A/N: Chapter 21 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 21: Slave Auction and Sponsor
Inside the black tent...
There was a strange tension that flowed throughout the tent. The first thing that assaulted Chihuahua's nose was the underlying thick layer reeking of hookah and tobacco smoke, the latter had such a foul stench. It was so bad that he couldn't help himself but pull out a small handkerchief and cover his nose, hoping that the smell would lessen a bit by the time the main event occurred. Since this operation requires eyes on the stage, he tried to get as close as possible, taking occupancy at an empty row close to the front. The other two employees that were with him took their seats just slightly behind him, looking just as put off and uncomfortable by the stench but did their best in keeping their facial expressions neutral.
Masked men and women continuously chattered around them as they congregated around the center stage. All the rich aristocrats who had a hand in moving the underground economy, the black market in Underdog's underbelly have gathered here. A lady wearing a butterfly mask idly licks her lips at a Barbaric male slave being pushed on stage. In the row or so behind her, a gentleman wearing a bat mask licks his lips at a human male slave who was attached to a mercenary handler; it was abundantly clear that gender and sex means nothing to these aristocrats because they have the means to pay for what they deem is the biggest reward, the biggest bang for their bucks. The things that came up to the stage to be auctioned off had no apparent mass. Items such as old pots, famous artworks, and sharp treasured swords were offered up. Rare animals, monsters, and people with the slave brand were also added into the mix. It makes no distinction between any of the things because the rich aristocrats treat things, animals, and people as the same thing.
"I hear it's fashionable in the Imperial Capital these days to capture and display bizarre-looking slaves?"
"I don't have much interest in such trends. Slaves should just be pretty or handsome. It's all in the appearance, everything else doesn't matter."
"If you're a slave, shouldn't you be good at physical labor or good at fighting?"
"Hahahaha I'm drawn to the tragic past of slaves. That's why I prefer those from fallen nobles or kidnapped nobles."
"Well, regardless, I hope there are many usable goods tonight. The last time this happened there just wasn't as many so I was a bit disappointed."
Around them the masked aristocrats were eagerly chatting with each other while covering their mouths with fans. Their attention were mostly geared towards slaves, so any of the items on display weren't even bothered looking at, the crowds gathering where the main attractions are. The clown host got up on stage, commanding their attention as the spotlight shone on him.
"Alright, ladies and gents! Our first product is one that the Knights of the Baskerville Clan embezzled from among the ones they hunted!" He gestured to a large demonic creature that laid out on its side, multiple swords still sticking out from its hide. Its body was littered with wounds – nineteen to be exact – thus all its hearts were destroyed. "The A-rank demonic creature that is said to have nineteen hearts! 'Murcielago' is the name!"
'Murcielago' or also known as Hell Buffalo 'Murcielago' had a danger rating of A and largely resides in the second ridge of the mountain. It is a type of cow creature that lives in the Oil Hell, the adults can grow only up to three meters. Said to hold nineteen hearts it continuously charges its enemies until all of them stop beating.
"Leather, meat, bones, organs, nothing will go to waste! I assure you this is as organic as it comes, you'll never have a creature as such unless you hunt one yourself!" The clown continued to market off the creature, grinning as he saw that he had the audience within his grasp. "We'll start at one hundred million gold!"
The price of the creature skyrocketed, from one million gold and ending with a bid of two hundred fifty million, the one who won the bid only smirked arrogantly at his competitors and the creature was wheeled away to be processed for its owner to pick up after the auctioning was over. The whole house was in an uproar as aristocrats were yelling and bidding for what they want.
"Now that the creatures have been sold, we'll begin the auction for humans and pseudo-humans only! Everyone place your bets!" One by one various types of people were climbing onto the stage, male and female alike, each one of them at various stages of their capture. Immediately the whole house shook as aristocrats turned on another trying to outbid each other; it was so noisy and insane that Chihuahua could barely get his thoughts in order. It seems that the more the bidders cry, scream, and give up when they lose, the more the people's madness surrounding the stage grows thicker to suffocating heights.
"O-Office Manager, when will the Vice-Consul be on stage?" One of the employees talked semi-loud into Chihuahua's ear since the noise around them was already loud enough. "It feels like eternity and we don't know if she's okay."
"Should be soon!" was Chihuahua's response but even he was feeling a bit anxious himself. "But we'll wait and see, this is her plan after all! We have to put our trust in her."
"Huh? Did you put this up for sale too? Didn't really get enough response last time..." The clown moderator who was in charge of progressing the auction forward frowned as someone hurriedly whispered something in his ear, the expression on his face quite puzzling. "Really? Well, I'll try and sell it, but don't blame me if it doesn't."
Hmmmm? Never seen that one before... Chihuahua watched as the next individual stepped up to the stage, a young female around sixteen or seventeen if he had to wager a guess, with both arms and ankles tightly locked in strong iron chains. She had black hair and silver hair interspersed in a triangular shape with pointy ears. Her skin seemed to be covered with ash powder, so the original hue was perhaps a light brown. Must be a new product from foreign lands...
