A/N: Chapter 19 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 19: Implement Special Law
The next day...
Out in the town square on Underdog's main street, the citizens called it Dortsmile Street, there were a lot of people congregating towards the center. In the middle of the square was a middle to large-sized stage with a single wooden billboard where government entities can post updates or any other documents for the citizens to read. Males and females of all ages were quietly whispering to one another in confusion as I stood silently before the board with a long wooden stick in hand, my sword strapped to my back.
"What exactly is the Vice-Consul planning?" One of the employees asked Chihuahua in a small voice as the staff of the office stood some distance behind. They had to forgo breakfast and their early morning tasks when the office manager came running, shouting that I wasn't anywhere on the premise. "Never really explained what this is..."
"She's been standing there since early dawn, how should I know?" Chihuahua answered back, his voice just as soft. "When I went to the office with breakfast in hand, she already disappeared but left a note on her desk. That's when I ordered everyone to dress appropriately and hurry to the square."
"But a lot of people gathered, perhaps the whole populate of this general area..." Another employee glanced around the area, letting out a soft whistle as a way to show how impressed he was. "I don't see any of the nobles however so maybe they're not exactly interested in whatever the commoners are dealing with."
"Listen well. I am the newly appointed Vice-Consul." I finally spoke which quelled the soft murmurs and small talks.
"What a young lady to be in this position."
"Wonder what relation she has as a Baskerville? Maybe she's part of the main branch, which makes her the youngest elite."
"What's a brat like that going to do? It's not like we were any better off with the other consul..."
"I'm willing to bet she won't last a week here. She'll resign and ask to be assigned to another city in the territories."
"I'm sure that all of you read the public notice here. These are the laws in place, nothing new has been added to them." I continued speaking, ignoring the side comments. "Though the Vice-Consul has changed, these autonomous laws of the Baskerville Clan are still in place. And they shall be kept as is."
There were tons of autonomous laws listed and written on the public notice, each stating the law, which paragraph they're in, and the punishment associated with a crime that was being committed; somehow some of the crimes being committed the punishment does not fit. For example, if one were to engage in gambling they would get a hand severed. Another one was illegal adult entertainment, those who had committed such act would get a face tattoo.
"I doubt they'll be kept at all! There's been offenders who constantly abuses those laws and punishments haven't been dealt with accordingly!"
"Those guys in power do more than us, ha! Saves us the damn trouble..."
"I doubt it'll take long until she lobbies to maintain the territory."
"You idiots! Did you forget who was in charge of your safety?!" Chihuahua spoke up immediately, angered by what he was hearing. "She's from the Baskerville Clan's main castle! Does she need to put a sword next to your neck for you guys to recover your senses?"
"Tch. If Chihuahua's the one saying it, we should stop. Nothing is going to change anyway."
"It would've been better if Chihuahua was the Vice-Consul. At least he has some decency about him..."
"There's no way a brat like that is going to enforce the laws, especially a female. No one is going to take her seriously." Gripping the wooden stick in hand, tightening my hold and lifting my arm up, I made a downward motion and slammed the object down before the masses with enough power to rattle them to their cores. Once the smoke disappeared I removed my hand and left the wooden stick buried in the hole.
"With my authority as Vice-Consul, I will be announcing a new, special law into order that will take effect immediately. Viktoria Special Law, Paragraph 1, Article 1..." I stood back and folded my arms across my chest, "I will give a hundred million gold to anyone who can remove this stick."
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Everyone in attendance screamed, looking at me like chickens with their heads cut off. Even Chihuahua and the others gaped at what I had said. "A hundred million gold!?"
"That's worth four years of an average person's wage."
"Who gives out a hundred million for pulling out some stick? Is this some sort of joke?"
"Is no one interested? Not even for the hundred million?" I asked, looking around at the crowd and folded my arms over my chest. Waiting for an answer and seeing no one taking the offer I sighed, "Then you leave me with no choice, the one who pulls this out will be given a billion gold. Will no one come forth?"
"Hahahahaha...you must be kidding. This is ridiculous!" A middle-aged man yelled at me with anger. The others around him soon took on a similar expression, thinking that this whole pony show was also something to not take seriously. "Are you making fun of us?"
"That's right! Stop it with this prank. Go back home and let someone else run this city!"
"Little girls should just stay home and play with dolls, clearly you didn't get the memo!"
"A billion gold isn't some chicken feed you can just scatter at our feet!"
Why are we the ones feeling embarrassed?! This plan isn't going to work! Chihuahua silently slapped his forehead as I was continuously harassed by the townsfolk. Vice-Consul...
