As Alfred walked alongside the two white-haired men, he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd stumbled into something complicated. The men led him through a winding forest path, their eyes darting nervously between him and the trees.
(Why do I feel like I'm being escorted to my own execution?)
"Thank you for agreeing to come with us, Alfred-sama," one of them said, bowing slightly. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Marcus, and this is my colleague, Lucien."
Alfred smiled awkwardly. "Nice to meet you both."
(Marcus and Lucien, got it. Wait, did he just call me 'sama' again?)
Lucien cleared his throat. "We are honored to be in your presence."
(He seems so calm. Is he planning something?)
Marcus nodded. "Yes, it's not every day one meets someone of... your lineage."
(We have to be careful. One wrong move and he might unleash his wrath.)
Alfred tilted his head. "My lineage?"
(Did they find out my dad sells insurance?)
Lucien chuckled nervously. "Oh, forgive us. We didn't mean to pry."
(He's testing us. Stay composed.)
As they continued walking, the forest began to thin, revealing a small village nestled in a valley. Children played in the streets, and merchants called out their wares. It was idyllic.
"Welcome to Eldervale," Marcus announced.
Alfred's eyes lit up. "Wow, it's beautiful here!"
(Maybe this is where my grand adventure begins!)
The villagers paused as they passed, whispering among themselves. Mothers pulled their children closer, and shopkeepers bowed respectfully.
Alfred waved sheepishly. "Friendly place."
(Or maybe I have something on my face?)
Lucien leaned over to Marcus. "He's so unassuming."
(It's the perfect cover.)
Marcus whispered back, "It's said that the Nightshade family was always cunning."
(We mustn't let our guard down.)
Alfred glanced at them. "Did you say something?"
Both men straightened up. "Nothing of importance!" they replied in unison.
(He mustn't know we're onto him.)
Feeling the awkwardness intensify, Alfred decided to change the subject. "So, uh, who was that guy earlier? The big one who... tripped."
Marcus sighed. "That was Grom the Mighty. He was... causing some trouble."
(Testing our defenses, no doubt. And Alfred-sama dispatched him effortlessly.)
Lucien nodded. "Yes, but thanks to you, the village is safe."
(Or is this part of his plan to gain our trust?)
Alfred scratched his head. "Happy to help, I guess."
(I still feel bad about that. Maybe I should send Grom an apology fruit basket or something.)
They reached a large building at the center of the village. Inside, they guided him to a grand hall adorned with tapestries and a long wooden table laden with food.
"Please, join us for a meal," Marcus offered.
Alfred's stomach rumbled. "Don't mind if I do!" He sat down and began to help himself.
(Finally, something's going right.)
As they ate, Marcus cleared his throat. "Alfred-sama, have you... been away for long?"
Alfred looked up, a piece of bread halfway to his mouth. "Away? Well, I suppose you could say that."
(Considering I just got isekai'd here, yeah.)
Lucien leaned forward. "It's just that... news might not have reached you about... certain events."
(He must be wondering how much we know.)
Alfred shrugged. "I guess I'm a bit out of the loop."
(Understatement of the century.)
Marcus exchanged a glance with Lucien. "Perhaps we should tell you about the Nightshade family."
(Better to address the elephant in the room.)
Alfred perked up. "Nightshade? Sounds like a cool name."
(Are they famous adventurers? Maybe I can join them!)
Lucien sighed. "The Nightshade family was once one of the most powerful families in the realm. Known for their black hair and piercing eyes."
Alfred touched his own black hair. "Is that so?"
(Wait, that sounds familiar...)
"They were unparalleled in their abilities," Marcus continued. "But... they were misunderstood. Feared for their power."
Lucien looked down. "The other great families... united against them."
Alfred frowned. "That's terrible. What happened?"
(I hope this doesn't end like a Shakespeare tragedy.)
Marcus hesitated. "They were... eliminated."
Alfred nearly choked on his soup. "Eliminated? You mean...?"
(Yikes, that's dark fast.)
Lucien nodded solemnly. "Yes. In a single night, they were wiped out. It's said that none survived."