There was a choker with thorns around her neck and the animal skin she wore was looking like a piece of dirty rag. There was a metal bit shoved in her mouth that prevented any form of talks and communication as well as prevented her from biting at the handlers. Her body was strong and slim, but covered in bruises and wounds, some new but a lot were old, indicating that she was probably sent to fight in an arena while being kept in captivity.
"Everyone, another special product has arrived to our stage! A rare item that the slave traders have brought from deep within the jungle! And not just any jungle, but from the battle tribe dwelling in the deepest part of the mountain! A fine 'Ballak' Barbarian!" The moderator spoke as he tried to garner some attraction, but somehow he felt like the energy was about to be lost. He was very familiar with this one and knew she was not a very good selling point.
"Is it even fun to have such a savage slave? You'll most likely die before you can blink..."
"Look at that disgusting expression, thinks it is superior to us here when it is in shackles."
"Seems like a decent fighter given all the wounds, but nothing a little more discipline wouldn't straighten her out."
"I assure you all, my esteemed guests, that this one has plenty of room to grow if given adequate training!" The moderator continued as the girl continued to glare at everyone. "Shall we start with five million to begin with?"
Even muffled with the bit, the girl began to lash out and growled, she even spouted out a language that didn't translate well with the others. The ladies in the audience turned their heads with frowns because the animal smell began to waft across the stage along with the body odor, meaning that the girl hadn't been washed for days, maybe even months. The moderator watched closely as no one raised their signs to bid, looks of disgust and disappointment greeted him instead.
"Come on! Is there no one?! We'll decrease our bid then. Three million!" When that didn't work he tried again, bargaining for one million when no one wanted to go for two million. No one took the offer, most of them yawning out of boredom and waited for the next product to be brought to the stage. Sensing that this was getting nowhere, he motioned to one of the handlers – a muscular brute with a black cloth over his head, something like an executioner – to intervene. "It's done for. This isn't going to be sold anyway unlike the others who are guaranteed. Get rid of it and put it back in its cage. We'll use it for other purposes then, perhaps throw it back into the arena and let it fights until death."
The handler nodded and approached the Barbarian girl who continued to yell perhaps obscenities at the audience in her native tongue. The handler yanked her chain harshly, nearly choking her before slamming a knee into her gut to quell her down. When she teetered from the hit and tried to stand on both legs, a strong uppercut to the same area knocked her unconscious, small amounts of blood flying from her mouth.
"Hahaha. So sorry everyone, there seems to have been a slight incident with the product." The moderator quickly said as the girl was hauled away, rubbing his hands to get rid of his own nerves. "As a show of good faith, we'll start the bidding on the best item we have for you today!"
Hmmmmm...a Barbarian? I made no movement to show interest as I was being led to the stage, but as the huge executioner passed by I took a peek at the unconscious girl slung over his shoulder; I don't remember much from my interactions from them, but I knew that they really got on Hugo's nerve to the point where he assigned hounds to actively clash with the tribes. I didn't muse too long because the person who was handling me gestured towards the stage. She may come to be of use to me in the future, don't know how until I gain control of this damn dog and pony show...
"Oh my." One of the female aristocrats gasped as I stood on stage, shoulders pulled back and chin lifted with confidence. My physique could clearly be seen through my poor clothing, and those hungry eyes were locked in immediately. They could tell that I was quite young from appearance, but I could tell that the spark was reignited in the air. "What a specimen!"
"Ladies and gents! It's a special good with rare black hair and pure red eyes! Actually it has another color eye upon closer inspection so it is super rare! Obedient and follows directions, we only needed to give it the weakest restraint!" The moderator began his duty, placing a hand on my shoulder that I took note of but didn't act on it. "The quality is very good as you all can see by the physique. I'm looking forward to a great session!"
"Six hundred million!" A female immediately offered without hearing the starting bid, the one wearing the butterfly mask. "No wait...six hundred fifty million!"
"My good ma'am, we haven't given the starting bid and it's already at six hundred fifty million!" The clown laughs with enthusiasm, glad that the previous auction didn't put a damper on everyone's spirits. "Do we have any other offers?"
"Eight hundred million!" A male said afterwards which infuriated the first bidder immediately, she turned around to gnash her teeth at him to further display her displeasure. "I'll make her a sword slave for sure!"
"Nine hundred million!"
"Eleven hundred million!"
"Twenty five hundred million!" All at once numbers were being thrown left and right, aristocrats clamoring for the top while going at each other throats. I inwardly sighed with annoyance, willing for someone to throw an outrageous amount that would trump everything else. Finally, the outrageous amount came, drowning out the noise entirely.
"Six billion." All eyes went to the owner who spoke, a sign read '99' held up in the air. He was a fat man with a female accomplice at his side. He licked and smacked his lips noisily, his beady piggy eyes looking me up and down; I forced down a shudder that ran through my spine. There were whispers in the audience but I got the name of this man. Baron Gambino from the Granary Territory and he was notorious for being a big spender. According to the rumors he also absorbed some of the funds and increased his influence in a rapid manner. This man's financial power is impressive, but I knew that he was just an absolute scum.
