This chapter adds a lot of flavor to
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A platypus? Or a rabbit? Honestly, Patt didn't know. He was a Rabbitus (half-rabbit, half-platypus) who just wanted some carrots.
"Prrr, I'm hungry, prrr."
Those were his only thoughts; there was no other way to describe it.
"Hey, little guy, are you hungry?" an unknown voice said.
Patt looked up and saw a young half-Wolfwiz, half-wizard. His brown ears and tail clashed with his black hair. His eyes were a brilliant blue.
「Prrr,」 Patt said.
He wanted to tell the boy he was indeed hungry, but the boy didn't seem to understand.
"Well, anyway, I'll give you my boiled carrots. I don't like them," the boy said.
And just as he said, he gave Patt a couple of carrots, which were very, very tasty. This boy was kind—too kind. Patt knew exactly what he wanted to do.
"Dylan! The break is over, the carriage is leaving!" another voice called out.
"Oh, coming!" the boy said.
Patt managed to jump and latch onto the boy. If he knew one thing for sure, it was that with this kid, he'd never starve again.
1
Today, I woke up with my bags already packed. I had to go to Marthood Mansion, though I didn't even know where it was.
I said goodbye to my mom (who wouldn't stop crying to a point where it got annoying) and left with Dad. We crossed the 『Forsake』 door, arriving at the same spot as my first time. We walked for a few minutes until we reached a village.
It had medieval-style houses. The shops were wooden or wicker baskets under cloth awnings held up by sticks. The economy was actually pretty easy to understand:
* 1 Copper Sok: $1
* 1 Silver Sok: $5
* 1 Gold Sok: $20
* 1 Merlin Sok: $50
* 1 Arthur Sok: $100
And that was it. There are coins ranging from copper to silver and gold. We hailed a carriage, and it cost us 3 Silver Soks for the both of us. The journey was peaceful; some people spoke Spanish, while others spoke a language I didn't recognize.
Honestly, I brought a lot of books and manga from home to read while traveling, but I realized... my body was screaming at me to play Angry Birds. Since I didn't bring my phone (RIP), I killed time by watching the landscape—birds of different colors flying through the air, and various armadillos and moles.
It was actually fun. When lunchtime rolled around, I had the soup my mom packed, but I hate carrots. I don't know why; I just don't like them. That's when a sort of platypus-rabbit thing did me the favor of eating my vegetables, for which I am eternally grateful. When I got back in the carriage, the little guy was clinging to my backpack.
"Oh, hey there, buddy," I said.
He just let out a little grunt and sat on my lap.
"That's a Rabbitus," said one of the passengers. "I've heard they are Water and Wind types. They make good companions."
"Water and Wind?" I muttered, stroking the Rabbitus's head.
"You see, son," my dad said. "These animals are called Evos, and they specialize in specific elements. They can only form contracts with Summoners."
A boy with magenta hair and blue eyes added to what my dad said.
"Oh, that's incredible," I said.
Cool. So if I'm a summoner, I can form a contract.
"By the way, I'm Michael Fronx," the magenta-haired boy said. "Maybe you're wondering how to tell if you're a summoner?"
"Oh, uh, yeah," I replied.
"Well, if you can understand the Evos, you can make a contract," Michael said.
I looked at the Rabbitus, locking my eyes with his.
"Hello," the Rabbitus said mentally.
"…Oh."
The Rabbitus began to glow, and a blue light enveloped us both.
"Great. Now you owe me three meals a day," the Rabbitus said in my head. "By the way, my name is Patt."
This guy is shameless. He literally made a contract with me just for the food.
"We're here, Dylan," my dad said.
And so, my horrible new routine begins.
2
We got off the carriage.
"Well, thanks for the info, Michael," I said.
"No problem," Michael replied. "Hope we meet again."
I looked at my dad, who was unloading my bags. I stepped down, and we walked a bit. The carriage disappeared into the distance.
"Dad, are they a high-prestige family?" I asked, referring to the Marthoods. "Or are they just rich?"
"Well, they founded an agency," he replied. "And they're in a rivalry with the Taylors, but I think that's about it."
"Eh?"
