-I understand that you want to be killed once we're done with the interrogation, is that true?- On one side of the table sat the demi-human that Selestia helped. On the other side, sat the person in charge of the interrogation, who is also a demi-human.
The slave nodded.
-Normally, those being questioned usually ask us to allow them to live here or to set them free- with that, she pointed at the demi-human's slavery collar which was no longer active. -You are no longer anyone's property, we just need to take off your collar, so wouldn't you like to live here?- she asked again.
The demi-human, looking at the table, just shook her head.
The interrogator let out a long, deep sigh of weariness. "It would be very sad if a half-human from the same clan as me died. Even though we are from different species, we both belong to the feline clan." She pointed at the interrogated woman's ears. "You are a half-human cat and I am a half-human Caracal."
And it was just as the interrogator, the half-human of the Caracal species named Lincxía, had said. She also belongs to the feline clan, but she was not exactly a cat.
Like everyone within the race of demi-humans, she shared certain characteristics with the species to which they belong. And as already mentioned, she is a demi-human of the feline clan, a Caracal. All demi-humans of this species have the same hair color regardless of gender or age: Cinnamon Color.
The skin of this species of semi-humans is usually tanned, although very lightly. Also, and for some unknown reason, they are born with something very similar to dark circles under their eyes. Although they are not, they are always mistaken for dark circles because of the dark tone of the same. It is as if they are constantly wearing makeup in that area.
The eye color of this entire species varies between blue or light blue, a tail of the same shade as their hair, but compared to other species within the feline clan, the tails of the semi-humans of the Caracal species are shorter.
The most striking thing about these beings are their ears, which are larger than those of the semi-human cats, and due to this particular characteristic, they have a superior sense of hearing. At the tips of their ears, and without omitting a single semi-human Caracal, a long lock of dark-colored fur grows.
The ears are black, which creates a strong but striking contrast in these creatures. Their hair is cinnamon-coloured and their ears have a strong blackish hue.
Her body is attractive and despite not being very voluptuous, she still attracts attention, even more so because of the pair of shapely legs she has.
He was wearing black trousers with shoes without laces. He had an aluminium greaves over his shins. His black belt left his navel exposed, and above it, with some difficulty, a scar could be seen running diagonally from left to right.
On her torso she only wore a shirt that would have caught the attention of more than one person because the neckline was quite revealing, but not to the extreme.
His visible hands showed evidence of the use of a black ring which was impregnated with darkness magic.
Lincxía moved her tail from left to right, then left it completely still. Once again she addressed more words to the demi-human: -I see that there is no point in trying to convince you, so we better proceed with the interrogation and go directly to what I want to hear-.
His face became serious and he now looked at the demi-human with a deep gaze.
The demi-human could do nothing but nod and give as much information as she could, starting with her name: Dina Gatrea.
Lincxía did not beat around the bush, from the beginning she went straight to the point -I am aware of you and I know that you were a slave to whom her mistress has given certain...- she paused for a moment before continuing, that was just to see Dina's reactions -... kidnapping missions -.
Dina could only nod because the statement was the truth itself, and above all, Dina had not the slightest intention of lying.
-Tell me- Lincxía's words became colder- have you been able to complete any of those kidnapping missions?-.
Dina began to tremble because Lincxía's serious way of speaking was very intimidating, but she had to do it. It was strange because even though she had asked to be killed after finishing the interrogation, she felt very intimidated, in fact, one could say that she was afraid. It was because of the aura of authority that Lincxía emanated, the semi-human Caracal spared no effort to intimidate her.
Rather, he wanted to intimidate her and have her completely at his mercy so that he could gather as much information as possible.
The interrogation continued with much more important questions such as: How many people were in their group? Their names, had they been able to take anyone from the city? Their battle and magic skills, and other more important questions such as where the hideout was located, if it was a criminal organization, their name? How many people were in it.
And many other questions, Dina did her best to answer each and every one of the questions.
There were some that he was unable to answer, such as the location of the hideout. But others, such as the names of the people he knew and their battle skills, he was able to give.
-My master... that woman is a criminal who...- she looked into Lincxía's eyes, who moved her ears towards the person being questioned and concentrated as much as possible to be able to capture all the information as best she could -As far as I know, she is not very well known among the criminals of the underworld, but I can assure you that she is someone strong. Terribly ruthless with those who dare to oppose her, be they friends or enemies. She is not very patient and hates it when her followers are afraid-.