"...Lord Baron. Won't this be too much of an expenditure?" The female by his side spoke hesitantly as she looked at him with an unreadable expression. She had short green-blonde hair that framed her face, with a monocle resting comfortably on the bridge of her nose; her demeanor was rather cold and haughty, perhaps a reason why she didn't seem astonished or shocked by the outrageous amount.
"With a beautiful rare slave like that standing before me, I'll receive a greater sum if I were to sell it at the Capital." Gambino said eagerly, almost rubbing his hands together with glee. "It'll be a gain even if I buy and just sell it later."
"Even so, I do feel that six billion is overdoing it." The woman released a sigh of annoyance, irritating the piggy man.
"How dare you raise your voice in arrogance at me, you bitch!" Gambino slapped his armrest like he was throwing a tantrum, spit flying out of his flabby lips. He pointed a small sausage finger at her and said, "Remember this, Cindy Wendy, I was the only one who accepted you when you had nowhere to go! You were just a street puppy filled with fleas and ticks!"
"If there is no counteroffer, it will be sold to Customer 99!" The moderator said as he finalized the auction, his thoughts already swimming in the amount of money that'll line his pockets. I felt a shove in the middle of my back from the handler and moved my feet, being guided to my potential new 'master'. I kept my facial expression neutral as I came close, watching as Gambino's eyes widen and sparkled.
"Oooh! What an absolute beauty you are!" He spoke as I stood before him, his eyes roaming over me and nodding with approval. Now that I look at it closer, isn't it better than I thought? Dropping six billion was perhaps the best thing I could've ever done...
What a pig, he's just as the information about him have claimed him to be. Taking so much of the funds for himself, I'll enjoy watching his downfall... I watched in silence as he reached out to toy with the hair, twirling a couple of strands between his fingers.
"You are now mine, beautiful. I'm not a bad person as the rest of those competitors have painted me as. I'll treat you however I like." He grins and I swore his face had a hint of red to it. This guy is a massive pervert and his breath was coming out in short puffs. "I've thought of many ways to play with you. I'm already looking forward to it, and I can only hope that you are too."
This nasty bastard...! I held out my arms to him, shaking the limbs slightly to make the chains rattle. Absolutely disgusting!
"Hmmm? Already asking me to release your cuffs, beautiful?" He smiled at me, acting all nice in the presence of an audience. I could see right through his charade, no anyone with eyes can obviously tell that he is milking and enjoying the attention. "Why don't you be patient and I'll take it off of you when we get home? We'll have a lot of time to get acquainted, you and I."
"No, you don't need to do that. And I'm going to refuse that pass at me." I pulled my arms in different directions, snapping the chains easily in front of his astonished face. Cindy Wendy had a similarly shocked expression as I continued speaking, "Play? Don't be so stupid."
"Waaah!" Gambino yelped as I slammed a foot down, causing a huge gust of wind to churn and destroy the very seat he had been sitting on. He fell flat on his face and groaned as the tiny bits of gravel dug into his skin. The others watched in horror as I approached him, digging my fingers into his back and held on tight. "Keuk...w-wh-what are you doing?!"
"Since you love playing games, how about this one? The topic is shields and spears." I grinned devilishly, increasing the pressure of my fingers until he was yelling for mercy. "That's no good, you have to do better than that. I am the spear, if you as the shield survive, it's your win."
"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak!" He screamed shrilly like a little girl, tears and snot running down his face. Turning to Cindy who stood by with both hands over her mouth he screamed, "Cindy! Th-The guards! Call the guards! I'm..." There was a loud squelching noises as blood began to spray into the air, even splattering against Cindy's face. "I'm... dying!"
"Hmmm how unfortunate it is for you." I watched as the man fell silent with foam out the corners of his mouth. "Baron Gambino, you fainted. Then I win this game."
"Y-You are...!" Cindy gasped as I removed the wig and dropped it unceremoniously onto the floor. "Viktoria Van Baskerville."
"Wait that's not the right analysis...perhaps he died right?" I chuckled to myself, glancing down at the man. "Yeah, he has to have died, there's no way he didn't with that wound."
"If it's Viktoria, isn't she the Vice-Consul of Underdog City?!"
"Why is a hound of Baskerville here?!"
"What the hell were the guards doing? Have they been slacking off?!"
"Shit! We're in trouble now!"
"You called this place 'Circus' did you not? What a fitting name for tonight's occasion." I finally addressed the aristocrats around me, quelling their comments into silence. The spotlight was on me and I smiled sweetly, a smile that didn't reach my glowing eyes. "Every single one of you here, don't expect to get out unscathed."
"Kugh...who cares if she's the Vice-Consul! There's nothing to be afraid of a Baskerville doesn't have any fangs!" The moderator shouted as three males rushed towards me, their weapons drawn. They were probably mercenaries for hire to take care of troublemakers such as myself. "Without a weapon she's useless! Kill her!"
