3 Deal 2

She pointed to the handle of his sword and spoke. "That accessory on your sword has a symbol of the king of Green kingdom on it. I also heard that it was also customize and only bestowed on the nobles with great service in the kingdom. The color varies depending on the rank of recepient. The color red represents the Duke." she explained.

"How did you know those? You're not from Green, I'm pretty sure of it."

"I have ears, I have eyes and my mind is intelligent enough to deduce those.

I don't have to be a resident of the Green just to know those petty info." she grin.

Gerald upon contemplating lowered his guard a bit and sigh.

"Then what do you want?"

"You see, this lady here doesn't have a place to go, so I beg Your Grace if you can show mercy to this frail lady and provide me shelter. I promise it would be a temporary one." she stated while smiling at him.

Gerald look at her with incredulous eye. This girl really has a way of her words. Earlier she called him gentlemen and when he thought of her as a monster he became an old man and now since she is asking him a favor she's calling him Your Grace. On top of it she doesn't actually put him in her eyes as she was casually talking to him.

And what's up with frail lady? Where!? If he wasn't able to witness her magic earlier he may believe her.

"How can I just shelter some stranger like you? I don't even know your background. What if you are a spy from another kingdom? And with regards to helping me I can pay you back in a different way."

" I swear an oath to heaven that I'm not a spy from another kingdom. If ever I am, may the lightning strike and kill me." Louise swear an oath right away upon hearing him.

"Still a no. Even if you did not harm me it still doesn't clear my suspicion towards you." he stated it in a matter of fact manner.

"Sigh. That's a Duke of Green for you. Fine. Then will separate from here."

She turn and walk away from him. The Duke was rooted on the spot. She's just leaving like that? Louise was walking away a few meters from him when she suddenly stop and turn her head.

"I already heal your injuries so I guess you will be fine. I can't guarantee your life though. This is still the Mystical Forest you see. Take care of yourself old man." After saying it she again turn around and continue to walk.

"Wait!" Gerald suddenly called out.

Louise stop from her tracks but without turning her head. As if waiting for him to continue.

"Fine! I'll provide shelter for you."

Louise then turn to face him.

"Alright, then swear an oath that you will never break your promise."

Gerald swear an oath. Louise sweetly smiled as if she won a large bargain and extended her right hand towards him.

"Let's shake our hands for this deal then."

The Duke reluctantly shook her hand. For some reason he felt like he was being cheated.