"In two days, I will become the lord of Melzar. In three days, I will surrender the castle to you. My only wish is for you to spare our people. In exchange for their lives, I will give up my own. Signed, General of Melzar White Oni"

On the man’s face appeared an amused smile. “Now, this is interesting.” He didn’t expect such a turn of the tide. He double-checked the signature. General of Melzar the White Oni... The renowned sorceress of exceptional magic power and unparalleled knowledge of magic. It’s because of her that Melzar’s castle was out of reach for other lords. Those who challenged her were annihilated. She was easy to discern on the battlefield thanks to the long white robe – the magic item that granted her additional magic power. Anoth knew before that she was going to be trouble in taking over Melzar. But here she was, with the offer of surrender and giving up her life for her subordinates. “Hmm...” He started tapping his fingers on the armrest of his throne. He rather expected a clever trap than this, so he didn’t really know what to think. Something about this supposed deal was bugging him. After a moment he smiled again – this time more like a predator that noticed their next prey. “Very well. Let’s play.”

Three days later Anoth was sitting on his throne, looking with amusement at the scene before his eyes. A young woman was kneeling on the floor, head bowed, her white robe folded neatly beside her. As promised, she surrendered the castle three days after the letter she had sent him. She didn’t fight at all – what he believed to be a pity since he wanted to see the White Oni on the battlefield. But not like this. “So? What is the real reason behind this?” he asked, observing her.