Beelzebub...not too much that'll draw too much attention. I thought, summoning the red blade from my right hand. Quick as flash I struck my attackers and separated their heads from their shoulders, dropping them like the flies they were. Once that had finished, I rushed towards the larger executioner who was swinging a spiky ball on a chain. But I was fast on my feet, and with a grin as I closed the distance between us I slashed through everything in a strong downward motion: the ball, chain, and the executioner's flesh and bones. Everything. Once the guy collapsed with a nice sized cut, the blade retracted back into my hand.
"That red and sticky aura...! No way!" The moderator gulped with horror, realizing that I was a graduate level. It was unthinkable for the average person in the room to witness a person at my age to reach such a level. Graduates are the strongest soldiers that represent the military might of a country! We can't win against her!
"I didn't expect the Vice-Consul's swordsmanship kill to also be this irregular." Chihuahua muttered as he watched my fight. Then he gasped as he was grabbed by the moderator, an arm wrapped around the front with something sharp touching his neck. "W-What are you doing?!"
"Be quiet and be a good hostage." The ringmaster growled before calling for my attention, others who wielded weapons had stood up to challenge me even though I could tell that they were nervous. "Look over here, Vice-Consul! Why don't you surrender unless you want this companion of yours to die!"
Looks like Chihuahua got himself captured, but the other two haven't been touched... I thought, looking at the moderator who held a small knife to the Office Manager's neck. I wasn't too bothered and I continued to stay where I was with large splatters of blood all over my body and some on my face. Now, how will we get ourselves out of this predicament?
"Didn't you hear me? Surrender immediately!" The moderator barked louder when I hadn't moved an inch from where I stood. "Do you not care about what happens?!"
"I'm fine, Vice-Consul! Don't worry about me!" Chihuahua shouted as he grabbed the moderator's hand, pressing the blade closer to his neck. His eyes never left mine, as the one who held him blabbered some nonsense about staying still. "Injustice and compromise aren't in my dictionary! Rather than hold back the Vice-Consul, I'd die for her! My meager life, let me decide how I would like to go!"
"Hahahaha, Office Manager Chihuahua, you are a very loyal individual. I admire that." I laughed and pulled up only the left side of my pants to showcase a hidden object strapped to my leg. "Don't worry, you won't die tonight. When I left the main house I received a hidden card from the clan head himself."
"A flute?" The moderator paused as both men watched as I unclasped the straps and held the object in hand. While the moderator was confused, Chihuahua recognized what the object is and what it's used for. "Wh-What are you trying to do with that!"
Placing my mouth on the head and taking a deep breath, I blew with a hard exhale. The noise that came out was a loud screech, nearly deafening everyone inside the tent as the audience covered their ears with both hands. Once the piercing noise had settled down I removed my mouth with a soft sigh. Wiping the tip against my pants I placed the whistle into my pocket and waited.
"N-Nothing happened...? Wh-What? So that toy was just to scare us? Even as a graduate, at this dista-kueck!" No sooner had the words left the moderator's lips the tip of a sword ran through his throat from the back, stopping his sentence right there. The moderator glanced down, his eyes trembling as the sword began to move in a sweeping motion. "Wh...what...happened..."
"Hiek!" Chihuahua couldn't help but watched as the moderator's decapitated corpse folded and flopped on the floor, the head rolling a bit on the floor. He turned to see the individual who committed the dead, a male wearing a red and black hood, the insignia of sharp fangs clearly embroidered on the chest.
"Who the hell are you, bastard!?" A swordsman foolishly rushed the individual, but he was cut down just as fast, the hooded figure drawing his sword faster than anyone could blink.
"Heeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" The audience cried as rain of blood fell on top of them. Some of them tried to flee but their legs were like jelly, they just couldn't move.
"They've arrived. Great timing." I smirked as the approaching footsteps caught my ears. Hooded figures with swords at their sides filled the area, awaiting further instructions. Their glowing red eyes leave no room for arguments, demanding respect from those around them.
"N-No way, those guys are..."
"It can't be. Please, please!"
"This has to be a nightmare. I gotta wake up!"
The teeth mark insignia on their chest...! Cindy Wendy took note of their clothing with interest as those around her began to cower in fear. Her heart thudded against her chest, her eyes widened in awe because this is perhaps her first time laying eyes on this particular group of individuals. I've heard of that mark before...! The Knight Order known as the most violent in the entire empire. The 'cleanup professionals'. A Knight Order where all one hundred of them are graduate leveled...! Pitbull Knight Order...!
Ka-ching!
The sound of a sword slowly being drawn from its sheath very close behind her caught her attention and she turned to find herself staring into the eyes of a Pitbull member, his burning red eyes burning into hers, cold and emotionless; to him she was just a sack of meat that needed to be cut. Sweat rolled down her face as she prepared for her end, knowing that the member could easily take her head off before she could blink.
