  - Yes.

  - I see.

  I considered his offer. I run out of my own coffee month ago, and had no opportunity to travel to Grimsburg to get my part of the harvested beans. By now probably part of them had gone bad, and Mesmer had to through it out. So selling it and getting profit would be more beneficial to me than loosing part of my supply.

  - Your offer would be of some interest to master Mesmer, but... - I drunk the juice from my cup and extended my hand over it. Then I filled the cup with water and showed it to Asclepius: - For most adventurers this would be useful item, but for master Mesmer and his intensions to use it for charity it would not be very useful. Especially since someone at his level can use Life or Nature magic to create drinkable water.

  - I did not consider that, - Asclepius stroked his chin: - I do have another artifact: - But is it of great value and I would require something more.

  - What kind of benefits do you wish to receive from master Mesmer.

  - Assurances than our merchants would be able to by coffee and considerable discount.

  - That would require an artifact of great use for guild master, but I suppose it could be arranged. What exactly you wish to offer?

  - We have an artifact called Bottle of Dionysius. It is a bottle that every day it gets refilled with wine.

  - How interesting, but again less useful for charity, but at least better that Mermaid cup. So what kind of discount were you interested in?

  - Three pouches for an orichalcum coin.

  - I doubt that master Mesmer will even consider such offer. Like I said his intensions regarding artifacts are very specific.

  - What do you think he could offer us?

  - That depends. How much pouches you wish to buy.

  - Fifty or a hundred, once in two years should be reasonable in the beginning.

  - Let me think. Considering the demand and the amount produced, in exchange for both artifacts, I could convince him to set aside for you hundred pouches and give you a discount of fifty percent for next ten years. That would be very generous of him.

  - As you know people with high levels have long life spans. Discount is very generous, but for both artifacts, I would need assurances that we would receive a discount for at least thirty years.

  - That is a long time. Convincing master Mesmer would not be easy. But he probably would be interested in improving retionships with your country, so maximum of twenty years should be possible, probably.

  - What if we would need bigger supply in time?

  - Them the discount would apply to hundred pouches, but no more than that, assuming that he would have enough of coffee. But I heard that st year's harvest was good, and if you could send him a message, informing him about your arrival in advance, he could set aside necessary amount. I think that two, perhaps even three hundred pouches would be avaible. But no more than three hundred, more that that would be impossible.

  - That would be very generous of him, and acceptable for us. Could you arrange the deal for us as intermediary?

  - That depends on the amount of trust that you have towards me. If you have artifacts with you, I can sign a contract guaranteeing you the terms that we discussed. Then I would need to send a letter to master Mesmer. I can also leave a copy of a letter with you, just in case, that your merchant can show to master Mesmer, if he does not receives a letter from me in time.

  - Do you have Mesmer's consent to do that?

  - Yes. As his pntations overseer, I received his permission to negotiate on his behalf, as long as the deal would be of interest for him.

  - That would be very generous of you. You would not mind signing the contract in the Temple of god Hermes?

  - That is not a problem. But I would need to confirm artifact abilities first. Adventurer guild, provides such service, and I do not mind arranging that.

  - Of course. I will arrange signing of a contract then.

  - As long as it does not interferes with my current job.

  - Ou, I do not mind accompanying you. I never witnessed signing of a contract in a temple before.

  - I think that you will like Hermes' temple. There are always fresh flowers decorating it, - I bowed to Lyndria.

  - I appreciate your help, - Asclepius also bowed to her: - Your help will not be forgotten.

  We finished breakfast and after spending time exploring town again, we returned to pace to welcome representative from Holy Griffin Empire.

  We were inside throne room, when butler opened a door and introduced the ambassador.

  - Hero Theodoric, from Holy Griffin Empire!

  My eyes widened, and I sighed. Should have guess that. After all Theodoric did represent Empire on several occasions, and his negotiations with Ashgrin king was great success. So why not send him?

