'The first step'
I grimaced. The first step would be decisive for the future outcomes. It would decide how I would be seen and if I'm able to manage my own things.
I turned to Carl, who since he got here, tried to diminish his presence fearing he would be attacked by the Knights.
"Where's the traitor?"
"He's on the room next door. Sir Theo is with him"
Nodding to acknowledge his answer I made my way to the next room.
Threw in the ground bound by ropes, was one of my subordinates severely beaten. He breathing was so shallow that at first I thought he was dead. It was not until Theo kicked his ribs that the man appeared to be alive.
"ARGH"
"That's enough Theo"
Mentioning to Theo step back, I caught the closest chair around me and sat down. Looking at the disfigured figure in front of me, I thought how nice it would be if I could do the same to some annoying rodent that I know.
"Why?"
I only had this question for him. It didn't matter for me when he started to associate with the Duke or if he was paid or not. These were questions for his upcoming torture and had nothing to do with me. I only want to know why would he betray the trust that I gave him and chose to give up a life clean of sins to stay in the center of human dirty.
"Why? Hahaha- *cough, cough*- haha- *cough cough* oh my dear Miss, you probably asking why I followed the Duke, but I have one for you as well, why should I follow a brat who knows nothing like you?"
"I see. I've to kind to all of you. Thanks for your cooperation I now know what to do with your companions"
The man looked at me with confused eyes, but snorted after some time.
"Theo, take him to the Royal Knights under the charge of killing a High-rank Noble"
"Miss, I don't think this is a good idea"
I looked at Theo confused why would he think so. But soon I understood. Looking at the guy that was still coughing blood, he clearly thought the same as Theo.
The idea was so absurd that I couldn't help but laugh. At first was a small chuckle, but the more that I thought of their ridiculous assumption the louder my laugh became. Maybe I seemed a bit crazy, because even Brother and Carl entered the room and looked at me strange.
Finally managing to stop my laugh, I dried the two tears that formed in the corner of my eyes, and looked at Theo.
"My dear Knight, are you suggesting that the Duke that just killed his son would save him? Since when the king would care for pawns? For a king pawns are honored to even be selected to die for him. Don't delude yourself, this guys was discardable from the beginning"
Although the guy didn't understood the chess metaphor, he clearly understood that he won't be save.
He started to yell desperately as if the louder he became more probable what he was saying would happen.
"YOU ARE WRONG! THE DUKE PROMISED ME HE WOULD GIVE ME THE LEADERSHIP OF THE SOCIETY. I AM HIS SUBORDINATE HE WON'T FORSAKE ME"
I stopped paying attention to the pathetic guy who couldn't even convince himself, and put my gaze on Carl.
"I want every single member of Cerberus on the old base in 30 minutes"
Without waiting his response I exited the house that would become my nightmare in many in the future.
————
Half a hour later, all members of Cerberus were here. I could tell from their faces that they didn't expect a positive outcome from this exchange.
Some of them were grimacing while others looked at every escape route.
"Don't bother, you won't be able to leave here or put up a fight"
Hearing the news all the members checked their bodies and felt they didn't have much strength.
"YOU DRUGGED US!"
Outrage was written in most of their faces. The fewer who didn't looked somewhat... disappointed?
"Miss why?"
I glanced at my right-hand man who asked me this. To his question I smiled gently.
"Sorry to aggrieve you Carl, any harm won't befall you, but this is a protective measure, I hope you understand"
Although still a bit disgruntled, Carl accepted my explanation.
"Yes Miss. I trust you"
It was at this time a sneer was heard.
"Are you stupid? This lass won't take two thoughts in exchange our lives for the life of her Knights"
"Jay shut up! The Miss wouldn't-"
"Nah, he is right"
Carl who was defending me snapped his head at my direction with disbelief.
"Don't look at me like. They are my family who I grew up with, and you are people whom I met not long ago. It makes perfect sense to choose them"
"Bwahaha I knew it! You never saw us in a favorable light"
"That's also not true. I gave you all a chance. You could grab and become part of my family or you could abandon. And. By the look on most of your faces that's what happen"
I looked at the faces who were filled with contempt for me. I couldn't help but chuckle.
'I was to lenient and kind, my memories from the other world still affect my behavior... well, this was a lesson to know how one with this type of power should behave'
"But it seems that you misunderstood something. Although I called you subordinates, you are in fact my slaves. I bought your lives from the King because of their utility. However it appears that you think you have some kind of free will... sorry to break this to you but the only reason why you are alive is because you had use to me. If you don't... why should I keep you?"
The contempt in the faces quickly faded. Even the ones that didn't showed negative emotions paled at my words.
"I was nice because you are indeed people under my hand and I thought you would cherish the opportunity that I gave you. Clearly I was wrong. Since it's this way, you are to be disposed. Dubois Knights will be the ones to judge if you should keep your life or not. Of course those who served me well, will only be detent without any questioning until I settle everything. For all of you who survive this ordeal, thank you for trusting me and I'm sorry for the things you are about to experience. Sires you can take them"
At my words, a group of knights stormed in. They apprehended all members and took them to our dungeon.
Looking at the back of my people the fake calm facade that I built broke. My hand started to tremble and I felt light-headed.
'So many death and only because...'
I couldn't complete my thought otherwise I would be consumed by hate and couldn't help but commit murder.
Taking deep breaths, I could feel the drug I put to subdue Cerberus members in my body. It gave the one drugged a feeling of powerlessness. I couldn't even walk that I felt the urge to sit down.
Whatever. This will be perfect to my next plan anyway.
Thinking on what was about to happen, a crazed smile spread on my face.
'Fufu~ since I'll be ruined I'll drag every single one of them with me'
With weak steps and a pale complexion, I made way to my next destination.