In his bed, Rethrus closed his eyes. The pattering of the rain echoed through the quiet room, a steady rhythm that matched the turmoil in his mind. Seeing the Frings soldiers earlier had reminded him how serious things had become. This wasn't just a game.
'Damn it. How many times have I gotten hit in this city already?' He clenched his jaw. 'Nah, I'll be more careful soon.'
But doubt was starting to creep in.
Was all this trouble worth it? Just because he had forgotten a single day… and now, he wasn't even sure what he saw. A vision? A dream? Something else entirely?
'Argh. I hope I won't regret this.' He opened his eyes and sat up.
"No turning back," he whispered to himself.
"Tok, tok, tok."
Rethrus." Mr. Eddie's voice followed. "Gonna eat already"
"Coming," Rethrus answered, standing up.
As he walked to the door, the weight of the past few days pressed down on him.
'How many days has it been? Too much has happened… It's like I've been here for a month.'
He chuckled softly, but there was no humor in it. He glanced at the door.
'And yet… I still wanna stay here.'
Dinner was simple, but the warmth of the table made it feel like home.
"Ohm, this is really good, Mrs. Hilda," Rethrus said between bites.
"You think?" she asked with a soft smile.
"Of course."
"Then eat more," she urged, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
The three of them ate together, sharing the meal like a family.
"So, how's your day?" Mr. Eddie asked casually.
"Tiring," Rethrus said, leaning back slightly. "I fought two purple dungeons at once."
"Two purple dungeons?" Both Mr. Eddie and Mrs. Hilda looked at him, wide-eyed.
"Eh-heh, yeah." He scratched the back of his head. "I fought a knight… and a pyromancer."
"Wow. So, the rumor of you being the Golden Goose isn't just a myth," Mr. Eddie said, clearly impressed.
"Hahaha, maybe," Rethrus laughed along with them. It felt good to relax, even if just for a moment. He noticed the pride in their eyes. It was like… they were his parents.
But then, his mind drifted.
"Anyway," Rethrus started, his tone shifting, "what's the business of the Frings soldiers here?"
"Oh, it's about a missing knight from their family," Mr. Eddie said, his expression turning serious. "I heard it's one of Lord Frings' cousins. So, he might be pissed. Bad."
Rethrus froze. His heart skipped a beat, and then started pounding faster. The image of Sir Dante flashed in his mind—the pain, the rage.
'Wait… is that really the future… was that created by me? Is this all my fault? Can I really… see the future? And did it happen because of me?' His breathing quickened. 'What have I done?'
'But… what about the girl? And the dwarf attacking me for no reason? I don't even have a devil…'
"Ahh… I'm so confused right now," his mind screamed.
"Rethrus… Rethrus," Mrs. Hilda called softly.
"H-huh?" He blinked, his gaze returning to her as if he had just woken from a trance.
"Are you okay? You looked like a statue for a second there," Mr. Eddie said, concern etched on his face.
"Yeah, I'm okay," Rethrus lied, forcing a smile. "I was just… thinking about what to spend my remaining money on."
"Ah, right," Mrs. Hilda chuckled, though her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer.
"Wait…" Rethrus muttered softly. "What happened to the dwarf?"
Mr. Eddie's expression darkened. "Well… some say he was eaten by a monster, but he's a knight, so I doubt it. He had to be strong."
'Meh,' Rethrus thought. 'That's unlikely.'
"But…" Mr. Eddie continued, lowering his voice, "some say it's because of a rival family."
Rethrus's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"Well…" Mr. Eddie leaned back, glancing at Mrs. Hilda, who looked equally concerned.
"Every family's got a beef with someone. That's just how it is—especially with the Frings family running this city."
"The fact that he's a dwarf makes it worse," he added.
Rethrus frowned.
"What do you mean? I thought dwarves and humans lived together for a long time."
"They do," Mr. Eddie nodded. "But not in harmony. You see, Rethrus, there's always been a difference. Men are taller, which makes some think they're superior. Dwarves live longer, which makes them think they're superior. That kind of pride doesn't disappear easily."
"So… there was a war between us and them?"
"Yeah," Mr. Eddie said, his tone heavier.
"But that war ended when both sides realized they had to unite to protect this kingdom. They signed an agreement that they've followed ever since… for the sake of peace."
"Ahh…" Rethrus nodded slowly. "I get it."
"Most people are fine with it now," Mr. Eddie added. "Even I don't care, but… not everyone's happy. Especially some of the older families."
"Anyway, thank you for the gift and the food earlier, Rethrus," Mr. Eddie said, his tone softer. "You didn't have to do that."
"No, it's fine," Rethrus said, his voice quieter.
"Since… I really have no parents… and even if it's just been a short time… I actually feel like I have parents."
Mrs. Hilda's eyes welled up with tears.
"Oh, you really think so?" Her voice trembled.
"Yes." Rethrus nodded, his heart pounding again, but for a different reason this time.
"That's why I bought those gifts. At least to show… how much your kindness means to me."
Tears rolled down Mrs. Hilda's cheeks.
"Nah, dear… don't cry, okay?" Mr. Eddie gently patted her shoulder. "Rethrus is still here."
Mrs. Hilda wiped her eyes, smiling through her tears. "Of course." She took another bite, her expression warm as ever.
After dinner
'I have to get there immediately and figure out a plan to return that knight. '
Rethrus thought as he washed the dishes, his mind racing.
"Rethrus, you really don't have to do the dishes," Mr. Eddie said, wiping the table while Mrs. Hilda cleared the rest.
"It's fine," Rethrus replied casually. "Besides, I kinda miss doing house chores."
Mrs. Hilda glanced at him and smiled. "Wow, you're really good at this. The dishes are spotless!"
"Well, yeah… kinda." Rethrus shrugged, a hint of pride in his voice. 'I mean, I was a dishwasher in my old world.'
After finishing the dishes, Rethrus got ready to head out.
"Anyway, I'm gonna head out!"
"Where to?" Mrs. Hilda asked.
"Uh… just taking in the view of this wonderful city of yours,"
"Honey, he's a teenager. Let him enjoy," Mr. Eddie said, giving his wife a reassuring glance.
"Alright, alright," Mrs. Hilda sighed, her tone softening. "Just be careful, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am."
On the road, Rethrus spotted a charioteer with an empty chariot.
"Where to, boss?" the charioteer asked.
"13th district," Rethrus replied. (It was the location of Kaeli's house.)
It was a bit of a walk, but with the light rain, Rethrus didn't want to attract too much attention.
A few minutes later...
"We're here."
Rethrus stepped down and walked a short distance, reaching Kaeli's house. He knocked on the door.
Eri opened it with excitement. "He's here!!"
Rethrus entered and made his way to the basement. As he looked around, his eyes widened in shock.
"What did you do?"