  Theodoric was wearing his usual golden armor and with dignity entered the throne room. He approached the throne and slightly bowed his head. He was not greeting the king, and as a man who served the queen from another kingdom did not had to bow, but greeted town lord as equal.

  - Welcome hero Theodoric! We have heard many tales about your bravery and accomplishments.

  - Lord Gor. I as well have heard many tales about your adventures, and I am honored to meet you in person.

  - Unlike yours, my adventuring days are far behind me. But it is nice to hear that they are not forgotten. We prepared a feast to celebrate your arrival and continuing piece with Lucifer's empire. Let us feast and drink this night.

  Lord Gor cpped and servants brought inside tables and chairs. They quickly covered them with dishes and jugs filled with wine. Guests were invited to sit, and musicians started pying their instruments to entertain the guests.

  I enjoyed food, but soon Lyndria decided to take a walk, and I had to follow her. Neighboring rooms were prepared for couples, who wanted to dance, or for people who simply talk among themselves.

  - What do you think about this Theodoric? - asked me Lyndria.

  - He is more a symbol than actual hero. If you wish to know my opinion. Even his adventurer rank is only C.

  - You know him?

  - We met in Grimsburg. I was working for Mage guild, protecting their coffee pntation when Theodoric arrived there to purchase some coffee. After that we met in Opidium, where he hired me to help him kill a vampire. His performance back then was not as impressive, as something that I would expect from a hero. But he does look good in his armor and behaves like a proper hero. Who knows, maybe he also grew stronger by now.

  - Introduce us please.

  I sighed.

  - Fine. Let's go.

  Theodoric was talking to someone from Rakshasar, but his companion bowed and excused himself when we approached.

  Hero turned around and smiled, when he saw me.

  - Miss Avone. What a pleasure to see you. My I say that you look wonderful. But I did not expect to see you here?

  - I am accompanying dy Lyndria. Lady Lyndria, allow me to introduce to you hero Theodoric.

  Theodoric looked at Lyndria and froze in pce. After a while he bowed and kissed her arm.

  - It is a pleasure to meet you, dy Lyndria.

  - She is representative from Lucifer's empire, - I added.

  Theodoric paled, but his admiring gaze did no change.

  - I did not expect that the ambassador will be such a beautiful woman.

  Lyndria ughed and covered her face with a fan.

  - You ftter me, dear hero.

  - Not at all. I swear by Athena, that you are the most beautiful woman that I ever saw.

  - You are such a gentleman, - blushed Lyndria.

  Musicians started pying new melody, and Lyndria looked at them.

  - I do love this melody. But no one invites me to dance. They probably do not want to be seen with a woman from Dark continent.

  - Would you give me the honor to invite you to dance, - bowed Theodoric. Lyndria smiled and extended her arm. They went toward the dance floor, and I sighed. This retionship could complicate my job. I decided to py proper bodyguard and looked around, making sure that no armed assassin was approaching the couple.

  They spend some time dancing, and in the end Lyndria invited Theodoric to dine with her next day. I was happy, when the evening ended, and we returned to Lyndria's room. After my charge left me, I was haunted by men who wanted to dance with me, and did not make any friends, when I not very politely turned them down.

  Next day we again spent in town, and I also signed the contract with ndlord Asclepius, and received two promised artifacts. We also discussed some more possibilities for him to get bigger discount. After visiting the town we returned to pace only after midday. Lyndria spent almost an hour dressing up, and made Theodoric wait until she was ready.

  To my surprise, Eumelia and Zazael also joined them, and all four of them dined on the balcony. Eumelia did not looked as smitten by demon ambassador as Theodoric, but she also enjoyed the company and blushed a lot. I was guarding the door, and when Theodoric left, he did not even noticed me. Unlike him Eumelia smiled at me and wished good night. I sighed. Tomorrow they were supposed to sign the peace treaty, and my job will be over, but something told me than things could turn out to be more surprising, than expected.

