Post by Mr. Moon on May 11, 2023 3:56:42 GMT -5
Introduction
The Moon´s manor was a target of many legends among the fine people of Toroa. A large dwelling house located at the edge of the capital was built around three hundred years ago by House Byron who hold it, together with the lands around it, until lord Edward Byron, last of his line, died during a hunting accident leaving no eligible heir behind. His whole property went to the Crown, which sold it to Robert Moon together with an appropriate title for an unspecified sum of money.
Lord Moon was a strange patron, who didn´t care much about the estate or his family for the matter. Always on the move, he sired at least two bastard sons, the year his first legitimate child was born, much to the anger of his wife.
The rumors have it, that the Lady Moon was very vocal about her feelings on this matter, which led to her early demise. Of course, the investigation didn´t prove any involvement of her husband in the accident that caused her death, but that couldn´t stop people from talking. The old lord eventually remarried, only to die with his son when his ship was sunk by a powerful storm. The people said it was his just reward for the crimes he caused in the past, only for these talks to be replaced by other gossip and theories when it came out his wife didn´t inherit a single Belly, as he left everything, including his surname for his illegitimate son, Gabriel.
And if anything, this history professor turned out to be even more aloof than his father. Sheltering a pack of half-wild stray dogs, neglecting his property, and locking his “stepmother” in an asylum, no one was really surprised when he quietly disappeared from the island, or when the World Government put a bounty on his head. What however concerned the locals was the number of strange people that arrived at the manor after Moon left. Presumably on the lord´s order, his assistant Sarah transformed the manor into a school of Martial Arts, rising considerable fighting strength in her master´s name. These men and women under Moon´s banner were well disciplined and behaved well, but still, the authorities were concerned as their numbers and strength were far above what a usual retinue for a man of his standing should be.
Before the authorities however could make any steps against him, another calamity hit the unfortunate island. A giantess leading a small army of mercenaries attacked and conquered a small port town on the other side of the island, causing considerable panic among the common folk and nobles alike. And then, Gabriel Moon returned.
Council of Nobility
Like nearly all the countries in the world, Toroa was a monarchy, where the king held nearly absolute power over his country and subjects. The Council of Nobility had only informal power, serving as an advisor body to the monarch. Well, at least that´s how it was during the past few centuries. However, the current king, Luis IX was a weak and cowardly ruler, that was spending more time dancing and hunting than actual ruling. Because of that the power and ambition of Council started growing, especially that of the faction that emerged around Gaston Clovis, the Lord Protector and Commander in Chief of the Toroa´s military.
Lord Clovis was an interesting man. Young and handsome, very skilled with a sword, yet a terrible leader. It was his vanity and incompetence, that transformed the previously powerful Toroa´s military into a parade army. The rumour has it, that the reason for his aggressive nature and many insecurities was his sister Sophia, who unlike him inherited their father´s military genius, yet as a woman couldn´t take over his title. Of course, only a fool would mention it in front of him aloud, as lord Clovis was known for welcoming any excuse for showcasing his skills with a blade during a duel, already killing several men who challenged his honor.
Right now he was standing in the meeting hall a large and luxurious room, with seats for the various lords arranged to resemble the large letter U, which upper part was directed towards the golden throne of Toroa.
Lord Clovis was standing right behind the throne, a tall and handsome man in his late twenties, with short black hair, wearing a military uniform decorated with dozens of medals earned by nepotism rather than valor in combat. Next to him was a standing tall man in his early fifties with grey hair and a surprisingly athletic body, that was hidden in a formal suit. A stranger who wasn´t a member of the Toroa´s mobility, but whose participation in this meeting was sanctioned by the king himself on Covis´s request.
“My lords!”
The Lord Protector addressed the assembly.
“The situation is truly dire! The giantess and her army of cutthroats landed on our soil and took over a small coastal town, destroying the outpost that was guarding it! Unfortunately, it seems that she isn´t a simple raider as she declared herself a ruler of this town and is trying to buy the loyalty of our people with empty promises and populistic gestures!”
The dramatic pause he made was immediately interrupted by an elderly lord who was sitting in the front row.
“Well, then what are you waiting for? Gather the troops, kill her, and everyone who tries to follow her! That´s the reason why we pay so much for the royal army isn´t it?!”
Lord Clovis frowned, trying his best to remain calm.
“My lord that…the army is more than capable of dealing with regular threats, but this is a giant we are talking about! According to the witnesses she smashed through the fortress´s walls with just one hit! How are my men supposed to face such a threat?! And even if I gathered all of our troops and marched against the giantess, even if we emerged victorious, the capital would be unprotected for days maybe weeks! Don´t forget my lords that lord Moon is gathering force of his own and if we´ll present him an opportunity, what guarantee we have that he won´t take it to seize the throne?!
As if he was an actor reacting to his cue another young lord asked.
“So, what are you suggesting Lord Protector?”
Lord Clovis smiled, pleased that everything went just as planned.
“Isn´t it obvious my lords? We have to ask the World Government for protection! I already invited an ambassador who will explain…”
With a wide gesture, he pointed at the elder man to his right, only for his smile to disappear, as a strong male voice interrupted his speech.
“He won´t.”
Frowning, Lord Clovis looked around the room, looking for the man who was stupid enough to interrupt him.
He noticed a tall gentleman in his early thirties, who raised from his seat and slowly headed to the centre of the room. The Lord Protector opened his mouth to reprime whoever had the audacity to interrupt him, but he found himself speechless.
Lord Clovis was a scary man, but his scariness was based on his reputation and influence, this was something else. The young man couldn´t really put his finger on it but witnessing him move was like watching an apex predator approaching a herd of sheep and the reminding nobles reacted as such. Not a single one of them find it in themselves to stop him, before he made it to the center of the room, where he repeated.
“He won´t.”
A wave of embarrassment and anger hit Lord Clovis as a battering ram as he realized that he was intimidated by this nobody! He opened his mouth to snap at him, but to his surprise words that escaped his lip were much more timid than he planned.
“Who are you?”
Tilting his head to the side, the tall nobleman looked at the Lord Protector with a chilling level of detachment reflecting on his face, almost as if whatever was going on around him was so beneath him he didn´t feel like putting all of his attention into it.
“I am sorry, but you seemed to be so knowledgeable about my plans that I expected you will recognize my face.”
He said, his voice so polite it sounded as if he was mocking the Lord Protector. Feeling as if he was slapped across his face, the young man finally snapped out of his fear-driven awe as a wave of anger overtook him.
“Lord Moon!”
He growled.
“In a flesh”
The Professor nodded, but this gesture wasn´t addressed towards the young lord, but rather the king himself.
“I came here to assure his majesty, that I have no intention in rebelling against the crown and that all forces assembled at Moon´s manor are solely for the protection of my property and family.”
Almost as if he was awakened from a dream, the king jerked and smiled at his military commander.
“Well, that´s good news, isn´t it? Since lord Moon doesn´t plan anything bad, you can take the army and deal with that giantess!”
The face of lord Clovis turned pale. Was he so afraid to face Seere, or did he already make his own deal with the mysterious envoy, Gabriel didn´t know and frankly didn’t care. All he wanted to do, the only reason why he even attended this meeting was to make sure, his puppies will be safe.
“Your majesty, you can´t just…”
He started but was interrupted again, this time by the emissary sent by the government.
“Your majesty, if I may, you shouldn´t trust this man so readily. While he perhaps carries a noble title in your country, outside of it, he is a wanted criminal, with a hefty bounty issued on his head by the World Government.”
His majesty, an obese man in his early thirties, with a thin mane of brown hair and watery eyes, looked shocked by this news, as if he wasn´t sure what he should think about it.
“Lord Moon, is that true?”
The Professor simply nodded.
“It is your majesty, but the emissary forgot to mention the most important part.”
The King raised his eyebrow.
“Which part?”
Gabriel continued.
“What crime did I commit.”
The elderly man frowned, stepping forward, from behind the throne´s shadow.
“He…”
He started, but Lord Moon didn´t let him finish.
“My crime was acting on the Code of Chivalry. The very code each one of us swore to uphold. I saw a woman in need, a young lady that was sentenced to a lifetime of slavery for a crime she did not commit, without a trial, without a single piece of evidence. I stepped to her defense and was branded criminal, but tell me my lords which one of you wouldn´t act the same?”
The crowd murmured in agreement.
“Justice, freedom, and nobility, our ancestors built this country upon these values, but let me tell you, when I traveled the countries belonging to the World Government, I saw none of these, only hypocrisy, slavery, and tyranny, that´s what this man offers to us today.”
The emissary frowned. This wasn´t what he anticipated, nor what he was promised by the young lord Clovis. The name of Lord Moon wasn´t unknown to him of course, as it was nearly impossible, he wouldn´t hear about a man, who managed to earn a bounty of over 30 million in the East Blue, during his briefing, but he didn´t expect him to be present, nor that these incompetent cowards would flock to him like that. Still, he has no intention to give up just yet.
