I awoke yet again to the sounds of birds chirping. Today my father was supposed to have a meeting with the viscount Garrett and his son William who I'm arranged to marry, but since my father was assassinated last week I am now in control of both the business and myself, so I have big news to tell the viscount and his son.
I smirked as I looked at the blueprints for the newly improved shock collars designed by the factory workers thanks to the help of Dally's idea and Rikki's designing skills. We had successfully lowered the maximum amount of voltage magic that could be used to shock the "slaves."
Oh how I hated that word... my father and the Viscount used it constantly just to remind the others of their "place," though I for one treated the beast-men and commoners alike as equals unlike him.
Regardless of my distaste for the man and his son, their carriage was here and they were at the door. So it was far too late to cancel the meeting.
Marianne opened the door to reveal two men with a look of distaste aimed at her.
"Greetings lord Garrett, sir William."
"Do not speak our names foul beast." He said as he readied himself to slap her.
"Refrain from using violence against my servants viscount Garrett."
"Well if it isn't my lovely dove Zara~!" William said as he slid over towards me about to place his hands on my waist.
"Your son best keep his hands to himself as well. While you're here, you follow my rules understood?" I said with a glare to both of them.
"Insolent wretch, who made you in charge?" The viscount asked as in distaste.
"The Law did. My father is dead, therefore I am the rightful heir to both the business and this manor."
"Ah, if that's the case then it's my son who is the master no-"
"No, he is nothing more than an unwanted fiancé. I called you here for a much more serious matter. And you'd best behave least something terrible happen to you." I said with a smile.
"Now then, to the study. Chop chop now!" I said with annoyance evident in my tone. The viscount grumbled below his breath as his son eyed me as we walked towards the study.
"Please, take a seat." I said as I sat down at the desk and watched their every move.
"First of all, I have some papers for you to sign if you wish to continue business with this company. After that we shall speak of other matters." I said now completely into the role of an intimidating businesswoman.
The viscount read over the papers and signed them reluctantly.
"Why are we lessening the voltage used in the collars?" He asked confused.
"Too many people have killed their servants using the high voltage option. Now, even the weak hearted beast-men can handle it without serious or permanent injury." I explain as he nodded, having had a few experiences where his slaves were put out of commission because of the high voltage setting.
"Now that that's settled, I have to inform you that I'm taking charge of my life now." I say calmly with my hands folded together as I looked over to William.
"What do you mean my sweet dove?" William asked in curiosity, but slightly dreading the possible answer.
"I'm canceling the arraigned marriage."
I said simply. Garrett was clearly unhappy, and so was William by the expression on his face.
"Are you insane? This marriage was going to solidify our chances of success in the business world!" His father argued.
"You can't change my mind. I've been against this since I first heard about it from my father so it should come as no surprise."
"I-I see... Well then in that case I suppose we should take our leave."
"Please do. Rikki, see these two out would you?" I said as he stepped out from behind me surprising the two as they hadn't noticed him before now.
"Of course my lady -Ik!" He said as he bowed leaving me alone in the study to drop my tough act. I then banged my head on the desk.
"This is too hard, how did he even manage to do this all the time?" I groaned as I sat there. Still tense from the interactions with the two men earlier, I flinched when I felt hands placed on my shoulders.
(Point of View: Leon)
"It's alright, just calm down. I'll help you next time." I said from behind her as I rubbed her shoulders to relieve some of her tension. She relaxed a bit more once she felt better, even leaning into my touch a little.
"Thank you Leon, I needed that." She said with a smile as she yawned and slowly fell asleep.
I turned to look away with my hand covering my blushing face.
"Yeah... no problem."
Why is she so nice to me anyways? And why do I get this odd feeling around her? I thought to myself.
shrugging it off I leaned against the wall to keep watch while she slept.
"No one shall disturb you my lady." I said as I kept watch until I too, fell asleep.