Chapter 194: Unexpected Visitor

After practicing for several hours, my arms were killing me.

My eyelids were heavy and I felt exhausted.

I was so sick of seeing myself die over and over in these damn dreams...

"I just want to sleep comfortably again... Is that too much to ask...?" I mumbled to myself.

I stopped swinging my sword and imagined being warm and asleep in bed... Perfectly safe and comfortable.

Just the thought of not being killed in my dreams was enough to make me long for my bed.

Actually, seeing myself die in so many situations had caused me to feel unsafe in general. I had begun to develop paranoia lately.

I just sighed and continued training.

Eventually, my father came out to join me as well. I was happy to not be alone, because I had actually felt myself being watched lately.

There were times where I even woke up in the middle of the night and saw eyes in the darkness.

One time, I could have sworn that I saw a hooded and masked figure.

Warmage was silent on the subject, however...

Regardless, I began learning advanced techniques from my father.

We trained for a while and decided to go out for lunch at one of the local restaurants.

Since Warmage wanted to check the guild, we would also do that again as well.

Today was actually quite cold. I only had a jacket since we didn't have a lot of money...

Warmage mentioned that it was extremely odd for it to be cold so soon. He also said something about the weather not being identical.

On our way over, we spotted crowds of people gathered on the sides of the road.

"Is something going on today?" Ulysses asked.

I just shrugged. I had no idea what was happening.

{This is oDD...}

It seemed like the other me...Warmage, didn't know what was happening, either.

For a moment, I wondered what his life had been like. He usually only spoke when something significant happened. And at one point he told me that there were apparently others.

His messages were the clearest because he was the previous me.

How many more Miziks were there?

I didn't stop to think about it anymore because we noticed something happening.

Suddenly, a large, extravagantly beautiful carriage appeared. It was pulled by several armored horses and surrounded by a group of elite Albatross knights.

The people whispered to themselves about what could possibly be happening.

"Is it one of the nobility?"

"Someone important, to be sure..."

"I can't wait to see!"

Then my father turned to me with confusion on his face.

"It's really rare for us to see such an important-looking carriage here... Does Warmage know what's happening?" He asked.

{Not in the slIGhTest.}

"Not in the slightest."

"Well then, I guess we're in for a surprise. Although I am pretty hungry..." My dad said.

We watched the carriage go by when I suddenly got another message.

{FoLLOw iT.}

"Dad, Warmage says to follow it," I said.

"Ah...fine. It's probably headed for the Duke's castle. Let's go. Quickly! And afterwards, we're getting food!" He said.

* * *

We ended up taking a few shortcuts and ran a lot, but eventually, we arrived at Duke Oswald's castle.

I had never actually been here before. I'd seen it many times in the distance, but my dad always avoided the place unless he absolutely had to go in.

As we got into position just within an alleyway, we saw the carriage pull up.

I saw a man who I assumed was Duke Oswald and his...son...also standing near it. Knight-Captain Cain was also present with a look of annoyance on his face.

Most of the times I saw him, I couldn't help but feel angry.

Sometimes hateful messages would appear, insulting him.

Soon, Cain opened the door of the carriage and when he looked inside, he paused for a moment. He had a look of confusion, but ultimately just shouted at people to make way.

Then...a woman stepped out of the carriage.

As soon as I saw her... I was flooded with hundreds of messages at once.

{BeLoVeD!}

{It'S hEr!!!}

{No...WhIcH oNe Is It!?}

{CaN'T sEe!!!}

{WhO iS iT...?}

{WhAt'S aLl ThE cOmMoTiOn?}

{EVERYONE SHUT UP!!!!}

Then the messages ceased and I got a better look at her.

She was beyond gorgeous.

The most absolutely beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life.

She was likely around my age, maybe slightly older...

She had long and beautiful pink hair with icy-blue eyes.

She wore a modest dress of light blue, pink, and white. Around her neck, she had a silver-emerald necklace. She also wore a light coat that stretched down below her waist.

Since it was so cold today, I could understand.

"Oh wow... Now that is a pretty girl. By the gods, if only I were younger..." My Dad said with a smile.

I was completely speechless.

She stepped down out of the carriage and looked at Cain.

He raised an eyebrow at her and she looked angrily at him for a moment.

They exchanged a few words and she smiled.

Suddenly, Duke Oswald stepped forward. And so did his...son...

"Greetings, Second Princess Cassandra Victoria Albatross! It is such a delight to have you visit our wonderful town of Lorelei! Might I say, you are looking far more beautiful than the rumors would suggest," Duke Oswald said loudly.

At the mention of her name, my status menu went wild again.

{EvIl BiTcH!!!}

{DeMoN wHoRe!!!}

{DiE sCrEaMiNg!!!}

{KiLl HeR!!!}

{I lOvE yOu!}

{I SAID SHUT UP!!!!}

Looking at her now...I had mixed feelings about this woman.

"Oh...hello, Duke Oswald. It is a pleasure to come to this lovely town," Princess Cassandra said as she looked around.

She seemed to be really searching for something.

"My son, Garmal Von Oswald, would very much like to get to know you better, Princess. Would you mind sitting down with him in my castle?" Duke Oswald said.

As Garmal stepped forward and waved at Princess Cassandra, she smiled sweetly at him.

"I am very sorry, but I have only come on personal business. I'm afraid I don't have time to...indulge in such things. I'm sure you understand, good sir," Princess Cassandra said.

"Ah...but of course. I'm hoping you'll reconsider once we sit down to discuss your business..." Duke Oswald said.

Even from here, I could tell that he was staring at her rather large chest.

