Chapter Text
The feel of cold, hard ground underfoot had Kagome collapsing. Each breath escaped and sounded like a loud pant as his vision went from white to fuzzy with color.
It had been a risk to do what she had done to escape. And now her Holy Power was drained, and the pain was pulsing in each of her muscles. Thus, she gave a dry, barking laugh.
"Hey, Miss, are you okay?"
The voice sounded both near and far. Kagome tried to look in the direction she thought it came from, but due to her choice of actions, Kagoem felt her consciousness slip away.
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"It's the least I can do for you."
Kagome blinked at the lady who had found her five years ago in that alley.
Anna was a sweet elder and a rare female doctor in the Xenon Kingdom. Anna had taken her in, nursed her back to health, and taught her this country's language and medical practices.
Kagome smiled when she recalled being able to speak with Anna finally. Kagome had informed her benefactress she was also a healer in her own country to the South East.
From there, the years flew by, and no Anna had deemed her able to be recognized as a doctor in the Xenon Kingdom.
"Kagome, it might be rough when you arrive and mention my name due to my past ignorance."
Giving a nod of her head, Kagome took the letter of recommendation. She knew the 'crime' Anna had committed after being hired as the Duchess of Taran's personal Doctor.
"I understand, Anna," Kagome said as she hugged the elderly woman.
"Okay then," Anna said briskly as she pulled free of the hug. "The carriage is waiting."
Nodding, Kagome turned, grabbed her personal bag and the small doctor's bag, and left. The Taran Duke was looking for a female Doctor for both the Duchess and the little Ducal Princess, Evangeline.
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Kagome stepped down from the carriage, a warm smile on her lips at the young knight who helped her.
"Thank you, sir Knight," She said.
"Ah, Knight Heva, ma'am, He replied, introducing himself. "Just through the doors, you'll meet the Head Steward Jerome. He'll take you to the interview. Good luck, miss."
Laughing lightly to herself, Kagome curtsied and made her way to the large dark wood double doors. Her potential fate lies behind them. And she really needed this job.
TBC!
Chapter 2
Summary:
A battle of wills that is more unexpected than anything. Especially when one part is intentionally being cheeky.
Chapter Text
Jerome put a polite smile on his face as the last candidate walked into the foyer. He was well aware of who had recommended this young lady. Though this person had adhered to the stipulation of not meeting the Duchy's former Doctor, it had still been questionable.
He looked at the young woman who had been thoroughly investigated. Jerom had to do a double-take. She was exceptionally short and petite and looked no older than a fourteen to fifteen-year-old girl. Yet he knew from his brother she was nineteen.
"Hello, Sir."
At the softly spoken and heavily accented word, Jerome started. The young lady was mid-curtsy to him. Her movements were elegant and well-practiced. But Jerome wasn't fooled; appearances were deceptive.
"Welcome, Miss Higurashi." He said with a dip of his head. "This way, please."
Turning, Jerome led the young lady to the second floor and the Duke's study.
Every few minutes, he'd peek back only to see the young lady kept her eyes forward, face neutral but friendly, and moved with perfect posture. Jerome noted her steps were neither fast nor slow and silent as she quickly followed his much longer strides.
It struck him as odd since he trained, though sparingly, with his younger twin brother Fabian to keep in shape. It helped his duties as both steward and head butler to his master and mistress. Yet this petite young woman did not seem angry as if she was used to keeping pace with a man. That spoke volumes about her personality since she said not a word.
Upon reaching the study door, Jerome knocked and waited for permission to enter. When it came, he cast another glance as his silent companion. And could not help but wonder how she'd fare under the Duke of Taran's gaze.
Hugo looked into the wide, clear blue eyes of the tiny woman before him. She had handed her letter of recommendation and resume to Jerome and did nothing else, literally.
Not once did her gaze move from him to look at his wife or Aide, Fabian.
He was fully aware of many details of this person. He had made Fabian investigate her further after she had appeared next to Anna, his wife's former Doctor, four years ago.
