Chapter 15

I could feel the air in the room getting tense. Every second that passed felt like waiting for a bomb to explode. Junigo and Jade, two beings at the peak of their power, stood before the kings and warriors who could only grasp their weapons with trembling hands. Sweat ran down the soldiers’ foreheads, and although they seemed to be trying hard to contain their fear, it was clear that it could not be hidden.

I swallowed, my stomach queasy. ‘Oh my, what should I do?’ I thought. ‘If I don’t do anything, they’ll probably exterminate everyone here. I can’t keep quiet.’

Jade and Junigo’s words were still echoing in my mind. They were so calm, so sure of their decision to punish humans, as if it was a natural thing. I cannot let this happen. But, what can I do? My power was only words, and even that felt insufficient in the face of creatures like them.

I glanced at the soldiers who were already on standby. They raised their weapons, swords and spears pointed forward, but their movements were stiff, awkward. Their faces were filled with fear. How could they not? They were mere mortals, while in front of them were two beings whose power surpassed reason.

Meanwhile, Junigo stood with a cold face, his gaze still full of anger hidden behind his grin. On the other hand, Jade seemed calmer, but that’s what scared me more. When someone is so calm in chaos, that’s when he’s most dangerous.

I had to think of something quickly, if I was even a little late they would cause untold destruction. I’m worried about that too because if the Bordan Kingdom were to experience destruction it could interfere with my plans or my desire to return to my true world. For now, I’m assuming that I have to protect the Kingdom of Bordan for my own sake. Even if I have to.

‘If they really attack now, no one can stop them. Not even these kings will survive.’ I thought out loud.

I looked at King Domiano, who sat on his throne with a pale face. He was clearly frightened, but too proud to admit it. He must have felt he was on the verge of collapse.

In the midst of my chaotic thoughts, an idea suddenly came to me. It wasn’t a perfect idea, but it just might work. I didn’t have time to think further. I had to take this risk, now.

Slowly, I held my head, squeezing my temples as if in excruciating pain. I let my body stagger, and within a few seconds, I threw myself onto the floor. My head hit the cold surface with a small sound, and I remained still, letting my body lay motionless.

Instantly, the voices in the room changed. Those who were previously speaking in angry and loud tones, suddenly fell silent in panic. I could hear fast and frantic steps approaching me.

“Dean!” King Domiano’s voice full of anxiety broke the silence. “Dean! What’s wrong with you?!”

I could feel my body being touched by trembling hands. Probably one of the servants or soldiers. King Domiano’s voice grew more frantic, his voice trembling as he ordered his healers and palace maids.

“Take him to the infirmary, quickly! Call our best healers! Don’t let him get hurt any worse!” King Domiano shouted in panic.

Amidst all this panic, I pretended to faint, holding my breath to look convincing. King Domiano’s voice was so full of panic, like a father afraid of losing his child. But I knew he was actually afraid of losing something even more precious, it is his power.

In the corner of my vague vision, I could see Junigo and Jade approaching, their faces full of worry that they could hardly hide. I could feel how much they were obsessed with me, or rather Dean. It feels even more obvious now.

I don’t know and can’t guess how Dean would feel if he were to actually face the situation when he was being fought over by the two of them.

Gosh, how stupid I am. Why am I thinking like this, isn’t it obvious that Dean doesn’t like this at all? Besides, I also don’t know what exactly makes the two of them really fight over Dean, whether it’s because they really love Dean or they just have a desire for something else about Dean.

I don’t know, I’m sometimes also confused because I’ve felt signals about their sincerity to Dean but the way they fight over Dean is like people who are just obsessed. Naturally, Dean was so depressed.

Back to the current situation. King Domiano, who seemed to be aware of their arrival, suddenly stood before Junigo and Jade. His originally frightened face turned pleading.

“Junigo, Jade,” he said in a trembling voice. “Please, let the healers handle Dean without you interfering. He’s in a weakened state, and I’m afraid your presence will only cause him more distress.”

I almost laughed to myself. ‘Distressed? Oh, if they go there, I might really get depressed.’

Junigo narrowed his eyes, staring intently at King Domiano. “You think I can’t calm Dean down?” he asked coldly, his voice almost sounding like a threat.

“I didn’t say that,” King Domiano replied quickly. “But... this situation is already very tense, and I don’t want Dean’s condition to worsen. Please, I beg you.”

Junigo looked about to reply, but suddenly King Bordan, spoke out of the blue. His voice was low, but clear enough for everyone in the room to hear.

“This isn’t the first time Dean has fainted like this...”

Instantly, Junigo and Jade looked surprised. They exchanged glances, then looked back at my body lying on the floor. I could feel the tension between them ease a little, though they still seemed unsure. They must be wondering why Dean faints so often. Of course, they didn’t know that this was just one of the many tricks I had to pull to survive here.

Finally, with a face full of confusion and a hint of doubt, Junigo stepped back. Jade did the same. They both seemed to still not be completely satisfied, but at least for now, the situation that had been on the verge of collapse was beginning to ease.

I could hear King Domiano let out a sigh of relief, and the sound of hurried footsteps ushered me out of the room. As they took me to the infirmary, I kept up my pretense. Every second felt like lingering on the edge of a cliff.

Finally, we arrived at the treatment room, and I was placed on the bed. The doctor began to check my condition, touching the pulse on my wrist, placing a hand on my forehead. I refrained from moving. After a while, they started arguing about my condition, trying to figure out what was wrong.

However, in my mind, I knew very well that nothing was wrong. Everything was going according to plan. I managed to defuse the tense situation without having to sacrifice anyone.

‘That’s good,’ I thought. ‘This plan is working. Junigo and Jade may be strong, but they still have an emotional side that I can use. By pretending to faint, I can delay unnecessary bloodshed.’

But then, another thought struck me. Something far more terrifying than the physical threat that almost happened.

‘Their obsession with Dean... it’s scary.’ I thought fearfully.

I could see how Junigo and Jade were willing to do anything to have Dean possess the body I now occupied. They didn’t even hesitate to threaten, injure, or even kill anyone they deemed a threat.

I felt a chill run down my spine. I then thought to myself again. ‘If they can be that desperate just to defend Dean, what will happen if they find out I’m not the real Dean?’

That thought added to my worries. I have to be more careful in the future. Their obsession is not only dangerous to others, but also to me. They might not hesitate to destroy me if they know I’m not the one they love.

I closed my eyes, still pretending to faint on the bed. I deliberately kept up the pretense, I lay looking weak on the mattress, so sluggish just like a normal fainting person.

‘This is just the beginning,’ I thought to myself. ‘And I have to think of the next step before more problems arise.’