"Young master Luca, is there anything you need assistance with?" Remlend's voice sounded as I exited the carriage.
I sighed.
One would think I'd have gotten accustomed to his abrupt appearances by now, even expected ones such as this. However, he still startled me every single time.
"A bath would be good," I replied and walked toward the manor with him beside me. Henry followed a few steps behind us.
Although Ridley had done his magic to clean Fin and myself up, I didn't feel entirely clean.
"Of course," Remlend replied. "I suspected as much and had one readied for your arrival. I'll make the final arrangements to warm the water to the right temperature."
He really is the ideal attendant.
I glanced to my right and looked him up and down. My brain fogged over at the remembrance of his hair by the time my eyes reached his shoes.
I knew it was a curse, but his ability to blend into his surroundings and be so remarkably unremarkable was somewhat enviable.
If Leona had his ability, perhaps she'd have had an easier time as well?
"Remlend, wait," I said before he could speed up his pace and hurry ahead to set up the bath. I lowered my voice to prevent Henry and the other guards from overhearing me. "I hope I'm not overstepping by asking a sensitive question, but you have a rather interesting curse. How did you acquire the Wallflower Curse?"
Remlend's expression shifted. It was minute, but a hint of shock and confusion crossed his face.
"Young master, how did you know, and for how long?" he asked. "Most people don't even remember my presence, much less realize I am cursed."
"It's a newly acquired ability," I replied honestly. I was being a little rude, poking into his life; it was only fair to be candid myself. "I realized you were cursed a couple of days ago."
Remlend hesitated, seeming to contemplate something. "Young master Luca, it is a rather sensitive subject. To what purpose do you wish to know?"
"While it is a curse, it does have some benefits to it as well. I was wondering about possibly utilizing it to hide someone," I replied.
"Peep!"
You want to curse me??
Leona's voice sounded for the first time in my mind. I wasn't sure when she awoke, but she was certainly awake now.
"I am highly against such an idea." Remlend shook his head.
"Peep!"
Leona chirped in agreement.
"It is a curse, and its repercussions far outweigh any benefits," Remlend said. "I have been cursed since birth, with only my mother capable of remembering me. A witch cursed her while pregnant with me."
"It is a painfully lonely curse," he continued. "I can't make outstanding connections or dream of falling in love and starting a family. Such seemingly simple life milestones are unattainable for me."
I frowned.
"I assume you've looked for a cure?" I asked.
"Of course," Remlend replied. "I have spent years solely searching for a cure to this condition. But even after scouring every library and source of information, I have come up blank with a way to cure it. Again, I cannot emphasize it enough: you do not truly wish this fate upon anyone you care about."
I nodded. "I understand."
A thought suddenly occurred to me. Perhaps my favorite information broker might know of a way to cure him? It wasn't the usual information I sought from her, but it was worth a try. She hadn't failed me yet—except for information on the Misfortune Sisters.
"I might have a way to cure you," I said.
Remlend stopped walking.
"Young master Luca, as I've said, it's not a simple curse."
"I know," I replied, growing more confident in Freida Stran's abilities. I paused and looked at Remlend's face. "But it's worth trying. And while you have tried to find a cure, I haven't tried yet, have I?"
His expression was hard to read, but I gauged that he didn't truly believe me.
"Why would you do that for me?" he asked.
I laughed at the silly question. "You're the best attendant I've ever had. If recognition is what you're looking for, I should provide that if it's within my reach."
"Understood," Remlend said. I couldn't gauge his tone of voice at all. "I'll go ahead and finish up your bath preparations."
He hurried away ahead.
***
"Peep!"
I can't believe you thought to suggest cursing me.
"Leona, this is the second time you've been caught. I was considering the possible options to help hide you from danger."
I was sitting on my bedroom's cool bathroom floor, in my bathrobe, having just finished my bath. Leona sat atop my bathtub's edge, with the water draining away.
Jasper hadn't returned yet, so I didn't have my Whispering Necklace to speak with Leona inaudibly. Thus, my favorite room of the manor for such conversations with the System made do.
"Peep!" Leona hung her tiny head.
I'll do as you suggest and take a different form instead of the brilliant chicken.
Her voice sounded dejected as she spoke into my mind.
I sighed.
I was impressed that she had recognized that her current disguise wasn't enough, but changing her appearance didn't seem to be the solution.
"I don't think that'll solve the issue," I replied, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the mosaic design on the floor. "I thought about it while taking my bath. This time, the people who captured you didn't even realize they had caught a phoenix, but you were still caught."
