Chapter 7

Following the old man, we eventually made it to a white painted 2 story house with a front porch, complete with a rocking chair close to the entrance.

It’s like those country houses you see in a movie; it even has that cozy feel to it.

With the old man leading, he enters his house and calls out to his wife. And since he invited us in, I enter the house while still carrying Lancelot on my back.

[???] “Hmm? Eustace, you’re back early…oh, and who could these people be?”

[Eustace] “Well Margret, these young couple seem to have gotten lost, they asked me if we could lend our phone.”

[Margret] “Oh dear, the young lady seems to be hurt.”

[Lancelot] “I’m fine Ma’am, it’s just a sprained ankle. But if you don’t mind, my I use your phone now? I need to call a friend and tell them that we’re doing fine.”

[Margret] “Yes, please go right ahead.”

The old lady sure are nice, she just let us enter their house without a single doubt on our identity. Even go so much as to worry about us.

[Lancelot] “Thank you very much.”

Given the permission, I carried Lancelot close to the phone; I then put her down gently and she quickly dials for someone.

I was standing beside Lancelot, but I was called the old man and offered me a seat on the couch. I didn’t really have any reason to refuse and they did help us out, so without question, I did what the old man asks and take a seat.

The old man’s wife, Mrs. Margret then shows up carrying a tray with 2 mugs. I could see steam coming out from the mugs; Mrs. Margret must have noticed Lancelot’s body slightly shaking.

Even if our clothes are bit dry, some water remains and the cold draft of this country makes it even colder.

[James] “Thank you Ma’am.”

[Margret] “That’s alright dear, just keep yourself warm.”

Wow, is this what it feels like to have a grandmother? I don’t really know if a have grandparents, heck, I don’t even know if my mother had parents at all.

To be honest, I’m actually feeling a bit cold myself, so being given a warm drink really helps and not only that, the drink she gave us is milk.

I haven’t had milk for a while now, or any dairy food for that matter. I actually planning to buy some when I get a chance, but since Mrs. Margret gave us, I could finally have some time to actually enjoy myself.

I’m actually really excited to drink this

[James] “*Sip*……..Hmm!?”

This milk, this milk isn’t just your ordinary, everyday Milk!

The smooth texture is way beyond the milk I’ve been drinking and lets no forget the certain sweetness of the taste, sugar is obviously never been put in it since the sweetness is just perfect and doesn’t destroy the original milky taste!

What, what is this!?

If this was used as an ingredient for ice-cream or some shake and sold on a shop, it would sell out in a short time!      

[Eustace] “What’s wrong boy? You suddenly froze there.”

[James] “Oh, it’s nothing Sir. I was just thinking about something.”

Something like how could I get my hands on this white liquid gold!

As I continue to sip my drink, Lancelot tries to go over to us while limping. I place my drink on the living room table and help Lancelot walk to the couch.

She also drank some milk and gave a surprised look while staring at the mug. Looks like she feels that same as I did on how delicious the milk is, she drank all so fast it after all.

After putting down the empty mug, Lancelot once again thanked the old couple. Of course it would be awkward if she alone did that, so I quickly said my thanks as well.

[Margret] “Happy to help, Mrs…”

[Lancelot] “Oh, we forgot to introduce ourselves. My name is Vistela Moriarty—”

No its not, it’s Vistela Monrrow!

[Lancelot] “And this is my husband, James Moriarty.”

[Margret] “Oh my, you’re named after a novel villain?”

Urk, I didn’t want them to know my name, but I guess it would be rude to them if we didn’t give them our real names, well at least my name is real, Lancelot only gave half the truth.

[Lancelot] “But still, to have helped two complete strangers, we really appreciate what you’re doing.”  

[Eustace] “Like I said earlier, it’s fine. So, did you get to contact your friend?”

[Lancelot] “Yes I did, he said he’ll be able to pick us up, but unfortunately, it would take 2 days in the evening to get here.”

[Margret] “Well at least someone would come for the both of you.”

For 2 days, huh? I guess there’s no helping that. I’d rather wait than just walk the streets for days.

[James] “Um…excuse me Mr. Eustace, are there any Hotels or Inns we can stay? Since both me and La—my wife will be staying here for a while.”

