“Those idiots, just going off on their own again…”
Shiro and Hiro had both gone out for who knows what, while everyone else retreated into their respective rooms.
It's not like she could blame them, everyone has their own way of dealing with things. For her though, sitting around the inn was just depressing. She probably should have gone with Shiro or something, drinking alone with strangers trying to pick her up was simply dreadful.
Karin got up and went for a walk herself, for some fresh air for thought.
The sun shone brightly in the clear sky, the people of Eisene were quite busy, going on mindlessly about their business, mirroring the life she had lived for all her days.
Getting on that overcrowded train every morning, putting on a smile for work, then coming home and starting all over again. It was the monotonous cycle of work and home that never derailed from the expected.
This was the first time in a long time she had to consider her future once more, everything back in Japan was already planned out, the dream job that she landed, and her husband-to-be. Till her very last day, it was all running in due course.
It was all she ever wanted, to live out the rest of her life in comfort.
Was it happiness—or rather, despair? To be trapped in the perfect mold.
She could only put up a smile.
The thought of finding and defining her new career was scary and refreshing at the same time.
It wouldn't just be a boring old nine-to-five office job this time around. Conventional jobs were meaningless, why bother doing anything she could have done back home. This mythical world has taken life but has also given her a new one.
Her affinity with magic felt very natural and real, at least with what she found in Zakin’s little dungeon. If that school of magic that Zakin had told them about would accept her in tutelage, a whole new world of possibilities would open up.
Perhaps the heavens could bless her once more.
Karin stopped in the middle of the road, she had no destination in mind for her little walk. Walking around aimlessly wasn’t quite her style, but today it felt right.
To live in a world without a care for even a moment was enough.
“What is a man to do when a beauty won't even spare him a passing glance?”
“Hmm?”
She turned to see an irritating face gawking at her.
The man stood about 180cm give or take, his short blond hair was combed neatly, and his face was very round, centered with a smug smile—a six at best. Though judging by his outfit and his air of arrogance, he was likely to be one of higher social order.
“And who might you be?” she smiled.
“The sheer impudence, watch your tongue! This man is none other than Lord Saul, the nephew of the Grand King Llywelyn himself, royal blood courses through his veins.” Another man joined in, looking at him he must have been a personal assistant of some sort.
“Hold your tongue boy, who had permitted you to speak? How dare you speak to a lady in such a manner, has your mother taught you nothing?”
“My lord?” The man looked visibly confused.
“Clearly, you’ve no sense in how to speak in a manner befitting of my servant, now go and reflect on what you have done in the dungeon.”
“Un—understood my lord.” The man gave her a pleading look as he scurried off.
“Do please excuse that poor soul, he’s but a man from one of the families that we have taken in and given the opportunity of serving under a proper lord. However, it would appear that our efforts were wasted. Garbage can be polished up, but it will never become greater than what it was.”
Wow, how unexpected. A fool that's lucky enough to be born into riches thinking his shit doesn't stink, an absolute eyesore. Not a single ounce of elegance or grace, how repulsive.
The very same men that always thought they could weasel their way into her pants with a simple display of pedigree and repugnant charm.
“The fault lies not with the maggot, but with the flies that spawn them,” she said with smiled
“Ah yes indeed, I’m glad we are of the same opinion, the lessers should truly learn their place in the world.”
“When the house is made of glass, it doesn't matter who's throwing the stones now, does it?”
He eyed her keenly before his reply: “Right… then would you care to indulge me further with your presence this evening?”
“Sorry, but I’m rather busy, perhaps on another occasion.”
“Are you certain? Hmph, that would be rather unfortunate, if only I could be accompanied by someone like you on the day of my inauguration.” He smirked.
“Inauguration?”
“Yes, I am to formally inherit the lands and title left to me by my father, a banquet will be held in my honor.”
His smile blossomed ever wider, as if he had dropped a bomb on her and had already closed the deal. Men like this couldn't be simpler to deal with, feign any amount of interest and he would spill all that he is worth.
“Oh, and what title might that be?”
“As of today, I'm to be the Duke of Auturden.”
“The duke of Auturden, fancy that.”
“So then would lady…”
“Karin.”
“So then would Lady Karin care to accompany me for dinner?”
“Perhaps I’m not so busy tonight after all.”
The shit eating grin grew wider and even more repulsive as those words entered his tiny mind.