"So you are saying no one wants to come forward?" I asked once the jeering settled down, keeping my gaze level and voice calm. "Then...the one who pulls out this stick will be given ten billion gold." I pulled back my lips to show my teeth, my eyes flashing as I asked once more, "Nobody has the guts to try?"
"Wh-What is this situation?"
"She's really serious about this..."
"Should I try? That stick looks like it's wedged in the ground really tight..."
"Are you crazy? Who knows what would happen to you!" Soon the citizens whispered among themselves, debating among one another.
"The sword upon her back is probably waiting for some gullible person to come. What if she summarily executes you for being a money-oriented person?"
"Surely there's something else in her mind!"
"It's best not to step forward at times like this, things are already bad as they are..."
"So, still no one." I questioned. "Then..."
"Vice-Consul!" Chihuahua's voice whispered to me frantically, he was grabbing onto my sleeve with worry. "In our city, that kind of money...! Think about how much gold needs to be mined to satisfy the demand...it's a massive drain of resources for sure! It's not a great move!"
"May..." A voice spoke up from the crowd and caught my attention, a hand raised into the air. "May I give it a try?" A young girl, blond hair braided into two pigtails, a tattered gown and sandals for shoes. In her hand was a basket of flowers. She was on the skinnier side so she must come from a slightly less wealthy family.
"Kid, aren't you Judy, the flower-selling girl?" An elderly man behind her spoke, trembling as he wrestled with either holding her back or use words to convince her not to be so hasty. "What kind of place do you think this is to just go forward like this?!"
"My mom is sick, so I have to do something. I can't let her suffer any more and this is too big an opportunity to pass up."
"You naive kid! You'll get stabbed if you step up! That sword on her back is not for show, she'll cut you before you can even blink!"
"Hehehehe. If that happens, then please take good care of my mom." The girl known as Judy smiles at the worried townsfolk, putting the basket of flowers down and approached. Her smile and bravado disappeared as she stood before the wooden stick, her eyes glancing up to see my intimidating form. Would she really kill me? I'll become a laughingstock to everyone, so wouldn't she at least give me a few coins? I hope I can at least get as much as a single flower basket is worth.
"Pull it out." I ordered, my facial expression unwavering. Squatting down, she grips the wooden stick with both hands and took a shaky breath. Wiggling it a bit she raises both arms in a quick movement and the stick came out of the hole instantly; because of how fast she moved her arms, she pulled it out she lost her balance and fell backwards onto her behind.
She pulled it out.
She did it.
She actually did it. The townsfolk looked with surprised looks on their faces, not believing their eyes.
H-Huh? It was so easy to pull out...? No way...it shouldn't have been this easy... Judy looked at the stick in wonder before looking up at me with worry. Eeeeek! T-There's a scary red aura around her...! I'm going to be executed...! Immediately her mind was going a mile a minute as I slowly reached a hand forward, and she shut her eyes in hopes that whatever she gets. Would the reason for execution be an offense against a noble? Sin for being disgraceful? Would it maybe be greed?! If I did, who'll take care of my mom...?! The townsfolk right? They'll look after her when I'm gone! I'm sorry, Mom!
When nothing bad happened to her after a minute, she was so sure that the metal of a sword was going to come down on her, she slowly peeked and came face to face with a bulging sandy-colored sack, the back of my fingers gently tapped against her forehead. She opened both eyes in confusion before looking up at me.
"Well done. This is yours, a hundred million gold to start with." I praised her, gently placing the bag in her lap. It was made out of a very special material that expands and contracts depending on what was placed inside; thus the hundred million golden coins easily fit without the container bursting out its seams. "Since ten billion gold is way too heavy, give me your address and I'll have it delivered. Guards will be provided to protect your reward should anyone decide to rob you."
"...o-okay!" She responds, still not entirely sure what just happened.
"This is what law is like. It must be kept." I spoke with a small smile, placing a gentle hand on Judy's head as I addressed the occupants in the square. Judy trembled with excitement and in awe as she opened the bag slightly to see a lot of gold coins gazing back at her, sparkling in the presence of the sunlight. "I don't think I need to explain what happens when the law isn't kept."
This example served as an opportunity for the 'Viktoria Special Law' to become more popular than the Baskerville Clan Autonomy Law. If one breaks the law, punishment is carried out, but if one follows the law, reward will be given. This simple concept moved the hearts of citizens.
