Hot and cold, bought and sold

[Naesala sounds happy, although he's couching it in his usual, somewhat arrogant tone.] That went well. Hm, after all that, it's irritating to return to the world of paperwork.

[There's a pause... and then he starts singing. He's no heron, but he can at least carry a tune.]

I'd never imagined before that the world could be turned on its head
I'd never have thought to be here in this place
I'd never have dreamt that in love I'd be lost and so easily led
I guess I was caught by that hint of a smile on her face-

[He cuts himself off.] What on-? I was hoping not to be virused so soon, but that was foolish of me. ...At least I'm in private, that would have been embarrassing.

[Video]
[The video shows the back of a person, blond and in extravagant white robes, and Naesala in front of him. The raven king looks agitated as he begins to speak.] What you propose will likely wipe out most of the men remaining on Phoenicis, men who haven't taken up arms against you. I don't object as much to leading their army to Begnion's Central Army, but those are soldiers.

And anyone still in Phoenicis is a future soldier, or produces supplies for them. [The blond man sounds perfectly calm.] You have done well to inform us of these matters - it is not your place to question your instructions. Or have you forgotten...?

I haven't forgotten. [Naesala pulls up his left sleeve up and turns over his hand. A brown, curling, intricate mark is visible on his arm.] How could I?

[The blond man laughs unpleasantly. The video ends.]

[Text]
The Blood Contract...

((Naesala's hit by What's To Come and Inner Thoughts. Have fun watching him be unable to evade questions about what's going on.))