Everyone had to wait until the auction was over to buy their slaves and be off, with the lone exception of Lady Armingtage. After one of her guards secured the bill of sale I was unchained and motioned by the level 39 guard to follow. I knew trying to run wasn't an option so I walked with the group towards the lady's carriage.
Once we reached the carriage I was ordered by one of the guards to walk behind the precession and if I slowed them down I would regret it. The Lady would of course be inside and all of her guards had a mount they would be riding. With no choice I started to make my way to the back.
“No, I want to talk to you. Come inside the carriage.” The other guards looked to her in surprise and then looked to the man who I assume was the ranking officer; the level 39 guard Jameson Carter.
An imposing figure who stood well over 6 feet tall and was at least 220 lbs of pure muscle. The light tone of his black skin gave me the feeling he had some kind of mixed heritage, but I wasn't about to ask. I couldn't help but think he looked a bit like a smaller version of 'The Rock' from the movies. Still much bigger than me of course. He gave Lady Armingtage the slightest bow I have seen anyone dare to give her yet.
“My lady, I must remind you that riding with a slave would be considered highly inappropriate for a lady of your station. Not to mention he isn't trustworthy. We don't know anything about him. If you insist on it being so, then I should ride in the carriage as well.”
“I don't care what others consider appropriate. As for him not being trustworthy; he has proven he's smart at least. That means he is well aware of what consequences he'll face if he tries to do anything he shouldn't.” She said the last part facing me.
“Aren't you?”
“Yes, my lady.” I bowed. She smiled at my response.
“See, he's a fast learner. It'll be fine. I'll call you if I need anything.” The guard certainly didn't agree it was fine but there was nothing else he could say. He gave me a deadly glare; I felt a strong killing intent push against me. I wanted to yell out to him 'you don't need to hit me over the head with your killing intent, I get it already'.
I walked into the open carriage door and closed it behind me taking the seat across from her. She looked at me in complete silence as if waiting on me to speak first, so I didn't. This appeared to be some kind of pissing match. I imagined most people usually wouldn't dare look right back at her as I was doing. But I knew she didn't want the usual, so I held my gaze and the silence. A smile spread across her face and she finally broke the silence.
“You have a lot of gall. I'll give you that.”
Her smile left. “Show me your status screen. I'm going to ask some questions and I expect you to answer honestly. I'm pretty good at spotting liars, and as a word of caution, you really don't want to lie to me.”
I did as she told me and showed her my status screen.
“So you really are level 1 with no experience. How odd. You know, they say owning a slave who lost his levels is a bad omen. Fortunately for you, I don't believe in luck.” She leaned back and looked at the countryside through the small window as we rode.
“You probably think you did well to escape the mines. Be warned that if you get on my bad side you will wish they had taken you.”
The look of surprise at her comment made it's way to my face. She caught it out of the corner of her eye and raised an eye brow. a bit surprised to see my shock.
“What? You thought I didn't know what you were doing up there? I could very well be insulted by that. I hope in the future you give me more credit.” She turned her full attention back to me.
“Being a slave is a tough life. But your better off with me than in the mines. Don't think for a second I didn't catch your glances at me before your little display. You were doing everything you could to get me to buy you. Perhaps because you've become infatuated by my beauty?” She smiled playfully. She wanted to try to push my buttons, so I pushed hers back.
“It's true you're beautiful, but that's not the reason.”
“I advise you to be careful with your words from now on. You can speak like that if we're alone, but if you ever speak that way in front of someone else they'll see you whipped for your insolence.”
“I spoke like that because it's only us here. You said you didn't want me to lie to you right? I may not know you very well, but I can say with some confidence that you hate the mundane and when people dress up their words or hide behind niceties instead of speaking plainly. I get the distinct impression that if I didn't speak this way in front of you it would be as bad an idea as speaking this way in front of others.”
She leaned back seeming pleased with me.
“You're right. I certainly don't want you to bore me and you should do well to remember it. But I didn't buy you just to entertain me and pass the time.”
“Technically, you didn't buy me.” She paused for a moment at that.
“Hmm, I guess that's true. But the point stands. You promised that you would be worth 1,000 gold coins. Were you boasting just to get out of a jam, or do you really believe that?”
I paused thinking of what to say. She told me not to lie to her. Realistically with all the information in my head I'm surely worth much more than 1,000 gold coins. I doubt anyone would believe that though. After debating it internally I decided to go more towards truth than lies.
“I honestly believe I'm worth that much. I don't know if I’ll ever get the chance to prove it, or if I want to.”
She gave me a long look after that. She seemed happy I didn't back down. I'm not sure she believed me but at the least it seemed she didn't get the sense I was lying to her.
“You better be right about that. Since I got you for nothing, I wouldn't care if you weren't even worth 1 gold coin from a value perspective. I only care that if you say something to me that you can back it up. It doesn't matter if a slave I own can move a pebble or a mountain. I only care that they do the amount they say they can. I'll consider your evaluation a promise made to me since you stand by it.
