Chapter 2: No Rest for the Wicked
Loen Kingdom, Backlund, Empress Borough
The soft rustle of a turning page echoed through the carriage, and Abel's eyebrows lifted as his eyes scanned the contents of the Book of Shadows.
[ Dear Other Me,
Before you start doing any mental gymnastics, let me save you the trouble: yes, I am an alternate version of you — Abel, through and through. And no, I'm not some evil, cackling, edge-lord counterpart. "How do I know he's not lying?" you might be thinking. Well… just believe in me who believes in myself who believes I won't stab you in the back. Trust me, it's a loop of trust. Very stable. Probably.
Anyways, I'll cut to the chase.
I saw the Jumpchains you completed, it was an interesting combination to say the least. And seeing as you were bored, I recommended you to a friend of mine, Jump-chan, who was equally intrigued at your creative choices.
There's just one tiny hiccup — your jumps weren't exactly complete. Missing drawbacks, you see. So, I took the liberty of patching that up. Don't worry, Jump-chan was more than happy to accommodate.
Rather than being stuck with only the perks you initially selected, you're getting access to all of them from each jump — eventually. Not all at once, of course. That'd be too easy. Instead of drawbacks, you'll be receiving Missions, tied to the world you're in. Completing them will unlock perks, grant items, or otherwise help you reach your full potential.
You're welcome.
Yours Sincerely,
Abel, The First Shepherd and Murder Victim.
PS: Please be sure to give Jump-chan and I a good time, Abel De Sade. ]
"…."
As Abel reread the page, he remembered a saying from his past life, The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie.
A saying he very much agreed with, as knowing his patrons and sponsors would curb any paranoia regarding his transfer.
The First Shepherd…I wonder if that was who I also was in the past, being his alternate and all, Abel mused, flipping to the next page titled: General Information.
_____________________________________________
Name: Abel De Sade
Affiliation: House De Sade | Jump-chan
Alias:
Race: Human
Sequence: N/A
Pathway: N/A
Acquired Power: Generic Summoner Jump, Urban Occultism Jump
GS Perks: Summoning Basics | Combat Skills | Calm & Collected | Academic | Presentation | Grounded | Observant | Good Rapport | Charming | Insight | Perspective | Comprehension | Lore-master | Intuition | Protected Soul | Communion | Polyglot | Summoner Archetype: Contracting | Spell-caster: Diabolism | Deny the Devil | Independence | Persistence | Swarm Summoner | Loyalty | Outer Reaches | Summon Magnet | Anchored Reality
UO Perks: Unveiled | Friend of the Strange | Beneath the Radar | Hang On | Sixth Sense | Making Connections | Folkloric Interest | Natural Magic | Aura Signature | Chosen One | Strange Minded | Rite Bound
Items: Book of Shadows | Contract Kit | Vault (Incomplete), Containment Room
Extra-planar Connection: Dream Plane
_____________________________________________
A small smile appeared on Abel's face as he saw the number of perks. I would have preferred True Naming as my first Summoner Archetype, though I'm not too fussed.
He made a move to flip to the next page, but Dominique spoke at that moment.
"Mon chéri, is that book any good? I heard that it's popular among nobles."
Hm? She's snapped out her blushing daze? Took her a while.
Abel closed the book, his gaze landing on its cover: Stormwind Mountain Villa — the title of a well-known novel penned by the popular author, Fors Wall.
They were acquaintances, having met at one of the many salons he frequented. He'd even accompanied her — along with Viscount Glaint — to observe a Beyonder Gathering not too long ago.
Of course, the book's cover was just a façade. A convenient disguise to avoid explaining its true contents to Dominique.
"The female lead's detective skills were unexpected." He gave a reply he previously heard someone say in a salon.
His sister gave a noncommittal hum as she narrowed her eyes at him, "Abel, you didn't tell me why your blood tastes better."
"Was it horrible before?" Abel raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"I'm being serious, foolish brother." To make her point clear, she put his hand in hers.
Sighing, the summoner straightforwardly said, "I think my spirituality has become active." He couldn't really tell her the cause was his Natural Magic perk.
The perk had perfected all natural flaws of his body - eyesight, blemishes, healing perfectly without leaving scars - and will continue to do so. Apparently, it also made his blood more appealing to Vampires.
"Spirituality?" Dominique frowned, wondering if her brother was lying, but then a thought appeared in her mind.
Why would his Spirituality suddenly stir? Was it the potions he tested out for me when I was an Apothecary finally acting up? Or is it because I drank his blood? But it only happened after that dream…
The gentle touch of a gloved hand on her cheek pulled her from her thoughts. "Don't think too much, Domi, all is well."
