Oswald Manfred

Everything was going roughly as could be expected. The bigger fish came into the ball, listening to what the lesser nobles had to tell them. My family came in, from my sister and who she married, to their children and children's children. Then there was the other family that married into my own, marking all their children as my cousins. In total there was twenty of us, not including myself. A small family when compared to the others in the Northern Kingdom.

I watched most of these people grow from children, to what they are now. Maturing in their own ways, and rotting as they spent more time with my sister. I felt a pang of regret for not having been there more. That I chose to work, and dedicate my life to making the kingdom a better place. I wondered how different they could have turned out, if I was a better person. If I could have reached them, and held the courage to tell them they were wrong.

Still, I was a coward. I distanced myself from them, even knowing how toxic my parents were. I did nothing, when my own sister became head of this family. I idly watched as she breathed poison and lies to the new generation, and those same lies grew worse because I didn't stop them. I understood they had their own choices to make, but I should have helped them because they were family.

"Greetings brother." I looked to my side, as Octavia came towards me. She had aged well, likely spending coin on products that would help her appear younger than she was. Her long hair falling behind her back in braids, while her beard was looped and braided like a half circle. She was dressed formally in a dress, hands pressed properly together.

I nodded at her, as other nobles filtered away from me. "Greetings sister, I was wondering when you'd make your appearance today."

She moved forward and hugged me, as I had to hug her back. I made me feel disgusting, to be embraced by her and to embrace her. She pulled back, grabbing my hands. "Mikey just told me the most garish story just now. Are you and your apprentice, perhaps sharing a bed?"

I gripped her hands firmly glaring at her, "I can't even get it up, and I don't see him that way. You know better than to suggest such a thing."

Octavia tilted her head to the side, "Oh, I know brother. Something much worse did happen though. The monster you have as a pet, he told Mikey she was going to kill him, painfully even." Octavia's voice was light and fluttery, using frequent pauses for the most impact.

I shook my head, "Mikey tends to exaggerate things, the monster wouldn't do such things." I had to refrain from calling her lass, since she was just supposed to be a study sample. Something my apprentice was caring for, because I had more important things to study still.

Octavia let out a soft sigh, "When do you plan on getting rid of that waif? Charity is one thing brother, but Mikey truly wants to learn alchemy from you now."

I lowered my head, recalling how that went a decade ago. The fucker stole samples of my more expensive ingredients, and was more interested in learning what to make for drugs. He didn't care for alchemy one bit, or the process behind it, he only wanted to use it as a means for coin. I shook my head slowly, "No he doesn't. He's only wants to, because he wants to sell my supplies again."

Octavia tutted, "My dear brother, that was a decade ago. He has changed since then." Definitely for the worse, "He adorns himself with baubles and fancy clothes to catch your attention. You truly haven't spent much time with us, can you blame him? The only man in the family that knows anything about Alchemy won't even pass that knowledge on to his kin."

I knew what she was doing, trying to use my guilt against me. I looked her in the eyes, "I'm not getting any younger, none of us are. I'll consider it, after I excuse Richard from my service tonight."

Octavia smiled happily, "It truly does make me happy to hear that, my dear brother. Is that why you were going around saying such awful things?"

I pulled away from her, but she followed by my side staying in my field of view. She wanted to see my face, "I told the lad we shouldn't bring a monster here, but he couldn't stand to leave her alone. I warned him that if anything happens, even a single outburst, he was done."

Octavia clapped her hands together, "Truly you have so much patience, I cannot imagine how you managed to keep such a waif under you for so long."

"It's not like I had much choice. I needed someone willing to clean, and move equipment." I looked towards Richard, to see Mimi staring right at me before looking away. I looked away from the two that were milling about the edges of groups.

"Is something wrong brother?" She looked around, before spotting the two, "Oh! I see them over there, you're having second thoughts?"

I shook my head, "No, it's just difficult to fire someone. I still need someone to take care of the monster while we're here."

Octavia covered her face with a hand as she laughed a little. "Do not fret brother, I heard about the taming ring you purchased. I will personally oversee your little pet, if you'd like. How hard can it truly be."

I swallowed hard, "I'll disown the lad tonight, but he's still useful. We shouldn't stress a monster around so many people."

"Ah, I see." She pressed her hands together again, "The boy knew his days were numbered, and this is his last attempt to stay with you. He used you for your position and power brother. As someone related to you, as a member of your family, please allow me to do the hard part for you." It really didn't help that I knew you were like this. You want to replace the lad, and have Mikey take his place. You'll probably even hire others to do the work, and keep tabs on Mikey.

