A/N: Chapter 18 of Mystical Eye of a Savage Hound. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except my own OCs. Revenge of the Sword Clan's Hound belongs to the rightful owner.
Chapter 18: New Vice-Consul of Underdog
Training facility...
A menacing roar pierced the early morning hours, indicating that the area was being utilized for real combat. A massive creature, a bear with two ox-like horns protruding from its head, bared its fangs at the group of fifteen and sixteen year old Baskerville children; it weight approximately 800kg and when standing on its two hind legs it towered three meters tall. These creatures were only at a risk level of A, and located on the 7th Ridge of the mountains. They were by far the strongest land predators with a carnivorous appetite, the apex predator of the 7th Ridge. There were few natural enemies that could stand to fight it except for its own kind. Their body was covered in thick muscles and fat, the hair stiff and coarse; merchants from cities within the territories will pay a lot of money to get not only Oxbear meat, but also their fur, teeth, and claws. The group youngsters did not flinch nor reacted when the large adolescent male roared at them, their gazes steely and full of focus because what stands before them is their prey that needed to be taken down.
"Hmmmm." Staffordshire Baskerville, a guide dog of the Baskerville Clan with a short beard, watched as the group of young hounds prepares to rush and intercept their opponent. He was 35 years old, a seasoned knight who has reached the Fourth Fang in his swordsmanship and he is able to draw four teeth perfectly. It is because this level of skill as well as other outstanding qualities and upright mind, that he was given the surname Baskerville without a middle name. So now he stands, qualified to lead and teach the younger generations to come.
All of the Baskervilles at attention were swordsmen who have perfectly mastered the First Fang at a low Sword Expert level. It was enough to fall such a beast. Of course for these types of live combat, most of the creatures that ended up in captivity were not well nourished and definitely left to starve. Therefore these animals came out incredibly nervous and highly aggressive. Under Staffordshire's encouraging words, the young Baskervilles waited for the opportunity as the Oxbear charged forward. Some dodged either left or right while some brandished their swords from the front to meet the animal head on. However, those who avoided the charge survived, while those who confronted it fell out.
"When you're forced to face a stronger opponent, your best course of action is to run away! Don't get greedy for their vitals. Slow them down by aiming for the backs of their legs is more effective. You all have practiced chopping up the corpse of this monster last time. Now it's time to chop up a live one!" Staffordshire advised those who were planning a second attack, and they sucked up the words like water. They followed the instructions and this time aimed for the legs, their swords snapping at the muscles hungrily. With a pained roar, the Oxbear struggled to stay upright before falling to its front legs, one of its legs becoming unusable due to multiple wounds.
Sensing their prey's vulnerability and weekend state, the young hounds showed their teeth in earnest. They were hunting dogs and they fell upon the wounded Oxbear and hacked through the body without remorse. At the head of the vicious attacks were the most aggressive of the bunch: the triplets High Bro, Middle Bro, and Low Bro. With arrogant smirks on their faces they swung their swords and hit their marks, watching as the creature trembled with fresh marks on its body. Its tongue lolled out of its mouth, saliva dripping as it fought for breath and its life. As if sensing that it was not going to last long, it made a last roar of defiance.
As expected of those triplets, their auras have turned a ripe, dark-red color, just as they should be. And their attacks are just as ferocious...Staffordshire thought as the other young hounds followed suit and finally subdued the creature, its corpse crashing to the ground with a large 'thud'. The swordsmen did not shout over their victory, instead stood at attention and looked at their guide dog for further notice. The lead dog nodded his head and clapped his hand three times, proceeding to praise them on their efforts.
"With this, all young master have reached the low ranking of a Sword Expert. You have all completely learned Baskerville Swordsmanship's First Fang. As of this moment, your seven year long training is complete." He gestures to the downed Oxbear and explains, "Unlike this creature who had been neglected in captivity, those who are in the wild in the mountains are much much stronger. Even I can't handle a strong, adult Oxbear. I want all of you to keep in mind that the demonic creature you faced today pales in comparison to something you'll face in a real setting. Death will always be there to take you when you least expect it. Overcome it with the talent that runs through your veins or build up experience to survive at all costs. That's it." He snapped to attention before the group of teens, barking out, "I congratulate you on your graduation. I wish you fortune in battle."
"Sir." The group snapped to a strong salute as well, responding to the lead dog's words with a new light shinning in their eyes. It was cause for celebration, opening the belly of the slaughtered Oxbear and watched as the organs, intestines and plump red flesh spill out. The newly labeled graduates grabbed their bowls and waited for the pieces to be turned into a nutritious stew; mouths watered as the huge chunks of meat bubbled and bathed in steaming hot liquid, the fragrant aroma soon wafting through the air.
