Salem sighed as she observed the sunset. From the land of darkness, you never get to see views like this. It made her appreciate nature more than she already did, considering she's always viewed nature as the only absolute in a world that constantly changes.

'I best start heading back.' It was not like she was considered with the child's safety. She had Grimm keeping a large perimeter around their campsite to deal with any unwanted guests, but she was worried about how to best proceed from here on out.

This was just supposed to be one of her excursions to reconnect with the outside world and observe how it has developed while she did have the secondary goal of finding and killing the rest of that annoying huntsman team, it was only if she encountered them on her travels of course but she not only allowed one to slip through but she also managed to to get another problem, the boy.

Arthur Pendragon, when she first heard the name she felt compelled to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation. A Pendragon was right in front of her again after more than a hundred years, 'To think Uther's blood managed to survive for so long especially after that incident.'

Although saying the Pendragons survived was too much considering the family was down to its last member and it was just a little boy. The irony that the once mighty family of powerful rulers had been brought to its knees and was condemned to die off in the middle of nowhere and to be forgotten by history was not the outcome she ever imagined.

But regardless, she was conflicted on what to do now. In fact, she's been conflicted on what to do for years. Should she continue her pointless and endless squabble with Ozma or maybe just put an end to everything by summoning those bastards. The latter seemed like an appealing possibility more and more, and it wasn't like it was impossible either. She had an endless army under her control, and if she recruited more humans to her cause, like with Tock, then it should be easy.

(AN: The fact we're 9 volumes into the series and we still don't know how Salem meets the people in her faction is crazy)

She'd need a diverse range of followers, a couple girls to get the maiden powers, a tracker to replace Tock, someone skilled with technology, it wouldn't hurt to gather people that hated Ozma just as much as she did-

"DAMN IT"

'So this makes 32 failures just to recreate one move. That's just pathetic.'

'It's an attack that comes from three different directions simultaneously. It's not like I can master such a move in one day, you parasite!' Arthur gritted his teeth in anger at listening to the mocking voice in his head.

'Who are you calling a parasite, you damn brat!.'

'You, you parasite!'

"Am I interrupting something, child?" Salem looked at the boy in confusion. He was covered in dirt from head to toe and was sweating profusely. This was the first time she'd seen the boy look angry too, and she'd admit it did not suit him at all.

Arthur was brought out of his argument with Salem's interruption. It was already night, and he didn't even notice. He's been too caught up trying to master that move.

"So we're heading out?"

"Yes, eat sometime first and then pack up."

And so of they went into the cold night. The walk was silent as both Salem and Arthur were preoccupied with their thoughts.

'Do you have easier techniques for me? That one is too complex.'

'Really, you want to abandon the cool moves for boring ones?'

'I'm 11, I don't have a developed body for techniques like that. I need ones that are slightly above the basics but not too advanced.'

'Hmph, fine.' He sounded like a pouting child

'Should I recruit the boy?' Salem thought. It was a recurring thought. He was skilled for his age with how easily he took down that blacksmith, and he was emotionally mature and intelligent from what she's seen so far. It wasn't like he had any family. He was effectively alone, so she was doubtful he would be opposed to joining her and condemning this rotten world that took so much from him.

"Child, what do you plan to do after this?" She had to be sure. If he chose not to join, then she would respect his decision even if she would have liked to have a Pendragon work under her again.

He was brought out of his conversation by Salem's question, which made him pause in thought. What did he want to do now? He would most likely be put in an orphanage, which would suck considering how many kids get orphaned from Grimm and bandits. The kingdoms don't have the ability to feed, clothe, and educate all of them, so they mostly run on donations, which doesn't help since everyone is busy trying to survive themselves, never mind helping some kids.

"I don't know," He answered honestly. He wanted to tell her that he was gonna be a huntsman like his father, but after everything that happened, that dream felt so childish and foreign, like a kid imitating his parents because he doesn't really know what to do with his life.

"I see. How about you join me." Seeing that she had his attention, she reached up her cloak and pulled it down to reveal her form, she didnt bother waiting for his reaction and instead presented her case. Salem told Arthur about her and Ozma's immortality, about the relics and her ability to control Grimm, and most importantly, her desire to collect them. She kept the maidens a secret because they were the only loose variable, not under her control.

'Kid, we need to have a talk after this.' This was the first time Arthur heard him this serious.

"...You're being awfully open about your plans to a kid you barely know, Grimm Queen." He was on alert for any attack, his hand resting on his sword's pommel, and he knew it showed in how stiff his body was. He could hear the small laughter from Salem as she observed his reaction and yet did nothing.

"What's you can do, child? Try to kill me? Expose my existence and cause mass panic? Warn Ozma? You don't seem to comprehend immortality, I'm many millennias old no matter what you do. I can just come back after a few hundred years and try again until I succeed. I'll improve where I previously failed and continue to do so until eventual victory. THAT is immortality." What she said was a threat, but the way she said it made it seem like she was just talking about the weather.

"Why are you willing to go so far? Are these relics that important?" Madness, what she said was pure madness. She just said that she's willing to spend eternity trying to get those relics.

'Oh dear Arthur, they are more important than even Ozma can fathom. They are the key to my freedom, after all.' "They hold the power to reshape the world. With them, we could create a new world order together." She had a small confidence smirk and outstretched her pale hand towards him, an invitation.

After a few seconds of silence, Arthur finally responded,"Before I make my decision, can I ask you a question? Do you think it's possible to achieve everlasting peace?"

She didn't ever think about the question before instantly scoffing at it,"Only fools like Ozma think peace is possible in a ruined world like this."

"I see." His frown disappeared as he smiled at her and answered,"Salem, I refuse to join your cause."