《Restless Night, Pleasant Dreams》


 Chapter 1

    I stared out the window of the manor. Looking at the steam carriages arriving one after another. Listening to the guest, poke and prod the feelings of the main family. Aiming at the neatly cut holes in the chain link fences for benefits they could scour out of the seemingly helpless members of my family.


    If we were members of the old system, aristocracies of yesterday, then we would be considered a family fallen from heights grandeur. Considering we lost key personnel and all the replacements were young and impressionable. Lucky, my family still had me to be sensible. Or the old dogs would leave nothing for the next generations.


    People were like starved, wild dogs. They saw a wounded gazelle and attacked without any hint of remorse. Picking the bones clean, licking up the spilt blood, crooning at the fact that there wasn¡¯t enough meat on the bones.


    It was utterly disgusting.


    Sickening.


    Curl my stomach the way these laughable friends of the family came with their nose stretched up as if sniffing the air. Their claws hidden behind beautiful veils of fabric.


    My father often reminded me of the hideous nature of humans. Reminding me constantly what a man was. Being that you could only call yourself a man when you were not blinded by the smile of a pretty Belle or the way her hips turned as she cast a charming smile your way.


    He often told me that anything could be considered resources and anything that was owned could be taken. It did not matter if you were the owner of the dog that wanted what you had. As long as the dog was hungry, it would bite the hand that often fed it.


    *


    Just turning away from the dark cloudy sky and looking in at these animals dirtying up my marble floor is enough to leave me with stomach ache for days. There was not a hint of amusement in my eyes as I watched my lower kin work the floors like part time working women. Bending over backward just to appease someone trying to grapple at the same scraps you just won.


    Dogs.


    What other family would lower themselves to cater to these mutts? Did these clowns think that just because I am young and grieving, that I cannot run our business? Bring growth to our families? This lack of faith and this eagerness to seek friendships with starving dogs.. Truly disgusting.


    I glanced back at my butler who brought a young lady up to me. It was clear that my Uncle asked my butler to do so. Otherwise, the man would ignore these lesser animals. Dragons do not mingle with livestock this was a lesson in any book.


    Why would something that could put fear in villagers'' hearts? Mingle with something used to keep weaker pests away? Why would something that could fly by and burn your village? Mingle with something that could gather fleas? Why would something that could dominate the skies and make men bow down at the sound of their roar? Mingle with beings domesticated out of pure leisure?


    My Butler understood this logic. I am a dragon compared to these mundane animals. I could crush the life out of them with the simplest of commands.


    ¡°Master Lloyd,¡± my butler spoke with utmost respect. Bowing and gesturing offhandedly at the young lady. ¡°Master Phillip would like to introduce a young lady of Evelyn Summers from the Summer family of Goldenvalley city.¡±


    The girl did a curtsy and smiled bright but her eyes were calculative. Besides, I never did like a red-head with blue eyes. Something about them always said they were up to no good. Snakes that awaited in the high grass for a chance to bite at your ankles.


    ¡°Pleasure to make your acquaintances, Master Lloyd. I hope I am not being too forward when I say that while I can¡¯t feel your pain. Or know what you are going through, I hope that you can move past it to a brighter future.¡± She spoke well and clearly.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    An attempt to stand out among those giving off standard consolations. It was a good attempt but her family was merely considered beggars compared to mine. Besides, showing a bit of freckle chest and wearing a dress that emphasized her great birthing hips only worked on playboys.


    I am anything but a fool.


    I spun the chalice in my hand before taking a sip, not breaking eye contact with her. I could see her lips twitching as it sag a little from the bright smile she held before. Her fingers clutching the small purse in her hands seemed to dance upon it. A nervous tick?


    I brought the chalice down and turned to look over the railing at the crowd of wild dogs.


    ¡°Miss Summers, your family is currently doing well, yes?¡± I asked, my eyes tracking a number of people who had brought their daughters along.


    Only a few of them would even be able to meet my standards. As a family of the hidden world, the strongest impact to a marriage is how strong your spouse''s ability is. It did not matter how useful it is to the relationship or the Husband¡¯s business. It only helps to determine how useful their heir would be.


    Thus I didn¡¯t see a lot of the mundanes as humans worth mating. They were at most a fun time before you move on to something more pleasurable.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she looked confused but walked up to the railing. Placing her arms upon them as she leaned over. Half turned in my direction to provide me a view of her chest.


    ¡°Our family business is doing well. It could be better if we¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you think of these people?¡± I interrupted, not even looking her in the face as I spoke. ¡°These gentlemen and ladies who show up out of the blue to help me mourn my parents passing. Who come bearing all kinds of gifts in the form of verbal comfort. Yet, also picking this time to usher in an age of benefits through others'' time of sorrow.¡±


    I glance at her, ¡°I wondered? Are you also the type of parasite that is bribing lowly dogs to feast upon the scraps they left behind? Or are you someone that is honestly trying to befriend me with the intention of pursuing a possible marriage alliance?¡±


    Evelyn opened her mouth but then closed it to swallow down the words she had prepared. She studied me while I had turned away from her. Anyway, words she said now would have to be carefully picked over and it was easy to tell that she came with the thoughts of seducing benefits out of me.


    Five awkwards minutes passed as she pondered what to say. Providing me with a pleasant companion of something that didn¡¯t smell like men.


    With a snap of my finger, a bell at the top of the mansion rung twice. Announcing the end of this show and tell.


    ¡°I have to apologize for being overly blunt. The wine can¡¯t take the blame but I don¡¯t prefer red-heads or blue eyes. Light brown or black is acceptable.¡± I swirled the chalice while thinking. ¡°Personality wise? I want someone smart but not too smart. I don¡¯t want to have to compete in wits. Obedient? Do I like an obedient girl? Hard to say. Like any man, I am fine with my woman not causing too much trouble. Not being too noisy. However, that¡¯s about as far as I can think. I never really thought about it before, the personality of someone I can put up with.¡±


    I scrunched up my nose before laughing to myself. I passed the chalice to my Butler and walked away. His comforting presence followed as we walked to the front to send guests off. Shaking hands and providing lies, such as we will definitely meet up sometime in the future. I will definitely visit your restaurant or something as mundane as that.


    When only family members were left, they began leaving while giving me those not so friendly smiles. The kind of smiles that said, we hope you are sensible and care about our needs.


    I only provided by the dead eyes stare that meant, ¡®benefits? What benefits have you earned?¡¯


    Phillip stopped before me with his wife and daughter. A casual smile on his lips.


    ¡°Have you thought about what we discussed?¡± he had that smirk that said everything was going to his plans.


    I laughed and looked at the door at the awaiting driver.


    ¡°Old dog, don¡¯t try to elevate above your station. Just be a good dog and enjoy the little rank you acquired or else I''ll have to put you down.¡± I look at him with a sad smile. ¡°Understand, old dog?¡±


    Phillip''s face turned purple as he clenched his fist around his top hat.


    ¡°Good. Very good.¡± He growled as he left.


    I ignored an old fool like this. What could he hope to achieve when he was never in a position of authority. He is too narrow minded and that did not go well with any type of progressive business.


    ¡°That¡¯s the last of them,¡± my Butler informed me.


    I nodded and slunk off to take a shower and relaxed with a nice book. Hopefully able to drink away my nightmares.

 Chapter 2

    <h3 style="text-align: center">1.2


    The clouds always seem dark now. Teardrops pelted the train car windows. Wailing sound of thunder echoed in my ears. It never seemed to be peaceful lately. It was as if a God is announcing his displeasure and we, humanity, were taking it full on.


    The train stuttered to a stop and the bell rang.


    My Butler opened the private car door, clearing the way for me.


    I couldn¡¯t help but pay attention to these worker bees scurrying off to work or to some of the women with better figures. If this had been before, I might have visited an old friend. See how good she is doing.


    My Butler stood like a giant over me, holding an umbrella that formed a dome of protection. I felt a greater sense of guilt at his loss than for my own. My silver, dragon-claw cane tapped the ground. Keeping our pathway clear of rain drudge.


    It is a beautiful day for a walk. Perfect levels of dreary and desolate. Steam cars whipping up lakes of water at passersby on the sidewalks.


    Ha, if I didn¡¯t have a single magical item, I might not have conceded in taking a walk to clear my mind. This is entirely, if not wholeheartedly, a great idea. I felt refreshed upon seeing the plights of others in a far more strenuous situation. Those running to and from with no protection against the cold rain. The unfortunate that not only got rained on, but drenched with the muddy waters of the road.


    To make it all worse, I do believe someone had tracked mud into someone''s working building. Tsk, the cleaners would and should be furious.


    Halfway to our target, I think I heard a muffled scream. Glancing at my Butler to be sure, he nodded and we walked towards a nearby alley. The closer we got the clearer the voices.


    ¡°Stop yelling! I¡¯ll kill you if you yell.¡± someone whispered fiercely.


    ¡°Mm help..¡± some lass barely got words out.


    Tsk, how disgusting. The sun is up and people are committing such a disgusting level of crime. Don¡¯t they know any better?


    The misty white sphere gripped between three claws on the top of my cane, swirled with blue fire. A tap of my cane against the ground and a blue claw shot from the orb. Yanking the assailant off his prey.


    ¡°What the..¡± he barely got out any words before turning to dust.


    I clicked my tongue.


    ¡°Dogs are so rampant.¡±


    My Butler grunted in agreement, ¡°Scum!¡±


    We turned away, leaving the lass to fix her loose clothes that had few stitches torn. I heard her sobbing as we walked away. Making our way into a richly decorated flora store that looks even more lively than clothing stores with a fresh line of dresses.