Of course Staffordshire didn't allow the meat to be cooked thoroughly – in fact he made sure the meat was still raw as hell, probably still had the game smell to it – and beckoned the children forward to claim their hearty prize; if anyone else were to eat the meat as is they wouldn't be able to stomach it. Only those who were born and lived off eating food in this state trained their stomachs to handle such a meal. Thus Hugo fed the children the moment they were born the meat, intestines, and organs of danger creatures so they got used to the taste. The portions were gratuitous for this special occasion since the serving spoon used was a big ladle, so each child got a lot of everything with a good amount of juice. The young graduates with their bowls filled near the brim picked a place to sit and chowed down on their reward. The red meat literally melted in their mouths, juices exploding with all sorts of taste before sliding down their throats, and they ate ravenously before looking for seconds. The guide dog already anticipated the large appetites these younger dogs would work up during their hunt so he made the stew in a large cauldron.
Once the meat had been thoroughly separated from the bones and processed to last for the next couple of days or weeks, the children also got a chance to eat the tendons and muscles of the Oxbear, devouring the rest of the stew with gusto. Lunch was delicious and the graduates took time to lounge around and let their stomachs work to break down the delicious food. It was probably the best feast everyone involved had ever had, so they savored everything down to the last bite.
"...hey, which Knight Order did you apply to?" One of the males asked another classmate with interest in his voice. "They're all formidable and I think it would be an honor to be a member of any of them."
"My first choice is Doberman, second is Pitbull. Third would be Rottweiler." The other male answered with confidence. "What were you thinking of joining?"
"Oh, we don't have any in common. I would like to join the Wolfhound Knights myself, followed by Shepherd and Bull Mastiff." There were Seven Orders that exist within the Clan and each order was created with a different objective in mind, objectives such as vigilance search, security guard, assassination suppression, and all-out war. The best among them was the Wolfhound Knights which symbolized the power of family.
"I'll support your endeavors in the Wolfhound Knights."
"Thanks!" The first male paused as he thought about something and then said, "If you go to the Doberman Knights, your first choice, you have to be on the lookout for the castle wall for the rest of your life. I'd be so bored I can't stand it. Honestly I'd rather be the Pitbull Knights who go to the battlefield all the time, have the adrenaline racing through your veins."
"By the way, where do you think 'she'll' go?" The second male asked in a whisper. That was the common question of all the children present. Even the triplets, who were most active in this hunt, put down the pieces of meat they were eating and trained their ears into the conversation.
I sat in silence alone in a secluded place on top of one of my kills, enjoying my meal at a slow pace away from the others; normally the saying goes, 'to the victor goes the spoils' but since I took down two large-sized Oxbears on my own and couldn't possibly think about devouring everything myself, I was gracious enough to share my spoils with my brothers. The other higher graduates were busy processing the other two Oxbear corpses, separating the meat from the bones and throwing the organs and intestines in piles; the cooking staff were also running around dragging the parts and throwing them onto carts before wheeling them away to the food storage. There was enough to feed the clan for a couple months before a hunting team needed to go out to get more.
"Is that kid really 15 years old like us?"
"The two Oxbears she slaughtered was like almost nothing, no effort at all."
"I heard that she's a high-rank Sword Expert already."
"I heard she's reached the Third Fang of Baskerville's Swordsmanship, the same level as the guide dogs!"
Hmmm...rumors aside, it took longer than I planned. Currently a medium-rank Graduate and slowly working on solidifying the Fifth Fang. It took a whole seven years to get here, way beyond the level I was at before my regression, but... I stewed in my thoughts, absentmindedly chewing away at my food. My growth is way slower than I imagined...how do I increase it without Hugo noticing...
"Young master." Turning around and glancing down I saw John standing before me, albeit looking up due to the height difference. Even as the years pass by, Butler Barrymore doesn't seem to have aged a bit. Sometimes I wonder if he has some age-resistant item that he keeps secret from everyone else, especially from Hugo. "The clan head is looking for you. It seems your post has been decided."
I finished chewing what appeared to be the last morsel of tender meat and stretchy tendon before swallowing it down with the remnant of soup, wiping my mouth with a single napkin afterwards. Carefully hopping down and discarding my trash for the cooking staff to take care of, I followed the butler to Hugo's room.