Dominique stared into his tranquil eyes, pursing her lips as she said, "Let's visit the church when we're free."
Abel considered her words for a moment, before giving a nod, "Alright."
Knock! Knock!
"Young Master, Lady Dominique, we've arrived." With those words, the carriage door opened, and on the other side was Roberta.
Abel was first to step out, and once he did, he turned to his sister with a hand outstretched.
"What a gentleman." She gave a pleased smile as Abel's eyes drifted once more to her clothes.
Dominique wore a black button-up tucked into white pants, paired with a long, white tailcoat accented in gold. The coat's large cuffs added flair, and her black thigh-high boots completed the look. A black bow at her collar and purple gloves — matching Abel's own — tied the ensemble together.
While his sister could dress with all the elegance expected of a noble lady, she preferred the simplicity and freedom of menswear.
….
….
….
Viscount Glaint's Manor
"The guests have arrived, my Lord." The servant leading them knocked once — the door swung open almost immediately at his signal.
Standing on the other side was the Viscount himself, a young man roughly the same age as Abel and Dominique. He had a respectable build, with chestnut-brown hair and striking green eyes.
Glaint offered a warm smile, inclining his head slightly as he stepped forward, "Lord Abel, it is a pleasure to see you again." His attention then turned to Dominique, his tone growing more polished. "Madame Dominique, your radiance remains as captivating as ever. It is a privilege to have you here."
Abel's neutral expression made way for a courteous smile, as he extended his hand for a firm shake, "The pleasure is mine."
"Ever the flatterer, Viscount." Dominique smiled in greeting.
The Viscount chuckled lightly, gesturing for them to enter. "Please, come in. I've taken the liberty of preparing refreshments. I trust the journey was not too tiresome?"
Abel stepped aside to allow Dominique to enter first as he answered, "Not at all, the weather was merciful today."
"Mademoiselle Fors, I didn't expect to see you here today." Dominique's words caught Abel's attention as he stepped into the room, his gaze falling on the two guests.
Fors Wall, the best-selling novelist, rose swiftly to her feet, her previously relaxed demeanor disappearing in an instant. She had a slender build, long straight brown hair, and striking blue eyes.
Seated beside her was Xio Derecha — formerly just Dere — a petite woman standing at 150cm, with short yellow-blonde hair and an athletic build. Despite her height, she carried herself with a quiet dignity and charm that Abel found appealing.
"Lord Abel, Lady Dominique, it's good to see you." Fors and Xio greeted politely, though Xio's tone came across far more naturally than Fors's measured formality.
Abel took a seat next to Dominique, unsurprised at their stiff yet respectful posture. His Presentation—his posture, his gaze, his tone—they gave him an undeniable presence. One he purposely projected, so as to witness the effect of this perk.
The experiment was indeed a success. The servants, the Viscount, even Xio and Fors—each of them had reacted, whether through a glance, a shift in stance, or an involuntary intake of breath.
Satisfied, Abel allowed his body language to soften, his smile becoming more natural, warmer, inviting. The change was subtle, yet the effects, noticeable.
Fors and Xio subconsciously relaxed as they felt the tension leave their shoulders.
"It's been a while, Miss Fors, Miss Xio," Abel remarked with a slight chuckle. "As old acquaintances, there's no need for such formality."
"Understood, Lord Abel." Xio replied with a serious look on her immature face, reminding Abel of a chipmunk.
Fors gave her friend the look, but was only given a momentary glance by the arbiter, who focused on the guests.
"Ahem," the Viscount cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. A genial smile graced his lips as he spoke, "Since we are among friends, there is truly no need for formality here. We are all quite familiar with each other's… unique circumstances."
As Glaint said this, his eyes lingered on Dominique questioningly.
The latter smirked as she leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her gloved hand. Slowly, her mouth parted, revealing her elongated vampiric fangs.
Fors momentarily stiffened in her seat, while Xio narrowed her eyes.
"Vampire?" Glaint blurted in surprise.
"Indeed, Viscount." Dominique nodded, continuing, "So, I would prefer that we do not skirt around the topic."
"Forgive me for the disrespect, Madame." The Viscount gave an apologetic smile, before spreading his attention, "The reason for my invitation this time around is to acquire Royal Jellyfish's Venom Crystal. Miss Xio and Fors were invited by me as they are familiar with Mr. A's gatherings."