Taylor? That's Elizabeth's last name! So she's a high-prestige mage, and she still helped me. If I really want to pay her back, I'm going to have to do something impressive.
"Why do you ask?" Dad said.
"Ah, no reason," I said.
We continued until we stood before a residence with golden gates.
"So this is it," I said.
"Yes," Dad said. He stepped forward and gave me a hug.
"Ah, Dad, I'll be fine," I said, patting him on the head. "Don't worry."
"———"
He didn't say anything, he just kept hugging me. I imagine it must be hard for him—his son is walking into the lion's den, surrounded by strangers. At least, that's how I see it, though it doesn't bother me that much.
"Well, take care, son. I'll be back in a week."
With those words, he let go and headed off to the left. I was very close to him when I was little; I only started distancing myself a bit when I turned 11. But still, I like spending time together.
"Okay, let's get this over with," I said.
"What is this place?" Patt asked telepathically.
"This is the mansion I have to serve at," I replied.
"Prrr, will you keep feeding me?"
Nooooo, I'll let you starve to death like a cliché charity commercial.
"Well, if there's anything high-quality, I might give you a share," I said.
Patt, perched on my shoulder, gave a little clap and a gesture of approval.
"I like this place already," he said.
Tch. Definitely a freeloading glutton who now has a pact with me.
"…And how do I get in?"
I looked closer at the gate. It was gold but didn't show much of the mansion. There was a long, lime-colored wall surrounding the property.
"There's a doorbell," Patt noted, pointing a paw.
"Oh, well, I guess I'll ring it and wait for an answer," I said.
I rang the bell. Ding-dong, ding-dong.
After about 15 minutes, the gate opened. A girl with chestnut hair and honey-colored eyes appeared, wearing a maid outfit. She looked at me with a smile.
"DYLAN!" she shouted.
"Ah, Lisa! It's you!"
3
I felt relieved to see Lisa Mailhen (the daughter of a friend of my dad's). We met at the beach once, and since then we've only seen each other at our parents' gatherings.
"Long time no see! Oh, a Rabbitus!" Lisa said, pointing at Patt.
"Ah, yeah, he's my familiar, or Evo—I'm not really sure what they're called," I said.
The courtyard was massive, with green grass, shrubs, a fountain, and a court for some weird sport. The mansion was as big as a castle; the atmosphere reminded me of the Sistine Chapel.
Apparently, there aren't any red-and-blue-haired demon twins who are hot maids, but whatever. With Lisa here, this might be bearable.
"Hey Lisa, are you the only maid here? I want to know what I'm up against," I said.
"Ha! You're sharp, Dylan-kun. You always have to know everything. But yes, there are other servants," Lisa said.
Well... that's something anyone would notice, but okay.
"And who is our supervisor?" I asked.
"Wow, Dylan-kun, you really know the score. It's a man named Morty," Lisa said.
"Oh, he must be strict," I guessed.
"Exactly, Dylan-kun! Just as I thought, you are very, very smart," Lisa said.
Uh, is this girl going to be like this the whole time? Or...?
"Oh, okay," I said, getting a bit nervous.
"Don't worry, Dylan-kun. I know you're amazing and you can handle this," she added.
"Wait, so you already knew I was coming?" I asked.
"Yes," Lisa said. "I was so happy when I found out it was you."
Aw, she must be lonely. She's sweet, she reminds me of...
『Dylan.』
"Hk..." That pain in my chest again.
"Ah, Dylan-kun, is something wrong?" Lisa asked.
『Dylan, look at me. I'm leaving now.』
"Dylan-kun!"
Carla's and Lisa's voices mixed in my head.
"I..."
I couldn't answer.
"I... I'm fine," I finally said.
What happened? What was that? The pain returned, but this time it was a thousand times stronger. I don't feel good. I think...
"Anyway, Lisa, take me to Morty," I said.
"Okay," Lisa replied.
★★★
Morty was dusting the library, which was covered in grime. He used a brown duster that looked more like a Wolfwiz tail. As for the new tenant, he hadn't arrived yet, so Morty had to do some of the new guy's chores until...
"H-hello," an unfamiliar voice said.