Fabian had gone with him to the south for both war and work. So, Fabian recognized that the language she spoke was from the Tang Xuan Empire, which was strange as they protected their daughters as if they were precious objects.
Hugo knew this woman called herself a healer and not a doctor. A considerable distinction due to culture. He also knew that Anna had trained her for the past three and half years to be a doctor, according to the Xenon Kingdom.
The accomplishments of this young woman with the common folk and those of the slums were massive. She had been scouted by many nobles and refused them all.
Yet here she was, applying for the position of female Doctor for his family. Hugo felt she had an ulterior motive.
"You are aware that Anna, your mentor and teacher, was fired from my employment almost a decade ago?" He asked.
"Yes, Sir Duke Taran. She has been open with me about why. And she is the one at fault for betraying not just her employer but her patient. A huge taboo amongst Doctors and Healers alike."
The reply was spoken calmly. Neither fast nor slow or in a servile manner.
Hugo pressed his lips as he had the urge to look away from her blue gaze.
"Yet you are applying for the job here knowing that?" He asked.
The slight twitch at the corners of her mouth belied she felt amusement at his provocation.
"Yes. Because it has nothing to do with me," the young woman said. "And while there are many rumors about the infamous Duke Taran, I'd never be narrow-minded to believe they all stemmed from the truth, just as I believe you and yours are not narrow-minded to judge me solely on who my mentor and teacher is."
The feeling of choking on his words was annoying. But he could not refute what she said, though it was clearly meant to provoke him back.
Frowning and glaring down at the resume in his hands, Hugo scanned the pages before speaking again.
"You are not a native of Xenon. Nor were you recorded as having gone through the border check," He said, lifting his eyes to meet those calm blue ones. "You are here illegally. Normally, women from your country are kept under lock and key."
There was a brief flicker as those blue eyes darkened. But it was quick as if it never happened.
"You are correct," the woman answered candidly. "I am technically here illegally. But so are many others as for me it is simple. I have no biological family. They are all dead. I chose to flee to live instead of die. Wouldn't you do the same?"
Hugo sat up straighter and glared at the young woman. She did not lie. And it was painful to hear a person so young speak of a heavy topic so easily. His views had changed after he had a daughter of his own.
"You call yourself a healer. Your accomplishments are all done with traditional medicine and acupuncture from the Tang Xuan Kingdom," he said. "And now you have incorporated it with the medical practices of the Xenon Kingdom. Did a healer teach you in your homeland?"
"Yes, though they, too, have passed away."
Once again, she spoke heavy words calmly and bluntly. It was irritating that this little missy was not becoming perturbed or emotional.
"Hugh."
At the soft call from his wife, Hugo looked over to see her amber eyes looking confused.
"Yes, Vivian?" He asked.
"What are you talking about? Speaking another language is rude when the other parties present don't understand.
Feeling stunned, he looked back at the woman who was smiling cheekily at him.
"May we finally cut the crap and get to the matter at hand?" the young woman asked. "Ask me what you want so neither of our precious time is wasted. As I could be attending people who need medical care."
Hugo felt as if he'd been slapped. While three distinct, smothered chuckles filled his study.
"Fine, what's your real purpose in coming here for the job?" he asked. "Because it's clear you'd rather continue what you've been doing. Other than turning down Nobles who have offered you jobs."
The thin smile on her face was cold and didn't reach her eyes, turning them into dark ice chips.
"As for turning down the Nobles who've approached me. It was because they wanted me to 'treat' them, not treat them. I am not out seeking a fling and being a human dog's personal pet. My job is my pride."
The scathing, cold, almost angry tone used had Hugo feeling his eyebrows climbing his forehead.
"And you can offer me what I need. A decent job and safe haven," She said. "Like you and those of your blood, I have my own secrets that if it gets out, I'll become a Trager and spectacle."
The blunt, honestly, was no longer a surprise. But her mention of secrets and his family instantly put him on edge.
"Explain," he commanded, only to receive a dismissive laugh.
"If I get the job, then I'll explain," She said. "I will not spill any of my secrets."