    ¡°Mr. Lloyd, so glad you could make it. I have your order in back. Wait one second.¡± the clerk spoke politely, disappearing into the back after he finished speaking.


    I noticed there were a number of customers dressed similar to Doctors or those who had herbal knowledge. They were discussing a set of potted plants on a pedestal.


    If I remember correctly this was a popular thing in this store. Open forum discussion where all influential members could discuss the uses and effects of the flora on display. Increasing their knowledge and networking. Quite the setup.


    The Clerk brought out several jars of medicine paste and pills. ¡°As you requested, twenty four hundred miligrams of healing agent and two hundred pills to help mental recovery.¡±


    I grabbed the box and a second later they disappeared into my satchel. I pulled out an envelope containing the payment of seventy-five thousand Mavro Dollars. The walk had done its good, now it''s time to retreat back to the fort.


    I had no fear of the otherworldly within those walls.


    My Butler hailed a taxi upon noticing my nervous tapping and surveying of the crowd.


    It isn¡¯t that I am scared, because I am. It is also due to the fact that the local investigators had failed to find the culprits. Had failed to make any type of leeway in their investigations. They were utterly useless for anything supernatural.


    <h4 style="text-align: center">**</h4>


    I rubbed my temples after setting down a stack of papers. They were depicting the state of our finances. It is completely impossible for us to keep up with the state of affairs. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    To be more precise, it is possible but I would have to promote from the younger generation. Sadly, the bloodline within the main family is depressingly thin. To the point that some of the more talented can only make rank four items.


    Only a few had the accumulation of Arcane energy to build a Grade three item but they were young and cocky. The old felt they needed too many benefits.


    I glanced up as my Butler walked in. He set down a platter and began pouring me tea. Mouthing, ¡®thanks¡¯, I grabbed the cup and took a deep sip. Ignoring the stinging pain of the hot liquid burning my tongue and throat.


    I savored the feeling for a while. Closing my eyes and leaning back against the chair.


    ¡°There is a group of our clansmen who lived in remote villages. They have good talent but were being suppressed due to various self reasons. Have some of our guards go ensure they can make it here comfortably. Take the airship if they need to.¡±


    My silent Butler bowed and left with the tray folded against his side. I watched his reliable back before picking up a new file and began ensuring my operations would at least be capable of staying in the green for the next decade.


    <h4 style="text-align: center">**</h4>


    I stood in the shooting range, listening to this instructor teach me the basic stances of shooting.


    ¡°You want to keep your legs slightly bent but grounded. If you have to move and shoot..¡± He began to show me with his body. ¡°Wait until your feet impact the ground and they¡¯re comfortable. Flat foot down, other legs can be in the process of lifting, arching, and coming down. You have to fire in that period of time. Like so..¡±


    He demonstrated slowly at first. His body took a step and as his other foot rose the sound of a revolver going off, echoed in the dome. His foot hit the ground and he took two steps before firing again. His chest had paused just before he fired. It was like his body was completely still.


    ¡°Do you understand?¡± he asked.


    I nodded and demonstrated. However, his shots hit the target. Mine was a bit sporadic, but practice made perfect. By the end of the sessions I was hitting the outside of the target at least six out of eight rounds.


    I left him to pack up our training gear and headed down to the lab to work on the request. I couldn¡¯t allow buildup while I recruit and train more competent replacements.


    So the weeks past just like this until the second week came by and my replacements walked off the airship with surprise written on their face. The city is quite majestic with its towering buildings, paved stone roads, and the street lamps that make the brick housing look almost metallic during the night.


    I studied the two dozen outer members of my family. They looked tattered and worn like old shoes fed to a dog. There were two right off the bat that had a decent amount of Arcane energy. But the gazes on them were like they knew they were better than the rest. They were also slightly better dressed than the others.


    I guess they were used to having some small advantages. Wait, there is someone else that is talented.


    As I came closer my senses picked them up but their control was a little better than the other two. She dressed slightly worse than them, but that could just be my high standards talking.


    To them, as long it covered them, kept them warm. It is good enough.


    I tapped the pave airfield runway twice, to stop them from murmuring further.


    ¡°I am Louis Lloyd. Some of you probably understand that I am the head of the main branch of our family. As side branches who have good clean records and show such promise, I have called you here. I¡¯m not going to waste too much of your precious time.¡± I gestured with a look at the steam carriages pulling up.


    ¡°In a moment, you will board these cars and be on your way to the training facility. If you do well enough, you will be promoted right away to manager level positions. If you don¡¯t do well enough, then I will just put you under someone who can manage your talent without wasting it. That being said, for those of you who aren¡¯t talented in the Arcane. As long as you have a family member who is, you will have a place to stay in the capital or other major cities. Wherever your family member is deployed.¡±


    I stopped speaking and turned around, signalling that I am finished. They started mumbling amongst themselves right away. I turned to the young heir who followed me out here. His eyes were dead with grief. His father had doted on him a little too much but unlike the others. He is prepared to take the reins.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the blonde girl. She seems competent enough. Plus I don¡¯t do well with those who think they are above others.¡± I spoke to him while staring at the stars in the sky.


    He snorted, ¡°So you are going to throw them upon me?¡±


    I nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±


    He laughed, ¡°fine. I will personally guide them. Now how are you going to split our operations? According to the reports, the other heirs have been making a loss consecutively. The dogs have been finding backers to help them grab more. I think we need to make an example of someone to show our stance.¡±


    I looked at him with an equal murderous look but we had the same mindset.


    ¡°You are right. I allowed them to show me who was competent and who wasn¡¯t. It is also why I brought these families up here. They have some talented offspring that can refresh and replace the dead branches.¡± I sighed, glancing at the group who had begun boarding the carriages by family ties.


    ¡°As for splitting the operation? I have always been an inventor and my family always proceeded over the hidden world. While the other families handled everything else. Since things have come to this level. We should split based on ability to cope. You are good with the other dealings. I am good with the hidden world dealings, together we will be night and day. You day and me, night.¡±


    My aura flashed with killing intent for a moment. Shocking his eyes widened as he took an involuntary step back, a fear response. He caught himself before he took yet another step and nodded his head. Tugging on his coat to shift the fear and embarrassment.


    ¡°Of course, when are you going to clean up? Or do you want me to handle it?¡± He asked while looking away.


    ¡°We both should handle our sides. This way we are putting out a united front. Also, I don¡¯t mind if you gain more advantages or wealth. This life isn¡¯t the one I had hoped¡­¡± I let the words fall away and started the trek to my carriage.

 Chapter 3

    I studied the girl beside me. Blonde hair that swept down to her shoulders, nice clear blue eyes that is dampened with some kind of hidden emotion. Her dress may have been simple, faded blue cotton with an equally  faded brown jacket over top but it hugged her body nicely. Almost my perfect type had she not have brown or black hair and different color eyes.


    ¡°Nancy, Nancy Combs.¡± I played with her name on my tongue. ¡°I will personally teach you as your potential is just too good to waste. Speaking of which, read this while we drive to meet a relative of ours.¡±


    I pulled out a book from my satchel and passed it to her.


    Her eyes trace the exotic engraving of a rune circle. Three circles overlapping on each other domains. Runes were carved inside them, some forming stars that might look like a line if one wasn¡¯t looking close enough.


    ¡°This is a more advanced book. One given only to direct heirs of the family. Well, a copy of the one the older generation used to give to heirs. This one is more precise without wasting words on pointless history. Something I whipped up during my spare time. It will provide you with all the basic spells and runic syntax you will need. Plus a few methods on how to increase the Arcane within you. Even though the best method is utilizing the Arcane around us.¡±


    I might have continued speaking as she flipped open the cover, both her eyes and finger traced the words as she read them. But the carriage rolled to a stop, causing me to jerk forward slightly.


    I glanced out the window to see my Butler getting out and opening the door.


    ¡°We are here, young master.¡± he said in his usual gruff tone.


    I climbed out and helped the young lady down.


    I am a gentleman, after all.


    We walked across the gravel path, past the evenly cut lawn with its rows of lovely tulips. Not a bad house, a standard red brick house that looks slightly dull after the rain weeks. However, there is this welcoming feeling everything gave you.


    We barely made it to the porch when my target walked out of his house with a dull smile. Uncle Phillip looked quite aghast.


    ¡°Young Master, you didn¡¯t have to come all this way. I would have met you at your house.¡± he sounded worried about something.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in,¡± I walked past him.


    Stepping into the house to see a lovely display of wealth. Vases and paintings that left even my heartstrings play tug of war with greed. I took a left turn into the grand living room and dropped into a comfortable chair next to the roaring fireplace.


    Enjoying the comforting heat upon my face as I took off my gloves.


    Nancy looked around with a different style of face then the one she had worn since our meeting. It wasn¡¯t a great contrast between expressionless and slight raise of her eyebrows.


    Phillip rang a bell and turned to elderly gentlemen who came running up with heavy steps.


    ¡°Bring us some drinks and snacks.¡± Phillip commanded, while taking a seat across from me.


    ¡°What is the reason for the visit, young master?¡± Phillip asked with a concern expression.


    I took note of how his hands had clenched up on the arm of the chair. How he was sitting at the edge with his feet tapping nervously.


    ¡°I had been thinking lately. How to shore up some of the spots we needed to fill and to ensure that it was done competently. I had to patiently study all those under me.¡± I stood up and walked to the fire place.


    ¡°Thus I came to the conclusion that you might be one of the men moving up in life. You are very competent. To the point that I almost don¡¯t wish to make use of you but..¡± I moved my eyes away from the lovely pictures of him and his wife, plus his son.


