Scarlet 44 (Patreon)

Scarlet 44

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Commissioned by Sivantic

Wordcount: 2500

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Is it normal for the representative for an esteemed and powerful faction to be a kid?

I know that they can be sent as hostages, but not negotiators. That was back in my day in Europe, though.

“Well met, Hyoudou-san.”

“Good afternoon to you too, Kunou-San.” I returned the prim and elegant bow of the young blond in a miko outfit with my own, practiced bow. Not exactly the best, but good enough. Asia went with a curtsy. The young woman with fox ears nodded at our response, taking a seat primly at the café, while her guard spoke with the restaurant manager on what to prepare. “You’ve arrived early. The East Youkai Faction won’t be here for another hour.”

This is a power move on their part. We’re the better allies, and we’re not afraid of the other ones.

Makes sense.

“I am aware. I simply didn’t wish to make you wait long. Not only that, but the East Youkai Faction will be less… wild without my presence.” For a thirteen-year old, she was speaking formally with ease. I had to wonder if she was reincarnated, too. However, as her eyes sparkled when appetizers arrived, I put the question aside. She could still look like a kid when excited. It’s just good upbringing, I suppose. “I am here to listen on my mother’s behalf in regards to what is now occurring at Kuoh and what happened there from the humans who live there.”

I guess that a princess makes for a good way to negotiate. Skilled in diplomacy and with legitimacy to boot.

“I understand. I can relay the story and tell you all that I can, while you eat.” That made the young woman’s eyes brighten and I was tempted to pat her head. I wasn’t alone. Asia had to stop herself from moving forward. This girl was adorable in that prim and proper way that made you want to praise her. “Go ahead and start.”

“Thank you, Hyoudou-san.” The young Kitsune put her hands together and gave thanks to the meal, before digging in. It was heavy on the fried tofu, but the vegetables were plentiful, too. The guard had to insist, but Kunou easily complied. Really, what an honest and nice girl. Hard to believe that in a few decades she’ll be able to level cities and be one of my generational peers. “Are you two not going to eat?”

“We ate ahead of time to accommodate the explanation, since we arrived early.” It was a small lie, which made Asia pout, so I backtracked. “However, we’ll be more than happy to eat lightly with you.”

Asia smiled and took over.

“Yes, I’d love to eat and speak with you first. Let’s get to know one another, before talking about dreadful things!” Asia was all smiles and gushed as she spoke. A light blush was on her face and her natural coyness was in full effect. Despite being a rather cute kid, Kunou had to look away with a light blush. Yep, Asia’s cuteness is undeniable. “My name is Asia and I’m with Ise-kun to help! I was there too, so you can ask me any questions!”

“I-I see. It’s nice to meet you, Asia-san.” Do you see that? First name basis between the two in an instant. Honestly, I just wanted to bring Asia along to give her a chance to get away from things, but this was working out much better than I though. Who knew that bringing along someone nice to a diplomatic event would help? Hey, we brought people who could talk along with us in my past life. It just so happened that they had parasites lodged in their heads that made them want to fight, too. “I appreciate it. I’d love to get to know you first.”

I put down that urge to insist that Kunou get to know me too. Even if my intentions were pure, it’d still be weird.

It’s honestly surprising that you’re not saying that just because she’s flat. You really aren’t after her.

I’m not a lolicon, Ddraig.

…So a few years and if she has boobs…

I have a girlfriend and other women interested in me that are my age that are very pretty!

That’s not a no. Taylor, she doesn’t even look or act like L—

Look, most assuredly, nothing’s happening for the next ten years, okay!?

…I suppose that’s fine.

…

“It is difficult to believe that you fought such an incursion and lived, solely as powerful Sacred Gear users. But, it is more than apparent that you both aren’t Devils, although you are more than human, Hyoudou-san.” Kunou’s gaze was piercing after our explanation. Asia chimed in for events that I missed during the fight, while I prowled the halls and hunted down Fallen. There were lots of other fights going on. “However, it’s more difficult to believe that the Church would work with the Devils… and that the Grigori would bring low their own kin.”

