After his bath, Jake walked over to one of the dressers filled with clothing while drying himself. Searching through, he found some clothing that would work for a royal banquet, or at least he thought. Grabbing two different sets of clothes, one a deep purple with black outlines, and a black outfit with silver embroidery, he placed them on the bed. After looking over the different sets of garments, he began to notice something. He had no idea if they were appropriate, much less knowing how to put the things on. Running his hand through his wet hair, he looked over to the side of the bed with the long strip of cloth dangling from the ceiling.

Stuffing his pride, he pulled on the strip of fabric that, and he heard a soft tinkling from above his door. A few moments later, there was a knock on the door, and it began to open. Jake quickly slammed his hand on the door, stopping it from opening far enough to let in the servant. Poking his head around the door, he smiled at the startled maid that was attempting to enter into his room.

“Can you please send a male servant up to my room to help me get dressed please? I am not too sure what would be appropriate, and I’m also almost nude.” The Dog-Maid blushed slightly, her fluffy black tail began slowly swaying back and forth. No, bad dog. The maid bowed, mumbling a slight “Yes, Master Jake,” and quickly scampered off, tail still swaying.

Closing the door, Jake heaved a quiet sigh. Quiet barks issued from the bed, and Jake saw Mizutsune staring at him with a playful glint in his eyes, and Jake realized the fox was laughing at him. “Not you too. I don’t want to deal with this shit now. This is too fucking weird. There is no way that the king would be this welcoming, and all of the maids and shit would be interested in me. We just need a fish-man with giant eyes to scream ‘It’s a tra’… Wait. Wait a fucking second.” Jake began to pace back and forth, scratching the short-length beard he had been growing. “He already accused me of being an assassin, and then almost immediately turned around and welcomed me as a friend.” He began ticking off points on his fingers. “They know that I am a mage, but I did not see anyone that would be considered a mage in the castle or town while I walked through. They are treating me like royalty, even if it’s a perk of being able to use magic, it’s still fucking suspicious. The soldiers bought my story really quickly, not even going through the motions of searching me at the door to their fucking keep.” He sat down, making sure that the towel wrapped around his waist wouldn’t unravel. Grabbing a cigarette, he lit up and took a deep drag. Exhaling slowly, he let the gears in his mind spin in silence. Finally, something clicked.

“They want me to be at ease, to lose my edge.” Jake mumbled under his breath. “They don’t fear me, and they don’t think that I’m a threat. But they are keeping an eye on me, that’s for sure. If I step out of line, it’s more than likely that they will try to kill me. Maybe the king, Alpha, whatever the hell Mr. Cuddles is, will do it personally.” He took another drag, exhaling through his nose. “Either that, or they’re planning on something at the feast. Maybe get me drunk enough to talk, or poison me.”

Well well well, someone’s learning. Guess your inner paranoia has some uses.

Jake quirked an eyebrow at the message, and switched to speaking internally.

Paranoia is a good thing to have, especially when you’re planning on taking over the world. So, am I right?

Touché, and I can neither confirm nor deny any of those claims. You have to figure it out for yourself.

Jake sighed, and took another drag before getting up and tossing the cigarette out one of the windows. Sitting back down, he had a thought.

You know, this is the most we’ve spoken in a while. So much in a single day, I’m starting to think that you have a crush on me or something.

Oh no, not me. You’re a few millenniums too young for me, even if I look like a child. You should probably be careful of all those hormones you’re putting out there right now; all these Beast-Kin are really responsive to that.

Hormones? What, is my natural musk a bitch magnet? He paused, thinking over his choice of words. I really need to stop with the puns.

Yeah, that one was a little on the nose. Anyways, more or less. While they might appear mostly human, the Beast-Kin still have the instincts of animals. And, like most animals, they are attracted to strength. You’re a Master in three different forms of magic, even if you hardly ever use more than your Dark magic. It also helps that the three branches of magic that you are a Master of are considered the strongest. Sure, the other three might be stronger in certain aspects, but for brute force Fire, Air and Dark are the strongest. They can sense this, and it excites them. Who knows, you might be able to get a harem going through just this city! Wouldn’t that be fun?

