A New World, A New Time IC ||[ Lleona X Numbers] [M for safety]

[Numbers]

Out of character Thread: https://role-player.net/forum/showth...94#post3009094

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Rated Mature for possible themes that may or may not appear in the roleplay.

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Etmere was sitting in a room with his mask on his face and his tails behind him like a fan. All nine tails were sitting behind him in the formation of a fan as he waited for the guests that were supposed to come and meet him. He had traveled from the other side of the kingdom where his mercenary group was currently stationed doing a new job.

While he was out doing the job with his group they had received word from the human kingdom. The niece of the Empress had an offer for Etmere that none of the other noble families had managed to do. A marriage to the daughter of the husband of the niece of the Empress. The offer was enticing enough that Etmere decided that at the very least he would go to meet the family and the daughter before making a decision to deny or accept it.

Whoever he gave his loyalty to meant that they would gain the power to ask for favors among him and his group. While they didn't have direct control, Etmere would have to favor them more often over other people. Such a big benefit to a human family meant that he would need a big benefit in return. He saw this as a good deal since it was the niece of the empress, it meant that in return he would be able to petition for deals among the royal family to get better resources for his own group.

For now, though he sat waiting for the parents of the daughter to finally enter the room. As he sat and wait, he could fill the Kitsune mask sitting on his face and couldn't wait to be able to take it off. Of course, he knew that he wouldn't be able to take it safely off for a while. At least until he was alone and didn't have to worry about a human accidentally seeing his face.

His attention quickly shifted to a door on the other side of the room as it opened. Coming through it was the parents as they came to sit across from Etmere on the other side of the table. Etmere decided to speak first. "So you finally arrive. I have been sitting here for about an hour now, waiting for you to appear. I wouldn't have taken your family to be one to make me wait. It should be said that I do have matters to attend to and that I can't be expected to just give all of my attention to a deal such as this. With that mind, please, tell me more about this marriage deal you have offered to me."

[Lleona]

A day had passed since she woke up in this strange new world. When she woke up yesterday she found an unfamiliar girl crying besides her before passing out from panic. So she just recently woke up. When she tried to sit up a sudden pang of pain appeared in the temple of her forehead. Memories of this body flashed by, from the moment she was born till the end of her life. Tears trickled down Ruo's face as she looked down and stared at the unfamiliar yet familiar hands. She felt pained, pained for the experiences that this worlds Ruo had to go through. As a girl from the modern world, things like this are beyond her comprehension, of course she have read situation like this on books but reality is different from fictions. But there is one thing she knew, even if she had no idea on how she got into this body, since she was just sleeping in her own cozy apartment but then she suddenly woke up in this strange world, she will definitely protect this body. She might not be able to avenge the real owner's body, but she will live life to the fullest with this body. By living in happiness will this bodies enemy feel suffering.

She heard the door of her room opened and her attendant yui went inside.

"Lady Ruo! Lin Furen( the niece of the empress) came earlier She told us to dress you up earlier since your soon to be fiance is on the way, but the doctor said to let you have plenty of rest so i didn't wake you up"

Yui reported with an uneasy expression, biting her lips while staring at her mistress blankly sitting on the bed. She immediately went to Ruo's side when she saw her moved. Ruo let out a small smile when she thought about her attendant yui, she was given to her by her mother and her most trusted aide aside from her wetnurse Rei Momo.

She stood up and walked towards the partition to take a bath and dress up. For this day good quality clothes were sent to her by Lin Furen. It was said that the her soon to be fiance was very powerful, but Furen was reluctant to have her real daughter marry a man of unknown backgrounds even if he is a kitsune, so she choose Ruo. When Ruo was done, Lin Furen's attendant was already waiting for her.

"You unlucky girl! Why didn't you wake up earlier. Your fiance has already arrived. Well what do you expect from a cursed girl like you. Being in the same house as you stains the family name."

