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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 7
A few days have passed since the meeting with King Viktor in Silesta. During that period of time, many among the population of Zhcted; both commoner and noble, were in the uproar of Fenris existence. They had trouble believing that a warrior wearing a suit of dragon scales and wield incredible magic is actually walks beside them, despite the truth being confirmed by the king himself.
The Vanadises that were not at the meeting soon caught wind of the rumor. Their expression varied from shock to amazement after hearing the details from the officials from their respective provinces.
While there was without doubt that Fenris, the rumored warrior caught their attention, most of them were paying more attention to the fact that he chose to lend his services to Ellen herself.
As for her and Fenris himself, they were at a villa owned by the very Vanadis that was in an area within Zhcted called the Yoseyes Mountains.
The two stayed there for the days when the details of meeting spread across the kingdom. Ellen send a messenger previously to tell Tigre and Lim to come to the villa after learning they were in town called Celesta.
'Kikimira Mansion… Most of my retreats in Skyrim would pale in comparison. At least the kitchen is similar to the ones I have back in my retreats…'
Fenrs thought as he worked in the kitchen in Ellen's mansion. He was wearing a set of normal clothing, but he was also wearing an apron which recent collected some stains and flour.
As he was constantly travelling across Skyrim back then, he not only carried a decent supply of food, but also took the time to develop a knack for cooking and baking. Already experienced in such skills, he was granted permission by Ellen to use kitchen along with the available ingredients, interested on what kinds of meals and would like to try them out.
He was currently at the moment checking a batch of apple dumplings that was in the oven, which Ellen enjoyed a lot when she tried them first days ago. He also over the period of time made meals that she never experienced before like garlic beard and apple cabbage soup.
After seeing that the dumplings were brown enough, he took them out to let them cool. He looked through the kitchen as he recalled a book from his many libraries back in Skyrim.
'The Uncommon Taste… I remember the instructions for some of the meals. I wonder Ellen's response when she given the Potage le Magnifique a try…'
His thoughts were broken when he saw Ellen approached, wearing a set of blue-colored clothing and has Arifal on her waist. She made a smile as she smelled the scent of baked goods and gazes on the apple dumpings.
"Ah, you made another set of your apple dumplings."
Fenris made a smile in return, "Yes, but they just came out from the oven. Let them cool down first before you grab one Ellen."
"I am surprised you could cook this well. You are just full of surprises Fenris."
"Well, what till you give some meals from a cookbook from my world a try. I am sure you would love the taste of…"
He was interrupted by light knocks from the front door of the mansion. Both Fenris and Ellen made towards the door and opened it. Before them was Tigre and Lim, the former having a bag over his shoulder which seems to hold something heavy.
They greeted each other and Fenris watched the interaction between Ellen and Tigre. He could tell that Tigre was a bit uneasy of the reunion, the same feeling he saw back in Alsace, before he and Ellen left the capital. Tigre then took a glance at him and Fenris noticed he made a barely noticeable fidget.
'Seems that he is uneasy with me as well. Can't blame him after my fight against that dragon.' He knew that Tigre get a little nervous when near him after that day.
Ellen noticed the fidget as well and decided to ease their reunion. "Let's go and have a chat. Fenris, do you mind to bring the apple dumplings you made the living room."
"Not a problem Ellen."
As Fenris walk back to the kitchen, Tigre and Lim had a surprised expression on their faces. Noticing this, Ellen made a light giggle.
"Fenris showed me that he is just as skilled in the kitchen as he is on the battlefield. You would be amazed what he could make with a few apples and cabbage."
Tigre and Lim couldn't speak a word, for they never expected Fenris, a powerful warrior in his own right, to do something as mundane as cooking.
"First, lets celebrate our reunion with a toast."
The four were in the living room of the mansion and sat near the table with a glass of wine in their hands.
They then brought them together and thus made their toasts. Tigre and Lim tired out the apple dumpings that Fenris made and found them to be very tasty. Everyone at the table chatted among themselves for a time until the topic about the meeting in Silesta with King Victor.
Fenris had some thoughts running in his head that day. Remember the details about Viktor and his fear about the Vanadises, it was clear that Ellen having to offer Alsace to the king was a way to prevent her from gaining more power. He put his hand on his chin as he began to think deeply.
