《I Got Isekai’d, Well Shyt!》


 Cover and Updates April 24th

    Cover and Updates April 24th


    Volume synopsis:


    <b>Volume 3:</b> Rya fully embraces her feminine side and has fallen in love with Quinus after they saved the city during the Battle of the Roses. They stay in the city of Ironside for a month before Quinus'' father sends a convoy for them. While Rya trained herself to be one of the strongest multi-elemental mages on the. She only was able to create an artifact called "The Seer Stone" which allows her to see what type of Mana Vein a person has.


    But things begin to getplicated once Quinus realizes that the Prime Minister is hell-bent on him marrying the Divine Three princess (Hilda Stoneworthh) so they could have peace with their neighbors to their south. While Duke ric is hell-bent on revenge, due to the death of his son. ric knows he can''t kill his nephew with a healer by his side. So, he wants to ruin their rtionship by any means necessary.


    ***


    Also, I got a <b></b>!


    <b>April 24th, 2024</b>


    So I''ve been trying to clean up my earlier chapters that had a lot of grammatical mistakes. While I''m editing my earlier work I''ll only be releasing <u>one new chapter a week</u> until I fix up Volume 1 and 2. It''s going to take some time <b>but if you wish to read my First Drafts of Volume 3</b>, just hope onto my <b>Patreon or Ko-fi</b>.


    Thanks!


    <strong>September 26th, 2023</strong>


    So, I''m slowly going through my earlier chapters trying to fix a lot of grammatical errors that I didn''t realize I had in Volume One and Two. And the process mostly consists of listening to an audio yback with an AI voice. But I''m using a free option that takes time to render out.


    So if you see a <strong>Vol.1</strong> or <strong>Vol.2</strong> in the <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">chapter name that means I fixed most of the issues.</strong>


    Thank you for your patience!


    And ENJOY!


    ********


    <strong>July 12th, 2023</strong>


    Just finished Volume 2 of my novel. And posting new chapters for <b>I Got Isekai''d! </b>will probably take a few weeks from the date posted.


    There are a few reasons for this.


    The main reason for this is I''m giving early ess to my patrons on Patreon.


    The other is I''m going through my earlier chapters to fix some errors and to refresh my memory on the lore.


    It''s amazing what things you forget after writing your stuff.


    Anyway, thank you all. And I appreciate your support!


    *******************


    May 10th, 2023


    Update to the update!


    So things have settled and now I have a routine.


    As of now, I''ll be able to get a chapter out about every other day.


    Thank you all for your patience.


    Paul Michaels


    *******


    April 24th


    Hey all,


    I just wanted to give you guys an update on my current situation.


    So over the weekend, my partner gave birth to my first child.


    <b>What does this mean for my novels?</b>


    It means my schedule is going all over the ce for some time, obviously. And my usual daily uploads are most likely not going to be as<span style="background-color:#21282e">frequentfor a while. Hopefully sooner rather thanter.


    Anyway, I just wanted to say, that I appreciate all of you and thank you for your patience.


    Cheers,


    Paul Michaels

 Concept Art

    Concept Art<h3 style="text-align:center">So, I started prompting to get my concept work for my characters. In hopes that I can hire a artist in the future.


    <h1 style="text-align:center">******</h1>


    <h2 ss="sc-fotOHu jvdevC" style="text-align:center"><span ss="sc-rcywpx-1 UPhUr"></h2>


    Love the generated batch with the exception of Rya''s shin noting out tanner.


    I guess when to type in Dark Elf this is what you get as a result? Anyway, This is a concept I really love for Rya. Just add in your mind Rya''s skin being darker.


    <h1 style="text-align:center">******</h1>


    <h2 ss="sc-fotOHu jvdevC" style="text-align:center"><span ss="sc-rcywpx-1 UPhUr"></h2>


    This was the results I got for Quinus.


    I really like the results for this batch.


    <h1 style="text-align:center">******</h1>


    <h2 ss="sc-fotOHu jvdevC" style="text-align:center"><span ss="sc-rcywpx-1 UPhUr"></h2>


    Here''s a concept I like for Dalia. I feel her breast are a little big but love everything else and I like the yfulness in this image.


    <h1 style="text-align:center">******</h1>


    <h2 ss="sc-fotOHu jvdevC" style="text-align:center"><span ss="sc-rcywpx-1 UPhUr"></h2>


    This is a generated image I like for Nieren. I want to generate one in her Adventurer''s gear. I''ll do that in the future.


    <h1 style="text-align:center">******</h1>

 Vol.1 Ch.01 Just a Normal Morning?

    Vol.1 Ch.01 Just a Normal Morning?


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">This story was a new one for Ryan. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would be in such a situation. He had always been the kind of guy who knew what he was doing and didn''t need to ask for directions in life. That was until today.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan was going through his usual early morning routine like any other day during the week, but this time it was different. He was going down his usual morning path, which usually consisted of running through the Hudson Forest Preserve. It''s a heavily forested area in the Midwest of the United States and it helped him clear his thoughts before heading into work. While he was running, he heard a sound. It was something unusual, a sound that wasn''t supposed to be there, something electrical.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">��That can��t be right?�� <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan thought to himself. Then the sound quieted down, almost as if it was trying to hide from him, making almost no noise at all, but there was enough noise to get his attention. Ryan stopped in his tracks and listened carefully while trying to calm his breathing after running about 5 miles so far.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"What is that?" <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan said, just barely whispering to himself.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">''Whatever it is... It''sing closer.'' <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">He thought to himself.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">He could hear a faint rustling in the bushes next to him. The rustle got louder as the dead leaves and brush were getting disturbed.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Whatever it was, was closing in on him quickly. Even though the logical part of his brain was telling him to turn back and run from the possible danger. But instead, it was his damn sense of adventure and curiosity that won over in the end. As it usually does when there was a possible mystery around the corner.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">He kept on listening closely to the noises around him. Whatever this animal or thing may be, kept getting closer and closer. At first, he thought it was a small animal like a squirrel, but it started sounding bigger maybe it was a deer or something of simr size, which wouldn''t be anything new in this part of the world. Ryan usually would at least see a deer once a day when running in the morning.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Then out of the brush came a thing. It was some orb, almost like a crystal ball. And it was emitting this strange glow that wasing from a rune at the center of this mysterious object.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">It seemed to be very transparent, and it emitted a soft blue light with a hint of purple and green. The sphere was still floating in the air a foot above the ground but slowly started moving towards him.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"What the hell is that!?" <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">He asked himself while not sure if he should be shocked or surprised by the strange object.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan was trying to keep himself from losing his sanity while trying toe up with a logical reason for whatever this orb was. Having no clue if this orb is alien, mythical, or some type of phenomenon that''s either natural or supernatural?


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"Well, it doesn''t seem hostile?" <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">He said to himself. Then the orb started making a low bass sound. It was like a sound you would hear when your neighbor sts a subwoofer and it could barely be muffled by the walls.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">''Crap! That doesn''t sound good!'' <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan thought, as he finally started to sense a bad omening from the mysterious glowing orb.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"Why is it getting louder?!" <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">He asked himself once again, while the orb''s strange sounds were starting to get more intense which Ryan could feel his chest cavity vibrate.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">The orb seemed to being closer and closer, as it zeroed in on Ryan. It was moving at an rming rate. <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">With that Ryan promptly turned tail and tried to book it out of there. As fast as his legs could take him. Even though he couldn''t see the orb he could feel the vibrations from that bass noise getting stronger behind him.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"God Dammit Ryan! You had to see what the fuck that mysterious sound was!" <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan yelled and chastised himself for not being more cautious in life for the first time in a while.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">''I should have known better!'' Ryan thought to himself.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Like most people, he has always been a skeptic when ites to such things that he has never seen before. After all, there are plenty of people out there iming to be abducted by aliens, or whatever else paranormal demonic crap that truthers like to spew out of their mouths. But Ryan is going to be one of those mythical conspiracy stories now and if he finds a way out of this predicament, he will never say a bad thing about them again.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">He quickly ran around the bend of the trail until he got to a ce where he could see the road ahead.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">''Almost there! I hope someone''s on the road, God dammit!'' <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan thought to himself as he was running out of stamina after running over 6 miles now.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">As the orb was gaining on Ryan, he tripped on a root from a tree and fell t on his face onto the gravel path.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"Shit!" <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">He yelled out loud. He was sweating, bruised, and exhausted at the moment and Ryan wished he never ran into this orb.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan needed to get up and use whatever energy he could muster to get on his feet while gritting through the pain. But just as he was about to get up the orb finally caught its target. As it crashed right in the middle of Ryan��s back, pinning him to the ground. Ryan felt like he got hit by a boulder.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Soon, a weight pressed down on him, and he couldn''t move his arms.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">''Was this some kind of trap?'' <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan thought to himself, as he looked up and saw the orb glowing brightly. This orb was like a force field that wouldn''t let him escape.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">''Why do I feel like I''m being pumped with energy!'' <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan thought as he began to feel charged particles almost like massive static electricity flowing through him.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"This isn''t good," <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan said to himself, as he tried his best to break free. There was nothing he could do. His body was locked in ce. He was powerless against the orb and its ever-increasing glow and sound.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">The orb was glowing brighter now, and it seemed to be charging him up. Like a giant battery that was feeding him with energy. All of a sudden, the orb emitted a deep pulsing sound that shook Ryan''s core, leaving him in awe of this new experience. The orb seemed to be opening a warp portal or a tear in time and space. It was tough to tell because the light was so damn blinding!


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"What the hell is happening?" <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan thought to himself. He couldn''t move a muscle, or speak, and he was starting to freak out in panic. Then the orb opened a wide portal that could easily have a car drive through it, or maybe it was a tear in the fabric of reality. Whatever it was, was staring him in the face.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">With that Ryan was suddenly pulled in. It''s hard to exin the sensations of going through a warp portal. With every molecule in Ryan''s body screaming out as if it went from solid to liquid to vapor to solid again. And repeat that process for who knows how long!


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">The weird thing is somehow Ryan was able to visualize it happening to him. It kind of looks like that scene from thest Harry Potter film, when Harry grabs onto Lord Voldemort before he flies away with everything looking like smoke as they merged with each other, doing their wizard magic crap. It''s a cool scene, but he never wished to experience it again if he had the choice.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">As Ryan went through the rip in the fabric of reality, he realized that the orb was gone, and he was falling down into an endless pit or hole. The sensation was like he was flying through the air with no control of his own.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">��This must be what it feels like to be pulled into a ck hole!? Or being sucked into a wormhole? I don''t know how long I was in this distorted reality, but I just wanted it to stop.�� <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan thought to himself while he was begging for this to end. And out of nowhere it finally ended as he became whole again aftering out of the other end of the portal.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"Ugh!?"<span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan tried to hold back the bile in his stomach as he started feeling really dizzy from that insane experience. When Ryan finally came back to his senses while hunched over on his knees, he noticed a few figures in front of him. His vision was still blurry, but they looked like they were robed figures standing in a semicircle.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan also heard footsteps from behind him. He quickly looked back just to see four more robed figures. There was a total of seven robed figures in all.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"This better not be what I think this is?" <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">said Ryan while he tried to figure out what the hell just happened.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">All Ryan could do was shake his head a little at the realization of what had happened to him.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">��I got fucking isekai''d or maybe this is a bad dream?�� <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan told himself.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">But Ryan usually likes dreaming about fantasy or sci-fi. Hell, he usually likes to read a chapter or two of whatever light novel he was reading at the time, just before going to bed. It''s his tradition, his habit. Also, he loves video games. He has a backlog of RPGs that he��s rotating through.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">So, one would think Ryan would be in heaven, right?


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">��Let me ask you a question. Am I experiencing this whimsical fantasy from thefort of my home? No? I''m not! I prefer to not experience my fantasies in real life because they''re "FANTASIES'''' an escape from my normal day-to-day life... Where I need to worry about paying the bills, getting groceries, going to the climbing gym, hanging out with friends, meeting up with family, and my girlfriend... My girlfriend! I need to get back!�� <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">Ryan said to himself.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">As Ryan was lost in thought the robed figures were moving closer to him.

 Vol.1 Ch.02 So I’m Isekai’d with “That Guy”

    Vol.1 Ch.02 So I��m Isekai��d with ��That Guy��


    ''Who the hell are these guys? What did they do to me?'' Ryan thought to himself while he tried to stand up but couldn''t for some reason. The robed figures started chanting and making strange hand gestures that made Ryan feel a wave of energy flowing through his veins.


    That''s when one of the robed figures pulled down their hood to reveal silky tinum hair, a ck circlet with a jade green gem in the middle, vibrant violet eyes, brown tan skin, a beautiful attractive face, and long pointy ears.


    ''Is that a Dark Elf? Great! And this confirms it, I''ve been isekai''d!... Wait? Aren''t Dark Elves usually evil? Did I get summoned by evil creatures? What does that say about me?!'' Ryan thought as he tried to keep his calm. ''I need to assess the situation and figure a way out. Otherwise, I''m in it deep.'' Ryan thought as he felt another bad omening upon him.


    The Main Dark Elf held up her finger in front of Ryan''s neck then the rest followed like they were pointing him out of a crowd. When the elf started chanting some words in anguage that he didn''t understand, Ryan noticed what they were pointing at. It was the orb that was chasing him earlier had shrunk down to the size of a golf ball and attached itself to his neck while forming a choker cor ne. The cor had some dark metal with elegant swooping designs running around it.


    ''Wait! What the hell? Where did thate from?'' Ryan panicked as he looked around in the cave trying to see if he could find a way to stop this but he came up empty. Ryan started feeling that same electricity sensation again when he was pulled through the portal.


    ''Dammit, this is getting annoying!'' Ryan thought to himself. He was starting to get pissed off that someone was messing with his body. He was starting to feel drained from whatever the Dark Elves were doing to him.


    "Hey! Stop!" Ryan yelled out loud as he tried to fight back against the Dark Elf that was manipting the energy within him. "What the fuck are you doing to me?!" As his voice echoed throughout the cave and it sounded like thunder rolling across the mountains.


    He was hoping that they would stop once he yelled at them. But that wasn''t the case, as the main Dark Elf continued chanting and making hand gestures for their ritual while other robed figures moved in closer and started chanting as well.


    Ryan noticed the main Dark Elf, who he thinks is a Priestess, was staring at him with a disappointed look in her eyes. As in she was hoping for some other result other than Ryan. ''She''s pissed? That makes no sense why she was disappointed in me. I have no clue why that would be?''


    Then the other Dark elves started chanting and making hand gestures with the Priestess, making Ryan feel like he was getting closer and closer to passing out from exhaustion. After what seemed like hours, but in actuality, it was minutes, the ritual finally came to its conclusion and Ryan passed out from the stress and exhaustion.


    As he was just about to sumb to slumber, he heard the Dark Priestess say, "Put him w�C �Ce other and no�� if any changes�C."


    ***


    Ryan woke up, he was all cleaned up from all the filth that he had umted from the day prior and stripped with only some type of boxer underwear.


    Next, he looked around his new surroundings and he was in a strange room with glowing runes on the floor. In front of him was a table with writing on the side of it. The writing looked like Chinese or Japanese, but he couldn''t make out what it was saying. Next to him was a door, but something was blocking it from opening.


    That''s when Ryan heard someone behind him say, "Hey! So, you''re finally awake!" Ryan turns to look to see an Asian guy across the other side of the room on the far wall.


    Ryan noticed this guy who looked like he was in his early 20s maybe and was dressed simrly to him with the same style of underwear and the elegant orb ne but with a red glow, as Ryan''s had a yellow or goldish glow to it for some reason.


    Ryan asked him, "And, who are you?"


    "GAH! I thought I was the only one!" Yelled the other guy while he ignored Ryan��s question.


    He turned to look at Ryan and questioned him, "You''re from Earth, aren''t you!?"


    Ryan raised one of his eyebrows as he stared dumbfounded at this guy''s attitude. Ryan was trying to keep his poker face.


    "Okay? Thanks for not answering my question," Ryan said sarcastically as he slowly walked towards the other guy who was also from Earth.


    He started mumbling to himself like he was having a conversation but with no one else. As Ryan got closer he realized that this guy was a little younger than he first thought.


    ��I might be 5 to 8 years older than him? I''m 27, God I hope he��s not a teenager.'' Ryan thought to himself.


    As Ryan observed this guy he noticed his mannerisms. Troubling mannerisms that were popping up left and right. Ryan wished he could ignore the red gs the more he observed this guy, but sadly there was no way he could.


    He had an over-the-top brooding vibe while staring off to the side mumbling to himself lost in his own world.


    You know, like one of those guys at a tabletop RPG who created characters that they think are deep, foreboding, and full of mystery, but they have a personality as deep as a puddle of piss. The "That Guy" syndrome or the bad stereotypes of an otaku.


    ��All I can say is I pray that I''m wrong. But the red gs are grantly sticking out on this guy like a pincushion.�� Ryan couldn��t shake the bad feelings he was getting from this guy.


    "So, what do I call you then? I''m not going to call you ''Earthling'' while we''re stuck in this ce?" Ryan asked as he continued to probe this guy for answers.


    The other guy slowly turned to look at Ryan with his almond eyes. Ryan could tell that he was trying to hide his emotions orck thereof. But he was able to see it and it was obvious. He was pissed at Ryan for some reason.


    "You can call me Chosen One Hiro," Hiro said as he turned back to start mumbling again.


    Ryan cocked his eyebrow as he was thinking about what he just told him.


    "Chosen One Hiro?" Ryan said out loud without looking at him. "Yeah��. I''m not going to call you that... Are you from the States?"


    Hiro looked at Ryan like he was the biggest moron on the or boths?


    ''God dammit! What''s this guy''s problem now?''


    "Why are you asking if I''m from the States when you''re speaking to me in Japanese, you dumb shit," Hiro said condescendingly to Ryan.


    ''Wait, What!? I''m not bilingual? And my "monolingual" skills are fine at best. There''s the asional word that usually screws me over, but that happens to everyone in some way. Wait, I''m getting off track.'' Ryan thought to himself as he finallyprehended what Hiro said.


    ��Maybe it had to do something with that weird ritual, but Hiro can understand me? And I understand him. Hmm... I hope it��s the same for the other beings on this.�� Ryan can only hope that was the case.


    Ryan stares at Hiro, annoyed with his attitude, and says to him, "Nah, man your English is perfect." while giving him a smartass smirk.


    Hiro scoffed at him. "You''re a liar! And you''re not the Chosen One, I AM! GOT IT!?" Hiro yelled back as he gave Ryan a look that was filled with contempt and disgust.


    ''Oh, this is going to get old real fast.'' Ryan thought to himself while he grits his teeth trying to control his anger slowly boiling from his core.


    "Well Hiro, if you know how to get back to Earth? By all means, I would appreciate that information and let you go back to being the ''Chosen One'' or whatever you want to be called." Ryan told Hiro with a re. "And by the way the name''s Ryan."


    Hiro looked at Ryan with a smirk. "S-So you''re not here to take my glory? Then you have made yourself a powerful ally, Ryan," he said while pointing at Ryan with excitement.


    ''Is this guy bipr or something? Oh yeah! I forgot he''s the worst type of otaku!... Why couldn''t I be stuck with a cool, normal-ish otaku?'' Ryan thought as he cried on the inside as it dawned on him that he was stuck with this jackass for God knows how long!? Or is it a goddess? Who the hell knows anymore!


    Ryan sighed, "Yeah well, I''m here to help you. So how about you give me that information instead of making fun of me, okay?"


    Hiro took a deep breath as he calmed down and said to Ryan, "Ha ha! My friend, I''m sure you don''t need my help! I believe you can find it out yourself."


    "So, you don''t know how to open the portal that brought us here? Got it, thanks." Ryan says sarcastically.


    "N-No no, I-I can tell you, but there is a catch." Hiro stuttered as he smiled like a Cheshire cat, with a devilish gleam in his eyes. "You have to give up something of yours in exchange for the information."


    "Dude! Look at me! I''m practically stripped naked like you!" Ryan says forcefully while being annoyed by Hiro''s ipetence. "Now I can understand why the Dark Elf Priestess had that disappointed look on her face. She had the displeasure of summoning you and must think I''m the same." Ryan says under his breath, so Hiro doesn''t hear him.


    Hiro ignores Ryan as he continues to smile and says, "I am serious, and this is no joke. If you refuse to give up something of yours then you will remain stuck on this forever."


    Now Ryan was really getting annoyed. "Hiro, do you know how you came to this world? Was it by chance you came in contact with that red glowing orb on your neck?"


    Hiro looked at Ryan with caution, "Th-That''s none of your business."


    "Yeah, the same thing happened to me, genius," Ryan said while putting his hand on his forehead. "I think we were both transported here by some kind of magic device, right?"


    Hiro was taken aback by Ryan''sment and he thought carefully before opening his mouth. "Well, I was unjustly punished by my friends and family! Those cowards had the gall to kick me out of my room, saying that I wouldn''t amount to anything if I didn''t start looking for a job! But they never understood! All the anime I watched! All the mangas I read were so I could be Earth''s greatest hero when the time came. But theycked vision and said I was a leech on society! And after no one would support me I knew I needed to show them the error of their ways! That was when I went to the old shrine by my parent''s ce. I prayed to it to give me the power of the chosen one. So I could get my justice on all of them! And make them grovel at my feet for all eternity! That''s when the orb of power showed up in front of me and I dly epted it... My only regret was not realizing I was needed on another world first before I could right the wrongs that had been done to me back on Earth! But I''m a patient man... So, the orb can''t be a magical device!" Hiro said as he looked straight into Ryan��s eyes with an over-inted ego.


    ''Sounded more like Vengeance than Justice. But I doubt Hiro knows the difference at this point,'' Ryan thought.


    "So I just want to be clear with you, you don''t know how to get back home," Ryan asked Hiro again. "And I''m guessing you never received any training on how to use that orb thingy?"


    Hiro just stared at Ryan for a moment and finally said. "Yes, I know how to use the orb of Justice, but you just have to figure it out yourself."


    ''So trantion, Hiro doesn''t know how to use the orb. And he didn��t panic when the orb came out of nowhere, because of his deepest desire for power. And it came in the form of a simr orb that chased me. Hiro hoped to use it against people who he thought wronged him. God, damn idiot.'' Ryan thought while he closed his eyes. He was beginning to realize that he was all alone for solving this problem.


    Ryan sighs while he opens his eyes, "Well, that doesn''t change the fact that you still don''t know how to open the portal that brought us here."


    With nothing more to talk about Ryan decided to go back to the table with the writing on the side of it. He couldn''t make heads or tails out of it.


    ''I wonder what the meaning of the runes are? I''m sure we will find out the hard way sooner orter. Preferably through Hiro, but, sadly, I shouldn''t pin my hopes on him.'' Ryan shook his head in frustration as he couldn''te up with a better n.


    All of a sudden Ryan��s stomach began to growl fromck of food. He was hoping that the Dark Elves would give them something edible for humans.


    ��We can only hope that they are going to feed us and whatever the Dark Elves give us is edible for humans. If they summoned us, they would want to give us decent-tasting food, right? Haah... But with how my luck has been goingtely, it most likely will taste like crap.�� Ryan thought as he slumped down in defeat. Anyway, Ryan decided to head back to his side of the room where the bed was and take a seat on it.

 Vol.1 Ch.03 Ryan’s first encounter with Ellianna

    Vol.1 Ch.03 Ryan��s first encounter with Ellianna


    The bed to Ryan''s surprise was way morefortable than how it looked. At a nce, the unusual bed looks super stiff, mostly because of what it was constructed with. The whole thing looked like it was made of a ck polished stone, even the mattress! The only thing that looked soft was the nket which the materials was made up of some type of red silk and satin, mix. Despite the look of the bed, it was actually very soft, but firm enough to not feel like you''re sinking into a marshmallow.


    ��Whatever, I''ll take what little wins I can get.�� Ryan thought as he gotfortable on the bed. While he was examining the bed, he couldn''t help but notice someone practicing their nonsensical poses on the other side of the room, like he was fighting an imaginary figure and Hiro was going about it with a half-assed effort. He swung his fist at a speed that wouldn''t hurt a fly.


    ��I know everyone''s weird in some way but he''s on a whole nother level and I just need to ignore him as much as possible for the time being.�� Ryan shifts his focus onto his orb ne to see if there''s anything useful about it or stumble upon something about this item.


    But unfortunately, he was having a hell of a time examining the ne because it was a freaking choker-style ne and it hugged onto his neck so tightly, that it was not budging at all. So his best option is having his fingers trace over this thing in a desperate attempt to see if it cane off.


    ��I will say though, whatever this thing is, it feels like it has a pulse of some sort. Which is just all kinds of creepy.�� Ryan shuttered.


    After a while of inspecting the orb ne, Ryan started to hear footsteps from beyond the door to their room. He got up from the bed not sure if he should try to hide or just be obedient and not do anything to provoke the Dark Elves, because at this point trying to pick a fight with them is pointless. So he just holds his breath hoping whoever it is just keeps walking past the door and doesn��te to their room.


    As Ryan waits, he hears the door open as the Dark Elves walk into the room. There were five of them, one Priestess and four guards in light armor.


    ��That armor looked so thin that I feel like I could dent it just by breathing on it, but I''m sure logic doesn''t work the same as it does on Earth.�� Ryan thought to himself.


    He also noticed that two of the guards were carrying trays. It looks like it was feeding time for the inmates.


    While Ryan was observing his captors, Hiro in his immense wisdom decided this was his moment to shine. As he yelled "Your biggest mistake was when you dare try to imprison me you SCUM! Now feel the might of my Justice! HI-YAH!"


    So there goes Hiro running straight into a 5 vs. 1 match right in front of Ryan''s eyes.


    ��Am I surprised by this, no. Am I disappointed in him still, yes.�� Ryan sighed internally while shaking his head.


    ��It''s almost impossible to reason with someone who has ��Main Character�� syndrome and I��m probably going to get pulled into Hiro��s bullshit, too.��


    Ryan just let out a sigh as he prepared himself for what was about toe. The first guard casually walks in front of the group and moves towards the charging human and as Hiro was about to jump the elf catches him by the neck like it was nothing.


    It was like Hiro crashed into a wall when he was running full speed at them. At that point, the Priestess raised her hands and began to chant.


    Suddenly the two runes, located on the opposite sides of the room, started to glow and then the orbs on Hiro''s and Ryan''s necks started to glow in unison. Then Ryan started feeling that same powering from his orb like the first time he was brought to this world.


    ��So I��m going to get immobilized, great.�� Ryan knew how this was going to go.


    When the Priestess finished chanting, that''s when Ryan started to float a little off the ground and got pulled like a ma towards the rune with the same color as his orb, luckily it wasn''t as painful asst time.


    So there Ryan was, trapped over his spot in the room looking over at the five Elves with the one guard still holding Hiro by the neck looking to torment him for his disobedience.


    The guard had a smirk on his face as he watched Hiro''s body starting to stretch from the pull of the red rune which was on the other side of the room, about ten feet away. It looked really painful as Hiro��s body looked like a stretched rubber band.


    Hiro screamed at the guard, "Aaarrrgghhh! YoU''lL ..... N-NevEr ...... G-Get aWAy witH-h ....... THIS!!!!"


    Ryan shook his head after hearing Hiro''s weak threat.


    "Well, this is the second time. You��ll have to learn sooner orter, human." The guard said with a grin on his face.


    He seemed to enjoy inflicting pain on Hiro. After a moment he finally let go of Hiro''s neck as his body shot over to the other side of the room like a bullet, flying towards his rune, and when he came in contact with the red light above the rune he came crashing to a halt as he was floating in the air. Hiro grimaced in pain from the force full stop.


    The guard then turns around and walks back towards his group of Elvesughing as he passes them.


    "Seriously this is his second time attacking them? Christ, Hiro! How the hell did he manage to survive living in society back on Earth?" Ryan says to himself. "At some point, Darwinism is going to catch up to you."


    "SHUT UP!" Hiro yelled back.


    "ENOUGH!" said the Priestess.


    Ryan became silent not wanting to test their wrath. All he could do was stare at her waiting to see what was going toe next. Luckily for Ryan, it seemed like the priestess was waiting for them to calm down. When things finally quiet down, the priestess finally speaks again.


    "My name is Elianna, the left hand of the Dark Elf tribe here in Sorellia. We havee to give you your daily meal. Savor and nourish it, for you will be doing trials to see if you are the Chosen Ones. Steel yourself if you wish toplete the task given to you, so you may live to be fed another day. Hopefully, you won''t disappoint our Lord. Understood?" She asked while looking over to her fourrades.


    She nodded to the two guards holding the trays as they walked to the table at the center of the room. They ced the trays on the table and started to distribute the food.


    "We will leave you to eat now," Elianna said walking out of the room, leaving with the guards in tow.


    <span ss="block font-serif text-base font-normal text-gray-900 my-[0.5rem] rtive"><span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">Just before she walked through the doorway she stopped and turned towards Hiro and Ryan as if she remembered something.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner hover:bg-amber-100">"Oh... Before I forget... If you decide to keep repeating your antics, we''ll have to rearrange your living arrangements to a lessfortable one... I hope you two understand?..... May the Dark surround Us." she said with a pleasant smile on her elegant face. But there was nothing pleasant behind her words.


    Once thest guard left and closed the door, the magical bindings released them without warning. This caused Ryan''s legs to feel a jolting sensation running from his heels to his hips whennding on the ground with straight knees. He and Hiro were floating about 6 inches in the air, so it wasn''t too bad of a drop, but jarring nheless.


    As Ryan gathered his bnce back he hurried to the table, not knowing what type of stunt Hiro might do to their food. Plus he was starving. So once Ryan got to the table he saw a bowl of water filled with a ck liquid and a bunch of leaves that looked like cabbage. The Dark Elves also left them with a bag of dried meat that was covered in ash.


    ��Well, I guess beggars can''t be choosers. I hope it tastes better than it looks.��


    It took Ryan a while to work up the courage to take the first bite but surprisingly it wasn''t half as bad as it looked.


    ��Again I''ll take any small victory when I can.�� Ryan thought to himself.


    After they started eating, Ryan looked over at Hiro, who was staring at him with that same angry expression on his face when he tried to attack the Dark Elves. Like he was trying to figure out how to kill him without getting caught. Ryan just sighed and shook his head.


    "I''m sorry, Hiro. I didn''t know how else to deal with that situation. You go running around like a chicken with its head cut off."


    "You should have aided me," he said with a grunt.


    "Really!? But what would have happened, if I helped you?" Ryan said while taking a sip of ck liquid. "I would have been stopped just the same way. You were like a fucking rag doll to them, Hiro."


    Then Ryan took a bite out of the dried meat that was covered in ash. "There''s a time and ce to take action and right now I don''t know enough about these Dark Elves. Plus their creed is kind of creepy... May the Dark surround Us."


    Hiro sighed in frustration. "I hate worthless people, like you."


    "Worthless?! Fucking look in a mirror��..�� Ryan tries to calm himself as he continues, ��Haah�� Listen, Hiro, we need to be smart about this, we don��t know what they��re after?"


    "I know," Whispered Hero as he looked off to his side.


    "No, you don''t! That was your second attempt and it probably went just as well as the first." Ryan took a bite of the leaf that looked like cabbage. ''Aach, bitter!'' Ryan cringed after his tongue was saturated by the bitter vegetable.


    He continued, "Listen, if you go for a third attempt I will break both of your goddamn kneecaps. Got it?!" Ryan said as he pointed at him in a threatening manner.


    Hiro grunts in frustration. "Fine! Just be warned Ryan, you are making a powerful enemy. Once I pass these trials and be the One, I��ll break you."


    <span ss="editText">Ryan just shakes his head, ��This guy just got curb stomped and he wants to be their "Chosen One" too? What the fuck is wrong with his brain?�� Ryan thought. ''Plus why would the Dark Elves want humans as their Chosen Ones? It''s probably for the best not to be a Chosen One. If this is how<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> they treat their chosen ones, I''m better off being a nobody.''


    Ryan took a few seconds pondering what the elves'' end game was. Did they need a champion or do they need a sacrifice? Ryan was hoping it was the former.


    ��Who knows what they will do to us? Most likely they want to sacrifice you and me to the Dark entity or something simr.�� Ryan felt a bad omen in his future that he didn��t want any part of.


    ''But it wouldn''t make sense to summon us just to kill us. What the hell do they want from us?''


    The room was silent as Ryan and Hiro stood there speechless. Both were lost in thought.


    ��Yeah, Hiro, the title of Chosen One is all yours my friend.�� Ryan thought while finishing his meal.


    At that point, Ryan decides to turn in for the night. This has been the longest day of his life. And he thought it was only going to continue. "Got to bide my time, and escape from here. You got this Ryan." He says this to himself before Ryan finally drifts off to sleep.

 Vol.1 Ch.04 Waking up from a Nightmare.

    Vol.1 Ch.04 Waking up from a Nightmare.


    While sleeping Ryan had one of the worst nightmares he has ever had in his life. It was chaotic seeing all his loved ones back from Earth, sucked into a war with demons, angels, humans, demi-humans, and monsters.


    With all this going on it seemed like he was being chased by a shadowy being that was cornering him; no matter how hard he tried to escape it was on him like flies to shit. The shadow being had a humanoid look but it was hard toprehend it fully while he was being chased.


    Ryan could swear he heard a woman��s voice taunting, teasing, and flirting with him as he kept running. Or it might have been toying instead of flirting. It''s hard to tell sometimes because he feels they are simr in nature. The only thing he can remember her saying to him was, "Mmm!!! Uhh!!! Mmmm!!! You might be... fated to be the one? F-Finally... we can have our... fun...." She said it in such a seductive whispery voice as she closed in on him.


    <span ss="editText">When hearing that Ryan was filled with dread. He desperately wanted to fight this <span ss="editText">fat<span ss="editText">ed oue. He didn��t want to go to this fantasy world that he<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> had been sucked into.


    With that Ryan came to a dead end with nowhere to run, trapped by this shadow entity as it waited to close in on him. Just before it pounced, Ryan tried to shield himself from the iing danger.


    "No! Stay away!" Ryan yelled at the shadow but it didn''t listen as it got closer to him.


    Ryan begins to panic more and more not knowing what to do.


    ''This can''t be happening! I need to do something, but what!'' Ryan thought to himself.


    Looking upon this shadow entity onest time Ryan noticed it forming two long pointed ears, glowing golden eyes, a devious smile, and tinum silver hair. And before he knew it, it reached out to grab him with surreal speed and then it was all over. As everything went ck.


    ***


    "AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!" Ryan screamed as he rolled off the bed and hit the floor. Ryan was shaking and panting like crazy. It felt like he just ran a marathon through hell.His body felt so weak that he didn''t know if he could get up or not.


    All Ryan could think of was, ''What the fuck just happened?''


    He never had night terrors before in his life until now.


    ��The stress is getting to me.�� He concluded while wiping some sweat away from his brow.


    ��Why did this happen to me?�� Ryan thinks to himself wishing he could be back home.


    He looked up to see Hiro staring at him with a curious expression on his haggard face.


    ��I guess he heard me scream in terror?�� Ryan assumed still trying to calm himself.


    "Shit man! Why do you have to freak out like that?" Hiro questioned him.


    Ryan rubs his eyes and starts to catch his breath.


    "I don''t really know," Ryan said as he sat up, "I was sleeping and I started having this nightmare. I don''t know what it means but it was terrifying! I thought a demon or something was chasing me."


    "Well, your annoying screeching woke me up and there was a weird glowing from your orb," Hiro said with a shit-eating grin. As if to mock Ryan for some reason.


    ''This cursed orb! First, it attacks me, and now it''s giving me nightmares!'' Ryan thinks to himself as he gets up from the cold stone floor. He checked himself out to make sure he didn''t have any cuts or bruises. "What time is it?"


    "How would I know?" Hiro says with a yawn as heys back in his bed, "I''ll be lucky if I can get back to sleep."


    With that, Hiro goes back to bed and Ryan begins to stretch and look around.


    Ryan doesn''t really like this ce, it feels like he��s stuck in a fantasy medieval dungeon. With the uneven stone walls and thecreepy runes on the floor.


    The room was the size of a studio apartment, 20 feet by 30 feet and there were no windows, and the only way out was this one door in the middle of the 30-foot wall, which leads to who knows where.


    Ryan just hopes those trials they were talking about have nothing to do with torture chamber crap.


    While Ryan was lost in his thoughts he started to hear footsteps in the distance again.


    "Looks like we are going to get a visit from our ''lovely'' elven friends," Ryan said sarcastically to himself.


    As the footsteps got louder, Hiro finally noticed visitors would being soon. He had a devious grin written on his face as he got out of his bed. He positioned himself next to the door and he looked like he was preparing to tackle whoever was about toe through that door. Ryan couldn''t believe that Hiro would try to do something so stupid again.


    "Hiro!" Ryan yelled at him trying to get his attention, "I told you I''ll break your kneecaps... so stand down!" Ryan warned him as he started walking over to Hiro as quickly as possible. Ryan clenches his fists in the process and mentally prepares himself to do what he needs to do if Hiro doesn''t cooperate.


    ��Shit! He''s not looking at me. I''m going to have to show him what happens when you mess with the wrong guy.�� Ryan thought as he closed in on Hiro.


    Finally, Ryan reached Hiro, and he put his hand on his shoulder, so Hiro had to turn around towards Ryan.


    Hiro was looking at Ryan with that arrogant smirk like he wasn''t doing anything wrong as his arms crossed showing his defiance towards him.


    "Don''t!�� And you wonder why your friends and family abandon you," Ryan says to him with a frown. Hiro loses his smirk after the insult and was about to argue back when suddenly they hear a loud click from the door unlocking.


    As the door opens, standing in front of them are two Elven women dressed in their traditional warrior outfits which consisted of wearing ck leather armor that covered them from head to toe. On top of their heads, they wore a circlet with an orb on it. One woman was tall and lean with pale skin, light blue eyes, and silver hair. Her circlet had a thorny vine style to it.


    The other was shorter and rounder, with a darkerplexion, dark green eyes, and her brown curly hair pulled back into a bun. She also wore a circlet on her head except hers had a flower petal aesthetic.


    The taller one spoke first, "Summoned ones, you are here to face your first trial. Please follow me, or stay here and face punishment. The choice is yours." She said with a straight face.


    Without waiting for a response she turns around and walks down the hallway. Ryan and Hiro hesitate for a second before following them.


    As they walked behind her through the dark hallway Ryan noticed that her backside was rather cute.


    ��Get your mind out of the gutter, Ryan.��


    <span ss="editText">Ryan shakes his head trying to refocus. He needed to get some answers. And he was going to try<span ss="userText"> and y nice<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> until he could get a better grasp of his situation.


    "Who did you say summoned us?" Ryan asked, trying to y dumb.


    Both of the elves stop and turn around to face Ryan. The taller one moved her face so close to him that he could smell her sweet perfume which made his heart race a little.


    "You were summoned by the High Priestess Yoona of the Nils Moon." She says with a straight face. Showing very little emotion.


    "Lady Yoona?" Ryan questioned.


    "Yes, Lady Yoona. You''ve met her before." She said with a hint of annoyance.


    And that instant it clicked for Ryan. "So, she was the one in the summoning room?" He asked her.


    "Yes, she is the High Priestess of the Nils Moon. She''s been studying you two and trying to decide if you should be allowed into our tribe as the Chosen Ones." She said as she backed away from him.


    Ryan looked back at the taller Elf, whose face was not showing any emotion. "Deciding? Does this have to do with us being human?" Ryan asks her.


    "Not exactly." She answers.


    "Then what does it have to do with us?" Ryan asked trying to keep her talking.


    "Well, why don''t you ask our High Priestess yourself? Come now." She said and started walking again.


    ''Well, I guess I''ll hear this High Priestess out.'' Ryan thought to himself.


    "By the way, I didn''t catch your name," He asked the taller Elf.


    "I''m Sehranya," She said with a straight face.


    "Sehranya? That''s a striking name... I''m Ryan by the way." He says with a slight grin. Hoping to get on Sehranya''s good side.


    But the only response Ryan gets back from her is a slight raising of her eyebrow for a second.


    "Are you done talking?" She asks.


    "I was also hoping to get the name of yourrade, too. If you don''t mind?" Ryan said to Sehranya, while just pointing with his thumb at the smaller dark elf who was behind them.


    While gesturing towards the other Dark Elf, Ryan finally became aware that Hiro was in a headlock.


    ''God dammit Hiro! I don''t pay attention to you for a few seconds and you go and try to get us both killed!'' Ryan thought as his panic started to sink in. He didn''t want to get punished like thest time when Hiro tried to attack them.


    "Her name is Sigrid, best stay out of her way," Sehranya said in a threatening tone towards Hiro.


    "F-Fine, I''m sorry! Aw! I won''t go after your dagger. I-I promise! ARG! Why are you trying to tear my head off!" He says with a pain-stricken look on his face, Sigrid finally lets go of Hiro''s neck after satisfyingly delivering a bit of punishment for his ipetence. Hiro was rubbing his neck and seemed to be more rxed now.


    "You''re lucky you''re a summoned, otherwise Sigrid would have ripped your head clean off. Without a second thought." Sehranya said.


    Hiro stares at her with a bit of a re but shrinks down quickly when the elf looks at him again. While all Ryan could do was shake his head in disbelief.

 Vol.1 Ch.05 High Priestess Yoona

    Vol.1 Ch.05 High Priestess Yoona


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are almost to the great hall." The tall dark elf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan looks back at her with a slightly confused expression. "Is the High Priestess of the Nils Moon going to be there?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, yes she will," Sehranya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While looking at Sehranya, Ryan couldn''t help but think how beautiful her face was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They both walk into the Great Hall of the Nils Moon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When they enter the room, it feels warm and weing, with stone walls, and a ceiling made from stained ss that glows a bright shade of purple and glowing runes in all the pirs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There were so many elves in the room that it was hard for Ryan to see just how many there might be. It took him some time to notice that the end of the great hall was oddly open with fewer elves standing around. Only three female figures were standing at the altar, and they all seemed to have their own distinct charms.


    ''I guess they''re the rulers of the Dark Elves?'' Ryan thought to himself as they approached the threedies.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The first figure must be Yoona the High Priestess of Nils, she seemed to be around 5 ''10", had silky tinum hair, a ck circlet with a jade green gem in the middle of it, vibrant violet eyes, brown tan skin, and a beautiful attractive face. Ryan remembers her well. She was the first person he saw when he first came to this world.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''SHIT! It''s her!'' Ryan begins to sweat, recalling the events of that day.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The second one to the left of the High Priestess was Elianna, also known as the Left Hand of Yoona, whose looks could only be described as beautiful, with her short blonde hair that was styled in a bob cut and her eyes a gorgeous blood red. Her circlet was based on a lightning bolt design.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And then thest one to Yoona''s right. Ryan hadn''t seen her before unless she was wearing a hood over her face in the summoning room. The one thing that stands out about her, was how much shorter she waspared to the rest. She''s also got a bit of a plumpness to her but not much.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yoona is staring straight at Ryan, "You remember me, don''t you? Our first meeting was quite exciting wasn''t it?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan nods his head while taking a deep breath, "Yeah, I guess you could say that?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are one of the most intriguing summoned we''ve had in a while," Yoona says to Ryan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hiro scoffs at that remark. "What do you mean by interesting?" He asks Yoona.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her statement took Ryan aback because he swore Yoona had a disappointed look on her face when he first saw her. ''What''s her angle?'' Ryan thought while trying to keep calm and not show his confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She sighs. "I suppose it''s rather obvious. You are both very different from any other summons that''se before you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So what? What makes us so special?" Hiro asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yoona ces a hand on the altar. "Let me ask you this, Do you know what you are?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan and Hiro exchange nces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... yes? We''re both human." Ryan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yoona chuckles. "That''s correct. You''re the first humans ever to be summoned to our realm."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait, seriously?" Hiro questioned her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yoona nods. "Yes, that''s right. And you were summoned because you two have a special bond with the elven people of thisnd. The other High Priestesses and I believe you are destined for greatness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan was sure that Yoona was lying but he and Hiro nodded their heads.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll exin more about thatter. For now, I would like for you both to start your trial as the chosen ones. Are you ready to begin?" Yoona asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hiroughs out triumphantly while doing a power pose and says to Yoona, "Hell yeah! I was born to be the Chosen One!"