"You know the new Vice-Consul? She's different than those who came before her." One of the townsfolk asked another passerby merchant, a happy smile on his face. All around business is usual, but the folks stop to talk pleasantries with each other about what they witnessed in the square. If it wasn't about the example then they were discussing about the new Vice-Consul. "Honestly, the atmosphere in this town felt like it changed overnight."
"I heard Vice-Consul Viktoria keeps her word no matter what." The merchant replies just as eagerly. "The other Vice-Consuls and consuls were sketchy at best, but we've seen what she's about. I can only hope to see good things from her in the future."
It's a society of principles. Since the announcement of the law, illegal acts noticeably diminished, and the crime rate got sliced in half. The citizens of Underdog loved the change and could walk around with a bit more comfort. However, there was still more work to be done.
Back in the office...
"Are those eastern characters, Office Manager Chihuahua?" I asked as the petite man finished putting up a wooden plaque over the wall, releasing a sigh and wiping his brow with a sleeve. The characters written in black ink read: Belief in moving trees. It meant that politicians make their subjects trust them by moving trees and that they would not deceive others and always keep their promises. "You write exceptionally well, I'm impressed."
"Well, if you ever feel like learning for yourself, you are more than welcomed to ask for me." He turned to me with a smile on his face. "You know, I didn't expect such an unconventional performance. During my 20 years as Office Manager, I have never been so touched."
"We can't just get mad at those who distrust and belittle the law. I contemplated on how I could attract attention and leave a strong impression. In fact, you lent me a hand in the preparation Chihuahua."
"I, Chihuahua, will follow you for the rest of my life." The office manager quickly wiped away some stray tears. "I now know the hardships I faced after meeting you, Vice-Consul, were not in vain..."
"At ease, Office Manager, you'll ruin your sleeves with how hard you're rubbing." I quickly handed him some tissues for him to blow his nose and wipe his tears the right way. While he continued to clean himself up, my mind began to wonder. All of this is actually something Camus Morgue did quite later in life. When she became the head of her clan, the crime rate was nearly zero. However, since she led politics with fear, she was not liked by the people. Of course, given her temperament she is the definition of a feisty, fiery princess.
"Hmmm? What are you laughing about, Vice-Consul?" asked Chihuahua when I let out a small laugh.
"Ah, just reminiscing something minor. Don't worry about it." I wonder how she is doing...she should be done with her Rite of Passage trial about now...Shaking the thoughts from my head I stood up and kicked back my chair gently with a leg. Grabbing a large parchment from its place on a shelf, I unfurled it to reveal a map of Underdog. "The problem begins now, Office Manager. Since we gave out ten billion gold as a reward, we'll have to find a way to stitch that hole up."
And who is to blame for setting such an outrageous amount in the first place? Chihuahua kept his mouth shut so that comment wouldn't leak out.
"These are the places illegal organizations are currently hiding or will hide in the future." I spoke calmly as I marked the spots on the map with a brush and ink. "By cracking down on these places I'll be confiscating their black money. It'll easily plug up that hole since they've been siphoning resources and money from this city for years by now."
"H-How did you know where these places of business were?" Chihuahua looked at the map in amazement.
"Never underestimate a hound's nose, my sense of smell is stronger than normal." I pointed to my nose with confidence. Of course the real reason I know this is because I patrolled these places and cracked down on these organizations like crazy in my old life. I wasn't allowed to be alone on those missions, but I am the only one who has regressed so those who knew are not here. A stroke of luck for me.
Just how far did she investigate...? Chihuahua handed the map back to me and I left it out on my desk for further best course of action is to strike fast because it's been way too long to allow such sleazy deeds to continue; Underdog will thrive greatly without the parasites plaguing it, perhaps when they're eradicated Judy, with her reward money, can have a chance in curing her mother's sickness with medicine and doctor visits. This Vice-Consul is always on the ball before I or anyone here could even say anything.
"Ma'am! I have something to report!" The door swung open and another employee rushed in slightly out of breath. "A request for an interview has come from the 'Teenage Self-Government Committee' of the Municipality."
"As expected...! You were right on the money there, Vice-Consul."
"So the nobles who only break wind as the community are asking to see me."
"It's a group created by the second and third generations of the Baskerville Territory's indigenous families." Chihuahua explained to me. "It's only the long title by name. In reality you can look at it as an ordinary social club for the super rich. My guess is the young masters there have something to say regarding your special law."
"Hmm. The flies have started smelling the shit I've laid out, have they." I grinned in a way that made the other two flinch slightly. I couldn't help but feel excited at what I planned to do, my blood boiling inside my body. "Office Manager, shall we start eradicating the pests that chew away at the city in earnest? That'll be the first step to recovery."
