Drac had made Mikaila learn all the details of the story, that he was going to tell the people that would come to investigate. In the presence of the shadowy figure, she listened to everything with great focus. But a part of him still thought that nothing went into her brain, she was going to ruin everything. And now as the royal knights bowed to her, he had to see whether she would be doom of him, or not…
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Mikaila," Rupert, the man leading the knights said. Drac noticed that Rupert seemed very young for someone who seemed to be leading such an important group. Not to mention, the man was extremely attractive as well. He had lilac-colored eyes, silky smooth hair, and a great jawline.
"The pleasure is all mine," Mikaila said softly.
"Your butler informed me about everything from his perspective," he said, "Do you mind repeating the events of the day as well,"
"Well of course," Mikaila said, "Let me show you what transpired that day, and how it transpired. Drac," She faced him, "Why dont you go and brew some good tea for our guests in the meantime," He bowed and went out of the room.
When Drac made it to the kitchen, he saw Jina along with Henry's wife and daughter. Henry's family avoided him, while Jina passed him a smile. He passed her a smile as well, then ordered, "There are five royal knights here to investigate the matter. Bring them biscuits and tea," he said and then turned around.
"Drac!" Jina called him, he turned around. Jina came running from the other side of the room.
"Do you have some time.." She looked hesitant, "I want to talk…" She looked at the other two women in the kitchen, "In private.. If that could be arranged,"
"Sure." He said and gestured for her to follow him. This prompted him some stares from the other two, but he didnt care.
They got to the hallway, and Jina whispered, "I wanted to know… I.. Is this place safe?"
He acted as if he was thought for a moment, and then nodded, "Yes, it is. Mistress Mikaila was attacked and injured. From what I know about Lord Gregor, he would die for his family. With him coming here, this place would transform into a fortress. We will be fine,"
"You think so?" she asked.
He nodded, "Trust me. This place is safer than outside."
"I hope so… I am really worried about Jamie's safety," she said, "He is the only one that I got you know, after my husband and family passed away."
"Nothing will happen to you both. I promise,"
"Thank you," He turned around and was about to go when Jina called him again. He turned around and she said, "If you find Jamie, send him to me. I have not seen him for hours,"
He nodded and then went away…
Drac then later joined the knights and his mistress. From when he joined, he had to give credit where it was due, the woman was doing just fine. She was handling everything with such confidence, he felt that this would surely convince the knights. As Mikaila would not be a problem, he focused on the knights that came here. They were full of energy, from what he could feel.
He knew that one needs to have a certain level of strength, to even apply to the royal guard. But he never got the circle requirement to join the group. And from what he could see, every single one of them was at least have two circles, while the young man leading them at least have 3 circles. That man was strong, even stronger than Daniel. But not on the level of Gregor.
I wonder to which house this young man belongs. Being able to reach the level at such an age, was truly a feat. He thought.
It was then that he noticed. The leader, Rupert, was showing signs of distrust. While the rest of the knights were attentively listening to Mikaila and her rambling, Rupert's focus was on the things around him. His expressions told him that he was not paying any attention to her rumbling.
The man was looking around for clues, that is for sure. He is interested in the matter, but not in Mikaila's rambling... This guy suspects something. This made Drac bloom a genuine smile, This fucker knows something is wrong.
Drac then started thinking of the possible things that the leader of the group found suspicious. He came up with a lot of theories, with no concrete footing.
When the tea and biscuits came, Mikaila invited everyone to the sitting area so that they could enjoy some refreshing mint tea. At first, Rupert tried to refuse the invitation, further spiking Drac's suspicion. If the man didnt want tea, he could have refused from the get-go. But he refused now, breaking the common courtesy rules of nobility.
Upon Mikaila's further insistence, he finally gave in, and they came to the sitting area. Maids served a variety of biscuits and tea to the guests and left the room. While he stood at the corner of the room, ready to assist in anything.
"This tea is wonderful my lady," one of the knights said.
"Well, the credit goes to my servants," Mikaila said, "They are the ones that stuck around after the incident. They are the reason that you are able to have such delicious things,"
"Why are you not joining us?" Rupert asked.
"I apologize, I am not feeling like eating or drinking anything,"
Maybe if you want to do some crystal, then for sure Mikaila would join, He thought.
Rupert then took a few sips, and then spoke, "Milady, there are some things that I am having trouble understanding. If you dont me, I would like to ask you some questions,"
With a fake warm smile, Mikaila answered, "Please, Sir Rupert. You can ask me everything, that you want to know,"
Rupert then smiled back, "It seems you have recognized me,"
"I have seen you once in the Royal Palace. Of course, I recognized you,"
Recognize him from the royal palace… This man must have some influence in the Royal Palace. Maybe father or mother has some connection with the current queen, He thought.
