With a pretend shock on my face, I stared at the Regent's ring, which glowed with a deep hue of purple. The back of his hand was tanned, and faint scars marked it.
He continued to look at me, likely waiting for a reaction. I gave him one - acting shocked at the revelation, trying to mimic fear. In reality, I was slightly anxious, but I knew I wouldn't die today.
Inquisitors weren't exactly known for leaving loose ends. They cut off anything unnecessary and controlled everything that remained. So if I wasn't cut off by now, it meant only one thing.
I'm getting recruited.
Inside, I felt relief. My thoughts were racing a million miles an hour, but I remained calm and collected. I had accepted that this was the path I had to take. Passiveness had only brought me more hardship in the past. I needed to be more proactive.
The Regent finally spoke, the faint grin still remaining on his face.
"You know, a lot can be read from a man's face. You're good at hiding your emotions - and creating fake ones in their place. You'll only get better under my mentorship."
Retreating back into my deadpan expression, I gave his words some thought before accepting them.
He wants to mentor me? Well, I guess it's better than being in the dark. At least this way, I can ensure my identity remains protected.
A benefit Inquisitors had was complete immunity in nearly all spheres of the Empire. The only person they had to bow to was the Old Emperor himself. The current ruler could only regulate the Inquisition - never control it. The Inquisition was its own entity, answering only to its highest-ranking members.
Which meant, if I held their mark, I was granted more privileges than even some Nobles.
Seeing my contemplative look, the Regent offered a colder perspective.
"You'll remain undercover - as Mary's friend and a member of Arthur's Noble House. But make no mistake - you'll be an agent of the Inquisition. As a high-ranking member, I'll fast-track your enlistment. You'll be accepted right now."
I continued to observe him, paying him the respect of my attention. I knew this was a great honor - and I wasn't about to insult him this early on. I needed power and knowledge, and only three factions could offer that - the Inquisition, the Church, and the Government.
Originally, I'd intended to pursue the Government. Using Arthur as a stepping stone, I could've gained political influence without necessarily impacting the story. I could've manipulated things slowly - subverting any looming apocalypse.
But I have a feeling Mary's not the only anomaly.
Despite all my attempts at control, this world had a habit of slipping through my fingers. I still wanted to pursue a political career long-term, but now…
I had a more direct route.
And the Church? Never an option. The Inquisition might tolerate Dark Divinity if you were useful and loyal. The Church had no such mercy.
I interjected, cutting in after a moment of silence.
"So, you'll start me off as a fresh recruit? Or do I have to pass the test before I'm official?"
I looked at the Regent with a more serious expression. I understood what this meant - and I wasn't going to let the opportunity go.
He took his time replying. Lighting his pipe, he exhaled a thin cloud of smoke into the air. It had a familiar scent - distinctive tobacco. A smell that stirred faint, melancholy feelings from Earth.
Finally, he answered in a livelier tone.
"I'd like to start you immediately. But this is all a bit sudden. I would've waited, but with your Dark Divinity, I couldn't risk letting you roam unprotected. For now, you'll be a member in name only, until I can get your official enlistment and equipment sorted."
He pulled a slip of paper and a pen from his pocket.
Without looking at me, he asked casually, "Where do you usually receive packages?"
Without hesitation, I replied, "My house, in the outskirts of the Inner Rim. Do you need the address?"
Still not looking at me, he jotted something down, pipe still in mouth. "No. Some temporary equipment and instructions will be delivered within the hour. Until then, don't go home. Spend some time in the city. It's nice this time of year. Just avoid the Nobility District, we're under scrutiny after the Mansion incident."
Nodding, I raised an eyebrow slightly.
How does he know my address - actually, never mind. Of course he does.
I rose from the chair. Still in my noble attire, I needed an excuse to get out of these stuffy clothes. I'd at least taken off the jacket, revealing a white dress shirt made of fine materials. The pants and jacket were tacky, but the shirt?
Sorry, Arthur. This shirt is staying with me. The rest I'll sell.
With a smirk, I gathered my things and addressed the Regent again.
"Some time to myself does sound nice. How's Mary doing, by the way? Mentally, I mean, after everything."
With a troubled smile, he replied almost awkwardly, as if discussing his niece made him uncomfortable.
"She's alright. A bit shaken, understandably. The local priests can help with that. But… there are other problems. Ones not so easily solved."
I gave him a curious glance. "Can I know? Or is it a family matter?"
With a chuckle, the Regent relaxed against the wall and moved aside from the door.
"All I'll say, Damian, is that I might lose a lot of money on a bet I made. And you're the reason."
Sarcastically, I raised my hands. "Well, Lord Regent, I hope you'll forgive me for whatever sins I may have committed, or might yet commit."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "If you keep ruining my bet returns, I might have you cut down for treason. Also, call me Cassian for now. And be more formal once you're officially under my guidance. I'll be your handler."
Handler, huh? The man I report to. Take orders from. Keep secrets with.
With a smirk, I waved him off as I walked to the door. "Okay, Sir Cassian. Will do. Now if you'll excuse me, my pale skin needs some sunlight."
Just as we passed one another, he left me with one final comment.
"Remember, Damian. Secrecy is loyalty. Truth is a blade. Use it well."
With one last glance, I stepped out of the mansion.
Those words hold more truth than even you understand, Lord Cassian.