The trip to Fleur Rouge was awfully quiet. Arthur pushed any dark thoughts from his mind and examined the penguin sitting across him and Evelyn.

The creature was wearing a flamboyant outfit and was larger than an average penguin. It did not seem interested in either the parasite or the maid as it looked at the passing streets, clearly bored.

Evelyn lightly nudged him as she leaned her head while still looking at the penguin.

“Master, are we really doing this?”

Before he responded, Arthur looked at the rabbit resting on his lap and let out a chuckle.

“We don’t have a choice. If things escalate, be ready to fight for your life and prioritize escaping.”

Right after Arthur uttered those words, the penguin’s yellow beak opened and closed a few times. It turned its disproportionate head and stared at the parasite with its beady and round eyes.

“Fighting is prohibited within Fleur Rouge. Don’t try anything funny.”

It barely acknowledged Evelyn’s existence as it focused on Arthur, adding a couple more words. “I’ve been specifically chosen to deal with you, parasite.”

Arthur’s expression changed for a split second but he quickly regained his composure and laughed.

“To think you people knew this much. Is this why your Mistress wants to meet me?”

Evelyn too, heard the penguin, but she didn't understand.. Only well-read people and Historians knew about the Parasite Race, so the term was unfamiliar to her. Still, she did not think much of that revelation, after all, she already knew that Arthur was neither a human nor a demon.

“Silence, please. Coming all this way to escort you was taxing enough.”

“You’re the one who initiated the conversation, though.”

“...”

The penguin scoffed and crossed its short and fat arms, unwilling to speak another word.

Arthur did not insist, he leaned his back and closed his eyes, enjoying the comfortable seats of the carriage. Whoever the penguin’s Mistress was, she knew about his Race, which was alarming, to say the least.

‘Maybe she needs something from me? Is she after the Blood Crystals? Or something only a Parasite could do? She must’ve waited for this crucial timing to corner me, so it stands to reason that her intentions are not born out of hostility. Still… I’d rather not get implicated.’

He half-opened his eyes and glanced at the quiet Evelyn. She was relatively composed, but her hands were holding onto the twin blades within her sleeves.

The carriage took around fifteen minutes to arrive at its destination. It was the Fleur Rouge Headquarters, a gigantic building that housed dozens of shops and stalls, not unlike a mall.

Out of the two penguins, the driver took off elsewhere whereas the one with Arthur and Evelyn guided them inside. They climbed the stairs all the way to the top floor; Arthur was welcomed by a medium-sized corridor filled with large paintings on both sides and small and luminous chandeliers.

Soon, they stopped in front of a door made of an unfamiliar crimson metal.

“She is waiting inside. I’ll be watching so…”

“I know I know.”

Arthur unceremoniously waved his hand at the noisy penguin then looked at the door. Before he stepped inside, he took a deep breath and changed his solemn expression to a wide and friendly smile.

The rabbit jumped into Evelyn’s arms, its blood-red eyes glued on the penguin. Its snow-white fur was erect and it seemed less docile than a few minutes ago, but that was due to the link between it and the parasite.

It could sense any emotional changes he might experience, which was why it went in a rage when Arthur was fighting the reptilian beast back in the Hollow Creek.

Arthur brought unshakable serenity to his mind as he opened the door and stepped inside. Showcasing any fear or nervousness would be detrimental and unbeneficial. Although he was at a disadvantage, he needed to be rational and think straight.

He suspected that the lack of any violence from the ‘enemy’ was because of their confidence or uncertainty.

Since they knew he was a Parasite, they must also know what his Race was capable of. Unless they personally check his Stats, they wouldn’t be able to determine his strength, which was probably why their approach was relatively amicable.

The moment he entered the room, Arthur and Evelyn were assaulted by a refreshing fragrance, one that was strangely comforting, especially for the latter.

The room was rectangular and fairly spacious, housing many a furniture: Similar to the corridor, the walls had big and small paintings, as well as priceless treasures procured from dangerous beasts.

Amongst them, Arthur noticed crisscrossing golden Wyvern wings, a vermillion horn, and a spinning pure-white brush soundlessly tapping on the air.

In the middle of the room, there was a circular black table, around which sat two people, though only one of which was familiar.

Much to Arthur’s surprise, the Duke was present and currently giving him a deathly glare. As for the Mistress, she was a young and beautiful woman; The mesmerizing azure eyes, the revealed long and slim legs, the curvy hips, the rosy thin lips, and the fiery red hair pushed to the side. However, her flawless appearance was blemished by a nasty scar from her exposed thigh to her shoulder.

In his previous life, Arthur had seen his fair share of beautiful women, but only a handful had a natural charm rivalling this one. Still, he was far too old to be driven by lust or enchanted by beauty alone, his initial shock was only because he expected an older woman.

“Greetings… Mister Sidus and…”

Arthur performed an elegant bow and spoke with a clarion voice. Evelyn too, followed the proper etiquette but, inexplicably, her movements were a bit stiff and her pale slightly pale.

“Vanessa Crimson, Head of Fleur Rouge’s Archwood Branch. It’s a pleasure to finally meet face to face, Leonis Sanguis… ah, my bad! It’s not your real name. What should we call you?”

Unperturbed and still smiling, Arthur sat down and responded, “You can call me Leonis.”

“Alright then.”

