Doing as ordered, Dawn ran and sheltered herself on the other side, I looked at where the bolt was stuck in the noble and there was almost no blood, it didn t look serious so I decided to direct my attention to the assassin, with the time I spent getting here I did the math on my mind was enough for two, maybe three shots that meant he was using to hand crossbows I withdrew from my pocket the retractable crossbow made of carbon fiber that I always carried with me after buying it; pushing a button it readied itself, getting one of the electrified bolts i loaded my weapon ready to make aim, but I stopped right afterwards.
If it is more than one attacker I will lose the surprise element; worse, they can try something more extreme like direct combat, seeing I was the only combatant in condition to duel them, the scenario wasn t very inviting ; I was pondering which strategy to use when I looked under the bench and noticed Dawn was doing the same on the other side, probably worried about Andrade; what turned out to be very good timing, as it gave me an idea.
Using of hand signals, I pointed to my nose and to where the attack came from, then I showed one, two then three and motioned my hands in a way to show I was asking how many enemies there were in the tree; Dawn closed her eyes and breathed deeply, sniffing the air after that, faced me again and with her paw she showed one great I pondered if the shot is precise I can take it down however I do not have its right location I signed to Dawn to stay down and immobile I will need to risk it, considering he took about a second to shoot the last time I will have to place myself in the line of shooting for a moment and observe intently where it will come from with that I can figure where to aim my attack
Then I pretended I was going to leave my hiding spot, exposing half of my body, but I stepped back quickly, in this mean time the murderer wanted to use it to his advantage; or wished to let it be known that he wasn t going to let us go alive; shooting at me, a sudden gust of west wind made the bolt hit the bench and miss the target, much to my relief but I saw where the evil person was, managing to even make out his lines we were going to see if I still made my title as the best shooter on the military academy for nobles was still true
I sucked my index finger, putting it outside to feel the exact direction of the blowing wind; medium strength blow from the west by the strength of this wind, I will need to adjust the aim in one inch otherwise I will miss it , I placed myself on one edge of my seat, praying be sufficiently covered in a way that the murderer just would think I was trying to find where he was; I aimed praying that the wind wouldn t change direction suddenly.
It was all quick; I pressed the trigger and the bolt, with a hum, with electric sparks going out as it flew to the target, skillfully piercing the leaves; instants later a guttural scream was heard followed by the noise of an electrical discharge as a thunder, and a body falling from the tree; murmurs mixed with insults and swearing could be heard I got out of behind the bench; I ordered Dawn to keep laying low and headed to the tree where the attacker fell.
As soon as I crossed the gates I saw a figure on the ground, where I believed he had fallen, it shook violently because of the discharge it was suffering, from afar it seemed like the bolt had penetrated on his left shoulder, I recharged my hand crossbow and aimed at the criminal that slowly tried to stand up, although the shoulder bleed considerably; when it was standing, I shouted firmly:
-Damned one! Attacking me on my own place! - I shouted pointing my weapon to the middle of his forehead tell me who sent you to this evil and dirty work and I might spare your life.
-Oh, please, don t kill me! replied the attacker with a masculine voice I will make anything you want just don t kill me! he said then placed his hands over his face.
I thought I had him dominated, however he let a small ball fall from his hand and as soon as it touched the ground there as the sound of an explosion, followed by a huge flash that blinded me for a small instant and a smokescreen; I heard Dawn s voice worried behind me shouting: Rick! What happened? What was that noise? when I was able to see again the attacker wasn`t there anymore/ I had an idea that was almost instinctive that I put into motion as soon as I looked at the inumimi, shouting right away?
-He is fleeing! I pointed with my hand to the trail of blood GO DAWN! SIC`EM!
Something might have made her instinct get the best of her, as right after that she placed herself on all fours, growling lightly and letting out a small bark, nodding with the head she went to the direction I pointed. As soon she disappeared from sight, I had my attention redirected to where he noble was lying down behind the bench we were hidden, I ran there to check his state.
