“Hm! Bishop Blast will be returning soon! I heard the Pope only passed by Gareth in his White Steed and continued his flight to Elvennur!” Waking up from a sound sleep after hearing the uppity voice of Seiness from the slightly opened door, Jackson looks around him. The bed was empty with him being the only one there and the sheets were the only thing left unkempt as everything else was already tidied up.
As his eyes settled from the long day he had yesterday, the piercing rays from the sweet touch of the morning dew embraced his fair complexion as he leaned out of bed. Still in his pajamas, he turns to his left to see the Cheque left by the Adventurer Guild and the Plaque they got from the Blacksmith Guild. Neatly sitting by the wardrobe door while the piece of paper was on the counter next to the bed. Taking it, he smirks at the vertical line with a horizontal angled line coming out of the edge of its tip and the four slices next to it. “One thousand silver coins… sheesh.” He then plops it back and stands up, stretching his arms and legs before leaning left and right. Proceeding to the mirror, he checks on himself.
Though his black hair had gotten a bit longer, now reaching his neck, it was still possible to style it to the usual clean cut with a half on the left. With his usual well built physique still in tip top shape, he dons only his shirt and shorts, he goes out of the main bedroom to see that Elizabeth was reading a book while drinking a wine on the sofa, Bahamut in her Dragon form, sleeping on top of a ledge by the fireplace and Alana at the table looking at a bunch of well made letters with Seiness who was trying to replicate her elegant style.
“Good morning, My Lord.” Stretching his arms once again, he looked at the Queen as he scratched his back. “Haaaaah… morning Eliza-” before he could continue, she raised her index finger to his mouth. “My Lord… we have a guest early this morning.” Waking up fully from his error, the man nodded and just sat next to her as his brain was still in the process of fully starting up for the long day.
Looking at Elizabeth, she was in her usual brown and tan commoner dress. The book on her hand being one of the Earthling Novels Alana bought. Leaning forward to see its front page. “The Brothers Karamazov?” not knowing what it is, he just leans back, hands on the back of his head. “Already, you're reading some complex Earth novels. Geez, you Vampires are something.” He wipes his face with his hands as he stretches once again.
“I do find your literature to be… faithful and enigmatic, My Lord. Though why does the ones from this country called the Russian Empire seem to be very sad and depressing?”
“Well, I’ve been to Russia before. The modern day one that’s a Federation.” he then yawns and leans forward once again, resting his elbows on top of his legs. “Was the Moscow Referendum as Asia and the collective West signed the Moscow Peace Treaties. The place was actually pretty good for what it is. But a bit unnerving at times.” He soon starts rubbing his chin as he stretches his arms once again. “Hmmmmm… I do wonder why Trevor wanted to specifically ask for Bahamut…”
“Exactly what do you mean by this, My Lord?”
“Is there something with Bahamut that would solve whatever is happening right now when he was in charge? Or was he given the same information as we do and needed to fill out some questions all by himself?”
“My guess is that he thinks that she could solve a specific problem and the larger picture overall. Knowing your colleagues, My Lord. He probably ran into the same problem we have and sought out to find answers and get help from his trusted confidants.”
Looking over to the Dragon sleeping on the sofa. He nods and turns to her once again. “Bahamut did detect the underground fortress under this city… I might need to visit the UN Outpost.”
“Ohhhhh! I shall come with you, My Lord!” She sets down her book and looks at him straight in the eyes, her emerald colors sparkling in excitement. “I do believe I will find answers there, if not clues!” Taken aback by her sudden closeness, he sighs. “Well, it won’t hurt to check and see. Not like the Outpost here is something big or amazing. But, it might indeed have something.”
Scratching his back, he lazily stands up and walks over to Alana who was neck deep in reading the letters whilst occasionally looking over to Seiness. She was the first to notice him, the Priestess quickly lighting up as she bowed her head in respect to him.
“Lord Jackson! May Deus’ blessing be with you in this fine morning!”
“Ahahaha- early today, aren’t you Seiness?”
“Hm! I had lots of questions since I have money now and Lady Minuit seems to know her way around it.” He nods at her. “Hooo boy, when it comes to money. Alana couldn’t be any more well versed at it. She’s perfect.” He rests his hand on her right shoulder and she rests her left hand on top of it, smiling. But she didn’t reply. “Business?” Leaning into her, she then breaks her attention away from the letters.
“Hmmm… no M’Lord. It’s multiple invitations from the Noble families, requesting me to go to the party. It seems that a man had spread the news of my presence here. Tsk.”
“Multiple? Word gets around that fast huh.”
“It’s usually how it is even with Human Nobles. Some of these ones are really overselling it with how elaborate they're trying to be.”
“Why?”
She then points at a sentence, though he is unable to understand it. The man leans in closer to inspect the unfamiliar letters.
“Look at this M’Lord, it says they’ve invited even Nobles from the Capital region to come and attend. Even the Financier and that it might maybe help me in bettering my business in Gareth. Absolutely preposterous even after I’ve deemed my visit here is not for business!”
“Huh, is having a Vampire Noble present really that rare? For them to call someone from the Royal Capital…” Seiness then leans it and takes a peek at the elegant paper. It even had borders on it that had the curls of a fancy mansion edge. “E-Eh?! Its Lord Crauciter Lechester!'' They both then look at her. “Who?”
“He is part of the King’s Court and one of the Kingdom's most famed Financiers! I’ve heard rumors that Sir Lechester is going around the country preparing for the upcoming Calamity!”
Alana and Jackson then both exchanged looks. “You seriously don’t know, Alana?” She shrugs.
“My Lord, Vampire Nobles aren’t one to be with mortals. Hence why I do not know who this person is and my designs with Gareth aren’t that deep that it would mark the need for someone in the King’s Court to be in my contacts.”
“But even still… for someone that high up to be present in the party…”
“They must be quite excited at the new rare thing that has come to their doorstep even though it's something that could kill them without much thought. Grrrrr… I usually am not like this but I came here with the idea of hanging out with you and everyone, M’Lord”
“Ahhhhh… I see. These people are crazy good at what they're doing though.” He tilts his head as he looks at the elegant paper. One of the many others. “But I don’t blame them, this is an opportunity. Is it that crazy to think that maybe, just maybe, we can go there and try to blend in?”
“M’Lord, you're literally in a room with two Vampires.”
“Two Vampires that I deeply respect and know the boundaries of. I am sure it won’t be the same if we get there, right?”
“Shall I reject these, then? I don’t mind attending it with you, M’Lord.”
“Why not? We do need more info. Like, for example, since the Holy See’s Bishops are also part of the Nobility. Could they perhaps tell us a bit about the problems and divisions inside their organization? Or even better yet, a scoop on who can afford those Assassins.”
“But M’Lord, you’d have to be my stand-in partner. That includes that fabulous ensemble you wore in the Masquerade.”
“W-W-We’re not in the Kingdom of Rose, Alana. Do I really need to get into that outfit again?”
“M’Lord, I might be one of the first Vampire Nobles to ever attend a Human Party since the era of the fourth King and that’d be four hundred years ago. I cannot attend it alone, I need a Man with me and that man is only you, but you must be dressed worthy to be on my side.”
