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Prologue
If you had one wish at the end of your life…
What would you wish for?
Power?
Money?
Love?
I-
.
.
.
.
“…that dream.”
I haven’t had that one in ages.
Better yet…
“Being forever in your twenties sure is a pain in the butt.” I muttered while stretching my arms out. “I wonder what I’ll find this time.”
As I stepped out of the cave, I soon found myself blasted by the blazing sun.
And.
Internally.
I regretted stepping outside the cave.
“I should have waited till nighttime!”
My name is Runa.
And why exactly am I screaming like a headless chicken?
Well…
Being in the middle of a desert sure loves to do all kinds of shit huh?
“WHY THE HELL DOES A DESERT EXIST IN RUNE VENUSSSSS?!”
‘I wanna cry.’
I sobbed internally while trudging through the sand.
I’ve been circling around this area for the umpteenth time.
And no signs of goddamn Gilkhatar!!
I'm gonna strangle Harun the minute I head back to Rune Venus one day.
As I mutter a few wind spells to keep myself cool, I notice something up ahead.
‘Please tell me that ain’t a mirage.’
I internally hoped while trudging faster through the sand. ‘Please please please please.’
But as I kept moving, it kept moving away from me.
As if it were taunting me.
‘What would I give to have a broomstick right now.’
I could fly high into the sky right now.
Without a care in the world.
But no, Headmaster Howard said no obvious magic outside of Rune Venus like the cranky stick in the mud he is.
‘Princess!!! Prince!!! Your best girl is suffering in a desert while chasing after a mirage!!!’
Well at least I thought it was a mirage.
By the time I got closer to see whether I was hallucinating or not, I soon found myself witnessing the unspeakable.
I clasped my mouth immediately. I thought I was already used to this.
But.
The prince wasn’t wrong.
Even though Rune Venus seemed more well off.
And magic flourished in all areas of the land.
No matter how rich or poor.
I still find the areas.
Especially the darkest ones.
Like the desert.
Quite terrifying.
‘Children Slave Traders.’
In the middle of the desert.
‘They abolished those nasty tradings in Rune Venus…but.’
Gilkhatar and many other lands still used such methods.
My teeth clenched behind my clasped hands as I watched in hiding.
‘…Runa, you said you weren’t going to get involved.’
‘Shut it.’
‘Runa.’
‘And I’m just going to sit here like a coward and let those children get sold to who knows where?!’
My internal monologues screamed at each other as I started making a plan that would lead me to a path that I wouldn’t expect.
A Girl Named Sheila Rozen
When I saw that girl, she reminded me of a certain princess.
The brave and noble princess of Rune Venus.
Although she seemed to have little magic at the start of her magic academy days, the princess still managed to tame a familiar dragon at quite a young age. She also held incredible swordsmanship that made up for her lack of magic.
A brave and noble princess.
The eyes of that little girl reminded me of her.
“And your name?”
“…Sheila.”
And then…
The moment I heard her name.
I realized.
Deep down.
That.
I.
Had.
Fucking.
Screwed up.
‘THE THIRD HEROINE OF THE CONTINENT SERIES?!’
‘FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!’
‘SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT.’
‘I ENDED UP SAVING THE HEROINE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO SELL HER SOUL TO A DEMON?!’
Sheila Rozen.
The third heroine of the Continent Series.
The protagonist of the game known as Crimson Empire.
The most pitiful heroine among the trio that never really had a proper happy ending.
Heck the ending where she gives her soul to the demon was a lot happier than the rest of the bullshit endings!!!
‘Crap I screwed up the plot of Crimson Empire haven’t I?’
‘Wasn’t she supposed to be sold to an assassin guild after selling her soul to a demon?’
Well she totally hasn’t met that demon yet if there’s no demonic essence on her.
‘…hng.’ Screw it! ‘I’ve wrapped myself into this and now I’m going to see this through!’
“Then Sheila.”
I held my hand out to the little girl.
She flinched at the sight of my hand.
Well I don’t blame her for being a little scared of me.
I did beat the living crap outta those slave traders in front of her and the other children.
I scratched my cheek and gave an awkward smile at the little girl.
“Do you…want to…join me?”
If Crimson Empire can’t give her a happy ending, then I’ll shower her with the happiness she deserves.
And…a tender feeling fluttered as Sheila’s small hand tried to grasp the tip of my hand.
The Continent Series
It was a story that connected each plot via the premise of twenty five gods.
The twenty five were originally split from one god named Berdandy who destroyed themselves.
Leading them to split into twenty five gods.
Each of those twenty five gods created their own land to prevent themselves from self destruction like Berdandy.
Two of those twenty five gods revolved around the first two games.
The semi-god, Lorei, created the magical land of Rune Venus.
The goddess, Simone, created the very land that Gilkhatar stands on.
The third game never introduced a god per say.
More importantly it highlighted how the demons of their world worked.
Michael Faust.
A recurring character that managed to appear in all three games is that very demon.
A powerful demon with enough strength to eradicate many.
A demon that requires the magical power of his contractor in order to maintain a physical form.
A demon who became fascinated by the life that burned strongly within the core of Sheila’s soul.
Better yet.
‘Crimson Empire was the last game the company ever remastered before getting bought out.’
‘So only Michael Faust of the constant recurring side characters got a proper route in the last game.’
‘And somehow the prince of Rune Venus never had one.’
Which is odd considering how frequently he appears in all three.
Maybe he was supposed to have a route in a future Continent Series game.
But…
‘For a handsome wizard and prince of a magical country to use his magical power as payment to Michael Faust.’
It makes you wonder whether the prince was supposed to be a boy’s love protagonist since the company kept putting a lot of innuendos of it with him and Michael.
‘The amount of times Michael Faust said the prince’s name would be a terrible drinking game.’
Then again, said company had another pair in another series of their games.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they do end up making a boy’s love game series when they get revived.
But anyway.
The Continent Series revolved around those three games.
Establishing a world that had so much potential.
Yet it gets cut short the instant the company went bankrupt and sold to merge with a bigger otome game company.
‘Well that’s the reason why I became a traveler.’
‘I’m going to discover every inch of this world.’
‘And learn while-‘
“Sister Runa.”
“O-Oh Sheila, you’re back.” Ah man, she came back so fast I didn’t get a chance to finish my internal spiel.
“The guild master wanted me to hand you the next requests.”
“Ehhh, again?!”
Just because there’s not many magic users in Gilkhatar doesn’t mean they have to work me to the bone.
“Why can’t they just hire someone from Rune Venus.”
I’m tired!
“But Sister Runa, you’re one of the few mages from Rune Venus that lives here.”
Bah! They totally have the money to afford one!
