Chapter Three- Lionel's Career

Master and slave entered the dining room that had a long table but only two place settings. Keiko had no doubt that Lionel would sit at the table's head which was furthest from the door leading to the kitchen. She headed into the kitchen where a large, covered dish sat on the counter. She lifted it, carried it out, put it before Lionel, bowed, and said, "Your dinner, Master."

"Thank you. Well done, Keiko. Now get your dinner and we'll dine." Lionel poured water into two glasses as Keiko left to retrieve her dish which was smaller as she was shorter than everyone else in the place. She took her seat, waited for Lionel to uncover his plate, and then followed suite. She looked at her plate and quickly looked at Lionel's feeling slightly sick.

There were vegetables and another side dish but most of the plate was piled with flesh, some of it clearly human! She averted her gaze to her plate. He told you he ate flesh, especially human. He's not going to change that just because you're human.

Lionel felt amused by Keiko's reaction. He knew his cuisine choice would be repulsive t her, but eventually she would grow used to him eating flesh. At least I eat it like a civilized being. He neatly cut a piece with his knife and fork and transferred it from fork to mouth. He savored the tender bite before swallowing. His cooks always prepared the flesh perfectly. Of course, if they don't, I would make them eat it which would make them insure that my food is well-prepared.

"I have some guests coming after breakfast tomorrow and naturally, you will be there. After lunch, you will retire to the library until dinner."

"Yes, Master."

Lionel nodded approvingly. Keiko was being a good slave and, given her background as a student, she was expected to respect authority figures and he certainly was that. I was right to choose her for a personal slave. Perhaps, in time, she will service me in a sexual capacity.

When both plates were cleaned, Keiko returned them to the kitchen and then followed Lionel to the Throne Room where she resumed her place. "Keiko, my guests may insult you and I will not permit that. So, it will be your job to make sure they show some manners."

"Yes, Master." Keiko was certainly familiar with standing up for herself. She showed that she was no weak helpless girl numerous times and would do it again, if necessary. She attended to Lionel's every word as he detailed his plans for her as this was her life now. She was the personal slave of a demon. Honestly, it didn't seem too bad. Lionel was a kind master having already experienced harsh treatment from a master of his own. He knew that was not the way he would treat his own servants when he killed his master and took ownership of this fortress. If I was meant to be a slave, I certainly lucked out in getting Lionel.

Lionel then stood, yawned, and stretched. "It's time to sleep. We both have big days tomorrow." He left the throne room with Keiko behind him. They stopped at the staff bathroom so Keiko could wash up and prepare for bed. He then led her to his room and she went to her room through the only door in and out of it. She found a pile of clothes on the bed and knew these were her slave clothes. She looked through them to find that they weren't bad; certainly not skimpy as Lionel had promised. She found a nightgown within the pile as she put the clothes away and put it on. She climbed into the large bed and, as she fell asleep, felt that the others were probably worried about her. She felt bad about making them worry, but she couldn't let them know that she was all right. Not that Yusuke would care, anyway.

The next morning breakfast passed similar fashion to dinner last night with both retiring to the throne room to await Lionel's guests. She wondered what Lionel did for a living and decided to ask as the three-eyed demon seemed to love conversation and encouraged others to ask questions. "Master, what do you do for a living?"

Lionel bared his sharp teeth in a, nonetheless, charming smile. "I'm glad you asked," he said. "I'm a trader for most part. Prospective buyers come to me for whatever they seek and know that I have it. They will try to get the item by offering something in return. Once, someone wanted this awful statue and offered me beautiful cloth in return. Why he wanted the statue is beyond me but I couldn't turn down the cloth. In fact, your clothes were made from it." he admired the deep purple soft cotton shirt and pants set she wore. The clothes adhered to her figure and felt so nice against her skin.

Keiko nodded and her opinion of Lionel rose. He was clearly of a different breed than the demons she had encountered at the tournament. Yes, he ate flesh and seemed to enjoy fights, but he treated those in his service with kindness and encouraged questions. He was kind and nice and she again considered herself lucky to serve him.

The doors opened and two guards, one on each side, entered, and bowed. "Your guests have arrived, Master," one said.

"Very good. Send them in."

The guards bowed again, left, and then four demons entered with sacks or sleds of items on them. Each one was different: One looked reptilian, one had bat-like wings and talon-like feet, one possessed eight eyes and arms, and the last one had spines all along his gray-skinned body. They all bowed to Lionel and two of them looked curiously at her before looking at Lionel again.

"Welcome to my home," Lionel said. "I look forward to all of us benefiting from this trade swap."

"That remains to be seen, Lord Lionel," the reptile hissed.

"Indeed. Let us start with you. What do you desire and what have you to offer in trade?"

"I saw a wonderful vase in the Entrance Hall and I'm willing to trade this rug for it." He pulled a hallway rug from his sled.

"Which vase do you want?"

"The pink and yellow one."

"I see." Personally, Lionel hated that vase and was willing to trade anything for it. Plus, the rug would look wonderful in the Entrance Hall. "You have a deal. Malie!" he called and she came in quickly and kneeled. "Yes, Master?"

"Retrieve the pink and yellow vase from the Entrance Hall and give it to the one with the rug."

"Yes, Master." Malie scurried off to fetch the vase while Lionel pointed at the multi-eyed demon. "What do you want and what have you to trade?"

"I have a sack of gold and jewels. I would gladly trade it for the girl." One of his arms gestured at Keiko.

"I'm sorry but she is not for sale," Lionel said pleasantly. "I acquired her yesterday as my personal slave and I've grown fond of her."

All four recoiled at this and the winged one spat, "Fond of her? A filthy human?"

Lionel scowled and gave Keiko a sideways glance that told her that another of her duties had come. She got up and went up to the winged demon and glared up at him. "You gotta problem with humans?" she snapped, poking him.

"Yes. Your kind are weak, spineless cowards. All you're good for is food."

"Is that so?" she asked calmly before driving a fist into his gut with all her strength. The force of the punch drove him back a few feet and he doubled over in pain. Keiko smirked at the result before cocking a fist and fixing the others with the glare that usually intimidated Yusuke. "Anyone else think I'm weak and spineless?" she asked in a low, deadly voice. There was a shaking of heads and Keiko resumed her place.

"Oh, she's a strong one, milord," the multi-eyed ne said. "A shame she is not for sale. She would make an interesting companion."

The trade continued, but Lionel kept glancing at Keiko. She had handled herself well with that spirit and strength that had interested him yesterday. Hmm, she would make an interesting companion and maybe she would agree to being much more than a slave.