The darkness slowly began to retreat as Joshua's eyes fluttered open. His vision cleared to reveal a dazzling, unfamiliar ceiling, elegant, carved with golden filigree, and glittering under soft morning light. As he stirred, he realized his face was wrapped in bandages. He sat up in bed and looked around.
The room was massive and lavishly decorated, more luxurious than anything he'd ever seen, richer even than his memories of childhood in a noble house. It was all too shiny, too perfect.
This is definitely a noble house, Joshua thought, still disoriented. But what the hell am I doing here?
The door creaked open, and a woman stepped in. She had straight black hair, calm brown eyes, and wore a pristine maid outfit.
"Good morning, sir," she said with a bow. "My name is Amy. I'll be serving you during your stay."
Joshua blinked, then scowled. "Okay... whatever. Where the hell am I?"
"You're in the noble house of Kaizer," she answered politely.
His stomach sank.
The noble house of Kaizer? That's where the human king lives. That means I'm in human territory and not just anywhere, I'm in the noble sector! Panic started to rise in his chest. Grandma always said if a noble werewolf steps foot in human territory, they chop off his head… I'm definitely dead.
Amy bowed again. "The king and queen have requested your presence in the dining hall. Please prepare yourself and come down shortly." With that, she turned and quietly left the room.
Joshua stared at the door. They want me to go to the dining hall… probably to eat me. Wait. Do humans eat werewolves? He shook his head. No. Probably not... right?
He threw the covers off and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, noticing the fine silk pajamas he wore, lined with gold thread. His eyes sparkled. His regular clothes were neatly folded on a chair nearby, cleaned and pressed.
Joshua quickly changed into his clothes and then, with a smirk, ripped the gold lining from the pajamas and stuffed it in his pocket. He began rummaging through drawers and cabinets in the room, filling his pockets to the brim with jewelry and anything that looked valuable.
I could sell this for a fortune, he thought, grinning.
When he finally emerged from the room, pockets bulging, Amy was waiting for him. She gave him a disapproving glance but said nothing, turning to lead him to the dining hall.
As they entered, the sheer size of the hall made Joshua feel like a bug in a cathedral. He spotted four figures at the far end. As he got closer, he recognized Blanchette and Lancelot, and standing beside them, wearing regal crowns, were a man and woman. The man had greying red hair, the woman long red hair with a streak of silver.
Joshua gulped. These must be Blanchette's parents...
He cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Hello Blanchette, Lancelot… and hello Blanchette's parents. It's nice to meet you. My name is Joshua." He bowed deeply.
And as he did, gold coins and jewelry spilled from his pockets onto the polished floor with a loud clatter.
Joshua's eyes widened, and he stood upright immediately, face turning bright red. Blanchette covered her mouth to hide a giggle. Her father, King William, chuckled aloud, while Queen Juliet looked thoroughly disgusted.
"Greetings, Joshua," said the king warmly. "I am King William, and this is my wife, Queen Juliet. We invited you here to thank you for saving our daughter."
What a peculiar noble werewolf, the king thought, observing him with interest. He seems genuinely friendly with humans… unusual for a noble. Most noble werewolves I've met wanted nothing more than to see humans burn. I need to know more about this one.
Joshua, unfazed, knelt and began stuffing the jewelry back into his pockets while everyone watched.
"No, the pleasure was all mine," he said with a crooked grin. Did I use that right? I think so…
The king smiled. "Would you like a reward for your good deed?"
Joshua's face lit up, but before he could answer, Queen Juliet snapped, "A reward? For this filth? He's lucky we didn't cut off his head for stepping into our territory!"
"Mother!" Blanchette exclaimed.
King William held up a hand. "It's alright, Blanchette. Your mother has a point. Noble werewolves are dangerous. But even so, I must reward the man who saved my daughter."
Joshua straightened. "I'd like a house in the human territory… one I can live in with my family."
The room went silent.
King William's brows raised. "A noble werewolf family? That's a bold request. Don't you live with your own noble house?"
Joshua looked away. His voice grew quiet. "No. I don't live with the werewolf nobles. I live in the slums… with my family. Two witches. Low-class ones."
The king's gaze swept over Joshua's worn clothes. "I see."