Vanessa glanced at the restless Sidus, who was barely holding himself back.

“For the sake of our newly arrived guest, I’ll repeat myself.”

She cleared her throat and put down the pipe then continued, “Violence, in any shape or form, is strictly prohibited within the premises of Fleur Rouge. Societal Status and individual strength are inconsequential here. If any of you acts up, I will have to follow the protocol and eliminate the threat. I hope I’ve made myself crystal clear, Mister Leonis, Mister Sidus… and Miss Evelyn.”

“Vanessa, this is really ridiculous. When you called me here, I didn’t expect you to invite the parasite to your home.”

Vanessa looked at the Duke but did not respond, she crossed her legs and rested her arms on the table. She spared the man only a glance then proceeded to scrutinize the quiet Arthur.

Terden was ignored by Vanessa, so he directed his frustration unto the parasite.

“You… what are you doing in my city?”

“I think there has been a misunderstanding, Mister Sidus. My nature might be controversial, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m behind anything.”

“Bullshit! You think we don’t know about the mess you caused in Wilsden? You poisoned half the Aristocracy there with Vampire Blood.”

Arthur didn’t look surprised, he feigned an expression of sadness and sighed.

“Truly, that was an inhumane tragedy. Sorry to disappoint you, but I had nothing to do with that. In fact, I got hold of Leonis’ body after the Blood Purge.”

“Do you have any proof?” Suddenly asked Vanessa.

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

Arthur half-turned his body and motioned for Evelyn.

“She was travelling with Leonis prior to his accidental death. There’s no proof better than a witness, right?”

Only now did Terden look at the maid, his eyebrow raised and face slightly reddened.

“That is the truth. My Master, Leonis Sanguis, was killed by a Double-horned Bear North of Greenbell Forest. It was then that I met my current Master.”

“And why would you follow a parasite?”-Vanessa

“I only learnt the truth after a while. Furthermore, It didn’t matter if the real Leonis died. As long as his body walks the earth, I shall remain by his side.”

“How awfully convenient, hmpf!”

“Pardon me, but I see no relation with tonight’s invitation and the Blood Purge. Surely, the Duke of Blackcrest has enough men and resources to launch a thorough investigation.”

“He is right. We should move on to more important matters.”

Vanessa faintly smiled at Arthur then inhaled from the pipe as the Duke was grunting and mumbling to himself.

“I’m listening, Miss Vanessa.”

“Wait. The Undead must be yours… it can’t be a coincidence that it appeared a short while after you entered my city.”

“Ah! About that…”

‘Leonis’ hesitated as he collected his thoughts then clarified, “He came here unwittingly. Also, I instructed him not to attack anyone. Ultimately, no one was harmed so, I offer you my sincerest apology.” Arthur bowed his head towards Terden, but his words lacked any sincerity.

“You…”

In the end, Terden Sidus relaxed his clenched fist and begrudgingly swallowed his anger as he felt a wave of heat emit from Vanessa.

“I don’t care what you want or why you’re here. Since Vanessa stepped in, I’ll disregard the damn Undead. However, you are to leave Blackcrest and never come back. Actually, I want you to leave the Militant Syndicate. Your kind begets only ruin and death.”

Instead of agreeing, Arthur glanced at the woman and asked, “Are you here as a mediator? May I ask why?”

“Why indeed. You could say I’m not fond of conflict, especially not near my branch. Of course, I do have other motives, but I’m under no obligation to voice them. Do you know why, Mister Leonis?”

“Well…”

The parasite imitated her and rested his arms on the table, his fingers fiddling with an exquisite silver cup.

“For one, you’re not doing this out of the kindness of your heart. Meaning, you want something from me. Still, for the life of me, I can’t think of anything that an extinguished person like you would need help with. I’m but a humble traveler.”

“Isn’t it too late to paint yourself as a harmless individual? Parasites are wont to roam the land and look for stronger targets to possess, this I already know. However, your peculiarity has become more and more evident.”

She nonchalantly looked at the Duke then resumed speaking, “First, you target and eliminate the Bloated Murderer, which is understandable. You used Marjory’s children and the agent from Faceless Death to your advantage… a brilliant tactic, I confess. But, what I can’t fathom is your fixation on the Blood Crystals.”

“...”

Seeing that he did not respond, Vanessa let out a soft laugh and added,

“I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about Parasites, so I know that the Blood Crystals should be irrelevant to your kind.”

“Do you really want to know why I did it?”

With an insufferably smug face, Arthur leaned his face closer and said,

“I did it because I could. ‘Twas as simple as that.”

“Because you could? Spare me the sophistry, please.”

“Why is it nonsense, Miss Vanessa? Did my motives not meet your standards? Or did you expect something more grandiose and intricate? Life is filled with so many petty vicissitudes and I’m not one to care about anyone else’s circumstances. I saw an opportunity and I took it. You should know this, after all you’re a merchant, are you not? Blood Crystals are profitable in more than one way.”

“...”

Vanessa did not talk, even her smile lessened as she stared back at Arthur, trying to see behind the inscrutable smile of his.

As a former businessman, and a successful one at that, Arthur knew how to play his cards and how to spout believable lies with confidence. It was not to say that everything he said was false… quite the opposite, most of it was the truth.

***

Link to a newly-made map:

https://ibb.co/jDHMFkg