Chapter 97: Named Houses_Realm of Monsters

Chapter 97: Named Houses

 I thought that was you, Stryg, Clypeus bowed his head.

 What are you doing here? He asked.

 The woman beside Clypeus raised an eyebrow, We could ask you the same thing.

 Rhian cupped her hand over her mouth and leaned towards Stryg, Do you know these people, Master?

 Stryg pointed his finger at the vampire, Thats Clypeus Gale, my ssmate, hes quite strong. I have yet to beat him outright in a fight.

 So, hes like your rival? Rhain asked.

 Meh, I guess you could say that, Stryg nodded.

 I am honored by such words, Clypeus smiled.

 Cly is the strongest in our ss, everyone wants to be his rival, the woman crossed her arms and nodded repeatedly.

 And who is that? Rhian whispered.

 I don''t know who that woman is, Stryg shrugged.

 The womans jaw went ck, Eh? Were in the same ss! You threw a rock straight at my forehead. I had a concussion for weeks! How can you not remember me!?

 Clypeus patted his partners back, Why dont we go somewhere a bit more private?

 Stryg nced around at the emptied street, most of the pedestrians were watching them from behind the food stalls.

 Oh! I know a great restaurant that just opened up, they even have outdoor seating so the centaur cane too, the woman said excitedly.

 Alright, but if you invite someone out you have to pay, Kithina taught me that, Stryg said confidently.

 Fair enough, Clypeus smiled wryly.

 Please gods, dont let it be spicy food, Rhian mumbled.

 The woman led them through the streets of Mellow Bloom and its white-stone houses. After a few minutes they reached their destination. Arge one-story restaurant with dozens of tables sprawled right outside its entrance.

 A waiter came out and showed them to an empty table that was under some shade for Clypeus vampiric convenience. The waiter then promptly took their orders. He was surprised when Stryg ordered food for Rhian as well, but said nothing, instead he opted to write down the order and left for the kitchen.

 Clypeus cleared his throat, Okay, I believe proper introductions are needed. I am Clypeus of House Gale, a Great House residing in Hollow Shade.

 I am Stryg, chief of the Ebon Hollow tribe.

 And I am Rhiannon, daughter of Ebon Hollow, and showhorse extraordinaire, she stood up on her hindlegs and did a flourishing twirl around the table, without touching the table even once.

 Clypeus partnerughed and pped in delight, Thats incredible! Ive never seen a centaur with such dexterity and grace before.

 And you never will again, Rhian smirked.

 Who is this human anway? Stryg asked.

 Her eye twitched, I am Nora, your ssmate. We had four sses togetherst year, four!

 Noraaa? Stryg tested the name. It sounded a tad familiar.

 She groaned, Nora of House Azol? Im a chromatic blue. We were teamed against you during professor Lohs final exam.

 Oh yeah, I remember, Callum knocked you off the pir right before you dragged him down with you, Stryg nodded in recognition.

 Not how I would remember someone, but yeah, thats me, Nora pointed at her face.

 Regarding that day, I am sorry for your fall, Clypeus said solemnly. I heard of how that wretched secretary sabotaged your climbing harness. Had I realized at the time, I would have never continued attacking you. My deepest apologies.

 It wasnt your fault, Stryg shook his head.

 The fault partlyys with me, but I truly am grateful for your willingness to overlook such a matter, he bowed deeply.

 I keep telling you Cly, you cant me yourself. It was that damn drows fault. Im d that crazy bitch got what she deserved, Nora clenched her fists.

 Yeah, me too Stryg muttered.

 Agreed. And for what its worth, our battle that day was the greatest Ive ever had, Clypeus ced his hand over his chest.

 Mine as well. I look forward to our next bout. Ive been training quite a bit. Ill be the decisive victor this time, Stryg grinned confidently.

 So have I, Clypeus returned the grin.

 Sorry to interrupt, buuuuut, did I hear you say Nora of House Azol? Rhian did not wish to interrupt the conversation of aristocrats, but she was too curious.

 Thats right, Nora smiled proudly.