Fuck no. I can barely… A knock on the door broke him from the conversation, and a Deer-Butler entered into the room. If their age was anything based off of their antlers, this one was young, only a four-point buck in Jake’s opinion. The butler bowed, keeping his eyes trained on the floor. “Master Jake, you require assistance with choosing appropriate attire for the day? I also took the liberty of bringing shaving equipment, if you would feel the need.”

Jake forced a smile. “Yes, thank you. If I may ask, why do you consider me a noble?” The butler moved over to the clothes that Jake had laid out on the bed. The Deer-Butler went to the dresser and began shifting through the clothes.

“I would not presume to know the answer, Master Jake. The Alpha has stated that you are Sir Jake, and we shall obey. The clothes that you have selected would work for a non-formal dinner, but as this will be your first outing within our city, the Alpha has stated that it shall be a formal occasion. I will choose something based off of your chosen colors.”

Jake nodded to the Deer-Butler’s back. Well, that didn’t help. But I didn’t really expect anything different. ‘It does what Master tells it to do.’

The Deer-Butler pulled out a bundle of folded cloth, and placed it on the bed. “In my humble opinion, Master Jake, this would be perfect for the occasion.” The butler unfolded a doublet, and Jake internally groaned.

____________________________________________________________________

“Master Jake, in my humble opinion, you look very regal.” Deer-Butler, who Jake had taken to calling Jeffrey, bowed his head. And, hating himself for it, Jake thought so as well. His scruffy beard had been trimmed and shaved into a sharp goatee, framing his face. His dirty blonde hair had been cut short, looking like a standard military haircut. A long black doublet with flowing silver embroidery along the seams and silver cufflinks was buttoned and clasped above a deep purple silk undershirt. Blackened leather gloves, black trousers, and blackened leather boots finished the ensemble, and a thin black cape with a purple interior was folded neatly on the bed. Jake enjoyed the dark colors, for it was intimidating and it also was the color of his magic. Even Mizutsune received the treatment, his pelt washed and brushed until it gleamed in the sunlight. The fox took it in stride, and actually seemed to enjoy being pampered over. Jake looked over the clothing on his character sheet.

Long Black Doublet with Silver Enhancement Increases defense by 10% for Upper Body Increases the chance for better prices by 5% Clothing tailored for a noble with dark tastes. Purple Silk Undershirt Increases defense by 1% for Upper Body Clothing tailored for a noble with dark tastes. Blackened Leather Gloves Increases defense by 5% for Hands Decreases Hand Mobility by 3% Clothing tailored for a noble with dark tastes Black Trousers Increases defense by 10% for Lower Body Clothing tailored for a noble with dark tastes. Blackened Leather Boots Increases defense by 5% for Feet Increases Movement Speed by 3% Clothing tailored for a noble with dark tastes. Long Thin Black Coat with Purple Inlay No added bonus. Clothing tailored for a noble with dark tastes.

Not bad, not bad. Except for the cloak. Still looks cool, though.

“Master Jake, if you are so inclined,” Jeffrey said to Jake, breaking him from his thoughts, “the dinner shall not be held for some time, and the Alpha has given his permission for you to explore the grounds. With your permission, I would gladly show you the lay of the keep. The Alpha and his wives have taken great care in creating a masterpiece of floral arrangement.”

Jake forced a smile. “If it would be all the same to you, I would prefer to wander the garden myself. I am not used to being followed by anyone, and after being in the wilds for so long, it tends to put me on edge.” I’m on to you, motherfucker. I saw how you twirled that little shaving knife of yours. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re an assassin.

Jeffrey bowed. “Of course, Master Jake. If you would follow me, I will take you to one of the entrances to the gardens. When the dinner is ready, a servant will be sent to bring you to the hall.” Jeffrey spun quickly around in a flash of black and white, and strode swiftly out the door. Grumbling internally about fucking butlers with their stupid ass protocols and shit, he followed with Mizutsune trotting beside him.

The trio walked through the hallways, passing servants and guards alike. The female servants glanced at Jake out of the corner of their eyes, and walked away quickly. Some glances were sent at Mizutsune, eyes flashing. Jake still did not know the significance of these glances, and it kept him on edge. No one is fucking or killing my fox. Well, unless he wants it. Jake looked at Mizutsune, and saw him trotting in a way that made his freshly brushed fur seem to dance. Okay, he might want it. Is it fucking spring here or some shit?

