Chapter 94: A Promise to Oliver

As soon as I said that, his face brightened up and he grinned. He then looked at his father looking like he had just accomplished a great feat. "You heard that, father? Mr. Jack just promised he will come!"

Only, I didn't really say that.

"Mr. Jack! It's been a while," Count Norman greeted. "I heard a few things about you from Mr. Alec. I'm glad to see you're doing great."

"Count Norman—"

"Oh no! You might not be calling me that anymore in a few days from now," he said and he smiled a bitter smile.

"Uhh… Is this related to what King Charles said?" I asked, thinking about the things I read in the newspaper earlier.

"I see that you're up to date with the news. But you're right." And then he laughed — a self-deprecating one. "But why are you here? Are you participating?"

"Yes, as a substitute."

"I see. Good luck! My nephew is also participating. Well then, see you around," he said and was about to leave when Oliver tugged the hem of his overcoat.

"But father, I still wanna talk to Mr. Jack!"

"Oliver, son, not now. Mr. Jack is busy."

"You always say that. Just a little bit?"

"But Oliver…" Count Norman sighed in defeat and shot me a rather awkward smile. "I'm sorry about my son, Mr. Jack. He really likes you."

"No, I don't mind at all." I told him. And I shrugged before adding, "Kids will be kids after all."

"You're right." He then looked at Oliver. "Not more than three minutes."

Oliver grinned hearing his father say that and he pulled my hand. "Where are you taking me, Oliver?"

"Son, that's rude. Stop that. I'm sorry, Mr. Jack." Count Norman apologized while trying to separate Oliver from me, but the kid won't budge.

"But father, I wanna say something to Mr. Jack. I don't want you listening."

"I'm your father. I don't mind listening."

"But I do. C'mon, Mr. Jack. Let's move there for a bit. Please?" I shot Count Norman an apologetic look before allowing myself to be pulled by this four-year-old kid. Though if I were to be completely honest, I have a hunch that whatever this kid will tell me won't be something I will be happy with.

"Mr. Jack! I have to tell you something. And I — I think you will reaaaaaally like it." I highly doubt that but whatever. He took a deep breath, looking very excited, "Nero said that he likes you so much and that he met your rabbit already. He said he wouldn't mind you visiting the house. You can even live there if you want."

What? Ethan?

"Oliver, are you trying to say that your pet has met my rabbit?"

"Exactly!" After saying that, he looked up and stared at the air for a few seconds. I bet his pet was telling him something. "He said he knows the name of your pet."

But why would Ethan do that? Was that the reason why he disappeared a while ago?

"Hmm... Let's see. Tell me then."

He looked up again and then looked back at me. "Nathan. Your pet's name is Nathan, isn't it?"

"Nathan? No, my pet's name isn't Nathan. It's Harley."

I almost said Ethan. Good thing that he repeatedly told me to say that his name will be Harley in public.

"Oh! That's — That's what Nero said." His tiny hands turned into fists and his countenance suddenly shifted into defensive mode. "But I tell you, Mr. Jack. Nero doesn't tell any lies. Your pet probably used a fake name."

I bet that's probably what happened.

"If you say so, Oliver. Is that all you wanna tell me? Because I think your father just sent your butler to fetch you now. Look!" I said as I pointed behind him. It was Walter. The one who fetched me at the Hankala inn that day when I was on my way to their manor. But he was so far away from us. It was obvious he was distancing himself from this kid.

Oliver suddenly looked disappointed and motioned me to come closer. I did and he tiptoed to whisper in my ear, "I think it will be hard for you to come into our house sooner, Mr. Jack. But we can write letters. Will that be fine?"

He was looking at me expectantly while waiting for my response. Watching this kid, I can't help but wonder why he was so obsessed with me. I didn't even do anything for him.

Sigh!

"Fine. We can."

He grinned hearing me say that and tiptoed to whisper again. "Just leave your letter under your pillow when you sleep. Nero will take it and exchange it with mine."

His pet? Will come to visit me when I'm asleep? Nuh-uh! That doesn't sound like a good idea. But then now that I think about it, there's a devourer living in my shadow, I'm a peculiar now, I've been with Iksha who was literally a half-octopus. What am I so afraid of his pet then?

How ridiculous!

"Okay. I'll do that. I promise."