Chương 48: Chapter 46. Jinxed

After finishing their meal, Oscar and Ariesa went back to their rooms and changed into the clothes they'd arrived in. After wearing such nice clothes, he felt like an intruder going back into his regular outfit. Which he supposed, he soon would be. Mook was sleeping in his coat pocket. The small creature was curled into an adorable little ball of fur. After feasting on so much food, Oscar couldn't blame him for falling into a food coma. As he stepped out of his room, he found Olin waiting outside.

The man turned to address him and gave a polite bow.

"I trust your business today went well?" he asked.

"Could I impose upon a request?"

"Uh, yeah… sure."

"Please protect Lady Ariesa. I know she's a strong woman and doesn't need traditional help… but I feel something is coming. And with her spending so much time away, I fear that I won't be able to be there for her." Oscar didn't say anything. He instead gave an awkward nod telling him he would. Ariesa stepped out at that moment, dressed in her prior all-black outfit. She stretched and let out a yawn before giving Olin her thanks.

"Lady Ariesa, your father has requested to see you," Olin said.

"I… I think I'll decline. Thank you, Olin."

"Apologies for lying, but he has actually… demanded to see you and Oscar." Oscar froze and looked at the [Princess] ahead of him. Ariesa had also frozen, her eyes showing a small glimpse of what he believed to be fear. She blinked away the emotion and became the [Princess] once more.

"And if we refuse?"

"Then I am under orders to detain and force your attendance," Olin replied.

"I asked for him to use Oda for this, but he insisted that I be the one."

"Ultimately, you do serve the crown, don't you?" Ariesa said, unable to mask her sadness.

"One day… it'll be you on the throne," Olin replied softly, his gaze pointed down at his feet. With a heavy sigh, Ariesa grabbed Oscar by the hand and dragged him through the halls.

"Come on, let's get this over with."

"Wait! I can't go in to see him!"

"This is as good a time as any for you to finally see that my father isn't the person you seek. He's just a sick and cruel man… that's all." Ariesa ended up dragging Oscar the whole way there, stopping him in front of a large double door. Without bothering to knock, she swung the doors open and led him inside a massive study. With how many filled bookshelves there were, he thought it was more like a library. Sat in a nice chair facing the fireplace was a ridiculously tall man.

Even sat down, Oscar could tell that Romulus was the tallest person he'd ever seen. As the door closed, the [King] stood up and addressed his guests. Romulus looked pretty much identical to how Cry had portrayed him, except for the height and wide shoulders. That wasn't what was important, though. No, what mattered was the sheer amount of corruption that he exuded. The corruption which seeped off of him was potent and thick, filling up the room to the point that Oscar felt like he'd drown in it.

"Ariesa, I'd like to apologize for my actions the last time we spoke. I understand that it was my words that led you to spend the last few nights outside our walls. I've told the [Guards] to allow you to leave once more, should you like to go back down. They believe you're out training for a mission."

"It's fine, father," Ariesa said coldly, indicating that it was anything but fine.

"Is that all you wanted?"

"No, I have something else to say… to your friend," Romulus said.

"I'd like to ask of you to leave this city. Take my daughter away and help her find a new identity. What's coming isn't something you can stop, despite us having the same influence running through our blood. This isn't me being overconfident, it's a simple fact of reality. Everyone in this city—""Father! What are you talking about? Please… you're scaring me."

"Everyone in this city will die. It is only a matter of time," Romulus said again, ignoring Ariesa's interruption.

"There are machinations in play that go beyond you and me. I've played my part in enabling them, and I feel no regrets given what will be my reward. However… Erina would be devastated to learn that I hadn't even truly tried to afford her daughter the chance to live."

"Mother? Why have you been so insistent on speaking about her all of a sudden? Father, what's going on?" Ariesa shrieked.

"Ariesa, let's go," Oscar said, unable to look at Romulus. The truth was that he fully believed Romulus. Death was visiting the great city of Dynarus, and he was terrified of the man who had so casually admitted to lending his aid to the cause. There was no doubt that this man was one of the soulstone holders, but just how far gone was he? Evidently further than anyone could possibly ever see.

With Ariesa's hand firmly gripped in his, Oscar dragged her out of Romulus' library and out of the royal palace and towards the lift back down to the lower city.

Oscar only released Ariesa's hand once he'd heard the lift's mechanisms whirl and began it's descent downwards.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"No, Oscar… I don't think I am," Ariesa said.

"How am I expected to be okay when I've just learned my father is plotting on the destruction of the city? Of my home!"

"I don't know… Just give—""Father, has to die, doesn't he?" Oscar was silent for a long while—or maybe it was only a few seconds, he didn't know—before he finally replied, his words thick and heavy.

