Chapter 8: Will you regret it then?

Hearing Fratina’s cryptic words, the soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to do next.

The dragon still ruled the valley, and the Hero had become its servant.

If anything, the situation seemed worse for the Kingdom of Londe than ever before.

Suppressing his fear, the squad captain spoke up cautiously.

“May I ask why you insist on serving that dragon?”

He braced himself, half-expecting the Hero’s wrath to end his life.

But Fratina only gave a bitter smile and shook her head.

“It’s not that I want to serve—it’s that I have no choice.”

Fearing they might not understand, she added, “I lost to her and was forced into a contract. That’s how it is.”

Without another word, Fratina turned and headed toward the cave housing the lair.

The soldiers stood in stunned silence until one stepped forward, whispering to the captain, “Can we report back now?”

Though still confused by Fratina’s words, the captain knew they had enough information to return to their superiors. He nodded.

“Alright, we’ve gathered enough for today. You’ve all worked hard. Let’s head back.”

Relief washed over the soldiers.

Surviving this far exceeded their expectations, and their steps felt lighter as they began their return.

*

Meanwhile, Fratina reached the cave and knocked softly on Lucia’s door.

“Lord Lucia, I’ve brought back the game. Will you be dining today?”

After a pause, Lucia’s magically altered voice replied, “Yes, please prepare it.”

Fratina didn’t leave immediately.

She lingered at the door, took a deep breath, and steeled herself.

“Lord Lucia, while hunting today, I encountered soldiers from the Kingdom of Londe.”

Inside, Lucia had been lounging on her bed, flipping through a novel from her library. Fratina’s words made her heart skip a beat.

After a moment, she frowned.

“And then?”

Her voice sounded calm through the magical disguise, but to Fratina, it seemed as if Lucia had anticipated this.

Relieved she hadn’t hidden the encounter, Fratina recounted everything about meeting the soldiers.

Lucia’s eyes narrowed as she listened.

The soldiers were likely sent because Fratina hadn’t returned, and Londe wanted to know what was happening in the valley.

By revealing her servitude, Fratina had given them critical information.

Once they reported back, Londe would likely panic.

In the original story, Londe sent Fratina to secure the valley’s mineral vein for themselves.

In that tale, Fratina, as a servant, rarely left the cave, only encountering Londe’s forces much later.

But now, her status as Lucia’s servant was exposed early. Londe, fearing retribution, might act rashly.

If they were smart, they’d publicize the valley’s mineral wealth to the continent.

This would draw hordes of adventurers and mercenaries to challenge Lucia, giving Londe a chance to regroup.

The thought gave Lucia a headache.

Her lenient orders to Fratina had caused trouble.

“Fratina, did you tell them you’re my contracted servant?”

“…Yes.”

“…”

“Go prepare the food.”

Sensing Lucia’s mood wasn’t great, Fratina wanted to say more but thought better of it. She headed to the kitchen, uneasy.

Once Fratina’s footsteps faded, Lucia removed her cloak and flopped onto the bed.

Her slender legs dangled, kicking lightly as she hugged a pink pillow, frustration mounting.

“What am I supposed to do now? This is a huge mess, and I’m still in this weak state.”

Her voice, soft and feminine, carried a hint of complaint toward Fratina.

If only she hadn’t gone hunting.

But then, Fratina had hunted to prepare her food, so Lucia couldn’t muster real anger.

Besides, her path forward still hinged on Fratina.

With that, Lucia rolled out of bed, changed into new clothes, and twirled in front of the mirror.

No matter how lovely the outfit, she’d still need to wear that bulky black cloak in public.

She sat at her desk, placing the novel—given by some forgotten friend—aside.

Propping her head on one hand, she pondered how to resolve the conflict with Londe.

Some time later, Fratina’s voice came from outside.

“Lord Lucia, dinner is ready.”

Lucia donned her cloak and stepped out.

At the dining table, she swallowed a bite of venison and looked at Fratina.

“Fratina, do you think I was too harsh before?”

“Before?”

“I mean driving out Londe’s envoys and barring them from mining the valley. Was that excessive?”

“…”

Fratina hesitated, unsure how to respond.

“The valley’s minerals sit here, unused, with no value. If I granted Londe mining rights, it’d benefit both sides, right?”

Fratina nodded faintly, agreeing with the logic.

“But, Fratina, do you know what Londe would do with those minerals?”

Fratina shook her head.

“They’d mint coins, forge weapons, and wage wars, plunging neighboring nations into chaos.”

“Compared to what I’d gain, the people of those nations would lose far more. And if that happens…”

“Fratina, would you regret helping Londe against me?”