Jackson just wipes his face with his hands. Taking a chair he then sat down next to her and started thinking. Seiness on the other hand just giggling at him as he changed positions multiple times, thinking and thinking. “Do you really need a man for this?”
“M’Lord, I am a Noble. I cannot be seen without one in any social or public occasion. Vampire or Human.”
“And you know… I’m not a Vampire.”
“So? I could merely spin it, M’Lord as me trying to connect with them through having a Human husband of sorts.”
“Would that work? I mean, these are my people we’re talking about here… and is having a Human husband even seen as something good? Wouldn’t that make it seem like I am just someone you picked up for the sake of it?”
“Of course. M’Lord, they know we Vampires don’t see Humans in the same light as ourselves. They’d completely fall for it even with little effort due to one thing.” He and Seiness both tilt their heads as they await her answer. “For our feelings are genuine, it is built out of not just some lustful need to feed for blood, but also out of history, friendship, and battle hardened bonds. This should be conveyed even in the difference of our species, M’Lord. This odd love we share amongst each other goes beyond such things.”
“Awwwww… pfft…” the man just deflates like a balloon to the table. His hands tapping the wooden table. “I hate how good you are with this… Did Carmilla teach you any of these speech tactics?” He keeps tapping with his fingers as his cheeks and ears turn red, leaving Alana to continue reading and skimming through the letter’s she’s received while peeking over at Seiness’ paper. “Do try to angle your letters a bit more. Maybe just by a tad bit.”
The Priestess nods as she tries to redo the example sentence, which was a complex collection of big words cobbled into one coherent line. “GAAAH!” His scream was heard by the entire room, even awakening the Dragon. “MASTER! I NEED TO SLEEP! IT WAS A HEAVY FLIGHT!” He then points his finger at her. “I KNOW! JUST LET ME THINK!”
He then stops and then stares at the ceiling. His finger tapping his jaw while Bahamut after waking up, just collapses back into her ledge. But before coming back to her slumber, the fire underneath it sparkled even brighter as she went back to sleeping soundly once again.
“Oh, and it's also tomorrow, M’Lord. We should have the entire day to prepare and plan.”
“Do you have a plan? Because… this like… came out of nowhere. Isn’t this stuff planned months ahead like with the Masquerade? This is super TIGHT in the sched.”
“It's usually done like that, but it seems that I am a late guest, M’Lord and the Nobles of Gareth love these spontaneous things. I do have a plan set for a scenario like this.”
“And that is?”
Alana then walks closer to him. Her finger skimmed the man's shoulder as she walked from his right to left. Seductively lowering her head next to his ear.
“M’Lord, you know, I’ve never seen you truly flex that five stars on your shoulders.”
“I can’t really abuse my position as much. I can only go as far as to give you early news on where we’ll be starting a mess.”
“But don’t you think this might be the time to maybe go to that UN Outpost and have them teleport my carriage to here, M’Lord?”
“Ohhhh… can I even do that? Communication is very iffy right now since Zavalda is absolutely wrecked. Trans Lord Loch telecoms might still be out. Do you really need to enter with the Minuit Carriage?”
“Of course M’Lord! I am the daughter of the Minuit House. I cannot simply waltz into a party without a grand entrance. Everything must have theatrics to it, as these stories will trickle down to the Commoners and Peasants who must know of my luxury and power.”
Jackson then wipes his face, chin to his forehead as he sighs. “Alright. I’ll see what I can do… I hate spontaneous crap. Most of all if it takes preparation to do. Ughhh…" He then walks back to their room and changes to his green general uniform. Soon. Elizabeth followed him and changed to a more elegant attire. “I’ll be back with Carmilla in… an hour or two, maybe. If it's longer than that, expect that I am trying to get a teleporter to work. This might mean drawing alotta things on the floor unless they have a Mage on hand.” Alana then gives him a quick kiss on the cheek and smiles as she holds his hand. “Thank you, M’Lord. I’ll be sure to return this.” The man just smiled back and put his cap underneath his armpit and walked out.
Elizabeth on the other hand stops before exiting. “You know, Countess. I often forget that you can be just as persuasive as I am.” Alana just smiles and replies with a warm smile. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I am merely putting my Purebred blood to a bit of work.”
“Ahahahaha, Our Lord is so cute. Did you see his face blush lightly? Aw, that was enough to get me into the mood.”
“He is indeed cute, Your Majesty. He tried to brush my looks away but he gave up early.”
“I believe he just knows it's futile to resist our beauty even with the closeness and the contract.” He then looks over to Seiness and gestures goodbye. “Do be a good little girl and take care of Bahamut.” She then peeks over to the ledge on top of the fireplace, the Dragon sitting in between some nicknacks for decoration. “Countess, do watch over her.”
Elizabeth then exits out after a wink, leaving the door open. Bahamut in her Dragon form lazily walks into the room. She stops and looks up to the Countess who was busy selecting what to wear.
Shrugging, she then looks up to Seiness who was busy practicing her writing. Seeing that she had nothing else going on, the Dragon flew to the bed. Jumping into the sheets, she reaches the front board but slips and falls. The thud sounded as if a piece of metal was dropped by someone. “Oh my…” turning around, the Countess sees the Dragon on her back, quickly turning around and going in all fours once again.
“Haaaaa… I am still sleepy, Bloodsucker. Let me be.”
Alana then lightly grabs Bahamut and places her on top of the sheets. The Black Dragon then started to press her talons into the soft and comfy cloth multiple times and then dropped her belly first then curled up.
“Are you that tired from taking care of Seiness and flying with a heavy load? She was extremely docile and friendly. Unlike younger Dragons.”
“I do not know why. This happened back then and when Grifvet left me in the Dragon quarters. Taking care of small ones seems to drain me more than usual and without Master’s constant presence to give me energy, I just want to sleep and rest.” She then stretched her wings and licked the membranes on it. “And we Dragons aren’t built to have square boxes on our back. It takes me more energy to flap my wings and retain energy for lift.”
“It’s odd though that of all things, it's youngins’ that give you such lethargy while flying with a bit of distortion on your back could make you act like a dog that had been out the entire day.”
“I don’t get it myself. I just feel like I have to take into account the unpredictable actions of them while also taking into account the shifting weight on my back. At least of my own kin I can control, but those not, I have a hard time having to take care of them.”
“Worry not, I am sure our Lord will be home by afternoon. I’ll cook something nice for us too. Her Majesty suggested something to me this early morning that she wants to help make.”
Outside, the two take Junior from the stables tucked inside the alleyway. With his uniform all spick and span, he had the Queen on his back as they rode onto the street. The General’s attire and the medals on it bounced about as he took to the South direction.
Weaving through the traffic, everyone is stunned at the massive horse and its black rubbery skin. With bloodshot eyes and a relentless stride, it jogged past the carriages hauling goods to and from the city where they soon approached the area where they met the drinking soldiers.
