After showering and having his meal, he was left to do as he pleased in the room until he fell asleep. Théoden was not sleepy, however. He was too excited to believe all that happened in a short period. Théoden lay on the bed. It felt like he had landed on fluffy clouds after always laying on pavements and the ground.
He remembered the reason he was rendered powerless in the streets but now he was a bit grateful to the bastard Ben for being the bastard he was. Théoden got the chance to meet the beautiful goddess thanks to that after all.
That didn't mean he would let that weasel go. He had to find him and appropriately punish him for the trick he played on him. The badge was still in his system which meant it was an organization of weasels.
'Hehehehe!'
A slightly evil laugh left Théoden's lips. He had almost lost all his sanity in the street. His eyes dimmed slightly and seemed to be raging in a storm of anger within them.
'I will make you wish you never robbed anyone bastard. Just you wait.'
Thinking of the system, the last time he checked, it was still updating. Ever since it remained silent for whatever reason there was. The 'Ding' of notifications was not heard again. For that reason, plus the whirlwind of past events, he completely forgot of its existence. Not completely though.
When he checked both women's information, he remembered a slight change in the main panel.
'What happened to the notifications?'
As soon as he thought that, the delayed notifications came flooding into his mind. There was a series of information registering in his mind.
[Updating system authority in progress: 100%]
[System Authority update completed]
[System authority has upgraded to Novice-Middle]
[Congratulations Host for achieving this feat]
[The system has unlocked new features]
[Unlocked class]
[Host may now choose a class to specialize in]
[Class: Options; Mage, warrior, necromancer, spiritualist, etc]
'Is this real...? Ah, of course, this is real.'
Théoden was finding out a lot more than he expected from the system. It was hard to believe that all these job classes existed in this world. It made Théoden think he had not seen even a portion of the world.
[Attributes have been updated]
[Attribute conversion ratio is now 1:10 ]
[Attributes: Strength:1,1 Dexterity:1 Stamina:1,2 Mana/Magic:1,4 Intelligence:1,3]
'This is interesting.'
Théoden felt the same, thus, he speculated that it was only a change in the conversion ratio of stats.
[Host has received a reward for raising System Authority.]
[Skill: Soul contract]
[Skills: Soul contract(Blood contract). Grade: 4 Unlimited growth. Type: Active skill. Description: This type of contract can be made at the lower grades (1~4) as a blood contract to demand the absolute loyalty of the second party. However, blood contract is not absolute. It is effective on similar-strength or lower-strength beings. Usage of soul contract requires fifth grade. Classified into two: Two-way soul contract and Independent contract]
[Please raise your stats and gain skills to upgrade to the next authority level, Host]
'The perks aren't half bad.'
He was over the moon. Théoden fell asleep smiling at the benefits he had received. If not for the fact that he was extremely exhausted, he would have found it difficult to fall asleep. The last thing he saw was the main system panel hologram.
The night was quiet but the comfy bed made it all the more worthwhile. He got a night's worth of good sleep.
The next day arrived quicker than Théoden would have anticipated. He did get all the things promised to him. Testament to this is that he was dressed in new but comfortable clothes. He got a full meal course which he was unable to finish as mouth-watering as it was.
"After your morning breakfast, you will meet with the duchess. I shall help you get ready today," said Mer.
'What????'
"Pardon?" Théoden was unsure he heard that right.
"A bath has been prepared while a set of clothes has been chosen according to your size. The time is short so hurry on with your meal."
'Can I say no to this?'
"...I will. Thank you."
After what seemed like an eternity of embarrassment, Théoden was ready. His hair was cleaned and combed while his clothes were well fixed on him. A deluxe fabric design on the shirt and pants with white details. The embarrassment came from the fact that he could not refuse the maid's intention to help saying it was her duty.
Mer was more faithful to her duties than anything.
'I guess I learned it the hard way.'
He felt like the innocence he got back in his new body had been robbed.
He walked down the hall his face slightly flushed but a calm expression.
Knock! Knock!
"Come in." A cold voice was heard from the other side. This made Théoden a bit nervous. As angelic as the voice that came from the opposite side of the door was, it didn't diminish the oppressing vibe it gave.
He met the goddess at her study. She looked up from her busy desk making eye contact with Théoden at the disturbance. She left her ink pen and stood up.
"Bring us tea, Mer."
"Yes, master," Mer responded and left the room.
