Chapter 186: The Duchess’ Revenge
Elmo wasn't sure about his initial assessment that he'd be released as soon as the duchess confirmed that he had been telling the truth. Part of that was the fact that he'd been taken to where he could only assume was their dungeon, even though it didn't seem like the kind he'd seen in movies or video games.
In fact, it felt more like a holding cell at a jail or something. A place to hold suspects without expending much effort, while also making sure they don't have the ability to escape.
Elmo was in what he would term a 'holding cell' that had iron bars creating three 'walls' around him, with one wall being the regular stone walls seen around the rest of the building. It certainly looked secure enough to hold the average person, though Elmo didn't let those who were holding him know that he wasn't 'average.' If he really wanted to, he knew he could get out very easily.
Worst case, he would do a quick recharge of his MP, then put those who could see him through the bars to sleep, then either use a spell to smash his way out or brimstone fire to melt the lock and leave that way. Not that difficult to do, but he'd rather wait to see what the duchess might have in mind for him before doing anything.
Otherwise he'd merely be leaving without understanding who his opponent was this time. If he didn't know what to expect, he might not know what might come down the road.
Or at least that was the lesson he'd taken from how Jonas had handled the time when he'd been attacked on the street in the village they'd been in before they came to this city.
He wasn't sure if he'd understand all that he'd learned here, but he considered this an excellent opportunity to start understanding how to do this. Especially since he didn't plan on seeking out opportunities like this. As it wasn't like he could set things up this perfectly.
If things started to go south for him, he'd know that he could easily make an escape at minimal risk to himself. It wasn't something that he really felt in danger from. Even though he knew there was still chance that he was wrong somewhere and that oversight could cost him his life. No matter what he did, he accepted there was always going to be that chance, but right now he wasn't too worried about it. He was confident that the rest of his team would be available to help if he absolutely needed them.
Footsteps approaching drew his attention towards the door, moments before the duchess walked through, her previously calm demeanor replaced with one that seemed more fiery and angry. Which told Elmo that the chance he'd misjudged the situation had just increased. He couldn't say by how much, just that things weren't as simple as they had been before.
Not that he thought the danger had risen that much. More that from his experience those who were upset tended to be just a little more unpredictable than those who were calm. If he knew more about the duchess, he would have an easier time getting an accurate threat assessment on her, but since he wasn't, he felt like he should err on the side of caution.
He didn't say anything as she approached the ones she'd left to guard him. He was certain that if he spoke that she might not be so 'kind' to him as she had been so far. Not that he really cared. He was still certain that he'd be able to get out easily when he chose to.