CHAPTER 4: THE DUCHESS OF MALVETTE

***The city of Malvette, in the human colony of the Enclave***

Dominating the skyline of the city of Malvette, the Black Tower was the unmistakable sign of human power and control of the region in Cherwind known as the ‘Enclave’. A ‘keep’ more than an actual ‘tower’, the fortification was surrounded by a stone wall manned by soldiers bearing ‘demon weapons’ and swords—the lord’s personal guards. It was perched on a hill that was next to the city and was accessible through a narrow cobblestone pathway that led to the main portcullis gate.

This was the official residence of the lord of the land, the Lady Margaret Jeanne, Duchess of Malvette.

A group of hooded individuals appeared at the main gate of the tower even though the entire city was still in their slumber. The pair of guards that were stationed at the entrance were surprised by their unexpected visitors; regardless, there was no violence, for they knew the identity of the mysterious group’s leader.

“Lady Kashca Telis, we surely didn’t expect you!”

“Hurry and open this gate. Her Holiness Ruro of the Wolf has a message for your liege, the Duchess of Malvette.”

With no second thought, the guards quickly did as they were ordered. Soon, Kashca Telis and her companions were being escorted to the tower.

“Milady!” it was the chamberlain of the duchess, “You surprise us with your presence! We didn’t know that you’d come.”

“Save the formalities for later, Chamberlain. I need to talk to your lady, and fast. Her Holiness the Beastman Saint doesn’t want to wait.”

“R-Right this way!” the official wasted no time in leading Kashca Telis inside his lady’s tower.

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The Lady Margaret Jeanne, Duchess of Malvette, never hid her displeasure when she met the representatives of the Beastman Saint, led by Kashca Telis. Not only did they disturb her sleep, but she was also annoyed by their mistress’ decision to seal-off the border crossing between Cherwind and Chersea.

“Greetings to you, the human noble who sits on the black throne!” Kashca Telis bowed in respect before her, “I have a message from our Most Holy Saint, Ruro of the Wolf.”

“Please make it fast,” the Duchess of Malvette told her, “And hopefully, it has nothing to do with another ‘border closure’! We’re literally being pushed to our limit here!”

“Don’t worry, Your Excellency!” the fox-woman reassured her, “In fact, if you succeeded in this undertaking that our Saint would give you, she might consider reopening the borders into Chersea.”

At the mention of the phrase ‘reopening the borders’, Lady Margaret rose from her throne. Kashca Telis was quick to take notice of that and pushed for her cooperation even more. The noblewoman then gave her the permission to speak, “Let’s hear it then.”

“Your Excellency, several ‘long sleeps’ ago, a most valuable person to our Saint was kidnapped by a nefarious bear-woman. Several of my tribe were killed and injured, and, according to some people we questioned, they were last seen heading towards your colony.”

“What is this? You wanted me to track and rescue that person?”

“You know about the treaty between our Saint and your predecessors, Your Excellency,” Kashca Telis reminded her, “Unless you give us special permission to scour your lands, we could only hope for you and your people’s cooperation in this matter. My liege wanted him back.”

Lady Margaret fell silent for a few moments contemplating, before she said, “The treaty between the humans and your race is inviolable. I couldn’t give you special permission.”

Kashca Telis’ hand tightened on the handle of her sword; deep inside, she wanted to cut the insolent human noble in half. However, a fellow tribesman of hers was quick to remind her silently never to use it, no matter what happened.

“However…” Lady Margaret noticed the small gesture, but she never paid attention to it, “…my men could help your Saint in looking for this person.”

At once, Lady Margaret’s personal guards came out from their hiding spots behind the pillars of the throne room. All of them carried demon weapons, and its lit fuses meant they could use it anytime…such as any wrong moves from the Beastmen contingent.

“…” Kashca Telis and her men remained silent. They could smell that the demon weapons were loaded.

“Now then, Lady Kashca Telis…” the noblewoman smiled, “May I know how we can help you?”

----------

The talk between the Duchess of Malvette and the beastmen went ahead without further incident, and in the end, Kashca Telis reached fruitful terms with the human noble. As they left the throne room, Lady Margaret had looked once again at the description of the person the Beastman Saint was searching for.

Her chamberlain was beside her, reading the contents of the paper as well.

“What do you think, Your Excellency?”

“A human male with black, straight hair and a brown complexion. The mind possessed unusual ideas and intelligence. Plus, he can’t use magic,” she replied, “I don’t know Jarvis, but only one person comes into mind with these descriptions…”

“Who do you have in mind?”

