Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 53: [52] Forging a New Path

-Third Person POV-

Arkan and Rainer’s arrival at the Marquis’ mansion was met with an unexpected warmth. Normally, noble estates were full of strict protocols that made anyone feel out of place. However, Marquis Arleon De Vryse seemed strikingly different from the stereotypical image of a noble.

As they entered the main hall, the Marquis, who had been waiting for them, greeted them with a friendly smile. The middle-aged man, with neatly styled brown hair, wore a navy-blue aristocratic outfit that was simple yet elegant.

"It was extraordinary to read the reports," said the Marquis, beginning with a tone full of respect. "I must also express my gratitude and offer a reward to both of you for your contributions. As the lord of this region, I extend my deepest thanks."

Arkan felt slightly stiff, not expecting a noble to speak with such humility. Forcing a polite smile, he bowed slightly. "Ah, there’s no need to overstate it, Your Grace. What we did was merely by chance."

Rainer, standing beside him, also bowed respectfully, though his expression remained as stoic as ever.

The Marquis chuckled lightly. "Don’t downplay your efforts. What you’ve done hasn’t only saved that village but also restored a critical trade route for this region. Your success has brought peace and economic stability. That’s not something to take lightly."

-Arkan’s POV-

I found myself perplexed by the Marquis’ humility. In the novel Density Warrior, nobles were often portrayed as arrogant, selfish, and scandalous. Even Rainer, who always remained composed, frequently clashed with them.

But Marquis Arleon was different. He not only showed respect toward us but also sincerely praised our efforts.

’Is this... is this world more complex than I thought?’ I wondered to myself.

"Arkan," the Marquis’ voice cut through my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. "As a token of my gratitude, I would like to present something to you both."

He waved a hand, and a servant approached, carrying two small boxes. The Marquis took one and opened it in front of us.

Inside was a gold ring adorned with a deep blue gemstone—the emblem of the De Vryse family.

"This is a mark of honor from our territory," said the Marquis, extending it first to Rainer. "With this, you will always be welcomed anywhere within my lands."

Rainer accepted it with a slight nod, his expression as unreadable as ever.

The Marquis then took the second box and handed it to me. I opened it slowly, revealing a ring identical to the first. Its weight in my hand felt more than physical; it carried immense meaning.

"Thank you for this honor, Your Grace," I said, striving to maintain a formal tone.

The Marquis smiled, clearly satisfied. "You both have earned it. However, I would also like to hear more about the events in that village, especially how you managed a situation that seemed impossible. Would you be willing to share the story with us?"

I glanced at Rainer, who gave a small nod. "Of course, Your Grace," I finally replied.

We began recounting what had happened—from the mysterious plague and Clara to the battle against the giant centipede. As I detailed the strategies and traps I had devised, I noticed the subtle admiration in the Marquis’ eyes.

"I see," murmured the Marquis, his gaze distant as if deep in thought. "So many people lose their way in life and end up causing harm to others." He sighed heavily before his expression sharpened. "In that case, I must ensure my people don’t stray into darkness."

Rainer and I nodded in agreement with his sentiment.

"Very well," the Marquis said, his attention returning to me. "What about our partnership, Arkan? Have you reached a decision?"

Oh, right. It had been half a month since our initial discussion about this project. I took a breath before answering. "Yes, Your Grace. If the terms remain unchanged, I’m happy to proceed with the collaboration."

The Marquis grinned, clearly pleased. "Excellent. I’ll prepare a place for you. Make sure you do your best. I want this territory to produce the finest alcohol you can create."

I nodded. With that, we parted ways to pursue our respective duties.

###

As we exited the mansion gates, I felt a mix of relief and pressure. But before I could process my emotions, Rainer suddenly suggested something unexpected.

"Come with me for a moment," he said, his tone serious yet calm.

I raised an eyebrow. "Where to?"

"You’ll see," he replied, offering no further explanation.

###

Rainer led me to a hill overlooking a large river that flowed toward the ocean. The view was breathtaking. The sun was beginning to set on the horizon, painting the sky in stunning hues of orange and purple.

I honestly hadn’t expected such a serene place to exist within the Marquis’ territory. It felt peaceful, far removed from the bustle of the city.

However, something about the atmosphere felt... off.