And because you want us as bodyguards, Fors Wall lampooned as she stared at Dominique whose eyebrow raised at Glaint's words. A vampire story seems good…but it's a little overused. Maybe if I add brother and sister…Before the novelist's thoughts could spiral, Dominique spoke up.
"I can provide it for 150 pounds."
Glaint's eyes widened, "Truly, Madame Dominique?"
Her words caught the attention of both Xio and Fors, who now found themselves wondering whether the Viscount might renege on his promise to lend them 400 pounds interest free.
"I, too, am of the Apothecary pathway." The vampiress stated, and the meaning of her words were clear, while also hinting at the future sequence.
The Viscount blinked, clearly taken aback. He furrowed his brow and, in an uncharacteristically honest moment, added, "Forgive me, Lady Dominique, but I'm not particularly fond of... drinking blood."
He'll stop at Beast Tamer then. Dominique nodded with understanding, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I, too, would hesitate with just any blood. Fortunately, I have Abel."
Dominique, you misunderstood the Viscounts words. As this thought passed through Abel's mind, three pairs of eyes turned to him. Raising an eyebrow, he kept his expression neutral. "Is something the matter?"
Xio was the first to speak, a curious expression on her face, "Does having your blood drunk by a vampire feel as good as it's portrayed in books, Lord Abel? And… does it make you feel weak?"
"…."
The Viscount politely faced the other way, whereas Fors blanched at her friend's words, her head snapping to Abel, hoping he wasn't offended.
A soft chuckle escaped the white-haired young man's lips as he replied, "I like your forwardness Miss Xio. As for your question…A vampire's bite might indeed carry a subtle aphrodisiac effect, but I believe that's something you'd be better off asking Dominique. As for weakness, well, that's inevitable when one's blood is being drained."
"Thank you for your answer, Lord Abel." Xio nodded with an earnestness that suggested no ill intent, her curiosity satisfied for the moment.
"Abel, my friend." With the conversation coming to a close, Glaint seized the opportunity to shift the topic. "Have you given any thought to becoming a Beyonder?"
The sudden question aroused everyone's interest, their gazes once again falling on the Summoner.
Dominique's eyes seemed especially intense at this moment.
"Fool, Door, Hermit, and Wheel of Fortune." Abel listed out, "I'm considering one between these four."
"Fool?" The famous novelist blurted out, hurriedly adding, "Which pathway is that?"
Oh? How curious…Intrigued by her reaction, Abel replied, "Seer pathway. Door, also known as Apprentice. Hermit goes by its sequence 9 name, Mystery Pryer. And Wheel of Fortune is the…Monster pathway."
Is Mr. Fool the God of the Seer pathway? Fors couldn't help but wonder, before realising the other options Abel said, He might become an Apprentice? Should I sell the formula to him? She hesitated in asking, as she would expose her pathway for no reason if he doesn't end up becoming an Apprentice.
"The depth of your knowledge on mysticism and Beyonders is truly remarkable, Abel." Glaint said with a sigh, his gaze moving to Dominique, "Mademoiselle Dominique, if I have any questions about being an Apothecary, could I ask for your input? Naturally I'll compensate you for your time."
The ravenette considered for a moment before nodding, her lips curling into a gracious smile, "Of course, Viscount Glaint. Your pursuit of knowledge is commendable, and I would be glad to provide my insights. As for compensation, let us see if your questions merit it—wisdom shared should not always come with a price."
The Viscount bowed slightly, a respectful smile on his lips, "Your generosity is most gracious, Mademoiselle Dominique. However, I would be remiss to impose without offering something in return for your knowledge and expertise."
Dominique inclined her head and said no more.
At this moment, Abel turned his attention to Fors and Xio, "I take it you two have some sort of arrangement with the Viscount?" Although he asked, Abel was sure that was the reason for them being here in the first place.
Pounds. According to Dominique, Unofficial Beyonders typically lacked the funds for the ingredients they needed, so it wasn't unusual for them to work as bounty hunters or, in this case, secure loans from a noble they had connections with.
Though he kept his deduction to himself, not wanting to push or make them uncomfortable.
Glaint who heard his question furrowed his brows, but didn't interrupt.
The two friends exchanged a brief glance, noting the wariness in each other's eyes, before Xio spoke up, "We have an arrangement with Viscount Glaint." She honestly replied without explaining further.
Abel kept a neutral expression as he asked, "Would you be interested in making such an arrangement with me instead?" His gaze shifted to Glaint, "Of course that is if you're okay with this, Viscount."