“I shall summon my carriage immediately.” He clapped twice and whistled sharply.
“Wait, my apparel isn't quite appropriate for such a momentous occasion.”
“Oh no need to fuss over such mundane details, I’m sure we can find something much more ravishing in my estate. Keins, by the gods. I swear if you keep me and my lady here waiting for a second longer I’ll have your head.”
She forced a smile, a mask to hide her scorn.
What kind of an imbecile would invite a woman he had just met to such an important event, perhaps he's one of the corrupt fools who's taken a liking to kidnapping and murdering young women.
Karin took another look at him, that foolish grin plastered all over his face.
Unlikely.
Nevertheless even an utter fool can be useful if utilized properly. Putting all their eggs in Zakins basket was a necessary risk, since they had no choice. But a banquet held by a Duke, surely major players in this kingdom are bound to be there—influential people that would fulfill her newly acquired desires.
Beauty is a weapon to be wielded. She’s not foolish enough to be oblivious to it. Ever since she was a young girl, boys would be nice to her and the adults adored her. Things didn't change even after graduation, in every interview she was welcomed with open arms, and at bars she would frequently come across free drinks. Things came too simply, where love and gratitude should have been, only boredom could be found.
At times she would make mistakes at work purposefully to see her boss's reactions, but no matter how bad it was, one pleading look could dissolve her of all her faults.
The heavens blessed her not once, not twice, but thrice.
But even the most beautiful rose withers with time, some even before their time.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
She climbed into the carriage beside Saul as it pulled to a stop.
Without even paying attention to Saul, she could still feel his eyes groping her through and through with feverish lust. A mere beast of desire, thus easily swayed, but no matter how small a beast it can still bite.
It was a rather titillating prospect.
The city is truly vast, a modern metropolis. She would not have dared to venture out this far from the inn on her own. After all, without the modern technology they were all so used to, it would be difficult to traverse this far and find her way back afterward.
After the crossing of a bridge, the neighborhood changed drastically. The homes were significantly larger and were fenced off, some of which had glamorous gardens that were all decorated far too lavishly for her taste.
Too much to maintain, and the amount of work outweighs the aesthetic. Modern and minimalist is the way to go, with much less effort to clean and maintain.
Before she even knew it they passed a gate and entered what was probably an even more exclusive private property since it had considerably more land compared to the ones they had passed.
As expected, a large number of servants awaited them at what could only be described as a mansion.
“Welcome Lady Karin, to our humble estate within the capital, worry not, it's nothing compared to my primary estate.”
Of course.
Several things came to mind, but she only smiled.
The man who stood in front of all the other servants walked up to Saul and whispered into his ear. Saul’s face grimaced instantly and darkened even further as his servant continued.
Saul pointed at one of the female servants: “Escort Lady Karin inside and find her the finest attire to befit her beauty for the banquet.
“Yes my lord. Please, this way my lady.”
Karin nodded in acknowledgment and followed with one last parting glance towards Saul.
As the grand door shut behind them, she could faintly hear him roar, much like an overly astonished cabbage.
The sound of it brought forth a spark of joy, though with a slight bit of concern.
The servant was dressed in a maid uniform. She was young, perhaps even younger than Karin, yet on her face lingered a tinge of fear.
She followed her without a word and entered a large and heavily decorated room, then sat at the seat she was offered.
“Do you know your size milady?”
“Uh, between small and medium I think.”
A look of slight confusion grew on the servant's face.
“Umm, I do believe your figure is much like our late Lady Joséphine, I’ll bring some for you to sample.”
Lady Joséphine?
But before Karin could speak her mind the servant had already stormed off, leaving her alone to do nothing but look around.
The room seemed like someone had taken it right out of a European history documentary, still nothing of particular interest.
Now, what could have upset that simple minded beast on such an ostentatious day? Perhaps an issue with his inheritance? The purpose of the night could be lost, but even so, his connections may prove to be an asset regardless.
The maid returned with a mountain of dresses.
“I wasn’t sure which style you preferred so I brought as many as I could, would you like to try some on now? There's still a bit of time before the banquet, do try as many as you please milady.”
All of the dresses were of distinctly higher quality, most likely all handmade by highly skilled artisans. They were all beautiful, but one in particular had caught her eye. It was pitch black like the midnight sky, devoid of any light, accented by many streaks of silver that were embedded into the dress along with silvery gems as ornaments.