    Phillip¡¯s shoulders seemed to relax. ¡°Thank you, young master. You won¡¯t be let down.¡±


    I nodded, ¡°Mm, I am sure you wouldn¡¯t have let me down if my parents were still alive. Well, I misspoke since you had plans in motions before my parents were dead.¡±


    I pulled out my revolver faster than his eye could blink. My finger squeezed the trigger, watching with small satisfaction as his head snapped back. Blood and brains spraying out the back, coating the wooden floors and rich carpets.


    ¡°Others might find it hard to understand you, Mr. Phillip. But I¡¯m not such a fool as to ignore a greedy tiger sitting on my front lawn.¡± I put the revolver away and picked up my cane. Flames shot out of the crystal orb, devouring his body as I walked away.


    My Butler came back with the hint of a dark stain upon his boots.


    ¡°All done, young master.¡±


    Nancy sat in a corner, hands covering her mouth. She looked between both of us while stifling a scream.


    I wonder, where was this fear when she was sitting across from me?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We have other places to be. Other traitors to clean up.¡± I commanded, my footsteps echoing in the now silent house.


    Nancy¡¯s hurried footsteps came quickly after us. Not long after driving away, did I hear the sirens of the city police.


    I guess the gunshot was relatively loud. I should anchor a silencing rune upon it next time.


    I glanced at Nancy and spoke in a gentle tone.


    ¡°Our business demands a bit of ruthlessness. My side of the family has always dealt with the hidden world. You may or may not have heard of this but then again, you are being raised by your aunt. So there must be a story to that. However, speaking quite frankly, blood and death will be coming in your life from now on. But don¡¯t cast aside the good in you just because a few worthless dogs have died.¡± I lectured what I had hoped to remember myself.


    This is the main reason that I am taking her directly under me. To remind myself, to be more human and not retreat into cowardice.


    We stopped at a local fashion store and I allowed the inner girl inside of Nancy to come out. Though there was slight fear in her motions, she tried to keep that stoic face. Though she couldn¡¯t stop her eyes from lingering on dresses she thought were decent enough to wear.


    By the end of our shopping trip, I pegged out her dislikes and likes. Simply by watching her eyes and breathing posture.


    As for the last stop, we walked into a jewelry shop manned by a big family, just not one of the top five. Though there are reports that say the family has fallen under the Sheppard Family, a huge mining giant.


    Nancy¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t linger long on any specific jewelry. Not even pieces I thought would be beautiful on her. Sadly, some women weren¡¯t materialistic.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    I noticed the sky darkening and decided to end the fun. As we walked to the carriage, I noticed a flash of red and my mind instantly shot back to that night when the amber eyes. I glanced around furtively but didn¡¯t find what caught my attention.


    Tsk, I shouldn¡¯t be out this late without the protection of my gear.


    I reached for Nancy''s arm and she flinched away. Growling, I grabbed her waist and picked up our pace. I caught my Butler head scanning around as he positioned his cloak. My pace slowed a bit knowing that he was being alerted.


    We quickly boarded the carriage and headed off.


    You could hear the hissing as the carriage wasn¡¯t properly engaged before being put into action. But it was fine, if something broke down. I¡¯ll just buy a new one. I had to remember to give this driver a bonus for having foresight.


    There were too many things that went bump in the night. Too many things preying upon us, while the government did nothing to stop this demoralizing affair.


    It is sickening.


    The fear they caused from their rampant behavior.


    <h3 style="text-align: center">**


    I took off my coat and passed it over to my Butler, motioning for Nancy to do the same. I motioned with a twist of my wrist.


    ¡°Follow me.¡±


    I led us down into my working area. Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the mechanical arms swirling around on their platform. A car frame resting in the center of them. Tools and parts scattered around it all. Other manufacturing parts position expertly throughout the rest of the dome shape room.


    ¡°This is where you will be commonly working from now on.¡± I glanced at her to see her still taking everything in. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you know how to build from the ground up but I prefer to smelt my own ore, mix my own potions, elixir, or whatever and add them to whatever I¡¯m creating so there is no defects within the process.¡±


    I quietly stepped towards the shower area where my work clothes hung on protruding hooks.


    ¡°Though sometimes it''s best to have the manufacturing parts automated for lower end products.¡± I began undressing and changing into the heavier leather clothes. ¡°These machines are programmed to not only assist you but remember the method in which you created a product. As long as you keep in prime shape. They can replicate your exact touches, almost.¡±


    I hurried over to the table, sliding on thin leather gloves that would block the heat but still allow me to have the same level of feeling as bare hands.


    ¡°This is a modified steam engine..¡± I began flicking on a computer that began displaying blueprints in three D holographic format. ¡°Hopefully, the advantages would make it faster than the current generation of steam motor carriages. Using hydrogen, steam, and oxygen to provide fuel that will keep the carriage running longer without having to refill it every ten or so miles. Which hopefully will shrink the frame, so that it is more aerodynamic.¡±


    Nancy had walked over and it seems that I have attracted her inventor mindset. Her lips pursed as she studied over them while I went to work.


    After more than an hour or so, I noticed she was looking at the bookshelf which was laden with books on alchemy. Which cost me nearly a fortune to be bought from Pattersons. Her fingers would trace over the gold or silver engravings on the spine before she would tip it out and skim through it.


    I lost track of time.


    Even though my brow was heavy with exhaustion, I finished the engine block. I looked around and found Nancy curled up under a blanket. Sleeping soundless on the cot, I never used.


    ¡°Guess she doesn¡¯t stay up late much.¡± I yawned then went to wash the sweat stains off me.


    After a refreshing shower, I realized I was hungry but first, I picked up Nancy in a princess carry.  I carried her heavy ass all the way up the stairs to the spare bedroom.


    I wasn¡¯t nice enough to tuck her in but she woke up during the journey it seems. So I left her to get comfortable on her own.


    <h4 style="text-align: center">***</h4>


    ¡°A telegram came in,¡± my Butler said, while passing over a slightly starched paper card.


    I glanced at it before tossing it down.


    ¡°Prepare the private airshift and twenty knights. Fully equip them. We leave at sunset.¡± I commanded.


    My Butler bowed and left.


    I went back to studying the reports from the local government. Trying to figure out why such a large sum of money was flowing into the FSB which stood for Federal Supernatural Bureau but nothing was achieved.


    Maybe they were training their members and thus a lot of money was spent on that?


    I looked at the sale sheet that said that the government bought specific custom revolvers and other equipment from my company. But another sheet also detailed them buying items from a few smaller rivals in the business.


    Given the items bought, they could arm up to forty agents. While it didn¡¯t even equal the range of protection my knight class had. It was nothing less than equal to going up against the military where they had hand spun machine guns and you only had revolvers.


    I leaned back into my chair before sighing.


    I would have to personally see to the destruction of the blood fiends. Such disgusting creatures need to be thoroughly eliminated.


    <h4 style="text-align: center">**</h4>


    I stared out into the night. Smiling devilishly at the castle lit up with torch lights. My airship spun to the side, cannons reared forward.


    A beautiful thunder sung to me. I closed my eyes and even hummed a bit. Enjoying the sweet, sweet melody of the explosions ruin the symphony of the night creatures.


    ¡°This might take a few minutes. They have a barrier surrounding the castle.¡± Mathew stated, his hand resting on a longsword station between his legs.


    I opened my eyes, staring at the green barrier rippling madly at the bombardment. The ripples were overlapping and at any moment now  the shield will drop and the castle will be ripe for the picking.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you have to clean this up in person?¡± Nancy spoke from behind me.


    ¡°There are things you can¡¯t see from reports. Plus my perception is different than their views. Thus what they might overlook, I won¡¯t and vice versa. It isn¡¯t always the best to rely upon others when making decisions that could affect lives.¡± I lectured, with a wise smile.


    Nancy rolled her eyes at the way my head tilted just a little higher.


    ¡°What if there is a creature with a twenty foot wingspan, red eyes, and angry looking claws. What do you do then?¡± Nancy spoke in the kind of voice that said she was reading something out loud.


    I glance at her and her arm raised to point in a direction. Both myself and Mathew head follow her arm to see not one but twenty flying blood fiends.


    ¡°Raise the cannons, aim for the blood suckers!¡± Mathew bellowed out an order.


    The staccoco firing stops, the sounds of whirling clicking noise as the cannons rise and then screams of the air as cannon balls slice through them.


    I didn¡¯t place much hope on the balls hitting the blood fiends. They were spread out enough to dodge with slight movement at their distances. Sadly, I was right.


    On the other hand, unlike that day, I wasn¡¯t hungover and unarmed. Today, I was prepared for these murderous fiends.


    Raising my cane up, red flames swirled inside of the pearl. Dragons one by one, shot into the air. Steam rose from the moist night as the flaming dragons cut through the dark night. Unlike the cannon balls, they could change directions.


    I wiped the sweat that was accumulating on my brow.


    ¡°You could have done that the whole time?¡± Nancy asked in awe. ¡°Better question is when can I do that?¡±


    I looked at her with tired eyes. ¡°Better question is when will you be promoted to Grade three Artificer, then we can talk about what you can do with the Arcane.¡±


    Mathew chuckled before bellowing, ¡°Return fire upon the  castle. Snipers take out the flyers.¡±


    I let out a deep chuckle as the bloody fools began dropping out the sky. Merging with the west wind as ashes. Come morning they will be something trees use as fertilizer.


    The barrier went down faster than the blood fiends but they knew when to retreat apparently. Not leaving behind any villainous dialogue, they spun around and fled.


    The ladders descended after they bombarded the castle archer towers. My Knights descended into the night and I felt like one of those Generals that stood with his head high and chest out.