[Eustace] “Sorry youngster, but there’s no Hotels or Inns here, but if you want, both of you are free to stay here.”

[Lancelot] “Eh, but we already intruded enough, we can’t—“

[Margret] “Now, now dear, calm down. Since you two have no other choice, it’s better to take our offer.”

Though I feel like I’m just taking advantage of their kindness, Mrs. Margret is right; we don’t have anywhere to stay.

And it looks like Lancelot is thinking of the same thing as I am.

[Lancelot] “Thank you very much, we’ll gladly take you offer.”

Hearing Lancelot’s answer made them smile and Lancelot did the same in return, but this time her smile isn’t an act, it’s a legit smile that actually give a warm feeling.

I kind of feel bad that she doesn’t show that kind of smile towards me.

[Lancelot] “Oh honey, can you please help me go up staircase?”

[James] “Hmm? Y—yeah coming.”

Looks like the room we’ll be using is up stairs, and since Lancelot’s leg is sprained, I walk closer to her and held her on her waist while her left held on to my shoulder.

But what made me stutter my words is that Lancelot actually used the word ‘please’ to me, though I know it doesn’t have any feeling to it.

[Eustace] “Whoa,,,th—this suitcase of your is pretty…heavy.”

[James] “You don’t have to worry yourself Mr. Eustace, I’ll carry it myself.”

It isn’t an ordinary suitcase, so I guess it is kind of heavy.

I don’t want to trouble this family anymore, so while I have Lancelot on my right arm, I grab hold to the suitcase with my left and carry it up the stairs.

[Eustace] “Wow, you’re quite a strong one, aren’t you?”

After giving me a compliment, Mr. Eustace leads us to a room at the far end of the corner. He then opens the door and shows us the interior.

[Eustace] “This room used to belong to my son; he’s all grown up and has his own family now though. You two can use it for now. This room also has its own shower, you two can use that to if you want.”

[James & Lancelot] “”Thank you very much.””

[Eustace] “Just relax here for now; Margret will call for you when dinner is ready.”

With the door gently closing, Mr. Eustace waves at us and left.

But honestly, I wanted say something before he left, but I guess my guilt stopped the words I wanted to say.

By the way, the thing I wanted to say to Mr. Eustace is…

[Lancelot] “This room only has 1 bed.”

Yup, she took the words right out of my mouth. This room only has a one bed, and not only that, this bed seems like it could fit two people.

I’m not thinking about us sleeping together of course, I mean she hates my guts; I’m too scared to think what she might do to me if we did sleep together!

But unlike me, Lancelot doesn’t look like she’s fazed at all. She simply sat at the bed slowly and took of her boots and socks.

[Lancelot] “Would you please not stare so much, or maybe your once of those weird lonely virgins that has a thing for women’s’ feet?”

[James] “I wasn’t staring, and I’m not a virgin ether.”

[Lancelot] “I know, you did it with a Witch, a Nephilim and your own classmate. What an animal, I feel like I’m inside a cage with a beast in heat that is about to release all of its lust towards its victim.”

[James] “I—I wasn’t planning to do anything to you!”

[Lancelot] “Is that so?”

I don’t think she believes on what I just said, so I’m about to say something to make her stop thinking about it. But suddenly, the sound of knocking came out from the door.

I then open the door and found Mrs. Margret outside holding a medic kit.

[Margret] “Now then, let’s see that foot of yours.”

[Lancelot] “You don’t have to Mrs. Margret, we can do it ourselves.”

[Margret] “Don’t worry and just let me.”

I could see Lancelot’s cheeks slightly blushing, which is a very rare sight to see. I wanted to take a picture of it, too bad my phone is busted.

Thought Lancelot wanted to do it herself, but Mrs. Margret’s stubbornness over powered her thoughts so she just stayed seated and wait for Mrs. Margret to finish tending to her foot.

[Margret] “There you go; I’ll head on back down now.”

[Lancelot] “Wait, may I keep the Medic kit here?”

[Margret] “Hmm, could it be that you have other injuries besides you foot dear?”

[Lancelot] “Actually, it’s my husband.”

Hmm? Husband, where?......oh that’s right, besides my own name, being husband and wife is fake identity we gave them.