After all this place, Gilkhatar is a rather special land.
Yes Gilkhatar is no average land.
It is a land where bandits and thieves roam freely and about.
A land created by a person known as the King of Thieves.
‘Like the story from A Thousand and One Nights.’
When I started taking care of Sheila, I knew I shouldn't leave her defenseless.
Unlike Rune Venus, the people here are ruthless to outsiders.
They seek thrill in other people’s terror.
They’ll rob you left and right until you’re forced into slavery.
And there’s practically monsters everywhere in the desert no matter where you go.
I had to train her.
At least to protect herself.
‘I don’t have the strength to raise Sheila into a ruthless killing machine like Curtis Nile.’
In fact, the scene where he tells her to kill a random innocent man felt so horrific... I cried while reading Sheila’s thoughts.
Ah.
This man too.
He probably had to kill an innocent person too.
But…
If I don’t kill this man before me, I’ll die by the hands of Curtis Nile.
I shook my head and returned my focus to the little red head.
“Sheila.”
Ah.
There it is again.
Sheila’s eyes.
Devoid of any hint of fear.
A flickering sign of hope brimming within.
‘I’ll make sure you’re happy.’
“Yes, sister?”
“Let’s get going, the guild master is going to nag if we don’t get it done.”
And so…my days with Sheila Rozen continued on.
From training, to outings, to partaking missions from the adventurer’s.
Thinking that these days would continue on without a care in the world.
No Strings Attached
You know.
After spending so much time here in Gilkhatar, you would think the heroine of Arabian’s Lost would appear once in a while.
‘Is it because she’s the only heir and princess of the King?’ Probably so.
Or does she not officially go outside until the events of the game?
I have absolutely no clue.
Better yet, I think Sheila’s already reaching the age where she’s supposed to be in Crimson Empire.
‘Crimson Empire takes place after Sheila and Cejika get sold to royalty by Curtis’ Assassin Guild.’
Cejika becomes the aide to Princess Aileen in Gilkhatar, while Sheila becomes the head maid to Prince Edvard in Luxonne…
Well.
‘Crimson Empire plot is practically destroyed anyway. Good luck at surviving Prince Edvard.’
“Hey Sister Runa.”
“Yes, Sheila?”
“The others are mentioning that Princess Aileen has made a bet with the King.”
“And?”
“That she has to make ten million gold within twenty five days to get what she wants.”
I almost dropped my spoon while listening to Sheila.
‘Wait a fucking goddamn minute.’
“The princess must be insane huh, sister? I don’t think you can make that much money within twenty five days.”
“Y-Yeah…”
If what Sheila is saying…is true…
‘Then Arabian’s Lost plot officially started.’
Well we’ve stayed in Gilkhatar for a while so it shouldn’t be surprising…but it totally feels shocking to hear it in person. I should probably stop cursing and ask for more juicy info from Sheila.
“She also has marriage candidates.”
“The successors of the North, Stuart Sink. The successor of the South, Tyrone Bale. The owner of one of the biggest hospitals within Gilkhatar, Shark Brandon. A famous hunter that gambles in the casinos, Roberto Cromwell.”
‘And a famous legendary assassin.’
But.
Sheila never mentioned the Assassin.
“Was there a fifth one?”
Now Sheila was looking at me weird.
“No? Sister didn’t you hear what I said? Princess Aileen only has four marriage candidates.”
BUWHAT?!
BUT BUT BUT-!
BUT…!
AILEEN WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE FIVE LOVE INTERESTS PLUS HER TUTOR.
WHY ISN'T SHE MENTIONING THE BOOGEYMAN?!
WHY ARE WE DOWN ONE LOVE INTEREST?!
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO CURTIS NILE?!
Curtis Nile.
As many players and reviewers have mentioned, he is claimed to be known as a legendary genius assassin that runs his own assassins guild.
Legit is called the boogeyman used to scare children from doing bad things in Gilkhatar.
Hell even I used his name to make sure Sheila takes heed of my warnings.
But…
Why? Why? Why?
Curtis was supposed to be bound to a promise he made to the King due to a slip up from one of his subordinates.
Hence why he’s a marriage candidate.
Now Sheila is telling me the boogeyman isn’t going after the princess who wants to be normal and is running around making his name more known.
AGH!
Why is the most popular love interest no longer a marriage candidate for Princess Aileen?!
Ugh.
I’m getting a migraine headache the more I think about Curtis no longer being an interest.
‘Maybe I should check out a few places the next day?’
Sheila is going on a mission for the guild so I should be able to get some truth within a few rumors.
As I made a plan internally, little did I know how the forgotten strings worked.
Those that used to be attached to Curtis started trailing after me.
As a smile formed on the face of the person watching Sheila and I nearby.
Local Loan Sharks: The Prince and the Demon
“…you.”
“Yo, Runa.”
.
.
.
“Meissen.”
I stared at the man waving his hand in disbelief.
I quickly glanced over to the blonde sitting beside him.
Clearly knowing who he is.
I shifted my gaze back to Meissen who swished his staff to the right.
A small gleam of magic particles surrounded the three of us.
“Annnnnnd it's clear to speak now.”
“…why the hell are you here, Prince Meissen.”
“Aww, but you used to call me Big brother Mei Mei.”
“Shut up and answer the question Prince Meissen.”
This person is an infamous side character within all three Continent Series games who never got a route.
Despite everyone’s pleas for getting him out of the side character jail.
He’s forever jailed now that the company merged with another otome game company.
I don’t even know if that company claimed rights to make more Continent Series games.
But when you think about it, this man was always considered the bringer of bad endings.
Let me formally introduce you guys.
This person is Prince Meissen Hildegarde.
He is the first prince of Rune Venus.
The older brother of the first heroine, Alicia Hildegarde.
And-
“Boo, you weren’t like this when you were with my lovely sister.”
“Ahhh…if only we could go back to those times where you’d go kya kya ufufu with my precious little sister.”
He’s a big fat siscon for his little sister.
“That’s because she’s Princess Alicia.” And she takes her role as a leader much better than the prince standing right here in Gilkhatar. “Also what do you mean kya kya ufufu, we’re not noble ladies that go to tea parties.”
“Meissen Meissen, who is this human and why is she covered in the nasty smell of angels?”
Angels huh?
I remember this guy mentioning them once when I played the prologue of Crimson Empire.
If Sheila didn’t sell her soul to this demon standing next to Meissen, she would’ve been spotted by angels.
The demon clinging to Meissen like a lovesick puppy is none other than Michael Faust.
Michael Faust is a side character that appears in Arabian’s Lost with Meissen. Although he’s a side character right now, Michael is the only side character that got lucky to have a route in Crimson Empire.
