**Kuro**
When the dust of battle had settled, I was left standing, much to the shock of the thugs watching nearby. Seeing that their mistress was utterly destroyed, they raged and yelled curses at me. However, just as they pulled their weapons to gang up on me, the doors of that hidden hall burst open, and more thugs rushed inside.
"Lady Martelle!" the reinforcing men cried out when they saw their mistress on the ground. One of them asked the others, "What happened? We rushed when we heard that we are under attack."
The thugs who were with the Lady Martelle when she was crushed pointed at me, while I was reloading my gun's cylinder, never taking my eyes off at them. The man who led the second group of gangsters then approached me, with a sword in his hand. "You…what did you do to our mistress?"
"I don't want trouble," I told him. "But, if you'd insist on attacking me, then I have no choice but to fight. Why don't we call this a day, and I'll leave?"
However, the thug leader stopped in his tracks as he stared hard at me. It was an awkward interaction, but I guess I had no choice. Then, after a couple of minutes, he dropped his sword, and kneeled before me, all of a sudden. His friends were also shocked at his act, but instead of explaining his actions, he shouted, "You idiots better be kneeling before this man!"
"What—" we chorused.
"Fucking do it now!" he bellowed. "You better respect this man who saved our asses!"
I was confused, so I asked him, "Err, do we know each other?"
"Ah, milord," the thug leader replied. "You are the Lord Kuro of Arles, right? Even if you don't remember me, I can tell it's you! You commanded us after all, back when we're fighting the legionnaires and the undead! My name is Ashren, and I was a former member of the mercenary group, 'Golden Territory Warriors' under the captains, Kevin and Stephan."
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The Golden Territory Warriors. In their relatively brief history as a mercenary group, it was led by their captains, Kevin and Stephan. Between the time they fought for me in Nerfes' Tri-Skill Tournament up to their call-up during the initial stages of the Imperial War, Kevin broke with Stephan to form the Oaklyn Bets, which were also present in the battlefields of the Great Rising of the Undead. Both captains perished in the ending stages of those wars, having fought valiantly under the banner of the Human Saint, practically commanded by me. Out of gratitude for the surviving mercenaries' service, Her Holiness offered them a 'permanent' job as her 'peacekeepers', forming the core of that military unit with the 'Band of the Oak' of Gryffith, and the 'Band of Brothers (and Sisters)' of Winters.
However, Chersea during the reign of Madelaine Ann Rubinforth was a peaceful world.
While there were minor conflicts—mostly between local nobles under the weak rulers—the peacekeepers were relatively unused. The Human Saint also made it a point that she won't intervene in any internal disagreements, as long as the people remained safe. As such, some of the members found their 'duties' boring; not all mercenaries were in for the money, after all. Looking for adventure while keeping their pockets full, some resigned from their units, and went off to some other places to look for thrills.
The story of Ashren was one of those who separated from his battle brothers. Training, doing drills, and waiting for their commanders to call them up for some tedious, minor mission wasn't what he had in mind when he joined the Golden Territory Warriors. He was lured by Kevin's stories of his adventures and battles, and so it was a significant change for him that they became the 'idle peacekeepers' of the Human Saint.
"I'll talk to our mistress once she wakes up," Ashren assured the duke when the latter brought up the issue about the two ladies who wanted out of the brothel business. "I'm sure she'll understand. The Lady Martelle isn't a bad person; though, she can be impulsive. She won't dare lift a finger against nobles, despite her bravado."
"I see," I chuckled. Then, looking around, I counted the thugs that was escorting me, while walking with Ashren down the streets of Stadtsberg. Their intimidating appearance was enough to push people away, though they would steal glances because it was their first time to see a 'decent-looking' fellow surrounded by them. I couldn't help but ask, "I'm curious, though. You guys are so protective of the lady dwarf."
