"Don't lie. I overheard that."

Flustered at my response, he averted his gaze and replied,

"...that...I just can't understand why you would back out."

"No. What you really can't understand is why I am not acting like my character...in the book."

The last words were a whisper that made his eyes flinch.

"You...You're not from this book also?"

A small smile crept on both our faces while we were happy knowing that we were not the only one stuck in this book. Though this moment brought a sense of relief but it also made me question that why and how did we both get into this book?

"Come with me."

He said before jerking me to follow him. We went to the nearby staircase that lead to the upper floor. This floor purely occupies private offices which mean that general public wasn't allowed to be here. I noticed he was still clutching my hand. I wanted to let go since I can walk by myself but for some reason I let it be. We soon reached a door, next to which his name plate, Duke Argus Dallarosa, was hung along with the room number 337.

He finally lets go of my hand that had turned warm from his touch. Reflexively, I pull my hand behind my back, using my other hand to grip the portion that he was holding on to before.

He opens the door and motions me to head inside.

"It's unsafe to talk about it in public. It will be better to do it in a private place. This is my office."

I nod and step inside the room that wasn't as spacious as I expected. It was of mediocre size with wooden furniture. Identical to the one I was in before. It's a government's building and according to the rules, all the rooms are the same to promote equality. The only considerable difference was the real life sized emblem representing the Dallarosa Duchy and Knights. Behind the desk, on top of a silver metallic shield were two black diamonds outer design drawn in opposite to each other. In the midst was a sword facing downward. I noticed the same emblem was on Argus's shirt as a badge. Though I don't know if I should call him Argus anymore. He must have his real name.

"Please sit down."

His voice made me remember that there's something more important to discuss. I sat on the sofa in front to him.

"When did you come into this book?"

He started questioning right away.

"Around 3-4 days ago. What about you?"

"It's been many years. I...no, Argus was nine when I came into this world."

"What's your real name then?"

"Isn't it customary to introduce oneself before asking others?"

"Okay, fine. I'll describe everything first and then you tell me yours. Okay?"

He gently nods while I began explaining my side of the story.

"My name is Katherine Wilson. I am twenty years old. I read this book one day randomly. And then that night when I went to sleep, I woke up in this book."

"Oh, you're the same age as me. Or at least I was before I came here. My name is Christopher Macey."

"Nice to meet you, Christopher."

"It sounds odd to hear that name. Please call me Argus. I've gotten used to it."

"Oh, same here then. Please call me Rhea."

"Nice to meet you, Rhea. Though I have to ask...we are both 20. But I came in this book earlier than you. Then tell me, is the war still going on?"

Pinching my brows at his unexpected question, I wonder what war is he referring to.

"What war?"

"The same war that was happening all over the world."

"I don't think so. There was nothing like that going on."

"Then does that mean it ended? Which side won?"

"No, nothing ended because there was no war to begin with."

"What are you talking about?"

Argus was bewildered. As if he didn't believe Katherine at all.

"What are you talking about?"

I snapped his question back at him.

"The one and only war. I was in that war."

This makes me arch my brow. He clearly doesn't seem like he's lying.

"What year are you talking about?"

"Naturally 1982."

"Huh!"

This makes my jaw drop and eyes completely open. Observing my reaction, he identifies something is wrong and his eyes also go around. Stuttering he pointed at me and added,

"You...what year were you in when you cam here?"

"2018."

"F*ck. No way."

He cursed, running his hands through his hair.

"You better not be messing with me."

He added. Unable to digest what was going on.

"I'm not."

I assured him.

"Then how is this possible?"

"I have no idea. You're from the 80s."

"Don't make it sound like as if I'm old."

"But this makes you old."

".... As far as I remember, I was 20 and then I got stuck in this stupid book."

"Where did you read the book?"

"During war, we often took shelter in abandoned houses. I found this book in one of those houses and read it."

"Then do you know the ending?"

"Nah. I could barely get to the middle part. I barely read till the part where Argus dies. I thought the book ends there. But there is more?"

"By all means, there is a lot more. But I also haven't read the ending. I've merely read till the middle."

"Which means we both don't know how this book ends."

"That's not what matters right now. More importantly, there must be some connection for us to wind up here."

"Likewise. And it's not only us that's here."

"What? There are more?"

"Yes. I only know one more. But that person hates talking about things like this and wants to keep living like the character in the book. They advised me to do the same as well."

"But we still need to discover a solution. Can we all meet up to discuss and figure out what to do?"

"I will have to ask that person first about this. Though I'm certain they'll agree."

"That's good then."

"Yes."

......

