Deal or no deal?

Loutiel chuckles, "Yes, and no. Did you forget that you still have an assassination to pull off tonight? Or were you planning on renegading on our deal?" he asks while taking a seat on a nearby chair and crossing his legs.

"I haven't received the book or the wand yet, so I can't really renegade on it yet, can I?" Michael says with a shrug, knowing it might take a couple days for him to completely recover from last night's battle.

Loutiel shakes his head, "I suppose not, but, I would still like you to go ahead with the plan nonetheless. It was difficult to determine Anais' location, so not taking advantage of this opportunity would leave both me, and you, in a difficult position."

Michael crooks a brow, "Do I really look healthy enough to fight a mage? I know you're probably upset that I was reckless last night, but there's nothing we can do about it now. I'm not going on a suicide mission just because you can't wait to kill your stalker." he states with a determined expression.

He knew he'd messed up by going out hunting the night before his planned assassination on the Viscountess, but Loutiel was unaware of the method he uses to become stronger. He wasn't all that interested in the magical theory book if it involved a life-threatening mission, if the guy wanted to force him into it, he'd escape and start plotting Loutiel's end.

The two lock eyes for a couple seconds before Loutiel's expression break into a large grin, "Hmm. It seems that we're at an impasse then... I do have a potion that would quickly heal you, but I'm not willing to waste it without some assurances." he states and dons a thinking pose, snapping his fingers as an epiphany seems to strike.

"Aha! How's this... I'll allow you to use my Elixer, but in return, other than assassinating the Viscountess, you will owe me one favour." he says while jabbing his index finger forward.

...

That's, not a good deal at all... He'd be getting healed so he'd be ready to kill the Viscountess tonight. But he'd also owe Loutiel a favour... He was tempted to accept it because he'd level up if he killed Anais, but it wasn't worth giving Loutiel more leverage over him.

Loutiel smirks at Michael's indecision, "I didn't wish to overstep your boundaries, but I'd like to make sure you understand that I did save your life yesterday. I risked exposing myself by killing that Triangle mage, and spent most of the night healing your body. To be brusque for a moment, you already owe me a great deal." he explains.

...

Michael can only grip his fists under the covers, knowing that everything Loutiel said was correct. He couldn't even resist the man, as he was far more powerful than Michael currently was. It had been easy to see even in his dazed state last night.

"How about this. Since you want to continue... Whatever this is," he gestures between Loutiel and himself, "How about we both owe each other a favour? Keep it even... You don't seem the type to want a slave, right?" he asks, hoping that his assumption hadn't been incorrect.

Loutiel's smile extends to his eyes, as he lets out a light-hearted laugh, "Indeed! Having too much leverage over you would merely turn you into a debt slave. I'm willing to consider this. However," he leans closer to Michael, "You will be mine until Anais' is properly dealt with. If you fail tonight, a slave is what you can consider yourself until the task is complete." he states with a clearly implied threat that causes Michael to inwardly grimace.

"I accept." he affirms, and Loutiel immediately stands to go retrieve whatever health elixir he'd have Michael drink. If he wasn't able to kill Anais, he'd flee for Albion... He'd had quite enough of being treated like a slave by Louise when he first arrived in this world. It was slightly bearable for her because, well... She was a Void Mage, relatively attractive, and would eventually lead to some sort of romantic relationship. He could slowly tame her, like how Saito had in the anime. But for Loutiel?

If Loutiel wanted to bugger him then he might start training his 'prison wallet' to be big enough to hide a dagger to sneak attack the man. Regardless though, Michael didn't intend to fail to kill Anais. His Serpent Ward cooldown had ended, and it was now max rank, meaning the snakes were way more powerful than last time he'd tested them.

Loutiel eventually returns with a small red vial in hand, he presents it to Michael who grabs it, uncorks it, and down the entire content, not noticing the cringe of Loutiel's face as he does so.

Nothing happens for some seconds, but Michael's eyes widen slightly when steam starts being emitted from his scars. The scar tissue is unfortunately not healed, but everywhere the burning sensation passes feels energized and renewed.

Not even a minute later, his sore body was completely fine. With no niggling injuries, no bruises, and no difficulty moving his muscles. Michael glances over to Loutiel with a curious expression, "How much does an elixir like that cost?" he asks

Loutiel smiles and shakes his head, "Remember what I said about leverage? If I told you the cost of such a potion, you'd beg first me, and then Brimir for forgiveness..." he sighs, "You were only supposed to sip it..." he admits, and Michael's eyes widen.

"Ah... So, just sipping it would have healed me...?" he questions, while slowly facepalming.

Loutiel takes the vial and shakes it a couple times, "There still seems to be a drop inside..." he mutters before shaking his head and tossing it to Michael, "A drop applied directly to a wound may save your life, you might as well keep what's left..." he mutters before awkwardly headed towards the door, "Ah, by the way. Your equipment is in that chest next to the bed. I hope you don't mind, but I cleaned it of dirt and blood and sewed up the holes."

Michael nods, "Thanks." he says, giving the man a slight wave as he exits.