章 10: Monster formula

On these past few days, Hans and I were in a much more comfortable position, compared to before this is the best situation I could ever achieve. Yes sir, I finally succeed in brushing away one of the guillotines that were ready to chop chop my neck. So, all I need to do is to approach Hans in a much more friendly manner than before.

Eh, but how should I start?

I mean, what's considered as 'friendly'? Ah… socializing is so hard. If only I could be as skilled as Dwayne. Nevermind, I'd rather be a loner than having to remind myself about all those complicated etiquettes all the time.

Being a nobleman is hard, ah.

To avoid facing anymore relentless attacks from Megose's guardians aka her dear mother and father, I either cozied up in my bedroom or go take a walk outside to familiarize myself with surroundings in case I need to escape a pursuit from someone. Who's that someone you ask? It could be a group of respectable guests butler Hans decided to invite one day or a visit from Nighthawk at night to give me a surprise. It would be a disastrous if I accidentally bust off my cover. I didn't know if I have a cheat code like Klein that kept me conscious inside the dream, though I doubt I would.

Again, not only being a nobleman is hard, but being a transmigrator is also hard too. Why did those protagonists in this genre get it so easy unlike me?

Most of them arrived and spent their first day f*ck around and find out while no one ever suspecting them, they also got so many reliable backers and cheats!

While here I am, having to be cautious of this body's own butler. Yes, I was talking about you Old Hans.

'Hm, could it be that my acting skill sucked so badly?'

For once, I had this thought in my mind.

No way, it was really THAT bad? That's not fair, I made sure I smile every time someone talks to me! Although I wasn't sure if they look like one or not but hey I've tried my best alright?

Well, at least Megose's parents and those two other servants didn't seem to have any suspicious against me, for now. Yes, it must be because Hans is a beyonder that was why he noticed me, definitely. My acting skill was acceptable after all. Let's say, this should be one of my cheat that allowed me to pass as Megose so easily. I'll gladly accept that thank you very much, looks like god of transmigration still has a little conscious left in them huh?

"Meow"

A breathy meow sounded right by my side, I looked down to meet eyes with little fluff ball sitting there with its head tilted to the side to display its cuteness to the maximum. I kinda have a little hope for it to be a female, since it would be that I hit a jackpot.

Instead of a normal tiny version Klein I would be getting a witch variation... I was super invested into calling it 'Little Witch Klein' but on the second thought, if this were being know to Klein himself in the future it would be too hilarious for me to handle. So, I'll keep this blasphemy thought aside. As for the naming matter, let stay rotten on the top of the shelf till I have an idea for that later.

Hmm, now that I looked back at it, it was quite funny. At first this milk cat acting all mighty and hissing nonstop at me like it was some kind of underworld overlord. That naughty lord tried to bite me once, of course although it had teeth, they were still milk teeth and weren't sharp to begin with… Its face when it realized that it was of no use against me was interesting to say the least. If this was a video game there would be a number 0 popping up nonstop as it tried to break through my lvl99 armor with its starter pack. I was too sleepy to deal with its little shenanigan, so I scolded it a bit. But what stunned me is that this little ball was completely scared out of its wits and hid under a cabinet all night...

I was expecting it to be too scared to face me by the morning however to my surprise the kitten pretends as if nothing happened and turned over a new leaf, sweetly coiling around my legs like it was a sticky honey. It was pretty smart I would say, knowing it couldn't defeat me with normal means it chose to use its cuteness to upmost advantage. Heh, unlucky for you there's no way I'm falling for that.

Although I was the one to bring the kitten back, but in the end the person to be sacrifice… ahem, in charge of nursing the little kitten was still Mr. 'reliable' 'toolman' Hans. Looks like his third title is going to be a 'shit shoveler', I must say my congrats to Hans in advance.

Letting those thoughts passed by, I put down the pen and closed the diary in front of me before walking to the bedside. I pulled up the mattress and pasting it underneath inside the mattress before placing it back down. This diary is essential to my plan, it would be bad if someone were to find out before I could put it into use.

I clapped my hands as I admired myself inwardly, jokingly said to the small kitten beside me.

