A/N: Chapter 10 of Mystical Eye of a Savage Hound. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except my own OC. Revenge of the Sword Clan's Hound belongs to the rightful owner.
Chapter 10: Invitation to Morgue Clan
Inside Hugo's Office...
"Sorry, could you repeat what you said?" Two years have passed since I had my match against Adolf Morgue and after that every member of the clan had returned to their territory. True to our so-called 'betrothal' agreement, Morgue Clan begun to schedule some expeditions to the Ruby mine to scout out and mark down potential spots that would extract the most resources. Some of the hunting dog spies that were present during those discussions had relay the information back to Hugo with copied blueprints of the excavation plans. The clan head then ordered his dogs to start their own preparations, redirecting both the demonic creatures and Barbarian tribe members to the location with the most amount of magician presence so they can engage with each other. Other than that the hunting dogs were mostly ordered to stand by and watch over the process.
However this topic wasn't relevant to my question as I stood before Hugo with a somewhat perplexed expression on my face. Now at the age of ten I haven't noticed any particular changes to either appearance or physique of myself, in my prior life my growth spurt occurred when I was twelve so I wasn't too concerned about my development to adolescence at the moment.
"The Morgue Clan is planning on going through their own version of a child's Rite of Passage in the coming months, similarly to what you went through as a child in the Cradle of Swords. It'll consist of a series of challenges and matches between their children upon reaching the age of ten, not only as a way to mark their growth but also hone their skills as magicians. In order to further solidify the bonded pairing of Baskerville and Morgue, or perhaps it's a gesture of good will and faith although I don't believe it myself, the latter of the two wishes to extend an opportunity to the former during this time." Hugo repeated himself and gestured to the pieces of parchment paper strewn across his desk, its elegant calligraphic writing exposed for all to see. "Daughter, you got a direct invitation to enter the Morgue Clan's territory courtesy of the clan head and at the request of the daughter Camus Morgue."
"Since this is related to the betrothal I'm guessing I'll be the only one going on this trip." Not that it was the business of any other hound in my age group, but I was downright happy to hear that Camus of all people requested for my presence. Must've charmed and impressed the princess so much so that she can't get enough of me... I then snorted at the absurdity of the thought and quickly shook my head to dispel the thought.
"Like I mentioned you were requested by name by the young daughter, and she's no doubt her mother's little girl. In that sense no other hunting dog in your age group will be allowed to go, and if the magicians see anyone alongside you that they don't recognize I am warned that the guards were given the approval to turn everyone away by force." Hugo left the folded the parchment paper on his desk but grabbed another piece, folding it neatly and pushing it forward for me to take. "That is your ticket in when you get there, it's a letter from the clan head herself. Just show it to the guards and they'll let you in without any problems. Barrymore will help you with your belongings and escort you on your travels along with some of the Guardian Knights, but they won't walk you directly to the door."
"How long do I stay in their territory?" I asked as I carefully tucked the folded object inside my coat. I couldn't exactly show Hugo how I really felt about this trip, but I was delighted. I may just find answers to questions I've been holding on to since the fight against Adolf and I'll be out of Hugo's sights when I do get what I want. The only concerning issue is that he'll probably order the hunting dogs who have already infiltrated the Morgue Clan in silence to keep their eyes on me too and report my activities.
"I wager you'll stay until their little coming of age ceremony actually starts, it's only fair since we never show exactly how our young go through their trials so you'll only get a taste of their procedures and preparations. This is also an opportunity for you to get accustomed to their way of life and learning more about them."
"Will I get to participate in some of the activities?"
"That's up to their clan head to decide whether you can or cannot join in activities so ask her when you get there." Hugo stroked his chin in deep thought as he looked at me. "Though I don't think it'll be beneficial to you to learn all those glowing circles since hounds like us were never built to use magic. We solve our problems as swordsmen and that's where we excel."
