Reroll: I Brought Sarcasm To A Sword Fight

After my father called for Theo, we set off once more, this time, heading back home to Godfrey's Cross. The farmers seemed unsettled by our abrupt departure, but once their children admitted the truth, no one had much to say. One by one, they dispersed.

Robin, though caught in the middle, accepted his fate with quiet bravery. All the children had seen the beggar, but it was Robin's unusually steady demeanor that singled him out, turning his bravery into an involuntary volunteerism.

It was harder for Robin's father. Even though the Lord himself would be escorting his son, the idea of being apart from the boy for even a few days clearly unnerved him. He protested, lightly at first, but my father stepped in, promising, without hesitation, to look after the child as if he were his own son. The kind of promise only my father could make without sounding insincere.

Now, Robin was following us toward the city with Doyle. He must be a brave and curious boy; there was barely a trace of fear on his face. For now, anyway.

"It seems Robin is better than you in many ways. If he had the opportunities you have, I'm sure he would be more successful than you," Mnex interjected, without mercy.

"I'm sure if he spent two seconds with you, he'd jump into a well. You're unbearable," I muttered.

"Also... I want to ask something." I paused to collect my thoughts. "When we arrive in the city, could you scan it? For the sewage project."

"Have I not warned you before about your shamelessness?" Mnex sighed with exaggerated drama. "To insult the unparalleled brilliance of this magnificent artificial intelligence, only to turn around and request my help, it's not just shameless. It's impudent. Brazen, even."

A short pause.

"That said, of course I can do it. Hmph."

Bullseye.

"Then, O noble and venerable Mnex, please initiate your glorious scan when we arrive."

"Hmph."

I took that as a yes. We didn't speak for the rest of the ride, not until we passed through the city gates.

> "City scan initiated for 3D visualization."

> Structural analysis: in progress...

> Waste channels: detected.

> Locating hidden access points...

> Generating topological map...

> Processing...

And then, nothing. Silence.

I think he's genuinely sulking. Maybe I'll throw him a compliment once the scan's done.

The last time we rode through the city, Mnex had kindly blocked out all unpleasant odors. This time, I chose to endure it, hoping to avoid another request. Surprisingly, Robin's face didn't so much as twitch. Either the smell wasn't bothering him, or he was too stunned to react.

We followed the same road we had taken that morning, but the city was clearly more crowded now. The streets buzzed with noise, heat, and motion. Still, no one stood in our way for long. They may not have recognized my father's face, but the emblem of our house, the three falcons over a mountain, did all the talking.

Horse drawn carriages clogged the road. Even with the city's wide avenues, there were no proper footpaths for pedestrians. It was a chaotic mix of wheels, hooves, and bodies pushing for space.

"It wasn't like this earlier," I thought. "Another thing to fix, someday."

Still, we reached the mansion soon enough. My father swung down from his horse in one smooth motion, then looked straight in my direction.

But not at me.

"Gareth," my father ordered, turning to him. "See to Robin. Make sure he has what he needs and get him settled in the guest room."

"Yes, my Lord," Gareth replied from atop his horse, voice unwavering.

Then, turning to the soldiers and guards nearby, my father's voice deepened. "Listen carefully. Our first priority is to locate the beggar. You've all heard the description, but I'll repeat it. A man in his mid-forties, long hair, unkempt white beard. His clothes are dirty, yes, but it's his face that will stand out. Pale, worn, but alert. You'll also notice white streaks scattered through his hair."

He paused, letting the details settle. Then, more firmly:

"He was seen near the poisoned fields. That alone makes him a potential threat. Search the inner city first. If he isn't there, move outward, especially to the farms. Find him, and bring him to me."

The guards shouted in unison, "Hoh! Hoh!"

I blinked. What are we, a marching warband now?

Without another word, my father turned and strode into the mansion. Doyle helped me down from my horse. Robin was already waiting near Gareth.

"Young master," Gareth said, bowing slightly. "I'll look after Robin and return shortly, with your permission."

"Granted," I nodded, then called after him. "Oh, Gareth!"

He turned. Robin blinked at me, wide eyed.

"My clothes should fit him just fine," I said. "Pick something clean and comfortable."

Gareth smiled. "Yes, young master."

Robin's jaw nearly hit the ground. I tilted my head. Was that really so shocking?

Before I could say more, my eyes caught a familiar figure by the front door. Isolde stood waiting, her calm presence a contrast to the whirlwind we'd just left.

I made my way toward the grand entrance. I'd left through the back before, but this was the first time I was seeing the mansion properly from the outside.

And somehow, after visiting the city, it looked far more majestic than I remembered.

She stood poised and polished, as if nothing could touch her.

"Welcome home, young master," Isolde greeted me with her ever gentle smile. "Would you prefer to eat first or bathe?"

Her emerald eyes met mine, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"We have a guest. He's bathing now, he'll probably be hungry afterward. I'll eat with him. But first, I need to speak with my father." I paused briefly, then added, "Let's get lunch going, then."

She bowed respectfully. "As you wish." With that, she turned and headed to the kitchen.

I took the opportunity to slip away toward my father's study. Mnex had uploaded the floor plan of the mansion earlier, but even with that in mind, it took me a while to find the right door.

When I did, I saw it was slightly ajar. I leaned in and peered through the narrow gap.

