The room felt too small for the number of egos inside it.
Nobles sat like polished ornaments—gleaming clothes, sharp posture, and even shaper eyes—each one pretending the low wooden house was beneath them. The Beastfolk nobles were worse. Their fur stood sleek and groomed, accessories wrapped around ears, tails, and collars like trophies of status.
Yet they all smiled politely. Fake politely.
Mhari stood among them with her hands folded on her lap, posture straight despite her exhaustion. She looked gentle and modest for the political circus forming around her.
Rhei sat beside her, stiff but determined. He kept adjusting the cuff of his shirt, as if doing so helped him breate.
Lith sad quietly on his small cushion, legs together, back straight. He looked like any respectful seven-year-old boy. But unlike any seven year old, he didn't fidget, didn't tremble, didn't shrink.
He simply watched. His eyes were calm—too calm. As if he had lived in rooms like this many times before.
Baron Helvane broke the uneasy silence with a refined laugh.
"From another life," Mhari finished, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Baron Helvane threw his head back, and laughed, a dry rattling sound that send shivers down Rhei's spine. "Another life? What fanciful nonsense! You commoners certainly know how to entertain." Helvane steepled his fingers, his sunglasses reflecting the dim light. "Pray tell, what manner of existence did you lead in this 'other life', madam?"
Entertain? Mhari smiled never wavering. I could entertain you by showing you the 700 ways I can kill you using only a teacup.
Koda, the larger of two wolf Beastfolk, snorted. "Enough with pleasantries, Helvane. Let's get on with it." He shifted uncomfortably. The air around the cabin felt...wrong. Too still. Too heavy. He couldn't explain it, but his instincts screamed at him to tread carefully. He glanced at Lith, the boy's innocent smile doing little to ease his unease. Those golden eyes...they held a depth that belied his age.
"Grimoire," Koda said, his voice a low growl, "why don't you entertain our host's son? A little... interaction... would do you good."
Lith returned the stare, his smile never faltering. But beneath the surface, Koda sensed something... unsettling. A quiet intensity that believed his angelic face.
Koda abruptly recoiled. His fur gave an instinctive SHIVER. It was as if he'd glimpsed something dark lurking beneath Lith's innocent facade. Predator. He forced a polite smile.
Grimoire, the younger wolfboy, grinned—a flash of sharp teeth. He stared at Lith with all of that hatred that a being human and his family has. "With a pleasure . I haven't had the pleasure of playing with such... ordinary human before." He paused, his eyes ranking over Lith from head to toe. The action made him very annoyed, sometimes just told him to get the hell out of there. His hair were long, and his eyes never had a glimpse. What a trash. "Hm.. Perhaps we could start with a simple game. Let's see... how about 'fetch'? I throw something, and you, being a human, go get it. Sound fun?"
Lith's smile didn't waver, but his eyes glinted with a hidden fire. Go ahead. Mention one more degrading thing about us humans, especially in front of my mother. I dare you. I won't hesitate to rip your throat out, you lowlife.
Koda's fur bristled. He felt a sudden, inexplicable chill, as if a predator had just locked its gaze on him. He averted his eyes, bowing his head slightly. "Perhaps... another time. Grimoire, show some respect. Our hosts have been most gracious."
Grimoire blinked, momentary confused by his father's uncharacteristic deference. He recovered quickly, his grin widening. "As you wish, Father." He turned to Lith, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don't worry, little human. We'll find something suitable for you to do. After all, it's not every day we get to mingle with such... unique company."
Lith tilted his head, his expression a perfect mask of innocent curiosity. "I would be honored to entertain Young Master Grimoire. Perhaps we could discuss the finer points of wind manipulation? Or maybe a friendly spar with wooden swords? I'm always eager to learn from those more experienced than myself." He turned to Mhari, his eyes sparkling. "Mama, may I be excused? I promise to be a most gracious host."
Mhari met his gaze, a flicker of concern in her eyes. She knew that look. It was the same look he had when he was about to unleash a particularly elaborate prank on Rhei. He's planning something, but I trust him. "Of course, sweetie. Just be careful, and remember your manners."