When I arrived to his side, I verified he was still conscious, what was a relief taking into account where the bolt had hit him, I asked if he was feeling well, replying with a small nod; I knew that removing the projectile would make him bleed more, I needed to at least remove his clothing around it to make the first hygiene of the wound; I searched my pockets and noticed I hadn t brought my pocket knife with me, cursing my lack of luck because of that:
-There is one on my left pocket Montecchio he said pointing to his pants.
I took out the instrument from his pocket and proceeded to cut his clothing around the wound; as soon as I finished this procedure the bolt simply tilted and fell to the ground; leaving just a small trail of blood running though his chest, a very small cut of about half inch with almost no dept; I analyzed de ammo used and the clothing around it and noticed it had been stuck in something golden that looked like a wallet? Without understanding what was going on, I said:
-Andrade, your luck both on gambling as well on personal life really impress me! I commented laughing lightly -It isn t serious then Richard? Can I sit? he asked while looking at me.
-Certainly! You just have a small cut, a small bandage will patch that up nicely, seeing you have an iron health but what would be this? I pointed to the wallet thing.
-Oh he replied blushing slightly it was a present for the dog girl
I was slightly shocked with the revelation, I was going to comment something when Dusk s voice reached my ears together with Momiji s one; they probably had heard the noises in front of our house, soon they neared me and both tried to talk at the same time, trying to understand what they were saying, I asked for a moment and ordered the inumimi to talk first:
-Richard, what happened here? Who is him? Where is Dawn?
-Damnation! I had completely forgotten about her! She is pursuing the murderer! I replied with worry in my voice.
-Richard, are you insane? You let my sister go after someone that is paid to kill! We have to help her right now!
-But I haven t oh you are right - I then pointed to Momiji take the Andrade to my meeting room and ask Akira to keep him company until I am back; Dusk follow your sister! Fin her by the scent!
-I understand! replied both Momiji and Dusk while the nekomimi helped the noble to stand up, closing her eyes Dusk sniffed the air and then dashed towards the gates, followed closely by me, while I had my sword s hilt on my hand.
We followed Dawn s scent for approximately five minutes and not a trace of her was found; that made us worried seeing the murderer couldn t have gone that far with the wound plus the shock the bolt pinned upon him however there wasn t a single signal she had passed through here, just blood stains on the ground, which my partner knew weren t her sister s where would her be? Just a little later we would know.
Dawn was a little ahead, beside a small stream that runs nearby our propriety, laying on the ground; my blood froze when she could have been taken down by Saint Meow no ; Dusk ran and placed herself beside her sister shouting: Dawn! Dawn! and as soon she touched her the inumimi began cursing:
-God dammit! she then punched the ground with her paw he knew about us and entered the water! I lost his trace!
-Sister! Are you alright? Are you hurt? then she stared deeply at me Richard you idiot! If something happened to my sister -Hold your horses sis she told her while standing up slowly I just tripped and fell on my own just a few moments ago, then I looked forward and saw water; I knew I had lost him, but even still I tried to find his trail with no luck of course -So you are alright? Aren t you hurt? asked Dusk again, calming down a little.
-Aside a small pain on my paw thanks to the fall, I am alright she then looked at me with sad eyes forgive me Rick but I lost his trail -Oh don t worry about it Dawn, you were a good girl I petted her head the important is that you are well! We were worried! It is a shame we haven t captured the criminal, however any clue would be priceless -Oh! she replied while taking something out of her pocket here is the bolt that probably hit him, I found it ten feet from here, he might have taken it out while trying to run.
-Very good Dawn! I praised her because of this big find, putting it inside a plastic bag with this we might, with a little luck, gather some information about him! Congratulations and thanks! Did you memorize his scent?
-Yes! she replied nodding energetically with her head, blushing afterwards Oh and about the noble was him badly hurt? Is he in danger? He jumped in front of me at the slightest sign of danger without thinking about anything else -Yes he is, for some motive the bolt hit a wallet made of gold that he had on his suit pocket, which just made a small cut on his skin, totally inoffensive after all.
