In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
She was so uncomfortable with what was happening, she clearly didn't want to be here but she was trapped. She had heard of the disorientating mists of the Yuiee, it must have been something unique to them as she had never heard of any other nobles use it while she had been in Clover. As he touched her face she shook more, it took everything in her power not to lash out at him. She was a guest in his home so between that and trying to get through the mist accidents were going to happen, more than that though, anything she did could and likely would have ramifications on her family and she didn't want to be the one that caused them to fall out of favour back home. She did take a step back and even pulled her hand away as he tried to set it on his chest.
"Touching me and expecting me to touch you is highly inappropriate as we aren't married." she said harshly, his adoptive father had just reminded them both about traditions but it was as if he didn't care nor listen to the man. It was odd that he hadn't stopped it or even punished him for his actions but she guessed it was because she was currently present and thus wouldn't do. "You can help what you are, you just don't care to change." she said her voice showing she had no patience for his bullshit. She shook her head, being near him made her skin crawl more than being in a graveyard did. "Your family don't need you to better them, you aren't the head nor the heir so you don't get to decide such things. Do you really disrespect your family and traditions in such a manner... pathetic."
"You are deranged." she wasn't mixing her words "Your family haven't forgotten their heritage or the traditions, from what I've seen since being here they follow them rather closely while respecting the land they live in." she sighed a little trying to keep her cool "And what enemies? You're of the imperial family, no one would dare strike against you due to the backlash if it was found out." she was starting to believe that he was also paranoid "Here you are not an imperial but a noble and so that means alliances need to be made for you to grow in strength, such things are normal and prevent your enemies from even thinking about standing against you." she was now wondering if he had never learned tactics as most males would have, this is where his family was failing him. Then again, she supposed their attention would be on their heir.
This meant he was likely fobbed off on nannies rather than given the attention he needed so he could act as he wanted without any real repercussions. "Your brother was likely born first and so was rightfully chosen as the heir, I know nothing of your sister other than she is a rather capable magic knight and one of the kingdom's best healers and tacticians." she did have to admit that it was odd the family would permit their only daughter to become a magic knight, most nobles and imperials would have sent their daughters to the selection process or have them married to a prince or princess. "Is there a reason your sister is a magic knight over being betrothed?" she would inquire, there was curiosity in her voice. She didn't suspect he would know but she thought she would ask just in case, if nothing else it would let her know what he was thinking.
She stood listening to him, she had to resist the urge to tell him to shut up "I am not a murderer and right now I do not wish children, especially with someone like you. If and when I do decide to have a child they will not be a murderer either." she said her tone showing this was the truth of the matter. She didn't even want to think about having to share a bed with him let alone bear him a child. "Are you sure it was your sister and not a servant?" she asked finding it hard to believe that his sister would do something like that, children of the imperial household were taught respect, tradition, manners and anything else they would require so she found it hard to believe that it would have been his sister who would have done this.
"Only think rotten here is you. You don't see the strength in your own family, you don't trust their vision or path." she sighed shaking her head "Look at how you treat your own servants, those who are meant to tend to your needs and are meant to be the most loyal to you." Her eyes closed for a moment "You are the weak link of your family as only a weak person would do such a thing to people. A strong person garners loyalty through their kindness and understanding." of course she knew there were exceptions as discipline was needed if people stepped out of line this was just how their culture worked. As he moved to kiss her she stopped him and pushed him away before slapping him. "That is highly inappropriate." she hissed it was clear she wouldn't permit him to do such a thing.
"I will never bear you a child." she began glaring at him "I am not a murderer nor am I insane and so will not attempt to kill you" she continued "Oh, I hold no love for you, in fact, hate is too mild of a word for the feelings I have towards you." her every word was dripping venom as she spoke to him. She had every intention of leaving, she didn't want to be here and now she had secured both servants' lives she could take them with her, free them and completely forget this unfortunate part of her life. She knew she'd still have nightmares and likely never feel safe again but at least she could put Jirou in the past. She waited for him and his father to leave before removing the ring on her finger and throwing it to the ground before taking her own leave of the room.
