So it's like this, Promise

"You're saying you want to hire a valet?"

"Hm"

Normally, I rarely ever see any lady had a valet by their side, most of the time they would be a lady's maid. I don't know if she will agree with my request or not.

"Isn't Mr. Hans already enough? Although he's your father's valet he still has a lot of spare time to accompany you, not to mention you two were so close together"

Currently, I was discussing with Megose's mother in the morning about the idea of hiring another servant I proposed, aka Ademisaul. I wanted to quickly cleared my task and go back and catch on some more sleep, the room was pretty spacious once I removed every unnecessary furnitures away.

"I don't want to bother Mr. Hans much"

I paused and took a sip of my black tea to freshen up my throat, please stay hydrated everyone.

"Mother, you taught me to be kind to others and help those in need right? When I and Mr. Hans were on our way back from my friend's house we were being surrounded by a group of robbers but thanks to that man who led an officer over we were safe and sound."

"Oh my dear! That was fortunate"

"Hm. Don't mother think it's only right to return the favor?"

Mother was thinking to herself, perhaps because of my straight face she didn't think I was lying. Even if she went to ask Hans, I was sure he would help me justify it. As he still doesn't know what am I or my purpose, judging from his character I've seen so far, he would be more likely to watch and gather more information about me first before striking.

"But baby, there are so many ways to help that young man but, why do you want to hire him? We could just gift him a reward or so, I and your father wouldn't be so unkind to the savior who saved our daughter"

Holy.

My hairs stood up to its end by that word alone.

Baby? Which part of me do I look like a baby to you... I held back my tongue.

"Is it because... I see, my goddess! Darling, you have a crush on him?"

I almost choked on my tea.

Mother was looking at me with blushed face, contrasting to my deadpan one.

"It's just like those novel, a damsel in distress being helped by a gallant knight in shiny armor!"

"Okay"

"Ah my poor baby, fall in love at first sight but have to engage with another man she doesn't have her heart with arranged by her family'

"Um"

"My baby is so miserable, fate has torn them apart, different in classes even. Ah, a forbidden love... to think my daughter's first love would be broken just like this sob sob.... It's okay darling, there are still many gentlemen out there! "

"Mother have ever you consider being a write?"

"?"

"I think you could make a good one"

I gave her an affirmative nod. Seriously, her imagination was simply too, beyond of my life's concepts. She could make a great pair with that salted fish writer.

I thought so and placed my teacup back on the coffee table. The then maid came forward and poured me my 12th of today.

"Anyway, mother, that's not what you think"

"I understand"

No, I know you don't.

But I guess it was better this way, I don't have to find any more explanation. Maybe I should have thanks her since it made everything much easier this way. I earnestly smiled at Megose's mother, thinking about how could someone be so creative to make up dog blooded plot in her mind. As for what would Ademisaul say afterwards? That's his problem. Good luck Mr. Ademisaul, all things come at a cost.

Mother's face beamed with joy and a huge 'See? I knew it' seems to be written on her face after seeing my (sarcasm) warm smile.

"So. Can you convince father?"

"Don't worry darling baby, mother will do her best. I believe that as long as the young man you mentioned is capable enough your father will eventually accept it."

"Thank you mother"

I kinda know now why Megose and her family were being so easily deceived by Lanevus, I suspected there it was because of themselves. I mean, just look at this.

"Since we're about to welcoming a new member to our house soon, I'll bought back some gift for him too! What about you darling? What kind of souvenir do you want? We are going to Backlund this time"

"You are going so early?"

Both of Megose's parents were a cloth merchant, they would occasionally travel back and forth between Stoen city and Enmat Harbor. It would take them at least months to come back to Tingen again and visit their daughter, normally for half a month before setting off again.

'This time they're going to the capital?'

Mother squinted her eyes at my previous question, her voice soaked up with affections.

"Aw, my baby is missing me doesn't she?"

"..." 

She chuckled lightly behind her white silk glove.

"We will be going next week, it will take us longer than usual since we won't only be restocking the goods but also find some promising stocks to invest too"

I nodded in response.

"It's a pity if that's a case, you won't be able to see that young man"

Since I'll have to find a Monster formula and knocked that guy's sense back into his head. He appeared to be submissive in front of me but I was hella sure he wouldn't be appealing as a valet. Imagine having a mentally-ill halfwit to serve you, that's gonna be a huge joke.

"As for the souvenir, anything will do"

Even if you were to give me a stone I wouldn't mind at all.

"New makeup?"

"...No thank you"

At this time Mrs. maid came forward.