He’s a demon contracted to Meissen and feeds on Meissen’s magic powers…but.
‘Meissen is only contracted to Michael if Alicia dies from an assassination attempt.’
The bad ending, in which the player is unable to land in any route.
But…
Princess Alicia is with someone right now.
There’s no way she could get easily assassinated.
‘So why is he here?!’
“An old friend of Alicia and I.”
“Meissen’s friend.”
Okay why are you looking at me like I’m going to steal Meissen from you.
“…Perhaps acquaintances at this point, because my only best friends are Alicia and Sylphiel.”
“Ehhh, you can’t just reduce me to a mere acquaintance Runa!”
“Then answer the goddamn question before I decide to pretend you’re nothing but air to me!”
“Fiiiine.” Meissen relaxed his shoulders and began explaining what happened after I left Rune Venus. “Another assassin attempted to take Alicia’s life again.”
“Again?!”
Okay pause right here.
There’s going to be a little bit of an explanation here.
In the original game, there was only a one time event in Wizard and the Master where Princess Alicia ends up getting assassinated. Of course this event is easily avoided if you choose a route or heck pick siscon right over here.
‘But that assassin got jailed at the hands of the King of Rune Venus’ commands.’ Because at that time, I was the one that accidentally landed on them.
Yes.
I landed on the assassin.
When I transferred to Rune Venus after my last world, I somehow managed to land on the assassin that tried to kill Princess Alicia.
Which led to me being close to Princess Alicia and Prince Meissen even though it wasn't my intention.
‘But another assassin went after Princess Alicia’s life again.’
“We’re trying to figure out who put the hit on my cute little sister.”
I frowned.
“…you’re not assuming it’s Curtis Nile right?”
“Why do you think that, Runa?”
“Because…”
You claimed he was the assassin that killed your sister in the original game.
In the bad ending of Wizard and the Master, Princess Alicia gets killed by the assassin.
It’s supposedly what happens in canon which leads to Arabian’s Lost and Crimson Empire.
Meissen makes a contract with Michael Faust as a result of this…but.
‘Princess Alicia is still well and alive according to Prince Meissen.’ I even remember her getting together with the one she truly loves before leaving Rune Venus, so there’s no way she could easily get assasinated.
So why did he still make a contract with Michael Faust and journeyed all the way here?
Plot wise it doesn’t make any sense for this guy, who's a total siscon, to go this far if his sister is already deemed safe.
‘Unless this crazy siscon is really going after the people that put a hit on his sister.’
Hm…it's a good thing I’m not on Meissen’s bad side.
“Well you said someone put a hit so he’s obviously the first one that comes to mind…but he’s not the type to leave a job half assed.” A legendary genius assassin like Curtis Nile will never leave a job half assed. He always completes his jobs swiftly to the point that no one outside of Gilkhatar knows what he looks like…hell I don’t think there’s anyone alive that’s ever lived to reveal his face.
‘I don’t count Sheila since I practically destroyed Crimson Empire’s plot.’
“Hmmm I did consider him at first, but as you said. Curtis Nile wouldn’t leave a job half done and he works as the face for assassins so I wouldn’t be surprised if he refused to reveal the clients that made the hit.”
True. I think even in the game he refused to reveal such vital information. After all, it’s how his guild makes a living.
‘Ah now that I think about it.’
If the assassin never killed Princess Alicia in the first game…doesn’t that mean Curtis Nile isn’t forced into a promise with the King?
It’s the sole reason why he’s a marriage candidate.
‘Wait.’
[Arrow points out that she’s the one that stopped the assassin.]
‘Oh.’
‘Fuck.’
Yet again, I went into another internal breakdown as Prince Meissen continues to say he’s in the middle of investigating that and another thing here in Gilkhatar.
It seems he’s going to be staying here for a while.
On one hand, I regained my old drinking buddy.
On the other hand…I realized I fucked up another piece of plot in the Continent Series.
‘NO WONDER HE’S NO LONGER A MARRIAGE CANDIDATE!!!’
I DESTROYED CURTIS’ REASON FOR BECOMING A LOVE INTEREST IN ARABIAN’S LOST!
I just destroyed two major characters’ plots.
Great.
Just great.
The Mage
??? 'sPOV
‘Today she sure is in a rush.’
Another day passes by for the mage running about in the streets of Gilkhatar.
Together, hand in hand, with the little redhead she calls Sheila.
Who am I talking about?
Oh.
Yes.
The mage running down there.
Her name is Runa Rozen.
A high ranking adventurer at the Adventurer’s Guild.
About a few years ago, she arrived in Gilkhatar with a young Sheila Rozen looking for a place to stay and somewhere to work.
Of course, this place didn’t show her kindness at the start. In fact, the place she started was probably an inch within the slums.
But the mage refused to mope, instead she continued request after request. Taking down monsters that roamed around the desert, oasis, and the cave one by one.
I remember passing by the guild once and ended up hearing the guildmaster screaming in excitement about a basilisk fang she brought back.
Ah yes, her achievements grew to the point where the guild gives her high leveled requests requiring mages.
“Why can’t the guildmaster hire someone from Rune Venus!!!”
Runa whined while being dragged out with Sheila.
“Again, you’re the only mage that lives here in Gilkhatar sister.”
“They could totally pay for other mages!!!”
Well she isn’t wrong on that.
Perhaps the guildmaster just wants those rare materials Runa Rozen is able to extract from the desert monsters easily.
As expected of the most overworked mage in Gilkhatar.
“So you’re saying a mage rescued the children?”
I remember the first time she appeared in a report.
At first, I found it odd that a mage would be all the way out here in the desert.
“Yes.”
But it didn’t really matter since we had another set of children slaves that arrived earlier.
These children would be trained to become members of our guild or end up being sold to others.
So I dismissed her existence, thinking the mage would disappear like sand in the wind.
However-
“To think she decided to stay here in Gilkhatar.”
It makes me wonder if she’s a foolish or an unbelievable mage from Rune Venus.
Or maybe she’s both.
Who knows but…the face she makes each time she thinks…is very funny.
“Okay is it this way?”
There was a time I switched her map for one of the requests she was given.
“Head north this wa-aaaaaAAAAAAH?!”
Soon the mage disappeared into the sand, making Sheila Rozen panic upon seeing her beloved sister disappear.
“SISTER?!”
“STEP BACK, SHEILA!” Runa shouted from within the sand, dragging her towards the center. “IT’S A QUICKSAND!”
The next thing I knew, the mage’s black hair fluttered as she raised her hands up. “FLOAT!”
A pink magic circle appeared and lifted Runa from the quicksand.
However-
“....I’m covered in sand.” Runa groaned in annoyance while flailing her arms up and down, “That receptionist totally gave us the wrong map again!”
