Back in the hall, Belgos was gone. Leohart looked grim.
"Mio Naruse, regarding the throne... I'm afraid I need you to do something for me."
"What kind of cooperation do you need?" Mio asked, absentmindedly stroking Ethan's soft fur. She was starting to really like the feel of the "cat."
Leohart explained the Council's latest demand: a duel in the "Coliseum."
The Coliseum was an ancient pocket dimension that only those with the royal blood of the Underworld—Wilbert's bloodline—could enter. It was designed to prevent civil wars by forcing claimants to settle the score in a space they couldn't leave until a victor was decided.
The Council's plan was obvious to Ethan: trap Leohart and Mio inside while they used the Einherjar to wipe out Leohart's supporters in the city.
Leohart, however, had his own idea. "When the Coliseum is summoned, just stay outside. Publicly admit you're afraid and renounce your claim. It fulfills the ritual and ends the dispute without a drop of blood."
It sounded perfect for a high school girl who had only been in the supernatural world for six months. No one would blame her for being scared. But Ethan knew the Council wouldn't let it be that easy. The Coliseum wasn't something you could just "not enter" if they forced you.
"I'll do it," Mio agreed, prompted by Ethan.
Shella looked surprised. She didn't even want to discuss it? But she kept her smile in place, hiding her thoughts. Leohart assumed Mio was just naive and impulsive.
"Great. I'll coordinate the time with the Council," Leohart said. "Stay at my mansion for the next few days. Everything is on me."
"No thank you," Shella intervened. "Ramsas hasn't seen his niece in years. We'll stay with him."
Back at the mansion, Shella set up a barrier and demanded an explanation. Ethan explained the soul network and the plan.
"So that's how you're communicating..." Shella relaxed on the bed, her bare white feet dangling. "Is that soul contract really that amazing? I couldn't sense a thing."
"It's better than the master-servant contract your line uses," Ethan said. "Next full moon, I'll form a contract with you, Shella. It'll keep us connected and safe."
Shella didn't say anything, but her feet kicked a bit faster, and a genuine smile touched her lips. She had felt a bit left out, but now she felt like part of the "inner circle."