Chapter 44 – Gift

I had a distinctive walk. My right shoulder would stay a bit lower to the ground than my left one. Most of the time I use my hands instinctively during a talk, as if experssing myself much more better. In elite society, those would be identified as manners of low standing.

I got off the carriage and walked by Baron Mirun Svaldr and his wife. She had a name which I forgot easily. Masks covering our faces, we were chatting and walking towards the main door.

Everybody was wearing exceptional closing for the masquarede. Their sense of fashion was out of this world and expensive. Baron and his wife left me to talk to different people and I went ahead for a glass of wine. I acquired the chance of talking to many people and to my surprise most of the time talks swayed towards “Marquis Lucchi’s exceptional leadership”, “Marquis Lucchi’s loyalty to old duke and Duchess von Raden”. I understood that something was wrong but I wanted to guarantee my hyphothesis. I excused myself to balcony for fresh weather. Standing on balcony, my left arm resting on plinth’s columnd, I began to concentrate my senses on heartbeats of guests. Few of them had beat rates as fast as rat’s heart. I listened to their speech.

[-]: As always, Marquis Lucchi’s plan is over the top.

[-]: I second that, I would never think about inviting the spy into the nest.

[-]: hahaa

[-]: That idiot really thinks that he could get into a party like this one...

[-]: Did you see how he walks?

[-]: That was a scene to watch.

They were laughing. I saw Baron Mirun Svaldr closing on me with a different woman by his side. She had a glass of wine at her delicate hands. I introduced myself and she did the same.

[Me]: I’m honored. I’ve heard a lot about you Marquis Lucchi.

[Selinah]: Call me Selinah. We are in a party not in an official meeting.

She asked me to tell a story which nobody had heard before and I recited her Kali’s heroic deeds. She was consumed by the tale. I could tell that by analyzing her heartbeat, lip movements, stance. Her body language was not lying and could not decieve me. She liked them. If she was evil or had evil intentions she wouldn’t be fascinated by them.

[Selinah]: Akira, I would like to see you on my birthday party next week.

[Me]: Unfortunately, I’m leaving tomorrow.

[Selinah]: Thank you for the stories.

I woke up a bit late. Raj arranged my last breakfast at Emerald Pier. I walked to Melkin City gates, showed my documents and left the city for good. I had a tail for a day, but I couldn’t sense anybody spying on me after that. Most probably spy had made sure that I have left Melkin city and went back to confirm the situation with his or her masters.

I arrived at Wallington house after 2 days of riding. I talked to Luna about all what I saw and gave my advice on the matter.

[Luna]: Thank you for spying on her.

[Me]: It’s all good, but why her?

[Luna]: She is smart, but I want to know if she is loyal too.

[Me]: You are afraid that they will fear you, don’t you?

[Luna]: Public execution of my uncle and cousin was not meant to put fear on them but to explain them how traitor’s will be punished.

[Me]: Why would anyone backstab you?

[Luna]: Some other duke or duchess may promise them more lands and power.

[Me]: I never had interest in politics.

[Luna]: That’s a wise political stance that you take.

I laughed.

[Luna]: Can you teleport to Marquis Lucchi’s manor at will?

[Me]: I think so. Why?

[Luna]: Nothing.

In 2 days, just before the midnight, Luna came to me with a small box in her hands.

[Luna]: I have a favor to ask you.

[Me]: Yes?

[Luna]: Can you teleport to Marquis Lucchi’s manor and give this box to her as a birthday present from me.

I didn’t expect that nevertheless I agreed. I took the box and closed my eyes. Concentrated myself and...

[Me]: Inem apra!

For a moment I felt as if I’m in a blank space and the next moment when I opened my eyes, I was in balcony in Marquis Lucchi’s manor. I was wearing my usual leather pants, wolf’s skin on my spine, and waist up I had nothing on.

[-]: Why are you so worried?

[-]: I fear for my people and for my territories. I hope the familiar she had sent wouldn’t mistell anything to her.

[-]: Marquis, it’s your 24th birthday. At least for today, think about yourself. You have been preoccupied with people and nobles almost all the time.

[Selinah]: Mariah, the nobles that I have brought together are sworn enemies who has no choice but to live together. I have to talk to Duchess von Raden personally.

[Mariah]: Such a magnificent birthday party it was and you are still stuck in thoughts about these worthless nobles. That damned familiar of duchess, you have been like this after the moment he had left the Melkin.

[Selinah]: You have been with me all the time and you know what I have gone through to come this close to prosperity in my dominion. I do not care about myself, what I want is peace to all the people in my territories. That was the last wish of my mother. How could I think about myself?

I stepped into the ball room.

[Me]: Selinah...

The woman besides Selinah unsheathed her sword.

[Mariah]: Who the hell are you?

[Selinah]: Sheath your sword, Maria!

[Me]: Selinah, this box is from Duchess Luna von Raden to you as a birthday gift.

Next: Chapter 44.5 aka Interlude...to war...