You may think I was only trying to get a better price on you with the way I tormented that fool who bought you. I want you to know I was very serious with my threats. I don't tolerate anyone breaking their word to my house, even if it's a rich merchant representing a mining company. How much worse do you think I'll do with a slave who breaks his word to me?”
She let that hang in the air between us before continuing.
“You may think me cruel, but I say this for your benefit. I want to be clear on what is expected of you and what will happen if you fail. I'll have you know that taking you was a risk on my part. I'm a lord's daughter and my slaves should reflect that standard. The fact that I bought a level 1 slave who made a spectacle of himself at the auction will cause gossip and reflect badly on me unless you surpass everyone's expectations.
I don't plan to be made a fool of on your account. I could pass you off as a sign of soft hearted charity or spontaneous fancy. It would make me look slightly weak or foolish but it be overlooked and forgotten soon enough. But if I take a risk on you because you promise you can deliver and fail to, I won't forgive that. However, if you manage to prove me right with your actions you will find me to be very generous.”
“I understand.”
“Tell me how it is you ended up falling to level 1.” Of course I didn't fall to it, I came into this world with it a few days ago. But no matter how sincere I sounded she would never believe that.
“I honestly don't know. I woke up two days ago and it was like this.” Her face was unreadable.
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“I've heard stories of how people have lost their levels before. They go from humiliating to horrible. And yet you tell me you don't know? I think you just don't want to admit the truth of whatever happened.”
“I'm telling the truth, 2 days ago I was just suddenly level 1. There was nothing I did that caused it.” That wasn't entirely untrue. I didn't do anything to cause myself being level 1 except coming into this world. She seemed skeptical but let it slide.
“Where did you learn all the things you mentioned on stage?” Again, it was impossible to explain. I'd need to think of a good lie.
“My mother worked for a lord. She picked up on a lot and even was gifted some books for her services. She taught me everything she learned.” She seemed to believe that.
“You said there are 206 bones in the human body. Is that true or did you make it up?”
“It's true. Actually there are more when we're just born but I forget the exact number. I learned it from an expert healer. I don't recall his name I'm afraid, but I know it's accurate. I know a few other medical facts too but I'm not sure how useful they are in any practical sense.”
“Where did you get the idea for that invention you mentioned?” This one question made her particularly interested. She still didn't fully understand the invention, but she understood enough of it to see how interesting the idea was.
“It's something I just thought up myself. I'm not sure of exactly how to make it, but the theory and idea are sound.”
“Very well. I will hold you to all you said. Personally I wouldn't mind you riding the entire way back, but my guard is correct. It wouldn't do to have you treated above your station when we arrive. You'll have to walk the rest of the way. It will only take about an hour so you should be able to manage fine. Once there I'll tell you who to report to and figure out what to do with you after that. Since you claim you are worth the risk, I'll figure out a way to give you a chance to prove yourself. Just as an Armingtage expects others to keep their word, we also keep ours."
Clearly this was not a suggestion and our conversation was over. I moved to get out of the carriage.
“By the way, when we're alone you can call me Madeline. I never liked being referred to as Lady Armingtage. Dismissed.”
I nodded and got out of the carriage. They didn't stop on my account and I had to be careful not to trip while jumping out with the road moving beneath me. The walking pace was a bit fast but it wasn't so bad with the mostly flat road. I took in the scenery and tried to pretend I was out on a nature hike for as long as I could manage it.
I felt a little down until I remembered what I'd accomplished. Step 1 is done. Don't end up at the mines. The next step is to make myself absolutely indispensable to Madeline and show her how valuable I am. Once I do, I'll see if I can get her to do something about my sister or if the chance comes, make my escape.
I moved one foot in front of the other until we reached one of the biggest mansions I've ever seen in any world. If this is just the mansion of a lord then what kind of monstrosity does the emperor live in? I knew that not all lords would be equal and the thought now crossed my mind that the Armingtage house may be very high up in the pecking order.
The 3 guards dismounted their horses and a servant quickly rushed up to open Madeline's door.
“Welcome home lady Armingtage. I hope your journey went well.” As she gave a small bow she put me in mind of a sweet hearted granny who loved nothing more than spoiling her favorite granddaughter.
“It went well Susan. I purchased a new slave actually, so I'll be putting him in your care. Get him settled in and then let my father know I have information about a certain mining company. I don't think we'll be wanting their business anymore.” So much for forgiveness I guess. She could hold a grudge, I’ll give her that.
“It shall be as you say lady Armingtage.” Once Madeline had entered the mansion followed by the head of guard, Susan waved me over with the least amount of effort possible. Only raising her hand slightly and curling in her long thin fingers twice. She now stood completely straight and gave me a look over.
“You don't seem like much. But my lady doesn't usually buy a slave for no reason, so maybe you'll be of some use. Give me your hand.” I did so only to see her put a single thin metal cuff that locked around my wrist. I guess it was to mark my new position. I saw one on her as well.
“So you're a slave just like me? How many slaves work in this huge mansion?” I thought it would be wise to try to gain some information from someone who was also in my situation. For my trouble I received a slap across the face.