"Don't tell anyone understood? This is our little secret now"

"Mrrw"

My, look at how it seriously purred at me as if this was some kind of government's secret that could lead to national war. Ahem, it technically was, under some circumstance. It's best I stop jinxing myself like this again. Death flag is no joke.

Nonetheless, I was thankful nothing eventful happened during these days. Except taking in this little one, a brief mention that it got some serious beef against Hans, for whatever reason I have no idea of. I saw it glaring at Hans resentfully like he had killed its parent many years ago and now it was time to settle the scores, that was until I walked in and let my presence be known. Its attitude took 180 turn in a speed of light, tottered its short stubby limbs that have been enriched with ample nutrients during its stay and meow'd at me with its round amber eyes. If it weren't for Hans looking quite lost with a freshly made wet food for kitten placed in the meticulously prepared porcelain plate gifted from Megose's mother because of how much she adored this kitten in his hand right there I would have thought it was all but a dream.

I saw the mischievous little one I've been back talking of inwardly tried to make its way up to my desk so I gave it a little hand, picked it up, and placed it down on the table. I gave a light pat on its head for a couple of times.

On the second thoughts, cuteness is unexpectedly lethal. Because it was still a cub, its hairs pleasantly soft and comfortable to my hands. Very nice, cuddle-able, 9 out of 10. 1 star off because I still couldn't accept the fact of how I was ridiculously being baited by this kitten.

Alright, I'll let you stay longer for a few more days. Yes, definitely only a few more days.

…Have I told myself that sentence yesterday? Nah, must be my imaginations.

"Huh?"

My palm brushed past something. I moved it up a bit and rubbed the certain spot twice to make sure I wasn't on crack. There was a vague bump on its forehead. It's also because it was covered with fuzzy fur that's why I just noticed it. Hm… it was only a small bump, it should be fine right? Or should I take it to the vet?

"Knock knock"

"Please come in"

"Pardon me"

The very same face I was familiar of, it's Hans the shit shoveler. I sneaked a glance at the little one, it was already rolled over into a ball and snoozed off, pretending to be death. Damn, how could you be so indifferent to your servant like that. Was this the so-called trait unique to all cats out there?

"Here's your robe dear guest. Edmund told me to meet up at the coffee shop by the street turning head. I've informed Madam that you will be attending your friend's afternoon tea party today"

"Um"

Thursday has finally arrived. The very first step to change the gear of fate. Whether I want to or not, eventually my existence will affect the story in some way, even if I said I don't want to interfere with the story but what can I do if I was already a part of the show?

-- - -

"Good day Miss Megose"

"You too"

I greeted Edmund while petting the little black cat on my lap, who was (pretending to be) sleeping soundly. Despite its appearance looking like weeks-old newborn at most it was unexpectedly agile and resilient compared to what I've heard a kitten should be like. As expected of Klein's clone, such a rare talent!

By the way. The coffee shop, or as I would like to call it a café, was surprisingly familiar.

"I remember the black coffee here is quite good, don't you think so Old Hans?"

"…"

Old Hans doesn't look like he wants to share the memory with me, how sad. That was my first time learning that raining day is considered as a good day, a nice weather also, I must thank Hans for that. Ah, I almost forgot about that damned lighting too.

Edmund's gaze darted between me and Hans with a thoughtful look but didn't continue to dwell deep into it and went straight to our main topic for today. He placed a leather suitcase on the table. A meaningful smile after seeing Hans's questioning look.

Right, wasn't it supposed to be a single piece of paper? Why in the world you bring a whole ass suitcase with you sir Edmund.

Edmund pulled out a single piece of paper. A single page, in an entire capacity of that suitcase. Alright, maybe he had some business to do afterwards. Yes, that must be it otherwise this guy must be trolling me on purpose.

"Could you do a divination for me?"

"Haha miss Megose, you're really cautious just like Old Hans! Honesty, it's not like I could run away from my working post anyway"

"Better be safe than sorry" Plus, you actually look kinda shady here.

He chuckled and reached into his vest pocket to take out a pendulum with a red gemstone attached to it.