    ''We don''t know what these trials are you moron!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan stands there stunned and confused, while Hiro continues tough at the idea that he and Ryan are to be the Chosen Ones.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see our prayers haven''t been abandoned by the goddess. May the Dark Guide You, Chosen One," Yoona tells Hiro with an elegant smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hiro is looking at Yoona with pure adoration and excitement in his eyes as he looks to prove himself as the next great hero.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good! Now let''s start your first trial, shall we," Yoona states while waving her hand to the side, signaling to someone toe over and lead them to the trials.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan''s eyes widened in shock. "I''m starting my trial as the Chosen One without even knowing why?" He whispers to himself not wanting to draw attention to him as they are walking through different core doors to some unknown ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s with that face?" Hiro asks Ryan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan shakes his head. "Nah, it''s just... forget it." He says while scratching the back of his neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They then go down a set of stairs until they reach a set of huge doors. The doors have arge dark elf symbol carved into the metal te, the carving looks simr to Yoona''s face or some other high priestess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Through those doors is your first trial," Yoona states.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is the first trial?" Ryan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You shall be ying the monsters beyond the dungeon''s gates. This test is to see if you truly are worthy of bing Chosen Ones for the Goddess." Yoona responds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan had no idea what she meant by that but he didn''t want to question it too much since Yoona seemed to know something that he does not.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hiro is beyond excited to begin their trial and Ryan is simply going along with it for now. "I''m finally going to be the one to get power and I''ll never let anyone push me around ever again! Let''s do this!" He says with a sinister grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll be going back to the Great Hall. I will leave you two with our Master in Arms, Joris. He shall aid you in your first trial," Yoona says while pointing to the door that leads to the dungeon.


    <span ss="editText">Joris walks up to Ryan and Hiro with a stern look on his face. "Let''s go." He says with<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> his deep voice.


    <span>When looking at Joris, the first thing you''ll notice about him is, that he��s a hulking beast of a man, who stood over 6 feet tall and looks like he weighs over 250 pounds of pure muscle. He had long wild white hair that was tied up into a ponytail. His circlet looked like a crown made out of a bone with a red gemstone in the middle. He wore silver chain mail armor with a matching cape and ck boots.This guy looks like he can shatter one-ton boulders just by staring at them!


    ''I wonder what Hiro will do to get himself killed by Joris?'' Ryan thought as the door to the dungeon opened up for them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What monster are we ying?" Ryan asked Joris.


    <span>"Kobolds," Joris answered with a bored tone.

 Vol.1 Ch.06 The First Trial

    Vol.1 Ch.06 The First Trial


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Dungeon is dark and gloomy with small glowing orbs that slightly illuminated the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There were many rooms with various kinds of monsters that could be heard from the hallway. When Joris unlocked the door to one of these rooms, Ryan could easily tell there were about five monsters in the dark chamber. When they enter the room the ceiling opens up and a bright lightes from above. It helps illuminate the room including the chained-up monsters that struggled against their restraints.


    "The Kobolds are chained together in the center of this room. Your goal is to y them," Joris says while looking at them to see their reaction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, that''s great," Ryan grumbled with a sigh before he continued, "This is gonna be fun." He says sarcastically while looking at the group of Kobolds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan starts feeling uneasy and has a sense of dread right now because he''s going to be forced to kill something for the first time in his life.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''ve never killed anything bigger than an insect in my life!'' Ryan thought as anxiety started to take hold.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Upon observing the room or cell, Ryan looked at the Kobolds chained up in an X formation in the middle of the room. Each Kobold is over four feet tall and weighs over 120 pounds. They have yellow-green skin with a slimy texture andrge green eyes that glow in the dark. Their faces were covered with a dark purple membrane that was reminiscent of a frog''s mouth.


    "Here. Take these des and aim for the center of their chest or between their eyes, it''s your choice," Joris says in amanding voice.


    Ryan looks at the two des in Joris''s hand before he reaches for one. The des were the size of a Bowie knife. But instead of polished steel, the de looked ck with a dark blue edge on the weapon that looked sharp as hell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hiro takes one of the knives without question, while Ryan takes the other with a slight dy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay. First chance goes to Hiro!" Joris yells at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Hiro readies himself for the first time, he hears Joris speak in a bored tone, "Don''t get yourself killed."


    "Ha!" Hiro shouts with a big smile. "Do you really think I''ll let that happen? Don''t underestimate me! Once I''m in this fight, nobody will stop me!"


    Ryan wanted to face-palm after hearing that unaware idiot speaking so confidently.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Joris was fucking joking, you moron! But if there was a way to get killed by a chained-up monster. I''m sure Hiro could find a way,�� Ryan wanted to retort but held hisments to himself, because of Hiro��s obliviousness. ��Our trial is practically shooting fish in a barrel.��


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan continued to think about how odd their situation was. When you think of a trial, one would believe there is a challenge of some sort. But this was not really a challenge at all.


    Ryan watched as Hiro made his way toward the Kobolds. When he was about five feet away Hiro rushed in and swung his de down on the first Kobold''s skull. He failed to put it out of its misery as Hiro unskillfully hacked away at its head. Causing it to scream loudly as its blood sttered everywhere.


    ''This guy is just an idiot, in and simple.'' Ryan thought while he observed the idiot in front of him struggling to kill the Kobold. By the eleventh strike, Hiro finally killed the monster.


    It only took another minute or two before the first Kobold went silent, and Hiro immediately looked at Ryan and smiled triumphantly, showing off his perfect white teeth. Then Ryan noticed Hiro''s orb ne adsorbing glowing particles of energy into it as the orb began to glow a brighter red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What were those particles?" Ryan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Those are the particles thate from killing monsters. We call it mana." Joris answers with a serious tone. "It''s part of bing a chosen one and it will help change your body into a stronger form."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So if we kill more monsters, we get more mana?" Ryan asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Joris nods. "Yes. That''s what we''re trying to do here."


    Ryan is confused about how the science of mana worked. Like how does the mana know to go to the one that yed it and what does it do to a person''s body to make it stronger?


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I guess the Dark Elves need to be sure that our nes work. Is that why they are giving us such an easy task?'' Ryan wondered as he watched thest of the mana enter Hiro''s body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You need to understand that the magic that runs this world is different from yours," Joris exins. "It''s all based on the elements of nature. When you kill something, you release its mana into the air. Then it goes to the one who ys them. But enough talking, Ryan you''re up."


    ''Magic? But, wee from a world of science, Joris. And I''m just supposed to ept all of this?... Uh-oh! Joris is staring at me... It looks like I can''t dy this any longer. Fuck... I really don''t want to do this,'' thought Ryan while he readied his de and began to walk toward the other Kobolds that Hiro hadn''t killed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Ryan gets closer to the Kobolds, he notices that the chains on the Kobolds are made of a strange material. It''s hard and seems to be indestructible. And the Kobolds are struggling against the chains.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry man, I really don''t want to do this," Ryan says to the Kobold as the monster struggles to break free from its bindings.


    The Kobold looks at Ryan with its eye sockets, which have no pupils and its mouth open as if in pain. ''They must not have eaten recently.'' Ryan thought to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryanes in close to the Kobold and swings his de down at one of them. The de cuts right through the creature''s chest, causing it to stop moving instantly as the blood starts pouring out of its wound. Ryan felt the guilt of ending the creature as he saw the life leave the Kobold''s eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That was too easy," Ryan said with a whisper.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then those simr particles from before started to enter Ryan''s body causing the orb ne to glow its golden light. He can feel the energy moving around and it starts spreading from the ne into his body.


    ''Oh? D-Damn... This feels way more pleasant than I thought. If I''m not careful, I might get addicted to this feeling.'' Ryan thought as this sensation began to send a shiver down his spine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took about fifteen minutes before Hiro and Ryan killed the rest of the Kobolds. Ryan could feel the mana running through his body after ying the second monster. He was struggling to hold back his moans.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Man, I''m getting a little addicted to this sensation," Ryan muttered to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I love this power," Hiro said with excitement as his orb ne glowed brighter than Ryan''s orb after ying three monsters.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan then looks at Joris, who is still watching over the two humans.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is there anything else we need to do?" Ryan asks Joris.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are waiting until your orbs reach a high enough level so you can fight properly."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aww, man! Can''t I kill some more monsters to get stronger!" Hiro said with some annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You��ve done enough for your first trial." Said Joris, who is still watching over the two of them. Then he continues, "We��ll meet up with Lady Yoona and then retire for today."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Joris motions to them to follow as he takes the two human males back to the Great Hall where the Dark Elves are gathered.


    ***


    <span style="font-weight:400">When they enter the Great Hall again, Ryan and Hiro hear a lot of whispering going around about the two humans.


    "The Twins of Mournhold. They are glowing again," Whispered a tall elf with ck hair and red eyes wearing te armor. He and his friend were staring back and forth at their nes.


    "It is true, we were told these humans are the ones." Another male elf with a simr outfit says to the other elves. "But I do not believe it yet. We should wait-." Ryan couldn''t hear thest of what he was whispering as they walked passed them to the alter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Silence! Do not speak against our new chosen one or face the consequences!" A female Dark Elf yells across the room.


    Everyone in the hall goes silent as Lady Yoonaes down from the altar where she motions for them toe to her. As they walk towards Yoona, she looks at Hiro and Ryan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her violet eyes stare at Hiro''s glowing orb first, then at Ryan''s as she smirks before she turns her attention to her people in the main hall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, the Twins of Mournhold truly have chosen these two humans as our Chosen Ones!" said Yoona while she could barely contain her excitement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Twins of Mournhold?" Ryan asks.


    Yoona looked at Ryan so she could answer him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, the goddess created these artifacts for the chosen ones to protect ournds from theing cmity," Yoona says as shecontinues exining to Hiro and Ryan.


    Joris walked closer to them while Yoona was talking.


    "My Priestess, I believe the Chosen Ones are ready to y stronger monsters to absorb a greater amount of mana. Starting tomorrow."


    "You are sure?" Yoona looked at Joris with a pleased look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am certain my Priestess."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then let us rest my Chosen Ones. For you are going to have a busy week ahead of you."


    Hiro had his arms crossed as his over-inted ego began to rise to unhealthy levels when he continued to listen to Yoona''s praise. While Ryan still had his doubts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What exactly does being a Chosen One mean exactly?" Ryan asked Yoona.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That is for you to be our protectors."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Protectors?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yoona nodded. "Yes, the Twin of Mournhold will be our greatest protector."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on man! What don''t you get? She just wants us to work for her. So, stop being so stupid," Hiro added with a "know it all" smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan red at Hiro.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan wanted to y dumb to try to extract more info about being the Chosen One for the Sorellians. And Hiro is running interference unwittingly!


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What?!." Hiro stuttered.


    "You two are so close. I can tell... But, I''m sure both of you are famished after having such a long day... Come! Let''s eat," Yoona said to both Ryan and Hiro.


    Ryan shook his head and sighed, ''I don''t have the energy for this crap... I just want food for now. I''ll try againter,'' Ryan thought as he followed the elves to the banquet hall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Both men followed her to a dining hall. There was arge crescent-shaped table where Yoona sat down with them.

 Vol.1 Ch.07 About the World.

    Vol.1 Ch.07 About the World.


    "There''s no need to act so anxiously, Ryan," Yoona said with a smirk.


    "You think I''m anxious?" Ryan realized his poker face was slipping in front of the High Priestess under all this pressure.


    Yoona chuckled, then summoned the servants to ce some bread and meat onto the tes. "You are clearly anxious, how could you not be."


    "Haah... It''s that obvious, aye?... All of this is hard for me to ept. I mean, so much stuff has happened to me in such a short time," Ryan said as he looked Yoona in the eyes.


    "You will be fine," Yoona said as she took a bite of her bread. "The Goddess of Nils seems unorthodox in her choices, but it''s only because we can''t fullyprehend her visions. And is never wrong."


    "Who is the Goddess of Nils?" Ryan asked.


    "Our Goddess, Nils, is the Dark Goddess. Her true form is kept hidden away in Darkness." Yoona exined as she took a sip of her wine. "But she''s our goddess of rebirth, of life, and death."


    ''Huh? Hidden in shadows? Did shee to me in my dreamsst night? I don''t like this.'' Ryan shivered at the thought of the goddess messing with his dreams.


    "You said she''s the goddess of life and death?"


    "In this world, we have two kinds of people. Those who live, and those who die. As they say ''Only the strong survive.'' Plus there''s the nonliving of course." She says with a smirk.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">"So, how bad is the division between the races?" Ryan asked as he felt a sense of d��j�� vu as if he''d seen this cliche scenario in anime before.


    ''This sounds way too familiar. It''s starting to feel too simr to fiction. I don''t need to be caught up in a war of the races.'' Ryan thought.


    "Very good, Ryan. You''re a smarter one, aren''t you," Yoona looked him straight in the eyes with an amused look.


    ''Shit!'' Ryan identally let his facade of acting dumb slip in front of Yoona. ''Now it''s going to be harder to y dumb in front of her in the future. Maybe it has something to do with the food they gave us or this mana that''s absorbed into my body? I''m having a tougher time trying to y coy with the Sorellians.''


    "Yes, we share this world with many other races."


    "Which races?" Ryan asked.


    Yoona smiled. "There are other Dark Elves, also humans, dwarves, and demi~"


    *SLAM!*


    Hiro pped both of his hands on the table and yelled.


    "And d-d-d-demi-humans!?" Hiro screeched with excitement, interrupting Yoona. His outburst caused everyone to jump in their seats as they all turned to look at the human. The dark elves at the table had a look of shock or annoyance written all over their faces.


    ''Damnit Hiro! I almost had a heart attack because of you!'' Ryan thought as he tried to calm himself and noticed some Dark Elves ring at Hiro.


    Yoona shook her head. "Yes, there are demi-humans. I don''t know why that''s such a big deal. They are a migratory race. Quite a boring species if you ask me."


    ''I''ve never seen Hiro so starry-eyed before. Haah... He has a one-track mind. I need to ignore him and find something edible to eat. I''m going to need my strength if I''m going to get out of here...''


    Ryan looked around at the food on the table, ''God, this meal looks disgusting... J-Just don''t look at it and try it, Ryan. You ate their crap earlier and it was fine... I think,'' Ryan thought as he summoned the strength to try eating his unusual elven dinner.


    He picked up some dark blue meat. Or maybe it was a vegetable, it was tough to tell as he brought it closer to his lips. He didn''t want to eat such disgusting-looking food again, but he was so damn hungry that he had to try.


    To his surprise, it tasted fine but he needed to keep his eyes closed when he put some of the dark blue-colored meat in his mouth. It kind of looked like amb shoulder de, and there were some vegetables that Ryan couldn''t make heads or tails what they were.


    ''Anyway, it seems like Hiro is contemting how to get his fantasy waifu he''s always wanted. I pity the demi-human thates across Hiro.'' Ryan shook his head before getting his thoughts back on track. ''Well let''s find out who the Dark Elves are warring with?''


    "So, what race is your enemy?" Ryan asked as he finally finished his elven cuisine.


    "Our main obstacle is the Alliance of the Divine Three. They''re abination of human kingdoms." As Elianna jumps into our conversation. "They''re ruled by the Kingdom of Nornd and the Holy Kingdom of Chalced. When the Alliance of the Divine Three was formed, the Dark Elves were forced to make peace with them."


    "More like a non-aggression pact than a peace between Sorellia and the Divine Three," Yoona adds as she sips her tea.


    Ryan nodded. "Why is there friction between Sorellia and the Divine Three? It seems like there''s more to this story?"


    "That is because of the current king of the Divine Three... His name is Rolmund and he has the backing of their Prophet," Elianna said with a sigh. "He''s got a penchant for purifying anything that is unholy in the eyes of the Divine Three."


    "Purify?" Ryan asked with worry. He assumed that the war was overnd, but if this is about a holy war then this is a bigger issue than he had first anticipated.


    Elianna nodded. "When the Divine Three found out about us, they sent an envoy to tell us to leave the area or be destroyed, and by leave, they meant purged. It didn''t take them too long before the Divine Three brought their pdins to purge us. It was like they wanted to murder my people for fun."


    <span ss="editText">''FUCK! Did we get summoned to stop a genocide<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">? Are you kidding me!? I don''t even have enough time to get a good night''s rest! Why the fuck are we the ones that have to solve their problems?'' Ryan''s heart sank as he listened to Elianna''s tale.


    "Our Goddess sent us the Twins of Mournhold in our time of need. So we could summon the Chosen Ones. So, we are able to destroy all of those whom the Goddess has deemed Unholy," Yoona exined as she sat back in her chair.


    <span ss="userText">Ryan wanted to cry right then and there<span ss="aiText">, but he couldn''t. He was just a little too exhausted. He couldn''t believe what he had just heard.


    ''Is this how I''m going to die? Being a hero for these crazy elf women?... I-I need to keep cool and get stronger. Then I need to find a way back home to my family.'' Ryan''s mind started to wander as he sat there.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">The elves continued to eat their food as Ryan pondered over what they just told him."So, you mean to say that there are other races out there that want to purify all those who aren''t worshiping simr gods?"


    "Correct. It''s not only the Divine Three that want to end us, but the Angels and the High Elves wish for our demise as well."


    <span>''So, I''m on the side that has Angelsing after them. Great!'' Ryan was realizing how much moreplicated things were bing. It was like the whole world wanted the dark elves dead.


    <span ss="editText">''Even if I do escape from the Sorellians, I''ll probably be attacked by the human race by association. All because of this stupid, Dark Elven, ne on my goddamn neck!'' Ryan wanted to run and hide somewhere. So he could curl up into a ball<span ss="aiText"> and cry. But, he had to <span ss="editText">sideline<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> his own feelings and get through this, for now. There were other things that he needed to know and ask.


    <span>"Don''t you guys have allies or something with some of the other races?" Ryan asked in desperation.


    "There''s the coalition of the Dark Races," Elianna says as she looks down at her te. "They are made up of Demons, Orcs, and Vampires. The Demon Empire of Valmar is led by a powerful sorcerer named Garuda. His army consists of thousands of demons and has conquered countlessnds. He now seeks to conquer the world."


    "Vampires rule over the Eastern Continent. It is said that the Vampires created the Holy Church of Mcath. As for the Orcs, they''re more nomadic. They live in tribes. The two major tribes are the Blood Horde and the Cinder Ash n, but many others exist as well."


    <span>"Wait, I thought Vampires would have been more unholy creatures than holy? Why make a Holy Church then?" Ryan asked getting sidetracked.


    <span>"Heh heh heh. That''s your human biasing through," Yoonaughed with a bunch of other Dark Elves in the room. She continued, "What is holy to Vampires is unholy to Humans, and vice versa. We don''t think like you humans do. You''re far too rigid in your ways. Always worrying about everything that isn''t like you."


    <span>''H-Hey! I-I feel like she''s talking to me specifically. I''ve got nothing to do with that shit, right?... Who am I kidding!? I still think they''re up to something, but I have no proof of that... Fine! You got me there, Yoona.'' Ryan thought as he had to concede to Yoona''s logic.


    "Touche" was all Ryan said in return.


    ''Well, I guess the elves<span ss="editText">'' Dark Goddess<span ss="userText"> is holypared to the Divine Three Gods who are unholy heretics<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. So, in their eyes, the elves aren''t the onesmitting unholy acts. What a clusterfuck,'' Ryan thought as he tried to understand everything he''s learned so far.


    Ryan never cared for religion back on Earth, because it was more of a way to control the citizens who foundfort in ignorance of faith. This faith was <span ss="editText">a great way for people to cope with the reality of their world. And this annoyed him to no end<span ss="userText"> when they used<span ss="aiText"> it to justify their actions.


    <span>Religion was supposed to be a set of morals or standards used by people to live by. However, some religions took it too far. People in power would use religion as an excuse to oppress others who were different from themselves or the scientificmunity.


    <span>It didn''t help that religion and politics went hand in hand because in most cases, people with wealth and political influence were the ones to create religion, not the gods themselves.


    <span>But here in this new world, gods and magic existed together, while science seems to be nonexistent. And the gods seemed to be more hands-on in this world than what he was used to. He had to ept that higher powers were in y in this world. And he had to assume that most of the gods here are not benevolent either after hearing about the creeds of other races.


    <span>This was the first time he had felt so lost in his entire life. He wasn''t prepared to be thrown into a situation like this. He could barelyprehend the events that had taken ce so far, and it seemed like things were going to get even moreplicated. But Ryan couldn''t give in to his despair. He needed to be strong and fight his way through this. No matter how scared and confused he was, he had to push forward.


    "Hmm..." Yoona smiled back at Ryan and Elianna was nodding as well.


    After a moment of reflection, Ryan asked. "Is the entire human race against you?"


    <span>Elianna shook her head, "No, there are some human kingdoms to the north of the Divine Three that have no hostility towards us. They''re neutral kingdoms but they will unite under the threat of extinction. So we can''t rely on them to stop their brethren."


    Ryan nodded back at her after he thought for a minute to digest what he just learned.


    <span>Then he turned towards Yoona, "So, you''re okay with us because we got summoned? You don''t mind the goddess summoning humans?"


    <span>Yoona looked back at him with a surprised look on her face. She tilted her head to the side and then sheughed out loud. "You are so funny, Ryan." She teased him yfully before she could answer his question.


    <span>All Ryan could do was wait for her to stopughing at him. It wasn''t maliciousughter but it was still annoying because he wasn''t trying to be funny. He was curious how she really felt about summoning humans instead of some other dark elves. He rxed a bit after seeing Yoona and the other elves acting so indifferent now.


    <span>''If she wanted to kill us and eat our souls or something, then it probably would have happened by now. Or at least that''s what I hoped. But I can''t shake this feeling that Yoona was disappointed when she saw me the first time I came to this world... Whatever, at least I don''t have to worry about them killing us for no reason.''


    <span>After she calmed herself, she smiled warmly at him and started to answer his question. "Of course, we don''t mind! Why wouldn''t I want you here? You are our Chosen Ones."


    <span>Ryan still couldn''t tell if she really meant what she was saying, because it was hard to shake the feeling that she was extremely disappointed when a second human, with no mana, was summoned into their world. He knew what he saw when she firstid her eyes upon him and it was so weird that her attitude towards them did a 180-degree turn in a day.


    He couldn''t shake the suspicion that she might be hiding something from him. But he has no concrete evidence to back up his gut feelings right now and he wished his gut feelings were wrong about Yoona and the rest of the Dark Elves.


    ''Maybe I''m being too paranoid?'' Ryan told himself.


    <span>He then looked around at everyone else in the dining hall. Everyone seemed like they were enjoying themselves and Ryan started thinking that things might be better than he first thought. But that''s when Hiro suddenly decided to stand up and mmed his hands on the table to get everyone''s attention again.


    <span>''Oh, fuck me... Why now Hiro?'' Ryan was so invested in everything Yoona and Elianna were telling him that hepletely forgot about Hiro until he made another outburst.


    <span>Hiro on the other hand was happy to have all eyes on him as he began to announce, with enthusiasm, "I know what my next goal, as your Chosen One, shall be!"


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    <span>All of the dark elves in the dining hall went silent and stopped what they were doing so they could give Hiro their undivided attention. Even the servants stopped what they were doing as they too listened to the human male that stood before them.

 Vol.1 Ch.08 Hiro the Death Fang!

    Vol.1 Ch.08 Hiro the Death Fang!


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    Either everyone was silently waiting for Hiro��s answer, or some were not trying to interact with him at all. Ryan was on thetter side. He was so engrossed in the conversation with Yoona and Ellianna that Ryanpletely forgot about Hiro and his antics.


    Ryan can only imagine what cringy trope Hiro is pulling off now.


    <span ss="editText">''Fuck me! He better not be thinking about enving the demi-humans.'' Ryan dreaded the thought <span ss="undoDeletionText">that the other dark elves would lump him in with Hiro. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion and Ryan couldn''t do anything to stop it, besides<span ss="editText"><span ss="aiText">wa<span ss="editText">iting to see<span ss="aiText"> if his prediction was righ<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">t.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All he could do was close his eyes while rubbing his temples with his fingers to hold back his headache that was starting to form thanks to Hiro drawing out the suspense.


    "I will be a Vampire, so I can smite all those who dare oppose me! Mountains shall crumble, and rivers will flow with the blood of my enemies! This world shall tremble once it knows my name, Hiro Death Fang!" He yelled out loud like a third-rate viin in an anime. He was brooding in a way that made him look more juvenile than menacing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"............"


    The silence was so deafening in the dining hall that you could hear a pin drop from a mile away. <span ss="editText">Ryan couldn''t help but feel embarrassed in proximity to him.If he <span ss="editText">cou<span ss="editText">ld, he would crawl under a rock<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to escape this awkward atmosphere.


    ''God! How can someone be so stupid as Hiro, cane from my world?'' He groaned internally. ''Does he want to be a fucking vampire warlord? What cliche bullshit is this?! GAH! I think I��m going to die from 2nd-hand embarrassment.��


    Ryan slowly cracked open his eyes, in dread, to see how the Dark Elves'' were reacting to Hiro''s idiocy. And to Ryan''s surprise, it looked like most of the elves had a confused look on their faces than that of disdain.<span ss="editText"> They were confused by Hiro��s logic, orck thereof, more than<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> anything else.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a while of not getting a response, Hiro''s confident demeanor faded when he didn''t get the reaction he was hoping for.


    "W-What? You don''t believe me?" Hiro stuttered as he broke the silence.


    <span ss="editText">"Well��. The thing about Vampires is, that you can only be born into that race. It''s not<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> something you can turn into. I heard it has something to do with their bloodline, but that''s the extent of what I know about them." Ellianna spoke out in a matter-of-fact tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But I thought I c-could be turned into one if I d-drank their blood or something?" Hiro said with his confident facade crumbling before our eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. You seem to be confusing ghouls with vampires, Hiro." Yoona stated as she seemed to regain herposure and she continued, <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s a fate worse than death. You would be an undead serf to a vampire, with no free will of your own. You would barely be one step above a zombie. And I wouldn''t wish it upon my worst enemy."


    The whole table was silent as they all looked at Hiro like he was an idiot, which in fairness, he was. But for the first time, Ryan was starting to feel bad for Hiro''s idiocy, but only a little. Ryan could remember a time when he dered something that he believed was a fact, only to bepletely wrong in front of arge crowd of his ssmates. Like when he thought a kid stole hisb from him only to find out that he had the same one as his. Ryan felt like an idiot that day, but he was ten years old when he did that, instead ofbeing neen like Hiro was.


    ��At the end of the day, Hiro needs to learn from his mistakes. And that��s something I can��t help him with.�� Ryan thought as he decided to help clear up the confusion about Vampire lore from Earth.


    "Ahem... Yoona? I can help exin why Hiro is confused about the Vampire thing. Where we are from, there''s folklore about vampires and it seems they are a lot different than the ones here. For starters, to be one from our world, a human has to be bitten by them, and it turns a human into a vampire, over time, like a sickness. They''re immortal and drink human blood to survive. So, Hiro thought it would be a simple thing to do. But like all things, he assumed too much," Ryan said as he tried his best to not make himself look like an idiot as well. He hoped to rify Hiro��s strange statement for the elves.


    All the dark elves started whispering to themselves and nodded at each other after hearing Ryan''s words. They all seemed to understand why Hiro was confused.


    "Hmm... I didn''t know that, so I apologize. We were all just surprised by your deration and didn''t know how to react. So, we can''t me him for his idiocy, he knows nothing of Vampires in our world. What''s important is we get the Chosen One some lessons, so he doesn��t identally be someone''s ve. He''s got to be taught how to survive on Tertius." Ellianna says as she stands up with her hand on her hip.


    Hiro looked annoyed at the fact that the Dark Elf was referring to him as an idiot, and the other elves seemed to agree with Ellianna''s suggestion. Ryan couldn''t help but feel like he was already a ve to the Dark Elves, no matter how many times they referred to them as the "Summoned Ones" or the "Chosen Ones" it didn''t change the fact that Ryan was forced to live in a world where he didn''t want to be.


    ��Well, it kind of feels like we are already serfs to the Dark Elves. They aren''t telling us the truth about why they brought us here and I don''t know if their motives are just. I can''t trust them fully yet, at least until I learn more about this world.'' Ryan thought as he felt unsure of what the dark elves truly wanted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Orcs are Unholy, Vampires are Holy, and Dark Elves are Holy, so that means humans are Unholy too!?" Hiro said in his weird mumbling voice. "This world makes no sense." He just shook his head in disbelief.


    "You''re confused, Chosen One. We will teach him more about this world as soon as possible," Ellianna says as she walks over to Hiro''s side.


    <span ss="editText">��Pfft!... Best of luck to you, Ellianna.�� Ryan thought as he didn''t<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> believe anyone would be able to teach Hiro anything.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whatever, I''ll learn as I go," Hiro said as he waved his hands dismissively.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yoona sighs and stands up. "You''re such an idiot, Hiro. It''s unbefitting of a Chosen One to dismiss our teachings so lightly."


    <span style="font-weight:400">She then walks away towards the door. "I''ll be retiring for the night. And you two better do the same. So, you can be well rested for your next trial."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan then turns his attention to Hiro as he continues to mumble to himself with a grim look written on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go, Hiro," Ryan said with a smile trying to help lighten the mood, for some reason.


    Hiro was still staring at the ground. It looked like he was daydreaming about something. asionally, Hiro would move his body like he was beating up imaginary creatures or people.


    ''Goddammit... I hope he can ease up on his antics. Things are already difficult as is.'' Ryan thought as a guard came up next to him.


    Ellianna and a couple of guards escorted them back to their room. They walked down the hallway, then down a set of stairs until they finally arrived in front of the familiar door that led to their room. They walk inside and Ellianna stops then turns to look at Ryan.


    "You and Hiro better rest for now. It''s going to be a long... day for you two," She said in a coy tone. Then she nodded to the guards, and they left them alone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then Ellianna closes the door behind them and walks up to Ryan. "Get ready. We need to make sure you are prepared for tomorrow."


    "W-What are you doing?" Ryan asked with confusion and fear.


    <span>"Don''t worry, I''m here to make sure that you have a good night''s rest. We can''t have our Chosen Ones tired for tomorrow. It would displease, Lady Yoona if you''re not prepared for the next trial," Ellianna says with a reassuring smile.


    <span ss="editText">"We''ll make sure not to disappoint Lady Yoona," Ryan said while trying to fake a smile. At the same time, he tried to <span ss="editText">mask how ufortable he was when Ellianna came in close to him. He could smell<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the faint scent of the perfume she was wearing. It had a floral aroma that was pleasing to the nose.


    <span ss="aiText">''Dammit. Now what?! This woman is too close forfort and she wants to help prepare me for tomorrow.<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> She better not get any funny ideas.'' Ryan thought. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, but not from excitement, but rather, apprehension.


    <span>��Hehe... You''re so, nervous? It��s like you''ve never been around a woman before.�� Ellianna was yfully teasing Ryan. He didn��t know why she wasing onto him so strongly. Sure he was okay in the looks department. But she was on a whole different level than him. He couldn''t see why someone like her would find him interesting.


    <div>


    <span ss="editText">But the thing that was bugging him the most was the fact he had a very pretty girlfriend back on Earth. She wasn''t on Ellianna''s level with her strikingly, gorgeous, blood-red eyes, petite nose, luscious lips, short blond hair, hourss figure, big breasts, that defy gravity, nice round butt, and long, elegant, legs. A ss S beauty that can turn any man into putty in her hands. And Ryan had a rule about women of her caliberflirting with a guy of his caliber<span ss="aiText">, and it was simple. <span ss="userText">They wanted something from him that didn''t have to do with<span ss="aiText"> him being an attractive male specimen.<span ss="editText"> S<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">as<span ss="editText"> exploiting him for something<span ss="aiText">, he was sure of it, but he couldn''t figure out what.<span ss="editText"> He didn''t want to cheat on his girlfriend, but <span ss="undoDeletionText">she was<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> making it hard for him not to be tempted.


    Ryan<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> could feel sweat dripping down his brow as his mind raced. H<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">e k<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">new he needed t<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">o calm down<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I��m ttered to get the attention of a beautiful woman, but what��s the catch?�� Ryan tried to put a little distance between him and Ellianna, but she wasn��t giving him the opportunity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Hey, why are you hanging with that loser baby,�� Hiro said with a shit-eating grin. ��You should get with your true hero.��


    <span>Ryan grimaced at Hiro��s cringy pickup line, while Ellianna paused for a moment. She showed a hint of disgust before she recovered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Oh boy! Is she pissed?�� Ryan thought while trying to get a read on the elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She then turns to look at Hiro with sharp predator eyes and says, ��Oh? There��s more than enough of me to go around, little boy.��


    <span style="font-weight:400">��L-Little BOY?�� Hiro retorted with dissatisfaction. ��I��m three times the man that Ryan could ever be!"


    <span>��Hmm, we��ll see about that,�� Ellianna said while she turned her attention back to Ryan when her red eyes began to glow as she whispered some incantation for a second.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was hard to describe but Ellianna multiplied right in front of their eyes. It took only a few seconds before there were six of her in their room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I��m not sure what she��s nning to do to us. But I��m sure it��s not going to be good,�� Ryan swallowed once he noticed how dry his throat became upon witnessing the strange situation unfolding in front of him.

 Vol.1 Ch.09 Now We’re All Alone.

    Vol.1 Ch.09 Now We��re All Alone.


    Three of the Elliannas'' went over to Hiro and ushered him to his side of the room with an excited look on his face. As for Ryan the other three were slowly pushing him towards his bed.


    "W-what are you doing Ellianna."


    "We are here to help cleanse you, Ryan." Ellianna on the left said while holding his arm.


    "Your body is covered in sweat and dirt after such a long day." the one on the right said while pushing his shoulder.


    "I-I can wash myself, I wouldn''t want to inconvenience you Ellianna." Ryan tried to put up somest bit of resistance to Ellianna''s charm. A resistance that was crumbling fast as Ryan''s arousal was starting to take hold of his body.


    "Oh, you could never inconvenience us, our Chosen One." Ellianna in the middle said with a seductive voice and a mischievous smile. As she pushed Ryan to sit on the bed while the other two were holding my arms so I couldn''t move.


    "Yeah you''re right, let''s make sure we don''t mess anything up while we help cleanse him." the one on the right said while pouring water from a jug onto a cloth and wiping off Ryan''s body.


    The only clothes that were on Ryan were the elven boxer briefs they gave him this morning.


    "Once a person has been cleansed it''s easier to teach them about the ways of the Chosen One."


    ***


    "Ooh!" Hiro grunted loudly from the other side of the room. He waspletely naked and looked like he just orgasmed as well. As they tucked him into his bed.


    "W-w-wait I-I can-n go a-another ro-ound." As Hiro struggled to stay awake.


    "Ssshhh. Now rest Chosen One." Ellianna said while cing a hand on Hiro''s forehead. Which made Hiro pass out cold.


    ***


    Ryan suddenly felt his briefs yanked down to his ankles and he gasped at the feeling of Ellianna''s soft bare skin against his throbbing cock. Ellianna''s hand was slowly stroking his cock with the cleansing cloth in between them.


    "Now we should have no more distractions between us," Ellianna said with a smile as she grabbed Ryan''s cock with both hands and started jerking him off.


    "U-Uhhhhh!" Ryan groaned as his cock grew harder and longer as he was getting so turned on, he didn''t know how much more he couldst, under Ellianna''s skilled hands.


    "You look like you need to do an internal cleansing as well." Ellianna on the right said with a grin before taking care of Ryan''s backside.


    "N-No... I can do that on my own..." Ryan tried to deny Ellianna''s touch but she gripped his waist tightly and forced him to sit on his butt with his legs spread apart.


    "It''s fine if you can trust me," Ellianna said as she erotically licked her lips. As she continues to work on Ryan''s ass with the cloth in between their bodies. As the one in front of him was working his cock. As her hands pumped faster and faster on his shaft. His hips began to rock back and forth and he neared orgasm.


    "Aaahhh! N-No! Don''t!" Ryan said as thest Ellianna gripped his hair.


    "Just let go, Ryan," Ellianna whispered as she continued to jerk him off.


    "OH FUCK!" Grunted Ryan.


    As Ryan''s breath came in short gasps and his body tensed up as he felt a sensation he had never experienced before as his cock erupted for the first time today. His body trembled as his cum shot across the room. It wasn''t like any orgasm he had before in his life!? It spread out from his crotch and seemed to envelop his whole body from head to toe as the sensation lingered. It felt better than anything he''d ever felt before. This strange orgasm seemed to go on for much longer than usual. Ryan''s mind was aplete nk as he tried toprehend what he was experiencing.


    "Oh my!" Ellianna said as she pulled the cloth away from Ryan. "Hmm, it seems you''re still going strong,"


    Licking her lips as she looked at Ryan''s rock-hard cock. "Let''s get to workdies," she stated, and all of her duplicates went when to work on Ryan''s body with their magic fingers.


    "W-Wait." Ryan tried to protest but his body was still feeling an amazing sensation again all over and couldn''t resist.


    "Yes?" Ellianna asked as she was busy touching his chest with her magic hands.


    "I-I t-think-k I''m g-good Ellianna." Ryan tried to reason with her. He noticed a strange soreness under his nipples now. It felt like there was a hard little ball there, and it ached slightly as she touched it.


    "Oh really? And why do you think that?" She asked as she started to finger around his nipple and pinched them hard, which brought Ryan another amazing sensation he never felt before and it surprised him.


    ''The fuck!? Why do my nipples feel so GOOD!?'' Ryan was panicking as he desperately tried to wiggle free from Ellianna''s grasp. ''How does this feel better than my dick!?''


    "Why are you moaning, Ryan?" Ellianna said as she continued to touch his nipples.


    "Uuuhh! B-Because... Uhhh! Th-That''s wh-what t-they s-s-seem to b-be w-doing!?" Ryan panicked as he was reaching his climax fast.


    "Naughty boy," Ellianna said as she moved over to Ryan and straddled his waist.


    She started to stroke Ryan''s cock again as she kissed Ryan passionately. As she stroked his cock and kissed Ryan deeply. He couldn''t take it anymore.


    "FUUUCK!" Ryan yelled as he blew his load across the room with his eyes rolled up in his eye sockets from his soul-shaking orgasm.


    "Oh yes!" Ellianna giggled andughed as she licked up Ryan''s cum from her hand. "Looks like that''s enough cleansing for tonight. Sleep well, Chosen One."


    "Hah, hah, hah, haah." Ryan could only heavily breathe while lying there surrounded by the Elliannas''.


    ''W-What the fuck just happened to me?'' Ryan thought with a bit of rity after his climax.


    Ryan was exhausted and fell asleep almost immediately after his heart rate dropped down. Ellianna cleaned up the rest on Ryan and put him to bed.


    ***


    <strong>Ellinna</strong>

 Vol.1 Ch.10 Awkward Morning

    Vol.1 Ch.10 Awkward Morning


    After another night of restless sleep filled with nightmares. Mostly about him facing his own demise at the hands of a shadowy Dark Elf. Ryan wakes up to the sound of someone yelling at him. His eyes opened wide with surprise when he heard his name.


    "Ryan!" Hiro shouts from inside the room.


    Ryan sat up in a hurry, startled by hearing Hiro calling out his name.


    "What is it?" Ryan asks while looking at himself. In his nightmare, the shadowy elf scratched his body with her sharp nails multiple times.


    Ryan noticed his skin was smoother than normal, ''Where is my body hair? It''s all gone!?�� Then Ryan noticed his hair felt shaggier than normal.


    ��What in the hell is happening to me?�� Ryan questioned himself quietly.


    "Dude, you were yelling in your sleep again. I��m fucking tired." Hiro said in a huff andid back in his bed.


    "My bad," Ryan mumbled in a low voice andy back down too.


    ��So, I guess we don��t want to talk aboutst night, huh? I don��t me ya.�� As Ryan reflected onst night''s events


    ***


    They bothy there in silence, not knowing what to say, neither one saying anything for a minute or two. Then Ryan realized how awkward it became.


    "So, what do you think we''ll have to kill for today''s trial?" Ryan asked Hiro.


    "I don''t know. What do you think?" Hiro answered as he looked around.


    "I have no clue either. Yesterday was the first time I''ve killed something bigger than a mouse and I haven''t done anything like this before." Ryan said as he sat up.


    ��...��


    ��...��


    "Well, if we''re going to do this then let''s get started," Hiro said as he stood up and walked towards the door naked.


    ''Christ Hiro, cover up man!'' Ryan grimaced when he saw Hiro''s shame out in the open.


    "........Gotcha," Ryan said as he stood up from his bed with a sheet around his waist.


    Soon they could hear footsteps againing their way so Ryan stood there covering his nakedness with the bed sheet just in case.


    Hiro stopped himself from opening the door and backs away.


    When the door opened, Ryan could see a group of three Dark Elf Guards wearing masks and Ellianna was leading them. They all wore purple robes and had golden masks covering their faces.


    Ellianna walks over to them and gives each of them a smile. She looks at Ryan and says "You look rested today."


    Images ofst night shed in Ryan��s mind and he felt a warm heat wash over his body.


    "Thank you?" Ryan said with a blush.


    ��Why am I feeling shy all of a sudden?��


    "And you''re looking good as well," Ellianna said and gave Hiro a wink.


    Hiro got a smug look after Ellianna''splement.


    "Well, we can''t have you two continue your trials naked, now can we," Ellianna said sarcastically. "So here''s a new set of clothes for you both."


    She handed each of us a set of clothes to wear.


    "Thanks," Ryan said with a smile.


    Ellianna smiled back and turned to go to the door. "Get dressed so we can go to the dining hall for breakfast."


    Both Ryan and Hiro looked at each other as they changed into their new clothes and went to the door. They followed Ellianna to the dining room where they prepared an Elven breakfast for them.


    The clothes that they gave them are outfits you would see at a ren fair back on Earth. So we got a pair of ck leather cavalier boots, dark Philipp canvas trousers, and a ck poet''s shirt.


    ��I feel like a damn goth kid right now... All I''m missing is dark makeup and dying my hair ck.��


    Ryan was ufortable with his new outfit and wished he could find something else.


    ***


    After breakfast, Ellianna tells them about the trials they''ll have to do today.


    "First, you must kill some more Kobolds in the dungeon as a warmup. Then we have something special for you both to speed up your growth." Ellianna said with an amused look.


    Ryan and Hiro look at each other before Hiro gives him that devious grin to Ryan.


    ��I don''t know what he''s thinking, but I don��t like it.�� Ryan thought.


    "What''s the special monster?" Hiro asked with a curious expression.


    Ellianna smirked and said, "You''ll see soon enough."


    Ryan and Hior followed Ellianna down to the dungeons again, where she led them to a door where they met up with Joris again.


    He looked like he was waiting awhile for them.


    "You two can go in to start your trial, when ready," Ellianna said to them with a smile.


    Joris looked at Hiro and Ryan and gave a nod.


    "Alright, here we go," Ryan said not liking the idea of killing more creatures again.


    ��I feel bad for the Kobolds and wish I could help them somehow. But I need the mana if I want to be able to get out of here if things go south.�� Ryan concluded.


    Ryan and Hiro stepped inside the dungeon with Joris while Ellianna went to stand guard by the door to the dungeon.


    The dungeon was fairlyrge with many different types of rooms. There were cells, a torture chamber, a library, an arena, a gymnasium, a nursery, and a cafeteria.


    ��Guess they��ll force us to get a one-year membership at this rate?�� Ryan thought sarcastically to himself.


    As we walk deeper into the dungeon the first room wee across is the torture chamber. It looks like it''s been used recently because there are several fresh blood stains on the floor and walls.


    "This is a ce where we train our warriors with various forms of torture," Joris said with a smirk. "There''s no better way to test the strength than putting someone to the ultimate pain."


    ''That''s creepy, Joris!'' Ryan thought to himself with a shudder.


    "Anyway, let''s get you two to the Kobolds'' chambers," Joris said with a wave of his hand.


