"My God... look at this," laughed Tim.
"I take care of this place in my free time, tastefully avoiding my family as I do," explained Isabella.
"It really is quite beautiful," agreed Amelia.
Blyke looked around the large garden, mouth agape. The place was huge, and covered in all sorts of different plants, from vines crawling along archways to beds of flowers neatly sectioned off.
"In all honesty, it was Asha who began this. By the time I was able to do anything, she was already gone, and the garden was overrun. However, I worked hard, and replanted it. This is what I do when I'm bored."
Tim groaned. "I wish I had a special storage ring! Then I would have been able to bring all my plants from the school with me."
Isabella glanced at him before frowning. "Wait-- don't you have a Kitsune Amorai?"
Tim nodded. "I sure do. Why?"
"This is my first time hearing of a fire-element taking care of plants," Isabella laughed. "But then again, I don't really hear much outside of the manor."
"When was the last time you've been out of the property?" asked Amelia.
"Well... about ten years."
Blyke's eyes snapped to Amelia when she uttered a strangled scream.
"Sorry, bit my tongue," she said hurriedly. "You've been locked up in the property for a decade?"
"Basically. None of the servants say locked up, but my parents forbid me to pass the gates. However, every once in awhile, one of the guards will bring me stuff from town."
"Oh, that reminds me. What fief are we on?" asked Ethelyn. "I'd like to know what part of Artemesa I'm on."
"Hmm... this would be the southern tip of Artemesa, so I believe we're on the Barkly Fief," said Isabella. "Once again, I don't get out much, so I don't really hear information. In fact, I only barely know where we're located because of the temperature and climate."
"I know what it feels like to be locked up and unable to get out," said Amelia.
Blyke's eyes narrowed slightly. Was she speaking the truth? He watched her raise her hand and scratch at her neck.
"Whoa! Look at this!"
Blyke glanced over to where Tim was pointing at a flower growing close to the ground, but whose diameter was taller than him. "Good God, what the hell is that thing?" exclaimed Blyke.
"I wouldn't go too close to that one. It's a rare breed," called Isabella. "It would be better if I show you, though." She reached behind the plant, picking up a metal pail.
Before Blyke could get a glimpse inside, she reached in the bucket and withdrew something that looked like a brutalized ferret, tossing it at the flower.
Amelia screamed as the flower surged upward, the petals closing like a trap around the dead animal.
"That's a flower that grows inside the Lost Forest," said Isabella. "There are many beautiful plants there, but they're all predators."
"The Lost Forest? How did you manage to get one of these? I thought nobody ever came out of the forest alive," said Daniel.
"Well, that's true, except for a few. I know of rumors of only about four people ever coming out alive. A seed was on the market, and one of the guards had bought it, thinking I'd like it because of the garden. But after it bloomed, I almost lost an arm to it." Isabella shuddered. "I'm sure Asha would have been able to handle it by herself, but it was far too dangerous for me. I ended up having to use my Amorai to calm it down."
"Speaking of, what is your Amorai?" asked Tim. "You knew what Amorai I had earlier. Was that with the help of your Amorai?"
Isabella nodded. "You're right. My Amorai is actually a Dryad."
"Dryad as in ruler of the forest?" asked Rosaria.
"Yes. Mine is particularly strong, and is able to hear at least across the country. I've heard about all of you," said Isabella.
"Oh, that's interesting," said Daniel. "Say… what do you know about me?"
Blyke glanced at him. His tone was nonchalaunt, but he could tell there was an underlying note, something Blyke couldn't quite understand fully.
"Not too much. I know you came to Artemesa fairly recently. About four years ago. You met with the King once, then disappeared for a bit. Travel, I presume. Then, after that, you joined Luminine's roster as King," said Isabella. "Why? Is there something you want to hide, away from prying eyes?"
Daniel snorted. "Any child of the nobility should know everything about me. I couldn't quite care less."
Isabella sighed. "It's about noon. How about we go back in to eat lunch?"
"Sounds good to me," said Blyke. "I'm starving."