And soon enough, they did find UN soldiers at the same untrodden bar. He stops right in front of it and exits out. “Men, where is the outpost directly at?” The highest ranking member there, a Staff Sergeant, quickly walked outside and pointed right. “Down there sir. Continuing and then turning left. The Outpost is in a dilapidated three storey building. It's the only one of its kind around here.” He nodded and tipped his visor as he hopped back into Junior and went down the street. The soldiers just looked in awe of the high ranking officer as he disappeared into the busy area.
Doing as instructed, they turn left and immediately encounter a barricaded street. Though traffic was still allowed, sandbags were on the sidewalks alongside cameras littered the entrance. The soldiers at the post couldn’t believe their eyes as a man with five stars on his green jacket rode on a mighty steed to their direction. Without even daring to stop him, they let the man inside the Outpost where Jackson was greeted by a bunch of soldiers haphazardly in their uniforms. “Whose in command?” A deep sigh was then heard as an Officer stepped forward. “Captain Randall, sir. I’ll lead you to Colonel Blackwell.” he tips his cap as he turns around to Elizabeth.
Holding his hand out, she softly takes it and lets the man lead her to the third floor where an armored door awaits them.
With three knocks, it automatically opens and inside was a young Colonel with brown hair. Wearing his neatly ironed dress uniform, his polished medals and ribbons gleaming by the single lightbulb that hangs by the ceiling. He immediately stood up and saluted. “GENERAL JACKSON! SIR!” The man returns it with a quick salute and walks inside with Elizabeth as the Captain closes the door.
“SIR! How may I help you at this hour?”
The two then sat on a sofa on the corner. Jackson sat down as he looked at Elizabeth and the two nodded to one another. He then stood up and approached the Colonel. “What’s your current orders and the main directive of this outpost?” The blonde woman then started looking around the room as the officer gladly answered him. “We’re here to remind the Kingdom and the local populace about our presence sir. We mostly help in Humanitarian Aid while also responding to Beast attacks if the city deems it.”
He then sat on the chair in front of the Colonel’s table. Crossing his legs as he opened his arms. Letting him have a good look at all the medals and ribbons on his chest, it was so much that it made the man’s own look as if it was a mere costume. “And what has been the largest combat operation this Outpost has participated in?” He then gestures for the man to sit down, who wilfully does it. Pushing his chair as close to the table as possible. “Five Humvees and Two Infantry fighting vehicles sir. The Motor Pool is right behind the building, it used to be one of those tucked in monuments with a park around it.”
Jackson shrugs as Elizabeth stood up and started to inspect things around. The Colonel spots her and couldn’t help but stare at the beautiful lady. “U-Uhm, General. We can’t have the Locals around here."He just gives the man with the eagle on his shoulders a smile. “Don’t worry about her. She’s with me. But instead, I’d like to ask if you have any means of teleportation. Long range and capable of transporting carriage sized cargo.”
The Colonel quickly opens his drawer, looking for something as Elizabeth approaches his table. She touched the sides first then the top of it. Slowly and seductively caressing it. The Officer then quickly throws a book named “A Hero’s Death” onto the table, making a loud sound. But it didn’t reverberate correctly as a second one was thrown, this one being a spell book.
Jackson then takes the first book, sighing as he opens it and the table of contents being stories of soldiers from the Roman times all the way to the World Wars and Modern era. With many of it, being from World War Two and Three. The Colonel was silent and stoic as Jackson carefully observed the book. “Colonel Blackwell, have you ever been to an actual in real life war?” the man shrugs. “No sir. Was too young to participate when World War Three was at its climax.” his eyes open wide and then calmly returns the book to the table as he takes the spell book and hands it over to Elizabeth. “Later, we’ll find drawings for the main teleportation.”
He then breathes in and looks at the officer. His body, poised and unmoving. He had a low and gentle tone as he spun the book around to face the Colonel. “What do you think is the duty of a soldier? Better yet, an officer with such a high rank as yourself?” He then leans his back on the flimsy chair.
“To die for my country, sir.”
“Wrong.” He shrugs as he pushes it back to his stomach. “Your duty is to protect it. If you can do it without dying, then the better.”
“But sir, how am I supposed to do that?”
“What? You wanna become like the officers I met back then? Accepting death than continuing the fight?” The Colonel tilts his head at the General. “I’ll uhhhh… I’ll tell you a story, how about that?”
“We’ll meet again… don’t know where, don’t know when…” As the civilian radio blared on his tank, Jackson opened his hatch with his gas mask on. Outside, the fiery red was around him as soldiers of the UAA walked on the sides of the road, the sidewalk all but covered with rubble and rebar.
Those without gas masks were regulated to handkerchiefs and cloths, the air, dangerous as the night sky seemed to be on fire from the city that surrounds them that’s been blasted to nothingness. The atmosphere itself, seemingly against you alongside everything else around them. There was nothing left standing as far the eye could see, if not half destroyed buildings with collapsed interiors, it was the citizens of the once bustling metropolis.
Young kids, those not older than the ones in elementary school, were out and about with knives while others were fighting for what scraps of food was left. In one rubble, one child even shot a girl in a flower dress, the soldiers just ignored it as they carried on marching towards the other side. He on the other hand just looks away from it all, facing forward as the rumble of the massive column of armor tightly packed in between the collapsed building plowed through any obstacle that got in their way. “Knight, Knight, do you copy over? This is Fanaa, we got news for you.”
Turning in, he closes the hatch and removes his combat helmet, taking the long range radio and pulls the cord and the handset. “Knight copies, I get it that you have found Kingmaker?” turning the knob to increase the volume, he rests his head closer into it. “Affirmative, sir. His at Ahi Mesut Boulevard, at an apartment next to the Gimsa Market, sir.” he then rests it back as the Main Battle Tank soon changes its path. “Also, get me a status report on Benedict. I will repeat this again, DO NOT abuse Prisoners of War.”
The three lane road was reduced to two as the leftmost lane was taken up by either crushed cars and trucks or just entire sections of the once tall buildings that stood there before their arrival. Looking out of his Commander Camera, the entire city was ablaze, nothing remained and every time he’d put his Thermals on. It would be nothing but a bright white color. “Colonel, when are we gonna leave this city…? It feels like it wants to kill us.”
He stays silent for a few seconds, looking down on his disfigured fatigues, splattered with bits of oil, blood, and dust. “After this.” he then turned off the thermals and as they approached the Market, the roundabout in front of them was completely filled with armored vehicles from all walks of life.
One thing was common though, and it was that they were all pointing in the same direction. To the otherside of the city. But on the building next to the Gimsa Market was a bunch of Asian soldiers surrounding the entrance where a white flag and an upside down US flag was left standing. The tall white American on the front door in his exoskeleton was not budging as the dirtied Asian men, looked with death in their eyes as a tank parks right behind them and exits out of it was a Colonel.
Everyone quickly got into formation, even though they were all extremely disheveled and tired. The men of the East still found it in them to be prim and proper. Even all saluting in unison as burning freys of ash and cloth was falling around them and the dust making even the slight attempt to breathe in without cover a deathwish.
He stops right before the entrance. Even with his above average height compared to most Asians, he was still small compared to the Westerners. With a quick salute, the American returns it.
“Can you speak English, sir?”
