"Wait." Dehya interrupted Rahman and looked at Alhaitham. "Can you take responsibility for what you're saying right now?"
Alhaitham crossed his arms. "I don't make worthless guarantees."
Dehya asked again, "You also know this choice isn't exactly safe, right?"
Alhaitham nodded. "Yes."
Dehya acknowledged his words, then turned to Rahman. "Listen to me. These people are my friends. To you, followers of the Dendro Archon have no credibility. But what about me? Do my words carry any weight?"
Rahman nodded. "We've known each other for years. Your name carries weight with me."
Dehya extended a hand. "I am willing to vouch for these people with my right arm."
[Paimon: Ah, Dehya, you...]
[Dehya: Yes, it's very much in character for me.]
[Candace: Dehya is someone who values her promises more than anything else.]
[Dehya: Since Alhaitham of Sumeru is willing to sacrifice his own safety, what reason do I have to hesitate?]
[Nahida: Thank you, Dehya.]
[Dehya: If desert people and Sumeru people can truly be treated equally, then I should be the one thanking you, Nahida.]
[Nahida: The people of the desert are also my people.]
[Dehya: I believe that. Because the houses of Aaru Village didn't collapse. I will support you, with all my strength.]
Dehya continued, "Rahman, show some courage. Since you've decided to oppose the Akademiya, you should have already prepared yourself. There's nothing to fear, is there?"
Rahman looked at her arm and asked, "But what if you go back on your word? What then? I know most mercenaries are clever—because the stupid ones don't live long."
Dehya nodded. "You're right. But this time is different. I have something I must do. I promised my friends I'd help them bring those Village Guardians back."
Rahman said, "Then fine. Leave your arm behind as a witness."
Paimon tried to stop her. "Don't listen to him! He's not negotiating—he's just trying to make things difficult for you!"
But Dehya nodded and said, "Fine."
Paimon shouted, "Dehya, have you lost your mind?!"
Dehya said calmly, "Saving lives comes first. One arm in exchange for so many lives—it's a good deal. Rahman, I'm agreeing to your terms. Don't disappoint me."
"Very well." Rahman immediately ordered his subordinate, "Go cut off her arm."
Paimon covered her eyes in fear.
Alhaitham said, "You don't have to go this far."
Dehya turned to Alhaitham and said, "That's not for you to decide."
[Paimon: Is Dehya really going to lose an arm?]
[Cyno: For a mercenary, such an injury would essentially end their career. They'd never be able to work as a mercenary again.]
[Dehya: Even with only one arm, there are very few mercenaries who could beat me.]
[Paimon: That sounds incredibly impressive.]
Everyone tried to stop it, but the blade fell—and Dehya didn't dodge.
At the last moment, Rahman stopped his subordinate's blade.
Dehya asked, "What's wrong? Can't go through with it?"
Rahman explained, "You are also a child of the desert. Cutting off your arm would be no different from cutting off my own finger. We are kin. Shedding each other's blood is meaningless."
"Dehya, I've seen your resolve. Go. Bring your friends. Come see me in the desert tomorrow at noon."
[Paimon: Phew, what a relief. That whole scene had me worried sick.]
[Lumine: Me too.]
[Dehya: It's nothing. Even if I lost an arm, I'd still be the strongest mercenary.]