"Mono/Dialogue"

  'Inner thoughts'

  Narration

  [Message/communication apparatus]

  Date: 25th December 1080

  Location: County of Toron, Victoria

  POV: Narrator

  The night is full of merriment, the air is thick with a sense of jubition, the coldness of winter, the dread white ghost who had centuries ago whisked away the unfortunate, was converted into the fuel for furthering the needs of warmth.

  But this time of rest also had its darker side, a most natural aspect upon living and dying, of rejuvenation and decay, and of glory and vanity.

  Victoria’s winter is a beast of its own. It is not the harsh and lethal specter of death from Ursus and Sami, it is not a muddy and unrelenting swamp of a bygone era from Kazimierz, and it is not the coldness amidst the glittering skies that is Lungmen.

  Victoria’s winter is that of silent yet ever-scorching blood and iron, so ancient with the thirst that they have even forgotten what the purpose of this all is. To subjugate? To thrive? To hate and destroy? Or to rebuild the new order with Victoria at the helm?

  Fitting, right, correct, true, and all those fanfare’ answers are as numerous as there are intrigues between Victorians, uncountable. Not to mention that reality can be very cruel and unforgiving, even more so when the future is uncertain and mired with strife and division.

  But blessed be with the legacies forged by the bzing fme of Draco and supported by the vigorous tenacity of Asn, Victoria keeps marching forward, as if the winter cowered from the thumping sounds of boots and banging of the drums…

  Was the cold embrace a form of warning?

  Was the cold wind that brought forth death a sign?

  Was the cold nothing more than a reminder of how small a man is?

  The answer is… Nay.

  It was but a mere messenger of the civilized world that the war machines would sharpen their fangs and continue on… Factories all over the nation keep pumping out artillery shells, military academies producing capable officers and soldiers, and with their granaries full of cornucopia of blessing…

  In a twisted meaning and form that signifies the changing of seasons…

  Victoria’s spring brought forth death and destruction…

  But the horrors of war were now turned inward, towards Victoria itself. An empty throne is an enticing morsel for the dukes to wrestle for themselves.

  In spite of all those opportunities, not everyone wished for war and no country can sustain itself on war alone. The needs of people are many, and even though the method to enforce their obedience is always avaible, it is not always viable.

  From an economic and social standpoint, it would be extremely counterproductive to enforce your will when cheaper and less harmful methods are avaible, notwithstanding the more rabid rabble of groups of course.

  Thus winter is also the time to gather for resources necessary for the upcoming conflict of interest, not everything has to be bloody… yet ironically, a bloody affair might be the better choice in the lottery of fateful boon and misfortune.

  5 core principles on why winter is the best time to prepare.

  First, it is the time when the farmers and other backbone of local productions are not tilling the nd. This signaled a chance for an army to bolster their ranks easier, winter left people with more leeway, so conscription might be an option for those who wished to see beyond the confines of their crops.

  Second, the timing of winter is also when rge-scale movements would be restricted and thus allow a reprieve, or at least the lessening frequency, of hostilities. Winter also provided a chance for the people to do whatever they wanted to, mostly on the more lucrative venture which would boost the army either way.

  Third, winter is the time when factions usually consolidate. The need to find allies shows that Terrans are social animals, they can’t do everything by themselves. It is commonly believed that the political chessboard will also intensify quite armingly compared to the other active season. Subterfuge is the name of the game.

  Fourth, winter can be used to allow the older and more experienced soldiers to do their R&R for a while. The more resourceful individuals would offer more benefits to further the allegiance of those under them. A good accommodation, a good stipend, and good entertainment would have a huge sway upon performance.

  Lastly, war is an ugly thing, and conducting it in winter is the height of stupidity. If the bloodshed won’t bring you down, logistics and harsh weather will...

