Duchy, Destiny, Debauchery [Part 1]

Our mansion and the property was frighteningly reminiscent of a war torn battlefield. It more or less was one. With our Guild as the triumphant warriors, and the battle scars to prove it. We most certainly had them. We all had some pretty good cuts and bruises. Some of us need stitches, myself especially. Those were taken care of as soon as the battle ended. They had nothing to numb the pain when they were stitching my wounds up, so that was kinda rough. I don’t even know how or when I got injured; I must have been filled with so much adrenaline that I guess I never noticed. Everyone looked so relieved that it was finally over. We had been so anxious the past several days. In the end, we made it out together. Despite this unconventional experience we shared and the cathartic outcome, there was still a down side.

The property is overrun with the eviscerated and disfigured corpses scattered everywhere. Since there are only seven members and one leader, we were the ones that had to dispose of them. It took a few hours to gather every last one of them. It was quite the sight to see that Vapula even helped, he’s always cooped up in his office and would only come out for one of his announcements. Vapula, along with the rest of us, had these disposable outfits for this exact type of event. Vahaemarr mentioned that it is to prevent any potential infection or disease. Which makes sense.

After we rested, the bodies quickly began the decomposing process. With some relief, they were still fresh enough that the smell of a rotting corpse wasn’t there. Horribly, the flies certainly were. Buzzing frantically around the horror sight. Blissfully unaware of how something such as this could even happen. It was a truly sickening sensation. It was no surprise that I was struggling to take care of them. From the moment I got up close to one of them, I had a quick flashback to the same feeling I did during the battle. The only thought that got me through the whole ordeal was pretending that I was employed at a slaughterhouse of all things.

As unluck would have it, some of the others were also struggling with moving the bodies. Elros and Írui, to be precise. The three of us simply did not encounter this sort of thing. Tossing the already severed limbs into one pile while the whole body was thrown into another. Moving them away from the mansion to be burned, that way the smell of the smoke wouldn't linger around the mansion.

As soon as we were done with the disgusting task. We each went to our rooms to relax and cleanse ourselves of any unwanted thoughts or filth. This was very relaxing for me. I feel like I haven’t bathed in weeks. The only thoughts that were floating in my head were about which soap I should use. Pure bliss.

But that didn't last long. I suddenly had the dark realization that I was becoming numb to this world's violence. Moving all of those bodies slowly shifted my way of processing the lives of others I do not know. I was slowly starting to completely disregard the notion of life that isn’t my own or people who are important to me. Death and killing is just a normal occurrence in this world. I wasn't sure how to handle this realization. Should I just accept it? Should I fight it? Or... I don't know... At present, this is another Worthless World.

⧫⧫⧫

The rest of the evening was perfectly uneventful; same with the following day. Until we had dinner, Vapula was present, so that must mean he wanted to tell us something. Hopefully it’s something worth our time.

“Good evening, everyone. I first want to thank you for your outstanding performance yesterday.” Vapula then clapped.

We reflected the congratulatory applause with smiles all around the table. Except for Vapula. He may have said something nice, but his cold, perishable voice makes it sound like he’s upset, even his eyes look like he's mad. So strange.

“I wanted to make the announcement that we have advanced five ranks.” Vapula declared.

We all looked at each other with glee and pride. I was genuinely happy that our hard work paid off. This success will bring us a lot of confidence for the future.

“Regardless of this achievement, we shall continue on with my grand stratagem. I will be departing tomorrow and will be gone for a few days, in order to gather some important items. In the meantime. You will go on an expedition to collect your own items. It would have been sooner. But this place needs to get cleaned. Everything is in complete disarray. There are shattered windows and blood stains everywhere.” Vapula divulged.

We all groaned simultaneously.

“Lastly, since we have achieved in the ranks. My name has transfigured as well. You may address me as Prince Orobas. You may also call our Consociation, Guild of Orobas… That is all.”

Prince? He was Duke before… Whatever. It must be an Infernalior thing. No need to think about it. I have a few things to think about now. So that’s good, I think…

⧫⧫⧫

We left the dinner with full bellies and were again ready to relax once more. I got to my room and lied on my bed to reflect on my life in this new world.

“I wonder why I’m here? What is my purpose? Et cetera, et cetera.”

I paused my thinking to turn my attention to rhythmic thumping. As it continued, the closer I investigated the challenge of even concentrating on breathing became apparent. As the source of the sound was a sudden bombardment of excited knocks from my door.

“What. The. Hell?!”

I quickly got to the door and the closer I did I heard jolly giggles. I swiftly opened the door.

“Hey, Ryo! Wanna drink with us?!” Írui was at the door with a grinning Quen holding a bottle of probably alcohol.

“Really? Right now?” I asked.

“Yeah! We were going to celebrate a few days down, but we figured tonight would be time because of -Prince Orobas’- announcement.” Írui explained.

“Alright, sure why not.” I shrugged.

⧫⧫⧫

“CHEERS!!!” We shouted with glee.

As soon as I had the first shot; I almost spit it out. Because my goodness, this is worse than sake! I then looked around and the others had a similar reaction, except for Nel who had juice. On the other end, Írui and Quen were totally different. They were lightly punching each other's shoulders for some reason. They must drink this stuff often. That is a sign that I should probably pace myself. I’m not much of a drinker; the only times I drank were with my Stanford friends, and even then, that was only a few times a month.

While on the subject of friends, everyone was at our little party in the main parlour. Elros, Nel, and Aeryvon. Even old man Vahaemarr wanted to hang out! Írui and Quen are such extroverts; they can get anyone to hang out with them.

“Okay, what game should we play first?” Quen asked.

“Oo! Liar's dice!” Elros shouted.

“How about 21?” Vahaemarr suggested.

“No way, I hate thinking!” Elros replied with spite.

“Let’s start with an easy one, like, Dregs!” Írui suggested.

“Yeah, I like that one.” Quen agreed.

“What's dregs?” I only asked because I figured I could get away with this type of question.

“Wow! You are such a yokel!” Elros responded. While I just shrugged and sipped my drink.

“Shut it Elros!" Írui smacked Elros in the head.

"It's a throwing game. We take turns choosing some object in the room for another player to throw wet sand at. If they miss, they drink, if they hit it the chooser drinks.” Írui explained.

Is that why there is sand everywhere in this room?!

“Okay, sounds like fun.” I responded.