Morty understood immediately. It was that boy. Tucked into the back of his uniform was a small strap where he hung the duster (making him look like another half-breed Wolfwiz). The boy had black hair, blue eyes, and brown wolf ears and tail. He had already put on the uniform and carried a backpack with a Rabbitus on his shoulder.
"I'm Dylan Tyler," the boy said.
Dylan. That was his name.
Pff, he's perfect, Morty thought to himself. He doesn't look very bright.
Feeling a surge of excitement, Morty gave Dylan a greeting, shaking his hand non-stop.
"Hi! How's it going?"
★★★
Morty put me to work cooking lunch. That guy was weird. He treated me nicely, but... I don't know, he's just off.
"Patt, stop eating the carrots," I snapped.
Patt looked at me with disgust and left the basket alone.
Even if I am a Hikikomori, I'm good at cooking, so I decided to make spaghetti and meatballs.
4
Once the spaghetti was served, I asked Lisa to go call the Marthoods. I sat down at the kitchen table. I was exhausted from standing; cooking is tiring, you know?
"Hope they like it," I said, looking at the ceiling.
"Obviously they will," Patt said.
"Just because you're licking the plate doesn't mean they will," I retorted.
Lisa came back in, sniffing the air like a dog before approaching me.
"Dylan-kun, come to the table," Lisa said. "We eat at the table too."
"Oh, sure," I said. "Coming."
Wait, Lisa just said "table" twice in one sentence. Well, everyone makes mistakes.
"I'm coming too—"
"No, you stay here," I said.
Patt got huffy and went back to his spaghetti. I served myself and Lisa, and we headed to the dining room.
We sat next to each other. The table was long, with a white tablecloth—very elegant. Then the door opened, and voices drifted in.
The first one I saw enter was Morty.
"Fuhahaha! Never!" one of the voices said.
It came from a boy, probably around my and Lisa's age (13). He had dark brown hair, purple eyes, and small deer horns.
"Tch, for Odin's sake, Elias, calm down," another voice said.
This one had the same features but was a young adult, maybe 19 or 20.
"—Who are you?" the boy asked.
"Oh, uh, good afternoon. I'm Dylan Tyler. The servant assigned for the week," I said with a bow.
"Oh, hello Tyler. For a Wolfwiz, you're very polite. I'm Fred Marthood," the young adult said. "And this is Elias."
Pointing to the younger boy, Fred rolled his eyes.
"FUHAHA!" Elias shouted. "I am Elias Marthood, future successor of the current descendant of Arthur! The strongest swordsman in the world!"
"———"
I didn't know what to say. This guy talks exactly like a mad scientist.
"Ah, okay," I said.
"Hey, do you think I'm weird?" Elias asked.
"Ah, no, not at all," I replied.
I mean, this guy walks in like that and gets offended if I think he's weird? If I walked in like that, I'd think the same thing.
"Well, let's eat," Morty said.
We all sat down. I picked up my fork and was about to take a bite when Fred shouted.
"YOU ARE A DESCENDANT OF MERLIN!!!"
Wow. Bit late to the party. I guess mages aren't the brightest.
"...Ah, yes, yes, I almost forgot. Ahem. FUHAHAHA! WELCOME, DESCENDANT OF MERLIN!"
Did they want to make me deaf? I just want to eat. For God's sake, let's drop the subject. I'm not cool, I don't know magic—can we just avoid the topic?
"Uh, yeah. Right. Let's eat," I said.
Lisa whispered, asking if what they said was true. I told her that apparently, it was.
"Oh, then tomorrow I'll have a lot to explain to you," Lisa said.
So I just focused on eating so I could get to my chores.
My arms are dead. Who knew? Apparently, these people's bathrooms are like saunas made of ceramic, and they are way harder to clean than I thought.
Patt just sat there watching me, saying:
"Come on, you can do it. By the way, you missed a spot."
Damn that judge. Anyway, I made dinner and ate in the kitchen because Elias makes the most unpleasant noises while eating.
When I was heading to my room, Lisa interrupted me.
"Remember to do everything fast tomorrow," she said.
Finally, in my room (which only has a wardrobe and a desk), I stared at the ceiling.
Today was a rough day.
Slowly, I closed my eyes, vowing to survive this mandatory event.