[color=007fff][u][b]Verik[/b][/u][/color]

At this point is was obvious beyond a shadow of a doubt that the queen's request was just an abuse of power. That was, frankly, to be expected, though it's not like knowing this changes anything. Their mission was to pose as mercenaries, which means going along with her request. Bell's question was good to keep the team from doubting themselves, but was ultimately dangerous and unnecessary.

It was a good question though. Forget moral justification, Verik was just curious why someone so rich, powerful, and beautiful would have issues with some girl living in the forest. The most obvious assumption is a lover's quarrel or some variation thereof, but unless the King is in the dungeon, he can't imagine how that came about. She seemingly has it all, implying this is a matter of jealousy rather than envy, but who's approval would she be afraid of losing?

Well, her outfit is a disaster, but if she just let her hair down she'd probably be supermodel material.

Verik walked forward, past Bell, taking the box on the table and tucking it under one arm as he moved closer to the queen, coming to a stop a respectable distance away. [color=007fff]"If that is what it means to be a mercenary, then I believe I make for a rather poor one, your majesty."[/color] He steps closer, gesturing to the treasures in the room. [color=007fff]"Rather than gold or jewels, what catches my eye most here..."[/color] He pauses, then points to the queen dramatically. [color=007fff]"...is your unbelievable wealth of beauty."[/color] He takes another step forward, onto the steps before her throne, kneeling down in front of her with his free arm over his chest. [color=007fff]"Although I can't speak for my fellow mercenaries, I, for one, have every intention of finding such a scoundrel and giving them their just desserts. Rather than any gold, I would instead prefer to be repaid in your favor; in nothing more than your smile that could light up the kingdom and drive lesser men mad. Woe be unto they who would drive it away."[/color]

Verik reaches forward, for the queen's hand, and, the queen permitting, gently kisses it, as a knight would kiss the hand of their sovereign.

「SEAL PACT」

Having made his attempt, he steps back. [color=007fff]"I'll be off! I hope to bring thy grace good news soon."[/color] He turns to leave, not waiting for the other keybearers to process his flattery of the queen. [color=007fff]"Are the rest of you coming?"[/color]