"I'll take care of this one, step back." I spoke up calmly, stepping between her and the member to stop him from performing his task. "She's fine." The hooded member quickly hopped back, kneeling before me with his head bowed and waited for further instructions. I continued to speak to him, "Kill the rest of them, leave no trace behind. Those who stay down quietly without resistance, do not kill. However, if they so much as twitch a muscle, then you may kill without mercy."
"Command received." With that he disappeared, relaying my orders to the others. I sighed and turned my attention to Cindy who sunk to her knees, no doubt thinking juts how close she was to being at Death's door.
Hmmm, now that I think about it, Hugo was pretty sensitive about the might of the army. What a relief it is that I was able to receive the Pitbull Squad for tonight. Shaking my head slightly I turned my attention to what was happening around me. The aristocrats were trying to escape but they were cut down with a single strike, the members of the Pitbull Order carrying out my orders without hesitation. There was already a large amount of bleeding bodies on the floor when they tried to save their own lives. Some who stayed on the ground, quiet and unmoving were left alone, but those who ended up moving were slashed.
"Niece, how does it feel to use my Pitbull Knight Order? Are you satisfied with their performance?" A voice spoke up behind me as I was dressing myself appropriately, removing the rags and replacing them with clean clothes brought by my two employees. I glanced over at the looming boulder of a figure, his red eyes hidden behind a pair of sunglasses and there was a thick cigar held between his teeth.
"I'm satisfied, Uncle Boston Terrier." I replied as I finished buttoning up my shirt, making the large man smile. Boston Terrier Le Baskerville, Knight Captain of the Pitbull Knight Order and the brother of the clan head Hugo Le Baskerville. He had short spiky black hair, long sideburns and a square jaw. There were two scars on his face, one long scar that started at his right eyebrow and ended near the middle of his sunken cheekbone, curving through his right eye. The other was mid-length and near the corner of his mouth. He was dressed in a dark buttoned shirt and dark slacks. There was red vest that was over his shirt, closed with four golden buttons. A large furred jacket rested comfortably around his broad shoulders.
"That's good to hear. If you need my help again all you have to do is ask." He lifted his sunglasses up just slightly, exposing just one of his red eyes. He was scrutinizing me slightly, watching me with interest. Now I know why my brother Hugo is paying so much attention to you, Viktoria. A fifteen year old that is this fierce and brutal.
"I'll remember that for the future, Uncle."
"Hmmm, you know what, since we're talking about the future you should join my Knight Order. As your uncle I will raise you properly than any other Baskerville." He ruffles my hair with a hand much to my annoyance, hoping his mouth to let out a laugh. "We'll welcome you with open arms should you decide to join, no one will refute if it's you."
"I'll think about it. Unfortunately I have some urgent business to attend to, so I can't give you my answer." I got out from underneath his hand and began to walk away, putting my hair back in order after it had been messed up. "If you'll be so kind as to oversee things here until my return I'll be grateful."
"Anything for my niece. This uncle will make sure no rat sneaks out under my watch."
Inside the warehouse...
Leaving the clean up of the aristocrats and other groups of mercenaries to the Pitbull Order, I made my way to the back behind the main room where auctioned off objects were taken once they have been claimed by a new owner. Rows upon rows of cages large and small greeted me as I continued to walk through them, keeping my eyes peeled for the item I was looking for. There was a certain stench in the air that any normal individual would gag, but I kept myself focus. I mean the faster I get what I want, the faster I could leave and shut this whole operation down for good.
"Hmmm, looks like the safe holding the dirty money the nobles paid with." I turned to see a closed door with all sorts of locking mechanism attached to its front. "Since it'll all be retrieved, tax shouldn't be an issue...improving the financial power of the Baskerville Clan may be a bad idea though..."
Shaking my head and making note to talk to Uncle Boston Terrier about the safe later, I continued walking. Nothing important jumped out of me, just more blank cages with faded stains of blood on the floor. As I passed by a cage covered with a white cloth covering, my ears detected sounds of pain and perhaps a little bit of crying. I paused and turned, eyeing the large cage for a moment with a look of scrutiny. Then I heard it again, the small whimper of someone locked up inside the cage before me. Gripping the cloth with a hand, I removed it in one movement and glanced inside between the bars.
"Well well, look who we have here..." I mused with mild surprise at what I found, looking at the individual who laid on the cage floor. "The Barbarian girl from earlier..."
"Keuh...ugh..." Pained groans exited her lips as tears fell from her eyes, no doubt she was having a nightmare as she tried to get some semblance of sleep.
"She got punished some more after getting dragged away, as if the heavy blows to her body weren't enough." I mused to myself, squatting down to take a closer look. Her body was more battered and bruised in an abusive manner – my guess could be she was dealt her punishment with either fists or whips – before getting tossed into her cage. I swore I could see some hints of her ribs due to the malnutrition underneath the rags. The shackles that had been around her hands and feet were removed, but she didn't look healthy enough to move any time soon.
