Beatrice slowly opened her eyes, only to discover that she was on her soft and luxurious bed. Her eyes widened as the event from the day before began to flood into her memory. She would have bolted up immediately, but a strong pain from her waist which ran up all the way to her spine warned her that it wasn't a good idea. As she laid in bed, her mind in turmoil, the bedroom door creaked open. "You are awake." Dennis said, as he stepped into the room, while sitting himself on a chair which was not too far away from the bed. "What happened exactly? My memories are still a bit.. fuzzy." Beatrice said to him. "You will be fine. You just need to rest that is all. Your body was over exerted, hence the fatigue." Dennis explained. "You should take care more often, afterall, another existence is depending on you." Beatrice gripped the sheets tightly when she heard that. She gazed at Dennis, the fear imminent in her eyes. But Dennis just gazed at her emotionlessly. "Did you really think that I wouldn't find out?" He asked, while giving her a small smile. "I actually knew about this a long time ago, I was just playing according to your rules and to see if you would open up to me." Dennis said. "I am both disappointed and impressed, you hid it away from me until the very end." He added. "So, what do you intend to do about it?" Beatrice asked him, her heart pounding. "Nothing." Dennis frankly stated. "Nothing?" Beatrice repeated, a bit shocked. "Why are you staring at me like that? I will admit that I am a bad man, but I am not that cruel to take the life of an innocent child." He said. Beatrice blinked for sometime, before a smile slowly dissolved upon her face, making her feautures soften and become even more beautiful. But Dennis was unfazed by it. So what If she happened to be pretty? He had long built an impenetrable fortress in his heart a long time ago. "But I can't guarantee that I will be a good father, so just bear that in mind." Dennis added. Beatrice didn't really mind, if Dennis disregarded the existence of the child, then she will surely make up for the loss of fatherly love. And Sylvester was also willing and able to aid her, as well. "So, I guess father is aware as well?" Beatrice asked, although she knew fully well what his answer was going to be. Dennis nodded. "The old man was Elated about having an heir, all right." Dennis said, a mocking smile forming into his face. "You should have seen him- outsiders will have the impression that he won a lottery." "And, what about Sylvester?" Beatrice inquired once more. "The lad is recuperating quite all right, but It seems like he might be bedridden for some time." Dennis said. "It's that serious? Is he okay?" Beatrice asked, her tone filled with worry. "The both of you are closer than I expected." Dennis quietly observed. "He is fine. Just like you, he needs to rest." Dennis said. Beatrice pursed her lips, she was about to pose yet another question. "You must be curious about Cornelia." Dennis said, after carefully scrutinizing her facial expression. "I wonder, have you ever heard of the black python guild?" Dennis asked while Beatrice felt her heart abandoning her.
The black python guild, one of the most notorious yet shady organisations in the whole of the southern district. Although the original founder was dead, the name of the guild alone still continues to strike imminent fear in the hearts of the subjects, both the civilians and the aristocrats alike. Although some feared and accorded some sort of stigma to its existence, others revere and worship it. The members are capable of even murdering core influential figures, and some high ranking aristocrats as well. If you wanted a banned item to sell at the black market for a very exuberant figure, then that is the right organization to go. The downside to it was that its members charged highly for its services, but in return, their client was never bound to get dissapointed.
