His Hidden Jewel

Chapter 6

“Well, that was quite the show. What did you think Corrin, entertaining?” Lord Heo chuckles.

“Oh it was very entertaining.”

Master shakes his head at the two lords, though he seems more amused than upset.

“I’m glad to hear my affairs amuse you,” master comments stoically.

“Come on now, don’t be like that!" Lord Corrin laughs.

Master caves with a dark chuckle. “That was quite the show he put on, though it became a little cliche when he started to lie between his blubbering. I did enjoy the way he ran out of here with his tail tucked between his legs. Its a shame I couldn’t enjoy it longer.”

They find amusement in making others scared, what is with these lords?!

“You’re cruel.” Lord Heo chuckles.

“I’ve never claimed to be otherwise Heo,” master shrugs nonchalantly.

Master finally settles down a couch in the room. Lord Heo and Lord Corrin sit across from master on another couch.

Unsure of what to do I stand next to arm of the couch masters on.

“My bunny, sit down here.” Master taps his foot on the ground in front of him.

My cheeks flush in humiliation and shame. I feel like a pet; I’d rather stand till my feet bleed than act like a pet.

And what made it worse is when master started to pet my hair and gently rub my head like a pet. But I quickly didn't mind, enjoying the feeling of his cool fingers through my hair. It's strangely relaxing despite coming from a tyrant of a man.I shut my eyes for a moment, soaking in the rubbing, not noticing the small look Lord Corrin and Lord Heo share.

“So, may I ask why you decided to keep Lord Ranyu alive?” Lord Heo questions. “I mean I know we occasionally let the guy join in our meetings but I know you don’t care for him that much.”

"I'm curious as well," Lord Corrin pipes in. "Does King Volkari and Queen Jazma know about all of this? I know in terms of power you're stronger than them and essentially can do whatever you want, but I know you didn't want them to know about that just yet."

“My aunt and uncle are aware. I planned to take care of this in secret so they wouldn't know about the blackmail I intended to use against Lord Okari, but that birdie just had to go spilling their knowledge to my aunt and uncle as well. I managed to convince to let me decide his punishment, using the fact that as their successor I would need to make decisions like this in the future. And Heo, you are correct, I care little for Ranyu. However, he does have a good portion of land in Picaria and in Evieon and therefore some power in which I can use. The value he holds outweighs the disadvantages that would come from killing him. But he did deserve some sort of punishment at least; he needs to be punished for his word against my family and I.”

“As if you care for that crap Marcel,” Lord Corrin jeers.

“Am I that obvious?” Master chuckles darkly. “I could care about what some lower-end lord has to say about anything. What’s the point in caring about some old lord with nothing special to his name? Especially any opinions he has of my family or I, as if any lord would take the side of some small-time noble compared to a noble as powerful as I am. But, it was the perfect oppourtunity for some secret blackmail. Too bad that little birdie just had to inform my relatives as well."

Even though I can't see it, I can just imagine the dark smirk on masters face.

Lord Heo chuckles lowly. “And you still achieve what you want, as always,” the were-cat shakes his head in amusement. “You always impress me with that silvery tongue of yours Marcel, you could get those suckers to do about anything.”

Master doesn't say anything though I can tell he agrees with Lord Heo.

“Same way Heo can charm the pants off that pixie princess,” Lord Corrin jokes, nudging Lord Heo playfully.

“It’s for business."

“Oh we know, because darling Heo has already set his heart on a certain air elemental,” master jeers.

Lord Heo tenses slightly but doesn’t deny masters statement.

“Though the poor elemental would be sad to know how much of a player you are, or how you complimented my slave when we first arrived.” Master continues, and though his voice sounds calm, theres a hint of anger in his tone. I wonder why master is mentioning that again? Is it because my appearance is actually ugly?

“… I apologize again for what I said earlier, I really meant no ill will. I have nothing to worry about with Yeke because I’m engaged to someone else.”

Even though his news sounds good his tone says otherwise. It makes me feel a bit bad for this person.

“You don’t sound pleased.” Lord Corrins points out exactly what I was thinking.