"It's been a long time." Those words flowed out of my mouth the moment I stood before an aged Hugo, his once dark-colored hair now a dusty gray. However, his red eyes were still sharp and on alert. "Have you been well, clan head?"
"Hm." It was a grunt, but that is what I'd expect for Hugo to respond with.
"What's that scar on your nose...? Looks like you've had it for quite some time..." I questioned when I noticed the obvious mark going across the bridge of his nose. I remembered him having that scar back in my previous life, but I never got the opportunity to ask him how he obtained it. Now is my chance to know. "Where did you get it?"
"While I was facing the Barbarian Tribe on Mt. Le Rouge Et Le Noir..." He sighed and rubbed the old wound with a hand, dragging a finger across the pink colored skin. "I was attacked by a Barbarian who was skilled with the bow. A female Barbarian to be exact."
"Did you catch her?"
"I didn't. She eluded me and scuttled back into their territory with the rest of them." He curled his hands in anger, eyes flashing as he remembered the event. "However, I was able to scar that bitch's face in the same manner; her fox-like face marred by that nasty scar will forever remind her of meddling with me. Regardless of my battle injuries, I must congratulate you on finishing your education."
"Thank you."
"It's going to be more difficult from now on." said Hugo and I waited patiently to hear where my post would be.
At this point in time in my previous life, I followed Vikir to become an Apprentice Knight for the 'Pitbull Knights' – it took a lot of letters to persuade the captain at the time to even think about letting me in – so I had to work hard to earn my keep. We were sent to the mountain range for 21 months, facing countless life-or-death situations. Like useless mutts that were meant to be tossed away like toys, we were also immediately sent into actual battles.
After reaching 15 years of age, the children of the Baskerville Clan are divided into the 'elites' and 'expendables'. While the latter die in battle, the former learn about politics and administrative roles. The experienced expendables begin assisting the elites after experiencing countless battles, and the elites grow in their own faction. What exists to close the gap between these two group is the Fifth Fang. However, in my previous life I never went over the Third Fang, so my swordsmanship stalled and couldn't grow anymore.
There's no why I, an illegitimate child, would be allowed to take the elite course. So I would expect for him to put me in the expendable course like I was in my previous life; at the time I didn't have a choice and knew that my best bet to survive would be following Vikir. But my brother is not here in this life, so whatever Hugo decides for me I'll have to rethink my strategy thoroughly...
"Viktoria...I want you to try being a 'Representative'."
"Representative? Like a congresswoman?" I asked, clearly surprised and shocked that Hugo wanted me to take this route in this second life.
"Exactly. A congressman or congresswoman administrates and legislates within the Baskerville Clan territories, upholds justice, attracts business to said territories, and does desk work." Hugo explains to me, his mouth quirking up slightly as I digested his words. "To put it simply, you'd be in charge of both big and small affairs within our clan. Unfortunately you'll be away from the battlefield for some time, so I hope you'll continue to hone your skills in your spare time."
"Are you sure you're okay with letting me do this?" The clan head raised an eyebrow at my question but he understood what I was truly asking and he smiled.
"If you're worried about your status as an illegitimate being the true thing that keeps you from this, then don't. The things that you've achieved put you at least a decade ahead of the other 'geniuses', don't they? That's why I'm giving you appropriate treatment. As for your post, you'll be the new Vice-Consul of a city called 'Underdog'. Currently both the consul and vice-consul positions are open there. Will you accept my offer?"
Underdog was by far the busiest town in the vast territory under Baskerville rule, it was no stretch to say that it is an area closer to the size of a metropolis rather than a village. There is a reason why all the positions of consul and vice-consul were vacant. Originally the archon of Underdog was Hugo's second son. The second son's maternal relatives who received the surname were vice-consuls who assist the consul. However, Hugo's second son has gone into long-term closed training, and the vice-consuls to replace him have been hardened when they were expelled all at once on charges of bribery. Now Hugo intends to hand over all the rights and duties of these vacancies to me should I choose to take it.
"...if it's by your will." I answered much to his relief, indicating that I would take up the job.
"Hmmm, good answer. As a young elite you'll likely take on important roles representing the family in the future. In order to raise into the position of consul you'll need to enter the Academy." Hugo breathed out a small huff. "It'll be a long and arduous road, so I am looking forward to seeing where it takes you."
"This is truly so much authority to give to me, but I can only assume the responsibilities resting on my shoulders. I'll try to live up to the expectations of the head of the household." Then I said, "Before that, though, I wish to say something. It's about the Ruby Mine situation with Morgue Clan."
