The Merchant and Tavern Master

Spell Binding Contract

The spell binding contract serves as a potent yet perilous tool. This intricate document was crafted by ancient mages as a safeguard against divulgence. Although my understanding of its precise mechanics remains limited, I can offer a succinct description: it is a binding covenant, woven with the threads of a curse that promises pain or even death should its terms be breached. This arcane creation was devised to ensure secrecy and loyalty.

While the specifics elude me, the essence is clear: it's a contract that wields a power both binding and ominous. Its influence extends to significant domains, finding application in realms of great importance. Even high-ranking government officials occupying pivotal positions are tethered to obligatory spell binding contracts. The very nature of its potential danger has led to stringent regulation, permitting access primarily to those with substantial wealth.

The situation I find myself in is undeniably tricky, and it's important to address each aspect methodically.

Firstly, there's the matter of providing my true name for the contract. However, I am currently operating under the guise of Percival Blackthorn. To disclose my actual name seems unwise, and using that guise name also presents its challenges – unless I can find a way to navigate around this term discreetly.

Secondly, the second term appears more manageable. While I am indeed an undercover agent for the Artemis corps, in reality I AM NOT part of them so can confidently bypass this potential loophole.

Lastly, the final term poses some difficulties, as it requires me to refrain from ever vocalizing my involvement. While I'm not sure what activities are limited within this contract, fortunately, it only specifies SPEAKING – meaning, if I ever unknowingly speak anything about the secret entertainment, whats or where to include, i can just forfeit about my life. But ONLY SPEAKING, right? I don't mind this, so it's also a pass.

Now, back to the first term. I find myself faced with a crucial decision. The steward's watchful eyes fixated on my every move. Stay Calm. I can't afford to appear flustered. Let's assess the situation. Can I manipulate this contract somehow? Drawing from my experience as a merchant, there might be a strategy I can use. The spell binding paper operates like a binding contract, fortified with a potent spell. Considering this, a thought emerges – a gamble that might just work.

I take up the quill and inscribe "Percival Blackthorn" onto the empty space of the spell binding paper. However, a modification accompanies this act. The risk weighs heavily on me, but revealing my apprehension now would be counterproductive. Placing my bets on this trick, I maintain a façade of calm as I proceed. The steward appears oblivious to my amendment, allowing me to affix my 'false' signature, sealing the deal.

The spell binding paper shimmers with an otherworldly glow before vanishing into thin air, signaling the contract's activation. If my trick doesn't work or the signatory strays from the terms written within, the consequences of the spellbinding will swiftly take effect. Meaning, I will die.

One second... two seconds... five seconds... ten seconds... thirty seconds... and I'm still breathing. Every limb is as responsive as ever, no odd sensations or constraints. It appears my gamble has paid off. Whether it was my modification or perhaps the spellbinding paper's quality, the result is clear – I'm alive and well. This outcome should instill some trust in the formidable steward before me.

"It appears, Sir, that you have successfully met the requirements," he declares, retrieving a black envelope from his coat. Placing it on the table, he slides it toward me. "Please peruse its contents in private within 5 minutes, and adhere to the instructions meticulously. Keep in mind, once you've broken the seal, the invitation shall self-destruct after five minutes."

Blast! So, I'll have to rely solely on my memory.

With that, he rises and makes his way toward the exit. "I trust you'll find the entertainment you seek," he offers cryptically before departing.

As his presence becomes an absence, a heavy sigh escapes me. My hand trembles, still feeling the lingering weight of the risk I've taken with that spell binding contract. After all, a spell binding contract remains binding until its conditions are either breached or satisfied. Allow me to elaborate on how I maneuvered around the initial requirement of revealing my true name.

The statement within the first term read as follows: "___________ is my true name." I just added a minuscule addendum, scarcely visible, that was discreetly appended after that line: "for now." This subtle alteration indicates that the conditions of that statement are currently upheld, thus satisfying the spell contract.

It's a common trick employed by unscrupulous merchants seeking to exploit legal loopholes while avoiding undue attention. I deliberately write my disguise name in big letters, and pretend to check and fix the letter, when in fact I added that little addendum. With the spell contract now binding me indefinitely, from now on I need to be careful never to SPEAK anything about this secret entertainment with my mouth. I'm uncertain whether the ever-watchful shadow guard can discern this nuanced maneuver. And then this black envelope. I wonder if I should read it right now, but the steward's departure following its presentation seems to imply that the timing of its revelation is at my discretion.

I decided to read the invitation now, because I felt there's no reason for me to delay. I want to know where that secret entertainment is held, and the more I wait, the chance Isabelle still there may dwindling down. I only have 5 minutes. So I pull deep breath, and break the seal of that envelope and read the content;

FAIRY HUNT INVITATION

Under the full moon's gaze, when the clock strikes midnight, station yourself at either the fourth or seventh carriage halt from the Western Block. Conceal your visage with a mask. Await the arrival of a black carriage adorned with golden lines adorning its wheels. Present the designated entry fee of three plates of gold to the steward in attendance. Maintain silence throughout the journey. The carriage shall halt at the appointed destination; do not seek explanation. The hunt may commence, employing any means you see fit. The duration of the hunt spans three hours. As the hunt's end draws near, reconvene at the carriage. Be advised, we bear no responsibility for any delay or unsuccessful pursuits.

Wishing you an exceptional hunting endeavor.

The invitation letter conjured unsettling images in my mind. Though it mentioned 'Fairy,' it was clear this was not literal. When coupled with the term 'hunt' and the phrase 'any means,' it boded ill. To make matters worse, it was scheduled for the upcoming full moon, which happened to be tonight. Time was of the essence, and I had none to waste. I needed to procure masks promptly. There was still some time left before midnight, but I can't waste time too long.

I tucked the envelope into my coat and rose swiftly to make my way outside. As I walked, luck was on my side. I spotted a conversation between two maids, one adorned in a seductive outfit of black leather that clung to her form, complete with fake rabbit ears and, most importantly, a mask covering only her eyes. Without hesitation, I retrieved a gold coin and hastened my steps towards them. Their expressions shifted to concern as they noticed my fast approach.

"Sell me that mask!" I demanded, extending the gold coin in my hand toward her.

The lady in the mask appeared flustered and hesitant. "Eh? Sir, but..."

"I'm serious. Sell me that mask," I insisted.

"Are you really sure, Sir?" She still harbored doubts, but my urgency left no room for hesitation.

I turned to her friend, dressed as a maid, and inquired as if I were reconsidering my offer. "Do you happen to have a mask?"

She hesitated for a moment but then quickly understood my intent. "I... I do."

"WAIT! HERE'S THE MASK!" The lady in the bunny attire finally relinquished her mask, realizing my determination. I exchanged the gold coin for her black mask and promptly left them behind.

I could hear them bickering amongst themselves, but I paid no heed. I had to catch a carriage to the designated carriage halt. Was it the fourth or the seventh?