บท 8: Baron Lernon
It was a dreamless night for Arthur, full of naught but absolute darkness that shrouded his mind, even after he woke up. Latif's impractical body made things worse as his back was aching and his movements were slightly stiff.
Nevertheless, at the crack of dawn, Arthur went downstairs and ate breakfast composed of several crusty but expensive bread and a cup of heated milk. By the time he left the inn and was heading back to the library, most of the inhabitants of Wilsden were awake. The merchants were selling their wares, the shops were opened, and the guards were lazily patrolling the Commercial District.
Just when everything seemed to be proceeding peacefully, as usual, Arthur was suddenly stopped by a pair of what seemed to be the Baron's personal knights.
They looked different than the usual guards; Wearing a full set of shiny silver armor along with an eye-catching dark red cape that almost reached the ground. There was also the Baron's unique insignia, which was the form of a large eagle with lengthy, unfolded wings.
"Sir Latif, the Baron is expecting your visit tonight."
One of the knights spoke with an expressionless face, though Arthur was able to notice the contempt lingering in his authoritative voice.
"..."
He stared back at the Knight for a couple of seconds before he broke into an ugly smile and nodded his head multiple times. It was a bit far-fetched to think that an unknown senile old man he had killed turned out to be an acquaintance of the local ruler, however, Arthur had no time to argue or object to the knight's words. For now, it was better to go along with everything, after all, it did not seem that he was perceived as a criminal or lest he would have been apprehended.
Still, it was kind of odd for the Baron to know Latif, and even want to meet him. Although Arthur didn't know Latif's identity, it nonetheless was as clear as day that it wasn't a good one, morally and legally. The elder was torturing and dissecting Vampires and if Arthur had to make a guess then Latif's discreet and shady business definitely had to do with Baron Lernon.
After his momentary meeting with the two knights, Arthur continued his day as planned. He went to the library and read books for hours on end, stopping only when his stomach started growling like a starving beast.
Truth be told, the thought of going to the baron's estate made him a bit nervous. It could be dangerous but it could also be beneficial, especially if he knows the whole matter. If he was going to continue assuming Latif's identity then he had to act the part, therefore, Arthur could not back away at such a crucial time.
When the sun started setting, Arthur went back to the inn and rested for half an hour, contemplating his options and skimming through a couple of irrelevant books he had borrowed. What happened this morning had stolen the parasite's focus, rendering him unable to digest everything he had read about throughout the day.
In contrast to the subjects he learned about yesterday, the books he bought, borrowed, and read today were about agriculture, economics, and general knowledge. As he had previously expected, the technology in Astria was non-existent. Only a handful of scholars study physics and they don't pay it as much heed as the other, more relevant stuff, such as myths about Magic, for example.
Furthermore, the majority of the populace, excluding the nobles, are illiterate. Only aristocrats and nobles learn basic and advanced mathematics, business managements, and, most importantly, how to govern people and lands.
Interestingly enough, however, the Dwarven Race are impressively good at using Magic along with technology. Though it was not as advanced as it was on Earth, their recent inventions are highly sought-after despite their exorbitant price.
"Wait here."
When the sky turned dark, Arthur made his way to the Residential District, where the Baron's manor was situated. He wasn't stopped by the four knights guarding the majestic gates leading into the luxurious stone road.
It wasn't difficult to spot Lernon's estate, after all, it was the biggest and the most eye-catching one of them all. It laid at the end of the wide stone road, shining brightly amidst the darkness of the night.
Surprisingly and unbeknownst to Arthur, there was a banquet at the baron's manor. Dozens of nobles were disembarking from their fancy carriages, either escorted by their butlers or maids.
Arthur was instructed to enter through another entrance, but that was to be expected considering his dirty and suspicious attire along with his hideous facial features. He didn't mind such a welcome, however, as it helped remain unnoticed by the cheerful nobles.
He was guided by the two knights from before, eventually reaching a luxurious and large office. After he was told to wait, the duo swiftly exited the office, leaving the parasite alone.
Instead of remaining in his seat and patiently waiting, Arthur immediately stood up and scanned the office. He checked the outrageously large bookshelves and read the titles of the neatly ordered books, though most of them were diaries and seemed uninteresting, to say the least.
Even by Earth's standards, Lernon's private office was impressive. The ground was covered by a soft and intricately-designed carpet; There were two splendid paintings hanging on the walls opposite the door leading inside, a grand chandelier and large welcoming balcony.
After touring the office a couple more times, Arthur headed to the balcony, his eyes soon falling on the open terrace in which the banquet was being held. Round tables around an open dancing square, in which a few nobles were enjoying their time.
Arthur scrutinized every person, trying to remember as many as he could just in case.
He was not willing to live the rest of his life in Latif's body and there was no better option than possessing a noble. Though their wealth varied, it could not be denied that getting a hold of any of them would prove highly beneficial for Arthur's future.
Preferably, he would want a male, someone not too inconspicuous yet not too known either. Before he concocts such a plan, he needs a target and now was the right time, apparently.
For some time, Arthur scanned almost every one but most of them were young and unfit for possession. His target needed to be middle-aged, at the very least, because youngsters' behavior, in most cases, was erratic and could neither be predicated nor perfectly imitated.
"Tonight!"
A tall man with a fancy and long black coat stepped into the now-empty dancing square, raised a glass of wine and declared with a clarion voice.
"I thank you all for attending my son's celebratory banquet!"
He paused for a split second and chuckled as he glanced at the giggling ladies and beaming young nobles. Excluding him, there were only three more adults, two males and one female, all sitting at the back and chatting with quiet voices.
"I know you're excited for the main event so I'll let Feylord entertain you."
He elegantly bowed and excused himself, setting the spotlight on a handsome young man right behind him. Feylord Lernon, the one and only son of the Baron, a youth with long blond hair, a pretty eye-catching golden outfit, and a delicately fit physique.
Arthur did not pay too much heed to Feylord, instead, he set his attention on two silhouettes a distance away, in the middle of the quiet and spacious garden.
"How many times do I have to tell you?!"
A middle-aged man with combed dark red hair and a cold expression was snarling at his maid. He did his best to keep his voice down but his flushing face failed to mask his accumulating anger. His servant was wearing a french maid uniform, was standing across the noble, expressionless and unresponsive to his vocal abuse. Only when she was harshly slapped did she stiffly bow down and apologize, but that only incensed the man.
Eventually, he slapped her for a second time and departed. Of course, the maid followed him after a while, but not before she half-turned her body and raised her head, meeting Arthur's gaze.
She momentarily stared at him and frowned, but upon receiving no reaction, she left.
Unlike slaves, maids, at least most of them, willingly serve their masters. From the moment they swore their allegiance, they had been prepared to suffer abuse, both physical and vocal.
Arthur didn't know much about their circumstances or what they specifically do, and though what happened to the maid warranted sympathy, he didn't actually feel anything.
In a world such as this one, the maid's life was way better than that of a slave. Moreover, they had nothing to do with each other so why would he feel sympathy or the urge to lend a hand?
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