Book Three Chapter Twenty Two: Ian_Meeting

Book Three Chapter Twenty Two: Ian_Meeting

Sir Ian looked, if anything, even more amused by Qubes reply than before.

Well, well, he said cheerfully. Thats certainly a noble goal! Very much what we like to hear around here. What if your friend was trying to harm the world, what would you do?

The question flowed so easily on from his praise that it took Qube a second to realise what hed just asked her.

They wouldnt do that, she said firmly. My friends are Good, and Good people dont harm the world.

Ah, it would be a much nicer place if you were right about that, Sir Ian said. His eyes looked sad. The sadness was soon gone, however, as he looked at the Chosen One. Your PM spoke a lot about the bond between you two, he continued, returning his focus to Qube. But its not always a good thing to have strong bonds. If your friend here came to you and spoke of killing innocent people, what would you do?

Qube pondered this deeply. The Chosen One made a small movement, as if to step closer to her, but was checked by Sir Ian turning his head slightly.

Well, if they are innocent people, then something is very wrong with the Chosen One. The most likely reason is that someone is taking over his body, like the Devs do sometimes. So I would ask the Devs why they wanted to injure innocent people.

Lets say you know theres nobody taking over anybodys body, Sir Ian continued. Its a direct order from what Im told is your closest friend.

Qube shook her head.

I would stop him, she replied simply.

And how would you do that? Sir Ian asked, a hint of steel underlying his grandfatherly nature as he watched her reaction carefully. Qube bit her bottom lip.

I dont know, she eventually admitted. But I would do my best to stop him from doing Evil.

Sir Ian was looking at her with a small smile.

Astonishing, he said. Truly astonishing. He turned his head and looked at the Chosen One, who was sweating nervously. Are they all like this? Sir Ian asked.

At least three others, sir, yes, the Chosen One said. Thats why we need more resources. As you can imagine, four true emergents are pretty taxing on the system.

The Chosen One looked so stiff and awkward, standing there as Qube and Sir Ian sat on their chairs. Emergents? It must be another word for those who were going to ascend, and emerge from their realm into the Devs realm.

Theyre my friends, and theyre also Good, Qube said, then immediately wondered why shed offered up that information. She just wanted to impress this man so much! Enough that he would not only agree to give them all the mana possible, but also help them get rid of any Evil Devs! From how awkward and nervous the Chosen One was around him, she just knew that Sir Ian had to be extremely strong.

Why, he was a Sir. Possibly he was a knight, or even a minor nobility.

Im sure they are, young lady, Sir Ian said, with another paternalistic chuckle. Qube ignored her brief flare of annoyance at how condescending he sounded with the reminder that he was possibly Royalty, and definitely powerful.

So, aside from saving the world, Sir Ian said with a twinkle, what do you want? Whats been happening in your life? Tell me about yourself.

Qube briefly panicked as she tried to process all three questions at once.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

And why did you knock over that cup of coffee? He added a final blow to her mental capacity. Was that what that black liquid had been? Was she supposed to drink it?

Well, I thought you would be interested in the liquid, she said. The Chosen One always likes to see how things react to being spilled, broken, or popped. One time he even managed to pop some eyeballs from a glass jar! He broke the jar afterwards, she added as an afterthought.

She crouched down and caught the droplet as it fell, showing it to Sir Ian as it sat in the palm of her hand. She cast her mind about, trying to think of anything else that could potentially impress this almighty being from another world enough that he would agree to help.

Theres chickens in the inn outside, she supplied eventually. And also everything in here would probably burn if we set fire to it! Oh! And if you throw the mug it might break!

Sir Ian, gently nodding along as Qube spoke, took a sip from his mug then grimaced.

They havent quite gotten it right yet, I see, he said, putting the mug back down.

If you put the mug in your pocket, itll fit! Qube informed him. Even if that doesnt make any sense, things just fit into pockets and backpacks.

My, you are an enthusiastic thing, arent you? Sir Ian chuckled, and then reached out to pat Qube on the head. His eyebrows rose as they made contact.

Its so soft, he said in astonishment. Here, come feel this! he ordered the Chosen One as he continued to stroke Qubes hair. He twirled a lock of her hair through his fingers, the same as the Evil Emperor once had.

But even the Evil Emperor had possessed the decency to make sure her hair wasnt attached to her head before he started playing with it.

Qube was frozen in place, unable to decide what she should do. Her first instinct was to shove the man away from her and yell at him not to touch her hair. Her second instinct was to play along with the being who held the entire fate of her world in his sweaty, sweaty hands.

It wasnt even that hot! Why were his hands so sweaty?

Uh, sir? the Chosen One said, his eyes fixated on where Sir Ian was fondling Qubes hair. She has the normal boundaries any girl would.

Oh, Sir Ian said, sounding genuinely surprised that Qube might be uncomfortable with a strange man stroking her. He stopped, giving her head one last pat. Those boys really do think of everything, dont they?

The team, the Chosen One said, with a strained emphasis on the word, will probably change the world with this.

As soon as Sir Ians hand moved away, Qube jumped up from her crouched position next to him and hurried over to the Chosen Ones side. She only just managed to stop herself from attempting to hide behind the Hero.

Qube was having a bit of a crisis.

She didnt like Sir Ian. It was a difficult thought after all, he was potential Royalty but the way he spoke about her made her feel like a particularly intelligent pet, rather than a person. She was surprised to find how much that bothered her. Why, it used to be that as long as she was helpful, and liked, then she would be happy! But now

Now a part of her cringed away from the thought of being treated like this the entire time she was in the Devs realm. Either the Devs would be scary and powerful, or awful and rude, and it seemed like those higher up were uncomfortable.

Yes, I imagine they will, Sir Ian said, taking another sip of his coffee and grimacing again. Shell be good for PR, if nothing else. Recruitment and all that.

Qube, not understanding what PR was, gave Sir Ian her best Understanding Smile.

Yes, thats very good, Sir Ian said, pleased. Perfect! She could be like everyones own little assistant.

Everyones assistant? she asked, unable to stop herself from echoing him. So I would be a companion to people in the Devs realm?

Oh, well, not everyone, Sir Ian clarified. Given whats involved, probably only the higher ups. Wed need the boys to talk about the security of that. But I can certainly use it as a selling point in the budget, dont you worry about that.

It should have been the ultimate goal. Being able to help guide more and more powerful beings as she had the chance to research the reality of those who made her entire world.

So why did the thought of it make her blood run cold?