“Why I oughta-!”
Before she could even curse about the adventurer’s guild receptionist, Runa blinked once she noticed something moving ahead.
“Sheila.”
“Yeah, I see it.” Sheila raised her staff and split it, revealing a long chain that held a lone knife.
“Alright…at least we’ll finish the request faster.” Runa held her hand out and a burst of a small pink magic circle dropped a silver weapon appeared in her right hand. A soft click resounds from the weapon as Runa gazes at the opponent before her. “Let’s go, Sheila!”
“Yes!”
‘Ah.’
I thought to myself.
The way she charges head first into battle reminds me of that bounty hunter gambling his life away in the casino.
Placing a high risk on her life, Runa Rozen deals a high return to the enemies that stand before her.
Those once warm eyes that would change into constant confusion or hold deep ideas soon became cold at the sight of her target.
As I watched her from a distance, I silently wondered.
‘Would I end up facing that everchanging gaze of her’s?’
Such wishful thinking.
I doubt we will ever cross paths.
.
.
.
.
Or so I thought.
“There’s only four marriage candidates…”
The shocked look on her face amused me.
I didn’t think Runa was the type to hold an interest in the princess of Gilkhatar’s affairs.
Princess Aileen Olzabal.
The only daughter, princess, and heir to the King of Thieves.
Despite being the daughter of the King of Thieves, she constantly pushed for her wishes to be normal.
However the King and Queen decided to place a bet.
Either Princess Aileen chooses one of her chosen four marriage candidates or she achieves the goal of saving ten million gold after twenty five days.
It was quite the talk among the gossipers within Gilkhatar.
But after Runa learned such news, she started moving more obscurely.
Why?
Well…it looked like she was trying to gather information about someone.
At first, I thought she was interested in the Princess’ whereabouts or the marriage candidates.
Seeing that the mage frequented the bar and the casino the most.
I always noticed her near the ones with loose lips.
But it seems the mage hasn’t received the information she wants.
So…
‘Who are you looking for, mage?’
I thought until I heard Runa Rozen’s words while simply passing behind her.
“…Why can’t I find anything on Curtis Nile?”
‘Oh.’
I can feel a smile making its way onto my face as I eyed the mage.
‘I see how it is.’
‘You wanted info about me .’
“Then…allow me to grant you that wish, Runa Rozen.”
The Smiling Assassin
Runa's POV
I really thought I was going to die at that moment.
I had messed up big time.
I thought I could handle the tribe of elves hidden within the depths of the cave alone.
‘I really should've asked Meissen to help me.’
I can already hear him scolding me for being reckless.
Then there’s Sheila.
Oh my little sister, Sheila.
‘I’m sorry.’
‘Your big sister messed up.’
As I tried my best to keep the magic circle up, I saw a flash of red.
“Huh…?”
I could barely see due to the lack of lighting within the cave.
“Oh forgive me.”
“I can’t have all of you kill this mage.”
“After all…”
But…I could feel something nagging at the depths of my mind as I tried to force myself to focus on that person in front of me.
Judging by the voice, the person seems to be a man.
“I haven’t properly introduced myself to her.”
Agonized cries and shouts resounded.
I could feel something splatter against my cheek as I watched that man’s back.
Wondering about the man’s identity.
But I have a pretty clear idea on what splattered against my cheek and if I had better lighting…this part of the cave would’ve been painted in a violent color.
Once it got quiet, that person turned around and stepped closer to me.
And soon.
I felt my eyes widen in shock as the person kneel down to wipe my cheek.
“I’m honored to meet the famous mage of the Adventurer’s Guild.”
I could feel a chill running down my spine as I stared at the person gently wiping the elf blood from my face.
My throat felt dry as I barely managed to voice the man’s name.
“Curtis….Nile.”
I whispered.
“Oh so you do know me?”
How can one not know you?
You’re…
‘To real to be true.’
I could feel my strength depleting.
The shock of seeing Curtis Nile made me feel a little dizzy.
And before I knew it.
I fell forward and blacked out.
Unable to comprehend what happened next.
I’m pretty sure Curtis Nile abandoned me there.
After all, I’m just a person not involved in Aileen’s story.
Sure, I dragged myself into Alicia’s without a say.
But getting rescued after fainting?
That event belongs to Aileen, respectfully, alone.
She’s working hard to make enough money to have her wish of becoming normal granted.
Whereas I-
“Sister!”
“...Sheila?”
“You made me worried sick, Sister!”
I could feel myself getting squeezed to death by Sheila’s arms as she hugged me.
Once I returned Sheila’s hug, I glanced around to see that I’m no longer within the depths of the Cave.
‘I’m back home?’
But how?
“Finally awake aren’t we?”
I can feel my body stiffen as my eyes trailed towards the entrance.
There standing in all his mediocre appearance glory was none other than the infamous Curtis Nile.
‘I find it insane how Aileen calls him mediocre looking at the start.’ Sure he looks average to some eyes.
But that’s what feels so deceiving.
You don’t know when this man will backstab you.
He could easily knife you in the gut while you’re walking down the local market at night.
‘Its amazing to see that I’m still alive after he murdered an entire tribe of elves.’
“But I feel this isn’t the right time for formalities.” I could feel Sheila tightening her grip on me as Curtis bid us farewell. “Until next time.”
Once we no longer heard Curtis, Sheila spoke up with worry laced on her words.
“…Sister, who is that man?”
“As much as I want to not say it…” I sighed, still feeling the chill running down my spine, “I’m going to forewarn you, Sheila.”
“Don’t underestimate that man.” I hope Sheila heeds my warnings now that Curtis set his sights on me. “Even though he seemed nice enough to take me back here from the Cave. Don’t be fooled. He took me back after exterminating an entire tribe of elves from the cave.”
“Exter-!”
I nodded.
“I’m pretty sure you heard his name from me and several others. But as long as you're here in Gilkhatar, you cannot avoid seeing him at least once.”
“That man is Curtis Nile.”
The legendary genius assassin.
Who is somewhat interested in me.
And I have absolutely fucking no clue on how I managed to get his attention.
A Game of Cat and Mouse
“The material has already been submitted?”
When I went to the adventurer’s guild the following day, it turns out the boss drops from those elves were handed in advance.
“Mhm, in fact I already prepared the rewards for you, Miss Rozen.”
It felt weird taking the gold.
It was as if Curtis was handing me free money even though he was the one that took out the tribe.
‘Why didn’t Curtis say that he was the one that took them down?’
Is it because Curtis is already rich? Well I don’t know what’s his motive in doing this, but I don’t feel good holding this much money.
