Chapter 3: Price of Disobedience
Kaleb's eyelids fluttered open and the dim light lantern cast its light on his face. Every breath was a struggle, his chest tight, and the ache in his limbs felt like he had just been hit by a truck. He tried to shift, but his body protested with a sharp pang, pinning him to the ground.
A soft murmur reached his ear, he turned to find its origin and saw a blur of shapes that slowly sharpened into familiar faces. Two of the girls huddled close, their expressions heavy with worry.
One had auburn hair and clutched a damp cloth, while the had white hair and grasped his hand, her gaze darting from his bruised face to the torn pieces of clothing wrapped around his torso hastily, in the place of bandages.
Their silence said more than words ever could.
"You guys seem fine." Kaleb said, attempting a laugh, though his voice came out hoarse and weak.
"Did anything happen while I was unconscious?"
The platinum haired girl hesitantly replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"They just threw us in here and left"
A faint but relieved smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Well that's a relief"
A know of worry seemed to loosen in hi heart in that moment. Although not the know he would have preferred as the physical pain in his body remained.
"A relief? How is any of this a relieving? Not only was I sold as a slave at an auction, but now I'm expected to sleep in the same room as two beastmen of all things but also a random man?" the noble girl said.
"Hey, Show some respect," the beastmen holding Kaleb's hand snapped. "If not for him, you'd be the one lying here on the ground."
"What are you talking about?"
"I agree with her," the other beastman added.
"He could have easily been ignorant, but even while injured he stood up for me"
"Well... I never asked him for his help, or your opinions."
"You ungrateful brat,"
"Alright, alright, that's enough," Kaleb interjected. Gritting his teeth as he sat up, his body trembling in pain. "I didn't do it to be praised, I did it because I wanted to. Meaning you fighting over it is pointless"
An awkward moment of silence fell over them.
"Whatever!" she snapped her gaze away, her voice sharp and dripping with annoyance, as if every syllable was a challenge.
"You little." the white haired girl said her voice laced with irritation
Kaleb pushed himself up, wincing in pain as he gritted out his words.
"I said no fighting"
With the tension now slightly lessened, Kaleb, eyed the two beastmen intently.
"What… are you two?"
Both girls straightened, their ears perking up as matching smirks spread across their faces.
"Isn't it obvious? We are beastmen,"
"Well... forgive me if I sound odd for asking this but, what is that?"
"You don't know what a beastman is?"
One asked, her tone a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"I mean, am I supposed to?"
The room fell silent for a moment before the noble girl's laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. Breaking the silence like a crack of thunder. She tossed her head back, her eyes narrowing as her lips curled into a sneer.
"Seriously?" She said, her voice dripping with condescension.
"You don't know what a beastman is?"
Her laughter bubbled up again, harsh and grating.
"Where have you been living? Under a rock?"
She shook her head as if the absurdity of the situation was too much to believe.
Kaleb hesitated, his eyes flickering with uncertainty before narrowing in frustration.
"I don't... I don't remember much," He muttered, his voice low but tense. "I think I lost my memories. All I remember is my name, Kaleb Ryer."
'If I told them the truth, that I was from another world, they'd probably think I'm crazy. So, I'll just keep that part to myself. For now at least.'
There was a brief pause, the weight of his words hanging in the air before he finally looked back up. The beastmen exchanged glances during the brief silence before stepping forward.
"My name is Eliora, member of the wolf tribe"
The first one said, her voice soft as she shifted slightly.
"My name is Rayna, also a member of the wolf tribe." The second said, bowing her head.
"And... thank you again for your help earlier."
"Please raise your head. Like I said I didn't do it to be thanked"
The noble girl turned away, unwilling to engage with the rest.
"And you, what's your name?"
She remained silent, not even sparing him a glance, her body language making it clear she had no intention of responding.
"Look, I'm not here to stroke your ego or dance around your status. If you want to stay silent, that's your choice. And If you want to act like you're above everyone, go ahead. But it won't serve you better to isolate yourself in this situation"
The girl glanced at him from the corner of her eye, the challenge in his tone sparking a flicker of intrigue, but she remained silent, her pride holding her tongue.
"I get it," He continued, his tone softening but still firm. "You've got a story, but guess what, everyone in this room has one, including you. All I'm asking is that you share yours."
She turned to face him, her eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing his words.
"Why should I share anything with you? What do you gain from it? "
She replied, her voice laced with skepticism.
"To answer your first question, there is none. And your second, I gain nothing."
She looked at him, genuinely confused.
"What do you mean, you gain nothing? Everyone has something to gain, even from something trivial like a conversation."
"I'm not interested in playing games. Sometimes, it's just about being honest and open for the sake of connection."
She blinked, caught off guard by his unexpected sincerity.
"Why would you want to connect with me? Are you after a reward for taking care of me or something?" She challenged, crossing her arms defensively.