  Winter is both a blessing and a curse. Beneath the softest and most sensual embrace of dy winter, y the embers that will thaw the ice and rend the nd asunder. Maybe said embers would scorch the nd, maybe it would instead be smothered by the dy of ice, no one knows…

  Thus we shall focus on a certain nobleman who is as jovial as his domain being safe from strife. He is a man who wishes for peace but is not a na?ve idealist, he can see the true face of Victoria and defy it in his own way…

  POV: Vincent Toron

  ‘What an interesting turn of events this has become.’ A little pondering of mine, tucked away within the deepest recesses of my mind. The life of a noble is wrought by a peril for those who would, should, or could be concerned and must act upon it.

  The common men and women always think that our lifestyle is that of decadency and opulent vanity. Which was indeed not a wrong stigma for a lot of nobles, to my utmost shame. Yet beneath all that glitters and splendor of the so-called, and nigh vaunted, glories… darkness pervaded the entirety of its most bewitching and intoxicating idea, a pretense of power and total control.

  A complete hogwash of the most repudiated sense of arrogance… was what my father had hammered to me. To that I only say one thing… wrong. Power is real, its application undeniable, and its consequences… staggering… thus I choose a much more… long-sting and enduring approach to protect Toron’s interest.

  Such as this one right here, by offering sensible remuneration and codified, a truly fancy word, I know, under the umbrel of mutual interest, we have ourselves a robust but flexible retionship. Of course, even I can be… more demanding if the situation calls for it but nothing beats healthy and civilized conduct.

  “So anything you wish to talk about? It would be rather unpleasant or even embarrassing to walk awkwardly like this, not to mention with yours on mine.”

  “For starters, I wonder what your dear wife would say about you bringing home a woman guided and escorted so personally.”

  “Indeed, she would be very much shocked, that’s for sure… and asked me about whether or not I finally made my move.”

  “… A very supportive wife you have there… Arkell’s would give him hell, conversely…”

  “Well, noble needs can be quite weird admittedly, much to my own chagrin. I have mistresses, they are not too entangled with noble’s machinations thankfully enough, especially if my wife coordinated them.”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “A serious inquiry or merely a passing curiosity on this eventful evening in my dear county, my dear dy?”

  Nyx just scoffed before continuing.

  “I leaned more on the former and tracing back logically, this sort of thing can become a scandal you know. A Count paired with a notorious femme fatale, what a lovely gossip and inspiration for the novel theme, no?”

  “It is only a scandal if there is someone to witness it, and as of now, there is but only a pair of people who are privy when mentioning the topic in mind. Said pair of people are conjoining arms quite intimately. Except, of course, you wish to make it formal and I’m more than capable. My county as my witness.”

  I dutifully left a kiss on her hand, she said nothing but to just stare at me. Even though her title is merely an honorary one, on paper she is still a Kazimierzian Baroness, thus my manner is appropriate when leading a noblewoman.

  “You nobles really know how to have the words spun around and even facts rendered obsolete. As for your noble’ courtesy… I admire you for what you try to achieve.”

  “Veritas or vanitas is not much of a concern, a mere perspective to be terribly blunt, vying for a profound variable is always on the table. That’s just what it means to be one.”

  “So that’s why huh… can’t say I’m surprised but definitely understandable from your point of view.”

  “Gd we’re on the same page… but I must say your idea of friendship is very... rigid.”

  “Yeah…”

  “Why?”

  “You’re a noble, aren’t you?” Nyx snarled a tiniest bit, hmm… it appeared I had struck a nerve.

  “Did I offend you?”

  “… Sorry for that… I’m… not exactly well…” Nyx sighed and seemed to unconsciously lean on my arm ever so briefly… What on Terra happened to her…?

  Nyx had become an uncharacteristically demure and fair to say a cute little maiden who was just lost. Really hard to believe that this is the same dy that tore a gargantuan (retive from person to person estimation) tuskbeast in half. The very same nightmare of the wbreakers and evildoers…

  The very same stubborn girl who took it upon herself to sin so the world can stay, somewhat, clean. The idea of keeping the world orderly which she won’t, unironically, admit. She truly has a puzzling demeanor.

  Life on Terra is… cheap. I hate that answer to the very core of my being, but that’s the pin truth. She is honestly the best and worst possible example of how true that is, her reputation precedes her.

