Chapter 13

My sudden movement surprised the monster and it took a step back. The monster had three heads which were similar to that of a cerebrus in Greek mythology.

The haunting red eyes of the monster shined brightly and it leaned its middle head towards me. I had my left hand outstretched to protect my mother from the beast. The pointy edge of my sword lied dangerously close to the monster and a tremble escaped from its left head.

The monster was scared. It was scared of me. I raised my sword towards it forehead assuming a gem would appear. I wanted to let the monster free.

Suddenly, a squeal came beneath the ground. A baby cerebrus rolled on the floor unable to get back up on its feet. This monster has a baby!

A blue gem appeared on the center of the middle head. I pointed my sword at it. Just as before, the monsters eyes changed. A small smile brightened my face. A sudden thought distracted me.

Monsters are also living beings and they have the same emotions as humans. The baby proved it.  Even if I was in the world of a novel, this whole contraption felt real since I died. Here, I was living and breathing as a fully functional human.

"There is no reason for you to harm us. Please get back safely" I said out loud feeling my surroundings for the first time. I had been too focused on changing my fate that I regarded the novel's characters as just mere characters.

The beast's face lightened and bowed its head in respect. I was flabbergasted. The monster had better manners than humans themselves.  It realized the danger and scooted her baby under one of its arms and hurried outside.

I turned around finally noticing to check on my mother. She had an incomprehensible look on her face. She had no severe injuries excluding some scratches.

I knelt down and pushed the table that trapped her with the wall of the tent. Just as I held out my hand for her to get back on her feet. She pulled in and hugged me. Tears poured down her face.

"Thank you, I knew you were a blessing in disguise for us." She mumbled into my shoulder. Her arms had a cuddly warmth that I couldn't resist.

A thought strummed in my mind. Carlisa?! Maybe the rampage was the reason. I quickly got up.

"Mum, Carlisa is in danger. I've got to go." I told her and spun around only to be face to face with a shocked duke.

He had seen everything.

"Rose, how did the monster not harm you and leave like that? Can someone tell me what just happened?!!"

"Rose saved me, Leo. She's my hero and oh dear, what happened to your arm?" Mum told him.

I ran out the tent with saving Carlisa engraved in my mind. I never expected the word 'hero' to be called to the villain of the story and that gave me a weird feeling.

The Count Ernmore's tent was deserted and my face formed a frown. An anxious feeling ran through my veins.

I entered the tent to find all the objects demolished. The seats, vases, plants and even a showcase was deserted.

"I'm still alive, I don't want a funeral yet!!!" A feminine voice yelled from under a table. It was Carlisa! Oh thank heavens! She's alive!

"Need a hand?" I asked lightening my mood.

Suddenly, a growling beast that looked like a manticore faced me with scorching eyes.

If it wasn't for hurrying up to Carlisa, I would have killed it and presented it. Oh wait! I can just do both. Even if it's a monster, it won't hurt to get permission right?

"Carlisa, give me a second---" I said only to be interrupted with a hmph from her.

"Yeah, yeah. Get the beast. Its not like I can go anywhere!" A laugh escaped my mouth but I strangled it down and faced the beast.

The monster stared up at me and I pointed my sword blueprinting the hidden gem on its forehead. Another growl escaped and the monster was finally subdued. This power is awesome since I got the hang of it!

"Mr. Manticore, you see, I need a hunt to present tonight and you seem perfect to fit the role, how about we strike a deal?" I asked politely with a curtsy bow with my guard up.

It looked up at me for a few seconds, and sighed. ( It literally sighed. A monster!? It was being civil.)

"I can't scare the direct descendant. You are too immune to me. Thank you for saving me. What can I do for you?"

"Holy guacamole!!! Did you just talk? To me? You!" I gawked out.

"Well, you did ask me a question. And the rampage...someone drugged a group of monsters and it spread. So, what's the deal?" The manticore sat up straighter in a dignified posture.

"I was trying to lighten the atmosphere. I did not expect you to talk back!" My mouth must be on the floor by now.

" Who the hell are you talking with?" Carlisa yelled from under. So that means...

"Yes, only you and my other companions can hear each other. So, tell me how I can help you to close the debt" The manticore finished my thought for me.

"Wow, arrogant much?" I countered back. The manticore looked embarrassed as I called him out.

"Can you act dead for me, for the hunt? Is too much to ask?" I voiced out.

" Ah, that's it? No feathers or fur to pluck??"

"Why would I need your feathers?"

"Because that's what every human wants?" He asked

"Well, I am not every human!" I spat out with a little damage to my pride. I know I was being childish, but I couldn't help it. The manticore gave out a chuckle and said,

"I have a better idea."