But she said I have an injury, do really I have one?

Since Lancelot said that I have an injury, Mrs. Margret looks at me. At first she looks at me in confusion, but suddenly her face brightens as if she just thought of something and walks to the door.

But before she leaves, she peeks through the small gap of the door and gave us a mischievous smile.

[Margret] “I shouldn’t bother you Love Birds, now shouldn’t I?”

*Thud*

Even when the door is closed, I could slightly hear Mrs. Margret giggle at the other side of the door.

I'm happy that your considerate Ma’am, but do you really have to throw a bomb like that!? Lancelot hates me, so if you leave after saying something that, her insults might level up to something worse!

[Lancelot] “Go pick up that chair and seat in front of me James Moriarty.”

What!? She wants to verbally abuse me in front of my face!? Isn’t that a little bit too much, it might leave me a gigantic emotional scar you know!?

[Lancelot] “What’s wrong? Could it be that you dropped your pea sized brain when we feel or could it be that your head was already empty that my words just goes in one ear and goes through the other?”

Oh no, she’s already starting!

If I do what she says, maybe she will hold back a little…who am I kidding, she won’t do that.

Though I didn’t really want to, I grab the chair she points at and place it in across her. I then sat on the chair and steeled myself for the upcoming insults.

[Lancelot] “Give me your hand.”

[James] “Huh?”

[Lancelot] “Your right hand, give it to me.”

I was still confused about not being mercilessly insulted, so she grabs my hand and flips it to show my palm.

[James] “Ah…”

So that’s what she was talking about, the skin on my palm gashed open and some of the skin on my fingertips is gone. Now that I see this, I recycled that I grab hold to that steel rope when we were falling.

At first I thought she might poke my wound to make fun of me, but surprisingly she isn’t doing anything. Actually, she’s clearly taking care of the wound like a well trained doctor.

She cleans the wound, takes off the sands and dirt, removes the burnt skin and now she’s sewing the skin that can still be attached.

No way, could this…could this be…Kindness!? She’s actually showing me Kindness!?

But even though I was surprise that she isn’t insulting me but properly tending to my wounds, the next thing she does just shocked me.

She draws her face closer to my palm, her lips touches my hand along with her warm breath. If someone saw this, they would most likely they would think that Lancelot is kissing my hand, but in actual fact, she was only trying to cut the string with her teeth.

But still, this almost made my heart burst out. I could still feel my heart thumping.

After cutting the string, Lancelot took out a bandage and wraps my wound.

[James] “Thanks.”

[Lancelot] “Unneeded, if having the monkey injured, it would ruin its performance after all. Don’t you agree, Monkey? I mean, do you want a Banana James Moriarty?”

That was quick; her kindness towards me instantly faded as soon as I open my mouth! Maybe if I didn’t say anything, I could have kept her nice version for at least an hour longer.

*Thunk!* *Thunk!*

Hearing some huffing and some other noise, Lancelot and I took a peek out of the window and see Mr. Eustace chopping wood at the backyard.

Considering his age, Mr. Eustace must be having a hard time with such heavy labor. So I walk toward my suitcase, grab myself a sleeveless shirt and change.

I know Lancelot is here, but it’s not like I have other options, if I say something, she start badmouthing me again.

[Lancelot] “Don’t use too much force with you right hand.”

Huh? That wasn’t an insult, she’s actually—

[Lancelot] “I wouldn’t want to tire myself out mentally and physically from doing something pointless like helping you again.”

She then grabs an alcohol from the medic kit and starts rubbing her hands together.

[James] “G—got, thanks.”

Show another bit of kindness is too good to be true I guess.

Though I’m still damage from Lancelot’s attack earlier, I walk down the stairs and head to the backyard.

On my way there, I pass through a room that seems to be their kitchen. I then got spotted by Mrs. Margret.

[Margret] “Oh and where are you off to…hmm? You have quite the body their Mr. James.”

[James] “Well, I do want to stay fit after all, but more importantly, is Mr. Eustace going to be OK? I can go out and help if you want.”

[Margret] “Would you be a dear and help him, he might strain his back again.”

