4 [F̶o̶u̶r̶]

"What you're saying is, I've been deemed as the main culprit of the deaths?"

That was the response that Claude could come up with after a long and rather peaceful conversation with the elves.

Or in more proper words.

The reaper and the elven prince are casually talking with slight formality while the secretary and the general have a heavy air of tension around them that does not seem to bother the aura between the former duo.

"Exactly what I said, Reaper."

"And if I were to say it wasn't me behind them?"

"I would find that very hard to believe."

"That's to be expected, isn't it." The black cat said with a exasperated sigh, his tail flicking twice before he stood up and leap down from the couch. His ruby red eyes looking at Lucian once before he looked towards a random direction, his bell made a small jingle but it seemed to have resonated throughout the entire mansion like a ripple through a lake's surface.

Nathaniel, the general and even Lucian, had their guard up as they waited for what was bound to come. Somewhere from the entrance of the living room and the doorway to the kitchen appeared a few kinds of Eye monster. Their large eye blinking a few times as they slithered and skittered across the floor and towards the cat. Guquan coming in from outside and running up to his master, wagging his tail to and fro as he awaited for his order.

"I will have to leave for a while, notify for Greness to wait for me at the entrance for my orders."

The cat told the Eyes and each of them blinked a few times before letting out sounds of agreements. Each of them scattering to different directions as if they knew what they are suppose to do. Lucian seemed confused and tilted his head.

"Why are you leaving?"

"I'm planning to investigate this case along with Your Highness. I hope you would allow this humble servant a chance to clear my name."

Claude stated out the actual reason as he bowed his head down, his tail no longer swaying and was instead laid beside him as he maintained his posture.

"Such incident would also put my territory in danger and endanger the occupants that lived within."

"Such a despicable being!" Nathaniel couldn't help but scoff at the cat, not at all fazed nor tricked by it. "You dare deny your own crimes?!"

"Yes, I'm called notorious and heartless but I would not take the blame for the things that I never once did."

"So you aren't denying the possibility that you were the cause behind this cases?"

"I believe that I am innocent and I will bring that truth to light."

The black cat lifted his head, staring and almost glaring back at the secretary with determined eyes. The Prince has been quiet the whole while, watching the exchange between the two before finally, he decided to throw down his facade that he had to put up with for the sake of politeness towards the barbarian.

"I will allow you to accompany me but I will show the whole world just what a monster you are, Reaper."

The prince's expression morphed to that of a scowl, a disgusted yet hateful sneer seen as he himself glared down at the cat. No doubt waves of hatred was released by him and towards the dark creature. Claude himself seemed to have realised the facade long ago as he didn't seem to be affected by the change of attitude, instead he bowed his head once more.

"Thank you for allowing me such a chance. I shall get ready for our departure."

Without another look towards the elves, the cat swiftly turned and went off to prepare for his journey to the Ancalen capital.

[🍁🍁🍁]

"Your Highness, why would you allow such a creature to travel alongside with us?"

Nathaniel couldn't help but ask as the elven group were now together and the soldiers were checking their supplies by the entrance of the mansion's gate. Naturally the question was raised when he noticed how the prince was already confident that the Reaper was the culprit but still allowed his accompaniment.

"Naturally it is to strike him."

Lucian answered simply and it took a while before Nathaniel gave a knowing yet hesitant look.

Their conversation was soon cut short when they heard the soft rumble of the wheels against the gravel ground. Nathaniel turned and he soon frowned when he saw a small merchant carriage was being dragged by a few yet unidentifiable dark creatures. Evidently a few soldiers flinched at the appearance. No doubt all dark creatures lived up to their name of being dark and creepy.

All five of them were wearing civilian clothings and soon another creature(?) soon followed from behind. Claude had chosen to return back to his human form, dressed in his black robes and a black straw hat that had a long black veil that reached till his waist. The veil blocking and covering his face from all the others.

