Path to the Apocalypse

Victoria got dressed and gave Beatrice one last kiss before heading to her training yard to complete her daily tasks, humming happily. Before she reached it though, she noticed the Marquis walking with a group of strangers, talking in low voices with serious expressions. "Father?" She asked, stepping forward to greet him. "Is there something wrong? Who are these people?"

"This is Lord Inspector Semloh and his retinue." Albert explained in a serious tone. "It appears that Duke Duhallis has disappeared, and the last time he was seen was at your birthday party."

Victoria froze, her eyes widening. "Oh… that- is unfortunate. Um… do- do they- er, you have any leads?"

Lord Inspector Semloh frowned at her. "So far, all that is known is that shortly after leaving your party, Duke Duhallis slipped away from his guards, disappearing into the night. On its own, this is a rather common occurrence, and given the Duke's proclivity for stealth based Runes, one that is difficult to prevent. However, he never returned, and we believe something untoward occurred during whatever diversion he occupied himself with that night. We know he is still alive, but as to where and in what condition? We have no idea."

"I was just informing them of your encounter with the Tamarin War Bear. If one of their War Bears ended up here, then it is likely Tamarin infiltrators could be in the area as well. If they came across the Duke on his own, then it is likely they would have captured him simply as a matter of convenience, to use as a potential bargaining chip. It wouldn't be the first time such a thing has occurred." Albert sighed.

"The Tamarins would not capture a Duke to use as a bargaining chip! Not unless they wished to start a war!" Lord Inspector Semloh retorted. Victoria choked at that, drawing the gazes of both men. "Do you have something to add, young Lady?" Semloh asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Not- not really, just- what- what if the Tamarins do want to start a war?" Victoria offered tentatively.

"The Tamarins don't have the resources to start a war!" Semloh exclaimed. "They have crippled themselves by feeding too many resources to their damn War Bears, leaving the rest of their country in disrepair! They spend all their time using their War Bears to put down the rebellions developing their War Bears have caused! They don't have time to start a war with Farova!"

Victoria hesitated, wondering whether she should say anything more. If she claimed that Tamara was working with a sect… she didn't have enough proof for the Lord Inspector to actually believe that. She'd only draw attention to herself and potentially get her and her family killed because of it! Farova couldn't do much against a sect either way. She needed proof that she could bring to the other sects. Plus… Well, the Tamarins hadn't actually done anything to Duke Duhallis anyway. She was the one who'd made him 'disappear'. Victoria sighed in defeat. "I just thought it could be an option. I'm sorry for disturbing you. I should be going now. I have to return to my training." She bowed slightly towards the Lord Inspector, before continuing on her way to her training courtyard.

The Lord Inspector watched her go, following her with a complicated look in his eyes. "Your daughter and the Duke were to be engaged, yes?" He asked, turning back to Albert.

"They were… However, my daughter has shown a remarkable talent for cultivation, and decided to focus on preparing for the sect entrance exam, putting off the engagement." Albert explained, giving Semloh a weird look as he wondered why he was bringing the engagement up. Did he think that somehow Victoria had had something to do with the Duke's disappearance? That was impossible! She'd only been cultivating for a month and a half! Though she was more powerful than she technically should be… The ease with which she wielded a sledgeblade betrayed her. Even if she was using her Spirit threads to help, she should still struggle more than she did. It wasn't a drastic difference, but the last he'd heard she was at stage four of Spirit Gathering, and she'd need to at least be at stage seven to wield a sledgeblade as easily as she did. Unless she somehow jumped three stages in a few days, it didn't make any sense. Still, that level of power wouldn't even be close to threatening Duke Duhallis!

"I can't imagine the Duke took that very well." Semloh continued.

"He… was less than pleased, yes." Albert agreed hesitantly.

"He must have gone somewhere to vent his frustrations." Semloh sighed. "I'll need to inspect the local brothels. Let's hope he went to one of those instead of forcing himself on some poor peasant girl again."