“And security, you forgot about that one Lord Moon.”
He addressed his adversary with a gentle smirk on his face.
“World Government is protecting all its member´s state via the Marines who, I dare to say are the most powerful military force in the world. Strong enough to deal with a single rogue giant.”
He expected that he will unnerve the Professor with his words and perhaps dent the sudden wave of patriotism he started among the remaining lords, but he was mistaken.
“Security, yes…”
Gabriel nodded, moving his eyes from the king to lord Clovis, before addressing the remaining lords.
“Lord Clovis questioned my motives and asked about the reasons for me forming my own force. Well, this is the reason. Since Lord Protector inherited his title, we saw how our army, which used to be one of the most powerful combat forces in the West Blue, slowly transformed into a bunch of uniform hangers that are good only for parades. I don´t believe these men and women can protect my family and friends, that´s why I decided to protect them myself.”
Lord Clovis´s eyes narrowed, the previous fear he felt towards the man forgotten, burned by the flames of rage.
“Are you insulting my honor?”
Lord Protector growled, his arm instinctively heading for a sword that however wasn´t there.
“Honour?”
Asked Gabriel coldly.
“My lord, a man who would try to sell his country because of his fear and incompetence has no honour at all.”
That was it, the braking point. Blinded and deafened by rage, lord Clovis marched away from the throne, throwing his gloves to the ground in front of Gabriel´s feet.
“This…I demand satisfaction you b*stard!”
He yelled from the top of his lungs.
Tilting his head to the side the Professor said
“I accept your challenge.”
Lady Clovis was a young and beautiful woman in her early twenties, tall and athletic, with short black hair, wearing a military uniform similar to her brother, just without all these medals. Seeing her sad expression, the Professor decided that despite everything he won´t kill lord Clovis. However, he changed this decision right after taking a closer look at her face. No, this man truly didn´t deserve to live.
During the meeting lady Clovis waited for her brother just outside of the meeting hall with his sword, which he now tore from her hands, unsheathing it.
“Take your sword lord Moon, or if you don´t have one, I am sure one of these kind gentlemen will gladly borrow you theirs knowing they´ll get it back perfectly clean!”
Shaking his head, Gabriel stepped forward, to face his opponent, while the remaining spectators made a large circle around them.
“Coward!”
Lord Clovis exclaimed angrily.
“Do you really think you can avoid this by refusing to take a weapon? Or, do you expect I´ll be brawling with you with my bare hands like some savage?”
The Professor sighed.
“I swear on my name, that you will die by a sword.”
Confused, the Lord Protector looked at his king, who just laughed, clapping his hands.
“That sounds amusing!”
He laughed, which Clovis took as approval.
Without a word or waiting for a signal to start the duel Gaston lunged forward, aiming his blade at the Professor´s heart. And while it was an expert strike in the Professor´s eyes it was just too slow.
Turning his body to the side, Gabriel let the blade pass next to his body, before reaching forward, slamming his opponent´s wrist from below with one hand, while hitting the blunt side of his military saber from the top. This way, he pried it out of Clovis´s hand, turning it around, only to stab it through his chest. The young lord was dead before his body hit the ground.
A silence fell on the gathered lords as no one really expected someone of Clovis´s skills to be killed so easily, almost as if the act itself was nothing but an afterthought for the Professor. More than one suddenly thought that if that man decided to kill them, there wasn´t force present that would be able to at least slow him down. Thought, that put a cold sweat on many foreheads. Gabriel however ignored them completely, his eyes focused on Sophia, until his majesty clapped his hands.
“Lord Moon, that was absolutely amazing!”
He exclaimed, pausing for a moment, as his eyes fell on his fallen Lord Protector.
“Poor lord Clovis, his father served us well and he…last of his line….”
The king shook his head, looking at Gabriel.
“Tell me, lord Moon, can you teach our soldiers to fight like this?”
Turning towards his king, Gabriel bowed his head gently, taking his time to choose the proper words.
“The path of true martial arts is hard your majesty, not everyone is fit to walk it, but I am a teacher first and foremost. So why I can´t promise you that every single soldier under your command will be as strong as I am, I can promise you that over time, they will grow into the most effective and efficient fighting force in the West Blue.”
His Majesty paused, looking at Gabriel with a mixture of fear and anticipation.
“Will they be strong enough to fight a giant?”
The Professor nodded.
“They will, but if that giantess is what worries you your majesty, you should know that I already bested her in a single combat and made her swear to not attack the capital.”
The King looked at the Grand Master of M.A.R.I. almost as if he was about to cry from relief, before clapping his hands again.
“That´s amazing! My lords did you hear it?! Lord Moon, for your deeds, I hereby grant you the titles of Lord Protector and the Commander in Chief of our army!”
This declaration dropped more than one jaw. The emissary from the World Government had probably the sourest face, but there were others, mainly those who belonged to Clovis´s faction, who didn´t feel the decision was right.
“Your majesty!”
One of the elderly lords find the courage to speak up.
“Your majesty! These titles belonged to the Clovis family for generations, is it truly wise to grand them….”
But the king silenced him with a simple gesture.
“They did my lord, but the house is no more. But…”
He rubbed his chin as an idea was born under the golden crown.
“you are right, that perhaps I shouldn´t dismiss them like this. They served this country with honor for generations! Lord Moon!”
He turned back to Gabriel.
“I am granting you the title of Lord Protector, but the lands and property belonging to the house Clovis will remain under the protection of the crown as a dowry for Lady Sophia.”
Pausing for a moment, the king put up a strange smirk, nudging the Professor gently.
“I mean…she is a beautiful woman and from what I heard you are still single, so….”
Smiling he turned around, to face his bodyguards.
“Very well! My lords, I would love to spend more time with you, but it´s time for lunch, so this meeting is over. Oh, and someone…please take care of the body!”
With that his majesty left the garden, followed by his bodyguards.
These people around him however were his polar opposites. Social animals, who were born to the game and enjoyed playing it. Now he changed the rules by removing one of the most powerful pieces, but it was hardly the first time someone upset the balance like that. After the initial shock, their instincts drove them forward to never-ending attempts to secure a better position for themselves and their families.
BAM
He could see it on their faces, these invitations to social events he didn´t want to take part in, plans, schemes, and marriage proposals! No, he had to get out of there right now!
BAM BAM
“Ehm, excuse me, lord Moon”
A tall gentleman in his late forties addressed the Professor, trying to tap him on the shoulder, only to realize, that what he tried to touch was just a quickly disappearing afterimage.
“What the…”
The sudden career and social growth of Lord Moon became the main topic of gossip in the Toroa´s capital, however, the Professor himself was completely oblivious to them, as he raced through the skies, before dropping down in the middle of his garden.
“New Moon: Fire Clouds”
The sudden appearance of the Grand Master on the training field where a group of around thirty students was training basic movements with their spears startled more than just a few people. Some dropped their training weapons, jumping away from the perceived threat, that was suddenly standing in their midst, while others took a stance, pointing their sticks at him and Gabriel made a mental note of who belonged to which group. Their confusion however didn´t last long as Professor´s face was something every member of M.A.R.I. recognized.
“Welcome back Master!”
Thirty people exclaimed, adding a deep bow for good measure. Keeping his lessons always as informal as possible, Gabriel wasn´t really a fan of this strict code and formal behavior, but during his prolonged absence his status grew into nearly mythical proportions among the more junior members and right now, he didn´t really have the energy to try and do something about it. So he just nodded back at them and headed straight to the main building.
“Carry on with your training.”
Unfortunately for him, there was something he didn´t notice in his hurry and that was the identity of their teacher.
“Hey! Urgh…Robert, take over the class please.”
A young woman in her early twenties asked one of the senior students, before giving chase to the fleeing Professor.
“Yes Master”
Showing a proper respect to her, despite being almost twice her age, the tall veteran from of Toroa´s police force grabbed his spears and stepped forward, in front of the chuckling crowd, while Sarah grabbed Gabriel´s shoulder.
“Hey!”
She graced him with a smile that almost dissolved all of his worries, almost.
“Sarah, sorry I…”
She stopped his apology with an even wider smile.
“was lost in your thoughts?”
He nodded.
“Yes, something like that.”
She looked into his eyes, waiting for more information, but since he didn´t give her any, she asked herself.
“And? How it went?”
Gabriel sighed.
“According to the plan mostly. The King named me the Lord Protector so, M.A.R.I. will take over training of Toroa´s military and…you were right about lord Clovis and his sister.”
The smile on Sarah´s face transformed into teasing smirk.
“Well, lord Moon, that´s what I call a career. We should probably hire someone to sort your mail because it will be soon flooded with marriage proposals.”