    I had the dragons circle around the sky, illuminating the airship as we waited on my Knights to clean up the traitors.


    ¡°I just want to ask. Since you have us illuminated and there is a town not quite that far from here with a branch of the FSB. Do you expect them not to send an investigation team?¡± Nancy questioned me with a finger on her chin and head slightly tilted.


    I ignored her look that said, ¡®dumb person alert.¡¯


    ¡°It is fine if they send someone but what I am more worried about is the fact that Blood fiends have shown up. Not to mention that this is a castle for one of the former guys who was most trusted by former high echelon members. But I have received consecutive reports that he is doing business with otherworlders. Which isn¡¯t that bad in a sense, we commonly work with them.¡± I glance down to see a pair of wild dogs running on four legs.


    I sent a pair of flaming dragons after them.


    They swoop down like flaming meteors.  They didn¡¯t dive into the ground but pulled up several meters above the ground, turning into a flaming air-strafe. The mutts only had a chance to look up before turning to ashes that wouldn¡¯t be distinguished from the burning red line in the otherwise perfect hilly landscape.


    ¡°Overkill.¡± Nancy muttered.

 Chapter 4

    I pulled out my pocket watch and sighed.


    Twenty-six minutes to clear the castle, too long.


    The ship lowered to the castle wall and the only prisoners escorted onto the ship were books of evidence, things of value, and female prisoners that could be auctioned off for wealth used to take them down.


    I turned to Nancy with a smirk.


    ¡°Go and count our wealth. Also take down the physical traits and any defects the women might have. They are valuable assets as well.¡± I shooed her away after she gave me a certain look.


    It took another fifteen odd minutes for them to finish loading everything up. Plenty of time for FSB airship to arrive while that ¡®not so friendly¡¯ lead detective walked across the wall to poke his nose into things.


    ¡°Who are you and why are you attacking this property?¡± the beer gut detective asked without any manners.


    ¡°I am Louise Lloyd and this is my property.¡± I held up a deed, while gesturing at the wall he was standing on uninvited.


    He snatched it out of my hands and I almost killed the dog on the spot. Did he think such a strong backing would prevent me from weaving a tale about how some otherworlder ripped him to pieces?


    The Detective spit off the wall and handed the deed back.


    ¡°I see. Apologies for interrupting the moving process.¡± he stuck around until we finished.


    Like he was expecting to be paid off or something, but did he work for me? Am I that much of a chump that anybody can bite my pants legs? Piss on my shoes?


    Maybe, I really should kill him.


    We set off right after bombarding the castle into ruin. Leaving nothing behind for any rat to come and infest. We could have, of course, sold the property but I didn¡¯t like giving up things willingly. Plus I had no one loyal to safeguard it.


    My own force is severely lacking. I have maybe sixty-three knights, thirty-four assassins, and less than hundred and twenty-one spies or officials on payroll across the country. This is the only force I could rely on currently.


    Which is pathetic for the wealth our family holds.


    Sadly, it takes time to recruit, it takes time to train, and time wasn¡¯t something falling from the skies.


    I walked to the holding cell and looked at the group of women. Someone spaced them out evenly between all fifteen cells, but it was only twenty-nine women. Some might have been guards.


    My cane tapped the wooden floor as I paced between the cages. The women displayed different expressions. Some filled with fear of what awaited them, some filled with rage, some filled with glimmers of hope, but there were only two.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Two, who had expressions that gave away nothing. From the way they sat on the benches, with their legs cross over the other. It signified that they were close to virgin or virgin outright. Only virgins would care to sit so tightly as if they were guarding their virtue.


    I stop in front of their cages, a few feet back, to have a perfect view of them both.


    ¡°I have a deal for you, do you wish to hear about it?¡± I asked, not expecting a reply.


    ¡°Speak.¡± the older of two, spoke out.


    I glanced at her and she was lovely. Light brown hair, fair bosom, decent hips that flared out.


    ¡°You know our family needs to produce offspring. You surrender yourselves into my care and after a certain period of time and good show of faith from you. I will slowly allow you to gain your freedom and entertain certain luxuries. This is a good deal, yes?¡± I tapped my cane down twice.


    The older of the two rolled her eyes but said nothing. The younger of the two, shifted slightly but also did not speak.


    I am never in a rush. Thus I continued.


    ¡°As I said, we are in need of offsprings, so whether you agree to join me in such activities or not is really not the question. The question is which type of treatment do you prefer? To be bought out by those of lower stature than you formerly were or to at least regain some of the pride and dignity you have lost upon ending up prisoners?¡±


    I tapped the cane twice more and pulled out my pocket watch as the women thought amongst themselves.


    ¡°Tick tock.¡± I chuckled. ¡°Ten more seconds to agree.¡±


    They kept the stern look in their eyes. As if their defiance would affect me, I merely offer the opportunity because both had decent levels of Arcane. It wasn¡¯t like it was hard to woo an outer member and bring them in. They would even be grateful.


    I stopped tapping my cane as it was time up, beginning to walk away.


    It¡¯s clear they expected me to continue bartering until I issue our conditions. Their faces, for the first time, provided me with some clue as to who¡¯s the weakest link. Who the brain of the operation is.


    I couldn¡¯t help chuckling as I reached the entry and one of them folded.


    ¡°Wait, young master. I am willing to¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short, he wouldn¡¯t dare to pass us down like common whores. He needs us just as much as he needs his dick. Without us, who would care about the strong genes of the Arcane branch.¡± that must be the older one.


    I clicked my tongue and turned around. They quibble a little more while I walk to the youngest one who looks slightly more disheveled upon thinking about the consequences.


    She grabbed the bars and pressed her face into the crack.


    ¡°Young master, I don¡¯t care what she says. She was married and had a child. On the other hand, I am still a virgin and willing to sacrifice what is needed to regain my proper station in life.¡± She spoke quite clearly and it was her to misconstrue what she wanted.


    I brought out a bejeweled choker, a dark green set that I work on as a joke. A slave collar is what it could be referred to as. It is just a glorified slave collar that prevents someone from going against the owner''s wishes.


    I pushed the choker up to her and gestured with my cane at her neck. Her fingers curled around the choker and she brought it into the cell. Taking a half step back as to half way blend into the shadow of the cage. She slowly put on the choker and the moment I felt the bond, I opened the cage.


    It is that easy to pick up a willing slave. Tsk, tsk.


    I began trekking back up to the fore of the ship with her right on my heels. I could tell from her unhurried feet that she didn¡¯t regret a single thing. Such temperament might have made me fall for her if she had not been on the opposing side.


    ¡°Your duties are actually quite simple from now on. Reside in my mansion, be ready for my needs, and enjoy the quiet time. If you are on good behavior for three months, I¡¯ll let you walk outside and experience luxury on a guard watch. After that, things come and go.¡± I said, while watching the sunrise.

 Chapter 5

    When we landed, I brought the girl to meet my parents. Mostly, to pay respect to my mother, her mother-in-law.


    We walked through trees that belonged in autumn instead of at the end of winter. Reddish-orange leaves fluttered around us, some lingering on the smooth paved sidewalk. Others danced upon the trees they grew on. It¡¯s almost a picturistic scene out of some movie, having trees on both sides like this.


    I led us down a fork towards a raging river that emptied into a lake. Right in the center of that lake were two coffins, floating with water lilies dancing around them. The sea blue coffin reminded me of the time we went to the beach when I was younger. How I got scared from seeing a shark¡¯s fin in the water and my father wasted no time in diving in. Scaring it away before effortlessly carrying me back.


    Both of them surrounded me with a blanket and hugs. Their concern was evident in their posture and looks. It was clearly heard in their words and it was one of those events that made me realize I didn¡¯t have a bad life.


    I gestured at the bench with leaves draped across it. I sat down without further words and stared at the coffins that gleamed in the morning light. They both bobbled up and down, floating on the surface of the water next to each other as if they had no care in the world.


    The love between them when they were alive was evident by how their coffins never parted now.


    I would be amazed if I could have someone like that to share my life with.


    Shaking my head slightly, I sighed.


    ¡°Mother, I listened to you and found a decent girl with decent looks and great talent. I know, you said I must find a girl that I like, no matter if she was plain or not. But my position doesn¡¯t allow me to interact much with others. So she will have to do it.¡± I spoke softly.


    The girl looked at me before staring across the lake¡¯s face at the two coffins. She glanced back with visible confusion. Questions littered her mind, it¡¯s clear that she wanted to ask so much. However, given her position, she chose to keep quiet.


    ¡°You probably heard of her, but her name is Jeanne Hunt from the Hunt family. The branch of members that derived from grand-grand father¡¯s brother. The ones who felt that they had to cleanse the underworld of filth.¡± I sighed, ¡°Even though his descendants failed to uphold such principles. She isn¡¯t all that bad, Mother. She has pretty light brown hair and a cute dimple smile.¡±


    I spoke for a while longer, talking to my parents for an hour. Allowing their spirits which were in the heavens above to look down and bless my mating.


    I stood up and headed back. Jeanne followed me with quiet footsteps but loud thoughts. She kept glancing back and her usually stoic expression was muddy with conflicting thoughts. She failed to retain the shock and curiosity.


    ¡°If you are wondering, I cared much for my parents. They treated me very well and, honestly, I feel a sense of guilt at their deaths. Even if it wasn¡¯t my fault, it still feels like I could have done something.¡±


    My shoulders straightened and I picked up my steps.


    I might have failed at prevention but even investigators failed at prevention. However, they work hard to shut down any further such crime.


    I might not have had the forces the government did, but what I did have was the equipment.


    **


    I just finished eating when a servant came in to tell me that FSB Agent wished to discuss something with me.