"Seeing what Ellen and her Dragon Tool is capable of, there is without doubt that the other Vanadises are just as powerful. If they have ambitions that may not align with the king's interest, he has a right to be afraid. It is dangerous for a leader of having subordinates that are much stronger them himself after all. Yet, I couldn't get why he accepted me just like that and didn't oppose my service to Ellen. I am easily a much for her Ellen and possibly the rest of the Vanadises, so why?"
He was then broken from his thoughts when Ellen asked Tigre what he would do if he was a king with 7 powerful and popular subordinates. She was basically asking him what would he do if he was King Viktor and was dealing with the Vanadises.
Fenris could only shake his head after hearing his carefree answer of fully trusting his subordinates and allow them to do much of the work. Ellen held her laughter as Lim responded to his answer with a smack to his head.
It was then Ellen turned to Fenris with a grin similar to the one she gave to Tigre.
"What about your Fenris? What would you do if you were king? Will you be afraid of your 7 subordinates turning on you? Even with your power. You cannot possibly stand against them by yourself. Will you be willing to trust them fully or seek to restrictive their powers?"
He took a deep breath as he started to answer the question as Tigre, Ellen and Lim gazes at him.
"Despite those factors, I would nevertheless place my faith in my subordinates, but will take my time to study their behavior and actions. Any of those subordinates whose actions are deemed questionable is where I will keep an eye on. If one of them dare to rebel, I will be prepared to anticipate their plans and act accordingly. If you are too carefree and trusting, your subordinates will take advantage of you. If you are too cautious and paranoid, your subordinates will not serve you. A leader has to be both trustworthy and firm to his or her subjects. While being balanced may be difficult, but it is usually the best option."
Everyone was quiet after he finished his answer. Fenris saw their speechless expression and felt he spoke too much.
"Did I speak in too much detail?"
Ellen shook her head. "No. I forgot that you are not a mere warrior, so I expected you would speak like that."
It was then Tigre asked a question that was in his head when he arrived, which revolves around Fenris when he and Ellen left for Silesta.
"So what happened when you met with the king? How did he react to you and your services to Ellen?"
"Well, he seems accepted my presence in Ztched and didn't say anything about my ties to Ellen. No doubt the entire kingdom has already know about my existence since the officials were the witnesses."
Lim was shocked what she heard and spoke hastily to Ellen, "Eleonora-sama, was that that His Majesty's response?"
"Surprisingly that was the case. He was without doubt cautious of Fenris, he was convinced of his display of magic. I too was surprised when the king wasn't against having Fenris serving me."
It was then Lim turned to Fenris and he merely gave a replay before she could get comfirmation.
"I think I have an assumption of why your king accepted me. I believed that my abilities are seen as invaluable and the king saw I that use them responsibly. He must have saw that me serving a Vanadis is a better alternative than me serving a rival kingdom. As least with that in mind, he could keep an eye with me and possibly control me via Ellen."
"Still, to think His Majesty would accept that that easily…"
"We could talk about it later Lim. We have other matters to discuss."
Lim obeyed Ellen and pushed the topic aside. The discussion then includes topics like Ellen's actions being in the kingdom's interest to matters about Duke Thenardier of Brune.
Fenris recalled what he heard about from Tigre back in Alsace and recently from Ellen when they arrived at the villa. Seeing that Zion his son, met his end by Tigre's hand, the would surely seek revenge. The Duke may even possible seek out Ellen and himself due to supporting Tigre during the Battle of Molsheim Plain.
He was not afraid though, for he learned of what the Duke has done. Fenris had no love for those who preyed on the weak and desire nothing but power. He was eager to seek him out and rid this of him, but he would wait till the time is right.
'Such craftsmanship… The metal itself may even be a match for Skyforge Steel back in Whiterun.'
Fenris was looking at a scratched set of metal armor that was in Tigre's bag. He learned that while he and Ellen were away at the capital, Tigre and Lim were hunting down bandits and one among them wore such a set.
He then to a glace at the direction where the front door was. Lim walked there a few moments ago after everyone heard knocking at the door. Ellen was most surprised, since she never told anyone else of the meeting.
"These were made in Olmutz."
"I am guessing it's a province in Zhcted. Right?"
"Correct."
Fenris listened to Ellen as she inspects the armor. He learned from there that Olmutz is located south of Leitmeritz and Ludmila, the Vanadis that Ellen spoke to him about back at the capital, governs the province.