That was an entire tribe of elves, and each costs like five hundred thousand gold.
‘Literally the amount of money in this bag could help finish Aileen’s goal of ten million gold in a flash.’
…Too bad I’m not Aileen.
‘It feels wasted on me.’ Maybe I'll use it for Sheila’s sake! ‘I know!’
I’ll go buy curry ingredients!
I haven’t made that in forever!
‘I can invite Meissen and Michael…wait, do demons even eat human food?’
‘Well it wouldn’t hurt to try.’
“Oh what a coincidence.”
Annnnnnd, there goes my plans to go buy curry ingredients.
‘THIS IS TOO CONVENIENT OF A COINCIDENCE!!!’
I internally shouted in my head as I slowly turned around to find the infamous Curtis Nile.
‘Ah man he’s even smiling.’ It was fine seeing this on my psp screen, but seeing it face to face in real life… ’I have a bad feeling about this.’
“H…Hello.” I managed to muster a greeting to the assassin steadily making his way over. “It’s quite a coincidence, huh?”
“Indeed it is.” Okay, but it feels like we’re parroting each other's words at this rate. “You seem pretty happy leaving the guild today. Is it because you received your pay?”
“Well I am happy to receive it, but.”
“But?”
Hnng I lead myself to this conversation, might as well see it to the end.
“...why didn’t you claim the money for yourself?”
“Claim you say? But the one who took on the request was you, correct?” Curtis started off, “If I, someone absolutely with no connection to you, claims your reward…wouldn’t that lower the guild’s impression of you?”
Stab.
“Besides, you can be easily replaced despite being the only mage here in Gilkhatar.”
Stab.
“And all the credit would end up going to the Assassin’s guild.”
STAB!
‘He really knows where to hit where it hurts.’
Literally assassin in action and in verbal rebuttals.
“But I don’t need it and the Assassin Guild doesn’t need more attention than it already has.”
Yeah, because you’re already famous and rich as it is.
‘Is what I want to say out loud…but I don’t want to lose my tongue from it.’
Last thing I need is getting on Curtis’ bad side.
“So what do you plan on using the money with that smiling look on your face?”
“Food.”
“Food?”
Why do you gotta parrot me again?
“I mean…I gotta buy something for my sister and I.”
‘Ain’t that considered normal-‘ But before those words escaped me, a mini realization hit me like a brick. ‘Wait. Normal.’
I forgot the core of Curtis’ route.
The reason why he’s seeking retirement in Arabian’s Lost.
The very reason that pushed him to consider ending his assassination career.
The crave for normalcy.
The moment I started thinking about my life, I realized I have hit the end of my assassination days.
An assassin shouldn't be thinking on how to live because we’re supposed to die at an instant.
His words from the game echoed in my mind.
And if you add the fact that Curtis has been lucky to live this old as an assassin…it’s no wonder his curiosity piques when it comes to people who wish to live normally.
‘But I’m a mage from Rune Venus working as an adventurer…’
There’s hardly anything normal about that.
So…
“Why are you following me?”
“I’m interested in what you’re making.”
“…Don’t you have work?”
“I’m the leader, so that doesn’t matter to me.”
‘Damn rich boss person aura.’
As a result of that conversation, Curtis somehow manages to spare time to join me on my outings.
Of course that led me to having mini heart attacks each time he surprised me.
But whenever I’m with Sheila, he always tries to incite her anger.
For example, one time we had a request in the desert and they decided to pick a fight in the middle of the North Market.
“How long are you going to keep such a childish hairstyle?”
“Too bad for you, Sister loves the way I style my hair! It’s my pride and joy! She even brushes my hair daily!”
“She’s probably only saying that because you’re still a child. Also…aren’t you already an adult? Why are you still having her brush your hair? Aren’t you being babied enough as is?”
“Try and say that again!” Sheila yanks out her chain weapon while Curtis flicks out knives from his sleeves. “Oho, is that a challenge?”
“YOU GUYS STOP! NOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MARKET!”
I feel like I’m dealing with two children.
No two bloodthirsty children.
Then again, Sheila always found some way of angering Curtis which led to her being kicked out of the Assassin Guild.
Then sometimes I find myself being followed by Curtis even when heading to Meissen.
“Hey Meissen, is there someone following me?”
“If you’re talking about the smiling redhead about a few feet away from you, then yes.”
Okay Michael, I get that you’re jealous of me talking to Meissen but you didn’t have to make it obvious that Curtis is right behind me.
It annoyed me when Michael kept making the shoo shoo go away hand signal.
Wouldn’t even let Meissen rescue me from Curtis for a brief moment.
So to soothe my annoyance, Meissen offered that all four of us should have a drink.
Well…that drink didn’t stop at one.
Could’ve sworn Curtis looked amused seeing me teetering between awake and knocking out.
But by the time I woke up, back at home, I had an insane headache.
“Sheila…the hangover soup.”
“Geez, sister.” Sheila sighed while getting up to go to the kitchen. “You kinda deserve that headache.”
“Haha.”
I laugh.
Unaware of what had taken place while I was asleep at the bar.
Professor
Curtis' POV
Runa Rozen is an interesting person, despite being a fool to take on a tribe of elves on her own.
“…If you’re going to keep staring, at least help out.” I found it funny when she had me hold a bag of apples for her. “I’ll spare you a bowl for it.”
“Is that a reward?”
“If you want to consider it as one, sure.”
“You don’t plan to use magic to hold them?”
“That’s a waste of magical energy and time.”
I see, magic is like stamina to mages.
So that’s why Runa never uses magic outside of the requests.
“In any case, what exactly are you planning to make?”
“A dish only I know and you’ll be helping me with.”
“Is that a favor?”
“Not really, but I do need help with cutting the ingredients. This is a very long stew dish. And you sorta decided to stick to me for this so let’s just make it together. Besides, Sheila is going to take a while with her request.”
But what does apples have to do with a stew?
When she bought the apples, I thought Runa was planning to make something sweet.
‘But she said stew.’
It wasn’t until I saw the ingredients and various spices Runa bought…I realized that this stew seemed a lot more complex than I thought.
“Okay, everything is here.” She handed me a few apples, “Here, now cut the apples we just bought into slices.”
The apples she just handed got cut without effort.
A few slices rolled against their side on top of the cutting board.
Upon seeing that, Runa slowly shifted to stare at me in utter stupor, “...fast.”
“You said cut so I cut them.”
“I barely even blinked.” Runa muttered to herself, “Too op.”
“OP?”
“Overpowered. You’re too overpowered. What are you? A last boss?”
“I’m the boss of an assassin’s guild.”
“You’re too frank.”
Better yet…is that what she thinks of me?
An overpowered last boss?
.