"Peep!"
That's because I wasn't in my phoenix form. And I needed to change into it before I could perform any magic.
"Precisely." I smiled and slowly rose from the cool bathroom floor. "What we need is for you is a disguise that allows you to retain your phoenix form. That way, even if someone comes after you, you have a fighting chance against them."
Leona lifted her head, and her golden eyes blinked.
"Peep!"
I can't make myself invisible if that's what you're asking. I don't have that sort of magical ability.
"No, but perhaps an artifact of some sort might be able to help?" I said.
I left the bathroom behind and entered my bedroom. The plush carpeting of the room welcomed my bare feet as I made my way to the lacquered white desk, its surface adorned with books I had never bothered to read and parchment paper that would have gathered dust if not for Remlend's upkeep.
I didn't know if the Game Store had anything that could help, but in the time leading up to the auction, I had already taken and made use of most of the Nexus coin I had earned on items to sell in my world. The meager sum I had remaining wasn't enough to cover even a half-decent artifact. However, I currently had four thousand Phoenix coins in this realm.
I'm sure something exists in my world that can help disguise Leona.
I pulled out one of the desk drawers and pulled out a small paper card from inside. The name Orla Rex glistened in red mana stone ink in the center of the card.
I'm sure she can source an artifact that does the job.
I slid my finger over the indented red letters of her name.
She said I just needed to tap it and speak my request into it. And she'll provide a response in return.
However, I didn't send her a message just yet, and instead walked back into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.
Before that, I needed to do some research.
"Peep!"
Leona fluttered off the bathtub and perched on my hand, inspecting the card curiously.
I sat back on the cool bathroom floor. I leaned against one of the walls, contemplating the possible solutions to Leona's predicament.
"System, you've been through various Rounds and were alongside various," I called out. "During those rounds, have you encountered any artifacts that could make someone invisible or clear away their presence?"
[ Indeed. There were two from this realm and three from the Game Store. ]
I smiled. "The two from this realm, can you elaborate on what they were called and their abilities?"
[ Certainly. ]
[ Item: Camouflage Button ]
[ Description: This artifact may appear as a regular red shirt button, slightly weathered with age and bearing no discernible magical aura. ]
[ Ability: When pressed, the Camouflage Button instantly cloaks the wearer in invisibility, rendering them entirely unseen for up to 24 hours. Its unassuming appearance makes it ideal for discreet operations, as it's often mistaken for a regular, slightly worn clothing accessory. ]
[ Note: The Camouflage Button has a cool-down period of 24 hours between uses. ]
Hmmm.
While the item was quite good and appeared to be an irregular artifact with no repercussions, the cool-down period was likely to prove problematic. It meant that Leona couldn't leave the safety of the manor every other day. I needed something that could be utilized at all times rather than on a need basis.
"What is the second item?" I asked.
[ Item: Stealthy Pull Tab ]
[ Description: This unassuming artifact appears as a small, ordinary aluminum pull tab from a soda can with a slightly corroded appearance. However, when worn as a pendant around the neck, it grants the user the power of invisibility upon command. While invisible, the wearer's presence becomes nearly undetectable, and they can move about unseen. ]
[ Note: Keen observers may still detect the wearer's aura. ]
I frowned. I didn't know what a soda can was, so it being described as ordinary didn't help.
Perhaps it's an ancient relic item of the past that was more commonplace then?
"What are the repercussions of the Stealthy Pull Tab aside the aura part?" I asked.
While the aura being detectable was problematic, people capable of such detection were rare as it required years of meditative study to comprehend. Only monks living in the Desolated Expanse Desert could pose a problem. Still, being monks and keeping to themselves, I had little concern for them.
[ It is hardly the most flattering item to wear. ]
I raised a brow.
That was it? How unflattering could this soda pull tab be to wear as a necklace?
Of course, the alternative was that it would be costly. I suspected that would be the case, given that this sounded like an irregular artifact.
"Peep!"
Did the System tell you something good?
Leona looked up at me with expectant eyes.
"Yes, there appears to be an artifact in our world that would suit you," I replied. "It's an irregular artifact without any noteworthy issues. Do you happen to know what a soda can pull tab looks like?"
Perhaps Leona's ancient knowledge from her past predecessors would know.
However, she shook her head.
"No, I'm afraid I do not," she said.
"Can you describe what this pull tab looks like?" I asked the System instead.