  On one hand, she won’t hesitate to shoot the hostage and keep her focus, naturally, it came to a head. The incident 3 weeks ago had utterly damaged her pristine record, yet the dy in question didn’t care. Those who have grudges against her already using it to defame her further, yet miraculously the effect only added more dread factor than scorn factor.

  My networks had charted that she only touched the Dukes’ faction if absolutely necessary, other than that she stayed in the countryside and or neutral faction territory for the most part.

  On the other hand, Nyx is indeed a wild card, but she is perfectly obedient and reasonable when she agrees to take a contract. She rarely abandoned her contract, and even if she did she will always put an effort into it first, truly bizarre.

  Such diligence and determination are rarely found in a single mercenary. Her solo venture had turned her into some sort of pariah amongst her peers, which she, again unsurprisingly, could not even muster an eye to gnce at. Nyx is never one to care about public opinion, she cares more about efficacy and efficiency. It might sound cold, but pcing year eyes into the future is a good sign for someone who can lead. Of course, not everyone will be gdly led by people like her, but such is life.

  Where was I? Ah yes. Then there is another fascinating aspect worth understanding and analyzing. Who she actually is or perhaps more accurately what she is supposed to be.

  I had conducted my own research on her nature. I have no clear grasp of whether she knows or not about my investigations. It pertained to my cross-examinations with both Terra Encyclopedia of Races and Evolutionary textbooks. Rather difficult subject, but not every knowledge is heavy to bear.

  It was not a novel experience which is by no means disheartening, heaven’s no. The peculiarities and probabilities were truly exciting, Nyx is an enigma and that’s the core principle we, nobles, are truly intrigued by.

  What little I had managed to gain, included the aforementioned cross-examination and further corroborated with some parts of documents, of which sadly the rest hadn’t reached me yet, from certain someone, pointed out several hypotheses.

  The first is that she is an Elder race, the most credible and logical sounding of them all. Elder Races had always tended to be special in their own way, like the Pegasi with their radiance and steadfastly prolific Arts control, the old Kukulkan who can bend the storm, and other more esoteric and eccentric races like the famed Sarkaz Wendigos.

  This Pythian dy is no ordinary Pythian… One of the now presumably extinct, or at the barest minimum, elusive, Naga from days long forgotten, was theorized to be what she actually is.

  She certainly exhibited the physical prowess they were once renowned for and to lesser degrees… their love of earning trinkets or riches. Then comes the complication…

  Naga were described to be golden-haired and having a much more pronounced sense of greed and were extremely territorial with what was considered theirs and would fight tooth and nail for it. They're also pgued with a sense of wanton superiority of being better although not out of malice, curiously, a sort of hubris that had brought down numerous other Elders.

  The subject of interest on the other hand has a rather conflicting nature.

  Nyx’s hair is silver and glistens most brightly in the moonlight. Then she exhibited the sentimentality on her equipment and even treasured a few, but other than that she is perfectly fine to part with it. Nyx also had these interactions along the lines of ‘we’re just the same sad people trying to live, what use is hubris?’, thus I’m at an impasse.

  The second is that of a Chimera, but I have neither a clear nor correct definition of what kind of hybrid she is supposed to be. She is swift like a Kuranta, herculean like your typical Ursus, highly adaptable akin to Feline and Caprinae, yet her nature had traces from both Asn and Draco… All are packaged into a Pythian frame of a vessel.

  The third is, god forbid, a gene-engineered biological life form. As a resourceful Count, if I say so myself, I’m privy to these sorts of possibly malicious and malevolent activity being rampant. Not to mention that it is practically an open secret, to people in power or erudite enough to make a personal conjecture, that somewhere out there experimentations are being conducted.

  And several others who would need further verifications.

  “What do you think of my county?” I decided prolong this bit for more interaction, it would be valuable information for me, and getting to know her better is no downside.

  “Nice, I guess? You did pretty swell for someone gallivanting like a buffoon.”

  “My word, you’re much more interesting to talk with this way.”

  “Yea, yea, also the matter with the infected? I’m honestly content with how you keep the people on tight rein.”