.
.
.
‘Well she’s right.’
As Runa and I finished cutting the ingredients, she began mixing the flour and oil into a rather dark paste.
Then the spices she had prepared were thrown creating a rather strong aroma.
Once the strong smelling paste was set aside, Runa began cooking the ingredients into one pot.
Watching her like this, you wouldn’t think Runa was a mage from Rune Venus.
A lot of the mages there were born from nobility after all.
You hardly see many from those of common background like Runa.
‘Maybe that’s why she felt out of place over there?’
Who knows.
Runa keeps quiet to herself despite going on and on about being a mage from Rune Venus.
“Annnnnnd we wait for an hour for this. The rice-”
Runa stopped herself and turned to me.
Her face seemed rather serious.
“You may think I’m weird but this rice is technically horse feed. If you don’t like horse feed, I can use bread-”
“I don’t mind, but can something delicious really be made from that?” Runa makes a deep frown, “Just you wait, I’ll make you eat those words. Don’t look down on horse feed, Curtis!”
“So you eat horse feed straight from the horse’s barrel-”
Suddenly my mouth gets stopped as Runa places one of the sliced apples into my mouth.
“I’m making you eat your words. Period.”
As I chewed the sliced apple she pushed into my mouth, I watched her rush back and forth between the two boiling pots.
“...so she can be bold.”
It was the first time she stared into my eyes without wavering.
After an hour passed, Runa kept an eye on the stew and quietly took a few of the remaining sliced apples for herself.
It seems Runa is using the remaining apples as a snack.
As she reached out to wipe her left hand against a nearby cloth, I decided to gently take her hand.
“Hm? Cur-”
Before Runa could fully say my name, I watched her face turn red as I did something she least expected.
I licked her hand.
From the palm to the tips of her fingers.
The taste of apple juice and the strong smelling paste lingered.
A taste I probably can never forget as I watched Runa turn into a sputtering fool.
“Y-You…I…wha-”
She wouldn’t even look me straight in the eye after that, quickly retreating to the pot and moving it away from the fire.
“You’re unfair.”
Runa muttered while trying to ignore what I just did.
And for some reason.
I wanted to see that expression again.
“...So have you finally eaten your words? Curry is superior with rice, right?”
“I think it tastes better from your hand.”
“H-Hey!”
“Or maybe the one on your cheek-”
She immediately wiped her face the instant I said that.
Even though I was just teasing her.
And as the days go by.
My interest in Runa began to grow the more I spent time together with her.
Though it’s annoying having to deal with that childish adopted sister of hers.
“Why’s the stupid braid man here.”
“Hey Sheila, don’t say that.”
What would I give to yank those pig tails of her’s.
Then there’s the two that hang around the bar and casino.
‘ Weren’t they the loan sharks that reside in the castle lately?’
Apparently those loan sharks know Runa since her time in Rune Venus.
Though…the one Runa seems to be glaring at, the blonde man by the name of Michael Faust, is radiating pure power.
Power that could easily flick the both of us away like yesterday’s trash.
Forgotten and left to rot.
Before I could tug Runa away, the man named Meissen suggested.
“Why not a drink? Betcha didn't have a single one in a while.”
“How’d you…you know what I won’t ask.” Runa lowers her shoulders in defeat of Meissen’s suggestion. “But if you offer, you’re the one paying this time.”
“Of course.”
But as one drink went to several glasses of liquor, I soon found Runa sleeping against the counter top.
Pity.
It would’ve been funnier if she was a talkative drunk.
Before I could poke Runa’s cheek, Meissen suddenly spoke up thinking like he was talking to Runa.
“Y’know…I’ve always….hic….wondered.” Meissen’s cheeks were flushed, showing he’s fully hammered from all the alcohol they drank. “You…why didn’t you…hic…stay in Rune…hic…Venus.”
“A drunk Meissen.”
You can see Michael Faust blushing in adoration of Meissen.
But I was too busy listening to drunk Meissen’s words.
“Y’know…I thought…hic…you’d be with…professor.”
“You were so…hic….comfortable…hic…every time I saw…hic…you two.”
“So…hic…why…”
“Why aren’t…hic…you with…hic…the professor?”
Those words embedded in my mind that day.
Michael Faust excused himself with the drunk Meissen and paid for the drinks with a sack of gold.
In fact, he kinda overpaid what was intended.
Whereas I stared at the mage sleeping against the bar counter, stuck in a blissful dream.
My hand reached out and poked her cheek.
“…you and your professor.”
What relationship did you have with him?
Why didn’t you stay in Rune Venus?
And why…
Do I hate the idea of learning about this professor?
Harun
Runa's POV
Before I started traveling, I loved playing video games.
It always immersed me into various stories that detailed heroic adventures, slow slice of life, and the protagonist’s perspective on what they had to face.
That immersion was my saving grace during my time at the hospital.
Of course, I didn’t get a chance to leave the hospital in the end…but those games made me forget that I had to face the harshness of reality.
So…when I got my wish to travel to the games I once played.
I visited many places.
I fell on my butt several times due to getting lost, fought monsters with my life on the line, and ate various meals that I never got to taste.
Then I reached my last world and-
“Good afternoon.”
“Hello Curtis.”
Seeing Curtis has been a norm now that I hardly get heart attacks whenever he appears.
Though I still get heart attacks whenever he’s in the middle of an assassination or my target ends up falling before it could even land a hit on me.
“How’s the little brat?”
“Sheila is doing fine…and when are you going to stop calling her a brat?”
“When she gets rid of the pig tails.”
“Sheila will argue back.”
And say one snarky remark about your braid.
“What about you?” I stopped to turn around and ask, “What’s going on in Curtis’ daily life?”
“The usual.”
So straightforward.
“Let’s see. Someone’s gonna die in the next few days is what I’m assuming?”
“That’s one way to put it.”
“Okay.” Now don’t say more because I will regret asking more. “The assassin’s guild must be in great shape under your command.”
“Now if only Meissen would take a page or two from you.” In terms of being a leader and quit leaving the job of ruling Rune Venus to his sister! “His magic professor would cry tears knowing he’s fooling around drinking without him.”
“And this professor is?”
“He’s a magic professor back at Symphonia Academy.”
Hauranne Balzola.
He’s a hundred years old astrology professor at Symphonia Academy. Although he doesn’t look a hundred, this professor’s youthful visage is done due to constant usage of magic plus a major plot point in Wizard and the Master.
Although he didn’t have a proper route like the other interests, he had endings that were the result of a bad ending with one of the interests Alicia pursues.
It was like a give and take ending. Even though you didn’t pursue this guy, you still managed to charm someone else.
