Chapter 172: A peaceful life
🕑 Added 2024-07-27 23:35:16 +0000 UTCwords:~4600, and hopefully, the next chapter will come out around Monday. Sorry for the delay, but the exam phase is almost over! :) Thanks for staying and enduring!
...
Everything was a little slower in rural areas. People greeted each other when seen, they knew their neighbors other than by calling the guards because of ominous odors coming from their houses, and it wasn't unusual to help each other through hard times by other means than twisting the dagger in each other's backs so they would bleed out faster. Indeed, one could call it a stark contrast to city life.
'Here they are.'
Such was life on a peaceful island located south of the Moorgrelian mainland. Dog-Pudding-Island was a quiet place surrounded by water. The only thing disturbing the harmony was the local bird population shrieking at their small harbor, demanding the hard-earned catch from the fisherman and the tadpoles helping out for some coin while being playful.
It was a simple but honorable life, far from the hectic and treacherous mainland politics, perfect for many honest and hardworking people.
'That is quite the ship.'
Standing where the wind was strong, and the salty scent of the sea mixed in with the gutting inwards of the fish, a brownishly green-skinned frog-kin elder with a bent back was caressing through his long greyish beard. He had the usual hands of a merk-kin, with webbing between the fingers. On them, one could see that some were missing, cut, or damaged through years of hard work.
He had a thoughtful expression as he watched what was happening before him, fascinated. A beautiful, large ship barely maneuvering through its small harbor, trying to anchor itself as it almost crashed by a hair width into the pier repeatedly.
'What a ridiculously opulent sight.'
"Wow, what a great ship!"
"Ay, there! Look at the fine carvings on her! Do you think Daddy can do the same?"
"Do ye think one would need to pay gold to sail on this beauty?"
While he found it comical, like a parody of nobility, others who were here to see the visitors, too, had a very different reaction: unfortunately, the residents of this island loved it. They didn't understand the irony of what they were witnessing: that a much smaller and less extravagant vessel would be much better in those waters.
While he thought smugly of himself as superior to them, his behavior was identical to the crowd's, besides his very distinctive thoughts which he would never say aloud, especially not in front of the ones about to meet him.
It was the arrival of a very important person, the son of their rulers. Everyone was so excited because after establishing multiple military outposts at the border, far from where the commoners lived, no noble had visited them, making their island relatively isolated and prone to little to no trade.
As such, the visit was welcome, but the elderly frog-kin was nonetheless worried. There was no reason to come—the battlefields had been at a standstill for over a decade, with no conflict occurring except for the occasional fight between smuggling soldiers.
However, he wasn't the only one perplexed about the meaning of such an action.
"Maj'r, I be m' confused."
"Hm?—" The Major turned his head toward his charming assistant, smiling warmly, "—because of what exactly, my dear? We have so many things to worry about now, but it's not like they can't be done in due time."
The young woman, a shark-kin mix, glared at the Major. His nonsensical answer visibly annoyed her as her long pinkish flipper tail swung from side to side. She adjusted her glasses as if to make a point.
"I'll take it that ye did prepare everything I had no time for, aye?"
He sighed, trying to straighten up his crocked back, acting as if he had no idea what she talked about, "All in due time, my dear. We don't rush things, remember?"
The secretary humphed in annoyance but quickly calmed down when she saw that the ship had finally stopped. She was obviously trying to prepare herself mentally for the coming interaction.
'She will learn it soon—'
The Major couldn't change her attitude since she had always been like this. He found her years ago as a teen, adrift in the sea on a piece of wood. She was the quartermaster and only survivor of a pirate crew that sea monsters attacked.
'—but at least she has the skills.'
Her quick temper and rude attitude made it decently hard for the Major to form her into something more respectable, but it was worth it as her skills were the real deal. She was doing all the administrating work of the whole island—all he had to do was to appear sometimes and give a moronic grandpa smile. It was free coin.
"Aye, 'ere they come."
As the gangway sat up, a young and charismatic man walked down. He wore a stylish long coat with a simple colored scarf draped over his shoulders. His suit and accessories were fashionable and expensive. In the following weeks, many would try to tailor something similar to it.
'This boy...'
Narsiz was the epitome of nobility; everyone immediately fell for his grace. However, the Major saw through the layers of charisma and charm, hiding his true self by wearing it like a mask.
'A terrifying monster in sheep's clothing.'
It was bizarre to see such a contrast, but the Major had enough experience to distinguish the young man's motivations and character immediately.