[attr="class","polarPOSTIT"] What did it matter? Jirou couldn’t help[ but thinking that? Why did it matter that they werent together. Couldn’t she see he loved her? Yes, he was a monster, yes, he had tortured her. But to him thats what love was. wasn’t it? Even as he reached the safety of a room away from her, her words didn’t leave his mind. But what difference did it make? His family WERE wrong. They had royal blood in their veins and yet they lived here, instead of in the homeland they once came from. But even as the young man walked the hall way to the party, he could feel his blood begining to boil. How DARE she. He was of the the Dragons Blood, His family had a direct link back to the emperor himself! Yet even knowing that he knew the truth, or at least the truth his mind thought was the reality of life. It was because of his Parents… if they hadnt left, if they had stayed where they belonged then none of this would have happened! [break][break] He slammed his fist into a nearby wall with a yell. The noise of the instruments at the party drowned it out as he beat and pummled the wall. Yet after he was done the anger had burned out, leaving him feeling hollow. His mind drifted between all the things she had said, had his sister ruined that painting, his mind yelled at him that it had been real. Because if it wasn’t, why had he not simply killed the servent? He began to feel something in his stomach grow. A paranoia that crept through bones. Had he been lied too? Manipulated in some way? No, that wasn’t possible. He was too strong and smart to be tricked like that. Fuqin had raised him well, but even with his lack of the formal education his brother recieved, he knew he was smarter then him. How else had he been able to get away with it all? So many dead servents, So many used and destroyed “toys”. [break][break] Fuqin was angry and grabbed the boy, shaking him. He began to yell at him, like a real father figure would. What was he thinking? Now he had lost his only-- the slap that sounded through the halls was loud. Jirou had hit Fuqin in the face knocking him to the ground. Yet he stood there silently. Fuqin hit the ground and slowly moved to a more comfertable postion. Even with his bouts of rage, Jirou had NEVER laid hands on Fuqin before. Something was very wrong. He changed his tone, and tried to connect to Jirou again. [break][break] ”Quiet.” it was very clear Jirou wasn’t in his right mind right now. Fuqins cheek stung but he was used to pain, right now he was far more worried for his adoptive son. What had changed? Had that girls mark on him been so strong that he broke? Even Jirou didn’t quite understand it as he stood there, staring at the small flecks of blood his knuckles had left on the beaten wall. The pain was so beyond feelable that Jjirou didn’t even realize he was bleeding. His blood roared in his ears, the voices were growing louder. The voices of self doubt and destruction. First, he watched as his useless brother grew from a meek and scared thing into the proper heir of the family, why was he so far back from him? Was there really no way to regain his place? Even if his brother was born before him, they were both born on the same day, at nearly the same time! Why was such a weakling like him blessed with Paint magic? Why was he given the place he should have had?! he roared out and slammed his fist into the wall again. [break][break] S̵̨͍̕ḩ̵͆̑e̷̩̬͗̿ ̸̭̾̐͊c̵͔̠͒͜a̴͇̻͂̕l̶͕̰͛͠l̶̼̲͒e̵̱͗̊́d̸̬̈̀̎ ̸̦̖̉̇͌y̸͎̏̇ò̴̝́u̵͈͂̃̚͜ ̶̦͂̊̊t̷̯̥̓̃͑h̷̖̺̼̓̈́ẻ̷̛̜͔̮ ̵̡͎̅̋w̷̥͒̇ê̷͚̈́a̷̗͐k̵̈́͜ ̵͈̖̀͂l̴̥̹̆i̶̤̔͒ń̸͙͕͌k̴͕̱͂̚.̵̺̿͊͑ the voice was wrong, it was like glass sliding over stone. Yet to Jirou it was the voice he needed to hear. He turned looking for the source of the voice. But he saw only himself and Fuqin. [break][break] "Whos there?!" he turned Fuqin looked around, he hadnt sensed anyone. He tried to speak out to his son but it was clear he wasn’t hearing him. To the paranoid Jirou he was just another voice being drowned out by his own mind. Fuqin grabbed onto his son as he began to move walking away as if searchign for something. He scrambled to try to stop Jirou, he wasn’t in hsi right mind. ”Show yourself!! you coward! I know your here. I heard your voice and I never forget a voice!" [break][break] Why was he so desperate to find the voice? Fuqin grabbed him and forced him to stop but Jirou simply turned and look at him. "Un…hand…me." the look in hsi eyes was wrong. The sliver of light was gone. The red on his cheek from her slap when she tried to kiss him was still there, but the shard of light that had been buried in his sons eyes were gone. [break][break] Jirou stood there, as if listening to something. Then he turned and marched back toward the room they had both been in. But when he kicked opent he door they had just left not a few minutes before. He began to follow and would soon see his target. She was still helping the unconious servent he had given her to safety. What had his name been? It had been something important. But for some reason he couldn’t remember his name. He made his way behind her and with a strong and brutal hand he grabbed her and threw her into the nearest wall with his full force. Fuqin realized what was about to happen. If Jirou couldn’t have her then no one would have her. Such was the jealousy and hatred in Jirous heart right now. The voices were like static in his head, it made his bone tingle and his mind felt like it was full of bees. The unconcious servent fell to the ground and groaned. The impact having woken him up. [break][break] "I OFFERED YOU EVERYTHING!" Jirou was beyond angry. His blood boiled, his heart pounded. As he walked toward her. The music from the intruments would drown out what he was about to do. Then all he had to do was hide her corpse with all the other worthless bags of flesh he had killed, but no…. no that was too easy for her. A lifetime of torture would be too kind for the slight against him she had made. ”I am not weak! Your the weak one, this whole damn world is weak! The strong don’t need to help of others, the strong take as they wish and do not give!" he pulled the air pen from his hair and used his magic to harden bother his hand and the pen with his carbon matter, he used his hand like a knife and with two quick swipes he had sharpened the needle to a point fine enough for what he planned as Fuqin rushed to the room seeing the aftermath. [break][break] "When im done with you, youll never tell me no again." he made his way toward Hotaru with the intent to lobotomize her. The needle would be used to scramble her brain a bit, and leave her a mindless and docile doll for him to play with.
words[break]1253 [break] total[break]7177 [break] SP Earned[break]0007 [break] Stat Earned[break]0007 [break]
Right at that moment the cosmic mage was feeling the blessings of the gods and quietly praising them for protecting her, she had expected him to try and correct her or lash out in anger as he had done the first time she had found herself at the Yuiee estate. At that point she was quite naive, she didn't know the beast behind the mask pulling at their restraints and chomping at the bit. Though she was scared of him she had managed to keep herself together, she had protected the two servants as she had promised to on the journey to the estate and now it was time for her and them to leave it for once and for all. She knew the moment he saw that ring was on the floor she wouldn't be safe and so had already made a decision to send the servants away and move once more.
