Knowing you’re constantly in danger takes a toll on a person. Sure, I haven’t actually been directly attacked yet, but still, all the small things start to weigh down on you. A couple close calls here, a few false alarms there. The worst was probably Sabrina. Two years in a relationship, only to find out the whole thing was a ploy to get my guard down. That one messed me up for a few months.

My family was so proud of me when I was chosen to become the kingdom’s Key Bearer. And why wouldn’t they? It was the second most prestigious title, only following the King himself. I hope they’re still proud of me. I haven’t seen them in years. For their sake as much as mine.

Still, it’s not all downsides. They pay is beyond generous. After my seven year tenure is up, I’ll be set up for multiple lifetimes. Also, having unrestricted access to every corner of the kingdom is a wet dream for every young mage. Every secret tome, every record of forgotten history, every hidden away artifact, all at my fingertips.

All it took was for me to sell my soul