“It is, but that’s what happened, and now they’re working together to smooth things over and prolong the peace. No one’s interested in letting things escalate.” When major powers move, their wake makes ripples and waves which can collide with other factions. This could be seen as a sign for people to start picking sides, to put plans into motion as chaos looms in the distance, and to take the opportunity to take what they want. Hell, the Grigori having to imprison one of their strongest can very well lead to war as the others seek to take advantage of his absence. “We’re here to tell everyone that, so nothing strange happens.”

Peace is boring.

Disasters delay anime and manga and food production.

Peace is great!

Kunou was about to speak, a small frown forming on her features, when there was suddenly a spike of magic just outside of the café.

I didn’t hesitate.

Ddraig!

The table broke in my passing, I went through the door and it came apart as splinters, and there was something in the guise of an old man outside, but with a gourd-shaped head.

I threw everything I had behind the punch, activating Scale Mail and calling on all the power I could behind the punch… and found my armored fist stopped by an outstretched palm.

“Oya, oya. I thought all the hotblooded types got weeded out a long time ago.” I struggled, but the small hand gripped around my fist. I couldn’t move, while the monster feigning being human forced me to meet its gaze. I was forced to a knee… but I was charging my left arm, so I did. “Is that how you greet men you’re supposed to bring messages to, Hyoudou-san?”

I blinked at the words, and even though my instincts told me not to, I lowered my guard.

The magical power from the creature faded instantly and he let go of my fist, while I allowed it to drop.

“Are you… Nurarihyon of the East Youkai Faction?” I didn’t dispel Scale Mail and kept my power building, but held back and stood straight. I towered over the creature, but my knee left an imprint on the pavement. Even though I hadn’t been hurt, I’d been overpowered. How much power would I need to overcome this person? No. How much humanity would I have to lose to win against him? “If you are, I sincerely apologize. I reacted out of instinct to your power.”

“Manners? From a Dragon? My, my, now I’ve certainly seen it all.” With a gesture, the street and door were rebuilt and the creature admitted himself into the café. I blinked as I found the hostess and chef still at their stations, even while Asia, Kunou, and the guard were ready for battle beside the table. Kunou calmed at the sight of the old creature and that’s when I relinquished my hold over Ddraig’s power. I felt the old creature’s gaze settle upon me. “Not only that, but you’ve a decent head on your shoulders too. I see. Dragons have always wanted to be more dangerous and more powerful. That’s one path to do it.”

This one is perceptive. Watch yourself, Taylor.

I hear you, Ddraig.

This is one of the most dangerous creatures I’ve ever encountered without a doubt.

“Nurarihyon-sama, I see that you decided to come in person.”

“Ah, Kunou-san, you wound me. Do you hate me that much? I’m just a frail, old man who wants to have a bit of fun before he passes!” He placed his hands over his heart and his gaze turned toward Kunou’s guard. He snapped his fingers and the suited woman tried to resist, but soon enough she was out of her chair and offering it to him. Hypnosis? Mind control? Out of instinct, I moved Asia from his line of sight and placed myself in front of him. Ddraig. Yeah, I’m here. Hopefully, he could control one mind, but not two. “Oh? And, here I’d thought a man of culture such as you would wish to learn my tricks, Hyoudou-san? Especially with your efforts to woo two Pillar Family heirs.”

“Don’t forget Akeno.”

“Ise-kun!”

“Ah, Asia too.”

“Ise-kun!?”

“Ah, I said that out loud.”

It’s getting hard to help protect your mind, Taylor.

Right.

“I’m a pervert and have my own goals, but even I have standards. Hypnosis, mind control, and stuff like it are off limits.” I am a pervert in this new life of mine. However, things like and akin to forcing a woman to do something against her will are off limits. You have an NTR fetish. I’m fine with seducing hot older ladies who aren’t being treated right. I don’t get off stealing women from their husbands. I literally see the same doujins that you see. Action speaks louder than fetishes! “In combat, I could see more than a few uses for that sort of thing, but for things like romance? No way. That’s having slaves. Not wives or lovers.”

