Chapter 6: A suspicious deal

Contrary to the usual, and due to that strong presence, Jin forgot that there was anyone else in the room. All he cared about was moving forward. But as thoughts clashed in his mind, a voice pulled him out of that state.

"Why are you standing there?"

"Come in."

The distinctive voice belonged to a man who seemed to be in his forties, with long black hair and dark, barren eyes. He wore a white glove on only his left hand.

Jin realized he was in the presence of the lord of the manor. Not knowing how to act in such situations, he approached and placed the teacup on the desk.

Edward smiled without saying a word, so Jin turned to leave, hoping he could speak with him, but his thoughts were scattered, and he couldn't start a conversation. At least, that's what he told himself because he wasn't good at communication.

"Wait!"

Jin froze in place, thoughts racing through his mind before he slowly turned back. His gaze had been downcast from the beginning, so he hadn't seen Edward's face. Slowly, he lifted his eyes until they met Edward's. Jin felt a chill run through his body as he looked into Edward's eyes; it was like staring into a vast, endless void.

Jin's astonishment was evident. "Why are you so nervous?"

"Do... do you need anything else, sir?" Jin mustered his courage to speak.

"You're the new guy, aren't you? Hmm, what's your name again? I forgot."

"Jin. My name is Jin."

Edward laughed, then said, "Oh right! You're the boy with the name from that children's story."

"Story?" Jin asked, puzzled.

"Didn't anyone tell you? It seems I spoke too soon. Forgive me. Please forget what I just said."

(Damn, this name issue again. I had almost forgotten about it.) "As you wish," Jin said coldly, though inside he was burning with curiosity about what Edward meant.

Edward rose from his chair and stared out at the vast courtyard of the manor through the window. "I've heard about what happened with you."

"I..."

"Well, it was a mistake..."

"Thank you," Edward's words surprised Jin. He had expected to be blamed. "You risked your life to save Nina. You don't know how much that means to me. Everyone in this house is part of the family and important to me."

"Family?!" That word struck a chord with Jin, as he couldn't remember anything about his own family. It wasn't as if he didn't have one; he had simply forgotten those memories as if they had faded away.

"Yes, and that's why I want to reward you. Tell me what you desire most."

Jin bowed his head slightly, then said, "I don't think what I want is something you can provide."

Edward turned to him and extended his hand. "Do you know who you're talking to? I am Edward Philostosius Longrad." He raised his voice. "You have no idea the magnitude of the opportunity in front of you. If I can't do it, no one can!"

Jin's right eye sparkled, and he said eagerly, "Then... I want to meet Gerald."

"You mean the hero, Gerald?"

"Yes, Gerald Bellorian," Jin said firmly.

"Do you want to train under him or what? I believe he stopped doing that long ago."

Jin's expression changed. "No... I want to ask him something. And if I don't like his answer..." He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Edward laughed hysterically until he bumped his arm against the desk, spilling the tea and staining everything. "As I expected, you're just a fool! But I didn't expect you to be this stupid. You're talking about the number one ranked among the top ten in the kingdom." He paused before continuing, "Nevertheless... this sounds a bit interesting."

He approached Jin and extended his left hand for a handshake. "Do you understand what this means?"

Jin asked, bewildered, "What do you mean?"

"This is a contract between us. There will soon be a competition for the knights of the princesses, and of course, my niece will participate with her knight, Rei."

Jin said hesitantly, "So you want me to help her win, huh?"

"No." Edward closed his eyes. "I want you to ensure she loses the competition."

"Huh! I don't understand, why?!"

Edward looked at him coldly. "I don't think the reason concerns you. All that matters is that you do as I say. If you succeed, I'll arrange a meeting for you with Gerald. Do you agree?"

"But..." Jin took a few steps back, his mind very confused.

Edward approached and placed his right hand on Jin's shoulder. "I know you might think this is a test or something, but I assure you, I don't play such trivial games. Once you agree, this will be a binding contract for both of us with severe consequences if I don't adhere to it."

With much trepidation, Jin raised his hand and shook Edward's despite his reservations about the dubious deal. He felt an urge to back out, but... (There's no turning back now. This is my chance.)

Before Jin left the room, Edward told him, "One more thing. After ensuring Rei's elimination from the competition, you must lose the duel, and not by withdrawing. I don't need to tell you that this matter stays between us. I won't interfere to get you into the competition; you must do it yourself."

"What if he loses naturally without my intervention?"

Edward sat back in his chair and interlaced his fingers. "In that case, the agreement stands. I don't care how he loses."

It wasn't the ideal way for Jin to meet Gerald, but he had made up his mind. (I'll do anything to achieve my goal, even if I have to deceive, lie, or kill. Yes, I'll do whatever it takes... I'll find out who betrayed my master, and then...)

"Hey, you!"

"..."

"Wait!" Jin stopped in his tracks as someone tugged at his clothes. It was Nina. She held on tightly without saying a word, not even turning to look at her.

"Please don't leave!" Nina rested her head on his back, clutching him tightly. "I know I have no right to ask, but please stay."

Her voice was quiet and on the verge of tears. Jin tried to move forward and break free from her grip, but she held on tighter. "No! I won't let you go!"

Jin ran his fingers through his hair and said, "Yuna will be angry if I'm late again."

When he said that, her eyes widened, and she looked at him. "So you're not leaving?!"

Jin turned to her and calmly said, "Of course, I thought about it, but in the end, everything that happened was because of me, so I won't blame them."

"That's not true!" Nina shouted. "You did nothing wrong. You risked your life to save me."

Jin smiled faintly and said, "Fool! I'm not who you think I am. I wouldn't have involved myself unless I was sure I had a chance of winning. So don't think too much about it. You owe me nothing; I didn't risk my life, after all. I'm... not a good person." (This way, she won't feel guilty about it anymore.)

Nina responded to his confession with a broad smile, looking into Jin's eyes with great joy.

"Didn't you hear what I said?" he shouted, but Nina's expression didn't change.

"Finally, I saw your smile."

Jin looked at her in astonishment for a moment, then averted his gaze. Words poured from his chest, mingled with deep sadness. "Why do you care about me so much? Please stop, I don't deserve it."

"Stop it yourself!" With a few tears streaming from her eyes, Nina's heart was filled with mixed emotions. She didn't really know why she cared about him, especially since she used to hate him. But she always remembered the moment when she was helpless, and he didn't leave her behind. Maybe that was the seed that grew into trust in him. "I don't think you're a bad person. That's what I feel, and I don't care what you or others say about you."

Seeing the trust in her eyes, Jin realized it was pointless to try to convince her otherwise. He left her and walked away, but she didn't stop. She hurried her steps and walked beside him, clasping her fingers behind her back, smiling with great joy.