Chapters 11-12

“Ah! Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise?” she exclaimed, her voice just as prim and proper as always. “It feels like it’s been ages. Please, please, sit, sit. How are you, by all the gods graces? A-and…? Goodness, it would appear you’ve brought along a little friend as well…! How marvelous! You’re… both doing well? I hope?”

To her credit, Maisell’s voice barely wavered when she caught sight of Ivory, though her eyes still betrayed her surprise.

“This is Ivory. A… yes, a friend of mine. And, I know what your thinking, but, before you even ask, yes, she is very soft and huggable, and no you may not touch. Not under any circumstances. It’s… a whole thing. We really don’t need to get into it here, just consider yourself warned.”

“It was the height of effrontery!”

“Or we could get into it now. That works too.”

“Treating me as if I were one of her… stuffed dolls! Even the idea of it disgusts me. Only there for her sick amusement… I was mortified, Jun! Mortified! And she had the gall to do it in public as well! Where everyone could see! I’m telling you, I felt violated!”

Now dressed appropriately in a black and white kimono tailored to her, admittedly, doll-like proportions, she proceeded to pout, only further evoking the comparison.

“They were head pats! She was five years old!”

“And my pure maidens heart may still never recover! Is age really the thing to get hung up on here Jun?”

“Fine! If you’re going to be that way,” Jun growled. “Before you ask,” he turned to a bemused looking Maisell. “She will not, in fact, be taking anything in secret and without your permission. This despite it being one of her favorite activities.”

“It was one time!”

“It was the one time you got caught, you mean?”

“Everyone else was grabbing things! How was I supposed to know they weren’t free for the taking?”

“They weren’t just taking, they were buying. And, oh, I don’t know, maybe the big red ‘for sale’ sign posted out front should’ve spelled it out for you? You know, the one in large, blocky, extremely legible text? Also, just for the record, people don’t tend to just ‘give away’ precious gemstones and cherished family heirlooms. Leastwise when it’s on their person.”

“I find your backwards customs to be so unnecessarily complicated. If you want a thing, should you not simply take it? Why all these extra rules?”

“Because-!”

“And besides, what use is there in all your berating me, when you can simply use that screen trick of yours to make anyone you please stop their being cross with me? With a powerful mental technique like that, I should be able to take whatever it is I want.”

“I-! That’s not-! I don’t even-!”

“Ahem,” Maisell politely cut in. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but it looked as if you two could be at it for quite some time. Ivory, correct? I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced.”

Jun flushed, shared an abashed look with Ivory, before clearing his throat awkwardly. Then… he waited. He nudged Ivory with a finger.

“Oh! Ahem. Ah, hello. It’s good to make your acquaintance. My name is Ivory. Was that time good? Or shall I try again?” these last words were directed at him, while those that came before were rather stilted in their delivery.

Even still, it was progress.

“Yeah, no need,” he said. “Good job Ivory.”

Ivory beamed, bumping his knuckles. Her attempt at regal composure barely restraining her delight. And Maisell? Well, for her part, if she was at all shocked by what was happening, she didn’t let it show on her face. In fact, she appeared more bemused than anything.

There was some precedent for his letting her flit around in plain sight the way he did. It wasn’t uncommon for noble born children to own bonded spirit beast companions. As for how common it was for them to be capable of speech? Well, he was banking a lot on it being somewhat rare overall without being outright unheard of. In any case, playacting the spoiled and pampered noble with spirit beast in tow had worked surprisingly well thus far.

“Ahh. I see. Well, hello to you too Ivory.”

Ivory waved.

“I must say, it’s wonderful to make your acquaintance as well. I am known as the Countess Maisell D. Delian Antoinette, though I wouldn’t have you calling me by anything other than Maisell, you hear? Oh! And, if it’s just between us girls? I’d be careful, if I were you. I’m fairly certain, and please correct me if I’m wrong, that little, ah, what did you call it? Screen trick? Yes, that screen trick of his can only be used but so many times before the magic inevitably runs out.”

A series of emotions flickered across Ivory’s face then.

