All the ruckus and panic only served to make my mood worse.The staff was hurriedly taking out the customers while the capital guards entered the building and closed the zone around the corpse.One of the butlers that previously attended us practically begged us to leave. Unfortunately for him, Verónica wouldn´t have it."Miss, please, you have to leave, we can´t risk the security of our clients!""You don´t have to worry about my security, I can take care of myself just fine, and I also have him to watch my back""Huh?"Following her finger, the butler found himself trapped in my bad temperament. I knew that my expression wasn´t the most gentle since his skin became pale.I didn´t have the patience to wait for them to negotiate, so I stepped closer to the man and grabbed his shoulder."... Listen bud, do us a favor...""E-Even if you seem strong, I-I can´t let you stay, Ple-please leave at-"Cutting his words with my grip, I destroyed the distance between my mouth and his ear. Then,
The cart was moving, but Nicholas´s mind stayed behind in that restaurant.Dominique Foe Yatra.In all his years of life, he was the first man besides his family and instructor to ever lay a hand on him. At first, he thought of him as any other plebeian acting accordingly to his status, but then his expectations were crushed by his grip and defying eyes.Bravery? Stupidity? An impulse to look good before Verónica?Whatever it was, it served well to gain a place in Nichola´s head."Heh..."...The soldiers accompanying Nicholas inside the cart were out of words. Not even once they have seen a pleasant reaction from the mechanical prince. At least not until today, when a subtle grin was resting upon his lips.Not knowing how to feel about this image, they choose to stay quiet to prevent any incidents with their comments and reactions.That would be safer."I wonder if we´ll meet again..."Tomb.The cart stopped."My lord, the road seems to be blocked" Reported the driver."What is block
"It´s a shame that I have to kill another irregular like me... But work is work, so please don´t hate me. I´ll make sure to make it quick~"Just when she got the flute in her mouth I shot my gun. The bullet didn´t reach her since a barrier appeared, protecting her whole body."Tch. A magic item"A fast melody embraced us. It reminded me of that classic song about bees, but this one was messing with my senses the wrong way."HAAAAAAAARR!"An attack was coming, I lifted my gun but the world seemed to melt right in front of me, the sound became numb and the lights were too bright.I wasn´t able to aim properly."Dam it!"I tried to use magic but the results were the same, I either failed all my attempts or was too unfocused to sink into the shadows.With minimal choice, I had to prepare for the impact with my sword. Just when the blade was about to reach me, Twilight rushed forward and parried the attack with her claws, kicking the soldier in response and knocking him down."GREEEAAAaaa
That attack almost got me. Luckily for me, the darkness and the full moon gave me enough power to rip apart the tide of Nicholas; who was now lying on the ground with the mark of my fist still fresh on his perfect face.The others either fainted or held themselves with the little forces remaining in their bodies.And me? I was dealing with the author of all this ruckus.Saving her flute inside my shadows, I held her arms and legs with my magic. Since she had closed her eyes I had to force her to open them with my bare hands.Once we exchanged glances, she plead for a quick death. Placing me in her shoes, I´d say that is the common reaction, however, I wasn´t going to kill her, not yet at least.She gave me quite the stare, probably deep in thought about how to escape or fool me.Since I was getting impatient, I decided to break the silence. Applying a little bit of force into my grip, the new pressure on her neck returned her mind to reality."Hrgh!""Who are you? Why did you do thi
There was a chilling breeze still filling the air. The capital guards that had arrived were escorting the civilians back to their homes. Meanwhile, I was having a nice chat with our majesty, prince Nicolas. "You can´t possibly expect us to just forget what happened here, this witch must be executed at once!""Yhea right! As if you dogs of the kingdom are any better! How many civilians have you killed with your loyalty and sense of duty?! Huh! How many?!""...""..."Or at least that would have been the case if Jasmine and William weren´t trying to kill each other with their curses."Even if he helped us, letting go of a criminal that dangerous is impossible...""The nerve that irregulars have. That´s why they´ll never be good to be around"Other knights were talking behind our backs as if we were unable to hear them at this short distance.The nerve that some people have...Getting late and tired of this situation, I stepped forward to Nicolas, who was sitting on the step of his car
Our way back to the mansion was silent, the only problem was Jasmine and her chest pressing against my back. I told her many times to make some room, but she refused, saying that Twilight was too fast and she was scared of falling. Normally, I would have taken those words for lies, but Twilight is indeed faster than most drakes, so she could have said the truth at that moment.Anyway, that awkwardness doesn´t compare to what I´m feeling now that Véronica is staring at me while Jasmine is clinging to my arm."... Let´s go inside first... I´ll explain everything there...""... Yes... You better..."Internally praying for my safety, we all entered the mansion as Twilight returned to the stables by herself.On our way to the living, I felt the gazes of many of the guards and servants walking around the mansion. Some of them let a little laugh escape while others gave me their condolences with a grin on their faces."What a way to say goodbye to the Fotiadis" Said one of the guards with hi
