Chapter 246 – Risk and Reward

Chapter 246 – Risk and Reward

The silence that fills the guest room is quite deafening. And how can it not be after the scene that has just taken place? Both parties stare at each other with different expressions and emotions warring on their faces. Sirgia continues to throw furious glares at her mother while the woman looks flabbergasted.

Although, the reaction is fairly warranted.

I know my lovely wife very well, and she isn’t someone who raises her voice at others, not to mention turns physical. She’s always been a sweet little cinnamon roll who needs constant reminders of how precious she is. All due to how the world has treated her, bringing her self-worth and confidence dangerously low.

However, I can guess this might always have been the case to a certain extent.

The pair before us looks positively stricken, and not in a literal sense. What shocks them more is most likely the fact that their timid and withdrawn daughter has actually stood up for herself and gone on the offensive.

Okay, not for herself. And that’s the core of the problem. As always, she barely reacted to her mother throwing shade her way, but the moment I was mentioned, she could not sit tight and listen any longer. While I’m extremely proud of her fighting back the verbal abuse, it’s just something rather common nowadays. And I don’t think we’ll be able to change it anytime soon. Or ever.

That said, Sirgia clearly isn’t done yet as she takes another step forward with her free foot, forcefully stopped by the other one, still buried deep in the floor.

“Is that really all you have to say to your daughter who has gone missing for Goddess knows how long?” she continues to shout at the duo. “Are insults towards my benefactor, the person who saved my life, and my beloved the only thing you can come up with?”

They don’t answer, still stunned out of their minds.

“I don’t care what you say about me, I never did, but you won’t badmouth my mate in front of me, calling him things he’s not just because you can’t control yourself to keep your mouth shut for a second and listen to the explanation!” Sirgia struggles with her impromptu snare, letting out a faint growl. “If I knew it would be like this, I would have chosen to stay at home and never bother travelling half of the realm to get here. It certainly feels more like home there than it does here. And like a family. An actual family that cares. This? This was a mistake. I should have stayed dead—”

“That’s enough.” I press onto her shoulder from behind, making my incensed lover flinch.

She glances back at me, her stormy expression disappearing, replaced by quickly growing anxiety. Smiling softly, I walk around her and get down to my knee. Bringing out a dagger from my spatial storage, I chip at the cracked floor, slowly digging her shoe out of the marble pavement. After making enough space, I pull it out and set it on the side, meeting her gaze.

I don’t linger too much, not wanting her to feel ashamed of her outburst, and move back to my position behind her. Both hands on her shoulders now, I poke her cheek to make her look forward. My gaze falls on her mother, who notices my attention. No words are spoken, but my calm stare brings her up from the sofa.

The two ladies face off for a good while, just standing there awkwardly. Neither knows if the other one is going to start shouting or throwing punches again.

But, it’s the men who are the ones who seem to be aware of what’s actually going through the heads of their women.

“Go.” I give Sirgia a light push and she stumbles forward a few steps, glancing back at me over her shoulder. “No more talking.”

Smiling at her warmly, I gesture at her to go on. She turns to the front and hesitates. And so does her mother. At that moment, they seem like carbon copies of each other, more similar than they would have thought.

Then, the spell breaks.

They both rush forward at the same time, crashing into each other in the very middle. Locking themselves in a hug so intense that I worry about Sirgia crushing her mother unknowingly, they tremble together, quiet sniffles beginning to tickle the air. Regardless of the words they used earlier, they claw at each other desperately, seemingly unable to pull themselves as close to their beloved daughter or mother as they would want to.

Yes. That’s how this is supposed to look.

Sirgia’s father slowly approaches them from his spot and his eyes find mine. He doesn’t need to break the quiet atmosphere to convey his gratitude, his gaze says more than any words ever could. Giving me a sheepish smile which feels like an apology for his wife’s troubling display, he nods appreciatively and joins the family reunion, pulled into the embrace right away.

I think I know who she takes after more.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I observe their happy moment with warmth filling my heart. They might have said many hurtful and rude things, but it was obvious from the beginning that they love each other deeply. Otherwise, Sirgia wouldn’t be so eager to return and meet with them again. She has a big family back at the mansion, as she has said, so there would be no need for her to pay any mind to an abusive parental relationship anymore.

Yet, she was eager and nervous, in a good way, about this day. And honestly, who wouldn’t be? Learning that their long-lost daughter is actually alive must feel like the luckiest moment of their life. No doubt they have assumed she was lost to them forever, leaving them so abruptly they had to remain with a lot of unsaid things, or things that have been said but were seriously regretted as the final words before the tragedy.

