If I had to describe myself I would never use words like impulsive, daring or even bold. I consider myself capable of taking risks, however, only after careful calculations. Only when I had the certainty.

I would never do something like that, if I didn’t know already that it has to work out for me. The plot of Seventh Lord of Mindsna was still fresh in my mind. All the additional information the other people, characters really, had no idea about.

「 “All of you approach this wrongly.”

Everyone’s eyes turned to the newly arrived, and Reyc realized that what was supposed to be just his thought was projected to gathered people. Conspirators… 

The silence, thick and overwhelming, filled the old ruins. Over twenty hooded figures froze in place. Likely wondering if maybe they were already discovered, that Reyc was just sent here to-

Grzech’s elbow nudged him in the side. And then the man whispered “Go on. Continue.”

Reyc took off his hood, letting everyone see exactly who he was, and stepped to the front.

“You think you can simply send a spy to his house, and let them gather information for you, but you don’t know him.” It was useless to mention Jacques by name, they all knew why they gathered in this place. “You have no idea of his powers. You know nothing about the people that work and are still loyal to him. Any spy you send, be it as a servant or guard, or even an honorable guest, will be killed. If not on the spot, then his lordship will discover them in few hours.”

“How then?-”

“The darkest place is under the candle. So happens it’s also his favorite proverb, ancient nerimxan I believe. It means that one tends to overlook things that seem obvious. He knows where to expect his enemies, and is ready for them.”

“However,” Reyc continued, a new light shining in his eyes. “He can still be trusting. Reward loyalty with loyalty - not a real proverb so something he believes to be living by. Join not his ranks, but those of his followers. Let someone like Zaleglowicz mention the name of your spy, so his Lordship seeks them out on his own.”

A heavy hand landed on Reyc’s shoulder making him almost lose balance on the wet stones. It was Grzech snickering to himself. “So basically what you say if we should make the bitch himself ask for our people…” 」

In a real magical duel I would, of course, stand no change again such an old enchanter like Fela. I had more raw power than her, any Gate was at least ten times more powerful than any enchanter or arcanist. Yet, I still really lacked knowledge and experience in handling my magic.

However, just like in the book, all I needed was to impress Fela. No more. I didn’t even have to win against her.

“Duel? You?” She opened her eyes, just to scan me up and down. And then chuckled darkly. “Sure. Why not. I never say no to challenges.”

Then, without moving from her place she snapped her fingers and invisible binds appeared around me. My legs and arms were bound to each other and with a yelp, I fell to the ground suddenly losing balance. Face to the dirt I couldn’t even roll around on my own.

“But you. Reyc, are a bit too eager for my taste.” Fela was laughing, her voice drifting away, as her cart kept moving. “Wait till we set a camp for the night.”

A raptor stopped by me and I could feel it curiously nipping at my back and hair, before some of Fela’s men scared it away and hauled me up and back on the cart. There Gael, a new set of binds on his hands, gave me thumbs up.

“Absolutely fucking horrible.”

“It wasn’t my whole plan,” I tried to defend myself but Gael’s dumb grin was telling me it likely wasn’t working.

“Oh, I bet there’s more to it.”

“But she agreed to duel me…”

“Yes, and very swiftly at that.” Gael nodded along as if he understood something profound now. “Seems like she almost waited for the opportunity,” he added with a sly smirk.

I tried my best to not show my own reaction to his words. Gael’s role in the book was a small one. His death, more than his life, was a catalyst for the side character to jump to action. But I suppose he was always meant to be a perceptive one. 

If not for the circumstance, me being trapped in the book, and him not even being real, I could consider becoming friends with Gael. He seemed someone easygoing and maybe a bit laid back, but smart as well. It will be a shame to experience his death once again. Now, even worse, as I already knew more about him than before.

Maybe I shouldn’t grow close to him and Nocka, it wasn’t the endings of their plots that I wanted to change. It wouldn’t be too good if I tried to rip the world of this book apart for too many people.

“Tell me at least that you don’t have to win, for this plan of yours to work.”

“No, I don’t. I just need to leave an impression.”

“Aww,” Gael cooed right in my ear. “But you don’t have to. You’re already my favorite.”

I just rolled my eyes, as he continued cackling.

TL NOTES

Hi guys! It’s me again, the LibraryCat, your translator! ο(=Φω＜=)ρ⌒☆ I didn’t add too many notes over the last few chapters, it was a bit hectic on my end haha (⁄ ⁄Φ⁄ω⁄Φ⁄ ⁄) But there’s just sooo much I want to talk about. Like the whole achievements thing, it’s so funny in my opinion, like in a game, but a bit messed up. Also, what are the thoughts on JdA’s first semi-official appearance? (❤ω❤) There are still a few more chapters to go, before we see the current version of him, but I just can’t wait! (❤ω❤) From other things, Hubert thinking he will just let Gael and Nocka die is so silly of him. Not to spoil anything, but y’know (Φω<)☆

Grzech - and we have another new character! Grzech is just diminutive from Gregory, which means watchful, alert, and is a saint’s name, but also has its own edgy meaning, literally standing for sin. So, I will be keeping an eye on that guy ψ( Φ ∇ Φ )ψ