"...sniff...sniff..." The Barbarian girl made small pathetic noises, whimpering as her nightmares continued. She was definitely tormented with her situation that she had no control over, no doubt losing hope of escaping or perhaps returning home to her family; as far as she's aware, her tribe probably think she's already dead. "Hic...hic...sob..."
"Poor thing, to be left here to suffer in a cage like an object. But you're in luck because I have something that had been given to me by the Knight Order and I have no use for it." From my waistband I pulled out a vile with a slight pinkish-red color, there was another vile that was blue colored. Unlocking the door I made my way inside, kneeling by the girl's head. "Open wide and swallow this."
Prying open her mouth slightly, while taking precaution with her seemingly sharp teeth, I popped open the vile and held the cork between my fangs. I gently tilted the girl's head towards me and poured the red liquid in, a little at a time and pausing so I could also rub her throat, coaxing her to swallow the liquid instead of spilling it all over herself. Once the entire vile had been emptied I gave her throat one more rub for a final swallow before sitting back on my heels and waited, stashing the empty vile back in its original spot.
The effects of the vile was instantaneous and I watched as the wounds all over her body disappear. There were wounds where the skin had been damaged but I watched as the new layer grew in its place. The vile did not heal her from malnutrition though so she'll just have to eat meals again on that front. I also took note of wounds that looked like teeth and claw marks that haven't been touched along her forearms and thighs, so perhaps those marks will heal on their own, but it jogged my mind of a particular creature I faced when I was eight. Cerberus, the dangerous grade A+ creature I hunted down for my exam. So the Barbarian Tribe that hunted Cerberus at that time, with the arrows in its hide...did it come from hers?
I didn't have too much time to ponder the question when the girl's eyes snapped open and she quickly moved away from me into a corner of the cage, regarding me with surprise and weariness. I looked at her in silence, taking in her appearance now that she had some color back to her face. Once she noticed that she regained some energy she pulled her legs underneath her till she was crouching, perhaps debating on whether to rush me or not. Shrugging my shoulders I made my way out of the cage, back first so that I don't give her a chance to jump me.
"Since you have regained your strength I assume you'll be able to find your way home on your own. You'll make it by sunset if you leave now." I said to her, pushing the door out further. She stared at me with almost confusion, so I am unsure how much of my speech she understood. I knew deep down I didn't spend too much time with the Barbarians, but in terms of the basic language, Vikir taught me some that he learned and I learned a few others by picking up some phrases during my own missions. Then because I ended up fighting against them in my past life, I picked up more words; I was no where near fluent but I know enough to speak the basics. Opening my mouth I spoke again, but this time in her language. "(Go home. Run away. You're free to leave now.)"
Her eyes widened when I spoke her language before she responds in kind, the words flowing out of her mouth so fast that not only did I not catch all of it I didn't understand any of it. She settled down when I just gave her a confused expression and figured that I didn't understand. After a few moments of hesitating, she crept out of her cage and her eyes went to the exit in the far back almost instantly. She moved towards her ticket to freedom, however she pauses and looks at me. No, she was looking at something I have in my possession, her eyes leering at my waistband.
"What? You want to take the bottle that saved your life on your journey?" I questioned her, noticing that her eyes were locked on the vile containers, specifically the empty one that I used on her. She reaches out a hand, it was a quick movement, but I managed to lightly grasp her wrist with one hand and pulled her close, pinning her other arm under my own. Our eyes locked and I asked her, "Now why do you want something that's empty? It's basically useless to you."
She replies to my words in a splutter, but as usual I didn't understand a word she was saying; seriously, not being so fluent in another individual's language could be quite a headache at times. I tuned her out for a bit to listen for any noise outside, making sure the Pitbull Knights were still doing their job or at least there weren't any footsteps coming our way. It would be very uncomfortable and inconvenience for any of us if someone were to intrude. I looked at the girl with her flushed face and her body pressed against mine, clearly she didn't expect to be drawn her someone who'd be deemed an enemy.
"Aaah, we don't have time for this. Listen, this stays between you and I. If anyone else knows what I did here...it'll be your head I'll come after, understood?" I released my hold on her before pulling the vile container from my waistband and held it between my fingers. Whispering a little under my breath, the barbarian's eyes shone with interest as the red liquid filled the once empty vile, going all the way to the top before stopping. What I did was a little magic spell that the Morgue servants use whenever the members needed to refill something.
"(Now go home, there's nothing left for you here.)" I placed the vile in her hand, turned her around and gave her a single push towards the exit. She approached the opening in the back before looking over her shoulder at me one more time, an unreadable expression on her face. I clicked my tongue and gave her a blank stare, waiting for her to get out. She said something to me before turning on her heels and disappeared in a flash.
Well hopefully whatever she said was one of thanks... I waited for awhile, making sure that she indeed had left the premise. Once I had determined that I am in the clear and alone, I made my way to the item I came to the warehouse for, removing the dirtied cloth to reveal the corpse of Murcielago.