Lincxía nodded, that description gave some consistency to the mercenary's way of acting. According to the information that Selestia gave to Neledia, and she to them, the mercenary decapitated her partner for the simple fact of giving him a warning.
-I don't know her real name- Dina continued- I don't think even her deceased companions knew it, but I know they knew her as "The Cantarina Sadist" although most of the time they just call her Cantarina-.
Lincxía put her hand to her chin, her tail behind her, despite being somewhat short, moved vigorously from one side to the other.
-Cantarina- he said out loud, he knew the names of many dangerous criminals and mercenaries, but the name of Cantarina did not sound familiar to him at all. For a moment he turned his attention away from the questioned person, to the assigned bodyguards. Two rather strong and intimidating human men who were very involved in their roles as bodyguards.
-Guys, does the alias “The Cantarina Sadist” ring a bell?-.
The two men looked at each other, recalling the names of all the criminals they knew, even some they had faced, and it was the bodyguard wearing a green V-neck shirt, black pants, boots, and bronze gauntlets who seemed to know the name from somewhere.
-I think I heard that name on a trip I made to the city of Nepal- he said looking at Lincxía -if I remember correctly, one of his favorite weapons is a knife with a kind of compartment in which he stores poisons, with which he paralyzes his victims and then tortures them before killing them-.
It was information that was not included in the report, but now it would have a broader profile. Lincxía took charge of memorizing everything that the man had said at the moment when Dina, the demi-human, nodded. She would then transcribe everything and create a profile for this sadistic woman.
Lincxía knew that the person the man was talking about was referring to Cantarina, since the Cantarina that Selestia and Neledia faced also carried that characteristic knife. All the questions asked were aimed at obtaining more information regarding Cantarina, in the future she could become a threat to the city.
In a state of concentration and thought, Lincxía moved her ears as if shooing away some annoying fly. It was simply something done by pure instinct of her race.
Once again he decided to direct the questioning towards the main and most important topic of all, far above his former master and any issues that had to do with it.
-Tell me Dina- his serious attitude intensified. Every fiber of his being, every ounce of energy he concentrated and used to pay the greatest possible attention. His ears moved again, focusing completely on the possible answer that Dina would give to the next question -Do you know where the hideout of the criminal organization to which Cantarina belongs is?-.
The waiting time between the question and the answer was minuscule. It was as if a button had been pressed and some mechanism had instantly been activated.
Unfortunately the answer was not what Lincxía expected.
-I don't know- this was Dina's answer and she said it while lowering her head and focusing on just looking at the table. Dina wasn't lying, she really didn't have the slightest idea of where all of their hiding place was, there was a very good explanation for that.
But Lincxía did not take it well at all and, what's more, due to the negative response from the person being questioned, Lincxía's attitude ended up becoming cold.
Her attitude became even more serious than it already was, almost to the point of being angry. Her gaze became sharp, her very eyes seemed to have some strange ability to cut through anything. The fur on her tail bristled in a sign of true anger.
Her fully erect ears had a kind of twitch, the same happened with her eyes. She was breathing very calmly, but that didn't mean she was calm.
Her bodyguards could sense Lincxía's emotions, she was no longer in a good mood.
The answer Dina had given her had infuriated her inside, for a moment she thought that maybe she was covering for her former master, that she held some strange affection for him or simply the fear and trauma she caused him made him incapable of betraying her.
Lincxía gritted her teeth, revealing her sharp feline fangs.
This idea really made him think a lot of things and all of them were bad.
Finally, a small feeling of bloodlust was emitted by the interrogator who had made herself more comfortable, looking at the interrogated very coldly.
Lincxía decided to speak once more, this time she would no longer be so kind and understanding. Maybe the person in front of her is a demi-human like her, from the Feline Clan like her, but she still tried to do bad things to the citizens. That cannot be forgiven so easily.
This time he would extract all the information relevant to the ruffians' lair. And he would do it no matter what - do you intend to protect her?
Dina decided to speak.
-They always blindfolded me and tied my hands when we had to return to the hideout...-. It seems that some bad memories were attacking her. What was mentioned was more than enough for Lincxía to calm down, leaving aside any hostile attitude towards the demi-human. Even the assigned bodyguards raised an eyebrow.
-They never let me see the path that led to the hideout, they even carried me so I couldn't memorize how many steps it took them to get there. I know that there are many slaves in the hideout like me, but I could never see them because when we are inside the base, slaves remain blindfolded and with their hands tied.