“That-! No, that can’t be true. Can it? I don’t see why…! Jun? Jun! Quick! Tell her she’s wrong! Jun? Go on, tell her! I mean, sure, it’s not a technique I was personally familiar with, but that doesn’t mean…!”

He turned, met her wide, pleading eyes, and grimaced. Shock, disbelief, sudden comprehension. And finally, a blank horror heavily tinged with sorrow. Apparently, it hadn’t occurred to her that his “screen trick” as she called it—i.e. compensating the offended party for any broken, and or stolen goods, then apologizing profusely—might in fact be a finite resource.

“But-! But it’s the only time of seen you show even the slightest whiff of competency. Even the measly speck of authority! They were practically eating out of your hands! Falling over themselves to please you. I had hoped… but if that too is only temporary, then…!”

It was a strange thing to see. How capable she was of communicating a wide range of emotions through body language alone. And so effectively that she was arguably more expressive than most of the people he could name. To that end, her tentacles could show shock and betrayal far better than even he could—going almost comically rigid as if she were suddenly struck by lightning. He’d never say it out loud of course, but as this little creature grew on him, he couldn’t help but find these displays rather adorable.

“Oh, but of course,” Maisell continued, after the awkward silence had run its course. “Should anything of mine catch your fancy, please, feel free to, ahem, add to your rather colorful collection. All I ask is that you come see me first, if you should find something you wish to take home with you. Does that sound fair?”

Ivory immediately brightened and he expected her to jump at the offer. Which was, of course, exactly what she did. Having just spent the entire morning cleaning up after the many disasters she seemed to leave in her wake, Jun could only look on somewhat bemusedly.

“Yes! Yes, that’s it! I will find something that’s suitable! That’s what I’ll do. A restoration artifact, or… maybe a natural treasure of some kind? Anything that might rectify at least some of your many many inadequacies!”

And in the next moment she was off, flitting around the tent at dizzying speeds. In search of what exactly? He hadn’t the faintest clue.

“Now,” Maisell settled back into her chair, and, as if a switch had been flipped, was all business once more. “Are we just stopping by or were you thinking of keeping a lady company? I could have Marie procure us some refreshments if you’d like. Marie! Be a dear and scrounge up some watered wine and ember berries for the young master! The good bottles, mind!”

“Those imported from the Elittan Colonies, Mistress?”

“You’re right on the mark, dear. Oh, and we should have some sweet tarts left over from our last meeting with the engravers’ guild representative. Bring some of those out as well, if you’d be so kind.”

The clatter of plates and wine glasses filtered in through the interior tent walls. With a sardonic smile, Jun resigned himself to the inevitable. He really had hoped that this time, surely, would be the miraculous outlier out of the bunch. When his weekly checkin proved the exception to the rule. The quick and easy sojourn he always intended for it to be. There were only so many windows of opportunity he had to slip away from his family’s estates and make the short trip south, after all. That said, he didn’t begrudge her their time together, no matter how much of a strain it put on his schedule. Still…

“You know, there’s really no need to go to all this trouble-“

“Oh no, don’t you even start. I simply will not hear of it! Opportunities like these are becoming scarce enough as it is. And, the way I see it, things will only be getting worse as business gets better.”

“But, surely, just this once couldn’t hurt-”

“Oh, but I beg to differ! I, for one, would be utterly devastated. Entirely inconsolable. As a matter of fact, you may as well slit my wrists now and leave my body for the crows! It makes little difference to me in the end.”

“That seems… a bit melodramatic, don’t you think?”

“I’d rather that, than another hour spent twiddling my thumbs.”

“Oh, well if it’s busy work you’re in need of, I believe I can think up a few things-“

“No!” she cleared her throat. “Ahem. No, forget I said anything. Trust me, I have more than enough on my plate as it is. It’s the finding someone who properly appreciates my excellence that’s proven the greatest challenge, really.”

“And that perceptive individual, does he also insist on wearing a silly little mask everywhere he goes? Because that’d certainly make for a rare coincidence.”

