Perhaps third time’s the charm? You think and prepare to cast [Submission] on Chi. Last time your [Submission] spell was level 1, so level 3 might have a better result. Still, you feel that a more unique approach might be needed. Perhaps something a bit more subtle?

“How about a hostage exchange?” You propose. Then you cast [Submission] as you say, “Could you at least release let the poor, small goblins as a show of good faith? They are no threat to you and have done nothing but work the thankless soil in these lands!”

“… Very well, come here and untie them,” Chi says and continues sitting in the lotus position, keeping her hand on the hilt of the unsheathed katana.

Well played, you bitch! You think bitterly. Chi met your suggestion part-way, but now you have to come within a couple of yards from her to untie the goblins. Did your [Submission] work? Is this nothing more than her ploy? It doesn’t matter anymore! Because you can’t possibly not go to the goblins now. Unless you want to show yourself as an utter coward.

She can’t possibly take us on all at once, you think and before you take a single step toward the goblins. If she does attack me, she’d be breaking her word. Would she really care about that though? That’s her best chance of winning—kill me and, hopefully for her, undo my [Submission]. Would the spell lose its effect work that way? I rather not find out.

How much time will I have to react if I approach her that close? Not enough! You are painfully aware of how vulnerable you are against strong melee opponents if you’re not prepared. Who are you trying to impress? Pythia? Chi? Most of your subordinates are either flat-out mind-controlled or tortured beyond reason anyway.

Still, in case your [Submission] spell actually does break through to her, you decide to humor this premise. But it is not something you’re willing to bet your life on. You’ll need your most competent and loyal minions at the ready! You cast [Summon Imps], and five adorable, scantily clad lolis appear at your side.

“Follow me,” you say to the horned little girls and walk to the tied goblins.

“I hope you’ll forgive me for not trusting you,” you say to Chi as you approach her.

“That’s rich!” Chi scoffs. “Someone who can’t survive without mind control is talking about trust!”

“Sticks and stones...” you reply to her.

“Yes, except your words do hurt!” Chi glares at you. But, surprisingly, does nothing else.

You reach the goblins, she does nothing, just continues glaring at you. You untie them one by one and they run off to join the duo you picked up along the way here.

“Well?” Chi says a single word, waiting to see if you honor your part of the deal.

You have only so much energy to work with, so you won’t be able to spam [Submission] all day and expect it this day to end well.