บท 177: Hiding is necessary

I decided that I would get Aldo and invite Trevor to train at the training ground. But I wanted to go to the guild first. I just combed my hair a bit and left. Fiona has already left but Aura is still here. She did say that she will look after Alyssa and Eden.

I open the portal to Aldo's home and go in. I see that they were both still sleeping. It's only 8 in the morning but I wake Aldo up.

"Aldo, wake up."

I lightly shake him. He starts moving and rubs his eyes before sitting straight.

"Master, is it morning?" (Aldo)

"Yeah. Wake up. It's time for breakfast."

We did have our breakfast but they haven't. Let's get it done and then we can go. Alyssa woke up soon after and they came to this house with me.

After they had breakfast, Aura took Alyssa and went upstairs. Eden is already in her room.

"Then let's go. First we will go to the guild and then to the castle."

"Okay, master." (Aldo)

He just followed me. On our way to the guild, I was being given a lot of stares. I thought they all were accustomed to seeing me. It's only half past 8 in the morning and I am being given the weird stare.

I didn't pay much attention to it. After arriving at the guild I entered with Aldo.

There are a few people in the hall. Some are staring at the quest board and others are just chatting with each other. They don't give me dubious looks now but I think today is different.

I want to ask someone but they are avoiding eye contact. I find Ms. Maria at her usual place. I think I can ask her.

"Welcome, Mr. Belmont.."

She stopped midway through her sentence. Why the weird look?

"I have been meaning to ask but is something on my face? People have been staring at me for a while now."

"Ahem..well, let's go to a private chamber. It's not something I can say here. Aldo, why don't you go to cafeteria and wait for Mr. Belmont?" (Maria)

She tells Aldo and I give him the okay. He makes his way to the cafeteria. By the way, the wall is rebuilt. Hazel hasn't heard anything from the guild though.

Ms. Maria leads me to a private room. I have come here before. It was to discuss The Tomb. She tells me to sit and opens a cupboard. This room has almost everything you need. Maybe for convenience's sake.

She brings out a full body mirror. Is she going to show me my face? I did look at it once. It was brief. Did I miss something?

She holds it in front of me. I can see myself. I don't see anything unusual.

Maybe she sensed that I didn't find anything wrong.

"Mr. Belmont, look closely at your neck." (Maria)

My neck? I take another look. And I find my answer.

"So that's why."

"Yes. I did think that you might have missed it. Did you not notice it?" (Maria)

"No. I didn't look at the mirror today. No one at home said anything either."

"Maybe they were just waiting for you to notice." (Maria)

Why? At least, Fiona could have said something.

"How do I hide this?"

My neck, it has bite marks all over. It must be Fay. It has to be her. I pull up my shirt and it was shocking. My upper body is covered with bite marks. A hickey if you may.

Ms. Maria looked away when I pulled up my shirt.

"My bad. I just wanted to confirm it."

"It's okay. But do hide things like this. It's good that you have a good relationship with your wife but things like this are awkward." (Maria)

"I will inform Fay. She is the culprit after all. But Fiona could have said something. They all just ignored it."

"Mr. Belmont, you are indeed a very lucky man. I mean considering your household, I have to say that even I am a bit envious of you." (Maria)

"You don't have to. But I can't even heal them. Fay used mana to etch those in my skin. It's gonna last a while."

"Then I can lend you some makeup. You can try to cover it. Or maybe wear something like a scarf." (Maria)

"That would be appreciated."

She goes away to fetch those items while I contact Fay.

(Fay, where are you?)

(Outside of the capital. We are on a subjugation job.) (Fay)

(Why did you not tell me about the marks?)

(I thought you would notice. But you didn't. So, how is it?) (Fay)

(I am having Ms. Maria help me cover those up. Everyone gave me weird stares along the way.)

(It's good. As long as thoss marks remain, they will know that you are already off the list.) (Fay)

I complained until Ms. Maria returned. She brought a box with her. From there she brought out a powderpuff.

"Let's try covering with powder first. It should be enough." (Maria)

"Then if you would."

I sit straight with my chin pointed upwards. She starts powdering my neck. Feels weird. A bit ticklish as well. After a few moments, she moves away.

"It's done. It isn't visible anymore at least." (Maria)

"Sorry to have troubled you. I will give an earful to Fay."

"That won't be necessary. Just be a bit careful. So why did you come today?" (Maria)

"Ahh…I am thinking of going to Galdur. So I won't be here for a while."

"The academy town, Galdur. It's a good place. There's a branch of the guild over there as well. Since you are an S rank adventurer, you would be treated with utmost respect in any branch. But they don't know who you actually are so some might misbehave at first. Don't kill them, okay?" (Maria)

She shows a forced and awkward smile as she puts the stuff back in the box.

"I won't. As long as they don't do anything stupid."

No promises there? I might just make them all disappear. I thank Ms. Maria and go to the cafeteria to pick up Aldo. He was sitting at a table.

"Sorry for the wait. Let's go."

"Yes, master." (Aldo)

He stands up and walks by my side. I give Ms. Maria a nod and leave. But this little blunder has taught one thing. I should pay a bit more attention to my appearance. Otherwise, something like this might happen again.