Terms

Roman stood still, not answering Eden's question. Then, a short, sharp laugh broke the tension, and his shoulders relaxed.

"I am a part of a special force working for the Froste family's hidden branch," Roman explained. "You are a Winfield; you must know about the truce between the families, right?"

Eden leaned back into the chair, seeing that Roman wasn't intending to attack anymore. But she was still cautious. "Yes, they're all of equal value. Each family has a right to do whatever unless others object, and if they do, the law is enforced no matter what. Violating it would cause the other four families to unite against the one that broke the law."

Roman nodded. "That's a part of it. However, there's another truce. A hidden one, between the human families and vampires."

I saw Eden's face change in real time, her eyes widening in genuine shock. I would be lying if I said I wasn't also surprised. From what I saw all this time, I thought those two parties would never work together. Then why are they attacking each other in secret?

Roman noticed how we both were surprised and continued, "The assassination of Lord Winfield and the sudden appearance of an unknown heir are massive threats to this truce. It's one where both parties use each other to gain and keep the peace. While yes, there's tension between them, it's needed.

"With the new Lord Conall showing up, he's not aware of this. The human and vampire families are both worried that he might go against orders because of his nature. The Froste family suspected the story of the vampires; that's why they sent me here to investigate what they're trying to do under the disguise of helping them to capture this 'Taro.'" He looked at me when saying that.

I listened carefully, and then after a few seconds I spoke: "Then, how about I propose a temporary truce between us?"

Roman and Eden both looked at me, not saying anything.

"You need to investigate the vampires. I am sure Eden has a lot of information, and with her, you can get more from the vampires. And we need your protection and resources from the Froste family to survive." I called out.

In my heart, I did hope he would accept this. If he does, then things would get a lot easier, but my hope isn't put on it yet.

Then, to my surprise, the door to the office opened with a loud thud. Andor walked in holding a plate with an angry look on his face. "How dare you make your father get you food! You ungrateful prick!"

Roman's serious demeanor vanished in an instant. He scrambled toward his father, taking the plate and begging for mercy. Eden and I could only watch in stunned silence as the hardened knight before us was reduced to a flustered son.

After that whole ordeal was over, Roman sat down looking at the food with a smile.

Roman then closed his eyes and laughed, putting the truth watch in his pocket. "Shall we all introduce ourselves again? Since we're going to be friends!" He said, taking a piece of bread.

I started "My name is Taro. A mage with the wind affinity."

Eden looked annoyed but also happy that Roman wasn't as bad as she thought he'd be. "Eden Winfield. A vampire."

Roman looked at us both. "Are you two trying to be mysterious? Well, whatever. I am Roman Summers, the son of Andor. A knight of the special force in the Froste family and a mage with the affinity of light. Oh, also, I am a great artist." He described himself excitedly, starting to eat.

Eden looked at him. "You talk too much for my taste." And started eating.

"Hey, what was that?" Roman had an angry voice, yet his mouth was full of food.

A small smile was painted on my face, and I started to dig in as well. That day, after finishing our food, Eden decided to go back to her hotel near the tavern, and Roman said that tomorrow he would tell us more information about what he got.

We three met in the morning at the tavern before it opened, greeting each other and sitting at a table near the window. Roman started. "Have you guys heard about the death of the duke of Nerton?"

"Huh, he died?" I was surprised. When did that happen?

Eden didn't say anything, appearing to have heard the news.

"Yes, a few days ago. The official reason for death was 'a sudden illness'; he died the same week as your father." He looked at Eden. "I was with Gilbert at that time; I am pretty sure it all suggests it was covered up."

Eden said, her voice low. "Some vampires spoke of it when I was coming to the city. He tried to be a vampire, yet nobody knew how. It seems like the sage found out and just killed him."

Roman nodded. "I want you two to come with me to Nerton. Solfrid asked me to investigate what the duke was trying to do after I am done here. If you guys help me with this mission, afterwards I will go and try to tell my leaders the danger of Conall, and hopefully it will end soon."

My heart stopped as I heard Nerton, thinking of Dorothea. I wanted to go, just to check on the bakery from far away; this curse that was set on me can wait.

Eden nodded. "I am not sure if we're going to find anything, but sure. However, I have one thing I want you to do: don't tell them that I or Taro are with you. I don't want to live as a day creature slave."

Roman looked at her with surprise. "Hey, I am not that stupid. It's all planned!"

After that, the three of us agreed to the plan.

I went to my room in the tavern and saw the place where I had slept for a few days. It wasn't a lot; however, it was warm. Where I found myself again. I had nothing much to pack up; I just cleaned some of my clothes and walked out, going to tell Andor that I won't be working here anymore.

I saw that the door to Roman's room was open. Andor was inside, packing supplies with his son. "You seem to have made friends with those two," he said quietly. "Don't get them killed."

Roman smiled. "I will try not to."

After a bit, we stood at the outskirts of Carleone, looking at the road. None of us was talking; people walked in and out of the sidewalk. Then a carriage stopped for us, and we stepped in. Roman stood on the opposite side, while I and Eden sat down looking at him.

I felt the carriage move slowly, and the surroundings moved. We chatted for a bit, but each one of us went silent. Eden gave me a book about the undead she had in her suitcase. And I just read it.

I was engrossed in the book for a while before I finally looked up. I saw Roman, who was checking a map of Nerton, with a confused look on his face. Eden, whose eyes were on the door's window, stared at the horizon with a conflicted expression.

I couldn't help but feel something; at least now I have a goal, something to move towards. Perhaps fate had brought me here. I couldn't change that. All I could do was hope that, no matter what came next, I would have the strength to stand and face it.

The carriage continued, moving through the road to Nerton.