Though the young woman didn't seem like it given how she dressed and her overall attitude, she did care a great deal about traditions and etiquette and that's why it mattered that they weren't married. That's why she hadn't let him touch or kiss her and why she hadn't touched him. She wasn't some harlot in a brothel that could be bought for such things. No. She wanted them to be special, to be spent with the man that she married on her wedding night. Still, for the moment everything was calm and she felt as if she could breathe at least for a moment. Due to the aforementioned difference in size and weight between her and the semi-conscious Enlai it wasn't going to be a quick escape, then again all she needed to do was get out of Jirou's palace and wait for Enlai to come to his senses.
She didn't know where Lanying was being kept and wouldn't leave without her with them, she knew Enlai would never forgive her if she did as it would mean a death sentence for his sister. She believed that Jirou would be at his celebration for hours so this gave her enough time to do what she needed before being found out. "You'll both be safe soon and I'll get you passage to my family, they'll help you learn a trade so you can get on your feet." she whispered to him reassuringly. Even with the music, she wasn't foolish enough to believe that the palace walls of the deranged prince didn't have eyes and ears, she was well aware that soon enough what was going on would get back to him. She had no idea at that moment it wouldn't even be that that would cause issues but the words she spoke earlier.
She continued walking towards the exit unaware of the storm that was brewing not far from her, how could she have predicted such a thing as he had seemed in such high spirits when he had left. The music was in full swing so she hadn't heard the yelling or even the door of the room she had been in just a moment before being kicked in. She just continued down the corridor at a slow pace completely unaware. It was then she felt something touch her, it was harsh and unforgiving. She didn't have time to react nor really figure out what was going on before she found herself being thrown against a nearby wall. With this action she was separated from Enlai, she cried out as her left shoulder had dislocated at the force and angle she had hit the wall.
Her head hadn't been spared the impact either and now blood ran down her face from her forehead. She was disorientated and so didn't comprehend what was being said to her. She sat there nursing her dislocated arm while blood and tears fell from her head and eyes. "The world is a balance of giving and taking, light and dark, weak and strong... you can't have one without the other." she managed to get out finally starting to make sense of things he was saying but she was clearly still struggling. Her hair fell around the side of her face and back, it actually made her seem more delicate. She still hadn't noticed what he had done with his hand or her hairpin. It was only when she heard what was like the distant voice of the elder male she looked up and saw, her eyes going wide as she believed he was ready to torture if not kill her.
Though it was difficult she moved to her knees crying out as she moved her left hand to be on the floor, though as she couldn't support her own weight on her left arm currently she screamed in agony as she fell forward. Still, she continued her right hand going next to the left as her forehead touched the floor. She was in so much pain right now but felt so much fear that she was doing something she had never done in the past. She was kowtowing at Jirou's feet trembling. "I..." her voice was shaking knowing she was in a situation she never wanted to be in. "Traditions are important to me... I... I want such intimate things to be special..." she began trying to explain herself to him "I want them to be shared with the man I marry on our wedding night." she concluded.
She didn't want to touch him period, but, this was the truth she spoke to him. She knew it would take more than that to calm the monster before her but she had no idea how to quell such rage as she had never been the target of such things in the past. "You deserve a princess, something I am not..." she said calmly trying to keep her voice even "Though I come from a noble family and am versed in etiquette and tradition I am still a trader and warrioress..." she continued, her head felt light right now but she needed to keep it together "I don't have the education required to be a suitable wife to a prince. I don't know how to dance, sing, flower arrange and the other things that would fulfil such a role." all this was quite true and she was hoping that this would deter him from pursuing her, if not she hoped he would believe that she felt unworthy of his attention and calm him down if nothing else.