After that, awkward silence spread in the room. The thought of me leaving and having work to do entered my mind but I still waited for one of us to break this silence. Plus with this unexpected revelation, there are still questions in my mind. Should I mention something?

"How did you adjust to your life here?"

His pierce gaze falls back on me upon my question.

"I got used to it. To be honest, there were a lot of similarities between Argus's personality and me. Hence, it wasn't that hard to adjust. Besides I've been Argus since he was nine, so it wasn't that hard for the people around me to be suspicious of anything. Plus, I stuck to the dialogues in the story whenever it required."

"I see. I wouldn't have detected anything if you hadn't blurted that out earlier. Then, if I wasn't here and the character Rhea was here, were you going to go ahead with the contract and then...die?"

"Nope. I was planning on divorcing her after a year when the real male lead would appear. I don't want to meddle in their little love story."

"Then what about Argus dying?"

"I refused to go to the borders months ago. So it's settled."

"That's splendid. Though I am intrigued that if we were to die in this book then will we go back to our world?"

"I don't think so. Since we are dead, this is like rebirth. If we were to die, it would either mean eternal death or rebirth somewhere else."

"What..."

My eyes blink, oblivious to why he declared us dead. As far as I recall, I was alive before I came here.

"I'm not dead."

"Yes you are not, now. But in your previous life you did die."

"No. I was alive and breathing."

"Then how would you explain you coming here? The other person and me, we came here after we died in our previous life."

"That...no, I did not die. I fell asleep and woke up here."

"Strange...Maybe you died in your sleep?"

"How can a healthy person exactly die in their sleep?"

"I'm no doctor, but I'm guessing heart failure?"

"......no...This can't be..."

"What's wrong?"

"Everything is wrong. How can you be so calm? Don't you wish to go back?"

"...I have no one waiting for me back there. Forced to go to the military because of the war, I saw how cruel that world could be. Everyone I encountered in the past, was gone the next time I encountered them. Even I died, and the world kept going on like it always does..."

He answers in a low voice that hid many lingering attachments. Taking a deep breath, he sighs and adds,

"That person advised me that since we are already dead, it's better to utilise this second chance at living to the fullest. Therefore, I will say those exact same words to you. You're already transforming an extensive portion of the plot, so just keep on living."

"....."

"Or do you have someone waiting for you at home?"

"No....my family died a long time ago. It was just me."

I murmured in a sombre tone. I look up to meet his gaze, and he offers me a soft smile.

"Then live on the present and focus on your happiness."

"Maybe you're right."

I mumbled, inclining my head gently.

"What are you going to do about the debt? Since you have refused the contract, the debt won't get paid. Aren't you in trouble? You must be in so much tough luck right now. Poor you."

"If you feel extremely concerned for me then why don't you pay for it?"

He chuckles and shrugs at my sarcastic remark.

"I wish I could, but it would be weird for me to pay a stranger's debt."

"Can't you consider it charity?"

"I apologise, but the Duchy of Dallarosa only gives charity to those that are in real need of it. I'm sorry to say, but your father brought this upon you all by himself, and since you're all healthy enough to work by yourself, I can't give charity."

"Wow. What a generous man you are."

I rolled my eyes at his explanation.

"Thank you."

He took my sarcastic comment seriously or maybe he was playing along but he subsequently added,

"You know, there's another option of you going ahead with the contract."

He smiled, waiting for me to answer while I scrutinized his face to perceive if he was serious.

"I met with Ryker yesterday. He agreed to allow us two months. For the present, I am planning to sell the house."

I pretended not to hear him and disregarded his comment which made him blink for a second but then he reverted back to his usual manner,

"That won't be enough. The land prices are constantly declining these days."

"I know but the agent offered me a price which covers half of the debt. After paying half, I'll have nothing but to ask for more time."

"The agent gave you a price means it's not sold yet?"

"No, no. I only just today placed the house for sale. There are no customers yet."

"I see."

He rests his chin on his hands and continues to gaze me with those golden eyes that felt like were examining me. This makes me nervous. I clear my throat and continue,

"I've also started a baking business with mama, and I mean the Countess."

"And you think that will be enough to pay for the rest?"

"Hey, at least I'm trying. If you've prepared a more effective solution then you are gladly welcome to share."

"I already provided you a solution."

"What?"

I narrowed my eyes waiting for him to respond, but he didn't open his mouth and instead wanted me to figure it out. What solution is he talking about? The only thing he keeps on mentioning is the contract...ah! The contract! Is that what he means?

"The contract?"

He nods at my reply.

"Why? I see no reason for us to enter into that contract anymore. Especially considering that we are not our characters. Rhea used this contract as an escape from the debt. But I've managed to collect half the debt and will manage to gather the other half as well. Which is why I don't have to marry you."