"Cornelia is one of the members of the black python." Dennis said frankly, as if he was telling her that the sun always sets in the west. "What?" Beatrice who was as white as a sheet, inquired Pulling the covers up to her chest. "Are you scared? Don't worry, she won't hurt you, as long as I don't permit it." Dennis told her. "What are you trying to imply?" Beatrice asked, visibly confused. "Let's just say, that I am the one in charge of the black python now, so each one of them is entitled to act as per my instructions." Dennis said, while giving her a dangerous looking smile."Aren't you curious as to how I found out about the fact that you were pregnant? It is all thanks to Cornelia." He said. "Both you and Sylvester bribed Anna so she wouldn't reveal the news to me. I will admit that both you and Sylvester played a nice game, But I just turned out to play it better. I manipulated Anna, but at the end she still got the long end of the stick, she received from me, as well as from Sylvester." He added, while crossing his arms. "Human beings aren't as loyal as you think them to be- all you have to do is to find their weak spot and they will dance to your tune." He said casually. "So you bought them, no, human lives can't be bought." Beatrice muttered, while she thought hard of the right expression to use. "You do recall that there was once a time when human beings participated In a trade as barbaric as slavery." Dennis said quizzically. "Yes, but has long been banned In Agerintia." Beatice stated. "Although the empires of other continents still divulge In it." She added. Dennis laughed, throwing his head back. "You really are a naive and foolish girl." He said, as he wiped a tear from his eyes. "Who told you that slave trade has fully been prohibited? It still occurs In the black market, afterall." Dennis said. "Honestly, you shouldn't come to the blackmarket, it is way too vile and harsh for a weak hearted fellow like you." He added. "Anyway, since you think that human lives cannot be bought, then let's just say, that I bought the organisation." Dennis said. "Besides, I only revealed Cornelia's identity because I didn't want to answer overly irritating questions as to why my secretary always covers her face." "And what If we expose her identity?" Beatrice asked. Dennis stared at her in surprise, before smiling again. "I wouldn't do that of I were you. You will have to face all of them, If you want to take down just one of them. Those guys consider each other family, no, they are much more closer than a typical family." Dennis mused. "I see." Beatrice said, speaking no further. "Well, I have better things to do than to stay here sitting all day." Dennis said, as he stood up. "Do take good care of yourself, I will send Katrina to you soon." He said, as he closed the door.
As Dennis walked down the hallway, he paused at a the sight of a familiar portrait. "Good morning mother. How have you been?" He asked, as he ran his fingers through its edges. "Unfortunately, things did not go down as I intended yesterday. I was really preparing to humiliate him, not necessarily to kill him, to torture him In such a way that he wouldn't even think of laying eyes upon another woman." He added, a smile slowly forming on his face. "But it doesn't matter really- I will just reward him for all the pain he caused you when you were still alive. That's a promise, and his will be tripled." He added, as he retracted his hand from the portrait.
He stepped into the office, and Cornelia was sitted on a chair, peeling apples. "Good morning, master!" She said as she abandoned the apples, bolting upright. "You seem terribly delighted today." Dennis said, as he sat on his chair. "Ah, I was still mesmerizing the scene of yesterday, It was very eventful, afterall." She said, as she placed one hand on her cheek, while closing her eyes. "I never knew you to be someone that enjoyed causing mischief like this." Dennis said, as he observed her. "No wonder there is always trouble wherever you go." He added. Cornelia frowned, but said nothing. "Would you like some, my lord?" She asked, as she gave him a plate of sliced apples. Dennis stared at them for a while. "No thank you, I don't know if those are poisoned." He said. "I won't gain anything by murdering you, my lord." Cornelia said, a fake smile on her face, her brow twitching. "You have a good grip over my affairs now, afterall." She added. Dennis picked up a file which laid idly on his desk. "Which reminds me, have you found a solution to the rodent issue?" He inquired, as he flipped through the documents. "I got rid of them all." She said, while beaming proudly. "Well you are Belladonna, so you have to live up to your name." Dennis said. "At least the documents were spared." Dennis added. He retrieved a sack of gold coins from his coat. "Ration this between white fang and yourself." He stated, while Cornelia's eyes sparkled. "I will get something for the rest of the crew later." He promised. "There is one problem, though." Cornelia began suddenly. "Ever since yesterday's events, the other servants have been on their guard against me. I actually like it though, since the fear makes them accord more respect to me, but what about my identity? Should I dye my hair or something? What do you think my lord?" Cornelia asked, as she sought Dennis's opinion. "There is no need to worry about that." Dennis said, as he fiddled with his pen. "Besides from Beatrice, and Sylvester perhaps, no one Is aware of your true identity." Dennis said, as he leaned back. "Beatrice poses no threat, it is Sylvester that I am worried about. That Lad has been putting on some airs lately. But don't worry, I know the most efficient way to handle him." He assured her. Cornelia's eyes brightened, as she stored the sack if gold coins away. "My lord is very wise!"