I was going to request Orla Rex to source it for me, so I needed to know what it looked like. I doubted it would be so unflattering that Leona would refuse to wear it.
[ It appears as a small, thin, flat piece of metal, almost like a miniature door knocker, but without the ring. It is rectangular in shape, with rounded corners. The metal is aluminum, which is very lightweight. ]
I nodded, trying to visualize this artifact. Honestly, it didn't sound all that terrible in appearance. It would just need to be attached to a secure chain that could then be worn like a necklace by Leona. And given that she would be rendered invisible, the necklace would be as well.
"Alright, I'm satisfied. I'll contact Orla about sourcing it for you," I said.
My fingers gently tapped the thick card that bore Orla's name in red mana ink. I brought the card to my mouth and described the artifact I needed in a clear tone.
After I finished speaking, I stared at the card, my anticipation building, waiting for something to happen.
"Peep!"
What are you waiting for?
After watching me stare at it for a good minute, Leona hopped over and inspected the card for herself.
Is something supposed to happen?
"Yes. According to what Orla Rex said, the red mana ink would disperse into a reply, but perhaps she hasn't seen the message yet on her end?" I said.
Time stretched on, and the cool bathroom floor seemed to grow harder beneath me. I shifted in place. It felt like I was watching the water and waiting for it to boil.
Maybe she's occupied with other matters? Or does she need to look into it first?
Impatience gnawed at me, and I finally decided that waiting on my bathroom floor for the rest of the day wouldn't make her respond faster. It was a waste of time.
Pushing myself up from the floor, I stretched my legs and back, sore from sitting still for so long. I glanced down at the card in my hand again, but alas, there was still no reply yet.
"Well, no use waiting around. I'll keep the card on me after I change into some clothes," I said aloud. "When she replies, we'll know if she can source it. In the meantime, what say we go check in on Leo and his progress on dissecting the Wobbly Pebble?"
"Peep!"
And perhaps a dinner as well?
I chuckled at Leona's simplicity.
"Of course, we can have dinner as well."
AlekAundra
That is going to be one of the most expensive soda can pull tabs in existence.
But hey, gotta bling out in soda can recycle wear. (⌐▨_▨)
Thanks for reading and commenting! As usual, there are 4 more chapters on Patreon.
"Young master Luca, is there anything you need assistance with?" Remlend's voice sounded as I exited the carriage.
I sighed.
One would think I'd have gotten accustomed to his abrupt appearances by now, even expected ones such as this. However, he still startled me every single time.
"A bath would be good," I replied and walked toward the manor with him beside me. Henry followed a few steps behind us.
Although Ridley had done his magic to clean Fin and myself up, I didn't feel entirely clean.
"Of course," Remlend replied. "I suspected as much and had one readied for your arrival. I'll make the final arrangements to warm the water to the right temperature."
He really is the ideal attendant.
I glanced to my right and looked him up and down. My brain fogged over at the remembrance of his hair by the time my eyes reached his shoes.
I knew it was a curse, but his ability to blend into his surroundings and be so remarkably unremarkable was somewhat enviable.
If Leona had his ability, perhaps she'd have had an easier time as well?
"Remlend, wait," I said before he could speed up his pace and hurry ahead to set up the bath. I lowered my voice to prevent Henry and the other guards from overhearing me. "I hope I'm not overstepping by asking a sensitive question, but you have a rather interesting curse. How did you acquire the Wallflower Curse?"
Remlend's expression shifted. It was minute, but a hint of shock and confusion crossed his face.
"Young master, how did you know, and for how long?" he asked. "Most people don't even remember my presence, much less realize I am cursed."
"It's a newly acquired ability," I replied honestly. I was being a little rude, poking into his life; it was only fair to be candid myself. "I realized you were cursed a couple of days ago."
Remlend hesitated, seeming to contemplate something. "Young master Luca, it is a rather sensitive subject. To what purpose do you wish to know?"
"While it is a curse, it does have some benefits to it as well. I was wondering about possibly utilizing it to hide someone," I replied.
"Peep!"
You want to curse me??
Leona's voice sounded for the first time in my mind. I wasn't sure when she awoke, but she was certainly awake now.
"I am highly against such an idea." Remlend shook his head.
"Peep!"
Leona chirped in agreement.
"It is a curse, and its repercussions far outweigh any benefits," Remlend said. "I have been cursed since birth, with only my mother capable of remembering me. A witch cursed her while pregnant with me."
