Chapter 7: Unfinished business.

Day 3, part 2.

After explaining what happened to Cole, a hour or so of questioning ensued.

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After finally being finished with the questions and arriving back at the city, I was sent home while Cole went to the magic council to report today's events.

Relieved that I could finally go back to my room and rest, I sluggishly make my way back to the Alunin as the last light of the day warms my back.

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Once back at the inn, I ordered a quick bite from the receptionist, Kei’s mother.

She presented herself as Kira, and I can see where Kei got her good looks from.

With long black hair done up in a ponytail, black almond shaped eyes and a lean build yet somehow with an ample chest; she certainly draws gazes.

After a few minutes of waiting, with the occasional discreet glance at Kira, I receive a tray with 2 leftover pies from lunch and a tankard of ale from Kira’s husband, Kai.

Kai is a lean but well built man with a boyish look, even though he is supposedly well into his 30s.

Greeting, and thanking Kai for the food, I say good night to the two of them and pick up my tray.

Carrying my tray up the stairs and turning to the left towards my room, I freeze as I lift my gaze from the floor.

There is a very familiar person sitting and reading a book in a foyer to the far left of my room.

The foyer has a few comfy looking chairs that surrounds a sturdy looking table; all complete with a nice comfy looking rug.

Sitting in the leftmost chair, which gives a good view of the hall, and consequently, my door; is

a certain familiar golden haired beauty.

Said person who I, for some reason, pissed off this morning.

Looking closer, she seems to not yet be aware of me, as she is still reading her book quietly.

Looking around for a way to reach my room unnoticed I quickly realize that; unless I suddenly awaken my inner ninja, I won't be reaching my room unnoticed.

Throwing a quick glance at my adversary to make sure she is unaware of my presence, I flinch as my eyes meet hers.

‘Shit! Nonono…’ a chilling fear and despair grips my innards as I watch her smile, ever so slightly.

Closing the book with a snap, she lowers the book unto the table and stands up ever so slowly, all the while keeping her full focus trained on me.

“We have some talking to do.” she says seriously.

Even before I manage to start replying, she cuts me off and continues speaking pointedly: “Now! You've kept us waiting long enough already.”

‘Err? Us?’ looking around reveals no one so I give her a questioning look. "Us...?" I ask hesitantly. Either she's bonkers or she has ninjas hiding in plain sight.

Giving me a sour look, she shakes her head at me like I'm stupid.

“He's obviously not here. Why would he be? You think he would come here, just to meet you? Hah! No, he's a busy man with better things to do and....”

Having absolutely no idea what the hell she is going on about, I just stare at her vacantly.

'I'm too tired for this shit...'

Seeing no end in sight I quickly decided that a quick get away would most probably be the best course of action.

In a small window where she caught her breath, I hurriedly blurt out: “Right. Anyway, I just want to go to my room; eat, wash and go sleep so, let's talk another day; okay?” then continue before she has a chance to speak. “Okay! Bye then!” and before I even finish speaking I have taken the few steps to my door which I pull open and quickly squeeze inside, carefully balancing the tray with food and drink in my left hand.

Once inside, I hurriedly try to close and lock the door, with one hand as the tray is held in the other but alas, I am too slow. Just before I manage to close the door, a slender hand shoots inside and stops me from closing it.

Only a moment later she stands before me once again, as she somehow managed to squeeze through the small opening with surprising flexibility, speed and accuracy.

There she stands, utterly unfazed by her intrusion into my private room, as she strolls further inside and sits down on the bed. My bed.

I can only sigh feebly in the face of my defeat. 'Great... She's a god-damn mage-ninja. Awesome.'

Sighing dejectedly, I walk over to my table and put my food down onto it, and slump down on the chair tiredly.

Looking over at the intruder, who has made herself comfortable by laying down in the bed.

I notice her dress has slid up slightly, revealing a pair of perfectly white slender legs and soft looking thighs.

‘Nono, focus!’ I reprimand myself.

Refocusing, I turn my gaze to my food and take a bit of my food before asking her what she wants: “So? What do you want?”

Stiffening, she fixes her eyes on me and clenches her jaw tight. I can almost hear her teeth screaming out in pain.

A moment of silence ensued.

“Don't you know who I am? Who my father is?” she says in as gravely a voice she can manage through her clenched teeth.

'Really? She's acting as if I've insulted her one true love, and then proceeded to steal him from her, all in one night...' I mentally lament tiredly.

Shaking my head slightly, I tilt my head slightly to the side ponderously, as I ponder the question for a moment.

“Nope, no idea. Some rich bigshot somewhere, I guess?” I answer, being too tired to even take this seriously any more.

'Just go away already. I want to sleep damn it...'

Seemingly stunned by my answer, her mouth opens closes but no words emerge.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, she collects herself and a focused anger shines through. “I am Eri lillia von Deus.” she says pointedly.

Shrugging noncommittally, I reply: “How nice.I'm Ray; It's nice to meet you, I guess.”

In response she just stares at me blankly for a moment. "You really haven't heard of the von Deus house?" Staring intensely at me for another long and awkward moment, she then sighs and shakes her head. “What kind of backwaters hellhole village did you come from? To not know of the “von Deus” name, it is unheard of... ” she says grumpily.