[attr="class","polarPOSTIT"] There was a pause. The music was gone to Jirou, he didn’t hear it anymore. He didn’t need to. He looked at her as she….kowtowed to him. It was obvious when she hit the wall that she had been hurt. There was… a pang of feeling that entered Jirou but it quickly was snuffed out. His eyes were for once wide and happy to see her like that. He smiled softly and knelt infront of her, dropping the hair pin to the ground and removing his own to gently redo her hair. His movement was soft and he quickly did it with practice ease so thathe could see her face properly. He could do as he pleased now… she would not resist him any longer. He gently helped her sit up, and even used his own shirt to help her hold her arm. He smiled softly at her words. She really was what he wanted. Yes, he had wanted to break her when he first met her. She had to be broken. It wasn’t that she was unlovable, just wild. Like a mare fresh caught from the fields of his homeland. He looked at her and it was if that white hot anger had not been there before. [break][break] ”there there, I know it must hurt but you musnt cry anymore. I will have the finest healer help, Fuqin, prepare your magic please. Youll feel no pain when your arm returns to its proper place. Im sorry that I had to hurt you. But it had to be done so that you could understand your position. I was improper in my actions earlier. My desire and my anger are quick to flare and quicker still to calm. We shall wed then traditionally. I will not set a single finger upon you until we are wed in anyway. I promise as your future husband so long as you obey and are loyal as a wife should be I shall not harm you unjustly.” he didn’t react negatively to her if she flinched away. He knew pain made one like an animal. But an animal was the easiest thing to train in the world. [break][break] Enlai began to stir. He groaned softly and held his head. His body hurt, and his neck was bruised. What had happened? He turned and saw the scene before him and a flash of angry remembrence slide across his face. He rushed Jirou out of anger for his sister, but the young lord simply smiled and turned, grabbing the mans hand and deflecting it in such a way that enlai nearly hit Hotaru with the fierce blow meant for Jirou. He pulled the boy close for a hug and spoke. ”Your sister is safe boy, thank your lady kindly for that gift.” he quickly let go of the boy and moved away as if he was liquid. His very movements were fluid. He had won, he had gotten everything he wanted and more even still. On this battle field of life he was now one step closer to his goal. To having the entire world recognize his family once more as they properly should be. They may only root ties to the true emperor of their homeland, But that still meant he carried the dragons blood within him. He would continue to reach higher and higher until he grasped the very golden throne of heaven as his own. [break][break] Enlai meanwhile dropped his arm and with tears in hiss eyes thanked Hotaru, seeing the state she had been forced into while trying to protect him and his sister, it was clear she had tried to get him to safety, he wasn’t in the room he remembered being in anymore. She was injured for their sake. He began to beg for her forgiveness and thank her for protecting his sisters life. Eventually falling into tears alone as Jirou made his way to the party. He would now enjoy himself fully as a reward for his triumph. Fuqin would wait till he left and make his way to the girl, his spell ready. He did not say a word or look her in the eyes, the lesson had been learned, and the order of life reistablished by his adoptive son. He wondered, for the very first time what was being played out by Jirou. What his plan was with the sister of the Magic Knights foremost strongest magic user besides the wizard king themself. What dangerous game was he playing?
words[break]0752 [break] total[break]07929 [break] SP Earned[break]0007 [break] Stat Earned[break]0007 [break]
Though she had kowtowed to him she hadn't been broken, she just knew it was something she had to do to appease Jirou so she could prevent herself from being killed. She remained entirely still fully expecting to feel another blow, but to her amazement, it never came. She heard something hit the floor but she didn't dare look up, she had to remain in her current position until she had atoned in Jirou's eyes. It was what tradition demanded, after all, she wondered if he was so violent with his own sister and if he was she couldn't imagine just how much of a wreck she must be due to such abuse. Then again, she had heard that his sister had become a magic knight and that took some strength to do, especially for a woman of this culture. It was truly something to admire.
Tears still filled her eyes due to the agony that she was feeling going through her dislocated arm. She hated how he was talking to her but said nothing, she had to remain silent she knew that. She visibly flinched as her hair was fixed, she didn't want him touching her, she had already told him as much but it wasn't as if she could do anything to stop him currently. "I don't want a healer..." she said quietly her voice quivering as if it was not only afraid but as if she was trying to choke back tears. She knew when her arm was relocated she was going to be screaming in agonizing pain and it would remain for a while after it. "I don't want my body to forget how to tend to its injuries." she finished hoping that he would understand, she didn't know that his sister who was a healing specialist had the same outlook on such things.
It was then that she did look up a little she couldn't believe what she was hearing "What... so my position is on all fours in front of you like a dog?" she almost seemed angered and upset at those words. "I acted completely appropriately for tradition and you lashed out at me as if I broke them... how is that fair?" she had to resist the urge to clench her hands. She wasn't property and didn't want to be treated like it. "You did act improperly towards me yet I am the one kowtowing, shouldn't you be doing this instead of me?" she would inquire, after all, he was the one who had tried to dishonour her and her family thus tarnishing his own personal honour and that of his family's "You attempted to treat me like a two yul whore." it showed she was truly upset over that fact.
"By tradition your father and my own need to approve but..." she paused for a moment "my father is no longer with me, he perished doing his duty to Clover." her voice showed sadness, he had passed before she had even been born. "In his sted, my elder brother who is the current head of the family would decide." she was hoping to buy time or put him off marrying her completely. "My elder brother's name is Ardere... he's the Crimson Lion captain." she hoped that would further dissuade him given Ard's reputation. She had yet to meet him as she had been sent away to live with her aunt and uncle when she was still very much a newborn. "I'm not ready to even think of a betrothal let alone marriage..." she hated this part of tradition as it felt like she had no say in her own fate.
He spoke about how he wouldn't lay a hand on her until they wed, part of her wanted to laugh in his face and tell him it was too late for that. She was surprised to see he didn't react to her flinching as he helped her up she pulled away from him, she hadn't even accepted his offer of aid in regards to him attempting to sling her arm. She, instead, cradled it on her own. It was just then that Enlai had awoken in a blind rage before she could tell him not to do it he was already running towards Jirou with the intent to harm him but there was only so much a servant could do to a trained noble. Jirou had proven that by elegantly deflecting the hit, the issue was he had deflected it towards her and it almost met its mark making her gasp.
