Mimi

Richard truly was lucky when it mattered. Not only had Mikey charged at Richard immediately after the Butler sliced his hand through the air. Mikey was also a coward, believing wholly that the illusion cast on him would keep him safe. The woman known as Octavia was the culprit, but she expertly put that blame on Mikey, and Mitch. Still, it was because of her illusions, and the fact that Richard acted through me, that Mikey pulled back right as the blade struck his neck.

I could feel Richard's gratitude through the ring, as papers were produced for him to sign. Richard made it very clear, he didn't want anything Mikey had, and that it was to all be liquidated and the coin given to Mother Oak. A move that so thoroughly dragged Mikey's name through the mud, that it would be impossible for him to recover. Oswald himself seemed to be at a loss, as he stumbled to the buffet, making himself punch. He spilled that same punch with shaky hands over himself, and on another noble that was nearby. I could only hope he might recover.

It was interesting to see how quickly favor turned in this setting. Richard's one act, seemed to spark something in other nobles. The lesser ones flocked around him, deflecting any duel attempts towards Richard from Oswald's family. Once the papers were signed, and witnesses put their names it. Well, hopefully Mother Oak would enjoy the influx of coin. Richard himself was tired after all the tension was gone. Receiving invitations to work, and recommendations on places to eat for the chance to talk with him and make offers for jobs they might need.

Vivian quickly had Wyatt escort Mitch and Mikey away, so that they could be processed by the Guard for cheating in the duel. It was pleasant to see that no one could look at Richard's ring too closely, or that they likely didn't understand the signals I gave him during the fight from just the one strike. After Wyatt was gone, she finally made her move towards us.

Most of the nobles had said their fill, and left after Richard said he'd consider their offers once they were written down. He didn't want to forget them, and the nobles obliged by giving him cards with writing on the back with what they offered. With the crowd gone, only a few stragglers were hanging around us. More to keep others from trying to duel Richard, by wanting to fight for his honor. Which was a way to say Richard was becoming his own faction within the group of nobles.

Vivian smiled, and waved at us both, "It certainly seems that you have been busy, Richard."

Richard crossed his arms, "You can say that. I just finally had enough is all. Anyway, what do you want?" It was clear he didn't forget about how he was treated during the portal incident.

Vivian closed her eyes, bowing her head a little with a small sigh. "Rather blunt, but I can handle it. With your permission, I'd like to talk to Mimi in private. It's related to certain things that happened with the Guard."

Richard raised a brow, as I kept myself from smiling. "Oh? What happened?"

I had chosen to not inform him, and now Vivian found herself casting a quick glance towards me, then back at Richard. "I see she hasn't told you. Would you like to explain dear?" She gestured at me, looking a bit lost on this.

I nodded, "Girl problems. Mimi will be back."

Richard smiled a little, "Sure, if you need me, I'll be at the buffet closest to the balcony. The king should be coming soon, so make sure you come back quickly."

Vivian raised a brow, but quietly turned and started walking towards the balcony. I followed just as quickly, seeing that the sun was just on the horizon. We had less than an hour before dark. Vivian spoke as soon as we crossed the threshold, "Why didn't you tell him?"

I followed after, tilting my head, before passing her and walking to the railing. "At the time I felt he wouldn't do anything, and after tonight I'm afraid of what he might try to do. Oswald himself asked me not to make a fuss about it."

Vivian looked down, before moving to the railing next to me. "Oswald told you not to tell him then? It seems I am indebted to him more with each season. I truly will miss having his guidance. Do you know why I did what I did?"

I watched the horizon, not even looking at Vivian. "I have a few guesses, but I want you to tell me why. After that, we might discuss how you can make it better. Then I might consider coming back."

"I'm surprised you aren't more upset about this. Anyway, Eren was not commissioned to do what he did. He is a noble's son from the Kingdom of Fire. The Titan family, and they have a history of hunting monsters and hating your kind. What he did, technically wasn't illegal beyond disobeying our orders and potentially causing harm."

"I see, so he was just a handy little puppet to try provoking me while keeping your hands clean. You allowed him to do as he did, and now that has backfired on you. You still haven't explained why, but I am not the one running out of time. Once this conversation is over, I will tell you my decision."

I could feel Vivian's eyes on me, as she used magic. I felt she was trying to see my emotions, which I kept hidden from her. "I don't understand..."

"What do you mean you don't understand? Also, I would suggest not using magic on me again. I will end this conversation if you try again."

