I was led to the center of the village where the pyre they were going to burn me at had already disappeared and a long table replaced it instead. The table was complete with many exotic looking dishes and stacks of delicious smelling meat. I looked at it in disbelief.

How the hell did they find the time to do all this?!

I felt someone grab my hand and lead me over. I looked at her in surprise and realized it was the woman who was being held hostage by the leader. If I remember correctly, this was the Chief's daughter.

She smiled sultrily, "Come sit next to me~"

"Oh... Alright?"

I sat next to her and the Chief who sat at the head of the table. He spoke, "Everyone! Today we give thanks to the gods who sent us our savior! Now we shall all eat!" I watched as everyone quickly grabbed at the food like animals.

And William thought I had bad table manners.

I went to grab food, but soon found someone holding out food in front of my face for me to eat it. I looked over and saw the Chief's daughter smiling at me holding out food to me. I raised an eyebrow and took a bite while watching the Chief's daughter in confusion.

I know I saved her life, but does she really have to feed me? That's not the kind of thanks I was looking for.

As I ate the food, her smile grew even larger. These people really are an odd bunch. After the main meal was finished, more food was brought out along with jugs of what smelled to be alcohol. Just like before, the Chief's daughter served me. I sniffed the drink and took a sip.

Oh sh*t. That is strong.

Just from a few drinks I could feel my face starting to heat up.

No, I can't forget why I came here in the first place. I shook my head abruptly trying to sober myself up. I turned to the Chief, "Chief, I really need to ask you for a favor about something."

He waved me off with a smile, "Later, later. We can discuss it after the feast."

I went to speak but felt the daughter tug on my sleeve. I looked over to her to see her pull something from her pocket, "Hold out your hand. I'd like to give you something."

I chewed on the delicious food and held out my hand. I felt her wrap something around my wrist and tie it. I looked down to see a braided bracelet with flowers and vines braided into it. I inspected it closely while still munching on the food.

Oh, that's nice... Wait... Is it made out of human hair?!

OH NO! GET IT OFF GET IT OFF!

I cleared my throat, "Oh... Thank you. I will treasure it forever."

I'm taking this bastard off as soon as she turns around.

Her eyes lit up, "So you'll accept my token of marriage?"

The food dropped out of my mouth, "Mar-what?!"

The Chief cheered, "My daughter's getting married!"

I snapped my head up, "Huh? No! I-"

The daughter giggled as she clapped her hands in excitement, "He accepted the token of marriage!"

!?!

Marriage?!

Ugh... I really need to stop accepting things unless I know the meaning.

I spoke quickly, "Wait! I-"

My protests were drowned out by the cheering and chanting. The feast turned into some kind of crazy bachelor party and everyone was soon drunk and starting friendly fist fights. The Chief lifted me up with monstrous strength, "Come my Son! Let us go discuss the marriage!"

"Wait!"

As I was carried away, his daughter followed after us. I was led to the largest house in the village and dropped down on a chair. I felt the room spin a bit from the sudden toss. I grabbed at the chair trying to stop the spins.

D*mn. That alcohol was way stronger than I imagined. I need to hold on to my soberness. I can't forget that this is all to save Dante.

The Chief spoke, "Today I have actually witnessed my daughter get married! I have never felt so gracious to the gods. I knew they sent you here for a reason."

I spoke quickly, "About that- I can't marry your daughter."

He beamed at me, "But you already did."

My face twitched, "Listen, you don't want to have me as a son-in-law."

"Oh? Why not?"

I dramatically took off my hat and scarf revealing my long hair, "For one, I'm not a man! I'm a woman."

He stared at me silently before breaking out into loud laughter, "HAH! Who cares about that?!"

My mouth dropped, "Huh?"

The daughter began to massage my shoulders, "I don't mind. Marriage signifies that our souls are now bound. Souls don't have gender. Marriage here isn't just between a man and a woman."

How progressive.

I shook my head, "But! As a Chiefs daughter, you need to have children, right? I can't give you children."

She shrugged, "I can have children with another man. It's not uncommon here."

My mouth dropped again. Can't they see I'm unwilling?!

I changed my tactic, "Also! I am going to marry someone else. I have already exchanged our cultures version of your bracelet. So, I can't marry you."

The Chief laughed, "We bandits have many wives."

I gasped, "Polygamy?!"

She nudged me, "Why are you so hesitant? I promise I will be a good wife..."

I sighed in exasperations, "That's not the problem here..."

The Chief spoke, "You mentioned that you wanted help from the Bandits. As my son-in-law, there is nothing I wouldn't do to help you."

Ugh.

I looked behind him and saw a reflective mirror. The original Seri was standing beside me. I heard her speak, "Just agree. It's not like you will really be married. Once you save Dante, you can leave the Sanki Kingdom and never return."

I thought back, "But... Isn't that a bit mean? I feel kind of dirty doing a thing like that."

The original Seri shrugged, "Well, I think that if you disagree too much, they may just kill you."

The Chief spoke as if he knew what we were discussing, "Of course, if you disagree, then we have no issue with going through a divorce ceremony."

I gulped from the ominous pressure, "And what does that mean?"

The daughter smiled, "We cut off your hand and leave you in the desert without food or water."

I smiled at the two, "Father-in-law! Wife! I am so happy to be in your family!" I gave a quick bow, "Please take care of me."

*SNIP*

My body froze up as I suddenly felt a breeze on my neck. I instantly went to touch my hair and felt my mouth drop.

MY HAIR!

I turned to the daughter with a horrified expression, "Did you just cut off my hair?!"

She smiled at me, "With this, our vow is complete."

She sat down at a nearby table and began to braid my now chopped off hair. I watched in disbelief. They called me a witch, yet they are the ones doing freaky stuff with people's hair.

I sighed as I felt my short hair. Well at least now I really do look like a boy. I guess that will make sneaking around easier. However, I have not cut my hair since I was a child. This is mostly because I look terrible with short hair.

As I felt my now short hair with a somber frown, the Chief spoke. "So what do you need savior?"