The Viscount considered his fellow noble for a moment, his eyes trailing between Dominique and Abel, specifically, the colour of their hair. A thought appeared in his mind at that instant, Could it be…The House De Sade are said to be Intisians who settled in Loen and assisted the past king. It's common knowledge that Intisians are known to be open minded regarding sexual affairs, and it's rumoured that House De Sade engages with their servants…
Given Mademoiselle Dominique's hair colour that's different from the rest of the family, the rumours might actually be true…Could it be that Abel is interested in Miss Xio and Fors and is taking this chance to get to know them better?
…Mixing the subtle nature of Loen noble's and open mindedness of Intis…What a frighteningly sharp mind. Glaint couldn't help but sigh in admiration, and give a respectful look to Abel as he spoke.
"You are indeed perceptive, Abel." He complimented, "As for your suggestion, I have no issue with arrangements that are mutually beneficial. However, as you can imagine, all parties need to be agreeable for this arrangement."
Abel wasn't blind to the renewed respect in Glaint's eyes, and with Perspective and Intuition, it wasn't hard to deduce his thought process. Though just because I can understand, it doesn't mean I was having such a thought… I wonder if this counts as upholding the De Sade reputation.
As he mused, Xio nodded to Fors, then turned to him, "We agree, but we'd like to know the reason."
Rather than answering, Abel glanced at the Viscount, "Glaint, you don't mind us continuing this conversation on the carriage, do you?"
Glaint wasn't offended by Abel's question, and could guess that what the latter wanted to say was not meant for others' ears.
Smiling, the Viscount stood up, "In that case, let me see you all out."
….
….
….
Back in the carriage, Abel and Dominique sat on one side, with Fors and Xio opposite them.
For a few moments, silence lingered, until, to the surprise of the two commoners, the vampiress unexpectedly shifted onto her brother's lap.
Before Abel could question her, Dominique spoke up, her tone needy. "It's noon, I'm hungry." Without further preamble, she sank her fangs into the side of the Summoner's neck.
Fors and Xio watched in stunned silence, the former first to vocalize her shock. "Wow…it looks even more erotic than the novels."
The arbiter nodded along with her as she watched the vampire unbutton her brother's shirt, "Are you not going to stop her, Lord Abel?" The only reason she hadn't gotten up to help him, a normal person, was because he didn't seem bothered by Dominique's action.
Abel simply wrapped an arm around his sister's waist, his smile gentle and unruffled. "Let Dominique enjoy herself while we talk business," he replied calmly.
"Okay." Xio nodded seriously, though Abel caught the flicker of longing in her eyes as she glanced between him and his sister.
A sibling, a younger one? Abel mused as he shifted his attention to Fors whose eyes had been moving between him and Dominique for the past minute, "Got some ideas for a book?" He questioned amusedly.
Fors, still lost in thought, nodded absentmindedly. "Yes, a taboo relationship between a brother and sister—what Xio?" She turned to her friend, her words trailing off as she met Abel's gaze. Realisation hit her, and she paused, her face flushing slightly. Ah, I said that aloud….
"You did." Abel nodded at her with a neutral smile, "No, you didn't say 'I said that aloud', aloud, the thought's just written on your face."
"Sometimes Fors is too easy to read." Xio agreed with a small smile, clearly more at ease with Abel now.
The novelist groaned as she said, "Please just tell us your arrangement, Lord Abel."
"As you wish," Abel then shifted his gaze to Xio, "You're Xio, the Arbiter of the East Borough."
Xio wasn't surprised by Abel's words—anyone who'd done their basic research would know this much. She gave a small nod, waiting for him to continue.
"I want to give you a commission." The white-haired noble stated, pausing to gauge her reaction.
"I don't do assassinations or anything that harms innocents." Xio responded flatly.
"Reconnaissance." Abel said simply.
Xio's brow furrowed slightly at his choice of words. Reconnaissance was a term often reserved for military circles, and she hadn't expected him to be familiar with it.
As an experienced bounty hunter, she quickly composed herself and asked, "What kind of information are you looking for?"
Abel didn't answer instantly, and his gaze shifted between Xio and Fors, before resting on the former as he said, "I need you to gather any information on unusual occurrences in East Borough. Specifically, anything related to the Demoness Sect and Aurora Order."
Seeing the brunette's surprise and the blonde's furrowed brow, he casually added, "There's a one in a million chance of encountering a Demigod."
Both ladies' eyes widened in shock, and even Dominique, who had been taking her time drinking his blood, retracted her fangs as she looked at him in surprise.
"Given the information gathering nature, and the unlikely yet possible danger, the commission reward is 2,500 pounds." Abel finished his request.
