Kyle hesitated. Mercenaries did not usually switch employers midway through a job and have the new employer cover the remaining payment... but it was the best way to avoid a dispute.
"Just protect you?"
"Yes. You only need to step in when I'm in danger."
"What if you throw yourself onto someone's sword?"
"Why would I?"
What kind of person did he think Annan was?
"Why wouldn't you?" Little Bat said darkly.
Who else would leave his Floating City territory behind and run to the heart of the Empire to play make-believe?
Annan had no answer.
But Little Bat did not refuse. He relented slightly. "I can accept your commission, but on one condition: no one can know I'm here."
"Of course."
Annan had no intention of exposing himself yet. And hiring him as Young Miss Olmedo... A Baron hiring a Legendary Mage? What was he planning!?
Little Bat pulled out a Parchment Scroll. "This is my Contract with Babartod."
Annan took it and skimmed it. The commission was simple: Kyle was to protect Babartod to the best of his ability. The Council Chairman was clearly beyond his ability to handle.
Half the payment was due up front, and the other half upon completion.
The glaring figure made Annan's lips tremble.
So expensive... That much money could hire the Free City Succubus Sisters for fifty years straight...
Cong Nan told himself to let Little Bat enjoy his advantage for a few days. No one took something from him and got away unscathed...
Renewing the Contract was simple. They only had to change the employer's name and make the remaining payment the full fee.
"Use this. It has more bite." As Little Bat prepared to write a new one, Annan brought out Beludona's Contract.
Kyle might seem unreliable, but he was