The Plan

I glanced at the chest in the corner of the room, that was my answer to escape this hell. I tried convincing Seyren, pleading with him was of no use. Useless. It’s been like this since I entered here, he always went back retreating to his ignorant little bubble. Now that I’m in control even if it’s short lived, I won’t waste this opportunity. If Seyren isn’t able to come to his senses, I’ll have to force him. As long as his father is here, Seyr–no I won’t be free. I can’t end up like that, I refuse. So that’s why I will ensure my freedom by killing that bastard.

"Glug-glug-glug".

“Seyren, I think this calls for some type of toast for what you just did.”

I suddenly noticed the man grabbing two glasses and pouring alcohol in them. One was a large and small glass, the small one presumed for me. This was a first, I’ve never seen this grubby man offer anyone else a drink before, not even for his guests. No, that’s not what’s important to think about right now, this situation is an opportunity.

“I think you’re right, let’s make a toast.”

The man nodded and passed me the small glass. I stared at the contents inside the glass, wine wasn’t really my forte back in my world, but I guess I’ll make do. I grabbed the glass and raised it up.

“Cheers.”

The man looked at me strangely for a second, had he noticed something?

I kept my expression calm. Did I overstep? Say something that Seyren wouldn’t? His father’s narrowed eyes scanned me for a moment before he huffed and raised his own glass.

“Cheers,” he muttered gruffly, with an edge of suspicion lingering in his tone. He managed to drink the entire glass in one swift motion, slamming the glass onto the table causing a heavy thud. From my knowledge, though this man isn’t small by any means, he is a light-weight when it comes to drinking.

I grabbed the glass and brought it to my lips, letting the wine touch my lips without taking a sip.

"Glug-glug-glug".

Pouring another drink already? This buffoon is making my plan go a little too easy. I hadn’t touched mine beyond the first fake sip, but his glass was nearly empty again.

Time stretched as the conversation stalled, I sat there quite while the man poured his seventh glass. His face was hot red, it seems I can start the pl—

“I noticed something off with you, Seyren.” said the man in a slightly aggressive tone

“Huh? Am I not drinking fast enough?” I said

He waved a dismissive hand, shaking his head. “No…no… that’s isn’t it. It’s… something else.” His voice was uneven, I could tell he was pretty drunk, but his eyes were sharp, staring at me.

Something else? To my knowledge I haven’t done anything out of the ordinary, Seyren wasn’t the talkative type, so I assumed staying quiet would have been in character.

Then his tone shifted suddenly as he pointed his finger towards me. “You haven’t addressed me as ‘Father’ for a while. That’s what’s off with you.”

Shit.

Of course, he’d notice. Even with him struggling to speak in his drunken state, he managed to clock onto that. Damn it, how did I miss that? Seyren probably used that word every chance he got, trying to build a connection with this monster.

But me? Calling him Father? I’d never call a piece of shit like him that, not even in an act.

There was no point in saying it now, but still, he wasn’t certain. Not yet. I could feel his hesitation, it must be due to the alcohol clouding his mind just enough to leave room for doubt. I need to steer the conversation to something else, something urgent. As long as it can distract him from this conversation, and to get that key without his notice.

I placed the glass back on the table, leaning forward slightly to meet his eyes. “There’s something I didn’t mention earlier during training.” I said, keeping Seyren’s timid voice intact.

He raised his eyebrows as he glanced at me, the drink halfway to touching his lips. “What?”

I don’t know much about rulvins, what they look like, where they live. This could backfire on me, but it’s worth the risk.

I hesitated, feigning nervousness. “I… I think I saw something outside while we were training. Across the fence. It looked like…those monsters you’ve described… like a rulvin.”

His grip tightened, almost cracking the glass he was holding, I watched as his face darkened.

“A rulvin? Here? Already..?” His voice was low.

I can’t tell if he believes it or not, but I can’t give up at this point, I need to go further. Even if it seems outrageous, I need to convince him!

I nodded in agreement, letting my hands tremble slightly. “I’m surprised you caught something off about me, I wasn’t sure at first, so I wasn’t confident about telling you..but… it might’ve been two of them actually. They were moving fast. I didn’t want to distract you earlier, but—”

“Damn it, boy!” he barked in anger, slamming the glass onto the table, this time shattering his glass. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Did it work? Let’s push a little more.

“I didn’t want to tell you a lie! I wasn’t confident, but I think it’s better I be honest with you.” I said, raising my hands defensively, but still purposely letting my hands tremble. “But if I’m not mistaken, they seemed to be heading towards the town. Maybe they’re planning to attack.”

The man leaped upstairs and rushed downstairs sword in hand. “You stay here! You better clean the mess while I take care of business.” he shouted.

That was a worthwhile risk, and seems to have paid off.

Suddenly before the man could open the door, he stopped.

“Ngh… damn it…” the man said while holding his hand free arm on his back.