She really had to try hard not to laugh as his face turned pale.
“What? Why? I mean, you don´t really think that…”
Doing her best to keep her face straight, she patted Gabriel´s shoulder.
“Well, you just got like…second most important job in the whole kingdom, you are rich, single, handsome, and…relatively young so…”
With every word that Sarah said, Gabriel´s mind was sinking deeper and deeper into the well of despair, just from the idea of all these invitations to social gatherings and parents pushing their daughters his way. Suddenly, he felt the need to hug some big dusty tome again, in the safety of his library.
“Well, I could help…”
Sarah started, but her attempt was interrupted by a booming voice that came from the main building.
“Here he is! All hail to the Lord Protector! Or is it His Royal Majesty already?”
The Titan of Bokh laughed, rushing to his friend, totally oblivious to the heartbroken look on Sarah´s face. She almost said it! Almost, after gathering the courage for more than a week and waiting for the perfect opportunity…how could she be so unlucky?
Lord Clovis was an interesting man. Young and handsome, very skilled with a sword, yet a terrible leader. It was his vanity and incompetence, that transformed the previously powerful Toroa´s military into a parade army. The rumour has it, that the reason for his aggressive nature and many insecurities was his sister Sophia, who unlike him inherited their father´s military genius, yet as a woman couldn´t take over his title. Of course, only a fool would mention it in front of him aloud, as lord Clovis was known for welcoming any excuse for showcasing his skills with a blade during a duel, already killing several men who challenged his honor.
Right now he was standing in the meeting hall a large and luxurious room, with seats for the various lords arranged to resemble the large letter U, which upper part was directed towards the golden throne of Toroa.
Lord Clovis was standing right behind the throne, a tall and handsome man in his late twenties, with short black hair, wearing a military uniform decorated with dozens of medals earned by nepotism rather than valor in combat. Next to him was a standing tall man in his early fifties with grey hair and a surprisingly athletic body, that was hidden in a formal suit. A stranger who wasn´t a member of the Toroa´s mobility, but whose participation in this meeting was sanctioned by the king himself on Covis´s request.
“My lords!”
The Lord Protector addressed the assembly.
“The situation is truly dire! The giantess and her army of cutthroats landed on our soil and took over a small coastal town, destroying the outpost that was guarding it! Unfortunately, it seems that she isn´t a simple raider as she declared herself a ruler of this town and is trying to buy the loyalty of our people with empty promises and populistic gestures!”
The dramatic pause he made was immediately interrupted by an elderly lord who was sitting in the front row.
“Well, then what are you waiting for? Gather the troops, kill her, and everyone who tries to follow her! That´s the reason why we pay so much for the royal army isn´t it?!”
Lord Clovis frowned, trying his best to remain calm.
“My lord that…the army is more than capable of dealing with regular threats, but this is a giant we are talking about! According to the witnesses she smashed through the fortress´s walls with just one hit! How are my men supposed to face such a threat?! And even if I gathered all of our troops and marched against the giantess, even if we emerged victorious, the capital would be unprotected for days maybe weeks! Don´t forget my lords that lord Moon is gathering force of his own and if we´ll present him an opportunity, what guarantee we have that he won´t take it to seize the throne?!
As if he was an actor reacting to his cue another young lord asked.
“So, what are you suggesting Lord Protector?”
Lord Clovis smiled, pleased that everything went just as planned.
“Isn´t it obvious my lords? We have to ask the World Government for protection! I already invited an ambassador who will explain…”
With a wide gesture, he pointed at the elder man to his right, only for his smile to disappear, as a strong male voice interrupted his speech.
“He won´t.”
Frowning, Lord Clovis looked around the room, looking for the man who was stupid enough to interrupt him.
He noticed a tall gentleman in his early thirties, who raised from his seat and slowly headed to the centre of the room. The Lord Protector opened his mouth to reprime whoever had the audacity to interrupt him, but he found himself speechless.
Lord Clovis was a scary man, but his scariness was based on his reputation and influence, this was something else. The young man couldn´t really put his finger on it but witnessing him move was like watching an apex predator approaching a herd of sheep and the reminding nobles reacted as such. Not a single one of them find it in themselves to stop him, before he made it to the center of the room, where he repeated.
“He won´t.”
A wave of embarrassment and anger hit Lord Clovis as a battering ram as he realized that he was intimidated by this nobody! He opened his mouth to snap at him, but to his surprise words that escaped his lip were much more timid than he planned.
“Who are you?”
Tilting his head to the side, the tall nobleman looked at the Lord Protector with a chilling level of detachment reflecting on his face, almost as if whatever was going on around him was so beneath him he didn´t feel like putting all of his attention into it.
“I am sorry, but you seemed to be so knowledgeable about my plans that I expected you will recognize my face.”
He said, his voice so polite it sounded as if he was mocking the Lord Protector. Feeling as if he was slapped across his face, the young man finally snapped out of his fear-driven awe as a wave of anger overtook him.
“Lord Moon!”
He growled.
“In a flesh”
The Professor nodded, but this gesture wasn´t addressed towards the young lord, but rather the king himself.
“I came here to assure his majesty, that I have no intention in rebelling against the crown and that all forces assembled at Moon´s manor are solely for the protection of my property and family.”
Almost as if he was awakened from a dream, the king jerked and smiled at his military commander.
“Well, that´s good news, isn´t it? Since lord Moon doesn´t plan anything bad, you can take the army and deal with that giantess!”
The face of lord Clovis turned pale. Was he so afraid to face Seere, or did he already make his own deal with the mysterious envoy, Gabriel didn´t know and frankly didn’t care. All he wanted to do, the only reason why he even attended this meeting was to make sure, his puppies will be safe.
“Your majesty, you can´t just…”
He started but was interrupted again, this time by the emissary sent by the government.
“Your majesty, if I may, you shouldn´t trust this man so readily. While he perhaps carries a noble title in your country, outside of it, he is a wanted criminal, with a hefty bounty issued on his head by the World Government.”
His majesty, an obese man in his early thirties, with a thin mane of brown hair and watery eyes, looked shocked by this news, as if he wasn´t sure what he should think about it.
“Lord Moon, is that true?”
The Professor simply nodded.
“It is your majesty, but the emissary forgot to mention the most important part.”
The King raised his eyebrow.
“Which part?”
Gabriel continued.
“What crime did I commit.”
The elderly man frowned, stepping forward, from behind the throne´s shadow.
“He…”
He started, but Lord Moon didn´t let him finish.
“My crime was acting on the Code of Chivalry. The very code each one of us swore to uphold. I saw a woman in need, a young lady that was sentenced to a lifetime of slavery for a crime she did not commit, without a trial, without a single piece of evidence. I stepped to her defense and was branded criminal, but tell me my lords which one of you wouldn´t act the same?”
The crowd murmured in agreement.
“Justice, freedom, and nobility, our ancestors built this country upon these values, but let me tell you, when I traveled the countries belonging to the World Government, I saw none of these, only hypocrisy, slavery, and tyranny, that´s what this man offers to us today.”
The emissary frowned. This wasn´t what he anticipated, nor what he was promised by the young lord Clovis. The name of Lord Moon wasn´t unknown to him of course, as it was nearly impossible, he wouldn´t hear about a man, who managed to earn a bounty of over 30 million in the East Blue, during his briefing, but he didn´t expect him to be present, nor that these incompetent cowards would flock to him like that. Still, he has no intention to give up just yet.
“And security, you forgot about that one Lord Moon.”
He addressed his adversary with a gentle smirk on his face.
“World Government is protecting all its member´s state via the Marines who, I dare to say are the most powerful military force in the world. Strong enough to deal with a single rogue giant.”
He expected that he will unnerve the Professor with his words and perhaps dent the sudden wave of patriotism he started among the remaining lords, but he was mistaken.
“Security, yes…”
Gabriel nodded, moving his eyes from the king to lord Clovis, before addressing the remaining lords.
“Lord Clovis questioned my motives and asked about the reasons for me forming my own force. Well, this is the reason. Since Lord Protector inherited his title, we saw how our army, which used to be one of the most powerful combat forces in the West Blue, slowly transformed into a bunch of uniform hangers that are good only for parades. I don´t believe these men and women can protect my family and friends, that´s why I decided to protect them myself.”
Lord Clovis´s eyes narrowed, the previous fear he felt towards the man forgotten, burned by the flames of rage.
“Are you insulting my honor?”
Lord Protector growled, his arm instinctively heading for a sword that however wasn´t there.
“Honour?”
Asked Gabriel coldly.
“My lord, a man who would try to sell his country because of his fear and incompetence has no honour at all.”
That was it, the braking point. Blinded and deafened by rage, lord Clovis marched away from the throne, throwing his gloves to the ground in front of Gabriel´s feet.