"Then what about my spying?"

"....That...can't you hire anyone?"

"They can't be depended on because there are many double agents as well."

"Well then...How about I still do the spying for you but in return you have to do something?"

"What is it?"

He raised his brow in curiosity.

"First tell me do you agree?"

"I could, but I need someone to attend social gatherings to gather information. A noble. And...Won't it be difficult for you?"

I fathomed what he suggested. We were now only nobles in name. With no wealth, no noble is going to socialise with us anymore. It's a miracle that the King out of respect didn't strip our title away. Otherwise, they normally take away a noble's title when their wealth goes away.

"I can go undercover as a maid and there are multiple other choices as well. Don't worry, your work will get done. Just focus on that."

"Fine. But what is it that you want?"

"That...Don't you think it's strange? A count is supposed to have a lot of wealth, and the business was also flourishing until that guy lent money and invested and it went bankrupt."

"I blame it on the author. It's all to build up the story that they exhibit misery surrounding the female lead. Just so the male lead can come in the end and save her."

"Honestly that writer! What was that person imagining while writing? For all one knows that person was drunk."

"I wonder who the author even is."

"Same. But in any case, there's no point in cursing that person now since we are already stuck in their poor writing. What I need you to do is to please figure out the reason behind this sudden bankruptcy. There must be a reason. There has to be. I know it!"

"You are right. It is unusual. I though so too. Don't worry. I'll investigate it and get back to you as soon as I uncover something."

"Thank you. But how will we contact each other?"

"I'll find you."

"I see. Then what about the spying work?"

"I'll contact you when there's need."

"Okay. I got it."

I look around at the clock to see it has been quite some while since I came here. Time flew by so quick while chatting with him. I get up and in reflex Argus also stands up.

"I better take my leave now. We have to pack and I need to go finalise the new place where we will stay at."

"Need some help?"

"No, thank you. You've truly done enough. Honestly."

I thanked him because from the bottom of my heart I felt grateful. Merely knowing that someone else like me is here in this world, is in itself a massive support.

"Inform me if you require anything in the future."

"Much appreciated, I will."

"Do you need me to drop you off? You are going back to the mansion, right?"

"Ah no. In fact I have to go meet the debt owner to tell him I'll pay him half the money for now but he needs to extend the deadline or else I will go to the court."

"I doubt court threat would work for him considering how he knows a lot of people."

"Then what do you suggest I should do?"

"For a little while, don't confront him. When you've gathered enough money, you can then go to throw it at his face."

"You're right. That would be fun."

"By the way, how is he? I mean...is he like how its described in the book?"

"Astonishingly he is the only one that matches the description from the book."

"Is that so? Then what about me?"

"You?"

I observe him from his face to his clothes. His face which I already think is handsome and his clothes that he wore today made him look even younger and charming. A white pirate shirt with black jeans. On one side of his waist, along his belt is the sheath of his sword hung, which he took off before sitting but had now again attached it. His hair was still the same as yesterday. He must have a habit of running his hands through his hair. But his hair still looked good. His jacket...I noticed earlier his jacket was hung around the chair behind the desk which means that he was working here before he met me. Finally, my eyes dart back to his face. I could recognize the anticipation in his eyes. What should I reply to this? It's too embarrassing to say all that entered my head out loud.

"Not bad."

I settled for an adequate answer that I felt was sufficient. But perceiving his face, I bet he was disheartened.

"Hmm, honestly, I was disappointed too."

"Huh?"

Did he just say he was disappointed to see me? I know he was referring to Rhea but for some reason, this provoked me.

"Well it's not like I was extremely satisfied after seeing you."

"Hey, do you even have eyes? Are you even observing me properly?"

He struck his face closer to mine. Before my face could become crimson from all the heat, I was feeling, I stepped back and retorted,

"I see nothing special. Moreover, this isn't even you. Am I right?"

"Be glad you haven't seen me in my past life. Otherwise, you wouldn't have survived it."

He remarked, giving a satisfied smile.

"Why? Did you look that dreadful in reality?"

"You're impossible. You don't know what real beauty means."

"Needless to say I do. I look at the mirror every day."

"Look at what? According to you, you didn't die so this isn't you. Plus there's nothing even to look at."

"Hey! If you witness how I in fact was, you would've been head over heels in love with me."

I snapped. We both held each other glares, no one backing out.

"Fine if you want a compliment so bad...Then..."

I soften my gaze at sighting him back up a few steps and again studying my look. Even though he made it sound like as if I was dying for a compliment from him yet deep down, I was looking forward to what he was going to say next.

