Chapter 277: Foolish Dreams (1/2)

Arthur moved through the mansion wearing his new clothes. They were far shabbier than his original clothes, but he couldn't walk around wearing the clothes of Jerano. As he went from a hallway to a hallway, he listened to the whispers of the servants who passed by him.

”... her toy...”

”She did it with a human?”

”... He must have used dark magic...”

These were some of the things that he picked up of late. The daily study sessions with Larza made him the center of the rumors of being her lover. Arthur didn't care as long as no one stabbed him based on these baseless rumors, but he couldn't be sure given how much the demi-humans looked down on him.

”Come in.” She said after he knocked on her door. Arthur entered while being aware of the servants eavesdropping outside. Larza was on her desk like always, signing paperwork and finishing out deals.

”What is it that you sell?” Arthur asked as he pulled a chair and sat down. Larza smiled and glanced at him with amusement. She treated him with respect, something this world did not.

”The plants that you tend to.” Larza answered. ”Ever since the first calamity, plants have been rare for all demis.” She made sure to use words he knew.

Demis was the word used for demi-humans. Another one was Halflings. Larza said both were equally used, but they didn't always mean the same thing. Demis included both Halflings and the Evolved, while Halflings only referred to those who inherited the evolved traits from their family.

They took pride in being a Demi, proof that they have evolved from their inferior race of humanity. They saw humanity as a weakness.

”What do you mean by the first calamity?” Arthur asked. This made Larza frown.

”You might not know our language, but how can you not know this? Even as a Verniz...”

”I meant the word. I don't know what the word means.” Arthur hurried to explain, diffusing her doubts. She took up the role of the teacher and began their lesson for the day.

After they were done learning new words, Larza stood up and pushed him to lean on his chair. The two looked each other in the eyes as her long and thin tongue crawled out of her mouth with a playful smile.

”The blood on your wrist isn't enough anymore.” She approached his neck with her fangs. ”This must be more delicious.”

”Wait.” Arthur covered his neck and saw Larza's face turn into a terrifying frown. ”I have a question first.”

”What?” She scowled, clearly displeased at having her meal interrupted. ”You're getting too arrogant.”

”I'm being cooperative.” Arthur said. ”We both knew that my blood isn't infinite.” He saw Larza nod. ”Can you get off me first?”

She had both of her knees on the chair with her feet dangling in the air. With her hands around his neck, this was the definition of an inappropriate position.

”Do the rumors bother you?” Larza smiled as her hand caressed his chest. ”Or do they make you desire me?”

It seems she was aware of the rumors that were going on but didn't do anything to diffuse them. Maybe being her lover meant he would get less harassed by the others, but he wasn't sure that was her motive.

”I wouldn't dare,” Arthur said with a blank expression. Larza didn't answer right away but looked at him with a smile.

”That's better. You're still a human, even if you're a Seika La Vega.” She said while getting away from him. She leaned on her desk as her hands rested on it. ”What's your question?”

”The knight I arrived with died today,” Arthur told her. ”He said something about a king.”

As he finished his words, he saw Larza's smile vanish to be replaced with a displeased expression. She moved away and went toward a shelf and pulled a book.

”It's your race's foolish dreams,” Larza said while throwing the book on the desk in front of Arthur. ”A kingdom where everyone can live equally.”

”Is it alright to tell me this?” Arthur asked as he touched the book's cover. It was golden.

”Are you thinking of leaving?” She glanced at him while asking nonchalantly. Even with her relaxed tone, Arthur knew she would lock him away as soon as he expressed such intent.

”It's too dangerous outside.” Arthur shook his head and she nodded with approval.