A Fantasy Mage in a Cthulhu World

Chapter 8: Forced by Life

Jonathan opened the door to find a short woman with lustrous brown hair, vibrant wheat-colored skin, and a beige low-cut dress that hinted at a deep valley. The only flaw was that her features were a bit too sharp, making her seem unapproachable.

"Hello, madam. Who might you be? What brings you here so late?" Jonathan had to admit he was a simple man. The irritation of having his dinner interrupted softened upon seeing the beautiful woman before him.

"How dare you ask who I am! Jonathan, you have some nerve!" The woman exploded in fury at his words, her chest heaving, a sight that caught Jonathan's eye. "Jonathan, look at me carefully! I am your landlady! How dare you pretend not to know me? Have you decided to default on your rent, is that it?".

"Ah?" Landlady. The familiar yet distant title left Jonathan stunned. It had only been four days since he'd arrived in this world, and he had spent every moment of it fighting for his life, never once returning to the apartment.

Though he had inherited the memories of his predecessor, he only remembered the important ones. Seeing her now, Jonathan finally connected the woman to his memories. He quickly stepped aside to let her in.

Upon entering, Mrs. Shani Arias saw the wine and steak on the table, and her anger flared anew. "Jonathan, search your conscience and ask yourself, have I, Shani Arias, not been a kind landlady? Two months ago, when you came to rent this place, I took pity on your family name and let you move in after you paid just one week's rent in advance. I even gave you the best room in the apartment".

"Look at this room! A three-room suite: study, bedroom, and washroom, all for just 1 pound a week! Including my services for cleaning, laundry, and cooking, I only charge you 1 pound and 4 shillings a week in total. You can search all of London, and you won't find a room with these conditions for less than 1 pound, 6 shillings, and 50 pence!".

"And you! After paying the first week's rent, you haven't paid a single penny since! You've been hiding for the past few days, and today you come back only to lock yourself in your room and feast! Jonathan, you must give me an explanation today, or I will throw you out!".

As his landlady's questions rained down, Jonathan's memories began to surface. The facts were just as she said, and even worse. Mrs. Arias was a thirty-five-year-old widow with a fifteen-year-old daughter who also lived there.

Her husband had joined the overseas garrison at the end of last year and had died of illness at his post. Having lost her husband's support, she had rented out rooms in her home to make ends meet, even acting as a half-maid for her tenant to earn extra money by entertaining his guests and handling his affairs.

At this thought, Jonathan nearly groaned aloud. He hated owing people money more than anything—a painful lesson learned from reckless spending in his previous life. And now, he not only owed money but owed it to a widow raising a daughter. It felt like he was bullying the helpless.

But his money had all been spent on fraudulent psychics and spiritualists on the second day after he'd transmigrated. He simply didn't have enough to pay the rent now.

He took out the only 2 pounds he had in his pocket and offered them to Mrs. Arias. Then, picking up the unopened bottle of wine, he tried to persuade her. "Mrs. Arias, it's my fault. I've been dealing with some very troublesome matters that have taken up a lot of my time and money".

"But I have temporarily resolved these issues. Please, grant me a little more time. Just a little. Only six days, and I will pay you what I owe. These 2 pounds are all the money I have. It's all for you. This bottle of wine is worth at least 2 pounds. Please rest assured, I don't intend to use it to cover my rent. I'm giving it to you as collateral. Really, just six more days, and I will pay the rent in full".

Mrs. Arias snatched the money and stuffed it in her pocket with one hand, and took the wine with the other, inspecting it closely. She didn't know much about wine and couldn't judge its value, but her anger had subsided somewhat.

Perhaps moved by his sincerity, or perhaps because she was naturally kind, Mrs. Arias pulled one of the pound notes from her pocket and handed it back to him, though she still warned him sternly, "Mr. Jonathan, please do not think I am a pushover. I will trust you one last time. If you break your word again, I swear I will throw you out".

Jonathan hesitated, unsure if he should take the pound. Her kindness made him feel even more uncomfortable. As they stood in a stalemate, two ladies who had been waiting at the open door gave a symbolic knock, startling them both.

"We are very sorry, we didn't mean to intrude, but we have something very important to discuss with Mr. Jonathan Napier right now," the gentleman in men's clothing said apologetically.

"Please, come in! It is I who am being rude." Mrs. Arias quickly stuffed the pound note into Jonathan's pocket, set down the wine, and warmly invited the two to sit down, seamlessly transitioning into the role of a maid and letting Jonathan assume the role of the master of the house.

Jonathan and Miss Lettie Bennett, along with her governess, Mrs. Melanie McKinney, briefly introduced themselves before he asked the purpose of their visit.

Miss Lettie Bennett eagerly explained, "Mr. Jonathan Napier, I have come to you today to ask for your help in finding a book. This book is very important to me. If you are willing to accept this commission, I will pay you ten pounds as a reward".

Before Jonathan could reply, Mrs. Arias secretly gave him a sharp pinch on his waist. Jonathan, his face impassive, replied politely to Miss Bennett, "Please, just call me Jonathan. Could you please explain the situation in detail? It will help me make my decision".

Miss Lettie Bennett glanced at her governess and, after receiving an affirming nod, began to explain. "I come from a wealthy merchant family. My grandfather, Mr. Bennett, is seventy-six years old this year".

"His health is very poor, and his memory is failing. He is bedridden most of the time. Not long ago, my grandfather called a family meeting and publicly announced his will, dividing his property. Everyone received a share according to their status in the family. However, there was one share that was not given to anyone".

"My grandfather has offered it as a reward to the family member who can find the autobiography he wrote about his life. I want to hire you to help me find this autobiography".

Jonathan lowered his head in thought for a moment. He saw in his mind that his magic countdown had changed from six days and eight hours to six days and ten hours. There was a residue of magic on the young lady. After some consideration, he looked up and said, "I accept this commission. However, you must pay me a 5-pound advance. I will receive the remaining 5 pounds after I find the autobiography. In return, I promise to find the book you need within one week".

Miss Lettie and Mrs. McKinney conferred for a moment and agreed to his terms. They counted out five pounds from their purse and gave it to him. Jonathan stood up and said solemnly, "I, Jonathan Napier, detective, accept this commission".

He then turned to Mrs. Arias and handed her the newly received money. "Thank you very much, Mrs. Arias. Please accept this as partial payment for my rent. I will pay the rest within six days".