Payne raised his arm in the air:
"Silence."
The next second the maid got knocked out by one of the knights and her head fell to the side, her legs dragging behind her body. The knights had to raise her in the air and I watched her being taken away. I didn't have time to watch her for long because Payne raised his hand towards my cheek:
"Are you okay?"
I pushed his hand away:
"Why wouldn't I be?
-You can speak the truth. You don't have to lie to me."
I tilted my head:
"Are you scared that her words will make me question myself and I'll start being a double agent for the Marquis?"
Payne quickly shook his head:
"I wasn't thinking about that.
-Why wouldn't you? Your fears are perfectly valid.
-I trust you."
I frowned:
"Why would you trust me?
-Do I need a reason to?"
That answer was weird. The Duke needed a reason for everything in the past. He didn't just do something because he felt like it. And he especially didn't trust anyone without having a valid reason to. Seeing me confused made him add:
"I was simply... Worried about you."
I rolled my eyes.
"I don't need you to worry about me. And you shouldn't trust me."
Payne looked way softer than minutes before. My words didn't seem to hurt him and he just smiled:
"You did well, Zeidan.
-It isn't over yet. We still have to find the one who sent the letter.
-We will. But until then, you deserve to rest. You did a lot today.
-I am not tired.
-It must have been a tiring day for you. You need to rest."
Having no idea what to say, I just nodded. I didn't have the energy to argue with Payne.
"You too.
-Would you perhaps prefer to eat something first?
-I'll sleep.
-i'll take you back to your chambers."
Having realized that it would mean being away from Payne, I accepted. He extended his arm back to me but I shook my head:
"You don't need to do that when no one is watching. Speaking of which, don't hug me again in the future. I hate it."
Payne looked hurt for some reason:
"I understand. I apologize for making you uncomfortable. It won't happen again.
-I hope so."
Payne followed me silently back to my room. The silence was a bit awkward but I wasn't going to be the one to break it. Once in front of my door, Payne opened it and held it open before bowing to me:
"I thank you once again for your help. Call me if you need anything."
I nodded and went inside without a word. I didn't really have time to sleep because Adaranth rushed to my room seconds later:
"Mister Zeidan!"
I jumped on my feet thinking that something was wrong but what he said next immediately calmed me down:
"I heard that you saved the Grimsbane mansion!"
I sighed. I didn't think that rumors would spread that fast. It hadn't even been half an hour since the maid's arrest.
"That's an exaggeration."
I filled Adaranth in and the latter listened to me with shining eyes:
"You are a hero!"
I couldn't help laughing:
"Once again, that's an exaggeration.
-It isn't! You have been here for what? Two days? And you already saved the youngest Princess? How did you know that it was that maid?
-I heard her talking about it."
I didn't lie. I did hear her conversation in my past life. It was Adaranth's turn to laugh:
"Well, she wasn't a very bright villain.
-No, that she wasn't.
-You can be proud of yourself, Mister Zeidan. Everyone is talking about how brave you were. It doesn't really matter what happened exactly. What matters is that they are grateful to you and it looks like they really like you. I am sure that you will be happy here. I can already feel it."
I frowned:
"They don't like me."
Adaranth quickly nodded:
"I assure you. I saw how brightly they were talking about you.
-That can't be. I am only the son of their enemy.
-But... Why wouldn't they like you? You saved their Princess."
I felt bad bursting his bubble but I wanted to lie as little as possible:
"It doesn't matter. I don't care if they are grateful or if they like me. I won't stay for long anyway. You were the one who said that I wasn't safe here."
Adaranth quickly nodded:
"You are right. I'm sorry, I got too excited. But even if we only stay for a short time, it's always nice to be liked.
-I guess you're right."
Seeing that I was ready for bed made Adaranth frown:
"Don't you want to go see the young princess? She is probably the one that's the most grateful to you. She probably wants to see you."
I quickly shook my head:
"She doesn't know about the assassination attempt and me going up to her and asking if she is okay would only scare her. I prefer her not knowing what happened."
Adaranth slowly nodded:
"You are right. It's better this way. And she is probably well taken care of. You really are a good person, Mister Zeidan. You can be proud of yourself. You did very well."
I wasn't used to hearing that and couldn't help blushing:
"I... I'm simply thinking about her.
-Which is what makes you such a good person."
I had no idea what to do with so many compliments and started to look around me for a diversion.
"Have you had a good day with the other servants? Are they treating you well?"
Adaranth smiled brightly:
"Are you getting shy?
-I am not. I was simply asking.
-I can see you getting red!
-Can't I simply be worried about you? What kind of master would I be if I didn't care about you?
-Come on! You have to learn how to accept compliments.
-How about I learn how to sleep instead? Good night.
-My master is the best person that exists on this entire planet.
-Stop.
-He is absolutely amazing.
-Stop.
-He is an incredible person and anyone would be lucky to know him.
-Please stop!
-I am the luckiest person on Earth to have such an amazing person to serve.*
-I told you to stop!"
Adaranth didn't have time to go on because my door shot open and gave place to a very pale Payne.