"Do you know what kind of divination I'm going to perform?"

Just get it done already do I look like I enjoy being here…

I staring dead ass at him in the eyes to earnestly conveyed my inner thought. Even the black kitten in my arms turned to look up at Edmund. In the corner of my eyes I saw Hans wiping his forehead with a 'Goddess please stop this ordeal' written on his face. I wasn't planning on murdering someone, I just want to go to sleep what with that reaction of yours…

"My bad Old Hans must have already taught you these basic topics, despite only spending a few months being a beyonder but that old man was still a hunter to his bones"

I raised my brow at his wording. A hunter? Like a mercenary type of hunter? I thought he was a beyonder before taking on any kind of job, didn't expect it to be the other way around. Hm, months before becoming a beyonder… that should be around when that 'incident' they were talking about before he retired right? If something, whether it was bad or not occurred, most of the time it definitely wouldn't take long before the person mentioned to back away. Especially if it was a traumatic matter. So something must happened after Old Hans becoming a beyonder.

Very well, I won't dig deeper into that. It's other people's business after all.

Weirdly or not, Old Hans didn't comment anything like usual to the Edmund's remark. Although he's just sitting there without any reaction his vacant gaze looks somewhat distant. If someone were being provoked like this wouldn't they instead at the very least snap back at the person who was rubbing the wound? How odd.

Were it to be me, I wouldn't mind putting someone in a sack.

Edmund just shrugged like nothing happened and turning back to doing a divination honestly.

"This is a Monster formula"

He muttered that sentence under his breath multiple times, I watched as the silver ring on his hand glowed briefly before a pendulum spinning on its own in a clockwise motion.

Seeing the result, I was about to tell Hans to take out the money I've prepare when suddenly Edmund spoke up.

"Miss Megose, you must have that mystical item on you right now correct?"

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"How about this miss Megose"

Edmund paused, he opened the suitcase and revealing the contents inside. In the middle of layers upon layers of fabric there was a transparent clear blob of some matter with slivery sparkling glitters floating inside. It gave me an impression of a minced meat with a texture of a slime.

… It looks surprisingly tasty. What's this, a forbidden snack? To be fair, anything could be eaten if you were still alive after you eating that.

"I'll give you the formula for free, and also this. It's one of the main ingredients. After this it should be easy to get your hands on the others one."

"May I ask, what do you want"

"Just a simple request, you can take that as a gift for my fellow past senior colleague. I only need to borrow that mystical item of yours for a while"

"Old Hans has told you didn't he? Its negative effect is quite complicated, once adorned it doesn't allow me to show its appearance to others beside me, I'm sorry"

"I know, that's why I'm going to borrow the person instead"

Goddamn, I was really going to be rent out for real. Suddenly my lampoon became a reality.

Looking at the delicious-looking shiny blob in front, a way to save money to buy something else. I reluctantly sighed inwardly. Seems like I won't be able to escape back to my warm nest soon. I've done this all for you Ademisaul, you better pay up in full later.

I've decided I'm going to put him in a boxing ring next time we have a chance to visit the Evil Dragon bar again after treating Ademisaul. Let's say it's up to your fate whether you will be walking back to that bar or not later on, Ademisaul. I really wasn't holding a grudge, not at all.

"Deal"

It wouldn't hurt right? I could save money too, plus getting an additional main ingredient for free!

"Good to see we can reach an agreement this quick miss Megose"

Edmund with his natural brand-mark smile pushed the suitcase to me. I quickly closed it down, I somehow have a feeling that I might accidentally swallow it down without realizing it. Turning my attention to another matter, I picked up the potion formula in front of me.

80 milliliters of pure water, 2 drops of amber oil, 10 grams of white hawk blood, and so on….

I briefly skimmed through the context and handed both the suitcase and formula over to Hans. The latter startled awake from his trance, welcome back Mr. Hans.

"Shall we go now?"

Edmund's face was beaming, visibly looking forward, as if he couldn't wait to rush into action right here right now. Excuse me Mr. Edmund but I don't think a mystical item could worths more than a sequence 9 formula plus main ingredient in all? It seems I haven't got a full gasp of the world's common senses yet even with the information and data stored in my head.

