That not so important character turned out to be important

Shaun stepped into the study, greeted by the familiar scent of old leather and parchment. Harold, the loyal and aged servant, stood by the desk, awaiting him.

Shaun, with a casual grin, spoke first:

"Old man, how's it going? Sorry, I was tied up on the fourth floor. Hope I didn't miss anything important."

Harold inclined his head slightly, a thin smile on his face.

"Nothing concerning you directly, sir," Harold said, handing over a stack of reports. "However, the townsfolk have been doing well. The first few days were chaotic, but things have settled. Assistance from local nobles, merchants, and the church arrived quickly. They've been aiding the needy and initiating the town's reconstruction. While progress is slow, those fit to work have joined the efforts."

Shaun scanned the documents briefly before glancing up.

"Efficient, but there's always more to the story. Go on."

Harold continued, his voice steady.

"The Countess of Redwood was… displeased with Baron Darrow's handling of the situation. She removed him and assumed direct control. She's also provided significant aid for rebuilding and supporting the injured."

Shaun leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Smart move. She neutralized the issue before it escalated. For someone as detached as her, hearing about this so quickly is impressive. She's not just angry at the baron—this was a chance to act. She probably knew about his ties to Count Heron but didn't have a solid reason to oust him before. The fire gave her that excuse."

He tapped the armrest thoughtfully, "So, by removing the baron and stepping in herself, she kills two birds with one stone: solidifies her authority and boosts her image. Everyone wins their little political game."

Harold nodded but shifted the topic, "Master, the town chief and the head priest have inquired about you several times."

Shaun's expression darkened, "I told them not to bother me unless it was absolutely necessary."

"They seemed more curious than anything. Perhaps they just wanted to express gratitude. I explained you were busy with your work."

Shaun scoffed "Rubbish."

A pause, then:

"How's Jim?"

Harold's eyes glinted with quiet satisfaction.

"Exactly as you left him. In the basement, immobile. His soul is broken. No one knows he's there. The passage remains a secret."

Shaun gave a curt nod "Good. That's all that matters. Only you know the way in. Smith and Samantha are too ancient to be of any use in situations like this."

Harold chuckled softly "And I'm old too, master."

Shaun's eyes didn't flicker.

His mind busy thinking "Doesn't matter. As long as no one suspects me, I'm in the clear. No one could ever link me to that fire."

"Heron cleaned things up fast, but not fast enough, I am already done with my plan now all i need to put all thing together."

Heavy boots resonating against the polished marble floor. Baron Eldric stepped inside the mansion, his keen eyes swept across the hall, now a refuge for the townsfolk. Once grand, the space had transformed into a makeshift shelter, filled with cots, blankets, and the murmur of quiet suffering.

At the far end of the hall, Head Priest Elijah and Town Chief Gregor stood together, their faces etched with worry. They approached as the baron advanced, his ornate cloak trailing behind him.

Baron Eldric:"Elijah, Gregor. I've come to see the victims of this unfortunate incident."

Head Priest Elijah:"Your concern is appreciated, my lord. Many are in need of solace."

Town Chief Gregor:"It's been difficult. The attack left many wounded—physically and otherwise. Master Shaun's generosity has been a lifeline for us."

Eldric's gaze darkened as he surveyed the room. Villagers lay injured, bandages infused with herbs. Some sat quietly, eyes hollow, while others whispered prayers to the gods.

Baron Eldric:"Charming. A place befitting a noble in name only."

Gregor:"My lord, Master Shaun has provided shelter for the victims. His kindness is appreciated."

Baron Eldric:"Kindness, you say? A rare luxury for those without coin."

Head Priest Elijah:"Regardless, his actions have saved lives. Many would have perished without this sanctuary."

The baron waved a dismissive hand, uninterested. As they moved through the hall, Eldric glanced at the injured villagers, some resting on makeshift cots. His expression softened slightly as he knelt beside a wounded boy, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Baron Eldric:"I'll speak with Shaun now."

