The Legendary Fool

Chapter 96: Even the odds

Chapter 96: Even the odds

It took Tom another hour before he managed to loop back towards the inn Zirel had, under his Riven Blackheart alias, commandeered with the aid of the former Elite Guards. He had taken a long, convoluted way there, just to throw off Nvein or anyone else, in case they had decided to tail him.

Having wisely decided against sneaking back into the inn, Tom knocked on the front door. A minute passed by him before Zirel cautiously opened the door, with one hand concealed behind his back.

“It’s me,” Tom said, before slowly reaching for his mask and gently pulling it away.

Zirel’s expression noticeably eased as he registered the familiar face, though confusion still remained in his gaze.

“I thought you would’ve needed more time,” He muttered, before shaking his head. “Come inside first.”

Tom complied, latching the door’s bolt behind him even though he knew it would not do much in case someone with a Card ability suited for espionage decided to eavesdrop on their conversation.

The sound of hurried footsteps directed Tom’s attention to the flight of stairs that lead to the first floor, unsurprised to find Aleph approaching.

“What happened?” She asked, concern and worry leaking into her tone.

“Uh...,” Tom sheepishly trailed off, his expression tightening as he considered where he was supposed to even begin. “We might want to head upstairs before I tell you,” He offered, his words causing Zirel to raise an eyebrow.

It wouldn’t be much, but Tom would much rather have everyone freak out in a locked room instead of the inn’s cramped foyer.

No further words were exchanged until they were in Aleph’s room. Tom had seated himself on the bed, Aleph just patiently stood near the door’s entrance and Zirel was leaning on a wall as he played around with a dagger, flipping it in the air and catching it repeatedly.

“So, I might just have found a way to steer the outcome of a civil war that’s uh, due in six days,” Tom decided to go with the quickest way to the truth, finding no reason to beat around the bush.

“It’s...,” Aleph trailed off, unsure how to frame her response politely.

“Blunt,” Zirel declared. “Albeit earnest. A Noble Scion like Valeria is trained to see through deceptions and trickery. That means you’ve got a pretty decent shot at convincing her, as long as you don’t lie. So if we’re going through with this, don’t lie.”

“You’re okay with it?” Aleph asked, her tone sounding a touch incredulous.

“Hm,” Zirel considered. “You’re worried about me not having a home to return to? The Nottrakon Family won’t fall that easily but, well, if they do then good riddance. The few weeks I spent with my old party felt like more of a family than they did.”

“Right,” Tom pursed his lips as he braced himself to reveal the bad news. “So guys, we should be going. Like right now.”

“Why?” Zirel asked.

“Well, I couldn’t convince Nvein— the Royal Knight at the gate, to stop reporting my entry as an Elite Guard to his superiors. In a couple hours, they’re going to figure out what you did, Zirel. We need to head to the final sector.”

“What? But that will only give us five days to complete the dungeon!” Zirel protested, no longer bothering to keep his voice down.

Even the prince thought their current plan to be a death wish.

Tom, however, had only eyes for Aleph as they locked gazes.

Then, he nodded to her.

Aleph let go of the breath she was holding onto.

“Well Zirel,” Tom began, his lips curling up into a mischievous smile. “We just might have something that will even the odds."