“This…I demand satisfaction you b*stard!”
He yelled from the top of his lungs.
Tilting his head to the side the Professor said
“I accept your challenge.”
Duel
They met again in the palace garden, a perfectly maintained lawn under their feet. They were accompanied by several dozens of other people. Most of them were the remaining lords, but there were also others, his royal majesty accompanied by few guards, the emissary from the World Government, and Gaston´s sister. Lady Clovis was a young and beautiful woman in her early twenties, tall and athletic, with short black hair, wearing a military uniform similar to her brother, just without all these medals. Seeing her sad expression, the Professor decided that despite everything he won´t kill lord Clovis. However, he changed this decision right after taking a closer look at her face. No, this man truly didn´t deserve to live.
During the meeting lady Clovis waited for her brother just outside of the meeting hall with his sword, which he now tore from her hands, unsheathing it.
“Take your sword lord Moon, or if you don´t have one, I am sure one of these kind gentlemen will gladly borrow you theirs knowing they´ll get it back perfectly clean!”
Shaking his head, Gabriel stepped forward, to face his opponent, while the remaining spectators made a large circle around them.
“Coward!”
Lord Clovis exclaimed angrily.
“Do you really think you can avoid this by refusing to take a weapon? Or, do you expect I´ll be brawling with you with my bare hands like some savage?”
The Professor sighed.
“I swear on my name, that you will die by a sword.”
Confused, the Lord Protector looked at his king, who just laughed, clapping his hands.
“That sounds amusing!”
He laughed, which Clovis took as approval.
Without a word or waiting for a signal to start the duel Gaston lunged forward, aiming his blade at the Professor´s heart. And while it was an expert strike in the Professor´s eyes it was just too slow.
Turning his body to the side, Gabriel let the blade pass next to his body, before reaching forward, slamming his opponent´s wrist from below with one hand, while hitting the blunt side of his military saber from the top. This way, he pried it out of Clovis´s hand, turning it around, only to stab it through his chest. The young lord was dead before his body hit the ground.
A silence fell on the gathered lords as no one really expected someone of Clovis´s skills to be killed so easily, almost as if the act itself was nothing but an afterthought for the Professor. More than one suddenly thought that if that man decided to kill them, there wasn´t force present that would be able to at least slow him down. Thought, that put a cold sweat on many foreheads. Gabriel however ignored them completely, his eyes focused on Sophia, until his majesty clapped his hands.
“Lord Moon, that was absolutely amazing!”
He exclaimed, pausing for a moment, as his eyes fell on his fallen Lord Protector.
“Poor lord Clovis, his father served us well and he…last of his line….”
The king shook his head, looking at Gabriel.
“Tell me, lord Moon, can you teach our soldiers to fight like this?”
Turning towards his king, Gabriel bowed his head gently, taking his time to choose the proper words.
“The path of true martial arts is hard your majesty, not everyone is fit to walk it, but I am a teacher first and foremost. So why I can´t promise you that every single soldier under your command will be as strong as I am, I can promise you that over time, they will grow into the most effective and efficient fighting force in the West Blue.”
His Majesty paused, looking at Gabriel with a mixture of fear and anticipation.
“Will they be strong enough to fight a giant?”
The Professor nodded.
“They will, but if that giantess is what worries you your majesty, you should know that I already bested her in a single combat and made her swear to not attack the capital.”
The King looked at the Grand Master of M.A.R.I. almost as if he was about to cry from relief, before clapping his hands again.
“That´s amazing! My lords did you hear it?! Lord Moon, for your deeds, I hereby grant you the titles of Lord Protector and the Commander in Chief of our army!”
This declaration dropped more than one jaw. The emissary from the World Government had probably the sourest face, but there were others, mainly those who belonged to Clovis´s faction, who didn´t feel the decision was right.
“Your majesty!”
One of the elderly lords find the courage to speak up.
“Your majesty! These titles belonged to the Clovis family for generations, is it truly wise to grand them….”
But the king silenced him with a simple gesture.
“They did my lord, but the house is no more. But…”
He rubbed his chin as an idea was born under the golden crown.
“you are right, that perhaps I shouldn´t dismiss them like this. They served this country with honor for generations! Lord Moon!”
He turned back to Gabriel.
“I am granting you the title of Lord Protector, but the lands and property belonging to the house Clovis will remain under the protection of the crown as a dowry for Lady Sophia.”
Pausing for a moment, the king put up a strange smirk, nudging the Professor gently.
“I mean…she is a beautiful woman and from what I heard you are still single, so….”
Smiling he turned around, to face his bodyguards.
“Very well! My lords, I would love to spend more time with you, but it´s time for lunch, so this meeting is over. Oh, and someone…please take care of the body!”
With that his majesty left the garden, followed by his bodyguards.
Headquarters
It was only after the king left the garden, that Gabriel realized how incredibly tired he actually was. His introverted self definitely wasn´t built for this. And while he was able to suppress his nature for some time when his puppies were in danger, now he wished nothing more, but to hide himself in his library and stay there for a few days. These people around him however were his polar opposites. Social animals, who were born to the game and enjoyed playing it. Now he changed the rules by removing one of the most powerful pieces, but it was hardly the first time someone upset the balance like that. After the initial shock, their instincts drove them forward to never-ending attempts to secure a better position for themselves and their families.
BAM
He could see it on their faces, these invitations to social events he didn´t want to take part in, plans, schemes, and marriage proposals! No, he had to get out of there right now!
BAM BAM
“Ehm, excuse me, lord Moon”
A tall gentleman in his late forties addressed the Professor, trying to tap him on the shoulder, only to realize, that what he tried to touch was just a quickly disappearing afterimage.
“What the…”
The sudden career and social growth of Lord Moon became the main topic of gossip in the Toroa´s capital, however, the Professor himself was completely oblivious to them, as he raced through the skies, before dropping down in the middle of his garden.
“New Moon: Fire Clouds”
The sudden appearance of the Grand Master on the training field where a group of around thirty students was training basic movements with their spears startled more than just a few people. Some dropped their training weapons, jumping away from the perceived threat, that was suddenly standing in their midst, while others took a stance, pointing their sticks at him and Gabriel made a mental note of who belonged to which group. Their confusion however didn´t last long as Professor´s face was something every member of M.A.R.I. recognized.
“Welcome back Master!”
Thirty people exclaimed, adding a deep bow for good measure. Keeping his lessons always as informal as possible, Gabriel wasn´t really a fan of this strict code and formal behavior, but during his prolonged absence his status grew into nearly mythical proportions among the more junior members and right now, he didn´t really have the energy to try and do something about it. So he just nodded back at them and headed straight to the main building.
“Carry on with your training.”
Unfortunately for him, there was something he didn´t notice in his hurry and that was the identity of their teacher.
“Hey! Urgh…Robert, take over the class please.”
A young woman in her early twenties asked one of the senior students, before giving chase to the fleeing Professor.
“Yes Master”
Showing a proper respect to her, despite being almost twice her age, the tall veteran from of Toroa´s police force grabbed his spears and stepped forward, in front of the chuckling crowd, while Sarah grabbed Gabriel´s shoulder.
“Hey!”
She graced him with a smile that almost dissolved all of his worries, almost.
“Sarah, sorry I…”
She stopped his apology with an even wider smile.
“was lost in your thoughts?”
He nodded.
“Yes, something like that.”
She looked into his eyes, waiting for more information, but since he didn´t give her any, she asked herself.
“And? How it went?”
Gabriel sighed.
“According to the plan mostly. The King named me the Lord Protector so, M.A.R.I. will take over training of Toroa´s military and…you were right about lord Clovis and his sister.”
The smile on Sarah´s face transformed into teasing smirk.
“Well, lord Moon, that´s what I call a career. We should probably hire someone to sort your mail because it will be soon flooded with marriage proposals.”
She really had to try hard not to laugh as his face turned pale.
“What? Why? I mean, you don´t really think that…”
Doing her best to keep her face straight, she patted Gabriel´s shoulder.
“Well, you just got like…second most important job in the whole kingdom, you are rich, single, handsome, and…relatively young so…”
With every word that Sarah said, Gabriel´s mind was sinking deeper and deeper into the well of despair, just from the idea of all these invitations to social gatherings and parents pushing their daughters his way. Suddenly, he felt the need to hug some big dusty tome again, in the safety of his library.
“Well, I could help…”
Sarah started, but her attempt was interrupted by a booming voice that came from the main building.
“Here he is! All hail to the Lord Protector! Or is it His Royal Majesty already?”
The Titan of Bokh laughed, rushing to his friend, totally oblivious to the heartbroken look on Sarah´s face. She almost said it! Almost, after gathering the courage for more than a week and waiting for the perfect opportunity…how could she be so unlucky?