"Please Enlai, there is no need for that but if you could aid me." she said as she still cradled her dislocated arm. She drew daggers at fuqin as Jirou left showing she wasn't going to let one incident break her "You are dismissed, Enlai can help me with my injury." with her good hand she waved him away showing she had no intention of accepting his aid. Normally she wouldn't have acted in such a way but she was hurt and in a foul mood. This man could have stopped everything but he was just enabling the behaviour of Jirou, she didn't bother worrying about it so much she needed to get out of there and take her 'servants' with her for all their safety but it was too soon to attempt such a stunt again as she was quite sure she wouldn't like the next lesson given this was just a 'gentle' reminder of her place.
As she watched fuqin leave she brought up her good arm and bit onto her sleeve bracing for what was to come next. Enlai didn't want to harm her but it would hurt more the longer her arm remained dislocated, he also feared the punishment to them both if he allowed it to heal while in such a condition. Though Jirou may have been down the hall he would still have been able to hear her scream in pain. She had tried to muffle it but it had hurt so much that she found herself crying once more.
[attr="class","polarPOSTIT"] He didn’t react to her outburst. He knew she was still learning and would learn her exact place in time. He didn’t even bat an eyelash as she spoke of not needing a healer, that was fine by him as well in this moment. Only so many lessons could be taught in a day. He knew that well himself from the many lessons he ahd to learn from Fuqin. He smiled happily to himself, proud with how things worked out. Had his mask faltered? A little, but that only proved how worthwhile breaking her would be. As he heard her scream a muffled scream he couldn’t help but smirk and feel the tingling warmth of pleasure move through his body like a wave. After that sweet night they spent in his pleasure room, he couldn’t help but find her screams of pain to be music to his ears. But he knew if he didn’t keep in his control she would eventually escape, so he did the only thing he could do. [break][break] ”Youll have nearly an hour to get properly dressed, I may have given you permission to not attend before however after your… actions… I expect you to be there.” it was clear this wasn’t a suggestion, and that any disobediance would result in…consequences. He turned to look at her and smirked, the damn girl was stubbern to not take the healing, yet he knew thats exactly why he loved her. Her stubbornness and her desire not to be bound by him. She was his doll now, she would always be his plaything.he would return to his room and finish getting ready himself before making his way to the party. He left Fuqin behind to keep an eye on the two fools he now housed. He wondered if she would try to flee again. If she did….hed kill her for it. [break][break] He wondered what the party goers would think. To see a lady of noble birth at his party by his side. He smirked to himself and soon he pushed open the doors to the party in the main hall of his Palace. His servents announced his arrival with a loud and clear voice. ”Welcome, Welcome! I am sorry for being a bit late to my own party, but I had to make sure my other guest of Honor was ready, they will be here in the next hour or so.” the people invited werent friends. They were simply more people to show off too. He wore a bright yellow outfit, one that showed just how highly he thinks of himself. ”My dear guests! Thank you for arriving tonight to celebrate my growth into a Magic Knight. I will do my damnest to keep you all safe and sound. But for now let us forget that! Let us just enjoy tonight! Drink! Make merry! Enjoy!” the partygoers cried out in a happy cheering. He felt like a king, soon he would make his next step to emperor. [break][break] Meanwhile Fuqin did not leave their side. He would keep a sileent eye on the two, Enlei knew better then to keep Jirou waiting and as such, with a quick and sharpmovement he helped his lady return her arm to its proper place. He would punish himself later for making her scream out in pain. He would gently help her up and glare at Fuqin, how could he allow the master to act like this? Had his lady not suffered enough? How many more people would Jirou hurt? He almost barked out to the man to leave, but he knew better. He bit his tongue hard enough that a trickle of blood would fall from his mouth. The young servant helped his lady up and got her quickly to a room to change. Other servants would have already left what was planned for her but Enlei knew there wasn’t enough time if he allowed her to do it herself. ”My lady, there is not enough time to do this kind of outfit and make up by ourselves. The…Master will be displeased if you do not show up in better looking standards then you are now…Shall I go get servants to help?” [break][break] Meanwhile, Fuqin watched and wondered to himself deep down if he had done the right thing, teachign the boy all he had taught him. Her words… had hit him as well. But he showed nothing of it. The man was a skilled and trained individual, and as such even Jirou would not have an easy time reading his face. But he did wonder just a bit, if they would have ended up as a better person had he told his parents about Jirous actions right away. Could he have been saved? No… the boy was a monster but he was his adoptive son. The eldest Ozma had seen to it that Jirou had no proper place in the family. The noble born child had no hope of a normal life. He was nothing but the spare to the heir. ”I would not keep my master waiting, you will need to find an alternative outfit… perhaps the maids left something in one of the cabinets… you have nearly 40 minutes left.”
words[break]0877 [break] total[break]08806 [break] SP Earned[break]00008 [break] Stat Earned[break]0008 [break]
She must have looked quite a state as she remained knelt nursing her arm, she was thankful that Jirou was going to leave her alone while he enjoyed his banquet. She had no intention of attempting anything after recently placating him, she knew that would be her final action if she dared attempt to run. For now, she would have to be patient and deal with the humiliation that was likely going to be her life for the foreseeable future. Her bubble was burst however when he stopped at the door and informed her she was to intend the banquet as he didn't trust her after her recent actions not to try again. To make it worse she was given less than an hour to be dressed properly. She didn't want to dress up or pretend that she was a doll to the psychopath that was soon to be her betrothed.