’Wait, why does this feel like a romantic moment?’ I panicked internally.

I glanced at Rainer. His blond hair swayed gently in the breeze, and his piercing blue eyes reflected the sunlight. He stood there like a hero in a fairytale—a prince straight out of a dream.

’No, no, no! This can’t be! I’m still straight! I’d rather die than follow some strange plotline like this!’

While I was lost in my chaotic thoughts, Rainer suddenly spoke, snapping me back to reality.

"So..." he said softly, his tone serious.

I stiffened. ’Wait, is this really happening? Don’t tell me he’s about to—’

"I—"

"Sorry, Rainer!" I interrupted, nearly shouting.

He looked at me, bewildered, with an expression that was difficult to read. "What do you mean?"

I scratched my head, desperately trying to find an excuse. "Umm... Didn’t you bring me here to, you know... make some kind of confession?"

"Confession? To whom?" he asked, his eyes narrowing in genuine confusion.

I stared back at him, equally baffled. "Huh? Isn’t that what you were about to say... or something like that?"

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

An awkward silence fell between us, broken only by the sound of the wind and the gentle rippling of the river.

Rainer sighed heavily and shook his head. "Ahem!" He cleared his throat, clearly eager to change the subject. "Arkan, may I follow you?"

I blinked, struggling to process his words. "Follow me? What do you mean?"

He looked straight at me, his expression unusually serious. "I don’t have a purpose right now. After everything that happened, I realized I can’t keep running away. So... I want to follow you. At least until I find my path."

I fell silent, mulling over his request. It felt heavy, especially since Rainer was supposed to be the protagonist of this story. In my mind, he was meant to forge his own destiny, not follow a supporting character like me.

"Wait... Are you serious?" I asked finally.

He nodded. "Serious."

I scratched my head again, trying to calm the swirl of confusion in my mind. "But I’m nobody. I’m just... an ordinary guy who happens to know a few things." The words slipped out before I could stop myself. ’Crap!’ I panicked internally. Talking about anything tied to the original story in front of its protagonist was a terrible idea. Quickly, I changed the subject. "Forget that... But are you okay with this?"

Rainer gave me a look that was hard to read before nodding slowly. "I’ve seen enough to know... you’re someone I can trust."

I tilted my head, trying to make sense of his logic. "Hmm..." I muttered, thinking hard.

On one hand, I did need a dependable companion. Someone strong enough to handle the heavy lifting—both figuratively and literally—like fighting off threats to protect my growing business. As an entrepreneur in this world, I knew there would be plenty of obstacles ahead: rival merchants, political conflicts, or even physical threats from bandits or monsters.

And Rainer fit the bill perfectly.

If I had to describe it using gacha terms, getting Rainer Astoria was like pulling an SSR card! He was the ultimate choice.

On the other hand, I couldn’t ignore the fact that he was the protagonist of the story. Was I really ready to tie him to me? Wouldn’t that complicate the plot even more?

’You’re free to act however you choose.’

The words of the starlit entity echoed in my mind, prompting a long sigh. This story was already broken; the future I remembered was no longer relevant. If I tried to cling to what I thought was "right" before, I might just end up making everything worse.

"Alright," I said at last, meeting Rainer’s gaze firmly. "You can follow me."

The bright smile that lit up his face almost made me regret my decision. It was so radiant, it seemed like it was trying to outshine the setting sun behind him.

"Thank you!" he said with genuine enthusiasm.

I exhaled heavily. "Yeah, yeah. But let’s make this formal. If we’re going to work together, let’s reintroduce ourselves."

I extended my unbandaged right hand. "I’m Arkan Lawrence. Pleased to meet you."

Rainer, though slightly taken aback, shook my hand with a firm grip. "Um... I’m Rainer Astoria. Pleased to meet you, too."

For a moment, we just stood there on the hill, shaking hands as the soft evening breeze swirled around us. It felt like the beginning of something new, though I knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy.

I could only hope that this was the right decision. But if it wasn’t? Well, as always, I’d find a way to deal with it.

"Alright," I said, letting go of our handshake. "Let’s get started on this journey. There’s a lot we need to prepare."

Rainer nodded, his eyes filled with newfound determination. "I’m ready."

With that, we left the hilltop, carrying hopes and a growing sense of trust into an uncertain future.