"Certainly. By my authority as Second Princess, I would also like to request Knight-Captain Cain as my personal guard for this trip here. Is that acceptable?" Princess Cassandra said.

"Of course! Captain Difar is an exceptional warrior and a fantastic servant! Right this way, Princess!" Duke Oswald said.

For some reason, Cain looked really pissed at his comment, but decided not to argue.

Princess Cassandra was then followed closely by Cain as the group headed into the castle. Garmal tried to get close to her as well.

And as they walked away, I could see Princess Cassandra quickly step away from Garmal.

"How's that for eye-candy, Mizik? What a sight, right? I had no idea that the Princess of Albatross was so beautiful. Although I guess it makes sense... I met Queen Evryss once. Before she was Queen, of course. She was just as stunning."

"Think about Mom, Dad."

"Right right, sorry. I still prefer Karia. No matter what! Now then, let's get something to eat!'

* * *

Our trip out to lunch took longer than normal.

Because of this, we ended up staying out all day.

Eventually, we returned home and found Cain waiting for us.

"Geez...why are you such a pain in the ass to find when I actually have go look for you? Damn brat..." He said.

"Excuse me? You have a lot of nerve showing your face around here!" Ulysses said.

"And...why is that?" Cain asked.

"Long story short, those messages my son keeps seeing are from another version of himself, somehow. And the dreams he gets every night are past versions of himself dying! He saw you kill him at one point. Who are you? And what are you hiding!?" Ulysses said angrily.

Cain's eyes narrowed and he stepped forward.

The stride of a man who had absolutely no fear, whatsoever.

"Listen, your son and I have a very complicated relationship. We despise each other and have spent thousands of years trying to kill each other. We currently have a ceasefire due to...certain circumstances. Yes, I have probably killed him quite a few times. Last time, he killed me. But without saying anything else, let me give you a warning... If you pry any further into these matters, I'll help you understand exactly what was supposed to be waiting for you in the mines. Understood?" Cain said.

Thousands of years...? How many times have I died!?

I could visibly see Ulysses back off.

{He's not blUffIng. DON't TEsT Him!!}

"He's not bluffing. Don't test him," I said.

"See? He gets it. He really gets me! It's partially why I hate him so much. Now then, Ulysses, I have no personal quarrel with you. The only thing I hate you for is for creating that horrid spawn of a son that you have. See? Not personal. Now then, Duke Oswald has requested to see Mizik."

"What!? Why?" I asked.

"I don't really feel like saying. I've already done too much talking. Bastard child..." Cain said.

I was feeling pretty irritated at this guy's attitude, but decided not to push him further. He already seemed pretty pissed.

"If Mizik is going with you, then I'm coming too. I don't really trust you, Cain. Not at all," Ulysses said.

"Eh, you're free to tag along if you want. You have Vengeance right, Mizik?" Cain asked.

I just nodded at his question.

"Oh. Good. Also, I like you better when you don't speak. I still hate you, though."

"Can you put a ceasefire on the insults, too? That's my son you're talking to, you ass."

"Ugh. If you insist...dragon bait..."

Dragon bait...?

Ulysses ignored his comment and Cain began walking away.

"You can start following anytime you like. Seriously. I have a life outside of work and I would really like to get around to it, so if you could just HURRY UP!!!" Cain said angrily.

Reluctantly, we both picked up our pace and followed.

* * *

By now, it was already getting pretty dark and the temperature was starting to drop more. It was freezing cold now, and I was shivering in my small jacket.

"Cold? Adorable. Don't freeze to death on me. Seriously, I'll be pissed if we have to start over again... Not that it changes anything... Because nothing EVER changes... Gah..." Cain said.

"You know, Cain, I think I'm starting to understand why I hate you so much. You're an asshole. And I can't wait to never see you again," I said.

"Oh...the feeling is soooooo mutual. You little shit... I absolutely despise you. Especially after what happened on Delvandal. But nope. Master says you get to live and we have to make sure that happens. So good for you. You get the best protection plan ever. Valtheim," he said.

"Val...what?" I said.

"She's around. Actually, she's already tagged you and has been keeping a close eye on your activities. You just don't know it because technically she doesn't exist. Okay? Now then, let's keep moving! The castle is just up here," Cain said.

As we approached the castle, my status menu was filled with messages.

{VaLtHeIm!? DaNgEr!!!}

{Oh GoDs WhY!?}

{AnYtHiNg BuT hEr...PlEaSe!!!}

{It maKEs sEnsE NOw...}

For some reason, I also couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched again...

We entered the castle behind Cain and he led us towards the throne room.

It was a nice castle with lots of decorations.

Although something about it felt off... The walls were made of dark stone and looked like no one had been taking care of them for ages.

I saw paintings of many overweight men and statues of naked women.

"Huh..." I said as I glanced at one of the statues while walking by.

"I'd tell you not to look, but you're an adult now. So get used to it... Especially if you go to the Iratus Estate..." Ulysses said.

Excuse me...what?

{WoMeN eVeRyWhErE!}

{PaRaDiSe...FoR tHe HeArTbRoKeN aNd WeArY sOuL...}

{Oh gods... JuSt ignoRE THem...}

We stopped before entering the throne room and Cain sighed.

"Good. Now you're not my problem for a while. Remember to say yes to everything she asks of you and don't piss her off. Not that it would be possible for you, of course. Just a precaution. Bye!" Cain said.

Then he quickly walked away.

"Umm...she?" I said.

"That Cain guy is kind of a rat, isn't he?" Ulysses said.

One of the guards by the entrance to the throne room opened the doors.

"Right this way, you two..." One of them said.

With that, we made our way in to see Duke Oswald.