You start understanding those things only after it’s a done deal already. Way too late.

Ask me how I know.

Sirgia stirs inside the group hug and suddenly yanks herself out. Her parents furrow their brows in confusion as she bolts away from them and smashes into me, burying her face in my chest, probably sensing my thoughts at the back of her mind. This little troublemaker doesn’t stop thinking about me ever, even going as far as doing it subconsciously. I stroke her delicate hair as she sniffles into me adorably.

It takes a while for her to stop clinging onto me and I get down to her level to wipe away the leftover tears. She beams at me shyly and presses her lips into mine with a loving kiss. I sigh softly, causing her to giggle giddily. Booping her on the nose, I turn her around and get up.

“I think we should start again,” I say, looking at my future in-laws. “As per my promise that I made shortly after meeting Sirgia, I have finally brought her back. I apologise for taking so long. We’ve found ourselves in one mess after another. Plus, you know how she is, working her ass off until she collapses to make sure her craft is nothing less than perfect.”

Lady Siriel shows a knowing smirk while Lord Giacolo shakes his head.

It clearly runs in the family.

“Shall we sit down?” I tip my head towards the set of furniture on the side.

My suggestion is accepted and we move to the undisturbed corner. Sirgia is reluctant to leave my side, but I sit her down between me and her mother, who instantly helps me out by pulling her daughter close and caressing her hair. Her father plops down next to his wife and keeps an affectionate smile on his lips as he watches two of his most precious ladies reconcile.

“You really could have said something...” her mom whispers softly.

Siriga shakes her head. “There was no way I could be allowed to...”

Two pairs of eyes land on me and she quickly notices the collective gazes, pushing herself up to put her lithe frame between me and her parents.

“Not like that,” she adds quickly. “Yes, for a long time, I physically wasn’t able to reach out to anyone, but that’s not the only reason. After finally regaining my freedom, things changed greatly, but not everything did. If I let the clan know about my situation, they most likely wouldn’t have done a thing. And if I messaged you, I have no doubt you would have rushed to me no matter what, ignoring the Patriarch’s orders not to give in as it might be a trap.”

The man opens his mouth to respond, clearly wanting to refute her claims, but ultimately fails to do so, sighing heavily. His wife bites into her lower lip as their daughter must have hit the mark rather accurately.

“No. That wouldn’t work. No matter what I did,” Sirgia continues. “I’ve been shamed. Went through torture. That already discredits me in the clan’s eyes. I’m a liability. An unknown. The only option was to return myself and take my plea to the Patriarch. And that’s what I was planning to do after fully recovering under the care of my saviour, at the same time working on a thing or two that might sway the public opinion into the belief that it might be highly beneficial to take me back in.”

That sounds quite tough, but I can imagine it being true. The Patriarch shoulders the responsibility for his branch, and sometimes that can involve rather difficult decisions. As heartless as it might sound, trusting the word of a captive can be dangerous. It doesn’t look like they have a way of ensuring that the person who suddenly reappeared is telling the truth or is doing it willingly.

Her parents share a look before refocusing on her.

“You keep using words like benefactor or saviour when addressing... a Human.” Lady Siriel gives me an uncertain glance. “What... exactly happened?”

Sirgia’s eyes drop to her thighs and I can feel her uncomfortable mood, placing my palm over her hand and offering her some comfort.

“As I said, it was a trap,” she responds quietly. “Slave hunters. They were tipped off. Or someone sabotaged the ship. I fell into their hands, losing all my possessions. They sold me quickly through an underground channel and I found myself lawfully enslaved. A rich Human bought me as a maidservant and I spent most of my time at his mansion.”

They eye me up again and my lover scoffs at them faintly.

“I became his poison-tasting tool but someone used an element we are immune to and he was assassinated,” Sirgia clarifies. “As you can imagine, I was branded the culprit, no matter how much I swore it wasn’t me. In a matter of hours, I was in an interrogation room, and in a matter of minutes, they had my confession. Convicted as a criminal slave, I was thrown into a dark cell to await my execution.”

Her father pales while her mother’s face tightens with fury. Thankfully, my smart wife doesn’t leave it at that or sparks might not be the only thing flying around in the near future.

“That’s when Master found me.” She peeks at me over her shoulder, a tiny smile decorating her pouty lips. “Beaten, maimed, filthy, broken. He stood before my cage... and spoke Dwarvish to me.”

This shocks the mature pair greatly, like the very thought of a Human learning their language is unheard of.

