Asterix scratched his head as he made his way toward the chair.
"Jorvik…" He sat down.
Before he could break the bad news, Jorvik started talking.
"Sir, I know I messed up." He massaged his chin, still bruised from the fight. "But that was a mistake."
"Jorvik…"
"This won't happen again. I'll pay more attention to the fight. I can do this. Just tell me what I need to do."
"Jorvik!" Asterix shouted.
"What?!"
Asterix sighed and pulled Jorvik's untouched plate toward him, picking up a strip of bacon and placing it in his mouth. After swallowing, he continued.
"You—well. You're no longer in the plan."
"Huh?"
"It's not your fault. Nobody expected that to happen. And while I'm here, I have to tell you—whatever happened during that spar has to stay there."
"No, stop! What are you talking about? What do you mean I'm no longer in the plan?"
"Well, Liam was stronger than we expected, so we have to improvise."
Jorvik pointed at him. "You told me that sparring with Liam was part of the plan."
"It was. To find ways to beat him in a way that would make you look like a great fighter. But now? I can't find a way for you to beat him."
Jorvik couldn't believe what he was hearing.
To be fair, neither could Asterix.
In no world did he ever imagine saying that Liam was a good fighter.
But here he was, in the one world where he had to say it.
"Sir Asterix, I am a better fighter than Liam. He just got lucky."
"I used to think that too. Look, don't worry about it. You're young. There will be more opportunities for you in the future."
Jorvik's lips started to shake. "Asterix… Asterix, listen, just tell me what I need to do. I'll do anything. I can do this."
"If I beat Liam, no one will remember him. No one." Jorvik started thinking out loud. "Oh—if one of the weakest fighters in this House beats him, then there'll be no future for him!"
Any other noble wouldn't have done what Jorvik just did.
He was degrading himself.
"Jorvik, I want to help you. I really do. But this situation is bigger than you."
"Then help me. Just help me. You know what it takes for me to get the job done. Just tell me."
"I can't."
"Just tell me, and it'll be done."
Asterix wanted Jorvik in the plan.
Not to beat Liam, but to avoid any problems that might latch onto Valen.
But at the end of the day, it wasn't up to him.
"There is nothing I can tell you that will fix this situation. Nothing."
Tears started forming at the edges of Jorvik's eyes. It can't just end like this. It can't. He wiped them away before locking eyes with Asterix.
"I know how to beat him."
Usually, he was better at lying.
But in this situation, desperate as he was, Asterix read through him like a book.
"Jorvik, it's over. Truth be told, I wanted you to be in the plan. But it's out of my control." He stood up.
Seeing Asterix slowly walking away, Jorvik wiped his tears again and stood up.
"Wait!"
Asterix stopped mid-step.
"I can convince Lady Rhyla. I can!" I must.
Asterix shook his head.
Rhyla had already decided. Nothing was going to change her mind.
Even if Valen disagreed, she would probably go ahead with the plan.
She had been right too many times. Why should she doubt herself now?
The tears were harder to control now, and the portrait of his mother flashed in his mind.
His imagination conjured the letter she had written him, the words slowing in his thoughts.
"Asterix, this is all I have. I'm not like the others. Opportunities like this don't come to me often."
"That's not true. You're still young, and there will be plenty more opportunities ahead." He repeated.
"No!" He stopped holding back the tears. They streamed down his cheeks. "You're either too used to being around that spoiled shit Valen, or you're just lying to me!"
Asterix gritted his teeth. "Careful."
"Enough! You know damn well—I am not Valen, I am not Kaelus! You know I'm only treated decently because Liam is there. If you remove me from this position, you'll be taking away the only respect I have."
He covered his face with his handkerchief.
"If you take this away, you might as well take your sword and take my head—because that's what you'll be doing."
Speechless, Asterix turned his back on Jorvik.
Jorvik's mouth fell open.
"Wait!"
Asterix didn't stop walking.
"Asterix!!!" Jorvik screamed. "I didn't ask you to help me!! I had him won on my own! You're the one who came into my room and interfered with my plans! You and that wench dragged me into this! I didn't choose to ride your coattails!"
Asterix turned back, grabbed Jorvik by the collar, and yanked him forward.
"I said—careful with what you say."
Jorvik's face shook in fear. Asterix's face was inches from his own.
He swallowed hard. "I was just trying to stand out. I was just trying to fulfill my promise, my duty! You promised."
"Enough."
Asterix shoved Jorvik away and continued walking.
Jorvik's legs gave out, and he fell to his knees.
But just as Asterix reached the hallway, he took a deep breath.
"Asttteeriiixxx!!!"
His voice cracked as he punched the floor.
"You promised me!!!!"
He slammed his fists against the ground.
"You promised to train me!!!"
His voice grew more hoarse with every word.
"You promised you were here to help me! You promised me the BARONSHIP!!!"
Shaking, he forced himself to stand, his legs weak beneath him.
"I'm not letting go of my role! I won't! You don't have that right, and I'm not giving it to you!"
"That right isn't yours to give," Asterix said, walking faster.
As Asterix left his field of view, Jorvik turned toward the window.
The sun had already set.
Give me a sign…
What do I have to do…?
But no sign came.
His hand grabbed the nearest table.
With a scream, he flipped it over.
"LIAM!!!"