Hugo could feel his neck grow tight as he ground his teeth and glared at her. He wanted to know what she knew or guessed at. He knew she had no ties to the deceased Phillip.
Fabian couldn't help but be astonished by this tiny woman. She knew what bait to dangle, and though she was the youngest candidate to apply for the position, she was overly qualified even for her age.
Yet they were at an impasse.
"Hugh, let's discuss first," Lady Vivian said, breaking the tense silence.
"Jerome, take her to wait in the next room and return; your opinion is needed."
The command was given to Fabian, who watched silently as his brother did as told. Once his brother returned, Fabian stiffened. His master's aura was thrashing in anger.
"Hugh, calm down," Lady Vivian said in soothing tones.
Taking a deep breath, Fabian knew it'd be best if he spoke up first and gave his opinion so his master had something to focus on. And he'd ask for compensation later.
TBC!
Chapter 3
Summary:
An interesting conversation with what can't and cannot be seen. But the biggest shock is a visual testament to one's skills.
Chapter Text
The sound of the door clicking shut had Kagome picking up the freshly brewed cup of tea. It smelled fragrant as she sipped at it. The taste was strong, with a mild bitter aftertaste. Proof it was expertly brewed.
"She doesn't like the tea?"
"Well, she is a foreigner. Who knows how they brew their tea."
"Don't be rude."
Kagome sighed loudly as she placed the cup on the saucer with a loud and rude clank. It had silence falling in the empty waiting room.
"Yes, please don't be rude," She said softly in the silence. "Since you already made a spectacle of yourself while His Grace grilled me."
A loud collective gasp rang in her ears.
"Miss, you really can hear us?"
The exclamation had her looking at a tall man of seventeen or eighteen in dark armor with red eyes and black hair. His face was at least ninety percent similar to the Dukes.
"Yes," She said, setting the teacup and saucer on the table. "You look like his Grace as well. Are you his younger brother? Or his twin?"
Her question had the young man frowning before he seemed to flicker in and out of view.
"Both," he said. "It's amazing you can see me, us."
He was innocent, though his spirit held dark colors like those who have committed grave sins.
"It's been a long time since I've seen someone with this particular ability."
Kagome let her eyes go to an older gentleman with gray eyes and a long white beard. His bald head tilted to the side as he contemplated her.
"Oh?"
That one word was all she'd give.
"Hahaha!" the old man laughed. "Yes, you're from the Tang Xuan Empire. I remember following the previous Duke two generations past there for war. On the battlefield, I met a young couple with peculiar views. Neither cared which side a wounded person belonged to. As long as the person lived, they were happy to provide medical aid."
Kagome felt something pull at her heart as she focused on the Old man.
"Do you, by chance, recall their names, sir?"
The old man stroked his beard as he contemplated.
"Yes. The young man was Kohaku Higurashi, and his wife was Su Fumiko," He said.
Unable to help herself, Kagome smiled widely.
"They are-- No, were, my grandparents. They taught me all I know before they passed."
Silence descended heavily like a mantle.
"Miss, I'd like to ask you a favor," the young man who confirmed he was the Duke's sibling said.
"Of course. However, it will have to wait until I am hired."
"You, young chit, seem so sure he'll hire you."
At a young woman's cold, scathing tone, Kagome smiled even wider, flashing her teeth in a predatory manner.
Before she could answer, the door to the study opened, and Jerome returned for her.
"Miss Kagome."
Standing, Kagome let her gaze flick over all the spirits(for there were many) before walking to Jerom and back into the Duke's Office.
Lucia(Vivian) looked at the young lady and smiled gently. She felt the young lady was the perfect fit, and Fabian and Jerome agreed wholeheartedly. Though she was sure, it was in part that this young lady held her own and mocked their Boss and Master.
Yet now it seemed they were at another impasse. The girl had the final say, considering it dealt with her secret.
"Duke, the two men can stay; more eyes mean less refuting," the young woman, Kagome, said. "Besides, I'd have to be blind not to see how much you and her Grace trust these two."
Lucia smiled wider.
