"I've been thinking, Gremio. About you."
Gremio paused, frozen with fear. Things never go well when Lexuar has been thinking about you. Especially when you know things haven't been going well for you all week.
First was the matter of the musicians. One of their "instruments" went off during testing, taking out a large section of the Void Society's main headquarters and almost blowing their 200-year cover. It was planned. One of the musicians fled the scene, taking a few objects with him. The other committed suicide.
Next was the assassination attempt. Somehow, under Gremio's guard, an assassin, an armagio at that, managed to infiltrate the Society's ranks and assassinate Lexuar himself. By the time Gremio found out, he burst into his lord's chamber to protect him, only to find the day-old carcass of what used to be a living creature and an immeasurably displeased Lexuar.
Finally, there were the rumors. About Lexuar. About him. The members in the lower ranks questioned whether or not Lexuar was actually sane, the way he treated his comrades, and how Gremio was involved. After all, his family had been aiding Lexuar for over 8 generations, and whenever Lexuar seemed to be "hungry", one of the men Gremio hated the most always seemed to disappear. With all these accusations flying left and right, his men often ignored his orders, and instead played cards or loafed around. It was insulting.
And because of this, Gremio was worried. For the first time in a long time, he was worried about what Lexuar would say next.
Because it was about him.
"Ahem---Yes, Lord Lexuar?" It was taking all of Gremio's energy to keep his knees from shaking.
And then, Lexuar smiled. It was a disturbing sight. He knew what was coming next would not be good.
"You are, perhaps, my only friend."
Gremio was bewildered. He could not believe what he was hearing. Friend? He didn't even think Lexuar knew that word.
"Yes... my friend. You see, Gremio, you're one in a million. You get things done. You know what to do. And most impressive of all, you aren't afraid of me one... single... bit. You even call me Lex sometimes! And for that, I salute you." Sitting on his chair, he watched pleasure creep upon Gremio's face. He was relieved.
"Thank you, Lex. I didn't expect---"
"BUT!" Lexuar interjected, leaning forward on his throne, pausing for emphasis. "You need to make sure things remain under control. There have been too many incidents I had to take care of this week that should have been easily handled by you." He leaned back. "Normally, I would be harsher, but today I'm pleased about our accomplishments, and besides, as I said, you are my friend. I need to make sure you're okay. I wouldn't want my eight-generation investment to go down the drain, now would I?"
Gremio shook his head.
"No, but you knew that already. Now. Tomorrow we shall begin setting up for the final phase of our scheme. Get some rest. The Gate opens in three days. You'll need it."
Gremio left the room. He wasn't sure which was more frightening: Lexuar's anger, or his kindness.