Heartbreaker came to mind. Alec’s father held all those he captured hostage by ordering them to kill themselves, if he got killed. All the children that he had were effectively born without consent. Some people fetishized it in this world, but even when offered, it wasn’t something that I would ever be willing to use out of combat.

“Release Kunou-san’s guard immediately or this talk is over.”

“A man of principles, I see. I see. Interesting. How do you feel about joining my side? We have many beauties who adore power and intellect. Very nice bodies, too.” Nurarihyon went straight for the jugular with his offer. I stiffened up immediately, cough off guard, and coughed aside when I noticed both Kunou and Asia staring at me with dry looks. Their usual cuteness only made the now-disappointed stares worse. So, I have to be a cute girl for my complaints to matter? You’re garbage, Taylor. “Geheheh. I know a Nekomata with seven tails and breasts bigger than her head, a tiny waist, and wonderful hips! You may have girlfriends, but you certainly don’t have a woman, no?”

Hey, Ddraig, I thought you were going to help me resist mind-control?

You’re not being mind controlled, dammit!

Could’ve fooled me!

“I’ll have to decline. Women shouldn’t just be offered to men as prizes and rewards.”

“That took too long, Ise-kun.” Asia spoke, and I felt like an arrow went straight through my chest.

“Indeed.” Kunou did the same and I felt another shot straight through the heart.

You deserve it.

“Geheheh! It’s nice to know that the next generation knows how to make things interesting.” Nurarihyon slapped his knee. A moment later, the guard shook her head and glared at him, but sighed when he waved at her to take a seat at the nearby table.  “Now, have you finished talking to Kunou-oujo-sama about the fact that nothing’s happening over in Kuoh? Can we talk business, Hyoudou-san?”

The air shifted and I focused on the creature pretending to be a frail old man in menswear centuries old.

“You really want me in your camp.”

“That I do. A Longinus, a sharp mind, and fantastic instincts, as well as reeking of Dragon’s blood. Destroyer of Fallen, killer of Stray Demons, and a man who faced an Archangel and lived to tell the tale.” The impish man grinned and pointed a gnarled finger at me. “A true warrior that doesn’t hesitate to be wounded. A killer of nearly a hundred Fallen Angels. A scholar, too, with a keen eye for mortal treasure. Not only that, but with a very, very sneaky Familiar.”

This guy had an information network atop his massive power base… and with a gesture he made my Ratatoskr fade into reality from where in watched in the rafters.

The Nurarihyon put his hands together and placed his chin atop them and he grinned at me.

“Despite everything the powers that rule do, a time of change and battle is upon us. Men like you, Hyoudou-san, are ones that herald change. Violent, terrible change. And, I would like for my people to have someone on their side with your potential and strength.” So, that’s how it was. Even though he managed to stop me and catch my punch, he’d taken my measure the moment I’d acted on instinct. Atop the information he’d gathered about what happened in Kuoh, that was enough for him to make a decision. He decided that I was some sort of rising star in the world and wanted me to join his faction. “Ours is a lean and young group. I’m the oldest and I have many, many years left. Train with the young ones, grow wealth and power, until you no longer need my strength. Then, I will be a simple advisor as you steer the course of history with my people at your back.”

I blinked at the words, even as Kunou stared at me and at her guard, who was biting her lip in consternation.

Asia was quiet but her eyes were wide, as she realized what I was being offered.

In exchange for what I currently had, I was offered a power base.

Tools, talent, wealth, and more.

Everything that I needed and more to truly be safe in this world, to seize my own destiny, instead of simply hanging on for dear life on the road that Rias and Sona were taking.

It was tempting, but even with all my understanding of the situation and what I wanted, I couldn’t bring myself to take it.

“Sorry, but no thanks.”

In my previous life, with my previous experiences, I might’ve taken the offer.

Not in this one, though.

As much as I wanted to say that I was just a mercenary working for them, I didn’t want to betray the two Peerages that I worked with, fought with, and became friends with.