Théoden woke up feeling more refreshed after the short nap. He stared blankly at the ceiling. A thought popped up and he immediately rang the bell by his nightstand. Mer came in shortly after. She was as expressionless as ever. She glanced at Théoden but didn't say anything else.
Truth be told, this was the first time Théoden had called on her. Not that he was expecting it to be her when he rang the bell.
Théoden got off the bed and fixed his clothes a bit before talking to Mer. This was so he would not come off as disrespectful.
"Mer, I want to see Mother soon. Could you relay that?" asked Théoden.
He looked at Mer and after a bit of hesitation, he continued. He was trying to piece his thoughts together so as come off as clear as possible.
"Oh, Mer, I want to get an investigator, a detective to look into a certain case. Privately." Théoden emphasized the last bit. Although Mer was a bit perplexed by the request, she didn't linger on it.
Mer waited until Théoden was done listing all his wishes before bowing.
"As you wish, Young Master," Mer responded in the same monotone voice. Lacking any emotion.
"Yes, you are dismissed, Mer," said Théoden with a hint of tiredness, though, he had just woken up. The sun was shining outside so he hadn't slept long.
Mer walked out the door and left Théoden in the room. His eyes turned violent with a dangerous glint which no one could tell his thoughts. He blinked for a while and his emotions settled like they were never there.
As Théoden was waiting for the news, he looked at his system. He didn't know how to feel about his new skill. It was a contract skill but it didn't seem like one you would make while making a casual deal.
This contract gave one the power of one's life in the palm of his hands. There was no telling if he needed the other party's approval or not. He didn't seem to care about that either. That was surprising but 'surprise' was the wrong term to describe his feelings.
Théoden was just perplexed at how easily he had accepted that information. For some reason, he smiled. When he realized that he had just smiled, he quickly pushed the curve of his lips down, trying to calm the thrill in his heart. A rush of adrenaline and a feeling of weightlessness enveloped him. He felt a bit drunk on the thought. This had been a common occurrence since he occupied this body. He would have certain desires that went against his moral code and human conduct.
Théoden assumed that this was the effect of having his sub-race, the demon race, but deep down he didn't think that was the cause. Like now, he loved the feeling of dominance he had when he would use the skill on some unfortunate person and have their lives in his hands.
'Shit…I have got to get a grip.'
This was becoming more apparent by the day since he was subjected to life on the street, he tended to view humans in a more passive apathetic way. They didn't quite care for him but in turn, humiliated him which almost made him lose control a few times. He felt further and further from the control he had in his body during that period.
Haa!
He sighed.
He was happy that Marrianne saved him from the worst outcome.
In the silent room breathing was all that was heard. This was interrupted by Mer's voice.
"Master can see you now," said Mer.
Though she had entered the room silently which was not something to be surprised about, Théoden was still a little surprised. It was quite unsettling, but he preferred it that way.
"I see. Lead the way, Mer."
Théoden got up and Mer fixed his clothes a bit. They left together and went towards a room Théoden had not been to before. It was within the main building so it didn't take long to get there.
Knock! Knock!
"Come in!"
Mer ushered Théoden in without entering herself.
The door closed behind Théoden. Théoden's sight was met with a very bright room. It looked like a balcony but it was indoors. There was a wall of glass on the opposite side revealing the view of the flower garden beyond it. There were a few intricately placed potted plants hanging about within giving the room a nice touch and a sweet aroma he felt was a bit familiar but couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"This is such a beautiful room," Théoden muttered while completely awestruck.
"Mn." He was met with a reply capturing his attention immediately. He hadn't realized there was someone else in the room. His eyes met with Marrianne who seemed to blend in with the surrounding. She fit in the portrait.
Marrianne was satisfied at Théoden's pleased appraisal of the room. He quickly composed himself.
"Hello, Mother." He smiled.
"Hey. How are you, dear?"
"I'm good."
After exchanging some pleasantries the atmosphere changed. There was a slight overbearing pressure and seriousness to it.
"Tell me. What brings you here, Son?" Although her voice was blunt without a trace of emotion, her face didn't give any sign of displeasure.
"Precisely that reason, Mother. Will I be your son?"
'Did I say it a bit too aggressively?'
Nevertheless, Théoden kept his eyes on Marrianne. He couldn't falter.
"Yes. What makes you think otherwise?" Marrianne looked somewhat confused making Théoden a bit guilty. It wasn't his intention to question her sincerity but her motives.
"Ah! No, I haven't thought otherwise, Mother." Théoden paused and looked into her golden shimmering eyes before continuing, "I just want to know your attitude on the matter. I don't think it would be difficult to find someone like me among many on the continent. "
"Be direct, Dear. What is it you want to ask?" Marrianne's voice was cold as usual and the pressure around her grew colder.
"Do I have the right? I-I mean, being your heir means, I am secondary to you in this mansion and the Duchy. Do I have the right to exercise that much power? Do you trust I can handle that much power?" Théoden stammered and stumbled on his words. He finished his question with great difficulty. It was never his intention to be so direct but he had no choice when Marrianne wouldn't compromise.
"Yes." Marrianne gave a concise answer making Théoden a bit stunned.
"Yes…?" He found himself asking the same thing in disbelief.
"Andras, child. I said it when I brought you with me, I will give what I have promised. When I made you my heir, it was genuine. You ARE my heir. The only heir of the Astalles Duchy and my only son from the moment you signed the paper. There is no use doubting me." Marrianne said in a cold tone that almost seemed angry.
This was the first time he heard Marrianne speak in such a tone. One that was both convicted and left no second thoughts on the matter. Her words could not be refuted or questioned.
Théoden felt it because he could somehow feel her emotions. Her eyes portrayed her sincerity. He saw a calm and unwavering trust in her eyes. He felt warm despite her cold chilling aura.
"I see. Then I am lucky to have met you, Mother." Théoden beamed a sudden smile giving Marrianne a stun.
Marrianne nodded.
"Then~ I think we should get to know each other better. We haven't talked much, have we? I know almost nothing of you." Théoden spoke in a playful childlike manner. He felt a bit giddy like having received something like a year-long awaited present. Though it was how he should act in the current body's age, he didn't intend to. There was impulsiveness in acting like a child in front of Marrianne. He didn't think too much about it and let it slip his mind.
Théoden was in a good mood and spoke with a hum to his voice.
This was another issue he had to cover. The world would soon come to know he was Marrianne's son so it would be weird not to know anything about her. He wanted to dedicate himself to being a perfect son before fulfilling his ambitions. This was in line with the agreement he had with her.
"I will keep that in mind," Marrianne spoke while looking at the view outside.
"Oh, one more thing, Mother. Are there some rules I should not break or restrictions I have? I would love to know them now." Théoden's voice was serious.
"There is nothing of the sort. You are free to do as you please. Mer will guide you in case of anything cumbersome."
Marrianne said it as a matter of fact. It was not a big issue in her eyes. She knew her worth and her influence. Much more was her power. She was as respected as she was as feared.
Théoden on the other hand didn't know much of whom he was sitting opposite to. Nevertheless, he didn't doubt her words. Why? Her eyes showed no lies. This was a gut feeling. Nothing more. He had no evidence to back his claim whatsoever. Nevertheless, he trusted her.
'Really??? Then this shouldn't affect my plan…'
A dark glint passed in his eyes threatening to show the hostility he held within, but looking at the person in front of him, he calmed down. She had nothing to do with it.
Marrianne was observing Théoden's expression as he had countless thoughts rushing in his mind. She didn't seem to mind being ignored for a while.