“You’re right, that’s because I’m not; she’s not Yeke. Her name is Lady Bebe Zeeke, shes' a were-ferret.”

“Zeeke? Is she from Lybar by chance?” Master asks.

“Yes she is actually, the only family from a were-weasel species to move to Lybar.”

“Hm I believe I’ve met her before but the exchange was too short to recall much of it. Why did you tie yourself to her if you don’t want to be with her? You’re a head of Hofflock name, I’m sure you have plenty of options to choose from.” Master asks.

“Its to help pay off my parents debts; they were mountains deep in debt when they passed and all the debt passed onto me as head of the family. The Zeeke family has a lot of land in Lybar. Not nearly as much as my family but pretty close. Once Bebe and I marry, her mother promised to give me full rights to all of the Zeeke land. Combining Zeeke and Hofflock land would give the Hofflock family the largest amount of land for any lord to ever hold in Lybar. I love Yeke, but her and her family only live in the air elemental homeland, and they don’t hold land anywhere else. Yeke's dowry wouldn't be enough to cover the debt.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Heo, that’s a hard burden to bear.” Lord Corrin says sympathetically, placing his hand on the lords shoulder. Master nods at Lord Heo to show his support. “Heo, we're friends, we don't mind helping. Are you sure there isn’t anything we can do to help your situation? We could even help pay the debt-“

“No. Thank you for your consideration, to the both of you, but this is my family’s name and my burden to bear. I have to fix this myself,” Lord Heo affirms. “While marrying a random noble for her dowry may not be the most noble way to get myself out of debt, it’s the only way with how much debt there is. Land any smaller, and it would take most of my lifetime to pay it off.”

“That’s unfortunate, I’m sorry to hear about that Heo, but I admire your determination to take care of this yourself.” master says softly.

“It is, but I wonder why you seem so glum marrying Zeeke. Sure it’s not desirable but from what I've heard she's a formidable noble and she’s not too bad on the eyes either.” Lord Corrin jokes.

“Bebe isn’t too bad on the eyes,” Lord Heo sneers wickedly.

The way they talk about these women is disgusting. I sympathize for Lady Bebe and Lady Yeke. Are all nobles like this? I'm glad master isn't joining in, but he still hasn't done or said anything to stop them either. I wonder if he thinks of these women in the same way? It wouldn't surprise me considering how he treated Lady Peta Norin the other day.

"She's not as attractive as Yeke but not horrible. It’s not her appearance that I mind, I’m sure I can quickly get used to it. It's just that she's not Yeke.” Lord Heo sighs.

“Poor Zeeke, not even married yet and you’re already talking poorly on her,” master comments coldly. I'm a little relieved he finally said anything, but why do I care? He's just my master and I'm just his slave.

“As if you care, Marcel, you’ve tossed aside so many women in court, I would be surprised if there's a single one left you haven't had relations with,” Lord Corrin chuckles. “Though now that I think about it, I haven’t heard of any escapades of yours recently.”

“That’s because I haven’t had any."

“Really? Why?”

“I've gotten bored with that behavior, and it's gotten to the point where I feel childish still participating in antics such as those. Besides, I’ve been thinking about finally looking for a life mate." Both Lord Corrin and Lord Heo gasp. What's a life mate? "And when I do find someone, I don’t want to be shamelessly sleeping around."

"Has anyone caught your interest yet?" Lord Heo asks.

Master's hand stills in my hair.

“I'm not sure. Recently, I’ve also been focusing more on my succession and preparing to take over the throne after my relatives. Even though I still might have a hundred years before I take over, there’s a lot to know and a lot I still have to learn; so I’ve been spending most of time doing that.” Master answers casually. He hand resumes its petting again.

“Well I hope you well in finding someone to life bond with.” Lord Corrin says sincerely. “I can’t say I haven’t been thinking the same. At first, I will admit I was only interested life bonds because of their power increase, but these past few years I’ve been thinking. I want a family and someone to build a life with. I... dont want to end up alone.” Lord Corrin finishes sorrowfully.