The attendant scolded and mocked ruo, contempt clearly evident in her eyes. She walked forward and beckoned for Ruo and her attendant yui to immediately follow. After walking for a while the three of them arrived at the outer courtyard which were meant to entertain visitors. The way towards the courtyard was really tiring since she received a lot of verbal abuse from Lin Furen's attendant.

Lin Furen's attendant cleared her throat and motioned for the two to enter. She opened the door to the courtyard with her head bowed arms in front with her hand both clasped in respect. The three of them heard the unsatisfaction in the young man's tone.

"Young Gentleman Etmere, Pardon us for our rudeness. The General and his wife have been called to court and was unable to greet you. But they left their daughter to accompany you. I hope you don't find her presence a hindrance."


She beckoned for Ruo to move forward and pay respect. Ruo heeded the call and perform the bow that the attendant maid.

"Young lady Ruo greets Gentleman Etmere, please pardon me for my tardiness"

She greeted, with a feathery light voice a thin muslin covering the lower half of her face. She sat infront of the gentleman gracefully, but inwardly she was screaming about how burdensome this strict regulations are. She beckoned yui to brew the tea using her own personal blend of tea, it was a skill that was taught to her by her dear mother..

"Gentleman let ruo offer her handmade tea as apology for making gentleman wait."


She curtly apologized while pouring the tea that yui brought forward in a porcelain cup. A very fragrant and pleasing scent waft away from the tea being poured.

[Numbers]

He thought on what the women had said on the explanation for why the general and his wife weren't here as the tea was poured. "Whether they were called to court or not is of no excuse. My power is great and my time is little. If they want to curry favor with me, then they best show up before I leave. At the end of the day, no matter my decision I will leave." He looked to the attendant, the black dots that marked the eyes on his mask staring at the attendant. "Find them. Bring them. Inform them that if they want my power than they best find their way here before the day is over. I don't care how long it takes them and what they must do to get here. If they do not show up before the day is over then I will decline the offer automatically."

He then lifted his hand to motion for the attendant to leave. His attention was to be alone with the woman who had been offered to him. Once they were finally alone he looked at the tea that was before him and looked back to the woman. "I appreciate the offer of tea, but I am not here to enjoy it. Nor can I enjoy it while in the presence of others due to my mask." As he talked his tails moved from side to side gently, as if, moving like how wind would move through the air.

"Ruo. That is an interesting name, though I can not say I have dealt with many of your kind. At least, not in this aspect. Usually, when I deal with humans, it is the accepting of contracts, or it is with me killing them due to the contract. While you were late, it is your parents at fault for they are the one who petitioned the deal. You are simply the offering that they wish to give and the matter of when you arrive is of little importance since the deal is not with you but with them."

He looked down at the tea, looking at the steam coming from it as he thought on what next to say. He wanted to get a feel for who she was. After all, if he accepted the deal she would become his to do with. "Before I consider accepting this deal I would like to know more about who you are. After all, if I accept, I will own you. You will be my responsibility and you will likewise be responsible for assisting in taking care of me. As a Kitsune, I have many needs that a human does not have and have many needs that a human does have. I will, of course, expect you to learn all of them should the deal be accepted. Whether I will marry you once I own you remains to be seen though. After all, marriage is a human concept, not a Kitsune one. My people do not marry, we are more animal-like in that regard than human-like." He put this hand on the cup of tea to push it to the center of the table away from himself. "So tell me who you are, and explain why it is that I should take you. This is as much a chance for you, as it is for me."

[Lleona]

Ruo was raging with fury inside. She was being courteous but the guy in front her was being one hell of an asshole. Are men here like this, like an asshole or jerk? She thought the father of this body is the only one, but here is another one appearing in front of her. She was praying to all the gods she know hoping that her temper can hold on before she snap at the guy. Lin Furen's attendant wherever you are, bring the master and furen immediately here.

"It is a pity that gentleman can't partake on my offering."