Fors and Xio were once again taken aback, this time by the large sum of money Abel was offering.
But is it worth the danger? Also, what does Abel, a normal person, want with such information? No, that doesn't matter. I shouldn't let Xio accept this commission, we can go back to Viscount Glaint and ask to borrow the money for the beyonder characteristic. Fors thought, opening her mouth to speak, but before she could voice her concerns, someone else spoke up.
"I accept." Xio's words were delivered with a seriousness that left no room for doubt.
"It's too dangerous, Xio!" Fors protested without missing a beat.
"You're right," the Arbiter said earnestly, surprising Fors and drawing a raised brow from Abel. "It's dangerous for the people of East Borough if the Aurora Order and the Demoness Sect are active."
"Ugh, I won't be able to dissuade you, will I?" Fors asked, already bracing for the inevitable response.
Xio shook her head. "No, you won't. You should know that by now."
"In that case, I'll give you the commission reward after the gathering tonight," Abel said with a light smile.
"Eh, all of it?" Fors asked, still reeling from the day's unexpected turns. She couldn't help but feel like she was being hit with surprise after surprise.
"I haven't done anything yet." Xio pointed out with a frown.
"I trust your character." Abel simply said to her.
Xio blinked, the sincerity in his words, simple yet resolute, caught her off guard. As she stared at him, she felt a rare flush of warmth spread across her cheeks, and her lips twitching upward slightly, "Thank you." Her voice was unexpectedly quiet.
Is this really the Xio I know? Where's the straightforward and brash arbiter who isn't afraid to bash heads and break bones? She looks like a girl who's experiencing her first love! Actually, this would make a good novel…
A girl who was a former noble falling for the son of an earl who's already in a taboo relationship with his sister…Fors' eyes lit up at the thought.
A sudden pinch on his shoulder, had Abel glancing to the side, only to see a pair of gold eyes giving him the, 'Are you being for real?' look.
Lady, you're not just an Apothecary or Beast Tamer anymore, please be gentle with your vampiric strength. He inwardly sighed, and turned to Xio and Fors as he said.
"With business out of the way, would you both like to join us for lunch? Or perhaps you have other plans?"
The Apprentice opened her mouth, only to close it, a forced smile appearing on her lips as she replied, "We have plans, so we'll have to decline." She gave Xio a pointed look, as though telling her to play along.
Xio blinked, her eyes briefly shifting to Dominique and then back to Fors, before going to Abel, "I'll need to get into contact with my informants."
Abel resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he nodded, "Very well, I'll see you tonight then. Roberta, stop the carriage."
The carriage quickly came to a stop, and the two friends quickly made themselves scarce.
"That was uncalled for, Dominique." Abel voiced neutrally, projecting his disappointment through presentation.
The vampiress stiffened on his lap, "…Sorry."
The young noble sighed, "If you're that sincere, I have no choice but to forgive you." Abel really couldn't be mad at his sister when he had two decades of memories with her, each one filled with moments where cared for her, watched over her, and protected her.
He had wiped away her tears as a child, held her hands when she was scared, told her stories when she couldn't sleep. Those memories and the feelings that came with them were real, and despite her faults, he couldn't bring himself to be angry for long.
Is this what it feels like to be a brother? He wasn't sure, as even in the orphanage, he kept to himself, never really engaging with the other kids. And I was the youngest.
"Abel?" Dominique's voice brought him out of his thoughts, after which she said, "The commission…is it related to the dream you had?"
Abel considered his words for a moment. Given that Roberta is from the Southern Continent, I questioned her this morning to see whether she's part of Numinous Episcopate…But her gaze didn't carry reverence when answering my question, only surprised at the sudden question.
Either her emotional control surpasses the combination of Observant and Intuition, or she's actually one of the Official Beyonders with Evernight Church. Given how she goes there every Sunday, I'm leaning towards the latter.
With such thoughts, Abel said, "It's better to be safe than to be sorry, careful and wrong, than reckless and right.
Maybe the dream was just that, a dream. But if it does actually happen, then I'd rather be ready than caught off guard."
Dominique opened her mouth to protest, ready to remind him that his involvement was optional, but the words died on her lips as their eyes met.
No rest for the wicked, huh? The saying from Emperor Roselle resonated in her mind, knowing full well that she would assist her brother no matter what.
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A/N: 4k words. Even I wasn't expecting such a long chapter when I started writing. Anyways, I wonder if anyone can guess which arc of LotM the story starts from, after all, Fors is already in the Tarot Club.