Own Time

Chapter 18

After spending some time playing in the garden and reading in the library, I received an unexpected summons from my mother through one of her female attendants. Accompanied by Crade, I made my way to her office.

Now, standing before her office door, I can hear voices engaged in conversation. As expected, Vel is among them, along with Griza and an unfamiliar male voice. Did I arrive at an inopportune moment? Despite the apparent busyness within, I decided to knock.

The door swung open to reveal Vel, who ushered me in. Inside, I saw my mother seated at her desk, Griza standing before her, and the unfamiliar man comfortably settled on the davenport.

"You may leave now, Crade. We will take care of the young master," Vel said, prompting Crade to bow to me before taking his leave. "Young master, there's no need to be nervous. Please, come in," Vel continued. I nodded and stepped inside as Griza bowed to me, and the man stood up to bow as well.

"You're right on time," Mother remarked, reclining in her chair.

"Yes, so why was I summoned here?" I asked, walking towards her, only to be stopped by the man.

"Greetings, young master. I apologize for this being our first meeting. I am Crost Guaine, the Leader of the Black Knights," he said, bowing with his fist over his chest. My eyes widened as I bowed in return. Crost Guaine, the esteemed leader of the Black Knights, was a figure I had heard of before my time travel. The Black Knights are the most respected warriors across the lands, one of Estevel's most valued assets. I could hardly believe that such an extraordinary person was standing before me, showing me respect.

"Oh, greetings to you too, Sir..." I hesitated, unsure of how to address him.

"Sir Crost," he replied with a smile. "Just call me that, and there's no need for formality. You are the sole heir and young master of this mansion."

He was built like a mountain, clad in black and silver armor with a sword strapped to his back. Taller than my mother, he had a scar across his left eye and a complexion more tanned than ours, likely from his time spent outdoors. Despite his formidable appearance, there was a gentleness in his demeanor, reflected in both his words and gaze.

"Then, greetings to you too, Sir Crost," I said, smiling with amusement. He blinked several times before turning to face my mother.

"You may be blood related, but it's still noticeable that both of you have different blood mixes," Sir Crost remarked casually, his gaze shifting between my mother and me. Mother remained silent, her eyes narrowed slightly as she observed him with a hint of amusement.

"Again, why am I here?" I interjected, walking past Sir Crost to stand beside Griza in front of my mother. Griza lifted me up, and I looked at Mother, awaiting an answer.

"I need to ask you something," Mother replied, crossing her legs and resting her arms on the chair. A sudden chill filled the room, sending shivers down my spine.

"My lady, you're making the young master nervous," Griza scolded Mother gently.

"Am I? My apologies. Don't worry, I just need to know something that you mentioned before," Mother said cryptically, causing me to tilt my head in confusion.

"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to understand her intentions.

"Remember when we were heading to the mansion for the first time? You spoke about the Kwaris and their malicious actions," she said, her gaze unwavering.

"Yes, I recall," I replied, swallowing nervously.

"Not only that, you mentioned their imminent plans," she continued, and I nodded, feeling a growing unease. "Well, you were right about all of it. We're nearly finished disposing... I mean revealing their deeds."

"That's excellent news," I began to say before she interrupted me, leaving me with a sense of unfinished thoughts.

"However, something is troubling me about what you said. How did you know their next moves and future plans?" she asked, my eyes widened

"What?" I was taken aback.

"I understand how you might know about their current wrongdoings, given your errands at the orphanage," she continued, her gaze unyielding. "But knowing their future plans is unsettling. It doesn't quite add up," Mother said, intensifying her scrutiny. Her stare now felt predatory, and I couldn't help but feel like prey in this dangerous game.         

"Um, I meant to tell you, but it slipped my mind... um..." I hesitated, uncertain how to continue.

"Why the hesitation?" Mother asked, arching her eyebrows.

"Promise me that you won't explode and yell," I said, avoiding her gaze and lowering my head. I sensed Vel and Sir Crost moving closer, trying to catch every word.

"I don't know about the explode part, but I won't yell," Mother replied, her voice warm yet firm, her presence reassuring yet imposing..

"Alright, please don't interrupt me until I finish speaking. Here it is: doing errands and chores weren't just about learning tasks for children like me. Sometimes, we were sent to... places where people were having fun, to serve food or clean up messes. Even at five years old, I understood what was going on around me, though it wasn't common for someone my age to grasp it. So, I used that opportunity to listen in on conversations and learn their plans. That's how I knew so much, and I'm sorry I didn't explain sooner... Mother," I said, slowly looking up. I was shocked to see Mother's eyes were completely black.

The pressure in the room was palpable, not just from Mother but also from Griza, Vel, and Sir Crost, who remained ominously silent. A furious and intimidating aura seemed to emanate from them. Was it because of what I had said? I had expected questions, but not this intense reaction. Nevertheless, I had prepared my explanation.

Everything I said was true, except for understanding things at the age of five. I actually drew from memories when I was sixteen, combining them with my current situation. They saw me as a genius, which I vehemently disagreed with, but that perception meant they wouldn't suspect me, given my young age.

"Is everyone alright?" I asked nervously, swallowing hard. I heard Mother take a deep breath, so I glanced at her, and suddenly her expression changed. She gently smiled at me, but it was more chilling than anything else. This wasn't good.

"Is that everything, or do you have more to tell us?" she asked calmly.

"I don't think there's anything else I remember," I replied, and she nodded slowly.

"I see. Well, I've learned what I needed to know, but I didn't expect there would be additional surprises even I couldn't imagine," Mother said, her voice tight as she gritted her teeth and maintained her smile.

"So, what happens now?" I asked, and she stood up, coming closer to me. She gently caressed my head and gave it a slight pat.

"Wait here until your personal attendant arrives. Griza will accompany you. I have somewhere to go with these two," Mother said firmly, and I felt a surge of curiosity.

"I also wish to come, My lady," Griza interjected, her expression unusually serious compared to her usual gentle demeanor.

"You can join us after his personal attendant arrives," Mother replied, slipping into a black coat. The atmosphere around her was unsettling, making her appearance even more intimidating. Griza nodded in acknowledgment.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"We're going to a place for those who've exhausted their chances," Mother said cryptically.

"The Final Destination."