"One, two, three! One, two, three!"
Valen shouted as she counted. She was here instructing us to do push-ups for about an hour now.
She also gave us various tasks to do to help us reform our bodies to a certain extent.
"You asked me to train you and I'm doing the end of our deal. Don't act like a girl now. Hey, Noelle, are you a girl? You moved like one,"
"Stop bugging me…"
"If this is already enough to stop you, then go wash the dishes for me," Valen spoke with ridicule, "Copy this guy beside you. No talk and just doing what he was told. You keep blabbering your mouth all the time. Well, that seems to be something you're only good at so…"
'This lady…'
"Halt!"
Stopping myself from going for more, I slumped my body on the ground.
Glancing at the person beside me only to see he wasn't that tired, I tried to control my breathing but only failed miserably.
"Now give yourself a round of applause. Day two of intense training is finally done early today since you guys have to go out,"
Hearing her saying that, I quickly stand up from the ground and walked past her with a tired expression.
Yesterday, I asked her if she wanted to come with us but didn't say anything hence today is the day I would hear her answer.
"Hey, Valen. Could I hear your answer now? Let's prepare now if you agree on coming. I needed you,"
"Yeah… about that, I have to go back to my library,"
"That can wait. I need you to come. Pretty please?"
"I'm sorry, kid. I have my responsibilities to do," Valen expressed with an apologetic tone, "Believe me, I want to go with you. It's been a while since I get to go to the capital and it wouldn't be bad to tag along but… the library's been really messy and busy,"
She paused, "Don't worry, I'll come back here. If you are worried about me not holding the end of our contract even though no proper contract was done, then it is needless."
'I'm not worried about that… Damn it, getting another hand to help me would be extremely beneficial on what's to come,'
Musing the thought inwardly, I let out a sigh before nodding, "All right, take your time in there. And thank you for at least answering…"
After that was said, I headed to the duke's manor and moved to my room to prepare the things I needed to do.
…
"You called me, sir?"
Peeking my head inside the duke's workplace, I saw Verl nodding his head, resulting in me entering the room without any worries.
Verl rummaged through the papers on his desk, trying to grab something from them before he finally got it and said, "This is the paper of agreement. Say that you wanted to quit and show them this. They will not ask further questions and if they do, it might be related to your quitting,"
Slightly moving forward, I received the piece of paper and expressed my gratitude, "Thank you for your understanding,"
"Have you considered my offer yet? After you quit, there's nothing I see you should do. If you do my tasks, you could acquire land on your own and an endless pile of money on your back," Verl paused, not a hint of emotion seen on his face, "I will even bring this matter to His Majesty. You will have my full support,"
"I would like to talk with His Majesty directly about this. You don't need to trouble yourself, sir," I said, continuing thinking inwardly, 'Weren't we just talked a few days ago regarding this? Are you so confident that I would not get to persuade His Majesty?'
Honestly, even meeting him was impossible. But, His Majesty wasn't my target at all.
My goal was to meet his son. The second son of Reynold Gervasi.
The Kingdom's Second Prince, Robyn Gervasi.
That guy's name appeared in the near half and the ending of volume one of the book. He became Mc's comrade after the assassination, and with his help, they captured the assassins.
But everything was too late. The assassins were successful.
'Let's not think about that now…'
"Well, suit yourself,"
Verl voiced out, bringing me back to reality.
For a moment, I contemptuous look appeared on my face before asking him if I can leave. He permitted it right away since there was nothing left to talk about.
I walked towards my room to finish my preparation.
…
"Phewww there," Mumbling as I put the luggage down, I wiped the sweat on my forehead, "I already have the items I had asked Klein for yesterday, some food that could last two weeks, clothes, a sword, a two set of knives, and other necessary items…"
One might think I was running away but on the real side, I was preparing for the worse. I could've done a lot of things but all of it failed especially on some things.
I did everything I could do to convince Valen but she remained strong in the end.
I can't convince Klein to come with us since he had to assist Verl on other matters. Though he promised not to tell Verl about him buying these items, I can't be sure when he will start spilling beans to him.