"Clan head, the carriage is ready for departure." Butler Barrymore entered the room and bows in greeting. "I have packed the young master's belongings and the escort unit is also on standby. We should head out while the morning sun has yet to break the horizon, there is much road to cover."
"Very well, John. Give me a minute." Taking out a piece of paper from one of his many drawers and grabbing a writing utensil, Hugo began to scribble something down. Butler Barrymore and I stood patiently until he had finished and put whatever he had written in his own envelope with the Baskerville Clan insignia on it, sealing it shut. He rose from his desk and approached us, holding out the envelope to me. "Here. Take this and give it to their clan head directly. These words are for her eyes to read. She's a smart woman to figure it out when she sees the family insignia."
"Yes, Father."
"I don't need to remind you of this, but I'll do so anyway." He gave my shoulder a brief pat, staring me right in the eyes. "When you leave the nest you become a representative of our clan. All your actions, manners, and speech will reflect back to our family so you must do well to remember what you do and say. Along with that you will most likely be surrounded by potential enemies, however, if you manage to befriend the important ones that matter most then you shall be praised and rewarded handsomely. Be on your best behavior and I'll see you when the time is up."
"Yes." I turned on my heels and strode out the office at a brisk pace with Butler Barrymore falling into step beside me. The day was indeed in the middle of beginning, the sun's rays barely breaking through; there were some young hounds getting their early morning runs in before breakfast, some were even in the training arena practicing their swordsmanship, the beads of sweat rolling down their faces as they swung their arms. The winds were blowing fairly and made my hair dance as I quickly boarded the carriage.
"Let's go." John spoke calmly to the driver as he took his seat and soon we were off at a steady pace, the Baskerville Mansion slowly disappearing out of view the further away we got. The escort unit involved two Guardian knights near the front, two on the sides and two bringing up the rear, giving us the full coverage support in the case we get attacked by anyone or anything. I can only pray for a safe and easy travel, but I don't mind getting some exercise in between, it'll help ease the restlessness I feel from the demonic sword nestled inside my right hand.
On the road...
Not much was spoken as we continued our travels, and Butler Barrymore have provided some snacks and beverage along the way; all the other members of the family had their own snacks to chew on but once in awhile we'd take breaks for the horses to rest and recover. Since I haven't had the chance to actually explore this side of the Baskerville territory even when running errands back in my past life, I directed my attention out the window and took in all the sights and smells that greeted me.
The side of the territory that rides up against the mountainous region didn't have a lot of vegetation, scratch that it barely had any vegetation save for a bunch of withered trees and dead bushes. What it had in spades were dirt and rocks, tons and tons of rocks that made footing very difficult if one wasn't careful where they step. That is what makes the area a great obstacle course for the young hounds to train their bodies and build up their stamina and muscles.
On the other side that goes away from the mountains I was gifted with a view of greenery and a flatter, more appropriate for walking terrain, with trees with actual leaves and the bushes covered with wild berries that may or may not be poisonous to eat. There was slightly more life and I can spot some wild game hiding in the background. These creatures were normal than the danger beasts, they were normal looking animals like deer and rabbit and birds. My ears also picked up the sound of water and I found the source that flowed downwards to us, disappearing as we crossed a small brigade and continuing on the other side.
There were some sparkles underneath the waves and I found myself spotting some fish in the stream, no doubt an excellent source of food for the other inhabitants. We were still in the wild parts of Baskerville territory so there weren't a lot of civilizations, but Hugo allowed for the members to come this far out to hunt animals or gather wild vegetables; this was part of our duty to control and maintain certain animal populations from getting out of hand, like the rabbits for example as they were notorious for threatening the vegetation. If I remember correctly we have a special area for raising such rabbits for ourselves, and we learned how to treat them properly and fatten them up for the cold times. When it was time to harvest them we were taught various techniques of butchering and cooking the meat after removing the fur. This learning process gave everyone a chance to eat something different, and the drive to work harder because Hugo deemed these rabbits as rewards for good behavior.