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Beatrice waddled through the hallways, with Katrina accompanying her. Her waist was still slightly aching, but she didn't mind. "Do you really have to escort me all the way to his room?" She glanced behind her, gazing at Katrina. "Well, my lady, I am already doing something wrong by letting you step out of your room, so this is the least I can do. My lord is going to be very cross when he finds out." She stated, feeling very sorry for herself at the moment. "I will be quick, I already told you before." Beatrice' said, with a light frown. "And remember what I said, I want to speak to Sylvester alone. You can go back to my room, I will meet you when I am done talking to him." "What if My lord comes to your room and doesn't discover that you are there? What will I do then?" Katrina pressed on, Nearly tearful at this point. Beatrice sighed. "You do know that you are becoming impossible at this point. You are fully aware that when Dennis steps into his office, he barely steps out until it is dusk." Beatrice said. "Enough, I shall hear no more concerning this matter." She added.
As they both ventured further down into the hallways, Beatrice came across a portrait she had never seen before. "What a lovely portrait." She praised, as she gazed deeply at it. "That is the previous lady of the house, the mother of my Lord." Katrina said, as she stood beside Beatrice. "I finally understand where Dennis got most of his good looks from." Beatrice mused. "But why is it covered up? Even Dennis and Sylvester barely talk about her, is she some forbidden topic in the house?" Beatrice inquired after a while. She even recalled the times when she mustered courage to remove the velvet clothing from the portrait, it was the only one covered up, giving it a mysterious vibe. But as though by fate, whenever she tried to see who the mysterious persona on the portrait was, that was when her father in law passed by, and she always ended up being chided harshly. "I have not been here for long, so I am not quite sure myself." Katrina said. "But this is what I hear from the lips of the other servants, that the portrait had always been covered up by the old patriach since the lady died, and he personally forbade anyone from unveiling it once more." She explained. "How did she die? What killed her?" Beatice asked once more, as she suddenly felt intrigued. "Oh, you really were not opportuned to meet the little master of the house." Katrina said. "They said the lady passed while having him." She added. "Oh, the child that went with Diane. Morris right?" Beatrice asked. She rarely ever hears the name, and nobody ever talks about him in the household. "My lady is very correct. Such a lovely and well mannered child, I can only hope that he is faring well." Katrina said. Beatrice immediately thought of Diane. "I am certain that he is."
Sylvester was laying in bed while reading a book. "Elemental... familiarization.." He muttered, while circling that phrase. He was temporarily interrupted by a knock on the door. "Who is it?'" He asked, while still flipping through the contents of the book. "It's me.. if you don't mind, can I come in?" Beatrice called out From outside. "Of course." Sylvester replied, while hurriedly concealing the book under his pillow. The door creaked open. "What are you doing, you ought to be resting." Sylvester said. "I just had to come and see you." Beatrice explained herself, as she sat on his bed. "So how are you feeling now?" Beatrice inquired, as her gaze immediately went up to the bandage which was on his head. "I am good now, there Is no need to worry." Sylvester said, with a slight smile. "Thank goodness." Beatrice felt her palpitating heart calm down a bit. "I have something Urgent I need to discuss with you about." She said, as her voice turned solemn.
"It is quite hard to believe." Sylvester admitted, after hearing Beatrice's explanation. "I wonder what he promised them for then to be in cohoots with him" He added. "So, is there not anything you can do?" She asked him. Sylvester shook his head. "I can't even expose their identities since they always wear a mask. The reason why we know about Cornelia now, is because she chose to, and Dennis also came clean about it." Sylvester analyzed. "Besides, we are not quite sure about who is or who is not a member of the black python. Even the civilian you purchase wares from daily could be a member." Sylvester told her. "It is even worse than I expected." Beatrice said, as she placed her hand to her forehead. "Which implies, that any move they take in broad daylight is per Dennis's instructions?" Beatrice asked once more, which Sylvester affirmed. "They are More active during the night time, but that doesn't mean they cannot strike unexpectedly in broad daylight." Sylvester said. "But, what if one of the members tries to blackmail us- to tarnish the family's reputation using Dennis?" Beatrice worriedly asked. "That is his problem then. But don't worry, I am sure that he has thought of all the options." Sylvester said. "I guess he is aware of your conception now? " Sylvester suddenly inquired. Beatrice nodded. "He did not react as terribly as I expected. At the very least, he is nonchalant about it all." She added. "Fair enough. Who knows, maybe he will have affection for the child when it is born. Blood runs thicker than water, afterall." He added. Beatrice nodded. "I hope so." She said as she stood up. "I have to leave now before Katrina ends up worrying herself to death. I guess we will talk next time." She said. "Do take care of yourself." Sylvester said. "You too."