    We follow Joris through the dungeon and into the next room. Once inside we see there is a group of Kobolds chained up in the middle of the room. Ten of them were in this room. Ryan heard more screeching in the next room through a side door. It sounds like there were ten more.


    Joris came over and handed Ryan and Hiro the same daggers they usedst time. Hiro went to the other room while Ryan stayed there looking at the ten chained-up Kobolds waiting to be ughtered.

 Vol.1 Ch.11 Mana Rush

    Vol.1 Ch.11 Mana Rush


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ryan you''re up," Joris said with a smile and nodded his head towards the Kobolds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan takes his dagger in hand and looks at the Kobolds with a frown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, let''s do this!" He said with a determined look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He charged at the Kobolds and sliced one in half with a single swipe of his de like it was butter. ''I have gotten stronger!?'' Ryan thought. It felt surreal being that fast and strong.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then he proceeded to cut off the heads of all ten Kobolds with ease.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn! It''s getting easier.'' Ryan thought to himself while being impressed by his new strength. A momentter he started feeling the mana of the Kobolds beginning to enter his body, the strange warm tingling feeling spreading all over him. His eyes glowed a bright azure blue as his skin darkened to a tanner tone and his brown hair lightened to tinum silver that grew just above his shoulders. But Ryan didn''t notice any of those changes happening to him because he was trying to control his amped-up sexual lust. He was disgusted with himself for how turned on he was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just breathe Ryan, just breathe." He whispered to himself while still trying to calm down his raging libido. Joris came over and made a big show of inspecting Ryan. Which startled him once he realized Joris was next to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well boy, you''re looking pretty good," Joris said with a wink. "But you''ve got some work to do. Come with me to your true challenge. It''s in the next chamber."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan steeled his resolve and reeled in his libido for whatever this next creature was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''The mana that I''m absorbing must be fucking with my body?'' While Ryan was disoriented from all the mana he absorbed. He would have wanted to examine what happened to his body but Joris wasn''t giving him time to organize his thoughts and priorities as he brought Ryan to his true objective.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once they reached the next chamber Ryan saw that it had a cage with three giant lizards. They looked like four-legged prehistoric dinosaurs that were as tall as an elephant and they had some weird metal device over their eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are they?" Ryan asked with a higher octave voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Joris then turned to him and said. "They''re Basilisks."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Basilisks!?" Ryan screamed. "Are you fucking kidding me!? So if their blindfold falls off they''ll turn us to stone!?" he demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jorisughed and said. "Hah! Yes, they can do that. We were lucky that our hunters were able to capture these three for you and Hiro. Basilisks are loaded withrge quantities of mana and since Hiro is still taking his time with his Kobolds, your reward is getting to take the first two Basilisks. Leave thest one for Hiro.��


    <span style="font-weight:400">After Joris told Ryan his orders. He went on to add, ��I will say the toughest thing about capturing Basilisk is getting the blindfolds on them after chaining them up. We are fortunate to have caught three of them. Too bad the muzzles didn''t hold."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why''s that?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Their saliva is acidic. They were able to burn through their muzzles" Joris said bluntly. "You''ll be fine! Just aim for their jugr and they''ll go down without breaking a sweat."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You make it sound so easy, Joris," Ryan says sarcastically.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just watch their mouths, Ryan," Joris says with an annoyed look on his face. "Get in there and finish your trial!" As he red at Ryan as if he was losing his patience with him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan could no longer dy as he didn''t want to get on Joris''s bad side. So he walked towards the cage where the basilisk was with a dagger in hand. Ready to make his move.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan heard Joris and two other Dark Elves yelling something about how slow Hiro was taking. All he needed to do was kill the ten chained-up Kobolds in the other room. It''s not Ryan''s problem right now as he focused on the first Basilisk that was not aware of him. He took a deep breath then he pounced with a dagger in hand and started shing at its neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan thought he got the jugr of the first basilisk but missed high, catching his de on its jawbone. Immediately the Basilisk snapped back at its attacker.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit!" Ryan screams and rolls to his left avoiding getting bit by the jaws of the Basilisk. Then he stabbed his dagger into the ground before him and used it to stop himself from sliding across the floor. He got back on his feet and moved to try to hit the weak point properly this time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As he prepared himself, he heard a voice in the back of his mind. "Why not use magic?" Whispered a feminine voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?" Ryan asked and looked around for the source of the voice. "Where are you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right in front of you." The voice said again and Ryan realized that the voice came from inside his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan was astonished by this fact, he always thought he had a normal hearing ability but never heard anything like this before. He couldn''t believe that the voice in his head wasing from a little ball of light that appeared out of nowhere.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you?" Ryan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The orb transformed into the shadow-shaped being that had been stalking him in his dreams thest two nights!


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am the Shadow of the Dark Goddess Nils." She spoke with an airy voice. "You��ve been trying to avoid me thest couple of nights."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan suddenly felt a simr dread as if he was having that same nightmare when he first came to this. But instead of a dream, it was real as this shadowy being formed in front of him. And his soul was screaming for him to run but his feet were rooted into the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Shadow of the Dark Goddess smiled widely and extended a shadowy hand towards him. "Come with me Ryan and you will be rewarded beyond your wildest imagination."


    <span style="font-weight:400">She moved so fast that Ryan couldn��t avoid her as her hand came in contact with his forehead. He felt a wave of heat wash over him. It was hot enough to make him sweat and gave his skin goosebumps. His vision was filled with knowledge of a magic incantation called "Dark Earthly de" and he felt like he knew how to cast it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why did you bring me to this world?" Ryan asked in frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ryan! Quit your daydreaming and finish your objective!" Joris yelled at him which made Ryan break eye contact with Nils for a moment as he turned his head to Joris with a confused look written on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Didn��t he see Nils or am I going insane?�� But Joris still had the same stern look he normally has.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan turned his head back towards the Goddess and noticed that Nils''s shadowy figure was gone. ''I must be going insane?'' Ryan shook his head and focused on the task at hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He got up and moved to attack the squirming Basilisk, he felt the energy in his body circte to his hands and arms making them glow with dark energy. ''Dark Earthly de'' He chanted in his mind. Then the mana discharged into his dagger making it glow with a ck aura and in a blink of an eye the de extended and wrapped towards the Basilisk, nailing its jugr vein. Ryan pulled his dagger away from the creature''s throat as the de returned to its original shape. The basilisksted for a moment before it bled out of its neck and died.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''T-That was Magic! So, Nils is real!'' Ryan was shocked by the raw power that came from him. It was something up to three days ago he would have thought was impossible.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He looked around for his second target and noticed the Basilisk he had to kill wasing towards him. This one melted through its chains and was about to pounce on him. So Ryan used his Dark Earthly de again as the de from his dagger pierced its neck with a fatal blow before it could get to Ryan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Even though it was dead, the Basilisk''s momentum was stilling towards Ryan as he had to jump and roll out of the way of the charging creature. He was lucky he didn''t get crushed by the hulking beast as it was only inches away from killing him. It somehow knew where Ryan was even though it was still blindfolded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Just watch for their mouths and you��ll be fine. You''re full of shit Joris!�� thought Ryan while cursing Joris under his breath after being attacked from his blindspot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan''s momentum made him roll a couple of times before he could stop himself and saw the Basilisk fall over dead. Then he started to feel the effects of the mana flowing through his veins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">His muscles were getting smaller and his shoulders weren''t as broad. Luckily his stamina was improving. As he looked down he noticed that he was shrinking a little. He used to be 6'' 3" but now he is 5'' 10" as he lost five inches in height. And his hair was starting to grow longer than before, about a few inches down his back. That''s when Ryan noticed his hair had changed color. To a tinum silver.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the fuck?'' Ryan began to panic some more because of the physical changes happening to him. But before his panic took hold of his mind his body got a rush of pleasurable sensation from the mana.


    <span style="font-weight:400">His rational mind was screaming at him that this was very wrong and needed to find a way to stop whatever was happening to him. But the nonstop waves of pleasure and lust were too much to resist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All Ryan could do was moan in blissful pleasure. As his free hand slowly crept up to his slightly swollen chest. His fingers found two rock-hard nipples that were screaming to be touched.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Come on Ryan! Don''t give in!'' Ryan was desperately trying to will himself not to touch his nipples but his left hand gave in and grabbed hold of his left nipple and twisted it so hard that it released the floodgate of pure ecstasy through his body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aunh!" Ryan moaned, leaning his head back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan was literally shaking with pleasure and his moans grew louder and deeper. ''Oh, god! This feeling is so great! Aunh! I-I can''t stop!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan screamed internally as he grabbed ahold of his right nipple and tweaked it just as hard as the other one. The pleasure became too much as his legs gave way, causing him to fall forward onto his knees. He closed his eyes tight and bit his bottom lip to keep from moaning loudly. His entire body trembled with pleasure as he tried to will his hands away from his nipples. But he rapidly came to his climax as the feelings built up inside of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As soon as he let go of his nipples he orgasmed almost instantly. He quickly pulled out his pulsating dick from his pants before he squirted out some hot cum inside of them and sprayed it on the ground in front of him. It took a few minutes for the aftershock of Ryan''s orgasm to fade. As he sat there on his knees he noticed his dick looked smaller too. Ryan was too lost in thought to notice Joris standing five feet away from him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you like ying with yourself in public, aye?" Joris says as he looks at Ryan''s shrunken penis.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan blushed red like a tomato and turned his body away from Joris. Putting dick back into his pants.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I��m not like this! It''s the mana''s fault for making me do this!" He retorted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Ryan was still recovering from his orgasm Joris continued to talk. "Sure, whatever Ryan," Joris said as he walked off towards a Dark Elf that Ryan hadn''t seen before. She had short venom-red hair, purple eyes, and good hips and legs but there was no chest on her. Plus she kind of dressed as a tomboy with a choker ne with a red orb.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-wait? Hiro!?'' Ryan was about to call out to Hiro when he felt someone grab his arm.

 Vol.1 Ch.12 We’ve Come to a Head

    Vol.1 Ch.12 We��ve Come to a Head


    It was one of the other Elven Knights who helped Ryan back to his feet. "Chosen One, Joris said you are done with your trial?" He asked while gazing over Ryan''s transforming body with hungry eyes.


    Ryan was still embarrassed and turned away from the knight''s gaze. "Yes," Ryan replied nervously.


    The knight helped Ryan to stand up straight. "Your new body will need time to grow ustomed to your new form. You can stand by the exit door and wait for the other Chosen One to finish his trial." Hemented with a smile.


    "What happened to me?" Ryan asked nervously as he stepped outside the cage.


    "Lady Yoona is the one who can exin in detail what the Goddess of Nils is doing to you." The Knight said. "This is my first time meeting a Chosen One, so your guess is as good as mine." He added with a chuckle.


    Just as Ryan was finishing his conversation with the Knight, Ryan felt someone standing behind him in close proximity to him. And as Ryan turned to see who it was, a cute tomboyish redhead with red eyes, stared holes into him only inches away from his face. ''WHOA! Back off!'' Ryan instinctively jerked back.


    "You''re not a bad-looking chick. Hmmm? Too bad you don''t have tits though, but I''ll make an exception for you baby. Do you want toe to my room after I finish my super epic trial?... I mean, it''s the least you can do for your Chosen One, Right?" The feminine figure then gave Ryan the creepiest smile.


    ''Oh god!.... I''ve changed so much that Hiro doesn''t know it''s me!'' As Ryan tried to hold back the bile in his stomach from the disgust he felt from the overly perverted and sexistment.


    "Oh, you think I''m some kind of pervert or something? Well, you may be right but I just wanted to check if you were a virgin."


    "Wha... What are you talking about?! Hiro, it''s me you IDIOT!" Ryan yelled out.


    "Pfft! What? I''m just being friendly! I mean... uhm, you look kinda familiar, but I can''t ce where I''ve seen ya." Hiro said nervously as the spineless coward he was.


    "It''s me RYAN! From EARTH! YOU DUMB FUCK!" Ryan raged.


    Hiro had a look of doubt at first but as he stared at Ryan you could see the gears turning ever so slowly as he put two plus two together as the realization came to him. Hiro then hyperbolically jumped back and pointed at Ryan.


    "DUDE! WHY DO YOU LOOK LIKE A GIRL!? ARE YOU GAY!?" Hiro shrieked upon realizing it was Ryan.


    "NOOOOOOOOOOO! DON''T TELL ME YOU''RE NOT, DUDE?!" Hiro continued freaking out as he ran around like a chicken with its head cut off.


    The shock of Hiro''s reaction almost made Ryan boil over in rage.


    ''I really don''t care if you''re gay, straight or trans. It''s none of my business what one does in their own private life, as long as it is consenting adults. But this idiot doesn''t realize we are unknowingly being transformed into only, God knows what? And all he cares about is if I''m gay!?'' Ryan concluded as he tried to keep rage at bay.


    ''The Dark Elves knew this was going to happen to us and they withheld that from us. We are their tools, their objects, to achieve whatever their goals may be. And they hide that from us. That pisses me off and Hiro is as much of the problem as the Dark Elves were.'' Ryan''s anger starts to take hold.


    ''Hell, maybe even more of the problem! By being the biggest oblivious narcissist I have had the misfortune of running into in my entire life! And my patience was gone, my anger was taking hold. I was tired of Hiro''s bullshit!''


    Hiro flinched when Ryan charged at him with a speed he never knew he had. His eyes widened in terror, his mouth open as Ryan grabbed him by the shirt and mmed him into the side of the stone wall of the dungeon which created a booming sound and made a Hiro-sized crater upon impact.


    He let out a gasp as blood wasing from his mouth as Hiro was pinned into the wall by Ryan. ''I have no idea that I have this much strength now. But I didn''t care, I was going to beat some sense into him one punch at a time!''


    All this happened within a second as Ryan pulled his right arm back making a fist ready to strike Hiro. Then all of a sudden someone grabs Ryan in some sort of body lock tackle move and yanks him off of Hiro.


    "Stand down Ryan!" It was Joris. Ryan struggles to break free from his grip. Then another Knight helps Joris to restrain him.


    "Argh! Get off of me!" yelled Ryan as he failed to break free. "I''m going to beat some sense into that prick!"


    "Ryan, eerrr, your punch would have killed him!" Joris kept a firm grip on Ryan. "You don''t realize how much stronger you arepared to Hiro!" Joris yelled.


    "You have basilisk mana in you! He doesn''t!" Joris tried to reason with him. Until Ryan finally got control of his rage a bit when the realization of almost murdering Hiro sank in.


    Ryan finally stopped struggling in Joris'' grip.


    "Are you going to stand down?" He asked Ryan.


    Ryan signed and calmed himself before answering. "I''ll stand down if you keep that piece of shit away from me." He said in a firm voice, looking at Hiro coughing up blood trying to recover from being smashed into a stone wall. With a couple of knights guarding him to make sure Ryan doesn''t try to do anything.


    " You swear?" Asked Joris.


    ".... I swear not to harm him," Ryan answered, still frustrated.


    Joris nodded. "Good, now I''m going to release you slowly. So don''t try anything." He said as he and the other knight released Ryan. Then Ryan slowly walks away from Hiro and the guards stand between them.


    "..."


    "..."


    "I wish to leave if my trial is done?" Ryan asks.


    "Yes, you may. Asher, escort The Chosen One to Lady Elianna." He told one of the knights who led Ryan out of the dungeon. As Ryan, Asher, and one other Knight were leaving the dungeon.


    ***


    As Ryan was walking through the dungeon with the Knight and Asher. He had some time to reflect on what had transpired a moment ago with a clear head.


    ''I almost murdered Hiro.'' Ryan came to the conclusion and started feeling sick to his stomach from almost doing something so terrible. And it wasn''t Ryan''s intention, but with all the events leading up to that point, his anger got the better of him.


    ''I''m going to have to apologize at some point.'' Ryan told himself with a grimace on his face.


    ''But my priority is to escape from this ce. Then, I need to reverse whatever is happening to me. After that, I have to find a way back home.'' Ryan figured he would start with the most important issue first. As he walked he tried to think of what he could do to reverse whatever was happening to him and Hiro.


    He was lost in thought until he felt a tug on his shirt sleeve. It was Ellianna. ''I didn''t realize we came out of the dungeon already?''


    "Ryan, you seem to being along nicely," Ellianna said as her eyes scanned my body. Analyzing the changes that were happening to me.


    "Why is my body transforming, Ellianna," Ryan said in a demanding voice.


    Ellianna looked at him with pity in her eyes. "You were brought here to be our champion."


    "Ellianna! You already told me that crap already! Why am I turning into a girl!" Ryan was clearly frustrated by Ellianna''s non-answer.


    She sighed and said, "Only Female Dark Elves are able to use magic, gifted by the Dark Goddess'' chosen ones."


    "..." Ryan was silent, his stern look faded into confusion upon hearing the new revtion.


    "What''s done is done. The sooner you ept the better Ryan."


    "Is that why Yoona was disappointed when she saw I was a male not because I was human?"


    "Yes, we were concerned at first the summoning ritual failed. Luckily the Goddess connected with Lady Yoona and told us, ''All would be fine'' if we let you absorb mana when ying the beast from our forest." Ellianna exined. "But we needed to be sure that your bodies could handle absorbing the mana of our world since you two were manaless beings."


    "Why did the Goddess choose me? What makes me so special?" Ryan asked.


    Ellianna shrugged her shoulders and said, "It''s a mystery. She just does."


    "Can the Goddess change me back to normal and send me back home?" Ryan asked.


    Ellianna shook her head and said, "I do not know. Only the Goddess can answer that."


    Ryan sighed and sat down on the ground. He was tired of asking questions and getting no answers. All he wanted to do was go home. To see his girlfriend and family again.


    "Listen, Ryan, all will...." Ellianna gets interrupted when Sehranya, Yoona''s loyal retainer,es rushing in with a concerned look as shees over to Ellianna. She then whispers into her ear. Whatever Sehranya said to her seemed crucial because Ellianna''s face shifted to stern upon hearing whatever she said.


    "How long ago?" Ellianna asked with concern.


    Sehranya sighed and said, "We think a few hours."


    "Ryan, I have some important business to deal with. I''m going to have Asher escort you to your room. May the Dark surround us." Ellianna said as she turned on her heel and started to walk towards the door and up the stairs.


    "..." Ryan was feeling something was off.

 Vol.1 Ch.13 The Divine Three Have Chosen Death

    Vol.1 Ch.13 The Divine Three Have Chosen Death


    "Asher, please show Ryan to his room," Ellianna ordered as she walked up the stairs and left.


    "Yes, my Lady," Asher said with an elven salute.


    He then led Ryan to the main room on the second floor where Hiro and him first met.


    "Here you are Chosen One," Asher said with a bow and opened the door for him.


    "Just call me Ryan," he said.


    As Ryan walked through the door, so did Asher and the other knight.


    "Why are youing into my room?"


    "Because Joris told us to watch over you... After what happened with Hiro he is worried about you, Ryan." The other Dark Elf Knight said.


    "So I get babysitters now," Ryan said with a scowl.


    "Joris said it would make you morefortable," Asher said with a smirk.


    "..." Ryan didn''t know what to say. So he walked over to his bed to sit down for a bit.


    As the three of them were waiting there for about half an hour. They started to hear footstepsing towards the door.


    The door utched its lock and opened as Joris and two other Dark Elven Knights came in carrying Hiro. Some guilt washed over Ryan''s mind at the sight of Hiro''s injured body, thinking it was Ryan''s fault when he almost killed Hiro. But upon closer inspection, Hiro had many more cuts and bruises that weren''t caused by Ryan.


    "What happened to him?" Ryan asked Joris.


    "He decided to take the Basilisk lightly and got himself in trouble. I had to y it before it could kill Hiro," Joris answered with exasperation. "Which means he didn''t get the Basilisk''s mana."


    "That doesn''t matter!" Hiro yelled out with rage. "It''s all your fault! You should have never given me such a difficult enemy!"


    "Calm down Hiro," Joris said with a calming voice.


    "No! This is all your fault! Are you intentionally trying to make me fail!? I''m the Chosen One! Now look at what happened because of your carelessness!" Hiro roared with anger, clenching his fist, and looked like he was ready to fight.


    "You''re right, we''ll make sure it doesn''t happen, again," Joris said as he put his hand on Hiro''s head like he was trying tofort his little sister.


    ''What the fuck?'' Ryan doesn''t know why Joris and the others are pampering Hiro like a delicate flower even though he''s acting like a snot-nosed brat like always.


    "You better not, or there will be hell to pay!" as Hiro continued his verbal assault on Joris and the others.


    "Ow! My whole body is in pain. Get someone to heal my wounds, NOW!" Hiro demanded.


    "You''ve consumed an elixir, just give it a few hours and you should be almost back to 100%," Joris said as he seemed not to be fazed at all by Hiro''s tirade. As if this was nothing new to him.


    "A few hours!? I want to be healed, NOW! What type of bullshit fantasy world is this!?" Hiro was still shouting like a sweet 16 girl who didn''t get the gift she wanted.


    "We could if we had fairies, but we don''t. So bear with it, Hiro." Joris said calmly.


    "But it was not how it was supposed to go! I''m the main character and I''m not supposed to lose! If anything, it was supposed to be the other way around!" Hiro shouted.


    Joris and the other Knights have a confused look on their faces as they have no clue what he meant by being "The Main Character"


    "..."


    ''Oh, God. Hiro has lost his shit.'' Ryan said to himself.


    "I''m the main character! I am the Chosen One and I will be the weapon of the Dark Goddess! I��.. I��.." Hiro shouted as he mmed his fist into his bed with tears forming in his eyes.


    ''Is he mentally turning into a girl as well as his body?'' thought Ryan as he started to worry if his mind was changing as well.


    Joris sighed and shook his head. "I need to speak with Lady Ellianna... Asher! Takemand of the group while I''m gone."


    "Yes Sir," Asher said as Joris left the room.


    "You''re making me sound like an idiot," Hiro mumbled out loud.


    Ryan didn''t know what to do. They were going to be turned into Dark Elven females and would be forced to do the Sorellian''s bidding.


    "This is all your fault!" Hiro continued yelling at everyone with tears in his eyes.


    ***


    Ryan is stuck inside his shared room with Hiro, Asher, and three other Dark Elven Knights for what seemed like a couple of hours. Most of Hiro''s injuries were gone but he was still sulking in bed.


    Ryan at first kept to himself while pondering on what his next move should be. But no matter how much he thought he couldn''te up with any good ideas that would help him escape from the Dark Elves. It was toote for that now. His body was already changing. And to top it off he''s stuck in this world for now with Hiro.


    He''s got to figure out why the Goddess chose them in the first ce. While Ryan was lost in thought he felt the entire room shake. It sounded like an explosion happened about a mile away.


    Asher and the Knight soon are on high alert which puts Ryan on alert as well. Hiro doesn''t seem to care as he''s still moping on the bed.


    "What was that?" Ryan asked with tension in his voice.


    "It could have been an earthquake," Asher replied.


    The shaking and vibrations faded after a minute or so. Before Ryan noticed the Dark Elf Knights looked at each other curiously and continued their discussion in hush tones in order to keep Ryan out of the loop or maybe it was to keep him from panicking.


    "Was it a magical or natural earthquake?" Ryan asked.


    "Most likely magical. But it is far off. Could be one of the priestesses training but we shouldn''t take any chances," Asher said.


    "So we are being attacked?" Ryan continued to question.


    "It''s nothing to be concerned about Chosen One" Just as Asher finished his reply another booming sound came in much louder as the room was shaking again.


    "Well, it seems like I should be concerned," Ryan responded back as his mind was working overtime thinking of a n.


    Then there was another boom and another. Asher and the Knights unsheathed their swords.


    "Seir! Jorj! Take the hallway! We''ll stay here to protect the Chosen Ones!" Asher ordered.


    "Yes Sir..." The two Dark Elf Knights said with haste as they ran down the hall.


    "Asher! Don''t leave me in the dark. What''s going on?" Ryan demanded to know.


    "It seems someone found out that we summoned new champions." Asher chuckled bitterly. "And they want to prevent our Chosen Ones from reaching their true potential."


    ''God Damnit, of course, there''s someone who wants me dead! Everything''sing up Milhouse.'' Ryan screams internally about his crap luck ofte.


    Ryan stood there not knowing what to say as Asher walked closer to him with a wicked grin on his face. "Rx, it''s nothing we can''t handle." Asher smiled as if to assure Ryan.


    Just then there was another explosion followed by the sound of screaming and nging of metal, most likely a sword fight had started.


    Ryan looked over at Hiro still in his bad mood, pouting in his bed like a child.


    "Hiro, can''t you hear that? We might be in trouble. Get over here!" Ryan demanded as he red at Hiro''s stubbornness.


    "No! I''m done with this game. And I want to go home!" Hiro retorted angrily now with a more feminine voice.


    ''Great not only does Hiro sound and look like a girl but now he''s acting like one!? NO! No... I''m being unfair to girls... He is just as bad as when he was a guy before all this crap happened... I feel like I will have a better chance of moving a donkey than him,'' Ryan thought.


    ''On that point, my voice has gone up an octave. God, I probably would be mistaken as a girl too! Ryan started to die a little bit on the inside.


    *BOOM!!!*


    That one really made the ce shake.


    "Eep!" Said Hiro as he got knocked out of his bed with that one. And when things settled he came over to Ryan in a hurry.


    ''Shit things sound like they are getting worse!?'' Ryan thought to himself. He tried to stand up but Asher put a hand on his shoulder and motioned for him to stay where he was.


    "Let us do our job," Asher said.


    ''I can''t just sit around waiting for someone to try and kill me!'' Ryan said to himself. Then there was another loud noise and Ryan looked back as the dark elf with green eyes was standing next to Asher with a look of concern on her face. "Asher, do you hear what came over the speaker stones?"


    "I missed it, did you pick up on who they said?" Asher looked her in the eyes.


    "It sounded like a Pdin of the Three?" She said with a little fear in her eyes.


    Asher turned his head back to the entrance door to the room. While regripping his sword, readying himself into a battle stance. "So, the Divine Three have chosen death. So be it." Asher said to himself.


    The sound of fighting is getting closer, but there''s no sign of anyone entering the room yet.


    "They''re here!" Yelled the two Knights out in the hallway.


    Ryan took a nce at the doorway. "A Pdin?... This is going to suck..." Ryan mumbled to himself.

 Vol.1 Ch.14 Sir Claudius, The Paladin

    Vol.1 Ch.14 Sir udius, The Pdin


    <span style="font-weight:400">Asher stepped back and let the other two knightse in while he remained behind the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It looks like we havepany," Jorj said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan and Hiro were at the back of the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How many?" Asher asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Three Pdins, but they have twelve White Knights with them," Jorj said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How can that many make it to the heart of the citadel!?" Said Eliza, the female knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll worry about thatter. They need to be dealt with before they get to the Chosen Ones. Let''s go." Asher said as he looked over to Ryan and Hiro.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Where are you going?" Ryan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"To head off the Pdins. We''ve got to stop those zealots before they reach you two." Asher said as he walked towards the door. "Stay here and protect each other. This is the only safe spot for you right now."With that Asher and the other three dark knights left to confront the knights of the Divine Three.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan looked at Hiro. "Are you okay?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hiro for the first time was visibly frightened while nodding back. "Y-Yes, but I''m really worried, man... I don''t want to die here."


    <span style="font-weight:400">This was the first time Ryan had seen Hiro not put up a facade for the entire time he''d been with him. Something has shaken him to the core.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry, we''ll make it out of here," Ryan said. Even though he felt he couldn''t back that im up. But Ryan said it to try to calm himself down as well.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How? How can you be so sure?" Hiro asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan smiled, "Because I''m not going to die here. And neither will you. We''re here now, and nothing''s going to change that. So it��s time to man up, I guess."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan was lying to himself and Hiro. He knew he could die right here on the spot if he didn''t do something soon. And time was running out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ryan, I''m sorry about everything I put you through. When I first met you, I was jealous of you. You had everything going for you. I felt I was an imposter and acted out. I''m sorry if I ever made you ufortable." Hiro said as tears fell from his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan felt guiltier than he thought possible. "No, Hiro... Y-You... Let''s just focus right now, man. Once we get out of this mess we can make it up to each other, deal?" Ryan said as he reached out his hand toward Hiro.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hiro grasped Ryan''s hand in his own before he regained hisposure. "Deal."


    <span style="font-weight:400">After they shook hands and started to move toward the door in order to hear what might be going on down the hallway from their room. Once they got to the doorway Ryan and Hiro could hear the sounds of battle echoing through the citadel as the nging of sword fighting and the screams of pain were getting closer to them. ''God! That sounded like Asher screaming... Shit''s getting real.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as Ryan was about to say something to Hiro, one of their walls blew up as an elven knight came crashing through it. Causing debris to fly everywhere. The poor elf crashed on the other side of their room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah!" Screamed Hiro as he jumped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit!" Yelled Ryan as he quickly moved to the knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey talk to me? Are you al-" Ryan couldn''t finish his sentence once he saw a bloody hole in the center of the chest of the deceased elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck me!'' Ryan was in shock upon witnessing the freshly murdered body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"R-Ryan look!?" Hiro pointed at the hole in the wall as he could see the White Knights staring at them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My lord! We found the summoned heretics!" Yelled one of the White Knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Bring salvation to them both! Don''t let them escape!" Yelled the other one.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit!" Ryan quickly turned his attention to the dead elf and started to search for anything he could use for a weapon. "Come on,e on!" Ryan yelled to himself to steady his nerves as his hand reached for the only weapon he could find on the body of the knight. Which was a ck dagger that was sheathed on the belt of the fallen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan took the knife and began to ready himself for a fight as two white knights came into their room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hiro! Behind me, now!" Ryan ordered while Hiro hurried over behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan squared off against the two knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"After all those years this is the best the elves can do?" One knight said mockingly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Does it matter? The Three, wills for their salvation, and we shall deliver it," The other knight replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh FUCK OFF!" Ryan said as he raised his de up to strike down on the knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan''s de hit the knight''s shield and it bounced off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re going to have to do better than that, heretic! YYYAAHHH!" The knight said as he swung his sword from overhead. Ryan thought he was dead as the de came at his head, but out of nowhere Ryan dodged the attack on instinct and shed the small ck de at his attacker but the white knight parried him with ease. Then the knight quickly counterattacks with his pauldron, bashing it into Ryan''s chest and almost breaking some of his ribs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OH SHIT!" Ryan grunted ''These guys are no joke!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan kicked the knight in the stomach and made him back away from Ryan as he stumbled backward. "I thought you guys were supposed to be tough!" Ryan said as he charged forward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you taking me lightly!?" The knight asked as he brought his sword down on Ryan. While Ryan quickly brought his knife up to meet the knight''s arm striking him before he could hit his target. Ryan was moving quicker than normal as stared down the white knight before him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve never been in a life-or-death battle before in my life and if this is the best the Divine Three has to offer, then you''re screwed!" Ryan shouted as he charged the knight with his knife in hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NOOO!" screamed Hiro as the other knight was attacking him while Ryan was engaged with the other one. Hiro got nearly hit in the chest as the tip of the sword shed into him, only skin deep, and fell to the ground in pain as he failed to dodge the attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan looked back as he noticed Hiro lying on the ground with a bloody arm and chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HIRO!" Ryan yelled as he was distracted by Hiro and wanted to help but the knight he was fighting had a different idea and tried to strike Ryan while his focus was off him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">��GUH!��


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan let out a grunt as the knight''s de just missed hitting him deep in his right arm. The wound was bleeding slightly from being grazed by the de which caused Ryan to drop his dagger. And without missing a beat the White Knight continued to press the attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan swung his left arm towards the knight as he blocked his sword arm from striking Ryan and punched him in the face with his right hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knight stumbled back but Ryan quickly followed up with an elbow strike to the side of his head. With his attacker stunned Ryan ran over to his dagger and scooped it up in a second.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And as fast as Ryan could, he summoned enough mana to use Dark Earthly de on the de of his dagger and aimed for the unaware White Knight that was attacking Hiro.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knight saw the deing his way and turned to try to parry the attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But the attack was not what he expected as Ryan��s de warped around his shield and went straight for his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As he felt the dagger stabbing through his right eye socket. The White Knight was in shock. "H-How?" Was all he could say before his vision faded to ck as he fell to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO, Markus! I swear I��ll send you to the Three, you heretic!" The Divine Knight screamed as he aimed for Ryan with his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan moved with ease as the knight''s de looked like it nearly hit Ryan''s throat but missed thanks to him getting a new surge in speed. Ryan was faster now because of the new mana absorbing in his body from killing the knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-You piece of shit!" Ryan said as he kicked the knight in the stomach and sent him flying across the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I��ll be the one to deliver you to the Three! You fucking tool!" Ryan said with all the fury in his body as he prepared to use Dark Earthly de against this knight that wounded him while Ryan��s body began to emit the Dark Aura of the Goddess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve be a monster," The knight replied as he jumped back and used his sword to block Ryan''s attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir udius, we underestimated their champion! I need your aid!" The knight yelled out as if he was speaking to God.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan took a deep breath before he charged at the knight with his dagger in hand. And just when Ryan was about to strike the knight with his dagger. A blinding light came out of nowhere and knocked Ryan back 20 feet into the stone wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Urgh! What the fuck!" Ryan groaned as he reached down to touch the spot where the Lighting struck him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He felt a tingle and his entire body went numb then felt heat run through his veins from the first White Knight''s mana being absorbed. As Ryan''s body was being healed by it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ryan, are you okay!?" Hiro came running up to Ryan with worry in his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan noticed a small cut on the side of his own cheek that was already starting to heal as his skin started repairing itself. He also felt refreshed and energized as well. ��Well, I guess taking in mana isn��t all bad.�� Ryan thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think I''m good?" Ryan answered as he looked to see what was the cause of that blinding light. And it didn''t take too long to find out what it was or who it was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Standing there next to the white knight was a monster of a man standing around 7 feet tall, wearing a full suit of silver te mail, having a broadsword as big as Cloud''s Buster sword, and radiating a white aura. This guy is the spitting image of a virtuous pdin. His armor was so bright it almost hurt Ryan''s retinas, like staring into the sun.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So this heretic refuses to be saved?" Sir udius asked with a stoic voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Correct my lord, they are corrupted and refuse to be saved." Said the White Knight, whose name was Captain Sharleth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well they have earned the Divine Three''s full wrath now," Sir udius said as he turned to face Ryan and Hiro.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then I''ll purge them both," Sir udius said as he looked at Ryan and Hiro with a stern look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan tried using his Dark Earthly de but the dagger disintegrated when it came in contact with the white aura of the pdin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh!? What the fuck!?" Ryan yelled with anger. while he cursed himself for not realizing that the pdin''s aura would cause his weapon to break.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir udius readied his broadsword preparing to strike at Ryan and Hiro.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry Hiro..... I don''t think we''re getting out of this one," Ryan whispered, looking down to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, Ryan! You can still save me! Can��t�� you?" Hiro yelled as if he could change the oue by willing it, but with thest bit of strength he had he grabbed Ryan''s arm and pulled him close as he realized that they were going to die. And in that moment Hiro knew what he had to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No!... I''ll save you!" Hiro said as his eyes and orb on his ne began to glow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You will not escape the Three''s justice!" Sir udius said as he brought his sword down on them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan watched helplessly as the sword came closer to them but the strange thing was that time seemed to slow down right before the de struck them. That''s when Ryan felt his body getting pulled in a simr gravity warp. It was the same feeling Ryan had when he first came to this world.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan closed his eyes as felt his body flying in the wrap tunnel and into the dark smokey <span ss="aiText">void, <span style="font-weight:400">he felt his hand get grabbed by Hiro''s glowing red hand as he pulled him towards a bright light.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And then everything went ck.

 Vol.1 Ch.15 Mana Exhaustion

    Vol.1 Ch.15 Mana Exhaustion


    The warp onlysted for a second, unlike the first time when it felt like forever when being summoned to Tertius. And as soon as Ryan came out of the warp he felt the familiar dizziness. He took a deep breath as he felt sweat dripping down his forehead.


    "I feel like I''ve been hit by a truck," Ryan said with a groan.


    "Me too," Hiro agreed as he coughed up blood.


    "What happened? Where are we?" Ryan asked.


    "I used my teleport magic that the Goddess gave me," Hiro said with a weak smile. "But I don''t know where we are."


    "You had teleportation magic? Why in the hell didn''t you use... it earlier... Hiro?" Ryan said with a confused look when he noticed Hiro looking extremely ill.


    He looked at Ryan with a sad smile as he copsed to the ground like a marite string getting cut.


    "HIRO!?" Ryan screamed as he reached out to Hiro and grabbed him before he could hit the ground.


    "Looks like it''s time for me to go back to Japan, *Cough*," Hiro said in a low voice as his eyes, skin, and hair turned pure white in a matter of seconds.


    "NO! You''re just fucking with me! Like you always do! Right!?" Ryan yells as he tries desperately to keep Hiro''s body warm and was desperately trying to figure out what was happening to his body.


    "I''m.... sorry... about... Ah!... I''m so, c-cold... I''m..... so....." Hiro stopped breathing and his face was already bing deathly pale.


    "HIRO!? DON''T YOU FUCKING DO THIS TO ME!!!" Ryan screams as heys a shivering Hiro down to the ground and hugs the side of Hiro''s head to Ryan''s chest as tears start rolling down his cheeks.


    "No! It''s alright, Hiro!! Y-You''ll be fine! I-I''ll find a way to save you! J-Just rest... Okay? Just-" Ryan tries tofort Hiro as best as he can while feeling the warmth leave Hiro as he turned stone-cold.


    "..."


    "Hck!"


    "..."


    Ryan cries as he holds Hiro''s lifeless body in his hands. After a while, he stares at his fallenrade with a look of confusion and mourning. Before Ryan knew what to do, Hiro''s body slowly starts to turn into dust.


    "No, no, no no no!" Ryan says while he desperately tries to hold together the now crumbling body as best as he can. But no matter how hard Ryan tried to prevent it the dust fell in between his fingers as thest remnants of Hiro''s body disintegrated away into nothing but dust on the ground.


    ''For all of his annoying faults... For all his bullshit... Hiro sacrificed himself to save me?.... And I failed him... No one deserves to die like this...'' His vision blurred with tears.


    "..."


    "Why?... Why did this happen?" Ryan whimpers as he struggles to hold Hiro''s body as there was nothing left but the red crystal orb from his ne.


    "Hck."


    "Hck hck hck!" Ryan can no longer hold back the sorrow that was overwhelming him as he cries for his fallenrade. After a moment of grieving, he wiped away his tears as best as he could and stood up. He knows he can''t stay around too long otherwise he''ll be joining Hiro in the afterlife if he''s not careful.


    *sniff* "Goodbye Hiro." Ryan sighed as he regathered himself.


    "..."


    "That''s what happens from mana exhaustion." Said an airy voice inside Ryan''s mind which snapped him out of his state of mourning as he focused on his surroundings for the first time. That''s when he realized he was in a dense forest in the middle of nowhere.


    "That voice!? Nils!?" Ryan yelled as he looked around until he saw the shadow figure of a woman standing next to him.


    "Good, you remember me." Said the goddess as she smiled at him.


    "Wipe that smile off your face. You did that to Hiro, didn''t you?" Ryan said as he red at her.


    "I did nothing of the sort." She says as she tuts. "He might have survived if he was capable of absorbing that Basilisk''s mana. But he was just another summoned failure."


    "That''s bullshit!" Ryan yelled in anger. "You''re a failure! You summoned us! And for what!? Just to die!?"


    "Don''t get ahead of yourself."


    "What do you mean?"


    "We''re still going to need you," Nils said in a calm voice.


    "What? If you needed us, then why did put us in this situation!? Screw that! Why did you choose us out of everyone on my?" Ryan demanded as he red at her.


    "Well, after everything you''ve gone through. You''ve earned the right to know, but I''ll bring my sister into our conversation now that her chosen one has perished. You''ll be her recement." Nils said.


    "Huh?" Just as Ryan was going to ask her what she was talking about the red orb, which used to be Hiro''s ne, glowed brighter as it came to life and flew towards Ryan''s orb and merged into it making the orb slightly bigger.


    This happened so fast that Ryan couldn''t react and if he could see his orb now it looked like a yin-yang with red and gold instead of ck and white.


    "What did you do!?" Ryan panicked.


    "Giving me a chance to introduce myself." All of a sudden another shadowy figure materializes out of nowhere. She looked almost identical to Nils except for her being red and had shorter hair.


    Ryan gulped hard knowing he had to deal with another goddess.


    "I''m The Goddess of Time and Space, Nebulus." Said the red goddess with a smile.

 Vol.1 Ch.16 Rebuild the Dark Elven Empire

    Vol.1 Ch.16 Rebuild the Dark Elven Empire


    "I''m The Goddess of Time and Space, Nebulus." Said the red goddess with a smile.


    "So that''s your name, huh?"


    "Yes. And to answer why we chose you and Hiro was just in luck." Nebulus said.


    "So I was just chosen off the street randomly?" Ryan asked.


    "Well, Ryan, I know you''re not pleased with us, and we''ll tell you everything, but it''s a bit of a long story, so bear with us," Nils said, trying to be straight with Ryan.


    "Okay... I''m listening."


    "Good the first thing you need to know about our, Tertius, is the never-ending battle with the other Gods." Said Nils.


    "And the only way for a God to be expelled from a is if their people or creations are eliminated. Our creations are what tether us to this ne and if a God fails to create a new creation they will cease to be."


    "And as you can tell my dark elves can''t reproduce as fast as the other races. And over the millennia the other races have whittled away my people faster than they can reproduce."


    "Why did you create your Dark Elves that way then? If you''re having this problem." Ryan asked with a confused look.


    "Well, our race gets a benefit naturally of living longer and has a better chance of absorbing mana better than the other races with the lower reproduction rates. Quality over quantity, you might say." Nebulus said while wagging her pointer finger in the air.


    "And at the beginning of Tertius, all the Gods were neutral towards each other so my Dark Elven grew with little issues. It was only a few millennia after we had a few new gods forced their way onto our and created their creations. The two worst being the humans and the demons." Nils said.


    "Well, not all the human Gods are bad. It''s just these newer ones want all the other Gods killed." Nebulus added.


    "Back to the point, you know that you can get stronger by killing anything on Tertius?" Nils asked.


    "Yeah. What I don''t understand is how this can help us." Ryan said, shaking his head.


    "Well, not every being on Tertius can absorb mana at the same rate as you can." Nils said as she dropped that bomb on Ryan.


    "So you''re saying that I can absorb mana more efficiently than the natives of Tertius?" Ryan asked in a state of shock.


    "Correct. About 90 percent of the world can only absorb 1 percent of the mana that they get from ying their foes. The other 5 percenters can get 2 percent absorbing mana. Then the luckier ones are the 3 percent that can absorb 5 percent mana." Nils said.


    "Then there''s the cream of the crop. The Masters are 1 percent of the world''s poption and can absorb 10 percent mana of everything they y, next are the Grand Masters which are .5 percent of the world''s poption and they can absorb 13 percent, then there is the Elite that are .03 percent of a poption that can absorb 15 percent mana andstly, the Demi-gods, which are 0.001 percent of the poption. They can absorb 20 percent of anything they can y." Nebulus added.


    Ryan gulped again, "So you''re saying I can absorb mana like a Demi-god?"


    "No Ryan, you absorb it at a higher rate than anyone else on Tertius," Nils said.


    "Howe?" Ryan asked.


    "That is because you''re a summoned. A God or Goddess can only summon one being at a time from another when there''s aary equinox. So if our champion is lost, we have to wait until the next equinox before we are able to summon a new champion." Nebulus said with a smile.


    "And when we saw your we couldn''t believe our eyes. You lived on a godless! We''ve heard of them but never seen one before. So we believed if we summoned someone on a that had no entity. They would be able to absorb mana at a much higher rate than anyone that has ever been summoned before froms with entities." Nebulus was excited as she exined.


    "I don''t know what makes that so special... Back on Earth, I was just a normal guy." Ryan said.


    "The reason why you can absorb mana at a much faster rate is because your race has been evolving over thousands of years without mana due to theck of Gods on your, or should we say Godless?... And we lost ourst Chosen Ones 50 years back and we couldn''t let this opportunity slip by. So we had two choices to summon someone to Tertius." Nebulus said.