  * * *

  After excessive ceremony, high ranking aristocrats gathered in throne room to witness the signing. I was the only one of my party members, who was allowed inside and felt out of pce, among all the rich and pretentious people and creatures around me. My mercenary clothes also made me stand out, and for a moment I regretted that I turned down Lyndria's offer to dress me up, one st time.

  Lord Gor got up from his throne and addressed his guests.

  - As you all know we have gathered here to witness the signing of peace treaty, which will assure our well being and peaceful retionships with our neighbors. As a custom established by great queen Elizabeth, four ambassadors will sign the contract that will be witnessed buy priest of Hermes. So let us set aside ancient grievances, and pray for long sting peace and prosperity.

  Everyone cpped and then priest stepped forward and handed the lord one of the treaty copies. Lord Gor carefully examined it and handed it back to the priest.

  - Now, please let the ambassadors approach!

  In front of the throne was pced a table, were all four ambassador were supposed to sign the treaty.

  I noticed Theodoric and quickly approached him.

  - Hero Theodoric! My congratutions with performing such important task. Please let me congratute you, with the amount of trust, that queen Elizabeth shows you.

  He barely noticed me and nodded. His eyes did not leave Lyndria. I sighed and quickly hugged him. He finally looked at me, surprised. I stepped back and blushed.

  - Please forgive me. I was just caught in a moment.

  He nodded and went towards the table. Luckily for me all guests were watching demon kingdoms ambassadors, and probably only lord Gor noticed my somewhat rude behavior. Giant rakshasa ignored me and looked towards ambassadors.

  After reading the document, both demon ambassadors signed four copies with their blood and stepped aside, allowing the human representatives take their turn.

  Zazael confidently smiled towards Eumelia and grimaced with displeasure, when she signed the document. Well Eumelia had her Abnormal condition resistance skill, so incubus charms were not very effective.

  Lyndria chuckled and gnced at Zazael with triumph. She confidently looked at Theodoric, but her expression changed when she saw his face.

  Theodoric carefully read the document and silently signed it. Lyndria paled, when he pricked his finger, and I had a feeling that she almost fainted.

  Priest took all four copies and blessed light enveloped them. Guests cheered, and Gor grinned satisfied.

  My job was over. I could leave now, but I stayed a while and quickly approached Lyndria.

  - You do not look so good. Should I escort you to your room?

  - Y-yes. I do not feel so well.

  I helped Lyndria and escorted her outside. Gor looked at us with surprise, but did not stopped demoness from leaving.

  Her incubus companion was also pale and looked sick, but he better controlled himself. I ordered my party members to stay outside Lyndria's room and went inside with the demon.

  Lyndria almost fell in her chair and looked through the window with empty eyes.

  - You do not look too good. Is something wrong?

  - I was a little surprised, - she sighed.

  - So, you two were supposed to seduce human ambassadors, and convince them to refuse to sign the treaty. That way humans would be at fault and would be bmed for reigniting the war.

  - You guessed right. We already tried bribes and treats, but nothing worked. We volunteered for the job and even made bets yesterday, who will succeed.

  - I see. So what now? Will you be punished when you return?

  - Worse than that. We betted our lives on successful mission. And now it is all over.

  - So why go back then?

  - Were else should I go. There is no safety for any of us on human continent. And no one will deny emperor's will on Dark continent. I am done, - she sniffled.

  I almost felt sorry for her.

  - What if I offer you safety. What if there is a pce where you would be safe and no one would find you?

  - There is no such pce. Emperor will hire assassins from your continent if need be. His pride is his only weakness, and no one denies his will.

  - You overestimate him. Besides, what do you have to lose?

  I tilted my head and looked at her. She looked at me and surprise glinted in her eyes.

  - Are you serious?