'I feel uneasy knowing that Ellen doesn't get along with Ludmila and their provinces are right next to each other.' He made a light sigh as he made that thought.
That very thought then came true as Ellen began to describe Ludmila to Tigre the same way she did to him before, like saying she was like a young potato.
He decided that it had to stop there before it escalates and give Tigre the wrong impression. "Ellen, I think it would be best to…"
"Who are you calling a potato!?"
They heard a loud swing of the door opening with the shout of an angry girl occurring at the same time. The shout echoed across the room as everyone turned to the direction of the noise.
Fenris turned to see a Lim with a tired expression and beside her was a girl with a displeased look on her face. She had blue hair that was tied with a white ribbon and wore blue silk clothing that reveal her figure well. While she isn't the same level as Ellen, she was nevertheless attractive.
Suddenly, he felt a gentle chill to his face and saw where it came from. He gazes at the source, which was a short spear with a tip that seemed to be made of ice in her hand. Fenris couldn't help but feel that it was similar to how Arifal do to him time-to-time.
He soon realizes who stand before them, recalling what relevant information that Ellen spoke before.
"Lim… Why did you allow this woman to enter…?"
"She's a Vanadis. I can't possibly turn her away."
Based on the anger in Ellen's tone along with Lim's response, Fenris saw that he has finally met another Vanadis. Before him was Ludmila Lourie and in her hand was her Dragon Tool, Lavias.
It wasn't long when the two Vanadises began to argue with each other, moments after Ludmila introduced herself and Ellen told her to leave. He saw that Ludmila chose to speak Ellen's full name whenever they talk, but he still wasn't sure what caused them to be so bitter with each other.
Fenris could only shake his head at the scene. While it was clear that Ellen was acting like a young girl, but he knew she could do better. He whispered to Lim, who was beside him and share the same sentiment.
"Is there a way to end this Lim?"
"I know someone who could help, but she is too far way."
"Huh… We have no choice but to let them finish then and hope that draw each other's blood."
It was then that Tigre introduced himself to her in hopes of stopping the argument. The move however did little to stop it, since Ludmila actually wanted to have business with him. Ellen as expected, didn't like it one bit.
However, the argument stopped they noticed Lavias releasing a chilly gust towards Fenris and he once again felt it on his face. He noticed Ludmila gazing him closely and believed that the Dragon Tool was trying to get its owner attention directed to him, not the other way around.
"The way my Dragon Tool acted… It was the same back at the palace when…"
Ludmila put two and two together and realized that he was looking at Fenris himself.
She made a smile as she spoke to him, "I have finally got to see in person Fenris. My apologies for not recognizing you when I arrived, but it is good you're here since I wanted to talk with you as well."
Fenris greeted her by bowing his head. "Pleased to meet you Ludmila-sama. I should apologize as well for not meeting with you back at the palace, but I felt I have too much attention on me at the time after I demonstrated my powers."
"Fenris… What do you think you are doing…?" He saw the displeased expression on Ellen's face as she witnessed the scene.
He made a light sigh as he began to speak, "Just showing courtesy in a conversion, which is important in first impressions. An aspect that is valuable when dealing with those of higher statuses. One cannot win friends and allies with they show nothing but disrespect and displeasure in their words."
Ellen wanted to make a response, but saw the Fenris would only make a reply to counter hers. She recalls the times back in Leitmeritz where he dealt with disputes months ago. He was very good in keeping a calm face and tone when things got heated and seesm to know what to say to end the matter peacefully. Fenris was no doubt skilled in mediation and debates; his tongue being as sharp as his swords.
While Fenris did have secrets that he withheld until know, she knew that he always gave his honest opinion whenever they have discussions and not afraid to express his true feeling on important matters.
Ellen merely made a sigh realizing that arguing with him would be futile. "Well then, we are a bit behind on schedule, but let us began our move to Rodrick."
Fenris nodded, "Understood. Everyone, get what you need and prepare to move out."
He then turned to Ludmila. "We can have our talk later on today. That if Ellen isn't in a foul mood."
Fenris then left to go to his room and get suited up.
While everyone was getting ready, Ludmila took a quick look at Fenris before he left her sights. She knew Ellen and how she acts, so she was surprised when she didn't bother to talk back at Fenris moments ago.
He has gotten her full attention after watching his presentation of his powers. Despite claiming to be not a noble due to his origin, she has in good assumption that he could easily act like one based on the situation.