I saw her plan falling into place, with how simple it was. She wanted to use our bond through blood to oust Richard. Then I would have no choice but to use Mikey, and teach him. It became clear, that she was unaware of my estate burning down. Otherwise, she would have offered for me to stay with them by now. I shook my head slowly, "It should be something that I do, he is my responsibility."

Octavia let out a light sigh, "You really are a head strong man, just like our father." I really hated being compared to that man. Though even this was a veiled compliment towards herself, since I understood all too well that our mother was the one guiding our family back then. "Your heart makes it easy for parasites to get in, and infest you. Just like that heart worm making it's way towards the balcony."

I looked back towards them, to see Richard guiding Mimi towards it. "I see, you are right. Father was a good man because of his heart. Even if he was foolish when it mattered. I don't want to be like him. I'll tell Richard on the balcony, or the moment he gets off."

Octavia smiled at that, "Excellent, I'll make sure the others know. The least we could do, is make sure the other nobles know that someone is looking for work." Yes, someone disowned after their master talked about every flaw and mistake they made. No one would want Richard, unless they were truly desperate.

Still, it hurt that I was going to be the one doing this. That I had to tell him he could no longer come home. It would make him upset, he might even strike me for the first time. I would accept it, if he did. I deserved a good punch for everything I said about him. I swallowed hard, and walked towards the balcony once again. It was as good a place as any to just tell the lad how I truly felt. I could let him know everything important, and he'd at least be aware to some extent.

That nagging feeling still lingered, making me question even this. My family wanted me for my wealth, status, and power. It was why they were trying so hard to make me disown Richard. To kick him away, and ensure they were the only ones that would have anything after I died. I know they heard the rumors, which is why Octavia herself talked to me. They didn't care if I lived or died tonight, only that all ties with the lad was cut and buried.

I stepped outside, as the sun was getting closer to setting. The afternoon had passed already, and night was creeping ever closer. Mimi and Richard were by the railing, with Mimi eating a handful of snow. The lass likely wanted to see if she could absorb the enchantment or not. It was a good question that needed to be answered. If she could just eat items, and gain their magic that would make her even more fearsome.

I shook my head at their garbled words, unable to hear them, or make out a word they were saying. I tapped Richard on the shoulder, as he turned to me with a smile. He said my name, acknowledging me and his words became clear. "Oswald, how are you feeling?"

I saw genuine care in his eyes. I smiled a little, "Feeling fine lad. What brings the two of you out here?"

Richard rubbed the back of his head, "Well Mimi wanted to try the snow. Plus she said you might have something important to tell me soon." He smiled warmly.

I nodded, "Aye lad. It's about the estate." I was a coward to the end, I couldn't even tell him what was going to happen.

Richard put his hands up, "Don't worry about it. I realized something after talking to Mikey. If you gave it to me, they would just fight me over it. It isn't worth it."

I blinked, before staring at him, "What?" I was genuinely surprised, no one talked about how it burned down at the ball. Did he know? Is this why he didn't want it? What did Mimi tell him?

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Richard shrugged, "Just that I don't want to deal with them. At least, not over coin or property. Mikey kind of came out and said he hired someone to try and kill me."

I shook my head, "Mikey said that? Did they really try?" I knew they tried, even if the one making the attempts half-assed it. It would have succeeded, if fate didn't bring Mimi and him together.

Richard rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, it makes sense they wouldn't tell you. I thought something was funny when Emery gave me half the repellent he should have. I mean, I know I'm not smart, but I'm not stupid."

I lowered my head, "Why didn't you tell me when you figured it out? I could have done something." I had my hands limply holding my cane, as Richard put a hand on my shoulders.

"It's because I didn't want you to worry about it. We're family Oswald, and I didn't want you to think we were to the point that others were trying to kill me. Mikey sent a few of his thugs after me in the summer. I managed to escape them, because they don't know the slums like I do. They honestly would have probably roughed me up, but they didn't catch me so it was fine."

That explained the apology letter Octavia sent me back then. I looked at Richard, looking into his eyes. "You should have told me then. Why are you telling me now?"

I grabbed his shoulder with one hand, the other still on my cane. "It's because I worry about you. I didn't want you to find out your only family was trying to kill me. I honestly forgot about it myself, because it wasn't important to me."

"Wasn't important!?" Even my yell was suppressed by the magic. "They tried to kill you lad! You didn't tell me, and you're just ignoring it?"

Richard shook his head slowly, "No, I'm not ignoring it. I'm giving them what they want, so they don't hurt you or Mimi."