"It is a painfully lonely curse," he continued. "I can't make outstanding connections or dream of falling in love and starting a family. Such seemingly simple life milestones are unattainable for me."
I frowned.
"I assume you've looked for a cure?" I asked.
"Of course," Remlend replied. "I have spent years solely searching for a cure to this condition. But even after scouring every library and source of information, I have come up blank with a way to cure it. Again, I cannot emphasize it enough: you do not truly wish this fate upon anyone you care about."
I nodded. "I understand."
A thought suddenly occurred to me. Perhaps my favorite information broker might know of a way to cure him? It wasn't the usual information I sought from her, but it was worth a try. She hadn't failed me yet—except for information on the Misfortune Sisters.
"I might have a way to cure you," I said.
Remlend stopped walking.
"Young master Luca, as I've said, it's not a simple curse."
"I know," I replied, growing more confident in Freida Stran's abilities. I paused and looked at Remlend's face. "But it's worth trying. And while you have tried to find a cure, I haven't tried yet, have I?"
His expression was hard to read, but I gauged that he didn't truly believe me.
"Why would you do that for me?" he asked.
I laughed at the silly question. "You're the best attendant I've ever had. If recognition is what you're looking for, I should provide that if it's within my reach."
"Understood," Remlend said. I couldn't gauge his tone of voice at all. "I'll go ahead and finish up your bath preparations."
He hurried away ahead.
***
"Peep!"
I can't believe you thought to suggest cursing me.
"Leona, this is the second time you've been caught. I was considering the possible options to help hide you from danger."
I was sitting on my bedroom's cool bathroom floor, in my bathrobe, having just finished my bath. Leona sat atop my bathtub's edge, with the water draining away.
Jasper hadn't returned yet, so I didn't have my Whispering Necklace to speak with Leona inaudibly. Thus, my favorite room of the manor for such conversations with the System made do.
"Peep!" Leona hung her tiny head.
I'll do as you suggest and take a different form instead of the brilliant chicken.
Her voice sounded dejected as she spoke into my mind.
I sighed.
I was impressed that she had recognized that her current disguise wasn't enough, but changing her appearance didn't seem to be the solution.
"I don't think that'll solve the issue," I replied, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the mosaic design on the floor. "I thought about it while taking my bath. This time, the people who captured you didn't even realize they had caught a phoenix, but you were still caught."
"Peep!"
That's because I wasn't in my phoenix form. And I needed to change into it before I could perform any magic.
"Precisely." I smiled and slowly rose from the cool bathroom floor. "What we need is for you is a disguise that allows you to retain your phoenix form. That way, even if someone comes after you, you have a fighting chance against them."
Leona lifted her head, and her golden eyes blinked.
"Peep!"
I can't make myself invisible if that's what you're asking. I don't have that sort of magical ability.
"No, but perhaps an artifact of some sort might be able to help?" I said.
I left the bathroom behind and entered my bedroom. The plush carpeting of the room welcomed my bare feet as I made my way to the lacquered white desk, its surface adorned with books I had never bothered to read and parchment paper that would have gathered dust if not for Remlend's upkeep.
I didn't know if the Game Store had anything that could help, but in the time leading up to the auction, I had already taken and made use of most of the Nexus coin I had earned on items to sell in my world. The meager sum I had remaining wasn't enough to cover even a half-decent artifact. However, I currently had four thousand Phoenix coins in this realm.
I'm sure something exists in my world that can help disguise Leona.
I pulled out one of the desk drawers and pulled out a small paper card from inside. The name Orla Rex glistened in red mana stone ink in the center of the card.
I'm sure she can source an artifact that does the job.
I slid my finger over the indented red letters of her name.
She said I just needed to tap it and speak my request into it. And she'll provide a response in return.
However, I didn't send her a message just yet, and instead walked back into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.
Before that, I needed to do some research.
"Peep!"
Leona fluttered off the bathtub and perched on my hand, inspecting the card curiously.
I sat back on the cool bathroom floor. I leaned against one of the walls, contemplating the possible solutions to Leona's predicament.
"System, you've been through various Rounds and were alongside various," I called out. "During those rounds, have you encountered any artifacts that could make someone invisible or clear away their presence?"
[ Indeed. There were two from this realm and three from the Game Store. ]
I smiled. "The two from this realm, can you elaborate on what they were called and their abilities?"