He smiled thoughtfully. "Well then, how about this: My daughter seems to have taken a liking to you. Your family and you may live here, in the noble house. You'll be given your own quarters, if you agree to train and serve as Blanchette's second protector. You've already proven yourself capable."
The shock on everyone's faces was palpable.
Queen Juliet gasped. "But what if he's a spy or...!"
"I said it's final," the king said firmly.
Joshua bowed again. "Thank you, sir. I'd be honored."
After the meeting, Joshua, Blanchette, and Lancelot walked through a vast garden painted in summer colors.
"From tomorrow," Lancelot said, "you'll be training with me."
Joshua grinned. "Thanks. I accept your apology for beating me up yesterday."
Blanchette giggled.
Lancelot scoffed. "Yeah, whatever. Anyway, your face should be healed by now, they used magic. You can take off the bandages."
"Oh? So you do care," Joshua said, smirking as he patted Lancelot on the back.
"Awww, you guys are already besties," Blanchette teased.
"Don't start, Lady Blanchette," Lancelot muttered. "Let's go. The king asked us to bring your family. I'll get the carriage."
As he walked off, Joshua turned to Blanchette. "How's your leg?"
"It's fine. But you should be asking yourself that, your face was messed up."
"I've got a hard noggin," Joshua said, tapping his skull. "Besides, looks like your dad likes me."
Blanchette nodded, then frowned. "Yeah… but my mom definitely doesn't."
Joshua laughed. "I grow on people. I'm a grower, not a shower."
"What does that even mean?" she asked, glancing down toward his crotch and then immediately blushing.
Just then, Lancelot returned with the carriage.
"What are you two talking about?" he asked, eyeing them suspiciously.
"Nothing!" they both said in unison, laughing nervously and blushing.
They arrived at Joshua's home in the slums.
The sight of the crumbling shack stunned Lancelot and Blanchette into silence.
Joshua hopped out. "Home sweet home."
As he approached, the door slammed open and a young woman stormed out.
"Joshua! Where the hell were you? Grandma and I were worried sick!" she shouted, and smacked him on the head.
"Hey! Don't hit me in front of guests, you crazy hag!"
"What did you call me?!"
Blanchette burst into laughter.
Merlin noticed her and gasped. She dashed over and cupped Blanchette's cheeks. "Awww, you're so cute! Are you Joshua's girlfriend?"
"Uhh-huuuh..." Blanchette stammered, blushing furiously.
"Please refrain from touching Lady Blanchette," Lancelot said sternly.
Merlin turned her eyes to him and sparkled. "Whoa. Tall, blonde, and handsome. I think I'm in love. Hi, handsome, I'm Merlin."
Joshua yanked her back. "Ignore her. She fell on her head as a baby."
The two huddled in a corner, whispering. Lancelot and Blanchette exchanged confused glances.
Suddenly, Merlin exploded. "You did WHAT to my brother?!"
Joshua frantically pulled her back down to whisper again. A few seconds later, she stood and bowed.
"Sorry for the outburst, handsome. I see you had your reasons. My brother can be dumb sometimes."
Lancelot nodded.
"Hey!" Joshua pouted, folding his arms.
"I like her," Blanchette said, smiling. "She's pretty and super nice."
Merlin returned with two bags. "All packed. Let's go!"
"What about my stuff?" Joshua asked.
"It's in here. We don't have much."
Lancelot stepped forward. "I'll take your bags, Lady Merlin."
She handed them over with a blush. "Handsome and a gentleman."
Just then, an old woman burst out of the shack, arms raised.
"Yippee! I knew my grandson would get us out of this dump! He's not an annoyance like you, Merlin!"
Joshua sighed. "Blanchette, this is my grandma..."
Before he could finish, the old woman zoomed up to Blanchette.
"Are you the one marrying my grandson? You're very pretty. My boy chose well!"
Blanchette teared up and smiled. "O-okay, Grandma."
Grandma pulled her into a warm, tight hug.
Everyone watched in stunned silence.
"Why are you crying, granddaughter?" Grandma asked, gently wiping her tears.
Just then, Lancelot returned and froze. He took one look at the old woman and paled, stumbling back in horror.
"Wh-who is that woman?!" he shouted, sweat beading on his forehead.