Chapter 14 - Family is Family

Shig moved to a balcony overlooking the City of Avilla. On the railing, the pale-haired warlord of the city watches the outline of her city. Her eyes were like dew as she gives this look of tiredness.

“She has grown beautiful isn’t she?”

“Yes,” Shig replied.

“Through the years I’ve steadied my warpath,” said Mia, watching the skyline of the City. “The City isn’t this big when my father owned it. But my constant expanding made this city tremendous and large. Can you see that over there?”

Shig looked at the place Mia’s pointing. “That’s the Blue’s District. Is that where your army is?”

“So you’ve heard of it,” she smiled. “I've built a district for my loyal soldiers. Former mercenaries who had nothing to live for and made it their home, their families live there, their children tucked in the safety of those small walls. I’ve done all of this but do you know what I lack Uncle Shig?”

Shig looked at Mia. “What?”

“A competent warrior,” she said, looking at Shig coldly. “I would have such competent warrior if he took his oath seriously. Do you know what they call me? I am called the Pale Haired Lady of Avilla, the White Flower that leads thorns and fortunes.” She breathed in. “I am called that but it sounds like that I am weak yet strong. I never solidified that fear that makes the citizens rest easy.”

Shig creased his brows. “Is that so? I think the guards were lenient and were doing their job.”

“That may be so,” she grimaced. “Yet the insides of the blue district are starting to rot. The men and women are only worms that lives on pension and salary as if it was all that matters. There are a popular brothel and tavern in that area. Most of the soldiers there either fuck or drinks until they have fainted still. Do you know what happened when some spies entered the quarters? They manage to get the documents that lead to where our spies and scouts.”

“I am assuming that you punished them?” Shig said.

“Of course I did! Ma Deus! Those imbeciles will be the death of me, Uncle. My trusted Lieutenants have been doing well but I am afraid that I would have to personally let some blood from that growing pig of a district.”

Shig frowned. “I thought that you’ve act already.”

“How could I?” she snorted. “The fools down there worship me. Do you think that they would be that foolish to act like that in front of me? One click of my finger and all their foolish pension and salary would be all gone. Those bastards eat the fat of this city. But yet they never contribute much other than keeping residents of the city well and safe.”

“What do you me to do about them?” said Shig, crossing his arms. “I do not know what my role is in this city. But I assume it would about them since you are telling me all of this.”

Mia grinned. “Of course that’s what your role will be Uncle Shig. You promised my father that you’ve become his confidant. But you left and then I’ve heard you became a slave to same noble that had a connection to the Alva’s. So Uncle Shig my terms are simple. I want you to be the Lord Enforcer of my City. You’ll be my iron right hand and strike down these fools. Of course, the salary will be big for your sake Uncle.”

“I do not need the salary. I only want it to go to my companions.” Shig replied.

She opened her mouth. “Ah, that man and the Cattus sisters you brought to my stronghold. Do not worry they will become free. The Cattus Sisters can work. The tall one can work for you while little one can study as a Herald. Can she read?”

“I don't think so,” Shig nodded. “But about the man with me.”

“That deprived looking one. What about him?”

“You might have noticed that he cannot understand a word everyone is saying.”

“Ah, I see. Is he deaf?” Mia asked.

“He is a foreigner that doesn’t speak the common tongue. It would be best if he is taught how to speak and read the common tongue.”

“Is that all?” Mia frowned. “That is fine. I can have that man taught by a few scholars inside my stronghold. He’d be employed if he wants to.”

“Thank you, Mia,” Shig bowed his head. “Although I’ve escaped from my promises, you still welcomed me into your home and treated us like this. I hope that you forgive me for not being here until today.”

“It’s nothing Uncle Shig,” Mia waved her hands. “I’ve spent time playing with you when I was a child. Do you think that I can hate my Uncle despite know what he had gone through in life? You lose your eternal partner. I understand that. I may be a bit upset that you left while I was alone to take care of the city. But thanks to that I’ve grown strong and wise. I do not hate you Uncle. Never would I. My father and my mother had passed away. In this world, there are only a few I could call friends and family. A family is a family, Uncle. I consider you family despite those horns of yours.”

“Mia...” Shig didn’t know what to say really. He expected to be rejected. He expected to be thrown away or killed. But to think he would be welcomed with this kind of hospitality was something he did not expect. Indeed, maybe he was too jaded that he thinks that he’d be treated badly once he arrives here.

“Really Uncle,” said Mia, grinning. “I’ve changed Uncle. I am not that naïve and innocent of a little girl anymore. But even so, it doesn’t mean that I’d turn into some villainess that would hurt one of my closest ones. We may be of a different race. But bonds and friendship still exist here. So please be at ease okay?”

“Yeah, it looks like I will..” Shig smiled.