I met Vance a short time before my death. We didn't have a lot of time to get to know each other but we still spent great moments together. The first time I saw him was in that very corner where I was hiding. Ranti and I were deep in an animated conversation:
"Who the hell is Scias Ebony?
-I have no clue. Why are you asking?"
I started looking through every family tree that I could find in the library. Nobles had too many names and too many siblings and I couldn't find anyone, making me frustrated.
"Well, we have to find out because apparently I pushed him off the stairs during the last ball.
-You pushed him off the stairs? Who said that?
-Who cares? You should be used to it by now."
Ranti sighed:
"I will see what I can find out about him.
-Thank you.
-That reminds me. I looked into Panther Marth.
-I'm sorry but who is that again?"
I was getting lost in the tens of names that I was accused of destroying at that point. The rumors were getting out of hand and I was the perfect scapegoat for everyone who needed to get out of danger. Both true and imagined cases were given to me. I really needed to make a folder. I hated my lack of organization in that moment.
"He is the noble with the big nose and rare hair.
-The one that I apparently killed because he criticized my taste? Or at least some people say that I did something to him if not kill him?
-That one. Turns out he was killed by his own son."
I let go of my books, curious:
"What was the reason?
-He abused his three sons all their lives and the oldest one ran away as soon as he could. But he felt bad about leaving his brothers behind and came back to save them. I heard the story from their own mouths. I didn't think I would see someone in that state again...
-Good for them then! Thank you for looking into it."
Seeing that I wasn't saying anything more and went back to my books, Ranti asked:
"So what should we do about that rumor?"
I shrugged:
"Let's just continue pretending that I was the one killing him.
-But... Isn't it too much? You have never been suspected of murder before. That's a big deal. Way bigger than anything before. What if they used that to finally dispose of you?"
I shrugged. I didn't really care how I died and I knew that I wouldn't die before it was my time anyway. I didn't have anything to lose.
"If they could have, they would have already done something.
-But..."
I rubbed Ranti's head:
"You are so cute when you worry about me."
Ranti pushed my hand away, angry:
"Someone should! You don't care about yourself at all!"
I frowned:
"That's a bit harsh. I care about my wellbeing.
-Do you? You skip me als because you keep spending your time hidden here, you don't go to bed early and are sleepy the next day, you don't take medicine when you are sick and won't let me take care of you, you never ask for help, you let everyone look down on you and let them bully you, you..."
I quickly cut Ranti off before he exploded:
"I know, I know. I'm sorry. I will pay more attention from now on.
-You always say that but then you go off and say that you killed someone.
-That's unfair! It happened only once!
-And I hope it won't be the start of a new habit.
-Of course not. I am not suicidal."
Ranti didn't seem to believe me so I had to quickly change the subject:
"I had another question.
-Oh no...
-No one died this time! But who is Granite Talbot?
-I don't know either. I'll look into him.
-I have to find out as soon as possible. I know that I did something to him but I don't know what. And I have no clue who he is so I can't even come up with something. Essence glared at me and told me that she wanted to discuss his case in an hour. I have to know what happened before that.
-He is the Marquis's son."
Both Ranti and I jumped up hearing the unfamiliar voice. Ranti jumped in front of me and shielded me with his body.
"Who's there? Show yourself."
A young man stepped out from behind a shelf, his hands raised in the air in a sign of peace. His eyes were fixated on the ground and he stopped at a reasonable distance from us. The man looked rather young and he was skinny. Very skinny. He was wearing servant's clothes that were way too big for him. I had never seen that man in my entire life.
"Who are you?
-I am sorry, I didn't mean to scare you or spy on you. I work in the kitchens. My name is Vance."
Ranti looked at me with a frown.
"What would you do here? No one ever comes to this corner of the library.
-I didn't mean to bother you. I sometimes come here to sleep but I didn't expect to find people here.
-If you dare lie to us you will regret it.
-I am not lying. I started working in the kitchens not long ago but have a hard time getting used to it. I didn't expect the workload to be that important."
I frowned:
"Are they overworking you?"
Ranti felt where it was going and shook his head:
"Zeidan, you can't start pitying everyone. What if he is part of the Duke's plan?"
I pointed at the young man:
"Look at him. He's all skin and bones. If the Dukes treats even his own people in such a way then he is despicable and he deserves to be the one who I kill."
Ranti looked at the newcomer, terrified that he had heard what I just said. He grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to him:
"Master, you can't say such things. Especially not in front of others."
Vance quickly shook his head:
"I am not going to tell anyone."
Ranti glared at him:
"And why should we believe that?"
I pushed Ranti away.
"You are way too suspicious.
-And you aren't enough."
I shrugged:
"It won't matter soon anyway."
I turned back towards Vance and smiled:
"Are you hungry?"
He didn't dare look at me and quickly nodded. Ranti didn't seem to like me sending him get some food:
"I am not leaving you alone with him.
-Everything is fine, Ranti. We are going to wait here patiently for you. Nothing will happen."
It took a bit more convincing but Ranti finally left us alone. Not before glaring at Vance however. I apologized for his behavior and explained to Vance that Ranti was very protective of me:
"He is just used to people having bad intentions when approaching me. Don't worry, it isn't anything personal.
-Were there a lot of such people around you?"
I couldn't help laughing:
"Sorry, I am not making fun of you. haven't you heard about the rumors surrounding me? I guess you didn't. You haven't been here long after all.
-I have but I don't care about what is being said. You offered me food when I came here to sleep. I can see that you are a good person."
I didn't want to be touched by his sentence.
"I... Thank you."