She lightly commented, her smile was slightly strained. Million of thought still ran around her head like a herd of horses. Damn in her world, husband and wife doesn't own each other, heck the government even doesn't own the people, but here she felt like she was being treated as a property.

"Well gentleman, there is nothing much to know about me. I'm just the third daughter of the General Zhao. And as you have said earlier, it is not my decision on whether i'll be married to you or not. After all at the end i cannot resisit the decision that will be made."

She replied offhandedly, taking a sip of the tea that yui poured for her. Her eyes glanced at the door since she heard rushed food steps getting louder. The door opened once more revealing the figure of General Zhao and Lin Furen.
When the two arrived Ruo stood up and paid respect then offered her seat to the elders following the custom of this world.

"Gentleman Etmere. I made you wait."

General Zhao went inside and motion for Ruo to sit down which she complied. The general and his wife sat in front of the table with Ruo on the side.

"The emperor heard of your arrival, so were summoned to the palace and was ordered to give you a warm welcome. The palace also sent gifts fro your arrival."

The General said while bickering his men to bring the things forwards. Lin Furen received a parchment from her attendant and placed it on the table gently.

"Gentleman please review what the emperor gave, it might not be much but the emperor hopes that you won't laugh at his efforts and refuse to take it."

She amiably replied, while giving a vibe of a harmless woman. Ruo almost want to die in laughter at the fakeness of her step mother, she almost look like a dog wagging her tail with her tongue out. She raised her hand and disguised the giggle that was threatening to come out of her mouth as a cough. When the general heard that, he stared at Ruo with a stern gaze. Lin Furen smiled and also looked at Ruo.

"Ruo'er did you welcome the guest warmly"

She dotingly said, her voice was dripping with sweetness and care that it make it looks like as if she have a care.

"Yes Furen. I tried to entertain Gentleman Etmere with the best of my abilities."

Ruo replied softly. Hearing that problematic reply, Lin Furen brought her attention to the gentleman in front of her, slightly tapping her husbands hand.

"Ehem, Gentleman please forgive my daughter if she wasn't able to entertain you properly. She just recently turned 14."

The general tried to explain, hoping that what ruo may did earlier will not cause this deal to fail.

[Numbers]

Etmere shook his head in disagreement. "You should not be asking for me to forgive your daughter. You should be asking me to forgive you and your wife. It is not your daughters job to greet me. Not yet at least. You sent the offer and so it is your responsibility to greet me on time." He started to look over the list of gifts that were being given to him. "These will do
Though I should warn you that if I accept your offer and you ask me to do jobs for you in the future, that you meet with me on time. I do not like to be kept waiting. As a general and as the niece of the empress, I expect better. The only one who is okay so far is your daughter, who has shown to be well mannered and willing to accept fault for her parent's mistakes."

He turned his attention to the daughter and used his hand to motion for her to instead come and sit next to him. Once she did his mask got close to her in order for him to be able to smell her scent. "Refreshing." Was all he said before he turned his attention back to the parents. "Now, before we continue let me make something clear. Even once I possess your daughter, my loyalty will not belong to you but to my people. All you will gain is a large amount of favor and the gurantee that my group will not take missions against the people your daughter considers to be family. In case what I'm hinting at is unclear, if a bounty comes for your head general, your daughter decided whether I accept the job. As long as you are aware of these terms then I'll gladly accept your offer. Not before you bow before me and apologize for your tardiness earlier though." His mask portrayed no emotion. The only sign of anger was his voice and the almost aura that was coming off of him, like he was ready to kill at a moment's notice.

[Lleona]

When the General heard the Gentleman Etmere's reprimand, a thunderous expression flashed on his face but was controlled when he felt his wife hands on top of his.

"I'll take note of that and i'll be sure to avoid situation's like that in the future."

The general stiffly replied. When Ruo heard what the gentleman said, a tiny ruo cheered inside of her head. Oh she take back what she thought earlier, he is not an asshole, she repeat not an asshole anymore....uhmmm just a little cause he kept ordering her around. But she followed anyway and stood up and sat beside him albeit shyly. When he heard his comment a red tint painted her milky cheeks. It was the first time she was close to a man in both of her lives. What can she do? she was panicking inside and was stoned where she was currently sitting. A blank expression appeared on her face once more cause her mind overheated.