"…Yes, I think so." The lift reached the bottom with a violent shake. Oscar pulled open the doors and stepped out. Ariesa followed after a second and activated the lift to send it back up. The [Guard] at the top hadn't stopped him from going down once he'd seen Ariesa was with him, but had requested the lift be sent back up once they were down. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

"Let's see what Bruno has to say when we get back," Oscar said.

"No sense in immediately dooming and dreading something when maybe another perspective is all we need."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Ariesa snapped.

"You heard him and what he's planning. There's no alternative plan when it comes to dealing with someone like that. Either he dies, or my home does."

"Sorry… I was just trying to…" Oscar sighed and trailed off.

"Let's just head back. Maybe they're already done with their task." Ariesa didn't reply, instead she just walked past him and took the lead. The two walked a good distance before noticing something was off. While Oscar was by no means an expert on the city, even he'd begun to have a semi-decent idea of where to go. At the very least, he know how to get to District Seven.

"Did they make District Five bigger while we were up there?" Oscar asked as he noticed a similar looking bar.

"And while expanding… recreate the same buildings? I swear we've passed this bar like five times already."

"No, you just haven't being paying attention. I know where I'm going, Oscar." Ariesa replied. As they walked this time, Oscar kept a keen eye on his surroundings to ensure they didn't get turned around somehow. After some more walking, he noticed the same bar yet again. From the alley behind, glass shattered and man laughed.

"Ah, shit, someone's messing with us, I think," Oscar said.

"If there's some loser [Pickpocket] or whatever out there trying to prey on us… I'd really advise you to back off. I'm not in the mood for any lowlifes antics right now." A brick came flying out of the alley and slammed right into the back of Ariesa's head, knocking her out instantly. Oscar tried to catch her before she hit the ground, but failed as three figures emerged. Two hopped down from the bar's roof and the other emerged from the alley. They all looked like generic thugs, but threatening all the same.

Before Oscar could do anything, an arm wrapped around his throat and began to choke him out. His attempts to escape were futile as the grip was hardened like iron. It wasn't long before he passed out. Class Obtained! Class [Animal Handler] obtained! Skill [Mook Understanding] obtained!

Oscar's eyes opened to see a man of short brown hair and gentle eyes staring back at him. Upon seeing he was conscious, the man gave him a warm smile and offered a cup of what he said was water. Confused but thirsty, he accepted the beverage.

"Ah, you're awake. I apologize for the rough treatment you received. That wasn't what I had instructed," the man said.

"We don't have long before Arturo arrives, so I wanted to take this moment to prepare you."

"Prepare me for— Wait! Where's—""I'm here, Oscar," Ariesa said from behind him.

"Sadly, I haven't been afforded the luxury of being unbound, like you."

"Apologies, you were a completely unexpected arrival," the man said.

"Ah, I'm Durante, by the way. A pleasure to meet you."

"Uh, yeah, right… so, who are you, Durante?" Oscar asked as he finished his water.

"Great question… I started out as an [Enforcer] for Arturo Reissi, and then when his top [Bodyguard] died, he recruited me to take over the role," Durante said.

"Little did I know that I was to be his [Assistant] as well. A role that I've embraced, but unexpected all the same. Even if this wasn't what I originally planned for my life... it's what I deserve."

"Right… and I take it I'm here because of…" Oscar stopped to try and remember the man from the wharf.

"Maveon," Durante supplied.

"Yes, however, rest assured that no retaliation will be in effect due to your actions."

"Then what are you preparing us for?" Ariesa asked. Durante stood up and cracked his neck.

"Hopefully survival. You see, Arturo can be a cold man. A feature that I admire simply because it fuels his ambition… However, sometimes it can lead him to doing things that I don't agree with. Maveon was a terrible man and one that I don't lament his loss, but he was important to Arturo."

"He died then? When I left him he'd gone in a frenzy and had…" Oscar blanched at the memory and had to suppress a gag.

"Yes, he has passed away. What he left behind was a hole. A hole in which Arturo no doubt seeks to fill. As you experienced, Maveon was violent, and that violent nature lends itself well to expanding an enterprise such as the one that Arturo is creating."

"You mean a criminal organization? I feel like you're exaggerating what he's doing. I mean, I'm sure he's successful down here, but… I can't imagine some degenerate wannabe [Crimelord] is amounting to much outside of this city."

"I'd ask you to water down your language when speaking to not just Arturo, but myself as well. I'm speaking to you out of courtesy, but I'm still working with Arturo," Durante said, a hint of edge now in his voice.

"I mention Maveon and his role simply because I can tell right away that you're not a rabid dog like he was. Which is going to pose a problem for you, I believe."

"A problem how? If Maveon was as horrible as you say, wouldn't Arturo be glad to not have to deal with someone like him?"