"Then, can you show us some of your skills before discussing your secret?" Lucy asked. "And use Fabian and Jerome as your examples."
The dark and betrayed looks she received for volun-tolding the two brothers were amusing. Yet the amusement flashing in Kagome's eyes was unmistakable.
"Yes, as you wish, Your Grace."
Kagome glanced at the man on the Duke's left (Fabian) and pointed as she looked him over from head to toe and back again.
"Height: 187cm(6ft 1in). Weight: 89 Kilos(196 lbs). Strong with thick muscles indicative of strong martial arts, both with and without a weapon," She said.
Then, turning her gaze to the Duke's right (Jerome), she gave the man head to toe and back again.
"Height: 184cm(6ft). Weight 84 kilos(185 lbs). Smaller in build but still muscular. This indicates a semi-regular workout, with enough martial arts training, non-weapon based. Thus, rather strong for a butler," She said, enjoying the two looks of surprise.
Holding up her hand to indicate she wasn't done, Kagome continued.
"They share similar physical traits up to about sixty percent. So they are brothers," She said as she gave a mischievous smile. "or are fraternal male twins."
The loud bark of laughter from the Duke and the quiet chuckling from the Duchess confirmed her words. While the two men appeared to be shocked and uncomfortable, very much so."
"I hope my skills further meet your approval," Kagome said, returning her gaze to the Duke of Taran. "Now, about my secret. It's better to see it to believe instead of explaining it."
Then, before any of them could react, Kagome stepped to the desk, grabbed the letter opener, and jumped back.
"Please forgive my impertinence, Your ladyship."
Then, as the four watched her in horror, Kagome slashed the letter opener across her forearm, slicing through the sleeve of the shirt and her flesh.
As crimson blood rushed from the wound, the four paled. It happened so fast none of them could react.
But by the time any of them could, the young woman's arm that could be seen was smooth and unmarred. It was as if she hadn't just self-harmed.
The fact that the letter opener, her white shirt, and the carpet had blood, none of them would have believed she had done what she had.
"Are you out of your damn mind?"
The bellow had everyone jumping, even the young woman.
"No. I said seeing is believing."
Her words were like a glass of ice water being splashed on them.
"You have been to my homeland, Duke. You know what I am so..."
"Fuck! Dammit!"
His hands slapping the top of the desk punctuated the loud curses.
"Priestess. Miko. Holy Maiden. God Touched."
The slow nod of her head had long, wavy black hair shifting and spilling over her shoulders.
The Duke's red eyes looked at the two brothers.
"Step out. I wish to speak to her with the Duchess."
Nothing was said as they left the office.
"You, how do you know? How much do you know?"
"It's a blood curse that dates back several generations. It is strong in you. One of the causes is genetic inbreeding or magic," The young woman replied.
"And?"
"Ah, well, I cannot cure it in you. But I know two ways to temper it. Once, you used to practice by being on the battlefield, i.e., Blood and death."
She slightly paused before continuing as her eyes looked at the Duchess.
"The other is sex either through lust or love. I can tell you love your wife very much."
"Ah, that explains a lot."
"Vivian!"
"Is there anything else?"
"No. Vivian, please have them come back in. It's time to discuss your contract of employment. And I don't have to worry about betrayals or lies as you are incapable of either."
Two choked gasps met the last words as the brothers re-entered the study. It caused the young woman to throw her head back and laugh loudly.
TBC!
Chapter 4
Summary:
When things get interesting it is always better to bring it up a notch, right?
Chapter Text
Once things calmed down and quietly returned to the office, the five people stared at each other.
"So, about the contract," Hugo finally said, breaking the silence.
A smile instantly graced Kagome's face as she pulled a sheaf of papers from her satchel containing her 'doctor's tools.' And with a few steps, she placed the stack of papers on the desk and backed away.
"There you go. Those are my base terms, Your Grace," She said respectfully. "Please read, and then let's negotiate."
Smothered chuckles compounded a small tick under annoyed red eyes.
"I see you came prepared."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Once again, silence filled the office as the Duke of Taran began to look through the pre-paired contract. Each person was left to their thoughts.