"Are you talking about how you got to have a mock fight with Adolf Morgue?" Hugo stroke his beard with a knowing expression. "I did promise you a reward then, are you trying to ask for it now?"
"I am." I affirmed him with a confidence tone in my voice. "May I borrow that?" John Barrymore's expression turned into shock at what I'm asking for but I only directed my question to Hugo. "If it's too difficult of a request, you don't need to grant it. I can think of others."
"It's not difficult at all." The clan head said as he produced a stamp and pressed it tightly against a document. He smiled as he faces me, handing over the document when turns out to be my approval letter to take up residency in Underdog to begin my job. "I trust that you wont' do anything ridiculous, daughter."
"I won't do anything to cause you worry." With everything all ready and said, I left the room with Butler Barrymore striding by my side. It was a mostly silent walk, the two of us perhaps lost in our own thoughts.
"Young master." John spoke to me, getting my attention. "The clan head treasures you a lot, young master. I could tell by how he didn't put you immediately into real battles as an expendable and practically gave you the position of consul. Isn't this essentially a lesson for rulers? I'm sure he greatly values you."
"That's only the case if I'm able to fulfill my duties as vice-consul well." I replied to him, then asked, "Butler Barrymore, why would he even think of giving me a ruler role? There is no place here in the Baskerville Clan for a female to rule because it has always been a patriarchal clan."
"Don't be discouraged, young master, you can get a ruler role outside of the clan." John assures me. I nodded my head before bidding the butler a good night. Besides it's better this way that I am on this different path than my past life. If I use this new authority as vice-consul well, I'll be able to increase my own skills to a greater extent more safely. But this current work will never make my memories go away.
Flashes of everything that had happened from that previous life, from Vikir's death by my hands up to my own death brought upon by Hugo himself, I still remember that feeling of the guillotine's cold blade chopping through my neck. I will have Hugo experience the same feeling as well. With these dark thoughts brewing in my head, I quickly retired to my room and prepared for a trip out to the territory I've been given to take care of. This way I should be making a good impression on the inhabitants, and what better way than to arrive earlier than expected.
At Underdog...
"Oi. The new vice-consul arrives tomorrow so make sure it's cleaned properly." A middle-aged male spoke gruffly to the two young male employees, brooms in hand as they prepared to sweep up the courtyard. The skylines were dazzled with the mid-afternoon colors, turning into a pale orange. "The new vice-consul arrives tomorrow so make sure it's cleaned properly and up to standard. She's coming from the main castle so pay special attention!"
"'She', sir?" One of the employees asked. "Hasn't the main castle normally send male consuls and vice-consuls for the past few years? Why are they sending a female?"
"Yes, I said female." The older male spoke, raising an eyebrow to them. "It doesn't matter what gender the consul or vice-consul is as long as the job gets done properly. Now get to it." With that he turned on his heels and left the two young employees to their duties.
"What do you think the new vice-consul will be like?" One of the males asked innocently as he began about working on his task, sweeping the fallen leaves into a pile. "I hope she's someone experience in business..."
"What? Didn't you hear?" The other one jeered, letting out a huff full of disbelief. "I heard that she was fifteen years old, basically a newbie."
"What?! That young?!" The first one gasped in shock, his eyebrows nearly flying off his face if they could. "What can you expect from someone at that age? Then we're screwed this time as well."
"Huh? Who's that?" The second one glanced over as I made my way to the elegant building, a suitcase in hand and a sword strapped to my back. Who's this kid? Did another employee bring them? He approached me quickly from behind and placed a hand on my shoulder, saying, "Hey, this isn't somewhere you can just come into without permission like that!"
"If you value that hand I suggest you remove it." I turned my head to address him, steeling my face with a very intimidating expression. "Immediately." Once the male did it I reached into my coat and produced the approval documentation that Hugo stamped and held it out for them to read. I watched as their expressions changed and they spoke to me more respectfully.
"M-My apologies, vice-consul, you've arrived earlier than expected!"
"W-W-What can we do for you, ma'am?"
"You there." I pointed to the one who dared to touch me. "I would like some alcohol and women to be brought here. I'm throwing a party tonight that will draw the masses; spread the word around so that everyone who is interested will attend, make note that they need to dress appropriately. And you," I pointed to the other male who has yet to be assigned a task, "make sure the cooking staff are well aware and prepare some food for the esteemed guests. Doesn't have to be anything heavy, perhaps a few grills would do for those who wish to eat on the heavy side, this is my welcoming after all."
