Daisuke and April took a moment to look around.
Inside the manor, they were swept into a realm of refined luxury that was worlds apart from the slums they knew. The walls were ornamented with tapestries depicting ancient ruins and large deposits of glowing ores. A grand chandelier, crafted with a myriad of bizarre crystals hung from the ceiling, casting a shimmering cascade of light upon the polished marble floor.
Before they could begin admiring the furnishings—
"She will guide you both to your rooms and assist with freshening up for supper," the butler said with a stoic expression, gesturing toward a lone female on the stairs. "Well then... Master Langley, Young Miss," he bowed courteously before excusing himself.
The young woman who received the task of caretaker only slightly lifted her head when the butler left. She was a Beastkin garbed in a maid's uniform. Daisuke didn't miss the metal collar around her neck, which hinted at her social status within the Percival household.
Her gaze shifted around awkwardly for a moment, then she turned around and meekly began leading the way. "I-I will show you both to your rooms," she stammered softly.
A red carpet edged with gold trim layered the staircase leading to the second floor. Sunlight drifting in through tall windows bathed the space in natural light, casting shimmering reflections upon the imposing suits of armor stationed at each corner. Along the corridor, framed paintings showcased the portraits of each lord through the ages, a visual chronicle of their lineage and legacy.
Daisuke's gaze shifted to the maid's drooping ears perched atop her head and the listless tail trailing behind her. It made him to ponder the living conditions that Sheba and the others would have to endure.
"Hey you," Daisuke called offhandedly, staying in character. "What's your name?"
The girl offered a sidelong glance, her eyes shimmering with a hint of confusion. "Umm. I don't have a name, Lord Julian."
"You… don't have one?"
April exchanged a curious glance with Daisuke. She was pinching the hem of his shirt, walking closely at his side.
"What do you mean? Explain."
The girl's lips pressed into an uncomfortable line before she spoke. "With the exception of the Superior Races, demihuman and noxsian slaves aren't allowed to have names."
Setting aside his ignorance about two of the aforementioned races, Daisuke persisted. "And why is that?"
"…Demihumans are widely perceived as monsters," the girl explained in a dejected tone. "Names, according to humans, are only reserved for the civilized and refined. Here, we are generally identified by our gender or by an assigned number."
Daisuke sighed inwardly. So demihumans face discrimination and are often enslaved. From what I've gathered from the slave merchants, females especially are vulnerable to exploitation. They're either sold into sex-trafficking rings or forced into domestic servitude.
I suppose that's why there were so many female Beastkin in the wagon with us. It seems that no matter the world, racism and prejudice persist. People struggle to accept those who are different from themselves.
***
The air carried a subtle scent of polished wood and aged leather, lending an air of antiquity to the bedroom. Expensive antiques and ornate artifacts adorned the space. A large four poster bed sat in one corner and a heart in another.
The Beastkin who had covertly introduced herself as Sylvia was preoccupied rummaging through and old trunk near the wardrobe. With swift movements, she sifted through the contents, sending clothes once worn by the family's children swirling into the air.
After his embarrassing display of ignorance regarding knowledge that was even rudimentary among commoners, Daisuke humbled himself and reassured Sylvia that she was in good company. In response, the girl's ears perked up with excitement and her bushy tail swished animatedly.
Meanwhile, April absolutely refused to loosen her grip on Daisuke's shirt let alone consider being placed into a separate room. When a dress landed on her head from Sylvia's frantic hunt for a suitable attire, she retrieved it and held it before her face.
"Wow—so pretty!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
Daisuke observed her with a tender smile, noting the subtle flush that graced her cheeks for the first time since their departure from Dusthaven. He desperately wanted to preserve that glow.
"Lord Julian," Sylvia called nervously, even as her deft hands continued rummaging through the trunk. "I appreciate your leniency, but you should really be cautious about how you express your views on Beastkin around others. You could find yourself in a lot of trouble."
"…I'll be sure to keep that in mind," Daisuke replied, turning towards the bathroom. "I'll go ahead and take a bath first."
"I'll go too," April chimed in.
Sylvia was evidently far more shocked by those words than Daisuke. "L-Lady Aprilena… perhaps you should let Master Langley go first, then you can go afterwards?"
April pouted, her cheeks puffing up like a balloon. "No, I want us to go together!"
Sylvia looked around awkwardly, her cheeks flushing. "L-Lady Aprilena... at your age, boys and girls shouldn't be taking a bath together. Because… well, it's umm—"
"It's fine," Daisuke interjected, only to note as Sylvia sheepishly began undoing her bowtie before slowly rolling her stocking down the length of one creamy, outstretched leg.
Daisuke cringed. "Umm. What are you doing?"
"…O-Offering up myself in her place."
"…And why exactly would you need to do that?"
Sylvia pursed her lips meekly, her cleavage and collarbones flushed. "From what I've observed… human men are devils who only live to feed their deepest desires. Among all the other species, they are known to be the ones mostly consumed by greed and lust, mating with practically anything that moves."
Daisuke stood motionless, poker-faced. It was shameful, but he couldn't quite deny that horrible truth. "That may more or less be the case," he started to explain, "but humans generally don't mate with their siblings; it's taboo."
His conscience, depicted by a small chibi figure, averted its gaze with a guilty expression. Though… April and I aren't technically related.
"I'm going!" April declared again, throwing a tantrum as she clung to her pretend brother. "I don't want to be left here alone!"
Sylvia's lips quivered with disapproval, and Daisuke could see the genuine care and concern reflected in her gaze. Just before she could respond, he presented her with a question.
"Sylvia," he began, his tone serious and commanding, almost tangible in the room. "Can I trust you?"
His intensity caused the girl to swallow nervously before she replied, "Y-Yes! Of course!"
Daisuke's gaze narrowed to dangerous slits, his butterscotch eyes practically smoldering with intensity. With a steely expression, he delivered his warning: "If you betray me and endanger Aprilena's life, I'll do everything in my power to kill you."
The maid's hair bristled in response to the chilling threat, but she clenched her fists and nodded with solemn resolve. In response, Daisuke's hostility ebbed away and he relaxed his shoulders.
Crouching down, he met his makeshift sister at eye level and gently stroked her hair. "I'll freshen up and then head down for supper," he said softly. "I need you to stay here and lock the doors while I'm away. I'll bring you something to eat later, okay?"
April hugged her knees, tears welling in her eyes. It was clear she was more distressed about being alone than her rumbling stomach. "Big Brother, please don't leave me," she pleaded, her voice trembling with regret. "I'm sorry I acted without your permission."
She must be referring to the food run Brek organized. "I'm not mad about that," Daisuke reassured her gently.
"…You're not?"
"Of course not, silly," he replied with a small smile. "I just want you to stay safe." He glanced meaningfully at the attentive Beastkin beside them. "And while I'm away, Sylvia will be here with you."
"Th-That's right, Lady Aprilena!" the girl exclaimed, throwing herself on the ground beside the brooding child. "Why don't you lend me a hand with starting the fireplace? Afterwards, we can make sure you're all squeaky clean before Master Langley returns."
April glanced up at Daisuke, as if seeking his approval, and he responded with a reassuring nod and a warm smile.
"You lost Mr. Honeykins back in Dusthaven, right?" he asked softly. "I promise I'll find you another friend if you're a good girl and stay here."
"H-Hn! I'll do as you say."
"Atta girl," Daisuke praised with a gentle pat on her head.
Fear of monsters & the unknown: 53.8%
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