If we ended up hunting more than necessary we were trained to skin the animal carefully to preserve the hide and fur, maintaining their quality and selling them in the neighboring towns and cities. These were tasked to the elites to run the errand and drop off the merchandise to other members of the clan who were already stationed in the towns. After a few days the elites would make an errand to the same place and receive the payment of whatever got sold. We've have had payments come back in the form of currency or other items that was needed like milk or spices or a delicacy that was seasonal; if we were really lucky some of the high-paying sponsors who value the reputation of the Baskervilles would gift very valuable items as a thank you gift. Hugo would just huff whenever he spots one of those exquisite gifts and puts it around the mansion. Whatever the case may be, our clan always come out on top when sniffing around for some good bargains or receiving great gifts.
"Butler Barrymore, have you been to the Morgue territory?" I asked the man who sat across from me after spending the idle time gazing out the window and decided to indulge in some small talk. This was a good time as any to pick the butler's brains on what he knows and how much he knows about the other clan. "If you have what do you go there for?"
"Most times my trip is for diplomatic talks with my counterpart if I need to meet in person to discuss topics, other times I'll go to drop off a letter or two if there aren't any messenger dogs available to run errands, but those talks of mine aren't nearly as frequent as the meetings the clan head has to deal with. For those meetings I'll have to accompany him to the Empire since every clan head is summoned and require a large enough space. Those meetings can drag on for weeks and up to a month, I won't bore you with the details, but in the end everyone will find a middle ground and walk away with some benefit for their clans."
"Did you get to see any of the classes or children practicing?"
"Well there were a few times I'd catch a glimpse of the young ones learning how to cast their first spells." John mused as he wiped his glasses very delicately and with precise fingers. "Fascinating stuff I assure you if you were to witness the steps from beginning to end, but since time was of the essence I had to return to the clan head's side for my next order."
"If you had the time would you have stayed a bit longer?"
"If I had the time then yes I would. I highly recommend you to learn as much as you can during your time there, young master." There was some sort of knowing twinkle behind the old man's eyes and silence once more fell between us, only the sounds of the hooves of the horses drumming against the road, and the wheels of the carriage rolling steady behind. The greenery I once saw now disappeared and the land looked a bit arid, the air kind of dry. The trees that were once lushes and green now mirrored those in the mountains, but I felt as though their appearance was due to the children of Morgue using them as dummy targets.
"Is that their mansion?" I asked as I leaned slightly out the window, gazing at the impressive structure looming over the tops of the trees, its appearance resembling that of an impenetrable castle. There were guards mulling around the top, must be the lookout sentries on duty and their eyes honed in on our little posse as we approached. I glanced up at the sky and the sun was no longer at the highest point in the sky, meaning that it was way past noon. Traveling to another clan's territory sure took up a lot of time so it was vital that longer trips start at the crack of dawn; some trips require one or two days ahead of schedule and I'm glad I wasn't required to accompany Hugo on any of those business trips.
"Yes young master, that is their iron fortress, or at least that's what they call it. I believe you'll find it somewhat similar to our own so you should feel somewhat at ease." John leaned out and signaled for the driver to stop. The horses snorted as they came to a halt, digging at the ground with their hooves while the escort guards also stopped and continued to be vigilant. The door swung open and the family butler stepped out first, holding out a hand for me to take as I stepped out as well.
"I thought their clan head would come out to greet us herself, but if she's anything like Hugo I understand that she's quite busy."
"Don't feel as though you aren't important to be received, as of now you are her most distinguish guest. Everyone here is aware of that fact."
"I understand."
"Good. Now I put a good-sized bundle of extra jerky in one of the pockets should you get hungry while you're here or if you aren't accustomed to their kind of snacks over the few days." John whispered to me as he helped unload my belongings from the carriage and placed them by my feet. I had been given a replacement sword since I destroyed the one I used against Adolf, and it currently rests against a larger sized suitcase securely in its sheath.