    I am a bit curious as to what it could be?


    A week has passed since I cleaned up my traitors, and those that had yet to betray hunker down more deeply. Nobody was willing to provide me a chance to find evidence on their secret dealings, but the losses that were happening, stopped. We began to rise all of sudden.


    Power.


    That is all I had to show.


    I nodded and headed towards my library. I needed to shift through the expense data to begin with. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to add one more burden to my day.


    The agent came in with a sweeping black trench coat and suit that a male would wear. If you ignore her femine looking face, she would at most resemble a skinny male.


    She tossed her badge towards me like we were long time friends. Given that she is older than me by more than a decade, I doubt that.


    I flipped it open as she dropped into a seat.


    ¡°As you can read, I am Agent Smith. I worked in a very special department that tracks and takes care of otherworldly beings. However, you know that. You should also know..¡± She struggled for a moment to pull something out of her pocket. Having to use her other hand to pull at the coat to get it out before passing me a thick stack of folded papers.


    I winced as I unfolded the mess and carefully read through it.


    ¡°As I was saying, you should know that your father also worked with us as a consultant. Often giving advice during cases as your families have much deeper grasp of the otherworlders than we do ourselves.¡± She looked at me, waiting for me to speak.Stolen story; please report.


    I merely waved for her to keep rambling on.


    ¡°The contract is still valid, so you have to fill in for your old man. My car is outside, let''s go.¡± She stood up and reached to snatch the contract.


    Lightning flickered from my eyes and slapped away her hand. I heard her gasp and her feet shuffle back as she waved her hand. I finished going through the paperwork three times before sliding them into the desk drawer.


    I picked up a bell and rang it before standing up.


    ¡°I see. Today will be the only day for such an impromptu visit. From now on you will call ahead or not even visit. If you do perhaps show up, you will be barred from entering the compound. Any attempt to force your way in will be perceived as a threat and we will detain you with all force needed.¡± I paused, held up my hand as my butler and Nancy entered.


    ¡°Prepare the carriage and my gear. We will be going on a short trip.¡± I finished speaking, walking towards the exit as the Agent who had a lot to say trembled while biting her lip.


    **


    We arrived at the scene, thirty minutes later. A woman resting in a warehouse near the harbor district. Well, to be more exact, someone sat up in a square room. Down to the plaster walls to the carpet, bed, dresser, even the bug net. Outside of the square room is a dining hall, then foyer leading to a garden that is well taken care of.


    Even then, the warehouse space isn''t¡¯ used up. You could take a decent walk around the place and not walk out of it without knowing.


    The woman was beautiful, like a movie star. Perfect looks, perfect hair, perfect body. Absolutely astounding.


    Someone even took the time to dress her up in a rich green dress that matched her eyes. A beautiful rose necklace and simple bracelet made from braided silver.


    Agent Smith looked at me as I walked around the bedroom.


    I didn¡¯t have to pay much attention to details. You could see where she walked often in the room. The carpet might have been vacuum but the lines didn¡¯t hide the way one section sort of sunk lower than the rest. Plus there was a groove on the window sill as if she was scratching it with something.


    I walked to the dresser and began sifting through the jewelry and found an earring with paint stuck to the fine point.


    Tapping my cane, I walked back to the body and looked it over.


    It is too well preserved, but if I kidnap a woman..


    ¡°How long was she missing for?¡± I shot a quick question to Agent Smith, who flipped open a notebook.


    ¡°Six days,¡± she replied.


    So if I kidnap someone this beautiful, I would have had sex with them. If I was going to kill her, I would have done it one last time before leaving her body here. However¡­


    My gloved finger pulled back at her lip and I sniffed. My nose instantly rejected the notion. Of course, a dead body wouldn¡¯t be able to swallow. The semen might be stuck in her throat. Semen can smell depending on what you ate or drank. Sometimes it doesn¡¯t even come close to smelling good. Other times, it can be scentless, but after a few days, it can begin to smell. Not strongly but sweat from a dick will smell regardless.


    I moved down to her legs and saw bruising around the knees. I lifted her dress over her waist line with a little effort and pulled down her panites.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing¡­¡± Agent Smith reached in to grab my hand but she received another shock.


    I moved out of the way and pointed at the bruised vulva.


    ¡°Your victim has been sexually brutalized after death. Maybe, if you were anything more than a half cock detective you would have gone and discovered this already.¡± I pointed at the bruising on the ankle that was barely visible because someone had put makeup on that spot.


    ¡°Someone killed her, probably with poison. Then probably washed her in some kind of perservity before having his way with her corpse. So what you have here is someone who is probably very intelligent and understands the human body. I would first start with any doctors who lived near her. Track down their routine for the days before your corpse was kidnapped. If nobody is seen walking around or near that location. Then move on to the fifty radius mark from where the corpse frequents most. Keep in mind, your killer is someone with knowledge of herbal remedies and likely a medical doctor.¡±


    Agent Smith wrote this down while I talked and once I stopped, she kept going before looking up with a face that said, ¡®and ?¡¯


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°This isn¡¯t supernatural. There is a faint smell of something sweet and like you. I, at first, thought it was some kind of perfume but looked around. Do you see any kind of perfume?¡±


    Agent Smith glanced around, ¡°Nope.¡±


    I walked into the bathroom to see half empty soap bottles and oils.


    ¡°Your killer has a particular taste. You can also check with any local doctors wives or girlfriends, mistresses or whatever they have. Check if any of them have any kind of brand like these. Next, you might have to get personal. Ask them what kind of positions they prefer. Because your killer likes it very imitate with the knees raised. He sometimes likes to grab the ankles. Maybe, he pulls them to the edge of the bed or licks their feet.¡±


    Agent smith looked at me sideways, ¡°How does that help solve the case? Almost ninety percent of men will probably have fucked someone in such a common position. Give me something useful and not your fancies.¡±


    I rolled my eyes and walked to the body. ¡°Look at the finger prints, it is underneath the knee.¡±


    She lifted up the leg and studied it for a second.


    ¡°Okay, and?¡±


    ¡°If I was fucking you from behind and moved your knee. It would be at the thighs or on the forefront of your knees. The ending of my fingers, but the ending of his fingers is under the bend. It means he was kneeling down in bed and moving her knee into position. Also, if he fucked her on her stomach¡­¡± I rolled the woman over, brought her back to her back. Then rolled her over once more, for the detective.


    ¡°Notice where I place my hands and notice there is no bruising. Plus ass people like to grab the ass but as you can see, all the bruising is on this side of her vulva and thighs. That¡¯s all I have without stripping the corpse but your forensic team can delve up a more detailed report for you.¡± I finished and placed my cane down with a thud, crossing both hands over the orb.


    Agent Smith studied the bruising carefully before huffing.


    ¡°Oh, okay. You might be right.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, ¡°you are usually on desk duty, huh?¡±


    Agent Smith snorted, ¡°No, I am the one that goes primary after preps after the investigating teams finds them. Someone up top thought I had a violent track record and so I¡¯m on punishment duty for a while.¡±


    Agent Smith gestured outside and headed out.


    ¡°What I am confused about is how all this fit inside of this warehouse. You saw the outside, the dimensions are off. If this place was as big as it is on the inside on the outside, then it would be cutting into the other warehouses. Someone would have complained if that was the case. So what I want to know is what kind of artifact that can do this?¡± She swept her hand into the air.


    I tapped my cane twice and released the dispel. The surroundings rippled for a moment before sustaining themselves.


    ¡°Someone very powerful and good with illusions. Good luck.¡± I ran away, leaving her in shock.

 Chapter 6

    It¡¯s common for weeks to pass and I don¡¯t even notice it. I am so busy at all times that I hardly notice the sun rising, the moon swelling, and the heavens sweating.


    I felt a sense of accomplishment at what I had achieved.


    Or in better terms, what I became capable of.


    Training with swords, fists, and staves in the mornings with an Easterner to learn a form of mythical martials arts that allowed me to best my peers with their military training.


    Building new type of automobile that would go on advertisement come winter and gun training during the night to emphasize both day and night shooting.


    I felt highly skilled.


    I felt like if my mystical ability couldn¡¯t take someone out at range or I got overwhelmed with numbers. Then I could retreat to close combat or modern weaponry without much effort. Saving my life in crucial times, thus I would never have to fear being without one of my main weapons.


    Speaking of which, maybe I should revamp my wardrobe. Ninjas had these cool uniforms, as someone in the middle lands, shouldn¡¯t I also have something that sets me apart?


    I leaned back into my chair, after placing my utensils down onto the plate. I rang the bell and a servant came out of a side passage.


    ¡°Bring me graphene pencil and sketching paper.¡±


    The servant bowed and disappeared.


    Jeanne looked across the table at me before she too, put down her utensils.


    ¡°Did you get a feeling for something?¡± she asked.


    I nodded, ¡°I had a few ideas for clothing. Are you interested?¡±


    She tilted her head as if studying me. Trying to figure out if I was yet again testing her or not.


    ¡°Of course, I learned a lot from my mother about tailoring. I still possessed the skills. Maybe we can work together on it?¡± She sounded hesitant as she bit upon the bait.


    I bit my lip before chuckling, ¡°I will give you a very limited sketch. Show me what you can do with it. If it is good, we can open up a branch store to sell some of your designs and you can keep seventy-five percent of the profits.¡±


    The servant swept back into the room with the materials, a bead of sweat dribbled down the corner of his forehead as he presented the items to me.


    Jeanne gave me a single nod for an answer.


    I motioned for him to stay put as he controlled his breathing to the lowest output.


