I wake up just as my carriage arrives home. The sun is just now peeking over the horizon. My carriage took a longer route home that took a few hours longer, but it was important to make sure Heather was not being tailed. The carriage pulls around the manor and into the stables before letting me off. I climb out of the carriage and stretch with a loud groan. It feels as if my skeleton was about to be rattled out of my body. As I loosen up my joints the head butler approaches me. He gives a curt bow, which he never has done before. He then says to me,

"Young master, I recommend you eat some breakfast, and afterward you must report to the Duke...

Well done young master Isa. You have my thanks for saving the youngest lady."

I nod and he bows before quickly walking off. He most likely has duties to attend to with Heather. I remove the sack from my head and throw it in a garbage pile. I mosey into the house and go to an east-facing terrace. I take a seat at one of the small tea tables and lean backward with a long exhale. I see the head butler walk by the glass door and nod at me before disappearing once again. He's probably getting something delivered to me. I just want to sit outside... it's a beautiful morning.

The view from here is quite nice, I can see the sun rising over some distant hills where cattle lazily move about. The small city below the manor slowly comes alive as I can see specks in the distance moving in the cobbled streets. Distantly I can smell bread baking. The air is a perfect temperature with a cool breeze making it somewhat chilly, but the sun will soon warm me. I undo the straps of my leather harness and it falls to the stone floor with a metallic clang. I find myself heading into my own little world while thinking about what's going to happen because of my actions. I'll be thanked, but most concerningly I wonder what the political fallout of this situation will be.

I am pulled back to the present by the glass door opening and three maid women approaching. One is pushing a small cart carrying some very good-smelling food. I see many types of meat and other proteins as well as some very tasty-looking pastries and bread. One of the other maids carries a metal container of some hot fluid, I assume it is some type of tea or hot water. The last one simply places dining wear on the table for me. They seem hesitant around me and stare warily at the weapons piled on the floor. I look myself over quickly making sure I'm not bloody or something. My clothes are rather plain and I am quite rough looking. If they've not known anyone else but nobility I assume it's offputting.

They altogether place a large meal in front of me and I thank them for it. Instantly I dig in. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I had food in front of me. The hot drink to my surprise tastes like apple cider. It might honestly be hot apple cider. I stuff myself full and find a lot of leftover food. I look up at the maids and ask them,

"Have you all eaten yet?"

The one I assume is the most senior says to me,

"We are not permitted to dine with those we serve."

I nod and then say with a smile,

"Well, I am no longer eating myself so I'll just observe to make sure none of you choke. Take some bits and pieces, I don't like wasting food."

The senior one sighs and takes a pastry and the other two take something for themselves. They all thank me as they clean the table. It's nowhere near enough to actually satisfy them, but it's better than nothing. At least it all didn't go to waste. Once the table is cleared they give a small curtsy each and then leave. I am again left alone with my thoughts. Once again I go back to daydreaming as the sky now turns to a beautiful blue. My thoughts wander to the future, thinking about what I am to do and especially what should I do in order to make money, I don't care about political power, it's nice, but to me, it's a means to an end, and in reality, I'll just be a consort, which means I really have nothing. I think about potential products but am once again pulled from my daydreams, this time by the head butler who says to me,

"His lordship wishes to converse with you now. "

I nod and stand up. I pick up my harness with the pouch full of letters I stole. I follow the butler through the house until I reach the study. I am ushered inside where I find both Violet and Zeyra sitting in chairs on either side of their father. The duke sits behind his desk with his hands folded. He motions for me to sit which I do. The door closes behind me as I do so, I can't help but feel nervous.

I open the pouch and remove the somewhat crumpled pieces of paper. I place them gently on the desk and push them toward the duke. Duke Hasslerouge picks up the papers and straightens them out before he begins reading through them. Once satisfied with his readings he hands them to Zeyra who begins reading as well. Aside from when he was reading the duke's eyes never left mine. I sit upright in attention holding his gaze. I don't show any emotion not sure why he is staring at me with such intensity. Zeyra finishes reading and hands the papers to Violet who quickly skims through them before tossing them onto the table. Then the duke finally speaks,

"Explain in detail what you did during this mission."

I nod and explain,

"I was inserted into a storehouse on the grounds of the estate. I scouted the area to decide on a point of entry and found no easy access point without getting into a losing fight. I created a distraction and then entered the estate.