    "First, the mostmon way we Gods like to bring summons over is with Spirit Transfer into a newborn while they are still in the womb," Nils said.


    ''The fucking ssic truck-kun Isekai! I''m d I didn''t have to die just to get summoned here,'' Ryan thought to himself with relief.


    "The positive of the method is that we get your spirit here in an instant. But the negative is you have to be born and mature into adulthood which would take around 50 years for a dark elf and your mana absorption wouldn''t be as efficient. As most Chosen can absorb 30 to 50 percent when born into our world using the Spirit Transfer method... Also, the other Gods can sense when someone is summoned to Tertius. They would have killed you before you could get out of the womb," Nils said with a grim face.


    "We''ve lost many possible Chosen because of this... We also sensed a few of the other Gods summoned their new heroes with the Spirit Transfer method during thest equinox," Nebulus said.


    "The second method is a full-body teleport... This is what we used. It''s a method that most Gods rarely use. Since it''s more dangerous than the first method, only Gods with mastery in Time and Space can achieve it with higher sess... And it takes more time to bring your Chosen One over. During this process of finding a summon it takes about 10 years to get to your then another 10 years to get back to ours and we have to do this before the equinox has ended otherwise we would have been stranded in the void if we had failed." Nils said.


    "Wait! 20 years have passed by when you brought me here!?" Ryan asks, dumbfounded by that fact.


    "Yes, we never used this method before and we hoped that this would be untrackable since no other Gods dare to use this method, but the Divine Three found out and nearly killed most of the Sorellians. I''m d Yoona and her people got away for she is one of our few Demi-gods." Nebulus said.


    Ryan was speechless by the news. "So is it possible to send me back?" Ryan asked, looking for any hope at the possibility of returning home.


    "Unfortunately not, the equinox that might open the wormhole won''t happen again until many millennia into the future. So it''s possible, but it''s highly unlikely. Plus how the gxy orbits it will be a miracle if wee by your again. So Tertius is your new home now," Nebulus said.


    "But you''re a Goddess! You''re not bound byws of science!?" Ryan pleaded to them.


    "I don''t know what science is, but we are bound by thews of the cosmos. We can do a lot of things that mortals can only dream of, but our powers are limited. We can only interfere a little with others when an equinox happens and we can change the fate of our world if no other God challenges us. The universe itself is controlled by thews of the primordials and they don''t talk to us," Nebulus said, looking down with regret.


    "So I''m stuck here alone?" Ryan asked dejectedly.


    "Well if you survive and be our champion we can bring Hiro back since he died in his old body. I can use the first method and have him be reborn," Nils said with her hand out holding a white orb.


    Ryan was a bit conflicted because Hiro was annoying as all hell when they first met but at the end of the day he changed and saved Ryan''s life. He felt he had to at least owe him that much.


    "F-Fine, I''ll be your champion!" Ryan said with a bit of hesitation.


    "Great! So you just need to be strong enough to beat back the other Gods'' champions before we try to bring back Hiro. You have a year before his soul starts to degrade." Nils said with a smile.


    "How good is my body at absorbing mana anyway?" Ryan asked.


    "Well, like we said, most summons can absorb 30 to 50 percent. You on the other hand can absorb 80 to 90 percent of what you y. That''s why you get so horny. Your body gets overloaded with mana causing Mana lust and you need to relieve the pent-up pleasure before you lose your sanity." Nils said.


    "T-That much! That''s insane!" Ryan said, shocked "But why are you turning me into a woman?"


    "It''s so you can use our magic. When we created the Dark Elves, men were given superior strength and agility while women were given mastery in magic. So for you to meet your full potential we needed to turn you into a female... Plus there''s a bonus since you were born a man, It seems you''ve kept your superior agility as if you were a Dark Elf male... Too bad you only kept a quarter of your strength... Well at least that''s way above normalpared to normal females," Nils said, with a smile.


    "So, all you need to do is just explore Tertius while ying monsters or humaniods so you can increase your strength, and once you''re strong enough. We like you to rebuild the Dark Elven Empire. And also you should prepare yourself mentally because you''ll be going through a lot of hardships..." Nebulus said then paused.


    "Great, that''s all I need. More Hardships!" Ryan said sarcastically. *sigh* "Well can''t you give me more of your magic?"


    "We will, once you be a full-fledged Dark Elf. Your body isn''t quite ready yet. We don''t want you to experience mana exhaustion." Nebulus said with a smirk.


    Ryan cringed thinking about how Hiro turned to dust.


    "Oh! I like this one. We finally have a Chosen One that might survive. He''s a good find, Nils." Nebulus said with a chuckle along with her sister.


    And with that, both of the Goddesses vanished.


    "Hey! Where do I go!?!" Ryan yelled out to no one.


    "Tch, whatever... I guess I should start wandering around this ce to see what''s in this forest. I mean I''m pretty sure there will be monsters in this area. I just hope there''s a city or something... I''m getting tired of watching my back," Ryan muttered to himself as he started walking through the dense forest.

 Vol.1 Ch.17 Some Time to Reflect

    Vol.1 Ch.17 Some Time to Reflect


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If only I had a map to help me figure out where I am... And the stupid Goddesses refuse to talk to me... I''m just aimlessly walking around in a random direction hoping I find something. Hell! I might be walking in circles for all I know," Ryan said to himself as he aimlessly walked through this dense forest of trees that were huge and towered over him as they stood over 500 feet tall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This kind of feels like I''m in Yosemite National Park. I wonder if it would be possible to climb these trees?" Ryan wondered to himself. After a few minutes, Ryan decided to climb a tree to get his bearings and hoped he could see if there were anyndmarks to take of note, but after climbing a few dozen feet his foot slipped off a branch while his hand slipped off some moss.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Whoa! Damn!... Did I stick thending? Whatever... These boots suck to climb in and that mossy-looking stuff isn''t making it any easier. Haa... That n failed," Ryan mumbled to himself as he fell to the ground and<span style="font-weight:400">felt like he was a cat when he stuck thending like it was nothing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, I��ve never moved like that before... Is it because I''m more like a Dark Elf now?... I can stand over forever. Maybe I should look for some branches to use as weapons or maybe make a bow?'' Ryan thought as he scratched the back of his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan looked around the forest for any type of weapon he could use. He saw a stick lying on the ground and he picked it up but tossed it away when swung it into the tree and broke it in half. He took a couple of steps forward and found a bigger branch that could be used as a club.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it might not be much. But it''s better than nothing. But I was hoping for something longer," Ryan said to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After looking around the forest, Ryan found a stick as long as his body and seemed to be almost straight. It would be perfect for a spear. As he continued his hike through the dense woods he heard a rustling sounding from the bushes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan stopped and held the makeshift spear in front of him as he moved forward slowly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He reached the edge of the bushes and was surprised to see a deer standing there with its head down eating grass about 15 feet away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Groan*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan''s stomach was growling in hunger and his mouth watered at the sight of the deer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan made his n and slowly walked toward the deer. He knew the branch wouldn''t pierce its body, but he needed to try something. And he was hoping to sneak up on the deer''s blind side before he pounced.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Ryan walked towards the deer, he kept the spear low to the ground as he walked in the tall grass.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The deer lifted its head and sniffed the air then turned to face Ryan who tried to stay still.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on, just a bit closer," Ryan whispered to himself as he crept towards the deer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan threw the spear and the deer jumped away before it ran off through the forest. Ryan chased after the deer but kept slipping on the fallen leaves. Which was slowing him down but he continued after it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Ryan chased after the deer for what seemed like a minute. He realized he lost track of where he was in the woods. He started to walk as he listened for any sounds of the deer. He couldn''t hear it but he did hear moving water.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is there a stream? Or am I just hearing things?" Ryan asked himself as he followed the sound of the rushing water.


    As he walked closer the sound of the rushing water grew louder until a creek came into view.


    "Oh thank God!.. Or Goddess? Whatever! This is the first good thing to happen. Hopefully, there''s a tower by this creek. I just hope it''s safe to drink." Ryan said as he came closer to the moving water.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan walked along a creek and came across a small waterfall, which led to a small pond that had a few fish swimming around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh thank God there''s fish and I''m so thirsty. I think I have to risk it," Ryan said as he sat down on a rock next to the creek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan dipped his hands in the water, scooped them up to his mouth, and drank the water. He drank until his hands were empty and was ready for more. He couldn''t help himself as he started drinking more until he finally stopped after his fourth scoop.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan stood up and walked closer to the waterfall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aah, that tastes good," Ryan said to himself as he looked around <span ss="userText">and noticed how peaceful<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the area was. It was almost like he was back on Earth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I guess I should wash myself off. Who knows when I will have another chance to rx like this," Ryan said to himself as he walked towards the edge of the pond and took a seat at the edge of a rock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan quickly takes his clothes off so he can wash himself off. And jumped straight into the water.


    *Ssh!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! Cold!" Ryan yelped as he shivered from being naked in the cold water.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then Ryanes out of the water and sits on the rock with his legs hanging over the edge. He lets the water soak his legs as he stares into the rippling water. It''s hypnotic staring into the waves. It helps<span style="font-weight:400"> to rx him as his mind wanders back to the past, to the moment when Hiro died for him. As he felt some guilte over him for failing to defeat those assholes. For not being stronger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope Nils wasn''t lying to me, about reincarnating Hiro. I guess I have no choice but to believe her for now." Ryan says as he continues to wash his hair in the water. Ryan finally noticed how long and beautiful his hair has be. It was soft and silky, almost like silk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, now I don''t me Hiro for hitting on me. Now that I can look at myself, my hair is long and beautiful... I wonder what my face looks like now?" Ryan said to himself as he turned around to see if he could find some still water. So he could see his reflection. Luckily there was one spot away from the waterfall that had a pocket of still water that would work as a mirror.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the fuck? Is that me?" Ryan asks himself as he stares at his own naked body in the water''s reflection. He turns to his side while looking at his reflection. His eyes couldn''t look away as his silhouette in the water didn''t look like him anymore and was in awe as he<span style="font-weight:400"> watched his naked form.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everything about his former self had changed from masculine to feminine. His body was smooth and toned, his breasts were small handfuls and had a nice round shape to them withrge pointy nipples as he saw the dark circles around them. He also had a nice ass and wide hips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan noticed his face looked like one of those anime girls with big eyes and long eyshes. His face was one of the most attractive faces he has ever seen and his ears had a slight point on the ends of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Sigh...* "I think I might actually look pretty hot now." Ryan says to himself with unease.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The only remnants of Ryan''s masculinity was located in his crotch region where there was a sad 1-inch cock and a tiny sack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Sigh!* "There has to be a way to reverse this? There has to! Please let there be a way! I''m not ready to be a woman!" Ryan pleaded to himself as he looked down at his new body and sighed again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan finishes getting dressed and walks away from the river. It isn''t long before he hears something in the trees.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan stops and stares at where the sounds areing from in the woods.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit, what is that?" Ryan asked himself as he slowly walked forward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As he''s scanning the vegetation with his eyes. He was hoping to see any type of movement. Within seconds he sees a figure in the shadows of a bush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that... a person?" Ryan asks himself as he approaches the figure in the bush by a giant tree.

 Vol.1 Ch.18 The Goblin Slayer

    Vol.1 Ch.18 The Goblin yer


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who''s there?" Ryan asked as he stepped out of the brush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There was no answer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know you''re out here. I can hear your heart beating," Ryan said as he kept walking towards the noisesing from a bush in front of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Suddenly Ryan feels a sharp pain in his chest and falls to the ground clutching his left breast. He felt something blunt bash into his chest from the bush, knocking him backward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh shit! No!" Ryan screams as he quickly rolls onto his hands and feet. He then looked over his shoulder to see what attacked him. That''s when he saw a little green child-like creature staring at him with its spear pointed at Ryan''s head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit! Of fucking course! J-Just go easy on me and we''ll get along fine," Ryan says trying to keep his cool as the goblin smirks showing off his yellow rotting teeth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Raw! Raw, aaarrrr!" The Goblin grunts out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan had no clue what the creature said but it didn''t take him long to know what this thing was after. The look in its eyes was of lust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, Fuuuck OFF!" Ryan curses as it takes a step closer to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, hey! Hey! Stop! I''m a dude!" Ryan yells as he tries to push the goblin away but this makes it more excited.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Raw!" The goblin yells out again as it grabs hold of Ryan and tries to rip off his pants.


    <span style="font-weight:400">That''s when Ryan went on the offensive and grabbed ahold of its wrist knocking the crude spear out of its hand before getting grabbing the goblin''s head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t you dare touch me you fucking pervert!" Ryan yelled as he picked up the goblin and smashed it into the ground with such force that it caved in its skull. Spraying purple blood and brown brains all over the <span ss="editText">grass<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">y forest floor. <span style="font-weight:400">Killing it on the spot. It didn''t take long for Ryan to feel the cool sensation of the mana entering his body. It wasn''t as powerful as the Kobold''s mana, but it was pleasant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph! That''s what you get, you piece of crap!" Ryan said with disgust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He stood up to leave but heard more of the familiar heartbeats all around him. ''Huh? D-Don''t tell me-'' He turned around to see more goblins standing around him. Some were in the trees while others wereing out of holes in the ground. They all had lust in their eyes and starteding for him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck!" Ryan cursed as he ran away from the goblins chasing after him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Ryan tried to flee more and more goblins starteding out of the woodwork. What was a small number at first became a horde of 20 in a blink of an eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan realizes that he can''t run forever once he noticed he was surrounded. There was no other choice but to fight the goblins so he could make his escape.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, Okay! So these things are just like the fantasy novels back at home. But I fucking hate killing things! Maybe just one or two should be more than enough to make a hole. HEYA!" Ryan said as he picked up a goblin that tried to jump him and hurled it at a big stone rock about five feet away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Ryan was fighting his way out of this first wave of goblins, he spotted a bunch of new goblins holding crude swords and spears.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They form up and charge Ryan in waves as he dodges the attacks while countering them swiftly taking down some of the goblins with ease as he was stronger than he knew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Finally one of the goblins catches Ryan off guard before he can make a break for it.


    *Swing!*


    *Thud!*


    He was amazed by how quickly he moved and caught the goblin''s sword with no problem.


    ''How did I move so fast? It''s like everything goes into bullet time when I''m being attacked. But why didn''t it work when I was attacked by that first goblin? Fuck it! I don''t have time to think!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Raw! Raw, aaarww!" The goblin yells before Ryan bashes it with its own sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Piece of shit!" Ryan says as he kicks the goblin and sends it flying. He could hear its bones breaking when the goblin hit the tree. But Ryan''s victory was short-lived when he heard the running of many little feeting towards him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck it''s like I kicked a ho''s nest! They''re everywhere!'' Ryan thought to himself as he wiped his sweat off his forehead while picking up the crude sword from the goblin he just kicked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Three more little green men came charging in at Ryan all at the same time. So he decided to use his ''Dark Earthly de'' with the crappy goblin sword and strikes a goblin in the face with the extending de as he charges forward. He''s able to take out two more goblins and was aiming for a fourth one. But that goblin was able to dodge the extending de before the sword in Ryan��s hand shattered due to the stress of ''Dark Earthly de'' magic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Five down! fifteen more to go! I may be tired! But I''ll fucking end you bastards!" Ryan said as he continued his fight with hand-to-handbat as the goblins tried to surround him.


    ''Shit! <span style="font-weight:400">I have to kill them so my body can absorb more mana! I''m hoping that will help with my fatigue!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan charges at a goblin picking it up by the shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Die Motherfucker!" Ryan shouts as he smashes the goblin against a tree.


    <span style="font-weight:400">His next target is a goblin with a shield and spear. And it was about to thrust the jagged tip towards Ryan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He dodges the tip of the spear and smashes the goblin with his own shield. The shield falls apart on impact with the goblin''s face. Caving it in instantly as the goblin falls over dead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan took a deep breath as he moved towards the next goblin, he kicked it and sent it flying.


    *Pow!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ow! What the hell!" Ryan moaned when he felt a stone mmed off his back, thrown by a goblin in the branches of a tree.


    "Oh! You want to throw stones, ah?" Ryan picked up a stone that was as big as an egg and threw it at the goblin in the tree. The stone smashed into its rib cage making it cough out blood before falling to the ground.


    Another goblin jumped on Ryan''s back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You bastard!" Ryan yells as he grabs the goblin that was trying to choke him and holds the annoying creature in front of him. The goblin was still putting up a fight as it pulled out a rock from its loincloth and tried to attack Ryan with it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Bastard! Bastard! BASTAAAAAARD!" The goblin screams as he tries to hit Ryan with the rock until Ryan catches his hand and breaks his arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fucking shithead!" Ryan cussed as he mmed the goblin against the tree which broke its neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Goblin struggles to breathe before it falls over dead. Ryan shakes his head trying to shake off the pain from all the fighting and after a brief moment, he notices another goblin''s sword on the ground and runs over to grab it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh shit!" Ryan said as he sees more goblinsing his way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m ready! Let''s do this!" Ryan said as he charged at the goblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He doesn''t take long to finish the first goblin with his sword before kicking another one as he swiftly moves over to the next goblin to kill that one too.


    The screams of goblins could be heard echoing throughout the forest as Ryan went after one after the other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan is slowly bing the goblin yer as he takes down two more goblins in quick session.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''HAAH! Not that many left. Only four of them! This will be easy!'' Ryan thought as he took out thest four goblins with speed and grace.


    The ground near Ryan was covered in purple blood as he stood there breathing heavily from all the fighting. <span style="font-weight:400">With all the dead goblins lying around him and no moreing his way. Ryan decided to sit there for a moment. He was trying to catch his breath and was thinking about what had just transpired. ''It''s weird how fast I''ve been able to get used to using magic... And killing living things... It''s like second nature to me... Huh!''


    As he sat there in the aftermath of the battle. Ryan finally noticed his body was feeling strange.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmmmhhhh!�� He moaned as his body started to tingle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��This goddamn mana lust is going to be the end of me someday! Fuck!" Ryan said as he shook his head while trying to control his libido. If he didn''t calm down soon he would be lost to his urges again. And this ce wasn''t safe to deal with the building lust that was growing inside him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan stood up and walked away from the goblin carnage he left behind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn! I gotta figure something out. If not, my urges will just keep getting worse till it consumes me." Ryan said as he wiped off the sweat from his brow and sighed before he looked up at the blue sky.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I better get moving. I don''t know if the dead goblins will attract other monsters?" Ryan said as he walked back towards the river.

 Vol.1 Ch.19 Going out with a Whimper

    Vol.1 Ch.19 Going out with a Whimper


    A few hours have passed since Ryan��s first encounter with the Goblins, when he was traveling upstream, hoping toe upon civilization of any type. Sadly, all he encountered was Goblin after Goblin as he continued to push through those bastards while hiking upstream. What seemed like minutes of nonstop fighting came to a head at a cave near the river.


    "Yeah, fuck you! You fucking prick! God! It''s like I''m in a fucking video game!" Ryan yelled as he smashed a goblin and kicked it across the cave.


    Ryan was struggling to control the increasing lust building in his body as he was killing another goblin horde that wouldn''t stop attacking him. The result was Ryan being oversaturated with mana from the continuous supply of Goblins.


    "Ahhh! Ahhhh! FUCK!" Ryan screamed as he felt himself transforming further into a female Dark Elf with his ears getting longer as well as his silky tinum hair growing down to his cute perky ass.


    As he looked down at his body, Ryan saw his now almost entirely transformed female Dark Elf with slightly bigger breasts and broader hips. He knew that he needed to stop, but the mana from the dead Goblins refused to listen to his pleas. As his body continued to change, he became angrier, and he couldn''t stop what was happening to him. He threw the Goblin corpse across the cave.


    "Fuck you! Fuck your mother! Your brother!" Ryan cursed at the Goblin''s corpse as he picked it up and threw it across the cave. He killed off the goblin horde with ease this time as his body was getting more robust with each green douchebag he yed.


    Ryan walked up to another dead goblin and looked at it. Ity there lifeless, with its tongue hanging out and blood dripping out of the hole in its chest. Ryan wasn''t satisfied that it died so quickly and smashed its face in before kicking it across the cave in frustration.


    "You stupid fucking goblins! You stupid little fucker! Why did you all have to attack me?! Didn''t you see that I was stronger than all of you? So why didn''t you all just run away?!" Ryan yelled out as his rational mind was struggling to keep control of his raging hormones. But his crotch was in extreme heat as thest bit of his manhood begged to be touched. His poor 1-inch erect penis was calling Ryan''s name, and whatever will he had to stop himself from touching it was cracking.


    "Why? Why do I need to touch myself so badly?! Aunh!" Ryan struggled against his primal nature as the heat was too much for his being to handle. The urge to relieve himself was taking hold. To masturbate these urges away.


    His idle hands started to creep towards his crotch as his hip swayed in excitement.


    "No! I can''t do this! I''m a good person! A good guy! I don''t deserve this!" Ryan said as he fought back his urge onest time. But his hands refused to listen.


    "I-I shouldn''t! Mmmm!" Ryan moaned as his hands made their way to their destination and finally touched his sad tiny cock through his pants. "I-I must resist! I can''t-Aungh!" Ryan groaned as his hand slipped inside the waistband of his pants and began to move faster.


    Ryan''s eyes widened as his body began to betray him. "Nooooo!..." Ryan whispered as his hand moved faster and faster around his groin, causing jolts of pleasure to shoot up and down his body. It didn''t take long before the fly to his pants opened up to expose his painfully erect cock to the world.


    "M-My cock is so small!? What is this!? Aungh!" Ryan gasped as his hand worked faster and faster. Rubbing up and down to his cock while it started to shrink in his fingers.


    Ryan couldn''t hold on any longer as his fingers touched the soft skin of his shrinking cock. "Aaaah! My penis!" Ryan cried out as his orgasm wasing fast.


    Ryan''s breathing picked up as he squeezed his cock with only his index finger and thumb. "Oh god! Oh my god! This feels so good!" Ryan shrieked while his body squirmed from the approaching climax.


    Ryan''s head spun as he tugged harder and harder on his tiny, shrinking cock. "This feels so... Ohh!" Ryan moaned as his orgasm finally exploded from his tiny balls.


    "OH! FUCK!!!" Ryan screamed as his hot cum sprayed everywhere. This orgasmsted way longer than anything he had ever felt before as he stood there moaning nonstop. This type of foreign pleasure washed over every part of him and didn''t seem like it wanted to stop. He was lost in this tidal wave of ecstasy and didn''t know if he would evere out of it.


    While Ryan was stuck in a state of ecstasy, he could feel his pelvis shift as his balls started to shrink into his body, forming what looked like pussy lips.


    His cock continued to pulse with pleasure as it shrank down to a tiny bean with a hood, as his fingers could no longer hold it. Then he could feel a negative space slowly forming inside his pelvis that wasn''t there before. After a second, it started to itch deeply from within him. It was an itch that couldn��t be scratched with any finger. Ryan couldn��t fully register what happened to him as his brain was bombarded with many different pleasurable sensations.


    And as his orgasm finally starteding down, he let out a sigh of relief as his mind was regaining control after that mind-blowing experience.


    Ryan''s eyes fluttered open and went wide when he stared at his groin. "What? What happened to me?" he asked, still in disbelief.


    Ryan''s cock was gone, nowhere to be found, as well as his balls. What he found instead was these familiar female organs. A vagina with lips and a beautiful clit trying to hide under a hood of skin. His hips were wider as well. They were almost wider than his shoulders.


    Ryan''s stomach looked nice and soft while his breasts went up and grew out, making him look more sexier than before.


    "Oh god! It''s GONE! I-I''m a woman!? What the fuck!?" Ryan cried out in disbelief as he stared at his new form. Or should he reluctantly say, ��Her new form��?


    Ryan''s eyes were wide as she stared at her B-cup size breasts. "My tits are bigger!? My nipples are darker, too!?" she gasped when she pulled her shirt away from her chest so she could see all the damage the mana had done to her body.


    Ryan''s hands went to her newly formed breasts and squeezed them fondling the soft flesh. "They''re so big and round! They shouldn''t feel this amazing!" Ryan cooed as she tried to get used to the feeling.


    Ryan''s gaze moved down his body. "My waist is slimming down!" she whispered to herself, unsure whether tough or cry about this situation.


    While she was busy self-exploring herself��or should we say "ying with herself?"��some new visitors wereing towards Ryan.


    "Grah! I TOLD YOU I SMELLED FEMALE!" said a creature resembling a much bigger Goblin.


    Ryan''s head snapped up, and they turned around to face the creature that spoke. She saw a lot of new Goblins and some strange Hobgoblins staring at her with lust in all their eyes.


    "Shit! More of them!" Ryan said as she did her best to hide her embarrassment and quickly fixed her clothing as best as possible.


    The Hobgoblin who had been standing next to his King shouted out. "WE HAVE A BROOD MAIDEN HERE! ADD HER TO THE OTHERS!"


    "HMPH! BROOD MAIDEN INDEED!" The Hobgoblin King grunted out as he bent forward, grabbing onto his crotch and rubbing it as he red at Ryan.


    A lot of the Goblins and Hobgoblins grinned with excitement at how lucky they were toe across this horny female Dark Elf in front of them and couldn''t help but imagine what fun they could have with her. Of course, the King gets to go first. But he wouldn''t mind having seconds after the rest of them had their turn with her.


    As the King moved closer to Ryan, a few Goblins jumped out from behind her and grabbed her arms and legs before she knew what had happened. They started pulling Ryan closer to their King.


    "Ugh! Stop doing that, you fucking idiots!" Ryan growled as she broke free from the Goblins'' grasp. Killing some in the process.


    "WE ARE NOT DONE YET!" the Hobgoblin King shouted as he grabbed onto Ryan''s arm, preventing her from escaping.


    "Get off me! You freakin'' pervert!" Ryan spat as she punched the Hobgoblin hard in the face. "OW! SHIT!" Ryan winced in pain.


    The Hobogoblin grabbed her wrist to prevent her from running away.


    Ryan''s hand felt like she had just punched a brick wall, and she could hear a loud cracking from her knuckles when her fist connected with the Hobgoblin''s nose.


    "AH HA! GOOD!" The Hobgoblin King cheered out with a shit-eating smile while his putrid breath permeated the air. "YOU WILL BE FUN FOR US TO BREAK!"


    ''This isn''t good! I can''t brute force my way out with these bigger goblins! I guess I have no other option!'' Ryan thought to herself as she gritted her teeth and took a deep breath before mentally preparing herself to do something no man should have to experience. With her free hand, she quickly goes for the Hobgoblin''s nutsack that was hiding behind a dirty leather loincloth.


    Ryan''s hands moved swiftly, and her fingers quickly connected with the Hobgoblin King''s nutsack. She could feel his fleshy testicles swell, and it was repulsive, but it was the only way! She squeezes down and twists them as hard as she can on the disgusting sack of flesh.


    ''I just hope this works!?'' Ryan thought to herself as she kept squeezing until she felt them warp around her fingers.


    The Hobgoblin King shrieked out in agony. He couldn''t hold on to her as he felt excruciating pain shot through his body. It was so great that it caused him to bend over, grabbing onto his own groin to stop her from continuing.


    Ryan shuttered at the agony she caused, but she couldn''t dwell on what she did. It was a necessary evil to escape.


    With that, she booked it out of there as fast as she could as the other Hobgoblins chased after her. Leaving their King behind as he was curled up on the dirty floor of the cave. He still held onto his groin and was yelling out in agony.


    ��THE FEMALE IS GETTING AWAY!�� yelled another Hobgoblin as he missed tackling her.

 Vol.1 Ch.20 The Escape

    Vol.1 Ch.20 The Escape


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan didn''t know how to feel at the moment. She felt horrible about crushing the Hobgoblin King''s junk in order to escape. But she could recall in the past when she felt the pain from getting an idental nut shot herself when she yed a game of ultimate frisbee. It was embarrassing that she went down so easily. But the pain made it hard to breathe. And what she did was a hundred times worse than slightly getting flicked in the nuts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But she knew she couldn''t let those other Goblins touch her. She always thought it was overkill to read fantasy light novels that made the Goblins so rapey. But it sucked that the authors were so on the ball about these little fuckers. And now she was a female. She didn''t want to find out if getting fucked by these creatures will result in her death. So she needed to get out of there as fast as she could. But hobgoblins were still hot on her trail, sprinting through the forest towards her. As Ryan ran towards the mountains, she could barely see through the trees.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan swiftly moved through the forest more gracefully than she had ever done before. Her mind was racing to find a way to lose these creeps. She couldn''t trust herself to defeat those bigger Golbins with fists only. She needs to get away from here, but how?


    <span style="font-weight:400">If only Nebulus could have taught her one of the spells that used teleport, then she would have used it ages ago. Still, she doesn''t know any other magical spells besides ''Dark Earth de,'' which is only usable with a ded weapon, and those crappy Goblin swords broke almost instantly when she cast her spell. So Ryan had to improvise if she was going to make it out of there alive.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While she continued to move through the forest like the wind, her thoughts were cut short when an arrow flew by and grazed her leg, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the fuck!" Ryan yelled as she tried to get up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She looked to her left and saw a Goblin with a crossbow aiming his sights at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan knows that many more goblins wille after her if she turns around. ''This is not my goddamn day!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">She rolls out of the way as the goblin shoots a bolt at her. The bolt hits the ground next to her as dirt, and some small stones kick up from the arrow''s impact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan keeps rolling as a few more arrows almost hit her. She notices a bush that might give her cover as she is still moving. So she continues to roll towards it until she finallynds in the bush. With their crossbows, the Goblins lose sight of her but continue to shoot into the bush, making some leaves fall out of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She raises her head once the volley of arrows stops and sees the bigger Goblins approaching her location. They wanted to capture her so badly that Ryan could see their cocks getting erect.


    "God dammit! I never knew how bad some women had it <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">until this shit happened to me!" Ryanined as she looked around, trying to find somewhere to run, and noticed that there were old stone ruins mixed in the forest.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">She hears the Goblins getting closer to her. Their heavy breathing echoed through the forest.


    ''Fuck it! I''m going to make a b-line to the ruins!'' Ryan thought before <span style="font-weight:400">taking a deep breath and ran towards the ruins where some Goblin archers were finding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Come on! Please let there be a way for me to lose them there!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan runs at full speed towards the ruins and hears the Hobgoblins closing in on her like flies to shit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"God! Take a FUCKING HINT!" Ryan yelled at her pursuers as she ran with all her might.


    The Hobgoblins and more of the normal Goblins were closing in on her location and ready to surround her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan picked up her pace as she was only 15 yards away from the ruins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She had to keep dodging the iing attacks of the Goblins as she passed by an old obelisk. That was when one of the Hobgoblins finally caught up to her from the other side of the obelisk and tackled her from behind.


    "Oof!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan grunts as she hits the ground hard after feeling the weight of the Hobgoblin<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">crushing her into the dirt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She looks up to see another Goblin looking down at her with a shit-eating grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HAHAHHAAHA!" The Goblin cackled as he brought his axe down towards her with the Hobgoblin still on her back. Ryan''s instincts kicked in as she rolled towards the axe. Moving the Hobgoblin directly into its path.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YYYYAAAAARRRRRR!!!!!" screamed the Hobgoblin as he felt the crude axe imbed itself into his back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Goblin panicked when he saw his ax struck his ally and saw blood flowing out of his back. The Hobgoblin turned towards him with fury in his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"STUPID WORM!!!" The Hobgoblin yelled as he pulled the axe out of his back and used it on his attacker. "I''M GOING TO KILL YOU!!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan hit the deck before the Hobgoblin swung the axe horizontally with such ferocious force that the blunt end of the axe hit the Goblin. It sent him flying into the old obelisk with such force that it damaged the stones in the base of the ruin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GORUUGGGHHHH! FUCK!" The goblin cried out as he was covered in blood from his face getting smashed in against the rock, and having his ribcage crashed when he got clubbed by his own axe also made him puke blood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan was dumbfounded momentarily as she watched the Goblin die there in a few seconds, as the Hobgoblin turned his attention back towards her.


    ''Shit! He''s still alive!? He took a fucking axe into his back!'' Huh? What''s that sound?''


    *Crack! Crack! Crack!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">That was when Ryan noticed the base of the obelisk was cracking from the dead Goblin that had smashed into it. It didn''t take long for the old stone structure to start falling towards them like a chopped-down tree.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Hobgoblin was unaware of the danger approaching them until a shadow was cast from the ever-approaching stone structure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HUH!?" He muttered as he looked confused by the darkening shadow. Ryan needed to get out of the path of the falling obelisk, but the Hobgoblin still had her leg and without a moment too soon. Ryan kicked him in the gut and rolled out of the way as the giant stone smashed into the Hobgoblin. Crushing him like a bug.


    *BOOM!*


    "Fuck that was too close! Huh!?" Ryan didn''t have time to respond once she felt the ground moving under the <span style="font-weight:400">impact zone obelisk as<span style="font-weight:400"> the ground started to copse in on itself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SHIT!" Ryan yelled as she couldn''t get a good foothold as the dirt fell into the newly formed sinkhole. She reached out just as she fell in and managed to grab ahold of the newly created ledge. Her body smacked into the side of the wall as she held onto the ledge for dear life. Once the obelisk copsed into the earth, it revealed a hidden ravine, and Ryan could barely hear the shing of water below from all the falling dirt and stones.


    "AH! Fuck!" Ryan yelled out as she <span style="font-weight:400">held onto the edge of dirt that was crumbling in her hands. She could feel the ground shake and crack open more before she plunged into the darkness below. Luckily, there was an undergroundke at the bottom of the ravine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan plunged into the deep, dark water.


    *SPLASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">��JESUS!�� Ryan thought as she felt herself slowing down in the dark depths of the water. She was a little worried about drowning when she felt her feet hit the bottom of theke. When she got her bearings, she quickly pushed off the floor and tried to swim to the surface. She was about 25 feet below the water, and feeling the pressure of the water on her body was impressive.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Come on, swim, Ryan!'' She thought to herself as she kicked her legs and moved her arms as fast as she could. ''I know I haven''t swam in a while, but you can do it!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her lungs were burning for air since her heart rate was up, and she was still 10 feet away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Just hold on, Ryan, just hang on!'' She thought to herself as she wasing to the surface.


    *Ssh!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HHHHAAAAA!" Ryan gasps for fresh air as she breaks the surface. Her hair was soaked and heavy, and she was finally relieved to breathe air after so long<span ss="aiText">. She had no idea how long she was down there. But she wa<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">s thankful that she didn''t fall on solid ro<span ss="aiText">c<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">k.


    Once she calmed down, she noticed that thanks to her growing assets, she could float on the surface much more easily than when she was a man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"God, I need a vacation," Ryan said as she swam towards a rock. She looked around the ce that she fell into.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">There were a lot ofrge stgmites and stctites. And some more miniature stctites near the surface. She then looked up at the <span style="font-weight:400">opening in the ceiling, which looked like it was over 100 feet high. She stayed still for a while to see if any Goblins were nning to pursue her, but they didn''t jump down the ravine to get to this cavern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I guess they think I''m dead. I hope?'' Ryan thought to herself as she sighed in relief. Once she believes the coast is clear, she finally starts to rx.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"WOOO!" she cried out as she climbed onto the rock and sat down. She took off her boots and socks and jumped back into the water, starting to wade through the surprisingly clear water.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn, this feels good." She said as she felt the warm waters caress her exhausted body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She dunked her head under the warm crystal-clear water to get rid of any dirt and sweat that may still be on her. Then she swam back to the rock that had her boots and sat on the edge. She reached over her back and started massaging the sore muscles in her neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, Ahhh!" Ryan sighed as she felt some relief in her shoulders from the simple massage. She smiled and let the water flow over her feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you seem to be enjoying yourself?" A familiar voice said from behind her. Ryan quickly turned around and gasped when she saw Nils floating there in the cavern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enjoying myself!?... All that''s ever happened to me since you brought me to Tertius was getting a near-death experience, to near-death experience, to near rape experience, and now another near-death experience... HA! Like you have any clue what an enjoyable life is." She said sarcastically as Ryan pulled her feet out of the water and stood up, looking at the Goddess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nils chuckled at her sarcasm. "Well, I guess you are an expert in enjoyment and hardship after getting dragged across two worlds."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan rolled her eyes and shook her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why did you decide to show up now? Why didn''t youe sooner?" Ryan asked while she sat her wet silver hair on her right shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We were just watching how you perform under pressure, and you have done well," Nils replied with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tch... Well, at this rate, the stress is going to kill me before a de will." Ryan said as she red up at Goddess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You give yourself too little credit, Ryan."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan rolled her eyes again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please, I''ve been chased by goblins, orcs, elves, dwarves, ogres, hobos, rapists, assholes, you name it! Haah!... So is that all you wanted to say to me? That I''ve done good?" Ryan asked sarcastically.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, now that you��ve almostpleted your transformation into a Dark Elf. I''vee to give you another gift." Nils said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh yeah?! You know I could have used something earlier against those big ass goblins." Ryan said to Nils as she walked over to the floating goddess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hobgoblins."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hobgoblins. Those bigger creatures you couldn''t defeat with your fists were Hobgoblins," Nils said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan shakes her head. "Does it really matter?... You know what, never mind... You said you were going to give me a gift." Ryan asked Nils.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. I did."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well then, you''re going to do your ��touch my head�� thing or what."


    Just as Ryan finished her sentence, Nils quickly moved her right hand, and her pointer finger came into contact with Ryan''s forehead, making her eyes dte as the knowledge flowed into her mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What!" Ryan shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It is time for you to learn a couple of the ways of Dark Elven Magic." Nils said as she removed her finger from Ryan''s forehead.

 Vol.1 Ch.21 I fell into What?

    Vol.1 Ch.21 I fell into What?


    "There we go. Finally, you''re all set... I showed you the wonders of dark earth magic." Nils said as she stepped back from Ryan.


    "So you''re telling me I''m a Dark Elf now?"


    "Technically? You have not fully turned into a Dark Elf yet. But you''re not too far off. I believe you will be a full-fledged Dark Elf in a few hours or if you y a few more hobgoblins."


    "So you can only give me these two incantations?" Ryan asked.


    Nils smiled at Ryan''s question. "Of course, I could give you more spells, but the other Dark and Life incantations are more demanding on the user''s body. We don''t want to expose you to Mana Exhaustion, now do we?" Nils said.


    Ryan nods in agreement.


    "Just be careful when using Void Healing in front of others. Healing is a very rare magic in this world. So don''t be surprised if people start looking to enve you. Many healers are property of powerful people here on Tertius." Nils said with a chuckle.


    Ryan shivered at the thought of bing someone''s property.


    "Yeah, I''ll keep that in mind," Ryan said with a nod. "Anyway, I guess I can use Dark Earth magic to get myself out of this cavern?"


    "Well, it would be easier if you were strong enough to use geomancy, but in this ce? No, you can''t get out." Nils said with a shrug.


    At first, Ryan thought she was lying, but the Goddess''s <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">eyes were dead serious.


    "Huh? Howe?" Ryan asks with a confused look on his face.


    "Here... I''ll teach you why so it will make more sense to you. Just close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Block out all other distractions." Nils said.


    "O-Okay?" Ryan replied with a bit of skepticism, but she did what she was told and closed her eyes.


    "Now steady your breathing," Nils said.


    "..."


    Ryan stands there with her eyes closed for a minute or two, waiting for something... Anything to happen. And just as she was about to open her eyes.


    ''I don''t know what the hell is supposed to happen, but... Wait a second?'' Ryan started to sense something. It''s faint, but it is there, and whatever it was was barely visible. Ryan began to see a few little eerie green particles when her eyes were closed, and the smell was the other thing. It started to smell like ozone, like from an electrical fire. It wasn''t suffocating, but she couldn''t<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> ignore the smell either.


    "What is that?" Ryan asks nervously as she opens her eyes.


    "That''s Ether particles from a dungeon core," Nils says with a grin.


    "What do you mean?" Ryan asks with concern.


    "It''s like a living building that''s underground. Some races call thembyrinths. But it can feel almost everything that moves around in it. And it will take notice if an earth mage starts tearing through its walls and will prevent them from leaving. The only exception is if the mage can overpower the core, which is very rare." Nils exined.


    "So why would a dungeon core prevent me from leaving?" Ryan asked.


    "Because, like all living things, the core needs food to survive and grow. That consists of mana from living beings. So as a defense mechanism, it will repair its walls to try and prevent those from entering or exiting by one''s own means." Nils exined.


    "So it will try to eat me then?" Ryan asks.


    "Well, that''s if you died in the dungeon. But you''ll have to leave by thebyrinth''s exit or destroy the core. It''s your choice." Nils tells Ryan.


    "So why would anyonee into abyrinth in the first ce? It sounds stupid toe to one willingly. Why wouldn''t people just run away?" Ryan asked.


    "The Dungeon Cores will lure monsters and humanoids with the rare magical materials it creates, like gems and metals. Or even a specific monster that can only exist in the Labyrinth." Nils said.


    "Really? Material wealth,e on? What can''t you get outside a Labyrinth that you can get inside one?" Ryan asked with doubt in her voice.


    "Well�� Violet iron ore, mithril, ether crystals, white obsidian, and a few others are magical materials. And there are the typical gold, tinum, silver, rubies, sapphires, and jade, to name a few... And, of course, they spawn monsters so that you can harvest their parts." Nils<span ss="editText"> answered as if it was<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a no-brainer.


    "Okay, point taken, I guess? I thought you said Dungeon Cores just wanted all people dead?" Ryan said with a bit of sarcasm.


    "Well, you know how you absorb about 90 percent of mana?" Nils asked.


    "YYYeess?" Ryan said to humor her.


    "Well, a Dungeon Core will absorb everything that dies in its domain, and I mean everything. It is the most efficient thing at absorbing mana, so it can easily live off a few dead adventurers for years if a core needs to. And that''s including the monsters, so it will be able to grow or reproduce at some point." Nils exined.


    "So I just need to escape thisbyrinth from its own entrance?... Hey!? Why doesn''t it close off the entrance? Like a Venus flytrap?" Ryan asks.


    "I don''t know what a Venus flytrap is, but the better way of looking at a Dungeon Core is that it is simr to a tree. You can''t see them grow in hours or days but in months to years. So, if you enter the Labyrinth, it would take months for it to close its entrance. So it can''t trap you in that way." Nils said. "Or if you like, you could destroy the Dungeon Core?


    Ryan starts to shudder at the thought of taking down a Dungeon Core. "God, I can''t imagine how I would be able to control the Mana Lust if I took one down."


    "You don''t have to worry about Mana Lust with Dungeon Cores. And that''s Goddess! Not God. Stop saying, god!" Nils scolded Ryan.


    "Huh? Oh sorry... Umm, so they aren''t full of mana?" Ryan asked.


    "Correct, the Dungeon Cores are beings of ether. They consume mana and turn it into ether. That''s why monsters like to eat Ether Crystals since they make them stronger. It''s a weird cycle of life type of thing," Nils said.


    "So, what is the advantage of destroying a core then?" Ryan asked.


    "To get the most precious material on Tertius, Liquid Ether," Nils replies.


    "Liquid Ether?" Ryan asks.


    "It''s what makes all the magical artifacts possible. All the artificers and alchemists use it to craft their potions and items. Without it, the people of Tertius wouldn''t be able to create some of the most powerful weapons known to the universe." Nils says.


    "Haah... Okay then. I think that''s all I need to know for now. As long as I don''t hit any traps... I should be good." Ryan says out loud, trying to mentally prepare herself for the obstacles ahead.


    "Well, you shouldn''t have to worry about traps with thisbyrinth," Nils said with a smirk.


    "Why not?" Ryan asks.


    "Because thisbyrinth is a Spawner Core. You can tell by the green color of the ether particles. Anyway, best of luck, Ryan!" Nils says with a smile as she vanishes into thin air.


    "Don''t tell me this Dungeon spawns goblins!? Nils!? Nils!?" Ryan calls out into the darkness of the cave.


    "..."


    Ryan doesn''t know if she shouldugh or cry at the moment. "Nils!?" she yelled out again, but she received no response.