Vivian stopped immediately, "I can usually see what people's emotions are, and use that to build an argument based on those emotions, or to counter them. I can put my hands together and smile when people are worried. I can tell them the laws, and how they broke them. When they are happy, I can even suggest things to make them feel better. Please, tell me how you feel right now. How you felt when everything clicked into place. I can cry and quietly beg if you want."

I looked at her for the first time, seeing her head tilted, without any expressions. I blinked, "You... you don't understand emotions?"

She pursed her lips, before looking past the railing. "I understand them when I see them in others, but it all feels so muted to me. Like I'm not experiencing them properly. I have a husband that says he loves me, we had a child, and they seem happy. I should be happy with that, but I can't feel it. I know how emotions work because I talked to so many people, trying different ideas to see what reactions gave me the best results. Still, I can't beat Brian when it comes to this kind of thing. He understand people in a way I don't. It's why I have him doing the more delicate things."

"Does Wyatt know?" I watched her, as she put both hands on the railing.

"He doesn't, he doesn't look too deep into things. He accepts words in place of natural reactions, or maybe he has noticed but keeps it to himself. Oswald taught me to never show all my cards, to keep my motives a secret. You lose the game when you show what you want."

I frowned a little, before looking at the sunset with her. "I see, you won't tell me what your motives were because you're afraid of losing? What do you see when you look at the sunset?"

She looked at it, "I've learned to say it's pretty with all it's colors. How it casts different shades across the sky, and on days like today, even the snow. I'm not afraid of losing, I just don't like it. I lose if my family is hurt, so I can't come here with them. Nobody knows I have a child, save for Wyatt, Brain, Oswald, and now you. I used my vacation days when the pregnancy started to show through my robes. You win when you have a happy family, that loves you. I win at my job, when I keep the people safe. You can make the people safe by working with the Guard, and that's why I allowed things to happen the way they did."

"When I see the sun setting, I grow hungry, because it is almost time to hunt. When I see those colors in the sky, I see the clouds that show more rain or snow might come. When I see the snow out there, it scares me because my Hive is unable to deal with it. I..."

"I can get you more heating crystals if you want. You were comfortable while past the walls with Wyatt correct?" She interrupted me.

I realized she truly didn't understand the pain she put me through, the worry and regret her actions caused me. She was smart, and clever when it came to pieces on a board. When it came to an individual... she was like this, left floundering trying to understand the magic set of words to get me to do what she wanted. I reached towards her, which caused her to pull back, "Please don't touch me. It is too easy for you to break me." She waved her sleeves between us as if trying to put up a barrier.

I pulled back, and she stopped. She still wore those same robes she always did. "What were your goals for this conversation?"

She put both hands back on the railing, "To convince you that you'd help more people by staying with the Guard. Then I wanted to talk about letting Wyatt join your Hive, or whatever you call it, again. If Wyatt is happy, he's more motivated, and that makes it easier for me. Brian gets more motivated when it comes to bets, or having threats of being mad at him weighed against him. Oswald won't be here anymore, so he won't be able to help guide me on the more delicate tasks. He said you were smart enough to help with that, if I gave you my notes."

I blinked, "You want me to do your job?"

Vivian shook her head, "No, I just need suggestions on certain movements people might make. Oswald is really good at knowing where to strike and when to break peoples will to fight back. The smaller the number, the better on casualties. I win more at my job that way."

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I briefly wondered if she was always like this, but figured I could just ask Brian. She was telling me all these little things, in the hopes that it might win me over, or at least help me understand her. She likely told me about her husband and child to keep me from looking for them. By her own words, she loses if they are not happy. She isn't afraid of me taking them, or them dying. It would just mean she'd have to start over with another family, and she's getting too old to do that. It's likely the same reason she holes herself up in her office most of the time according to Wyatt.

If she is successful, she can keep her family happy. If her family is happy she wins at life. Which means her job is important to her, because it makes her family happy. If that belief was shattered, she would probably walk away from her job until convinced otherwise. Then there is a game that Oswald instilled into her mind, so it doesn't help her skewed view of reality at all. I let out a small sigh, "You think I want to help people?"

"Your actions suggest that to be the case. The more you have, the more you have to lose. Though I also believe your bugs are more important than people. If I don't threaten them, you will at least talk to me. If I do, you are likely to become very hostile. You are smarter than others I have dealt with, and it confuses me that you have feelings towards things. Though I suspect it is the work of your mind magic."

