Cursed Heir System: Revenge Against the Gods

"Sweet," Alan said in a dry tone as he met the Duchess's gaze. "The poison gives it a nice kick, doesn't it?"

Sharra's smile grew with a spark of interest in her amber eyes as she leaned forward, clearly enjoying his boldness.

"Poison?" Moriko yelped, her teacup trembling in her hands, her cat ears standing stiff. "What do you mean, poison enhanced the flavor, Alan?"

Alan took another sip, eyes calmly scanning the cup. "Look closely—her tea and ours. Same leaves, different color. Slight bitterness." He set the cup down. "Slow poison. Probably kills in twenty minutes."

He knew the trick right away, it's a sneaky move nobles used to force confessions from criminals in ancient times. He read about this one time. He hadn't expected Duchess Sharra to use it, but her reputation for cleverness made it less surprising.

"Thirty, actually," Janine said with a grin, winking behind the Duchess. "We're not total monsters."

Moriko's golden eyes flared with anger as she stood up and her hands growing fur and sharpening into claws. "How dare you?" she growled, her tail whipping as she glared at Janine. "I'll make you both regret this!"

"Kitty, sit," Alan said, his voice calm but firm, barely looking up from his tea.

Moriko's claws twitched, her eyes darting between Sharra and Janine. "Alan, they poisoned us! How are you so calm about this?" she demanded.

He set his cup down with a soft clink and crossed one leg over the other. "Panicking makes your heart beat faster, it'll spread the poison quicker," he said evenly. 

"Keep moving like that and you'll be dead in fifteen minutes."

Moriko froze, her ears twitching as she took in his words. 

"Sit down, Moriko. I won't let them kill you. Just breathe and keep your heart steady."

She hesitated but took his words, her claws turned back as she glanced warily at Sharra and Janine. With an annoyed huff she dropped back onto the couch.

Sharra's soft laugh filled the room, her lips curving into a small smile as she laced her fingers together. "You're sharper than you look, young man," she said with an amused tone. "Most would've panicked like your friend here. You don't fear death?"

Alan leaned back with a steady face. "I don't waste time worrying about my own death," he replied coolly. "Can we skip to what you want from us?"

Sharra's eyebrow lifted, her smile growing sharp. "Someone tried to kill my daughter, Anna. And you, a stranger, took out a whole group of mercenaries to save her. That's a wild story, don't you think?"

Janine, leaning against the wall behind the Duchess, spoke up with a grin. "You should've seen him, Sharra. The kid tore through those mercenaries like they were nothing—didn't even get a scratch. Suspiciously good if you ask me."

Alan's eyes narrowed with surprise flickering on his face. "You were there when I was fighting?" he asked in disbelief.

Janine's grin grew as she stepped forward. "Oh, yeah. Showed up right when you stepped in to play hero for my girl Anna. Impressive show, kid."

Alan's jaw tightened. 

*Seriously? She watched me die twelve times and didn't help?* He took a sharp breath, calming himself, and locked his blue eyes on Sharra's amber ones. "Can we stop dancing around and get to the point?"

Sharra's smile turned dangerous, her voice dropping to a soft, cold tone. "I carry the Blessing of Judgment young man. Lies won't get past me, so don't try to be clever."

Alan met her gaze without blinking. "Go ahead, then. Ask away."

"Who are you? Both of you."

"We were slaves in the illegal mines up north. Got out recently, been wandering ever since."

"And before the mines? What's your story?"

Alan raised a hand. "I'll pass on that one."

But Moriko spoke up, her ears twitching nervously. "I'm from a beast tribe in the eastern forests," she said with a softer voice than usual. "Bandits raided my village ten years ago. Killed most of my kin and sold me into slavery."

The room went quiet, Sharra's amber eyes softened. "I'm truly sorry for your loss," she said.

Her gaze shifted to Alan. "So, were you two part of the attack on my daughter?"

"We were just trying to enjoy a quiet meal when your daughter stumbled into the tavern and turned it into a brawl. All we wanted was some decent food not a brawl."

"Then why risk your life to save her?"

His lips twisted into a sly grin. "Who wouldn't see the upside of saving a noble's daughter? Especially the Duchess's own heir. Seems like a smart move to me."

Sharra tilted her head in curiosity. "And what exactly do you want out of it?"

"Haven't decided yet," Alan replied, tilting his head to match hers. "I'll let you know when I do. Anything else you want to ask?"

Sharra leaned forward. "One last thing. Are you certain you're not here to harm anyone—or to sabotage Anna's chances in the Monarch's Competition?"

Alan's eyes flickered with a spark of surprise. The Monarch's Competition? It's already started?

He kept his face steady and answered smoothly, "I give you my word, Duchess. We've got no ill intentions toward your Dukedom or your daughter's place in the competition."

Moriko's cat ears twitched, her brow creasing in confusion. "Monarch's Competition? What's that?" she asked in curiosity.

Alan glanced at her then back at Sharra. 

"It's a contest to rule the Midia Kingdom for thirty years. Unlike other kingdoms, we don't have a hereditary monarchy. The Concreda Church picks four candidates from noble houses. The winner's decided by the church's and the people's favor." He looked at Sharra, his tone light but probing. "That about right, Duchess?"

Sharra's lips parted in surprise, her amber eyes widening. Her Blessing of Judgment can catch any lie, but she found no lies in his words. 

She smiled, looking at his blue eyes; he's showing no fear of death, power, or anything. It's like he's already experienced more than death, and he's hiding his past for some reason. 

Sharra signaled Janine, who stepped forward and set two small green vials on the table. Moriko grabbed one, drinking it fast then gagged at the bitter taste. 

Alan, however, looked at it with calm curiosity.

"What's the holdup, young man?" Sharra asked. "I assure you, it's a genuine antidote. You've passed my test and you're welcome to stay as our guests."

Alan's eyes meet hers. "Anna's not from a high noble house, is she?" he said in a steady tone. "You adopted her, didn't you? After the Concreda Church named her a candidate for the Monarch's Competition."

Janine let out a low whistle and grinned, while Sharra's eyebrows rose. This boy's insight was impressive, especially for someone who said he was a runaway slave.

Sharra chuckled at first, then it turned into a rare full laugh, a sound so open it even surprised Janine. "You're full of surprises," she said with admiration. 

"Yes, Anna came from a distant baron's estate, raised by an uncle after her parents' death. That wretch nearly sold her off for a marriage alliance. If I hadn't taken her in after the Church's revelation, do you know what would've happened?"

"She'd be first to die. She's an easy target to cut the weak links early," he said plainly while glancing at the vial again. "Now, about that request, can I make it?"

Sharra eyes shining with interest as she leaned forward. "Name it."

Alan's mind spinning with thoughts. Revenge drove him, he wanted to tear down the corrupt Church system that had ruined his life. To do that, he needed to be close to the key players, and Anna, a candidate in the Monarch's Competition, was the perfect pawn for him. He could guide her, shape events and weaken the Church's hold from within. A sly smirk pulled at his lips, his blue eyes brightened.

"I want to be Anna Nocelle's official knight," he said with a clear voice.