A witch trial

“My utmost congratulations of reaching the Top 16 Mr. Beta. And with three slaves as well! That is no mean feat!”, the by now familiar official congratulated me. “Your prize money of 1600 Gold coins has been wired to your fighter’s pass.”

Given the hell I just went through I certainly earned that, but even so, that was a dizzying amount. Enough coin to live comfortably for over five years. And from here on out the prize money would only get more absurd. My goal as far as money was concerned is finally in reaching distance. Two more wins would get me there. And regardless who I would face tomorrow, that would be a considerable smaller challenge compared to today.

Right now however I had other things on my mind, chiefly the utterly broken woman that was sitting next to me.

“I wish to install the safety orders.”

The same spectacle that happened with Cassandra repeated itself. Obviously, I could take no risks with Beatrice either. And above all else I needed her to be...calmer for what was about to come.

“I believe you are well acquainted with slaves at this point”, the official stated with a happy smile. “I wish you much favor in the bracket finals tomorrow”

And with that we walked out of the office.

Beatrice has calmed down somewhat. But she was still nowhere near her usual self. I was aware that what now would come would be...nasty.

“Maaaaaaari!”

Aiju was running towards me with high speed, tackling me to the point that I almost lost my balance. “You won! Good Job! Will suck dick as reward!”

I had to smile for a bit and tussled her hair. “I did.” How nice would it be to just accept her offer? But no, I better get this over with fast.

“Is this new mate?” Aiju asked with a scowl looking at Beatrice. “Mari needs to stop getting new mates. Pervert.”

“No, she is not”, I said, shaking my head. “Please go back without me, You can have lunch with Fisti and Cassandra. I will be back in the afternoon.”

Hopefully.

I really didn't want to have Aiju around for what was about to happen, so that was an order. Reluctantly, the catgirl obeyed and headed back to the dorm via the fighters way.

As if on queue Femto appeared. This time however by casually walking towards us. She had the audacity to smile. “Well, well, well, Sir! Seems like everything worked out swimmingly.”

“Femto?” The light in Beatrice's eyes returned the moment her “friend” showed up. “Where the hell where you? I needed you!”

“More or less”, I responded with a grim voice. “Let’s get this over with.”

At these words, Femto’s smile turned just a bit wider. “Sir, I am in love with your attitude! No hesitation, just wham bam! Let’s go! I’m still a bit weak, so Bea why don’t you teleport us back to your room? Uh! Or shall we go for lunch first? Will be a few hours until I’m ready anyways.”

The last thing I wanted to do was walk around with the devil, so I ordered Beatrice to do just that.

…

..

.

“Sorry for the mess, Sir.”

That sentence from Femto was a gross understatement. Beatrice room looked like a landfill. Of course at this point, these two's disgusting living conditions where the last thing on my mind.

Beatrice took the news about as well as I expected her to. For the first few seconds she could only stare at Femto blankly. “This is a joke”, she stated. Not even a question. She said it with finality that broke no argument.

“Yeah, this is a bit awkward.” Femto scratched her horns. “To be fair, I did warn you when I became your familiar. I think my words where somewhat along the line of. I am totally going betray you and devour your soul at some point, so whatever you do, never trust me.”

Beatrice wasn't having it. “You are lying. You wouldn’t... You..We...we are so close!”

“I mean yeah. I needed to get close to you, for you to lower your guard.”

“You are lying!” Beatrice screamed.

“Let us just get this over with”, I cut in.

“Lets”, Femto agreed. “So, simply order Beatrice to exchange her soul with yours and we can all be on our merry way.”

Hearing these words, Beatrice turned white as a sheet. “N-No No...No...No..Femto! We...you are...you can’t...”

I stared at the broken witch. “Beatrice, shut up.”

She did.

“Cruel”, Femto took a look at Beatrice and chuckled. “I was at least prepared to let her air out her final grievances.”

“Yeah, me too.” I sighed. “But I imagine I will be hearing a lot of them from here on out. So I think I deserve some peace and quiet now.”

Femto looked at me with a puzzled expression. “I believe, I don't follow, Sir.”

I stared the bewildered devil directly in the eyes. “My deepest apologis, Ma'am”, I said, giving Femto my friendliest smile. “But I am afraid her soul is not for sale.”