"How about this, hero?" King Cillian finally spoke. "You may remain within the royal palace as our guest, until you decide on your request."
'Is that it?' Noah stared at the king. 'Interesting.'
He wanted Noah in the palace, where he could control everything around him. And by emphasizing that Noah would be requesting for a reward to destroy the demons, he made it seem as if he was the one with more power over the deal.
Noah grinned. 'I'll allow it. But not without a jab of my own.'
"Very well." He nodded, not breaking eye contact with the king. "I shall agree to your request."
A collective sigh of relief spread through the throne room. The tension, though still present, lessened considerably.
Noah didn't mind. After all, he had to save some excitement for the following days. He couldn't allow himself to grow bored too quickly. That would be… dangerous for Camelot.
King Cillian gestured to one of his attendants. "Prepare lodgings for the hero. Ensure he has everything he requires."
A young steward bowed quickly and motioned for Noah to follow. As he turned to leave, King Cillian spoke once more. "Hero—"
Noah stopped, turning slightly to stare at the king.
"Though you may not see it now, fate has a way of guiding those who resist it." King Cillian said. "In time, you will come to understand your role."
Noah smirked at the subtle declaration from the king. "Well, only time will tell."
He turned his back to the throne room, following the young steward down the long castle corridor, his mind only half-engaged as he took in the wealth on display around him.
Gold framed paintings hung from the walls, holding images of warriors who he had a sneaking suspicion were ancestors of King Cillian.
Servants moved around them to accomplish their given tasks, their eyes flickering to him with both curiosity and apprehension.
He wasn't sure if they were more afraid of him or disappointed that he wasn't the hero they'd expected. Either way, it was hot gossip.
The steward stopped in front of a grand wooden door, pushing it open to show a large suite.
Noah stepped inside, his eyes scanning the lavish interior. A plush bed large enough to fit three people stood at the center, covered in comfortable looking sheets and embroidered pillows.
A fireplace crackled warmly in the corner, the flames in it illuminating the room.
He could see a desk, a dining area, and a wardrobe filled with clothes that were probably fine to them but just looked weird to him.
He spotted a set of clothing neatly folded on the bed, obviously intended for him.
If they were expecting him to be wowed, they were in for a disappointment. He was sure his secretary's apartment back on earth was more beautiful than this.
"This will be your chambers, my lord." The steward said with a bow. "Should you need anything, simply ring the bell."
Noah nodded, barely listening as the steward excused himself.
A grin came upon his face at the thought of the seed he had just planted in the throne room. He rolled his shoulders before deciding to take a bath. The future promised to be interesting, and a hot soak seemed like a good start.
Striding toward the adjoining bathroom, he pulled off his shirt, but before he could get further undressed, a knock at the door stopped him.
Intrigued, he grabbed his discarded shirt and threw it back on before swinging the door open.
Standing there was the nobleman with graying hair and a fur lined cloak from earlier in the throne room who had somehow predicted he'd reject fighting for the kingdom. But this time, he was not alone.
Beside him stood a beautiful woman with wavy brown hair, full lips, and curves that were definitely rated eighteen plus. She was voluptuous, a fact hard to miss by the low-cut red dress she wore.
She leaned slightly against the door frame, her green eyes appraising him in amusement. And somehow, she made that movement look sultry.
The look in her eyes told Noah that she was ready for anything, anywhere. Anything that involved their clothes being off.
"Ah, our summoned hero." The noble said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "I am Lord Otto, and this is my daughter, Sofia."
A smile appeared on Noah's face. He hadn't expected to get visitors so soon. This was beyond interesting.
"Do come in." He moved aside, watching as Otto and Sofia strode in with the ease of people who were used to being welcomed everywhere.
Otto gestured to the room. "I see the palace is treating you well. That is good."
"Yeah, it's fine." Noah replied, closing the door and leaning against it. "So, what do you want?"
"Straight to the point. I like that." Otto chuckled. "Listen, lad, I sympathize with your situation. Being summoned against your will, burdened with responsibilities you never asked for. It's unfair."
He spread his hands. "Which is why I'm here to offer you an alternative. The palace is no place for someone who doesn't want to be a pawn."
"Why not stay with me? My estate is far more comfortable, and you wouldn't have to deal with the pressures of court politics."
Noah tilted his head, unimpressed. Was this man an idiot? Where had he given the idea that he was a pawn? Was this one of those morons who thought themselves to be criminal masterminds?
He sighed, but decided to play along. "And what's in it for you?"
Otto's smile didn't waver. "A potential ally, of course. The nobles are already moving to position themselves in this new world where you exist. I'd rather be the first to extend a friendly hand."
Noah's eyes flickered to Sofia, who had yet to say a word. Instead, she had taken to lounging on the edge of his bed, one leg crossed over the other, the slit of her dress riding dangerously high.
She ran her fingers through her hair, then let her gaze travel over him slowly, deliberately.
He raised an eyebrow. "And what about her? Is she here to sweeten the deal?"
Sofia smirked, shifting her shoulders in a way that made the fabric of her dress dip even lower. "Is it working?"
"No."
Her smirk flickered slightly, but she recovered, standing gracefully. "A shame."
Otto laughed. "Well, you can't blame a father for trying. But do think about my offer."
Noah opened the door pointedly. "I won't."
Otto took the hint and gave him a single nod. "Then we shall take our leave. Come, Sofia."
The noblewoman gave Noah one last lingering glance before sauntering out. Once they were gone, Noah shook his head.
"What idiots."
He'd been in this world for just two seconds and he'd already attracted the attention of an idiot.
He turned back toward the bathroom, unbuttoning his shirt again, when another knock came.
His jaw tightened.
Marching back to the door, he yanked it open, only to find another noble standing there. This one was a thin man with a long face and an eager expression.
"Ah! Lord Hero, a pleasure—"
Noah slammed the door in his face before he could finish.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He turned away, determined to finally take his bath.
And just as he was pulling off his shirt, his door exploded.