Gregor:"He... prefers not to be disturbed, my lord."

Baron Eldric:"I didn't ask for his preference."

He strode towards the grand staircase to the third floor, only to be blocked by Smith, Shaun's lone servant, standing stiffly in the way.

Baron Eldric:"I must speak with Master Shaun."

Smith:"Master Shaun has given strict orders not to be disturbed, my lord."

Eldric's brows knitted in frustration, his voice lowering to a menacing tone.

Baron Eldric:"Do you understand who I am? I do not take orders from a servant."

Smith:"With respect, my lord, neither do I. I follow only Master Shaun's commands."

The tension snapped. Eldric struck Smith across the face, the sharp crack echoing through the hall. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Gregor and Elijah stepped forward but stopped as Eldric seized Smith, slamming him against the wall.

Baron Eldric:

"Insolent dog! You dare defy me?"

Smith, breathing heavily, kept his gaze steady. Villagers shrank back, watching in fearful silence.

Baron Eldric:"And who are you to deny me entry? Just another rat clinging to this rotting ruin?"

Smith:"I am a servant who follows orders, my lord."

Baron Eldric:"You dare defy me? Do you know your place, you worm?"

The commotion drew Shaun's attention from the upper floor. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The air grew cold, oppressive. A slow, deliberate set of footsteps descended the stairs. Shaun appeared at the top, his coat draping over his shoulders, eyes gleaming with eerie detachment. His voice, though quiet, cut through the tension like a blade.

Shaun:"Oh, please, do continue. It's not often I witness a grown man throwing a tantrum."

Eldric froze, releasing Smith, who slumped against the wall. Eldric's head snapped up, his lip curling in disdain.

Baron Eldric:"You think you can mock me, Shaun? You're nothing but a title with no wealth, no power, and no respect."

Shaun began descending the staircase slowly, each step echoing ominously.

Shaun : "True. I have little. But that just give me more freedom. Freedom to practically do anything life is really smooth when you dont have anything to lose ."

Eldric faltered, caught off guard by the unexpected confidence. Shaun stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper only Eldric could hear.

"Baron, are you really going to stoop this low? Bullying a young noble and his servant in their own home? This isn't the image you wanted to project, is it? Do you think people will look kindly upon you for such a public display? Especially in front of these gossip loving townsfolk. Let's take this discussion somewhere more private."

The baron's sneer faltered, his gaze flicking to the crowd, realizing for the first time just how many witnesses surrounded him.Baron Eldric's jaw tightened, the weight of Shaun's words settling in. His eyes flicked to the crowd again, noting their hushed whispers and wary glances.

Baron Eldric: "Shaun. I meant no disrespect. I merely sought to discuss something — I—I acted in haste. It was a misunderstanding."

Eldric's nostrils flared, but he forced a tight smile, straightening his posture giving Shaun a sharp nod.

Baron Eldric:

"Very well. Lead the way."

Shaun turned on his heel, ascending the stairs with measured calm, not waiting for Eldric to follow. His face laced with amusement.

The air on the fourth floor was colder, more still, as if the space itself held its breath. The drawing room was sparse but elegant, with large windows framing the dying afternoon light.

Shaun sat casually on a worn leather couch, one leg crossed over the other. His expression was unreadable, detached, like a spectator watching a dull play. The Baron, face twisted with frustration, slumped into the opposite seat, his posture rigid with disdain.

Baron Eldric :"This is the best you can do to host me? I thought the upper floors might have something better—something befitting a noble. But I guess a rat is a rat, no matter the color. Hahaha!"

The guards chuckled, their laughter echoing hollowly in the room.

Guard 1:""Master, I'm thirsty. Think you could get us a drink?""

Baron Eldric:"No. I doubt this peasant could provide anything decent. I'd rather not drink even water from this shabby place. And I suggest you all do the same. Hahaha!"

The guards laughed louder, emboldened by their master's mockery. Smith and Harold, standing stiffly near the door, exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing.

