Piko - Where every story finds its reader

Rex spent the next fourteen days learning the val-Corvus household the way he'd once learned his victims' routines on Earth_hrough patient observation, pattern recognition, and the understanding that people revealed their true selves when they thought no one was watching.

The "reformed, apologetic son" mask became his second skin. When he encountered Duchess Elara in the corridor outside the morning room, he immediately pressed himself against the wall and lowered his eyes.

"Forgive me, Your Grace," he murmured. "I didn't mean to obstruct your path."

The Duchess paused, her silk gown rustling as she turned to regard him with the expression one might give a particularly persistent insect. "Caelus." Her voice dripped with disdain. "Still skulking about the family wing?"

"I was returning from my studies, Your Grace. I've been reading about household management in the library." Rex kept his tone humble, almost eager. "I thought perhaps if I learned proper etiquette and duties, I might be less of a burden to the family."

Something shifted in Elara's expression_ot warmth, but a different calculation. She studied him for a long moment, her hand absently adjusting the jeweled necklace at her throat. "How very... diligent of you. Though I suppose even the lowest born can aspire to basic competence." She smiled, the expression sharp enough to cut. "Your unfortunate low birth remains a stain on House val-Corvus, but perhaps you need not make it worse through ignorance."

There it is, Rex thought, cataloging her preening vanity. She climbs the social ladder by stepping on anything beneath her. That insecurity is a weapon waiting to be used.

"You're too kind, Your Grace," he said, bowing his head further. "I know I can never truly belong to the blessed lineage, but I hope to at least avoid bringing further shame."

Elara's smile widened slightly. "See that you do. In fact, since you're so eager to be useful, you may assist in the kitchens tomorrow. The head cook mentioned needing help with inventory. Menial work, but suitable for someone in your position."

"Of course, Your Grace. Thank you for the opportunity to serve."

She swept past him without another word, but Rex remained perfectly still until her footsteps faded. Then he straightened, his expression settling into cold calculation.

Kitchen access means poison access, he noted mentally. And servants' gossip networks. She just gave me exactly what I need while thinking she's putting me in my place.

The System pulsed in his vision: [SUBJUGATION: +5 (Successful manipulation through feigned submission)]

Over the following days, Rex worked in the kitchens and mapped the household's hidden architecture. The head cook, a matronly woman named Bessa, treated him with rough kindness that spoke of pity rather than respect. The other servants whispered when they thought he couldn't hear_ome pitied the "poor boy finally trying," others mocked his attempts to redeem himself.

Rex listened to everything.

He learned that Duke Arion was negotiating trade agreements with three other Houses. That Gaius had won another tournament and was being celebrated as the duchy's future. That the stable master, Kedrik, had a reputation for cruelty but was good with horses so the Duke overlooked it.

And he learned about the "mute stable boy."

Rex had been watching the figure for days now, always from his window after dark. The thin form moved through the shadows with a grace that seemed wrong for someone supposedly broken and simple. When alone, the movements became fluid, controlled_ predator pretending to be prey.

On the eighth night of observation, Rex accessed the System's analysis capabilities and focused on the distant figure.

[SCANNING TARGET...]

[TARGET IDENTIFIED: Silas]

[Species: Half-Blood Beastkin (Feline Variant)]

[Status: Enslaved, Dormant Bloodline]

[Threat Assessment: Low (Suppressed), High (If Awakened)]

[Recommended Action: Potential Pact Candidate]

Rex's smile was sharp in the darkness. He'd suspected, but confirmation made planning easier. He spent the next three days researching Beastkin through Caelus's memories and the System's knowledge base.

The Church's doctrine was clear: Beastkin were "failed creations" whose Primordial bloodlines marked them as heretical. They were to be enslaved at best, executed at worst. Their enhanced physical capabilities and non-human features made them dangerous in the Church's eyes_roof of corruption by ancient powers that predated the Luminous Path's rise.

Perfect, Rex thought as he reviewed the information. She's already persecuted, already hiding, already desperate. And her enhanced abilities once awakened would make her an ideal weapon.

