The words had been said and its impact made, noticeable by the silent table consisting of Shelly, Urberer, and this man, who Urberer saw now in his true form, a predator. Urberer knew that old saying, that you dress a swine in pearls and it was still swine. Urberer’s father taught him, and life proved it to be true that swine was often the least on one’s worries. There were creatures who stalked mankind. Some did wear pearls. Others wore threadbare pants. And still others, donned the most regal of looks. And they were regal. There was no doubt in that. They were as regal. Just like a wolf. And just like wolves they would track you down, nipping at your heels, taking chunks of flesh and bone wherever they could, until fatigue and injury sapped their prey of their last bit of strength. And it was then, then that they devoured. And the last thing could be heard were the whimpering sighs of an exasperated prey, who had become unwittingly the walking dead, long before it fell. For it died the moment the wolf set its eyes on it.

A wolf in noble’s clothing indeed. To think he would say these things. Is this the pathway for nobles and commoners? Was this truly necessary. How. Is. She? Urberer surveyed her eyes and face for a response. At first she seemed shocked, angered, and then her eyes went far away. Her eyes were facing Georgio, but they didn’t seem to take him in. A small chime sounded, drawing her attention up and past Georgio, and kept looking.

What is wrong with this man? Most would either fawn over her or downright put her down. But him. No. Even now he’s still watching her like … like he’s looking for a weakness? An opening. Truly, like a wolf.

Georgio had kept his eyes on Shelly, allowing the moment of silence to grow uncomfortably long. Perhaps not seeing what he wanted, or getting bored, Georgio slipped his hand into his cloak and brought out a small leather satchel, untightened is drawstring, and offer its contents to Shelly. “A briar thorn chocolate,” he asked, as if honestly offering them to her. She did not look back down at him.

“No thank you Sir Wyncrest. I don’t like sweets.”

Georgio turned slightly and offered Urbererrer the same, “A Briar Thorn chocolate? These are the original, unfilled batch. I have raspberry too. They’re quite good.”

Urberer’s brow automatically furrowed. He placed his hand up and gave a “no thank you wave”. I don’t think I want to eat anything this guy has to offer. I’d think it poison.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Very well then,” a slight frown on Georgio’s face “second time today no one has accepted my kind offer.” He then pops a few in his mouth. He talks through chocolate that melts in his mouth and shows up at the corner of his lips, “They’re good. They really are.” He pops another chlorate in his mouth. “Perhaps I sounded harsh Rivashel? But know, I do care for you, and others who are unfortunate. This is why I’ve been, well, should I even say.” He takes a moment to consider.

Shelly’s eyes returned to Georgio, studying him.

What in the world does this man have to ‘hide.’ He clearly can say whatever he wants when he wants.

Georgio popped another chelate in his mouth. “Well. I don’t like to sat much about it. But I’ve been trying to send funds to the orphanage and a few other low town projects.”

“The orphange?” Urberer asked, giving Georgio his full attention.

“For a monk you are quite excitable aren’t you?” Georgio responded through chewing his chocolate.

I think I really, really despise this man.

“But to answer the questions you have, yes, I want to give to the orphanage. The scales must be balanced and then tipped to make a better life for the less fortunate. Is that not what the faith teaches? To care for others like our kin. To ensure their health and growth, we insure our own?” Georgio gives a small smile.

“With all due respect Sir Wyncrest, I did not think the Wyncrest would have much interest in the ongoings of low-towners.” Urberer said.

Shelly broke her silence by saying “Yes. I figured your focus would be on performing, ‘noble pursuits’, whatever that means.”

Georgio stopped mid chew and his face balled up into an expression of someone who had just smelled something bad. He swallowed as the expression mostly faded, and then responded with a bit of bite to his voice “Oh I’m sure you’re curios. Yes. We’ve been focused on trade and noble pursuits, of which you’ll find out soon enough, Rivashel.” His tosses back another chocolate and continues to chew and talk. “I’ve always been concerned about those in a worse position than me.”

Georgio pauses for a moment and swallows his chlorate. A look of genuine consideration crosses his face before he continues. “Being second born gives you a little more perspective on the world. Because things are different. Your responsibilities and expectations are different from a first born.” He gestures to Shelly as if he’s truly giving her advice without malice “This is a lesson for you for when you begin to breed, mm, breathe life into heirs.”

Did he just say breed? Really? This good sir, is an example of how to get on someone’s shit list. And high-priest Arcbin wonders why I don’t want to deal with these nobles. If they’re not trying to get something, or playing games, they’re saying repugnant stuff. I feel like I’m a target just by association when I’m with them. Really not trying to die because someone else is a garbage person. Just saying. And I best not look at Shelly. We’ll just act like he never said that. Yes indeed. No nobles being slaughtered today.