Book 4: Chapter 7: Lay of the Land

Book 4: Chapter 7: Lay of the Land

Rani took her seat across from Zeke and studied the menu. After a few moments, she looked up with a questioning gaze. Can I order whatever I want?

Zeke nodded.

Can I order a lot of somethings?

Again, Zeke nodded.

Rani went back to studying the menu, before deciding on a large three-course meal, not unlike what Zeke and Leo had eaten just earlier.

Zeke was baffled by this. Looking at her slim figure, he hadnt thought she was such a big eater. Furthermore, the waiters reaction was strange as well. His eyes had nearly popped out when he and Leo had ordered a similar amount earlier. However, now he had merely nodded and left as if everything was as it should be.

You have quite the appetite, Rani, Zeke said with a smile after the waiter left.

Rani tilted her head in confusion, before realizing something a moment later. You shouldnt judge me by human standards, young mast I mean Pete.

Zeke glanced at her furry ears, which were visible again now that she had removed her headdress to eat. He wondered if it was considered rude to ask about it. Still, his curiosity was too strong. Would you be willing to tell me more about that?

Rani smiled at his awkward expression before nodding her head. Of course, Pete. What do you want to know?

Zeke considered for a moment how to word his question tactfully. I can see that you have some erm special features. But other than that, you act completely human. Thats very different from the demi-humans I have read about.

Rani nodded, not offended in the least. I am not of the Chimeroi, or demi-humans as you call them. My species is not something that evolved naturally but instead was purposefully bred over centuries.

Zeke was both shocked and intrigued by the explanation. What shocked him was the fact that she had such a detached way of speaking about her ancestry, almost like it didnt have anything to do with her. But he only asked, How are they different?

Rani didnt waste a breath before explaining. The Chimeroi are wild. They have very sharp senses and keen instincts on top of great strength. However, their intelligence is lacking, making them useless for more sophisticated labor.

She then pointed at herself. My kind, the Hybridians, retains some of the advantages of our more feral cousins, but also have human intelligence.

Does that mean you have incredible strength? Zeke asked.

Rani smiled and extended her hand. I can show you.

After a moments hesitation, Zeke took her outstretched palm, as if for a handshake. He was confused at first, but then he noticed that Rani was slowly increasing the pressure while watching his expression for any signs of pain. Soon, she was squeezing his hand so tightly that the veins could be seen, before abruptly letting go.

That was my full strength, she explained.

Zeke nodded. Inwardly he was shocked. The strength she had displayed was on par or even greater than his father's. Considering that his father was a giant man who had been hailed as the strongest in their village, this wasnt an easy feat.

[Clarification]

The person named Rani has displayed a grip strength of 17. Her physical stats would be considered at the peak of what can be achieved with training for a regular human.

This confirmed Zekes guess, shocking him even more. If a delicate girl like her had such strength, then how strong would a brawny man of her race be? Thinking further, how strong were the genuine demi-humans then? Rani had said that her race merely retained a fraction of their power.

Despite his shock, Zeke remained outwardly calm as he asked his next question. That was quite impressive, Rani. And this makes me curious. What other advantages do Hybridians have?

Rani shook her head. Not all of us are the same. For example, my bloodline can be traced back to a rare monster called the Fleetfoot rabbit. The Fleetfoot rabbit specializes in speed and agility with a very keen sense of danger. Similarly, my greatest strengths are my speed and reflexes, but this is not the same for all of my kind.

Instead of replying, Zeke merely stared at her slave collar as if that was answer enough. Rani, following his gaze, immediately shook her head. This? I can live with that. It might as well be a fancy piece of jewelry for all I care.

Its not, though, is it? From what Ive heard, its way more than that, Zeke stated. He knew that the slave collars were much more than mere decorations and a symbol of their status. Zeke even had a rudimentary understanding of its effects.

They were actually the primary tool that kept slaves from rebelling. Zeke didnt quite know all the details, but he knew that the collars would inflict pain, even for something such as having disobedient thoughts. Furthermore, it also transmitted the location to their Masters, making it impossible to run away.

Rani nodded, not denying his words. The collars are indeed enchanted. However, Ive not felt its sting in years. It might be an instrument of oppression against disobedient slaves. For people like me, its a token of protection.

How so? Zeke asked curiously.

Rani pointed at the symbol engraved on the front of her collar. This is the crest of the Verma family, who owns this establishment. Here in Kanion, nobody would stir trouble with me after seeing this crest.

Zeke nodded, seeing the value in the protection of a powerful family. Still, arent you treated unfairly because of your station?

Unfairly? Rani said, her lips curving up. Can you tell me what you mean by that?

That Zeke said but stopped right after. That was a good question. What did he mean by that? No matter where he went, be it Magusburg, Tradespire, or here in Kanion, he had seen people begging in the streets, struggling to make ends meet. Even he himself had almost starved before Maximilian had adopted him.

He took in her appearance with new eyes. Rani was dressed in fine clothing, had beautiful pins in her hair, and was even wearing expensive-looking jewelry. She looked well-fed and rested, unlike the majority of the people hawking their wares in the streets. Ignoring her collar, she could pass for a young lady from a well-off household. Compared to most people, Rani led a very privileged life.

Was this just his prejudice? Coming from the Empire, he had a natural disdain for the practice. In the Empire, it was widely believed that slavery was a barbaric custom. However, now that he thought about it, it wasnt that much different from what the prominent Mage families did to their members. Instead of a collar, they used the threat of punishment in combination with the memory-sealing Ritual to keep the people obedient.

He heard a deep chuckle in his mind, followed by the Dragons voice. I dont think you are in any position to judge, fleshling. Werent you looking for a way to keep your people obedient as well? Maybe you should pick up a couple of those collars.

Thats not the same at all, Zeke retorted hotly. He had indeed thought about ways to make sure he wouldnt be betrayed by his people in the future. Loyalty only went so far when Mind Magic was a factor, after all. Still, he ignored that for now and returned his attention to Rani, who was still waiting for him to answer.

I get your point, Rani. But I find it hard to believe that you truly dont wish for freedom.

Rani shrugged. What good would that do? You might call it freedom, but would I not still have to work to earn a living? What would really change for me without the collar?

But what if your Master changed your position to something you didnt like? You could do nothing.

That is true, Rani said, but it is the same for most people. Those that can choose their fortunes are rare indeed.

Zeke fell into deep thought. This was something he had noticed himself. In a way, poverty was its own collar. Those who had nothing would do almost anything for a few coins. In his opinion, their situation was even worse. The only difference was that they could improve their circumstances in the future, as he had done. However, most never managed. He was certain that most of them would trade places with Rani in a heartbeat.

Thank you for your insight, Rani. You gave me a lot to think about.

Rani smiled warmly. Dont mention it. It is me who should thank you for this delicious dinner.

Zeke nodded. It was time to ask about something else he was curious about. Say, Rani, have you ever heard of the Gemkar family?

Rani didnt even have to think about it before nodding immediately. Of course, I know them. They trade in minerals and rare gems.

Zeke was pleasantly surprised. Akashas information had indicated that their family had declined, but apparently, they were still in business. Can you tell me where I can find them?

Rani tilted her head and thought about it for a moment. From what I know, their mines are located at the opposite end of the kingdom, in the northeast. However, they surely have a branch in the capital, as almost all merchants do.

The capital, huh? A smile spread on his face. Say, do you maybe know the best way to get there quickly?