“Soon after, I was out. He negotiated with the very owner to buy me. The first thing he did after we crossed the doorstep was pull me into an alley and heal my wounds.” Sirgia caresses the scar over her eye fondly. “He took me to a restaurant and had me eat by his side. He bought me clothes and necessities. He offered me a massive bath and a room to call mine. And most importantly, he gave me a purpose again.”

Her expression grows sunnier with each memory.

“I was not well. My only wish was for the suffering to end. Once and for all. Yet he cared for me, giving me a workshop on the very first day. And hope,” she finishes with a shine in her brown eyes.

“You were still a slave,” Lady Siriel points out.

Arriving in front of the reception post, we share a quick glance with the compassionate Dwarf behind the counter, who smiles our way cordially. The maid fixes her uniform and pushes the gate open a bit, allowing us to slip inside. Sirgia takes the lead from there while I follow after her and the doors shut behind our backs.

We find ourselves in a spacious private office. It’s split into a few recognisable segments fully open to each other. To the left, we find a comfortable lounge with chairs, sofas, and coffee tables. To the right, we notice a charming personal library with some step ladders hanging around. Most of the interior is taken by the main area in the back, where the heavy desk stands, accompanied by lots of other furniture holding a plethora of gadgets, trinkets, equipment, and also rewards or trophies.

The Patriarch sits in the centre with his elbows atop the desk and his hands joined together. His black hair is drawn to the back and tied into a samurai bun, fully uncovering his rather stern face. He wears what seems to be an interpretation of a military uniform with a sleek jacket of a dark amber colour. One of his eyes is hidden behind a brass plate bearing some sigil, most likely the clan’s insignia. Judging by the edges of the scar peeking out of its edges, it’s not completely cosmetic. As for his beard, it matches his hair and extends somewhere past his chest, split into three equal bundles tied near their ends, all pointing elsewhere with about thirty-degree angles between them.

“Sirgia Forgegraver greets the Patriarch.” My lover presses a fist to her chest and briefly gets on one knee.

I match the man’s grim gaze and incline my head politely. I’m an outsider so this much should be appropriate. Trying to suck up to him by showing too eager respect without any idea of who he is could be taken as dishonest. And if he interprets this as a lack of manners, we’ll just have to correct that wrongful assumption.

“So, you are alive,” the Patriarch speaks up with a deep tone. “And I’ve already engraved your name in the family memorial obelisk. You are aware of how many years have passed without any word from you, yes?”

“I apologise for the inconvenience, Patriarch. Please, allow me to reimburse the cost of correcting the entry from my own pocket. Also, I would like to give my full report before we continue this discussion. My story will answer many questions and clear up numerous possible misunderstandings,” she responds with her gaze lowered, but not from fear.

Sirgia’s voice remains steady and sure, which earns her a raised brow from the leader of her lineage. I have a feeling that this isn’t their only meeting, and just like with her parents, this isn’t something common.

“And how much is your worth for you to make such an offer?” He rests his joined hands on the desk’s surface.

My lover hesitates a little, turning her head a tiny bit to take a peek at me, and I reassure her mentally that she has my full support in whatever she decides to do.

“A... castle or two worth, Patriarch,” she shares, evoking noticeable surprise. “More if I would require to pool all the resources, not just my personal ones. I worked hard for a year before coming back and I think it should be enough.”

After tapping his fingers against the wood for a moment, the man gestures at her to proceed. “Go on, then. Let’s see what you have to say. Keep it concise if you can.”

And so, Sirgia launches into a full recap of her experiences since the day she left the clan. From what I can tell, she doesn’t hide anything from the Patriarch, honestly retelling all the events as they happened. It’s tough to speak about the moment of her capture and the atrocities she’s suffered after, but I do my best to comfort her with a hand on her small shoulder.

Soon, she brings up everything connected to our encounter and her life at the mansion, skipping only the most private elements and the true nature of her work for me. The man doesn’t seem to mind, understanding that there might be pieces she wishes not to mention without my input, and at this second, this is an exchange between just the two of them. Still, she doesn’t hide what happened between us and how things are right now.

Keeping her story short but full of useful information, she reaches the end in about half an hour, bringing us back to her return. The Patriarch strokes his beard thoughtfully.

“Hmmm... A clever brothel manager and a knowledgeable mercenary commander...” He observes me intently.

“Master is a man of many talents and a big heart,” Sirgia further builds up my image. “His actions saved plenty and helped many more. Even King Rossberg is indebted to him. Some of my creations reached his castle and became a staple element of the former queen’s day.”

