Greyson awoke with a jolt, the vestiges of his nightmare fading into the deepest corners of his mind. He groaned, stretching his arms and legs to their fullest extent. He glanced at the balcony, gauging the time, then stood to do his morning routine. As he prepared for his day, bathing and dressing himself, he reflected on the previous day’s happenings. True to his word, Yami had acted quickly in quelling the noble’s outrage. Within an hour after his return, he saw the camped messengers and servants start to leave his property.

  He let out a breath in relief as he pondered it. One less thing to worry about, he thought. Realizing this most recent problem was actually new, and caused by his own incompetence. Technically, I’m back to the same number of problems I had before I went overboard with those nobles.

  His thoughts were interrupted as a knock echoed from his door. “Lord Lytro,” he heard Dorik’s voice through the door. “You have guests. Lady Genmei and a small retinue have come to see you. I believe it’s rather urgent.”

  Greyson turned toward the door, his eyebrow raised in confusion. What the hell do they want now? I thought they’d be off my back for at least a few days. He finished readying himself and opened the door to find his servant, Dorik in the hall, his head bowed. “Let’s get this over with.”

  Greyson made his way down to the living area, where he saw Genmei eyeing his furniture with a haughty scowl on her face. Beside her was her assistant, the skinny violet Dae girl. She was sitting with several others who Greyson didn’t recognize on some of the various couches that were there.

  “Is it normal to make your guests wait for such a long time, Lord Lytro?” Genmei’s pink eyes narrowed at him as he approached. She lifted her nose at him, and held her hand out to the side. Her assistant bowed, placing a small stack of parchment in her hand before sitting back down.

  Greyson didn’t answer her at first, but took a moment to cross his arms and look at the group in annoyance. “I only go out of my way for ‘invited’ guests. People who just barge in here, can wait.”

  Genmei’s face twisted in irritation, but she held out the parchment.

  “What’s this?” Greyson asked, taking it from her and looking it over. He could barely read the text, but figured it was some sort of legal document. Am I being served? He thought, flipping through some of the pages.

  “It is a contract offer, Lytro. From my father.” Genmei’s eyes drifted to the side, indicating she clearly was here against her will. “You didn’t think that your services would come for free, did you? There is plenty of opportunity in there for you to bring your family back from the brink of bankruptcy…” She picked at a stray thread on the couch she was sitting on. “And save this humble home from this dreadful décor.”

  “Money?” Greyson asked, suddenly feeling like an idiot. Of course, money you moron! He thought, “How much?” he asked, trying to recover. He had never thought of currency in this world, as he mostly lived off the land and off the loot he gained from the Dae he killed. To be fair, he really didn’t know if Lytro was wealthy or not. He assumed he was at first, based on the size of his estate, and having a butler and all that. But, also based on how he had been treated since arriving, he knew that he was still at the bottom of the totem pole, in terms of influence.

  “That is a contract for thirty million poneros, per year.” Genmei huffed in clear irritation. “I thought, surely that would be enough for your services.”

  Thirty million what? He thought, focusing on the number. Back home, thirty million dollars a year was a lot of money. Taking into consideration Genmei’s station, and how she was reacting. Greyson assumed that it had a similar value here. Then, an idea struck him. “Is this negotiable?”

  He saw her pink eyes narrow in further discontent, before she responded through tight lips. “Yes~”

  “In that case, I want to bring on the two warriors who fought beside me against the demons and lived.” Greyson looked at her earnestly. “They deserve to share their experience as well. It was hard fought.”

  Genmei reeled slightly. “The commoners who survived? How much did they contribute to your victory?”

  “Enough to impress me.” Greyson responded, placing the documents on a nearby table. “I want them included in this. Five million… eh… poneros a year, each!”

  Genmei looked perplexed, turning to her assistant who only shrugged. “That wasn’t a part of the… it wasn’t considered and I’m not sure I have the authority to make an addition like that.”

  “Then take it out of my thirty million.” Greyson huffed, stamping his finger on the contract. “If you can’t do that, then I’ll head back and see Lord Yami again.”

  “That~” She held her hands up defensively. “That won’t be necessary… I will handle my father. And I won’t take it out of your offered pay… I’ll figure it out. What are their names?”