He was at a loss. The contract was solid, with room for negotiations should either party wish to. And it wasn't disadvantageous to him at all. He stood to gain a lot with her being what she was.
This tiny woman played a hard game to have the best outcome. He could admire her grit.
"So you want lowered pay for the stipulations you listed?" He asked for clarification.
"Yes, Your Grace," Kagome replied. "Is there any you have questions about? Or would you like to negotiate?"
Hugo narrowed his eyes, thinking carefully. She was accurate on what to ask. Knowing a bit about what she was had him on edge about the extent of her trust abilities.
But he decided to play it safe and not pry about that yet.
"Yes," He said. "First, you want a small shed with open space. Why?"
He watched as Kagome blinked slowly, like a cat.
"I value my privacy due to my secret. And remodeling a small shed into a single-room house is relatively easy. As for the open space, that is to grow my medicinal herbs, which will be more potent. Oh, and vegetables."
Her reason was sound, and he could respect that. Privacy was very important. And if she could make her own medicine more potent, it would benefit him.
"Fine," he said. "The second request is using my training fields and halls."
He did not say anything more than that since he knew women could be more vicious and tenacious fighters than men. The Tang Xuan Empire tended to ostracize women who learned martial arts. Though there currently was one even he respected. That woman was known as the White Demoness and married to one of the Tang Xuan Empire's war generals.
"I am not some helpless female who needs a man to protect me. I was trained from a young age in Martial Arts."
Her words showed she was disgusted by men who thought women should be pretty objects kept at home.
"Your Grace, if you'd like to see my skill level in at least hand-to-hand, then pick one of your knights to spar with me. The young knight, Heva, seemed more than competent."
Hugo paused as Fabian coughed, Jerome snorted, and his dear wife Vivian laughed. He knew Kagome wouldn't be aware that Heva had been the captain of his Knights for over a decade. And that she could tell he was skilled from their brief meeting made him want to test her.
"Fine, let's go to the training grounds," he said, standing. "Fabian, have them gather, but don't tell them why."
Disbelief showed clearly on most of the Knights' faces. They couldn't understand how their Master wanted one of them to spar with a tiny woman who looked like she was barely out of her childhood.
"Fine, since no one wants to volunteer," The Duke spoke. "I'll choose. Knight Dean, you will be Miss Higurashi's partner."
An older man stepped forward. His face was void of emotion or thought as he gave a quick bow, causing his ponytail to fall over his shoulder. He entered the ring with long strides and stood a few feet from his opponent.
He knew not to underestimate her. But taking her seriously in the ankle-length, form-fitting, soft brown dress was a bit hard.
"Let me say this now," The Duke said. "It's hand-to-hand skills only, and I'll call a halt when I am satisfied."
The Duke's words made the Knights flinch. They were well aware of their Master's standards. He was ruthless in his training, even when not on the battlefield.
"Okay," The woman replied. "Let me get ready."
The swift movements as she untied the leather strips at her sides and pulled them free of the eyelets that were well hidden in the skirt of her brown dress were shocking enough to leave them flustered. They couldn't help but wonder if she was going to show the bare flesh of her legs.
With a deft flick of her wrist as if she had practiced with a whip, she wrapped the two leather strips around her wrist. The dress's skirt fluttered open to reveal pants that matched the dress's color.
A few of the older and more veteran Knights instantly recognized the outfit from the South-Easter Empire as a Tang Suit. However, it was heavily modified.
"Begin!"
There was no hesitation as the word echoed across the training hall. The girl moved fast and was in Dean's space, intent on striking a vital point.
Her speed was something that only came with constant practice. The precision of the strike would have been crippling if Dean had not blocked it.
They watched as he twisted the fist he caught and made the woman dance back. It was apparent to their trained eyes that she needed to be a beginner.
Dean moved forward as he struck at her to test her defenses. When his fist shot out at her, she dropped into a crouch.
He glanced down and jumped back as she swept a leg at his ankles.
She used that momentum to bring it full circle and kick up at his chin.
