The 27th. Sunday.
That was the date of the secret gathering where slaves were auctioned. It happened every month, attracting large numbers of decadent people drowning in debauchery.
That wasn’t the problem though.
The problem was that the entire place was going to be raided by the Church of Light led by the protagonist. It would be a huge mess that would destroy the entire place.
Also today was the day when Grim died in most timelines.
Grim grimaced bitterly.
’How is this possible?’
’I remember looking at my diary. I remember everything and have been going over the scenario again and again, so how is it possible to forget such a minor thing?’
’It’s not rocket science to remember.’
He turned around abruptly causing both Mina and Lance to step back as if they were seeing a demon crawling toward them.
Lance’s lips quivered as he saw Grim’s expression darken.
He knew that Grim had never been respected outside the estate because of his status as a failure. Still, he had been well protected.
Many people who crossed him had disappeared, seemingly at his hands. There had been rumors that his reputation as a failure was all an act.
The man had been meticulous since childhood so how could he be a failure? He must have been acting to hide the agendas of Waragravd.
All those messy thoughts gave him a panic attack.
"Lord Grim... I don’t remember doing anything to offend you," Lance said. He even moved to grab Mina’s hand.
"Milady, help!"
"What do you mean, Milady!" Mina shouted, pulling her hand away and glaring at Lance with killing intent. Yes, she wanted to kill this beast for touching her.
"Stop!"
A loud shout came from Grim silencing them.
Grim grabbed his throbbing head.
’No,I can’t take a risk.I should reveal it.’
Taking his time he spoke"Do you know where it’s being held? Take me there.’’
As soon as he finished speaking,he froze.
"Y-Yes..." Lance stammered before shouting at a courier.
"Take Lord Grim to the secret chamber. Now!"
Saying this, he immediately slipped away.
The man gave a small salute and asked them to follow him.
Grim and Mina trailed behind the man. Mina stood behind Grim and whispered,"What’s wrong with you?"
"Everything!"
"What!" Mina’s brows twisted as she gave Grim a cold look.
’Are you kidding me?’
He wasn’t. Rather, he was stifled himself unable to understand what was going on.
He wanted to say that the place was going to be raided but instead he found himself asking about the location of the gathering.
Someone or something was controlling him. It had even made him forget many important things including what was happening today.
There were some people he knew who could do that. But were they locking him down now?
Why?
Wasn’t he just a minor character fated to die?
His eyes lit up at the word fate.
Fate?
Was he reacting like that because he was fated to die?
The realization hit him hard. This was absolutely sickening.
’No, I can’t conclude anything. A forced conclusion will make me blind.’
He moved his hand to see if he was in control of his body. Thankfully, he was still in control.
’Unless I trigger keywords or do things outside the predetermined path, I think I can maneuver around this.’
On the way, Grim asked the man, "Do you know me?"
"Of course, I know you, My Lord. Who wouldn’t?" He chuckled.
"Then tell me my usual routine."
The man paused, giving Grim a weird look, unsure whether this was a joke or something else.
"Don’t be nervous. I am not harassing you. I am a bit troubled and have forgotten something so I am asking you to narrate it."
The man gave a thoughtful look.
"You usually come every Saturday right at 7 PM. First you have a small ale, then you tour around the place."
The courier cleared his throat shifting uncomfortably beneath Grim’s unblinking gaze.
"Well, My Lord," the courier continued, "You’ve always been a creature of rigid habit. Every Saturday, without fail, right as the grandfather clock strikes seven you walk through the front doors. You sit at the third table from the hearth, order a small mug of cheap barley ale, and take a single, slow lap around the main hall."
Grim kept his face a mask of mild aristocratic indifference, though every nerve in his mind was pulled taut.
"Go on," Grim commanded softly.
"You never touch the dice.You never take a hand at the cards, nor do you step into the private chambers, despite the invitations the house master sends to your estate every month," the courier continued, warming up to his narrative.
"Instead, after your ale, you slip down the eastern service corridor, the one running alongside the private suites toward the old vault rooms. You stand near the heavy iron freight winches for precisely forty-five minutes, staring at the stone as if counting the mortar seams. Then, you leave through the rear carriage exit just as the guard shift changes."
The courier gave a small nervous laugh.
"The men used to whisper that you were meeting a lover, or perhaps losing your mind. But on Sundays, on auction nights like tonight, you have been invited often, but you always refuse outright."
"Is that all?" Grim asked, his voice steady.
"That’s all I know, My Lord! I swear it!" The courier bowed frantically. "The eastern corridor is just ahead. Should I... should I clear the path?"
"No. Stay behind us," Grim said smoothly, waving the man back.
As they walked forward, Grim’s mind broke the courier’s words apart while analyzing them.
’The person is quite thorough..it seems,’ Mina whispered with a frown.
Grim nodded at her words.
’It seems I have been investigated. People might have searched to see if there was anything suspicious.’
"What time is it now?"
"6:30!" the man answered.
’I have half an hour. I should give it a try.’
Soon, they entered a compartment. Beyond it was a large space where various types of masks were placed.
"My Lord, please select one!"
Grim eyed the various colorful masks, each bearing different symbols. Some were shaped like animals, while others were artistic in design.
He searched through them and picked out a simple white mask with a twisted smile.
Mina took a bunny mask and wore it.
The man paused there and opened the door.
"Please enter, My Lord!"
Mina took a step forward and stood beside Grim.
’It’s dangerous!’
Grim took a drag and gave her a look.
"Enter!"
Saying that, he walked through the curtains and entered.
"Aaahhh!"
A loud gasp echoed from Mina as she stumbled onto Grim who stopped at front.She veered her head to take only to see a chilling sight.