Chapter 07: Unexpected turn of events

The morning cast a warm glow over the keep as I finished my morning drills. My muscles ached from the rigorous training, but the pain was a welcome reminder of my progress. As I caught my breath, one of Azrael's guards approached me.

"Lord Azrael wishes to see you," he said, his tone formal.

I nodded, wiping the sweat from my brow. "Lead the way."

We walked through the labyrinthine corridors of the keep until we reached Azrael's private chambers. The guard knocked and then stepped aside as the door swung open.

Azrael sat behind a large, ornate desk, his piercing eyes studying me as I entered. Another girl stood by his side, her expression as cold and disdainful as ever.

"Marcus," Azrael began, his voice calm and commanding. "I want you to meet the princess of this land, my daughter, Eris." 

"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Eris." I turned slightly and bowed towards her.

She scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "Yeah, yeah, okay."

"You look beautiful today, my lady," I said, trying to hide my irritation.

She stepped closer, close to my face, her gaze scrutinizing me with contempt. "You look like you've been through hell. A fitting appearance for a filthy peasant trying to rise above his station. Don't fuck with me."

I clenched my jaw but kept my voice steady. "I'm here to serve Lord Azrael to the best of my abilities." I replied, but all I wanted to do in that moment was laugh at her.

Azrael smiled, a rare expression on his cold features. "Eris is right. You have potential, Marcus. Do not disappoint us."

"I won't, my lord," I vowed, the determination in my voice unwavering.

"Good," Azrael said, ""I have a task for you today. Eris will show you around the gardens. Consider it part of your orientation." He continued, his voice calm and commanding. 

I glanced at Eris, whose eyes narrowed in irritation. "Yes, my lord," I replied, bowing slightly.

Eris shot me a glare before addressing her father. "Father, surely one of the servants could—"

"No, Eris," Azrael interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "You will show Marcus the gardens. It is important he understands all aspects of our home."

She pressed her lips together in a thin line but nodded obediently. "As you wish, Father."

Azrael dismissed us with a wave, and I followed Eris out of the room. The tension between us was palpable as we walked in silence through the keep. Finally, we stepped out into the gardens, the scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth filling the air.

The gardens were breathtaking, a vibrant oasis of color and life. Exotic plants and flowers of every hue surrounded us, their petals glistening with morning dew. A winding path led us past ornate fountains and carefully manicured hedges, the sound of trickling water adding to the serene atmosphere.

Eris walked ahead of me, her posture rigid and unwelcoming. "This is the eastern garden," she said curtly, not bothering to look back at me. "It's where we grow many of our medicinal herbs and rare plants. Don't even think of touching them."

"It's beautiful," I said, trying to break the ice.

She continued down the path and said, "Anything is beautiful to a peasant. Anyway though, over there are the ornamental gardens, designed for aesthetic pleasure. My father takes great pride in their upkeep."

As we walked, I couldn't help but admire the intricate beauty of the place. Yet, Eris' cold demeanor cast a shadow over the experience.

We reached a secluded section of the garden, hidden behind tall hedges. Eris turned to face me, her eyes blazing with anger. "Listen, peasant," she hissed. "I don't care what my father sees in you. You don't belong here. And I'll do everything in my power to make sure you fail."

Her words stung, but I refused to back down. "I'm here to serve your father and prove myself," I replied, my voice steady. "Whether you believe in me or not doesn't matter."

Eris' eyes flashed with fury, and before I could react, she slapped me hard across the face. The sting of the blow ignited a surge of anger within me. The ground beneath us trembled slightly, the raw power of my mana responding to my emotions. As I began to unsheathe my sword and kill her at the spot, I stopped myself.

"Listen, Eris, I understand your frustration with my new role as a guard, given my past as a slave. However, don't think you're superior to me. You were merely allowed to be born, while I was welcomed into the creation of this world." I said with a cold tone and a slight smile on my face. 

Eris's eyes flashed with anger, her expression hardening into a mask of cold fury. She took a step closer, her posture radiating defiance.

