- Shari -

Signing the document went surprisingly smoothly.

After reading through the contents, which surprised everyone who couldn't make the connection as to why I would even want a written contract, I wrote my name on it, as usual, while Liqu made her typical drop symbol.

Elin is interestingly also capable of writing. If I remember it right, which I naturally do with my perfect memory, she came from a merchant family before things went to shit for her.

Fortunately, this assures me that I'm employed under the same conditions as a human.

Especially the passage that I would be officially recognized for my efforts once the situation clears up was of importance to me.

I made sure that it's worded in a way that can't be misunderstood.

As of now, I'm an agent of the crown.

Quite a steep career for a common village girl I need to say.

Not to speak of Liqu.

And I suppose Elin as well.

And it sounds just right if I reap the benefits now.

"Well, now that we are officially employed, would it also be possible to request some equipment? We had quite some expenses in that regard recently." (Shari)

I feel quite bold to ask this question.

Especially since I don't want to know what the clothes we were lent on the first day here cost.

On the other hand, some support sounds appropriate if they want us to succeed in our missions.

The queen stares at me for an uncomfortable length of time before finally speaking.

"You may request anything you require from the quartermaster later on. You'll be provided your daily needs, as well as equipment fitting for your status as royal agents. If there's something special you wish to commission you're free to do so as well. Within the limits naturally." (Serenia)

Good to know.

This might help quite a bit.

Especially, since I already had something special in mind.

"If this was all, I'd like to finally begin informing you about your first mission." (S)

While my position improved quite a lot it also brings duties.

And those we're apparently about to receive.

Since we already signed the contract in a remote side room, because of course they couldn't do a bigger ceremony to officially employ slimes, the only thing that changes is that the document is taken away and, aside from our group, only the queen remains.

The doors are securely shut and the woman in question gestures to us with her raised hand not to speak till the last footsteps are out of range.

"Is there a reason for this awful secrecy?" (Elin)

"Certainly. In particular that every single one who hears what I'm about to say is just another added risk. And may I add that my perception of you worsens whenever you open your mouth?" (Serenia)

"Well, since my reputation is already down the drain I can just go on and ask what we all would like to know. Where the hell is the king?" (Elin)

Does she think she's completely safe only because of this contract?

"Pardon me. Do you really think his majesty has time for the likes of you?" (Serenia)

"No, but one might believe that he would care about a mission to save his own fucking country." (Elin)

Now she looks severely displeased, even going as far as clicking her tongue.

Yet Elin has a point.

The king didn't look all too supportive of us so if he isn't in on this we might be royally screwed, so to say.

"I'd like to know as well. Is he occupied?" (Shari)

"Sigh, no. It's politics. The king can't be officially involved with this kind of mission. Rather, it might spark the looming civil war if it comes out he was. Yet if only his wife is the origin of something that might very easily displease some nobles then he still has the luxury of active denial. At the same time, in the worst case, he could still avoid being forced to a strong verdict on behalf of the simple fact that the person in question is his wife. Let's call it an avoidance strategy. While I fight the hidden war he can still present to the outer world as if everything is okay." (Serenia)

"But he has signed the document. I checked twice." (Shari)

"Of course. We're not going to betray you. It would be too plain of a move and you wouldn't have signed if something was off. Any further questions or can I finally begin to instruct you about your mission?" (Serenia)

"Sure, who do you want to set those slimes on?" (Elin)

"Elin, that's enough. We aren't dogs." (Shari)

"Please, that's what this job is about. Spreading terror and despair among their enemies through monster attacks." (Elin)

Sigh, I kinda hope that's not the case.

I'd rather have an accepted status than be the monster they summon whenever they need something for the dirty work.

I look at the queen for confirmation.

"I won't omit the fact that your tasks will include doing questionable things." (Serenia)

"Then I want to clarify that we're not killing innocents." (Shari)

"I decide who's innocent!" (Serenia)

"Let me rephrase it. I'll not kill the servants or children, or any uninvolved people who just, unfortunately, happen to end up in my way." (Shari)

She looks intently at me for a while.

I kinda wish I would've added that point to the contract before I signed it.

"My Shari is always very peculiar about this. I doubt you can convince her otherwise. I couldn't." (Liqu)

"We may have to sort this out later on, but to be precise, this is going to be a covert mission. Do not worry about innocents, since you only have one target. And that one's certainly not 'innocent'." (Serenia)

"I guess now's the right moment for details." (Shari)

"As you wish. Due to recent events, we were able to identify viscount Nolan Loria, beyond any doubt, as a member of the conspiracy against the country. His men were involved in stopping you from returning my daughter and his agents in hiring personnel for the collar production. He has a residence here in the capital and is well known for his overly present private army. If he would vanish then this would be a heavy blow to the enemy." (Serenia)

Makes sense.

Without their boss, the private army has no reason to act.

There'd be no orders to make them do so and the other members have no direct power over them.

"So you want that nothing remains of him but a blob of slime?" (Shari

"No, not yet. I want you to capture him and bring him to me." (Serenia)

"Capture him? In what way?" (Shari)

"In any way that works for you. Whatever is necessary, I want him here with me once you're done. This man is deeply involved in 'the pact'. It's safe to assume that his soldiers were also involved in other operations. If we can bring him in for questioning without anyone noticing, then this secret conspiracy wouldn't be all that secret anymore." (Serenia)

"But how exactly would we steal him away without anyone noticing and transport him through the whole city?" (Shari)

"Of course, the mission is already planned out for you. Yet for some points we have to rely on your unique abilities and skilled execution, as you showed when invading my private chambers." (Serenia)

Is it possible that she's still holding a grudge about this?

"Fine, but how exactly would we come and go unnoticed?" (Shari)

"Well, that's the part you might not like as much." (Serenia)

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Shit!