    "GUH! Why does it have to be goblins!? I knew this was a bad idea! Wandering around the forest only to fall into abyrinth! I''ve only been here for three days! And I''ve lost everything! My peaceful life, my family, my.... my manhood! Everything!!!" Ryan said to herself, venting out her frustrations to the world as she looked for a way out of the cavern.

 Vol.1 Ch.22 Hiding in the Shadows

    Vol.1 Ch.22 Hiding in the Shadows


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took Ryan about a half hour of wandering around the cavern before she found a passage out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, here goes nothing?" Ryan said to herself while carefully walking through the passageway of a tunnel. Her hair and clothes were still damp from falling into the undergroundke. So she was a bit cold at first but with her adrenaline flowing, it didn''t bother her too much.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So Nils said this Dungeon Core is a spawner, huh? Well, hopefully, it''s not a goblin spawner." Ryan said quietly to herself. ��Who am I kidding! IT''S NOTHING BUT A GOBLIN SPAWNER!... Fuck me, dude.��


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Ryan was walking with caution she kept looking around the cavernous tunnel to make sure there weren''t any traps or monsters waiting to ambush her. She had no idea what to expect from thisbyrinth but if Nils said it was a spawner then she figured it wouldn��t have traps in it that were created by thebyrinth, but that didn''t mean the goblins didn''t have traps. <span ss="editText">Ryan wasn��t going to let those green bastards try<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to kill her or get the drop on her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As she continued down the dark tunnel. Ryan started to notice something, she could see in the dark, way better than she ever used to when she was a human. ''Maybe I can see better in the dark because I''m bing a Dark Elf? I''ll ask Nils about it next time.'' Ryan thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While proceeding down the narrow stone tunnel, Ryan was contemting about what she''d do if she came across a horde of goblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I wonder how powerful my Dark Earth magic will be? From the images Nils put in my mind, it looks like I can manipte a football-sized field worth of earth if need be... Man! I��m bing a fucking juggernaut! Whoa!... Calm down, Ryan. If you start thinking like that. I��ll let my guard down and that''s when I get killed by something stupid." She muttered to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a moment of introspection, Ryan noticed a lit room ahead of her about 50 feet away. ''Huh? I wonder if there is a goblin camp<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.'' She thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan made an effort to stay hidden in the shadows of the tunnel. There was a slight shimmering in the air and Ryan felt a tingly phenomenon run down her spine. ''Is that ether or something else floating in the air? Gah! Get your head in the game, Ryan! You don''t know if there are goblins in the room with the light<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">!'' Ryan mentally chided herself.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">She slowly approached the open cavern where the light was emanating from. <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">As she got closer, <span style="font-weight:400">she was greeted with arge opening that allowed her to see a huge cavern with natural stone pirs throughout therge arena that was three stories tall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">In front of her, about 50 feet away, was a group of goblins out on patrol. While a couple were standing in the middle of the room encircled by torches. They were all wearing crude chain mail armor and wielding various weapons such as swords, maces, axes, hammers, and crossbows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Looks like they are preparing for something?'' Ryan thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan looked back at the tunnel she came from just to make sure that nothing was going to ambush her. Luckily there was nothing there that she knew of.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, they haven''t noticed me. I''ll have to use those stgmites for cover. If I hide behind them I should be able to sneak up on the goblins without them seeing me. Then I could get the high ground on them if I can climb that wall over there. That''s if I y my cards right.'' Ryan thought to herself while waiting for an opportunity to move.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a minute, Ryan started to sneak forward until she made it behind a ginormous rock. Once it seemed like the coast was clear, she began climbing up the rocks towards the stgmite. As Ryan was climbing up the rock face she came to notice that there were a lot of cave-ins and missing stones and boulders that came off the rock wall. ''Please let this be sturdier than it looks.'' Ryan thought to herself as she continued to climb. ''If something breaks off I need to book it back to the undergroundke.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Luckily the rock wall was sturdy and when Ryan made it to the top. She took a look over the edge of the cliff to see her surroundings and saw that there were a bunch of goblins below that just missed spotting her. She could see others moving through various corridors while a few were hanging around doing nothing as they looked bored.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Jesus! They''re everywhere! How the fuck am I going to get past all of them?!'' Ryan thought to herself as she desperately tried to figure out a n, but she wasing up empty.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as Ryan was contemting what to do, a goblin came from a different corridor on the far end and started squawking at the other goblins, getting their attention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hyaaaah!" the goblin shouted out to the other goblins in the area. "Come, intruders!" he said to his cronies.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The goblins started to gather their weapons before they ran to the far corridor and followed the leader in an unorganized fashion. What used to be crawling with green little men was<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">now empty, or so Ryan thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well that''s the first bit of good luck I have had in days," Ryan whispered to herself.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">As she was about to leave her cover a group of about five goblins were running in a line formation towards the exit where theirrades were going.


    <span ss="aiText">''Well, I guess they are notplete idiots. At least they are smart enough to have a rearguard...'' Ryan thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">It took them a minute before they<span ss="aiText"> were out of sight and then Ryan took her chance and started making her way towards <span ss="editText">a slope so she could<span ss="aiText"> make her way down to the main floor of the cavern.


    <span ss="aiText">It didn''t take her long to get down the rocky slope and then she started heading in the direction of where the goblins went.


    <span ss="aiText">''This seems too easy?<span ss="userText">... Maybe I finally getting luck on my side<span ss="aiText">? I hope so because I need a win.'' Ryan thought to herself<span ss="editText"> as she<span ss="aiText"> could <span ss="editText">feel <span ss="aiText">he<span ss="retryDeletionText">r <span ss="editText">body starting to ache <span ss="userText">after hours <span ss="editText">of<span ss="userText"> running, fighting, and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> almost dying.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Ryan was walking towards the corridor she noticed different chambers were in this goblin makeshift camp and saw a smaller doorway that might be a storage room and thought that might be a good ce to hide so she could have a bit of rest as she was really feeling her body ache.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the hell would a goblin store in the first ce? If they don''t use it for anything disgusting. Then maybe I can hide in there for a couple of hours..." Ryan muttered to herself before another thought urred to her. "Hold on... If I''m in a dungeon, then there should be adventurers, right? I wonder if that''s what caught the attention of the goblins? Jeez! I can''t believe I''m in this fantasy set-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Growl!* Goes her stomach.


    "Oof... I know stomach, I''ll try and get you food as soon as possible. But I doubt there''s anything in there," Ryan said to her stomach.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan started to walk to that smaller door to see if the room was safe for her to rest for a bit. She <span style="font-weight:400">opens the door slowly, trying to make as little sound as possible. Once inside there were a lot of empty crates, wooden barrels, and small boulders lying in the small room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it''s better than nothing, I guess," Ryan said as hey down on the ground hiding behind a rock in the shadows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��This will have to do for now,�� Ryan said as she tried to get asfortable as possible as she drifted off to sleep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">After some time has passed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan awoke to the sound of nging metal in the distance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? Is that a adventure party? Goddess, I wish I could have slept on a bed instead of this stone floor.'' Ryan thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan tried to get up off the ground but failed miserably due to losing the feeling in her legs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck. I guess sleeping on a rock floor didn''t help my legs that much.'' Ryan said while she was shaking out her legs. She tried her best to get the feeling back in her legs as quickly as possible.


    <span ss="editText">After a minute, the pins and needles sensation started to fade and thought that was good enough for her to <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">get moving. When she was getting up she heard the sound of footstepsing from the corridor to the left of the room. She stayed behind the rock in the storage room and got ready if they decided to enter the room.


    <span ss="editText">"Crap! It sounds like the goblins areing!" Ryan thought to herself as her elven ears were able to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">tell what direction the footsteps wereing from.


    <span ss="aiText">"Shit, shit, shit!" Ryan swore under her breath. "I was hoping to rest longer. I''m not fully recovered yet."


    <span style="font-weight:400">A group of goblins came into the area and stopped just outside the door of the storage room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��No need to look in here guys... Nothing but useless rocks and empty boxes in here.�� Ryan said to herself trying to will the goblins away from her, in hopes they wouldn��t notice her hiding in the shadows of their storage room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yaaah!" The goblin leader shouted out. "Come, intruders! This way!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It must be the adventurers?'' Ryan thought to herself. She peeked her head out from behind the rock and saw a group of goblins through the cracks of the crapy door. They gathered their weapons and followed after the goblin leader towards the corridor that the other goblins ran through before Ryan hid in the room.


    That''s when Ryan heard something new. The sounds of metal


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince Quinus, there''s another hordeing ourway!" Yelled a man''s voice in the distance.


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">The sounds of metal were getting louder as the seconds went by. ''Yep! It is a group of adventurers. Maybe I could use them as a distraction. So I can get out of this shithole of a dungeon.''

 Vol.1 Ch.23 MEATS BACK ON THE MENU!

    Vol.1 Ch.23 MEATS BACK ON THE MENU!


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan watched as the goblins went in the direction of the shouting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, the adventure party is here," Ryan said to herself as she got up from the ground and snook up to the entranceway of the small room she was resting in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan took a peek out the tattered door and saw a group of goblins gathered outside. They were engaging in a battle with seven other figures that looked like humans. They were a good distance away and she was having trouble making out who was in the party, even with Ryan��s ability to see in the dark.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um, well I might be able to sneak out thanks to my new decoys. Who are ying with the goblins," Ryan whispered to herself. She decided to tiptoe out behind the goblins that were ring at the invaders. She made sure not to make a noise as she moved behind a rock on the opposite side of the room. Luckily they didn''t notice her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The battle had be far more fierce by the second as the goblins spawned the heavily armored warriors. The green-skinned freaks outnumbered the adventure party three to one. The goblins seemed to be holding their own, they even managed tond a few hits on a couple of the knights, here and there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, they''re only humans? I thought they would have a dwarf or something," Ryan joked to herself as she finally could see the group more clearly now as she hid behind one of the rocks near the far side wall of the cavern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She saw a party of seven adventurers who seemed to finally be making a dent into the goblin horde that was swarming them. After a while, some of them started to rx. But then the hobgoblins came into the picture and entered the battle with the remaining goblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy! Guard my nk!" yelled out a young man with golden eyes and dark red hair. He was wearing badass-looking armor that was mostly ck, or more of a charcoal color but it had gold trim with all these intricate details.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn! Mr. Golden Eyes, looks like he''s royalty or something?'' Ryan thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Highness." Said the other young man named Percy. He was firing off arrows to give support for his party. He looked like your everyday fantasy ranger. With his red cape, leather armor, and short sword. He was ying crowd control with his bow and arrows. He had hazel brown eyes and short brown hair. And upon second viewing Ryan noticed that he looked a little younger than Mister Golden Eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He must have a huge ego if he has a retainer named Percy!'' Ryan thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swish!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Scrape!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Guh!" Grunted an older man wearing light armor. He resembled more of a knight, with the usual chainmail, the tunic with his country''s banner colors on it and he was using a shield and a long sword. But four goblins came at him and one got him in the arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ew! He just got a piece taken out from him!'' Ryan thought while she continued with her internalmentary. She witnessed the knight getting hacked by a goblin axe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RAH! Sir George! Get back and mend your wounds! HAH! I''ll take on the front!" Mr. Golden Eyes ordered as he fought back three goblins and a Hobgoblin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve had worse, my Lord!" Said Sir George as his face was filled with pain while the blood continued to flow out of the wound from his shield arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Sling!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*St!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George! You''re better to me alive than dead! Mend yourself now! That''s an order! Hah!" Mr. Golden Eyes yelled out again as he killed the Hobgoblin in front of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Guh... As youmand, Your Highness." Said Sir George as he tried to wrap his wound as quickly as possible.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? Looks like a few of them are not fully engaged in the fight. Why are they letting Mr. Golden Eyes do all the work?'' Ryan pondered but she got a bad feeling about their predicament but she was interested to witness how it was going to y out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Marcus! What are you doing!? I need you in the front line!" Mr. Golden Eyes roared with anger in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry cousin but this is where we must part ways. I hope you have a wonderful afterlife and I''ll make sure to give your parents my regards," Marcus said with a shit-eating grin. He was a wiry guy and looked like a mage with his robe and silly-looking hat. He seemed to have three bodyguards or mercenaries that looked simr to Sir George''s get-up. But they had a ck rose on the front of their tunics.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Tsk! So cliche... It looks like Mr. Golden Eyes has a traitorous cousin. Anyway, not my problem.'' Ryan reacted to the scene in front of her like it was a poorly written movie or TV show. Even though it was a real battle of life and death.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was at this moment that Ryan decided to make her getaway. This was her opportunity to leave but after she turned away for a couple of seconds she could hear the fighting beginning again and for some reason, something within herpelled her to turn back. She needed to watch that man with the golden eyes as he struggled to keep himself and hisrades from dying, at the hands of the horde.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Fine! I��ll watch them for a few more minutes. It��s not like I can��t leave whenever I want... I just prefer to watch them for a little longer... Yeah, that''s it,�� Ryan lied to herself as she returned to her discreet spot and continued observing the battle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She couldn��t help but stare at Prince Quinus''s (Mr. Golden Eyes) masterful fighting skills. He sliced and diced the foes in front of him with mesmerizing movements.<span ss="editText">He was so skilled with the de<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> that his enemies barely stood a chance. Ryan could tell that he had trained for a long time. But even the best warrior could only hold out so long against such odds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn, he��s good! Like, really good... And the way his body moves is so hypnotic. And his muscles are sooo��. so?'' Ryan then shakes her head vigorously as she tries to shake those strange thoughts from her head. ��What the fuck is wrong with me?��


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk! Marcus! You traitorous dog!" Sir George yelled as he shed a goblin with his sword and knocked the little monster into a big rock. "You''re going to pay for this! HYAH!!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus just smirked as he ran down a different corridor with his three knights leaving them behind to their deaths.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George, focus! We can''t get my cousin if we die here right now? " Said Quinus as he continued to fight with the remaining goblins and a goblin shaman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All of a sudden everyone can feel the cavern vibrate as the sound of a stampede seems to being their way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince Quinus! It''s a monster stampede!" yelled Percy from behind the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��First Marcus and now this,�� Quinus said with frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The vibrations and the sound of stomping feet seemed to get stronger by the second until it became a deafening roar. <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone''s attention went to the entrance of the cave where they could see a green wall of goblinsing towards Quinus and his retainers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''OH FUCK!'' Ryan thought as she saw the tidal wave of goblinsing straight for them. ''Why didn��t I get out of here earlier?'' She chastised herself for not leaving when she could have. All she can do now is watch the goblinse closer and closer to Quinus and his troops.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As the goblinse within striking range of Quinus. He takes onest look at Percy and remembers how he said "to never leave someone behind" as they lost many good knights to get here at this point. He draws his elegant longsword up in the air. It began to glow red like a fire. "LET THE SUN SMITE THEE!"


    Quinus yells as the me, which is as bright as the sun, res out of his sword and he swings it in the direction of the goblin horde. The mes engulf the goblins before they can do anything about it. They scream, screech, and roll around on the ground, desperate to stop the pain as the army of goblins and hobgoblins fall to the magical mes. It takes only a few seconds before they burn to ash.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"WOW!" Ryan yelled out in awe of the raw power that Quinus just disyed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Prince Quinus looks over to hisrades before he falls to one knee from exhaustion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, done, my Lord. We would have been in trouble if it wasn''t for you... Are you fine," Sir George said as he hurried over to help him up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I��m fine, I just need time for my mana toe back into my body. Haah... I''m not sure how many more of those I can do that though," Quinus said to his retainers as he felt the stress on his body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lord Quin, should we retreat and bring in more knights?" Percy asked with worry in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No Percy! Marcus will use this against me for the Throne. He��ll say, I''m not fit to be king because we couldn��t stop the monster stampede, where he will. We have to finish this or our people will suffer," Quinus said with determination in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re right! Let''s keep fighting!" said Sir George as he took a stand next to Quinus and looked at the horde of dead burnt corpses of the goblins'' bodies or what was left of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wish I was able to do something with magic, my Lord, I feel like I''m nothing but a burden," said Percy looking down at his bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George kneels down and puts his hand on Percy''s shoulder. "You did well today. And there''s no point in beating yourself up... Haah... I don''t know about you, but I''ve been feeling sluggish after that one. I think we could all use a break. What do you say, my Lord? I think we have about four more floors to go through before we reach the core. And I think it would be best to rest for a moment."


    Quinus looked around before speaking his mind. "Yeah... It would be best to take a breather. I doubt Marcus will make it that far with so many goblins running around."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percyughs and nods "Yeah. You''re right. But how are we going to find the core without Marcus?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looks over to Percy and shakes his head, "It''s okay, Percy. We��ll figure it out when we get to that point."


    <span ss="editText">Ryan started to rx once she knew that Mr. Golden Eyes was okay. It was bugging her that she was so invested in Quinus'' wellbeing. But in the end, she just <span ss="aiText">shrugged her shoulders and <span ss="editText">paid it no<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, it seems they are safe for now. I really should leave. Huh? What is that?'' While Ryan was looking around the cavern she heard some noises,ing from above. That''s when she spotted a few hobgoblins climbing around the ceiling. They were holding onto the stctites that were right above Quinus and his men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit, they''re going to get jumped!" Ryan yelled out loud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Hobgoblin leader chuckled as he and his minions positioned themselves up in the ceiling and began to attack Quinus and hisrades.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord! Above us!" Sir George tried to alert everyone but it was toote as the hobgoblins jumped down onto the three of them, knocking their weapons away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ARH!?" Quinus yelled out as he was knocked onto his back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OOOAAAFFF!?" Percy grunted after getting punched in the face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GET OFF ME!" George screamed as he was tackled to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"MEATS ON THE MENU, BOYS!" yells one of the hobgoblins as they raise their weapons ready to attack them without mercy.

 Vol.1 Ch.24 I’m a virgin. Again!

    Vol.1 Ch.24 I��m a virgin. Again!


    <span style="font-weight:400">After sitting on the sidelines for all this time. Ryan finally decides to intervene as shees out from behind the rock and ms both hands on the floor. She quickly channels her mana into the ground which causes a ck aura to spread out through the whole cavern, due to her "Dark Earth" magic. The hobgoblins were too focused on attacking the humans to notice the rock floor changing underneath their feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HUH!? WHAT~ GLA!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RAGH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ARGH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">That was all the hobgoblins could say before they were pierced by multiple earth spikes in that instant. Ryan''s Dark Magic had earth spikes sticking in them from every angle, turning them into Swiss cheese. And she managed to not hit Quinus and hisrades.


    <span ss="editText">Ryan was shocked by what she had just done. It was all instinct when she cast her magic and once she stopped channeling her mana<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">and took her hands off the ground, she could see <span style="font-weight:400">the earth floor returning to its original form. Leaving behind the broken hobgoblin corpses that fell to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Holy Shit! I did that?" said Ryan as she looked around the dead hobgoblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and hisrades were stunned at first but then they looked back at each other before nodding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What was that? Is there an Earth Mage?" Percy asked while he picked up his sword as quickly as he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know exactly, but that magic was something I��ve never seen before," Quinus replied as he massaged his shoulders before grabbing his long sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord, look!" Sir George eximed while he pointed at Ryan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-A Dark Elf!?" Percy panicked as he readied his weapon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Crap! I should have run earlier," Ryan said to herself as she thought she should run. But before she could act, Quinus yelled out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George! Percy!... Stand down!" The prince ordered.


    Percy and George looked at Quinus in surprise. They didn''t know why their lord told them to stand down with a dangerous Dark Elf nearby but <span style="font-weight:400">after a brief pause. They both lowered their weapons slowly while still keeping their guard up, just in case she tried something.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But my lord, she might be a brood maiden? And she''s a Dark Elf. We can''t trust her!" Sir Georgeined while keeping his eyes on the elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who was it that saved us when we got ambushed?" Quinus asked in amanding voice.


    "S-She did, my lord," George reluctantly answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Correct... And we''ll test if she''s a brood maiden, George. Now, stand down the both of you," Quinus said again in a calmer voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George grimaced after his Lord pointed out those facts. He felt shameful. He was ready to give a hug to whoever just saved them but he forgot that when he saw the Dark Elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She dide to our aid, Sir George," Percy said as he stared at Ryan and noticed that she wasn''t showing any malice towards them. "I''ll give her the test."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine, but if she tries anything, I''ll off her," Sir George said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HEY! You know I can hear you!" Ryan yelled out to Sir George with a re.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk! How could she not with those cursed elven ears of~"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GEORGE!" Quinus said in a stern voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George jumped when he heard Quinus chastising him. Once he rposed himself, he looked at the prince and he let out a sigh of defeat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-Sorry, my lord."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not me whom you should be apologizing to," Quinus said as he motioned his head toward Ryan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George hesitates for a moment before apologizing to Ryan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry mydy for offending you with my harshnguage," he said with a slight bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And I''m sorry for my men''s hasteful actions towards you, mydy. Can I please have the name of the one who aided us in our time of need?" Prince Quinus asked Ryan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm. I''ll have to keep an eye on those two morons but this prince guy doesn''t seem too bad. And he''s easy on the eyes,'' Ryan thought to herself as she felt safe around this man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My name is..." Ryan paused for a moment because she felt the mana from the dead hobgoblins starting to absorb into her. "M-My name i-is Rya-augh!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">She could feel her cheeks blush in embarrassment after moaning. She didn''t know if she was moaning because of staring into Quinus'' golden eyes or if it was the mana lust. But one thing she didn''t expect to happen to her was how it made her admit that she wanted to know more about him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s nice to meet you, Lady Rya. You can call me, Quinus," The prince said while giving a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Stupid mana! Quinus thinks my name is Rya. Haah!... Whatever, it''s not like I��ll be sticking around for too much longer. Why correct it, if I''m just going to leave,�� Rya thought to herself while giving a mental shrug. She <span style="font-weight:400">blushes again upon hearing Quinus saying her incorrect name.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��W-Wait that��s n-not my-anh!?�� Rya was trying to correct him but she was flustered and the mana was making it difficult to think straight. "N-Never mind." She gave up after failing to hold back her moans.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why is she fidgeting?" Percy asked George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Crap! I can''t hide it. T-This stupid mana is making me horny! I got to make something up? Gah! No! Just tell them the truth!'' Rya conceded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m just feeling the mana from the hobgoblins absorbing into my body. T-That''s all. I-I''m sure it will p-pass," Rya said with a smile trying topose herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at Rya with a knowing smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. She must be a demi-god. She��s getting a mana rush," Quinus said with a chuckle. Percy and Sir George looked at Rya before they nodded in agreement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What makes you think so?" Rya asks as she blushes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The same thing happened to me when I was younger... Well, it happened a few times. Anyway, I still feel the effects of mana rush when I y enough monsters in one go but it''s not as bad as it used to be once my mana vein grew bigger," Quinus exined, ��I know what you are going through because I too have a demi-god mana vein. You need to take care of your Mana Rush," The prince said as he nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s heart raced. ''He thinks I have a Demi-god mana vein? Ha ha! If only he knew I was a summoned. OH, Goddess! Dammit! This fucking mana!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What do you mean?" Rya asked timidly, trying to control herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t have to y coy with me Lady Rya. I know the urge is strong but it''s something that will lessen over time. Anyway, can we check you first to see if you''ve been infected by the goblins?" Quinus asked as he nodded at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What does it all entail?" Rya asked with confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy has an artifact that can tell if you''re a brood maiden. We''ll know if it glows red," Quinus said as he motioned for Percy to check her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay. I''ll take your test! B-But can you be q-quick?" Rya replied nervously as she walked up to Percy. Quinus and George have their hands on their swords. Rya didn''t notice it because she was fighting her urges and once she stopped in front of <span style="font-weight:400">Percy. He took out the artifact and had it in his hand. He then moved it by her stomach. Within seconds it lights up and glows bright blue. <span style="font-weight:400">Rya sighed in relief because it didn��t turn red. But then she noticed the surprised look on all three of their faces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you''re a virgin?" George asked bluntly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George!" Quinus yelled while looking at him in a panic. His retainer was embarrassing him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait? I''m not a... Huh? W-Well, I guess I am a virgin?" Rya replied in a confused tone. She<span style="font-weight:400"> wanted to say she wasn''t a virgin because of her past but that was when she was a man. But now that she is a woman. It seems she��s back to being a virgin, again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit... I''m a virgin... Again! Great!!!'' Rya thought to herself in frustration.

 Vol.1 Ch.25 Can’t Scratch that Itch!

    Vol.1 Ch.25 Can��t Scratch that Itch!


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit. I''m a virgin. Again! Great!!'' Rya thought to herself in frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, is there a problem with me being a virgin?" Rya asks, feeling embarrassed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A problem?... No, my Lady. It''s just the rumors about Dark Elves are... well?..." Percy was having trouble finishing his sentence and had a slightly embarrassed look written on his face when he realized what he was about to say to a woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Promiscuous as a Subi... At least your kind can''t suck the life from us! So, you keep yourself at a distance!" Sir George said sternly as he red at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the hell is Sir George''s problem? Like I would ever touch his nasty ass cock!... Wait, I''m not touching ANYONE''S COCK! AH!'' Rya thought to herself as her body was still fidgeting from the afterglow of mana lust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus red madly at George for his rudeness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But, my Lord!?" Sir George tried to argue his point that Dark Elves can''t be trusted but the Prince wasn''t having any of it. The old knight continued, "The Dark Elves have magic that can seduce us with ease!... We can''t afford to keep her around us!... All she will do is bring us trouble!"


    Rya had enough of his crap.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Seduce YOU!? A disgusting old man like you!?... HA! You couldn''t pay me! NO! I wouldn''t touch you if you were thest male on Tertius!!!" Rya snapped back at the disrespectful 46-year-old man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George looked taken aback by Rya''s outburst and had to take a step back. "P-Please do excuse my rudeness, Lady Rya!" Sir George said with a quick bow and hurried back down the tunnel from where they first entered the cavern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you''re saying that I''m a Subus!" Rya angrily spat at George while he was walking away. He was making sure to avoid eye contact with the Dark Elf as he made a B-line for the exit. <span ss="aiText">The old knight didn''t respond and continued walking. <span style="font-weight:400">But that only made Rya angrier. She never felt so judged in her entire life, and it triggered something deep inside her that she never felt before as a man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You say I''m promiscuous? But I''ve never had sex with anyone! T-That''s why I''m a virgin!... You JERK!" Rya yelled in defense of herself even though it was a half-truth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I know I''m lying about being a virgin! But I''m not going to be looked down on just because I''m a woman!... Goddess! Why do I feel so agitated!? Usually, I don''t get this pissed this easily?''


    <span ss="editText">Sir George acted like he didn''t hear her and was out of sight when he went around the corner. Quinus and Percy had never seen Sir George get<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">cowed like that, especially in front of the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��...�� Everyone was silent for a moment. Quinus cleared his throat first.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry for myrade''s poor behavior, I''ll try to reel him in, Lady Rya. I hope you understand," Quinus said apologetically.


    "Wow! She has <span ss="aiText">some serious spunk!" Percy muttered under his breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He needs to be taught a lesson, he needs a..." *Grown!* Rya halted her tirade when her stomach interrupted her as she blushed from embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Percy were surprised by how loud her stomach was. They nced at each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy, go help Sir George collect the rest of our gear and bring it here so we can make a quick camp, okay?" Quinus said, looking at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Lord," Percy said and rushed off to do as he was ordered.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh great! Now they think I''m a weirdo who can''t control my emotions! But I like to see how well they<span ss="aiText"> can control theirs if they were stuck in the body of a woman for a <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">day<span ss="aiText">. A-And that old man needs to stop judging women!'' <span style="font-weight:400"> Rya thought to herself as she fidgeted while standing there, struggling to keep a rational mind as her hunger and hormones were pushing her to her limits.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus just smirked at Rya as he reached into his pouch and pulled out some dry bread and jerky. He proceeded to hand them over to Rya who was pouting and wasn''t paying attention to Quinus.


    "Here, eat this, nothing��s worse than being hangry," Quinus said as he held out his hand with the food, Rya <span ss="editText">nced over and her eyes opened wide when she saw what <span ss="editText">he was holding.<span ss="editText"> Out of pure<span ss="aiText"> instinct, <span ss="editText">snatched it out of his hand quickly as if he was going to ta<span ss="editText">k<span ss="undoDeletionText">e it back without warning.<span ss="editText"> She then tried to act like<span ss="aiText"> she didn''t care and <span ss="editText">started eating the jerky with a little bite at first but <span ss="editText">whe<span ss="editText">n the dried meat hit her<span ss="aiText"> taste buds, <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">she couldn''t help but devour half the jerky in one bite.


    ''Oh, Goddess, this is too good! It feels like I haven''t eaten in days!'' Rya thought to herself as the jerky melted in her mouth. ''This is the best thing ever! Huh!? W-Why is he smiling at me?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt a little awkward as Quinus watched her eat but she was too hungry to care. He then grabbed his water skin and handed it to her for the dried bread.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Oh... T-Thank you," Rya said as she took the water and drank some of it with the bread, which helped wash it down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh! I-I think I''ve died and gone to heaven!'' Rya thoughtas tears of joy could be seen in her eyes. It didn''t take her that long to finish the jerky then moved on to what was left of the bread until she finished it all. She then followed it up by gulping down water skin until it was empty. With her stomach satisfied, <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">she let out a sigh.


    "I''ll take that if you want?" Quinus asked while pointing to the empty water skin.


    "OH! T-Thanks," Rya stuttered as she handed the empty water skin back to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right, is there anything else you need, Lady Rya?" Quinus asked as he put the skin away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I''m fine... W-Why do you ask?" Rya said, confused by his question.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you were crying while you were eating, and it looks like you haven''t eaten in a while?" Quinus exined himself while looking concerned.


    Rya''s heart fluttered out of nowhere. She tried to pay it off as nothing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh... I-I just have been through a few really hard days! Haha... And I wasn''t expecting to eat real food again. A-And I appreciate you offering me your food," Rya said as she blushed in embarrassment at how she acted in front of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, don''t worry about it. You look like you could use a little private time to deal with your mana rush issue," Quinus said as he pointed at a room with a crude wooden door. It was the same room that Rya slept in before she heard them fighting the goblins. "I''ll make sure Percy or George doesn''t bother you while you take care of your..... urges."


    Rya''s cheeks blushed a little deeper red and a shiver ran up her spine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Uh! He''s right! Now that my hunger has been taken care of. I can feel my body acting weird! Mmmmmm!'' Rya thought to herself as her nipples started to tingle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-That would be nice... Thank you," Rya said as she walked to the crude door and opened it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once Quinus left she closed the door and began to pull down her pants exposing her vagina. She had no idea what she was going to do to satisfy herself. Of course, she''s seen and touched a vagina before, but not one that was attacted to herself. And the longer she stood there the worse the itching felt. She just needed to end these urges so she could think straight again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Goddess! Uh! It''s like I''m a horny teenager again! B-But I don''t have a boner! W-Whatever I''ll just rub one out or whatever chicks call it when they masturbate... A-And I''ll be good.'' Rya thought to herself as she tried to get a good look at her vagina but her breasts weren''t making it easy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She felt embarrassed as she slowly continued to pull down her pants until they hit the ground. She tried to examine herself again but her perky breasts, which were around the size of a C-cup, were in the way of viewing her brand-new pussy. With a sigh, Rya reached down and slid her fingers gently between her lips to feel how wet her tiny hole was. ''It feels so weird!'' <span style="font-weight:400">Her finger rubbed against her clit and she gasped as she felt something like electricity shoot up her spine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aunh! W-What? I-I never felt like that when I was a man!?" Rya eximed as she looked down at her new pussy in between her breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The tinum silver-haired woman sat down on the ground and leaned forward to get a better view of her new vagina. Her hand slipped between her thighs again, and this time she used two fingers to rub against her clit. <span style="font-weight:400">Rya let out a soft moan as she continued rubbing her clit, writhing in pleasure. <span style="font-weight:400">With a gasp, Rya arched her back as a jolt of lightning shot through her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aungh!? What-what''s happening? Oh! Ah!" Rya eximed as she almost fell backward catching herself before she did.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''H-How do women keep their sanity with pleasure this intense!? How am I supposed to get through this!? I-I gotta focus!'' Rya thought to herself as she put her hand on her forehead and wiped away some sweat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Come on Ryan!... Man up! O-Or woman up?... Whatever j-just get it over with!'' Rya tried to regain herposure while readying herself. she<span style="font-weight:400"> took a deep breath as she continued touching her pussy to relieve the build-up urges coursing through her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh goddess, please let me cum! Please! B-But not too fast or else I won''t be able to take it!'' Rya thought to herself as she closed her eyes and bit her lower lip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She started pushing her fingers harder into her pussy as she started to sway her hips to her fingers. She could feel her juices dripping down her legs and down to the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This feels so different! So much more satisfying than I thought!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">At some point, her breasts started feeling sore from under her nipples.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Maybe my breasts are getting more sensitive?'' Rya thought as she brought her other hand up and pinched her hard nipple.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmmmmmm!" She moaned out from<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the stimtion.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Her moans became louder and more urgent as her pussy twitched uncontrobly.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''It''s so hot! So wet! My fingers are burning inside me!''


    The more she yed with herself, the faster her heart started beating<span ss="editText"> as she continued to rub her clit with two fingers. At some point, she started to wonder why she hadn''t climaxed yet. She didn''t know if it was normal for<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">a woman''s body to have trouble achieving an orgasm or not,pared to her male body. But her mind was clouded with lust and she couldn''t focus on anything except the intense pleasure she was experiencing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ngh! Come on!... It normally takes me 30 seconds to get off! Aunh! Why... Why is it taking so much longer!? Aungh! My whole body feels numb! Ugh! And why does it make me feel so good?" Rya moaned as she continued to rub her clit, gyrating her hips while her fingers moved faster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya kept at it for another thirty seconds slowly feeling her climaxing in at a snail''s pace and her nipples felt sorer now, as well as the core of her breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh! I gotta cum soon! I-I don''t know how I''msting this long! Damn it, this is annoying! I hate this feeling! It��s so good right now but I can''t fucking cum! Argh!" Rya moaned out loud while she bit her lip. Soon an itchiness wasing from deeper within her pelvis.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya then stopped rubbing her clit and took a deep breath. ''Man up, Dammit! Get it together! It''s your own pussy and it''s not like I''m turning gay if I do it!'' Rya thought to herself as she pushed her fingers harder into her pussy hitting her G-spot and making her body jump a little.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Guh! No! No! Don''t stop! Just keep going! I''ve gotta cum! I just need to cum! I can''t help myself!" Rya moaned as her fingers started to move again.<span style="font-weight:400">At some point, her free hand moved up to her aching breasts and started cupping them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''My boobs feel so sore! And my nipples hurt! What''s wrong with them?'' Rya thought to herself as she continued to push her fingers deeper into her pussy while her other hand continued squeezing her left breast.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why am I so wet! Oh, Goddess! This feels sooo good!'' <span style="font-weight:400">Rya pushed her fingers faster and harder into her pussy. <span style="font-weight:400">"Hnnnngggghhhhh! OHHHHHH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt a warm rush of blood flowing through her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on and CUM already!" Rya pleaded to her body but it refused to listen.


    <span ss="editText">''Goddess! This feels so good! I-I wish I had something bigger to rub my clit with, something more! OH GOD!'' Rya''s thoughts were interrupted when she squeezed her breast through her shirt. The soreness<span ss="aiText"> was now starting to get worse, it felt like they were going to explode!


    <span ss="aiText">''AH! What is wrong with my breasts!? They''re getting heavier and bigger!? <span ss="editText">OH FUCK! My pussy<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> feels soooo hot and swollen!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ngh!" Rya groaned as she snuck another finger inside her. Reaching deeper into her pussy with one hand while the other was twisting her hard nipple.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt a tingle between her legs was getting stronger, but an itch deep within her pussy was getting worse and her fingers couldn''t reach it. No matter how hard she tried.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! That''s so unfair!.... I can''t reach the itch in my pussy!? Aungh!!" Rya moaned as she began to hump her fingers desperately in hopes to hit that annoying itch.<span style="font-weight:400">She gritted her teeth and continued to work her pussy. She added her thumb to the mix by hitting her clit with it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aaah! It hurts! It burns! Ngh!" Rya screamed out as her body began to change more into a Dark Elf.


    <span ss="editText">Her ears grew longer and pointed towards the tip. Her hair turned pure white and her skin became darker tan. Her face became more feminine and her lips became more puffier. Her chest grew bigger and her waist became smaller. Her thighs thickened and her hips widened to give her<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> more curves. Her butt grew more firm and plump. She looked like a true Dark Elf now but she didn''t realize it as she desperately tried to climax.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''FUCK MY BODY''S TIGGLING!? WHY CAN''T I HIT THAT FUCKING ITCH!!'' Rya cried out in frustration as she began to pump her hands faster and faster into her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah... Ah..." Rya groaned as she continued to press down on her clit with her thumb. "Ugghhh! Yes! I need to cum! Please! I need to cum!" <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya''s fingers went deeper and faster until finally, her body started shaking and a wave of heat spread across her entire body. She<span style="font-weight:400"> felt a gush of warmth between her legs as she continued to thrust her hand into her pussy. Her fingers were moving faster and faster until.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAUUUUURRRRNNNNGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s eyes rolled back as she grunted loudly. Her body jerked and trembled as she came for the first time as a woman.


    <span ss="editText">"Aah! Oh! Auuugggghhhhh!" Rya slowly rolled onto her back as shey panting as the world around her<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> spun.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Haa.... Haa... Haa... Haa.... Haaaa...." Rya sighed heavily. She <span style="font-weight:400">was trying to register what the fuck just happened to her as she still felt the after-effects of a female orgasm. It was one of the most satisfying experiences she ever had, and yet a part of her was still unfulfilled as the itch inside of her pelvis was still there.<span ss="editText">Teasing and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">torturing her. On top of that, i<span style="font-weight:400">t confused her that she felt like she could keep going after everything she went through.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is what it feels like to climax as a woman!? It just washes over you! And it doesn''t fade!'' Rya thought to herself as she rubbed her pussy gently. ''It fucking felt so good. But that damn itch is still there. FUCK!<span ss="aiText">What is wrong with me!?<span style="font-weight:400">''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya tried onest effort to see if she could nail that damn itch. It was so deep in her womanhood that her fingers couldn''t reach it. <span style="font-weight:400">After a while of failing to achieve her goal, Rya finally gives up in frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Aunh! Fuck off! I know I''m a goddamned female now! But why does this itch bother me so much? Why won��t it go away?'' Rya huffed in dissatisfaction as she continued to rub her pussy softly onest time.


    <span ss="editText">"Rah! I just can''t get it! Fuck it! I can''t just fucking masturbate all day. I''ll have to live with it for now." Rya said as she stood up and pulled her pants up. Only to be surprised by when the waistband<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">felt tighter around her hips and asspared to before.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Huh? Hey, that''s odd. My waist felt wider when I pulled them up, and the hem was further up my hip like the pants shrunk or something," Ryamented as she adjusted the pants before looking down and seeing what was going on.


    <span style="font-weight:400"> "Wha-WHAT THE FUCK!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">She tried to look down to see what the issue was but her view now was obstructed by her bigger tits. Each one now was bigger than her head. They looked soft and squishy like a pair of water balloons filled with jello.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh shit! Is that what I think it is? Or are my eyes ying tricks on me," Rya whispered to herself as she reached up to grab herrger breasts. <span style="font-weight:400">With each squeeze, Rya felt her nipples harden and grow to about as big as her pencil eraser. "This is fucking crazy!" Rya yelped out as she started to y with her boobs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the fuck am I doing?" Rya muttered to herself as she continued to squeeze her tits.<span style="font-weight:400">She became so lost in ying with her breasts that she didn''t notice Quinus walking up to the door.<span style="font-weight:400">He could hear Rya moaning and struggling to control herself. So he knocked on the crude door to get her attention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya. Are you okay?" asked Quinus with concern in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, crap! Y-Yes I''m fine! I''ll be out in a sec!" She answered back as she sat up and tried topose herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus walked away as Rya stood up and finished straightening herself up as best as she could before leaving the goblin storage room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Goddess! He must think I''m a freak, doesn''t he!? What the fuck is wrong with you Ryan?'' Rya thought and took a deep breath before she opened the door and walked out.

 Vol.1 Ch.26 Wise Words From the Love Sage?

    Vol.1 Ch.26 Wise Words From the Love Sage?


    When Rya came out of the storage room, she noticed Percy and Sir George were back with their backpacks and had set up a campfire.


    ''Hmm? It looks like they are cooking something. Wonder what they''re making?'' Rya thought to herself as she walked over to them. As she was walking, she couldn''t help but noticed her hips were swaying more than normal. All because of her transformation into a full-fledged female Dark Elf which gave her wider hips, and herrger breasts and butt which all jiggled with every step she took.


    ''Goddess! You have to be kidding me! This is insane! My body is changing because of this stupid mana.'' Rya thought to herself as she stood next to the fire.


    When Rya came into view, the two men turned their attention to her. Quinus was in shock and awe for a split second when seeing Rya''s new figure before him. He quickly regained his cool demeanor in hopes of not scaring her away from him. Percy''s eyes looked like they were trying to fall out of his head while he struggled to keep his jaw from hitting the ground. Sir George was too busy ignoring her to notice her changes as he focused on cooking up, some type of stew.


    "Um... I see you''ve grown stronger from your mana rush, Lady Rya. That''s good too, see!" Quinus spoke nervously as he tried to get his mind back in order.


    "Ha ha, yeah, I''m still not used to these growth spurts. Ha ha?" Rya replied nervously, not knowing the best way to respond to Quinus.


    Upon hearing the Dark Elf speak to his lord, Sir George turned his attention towards Rya and did a double take as panic was written all over his face.


    "As I told you, Percy! She means to seduce us ALL!" Sir George barked in disbelief at the sight of Rya''s new figure.


    ''Are you fucking serious?'' Rya thought as she stared at Sir George in disbelief. ''It''s like he hates women for some reason?''


    "Erm... Erm..." Percy stammered out.


    Prince Quinus quickly turned to Sir George with a face filled with irritation and embarrassment and spoke sternly to him.


    "Sir George, You are turning into an embarrassment in all of the Fiafyr Kingdom!" Quinus spoke pointedly.


    Sir George''s eyes became wide with a realization, and he looked down to hide his embarrassment.


    "You''ve been acting like a fool ever since Lady Rya has been here! And I''ll not tolerate it any longer!" Prince Quinus said.


    "My apologies, my Lord... You will not hear another insulting from this mouth of mine towards Lady Rya." Sir George said in defeat.


    "I hope you''re being truthful with me, Sir George," Quinus said sternly.


    "I promise with the honor of my Knighthood on the line, my Lord!" Sir George spoke with a bowed head.


    Rya just shook her head and sighed while finding a rock to take a seat on.


    "I''m really, truly sorry for Sir George''s unwanted and unfounded usations towards you, my Lady... I guarantee that this won''t happen again. With my honor as Crown Prince Quinus Meredydd, future ruler of Fiafyr Kingdom," he said, bowing his head towards Rya.


    Rya''s heart fluttered a bit when Quinus bowed towards her, but she didn''t trust Sir George, yet. She felt like he would try to use her of something else, sooner orter.


    "I trust you, Quinus, but he needs to be more respectful." Rya huffs out while crossing her arms over her chest, which entuates her cleavage.


    "Sorry, Lady Rya, Sir George has never been good around women," Percy added as he recalled how he had taken some of Sir George''s advice on how to pick up women in the past.


    "Percy! I cannot believe you would betray me like that! You''ve asked for my advice on attracting a finedy, and I gave it to you. Only to have you not take my teachings to heart!" Sir George said this in shock.


    ''Oh! This is going to be good.'' Rya thought as she leaned forward in her seat and watched the two men argue.


    There''s nothing more entertaining than someone who thinks they''re an expert in a field that they are not. Especially when they think they are a yer that has women swooning after them.


    ''I can''t wait to see this car wreck. Ha ha ha.'' Rya thought, as she hoped, that this conversation was going to go downhill fast.


    "Sir George! Your advice ruined my chances with Bell!" Percy cries out in frustration.