"We'll fight for her till our last breaths," the former mercenary declared. "See, when we're all nothing, she came and help us. I, for one, made the mistake of leaving the peacekeepers, so there were many long sleeps where I have to endure an empty stomach, and a roof-less head. Even my fellow humans forgot about me, with many of them I heard whispering 'What a big, lazy fellow…find a job instead of begging'."
I was silent while listening to Ashren's story. Honestly, I had the same sentiments to beggars in my old world.
"But," the former mercenary continued, "what work will accept someone like me? I only know how to scare, kill, and destroy! The Saint's Peace eventually made mercenary work obsolete!"
"Sorry," I muttered. Listening to Ashren's story made me feel bad, as I knew I had a part in the mercenary's fate.
"Nah, don't be, milord," Ashren replied, giving me a pat on the back. "If anything, I learned the value of a peaceful world like this. I'd always prefer pick-pocketing instead of murdering others."
"Don't you think pick-pocketing is also a crime?" I pointed out. "Well, if you want, you can work for me as guards in my estate. My home will always welcome my former comrades, see?"
The thug shook his head. "It's a tempting offer, milord," he admitted. "However, debts still have to be paid. See, like the others with me, I'm also indebted to the Lady Martelle. But it's not like I will refuse working an honest job for you. What I mean is, let us repay our mistress first, before we move on to another work."
"Why? How much do you owe her, anyway?"
"I don't think that kind of debt can be paid with money," the former mercenary declared. "The Lady Martelle wants to stand at the pinnacle of Stadtsberg's underground, see? So, we're helping her achieve that. And you shouldn't involve yourself with us, milord, or your name will be dragged with our sins as well."
I couldn't help but be surprised; it was something I didn't expect. Many would grab the chance to escape the world of 'crime' when given the opportunity. However, Ashren and his friends proved their loyalty to their mistress by refusing to leave her. Out of respect for their determination, I decided not to pursue the matter with the mercenary, as we approached the upscale neighborhoods of the city. From there, we could see the Stadtholder's castle, where the Prince Giuseppe Uhrian ruled…
----------
It was around the 16th hour of the day when I finally arrived at the gates of the castle of the Stadtholder, much to the surprise of his guards. According to them, their lord had already prepared an escort retinue to pick up once my group appeared at the station. Apparently, the Prince Giuseppe was expecting I brought a huge delegation. Well, all I could say was, his invite was in a hurry, and it was too sudden. Besides, it's faster to travel alone than with big crowds, though the safety depends on how well one would keep their covers.
As for me, I got mine blown…though, it was because the person in question knew of me before, already.
"…"
Any case, as they hurried me to the castle, the halfling prince met me halfway. He rushed with his other guards to check on me. "Milord," he greeted with a hint of rebuke, "not only did you surprise us, but you took a tremendous risk by traveling here alone!"
"All is fine," I told him, showing the gun and dagger inside my sling bag. "Traveling alone is faster, and fun. I can protect myself anyway."
The dwarf prince then looked at me from head to toe. "Indeed," he nodded, "you look like a commoner; those clothes do hide your importance! But that's if no one really knows your appearance!"
"Ah, true," I chuckled. "Well, I did encounter trouble here earlier, when I took a few detours around the city."
"You what?"
"Nah," I quickly tried to take back my words. "It's not that big of an issue. Just got into a fight with some criminal thugs in your city's 'red district', since I thought of going to that place where my old mercenary associates reunited before. I already took care of the matter. And besides, because of that trouble, I met some old friends, see?"
However, the prince was insisting he check on me. "You're not hurt?" he asked, as his servants looked on my limbs and body for any injuries.
I shook my head, and reminded him, "If I did, I would've healed it already. I possess the power of the Human Saint, after all."
"Right…how can I forget that?" he let out a small laugh, seemingly nervous about something.
"Anyway, Your Highness!"
"Y-Yes?"
I waited for a few moments for him to speak up, since I wanted to know why he called for me here. However, the dwarf prince was thinking of something else, so I took it upon myself to remind him, "Your Highness, let's get to business. Do you need something from me?"
