The Villain, The Hero, And A Deal (UNDER MAJOR REVISION)

EP 2 - Yearn

After a not-so peaceful breakfast which I didn't finished, I let myself wander around the manor and noticed in the end that it brought me to one of the places I haven't visited for a long time, at least on my previous life. I reached for the knob, twisted it before pushing it inwards. The door opens and a nostalgic scent waft with the air. I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. My eyes flew above as it followed the towering bookshelves fully packed with books and scrolls containing different knowledge. It's been truly long since I've been here. Before, I was around the same age when I installed a new library, one that is bigger and closest to my quarters, and filled it with new collections. This one after all is located on the farthest wing, opposite and far from my room and also faces the backyard. I left it untouched ever since, never thought I would have lingering sentiments to this library.

Yes, after all this is just a library.

I trod between the shelves, the tip of my fingers brushing on the book spines as I scanned its titles, I recognized many of them. There's no speck of dust, a sign that Ebiene have been taking good care of it. Reaching the end of one of the shelves led me to the high windows covered with thick curtains, blocking the light from entering except for few light beams. I am most comfortable reading in a slightly dark room so it was I who had ordered to place thick curtains on the windows to shut the lights of the sun. Seeing it, I realized I had the same thick curtains all over the manor.

Strangely, I was suddenly inclined and went towards it to shove a small part of the curtain from the window. The light although early - quickly blinded me for a second. When I opened my eyes, what I saw was the barren backyard of my manor. I stared at it for a good moment, catching hazy snippets of memories from my early childhood. There used to be a green patch of land, a gushing fountain and a pavilion near a miniature lake, a stone pathway, lush bushes, creeping and hanging vines and flowering plants, and a tea table under a willow tree. I hear soft laughs, light feet running, the scent of tea, pastries, and flowers, and soft snores. But what's left now is nothing but an empty, dried-up space that not even weeds have chosen to grow. I found no words to say or explain what I've felt in that moment. Perhaps a tinge of dismay. I didn't notice this before.

Having enough reminiscing of an old garden where I hardly spent my childhood, I decided to leave that spot. Instead, I went back scanning the shelves for books and after picking a few I went to my usual reading spot, dusting the small area before settling down. I opened the books one after another, ignoring the passage of time when all of a sudden, I felt another presence within the room. It made me froze for a few seconds before figuring out who it was. I lift my head and found my companion sitting not far from me.

"You're here."

"I am." They smiled. "So, how was it?" they rested their cheek on their palm.

"Not bad. Except for the unwanted and excessive mana you poured into my body which almost send me back to you." I replied, looking straight into their eyes. They chortled.

"Oh, come on. That's all you gotta say?" they complained and I deadpanned. After a moment of silence, I asked the deity. "About the deal, I just need to kill the hero, right?"

"Bim-bom!" the deity sang.

"Does it have some kind of a time-limit?"

"A time-limit? Why do you ask?" they tilted their head in curiosity.

"If there's none, then good. That means I can take my sweet time doing it then. Maybe I'll try killing him when are old." I jested a little and heard the deity chuckle from their seat. A normal response – if only it was a normal statement. "But where's the fun in that?" They said, their smile evident. I knew it.

"So there's indeed a certain amount of time."

"There's no specific time but it all depends on you how much time you can stall." They stood up from their seat and walked towards the windows. Their answers are getting more vague but I think I get a gist of it. Could there be...

They turned around and locked eyes with me, "I'm telling you not to underestimate the deal." They answered in a serious voice, "If you think you can find a loophole with it then I'd like to see you try. But beware of the price, mortal prince."

So that's how you play then.

I decided not to probe further regarding with that as of now. I closed my book and put it aside on my table, crossed my legs and interlaced my fingers.

"What's your name?" I never expected to see a surprised look from them when I asked the question. They looked like they were taken off-guard as silence ensues between us. Is there a problem?

Another momentary silence between us before they were able to regain themselves, chuckling their way with a little embarrassment. "I did tell you that I'm not a well-known deity, right?"

"You did. But regardless of being popular or not, you must still have a name." In return, I got a huff of air through their nose as a response. It fueled my curiosity even more, "Are you related to something taboo that you refuse to let your identity be known?" it caught their attention, "I browsed the books and scrolls to find something that at least have a resemblance of you. Should've known it would be futile."

"I appreciate the effort but you're right, your action was futile." Their gaze slightly fell down, "The truth is I don't have a name." it was my turn to be surprised. "You don't have a name?" they answered my question affirmatively with a nod. "How is that possible?"

"That's because it's our worshippers who gave us our names." Now that is unheard of. It made my body subconsciously lean in as it completely caught my interest. "But like I said, I'm not a well-known deity and no one worships me so that would mean I don't have a name."

"What should I call you, then?"

"I suggest you address me with no names. Unless you want to brand yourself as my first worshipper." they grinned teasingly.

Agreed.

"Alright, moving on. Do you have any plans? Anything you fancy to do? You might as well get started now. Time is precious, you know."

They had a point but I can't think of anything major. I just got here too and I don't mean to rush things over. Regarding with the hero, I first got a heard of him two years before I set my plan in full motion. That is still far from today. I still have plenty of time to prepare. As for my wish... that is a tricky one. I haven't collected my thoughts enough just yet, it seems.

"To be honest, now that I'm here I seem can think of what to do. More like I have no idea where to start." I confessed, eyes emptily staring down on the floor.

"Well, that's a problem. Should I give you some suggestions, then?"

"Go ahead."

"Why not try something you haven't done before."

I lifted my gaze towards them, intrigue by their suggestion.

"Or perhaps we should start on a question: What is your wish? What do you want to see fulfilled in this life?"

Hearing their words, I remembered my life. Of what I did and what I went through. Of what I thought and what I believed in. 

I had the answer to their question but I can't give it to them. It was clear and at the same time vague.

It's the same problem that I faced before. A vexing infirmity.

Nevertheless, this is but another obstacle that I need to get through. This time, I will not fail myself.

"You've gone silent, are you okay?" they called out to be with a concern voice. 

"You suggested that I should do something that I haven't done before, right?" I asked them, directly looking at their eyes. They nodded in response.

My hand reaches to touch my chin as I gather ideas. While my gaze was on the side, I noticed the cover of one of my books that were scattered near me. The image of it quickly reminded me of something which made me to whipped my head towards the windows. The idea immediately connected.

"I guess I know where to start now."