“You know, now that you mention it, I do believe he does. And he’s as thin as a reed as well. Yet another reason he can’t be allowed to slip away, off to who knows where, without at least having taken a bite to eat first. How could I, in good conscience, consider myself a magnanimous hostess otherwise?”

“I can’t help but feel like, were this to turn into an actual argument, the odds of me winning would be shrinking by the second.”

“It wouldn’t even be a contest, naturally.”

“So, shall I just bow out now and save us both the trouble?”

“And do so well into the foreseeable future, if you’d be so kind. It really is sad seeing you waste your considerable talents on such hopeless endeavors.”

“Lady Maisell, I must say your powers of persuasion are formidable.”

“Yes, well, to that I must ask, when were they ever in question to begin with?”

Jun chuckled.

“I suppose they weren’t. So, how about it then? I’m guessing things have been hectic over on your end?”

They were sitting in a large, well-furnished tent on plush chairs with elaborate gold filigree adorning the edges. There were long couches of the same exquisite make, as well as potted plants of every shape and size livening up the otherwise one note, cream colored tent walls. There was even a small artificial waterfall affixed into one corner of the airy, well-lit space—filling the tent with the pleasant sounds of running water. One of the tent walls was pulled aside, revealing a picturesque view of the untamed, tantalizing wilderness beyond. As seen through the mesh of a bug repellent screen, of course.

“Hah! If you call organizing meetings with the most powerful men and women on the frontier merely hectic.”

She rolled her eyes dramatically and drew out a fan with a crisp snap—fanning herself vigorously in feigned exasperation. Jun couldn’t help but smile at his partners antics. He replied.

“Ah, but you know I have a hard time seeing something like that being much of a hindrance. For someone of your talents? It hardly bears thinking about. Whereas I’m sure coordinating your outfits was a nightmare in and of itself.”

“Don’t I know it! Really, I can’t fathom how I put up with it all. The stress alone! Honestly, if it weren’t for Marie here, I don’t know what I would do. Thank you dear.”

Marie, a girl not that much older than himself, arrived with a full tray laden with a great deal more food than initially advertised. After setting down their breakfast, she gave Jun’s masked face a shy smile before scurrying back behind the tent flap. The mask, a plain, unadorned thing, covered his upper face and nose while leaving everything below that bare. It was the very same he’d worn when first he’d met Maisell all those years ago. Just as he’d continued to wear all throughout their partnership.

“So, what you’re saying is, negotiations went well?”

“They’ll have signed by this day next week. There are still some particulars that need ironing out, but that’s the gist of it, yes.”

“Excellent!” Jun clapped his hands together. “You’re a miracle worker Maisell, truly. That’s just what I’d hoped to hear.”

“You don’t need to tell me twice. It’s a gift. What can I say?”

With equally pleased expressions they clinked glasses and drank to their success. And the veritable mountain of coin that would come with it, of course.

“How goes the mining operation. I’m assuming that nasty business with the laborer's guild has been sorted out by now.”

“Oh yes, that whole unfortunate debacle has been handled, thanks to yours truly. Those greedy good for nothings! Just as you counseled, all it took was a hefty “donation” to appease the ring leaders riling everyone up. Along with the threat of not renewing our contract if they didn’t smarten up. After that, most got back in line quick enough.”

“Fantastic. And now, is there anything that needs my immediate attention?”

“Hmm? Oh, no. Not unless you want another tour of the mines, that is. Production has been steady, and the cavern is just as extensive as we’d hoped. There’ve been no fatal accidents since you last visited, although there was some unpleasantness.

“A miner, I forget the name, got his leg trapped in a crevice. The shin had to be snapped to be retrieved properly, such a mess. He was given leave, with pay of course, and he’s apparently on the mend. The physicians say he should be able to rejoin the workforce in another couple of weeks or so.”

“Good. Good.”

Now that he’d confirmed everything seemed to be running smoothly, his mind was already onto other things. He still had quite a lot to do today before he’d be forced to return to the estate.

“Oh, there was one more thing.”

“Hmm?”

Brought back from his reverie, Jun glanced up, only to see the look of distaste plainly written on his companion’s features.