Lith bowed, a gesture of such innate grace that it seemed almost absurd coming from a simple farm boy. "As always, Mama." He turned to Rhei and his grandmother, offering a respectful nod. "Uncle Rhei, Grandmother Alder, I bid you farewell for now."
As Lith and Grimoire left the cabin, Mhari's attention returned to the negotiations.
The air in the room felt thick with unspoken tension.
"Now then," Baron Helvane said, his voice smooth as silk, "where were we? Ah, yes. The matter of rice." He leaned forward, his gaze sweeping over Rhei and his mother. "I am willing to offer a fair price for your next harvest. A price, I might add, that is far more generous than what you would receive in the city market. However..." He paused, his eyes glinting. "I have certain... expectations."
Rhei swallowed, his hands clenched in his lap. He knew what was coming. The nobles always wanted something more that just goods. "W-Whag kind of expectations, my Lord?"
"Let's just say," Halvane purred, "that j appreciate... loyalty. And discretion. I would expect you to continue providing me with the same quality of rice, and I would expect you to keep certain...matters... private. Rumors, as you know, can be quite damaging. Especially when they concern individuals of... elevated status." He glanced at Mhari, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Wouldn't you agree, madam?"
Mhari met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "Privacy is a virtue we value highly in Eastfarmlands, my Lord. We understand the importance of discretion."
Rhei's mother, bless her heart, tried to interject, her voice trembling slightly. "W-We are simple folk, my Lord. We have no interest in rumors or gossip. We only wish to provide for our families."
Halvane waved a dismissive hand. "Of course, of course. But sometimes, even the most well-intentioned individuals can... stumble upon... sensitive information. It is simply prudent to ensure that such information remains within the proper channels."
Koda, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, his voice a low growl. "What my esteemed colleague is trying to say, in his own roundabout way, is that we expect your... cooperation. Any... unforseen complications... would be most... regrettable." He fixed his gaze on Rhei, his eyes narrowed. "Do I make myself clear?"
Rhei swallowed hard, his knuckles white as he gripped his knees. "Y-yes, my Lord. Perfectly clear." He glanced at Mhari, a silent please in his eyes.
Oh, I'm sure you do, you smug bastard. Her smile still fixed in place. I've been through hell. You're just a minor inconvenience I need to file correctly.
She could feel the pressure building. The nobles were tightening their grip, subtly threatening Rhei and his family. She knew she had to do something, but she had to be careful. One wrong move could shatter the fragile peace they had built.
These guys are such tools, if I wasn't trying to keep a low profile, I'd zap 'em into next week. Ugh, gotta stay cool, Mhari. Stay. Cool.
"Perhaps," Mhari said, her voice calm and measured, "we could discuss the specifics of the agreement? The quantity of rice, the delivery schedule, the... compensation...for our discretion?" She smiled, a faint, almost predatory curve of her lips. Just play nice. For now. But if they lay a hand on Lith, I'll unleash hellfire and turn them all into fertilizer. "I'm sure we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Helvane's eyes narrowed, but he nodded slowly. "Indeed. I believe we can. You, are proving to be a most... resourceful negotiator." He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Mhari. "Tell me, what is your interest in all of this? You seem... unusually invested in the affairs of this village."
Mhari shrugged, her expression nonchalant. "I am simply a resident of Eastfarmlands, my Lord. I care about the well-being of my neighbor. And I believe in fair trade."
"Fair trade," Helvane repeated, his voice laced with amusement. "A noble sentiment. But I suspect there is more to you than meets the eye, madam. You possess a certain... presence...that is not often found in commoners."
Oh, if you only knew, old man. I used to command armies, negotiate treaties with interdimensional beings, and rule an entire planet. This 'rustic charm' is an act, a very carefully constructed one.
Mhari smiled, a cool, almost regal expression. "Perhaps, my Lord, you are simply mistaking my... rustic charm...for someone more."