I can't also hire mercenaries because once everything turned into something unexpected that wasn't part of the contract, I'm surely convinced that they would turn tails and flee to maintain their life.
It's a waste of money and it's not efficient.
'This is not enough… damn it,'
I only have Isaac. Me and my siblings would be just total baggage when the kidnapping happen. Those knights that Verl owned would be totally useless and just get killed.
'if only I could tell what would happen… everything wouldn't be so hard.'
My mind thought everything would be fine whether I tell it to others or not but...
There's no way it would be fine.
I might become famous for knowing the events in the future raising suspicions in the process. Once they confirm it, many eyes would want to own me for their own gains.
Another thing is, I can't anonymously spread the information around. I don't have the fame nor power to involve influential individuals to help, even the ones below them.
I mean like they would ask 'What's the source of the information?' and I can't just pat them on the back and said, 'Source: trust me, bro'
"Sigh..."
My lips twitched as my thoughts wander around before I decided to harden my resolve to finish this kidnapping swiftly and efficiently.
A strong will to end this, bringing a fatal blow to the enemies.
But it wouldn't be me who would be doing it. It was meant for the main character to do this since it was his story.
…
"I have to talk to you,"
Bringing packs of items and bags, I headed outside of the duke's manor when all of a sudden, Isaac interrupted me from getting inside the carriage.
Giving him a nod, I gestured for him to move back first so that I can bring my belongings down.
It took only a minute before everything was done and I faced him outside the carriage.
"What is it?"
"I'll get straight to the point," Isaac paused, hesitant on what he would say before closing the distance himself and whispered, "Are you a Ruiner?"
"W-what? Why would you say that?"
My tone was enough to say that I was surprised.
I mean, how could this body become a Ruiner when, as far as I recall, neither this body nor Isaac had acquired Piece to control or consume? Well, as far as I can tell.
"That's not right…" Isaac muttered as his eyes furrowed, "You don't exactly remember what happened in the library, don't you?"
"…did something really happen?"
Nervously asking back, I can't help but be alarmed since I have zero ideas or remembrance as to what actually happened from the library besides the vivid vision I had of the real Noelle.
"No, never mind. Forget everything I just said," Isaac, who was in deep thought just after seeing his movements, step aside as he spoke.
"Hey… you are making me worried,"
Isaac didn't reply any further and just entered the carriage, completely ignoring me.
'This guy…'
Dismissing him for now, I looked around to see if there was any more left to do. My worries are needless since the servants and maids are there to do mostly pretty much everything for us.
With that being said, I was about to enter the carriage when once again disturbed.
"Hello, Mr Noelle,"
'Come on, what now?'
Irritated, I looked back and saw an unfamiliar person for the first time.
Well, the people from the duke's manor and his servants, people from his land, and such was also unknown to me but this guy excludes an atmosphere that could make someone tell he had some sort of a character.
"I'm one of the hired mercenaries from The Jojen Company to assist you on your way to the capital," The man spoke with a smile, "My name is Yower, Squad 14th leader of the Jojen Company. It's my pleasure to guard someone as great as you,"
"Did my father hire you?"
"Who else would?" Yower smiled playfully and paused, "Pheww, and here I thought you are some kind of trash, young master. I guess the rumors are false and you are a wonderful kid,"
"Hmm…"
Yup… there's no need to waste my time here.
Judging by his movements and the way he acts, it's no different from the people of Earth who would want to get attached to someone more powerful than them.
He wanted to receive Verl's good graces. His eyes were telling me so.
'He probably wants to introduce his members next,'
"Young master, for us to become familiar with each other, I would like to introduce my group. Don't worry, we are all Ruiners, protecting you when you needed."
'Called it,'
My lips subconsciously twitched before interrupting, "I'm glad to have someone like you. Please treat us well,"
I paused, "And you've heard everything right. I'm trash. No need to deny it,"
There's no need to get attached to the people I don't know, especially the people that would be joining this trip.
In the end, as far as I know… only a few people would survive. And they are not included.