She tried it on and glanced at the mirror. Though it was rather revealing around the chest area, it was perfect for the occasion.
“It fits perfectly, you look beautiful my lady. I can really see the resemblance to Lady Joséphine, perhaps Lord Saul has taken a liking to you for that reason.”
“Who is this Lady Joséphine?”
She could see her expression grimace ever so slightly for an instant before resuming her normal warm smile, if Karin had blinked she would’ve missed it.
“Lady Joséphine was Lord Saul’s late mother, the elder sister of the King. She was very kind and cared for me like I was her own. When she passed it took a heavy toll on us all, especially Lord Saul. He was never quite the same.”
“You seem very fond of her.”
“Indeed, we all are, almost everyone that works here were once orphans taken in by Lady Joséphine. She fed us, educated us, and gave us a proper chance at life.”
“I see, if you don’t mind me asking, what happened to her?”
The maid tensed up and was reluctant to answer. She seemed puzzled in thought before finally speaking: “You’re not from around here are you?”
“No, I'm not.”
The maid closed the door behind her before speaking in a whisper: “She supposedly died of natural causes, her heart dropped to a stop in her sleep. But... she was a healthy and active woman, still well within the prime of her life, to pass away like that, I’m not buying it for even a second.”
“Are you suggesting that she was murdered?”
The maid furrowed her brows intensely.
“Well that's what I think, but what am I to do? I’m but a maid in this household.”
“But she’s the king’s elder sister, didn't he investigate the matter?”
“Of course they have, but who knows what they found, nothing came of it, publicly anyways.”
“I see…”
If Saul was around her age, his mother couldn't have been older than sixty. Obviously, she would have the best health care this world has to offer, and if she as was healthy and active as the maid suggested, to pass away in such a manner would undoubtedly be suspicious.
Still, it was none of her concern, but the information is worthwhile nonetheless. A man who longs for his mother with a possible oedipus complex, this made him that much more exploitable.
“The balance of power in the king's court is a precarious one, please tread carefully my lady.”
Karin snuck a glance to better judge the intent behind that statement, but the maid’s neutral expression never broke.
To that, she just smiled.
It didn't take much to put two and two together, it would be normal to believe that she was attempting to seduce the young Duke and perhaps even marry into power and wealth.
To sell one's body and pride for such superfluous gains, distasteful.
“The banquet should be starting anytime now, my lady, perhaps you should be at his lordship’s side.”
“Indeed, please lead the way.”
As they reached the door, a man entered, it was the man who had greeted them earlier.
His eyes widened as he looked at the two before speaking.
“Please excuse us, I must have a word with Lady Karin.”
The maid nodded in understanding and left the two alone.
Karin eyed the gray haired man more closely this time, his beard was very well kempt, but it would appear that the streaks of gray that had invaded his beard had long won the battle and the war. The way he had spoken and presented himself gave off a fatherly vibe, not to mention a serene sense of elegance.
“Did you wish to speak to me, sir?”
“You can call me Ceb, my lady. Unfortunately, Lord Saul is suddenly feeling unwell, I am to escort you home immediately.”
“How has he fallen ill so suddenly? Will he be alright?” Karin tried to study the man's expressions but found nothing.
“Nothing a little rest can't resolve. The banquet has been therefore delayed. You shall receive a letter of invitation once the Duke is well.”
The man that was fine not even half an hour ago has suddenly fallen ill? Too ill to even celebrate his ascension to Dukedom? Unlikely. Something else must have happened.
Seeing that he wasn't going to divulge any more information, there was no choice but to accept it at face value.
“I see, that is rather unfortunate, please do tell him that I pray for his recovery.”
“I shall, now my lady, please follow me.”
The ride was silent the whole way back, Ceb made no attempts to converse and in response nor did she, though she could feel his eyes studying her ever so closely. Only when they arrived at the inn did he finally speak.
“Will you stay at this inn for long?"
“Ah yes, the invitation. You can send it to this inn.”
“Very well Lady Karin, I bid you good day. Ah, I almost forgot, Lord Saul insisted that Lady Karin be gifted with this for her troubles.” He placed a small black box in her hand, and with a bow, the man hopped back into the carriage and disappeared from view.
She opened the box, and to no one's surprise, it was a necklace encrusted from top to bottom in huge garnets.