Rupert then put the cup back, and leaned back, "I am having some trouble understanding, what an magical beast was doing here in the first place. Everyone knows that the magical beasts have long gone extinct in our kingdom. Yet, one was spotted here. And it massacred over 70 people, along with a knight with one circle, a man named Gibson,"
Oh yeah, that is the blondie's name. I should pay more attention to people that I beat up, he thought.
Rupert further added, "I am having a hard time understanding, where this beast even came from. Magical beasts tend to get stronger with time. And there are no reports from the neighboring places about any sort of beast creating a disturbance. It was like this beast in question just appeared out of nowhere,"
Mikaila's smile faltered, "What are you trying to say, sir Rupert?"
Rupert didnt beat around the bush, "We know that you have recently come back from the Hograve Continent. Did you by any chance bring a beast back with you?"
"Bring back a.." Mikaila said rather softly, "A beast? What are you trying to imply Sir Rupert?" The atmosphere of the room changed, and the mana inside started vibrating, making everyone feel the wraith of the woman, "Do you think that I am a lowly beast keeper, that I would bring the beast back?"
In this world or this kingdom, raising any sort of beast was considered something that lowly peasants do. Nobles dont divulge in this sort of hobby or work. Drac learned this the hard way when he recommended they raise some livestock to decrease the expenses of the household.
"It was not my intention to disrespect you milady,"
Now devoid of fakeness, the woman spoke in anger, "Then what the fuck was your intention?" Cursing in such a formal matter was a big no-no in the noble circles.
"Milady, please keep in mind that we are the Royal Knights," one of the knights spoke, "We won't tolerate such a blatant disrespect,"
The atmosphere became more tense, and the knights also started vibrating mana in the air as well, making the room feel like a battlefield. Experiencing such power, Drac couldnt help but giggle with excitement, inwardly. This was the thing that he was looking for. This is a situation where one misstep would mean his death, along with the addict woman.
But he couldnt let this situation get out of hand.
"What mistress is trying to say," Drac said, gathering the attention of everyone, "That is there is no way she would divulge such vulgar acts. And as a butler of the household, I have personally overlooked everything in the castle. The beast in no way or form, is related to this place, or any person living under the grace of mistress's roof,"
One of the knights glared at him, "Did anyone ask you, bastard?" Cursing low-borns was fair game anywhere in the noble households.
"This Castle belongs to House Sumor," he added, staring straight into the eyes of the knight who called him a bastard, "Do you understand what asking such a question to the lady of the house means?"
This calmed down Mikaila, who formed a smirk on her face. While the knights although seething with anger, didnt say anything. This was the house of the sister of a Marquis. Although they held a lot of power, in no way or form did they have enough power or proof to interrogate Mikaila. They knew it, but they asked the question in such a way that it wouldn't seem that they were interrogating her.
"You are right," Rupert said, he was the only man who remained calm in the whole thing, "We overstepped. We apologize milady,"
The knights didnt ask any further questions. Mikaila, didnt make any small talk either. After they all finished their teas, like good guests they bid their farewell. Drac himself escorted them off the property. The knights didnt say a word to him, but as they were going Rupert did ask him his name.
"Name is Drac, my lord," he said.
"Drac?" the man thought for a second then asked, "By any chance.. Did you come across about 7 feet to 8 feet tall mana wielders in a year or so? They bore the cross of Lord Itab on their armor,"
He simply smiled, "They dont sound like people that I would forget. I have never seen anyone matching the description,"
Rupert didnt say a word, nodded, and followed his men to their horses…
When Drac knocked on Mikaila's door, the shadowy figure's voice gave him permission to enter. He saw that Mikaila was seated on her bed, while the shadowy figure was floating beside her, "You did well," the figure spoke, "If it weren't for, someone would have really messed up,"
Mikaila with no worry in the world, "Dont worry about it master. Everything worked out fine. My personal dog, took care of everything," she said while smiling at him.
Yeah, I am a dog. You produce froth from your mouth, and rip humans into shreds, and yet I am a dog.
He bowed, "Well I was happy to serve," he said.
Mikaila then clapped her hands, "Oh, also before I forget.. Clean the mess I made in the wardrobe, would you?"
Confused, he looked at the wardrobe, whose door was open ajar. He walked up to it, and opened it. The lifeless body of Jamie, Jina's son fell on his feet.
"The boy was spying on me," she said, "I caught him,"
Well… Who would I steal corn from now? He thought as he stared into the lifeless eyes of the boy…