Once inside I patrolled the entire building until I found a study, it was unlocked so I entered and collected various documents that seemed to be important intelligence on the situation. I pocketed the documents and then continued to the wine cellar where Heather was being held. Inside the cellar was a guard who happened to be a Frontiersman of the group known as the White Mako who are known to be powerful berserkers. I negotiated that in exchange for breaking his slave shackles he was to create a diversion whilst getting revenge on his master.

I had Heather place a bag over her own head lying it was an invisibility item in order to block her view of any corpses or gore we come across. From there I exited out the back of the building where I was assaulted by two well-armored guards. I defeated both in short order and exited out the front of the estate grounds. I gave last rites to the fallen White Mako and then escaped to the extraction point previously agreed upon. After that I just simply returned here and ate breakfast.

That is my full report."

He nods along with my telling of the story before he asks,

"Do you know who those two armored guards you fought were?"

I shake my head and he sighs. He then explains,

"Those two men were knights of the kingdom. They are royalist forces known in simple terms as magic knights or any similar terms. I don't know which knight legion they belonged to but the important fact is that you should have lost that fight. Looking at you you are uninjured, and from reports sent down the line they were beaten soundly and brutally.

I am impressed but also very upset."

I ask,

"Upset about what?"

He shakes his head and replies,

"Not at you...

It's the fact two royal knights were part of the forces of the conspirators. That means either a royal faction wants harm to come to me, or one of the legions has a corruption problem.

Also because of the released berserker, it has become a rather sticky situation as no one is alive. He killed every single person on the estate aside from you and those knights. This should mean we are unable to do further investigations into the conspiracy against me due to no survivors to question, but it appears that you have brought life to the investigation once more."

He smirks at me slyly and continues,

"These letters you brought are very... useful. These papers uncover almost thirty different people in this conspiracy. I won't bore you, but you probably saved me a lot of trouble. Thank you."

I nod and then he finishes up. He is now smiling and continues,

"In the end, thank you for saving my daughter. You performed your duty well and did what I asked. You may now go. I will call for you if your services are needed once again."

I feel a little bit used, and am sad I can't continue the spy games, but I obediently stand up and leave as asked. As I exit I hear the three people start a conversation, then the door shuts behind me. I continue down the hall and decide to just relax for the rest of the day.

There is a knock on the door of my room causing me to get up with a start. I sit up blinking rapidly having been pulled from a dream and I slowly get out of bed and open the door. Without warning an army of servants both male and female barge in. They basically maul me taking the clothes I had on off my body and forcing me into another hundred-and-something-piece suit. I can't even scream as some mint is shoved into my mouth and I am told to start chewing. I feel my hair getting brushed, my skin scrubbed, and all kinds of dress-up things. When they are done I am squeaky clean and dressed to the nines. All leave except the head butler who explains,

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Please hurry and follow me, Isa. Something has happened that needs your attendance."

I nod worriedly and follow the old man who walks now with surprising speed. Along the way, Duke Hasslerouge intercepts us and walks along with us. He hurriedly pulls a coat on, he looks pissed and small tounges of flames appear around his fingertips. We are wearing nearly identical clothes, the main dresscoat is a pleasant dark red with gold trim. He explains to me rapidly,

"Please make a somewhat good impression here Isa. I trust you will behave, but what I ask is you do not get frustrated and say anything in return. "

I shake my head and ask,

"Frustrated at what?"

He sighs and explains, a rival noble has stopped by for an unplanned visit. I know the reason why. He and those with him will absolutely do everything in their power to make you mad, they want you or me to lash out. Do not do anything of the sort."

I nod and begin mentally preparing myself for anything.

We finish our journey at the main lounge area of the manor. A huge room with monster heads mounted on the walls with beautiful paintings. Plush couches sit across from one another with a huge fireplace against the closest wall. I'd call it a living room if it was actually used, a more accurate description would be a reception or formal room.

Inside the room sits four men. All with identical golden blonde hair. They are in similar suits to us but theirs are a pale blue with the same gold trim. I'd say the three younger ones were triplets if it weren't for the clear age difference between them.

The old man of the group, the father, stands up with a smug grin. He announces as we enter,

"AH! Duke Hasslerouge! The lord of keeping his guests waiting."

Yep, they are going to piss me off.

Duke Hasslerouge doesn't even acknowledge him until we make it to a couch across from them. We sit down and Duke Hasslerouge finally addresses him,

"Duke Donnerstein. What do I owe the... pleasure."

