Chapter 57: Shapeshifter
"I wonder... will this indiscriminate slaughter of demons tarnish the reputation of the Desmond family?" Annie pondered in solitude, aware of the secret that lay concealed within the depths of her family's household.
Not everyone was privy to the knowledge that their servants possessed formidable combat skills, and the unforeseen consequences of Annie's recent actions might attract unwanted attention and potential investigators to their doorstep.
"It's the first time I've encountered a shape-shifter," Annie contemplated silently, her thoughts consumed by the enigmatic being she had encountered earlier. Just as she was lost in her musings, a message from her master interrupted her thoughts, granting her permission to return home.
"Finally..." Annie sighed with a mixture of relief and concern etched upon her features. "I mustn't burden the young master any further."
With a sense of responsibility, Annie meticulously dismembered the demon corpses, methodically dividing them into smaller pieces. These fragments were then carefully placed within the mouths of the other demon carcasses, effectively concealing the evidence of their destruction. As the once formidable horde of demons dwindled down to a mere three, Annie breathed a sigh of relief. "Hufft...
this should suffice."
Cleansing her hands of the grisly residue, Annie stepped out of the narrow alley, her gaze scanning the surroundings as she sought out the nearest clothing store to attend to her tattered attire.
...
Back in Desmond's room, a wave of relief washed over him as he received the confirmation message from Annie, assuring him of her impending return. "At least I can rely on Clementine's assistance to ensure this incident remains discreet," Desmond mused, his mind already formulating a plan. Without delay, he reached out to Clementine, contacting her directly.
Instead of employing magical means, Desmond opted for a mirrored surface, allowing him to witness Clementine's reflection.
"Hello, little Desmond, how are you?" Clementine's voice rang through the connection, her reflection revealing a post-shower appearance. The thin fabric she wore accentuated her alluring curves, a sight that could tempt the most resolute of individuals. Yet, to Desmond, it appeared merely as a pile of freshly cooked meat.
"Hello, Mrs. Clementine, thank you for your concern. I'm doing well," Desmond replied, his expression betraying no hint of arousal, much to Clementine's playful amusement.
"Hehe... so, what can I do for you now?" she inquired, her fingers playfully tugging at the fabric near her bosom, attempting to provoke a reaction from Desmond.
"Um... before we proceed, I kindly request that you don more modest attire," Desmond calmly responded. Unfortunately for Clementine, her endeavors to entice him proved futile. Desmond offered a polite smile before promptly ending the magical call.
...
Having concluded the conversation and allowing Clementine ample time to dress appropriately, Desmond shifted his attention towards the door, giving permission for the waiting maid to enter. Throughout his exchange with Clementine, Desmond had been aware of the soft knocking sound, an indication that the maid would only enter upon receiving his consent.
The maid, Laura, gracefully entered the room, delicately balancing a tray adorned with a tantalizing display of ice cream and a bottle of wine. With utmost care, she placed the tray before Desmond, the heir to his family's legacy, who had grown accustomed to such indulgences throughout his life, both in his past existence and after his rebirth.
Wine had been a desire that had lingered within him since childhood, forbidden by his parents, yet as they became more absent from his life, their initial strictness began to wane, allowing him a taste of the forbidden nectar, albeit with gentle reminders not to overindulge.
In the wake of Alice's departure, Desmond had instructed the household staff to replicate the exact ice cream that she had meticulously crafted during her tenure. Each spoonful transported him to a bittersweet nostalgia, keeping alive the memories of their time together.
As Laura lingered by his side, her presence casting a faint hesitation in the air, Desmond finally broke the silence. "You may take your leave now," he uttered in a voice that conveyed a mixture of disinterest and a desire to savor the culinary delights before him.
Laura, who had been grappling with her own internal turmoil, found the strength to speak. Her words trembled slightly, tinged with regret. "Master... I humbly beg for your forgiveness regarding my earlier transgression."
Upon her return to the manor, Laura's mind had been consumed by thoughts of her behavior and how it had irked her master. Seeking guidance, she sought solace in the counsel of the senior servants, who, perhaps in jest, had suggested a path of repentance, even going so far as to propose offering her body to Desmond as a form of reparation.
Initially dismissing the notion with a mix of shock and indignation, Laura found herself gradually succumbing to the weight of her dilemma. She wrestled with her decision, ultimately accepting the proposition, her heart heavy with trepidation.