When the General heard the whole statement of Etmere he almost spat blood in anger, but he must still contain.

"I know that my daughter will cover for me in the future if that ever happens right ruo'er?"

He asked his daughter giving her a glance. Ruo didn't hate her father that much compared to Lin furen. But she still didn't like him.

"Yes father."

She softly whisper bowing her head as she answer, she must endure for now. The General nodded in approval and stared at Etmere once more, his pride won't let him bow but if it's for the prosperity the family he will do it, albeit with reluctance.

Lin Furen and the General move backwards a little and bowed down to the people in front of them.

"We.....We apologize gentleman for our tardiness. It will never happen again."

The general and his wife apologized, the general slightly gritted his teeth while Lin Furen's tightly grip her own hands drawing blood. She have never been humiliated like this before. When Ruo watched everything she felt a little warmth in her chest. It felt like the Old Ruo inside her left at peace, what a silly girl being able to be moved and be satisfied with just this. Ruo really vowed to herself that she must bring happiness to this body at all cost.

[Numbers]

Etmere nodded before standing up. "See to it that you keep that promise. Next time you won't be let off with just an apology and in case you think something else might be preferable to apologizing, let me show that it isn't." As he spoke that final word a kunai made of what appeared to be shiny black obsidian appeared out of the air hovering above the table. As it formed Etmere quickly looked at a wall and as he did the weapon quickly shot from its location in the air into the wall, leaving a small tipped hole from the point of the weapon before the weapon turned back into the air. Etmere than looked at the husband and the wipe. "I hope you understand, that is not the only weapon I possess, and out of all of my magic, that is the weakest I can cast in an instant." With that, he turned around to face the entrance he came through all so long ago. Now that he was standing it could be seen that under the robe he was wearing, he was wearing his full combat ninja armor.

"The gift will serve as part of the apology, your daughter is mine though. Your deal is accepted." He pulled out a small slip of paper, with a location written down on it. He gave it a flick, making it land on the table behind him. "Send the gifts to the location on that paper. My people will collect the gifts after we finish our current mission. Make sure you're daughter is ready to leave tonight. She can only bring what she can fit in a traveling pack." He then looked to the daughter as he went to say the next part to her.

"Only bring what you can't live without and you don't want to leave behind. Heirloom, valuable, keepsake. Stuff you want to keep that can't be replaced. Things that can be replaced will be replaced at a later time. What you want to bring, not what they want you to bring. As well as that tea. Bring some of the components. While I was unfortunately unable to drink it today, it did smell pleasing and I do wish to have it in the future. Meet me at the front gate when you are ready. I will be there waiting." Before he went to leave though he looked at the parents. "Tick tock." Was all he said before leaving the room to wait by the entrance of the property.

[Lleona]

The three were fuming with anger once more. The general and wife almost see red from being humiliated and being treated like a dog, but the both of them arranged the things to be delivered to the marked location immediately. While Ruo was mad because he declared that she was his! Ah! she is not a property!. She wanted to protest really loudly but she can't. When she heard that she won't be able to take anything other than the necessities she looked a little bit sad, cause the dowry prepared for her marriage was from her mother. It is the only thing that was left untouched by Lin Furen cause she can't get her hand on it.

The General and his wife placed their attention on Ruo. The general walked towards her and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Ruo, i expect that you will put a good word about us to your husband. After all this time i'm still your father, you were still raised as a daughter of the Zhi family. Don't fail us this time."

He adviced Ruo, nodding his head as he glanced at ruo from the top to the bottom. En, this daughter of him seemed sensible today. He removed his hand and walked away from the room with his wife. Ruo snorted when they left, which is really ungraceful. Did she hear it wrong, father? daughter? oh my gosh when? why was the old ruo not informed of this! Oh well she doesn't really need to listen to him. Ruo and Yui followed the husband and wife and left for her room to prepare.