"T'is must be Mr. Narsiz, but who are those two women?"
His assistant came out of her daze faster than expected, surprising him. However, like everyone else, she noticed two women walking down with Narsiz.
"Ms. Sarah, his sister, and Ms. Linuel, his fiancé from the Nine-Fire household, are at the front, and they are his personal guards."
The Major was wise enough to talk aloud and remind everyone else at the harbor about those noticeable personalities. It was also the best way to spread information, as people in small rural places like this loved gossiping, so no one would disrespect them if they left the compounds of his house where they would live.
"Aye, I understand, but who are those behind him?"
"I... also don't know, but I guess the current Lady has some safety concerns."
"Here?! By wh'm coul' they possibly be attack'd?!"
"Please, don't ask me."
Behind him were more than fifty masked and cloaked individuals with a non-existing aura. However, he could easily discern their rough level with his [Mystic Skills], and they were powerful enough to easily take over the whole island.
'They don't look like normal guards, though.'
While it was hard to tell guards, personal guards, and soldiers apart, one could identify them by their posture, walking, etc. The escorts before him had neither the laziness of guards nor the discipline of soldiers. He believed those were just a ragtag group of mercenaries to show off.
"I greet the honorable Mr. Narsiz, Ms. Sarah, and Ms. Linuel."
When they were close enough, the Major and his secretary bowed down. While it was an honor for many to greet nobility, it wasn't enjoyable for him. There was a reason he chose some rural place like this to administer.
"Greetings, Major—" When they straightened back, it was a revelation to see such a charming smile up close, "—we will not take too much of your time and be here at most for a month initially."
The Major raised an eyebrow, confused, "A month? Initially? What does Mr. Narsiz intend to do here for a month, and what do you mean by initially?—" He immediately caught himself, not wanting to appear suspicious, "—I sadly didn't prepare enough luxuries for such a long stay."
Narsiz tilted his head, confused, his ears twitching, showing that he was still unrefined, "What do you mean? I will probably become the new administrator and intend to look around beforehand to plan how to improve this beautiful island and help all my subjects living on it."
The crowd became suddenly silent after he spoke those magical words, with the atmosphere suddenly exploding with excitement about the upcoming change. Everyone believed him, without any doubt, seeing how friendly he appeared to be.
"A nobl' will liv' 'ere!"
"Oh my! Do we get now a Temple, too?"
"He's cute... ye think—" Pack! "—ow! Ye stupid or wha'?!"
The crowd started murmuring and whispering, discussing all the possibilities it could mean for the island and them. However, most of it was just how cute he was and how they could help him when he arrived.
"Huh?!"
Even his secretary was surprised by such a revelation, blurting out the first thing that came to her mind. The Major wasn't different, as he became increasingly uneasy.
"Silence Trixie—" The Major shushed his secretary up, not expecting such a course of action, "—if I may be rude..."
Narsiz interrupted him, chuckling at Trixie's reaction, "You may, but can we continue this while walking to the carriage? I must say that while I appreciate the scenery and the charming peasantry—" He nodded and smiled toward the crowd, making many blush, "—Unfortunately, I have many things to do and places to be."
The Major reluctantly nodded as he felt restless. After a moment of trying to get his act together, he showed the way and, while walking, continued the chat, "What does such a young and talented young man want here so far outside of Moorgrelian politics?"
It was bizarre. For many, it was a punishment to administrate such an island, which only acted as a logistical hub for the smaller ones around it and could barely be developed because of the constant skirmishes with their neighbors.
While it sounded like an excellent opportunity to develop and invest since military folks would be here, it was actually the opposite. Barely anyone was stationed on the island because of the standstill—all that was left was the danger coming from the Essence Alliance suddenly getting crazy and trying to take over.
"A unique opinion, Major, but this island will soon become bustling with activity since we have some dealings with a few clans of the Eros Alliance—" He looked around, genuinely fascinated, "—This is already a great logistical hub with so many possibilities and such lovely folk, so it will be easy to work on the great foundations you prepared for so well."
The people suddenly became almost hysterical when they walked past the crowd. Everyone began to whisper, looking around and planning for the future, be it businesses or similar—a noble who would become the administrator saying something this outrageous would soon reach everyone. Talks about romance and other nonsense began to cease, and mad fantasies about businesses started with everyone wanting the biggest slice of the pie.
'The boy is too open and casual with such information.'