Duke Donnerstein sits down now and then replies,

"You know the reason for my visit. I have even brought all of my sons. My oldest is getting older and older yet he has not found any... suitable wives. When will you grant me a marriage?"

Duke Hasslerouge shakes his head and replies,

"Not unless one of my daughters takes a fancy to one of your sons."

Donnerstein shakes his head chuckling and then continues,

"Well, you'll not have an heir at this rate if one of your daughters isn't wed. Now imagine, if our two houses, two of the largest in the kingdoms are combined in marriage. My heir with yours. Imagine the power and wealth we could accumulate."

Duke Hasslerouge shakes his head and responds,

"My Dukedom is quite large as it is. I prefer prosperity for my entire feud rather than just for my pockets. Your idea of accumulating wealth is only for yourself. It won't last. Just like your Dukedom's current... financial situation."

I watch Donnerstein bite his lip. Duke Hasslerouge must've struck a nerve. I glance at the three sons and see they are staring at me intensely. One with smug confidence, one with disgust, and the youngest with what I would describe as outright hatred. I ignore them and keep listening to the discussion between the dukes.

Duke Donnerstein states,

"You are wasting such powerful potential assets if you allow your daughters this freedom. Do you not have any idea who they are to wed?"

As he finishes Donnerstein locks eyes with me and I see his eyes go wide for a second before he glares at us both. He then asks,

"Tell me. Have you adopted... an Outcast... to be a household consort? Have you no shame? You'd give up even a smidgeon of your inheritance to this wild beast?"

This causes Duke Hasslerouge to grow a huge smile. He then responds,

"Oh, you mean my son Isa? While his destiny for marriage has been decided, he is as much a member of this family as any of my daughters."

I feel a little warm and fuzzy inside after the duke says this. He might just be trying to cause trouble, but it still feels good. He then continues,

"Calling him a wild animal is quite untrue. Despite his upbringing being different than mine or yours he is not only civil but quite noble himself. I would argue he is a far more noble person than the entire Donnerstein line, plus he has achievements outside of his family name."

The oldest son's smug demeanor folds instantly as he stands up outraged and he shouts and Duke Hasslerouge,

"What would an Outcast know about achievements? You would soil your family name for a barbarian like him?"

I watch Duke Donnersteain glare at his oldest who just now realized he may have screwed up. I watch lightning appear around the man for a second before he abruptly sits down. The lightning appears to have appeared from the hands of Duke Donnerstein. I guess that's his specialty. Duke Donnerstein stares his son down for a moment before he exhales loudly and in an embarrassed tone asks,

"You wouldn't happen to have any refreshments here would you?"

Duke Hasslerouge nods toward a servant waiting by the door who leaves immediately. We sit in awkward silence for a while before two servant women enter the room. They serve what looks to be some kind of foul-smelling tea to the two younger sons, and the rest of us are poured a surprisingly full glass of wine. The two dukes lift their glasses and then begin drinking. I don't touch mine as I really don't care for wine. The oldest son however has two glasses down before the dukes even finish half of theirs. I watch in mild amusement as the oldest son keeps going at it, downing the glass nearly as soon as it's filled. I see Duke Donnerstein growing more frustrated with his son as this continues. I keep my face neutral as I slowly watch the trainwreck unfold.

Soon the bottle is empty and with the last glass down the oldest son looks me in the eye, clearly quite sloshed, and asks,

"How...how far have you gotten with Violet... you fucking Dog."

I am shocked by the statement but stay stoic. I look to the now fuming Dukes and Duke Hasslerouge nods to me. I respond,

"I've done nothing with her. I really don't plan to. It's up to her."

He scoffs and says incredulously,

"No way...You're lying! I know you must've tried something!"

I shake my head with a sigh before saying back to him,

"I am a newcomer in this household. A dog I may be but I am in complete control of any vices or other such poisons within myself."

This pisses him off and he says,

"What are you trying to say?"

I reply,

"Nothing."

I watch the middle brother lean over to the oldest and explain something to him. Judging by the look on the oldest's face it's going to be trouble. Once the whispering is over the oldest stands up triumphantly and announces to me,

"I challenge you! I challenge you to the Outcast trial of possession. I want your right to marriage of a Hasslerouge daughter!"

