However, to everyone's surprise, the little girl who had been caught red-handed simply ducked her head and waited for a moment, yet no so-called "punishment" came.
At Samael's signal, Queen Boudica, though slightly puzzled, carried Nero away from the noisy crowd and followed the Ancient Serpent to a secluded hut lit by a warm yellow glow.
Walking leisurely ahead, he occasionally tilted his clay bowl to sip the rich, fragrant broth, then cast a teasing glance at the poor little thing dangling in Boudica's grip.
Nero's stomach growled loudly. She ground her teeth in frustration, itching to tear a chunk of flesh off someone just to vent her anger.
"Your Highness, as per your instructions, everything inside has been arranged."
At the doorway, Brynhildr stepped out from the shadows around the corner and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for your hard work. If it's convenient, could you bring some food as well? I heard you cooked today. I'd love to try your cooking. We can talk while we eat."
Samael smiled faintly, his tone gentle.
"As you wish!"
"That's not a command. It's a request…"
"Mm…"
The Valkyrie's tense posture eased slightly. She gave a small nod, and a faint smile, like thawing ice, touched her calm and dignified face. Turning toward the kitchen, even her steps seemed lighter.
Samael chuckled and shook his head. He pushed open the door and led Boudica and the still-carried Nero inside.
Two Runes lit up across the door panel. Rippling waves of light spread outward, and the entire hut was soon enveloped within a fully formed Barrier.
"Still want to go home? Sit. I've been waiting for you."
After the two took their seats, Samael casually pulled out a chair at the round table and looked toward Nero, who was still standing stiffly in the middle of the room.
Just set down, Nero's emerald eyes brightened, all trace of earlier fear gone. She sidled up to Samael, plopped down beside him, and elbowed him in the ribs with a conspiratorial grin, acting as though they were old friends. Leaning in proudly, she lowered her voice to a whisper.
"Umu, you've finally come around! I am the radiant Flower of Rome, and you are the mighty dragon who drove back the Hun wolf cavalry. I knew that outstanding beings like us were bound to stand together!"
"Heh…"
With a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, Samael removed the little hand resting on his clay bowl, cutting off the girl's transparent attempt at ingratiation. He lifted his gaze to the two figures before him, one large and one small, idly swirling the broth as his tone turned low and measured.
"The Princeps of the House of Claudius wants me to send you back to Rome. Her Majesty, the Queen of the Celts, hopes I'll remain and protect Britannia. Both of you are asking something of me. But I don't have that much time to spare.
Besides, gifts from the gods often come at a steep price. My fee for stepping in is high. I doubt either of you can afford it."
Boudica's expression dimmed. She lowered her eyes in quiet resignation, well aware that the minor goodwill they had shown so far was nowhere near enough to secure such a powerful ally for Britannia.
"Hmph. Then why did you come looking for me?"
With her scheme exposed, the little girl slumped weakly over the table, her small face full of dejection.
Smack!
Samael flicked Nero on the head with his finger, sounding thoroughly exasperated.
"Idiot. Why don't you look at who's sitting across from you?"
As Nero held her head in confusion, Boudica met her gaze from the other side of the table, her expression shifting as understanding dawned.
"You're both placing your hopes on fragile miracles from the gods, yet neither of you realizes that the perfect answer to your predicament is sitting right in front of you."
Samael smiled faintly and blew across the shimmering layer of oil in his bowl. Then, right in front of Nero, he deliberately took a satisfied gulp. With his other hand, he lifted the uneven tablecloth.
As the Runes pulsed, a three-dimensional sand table rose across the surface of the table. Miniature mountains and rivers, forests and wastelands unfolded in vivid detail before the two women.
Just then, the door opened softly. Brynhildr entered carrying wheat cakes, meat stew, and fruit. The aroma of food quickly filled the room.
Samael took the tray, motioned for Brynhildr to sit, and with no trace of divine airs, casually served soup and food for the three of them. At the same time, he continued speaking, addressing both sides with ease.
"Your Majesty's dilemma is simple. You want to preserve your nation's independence, yet survive in the cracks between empires. Whether it's the Roman Empire or the Hunnic Empire, both want to swallow Britannia to strengthen themselves. As the weaker side, your position is precarious. You need a banner to rally under. You need a powerful protector."
"As for this Claudius candidate for Emperor who doesn't even hold the title yet, she's lost control of the Seventh Province and its legions and is cut off outside Rome. She must guard against her mother's persecution while building enough power to ascend to the Pantheon."
"So why not join forces?"
Holding their clay bowls and wheat cakes, Nero and Boudica looked at each other, their expressions gradually turning thoughtful.
"Once an alliance is formed, the Celts will, in name, submit to Rome under your banner. They will dispatch their finest warriors to escort you safely back to the City of Seven Hills. With that achievement, you can enter the Pantheon, inherit the glory of the House of Claudius, and obtain imperial privileges."
Samael lifted the ladle and, smiling, scooped a few extra chunks of meat into Nero's bowl. His vivid description made the starving girl's eyes light up, her face glowing with anticipation.
"At the same time, once Nero gains imperial privileges, she can legitimately take control of the Seventh Province. In return, she must guarantee Britannia's independence and autonomy and provide protection to the Celts."
The Ancient Serpent then slid a dish of mushroom sauce toward Boudica and spoke with a faint smile.
"Wouldn't that essentially solve both of your problems?"
As he laid everything out piece by piece, Nero and Boudica exchanged another look, their thoughts suddenly clearing.
It was true.
At present, their respective strengths and weaknesses fit together almost perfectly. United, both would benefit. Divided, both would suffer.
If Nero, with Celtic support, secured imperial privileges and control over the Seventh Province, the Celts' current crisis would naturally be resolved.
Of course, all of it depended on both sides honoring their promises.
Otherwise, once the Celts nominally joined the Roman Empire, that very status could later be used as an excuse to annex them.
"I can renew a covenant with the Celts under the witness of the oath goddess Styx. Once I obtain imperial privileges, I will not only grant you the treatment of Roman citizens, but also raise your gods into the Pantheon. Even if I were to die, there would be no justification left to oppress you!"
Nero waved the bone she had gnawed clean, lifting her small face with rare seriousness as she made her declaration.
These additional promises moved Boudica deeply, and her remaining doubts faded.
This Claudius candidate for Emperor had shown genuine sincerity.
Besides, who among Britannia's natives did not envy Rome's prosperity and luxury?
If they could live better lives, become Roman citizens in name, and undergo Hellenization, it was not an unacceptable path.
"As you both wished, I've prepared two divine contracts. Take a look. If you agree to the terms and are willing to form an alliance, sign them. I'll serve as witness."
Samael beckoned lightly, took the documents from Brynhildr, and handed one to each of them.
After several rounds of discussion and negotiation at the table, Boudica and Nero finally pricked their fingers and signed their True Names in blood upon the contracts.