Chapter 25 FUNERAL

NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW

Wailing with demise, the family of Lord Baron mourned with contrition inside their home. His wife refused to believe it, but it has been confirmed. Several members of the Irvine Yard patrolled around the area, directing everyone to stay out of it. Crowds gathered, but not with pity. They are there to simply cause chaos. Letting their anger be the very focus of the controversy, they rallied outside his manor.

It has been a difficult case. Knowing the whereabouts of him pushed delay, as the Yard has no idea where he could be after getting involved in a grim offense. They searched day and night, fourteen days passed roughly. Only for him to be found in an unfortunate state, floating across the sea missing several body parts. It caused a big ruckus, extending towards the end of the coastline. People holding banners whilst chanting their hearts out to execute his family made matters worse. But they can blame no one, Lord Baron committed a grave offense worthy of death penalty, but now that he’s gone, who's to be blamed besides his family?

Meanwhile, several blocks away, a man with an undying smirk sat. Holding the newspaper with ardor, the front page has what he’s looking for. Agatha eyed him as she sweeps the floor. She shook her head, feeling hopeless.

‘The man behind the Irvine Porch Collapse has been found dead, with him, several evidences turned up.’

He chuckled as he remember the night of his demise. Tossing his bloodless body with the planted evidence afloat the sea attracted several creatures. In the end, they wouldn’t be able to track him down as he got feasted by the vampires of the sea, Lampreys. Viscount Claude stood up, eyeing the sweeping woman, he gave her a tight embrace. She flinched, trying to let go, but he’s too adherent. She noticed that ever since they had that deal, the man prefers sticking himself next to her like a gum.

She would’ve found it pleasing if it weren’t for his wandering hands. “Agatha…” he buried his face upon her shoulders. “What is it?” she asked.

He eyed her and pulled his lips out, gesturing as if he wants a kiss “Let’s make love…” his voice was soft, like a kid asking for candy. She shook her head once more, “you’ll be late for the burial…” she said with a straight face as she tries to sweep again. He clicked his tongue and let go, “you have a point… Agatha?”

“hm?”

“Do you want to come with me? Your master will be there…” he said pertaining to Lord Castledow. She shook her head, “I don’t want to see him, and wouldn’t that put you in trouble?” she asked with her back turned. He crossed his arms boastfully, “that man is a dog on my leash, he wouldn't dare say a thing” he chuckled.

“Agatha…”

She sighed and rolled her eyes secretly, “yes?” she stood up straightly and met his stare.

“I hope your still here when I come back” his voice suddenly turned serious. If she had intentions, it would’ve sent shivers down her spine. She stepped towards him, brought her wrist up, making the chains clang.

“I will be here, Viscount. I’ve no choice” she replied with a straight face, pulling herself away and doing her job diligently.

Despite the deal, they still find each other untrustworthy. With their relationship started by deceit, it’s safe to say that they’re being wary. He still puts her in shackles whenever he goes out, and she decided to obey although she has no intentions of escaping. Slowly but surely, Agatha has begun accepting her fate.

The more she thinks about it, the more it makes sense. She may be bound by bane, but it is the best life has to offer. She had a roof to stay, food to eat, and a place to clean. Not to mention, there’s a chivalric vampire doing his best to make her contented. She would sometimes find herself smiling, tittering at his endearing ways of making matters better. Accompanying him in exchange for all that and her blood is the only choice, and who knows, this might be the freedom she’s asking for.

His arrival turned heads, he’s a stunning man and everyone is just swooned seeing him again. He’s a rare sight, a gem in the eyes of the young women there. Expressing his sorrow at the death of his colleague, he scanned the hall. Hundreds of nobles go back and forth, all dressed in black and all in fake mourning. He finds it disgusting, but it’s an act he has to tolerate. He talked to several people, his social skills are never bad. It’s his expertise, a practice for the man he’s been waiting for. Just then, he arrived.

The Duke of Sordon gracefully entered with his son, Claude smiled secretly as he waited for his moment. Watching from the distance, he found the perfect opportunity after seeing him alone in a table with his son.

“Duke Campbell” he called, extending his hands and gathering the attention of the Sordon leaders. He stood up with glee, “Viscount Claude” he shook his hand with glee, but Damon remained sitting, furrowing his brows at the presence of the Viscount.

“I finally met you!” Duke Campbell said, pulling the seat next to him and offering it. “The pleasure is mine, Duke Campbell. I can’t believe I’m in presence of such importance” he said warmly, eyeing Damon in the process.

“Good evening, young master” he started but was left hanging as he stood up and walked away. “Damon!” His father called, but he didn’t even bulge. “It’s okay Duke Campbell, perhaps he’s not interested in guys” Viscount Claude joked as he sat beside him.

He sighed “I apologize for his actions, I’ve always had a hard time disciplining that kid.” He said with a chuckle. Viscount Claude nodded. He joked here and there in attempts to lighten the mood before bringing the topic to a deeper haze.

“I just can’t believe it. Knowing that man, I know he can handle the yard. I just don’t know why he chose to run. Look at what happened to him” Duke Campbell clicked his tongue. In his mind, what Lord Baron did was sheer miscalculation. He could’ve saved himself from trouble, but he fled away instead.

The man he’s talking with smiled secretly,'Of course you wouldn’t know, he's ego is bigger than his cullions. Also, you are the reason why he chose to run away in the first place.' he thought, wearing a gloomy expression. He then brought the topic towards his intentions.

“I’ve an idea but I’m afraid you might find it… too costly” Viscount Claude said. “but it would surely make the people of Irvine forget, helping you win their hearts instead.” Duke Campbell squints his eyes. He straightened his back and heaved.

“What is it you’re planning then?”