Slowly he crouched down before a Dark Goblin and gently adjusted the hat it was wearing, covering its abnormality. The goblin let out a low growl in response before going back to handling some items that were in the carriage.

Claude then stood up, Guquan naturally following him by his side and had clambered onto his shoulder right before his master stood up.

"Shall we be off then?"

Claude then asked, his voice taking aback the elves as what they heard was a deep yet uniquely light tone, something that sounded like young elves yet deep and more entrancing than any elves and fairies they knew.

"Who are you?"

"Claude Vermillion, your Highness."

The hell? This potentially bewitching mysterious figure is the so called barbarian? The elves wondered if the Reaper was capable of changing appearances as well but never voiced it.

"Rest assured, this is my true form."

ANYONE CAN SEE THAT'S A LIE???? The elves held back the snort in their mind, only growing more annoyed and hateful towards the figure.

"And what are those?"

Lucian asked as he gestured to the small group of creatures who were pulling the carriage. Despite their small size, they had decent strength. Claude merely waved them off.

"They are just doing their usual business, no need to worry much about them."

The Reaper than walked passed them before entering the mist once more, this urging the group to follow along though they kept a distance between themselves and the goblins.

[🍁🍁🍁]

"Whatever is that monster?!"

"How dare you try and attack His Highness?!"

Shouts and cries were heard from the soldiers as they unsheathe their swords and pointed it to the 15 feet tall monster, not knowing what it was.

Claude only tilted his head in mild confusion before he decided to just ignore the fuss. The elven prince's eyes were filled with anger and hatred at how despicable the Reaper was and was none than ready to cut his head off if it weren't for the Goblins suddenly snarling and growling at the group.

Lucian could only click his tongue in annoyance before he suddenly paused and frowned when the creature leaned its head down to the Reaper.

"Greness, I will be trusting Darkyeon into your care while I'm gone."

"Rest assured, my Lord.... the land will be protected to the best of my abilities...."

The creature spoke deeply and almost eerily to those who aren't used to his way of talking, Greness' accessories jingled lightly at his movements and Claude only sighed.

"I've been saying many times to not call me that. Where's Corness and Gardess?"

"Forgive me then, Claude. As for the two, Corness is already waiting while Gardess is still situating the Miscels to their positions."

"Oh? Gardess is already arranging the security?"

"Naturally he did when he heard you were leaving. After all, you were the one who raised us and protected us."

"Aah! You're giving me too much credit!!"

The Reaper said while waving his hands frantically, almost as if he was flustered by the comment. As if on cue, Corness and Gardess soon appeared and two Miscels was following Gardess.

(Corness ^^^)

(Gardess ^^^)

(Miscels ^^^)

"Corness! Gardess! We were just talking about you!"

Claude shouted joyfully as he ran over to the two taller creatures. Corness being 20 feet tall, Gardess 30 feet and the Miscels 33 feet.

The appearance of four other dark creatures doesn't seem to reassure the group and Lucian couldn't help but scorn.

"Just what are you doing?"

"Forgive me, Your Highness. I was arranging for them to look after the land when I'm gone. They mean no harm, do believe me, your Highness."

"And what benefit would I get in trusting a heartless murderer?"

"....."

The silent response only made Lucian scoff before he just directed the soldiers to mount their horses. Claude was left speechless yet he seemed used to such a treatment— no, more like he was expectant of such a treatment but never experienced it too much.

The Guardians could only looked over silently to their master whose head could be seen hung down as the elven group started leaving their land. He only looked up when the little Skound whined and nudge it's little head against his face as an attempt to cheer him up.

Without another word, Claude only waved his hand to say he was alright. Though Guquan was unconvinced, he just transformed into his adult form and waited for Claude to mount him.

He was slightly larger than a horse so no doubt he was a good mount, a comfortable one too if Claude might add. He swiftly pulled himself up and held on tight to its fur before the Skound let out a howl and ran towards the group, the goblins following along with growls and chitters.

Leaving behind the region that the Reaper called home.