Soon the large courtyard after it has been swept and dusted was filled with tables covered with various type of food and drinks. The air had some soft music playing in the background as guests mingled among one another, some holding fancy drinks in their hands that they clink together. From the consul's office upper window, a male gazed upon the party guests with an unsettling expression on his face. He was an average height, with slightly unkempt gray hair with a small mustache and a goatee. He wore a modest suit and pants, a solid red tie hanging underneath the collared white shirt.
I can't believe he's having a drinking party on the first day of assuming his post...an outrageous person was appointed! He glowered, his stomach churning as he continued looking out the window. As the office manager of Underdog for over ten years, this was the first time in his career that he had to deal with this situation. We were already having a rough time with the previous consul being dismissed for accepting bribes, but to have a drinking party at the sacred workplace... "Who does this little bastard think he is?! What an idiot! Wrecking everything up! I bet the entire city will have to be destroyed before he comes to his senses!"
"Are you the office manager here?" I spoke up from behind him, watching his body stiffen up straight as a board. I pretended not to listen to his angered words and waited for him to address me.
"V-Vice-Consul?!" He squeaked out and turned around quickly, surprised by both my appearance and how quiet I was on my approach. "Ma'am?!" Why is the vice-consul female this time? Aren't most of the approvals predominately male?
"Thinking about why the main house sent a female to take over a position as important as the vice-consul? I had to deal with that type of thinking with two employees already." I told him bluntly, eyes never wavering as he squirmed under my gaze. Then I introduced myself to him so he would feel a little at ease, "I am the newly appointed Vice-Consul, Viktoria Van Baskerville."
"M-My name is Chihuahua Baskerville."
"Oh? No middle name...meaning an outsider, so not related by blood." I took note at how the hand by his side curled by his side. My guess is that he had to suffer this treatment as an employee every time someone took up either consul or vice-consul position in silence, he felt as though he was being looked down upon because of his name. He was discriminated against and whatever achievements he got were always wrapped up as consuls or vice-consuls. Because I felt sympathetic and blood relatives aren't necessarily the most trustworthy individuals, outsiders who have proven their abilities are much more reliable. Reaching out a hand I placed it comfortingly but firmly on his shoulder and said, "Very well, Chihuahua Baskerville, I'll be counting on you from now on."
"Huh? Vice-Consul?" Chihuahua gave me a confused expression, clearly not expecting that sort of reaction and was quite shocked. He was so prepared for those sneers and disappointment, the degrading speeches that came to those who do not have middle names. However, this is the first time he's met a Baskerville hound – an illegitimate child no less – who didn't care that he was an outsider.
"I glimpsed at your personal information before I arrived here, well you and every one else who works here." I told him before moving past him and began thumbing through a book. "You're from this city, aren't you?"
"Y-Yes, I was born and raised here. I don't believe I have had the chance to ever experience living anywhere else." He confirmed to my question as I put down whatever it was I was reading and picked up another book that was on the desk I will be occupying.
"Then that must mean you know a lot about the situation here, so I will spare you the details. I know a lot about the hard work the people who are active on the scene put in, therefore I don't plan on interfering with your work. Continue to do what you've been doing, put in the good work and effort and we'll be okay."
"I-I see..." Is this some new way of harassing someone? But why is she here after throwing a party?
"Hmmm there aren't any problems with the federal law, but there are a few strange points in the judicial system." I spoke and closed the book with a snap, releasing a small huff from my nose. "Fortunately I think I have a plan to rectify them, and Underdog will be rid of its problem."
"Y-You read it all? In that short amount of time? That's remarkable!" said the office manager.
"The problem with Underdog is that there are various black market businesses at play and that economy is above the law; how these scum ever embed their dirty hands in this city without notice is beyond me. The problem won't be solved just by stopping their operations though, so what we have to do is remove the core leaders of that underground market."
"Ma'am..."
"The vice-consul's role is to create law and enforce them. I also have to respect the laws created before me. But I will add a new law to those that exists." I walked towards the window and looked at the guests who are none the wiser.
"You're going to legislate a new law? It's been awhile since this city's had one added..."
"You'll love this one, Chihuahua, for it'll completely dry up that market within a week. But if I want to create a new law and enforce it, I need a reason."
"If they're doing something illegal then why would you need a reason?"
"Well, I'm the youngest vice-consul, and I'll be appointed tomorrow. So to convince them I'll need a grand performance." I turned to the office manager with a grin on my face. "I'll lay out some shit to attract the flies." I turned on my heels and gestured for Chihuahua to follow, "Come, we have some things to get and prepare for."