Giving Mrs. Margaret a nod, I walk out of the kitchen and call out to Mr. Eustace. As soon as he turns towards me, I quickly notice his face covered in sweat and gasping deeply.

[James] “I can do that for you, if you want Mr. Eustace.”

[Eustace] “R—really, that would help me a lot.”

Presenting the ax to me, I took it from his shaking hand and start doing my part.

*Thunk!*

[Eustace] “Oh, you’re quite good; you chopped that thing with a single swing.”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

[James] “Thanks Mr. Eustace, but the sun is getting hotter. You should stay inside, I’ll handle these.”

[Eustace] “I don’t want to take advantage of you, we should split the work and—“

[James] “Don’t worry sir, this is the least I can do for letting me and La—I mean my wife, stay here for free.”

[Eustace] “Well…if you say so. I’ll gratefully accept you offer then. I’ll be at the barn if you need me, oh and before I forget, tie them up and put them in that small shed when you’re done.”

[James] “Got it.”

Watching the old back of Mr. Eustace enter the house, I continue chopping wood.

I’ve done this a lot of times back when I used to train; I’ve chopped an incredible amount of wood before so if I compare this to back then, this would be even less than child’s play to me.

Finishing the job I was given, I tie them up and put all of them on the shed. I finished this task a lot faster that I thought it would, so I walk toward the barn where Mr. Eustace is.

[James] “Mr. Eustace, I’m done chopping the wood, is there something else I can help you with?”

As I call out to his name, I see his hand waving towards me at the edge of the barn.

Looking around this place, I spot multiple places that need some new wood to be replaced. But surprisingly the animals doesn’t look unhealthy at all, on the contrary, they look very energetic.

I could clearly see on how much Mr. Eustace took care of these animals.

As I continue to observe the surroundings, I eventually made it to Mr. Eustace, who seems to be busy milking a brown spotted cow.

[Eustace] “Is there something wrong?”

[James] “There’s nothing wrong, I’m actually done chopping all of them.”

[Eustace] “Eh, already? That’s fast.”

[James] “I already tied them and put them inside the shed. So, is there something else I can help you with?”

[Eustace] “Hmm…I don’t think there’s anything else…”

Just in case Mr. Eustace could think of something, I stood still and wait for him to say something, and while doing so, I once again look around me and eventually found a hole as big as a basketball on the roof.

[James] “Hey Mr. Eustace, if you have any extra wood and some carpentry tools I could fix the barn for you.”

[Eustace] “You would do that for me? If you’re willing, I could lend you some tool in the shed.”

Quickly replying back, I follow Mr. Eustace to the same shed where I put the wood.

[Eustace] “Wow, you really did finish chopping all of them, that really impressive.”

After giving me a line of complement, he rummage through a dusty box and gave me a belt for holding tool as well as the tools themselves. He then gives me a bag that is filled with plywood.

Strapping the belt to my waist and putting the strap of the bag on my shoulder, I face mr. Eustace and asks…

[James] “I’ll start with the roof, is there any ladder to get up there?”

We then go back out side and made our way to the right side of the barn. He then directs me where I could find the stepladder to help me go up the roof.

[Eustace] “I really appreciate this kid; though I want to do it myself, my age would let me do something dangerous, I’ll go back inside the barn and feed the animals. Just call for me if there’s anything you need.”

I was about to start working, but I notice that the stepladder is already rusted and has small holes everywhere. I then told Mr. Eustace about it and showed a depressed look.

But since I already told him that I would fix the barn, I couldn’t really give up just because I couldn’t us the stepladder.

Looking for a way, I spot a 30 or 35 feet tree next to the barn, and fortunately for me, one of its branches reaches the roof, but the down side to it is that the tree doesn’t have any other branches low enough to help me climb up.

While pondering for a few minutes, I eventually found a way. I then told Mr. Eustace to not worry and I went back to the shed to get the things I need.

Quickly fining them, I return to Mr. Eustace.

Anyone would be curious at this point, so it only natural for Mr. Eustace to ask what I got.

[Eustace] “A 5 Hooked Garden Rake and some rope?”

[James] “Yup.”

With these tools, I quickly made a make-shift grappling rope.

I walk a bit closer to the tree and spun the rope on my hand; I then threw it at the branch and got hooked instantly, but before climbing up, I first tug it to make sure it holding the branch tightly.

