Having said that, I strolled up to the front gates in human form.
"Halt!" [???]
Two guards stood before me. One holding a spear and the other holding a sword.
"Yes?" [Solace]
"What business do you have here?" [Sword Guard]
That was when I realized there was no plan.
("Damn. What should I say?") [Solace]
"I uh… came to visit a friend." [Solace]
"A… friend?" [Spear Guard]
The guard raised a brow.
"There isn't anyone who would receive visits at this time." [Spear Guard]
The guard then looked me up and down.
"Especially someone in such… strange attire." [Spear Guard]
I looked down at myself. I could see why they would see me as strange since I was simply just covered in blue and only blue.
"You see… This is due to some strange circumstances." [Solace]
"Hah!" [Sword Guard]
The guard scoffed.
"Circumstances eh? Move along then. We've got our own circumstances too." [Sword Guard]
Plan failed. I stepped back to leave, but also considered a plan C. Beating the crap out of them and going in myself.
("Should I just go for it?") [Solace]
Just as I was about to make my decision, someone grabbed my shoulder.
"Hey now. Why are you guys being so rude to my guest?" [???]
I looked over my shoulder with widened eyes.
("Vanport?!") [Solace]
There stood Medwin's personal knight.
"S-Sir Vanport?!" [Sword Guard] [Spear Guard]
The two straightened their posture and saluted him.
"Welcome back sir!" [Sword Guard] [Spear Guard]
"Enough. Let me through." [Vanport]
The two guards hastily moved to open the gate.
"All ready sir!" [Spear Guard]
"Good." [Vanport]
He slowly walked past the gates before coming to an abrupt stop. He then turned to look at me.
"Are you coming?" [Vanport]
I took a glance behind me, but no one was there.
"There's no one behind you." [Vanport]
"Oh." [Solace]
I felt a bit uneasy about how smoothly this was going. Either way, this was the only peaceful way I was going to get in.
"I'll be right there." [Solace]
I hurried to Vanport's side before we continued into the manor grounds. We walked through a pleasant garden of varying plants the likes I have never seen.
"Well then. It is pleasant to see you again, young warrior." [Vanport]
Vanport wore a calm smile as we walked.
"Yes… It's been a while." [Solace]
Vanport slapped me on the back.
"Haha! No need to be so stiff! I have to say, your muscles have grown quite a bit since the last I've seen you." [Vanport]
("The last I've seen you?") [Solace]
I had completely forgotten I had met him in human form at Armdale mines.
"So, what business did you have here? Was it to see me?" [Vanport]
Now the mind games begin.
"To be frank, yes and no." [Solace]
"...That is a strange answer." [Vanport]
"I did want to visit you, yes. However, I wanted to see how the house you served was as well. Surely the house you serve would be as gracious as you?" [Solace]
Vanport's expression grew sour.
"Hm. Well, you can see for yourself." [Vanport]
He nodded forward, suddenly making me realize we already stood at the manor's doors.
"Perhaps this was fate. Come." [Vanport]
He opened the doors and welcomed me in.
"...Huh. That's… interesting." [Solace]
I walked in to see a large room far too spacious for any reason whatsoever. The floor was covered in red carpet with gold linings while the ceiling had chandeliers that glittered like stars. The most eye-catching part were the two giant spiral staircases with a giant statue of a lion in the middle.
"Welcome to the Medwin manor." [Vanport]
"It's… lavish?" [Solace]
It was hard to express the amount of wealth in just words. It was like the Medwin house spent money like water for this.
"Vanport!" [???]
I heard a voice yell from atop the staircase. I looked up to see a young blonde man waving around a stick with a face red with rage.
"Come here! I need you to punish someone!" [???]
Vanport's expression darkened.
"Yes… Young master." [Vanport]