  “Yuki of house Kyomo.” Greyson began, trying to remember what they were supposed to be called here. “And… uh… Kenji!”

  Genmei sighed. “At least one of them has a house name. Have them brought here by midday to sign the revised documents.” She quickly stood, gestured her entourage to follow her and hastily made her way out of his house without saying another word.

  Greyson didn’t waste any time, gathering his things and making his way out of the door as well. He wasn’t sure exactly how to navigate his way through Ne’arath yet, but he could sense his companions, and would find them without too much trouble. He made his way to Dorian’s location first, as it was the furthest, and the trip back from picking up Ashley would be essentially on the way to his estate.

  After a bit of travel through the various modes of transportation this city had, he found himself in what was clearly the slums of Southern Ne’arath. Following his senses, he closed in on the lifeforce of Dorian, until he stood in front of a small hovel, nestled between two rundown buildings. He knocked on the door, which was wood, surprisingly. Most doors he had seen in this world had been made of stone, activating with the introduction of spiritual energy. The wooden door creaked open, and a young Dae girl, no taller than Greyson’s waist, looked up at him with dull yellow eyes.

  “Hey… kid. Is Kenji in?” He asked, unsure of whether Dorian’s identity had a son or a daughter.

  “He’s here…” The girl said, turning to walk into the house. She left the door open, and Greyson tentatively followed her. The inside was actually smaller than it looked on the outside, with only one bedroom, and a small living space. There was another door that led into the backyard area, where the girl slipped through, and there, with his back turned, was Dorian, working on a stone mechanism of some kind.

  “Papa, there’s a nice-looking man here to see you.” The girl said, tugging on his pant leg.

  “Lunoki!” A woman called from Greyson’s left, running over to scoop her up. She was a blue-skinned Dae girl, wearing a rough looking dress, stained with blotches of dirt and grass. She held the little girl, Lunoki, defensively, looking nervous, before Dorian turned around and laughed.

  “About time, Gre— Eh… Lord Lytro.” Dorian wiped his hands on an apron he was wearing and extended his hand out to Greyson; who eyed it suspiciously, noting the caked dirt and mud on it. “Ah, don’t worry about it.”

  “L… Lord Lytro!?” The woman nearly choked, and fell to her knees. “My Lord, please forgive our state, we had no idea nobility would be visiting us today!”

  “Dennia…” Dorian shook his head, “get up, he’s not like the others. You can act normally around him.”

  “It’s fine.” Greyson chuckled. “Stand up, stand up.”

  “This is the guy I told you about.” Dorian gestured to a small circle of stone chairs in the center of a patch of grass. “Come on, lets sit down. I’ve been waiting for you, you know?”

  “I… I’ll make some refreshments!” Dennia stuttered, running inside with her daughter in her arms. “Come on Lulu, let’s make our guests some drinks.”

  “You’re looking… comfortable.” Greyson smirked, nodding toward the door.

  “I don’t wanna hear it.” Dorian sighed, shaking his head. “I just… I showed up, and she leaped at me, crying and praying some nonsense… She was so happy to see her husband, alive and well… told me that they would have starved to death without me. Then Lunoki joined in, and… I just felt like shit, Grey. We killed her husband, Lunoki’s father. I’m just here, wearing him like a fucking skin-suit.”

  “Don’t grow a conscience on me, Dorian.” Greyson leaned forward. “They’re all doomed in the end, you know it, I know it.”

  “Yeah, well that doesn’t mean that I have to make their lives miserable.” Dorian crossed his arms. “You better have some good news for me, Grey. Dennia is likely brewing up our best tea, the last of it. So, it better be worth it.”

  “I’ve come to offer you a job.” Greyson smiled, lifting his chin. “I’ve been rubbing elbows with the right kind of people, you know? There are some nobles that are willing to pay top dollar for the services of the ones who ‘killed’ us.”

  “Really~” Dorian leaned back, rubbing his chin. “And how much are they willing to offer? I can be expensive, you know?”

  “Enough to get you and the family out of this dump.” Greyson laughed.

  “Hey!” Dorian chuckled. “This is my house, brother. Don’t go insulting another man’s property.”