“Those… men were here to see you again. Those crass ruffians I don’t know why you give the time of day. They barged in here not thirty minutes ago making all sorts of demands, as if they owned the place. I have to wonder what those thugs know that I don’t! After all, I hadn’t even known you were due to arrive today, so I can’t fathom how they might’ve come by the information-!”

Before she could finish, Marie burst through the main tent flap with a harried expression.

 ————————————————————

“P-please excuse the interruption mistress. Young lord, there are some men outside to see you, they- oh!”

Marie was gently pushed aside by one of two enormous, scarred, and heavily tattooed hands. Belonging to the hulking brute of a man behind her—every inch of visible skin crisscrossed with scars, like a complex tapestry of violence—the giant was so tall and broad that he had to stoop over to fully fit inside the relatively large tent. His overall appearance made even more unsettling by the expensive three piece suit he wore, in the fashionable colonial style.

Even though it had to have been tailor made for him, it nevertheless looked like any sudden movements would burst a seam, pop a button, or shred the whole thing to pieces in an explosion of expensive weave. Then, stepping aside somewhat demurely, the hulking brute moved to reveal the ruggedly handsome face of a tall, lithe man. Dressed well in ostentatious finery—another suit of the colonial make—the rogue flashed his even white teeth in a wicked smile. Then he opened his arms out wide, as if making to embrace a long-lost son.

“Masks, my boy. It’s been far too long! How’ve you been my dear friend! You pocket sized money maker you! I’ve been fantastic, as always, thank you very much for asking. Oh, and umm…” he snapped his fingers rapidly, as if fishing for words. “Ah! That’s right! How are the little ones? Precious little Reeves and Samantha? I think I’m remembering those names correctly. Good, or… uhhh, you know, still kicking? Doing well, I mean…?”

Jun didn’t immediately say anything, and the silence which followed became awkward rather fast. To his credit, the man’s smile never wavered and his arms never fell. They did, however, start to tremble as the seconds stretched on.

“Um… Boss? Weren’t that the other one with the mask? Count Monti-what’s his name or another?”

“Ah! Count Montifelle of Lithenburg, you’re exactly right my friend! That’s my mistake. Actually, now that you mention it, apart from the mask they really don’t look anything alike. Huh. But wait, then whose kids am I thinking of? They aren’t the Count’s, surely.”

“Dunno. Wager it don’t have much to do with this one though,” piped the giant in a voice pitched far higher than seemed natural. “Look at ‘em. He’s just a kid. And kids can’t have kids. It’s against the king's strictures. ‘Member my mum always used to say so.”

“What?! Oh, what a load of utter nonsense,” he let his arms drop and turned to the giant. “And, far be it from me to naysay that blessed saint of a woman, but by the time I was his age, I had to have sired at least twenty or more of the little bastards.”

“Oh! Didn’t know that. ‘Gratulations boss. How are they?”

“The kids? Hmm. Not a clue.”

“Oh,” the giant briefly deflated, before unexpectedly brightening. “That’s fine. ‘Member my old Da’ was too busy to visit us a’times. Its never too late though to reunite though. If you know where they’re at we could-!”

“Nope. Not a one.”

“Oh… b… but their names then...! Would be tricky, sure, but it ain’t impossible. Few choice words in the right ears and-”

“Names? Haven’t the foggiest. Look the point is, a strapping young lad like himself? You can’t tell me he doesn’t have a loaf or two rising in the oven, if you catch my meaning. Eh? Eh?” the man nudged the big guy in the ribs.

The giant didn’t budge.

“Not even their names, boss?”

“Names? Of course I don’t-! Really now. Are you still hung up on that!? I’ll have you know that unlike you Tiny, I’ve bedded a great many gorgeous, beautiful, downright stunning women in my day. From the Southern seas of Ulittan to the branch capital of Calltaya. So you tell me? How in all the nine roiling hells am I supposed to remember every insignificant townlet, or noname village I might have—might have, mind you—passed through along the way? Hells, I never had a father and just look how well I turned out!” he waved emphatically at his expensive looking suit.

