Jiho straightened, head bowed low, his voice eerily calm. "Quit blabbering. Everything I did was legal—came under contract. Or you can say... God's words."

  He stood, a wicked grin splitting his face.** "I didn't take Sadachbia by force. Your queen gave it to me."

  Jiho flicked his wrist—a shimmering handprint hovered in the air, Shikimori's seal offering Sadachbia.** Then he turned, striding out of the room without a backward glance.

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  The scene cut to a flashback—the sturdy bridge spanning Sadalmelik and Polaris, winds howling through the void. Jiho rode bandaged on his warhorse, Erwin flanking him on horseback. Shikimori stood hostage, dagger biting her throat; Mizu and Silas watched, helpless fury in their eyes.

  Jiho dismounted, striding to her with the contract paper. "Sadachbia's deed. Sign it."

  She twitched—the dagger pressed closer, slicing skin. Blood trickled down.** Panic flashed in Shikimori's eyes; Mizu and Silas seethed, silent.

  "So, what do you think?" Jiho's voice cut like ice. She shook her head frantically, whispering, "Yes."

  Grinning, he seized her hair, stretching her throat taut. He forced her trembling hand into the fresh blood, then slammed the dripping print onto the offering paper—Sadachbia sealed in crimson.