Percival led Johann and his entourage to the grand hall of his mansion.
Sarika walked between her captors. Her hand is still being restrained.
Their presence did not go unnoticed.
Percival's knights and servants, many of whom had known Sarika since she was a child, stared with shock and anger at the sight of their lady in chains.
So of the knights clenched their fists as they had the urge to attack the traitors.
However, the butler was sensible enough to intervene quickly. His stern gaze reminded them of the delicate situation the duke was currently in.
Under the butler's order, the servants cleared the hall to give the duke and the 'guests' so privacy.
Duke Percival first took his seat at the table in the hall. He gestured for Johann and his n to sit opposite him while Sarika was placed at the head of the table, flanked by guards.
"Speak. What's your demand?"
"Straight to the point, I see. Very well then. Your daughter for your power. It's a simple trade."
Percival's eyes flicked to Sarika, then back to Johann. "And what exactly do you an by 'my power'?"
Johann's smile widened. "Step down as Duke. Hand over your title and lands to . In return, your daughter goes free and your people are spared. We both know that you'll suffer if this conflict continues."
"..."
Sarika's heart pounded nervously. Although she had previously boasted to Johann that her father would choose her over his power, it was just bragging on her part.
In truth, she wasn't sure if her father would be willing to relinquish his power and title.
She knew her father loved her deeply, but being a duke ca with an enormous amount of privilege and prestige.
Nobody would want to give that up easily.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then, you'll witness your daughter's death."
"This is not a negotiation, Percival. This is a choice for you to make," Demin added.
Percival ignored Demin, "What guarantee do I have that you will honour your word?"
Johann shrugged. "My word is the only guarantee you need. Refuse, and you will lose both your daughter and your title. Accept, and she lives."
Sarika could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on her.
Among them were the knights who had remained in the hall.
One of them couldn't bear it anymore and said, "Your grace, allow us to cut off their heads. We'll get it done swiftly."
Johann turned to the knight, "If I don't co out by noon, my army will storm the estate. They'll kill, loot and burn everything."
Facing a clear threat, the knight was taken aback.
"For soone who wishes to be the duke, are you sure you want to destroy everything here?" Percival asked.
"No worries. Things that are destroyed can be rebuilt."
Sarika's heart ached when she saw the pain and indecision in her father's eyes. He was caught in an impossible situation.
Had it not for her reckless act, her father wouldn't been forced to make a choice.
After a few minutes of silence, Percival sighed.
It was clear that he had no viable option to turn the situation around or to get out of this predicant.
There's no hope of winning the fight either.
So, it may be better to let go of his power and stay alive for the ti being. Then, seek refuge sowhere for a while and wait for the right ti to reclaim his right.
After sorting out his future plan, Percival finally opened his mouth. "Fine, I'll do as you say."
The three of them—Johann, Demin, and Betto— had a smile blooming on their face.
"Excellent! You made the right choice." Johann said.
As he said that, a contract was placed on the table.
"What's this?" Percival asked.
"Co on, don't play dumb," Demin replied. "Do you expect us to believe solely in your words?"
Percival picks up the contract and begins to read it.
The formal agreent detailing the transfer of power from him to Johann, complete with terms that left no room for ambiguity.
Every clause, every stipulation, was designed to strip him of his title and authority completely.
Percival found no loophole he could exploit in the future. But he didn't care. He'll get back what he lost today one way or another.
"Please understand, Percival. This is a big matter, involving the livelihood of people in the territory. We can't just take your promise at face value."
'Now you think about the people? Isn't it you who drove them to the battlefield for the sake of your ambition?'
Percival looked at Johann with disdain and inwardly sneered at his shaless words.
His eyes then flicked to Sarika who was watching nervously.
Sarika knew this was the best outco, but it also ant they'd lose everything they possessed.
Percival picked up the quill. His hand trembled a little as he dipped it in the ink.
With a heavy heart, he signed his na at the bottom of the contract.
The mont the ink dried, the power shifted from one man to another.
Johann is now the official Duke. At least on paper.
"You know... you have to bring this to the capital to get it ratified, right?" Percival reminds. "Otherwise, it'll be useless no matter how many tis I signed them."
"I know. Don't worry about that. I've got things sorted out."
"I see."
"More importantly, you should hurry up and pack your belongings. Your family is no longer qualified to live in this mansion," said Betto.
"You people are really impatient to kick out, aren't you?"
"Hey, we're not that cruel. You can choose any uninhabited mansion in the estate as your new residence."
Percival shook his head, "Thanks for the offer, but I plan to leave the duchy with my family."
Johann raised his eyebrows, "Is that so?"
Percival turned to Sarika, "Let's gather our belongings and leave."
Sarika, who had just been released, followed her father closely from behind.
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