Book 3: Chapter 78: Left in the Foxes’ Den

Book 3: Chapter 78: Left in the Foxes’ Den

Scarlet

Gramps smiles at me before walking over to the balcony and opening the curtain, revealing ash-covered mountains outside of whatever large castle were inside. A castle that from where Im standing as I walk over to the balcony myself, looks to be of an Eastern style. Or at least, Eastern in Earth standards.

Your fae told me which clan you decided to head to for access to a better hunting grounds, so I just brought you there, Gramps says, making me feel a tiny amount of fear. Especially when I see some kitsune walking around the castle, either ignoring or straight up playing tricks on the Noble servants wandering about. Some of them are even stealing from them, not that the Nobles seem to notice.

The only reason I notice is thanks to my hearing.

Well, at least I wont have to deal with that Raiden woman. Gramps head maid for his castle is just straight up terrifying.

I didnt have to deal with her for very long whatsoever, but I swear if she got a chance she wouldve tried stuffing me into a dress and making me a dress-up doll or something.

The other kitsune probably arent as bad, Tar comments, seemingly trying to comfort me.

And it works.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.

Until I hear a familiar voice appearing right behind me as it says, I am here as requested, Your Majesty.

I spin around perhaps a little too quickly to find the very kitsune I was thinking about standing behind me in a mostly black maid uniform with two red bows on her waist and in her black hair. And just like before, she has a polite smile on her face and that same terrifying look in her eyes.

I will be busy handling the war, since the whole no killing civilians rule has made the war a lot more difficult and needs more supervision, Gramps says while placing his hand on my shoulder, bringing my gaze back to his face to find him smiling. So I decided to ask Duchess Raiden Akuma to stay here with you and keep the other kitsune out of trouble while youre here.

No, Im sure Ill be fine without- I start, only for the head maid Duchess who I am really wondering why the hell is a head maid in the first place when she is likely stronger than the Knights of Humanity smiles slightly wider as she interrupts me, Apologies, Your Highness, but the kitsune often lose themselves to their Greed. Im afraid that at least one of them will attempt to steal from you while you are staying here, unable to hold themselves back even with the fear of their impending deaths hanging over their heads. She bows slightly before straightening back up again. It is an unfortunate shortcoming of our Demonic Curse, but one we must live with.

Wait a second, I turn around as I ask, Whats a magical imprint?

The woman doesnt even blink as she continues smiling politely at me and answers, I believe they are Tartaruss equivalent of what the humans call electronic pictures but through the use of magic to take and store the image instead of technology, Your Highness.

Oh. So Ill be getting a painting done, followed by getting my picture taken.

You said the portrait was for traditions sake? I ask her for clarification.

Correct, Your Highness, she says, making me feel slightly irritated by the drastic number of times shes calling me that. The Royal Family has a tradition of having the portraits taken of each member of the family and hung up in the Royal Grand Hall in His Majestys palace.

Okay. I can deal with that.

Wait.

My eyes narrow slightly.

She said portraits.

Why do you need more than one portrait? I ask, growing slightly nervous.

Her grin grows wider, but she just bows slightly and motions towards the door as she says, Right this way, Your Highness. We can get the portraits out of the way first.

Why do I have a bad feeling about this?