"I wish you luck in your endevour as well Corrin, I hope you find what you're looking for." Master says sincerely.

"I too wish you both luck in finding your life mate, I'm glad you both will be able to marry your life mate," Lord Heo adds in, the "unlike me" left unsaid.

The room became quiet after that.

OooooooooooO

The carriage ride back is dark and silent.

Master made me sit next to him while he reads a book, occasionally he stops and watches me. I watch master from the corner of my eyes, too uncomfortable from the meeting earlier to make eye contact with him.

Master suddenly shuts the book sharply. “So, my bunny, did you enjoy the show today?”

I have a feeling my answer will only anger so I stay silent, unsure of what to say.

“Bunny, look at me,” he commands softly, the usual coldness is his voice is gone. I meet his gaze. “What is it?”

I sigh. “I didn’t master,” I whisper, just loud enough for him to hear me.

"What didn't you like?"

I sigh, he really isn't going to drop it will he?

"Did you have to threaten him master?" I ask, disappointment seeping into my voice.

Master's gaze turns cold. "Well, little charity-case, what did you expect me to do?" I flush at his tone, while I dont understand what "charity-case" means, from masters tone it's not something to be proud of. "And from what I recall, you had the same exact idea." I wince, I did say I would blackmail him too, but I didn't imagine to this extent.

"But to go that far..."

“Some times it’s the hard way that ensures the victory. If I didn't make that threat do you really think he would listen to me, or that I would hold the amount of power that I do by letting him off with a slap to the wrist?"

What master is saying makes sense; still doesn't mean it makes it right though.

“That makes sense master," I agree gently, looking down at my hands.

Master places his hands over mine. I meet his gaze, his expression much warmer than what it was moments ago.

“Master," I say, stopping myself suddenly.

"Yes bunny? Go ahead."

"You said earlier that you spared Lord Okari over land. Does owning land mean something?” I ask hesitantly. I've grown too comfortable with master.

“Of all questions you could have- never mind,” master shakes his head, though his lips curve into an amused grin. “Yes, owning land does hold importance. Owning land is a sign of wealth, and the more land a noble owns the more richer they tend to be. In the political world of nobility, it’s also important how a noble uses their land.”

“Uses their land?”

“Yes, for example, many use their land for their own businesses or businesses they support, but it’s also important to have some owned land that’s unused for any personal gain. For example, I own the largest national forest in Silvonya; the small fee to get in is completely sent to… organizations-“ a smirks for a moment, like he knows something funny that I dont. He continues, “that provide care for the underprivileged. Most of the organizations I support focus on homelessness and poverty. It’s best to do good acts for the community as a noble; it doesn’t look too well being a money-hungry mongrel.”

“I understand… thank you for explaining master,” I respond gently, glancing out the window as I soak in the new information.

It’s odd having a master that just talks with me and allows me to ask questions. Is this normal treatment for a slave owner or is my master just special? Some times I wonder if this is all just some elaborate mind game, that one day he'll just punish me out of the blue in front of other lords.

I glance back at master, only to find his red eyes watching me intensely.

OoooooooO

Queen Marzillia Tomac of Picaria is angry, no furious and disgusted. Looking down into her dark red wine, her claw-like nails dig into the delicate glass causing small cracks to appear. News travel fast in the world, and she has already heard of the interesting find in Silvonya

A human. Not only that, but a rare one.

And one that is apparently still alive.

Have they all forgotten humans are rotten? Forgotten they are monsters that deserve death? Two centuries may have been a huge time period for humans with pitiful life spans, but not for the other creatures who have lifespans from 400 to 900 years, even longer for vampires who are only immortal to disease and age (except those that let themselves age).

Has the world forgotten the Crimson Wars so soon?!

Marzillia grinds her teeth, glaring down in her wine and imagining it as the blood of that human rat.

Squeak.

The door opens behind her, but she's too consumed in her thoughts to notice, or even care.

“My Queen, King Volkari Verdinin of Silvonya is here for you,” a servant gently utters. Marzillia waves them away.