"O-Oh…r-r-right!" I noticed the stammers in his words, but I dismissed it. The Prince Uhrian looked shaken as well, but I guess there's nothing else that's unusual. I had no idea what made him like that; though, I guess the fact that he learned I almost got mugged in the city he personally ruled, Stadtsberg's, 'red district' got into him. After all, if news about it reached Maddie, she might've rained fire and sulfur on the place a la Sodom and Gomorrah.
"…"
And that brought the blame back to me as well. Maybe I shouldn't have gone on a tour earlier…
----------
I'd been inside the prince's castle for countless times, that I already knew in what direction most of his chambers were. As such, I could tell that he was leading me to his throne room just by following where he'd walk. Nevertheless, we proceeded slowly, as if he was deliberately making it long before we reach that place.
"Your Highness," I asked him when we're almost at the throne room, yet we took a detour. "Is there anywhere else you'd want to take me?"
"Want to eat first, lad?"
I shook my head. "I'm still full from what I ate earlier," I replied, though my answer's more because I was curious of what he was trying to hide from me, instead of my stomach actually being 'full'. Honestly, I could take in a few more plates before puking.
When he realized that we've gone past the throne room, the prince looked disoriented. His servant then whispered something to him, and we went back to the right direction…though it was much slower than the first time. At this moment, I was already sure that the Prince Uhrian was keeping something from me…
"…"
After a few more steps, we were now facing the huge oaken doors that led to the throne room. The guards posted on either side of the doorframe moved to open the entrance, however, the prince signaled for them to let his servant do it instead. At that point, he finally spoke to me, "Kuro, laddie, erm…I'm not sure how would you react, but I only ask for your forgiveness."
"Forgiveness?" I was shocked by what he said. Nevertheless, more than let his words get to me, I was more curious of what stood behind the oaken doors, that a dwarf prince like him would ask for my clemency.
Instead of answering me, however, the Prince Uhrian gestured to his servant to open the doors, which she did in a slow, deliberate manner. As the familiar throne room appeared before me, I noticed someone standing at the middle of the hall and the red carpet. Typical for the nobility, she wore a lavish, frilly dress fit for a lady of high standing, but what made her stand out for me was the bandage on her head.
"We bid you welcome, Lord Kuro of Arles, lord of Maverny!" the noble lady greeted, without raising her head.
And more than impressed, I was bewildered at her. I mean, it's as if this lady was someone from a different world, when in fact, I just saw her 'crude' behavior earlier at the brothel…
"Ahem," I heard the prince's voice. It was softer compared to his usual conversational tone. "L-Lord Kuro, meet my niece, Lady Martelle Hughes. She's that 'brothel owner' you fought earlier…so I really would appreciate if you forgive her stupid demeanor."
Nevertheless, our prior 'trouble' with one another was the least of my concern. When I heard her full name, I had to rush out of the throne room just to avoid them seeing me laugh.
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Martelle Hughes, niece of the Prince of Stadtsberg, Giuseppe Uhrian. I met her first as the 'mistress' of the brothel (which I mistook for a tavern) where I reunited with the mercenaries I worked with before, during the days of the Imperial War and the subsequent Great Rising of the Undead. Well, according to her story, that place would double as a 'tavern' when she had 'no girls' to 'entertain' her guests; not only would make the flow of money going, it would also get their customers acquainted to it.
Well, whatever it is, I won't go back there. It's something I don't agree with.
"…"
I tried to raise the issue to the Stadtholder himself. After all, Maddie did proclaim before the emancipation of slaves and the eradication of slavery in all of Chersea. And, no matter how the Lady Martelle put it, forcing someone to work on a job they didn't like to pay for their debts was tantamount to trafficking, and slavery. This was also what got the Human Saint and the King of Calabria (Sir Dane's monarch) at odds against each other before, as the latter made human trafficking a profitable business in his kingdom.
