Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Early in the morning, Aiden stood rigid in front of the lord's chamber door, his posture stiff and uneasy. He hadn't slept all night, his mind racing with the events of the previous day. The sky was still cloaked in darkness as he took his place outside, waiting. As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Royfield emerged from the shadows, carrying a tray with the lord's morning tea and clothes. Their eyes met briefly, an intense but silent exchange—a challenge unspoken. With a slight nod, Royfield entered the room, leaving Aiden alone.
Inside, Seth stirred from his sleep, the familiar scent of tea coaxing him awake. The taste of its sweetness refreshed his senses, and he savored the peaceful moment as he eased into his morning ritual. Royfield stood nearby, observing quietly, as he always did, ensuring Seth's routine went undisturbed.
A group of maids soon entered, their movements precise and graceful as they set about washing and dressing the lord. They admired Seth's striking features, though none dared linger on them too long. Their hands moved with expert care, washing his hair with scented soap and massaging his body with fragrant oils. The rich scents filled the room, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Seth showed no sign of discomfort as they worked. In fact, he found the routine quite pleasant. The expert touch of their hands eased the tension from his muscles, leaving him feeling refreshed. Once dried, they dressed him in his usual opulence—a velvet coat embroidered with gold thread draped over a pristine white shirt with ruffled cuffs. His breeches, tailored from the finest silk, fit perfectly, and his knee-high boots gleamed in the morning light. A cravat adorned his neck, tied with elegant precision, and a brocade vest with jeweled buttons completed the ensemble. Everything about his attire spoke of wealth and status.
When the preparations were complete, Seth glanced at Royfield. "Send Aiden in."
Royfield nodded and exited the room, passing Aiden with a brief, unreadable look as he opened the door for him. Aiden stepped inside cautiously, his eyes drawn immediately to Seth, who sat casually on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other. There was something different about him today—an aura of calm authority that felt unsettling, as though a completely different person inhabited the body of Lord Seth.
"Join me," Seth said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
Aiden hesitated for a moment but then complied, lowering himself onto the chair. As he sat, Royfield moved swiftly to pour a second cup of tea for Aiden before quietly retreating from the room, leaving the two men alone.
Silence stretched between them, thick with tension, until Seth finally spoke. "I'm going to town this morning," he said, his tone casual but direct. "You will be my only guard."
Aiden's eyes widened slightly. "But my lord, it's dangerous to go with just one knight."
Seth's response was confident, almost dismissive. "Nothing bad will happen if it's just you. But if I bring a full entourage, things could go wrong."
The logic baffled Aiden. How could the lord be so certain? Seth's confidence bordered on the supernatural, as if he could see the future. Still, Aiden's sense of duty outweighed his confusion. "I will protect you with my life, my lord," he said, his voice filled with conviction.
Seth smiled, satisfied with the response. "As you should."
He set his cup down and leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "I'm looking for someone in town. I think you know who."
Aiden furrowed his brow, unsure of what Seth meant.
"The wanderer mercenary," Seth clarified. "The one rumored to have killed the basilisk in the Forgotten Forest. I want him."
Aiden's surprise was evident. He knew exactly who Seth was talking about—everyone did. But convincing this man to join Seth's cause would be a monumental challenge. Seth, however, leaned in closer, his voice lowering. "If you help me bring him to my side, I will give you everything you need to exact your revenge. It's a once-in-a-lifetime offer."
The words struck Aiden like a hammer blow. He knew Seth's offer was dangerous, possibly even reckless, but the promise of revenge weighed heavily on his heart. After a moment of deep contemplation, he made his decision. "I will do my best to fulfill your request, my lord."
Seth's smile widened, pleased with the answer. The reason he needed Aiden was simple: Aiden had a direct connection to the protagonist of the story. They had grown up together, surviving the slums of Arlecia. Aiden had protected the protagonist as a child, using his unnatural strength to fend off those who threatened them. With Aiden by his side, Seth knew he'd be safe in town. No thug or criminal would dare touch him with Aiden close by.
Satisfied, Seth stood, signaling that it was time to leave the castle. He intentionally left Royfield behind—he didn't need the old fox interfering in his business today.
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The carriage rolled out of the castle gates, heading toward the town. Seth sat comfortably in the corner, gazing out the window at the rolling landscape. The world beyond his window was pristine and beautiful, so different from the chaos of his previous life. But he couldn't lose himself in the beauty for long. Darkness loomed on the horizon—the red portal would soon appear, and this world would be plunged into chaos.
