Chapter 86 A Tail of Two Nobles

Nathan held his head as he walked down the street; it was the effects of using too much mana. In helping Audrey and Melanie with their problem, he had drained almost all of his mana. His body felt heavy, his movements were sluggish and every so often he would stagger.

‘Therapy’ was usually the best for dealing with poisons; however that’s only a one-time deal. Due to the maid lighting the candles every day, they were slowly being poisoned to make them actually believe they had a deadly disease. Even if he cured them today, the maid would just re-infect them tomorrow. A different method was required this time, a method that was a lot more mana consuming. Which now brought him to his current predicament.

Nathan: “Damn, why is Ramol’s home on the other side of town?”

Nathan held up as best he could, his mana was slowly refilling, but not fast enough for his liking.

Beyond his dizziness, he was having the weirdest hallucinations. For some reason he could swear that people he was near and by were trying to prevent him from walking in certain directions. They would, step in his way or block it with whatever was convenient, but Nathan just shook his head, to what end would they do that? He tried his best to keep a straight line, but his body wasn’t listening, not to mention his hallucinations.

Nathan: “Woah!?”

*Bump*

Nathan bumped into someone and lost his balance. However before he hit the ground, he was caught around his mid-section.

Nathan: “Ah, sorry, and thanks for catching………….me?”

Nathan’s grateful attitude quickly subsided when he saw who had caught him.

Gaunt: “Of course, I’m always here for you.”

Nathan: “Aw shit…”

_

_

Ten minutes earlier…

Gaunt sighed heavily for the fourth time in the last five minutes. Being a noble meant he had to keep up appearances. This particular moment, due to his parent’s connections, Gaunt was forced to show a childhood friend around Loegrey. The young man walking next to him was the son of the ruling house of Midheim, Rufus Fillmore, the closest thing to a prince or royalty. As they walked down the street, those who walked by, would bow ever so slightly to Rufus. He would sneer at them, yet no-one reacted, knowing full well the consequences of that action.

Truth be told, no one in Loegrey liked Prince Rufus. He resided in the castle-town of Midheim but came to Loegrey on occasion. While here he would say and do what he wanted, from taking a merchant’s hard-earned wares, with promises of payment at a later time, to sexually harassing any woman who caught his eye, wherever they were in a relationship or not. And if you were Therian, it was best to avoid him all together as Rufus’s solemn belief was that they were inferior to him, inferior to all races. Every chance he had to make a Therian’s life miserable he would joyfully take it.

That’s why every Therian made it their mission to know exactly where Rufus was when he visited, to avoid crossing paths at all cost, it was an unwritten rule to those living in Loegrey as to deny Rufus any chances of coming across one. That’s why everyone who walked the street were only human or the Pristyne.

Rufus: “Must you walk so slowly?”

Gaunt: “R-Right, sorry.”

Gaunt sped up his pace to match Rufus’, to which Gaunt often wondered how such a rounded-man could move so quickly. Then again, Gaunt wasn’t in any particular rush to reach their destination. He was only supposed to watch over Rufus, so that he could view the tournament. Gaunt, being a well-known adventurer, would detour any threats to Rufus. However, Rufus had other plans in mind, for the moment he was allowed to walk about freely, he made a bee-line for the ‘Adventurers Guild’.

Rufus: “We’re about to see a beauty among beauties. I’ve never known you to be depressed about such occasion.”

Gaunt: “Well, I not particularly fond of this one.”

Rufus: “What? Dark unblemished skin with black hair like silk with sweet smell of flowers together and beauty that rivals that of a goddess. What is there too not be fond of?”

Gaunt’s depression rose as he thought of the beauty Rufus spoke of. The Lycanian that shot Gaunt down on numerous occasions, who defeated him in a duel without lifting a finger, he was now being forced to meet her once again. It took a while, but Gaunt finally got the message, the Lycanian was not into him. If he could describes her feelings for him in one word: Disgust.

Rufus: “Unless of course the rumors I heard of you being vocally and physically rejected by the beauty are true.”

Gaunt: “What?”

Rufus smiled wryly.

Rufus: “Did you really suspect such rumors would not reach Midheim? The Ace of Loegrey, Gaunt Silverein, was bested in a duel by the dark-skinned Lycanian. Rumors say she didn’t even attack, you simply fell to your knees.”

