Page 25 of Behind the Mask

Eight

Three hours had passed before a sudden knock came at the door.

Minoru smiled and stood as a servant ran to answer the door, striding toward it as the door was opened to admit a tall, broad man dressed in fine clothes.Kasumi could not see him clearly, but something about Minoru's behavior set him on edge.

He waited as the man came more clearly into view, and Minoru introduced him."Honored Lord Daichi, honored guests, I present to you Lord Isaac Keen."

The bastard was wearingglasses.Kasumi just knew he'd done it to aggravate.There was going to be a murder the very second Minoru moved out of the way.The flitting smirk he got said the bastard knew it, too.

"Lord Isaac, please take a seat and join us.We have been enjoying a local tea."

"I would be delighted," Lord Isaac said, taking the empty seat next to Minoru—and directly across from Kasumi.

"Lord Isaac," Lord Daichi said."It is an honor to make your acquaintance after all the correspondence we have exchanged these past months."

"Likewise," Isaac said easily, smiling and nodding to all of them.

Lord Daichi laughed."Your request is among the more unique I've received, though not quite the strangest."

Isaac grinned."I try to be unique without standing out overmuch.Balance is crucial."

"Then why don't you and Lord Minoru explain everything in full, now that you are gathered and the matter of Kasumi's punishment has been decided."

Minoru nodded, first to Lord Daichi, then to Kasumi.

Disconcerting.What was going on here?

"I am finding that I quite enjoy the life I am building here," Minoru said slowly."I think the friendship I am building with Lord Hatcher-Rosque will last a lifetime.After my recent adventures, I also find that I have little desire to resume my nomadic ways.While I am heartbroken at the idea of giving him up, for Kasumi is a dear friend to me, I am a man of honor and the contract I signed states that he is mine only so long as I require him.As I am settling down, I feel I will no longer require the services of such a high-caliber bodyguard."

Kasumi started, eyes widening in disbelief behind his mask.Minoru was letting him go?

Well…it was…that was the way of things.Of course.His contract was never going to last forever…

"That being said, Lord Daichi, gentlemen of the clan, I am here today to recommend a man who is in need of the services only you can offer."

Kasumi's eyes immediately narrowed.The bastard would notdare.

The smirk that flitted again across Luther's—Isaac's—mouth said he very much would dare.

Oh, he was going to—

"Honored gentlemen, most gracious Lord Daichi," Isaac said smoothly."As I have already stated and made plain, I was until recently a criminal.A pirate to be specific.Recent events have persuaded me to give up that life and attempt to live a reformed and hopefully quiet life.With that in mind, I am not so stupid as to think old enemies will leave me in peace should they discover me here and think me turned into a milksop.Your clan comes highly recommended to me, and I can more than afford your asking price."

Lord Daichi chuckled."As I said, unique circumstances.We have reviewed you thoroughly, and Lord Minoru has never recommended anyone to us before, which means you come highly recommended indeed."He smiled."Unless the gentlemen with me are opposed, I am more than willing to offer you a protector contract.As you stand in rather a dangerous position, giving the circumstances, and likely will be in such danger the majority if not the entirety of your life, I am prepared to offer you our very best."

"That would be ideal," Isaac said, eyes gleaming with pure mischief.

Kasumi was going to kill all of them.

"I believe the price quoted to you in our correspondence will suffice."

"Done," Isaac promptly replied.

"Then unless you object, I offer the finest bodyguard the East clan can offer.His name is Kasumi, and henceforth you are his Master until such time you decide to end the contract."

"Accepted, and with pleasure," Isaac said.

Minoru stood."Then I believe we will leave you to get acquainted with your new bodyguard.Lord Kasumi, I thank you for everything, from the bottom of my heart.Always you will be a friend to me, and I hope sometime soon we might dine together as peers."

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