Actually…

Looking at Beatrice I did not feel that **** was the answer. Her will seemed indomitable. Far too strong to break within 15 minutes.

But what then? Do I tell her that Femto has betrayed her? No, that wouldn’t really change the position she’s in.

Then, a plan formed in my mind.

I stared down at the defiant witch. “Why do you think Femto isn't here?”

The witch stared back at me with a puzzled expression. “How should I know? If I had to hazard a guess, its probably because of the magic barrier.”

In response, I shook my head.

It was a gamble.

“Your little plan backfired. We subdued Femto.”

“Yeah, right”, Beatrice cackled, but there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. “There’s no way Femto would lose to you.”

“Not to us”, I agreed. “But we had help. The golden knight assisted us.”

“Your lying. This is a bluff.”

I pushed. “Why isn't she here then? You know I speak the truth.”

The witch averted her eyes. I grabbed her face so that she had to look at me. “Why isn’t she here?”

“T-the barrier…”, Beatrice stammered.

I pushed more. “If that was really the case, wouldn't she be in the audience?”

I lifted Beatrice up and allowed her to take a good hard look at the stands. Beatrice frantically searched for even a glimpse of her devil. “F-Femto? I can’t see you.”

This was another gamble. It wouldn't be unreasonable for Femto to be in the stands. “Hey, Femto!”, I shouted. “Why don't you show yourself and support your master?”

But she didn't. No matter how hard Beatrice looked, her familiar was nowhere to be seen.

“That's because my three friends hold her captive”, I explained. “And they have very clear instructions about what to do should you not surrender.”

By now the witches eyes where in complete shock. She was barely able to keep herself together. Just a little bit more.

“If you ever want to see Femto again, surrender.”

In a calmer state of mind Beatrice would have no doubt seen through my ruse. Would we really be able to get the golden knight on our side on such short notice? How would we hold her captive? Why didn't I demand her surrender at the start of the fight? And wasn't there at least a small chance of Femto actually betraying her? My argumentation was poor and full of holes.

All that mattered little. Above all else, Beatrice wanted to save her friend.

“I-I surrender”, she stammered.