But the Prince Uhrian only dismissed my 'complaints'. Of course, I understood the concept of 'blood being thicker than water'; I came from a country where 'patronage' and 'nepotism' were as normal as breathing oxygen. I guess I could just subtly undermine her operations, while pretending to turn a blind eye. However…
What I'm worried about is the moment Maddie learns the truth that one of her allies had connection to the local criminals in Stadtsberg.
"…"
Of course, the dwarf lady and I couldn't keep our previous issue hidden from each other. Lady Martelle clearly avoided me once she realized that I was the Duke of Maverny she maligned before. Likewise, I couldn't bear to talk to her myself, for I didn't like her crude attitude.
Still, the Prince Uhrian tried to remove the tension between us. Not only did he invite us to dinner (I plan to go back to Maverny before the long sleep), he would also crack jokes at the table.
"…"
I appreciate His Highness' efforts, but I guess not even his jests would make the 'beef' disappear, and make us closer. And then, just as we approached the last course of the meal…
"!!!"
Everyone's attention fell on the dwarf lady, as she slammed her fists on the prince's table, shaking and overturning some of the utensils on it. "Uncle!" Lady Martelle bellowed, "Not only does your jokes fall flat, I can't understand why I am in this room together with that human noble!"
The Prince Uhrian, though he was initially taken aback by the anger of his niece, eventually recovered and replied with, "Let me tell you what else falls flat, lassie! It's your prospects in founding your own guild, that's why your pa's sent you to me!"
"My old dwarf's got nothing to do with my life!" she countered. "And especially, not this duke!"
"Silence, you fool!" the halfling dwarf shouted, slamming his fists on the table as well. "Haven't you had enough, Martelle? Not only did you try to kill the Lord Kuro of Maverny—the living legend of Chersea, Cherwind, Cherwoods and the Demon Republic, you also peppered him with your stinky mouth! It's a good thing that he's patient and kind with you, even though he kicked your damn stubborn arse hard! By all rights, he should've your head already!" His Highness then threw a glance at me, as if apologizing for the behavior of his relative.
The dwarf lady only glared at me, though she was effectively silenced by the words of her uncle. As she couldn't say anything in return, she just sulked at her seat, muttering, "Why do I even have to get to know this human?"
Picking up on her whispers, the Prince Uhrian then told me, "Milord, again, I apologize for the rudeness of Martelle."
"Ah, it's fine," I reassured him. It's not like I was not used to such kind of treatment. I was a teacher before; this was a common behavioral problem with our students, so I learned not to take it too personal.
"You don't understand, laddie," the prince went back to his familiar words. "You know I can't come with you to Equality, yet the church has set its sights on you. So, I want to send you a trusted person of mine. But if Martelle is this rude to you, then how can I be assured that you'll be safe there?"
I froze when I heard that. "Uh, Y-Your Highness," I couldn't believe his words, so I asked him to repeat his words, just to be sure. "Y-You…You want the Lady Martelle to come with me? To Equality? What for?"
"It's not hidden that it's your first time to set foot in that place, lad!" the halfling dwarf pointed out. "And Equality is an entirely different realm, compared to Chersea, Cherwind, Cherwoods and the Demon Republic to the north. Aside from that, the society of its people—my people—is…erm, I'd say, quite intolerant."
"Lady Seirna will come with me," I argued. "And the Iron Princess, too."
"I must admit Her Holiness the Lady Seirna and the Lady Lilyhaven are great companions and warriors," the Prince Uhrian said, slowly caressing his beard. "However, you did say before that you wanted to look for the missing dwarf saint discreetly. If the dwarves pissed you off, I'm sure it'll be carnage—with you three gaining the upper hand before one can say 'knife'. But you'll also attract the attention of the church…and you know how they wanted your head. So, I insist on sending my niece with you."
I fell silent at the prince's points. However, while I was in the middle of thinking of my options, the Lady Martelle taunted, "Well, if the short-life knows his way there, then who am I to distract him?"