“Well, based on what those doggies gave me, I can only guess it’s the famous hero of the last war in Chersea, the Lord Kuro of Arles,” Lady Margaret said, “It has to be him since I know he’s well-acquainted with our beloved Saint, who is also friends with the Beastman Saint too.”

“Well, it could be another man though…” the chamberlain suggested.

“Yes…I mean, human males with black hair and brown skin sure are rare, but there are definitely others. However, that this person is intelligent narrows down the suspects. But what definitely identifies him as Lord Kuro are the facts that he can’t use magic, and his mind is full of weird ideas—a proof that he came from another world.”

“Oh…”

“I find it impossible to happen. I mean, Lord Kuro? In this forsaken place? No, it can’t happen. The human colonies in this land are too irrelevant for them to take notice!”

“Well, what if the Beastman Saint is hiding something from us? What if Lord Kuro didn’t intend to come here in the first place but was forced to?”

“Hm? Are you suggesting something, Jarvis?”

“Ah, forgive me for doubting the Beastman Saint, Your Excellency.”

“No, now that I think about it, Jarvis, if it’s someone irrelevant, then why would the Beastman Saint come desperately after him? And to think that she would come to us for help, with the reopening of the borders between Chersea and Cherwind at stake? She’s hiding something from us, and this is not good for the future of the colonies.”

“Should we prepare for war?”

“Not yet, and I’d prefer if we don’t get into a war. Our situation here is precarious; the human population is dwarfed by the beastmen tribes. Not to mention, we’re hopelessly cut off from outside support.”

“Indeed.”

“But, I’m not discounting the possibility. In any case, we first need to determine the identity of this person Ruro has kidnapped.”

“You think this person was kidnapped, Your Excellency?”

“Why would the Beastman Saint close the borders if it isn’t kidnapping?” Lady Margaret smirked, “And if it’s someone like Lord Kuro? I’d also do the same! Someone like him is too precious to lose!”

“He must be good looking to have caught your eye as well, Your Excellency!” Jarvis teased.

“Ah, it’s not that. I mean, he’s not ugly, but his face isn’t that remarkable either. However, I’ve met Lord Kuro once, in Nerfes during his awarding ceremony after the war. He’s a nice person; unlike those haughty nobles who were quick to bask in the glory of Lord Kuro’s victory.”

“Sounds like he attracted you?”

“Well…” the noblewoman’s face blushed, “Ever since I met him in Nerfes, I…I liked him. A simple man with a sincere heart and a mind that could move even the heavens. I just couldn’t get near Lord Kuro back then because that pesky Iron Princess keeps on clinging to him.”

The chamberlain whistled.

“Oh, Jarvis, what if this person is really Lord Kuro? He must be in danger from these barbaric beastfolks!”

“If it is true, Your Excellency, we should send men to find him, whoever he is, and determine our future actions from there,” Jarvis suggested.

“Hmm…I got a better idea,” Lady Margaret chuckled, “Let’s go along with these beastfolks’ wishes for a while. And if it’s Lord Kuro, by all means, we should be prepared to protect him!”

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**Kuro**

“Greetings!”

I tipped my hat towards the fisherman that greeted me while on the road. Traveling from the seaside village of Mereschal to the town of Tiver, it’s been several ‘long sleeps’ since I came ashore from the Cauldron to this place called the ‘Enclave’.

And what can I say? It is a beautiful land.

According to what I heard, the Enclave was the territory given to humans by the current saint, Ruro of the Wolf, to establish their colonies. Its name was derived from the tall, stone walls that were erected some place north of here, which the humans call the ‘Outer Walls’ and ‘Inner Walls’.

Now, if I could describe the scenery inside the walls using one word, it’s ‘homely’. The villages here were different from Chersea in that it’s much smaller, and the people were closely knit. I think thieves would have a difficult time ‘blending’ in with the locals since they knew each member of the community well.

Walking away from the shores, the picturesque countryside greeted me. Vast farmlands of plants resembling sunflowers (only the petals were of orange, red, and purple colors) spread as far as the eye could see. The blue mountain ranges lie to the west if I’m facing inland, and to the east, rolling green hills dominate the scenery.

“…”

The road was unpaved and could be quite difficult to traverse when it rains. But then, for a while now, skies were clear, with a few clouds gathering to the east. I deliberately slowed my pace to enjoy the view.