[ Certainly. ]
[ Item: Camouflage Button ]
[ Description: This artifact may appear as a regular red shirt button, slightly weathered with age and bearing no discernible magical aura. ]
[ Ability: When pressed, the Camouflage Button instantly cloaks the wearer in invisibility, rendering them entirely unseen for up to 24 hours. Its unassuming appearance makes it ideal for discreet operations, as it's often mistaken for a regular, slightly worn clothing accessory. ]
[ Note: The Camouflage Button has a cool-down period of 24 hours between uses. ]
Hmmm.
While the item was quite good and appeared to be an irregular artifact with no repercussions, the cool-down period was likely to prove problematic. It meant that Leona couldn't leave the safety of the manor every other day. I needed something that could be utilized at all times rather than on a need basis.
"What is the second item?" I asked.
[ Item: Stealthy Pull Tab ]
[ Description: This unassuming artifact appears as a small, ordinary aluminum pull tab from a soda can with a slightly corroded appearance. However, when worn as a pendant around the neck, it grants the user the power of invisibility upon command. While invisible, the wearer's presence becomes nearly undetectable, and they can move about unseen. ]
[ Note: Keen observers may still detect the wearer's aura. ]
I frowned. I didn't know what a soda can was, so it being described as ordinary didn't help.
Perhaps it's an ancient relic item of the past that was more commonplace then?
"What are the repercussions of the Stealthy Pull Tab aside the aura part?" I asked.
While the aura being detectable was problematic, people capable of such detection were rare as it required years of meditative study to comprehend. Only monks living in the Desolated Expanse Desert could pose a problem. Still, being monks and keeping to themselves, I had little concern for them.
[ It is hardly the most flattering item to wear. ]
I raised a brow.
That was it? How unflattering could this soda pull tab be to wear as a necklace?
Of course, the alternative was that it would be costly. I suspected that would be the case, given that this sounded like an irregular artifact.
"Peep!"
Did the System tell you something good?
Leona looked up at me with expectant eyes.
"Yes, there appears to be an artifact in our world that would suit you," I replied. "It's an irregular artifact without any noteworthy issues. Do you happen to know what a soda can pull tab looks like?"
Perhaps Leona's ancient knowledge from her past predecessors would know.
However, she shook her head.
"No, I'm afraid I do not," she said.
"Can you describe what this pull tab looks like?" I asked the System instead.
I was going to request Orla Rex to source it for me, so I needed to know what it looked like. I doubted it would be so unflattering that Leona would refuse to wear it.
[ It appears as a small, thin, flat piece of metal, almost like a miniature door knocker, but without the ring. It is rectangular in shape, with rounded corners. The metal is aluminum, which is very lightweight. ]
I nodded, trying to visualize this artifact. Honestly, it didn't sound all that terrible in appearance. It would just need to be attached to a secure chain that could then be worn like a necklace by Leona. And given that she would be rendered invisible, the necklace would be as well.
"Alright, I'm satisfied. I'll contact Orla about sourcing it for you," I said.
My fingers gently tapped the thick card that bore Orla's name in red mana ink. I brought the card to my mouth and described the artifact I needed in a clear tone.
After I finished speaking, I stared at the card, my anticipation building, waiting for something to happen.
"Peep!"
What are you waiting for?
After watching me stare at it for a good minute, Leona hopped over and inspected the card for herself.
Is something supposed to happen?
"Yes. According to what Orla Rex said, the red mana ink would disperse into a reply, but perhaps she hasn't seen the message yet on her end?" I said.
Time stretched on, and the cool bathroom floor seemed to grow harder beneath me. I shifted in place. It felt like I was watching the water and waiting for it to boil.
Maybe she's occupied with other matters? Or does she need to look into it first?
Impatience gnawed at me, and I finally decided that waiting on my bathroom floor for the rest of the day wouldn't make her respond faster. It was a waste of time.
Pushing myself up from the floor, I stretched my legs and back, sore from sitting still for so long. I glanced down at the card in my hand again, but alas, there was still no reply yet.
"Well, no use waiting around. I'll keep the card on me after I change into some clothes," I said aloud. "When she replies, we'll know if she can source it. In the meantime, what say we go check in on Leo and his progress on dissecting the Wobbly Pebble?"
"Peep!"
And perhaps a dinner as well?
I chuckled at Leona's simplicity.
"Of course, we can have dinner as well."
AlekAundra
That is going to be one of the most expensive soda can pull tabs in existence.
But hey, gotta bling out in soda can recycle wear. (⌐▨_▨)
Thanks for reading and commenting! As usual, there are 4 more chapters on Patreon.