"Stupid clueless dumb*ass"
The young woman muttered, storming to the kitchen for a large bucket of hazelnut cream as in her misery, she didn´t feel like taking over training again.
A night visitor
Despite the incredible honour granted to their Headmaster, there was little to no celebration among the members of M.A.R.I. as Gabriel quickly focused all of his subordinates on the tasks at hand. There was a lot to do if they were supposed to train the Toroa´s military into an effective fighting force, especially if they didn´t want to give up on various other operations, they were just starting. To make a long story short it was a busy day and so at its end, most people at the Headquarters were happily sleeping in their beds. Of course, there were guards present, but there were only a few of them. Nothing an experienced assassin couldn´t avoid. She entered the premise from the north, to avoid the giant dog, that was usually staying close to the main gate, patiently waiting for the moment when guards will be on different sides of the wall, before climbing up the wail with the help of rope.
Once her feet touched the soft grass on the other side, she moved through the shadows, avoiding all sources of light, until she reached the back entrance to the building.
“Sloppy.”
The killer thought for herself as unlike the walls and the main gate, these doors were not guarded and unlocked.
The whole building was sleeping, perhaps with the exception of a few servants on the ground floor, but she quickly avoided them, climbing up, to the second floor, where the bedroom of the owner was supposed to be.
She was never inside nor did she see a plan of the building, but she managed to find a servant that worked there and bribe him, so she knew which room she was looking for.
Take the main staircase to the second floor, turn right and it will be the room at the end of the hallway.
She sneaked through the darkness, carefully placing her feet to avoid any unnecessary sounds. Opened the door and found herself in a spacious, but surprisingly humble bedroom, that lacked any extravagant decorations one would expect from a lord of Toroa. Then again, up until today, this particular lord was only a minor nobleman and university teacher, so perhaps she shouldn´t expect much?
She had her eyes on the target and moved towards his bed silently as a ghost. A long blade of her knife glimmered in the light of the moon as she raised it high in the sky, only to freeze in fear as the person on the bed suddenly spoke up.
“You know that the only reason why you got so far is that I asked my guards to let you in right?”
Cursing under her breath, she moved her arm in a downward motion, but the blade never found its target as Gabriel blocked her forearm with his own, capturing her arm and twisting it until the would-be assassin found her face buried in Gabriel´s pillow, with the man standing behind her, holding her arm in a tight arm lock.
“Let go!”
Sofia Clovis growled angrily as this position was more humiliating than painful yet it seemed to be impossible for her to escape on her own.
“Lady Clovis, you came into my room with a knife, I don´t think you are in any position to demand anything.”
Said the Professor and to her surprise there was not a single hint of anger in his voice.
“Now, you will promise that you won´t try to stab me again and I´ll release your arm, all right?”
That soft, patronizing tone made her even angrier and so she struggled against her captor, but with no results.
“Fine”
She growled, quickly backing away from the bed, once Gabriel released his grip, hiding in shadows, not to mask her identity, but the blush and frustration written over her face.
“Now what?”
Sophia asked defiantly, hiding her fear and uncertainty behind false bravado. She saw him to kill her brother so knew that running away wasn´t really an option but at the same time didn´t feel any malice coming from him, despite the fact she broke in his house with a knife.
“Now, we will talk.”
Replied Gabriel, still marveling about how much this woman reminded him of Danielle. Proud, headstrong, defiant, yet still there was something about her, something besides her looks, that made her look like a puppy in his eyes. Hardened by a tough life perhaps, hidden behind a wall of growling and barking, but ultimately lost and helpless.
“Talk…”
She repeated after him, almost as if she was unable to believe it.
“No guards? No prison?”
The Professor shook his head in response.
“No guards. No prison.”
She looked into his eyes, trying to guess his intentions, but there was nothing that would give them away.
“Why?”
Gabriel gently smiled.
“Now that´s the question, isn´t it? For example, why did you try to kill me?”
Sophia flinched.
“You killed my brother…”
She whispered, but it didn´t sound convincing even to her.
“Yes, that would be a good motive, right? Except, I saw your eyes when your brother died. There was no anger, no pain, just shock and…relief.”
Sophia flinched.
“What? NO! What kind of monster would feel relief when their brother…”
Putting his fingers across his lips, Gabriel silently asked Lady Clovis to keep her voice down before replying.
“No, not a monster but victim.”
Lady Clovis flinched, looking at Gabriel in pure horror, while her hand moved upwards, towards her left cheek.
“Don´t worry, you are hiding it well.”
Gabriel´s smile became sad as he noticed the pain in her eyes. If he could, he would kill her brother again just for that.
“But my eyes are better than average.”
She desperately shook her head.
“No, that’s…he…I…”
The Professor made a step toward Sophia, trying his best to resist the urge to hug her.
“Bruised cheek, your breathing is off indicating either bruised or cracked ribs, your…”
She didn´t let him finish,
„Enough! Stop this, just stop! “
Taken aback by her outburst, Gabriel looked into her eyes and realized they are filled with tears.
“You think that everything is so easy? A poor little girl was beaten by her brother so I will play hero, kill him and everything will be just fine?! Well, guess what, it won’t! Because yes, my brother was a b*stard and deserved what happened to him, but when he was alive I had at least some degree of freedom. Now? I have nothing! I am nothing just a bargaining chip for his majesty to use!”
The Professor tried to interrupt her with raised finger, but she didn´t let him.
“With Gaston around, I could at least dream about freedom. About leaving everything to him and running away! Now? If I´ll do that it´s all gone! The legacy of my family was snatched by strangers without even a drop of our blood!”
Sophia was looking at him, her body shaking from all that suppressed anger and feeling of helplessness. Gabriel gave her a moment before carefully asking.
“Then the emissary offered you a deal, right? You will kill me and when World Government takes power, he´ll make sure the law will change.”
She didn´t answer, but he could see in her eyes that he was right.
“You know he lied right? If I died you would be the first suspect, scapegoat…”
Lady Clovis chuckled, but there was hardly any happiness in that sound.
“And what other choices I have? Oh right, I forgot, I should probably marry you right, as his Royal Majesty wanted!”
She put so much sarcasm into that “royal majesty” part, that it was almost palpable.
“Well, if that´s your plan then forget it. I would rather spend the rest of my life in prison than give anyone the last bit of freedom I have!”
Sophia was angry. She wanted to yell at him, she wanted to punch him, to get a free way to all that anger she felt, but she suddenly realized she can’t. Because she found herself locked in these kind, gentle eyes that were looking at her, feeling as if her anger was slowly but steadily melting away.
“Lady Clovis, you are an amazing woman, strong, courageous, intelligent. It would be a great honor if you considered me to be worth your hand. But truth to be told, I am terrible marriage material, so I never even thought about pursuing this direction. Here…”
She flinched as Gabriel reached for his nightstand, but relaxed when all he took from there was an official looking piece of paper which he offered to her. Already softened by his words, she took it. It was a difficult to read in the darkness of his room, but not impossible, and with every word she read it become even harder to stop tears from running down her face.
“That´s…”
She whispered.
“The law is very clear. Women can´t inherit the title of Lord Protector, but there is no rule against women serving in the military or that they can´t hold certain ranks…”
Gabriel smiled.
“Now, I´ll be honest with you. I am not intending to stay on this island for long. I have other pressing matters to attend and while M.A.R.I. will take full care of the training, these fine soldiers will still need someone to lead them on an everyday basis so, as the Chief of Staff you will be basically the commander of Toroa´s military. This…”
He paused as Sophia looked up at him, already giving up her struggle against the tears.
“Well, this…”
The Professor continued after a short break.
“should honor your family and give you enough influence to keep these suitors away. At least until we´ll figure out how to change that stupid law that´s stopping you from getting your rightful inheritance.”
He expected a lot of possibilities, but that she´ll grab him in a tight hug wasn´t among them.
Fortunately for both of them, she wasn´t holding him for long, before her sense of shame kicked in, because the Professor was about to pat her head and that would turn that moment into an even more awkward one.
“But are you really all right with this? I mean, I tried to stab you.”
Sophia whispered, half embarrassed by such an unfiltered display of her emotion, half afraid that her murderous attempt could ruin this chance for her…and rightfully so.
The Professor stayed silent for a moment, rubbing his chin as if he was thinking about what she just said. She tried to kill him, that was true, but Danielle also pulled a sword at him the day they met and she was now part of his family so…
“Yes, I don´t really mind, to be honest?”
The tone he used for these words gave her pause, but eventually, she nodded before putting herself into attention, saluting her new commanding officer.
“Thank you, Lord Protector! I swear I won´t disappoint you!”
Gabriel returned her the salute.
“I am glad to hear that. You are starting tomorrow at 7 a.m. sharp. And general…”
He added her new rank as she was already leaving his room, making her to turn back at him in confusion.
