Chapter 33: Outmaneuvered

Jessica's watery eyes locked onto Sean. "It's alright if you don't remember," she said softly. "When I was eight, I stayed in Paromia for months. You refused to play with me and spat on my dress." A nostalgic smile flickered across her face.Sean wiped sweat from his brow. No wonder my predecessor had no memory of her! Even the real Sean wouldn't recognize her now—children change drastically between eight and fifteen."I was just a child," Sean said coolly. "Is there something else, Jessica?"Jessica froze, expecting a different reaction. He's supposed to apologize! Flustered, she pivoted: "I heard your fief is Riverside Town. It must be beautiful, so close to the Elven Forest!"Sean's instincts tingled. She's angling for something. Aloud, he replied: "Riverside is overrun by Gnolls. I'm rallying mercenaries to retake it.""How tragic! Let me join you in clearing them out!"Sean's guard rose. She's definitely plotting. To counter, he smiled: "Of course. Stay as long as you like."Jessica blinked. He's not rejecting me! Before she could respond, a voice erupted: "Jessica, you can't go with him!"Brodie Mill, son of Viscount Xavier Mill of Waterpine (adjacent to Riverside), stormed forward. "He's just a baron! You don't need to fawn over him!"Jessica feigned irritation. "My choices are none of your concern!""I'm looking out for you—"As they bickered, Sean pulled aside a bystander. "Who is he?""Brodie Mill. His father lies dying after returning from war. Waterpine borders your fief."Sean's eyes widened. The Mills are collapsing. Brodie's here fighting over a girl?Jessica and Brodie's argument escalated until Count Rivers intervened: "Enough! Let's enjoy the music!"Brodie glared at Sean before storming off.…Sean sighed. I fell into her trap. Jessica had weaponized Brodie's jealousy to provoke conflict. Even obvious manipulation left him cornered—any refusal would've fueled more drama.Before Sean could consult Windsor, Count Rivers approached, lute in hand. "I hear you're a famed musician in Paromia! Play for us!"Brodie sneered: "Yes, grace us with your wonderful music of the big city"Sean panicked. I can't play! "My injury—my fingers aren't healed—""Nonsense!" Count Rivers pressed the lute into his hands. "Exercise aids recovery!"Just as Sean floundered, Windsor stepped forward. "Let me play instead, Your Highness."