    "How could that be? I told you that if you followed my advice, you''d get the girl. You must have done it wrong." Sir George said as he ced the me on Percy.


    "Well, your advice was wrong, and I''m never going to find ady as good as Bell again," cried out Percy.


    ''Oh, I need to know what Sir George''s bad advice is,'' Rya thought to herself, as she could barely contain her excitement.


    "What was his advice?" Rya asked with a hint of curiosity.


    "Lady Rya, I don''t think you-" Quinus was interrupted as Sir George started to monologue on the ways of picking updies for the group.


    "Well, Lady Rya, I fear you might fall in love with me if I were to tell my secrets to you," Sir George said in his defense.


    "Oh, we''ll see about that. Now please do tell, Sir George; let me hear your wise advice." Rya said in excitement as she leaned forward on her rock. She couldn''t wait to see how Sir George traps himself in a corner with his way of wooing thedies.


    "Oh no, here we go again," Quinus whispered under his breath but he didn''t know Rya''s hearing had improved to the point that she could hear him.


    ''Huh? I can hear him from here? I-I guess I truly am a Dark Elf now... That can wait. Now, Sir George,y it on me. You casanova, you!'' Rya thought as she couldn''t wait to hear his advice.


    "Alright. I will give you my wisdom on how to pick up any woman that your heart desires!" Sir George spoke in his typical pompous tone.


    "..."


    "One must know what ady wants��what alldies want. And that is being the man of their dreams. And that is only possible if you know what they desire." Sir George said in his deep voice, "And since you''re ady, albeit a Dark Elf, you have a predisposition to the female condition, Lady Rya."


    "And what is my female condition, Sir George?" Rya asked as she looked at the older knight with an amused smile.


    "Oh, just like any other woman would want, they need the perfect man, and there are the three pirs of being that perfect man that make it impossible for her to resist you." Sir George said this to her in his usual self-important manner.


    "Ooh, so there are the pirs of being a perfect man," Rya spoke with interest as she leaned forward. Rya didn''t realize she was showing off her cleavage to the group as three sets of eyes started to drift to the alluring site in front of them. Sir George shook his head to regain hisposure.


    "Ahem, yes, the three pirs to be the perfect man that no finedy can deny. First, he has to appear mysterious to catch his target''s attention. No woman can resist a mystery." Sir George spoke with a serious tone.


    "Second, you have to be disinterested. Show no affection for your target. A woman wants what she can''t get... Andstly, you have to have riches. A woman wants to be financially secure so she doesn''t have to lift a finger for the rest of her life. And if a man can achieve these three pirs, he will find true happiness! Oh yes indeed!" Sir George said it with a chuckle.


    "So how long have you been in a rtionship, Sir George?" Rya asked curiously.


    "Oh! Um, I-I have never had the time. Y-Yes! I-I''ve been too busy protecting the realm." Sir George said it with a blush.


    "..."


    "..."


    Rya couldn''t help herself as she burst outughing.


    "That''s some of themest advice I''ve ever heard, Sir George!" Rya said as she let out a full bellyugh.


    "You''re just a Dark Elf! What would you know, Lady Rya?" Sir George said with a re.


    "Hahaha! Ah.. Hoo. That gave me a goodugh. Well, let me take a wild guess on how your love life has gone with your advice," Rya said as she held back tears ofughter.


    "Tch, like you could know," Sir George said in a huff.


    "So you used your Three pirs, and it worked; you got yourself ady. But after about, let''s say, three months or so, Your rtionship started to fall apart?" Rya asked as she leaned back on the rock.


    "H-How did you!... I-I mean? Go on," Sir George said with a flustered face.


    "And the reason why she left you is because of that fake persona you constructed for her. It''s impossible to maintain over so much time, and then she learned about the <em>REAL</em> you. That''s not a person who would make her happy in the first ce."


    <span ss="editText">Sir George blushed in embarrassment and looked away when Rya called out<span ss="userText"> exactly every <span ss="userText">one of his<span ss="aiText"> failed rtionships<span ss="editText"> to a<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> T. "T-That''s impossible? H-How did you know all this?"


    "I can just tell... How many rtionships have you gone through?" Rya says it with a smile.


    "Um... Two?" Sir George stammers.


    "Just, Two?" Rya asks with a raised eyebrow. She didn''t believe him and he knew she was on to him.


    Percy was also interested in what Sir George''s real answer was as well. After a minute of awkward silence, Sir George caved.


    "FINE! I''ve gone through Five of them. They all dumped me after they found out that I''m a Knight and not some lord or wealthy noble!" Sir George said it with a huff.


    "FIVE!? YOU''VE GONE THROUGH FIVE FAILED RELATIONSHIPS!? You gave me failed advice, for my Bell! And you call yourself a love sage? I BELIEVED YOU!" Percy shouted in anger.


    "Well, it''s not my fault you came to me for romance advice!" Sir George said with a re.


    "Hey! I was only looking for some good tips on how to get Bell to like me!" Percy said it with a pout. "She said I was rude before I even had the chance to date her! Now she''s going around telling everyone that I''m just some jerk who tried to take advantage of her!"


    "Oh, I see, so she didn''t like you after all? She must have been using you for the money and to gain the attention of other nobles," Sir George said with a shrug.


    "I''m going to kill you, George!" Percy said as he jumped at the knight, trying to tackle him to the ground. But Percy''s approach was halted when George ced the palm of his hand on Percy''s forehead, and all he could do was il his arms around, just barely missing George''s body, like a little brother bickering with his older brother.


    "Calm down, Percy. I''m sorry my advice didn''t help you with Bell. Here is some stew. It''s ready," Sir George said as he handed over a bowl filled with steaming hot beef stew to Percy.


    "You know, if this is supposed to make me feel better, it really isn''t," Percy muttered as he took a sip from his bowl.


    ''Jeez. I feel bad for the kid. I''ll help him out if I can. He deserves it,'' Rya thought as she was seated across from Percy and George.

 Vol.1 Ch.27 Rya Likes Head Pats.

    Vol.1 Ch.27 Rya Likes Head Pats.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey Percy, how old are you?" Rya asked as she looked at Percy with a curious gaze.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I''m eighteen, why are you asking, mydy?" Percy answered while blushing at Rya''s question.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Listen, you have plenty of time to find your next someone. My advice is to be yourself and go out on a limb. It might take some time, but you''ll run into your next Bell. As long as you try." Rya smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really, but I don''t think..." Percy was interrupted by Quinus before he could continue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ll find another, Percy. Don''t worry about it. But I''m not going to lie, it''s going to be weird not seeing you try to pursue Bell''s hand in marriage," Quinus smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, Prince Quinus? May I ask how old you are?" Rya asked with a raised brow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hahaha, you are a curious one. I''m twenty years old," Quinus chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Twenty?! I thought you were older, with how mature and strong your appearance is," Rya smiled in surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks. I guess... You look pretty young as well. So I''m guessing you''re around forty years old?" Quinus said, making eye contact with Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m... Twenty-seven," Rya answered back. ''Do I look like an old hag? Forty!? Really!?'' she thought to herself in a panic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-T-Twenty Seven!? She''s not a fully aged elven adult!" Sir George eximed


    <span style="font-weight:400">''They think I''m a child!?'' The thought irritated her so much that she had to respond.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m a full-grown woman! Now shut up," Rya responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, Lady Rya... I didn''t realize how young you were... I must say, I''m really bad at guessing elves'' ages. You look like a 16-year-old human, so I thought your age was around forty to seventy years old... My apologies," Quinus said sincerely.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh!..... Geez,e on, Ryan. I keep forgetting that I''m not human anymore... Of course, Quinus would think I''m older than I look. Dah!'' Rya thought while she shook her head. She couldn''t believe she jumped to a conclusion without any context.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''But he thinks I look like a teenager? Ha ha. That''s cute,'' Ryaughed to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Prince Quinus... That means a loting from such a handsome man. It was an honest mistake, and I ept your apology." Rya said, smiling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, mydy. I apologize again. I should have known better after all these years." Quinus said as he patted Rya''s head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''D-Did he just pat my head?... This is a little strange to get the attention of a man. B-But I feel like I''m being treated like a kid... But... Oh my god, this feels so nice. It''s just a simple head pat, and I''m feeling like this. I-It''s not his fault. I''m in a woman''s body and it would be weird if I tried to correct him. M-Maybe it won''t hurt if I let him keep apologizing to me like this.'' Rya thought with a smirk as another shiver ran down her spine from Quinus''s gentle touch.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was enjoying her head pats when Quinus asked her. "May I ask how a brave young Dark Elf such as yourself came to be stuck on the 10th floor of the ''Tomb of the Horde'' with nothing but the clothes on her back?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It''s a long story," Rya answered while averting her gaze away from Quinus''s eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''d love to hear it," Quinus asked in a sweet voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Quinus, then sighed. "Well, I was attacked by the pdins of the Divine Three. My... friend sacrificed himself by teleporting us to a forest that I had no familiarity with. That led to me being chased by a horde of goblins. At some point, an old obelisk fell over from the goblins chasing me and opened up a hole in the ground which I fell into.... I luckilynded in an undergroundke. And that''s pretty much it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus'' eyes widened. "You��ve had that many near-death experiences?" He said it in disbelief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I did," Rya replied, not really feeling the weight of the danger she had faced. Due to Quinus'' hand still running through her hair, she couldn''t really focus on the severity of her situation when she was feeling so safe and secure sitting next to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. How lucky for you," Quinus remarked in a sarcastic tone as he noticed Rya leaning her head into his palm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya realized what she was doing and quickly snapped out of her trance. She felt ashamed that she was letting her guard down when she should be on high alert.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"By the Goddess... The Divine Three have started their purging again," Percy said with a grim look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk! The Divine Three!... They woulde after us once they wipe out all the other races on Tertius! And we��re a human kingdom!" Sir George added with disgust in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, Lady Rya. Whatever hardships you had to endure to escape those pdins and goblins to make it to this point. Might be worth it for us to cross paths," Quinus said, trying to lift Rya''s spirits.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt her heart flutter for a moment as her face turned pink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait? Why didn''t you use your Earth Magic on all of those goblins who were chasing you, like when you used those earth spikes to save us?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s another long story," Rya said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tell us, Lady Rya." Sir George insisted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine," Rya said. "The Goddess of the Dark Elves thought it was entertaining when I was almost killed and raped. She''s kind of an ass like that. So after I survived and escaped from the goblins, she gave me my new Dark Earthly Magic as a reward? Anyway, the time you were referring to when I saved your lives, was the first time using my earth magic. I''m d it worked without a problem."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three men had a stunned look on their faces as the blood drained from their skin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She tested her spell on us and we were lucky that she didn''t identally kill us!?'' Sir George thought before regaining hisposure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah. Yeah, the Gods and Goddesses can be cruel to us mortals. I''m sorry to hear that, mydy." Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy still had a look of shock on his face. "Are you serious?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I am. So I was hoping to get out of here but I don''t know where I''m going," Rya said, looking at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve done well to survive, Lady Rya," Quinus said as he started patting Rya''s head once more, sending shivers down her spine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''H-He''s touching me again,'' Rya thought, feeling her face warm up again. ''W-Why do I feel so rxed when he touches me? W-What''s happening to me?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-Thank you, Prince Quinus," Rya said with a smile as she snuggled against him. She could feel the warmthing off his body as he continued his gentle pats. Rya couldn''t help but think about how weird it was to beforted by a man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-Wait! What am I doing? I''m a man, and I''m leading Quinus on.'' Rya thought as her eyes went wide. She pulled away from Quinus and then shook her head as if she was trying to get rid of something. Quinus smiles at Rya, thinking that she''s being cute.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-Sorry about that. W-Why are you guys down here, anyway?" Rya stuttered as she wanted to change the subject.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, there have been a lot of monster attacks happening in the towns of Kishin and Ironside. We''re afraid that the adventurers guild failed at culling the horde of goblins, and it was getting worse. We fear that the ''Tomb of the Horde'' is preparing for a monster stampede, and we need to destroy the dungeon core before that happens." Quinus exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, so that''s why you''re here... What''s the deal with your cousin?... Marcus, I believe that was the name you called him," Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah yes, my cousin," Quinus said as he drummed his knee with his fingers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You mean that traitorous dog of a noble?" Sir George shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... He was hoping to be crowned the next King of Fiafyr. Everyone thought he was going to be the next King because Queen Rianna had seven miscarriages. That was until Prince Quinus was born." Sir George exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Seven miscarriages?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, I''m the only child of House Meredydd."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And one hell of a child, I might add, my lord! No one expected the Queen to give birth after all those times she miscarried. Let alone give birth to a human with a demi-god-level mana vein. King Cyndre and Queen Rianna were ecstatic as you can imagine." Sir George said this with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t know that," Rya said as she looked at the ground shyly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s okay, mydy. I''m used to it and I was expecting this to happen. My cousin''s betrayal that is," Quinus said as he put his hand on Rya''s head again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Geez! Why is he patting me again? This is really strange.'' Rya thought as a shiver went down her spine. Rya thought she would have felt ufortable after a third time beingforted by Quinus, but she couldn''t deny that the warmth radiating off of him was making her rxed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why do you keep petting my head?" Rya asked Quinus as she lifted her head to look into Quinus'' eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The heating off of you feels like a warm summer''s day. And secondly, your face looks so adorable when I give you a head massage," Quinus said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I was making faces? Dammit! I should stop him, but his hands are really nice and warm. Maybe a few more minutes of this wouldn''t hurt.'' Rya thought as she blushed and leaned back into his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I didn''t think I was being that obvious," Rya said with a sarcastic tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, well, I''ll stop if you want me to. Just say the word." Quinus said, pulling his hand away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Wait," Rya blurted out, surprising herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you want me to continue?" Quinus said with a mischievous smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-Sure! You can continue if you like. Ugh." Rya blushed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded as he let his hand message her for a couple more minutes before he stopped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, let''s continue this once we finish taking down the dungeon core," Quinus said as he pulled his hand away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt a little disappointed that her head pats were over. Once she had some time to herself she started to wonder about something.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey? Why did you even bring Marcus on this quest in the first ce? He''s not exactly the most reliable person."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because he and his family, House Revealia, have an artifact that can pinpoint where the core is hiding. And he''s a capable Wind Mage. My Uncle, Duke ric Revelia, ims his son is a human with an Elite level vein. But we are not sure that he''s that lucky to have the third strongest vein for humans," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That would make sense that the dungeon core wouldn''t be out in the open to be destroyed. So what does Marcus'' artifact do exactly? Do you know how it works to find a core?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They kept that a secret from everyone in the kingdom. We think it can track something that the dungeon core emits. But we''re still unsure of what it is," Quinus said while scratching the back of his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smirked, "Sounds like their artifact can pick up on ether particles. If you can track that, then you could find the dungeon core."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ether particles? That makes sense. So his artifact must be able to detect the flow of ether," Quinus said as he scratched his chin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George smiled while he shook his head. "Yeah, that may be the case. But we don''t know for sure. All we know is Marcus'' family owns this artifact, and says it only works for them."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I can sense ether particles. I just need to rx my mind and focus. Then I can see the flow of ether." Rya said as she closed her eyes and began to concentrate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya? You can locate where the core is?" Sir George asked as he watched Rya close her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded, "Yes. I''m not sure how far away it is. But I definitely can see the particles. I''m sure I can find it with enough time."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya," Quinus said in a calm tone while he walked in front of her before going down on one knee.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-What is he doing? Oh wait, is he going to propose to me? No. That can''t be right.'' Rya thought as she looked at Quinus in confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus gently took Rya''s hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know we already owe you a life debt for saving our lives. But will you please lend us your aid this onest time, in our hour of need?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy and George followed their prince''s lead and were kneeling behind him. Rya had a grin on her face as she watched the scene unfold in front of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay? Let''s say, I do aid you one more time, what would I get out of it?" Rya sighed while looking at Quinus, who kneeled in front of her. He looked up into her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with a stoic temper, he said, "If it''s within my power, I''ll grant anything you wish for... Mydy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s heart skipped a beat when she stared deep into his golden eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Anything? Anything at all?" Rya stuttered as she stared at Quinus, who was still kneeling before her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus gave a big smile as he stood up. "If it''s within my power. Yes, anything."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt a shiver run down her spine as she stared up at the handsome man with reddish-brown hair. She quickly took a couple of breaths to calm her racing heart.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Don''t screw this up, Ryan! You can get a ce to stay out of this. Hopefully, rent free... Y-Yeah! This is just a simple transaction, that''s all!'' Rya thought as she felt her anxiety rising.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then I''ll help you. If I can have a ce of my own in the Kingdom of Fiafyr?" Rya asked as she nced at Quinus, who smiled at her as he bowed his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Would it be satisfactory for mydy if she was given a ce in the Maldura Royal Pce, where me and my family reside? We can offer food and clothing while staying with us, too."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, if the space is adequate, then we have a deal," Rya said as she nodded her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then from this day forth, you shall be a citizen of Fiafyr, Lady Rya. It is my pleasure," Quinus stated as he smiled at Rya. She was happy to be getting her own room to stay in. But that''s when she realized something that she overlooked. She had given them the wrong name and would most likely have to live with it for the rest of her life until she turned back into a man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Crap! So much for not hanging around them... No, that''s not right either! Not only I''m going to be hanging around them. I''m going to be living with them!... Why didn''t I correct Quinus about my name?... If I do that now, I''ll just look like a moron! UGH!'' Rya shook her head at her own mistakes. ''No! It''s not worth it! I''ll just look pathetic if I do! I''ve made my bed and I''ll have to live with it for now.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay, my lord," Rya said as she blushed at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can call me Quin, my Lady."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, okay, well, you can call me... Rya," She smiled as she watched Quinus bow his head again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked up at Rya. "Well, now that we have a deal, why don''t we finish the meal that Sir George has made for us? We''ll need our strength for the road ahead. I know you have a lot of questions, so let''s eat and talk."

 Vol.1 Ch.28 Going Down into the Labyrinth.

    Vol.1 Ch.28 Going Down into the Labyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After the group finished eating, they packed up the campsite and prepared to move out in hopes of catching up with Marcus. Rya and Quinus walk around the area to stretch their legs. Quinus kept secretly ncing over at Rya to admire her figure as she walked along, oblivious to his gaze. After he soaked in the view enough, Quinus decided that they needed to get going. Even if all he wanted to do was stare at her ass all day.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We should probably get going. We can''t let my cousin get too far ahead of us," Quinus suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, I suppose we should," Rya answered but then a thought popped into her head, "Hey, do you guys have any enchanted weapons I could use?" Rya asked as she gestured, swinging an imaginary sword. "You know, just to help me defend myself."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m afraid not. The only weapon that has any enchantments on it is my sword, the Sun''s Fury. Otherwise, we have a normal steel short sword...But I must say, I didn''t know you knew the way of the sword, Rya?" Quinus said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I know a little, I guess. But really it''s more for one of my magical spells that can warp a ded weapon into a whip that I can move around at will. The annoying thing is, I don''t think standard weapons can take the stress of the spell and the de will break after casting it once, or twice if I''m lucky. So it would be something I would use as ast resort until I can get a weapon that can withstand my Dark Earthly de spell," Rya answered as she rubbed her chin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? That sounds more like a Maja technique than a magic spell... Anyway, I know someone who could create an enchanted weapon if we can get him the materials, but it would cost you a lot of gold. But he''s one of the best cksmiths in all of Fiafyr and was the former Baron of Ironside. Once we make it out of this mess, hopefully, he will see us," Quinus said as he looked at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, that''s good to know forter. In the meantime, I''ll grab one of your spare swords if you don''t mind."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure... Percy!" Quinus yelled out to Percy who was busy gathering all their equipment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Lord?" Percy answered as he turned around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you have that spare short sword by chance?" Quinus asked as he gestured with his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah yes, My lord... May I ask why you want this short sword?" Percy asked as he pulled it out of a backpack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Can you give it to Lady Rya, please?" Quinus asked as he gestured towards Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure thing, my Lord. And I''ll put a second one in her bag," Percy said as he handed the short sword to Rya, and they gave her a spare backpack to use.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Percy. Nowe on, let''s get moving. We need to catch up with Marcus," Quinus said as he grabbed Rya by the hand and helped her stand up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, my lord," Percy answered as he quickly went to grab their remaining gear with Sir George.


    They all gathered their gear and set off through the cavernouscave to try and catch up to Marcus. Rya struggled to get used to her new body proportions as she kept up with Quinus. She could feel her breasts bouncing around inside her tunic and rubbing her sensitive nipples against the rough fabric, which she had no choice but to ignore. And her hips and ass were wobbling every step. It felt like it was throwing off her bnce, but she tried her best to keep her focus while holding the short sword in her other hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''F-Focus Ryan! You''re out of the pan and into the fire. So deal with it! Guh! I-I can''t believe I saying this, but I wish I had a fucking bra... Fuck, it feels like my tits are gonna explode out of my tunic!'' She thought to herself as she started walking behind the others. They were going through the corridor Marcus went through when Quinus and the others were fighting the goblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After they had walked along the winding corridors of the dungeon, for a solid five minutes, Rya couldn''t deny it anymore as the strange sensations ran through with each and every step she took as she continued to walk along the rocky path. These foreign sensationsing from her female body were making her realize something. She wanted to shake these thoughts away, but her thoughts began to run wild about "what ifs". Like, what if she couldn''t reverse what had happened to her? It was a truth she no longer could avoid as she was a full-fledged woman now. A few hours ago, she was able to ignore it, as long as she didn��t look at her reflection when she still had her man bits and smaller chest. But now, she was reminded of what she''s be with each step she took in her new body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Goddess. It��s going to be difficult to get used to this woman��s body. H-How do women with curves like mine even function like this!? It feels like everything is in the wrong spot! My boobs are huge! And I can''t stop them from bouncing around. It feels so... weird and ufortable. But not unpleasant. GAH!? Bad thoughts!... I just hope there��s a way to reverse this... B-But, maybe I should look at this from a different angle. I should be able to get some interesting data out of this. To feel what it''s like to be a woman... Y-Yeah, I just need to look at this as a ss half full and not half empty... I-I should try and make the best of the situation while I can and find a way to reverse this as fast as possible. And I should probably get some clothes that can support these damn tits of mine.'' Rya thought to herself as she tried to reevaluate her new goals for the future.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus could see the expression of difort on Rya''s face, and he felt concerned, "Is something the matter, Lady Rya?" He asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, nothing is the matter. Just trying to adjust to my new surroundings is all," Rya answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. Well, we will reach the end of the dungeon soon. Hopefully, we can find the core and be done with it," Quinus said as they continued onward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right," Rya said as she continued following the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">At a certain point, Rya''s elven hearing helped her eavesdrop on Sir George whispering to Percy by ident.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t believe our Lord just made Lady Rya a citizen of Fiafyr... And a Dark Elf at that," Sir George whispered as he shook his head. "The nobles will have a field day with this when word gets out. Plus, the Alliance of the Divine Three will being for our throats for sure. As well as the Kingdom of Marn using this as an excuse to wage war on us... It will bring nothing but trouble to the kingdom."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, But I��ve never seen our Lord this happy in such a long time... Ever since the Prime Minister came up with that peace proposal with the Divine Three by using an arranged marriage, he hasn��t been himself," Percy responded as he smirked at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George scowled as he looked away. "They haven''t even let the prince meet her yet. But I guess it doesn''t matter in the end, if all she is is an opportunity for the Alliance to sink their ws into Fiafyr... Heh. Using her as a peace treaty between nations... Our lord would be better off with a subus than any princess thrown at him from the Divine Three. They''re just looking to steal his seed, then our kingdom. It''s clear as day and the Prime Minister is too much of a fool to see it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know his Majesty had little choice when the major nobles stepped in and backed the Prime Minister... Haah... But I do have to agree with you. I do not like the idea of using the prince as a bargaining tool for the ministers. Sometimes, I''m d that I''m not a royal," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Quin is engaged!?... I-I mean, that makes sense with him being a royal and all... B-But why is it bugging me so much? It''s not like I care who he''s marrying!... Even if it is a political marriage.�� Rya thought to herself as she tried to get a hold of her confused emotions. She started to be frustrated when she didn''t understand what her feelings were telling her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Gah! Get a grip, Ryan! It doesn''t matter. I need to focus on the important things. Like finding a way to reverse what has happened and getting my own life back... I don''t need to get wrapped up in this. Besides, it''s not like I''m into guys... W-WHICH I''M NOT! Because I''m straight!'' Rya thought to herself as she kept on walking down the winding path, hoping they would run into Marcus at some point.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��M-Maybe I feel like he��s a brother to me?... I mean, he does give out good head pats. So, after he gets married, he won��t be able to give them to me anymore. Especially if I''m stuck in a woman''s body... ARH! T-That sucks!'' Rya screamed in her head as she became sad for a second before refocusing on the task at hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That reminds me, Percy. We''ll have to deal with that traitor''s dogs at some point too. So, keep an eye out for them," Sir George said as he motioned towards the hallway in front of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, the infamous mercenary group ''ck Roses''. I heard some rumors about them, though. Not good ones," Percy replied as he looked over his shoulder. "Like how they destroyed the Wood Elves Kingdom in the northwest and enved them for the Kingdom of Marn... Of all the things they''ll do to make money. It makes me sick."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Some people say there��s a price for everything," said Sir Geroge with a grim voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm, "The ck Roses," aye? I''m sure they''ll be pushing up roses.'' Rya half-joked to herself. But what she really wanted to do was blow off some pent-up frustration that came out of nowhere.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they continued into another cavern, they saw a fresh pile of dead goblins with strange holes in them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is Marcus'' doing. See those wounds? They were caused by an incantation called Wind Arrows. It''s a magical spell that''s almost invisible to see. And it''s his favorite spell to use," Quinus spoke while examining the cavern full of goblin corpses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, this ''dungeon core'' sure loves to pump out a lot of these goblins, sheesh! How many are in here? Like a hundred?" Rya asked as she rolled her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A dungeon core doesn''t care how many of its creatures it loses. All it cares about is keeping itself alive," Sir George exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s weird that this ce is ''alive''," Rya said, as she was amazed by the concept of a self-aware dungeon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Percy nodded at each other as they finished their sweep of the area.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"All clear," said Percy, as he gathered his equipment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s hope Marcus didn''t get himself killed out there," Quinus said while he walked past the goblin corpses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Why��s that?" Rya asked with curiosity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because he deserves to go to trial for his treasonous ways. Plus, I��m sure my uncle will im I��ve murdered him out of spite. You know, Rya, being born a Royal is not what it''s cracked up to be," Quin chuckled a little bit about how ridiculous the situation was as he looked at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya and the group made their way further into the dungeon''s 10th floor. And they finally found the stairs down to the 11th floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you guys mentioned that there are a few more floors to go down?" Rya asked as she watched Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we don''t know if the dungeon core has added a floor or two since thest time someone was able to get down there again," Sir George answered Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"When was thest time someone reached the bottom of thebyrinth?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George paused for a moment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A little over a hundred years ago, I think." He finally answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya took a look at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, with that amount of time, it could have added a floor or two. Which would be annoying," Rya said as she looked at the hallway ahead of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I hope it''s only a few floors that it added," Sir George said as he looked at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you worried about, Sir George?" Rya asked as she started walking forward taking the lead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s been a century since the monsters were cleared out. So by now, this dungeon is supposed to be infested with new mobs of goblins and traps, but the corridors on this floor are emptier than I hoped. I just hope that the core didn''t create a dungeon lord," Sir George said as he looked around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dungeon Lord?" Rya asked with a puzzled look on her face. "What''s a Dungeon Lord?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s when a dungeon creates a monster that''s even stronger than its normal monsters," Quinus exined, ncing at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that would suck. Let''s hope you''re right about the core, only adding floors then," Rya said as she looked at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We should probably keep moving," Percy said while watching their backs.

 Vol.1 Ch.29 Descending into a Goblin Nest.

    Vol.1 Ch.29 Descending into a Goblin Nest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They reach a dead end after a half hour of traversing through the 11th floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Great... Does anyone have any ideas?" Sir George sighed as he looked at the nd stone wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do we do now?" Percy asked as he looked around the wall, seeing if there was a secret passage, but he wasing up empty.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t notice any other pathways that would have led to another way down. Unless one of you noticed?" Quinus asked as he looked at Rya. "Rya, can you see the flow of ether?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Give me a sec... I''ll see where the ether particles are flowing from," Rya said as she looked at Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, we''ll stand guard and make sure nothinges sneaking up on us," Quin said as he gave her a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Okay Rya, time to work your magic? Just remember what Nils taught you.'' Rya thought to herself as she closed her eyes and began to focus. It took a minute before she could sense the eerie green ether particles again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I did it! Now let''s see where they''re flowing from now?'' Rya asked herself as she opened her eyes and saw the green particles flowing throughout the cavern, bumping against the cave walls of the hallway. It didn''t take long for her to spot the ether flowing out of this five-foot section from therge dead-end wall in front of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? That''s weird," Rya said as she looked at the wall with a perplexed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">expression<span style="font-weight:400">.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"What''s wrong?" Sir George asked as he and the rest of the party gathered behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The ether is flowing out from the middle of this wall," Rya said as she pointed at the spot in the stone wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Percy moved closer to the wall to get a better look.


    <span ss="editText">"I think I can feel airflowing from here. But this wall is solid," Quinus said as he touched the wall and pushed against it a couple of times to see if it would<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> budge, but it didn''t move.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"So, how do we open it?" Sir George asked as he walked over.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Pff! Of course, there''s a hidden passage in abyrinth. So c<span ss="editText">liche,<span ss="aiText">" Rya said<span ss="editText"> while shaking her head.


    P<span ss="editText">ercy and Sir George gave her co<span ss="userText">nfused<span ss="aiText"> looks, while Quinus<span ss="editText">'' <span ss="editText">interest in Rya<span ss="aiText"> grew.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">What is she talking about? <span ss="userText">What do<span ss="editText">es<span ss="userText"> cliche mean?<span ss="aiText"> She is so strange," Percy whispered into Sir George''s ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">She''s a dark elf<span ss="userText">. And it might be<span ss="aiText"> best not to ask her questions about things we don''t know about, and we probably don''t want to," Sir George replied with a concerned look.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, good point. It''s probably something best left alone," Percy nodded.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus cracked a smile and Rya just realized she used an<span ss="userText">"Earth<span ss="aiText">" <span ss="editText">say<span ss="aiText">ing to people who have no clue what it means<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, that doesn''t help<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> us get past this wall, though," Sir George sighed as he tapped the stone wall. That''s when Percy had an idea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you think it''s an illusion?" Percy asked as he looked at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''ve never seen an illusionary wall before. I guess we''ll find out if it is," Quinus said as he took his sword into his hands and swung it into the wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SWISH!*


    <span ss="editText">"Wow!" Quin<span ss="editText">us l<span ss="editText">ost his bnce when his sword passed through the wall with no resistance. The illusion disappeared and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">a passageway was revealed.


    <span ss="editText">''Wow!? That''s creepy that illusion can feel real<span ss="aiText">,'' Rya thought to herself <span ss="editText">while Quinus regained<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> hisposure and sheathed his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400"> "Yeah, it''s an illusion alright," Quinus said as he examined the passage before the illusion reappeared.


    "I''ll be damned!? Well done Percy," Sir George said as he tried to touch the wall again but this time his hand passed through the stones as if they weren''t there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just stood there staring at the wall. "So we just go through it?" She asked Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you said the ether was flowing from here right? It looks like the only way to continue, so let''s go," Quinus said as he stepped forward and moved through the fake stone wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... Here we go." Rya said as she followed Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George nodded to Percy as they followed after Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once they passed through the illusion they found themself in front of a spiral stone staircase leading down to the lower level. The staircase was wide enough for two people to walk side by side but there wasn''t that much natural illumination. It was too dark to see all the way down to the 11th floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, do you smell that?" Rya asked the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Smell what?" Percy asked as he sniffed the air but couldn''t tell<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">what she was referring to.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Something smells like rotten eggs," Rya said while she sniffed the air, raising her head a little. "It''s strong, it must being from the lower floor."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It could be a goblin nest? I hope it''s not," Sir George said as his face turned grim for a moment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s just hope it isn''t the stench of death and it''s something else," Quinus added while he looked at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do not hope with goblins, my lord," Sir George said as he shook his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So if it''s a nest, that means there are captive women?" Rya asked and looked at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye... Yes, mydy. Brood Maidens, most likely," Sir George said as he nced down the stairwell but he couldn''t see past five feet in the darkness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not a pretty sight, Rya. You might want to steel yourself." Quin said as he pulled his long sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No time like the present," Rya said as she drew her short sword. "Let''s go."


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they descended down the stairwell Quinus, Percy, and George started to smell the foul stench that Rya had a whiff of earlier.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh! I don''t know how you''re able to stand this foul odor with your elven nose, Lady Rya," Percy said as he looked around the opennding as they walked halfway down the staircase.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it''s not easy Percy. But I have little choice," Rya said with a grimace look stered on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That smell is horrible," Quinus <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">groaned <span style="font-weight:400">as he held his nose.


    <span ss="editText">"Let''s focus on our mission, gentlemen and mydy." Sir George sai<span ss="editText">d trying to act<span ss="aiText"> stoic but he couldn''t hide his revulsion from the smell either.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Alright, let''s move and be quiet. There might be goblins waiting for us," Quinus said as they hurried down the rest of the stairs and entered the 11th floor of the Labyrinth


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three continued down the stairs in silence until they came across a small crude wooden door that led to arge hallway. There was only one light source that lit the hall and it wasing from a single torch hanging from the ceiling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya stopped in front of the door and gave a quick nce over her shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll take the lead, Rya," Quin said with a concerned look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You think something''s gonna jump out on us?" Rya asked with a raised eyebrow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t believe we are going to be attacked... Since we haven''t been jumped by any goblins earlier," Quinus said as he reached for thetch. "But you might want to avert your eyes," He opened the door and stepped inside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they walked into the next room they found the source of the foul odor. It was a group of a hundred people chained to posts lined up in uneven rows with their hands and feet tied behind them as their lower halves were ripped open from the insides out.


    <span ss="userText">"By the Goddess. What in the seven hells is going on here?" Quin said as he blinked back tears at the sight of all those poor souls. At the same time, <span ss="userText">Percy''s face became a few shades paler when he was confronted by the horrors of a goblin nest of this size. Sir George looked like he had seen<span ss="aiText">the same thing countless times before.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya covered her mouth and nose as she saw the horror scene <span ss="editText">in<span ss="aiText"> the room. She had seen the aftermath of a battle bef<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">o<span ss="aiText">re<span ss="editText"> on television<span ss="aiText">, but she had never seen anything this grue<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">some in real <span ss="aiText">life.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I prayed to the goddess, in hopes that I would never see a sight like this again... But, It seems they went unanswered," Sir George said as he looked down at the blood-covered ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How did the goblins capture so many women? I don''t understand," Rya said as she took a deep breath. Realizing she was almost one of the many females that were trapped in here.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goblins captured people who were unfortunate enough to travel through their realm, that��s why we need to end this dungeon core at all cost," Quin stated with a stoic look.


    <span ss="userText">"So, killing the dungeon core will stop them from spawning more of these goblins? If that''s the case... Then you have my magic, Quin," Rya said with<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a determined face as she looked at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The prince took a deep breath and nodded at her before turning his attention toward Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We should check and see if there are any females alive. And if they are Brood Maidens. Then we can put them to rest," Quin said with a sympathetic look toward the rows of women.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George nodded and looked to Percy, "Yes, it''s the least we can do for them, my lord."

 Vol.1 Ch.30 Found Alive One!

    Vol.1 Ch.30 Found Alive One!


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus, Rya, and the other two all started to make their way through the nest, hoping to find any survivors, even if it was a fool''s hope. While Rya and Quin were walking down thest row, Rya noticed some female demi-humans tied up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Demi-humans? It''s sad to see them captured," Quinus said, with a look of pity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is there a demi-human tribe in Fiafyr?" Rya asked as she kneeled next to the woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, there aren''t. These ones might have been battle ves from one of the neighboring kingdoms... If I could, I would like to rid myself of such a sport," Quin said as he looked over the row of deceased women.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-That''s horrible," Rya said with a look of disgust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��So there��s very in this world. I shouldn��t be surprised. I��m sure there would be vers who would definitelye and try to enve me! Haah... So I��m going to need eyes on the back of my head if I can��t reverse what��s happened to me... I''m sure they would love to have a Dark Elf to sell,�� Rya thought to herself. The images of these poor women will be etched in her mind, forever. As it is a reminder of how cruel this world could be.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know... They''re still people and they deserve to be treated with respect. I''m sure their master used them as decoys when they were ambushed by the goblins... Tsk! They''re nothing but cowards," Quin said as he looked at all the dead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What a terrible life they must have had," Rya said as she knelt down beside the dead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She noticed that all of them were wolfkin females.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cough! Cough!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Rya''s attention was drawn towards a wolfkin female who was still "alive" a few feet away from them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh!? George! Percy! There''s an alive one here!" Quinus eximed as he hurried over to the woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s eyes widened when she saw what the condition of the wolfkin female was, "She looks like she''s ready to give birth!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus got down on his knees and examined the wolfkin female, who looked like she was well past her third trimester, as she had pain written all over her face. But instead of looking like a healthy mother ready to give birth. She looked more like she had a parasite sucking the life force out of her. She looked ravaged and her body was withering away from it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This doesn''t look good," Quin said as he looked at the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cough! Hehe, so I still have to die in front of you, miserable humans... Cough!" the wolfkin said with half-zed eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t tell me she''s about to give birth," Rya asked with a look of concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The goblin fetus is already growing inside her. But we''ll make sure first." Quin said as he stood up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">At that moment, Percy and Sir George finally made their way over to Rya and Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Should we put her down, my lord?" Sir George asked as he readied his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If she''s a Brood Maiden, then yes... Percy, do you have the magical instrument?" Quin said as he walked over to the wolfkin female.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yes, my lord." Percy said as he pulled out a crystal artifact that was used on Rya when they first met and handed it to Prince Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Well, I know it''s a fool''s hope, but I do hope you''re not a Brood Maiden, mydy." Quinus said as he ced the object by the wolfkin female''s belly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cough! Oh, p-please... you just want to kill me. Cough! Like I know you humans want to," the wolfkin female said as she red at Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t know how to respond to her, so all he could do was confirm what they already knew. He got down on his knees and checked the wolfkin female''s stomach. He could see the artifact starting to glow red. As it was a sign that she was infected by the goblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... I''m sorry, mydy. You are infected by the goblins'' spawn. I really wish there was something else we could do," Quinus said sadly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll be gone soon anyway... So, have your fun, humans..." The wolfkin female said with zed eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stood up and nodded to Sir George as he unsheathed his sword. Rya was just stuck there, not knowing what to do. But she wanted to stop this somehow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is bullshit. Is there really nothing we can do to save her? This could have been me if I hadn''t escaped those goddamn hobgoblins. Isn''t there anything that we can do?'' Rya thought as she watched the wolfkin female close her eyes while Sir George stepped forward. He prepared himself before he had to end this poor woman��s life.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Think Ryan! There has to be something we can do!'' Rya''s mind was racing as she felt herself starting to tear up. But that was when she had a eureka moment and she knew what she could try to do. She snapped into action and kneeled next to the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait, Sir George!" Rya yelled as she hurried towards the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George stopped in his tracks as he watched Rya kneeling next to the wolfkin female, and Prince Quinus rushed over to stop her and picked her up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya... I''m sorry, but this is the only way," Quinus said as he held onto Rya''s arm to keep her from going to the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! There is another way. But you all have to promise me. Promise me you all will keep this a secret!" Rya said as she stared into Quinus''s golden eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t know why but he trusted her and he wanted to help in any way possible.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll keep whatever you want to do a secret, Rya... But if it fails... We''ll have to put her down. Okay?" Quinus said as he looked at the wolfkin, who was still coughing and didn''t look like she had that much time left before she gave birth to the goblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If our Lord says to keep it a secret, we''ll keep it a secret, Lady Rya," Percy said with a nod as he stepped aside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, Quinus released Rya''s arm gently as she proceeded to kneel next to the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you," Rya said with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Rya got closer the the wolfkin she was able to witness how much worse her state waspared to hers. She knew she didn''t have that much time left.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah, I can''t believe I''m doing this," Rya whispered to herself while she ced her hand on the wolfkin''s stomach and focused her mana towards the young, withereddy in hopes that whatever she was doing would work.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What... What are you-" the wolfkin started to ask but Rya ced a finger on her lips and shook her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shhhh... I need silence," Rya said as she closed her eyes and focused her mana towards the wolfkin. A light aura started to spread throughout her body, and within seconds, Rya felt a warmthing over her fingers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus, Percy, and George couldn''t believe their eyes as the ravaged body of the wolfkin started to revert to its original form. Her body grew back her lean muscles, and her forearms grew back their fur, as did her lower legs. Her cut-off tail began to grow back, along with her ears. Then her beautiful, long, silky ck hair grew back. Lastly, her breasts regained their firmness and grewrger, while her hips widened slightly. Within a few minutes, the wolfkin changed back into a beautiful young woman who had a few scars on her body. The only thing was the bulge in her abdomen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SHE! SHE A HEAL~!?" Percy''s mouth was covered by Sir George as he whispered a stern warning to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quiet you FOOL!... Marcus and his men might be close!" Sir George told Percy while he was waiting for the young ranger to regain his wit before releasing him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''F-Focus Ryan! J-Just a bit more!'' Rya thought to herself as she channeled her healing magic into the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as Rya focused her mana into the bulge, the wolfkin''s belly seemed to shrink a bit as her breathing becamebored and her skin started to sweat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wh-What are you!?" the wolfkin said in surprise at Rya as she felt the pressure in her lower abdomen begins to build up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!" Rya screamed out as she began to break out in a sweat. The goblin spawn was putting up a fight against her, but the healing magic was overpowering it as the goblin spawn was forcibly expelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Naugh!?" Moaned the wolfkin while she spread her legs as this disgusting, foul green sludge shot out of her vagina, causing her abdomen to shrink back to normal. After a moment, the wolfkin''s breathing went back to normal as she tried to register what just happened to her. While Rya was trying to regain her strength.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-Is that the goblin sp-spawn?" Percy asked as he looked at the sludge on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya!? Are you okay!?... What''s wrong!?" Quinus said as he knelt by her and helped her from falling over.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... haah, I''m fine. Just give me a moment," Rya said, while she shook her head and then double-checked to see if the wolfkin was cured.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Thank the Goddess that she taught me, Void Healing... But CRAP, I''m exhausted!...'' Rya thought to herself as she wiped some sweat off her forehead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How!? How did this happen? Wait!? There''s a darky?" the wolfkin asked herself with a perplexed look written all over her face before turning her attention to the dark elf, who started to stand up before her. Only to stumble over herself from over-exerting herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh!?" Rya was surprised by her legs failing her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa, there!... I got you, Rya," Quinus responded quickly and moved in to catch Rya before she could fall to the dirty ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! T-Thanks Quin. Hehe, I guess that took more out of me than I thought," Rya said as she looked down at herself. Only for her to notice another slight change to her body. Her breasts were fuller than ever and they helped with messing with her bnce. ��N-NOT Again!?�� She screamed in her head after seeing herrge breasts sway and bounce around, struggling to be contained by her ck shirt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy. Sir George... Help free our wolf friend from her chains. I''ll see to Rya''s needs."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, my Lord," Percy said as he unsheathed his sword and went to work freeing the wolfkin from her restraints.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Percy and Sir George worked on getting the wolfkin out of her chains, Quinus helped Rya sit down on afortable-looking stone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, aren''t you full of surprises? I didn''t expect you to be a heal~ well, you know," Quinus said as he handed her his water skin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe, thanks. It wasn''t easy, but I couldn''t let her die like that. Especially, since I could have shared the same fate as them. If I was only able to save one... Then it was worth it. Even if I should have kept it to myself," Rya spoke as she drank some water. She noticed Quinus'' big, handsome smile at that moment and it made her curious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Umm? Did I say something?" She asked as she put down the water skin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s nothing," Quinus said as he sat down next to Rya, then he ced his hand on top of her head, and started massaging her scalp. "You''re nothing short of amazing... I wanted you to know that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt a shiver run down her spine and her ears perked up in shock as her face turned crimson red from blushing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-Thanks�� B-But still, what did I say to make you smile like that?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya asked as she closed her eyes and tried to rx from the massage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe, you just confirmed something I''ve been curious about," Quinus said while he admired her cute expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-Huh? Y-You are just using this as an excuse to make fun of me, aren''t you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not, really. I just felt like telling you how much I appreciate you saving not only me but everyone who hase across you." Quinus said in a sweet, soft voice that was very soothing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s face blushed even harder as she heard his words. She knew he meant every word. And hearing him say it made her feel all giddy and fuzzy inside, like never before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks, Quin... But y-you''re just saying that just to... mmmmh," Rya moaned as Quinus scratched her scalp right behind her ears.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took awhile for Rya to rpose herself, once she had her wits about her, she stood up. She was able to bnce herself, even with herrger breasts. She then looked at Quinus who was still sitting on the rock next to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You must like making things difficult for me, don''t you?" Rya said with a small pout.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, why do you say that?" Quinus asked as he stood up, towering over her. Making her feel the tiniest bit intimidated, but at the same time, she felt safe being next to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was about to tease her again when all of a sudden. A ck-haired wolfkin came over to Rya.