Pausing, she narrows her eyes at me and continues. “But then again… No one had heard of you until a few days ago. The genius wonder mage who can use an powerful unknown kind of magic; without activation tools or chants, even!” she exclaims irritably.

‘Wait, why does she know about me? Is she some big shot mage's daughter? Would make sense, I guess.’ I ponder loosely.

Shrugging noncommittally, I continue eating my pie while Eri is seemingly studying me.

For what, I don't know.

I don't have a tail, or horns.

Not that I'm aware of, at least…

... Awkward

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After a few minutes of savoring my pies and ale I wipe my mouth and turn to Eri again.

She is still seemingly trying to figure out some deep, dark secret of mine. Or whatever she is doing staring at me like that.

Snapping my fingers to get her to snap out of her creepy stalker look, I ask: “You were saying? Von something-something name and you want me to talk with someone?”

“Ah!” terror and panic flashes across her face before she starts fidgeting with a ring on her right index finger.

'Aww. She forgot what she came for, how cute.' I monologue in my mind as I watch the girl fidgeting with her ring.

Immediately after turning a discreet dial, a strange snap sound follows and a moment later a deep male voice emerges from the ring.

“Ah, Eri. What took you so long? I've been waiting most of the day now.”

Cheeks turning red she pointedly looks at me with a hint of violence implied in her gaze.

’It's hard to tell whether she is mortified, or if she is simply angry that I got away from her this morning... Perhaps a bit of both.’ I muse while I pointedly ignore her glaring.

“The boy ran away from me when I tried to contact him this morning.” she says and gives me a pointed glare.

‘Okay; Quite angry then.’ I conclude to myself.

Continuing she says: “He only just returned to the inn minutes ago.

I am sincerely sorry for making you wait so long, father. I have no excuse.”

A moment's pause follows as we wait in silence.

“I see.” he replies in a slow and controlled voice. A moment of silence follows until finally he speaks again; “No matter, you did well in contacting him, Eri.” he belatedly finishes.

Seemingly happy with the praise; was that praise? I'm not so sure that it was.

Either way she seems happy about it as she replies happily with: “Thank you, father. I shall let you speak now.”

Coughing once, William says: “Well then, I believe introductions are in order. I am William erim von Deus, Grandmaster of the adventurers guild.” he pauses slightly. “And your name was Ray, was it? I have been meaning to have a talk with you about a few things...

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Grandmaster von Deus apparently wanted to scout me as an adventurer, saying he would take care of all proceedings and waive all membership fees if I join his guild.

The only requirement being to pass an aptitude test, apparently.

He didn't elaborate what that would entail and quickly changed the topic when I asked him to elaborate; which is more than a little suspicious...

I told him I had my hands full with training and learning, with the remaining time not being enough to allow me to partake of any adventurer activity.

In response he stated that even if I joined now, I would not be forced to participate in any guild related activities until training was finished or ample time could be acquired.

Which, just makes it all the more suspect if you ask me.

'Why are all the guilds trying to rope me in...? I'm missing something important here...' I'll have to think this over slowly.

Feeling something is very off with all these offers, I only gave him a vague answer in response and told him I would consider the offer, and give him my reply at a later date.

Thus concluding the conversation for now.

An hour or so passed as I spoke with the grandmaster, all the while Eri lay on the bed (my bed, Dammit!), and observed me, mostly. 'Which is still freaking me out really bad, I just can't put my finger on why though… Something just feels… Off, somehow. '

With the conversation done and her business in my room fulfilled, she sits up, straightens her dress and looks up at me intently.

Giving her a quick once over I am once again reminded of her beauty, as well as her young age. She can't be more than 15-16 years old.

‘She really is stunningly beautiful. Too bad she is so young or she would totally be in my strike zone. Maybe given a few years…’ I trail off, shaking my head slightly to clear away my errand thoughts.

Standing up, she looks me straight in the eyes and gives me a smile: One that doesn't reach her eyes. “I'll see you tomorrow then.” she says and starts walking towards the door.

A flash of panic rushes through me as I bewilderedly blurt out: “Wait, what? Tomorrow?” and continue a moment later with: “Why?”

Smiling mischievously, she replies: “For breakfast, of course. You can't just have a young lady in your bed at night, and then not have breakfast with her. That's just rude.” she says, eyes sparkling with humour.

Blinking a few times, I just stare dumbly at her for a moment before I give a half-hearted chuckle at her crude humour and shake my head slowly. “Very well,” I say, mock bowing. “I will see you at breakfast then, lady von Deus.”

Smiling coquettishly, she says: “Just Eri will suffice, considering our intimate relationship and whatnot.” she winks, and walks out the door.

After the door has closed, I let out a feeble sign and shake my head weakly.

‘Those two are just trouble… I better find a way to stay far far away from them both if I ever want some peace of mind' I note tiredly to myself.

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After Eri left, I quickly washed myself and my underclothes, as well as quickly wiping the leather armor of sweat.

With all that done, I went right to bed and was out in under a minute.

End of chapter 7.