“It has been quite a while since we’ve all met in one room, hasn’t it?”
“Mmm. Though I am glad to see you all doing well, I must ask. Why have we been summoned here?”
“I would prefer that he inform us beforehand, instead of calling us out of the blue.”
“Where is he anyway? We have been waiting for quite some time now.”
The varying voices of men bounced across the seemingly empty room. As nobles, none of them were used to being made to wait, hence their displeasure. Be that as it may, none of them made much of a fuss, save for a few reserved complaints, despite having been on standby in the room for more than 10 minutes. The anxious nobles’ eyes went to the man who stood right next to the only door of the room; to the close aide and personal butler of the house’s master. Though his appearance made him seem to be somewhere within his late 20’s, the occupants knew better. Still, his somewhat youthful appearance still earned the envy of every person within the room, especially because they grew up alongside the man since they were but children. Before long, the wooden door slowly opened, inviting in a man of medium-build. The scarce light from the sole lit torch concealed the man’s face aside from his chin, hiding his facial features much like the others who were scattered inside the darkness.
“My sincerest apologies for the delay. Some urgent business had just come up.”
“As the owner of the home, don’t you think it’s a bit rude to make your guests wait?”
“For what reason have you gathered us here today?”
“And make it quick. We have our own matters to attend to.”
“Not to worry, once you’ve heard what I have to say, I am sure you will all find it in your hearts to forgive my abruptness.”
With not a moment to lose, the master of the house gestured to the butler, prompting him to open the door once more. One by one, five more people dressed identical to each other entered the room. The newcomers each wore distinct grape-colored robes and silk veils which hid their faces. The nobles quite nearly jumped from their seats upon seeing the five. Though they were unable to identify the individuals themselves, they recognized the identical and unmistakable tattoos etched on the back of the group’s hands; an outstretched, bony, decaying hand.
“Gentlemen, I present to you, the Harabeller.”
The master of the house smirked as he introduced them to the wide-eyed nobles.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, nobles of the Vistergan Kingdom. I am known as Tesa. ”
The four bowed as one while Tesa, who stood in the middle, took a step forward as she greeted the people in front of them. The soft-spoken, almost bewitching voice which escaped from her velvet-coated lips seized the nobles’ attention. Beneath the veil, a barely-visible scar ran down from her neck to her chest. The woman glanced at her compatriots, prompting them to withdraw five small slips of paper, all decorated with their organization’s mark.
“While we did not mean to eavesdrop, we could not help but overhear your displeasure from outside. Please accept these as an apology for taking up your precious time.”
“O-oh… these are?”
“To thank the esteemed gentlemen who allowed us safe passage into Visterga, we would like to offer you these VIP passes for our upcoming show. This particular program of ours will be quite a treat… especially for collectors. We look forward to seeing you there.”
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As if on cue, the nobles cracked a smile successively after hearing Tesa's statement. The members of Harabeller each gave the nobles a slip of paper. Their eyes reflected the glowing pink hue which emanated from the inscription. Upon receiving the slips, the shadows of doubt were cleared from their minds. The nobles clamored upon receiving the slips, giggling like little kids who were given sweet treats. In the underworld, only one organization was powerful enough to use expensive products such as processed dragon bones for sending out invitations. For the simple fact that they can, they use such exquisite items as ornaments, handing them out to anyone at any time they desire.
“M-my apologies, Ms. Tesa?”
“Yes?”
Unable to resist the urge, one of the nobles stood up.
“If it’s not too much to ask, I would like to know if there’s a way to contact the organization. Purely for business purposes, of course.”
Tesa’s gaze turned towards him. Slowly, she made her way until they stood face to face, enough that she could hear his quickening breath. Tesa’s head pressed ahead till she reached the noble’s ear.
“Of course. The passes we provided may also serve as your means for communicating with us. Do call upon us for your every… desire.”
Tesa gently whispered at the noble’s ear. Seeing the man’s body tremble upon hearing her voice made her smile as she went back to her earlier position.
“Now, I will provide the finer details at a later date once you are all free. Though I hate to cut this meeting short, I truly must be on my way. I thank you for your patience and understanding, everyone. Yohan, please escort them to their respective carriages.”
Yohan, the butler, escorted them outside wherein a handful of other servants waited for them. For the sake of security, each noble was assigned three people, including the carriage driver, to watch over them as they returned home. The nobles each paid their respects to the group and thanked the house's master for his efforts in securing their services. Before long, the last of the nobles was taken to the carriage and drove off safely into the night.
“I was under the impression that there were six of you.”
After seeing off the last noble, Tesa’s voice emerged from behind the house master. Even further behind, her unit observed them like guard dogs.
“Oh, yes. There are six of us. The top members, so to speak. Unfortunately, one of us was struck by a terrible mishap. He is currently at home, tending to his bruised and beaten young.”
“Is that so?”
“Mhm, his son lost in a competition. Horribly, might I add.”
“Ah. Would you be referring to the exhibition match a week ago?”
“Indeed. By chance, did you attend the event?”
“My team did. They grew tired of the entertainment establishments after we arrived and happened upon the arena. A shame I was not with them during the event.”
“Why is that?”
The master tilted his head slightly behind him, towards Tesa.
“One of the participants caught their eye. I have been with them for a long time now, and I can say with certainty… they usually pay no mind to most people. But, something about this boy attracted their interest.”
“And that is?”
In response to his question, Tesa looked him straight in the eye and spoke.
“...Savagery. An animalistic thirst for violence which they found quite reminiscent of those in our ranks.”
“Hm, I suppose the boy did look quite beastly at the time. As if he’d turned into someone else…”
“Perhaps.”
“What do you intend to do?”
“Nothing. Though it fascinates me, I’m not in the habit of collecting children. However, I cannot say the same for those under me.”
“I see. If possible, please try not to cause any unnecessary trouble for me.”
Tesa subtly nodded upon hearing his reply.
“How goes the matter I asked of you?”
“...We’ve located its tracks. I’d say perhaps by dawn tomorrow your merchandise will be returned to you.”
“Thank you. I’ve sent half the sum we’d agreed upon earlier. Have you received it?”
“Yes. The next time you see us, we will have it in tow. I ask that you instruct your people to be more careful next time.”
“Worry not, I’ve disciplined them thoroughly for that mistake.”
“Good. Have the rest of our payment ready by tomorrow. Farewell.”
Silently, the presence of multiple people behind him disappeared, as if they blended with the darkness.
(“If it’s them, then there is nothing to worry about.”)
Doubting their capabilities was not only rude, but also shortsighted, he thought. Instead, what he must think about now is how to prepare a proper reception for the group. After all, they will be carrying cargo of the highest import right at his doorstep.