    It took me a good  bit to make several angles of clothing I wanted. To be fair, my taste in fashion has always been on whether or not the opposite sex thought I looked appealing in them or not.


    I handed the sketches over to the servant, ¡°take this to Jeanne, please.¡±


    The servant took them and bowed before walking with crisp steps that sounded like he was former military and doing canter.


    Jeanne looked over the rough sketches before she sat them aside.


    ¡°I can work with this. Should I also make functional lady-wear for¡­¡± She left it unspoken but I knew who she was referring to.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    I nodded and picked up my utensils.


    <h1>***</h1>


    Somewhere, sometime, Jeanne talked to Nancy and my butler into buying a pet. To me, buying a pet is one of those cute hand hold things you can cuddle in one arm and show off to people. Like, this little rat cost ten of thousands and it''s from a rare overseas breed.


    What she in fact bought was what I would qualify as an adult size predator that always looked at you like nom nom, bish.


    If the beast wasn¡¯t so tamed as to rest it head upon my lap or licked my hand. I might have killed it, or maybe it knows my first thought was to kill it and cook it.


    Thus it submitted to me?


    Whatever the reason, I dressed in heavy winter clothing and wrapped my gloved fist in a leash. I allowed it to lead me out of the house, down the lengthy driveway, towards the gates.


    My breaths created little misty trails behind me and I felt like a train. Not that I am out of shape, but the cold and me weren¡¯t best of friends.


    As we reached the black iron gates that slide open, I noticed an ill fated comrade. Agent Smith huddled against the door of a steam carriage, rubbing her gloves hands together as she blew foggy breath into them.


    The moment she spotted me, she bounced to life. Rushing towards me like an angry gorilla on the loose.


    ¡°Mister Lloyd, we have three other cases like the one before. How about you stop hiding in your cush mansion and come help save poor women?¡± She might have been cold but she shot fire at me with her words.


    The large panther began growling, its heckles raising and it crouched down as if it was about to pounce.


    Agent Smith took two steps back in rapid form. Her hand shot to the revolver on her waist but grabbed the hilt cover by her overcoat.


    I laughed, ¡°Down girl.¡±


    The panther patted the ground with its paw before turning away from the agent, pulling me to continue the walk.


    ¡°So you were saying something about three more cases?¡± I helped her out.


    Agent Smith took a moment to think before reaching in her carriage to grab a briefcase and rushing after me.


    ¡°You remember how you could bend and move the first victim?¡± She asked while digging into the briefcase. ¡°You probably know that one or two hours after death rigor mortis sets in. Up to eighty-four hours after the body becomes flaccid again. However, it had been approximately six days when she went missing. We found her body due to an unknown caller suggesting. We weren¡¯t the first on the scene but according to those first on the scene, her body was flaccid, but get this. We took her out of the building and her body turned rigid as a board.¡±


    She pulled the flat side of the briefcase against her almost non-existent breast and began displaying pictures of what happened after. That being said, the body was in pieces. I shuffled through the pictures before looking at the new pictures.


    ¡°The guy that cuts into dead people said that she died instantly upon coming out and due to the weather conditions, reached that state of being like clay. There were no signs of poison or any other additive within her blood system or other organs. He made a suggestion that it might be of supernatural nature that kept her in a semi-dead like state.¡±


    I tilted my head to look at the sun above and then turned back to the agent.


    ¡°First, your victims are hand picked because of a certain quality in looks, but what about temperament. Did you dig into their past?¡±


    Agent Smith rolled her eyes, ¡°Someone else is doing that. I just want to know what magical stuff is happening or I¡¯ll send the big boss after you to make you personally work on the case. You still have three years until the contract is over.¡±


    The panther stopped and growled.


    Agent Smith who was looking smug, might smug. Jerked to a stop, dropping the briefcase as she made a hasty retreat while grabbing her gun.


    I couldn¡¯t blame her. I could feel the killing intent rolling off the panther and it wasn¡¯t even directed at me.


    I crouched down beside her and began rubbing her head, eliciting a deep purring from her.


    ¡°I have no experience working with detectives at best. I can only offer you suggestions that any of your forensic team could. To be honest, your killer probably hangs around to see you guys reactions to his quests. It would be something I would do if I needed to degrade myself to the level of kidnapping women.¡± I shrugged and continued walking.


    ¡°So you are pretty much a useless rich boy, huh. I told my Director you would be fucking useless. It was better just to let the nerds handle this without wasting time on useless playboys.¡± She spat off to the side and I watched her childish rant with an amused grin.


    I walked off as she bent down and began picking up the pictures and what not. By the time I made it back to my block, the trees, shrubs, statues were obliterated. Someone took a sharp weapon and cleanly sliced them all. On the ground in front of the gate were words carved out, ¡®Useless prick.¡¯


    I shook my head as I walked in, sending out servants to clean up the mess.


    People were so childish these days.

 Chapter 7

    I stared at the globes rising and falling, in an almost rhythmic approach that could put sheep to sleep. Jeanne lifted up her ass, rising to the tips of her toes that curled inward while her arms went from half bent to locked out.


    If you ignored the deep ravine that traveled from the triangle patch of flesh at the gates of her ass, up to her neck. Then watching her muscles flex as she slid up and down, might have been the highlight.


    Might have been if she was not doing something that could be considered foreplay for the pass¡­


    I hit the button on my pocket watch and the lid flipped open.


    .. pass six minutes and almost forty seconds. This is the type of movement you used to get comfortable, find that perfect position but¡­


    ¡°Jeanne, please go faster.¡± I begged with my nice guy voice.


    She looked back at me with her lips parted in that perfect-picture model way. The kind of look that showcased the sexual appeal, the pouty lips, and took away the attention on any other part of her face.


    I really liked it.


    A lot.


    Her eyes blinked before she bit her lip and moved her hair to one side of her shoulder, placing her hand back down on my thighs. This time after my encouragement, her hips began rocking back, picking up acceleration.


    That ravine became a hilly plateau and those round globes lifted up, leaving clear contrast against her back as she moved her hips backwards.


    I felt that heat that builds up when you are about to¡­


    Well, when you are in desirable heat.


    Ring! Ring!


    We both froze like deer in headlights.


    Who would call at such a time, it was almost night time. Any decent human would be partaking in private activities.


    I pulled my arm from behind my head, shaking it a little to get little blood circulation going as it felt a bit tingly. I had to bend a little to reach across the bed and then I still didn¡¯t even touch the corners of the dresser.


    It kept ringing as I moved back into my original position. I wasn¡¯t going to stop her when she just got into a decent pace. That would be rude and I was anything but a rude gentleman.


    Jeanne glanced back at me when I slapped her ass and squeezed a globe. She rolled her eyes and twisted her wrist and the portable phone slapped into her awaiting palm. She tossed it backwards with no further delay.


    I clicked my tongue and caught it like it was a hot potato. My mind went to the day that damn butler gifted it to me.


    **


    ¡°Master, you asked me to find a way to help you track otherworlders in an efficient manner. Through some old contacts that I had in my younger days, I managed to procure this device. They call it a cellphone and the maker is allegedly someone with a gifted talent that came from the future or reincarnated. However, I think he was too stupid and ended up working for group of assassins¡­¡±


    ¡°Get to the point.¡±


    My butler nodded his head. ¡°The point is that this device is called a flip phone and it is how the Assassin Guild issues their missions. You won¡¯t find any other group with it as they have the only creator. To get to the point, they will issue out missions depending on which account holder is in the vicinity of the targets. A six hundred mile radius. You can use this to slowly build up contacts in the hitmen department. I am positive that there will be group missions. This kind of contact will be the best solution to your problem.¡±


    ¡°Have we tried to crack this?¡±


    ¡°Yes and we have got a little progress but not enough to remake something this small and complicated.¡±


    **


    I sigh and flip it open, on the small screen was indeed a mission.


    Mission Objective: Mark Burns is targeted to be exterminated.


    Mission Rewards: Four hundred thousands Credits.


    Mission Difficulty: Rated B


    I accepted the mission and received more details. Apparently the guy was right outside the Capital in a city called Tristfalls, due to being built near three waterfalls and considered a resort city.


    I closed the phone and tossed it on the bed before pushing Jeanne forward as I pulled my legs from under her.  I knelt behind her with the thought of no longer enjoying the view of her lovely back.


    **


    I slipped into black button up shirt, black vest, black pants, and black combat boots. Slipping a holster over that, I began putting on my accessories. A pocket watch in the right lower pocket of my vest, chain looped around the belt of my pants, bracelet on my wrist, and finally a silver plated nine mil in the holster.


    I checked myself in the mirror before winking. I looked kind of badass.


    I threw my gloves, black face mask that only covered my lower face, and baseball cap that baseball players used.


    It sort of hid my hair but it mostly blocked the view of my eyes, which was the point. I tossed on an overcoat and grabbed my cane as I headed towards a private airstrip.


    My butler smiled as he stood like a towering pillar in the light of the command tower as I took off. The small airship rose and headed south.


    His smile reminded me of that time he sent to boarding school and didnt tell me it was an all male school.


    I shivered.


    I rested as I stared out of the porthole. Watching the night starry sky as time blew by. At times like this, I felt almost excited but then I thought back to that day and my stomach would drop.


    Settling down the childish naivety that might have grabbed hold of me before. I tapped the dragon eye crystal with my thumb.


    I really needed a life. If this is what I was doing with my late nights instead of drinking and partying, then this was wrong. Responsibility was a chain and even with my Cousin taking all the frontal lashing of the business in the open market. There is still too much that requires my attention.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    No wonder my father often went on vacations or traveled to handle small menial matters. This is the reason, who would have known.


