Chapter 44: Rin, The Entertainer!

After the longest mental pep talk of his life, Rin finally returned to his room, slamming the door closed like it was the cause of his problem.

He turned his head, staring at the small bag he’d set aside for this miserable getaway. The bag sat in the corner, reminding him he had no way out of this. He walked over to it, shoved his belongings haphazardly, and grabbed a full pack of ramen like it was a lifeline.

He shoved them into his system inventory with a satisfying click.

"It’s best to take them with me than leave them here," he grumbled under his breath.

He swept his gaze across the room and grabbed an entire bottle of suppressants, a heat patch box, and a few emergency contraceptive pills. He had no plans to use them, but his plans happened to fail whenever he was in this world. Just as he slung the strap over his shoulder, Niblet hopped onto the bed, tail wagging.

"Alright, partner," Rin crouched and petted him between the ears. "You are on duty, Niblet. If that creepy Duke tries anything while I’m sleeping, I want you to bark... bark like your life depends on it till I wake, alright?"

Niblet barked, tongue lolling, as if in solemn promise.

"That’s a good boy. Let’s go."

With that, Rin left the dorm, with the door locked behind him.

.

.

Thirty minutes later, Rin stood in front of the Duke’s mansion, jaw slack as he stared at the massive iron-wrought doors.

He was finally here. His footsteps echoed on the cobbled path, swallowed by the sheer silence of the estate. It was far too quiet. He looked around, noticing how empty it was.

The last time he’d been here, it had been dark. He wasn’t able to see anything. Now, with the daylight revealing the full scale of the Duke’s wealth, Rin found himself... unimpressed.

"Huh... why is it so boring? Where are the gold statues? The roses? The anime drama-level garden? It’s so... bleak."

Niblet barked again, tail wagging. Rin turned to him and sighed.

"Yeah, yeah. We’re here. Let’s get this over with."

He stood in front of the door, thinking if it was the right choice but... Even if it wasn’t the right choice, he didn’t have a second option.

He rested his hand on the door and pushed it open without knocking.

Immediately, the scent of polished marble, old books, and something faintly masculine filled his nose. The hallway was dim, bleak, just like Rin said but it was oddly elegant. The mansion felt cold without any decorations. The style was timeless, with deep wood panelling and velvet curtains. The kind of interior that whispered money without screaming it.

"He didn’t put much into decorating the mansion because it’s not his, huh? Maybe..." Rin grumbled. "I wonder how his estate is going to be..."

"Rin."

He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard his name, turning to look at the monster... No, Duke.

He stood in the hall, looking exactly like someone who slept in a tailored suit. Rin was relieved to see that, unlike his son, Evan Vortellion wasn’t shirtless.

"G-Good day, sir," Rin bowed stiffly.

"There’s no need for that," Evan stepped forward and casually wrapped an arm around Rin’s shoulder like they were old friends. "You’ll be staying here so let’s drop the formalities, shall we?"

Rin tensed. He didn’t move away but didn’t lean in either. But if there was something he wanted to do, that’ll be to throw the duke’s hand off his body.

Evan glanced down at Niblet.

"Hmm... cute dog."

"He’s my emotional support pet," Rin said quickly, pulling Niblet close to his side. He can’t let the duke find out that Niblet isn’t a real dog.

Evan chuckled but said nothing.

’Good! Maybe he can’t see Niblet’s true self,’

"This way. I already prepared a room for you,"

He said, and Rin followed, holding his bag tighter.

He led Rin through the halls until they reached a massive room. Rin’s eyes widened.

"No way..."

It was huge... with soft, pale blue walls, velvet drapes that billowed lightly with the wind from the tall windows, and a bed that looked like it belonged to a prince.

Niblet immediately leapt off Rin’s arms and started racing around in excited circles.

"I can bounce on this bed, can’t I?" Rin asked himself as he dropped his bag on the floor and collapsed onto the mattress. It was a perfect mix of soft and firm, the kind of comfort he hadn’t felt since falling into this weird story world.

"I fucking love this,"

He let out a relieved moan, with his eyes shut.

"Enjoying yourself already?"

’Huh? That man is still here?’

He thought to himself as he opened his eyes.

He nearly screamed when he found Evan hovering over him, eyes glinting. They were close. Too close.

’Wait! Isn’t this going too fast?’

"What are you thinking about when I’m right in front of you?" Evan asked him. His breath smelled faintly of alcohol, but he didn’t seem drunk. Just... warm.

"I don’t have anything on my mind. And... Please... personal space?" Rin laughed nervously, trying to push him off.

Evan tilted his head.

"How’s the bed?"

"It’s amazing. 10 out of 10."

Evan nodded.

"Perfect for two, right?"

"Yes... It’s perfect for..." Rin blinked. "Wait. What? Two who? You and me? No way. There’s no way I’m sleeping with you, Duke Vortellion," she said.

"With me?" The duke’s brow creased, and then he laughed. "If I wanted you to sleep with me, I would have arranged for something smaller. That way, I’ll have to cuddle you to sleep, while holding you close to my body," he said, trailing his finger around Rin’s shirt.

Rin flinched and nodded.

"I understand... Still, get off... Sir!"

The man pulled away and walked to the side table, where a crystal decanter and two glasses waited.

"Want a drink?"

Rin stared and no response came from his mouth.

’Was that... whiskey? Do they really have whiskey? In this world?’

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