GATE: Task Force Guillotine

Chapter 11: Round Up

Marketplace, Italica

March 30, 2028, 08:10 (30th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

At dawn, the marketplace began to glow as Darius, determined and sharp-eyed, oversaw his bustling entourage preparing for another day of trading. Amidst the mingling scents of produce and slave pens, merchants haggled and buyers inspected goods. Darius, in a richly embroidered tunic, moved confidently through the chaos, his piercing eyes missing nothing. Suddenly, a commotion near the entrance drew his attention—a feline wearing a maid uniform approached. Darius's face hardened as he met the maid's curt nod.

Darius: A maid of the Countess, what seems to be the problem?

The maid, with her feline grace, met his gaze evenly. Without a word, she handed him a scroll bearing the seal of Countess Myui. Darius's face twisted with confusion and then anger as he broke the seal and unfurled the document. His eyes scanned the contents quickly, his expression growing more incensed with each passing second.

Darius: An arrest warrant? On what grounds?

The maid's tail flicked with agitation, her eyes narrowing as she responded.

Feline Maid: On the grounds of violating the slaves' rights laws set by the Count and various illegal activities. Darius, you're under arrest. I suggest you come in quietly.

Darius's confusion deepened into a rage as he glanced at his mercenaries.

Darius: This is absurd! The Countess has no right to meddle in my affairs like this. A maid delivering such an order—do you take me for a fool?

The maid's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile as she met Darius's outburst with a light, almost musical laugh.

Feline Maid: Oh, Darius, you misunderstand. It's not about what you believe. And the Countess's orders are not to be ignored.

Darius's eyes narrowed, his irritation clearly visible across his face. He took a menacing step closer, his voice dropping to a harsh, low growl.

Darius: You're crossing a line, you insolent girl. The Countess has no authority to do this. Guards!

With a sharp snap of his fingers, Darius summoned his guards, who were positioned strategically around the market. The men, armored and ready, drew their weapons and advanced towards the maid. But before they could close in, the maid's feline reflexes took over.

Her movements were a blur of fluid grace as her claws flashed in the morning light. Each swipe was precise and deadly, cutting through the air with practiced ease. The guards fell before they even had a chance to react, their weapons clattering to the ground as they slumped to the cobblestones, their lives extinguished in an instant. Darius watched in stunned silence as his men were dispatched effortlessly. The marketplace fell silent, the bustling noise replaced by gasps and murmurs from onlookers. The maid's claws retracted, her posture relaxed but her eyes were still sharp, locked onto Darius.

Feline Maid: It seems your guards weren't much of a challenge. Now, will you come quietly, or do I need to make this more... unpleasant?

Darius stood frozen, the sight of the maid's swift, lethal intervention sinking in. His pride and bravado had been shattered, leaving him pale and speechless. The once-commanding figure now appeared diminished, his usual imposing presence rendered insignificant in the face of such efficient force.

The maid sighed, her feline grace not betraying any hint of satisfaction. She took a step forward, her eyes softening just a fraction as she observed Darius's stunned expression.