  “Refreshment’s, gentlemen.” Dennia called, holding a pitcher, with some bowls made of wood on a pallet. She knelt, placing the bowl in Greyson’s hands, and pouring him a sweet-smelling drink. She did the same to Dorian, then was about to leave before He stopped her.

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  “Dennia, you know, Lord Lytro came here to offer me a position up at the capitol building?”

  “O…Oh.” She paused, looking a little shocked that he had decided to include her in the conversation. “That’s wonderful, dear! Why… why would they do that?” She placed the pitcher down, then took a seat next to her husband.

  “Because he helped me slay the demons.” Greyson smiled. “That skill and experience is well sought after. And worth a great deal of money.”

  “W… will they ask him to fight again?” She asked, her face filled with worry.

  “Dennia. I’m a warrior. Of course I have to fight again.” Dorian rolled his eyes. “Don’t you want to move out of this place? Get Lulu a real education?”

  “I would rather she have her father… and I would rather see my husband grow old with me.” She looked at her hands, clutching the hem of her dress.

  “I can’t promise he won’t be in harms way, Dennia.” Greyson said reassuringly. “But I ‘can’ promise a better life for you and your daughter.”

  “Well… if you don’t mind, Lord Lytro. How much of a yearly wage are they offering?”

  Greyson held out his hand. “Five—”

  “Five hundred!?” Her eyes bulged with excitement. That’s more than double what we were getting, dear, that’s wonderful!”

  “Million…” Greyson’s face sagged with a mixture of confusion and regret.

  “Five million!?” Dorian spat out his beverage. “Are you Fu— are you kidding me!?”

  Dennia’s eyes glazed over with the shock of the number. “What…?”

  “Five million poneros.” Greyson doubled down, looking at Dorian. “A year. And that’s starting today. So, Dennia, you are going to need to pack a few things. Because right now, you and your daughter are coming with me back to my estate, to sign the paperwork and make this official.”

  Dorian’s smiled, shaking Dennia by the shoulders. “Snap out of it, woman! Get Lulu, put on some clothes. We’re leaving!”

  She scrambled out of her chair, and dashed into the house, leaving Greyson and Dorian chuckling.

  “Money may not really mean much to us, Grey. But to her, it will be life changing. I appreciate it.”

  “It’s just a number, Dorian.” Greyson nodded. “What comes with it is a lot more dangerous than you think.”

  “Any word from, you know who?” Dorian asked, his voice lowering to a whisper.

  “Silence, so far. But things are happening now. She can’t ignore us forever.” Greyson stood, placing his hand on Dorian’s shoulder. “Let’s go pick up Ash. She’s gotta be on the verge of killing someone by now.”

  Greyson’s words were technically right. By the time they arrived at the merchant’s district and found her family’s rather large home, she was on the verge of killing someone; him.

  “About fucking time, Grey.” She growled at him through grit teeth as her father and mother laid out their best wines and finger foods.

  “We are so happy to welcome the noble lord who saved our poor daughter’s life.” Her father said, bowing before Greyson.

  “It’s… fine.” He reeled at the awkward position he was in, looking at Ashley for help.

  “Don’t look at me.” She sneered, “I’ve been dealing with this for over a week now.”

  Greyson figured it would be better to give her family the news of her new position after the fact, as he wanted to be as far away from them as possible when the number was dropped. One family’s reaction was more than enough for him in one day. He informed them that he was again in need of their daughter’s services, and that more information would be shared with them tomorrow. They seemed disappointed at this, but didn’t protest. Greyson and his two companions made their way back to his estate; there, Dorian took a little while to settle in with Dennia and her daughter. Both of whom were beside themselves with excitement.

  Greyson felt a twinge of happiness for them, a feeling he felt somewhat conflicted about. These creatures were Dae, the orchestrators of his misery. He had hated them for so long, that a positive thought of one seemed just… wrong. Then, he saw little Lunoki running through his halls, wearing a new dress that Dorik had procured for her. Her once dull and morose expression was now one of elation and pure joy. His thoughts were interrupted by a tug on his arm by Ashley, who gestured toward his study.

  “Kenji!” Ashley yelled, “Let’s go!”

  They made their way into the study, taking their anti-eavesdropping precautions first, then got straight to business.

  “So, they want us to train their warriors how to kill humans.” Ashley leaned back in one of Greyson’s armchairs.