Looking down at the sleeping black fur. I wish I could be a cat too so I don't have to think of anything else… Just eat, sleep and wait for the slave to feed me full.

The only slave here is Hans. At the end of the day I'm still your boss little one.

I lightly flicked its forehead awake, watching as it narrowed its eyes at me in puzzlement and fear I suddenly felt bad. Alright alright I'm sorry did I used too much force? I scratched its ears as an atonement to my sin.

----

"If there's anything, feel free to come find me next room miss Megose! Alright, see you!"

I gave Edmund a small wave as he skipped away with a hum. Only after his back disappeared from the room did I let out an exhausted sigh. Seriously, just how much energy he had in his pocket? I felt my life force being drained away from interacting with this guy.

I was currently at the same old billiard room, more like, a secret room within the billiard room or to say and Edmund is working in the next very next room. That Edmund told me he wants to use the item's effect aka me to help him suppress his pathway's god-sent speciality of seeing things and hearing things that could and would harm him. Normally it was already tough enough but because of the overlapping negative effect from the divination ring piled up, Edmund said it became more troublesome in itself. He need to use it to help him with the works Swain assigned to him, so with the negative effect reduced he could work more efficiently. Woah, being a Monster sure is rough. As for why he was so sure it could suppressed the ring's negative effect?

"Remember the gathering from last time? You know what, when I was being a middleman like always I could perform much more than usual! Heck, that was much more effective than I thought it could even reach me there standing across the room apart from you. Thanks to that I earned more pocket money to pay Ken back"

That's what he said. In a very excited tone.

Why did I feel I was getting taken advantage of? Brother why don't you pay me ah? Even if it doesn't back lashing me who was somehow magically suppressing not only your spiritual perception but also the ring's negative effect purely with my presence but that still counted as service you know? Tch tch, ungrateful wolf. Anyway, regarding my bizarre state, I should note it down the diary after this. As time went by, more and more abnormalities about me were being dug up like a radish…

Hey, if someone found out about my 'speciality' I'm afraid I would be waking up one day in a cold basement to be a humanoid sealed artifact.

As for Old Hans, I sent him off to buy ingredients and go fetch Mr. 'blood waterfall' Ademisaul. As it was a sequence 9 formula, I don't think it would be that hard to find them all plus with Old Hans's connection, I was even more sure we could prepare the potion by today. Another reason was that Old Hans need some times alone to clear that messy thought of his. I told him to take his time, I'm in no rush.

"Huu…"

Stretching my stiff back, I yawned in drowsiness. There are two to three novel books stacked up in front of me brought by Edmund for me to kill time, too bad I didn't feel like reading it. So, there was really nothing to do here while waiting for Edmund here, while my golden finger's aura taking effect. I boredly stroking the black fur between my fingertips, it felt pretty great. But that made me feel even sleepier now, should I catch some nap? That Edmund didn't even tell me how long it will take.

"Meow"

"Hm?"

"Mrrw"

"You want to go outside?"

The little strayed kitten who was pleasantly obedient these past few days, except for the very first day. It had a habit of strolling outside for half a day, and once in a while it would come back with a random corpse of either an insect, a tiny bird, or a sewer rat. Who knows where did it get that from, but it liked to collect those dead things as its collections. Because of this I had to place a little treasure chest in the corner for it to keep them, obviously better than letting it bury them under my bed. Hans often complains about the smell though, so we would have to throw them away in the end. But that still didn't stop her from increasing her collections. What a determined little one. Aish so young yet works so hard, how diligent.

But besides those dead remains sometimes she would also drop a gold coin at my bedside at night, I wondered where did she get that from? Is this a new form of a tooth fairy? But I haven't stuff any tooth under my pillow yet... Unexpectedly, this little one has a talent to be a thief. I'm not complaining though, a free gold coin is a free gold coin.

"Alright, go"

The moment I opened a door, it tottered its tiny legs out eagerly. As I closed the door, a thought popped up.