"What are you saying lad? How would they even hurt me?" I couldn't understand it, he was doing this to protect me? He really was willing to give up everything I had to offer him, just to keep my heart from breaking? He really thought I liked my family? That I wasn't aware of the things they were doing?

Mimi peeked over her shoulder to nod at me, as if reading my mind. Richard shook me a little, "I'm saying that they aren't good people. I was willing to give them a chance, until Mimi told me what they were saying behind your back."

I shook my head, looking at Richard again, "What did they say lad?"

Richard looked at my eyes, with sheer determination and anger. I felt his grip tighten on my shoulder, "They said they couldn't wait for you to die, brother." I already knew that, but still I teared up. I used my magic to force the tears back, to steady myself properly. Richard shook me again, "They are not people you need to be around, they are not people I want you around. It's your choice to do what you want, but I'm not your apprentice anymore."

I blinked, "W-what? You aren't making sense." It was rare to actually see Richard get angry, but those rare moments he was, there was no stopping him from doing what he was going to. Still, he said he didn't care about the coin, the status, or anything. He was acting solely because they said they wanted me to die.

Richard pushed past me, and Mimi already was behind him gently keeping me on my feet despite me trying to stop him. Richard spoke with his back to me, "I'm going to challenge Mikey to a series of duels. I want you to know, there is nothing I wouldn't do to protect those I love." I blinked, seeing the back of Laughing Jack, Charles' father for a brief instant. Richard gave me the same smile, as that man who didn't fear death, but accepted it. That same determination that would route entire armies, and break the morale of any enemy.

I could only follow, because there was no point in talking to him. I was a foolish coward for ever doubting his feelings towards me were anything other than genuine. For the first time since we built this kingdom, I prayed. I knew Richard didn't really know how to fight. Those in my family were trained in some regard because Octavia forced them to. They were at least on the level of a seasoned recruit, that knew how to fight and hold their own against street thugs.

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Richard Adams

Oswald's family hung around the outside of the balcony like vultures waiting for their meal. Mikey's glasses were cracked from the plate incident earlier, and smiling knowingly. Octavia, the head of the group was waiting with her hands clasped together almost in prayer. She looked at my scowl with a smile in return. "Richard dearest, I am truly sorry it didn't work out." Even I could see the other nobles watching us with some interest.

I could tell the smile was fake, just like how she talked to Oswald, considering him as an equal. Even I knew how much he worked, and how they just sat around getting fat. I changed direction marching away from them, but just close enough for Mikey to step in my way. "Hey asshole, the lady is talking to ya."

I decked him in the face hard enough to shatter his sunglasses. They were sent skittering past the group, and into the crowd that were now watching with clear interest. "Duel me dick for brains."

Mikey held the spot I struck him with clear surprise written on his face. Then he smiled, before looking at me with his gray eyes. "Gladly, if I win you can't be Oswald's apprentice anymore."

"Agreed." I balled my fists, as one of the butlers started walking towards us, to be the referee. "I yield!" This caused everyone else to look at me with shock. I tossed away my rights as an apprentice. Then I struck Mikey on the other side. "Duel me."

He held the other side of his face blinking. "What the fuck!? I just said I would!"

I nodded, "You did, and I accepted your terms shit stain. I'm not Oswald's apprentice anymore."

I could hear the nobles starting to talk among themselves, even though I couldn't make out what they were saying. Mikey glared at me, "Fuck! You don't have anything else do you!?"

I tilted my head, "I have lots of things still. Why don't we duel to see if I can even step foot on the estate again."

"Sure thing numb nuts." He started to turn away.

"I yield!" This caused him to turn around, right as I decked him in the face again. This time he fell to the floor gasping. I put my boot on his face, as he froze. "Duel me for everything you have, since you wanted to take everything I had. I gave it to you, now return the favor."

Mikey turned completely red, as his hands shook with rage. He went to grab my boot, but I did a twirl and hopped back. He got up frothing, before lunging at me. Mimi grabbed him by the neck, before lightly tossing him towards the crowd. "Fuck you! Fuck your dumb bitch! I will kill you!"

The butler coughed, "The duel has been accepted! Both participants are to make their way to the center of the Ball, and your weapons of choice are to be provided."

I nodded, "I'll be using duel daggers."

Mikey stood up, as his family moved to keep him from charging at me. I just stared back at him, giving him a shrug and a blank open mouthed stare. Octavia spoke up first, "He'll use a short sword please."

Mikey shoved one of his brothers off him, "Fuck that! I'm showing this bastard how to really use daggers. I'll use the same thing he is!" With that Mikey stomped towards the area in front of the stairs. A few maids ran off to fetch our weapons, as I walked towards the area. I knew Mikey understood how to fight, it was one of the first things Oswald told me when meeting his family. 'Never challenge them to a duel.' Thing was, neither he or Mimi saw me fight before.