“I already asked my people to let you pass so, you can leave by the main gate.”
Even in the darkness, he could see how Sophia´s cheeks turned red for a moment before she jumped back to attention.
“Yes sir!”
Only later, after she left the Moon´s manor did she realize how strange this encounter was. When she was going in she was determined to kill Gabriel Moon, now when she was leaving she knew she would die for him.
“But are you really all right with this? I mean, I tried to stab you.”
Sophia whispered, half embarrassed by such an unfiltered display of her emotion, half afraid that her murderous attempt could ruin this chance for her…and rightfully so.
The Professor stayed silent for a moment, rubbing his chin as if he was thinking about what she just said. She tried to kill him, that was true, but Danielle also pulled a sword at him the day they met and she was now part of his family so…
“Yes, I don´t really mind, to be honest?”
The tone he used for these words gave her pause, but eventually, she nodded before putting herself into attention, saluting her new commanding officer.
“Thank you, Lord Protector! I swear I won´t disappoint you!”
Gabriel returned her the salute.
“I am glad to hear that. You are starting tomorrow at 7 a.m. sharp. And general…”
He added her new rank as she was already leaving his room, making her to turn back at him in confusion.
“I already asked my people to let you pass so, you can leave by the main gate.”
Even in the darkness, he could see how Sophia´s cheeks turned red for a moment before she jumped back to attention.
“Yes sir!”
Only later, after she left the Moon´s manor did she realize how strange this encounter was. When she was going in she was determined to kill Gabriel Moon, now when she was leaving she knew she would die for him.
Sarah and Gabriel
Lady Clovis left his house, but for Gabriel, this night was hardly over. Watching her leave from the window of his room, he muttered“You can come out now.”
For a moment, there was no response, before someone stepped out of the shadows behind the heavy curtains. A woman in her early twenties, short and slender, dressed in a martial arts uniform.
“I told you it will be all right.”
He smiled, but it didn´t do much against Sarah´s sulk.
“You told us, that we should let that woman in because she will try to kill you, of course, I was worried!”
The Professor was always bad when it came to handling her sad face, and so he reached forward, to hold her in a hug while trying to lighten the mood with a joke…thoughtless one unfortunately.
“Really? And there I thought you were worried I could actually marry her.”
He realized his mistake only afterward when she made a face as if he slapped her and turned away from him.
“Wait, that wasn´t…”
Gabriel tried to apologize, but she didn´t let him.
“No, no, it´s all right. I mean… your stance is quite obvious with how you are ignoring me anyway.”
The Professor sighed.
“No, I am…”
But she was already on her way out.
“Your feelings are not unrequited. It´s just…”
She paused.
“Just what?”
“I am not really marriage material.”
She turned around.
“How…”
Sarah marched to him, hitting his chest with her small fist after every word.
“can someone as intelligent as you be so dumb?”
She snapped, finally losing her battle against the tears.
“Did it never really occur to you, that perhaps this isn´t up to you to decide?”
Gabriel opened his mouth to say something, but she didn´t let him.
“I know you are quirky, to say the least! I know you will be away all the time chasing some long-lost martial arts instead of being here with me and that you will return with a new puppy from at least half of them. But I don´t mind! I love you!”
Her confession left Gabriel speechless as he never really imagined that her…or anyone for that matter would…
“So, that means you would marry me?”
He asked out of a sudden.
He felt Sarah as froze, raising her eyes toward him, her face bright red even in the darkness of his room.
“Like, right now?”
She stuttered.
“What? Of course not. I still have some things I have to attend to but after that…”
Gabriel laughed nervously, suddenly realizing that he drove himself into a corner without even realizing it.
Sarah paused, her eyes narrowing as she poked him in the chest.
“Lord Moon, are you proposing to me right now or not?”
A cold sweat ran down Gabriel´s back. Well, truth be told; Sarah was an amazing woman. Smart, beautiful, perfect in any and all ways imaginable. And since he returned back home he realized, that he liked her a lot, in a way that was very different than what he was feeling towards the rest of his puppies, but marriage? That was something he definitely wasn´t prepared for! Maybe he should run away? The windows were closed, but he could probably open the door before Sarah would catch him. Or perhaps some excuse? Like…like…he looked down into her hopeful puppy eyes and realized he lost. There was no way he could say no to these eyes and break her heart.
“Well, I mean…can you give me a second?”
He chuckled, rushing towards one of his closets, throwing stuff around for a moment before he finally found what he was looking for. An antique ring he bought three years ago from a con artist who thought it was fake.
“Ehm…Sarah Eskel, would you marry me?”
Going to one knee, Gabriel looked up hoping for a quick answer that however didn´t come, as Sarah looked at the ring with a raised eyebrow.
“Are you seriously keeping an engagement ring between your socks just in case?”
The Professor swallowed emptily, unsure if she became suddenly mad at him or if she is just making fun. Fortunately, Sarah was a terrible poker player and so her stern face soon melted into a wide smile.”
“Yes! Yes, I will!”
Breathing out in relief, Gabriel put the ring on her finger before falling into an awkward silence. The two of them were looking at each other, waiting for the other to say something, before the Professor finally found his voice.
“Well, would you like me to read you something? We still didn´t finish that book from before I left?”
And so the two of them spent the night snuggled in a high chair, with Gabriel reading his fiancée sequel of her favorite novel in the candlelight.
Unfortunately, Gabriel couldn´t really enjoy the morning, as messengers started coming, bringing greetings and invitations from various noble families of Toroa. The Professor never saw his protégé…well actually no…his fiancée so smug as when she flashed her ring to a guy, who brought an invitation for a birthday party of a young lady Broglie.
Morning
Naturally, they wouldn´t be able to keep, what happened yesterday between the two of them, secret, even if they tried. As ring that suddenly appeared on Sarah´s finger was quite telling. So the breakfast was in the very festive spirit, with Beast and Sigrid demanding photos to be made, so they could add them to the next letter for Danielle.
Unfortunately, Gabriel couldn´t really enjoy the morning, as messengers started coming, bringing greetings and invitations from various noble families of Toroa. The Professor never saw his protégé…well actually no…his fiancée so smug as when she flashed her ring to a guy, who brought an invitation for a birthday party of a young lady Broglie.
It was a great start of a morning, but the Professor eventually retreated to his study, letting his fiancée in the very capable hands of Sigrid, Eponine, and Beast. This time his disappearance had nothing to do with his social anxiety, but rather because of the various duties he had to attend to. His time in the West Blue was limited, as the hunt for Python´s killer was still on, and so he had to use it to its fullest.
“Afternoon…”
He muttered, after going through a letter with a king´s seal on it, that was officially confirming his new position, and also informed the Professor about the ceremony during which he´ll be introduced to the rest of the military´s leadership, which was about to happen this afternoon.
Another meeting with dozens if not hundreds of strangers wasn´t exactly something he would like to go through, but it was the last step in his plan to secure the safety of his puppies back home. One last step.
Lost in his thoughts, Gabriel almost missed the knocking on his doors, that disturbed his line of thoughts.
“Yes?”
He finally answered with another piece of paper in hand. The door opened, revealing Sarah accompanied by five other men. Well, that definitely explained why she knocked, because that was something she stopped doing years ago.
“Good morning.”
He greeted the man standing next to his fiancée, recognizing the World Government´s emissary in him.
“Good morning sir.”
The Emissary nodded in response, walking inside, followed by his four bodyguards. Well, at least that was the original idea until Sarah stepped forward and blocked their way.
“What the…?”
One of the bodyguards frowned, moving his head to push her aside, only to find himself in a painful arm lock.
The emissary turned around, his voice revealing hardly suppressed fury.
“What´s the meaning of this?! Lord Moon command your servant to behave!”
Gabriel frowned.
“That “servant” is my fiancée, so you better watch your mouth around her.”
The emissary flinched at the sound of his tone.
“And while I don´t know why you need four bodyguards around just to talk with me if you are so afraid of one history teacher, they can enter.”
With a frown, Sarah released the captured arm, but the emissary shook his head, doing his best to control his anger.
“That´s all right, they can wait outside.”
He growled, nodding at his men to stand down, just before Sarah closed the doors behind them.
“Well?”
Gabriel gestured towards an empty chair across the table from him.
“Thank you…”
He muttered, taking the seat.
“We met yesterday, but I don´t think we were properly introduced?”
The emissary started, offering the Professor a handshake.
“My name is Constantine Robertson World Government´s ambassador in West Blue.”
Watching his hand, almost as if he was thinking whether he should accept this handshake or not, Gabriel nodded and squeezed his hand. Mr. Robertson waited for a few moments whether Lord Moon introduces himself or not, but when he remained silent, he continued.
“I understand that there is a certain level of animosity between you and my…employer, but I cam to assure you, that there is no reason for it.”
