Vol. 6 - Ch. 83 - Preliminary Cooperation Agreement

—The Sacred White Deer?

Vanessa had never imagined she would hear the term "Sacred White Deer" from Fick.

However, since he was a Dragon Shadow, it wasn't unusual for him to know something about the Five Great Families.

Besides, the Sacred White Deer wasn't exactly a secret; it was just relatively unknown.

Given that the two parties did not yet share a common interest, Vanessa did not intend to easily accept Fick's request; this was a good opportunity for her to negotiate and gain benefits for herself.

"Mr. Fick, I have no problem offering you the power of the Sacred White Deer... However, in return, I hope you will agree to a few requests of mine," Vanessa said with a smile.

"Miss Vanessa, what are your requests?"

Fick didn't seem surprised by her suggestion and smoothly took over the conversation.

So, Vanessa cleared her throat and presented her own requests.

First, she wanted to clarify the "timeframe and evaluation criteria for the probationary period" so she would know which areas to focus her efforts on.

Secondly, she wanted to understand Fick's upcoming action plan so she could use her own strengths and resources to pave the way for him.

Finally, she proposed signing a cooperation agreement: one for the probation period and another upon formalizing the partnership.

"This will help us build mutual trust. What are your thoughts, Mr. Fick?"

"No problem. We'll finalize the details of the cooperation as you requested."

To Vanessa's surprise, Fick agreed readily.

—Strange. Isn't he usually the meticulous type? Why did he agree to something so important without a second thought?

"Okay, then. I'll draft the details tonight and come back tomorrow morning to confirm them, okay?"

"Sure. I'll meet you at the hotel tomorrow morning."

Things were suddenly going smoothly, and Vanessa could only assume that Fick probably wanted to go over the details with her word-for-word later.

But Vanessa wasn't worried about that. During her years of exchange with the Green Lizard Family, she'd mostly done paperwork for various agreements.

"Okay, Mr. Fick, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. I won't bother you tonight..."

"Wait a moment, Miss Vanessa."

Just when Vanessa thought the evening was coming to an end, Fick stopped her.

"Since your requests have been agreed upon, let's discuss the matter of the Sacred White Deer."

"Hey, are we going to discuss it in detail tonight?"

"Yes, I hope you don't have a habit of going to bed early."

… 

Fick told Vanessa straight out that he needed to borrow the power of the Sacred White Deer because his companion Heloise had been afflicted by an evil spell called the 'Parasitic Blood Snake' and needed the purifying power of the Sacred White Deer to cleanse her.

—So that's how it is...

—I didn't expect Fick to have such a deep understanding of the Sacred White Deer's abilities, but... hehe...

After hearing his request, Vanessa felt more at ease.

Firstly, it showed that he was a man who valued friendship and loyalty to his companions. Secondly, it made clear that this 'request for help' was a one-time thing and would not escalate into a constant demand on Vanessa.

"I understand. No problem. But why not go to the church in Greenwood City? Being baptized in a real church would be more effective for cleansing, wouldn't it?" Vanessa asked.

"Indeed, our original plan was to go to church, but now that we're partnering with you, I don't think there's any need."

Fick's answer made sense and dispelled Vanessa's doubts. She was already beginning to harbor a subtle thought.

So, she followed Fick into the hotel and to the room where the white-haired girl, Heloise, was staying, while Captain Pryde remained guarding the door.

…

"Eh... what... what's going on? The follower of the Evil Tiger God saw a vision that didn't belong to this time and space...?"

Seeing Fick enter the room with Miss Vanessa of the Snow Deer Clan, Heloise froze in her tracks.

She wondered to herself, it was already so late, and Fick was bringing another woman to his room. Could he be taking in someone else?

Although the chiefs and elders of the Tiger Clan all married three or four wives, if Fick were to start building a "large family" so soon, Heloise wasn't mentally prepared!

"Heloise, this is Miss Vanessa of the Snow Deer Clan."

"Miss Vanessa, this is Heloise of the Tiger Clan."

Fick introduced the two casually and stepped aside.

Heloise, unsure of what Fick was up to, was extremely nervous, while Vanessa looked her up with interest, seemingly preoccupied with something.

At that moment, Fick's words came to Heloise's rescue.

"Heloise, Miss Vanessa is here to help you cleanse the 'Parasitic Blood Snake' from your body. Just relax and cooperate."

"Huh?...Eh?"

Heloise was puzzled. At this moment, she noticed three adorable fawns emerge from behind Vanessa, peeking their heads out and playing around the room. They were quite affectionate with Heloise.

—Ah, these are the fawns I didn't get to eat the other night!

After relaxing, Heloise finally remembered that it was Miss Vanessa's coachman who treated her to roast rabbit when she was hungry!

"You… you were in the white carriage that night...!"

"You finally remembered? You're a little slow to react."

Vanessa smiled slightly. She had noticed it long ago, but she hadn't said it out loud. After all, it wasn't a big deal.

… 

"Miss Vanessa, how can we cooperate with you?" Fick asked.

"No need to cooperate, just watch."

Vanessa drew her silver flute from her waist and played a short, soothing, melodious melody, relaxing her like spring rain.

After hearing this melody, the three fawns all gathered around Vanessa, no longer acting so freely.

"Next, I will channel the power of the Sacred White Deer to cleanse the evil from Heloise's body. However, I can't guarantee success. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Heloise, unsure, looked at Fick.

Fick nodded firmly.

"Okay, then, I'll begin."

Vanessa was delighted to be able to use the power of the Sacred White Deer again after so long, and she also had a small, unspoken expectation.

According to the stories passed down by the Snow Deer Clan, using the power of the Sacred White Deer in front of a member of the opposite sex would make them fall in love with her.

Vanessa agreed to Fick, partly because of this expectation.

—Fall madly in love with me, Fick... Then you'll become my very own Dragon Shadow... 

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