"Yes, but… you see, Maveon was Arturo's brother. And whether or not he wants to admit it… I think he hopes to see some of his brother within yourself. I've worked for him for a long time now, and when he slid that knife into Maveon… well, I've never seen him look so somber before."

"Wait… Arturo killed Maveon? His own brother?" Oscar repeated in disbelief, and stood up.

"[Malleable Shadow: Essence of Daggers]. Yeah, I think it's time for me and my friend to leave now. I appreciate the hospitality, but, uh… yeah, I don't want to entertain that freak when he gets here."

"[Mimic]," Durante said and created his own shadow daggers.

"I'm afraid I must insist you stay just awhile longer."

"You speak way too nice and seem to possess quite the class… What are you doing serving some random thug in this city?" Ariesa asked. Oscar was curious how [Mimic] worked, so he changed his daggers into a sword. He watched in amazement as without having to do anything, Durante's copy also changed into a sword.

"I'm nobody but a failure, my lady," Durante said.

"Should you like to duel, I'll oblige. It's been a minute since I've properly fought, but I'm sure I can hold my own. Even should I die, all I need is to buy time for my boss to arrive." With a roll of his eyes, Oscar lunged forwards towards Durante. Within his coat's pocket, he felt something stir. Then in his head, he heard a small voice squeak away.

"Hey! Friend! What's going on? What'd I miss? I feel this weird connection to you. What's up with that?" Mook asked. Oscar immediately halted his attack and instinctively crafted a response within his head back at the squirrel.

"Mook? I can… I can hear you? I think… shit, yeah I got a class that lets me talk to you!"

"Hello! This is exciting! Have you seen my friend? His name is Terry!"

"Uh… one moment, Durante," Oscar said to the now confused man.

"You know Terry? Wait, Terry… uh… Terry Witchet, right?"

"Yeah! That's him! Where is he?"

"I… Wow… I completely forgot he was supposed to be in Dynarus. I'm sorry, but no, I haven't seen him."

"Oh… Darlith is going to be so mad that I've failed her…"

"Darlith? From Burgen's Hill?"

"Yup, yup! That's the place! Or was the place… it burned. A lot." Oscar eyed Durante who looked perplexed beyond belief.

"As much as I want to talk you more… I'm sort of in a predicament right now. You see, I've been captured and I'm afraid my opponent is actually completely willing to die for his boss to arrive. And to be honest, I don't want to fight a man that's crazy like that. Could you… perhaps find someone for me?"

"Find? You mean track? Yes! Yes! Yes!" Mook shrieked.

"I'm the best tracker you'll ever meet! Who is it?"

"Bruno… something! I don't remember his last name or if he's even told me it," Oscar said.

"Anyways, I have a glove of his that he gave me. Can you use that to track him down with?"

"Hmm… you've been wearing it? Might be tough… but… Mook has a great nose! I can do it! Give me the glove! Give me the glove!"

"Okay, look… I need you to rip it off my hand. If Durante sees me hand you the glove and then you scamper off, he might piece the plan together. I'm going to sit down again and begin to speak, okay? After like a minute or so, crawl out and steal my glove. I'm going to act surprised and scared, but ignore me and retreat."

"Right! Can do!"

"I'm… sorry, Durante. You approached me with good intentions and I resorted to violence," Oscar said as he dismissed his shadow and sat down.

"Can we… try again?" The copied weapon also disappeared the instant that Oscar's had.

"Very well. I understand this is stressful, so… let's try this again."

"Thank you. Now, what do you recommend I do when Arturo gets here?" The conversation continued for a bit longer until Oscar felt Mook crawl out from his pocket. The squirrel crawled around to his back, which he used to climb down so he wouldn't be spotted. Then he felt the squirrel latch onto his leg and sprint towards his hand which was rested on the armrest.

"Ah! What the fuck!" Oscar yelled." Rat! There's a rat on me!"

"I'm a vermic!" Mook shouted in his head as his little mouth clamped onto the glove and ripped it away. Durante stood up in shock. Mook scurried off towards an exit point. A detail which Oscar hadn't instructed him on as the warehouse they were in was in quite the rough shape. Finding a hole in this place was no issue for a squirrel.

"…I apologize about that," Durante said with an awkward cough.

"I've never seen… a rat that big before, let alone them crawl onto somebody."

"I apologize for any unwanted pests," a new voice said. A man with greasy black hair that was slicked all the way back and a white suit stepped into the room. He had a thin mustache and a scar that bit into the corner of his lip. Given how Durante acted, Oscar could only assume this was his boss.

"It's so good to finally meet the man that slew my brother!" Arturo said.

"We have much to discuss, and unfortunately… not a lot of time to do so! So, for your sake, I hope you're in an agreeable mood today."