“I can.” He even had an accent to him, as if he had lived in the West for a long time before. The American just steps aside as he enters the building. Inside it, the hallway was filled with gurneys of wounded soldiers. German, Danish, Polish, Turkish, and French. Many suffered from intense burns and removed limbs while those able bodied still just rested their battered bodies on the walls, some clinging to their guns like it was a pillow.
One of them, wearing an Ops Core kevlar helmet with two silver bars on it just points upward where he soon finds room after room of blasted out doors and windows, where bullet holes littered every inch of it were soldiers of NATO. Equally tired and equally empty in their stares he soon reached the third floor, where it was roofless and the darkened fiery skies can be seen for all, though there was a sign left on the floor as his titanium boots crushed it. “Fourth Floor this Way”.
“And I will just say hello, To the folks that you know, Tell them you won't be long” Hearing the music, he looks at the closed door, the only one of its kind in the entire city and slowly opens it. Finding an old American sitting down on a wooden chair, his left hand over a table, in his MARPAT fatigues and holding with him nothing, his hands empty as his head with its whitening hair slowly rocked to the song of Vera Lynn which abruptly cuts to an emergency news. “Attention! NATO Supreme European Command has ordered a decisive retreat to the borders of Greece! All surviving Units are to collapse and leave behind any equipment deemed unnecess-” Before it could finish, the man closes it as he wears his cap.
On it, was four stars as he stopped rocking his head, instead, his fingers tapping the wooden table.
“So, have you come to collect us all?”
“I have.” Though muffled through his gas mask, Jackson’s voice could still be heard from all the burning and screaming happening around them. The American General stands up and turns to face the Colonel, his body draped with camouflage, the gauntlets of his sleeves exposing the thin bodysuit exoskeleton Asian soldiers wore as standard issue and the respirator hose that leads to a vent on the back that automatically acts as NBC Protection. “You don’t sound Asian.”
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
The old man looked old, but his face was still well endowed and even though he was breathing in the toxic air, his voice was muttering or stuttering. It was strong, powerful, yet gentle and understanding.
“I grew up watching and playing with Western culture.”
“Is that so?” He then puts his hands on his back as he turns around to face the blown out corner of the room where he has a first class chair to the burning city. “You know, this is what I imagined Hell would look like… Everything, even the air wants to kill you.” Jackson then walks closer to the General, stopping just mere feet from him. “Come with us now, General George.”
He turns around once again, now seeing the shoulder patch on the brown Hexacam camo of the Asian man. The Knight riding on top of a mighty steed. “Well… hot damn, I never knew I’d meet the famed Colonel of the Knight Brigade. You know what they call you, right?” He just shrugs as he opens his hand, ready to collect the General. “They call you the modern Rommel or Manstein. Perfecter of the modern Blitzkrieg.” he once again just shrugs as he steps closer to the American.
“Heh, I apologize, Colonel. I will not be surrendering. I have no intentions of doing so. But do collect my boys.”
“Huh? General George, you are aware you will be given full immunity as your rank is not just some mere Corporal or Specialist.”
“You know… I always wanted to become a modern rendition of Patton. I… I wanted to be seen as a Hero General, like those from World War Two. Those who saved the free world from the Evil forces of the East.” he then turns around, watching the burning city. “But instead, my forces got routed and the end is here. So many died, I’ll never be able to sleep from all the horrors I’ve witnessed and sent my young men to.”
“What? NATO can still fight. This is just half the battle done, General.”
“Pfft. Colonel, as I looked outside, I discovered something.” He then takes the chair and pushes it up the edge of the blown out corner. “Your army will continue to march no matter how many we kill or destroy. War is not just about the arrows you draw on the map, it's also about the factories back at home…” He then turns his head to the Colonel. His eyes now teary from all the toxic fumes. “We kill one tank, and you're already producing three more to replace it. Pfft, what a shitty way to determine who will win wars.”
He then stands up, his hand approaching his thigh holster. Making Jackson’s hand quickly pull to the butt of his M4 assault rifle. “Don’t worry, it's not for me.” He then unholsters a polished Python Revolver, setting it on the table. “Colonel, can you finish me off? I’d rather die by the hands of an enemy I respect than the shitty air of this city.” the man just tilts his head. “What the hell?!” The General just laughs as he sits back down on his chair, an arm lazily drooped over the back. “I am already on the verge of death. I’ll die as a nobody, no one will remember our names. History will brush us all off as failures, but at least if my name ever comes up, even just once, it was because I died as a man.”
“General, the war is still far from over. This is barely even near the end.”
“Are you from NATO, Colonel? Did you see what we threw at this city to stop your combined armies? The blood that was shed for each and every centimeter on his damned place? We lost, all the equipment and lives will never be replaced and alongside it, our hopes of even a mild victory. Come on, let’s not waste anymore time.”
Jackson then reaches for his holster inside his jacket and shows the Colonel the replica Python Revolver he has. “Colonel, when the day comes, you'll have to fight. Be sure to remember that a dead soldier is a useless soldier. But a living one is a useful soldier, since he can defend his homeland and those he loves. Return to them, kiss them, hug them, and sleep in the bed he knows he will never be hurt in.”
The General stands up. “Thank you for the book.” He then exits out of the room, the Captain waiting for them. Upon seeing the book, he quickly leads them into the hallway where they made their way to the Motorpool.
Though the vehicles there weren't anything fancy, mostly just Humvees, a handful of GAZ Tigers and LAV-25s. There were also three Main Battle Tanks, these being replica Centurion Mark Tens and sitting right next to it was a concrete area where it was burned over multiple times. “Captain, do you have any rune drawings?” he immediately turns around to one of the aids with him, the lower ranking soldier running away to pick something up.
“My Lord. That story you just told.”
“Hm? What about it?”
“How long ago was it?”
“Pfft, aw man… Six? Seven? Around that.”
“I see, very fresh still… or is that already long enough, My Lord?” He just stays silent before turning to her. “It’s never long enough to forget. But… people can alleviate the pain.” Soon after, the soldier returns with a folder that’s full of paper. Taking it, he starts shifting through drawings for Teleporter runes. “Captain, is this all the Magic Circles you can make?” he nods and brings out his wand. “Yes sir. It's all meant for emergency cases. The big ones are usually for shell crates.”
“Hmmmm… I need one big enough for an entire carriage.”
“B-But sir, you might need to go to an Airbase for that.”
“I am literally too far away for any Air Bases. Hmmmm… Do you have a Mage?” The Captain then turned to the other soldiers and they all nodded at one another. “Sir yes sir!” Elizabeth then takes the folder and starts looking through it. It varied from circular to square and even oval ones. With the type of cargo it's usually maximized to teleport in written on the sides. “My Lord, do you really need a Mage for this?”
“They are usually the only ones who have those recited. We need a larger one, specifically for the Minuit Carriage… ugh.”
“Can’t you maybe just upsize, these My Lord?”
“You can but that just expands the number of specific things you can teleport in.”
“Aren’t general-use teleporters a thing in Tur, My Lord?”