Yet, she was rather confused of his decision to serve someone rather than carve a place for himself with his powers.
'You are a mystery Fenris. You have all that power and yet you instead chose to serve Ellen. Why did you pick her?'
Everyone was moving down a path on their horses in a vast meadow. The formation was that Ellen and Lim while Ludmila and Tigre were at the back. Fenris was in between the two groups, acting as a buffer so Ellen and Ludmila don't quarrel with each other on the way to Rodrick.
Fenris wore his dragonscale armor under a long cloak, seeing that he would attract too much attention to him and the others. With the rumor confirmed by King Viktor, he is bound to be hounded by curious people.
As the group move towards their destination, he was listening into the conversion between Tigre and Ludmila.
She was asking question about his actions against Thenardier. While Tigre truthfully reply that he did it to protect Alsace, Ludmile responded that she had little chance in winning against him.
Fenris saw it was clear what she began to talk about as he continues to listen; allies. He recalls the civil war back in Skyrim, which the Holds supported their respective sides with men, supplies and shelter. It was clear that Duke Thenardier have many allies in and out of Brune. At the moment, Tigre only have Ellen and a few other nobles in Brune to support him.
He frowned however when Ludmila said she is among Thenardier's allies. While Fenris had hope she would make the right decision in the end, he saw that crossing blades with her is a good possibility.
The conversion continues on behind Fenris as he made a smile, pleased that Tigre could hold his own in intense discussion. But he knew it was going to be his turn to be questioned by Ludmila. But at least from listening to the conversation, he learned much of her personality. It was very clear to him that her prideful nature clashes with Ellen's easy-going habits.
It was then that they have Rodrick in sigh, which Fenris saw it was a large village in the wilderness. Despite its location, he saw that the people were content with their lives.
He knew that villages like these only string up if there is something of value nearby. Which was proven true when Ellen spoke there was a hot spring in the area.
It peaked his interest as such sights were rare across Skyrim and there was never one found in any village he knows. Taking a rest in one was a rare comfort that Fenris enjoyed when he was travelling back there.
She pointed to the location of the spring, which was at a stone building which was larger than Ellen's villa yet was simple in design.
Fenris was listing to Ellen explain about the history of the spring when she sniffed the air and turned her head.
He turned to the same direction as Ellen saw it was a stall selling food and based on the smell, it was wheat porridge.
'Well, everyone besides Ludmila ate the apple dumplings back at the villa, but I am sure it wasn't enough to satisfy the stomach…'
"I am filling a bit hungry, so should we get something to eat."
"Yes, lets do that."
Tigre ended being quicker than Fenris at that moment regarding his intentions of getting food and Ellen agreed. However, Ludmila spoke that as a Vanadis, she will not eat food from a stall and she wasn't hungry. Fenris could only shake his head when he heard her stomach growl. Everyone else have different reactions, from Lim pretending she heard nothing to Ellen holding back her laughter.
"Everyone needs to eat regardless of status. One cannot be picky when facing starvation."
"Don't bother Fenris. Ludmila-sama said after all she wouldn't eat porridge from a stall."
He sighed that despite the status that the two Vanadises shared, they clearly acting their age. A good example was when he watched as Ellen bought a bowl of porridge and was eating right in front of Ludmila's face. The former was eating with a smile while the latter was showing her displeasure.
Fenris then walked towards the stall and paid for his own just as Tigre and Lim were doing the same. While the food smelled good, he was actually not hungry. He had other plans for this bowl of porridge. Relieved that the two Vanadises were not fighting, he approached Ludmila and offered the bowl to her with a small grin.
"I know what you said before, but it is courtesy to accept a gift from someone. I give this a bowl of porridge to you as a gift."
While he saw she had a somewhat surprised on her face, he was nevertheless pleased that she accepted the bowl and took a spoonful of the porridge into her mouth. "Not bad."
"Glad to hear that."
"Next time Fenris, I will treat you to tea. Consider the gesture my gift to you in return."
"Then I will look forward to it."
Fenris could tell that Ludmila have a good impression on him. But suddenly, he was grabbed by the collar of his cloak. He was now face-to-face of Ellen, who was angry of the scene between him and Ludmila. Despite the action, he retains a calm expression much to everyone surprise.
Recalling how the two Vanadises bicker with each other, he had a feeling this was going to happen. He sighed as he looked at Ellen's eyes.
