Ugly Bastard

“Your Excelency, a pleasure to have you in my humble domain…this often.” Said Theressa with a bit of sarcasm in her tone, while making a courteous bow as the procession of people neared them. Priscilla, Brianna and Dryads follow suit bowing in courtesy with the grace and elegance of true high noble ladies.

“Duches Vespertine would not be present today?” Asked Archduke, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, she is here. She will join us just a little bit later.” Said Theressa with a slight smile.

The Archduke's eyebrows creased as he stared into her eyes, clearly angered by such a blatant show of disrespect, or even threat, but Theressa held his gaze in silence, without retracting her smile.

“99, 100.” Muttered Lord Belmont with a distant gaze, concentrating on his other senses. “All giant spiders are here. But I sense no night clan members. Either there is none, or the fog barrier is inhibiting me from sensing through the vampiric magic veil. We can’t be sure how many enemies there might be.”

The knights surrounding the procession visibly tensed as they looked around the field as if trying to peer through the thick fog that hid the forest and the monster in it from their view. The hundred giant spiders were one thing, but the Nosferatu Dutchess hiding in the darkness ready to strike at any moment, could disturb the nerves of even the most bold and fearless of the warriors.

“And young Count McDaniels?” Asked Archduke.

“He will be meeting us inside.” Answered Theressa, and Archduke's eyebrows creased even further.

“This does not seem to be a warm welcome.” Said Archduke not tearing his gaze away from Theressa.

Theressa though turned her eyes away from him ignoring his words and looked at the royal investigator, maintaining her cunning smile.

“Haven’t you just called our family members enemies, Your Excellency." She added after a bow.

“My apology, it was just a figure of speech." Said Lord Belmont.

“In that case there is no need to be wary, after all it is only natural in noble circles for the entire family to gather to welcome such high esteemed guests, is it not?” She added turning back to look at the Archduke and the forest erupted with eerie insectile sounds of clicking and clacking.

Every knight tightened their grip on the weapon handles, their eyes jumping from side to side to every sound that came from the forest.

The two young men behind the Archduke and Royal investigator were visibly disturbed but held their composure quite admirably, however the girl between them went pale noticeably frightened by the click-clack sounds that came out of the fog.

“It seems you have more guests with you today, Your Excellency. Would you be introducing us?” Said Theressa when the noise coming from the forest stopped, bringing an eerie silence to the surrounding once again.

The Archduke stood in silence peering at her for a few moments as if measuring her then stepped aside and half-turned to the young people behind him, while still holding Theressa and her group in the corner of his view.

“Allow me to introduce you, His Highness Kevin Augustine, 3rd son of the Crown Prince and ninth grandson to his Majesty the King.” Said Archduke.

Theressa and the girls around her bowed to the young man, this time slightly deeper than they did for an Archduke.

“Augustine?” Asked Brianna telepathically as she bowed. “That is not a royal family last name.”

“He is what people call an exchange prince. Son of a mistress, who is too distant to have any chance to be Crowned. Even though he is acknowledged by the Royal family and has the status and privilege of any other prince, he remains with his mothers last name.” Answered Priscilla in their wordless communication.

“As well as my Grandson Carl and his fiance Lady Violette Fertility daughter of the Earl Fertile.” Continued his introduction Archduke.

“Oh?” Voiced, Theressa surprised looking the couple up and down, noticing the young man’s heated gaze at the sight of Dryads and her daughters, even she was not excused from his roaming gaze. Even with the threat of monsters surrounding him, he still had the guts to perv on beauties.

Noticing her gaze at him he quickly tried to regain composure, averting his eyes to the side where he saw his fiance gazing at him with anger.

“It is a pleasure meeting you, your highness. I am Duchess Theressa Threadweaver and these are my daughters, Priscilla and Brianna.” Theressa introduced her family.

“The pleasure is mine. But you would not introduce the two Ladies behind you, Madam Threadweaver?” Asked the prince, his voice sounding slightly tight from nervousness, yet he kept his composure, maintaining a stoic face as a true royal family member.