[James] “This looks good. Well then, I’ll be up there and start fixing the roof now.”

After saying so, I climb up the rope and got to the branch within seconds and jump to the barn’s roof.

[Eustace] “You showed me something amazing again, are you soldier, kid?”

[James] “I’m not, I…uh…I just like doing this on my free time.”

[Eustace] “Hahaha! You’ve got quite the hobby there kid.”

[James] “Y—you think so? Hehehe~”

As I scratch the back of my head while laughing along with Mr. Eustace, he eventually stops and reminds me again to call for him in barn if I need anything. He then goes back inside to feed the animals.

[James] “Now then, first I need to remove those rotten woods and…”

Honestly speaking, I’m actually enjoying this. Just like what told the girls back at home, I like making things with my hands.

With a big smile on my face, I walk around the roof to search the biggest hole I could find.

When the sun hides behind the mountains, it would mean that it is time to stop working and go back home. Or at least that’s what Mr. Eustace told me.

I wanted to finish both the outside and the inside of the barn, but with the given time, I was only able to finish the roof.

Along with Mr. Eustace, we walk back to his house while we talk to each other.

[James] “Don’t you have anyone to hire to fix the barn?”

[Eustace] “We do, it’s just that the Harvest Festival will be held in 2 days so everyone is too busy.”

I see, so all the carpenters are too busy with the festival; I guess I can understand that, but what surprises me is that their festival is 2 days from now the same day well be leaving.

Well, since we’ll be leaving at the evening, I guess I could have time to have a bit of fun. Can’t let Lancelot hear that though, she’s too high strung.

As I continue to listen about the festival, we eventually made it to the back door.

Mr. Eustace greets his wife Margret like he did a while ago, and since I’m someone who is staying here for free, I also need to greet her politely.

But when I‘m about to do so, the words suddenly stop in my throat after seeing something I’ve never seen before.

Lancelot, who always wears a full suit similar to a private security guard, is now wearing clothes that civilians wear.

Seeing that were here, Lancelot turns around while holding on to a pot with mittens on her covering her hands.

Observing her from top to bottom, her semi-long hair is clipped at the back like the top of a pineapple. She wore a white long sleeved blouse combined with a red colored apron, as for lower body, she’s wearing a blue jean skirt and a pair of slippers.

[Lancelot] “Welcome back, Honey. Good work out there.”

[James] “Y—yeah, thanks.”

This is making me feel weird, seeing her like this is kind of like seeing a penguin turning into a hawk when it sheds its feathers! Her strict secretary-type feel to her diminished and is now looking like a homely, calm woman.

[Margret] “Now I know that your allured on how beautiful you wife is, but we can’t start if you’ll keep staring at her.”

[James] “Huh!? Ah…s—sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

[Margret] “*Sigh* It’s good to be young.”

[Eustace] “Kind of reminds me back when we were young.”

Luckily, I snap back to reality with the old couple’s words. With my eyes trying to avoid the Homely Beauty Lancelot, we are lead to the dining table by Mrs. Margret, while holding a tray of baked chicken.

Since we’re freeloaders, Lancelot and I followed the old couple’s tradition and pray. And after that Mrs. Margret sliced the chicken and gave all of us portions.

Though we only meet today, our dinner together didn’t stay quiet. The first who asked a question was Mr. Eustace, he asked us about my life with my (not real) wife.

I was about to say something, but apparently Lancelot has already thought up of an excuse.

She made our fake life pretty dramatic, and of course due to Lancelot’s amazing storytelling, the old couple quickly got engrossed and eats their food quietly.

Out of curiosity, this is how Lancelot’s story goes.

In her story, I was an orphan who grew up in a dangerous town. But even so, I still work hard on my construction job to save enough for college.

But little did I know, I was actually a legitimate child of a multi millionaire company owner.

See, we’re only at the first part but she already made it dramatic.

Anyway, I was then informed that I actually had a (Not real) father and he is about to die on the hospital bed.

When I visit him, that is where I meet not only my (Not real) father but also his secretary, and of course that so called secretary is Lancelot.

