small print

“NO!”

I spat the word out with righteous anger. “I refuse! I will NOT be doing this! You can tell your bosses that!”

We have retreated to the privacy of my bedroom for this conversation and all I can say is that Maria was definitely right about one thing. I did not want the girls to be part of this conversation.

Maria did not even flinch when I vehemently refused her. All she did was smile sympathetically at me.

“Master Beta, I am sure you have read the contract you signed before entering the tournament."

Right, I uhh...kinda didn’t. I was a bit pressed for time back then.

Not missing a beat, Maria provided me with a copy of said contract. Sure enough that was my signature. She then switched to page 12. “Here, please turn your attention towards the portion about Obligations.”

I squinted my eyes to read the comically tiny print.

“A Lucky Loser might be asked to participate in certain promotional activities for the duration of the tournament. Failure to comply can and will be punished to the full extend of the Free Cities law.”

I groaned. Loudly.

“The full extend, Master Beta, means you will be held fully liable for any monetary damage the **** Tournament association will suffer due to your non compliance. The actual sum of damages will of course be decided in a court of law but with the amount of lawyers at our disposal…”

"They grill my ass, got it”, I cut Maria off.

“And the posteriors of your slaves as well, I fear. The language in your contract does not leave much room for interpretation.”

“Oh, is that so? You will forgive me if my understanding of promotional activities does not exactly include...this!”

Maria bowed. “I am deeply sorry, Master Beta. I would have informed you sooner, but this was a last minute decision by the **** Tournament Association Rasheul.”

“Is this payback for me wanting to drop out?”, I scowled.

“Not at all. The Association is not yet aware of your decision. As a matter of fact, this particular proposal was submitted to the committee this afternoon by a third party.”

“A third party?”, I asked with a raised eyebrow. “Who?”

“Why, the honorable Lady Ojou-sama of course!”

So much for not coming after me.

I took a deep breath and sat myself down on the bed. “Hold on. I’m a Lucky Loser but what about the other fighters? They do not have these obligations. Are they ok with this?”

It only took one glance in Maria’s face to know the answer to that. What a stupid question! Of course they are. After all, I’m the one who...ugh...

“So, there is absolutely nothing I can do about this?”, I asked with little hope.

Maria smiled apologetically. “I am afraid the decision is final. Under normal circumstances the oppinions of our combatants would of course be taking into account but as our biggest shareholder the wishes of Lady Ojou-sama would be difficult to ignore.”

Of course.

“If it will give you any solace, the topic was fiercely debated with many arguing against it. Words like cruel, inhumane and life ruining where uttered and it looked like the proposal would be rejected even against the wishes of Lady Ojou-sama. But then, our very own referee Ben made a passionate, heartwarming speech in favor. And he brought up the revised projection in action figure revenue which moved our committee to a unanimous approval.”

Did I kill Ben in a prior life or something?

Maria smiled. “But do take heart that this is also an opportunity for you to influence the semi final pairings. I believe that to be tremendously good fortune.”

Yeah, right. I can hardly believe my luck.

“In addition”, the maid continued. “While I can assure you that Lady Cassandra’s worries are unfounded, I do believe it is in your best interest to comply with your contractual obligations to the best of your ability. An enthusiastic presentation will doubtlessly ensure you remain in the good graces of both the association and your fans.”

Oh, give me a break! “There are limits to what I can do, you know?”

“No need to worry, Master Beta. The association is doubtlessly aware of that. In fact, I believe that instead of perfection, a clumsy but spirited performance would be received with even higher acclaim.”

“You seem to enjoy this a bit too much”, I grumbled up at my tormentor.

Maria happily smiled at me.“Not at all, Master Beta. As your tournament success agent it is my duty to advice you to the best of my ability. I only have your best interests in mind.”

At least with the other girls I can tell when they mock me. Maria is just a complete enigma. I have no idea how deep involved in the shadier side of the tournament she is but I wanted to trust her. Perhaps this was naive of me.

Maria cocked her head. “Is something the matter, Master Beta?”

“You mean aside from this absolute nightmare? Nah, nothing.” I sighed loudly and let myself fall down on the bed. “Fine! Can't really do anything else but grin and bear it, can I?”

“I am very pleased to hear this, Master Beta. Now, allow me to wake you at six tomorrow. That should give us ample time to prepare you for your role. Please retire early tonight.”

Oh how I wished I could control Maria and Ben and Ojou-sama! My **** would be swift and cruel. Something along the lines of naked tebasaki dance in the arena.

My so called maid bowed politely and walked towards the door before stopping. “Oh, one more thing, Master Beta. Would you like me to inform your slaves beforehand, or would you prefer to surprise them?”

This girl is worse then the devil.