“I'm certainly not like you. You'll remember to call me ma'am when you speak to me. When I tell you to do something you will do it or you will be punished. I may serve the lord of this house but everyone else here jumps when I say and you will be no exception. If you give me trouble or attitude I’ll have the skin flayed off your back.”
I didn't say anything. The look of the sweet grandmother was gone. I felt my anger rise up but kept it down to her disappointment. She was hoping I would step out of line. She motioned to one of the lower level guards who accompanied Madeline.
“To cure him of his snarky mouth that speaks without permission, I want you to show him where the garden is. He can pull weeds out until midday. That will help him learn how things work around here.” The guard didn't bow to her but he didn't contradict her either. He had no metal band around his wrist but here he was, taking orders from a slave. It seems the dynamics here may be a bit more tricky than I thought.
I already managed to get on the bad side of someone I certainly didn't want to get on the bad side of. I took comfort in the fact that was probably inevitable. I doubted she had much of a good side. I was marched to the garden and got on my hands and knees to start pulling out weeds. Just as I started I heard a bell high in the mansion ring 11 times.
I shouldn't have been surprised that this place had it's own way to keep time. It probably had just as many moving parts and just about as high of a population than the town my original self was from. Truly this single residence was a small town unto itself. There was never a moment since I arrived that I didn't see someone doing something.
Right as noon came I saw the woman I had now nicknamed in my mind as the evil granny emerge from the back slider door. She motion me over with the same motion as before. A slight smile on her face after seeing the cuts on my palms.
“Do you have anything to say now slave, or have you learned to shut up and do as you're told?” I swallowed my pride. There was no point trying to take a stand right now. Save it for later.
“I've learned my lesson ma'am”. She gave me a satisfied grin. I spent my time in the garden trying to think of what I did to make her hate me so much. In the end I came the the conclusion it must be because I called her a slave. She had clearly gained some power here and liked to exert it. Perhaps anyone reminding her of her true position was intolerable to her.
“Good. Follow me.” She turned and walked away and I followed quick on her heel. We took a left turn and then a right one. I tried to remember everything I was seeing and get a layout for the place. I realized that would take a while. A staircase heading down appeared on the left and we descended it.
“This is where the servants and slaves stay. The servants are on the left wing and the slaves are on the right. I was informed you have no skills so I will put you on washing dirty dishes for now.” She pointed to a younger but similarly unfriendly looking woman.
“This is Helen. She runs the kitchen and will be going there shortly to make sure lunch is prepared on time. You will work for her and do as she says from now on without question. If I hear you're not preforming adequately you will not get anything as pleasant as weeds duty again.”
We walked to the very end of the long hall, passing several empty and unused rooms until we got to the smallest and least comfortable two at the very end. I was directed to the room on the right.
“This is where you will stay until I decide you're worthy of something better. I'll have new clothes and a bath brought over to get you cleaned up. You must do your job and look presentable at all times as property of the Armingtage House. Remember that.” As I was about to go into my new room she grabbed me by the shirt
“You'd do well to remember this too. Things can always be worse. I've had more stubborn lads than you come here and I've broken every single one of them. If you do as you're told and prove your worth something, maybe I'll consider giving you a better room and a bit more comfort after a year or two.
The lord of this house has given me free reign to run it as I think best. Everything here works as precisely as clockwork and I will not have some level 1 failure ruin that for me.” She motioned me into my new room.
I quickly got inside and closed the door. There may be just enough space to lay down in here if I didn't end up growing anymore. I sat on what I generously called a bed and thought over what to do now. Clearly that evil granny was not going to help me toward my eventual goals.
I found it interesting that there were better and worse rooms for slaves. It was probably something to gain more control over them. Make them worry about their own place in the slave hierarchy and focus on that instead of any thought of escape. They probably received different quality of food and some may even be able to keep a few comforts.
It somehow made the system seem all the more insidious. Work hard and be loyal to our house and we'll gift you a nicer room, some comfort, a few possessions and a cushier job. Your freedom? Don't worry about that silly thing. Oh, you tried to escape? That's a lashing and it's back to the bottom of the ladder for you. A good warning to everyone else.
In the end if you rise up high enough you may not even think it's all that bad. I shook the thought out of my head. It was something I shouldn't worry about. I had my own considerations to be occupied with.
I needed to focus entirely on Madeline. I'd need to first become her personal servant. That would get me out of this shit hole and away from the watchful eye of that crazy old hag. If anyone was going to screw up my eventual escape I was confident she was the most likely one. So creating distance would be important.
After I accomplished that I could focus on gaining more freedom of movement. I noticed guards everywhere and I was sure there were some that I missed. I would need to learn the layout, guard rotations and overall security of this place. After that I could start working on the best plan and get the supplies I needed together.
I heard a knock and the sound of a bucket and wooden tub being placed down. I opened the door to see my new clothes and what I would use to wash myself. The tub wasn't any bigger then the one I used before but I wondered how I'd fit that in my tiny room. I guess I'd find a way cause I sure as hell was not going to wash myself in the hallway.