  - Yes. But your life will not be fun. You will be safe but unable to leave. You will be alive and surrounded by people, who will not hate you, but will have to get use to the same faces for a long, long time.

  - What do you mean?

  - Meet me outside the gates after dark, and you will see. But tell no one and come alone. Ou, and if you think that I am pnning to kill you, then consider this. Why would I bother, if your emperor pns to do that?

  She wanted to say something, but I put my finger on her lips.

  - I am B rank adventurer, and I have visited pces that not many people have. If you would like to know, if you can trust me, then... - I took out my dagger and showed it to her. She silently screamed and pressed herself into the chair. I sheeted the creepy looking dagger and stepped back.

  - What is that thing?

  - Dark artifact, from dark pce. Remember, outside the gates after dark. And good buy forever, if you decide not to come. For now, our contract is over.

  I bowed and left the room.

  - We are done, - I informed my party members: - I need to talk to someone, so wait me outside the pace.

  - Very well, - nodded Luara, and Trevor with Nelly followed her.

  I had to ask around, but finally found Theodoric's room. Unlike demon ambassadors, his room was unguarded. I knocked and after invitation went inside.

  - Miss Avone, - Theodoric jumped out of his chair, when he saw me: - I did not expect to see you.

  - I will not take a lot of your time. All I need is to get back my artifact. It is expensive.

  - Your artifact?

  - The one in your pocket, - I pointed my finger: - I am afraid it fell out, when I hugged you.

  Theodoric put his hand in his pocket and took out Nelly's Eye of wolf god pendant.

  - What, what is it?

  - An artifact that protects from innate magic abilities. Useful thing in dungeon. Not even succubus can seduce you, as long as you have it.

  I extended my arm, and Theodoric put the pendant in my arm.

  - I, I see. I owe you my honor, - he blushed: - All continent owes you!

  - You exaggerate. But if you insist, then could you do me a small favor?- Anything! Just name it.

  - Can you meet me outside pace after dark and take a friend of mine to mountains, using your griffin?

  - Yes, but I do not understand.

  - It's quite simple. I have a friend who needs to travel fast. Faster than horse can take him. And you are only person, who can help me. And could you please do not mention it to anyone. You will understand why ter. It is important to me, and I can promise you that it is nothing illegal.

  - I, I trust you completely and will not fail you!

  - Thank you great hero. I knew that I always can count on such a great hero as you.

  He blushed and I quickly left the room.

  Jeesh, he was such a guy.

  To my surprise Lyndria actually showed up. She was hiding under the hood and had traveling clothe and small dagger on her waist.

  - You showed up?

  - I am just as surprised as you, - she sighed.

  - Miss Avone? - Theodoric stepped from behind me and looked at Lyndria: - You!

  He grabbed his sword, but I stopped him, by pcing my hand above his.

  - Please stop. You signed peace treaty, so your mission is over, and Lyndria is not your enemy. Besides, she only followed her orders, just like you.

  - I do not understand.

  - What is the meaning of this? - Lyndria also stepped back, holding her dagger.

  - That's simple, - I sighed: - You need to travel fast, and Theodoric is the only one with flying mount. Well, only one who owes me a favor, - I handed him a map to Bcksmith cave: - Please take Lyndria to this pce. And once you do, forget that we talked here and also please forget about the pce where you are going.

  - I do not understand, - he took a map and looked at it.

  - It is quite simple. Lyndria failed to seduce you and now is running. I was hired to protect her life and ensure that peace treaty is signed. Nothing too complicated. Lyndria, ones you arrive, just ask for a titan and tell him that I send you. Tell him that I told you that his name is titan. He will understand. Now, please behave you two and do not make a scene. I need to go now, so be friends, all right.

  I quickly left, to prevent them from asking any questions, which I did not want to answer.

  - Are you going to take me outside the town and kill me?

  I heard Lyndria question behind me, and Theodoric's assurances that he would never harm a dy. Well at least he still thought of her as a dy.