Chapter 3

Aiden stood rigidly outside Lord Seth's chamber, tension coiling through his muscles. He hadn't slept, haunted by memories of yesterday's humiliation and Seth's mysterious proposition. Dawn crept slowly across the horizon, casting pale fingers of light into the corridor.

Royfield emerged from the shadows, carrying Seth's morning tea and clothes, their eyes locking briefly in silent challenge. The old butler disappeared inside the room, leaving Aiden waiting anxiously.

Inside, Seth awoke slowly, comforted by the familiar fragrance of Rosemarie tea. As Royfield stood silently observing, the maids entered, their graceful movements practiced and precise. Seth surrendered to their gentle ministrations, savoring the delicate scents of perfumed soap and oils.

Once dressed in attire befitting a lord—a velvet coat threaded with gold, silken breeches, and immaculate boots—Seth glanced toward Royfield. "Send Aiden in."

Royfield nodded and quietly withdrew. Moments later, Aiden entered, his presence stiff and uncertain.

"Sit," Seth instructed, gesturing toward the opposite chair. Aiden obeyed, tense.

Silence hung heavily between them before Seth broke it casually. "Today, we go to town. You'll be my sole guard."

Aiden's brow furrowed deeply. "My lord, isn't that risky?"

"On the contrary," Seth replied calmly, sipping his tea, "it's safer. Trust me."

Aiden's instincts protested, but duty outweighed doubt. "I will guard you with my life."

Satisfied, Seth leaned forward, eyes piercingly intense. "I'm searching for someone—the wanderer mercenary who slew the basilisk. You know who."

Shock flashed across Aiden's face. Convincing that mercenary to side with Seth seemed nearly impossible. Yet, Seth's next words gripped him tightly. "Help me recruit him, and you'll receive your revenge. A rare offer."

Aiden hesitated only briefly before nodding resolutely. "I'll see it done, my lord."

Seth rose confidently, signaling their departure. Royfield was notably absent—Seth needed no interference today.

------

The carriage ride into town passed quietly, tension filling the small space. Seth stared thoughtfully at the passing scenery, memories of his previous world lingering in his mind. Opposite him, Aiden observed quietly, unsettled by the lord's calm yet unpredictable demeanor.

Breaking the silence, Seth eyed Aiden curiously. "You can transform into a wolf, correct?"

Caught off guard, Aiden nodded hesitantly. "Yes, my lord."

"Show me your ears," Seth requested casually.

Reluctantly, Aiden complied, revealing wolf ears beneath his red hair. Seth reached out fascinated, but a sudden bump jolted the carriage, throwing him into Aiden's chest.

Instinctively, Aiden caught him. Their eyes locked, the awkward silence thickening rapidly. Flushing, Seth quickly withdrew, settling into the corner, his expression hidden but clearly flustered.

------

Upon arrival, Seth observed the impoverished streets, aware of the hostile gazes tracking their movements. "We're being watched," Aiden murmured cautiously.

Unfazed, Seth stepped forward. "Lead me to the Raven Guild."

Inside the shabby exterior of the guild lay power and influence. Mercenaries eyed Seth contemptuously, hostility crackling in the air. Cecilia, the bartender, greeted Aiden warmly but turned icy upon seeing Seth.

Without hesitation, Seth recited calmly, "Roasted crow with apple juice, full course."

Aiden stiffened sharply, recognizing the dangerous code—a full course meant complete surrender, even his life. Cecilia's shock was evident before she silently led them into hidden tunnels beneath the guild. Guards blindfolded them, ushering them forward.

The blindfolds removed, they faced Killian de Oberion—the protagonist, the legendary hero. Seth's heart raced briefly, emotions surging beneath his calm exterior.

"Aiden," Killian greeted coldly.

In a shocking move, Aiden dropped to his knees in deep submission, his voice desperate. "Killian, Lord Seth has the information I seek—but in exchange, he wants you."

Killian's eyes darkened with disgust. "You've stooped low, Lord Seth."

Instead of correcting the misunderstanding, Seth simply offered a faint, ambiguous smile, enjoying Killian's visible discomfort.

Killian's gaze hardened further, his voice laced with disgust and disbelief. "You're seriously not denying it?"

Seth shrugged slightly, his expression innocent yet provoking. "Interpret it however you wish, Killian. The offer stands."

An awkward tension settled thickly between them. Aiden shifted uncomfortably, realizing too late how his words had sounded.

Killian sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Very well," he finally muttered, clearly displeased. "Speak quickly. I'll hear out your… proposal."

Seth's smile widened, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Excellent."