Gabriel narrowed his eyes. The only sign that there were some emotions behind the stern face of his.
“Your…employer put a bounty on my head and the heads of several of my friends. I think that´s enough of a reason for a “certain level of animosity.”
Constantine nodded.
“That´s true, but you have to agree it wasn´t really…unprovoked? Destroying a trade square, breaking criminals out of prison, killing members of law enforcement…”
The ambassador stopped and his face turned pale as even someone who never really fought in his life could feel the sudden surge of killing intent from the Professor.
“She was framed.”
Gabriel growled, clenching his fists to stop himself from doing something utterly stupid.
“If these…law enforcements of yours…would do their job instead of beating an innocent girl senselessly I wouldn´t have to break her from there in the first place.”
Mr. Robertson nodded, trying to hide his fear behind a faked smile.
“Yes…I mean, it doesn´t really matter now, because these crimes, whatever they were alleged or real can be now forgotten. You and all your subordinates can be pardoned, if you´ll fulfill some basic conditions.”
He waited if this news gets some reaction out of the Professor, but when he didn´t move an inch, the emissary continued.
“Did you ever hear about the Daibukai project?”
Gabriel tilted his head to the side.
“Some offshoot of Shichibukai I suppose?”
The ambassador nodded.
“Yes, in a way…Daibukai is a system that allows people of certain power and notoriety to gain pardon for their crimes in exchange for lending their power to the World Government and protecting their citizens.”
The Professor frowned.
“And how exactly would I qualify?”
He asked, earning a careful smile from the emissary.
“Well, under normal circumstances you wouldn´t. A bounty of 36 million wouldn´t be enough to get you the necessary recognition but…with your power and influence you could help the kingdom of Toroa to find its way into the fold of World Government. I am sure that such an act would surely help you to establish yourself as an…important asset… of the Government.”
Gabriel stayed silent. Hard to say what he was thinking about this offer, or if it was so hard for him to control his anger. When he however spoke up it became obvious, that the second option was the right one.
“Perhaps…”
He growled
“you should think about this offer before sending Lady Clovis to visit me in the middle of the night.”
This remark made the ambassador pause for o short while before he conjured yet another smile.
“That´s some misunderstanding Lord Moon. I admit that I spoke with Lady Clovis after her brother´s death, but all I did was offer her some words of comfort, that´s all.”
He was lying. Gabriel knew he was lying. Constantine knew that Gabriel knew, but still lied to offer him something that could bury the war axe between the two of them. It didn´t help.
„Lord Moon…“
He tried to change the topic.
“I understand that this might seem like a difficult decision to you, especially since you spoke so passionately against this idea yesterday, but you have to understand, that no one is expecting you to change your mind overnight. A month or two, maybe a year is enough time for every man to see the…benefits World Government is offering.”
Breaking the stillness of his posture, Gabriel tilted his head to the other side.
“Benefits? And what exactly are these benefits you are talking about?”
Feeling his opportunity, the ambassador smiled more widely.
“You are family man, lord Moon, I can see that much, with a young beautiful fiancée to keep safe and secure. And while the World Government doesn´t intervene with the businesses of unaffiliated countries, it´s impossible for us to stop various bounty hunters from…”
He stopped, realizing too late, that his choice of words was perhaps rather poor.
“Are you threatening me, Mr. Ambassador?”
The answer to that question was probably yes, but even someone with an ego much bigger than was that of Mr. Robertson would admit, that Gabriel was better in that field. He didn´t even have to speak these words. There was something in these cold steel eyes of his that spoke volumes about that man´s capacity for violence and suddenly Constantine Robertson regretted leaving his bodyguards outside.
“No, of course not, but you have to realize my lord, that no man can be everywhere at once. No man can fight the whole world.”
The Professor didn´t answer. Not right away at least, as these words echoed what Seere told him a few days earlier when their duel concluded. Indeed, no man could be everywhere at once, but there was an answer he wanted to give her, but couldn´t because he thought about it too late. Now it looked like fate offered him a second chance on that.
“Maybe.”
Gabriel nodded.
“But when you´ll get strong enough and teach people to respect that strength, they will leave you alone.”
Constantine looked into his eyes, trying to find some crack in his resolve, anything that he could use or explore, but he couldn´t find anything.
“Is that your answer?”
The Professor nodded.
“It is.”
The Ambassador sighed, realizing that his superiors will be everything but happy, but there was literally nothing more he could do.
“Very well, if that´s the case, thank you for your time.”
Offering another handshake to Gabriel, the emissary took his leave, followed by his suite of bodyguards.
“Well, that was easier than I expected.”
Muttered Sarah, making herself comfortable on Gabriel´s lap, as Niko volunteered to accompany their guests out of the gate.
“Hmmmmm”
The Professor muttered, petting her head, while lost in his own thoughts.
“You know I heard most of what you two were talking about and…please tell me you are not planning anything stupid…”
Gabriel didn´t answer right away, almost as if he was thinking about something, before muttering.
“I mean, I was thinking about hunting down Jimbe, the former Shichibukai to show of how strong and dangerous I am.”
Sarah looked at him with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
“You are joking right?”
The stern mask the Professor was wearing the whole time melted, revealing a cheerful smile.
“Of course, I am. I just have to finish some business in East Blue and then will return home to you.”
Gabriel kind of expected that this will calm her down, so he was surprised when she hit him in the chest.
“You are such an idi*t! You know I don´t know when you are serious and when not.”
He reached towards her face, but she dodged him.
“No”
She snapped, but after a moment snuggled back to him.
“Just promise me you will be careful all right? I really love you.”
Kissing her hair, the Professor muttered.
“I love you too.”
Only to be forced to quickly move his head, otherwise, it would collide with Sarah´s who looked up at him.
“What?”
He asked in clear confusion.
“Nothing.”
His fiancée smiled smugly.
“I am just glad you finally said it. That you love me.”
She kissed him back.
“So, that means you would marry me?”
He asked out of a sudden.
He felt Sarah as froze, raising her eyes toward him, her face bright red even in the darkness of his room.
“Like, right now?”
She stuttered.
“What? Of course not. I still have some things I have to attend to but after that…”
Gabriel laughed nervously, suddenly realizing that he drove himself into a corner without even realizing it.
Sarah paused, her eyes narrowing as she poked him in the chest.
“Lord Moon, are you proposing to me right now or not?”
A cold sweat ran down Gabriel´s back. Well, truth be told; Sarah was an amazing woman. Smart, beautiful, perfect in any and all ways imaginable. And since he returned back home he realized, that he liked her a lot, in a way that was very different than what he was feeling towards the rest of his puppies, but marriage? That was something he definitely wasn´t prepared for! Maybe he should run away? The windows were closed, but he could probably open the door before Sarah would catch him. Or perhaps some excuse? Like…like…he looked down into her hopeful puppy eyes and realized he lost. There was no way he could say no to these eyes and break her heart.
“Well, I mean…can you give me a second?”
He chuckled, rushing towards one of his closets, throwing stuff around for a moment before he finally found what he was looking for. An antique ring he bought three years ago from a con artist who thought it was fake.
“Ehm…Sarah Eskel, would you marry me?”
Going to one knee, Gabriel looked up hoping for a quick answer that however didn´t come, as Sarah looked at the ring with a raised eyebrow.
“Are you seriously keeping an engagement ring between your socks just in case?”
The Professor swallowed emptily, unsure if she became suddenly mad at him or if she is just making fun. Fortunately, Sarah was a terrible poker player and so her stern face soon melted into a wide smile.”
“Yes! Yes, I will!”
Breathing out in relief, Gabriel put the ring on her finger before falling into an awkward silence. The two of them were looking at each other, waiting for the other to say something, before the Professor finally found his voice.
“Well, would you like me to read you something? We still didn´t finish that book from before I left?”
And so the two of them spent the night snuggled in a high chair, with Gabriel reading his fiancée sequel of her favorite novel in the candlelight.
Morning
Naturally, they wouldn´t be able to keep, what happened yesterday between the two of them, secret, even if they tried. As ring that suddenly appeared on Sarah´s finger was quite telling. So the breakfast was in the very festive spirit, with Beast and Sigrid demanding photos to be made, so they could add them to the next letter for Danielle. Unfortunately, Gabriel couldn´t really enjoy the morning, as messengers started coming, bringing greetings and invitations from various noble families of Toroa. The Professor never saw his protégé…well actually no…his fiancée so smug as when she flashed her ring to a guy, who brought an invitation for a birthday party of a young lady Broglie.
Morning
Naturally, they wouldn´t be able to keep, what happened yesterday between the two of them, secret, even if they tried. As ring that suddenly appeared on Sarah´s finger was quite telling. So the breakfast was in the very festive spirit, with Beast and Sigrid demanding photos to be made, so they could add them to the next letter for Danielle.
