5 Chapter 05: Arrival

"Oh, yes I remember now Masamune!" Maya exclaims happy that she no longer needs to make one up for me. I smile and look around us, we are in a residential area. It seems that the town I found was quite a bit bigger than I had first assumed. The streets are lined on either side with sturdy wooden homes. The quality is still much lower than a modern standard, but from a glance I would assume that this is where the rich or nobles live.

The houses appear nearly uniform in their design, they have the same shutters and doors. The only minor differences are in the small gardens attached to the sides of the homes. There is a huge difference in flowers, and plants being grown. I inhale deeply and I can feel my rate slow with the soothing scent of lilac. Mayas intoxicating aroma is much more intense than I remember.

It must be because of my job change, druids do love plants after all.

A small smile begins to form on my lips as we walk through town. Even though we walk in silence it feels neither heavy, or oppressive. Instead it feels merely comfortable and natural. After my job change my brain was filled with knowledge of what I need to do to unlock my druidic power. I merely need to sleep under full moonlight in nature. It's hard for me to believe how easy magic is here, given how it never existed in my last life I was afraid I may not even be able to use it.

The sun still seems to be high in the sky, maybe a few hours before sunset. I'll have to wait a while before I can play with my new powers.

"Oh...We're here." Maya says, her voice is barely audible with the dun of the city around us. "Is this your house Maya?" I ask my eyes going wide. The only way to describe this home would be a mansion!

This place is far different than the sturdy homes we passed. There is an air of sophistication and refinement to the structure. The pure white stone columns in the front of the house leads to an airy walkway. Pale yellow and purple flowers dot the garden making the entire entrance breathtaking to behold. The building itself is made from a dark ebony wood that seems to suck in the light that touches it.

This breathtaking abode even comes with servants. There is a professional looking human standing in front of the entry way. The only apt way to describe him would be gentlemanly. He has closely cropped brown hair, and eyes. His entire bearing seems to be used to subservience to others. His back has started to stoop ever so slightly with age.

"Good afternoon My Lady." He calls in a deep bass voice. His attire seems a bit out of place in this older time period. He has what appears to be a well fitted black suit with a red tie. He appears to notice me quite suddenly as a confusion grows in his eyes. "I'm afraid the Lord was not expecting you to have company." He says grimly.

The brave and noble dwarf was...nowhere to be seen. I think he probably ran off as soon as this butler showed up. I try to put a winning smile on face.

"Oh um.." Maya seems to be at a loss for words again. I can't help but let my smile grow at her discomfort. I don't think Maya quite got the chance to clear this plan with her parents. This could be very helpful for me.

"Oh how impolite of me, I do apologize." I say drawing all eyes to myself. "I'm Maya's husband. Right?" I ask with a grin. Much to my chagrin it seems I played into her hand as she gets so more confidence. "Yes Jeremy, this is the husband that I said I would get." She says proudly.

Hmm I wonder if I might be some kind of catch in this world? I certainly wasn't anything special before, just kinda smart, maybe a bit funny. There really shouldn't be much that can draw her to me like this.

Like a flash of lightning from the sky I begin to understand. As cliche as it may be I wonder if...

"Lady Maya! This is highly inappropriate, you know your Fiance candidates are waiting inside. How could you dishonor them like this?" My smile couldn't get much wider at this point. I think this going to be fun game to play for now.

I turn to Maya as she cringes slightly. "Oh so I'm just a candidate." I say with mock relief. I smile and release Mayas soft hand with a bit of regret. "I'm sorry for being so forward Maya."

Slowly walking toward Jeremy I clasp him on the shoulder. "Please tell me where I can meet the other candidates Jeremy."

I'm not overly worried. If her plan was just to elope then I doubt we'd come here. No matter the result I'm fairly certain Maya will get the worst of it.

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[Maya POV]

I could feel a cold dread filling my heart as I watched Masamune enter the manor. I never thought the lamb would just walk into the wolfs' den. I though some prodding may be required, but now? He seemed so innocent and sweet. It left a bad taste in her mouth to even consider what would happen to him now that her other "candidates" would be close.

"I hope he's going to be ok" She muttered quietly.

"Oh ho, what was that my Lady?" I turn toward Jeremy my face quickly flushing. My heart pounds in my ears, I can't believe I spoke that out loud.

"Nothing Jeremy just go!" I yell to vent my embarrassment. My hands are shaking and my heart is pounding, but all I can think of is how softly he took my arm. "Please don't let him get hurt Jerry..." I say whining at the end. As shocking as it is, I can't let this sweet man be hurt just to further my own ends.

"I will do what I can my Lady, however I must warn you. He does not appear to be defenseless. I have no idea where he got that armor, but I would think even your father would have a hard time getting in a good shot."

I lower my head in thought.

He'll be fine...I think.