"Something wrong?"
"Yes, there is something wrong. What do you think you are doing?"
Ellen knew that arguing with Fenris was pointless, but she couldn't hold back her frustration of his interaction with Ludmila. Despite her grip on her collar, he didn't show any sign of discomfort or anger.
"I am not restricted on how I should act around others including those you don't get along with. I know the two of you dislike each other, but at least I could do is ease the tension. I rather not watch you two clash your weapons just because of a trivial matter."
Despite what she heard, Ellen kept the same expression. "Despite that, you belong to me. So…"
The two however separated when she let go of his collar when people passing by them remarked that them having a lover's quarrel.
Despite the incident, Fenris kept his cool and was relieved to see Ellen calming down after telling her to control her frustration lest she loses control. However, she remains uneasy despite relenting to his words. 'He is like Sofy, but more troublesome. Despite what he said, I can't say I am happy of him giving her that bowl.'
However, Ellen was relieved that Fenris didn't get angry when she grabbed him by the collar and acted like it was normal. Tigre and Lim were in awe of how calm Fenris was when dealing with Ellen. Ludmila didn't show any sign of interest, but secretly gazes at him as he looks around the nearby stalls.
"I getting the feeling we shouldn't be here…"
"What made you say that?"
Fenris and Tigre were walking to the bathhouse, following Ellen's directions that she gave them moments. There were 3 baths in the hot spring complex; one of them being reversed for only the Vandises.
Ellen rented 3 rooms for they stay in Rodrick. He was sharing a room with Tigre when Ellen knocked on the door. The way her bathing robe was sticking to her body made the two gaze their eyes elsewhere. The fact she remarked that they seen her naked before didn't make it easier. It was when she told them the directions and has lead them to where they are presently.
Fenris recalled that thought and shook his head. 'Doe Ellen have to flaunt her body like that? It going to be a while before I could ever get use to it.'
He was carrying a bag that contains his dragonscale armor, seeing it was risky to leave in his room and let it get stolen. Since he used waterproof materials to create the set, he saw it as best to bring it straight to the bath itself and keep it close to him.
While it was surprising to Tigre, Fenris merely struggled off his confusion as they walked towards the bathhouse. Tigre opened the door which leads to the dressing room and the door at the other side leads to the baths. However, Fenris felt that something isn't right…
"I think we should find another time to bathe. I have in good assumption that Ellen have something planned for us."
Fenris's sense was refined due to working with clients who in the end showed their treacherous side in the end by trying to be rid of him in secrecy. From giving false information to ambushes, he had to weather them all and in the end, those troubles have refined his danger senses. At this moment, his senses are telling him that what Ellen said to him may not be accurate.
Despite knowing that Ellen will not resort to treachery and betray her comrades, she was nevertheless carefree and mischievous. He had a feeling that she has something like a prank in mind.
"If it regarding back at the well before, I don't think something like that will happen again."
'Too bad Tigre have yet gain the experience to develop his own sense.'
Despite Tigre's insistence, Fenris chose to stay back and trust his "sense". While Tigre went inside to bathe, Fenris decided to mediate near a tree close to the hotel before going back to his room. However, he was interrupted when he closed his eyes for a few moments by a chill and a voice.
"Ah, so you were here Fenris. Glad to see that you are not like that foolish dog and know courtesy for someone taking a bath."
He opened his eyes to see Ludmila, who was in a similar state like Ellen some time ago. He saw that her hair was longer than he expected and much of her figure is shown. Her Dragon Tool was in her hand, which he knew greeted with the chill.
'What… Foolish dog? Don't tell me…' Fenris soon realized that Ludmila was inside that bathouse which Tigre entered and it was clear that he himself almost went inside as well. He rubbed his forehead after seeing that he and Tigre were tricked by Ellen.
Fenris bowed his head as he spoke in polite, if hasty tone. "My sincerest apologies Ludmila-sama, but me and Tigre were told by Ellen that a bathhouse was free. I had a feeling something wasn't right, but Tigre went in anyway. I knew she was mischievous, but I never knew she would go this far…"
He moved his head up and saw Ludmila with a small smile. "I had a hunch that Eleonora have something to do with that..." She spoke with an annoyed tone.