-That is good then I would be sad if he got hurt because of someone like me - she commented while lowering her ears.
-I am really curious about this subject sis she commented with a bit of curiosity on her voice how a noble knows you?
-Oh! Dawn blushed deeply that was just a mere accident we met on the market however I see him there sometimes, just waiting me -Does that bother you? asked Dusk.
-No, he is a perfect gentleman - she replied blushing a little more I just wonder what his real intentions are I am afraid seeing I am a slave him a noble - then she looked to the ground, using her paws to stretch her dress in a way to cover all her frontal parts up to the knee.
-Dawn I said with something already in mind would you like me to know exactly what his true intentions are?
-Are you serious Rick? her ears instantly raised when she looked at me, so big was her happiness.
-NO WAY IN HELL! shouted Dusk visibly mad - I DON T WANT AN ABUSIVE NOBLE DEFILING MY SISTER DIGNITY!
-Calm down Dusk, if the noble was the Silva or even the Capuleto, I would understand your fear; because one would try to get things by force, as he already tried before, the other by charm, looks and persuasion, just to have sexual relations with a rare species however up to what I know, he take honor above anything; as much as you guard your sister s dignity if not more fiercely -Are you serious Rick? asked Dawn with sparklingly eyes.
-I bet my money on him little one I replied while I petted her head I just don t have more intimacy with him because I was always together with the Capuleto and choosing him to do almost everything however I assure you Dusk that I consider Dawn as a little sister, as well as yourself I would rather die than let anything happen to any of you two -Can I really trust you Richard? ask Dawn with doubts in her voice.
-Have I ever taken back what I promised to any of you? I replied staring deep into her eyes.
-No - then she looked at the ground just make sure that nothing will happen to my sis Richard otherwise I won t be able to forgive you -Agreed, I give you my word! I smiled to her, making her blush lets go, everyone must be worried!
We headed then back to our home, I had DNA samples from the bandit and with a little luck we could track him down using our database we spent another five minutes and then we entered our propriety again and I headed directly to the room Andrade was in; when I entered the premises I noticed he was eagerly talking to little Akira, which in turn did her job with mastery in entertaining him while I wasn t present, it seemed even that the noble was amazed with the nekomimi, I coughed lightly to make myself present; as soon as they noticed me he said:
-Montecchio, you have a personal caretaker of really good quality here the care she had in doing exactly what the one with rabbit ears instructed her and look! he pointed to his own chest, where there was a bandage made with apparent mastery I am even envious of you for having found a so efficient little one!
-I I just do my t task sir! I am happy that you t think that my s services were g good! I will keep improving! she was grateful, bowing to the noble.
-Congratulations Akira-chan! I said, praising her always making me feel proud! Keep it like that!
-Thanks sweetie! she replied, showing me a big smile.
-Could you please excuse us? I need to talk with our noble here, stay with Enmie and wait for me there, do you understand?
-Yes! she nodded and left the room emanating happiness.
As soon as we were alone, I stared into my colleague in the eyes, as I wanted to be sure we would be sincere one to another, we had important matters to deal now, both personal as professional ones I sat on my place and thinking about where I should start I decided dealing with the probable motive of the attack:
-Andrade, something serious happened here today, this might have relation with our mission; another thing that might be relevant is that yesterday I had a meeting with the Oliveira and managed to have information that were effectively valuable however I believe today s specific case might have other meanings as well would you like to listen to my theories so we can pounder on each hypothesis, alright?
-Clear as mineral water Montecchio.
I proceeded then to inform him everything related to Dawn and how she came to be under my responsibility, the noble showed mixed signs of amazement and admiration listening to each word about the inumimi s history; after about two minutes pondering after my explanation ended he said:
-So you are implying that this case might be part of the nekomimi prophecy and the murder attempts, as well be a personal vengeance from the Silva?