"Martelle, your criminal activities are already exposed, and this man is also an ally of the Human Saint," the prince countered. "You think the Lord Kuro will take it lightly that you're enslaving people?"
"You're a prince, uncle! You're higher than—"
A slap to her head was enough to zip her mouth. Humiliated, the Lady Martelle said nothing after that.
As for me, I guess the prince's offer was also his way of 'disposing' of his troublesome niece, so that his connection to the criminal underworld of Stadtsberg would be 'silently dispatched' before Maddie learned about the Lady Martelle's activities. And, honestly, I couldn't deny that the halfling dwarf had made his point. While we could bulldoze our way all over Equality if we wished, attracting the Church of the Golden Hammer's attention would surely give us headaches, especially when we're looking for someone who's been lost for eons. I guess, this was the Prince Uhrian's 'graceful exit'.
"Alright, Your Highness," I told him. "I'll take your niece with us to Equality."
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***The castle of the Prince Uhrian, Stadtsberg…***
Kuro stayed for another day, ostensibly to allow the prince's niece to pack her things for the journey back to her land. And then, when the time came, the Prince Uhrian had his own soldiers escort the duke of Maverny and Lady Martelle to the train station, just outside the old district of the city. As he watched their carriage disappear into the other side of the hill where his castle was built, another figure appeared by his side…
"So, everything's set for your plan, Prince Giuseppe?"
The prince, though he remained calm and collected, turned to face the newcomer. "I thank you for your help, Your Holiness. Once the Church of the Golden Hammer is dismantled, I'll make sure my people—the dwarves will accept the mandate of heaven, or they'll die by my own ax."
The mystery figure then moved towards the more illuminated part of the room, to watch the departure of the duke of Maverny as well. Her silvery hair and alabaster skin clothed in her usual teal dress shimmered at the first touch from the light of the sun, as she spoke to the halfling, "I hope you keep your end of the bargain, Your Highness. Kuro is my beloved husband, and I won't stand idle if those villains in Equality will hurt him. That man has an army of paladins, not to mention, humans, beastfolk, demons and elves, behind him. Also, keep in mind that I can't guarantee that Ruro, Natasha and the Lady Hinwe would remain quiet, should this gamble on your part fails."
The halfling prince said nothing, as his heartbeats went fast. He backed off a bit while the full blast of the Human Saint's anger hit every joint and bone of his body. Yet, the smile on Maddie's face never vanished, yet the Prince Uhrian could feel the intense pressure from her. He wished that he would just disappear at that very moment; yet, he had to contend with the reality that he entered a pact with someone even worse than a devil…or a creature from the Void.
"Ah, I really am your worst nightmare, Your Highness…if—and only if—a single strand on Kuro's hair would fall. As far as I'm concerned, the wise prince Giuseppe Uhrian will not allow that to happen, right? That's why he pushed for Kuro to be accompanied by his niece, right?"
"Err…you really loved him to even count his hairs!" the Prince Uhrian tried to keep his cool by caressing his beard.
"It's just an exaggeration, but you can be sure that the dwarves would be annihilated from this mortal plane, and I'm just one holy lady…" the Human Saint unsheathed her sword, making sure that the dwarf halfling saw that. By that moment, the life in her eyes vanished, though her lips were still bent to show her most lovely smile. "After all, your saint is missing—weakened by your people's sin. It will be unfair—extremely unfair—for my beloved Kuro to be sacrificed just to save your stupid, faithless kin."
"I…I understand, Your Holiness," the Prince Uhrian bowed, averting his eyes from her blade. The dwarves were known for their bravery in battle; they could take on anyone who dared to stand their way. However, like any other mortal, they had their fears as well. And one of those, according to their maxims, was the wrath of a lady. Deep inside, the Prince Uhrian was already regretting his decision to 'negotiate' with the Human Saint for Kuro's help. Nevertheless, whenever his mind would touch the issue about the dwarves back in Equality, his sentiments would be divided once again…
The situation's that severe back in the land of the dwarves.