Unfortunately, Gabriel couldn´t really enjoy the morning, as messengers started coming, bringing greetings and invitations from various noble families of Toroa. The Professor never saw his protégé…well actually no…his fiancée so smug as when she flashed her ring to a guy, who brought an invitation for a birthday party of a young lady Broglie.
It was a great start of a morning, but the Professor eventually retreated to his study, letting his fiancée in the very capable hands of Sigrid, Eponine, and Beast. This time his disappearance had nothing to do with his social anxiety, but rather because of the various duties he had to attend to. His time in the West Blue was limited, as the hunt for Python´s killer was still on, and so he had to use it to its fullest.
“Afternoon…”
He muttered, after going through a letter with a king´s seal on it, that was officially confirming his new position, and also informed the Professor about the ceremony during which he´ll be introduced to the rest of the military´s leadership, which was about to happen this afternoon.
Another meeting with dozens if not hundreds of strangers wasn´t exactly something he would like to go through, but it was the last step in his plan to secure the safety of his puppies back home. One last step.
Lost in his thoughts, Gabriel almost missed the knocking on his doors, that disturbed his line of thoughts.
“Yes?”
He finally answered with another piece of paper in hand. The door opened, revealing Sarah accompanied by five other men. Well, that definitely explained why she knocked, because that was something she stopped doing years ago.
“Good morning.”
He greeted the man standing next to his fiancée, recognizing the World Government´s emissary in him.
“Good morning sir.”
The Emissary nodded in response, walking inside, followed by his four bodyguards. Well, at least that was the original idea until Sarah stepped forward and blocked their way.
“What the…?”
One of the bodyguards frowned, moving his head to push her aside, only to find himself in a painful arm lock.
The emissary turned around, his voice revealing hardly suppressed fury.
“What´s the meaning of this?! Lord Moon command your servant to behave!”
Gabriel frowned.
“That “servant” is my fiancée, so you better watch your mouth around her.”
The emissary flinched at the sound of his tone.
“And while I don´t know why you need four bodyguards around just to talk with me if you are so afraid of one history teacher, they can enter.”
With a frown, Sarah released the captured arm, but the emissary shook his head, doing his best to control his anger.
“That´s all right, they can wait outside.”
He growled, nodding at his men to stand down, just before Sarah closed the doors behind them.
“Well?”
Gabriel gestured towards an empty chair across the table from him.
“Thank you…”
He muttered, taking the seat.
“We met yesterday, but I don´t think we were properly introduced?”
The emissary started, offering the Professor a handshake.
“My name is Constantine Robertson World Government´s ambassador in West Blue.”
Watching his hand, almost as if he was thinking whether he should accept this handshake or not, Gabriel nodded and squeezed his hand. Mr. Robertson waited for a few moments whether Lord Moon introduces himself or not, but when he remained silent, he continued.
“I understand that there is a certain level of animosity between you and my…employer, but I cam to assure you, that there is no reason for it.”
Gabriel narrowed his eyes. The only sign that there were some emotions behind the stern face of his.
“Your…employer put a bounty on my head and the heads of several of my friends. I think that´s enough of a reason for a “certain level of animosity.”
Constantine nodded.
“That´s true, but you have to agree it wasn´t really…unprovoked? Destroying a trade square, breaking criminals out of prison, killing members of law enforcement…”
The ambassador stopped and his face turned pale as even someone who never really fought in his life could feel the sudden surge of killing intent from the Professor.
“She was framed.”
Gabriel growled, clenching his fists to stop himself from doing something utterly stupid.
“If these…law enforcements of yours…would do their job instead of beating an innocent girl senselessly I wouldn´t have to break her from there in the first place.”
Mr. Robertson nodded, trying to hide his fear behind a faked smile.
“Yes…I mean, it doesn´t really matter now, because these crimes, whatever they were alleged or real can be now forgotten. You and all your subordinates can be pardoned, if you´ll fulfill some basic conditions.”
He waited if this news gets some reaction out of the Professor, but when he didn´t move an inch, the emissary continued.
“Did you ever hear about the Daibukai project?”
Gabriel tilted his head to the side.
“Some offshoot of Shichibukai I suppose?”
The ambassador nodded.
“Yes, in a way…Daibukai is a system that allows people of certain power and notoriety to gain pardon for their crimes in exchange for lending their power to the World Government and protecting their citizens.”
The Professor frowned.
“And how exactly would I qualify?”
He asked, earning a careful smile from the emissary.
“Well, under normal circumstances you wouldn´t. A bounty of 36 million wouldn´t be enough to get you the necessary recognition but…with your power and influence you could help the kingdom of Toroa to find its way into the fold of World Government. I am sure that such an act would surely help you to establish yourself as an…important asset… of the Government.”
Gabriel stayed silent. Hard to say what he was thinking about this offer, or if it was so hard for him to control his anger. When he however spoke up it became obvious, that the second option was the right one.
“Perhaps…”
He growled
“you should think about this offer before sending Lady Clovis to visit me in the middle of the night.”
This remark made the ambassador pause for o short while before he conjured yet another smile.
“That´s some misunderstanding Lord Moon. I admit that I spoke with Lady Clovis after her brother´s death, but all I did was offer her some words of comfort, that´s all.”
He was lying. Gabriel knew he was lying. Constantine knew that Gabriel knew, but still lied to offer him something that could bury the war axe between the two of them. It didn´t help.
„Lord Moon…“
He tried to change the topic.
“I understand that this might seem like a difficult decision to you, especially since you spoke so passionately against this idea yesterday, but you have to understand, that no one is expecting you to change your mind overnight. A month or two, maybe a year is enough time for every man to see the…benefits World Government is offering.”
Breaking the stillness of his posture, Gabriel tilted his head to the other side.
“Benefits? And what exactly are these benefits you are talking about?”
Feeling his opportunity, the ambassador smiled more widely.
“You are family man, lord Moon, I can see that much, with a young beautiful fiancée to keep safe and secure. And while the World Government doesn´t intervene with the businesses of unaffiliated countries, it´s impossible for us to stop various bounty hunters from…”
He stopped, realizing too late, that his choice of words was perhaps rather poor.
“Are you threatening me, Mr. Ambassador?”
The answer to that question was probably yes, but even someone with an ego much bigger than was that of Mr. Robertson would admit, that Gabriel was better in that field. He didn´t even have to speak these words. There was something in these cold steel eyes of his that spoke volumes about that man´s capacity for violence and suddenly Constantine Robertson regretted leaving his bodyguards outside.
“No, of course not, but you have to realize my lord, that no man can be everywhere at once. No man can fight the whole world.”
The Professor didn´t answer. Not right away at least, as these words echoed what Seere told him a few days earlier when their duel concluded. Indeed, no man could be everywhere at once, but there was an answer he wanted to give her, but couldn´t because he thought about it too late. Now it looked like fate offered him a second chance on that.
“Maybe.”
Gabriel nodded.
“But when you´ll get strong enough and teach people to respect that strength, they will leave you alone.”
Constantine looked into his eyes, trying to find some crack in his resolve, anything that he could use or explore, but he couldn´t find anything.
“Is that your answer?”
The Professor nodded.
“It is.”
The Ambassador sighed, realizing that his superiors will be everything but happy, but there was literally nothing more he could do.
“Very well, if that´s the case, thank you for your time.”
Offering another handshake to Gabriel, the emissary took his leave, followed by his suite of bodyguards.
“Well, that was easier than I expected.”
Muttered Sarah, making herself comfortable on Gabriel´s lap, as Niko volunteered to accompany their guests out of the gate.
“Hmmmmm”
The Professor muttered, petting her head, while lost in his own thoughts.
“You know I heard most of what you two were talking about and…please tell me you are not planning anything stupid…”
Gabriel didn´t answer right away, almost as if he was thinking about something, before muttering.
“I mean, I was thinking about hunting down Jimbe, the former Shichibukai to show of how strong and dangerous I am.”
Sarah looked at him with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
“You are joking right?”
The stern mask the Professor was wearing the whole time melted, revealing a cheerful smile.
“Of course, I am. I just have to finish some business in East Blue and then will return home to you.”
Gabriel kind of expected that this will calm her down, so he was surprised when she hit him in the chest.
“You are such an idi*t! You know I don´t know when you are serious and when not.”
He reached towards her face, but she dodged him.
“No”
She snapped, but after a moment snuggled back to him.
“Just promise me you will be careful all right? I really love you.”
Kissing her hair, the Professor muttered.
“I love you too.”
Only to be forced to quickly move his head, otherwise, it would collide with Sarah´s who looked up at him.
“What?”
He asked in clear confusion.
“Nothing.”
His fiancée smiled smugly.
“I am just glad you finally said it. That you love me.”
She kissed him back.