 Vol.1 Ch.31 Dalia Nightshade

    Vol.1 Ch.31 Dalia Nightshade


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, darky!... I would like to thank you for saving my life. If it weren''t for your spell I would have died," The wolfkin said as she bowed her head. Rya looked at the wolfkin and saw that she had a bracelet on her left arm that glowed red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re wee. I guess I couldn��t bear to see you die when I could do something about it... Even if it puts a bigger target on me," Rya said as she looked over at Quinus and gave him a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha! They would have to go through me, darky! I won''t let any bastard touch her! You got that human," The wolfkin growled as she looked at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh!? Um... Prince Quinus is a good human, you don''t need to worry about him," Rya said with augh as she took a sip of water from her water skin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But you have a ver cor just like me! We have to run, darky!" The wolfkin said as she red at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Our Lord Would Never Force Lady Rya or Anyone Else Into very!!!" Sir George yelled out while he mmed his foot to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The wolfkin scowled at Sir George and turned to look at the other human standing next to him, which was Percy who looked ufortable for some reason while moving both his hands in front of his crotch. He seemed to be blushing when he locked eyes with the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! You''re talking about my ne? Yeah, this is an artifact given to me by the Dark Elven Goddess, Nils... By the way, my name is Rya. And the human you were ring at is Prince Quinus of the Kingdom of Fiafyr. The other two are his retainers, Sir George and Percy," Rya said as she pointed to Quinus and Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Kingdom of Fiafyr? I guess they''re better than most but you should be more wary of these humans, darky. They have their cunning tongues to trick us," The wolf-kin growled as she red at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s Rya, not darky. And can you tell me your name?" Rya said as she folded her arms over her chest with a re.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The wolfkin became panicked when her alpha was displeased with her and her ears drooped down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry darky~ I mean Alpha. The name I give from my pack leader is Dalia Nightshade. I''m a stalker-brawler for my pack," She said as she lowered her head with a frown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? Did she call me Alpha?... Haah... I guess it''s a beastkin thing so I''ll let it slide. Plus, she''s been through enough as is. There''s no point in chastising her over something so simple," Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well then, Dalia. I''m d to have rescued you. I can''t imagine what you''re going through... How were you captured in the first ce, if you don''t mind me asking?" Rya wondered with a sad smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"For my Alpha, I''ll tell her anything!" Dalia said as her tail started to wag in excitement and her ears perked up upon getting some positive attention from her new alpha. "My bastard of a human ve master ran away like a coward when his bodyguards started dying from the horde. So he decided to leave his ''property'' to distract the horde."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And you weren''t able to fight back? Did he leave you chained up or something?" Rya asked as she frowned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, it''s moreplicated than that, Rya. I''m assuming you haven''t dealt with vers before, right?... Dalia wasn''t chained up. She has a ver Bracelet, also known as being cored, that encumbers a ve," Quinus answered Rya while Dalia tried to cover the glowing red bracelet with her other hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"See that bracelet is enchanted with a magic that grants a ve master control over his or her body. The cheaper cors, which are verymon, usually just weaken a ve until they need to be unburdened for fighting or physicalbor. The master can remove the burden ced on a ve with a controller. The most expensive and rarest cors are called the Eldritch Bond Cors. These cors allow the ve master to haveplete control over a ve''s will. Luckily they are extremely rare and I think there are one or two demons in the world that know how to create them... Anyway, Lady Dalia''s cor looks more like amon version, called the Laborer''s Latch. It''s the worst type of cor that has little control over a ve... Were you a part of the battle arena, Lady Dalia?" Quinus asked as he nced at Dalia''s wrist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia squirmed as she listened to Quinus. She shook her head and furrowed her brow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-no, sir. My owner had me hide away, for I was weak and useless in fighting. U-Um... H-He used me as a servant ve? YEAH! A servant ve," Dalia tried to lie as she wasn''t good ating up with a story off the top of her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia, you don''t need to be afraid of Quinus. Plus you said you were a stalker-brawler, and I don''t think that''s a servant''s job description. Just be honest and tell us what happened, okay?" Rya said with a reassuring smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia lowered her head in defeat. She let out a sigh and closed her eyes as her ears dropped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"F-Fine! Y-yes I am a battle ve... I''ve won all my battles for my stupid master," Dalia said as she nced at Quinus with a worried look. She thought that this human would be her new master and make her fight in the arena again. It was a life that she hated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She''s a funny one isn''t she." Quinus chuckled, "Lady Dalia, can youe over to me for a moment, please."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Quinus with a confused look but she trusted him, and the others didn''t seem concerned so she nodded at Dalia to get up. Dalia hesitantly walked over to Quinus and stopped a few feet away from him. She felt ufortable around him as he was of the same species as her owner.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can trust him, Dalia," Rya said as she gave Dalia a reassuring smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-If Alpha says so," Dalia said as she hesitated for a moment to approach the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He leaned forward and outstretched his hand, "May I see the cor, Lady Dalia?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looks over to Rya before looking back to Quinus. After a few seconds, she reluctantly shows him her ve cor on her wrist. Quinus took a deep breath as he grabbed ahold of her bracelet. Then he closed his eyes as he was mumbling something under his breath. After a couple of seconds, the bracelet began to show cracks forming all over it as they grew longer and longer until finally, the bracelet shattered into pieces. Quinus ced the remains of the broken cor on the ground while he looked at Rya with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re not the only one who has rare abilities," Quinus said as he winked at Rya, making her heart skip a beat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-What else is Quin hiding from us? I wonder if he will tell me if I''m alone with him?'' Rya thought to herself as she looked at Quinus in awe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So how do you feel now, Lady Dalia?" He said with a small smile as he looked at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia rubbed her wrist where her cor once was. She was in a state of shock and awe. When she looked back to Quinus, she only responded by wagging her tail.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. I''m d you''re satisfied, Lady Dalia," Quinus said with a smile on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?" Dalia had a confused look on her face before she looked behind herself to see her tail wagging.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Eep!" Dalia moves both hands behind her back grabbing her tail to stop it from wagging as her cheeks blush from embarrassment. This caused her perky breasts to stick out more.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy''s eyes almost became bloodshot and looked visibly ufortable when Dalia''s breasts jiggled out in the open. He was starting to cross his legs and looked like he was trying to hold in his urethra from releasing his urine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Th-Thanks for removing the cor huma�� I-I mean, Beta," Dalia said as she blushed even harder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled and nodded to Dalia, "It''s fine, to be honest, I just wish we had something for you to wear so you didn''t have to be naked. I''m sure it''s ufortable."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Oh! Clothes get in the way of brawling... B-Beta!... I''m fine without them, to be honest," Dalia said as she stepped a few feet from Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well, we have some cloth bandages if you would like to have a minimal amount of clothing, L-Lady Dalia?" Percy chimed in as he awkwardly positioned himself like he didn''t want to stand up straight, for some reason.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia then sniffs the air and bes alerted by a scent in the air. She jumps in front of Rya as quickly as possible. So she could shield Rya from Percy with her ws out ready to attack him, if need be.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You! Young one! I will not let you mate with my Alpha!... BACK OFF, or you must DIE!" Dalia growled at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The young ranger was taken aback by Dalia''s sudden reaction and became frozen in ce. It took him a moment to respond, "I-I-It''s not Lady Rya that has me in this state, Lady Dalia!.. Even though Lady Rya is one of the most stunning women I have ever seen," Percy said while trying to hide his many forms of embarrassment in front of the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?" Dalia loosened her fighting stance just a bit as she was confused by Percy''sment. That was until it hit her that he was interested in her instead of Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Eeck!" Dalia squeaked in a panic as she ran behind Rya for cover.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That one young one is a deviant, Alpha! If we don''t stop him or punish him, he will! He w-will!... Try and im me!" Dalia eximed as she hid behind Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-My sorry mydies. I''m sure I''ll be desensitized to Lady Dalia''s beauty over time, I''m just going to go somewhere to take care of... something private... E-Excuse me, everyone," Percy said as he slowly shuffled away until he was out of sight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? Why does the young one say I''m beauty? I don''t understand?" Dalia asked Rya with a worried expression as she kept a close eye on Percy until he was out of sight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George, you should be in close-ish proximity to Percy. Just in case of an ambush," Quinus asked George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, I''ll do that, my Lord," George said as he walked after Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was able to rx after a moment. At this point, Rya decided to help Dalia with her confusion about Percy''s statement. That''s when Rya told her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, Dalia, all I can tell you is humans are creatures that like things that are visually pleasing to them, for the most part. And Percy seems to like you and might want to... mate with you in the future if you''re interested... that is if you are interested," Rya said with a big grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? Don''t human males take their mates by force? Like all males do?" Dalia asked with a very concerned face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, he would never do that. He is the type that would like to court you with his words rather than force you. A true gentleman is always thinking about their mate''s feelings and trying to make them happy. Plus, he should be there for his mate when need be," Rya said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-So what does that mean? Does he want to... court me? I think I heard a human female ask that once?" Dalia asked Rya, still concerned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe? He would most likely want to take you somewhere that serves food or take you somewhere to dance and have fun. Umm, we call it dating... It''s like a... mating ritual," Rya exined with a curious look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"...Fascinating! Humans are strange creatures." Dalia says with curiosity in her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That we are, Lady Dalia," Quinus added with a smirk as he listened to the entire conversation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mhm. But I think you should put on the cloth bandages Percy offered earlier, Dalia... Or at least cover up your chest and hips with something. For Percy''s sake," Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Whine!* "I guess I��ll put them on... But I''m not going to like it," Daliained as Quinus handed her the cloth bandages to cover herself up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Come on, Dalia. I��ll help you,�� Rya said as she stood up from the rock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I��ll give you two some space while I pack up our equipment,�� Quinus said as he checked on their gear.

 Vol.1 Ch.32 Match Maker

    Vol.1 Ch.32 Match Maker


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on, let''s wrap these bandages on you, Dalia," Rya said as she grabbed Dalia''s hand tightly and walked over to a corner. Once they had their privacy, Rya instructed Dalia to hold one end of the bandage to her chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"E-Eh? Why do I need to wear these things? All they do is get in the way," Dalia asked with confusion as she held the end of the bandage in ce. "I could scare that young one off if hees by me. Isn''t that a better n?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Jeez, this girl just doesn''t get it. Haah... Hey? Is it just me, or does something feel... off? What the hell is it?'' Rya thought to herself while she continued to wrap up Dalia''s big perky boobs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really!? Can you really scare Percy away every time hees near you?" Rya asked with an amused grin as she finished wrapping her top.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Alpha. He''s no problem for me," Dalia said with a proud smile that showed off her sharp canines.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh ha," Rya started to wrap Dalia''s hips up, "Then why did my brave brawler hide behind me when you realized he wanted you, hmmm!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia blushes red and looks at the ground. "W-Well...I couldn''t help myself. I just don''t understand humans, Alpha. If it was a fight, then I would pound him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This poor girl. How can I exin it better to her?... Oh! I know!'' Rya thought excitedly. ''Percy needs a girl like Dalia to get over Bell and Dalia will love a mate like Percy to help her understand humans. Plus, I''ve always wanted to be a matchmaker or a wingman, hehe... Or am I a wingwoman? Gah! That doesn''t matter. Let''s just see if I can get these two to like each other first.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I think Percy would like you to be his alpha," Rya said to Dalia which made the wolfkin go into deep thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He-He wants me to be his alpha? But wouldn''t he just exert his dominance over me? He is a male after all," Dalia asked as she tilted her head in confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya finished wrapping Dalia''s hips in the cloth bandage. "Well, I''m sure he would like to exert some dominance at times, but he would most likely love to be dominated by you. Just tell him if he should take the lead or when you want to be in charge. He''ll love that and he''ll obey."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, I could be an alpha over a male?... Fascinating!" Dalia''s face showed no emotion but her ears were twitching in excitement while her tail began to wag back and forth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Bingo! Great job, Ryan! You possibly started a new couple. Hehe... I really like helping people, sometimes... If they deserve it of course,'' Rya thought as she went around straightening up Dalia''s new outfit, if you can call it that. And after staring and touching Dalia''s body for all this time. That''s when Rya finally noticed what felt off about herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''A-Am I no longer attracted to women!? No, no, that can''t be right... Can it? I mean I had a clear view of Dalia''s gorgeous naked body and I wasn''t turned on by it!? Have I mentally changed into a female without noticing!? Shit!... SHIT! I HAVE BEEN ACTING LIKE A GIRL THIS ENTIRE TIME!?!'' Rya began to panic upon the revtion. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No, not yet. I''m still a guy on the inside... I know it... I''ll prove it by testing myself... Once we deal with the dungeon core I''ll prove that I am still a guy! There''s nothing to panic about. I''m still me. I''m still Ryan.'' Rya thought to herself as she calmed down a little. She decided it wasn''t worth worrying about it right now. Since there were other dangers around them. So with Dalia''s shame now covered up, Rya and Dalia walked around the corner to find the others.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Rya and Dalia came walking back into the main party of the Goblin''s Nest, Rya asked the wolfkin, "Hey Dalia... Do you want to pay anyst respects to any of your fallen kin? Or is there something else you''d like to do before we start heading through thebyrinth?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looked confused and tilted her head, "They are not of my pack, but a fire burial will do as they are warriors. They deserve to rest in peace."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Got it, I''ll see if Quin can do that. You cane watch if you like, though."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia nodded as she followed Rya toward Quinus and the party.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey Rya, we are just about ready to move out. Are you two set?" Quin asks Rya as he turns around towards her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, we are good, but we have one request if you don''t mind?" Rya replies as she walks towards the exit door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Name it," Quin responded while walking next to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Can you please cremate the dead?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin nodded, "Sure no problem. Everyone, get behind me, please. I don''t want any of you to get caught in the mes," Quinus unsheathes his sword as he channels his mana through it. Making the de glow white before he readies himself to swing. The rest of the party moves to the side to get out of the way, leaving the dead bodies in the center.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">As soon as Quinus swings his sword, a st of fire shoots out, engulfing the bodies, and making the mes reach high enough to touch the ceiling. mes consume the poor victims of the goblin horde. The smell of burning flesh and hair fills the air until the bodies turn into nothing but ash.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"May you all find peace in your new life," Quinus said as he watched the charred remains of the dead. The rest of the group nodded their heads in agreement as they all paid their respects to the dead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go. We have a long trip ahead of us." Quinus says as they make their way to the door and leave the goblin nest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So your pack is going after the core?" Dalia asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, we are. I''m not sure if you had the chance to see a different group of humans go by you earlier before we found you, Lady Dalia. But we are chasing after them before they reach the core floor," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I did hear a packe by me but I paid them no mind. I was in too much pain to care who the pack were," Dalia answered as she rubbed her nose because of the smoke.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well we have no time to lose," Rya said as she went through the door and the rest followed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group started down the hallway again, for about fifteen minutes until they were stopped by a fork in the road.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Which way should we go, my Lord?" asked Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think we need to let thedies find the path. They have stronger senses than us," replied Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay give me a second," Rya said as she closed her eyes. So she could find the ether particles in the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Alpha can see the ether?" Dalia asked in surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I can see the ether and the ether ising from the left pathway," Rya exined while opening her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Funny? The humans we are chasing went to the right. I can smell their filthing from there," Dalia said as she sniffed the air again just to make sure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why would Marcus take the right pathway if the ether ising from the left?" Percy asked


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, he probably doesn''t know how to use his precious family heirloom, since he''s a pathetic excuse of a noble," Sir George joked as he wanted to pound that traitor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I hope it was a mistake on their part. Unless they know something that we don''t," Rya said as she looked at the tunnel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So which way do we choose?" asked Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well I would go the left path, Quin," Rya said as she pointed to where the ether particles wereing from.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, we''ll take the left... Lady Dalia, are you good at detecting traps?" Quinus asked the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, Beta! I''m a stalker-brawler after all!" Dania said while she gave a small smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay. Percy... Aid Lady Dalia with finding traps as well, please. I don''t want any of us to be hurt. We''ll continue onward and keep an eye out for enemies and ambushes," Quinus said as he looked at the left tunnel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What!? A-Alpha! Beta doesn''t trust me!" Dalia whined as she pouted andined to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It has nothing to do with not trusting you, Lady Dalia... My Lord just likes having two sets of eyes over one. And I was the only one left who can spot traps with you... T-That''s all," Percy said as he looked at Dalia''s green eyes. He didn''t want to say anything more that would make the wolfkin upset at him. So he kept his mouth shut and hoped Dalia would be fine with him by her side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know, I can tell you still want to mate with me, right?" Dalia asked while she wagged her tail a little as she kept a straight face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry about that, Lady Dalia. I promise you on my honor as a Ranger of Fiafyr to respect your boundaries." Percy said while blushing as he looked at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The wolfkin''s tail stopped wagging. "Do you not find me beauty anymore?" she said with a sad voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy panicked, "No! I find that you''re beautiful and deadly as hell! And... Oh..." The ranger became aware of his own actions and started to blush a deep red as he looked away. "Sorry. I didn''t mean to offend you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm..." Dalia hummed before her tail began to wag, showing off her amusement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Way to go, Percy! Hehe.'' Rya thought to herself with amusement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus cracked a smile and Sir George shook his head in disapproval as the love sage thought he was failing at getting Dalia to like him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I guess I''ll have you in the lead pack with me. Just so I can see if your skills are good enough for the future," Dalia said as her tail wagged again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ll... I mean. Thank you, Lady Dalia, I won''t disappoint you!" Percy said as he bowed to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is this normal for a human to do?... Well... Come on, let''s go!" Dalia said as she started off down the tunnels.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy followed behind Dalia as he readied his bow and arrow.

 Vol.1 Ch.33 You’re Still Alive!

    Vol.1 Ch.33 You��re Still Alive!


    <span style="font-weight:400">As the group traversed the 12th floor of the dungeon, they found themselves in front of arge door that seemed to be made of white obsidian.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Whistling!* "That''s a lot of white obsidian. I kinda wish we brought a bag of holding," Percy said as he readied his bow and arrow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Be serious," Sir George barked as he readied his sword and shield.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group entered the room with the doors made of white obsidian and was shocked to find an enormous and ornate throne at the other end of the room. It was also built of obsidian, and its top was set with intricate carvings of a ck goblin with a crown. Or was it a hobgoblin?


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George, look at this ce! It''s amazing!" Percy eximed as he looked around the abnormal throne room in awe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can do your sightseeingter, boy! Only after we dealt with the threats first. So, keep your guard up," Sir George replied while moving carefully ahead of everyone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why is this ce abandoned?" Rya asked curiously as she entered the throne room following Sir George and Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s a good question. Maybe the horde is out on the surface right now?" Quinus said as he looked at the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"With our luck, I''m sure they are running around the dungeon for some reason," Sir George spat out bitterly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked down at the floor and noticed a crude circle drawn on the ground. The circle was drawn in a dark red substance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Hey, I think I know wha~" Rya stopped talking when she heard footstepsing from the hall behind them. Dalia heard the footsteps as well. She turned around and readied her ws.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Rya?" Quinus asked as he saw Rya looking behind them, back in the dark hallway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Someone''sing... Sounds like the feet of humans running towards us," Dalia answered as she nced at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, the traitorous dog hase to see us... I''ll make sure to take his head this time, my Lord!" Sir George said as he took the lead position next to Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Crap, there''s no good ce to hide in here!" Rya yelled out as she took a defensive stance behind Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We have no reason to hide from them, My Lady," Sir George shouted as he held his sword up. So he could go on the offensive at a moment''s notice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stay close together! Sir George, take a position at the front line with me! Percy, ready your bow and back up Rya. Dalia, I''ll need you to nk them! Do a hit-and-run strategy," Quinus ordered as he readied his sword, Sun''s Fury.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Can do, Beta!" Dalia said as she ran and hid in the corner as best as she could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s time to finish this fool," Sir George muttered as the sound of footsteps came closer from the dark hallway. This made everyone get into a defensive position.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Step! Step! Step! Step! Step!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">All of a sudden, Marcus and a single ck Rose Merc bust through the open door to the throne room. They didn''t notice Quinus or his party standing there as they mmed the big doors shut and tried to bar them as fast as possible.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck! What the hell is chasing them?'' Rya thought to herself as she readied her sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, the traitor hase! You''re going to pay for what you have done, Marcus!" Sir George said as he charged at Marcus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-You bastards are alive!?" Marcus yelled as he charged at the old Knight. But despite Marcus'' best effort, he wasn''t ready for a close encounterbat as he was having trouble using his air magic when the Knight closed in on him, in a hurry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus'' Merc came in to save him as he swung his massive war hammer at Sir George who parried it with his shield and then shed at Marcus, just barely missing him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ack! You��re going to pay for that, George! I��m not the one who''s going to die here!!!" Marcus screamed as he was forced to retreat. He quickly shot a wind bullet at Sir George only for it to be blocked by the knight''s shield. George knew he couldn''t let Marcus get any distance from them or else the situation would be much more dire. So, the knight maneuvered around the Merc to maintain his pursuit of Marcus. Regardless of what happened to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Get him, George!" Quinus said as he moved up behind Sir George. So, he could assist the Knight in his pursuit of Marcus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya couldn''t believe how fast the battle progressed but she had to admit how impressive Sir George''s skill was. For how old he was, George was able to dodge or block everything that was thrown at him. She also noticed Marcus was in worse shape now than the first time she saw him. His clothes seemed to be in disrepair from battling something beforeing here. Quinus started fighting the ck Rose Merc and was pushing him back. So, Sir George could pursue Marcus without worry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cling!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Dong!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Arh!" Screamed the Merc as Quinus struck his left arm with his de. Fortunately, his armor protected him from losing his arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus then performed an overhead strike on his hammer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck!" The Merc screamed as he fell to the ground and his weapon was knocked away. Quinus aimed the tip of his sword at the Merc''s neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, was it worth the money, Merc?" Quinus asked as he waved his sword over the Merc.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tch! He offered us the liquid ether. But if I die here I guess not," The Merc cursed as he tried to get up. So he could keep fighting, but Quinus stopped him by cing his de on the skin of his neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus then looked down at the Merc''s chest and saw some blood pouring out. It was a wound that wasn''t caused by the prince''s attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was trying to do anything in his power to get some distance between himself and Sir George as he was getting closer to the edge of the throne room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Growl!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*St!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AH! My legs!?" Marcus screamed as he lost his bnce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While George was chasing Marcus, Dalia came out of hiding and wed his achilles in both legs which caused him to fall to his knees.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAhhh! SO, YOU NEED A MUTT TO DO YOUR DIRTY WORK!" Marcus yelled as he tried to shake off the pain and fire off another wind spell towards Dalia that she dodged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*St!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George came into severe Marcus�� left hand which was aimed at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There��s nowhere to run now, Marcus!" George said as he pointed his sword at Marcus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was holding his severed arm with his other hand. He was in a panic as his adrenaline was pumping, and he was bleeding out fast. "I-I swear I didn''t mean to abandon you, Quinus! I''m SORRY! PLEASE CALL OFF YOUR KNIGHT!" Marcus cried as tears began streaming down his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George nced at Quinus to await his orders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Just do it, Quin. He''s going to backstab you again if you let him live.'' Rya thought while witnessing the fight that unfolded in front of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus has an uneasy look to him but with a stern face, he nodded to Sir George to do the deed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO! Quinus! PLEAS-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thump!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus'' head was no longer attached to his body as he fell over dead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ew! I''m not sure how long it will take for me to get used to so much death.'' Rya thought as she followed the path of the severed head as it rolled across the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After witnessing the fight that unfolded in front of her, Rya couldn''t help but feel like a spectator in a y, watching two actors performing their roles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, I felt useless in this fight. But I''m d I didn''t have to do anything. That was... a little too much.'' Rya thought to herself as she looked at the sword in her hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom. Boom! BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The sounds of a drum started to roll loudly in the distance. Echoing off of the walls and shaking the doors of the throne room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Gah! Of course, the goblins areing back! I had to jinx myself!'' Rya thought with frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, Merc! What did you and my cousin run into in the dungeon?" Quinus asked while pushing the tip of his de against his neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll tell you if you let me live," The Merc replied with a pained expression on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll give you this one chance. NOW SPEAK!" Quinus demanded as he was getting irritated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We ran into the Hobgoblin King," The Merc said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, The ck Roses couldn''t handle some Hobgoblins? It seems that your reputation is overrated, Merc!" Sir George sniped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It seems��" The Merc was interrupted by a loud boom from behind the doors.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What was that?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I can hear its footsteps? It sounds big... and heavy!�� Dalia eximed as the hairs on the back of her neck went on end. While she was on edge, her ears were pinned back and her tail was still. They all noticed something approaching the barred doors to the Throne Room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We ran into a cave troll," The Merc said with a grim look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-A CAVE TROLL!?" Percy eximed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"EVERYONE FORM UP!" Quinus ordered as he stepped back from the Merc.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone hurried away from the door. "Well Merc, if you survive this and help us, then I''ll pardon you for your transgressions," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Quinus and gave him a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness, if we fail here today. I''ll have to make an example of you in the afterlife. So you better live," Sir George said, trying to lighten the mood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nods back to Sir George while the Merc grabs his War Hammer from the ground by the door. Then, there was a loud crashing noiseing from the other side of the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya! You and I are going to focus on the troll! Everyone else! Take on the Hobgoblins! Got it!" Quinus yelled out as everyone looked at the doors.

 Vol.1 Ch.34 The Cave Troll

    Vol.1 Ch.34 The Cave Troll


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The door to the throne room begins to shake from something smashing into it from the other side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are they serious?!" Sir George asked with annoyance while he readied himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus along with everyone else prepared for the worst as they faced therge door. All they could do was wait for the Hobgoblins to smash through the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOOM!* The doors swayed and cracked under the impact of therge Hobgoblins smashing against the doors, but they still held strong.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck me! Why didn''t I leave this goddamnbyrinth when I had the chance, RYAN!'' Rya thought as she cursed and chastised herself in hindsight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!* *BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Hobgoblins started to bash the door again and again with no signs of stopping. Each time causing more of the door to crack and whine under the stress of being hit. Everyone was on edge and tense as they waited for the monsters to burst into the throne room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BAM! BAM! BAM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn, they''re really going at it.'' Rya thought as her heart rate was beginning to race.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ready yourselves!" Quinus ordered while he readied his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOOOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRUSH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The door to the Throne room was smashed open as the Hobgoblins charged in. The horde rushed forward with their swords and axes. They were ready to strike anyone or anything at a moment''s notice when they came into the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold the front line! Don''t let any of them through!" Quinus yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George took the lead as he readied his shield on the front lines. Quinus rushes towards George''s right side while the Merc takes the left position just before the hobgoblins came into striking range. The rest of the party followed behind the three.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"KILL THE HUMANS!!!" screamed a hobgoblin as it raised its crude axe into the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! ng! Crunch*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAARRRRR!!!" The Hobgoblin screamed as it was sliced in half across its chest by Quin''s quick diagonal sh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya watched in horror as the massive amount of Hobgoblins attacked her fellowrades.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit! SHIT! SHIT!!! They areing after me!'' Rya panicked seeing some of the hobgoblinsing around the front line and heading straight towards her. She readies her sword and tries to hit one of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLANK!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">When she tried to swing, she was blocked by one of the Hobgoblins who came at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLINK!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!!!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya desperately tried to swing and dodge the attacks of the two Hobgoblins who were trying to kill her. At one point, her sword crossed des with the Hobgoblin''s sword as it tried to push his weight into her, hoping to knock her off bnce. The Hobgoblins smiled maniacally at her, showing their crooked teeth and wild eyes. Even though Rya''s sense of smell has gotten stronger since she''s turned into a Dark Elf, if she was still a human, the Hobgoblin''s breath was enough to make her gag.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya used all of her strength to push the Hobgoblin away and then took the opportunity to stab him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! sh!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">But this Hobgoblin was good as it blocked her attack and tried to strike back. Causing Rya to jump to the side, dodging his blow and shing at his defenseless back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! sh!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SCHTINK*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GAH! AAAAARRRRRR!" Hobgoblin screamed as he turned around to strike back at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya barely blocked his de with her own while gritting her teeth as she was holding her ground. Then out of the corner of her eye, she saw the other Hobgoblin, who tried to attack her earlier, running past her, trying to nk Sir George with its axe. Before Rya could think, her instincts took over and channeled her mana to her hands and feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She stomps her foot on the ground and brings up a 6-foot wall of obsidian to form about one inch in front of her foot. It came up from underneath the Hobgoblin with the sword, sending it straight up into the rock ceiling, caving in its skull before its body came crashing down to the floor. Rya didn''t notice this as she focused her attention on the other Hobgoblin attacking George. She moved to the left of her wall and quickly hit it with the palm of her hand, sending the 6-foot wall of obsidian flying at breakneck speed toward the Hobgoblin attacking Sir George''s blind spot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GEORGE, TO YOUR LEFT!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">George turned his head slightly toward Rya''s direction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HUH!? AARRRR~" yelled the surprised Hobgoblin as it was caught by Rya''s flying wall, moving as fast as a speeding car until it smashed into the far wall of the throne room. Squishing the Hobgoblin like a bug.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George watched in amazement as the obsidian wall flew past him with a panicked Hobgoblin stuck on the wall''s surface before it crashed into the other wall, 20 feet away from him, leaving arge dent in its wake.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow!" he gasped with amazement before another Hobgoblin came at him from the doorway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HOLY SHIT! I''M A FUCKING EARTH BENDER!!" Rya eximed in shock and awe at the destruction she just caused. She didn''t know how she knew that move but was happy that she did. She felt as if the power of earth had called out to her and helped her create that obsidian wall. She also was excited that she found a new way to use her mana, which might help her get out of thisbyrinth alive. It was like she''d always been a warrior her entire life.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya! Behind you!" Percy yelled as he shot an arrow at the attacking Hobgoblin, stunning it before it struck her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"DAMMIT!!!" Rya screamed at herself. She was so distracted by her magic that she forgot to watch her surroundings. She was oblivious to the Hobgoblining up from her blind spot. And thanks to Percy she was able to avoid its attack. But even in pain, the Hobgoblin tried to swing its stone mallet at her again. Rya was able to sidestep its attack once more as his stone mallet wasing at her with ferocious force.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The stone mallet makes a small crater into the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck! How strong is the guy!?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ARH!" Roared the Hobgoblin as it was annoyed with missing her. It looked like it was going to press the attack as it regripped the handle of its weapon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As soon as the Hobgoblin was about to attack her again, it was surprised when another wall of obsidian formed from beneath its feet. Making the Hobgoblin go flying toward the ceiling. Until it smashed into the rock with such force, that its head exploded in a bloody mess, covering the ceiling with a stter of its brains and blood. The lifeless corpse came falling back down onto the obsidian floor below.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was panting hard and sweating from the stress of fighting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow..." Percy said in awe. He didn''t know that Earth Mages could use the Earth Element like that. He was used to them shaping and forming the dirt and rocks into good-sized boulders and walls but not creating it as quickly and effortlessly as Rya had. He had a newfound respect for her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng! Swish!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! Tears!* "Alpha, are you well!?" Dalia asked as she tore through the throat of a Hobgoblin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah! I''m just not used to fighting for my life!�� For every Goddamn MINUTE! WHOA!" Rya flinched as a spear flew past her face, just missing her by an inch.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*nk! Tears!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia took down another Hobgoblin with a single stab to the neck with her ws.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Well, you seem like a natural to me, Alpha," Dalia stated to Rya, who was having trouble holding back the massive battle axe that came from another attacking Hobgoblin to her right. She was able to halt its attack with another rock wall she created.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I CAN''T TALK AND FIGHT AT THE SAME TIME, DALIA!" Rya replied in frustration as she sent another wall flying with a screaming Hobgoblin attached to it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back to the front lines of the party. Quinus, Sir George, and The ck Rose Merc were taking on the main wave of the Hobgoblins, cutting them down as quickly as they could. The rest of the party was helping hold the back line of the party.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There''s no end to them!" Sir George yelled out, looking around at the swarm of Hobgoblins that surrounded them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry, George! We''ll crush them all! We have to!" Quinus demanded as he cut off the head of his unfortunate enemy in front of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Smash!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ck Rose Merc used his war hammer to crush the body of a Hobgoblin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why aren''t you using your fire from your enchanted sword!?" asked the Merc. Who was sweating profusely and was starting to get tired from the nonstop fighting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will use ''me smite'' when I see the cave troll! Until then, we hold our ground!" Quinus replied as the two of them continued to take down the horde of Hobgoblins, one after another.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk! Where is that, troll? It ughtered my men like they were nothing but insects!" The Merc grunted in annoyance as he knocked a couple of Hobgoblins away from him when he swung his hammer horizontally.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All of a sudden, the room vibrated with the sound of heavy footsteps approaching the party from the hallway. The Hobgoblins all seemed to look in the same direction at once, almost in sync with each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You had to open your damn mouth!" Sir George yelled in annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom! Boom!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">It almost felt like an elephant was stampeding towards them as the footsteps grew louder. The vibrations shook the very ground they stood on and the rumbling sound grew to a deafening roar.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then it arrived.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Down the hallway past the broken doors was a big hulking beast that was about eleven feet tall with gray skin. It smashed through the corner of a wall causing the ceiling to copse on itself a bit, but it didn''t slow down the humanoid-looking monster. It has the torso of a man with a head the shape of arge boulder, a pair of beady ck eyes, and a snout. It was naked except for a loincloth covering its "private bits" and wielded a massive iron club. And riding on top of its shoulders was a Hobgoblin who wore a crude crown sitting atop its head. If Rya saw this Hobgoblin, she would recognize it as the "Hobgoblin King" that got its junk crushed by her when it tried to rape her, one day ago, before she fell into thebyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Grumble! Grumble!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Cave troll lumbered towards the party and the remaining Hobgoblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Everyone! Stay in formation!" Quinus ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"USE YOUR ENCHANTED SWORD NOW! DAMMIT!" Ordered the Merc.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"WATCH YOUR TONGUE, MERC!" Sir George yelled at the Merc.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Cave Troll''s eyes had a rage within them as the beast started to charge toward Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus prepared to use the Sun''s Fury against the Cave Troll. He started channeling his mana into the sword which began to glow red like a fire. "LET THE SUN SMITE THEE WHO HARM US!" Quinusmanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A bright light shot out of the sword and he swung it in their direction. Engulfing the horde of Hobgoblins and the Cave Troll in mes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Hobgoblins were turning into ash, but the Cave Troll kept running towards them with the Hobgoblin King still on its back as it used its shield to block the mes. Luckily it dropped its iron club as it was too hot to hold.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YOU ARE TOO LATE, HUMANS!" the Hobgoblin King roared as its Cave Troll approached the Prince. The troll''s gray skin was covered in mes as the beast continued running through the hall of mes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"MY LORD!" Sir George pushed Quinus out of the way of the charging troll to protect him. At the same time, the ck Rose Merc was knocked away when the troll bumped into him. He was sent sliding across the floor and stopped when he hit the wall about fifteen feet away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Now that the troll was no longer in the hallway of mes its skin started to heal itself as it turned to look at Quinus and Sir George who were both getting back onto their feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AH! YOU TWO ARE DEAD! NOW!" The Hob King said with a smile full of malice. The Troll came over to smash both, Quinus and George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was still exhausted and recovering from using his mana. But he recovered enough stamina before he stood his ground against the approaching troll.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The troll then raised its right fist in the air and swung it down at Quinus with a massive amount of force, that it would''ve made a three-foot crater upon impacting the floor. Quinus wasn''t strong enough to stop the force behind the punch. Things were looking grim for the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">"QUIN!" Percy yelled out as he saw his friend was going to get crushed by the hulking monster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Sir George roared as he swung his sword at the troll, but it quickly used its arm to block Sir George''s attack. Then the troll swiped its arm at the knight and bashed him in his shield, which forced George''s arm into his torso,unching him across the throne room until he impacted the wall. Causing Sir George to cough out blood before he copsed onto the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NOOO!" Yelled Quinus, as he witnessed the destruction of his friend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''CRAP! That thing took down George! I need to help Quin!'' Rya thought as she ran towards Quinus who was twenty-five feet away from her location in the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus saw the trolling in for another attack and it was too fast to run away. So, all he could do was raise his sword and try to block or parry the attack, as best as he could. The hulking beast roared as itunched its fist with all its might at its target.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as the troll''s fist was about toe in contact with Quinus'' sword, the beast felt a pain shooting right through its forearm while the momentum from its moving fist came to a crashing halt. To the troll''s surprise, it saw an obsidian spike piercing through its forearm. It formed out of nowhere from the floor. This earth spike appeared in front of Quin as the beast''s fist was about to smash him, but its wrist was stabbed by halting its attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HHHHHAAAAAAARRRRRRHHH!!!!!" Yelled the cave troll as the earth spike created by Rya impaled its forearm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh!? RYA!?" Quinus eximed looking past the troll and saw the beautiful Dark Elf running towards him with her azure eyes glowing brightly from her mana.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It didn''t take long for the troll to shake off its surprise. The beast used its other hand to grab its other wrist and pulled on it as the beast tried to free itself from the obsidian spike. Quinus knew he needed to act quickly before the troll freed itself. So, he charged his sword with his mana and used a different Maja skill. The de began to look like electricity was arcing off its edge. Once he had enough mana channeled into the sword, he swung it at the troll''s wrist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"THUNDER SMITE!" Quinus yelled out. A powerful bolt of lightning shot out from his sword and struck the troll''s wrist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ZRRAAPP!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*THUMP!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The troll unexpectedly stumbled backward when its left hand was cut off by Quinus and was no longer being felt by the earth spike, which was pinning it. The beast falls onto its butt, causing the whole room to shake and tremble. At the same time, the Hobgoblin King almost was knocked off his mount. The Hobgoblin King was not amused by his ride losing its hand, thanks to the dark elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HUMANS!? NO! YOU FEMALE ELF WILL DIE!" the Hobgoblin King yelled as he swung his staff in the direction of Rya who was just standing about 15 feet away. The troll took the hint and turned its anger toward her while its left arm healed into a stump.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alpha!" Dalia yelled in response when she saw Rya getting charged at by the hulking beast, but she and Percy were still engaged with thest remnants of the horde to aid her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''YOU''RE FUCKING KIDDING ME!?... It''s the bastard who tried to RAPE ME! I''m ready for you, you piece of shit!'' Rya thought while watching the Hobgoblin Kingmanding his troll to charge her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t let you hurt my friends!" Rya yelled as she spun her arms around, like a martial artist. A gust of wind surrounded her as she summoned her mana. Then she stopped, with her arms crossed, pointing her hands in the direction of the troll, creating a new wall in front of her. She was trying to block the charging troll with the obsidian wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya! Watch out!" Quinus yelled out while chasing after the troll. He was desperately trying to catch up to the Hobgoblin King. He needed to stop them from attacking Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Quinus was hot on their trail, the troll smashed itself through Rya''s wall before punching down with its right fist. The shockwave of Rya''s wall getting destroyed knocked her on her back. Luckily, she avoided the troll''s fist by chance just as its attack made a crater in the ground where Rya used to be standing. Sending rocks and dirt flying in the air. But she was stunned for a moment by the blow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"WHOA!" Rya eximed as she fell on her back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No!" Quinus shouted out as he closed in on the troll. As he came to her aid, Rya was lying on her back staring at the ceiling of the throne room. She was in shock not knowing what to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The troll quickly brought its right fist back up to m down again on Rya, who was vulnerable. It wanted to kill her and get revenge on what she had done to it earlier.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''m going to die, ain''t I!?'' Rya thought as she was looking at the ceiling. She could sense the shadow of the hulking beast standing above her. The troll was about to strike her when she suddenly felt her right hand getting grabbed and pulled quickly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Let me go!" Rya was yelling as she thought it was the Hobgoblin but she was being held by Quinus who was holding her tight as he moved them out of the way as quickly as possible. "QUIN!?" Rya said in surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Smash!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dust flew everywhere as Rya and Quin dodged the attack from the cave troll. Quin made it just in the nick of time but cracks started to form on the floor after taking another impact from the beast''s fist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Quin saved me! I''ve never been so happy to be this close to a man,'' Rya thought when she looked at the man who saved her. She didn''t realize that her heart was racing because she was hugging him. If she had time to process it, she would have felt a rush of heating over her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus held her protectively in his arms. "You okay?" he asked her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah," Rya responded, but they were interrupted by the roaring Hobgoblin King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AHHH, COME OUT, FIGHT!" The Hobgoblin King roared as he was having trouble finding them in the dust cloud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">That''s when the ck Rose Merc made his move. He channeled his mana into his glowing war hammer and held it high above his head, before yelling, "DEEP IMPACT!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">He swung his hammer, smashing it, into the ground. He was about fifteen feet away from Rya, Quinus, and the Hobgoblin King, who was riding his cave troll.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SMASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The impact from his hammer caused the cracks in the floor to break apart and crumble under the pressure, and it was headed straight for the cave troll.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crack! Crack!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The floor started to give out and fall apart. The troll and the Hobgoblin King were caught off guard and couldn''t react in time. The cracks formed a small circle and it started to spread toward the beast''s feet. The beast was not ready for the floor beneath it to copse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The cave troll fell into the hole. Rya and Quinus weren''t lucky either as the cracks reached their feet. Rya and Quin were falling in with the troll, down to the floor below.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''God, fucking dammit!'' Rya thought as they fell through the floor with Quinus holding her.