She took her mother beloved jewels from the dowry as memento and packed some extra clothes and necessities. She also packed her tea making set and the remaining tea she made and have yui carried it for her, Rei momo also came along. Ruo oredered rei momo to have her remaining dowry be sent to her mothers maiden house, her grandfather, grandmother and uncles were trustworthy but she was not sure about her aunties in law so she also ordered momo to stay there and protect her mother's dowry.

She will come and retrieve it in the future. After packing up the things she needed which is not that much. She refreshed hereself and don a new and lighter shade outfit so she won't sweat that much outside. When she was ready, a servant of her father leaded her out to the front gate to depart. But she was given by that servant a communication pearl so she can receive some orders from her father. She really wanted to chuck the pearl away.
When they arrived at the gate ruo moved forward and performed the respectful bow.

"Gentleman Etmere, Ruo has finished with her preparations."

Ruo gently reported with a soft voice, she can saw the general and his wife in the front door and walkwed towards where they are.

"Gentleman, the goods had been sent to the location you ordered. Please take care of my daughter."

He bowed his head lightly, acting like a good father. It almost made Ruo wanted to let another snort out but she held back.

[Numbers]

"We shall see." Was all he said to the parents before he motioned for the girl to follow him. For now, as she was near him, he grabbed her hand almost as if to make sure she would stay near him. With his hand in her own as intertwined his fingers with her own. A weird feeling for him, physical contact with a human that was meant to be an affectionate way and not a deadly way.

He started walking, pulling her along with him until eventually, her families place was out of sight. "I hope you are ready to begin your new life Ruo. Your life will no longer be like it once was. Some days you'll find it easier, better, and other days you'll find it harder, worse. Unlike what I told your parents though, we will not be going back to the location where my group is. They can handle the mission there with ease. No, instead we will be going to where you will call home. It is in the mountains to the east here. It is about a week on foot, four days on a horse. Once there, we shall see if you will become my wife or not. Something that is certainly a strange concept to me." He said, calmly speaking as he continued to pull her along.

"Once there we will gather whatever it is you need. Dresses, food, herbs, instruments, whatever it is that your heart desires. Until the day is decided that you will marry me though you will only see me with my mask on due to the laws of your world. Which means that before you enter any room in the home, even your own room, you must knock, in order to make sure that I have my mask on." As they walked one of his tails would occasionally touch her shoulder, not necessarily on purpose but because he was keeping her relatively close to him.

[Lleona]

When Etmere grasped her hands, another tit of red appeared in her face once more. She thought with the strict rules this world has body contact would be limited, she never knew that Etmere would be like this. Question marks can almost be seen shooting out of her head because of his actions. When they started to walk Ruo never looked backed. There was nothing she needed to look back for. It was never a home for her, it was just a place where she can take cover if it rains or if the sun is very hot, aside from that it has no other uses.

"Ruo thanks Gentleman Etmere for his benovelence."

When etmere spoke, ruo just obediently nodded and gave her thanks for replacing the things that she need, but as always her mind is in a turmoil. Lot of mini hers were gathered in a round table weighing the pro's and con's of his offer. She was once again displeased with the gentleman since she even need to knock at her own room. The hell like he said it was her OWN ROOM!!! Does that mean he will enter her room without her knowing? what if he didn't marry her how is she gonna search for another husband with her room being entered just like that. Her chastity will be questioned. Whit the topic of chastity her mind wandered to something where it shouldn't making her whole face turned red. She shook her head hoping that thought will fly away hoping that etmere didn't saw it.

Though everytime etmere's tail touched her shoulder, it makes her want to flee. Damn she really wanted to know what he was thinking. She thought of yui, since her attendant will be following later and stared at uneasily at the gentleman behind her cause she doesn't know how he will react with her trying to smuggle her attendant in.