Across from him, Aiden sat quietly, observing. Something about the lord felt… different. The once cruel and unpredictable man had grown calm, even composed. But beneath that surface, there was something unsettling—like the eerie calm before a storm. Aiden's unease grew with each passing moment.
Seth broke the silence first, his voice casual. "You can transform into a wolf, right?"
Aiden blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Yes, my lord," he answered cautiously.
Seth tilted his head, intrigued. "Show me your wolf ears and tail."
Aiden hesitated but complied, concentrating until his wolf-like ears appeared from under his red hair. He kept his tail hidden—revealing it would ruin his pants.
Seth's eyes lit up with fascination. He leaned forward, reaching out to touch the ears, but before he could, the carriage hit a bump, causing Seth to stumble forward. He fell into Aiden's chest.
Aiden instinctively caught the lord, holding him securely for a brief moment. Their eyes locked, time seeming to still as awkward tension filled the air. Seth quickly pulled back, embarrassed by the close contact. His face flushed, though he tried to hide it as he returned to his corner of the carriage, remaining silent for the rest of the ride, his thoughts elsewhere.
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When the carriage arrived in town, Seth gazed out at the dilapidated streets. The slums stretched before him—filthy, chaotic, a stark contrast to the opulence of the castle. The people were gaunt, their clothes tattered, their eyes hollow. As the carriage bearing the lord's emblem passed, whispers spread through the alleys, and watchful eyes tracked their every move. Aiden stepped out first, scanning the area for danger before offering his hand to help Seth down.
Their presence drew immediate attention, and not the good kind. Suspicious eyes followed them, and whispers echoed in the air. Seth could feel the hostility beneath the surface.
"We're being watched," Aiden muttered.
Seth nodded, unbothered. "Lead me to the mercenary guild."
In Arlecia, only one guild held real power—the Raven Guild. From the outside, it looked rundown, like the rest of the town, but Seth knew its true nature. Inside, it was a hub of information and a vital part of the protagonist's network. Seth needed access to it, and Aiden was his key.
They entered the guild, and immediately, the air turned hostile. Mercenaries lounged in corners, glaring at Seth with barely concealed hatred. The bartender, Cecilia, greeted Aiden warmly, but her expression turned cold the moment she saw the lord.
Seth didn't flinch. He knew what was needed to gain access to the guild's inner workings. Before Aiden could speak, Seth smoothly recited the code phrase. "Roasted crow with a bit of apple juice. I want it in full course."
Aiden froze. Full course? He knew what the phrase meant. Seth was offering everything—his life included—in exchange for this meeting.
Cecilia's eyes flickered with surprise before she led them to a hidden passage at the back of the guild. The corridor descended underground, winding through damp tunnels that stretched deep beneath the Heins Mountains. At the entrance, guards handed them blindfolds, insisting on secrecy.
Aiden hesitated, but Seth gave a reassuring nod. "It will be fine."
Reluctantly, Aiden complied.
When the blindfolds were removed, they found themselves in a dimly lit chamber. A man sat at the far end, his sharp blue eyes scrutinizing them with keen interest. Seth's heart raced. Killian de Oberion. The protagonist of the novel. The hero. The man Seth had admired for so long now sat before him.
Seth's red eyes gleamed with emotion, but he suppressed the surge of feelings inside.
Killian greeted Aiden casually. "Good to see you again."
Aiden responded stiffly, guilt gnawing at him for abandoning his old friend to serve a lord Killian despised.
Seth remained silent, carefully observing the reunion. He hadn't come just to see Killian—he had come to recruit him. But before he could speak, Aiden suddenly dropped to his knees in a deep bow, shocking everyone in the room, including Seth.
"Aiden, what are you doing?" Seth thought, eyes widening.
Killian's expression darkened. "Get up," he said sharply.
But Aiden remained bowing. "You know my goal, Killian," he said, his voice laced with desperation. "The lord has the information I need, but in return, he wants you."
The words hung awkwardly in the air. Seth's face flushed with embarrassment. That's not what I meant! But Aiden's phrasing made the request sound far more intimate than intended.
Killian's face twisted with disgust. "I knew the lord had strange hobbies, but this…"
Seth clenched his jaw. Curse the old Seth and his depraved reputation.
Despite his fury, Killian softened slightly as he addressed Aiden. "I'll agree to this, but I need proof that the lord actually has what you're looking for."
Killian's sharp blue eyes turned to Seth, cutting through the air like a blade.
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