'How will it finds its way out?'

It was too late to go look out for her now, that black kitten is as agile as a fly, probably disappeared by now. Since it could go out alone by itself before this it should be fine. Our little Klein is smart after all.

I lazily laid bare on the sofa like I was a dried, lightly salted fish in a bamboo basket and quickly knocked myself off…

…But a knock prevented me from achieving an inner-peace.

What the.

"Can I come in?" That voice, it's the damn Edmund.

"Um"

I quickly sat up before Edmund came in with a cheery smile on his face, clearly didn't know he's the culprit who just threw away my good time out of the window.

"What is it Mr. Edmund"

"Haha don't look at me like that Miss Megose I'll get this quick so I won't disturb you any further"

He looked at the desk, sat there were novel books that were left untouched.

"Woah, you didn't even give them a read? I'll tell you they were very popular among the upper-class women"

"Didn't you say you'll get this quick?"

"Just a little chitchat to break the ice"

No thank you.

Seeing that I was beyond disinterest did he finally stated his reason in coming here.

"Actually, I have a thing to ask of you Miss Megose"

After Edmund dragged out a nearby chair and sat down in front of me, he took out a matte black brooch from his cigar case that was probably sealed up with a spiritual wall. It had a shape of a snake with a scaley texture and a tiny red gem inlaid in its eyes, coiling around a bright red rose. From the way how he stored it, that must not be some ordinary brooch there.

"Can you hold this thing for a while?"

"Can I say no?"

"Ahaha you're so humorous Miss Megose, don't worry it's completely safe, I just want to test out something"

Calling being cautious 'humorous', have Hans ever tried to punch you in the face before?

"… Alright"

Its icy surface weighted into my palm. I sat there questioning my life decision while Edmund looking at the ring intensely as if afraid he would miss something. Just what kind of experiment is this… Surprising or not, nothing happened. Actually, it was better this way.

Edmund sharply took a breath.

"Are you sure you won't sell them?"

? Does this have something to do with me? Oh, so the so-called test was to see if this ring could be suppressed or not.

'I wonder what sequence it equals to'

"I'm truly sorry about that but I have no intention to"

"I can give you twice the price"

"Still no"

Edmund rubbed his chin thoughtfully with a surprised face.

"Is it really impossible to even borrow it?"

"Um"

"Really? Really can't give it?"

Well, if it was a real item I would be more than happy to sell them off but sadly, I was that item myself.

"Only for a short moment Miss Megose! I promise to give it back once I get a good look at them, Old Hans must have told you how fond of collecting the mysticism items I am right?"

Oh really, he hasn't told me that yet. As expected, it was hard trying to make an old coin to lower their guard down.

"Sorry Mr. Edmund"

This time, he looks even more surprised than before, and a glimpse of confusion within his eyes but they were quickly faded away.

"Ahem, sorry for wasting your time Miss Megose. Well then, I'll excuse myself"

"Work well Mr. Edmund"

"Thank you"

Edmund gave a slight smile before politely sent himself out.

What was there to be so surprised by my simply rejection. Strange… Is it just me?

'I hope it wasn't the same case as Hans'

Quickly dismissed my thought I decided to continue what was waiting to be done. Enjoy my hard-earned time, that is, to sleep. Taking a look at those popular books one last time with complicated feeling. Could there be a chance one of them, if not all, were from the salted fish author known as Fors? I admired how she survived to the end of the book, purely by being too lazy to even take a risk. I should learn from her as an idol how a true salted fish should be like! All hail the salted fish goddess.

----

"Brother! Look it's a cat!"

"Come on it's just a cat…"

"Can I take it home? I can feel there's something special about it, that must be the fate that has led us together!"

"Haha I'm sorry Ivan but we couldn't effort to raise it"

"Pleaseee! I'll use my own savings— Ah? where did it go?"

From within a shadow cast over in an empty alley, a pair of watchful amber eyes emerged. Those pupils reflected a figure of a young boy walking side-by-side with his brother. It was a normal pair of siblings you would see anywhere else, except for a faint aura of death surrounding the boy.