The luggage itself was large enough to house everything from the basic necessities like toiletries and an extra sets of clothing to important items like a clothes brush for my impeccable uniform and maybe some care products for my skin. There was probably a small bottle of shoe shiner for my shoes if I know just how often I scuff my shoes and get them dirty. "Don't speak a single word of this to Hugo about these treats because it came directly from the food storage; I kind of asked the head chef about it and he generously allowed me to go into the storage when no one else was looking so I do owe him. Nonetheless I'll have the elite hounds go hunting and replenish the stock upon your return."
"Thank you, Butler Barrymore."
"Mmmmmm. I'll be here to pick you up when you're finished with this task. There's also a possibility that the clan head himself may come to pick you up himself but I give no promises." Giving me a low bow he stepped back into the carriage and signaled the driver to drive back. The six Guardian Knights gave me a salute and carried on, escorting the carriage back to Baskerville territory. I stood and watched until I couldn't see the party anymore before stooping down to gather my items.
I strapped the sword safely and securely against my back, adjusting the strap so it settled across my chest. I grabbed the luggage with my left hand and made my way to the entrance. So far the guards either on the ground or above haven't made a single move since I had arrived, their eyes on me as I approached.
"Halt. State your business or don't even think about getting past us." The guards told me as they blocked me from proceeding forward, waiting for me to open my mouth and give them a response. I gave them both a blank stare, trying to think whether they're trying to feign innocence because I was sure they could see the Baskerville insignia on the flags, or if this was just a standard greeting that anyone gets.
Seeing as they were quite serious I reached into my coat and pulled out the folded piece of paper Hugo gave to me. I handed it to one of them, waited as they both read through the contents, watched as their expressions swiftly changed from wary to startled and they hurried to open the door.
"Please enjoy your time here!"
"I can guarantee that this lifestyle is nothing like what you're used to."
I nodded my head to both guards and walked through underneath a magnificent archway. I was greeted by a nice size courtyard and blinked at what appeared to be a water fountain in the middle, spewing small spouts of water into the air. There were a few magicians ranging in different ages loitering about and I could feel their eyes on me as I walked to the fountain, looking at my reflection in the clear surface with wonder.
"You mangy mutt! You should've waited for me to come pick you up! What would the clan head say if I didn't do my duty as your escort and lost you when you just arrived?!"
Oh. That snappy voice can only belong to one individual... I straightened my back a bit and turned towards the very member of the Morgue Clan that I was hoping to see. Camus Morgue, with her hands crossed over her chest and a stern expression on her face; her hair was still up in the two twin tails I remember her sporting, but what caught my attention was that she grew slightly in height since I last saw her. She's probably an early bloomer. Marching up to me indignantly she didn't have to try hard to tower over me because the top of my head only reached her nose.
"Seriously, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"Well hello to you to, princess. It's been only two years since we last saw each other and all I get is an earful of your famous tantrums." I glanced around as if I were looking for someone else other than the red-haired genius who stood before. "I don't see your uncle Adolf anywhere. Is he busy with other things or is he still nursing his pride after I beat him on his terms?"
"Still barking that same crap. Don't you dare insult my uncle like that, he went easy on you for both our sakes!" She bites her words, her mouth twisted into a scowl while I just smirked in response, almost goading her to give me more of her outbursts. We stared at each other for awhile longer before she eased up and smiled. It was a charming smile and I hope she'll sport it often...especially when I'm around. "Glad to see you haven't changed much, in fact you're even shorter than me!"
"Being tall does not give you an advantage in a fight."
"Come, mother is expecting you in her chambers. Before I left to come and get you she was blabbering on and on about meeting you, today seems to be her lucky day." She ignored my comment and sauntered back towards the main area, glancing over her shoulder to make sure I was following. "Be grateful, she normally holds a tight schedule so if you needed to see her it had better be a life or death situation."
