Surviving as the Second Main Lead: Second Lead's POV

Horas had not wanted to accompany Howard back to his home but he had made a promise he would not take back. He had to endure Howard's look of admiration as well as Jack Hollow's knowing grin.

'Why did Jack Hollow have to come and accompany us inside? I would be so happy not to see this man again.'

But that was not possible and Horas had to endure this man's company if he did not want to make Howard suspicious of his intentions.

"Jack, do you know that Horas is the youngest person ever to be appointed at Esper's academy? He is talented as well as a good person."

Howard praised Horas and every word caused Jack to look more and more amused. It was humiliating for Horas to be praised this much so he quickly shut Howard's mouth.

"That is enough for you. Jack, if we are done here then I should be heading back now."

Howard looked disappointed but Jack had a knowing grin on his face. This man was the reason everything had started for Horas and he was also the one who could ruin everything.

After all, if there was one person in this world who had legal evidence about Horas's real lineage, it was Jack Hollow. And this man was very capable of using it and abusing that knowledge if he wanted to.

"I know all about Horas, Howard. After all, we have met before and even shared a 'deep' connection."

Jack Hollow's smile made Horas almost yell out 'unfortunately' and 'it was not my idea. But he somehow managed to keep himself in check. It would not help him if he played into Jack's hands.

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The disappointed look on Jack's face assured Horas that he made the right decision to piss Jack off. It was such a satisfying feeling to deprive Jack of his amusement.

"O-Oh, you both have met before? And you both have worked together before as well? Then, why did I not hear about it? I am sure I would have seen Horas around if that was the case, right? Maybe I am not as observant as I believe myself to be."

Howard was beginning to break out now. His eyes were filled with suspicion and somehow Horas knew that if he did not curb Howard's curiosity right now then he would be in trouble later.

"It was a long time ago and we only met two times. It was likely before you came to live with Jack. I think I was five once and seven the other time, right?"

Of course, Horas knew the exact age that his incidents had taken place but he did not want to make a big deal about it. It was bad enough that he had to be associated with Jack Hollow in the first place.

"I see. That makes much more sense. You see, Jack always said that I reminded him of someone and now I know he was talking about you. We even look alive with our black hair and blue eyes."

Horas felt his heart skip a beat as soon as he heard Howard's words.

Howard had no idea what kind of bomb he was dropping on Horse with his words and what the implications of this way. Jack's amused expression was not helping Horas's situation.

He could neither deny nor confirm Howard's words. So, Horas kept quiet and hoped that Howard could not establish a connection in his words with what he knew.

And thankfully, Howard did not and that was the end of that conversation.

"He was so close to catching you in your lie, Horas. Are you sure you do not want to tell your brother the truth? Maybe it will work out better than you expect it to."

Jack whispered directly into Horas's ears, startling him, and making him attack Jack. But the elder adventurer was easily able to dodge the clumsy attack Horas had made against him.

Howard missed it all as he kept on walking with a happy expression on his face. He was not concerned about what was happening behind his back. It was amusing and annoying for Horas to see.

"Well, here is the dining room. A few people will be here today but do not feel nervous. Most of them are nice and those who are not will be dealt with by me or Jack. You just need to enjoy yourself today."

Howard assured Horas before the doors opened. Everyone looked up at the new entry into the room and everyone was looking at Horas right now.

They all knew about him but it was their first time looking at him in person. As such, they were excited to know more about him and try to exploit Horas. Their gaze made Horas not want to be in the room any longer.

"Ensure it for now. If anyone bothers you too much then come and find me or Jack. Remember, smiling is the best way to piss someone off in this room."

What a depressing thing for Howard to say to him. But Horas knew that it was only because Howard had gone through a lot to be where he was right now.

These people had tried to prey on Howard when he was younger and as a result, he had learned how to take care of such pests. Horas was the one who wrote all this so he was familiar with the nature of these adventurers.

'Most of them are rotten to the core and could be considered villains if they were not registered with the government, I am sorry for this world and the people who live in it. They must experience some shitty things.'

Sometimes, Horas did feel sorry for all these people he had created but never gotten to pay attention to.

But then an arm rested on his shoulder and every nice feeling Horas was feeling evaporated into dust and was replaced by annoyance.

"Call for me if you are in a bind. Do not try to take on these people by yourself or you will be buried by them when the time comes. And do not underestimate anyone because they look weak. This is a strong-eat-weak world out here."

Jack warned Horas with an awfully serious voice. And Horas found himself listening to it for a change.