  “I, in fact, do not hold such a thing. The people here have always been welcoming and good-natured as a whole.”

  “… sure buddy…”

  “Something else on your mind?”

  “Not much, I’m not really good with idle talks such as this.”

  “That is of no bother to me, but it does pique my interest about your peculiarities.”

  “Such as?”

  “Well, you’re quite a lovely dy, who is also an extremely capable soldier. How come you’re not under someone else’s employ? Surely with your skill, any price is a fair one.”

  She seemed to have something on her mind, no doubt suspicion still lingered, yet she had chosen to dance along. Her bnk expression morphed into a frown, her eyes turned hostile, but not out of malice… curious, terrifically most curious…

  “I might be a guard or an attack dog, but I’m no pet that can fetch whatever you throw at me. Freedom upon my self-determination is above all else. Try to force a leash on me and I’ll give the one responsible for it a first-css seat on my demonstration of why they shouldn’t… and I’m very good at it…”

  “But aren’t you inconvenienced with it? Your resume is impressive as is, naming a price for your service is a given at this point.”

  “You are joking, right? It was the other way around usually. People like you pcing a price on me…”

  “You’re not incorrect but I suppose you would be more rexed if we arrived at the mansion posthaste.”

  “Sure, my attention is yours.”

  Her expression then rexed herself back to normal which, while still quite severe in the bnkness department, appears to be more… natural. Well, it would be better to just enjoy the silence for now.

  We’re not taking the main pza and congested public walkways, otherwise, rumors would soon abound. Which I have little in spirit to acknowledge and entertain during this fine evening. We just stick along the alleyway, something that would have been dangerous, mostly, elsewhere… but no such thing is possible in my domain.

  This county I had inherited from my father, and his father before him, is not a particurly wealthy region but we make do. We just had enough and were sufficiently far away from the Royal Capital to be left alone, no one would pay attention to a border noble, those metropolitan nobles tend to look down on us. Even if they did, it was merely deigning to allow us to mingle with them.

  They can look down on us all they want, but my mind is always resolute on keeping this pce safe and free from the hazards of Londinium politics. The sounds and the marching of drums had been heard now and then, but nothing too substantial.

  It felt like Victoria was in the middle of a phony war between dukes, a war game between the officers and nobles, and general suffering for soldiers and commoners. My hands are tied on that matter, keeping what I have is the best I can do.

  I’m still in touch with her, but she has gone dark for a while. She is probably the only one who can calm the situation down, but even someone of her stature would be swamped with Victorian Politics… I don’t know how long this nation can st, the throne is empty, the parliament is fractured… and the people are losing hope.

  Everything starts to turn grim, old wounds resurfacing, discrimination skyrocketing… and total colpse is on the horizon. I don’t know how, who, or why, a war that shall reshape this nd I call home will soon be upon us, and everything my hands can reach is all there is to it.

  Realizations that death is always around the corner push people to cherish the moment. Cherish their feebleness, cherish their fatigue, cherish their pain, and cherish their sadness… for they are truly and well have been alive to the best of their ability.

  Victoria’s death is fast approaching, only Her Highness Alexandrina can shed the light for a better future. This begs the question of whether our Queen wants anything to do with it in the first pce, no matter how we frame it, Victoria had killed their King with their own hand and paraded his dead body for the whole world to see.

  But Toron will stand, Terra shall still see tomorrow, and the people will always find a home… For that is what I had vowed to accomplish. Not out of obligation, honor, glory, and even charitable virtues… I vowed myself out of my own conviction that there is still a chance for peace.

  POV: Narrator

  Vincent and Nyx had finally arrived at the mansion. The servants are mildly surprised to see their lord being so intimate with a certain mercenary who conversely doesn’t mind it all too much. As far as their fascination goes, however, professionalism that has been tempered for years even decades spurn them receiving both the master of the house and his guest.

  The maids and butlers promptly tidied up the lounge and served a steady stream of delicacies for the both of them. Vincent, with Nyx’s hand still on his, guided her towards the lounge like a gentleman. The servants also noticed that the usually brusque and uncaring Nyx had been paying more attention to her own bearing and stature.

