Not a simple man
1160 Words
Pulling away while still keeping his hands on Marcus's shoulders, Diego inquired. "I hope your journey went smoothly?"
"Indeed. I should have come earlier but grandpa said I should experience mundane life and so got me a train ticket."
"... How were you planning on coming in before?"
"I planned on taking the imperial chariot."
"... The distance is quite far."
"Meh." Marcus shrugged nonchalantly causing Diego to chuckle nervously.
"Anyway, I'm glad you are here. Please, make yourself at him."
"No problem at all." Nodding excitedly, Marcus continued his survey of the massive edifice.
"You should go in and wash up."
"Ah yes, grandpa said you had something you wanted to request of me."
"Well… yes."
"What is it?" Marcus inquired with a curious expression.
"How about we get you settled in for now. The request can always come later."
"Alright."
"Good. Hilda!" Diego called out, after which a middle-aged lady, dressed in a black and white apron, emerged.
"Please take our guest to his quarters and ensure he is taken care of. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
Nodding imperceptibly, Diego returned his attention to Marcus. "Please go with her."
"Mn."
With that, Marcus left the living room with Hilda, leaving the Martinez family behind.
After ensuring they were gone, Vera questioned her father. "What just happened?"
"Hmm?" Diego raised a brow, seemingly confused by her question.
"Since when did my father, Diego Martinez, head of Martinez Holdings, start to bow his head and what's more, bow his head to some crazy guy that claims to be the Crown Prince?" At this moment, Vera's expression held a slight hint of disdain.
Diego sighed as he walked up to her. "You won't understand. Just know that that boy is not crazy and it would do you well to stay on his good side."
"Really?" Vera sarcastically responded.
"Hah, don't tell me you have a problem with a person you just met today?"
"..." Vera met her father's gaze, words she'd pondered on her way back, just waiting to come out, but ultimately didn't.
Grunting in frustration, she turned and left, stomping up the stairs to vent her rage.
"Hah, kids." Diego sighed as he moved to sit beside a silent Matilda.
The dark-haired woman with a slightly younger appearance compared to Diego finally opened her mouth. "She's right though. Why is that boy staying here?"
"... Because I've been tasked by the Imperial family to keep watch over him."
"... I see."
Nothing else was said as the duo enjoyed the company provided by their significant other.
***
Nighttime soon arrived in Intercity but it was clear the city wasn't even close to sleeping as various buildings still remained lit.
The plethora of colors provided dyed the nighttime of Intercity in a brilliance that causes Marcus to stare in utter disbelief.
"Beautiful." He muttered while staring through his window.
Letting out a sigh after looking for a long time, he left the window and lay on his bed.
The 'guest room' provided for him by Diego was basically a house within a house, what with the fact that it had a bedroom, toilet, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and so much more… it was truly amazing.
Of course, it wasn't comparable to his place back in the capital but it would have to suffice.
However, for some reason, Marcus felt uncomfortable despite the comfort provided for him.
"Hmm." Tossing and turning in the feather bed, Marcus soon shifted locations, opting to lie on the wooden floorboards.
Unfortunately, it didn't help much as he still felt quite uncomfortable.
"Hmm."
Maybe it was because he'd lived most of his life in the capital, but it wasn't easy to fall asleep.
"Mr. Martinez said I should rest but I won't be able to rest at this rate," Marcus muttered almost regretfully as he got to his feet.
Pondering for a moment, he soon snapped his fingers. "I guess it won't be bad if I step out for a bit. Mr. Martinez shouldn't mind."
Quickly convincing himself that it was because he couldn't sleep that he was leaving and surely not because he couldn't suppress his curiosity regarding Intercity, Marcus quickly took out a fanny bag from his traveling bag before he moved toward the window and after opening it, leaped down, landing silently on the ground below before heading toward the fence.
Doing well to avoid the guards, Marcus soon arrived at the fence and was about to jump over when he heard a familiar voice.
"The boss is starting to notice."
"Oh come on, just let me go this one time."
"You and I both know that's a lie."
"Ugh, come on."
"I'm putting my job on the line for you, Vera. You can't keep making me do this."
"I promise, nothing will go wrong."
"Hah… fine, go ahead. There's a car already parked outside for your use."
"Hehe, thanks, Carlos. You're the best."
With the end of the conversation, the sound of footsteps moving toward Marcus's direction caused him to retreat a few meters before hiding behind a tree and casting a martial skill on himself to hide his presence.
Soon, Vera appeared close to the fence with a ladder and after placing it against the wall, scaled past it before jumping over the fence.
"Uhmm, what's happening?" Marcus couldn't help but wonder as he watched her leave.
Curious to know what she was up to, Marcus quickly followed after.
By the time he jumped over, Vera had already entered a red Mercedes and after revving the engine once, quickly drove off in a particular direction.
Pursing his lips, Marcus soon came to a decision after which he ran down the street just as a black Ferrari was driving in.
Standing before it, he forced the driver to stop.
"Hey, what the hell man?... Are you trying to die or something?... If you want to die, pick another car, I'm not ready to take a life." The owner remarked as he climbed out of his car.
Completely ignoring the man, Marcus quickly rushed over and asked. "How much for the car?"
"What?"
"How much for the car?"
"What the hell are you on about?"
"Ugh, wasting my time." Marcus reached into his fanny bag, rummaging through its contents, which were roughly a button phone, a cheque book, a pen, and a weird scroll.
Grabbing the cheque book and the pen, he drew up a blank cheque and placed it in the pocket of the Ferrari owner.
The latter, completely confused by what was happening alternated his gaze between Marcus and the cheque in his hand.
"What…"
"Bye." Marcus didn't let him finish as he leaped into the car and started it before promptly driving away, chasing after Vera's car.
Meanwhile, the Ferrari owner… or at least, past owner stood still, completely speechless.
It wouldn't take long before the news of a certain white haired figure handing out blank cheques spread across the city.
- Writer
