A Proposition
"Paladin! Remove this… Remove this child out of this room!" screeches one of the robed figures.
Aah! They're annoying!
"Wait." calls the one in the furthest, the Pope. "Child, why are you protecting this demon?"
I'm wondering about that too. I can't really explain it but I feel like I should, well not to the extent where I should protect him, but I definitely don't want him dead. I still have a lot of questions to ask him and I feel a sort of responsibility on him.
And damn. I haven't got a clue how to get this demon out of the Vatican's grasp. I haven't planned that far. Actually, I just moved on instinct with no plans whatsoever.
Hmm… Didn't I say that already?
Anyway… How will I- Oh! I can use that!
"If you're going to punish him because of what his subordinates did, then I can't deny the charges you're setting on him. It is after all a boss' duty to take responsibility of what his subordinates did."
I glance at Ferigo who's looking at me with a confused expression.
"I admit I'm scared, after all he's a powerful demon and I'm one of his victims, but he has apparently now become my subordinate who will follow my every order, which makes me his boss. He's a demon and I have a grudge against a demon but that doesn't mean I hate all of them. Ferigo is taking responsibility over what his subordinates did right?"
"Get to the point."
Geez. I'm too scared to actually say a solid reason. I feel like what I'm saying is just redundant.
"What I'm trying to say is, if you're going to punish him for what his subordinates did, where he had no control whatsoever then you will have to punish me as well. After all, I am his master."
Idiot! You're supposed to get him out! Not get executed as well!
*SIGH*
Too late for that already since I already said it!
The Vatican's highest authority seems to be speechless.
"Uhm, about the Pope's question, I want to save the demon because that's what a boss should do. Plus, this guy owes me an explanation. I can't have him dying yet."
"I see. Very well then. Vatican Council, what is your verdict?"
I thought he's the Pope? Why is he asking the council for the verdict?
"Before you say anything, may I give a statement as well?"
Sakura-nee? She followed me?
"You have no business here Onmyouji Union President. This is a matter of the Church." answers the robed person in the center.
Why does that person sound like a girl? Do they have female priests?
"The fact that this incident happened in my territory and involved some of the people under my clan's protection makes it my business."
"You-"
"Then if you will not honor my presence and statement as the President of the Onmyouji Union then perhaps you'll honor me as the Maiden of the Stars? It does have some pull right? Right of this moment, I am the highest authority figure in this room."
Is she now? I never thought she's someone who'd flaunt her authority, but then again they were disrespecting her.
Also…
There it is again, the term Maiden of the Stars. When I used
Well, at least it made them shut up. I have no problem if she flaunts it however she wants.
"Paladin, please provide a seat for-"
"No need. I'm not going to act as the one with a final say in this matter since this is a Vatican trial, but at least listen to my proposition."
Proposition?
"To be honest, I am the guardian of April Frost. April Frost is my ward. If you want to punish him you'll have to go through me first."
You call that a proposition?
"And by extension, the demon has become his servant so it is not a mistake to say that the demon is also under my protection."
Really? What is she even trying to say? Or do?
"You probably already noticed that the two are under a master-servant contract, with the kid as the master and the demon as the servant, which makes the demon docile as long as he is commanded to do so."
"And what is your point Maiden of the Stars?" says the robed person on my left.
I can basically hear the contempt on those words.
"Ha?" and Sakura-nee retaliated with annoyance.
"I mean, please explain further Your Ladyship." he corrects with nervousness lacing his voice.
Is this really okay?
I glance at Uncle Gio but he's pretty stoic at the events unfolding before him.
"The demon is a Great King of Hell, a leader of twenty-legions of demons. Do you really want to do something on such a big-shot?"
I can hear murmurs among the foursome in front of me.
"My proposition is, leave the demon and April alone, and in return I will ensure that the demon is not a threat to humanity."
"I beg your pardon?" questions the Pope who sounds as surprised as me.
Yeah Sakura-nee, I beg your pardon?
"As long as the demon, Ferigo von Purson, is not a threat to humanity, he will not be harmed or incarcerated. But if he proves to be a danger, I will execute him myself even if it will result to a backlash that can affect my ward."
Excuse me?
"It's more like a wager to be honest, but we can't lose a powerful ally of humanity right? And besides, I can handle the aftereffects of killing a demon king, which I'm pretty sure the Church can't."
Is she serious? Yeah, she looks serious. She's serious.
Damn it! She's serious! But she is saving my ass in this so I probably shouldn't question her.
"Now Vatican Council, Your Holiness, do you accept this proposition?"
I thought you said it was a wager?
But it seems to be working. The foursome are discussing it again, even calling Uncle Gio closer for further discussion. I glance at Ferigo who's looking at me with a gleeful expression.
Dude, you definitely look happy aren't you?
I wonder if this is what that guy in my dream said to be inevitable.
"We have decided!" announced the one in the center. "We shall accept the proposition of the Maiden of the Stars. Provided that you submit a monthly report that will serve as evidence that he is not a threat to humanity."
"Very well."
Does that mean Ferigo no longer have to be taken away? And I don't have to die?
But wait, how come it feels a little disadvantageous on our part?
"If I may be bold, I would like to provide an addition to those conditions." says Ferigo all of a sudden which extremely surprises me.
"Shut it demon, you have no right to-"
"I permit it." counters Sakura-nee.
Serves that prick right.
"I will just have to prove that I am not a threat to humanity, is that correct?"
"Yes." answers Sakura-nee.
"I suppose I agree to that but," he pauses. We're waiting for his words.
Why are you pausing? Don't make it as thrilling as it is.
"But in the event that my lord, my master, Lord April, is threatened or in a dire situation, I will unleash my might whether the enemies are humans or not I will not hold back."
Speechless. That's all we can do after hearing his words.
He's serious right?
"How about this?" Sakura-nee inserts. "In the event that April orders him to release his powers to fight an enemy or protect someone, whether it's himself or others, Ferigo von Purson can unleash his powers as he see fits."
"Thank you Maiden of the Stars."
She just winked! Why is she winking?
Seriously these guys. They're making decision without my input. I don't think they really need it too, but I am the master of the said demon they're discussing.
"I want to add something as well!"
"Go on April."
"In the event that the Church or anyone they send from outside organizations try to move against Ferigo is automatically a move against me. If that happens, we will fight them and we will act as we see fit."
I've had my fair share of scheming people as well as those who do things behind the scenes. I'm just making sure of it. Plus if I figure out what to do with Ferigo and break the master-servant contract Sakura-nee said we had, then that danger is automatically out the window, right?