"Thank goodness they haven't gotten around to dismantling it, clearly it's way too large to be moved as a whole." I smiled to myself, eyes glittering with excitement. "With this everything hasn't been disturbed so it's quite potent and in its original state. I'll get my money's worth out of this corpse."
"Buzzzzzzzz!" Immediately Beelzebub made itself known in the presence of death, making my hand tingle with an itch to bite at its meal; it continued to whine about its hunger, begging for me to allow it to feed. "Buzz!"
"Your first A-rank monster, huh, it's certainly been awhile. I can feel your eagerness to stick your tendrils in it." I commented to the demon with a grin on my face. "Eat to your heart's content."
"Bzzzt!" It sunk its tendrils into the hide without hesitation, not at all bothered by the thickness, and began to suckle and eat away at the corpse. The air was soon filled with a happy buzz, the demon clearly happy with the generous meal being offered.
"The Knight Order will be here soon, so eat quickly to take as much as possible." I told it, watching as the lumps going through the tendrils increased in speed and size. Even though I mentioned the Knight Order coming to seize the warehouse, it took them awhile so Beelzebub managed to get enough to be satiated for awhile.
In the end I dealt with the criminal organization in an instant. When daylight broke, the rumor started to spread throughout the city that the nobles who attended the illegal slave auction and the people running the show were sent to the prison dungeon of Underdog City with their arms and legs cut off. Before the Pitbull Knights were called back under the order of Boston Terrier, I gave them one last order: Burn down the building where the social club held their secret meetings after stripping it of its possessions. Leave it as nothing more than a skeleton and reduce it to ashes.
The citizens watched as the crisp orange flames appeared around Burning Suspension, the whole building lit up while members of the Pitbull Knights surrounded it, burnt away any and all remnants of wrongdoing. When the flames burned out there was nothing left, the building and the club it hosted disappeared into the wind. The heads of the club and anyone else involved for years were put on display in the city square, dumped into barrels that soon festered with flies, and blood continued to drip onto the ground; if any of the citizens saw the severed heads before they were placed in the barrels, they would have witnessed traces of torture that were evident on the flesh. This image continued to etch the severity of the crime in the people's hearts so that they would never forget. The seven indigenous clans who lost their children sent written letters of protests to the consulate, but the answer will no longer be swayed.
"For sinners who have committed the act of 'Illegal Slave Trade' banned by the nation, death is the only ending and salvation." I spoke from inside my office, the letters held in my hands as Chihuahua stood watching me. I began to tear apart the parchment of papers, letting them flutter to the floor. "These words spoken by the seven sinners, their written accounts, and the statement of their money flow have all been acquired. The Baskerville Clan is properly investigating this incident, and a report will soon be made to the palace."
The protests from the seven indigenous clans completely stopped once the report was given. The arrogant heads of each clan personally made a trip to the consulate, kneeling before me with their heads bowed, and began to beg. My answer was still as simple as I stood outside the door with Chihuahua as witness.
"We have already investigated all the black books inside Burning Suspension." I said as they awaited their fate. "You seven clans violated the 'Baskerville Autonomy Law', therefore your property will be seized. Then to pay for your crime of treachery, all members within three generations of your family will be executed."
Under my rule, the floors of the execution grounds never dried of blood for several days. There were signs and notices for the public to steer clear of the area for the stench of spilled blood can be quite nauseating, the blood of the disgusting vermin that had been gnawing away at the city that is. The caws of crows continuously screeched in the skies above. After the executions have been done and cleaned up, done away and written in the reports for documentation, positions in government and other related jobs were in need of personnel. Because of this, the unemployment rate of Underdog City declined massively. The taxes seized through the breakdown of the illegal underground economy secured Underdog City's welfare and the citizens were happy as a result. They made it known by increasing my approval rate day by day till there were no other contenders for my seat when elections were held.
A few days later...
"Vice-Consul! I've brought you coffee." Chihuahua's cheerful voice sounded as he allowed himself into my office after knocking politely. He had been feeling incredibly lighter and happy much like the citizens of Underdog City. "Freshly brewed by the kitchen staff and they added enough sugar and cream, just like you like it."
"Focus on your job, Office Manager Chihuahua, you don't have to bring me coffee every day." I spoke, not looking up as I continued looking over a couple of letters and other documentations, tapping the end of the pen against the desk. I had a hunch there would be a lot of papers to comb through after everything that has happened, but actually going through each one carefully was such a chore. "Honestly, my hand is starting to hurt with how hard I'm gripping this pen."
"Vice-Consul, you've been working too hard lately. You should take some breaks now and then, the citizens of this city really enjoys seeing you roaming around the streets." Chihuahua placed the cup gently on my desk, taking care not to have the liquid spill over the papers. "Besides, bringing you a cup of coffee in the morning is a gesture of my personal thanks to you. After all you did save me from that knife-wielding lunatic."
"Coffee in exchange for saving your life?" I paused and looked at him with a teasing expression on my face. "Aren't you being too cheap, Office Manager?"