He touched his arm as some bad memories came back to haunt him - this was how I had to eat and do my business - how much shame and humiliation this person must have gone through.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Lincxía's shoulders dropped as Dina deigned to look up, seeing her with those eyes that conveyed so much sadness and hardship.
She touched the collar that still marked her as a slave -I'm not lying to you, I really hate that monster so much- a single tear slid down her battered face -I so want to see the moment when you catch her and execute her, I want to see her suffer as much as she made me suffer-.
Dina gritted her teeth and furrowed her eyebrows. “Please believe me, if I really knew where they were hiding, I wouldn't hesitate to tell you everything so you could kill her, but I swear I don't know anything. They've always made sure I didn't have the slightest clue. She thought of everything, and she even imagined that at some point they would capture me.”
Despite all the new information given to her which emphasized Cantarina's ingenuity, Lincxía had not been surprised by it. Rather, she was surprised by the sad way she lived. Mentally, she had to reproach herself, promising not to make the same mistake, that of jumping to conclusions too quickly. At least she would let all those questioned defend themselves.
-I understand- after a moment of assimilating Lincxía spoke again -it's a shame that Cantarina was a very cautious woman, but don't worry, in the end I was able to get...-.
-A few days ago I was able to see a part of the inside of the base- once again those present focused on Dina -they hadn't put the blindfold on me correctly and because of that the blindfold fell off, all I could see was that they were taking me inside a tunnel, as if we were in a cave. Unfortunately it didn't last long because they realized the blindfold had fallen off, so they put it back on me while they were beating me-.
"That's information that could be very useful to us," Lincxía said as her bodyguards nodded because they had the same line of thought.
Lincxía continued, "Dina, do you have any more information about the apparent cave? Any fragrances you could smell? The sound of running water or something similar? Anything will help us to trace some kind of starting point on the map." With this information, which from a certain point of interpretation could be useless, for those present it could mean a great step that will bring them closer to the enemy.
There were certain places in the forest where the fragrances were much stronger than in others, as there were also small streams running whose sources were inside some caves. With this they could narrow down the search range, it would be something that could put them at a certain advantage.
It didn't mean that the lair was near those luggers, but it did mean that they had at least passed close by. Then, according to Lincxía, they would only have to look for a cave that looked suspicious.
-I don't remember smelling anything, but I did hear the sound of running water and...- she remembered something that always happened, she even felt a bit stupid for having forgotten such an important fact -every time we returned to the base, it seemed like we were jumping on top of some things that I don't know what they were- she touched her forehead again trying to remember sounds -I'm pretty sure I could have heard the sound of running water-.
-Perfect!- exclaimed Lincxía quite excitedly and almost smiling although she still had her serious attitude marked on her face -with this we will greatly reduce the search range, if we were to search throughout the entire forest it would be much more difficult to find them-.
-You've really given us some very good information, Dina- Lincxía smiled while Dina just nodded, but always with her sad eyes -wouldn't you really like to live here? It's a good city. I'm very sure that Lady Selestia will be able to help you with that, I can assure you that you will be happy here, here no one will hurt you or turn you into a slave again-.
Lincxía smiled, recalling some events from the past - Believe me, I was also a slave like you who was hurt a lot. A couple of years ago I managed to free myself and followed the rumors about a beautiful city where I could live in peace. My joy was even greater when I saw for myself that all the rumors were true - she sighed, losing herself for a few moments in the paths of memory.
But Dina didn't nod or anything like that, her eyes seemed evasive. Did she really want to die? Lincxía couldn't do anything else but sigh and end the questioning. She thought that continuing would be in vain since apparently Dina had already given all the little information she knew.
-Neledia, you can take her now- the door opened and the Wolf Woman, Neledia, entered the room through it. Her face reflected so much calm.
-Follow me- said Neledia while Dina nodded swallowing some saliva. Lincxía saw the demi-human stand up and couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
-Hey- he called her one last time- please think about staying in the city. I would feel really bad if a demi-human perished for no reason-.
She ignored her and just continued on her way. Lincxía then sighed, feeling a bit sad because the girl had already made a decision until Neledia's encouraging hand was placed on her shoulder - don't worry, do you think our young Lady will allow someone to die in the city? Even if it is by their own will-.