Gaunt: “If you know all of this, why make me relive it?”

Rufus stopped, his expression turning stern.

Rufus: “Did you forget yourself? You are Silverein, one of the wealthiest houses in Loegrey. The Ace of Loegrey and my best friend, yet you allowed yourself to be humiliated by some mutt. We are of noble blood, the crème de la crème, commoners should do nothing but bask in our glory. Moreover, a simple Therian, no matter how beautiful, should submit to you willingly and thank you for taking the time at all.”

Rufus turned in pointed a finger in Gaunt’s face.

Rufus: “We will find this woman and to her betters she will submit, right?”

Gaunt: “R-Right.”

Rufus then put in arm over Gaunt’s shoulder and leaned close in so no-one could hear what he was about to say.

Rufus: “Then perhaps, we take this beauty and introduce her to the beast?”

Rufus grinned deviously, Gaunt immediately catching onto the meaning behind his words. Afterwards, Rufus continued towards the Guild, Gaunt now with a little extra pep in his step.

Rufus was right. He was noble, and he should start acting like it. The next time he saw the Lycanian, she would show Gaunt the respect his status so rightly demanded.

*Bump*

Not paying attention, Gaunt bumped into someone. Without thinking he quickly reached out and caught the stumbling person, stopping their descent. Then he realized just who he’d caught, the person that the two was just conversing over.

Nathan: “Ah, sorry and thanks for catching…………me?”

Gaunt: “Well this has to be the first act of gratitude you ever showed me.”

Nathan: “Aw Shit…”

_

_

As if the heavens themselves, wanted such an occurrence, Gaunt ran right into Nathan. Nathan yanked back away, of all the people to run into, it had to be Gaunt.

Nathan: “Of all the bad luck.”

Gaunt: “Is that how you speak to someone who helped you.”

Nathan: “I said thanks, what else do you want me to say?”

Nathan’s attention was brought to the portly man standing next to Gaunt. The man stared at Nathan in wonder, as if he had seen an exotic animal.

Rufus: “So this is her…you truly are enchanting.”

Nathan: “Uhh yeah, well I’ll be leaving.”

Rufus stuck his hand out and grabbed Nathan by the wrist.

Rufus: “Hahaha, no my dear you cannot leave, until I Rufus Fillmore, wishes it.”

Nathan: “Let go.”

_

_

Beat: “Come on Jazz, I heard they were over here.”

Jazz: “I’m coming.”

Beat and Jazz, the two thieving cohorts of Viola, were currently running down the street of the noble district. Usually they stayed away from the area, since the guard patrols were so heavy. However, today was the day they longed for; today Rufus was coming to town. That meant a ‘big score’. Every time he came, the thieving three would always make a plan to steal from him and every year they were successful with their endeavors. One would think it would be tough, but Rufus had made many enemies in Loegrey in the wake of his lifestyle, many whom were guards.

So, on this particular day, any guard that would usually stop them, would rather let the thieves swipe the portly nobles’ ill-gotten coin, rather than allow him to use and abuse the town with it.

However, happening upon the prince, they came across an awe-inducing sight. At that spot, Rufus currently held the Lycanian by his wrist and from the looks of it, much to the his dismay.

Beat: “The hells’ going on?”

Jazz: “I don’t know, but it looks interesting.”

Beat: “Jazz, wait.”

Beat chased after Jazz, who skillfully ducked behind some nearby crates, with Beat right behind her. From their vantage, they could see and hear everything that was going on, through the crowd.

Nathan pulled his arm away, irritated by Rufus unnecessary touching.

Nathan: “Listen, I’m not feeling well, so I’m going to let that slide, but if you do that again, I guarantee you’ll regret it.”

Rufus: “Are you threatening………….me!?”

Rufus voice was pretty loud, drawing more attention then there was already.

Rufus: “Listen here ‘mutt’, do you know who I am?”

Nathan: “Who cares, I’m done here.”

Nathan turned to leave, however Rufus quickly jumped in front of him.

Nathan: “(Woah, he can move for a big guy.)”

Rufus: “Listen plebian, I am Prince Rufus Fillmore of Midheim. You will show me and my friend the respect we demand.”

