Return of the Runebound Professor Chapter 421: Otto

Noah wasnt sure if he was meant to be surprised or not. It was no news to him that the man that had spent a ridiculous amount of gold on a potentially useless rune was from a wealthy family. Hed fully expected him to be from one of the top ones in the empire.

That said, he wasnt so sure hed been expecting the man to be from top family. There wasnt much he knew about the King family aside from their position, and even that had only been a mention in brief passing from Moxie.

How much of a prick is he? Noah asked, eying Otto from across the room. The glistening gemstones on his uniform werent doing the man any favors. Nobody voluntarily walked around like a bedazzled grapefruit unless they had absolutely no taste or all too much money and no good way to spend it.

Hes well, youll see, Silvertide said with a chuckle. Ive had some dealings with him. Otto isnt the worst Ive met, but that really isnt saying much. Ive met a lot of people. Most of the ones Ive really hated are dead.

Well, thanks for the help, Noah said. I suppose Ill go chat him up. Ive always wanted to pitch to investors.

Investors? Silvertides brow furrowed. Im not sure I follow.

Sorry. Made up words, Noah said, waving a hand. Have a good meeting. Im gonna go bother a rich dude.

Hardly something new for you, Id say, Silvertide said dryly. Between Father and the entirety of the Torrin family, Id say youve bothered enough rich folk to last a lifetime.

I notice you didnt include yourself in that list. Im taking that as a good thing.

Well leave it as to be determined. Im sure youll have more than enough opportunity to do that in the future. Youre already doing it in the advanced track. Quite impressive, really. I didnt think youd get to work this quickly.

Unfortunately, I wasnt given much choice. It seems weve got as many enemies here as we do everywhere else, Noah said. He sent Silvertide a pointed look. Isabel in particular.

The soldier gave Noah a grim nod. Im more than aware. I cant look out for her too much. Ive got my own responsibilities to make sure Tyler doesnt fall behind but Ill keep my eyes open.

Thanks. We appreciate it, Noah said. He raised a hand, then turned and headed across the room to speak with Otto. The nobleman had a slightly sour expression on his lips and was sipping on a cocktail hed claimed from the table. His gaze was on a pair of students sparring in the corner of the room, but he didnt look all too invested.

The King family was also unlikely to be involved with any plots regarding Emily. They were the strongest family in the kingdom, so there was no way theyd give a shit about the Torrins inner politics.

Isabel was another story. Otto struck Noah as the exact type of person to desperately want to get his hands on a Master Rune. Hed seemed fairly respectable during the auction, but there was no way to truly know for sure until push came to shove and Noah had absolutely no plans of letting things ever even get to that point.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Noah decided to ignore the fact that he was starting to sound like a drug dealer. He strode up to Otto, coming to a stop several paces away and sticking his hand into a pocket to grab the leather badge that hed gotten from Otto the last time theyd met.

Ottos gaze flicked to Noah, an expression of disinterest passing over his features. He didnt even bother trying to hide it. Can I help you?

Do the words Violet Transference mean anything to you?

I am not interested in selling the Rune or giving copies of it out, Otto said promptly. Particularly not to a member of the advanced track that only just joined.

Thats fine, Noah said. You asked if you could help me.

I was being rhetorical, Otto said without missing a beat. I have no plans of

Im not sure if you can help me, Noah interrupted Otto, pulling the patch out of his pocket and holding his hand out as if to shake Ottos, but I believe I can help you.

The nobles eyes flicked down to Noahs palm. He froze and his expression locked in place for half a second. A remarkable shift passed over his features and the annoyance evaporated like a faint puddle in the desert sun.

This is a coincidence I was not expecting to find today, Otto said, shaking Noahs hand with a smile. I was wondering if Id ever hear from you again. I must say, I wasnt expecting

Me? Noah asked, raising an eyebrow. Few do. There are advantages to staying out of sight.

I quite agree, though it grows harder to hide with every passing day. I trust you have approached me for business purposes?

If youve got the time. There are a few things Im in the market for.

Otto raised a hand to stop Noah from continuing. We should continue this elsewhere. The advanced track is an interesting place, but it is not devoid of competitors. I would prefer to keep our discussions secret.

I cant completely abandon my students, Noah warned. I have other duties.

We wont be going far, Otto replied. He turned and pressed a hand to the wall behind him. A well concealed door swung open, leading into a small room with several plush chairs arranged around a small table. The advanced track is no stranger to the pedigree of those belonging to it. There are times when we must be able to speak in peace.

Convenient, Noah said, following Otto into the room. He closed the door behind them, and all sound from the meeting behind them vanished as if it had never been there. Otto caught the look on Noahs face.

Sound Runes to block noise in and out, Otto explained, taking a seat in one of the chairs and leaning back.

Noah sat down across from him, and the two of them sat in silence for a brief instant.

I have to say, you arent who I was expecting, Otto said. I had my guesses, mind you. A number of them. I can honestly say that you were not even a smudge on the list. Tell me do you represent someone?

No, Noah replied. I work alone, aside from those in my group. There is nobody above me.

An odd answer, but one where the meaning cannot be missed. Otto interlaced his fingers. You do not work for Father, then?

We have an impasse.

A Rank 6 has an impasse with a Rank 4. How curious. You were not lying about being apt at concealing yourself, Vermil. Is the rest of the company you keep as unique as you are?

Ottos words werent a threat, but they were far from casual conversation. The noble was searching to find where his loyalties and weaknesses lay.

Everyone who has tried to find out has had a less than stellar time of things, Noah replied with a small shrug. They are all capable in their own right.

Capable indeed, Otto said. I had heard that the woman you travel with was exiled from the Torrin house. Not a common occurrence. Its quite surprising to see her strolling around without any signs of soul damage to show.

I am not without resource.

So you have made abundantly clear. Otto smiled and leaned forward. You have my attention, Magus Vermil. The Monster Rune you gave me was every bit as fascinating as I had hoped albeit slightly useless. Im afraid it has been lost.

Lost? Noah asked.

Otto grimaced. A subordinate attempted to draw it into their soul. They absorbed it safely, but did not survive the attempt to utilize its power. The Rune was unrecoverable.

That is unfortunate.

It is, Otto agreed. But I suspect you have come to solve my issues. You have another Monster Rune?

I do.

A smile stretched across Ottos lips. Then let us talk business.