The Dragon Lord's Aide Wants to Quit [BL] Chapter 2: The Contract

They really should have informed him. Or, perhaps, a dignified sacrifice would have been a fitting end to the most disreputable contract he had ever encountered. And that was certainly saying something, given the sheer volume of dubious agreements, penned in countless languages, that had crossed his path. Yet, no one had stepped forward to enlighten him. Though, in fairness, he couldn't entirely absolve himself, as he had never bothered to inquire. And so, here he was, desperately seeking a sliver of hope for himself and his family.

Riley departed from work earlier than his usual schedule. Such an occurrence was exceptionally rare, almost suspiciously so. However, following the astonishing revelations of the day, the Dragon Lord likely concluded that keeping a man whose spirit had been utterly depleted in his vicinity served no purpose. Thus, to Riley's surprise, he was dismissed with a peculiar smile that instilled more unease than relief.

Perhaps this was because the sadist knew he had achieved his objective. Riley remained unsure of what this objective entailed. Was it mere torment, or something far more insidious? Nevertheless, discovering even a fraction of the truth left him imagining the absolute worst, prompting him to travel directly to the Hale family estate.

Their humble abode. Serene. Familiar. Echoing with cherished memories. And, as it turned out, his father was still confined to bed, frail and gaunt, yet his face lit up with a smile the moment Riley entered the chamber.

"Son," his father greeted, his voice hoarse. Riley settled himself down slowly. He cherished his father deeply. Truly, he did. But in that moment? He felt a profound sense of betrayal from the very man he had once idolized. His mind, however, was consumed by a singular thought: escape.

For it transpired that he hadn't merely signed an employment contract. He had, in essence, signed away his very life. To be precise, his life had been signed away by another. "Father, did you know," Riley began, his voice remarkably steady, "that I apparently belong to a dragon now?"

His father blinked in response. "Oh. He finally informed you?" Riley's eye twitched. "So, it was you?" he inquired, his hands clenching tightly. "You arranged this, and you let me believe it was for five years?"

His father let out a sigh and averted his gaze. But Riley couldn't accept this deflection. He refused to witness that familiar expression his father adopted when he intended to withhold further information. He desperately needed an explanation for how his simple life had spiraled into such a predicament.

All he had grasped earlier was the concept of a life debt. A debt passed down through generations. One he had no choice but to accept from the very outset, a detail he wished he had known before his aspirations had the chance to take flight. What was he supposed to do with all his personal ambitions now?

Perhaps if he had been privy to this truth, he wouldn't have felt this crushing sense of betrayal. And truly, he wouldn't be experiencing this profound disappointment, knowing his father was merely emulating his superior, acting out of necessity for survival. Just as he was doing now, uttering words that likely held no genuine conviction.

"It's not so dire. The Dravaryn lineage represents one of the most esteemed, if not the most prestigious, families. You would have invariably been in good hands." Riley drew a deep breath. He counted to five. Then to ten. He abandoned the effort of counting and envisioned himself screaming into an infinite void, for there was likely no penetrating the resolve of a man who had endured the horrors perpetrated by the Dragon Lord and still managed to cling to life.

However, Riley was not his father. He had not meticulously constructed his life and nurtured his dreams with the expectation of finding himself in such a dire circumstance. For years, his dedication had been poured into the pursuit of becoming an archivist, delving into the study of linguistics and history, and immersing himself in research with the fervent hope of gaining access to ancient sites. Yet, at this trajectory, he would likely be interred long before he had the opportunity to lay eyes on those coveted artifacts. Because if he didn't succumb to the myriad of beings attempting to end his life, he was certainly destined to perish due to his boss and the egregious contract he had just laid eyes upon.

A Bloodbound Accord of Eternal Service. Even the designation of such a document sounded undeniably ominous. But perhaps this ominous nature was inherent to an agreement that had to be inscribed with dragon fire. Signed in the Year of Flame and Storm, and by decree of the Dravaryn House, along with the oath-bound signature of the House of Hale, a pact originating from a life debt was thus forged.

ARTICLE I: SERVICE

The Hale Lineage shall pledge their service to the Dravaryn Lineage in perpetual, unbroken subservience, bound by the sacred tenets of duty, honor, and legacy. Service shall be rendered by the eldest competent offspring of the Hale line upon reaching their twenty-first year, or alternatively, upon the direct summons of Lord Dravaryn, whichever event transpires first.

ARTICLE II: REPLACEMENT

No member of the Hale lineage shall be permitted to relinquish their post without explicit, written, and prior authorization granted exclusively by the presiding Lord or Lady of House Dravaryn. Replacements may only be facilitated by the Hale family upon the presentation of documented evidence demonstrating: proof of equivalent or superior proficiency, and a formally submitted petition that has been favorably reviewed and co-signed by the Dravaryn heir, no fewer than three (3) months preceding the intended date of exchange. The absence of such approval shall necessitate the continuation of service without any provision for appeal.

In the unfortunate event that the current serving Hale member is deemed inadequate for their duties, the next immediate kin shall be automatically conscripted.

ARTICLE III: NON-REPAYMENT CLAUSE

The debt incurred shall be deemed non-negotiable, and shall not be absolved, diminished, or otherwise nullified through monetary means, property transfer, or coercive threats.

No amount of gold, precious gems, or even a kingdom will be accepted as a substitute for the debt.

ARTICLE IV: BLOOD OATH

This agreement is sealed with blood and forever bound by ancient flames. It will endure through every generation until an heir of House Dravaryn personally undoes the debt via a ceremony of release, observed by the heavens and the fire.

If the Hale lineage fails to uphold this contract, the Dravaryn lineage alone will dictate the repercussions, which may include, but are not limited to: death.

ARTICLE V: HAZARD PAY

While actively serving, the immediate family of the current Hale will be granted refuge and protection under House Dravaryn.

A monthly allowance will be given to the Hale family from the Dravaryn coffers. The sum will be determined based on the danger level or tasks performed, and the excellence of the service provided.

It is possible for the Hale serving to be bestowed with the necessary capabilities to accomplish the work required by the present members of the Dravaryn lineage.

See? Complete nonsense.

And the fact that it was signed by Kaedros Dravaryn along with one of his ancient predecessors, Thaddeus Hale, offered no comfort whatsoever.

Their family line might have endured until now, but faced with such a contract, one could contend that the advantages of the alternative choice were more appealing. Perhaps complete extinction would have resolved his predicament.

He could still vividly recall collapsing onto the floor after laying eyes on that wretched contract.

But what truly finished him was when Lord Kael uttered, "See you tomorrow."

Because that statement genuinely sounded like a terrifying menace.