"Alright. I can't force you if that's what you like. Now, can we at least go back to where my men are? It's not good to make them worry any longer." I spoke in a tired tone.
I don't know where we are at the moment nor do I care but if we don't return, I'm afraid of what Sir Arthur and William would do.
Just thinking about it is already giving me the chills.
Abi, my newly minted brother, obliged gladly. Not that he had a choice on the matter.
I figured we were in a separate space made by him. And I was right on the money.
With a snap of a finger, we were back at the scene of the crime.
The crime was the abduction of the Grand Duke Konstantin by an unknown entity that came from an old, trashy lamp that came from a merchant originating from the North.
I could imagine the latter scenarios of Boleoti taking the blame for this "crime" merely through such flimsy association if I didn't return.
When in truth, it was the fault of this high and mighty Jinn that was now my brother, who is trying to masquerade as my twin by the way, with him wearing every single article of clothing and jewelry identical to mine.
It's not working Abi. It truly isn't. All I'm getting is an urge to punch your smug face.
If this isn't boasting your buff physique and superior height, then I don't know what it is.
Well, even with that you can never match my attractiveness index.
I appeared at the spot I was previously at with Abi in tow. What greeted me however was half of my Knight squadron waiting in place, weapons at the ready, along with Sir Arthur and William.
As for the other half, I figured they were scouring the entire oasis to find a trace of my presence.
"Your Excellency!"
"Lord Skandar!"
They both called out in chorus. William by the way had an ugly expression on his face. It was a little alarming.
All of them were glaring hostilely at the big guy behind my back. It felt like they will attack him with all their might the moment he so much as breathed in my direction.
Before things could escalate and also prevent them from dying needlessly, I stepped in and explained the situation.
"I'm alright. No need to fuss. It's quite a long story but I would appreciate it if you ease up and refrain from attacking this man. You must treat him with the utmost cordiality. He is after all my brother."
I spoke as concisely as I could because by now I was feeling more fatigued the longer the situation goes on.
My knights of course were dumbfounded. An expected reaction to the absurdity of the situation. Their master vanished and then came back with a brother from who knows where.
If I wasn't the person involved, I'd have reacted even more than that.
"Brother? What is happening here, Your Excellency?" William question, brows furrowed deep.
Well, as someone who has served the Konstantin for decades and has looked after me since I was in diapers, William does have all the right to question and protest.
Except this new brother of mine is not ordinary neither is he normal. How tiring.
"Have you set up our camp? I'm quite famished so why don't we have this conversation over dinner?" I suggested though I made sure I sounded as if I will take no arguments.
Thankfully, William being the ever-reliable butler understood my intentions and thus took charge of everything.
Despite my sudden incident, the camp was fully prepared and the meal was already cooked. It was hung near the fire to keep warm.
I nodded at this and once again reaffirmed the efficiency of the old butler.
"You've been quiet since a while ago, Abi," I commented to the Jinn that followed me from behind. He hasn't said a word ever since we met my companions.
"It's nothing. You're surrounded by strong people, it seems." He answered instead.
I raised a brow at this and smiled.
"You mean Captain Arthur and William?"
He shook his head and roamed his purple eyes to all the knights that were diligently attending to things.
"Not just those two. Though they are absurdly exceptional as well. Especially that butler of yours. Anyway, these men are stronger than the average knights I've encountered."
He paused as if suddenly realizing something.
"Though, I must admit it has been decades since I last got out of the lamp. It doesn't change the fact that they are at the level of the barbarians of old. It's fascinating actually." He continued, eyes glinting with appreciation.
I chuckled at his comments, feeling a little proud.
"The barbarians of old are native to the Lorillis Desert. Sonomi is their home. You are looking at their descendants." I stated with a smile.
Abi raised his brow and said, "I guess that is also to be expected."
We arrived at my designated tent with Captain Arthur and William waiting at the entrance. Their eyes trained on both me and Abi the entire time.
I ignored their inquisitive stares and sat down in front of the meal laid out on the table. Abi followed and leaned towards the food in wonder.
I glanced at his fascinated demeanor and had a hunch.
"I had always been curious if human food was as good as it was rumored to be. To the point that someone would even wish for him to taste all of the delicacies in the world." Abi spoke slowly, poking the food here and there.
"Oh? You had a master like that?" I asked, interested in the story.
"Yes. He was quite the strange one. Obsessed with food. He died due to gluttony." Abi concluded and forked a slice of steak. He sniffed it a little and hesitatingly put it in his mouth.
Abi chewed agonizingly slowly as if savoring the flavor of the meat. His eyes twinkled after a moment. I felt amused at the sight. He looked like he hasn't had a proper meal in ages.
Being a foodie myself, I felt rather assured of the taste. William's cooking even in this kind of situation is as scrumptious as if it was cooked in the imperial kitchens.
"For my first ever try of human food, it's not bad," Abi commented. I gazed at him in surprise.
"First ever? You've lived this long amongst humans but never tasted our food yet?" I asked him curiously.
Abi shrugged his shoulders and answered, "Well, I wasn't exactly in a state where I can eat back then. And I wasn't that interested."
I remembered Abi's smoke-like form when he was still tethered in the lamp. I guess I understand what he was talking about.
I chuckled and shook my head at him, proceeding to eat as well.
Just as we were about to finish, I heard William clear his throat and spoke. Guess he couldn't tolerate putting off the issue anymore.
"Your Excellency, what exactly happened? Who is this person?" William asked, his eyes flitting towards Abi's different features.
"I know you've heard our conversation and probably have some inkling. Abi's not exactly human. He's a Jinn." I said in a straightforward tone.
William and Arthur's faces paled the moment I finished my statement. Contrary to other noble houses, those serving the Konstantin are even more knowledgeable of the history of old. Those concerning the circumstances before the start of the Yarina Empire's reign.
Thus, both of them knew the capabilities of the man I now call brother.
"I am aware that you are worried for the welfare of your master. Nonetheless, you can rest assured that I will bring him no harm. He is my benefactor." Abi cut in our conversation, clarifying things himself.
I peeked at his carefree expression from the side.
Guess he is reliable too one way or another. At least now I don't have to wrack my head around the situation.
"Besides, we have a vow of the soul in the place. I am part of the Konstantin family from here on out. Jinns are a race who treasure their family." Abi continued while I merely nodded in agreement.
As for the two people in front of us, they stiffened in place. Probably too flabbergasted to react on time.
I couldn't be bothered anymore. I'm too exhausted.