"Vice-Consul..."
"I'll be out for a bit, Chihuahua. Stay here and watch the place until I have a need to summon for you."
Inside the Luxury Hotel Club...
Burning Suspension, a gargantuan building near the outskirts of Underdog City, has a room in the deepest part of the club unknown to outsiders. A VIP room costs ten million gold every six hours, and currently there was a party raging. The participants were children of the seven indigenous families that lived within the territory and they did not care for their reckless behavior.
"Make a tower! Bring everything you have!"
"We're going to party the night away again! Much like how we've always done!"
"And with that, the pyramid made of 'Don Quixote Perignon 666' is complete!" The one in charge, a blond-haired male dressed in a blue suit. Behind him was a massive tower made up of drinking glasses and it was overflowing with very expensive wine. "Each bottle with worth one hundred million gold, you know! So you bastards better say your thanks!"
"And you plebs...can drink what spilled onto the table. Like the damn work dogs that you are." Another child gloated as two servants eagerly lapped up the spilled liquid.
"Thank you, sir." One of them immediately said while the other continued to lap at the wine. "We're able to get a taste of this valuable drink thanks to you. We'll serve you wholeheartedly."
"Hmmm, you know my money won't decrease no matter how much I spend." The first child spoke as he sat down on the lavish couch, folding one leg over the other. "I just keep earning more and more, my pockets always lined with gold."
"It's all thanks to Baskerville that we can live like this." A third child chuckled deviously. "They have our eternal gratitude."
"Not to mention that our slave trade side job continues to grow," A fourth child grins with glee, swirling the red liquid around. "Capturing Barbarian slaves has never gone so smoothly and under the radar. Baskerville only care about expanding their borders so that's a great big bonus."
"Don't forget that none of members from the Imperial Family is around so it's a perfect playground." The rest of the children laughs. "The clubs here are even more extravagant than the ones in the capital. And the Baskervilles are protecting our asses, look at how save we are and have been."
"Honestly, doesn't this make them our hunting dogs?"
"Baskervilles are all sword-obsessed morons, they just slaughter without questions." The blond male crows with confidence. "Just look at what happened with the Messimadranos. Not knowing that we framed them, those dumb-asses slaughtered that clan personally, the loyalest of the eight clans."
"Well thank god because now we're one clan short." One of the males chuckled. "It's what they get for getting in the way of our fun. Bunch of law-lovers and goody-two shoes!"
"By the way, did you guys hear the news about the new Vice-Consul?"
"No need to worry, I put in a personal request for an audience. Word is she's an illegitimate with the middle surname of Van."
"Her name's Viktoria if I remember correctly. Ever heard of her?"
"Nope. First time."
"She's fifteen, and supposedly threw a big party as soon as she arrived." The blond cackles, propping his feet on the table. "What a bitch. We'll click well I can feel it. Why don't we tease her a bit, get her drunk and assert our dominance?"
"Throw her a big party with the most premium wine and foot her the bill?"
"Sounds like a perfect plan."
"What money would a child civil servant have? Bet she won't even be able to submit a report to her clan for rear of being scolded."
"That's when we'll say it's a joke and pay the bill ourselves, to show our gratitude. She'll never talk back to us ever and even serve us forever. The city will forever be under our hands!"
"Sirs! The girls you've requested are here!" The door opens as an employee makes his entrance. Behind him were a small group of ladies that were all dressed and dolled up. The seven males in the room immediately focused their attention on them, ogling and possibly asking some of them personally to sit next to them. They got situated and were handed their own glasses, allowing the boys to have their fun.
"Hm?" One of the children noticed my arrival behind the girls, not at all dressed appropriately. I kept my attire as Vice-Consul, a simple and crisp suit, since it was appropriate for all the other social events. "A female escort? That's not the rule of this place, females are to dressed scantily and in heels."
"Really? She's not one of your acquaintances, Sir?" The employee questioned.
"I don't know her. She must be some bitch who thought she could come in without a proper invitation from any of us."
"I didn't think it was odd because of how boldly she entered after the ladies." The employee turned to me and gripped my hair harshly, almost in an attempt to stop me from approaching the group. "Brat! Where do you think this is? So some respect to these sirs and let me throw you out!"
CRUSH! SNAP!
"Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" The horrifying scream immediately silenced the room and every pair of eyes looked at the servant with a twisted and dislocated forearm; it was bend so far back that it was perhaps a miracle the bone didn't jut out of the skin. "Ahhhhhhhhh! My arm! My arm!"
