Alna," I said, my voice dangerously calm.
"Yes?" she replied, her own voice laced with a hint of apprehension.
"…If you want me to kick you out of my party, just say so," I stated, my expression hardening, my eyes cold.
"I've done so much for you," she protested, a flicker of hurt in her eyes. "Can't you grant me this one request?"
A calculation flickered through my mind. One final task, and then I could be rid of her.
"Alna," I said, my voice softening slightly.
"Hmm?" she murmured.
"Are your five minutes not yet concluded?" I asked, a hint of sardonic amusement in my tone.
"Well, Naofu-"
"I have something important to discuss," I interrupted, my voice firm. "That's why I sent Raphtalia and Rifana out. If they returned, this conversation would be impossible."
"Sorry," she mumbled, releasing my hand.
I withdrew my hand, my middle finger slick with her pre-cum. She lowered her head, a blush creeping up her neck.
"It's alright," I said, my voice surprisingly gentle. "So, what did you want to discuss?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"To put it simply," I began, my voice regaining its usual edge, "I have a task for you. A difficult one. But if you succeed, I'll grant you any request for a day."
"You're lying, right?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for any hint of deception.
Of course I am, I thought, I'll be long gone before then. "Not at all," I replied, my voice smooth and convincing.
"But you don't… enjoy this with me, do you?" she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Do you truly believe there's a man alive who wouldn't desire a woman like you?" I countered, a hint of flattery in my voice.
"Yes. The man standing before me," she replied, her gaze unwavering.
"It's not that," I said, my voice firm. "I have other priorities. And I can't afford distractions."
"Okay," she said, her voice resigned. "So, what is it that I have to do?"
I explained the task in detail, outlining the intricacies of the mission.
"No way," she exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. "I refuse."
"Why?" I asked, feigning surprise.
"Are you asking me to join that idiot's party?" she asked, her voice laced with disgust."Never!"
"Just for a week or two," I reasoned, "long enough to get Myne kicked out."
"Getting Myne out of my party isn't the end of it," I reasoned, my voice low and thoughtful. "If she latches onto another hero, she'll just cause more chaos. We need to neutralize her completely."
Alna was sharp, beautiful, and powerful. If she joined Motoyasu's party, she could manipulate the situation, orchestrate Myne's downfall from within. Pretending to be infatuated with Motoyasu would be the most effective tactic.
I still couldn't fathom Alna's unwavering loyalty to my party, but if she craved the prestige of being a hero's companion, Motoyasu's was a viable alternative. With Alna subtly guiding him, Motoyasu could potentially become less of a fool, his actions less impulsive and destructive.
And there was the added benefit of compatibility. Motoyasu was strong, undeniably handsome, and possessed a seemingly pure heart (however misguided). It was entirely possible Alna might genuinely develop feelings for him. A perfect, two-pronged solution.
[10 MINUTES LATER]
"Fine," Alna declared, her voice laced with reluctant agreement. "But I expect a suitable reward."
After much bargaining and cajoling, she had finally conceded. But not without a dramatic display of petulance.
"How about ten gold coins?" I offered, my tone casual. My past life's experiences, coupled with my arena victories, made that sum easily attainable.
"At least fifty," she countered, her eyes narrowing.
"Can we negotiate that down a bit?" I asked, feigning a strained expression.
"One hundred gold coins, and that's my final offer," she stated, her voice firm. "If that's unacceptable, find another pawn."
"You're asking for an impossible sum," I protested, my tone laced with manufactured desperation. "I simply can't afford that."
It wasn't that I couldn't afford it. With my arena earnings and past life knowledge, two hundred gold coins a day was easily within reach. But the facade of a struggling hero required a show of financial constraint.
"Installments are an option," she suggested, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"Alright," I conceded, "fifty gold coins.
Deal?"
"Upon reflection," she said, a sly smile spreading across her lips, "our bond has grown too strong for such transactional exchanges."
"Really? Thank—" I began, only to be cut off.
"For three weeks," she continued, her voice laced with a playful malice, "twenty-one nights, you shall serve as my personal body pillow."
"I knew you were after this," I groaned, rolling my eyes. I had already committed to "those" favors upon completion of her task, giving me an out.
"Had I known you'd capitulate so readily," she purred, a wicked glint in her eyes, "I would have demanded far more… intense recompense."
I couldn't help but anticipate the look on her face when she discovered my deception. I would, of course, leave the fifty gold coins as a gesture of… appreciation for her efforts.