"But even without Anderson, the captain probably wouldn't like me…" Danitz's mood sank as a thought hit him. He wasn't clueless... he knew Edwina's standards. With her scholarly nature, she likely wouldn't fall for a slacker like him.
Sure, Danitz had a knack for languages, but compared to true brainiacs, he was still a slacker through and through.
"I've tried so hard, but I just can't learn it. I really can't…" Thinking of the dizzying array of lessons, Danitz felt his head spin.
It's a hard truth: knowledge doesn't lie. You either get it or you don't.
Lost in his hopeless crush, Danitz suddenly noticed a figure nearby. Instantly alert, he shook off his gloom, readying flames for an attack as he barked, "Who's there?"
"Gehrman Sparrow."
The figure spoke, voice cold and clipped, announcing a name.
Danitz squinted, making out a refined young man in a tall top hat. But when his eyes met the man's icy gaze, he glimpsed a madness lurking beneath the polished exterior.
What kind of lunatic is this? Danitz cursed inwardly, plastering on a carefree grin. "Friend, I don't think we've met?"
"How could that be? You may not know us, Big Sis Danitz, but we know you!"
Another voice chimed in from behind, startling Danitz. He spun around to see a sunny, wholesome-looking young man... the kind you'd find on any college campus. The guy flashed a harmless smile as Danitz looked his way.
Harmless, my foot! Danitz rolled his eyes inwardly. He wasn't an idiot; no way he'd buy that innocent act in a situation like this... though, in a different setting, he might've mistaken the guy for a guileless student.
As Danitz racked his brain for an escape, the sunny college kid spoke again, "Danitz, remember Lucifer from the City of Generosity?"
Danitz froze, eyes widening. How could he forget the big shot he'd crossed paths with months ago? His heart sank.
Damn it!
Cursing inwardly, Danitz forced a smile uglier than a sob, looking at the sunny youth. "You know His Majesty Lucifer?"
"He's my teacher," Alaric said, beaming brightly, noting Danitz's increasingly grim expression. "If you don't believe me…"
He glanced aside. "Lil' Amon, come out!"
Under Danitz's gaze, Lil' Amon stepped from a shadowed corner.
"Other avatars might've met him, but I don't know him," Lil' Amon said, adjusting his monocle.
At that sight, Danitz's vision nearly went dark, a flood of memories surging before he shoved them down.
He was certain now... these guys were tied to Lucifer. No one else could know such details.
Glancing warily at Lil' Amon, Danitz didn't dare dwell on his identity. He turned to Alaric, saying, "I believe you're His Majesty Lucifer's student."
Forcing another smile, he asked, "What can I do for you?"
"Well, we just arrived in Bansy Harbor and could use a guide. Mind helping out?" Alaric said with a smile, tactfully avoiding the "maid" jab in front of Danitz.
I'm not even that familiar with Bansy… Danitz wanted to protest, but survival instincts kicked in. He nodded. "No problem, happy to help."
He had no choice... he was intimidated!
This was an angel's student!
Danitz wasn't naive. He'd pieced together that his captain's sudden offer of a Conspirer potion formula and Anderson's arrival to teach the Acting Method were likely tied to Lucifer.
The powers behind his captain seemed keen on cozying up to Lucifer, which explained why they'd invested in him, someone who'd crossed paths with the angel.
This terrified Danitz. He'd nearly confessed to his captain that his "connection" To Lucifer was a fluke... probably just the angel finding him amusing... but he always choked on the words. He admitted he was a coward and, yeah, he liked the feeling of being valued by his captain.
Sure, that value had nothing to do with romance, but who doesn't want to mean a little more to their crush?
So, facing Lucifer's student, whether out of fear or gratitude, Danitz couldn't refuse a reasonable request.
"Thanks, you're a real stand-up guy," Alaric said, nodding with a smile. He glanced at Klein, deadpan. "Alright, Gehrman, no need to turn him into a marionette."
Danitz blinked, stunned.
Marionette? What marionette? The Seer Pathway kind?
A chill ran down his spine, and he looked at Klein with outright terror.
"Don't spread rumors, Jack. He's not some heinous pirate. I don't turn innocents into marionettes... that's basic courtesy," Klein said, stepping closer to Danitz. As Gehrman Sparrow, he always leaned colder to distinguish from his true self.
Courtesy, my ass… Danitz wanted to snap, but Klein's stern expression reduced him to a nervous chuckle. "Y-yeah, you've got principles, huh!"
Klein glanced at him, suppressing a laugh to maintain Gehrman's persona, and said flatly, "Lead the way."
Lead where? You didn't even say where! Danitz screamed internally.
"Don't mind him, that's just Gehrman's style. He's not a bad guy... as long as you don't try to run, he won't turn you into bounty," Alaric said, patting Danitz's shoulder. "He means for you to guide us to some local hotspots, like a good restaurant."
"Got it! I know the best restaurant around. Follow me!" Danitz, fuming but powerless, forced a smile and led the way.
***
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