My parents stood at the far end of the room, speaking in hushed but tense tones.

"If this is true," my mother said, her voice strained, "then we can't trust anyone."

My father was staring out the window, thoughtful. "That's why I have to go to my father first. I doubt he'll return just for this, but it's worth a try. He'll probably say something like, 'You're the Lord now,' as if that settles everything… but he's the only wizard we can trust right now."

Among all the family data Mnex had uploaded into my brain, there was no mention of my grandfather.

Not even once.

What kind of grandfather ignores his grandson for three years?

I should probably ask Mnex about that later.

"Then I'll try to contact Philip," my mother said. "I'll write him a letter. Maybe, for his sister's sake, he'll make the journey to visit."

"That's a good idea," my father replied, nodding slowly. He stepped closer to her and gently placed a hand on her arm. "Then I should leave as soon as possible. I can reach my father's estate before nightfall. I'll return in the morning. Take care of yourself while I'm away."

"You too, my love."

And just as a kiss, or something close to it, was about to happen, I pushed the door open and stepped inside like I had no idea what I'd just interrupted.

"Excuse me," I said sweetly. "The door was open, so I came in."

My father turned, subtly stepping away from my mother. "It's alright, Henry. Did you need something?"

"Just..." I hesitated for dramatic effect. "I was curious. What are we going to do now?"

My mother jumped in. "You're too young to worry about things like this."

"Still," my father said, eyes flicking back to her, "he found the source. He deserves to know a little."

He knelt slightly, putting us eye to eye.

"This whole thing is suspicious. We have to find that beggar. But even if he is just a beggar, I can't pass judgment without evidence. We need to prove that the land is tainted, by magic. That means we need a proper wizard. A real one. Better than a healer."

"So I'm leaving today. Hopefully I'll find someone who can help. If not, well, at the very least, you'll finally meet your uncle."

The fact that my father never mentioned meeting my grandfather didn't escape me. But I wasn't as gullible as Gareth. So I let it slide.

"I have an uncle?"

"Yes, Henry," my mother said with a soft smile. "You haven't met him yet, he's a very busy man. But maybe… this time, you will."

Another uncle? Mnex never mentioned anyone else. I only knew about the Janiserion, not this Philip.

My father glanced outside and added, "I have to go now. Take good care of your mother and brother for me."

"Promise!" I replied, puffing my chest out like a proud little knight. I was three years old and clearly capable of heroic feats.

He gave my head a quick pat and walked past me without another word.

"Mother, what kind of person is my uncle?"

She smiled again and moved toward Father's desk. "Let's do this, Henry. We have a guest, you go and keep him company. I'll write the letter to your uncle, and then I'll tell you everything you want to know."

Her voice was warm, her eyes kind. For the first time since my reincarnation, I truly felt it, motherly love.

I returned her smile. "Okay, mommy," I said, surprising even myself.

With that, I left the study. Mnex was still oddly quiet, probably still running the scan. I retraced my steps through the hallway, using the mental map he'd given me earlier.

On the way to the kitchen, I ran into Gareth and Robin.

"Young master!" Gareth greeted me at once.

"Gareth," I nodded, then shifted my gaze. "And who might this be?" I asked, raising an eyebrow like I didn't recognize the kid.

"My Lord… it's Robin," Gareth said, puzzled.

"Robin?" I gasped in mock surprise. "You look incredibly handsome!"

I threw an arm around his shoulder.

"T-Thank ye, m'lord," Robin stammered, eyes wide. "But… is it right? For ya t'treat me like this, I mean?"

"Why not?" I asked. "Is there some special etiquette required when speaking to a friend?"

"Friend?" Gareth and Robin blurted out in perfect unison.

I grinned.

"We're about the same age, you know," I said casually. "And as you can see, I have exactly zero people my age around here. Does it bother you… bein' my friend?"

"N-No, it don't… I jus' ..."

"Never mind. Let's eat."

Both of them gave me nervous little smiles.

We were halfway to the kitchen when the silence in my head finally cracked.

"Scan complete. I can now project a full 3D model of the city, sewage systems included."

Mnex, you magnificent thing. I missed you more than I care to admit.

"Don't think I didn't notice you cozying up to a new friend, Count Sycophant."

Me? Never. Who needs anyone else when I have you?

"Title registered. Shall I order a sigil for your coat of arms?"

"You're obviously about to ask for something. Go on, spit it out."

Well… I've been thinking about your brilliant plan. The one involving fast money.

"Greedy little soul. Everything's about money with you, isn't it?"

Hey, you brought it up. I'm just fulfilling the glorious future you envisioned.

Mnex sighed in his overly theatrical way, then cleared his digital throat.

"You'll need to find Raymond Bret Babbit."

Who's that?

"One of your father's accountants. Smart, capable… and completely addicted to gambling."

And you know this because...?

"While your consciousness was dormant, I had administrative access. I got to know the household staff. Raymond never shuts up about secret gambling dens. If you play it right, you can get him to take you to one. And who knows? He might even become a convenient little agent for your morally questionable operations in the future."

That's oddly specific. And deeply convenient.

Oh-ho. Mnex, my devious digital devil… You never disappoint.

A sly grin crept onto my face.

Our first pawn had just been placed on the board.