"When are you not," muttered Rosaria, making Ethelyn laugh.
Blyke shot her a glare before nodding to Isabella. "Where shall we go?"
"Back up to my floor. The servants will bring up food. It's not quite… safe on the other floors. I'm sure Asha will be back soon, so all we have to do is wait for her."
"I'm sure she's going to either choose the most dramatic time to return, or come back at the last second,' said Daniel, sighing.
Isabella just smiled slightly. "Let's go, then."
∽
Amelia tapped her fingers against the top of the table. "This is the most awkward situation I've ever been in. What the hell is taking Asha so long?" she hissed.
"I have to agree with you,' said Ethelyn, wincing artfully.
Amelia glanced up the long table, where the two Phantomhives were staring down at them. Amelia quickly looked away from them. Something about those two made her antsy.
"If that horrid girl isn't going to come when she said she would, then serve the dinner. She can eat it cold as punishment," said Nesryn.
"Yes, Mistress,' replied the servant who was standing by the door. She hurried out before returning barely three minutes later, accompanied by other servants who were carrying plates laden in food.
"No matter how much I dislike this family, I have to admit the food is great," said Blyke, gazing at all of the different dishes.
"I must say," said Phillip. "I give you my apology for ignoring those of such high standard earlier. I was just so infuriated by that disappointment of mine. Runs away and thinks she can just waltz back in here."
Amelia exchanged glances with Tim, both of them realizing he'd said run away. From what Isabella had said, and what Asha had said, she'd been sold.
"It's a classic strategy with nobels," whispered Ethelyn. "Most nobles trust other nobles who are similar, or act like they do to keep relationships that could prove beneficial. Because Daniel is the only son of a First Rank court official of Pyreus, and Blyke is the only person left in the Hagani line as well as being a higher-ranked official."
"So you're saying they're trying to win Daniel and Blyke over?" asked Rosaria.
"Precisely."
Amelia clenched her fist. Aristocracy was just as corrupt as the history books said they were. Trying to make others with enough status to group up against one single threat. A very dangerous one, Asha was, but trying to turn some of her companions against her went against Amelia's moral code.
"Ran away, hmm? Is that what the hundred gold coins that mysteriously appeared in your bank accounts the day I disappeared say?"
Amelia almost sighed in relief as Asha's voice carried through the room, the large doors to the dining hall open. But then Amelia tensed. The atmosphere was changing, darkening, souring. Amelia had the sudden urge to throw herself under the table, but she doubted even that would be enough to banish the terrifying feeling she had.
∽
Asha took place at the end of the table, the cadre sitting on either side of her, her parents sitting on the other end, almost a full fifteen feet down. "Now, Father, Mother. I came here for one reason, and I'm sure you know what that reason is."
"We do," they agreed. "Just as you know you will never get it."
Asha just smirked, picking up her fork. "We'll see about that."
"See? You're the same conceited, arrogant girl you were ten years ag--" Phillip almost fell out of his seat in shock as the fork Asha had been holding shot past his face, leaving a shallow cut on his cheek, just under his eye, before sticking an inch into the wall behind him.
"Ten years alone can change a person quite a bit Phillip," said Asha, picking up the spoon. "For instance, you learn to be quite a talented actor, and how to eliminate obstacles in your way."
"Is that what we are? Obstacles?" asked Nesryn.
"No," replied Asha. "Of course not. That would be an exaggeration. All you two are is insignificant trash I'm willing to crush under my heel the moment you are no longer useful to me."
"I thought you said we were trash."
"Even trash has its uses. It gathers more trash. It's used as feed for the bigger predators. But, like everything, once it no longer holds any importance, we drop it and no longer give a damn." Asha smirked. "I've been playing this game longer than you have. It's almost funny for you two to resist this much. I think you forget that I have a higher rank than any of the people present. The King's right hand will always be the Captain of the Guard, but not many know the King is left-handed. The guard is something he can use, but not to the fullest. That's where I come in. I'm his left-hand, a sword he uses to its fullest potential to destroy threats to him and his throne."
