5 A Slave's Morning

'Another Day, Another coin.' Michael cheerfully thought to himself as he walked through the hallways holding unto what Duke Vincent requested. His face remains emotionless as he continues through his seventh year of servitude, never once showing his emotions outside his personal space. He hears the sounds of battle from outside the window, which captures his interest. He looks outside, only for him to see Viller sparring.

Michael's nose wrinkles in distaste, Viller's mere sight ruining any semblance of a good day. Since his character became worse the longer he talked to him. Michael looks closer as Viller was hit directly to his face, making Michael smirk 'a little taste of pain might lower his misguided pride' he thought disdainfully. A few moments later Viller summons a volley of fireballs as he posed to strike with his sword. His sparring partner follows the same pose as he summons his own volley of fireballs.

They dash towards each other, swords clashing as they weave their way around the fireballs they both threw at one another. A few moments pass Viller was hit in his face as he tried to dodge a slash, the power of which pushes him into the ground. Viller laughs at this and stood back up ready for another bout.

Michael looks at this and scoffs at Viller's amiability, 'I guess the piece of shit has people he likes.' He thought as he walks once more walks towards Duke Vincent's office, ruminating on the diverse magic surrounding this world. 'Demons are lucky to be born with an innate control over the elements.'

He absentmindedly thought as he moves to the side as a line of servants prepare for what seems to be a feast. He gives them a glance, noticing them holding onto the decor and other expensive tableware. They give Michael a glance back as their chatter quietens, their eyes giving him a mild discomfort. Michael looks forward once more and once they were out of sight he shrugs as he thought, 'It's better this way, I'd rather not have any hangups when busting out of here.'

He then stops at the door of Duke Vincent's office and knocks. Michael spoke, "Master I've brought the documents you wanted." The reply came with a cough as Duke Vincent stuttered, "C-come in." Michael enters the door and sees the once boisterous old man, become a white-haired pale imitation of himself.

'I kinda feel bad for stealing, but a man has got to live.' Michael thought as he walks inside. Vincent looks towards Michael and weakly smiles before coughing. "Hello Michael, could you kindly put the documents here." Vincent weakly spoke, his hand shaking in weakness as he writes to his documents.

Michael nods as he places the documents to his side and bows before walking to leave through the door. Michael reaches for the handle but was interrupted by Vincent, "How about you stay here, Michael" Vincent point to the seat in front of his desk. "Sit there, I wish to talk to you." Michael looks back to Vincent, his face emotionless. Michael spoke with a bow "As you wish, Milord."

Michael sat, a bit fidgety as a hundred thoughts run through his mind as to what topic this conversation will be for 'Does he know I've been skimming off the top? or maybe the fact that the slave collar hasn't been working for four years now.'. Vincent interrupts his frantic thoughts "I wish to talk to you about my death." He finishes as another coughing fit stops him from continuing.

Vincent smiles at Michael, who only emotionlessly looks back. "I'll be dying soon and with Viller as my successor." He looks at me eye to eye, as the tension thickens, "I don't think he'll be able to guide the family going forward." Vincent looks to the window, "Perhaps due to my negligence or perhaps the memories of my brother that I allowed him to end up this way." He sighs in an expression filled with melancholy before coughing violently, "I no longer have the time to change his behaviour."

He points to Michael, "That is where you shall come in," Michael remains stoic, knowing where this conversation will lead up to. Vincent continued with gusto, "I have seen you grow up from a young boy to a proper young man." He smiles sweetly, but Michael only gets a sinking feeling. "And with the blood flowing through you, you were able to make me and my family one of the richest houses in the Rosalian Kingdom."

Michael remained expressionless while in his head he angrily screamed 'FUCK NO! Like hell, I'll stay as a servant of yours' Despite his inner thoughts, Michael bowed as he spoke subserviently, "I understand Master, But Lord Viller does not wish to be involved with me." Vincent wearily sighs, looking heavily burdened "I am aware of Viller's prejudice against you or most humans and I know that this isn't an easy task but take this as my last order."

The ring in Vincent's hand lights up along with Michael's collar he then spoke, "Michael, you are hereby ordered to stay as Viller right-hand man and do everything in your power to do what is best for the Dunsten Family." Michael bows deeply as he spoke, "By your will, Master Vincent." Vincent expression softens as he gestures Michael away, "You may leave now. Thank you, Michael."

Michael bows as he turns to the door, opening it to see Viller's smirk. Viller then disdainfully spoke, "It seems you'll be stuck with me for the rest of your days, human." Michael only bows to him as he replied "I remain at your beckon, Milord." Viller only smirks as he pushes Michael who fell to the ground and as he enters the door he spoke disdainfully "Call me master, SLAVE."

"Viller! Get in here." Vincent shouts as the door closes. Michael remains with his head bowed as the two men go out of view. Michael stands as he looks to the hallway, his first thoughts was 'Huh, I kinda expected more from him. How dumb of me' Michael shakes his head, 'I guess I just gotta follow a certain quote.' He grins darkly.

'Take what you can, Give nothing back.'