She was about to say something but he left the room leaving her with Enlai and the man who enabled the monster that was holding her hostage. She had declined the elder male's attempt to help her and allowed Enlai to help her though it was far more painful. "Th... thank you Enlai and don't beat yourself up about doing that. I'd rather your help in the painful manner than take the less painful way from a man who would nurture such a dark soul." she knew that the younger of the two would likely be beating himself up over harming her. She looked at the elder male and used her good arm to point to the door "Get out!" she demanded, she didn't want him in her presence "You know tradition... leave!" it was improper for men to be in a room of a woman they weren't married to, let alone a woman getting dressed.
She was thankful as she was carefully aided back to her feet "Thank you again Enlai." she said her voice soft as she spoke to him, her eyes going to the elder male that seemed less than happy about being dismissed by her "I can assure you I'm not going to run, but, I don't need or want you near me; if it puts your mind at ease be a guard dog and stand outside my door grumbling and growling." She was irritated that much was for certain but the man left. She looked to Enlai as he spoke and shook her head "I have no intention of pretending I'm something I'm not. It won't be you or your sister it will fall on..." she took pause for a moment knowing she should at least fix her hair and face.
"Get me a bowl of warm water, a towel, a hair brush and simple hair pins." she instructed him he looked nervous but left to get what she had asked for. Her eyes moved to the door as he spoke "So, is he your son or your master?" she would ask as by this point both had been used by the male in her presence "Or are you being made to play make-believe too for his delusions?" she was hoping that was the case but something in the pit of her stomach told her otherwise. "Do you neglect your own born son for a fake one? What kind of man let a lone father makes their own children take second place to an imposter?" she would ask, she knew he wouldn't dare act out towards her currently, after all, she only had limited time to prepare and Jirou wouldn't take to kindly to her being harmed by the man.
Soon enough Enlai would return with the items she had requested she washed and dried her face to hide the fact she had been crying before brushing her hair to neaten it before putting in the hairpin. She in no way looked like a princess, she didn't really even look like a noble but more the daughter of a middle-class commoner family. "Let's get going, I'd hate to make him wait any longer." she said stepping out, she ignored fuqin entirely and allowed Enlai to guide her to where she was meant to be. She could already tell the moment she stepped into the hall she stuck out like a sore thumb but she was not going to have him tell her how she could and couldn't dress. This sheerly was a passive act of defiance one of the very few that she still had access to.
The party began to move once more as Jirou made his way down the gilded stairs and red carpetry to the main floor of the party. The young warrior held himself highly as he walked and as each party goer who saw him congratulated him he responded in proper form and function. Yet the entire time he could not help but feel himself being slighted to have to bow back to them respectfully. Each and every one was below him, even if they were nobles. They werent strong like he was, they were as determined as he was. But that was fine, very few in the world could match up to him in those ways, at least within his narrow view of the world. He could see how he would handle them in combat as he passed by each one. The visualization in his mind was so clear. But that made him pause in the middle of the walk he was taking. He felt so…light. As if he had finally received a moment of peace, things were going his way at last. And he would now need to extend his plan to its logical end. He smiled and mingled with the groups for a little while. The young adult finding it fun to mingle with the adults as if they meant something to him. [break][break] To him, every adult lied. Even the ones that said they loved him and would never lie to him lied… they lied about his worth, they lied about his position, they lied about his status. He knew he could only trust himself and Fuqin. For all the brutal training, Fuqin had never lied to him once. Even when he could have, he did not decieve the young child he had encounted to say he had seen nothing, and let him get caught as a child no doubt torturing small animals. Instead…the man saw a broken child and taught him some semblance of control. as if snapped from his thoughts by the strong and forceful hand of reality, he found himself standing in front of the painted portrait of his parents. He stared up at the large painting, he had it made as a celebration in their honor for the long years of their fruitful marriage. But yet again, it had been beaten out by his brother Ozmas gift. He gritted his fist a bit and couldn’t help but feel slighted by them. [break][break] There had once been a time, before ozma found his "voice" and courage, where he was the celebrated child. He had lessons, and teachings. His parents dotted on him and did things in the interest of his future. But once Ozma was finally able to step up… he was given everything he had. Not all at once, but slowly, and with growing quickness it came and he was now… what was he but a spare? Was he religated to just that? Or would he finally be able to break free of this new shackled existence? The thought chain in his head was given just enough time to leave an impression before with a uick announcement from his servents, his Guest of Honor was here. He turned expecting to find a beautiful and well dressed princess, but what he found was instead a plainly dressed woman, who looked no more then a commoner. She had done as he had asked, but not to what he had expected. Normally this should have made him angry but…it made his male energy rise within him. He felt a flush coming to his face as he turned to stare her deep in the eyes. She was so defiant and yet… why did that make him excited? [break][break] The young lord made his way toward her, but unlike in the hall he kept a honorable distance. From this angle, looking up at her, he could not held but feel small. And yet even in that smallness he knew he would be able to withstand anything she sent at him. He would not break before her. ”You are more beautiful in plain cloths then I thought one could be. But there is no need for you to humble yourself. Come down and join me, I would introduce you properly to the friends in attendence.” he held out his hand and looked up at her, there was a banister between them, and a small 5 foot drop. But he half expected her to take it as a way down. She was beautiful, and he could not deny that.
words[break]0758 [break] total[break]9564 [break] SP Earned[break]0009 [break] Stat Earned[break]0009 [break]
The young raven-haired woman made her way down the carpeted steps of the banquet hall, she knew she wasn't wearing the finery that had been gifted to her. She wanted nothing that her captor and abuser was giving to her, to do so meant he had broken her, that he had won and that wasn't something she was willing to admit. She would rather die than submit fully to him, still, she knew that she was on the knife's edge as he had already shown he wasn't above drugging and hurting her to gain what he wanted. In truth, if it hadn't been for the two servants that she had requested be hers as a wedding gift she would have left already. She needed to make sure they were off the estate and safe before she herself could leave without the concern of someone else being punished for her actions.
