Sinbad returns to normal and the two stare up at Maader. Annalise crosses her arms as she glares up at the woman. Sinbad didn't remove his hand from her hip as he didn't stop glaring at Maader.

"I believe this is the first time we've met, Sinbad." Maader says, "What business did you say brought you here today?"

"Quit messing around! How can you say that after you cheated my company and forced us into bankruptcy?" Sinbad asks.

"Cheated? What in the world are you talking about?" Maader asks, "Sinbad, this must be some kind of misunderstanding."

"What?" Sinbad and Annalise say in unison.

"It's true that I suggested that your company make an investment. However, that investment was made through an official contract with the agreement of both parties. We as merchants must adhere to our contracts above all else. For you as the heads of your company to come here to deny that contract and treat it as no more than a scrap of paper. I wonder which one us is really in the wrong?" Maader says and Annalise lets out a growl.

"I don't like her." Annalise whispers and Sinbad looks at her.

'Tch. This woman...' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"But if you're intentionally manipulating the market value of that investment, isn't that fraud?" Sinbad asks aloud.

"Are you referring to the sudden decline of the market value? That happens all the time doesn't it? Where is your proof that I had anything to do with it?" Maader asks.

"Then show me the details of all your past transactions. That should make it clear." Sinbad says.

"As a merchant, the details of one's transactions are highly classified. There's no way I'd show them to my competition." Maader says.

"Are you going to refuse to acknowledge anything no matter what I say?" Sinbad asks.

"Acknowledge something?" Maader asks, "There's nothing to acknowledge. Just look around you." Annalise and Sinbad look around.

"Did you see? Just now that strange lightening-like power... This is the first time I've seen it. Could he be that rumored dungeon conqueror, Sinbad?" Some voices say as they whispered about them.

'Crap... This isn't just an ordinary banquet to amuse the nobles...' Sinbad's thoughts say as he looks at Annalise.

'The ones gathered here are the owners and employees of companies throughout Remano.' Annalise's thoughts say as if replying to him.

'I was just too careless. In this situation. I'm at an overwhelming disadvantage...' Sinbad continues as he stood shocked.

"Release me!" Annalise says loudly as the guards grab her.

"Don't cause any more of a disturbance." A guard says.

"You're trespassing and attempting to extort money." The other says.

"No, I'm really—" Sinbad says.

"If you object then take it to court." The guard says.

"I don't have time for that. That's why I'm here." Sinbad says. People continue to whisper and Sinbad pales in shock.

'This is bad. Things just keep getting worse! If it goes on like this, Sindria Trading Company will be seized. Everyone's home... Our dream... What should I do?' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"Now, Now. Everyone wait a minute..." A voice says and Annalise turns in shock with Sinbad.

"He's still inexperienced as a merchant. Can't we all go easy on him for this one mistake? Crushing the spirit of youth isn't good. In only the past year, he's grown enough to be able to do business with me. I'm starting to feel a bit sorry for him. So let's give him a chance to recover. Sinbad? Why don't we have a contest? Fight my gladiator in a sword match. Either that, or you can offer up your Fanalis as bargain for your company." Maader says. Annalise gasps in shock.

"Annalise isn't for sale." Sinbad says.

"But looking at her legs... She was a slave wasn't she? You did purchase her didn't you?" Maader asks.

"I freed her, yes." Sinbad says after he hesitates to reply.

'In a way.' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"Hmm, well, then the fight it is. There hasn't been many people attending the arena I manage, lately. If you agree to participate, I'm willing to forgive you for your rude behavior here today." Maader says.

"Contest? Arena? Quit trying to change the topic! When did I ever ask for something like that?" Sinbad says.

"Oh, you're not satisfied? Then, how about if I include everything that's happened until now in our deal? If you win, I'll include the debt your company owes. In other words, I'll forgive all the debt of Sindria Trading Company. You couldn't ask for a better reward, could you? However, you're not allowed to use your metal vessels. I knew when I saw that lightning earlier. Those weapons are too dangerous. No gladiator would be a match for them." Maader says.

"Sinbad..." Annalise says.

"That's the only restriction. Isn't that a good deal?" Maader asks.

'The company's debts would be forgiven? Is this woman serious?' Sinbad's thoughts say. Annalise listens to the bystanders talk as Sinbad things about it.

"Yeah, a sword match would be fun." A guy says.

"How generous she's being to that rude boy." A girl says.

"He's a dungeon conqueror isn't he? He should have plenty of confidence in those arms of his." Another guy says.

"My, my. So, if he wins a sword match then all his debts will be forgiven..." Another guys says, "There's no way he could find a contest with more favorable conditions than this."

"Sin, what do you want to do?" Annalise whispers.

'They're right... This offer is way too advantageous for me... To become a conqueror, I had to challenge a dungeon with my own strength. I might have had Annalise and Drakon to help me, but I still did it. Even would my metal vessels, it's clear that I'm stronger than an ordinary person. Despite knowing that, Maader is offering me this contest, which clearly seems to be in my favor. This is obviously a trap. Why is she going so far to draw me into a sword match? Maybe... Maybe if I were to lose?' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"But Lady Maader, this is a contest. You have to think about how to deal with him if he loses. Although in many cases, the one defeated in the arena loses his life to his opposition." A woman says.

"That's right... if he loses, but lives... Both of them will belong to me... In slavery." Maader says and Annalise and Sinbad's eyes widen in shock.