The Major squinted his eyes, not believing what he heard. Whatever he wanted to do seemed no secret, and no one accompanying him even batted an eye. As such, he quickly asked again, needing much more information about what was planned.
"Is this the Lord's idea if I may be direct?"
It was openly known that the Lord tried to help rural areas through military power, new trade routes, or general support. He was born in a small village on the outskirts, so many understood his sentiment to help those usually neglected places.
Narsiz chuckled, "Oh my, it would surely fit my Father's sense of responsibility very well, but this is my brother's decision."
"Your brother? Mr. Alexander?"
It was no secret that Alexander was as infamous as loved by many. However, nobody expected him to set up a charity anywhere near the island.
"Yes, he is also the one I decided to follow, throwing my weight behind him."
When he looked at the three young nobles, with no reaction to such a bold statement, it seemed to be a done deal with who would become the heir. Therefore, it also meant the island would soon become a bloody battlefield.
'Damn bastards...I need to act quickly.'
Narsiz seemed like a brilliant young man, teeming with intelligence and charm—a dangerous combination, especially when the Major felt he was much more vicious deep inside.
'His Grandmother did the same... I remember it clearly.'
When recounting the past, the Major remembered how his Grandmother, Scarlett, went on a war path to prove her position as the next heir, conquering multiple islands and earning multiple atrocious nicknames, like Blood Slaughterer and Nightmare.
'He will probably do the same.'
When Marisia took over, her approach was much more maintained, as seen in her very stoic personality. The ruler was always measured on their personality, and knowing the rumors around Alexander, a storm was approaching.
'He seems motivated.'
Aides who strived for more, like idealists or zealous loyalists, were usually ambitious, and because everyone was still so young, they all needed experience.
'This is going to be bad.'
In the past and even now, many nobles, even rivals, would set up battlefields in unimportant places where they had a border and put their tadpoles there, with them having a miniature war.
It was cruel toward commoners and costly, but it was also incredibly educational. Many came out far wiser, and there was barely any risk involved. Beforehand, the two parties would agree not to change the borders because whoever would win would be honored.
'He clearly lies, trying to sell me some shit about logistics and allies. He wants to use this island as a new battleground.'
The Major quickly snapped out of his thoughts, becoming a little more talkative while planning what to do next and in what order. His tone was urgent as he was slowly losing his composure.
"So, the heir is practically decided?"
"Of course, but—" Narsiz smiled at Trixie, seeing that she was nervously looking down, "—You look quite tense, but I am more interested in why you have glasses, a very rare sight in Wolfsteeth. Is this a fashion trend here?"
"I... Aye! We don't have a Temple here, so I cannot cure my eyesight sadly and have no time to... yes—" She quickly looked up and down again, barely able to look the young noble in the eyes, always blushing, "—aye, so..."
"Hm, I see. We will need to change it—" Narsiz gestured slightly, trying to start a conversation with her, "—Do you know a place where nature is still..."
The Major looked between the two, frowning inwardly but still holding onto his smile, now finding a great chance for Trixie to show them around while he could take care of all his business.
'I should help her join them—' He sighed inwardly.
Seeing his assistant charmed, blushing, and breathing heavily, he decided that it was time for her to pay all the accumulated debt and for him to leave as quickly as possible.
"How about Trixie showing Mr. Narsiz the island? She knows it much better than me—" He chuckled dryly, "—I am already too old to remember all the important places."
Narsiz smiled, chuckling, "Is this a way to get your people a new and better position since you are about to retire, or do you find me annoying, dear Major?"
It suddenly became silent, eerily so, with the Major becoming nervous, but it was quickly dissolved with Linuel intervening, "Narsi, can you not?—" She rolled her eyes, looking at the frightened Trixie, "—Sorry. I am Linuel, his fiancé, and Narsi does have a problem finding the right tone, so don't worry. If you have the skills, we will gladly take you in!"
Narsiz raised an eyebrow, confused, "What did I say?"
Sarah interjected, "It sounded very threatening, like Alex when he acts like a douchebag."
Narsiz looked at the Major, smiling sheepishly, "Did it? I meant it amiably, though, and I hope I don't come over as threatening—" He blushed slightly, becoming nervous, "—I genuinely want to help all our subjects, which is why I became Alex's retainer."
The Major looked surprised, thinking he may have been wrong about how he characterized the young noble. Narsiz was very immature, and it may have been a weird trait that alarmed him. It wouldn't be the first time.
'I may overreacted.'