Not wanting to put on the defensive, Dean grabbed her ankle and shoved it away from him. Immediately following with a kick of his own at her exposed shoulder.
He knew that those gathered and watching were amazed by what they saw. Each blow the girl gave was directed at a vital point on his body that would cripple him. It made him take her seriously and enjoy the sparring session.
They continued to trade blows that occasionally landed on the other's body. But it was clear to Dean that he'd be the victor due to stamina and experience.
"Enough!"
The bellow brought Dean to a halt. The same with the tiny woman. Who he saw was sweating and smiling as her blue eyes shone with unrestrained happiness.
"Miss, can you tell me which weapons you are proficient with?" He asked.
The slow, cat-like blink he got before the tiny woman flashed a warm smile and had him cringing.
"I was wondering if you'd ask after grappling with me."
"Indeed," Dead said after clearing his throat. "The callouses you have speak of at least a decade or more of training."
The light laugh from the tiny woman was disarming.
"The bow, Shukaju, Dagger, and acupuncture needles," The woman replied. "Though the last is more due to my actual profession."
Dean gave a nod of his head to show his respect as it rose for her.
"You said you're an orphan," Fabian spoke out, breaking the peaceful mood between them.
Kagome sighed as she began to stretch. She didn't want her body to stiffen and cramp later.
"I am," she replied. "I had a foster family. They made sure I could protect myself."
A deep chuckle drew her gaze to her 'now' employer."
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet the Duchy's new Doc... I mean Healer, Miss Kagome Higurashi."
She noted the shocked looks from the surrounding Knights of the Taran Duchy and smiled widely at them. Then, without a word, Kagome jogged to her bag and pulled out a small round tin of ointment.
Turning to face the quiet and curious crowd, Kagome tossed it to Knight Dean.
"You'll need that later."
Captain Heva watched as Dean applied the ointment. His mind was a bit messy at seeing so many bruises in all the vital areas where the new Doc-- no Healer had managed to land a hit.
"Damn, sir," one of the others muttered. "Did that girl do all that? Her hits looked like they were light?"
Heva snorted.
"They were on the lighter side. But she hit the vital spots and adjusted her strength at the last moment," Dean replied. "She doesn't have the smell of blood on her. Coupled with being a healer, Miss Higurashi would kill cleanly if she ever had to."
Heva nodded in agreement. In his youth, he once heard an excellent healer had to know how to be a good killer. And if she used needles, there'd be little to no trace. That mere thought sent chills down his spine.
"Sir Dean, will you be okay on your return trip to the North?" Heva asked.
The calm look he got was answered enough. For now, though, he'd keep his eyes on the Duchy's new Healer. She was young and promising, and he found her pleasing to look at.
TBC!
Chapter 5
Summary:
Kagome is finding her place while dealing with her 'visitors.' While the rest of those who live in the Duchy are forming their own thoughts and opinions.
Chapter Text
Kagome sighed as she tried to ignore her ' guest ' who seemed to want to ' float ' around her.
It'd been a week since she'd been hired, had a sparring match, and set up her accommodations. In truth, she was happy. She just finished getting her garden tilled and planted.
The Duchess had been helpful in getting stuff for a small greenhouse. One that could easily be disassembled and moved when needed.
Yet through this week, Kagome had also met the rest of the Taran Knightage. All servants were shocked she was not just the Ducal Families Doctor but the doctor for the whole Duchy. Then she'd been introduced to the charming little Ducal Princess, Evangeline.
The aura of the girl was purer than that of the other kids. Yet, at a glance, Kagome could tell she was a naturally spirited child. Not that hearing the rumors and gossip over the years. But in general, the little miss was polite and sweet, though she had a stubborn streak, which Kagome guessed was a mix of mother and father.
Dusting her hands, Kagome stood and returned to her small shack that was now home.
There had been talk that the Little Duke, Damian Taran, and Count Bruno Mattis would return from the north at the end of the following month.
Kagome did not care. However, she couldn't help but smile as she recalled the gossip about Bruno Mattis pouring wine over a young noble lady's head. Then again, if the servant's gossip was to be believed, the bitch deserved it after bringing up the Little Duke's past of being an illegitimate child.