He began cataloging her value systematically. Enhanced strength, speed, and senses. Natural predator instincts. Already skilled at deception and survival. Desperate enough to accept any escape from her current situation.

But he needed her as his property first. The [Pact of Subservience] required consent, but having legal ownership would eliminate complications.

Rex studied Duke Arion's schedule through careful observation. The Duke held morning court sessions three times per week, hearing petitions and handling household business. Afterward, he typically spent an hour in his study reviewing reports before moving to other duties.

That narrow window_hen he was tired but not yet committed to his next task_as the optimal approach time.

On the twelfth day, Rex approached the household steward. "I have a request I'd like to present to His Grace," he said with perfect humility. "A matter of learning responsibility. Might I request a brief audience after tomorrow's morning court?"

The steward, a pinch-faced man named Corvin, regarded him with mild surprise. "You wish to petition the Duke directly?"

"Only for a few minutes, if His Grace permits. I believe I've finally thought of a way to prove my commitment to improving myself."

Corvin studied him for a moment, then shrugged. "I'll add you to the schedule. Three minutes, no more."

"Thank you. That's all I'll need."

Rex spent that night preparing his approach, rehearsing the exact words and body language. The Duke was pragmatic, not sentimental. The request had to appeal to his sense of practical utility while maintaining Rex's "reformed trash son" persona.

The next afternoon, Rex stood outside his father's study as the clock struck two. When Corvin opened the door and gestured him inside, Rex entered with his head slightly bowed, hands clasped in front of him.

Duke Arion val-Corvus sat behind his massive desk, the afternoon light streaming through tall windows and illuminating the gryphon sigils carved into the dark wood. He didn't look up from the document he was reviewing.

"You have three minutes," the Duke said flatly. "Speak."

Rex took a breath and delivered his prepared speech with perfect humility. "Father, I know I have been a disappointment to House val-Corvus for my entire life. I've spent the past months trying to learn, to improve, to be less of a burden." He paused, letting genuine emotion color his voice_hough the emotion was calculation rather than shame. "I believe I need to learn responsibility by managing something, even something small. I'm not worthy of important duties, but perhaps..."

"Get to the point, Caelus."

"I wish to purchase the broken stable boy. Kedrik has mentioned the boy is worthless_ute, clumsy, barely functional. No one else wants him. I thought... if I could learn to manage even the least valuable servant, it might teach me responsibility without risking anything important to the household."

Duke Arion finally looked up, his cold blue eyes studying Rex with the same expression he might give a puzzle. "You want to buy a slave."

"To learn from, Father. To prove I can handle even the smallest responsibility." Rex kept his posture humble, almost pleading. "I wouldn't burden the household. I'd pay from my allowance and keep him in my quarters. No one would even notice."

The Duke leaned back in his chair. "This is the first initiative you've shown in twelve years."

"I know I can't erase my past failures, Father. But perhaps I can at least stop being completely useless."

Something flickered across Duke Arion's face_ot warmth, but a reassessment of utility. He reached for a piece of parchment and began writing. "The slave is worth less than a trained horse, so the price is negligible. If this teaches you even basic management skills, it's a worthwhile investment." He signed the document with a flourish. "The boy is now your property. Do not make me regret this minor indulgence."

"Thank you, Father. I won't disappoint you."

Duke Arion had already returned to his papers, dismissing Rex from his attention as thoroughly as if he'd never existed.

Rex took the transfer document with steady hands and retreated from the study. His heart beat calm and cold in his chest as he walked through the corridors toward his room.

That night, standing at his window with the document secured in his pocket, Rex watched the thin figure moving through the stable shadows. Silas didn't know it yet, but her life had just changed forever.

Tomorrow, Rex thought as [Void's Veil] pulsed around him like a living thing. Tomorrow I'll show her what real freedom costs_nd what monsters can offer when they stop pretending to be human.

The System chimed softly: [SUBJUGATION: +15 (Acquired valuable asset through manipulation)]

Rex's smile was sharp in the darkness.