Even though she had just met her, Lincxía couldn't help but sigh with some calm and tranquility. She would have really felt a bit depressed if she were killed, especially now that she has gained her freedom after so much. Besides, she never wanted to do evil, it's just that she had no other choice. Luckily she couldn't carry out any of her missions because if she had, Lincxía's feelings would be different.
...
Neledia escorted Dina as they both walked through the base, many of the guards and division members coming and going back and forth.
Just then the people present made an act of stupidity, it wasn't deep or anything and it barely lasted a second. Dina captured the exact moment when a man passed near them being followed by an Elf and a Werewolf.
He knew how to recognize the man who exuded charisma, he already knew who he was dealing with and it was none other than Alexander, the governor of the city of Gignit.
-So that's her- Alexander stopped walking around the place and gave all his attention to the demi-human next to Neledia.
He narrowed his eyes and smiled confidently, not out of malice or to impose himself. But he had to do it for the simple fact that he is the Lord, he must show a certain dignity as such and transmit self-confidence (and slight airs of superiority).
-That's right, Lord Alexander- said Neledia smiling very good-naturedly -and as my young and sweet Lady requested, I am taking you to her. I'm sure you already know what Lady Selestia wants to do with her-.
-HAHAHAHA, that's my daughter- said Alexander sighing, but not with weariness, annoyance or any other similar feeling.
It was just that sigh that parents usually give whenever their children do good things, it would be something like a sigh of joy and pride. Even though he is not her biological father, he has shown that he loves her with every fiber of his being -my sweet Selestia, always thinking of the unfortunate. He just can't stand seeing people who are suffering.
He looked at Dina again - so Neledia, she helped us with... -.
-He has given us all the information he knew- Lincxía's voice came from behind them all. She was very serious and that was picked up by everyone present -and that is precisely what I wanted to talk to you and Lady Valentina about, we have some clues that we would like to share with everyone-.
-I see- Alexander became serious, with the information they were able to gather thanks to Dina he could improve the situation and even be one step closer to the damned organization that seemed to be causing so many problems -that's good, with this you have shown us that you are someone who will be able to live with us-.
Dina tilted her head in thought. Once again, they were proposing that she stay in the city. Unfortunately, she had made a decision. She would leave in peace, knowing that it wouldn't be long before the person she hates most in all of Cosmos would take a one-way trip to the depths of hell.
So, Alexander said goodbye to the two and continued on his way while talking to both Lincxía and Tobías and UNO. According to their expressions, the conversation seemed to be quite serious, they didn't waste any time and went to one of the four. Surely the meeting room or something similar where they would draw up some plan or try to create a search map.
...
Alexander and his group entered the room and each of them sat down at a round table that could seat at least fifteen people in total. On one side of the table was a desk with a seat, surely Valentina or Alexander usually use it when they are in meetings.
-So, Lincxía- Alexander called, any hint of giggles or joking airs died ipso facto. Things were serious and it was not time to be relaxed - did the girl cooperate with us? Do we know what organization we are facing?-.
-Lord Alexander- continued Lincxía, reading from a notebook where she apparently had written down all the information regarding the interrogation -the girl, Dina, gave us the pertinent information. From the alias of her former master to the name of the criminal organization: Varanus- and thus began a long discussion about how to proceed.
Even UNO and Tobias intervened when the situation warranted it, contributing some idea that was useful for the plan.
...
The dull sound of a bondage collar falling to the ground was accompanied by a pair of eyes wide open and a mouth half open in shock. An inaudible whisper was released into the air as she felt a sensation of freedom that she no longer remembered how it felt.
She looked down at the ground just inches away from her and could see her tortuous necklace that had accompanied her for so long.
And in front of her was the one responsible for freeing her, a beautiful Elf with new upper garments because the previous ones were stained with blood, under the garments her belly was bandaged.
Smiling, Selestia extended her hand, holding what was obviously the controller ring in her fingers.
-Why?- the mere question asked by Dina denoted surprise and such a desire to burst into tears -I asked to be killed... I-I tried to do something horrible to a little child- she looked at her hands and from her damaged mind they looked dirty, as if she had really killed people.
He may not have killed anyone, but on his master's orders in the past, he had hurt a few people.
He looked back at Selestia who had dark circles under her eyes. She was no fool and immediately knew it was the poison injected by her master's modified knife. He frowned in melancholy, the kind Elf who spared his life, who was stabbed because she was used as a distraction, who right now should be poisoned was holding her hand out in front of him offering him a chance.