Albert snorted, half in relief, half in commiseration. "The diversions our boys find for themselves, eh? My boy recently had a run at my daughter's maid. The tension at the dinner table could be cut with a knife!"

Semloh shook his head with a sigh. "If only they would realize how empty it all is."

"Did we when we were their age?" Albert replied, raising an eyebrow at him. "They'll come to their senses soon enough, once they find a good woman to mold them into shape."

"If only the engagement with your daughter would have worked out." Semloh commented.

Albert coughed awkwardly. "I think Duhallis may be better off… My daughter is not one to sit at one's side and gently guide."

"A fiery one, eh? I don’t envy you there." Semloh chuckled. "But alas, we can discuss the difficulties of raising children later. I should continue my investigation. Oh, I'll need to talk to your son as well. He and Duhallis were close. Maybe he has an idea of what Duhallis may have been up to that night."

"I'll let him know to make himself available." Albert nodded, before they went their separate ways.

As Semloh and his retinue headed towards the town, one of his attendants stepped forward. "The girl was hiding something." The attendant whispered to him.

"I am aware. However, I sense that her secrets are related to Tamara, and are much deeper and more complicated than the situation concerning the Duke. The hesitance I felt from her was laced with concern, not guilt. I fear her encounter with the War Bear was not as simple as the Marquis believes." Semloh replied in a serious tone. "We need to ensure that the Marquis has enough support, just in case." He paused for a moment. "Send the King a missive requesting the assistance of the Duke's men in this investigation."

"At once, Lord Inspector." The attendant bowed, disappearing in the next moment as they rushed off to fulfill his order.

*

*An official has arrived to investigate Duke Duhallis's disappearance. Make sure Foratuna knows her place.* Victoria sent Ursa after she left.

*I will, but… I believe you underestimate the effectiveness of what you have done to her. A maid told her to pretend she didn't exist a few days ago as she cleaned the room and she now ignores the woman to the point of insanity. I cannot get her to stop either! I believe the only person who could get her to stop would be the maid herself, but since she won't acknowledge the maid's existence… I had to request a new maid.* Ursa explained, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone.

Victoria blinked. *That- huh… so when I told her that Duke Duhallis no longer exists…*

*It may be impossible for her to actually acknowledge her past self's existence.* Ursa nodded.

*Well, that solves that. Still… we should probably do something to mitigate any more issues with her being too obedient.* Victoria muttered. She considered the issue for a moment, before connecting with Foratuna through the system. *Anything someone tells you to do through the system supersedes anything else anyone has told you to do, understood?*

*Yes, Ma'am.* Foratuna replied in a serious tone.

*Good. You will acknowledge that maids existence again. Do you know what I'm talking about?*

*I do, and I will.* Foratuna responded.

*Good.* Victoria nodded in satisfaction, pausing to consider what she wanted to say next. *Forget everything anyone other than myself has told you to do. From now on, the only commands you have to obey are ones that come through the system. Otherwise, before you obey, you will first ask yourself whether what you are being asked to do contradicts anything you've been told to do through the system, whether it is illegal, and finally whether what you're being asked to do is abnormal. If the answer to any of those questions is yes, you will not obey. Is all that clear?*

*Yes, Ma'am.* Foratuna acknowledged once again.

*Good, then, to confirm, you are Foratuna Richards. You have no knowledge of the man you used to be. As far as you know, he doesn't exist.* Victoria added, making sure Foratuna wouldn't give anything away.

*I understand.* Foratuna sent back.

Victoria closed the connection, reconnecting with Ursa. *I think I fixed it. I made it so she obeys anything said through the system before anything else. You might want to see if she acknowledges the existence of that maid first, just to be sure.*

*I'll do that. Thank you.* Ursa replied.