"Well I do feel somewhat flattered, but her chambers?" With my things in tow I hurried after her. The hallways here were a bit spacier than what I was used to, and the other magicians that were walking by smiled and greeted Camus who did the same gesture back. I on the other hand was blatantly ignored or briefly stared at when they thought I didn't know, but I did and that was okay. I wasn't interested in making friends with a couple of no names. I kept Hugo's reminder fresh in my mind: only the well-known players such as Camus and perhaps Adolf are the only ones who are worthy of getting to know better. "Is that even appropriate between someone like me and someone like her?"
"Don't think about it too much, you'll give yourself an unnecessary headache. What you're about to do is all strictly business, no more no less."
"And the Morgue clan is under your mother's rule? Not your father's?"
"Correct. Haven't you noticed the difference when you were in our courtyard?" She twirled on her heels to look at me, proceeding to walk backwards while keeping up awareness of her surroundings. "Morgue Clan is under my mother's authority while Baskerville Clan is under your father's authority. While we still have some very talented magicians who are male, take my uncle for example, females are more receptive of using magic and are therefore more proficient. Thus the ratio of females to males is a lot higher here than over there."
"Then what does your father do while your mother's clan head?"
"Well...father doesn't really show his face around often, mostly sticks to business in the Empire and maintains reputation...so that's why Uncle acts as mother's second in command most of the time." She finally led me towards my destination, a pair of heavy double doors hidden in the deepest part of the castle fortress. Even while standing outside I could feel a dangerous presence, and my hair was standing on edge.
"Let's head on in, it's impolite to keep a lady waiting." Camus reached out to place a hand on the handle, however she paused and turned to me with a slight twinkle in the eye, "Don't let my mother's calm demeanor fool you into believing that she's sharing her true emotions, she's not one to burst out into anger like my uncle tends to do."
I'm sure Adolf is very good at controlling his emotions, but when it comes to you his doting side wins over any kind of logical sense... I kept that thought to myself and just nodded my head to indicate that I was listening to her.
"Since you are so clever, do mind your manners when you ask for an audience with the clan head. It's very rare for her to allow guests to come to her chambers for a meeting, so be honored for this treat. Wait for her to address you after you've given her your greeting, and don't even think about spouting bullshit or nonsense." She pressed the handle down and began to push the door open, leaving me with one last warning, "And I assure you if you think she's scary when angered then you've never seen her when she's not. She is a nightmare to handle when she wants to be extremely difficult."
Inside the clan head's chambers...
The first thing I noticed, other than the exquisite furniture and other objects in the room, was the long expensive carpet that unfurled all the way up to the throne. It had a bunch of intricate patterns and shapes, and if I could kneel down and feel the material with my own hand I can only assume that its maker is from somewhere afar. In fact most of the items in the chamber seemed to be screaming that they came from 'foreign' lands, but what do I know? This is the first time I'm experiencing this sort of thing. There was a curtained area a bit further away and I took an educated guess that that led to the clan head's personal bedroom.
I followed after Camus calmly and turned my attention to the person sitting cross-legged upon the throne, her ruby eyes looking at us in silence as we approached. Behind her on the wall were two large banners with the Morgue Clan insignia printed in the center, and along the surface of her throne were the small glittering sparkles of rubies embedded in the material. There were symbolic motifs scattered around in her room that I didn't have the time to stop and spot.
The clan head was the epitome of regal royalty and absolute beauty. Her eyes were sharp and full of wisdom, her pure porcelain skin unblemished by scars or markings, and her crimson-flamed hair was pulled back into a braided bun with the rest flowing out past her shoulders and down her back in waves; she was a little on the older side so I was able to spot some streaks of white in her hair, but she was nonetheless beautiful. She wasn't wearing any of the fancy laced dresses of nobility, but instead she opted to dress in a feminine uniform, showcasing that she was a public figure and a mother she was also a soldier and always ready to protect the members of her family.