“Hurry on your way, lad!” A farmer called out to me from his farmstead. He was looking out to his farm helpers, beastmen who were busy tending to the plants, “Looks like there will be rain clouds later!”

“Ah, thanks!” I replied to him. So far, I’ve yet to encounter a bad character among the locals. All of them were helpful and accommodating, especially when they found me at the beach with tattered clothes and a disheveled appearance.

A far cry from what I experienced with the maids at the Holy Palatial Gardens when I was first summoned.

“Going to the big city, young man?” another farmer asked. He and his family were taking a break from harvesting his flowers, while his beastmen servants serve them some drinks, “Why don’t you stop for a while and try my lightflower wine?”

“Ah, thanks, but I have to decline. I’m in a hurry!”

“Trying to catch our lord’s eye, eh? Don’t worry, she’s a kind lady and may give you the work you’ve been wanting all along!”

“Thank you!” we waved at each other as he puffed smokes and take his well-deserved rest under the tree at the entrance of his farm.

Well, what can I say? Seemed like the ruler of this land was a good lord. Her subjects always referred dearly to her.

“…”

But I shouldn’t be distracted by such things. This land may be nice and all, however, I needed to return to Chersea, no matter what.

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The rain had just started pouring when I reached the tavern in this little town called Tiver.

“Oh! A new face! Greetings!” the blond tavern maid was all smiles when I appeared at the door, “What can I get you?”

“Got any food for a traveler’s budget?”

“Ah yes!” she gestured for me to take a seat, “Would you like some ale to come with it?”

“Yes, please,” I answered as I removed my coat. I took the table nearest the bar so that the food would quickly be delivered to me. I couldn’t help it, I’m starving right now.

In any case, while waiting for my food, I took the time to look around me. It sure differed greatly from what I experienced in Chersea…this land. While the human realm was relatively more developed than Cherwind, this place had a ‘homely’ feel to it.

“…”

The tavern was pretty small, but it was packed with people. Some were travelers like me, while others may have been taking shelter from the sudden downpour outside. A bard was playing with his guitar near the fireplace, but I couldn’t make out his music.

Well, I’ve been traveling around this place called the Enclave for several ‘long sleeps’ now. In the absence of an ‘hourglass’, I got no choice but to revert to Chersea’s old way of time-reckoning. But, it’s better than burning my days inside that prison in Ruro’s palace at the Cauldron…plus, I get to see this world I got summoned to.

“Here’s your food, mister!” the tavern maid set the plate and the accompanying ale before me. She then winked and said, “Enjoy eating!”

“Oh? That was fast! Thanks!”

Man…this place sure knows how to serve meals. This meat and soup tandem smelled delicious, and the bread that came along with it sure is appetizing too…

----------

And yes, for a while now, I’ve been living comfortably. It’s all thanks to that bear-woman, Ursura. See, after she dropped me off the beach near some human settlements, she handed me a small bag full of gold coins.

“Take it,” she told me back then, “It would be of use to you here than it is for me. Buy clothes and weapons for yourself; you’re going to need it.”

I counted the contents, and much to my surprise, it amounted to 22 gold coins. I blurted out, “These are like the gold coins in Chersea!”

“Well, that’s because it came from Chersea,” Ursura admitted, “I…stole it from some random human, on my way to the Cauldron.”

“Oh…” Though I’m having second thoughts about using the money after learning where it came from, I also understand that I’m in an emergency. Besides, it’s not like Ursura could barge in and hand back to that certain human the coins that she stole.

Even so, poor guy…

“So yeah, that makes us even,” she declared with confidence, “You helped me back in the Cauldron, now I gave you something that would help you here in mainland Cherwind.”

“Thanks…” I reached out my hand for a handshake…

Ursura didn’t bother to take it, “Well then, I’m going now, human. Do me a favor and keep your mouth shut about seeing me, okay?”

“Understood. So long!”

Ursura remained silent as she pushed her boat back to the sea. After a few moments of watching her, she eventually disappeared from my sight. That bear-woman really hates doing business with humans like me. I just wonder why she was like that.

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Ah well, now’s not the time to think about such things. I had to leave this land as soon as possible, and—according to what I’ve gathered from talking to the locals—my hope of crossing back into Chersea lay in a city called Malvette. They’ve been telling me I would find the caravans in the human realm in that place.

But let me take a rest in this town for a—

“Hey, Missy! I said come here!” a burly man of about 30s-40s of age (Earth years) came near my table and caused it to overturn. He never apologized but continued on, pursuing some girl that ran into the back of the tavern bar.