Kaleb met her defensive posture with a calm gaze, refusing to back down.
"I'm not after any rewards, it just felt right to me. If you don't want to, that's completely fine."
She narrowed her eyes, skepticism still etched on her gaze.
"You expect me to believe that? In my whole life, there has never been someone who wanted to just connect with me. I might be an illegitimate one, but I am still the daughter of a noble"
Kaleb nodded, acknowledging her words with a seriousness that matched her tone.
"I understand that. Your position must come with its own set of challenges. But just because others have treated you poorly doesn't mean everyone will."
Her skepticism didn't waver.
"Why would you want to connect with me then?"
Kaleb's gaze remained steady, searching her expression for any sign of willingness.
"If you can't trust me yet, that's understandable. But at least tell me your name."
She glanced away, biting her lip as if weighing her options. The air between them thickened with uncertainty.
"So, what will it be?"
A long silence settled between them, her expression softening as she considered his words.
"Hey," Rayna interrupted, crossing her arms and tapping her foot impatiently. "You're wasting time. Either you tell to him or you don't. Make a decision already.
She shot Rayna a glare, her earlier softness momentarily replaced by irritation. "I'm pretty sure I wasn't talking to you, you filthy dog."
Rayna bristled at the insult, her hands balling into fists as she prepared to snap back. Tension crackled between them, poised to ignite into a full-blown argument.
"Enough!" Kaleb interjected, his gaze shifted to Selene, catching her off guard. "You should apologize. That wasn't fair, and it's not going to help your situation."
Her eyes widened, a mix of surprise and indignation flashing across her face. "Why should I apologize? She.."
"Because it doesn't matter who started it. You don't have to engage in this kind of back-and-forth,"
Selene opened her mouth to protest but paused, glancing at Rayna, who was still visibly upset but held her ground, waiting for her response.
With a reluctant sigh, Selene rolled her eyes.
"Fine. I'm sorry, Rayna. I didn't mean it, I lost my composure for a moment."
Rayna's expression softened slightly, though the defensiveness still lingered.
"It's whatever. Just don't talk to me like that again."
Kaleb nodded, satisfied.
"Good. Now that we've settled that, how about we start fresh? You can start by telling me your name."
Her posture shifted, and her haughty demeanor softened slightly under his
earnest gaze.
"I am Atara Aniston,"
She replied, her voice still carrying an air of pride but now tinged with a hint of satisfaction.
"So, what do we do now? Do you have a plan?"
"There's nothing we can do right now so we should get some sleep"
"And where would we sleep? On the floor?"
Atara asked sarcastically.
"You can sleep wherever you want; we're going to bed,"
Rayna said, her voice growing softer as she and Eliora settled down beside Kaleb.
Atara shot them a frustrated glance, her annoyance palpable as she chose a spot on the floor, folding her arms tightly around her knees.
She sighed heavily, trying to dismiss the warmth spreading in her chest at the sight of their peaceful faces. As she closed her eyes, sleep didn't come easily. Despite the dire circumstances, there was a growing sense of camaraderie between them, a connection that offered a glimmer of hope in their shared struggle.
The next day, a maid approached a large wooden door at the end of a dimly lit hallway.
"My lord," she began. "Head Maid Laura, at your service."
A moment passed before a voice from within replied, "Enter."
Laura pushed the door open, stepping into the room adorned with rich tapestries and ornate furniture. The count sat at a grand desk, his back to her as he examined a map spread out before him, fingers tracing the lines of various territories.
"My lord, I am here to discuss the assignment of duties for the slaves as you instructed."
The count turned slightly, his expression unreadable.
"Proceed." "After assessing their capabilities I have determined that the three girls would be best utilized as maids."
"Slave girls as maids you say? And beastmen no less!"
"The enhanced physical strength of the beastmen might be impressive, but these two aren't particularly strong, so they won't be useful in work involving physical labor. So I determined that they will serve you better in maintaining the manor."
The count, in the middle of getting dressed, raised an eyebrow.
"They seem more like wild animals than people, so how will you use them as servants?"
"My lord, I believe that with the proper discipline, even beasts like them will learn and adapt. And after last month's incident, we are short-staffed in the manor. The other maids are overworked, and these girls will be able to handle the more tedious tasks and relieve the burden."
"Incident,"
He repeated, his tone sharp, causing Laura to tense up.
"I am referring to the mass execution my lord"
She said, her voice trembling slightly.
An oppressive aura began to radiate from him, heavy and suffocating, wrapping around the room like a thick fog.
Laura felt her heart race as the atmosphere suddenly shifted, her breath hitching in her throat.
"Your tone almost implies that you disagree with my actions,"
The maids attending to him exchanged worried glances, their faces pale, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads as they struggled to maintain their composure.