  The mercenary who makes hearts tremble with fear is repced by a dazzling dy with an impeccable manner that is honestly shocking. With a graceful gait, she entered the lounge along with Vincent. Her attire doesn’t diminish her stature and grace, only compounding her image as some fabled Warmaiden or a Valkyrie of old.

  Once they reached the table, Vincent motioned everyone to leave. His hand suddenly draped around Nyx’s waist while his partner for the night caressed his jawline. Even with their professionally schooled expression, the servants are momentarily stumped but they release themselves from their stupor and leave without much fuss.

  When the door closed, no sound was heard. Only the pair of man and woman interlocking into quite the scandalous proximity. Her eyes shone with an inscrutable emotion, staring deep into his own gaze…

  So close, just a little nudge and they shall be joined into one…

  …

  Until Nyx left out a soft ughter followed by Vincent that is. They both revel in small mischiefs once in a while, a mere harmless prank… or is it?

  “Goodness me, you had seen them right? Their eyes shook.”

  “Verily, but I must say thank you for going along with my charade.”

  “Quite a problematic demeanor you have there~”

  “Indeed, but I must say you’re truly beautiful.”

  “Thank you, but was that alright? Shouldn’t that be-”

  “Problematic? Well, let’s just say I’m… curios…”

  “… Beneath that dumb and amicably jovial smile, you’re a frightening man…”

  “It takes more than a kind heart to be a leader, regardless of who you are or especially because of who you are, to begin with.”

  “Touché, now would you brief me as to what are you offering this time around?”

  “Right, do please take a seat.”

  Nyx just slunk into the couch, sensuous enough before all those grace and dignified bearings were gone. Vincent smirked in an amused manner while fetching his proposition. The Pythian dy then helped herself with several… chocote? Well, she was never really a fan of sweets. So it won’t be all tha-

  “…” Nyx froze, her hand stopped after the first bite.

  “Something the matter?”

  “… ah, oh… um… nothing. The sweet is… delicious… um…” her cheeks reddened slightly… that’s awfully cute…

  “May I… inquire… the… brand…?” Her voice got lower and lower, Vincent finally ughed,

  “… I’m serious…” Her face is bnk but there is this mirth of begrudging reluctance.

  “That can be arranged, also here is the document.” Vincent handed her the proposed contracts, now everything fell back into a serious mood.

  Nyx carefully read the contract. The content is amusing to say the least, because the one with a giant target on their backs can be deflected into Vincent, if he double cross her that is. Vincent on his part is equally confident that Nyx won’t do anything that will jeopardize their fruitful retionship.

  Taking more bite from the chocote cookies, Nyx also performed a mental calcution. The contract is beneficial, and since he knows what she wants and she knows what he wants, it can be said that this contract is built upon mutual interest to an extent.

  Not to mention the reward, yes reward not pay since it can be potentially risky but useful nonetheless. The payment will be negotiated separately so that the whole thing can be altered and revised to an extent between them.

  There is the first cuse that bothered her, but Nyx decide to fish out an answer first.

  “… I take it that this contract was based upon your understanding of my situation?”

  “Indeed, while you’re predisposed, the County of Toron is in dire need of an actual… cleaner. I just surmised that there is no one else more capable than you for this exact matter. What say you?”

  “I have no qualms with it, I’m quite versed in the matter of resources development. It just left me truly curious as to why you of all people requested this off of me?”

  “A simple noble’s whim and need for prestige. I’ll be willing to say more if you agree with the first cuse…”

  “Heee~ surely you jest? I’m not fond of getting yanked around by someone, not to my taste.”

  “It was worth the try, and that is all I’m willing to disclose up to this point. By the by, anything you wish to inquire?”

  “… 12 sounds a lot, but I’ll consider it when the pay is right.”

  “For each soul under you, I’m more than willing to pay 30,000 pounds for the aforementioned duration inside the document, and after completion, you shall be paid another 200,000. Judging by your condition, it is not a bad deal. Am I understood so far?”

  “… 50 grand and I’ll agree.”

