"If I manage to do it, but you can't deliver on your end, then what?" Molly asked sharply.
Staring directly at Richard, Molly said, "Whether it's developing the territory to my satisfaction or giving me a chance to reclaim the Sika Royal Family's legitimate line, there are huge uncertainties involved. Who knows what things will look like in ten years? How can you guarantee I won't get the short end of the stick?"
Richard pursed his lips and thought for a moment. "If that worries you, then we can add another condition: if, over these ten years, you accomplish everything I ask of you, but I fail to give you a territory you're satisfied with and fail to give you better than a fifty-percent chance of reclaiming the Sika Royal Family's legitimate line, then Shalin will be your territory. That way, developing Shalin means developing your own territory. Is that acceptable?"
Molly opened her mouth but said nothing. Lowering her eyes, she fell into thought.
After several minutes of deliberation, Molly bit her lip and made her decision. Looking at Richard, she said seriously, "If you mean it, then I can agree to your terms and cooperate with you—ten years of service in exchange for my own territory and a chance to reclaim the Sika Royal Family's legitimate line.
"However, one point must be made clear: serving you does not mean I am your subordinate. I will fulfill all your reasonable demands, but beyond that, you cannot force me to do meaningless things. And you cannot restrict what I choose to do."
"Agreed." Richard nodded. "Likewise, I will not force you to do meaningless things, nor will I restrict you from doing what you want. You will have considerable freedom in Shalin's development and may make adjustments according to your