“It is, but those are the big ones or complex ones.” He then takes the folder and points at a typical circular drawing. “You see this? The circle means it's meant to teleport anything with a normal shape. Aka Rectangles, Triangles. The one inside, means it's meant for hardened or solid objects, the star then means it's not only a single thing, but a thing with something inside it. Making it one of the most common shapes you’ll see in these drawings.” Nodding, Elizabeth then takes it from him and starts to closely observe it.
Soon after, a player wearing the usual combat uniform but had a white lab coat over it and a special pair of glasses with magnifying lens installed and a Steel Staff without an orb but instead a large Gem slinged to his back enters the Motorpool. The man saluted in the presence of the high ranking General but couldn’t help but ignore him soon after and go after Elizabeth. “Oh my… Oh my! You are perfect!” She smiles at him and bows respectfully. “Oh why, thank you.”
He then reaches for the pocket on his pants and brings out a notepad. “What type are you? No wait, let me do this.” He then opens his hand and a green light sparks out of it. “VAMPIRE! PUREBRED!” He then writes it down in his notebook as the Captain stood next to the General. “I apologize for him, General Jackson, sir.” he nods but leans in to the man. “What’s his job?”
“He's a researcher, specifically, he is looking into why people here all seem to look above average in terms of handsomeness and beauty.” The Mage then stops writing in his notebook and turns to the Captain. “And I already have a theory!” Jackson tilts his head and then crosses his arms. “Really?” The Captain just facepalms as the man walks up to him. “YES GENERAL!” He then shifts through the last part of his notebook where there was a mess of scribbles.
“You see… the basis of my theory stands on the fact that magic exists here! So, healing magic, right? It's one of their oldest schools of magic.” He stops talking, looking at Jackson who had his arms crossed. “Continue.”
“So… Get this, I think Healing Magic also heals your DNA, making your genes, those you pass on remove any traces of undesirable body shape or type! Miss Vampire here though, she’s something special. Objective beauty has no limit, and I know she’s suppressing her full capabilities and I must find out more!”
Jackson then rests his hands on the Mages shoulders. “Can you conjure or summon a bird?” Hearing his now more serious tone, the man swallows his saliva. “Yes sir.”
“What type of Beastmaster do you have? Is it skilled up enough for something lightning fast?”
“Uhhhhh… I’ll see what I can do sir.” He then pats his shoulders. “Good. Also, make a Teleporter Rune. One big enough for what I will have delivered.” he then gives the Mage the folder with the drawings and walks back to the Captain. “Also, whose General are you people under, anyways? Who is in charge of Gareth?”
“General Maltese, sir.”
Back in the hotel, Alana has chosen her gown. One with the color purple and crimson, with the expensive jewelry lined up next to it. Bahamut instinctively crawled to the shiny Emerald coloured Sapphire and had it inside her mouth, licking its soft cleanly carved surface while hugging a necklace of Blue Diamond and Platinum.
The Countess just leaves her bed and proceeds out of the room where Seiness has dozed off. With the piece of paper on top of her face, she was snoring softly with her attempts on making her lettering more elegant scattered across their dining table. Not even noticing Alana leave as she goes to the square outside and sniffed the fresh air.
Her head then instantly changes to a fixed direction and she starts walking. The crowd mostly left her alone with some of them shocked by her looks and aura. Their head trailing her path as she disappeared into the flow of the sidewalk and the many Elves and Humans going about their usual afternoon.
Not far from the Square, to where the Cathedral was is a building that stood out from the rest. Neatly kept in a tidy street, it had glass windows and concrete on its walls with four floors and on top of its door was a flag bearing the Blood Rose and next to it, the violet grapes and a lion with two crossed longswords with a tower kite shield behind.
Its front door is unguarded but most people walking past the building would intentionally walk close to the curb. Many tuck their heads or pretend to look away as they pass it. With a Holy See Monk walking past her and shrugging the people as he waved a burning pot held by chains. “Oh Deus Vrax, bless this stone and cleanse it from the darkness. May the eternal creatures that live amongst us be given the light of your Heroism. Mortality shall not be extinguished. But be remembered as the normal.” he repeatedly chanted it under his nose while wearing such raggedy brown robes.
She just sighs and walks inside the building. The interior was made of well carved wood that's cleaned to the point that not a single speck was present anywhere and the Disc tower clock on the main lobby was quietly humming the tune of its gears turning in sequence.
The female vampire in the front desk wore an elegant blue gown and looking up, her pale and solemn face instantly lit up. As Alana propped up her hand to her face and opened it, revealing her sharp vampiric ears. “Where is Basko? I believe he is the one I’ve put in charge of this place?” Her presence alone was vastly different from the woman in the front door desk. She held herself with such confidence and luxury that a single sniff of the air, the woman instantly recognized who she was. “I-Its the lady herself!”
Sounds then started rattling about from the floors as thuds of doors being opened were heard from the front lobby.
Doors from her left and right violently opened, and it was the other Vampires that were working there. Kneeled down and their hands on their hands as they bowed fully to her.
Lightly running from the upper floors were the rest of the building management, some of them having to kneel on the staircase whilst facing her.
Coming down last from the upper floors was a man with piercing golden blonde hair, his earrings bearing gemstones and wearing the most extravagant clothing of them all to the point even the cuffs on his white breechers polished to a blinding level and laces were strewn about the vest he wore. He neatly bows before her, throwing his ribboned up ponytail to the back of his head and kisses her hand. “Lady Minuit, I apologize for the sad affair of our presentation. I wasn’t informed of your visit.”
The Countess just smiles and pats his curled up hair. “Pay it no mind, Basko. I came here to get escorts for my carriage." This made him tilt his head in confusion, though he didn’t dare make eye contact with her.
“Carriage? M’Lady, I am not aware of any dealings you’d have here.”
He’d sneak a stare at her with his bright yellow eyes. Looking at the Countess, he moves his head at the sight of her. Avoiding her return look.
“I am formally invited to a party at the Castle. I need Knights to come with me and perform guard duty.”
“Then, I shall don my armor for you. The other Lords are also here, we could have at least six Lords ready for your servitude, M’Lady.”
“Six Lords? Why are there so many here? Isn’t the requirement set by my Father to only be One Lord per building?”
“Ah, but we were also notified of the party, M’Lady. Many of the Lords dealing with the Southern and Eastern sections of Gareth came here to continue their plans of expanding the business and its contacts from within the world of man.”
“Tsk, so the letters weren’t lying. Hah, how many of you have horses?”
“All six have brought our horses along, including our Squires and Servants. We are ready to serve you, M’Lady.”
“Basko, it seems that you’ve matured a bit since we last met. Seems that my father was correct in his assessment of you.”
“Of course. Sir Nigel Minuit has my utmost respect for allowing me to serve under your House after my Lordship. I could never repay the kindness of the Duke himself.”
“And how goes the wine selling?”
“Ahem. Knight Alessadro, please.”
One of the men in the back proceeded to stand up and with his head down, fetched something from one of the rooms. He came back with a piece of paper, with his hands out, the man then offered it to the Countess.
“Huh. They're really buying up as much as they can. No wonder you all came here. Be sure to milk them for every penny. If they're foolish enough to stockpile on luxury Wine for the coming calamity, they deserve what’s coming to them.”
