We miss on purpose, to keep this game alive

Very interesting soup

Ace's point of vision:

I bring the book to my room before I leave my room and go down to get dinner.

As I enter the room I am immediately tackled with a hug. It's Sally.

„Ace! You still have the make up on!"

I chuckle.

„Of course Sal, you did your best to make me look pretty, and now I'm just supposed to take it off the moment I'm out of the room? No way!"

She tilts her head to the side, which makes her look like a curious cuckoo.

She truly is a little sweetheart.

„But that's what everyone else does!"

I smile down at her.

„Maybe they don't have a sense of fashion. I, for one, am not missing my chance to look fabulous!"

That answer seems to satisfy her and she happily skips away.

I sit down between Slender and Laughing Jack, as once again, it's the only free chair.
The monochrome Clown stares at me, unblinking, with and eerie smile on his face.

„So Buddy, how was your day? Did anything nice happen?"
I can see how Eyeless Jack glares at him from across the desk. Sally giggles.

„Yeah, the day was pretty good I guess. Why do you ask?"

He looks at me with an expression that is probably supposed to look innocent, but with his wide unblinking eyes it seems unnerving and psychotic.

„Oh nothing, I was just asking. You see, you never know when something... interesting might have happened."

I look at him, seriously considering whether I should hit him. What is this weird clowns problem? And what are the odds I'll be killed over assaulting a resident of the manor if he's absolutely asking to be punched in the face?
Thankfully Slender comes to my rescue.

„I think this were quite enough questions for today Jack. Why don't you let our guest eat in peace."

I start eating my soup as Sally speaks up.

„Slender? Can I show Ace my favorite place tomorrow? You know, the one in the forest."

The table gets quiet suddenly. Everyone stares at Slender too see how he reacts.
I lower my head and find that my soup is suddenly very interesting.

What an awkward situation.

Obviously Slender can't say yes to that, I am still a prisoner here.
Walks with him are one thing, as I obviously don't have a chance against him, especially without weapons and still injured.
But a walk alone with Sally?
Away from the manor?

That's obviously too dangerous.
Of course Sally has no way of knowing that, as Slender has generously introduced me as a guest, not as a prisoner.
The others seemed to mostly understand what was meant, but Sally didn't seem to get it.

To my immense surprise, Slender nods his head.

"If he promises to take care of you and not leave you alone.
And if he wishes to, of course. "

I stare at him in pure shock.

He trusts me with her safety?
Believing that I will not simply abandon or overpower her and try to flee?
Or even worse, use her as a hostage?

I'm not sure what to say. After what feels like a way too long awkward silence, l finally speak up.

"Sure, I'd love to, if you're sure it's.... okay..."

Sally smiles at me, unaware of how tense the whole situation is to everyone but her.

"Great!!! I'm sure you'll love it!"

After dinner, as I try to leave the room, Slender pulls me aside.

"May I speak to you for a moment?"

I nod my head. I expected something like this.

"Is it okay if I teleport us to privacy?"

I nod my head again and the colors swirl in the now almost familiar way until we stand in my room.

"I'm sure you know what we need to talk about."

"Of course I do. It's about Sally."

"Yes. I trust you are smart enough to not break our little deal, but that's not what I want to talk about.
What I want from you is to keep her safe. She is strong, that is true, but she is also just a little kid.
Don't let her do dangerous things, and be careful she doesn't run away or gets lost. I care very deeply about her, and I can tell she trusts you.
Don't disappoint her, she has been through enough already.
Can I count on you?"

I am baffled.
I assumed he would threaten me. I would have understood if he did.
But he just wants me to keep her safe? Obviously I'd never try to harm her, an innocent child, but that's a lot of trust from his side.

"Of course. I may not know her as long as you do, but I can tell she is a very sweet and kind kid. I really wouldn't want her to get hurt."

And I wholeheartedly mean it.
I will eventually try to escape of course, but I wouldn't stoop so low as to harm a kid to do it.

He still doesn't look entirely convinced.
So I add a last promise.

"I swear I'll defend her with my life."