"Not at all! Need I remind you what's put into the coffee cup every morning since your arrival? These items aren't cheap by any means, I assure you." Chihuahua grins and holds up two fingers. "Two cubes of sugar, two creamers, and only a tiny bit of water. Your taste buds have already become accustomed to the taste."
"Mmmmm and I do enjoy drinking coffee every now and then."
"Is your writing and penmanship training going well?" asked Chihuahua, shifting the topic after the banter.
"Care to check for me?" I held out a document for him to look over, putting down the pen to look at the other documents that litter my desk. "There still some left for me to finish before I can get approval and put a stamp on it."
"It hasn't been long since you learned how to write, but you can already write like this. I'm impressed." Chihuahua's eyes moved quickly over the words line-by-line, a shocked expression on his face. "It took me awhile to even reach your level now..."
"There's still a long way to go if I want to match you, Office Manager." I laughed, picking up the pen once more and began scribbling on a new piece of paper. "Maybe one day I'll end up surpassing you, but for now I'm content with just trying to reach your level."
She's incredible, truly. To create new laws even with just the things she learned. She even understands the way of legislation that the previous occupants before her never bothered to learn or understand fully. Chihuahua glanced at me for a moment, watching as I shuffled between documents with a focused look on my face. If the Vice-Consul continues to remain here...wouldn't we be able to develop Underdog City even further?
"Office Manager Chihuahua, your thoughts are going a mile a minute that even I can hear it from all the way over here. Thinking about the future of this city under my ruling?" I spoke up, glancing to see him flinch as though I hit the nail on the head. He laughs and scratches the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed for being caught. "It's not hard to, even I am looking forward to see how much this city will continue to grow while I'm here."
"Is it possible for you to continue being the Vice-Consul?"
"That remains to be seen. If the clan head of Baskerville orders me to deal with something on the front line then I will have no choice but to obey." I told him point blank as though I had no say in the decision. "You best prepare yourself, Chihuahua, because there may be a time I will hand over my duties to you for awhile."
"I hope, for the future of Underdog City and perhaps for the future of Baskerville, that you stay as its Vice-Consul for the long run."
"Oh? Is it this late already?" I glanced out the window in wonder, seeing that the sky already turned orange. I had been sitting in my chair for quite some time scribbling away so I stood up and stretched. Patting Chihuahua on the shoulder as I passed him, I opened the door and said, "I'll be heading out for awhile, there's somewhere I need to be."
"At this hour?"
"Hopefully it wouldn't last very long, but there is someone who needs my attention. And I doubt she'd appreciate my lateness."
Inside Underdog City's dungeon...
It has been awhile since I've been down here, well, since I administered some justice on those seven brats. Making my way to the far room to where someone was in a kneeling position and chained up against the wall, a black blindfold tied over the eyes.
"Apologies for not coming to see you sooner. Been busy for reasons that needed my attention." I spoke, getting the person's attention, their head lifted slightly at the sound of my voice. "Did you say your name was Cindy Wendy Sen Rose?"
"...why did you let me live?" She asked me after a minute of silence. "What made you so sure I wasn't going to back stab you?"
"Simple really, I had a few questions for you. Would be an absolute shame if someone like you were to die on the 'Circus' floor."
"Kugh!" She winced as I removed the blindfold. She blinked a couple of times to adjust to the light before focusing on me, her emerald green eyes glaring with anger. "Questions...is that the only reason why I'm being kept alive?"
"Well, the reason that Baron Gambino, who was from a random little granary, was able to increase his power that much was because of you, right?" I returned her question with one of mine, walking away from her briefly to grab a chair to sit in. "I mean, there's no way a fat piggy bastard like him was that smart. From our research, your ability to earn money is quite good. If you were able to bloom that talent outside the underworld, then you would've become a good merchant or financier."
"Cut the pleasantries and get to your point."
"Fine, if you answer my questions, then I'll let you go from here. Promise." I dragged the chair to place before her, straddling it and folded both arms across the back of the chair to lean against. "But if you don't answer me, then I cannot help you and give you your fate to probably rot in here till death." She watched me in silence before biting her lower lip as she came to a conclusion.
"I will answer you to the best of my abilities."
"Good choice." I smiled at her answer. "Then, what do you think? Do you think I'm operating the city well?"
"I think you're doing an excellent job right now. Even the citizens of this city is singing your praises." She says it in such a way that I'm under the impression that she's trying to mock me, give me what I don't want to hear.
"Well now, that's a dishonest answer." I told her in a bored manner. "Makes me want to retract my promise if you decide to not be honest."
"Tsk..." She grumbles, taking a minute to think of her next answer carefully. Then she says, "...I think you're handing things wrong." Now it was my turn to observe her after she gave me her answer, barely blinking. Then I smiled a wide smile and rose from the chair. Stepping towards her I used my thumb and index finger of my right hand to grab her chin, tilting her head so that our eyes could clash.
"There you go, now you're being honest with me. Now tell me the reasons for your answer."