What the hell? And I haven’t taken a bite of my food just yet!

Now that I noticed it, the tavern’s peace was disrupted by this rude fellow. The people were now restless after witnessing the ruckus, and an old lady was trying to stop the man from pursuing his target.

“Kyaaa!!! Stop please!” the beast-girl cried out as the troublemaker yanked her thin, delicate arms.

“Come on! I’ll pay you; just grant me one sleep!”

“Stop it, Sevans! Missy is tired; she needs to rest!” the old lady was pleading to him.

The others in the tavern were just watching the scene unfold. Some even encouraged the man to ‘use his strength and drag’ the beast-girl to the nearest bedroom.

I stared at the tavern maid, who came to my table to tidy the mess they made. I asked her, “Aren’t you guys going to call someone to stop them?”

She shook her head, but I could feel the awkward tension from her, “It’s not our business.”

“Don’t bother with that beastwoman, kid,” a man from another table told me, “It’s her purpose; she’s a sex slave, after all.”

“But she’s still a person, even if you say that!”

“Are you a newcomer here?” the tavern maid asked.

“Yeah?”

“Then, just a friendly advice, Mister…” she tapped on my shoulder, “If you don’t know the beastfolk, these barbarians are too dangerous as equals to us, humans. They’re not worthy of your attention.”

“Wha—” I found myself unable to say anything to that. I did not witness how a slave was being treated in this world, or on my own, before. Beastman or human, what I knew was that it was the worst experience. And since it was painful to watch them, while no one bothered to do something!

Once again, I’m dumbfounded by the common sense of this world.

“…”

Haa…I know I shouldn’t get myself involved in this trouble, since I’m trying to hide and escape. But of course, I couldn’t turn a blind eye to this scene. Not only did that girl was being forced to do something that she didn’t want, but that fellow also pissed me off when he thrashed my food.

“Hey!” I tapped on the guy’s shoulder, enough for him to notice me, “Please stop making a scene. You’re disturbing us!”

The man then let go of the beast-girl and faced me, “Hoh? And who are you?”

“Sorry for intruding, but I’m just telling you to stop.”

“Playing goody-two-shoes eh, sonny?” the man threw a glare at me, “Don’t you know that I’m the first to her, so I have the right to get her service?”

“I already had a contract with her even before.”

“What?” both the man and the old lady blurted out.

“Yeah, so that means, I’m first to her ‘services’ before you.”

“You’re itching for a fight?”

“No. I’m just stating the fact,” I turned to the old lady for back-up, “Right Grandma?

“Err…eh, uh…y-yes! He’s first, even before you, Sevans!” she was quick to pick my intention, “So please get your hands-off my merchandise!”

The man named Sevans was clearly pissed. He took a nearby bottle of wine and broke its end to create a makeshift weapon. Then, he walked up to me and said, “I wanted her; watch where you’re poking your nose, sonny!”

Okay…I guess this wouldn’t end peacefully, eh?

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“I said I wanted her; watch where you’re poking your nose, sonny!”

The burly man never wasted his time to grab the collar of my clothes and pulled me closer to him. He reeked of alcohol that I almost vomited from his stink. But I could tell, he’s not fully wasted; he could put up a bit of a fight.

“Look, I don’t want any trouble, Mister,” I told him, unfazed.

“Then stop minding other people’s business!”

Goodness, I wanted to punch this guy. However, while I’m sure I could handle myself against him (him being drunk and all); I’m not keen on picking up fights when I’m hiding. Well, I’ll just try the diplomatic route for now, “Why don’t we settle this peacefully? I’m sure I can offer you something you’d like.”

The man suddenly fell quiet. From his expression, I could tell that he was surprised at my offer.

And that’s a good sign. He can be persuaded to back down.

“I know you’re bluffing, sonny; don’t you think I won’t know? Missy is a high-quality beastwoman! You say that you’re first, but could you even match her price? I’m willing to pay her 50 silvers!”

“I can pay 60.”

“Why, this fucker…alright, if you don’t hand me some 60 silvers, I’ll give that ugly face of yours a nice, blue bruise.”

“Even better, here’s one gold coin. Deal?”

The drunkard’s eyes almost popped from his sockets when I handed him a shiny gold coin from my pocket. Then, I purposefully showed him the dagger in my waist to send the message that I would use it when I had to. Hopefully, he’s still sane enough to realize it…

“…”

The man stared at me for a few moments before he picked his prize and retreated. Good thing he knows when to stop.