Mincemeat Malady

Tiny droplets of sweat trickled down my forehead as I hid in this cramped cabinet filled with empty brandy bottles. Not only was it tight and hard to breathe, but the strong smell of liquor from the bottles was also disturbing to my olfactory senses. I even had to cover my nose to avoid inhaling the pungent smell.

"Good morning, officers. Why have you graciously visited my humble abode? Is there anything I can do for you?" I heard the bearded man say, and to my ears, his greeting to the visitors was proper and energetic. The way he spoke made it seem like he had known them for a long time.

"We came here to ask if you've seen the young man on the wanted poster?" one of the officers said. "Based on our investigation, he was beaten by nomads and his body was hidden in a chest. They threw the chest into the river, but fortunately, he survived. We found the chest near your land, and if he's not hiding in this area, it's likely that he passed through here and you might have seen him."

It turns out that Revaliant and I went through the same ordeal. Like me, he was also thrown into the river, except that he was placed inside a chest.

"Sorry, officer. I haven't seen him around here," the bearded man replied. "May I ask, what's the kid accused of, and why is the bounty on him so high?"

"This person is a huge shame to the entire kingdom of Lovelrinth, and he's not alone since he has two siblings who are also being searched for," the officer explained. "Whoever finds all three of them will not only receive a reward but might also gain honor and position in the kingdom."

I felt a sense of hope when I learned that Revaliant's siblings were still alive.

"I see. I apologize, but I'm afraid I won't be able to assist you at the moment," the bearded man said. I breathed a sigh of relief when he uttered those words. I had expected him to hand me over to the royal guards. Considering the substantial reward for my capture, it's surprising that he chose to deceive them. I believe I can trust him.

"Prior to our departure, may we conduct a search of your residence?" the royal officer asked. I was bewildered by the question. I hoped the bearded man wouldn't agree to let them search his house, but if he refused, it would only raise the royal guards' suspicions that he was hiding something.

As I had feared, the bearded man agreed to let them search his house, and I got nervous and sweaty in my hiding spot.

"Sir Regionald, there's no one in the room," said an officer who I thought was of a lower rank. So, Regionald was the name of the royal officer who spoke earlier, and based on the tone of his voice, it was clear that he held a high rank.

"There's no one in the bathroom either," replied another royal officer. It seemed that there were only three royal officers present. I could feel their massive size and weight every time they moved.

"Check the walls and ceiling for possible secret rooms or passages. Don't forget to check the floor for possible trapdoors," Regionald ordered. Even though I couldn't see Regionald's face, I could sense his presence. I thought he was standing just near my hiding spot. His voice alone was already unnerving; I couldn't imagine how I would react if I saw his entire appearance.

I couldn't fully imagine Beardman's situation right now, watching his house being searched. I didn't hear him speak or react to what the royal officers were doing. But I knew he didn't have time to relax either, because as soon as the officers found out he helped me hide, he'd be in trouble too.

But why now? Why did I have to sneeze in this precarious situation? Aside from being cramped and smelly, this hiding spot was also extremely dusty, which was why I couldn't help but sneeze. They say that all secrets will be revealed in due time, but now Beardman's secret was being exposed prematurely because of my own foolishness.

"Ah, you were just hiding there, you little rat!" Regionald looked like he had just won the jackpot at a casino when he saw me. He yanked me out of my hiding spot, and his grip was incredibly strong. His grasp was so tight that I let out a cry of pain, especially since his hand gloves were made of metal.

While enduring the pain, I glanced at Beardman, who was standing calmly and expressionless. Meanwhile, Regionald was starting to get angry with him because he had lied.

"Why was this disgusting and filthy creature hiding in your cabinet, old man?" Regionald asked.

"Let me explain, officer. I always intended to hand the kid over to you; I was simply waiting for the right moment. Moreover, take a look at the young man's condition – his bruises haven't fully healed yet. I wanted him to be in better shape before the king lays eyes on him."

"Don't believe that withering man, Sir Regionald. He's just trying to come up with an excuse to avoid being punished for deceiving us," one of the officers said, his tone venomous.

I had only now clearly seen their uniforms. They were wearing tricorns, and their bodies were encased in steel. However, Regionald's uniform caught my attention more because it was more radiant compared to his two companions.

"Go ahead, think of more alibis, ancient man. Make sure they're persuasive, because we weren't convinced by your last explanation," another officer sneered.

"You're shameless, old man! You should be grateful that we exempted you from paying taxes, yet this is how you repay us? You're ungrateful! Don't you know that lying is a grave betrayal of the kingdom and the king? You seem to have no idea about the severe punishment awaiting those who side with turncoats. You're worthless! You're of no use!" Regionald's words were hurtful, but Beardman didn't seem affected by them.

"Ever since your king took power, I've been a traitor to the kingdom. And I just want to tell the king that, 'You're a huge rubbish in Lovelrinth, King Leclerc.' And you, his minions, are all fools! Maybe I am worthless, but it's better that I'm of no use to the kingdom since I'm not in favor of the ruler."

"I really can't stand your sharp tongue!" Regionald exclaimed. "Punish that old man. Teach him a lesson so he'll realize he messed with the wrong people."

I saw the two armored royal guards slowly drawing their weapons. I was left in awe when I saw their simple swords transform into large, sharp scimitars. I was worried for Beardman because with just one swing of the scimitar, he could be brought to the brink of death.

But Beardman remained calm, which seemed to infuriate the three even more. He was calm, as if he had something up his sleeve to use against them.

"Prepare yourself, because no matter how much you beg, we won't show you even an ounce of mercy!" shouted a royal officer to Beardman.

"You didn't even feel fear towards us, as if you think you're superior to us. You're also arrogant," sneered another royal officer in anger.

I saw Beardman pulling something from his neck. He revealed a necklace, which he yanked off with great force, severing the vine that served as its chain. He firmly grasped the gemstone, and it suddenly lit up, transforming into a butterfly-shaped blade.

Instead of feeling fear and intimidation when he revealed his secret weapon, the officers burst out laughing as if they were charmed by it.

"Is that the thing you're so proud of?" Regionald asked mockingly, and they burst out laughing again.

Beardman flashed a ridiculous grin before targeting and hurling the blade at the officers. Suddenly, it multiplied like butterflies emerging from a sanctuary.

The metal butterflies swarmed the two royal guards, and no matter how they tried to dodge or shield themselves, they were slowly sliced apart until they became mincemeat on the floor.

Regionald screamed at the fate of his two companions, his voice a mix of grief and anger. When he unintentionally released me, I fell to my knees on the floor and started vomiting.