As she walked down the carpet she bowed politely to the other nobility that had been invited to the banquet to celebrate this milestone for the middle Yuiee child, although she was dressed very plain it was clear that she was no commoner due to the silk she wore. She, however, could still see the looks they gave her as if she didn't belong within their ranks and was quite sure she would hear the whispers of such soon enough. In honesty... she didn't care. This wasn't her world and outside of trading with the imperials and royals she wanted nothing to do with it but she still had to play her part until she, herself, could get what she wanted and that was her freedom. The cosmic mage was quite sure that her host would keep her on quite a short leash and the collar tighter still.
Noticing Jirou approaching her she did her best not to tense her body, everyone was looking at the pair and the last thing she wanted was to incur his ire. Once he stopped she bowed as was customary and looked to him "My clothes are not plain, they are just not as lavish as one with the blood of the divine." her words were chosen very carefully as she knew one wrong word wouldn't just make him angry but a banquet hall full of nobles and would force punishment on her in one sense or another. "It is hard not to be humble when in front of someone like yourself, I feel honoured that you would even bother to speak to someone such as myself." she continued stroking his ego a little knowing this was the best thing to do at the moment. It was what he said next that made her shake her head.
"I thank you for the offer your highness but I dare not, this banquet is to honour you and your accomplishments it would be rude of me to even be in the shadow of your spotlight on this auspicious occasion." This was one of those times she was glad that her family were noble merchants it meant she was raised to know the politics of things. "I will be at one of the side tables enjoying your latest success." she bowed a smile on her face, she knew there was nothing he could do to her about this as he couldn't announce they were betrothed with her dressed in such a manner and without that announcement she was just another guest. Standing she moved to one of the other tables and sat down to watch what would happen next while enjoying the music that was being played.
[attr="class","polarPOSTIT"] Jirou watched with a smile on his face. The woman walking down the stairs toward him wore plain cloths, but that was more then fine. Because he had won the more important battle then just the clothing and the makeup, she had come to his party even if she had not needed too. She had been unable to refuse him. He chuckled to himself watching her form. The plain common cloths made it easier to see the way her body was shaped. How the Clothing of a Samurai-ko fit her so well. He could see that she had kept her chest bindings, he hated those things. What use was it to hide one of the most useful assets of a woman. It was a sign of maturity and ability to provide for ones children he thought. When they were married shed need to be put on a special diet to promote child rearing and care. [break][break] The young Noble made his way to meet her as he had been taught to do. She had foiled his plan to announce their betrothal, crafty girl had done just enough to avoid his anger. He didn’t actually feel the anger that he would have felt if someo e else had done it. What was she playing at? Did she have even more schemes under her belt? As she bowed and spoke to him he smiled softly, almost like he had never tortued her or pictured her at his…service. ” Yu are too humble, you also did well at t he exams it was why I invited you. Its not often I find people who can take a good beating with pride.” he smiled to her and then nodded as she spoke of not sitting next to him.“You make a good point, it seems we are at an impass.” [break][break] He turned from her and quickly hoped onto the table with jumping twirl, as if he wasn’t a noble at all. But the partygoers smiled and cheered to him as he hushed them. “Noblemen and ladies, thank you for accompanying my party as guests. I have finally reached a new level in my life and I want to spread the good fortune and cheer. The nobles answered with a cheer. “As you know, things in the country side have begun to grow more unpleasant. Various issues have begun to appear at a freighting rate. So I ask that all those willing, please make sure to stay out of those dangerous areas. If any of you must travel that way I will personally join you in that measure. My parents taught me that with great power, comes great responsibility and as such I must do my part as a magic knight and help my fellow countrymen as best I can.”. [break][break] He scooped up a glass of wine. “I and my other knights, He motioned to Hotaru and smiled, just a small ploy to see the dea in some of the party goers. His smile was sofft, his eyes lossened. He made it look like he had a bit of a feeling for her. Just a subtle touch.“Will remain diligent in protecting you and your families and interests. With that part done I also want to say. Thank you for believing in me and my fellow countrymen, we will do well to honor that choice.” he go off the table and a servent quickly cleaned it where he had stood. He chuckled and turned to Hotaru. ”You may sit where you please then. Just remember our agreement.” he said it as if he wa a friend of some kind. Almost playfully.
words[break]0614 [break] total[break]10178 [break] SP Earned[break]0000 [break] Stat Earned[break]0000 [break]
There was constant music playing, it was soothing more because it reminded her of home and made her homesick but she couldn't let that dull her senses not with 'him' around. She had done the bare minimum to appease his demands while keeping herself safe from the announcement of their 'happy' betrothal being made public. For him to announce such a thing right now would just get him ridiculed by those in attendance. He was a prince of their homeland and so would be expected to marry a princess or a lady of high rank politically. Her family was a well-known and respected family both within their homeland and Clover but she still only looked like a common guard. This was just her daily clothing so it wasn't like she was going out of her way to 'disobey' him that was just an added bonus in her mind.