Beautiful but a bit tacky, too glamorous for casual wear, too heavy and cumbersome for formal attire—the type of jewelry fit only for high society. Though it must have been rather important, for the only emotion that old man Ceb has shown was when he handed it over.
A must wear to that banquet I suppose.
“A great shame that it just looks so tacky.”
“Who're you calling tacky!?”
Huh?
Karin turned and saw no one in particular.
It must have been my imagination.
How unfortunate, now she had no choice but to sit idly by.
Sitting and waiting for an answer dictated that destiny wouldn't be in your own hands, much akin to awaiting the fall of the guillotine. But nothing more could be done today, everyone’s probably returned from their own endeavors. Taking some time to relax and share a drink with friends isn't so bad after all.
Karin sighed and took another sip of her drink.
Shiro and Hiro are still both out, Aoi and Akira are in their rooms chatting away, while Miku is cooped up in her room. Karin had no company other than booze, and the questionable clientele of the bar.
And here she thought back at home it was bad, these types of bars were bad enough with every single man making a pass at everyone and everything, the men here were even less elegant about it, acting as if she was a simple lay.
I suppose that is what goes through the mind of most warm blooded males isn't it?
They are designed that way after all.
If everything is so simple there isn't much in the name of a hunt, now is there?
That simply makes any hunt that much more worthwhile, especially when the prey is irresistible to gobble up already, its struggle only makes it all the sweeter.
Maybe someday.
“Karin, can you go check up on Miku, see if she's ok?”
Karin turned to see Aoi standing over her, with her signature silky jet black hair.
“Ugh, why wouldn't she be ok?”
“She only came out of her room to get a bite to eat once today, she’s just been locked up in her room the whole time, just take a look would ya?”
“Fine, I’ll take a look.”
She chugged the rest of her drink and went up the stairs.
Why wouldn't she be fine? It's not like anything would’ve happened between those two...
She opened the door and stopped, Miku sat facing the window with tears fresh from the source. Kichirou’s bed was still fully made, left intact by the inn.
Did he actually?
She walked up and sat down beside Miku and held her hand.
“Are you alright?”
“Yea I’m fine.”
“Did you tell him?”
“No…”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know.”
These two idiots, they really are the same, neither one willing to take the first step, and neither one willing to fold. Something needs to break before both get hurt, or worse.
“If you don’t tell him the truth, it's going to be like this forever.”
“Maybe it's better this way.”
Sigh…
“He’s gonna be gone, or even worse.”
“It just wasn’t meant to be…”
“Then why do you cry while telling those lies?”
“Cause, I just can't tell him, it will... break him.”
“Open your EYES! For crying out loud. How do you not see!? That it’s already broken him?”
“Huh?”
“It was too late… he already gave it all up.”
“What are you talking about? You guys all told me that he was fine, he didn't get the job but landed something else and everything was going alright for him.”
I’m sorry Shiro, but I have to tell her, for your own sake.
“You are just as naive as he is, he turned down the opportunity and then made plans to move to the U.S so he could be with you.”
“But, you guys said that…”
“Isn’t it obvious? He told us to lie, just like you did.”
“Why!? Why would he give up his dream? To work in that studio was all he ever wanted.”
As if you don't know why...
“Clearly it wasn't the most important thing to him.”
“If so then… then for what have I suffered the last two years for!?”
With a pitiful look of helplessness on Miku’s face, Karin could feel her agitation waning.
“For the sake of your own pride, and that idiot did it for the same idiotic reason.”
“So then what now, what am I supposed to do now…?”
As if you don't know…
“What you should have done from the very beginning, tell him everything.”
“And what if he doesn't forgive me?”
“That idiot would welcome you back with open arms, no doubt about it.”
“How could you be so sure that he would...”
“Because you know it as well as I do, how that idiot works.”
...
“I… I guess you’re… you’re right.”
“So tell him tonight and heal those wounds already, don't let it slip out of your hands. Look around us, we lost Ryuta and Shiro barely made it back alive. Tell him, tell him while you still can.”
“I… I’ll tell him when the time is right.”
There Shiro, perhaps with this, at least you will be happy…
Karin breathed a sigh of relief and laid down on the bed.
Dealing with idiots like you two sure is tiring.
The door opened.
And like clockwork, the other fool is back.
Hmm?
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among them, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”
“Who, are you?”