Chapter 5: The Devil

The veins on the Baron's forehead nearly exploded with fury, never had he seen such impudence.

"What right do you have to question me? As your Lord, if I say we got to war. Then we bloody go to war! We have Viking blood in our bodies. We must display our might!"

Ragnar nearly started laughing again when he heard this. The only ones who would be going out to war would be the Lord's soldiers while he sat on his wooden chair.

"Milord, I know that His grace William is spread thin currently. But, should we not be coming to his aid as his sworn subjects? We will be handsomely rewarded if we provide timely support."

Ragnar smirked back at the Baron.

The Baron's face was contorted with anger, trying to control himself but failing. His red face shaking in rage.

"And?! Who are you sworn to, Ragnar Sigvald? Son of MY Marshal!

Ragnar quickly realized that this would go nowhere. The Baron's form of arguing was to go in circles, and Ragnar had overstepped his bounds. He would have to bide his time before being able to make a move on this shite of a Lord.

A low growl erupted from Thorkell. Expanding to his full height as he reached for his axe handle. Prepared for what was to come next.

Before he could say a word, his father stepped in and forced him to kneel.

"I'm sorry, Milord, I'll have to reprimand Ragnar severely for such uncouth behavior. We'll put him back into training shortly. This respite has made him lose his manners."

The training they were talking about was sword mixed with combat training. I already had better combat training than current-day warriors, thanks to my military training. But, I'd have to get used to my current body's sword training memories.

The Lord looked between his father and son before sighing.

"Hmmm, we'll see how he does before we send the three of you into battle." The Lord seemed pacified for now by Harald's display.

"Ah, Eve, my dear. What are you doing in the great hall at this time of day? You should not hear such discussions."

A petite beauty walked in from the side entrance to the great hall during the lull in the conversation.

Loose blonde curls fell like a fountain over her shoulders, cascading down to her butt as her luscious hips swayed in the air, making her way to her father's side.

Putting a hand on her father's shoulder, she exclaimed in a light tone, "What's with all the noise, daddy? Shouting at Harald's two sons again, I see." She turned to face the two brothers. Perusing Thorkell's features with a slight dismissal but lingering on Ragnar for a moment with a small glint in her eyes.

Ragnar returned the appreciative glance with his perusal and a smile of approval. The previous Ragnar might have been too dull, but he knew desire when he saw it. Though his previous life's rigorous and dangerous work schedule left him in a drought of women for years, it wasn't like he was a social retard. People who were unable to read the room. No, as a Military officer specialized in covert operations, a man who'd disciplined and led squadrons, understanding subtle social queues was his god-given talent. He was born to assess high-risk situations with a glance and make fast decisions. And he'd gotten very good at it until his untimely death.

They both stared at each other before Ragnar let out a cheeky grin and said,

"No, Milady, the Baron was explaining the inner workings of his plans for next summer. If you'd care to join us, Thorkell and I are going to visit the market right after this?"

Eve was surprised by the sudden forward display shown by Ragnar. It was highly unlike him but a pleasant surprise. Looks like she'd have to re-evaluate him and his usefulness to the Barony.

"Daddy, may I go with them? I'm tired of being cooped up in this manner either way." Eve pouted

The Lord coughed, ashamed by such blatant flirtatiousness from Ragnar. Though he didn't approve, it was unlike him to stop his precious daughter from enjoying herself.

"Sure, my sweet. If these dullards do anything inappropriate, report it back to me. Now go, everyone. I have further plans to discuss with Harald."

And with a wave of his hand, the Baron dismissed them. As they walked out of the great hall, Thorkell roared in laughter.

"Bahahaha, brother, I didn't know you gained a loose screw as well. I know our Lord is shite, but the least you could've done is carried an axe in there to protect yourself when responding so daringly."

Eve wrapped herself onto Ragnar's arm as she asked, "So, you were arguing? No wonder I heard daddy getting so angry. And Thorkell, watch yourself. Even though you're the strongest in the army, it doesn't mean we'll go around letting you say whatever you please. Your duty is to your Lord first."

Thorkell, with a look of admonishment on his face, guffawed as he pushed forward while skipping down the slope.

Ragnar and Eve looked at each other before bursting out in laughter.

As they calmed down, Eve reached up and touched Ragnar's face, those deep blue almond-shaped eyes searching for an answer somewhere in Ragnar's gaze. "There's something different about you, Ragnar. You aren't the same shy person I've known for 18 years. You seem more…outgoing and confident. I can't seem to place a finger on it."

Ragnar sighed as he put on a smile. Looks like memories between his two lives were clashing. He didn't know how he was getting these feelings. And by the look of things, previous Ragnar had been a massive simp. A massive simp for the blonde-haired vixen standing right in front of him.

A low growl broke out of Ragnar's throat before he controlled himself and pulled back. There will be a time and a place. He ignored the question and proffered his elbow out to Eve.

"Let's go through the village. I'll need to find out a way to make money and get me an axe or sword for future encounters with savage Vikings."

Eve giggled as she grabbed onto Ragnar's elbow, "Lead the way, oh gallant warrior."

As she hid her face into Ragnar's arm, an evil glint shone for no one to see.

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