“Ah, our house’s maids, you mean, Your Highness? Please forgive me, it is not in accordance with etiquette to mention maids at introduction. But so be it. These two fair maidens are Lady Dahlia and Lady Aster, Daughters of her Highness Queen Marva of the Great Tree Labyrinth.”

“I’ve been told there were three Dryads currently living with you.” Said Prince.

“Our sister Zinnia has returned home for a few days, Your Highness.” Answered Dahlia bowing courteously, yet showing off a great amount of her cleavage, making him quickly avert his gaze with flushed cheeks.

“Even Dryads need vacation.” Said Theressa smiling as she noticed his timidness.

“Khem. I see. It is unfortunate. But even having a chance to see a single Dryad beauty is considered great luck. So I am pleased to make an acquaintance with the two of you Lady Aster, Lady Dahlia.” Said prince.

By this moment half of the knights surrounding the procession turned their head to look at the girls, unable to withstand the temptation to see the members of legendary elusive Dryad race. Just as the Prince has mentioned, it was always considered to be an exceptional stroke of luck meeting a single one of them in their life. Yet here they had the chance to throw a gaze at two of them at the same time. And from the looks in their eyes they were not disappointed, noticed Theressa, her smile widening just slightly bit more.

Having men distracted by the sight before them always played in the women’s favor, so this was to her benefit. Which is why the two Dryads wore some of their most erotic maid dresses as Theressa asked them. The girls did not mind exposing themselves. If anything, the heated gazes of the men they had provoked with their exuding erotism, pleased them to no end, as they could feel the yang vitality concentrating in the air around the group.

“Fertile? That is quite a famous name.” Said Theressa turning to the girl. “Has young Marquise achieved an Earldom? I have not been aware of it. A pleasing news. My congratulations to your family, Lady Violette.

“It has been quite a few years back and my father is far from young, Your Excellency. But thank you, I will give your kind regards to him.

“Ah, but everyone seems too young in my view. I sometimes forget how quickly people age.” Said Theressa with a smile. “But you are right, even his excellency here, was but a little brat the last we had met, and they are of the same age with your father if I remember correctly. How time flies. How quickly some things fade.” Said Theressa, a slight menace seeping into her voice as she said the last sentence looking at the Archduke.

“Why is it famous?” Asked Priscilla through their wordless communication.

“Tell you later. But I think I'm starting to understand what this meeting is all about. As well as why our dear Archduke was so impatient and uncourteous lately. I need to think it through, but I think I know how we can come to an agreement with the Archduke.” Answered Theressa.

“My apology, dear guest, I was not aware that we would have some extra guests and had not prepared adequately to meet you. I am afraid we all would not fit into a single carriage. Would you like me to send for a second carriage or wouldn’t you mind walking to the mansion all together instead.

Lord Belmont gazed at her with suspicion after throwing a quick look at the carriage. Even if there were no extra guests, the carriage was barely enough to fit the five ladies, leaving no space for Archduke or him. It’s not that she did not prepare adequately, she did not prepare a carriage for them at all. This was not accidental.

This woman schemed so much he could not see the end of it. From maids wearing preposterously inappropriate attire to carriage that was not meant for guest and that suggestion to just walk that may have been alright among the friends, but not so much when she just made such a blatant threat by surrounding them with hundred powerful monsters and not even bothering to retract the fog barrier hiding the surroundings this entire time. Too many things were out of place yet he could not put anything together to understand her plan.

“We can walk.” Said The Archduke with a flat yet as Lord Belmont noticed a provoking tone. As if telling her, she could try doing something funny but they’ll see what would happen if she dared.

On the other hand he also noticed the woman slightly crease her eyes carefully watching the young prince who simply nodded in acknowledgment of the Archduke’s words.