"Madam, what about a dress for lady? I heard there is a new fashion trend going on in Backlund, I saw it in a daily magazine before. I think blue would go well with her"

"Darling, you're far-sight but too amateur"

Mother sighed dramatically and slammed her palms on the table with a serious expression as if she were on the court fighting justice against a corrupted noble. 

"It should be purple! There were too many blue dresses in her closet already!"

  From casual exchanges took a turn into a heated debate between the two. I used this opportunity while they were distracted and sneaked away before they could turn to ask me about my opinion.

After escaping from an unexpected twist in the middle of our conversation, I was so tired that I could knock myself out nicely once I get into my bed. So, to satisfy my body's burning desire I went up to my room and planned to take some nap before bringing Ademisaul back tonight... or tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow...

"My lady"

At this time, a wild Hans appeared.

I speechlessly turned to look at him with a blank face, wishing he could see how disinterested I was in having a heart-to-heart chat with him. I was right in front of my door to paradise yet this devil popped out of nowhere and dragged me down.

"What is it?"

"I would like to have a talk with you, Megose"

I raised my brow, a premonition risen up inside me.

"Or should I say, dear stranger?"

That's it. Now I remember what mission I've forgotten to deal with yesterday. Thank you for sending yourself to me Hans, you're very generous, I hope you won't be bringing a Nighthawk along with you to come check my room's gas meter though.

We stood there silently with none of us giving in. Second turned into minute, minute turned into hour. Finally, Hans succumbed under my persistence gaze. Hell yeah.

"The weather is pretty nice today, let's have a walk outside shall we?"

Hans helplessly sighed and gestured outside the window, I followed his direction and looked at the street below.

Since he gave me such a suggestion it must be that there was currently no official beyonder with him and it would be safer for Hans himself to be in a crowded place, easy to escape and attracting officials. Hans still didn't report the church or did he plan to guide me to where those officials setting up a trap for me?

I'm more inclined on the former. Why would the official choose to go that far for a mere 'evil spirit' possession case? Well, unlike those cases I had an intelligent while possessing a body but it could be easily resolved with some sort of sealed artifact like 3-0782. Bonus point: most of Nighthawks were literally a walking sleeping pill anyway, I could be easily subdue in no time.

Hans was definitely not a random wild beyonder with no experience I've thought. Crossed out a possibility that he was a former official, I think something like a bounty hunter fits him more.

You were thinking you finally found a way to restricting me huh? My deepest condolences I didn't even bite to begin with. It was like putting up a wall against a turtle.

By the way.

"Mr. Hans"

I pointed at the gloomy clouds hanging aboves.

"it's raining outside"

"..."

I gave him a sincere smile.

"Ah yes, the weather is pretty nice today"

---- 

So in the end we were sitting inside a cafe nearby, with coffees and dessert pastries before us, while having heavy rainfall and occasional ominous lighting flashes as a background. The mood is quite heavy despite I knowing that nothing major would happen today. Hans stiffly was sitting across me with stoned face. I understand your feeling Mr. Hans, but who told you to choose such a day, your luck is really something.

"You can start now Mr. Hans"

No matter how sympathetic I felt for Hans, I still wanted to go back to sleep quickly. Especially in this kind of weather.

Sorry Mr. Hans, I think this is the third time now, but don't worry Hans, once I have a chance I'll remember to buy it for you, an ice cream.

I watched as Hans took a breath and began his opening.

"I know you're not Megose"

"Indeed"

"Easily admitting it?"

Then what do you want me to say? I am your father? I held back the urge to roll my eyes.

"Why are you in her body? Since you have an ability to understand and communicate unlike what a normal spirit could, you should at least have a reason to possess her, correct?"

...Will you believe me if I told you I don't?

"Did she, perhaps provoked you? Or called upon you to realize her wish in exchange for something"

Hans's face grimaced.

"Like a body.... or soul?"

The direction he was pointing at became more and more extreme. I had to say what he said is reasonable, if the so-called evil spirit he's talking to wasn't me that is.

I adjusted my position while mulling over the speech in my head. My turn has come.

"Let's start off with the fact that everything you said is wrong, Mr. Hans. I'm not exactly an evil spirit or a wrath you might think, my situation is special and I do not consent to being here, laughable, you could say I'm also a victim here too. I wouldn't be as so bored as to abandon my leisurely life just to possess someone I have no grudge against to."

Especially, I don't even wanted to be in THIS world.

I preferred anywhere else instead of a world filled with madness like this one. Sigh, I thought I was going to turn into a chunk of flesh in an instant but thanks to the only golden finger I have I still survived despite having those forbidden knowledges in my head. But there was no guarantee it could block out 100% so, let's touch that dangerous rotten egg.