"Girl, you must help me!"
Her good mood soured quickly by the ghost of the old man who clung to her, making constant demands. Kagome glared at him. He took no notice and gave her an imperious stare as if he was her better.
What he wanted was disgusting and part of why the Taran bloodline curse didn't fade.
"No. And if you ask again you immoral jerk, I'll obliterate your damn soul so you cannot ever reincarnate," She hissed, making her displeasure very clear.
There was a loud huff before the man vanished. Kagome wondered if she should exorcize him regardless. He was obsessed with keeping the Taran bloodline ' pure ' by breeding the Little Duke and Little Ducal Princess.
Incest made her skin crawl as it was also practiced in her native homeland of the Tang Xuan Empire. Kagome knew of the follies of inbreeding.
" Miss? "
Pulling herself from her thoughts, Kagome looked at the young ghost who resembled the Duke, though he was much softer in appearance.
"Yes, Hugo?" She asked, her voice soft as some of the servants passed by on their way to do chores.
" Thank you, " He said. His red eyes reflected his genuine gratitude. " I fell prey to him, hence Damian's existence."
Humming her acknowledgment, Kagome smiled warmly at the Ghost Hugo. Hugo seemed to apologize and thanked her a lot. She did not mind as he was a gentle spirit, as she was sure he'd been a living person. His company was most welcomed.
Dean looked at the large crystal that served as a teleportation gate. His mind seemed to want to go back to the little Doctor Lady. The bruises he had were no damn joke. Nor was the cream she'd given him to treat them.
He had heard stories about a select few healers from the Tang Xuan that were ' gifted. ' She might be one of them. If so, the Duchy would prosper greatly. However, he did not believe in Gods or superstitious powers granted by such beings. Yet magic he did, since proof existed in the form of the few ' gates ' and magical tools.
Smiling as he reached the front of the line, his troops behind him, Dean silently wished Hava luck in his pursuit of the little Doctor Lady. She was a force to reckon with. Not just physically. No, he could tell she had strong opinions, was of good moral character, and was exceptionally stubborn. Jerome had mentioned how she had ' negotiated ' with the Duke to get the position.
Lucia watched as her daughter talked about their families now ' doctor. ' The fact her daughter took to Kagome so quickly despite her profession was astounding.
Evangeline tended to get sick, and most Doctors were perfunctory with children. And between Evangeline being spoiled by her father and elder brother, on top of her IQ and EQ made it worse.
Yet Kagome's unique personality seemed to draw everyone to her, Evangeline included.
"Mom, is it okay to take them to meet Kagome?"
Blinking, Lucia looked at the clock to see the current time. It should be safe, so she nodded her approval. The soft squeal of delight as Lucia watched Evangeline smile and lead the other children towards Kagome shack. Once alone, Lucia smiled to herself.
She had a feeling Damian and Bruno might like Kagome as well. Kagome made it very clear after being asked that she was in no way interested in ' pretty boys ' or ' wealth and prestige. ' That such things would only bring unwanted and unneeded stress.
It had shut up every female and male servant in the Duchy, for the words were spoken with such disdain.
"Are you doing better?"
Red eyes lifted from the book to stare silently at the blond-haired man.
"Damian?"
Giving a soft hum, Damian went back to reading.
Having learned the truth of his family's origin and its dark history, Damian had wanted to do the same thing as his father. Uncle? No, father, since he raised him.
It was disgusting, and ending the Taran family with him didn't seem all that wrong. No, it felt right.
However, Bruno did not know as it was a family secret. He picked up that something was wrong after years of living together.
"So, do we leave after Dean returns?"
Damian nodded and flipped the page. He wanted to enjoy this little bit of leisure time.
He had chosen to stay in Roam and learn the basics of managing the exceptionally large fife was his choice. But he was also not ready to face his mother with what he had learned, even if she was aware of the truth already. That and the annoying obligation to society and those empty-headed, power-hungry ladies who saw only his title and wealth.
TBC!