"Who the hell?!"
"What did you do?"
"My name is Viktoria Van Baskerville." I spoke, ignoring the pathetic wailing behind me and stood before the hosts. "And I believe you called for me."
"Ahahaha, Vice-Consul...what an honor it is for you to be here." The blond male spoke as the others got a bit nervous when they too realized who I am. "You sure know how to act fast! We...we weren't aware of your arrival today!"
"Should we train the newbie right away?" Another child whispered in a hushed voice, it was imperative that I wouldn't hear them. "Throw the booze bill on her?"
"We'll sit her down, and once the party is over, we'll ask her to pay..." The blond whispered back.
"Cut the side chatter." I placed a hand on the table and increased my mana output. There was a massive rumble like an earthquake before the tower of glass shattered and exploded, spilling the wine all over the table, the floor, and everyone in the room. It's a graduate level skill and I could tell that these juveniles had no idea who they were messing with.
"Damn it! I thought you said she's just a fifteen year old brat?!"
"You're a mid-rank expert! Do something!"
"Shut. Up." I noticed the side talk between the male and the blond, taking note that the latter was perhaps the leader of this group. Then I turned to the male who didn't recognize me, a male with brownish-red hair who realized that I had my eyes on him. "You."
"I-I swear that we were going to pay for the alcohol ourselves..." He began sweating profusely as I placed a hand on his shoulder, the female next to him had her mouth covered with a hand. "Honest!"
"Of course you should pay for the alcohol you drank. Who drinks for free in this world?" I leaned in close, holding his gaze. "Were you intending on leaving me to hold the bag after enjoying the party?" Based on his reaction and how fast the color drained from his face, I hit the mark on the head and he looked close to wetting his pants with how intensely I was staring.
"Wh-Who would do such a despicable thing?!"
"Never would we dare do that to an esteem member of the Baskerville Clan..."
"We just wanted to test you as the Vice-Consul!" All at once the other males spoke up for their friend's blunder, but I ignored them. I did notice that the females did not say anything so it looks to me like they weren't aware of this whole thing; they were just brought to this party as entertainment and enjoyment for these males.
"As you're aware, Underdog City has fallen quite a bit. We needed to know that you could easily push away such temptations." The blond attempted to persuade me with his words, trying to quell a possible anger that was rising. "I can say with confidence that you passed, you really went above an beyond here!"
"We'll follow your lead, ma'am!"
"We won't have any complaints!"
"If that's the case...then a master is allowed to test the dog as much as possible." Curling my fingers slightly, not enough to make a fist, I struck the brownish-red fellow and dug my fingers deep enough to puncture his skin. Blood began to seep through his clothes but he couldn't utter a single word. "However the opposite does not stand true. A dog is not allowed to test the master no matter the situation."
"AHHHHHHHH!" He finally screamed, trying to sit still as I twisted my fingers just a bit more. Tears leaking out of his eyes as he continued screaming in terror. "IT HURTS! IT HURTS!"
"You guys seem to not have any fear because you have some money and power. That is a mistake that must be rectify." I turned to the others who were sitting in silence. "I shouldn't be surprised, because you used the Baskervilles as an excuse to shelter you from responsibilities. You don't know what true terror is."
"Kugh!" The boy yelped as I withdrew my hand with a swipe and collapsed to the ground.
"Now answer me...why did he end up like this?" I pointed to the boy as he twitched and trembled. "If you don't then you deserve the same fate."
"I-I do!" The blond said immediately. "I know why!"
"Is that so? Then you need a good beating if you do." I stomped on the boy still on the ground before approaching the others who rose to their feet, hands curled into fists. Sensing imminent danger the females scrambled out of the way, cowering near the far corner. "What? Finally got the balls to go against me?"
"What the fuck! You bitch! You dare attack him while he's already down?!"
"You think you can get away with this?!"
"You can't go against all of us!"
"See? You don't know. What a bunch of dumb idiots." I stepped into another male's space, eyes glowing and a sneer on my face. "Kidnapping. Illegal slave trafficking. Contempt against the Baskerville Clan. What a lot of dirty deeds committed by you sons of bitches. You can't tame an animal without teaching it a lesson."
"Argh!" The boy cried as he received a backhanded slap, the blood that flew out from between his teeth splashed against my face. He crashed to the ground, sitting up slightly to hold his face. "M-My precious face! No one's ever dared to raise their hands against me!"
"Prepare yourselves." I growled to the rest of them. "Filthy mongrels who fear nothing deserve to be punished to the fullest extend of the law."