“It is indeed amusing, M’Lady. Rumor has it many of the Nobles of Gareth plan to retire themselves on special mines where they’d drink the Wine till the Calamity passes. The very same mines the Dwarves used to house themselves in against the Elven Kingdom of the past.”
“Is this rumor substantiated by any truth? Basko, if this is true, I am willing to even accept different types of currency in their raw form. We can deal with the exchange afterwards. Hmph, actually you can even sell them tools if need be, we do need to use our alliance with the other Families.”
“I do believe there’s truth to it, Lady Minuit. May I speak freely?” One of the Vampires wearing a white powdered wig with two curled up buns on either side and an all white ensemble that’s drenched with shiny carvings lifts his head and then hand. “Speak to me Lord Bauffremont. Your words should hold more weight since you are in the Royal Capital branch.”
“One of our biggest buyers is the Holy See and they wish the delivery to go to the Port instead of their Churches. The King had sent people to us before to investigate it and they found out the ships were headed to the mountain ranges around Janishaire. We do not know where they unload.”
“And do you have any information from the Royal Capital about the reaction of the local populace on the plans of the Holy See to allow the bladed baptism of the Beastmen?”
“It is met with a great partition, Lady Minuit. Some do not care, but to others, they find it as a repulsive idea.”
“And the Holy See’s Clergy there?”
“They are entombed with the Pope. They all support him and wish to carry it on, Lady Minuit. None wishes to oppose him. I do suppose if we plan on taking advantage of this divide, it needs to be elevated to a more violent level.”
“Do you know anyone who’d be against this from inside the Church?”
“There could be many. But so far, they’ve kept a quiet stance, Lady Minuit as that is not what is popular with the majority.”
“And are you informed of the Wolf girl Priestess named Seiness?”
“Ahem. I am informed of her, M’Lady. Though it is only due to her relation with Bishop Blast. Son of the Archheims from the Kingdom of James. His presence is dearly watched.”
“Is that so? Basko.” The man then lowers his head. “Yes, M’Lady!” Alana, changing her attention to him, proceeded to take a guest chair from the main lobby and sat down on it. Stylishly crossing her legs. “What’s so special about her that you even remembered what she’s called. I do not remember us Vampires caring enough for the dealings of mortals for them to remember our names.”
“It’s a rarity that the Church would allow someone like her in their doors. I’ve done a little digging myself in terms of what the Church plans to use her for and the involvement of the Elves due to Bishop Archheim getting personally involved. I thought that she must have some insurmountable power of sorts, or is being trained to unleash it.”
“Ah, the Elves. Now what would they want?”
“I believe they are afraid of getting cornered, M’Lady. The conjoining of the hands of Man and Beast would mean a repeat of their past even though this entire debacle is merely a shade thrown by the Holy See to use these lower types of human species as a shield against the coming Calamity. I am sure of it.” Alana nods and smiles. “Keep me informed. From this day onward, I expect a letter from you. I do not care if it's about an Elf taking a breath in an odd place or a Priest wandering in an area they are usually not in. Tell me at once.”
“Of course, M’Lady.”
“Be prepared for tomorrow. For all of you will don your armor and be my Knights alongside my man.”
Whispers amongst the crowd of Vampires then started. With Basko humming lightly which was more than enough to silence everyone.
“M’Lady, I did not expect you to be engaged already. Who is this lucky man? Could it be the young and mysterious Donnatello of the Dreyfusses… or the handsome and lively Percival of House Charlemagne? I do believe in University, these two were completely smitten with you and their blood matches well with your absolute purity.”
“Heh. I shall keep it as a surprise. It is up to you to show contempt or respect with my decision.”
“M’Lady, we are eternal. It doesn’t matter who you may wish to bed with, though this news did come to us as another surprise aside from your sudden visit.”
“It’s not official. Though my parents have approved of him, he himself may not be here permanently, thus causing complications in the future...” Her eyes dimmed a bit, but then sparkled back to life. “But that is for the future as I said. We must live in the present and deal with the circumstances given to us.”
“I see. Then I bid your blooming feelings for one another a calm and peaceful end, if it ever comes, M’Lady.”
“I shall take my leave now, then. It’s good to meet you again, Basko. It’s been long.”
Basko and the five other Lords stood up and removed their handkerchiefs. They then collectively bowed in unison as she left to return back to the hotel.
To her shock, there was a crowd building up near the square, as outside of it was a convoy of military vehicles. One of which was a lowboy meant to carry tracked armored vehicles unloading their carriage as a familiar Elven Butler stood before it. Overseeing the players, as they carefully bring it down to the street.
“Be careful now. The Mistress would not want her precious carriage to be damaged by your hands. She has given you the trust to carry this task without failure.”
“We get old man, but this fucking thing weighs more than a Main Battle Tank! Just what are these expensive shit all for?!”
“You do not understand our Culture nor our Society. It is best if you do your end of the job and follow my diction to the tee.”
He spoke with a high and mighty tone, demeaning to the players who just shrug and sigh as Jackson and Elizabeth exit the MRAP. They walk up to the flatbed and take a closer look at the chains that lead to the bucket of the armored up excavator, its heavy caterpillar tracks marking the stone road as it shifts the direction of its body.
It slowly drags the carriage out. The chains make sharp noises as it is stretched full with the boom of the excavator pulling it out and then using its bucket, it stops it from rolling continually down.
“Good! Now pack up these noisy machinations before the young Mistress gets here. She doesn’t need to smell the smoke of these combustion engines dirtying her perfect lungs! Begone!” All the players just shrug as they packed up the chains and loaded the excavator onto the trailer. “Whatever old man.” They then proceeded into the cab and the transport trucks, leaving him behind with the officers. “Old? For Elven Society, I am not even half the age of an adult.”
The Captain just facepalms as one of the soldiers approached him. “Sure dude. Cap, can we go home already?” He then faces the Five star general and salutes. “General, sir.”
“Dismissed. Thank you so much for helping me with this. Most of all you Doc. That was a mighty fine idea you had.”
Though still in his notes, the Scientist just turns to him and gruntles. “Ah, yeah, sure, sure. But Miss Carmilla, thank you very much for your insights. I’ll be sure to take this into account. Now if you have time to visit the Outpost again, I’d be-” the Captain just grabs him by the collar of his lab coat and pulls him away. “I apologize, General. Miss Carmilla. We’ll be on our way.”
Jackson looks at a player getting dragged by the Captain, and with him suddenly realizing something midway through their walk to the mine resistant vehicle. “Ah! General. That was also a pretty cool plan! Teleporting a bird with a message to save Mana rather than doing it more straightforwardly!”
He just smiled and waved goodbye. “Hey man, I have no idea how to make these circles and sigils. Without you, this entire plan would’ve been a goner. It just so happens that the Maltese are setting up a network to the Vampire Kingdom!”
He then tapped his shoulder as the players loaded back up on their vehicles and started to reverse out of the street and back to the outpost. Alongside it were the attention of the crowd, now just left wondering what the magnificent carriage was all for.
“Ah! If it isn’t the young mistress!” Jackson then turned to the Butler to see Alana was already there. He makes a long breath and walks to the two. Removing his cap along the way as Elizabeth just stretches her arms upward.