Victoria breathed out a sigh of relief as she finished, closing the connection. As long as Foratuna was under control, she wasn't worried about anyone figuring out what happened to Duke Duhallis. Only Victoria, Ursa, and Foratuna knew what had happened, and she and Ursa could simply tell the truth, leaving out the system craziness. Duke Duhallis tried to rape her, Ursa saved her, but he had to let him go unharmed because of who he was. After that, they hadn't seen 'him' again. No lies, no problem. No one would suspect them of being capable of anything more due to their low cultivation, so the questioning should end after that. If it didn't… Well, Victoria had much bigger secrets that would be revealed by such a line of questioning. People finding out what she'd done to the Duke would be the least of her worries.

*

Semloh returned from the town, frustrated by his lack of progress. So far, it didn't appear that the Duke had visited any of the brothels. There were still a few he hadn't checked yet, but they were all lower end establishments that the Duke wouldn't be caught dead in. It appeared that he wouldn't find any leads that way, which meant he was either looking for some random peasant or whatever had happened to the Duke had happened before he reached his destination. Either way, the difficulty of his investigation had increased dramatically. He hoped his conversion with AJ would at least yield something. Even a vague direction to investigate in would help.

As Semloh stepped into the foyer, Maurice arrived as well, smiling politely. "Lord Inspector, my name is Maurice, the Marquis's humble steward. The Marquis is currently occupied with another matter. May I be of assistance in his place, or would you wish me to deliver your request to him in your stead?"

Semloh waved his hand. "There's no need to bother the Marquis. I simply wish to speak with Young Master AJ."

Maurice smiled, nodding. "Very well, sir. If you would follow me to the lower sitting room, I will inform Young Master AJ of your presence." He flicked a finger at a nearby servant who rushed off to get AJ, before gesturing for the Lord Inspector to follow him. A few servants set up some snacks and drinks for the guests as everyone got comfortable, waiting for AJ to arrive. The moment AJ arrived, both Maurice and Semloh frowned, staring at the suspiciously nervous boy. "Young Master, there's no need to be nervous. The Lord Inspector is simply here to see if you have any insight into the activities of Duke Duhallis the night of Victoria's birthday party." Maurice attempted to sooth him, which unfortunately only caused AJ's nervousness to spike into a full on panic.

Semloh stood to his feet, approaching AJ with a narrow gaze. "You know where the Duke was that night, don't you? Do you know what happened to him? Why he has disappeared?"

"He- he disappeared?!?" AJ exclaimed, going pale. "I- no, I- she- she wouldn't-" AJ gulped. "I- I know what Duke Duhallis planned to do that night, but… I know things didn't go as planned and I don't know the results of that. You would have- have to ask Victoria."

Semloh frowned. "Victoria? What would she know of the Duke's activities that night?"

AJ glanced towards Maurice nervously. "He- he returned to the castle that night, in- intending to… seduce Victoria, to renew their engagement. I- I helped him get into her quarters, and… occupied her maid. I have not seen the Duke since, but not much later, Victoria barged into my quarters and… we had an altercation."

"You snuck that-!" Maurice began angrily, before remembering where he was and getting himself under control. He continued to glare at AJ. "Your father will hear of this." He spat, causing AJ to flinch.

Semloh scowled. When he'd talked to Victoria that morning, and… he paused, frowning. Her reaction when she'd heard the news had been a little strange. It was… muted. Then again, all the girl's reactions had been muted… Semloh sighed. He'd have to talk to the girl again. First however… "Is there anything else you can tell us? Where the Duke might have gone after his encounter with Victoria?"

AJ hesitated. "I- I can't imagine Victoria would be polite about kicking him out… he'd probably have needed to see a healer. Otherwise… there- there's a secret establishment down by the river… for exotic forms of entertainment. If I had to guess, he would have gone there to vent his frustrations."

