The sound echoed through the hall like a thunderclap. The Archduke didn't just stumble; he performed a full 360-degree spin before collapsing into a decorative fern.
"The bride..." I projected my voice through the mana-link, making my sleeping body's mouth move in a creepy, ventriloquist fashion, "...objects. To the terms. And the groom's. Facial hair."
The priest dropped his book. The Council of Elders scrambled back as my original body stood up, still technically asleep, and began to blindly feel around for a pen.
"Where... is... the... invoice?" my sleeping self groaned, its arm swinging wildly. "Late... payment... penalty... for... emotional... distress..."
I stood at the back of the room, panting, the Heartstone glowing brightly in my arms. Sir Alex and Viking were standing behind me, Alex looking deeply impressed and Viking actually covering his mouth to hide a grin.