My (Not real) father then gives me the ownership of the company as long as I do something, and that is for me to wait for a year until Lancelot find me worthy.

After that, Lancelot’s story became amazing, like her getting kidnapped and I heroically saved her, or something about my (Not real) company secretly dealing with bad people and Lancelot and I stopped them.

There are other things too, but I didn’t really listen to everything since it’s getting embarrassing for me. So much that I want to hide under the table to hide my shame.

[Lancelot] “And at the end, James proposed to me and of course I happily said ‘Yes’. We actually got married last month.”

Stop, please, I’d rather be insulted than seating here listening to this!

[Eustace] “Wow, that’s some life you two have, and to think that the trusted Company Vice-President was actually a bad guy.”

[Margret] “I thought he was a good person too, but in the end he was just a greedy man.”

This is torture, their torturing me! Please stop having an energetic conversation about that non-existing life of mine!

Fortunately for me, I’m already done eating, so I could make an excuse to get back up in the room and get out of here while I still have a bit of my mental fortitude left.

Considering that we just had dinner as well as the time, I only need to raise my hand into the air and yawn.

[James] “I’m getting a little sleepy; maybe I should hit the bed early.”

[Margret] “Is that so? Then you should go back up and have a nice long nap then.”

[James] “Thank you very much, I’ll do that.”

Hehehe, and with this, I should be able to escape further embarrassment.

[Lancelot] “Wait for me Honey; I’ll go up with you.”

What!? Does that mean that I’ll be insulted just after being bombarded with a fake, dramatic non-existing life of mine!?

I then realized that she would have a hard time going up the stairs with her foot sprained, so walk back towards her and carry her like a princess.

Though I don’t want to be rude and ignore the old couple, but since they made a very excited look on their face while looking at us, I reluctantly ignored them.

Making it to the room that is given to us, Lancelot sits on the bed while I pull out a chair and sit.

I wasn’t sure where she got it, but Lancelot took out a book and quietly read. I on the other hand got me thinking about something.

Inside a single room, surrounded by complete silence besides the sound of Lancelot turning the pages of the book, I could help myself but ask…

Why does Lancelot hate me so much?

Did I do anything in the past that made her loathe me so much? Did I do something bad to her without me knowing?

I might have, after all I was still in the influence of the potion back then, and I must have done something really wrong. And if I did, I want to apologize for it.

But if I want to apologize properly, I must first know the reason why she hates me, and then I’ll figure out if a simple apology is enough. If it isn’t, then I’ll just have to do something else to make her forgive me.

[James] “…………………………………………………………!?’

I can’t do it, what if it’s something so bad, that she will never forgive me no matter what I do to repent.

Wait a minute, c—could it be that…I killed someone she knew, back when I was still doing my Mother’s instructions!? If it is, than this is beyond bad!

[Lancelot] “Would you stop staring at me with you rotten green eyes, it feels like you injecting me with cancer.”

[James] “……………………………..”

Alright James, time to man up. Just ask her directly and apologize, and if it’s the bad situation, then you’re just going to have to roll with it.

[James] “Hey Lancelot, can I ask you a question?”

[Lancelot] “Knowing you, your question must be something idioti—“

[James] “Honestly answer me, why do you hate me so much?”

[Lancelot] “…………………………..”

I did it, I actually did it!

But it’s not over yet, I need to ready myself for what’s to come.

With the room completely silent, Lancelot puts down the book she’s reading on the bed and fixes her red framed glasses, she then looks at me with her sky blue eyes while carrying her usual cold look.

I could actually hear my heart beat.

She then opens her mouth while I prepare for the worse.

[Lancelot] “I don’t hate you.”

[James] “……………………………………………………………………………………..What?”

I don’t think I got that right.

[Lancelot] “I said that I don’t hate you. On contrary, I actually hold very strong feeling towards you.”

[James] “………………………..”

[Lancelot] “In other words, I love you James Moriarty, so much I wish to have a family with you.”

[James] “…………………………………”

I am so confused right now……………….

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Hey guys ZYLOS here!! the next chapter will have Lancelot's POV so get ready for that. by the way, i'm still making my comic so when i'm done, i'll let you guys read it. and another thing, please tell me how you feel about this new character. well then, see you guys next CHAPTER!!!