Off to the side I noticed the presence of Adolf Morgue as he stood by the clan head's side, almost reminding me of Butler Barrymore. He still wore the same blue uniform and his eyes were bright and his mouth in a smile when he noticed his niece entering the room, however when he found me walking beside her he immediately hardened his expression and that smile disappeared into a thin line. Seriously, there is no limit to how much he loves doting on his sister's child. Camus promptly ignored him and came to a stop where the carpet ended so I did the same, and she silently gestured for me present myself to her mother. While the red- haired princess opted to remain standing I took a more respectable approach and bowed at the waist, lowering my head before I addressed the older woman.
"I, Viktoria Van Baskerville, humbly and sincerely request an audience with the clan head of Morgue as the sole representative of the Baskerville Clan present in your sacred chambers."
Silence greeted my words but I didn't move any muscle nor did I lift my head. She was obviously testing me and watching to see if I'd make any mistakes. Jokes on her I can be as patient as I need to be without complaint. It is one of the best traits a hunting dog could have, being patient enough to secure a successful hunt.
"Camyu." The clan head finally spoke and gestured for her daughter to come closer. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Camus leave me be, listened as her footsteps climbed the marble steps to the throne. She knelt next to the throne and laid her head on her mother's lap, smiling as she felt the long dainty fingers thread through her red locks, messaging her scalp lovingly. "My beautiful daughter."
"Mother."
"Is that the young hound who has bested not only you, the genius of Morgue Clan, but also my younger brother is a match?"
"Yes she is."
"Hmmmmm, she definitely wasn't what I originally expected when you first described her to me. Child of Baskerville, raise your head." I nodded to acknowledge the clan head's order and stood tall before her. She looked me over again with a critical eye, resting her hand on her daughter's head. "She has her father's gaze, his strong jawline, and the physique blessed by the River Styx. Don't you agree, Adolf, that this child resembles her father when he was young?"
"Yes Raspane, I do agree that that young pup resembles Sir Baskerville very much."
"Is it possible that if you had a chance, would you have liked to fight Hugo Le Baskerville himself?" There was a small amount of teasing in Raspane's voice, but Adolf couldn't help but flinch at her question.
"Please don't tease me like that, sister, I would never dare to ask Sir Baskerville for a duel; not to mention the question you impose could be a bad influence on Camyu. That pup is enough to satiate me for a lifetime."
"Is that so...interesting." Raspane taps her chin in thought, taking notice that I never once took my gaze off of her. Even if she showers Camus in love or banters with Adolf, I kept my composure through it all. She muses, "That's some focus you have going on there, fixating me with that predatory gaze."
"With all due respect, clan head, my focus since the very beginning should be on you as we greet each other for the very first time. Father said to make a good impression and you are a very busy woman after all so I'd hate to waste any more of your time with soft pleasantries." I replied honestly, a smile plastered upon my face, "With your daughter I have plenty of opportunity to get more acquainted with her during my stay."
"Insolent bratty pup! Don't think for a second that my Camyu is reduced to a chew toy that you can enjoy whenever and wherever you damn well please!" Raspane frowned as she heard Adolf's loud outburst and she looked over at her younger brother who was fuming and foaming at the mouth. Noticing his older sister's disapproving glare he said quickly, "Raspane, this is what I was telling you about and why I was hesitant to agree to have her come over. That brat has no filter and just says what is on her mind."
"Speaking one's mind can be something respectable for one so young, even my little Camyu here knows when to speak up and be bold to get what she wants." The clan head of Morgue smiles gently as she pets her daughter who preens at the compliment and coddles closer to her mother. "Even I am impressed whenever I witness her interacting with others twice or even triple her age."
"More like she is working on talking back to the adults..." Adolf murmured under his breath but shut his mouth immediately when he received a withering glare from his niece who happened to hear his words. The last thing he wanted is to get on his niece's bad side and end up as the worst uncle in history.