She moved to the twin couch in the room with a table in between. She sat opposite Théoden and placed a few papers in front of her.
"First of all, I will introduce myself. I am Marrianne Lisna, Duchess of the Astella Dutchy. The first Duchess while the 20th successor the Dutchy. What is your name child?"
She spoke in the similar angelic voice he missed.
In a fluster, Théoden responded. "I-I am...Théoden. Andras Théoden."
"Speak comfortably. Yesterday you agreed to follow me in exchange for food and shelter. I shall grant you that." Théoden nodded in affirmation of her words, "However, that is not the reason I brought you with me. My main objective is to get a child. In other words, I need a child."
"....."
'You need a child?'
Théoden was speechless. The sentence in itself was as misleading as it could get.
Mer came back with a full tea set and served it before quietly leaving. It was a mystery why she got in and out of a Duchess's office without as much as knocking. She was as quiet as ever. It was almost scary as even the door opening and closing were silent.
'I that a level required to serve the duchess?'
Marrianne continued with her explanation as soon as Mer left.
"I have to groom a male heir to be my successor. I will offer this position to you, in exchange for more than you asked for. It is a win-win for you as it comes with nobility and endless wealth. Which will sooner or later become yours if you take up the position."
'With endless work, I presume...'
Marrianne spoke with eloquence in her voice. Calm and steady.
She wouldn't be lying if her voice was that confident. It was easy to understand what she was saying.
'Given the benefits, there was no reason to refuse.' Théoden thought so.
"Is there a reason it has to be me?" asked Théoden.
"I need a child of your age with no connections or background to take up the role. Plus, you have no reason to betray my trust."
"It makes sense, but am I qualified? I haven't learned much..." Théoden was about to explain why he was unqualified but he was cut short by the Duchess' next words.
"I will deal with all the duties while I teach you upper social class and etiquette. Before further briefing, do you agree to take this offer and role and become my adoptive son?"
'Does she realize she looks too young to have any child let alone a 16-year-grown child? Oh well.'
"I am willing. I hope you will take care of me."
Théoden responded immediately. He had a sincere smile on his face. There was no need to think further. He had to get his priorities right. His life on the streets of the kingdom taught him enough. He had strength but he needed more than that. He needed connections and influence. A powerful backing and the power of status.
In a class-divided community, the Duchess was the best route to build a foundation. There was no guarantee he could come across the same luck if he hesitated. Marrianne was cold but she was not cruel. At least, from what he had observed. It was also true that nothing in the world came for free, but the conditions given were more to his benefit. Plus, it was foolish to refuse.
'Fortune knocks once. There is no need to overthink.'
At the response, Marrianne bloomed a smile on her lips. It was a short moment but she did smile.
"I knew you were a smart child. I will get to the point as to why I need you. I recently made a deal with the royal family that I would marry off my son to their youngest princess. She is someone I want thus I had to intervene like so. But, I need a son of course. So you will take the role of the princess's fiancé. It is, however, a genuine engagement, despite the political gains. Do you have a problem with marrying someone you never met?"
'Marrying a princess???'
"None. I understand it is a give and take, but this oddly seems like you are giving and not taking anything in return." Théoden tilted his head.
It was simply too good to be true. On any occasion, he would have never agreed to such a deal but he was not sensing any imminent danger or misfortune.
Marrianne nodded in agreement.
"Yes, child. It does seem like that but I benefit most from this. I never make a losing investment. Take this and read through it. They are adoption papers and contract guidelines. Sign if you are satisfied. From now on, you will take the lessons needed to present yourself in front of the princess and as a suitable heir to the Dukedom."
"I understand." Théoden picked up and scanned through the papers. It seemed like the communication equipment worked fine with reading as well. "What should I call you?"
Théoden did not see a frozen look on Marrianne's face as he was busy scanning the contract.
"You decide, child."
"Mmm! Sure. You as well. If it is by name, call me Andras. I'll call you...Mother...from now on since you will be. Is that fine?" Théoden looked up to get the answer.
"Okay, Son~" Marrianne responded with a smile blooming on her lips.
Her voice was no longer as cold as it was when they met. Théoden flinched at the sudden change of the Duchess.
'What happened to her?'
"Oh, take your time to read through it. I will wait for good news. Mer!"
Mer was called into the room to escort Théoden back to his room.
"This way, Young Master."
The maid appeared in the room and ushered Théoden.
'Wow. Her attitude changes quickly.'
"Yes, Mer."