The big man, for his part, didn’t look convinced.

“Oh, phooey on you and all your grumbling! It should be warming your heart right now. To think that, all across the frontier, there are dozens of miniature me’s! Running around, causing mayhem and making names for themselves. Damn! I sure know it warms mine,” he wiped an imaginary tear from the corner of his eye.

Then another wicked smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

 “And hey? Who knows? Perhaps there’s even one in this very room. What do you say Masks? Ever catch your mother reminiscing by the windowsill…? Suddenly enraptured by a midnight tryst of days long past? Say thirteen…no, maybe fourteen years ago?”

Once again only silence followed. And, as it dragged on, the man appeared to grow increasingly uncomfortable. Jun had to imagine the scathing glare both his and Jun’s partner, aimed his way weren’t lessening his growing agitation much. Then, just when it looked like the man was about to open up his fool mouth yet again, Jun sighed.

“Really? Alright I’ll bite. Just, what do you want Kaiser?”

“Ah… yes, well,” he visibly collected himself—smoothing down his suit and coughing into his hand. “Ah… umm. The thing is…? We… kind of need to talk.”

 ***

“What do you mean you need everything by tomorrow?!”

They were standing inside a ring of trees far from the main campsite—well out of earshot and away from prying eyes—though still within the safety of the soldier patrolled perimeter. Maisell had taken the liberty of restricting Ivory to her tents—saying it was only proper a young lady such as herself, not be exposed to such unsavory elements as “those uncivilized rogues.” Honestly, going by what he knew of the two men, Jun couldn’t entirely say he disagreed.

“What can I say? New management is cleaning shop. Practically every client in the books with a sum worth looking twice at is enjoying their fair share of this city-wide shakedown.”

“And what does Albion have to say about all this?”

“Nothing much. Though that’s easy enough to do when you’re dead I suspect. When I tell you it’s been a charged couple of days…? Well, let’s just say the transition has been less than gentle. Think, less carpet shock, and more ‘caught with your pants down in a thunderstorm’—a fifty-inch lightning rod rammed straight up your-!”

“Hey boss. No swearing ‘round the kid. Bad manners, speaking the devil's tongue near the young’n impressionable.”

“E-excuse me…? Bad what?”

 “You know, sort of like… tea and biscuits—real upright behavior’n. With raised pinkies and the like.”

“Upright or uptight, you lumbering oaf,” Kaiser grumbled. “And when did you suddenly become this paragon of propriety?!”

The big man just shrugged.

“Mum taught us right.”

“Oh…? Well, uhh, that’s nice big guy. Sounds like she was a real upstanding lady, your mam. Would’ve loved to meet her. Truly, a star shines brighter in the wake of her passing…”

“Uhh, boss? She had us over for bridge night not a week gone by. You ate all her blueberry scones, then passed out on the kitchen floor, remember?”

“Semantics! Now, where was I…? Ah, right! Let’s just say things have been rather… rough going, then, lately. Happy? Me and Tiny here—or should I say Tiny and I—have outlasted gods know how many overeager takeovers. Now normally I’d say, ‘If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all!’ but this one…? Well, it sure as shit takes the cake for most imaginative brutality.”

“Language, boss.”

“Gah! Enough! Tell me, who’s the higher-ranking enforcer here!? You or me?”

The big guy, Tiny, looked unimpressed. Kaiser clicked his tongue.

“Anyway, the point is, these people are clearly out for blood. It’s even got the upper crust nervous which is never a good sign. Doesn’t matter that I personally couldn’t give a rats ass who’s exulted derrière gets to sit on the big boy’s chair. Not so long as the coin’s still flowing, and my pockets are heavy. Didn’t stop them from nearly taking off my head more’n once though, now did it? And compared to someone like Tiny here, you could say I got off light.”

The big man nodded his agreement while rubbing at a circular burn mark around his neck. Jun briefly felt a twinge of sympathy for the two and what they’d probably gone through, but it wasn’t even a question that, in his mind, his own affairs took immediate priority.