The Major started laughing, becoming calmer, "Haha! It's fine! Like I said, all I can show you is the way to the healer, as I visit them weekly because of my old age, but Trixie is young and full of spunk! So she will gladly do it while I go and sleep a little—" He patted his crocked back slightly, "—sadly, even the Temple can't reverse aging."
After showing Narsiz and his companions where they would live for the next month, he quickly left, entrusting everything to Trixie, 'A week, at most.'
...
Place: Somewhere on the island, in a basement
Time: Hours after Narsiz's tour
"You want to leave?! Because of some brat?!"
"Do you think I want to? Alex isn't a brat but the next heir, and from what I have intel of, he likes to turn prisoners who committed egregious crimes into puppets, stealing their souls and letting them suffer for eternity."
"That's a rumor... right?"
"Do you want to find out? I surely don't want to."
The Major and various suspicious-looking people, such as merchants, bookers, and crooks, sat around a table in a dimly lit basement under a winery.
The atmosphere was solemn, and all of them were in a slight state of panic, talking aloud because of the arrival of Narsiz and what it meant for the island's future.
"So, what about our business then?"
"What do mean what?! Do you want to smuggle those kids while the damn Leonandras are here?! Didn't you hear that Alex's people can do magic? Fuck knows what it means for us and how they can find us out."
"There is no way."
"One of my cousins is a stable boy at the estate, and they can. All his maids are using it, showing it off at every opportunity."
The talk continued with first trying to establish if all the information, be it gossip or something more trustworthy, was factual.
<Mr. Narsiz was right— > A shadow wobbled slightly in excitement, < —How could he even know this?!>
<Don't ask me, but... is this a serious crime he talked about? I never understood what they thought was serious and what was not.>
After the Major left to do whatever he did, Narsiz instructed the elven pair, Petra and Jorsh, to follow and shadow him. When he said it, he looked like someone poured multiple buckets of excrement over him.
<So?>
<What so? Let's wait at least until they are done, so we have more information— > The shadow, who was known as Jorsh, sighed, < —I know at least that slavery is bad, that much is clear, but they are literally raping each other once a year with barely any repercussions, so I have no idea what they consider good or bad.>
Narsiz had instructed them to see if the Major was involved in shady dealings. However, for Petra and Jorsh, who weren't that knowledgeable about legality, it was hard to understand if what those crooks did was actually something to worry about, mainly because beast-kin were far too open and lenient with certain things which would be considered a grave crime in their camp like rape or sexually assaulting someone.
"What about the last batch? Are they still—" One of the merchants became more serious, "—you know? What to do with them? Smuggling them is much more dangerous now."
"You are right—" The Major stroked his beard in thought, only to sigh a moment later, not having the nerves to risk it, "—let's waste them. We made more than enough, so making such a loss is fine."
"Good, I will get a butcher so we at least get their good parts."
"Hm, good thinking."
After establishing the facts, they decided it was more rational to cut their losses and leave. Now, they were discussing how to go about it, trying not to lose too much.
<Murder is bad for them, right?>
<I— > Jorsh was again very confused as it was seen as somewhat bad but also not. It wasn't unusual that in Wolfsteeth, some would get killed, and the guards mostly ignored it, < — yeah, it is. We should follow our new Chief and her rules, though.>
He remembered how Lorient became the new Chief of their camp, immediately implementing new rules and trying to help everyone. Even though she had little experience, she did her best—it was the best that could've happened to them together with Alexander.
While they respected Habog, he did nothing and was a terrible leader, only reigning through might while doing the minimum he could, so it was especially great to see him walk around the camp after his loss, all depressed.
<So, we do what Chief said?>
<Yeah, she is the sister of Alexander and Narsiz while being our Chief, so there should be no conflicts, right?>
<Great!>
<Gre... what?!>
Petra, as a shadow, immediately slithered toward one of the guards at the corner of the basement, appearing behind him like a monster about to devour everyone. Jorsh remembered that her [Divinity Time] made her far more powerful today.
<I go first!>
<Fine, but don't— > Before he could end his sentence, she already used her shadow energy and mana to create a blade which slowly appeared from the wall until it shot out, ramming through a guard of one of the people sitting at the table and immediately killing them.
The Major and his friends looked toward Petra's direction, only to see a horrifying shadowy smile on the wall, like a monster about to consume them. Shortly after, panic broke out, and Jorsh needed to intervene immediately so everybody would be caught and would not run away, while Petra slaughtered all the other guards.
...