She insulted me without understanding why. I let out a small laugh, "No dear, I am not smart because of my magic alone. It's how you use what you have. Just like how you learned to do this action or that based on the reactions of others around you. Plus I wouldn't trust you with any of my Hives, since you're likely to try and use them against me if I do not do as you wish."

Vivian nodded a little, "I wouldn't trust you with my family either. I apologize for suggesting you were only smart because of magic. We are running out of time." The clouds were growing darker as the sun was almost fully set.

"I'll consider it, but Richard will likely be left hurting after this is all over. I need to keep him happy so that I can win." I smiled down at her.

She looked up at me, before nodding, "You understand me now? When we go back, I'll have my mask on again."

"Yes, I do. How you see the world is unique, and it can cause you problems. I will not let Wyatt back into my Hive, until he earns it back. I may rejoin the Guard when Spring comes, if it has benefits to me. After all, it would be better for you to have a list of what happened before and after I joined. Plus you put my Hive in danger, and threatened to take away my freedom. I will not forget that, but I will overlook it so long as you take not moves against me again."

"Agreed, may I contact you if I need help with something? The notes I have should prove very helpful to you."

"Have them delivered to me tomorrow, or the day after. I will drop them back off when I have the time." We both nodded in agreement, before rejoining the ball.

Vivian was all smiles, as she mingled with others. Butlers and maids pulled out instruments and began to play music. I could hear the other nobles talking about the King potentially being late, and that we were to get the dance out of the way. The music was soft and calm, while most nobles started to dance and circle each other with one hand touching the others hand, while the other was behind their back. There were others that did not participate.

I walked towards a more empty area by myself. A few minutes passed before Richard noticed me. He smiled, before standing next to me. "You know, if you wanted to dance, you could right?"

Judging by how much taller I was compared to the others, it really wouldn't work out. I smiled softly, "No thanks. I'm fine just watching." I could hear the others that were dancing, whispering to each other. It appeared that they would change partners with a hop, switching hands and direction at the same time. Really not the kind of dance you want with a monster that could just tear your head off with too much force. The dancers were all very close together anyway.

I did enjoy watching the movements of those playing the instruments. Memorizing how such was played, by watching their digits move. Richard let out a small sigh, "You know, I get that too. I'd probably want to play the music, just to watch others have fun."

I looked down at him, "Oh really? Are you saying you know how to play?"

Richard laughed, "Nope, but I wouldn't mind learning. Maybe when I have the time. Would you like to learn with me?"

I nodded, "It would be nice to do that with you. I always liked the songs of crickets, and bugs out in the forest. I can even make those sounds."

He smiled, "I'm glad to hear that. If you want to make those sounds go ahead."

I raised a brow, "What would the others think? I thought you might want to come back here."

Richard rubbed the back of his head, "Why should I care what they think? They only acknowledged me after I did something stupid, and it worked out. We might need to go into hiding or something after the ball is over, since I don't really want their protection."

I tilted my head towards the crowd, "I think a lot of people were hurt by Oswald's family. They probably want you to stand against them, and will support you."

Richard let out a sigh, "Yeah? Well that's not my fight. I'm not a hero or something Mimi. I don't give two shits when something terrible happens to people I don't know. That's why I do what I can for the people I do love. I know I'm not Oswald's apprentice anymore, and that's fine by me. I just hope he sees how awful his family is, and chooses to leave them. If he doesn't that's fine, they will hurt him and I'll be there to deck them in the face when it happens."

I lowered my head a little, rubbing my fingers together to make a chirping sound in time with the music for more ambiance. People cast looks at us, but generally the reception was welcoming. Even the butlers and maids playing the music seemed to enjoy the extra bit I added. "You really do care for Oswald then. He's lucky to have you."

Richard crossed his arms, "I'm lucky he accepted me, so it's the least I can do. Even if he abandons them outright and has nothing left, I will take care of him. Just like I would for you, because you're family."

I smiled happily, "I'll keep you safe as well Richard. You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that. I will hide with you, if that's what you want. We can even leave together, and find another place once Spring comes."

"Yeah, we might have to, but we can try living in the Underground first. There are less rules there, and a few places are empty because of monsters. I'll help you clear them out, as best I can and we can move in." He smiled back at me, and I nodded.

We made small talk, as I noticed an individual getting closer to Oswald with each pass. Finally came the scream, as a man shouted. "Oswald Manfred! The Kingdom of Fire sends it's regards!" They twisted the blade, pulling the knife back as a small spray of blood came with it from Oswald's new wound. The music stopped, as Oswald fell holding the wound, coughing up blood. Then an overwhelming force of power washed over the crowd, as the assassin fell to the ground convulsing.