  “35 and there will be a benefit, namely…” Vincent wordlessly left another piece of paper for her to read. She read it and her eyes gained a tint of satisfaction, it might be a good idea to start her counteroffer, not exactly unusual since mercenaries can dictate some parts of their terms without corporate meddling.

  “… This is good, but I’ll offer you better.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “I’ll give you 36 ready with no extra grand each except for the 200 grants upon completion, but in exchange, I want this and the other 2 things in mind.”

  “Oh?”

  “An anonymous identification for… cndestine needs.”

  “What is the other one?”

  “A good, and well-versed with autopsy plus potential prolong research, doctor or physician, I have an interest you see but can’t quite do it all by myself.”

  “Hmm… those are quite harsh, perhaps you can sweeten it up a little more for the sake of a healthy retionship?”

  “You really won’t get it past you huh? Well then, I’ll throw my favor into the mix. Just say the word, and I’ll honor it.”

  “It turns out it was less about me and more about you, why the sudden change?”

  “Just a fool’s musing and longing? Life is so much easier to be seen as such.”

  “Well, I must say this side of yours wasn’t an entirely unpleasant one, plus having a positive rapport is well worth it.” Vincent offers her a handshake which she gdly takes.

  “Indeed, I must say you have been a very understanding client. I will be thrilled to work with you for the foreseeable future.”

  “Well then, to commemorate our agreement in good faith. Perhaps you would love a little dance and entertainment?”

  “Hmm~ perhaps I shall indulge a little, being posh and all that fanciness.”

  The curtain closed with an agreement and commemoration. Nyx had received what she wanted and Vincent had another card to py, a mutually beneficial retionship is always a welcomed change in the murky world of Victorian politics.

  One might wonder why she revealed her card that way, well… let’s just say that she needs insurance. But perhaps it was a bad move for her to indulge too much, all it takes is just a gale of wind to topple the house of cards.

  Pretty paradoxical right? It is a bit hard to understand the mind of a murder-loving borderline psychopath. Was it the lucidity and realization that drove her? Was it nothing more than a simple basic greed to feel all-powerful? Or was it something else? Time will tell…

  POV: Nyx

  The deal was made, and the whole thing was agreed upon. It was truly a lucrative night for me. What was meant to be a simple night to help around, I ended up receiving not one but two fortunate encounters.

  The one with Arkell had been quite helpful on my raging and disoriented mind. Just a nice conversation to vent a little or getting berated along with said venting was… rexing. My instinct can be traced back to the worry other feels for me which usually hovered around confidence and contempt.

  I don’t know whether it was my ego that is speaking or I’m indeed starved for actual companionship… wonder if M?ynar and his gang of merry good-ers considered me as one… but I won’t fault anyone, especially them, to keep me at arm’s length.

  I made enemies, too many enemies. Associating with me will spell trouble… Enough of the depressing thoughts, else I would hoist more trouble upon Arkell’s expense again…

  The day I colpsed was truly a mind opener, it appears that I truly need an expert to guide my training. Self-training will only lead to ludicrous and should have been avoidable kinds of trouble. It is less about my enemy and more about the potential colteral I would inflict… Dad and Arkell are right, I need to shimmer down.

  But I won’t quit being a merc yet, there is so much to see but so little time… should I just throw the towel instead and apply at either PMC or Catastrophe Messenger? The tter could always use a bodyguard…

  Well, future Nyx, Good luck to you. Let the present Nyx heal and the past Nyx… be buried or at least id dormant until the day I need you once more… I cannot disavow you, for you’re me and I will always be you…

  [END OF CHAPTER]

  Author’s Note:

  Sup, this is me, myself, and I, the author who wanna enjoy life but circumstances said “fuck you”.

  Yeah, my surge of ideas and more plotline came when I was busy… of course world, thanks a lot…

  Update as usual or whatever I guess, hope I don’t die yet…

  Also, do you guys have any opinion on the current pacing, like did I move the plot too slowly or whatever?

  Ciao.

  P.S: I made this, in a way...

  This is how she usually looks like when off-duty and gone outside her hideout i.e being a slob when not undertaking merc jobs.