-I don't plan on ending your life, Neledia won't either- after her Neledia smiled a little nervously because she used the killing thing just to make her cooperate -and since it seems that you provided a lot of information, my parents, I mean, the governors will allow you to live in the city, although they will surely keep an eye on you for a while. But don't worry, they won't do anything bad to you-.
-But my family...- said Dina.
-Your family must be watching you from heaven, they will surely be very sad if you do not accept the opportunity to start a life over again- Selestia squatted right in front of her who was now kneeling on the ground -maybe you have heard it too much, but here you will be very happy and no one will ever hurt you!-.
Dina's eyes shed tears - but I don't have any gold to live on, I don't even have a place to sleep or anything to eat.
-Ah that- Selestia stood up again -although I'm not going to inherit the title of Governor, which I greatly appreciate, I still have to do paperwork and verify documents- Dina still looked at her strangely because she didn't know what she was going to talk about -what I'm trying to tell you is that I'm offering you the position of being my assistant, none of my friends want to be because they say that I will exploit them, they may be somewhat right, even so I need an assistant-.
Dina's shoulders slumped and began to shake.
-You don't have to be afraid, I'm also an adventurer and I often go on missions with my friends and sometimes with my brother. So you'll have plenty of time to rest, if you don't know how to read you can enroll in the academy and learn there because it's never too late to learn-.
-I get income from both sides, both from being an adventurer and from my work with the documentation, which means I will pay you. That gold will be yours alone, no one will take a single one of your coins, so after a while you will be able to pay rent or buy a house, although for that you will have to save up-.
Finally, Selestia finished the offer with the most important thing so that Dina can stay in Gignit -in the meantime, you are welcome to stay at my house as long as you want. Our house is big and we have some free rooms, you will stay in one of them-.
-So- added Selestia again, looking at her in a very friendly way while holding out her hand. That was all that was missing, for her to accept - do you want to stay with us?-.
He wasn't helping her out of pity, he was offering her the chance for a new beginning. To start from scratch, but with a job and a place to live for the moment, and to top it off, she would work for the Hope family, more precisely for Selestia who was known for not knowing what it means to discriminate against others.
Dina was crying and shaking and in this way she extended both hands grabbing Selestia's, as best she could she stood up and what was supposed to be a handshake became a hug full of gratitude.
Dina cried, she couldn't stop crying. The weight that had been grinding her back for so many years, the invisible anvil on her shoulders had disappeared. She buried her face in Selestia's shoulders. "I was really afraid of dying, thank you for not killing me, thank you for letting me start over, I will never betray you."
Neledia almost shed tears of happiness. She gave a sigh filled with joy as she played with her fur. "I knew you were someone with a good heart, but now I can see that you are more than that. I hope to always be able to work with you, my sweet Lady."
Selestia had to wait until Dina calmed down, she really thought she would stay like that for a while.
Luckily it only took a couple of minutes.
He put her in front of her, before letting her in he had to tell her one last thing, the most important one -Dina, I know you have a grudge against humans and I won't ask you to get rid of it, but there are a few humans that I don't want you to look at badly- she was serious, she had to make this subject very clear -to my father and my brother, right now they are the most important men in my life. Nor to my fiancé who is also a human whom I love, I also adore his younger sister, his parents are very close to mine. My best friend whom I will introduce you to and her family. I don't want you to look at these humans with bad eyes-.
Dina nodded, she would do it, she would follow the wishes of the beautiful Elf who gave her a new chance -I understand, master Selestia- she said making Selestia almost choke on her own saliva and causing Neledia to almost burst out laughing.
-Dina, I will not be your master! I hate slavery- after composing herself and a heavy drop of sweat falling down the back of her neck, she decided to explain her situation -you are free, it doesn't matter that you are a demi-human, your freedom belongs to you. I thought I told you that you would never be a slave again, you will be my assistant and I don't like the idea of being called master-.
Dina nodded and it was just at that moment that -GGGGRRRRRRRR- her stomach, hunger was hitting her again. Because of everything she had experienced, she had forgotten that she had gone a few days without eating, she forgot that she was dying of hunger.
"You look hungry," Selestia said, smiling at her and holding back a few giggles, making Dina blush. If it were her master, he would have already hit her or made fun of her. She barely knew Selestia, but she felt like she would never do that.
-Let's go to my house, I'll show you which will be your room, I'll prepare something for you and also- he looked at her, more precisely at the tattered clothing she was wearing- I'll give you some of my clothes, I think my old clothes will look very good on you-.