The next morning, I was preparing my stuff to leave the mansion. There was a cart waiting for me outside to deliver me to my new home, with a new family. I was in my bedroom making sure to not forget anything indispensable.“Money, guns, swords, some books, and repairing gear… I guess I´m set”I never had a lot of belongings, if it´s not completely necessary, then I don´t need them to use space in my room, that´s how I´ve always lived. There were exceptions, like the photo of Veronica and myself on her 16th birthday. That same day I heard Herion talk about her engagement with the king and queen of Asphyxia. Even if the engagement hasn´t been decided yet, it puts me on edge every time I think about it.The image of them getting married was to be expected according to the original story, and for the sake of the world, that marriage will end with Veronica´s death at the hands of the heroine. But I won´t let that happen. Ever.“Just wait for me, heroine, you will meet my hands soon enough
After 15 minutes of admiring the beauty of my mental void, I finally calmed my agitated heartbeat. Jasmine took advantage and placed my head on her lap while I was gone inside my thoughts. When I returned to my senses I sat like a normal person, but that got me into a situation where her glaring hurt as much as the pinches on my arm."Would you stop that?...""... Hmph... I should be allowed to do at least this much, you certainly get comfy with that girl, I don´t see why not with me too"Arms crossed and frowned brows, Jasmine didn´t hesitate to show her jealousy. Which somehow, made me feel a bit happy."You know it´s different""Even so, I am master´s first woman, I should have some extra benefits for that""Phrasing woman! Phrasing!"Ignoring my words, my maid swapped positions and rested her head on my lap, her hand signaling me to stroke her hair."... You are surprisingly childish for a political assassin...""... You know it´s different...""Touche"I sighed and did as she wan
"I never expected you'd pick a quest right after being given the permission""We are the hunting club, that's what we do""Couldn't you wait until the rest of the members knew the good news?""Don't get stuck on the little details, let's just enjoy the hunt!""... Right..."The moment I was given my new guild card Jason registered our team for a nest extermination. Right now we were riding our beasts in the middle of the forest. Like before, Isabella was riding Twilight with me while Jason was with his wolf. "So, what are we hunting?""They are called razor monkeys. Their sharp fur hardens at the sight of danger making them living blades. They are not too big, but they hunt in packs and they are pretty resistant to magic and sharp weapons""If they are resistant to our blades and magic are we supposed to shoot them all down? Is that the reason you're carrying those bags?"Isabella pointed at the pair of green leather bags that Jason had hanging on the sides of his wolf. "The fact th
Isabella and Jason walked at my side while we followed the receptionist to the second floor of the building. After reaching the end of a hallway a pair of gates with the shield of guild stood before us. The sword to defend against the wild, the book and pen to register your discoveries to the world, and the star to guide you in your path through darkness. Even if adventurers were considered failed knights, there was still honor in their roots.The receptionist opened the gates and offered us to step in. When we did, a man in casual clothing was putting his seal on the documents resting on the desks in front of him. He had long black hair that rested on his left shoulder. The precision and swiftness of his hands were clear proof of his mastery of the sword. He was not a hulking mass of muscle, but rather, a refined piece of war that had the exact amount of flesh to do the job. "Dominique Foe Yatra. Also known as 'Black Panther' for the nobles and those willing to bring pain to the irr
We were riding through the city on our beasts. Isabella and I were on Twilight while Jason was riding a monstrous wolf. When I asked him why he chose a wolf instead of a drake he told me that even when drakes were commonly stronger beasts, wolves are more practical beasts for hunting since you can train them better. He also said that his grey companion was more loyal than any other human he had met. With this, my image of him being a man obsessed with hunting just got reinforced once more.The trip was quiet for most of the ride, I was having some inner issues with Isabella being attached to my back like some kind of baby monkey; probably a consequence of my recent self-awareness in our relationship. Part of me knew that I should put some more distance between us, but I couldn't get my voice to work when I saw her face.This was the first time she had joined me to ride Twilight, so her shifting expression of fear and excitement kept me on edge from acting.This is painful..."Oi, love