"I…. No, my lord. I would never. I merely wish to understand the reasoning behind your it. Such actions may incite further unrest among the towns people. It's a delicate situation, and I fear..."
"Fear?"
He interrupted, his gaze piercing through her.
"Pardon me, my lord"
"Fear is what keeps order. It's what keeps them in line."
His voice dropped to a whisper, and the chill in the air intensified.
"Don't you forget that, Laura."
She swallowed hard, her pulse quickening.
"Of course, my lord. I merely wanted to ensure you are aware of the potential consequences."
"I would hope so,"
He said, his voice sending chills through the room. The tension in the room thickened as the maids shifted nervously, the air crackling with unspoken fear.
The Count considered this for a moment, his gaze unwavering.
"Very well, I will allow them to work as maids. But head maid…"
"Yes my lord"
"You are to ensure they understand their place. I won't tolerate any form of insubordination."
His words hung in the air, heavy with authority.
Laura nodded quickly, her throat dry as she absorbed the weight of his command.
"Of course, my lord. I will make it clear to them."
"See that you do, I have no patience for those who challenge the order I have established."
"And what of the insolent man" Kaleb? He's no beastman, but he looks sturdy enough."
Laura paused, then answered.
"I suggest we assign him to do physical labor. He can be put to work in the gardens, stables, and wherever else he's needed."
The count smirked a hint of cruelty in his eyes.
"Excellent. Make sure he's kept busy and working, I have some ideas of what to use him for as well. I have to get my money's worth out of all of them after all."
Laura felt a chill at his words but kept her expression neutral.
"It shall be done, my lord"
As she turned to leave, she could feel the Count's gaze burning into her back, a reminder of the power he wielded over them all.
The responsibility of enforcing his will weighed heavily on her, and she knew that failure was not an option.
After leaving the Count's room, Laura made her way to the common room for servants, where Kaleb and the girls were gathered. The room fell silent as she walked in with all eyes focused on her.
"Alright, your jobs have been decided. You three," She said, gesturing to the girls, "You will be assigned as maids."
Exchanging nervous glances, the girls tried to gauge what this would mean for them, but Laura continued, her tone leaving no room for questions.
"You'll be expected to keep the manor in pristine condition," Laura said. "Cleaning, laundry, serving meals—all part of your duties. As head maid, I'll personally oversee your work. My name is Laura Wardenas, but you will address me as Madam Laura."
"Maids?" Atara exclaimed. "You expect me to work as a maid?"
Laura sighed, adjusting her glasses with measured patience. "After everything that happened yesterday, you still haven't learned your place, have you?"
"If anyone here doesn't know their place it is you people! How could you have the audacity to..."
Atara's rant is cut short by the sharp crack of Laura's hand across her face.
Her eyes widened as Laura, stepped toward her with a cold, calculating expression. Instinctively, she took a step back, but before she could go any further, two maids swiftly grabbed a hold of her, forcing her down to her knees.
Kaleb, rushed forward.
"Leave her alone!"
He said but was quickly restrained by some male workers.
"Someone thinks he's a hero,"
One of the men said mocking him.
"Hold still, you little wretch,"
One of the maids holding Atara down hissed.
Laura grabbed the back of Atara's shirt and yanked it up, exposing her back.
Atara struggled helplessly, her fear palpable as she thrashed around, desperate to break free.
"Let me go! I said let me go!"
Laura approached her slowly, each step a warning to Atara of how close she was getting.
"Whoever you were before coming here, you are now nothing more than a lowly slave, and it's time you understood that."
With a swift, brutal motion, Laura brought the whip down on Atara's back. The sharp crack echoed through the room, followed by her gasp of pain.
Kaleb's fought against the workers holding him down, but their grip was too strong. He could do nothing but watch as the whip lashed out again and again.
"Do you see now? You are here to do nothing but serve, and obey. Any form of defiance will swiftly be met with punishment."
By the fifth lash, Atara was trembling, tears streaming down her face. Her back was marked with red, angry welts, Laura finally lowered the whip, with a look of satisfaction on her face.
She glanced over at Kaleb, who was still being restrained then back to the girls.
"The three of you will serve as maids in this manor. You will clean, cook, and attend to every need of this household. Any disobedience will be dealt with harshly, as I'm sure you've just seen."
"And you, You'll be put to labor around the estate. You'll work from sunrise to sunset, with no complaints. Is that clear?
Kaleb, still seething with anger, gave a terse nod, his eyes filled with defiance even as he accepted his fate. Laura smiled thinly.
"Good," she said sharply. "Now get to work"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
TroveMonarch
TroveMonarch I heard that after three chapters if you're not hooked ut means you dont like the book, but if you made it this far and are reading it thatmeans you're interested in my book.
I'm new to this as this is my first book and i might make mistakes so please if there is something you dont like just leave a comment, i will take all your opinions to heart and strive to improve.
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