Duke Hasslerouge attempts to stifle a laugh. I sigh looking downward. Well, he did the challenge wrong, but I assume the middle child has done some research. Clearly, he also is trying to get his older brother in trouble, what a crafty little shit. He might be troublesome. I look up at the standing man and ask him calmly,

"What is your wager?"

He thinks for a second and announces,

"I wager! I will wager whatever! You won't beat me dog!"

I look over at the dukes, and even Duke Donnerstein looks at me expectantly. Duke Hasslerouge nods and so does Donnerstein. I would laugh if this wasn't so annoying. I simply stand up and throw my coat off. I raise my chin and reply,

"I accept your challenge, I shall wager in accordance with the rules of the trial. As the accused and defender I shall choose the mode of combat. I choose unarmed combat. "

The oldest one blinks a few times thinking through what I said. He accepts greedily, so the trial is on...

I now find myself out in the courtyard, stripped down to just my bottom layer of clothes across from a staggering drunk idiot. He is currently drinking some kind of yellow potion and I am standing upright and slowly swaying with my hands shaking. While I may be prepping for a fight, my heart really isn't in it. I don't care enough about this whole situation in order to actually go all out. My motivation only comes from that both dukes want me to knock some sense into him.

The potion seems to sober him up and he begins loud mouthing. I ignore him and just keep doing my thing. If this was a real trial, as soon as we agreed on terms we were supposed to start fighting as soon as we both were armed with what mode of combat was decided, none of this wait till the duel starts bullshit.

Both dukes give their blessing to start and the oldest Donnerstein son charges at me wildly. I step to the side and kick his legs out from under him. He flies a few feet before faceplanting. I feel... bored. The middle son is laughing loudly at his brothers' expense while the youngest keeps glaring at me, what a creepy little shit.

The older brother gets up quickly and comes at me for another round. I tighten up into a fighting stance. I keep my eyes open as he throws punches at me. I watch each one come toward me and dodge accordingly. I'm really just going to use this as a quick workout, just dipping and dodging the punches. He clearly has had some form of combat training, most likely the same fighting instructor as Violet, but all the same, they are rigid and straightforward punches, and not even that good of ones at that. I hear him slowly growing winded from the exertion while I haven't even started sweating. After a bit, I decide its time to get started.

I duck a right punch and rise up with my elbow which connects with his chin splitting it pretty badly. He staggers back in pain and not unconscious to my surprise. I keep the pressure on and throw two punches into his midsection knocking the wind out of him. As he starts to curl up I grab the sides of his head and bring my knee up into his nose. With a loud crack, his nose is busted. This causes him to fall to the ground and into a fetal position he cries out,

"I surrender!"

I laugh and climb on top of him, rolling him to his back and I say,

"You asked for a trial of possession! You wanted this you did the proper things! You're going to finish it. The only way this trial ends is with one of us dead! You wagered whatever I want. I want everything you own, all that you have, every coin, every woman, every article of clothing, and even your birthright!"

To make my words hit home I slug him in the head or ribs at the end of every sentence. By now he is blubbering like the spoiled brat he is. I am of course lying, our wagers are nowhere near worth actually dying over. If I remember correctly I think both our wagers are worth just about a busted nose, if we had weapons then a few stitches. I'm just fucking with him because I think his crying is funny.

I get off of him after a moment and say to him,

"Get up and show me the strength of your name. Show me how you are worthy of the Donnerstein name and worth the hand of the fair Violet!"

He doesn't get up but instead stays on the ground crying and apologizing saying he didn't know the rules of the trial. I smile devilishly thinking of a final fuck-you to this guy. I say to him,

"I might call off the entire trial and pretend it never happened if you get on your knees and beg like a dog... since you were so keen on calling me such."

Without hesitating he gets to his knees and begins begging. I honestly feel bad now. He is blubbering and crying while his face is in the dirt as he begs me to forgive him. I sigh now feeling like shit. I say,

"I accept your apology, the trial has concluded, and all assets return to their original owner."

I go and stand next to Duke Hasslerouge who shakes his head at the boy. I watch Duke Donnerstein do the same while he walks over to us. He then says,

"I would like to apologize... that was embarrassing... please forgive me."

Duke Hasslerouge nods and so do I. We three just stand there watching the boy keep crying. None of us speak, we just watch in disappointment. I hope not all nobles act like this. That was absolutely stupid, I really don't think this was a productive use of my day.