  “Yes, but I don’t think that’s their main goal.” Greyson responded, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “Maybe it started that way. It’s obvious there is some influence in the upper levels of their government, but down here. With the high nobles who run the day to day? They’re all scrambling for power and advantage over each other.”

  “Really?” Ashley asked him, her face one of disbelief. “I doubt it’s that simple, Greyson.”

  “Sometimes it is.” Greyson shrugged. “You think they care that we killed humans? They’re fighting over us because we have value to them now. We made an impact, and we can use that. Like I said, sometimes it’s that simple.”

  “You’re the only one who has true value to them.” Dorian added, pouring himself a bowl of wine. Taking a long sip and savoring the taste. “You’re a noble to these people. Me and Ash are just fodder.”

  “Don’t lump me in with your poor ass family, Dorian.” Ashley laughed, “My family is a respected merchant house.”

  “I mean you’re a commoner like me, you little—”

  “You’re right.” Greyson interrupted. “I’m the only one who at least has the opportunity to raise my status high enough to make a difference. If my status goes up though, yours does too.”

  “A rising tide and all that jazz.” Ashley huffed, “So, what’s the end goal? How do we get our asses back home? Are we still waiting for Dio’Mar?”

  “I don’t think we have the support of anyone anymore…” Greyson deflated at the words. “All the boons we were granted? Fuckin’ gone; bye-bye. Out the goddamn window. So, we can rule out our previous patron. And Dio’Mar’s silence?”

  “Along with the fact that she most likely was the one who set us up to die?” Dorian added.

  “Agreed.” Ashley seconded.

  “Yeah, you guys get the picture.” Greyson joined Dorian and poured himself some wine. “For now, we try to blend in and survive here.”

  “Please, they’re going to be at war with Eleutheros in a matter of weeks.” Ashley crossed her arms. “We’re in this shit, whether we like it or not. And either way we look at it, it brings us back against…”

  “Daniel…” Dorian finished, clenching his fists till his knuckles turned white. “And his group.”

  “I don’t want to fight him again.” Ashley shuddered, her eyes going distant, and her hand unconsciously rubbing at her chin, where Daniel had shattered it all those months ago.

  “Don’t think about that now.” Greyson did his best to reassure her, all the while ignoring his own completely rational fear of the man. “Let’s do our duty here. Make some money, live like actual people for once, and just focus on our lives. War, demons, disgruntled spirits? Fuck em’ all. We focus on ourselves for now.”

  “Still doesn’t sound like much of a plan.” Dorian shook his head.

  “Because there isn’t really one yet, Dorian.” Greyson shot back. “And if we have no reason to put ourselves in the crosshairs again, we don’t. Got it?”

  “Don’t bite my head off, Grey.” Dorian raised his hands defensively. “We’re just talkin’ here.”

  The door to the study echoed with a solid knock. Followed by the voice of Dorik, who alerted them that Lady Genmei had once again arrived.

  Greyson nodded to his two companions, and they made their way back to the living area below. As before, Lady Genmei and her retinue were seated among the couches, within her hand was another stack of documents. She eyed Ashley and Dorian suspiciously, before placing the paperwork open on a table that was beside her.

  “Lord Lytro. Your demands have been agreed upon.” She said, her imperious voice ringing annoyingly in Greyson’s ears. “Your two… ‘companions’ have also been added, as requested. All you need to do is sign here, and you will be officially employed by House Kamakura. I am also required to inform you that your previous service contract with Lord Ryoko and house Rosso are void, as of now.”

  Greyson leaned forward, picking up the writing utensil she had offered him. With a steady hand, he made his mark. Which, he realized, was his old signature from back home. She looked at the mark, then at him in confusion, but seemed to shrug it off. Dorian and Ashley did the same, only doing a better job at mimicking the written language of the Dae than he did.

  “It is done then.” Genmei said with a satisfied breath. “Welcome to House Kamakura, Lord Lytro. Officially, of course. Tomorrow, we have requested all members of the task force to assemble once again in the training district. Please, refrain from any further violence against those who remain.”

  Dorian and Ashley both gave Greyson sidelong glances, but he bowed is head in acceptance. “I will show the utmost restraint while dealing with them, Lady Genmei.”

