I settle as comfortably as the chains allow and lift my gaze.

"Since we're stuck waiting, how about a conversation to pass the time?" I suggest.

"Izao truly has nerves of steel," Nicholas observes. "Honestly, father, I find myself admiring him."

"Yes," the elder concurs. "His composure is indeed remarkable."

"What did you expect?" The witch smirks. "He's a Knight! Did you think that was just a title?"

"So, what do you wish to discuss, young Knight?" Trench appears to offer a gentle smile. "Planning to negotiate? Such admirable tenacity!"

"Why not?" I force myself to stay composed. My voice mustn't waver!

"And what do you have to offer?" Is he genuinely intrigued or just putting on a performance?

"I possess a Secret."

"A secret?" Annabelle chimes in.

"Not just any secret, but a Secret!" I clarify.

"What's the difference?" The ageless blonde inquires.

"It's that my Secret, as verified by a wholly reliable expert, is of great significance."

"What are you getting at..." Nicholas begins.

"Son, be quiet," the elder interrupts, and the younger complies immediately. The leader of Eshin then addresses me, "So you have a Secret. Why should it matter to us?"

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"I'm considering sharing it!" I speak the truth; without it, my plan won't work.

Upon uttering those words, I sense a fragile thread extending from the core of my soul. The connection is delicate, filled with agony, despair, and profound suffering. I hope Annabelle hasn't picked up on it! But she shouldn't be able to. Did I succeed? Now, I need to buy time, regardless of the cost, for the prana is draining too swiftly.

Forgive me, Rui. Forgive me if you can... The fate of the entire world hangs in the balance...

"Alright, speak," Trench urges.

"I've changed my mind." My smile is genuine; there's no need for pretense.

"Father," Nicholas abruptly stands, "let me break his legs!"

"Sit!" The elder's command is sharp and instant. "The lad wants to partake in grown-up games. Let him. I find it amusing."

"As do I," the witch chimes in.

This isn't good! My "change of heart" seems to have weakened the spiritual thread; it's fading.

"A young man harboring a monumental Secret?" The Dark adept muses aloud. "He isn't lying, though; he does have it."

"Really?"

"Trust my expertise," the witch assures the patriarch. "How intriguing! Izao, you never cease to surprise. Are you genuinely Maestro?"

"That's what I've been saying." My smirk is as taunting as I can muster, but they remain unfazed.

"A dual-wielding knight. Quite the rarity," Annabelle muses. "A mature spirit in a youthful form..."

"Is that even possible?" The leader of Eshin scratches the back of his head.

"Yes," the blonde affirms, her smile radiating triumph. "Izao! I've unraveled your mystery!"

"What are you getting at?" I reply, narrowing my eyes disdainfully.

"You truly are Maestro!" At the witch's proclamation, Nicholas jerks in surprise, and Trench sharpens his focus intently. "What a revelation."

"It's not a secret. I just told you," I retort.

"True," she acknowledges. "But that's not everything. Your secret is that you're reincarnated!"

"Wait, what?" The younger rat's complexion fades.

"Bravo, beautiful Annabelle," I commend. "But that's merely the tip of the iceberg."

"Riddles... I adore riddles," the witch muses, leaning back comfortably. A genuine smile graces her features.

"If he is Maestro, we can't take chances," Trench declares, standing and brandishing a hunting knife meant for butchering.

"Well, I still have my second eye," the witch observes calmly. "However, I suggest you take your seat, patriarch. Regardless of his identity, he's bound more than securely."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, sit down. Let's play a guessing game. We have at least an hour to kill, after all..."