The Gamer's POV

Chapter 358: Cedric Mortimer

Cedric remained quiet.

’So he just drops loads of jaw-dropping revelations... states how he’s played a major role in my life... but doesn’t intend on telling me the full and important bits right now?’

It took a few more seconds for the weight of everything to settle in.

’Tsk. I hate this...’

...Upon thinking deeply though, Cedric realized that the king had a habit of embedding hints in his words. He analyzed the exact words of the king, and then, a suspicion crossed his mind.

’Could it be that my previous self had made some kind of revelation to the king prior? I mean... how else would he know most of this stuff about me, including the fact that I would be transmigrating into Cedric in particular?

’And how else could he have known about Aika’s peculiar nature?’

...Cedric couldn’t be sure, but he felt that he might not be far from the truth either.

After a few seconds, he calmed his racing thoughts and decided to make the most of this opportunity.

’He said it was his task to ensure I made it to the first ring during the last eclipse.’

From everything the king had mentioned, Cedric suspected that the man was also aware of what truly happened in the First Ring.

Looking back up to the king, he asked, "Your Majesty, if you don’t mind me saying this: it seems that you are already aware of the fact that even if the cadets were to kill the Lords, that would not stop the birth of another red bridge after a new eclipse."

The room fell silent and the mood suddenly grew tense.

The king stared at him for a long moment, before he rested his chin on his knuckles and smiled.

"Of course. As I said earlier, and to think it took my moving up to the Fourth Ring to finally see the truth."

Perfect. That was all Cedric needed to hear.

’So, how do I reap the rewards of my sufferings then? Ah... let’s see.’

He leaned back, crossed his legs, and sat like a businessman. Then he cleared his throat and began in the most serious and deep voice he could muster.

"As you said, you needed to make sure I joined the last eclipse. Although I’m not exactly sure why, I can surmise that you probably knew I’d be able to bring about a change during the eclipse. And let’s be real, I did. You must have already heard that the cadets would not have been back, nor would the bridge leading to the First Ring have been destroyed had it not been for me. I led the people to fight the lords, and after killing them, I did what I had to do to ensure that the Red Bridge would not be born ever again." His voice dropped an octave. "I literally saved this Cradle from the First Ring."

He paused for a brief moment, then he tilted his head. "Say, Your Majesty, don’t you think I’ve earned my due? Don’t you think I should be rewarded handsomely for my efforts?"

The king remained still for a moment, and then, he suddenly burst into a low chuckle, lowering his head and covering his mouth. When he lifted his gaze, his eyes flashed with dark amusement. "Yes, you have. Let’s hear what you demand."

A small, imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of Cedric’s lips.

Before now, he had already thought of the things he would ask for. Everyone in this world had a plan of their own, and everyone had something they craved. His, however, was to climb to the top where he could control his own fate, live his life the way he wanted, and most importantly, look down on those who had once stepped on him.

"I am no longer a part of the Martini Marquessate. I had been sold, and so, I am now a wandering noble." He smiled and raised a finger. "From this moment on, I renounce the name Cedric Martini. I shall now go by Cedric Mortimer."

He leaned forward slightly. "As for my request, it’s quite simple. Since I no longer have a house, I need one, Your Majesty. So... make me a count. Count Cedric Mortimer."

He was skipping Baron and Viscount and getting straight to Count. Just a step below a Marquess. And to be honest, even though he chose to stop here now, he didn’t plan to just end here. He had ambition, and heavens help him, if he survived long enough, he was going to climb as high as he could.

After stating his demand, the King just stared at him in tense silence.

Cedric swallowed. After a few more seconds passed with him looking into the king’s cold, blue eyes, despite the chill, he began to feel sweat run down his back.

He couldn’t tell what the man was thinking.

’Was I being too greedy? Should I just have begun with Baron or viscount?

’No, this is alright. I think I deserve this.’

However, right when he was beginning to think that he had overstepped his bounds, the King grinned and shrugged, "Its doable. I don’t see why not."

Phew...

"I think I can arrange that."

Cedric exhaled when he heard those words.

And then, a wave of excitement hit him, and he could barely contain his expression. He smiled. "I would not like a public celebration though."

The king’s eyes glinted with a knowing amusement. He must have understood Cedric’s meaning.

"Granted."

He leaned back and exhaled another wisp of black smoke, giving himself some relief.

"If that is all you demand, I shall meet with you again after the eclipse..." He paused, his gaze drifting away for a split second. "...or not. Count Cedric Mortimer."

’Ah... it does have a nice ring to it.’

At that moment, the air far behind the chamber fractured and a large black portal tore open with a low, menacing hum.

The sudden gale of wind whipped against Cedric’s clothes and hair as he stood up and turned to look at it.

Looking back to the king, he offered a deep, formal bow.

’But you now owe me a debt too, Your Majesty,’ he thought, still maintaining his bow.

’I do not care what your motives are. Test or not. Friend or foe, it makes no difference. You insulted my bond, and I will reclaim that debt in the future. No matter how small, no one owes me and gets away without paying.’

He raised his head and smiled politely... a wide, pleasant smile that actually reached his eyes.

’I am the Lord of Karma, after all.’

He turned around, and his smile vanished. As he began walking toward the portal, he called out mentally to his bond.

’Come, Aika Soryu.’~

***

Some time later, both Cedric and Aika were sitting in the royal carriage, heading home from the castle.

The heavy wheels rocked on the cobblestone streets, and both people inside the cabin sat in silence. While Cedric sat resting his chin on his palm and gazing out the window, Aika stared up at the ceiling with a completely unreadable expression.

After a long moment of even more silence, Cedric sighed and turned to her. Then, he put on a small smile and asked, "Are you alright?"

Slowly, she turned to him. Her shoulders slumped a bit, and she shook her head as she replied honestly, "No." Her eyes dimmed, and she lowered them to avoid his gaze. "I’m not."

A few seconds passed, and then she lifted her head to look him straight in the eyes. "Tell me honestly, Ced. Am I just a weapon to you?"

Cedric shook his head without a moment’s hesitation. "No."

He sighed and gently reached out, placing his hand over her shoulder. Then he leaned closer, guiding her head down to rest against his chest.

"You are my partner, Aika. You know that."

A few seconds passed in the quiet cabin, and then a faint, genuine smile appeared on her lips as she muttered, "I’m fine now."