Huh? Oh back pain, guess that’s common for someone around his age.

The man quickly glanced his head back towards me—no, he was glancing at the kitchen.

It was just for a quick moment, but he suddenly snapped his head back.

“What are you standing there for?! This house better be spotless when I come back!”

Suddenly the man slammed the door shut while exiting the house.

Looks like he forgot to take the key with him.

That drunken moron, all brawns and no brain.

I’ve known people like him in my world—people who would blindly follow the news, fueling their hatred for a country or a group of people just because they’re told to.

Letting their hatred take over their thought process, he’s just like them. No matter what world I may be in, some things never seem to change.

Well whatever, that’s not important right now.

I need to come up with a plan, he’ll figure out soon enough that the rulvin’s were just bait. Grabbing a sword out of that chest won’t do much, not even a surprise attack would do enough against him. If only I could immobilize him somehow…

I looked around the room, my mind was racing to find something.

There has to be something here c’mon…

If I can’t find anything there’s nothing I can do. I won’t risk my life to ignorantly by heading him face on.

I turned my head towards the kitchen, my eyes were scattering all over to find something.

Glass bottles…more liquor–no there’s others.

I stepped towards the kitchen counter and placed my fingers over the glass containers.

Dried herbs?

Why would he have random herbs…

Suddenly the thought hit me. These aren’t random herbs…this must be for his back pain. Painkillers. That’s why he glanced over the kitchen.

Of course, it makes sense. A man like him is too prideful to ask others for help, including doctors. He wouldn’t dare to rely on others, he must have picked these herbs himself it seems.

I plucked open one of the glass bottles containing the herbs. I took a whiff of the herbs, the scent was sharp and bitter, it seemed to be perfect.

These herbs seem quite strong, now I need a way to crush them into powder.

I ruffled around the top shelf, trying to find something to crush these herbs…there, I got it.

I picked up a rough textured bowl which had a smaller stone tool in the bowl. This feels familiar…I’ve seen something like this back in my world. Primarily in kitchens, or in old medicine shops.

There was a name for it… What was it again?

I scowled, tapping the side of the bowl with my fingers. Something with an "M," maybe? Mort… something? Blah, whatever. It isn’t important.

All I know for sure is that it's used for crushing, grinding—herbs, spices, even medicine.

To make things simple, I’ll just call it a stone grinder. Close enough.

I placed the herbs into the bowl and started grinding it away, soon enough it turned into a powder-like substance.

There we go, that’ll do the trick.

I poured a small amount onto my palm and licked the tip of my finger. It tasted bitter. Definitely mild if I only put a small portion, but if I used too much…

His body would fall flat.

He wouldn’t be unconscious though, not immediately, but in that state he wouldn’t be able to fight back. His limbs would be rather sluggish. It was exactly what I needed.

I glanced at the table, he seemed to have left his drink at the table. I dumped the remaining powder into the cup, tapping the sides until it blended in with the last drops of wine.

Wouldn’t hurt to fill up the glass a bit, I’d doubt that dimwit would notice anyways.

I guess I’ll try to find the strongest liquor I can find. As I scanned around the cupboards and found a bottle, I noticed something.

“What is this language?”

I can’t make anything out of it, this wasn’t Japanese or any other languages I’ve seen. It seems to be this world’s native language, guess I can give up on finding the strongest bottle then..

Guess this bottle will have to do.

I poured a fresh drink. Hopefully this will cover some of the bitterness of the herbs.

The dark red liquid swirled as the herbs dissolved, disappearing into the drink.

That should be it.

I placed the cup back where it had been. Not only that, I managed to clean any mess I made and put everything back away as well.

I stepped back, surveying my surroundings. Everything seems untouched.

The house was quiet. I could still hear the harsh rain hitting the roof of this house.

I went back towards the kitchen and grabbed a kitchen knife. The knife’s blade seemed to be spotless, almost like it was never touched.

Guess I’ll start cleaning then…otherwise he might be suspicious of me.

I gently put the knife into my pocket and grabbed a broom.

I started cleaning the house for what felt like an eternity, many thoughts crossed my mind but only one stuck out.

What’s after this?

Assuming I get Seyren’s father out of the picture, what will come next? I know Seyren will take control again, but will I be doomed in that eternal hallway? No…I’ll figure out something. This world is already unnatural, It doesn’t seem to resemble the world I was in before. For an odd reason, I can see my own soul, including Seyren’s. I don’t think he can see mine or even his own though.

I guess I’ll sit idly until Seyren discovers more of the outside world. It’s not like there’s any books around to get an idea of where I’m at. Still though, after this is done I’ll make sure to go as far away as I can.

And there—that’s the table cleaned, all done.

I even cleaned the floors, but those floors won’t be spotless forever. Blood will be shed on these floors…though this won’t be my first sight of that.

But this time, it will be of a man who deserves to die…not like before.

Now, all that was left…was to wait.