And so, with a resolute spirit, she embarked on her journey to Desmond's chambers, unaware of the senior maids' mischievous intent and their failed attempt to caution her.
...
Desmond's response was aloof, his expression and tone hinting at indifference. All he desired in that moment was to relish the simple pleasures of his ice cream and wine, oblivious to the storm of emotions brewing within Laura.
Her conviction in having provoked Desmond's ire only grew stronger when met with his seemingly detached demeanor. With a flicker of uncertainty, she loosened the knot of her maid's apron, hoping to seize his attention, if only for a fleeting moment.
As the fabric fell away, Laura revealed a figure that emanated a dangerous allure, reminiscent of a seductive succubus. The alluring contours of her body contrasted with her innocent countenance, the faintest blush adorning her cheeks, and her eyes modestly averted.
Desmond's gaze traced her form, momentarily captivated by the sinful allure, only for his expression to shift, erasing any hint of lust that had danced within his eyes.
"What do you think you're doing?" Desmond inquired, his voice laced with a mix of patience and growing frustration as he attempted to make sense of Laura's perplexing behavior.
"Please, forgive me, master..." Laura murmured, her voice a whisper as she approached Desmond, their faces mere inches apart. It was in this intimate proximity that Desmond couldn't help but be drawn to the delicate curve of Laura's exposed décolletage, his eyes momentarily captivated by the glimpse of temptation.
"Calm down, Laura. I truly have forgiven you, but please maintain your distance," Desmond stated firmly, his tone betraying his underlying frustration. His focus was not on Laura's revealed cleavage but on the precarious situation that her actions had almost jeopardized—the ice cream and wine that were now at risk of being tainted.
"Understood, young master," Laura replied hastily, hastily readjusting her attire, fearful that Desmond might revoke his forgiveness.
However, the ordeal was far from over. As Desmond prepared to resume his indulgence, Laura's lingering presence prompted a furrowed brow. "Is there something of greater importance?" he inquired, a trace of annoyance lacing his words.
"I apologize for troubling you, young master, but Annie has returned," Laura informed him.
Desmond's eyes briefly flickered with a glimmer of anticipation before swiftly returning to their usual composed state. "I see, summon her to face me," he commanded.
"Of course, young master," Laura acknowledged before exiting the room.
Finally left to his own devices, Desmond could finally partake in his treat undisturbed. "Could it be that the organization has yet to relinquish their pursuit?" he pondered silently, a veil of concern shrouding his thoughts.
Before long, a knock echoed through the door. "Enter," Desmond beckoned.
Annie entered the room, donning her maid attire with her signature impassive expression.
"Share with me all the details, including your failure and the distinct traits of this spy," Desmond demanded, his tone unveiling a simmering anger as he emphasized the word "failure."
"It all began..." Annie began, commencing her account of the events.
...
Desmond sat in solitude, immersed in profound contemplation as he processed the information that Annie had just divulged. "So, this is the first encounter with a creature known as a shape-shifter," he mused internally.
"System, retrieve any available information about shape-shifters," Desmond commanded, his voice resolute.
[
Creating Task...
1 Slot Used
Status: Working 0%
]
[Working 50% ..]
[Status: Completed]
[Saving to Database ...]
[Data Saved!]
[
System Conclusion:
Shape-shifters, rare and formidable beings belonging to the beast-class category, have an intriguing origin steeped in legend. In the era when beast races reigned supreme, their interbreeding with other races resulted in the birth of shape-shifters.
These remarkable creatures possess the ability to morph their physical form into various beasts, even ordinary animals. Not only have they engaged in unions with demons, but they have also tainted the pure lineage of the elves.
Offspring of shape-shifters and demons often manifest as monstrous creatures, while mating with humans allows shape-shifters to assume human guise. However, if their lineage carries Elven genes, they forfeit the ability to revert to their elven form.
Initially confined to elven territories, shape-shifters have since migrated to realms inhabited by both demons and humans.
This knowledge has been acquired from a tome dedicated to the study of mystical creatures within the Saint World.
]
"A rather precarious predicament," Desmond murmured, his concern evident. He delved deeper into his recollections, replaying the memory of the brawny figure who had thwarted his attack.
"The outcome of yesterday's skirmish revealed that shape-shifters, although lacking the strength of second-class swordsmen and the ability to cast spells, possess invaluable espionage capabilities. How I wish to have subordinates with such skills," he ruminated, descending into a contemplative silence as his thoughts continued to unravel.
NOVEL NEXT