 Wow, so your family, like, owns this city, right? Rhian asked with wide eyes.

 Well, I wouldnt say it exactly like that, Nora yed with her brown hair. The Azol family is a merchant House and a Great House at that. So, we have many investments in Mellow Bloom. In fact, most of the citys growth is thanks to my family.

 In other words her family owns the majority of the businesses in Mellow Bloom, including the citys main source of ie, the breweries. As such, House Azols influence is very strong in Mellow Bloom, Clypeus exined.

 I guess that basically sums it up, albeit not in a very charming manner, Nora twisted her lips.

 Sorry, Clypeus winced.

 I didnt know your family was so renowned. Stryg looked Nora over in a new light.

 Noraughed abashedly, Thanks. It feels that way while were here in Mellow Bloom. But, whenever Im in Hollow Shade Im reminded of how small my House really is. I mean, just look at Cly, hes a Gale!

 Nora over exaggerates, Clypeus scratched his nose.

 No, I dont. Cly is just humble, Nora crossed her arms resolutely.

 Is House Gale special or something? Stryg asked.

 Exactly how much do you know about Houses? Nora asked skeptically.

 They are kinda like tribes, right?

 So, not much, she sighed. Let me break it down for you. Named Houses,monly referred to as Houses, are the most powerful families in the Ebon Realm. Each one was founded by a Lord or Lady, which the House is named after, hence the term Named House.

 For example, my House was founded by Merchant Lady Azol, therefore I am from House Azol. Most Houses follow the path of their founder, mine is no different. We are still merchants to this day, I am the exception since I was coincidentally born a mageborn.

 Which is why youre at the mage academy instead of the merchant academy? Stryg asked.

 Exactly, Nora nodded. My siblings were sent to the merchant academy and I honestly thought I would go there too, but turns out Ive got magic, so here we are. Not that Imining, I love being a mage and it gave me a chance to meet Cly.

 Nora reached over and held Clypeus hand.

 That is interesting, Stryg noted. But, there is one thing that I fail to understand. Clypeus, I thought you hated Callum because he was half-human. Yet, here you are with a human partner. So, wouldnt your future children be vampire-human hybrids like Callum, the thing you so despise? I dont understand.

 Clypeus clenched his jaw. It isnt what you think. I do not dislike Callum Veres because he is half-human, but because that human nature makes him weak. Had he been born with powerful mutations, perhaps things would be different. As it stands, Callums human half weakens him and makes him unsuitable to be the Veres family leader. The Great House of Veres carries a legacy of great strength, it cannot be allowed to be tarnished by someone like Callum.

 Nora released his hand, Humans can be strong, Cly. Look at House Helene, they are human and they are one of Hollow Shades Ruling Families.

 Humans can be, but on average they are weaker than vampires. As for the Helenes, they only became a Ruling Family through trickery and betrayal, the same kind of tactics Callum would resort to. Just remember the grove training exercise, where he pretended to fight us only to destroy his own ne instead. Thats not the kind of person who should lead House Veres.

 Nora frowned, Thats

 I understand, Clypeus. You only care about the strength of the individual, not what they particrly are, Stryg said quietly.

 Clypeus nodded, When ites to the leader of House Veres, yes. My family has served and protected the Veres for centuries. To achieve sess in our duties we marry only the strong and tirelessly train our scions. We dly give up so much for the Veres, because they are deserving of that sacrifice. Yet, Callum is unworthy of that devotion.

 Interesting, so what happens if your human-vampire child is born without any powerful mutations? What if your child is simply born weak? Stryg narrowed his eyes.

 That wont be a problem. Every month Nora drinks a special tea made by red magi that prevents her from getting pregnant. While I n to marry Nora after graduation, Ill also marry a talented vampiress who will bear my children. Its a fairlymon practice among aristocrats. Marry one wife for duty and the other for love.

 Nora looked down, her hair covered her expression. You might find the whole thing strange, but were happy.

 I find most things strange, Stryg tilted his head.

 And most people find you strange, Rhian thought.

 Here is your food, the waiter returned with a small cart stacked with dishes.

