Master Tavia’s expression became pale with fear as the reality of who Dink was, sank in. The room returned to normal with the eerie light fading into darkness. The lanterns flickered back into life, illuminating the ornate symbol of the sword until it dispersed into a red mist that reformed into a single drop of blood. Which flew to return to Dink’s brow.

"Impossible… You're supposed to be dead!" Master Tavia shouted in horror while stumbling backward.

"I'm sure there are many who wish that I were. I get great pleasure in denying them that satisfaction. I'm not going to create any unnecessary trouble for you, I'm merely in need of your aid," Dink said, hefting the caged Myconid as he walked toward Lady Estra.

Axion had interposed himself between Lady Estra and the prince from House Hydra. The mana tattoos covering the large lion-man body flickered with uncertainty as Prince Chazrick advanced toward them. Axion wielded a giant axe with two hands and a grim expression on his face. He didn't take the threat of the prince lightly, despite only holding the belt as a weapon.

The magebane is still affecting Axion's mana tattoos, limiting him to the level of a journeyman Attuned. Thankfully Master Tavia is still suppressing the draconic bloodlines or Axion would already be minced on the pavement. He won't be able to match the speed Prince Hydra moved earlier without full access to his abilities.

"Oi, you, lizard breath. We're not done yet. I just so happen to be holding the key to my bloodline in my hands. Things could end very badly for you if Master Tavia's magic fails to suppress it," Dink said, hovering a clawed finger threateningly above the mouth of the sleeping Myconid inside the cage. "What do you think about the prince’s odds of survival, Master Tavia? I know all about your people's fascination with probabilities. They call it 'Halfling luck' for good reason."

Dink glanced over his shoulder at the speechless mage, who snapped out of her shock to silently inspect the cage in his hands using her mana glasses. Master Tavia raised a hand to her chin thoughtfully, pausing for a moment to calculate. she carefully considered before replying.

"The creature is still capable of producing its spores in an unconscious state. My spell will be unable to suppress your bloodline after an intentional effort on your part to ingest a concentrated number of spores. With the disparity between your draconic lineages, it is three-to-one odds that your bloodline will ignite first and the prince will be unable to react before the spores reach him. If we factor in your identity. It will result in Prince Chazrick being unable to prevent you from killing him. In conclusion, it is unwise to provoke you at this time," Master Tavia replied.

"I suspect that someone of your status is aware of Halfling's natural ability to process logic. I'll let you decide if you're willing to play those odds. Are you a gambling man, prince? Because I am," Dink goaded the prince as a menacing grin formed on his face, drumming his fingers against the cage.

Prince Chazrick hesitated while contemplating the sharpness of Dink's exposed fangs. After a brief pause, he snarled wordlessly in contempt, forcibly tossing the belt in his hand on the floor. He turned on his heels with gritted teeth, quickly leaving the room through the splintered door in silence.

Dink laughed in amusement at Prince Chazrick’s departure. He used the momentary distraction to retrieve his bastard sword, sheathing it in a fluid motion. Master Tavia became noticeably agitated as her eyes fixated on the sword behind his back.

“Relax. There’s no need to be so tense, Tavia. I wouldn’t have invoked the right of welcome if I wanted any trouble with you. The reason for my disturbance here was to get the woman’s council’s attention. I need your assistance. It’s time for the Expanding Woods to end,” Dink firmly stated.

Lady Estra stiffened after hearing his informal use of the master mage’s name. Tavia’s indifferent expression was once again disturbed. She was left momentarily speechless by Dink’s words. Her response was interrupted. A gust of wind blew open the entrance to the building, allowing the sky to be seen outside. A symbol was forming in the clouds above as the interior of the House of Worldy Delight darkened.

[Explicit content for Interlewd 1 Dictator’s Decree found at Patreon.com/jackofheart]

“Hearken to me, people of Nyre. I, Prince Chazrick of Royal House Hydra formally declare Silver-ranked House Stormbourne as an enemy of my House. All alliances and trade agreements between us have been nullified. Henceforth, those that offer aid to any of House Stormbourne’s members shall be regarded as their collaborators. They will be met with swift retaliation from Royal House Hydra.”

A voice appeared inside everyone’s mind. It belonged to Prince Hydra. Dink gaped in surprise after hearing the unexpected booming announcement. Lady Estra collapsed to her knees. She buried her face in her hands, a mournful cry escaping her lips.

“He really threw a tantrum and wasted a magical decree on his pride? The entire continent of Nyre would have heard that announcement. Does he have no shame? A royal House has effectively declared war on a Silver-ranked House, minor nobility, just because he was rejected. The magical decree is probably more valuable than House Stormbourne’s current holdings. There’s something wrong with his head,” Dink said out loud to himself, shaking his head in bemusement.

“What have I done? I’ve destined my House to certain doom. My ancestors turn away from me in shame. I invoke the…” Estra said after taking control of her wailing.

“Do not invoke that world law! I forbid it,” Dink hurriedly interrupted. He rushed to her side, clamping a hand over her mouth. Their contract forced Estra’s words to cut off before she could finish her sentence. The swirling energy that had begun to manifest in response to her words silently dissipated. He could feel overwhelming grief from her through their bond. Even Murkuk was feeling sympathy toward her.