That there has been a breach of etiquette and subordinance for an Archduke to answer without first consulting with the prince’s wishes. But as the strongest man in the group his word weighed the most and it was a permissible breach of rules. However, that also let out that slight bit of information Theressa needed to understand the hierarchy of this group of guests.

“That woman.” Though Lord Belmont as the group turned to follow the host toward the mansion, entering the thick cloud of fog. “Everything with her is not so simple, just as master Kolosov warned me. Should have listened better back then.”

As they walked through the fog, so thick they could barely see the women in front, even though they were just a couple steps ahead, the group was extremely wary.

Lady Violette forgot her recent fight with her fiance and grabbed his hand holding on to him tightly.

But just several minutes later they saw a shape of the fence through the fog and saw several bright flashes as the women passed the gates and entirely disappeared from view, leaving only Theressa standing near the gate in wait.

“What was that?” Muttered the girl nervously. “Did they just transfer somewhere?” Entering an unknown space magic gate was always a risk as it was too easy to separate everyone, sending them to different locations and then kill them all one by one.

It could not send you very far as space magic needed an immense amount of energy. But there were known cases of assassinations where someone interfered with transfer magic separating their target from the guards by sending him alone to another location, where they easily killed the person and scattered away before the guards could get to him.

However this was not her main concern right now.

Theressa smiled at her as she saw the girl's fear.

“No. It is just an illusion barrier hiding everything beyond it from view. You have no need to worry, my dear. It is safe for both you and a child you carry, I give you my guarantee.” Said Theressa.

The girl's eyes went wide from surprise, before she bowed, hiding her face flushed from embarrassment.

“I see. Very interesting. I guess I know what is going on.” Thought Theressa, throwing a quick glance at the Archduke and his grandson who also had a flash of discomfort in his facial expression.

“That explains the Archduke’s impatience and agitation. It seems like the family face is at stake.” Thought Theressa.

“Why is it flashing like that when people pass?” Asked the prince when several of the knights went through the gate to check the situation inside the barrier.

“It is just a good luck charm, helps dispel some shadows on you that you may not have been aware of.” Said Theressa.

The three young people seemed confused from her answer but she noticed the quick exchange of glances between the Archduke and the Royal Investigator.

“I see, quite insightful as expected. To figure out its true purpose from just seeing it once before.” She thought.

Once knights confirmed that entering the barrier was safe, the group proceeded inside and were surprised once again.

Instead of fog and ugly, overgrown forest, filled with the smell of mold and rotting trees, they now saw a clear blue sky and beams of light falling through the tree crowns, lighting up the path of beautiful avenue of trees and flowery bushes. The branches of the trees created beautiful arches, as if constructed by an architect, while crowns were shaped and even, which must have needed meticulous maintenance to keep it this perfect.

Just a bit further, the path of blooming trees and flowers swerved and separated like a crossroad leading to smaller avenues with different flowers and different colors. As if every road had its own unique color and beauty.

They made just a small step through the barrier, yet the difference was so much it really seemed as if they had transferred into an entirely different location.

“I see you like the work dryads have done to my garden.” Said Theressa looking at the young girl who seemed to be astonished, forgetting her embarrassment from the wonderful view before her.

“This is majestic, your excellency.” The girl said.

“Why don’t we take a small detour? I'll show you some of my favorite places.” Said Theressa.

“Maybe we should do it another…” started to say Lord Belmont.

“Oh, don’t be so dour, Your Excellency. Business can wait.” Said Theressa, interrupting him and grabbed the young girl's hand, pulling her to the side road.

“Come dear, these men can be too grim and moody for nonapparent reason, so we girls should enjoy ourselves regardless of this.” She said walking away with the girl without a care for the rest of the group.

The women instantly surrounded the girl and a moment later they were chattering and laughing with her as if they were long friends, totally ignoring the group of men, leaving the Archduke and Lord Belmont no other option but to follow.

The men only shrugged and soon followed closely behind the group of women.

“So why is he called an exchange prince?” Asked Brianna through their wordless communication, as they walked down the path.

