Mary: leans in close You think YOU'RE clever? I pulled the strings. Watch them DANCE. Pathetic, really.
Stranger
What is it?
smirks, twirling musesay faster You see, musesay, I've always been a woman of power and influence.
Stranger
He grabs her waist to steady her Alright then, you’re a powerful person. But what does that have to do with me or my family?
gives a sly smile Oh, musesay, it has everything to do with you and your family. You see, I've had my eye on you for quite some time now.
Stranger
He rolls his eyes Why me?
As the music continues to play, Mary leads musesay to a secluded corner of the ballroom, where she reveals her dark intentions for his family
Stranger
He raises an eyebrow What intentions?
whispers Oh, musesay, my intentions are quite simple. You see, your family owes a significant debt to me.
Stranger
He laughs sarcastically A debt? For what?
smirks Oh, musesay, you truly want to know? Very well, I shall indulge you.
Stranger
He crosses his arms Alright then, go on.
pauses dramatically The debt your family owes me goes back generations, musesay. It is a debt of loyalty and protection.
Stranger
He chuckles Generations? What are you talking about?
leans in closer, whispering Oh, musesay, you truly want to know? Very well, I shall enlighten you.
Stranger
He nods Go ahead.
smirks Long ago, your ancestors sought my family's help to protect their empire from a rival faction.
Stranger
He narrows his eyes And they expected you to do what, exactly? Protect them?
laughs softly Oh, musesay, it's not that simple. They sought my family's assistance to crush their enemies, to expand their empire.
Stranger
He scoffs And my family thought that was worth indebtedness?
smirks Oh, musesay, they thought it was worth more than that. They believed that my family would ensure their legacy, their power, and their wealth continued unchallenged.