After a few more minutes of walking through long hallways and passing blushing maids, the trio arrived at a small side door. Jeffrey passed the entrance, turned around sharply and quickly bowing. “Master Jake, here is one of the entrances to the gardens. Please explore to your hearts content. The meal will be held when the light of the sun begins to bleed.” Bowing again, Jeffrey walked away quickly, his short tail disappearing quickly around a corner. Jake stared at the empty hallway, before shaking his head and walking out the doorway, mumbling to himself. “Who the fuck says ‘the light of the sun begins to bleed’? It’s fucking sunset you shit-stained piece of meat.”

_________________________________________________________

The gardens, like the inside of the keep, were immaculate. Jake was surprised at the amount of color that they had. Blues mixed with indigoes provided a deep backdrop to the vibrant yellows and whites. Reds and blacks clashed within the thorny boughs, while oranges and browns danced above them. It was beautiful, and Jake had to be impressed with the care that was needed to tend this masterpiece.

This… is actually pretty nice. I just used it as an excuse to get away from Jeffrey the Deer-Assassin-Butler, but I’m actually enjoying myself.

Jake wandered through the living walls of the garden, letting himself relax before the dinner. He pulled out a cigarette, and taking off one of his gloves in case it burned it, lit up. He found a bench in an out of the way corner, and sat down. The wonderful smells of the flowers mixed with the scent of burning tobacco created a nice melody within his nose. Mizutsune walked around the area, ears flicking back and forth and nose twitching violently at all the new smells. Losing interest, he leapt up onto the bench and laid down, yawning. Jake smirked at the lazy fox, and conjured a single small orb of purple flame above his hand. He sent the orb spinning around the clearing where he was sitting, making it dance and move for his entertainment. He stayed there for a while, watching the fire orb and smoking on his cigarette. This is nice. But I highly doubt that it’s going to last.

“Wh…Who are you?” And as if the gods, or more specifically one loli-goddess, had heard him, a quiet voice whispered from behind him. Shit. Jake clenched his fist, extinguishing the fire orb, and turned around.

Pure. That was the only word that would describe the individual. Large brown eyes set in a heart-shaped face, a small mouth and pert nose giving her a cute charm. Long, flowing silver hair was wrapped into a ponytail that stretched down to her lower back, leaving her two large owlish beast-ears to poke above her head. The insides of the ears were pure white, with the occasional splotch of brown towards the edge. Two large wings splayed from her back, colored the same as her wings. She was wearing a topless dress of white as snow, straps crossing below her neck, giving a tantalizing glimpse of porcelain skin. As Jake didn’t answer, the girl blushed slightly, changing her skin to a pink color. Owl-Lady? Maybe a barn owl?

Clearing her throat, she spoke again. “Who are you, and what are you doing in my garden?” Even with clearing her throat, her voice was quiet. Jake thought he heard a slight tremor in her voice, and it snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Sorry, my lady.” Jake quickly stood, and offered a stiff bow. Fuck. A noble. I was hoping that this wouldn’t happen until the dinner. I don’t have any clue what to do. “My name is Jake Roshaven, and I recently came to be in this city. The Alpha, Mr. Cu…” he cleared his throat, “Lyrus Proudroar, has offered me to stay at the keep. I gratefully accepted his hospitality, and I am currently waiting for the feast to start.” He glances back up at her. Please let that be polite enough.

She blinked her eyes, a quick flutter of eyelids so quick that it was barely noticeable. “Why would my fath… no, you are a mage. It is only acceptable. I apologize for my rudeness, Mageous.” She did a small curtsy. Jake barely caught the slip of the tongue, and he began cursing internally. Fuck, of course it’s the daughter of Mr. Cuddles. Wait, how the fuck does that work? He’s a fucking lion, and you’re an owl. Is it some form of spirit animal bullshit? Fucking hell, I’m confused as shit.

“No, it’s quite alright.” Jake forced a smile, and waved his hand at her. “I did not understand how mages were treated by your people. My people would have killed me if I had shown them magic.” I mean, it’s probably true. Humans tend to fear what they don’t understand. And we like to kill what we fear. “I was quite shocked when the Alpha offered to place me in the castle, instead of killing me.”

Her head snapped upwards, and her eyes opened even further. “Kill you? Why would he do that?”