"That's right. I almost forget you had the title 'The King's Watchdog'. How disgraceful one of my line get entangled with the likes of you."
"Similarly," replied Asha, her smirk widening into a smug smile as Phillip and Nesryn clenched their hands. "Someone of my importance should be absolutely disgusted coming to this manor. Ah, and I forgot to tell you. I had that sniveling baron in control of the area Luminine is keep tabs on you. Just take it as me watching your every move for an action that could count as a capital offense, such as plotting against a higher-ranking official. You know that's illegal in Artemesa, right?"
Phillip's hand moved to grab the knife, but Asha was faster, the ornate silver spoon that had been in her hand embedding itself in the table, between Phillip's pointer and middle fingers.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. You're horridly outclassed if you want to get in a fight with me here." Asha picked up the knife, quickly flipping the blade into a position a dagger would normally be held, her motions looking too fluid to have been a first time. "Now, about the reason I came here… where is the Amorglass?"
"Hidden away," replied Nesryn. "Why do you suddenly want it back?"
"Because I need it to eliminate the largest threat and pain in my ass I've ever hand in my life." Asha glanced through the large window showing only the darkness of night. "Ah, he's here." Asha could feel confused stares all around the room as she stood and walked to the window. She pressed her hand against the window, and it shattered.
A figure shot through the broken window, landing near Asha. "Nice to see you again, and so soon," he said. "I didn't expect to receive your call so early."
"Well, you know me. I always have another plan in motion under the one I already have deployed."
"That's right. Nice to see you again, cadre," said Cress.
"What the hell are you doing here? We've been gone for not even a full day, and we're on the other side of the continent! How did you get here so fast?"
"Well, if you remember, I wasn't actually in attendance for about a week. I was flying all around Artemesa. I happened to be fairly close, so I thought I'd pay Asha a visit."
Asha smiled. "It's nice to see you again, Cress. Anyway, have you prepared what I wanted?"
"Of course. Here you go."
Asha accepted the box Cress handed to her. Asha set it on the table and opened it. "These are rank-up certificates. If you comply with me, I have the power and authority to raise you one rank to Earl and Countess."
Her parent's eyes sparkled. "Really?"
"Yes. If you comply with me, I will make sure you get the title you've wanted for years. But the second you--"
"Give us three days," said Nesryn. "I'll settle everything on the third day."
Asha nodded. "You'd better, or I won't hesitate to destroy this place along with you."
"We know you won't. Now, if you don't have any objections, let's continue dinner."
Asha called for another set of silverware, as two-thirds of hers was imbedded in the table and wall.
"Hey, what were you talking about? An Amorglass?" asked Tim.
Asha just sat down, waving to Cress as he flew back through the broken window. "I meant an Amorglass. As the "King's Watchdog," it's my job to know everything that happens in Artemesa, including underground casinos."
"Is that where….?"
"You'll find out when you go some day," replied Asha. She thanked the servant for the silverware before cutting into the meat on her plate. "Don't just sit there gawking at me," she said, stopping as she was about to put a piece of food in her mouth. "Eat your own food!"
The cadre started before beginning to eat, themselves.
Asha finished her meal first, tapping her fingers on the top of the box containing the forms to make her parents Earl and Countess instead of Marquess and Marchioness. To be perfectly honest, she didn't know why Phillip and Nesryn Phantomhive wanted to gain more status. It could have just been normal human greediness, but Asha had the feeling it was something a bit more. She wished she had the time to figure out what it was.
∽
"I recommend you stay in your rooms tonight," called Asha.
Tim wanted to explore the manor, though. "Why is that?" he asked.
Asha just grimaced. "There are things in those house better left unseen and unheard. Good night." Ashe retreated into her room.
Daniel was smirking in the hallway.
"Don't tell me you're going to suggest what I think you are," snarled Amelia.
"We're going to investigate the Phantomhive Manor," said Daniel.
Tim smiled. "I'm in."
"No, no, no. I want to go straight to bed and sleep," said Amelia.
Tim made puppy eyes. "Come on, Amelia. Please? You just need to follow us and be there. We're not asking you to move the place for us."