Today is the day when the clubs begin their activities. Isabella and I were summoned by the club's president to attend the first meeting. As expected of a club with a bad reputation, there were barely enough members that allow this gathering to be considered a club.There were a total of 7, including the members of the third year. The president was a man with scars all over his face. His long and messy hair was giving off the air of a wild animal, he also had a penetrating stare, his red eyes were like sharp knives that seemed to dissect you the longer he looked at you. If anything, I'd say he was what a true hunter must look like.We were inside a classroom located on the fire grounds. The walls were covered in maps and weapons, there were also piles of books and documents with information about plants and monsters living in the forest, caves, and sea. The skull of a large bear was decorating the door by which we entered the classroom. The yells from the chivalry club could be heard
I had my back resting on the couch. Verónica was on top of me, still embracing me with her whole body. We were both mentally exhausted. I could still feel my eyes stinging from all the crying, and looking at my girlfriend, I knew she was feeling something similar.Funnily enough, I was at peace. As if a great storm had ended and now there was nothing but the tranquility of a clear sky. Just as I thinking of that, Verónica moved her head. She was now looking at me in the eyes. I soon felt her fingertips on my face. She was warm and... If it was not my imagination... The whole room was getting hotter... Or was it our bodies...?I couldn't give it much thought because I was being hypnotized by her eyes. There was something behind her gaze that made my heart beat faster. Before I could even wonder what was it I felt her lips touching my neck."Gh... Ah..."Pathetic sounds escaped from my mouth as her hands explored and caressed my skin with erotic gentleness. The sensation of her lips wa
When I was returning to my seat with the members of the council and my friends I dispersed the crowd that had watched the fight. I also bid farewell to Einar and promised to meet again sometime. On my way back Carin and her cronies were walking alongside me."You did a good job, little brother. Now, after many years, the Yatra household will have a higher title of nobility. This is a great achievement to add to your list. Feel proud about yourself"Carin playfully punched my arm and flashed me a smile. I received her gesture with a smile of my own."If that can help everyone in the Yatra household, then I´m happy I could be of help. You can count on me any time, sister"The face of my sister blushed and quickly turned to the other side."What a cheeky little brother you are..."""Cheeky brother!"" Said both of her cronies while giggling at me."By the way, sister, who are these ladies?"Carin suddenly realized that she had forgotten to introduce her followers. She stopped in her track
If there was something worth mentioning about my opponent, then that would be his speed. In the blink of an eye, the axe of Einar was mere inches of my face. I turned my body to the side and counter-attacked with a swing of my sword, but he blocked the edge with the long pole he used to swing his weapon.He´s strong... Still in this position, I pointed the barrel of my gun to his chest. He quickly jumped back and avoided the gum bullets of my pacifier."I´m impressed you dodged my thunder strike" He said as his stance prepared for another dash.I replied while preparing my response to his next attack. "I´m proud of my reflexes" "Then let us see how you dodge this..."Instead of dashing forward like before, Einar swept the ground with his axe, creating a cloud of dust that obstructed my vision. This forced me to rely on my other senses, and thankfully for me, Dominique had some high specs in that area. I focused on my hearing and heard a current of electricity running wildly from th
The lesson ended and we went to submit our club applications. The teacher gave us a weird look when he looked at the papers but said nothing. We returned to our seats and spent the rest of the day without anything worth mentioning.Once it was time for lunch we went to our usual place with the council. People were still giving us some bothersome stares, but we had grown accustomed to them by now.Like always, the people making most of the conversation were Isabella, the twins, and Miss Worer. The rest of us were listening and adding some comments here and there. It looked like the day would be somehow easy."Dominique, I need to talk to you for a minute"Until an unexpected guest arrived."... Yes, big sister"Who had come to our table was none other than my sister. Carin Vea Yatra. She was followed by a couple of women seniors as she made a slight bow to the prince and started to walk away.It was a bit sad that I had to leave Veronica and the rest like this, but family has priority.
When we arrived at class we greeted our friends and took our seats. It was already time for a lesson but the teacher was nowhere to be seen. At this point, nobody really cared since we all knew the reason for this behavior. "Hiyopi! Donipu~, Isapi~, and Ladapi~. Are you ready for today´s lesson?""G-Good morning. Miss Isabella. Mister Dominique""Good morning!""Morning..."The group that started a conversation with us was none other than the twins and their knight followed close by the accountant. Each of them gave us a greeting, and we responded to them in the same way."Good morning, Miss Anna. Miss Emma. You too, Emile and Dorio""Donipu?""Ladapi?"Isabella returned the greeting with complete naturality, however, both myself and Lada repeated the strange names that the older twin had given us."Those sound cute, don´t they?" Said the girl with a shy smile."P-Please forgive my sister, she didn´t do it out of bad intentions"The younger twin didn´t waste time apologizing on behal