However, she then spoke in a polite tone, "But, I am pleased that you used your head. Unlike that dog." Fenris knew that she was referring to Tigre. While he saw that Ludmila doesn't see eye-to-eye with him, at least she wouldn't go as far as maim or kill him. "Please tell me that Tigre is at least in one piece. And at least get clothed properly."
'Are all Vanadises that bold with their bodies?' He thought hastily as he turned his gaze away.
"Nothing to worry about him, I just thought him a lesson. As for you, I let you call me Ludmila as a rare privilege. And don't look away, for I don't get embarrassed by being a seen by a dragon."
While surprised, Fenris felt that she was likely trying to get on his good side, which suits him until she unwittingly shows her hidden intentions.
"I would appreciate it that you didn't such praises. I am not a dragon, but a mortal and always will be one regardless of my powers. If you excuse me Ludmila, I will be going back to my room."
"Wait." He heard her as he was about to move his legs. "Why don't you come to my room? I see as a good time to talk you Fenris. Unlike Eleanora, you have no qualms talking to me."
He sighed as he knew this was going to happen in a matter of time. He made a small smile as he looked at her. "Alright. I should have enough time to answer your questions."
Fenris was now in Ludmila's room, which was slightly different from his and Tigre's room in size and style. No doubt it was meant for a Vanadis like Ludmila. Fenris was leaning near the door with the bag hold his armor beside him while she was sitting on the bed.
He was surprised when she spoke of Lavias warn her about Ellen's plan. When she was taking her bath, the Dragon Tool acted in the same manner when around Fenris. She was expecting that he was going to enter the bath, but instead saw Tigre instead. It seems that he ended up getting a solid blow to the head from Ludmila before she left. It was then she saw him mediating and made the correct assumption that he saw through Ellen's plan and not fall for it.
Fenris thought as he gazes at Ludmila and then to her Dragon Tool, Lavias, 'Seems that Ellen's plan for the night was unexpectedly foiled by me. But do these Dragon Tools act like this when I get near them?'
Ludmila then gazes intently at him as he was studying him. "From what I seen back in Silesta, the Dragon Tool acted like they welcomed your arrival. You know why."
He shook his head as he kept his gaze on her. "I am just as confused as you are."
"You are sure? My Dragon Tool along with Eleonora's and Sofyia's showed their excitement when you made that shout back at the capital."
"I assure you, I don't have a clue why the Dragon Tool acted like that. I know I said I am a Dragonborn, but I have no connection to this world whatsoever." Seeing that he was being truthful with his response, Ludmila let the question go.
After taking a deep breath, she then asked the question that was in her head since the day at Silesta as she retained her expression.
"Fenris. I understand you wield power like no other, including us Vanadises. I can see in your eyes you lead men into battles, so why do you choose to serve Eleonora?"
He then took his own deep breath as he began to reply.
"Ludmila, power alone doesn't create a great leader. While I could command troops in the worst of battles and hold the line against all odds. I never saw myself a genuine leader, for I am a wanderer at heart. Helping those in need in my travels is reward enough for me."
She was surprised, but she nevertheless listened as Fenris continues on his answer. She recalls the day at the capital where he spoke his tale and display his magic. He was a hero in his lands, defeated powerful foes and want on adventures that many would envy...
'Why did he prefer to be a subject than a leader, especially with the power he wield. And all the people he chose to serve, it has to be Eleonora.'
Ludmila thought as she continues her chat with Fenris, "Why? Do you want to have the privileges and rewards that comes from commanding armies and governing lands?"
He shook his head, "Please understand, I was not born a noble or born with incredible talent. I was an ordinary commoner and orphan. I had no talent, so I had to work hard through trial and error to becoming who I am today. My views and ideals are very different from those born with such privileges. Even after discovering my status as Dragonborn, I had to bear the burden of having power beyond comprehension and the fear of becoming my own worst enemy. Say what you wish, I have no desire to be a leader since being a hero is burden enough. I rather be travelling the world and helping those in trouble."
"Then what if you have to save someone, facing certain death and will get nothing in return. Will you do it?"
"Yes. I will gladly sacrifice my own life if I can save an innocent life, especially if it's a close friend and ally. It is my choice after all and my alone."
Fenris took a few seconds to catch his breath as Ludmila looked at him with a stunned look on her face. She has not in her entire life ever had a conversion like this with someone.
"I would appreciate that you don't question my actions Ludmila. How I see it, I feel blessed to be born a commoner. No only I don't bear the burden and responsibilities of being a noble, I am also able to see and think in ways they couldn't understand."