Amelia growled, but nodded. "Fine. If this goes past one in the morning, I will rip a strand of your hair out for every second that passes."
Blyke grinned. "Finally, something we can do freely, without people breathing down our necks. I was starting to think suicide was the better choice compared to witnessing more of Asha's family problems."
Tim resisted the urge to pump his fist into the air in celebration. "Should we start in the basement?" he asked.
"Why not? That's probably the best chance we have of finding something interesting," agreed Ethelyn.
"Whoa, since when have you ever been interested in anything, Miss Emotionless?" asked Rosaria.
"I'm the Scion of Light. I need to know these things," said Ethelyn, a slightly mischievous smile on her face as she said her usual excuse.
Tim smiled. "Let's go, then."
Out of all of them, Tim was the one who was the least hostile. To be honest, he would love to give up his position as a Jack of Luminine in exchange for living a free and fun life. But, he thought happily, skipping down the halls, I kind of like this chaotic, exciting life.
"God, I just realized how many stairs there are here," grumbled Daniel. "Who needs over ten floors for a family of four?"
"This is how the nobility are," sighed Blyke. "Large houses, many slaves and servants, and, in a nobleman's home, many women."
"Do you have experience with that?" asked Rosaria. "Should we tell Asha to give up before she falls too far?"
Blyke laughed. "As if my ego would let me breath the same air with anything but the best."
"Even now, she is still the best," agreed Tim. He drifted off, mind elsewhere. "You know, I really hate the Artemesian aristocracy," he said quietly.
Ethelyn and Blyke sucked in sudden breaths.
"I hate it. How many people are miserable because of the hierarchy and aristocracy? The low-tiers, the commoners…"
"Speaking of that is illegal, Tim," said Daniel quietly.
"I know," Tim sighed. "I just wish… everyone can be happier than they are. I'm not asking for a perfect world, because I know that will never happen. I just want… families to be able to live together, happily, without some of the horrible things that happen in this world. I want people to be able to get along without worry of betrayal, social status, or strength." Tim glanced up, noticing everyone was looking at him strangely. He smiled slightly, a bit sad, and a bit wry. "Sorry. I kind of shot off my mouth just there. It's just, I want people to be able to live a life different from my own."
"But you're a God-tier. How could they live a better life than that?" asked Rosaria.
Tim's smile turned completely sad as he looked back down the hall. "My big brother was killed when I was younger. By the nobleman who ruled the town. Killed just because the man could. Can you kind of understand why I'm not a fan of the aristocracy and hierarchy now?"
The cadre all looked away from each other. They all had pasts they didn't want to discuss, but to believe that the most joyous one of the all even had a tragedy… made them all rethink about the laws of Artemesa.
"You know, I wouldn't have a problem if it was just title and power," said Tim, turning to them all and smiling. "I love Artemesa. Artemesa is my home. But a home should be happy. I don't want any repeats of what happened to me and my family. Like I said. I don't want a perfect world. I just want people to be a little bit happier than they are."
"That's a good wish," said Blyke, smiling gently. "We both lost family. Your wish is for everyone to be happy. Mine is that no children ever have to grow up without their parents."
"The powerful bear burdens others can't see, but that is no excuse to use that power to make others just as miserable as them," agreed Daniel. "I see now that not everyone carries their scars in places people can see. And, as much as I don't want to, I believe with my being that Asha, and all of her strangeness, stems from the same kind of darkness we all carry within ourselves."
"I think that's the nicest thing I've ever heard you say," said Amelia, smiling.
"Everyone has these pasts, but nobody needs to speak of them, at least not yet. Let the scab mature into a scar, so when you try to pick at it, it doesn't start to bleed," said Ethelyn.
"That was a scary way of saying it," Tim laughed. He was happy the atmosphere around them had lightened, less tense and begrudging. "Let's proceed, shall we?"
Blyke nodded.
Daniel smiled. "Another adventure for the Cadre of Artemesa."
Tim grinned. "I like the sound of that."
"So do we," agreed the others.
∽