The tension in the room was almond unbearable. Rhei and his mother sat in stunned silence, watching the exchange between Mhari and the nobles with a mixture of fear and awe. They had never seen Mhari like this before. She was no longer the cheerful, clumsy farmer they knew. This woman was something else entirely. Tch.
——
While the adults negotiated in the cabin, Grimoire led Lith away from the village, towards the edge of the forest. The young Beastfolk walked with a swagger, his nose twitching with disdain.
"So," Grimoire said, his voice dripping with arrogance, "tell me, human. What do you do for fun in this... charming little village? Chase chickens? Milk cows? I can't imagine there's much to occupy your time."
Lith smiled politely. "We keep ourselves busy. We help with the harvest, tend to the animals, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life."
Grimoire scoffed. "Simple pleasures? How utterly pathetic. Don't you ever dream of anything more? Don't you ever yearn for power, for glory, for the finer things in life?"
Lith tilted his head, his eyes wide with feigned innocence. "I'm content with what I have. I have a loving mother, a kind community, and a roof over my head. What more could I ask for?"
Grimoire's eyes narrowed. He couldn't understand this human. He was supposed to be weak, pathetic, envious of his superior status. But Lith seemed... unfazed. It was infuriating.
"Don't play coy with me, human," Grimoire sneered. "I can see right through you. You just pretending to be content. I heard you talking about the city, about the academy. You want to be more than just a dirt-scrubbing commoner, don't you?" He paused, his grin widening. "Too bad you're just a weak human. You'll never amount to anything."
How does this garbage know about that I want to study on academy? Lith wondered, his smile tightening. Did this nobles dig up dirt before they even arrived? Did they rummage through my mother's secrets, sniffing for weakness? Should I kill this pest? Hm, No. Mama will be disappointed.
Lith's smile tightened, but he remained silent.
Grimoire pressed on, sensing his advantage. "You know, I almost feel sorry for you. You're stuck in this miserable village, with no hope of escape. You'll probably end up just like your parents, toiling in the fields until you died. What a waste." He leaned closer, his voice a low hiss. "But hey, maybe you could find a strong beastfolk to protect you. Become their pet, their little... plaything. That's about all you're good for, anyway."
Lith's jaw clenched. If I found a beastfolk, like you I wouldn't become their pet. I'd break their bones and offer them to Mama as a trophy. He forced the thought down, focus I on the promise.
Grimoire, sensing the shift in Lith's demeanor, decided to push even further. "Your mother is quite... attractive. For a human, anyway. It's a shame she's wasting away in this dump. I bet she'd fetch a high price as a slave. Or maybe..." He paused his grin turning cruel. "She'd make a good... companion for a wealthy noble."
And that time... Something snapped inside Lith. The world to narrow, focusing on Grimoire's sneering face. A wave of murderous rage washed over him, threatening to consume him. He dares to speak of my mother like that? He dares to imagine her... defiled?
Before the thought completed, Lith was gone. One moment he was smiling, the next—FWOOSH—a blur of motion too fast for the eye for follow.
Grimoire barely had time to register the shift in the air before Lith reappeared directly in front of him, his face inches away. Grimoire's eyes widened in terror as he met Lith's gaze. The human's eyes were no longer innocent, no longer kind. They glowed with a terrifying, golden light, burning with a cold, predatory fury.
Then, Lith's reappeared. His hand shot out, not grasping, but enveloping Grimoire's face. An invisible, crushing force of wind sealed the wolfboy's mouth and nose. It wasn't a grip; it was suffocatingly.
Grimoire gasped, his eyes wide with shock and fear. He clawed at the invisible hand, struggling to breathe, but the force was unyielding, suffocating. He tried to summoned his magic, but his lungs were burning, his head was spinning, and his mana refused to respond.
"Let me go! F-Filthy human!" Grimoire tried to shout, but his words were trapped behind the invisible barrier, a muffled, desperate please. "My father... I'll...you...!"
Lith's eyes burned with a cold, predatory fury. Veins bulged in his temples, and his body trembled with barely suppressed power. "Say another word about my mother," he hissed, his voice a low, guttural growl that sounded far too old. "And I'll show you what kind of pet a weak human is truly makes."