“They would be married into another family and will take the last name of the wife’s family, losing all the privileges and status of the prince.” Answered Theressa walking with her daughter watching as Priscilla and Aster took over the role of a guide for Lady Fertille, both of them clearly taking a liking to her.”

It was joyous to see that her daughters could now make friends after so many years of being confined to solitude.

“Why? What’s the point of marrying them if their wives don’t get the royal privilege but instead take him into the family?” Asked Brianna.

“It is done for the family's overall benefit, not the wife’s benefit. They are still the bearers of the royal family blood and their strong genes, so they are very sought after by those who wish to either become related with the royal family just to widen the clan's connection circle, or those who wish to add the genes of first heroes to they family tree to enhance the families potential or simply rise in status. Having royal blood flow in the family is considered to be a prerequisite to gain a high-noble status. They are like an exchange coin of the Royal family, that the royal family gives up in exchange for other treasures and benefits.” Answered Theressa thelepetically while walking Lady Violette through the garden. “All high-nobles have a trace of royal blood in them, including you two.”

Brianna gazed at her mother in surprise. Their mother did not like to mention the man she was in love with in the past and whose genes she wished to pass down when she created Priscilla and her. Brianna only saw the man’s portraits in the house. But her mother never spoke about him when asked, and they could clearly see the pain present in her eyes when she reminiscent it, so both girls quickly learned to avoid the topic to not bring painful memories to their mother. Yet now she mentioned it so casually. It seemed like their mother had finally overcome the pain and moved on. No doubt. Noah was the reason for it.

“These here are particularly beautiful. Girls did their best with this.” Said Priscilla as they walked through the wavy road under the trees enjoying the beauty that Dryads managed to craft with the plants within the months they lived in the Mansion.

“Yes. I have never seen anything like this.” Answered the girl. At first she seemed reserved but as they walked she became more and more open, allowing herself a genuine smile instead of usual fake courtesy. The way Priscilla treated her was kind of refreshing. She felt the women could have looked down on her or would point an accusatory glance at her after knowing about her pregnancy. The women back at her own house sure did. Even her father…

However, here, not one of them had such a look. All the women seemed to show her genuine kindness.

“Are these patterns made entirely of tree branches?” The girl asked with genuine interest and disbelief, seeing some of the works Dryads had made by weaving branches of the bushes into a beautiful pattern.

“Indeed. There is nothing girls can’t do. No gardener type system of humans could match the skill of a Dryad” Said Theressa, noticing the proud and happy smiles of the two maids.

“So beautiful…” muttered the girl bending forward and stretching her hand toward one of the bushes but Priscilla suddenly grabbed her hand with a quick motion, surprising her by the force she held in her grip. The girl looked at Priscilla warily but instead of anger saw a frightened expression.

“That.., I would not recommend it, my dear.” Said Theressa from behind them.

“I am sorry.” Said Priscilla apologetically releasing the girls hand who stepped away and rubbed her wrist watching at the women in confusion.

“Forgive me it is my fault for such negligence. I got so carried away, I totally forgot to mention, that it would be good to not touch any plants in the outside circle garden. After all it is but another protective layer and a part of a defencive mechanism of our family.”

The group of men following them suddenly tensed from hearing it. Some even took a cautious step away from the edge of the track.

“What would happen if we were to touch it?” Asked Lord Belmont.

“Nothing much, as long as you have strong antidot potions with you.” Said Theressa with a smile.

“Good thing we behaved courteously and did not step off the road.” Though Kevin.

“God damn woman, say it beforehand, I was just about to sneak away to grab some flowers for V.” Thought Carl

“These beautiful flowers are dangerous?” Said Violette.

“Yes. Forgive me for grabbing you like that. I was afraid you’d be hurt…” Said Priscilla. “Does it hurt?” She asked seeing the girl rub her wrist.

“Not at all. It is fine. Thank you for protecting me. I should have been more courteous and not touch anything as I please.” Said Violette.