'H-Her slave?' Sinbad's thoughts ask.

"Well, that's only reasonable. Fanalis are excellent workers." A guy says.

"Living as a slave is better than dying." A woman says.

"Sinbad, you must understand. I'm doing you both a favor. I can't just unconditionally offer to absolve your debts, now, can I? With a contest like this, I'm giving you, with all your confidence and ability, a fair chance. If you win, you'll get everything you want. There's no problem with that, is there?" Maader asks.

'This woman... Don't tell me this was her real goal?' Sinbad's thoughts ask as he grips Annalise's hand. She was trembling at the thought.

"So, will you try? Or won't you?" Maader asks.

'So, regardless of my choices... Annalise's life and freedom that we've worked so hard to accomplish... is in my hands as usual.' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"Make your decision." Maader says.

"S-Sin..." Annalise says and Sinbad stares at the ground.

"I-I will... I'll... This contest... is unacceptable. If I win, you'll forgive my debt? There's no way I want that badly enough to be willing to bet me and Annalise." Sinbad says.

"What is he saying? He won't accept such a favorable contest? What is he thinking?!" A guy asks.

"I'm not saying it would be unacceptable to everyone. Only that with these conditions, I'm at a disadvantage." Sinbad says, "That's right, isn't it? I'm a dungeon conqueror. And in only one year, I managed to create a company that can compete with the best in Napolia, right? If I lose one or two of my shops now, it won't really hurt me. I'll just build them again. I'm saying that I'm worth a whole lot more than my company is."

"Huh?" Annalise asks.

"So, I demand that you change the conditions. That's right at the very least... my debts should be forgiven when I win. They should be forgiven as soon as I agree to participate. In other words, I want you to pay up now." Sinbad says. Everyone gasps in shock and Annalise looks at Sinbad.

'This is it... This is why I've fallen in love with him. He knows how to charm his way out of anything and his words have the ability to draw everyone in.' Annalise's thoughts say.

"No. It's only natural when you take into consideration the box-office revenue of having a dungeon conqueror appear in your arena. In fact, with these conditions and the way my presence will attract an audience to your arena, you're getting off cheap." Sinbad says and Annalise grins as him as he crosses his arms, "I know this is just a bluff but... in business it's not just money and confidence that are important. It's essential to develop the ability to influence any situation and no matter what 'options' you have to turn the tables in your favor."

"Sin..." Annalise whispers.

"In order to get the upper hand over your opponent, create a situation where the final 'choice' is your own. That is the key to negotiating." Sinbad says aloud.

'That's right. Like I'd stand back and watch them crush the company we struggled to build from the ground up. In order to protect Annalise and my company... I have to use the company as my shield and make them believe that it has no value. In exchange, if I bet myself and Annalise, whether or not I participate in the match is my 'choice'. In the first place, this sword match was set up as a trap. So, I have to improve my position even if only slightly... Don't let them realize... don't them suspect... Otherwise... I'll lose this bet and Annalise's will lose her freedom.' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"So, will I participate or not? The choice is yours. Will you change the conditions? Make your decision." Sinbad says.

"I get it... I've lost... You've got a way with words. I'll accept your conditions." Maader says, "Kil, bring me the parchment."

"Yes!" Kil says.

"Our company's seal has been stamped on this contract. As soon as you sign in the participant's column, the Mariadel Company will pay off your company's debt." Maader says.

"Just as we agreed. If that's the case, then I'll participate in your sword match." Sinbad says.

"B-But Sin..." Annalise says.

"Annalise, don't worry." Sinbad says, "I won't let you have that life again. Not since we decided to make our own life together." He places his hand on her cheek and she closes the eye above it.

'This is fine. At least I was able to protect Sindria Trading Company...' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"The contract is complete then Sinbad. Just remember this. For a merchant, a 'contract' is something we adhere to above all else. No matter what your reasons may be, I won't allow the contract to be broken. Both you and I agreed to the conditions. Don't forget that for even a second." Maader says.

'She's really emphasizing that. That's how it is after all. I wonder why Maader has been pursuing Sindria Trading Company so relentlessly. There must be—' Sinbad's thoughts say before he's dragged out of his thoughts.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've had quite the uproar this evening. Dungeon Conqueror Sinbad has agreed to bet on himself and the sword match of the century has been decided. The match will be in three days. It'll be held at the main branch of our company... In the special administrative district, 'Ria Venus Island'. I'll put on a marvelous show, so everyone please be sure to come and see it." Maader says.

'A reason for Maader to target us. Even if she wants to crush Sindria Trading Company, that doesn't mean that she despises me. Her real objective is probably... to get her hands on me and Annalise.' Sinbad's thoughts say, 'By using a sword match as the setup, she worked in her slavery as one of the conditions. So, it seems like she wants us. I used that knowledge to turn the tables, figuring that my demands would be accepted. That's why I want able to make such a ridiculous bet and I won that bet. Naturally. Only because I am the man loved by destiny.' Sinbad grins as he looks at Annalise who blinks confused as she was a little worried.

'There's no way there could be a future in which I'm defeated. No matter what kind of trap you think you'll set for me. I'll show you that I can overcome it.' Sinbad's thoughts say as he looks towards Maader with an angry look, 'She isn't needed in my and Annalise's future. I'll eliminate any obstacles in our way... that's because... I was chosen by destiny to follow this path.'