  She looked at him for a few more moments, before standing and taking her leave.

  “What’s all this about violence against your trainees?” Ashley asked, after the room had been cleared of guests.

  Greyson sighed, looking up at the ceiling. “A long story, which I’m sure you’ll hear all about, tomorrow.”

  ~

  Genmei made her way into the royal observation box atop the great Deruthrin tower. The night had been filled with wine and friendly companionship from several of her closest friends. Her father was well pleased with her handling of the loathsome Lord Lytro, and that was always cause for celebration. As the stone doors slid open, her violet skinned ward, who also happened to be her cousin, Sazumi, rose to greet her. She groaned inwardly at her presence; another favor from her father, who had insisted she take her under her wing. She was a spindly little thing, and irritated her to no end with how earnest she was.

  “Lady Genmei!” Sazumi bowed deeply, after running to greet her. “I hope you had a wonderful night. There are several tasks that must be—”

  “Later, Sazu.” Genmei dismissed her with a wave of her hand. “We have a long day ahead of us, and I need to make sure this day is perfect. Father will not tolerate another mishap like last time.”

  “Ah… yes.” Sazumi bowed again, another thing that annoyed Genmei to no end.

  Spirits, she is insufferable, she fumed.

  “There is a message from Lord Todoroki.” Sazumi continued, “he wishes to inform you that he will be present today, and observing the training regiment.”

  Genmei was flabbergasted at the news. “He has no authority to view our private training. Be sure to send him away if he’s spotted.”

  “Umm… unfortunately, my lady, he has a signed letter from the governor. It is apparently a precaution, for the safety of his son.”

  Genmei cursed, something she usually refrained from. “The entitlement of these rival houses is astonishing. They think they can do whatever they please.”

  “Umm… with all due respect, Lady Genmei.” Sazumi bowed AGAIN, causing Genmei’s eye to twitch. “Wouldn’t his son bring the details of this training session back to him anyway? There should be no point in restricting him… would there be?”

  Genmei pinched the bridge of her nose, letting her nerves settle before explaining to this foolish girl, the intricacies of high noble politics. “It is the principle, Sazu. No matter that his son is able to bring the training back. Yoshi was chosen by my father to be a part of this task force, not his father. It was a move that showed our houses dominance over them. Taking his heir and bringing him into our employ… He will try to find ANY way to take that away from us. I must bring this up to Lord Lytro when he arrives… But, do you understand now?”

  “Yes, my lady.” Sazumi bowed again, then turned to the open window.

  Genmei followed, walking closer to peer outside. Far below, she saw the formation of trainees, and Lord Lytro already beginning his instruction. “Damn that man…” She hissed, rushing to the exit.

  The nerve of this man. She instructed all of them to meet her at the top of the tower. He must have stopped them on the way up, she thought.

  Increasing her speed, she dashed out the bottom of the tower, sliding to a halt before she was in view of the formation, adjusted herself to be presentable, then revealed herself.

  “As I said the last time we met.” Lytro bellowed, his harsh voice causing Genmei’s stomach to lurch. “This is no game! The caliber of creature you will be training to face is far beyond anything you can possibly imagine.” He turned to face his two new companions. The commoners who he had insisted be added to the contract. “These are Yuki, and Kenji… Yes, they’re commoners, and yes, to me, they are far above any one of you. Because I have seen their courage. And they stood beside me while slaying the demons. Even as all of their companions died around them, they stood strong. They have more than proven their worth, now you all must do the same.”

  Genmei shook her head. “More boasting.” She glanced at Sazumi, whose face was flushed a deep purple.

  “He is rather dashing though…” She said, before straightening her back and widening her eyes. “I mean, of course, Lady Genmei. You’re absolutely correct.”

  “You can’t be serious, Sazu.” Genmei chuckled, turning back to the low noble. She studied him while he continued to yell at the nobles; the ridged lines of his chin, the curves of his muscles. How the sun glistened off of the thin sheen of sweat on his brow. Hmmm. She blinked, feeling a heat rise on her cheeks. Enough of this nonsense. She thought, banishing any foolishness from her mind.

  “So, get in pairs…” Lytro’s voice drew her back to reality, as he pulled his blade. “And prepare for the toughest day of your lives.”