Yeah. And night. Depending on when the horny hour hits her.

Scrutinising me for a while, he refocuses on her. “I could sense your honesty. Let’s assume I believe your words. That doesn’t mean everything is immediately resolved and restored to the state before your disappearance. Now, tell me, what is your wish?”

“I wish to regain my rightful position and earn my title after finishing my journeyman pilgrimage,” she states firmly.

“We are in the middle of the term right now, as you should be aware. I can’t slip you into the program without showing obvious favouritism. After the necessary check-up, you can be considered a member of our household once more, but will have to wait for next year to join one of the courses again,” the man says.

“That’s too long.” Sirgia shakes her head. “I will invoke the Heir Showdown. There should be enough candidates to host it after I spread the information about my request amongst my peers.”

That catches his fancy quite evidently.

“Regardless of the risk?” He fixes his posture, a sign of full attention.

“There is no risk,” she fires back, flames dancing in her resolute eyes. “I will win.”

The Patriarch scrunches his nose as he dives into his mind, strongly stroking his covered chin. “The earliest I can host it is in three days...”

“I’m ready.” Sirgia puffs out her modest chest.

“Without knowing the categories?” A mighty frown creases his forehead.

“I prepared an artefact for every possible classification,” my genius lover announces without a hint of doubt. “I mean no disrespect to others, but this is nothing more than a formality.”

“You are that confident in yourself?” The man hums.

“Yes.” My talented artificer nods. “But, not on my own. Only with Master’s support and guidance. That’s the variable that will cause everyone else to lose. The progress that I’ve made under his care is just too immense.”

Considering her statements thoroughly, the Patriarch finally sighs. “So be it. We surely won’t lack applicants. It’s not something I would advise, but I see that my opinion won’t change your mind. Three days should be enough for the contestants to pick their entries. I’ll inform you of the chosen categories as soon as they are selected. Keep in mind that they won’t be made easy just for you.”

“Please, choose the most difficult ones. That way, my victory will be quicker and the news of it will spread further,” Sirgia continues her little taunts.

But, they aren’t taken as an offence when the man chuckles mirthfully. “I am saddened by what you’ve gone through, but it clearly helped you find out who you are in this chaotic world. I’ll watch your future accomplishments with great interest.”

“Thank you, Patriarch.” A small smile blossoms on her soft lips.

“That’s all for now. Return to your family. You must have a lot to say to each other after so long. We can take our time with this. The information on the Showdown will be shared with you shortly.” He waves us off.

Sirgia curtsies respectfully and we turn around. She passes me with a controlled but happy step and I can’t help but feel immensely proud of her.

“You, on the other hand.” The Patriarch’s voice reaches our ears from behind and I glance back, finding his stern gaze on me. “Stay.”

A look of concern flashes over my short mate’s face as she looks between the two of us. I offer her an amiable nod and she nibbles on her bottom lip before leaving the office with much more uncertainty. When she’s gone, I turn to the man once more.

Let’s see what this is about.

“What is it that you want?” He gets straight to the point.

“Sorry?” I don’t conceal my confusion.

“You go straight for a death row slave, buy her out, heal her, help her recover mentally, shower her in gifts and respect, make her feel like she can depend on you with the most private matters, and bring her back to the clan, to the family, which gives you an opportunity to meet its head without losing yours on sight.” The man peers into me as if trying to read my very soul. “What is it that you want for your good deed, Human?”

I see. Basically, what’s my motive. This is too good to be true for him.

“I want one thing from you, Patriarch.” I smirk at him knowingly. “Take her seriously.”

Without waiting for an answer, which most likely won’t come, instead replaced by more questions and doubts, I leave the office too.

Unsurprisingly, I walk into an extremely worried Dwarf cutie making rounds in front of the gate. Sirgia slams into my chest right away, burying her face in my clothes, her slender arms holding me close.

“What did he want?” she asks quietly.

“Nothing important.” I pat her head lovingly. “You were incredible in there. Once or twice, I was starting to wonder if I didn’t accidentally pick up a different Dwarf somewhere on our travels.”

My tiny wife giggles adorably. “It was scary. But thinking of you helped, Master. It’s all thanks to you that I can find the courage to stand up for myself now.”

“Save for the fact that you are doing most of it for me,” I tease her a bit.

“That’s not true...” Sirgia pouts and looks up with a totally unconvincing innocent frown.

“Sure, sure.” I flick her on the forehead. “Time to go. We have lots of explaining to do. Speaking of which, who was that heroic girl coming to your rescue earlier?”