"However, even if I give you a compliment, I cannot help but agree with what my brother said." Raspane narrowed her eyes threatening at me, daring me to challenge her. "My daughter, or any of her sisters here in the clan for that matter, will never be reduced to a toy; I taught them at a tender age the ways of the world, taught them how to defend themselves but also go on the offensive. These girls are not so fragile and can fight back."
"I am well aware of your daughter's courage and skill as an excellent magician. I even fought against her in our joint training, I know how strong she is. For the other girls I will evaluate their skills when I cross swords with them."
"Are you issuing a challenge to fight the members of Morgue?" asked the older woman, a sharp tone in her voice. Camus slowly backed off when she felt a menacing aura rising from her mother. "Because if so I'll consider it as a threat and I'll kill you where you stand if that is the case."
Now I can see why Camus gave me that warning before we entered the room...her mother is a very scary and dangerous woman. I stared back in silence, taking note of Raspane's emotionless gaze but the immense rise in her mana. I felt my eye beginning to throb but I didn't want to try and pull the same trick.
"Well then? What is your answer?" She asked me when I have yet to respond to her question. "And do think before you speak, your next words could be your last."
"Clan head of Morgue, if you seriously wished to kill me then you would've done so the moment I stepped foot in this room." I grinned at her in return, feeling my own mana rise to match hers. The air felt stifling and thick, the other two were like a fish out of water in the presence of two unexplained forces colliding against one another. "No...you could have killed me long before I even reached this territory. You are proficient in long distance spells are you not?"
"Very perceptive and a sharp one you are. Not many people can recognize the long range attacks I possess until it's too late." Raspane grins jovially and she dispelled her threatening presence and everyone in the room was able to breathe a bit easier. "Now, as you are well aware we are preparing our Rite of Passage that all magicians must go through over the course of the next few weeks to maybe a month. During that time you'll be under our care and under my rules, your movements will be heavily monitored by the senior magicians on duty."
"Does that mean you'll allow me to join the rest of your children in classes?"
"What else were you planning on doing here? Sit on your ass watching and not doing anything? I didn't raise my children to be slackers and bums." The clan head threw her head back in laughter, "Oh no, I want to give you my utmost hospitality after how Sir Baskerville had treated my family members. It seems like what happened two years ago sparked something within my children, they were eager and more tired from their training. I could only figure that someone or something more powerful had showed them something wonderful, so I hope you can receive some kind of insight as well."
Must be the fight between Camus and I, no one else was there to witness the fight between Adolf and I... I thought to myself.
"For now I'll let you stay with my daughter and shadow her around as she goes about her own regiment. It's only natural for those who are 'betrothed' to be seen together and do things together." Raspane looked over to the other two members of her family and said, "Camyu, do your best as this little girl's guide. Teach her the ways of how we live...no not just as a simple guide, but as the representative of the Morgue Clan. You have a big responsibility riding on your shoulders."
"Understood mother!" Camus responds merrily, rushing forward to give the clan head a hug. "I'll teach her all about our way of life to the point that she'll hate it."
"If you even have one foot out of line," Adolf said mildly threatening from where he stood off to the side with his brows slightly furrowed, "know that I'll be right there to put you in your place." Then he whispered a bit quieter, almost as if he were either taking pity on me, or he wanted to be the one to deal out the punishment because it'll score him Camus points. "You'd rather it be me than my sister because she doesn't really know the meaning of holding back."
"Understood." I told him and he visibly relaxed.
"Young child of Baskerville, you have heard my name dropped throughout this talk but I shall introduce myself to you now." Camus unwrapped her arms from her mother and watched as she drew her full height and stepped away from the throne. The clan head made her way down to where I stood and soon there was only about a foot distance between us, our eyes locked in a fierce staring contest. "I am Raspane Morgue, and I formally welcome you to our clan."