Baron Eldric:"Anyway, I'm here to discuss something. A favor, really. Do it, and I might just show you some mercy. Get you out of this slum. Maybe even hire you as a servant. What do you think of that? "

Shaun:"Oh? What is it you need from me, Baron? That will make you bestow me with such an act of divine mercy, will you tell me?"

Baron Eldric :

"All you have to do is take my side. Say I helped the most during this crisis. And… tell them you were connected to someone who used your house to harbor those terrorists—the ones who burned the town."

Shaun:"Ah, I see. So, you want me to clear your name and, in return, take the blame for your inadequate management? Is that it?"

The Baron's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, leaning back with a smug grin.

Baron Eldric: "Exactly. A small price for salvation, isn't it?"

Shaun sighed and began unbuckling his belt, causing the room to still. The guards tensed, one stepping forward, sword drawn.

Guard 1:"Oi, what's with the belt, boy? Answer the Baron, or—"

Before he could finish, his arm disappeared—vanished as if it had never been. The guard crumpled to the ground, howling, blood pooling beneath him.

Guard 2:"Wh-what the hell?!"

Panicking, the second guard lunged. In an instant, his leg was severed, and he fell beside his comrade, groaning in agony. The Baron stumbled backward, clawing at the locked door.

Baron (banging on the door):

"Open! Open, damn it! What kind of trickery is this?"

Shaun (leaning back, voice cold):

"Trickery? Nope. It Just a little enchantment to make sure No one enters or leaves the fourth floor without my permission. By the way, sound also can't escapes from this floor either. So, your shouting? Useless."

Baron:"You dare threaten me, boy? You'll pay dearly for this insolence. I'll make sure you suffer for this"

Shaun's gaze sharpened, and the Baron's protests died.

The Baron, desperate, pleaded, 'Please, forgive me! I'll do anything! I-I can pay you!'

Shaun: "In that case take off your clothes. All of them. If you want to keep your limbs—or stay alive."

Baron blinked, stunned. "Are you out of your mind?"

But Shaun's cold, unyielding stare left no room for negotiation. Reluctantly, Baron began stripping off his clothes, piece by piece, until only his underwear remained. His face burned with humiliation, but survival outweighed pride.

Shaun: "I said, completely naked." His finger pointed to Baron's remaining underwear.

Baron's voice trembled, almost pleading. "What are you planning? Please, I beg you—"

Shaun's gaze hardened. Without a word, he drew his sword and held it steady, a silent threat that left Baron with no choice. With a deep, reluctant sigh, Baron discarded his last piece of clothing.

Standing there, completely exposed and trembling with fear, Baron's shame was evident. Shaun wrapped his belt around his hand, eyes never leaving Baron's. "Look at your situation," he sneered. Then, with a swift motion, he struck. The belt whipped across Baron's back with painful force, again and again, until his back was red as apple and skin almost gone was marked, and baron started to lose consciousness.

Baron's knees buckled, his mind spinning from the pain. His body, red and raw, could barely hold itself upright as the harsh reality of his circumstances settled in.

Shaun: "Hey, Harold. You know how to make tattoos, right?"

Harold wiped sweat from his brow, visibly nervous. "A little bit, sir."

Shaun: "Get to it. You're drawing something on his hips and thighs."

Baron's voice trembled as he pleaded. "No, please don't! Don't do this to me. I'll do anything, please!"

But his pleas fell on deaf ears. Smith grabbed him tightly, holding him in place. Harold, though hesitant, began his work. The needle pressed into Baron's skin, each painful jab making him wince and cry out in agony. "I'm sorry! Please, I didn't mean to—" he begged between sobs.

As Harold finished, Baron's body was marked with the crude, humiliating designs. The pain and the shame were almost too much to bear, and his mind raced with guilt and fear.

Shaun watched, expression unreadable. Baron's apologies seemed to have no effect, his torment only deepening.