“—and that is all we know about that day.” The nobleman finishes his story.
“What does he want with me?” That question is a lot more loaded than it seems on the surface. The noble doesn’t know I’m from another world. It makes every question so much harder to ask.
“That’s where my end of the deal comes in.” He pauses and smirks a little. “I was being a little dishonest in our deal earlier, I’m afraid.”
His words perplex me, I am already hazy, as I have just woken up. “What do you mean dishonest?” I think for a second and remember.
“Well I said—“ He begins.
“You don’t know why hes attacking me.” It is obvious now. He wants to see my curse mark so badly, because he doesn’t know why a god is interested in me. He seems so ecstatic about it.
He stares, intrigue showing in his expression. “Interesting…” He mutters. “You are quite rude for talking over me” He starts fiddling with the end of his fancy blouse.
Shit, that was rude. I fold my hands and bow my head. “I apologize for that, please continue sir.” Hopefully they don’t execute people for disrespecting nobles.
“No, you’ve made another assumption about me— about someone you don’t know.” He stops fiddling with his fancy clothing. “You disregard that I’m a noble, so you speak out of turn.” His voice doesn’t sound angry, which makes me feel more uneasy. “You are rude, unaware, and frankly unremarkable, so I have no idea why the necromancer is interested in you.” His words stab me through the heart.
He’s right. This whole journey has been surreal and progressively getting worse since the start. “I’m—“ I start to get upset.
“Don’t take the necromancers interest in you lightly.” I am surprised by his words, because they seem to be genuine. “You have probably been chosen to carry on his work.”
“Why me?”
“He was a smart man, despite his failings.” He laughs to himself. “I think I should take a look that curse mark.” The noble gets up and walks over to my bedside. “Lift up your shirt.”
I comply. I should trust him a bit more. It is true that he didn’t do this while I was knocked out.
A magic circle appears around his wrist. “It might sting a little.” Before I can protest he rests his hand on my abdomen.
My blood runs cold. A shadow rests over my soul, oppressing my ability to see hope in anything.
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The air electrifies sending the noble across the room.
“Sir!” The darkness in my heart subsides.
“I’m alright—“ The nobleman stands up. “—that was very enlightening.” He dusts himself off and walks back to my bedside. “I took the liberty of sealing the curse for the time being but—“ He trails off again.
I bow. “Thank you, I owe you a lot for that.”
“It’s no issue, and its only temporary.” He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “The curse mark seems to confirm our theory.” He stares at me. “He has a goal he is trying to push you towards.”
“What does that mean?” I shiver a little.
“We shall see, for now you should rest.” He gets up and walks towards the door. “By the way, I am Rutheford Reinhardt and I have another deal for you.”
So he is a part of the royal line, I’m guessing. “I’ll hear you out, sorry for not asking you name earlier.”
“It’s quite alright.” He says. “I will help you with your curse problem, keep it at bay as well.” He turns around to face me. “In return you serve my court.” The door bursts open.
“Sir I heard a loud crash and came as quickly as I could.” It was Lisa. “Wait, is this lowlife trying to harm you sir?” Her confidence in me is back to normal.
“No, in fact we were negotiating his new position in my court.” Him saying that sent Lisa over the cliff.
“What!? He reeks of the necromancer and almost got Arther killed.” She slams the door behind her.
“—But he helped defeat a succubus who far out ranked him. That would be invaluable to our cause, would it not?” He is very good with words. “He hasn’t made a decision yet because you interrupted us.” His tone is slightly more scornful now.
No matter how I look at it, this is a great opportunity. I hesitate given that it is probably going to involve a lot of responsibility. “Sir, I’m not sure—“ I am interrupted.
“I have vast resources to help you get rid of that curse.” He sighs. “However, you may find that the necromancers ire can be helpful in some ways.”
“I don’t need that dead guys help anyway.” I raise my voice. I didn’t ask for any of this. “Just give me some time sir, and thank you for helping me.” I pause for a second. “Are Arther and Lisa, your courtiers too?”
“Arther is my half-brother.” He responds. “Take your time, but I expect an answer before you fully recover.” Rutheford ushers Lisa out of the room.
The room is silent now, leaving me alone with just my thoughts. If I could be rid of this curse, I can figure out how to move forward. The deal was worth it, but I’m not sure that I am ready for a commitment like that. It could mean I make a lot of money too. I twist myself up inside for the next thirty minutes, not making any progress.
A knock at the door breaks me out of it. “Come in.”
The door opens and in steps a maid. She had the usual maid attire and cute little cat ears. “Catgirl maid?” The words escape my mouth. “—sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude.”
She starts to cry.
“I was really rude I’m so sorry.” I plead.
“Thank you for saving Arther.” She says softly, as she fiddles with her silver curly hair.