“Okay, so this “new management,” what’s their leadership look like?” Jun asked.

Kaiser lowered his voice as if his new boss could hear him from all the way out here.

“Well, there’s this one bloke, right? A big, nasty bruiser.”

“A demon, more like,” Tiny added.

“Pretty much. He’s one marble shy of a full deck of cards, if you catch my meaning. When I tell you he’s mad, I’m not talking about his anger issues. Although he has plenty of those too, believe you me. He’s one bloody minded bastard, alright, and not shy about getting his hands dirty. Tiny and I saw him cave a man’s head in with nothing but his hands. With his bare. Fucking. Hands! And the man’s not even a cultivator!”

Tiny nodded solemnly, a hint of fear in his eyes—too disturbed to remember to correct Kaiser on his language.

“But he’s not really the one you’ll be wanting to worry about. It’s his right-hand man that really gives me the shivers. He’s the quiet type, calm and collected—unassuming like. But I heard from one of his guards, yeah? That he likes to take young girls, you see, and- Well, I’ll spare you the grisly details, but let’s just say he’s bad, bad news. That poor man. Never seen a bloke drink so damned much in my life.”

Kaiser shivered and Jun’s frown only deepened.

“And if I don’t go along with this? My payments have been consistently on time up until now. There shouldn’t be any reason to switch things up so suddenly.”

“Ah. Well. You could, of course, choose to ignore this, uhh, we’ll call it a friendly warning. But do you remember how Albion had connections with the gentry? How he didn’t want to chance all that jolly hobnobbing by pissing off some no name branch lord from the ass end of nowhere? Yeah, not so sure that applies anymore. These new guys might be more willing to take… certain liberties.”

In an instant Jun’s blood ran cold. He knew what the man was implying. Because of course he did. It was just that the idea was so utterly repugnant that he almost refused to believe it out of hand. Jun clenched his fists; tried to breathe through the frustration quickly rising in his chest.

This… this was the last thing he needed. His mother…

 Checking the time on his pocket watch, he felt his frustration nearly boil over. He was late for an appointment. How could this day get any better?

“How much time do I have?” Jun said, trying to keep his tone even.

“Like I said, today. Maybe tomorrow if you’re lucky. The big boss can be a might forgetful after a good day of killing but the snake will definitely notice if no payment is made.”

Jun thought for a moment, then decided on a course of action.

“Is the account still the same?”

“Ferrin’s still alive if that’s what you're asking.”

Jun opened his screens and transferred ten million spirit coins to the crime syndicates accountant, leaving him with a little more than two million.

“I just transferred a tenth of the total. Hopefully that should be enough to convince them that I can still pay. I just need two weeks. Two weeks and I can get them the money. Can you tell them that for me?”

Kaiser smiled at him sadly.

“I’ll do my best Masks. But, if you asked me, I’d say your best bet is to run. The winds have been in a bad way for a good while now. Can’t help but think it’ll get a lot worse before it gets better.”

“No. Absolutely not. Running is not an option.”

That was his father's forte after all, and he was not his father.

“Alright, alright. No need to bite my head off. It’s just a heads up. Can’t see things turning out well for you, is all I’m saying.”

“And I appreciate the concern, really I do. But, unfortunately, I have some place to be. If you’ll excuse me gentlemen.”

And with that Jun gave a tight smile before he marched quickly past the two men—posture stiff and visibly tense. The two enforcers watched the young man go with forlorn expressions. Kaiser sighed.

“It’s a shame really.”

“Shame,” Tiny concurred.

“He really is a good kid. Fairly exceptional.”

“Ah, yup. Bit of an understatement there, boss.”

“Reminds me a bit of myself when I was that age.”

“Oh yeah boss?”

“Wouldn’t mind if he was mine actually. My son I mean.”

“Hmm…”

“Might have even visited sometimes.”

“Huh. That right boss?”

“In a manner of speaking…? Yes. Well, I don’t know. Probably.”

“Ah.”

“Although now that I really think about it, I don’t actually know his name either, now do I?”

At this final revelation, the two enforcers shared a laugh.