jackal-among-snakes-16091326
chapter-24

Argrave awoke with a song inexplicably stuck in his head. Midday sunlight poked at his eyelids, forcing him to turn. The action woke him further and he sat up. He conjured simple water magic, cleaned his hands diligently, and then rubbed his eyes. The cold wetness brought him from the dreamworld. He blinked his eyes a few times, and then slid off the bed.

“Ooh there ain’t nothing you can do; I got, I got my eye on you,” Argrave sang the chorus quietly, humming the words he forgot to the rest of the song. He went to his luggage and retrieved a pair of gloves, slipping them on. His sickness felt mostly gone. He still felt a bit weak, but then he always felt weak.

Argrave channeled half of his magic into Blessing of Supersession. The magic debt he’d accrued in the fight at the druid’s camp would probably not be alleviated before the invasion occurred. It made him uneasy. That said, one’s magic pool was like a muscle. In order to train it, it needed to be exhausted. The more he drained his magic, the more he would be able to hold. It was the closest thing to ‘training’ Argrave could perform. One push-up would probably break his wrists.

Argrave cleaned his teeth with a cloth and some water, and after washed his hair in the washbasin. He combed his hair back neatly. It was getting long—it fell a little past his ears. Argrave’s chin was still smooth, though—he was too young to be growing even peach fuzz, it seemed. Argrave frowned. Come to think of it, I’m not sure how old I really am. I certainly look fully grown, judging by height alone…

The thought passed, and Argrave reprimanded himself for worrying so much about his appearance. Should probably go meet Nikoletta, talk to her father as she wanted… He straightened his clothes and made for the door, still singing.

“Some girl, old flame, jumps the stage cursin’ her name… tells her just where she oughta go…” Argrave pulled the double doors back. A maid standing in front jumped back. She’d clearly had her ear to the door.

“F-forgive me, lord. I was just instructed…”

“You’re forgiven. I know, I’m a saint. Anyway…” Argrave waited for her to speak.

“The Duke is looking for you, sir,” the maid curtsied quickly. “I hadn’t intended to… I was merely checking if the lord was awake.”

Argrave put his hand to his chest. “And instead, you were enraptured by my soothing serenade. I understand completely.” Argrave smiled genially, and the maid’s tense shoulders dropped. “Well, where is the Duke, then? I have never actually spoken to him before. This will be a new experience.”

“He is in his study with the young lady Monticci. I can guide you there, if you wish…?” she began to ask.

Argrave held his hand out to stop her. “I know where his study is. I am sure you must be busy with other things. Do not let me keep you. Have a pleasant day.” He bowed and then walked past her in long strides, humming the tune now that he was no longer in private.

The extent of what Argrave knew about Duke Enrico is what was written. Without fail, he died in the beginning of the game to the snow elves. The player could find his corpse, and some of his stats existed in the game files, but his personality was mostly unknown to the player beyond what Nikoletta said about him while playing as her. The bulk of it could be summarized as ‘pragmatic.’ He was also a widower; his wife died giving birth to Nikoletta.

“Had no idea you were such a flirt.”

Argrave jumped at the voice, turning around to where it came from. Mina materialized, starting with her short yellow hair. Another illusion spell.

“Hah! We’re 1-2 now,” Mina taunted, pointing at him. Argrave was confused for a second, but he remembered that he’d found Mina twice while she was hiding invisible.

After Argrave straightened his cuffs and regained his composure, a rhyme came to his head. “Who keeps score? You’re such a bore.”

Mina ignored him, her eyes veritably glinting. “Should have heard yourself. ‘My soothing serenade,’ all smiles and bows…”

“You think that’s flirting?” Argrave asked incredulously.

“What else would it be?”

“General propriety,” Argrave countered, walking down the hall again. “Gregariousness.”

“Sure,” Mina agreed sarcastically. “You’re real polite. You never make fun of people to their face.”

“I hear the dripping jealousy. ‘Argrave, how dare you use honeyed words to a woman besides me?’” Argrave mocked.

“Y-you’re ridiculous. I had no idea you were this shameless,” Mina refuted, sputtering. “Well, if you’re in these high spirits, I can assume you’re feeling better?”

“Changing the subject, I see,” Argrave answered without committing.

“I don’t like…” Mina trailed off. “Never mind. Pointless to argue with someone like you.”

“I know you don’t like me. Not romantically, at least.” Argrave said. Mina nodded in satisfaction now that he confirmed it. “Instead, you much prefer Nikoletta, don’t you?” Argrave brought up a fact he knew from the game, seeking petty revenge for being frightened.

Mina went white as a sheet, and she anxiously said, “That’s not… what are you… Nicky’s…”

“No need to get flustered,” Argrave assured, enjoying this very much. “Romance is a natural part of life. Though, one wonders why you’ve left your affections unvoiced.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” Mina answered, regaining her composure quickly. She was good at acting, as ever.

“Sure, sure,” Argrave nodded. “Keep quiet, subdued, when an invasion is coming at any time. Leave that burning question unanswered. Very prudent. Brave.”

“Nicky’s also a woman,” Mina bit back, his jabs inciting a reaction precisely because they were the truth.

“That’s no reason. The heart wants what the heart wants.” Argrave stopped in the hall and turned to Mina now that their conversation interested him. “Believe me, I know.”

“Then you…?” Mina looked at him with wide eyes.

“Me? No. But my best friend since childhood swings that way. He ended up fairly happy in life,” Argrave smiled as he recalled things.

Mina seemed hesitant to speak further, but she eventually asked, “What happened to him?”

“Henry? He…” Argrave trailed off as his mind went back to the life he left behind. “He died. An accident,” the lie came smoothly. In truth, it was Argrave who had died and come to this hellish place. “But…” Argrave tried to dispel his errant thoughts, shaking his head. “He and his partner were happy. They died together, at least.”

“Oh. I’m sorry,” Mina quickly said.

“As am I,” Argrave agreed. “Anyway, I should be off. The young lady Monticci and the old gentleman Monticci await me. It’s sure to be a blast.” Argrave turned to leave, then stopped himself.

He pointed at Mina. “I want you to think of what I said. Remember this; the worst that can happen is that she says no. She probably won’t, though. I know these things. Trust me. Have I ever been wrong before? Think long and hard.”

“You keep…!” Mina started, but she deflated quickly. Argrave turned and waved as he walked away.