Life in the slums was rough, I had my ass kicked more times than I could count. On my darkest nights, I had to put up a fight against my own father. I learned how to fight in the Underground, and I knew it wouldn't be something the people here would approve of. More importantly, I understood how to take a hit when whether it came from a person or beast. Just going by how Mikey held his face when he was hit, and the complete shock, I knew he wasn't one to fully commit to a fight. He would rather keep his distance while calm, and bleed his opponent with scrapes. I really was glad that he was pissed enough to fight me with duel daggers, because it meant we'd both be close to each other.

Minutes passed, as we waited for the weapons to come. Mikey's brothers were trying to calm him down, since they understood he needed to think straight. Problem was, that Mikey is an asshole through and through. He wasn't calming down when someone was telling him he was angry. He wasn't calming down because other people told him, he needed to. The more they tried to help, the more he pushed them away. Meanwhile, I remembered Mimi's plan. She was sending me emotions while I stretched. Telling me where to move, and what to do. It was a simple plan, but clever regardless. I didn't know how to fight, but Mimi did. She was going to guide me.

Was it cheating? Absolutely. Tamers were required to wear a special ring to stop them from getting any benefits. Which I didn't get through Mimi because we only had a ring that helped us with emotions. Besides, I'm not a noble, I'm a slum dwelling thug. A street rat, that will use every advantage and dirty trick I can to win. Honor meant less than dirt, when your blood was bleeding out on it.

Mimi covered her eyes, but showed me that she could still see somehow. Just by the sounds we made while breathing or walking. The maids brought us both our daggers, which were completely identical to each other. The butler coughed into his hand again, "Now then, the duel will begin on my mark. The use of talents, or magic is prohibited as death is not allowed at this formal event. I will end the duel when I perceive a fatal hit as being landed on either party. Both are to receive treatment immediately after the duel is over. Both parties may choose to stay at the ball after the duel is over, or they may leave at separate times if desired. You may yield at any time to stop the duel, and such will be your loss. By the powers invested in our king, and bestowed upon me by the kingdom. Gentlemen, you may begin." He lowered his arm in a slice motion, before walking to the edge of the circle.

I took a deep breath, feeling the firmness of the grip in my hands. These daggers were fine quality daggers. Razor sharp edges, a guard for the hilt, and a diamond braid grip. They were slightly curved, more for slicing compared to stabbing. All to make it easier for the maids that would need to heal those that duel. I tossed one in the air, to better feel its weight and balance as I caught it. Mikey was already charging towards me, but I needed to stay focused. I let Mimi know I trusted her completely on this.

|Right arm forward, swipe left.| I thrust the dagger out as asked, swiping at the air in front of me. I didn't think Mikey was that close, but I felt my blade scraping into something in the air. I narrowed my eyes, as Mikey scrambled back. Blood was on my dagger. I raised it to the air as a very clear illusion fell away from Mikey who was holding his throat. The nobles began to talk, as the Butler declared my victory. Maids quickly moved to Mikey to heal him from the hit.

Then one of Mikey's brothers jumped into the circle, "Duel me you bastard! I will regain what he just lost!"

"Wait... did you guys just cheat?" I tilted my head.

Mitch growled, "So did you, how else do you explain hitting him!?"

I laughed a little, "Luck bud, I was swiping at him while he charged at me. Thanks for admitting you cheated though." I gave him a wink. It really felt anticlimactic, but a win was a win. Maybe that's for the best, since we couldn't kill each other here. If he came at me later, without any nobles watching, then I would make him scream. Well, Mimi would probably take care of it without me having to do anything. I was seriously lucky, since she was able to hear through the illusion. Mikey probably wanted to actually kill me, consequences be damned.

Then a drunken voice rang out from the entrance. "Have no fear! The captain of the Guard is here!" We all turned and looked at Wyatt, as he half stumbled in drunk. Vivian was behind him, looking a bit more tired than usual. "Oswald, I will... woah!" Vivian forced Wyatt to bow down, holding him by the back of his suit with her magic arm.

"My deepest apologies everyone. The Captain had a long night last night, and one of the interns mistakenly gave him coffee spiked with alcohol. He will sober up soon enough."

There was laughter, as the maids and butler discreetly handled those involved with cheating and the duel. I wanted to accept Mitch's challenge, and work my way through the entire family, but that would take too long anyway. I let out a sigh, and returned my daggers to a butler asking for them.