"You insolent wretch," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "You dare speak to me like that? You may have crawled out of whatever pit you came from, but you're still nothing more than a filthy peasant. The only reason you're standing here is because my father has some misguided sense of usefulness in you. Don't mistake his favor for equality."

She narrowed her eyes, her lips curling into a sneer. "You think you're special because you survived? Because you fought your way out of slavery? That doesn't make you better, it just means you're a lucky rat who found a hole to crawl through. Remember your place, Marcus. Because if you ever step out of line again, I'll personally see to it that you're thrown back into the gutter where you belong."

"Funny," I said with a slight giggle. Drawing upon the mana I had been practicing with since the battle with the mana beasts, I felt its energy course through me, sharpening my reflexes. In an instant, I used my enhanced speed to slip behind her.

Before she could react, I delivered a precise blow to her neck. Her eyes widened in shock before her body went limp, collapsing to the ground unconscious.

I stood over Eris, watching her unconscious form slump to the ground. The garden was eerily quiet, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. My heart pounded in my chest, the adrenaline from the altercation still coursing through me.

What have I done?

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. I had just assaulted the daughter of Lord Azrael, the very man whose trust I needed to survive in this world. Panic began to creep in, but I forced myself to stay calm. I couldn't afford to lose control now.

I bent down and gently lifted Eris, carrying her to a nearby bench. I laid her down carefully, making sure she was comfortable. She would wake up soon, and I needed to be prepared for the consequences.

Taking a deep breath, I walked a few steps away, giving myself space to think. I could try to explain what happened, though it seemed unlikely she would believe me. Eris had made it clear she wanted to see me fail. Perhaps this would be the perfect opportunity for her to have me thrown out—or worse.

A soft groan from the bench caught my attention. Eris was beginning to stir. I approached cautiously, ready for whatever reaction she might have.

Her eyes fluttered open, confusion evident on her face. As she sat up, the confusion quickly turned to anger. "What did you do to me?" she hissed, her voice low and dangerous.

"I only defended myself," I replied calmly, keeping my voice steady. "You attacked me first, and I reacted. I didn't want to hurt you."

Eris glared at me, her eyes blazing with fury. "You think you can get away with this? My father will hear about this, and you'll be back in chains where you belong."

"I understand your anger, Lady Eris," I said, bowing my head slightly. "But I swear, I only acted in self-defense. I have no desire to harm you or cause trouble."

She stood up, her posture rigid with indignation. "Save your breath, peasant. My father will decide your fate. Follow me."

Without another word, she marched back toward the keep, leaving me with no choice but to follow. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a mix of dread and determination. I had come too far to be undone by this incident. Whatever Azrael decided, I would face it head-on.

We entered Azrael's chambers, and he looked up from his desk, his piercing gaze shifting between Eris and me. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, his voice cold and authoritative.

"Father," Eris began, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "This...this peasant attacked me in the garden. He used some kind of mana to knock me unconscious. He's dangerous!"

Azrael's eyes narrowed as he studied me. "Is this true, Marcus?"

Before I could speak, Eris interjected, "He has no right to explain himself. He's a menace and must be dealt with."

Azrael considered her words for a moment before turning to me. "Marcus, I trusted you with this position, and now you've assaulted my daughter. Regardless of the circumstances, this cannot be tolerated."

"But, my lord—" I started, only to be cut off by a sharp gesture from Azrael.

"No explanations," he said firmly. "You are hereby stripped of your position and banished from the keep. You will be thrown back into the woods. May you find your own way from here."

Desperation clawed at me, but I knew better than to argue. I bowed my head, accepting my fate. "Yes, my lord."

"Guards," Azrael called, and two men stepped forward to escort me out.

Eris watched with a satisfied smirk as I was led away. The keep's gates loomed ahead, and beyond them, the vast and unforgiving wilderness awaited. As I crossed the threshold, the guards released me, and I found myself alone once more.