“Do not worry young Mistress. The horses are all stored away at the stables of the Outworlders. Their facilities there are far more acceptable for breeds as exquisite as fine as themselves.”
“Thank you. Ah, M’Lord.”
“Phew. That took some time to do but it's here. Just two hours overdue.”
“Good job, M’Lord. But I didn’t expect you’d bring a bonus along.”
“He… he wasn’t supposed to come. But he was very… persuasive with his words. His uppity accent also didn’t help or so I was told. He kept avoiding me and only talked to the soldiers handling the transport.”
“Ahahahaha, forgive me for Teshne’s personality. But he’s usually calm and silent when others are around.”
“Yeah, I never saw or heard him speak till now.”
The High Elf just disregarded the man. Jackson waved at him with a smile, but the General's mere existence seemed like a gust in the wind. Leaving him in the air with a cold shrug.
“Are all High Elves like this? I swear, I’ve yet to meet one that’s willing to talk to me like a normal person.”
“Best you leave it, M’Lord. Teshne-Ulg-Gul favors Donnatello to be my husband as he’s watched both of us since our infancy. A human man probably didn’t even cross his mind.”
“Ohhh… well. What about dinner?”
The Butler walks next to Alana and bows. She just gives him a warm smile, her hands together. “It seems like he's planning on doing it instead.”
“Ah, well. Let’s get back to the hotel. Bahamut will be happy she has an on-call cook for her.”
As the night came, Butler Teshne had to take Seiness back to the Church while everyone else got bathed and changed their clothing to nightwear. When he got back, the Elf got busy and prepared their meal in a speedy time. He had even gone ahead and tidied up the place even more while also preparing Alana’s ensemble for the next day and sorting out the food he had bought from the market along the way.
Bahamut on the other hand was extremely happy the entire night. Constantly making requests for cooked meat in intervals. Even with the behest of her Master to not overwork the Elf, she ignored him fully and continued to ask for cooked meals till she dropped dead at the sofa. Her belly, full of nicely made meals and dozed off instantly.
As the morning star came over the horizon, Jackson was up early to prepare his own uniform. But to his surprise, it was already there, even the medals were shined and polished and the Rapier he wields neatly on the corner of the room.
All the while, Alana was already in front of the mirror, getting dressed by the Butler.
“Servant, get me some water.”
“Of course, M’Lady.”
Elizabeth stands up from her side of the bed. Only wearing thin lingerie as a cup of water was offered to her. She seemed so accustomed to it that Jackson was amazed at her calmness and the tone of her voice.
“Good. Prepare my gown. Countess, I will be watching from the outside.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
The Butler then went ahead and did as he was tasked. Not only was he fast, every move he made was with grace and an evident rhythm as he walked around the hotel room like he knew every inch and corner of it, from the smallest to the biggest holes between the stone and the wooden floor, the Elf was a natural at the job.
Even with the orders he was being given hitting head on with his current task of dressing Alana, he didn’t panic nor even change a muscle on his face. Paul was left with an opened jaw at his sufficient movements, not wasting a mere second on something that might delay him for a bit.
After handling the two Vampires, he then offered Bahamut her breakfast, cooked pork with bread. Turning into her human form, the Butler merely raised an eyebrow as the Dragon took the food with her hands and brought it to the sofa where she ate it.
He then approaches the General, busy getting his white coat on while looking at the buttons. Without a warning, the Elven Butler started dressing him. “WOAH!” did he mutter as the quick hands of the man swiftly donned his uniform for him.
Before he knew it, he was already wearing his white royal court doublet, the golden design on the front of the Dragons flying around the Twelve Pillars all properly sewed up with the little wires sticking out on the microscopic levels all puckered and the golden lining on the side of his court pants had the same care and attention given.
The laced black Aristocratic leather boots were then handed to him. His eyes widen at the sight of the wonderfully polished boots. “Aw, if only my DS could see this. He’d probably come in his pants if he ever laid his hands on such well cared for shoes.” the Butler lets go of his grip, making the man catch it. It even smelled brand new, as if it came out of the tailor just an hour ago.
With the entire ensemble on, all that was left was to change his usual clean cut hair to a shiny pomade.
Before long, Alana and Paul were both in their best once again, with the Countess wearing a purple and crimson gown with a shiny emerald coloured sapphire ring, ruby earrings, necklace of blue diamond and platinum. It stood out just as much as the man next to her, with gold and white and the colors of his ribbon rack and medals mixing into one interesting couple.
Jackson turned to look at the Countess’ necklace. Touching it, his mouth changes into a circular shape as he whistles at the quality of the metal.
“Impressive, isn’t it, M’Lord? This was gifted to the Minuit family by a Mountain Dwarf Community we made a pact with long ago.”
“Wow… the Dwarves huh? Yeah, I can imagine them and maybe the Dragons being able to make metal like this without having to resort to high level magic.”
Three knocks then came to the door, with a second interval. The two immediately got into pose as Elizabeth opened a window and changed into her bat form, flying away in the back while Bahamut neatly sat in the wide shoulder of the Knight.
“Hm. You smell good today, Bahamut.”
“The sharp eared man told me to put something on my scales. He is good with his words, Master.”
“Surprising that you’d even listen to him.”
“He did cook me a lot of food. I might as well give him this, Master.”
“Good on you then.” He pats Bahamut’s head, making her smile and reach out for more as the thick wooden door wings open and they are greeted with Basko along five other Vampire Lords wearing the Minuit Knight Armor. Etched into the breastplate the grape and bloodrose.
“M’Lord, M’Lady, shall we?” The Vampiric man then turned to the Human man with the Countess. “I am Lord Blanchard Katrino. Also known as Basko by her Lady. I shall escort you M’Lord and Her Lady. I am pleased to serve you both today.”
Jackson just smiled and nodded as they were led to the outside where the Holy See’s ministers and Knights had gathered alongside the crowd. Blocking them was a wall of Vampire Squires and Grunts. Teshne bowed and opened the door for the two as Basko walked to the front. Checking the harness and cables of the eight horses pulling the heavy Minuit carriage.
“It’s good.”
“Lord Katrino, did you see who the Lady was with?”
“Hm. A Human.”
Donning his helmet, the lower ranking Lord didn’t look apart from the other heavily armored Knights.
“We shall discuss rumors and other useless things later Teshne. I am one for all these things.” He then turns to the collection of Lords behind him. “For now, be sure to block all roads and alleyways. The Lord and Lady shall get to the Castle of Snow without hindrance.”
With the help of the Knights, they were able to get through the center of the city without trouble. Inside, Jackson could see that Gareth’s soldiers were littered on the path they were taking, with the occasional Garethian Knight shadowing them far away or in opposite blocks while high above, armored giant birds flying the flag of the Kingdom on their talons were orbiting them.
Passing through some streets, Jackson sees the people of the city holding up large paintings of the King and the various Nobles under him. All cheering happily as they drank and partied on the street. Hailing their leaders.
“From not being allowed to stare at paintings of their Nobility to brandishing it to the open world. Man, this country is something else.”
“Gareth is a very noble country, M’Lord. Even with its problems, the populace depends on their leaders to do what is right.”