-Yes, but we agree that the Silva being the traitor is a just too obvious hypothesis but for some motive I believe he might be using to his advantage the fact of the real traitor might be acting; so he is using that to mask his moves and make it seem like it was all part of the original conspirator doing, don t you believe that this theory is at least reasonable?
-Yes, it makes sense - he answered while he meditated on the subject so we might be dealing with two traitors? Seeing that one didn t ally with the nekomimi radicals, is trying to eliminate the other nobles, correct?
-Exactly, at least I managed to get a DNA sample of the attacker I took out the plastic bag that had the bolt covered in blood I will analyze and with some luck we might have a lead on who that was.
-Where do you intend to take the material to? he asked me with a serious look.
-To the royal laboratory, seeing it is the most complete and impartial that we have on our side.
-Great idea! So we can have more reliability on the results, also it would be a good idea to keep it a secret were we took those samples we don t want interference correct?
-I agree I nodded for now I believe that we should work on the hypothesis of two traitors, be it the Silva trying to take advantage of the original one s actions, or the ladder one trying to blame him -Right, I shall have that in mind, will you report this to Your Highness?
-Yes, as soon as we have dealt with another detail that made me want to talk to you right now I made a more serious face Andrade, you know very well that the Montecchio family, even though we buy slaves, we do not consider them as such correct?
-Yes - he lowered his head to answer I knew this talk would take place sooner or later you can go ahead Montecchio -So - I began talking, resting my chin over my hands specially after what happened, I noticed you placed yourself between Dawn and the, until that moment, possible attacker without thinking twice! I feel somewhat left out on the dark regarding what is happening between you two, could you please begin informing me when this all started?
-Well - he began replying apparently searching his memory all began just a little time ago, I believe one or two weeks ago I was at the market looking for exotic ingredients for my recipes, as you know very well how I love refined cuisine.
-Certainly I replied.
-A certain day, I was going through prime materials for a tropical fruit cake when I suddenly heard a feminine voice behind my back, followed by a muffled sound of clothing, body and paper falling to the ground it is weird but for some motive I turned around to look what was going on it was when I saw her he explained while making hand movements to explain what was going on at that time she was sprawled on the floor, fruits quickly rolled scattering themselves around and the girl moaned ouch ouch ouch quickly I noticed the slave mark on her right paw and something out of the ordinary happened -And what would it be? I asked, somehow interested in the subject, discreetly pressing a button under my table.
-You are aware that, even if I don t systematically abuse my slaves, I do not dispose of; however, the same respect you have for them, believing they deserve the situation they are in however I don t know how to explain, but instinctively I went to help her stand up quickly I helped her gather all the fruits that were laying around, and when we went to grab the last one missing my hand touched her soft furred paw in that exact instant I felt something inside of me that a hadn t for a long time her embarrassed smile afterwards brought me the sensation of being complete?
-Love at first sight? I asked again, now more interested than ever.
-I don t know, at the time I thought it was just me being silly, I admit that I even had thought like Why not try to seduce her and try to have some fun? as the girl was so pretty I inquired her about which family she belonged to and she informed being yours; in respect to your house and my morals I respected her and offered to accompany her to your home, which she accepted heartly.
-I comprehend that I replied, pondering for some instants however that is not enough motive to make one jump in the front of other at the sign of danger -I agree, but that night something changed inside of me I couldn t take out of my head the image of that girl inu mimi correct? I even lost my appetite, the word Dawn wouldn t leave my mind that sweet smile I think I fell in love I began visiting the market every single day in hopes of meeting her in the beginning she found funny thinking what a coincidence then she began seeing visibly afraid, somewhat tense two days ago I went straight at her, as it seemed she was avoiding me I asked if my constant presence bothered her -And what was her reply? I asked intrigued.
