The crown prince stood frozen for a long moment, his fists clenched so tightly that blood dripped between his fingers. His jaw was locked, teeth grinding so hard it sounded like they might shatter. Then the system panel flared brighter in front of him.
Slowly, painfully, he raised his hand. His finger trembled as it hovered over the contract. "…I refuse to kneel," he spat hoarsely. "But I won't die like a dog either." With a sharp motion, he slammed his palm down.
Ding. The contract finalized.
Good choice," Damon nodded. "You're still alive. That already puts you ahead of most people who try to kill me."
The crown prince didn't respond. He simply stared at the floor, breathing heavily, refusing to look at anyone. Around them, the surviving experts knelt in silence. Everyone had signed the contract without any other choice.