“Hm. I find it shocking to see a Noble working on the streets. That is good training for politicians. At least they know the roads and the sidewalks they’ll rule one day.”
“Indeed, M’Lord. I am sure you will find these Nobles to be far different even from the ones you met in the Kingdom of James. There are far more… handsy and forward with their opinions from the stories I’ve heard.”
“So far, yeah. They have a mixture of that normal thing you’d find on everyday people right on their sleeves. They don’t wear the mask of their lineage too much.” The amount of soldiers that was sent to protect their path was so many that Jackson could not even find a single opening, as even the rooftops were guarded by Mages that’d fly from one block to another. “Sheesh, I wonder what would’ve happened if we weren’t prepared or rejected the invitation.”
Alana just giggles as she covers her mouth with her gloved hand. “M’Lord, we’d simply run away.” he then smiles back at her as he shrugged his head. “Of course, Alana. Of course. Ahahahah.”
Arriving at the Uptown, the streets and roads were practically empty of the Nobles. The only people there were the Maids and Servants standing in front of their estate’s gate. Bowing their heads as the carriage passes them.
Reaching the Castle of Snow, Jackson is immediately ensnared by its colors. More than a Castle, it looked like an oversized Mansion with fortifications built into its corners. Its courtyard is full of other lavish carriages and cabs, and the roads were lined with thousands of grunts and hundreds of Knights cavalry. Brandishing the blue plumes on top of their helmets while their armored horses wore the flags of the country.
Driving in, the fences were made of gold with the lights on top of the pillars shining brightly even in the morning. Stopping right in front of the front door, the Butler exits out the driver seat and opens the door for them.
“Hm? No parade formation to greet us?”
“It’s a civic party, M’Lord. For Humans, that comes later. We’re too early.”
“Ah, alright.”
Exiting out, many of the Nobles were on the sidewalk. Chatting amongst themselves as the beautiful Vampire exits out of the Minuit carriage. Appearing in broad daylight, the whispering and chatting only got worse. With Jackson immediately holding her hand as they joined in the long line of extravagant people.
The Butler just bowed as he closed the heavy door of the carriage and drove it away. The Vampire Knights disembarked on the perimeter as they kept a close eye on the roofs and avenues of approach to the courtyard.
“Lady Minuit, I presume?”
Walking towards them was a couple. A man wearing a late Victorian era suit and a woman in a sparkly green gown.
“Yes. Pleased to be of your acquaintance.”
“Hm…” he didn’t respond and instead observed the lady at a distance. He then switches to the Knight General with her. “I get it and this is your boy toy of sorts?”
“Ah, no. He’s my Lord.”
“I see a Vampire Lady and a Human Lord. What’s your name, young man?”
“Knight General Jackson of the Knight Order of Eldwood.”
“A Knight General? Just a preposterous rank. I’ve never heard of that name, Eldwood. I presume you're an Outworlder?”
“I am.”
“I’ve also heard you're the most sexually deviant of all the humans. I’ve visited brothels myself when I was assigned there and it's your type that’s mostly sucking the toes of succubuses and letting them trample you.”
“That’s… well Dark World’s community might be known for its… tendencies… but do believe me when I say that I am not one of those. I am no deviant. In all actuality, I am very vanilla with my tastes.”
“You better prove it to me then so far, not one of you Outworlders has impressed me.”
“But you're wearing clothing from our world though.”
“This? Ah yes, they call this Late Victoria clothing of sorts. I do prefer it. I do say you have some good taste in fashion, but everything else is questionable at most.”
“I mean… I can apply that to Humans here in Threa too.”
“Oh my, gonna point the finger at Lunaris herself?”
“Lunaris?” Alana then edges over to him. “It’s the original name of Threa, M’Lord. Before a Hero renamed it to Threa, it was originally Lunaris. It's Dragovian for Life.” he nods and turns back to the Noble man.
“Pfft. You dare walk on these sacred lands and don’t even dare educate yourself on the history of the country and planet you walk on?”
“I apologize. I’ve only been here for a year.”
“A year is more than enough time for you to learn of the customs and cultures here.”
“I apologize, I am a foreigner I know. I am trying to do my best to acclimate myself in your ways.” He bows his head elegantly, this made the man nod in return. “Hm. You seem to be telling the truth then. You aren’t some toy that will be discarded later on when your fragile body gives out.”
“I believe so. Lady Minuit has been very kind to me, I owe her a lot.”
He then turns to the Vampire. The woman with him, in her red hair and sparkly green gown held his arms tighter. “My love, do not fear the bloodsucking Demon for I am here to protect you.” He lifted his chin up and puffed his chest out. “No, I fear that her beauty is gonna get you to think with your pants!”
“Hah. As if, I do not dwell in the other races, most of all the Vampires. Their beauty might captivate even the harshest of Demons, but their souls are more devilish than the Lords of Vitas.”
As he said this with such a tone and in a louder voice, the other Nobles heard this and giggled.
“Ah, I do rather feel conflicted at your predicament, Knight-General. On one hand, I do find the idea of copulating with a perfect non-aging body to be an amazing experience, but at the same time, to sell your soul to a creature known to deceive and lie may not be worth it. More so how they let their thralls do all the work as they multiply, turning innocents into eternally damned bloodsucking creatures like themselves. Hah-hah-hah.”
Everyone else started laughing alongside him as a fist flew straight to his right cheek.
A small shockwave was then emitted from it. Alana’s palm stopping the clenched fist of the Knight General from completely hitting the powdered face of the Noble. The crash was so quick and fast that his top hat fell in front of him. Looking up, his eyes dim at the sight of the Knight.
His eyes were completely dilated and his face, holding an empty expression. “Alana, just this once. Let me smack the living shit out of this man.” She immediately retracts his hand even though its veins were popping out through the gloves from how much blood he was pumping in for the punch. “Ahahaha- Ah… M-My husband. Let us not make a mockery of ourselves shall we?”
Jackson then calms down. Swiping the loose bang back to his pomade hair. Outside, Basko had removed his helmet and nodded alongside the Vampire Lords.
“What were you going to say again about our Lord?”
“Lord Katrino, Is that man truly a Human? The Nobles of Gareth are all ranked Sword Masters and even Lord Wizards and Witches at their young ages. Two of them together would be enough to take on a Vampire Lord and do damage.”
“I do not know, but I do respect that visceral reaction to having our Lady mocked and besmirched. He either does not know or does not care. Both of which are admirable.”
“Either way, Lord Katrino. If he gets beheaded. We might see our Lady become even more depressed than before. I never saw her that lively before.”
“Then we shall do something even the Higher Lords of the Council of Blood will not accept. I will not let Lady Minuit come into despair like so many of the older Vampires. She’s not one to look solemn. A smile on her face looks better.”
“Heh, you always kept a close eye on her, Lord Katrino. I do believe you were a bit smitten by her back then, too?”
“Pfft. No, as if I ever had a chance with Don and Angelo going for her.” He then returns to watching the street. “But, seeing her being genuine for once is something only I can hold against those two.'' The Butler just nodded and lagged a bit. “Of course, Lord Katrino. Of course.”