 Everyone was quiet as the waiter put te after te of food on the table.

 It looks so good and none of it is covered in red sauce, Rhian salivated.

 Thatll be all, Nora said quietly. She shook her head and smiled, Where was I? Right, Named Houses. Once a House loses their founder or source of power, they may fall into a Destitute House, an impoverished weak shadow of what they once were and eventually they die off. However, if they can still maintain their power, they do not be a Destitute House and instead continue to live on.

 The majority of Houses fall in thetter category, Clypeus added.

 Exactly, Nora agreed. Conversely, if a powerful House has many Lords and Ladies at once or if there are many Lords and Ladies throughout the generations then they be known as a Great House, like my family or Clys. The seven most powerful Great Houses are known as the Ruling Families. They each hold a seat on Hollow Shades city council.

 Ruling Families? Stryg asked.

 You already know at least three, House Veres, House Katag, and House Noir, Clypeus exined.

 Callum Veres, professor Tauri...Katag, and Loh Noir, Stryg muttered from memory.

 Correct, Nora sipped her wine. The Ruling Families have long famed histories of incredible feats their members have aplished. Only a few other Great Houses have reputations that canpare, House Gale is one.

 Your family must have been pretty great then, huh? Were they warriors? Stryg took a bite of his pie.

 My family is the Shield of House Veres, we have always fought beside them, Clypeus ced his hand over his heart.

 Actually, this is perfect timing. Theres this famous troupe performing the y The Unfaltering Shieldter this afternoon. You should totallye, Nora smiled.

 Im not sure, I was supposed to meet up with Lohter today, Stryg said.

 Come on, itll be fun. The y is one of the most popr in the entire Realm. I guarantee youll love it. My friend ising too, so the more the merrier, Nora said.

 Stryg did not know what a y or troupe was, but they did sound intriguing. Okay, Rhian and I will go.

 Perfect, then its settled.

 After they finished eating they made their way to the center of the city, where buildings were packed next to each other. Themon folk bowed as Nora walked by. She waved at them from time to time.

 Eventually, the group found themselves in front of an amphitheater. The wealthy merchants of the city were already gathered. They proudly wore their best garments and waited for the amphitheater to open its doors.

 Nora nced about the crowd looking for her friend. She caught a small hand waving from among them.

 Theres the friend I told you about, Nora pointed.

 Where? Stryg asked.

 The one with the red cloak. Oh, look, shesing over, Nora said.

 The disguised beauty made her way to them with slow steps, but practically jumped when she reached Nora and gave her a hug.

 Nora, its so good to see you. You wouldnt believe how hard it was to lose my maids, she beamed.

 Nora giggled, Its great to see you, too! Im sorry we havent been able to hang out much this year, but Im really d you came to visit. The mage academy is pretty intense, I havent found much free time until now. But, enough of that, let me introduce you to my fianc and friends.

 Nora grabbed her lovers hand, This is Clypeus of House Gale, you two have probably met.

 We have. Its good to see you Clypeus, she curtsied.

 You as well, he bowed.

 Nora went on, And these are my friends, Stryg of Ebon Hollow and his remarkable centaur Rhiannon.

 A pleasure to make both of your acquaintances, she curtsied.

 The pleasure is mine, miss, whose name I have yet to have the grace of knowing, Rhian bent her forelegs in a bow.

 Nora chuckled, Sorry, shes in disguise right now, so her names a bit of secret. Stryg, Rhiannon, this is my best friend, you can just call her Jenny.

 Jenny, is it? I thought it was Maeve Mora, Stryg smiled, his pupils narrowed to thin slits.

 A famous vampire Great House. The founder, Lady Gale, was a legendary vampiress arch mage, whose epic tale remains one of the most popr ys in the Realm.

 The family is known as The Shield of House Veres. They are incredibly loyal to the Veres family and have served as their bodyguards and close advisors since their founding. The family is intent on producing the most powerful scions possible, which has led to arranged marriages solely based on physical and magical attributes.

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Chapter 97: Named Houses