“Not all of them pose danger of course, my dear.” Said Theressa seeing the girl’s' wary look return. “It’s just good to not forget it. Alright then let us go to the mansion.”

“Here.” Said Priscilla directing Lady Fertile with her hand in a more courteous and reserved way than before.

Violette looked at her for a second then took Pruscilla by the arm and smiled.

“Show me the way then, Lady Priscilla.” Said Viollete.

“Yeah.” Answered Priscilla, returning her smile as they started to walk once again.

As they turned to another road they soon walked out of forest avenues, coming out into a meadow where a small stream separated the garden, going in a circle around the territory. For some reason the grass on one side of the garden differed in its shade from the one closer to the forest. It was still green but one place had a colorful vibrant green color, the other side was a lot darker and deeper in color.

“That is where the garden is divided. The inner circle surrounding the Mansion is safe, you have nothing to worry there and may enjoy any plant and flower you see. Outside that circle, where the grass differs, you better not roam without a guide or touch plants carelessly." Explained Priscilla.

“The stream is a kind of border that the guests should not pass thoughtlessly.” Said Priscilla leading them toward the mansion at the center of the flower garden.

“Is that so? But I doubt I would have the leisure to walk around.” Said Violette

“My dear, making a wedding dress is not a five minute work. It will take time and countless measurements and then again we’d need to take into account your situation. I would say you’d need to stay for a couple of days. Surely you would not confine yourself to your room for the entire time.” Said Theressa walking behind them.

“How do you…?” Muttered the girl looking at Theressa both surprised and embarrassed.

“Should I take it that you would agree to this task then, Madam Threadweaver?” Asked Archduke.

“Me? I am afraid you’d have to ask my daughter. After all, it is up to her.”

Violette turned to look at Priscilla but still saw no disappointment or contempt from her. Only a gentle smile.

The Archduke was clearly disappointed with Theressa’s answer but made no other comment.

The rest of the walk was almost in complete silence.

Passing between all kinds of flower beds the procession walked up to the mansion and went inside after Theressa invited them inside in polite courtesy. But when everyone crossed the threshold they felt pressured by the suffocating feeling. Teressa’s eyes went wide as her head swung to the side.

The knight that seemed a bit relaxed by now, immediately reacted, surrounding the prince, Archduke’s son and Lady Violette, whose expression tensed more than when Theressa welcomed them.

“What is the meaning of this?” Asked Archduke, his hand filling with magic as he spoke.

Theressa walked quickly forward with a panicky face but before she could reach the stairs a silhouette rounded the corner coming into view.

The pressure exuding from the figure filled the entire house, enveloping everyone who entered the mansion as if trying to suffocate them.

The Archduke, Lord Belmont and the knights only felt its menacing presence pointed at them from all directions, barely feeling unsettled by it, however three young people felt it press on them like a weight dropped on their shoulders. Small prickle-like goosebumps spread throughout their skin as if hundreds of small needless were trying to hurt them.

“Noah, dear,” Said Theressa with worry in her voice. “You are being very rude to our guests.”

“That is count McDaniels?” Muttered prince in shock staring at the being covered in something dark and menacing, with only his eyes like two red lanterns staring down at him.

The Archduke has seen all kinds of people in his life. Strong people, who exuded pressure far more profound and suffocating than this. Evil and bloodthirsty people whose aura made you disgusted. But never was it so domineering, never so dark and menacing. Whatever stood there it wasn’t anything he ever felt from a human.

That thing felt more like a monster.

And one particular came to mind.

“Is this…a skin walker?” Asked one of the knights and one after another they pulled out the weapon.

“Stop.” Said Archduke raising his hand to stop them, as he carefully gazed at the silhouette approaching them.

“To think that such a system could exist.” Said Lord Belmont thoughtfully.

Noah stopped at the stairs looking at the people in front of him in confusion.

“Umm… What are you all talking about?” He asked in confusion.