"I don't know how did I get here or why. I only want to go home."

Although whether I'll still be alive or not once I return to my poor stiff corpse is another problem.

"... Where is Megose? Is she ok?"

"Sadly, I have no clue. But you should know the answer by now right?"

"..."

"I'm sorry for your loss"

The surrounding air between us became heavier, like iron shackles bounded our body in a place, so tight that it made us hard to breathe. I wasn't planning on giving him a blind hope, short pain is better than a long one, or maybe I was being heartless here.

There was nothing I can do about it. Being sincere in this situation might be better than lying with no evidence to base on, once the lie exposed will only sour Hans's trust. 

"So you told me all of this and expected me to believe in you?"

"You're wrong Mr. Hans. It's your choice whether to believe it or not. What I did is just stating my explanation here. You can take that as an excuse of the stranger in front of you"

Hans fell silent. It must be rough for him. Being the only person who could make a choice in this situation regarding the fate of an entire household, nothing could ensure that I wasn't having any ill-intent against them.

The only daughter of their house disappeared, replaced by someone they don't know of. How terrifying.

"But Mr. Hans you might not know this, Miss Megose's fate was much worse than you could think of. Even without me here, she would still die after a couple of months from now on"

"What do you mean, no, is there any guarantee that what you're saying is true? Are you trying to trick me into letting my guard down?"

"So what? Do you think I would kill all of you?"

"If you were lying and lady Megose was really being killed by you, wouldn't that be an obvious outcome?"

I let out a sigh, it was so hard convincing an experienced old man. He was thinking I'm pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger when I'm in fact might not be able to beat him 1v1.

"That aside, listen to what I'm about to say. Miss Megose's future involved someone and something you shouldn't have any idea of so I'm going to cut it short for you"

I paused to take a sip of a freshly brewed black coffee, its thick aroma lingered on the tip of my nose and helped me cleanse away the exhaustion I didn't know of in my body.

"You should drink it before it turns cold"

I kindly reminded Hans, whose face in turn briefly collapsed.

"Regarding Miss Megose's fate. She was going to be married to a bastard named Lanevus and, in the end, turned into a carrier for an evil god those lunatics worshipped to descend"

"Lunatics... You mean Aurora Order? the evil god you mentioned must be the True Creator? The True Creator is going to descend?"

"Exactly"

"You've been using the word 'fate' so far, is it alright for me to assume that you, a mysterious being suspected of killing one of my employees, have an ability related to precognition?"

I locked my eyes with his and whispered out word by word.

"And what if I said yes?"

A burst of light flashed behind my back followed by a deafening roar so loud it could make one's ears go deaf.

"..."

It was such a perfect timing, a thunder struck down while I'm saying my piece...

Holy f*cking shit. How was he supposed to hear me hello?

I could clearly see the fear brewing deep in his eyes beneath his frowning face. No Hans, it wasn't my fault that you didn't hear my reply.

Leo... Ahem, f*ck that thunder.

"...God's descend... what in the world."

"Um"

Hans kneaded his forehead and letting out a heavy sigh, I understood that feeling very well, it was the same for me when I was thinking about a couple of dog whelps' name yesterday.

"Since I'm living in Miss Megose's body, I naturally have to deal with the problem myself, changing her original fate. I can't live as Miss Megose for her family, but in the very least I should give her a better ending, no, I promise to do so"

Yes, since Megose is now my body so of course I couldn't let myself suffer an injustice too.

"A miserable lady who will be turned into an evil spawn carrier and utilized by someone to cause a significant loss to Tingen's Nighthawk.

This body will hardly survive being in the middle of a huge whirlpool. Word of advice, It's unlikely that I can take revenge for her so, don't put any faith on me"

I took a bite of a sponge cake I ordered, the texture was soft and it tasted like what I've imagined, a flour.

"Don't you think a heroic death sounds better than a victim caught in a crossfire?"

I threw a glance at the figure who have fell silent, seemingly deep in thoughts.

"Mr. Hans, I'm not asking you to trust me right away. I want you to make your own decision after you have thoroughly assessed all of my actions so far"

Seeing Hans's disheveled image was enough for me to know how agonizing it must have been to Hans, since he was the person who watched along Megose's footsteps, it could be said he was her uncle and she was like a niece or daughter to him.

Sorrow huh?

"..."

'Would there be someone who mourns for me too?'

'Would there be anyone who remembers me?'

Those questions echoed inside my head like countless ripples spreading across a still lake.

I couldn't find any answer, even from myself.

Maybe I used to be all alone. Maybe no one would be there at my funeral.