Sylvester made sure that she was gone before pulling the book out from under his pillow. "I guess this is not necessarily a bad thing, after." He said, as he stared at his palm, while smiling. "I think it might have made the entire process faster." He made his palm to face the curtain, and immediately a soft wind blew, making the curtains to flutter.
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There was a heavy downpour that night. A pregnant woman waddled barefooted amongst the puddles. Her clothes were getting soaked with the rain, and she occasionally shivered. The lightening flashed, briefly illuminating her physique for a moment. Black shoulder length hair, and emerald green eyes that were filled with the versitudes of life. She knocked in front of a house, hoping in her heart that the occupant will answer her. The door eventually creaked open, and a middle aged woman stood before her at the threshold. "Good evening, miss." The lady began. "Please, could you kindly let me spend the night under your roof? I will be gone by the morning." The woman looked at her, quite alarmed. "Why ask dear? Come in, come in. It will be quite cruel for me not to accommodate a pregnant woman like yourself, upon this heavy downpour." The woman said, ushering her in, much to the surprise of the younger lady. "Thank you so much!" She couldn't help but cry out, since she had been turned down severally times before. She walked into the living room, her clothes dripping water. "I am so sorry about this." She apologized, turning to the woman. "That Is alright, dear. Come, I will prepare the bath for you soon." The woman said.
Not only did the young lady get a warm bath, she also had change of clothes as well. "I am sorry, but I don't have enough money to pay you for your services." The lady said, as she gazed at the food which lay before her on the table. "That is alright, I am always around the neighborhood. You can always pay me later." The older woman said with a smile. The younger lady immediately dug into the food with no hesitation, she had been starving all this while. "I am sorry my dear, but can I have your name?" The older woman asked. "Viesta." The younger lady said, after an effort to swallow the bolus of food down her throat. "What about your surname?" She continued. Viesta could only look down at this point. "It's alright if you do not want to say now, I wouldn't compel you." The older lady kindly said. "It's just that you are pregnant, so I wanted to inquire where your family was." The woman said. "I live far away from them." Viesta said. "What about your husband?" The woman pressed on. "He.. is also not with me, for now." Venesta admitted, her tone awkward. "What a self centered man. He knows his wife is carrying his child, yet he leaves her to roam the streets? What if something happened to you?" The older woman said, her tone furious. "Don't mind me, I got too sentimental." The older woman said, as she noticed that Viesta remained awfully quiet. "Feel free my dear, I am the sole occupant of this house. Please excuse me, while I tidy up the dishes." The middle aged woman said, as she took away the utensils.
While She was doing that, Viesta walked around the living room. There was nothing exquisite about the place, and everything seemed to be dull and dusty. The windows were loose, barely able to keep the rain out, and the shutters trembled terribly when the wind blewupon them. The arm chairs and sofa sagged lightly due to age, and the doors and floor squeaked horribly, giving one the sensation that the house could collapse at any moment. But she was at least glad that there was a fire burning at the chimney, which she used to warm herself. She sat by the fire place, when she saw that the cramps in her legs had eased a little. The night dress the woman gave her was a bit too big for her, but her already protruding belly took care of that issue. Feeling a bit bored, Viesta took out a dark blue amulet from her chest. "When are you going to come for me, Aetan?" She asked no one in particular, as she gazed at it. "I miss you." She muttered, as she kissed it. "Please come soon."