Though…
“Figuring out when his next class was always troublesome. We had to read the stars in order to find out whether we’re having class or not.” Stars are pretty, don't get me wrong, but if Meissen wasn’t there to give me a hint on how to read the constellations I would’ve been late to a chunk of my classes.
“But the professor taught me most of the magic I use in combat. In fact, he said I was better suited for adventuring than just sitting around and researching new types of magic to develop the world.”
“And-”
Before I could go on a spiel about Harun’s hidden pegasus, Curtis suddenly interjected my words with one question.
“How do you feel about him?”
“...Huh?” Did I hear Curtis correctly? “I’m sorry…can you repeat?”
“How do you feel about your professor?”
“Oh. Well he’s my professor. I guess former professor, but I think he’s great at teach-”
“Runa.”
I felt my face stiffen upon hearing him say my name.
Usually he doesn’t call me by my name out loud.
No…thinking back, Curtis always called me Miss Mage or the surname I’ve taken here in Gilkhatar.
“What I meant to say was.” I can feel a lump form within my throat as Curtis uttered the last words I wanted to hear. “Did you love your professor?”
…ah.
Did Curtis really say that?
Curtis Nile, of all the people in Gilkhatar, really said that?
In fact, I couldn’t look directly at Curtis’ face now that he mentioned those words .
But.
‘I can’t stay silent.’ It’d be like giving a silent yes to Curtis. ‘I have to.’
And so I gave an imaginary shove to the lump in my throat to say, “Love is a strong word.”
“Calling my feelings for the professor as love is a little too much. Maybe even cruel perhaps.”
“And besides, the professor preferred advancing magic through research over such things. He’s one hundred years old after all. He’d never choose love and throw away such hard earned and dedicated pages of research for-”
Suddenly my mouth is firmly shut by a single thumb.
I soon found my chin lifted to the point that my gaze finally met Curtis.
Only this time.
His face was super close.
Dangerously close as he traced the bottom of lip.
“...you really do talk a lot when you lie.”
'Oh.'
'I.'
'I.'
'I was lying?'
The blank look on Curtis’ face didn’t help.
I can’t even tell what he’s thinking as realization hits me like a brick.
.
.
.
.
'I see.'
'So I was lying.'
'Lying to myself. '
My eyes were beginning to sting.
The sensation of tears, that only prickled whenever I cut onions, were on the verge of bursting.
“...I guess so.” I mumbled, trying my best to keep the tears from rolling. “But obviously you know the result by now, right?”
At least Curtis didn’t spell it out loud, otherwise it’d be harder to keep the tears from flowing.
Yes.
Harun rejected me.
Maybe it’s because I was his student at the time, Harun denied my confession.
But after I made the resolve to travel again, I didn’t want to destroy the relationship we maintained so far.
Professor and student.
He’s supposed to be a proud professor who taught a strong magic focused adventurer.
Any feelings of love should be non-existent at this point.
‘It’s already been years anyway.’
I want to keep it buried again and throw the pointless feeling off to the farthest sea.
“So Curtis…can you let me go?” I need to wipe these tears and ice my eyes before Sheila sees it. “I think the sand is getting to my eyes now.”
“I need to-”
My train of thought went blank as something pressed against my lips.
“Mmmn?!”
'W.'
'W-W..'
'WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!'
Sirens were blaring all over the place in my mind as I soon found my back being pushed closer to Curtis’ body.
“Mmmng!”
I-Is this for real?
I’m not dreaming am I?!
Please tell me this is a dream!
“W-Wait.”
I tried to take a moment's breath by pushing my hands against Curtis’ chest.
He paused for a brief second then used that moment to do another.
Except this time, something manages to slip past my lips.
My face feels like it’s burning as Curtis deepens each one.
Not getting a chance to cool down.
And if I don’t close my lips on time he manages to get through like…he’s already seen everything from me.
Once I’m finally out of breath, I felt extremely embarrassed when Curtis wiped off a trail of drool that escaped the edge of my mouth.
Then quietly mutters back, “There’s no more sand.”
And despite my hammering heart.
The poker face Curtis always wore finally held a sad look in his eyes.
It's Complicated
It felt like being in a daze.
I stared off into the distance thinking back on what happened.
I mean.
It’s Curtis Nile.
The Curtis Nile.
The infamous legendary genius assassin.
Of all the people that triggered and I guess stole a kiss from me was none other than him.
“I can’t believe that happened.”
I practically whispered it to myself.
Still in clear disbelief of Curtis’ actions and even his words.
I can’t even ask myself the taboo question about Curtis.
Because if I acknowledge it, then I’m truly aware of that assassin’s feelings.
Which is harder to believe.
I know we’ve spent a lot of time here and there, but Curtis…having feelings…for me?
If you told me before I met him officially, I would’ve called you crazy.
“…What to do.”
In the midst of my grumbling, Sheila spoke up. “Sister.”
A worried look adorned on her face.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine Sheila.” Just going through an internal breakdown of accepting what the fuck just happened with Curtis. “I think I’m just gonna rest at home today. You go out and have fun with the others at the festival.”
Yes.
Today is the day of the Festival Event that takes place during Arabian’s Lost.
But…
I don’t feel like going.
Pretty sure I’ll run into Princess Aileen and her chosen interest at this point.
And there's people out there hitting on cute girls.
Oh then why did I send my cute Sheila out?
Well she’s going out with Meissen and Michael, so I’m not too worried.
She has the strongest mage and demon lord beside her if self defense fails.
But still.
“I don’t wanna go.”
I mumbled while pulling my legs close, burying my face into them.
If I go, I have a feeling that I’ll end up being the one to trigger that stupid scene where some random ass dude tries to flirt and Curtis has to come in to threaten said dude with knives.
‘The last thing I need is some random ass dude flirting with me.’ Curtis is already upset about what happened yesterday. ‘I mean, he kinda breaks a bottle of wine with his bare hand in one of the endings.’
…yeah. I think I’ve seen enough bloodshed from Curtis to know that I shouldn’t tempt his wrath.
As I lifted my face, I shifted to gaze outside the open window. “…the fireworks haven’t started yet, huh?”
I guess it's still early.
Sheila just left so…
“…Sheila?”
At least I thought she left, I heard footsteps only to glance at the entrance of my door to find the last person I wanted to see today.
“Not.”
“A little hurt you confused me for a brat.”
Curtis stepped away from the entrance and made his way over to me.
“Sheila is at least cute.” I bluntly admitted while Curtis crossed his arms, “Oh…and what do you think of me?”
‘A handsome self-centered bastard assassin would’ve been my original response basing off the game’s depiction of him.’ But after what happened yesterday, I don’t know anymore.
‘Is it because I accidentally changed the stories by just falling on top of the culprit that kills Alicia?’