    At least, he had my mother take off some of the pressure. She was not only smart being top graduated or her university but she was ruthless enough in her business practice that my father became a little fairy tale man besotted with love at first glance.


    Well, she wasn¡¯t a perfect stunner.


    Haha, I think I surpass my father in that department. Jeanne is almost perfect.


    I laughed out loud.


    If only I could brag to his face, the differences between the older generation and the younger. Haha, he used to complain about us being spoiled and fold under any type of pressure but look at me now.


    I snapped out of my pandering when the ship jolted. I felt the slight tugging sensation disappear and moments later, the tailgate lowered.


    I stood up, time to begin the hunt.


    A Dragon on the prowl, haha.


    ***


    I walked into an alley and began climbing up a wall, the gloves sticking to the wall providing an easier time for it. My target apparently headed to a specific gang at a specific time to pay up the protection fee. It was about that.


    I pulled out my pocket watch¡­ 11:45.


    I crouched low and moved across the roof of the warehouse district until I got one across from my target. I tapped the roof, clearing off a lot of dust and crap, before laying sprawl.


    Time to sit and wait, only fifteen minutes left.


    Of course, I never expected them to be on time. Or even be early, it took approximately twenty-six minutes for the target to show and extra ten for the minor targets to appear.


    However, I noticed one of the gang members was shifting kind of nervous. It wasn¡¯t enough to be considered a nervous breakdown, but he looked over his shoulder and at his wrist-watched a lot while waiting outside.


    This is a sign he was waiting for reinforcement or that he might have snitched.


    Tsk, I should move now.


    I stood up and walked back before crouching down and siking myself up.


    ¡°Just like the movies, run, jump, blow holes into the building. Pull out the gun, bang bang, everybody dead. Snap pictures and leave.¡±


    I patted my cheeks then bounced a few times before shooting forward. When I got to the edge, I jumped hard.


    Cough, sometimes.


    In the modern world, Arcane users forget they can use the force. It''s a common mistake anybody would make, right?


    Cough, yeah that¡¯s it.


    I came up hella short. Hitting the pavement of the road with a soft thud, I rolled forward, coming up on my feet. I pulled out my gun and shot the nervous wreck who stared at me like I was a superman or something.


    Dumbass.


    With a swipe of my cane, the group resting by the steam carriages exploded like a grenade went off.


    I rushed into the building, coat flapping behind me.


    Looking pretty impressive if I say so myself.


    This entrance did not lead directly into the main area but the work area. Even so, why are there people standing up with guns pointed? They wasted not a second of delay on identifying me pass I¡¯m wearing a strange getup.


    Cane pointed out in front, a barrier popped up, deflecting the bullets as I ran by picking them off with my handgun that clicked empty, the slide pushed back.


    I clicked my tongue and sheath it before gripping my cane like a sword. Like a ghost, I flitted through the group, slicing off their arms or heads.


    Not stopping for a moment as I ran into the main office to see two bodyguards standing beside the main low level boss thug. My target sitting in a chair in front of the desk, looking at me with traces of confusion plastered on his face.


    I stood in the doorway, catching my breath as I pulled out my nine and changed the clipped.


    Haha, I thought they would wait for me to do some kind of monologuing but the body guards had tommy guns and they unleashed the horror.


    My barrier was almost out of the juice I put into it, so I quickly rolled out of the doorway and behind a desk full of paper.


    I cursed as my barrier faded and I felt a sting from a bullet impacting the coat. I tapped my cane twice and flame dragons shot out the dragon eye crystal, giving me reprieve as the guards focused fire on it.


    I rolled out and took aim, putting two rounds in my target head as he peek from behind a couch. Tsk tsk, if he had stayed down, I might have ignored him until I killed the others.


    That couch was positioned in just the right way against the wall that my desk couldn¡¯t see the other side.


    ¡°Don¡¯t shoot the illusions, kill the dumbass.¡± The boss yelled as he turned his gun onto my poor cover.


    I sent the dragons to block and killed the two¡­


    The two guards transformed into some kind of demonic entity and battled with the dragons. The blows were enough that my hearing fades in and out.


    The walls couldn¡¯t sustain the damage from stray fire and the concussion of the blows, they tumbled like a stack of cards being knocked over.


    To make it worse, I think dust was falling from the roof.


    The boss didn¡¯t pay much attention to the fight, he jumped out one of the holes made by the aftereffect of the fight.


    I clicked my tongue and chased after, through a different hole away from the powerful demons.


    Wait, I walked back in and took a picture of my dead target sending it first and foremost. Had to be a thoughtful assassin, after all.


    I summoned two fire titans to assist and turned to chase down my big fish. Somehow, the dog made it all the way outside and had his hands raised while kneeling down in front of a bunch of Agents.


    I froze at the door of the warehouse, looking at all the agents surrounding us.


    I waved before slicing my hand at my target. He had a smirk on his face even as his body fell into two different directions. I snapped pictures as the agents open fired, before activating my ten second time stop ability.


    I fled in the opposite directions of the agents and barely rounded the corner when the time stop ended. I didn¡¯t waste any time on fleeing through the streets like a dog with its tail between its legs.


    They might switch to anti-magic runes and that would suck.


    It took me a decent amount of time to trek back to the ship with the agents prowling the streets like a pack of wolves hunting red-tail deer.


    Kind of irksome.


    It felt good to be up in the air after receiving payment. I¡¯ll check out the store function tomorrow when I¡¯m fresh and not sore from taking a few unkind bullets to the back.


    I wondered if my fire creations even beat those demonic entities? Fuckers were so powerful but the boss was such a normie. At most, he was faster than a normal human.


    Wait, was he by any chance a specialized human or some supersoldier experiment? I heard the government had been working on a lot of those kinds of deals? Plus he was obviously a lowly boss, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t be meeting his targets at warehouses.


    He would have set up a payment method through middle men and then laundry the money through legit shops and have the money enter his bank account as an increase in sales through so-so period.


    **


    I had just got out of the tub and was just about to cuddle with my trophy wife when my butler walked into the room with a crooked smile.


    ¡°Agent Smith is here to see you.¡± the way he said that kind of seems like he was taking her side.


    I accepted a robe he pulled out of nowhere and wrapped it tight around me as I followed him down to the foyer.


    Agent Smith sat eating grapes while her companion paced behind her, staring at the wealth accumulated by my fathers, fore-fathers, and their fore-fathers. He had that beady eyed look that might make you suspect him as a crooked cop. His hair slick back and gleaming, he was dressed better than Agent Smith but that wasn¡¯t saying much.


    It was still lower quality than my suits which were handmade.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I started out right away.


    Agent Smith opened a file and pushed it across the coffee table as I took a seat opposite of her. I spread the pictures out of the victims and their surroundings, then letters challenging the agents, and finally some targets?


    The targets didn¡¯t even look like someone who would commit this type of crime but pictures made it hard to judge someone.


    ¡°We have several more cases and this guy up the death count. He is now killing to taunt us, however, we aren¡¯t sure how he is doing any of this. Even the other consultants came up blank. My boss wants me to check with you one more time, if you can¡¯t come up with anything conclusive then this is the last time we will meet.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow and looked at the pictures for a moment before thinking about the reports I got about this case. The women only had one thing in common and that was looks. They were perfect replica body wise as for face, they had a specific look but it varied.


    However, anybody could pick out one thing and that each one of these women, while beautiful, look like movie stars with common backgrounds.


    Maybe, I should take a closer look at this case. Men preying on women like this was sickening and as a gentleman from a noble family, I shouldn¡¯t allow this in my city.

 Chapter 8

    I sat in the new steam engine car, not feeling the bump or jerking motions of the old steam engine carriages. It felt wonderfully smooth.


    Nancy passed over a file. She looked a tad bit hesitant about something but I ignored it. When didn¡¯t she feel overwhelmed by her job?


    I flipped the file open and studied the pictures and corresponding documents behind them. These were all photos of women that came from humble backgrounds but with film actress looks. I studied them for a while before picking out three due to the location of where the former victims were found.


    To me, it seemed the guy was bragging about his victory over the police force. This had a kind of psychological effect called inferiority complex but there were a lot of dogs with similar issues. It would be hard to point out one or two people who were just this dog shit. Plust this guy couldn¡¯t have been just any old sinner, he had to be a young fellow.


    Probably someone that awakened his power in the slums and was often shunned by these pretty girls. Kids could be devastatingly fuck up.


    I passed the three photos to Nancy.


    ¡°How is your project coming along? Last I heard from you was that you managed to create something new but not what it is or could do.¡±


    Nancy shifted awkwardly as she slid the three photos into a different part of her briefcase.


    ¡°I had some failures.¡±


    She spoke in concise sentences to illustrate her mysterious project. I could only let it go, it didn¡¯t tug at my heart strings enough to make me curious. She isn¡¯t at a high enough level where I would jump with joy if she worked on a project secretly.


    ¡°There is a gala coming up soon, yes? I think winter gala or ball. Have Jeanne go out and purchase a few formal dresses.¡± I opened the door and put my leg out when I added on, ¡°Let her hang out as long as she wants.¡±


    I climbed out of the car and was immediately buffeted by the cold breath of November. I stared at my mansion, looking at the greenery that climbed up the beautiful red bricks beside the white marble front entrances.


    My ancestors really knew how to live in luxury.


    I took several steps forward when the phone rang. I paused on my ninth step and flipped it open.


    Mission Objective: Tracy Nixon of the Nixon¡¯s oil refinery, requested protections for the duration of two weeks.


    Mission Reward: One Million and Hundred-Twenty thousand credits


    Mission Difficulty: Rated A


    Tsk, why would they send me such a lousy missision? Who would want to protect some fat joker for two weeks? That¡¯s two weeks of listening to his nonsense while watching him slobber on his pretty secretary like he was handsome.