I looked up to see an eight foot tall (2.44 meters) noble man slowly making his way down the stairs. Beside him was the king. I instantly realized from the smoldering ruby red eyes, and striking figure that this man was the Count. The whites of his eyes were black, while his skin was a pale white like the snow outside. His hair fell past his shoulders like living darkness that did not move. The man's face held sharp noble features, devoid of hair or growth. He wore velvet clothes, with a black cape that had crimson on the inside. The Count was dressed in clothes fit for a royal, with laces down his built stomach. Frills coming out of his long sleeves, and black pants to contrast to everything. He wore a golden amulet that fell over his athletic chest.

Everyone in the room immediately started to kneel, save for me and Richard. I noticed that the ambassadors did not kneel, and took this as a sign to make my way towards Oswald. Richard sprinted towards him, eyes already tearing up. Then he skidded to a stop as he was forced by magic to kneel. The source being the Count, now standing on the platform, overlooking everything. I moved forward, hitting a wall of sheer willpower. The Count focused his attention on me, his eyes glowing red as he used his dominance in an attempt to force me to kneel.

I did not, I managed to take a few more steps forward. I needed Richard to know i was trying to save Oswald for him. The Count's eyes glowed bright red, as blood magic came rushing at me. Forcing me to stop advancing, as he poured more of his attention and focus on me. My Hive responded in kind with all their will working to help me not bow my head before another. I glared at the Count, my eyes glowing in kind. "Mimi save Oswald!"

The King began to clap slowly, and laughed, "Well said! Don't move though." That was when I felt the King's talent moving over me. I realized that by agreeing to stand against the Count for the promise of something good, he already formed a pact with me. I couldn't move a muscle, as others started to rise up and part before the King.

Richard sprinted once more towards Oswald, slamming his hand over the wound. "Help him! Somebody! Don't just stand there!"

I barely managed to stutter out, "C-can't m-move." Glaring daggers at the King as he slowly made his way down the stairs, the Count following from the other side like a mirror image. Everyone else was silent, save for Oswald as he used magic to pretend to choke on his own blood. Richard was sobbing, as the two talked.

Oswald spoke choked words to Richard, before pressing a book to his chest. Richard threw it away without an ounce of hesitation. I noticed the King used magic to guide it before my feet, and I quickly picked it up while all eyes were on Richard. I read the text within, using my Hive to memorize every word, to sort through later. Then I quietly dropped it once more, as the King kept all eyes on him.

Richard was too hysterical to pay attention to what was going on around us, so it fell to me. The king slowly clapped his hands, "Good show Oswald. I know you're harder to kill than that." He laughed, rolling one of his hands, as other nobles started to nervously laugh as well.

Richard looked up to the King, "Please, help him."

Charles tilted his head towards the Count, "Oswald must really want to play dead. Tell me Count, how serious is this?"

The Count was glaring at me, but looked at Oswald dismissively, a frown spreading across his face. "It would seem master Oswald is not playing dead. His heart has stopped."

Charles tilted his head, "Well shit, carry his body to my room. Bastard owed me a first born."

The Count reached for Oswald, but Richard grabbed his wrist, "P-please... let Mimi try. Her stings can heal anything." The Count gave Richard a dismissive look, before grabbing Oswald by the chest, with strength that might be greater than my own. He held Oswald's limp body towards me, as the King used magic to half pull the knife to himself.

Charles laughed, "Oh ho! It seems they used Nuz venom this time. It stops any and all magic, no wonder he died. Such a shame. Please hurry this along, I do want his first born to not be disabled."

I pretended to sting Oswald, not letting any of my healing venom fix him. I looked away, "I'm sorry... use magic to heal."

Richard looked at me, completely devastated, while the Count carried Oswald away. I could tell the old bastard was still alive. I was processing his notes, and how he had codes and secrets hidden inside it. Oswald killed tens of thousands in his life time. He assassinated important people, and experimented on monsters and beast alike. The more I processed, the more I understood about him. It was not my place to judge him, but Richard would when the time came. After all, he was the one hurt the most by his passing.

Richard sat there, defeated, arms hanging limply as he sobbed for Oswald. Charles picked up the book in front of me, "I believe all matters of estate are to be handled by me." He turned around, without giving me so much as a second glance. "Well isn't this a bloody fun ball." He used magic to pick up the cane without bending down, just like with the book. "So much going on, and someone actually died! How wonderful." He laughed darkly, and followed the Count back up the stairs. Oswald in tow.