(But here you are. Could he be the last one?)
Alfred shook his head. "That's... really sad."
(And kinda scary. Hope they don't think I'm related.)
Marcus watched him carefully. "Indeed. Many believe that if any Nightshade survived, they might seek... retribution."
Alfred gulped. "Retribution? Like revenge?"
(Please don't associate me with that!)
Lucien leaned back. "But of course, those are just rumors."
(He's playing coy. It's understandable.)
Alfred laughed nervously. "Well, good thing I'm not involved!"
(Come on, Alfred, change the subject!)
Marcus smiled thinly. "Of course, Alfred-sama."
(Denial is a natural response. We must earn his trust.)
An awkward silence settled over the table. Desperate to break it, Alfred pointed at a painting on the wall. "That's a nice landscape. Did someone local paint it?"
(Smooth, art talk always works.)
Lucien glanced at the painting. "Ah yes, it's been in the village for years."
(He's trying to distract us. Clever.)
Marcus leaned forward. "Alfred-sama, may I ask what brings you to these parts?"
(Is he scouting our defenses?)
Alfred hesitated. "Oh, you know, just... traveling. Seeing the world."
(I have no idea where I'm going with this.)
Lucien nodded slowly. "In solitude?"
"Well, I... prefer to travel alone."
(Mainly because I have no idea where I am.)
Marcus exchanged another glance with Lucien. "We understand."
(Training in isolation to hone his skills.)
Feeling the pressure mount, Alfred stood up. "Well, thank you for the meal! I should probably get going."
(Before I say something weird again.)
Lucien quickly stood as well. "Please, stay the night at least. We insist."
(We can't let him leave without ensuring the village's safety.)
Alfred considered it. "I suppose one night wouldn't hurt."
(Plus, free bed!)
Marcus smiled. "Excellent. We'll prepare a room for you."
(This will give us more time to assess his intentions.)
As the evening wore on, Alfred found himself wandering the village streets. The moon cast a gentle glow, and the air was cool.
He noticed a small girl crying by a fountain. Concerned, he approached her. "Hey there, are you okay?"
(Finally, a chance to do something right.)
The girl looked up, her eyes wide with fear. "P-please don't hurt me!"
Alfred blinked. "Hurt you? I'd never!"
(What is with everyone here?)
She sniffed. "You're... not here to take revenge?"
"Revenge? No! I just wanted to help."
(Is there a 'Kick Me' sign on my back that I don't know about?)
She hesitated. "My kitten is stuck in the tree."
Alfred smiled gently. "I can get it for you." He reached up and easily retrieved the tiny feline, handing it back to her.
"Thank you," she whispered, eyes still cautious. "You're... different from what they say."
Alfred sighed. "Story of my life."
(At least the kitten doesn't think I'm terrifying.)
From a distance, Marcus and Lucien watched the exchange. Marcus stroked his beard. "Did you see that?"
Lucien nodded. "He's gaining the trust of the villagers."
(First the child, next the entire village.)
Marcus frowned. "We must proceed carefully."
The next morning, Alfred prepared to depart. Marcus and Lucien met him at the village entrance.
"Thank you for your hospitality," Alfred said with a genuine smile.
(Maybe now I can find that adventure I've been hoping for.)
Marcus bowed. "The pleasure was ours, Alfred-sama. Safe travels."
Lucien added, "Should you need anything, our village is at your service."
(Better to keep him appeased.)
Alfred waved. "Thanks! Take care!" He turned and headed down the path.
As he disappeared from sight, Lucien turned to Marcus. "Do you think he'll return?"
Marcus sighed. "Only time will tell. We can only hope that when he does, it will be as an ally, not an avenger."
Meanwhile, Alfred walked along the road, humming to himself.
(Maybe things are looking up. I helped a kid, had a good meal, and no one tried to attack me today.)
He paused, looking at the sky. "Alright, world! Show me what you've got!"
(Preferably something that doesn't involve misunderstandings or accidental assaults.)
Little did he know, his journey was just beginning, and the shadow of the Nightshade family loomed larger than he could ever imagine.