Time: Night
Place: Major's House, Living Room
The moon shone through the scratched windows into the house, which had country-style furniture—rustic but nice-looking. It had a certain charm that Trixie loved after living there for almost a decade.
At first, it was boring, like the people, but she couldn't think it away after seeing the beauty of such a tranquil life. She wanted to protect it, sensing that a new administrator who may not understand why she loved this island may change everything.
"Do you like the wine, Trixie?"
She came out of her stupor, looking baffled at Narsiz sitting opposite her on the couch, drinking wine he brought from Wolfsteeth. The moon shone on him, making him even more beautiful than he was. It mesmerized her every time, something she didn't know she would find attractive since she always had a knack for older men.
"The wine is excellent, Mr. Narsiz."
She patted her wineglass, still having excellent taste on her tongue, not knowing what to say, even if she wanted to, and a lot. Yet, while being rude and open, she learned quickly never to insult a noble after hearing many horrific stories of the consequences. Of course, she knew they were often extravigated, but one could never be too careful.
"That's good, but why so nervous, Trixie? I am not going to eat you, and you already have my promise that you will get a decent position."
After showing him the parts of the biggest town, they returned with him, giving her a position. There was nothing specific, but from rumors, she knew that his brother paid handsomely, never stingy. As such, she almost said yes immediately, but something inside her didn't want to, thinking it was best to be truthful.
"Mr. Narsiz, I will be honest like you allowed me—" She inhaled and exhaled strongly, frightened about what she wanted to say, but also having an unusual urge to do so, "—I don't think you will like it 'ere."
Narsiz tilted his head, still smiling and not showing an ounce of annoyance, "Oh? Why is that so? Please be honest since it is a talk between colleagues, right?"
Trixie took another sip, needing every ounce of bravery to speak honestly with someone who could just get rid of her. She had extreme anxiety, but the people living here were more important to her. She had already lost her family twice, and she would rather give her own life than hurt her new one anew.
Trixie inhaled again strongly, her tone much more severe but still frightened, "I see your grace and galant walk, a natural noble, but this is not a bustling city full of wealthy people. This is a rural and forsaken island with many great and hardworking people. Whatever you imagined for Wolfsteeth will not work 'ere."
"Oh? Why should this beautiful and rustic island be—" She interrupted him, clenching her hands, "—Stop it! I know that you have ambitions but I don't want you to fail and hurt ma' people!"
Suddenly, there was severe silence, with the mood rapidly falling. Narsiz elegantly sipped his wine and looked out the window toward the moons and back at her. His tone was much colder, gone the warmth, like a blanket on ice-cold days.
"You see, I know what you mean, but you also don't know what will happen. There are many things to do, so your—" He smirked, "—I mean our people, can prosper. Whatever I do, ignore you or not, there will be war, bloodshed, and suffering—" His smile ceased, "—if I were you, after hearing this, I would think twice if you want me here or not."
Trixie understood what he meant, and while he wasn't like him before, she believed him. Still, she became determined to bargain more for some reason, wanting to make her point even clearer as if someone pulled her inner thoughts out.
"I love the people here and don't want to hurt them with weird schemes to exploit them for some quick coin of some shady merchants—" She squinted her eyes, looking at him with slight disdain, "—I remember other nobles who were scum, and there is no way I would let you..." She bit her lips, stopping immediately.
After barely controlling herself, it was too late. Narsiz stood up, strolling toward her. With every step, it felt like someone gripped her heart, pressing it slowly.
'I am dead.'
The aura he emitted made her almost lose consciousness when he stood behind her. She wanted to run away, frightened by what he suddenly felt like—a vicious snake.
"Threats to protect your loved ones—" The aura he emitted had no bloodthirst or killing intent. There was no terror or horror but pure greed and maliciousness. Like a venomous snake slowly coiling around her, "—that is brave, but can you repeat it when someone would hold a dagger to your or your family's throat?"
There was something far worse than killing intent or bloodthirst. Something far more hideous and sneaky. Trixie could never be like this—too open, too honest. She was stupid.
"I—" She didn't say anything for a while until she suddenly bit her lower lip, blood dripping, "—I would. I want to protect them."
"I see—" He walked toward the door, dissipating his aura, "—I will show you something very fascinating, which you may hate me for, but you will understand me when you see why the island never developed and why you need to follow people like me."
He opened the door, and multiple people stood outside, some in chains, others in bags, "My, it's so late my exhausted travelers, but why not come in for some gruel and wine?"
Comments
Wyatt Hilbert
Thanks for the chapter
