Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 15 ==Muse==

"I wonder why the lady came back to see me after leaving me behind."

After my bold declaration of wanting nothing to do with him, fate, it seemed, had a peculiar sense of humor. Here I was, face to face with the very person I'd tried to distance myself from, barely an hour later.

He beamed at me, a bright, genuine smile that suggested he was truly happy to see me standing before him.

"Well...Sir Kian, I-" I started, trying to regain my composure.

"Oh! Please, just call me Kian, my muse," he interrupted, his tone playful and flirtatious. I blinked, a little surprised, and managed an awkward smile in return.

"Anyways... I know that I've bent the truth a little," I admitted, trying to steer the conversation toward my real purpose.

"A little? Hmm... I think that doesn't quite cover everything you've said so far," he countered, a hint of amusement in his voice. I sighed softly.

"Look, I apologize for acting like we knew each other when we really do, but I'm here with a serious purpose – to find someone," I explained, my voice firm. He simply smiled.

"Name your price," he stated, his eyes holding a curious glint.

"Ehh? You're not going to ask for any information about the person I'm looking for?" I asked, genuinely shocked by his immediate offer.

"Why would I doubt you? You're my muse, aren't you?" he replied, his words leaving me in disbelief.

This man was certainly unconventional, perhaps even a little mad. And for reasons I couldn't quite understand, my heart fluttered strangely when he called me his muse. Was it because he seemed to appreciate this new version of me? Not the old Alyssa, not the real Alyssa?

No, I was being paranoid. This man was getting into my head, and I needed to be cautious.

"Anyways, I won't name any price until you hear my request," I declared, trying to regain control of the situation. He pouted slightly, then settled back in his chair, his attention now fully on me.

"Fine, tell me about the person you want to find," he conceded.

"Well, I'm looking for a noble lady who is always surrounded by paranormal activities," I began, watching his reaction. He blinked, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"Like what?" he inquired.

"Like involving some kind of magic? Or perhaps sightings of shapeshifters? Anything along those lines," I elaborated, folding my hands expectantly. His right eyebrow arched slightly, and then he offered another smile.

"What?" I asked, feeling a little uneasy under his gaze.

"It seems this is going to be quite a challenge. Your description is rather vague," he pointed out, and I let out a frustrated sigh.

"What?" I exclaimed, slamming my hands on the table, just as the door opened.

"Master, here's your tea," a familiar voice said. Smiley entered, holding a steaming cup.

"It seems you're having a rather intense discussion," he observed before excusing himself, leaving me even more bewildered.

"Sit down first and drink some tea to calm down, my muse," Kian suggested, his ridiculous nickname for me grating on my nerves. I reluctantly sat back down and took a sip of the offered beverage. Strangely, I didn't feel as defensive as I probably should have.

Could it be that I was starting to trust this handsome stranger?

Tsk, what foolish thoughts were these!

Trust? Me?

How utterly unlike me.

"Anyways, what exactly are you trying to find?" he asked, interrupting my internal turmoil.

"Just some noble lady. I need her to open one of my grandfather's safes," I said vaguely, not wanting to reveal too much. He simply nodded, absorbing the information.

"But the more I consider your request, the more I realize it's far more difficult than it initially seemed," he said sadly, and I blinked, a frown creasing my forehead.

"Is it impossible? I'll give you anything within my reach," I pleaded. I had to find Virgo. The longer I stayed here, the more dangerous my situation became. It wouldn't be long before the princess and my sister took action.

"Name your price then," he repeated, and I paused for a moment, calculating. "Three million gold," I stated confidently. My grandfather's wealth was substantial; I could easily access that amount. I just needed to find Virgo first.

"Hmm... I don't want that," he said, his words causing my brows to furrow in confusion. "Then what do you want?" I asked, a hint of impatience in my voice. He gave me a sly smirk.

Suddenly, he reached out, taking my wrist and pulling me towards him. My thoughts froze, caught off guard by his sudden movement. He wrapped his arms tightly around my small waist as I stood before him, his embrace pulling me close as he sat on the nearby couch. My face flushed crimson as I caught my reflection in a mirror across the room.

"Hey! Sir Kian, what is the meaning of this!" I exclaimed, struggling to free myself from his surprisingly strong grip.

But the more I tried to pull away, the tighter his hold became, and eventually, I gave up, my shoulders slumping in resignation.

"Just be at my side... don't cast me away again..." he murmured softly, his voice low. I sighed, a mix of confusion and a strange sense of comfort washing over me.

"B-but-"

"Master Kian... I need to clarify- ahh!!!" Our heads snapped towards the door to see Smiley standing there, his eyes wide with shock at our intimate position.

"Our master has found his mistress!!!" he declared dramatically before rushing out of the room, leaving my face burning an even brighter shade of red.

"Ack! Wait, that's not it!! Mr. Smiley!!! You've completely misunderstood!!!"