Nathan: “A Prince……you?”

Rufus sneered down at Nathan, now that ‘she’ had realized who she was talking to, Rufus was sure she would change the way she spoke.

Rufus: “I heard that you gave my friend here a hard time, you will apologize and beg for his forgiveness and while you’re at it, beg for my forgiveness.”

Nathan: “…………….What?”

Rufus: “*sigh* I guess beauty, does not warrant intelligence.”

Nathan’s look made for a shocked expression.

Nathan: “Did you just call me stupid?”

Rufus: “Ah, you understood that…and still you have yet to apologize. I’m afraid after this, an apology will no longer suffice.”

Rufus looked Nathan up and down. Rufus noticed the sheer lack of bosom, but the beauty made up for it, his nostrils flared thinking of the things he could do to such a woman.

Rufus: “But, I think we can find someone to……..consolidate. Wouldn’t you agree Gaunt, is there something you would like to remind her of.

Gaunt: “R-Right, yes, I’m am Gaunt Silverein, I will not tolerate any more of your slander against me. I demand you kneel.”

Nathan stared at them both, stupefied, he was at a loss for words. Nathan’s expression put Gaunt into a better mood. It made him believe that she was scared, however the following moment crashed all his hopes.

Nathan: “Go……….fuck yourself.”

Rufus: “…………….What?”

Nathan: “That’s what I should be saying. You demand me to apologize, to you for him. Hah! You meet some and then tell them that they have to bow and beg for forgiveness for nothing, are you idiot?”

Rufus: “How dare you! I am royalty, I demand respect.”

Nathan: “I ‘respectfully’ tell you to take your demands and shove them up your ass. And you…”

Nathan turned to Gaunt, who flinched at the sudden attack.

Nathan: “You hit on me, get rejected, then pick a fight with me and when things don’t go your way, you sick your royalty, and make out your supposed one of the best adventurers Loegrey has to offer?

Rufus “He is the best, he’s the Ace of Loegrey, you know why they call him the Ace?”

Nathan: “……………………..He miraculously combined, his ‘Ass’ with his ‘Face’.”

Rufus: “ Exact- NO!”

Nathan: “Well I couldn’t care less, ace or not, what you’re doing right now, it’s pathetic.”

Gaunt, gritted his teeth while holding his head down. He couldn’t refute, he went looking for comfort after being humiliated and confiding in his friend just to make himself feel better about his wrong-doings. Nathan held his head, he was still tired from earlier and a headache was slowly taking over.

Nathan: “I don’t have time for this, I’m leaving.”

Nathan turned and walked away, he had thoroughly humiliated both a Noble and a member of Royalty. Gaunt seemed somewhat ashamed of his actions, he wanted nothing more than to get away from the stares of the crowd. However, Rufus was fuming from the ears.

Rufus: “Wait you! I demand you come back. Do you hear me?”

Gaunt: “Let’s just go.”

Rufus: “What!?”

Gaunt: “She’s not worth it, let’s just go enjoy the tournament.”

Rufus: “I will do no such thing. I am Prince Rufus, and no mutt walks away from me.”

Nathan was making his way down the street, groaning from the use unnecessary energy he used up talking with those idiots. In his fatigued state, he didn’t notice Rufus made a grab for him and took hold of his tail.

Nathan: “Aaarroooooooooooo!?”

The noise Nathan let out; drew the attention of everyone around. It was the outcome of having his tail pulled, quickly lost feeling in his legs, he dropped to his knees. Rufus quickly let go of Nathan’s tail, surprised by the sudden arousing sound. Nathan went red in the face, both from embarrassment and anger, even the crowd, some of the faces had gone flush, embarrassed for him.

Rufus didn’t quite understand what he had done, but he did understand he had caused that to happen and smiled with a toothy grin. Then he began to talk, throwing oil into an inferno.

Rufus: “For all your big talk, even you melt in my hands; rather quickly I might add. You even took the knee like you were supposed to, was that really so difficult?”

Faster than anyone could react, Nathan stood in front of Rufus.

Nathan: “FUCK OFF!”

*Bam*

Nathan punched Rufus, square in the face with all he had, sending him flying.