Jake scratched the back of his head. “He said something along the lines of I ‘smell like fire and death’. He thought I was an assassin.”

She cocked her head to the side, and her eyes seemed to expand to look at Jake. Yep, definitely an owl. “I do smell the fire, but to me it smells of a hearth at a home; welcoming.” She seemed to realize what she said, and blushed a deep red. “I apologize, I do not know what has come over me.” Her wings fluttered open, and quickly closed again.

“Think nothing of it, it does not bother me.” Jake smiled at her, earning himself another small blush. Seriously, this is like a bad romance novel. ‘Oh look at me, I glance at a woman and it’s a waterfall in her pants.’ Seriously, this is stupid. I mean, it’s nice, makes me feel good about myself, but still stupid.

She smiled shyly at him. “Thank you, Mageous.” She blinked quickly again, and a confused expression flitted across her face. “What do you mean by what you said previously? Your people do not revere mages? How are they able to fight off the larger beasts without them? And I do not know of any families with purple flames such as yours. From where do you hail?”

Ah, so it’s reverence because we tend to be good at killing large beasts? Makes sense, I think. And families? So magic is passed down through bloodlines? Shit, how am I going to explain this…

“Where I am from…” Jake began slowly, and took another drag on his smoke. He saw the Owl-Lady scrunch her nose up, and he turned his head and expelled the smoke from his lungs. “Sorry, this is a gift from my homeland. It’s called tobacco, and gives the inhaler a sense of calm.” She blinks at him, staring at the smoke wafting from the burning cigarette. Jake began speaking again, and her head jerked up to his face. “I came from a place called the State of Farme.” Seriously, I said that as a joke. Guess I’m going with it from now on. “It is far past the edge of the world, and I was only able to come to this country through teleportation.” Hopefully they have teleportation magic here. If they do, I need to figure it out. “My sister was cursed by a vile spell, and has become fused with a demonic spider. My people attempted to kill her, and I stopped them.” Might as well bring Quelaag into this. God, I’m smart for the sob sister story.

The Owl-Lady winced in sympathy, and sat down on the bench. Two startled yelps, one from Mizutsune and the other from the girl broke the silence, and Mizutsune darted from underneath her. He leapt to the ground, and growled half-heartedly at the Owl-Lady, who froze staring at the fox. “A mystical beast…” she spoke barely above a whisper. Her eyes glanced back to Jake. Inhaling sharply, she sat down on the bench again, and patted the space next to her. “I feel like this will be a long story, and I also have questions for you, if you do not mind Mageous.”

Shrugging, Jake sat next to her. Great, now Mizu’s a mystical beast. Probably some type of demi-god for these people or something stupid like that.

He crossed his legs, and put out the butt of his cigarette on the soul of his boot. “That was the first time I had killed someone.” He turned his eyes to the flowers in front of him, feeling her unblinking gaze on his face. Lowering his voice, to seem like he is lost in some terrible memory, he continues. “I tried to get them to stop, but they would not listen. All of them were screaming to ‘burn the witch’, ‘kill the demon’. I…” He swallowed a mouthful of saliva. “I found my magic that day, in the screaming and the ash. And so we ran, me protecting my younger sister. I found a place for her to stay where she would be safe, and I went looking for a cure. My search brought me here.” He glanced at the girl, and could see her eyes tearing up. Wow, is she that gullible or am I really that good at acting? This is new. He cleared his throat, and shrugged. “That’s my story, my lady. But I still do not know your name.”

She blinked away a few tears, and smiled sadly at him. “This is a good thing, what you are doing for your sister, Mageous Jake. I do not think I would have the strength to do what you have done. Taking a life would be… impossible for me.” She glanced down at her hands, then jerked her head back up to look at him. “My apologies, I am so forgetful. My name is…”

She was interrupted by a light cough, and Jake and the girl spun around to see Reginald standing behind them, looking like a stick had been shoved up his ass. “Master Jake, Mistress Serena, the meal is about ready to be served. If you would follow me, I will take you to the dining hall.”

Jake stared at the Goat-Butler, and groaned internally. Serena. For serenity. At least it’s not Purina, or something stupid like that, though this is still pretty bad.

A blue screen popped up into his vision, a message from his favorite goddess.

You go killer! You got yourself a love interest! Now you just need about five more for your harem!

Shut the fuck up Giggles.