Chapter 65: One Suspicious Sample
Rhovan went silent for a couple of minutes. He was contemplating whether he should go along with Marek’s plans, but there was no other way about it. If he wanted to know more through his research with Ophiuchus, he needed Marek’s presence. There wasn’t even a debate over whether he wanted to stick with Marek until the end. After all, all else would die, but never the thirteen ones.
’As long as the Zodiac persists, the Thirteen shall never be absent. Crowns may lose their thrones, Houses their names, and worlds their memories—but the first consequence of a law cannot be made unborn.’
He looked at the papers on the table. "I will help you find Mara. You let me observe whatever you’re already willing to show about Ophiuchus. I’ve got nothing to lose in this bargain anyway."
Marek raised a brow. "No touching my Mark."
"Noted."
Marek then pushed the papers to his side and said, "Start with the search."
Rhovan smiled. He stood up from the monobloc and bowed toward Marek. "As the Ophiarch commands."
Marek was also about to go over some of the records when he stopped. "The what?"
"It’s an old Ophiuchus word, predating the current civilization and those before it," Rhovan replied, already standing straight. "I have lived for a very long time, and you are the first Ophiuchus who fascinates me. Nothing else can come close to the fascination I have with you. Ever since the day I saw the reports about you."
"Which means?" Marek was bewildered by this turn of events.
’Why did this dude suddenly bow to me? What the hell? Is he on drugs?’ His eyes narrowed. ’Is he plotting something?’
"I am not who you think I am, oh Dear Ophiarch," Rhovan said. "As a matter of fact, I have never seen an Ophiuchus as dignified as you are—"
"Hold up, dude," Marek cut him off as he also stood up from his chair. "Have you gone mad after hearing that simple logic? Did it damage your brain this much?"
Dario clutched his hair in frustration. ’W-What the hell is with that guy? He entirely changed after spending some time spacing out. I’m literally going crazy right now! What did that kid do?!’
"No, I’m perfectly fine, oh Dear Ophiarch."
"What the hell are you on about?" Marek asked, his eyes narrowing into slits once more. "Do you really think I’m stupid enough to believe your antics?"
"What does Ophiarch mean, you ask?" Rhovan completely ignored his questions. "Well, someone whose Ophiuchus Authority is legitimate by itself, without needing recognition or approval from any of the other Twelve."
Silence greeted their ears afterward. The muffled murmurs and low hums from outside the room seemed louder than usual. Marek did not move, his eyes showing no reluctance to back down.
Dario gulped. ’Damn, these two are definitely mind-fuckers!’
"I don’t know what really happened back then with Ophiuchus," Rhovan confessed. "The records seem incomplete. Some contradict one another, while others seem to have entire pieces missing."
Just hearing the politeness in Rhovan’s voice sent shivers to Marek’s brain neurons.
It was thatalarming to him.
Marek clearly remained blinded by the real reason for Rhovan’s behavior.
How he wished to scare off the fog that blinded his vision!
Everything that Rhovan said did not make sense at all. Marek’s knowledge about the Marks and the Thirteen Zodiac Signs had only scratched the surface. Assuming that Rhovan was someone from the past and one of the oldest ones, he did not know if reincarnation was even possible.
’But was he reincarnated in the first place? Why has he been searching for Ophiuchus? What or who was he in the past?’ Marek looked at the broken window. ’These little pieces of information I’m trying to match with one another... they are causing my head to ache.’
"There’s something in you that captivates me, oh Ophiarch. Something far older... something from the beginning of the Prime Continuum..." Rhovan said. "I only have a vague impression of the memories of the past... I-I can’t remember everything. Even now, as I am saying these to you, it hurts my head so much."
Marek squinted his eyes. "I don’t understand what you are saying to me right now. Moreover, there aren’t enough grounds for me to trust you."
"End my life now, oh Ophiarch," Rhovan said as he knelt in front of Marek.
Marek was flabbergasted. ’Is he serious? Does he have a brain condition? Perhaps I could help him with that, but thinking about it, using the Quiet Room seemed a bit too stupid to use for a stupid reason like this.’
"In a lab, when you’re examining a sample, a single result isn’t enough. You run through the process again, compare it with other samples, and see if it stays consistent. Right now, you’re basically one suspicious sample wearing untainted clothes."
"I understand, oh Ophiarch..." Rhovan truly thought of ending his life just to earn Marek’s trust.
’What the hell is wrong with him? He looks so sincere when he says those words—which is the most baffling part. Is he some kind of fanatic? I’m not an idol, you know? Hell would break loose if I passed as an idol, and you would not with your looks, dude.’
"Look, if you end your life now, how will you be able to serve me? Make it make sense," Marek said. "Look, I’m not building some cult here. People will misunderstand me if you always act like that."
Rhovan just nodded and proceeded to help as he promised. "Oh, dear Ophiarch, the newest confirmed movement still pointed west. Well, Rafe already had—"
"Who is Rafe again?" Marek cut him off. "And please stop addressing me with that title. It really sounds like I’m trying to create my cult right now."
"Yes, dear Ophiarch—"
"I just told you not to call me like that."
Rhovan subtly nodded.
’I noticed that!’ Marek was fuming inside.
"Rafe is the Sagittarius-marked man, dear Ophi—"
"Alright," Marek quickly replied.
’Damn, what a stubborn fellow!’
Rhovan suddenly put one hand on his chest and slightly bowed. "As you wish, dear—"
"Stop it, or I will refuse your help." Marek’s forehead creased. "Tch."
Rhovan froze.