The Paladin in the Abyss

"Hehe, that's not my habit. Since I've taken something from you, I'll provide what I consider a fair price." An ambiguous smile appeared on the Crow Queen's delicate face, and she pointed lightly in the air, "First, I want to give each of you an emblem..."

Silver-gray metallic particles appeared out of thin air, and under the gaze of the Goddess of Elves, they coalesced into several fist-sized crests. The crests bore the image of a raven, with two grain-sized rubies embedded in the raven's eyes, glittering in the flickering torchlight in the room.

"This is my emblem. While carrying it, all shadow spirits will know you as friends. Unless you do something to incite hostility, they will maintain a friendly attitude and be willing to offer help. Moreover, once a day, you can use this emblem to transform into a raven, without any time restrictions. However, after using it, the emblem must remain in the shadows for eight hours before it can be used again."

"Can I put it under the pillow?" Bruto curiously interjected, "It's certainly dark enough there..."

"You can, but you might have some... fairly wild dreams, and you might even have a conversation with me." The Crow Queen shrugged, "Of course, it won't cause any harm to your health, besides possibly affecting your sleep quality. Take it, this is my first gift to you..."

Accompanied by the Crow Queen's words, the emblems gently floated toward everyone present, everyone got a share except for Cranvo, including Tanya, who stood beside the Crow Queen.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lancelot expressed gratitude on behalf of his companions, "We have already mastered the flying techniques in raven form. Whether in combat or travel, this will be a very useful tool."

"Of course, who doesn't love flying?" The Crow Queen smiled again, "The second gift is... a bit special. I hope you'll never have the opportunity to use it..."

She reached into her bosom and, through some inexplicable means, took out a lantern. The lantern was made of brass with a very ancient design, with the lamp's central part created from enameled glass in alternating white and deep blue, forming an emblem of a raven head. Inside the lamp, some green light danced, which didn't seem like a candle but rather some glowing small fish, swimming within a lamp filled with oil.

"This is the Soul-Lantern. When in the future you sink to the 'bottom of the sea' due to some accident, this lantern will provide guidance, helping you find your way back to the 'surface.'" The Crow Queen waved the lantern before everyone before putting it away and continued, "As for the third gift..."

"Uh, wait a moment," Lancelot looked at the Crow Queen oddly, "Didn't you say it was a gift for us..."

"It indeed is a gift, but I never said I'm giving it to you." The Crow Queen revealed a mischievous smile, "Just wanted to show it to you."

"..."

"Just joking, seeing your expression, as if I've done something to wrong you?" The Crow Queen gently waved her hand, "When you sink into the 'deep sea,' your body remains on the 'surface,' only the soul following down. Therefore, handing over the entity of the Soul-Lantern to you holds no meaning. Once you see this lamp, it will stay within your soul, playing its role when needed."

"I see..." Lancelot took a deep breath, then bowed his head sincerely, "I apologize for misunderstanding you earlier..."

"Hehe, it seems I indeed fooled you." The Crow Queen smiled slightly, "This lantern also has an additional function. When your soul leaves your body, it can block all unnatural pulls. Even if you've signed a soul-selling contract with a demon, upon death, the soul won't be drawn into the Nine Hells. This is also the secret of why Shadow-Kai can continuously reincarnate..."

"That is indeed a very powerful ability." Lancelot respectfully bowed to the Crow Queen, "However, we will still endeavor to avoid any dealings with demons..."

"A wise choice." The Crow Queen nodded, "As for the final gift... it's only for one among you. Miss Elizabeth, I've observed you for a long time and from afar have seen your sad dreams..."

"Eh?" The little vampire widened her eyes in surprise, "What did you say?"

"Little Isa has received my approval." Cranvo suddenly spoke, "She is now my favored one."

"And her mother is my follower, having become one with me, and her only concern was her daughter's well-being."

"No wonder..." Little Isa said choked with emotion, "From the start, I've felt a sense of intimacy with you. In the past, during nightmares, I always sensed a gentle power protecting me... Was that you, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, but only a few times, when you recalled... that night." The Crow Queen gazed at her tenderly, "Seeing you as you are now, you cannot imagine how relieved I am. I bless you, dear child, when you use shadows to cloak yourself, even those with True Sight will find it difficult to notice you... unless the person possesses Divine Power, or has Blindsight. Moreover, you shall be immune to all memory-related magic, including theft, peeping, forgetting, and all effects related to memory. Any spell cast on you in these regards will be equated to being cast on my essence, and if some fool indeed attempts it, I guarantee he will even forget how to breathe."

"Thank you so much, Your Majesty." Little Isa solemnly performed an elegant courtly salute, "I will remember your kindness..."

"Good girl." The Crow Queen nodded in satisfaction and looked up towards the Lord of Death, "Really cheap for you..."

"Thank you for blessing my favored one."

"Hmph... if I didn't know it had nothing to do with you, I'd suspect you deliberately turned her into a vampire..." The Crow Queen shook her head, "Now, when will you give me what I want?"

"Now." Cranvo shrugged and made a gesture inviting the Crow Queen, "Much appreciated."

The Crow Queen straightened her back and placed her hand in the palm extended by the Lord of Death. Cranvo bent down, gently kissed the ring on her finger, and then politely retracted his hand.

"Well done." The Goddess of Elves commented, "Much better than your predecessor. Is this okay?"

"Yes." Cranvo nodded, "You are now the new mistress of this Demon's Domain, Madam."