Let’s see what Volkari has to say for himself.

“Good evening Queen Marzillia Tomac,” Volkari greets formally. Marzilla doesn’t look away from her wine, certain that in her anger she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from trying to kill Volkari the second she sees him pale face.

Why is he acting so nonchalant?! Has he not realized what he’s done?!

“King Volkari Verdinin,” she greets back, her tone tense. “Thank you for arriving on such short notice, my old friend. However, I can’t say it’s great to see you.”

She finally looks up, her gleaming red eyes blaring into Volkaris. His eyes narrow and his muscles tense seeing the infuriated look on his old friends face.

He knows why she invited him over, and he's not surprised to see her so furious. She's always been quick to anger.

“Oh? And why is that?” Volkari questions lightly, acting as if he doesn't already know.

Marzillias eyes narrow. “Don’t play dumb, you know exactly why.”

Volkari chuckles, a cold, amused chuckle.

“Are you really this upset over some puny human?” He sneers.

“I’m not upset, I’m furious,” she sniffs, looking down her nose at the vampire king. “Do you have any idea what you have done?!” She suddenly snaps, and in her outburst she finally crushes the glass in her hand.

Volkari gives her an unimpressed look.

“I don’t see what the big issue is. I punished the lord that kept her existence hidden, and since all she’s ever known is life in s*****y, I doubt she’ll ever be a threat to anybody.” Volkari shrugs nonchalantly.

“Doubt she’ll be a threat?! Her VERY EXISTENCE IS A THREAT!” Marzillia screams.

"She's a human Marz! A tiny, puny, pathetic human!"

“Don’t you get it? Keeping it alive puts everything we fought for, everything the Crimson Wars was about, up for debate! We can’t tell the whole world that humans are dangerous and horrible creatures that need to be exterminated, and then keep one around just because they dont seem "threatening." What if the human somehow bears children later on? There will be more humans! We can’t let that happen.”

“What did you expect me to do Marzillia?" Volkari hisses. "Times have changed, there are more human sympathizers nowadays, too many creatures believe we were all wrong for the g******e against humankind. I couldn't just kill her, not when so many other creatures had seen her already. If I had just done that, you know they would be rioting against me, claiming I'm a tyrannical king that just wants to kill. If you’re so worried about more children I can simply have her castrated." Volkari sighs. “While I do see your point in regards to the Crimson Wars, if we were to simply kill her the public will definitely turn on us.”

Marzillia doesn't say anything back, but Volkari knows she agrees.

"Marz, do you remember your mother telling you anything about rare humans during The Crimson Wars?"

"A little, there isn't much known about them. We never found out what makes them different from other humans, other than the rare purple eyes."

Volkari nods, "hence another reason not to kill the human girl. During The Crimson Wars, rare humans were able to deflect us for a long time, though we never got a chance to learn how or why; if it was just luck or something. While I doubt that this human will know anything if its true that her parents died during her youth, it’s worth keeping her around for.”

Marzillia sighs. “You're right, as much as I hate to admit it,” Volkari smirks at her admission, recieving a glare from the queen. “But if I were you, I would make sure she’s under a tight watch.”

“Don’t worry, she is. My nephew has taken over as her master; he will be monitoring her closely.”

Volkari's glares when Marzillia shifts in place, clearly not settled by his words. "I would get someone else to keep an eye on her if I were you."

Volkari growls, "are you questioning my nephews loyalty?!"

Marzillia glares at the vampire, "I mean no ill will Volkari, you know me long enough and well enough that I would never want for any disloyalty to you or Silvonya. I've heard from a close source that your nephew acts a little odd around the slave, thats all?"

"How odd exactly?"

"They said he often talks to her, and watches her, but in a way one would stare at their life mate than a master staring at their slave."

Volkari frowns, "who's the source?"

"Some noble, from the Norin family I believe."

"If it's who I'm thinking of I'm not sure of the credibility of the source, but I will still look into it. If what they say proves to be accurate, I will deal with the slave myself," Volkari promises darkly.

"I'll hold you to that Volk."