But that's ok.

"Pardon me Mr. Hans"

"...Huh?"

"Tomorrow, is it alright to hold a farewell for Miss Megose?"

----

.

.

"Old Hans! You finally come back" 

"Phew, we told something happened to you... Old Hans, your face looks a little pale?"

I look at their worried face and felt my cold chest warmed up.

"I'm fine, just a minor accident"

"See? My intuition is as accurate as ever! Nothing really happened after all, you were being too dramatic"

"That's great that's great, it seems we don't have to use that dagger for real"

I took my silver dagger I've given them before and putting it back into my pocket. The dagger's body was inscribed with unique runes that could link my whereabout using it. In case of an emergency I could let these two informants give it to Swain, just like this time. Even if his group might not be able to arrive in time, it could give them a clue leading to my fall and took revenge for me.

Turned out, I was still safe and sound, one of my greatest fear didn't happen... but another one did.

"Old Hans, there's a beyonder gathering tomorrow do you wanna come together with me and Ken? Just accompanying us there is fine"

"Actually, hehe, he just want to gambling at the casino but since there's going to be a gathering nearby he used this excuse for having you to waste money away with him"

"Hey hey hey! Shut your damn mouth Ken. Besides, it's not gambling you dimwit, it's called 'to experience the life'!"

They probably have sensed my weird state as they tried to divert the topic away. Heh these two brats, they were always like this, unnecessarily concerning about me. I smirked and decided to join their chatterings.

"Hah, why don't you go back to your master and instead quickly advance higher? Didn't you say in a higher sequence there's some ability that allowed you to become lucky?

"It's been weeks now dude, you can use that to win your sweet jackpot easily and pay me back your debt."

"No way bro, wouldn't that take me years in the first place?? I bet you plan to capture and sell me off to Mr. Swain don't you!"

"Hahaha"

"Ops, I'm exposed"

This 'metal detector' fellow was once a member of the Life School of Thought. A sequence 9 Monster. Generally speaking, although they were a secret organization, they weren't really causing any massive damage to society, unlike the Aurora Order. But having a Monster as an informant made gathering informations much safer than it could ever be with me and others alone. Usually, he would be stationed at Lamud town and came back to Tingen once in two months and took the place of another guy who was guarding alongside with Ken, also to report back to Swain once in a while. But because of some job he's taking on he was temporarily being sent back here until the end of this month, April.

This is one of an advantage after becoming an informant, you can go wherever you want to and don't have to worry about any officials coming to knock at your door in the middle of the night like a renowned horror story among wild beyonders. Of course, there's a limit to that.

While I was collecting my thoughts together and laughing heartily along with them, a sudden realization drowned onto me.

Ademisaul, a half-Monster.

Monster beyonder...

How could I forgot about that.

"Ed, when you were seeing La... Megose back then, did you see anything?"

"? No?"

"Then anything out of place?"

Ed shouldn't be lying with that genuinely confused expression. This brat was so bad at acting he couldn't even tell a single lie without breaking into a sweat.

If Ed didn't see anything then why Ademisaul...?

"Hmm, now that you talk about it there is indeed one thing"

"What is it"

If that being could caused such a massive reaction on a half-Monster like Ademisaul, surely a full-feign like him should see something right?

"When I was around Megose I didn't hear or see anything that often, oh no, it should be that everything around me is too normal that it's out of place"

"Woah, it must be rough on you Mr. Edmond, what if one day you realized me and Old Hans weren't real and you were just seeing things?"

"Don't jinx me"

Didn't see or hear anything unusual anymore... this is even more confusing than saying nothing happened. 

Is it because of Ademisaul's distorted spiritual perception that caused him to see that being directly? But that didn't make any sense for Ed's case...

It was deliberately their doing? What was their purpose? To avoid alarming others while giving me a subtle warning? That if I were to play any trick, this could occur to anyone around me at any time. Huh, I've truly underestimated them. They weren't necessary having any malicious toward me for now, even thoughtful enough to be concerned about Megose, but the entity like them was terrifying to say the least...

"Old Hans did something happen to Megose?"

Ken was asking me with a frown, but there's no way I could tell them about my discovery.

"Nothing, it was just a mystical item she purchased last time"

"Really? Tch tch Megose was pretty lucky getting a great item like that"

I had no idea at the time that I was the one digging a hole for myself.

"Then we should ask Megose to come over too, I want to ask her to resell it, even double the price will do"

What. 

And just like that, in the very next day. I, Ken and Ed the unlucky star who proposed a stupid plan, along with a mysterious being in Megose's body, were having a little good time at the gathering.