She could feel his eyes on her and it made her skin crawl and hurt more than the blade she had been tortured with, still, she knew she couldn't make a fuss, as no doubt many of the people there had done or were doing business with her family. There was also the fact she knew that when prying eyes weren't there she would be 'disciplined' for her actions and if she wasn't he would attempt to take it out on her servants. Then again he was a cunning monster and would know not to harm the servants of others, it could and would backfire on him. "I fear I am not humble enough, I passed the exams as it was the will of the kami." she knew that she had much growing to do and would work of becoming someone her family would be proud of.
She already knew that Jirou had a god complex and was a narcissist. He believed that he was the best at everything, that he should have everything and if he couldn't or wasn't then that obstacle had to be taken out or destroyed. He had already done so with his sister's personal guard Junjie from what she remembered from her drug-induced haze. She also remembered that he was less than happy about his sister's betrothal believing that it was up to him to correct her transgression and that only he could look after and decide what was best for her. She also knew that he believed that his slightly older twin brother shouldn't be the heir to the family and that he was undeserving of such a status. To her, he was a spoiled and entitled brat that was never told no and so believed that the world owed him something. She had to wonder if there was some illness within the family.
She shook her head "Pride is a double-bladed sin. I do have pride but not the same kind as yourself, I keep mine in check as I would rather not fly too close to the sun as it may impact my family with my inevitable plummet back to the earth." she was being very careful with her words, but he may be able to pick up the subtle warning of her word that if he continued on the path he was going his family would pay the price for his pride. She was hoping he would understand and not continue on the same path with her but she believed that even if he did understand he would ignore her warning and do something about it later, that is why she needed to get out of the estate and as quickly as possible.
It was then she and quite a few of the nobles especially from their home looked shocked as he did something none of them would ever expect from an imperial. He jumped on a nearby table with a twirl and made an announcement, it was beyond uncouth and it showed that he was just as tainted by the land he seemed to hate so much. She could only shake her head "How shameful..." she would say not hiding her disapproval "You are acting like an uncouth drunkard at a brothel or tavern, not a prince who shares blood with the divine." she continued speaking to him showing she was less than impressed with his behaviour. She didn't even wait for him to finish his speech, she merely bowed and went to a maid "I am going to retire, I do not feel well at all." with that she gave another bow and started towards the doors she had previously entered from.
[attr="class","polarPOSTIT"] He listened as she spoke of Pride and how it could be the downfall of others. Before he would hope onto the table he would smirk and with the true air of one who considered himself a Dragon he spoke to her and her alone, so no one else could hear unless they were using magic to spy. His words were filled with such an alluring air and autentic strength of conviction that one could not help but realize he ment those words he said with the truth of it in his heart. ”A Dragon need not Fear the Sun or Tide or Moon combined.” afterwords he jumped onto the table and gave his speech as he had. But at her words of him shaming himself he couldn’t help but laugh. He would use this moment to show her just how much control he could weild in the world of the nobles with the right words and actions. He had buttered the crowd up and it was time to deliver the main dish, served up perfectly by her actions. [break][break] “Come now my friend!” he chuckled and it was clear that the nobles looked at Hotaru. They murmered and some chuckled slyly.“Long ago in our home country there was the tale of Great Golden feast! Where the emperor threw such an extravagent party that even the great Kami came down and joined the nobles in raucus dance and drink!” he stooped down in a fluid motion and scooped up a wine goblet walking down the table length. Servents cleaning the table behind him as he went. “If we who are Blessed do not fullfil our duty to the Kami in celebration they are likely to revoke their blessing, that is the moral of the story. So here today, we will celebrate to the great Kami and Spirits of not just our home country, but of the clover kingdom in thanks to continued prosperity! In fact!” he downed the wine and flipped the cup showing it was empty, not a single drop fell. “In the spirit of generosity and nobility I will be giving you all a special treat! For every man and woman here, they will leave with a barrel of my own wine collections. At the end of the night I will present the finest of those wines to one guest here tonight, in hopes that they will next year lead us into this once more and we shall make this a tradition of nobility for decades to come!” [break][break] A resounding cheer came from the nobles with the men and women talking once more amongst each other as it was clear his speech and show was done. He made his way off the table playing with the wine goblet and he smirked as the servents cleaned the table of his feet prints. He walked toward Hotaru and with a smile he set the Goblet down. “Enjoy yourself tonight Hotaru. I will have food and drink sent to your room, you may leave with my blessing. Our wedding shall be more grand then this small trivial party.” he said to her and only for her ears. he would continue the party without her, but Fuqin would not be at the party. he would be making sure she did not leave just yet. the guards were focused heavily around her area. but not so heavily as to draw suspicion.(exit)
words[break]0541 [break] total[break]10109 [break] SP Earned[break]0010 [break] Stat Earned[break]0010 [break]