-That I didn t bother her, she just had heard rumors about some nobles and what they were capable of doing to people like her that scared her seeing she valued her dignity and honor above anything else it was then when I noticed how special she was even falling to the state of slavery she still kept the highest qualities a living being could have at that same day I reinforced to her my purest intentions and I assured her nothing more I wished of her than her well being; for having more time to get used to the idea, I asked her if she wanted at least to be my friend until the moment she could talk to you about the whole matter I promised to her also that I wouldn t press her further about this subject but today when I was waiting for you, I saw her and seeing she was being friendly towards me we went to talk outside, as the weather was really good.
-So, just for me to be sure I prepared the final blow you say not being completely sure it is love or not what you feel, but you can t take stop thinking about Dawn; I know you think that slaves get what they deserve but you are aware I think of they as part of family correct?
-Right Montecchio he replied nodding.
-You are also aware that to me, she is like a little sister and I have a lot of affection towards her are you really willing to carry this relationship seriously as she were effectively bonded to me by blood? Without staining her dignity and honor, as if her family name was Montecchio?
-R Relationship? he replied blushing slightly w well if one day she wants I will treat her as if she was your really your little sister I really like her Montecchio if I have a chance one day and she really like me I promise to treat her like a princess - then tears began falling down his face.
-I comprehend I replied, talking in loud voice after Dawn, I believe you heard everything that was said here, without even knowing I was going to do it, what do you think? Dusk, I believe the noble Andrade wants to talk to both of you and offer himself to any doubt you might have, isn t it right dear colleague?
-Y Yes! he replied, being as red as possible.
-I will let you free to talk as much as you wish I just want that both of you girls talk to me once this is all finished understand? I said and stood up, pressing the same button from before I will now call Your Highness and inform him of everything that happened here today, then I shall take care of some particular business, you wished something right? Did you have something to give me?
-Yes, however it was destroyed on the attack, seeing it was inside that wallet it was a encrypted disk that was sent to Your Highness, but it had a message, where it said only you could decrypt its content.
-Who was the sender? I asked extremely intrigued.
-The Capuleto - he replied with a very serious face hours before the fatidic events.
-Oh my - I was without reaction for a moment what could it be?
-We didn t know, but we probably lost a good lead - he replied looking to the ground then to me Richard thanks for the trust.
-You are welcome just be aware that if you ever make this girl cry for any other motive that isn t happiness I will end your life myself are we agreed?
-Yes! he stood up and bowed.
I left the room then, as I expected Dawn crossed my path rushing a little later, followed close by Dusk, apparently they had a lot to talk with the noble then I took my communicator I bought with Max the King already had his with him, I typed the sixteen digit password and called his device, moments later the voice of the monarch answered:
-Jo o speaking Richard, how can I help you?
-Jo o, I just wanted to update you on things that happened here on this day
I explained then everything that happened today, the murder attempt towards Dawn or the noble; as we still didn t know who was the target after all our theories about it, about why Leandro would send a completely encrypted disk to me only after listening to everything the King said:
-It seems that our movements are really being followed close by the traitor and I think it is reasonable to think that Silva might be a second traitor, investigate that closely Richard.
-Yes Your Highness I said and then asked can I make a request of your good will?
-Of course Richard, anything that might be on my reach.
-I needed to know exactly where the Capuleto were killed in combat; do you know anything about the matter?
-Unfortunately no more than you do; on our meeting they said it was a family personal matter, for not believing it was relevant on the moment I didn t press them to say; however if you have a reason to believe there is the need to reveal such information, I will trust your good judging sense and will allow you to act as you wish you have the royal induct, you can force them to say it in case they don t want and even arrest them for insubordination although I hardly believe you want to take it that far, seeing your relations with them -I understand Your Highness, thanks for the information and have a good morning.
I was putting away the device when I remembered Enmie and Kikuri; I needed to talk to her about my girlfriend s health state! As soon as I left the room I was in both Saori and Momiji came running towards me, with tears flooding their eyes, managing to say only this:
-Oh! Richard RICHARD! KIKURI KIKURI!