She was speechless as she listened to him talk. At first, Ludmila thought she was listening to nonsense, but could tell from his tone that he spoke nothing but his true feelings. He was like a free spirit… Someone who value the freedom to act as he wished…
Fenris continued on, "I don't have to follow the expectations that is put on all nobles. I don't have to be forced to accept decisions that I am against. I don't have to bottle up my true feelings because they were not accepted. At least as a commoner, I could seek my own fate and be free to carve my path in life. My choices are mine and mine alone, just like my choice to serve Ellen. While I am disappointed today what she did today, but I know she had a good heart and will not abandon her comrades; the latter is an aspect I valued greatly. Unless she shows me that she is not she seems, I will follow her faithfully."
Fenris then ended his reply with one last statement.
"I will ignore those who question my actions and if they dare draw their swords in protest, I will draw mine in return. If I must spill blood, become an outcast or be viewed as a criminal, so be it."
Ludmila only stood still with the same stunned expression as before. She had trouble comprehending everything that she held, 'I never heard someone who spoke with such strength and honesty… Especially how he spoke of being born a commoner is a blessing…'
Even though he knew she had more questions, Fenris knew it was getting late and it seems the Ludmila needed some time to process what she learned today.
"I think it's time for me to go. I knew you have more to ask Ludmile, but that will have to what for another time."
"Yes… I am in the need for a good rest after all that happened today."
After saying good night to each other, Fenris left the room and his way back to his own. He made a personal note in his head to look up more on the Dragon Tools.
'The more I learn more about those weapons, the closer I get to understanding why to act around me in such a manner.'
Ludmila was lying on her bed, taking a deep breath. She never met anyone like Fenris throughout her life. She found it unheard of that he saw himself blessed that he was born a commoner. Commoners envy the lives the nobles enjoy, but Fenris didn't see it the same way.
She then recalls his last statement before her face became one of uncertainty. 'Despite witnessing Eleonora's poor behavior today, he still remains loyal to her. He stays with her and he chooses to get nothing in return.
Ludmila knew well of the contract between Ellen and Fenris when he spoke about it back at the capital. The terms confused her as he didn't ask for any kind of payment or position in return. No doubt he had to deal with Ellen's behavior, but he nevertheless remains loyal.
He only terminates the contract if Ellen does something unacceptable, so what sort of actions does he find unacceptable. Ludmila made a sigh as her plan for Fenris became more complicated, seeing that he was is not an ordinary mercenary
'Getting him to join me is much more difficult than I thought. It seems no amount of coin and a high position will no be able to convince him. Maybe if I could make him see that Eleonora isn't worth his time…'
Just before she closes her eyes, she thought of how Fenris spoke about his thoughts without any sort of deceit or bias. There was no doubt she learned a key aspect about him. Fenris isn't afraid of voicing his own thoughts and bearing with the consequences that his words bring him.
"It must be nice… To be free to express who you truly are… Without caring how everyone feels about it…"
Ludmila whispered out as finally fell asleep for the night, just like everyone else in the hotel.
Author's Note:
I am back from my vacation everyone and all I could say that it is quite eventful. I actually came back a week ago, but I spend the time adjusting back to college and the fact I now have a part-time job. My updates will be as usual without a fixed schedule; I will upload when I find the chapter I wrote acceptable. I also aim to write my chapters with a word count of 5,000 to 8,500.
Not much action in this chapter, so it was mostly just Fenris's interactions with Mila and how he could have an impact on her life. The next chapter will have action, so keep an eye out when I update this story again.
As for the harem, I decided to leave Regin out. I think she would be paired better with Tigre than Fenris, but I need to reread the light novels to find scenes how they interact with each other.
Regarding the harem, I know that she only appears in the recent volumes of the light novel, but what are your thought of Fine (Figneria Alshavin)? I just acting for your thoughts since it is still too early in the story to decide.
Harem: Ellen, Lim, Mila, Sofy, Liza, Valentina (1), Olga, Sasha (2)
(1 - Update) Along with attempts to convince her to abandon her ambitions, I thought that making a compromise with her could work as well. I am currently unsure how the latter choice would work though.
(2 - Update) I have chosen that Sasha would have her sickness treated slowly over a period of time. I see it as a good way to let her interact with Fenris throughout the story.