TESE Episode 4

 

Two Empires, The Slave of the Empire (TESE)

4.

The next day, it was almost noon when I woke up. I was lying alone in Giscard's bed. I fell asleep half-naked, but when I opened my eyes, I was wearing new, clean clothes. Not only that, but his body was so soft that it looked like he had even taken a bath.

I must have fainted rather than been asleep since I was tossed into the water until I woke up. Was I really unconscious?

"Oh, my arm..."

I realized late that my arms were free. There were spiderweb-like scars on my wrists. However, the shackles on his ankles were still attached.

I got off the bed and walked around the room a bit to estimate the length of the chain. The length is long enough that walking is not a problem. But running would be challenging.

You can never run away with this on. I looked at the shackles and bit my lip.

Rattling!

At that moment, the door opened, and the captain of the guard entered. I had been keeping an eye on him because his skills seemed to be quite good, but today I saw that his face was also very handsome. I raised an eyebrow, looking at the well-built man.

"What trouble do we have today?"

Perhaps it was because of my arrogant tone of voice that the guard's handsome face hardened.

"Follow me."

"Where?"

"We are returning to the Imperial City. You will accompany us."

The captain of the Royal Guard obediently answered the question of the fearless slave. It seemed like it was probably time to return. They couldn't just leave a suspicious character like me behind, so he was going to drag me along.

Here I am again, worrying about such trivial matters.

I let out a long sigh and walked away. The clanking sound coming from the shackles on my ankles was very annoying, but I held it in. By the time I arrived, everyone was prepared to depart. About a hundred knights were lined up in four rows, and among them, I noticed a familiar face – a knight named Dunphil. He was grinning slyly and raising his middle finger secretly in my direction.

What's that about? Is he really a knight of the Imperial Guard?

At the end of the line was a carriage drawn by four horses. It looked grand enough to be the Emperor's. However, for some reason, the guard captain was leading me toward that direction. I immediately slowed my steps.

"Why are we going this way? Usually, slaves are transported in baggage carts."

"His Highness has taken a liking to you and has allowed you to enjoy unparalleled luxury, so you should be grateful."

"A liking...!! Just leave me crammed in the baggage cart."

The Captain of the guard ignored my words and forced me into the carriage. Giscard had already taken his seat in the carriage. He was looking through some documents and when I came inside, he gave a brief command without even looking at me.

"Sit."

"..."

Standing awkwardly in the narrow carriage felt ridiculous, so I sat down. Soon, the carriage started moving. For a moment I looked out the window. I was truly leaving. Mom, I wonder if you're going to burst into tears. Would my father be worried? From the beginning, it was common for slaves to be sold here and there regardless of their will. 

Giscard took his eyes off the documents and looked at me. I know he stared at me occasionally since we first met. I met his gaze confidently. What do you want? If you keep staring like that, is something going to happen?

After a while, Giscard lowered his gaze back to the documents. The rhythmic sound of flipping pages echoed. I rested my chin on my hand and continued gazing out the window until the city of Vincenzio disappeared.


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