Semloh's scowl deepened. He knew the type of establishment AJ was referring to, dens of perversion that catered to the basest desires of their clientele. Unfortunately, even if the Duke had visited such a place, any evidence would be gone. Such establishments were very particular about cleaning up after their clients. He let out a frustrated sigh. "Thank you for your help. You're free to go." Semloh waved, dismissing AJ before turning to Maurice. "Please call for Miss Victoria to join us."

*

"I didn't kill him, I didn't imprison him, and I haven't seen him since that night." Victoria immediately stated the moment she arrived in the room, sitting down with a stubborn scowl.

"So you have no idea where the Duke might be?" Semloh asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"He could be lying dead in a ditch for all I care." Victoria sneered.

Semloh frowned. "What happened between the two of you that night?"

"Duke Duhallis attempted to rape me." Victoria stated flatly, causing Maurice to crush his cup. "Thankfully, Ursa noticed something and saved me before he could get very far. I would have killed him for it, but the King apparently frowns upon people actually holding nobles accountable for the shit they pull, so instead I delivered a light punishment and sent him on his way. Whatever happened after that is none of my concern."

Semloh blinked, stunned for a moment at the frankness of Victoria's accusation and explanation of the night's events. "I- I see… what exactly was this punishment?"

"He wasn't happy about it, but he was fully capable of leaving on his own two feet." Victoria replied, not saying another word.

Semloh frowned. "I'm going to need a better explanation than that."

Victoria paused. "I removed his manhood. Happy?"

"You what!?!" Semloh exclaimed, jumping to his feet.

"He tried to rape me." Victoria growled, glaring up at Semloh. "I was angry. In retrospect, my reaction may have been a bit extreme, but I'm not going to apologize for what I did to a fucking rapist, no matter how noble his blood is."

Semloh glared back down at her, before grunting in frustration and sitting down again. "And you have no idea where he might have gone after that?" He asked through gritted teeth.

"As far as I'm concerned, Duke Duhallis doesn't exist anymore. For what he tried to do to me, he doesn't deserve to! Wherever he is, I hope he's suffering." Victoria spat.

"It isn't good to live with so much hate, young Lady." Semloh replied in a lecturing tone.

"It isn't good to tolerate so much evil, Lord Inspector." Victoria retorted defiantly.

Semloh frowned at her for a moment, before shaking his head with a sigh. "I'll need to speak with this Ursa person then."

Victoria shrugged. "I figured. He's waiting outside." She gestured to the door with her thumb.

*

Ursa got through his own interrogation easily with Victoria's help through the system. All he had to say was that he hadn't done anything other than pull the Duke off Victoria, and that he hadn't seen Duke Duhallis since that night. Of course, none of this helped Semloh, leaving him even more frustrated. He had no idea how to handle all this. The Duke had attempted to rape the daughter of the Marquis! Even if he did find him now, he'd need to find a way to hide him again so that Albert wouldn't murder the damn idiot! He wouldn't be surprised if he found AJ's head mounted on the gates come morning!

Additionally, underneath all that, was whatever Victoria was hiding about Tamara. If they truly were preparing for war, then the Duke's forces would be vital, yet if what Victoria said was true, then there was no way he would maintain a troop presence in the land of the woman who had deprived him of his manhood! At least, not in any way that would be beneficial to the situation. Semloh hesitated. Was it even a good idea to find the Duke at this point? Wouldn't everything be better if the Duke simply stayed gone? For the moment? A little bit of hardship might even do the boy some good… Attempting to rape a damn noblewoman! How far gone was the damn fool?!?

"HE WHAT!?!" Semloh heard a voice roar from outside the castle. Yes, it was a good idea for the Duke to stay gone for a while. He was still alive and healthy according to his life crystal, and if that hadn't changed between the time of his disappearance and now, the odds of it changing any time soon were slim. Not until after some demands were made at least.

"Father, please, I- I can explain!" AJ cried, before a loud thud echoed through the castle, accompanied by a scream of pain. Semloh nodded. The Duke needed to stay gone for a while.