    Sickening..


    I tapped accept and got the mission details. I headed inside and got one of the servants to prepare ten knights and the airship.


    Cough, it¡¯s a million credits. Even though they couldn¡¯t do much for me now. It will come in handy sooner or later, just depends on the situation. Plus credits could be interchanged for any country currency one to ten ratio, one currency dollar to ten credits.


    It might not have been a fair exchange but it is still great. Missions were aplenty, so one couldn¡¯t necessarily complain.


    ***


    I sat on the airship, shuffling a deck of cards. Something my butler bought off the underworld market. They were ingenious designs of mother and child. The Mother were called Aces and the child cards were everything under Aces, kings, queens, knights, then two through ten.


    The Aces could be placed in specific locations and the child''s cards depending on their numbers or title could take you directly to the Aces. However, title cards had a distance and number of usage allotment whole numbers detailing how many people could go through that card. Titles were single person.


    I felt the ship land, I jumped up and walked towards the ramp. I felt like my choice was not the brightest when the ramp lowered and the gush of November air rushed in like kids being told the parents had presents.


    I tapped my cane and a thin red film covered me from head to toe, casting me in warm embrace.


    Much, much better.


    Me and my knights walked off the airship to take a gander at our employer waiting in his steam carriage. If the guy was a sack of shit, he wouldn¡¯t even get out. If he was worth working with, he would face the cold even if his belly protrude out more than pregnant women near the end term.


    As I guess, he didn¡¯t get out but a man of average height did. He bundled up in his brown overcoat and rushed towards us.


    ¡°We brought carriages to pick you up and they have been heating while awaiting your coming. Please, come and get out of this blasted weather.¡± he spoke fast and without manners but I let it slide due to the cold not being the friend of mankind.


    I motioned for my men to load up first before climbing into one myself. The ride was every bit as bumpy and hard on the bottom as I remember. Even though the roads were flat and had very few cracks, the wheels still felt like it was slamming into boulders instead of little crevices.


    I enjoyed the view of farmland as we rolled to a countryside manor. To be honest, it looked slightly bigger than mine but that could have been due to the fact, I lived in the capital and this slum sucker lived in a vast country-side.


    I can say with certainty that my own country-side mansion is ten times larger with full staff and knights to garrison. We could withstand a siege for a year without any problems.


    Here, haha, I already noticed as we pulled up, that the guards were sparse with the workers looking like they would die of hypothermia as they groom the land. What kind of man didn¡¯t even provide his housekeepers with proper gear to fend of the weather?Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    This is the mark between a man of lesser birth and a great man. I couldn¡¯t help the pride that filled my chest like a water balloon.


    I got down from the curse old model and walked around to get the feeling back into my legs. It has only been a week in the new model and I could very well say with a pleased smile, that I am spoiled. Hahaha, spoiled!


    The fat scumlord alighted from his carriage, I was sure it rocked a little as he got his fat tub out of it. He didn¡¯t speak much but hurried into his home like winter was coming for him.


    My knights looked at me with a mixture of teasingly proud looks. I could positively say they were comparing us and I came out on top.


    The knight Captain, Clay, walked over to me with his long legs. Inhumanely tall, I think he was measured at six foot four last check up. Abnormal considering his parents were midgets compared to him.


    Ah, how dare the heavens create such monstrosities.


    ¡°My lord, do you want us to scout the surroundings? Establish patrol route or..¡± he left the rest unsaid, awaiting for my instructions that might go counter to his training.


    I glanced around and thought about it for a second. His rival is from another kingdom but to kill this fat lard of shat, they would higher a team of assassins that they have faith in. That being said, if I had to attack someone with nearly fifty guards with thirty round rifles, I would attack during the night.


    I would first scout out all the entrances and look for the tunnel that definitely goes under the mansion and into the center of the house. My guess, his library and bedroom, would be two of the main entry points to this tunnel. As for the exit..


    I glanced around the relative flat landscape and realized you could make out a small village not far away. It¡¯s like looking at a blurry mirage but it¡¯s there.


    I pulled out my binoculars and took a closer look.


    My exit point would be a house in that village. Probably owned by a guard with two more surrounding it. This is if the guy is smart, if he is dumb, then there is a river town to the west of us. I remember there being a small forest in between these two points.


    ¡°Take a carriage and head to that village. Take a look around, see if there''s any empty homes available. If so, buy it, also,¡± I pointed in the opposite direction. ¡°Send a group that way and check out the rivertown. Buy some supplies.¡±


    Clay bowed and split his team into five before jacking two carriages. I shook my head and made my way in to see the man from before sitting in the foyer with a group of other people I took as comrades on this very crappy mission.


    Most of them wore a mask or something to cover their face. The only two who did not, were women. With one I could feel an oppressive type of energy, while the other I felt could easily be killed by me.


    However, upon thinking about it. The one with oppressive force actually resembles an FSB agent that I saw in a file recently. A very strong agent with an impressive record. Comes from a small town that was set aflame by some kind of otherworlder feud. She lived with her aunt until she joined the Agency and racked up records that put her on the radar of all major families as potential partners.


    ¡°I am the Steward of Mr. Nixon¡¯s household, Steward Stanton. I will be available to handle your needs and requests during this two week journey. As for your lodging, due to the circumstances. Mr. Nixon¡¯s immediate family members are living under this one roof. Thus we have to apologize for making you sleep in the troops barracks.¡±


    Two people stood up and walked out immediately. The Steward forced a smile and gestured for us to follow him.


    The barracks look like it could protect you from the weather, a concrete building of two stories. Looks like it has room for hundred to hundred and fifty men. However, upon walking in, the first thing you notice is a wide foyer, then two branches of doors. Peaking your head into one door, showcased a line of double stacked beds.


    The cheap kind that is held together by metal. I would never make my knights sleep in such a low quality environment.


    ¡°The second floor is where the officers sleep and it has more private rooms.¡± Steward spoke as if this is a big concession.


    The second floor looked to be better but it still wasn¡¯t better by much. The rooms might have had walls and a single bed but it is kind of small, tight fit. The bathroom had a row of toilets and the shower is an open area basically.


    The Steward walked up to the window in the center of the building. I assumed the lounging area is for the officer due to the furniture and tv stand. He pointed at a smaller building behind this one.


    ¡°That¡¯s the dining hall. If you have any questions, please ask them now.¡±


    Steward rubbed his hands as if they were cold but I could tell he was hiding this nervous tick. The corner of his eyes were twitching like they wanted to close but he was fighting it.


    The weak maskless woman decided to be the first to put out a question.


    ¡°You expect us women to live in the same area as these men? Use the same bathroom and shower? Does your employer not want to live that bad?¡± she sounded all kinds of angry.


    The steward laughed nervously, ¡°It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t want your protection. It is simply that Mr. Nixon must also cater to members of his family who are successful. They all put in the money to hire a team to protect them. Sadly, they also have a mindset that is not progressive thus we must ask for your forgiveness for the wrong we have done you.¡±


    He bowed his head for a minute before awaiting our judgement. The mask men didn¡¯t care much about the conditions, I noted a variety of enchantments on their bodies.


    The FSB agent likewise had artifacts that regulated temperature along with ones that probably provide a high level of comfort.


    Ignoring this, everyone else''s dressing style compared to the outspoken woman happened to be at a higher level. When they walked off and picked a room, they began cleaning it out.


    The woman could say nothing more, though her face held disappointment as she looked at the FSB agent who was the first to pick out her room. I grabbed the one beside her as I am interested in getting to know someone who is capable of being the face of the Agency.


    By the time the sun fell and the moon rose into the sky, Clay came back to tell me the task I assigned was done.


    I tossed folders and turned to him while ignoring the complaints of those trying to goad me into losing my wealth.


    ¡°Split the group, five in the village, five in the rivertown. Oh,¡± I pulled out the ace of spade and diamond and passed it to him. ¡°Place these in the living room. They will allow us to retreat or attack easier. I¡¯ll stay here and keep a lookout. Okay, you got your task.¡±


    Clay bowed and left. I turned to the guys who were looking at me with fierce looks.


    ¡°What, they are artifacts. Surely, you don¡¯t think I cheated you with artifacts costing more than the wealth here combined?¡± I raised my eyebrow as I spread my hands out in a, what can you do, gesture.


    The big man opposite of me shifted his hand into his pocket.


    ¡°How do you expect us to believe that?¡± he growled.


    I chuckled, launching out of the chair over the table. He jumped up to catch a knee to the chin, sitting right back down. I rain down punches into his fat face until someone else swung at me.


    I threw myself out of the chair and came up leaning against the wall. I crossed my feet and took out a pipe like I was about to light it.


    Both men who were going to attack me paused and grunted. Taking their money and walking away. I turned to the FSB agent watching us with an unamused look.


    ¡°You did cheat.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow as I tugged off the mask and pocket it, then lit up the pipe.


    Her eyes widen upon seeing my face. I guess she had a record of all the heads of the major families.


    ¡°How did you catch me cheating?¡± I asked, then took a puff.


    She sidestep the animal shaped white smoke and I force down a laugh.


    ¡°You use the arcane to mark the cards.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, ¡°You are wrong. I used my greater perception ability to pick up the tails of each man. The cards are old and probably have been used a lot. The owner has a nervous tick to rub the card closest to his thumb and index. He does it if it''s a good hand, if it''s a bad hand then he constantly opens and closes the cards as if he is trying to punk someone.¡±


    I walked off feeling disappointed.


    Cough, I ran back and collected my winnings before walking off again.