"What the hell kind of title is that? I've been single my entire life! You Transian barbarian, show me some respect!"
Since her debut, Shani had always remained unruffled by praise or insult. She hadn't shown the slightest fear when facing Triss, an elder of the vampire world, and had displayed the bearing of a great general while negotiating with the Transian lord. But Murphy's "Mrs. Shani" had nearly broken her.
Mainly, she didn't understand the peculiar tastes of the little players. She thought Murphy was mocking her as if she were an incompetent housewife.
In fact, he wasn't.
"I apologize for my improper form of address."
Murphy smiled warmly. Standing half a step behind Triss, he said softly:
"But the facts are just as my Grand Duchess and I stated a moment ago. Any negotiations concerning Transian territory are unacceptable! Is that answer clear enough? And if you're not planning to turn on your heel and leave just yet, why not relax and hear the terms I'm about to propose?"
"Of course. Negotiations are always give and take."
Madam Shani looked intrigued. Sitting with impeccable poise, she raised her glass to Murphy. Beside her, Triss copied Murphy's usual pose, propping her chin on her interlaced fingers. Her bewitching face wore an expression that said, "This should be fun."
The sight made Shani uneasy.
But Murphy had already begun.
"First, the Kingdom of Nordtov must release the armed blood thralls in your custody. I don't care whether they rioted or something else happened under the Winter Wolf Legion's watch. You took six thousand people from Transia, so you'll return six thousand.
Not one less!
Second, the Kingdom of Nordtov must provide sufficient firearms and ammunition for the regular army Transia is about to form to counter the threat of the