Noah followed the young steward down the long castle corridor, his mind only half-engaged as he took in the wealth on display around him.
Gold framed paintings hung from the walls, holding images of warriors who he had a sneaking suspicion were ancestors of King Cillian.
Servants moved around them to accomplish their given tasks, their eyes flickering to him with both curiosity and apprehension.
He wasn't sure if they were more afraid of him or disappointed that he wasn't the hero they'd expected. Either way, it was hot gossip.
The steward stopped in front of a grand wooden door, pushing it open to show a large suite.
Noah stepped inside, his eyes scanning the lavish interior. A plush bed large enough to fit three people stood at the center, covered in comfortable looking sheets and embroidered pillows.
A fireplace crackled warmly in the corner, the flames in it illuminating the room.
He could see a desk, a dining area, and a wardrobe filled with clothes that were probably fine to them but just looked weird to him.
He spotted a set of clothing neatly folded on the bed, obviously intended for him.
If they were expecting him to be wowed, they were in for a disappointment. His secretary's apartment was more beautiful than this.
"This will be your chamber, my lord." The steward said with a bow. "Should you need anything, simply ring the bell."
Noah nodded, barely listening as the steward excused himself.
He sighed, rolling his shoulders before deciding to take a bath. He needed time to process everything, and a hot soak seemed like a good start.
Striding toward the adjoining bathroom, he pulled off his shirt, but before he could get further undressed, a knock at the door stopped him.
Frowning, he grabbed his discarded shirt and threw it back on before swinging the door open.
Standing there was the nobleman with graying hair and a fur-lined cloak from earlier in the throne room who had somehow predicted he'd reject fighting for the kingdom. But this time, he was not alone.
Beside him stood a beautiful woman with wavy brown hair, full lips, and curves that were definitely rated eighteen plus. She was voluptuous, a fact hard to miss by the low-cut red dress she wore.
She leaned slightly against the doorframe, her green eyes appraising him in amusement. And somehow, she made that movement look sultry.
The look in her eyes told Noah that she was ready for anything, anywhere. Anything that involved their clothes being off.
"Ah, our summoned hero." The noble said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "I am Lord Otto, and this is my daughter, Sofia."
Noah sighed but moved aside, watching as Otto and Sofia strode in with the ease of people who were used to being welcomed everywhere.
Otto gestured to the room. "I see the palace is treating you well. That is good."
"Yeah, it's fine." Noah replied, crossing his arms. "So, what do you want?"
Otto chuckled. "Straight to the point. I like that."
"Listen, lad, I sympathize with your situation. Being summoned against your will, burdened with responsibilities you never asked for. It's unfair."
He spread his hands. "Which is why I'm here to offer you an alternative. The palace is no place for someone who doesn't want to be a pawn."
"Why not stay with me? My estate is far more comfortable, and you wouldn't have to deal with the pressures of court politics."
Noah tilted his head, unimpressed. "And what's in it for you?"
Otto's smile didn't waver. "A potential ally, of course."
"The nobles are already moving to position themselves in this new world where you exist. I'd rather be the first to extend a friendly hand."
Noah's eyes flickered to Sofia, who had yet to say a word. Instead, she had taken to lounging on the edge of his bed, one leg crossed over the other, the slit of her dress riding dangerously high.
She ran her fingers through her hair, then let her gaze travel over him slowly, deliberately.
He raised an eyebrow. "And what about her? Is she here to sweeten the deal?"
Sofia smirked, shifting her shoulders in a way that made the fabric of her dress dip even lower. "Is it working?"
"No."
Her smirk flickered slightly, but she recovered, standing gracefully. "A shame."
Otto laughed. "Well, you can't blame a father for trying. But do think about my offer."
Noah opened the door pointedly. "I won't."
Otto took the hint and gave him a single nod. "Then we shall take our leave. Come, Sofia."
The noblewoman gave Noah one last lingering glance before sauntering out. Once they were gone, Noah exhaled, rubbing his temple.
He'd been in this world for just two seconds and he was already tired of their political games.
He turned back toward the bathroom, unbuttoning his shirt again, when another knock came.
His jaw tightened.
Marching back to the door, he yanked it open, only to find another noble standing there. This one was a thin man with a long face and an eager expression.
"Ah! Lord Hero, a pleasure—"
Noah slammed the door in his face before he could finish.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He turned away, determined to finally take his bath, when another knock came.
Noah saw red.
Without thinking, he pulled back his fist and punched the door.
The wood shattered, the entire door ripping off its hinges and flying backward, embedding itself into the opposite wall of the hallway with a loud crash.
Dust and splinters rained down as startled servants and guards froze, wide-eyed.
Noah stared at his hand, stunned. "Well… that's new."
Then, slow clapping filled the air.
Noah turned to see a young man his age leaning against the wall, blindfolded but somehow looking directly at him. He had tousled silver hair, an easy grin, and an aura of absolute confidence.
"Nice punch." The man said, giving a thumbs-up. "Real clean execution. Good form, solid power."
Noah narrowed his eyes. "And you are?"
The man pushed off the wall, walking closer. "Arlo. Strongest chimera in Camelot."
He paused, turning his face in the direction of the damaged door. "And, judging by what you just did, I'd say you're not half-bad yourself."
Noah frowned, still flexing his fingers. He didn't feel any different, but he had just sent a massive door flying like it weighed nothing. What the hell was happening to him?
Arlo smirked, as if sensing his confusion. "You don't know yet, do you?"
Noah crossed his arms. "Know what?"
Arlo tapped his temple. "That you're not exactly normal anymore."
Noah definitely didn't like the sound of that.
"Well, hero," Arlo continued, his grin widening, "looks like you and I have some things to talk about."