‘Is it because I saved Sheila?’
‘Is it…’
I glance back at Curtis, who's still staring at me for an answer.
“I don’t know.” I set my feelings aside so many times in many of the worlds I’ve ventured to and the one that sealed the deal was Harun. I acknowledged that my feelings will never get reciprocated after he rejected them.
But.
“The stars dictate that I’m not the one you’re looking for in the end.”
It was the one line he left to me before I left Rune Venus.
Perhaps this journey intended for me to meet someone near the end of it.
‘But Curtis of all people?’
I literally destroyed his plot, the assassin love interest in Alicia’s group, and the heroine of the third game’s plot.
All the assassins gone from their plots of the Continent Series.
Setting them off course for a story outside of their otome games.
I guess in Sheila’s case I saved her from the angst filled third game.
‘Hng.’
I returned my gaze to the window.
“My mind is all over the place, no thanks to you.”
“I can’t even tell whether I should still think of you as that assassin that always joins me for banter or…”
“Or?”
“Something entirely else.”
I soon find Curtis sitting beside me, I guess he got tired of standing.
I hesitated for a minute and asked the assassin, “What exactly do you think of me?”
“What do I think of you? Do you want my opinion?”
“I’d rather have that and maybe I can understand what I’m feeling right now.”
“I see.” He soon leans in and places his forehead against mine, “Truthfully, I don’t know what I thought of you at the start.”
“You’re a mage who somehow managed to captivate others no matter where you go. Using magic that’s beyond my knowledge of survival. You’re someone clearly out of the ordinary despite doing such normal daily living here in Gilkhatar.”
“And…”
“I hate the idea of you being with another man.”
“You didn’t react that way with Meissen and Michael.”
“Your relationship with those two were more like siblings that I can barely see any hints of you falling for them.”
“Well you’re right on that…”
Not that I hate Meissen but I got annoyed with his flirting back at Rune Venus and threatened to tell Alicia about what he does behind her back.
And Michael…well he’s decent but he only has interest in Meissen then tries to flip the bird on me every time I try to approach Meissen anyway.
“So.”
“So?”
“Do you need to say it?”
“I believe actions speak louder than words.”
He leaned closer.
Giving me enough room to go ahead.
I lifted my head and felt a familiar press against my lips.
The fireworks resounded in the distance as something sparked.
It didn’t disappear in an instant.
No it did not.
It continued to burn strongly as the desire started to intensify more.
Once I backed away for a breather, I looked into Curtis’ eyes and found my answer, “…I see.”
“So that’s it.”
I reached out and touched his cheek.
Curtis leaned into my touch as disbelief entered my tone.
“I can’t believe you.”
“What’s there to believe…when it’s already happening.”
Oh that gaze is illegal.
I remember seeing it in the official manga for Crimson Empire and the anthologies for Arabian’s Lost.
A gaze that beholds the treasure before them.
Right.
This assassin indeed captured a treasure.
He stole it from me.
And…
I can never get it back.
The fireworks resounded in bursts, covering the sounds of excitement from the citizens of Gilkhatar. But also hiding the tender moment shared between Curtis and I.
The End of a Journey
“You finally found what you needed, Meissen?”
“Yup, so I won’t be seeing you for some time.”
“Then can you hand this letter to your sister? I won’t be able to visit Rune Venus until everything’s settled over here.”
The only reason why we’re not mentioning Meissen’s royal title is because we don’t want others to know the Prince of Rune Venus was in Gilkhatar.
Once Meissen leaves, the memory spell will alter his and Michael’s appearance for everyone in Gilkhatar.
The only exceptions should be Princess Aileen, Sheila, and I due to our strong magic constitution.
“True, you’re going to be quite busy aren’t you?”
“Psh, don’t look at me with those eyes big brother Mei Mei.”
Meissen made an involuntary gasp and held crocodile tears in his eyes, “You finally called me big brother Mei Mei!”
“…Maybe I’ll take it back.”
“NO! NO TAKE BACKS!”
You sure you wanna be called something so girly?
Well he’s not denying it.
“Anyway…can you punch Miller for me if he hasn’t proposed to your sister?”
“Sure, I’ll give him twice the strength.”
“As expected of big brother Mei Mei.”
The next thing I knew Meissen placed a hand on top of my hair and patted it.
“Then, take care.”
“Will do.”
As I watched Meissen and Michael leave Gilkhatar, I head back home to face the two kids fighting over who's going to be kicked out.
“Just because my sister chose you, doesn’t mean you get to stay here!”
“Ah but sooner or later we will get engaged.”
“You’re not getting engaged this fast!”
“Oh want to-“
“YOU GUYS!”
I literally have to shout my way into these two.
Maybe it’s because their relationship isn’t teacher and apprentice anymore but currently an in law versus the fiancé to be.
“How many times are you both going to argue about this?”
“We’re not going to kick someone out.”
“Curtis, I love you, but don’t you dare kick out my only relative in this house. And Sheila, you’re the most precious sibling I could ever have, but I told you multiple times that Curtis will be staying here at some point.”
“But that’s not-“
“Maybe you should stop relying on your sister and start having your own place.”
Sheila's dagger-like glare never stopped pointing at Curtis.
“Haah.”
This is going to take me a while.
Maybe I should call some of Curtis’ guild members to take him so he can announce a successor.
Anyway this went on for weeks since Curtis seemed to be hiding at our place most of the time to avoid his guild.
He seemed intent on not announcing a successor.
I know this happens in the game, but it made me want to ask him in person.
“How come you never announced a successor for your guild?” Ideally, the next best assassin after Curtis would take over. “Your guild members keep bugging me each time I come across them.”
“There’s no one that could really take over my place.”
Oh.
Right.
I forgot.
This man is a conceited genius assassin.
“Sometimes I forget that you’re a literal living legend, Curtis.”
And a self centered one at that.
“Ah but I think you’re also forgetting about your own title.” Curtis wrapped his hands around my waist and pulled me close. “You’re the current high ranking mage of the adventurer’s guild and-”
“My fiancé.”
I grimaced at him.
“You’re making me feel pressured, Curtis.”
“Well I’m already retired, so there isn’t really a need to feel the weight of my title. Besides-”
“I chose to live for you.”
“...You’re really conceited aren’t you?”
“Better than being a fool that runs straight into danger.”
Before the distance between us got any smaller, a loud thunk resounded against the wall.
When I peer from Curtis’ shoulder, I see a familiar knife stuck to the wall.
“Oops I missed a spot. I was this close to finally cutting your stupid braid off.”
“Looks like I need to punish a brat that doesn’t know their boundaries.”
Sigh.
Here we go again.