*Smash*

Rufus crashed into a pile of wooden crates, the crates disintegrating into pieces from the force of the impact. Rufus was knocked loopy from the attack, eyes spinning as he lay amongst the rubble. Everyone’s jaw dropped, no matter how wrong he was, or how much he deserved it, Rufus was in fact the ruling house of Midheim.

Gaunt: “Rufus, what did yo-.”

Before Gaunt could finish his sentence, Nathan had grabbed hold of him. Then with strength that went against his build, he hurled Gaunt right at Rufus. Gaunt smashed into the crates and Rufus as well, leaving both unconscious and a pile of rubble.

Nathan: “*pant* Ugh!”

Nathan dropped to one knee, he felt terrible. The over-exertion, after using so much mana, was stupid. He had absolutely no choice in the matter, his tail had just been grabbed and by a man of all things. It was somewhat fine when it was a woman, but the utter disgust he felt for Rufus had to be unleashed.

Over in the pile of crates, a crowd had formed. People staring down at the two men that lay unconscious on the ground, imprints of Nathan’s fist embedded in their faces.

Guard: “What’s going on over here?”

The guard made his way through the crowd, his face turning to shock at what he saw.

Guard: “Lord Gaunt, P-P-P-P-PRINCE RUFUS, WHAT HAPPENED!?”

The guard’s words fell on deaf ears, as the crowd quickly dispersed, not wanting to get involved. Furthermore, because of his bad reputation, no-one was willing to explain what had happened. Not that it mattered, by the time the guard had even arrived, Nathan was already long-gone.

_

_

Nathan: “Ash, put me down, I can walk.”

Ash: “No you can’t, you can barely stand.”

Nathan: “I rather wobble down the street, then be carried like luggage.”

Ash had Nathan slung over his shoulder as he made his way down the city streets. He was getting a few stares but Ash didn’t mind, but for the one being carried this was extremely humiliating.

Ash: “Okay then, hop down, but the first time you lose balance I’m gonna carry you in my arms like a princess.”

Nathan: “What!?”

Ash: “No wait, should I do piggy back? Which one you think is more humiliating?”

Nathan: “Okay I get it, sheesh, you suck.”

Nathan crossed his arms as Ash laughed his way down the street. He had to admit, he really didn’t feel like walking, but he wished the alternative wasn’t so humiliating.

Nathan: “Hey where are we going, Ramol’s is that way?”

Ash: “Oh no, I’m taking you to the exit, you do realize who you just punch out royalty right.”

Nathan: “*groan*He grabbed my tail, ugh, I had absolutely no control over my actions.”

Ash: “Either way, your gonna catch a lot of crap when news gets around. And with Bernard trying to find a reason to get his hands on you, it’s the perfect opportunity.”

Nathan: “Well, you’re really relaxed for the ‘dire’ situation your explaining.”

Ash: “Well, it’s gonna be a couple of hours before those two wake up, after a hit like that, maybe even in entire day, man the sound it made when smacked, *Whistle*.

Ash began laughing recalling the scene, when he arrived after hearing that Nathan headed towards the noble’s district, he was greeted to the wonderous site of Rufus, taking one to the face. Seeing how Nathan was so tired, Ash quickly scooped him up and got out of there, preventing any further trouble.

Ash: “Even if they know that you did it, I doubt anyone in town will be willing to speak about what happened. The Prince doesn’t have many friends in this city, except maybe Gaunt.”

Nathan: “Oh?”

Ash: “They probably won’t get any answer until they put up a reward, but knowing Rufus, he’ll demand everyone’s cooperation for days, refusing to give up money to the commoners or plebeians. And they will without a doubt, not comply. Either way we should still make ourselves scarce.”

Nathan: “That’s fine, but I need to write a message and give it to someone before we leave.”

Ash: “A message?”

Nathan: “Yeah, if I don’t, come tomorrow morning, all my exhaustion from today will be for nothing. They have to get it bright in early tomorrow”

Ash: “I can write it for you, but I don’t know how you’re planning to get whoever a message if we’ll be leaving soon.”

Nathan: “Simple we ask those two.”

Nathan pointed over to a pair of children, Jazz and Beat who had been watching him since earlier, quickly ducked-down upon being spotted.

Ash: “Who are they?”

Nathan: “Some friends.”