"You are beautiful. The book doesn't go into much detail about the looks which sadly I believe even the words that were used are an understatement to your beauty."

His gentle deep voice along with the words he just spoke, made my heart skip a beat. My face reddened. I wanted to remark something but words got stuck in my mouth.

"What about me?"

Oh, so in reality he is the one who wants a compliment. Should I point this out to him? But then this will lead to another discussion and I really don't have time right now. I need to catch the last public transportation carriages they have. One of them is going to leave from here and head to my hometown and I need to get on that.

"I already told you. You're not so bad."

"Eh? Not so bad? That's it?"

"What more do you require me to say?"

"A person at least out of respect uses similar choice of words that the other one used. But you're settling with not so bad?"

"Affirmative. Now if you'll excuse me. I am getting late."

"Oh sure."

He opens the door for me to leave and steps aside.

"Thank you for today. Farewell."

"Very well, good bye. See you soon as I get any information."

"Okay."

Saying our goodbyes, I went back downstairs and then stood outside the building where there were many others waiting for the carriage to be here. It was a middle sized carriage that could hold up to 10-15 people. In front were five horses attached to pull the carriage. I checked the timings on the board next to me and sighed upon finding out that I have to wait half n hour for the next ride to arrive.

I then stand at a corner at one side and observed the people surrounding me. Since this office was in the state-owned sector of the city, all kinds of people were here. Basically, The Kingdom of Kardia has  multiple little cities with each retaining population ranging from 30-50 thousand only. The cities are kept small to manage them easily. In every city there are three districts. One is for the nobles called as Opulentos and the second one is for the commoners called as Metrios. Industries and mines are additionally in this portion. In between both, there is the government district that includes all public offices like the royal court, prison, main police department, and others. I was now going to shift from Opulentos to Metrios. It may seem like a downgrade but the plus point of this kingdom is the equality. All the things available in Opulentos are also in Metrios. The only difference arises in wealth, but the poor people are not in a worse condition. They lead a lower middle class.

I glanced at the ancient rusty clock that looked clean, hanging from the wall next to the board. There are still 14 minutes left. How long do I have to wait? If I knew I had to wait, I might as well have stayed with Argus and talked some more. But then again, he also had work to do and what would we have even talked about?

Though I doubt that would have mattered much. Even though I talked to him properly for the first time today, I had fun. I wish I could tall to him again soon.

"...ea..."

"Miss Rhea."

A familiar sound transfers me back to reality to which I turn to meet the gaze of the one whom I had just asked to out my house on sale.

"Thank god you're still here."

"Is something wrong?"

I observed the agent, who was sweating. Was he looking for me?

"You need to come back to the office. There's a customer, and I think he is definitely the one."

His tone becomes urgent, arousing my curiosity. I nod my head slowly and then follow him back inside.

When we reach his office, it's vacant. Where's the customer?

"Please sit."

He offered, but I shook my head softly.

"I'd rather not. I'm in a hurry so please make it quick."

"Of course. Just now a man came in requesting to purchase the mansion."

"This soon? But it's not even been put up publicly for sale yet, has it?"

"Not yet but maybe he heard from somewhere. I'm not quite certain about that. But word does spread around here fast. And seeing your..."

He stops speaking, hesitating to say the words he's holding back. He looks at me for approval, and I tell him to go on. I already knew what he was going to blurt out, so it wasn't going to make any difference to make him hear it.

"Perceiving your situation these days, rumours had already spread that you were to promptly sell the mansion."

"I see. Then who is this gentleman?"

"He is apparently the neighbouring kingdom's King's cousin who wanted to but a vacation home in Kardia"

Myalo's King's cousin? Why would he purchase the mansion? If he wanted a vacation home, there are multiple much more beautiful one that's actually in the country side. Then why would he go for a mansion in the city? Is it for spying?

"Why..."

I muttered, and he managed to hear it.

"Apparently he once attended a party and fell in love with the mansion. He has meant to buy it since then."

That also could be valid. After all the mansion is pretty famous.

"Then how much is he willing to pay? I'm forewarning you, I won't go for any penny less than the market price no matter what."

"That won't happen. On the contrary, he is willing to pay more."

"More? Even when the lands prices are declining?"

"Before I could tell them the market value, they put their price on the table. Claiming he is willing to pay this much for the mansion. After that, I informed them I'll first talk to you and then contact them. This is why I immediately looked for you."

"How much are they offering?"

"That...You won't believe it...but it's 600 billion mels."

"What?"

I blink at the words he just uttered. That's the same amount as the debt. Is this a miracle or a coincidence?