 Vol.1 Ch.35 A Rumble and A Tumble

    Vol.1 Ch.35 A Rumble and A Tumble


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin!!" Percy screamed out when he saw his friend falling into the hole that opened up thanks to the Mercenary''s actions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO! ALPHA!" Dalia screeched as she ran over to the hole that was beginning to close itself up, due to the Dungeon Core''s influence. It didn''t like it when its floors were being damaged and started fixing itself, and the rock floor began to reform over the hole before the wolfkin could get to it. The Core was able to fix this floor quicker thanks to it being so close to the throne room, as it was one floor below the core''s original location.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RAH! Damnit!" Dalia growled out when she saw her Alpha falling into the hole with herpanion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"DALIA!" Percy yelled out as he ran over to where the hole used to be. After seeing that there was nothing they could do he quickly turned to the ck Rose Mercenary who had a smirk on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why did you do that Merc!" Percy questioned sternly as he aimed his bow at the ck Rose Merc.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Growl!* "You''re dead, human!" Dalia growled in rage at the Merc''s betrayal of her Alpha.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I did what I needed to do, kid. It''s nothing personal... But if you''re sour about it then you could fight me. I just wonder how long your prince and that dark elf canst at the hands of the troll? That''s if they survived the fall that is... Maybe it''s better for you to find them before it''s toote. It wouldn''t look good if a retainer came back to the king without his son. Would it?" the Merc said while creeping his way towards the exit of the throne room. He was keeping his guard up just in case.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t need you telling me my business, human!" Dalia snarled back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Trust me... You don''t want to test me, mutt!" The Merc chuckled back as he was almost at the doorway with his war hammer at the ready.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tch! Fine, but when we get the Lord and the Lady back... I''ll personallye for you!" Percy threatened the Merc as he still had his arrow trained on him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really!? I''ll believe it when I see it, kid! I''ll give my condolences to the fallen prince," The Mercughed as he turned around and ran down the hallway until they couldn''t see him or hear his footsteps.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''That cowardly bastard is lucky I can''t leave my pack behind, or else I would chase him down myself. That was a dirty trick he pulled on the Alpha. But I''ll remember his cowardly scent.'' Dalia thought as she watched the Merc disappear from the throne room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Without a moment too soon Percy ran to Sir George who was still unconscious after getting thrown into the wall from the Cave Troll''s attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George?!" Percy yelled as he tried to shake the knight awake. "Sir George, wake up!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knight started to stir and groaned, "Nghh... Damn, my arm feels like it''s broken."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George, we have to go after the Lord. I need your help!" Percy informed the Knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What happened!?" George asked as he finally opened his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A hole opened up underneath the Prince and Lady Rya. They fell down to the lower floor with the Cave Troll. Can you move?" Percy asked as he helped the knight sit up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... B-But my shield arm hurts a lot... Gah! I''m not sure how useful I will be..." Sir George grunted in pain as he tried to move his arm. Then he got to his feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Half of you is better than none of you, Human." Dalia chimed in as she started sniffing the air, trying to pick up her Alpha''s scent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I couldn''t agree more, Dalia. I will try and help in whatever way I can," Sir George replied as he held his arm in pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then let us go help them! Lady Dalia. Can you find them?" Percy said as he looked around the throne room in hopes of finding a way to the lower level.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course!" Dalia said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right then, I''ll follow your lead, Lady Dalia!" Percy said as he walked up to Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was surprised by the young one''s forwardness. If she wasn''t in a hurry to find her Alpha she would''ve taken more offense to a human being this close to her. But something about his attitude made her feel safe and giddy. It confused her a bit, but she had no time to think about it right now.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t call me that, Youngling. I''m a wolf, not some nobledy." Dalia growled as she moved her nose around the throne room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Heh, I wouldn''t dream of it, Ma''am," Percy replied as he stayed close by her side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph! Whatever, but don''t hold me back, pup!" Dalia responded as she found the scent trail of the Prince and her friend. "Follow me, I''ve found their scent," She said as she began following her Alpha''s scent towards the big throne at the end of the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia pushed her nose right up against a specific point in the throne and began sniffing around the throne. "It''s here... The entrance to the next level is right here."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, Let me check and see," Percy asked as he looked around the throne to see if there was some sort of switch or lever. He moved his fingers along the stone throne until he felt something catch his finger. He moved his hand closer to see what it was. It was a small, nearly unnoticeable, switch.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Found it!" He eximed as he pressed the button on the throne. The throne moved forward to reveal a hidden passage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good work, Pup!" Dalia eximed as she started moving through the passageway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"R-Right behind you, Ma''am!" Percy said as he followed Dalia with his bow at the ready. He had a good view of Dalia''s behind as they moved forward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And stop calling me that!" Dalia growled at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No can do... Ma''am!" Percy teased which resulted in him getting pped by her tail on his cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Tch, he''s going to pay for that!'' Dalia thought with a frown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once the two were gone Sir George was looking around the room with a look of confusion. "Where''s the Merc!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Since Sir George couldn''t find the answers he followed after hisrades.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">''SHIT! WE''RE FALLING!'' Rya thought to herself while in Quinus''s arms until they abruptly crashed into the stone floor below. It was jarring and painful, but not life-threatening. They fell into an unusual cavern that looked like an underground amphitheater. It looked alienpared to the rest of the Labyrinth like they stumbled into a HR Giger painting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you alright?" Quinus asked as he looked over at her with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, just a little shocked is all," Rya said when she stood up and brushed the dust off her clothes. "Huh?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Out of instinct, Rya pushed Quinus back just as a giant fist came out of nowhere and almost smashed Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa!!?" Quinus yelped while watching the fist go by his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Get out of here, Quin! I''ll take this guy!" Rya eximed as she evaded another attack from the Troll''s stump arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Rya was able to get some distance from the Cave Troll she channeled her mana into her hands and was ready to perform a counterattack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope you''re ready to eat dirt, you jackass!" Rya said while summoning her earth magic with an elegant dance move. But instead of creating her usual six-foot tall rock wall that would shoot up from the ground like when she was in the throne room. Instead, she was only able to summon a couple of small rocks that floated up from the mana-infused ground in front of her and those two rocks seemed like they were fighting to even float up by three feet. Something was fighting her mana from summoning her rock walls and this was a first for her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the fuck!?'' Rya thought to herself as she used her earth magic again but it still didn''t work.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quinus! I can''t create a rock wall!" Rya yelled out while Quinus tried to close in on the Troll, who was bullrushing Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ming, Rya!" Quinus yelled out as he ran as fast as he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Cave Troll was almost on top of Rya when it was to strike. Rya didn''t have a choice as she used the summoned small rocks and shot them straight at the beast''s foot causing it to stumble just enough for her to run away. This gave Quinus an opening to use his special Maja technique that severed the Troll''s left hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ZZ-SWING-ZZ!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus aimed for the Troll''s left ankle and thought he would get a clean cut through it. But his de got caught in its tibia bone, stopping his momentum and halting his strike. Quinus gritted his teeth when he saw the de of his


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit!" Quinus yelled out in frustration, and then the Troll used its stump of an arm and swatted Quinus with all its might.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Luckily for Quinus, the stump arm wasn''t as powerful without its hand. But it still had enough force to send him flying through the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quinus!" Rya screamed when she saw him fly away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinusnded hard on the ground and rolled a bit before he came to aplete stop.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Dammit, this foul troll will be the end of us if I don''t figure out something... Wait! Where''s my sword?'' Quinus got back on his feet and was in a panic as he tried to find his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was relieved to see Quinus was alright but they had a huge problem. They were stuck down here with no way out and they had no weapons.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quinus! Your sword is stuck in the Troll''s leg!" Rya yelled out, she tried to use her magic but something was fighting her mana when it went into the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''COME ON! WHY WON''T YOU FUCKING WOR~'' Rya''s thoughts were interrupted when she smelled something in the air. It smelled like ozone. ''I can smell the fucking ETHER!? That has to be it! The Goddamn Dungeon Core is stopping me from using my earth magic!'' Rya concluded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin!... It''s the damn Core! It''s blocking my magic!" Rya yelled out as she started to feel the effects of being dazed from overusing her mana.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya! Find the Core! I''ll distract this giant piece of filth!" Quinus said with urgency as the troll zeroed in on him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded and tried to sense the ether particles. And just as she was about to close her eyes she felt another presence sneaking up from behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"KILL YOU! KILL YOU NOW! I WILL!" yelled the Hobgoblin King. He went in for the attack with his staff held high.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya couldn''t dodge the blow as he hit her from her side. The force from the strike sent her flying toward a wall beside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GAHHH!" Rya screamed in agony as her ribs cracked upon impact and she rolled onto the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I have to get up! I can''t... let this thing beat me!'' Rya quickly used her healing magic on herself and was able to heal her broken ribs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RYA!" Quinus yelled out to her, but he had no choice but to evade the troll''s attacks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I need my sword back!'' Quinus thought while the Troll continued toe after him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YOU HURT, MY BOYS! NOW I HURT, ELF!" The Hobgoblin King growled out as it was about to charge at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had to make a move and had to make it fast. He noticed some loose gravel beneath his feet and he had an idea. He grabbed a fist full of dirt before he charged the iing Troll. The hulking beast was ready to finish this annoying human once and for all as it ran at full speed toward Quinus. It was struggling to walk due to Quin''s sword that was still embedded in its ankle. But that didn''t stop the creature from using its strength to get where it needed to go.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''You only have one shot at this, Quin! Don''t fuck it up.'' He thought while seeing the monster getting closer. The Troll was prepared to smash the human into a paste as it was tired of the little bug always getting away from its attacks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as the Cave Troll was within arms reach, Quinus threw the dirt from his hands into the monster''s eyes, causing the creature to flinch and grab at its face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Hurk!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RRRRAAAHHHHH!!!" The Troll roared out as its whole face was covered in ck dirt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''IT WORKED!'' Quinus Thought as he focused all his energy on freeing his sword from the troll''s leg.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He was able to get his hands on his sword as the Troll was stunned by the dirt thrown into its eyes. The Troll was busy trying to rub the dirt from its face and that allowed Quinus to pull his de free from the beast''s ankle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RRRRAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHH!!!" Quinus howled out as he gripped the handle of his sword with all his might and ripped the de out from the troll''s leg causing it to bleed again before it healed up. Quinus quickly turned towards Rya and saw the Hobgoblin King was about to kill Rya. She was struggling to get back on her feet from its surprise attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RYA! CATCH!" Quinus yelled out as he tossed Rya his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Fwoosh!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"WHAT?" She said with surprise as she saw Quinus throwing his sword right at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit!'' Rya thought while watching the sword spinning toward her. ''Catch it. Catch it! CATCH IT!'' Rya was panicking. But she somehow reached her hand out and was able to snatch the sword by the hilt before it could fly past her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I CAUGHT IT!?" Rya eximed with joy as she felt the weight of the de in her hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Shended on her back again with the sword in her hand. Rya had never held an enchanted sword like Quinus'', but something about holding it in her hands felt right. That''s when the Hobgoblin came into her view as he went in for the kill. From her back, she was able to swing the Sun''s Fury with ease and cut the Hobgoblin''s staff in half with the sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AGGRRRRRNNNN!!" The Hobgoblin King roared out as it noticed the shining deing at him. She managed to stab him in the chest and red at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You didn''t take the hint, now you''re dead!" Rya yelled out while pushing the de deeper into the Hobgoblin''s chest. This allowed her to stand up finally as she red at the monster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GURKKKK!!! HYAAAAAHHH!!" The Hobgoblin King roared out as it swung his fist at Rya in onest-ditch effort to kill the elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya dodged it while pulling out the sword from its chest and swung it around into a diagonal strike. She sliced through the Hobgoblin''s neck, cutting its head clean off this body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Hobgoblin King''s body toppled over dead. While at the same time, the Troll came after Quinus and attacked him when his back turned to the beast.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"QUIN!" Rya screamed out as she readied the sword and used the only magic she thought she could use on this dungeon floor. She channeled her mana quickly before yelling out, "Dark Earthly de!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The sword turned ck as it extended out almost like a whip and the tip of the de zoomed towards the Troll. In less than a second the de stabbed straight into the beast''s right arm, then it curled around and stabbed through the troll''s chest before the de continued towards its left leg, and finally, the de extended down until it crashed into the ground halting the Cave Troll''s attack. The hulking beast couldn''t move with its legs and arms trapped by the shadow-like whip-de.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"''GHH!" The Troll howled out as it felt pain it never felt before. It tried to free itself, but the more it struggled the deeper the de stabbed into its flesh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya... What?" Quinus was astonished by what he was seeing. "Wow! How many more abilities do you have up your sleeves?" he said excitedly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I might have a few more... I''ll show you if we can kill this thing..." Rya responded with a smile on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked relieved to see the Troll stopped in its ce at the moment, But he noticed that it still had a lot of fight left in it. They need to find the damn Dungeon Core and get out of here if they want to survive.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I don''t know how long I can hold this, Quin," Rya said with a little worry in her voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus runs over to Rya, "If only we could get this bastard to the surface and let the sun kill it for us... Hey, what happened to your earth magic?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shook her head, "T-The Dungeon Core is preventing me from using it. I think I can overpower the Core''s influence but I don''t think I can create any walls and spikes until we destroy it... I don''t see it on the surface so I think it''s underneath the floor... I just need a second to sense where it is. Once I find it I''ll have to use all my strength to open its hiding spot."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus grimaced, "So you''ll have to release our friend there, huh."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, and I''ll need you to stab the Core... Quin. Thank you for everything you''ve done-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Don''t say that! Find the Core and we''ll get out of this mess! Plus I need to give you your reward, you hear me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya turns to look at the Troll, who was being held in ce by her Dark Earthly de magic. She was trying to estimate how much time they would have before the Troll would be on top of them after she released it from her spell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I think we have thirty seconds at most, so we have to hurry!'' She thought before looking back at Quinus and his handsome face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... Alright, give me a second," Rya closed her eyes as she started to sense the ether particles emitting from a spot like a green-med fire about eight feet from them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Found it! It''s over there, about one foot under the stone floor," Rya said excitedly as she nodded her head in the direction of the Dungeon Core.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay... I''m ready when you are, Rya," Quinus said while cing his hands next to Rya''s hands on the handle of the Sun''s Fury. Rya took a breath before she gave him a nod. She let go of the sword and it returned to its normal form once her mana was no longer flowing through it. When the dark shadowy de returned to the sword, the Cave Troll was able to move freely.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go, Quin!" Rya yelled out when she ran towards the location of the Dungeon Core. She ces her hands on the ground and channeled all her mana into the rock floor. She was determined to open the floor up and reveal the Dungeon Core.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AARRRRHHHH!!" roared the Troll. Now that it was free, it charged after the two of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"COME ON, YOU FUCKING, FLOOR!" Rya yelled out as she concentrated on opening the floor with the Core fighting her every step of the way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You got this Rya! You''re better than this piece of shit!" Quinus shouted out while he watched the floor. He was waiting to strike the Core at a moment''s notice. He was channeling his mana into the Sun''s Fury which made the de start to shine even brighter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!" the Troll was getting closer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''You''re not going to fucking die here, Ryan, SO FUCKING DO IT!'' Rya thought to herself as a crack formed on the ground and spread quickly until a big section of the floor caved in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crack-Boom-CRASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!" Rya was finally overpowering the Core''s rock floor as it opened up, showing itself for the first time in millennia. The Core looked like a crystal ball and was the size of a fully-grown cantaloupe. The Core had an eerie green glow to it like it could corrupt and manipte things to its will.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HYAH!!!" Quinus yelled out as he struck the Core as fast as he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"CLINK!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Sun''s Fury hit the Core''s outer shell. It bounced off at first.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Son of a!" Quinus spat out as he pushed his weight behind his de.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Clink-Crack-Crunch!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">With the added force, the sword tip initially made a small indent as the Core''s outer shell slowly started to show cracks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin!" Rya yelled out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I GOT THIS, JUST HANG ON!" Quinus yelled out as the Troll was only twenty feet away from them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya knew that the Troll was going to be on top of them before they could break the Dungeon Core. So, she acted fast by standing up as quickly as possible and grabbing Quinus'' sword''s handle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Together, Quin!" Rya shouted with urgency.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right!" Quinus grunted out as they both ced all their weight and force onto the sword''s tip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crack!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">With Rya''s help, the cracks on the Core begin to grow along with theirbined strength.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RRRAAAAHHHH!!!!" roared the Cave Troll.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Troll was only ten feet away and was ready to crush them both.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hang on! I-I got this!" Quinus said in a panic as the Core''s outer shell continued to crack as the sword started to sink deeper into the Core''s body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crack!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crunch!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Almost..." Rya whispered out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Core starts to break apart as the sword prates deeper and deeper. When the tip of the de finally reaches the center of the Dungeon Core, it begins to vibrate intensely and releases a bright green sh. Before Rya and Quinus could respond the Core exploded, sending shards flying everywhere.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*KRRRIIIIIIIINNNNNGGG!!!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Dungeon Core was broken into two pieces as the vibrations shook the entire dungeon and the sound was louder than thunder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RRROOOAAARRRR!!!!" The Troll roared once it was right on top of them, ready to deliver its fatal blow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, Rya quickly channeled her mana throughout her body before she stomped the ground, creating an earth spike right underneath the Cave Troll, shooting it up and stabbing the tip of the spike, right through its ass.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AGGGGGGGHHHHRRRRRNNN!!" the Troll howled out as blood poured out from its mouth and butt. The Cave Troll struggled to free itself as he began to be lifted up to the ceiling at breakneck speed and smashed into it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud-Thud-Thud*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Cave Troll was forced right through the ceiling as Rya continued to control the spike, forcing the Troll to keep going through the stone above.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RRRRAAAARRRGGGGHHH!" The Cave Troll screamed out as it kept being forced upwards and smashed through the ceiling of the next floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya wasn''t going to stop until she knew she pushed that bastard up to the surface or if her mana ran out. And she had a lot of mana to use. Hell, she wished she could send that hulking bastard to the sun if she could. So, this went on for a few minutes as Quinus and Rya heard the pained cries from the Cave Troll echoing from the floors above. Quinus looked up at the hole and was waiting to see the sun.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ceiling of thest floor broke open and the Cave Troll wasunched towards the sky. It started to turn into stone before turning into ash. The sun was the Cave Troll''s natural enemy as the light killed it instantly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus could hear the sound of the monster''s body as it broke through the clouds above and exploded, covering the area in a small cloud of ck dust. But Rya was still channeling her mana as the spike continued to ascend, pushing through thest cloudyer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya! Rya! You got him! He''s dead. Calm down... You can rx..." Quinus said as he pulled Rya into a hug. He could see that she was shaking a little.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We-We''re alive? WE''RE ALIVE!" Rya cried out as tears fell from her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How the hell did we even survive that!? Fuck IT! We''re just lucky and I don''t care!'' Rya thought to herself as she hugged Quinus. She hugged him so tight that her breasts were pressed firmly against him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">For Quinus, all the hardships and pain he endured were worth it. He got to meet the woman of his dreams and now she was holding onto him as tightly as she could. He looked into her tear-filled eyes and smiled at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha... I don''t know about you, but I could use a vacation," Quinus smiled at Rya when she looked up at him with a tired smile and hugged Quinus tighter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">If Rya wasn''t so exhausted she would have realized that her boobs were pressing against him, causing him to get aroused. This would have grossed her out by having a man attracted to her. But, instead, she just stared at his golden eyes like she was lost in them. She would have stared at them forever if a strange stench didn''t fill the air, all of a sudden.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh, what is that smell?" Rya said as she released Quinus and covered her nose.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh!? Is it me? I''m sorry about tha~," Quinus was trying to apologize when Rya smacked him lightly on the head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nooo! It''s noting from you, dummy!" Rya growled in his face, but it was a yful growl. She was still happy that they were both alive.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I can''t smell anything... And if it''s noting from me, then where''s iting from?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked around the cave and saw something strange in the hole, where the destroyed Core was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think the smell ising from the Dungeon Core?" Rya was guessing as she pointed to the remains of the Core.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm?" Quinus muttered to himself as he took a closer look at the hole in the ground. Where his sword was still stuck in the ground after destroying the Core. As he stepped closer to the hole, was when he saw it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Liquid Ether!" Quinus eximed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GODDESS! Well, whatever that stuff is, smells <i><span style="font-weight:400">terrible</i><span style="font-weight:400">!" Rya said with disgust as she backed away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold on, I''ll extract it," Quinus said as he rummaged through his pouch that was strapped around his waist. After searching for a moment he found the bottle he was looking for. It was a ss that looked like a magical ss vial with a red-colored cork on the top. It had a special ability to suck in anything when it was uncorked and it was used to contain magical or poisonous liquid without it leaking out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There we go. We should be able to collect the ether with these..." Quinus said and put the vial in the hole where the Blue Glowing Liquid Ether was. "Man, I never knew how much this stuff glowed. I wonder why it doesn''t smell bad to me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have no idea... It''s probably because you''re a human, and I''m an elf... Or something..." Rya replied with a shrug while covering her nose.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I feel like there''s more to it than that, but I guess it''s not that important right now," Quinus said and started to extract the blue liquid. It took only a moment before all the liquid was sucked inside of the bottle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s a lot of Liquid Ether! This should work nicely!" Quinus said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, at least that vile stench is gone now. So, let''s get out of here... Ah! OH!" Rya cried out as her body started to feel funny in a sexual kind of way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya? What''s wrong!?" Quinus was worried about her and wanted to know what was happening.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It''s nothing, I''m fine, uhm... Huh? M-My?" Rya was stunned to see her growing breasts and tried to cover them up with her arms. Then her crotch started to heat up so she crossed her legs. She was having trouble bncing herself as she tried to hide her embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Quinus saw how she was reacting, he knew what Rya''s problem was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, it looks like you''re getting affected with Mana Rush. It seems you killed the Cave Troll," Quinus said as he stood up and walked over to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"MMmmm! W-What are you doing?" Rya asked nervously as she felt her pants riding up thanks to her expanding thighs. At the same time, her loins started to form camel-toe as her trousers stretched due to her hips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Not Mana Lust! Damn! I don''t want him to see me like this...'' Rya thought as she was starting to sweat a bit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus saw the signs and could tell she was experiencing a high dose of Mana Rush and he knew what he could do to help her.

 Vol.1 Ch.36 Getting a Reward

    Vol.1 Ch.36 Getting a Reward


    <span ss="userText">''W-Why is Quining over here?'' Rya thought<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry, I can fix you, just let me get close," Quinus said in a calming voice.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya was about to ask what he was doing when she suddenly felt a finger gently touch her ear.


    <span ss="userText">"Your body''s absorbing all that Troll''s mana. You must be feeling<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the rush. I know you''re scared and don''t want me to see you like this. But please believe me when I say I can help you," Quinus whispered as his fingers traced the curves of her ear, which made her shudder.


    <span ss="userText">''N-No! I have to be stronger<span ss="aiText"> than this... I need to-'' Rya thought but stopped when Quinus started to rub her ears.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhh~" Rya moaned and couldn''t help herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"Shh, shh, shh, shh, rx and let me do all the work<span ss="userText">. I promise you will feel better<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said with a reassuring tone.


    <span ss="aiText">He gently rubbed her ears, which sent pleasant jolts down her body, making her shudder.<span ss="editText"> Her arms were no longer covering<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her chest, and her legs rxed. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to be lost in pleasure.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''Mmmmm, it feels so good... His touch is making my body tingle...''<span ss="aiText"> Rya was starting to melt under Quin''s touch.


    <span ss="userText">Upon seeing Rya''s adorable face<span ss="aiText">, Quinus moved his hand down her head, slowly caressing her silky hair. His gentle touch and warm breath made Rya''s body heat up. Her breasts and nipples were tingling with anticipation.


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Do you trust me, Rya?" Quinus asked as his hands moved closer to her legs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-Maybe? MMMmmmm!" Rya answered coyly while looking at Quinus with hungry eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, God! S-Should I stop him? Or will that make it worse?'' Rya thought as she felt her crotch grow wetter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This can be one of your rewards for everything you''ve done for me," Quinus said with a mischievous smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Wait! My reward!? I-I appreciate that bu~" Rya said as she tried to push Quinus away, but he caught her hands before she could get some distance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not here to pressure you, but if you need me to help. I''m here for you, Rya," Quinus said while wrapping his arms around Rya''s back and staring into her azure eyes.


    <span ss="editText">Her rational mind was screaming at her that this was wrong, but Quinus'' hands and his golden eyes<span ss="aiText"> were melting her resolve. <span ss="editText">Her instinct took over as her lips intercepted<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Quinus'' with a kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. Her bare breasts rubbed against the armor of his muscr torso, making her nipples harden even more. She was so conflicted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AHHHHHHH! Nn!" Rya moaned into Quinus''s mouth. ''Why doesn''t this feel wrong? I haven''t been a woman for that long and I''m fucking kissing him! I-It has to be this stupid mana''s fault! Y-Yeah! Once the mana lust is over then things can go back to normal.'' Rya thought as she kissed him passionately, while her body absorbed the mana from the yed Cave Troll.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus breaks from the kiss first and stares at Rya with a fiery passion. "You''re so beautiful and have such a pure heart, yet you hide yourself from the world. Why don''t we let our true selvese out?"


    ''I''m beautiful? I-I... Oh God! I-I know this is wrong but fuck it! I NEED this!'' Rya thought to herself as she stepped back from Quinus and spread her legs. Revealingthe wet spot on her ck trousers<span ss="editText">. She needed to get these pants off of her so she slowly <span ss="editText">undid<span ss="aiText"> the <span ss="editText">knot<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> that was holding her pants up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, my Lord~," Rya gasped and shivered when she heard Quinus moan at the sight of her exposed pussy when she pulled down her pants.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My... My queen..." Quinus whispered as he stared at Rya''s exposed cunt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus slowly moved around her and pressed himself against Rya''s back. His hands went under her shirt and touched the soft tan skin of her stomach, then he pushed aside her hands to open up the front of her ck shirt, exposing herrge breasts. He <span style="font-weight:400">kisses Rya''s neck and shoulder as she moans softly. Then he <span style="font-weight:400">moved his head lower and began to lick at Rya''s nipples.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nn! Y-Your lips are so warm and soft... Ooh!" Rya moaned when Quinus suckled on her nipple.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus licks, bites, and sucks on Rya''s sensitive pink nipples.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AHHHHHH!" Rya screamed loudly as she felt a simple orgasm shoot through her from only a little breast y.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I can''t think straight anymore!'' Rya thought while she felt the pleasure flow through her body from her tits. But her pussy was screaming from neglect.


    "T-Thanks, Quin... I-I''ll take care of the rest-" Rya was interrupted when put his finger on her lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shh. Shhhhh. You''ve done your share... Now, let me do mine," Quinus whispers in Rya''s ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus lowered his face to Rya''s chest and began to lick at her bare breasts again, which caused her to bite her lower lip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mm! Mmmhm!" Rya moaned as she arched her back and grabbed Quinus'' brownish-red hair.


    "Uhhnn!" Rya screamed out with joy as another orgasm rocked her core but she wanted him to do more than tease her tits. Her pussy was screaming for Quin''s touch. She was too scared for him to use his cock, but his tongue was apromise she could deal with.<span ss="editText"> So she grabs his hair and slowly guides him down to her clit. He kisses her stomach as he lets her push his head down closer to her crotch and just as he was about toe into contact with her pussy, Quinus pulls back and grins at her. Rya came out of<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her daze and looked at him confused.


    <span ss="editText">''W-Why isn''t he touching my pussy? D-Did I push him too far?'' Rya worried that<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">she did something to scare him away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is there something you need from me, my Queen?" Quinus said in a coy tone while smirking at her.


    <span ss="editText">Rya looked<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> at Quinus with a frustrated face. "Please..."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Please, what?" Quinus teased as<span style="font-weight:400"> he moved his face closer to her pussy.


    <span ss="editText">''H-He''s going to make me say it!? G-Goddammit! I can''t believe I''m going to say this!''<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Rya thought to herself and bit her lip in frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"P-Please, Quin... I need you to tongue fuck me..." Rya begged as she tried to grind her pelvis against his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish my Queen~," Quinus said in a husky tone right before he pushed his tongue inside her soaking wet slit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''YYYYYEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!'' Rya hissed in her mind as she felt Quinus'' tongue going deep inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus licks up and down Rya''s pussy before he swirls his tongue around her clit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OH GOD! YES! QUIN! TOUCH ME! MAKE ME CUM AGAIN!" Rya screamed out as she felt her orgasm building up inside her pelvis.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus was over the twin moons as Rya rocked her hips to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> his rhythm and her moans echoed off the walls.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''Her pussy tastes amazing! I never thought I would have the honor of tasting Rya''s snatch!'' Quinus thought as he fucked Rya with his tongue. Then he moved to sucking on her clit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahhhhhhhhh!" Rya screamed out when Quinus sucked on her pussy. <span style="font-weight:400">"AH! AH! AHHHHHHH!!" Screamed The Horny Elf of Fiafyr as she climaxed hard while Quinus continued to lick her gushing wet pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How do women keep their sanity!? THIS BODY IS SO UNFAIR!!!'' Rya thought as the pleasure was still surging throughout her body.


    <span ss="userText">"Nn! Ahhah! HHHNNNGGGG!" Rya screamed out as her voice echoed<span ss="aiText">off the walls and waves of orgasmic pleasure shot through her body.<span ss="editText"> Her vision went white as her Mana Rush was finally<span ss="aiText"> satisfied. Everything should have been right in the world, if it wasn''t for t<span style="font-weight:400">hat damn itch, deep inside her, that came back.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus kept licking at her until he could tell her body couldn''t take anymore, so he stopped and kissed her stomach and chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''B-But I fucking let a man touch me! And he was amazin~ I mean! He was good... But what more do I have to do to get rid of this stupid itch?'' Rya wonders with a flustered look. It took her a few seconds to regather herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"U-Um, Quin, I-I never... I mean, no man has ever... Done that to me before," Rya said breathlessly while her body was covered in sweat.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus moved closer to her face and wiped the tears and sweat off her face. "The pleasure was all mine."


    <span ss="editText">Rya''s pussy quivered<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">at the sound of his husky voice and her legs wobbled.<span ss="editText"> She noticed Quinus wasing in for another kiss. Her rational mind was demanding her not to do it. But<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her instincts wanted to continue the kiss, and thetter was winning. She closed her eyes and let her instincts take control.<span style="font-weight:400">He kisses her lips passionately and Rya happily returns the kiss. <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Their tongues danced in each other''s mouths and Rya could taste herself on Quinus'' tongue.


    <span ss="userText">After what seemed like an <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">eternity while they locked their lips, Quinus broke the kiss and took a deep breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I never thought I would ever meet someone who could understand me so much. And she''s so beautiful," Quinus admits in a dreamy tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quinus! There''s something I need to tell you!" Rya said with a worried look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I need to tell him I used to be a man. I can''t lie to him.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s about me... I-I...." Rya tried to admit her secret to him as she blushed with embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? So, you wish for me to continue?" Quinus replied, making Rya smile at first, but she shook her head to regain herposure. She needed <span style="font-weight:400">to summon the courage to tell Quinus about the truth of being a man a couple of days ago. But just as she was about to speak, They could hear the sound of a rock door opening in the distance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah! Who''s here?" Quinus muttered with frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya snapped out of her dreamy state as she hurried to dress herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This stupid itch just won''t go away!'' Rya thought after struggling to get her pants back on.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two of them looked over the cavern and saw a doorway that wasn''t there before. They could tell that someone or something was standing there. <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus readied his sword while Rya took a position slightly behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, let''s take care of whoever ising. Rya, can you hear them? Can you tell if they''re Goblins?" Quinus asked while taking a defensive stance with his sword. Rya listened closely and heard three sets of footstepsing into the cavern.


    <span ss="editText">"It doesn''t sound like Goblins? They have heavier footsteps than<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the Goblins. I-I can''t tell what''sing," Rya admitted in an unsure tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..." Quinus was silent with a determined look in his eyes.


    <span ss="editText">All they could do<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> was wait for whoever wasing<span style="font-weight:400"> and hope they weren''t monsters.

 Vol.1 Ch.37 I Want to Tease Him!

    Vol.1 Ch.37 I Want to Tease Him!<div>


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya and Quin readied themselves for whoever wasing out of the tunnel. Rya''s mind was racing and her heart was pounding against her chest. She didn''t know if it had to do with the fear or the fact that she was still incredibly turned on.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No! It''s not the time to think about that! I have to be ready for whateveres through that door.'' Rya shook her head, trying to clear her mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well done, Percy! I don''t know how you opened this door but I''m d you did," said the familiar voice of Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed in relief while Rya quickly tried to straighten up her clothes. She didn''t want to exin what had just happened between her and Quinus to the rest of the party. And once she looked presentable, then she began to rx and ran ahead of Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George!? Percy!? Dalia!?" Rya shouted out joyfully while running toward the doorway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aha! Alpha! You''re Okay!" Dalia cheered out with a grin as she pounced on Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yooou~!" Rya happily returned Dalia''s embrace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry, it took us a while to get here, my Lord. We encountered some goblins, but we defeated them easily," Percy answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Where is the troll? Did you kill it?" Sir George asked with a concerned tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, somehow we survived. Frankly, it felt like Rya did all the work. Since she was the one to take it out," Quinus said with a defeated tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George raises his eyebrow at this statement. He had no idea that Rya was capable of such a feat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You were the one who killed the troll? How?" Sir George questioned while looking at Rya curiously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I didn''t do all the work. If Quin didn''t throw me his sword when he did then we would have died," Rya pointed out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But you were strong enough to send the troll to the surface to kill it. That''s a great feat and you should be proud," Quinus replied proudly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya, we are blessed to have you. I don''t know how we can ever repay you for saving our Lord," Percy answered with pride in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, mdy. I was too hasty in judging you because of your race... I see I was a fool in doing so... Just so you know, there is nothing in the world more beautiful than a woman who can use magic. Even though you might not think yourself worthy of such praise. You have my sword, Lady Rya." Sir George stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I really appreciate that, Sir George," Rya responded with an awkward smile. ''I''m not used to getting so much praise. How are you supposed to act?'' Rya thought to herself, not sure if she was supposed to bow or curtsy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Blessed, is an understatement, Percy�� Alright, let''s get going. I''m tired of this damnedbyrinth," Quinus said as he sheathed his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm! Agreed!... Come this way, my Lord," Sir George said with a bow before he took the lead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, where''s the ck Rose Merc?" Rya asks with a confused look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The coward fled to the surface... Haah, I wish I could have taken him out. But you were our priority, Lady Rya," Percy replied with a disappointed look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We will hunt him down, young one... As long as I get toe along... Or are you a lone wolf?" Dalia asked with a sly smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Of course I can hunt down someone by myself... But, I don''t know how I could deny having you... erm, I mean, a warrior, such as you, by my side. I am at yourmand, Lady Dalia." Percy answered her with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia smiles and wags her tail at Percy''s reactions. She didn''t know why but her instincts were telling her to poke and prod him for some reason. Of all the humans she''d been around, Percy was the only one to make her heart flutter. She never felt this way before and she needed answers on why she was feeling so weird.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She tried to ignore the feeling as the group made their way to the first staircase. But as time went on, Dalia became more and more frustrated with herself. ''What is this feeling?!'' Dalia screamed in her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">So, while the group started to ascend up the dungeon floors, Dalia came up close to Rya. In hopes of keeping her conversation private


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alpha? I have a question?" She whispered to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? What''s the question?" Rya replies with a confused tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"When talking with the young one, I get an urge? Like, I want to poke him, but with my words?" Dalia whispers with a hopeful expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? I think you want to tease him?" Rya answers back with confusion in her voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tease him?... That''s it, yes! You''re so smart, Alpha! But I don''t know why I want to?" Dalia questions herself again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, Percy is a timid and obedient guy... So maybe you want to see a different reaction from him? One that you caused, instead of something else?" Rya tries to reason with her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess?... I''m not sure... he''s only timid around me, and it makes me want to tease him. Ahh! This is so confusing! But, it''s a good feeling and I think I want to feel more," Dalia answers with a giggle as her tail wags all over the ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was finally understanding what was happening to Dalia. She has a crush on Percy and she doesn''t know what to do with it. This was going to be a fun thing to watch and she wanted to help Percy get a good girlfriend. Dalia seemed like a good girl that he would get along with. So, she was going to help push them together if she could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, how about we talk about what kind of things you can tease him about? There are all sorts of things you can do to get a good reaction out of him," Rya offers with a mischievous smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay! Please, teach me, Alpha!" Dalia pleaded, eager to learn more.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This made Rya smile at first but then she realized that she never teased a man before. She needed to recall what other women had done to her when she was a man growing up in college. It took some time before she came up with some good ideas for Dalia and whispered them into her ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group continues to make their way through the dungeon, taking a break to eat lunch on the sixth floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But what if he doesn''t like that?" Dalia asked with a worried tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry, Dalia. Just tease him a little at first, to see if he likes it," Rya states with a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... I will try when the time is right, Alpha... Thank you," Dalia says with a nod. She continues. "I have another question, though?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes?" Rya asks with curiosity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How were you able to mark Beta, without him marking you?" Dalia says with a shy smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I don''t follow. What do you mean I ''marked'' him?" Rya asks with confusion in her voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? But your mark is all over his hands and face? It''s hard not to notice your scent all over him. And yet, he hasn''t marked you? I''ve never seen a female own a male like that! I wish to mark the young one like you did," Dalia says with a dreamy look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the hell is Dalia talking abou-'' Rya stopped herself once it urred to Rya what Dalia meant by marking Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh God, she can smell my cum! She wants to mark Percy as I did to Quin!'' Rya thinks to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But that''s when a sense of dread washed over Rya. Upon realizing what she had done. What she has be.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No, I can''t be mentally changing into a woman! That''s impossible! Oh God, oh God, oh Goddess! Why did I let Quin do that to me? I thought it was the mana''s fault at first. But I''ve been making fucking excuses! I must fight this! I don''t know how I''ll stop it, but I must! If things keep going the way they have been, then I will be making a huge mistake. I have to resist!'' Rya tells herself as she fights the growing urges to change into a woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya had to focus her thoughts and not think about the events that transpired between her and Quin. If she were to recall the memory, then she wouldn''t be able to control herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Alpha are you alright? You seem distracted?" Dalia asks with concern while looking at Rya''s face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! No, I''m fine! I... I just need to think for a second," Rya replies with a weak smile. "S-So you want to mark Percy, right?" Rya asks while she tries to regain herposure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hm? Yes, I like to im him as my own, Alpha. I like the idea of my mark all over him." Dalia answers with a happy smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well I think your best option is when we make camp for the night. You can do your teasing and hopefully, he will respond in a good way. Then you can take it to the next level," Rya suggests.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But how do you get a male to go, down there?" Dalia asks with a questioning look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh... uh... well... You can just ask him, or you can gently take hold of his head and move it..." Rya stammered out with embarrassment as memories of Quin''s smiling face came back to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that what you did? Are you sure, Alpha?" Dalia asked with a worried tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah! And if he doesn''t respect your wish then he''s not good enough for you," Quinus chimes in with a smirk on his face while holding out two bowls of stew for them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin!?" Rya exims with shock. She didn''t realize that Quinus was listening in on their conversation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just adding a male point of view," Quinus assures her with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then I''ll wait! Thank you, Alpha! And you too, Beta," Dalia replied with a smile as she stood up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Armed with this new knowledge, Dalia had a hop to her step as she walked over to Percy. Percy noticed her approach and greeted her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good afternoon, Lady Dalia. Is there anything you require?" Percy asked her with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, a kiss from you would be nice," Dalia teased Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy did a double take and his face flushed a bright red. His mouth opens and closes, trying to find words. Dalia just wagged her tail at his reaction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You get excited easily, young one," Dalia points out as she giggles at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I apologize, Lady Dalia. I must have misheard you," Percy answers while trying to regain hisposure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya and Quinus looked on, enjoying the scene.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, how long do you think it will take, before those two shack up together?" Quinus asked with a smirk on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I think in about five days. As they spend more time together, their bond will grow stronger. It''s already grown strong enough for Dalia to take the initiative," Rya answered with some blush on her cheeks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Goddess! My heart won''t stop racing when I''m around Quin! I feel so embarrassed when I''m near him! What should I do?'' Rya thinks to herself as she tries to keep calm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus couldn''t help but notice how ufortable Rya looked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you alright, Rya? You seem upset," Quinus asked with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, do you mind if we take things slower right now? I''m having conflicted... feelings at the moment... And I could use some space to sort them out," Rya answered with a shaky voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh!... Okay! W-Was it my fault?" Quinus asked with a concerned expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO! No! This isn''t your fault Quin. It''s... It''s me. And everything has changed so fast that I need to get my thoughts straight. But please don''t leave me alone, okay?" Rya tells him with a sad smile on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I... Alright, but if it was me that pushed you into doing something. Then, I''m sorry, okay? And I''ll be waiting for you, my queen," Quinus tells her with a loving smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks, Quin. That''s all I ask for. I''ll let you know when I''m ready," Rya replies with a soft smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I... I need to find out if I''m a straight man or a straight woman. Or am I Bi? GAH!... I don''t know anymore!... Plus!'' Rya thought to herself as a question popped into her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey Quin, aren''t you engaged already?" Rya asks with a confused expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Eh, you heard about that... Haah. Well, I never met her, but she''s a princess from the Alliance of the Divine Three... Sadly, it''s a political marriage. Since I have a Demi-god level vein, they wish for me to be a part of the Alliance. They say that I''m one of the only four humans on this continent who has a Demi-god Mana Vein," Quinus exined to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What!? That''s horrible!" Rya eximed with a frown. She didn''t like the idea of marrying someone that you''ve never met.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... Yeah... I don''t trust them. But they cornered my parents and kingdom into that marriage, through the Prime Minister, who has the majority of the Major Noble Houses, backing him. I just want someone I can trust to be my wife and I guess I fell for you too quickly. I keep forgetting you''re not an adult yet, even though you''re older than me. So, I understand why you''re ufortable," Quinus said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, Goddess. A political marriage. That sucks.'' Rya thought while she felt annoyed for some reason.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was hoping the fact that Quinus being engaged would have cleared up her feelings. But it didn''t. It just made her more confused about her emotions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to freak you out. And that''s understandable, I wish the Divine Three would stoping after me. But I doubt that is going to happen," Rya said with a frown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya. If they daree after you on my watch. I''ll make sure they regret it, alright. I''ll throw my fianc��e in prison and go to war with them!" Quinus smiled with a determined look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re just saying that to sound tough, but I appreciate the sentiment, Quin," Rya said with a smile as a warm feeling crept through her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahaha. I don''t say things I don''t mean... Anyway, you should finish your food. I''ll check on everyone else before we leave," Quinus said with a confident smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It hit her again that her emotions were being clouded by Quin''s natural charm. She shook her head trying to clear her thoughts of these foreign feelings that keeping back. No matter how many times she tried, the feeling would alwayse back stronger than before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is thest time. After we get out of here, I''ll stop and figure things out. But for now, let''s get through this dungeon!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">With her mind settled, she quickly ate her lunch, while Quinus went to check on Sir George. Rya looked over at Dalia who wasughing and teasing Percy. Rya was happy for the two of them. At least she knows that one couple might have a chance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus returned and announced, "Alright everyone, we have a few more floors until we reach the surface. The Dungeon Core is dead, but that doesn''t mean that there aren''t any more goblins around. So, be on your guard."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group packed up their things and got back to work. Rya was d that they were close to the end. Or that''s what she hoped, as they continued their journey.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took the group to reach the exit of thebyrinth in about five hours as they traversed all the floors to reach the surface. Once they got outside, they saw a squad of knights from Fiafyr. They were fighting against a small group of goblins.

 Vol.1 Ch.38 Made it to the Surface.

    Vol.1 Ch.38 Made it to the Surface.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Look, it''s the prince!" Yelled one of the Knights. "His Highness Prince Quinus! We have been looking for you everywhere!"


    The other knights gathered around the prince and they bowed their heads after dealing with thest of the goblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince Quinus! We feared the worst, my Lord!" The captain of the knights said to the prince while bowing his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"When were you all dispatched here?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We left about a week ago, my Lord. When word got out about the goblin ambush outside of the vige of Kishin." The captain replied.


    Quinus closed his eyes and sighed while recalling the battle that took ce. He remembered being surrounded by a group of goblins at the time, and how they swarmed their positions. If he had known that it would turn out like this, he would have used his enchanted sword''s ability to burn them all.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Alright, send word for them... I want to bury<span ss="aiText"> my fallen men.<span ss="editText"> They deserve<span ss="aiText"> a proper burial<span ss="editText">," Quinus said with a thoughtful<span ss="aiText"> expression.


    "Yes, Your Highness," The captain replied with a bow and just as he was about to leave was when he noticed not only a Wolfkin but a Dark Elf wasing out of the Labyrinth as well.


    H<span ss="editText">e <span ss="userText">had a concerned look on his face before he spoke, "Y-Your Highness? Do we need to be<span ss="aiText"> worried<span ss="editText"> about her<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">The captain <span ss="editText">looked at the stunning<span ss="aiText"> woman, who was <span ss="editText">standing next to Quinus.


    <span ss="editText">"No... She''s saved all of us multiple times. She''s my girl- Ahem... She''s our friend,<span ss="aiText">" Quinus said, as he nearly slipped <span ss="editText">that he wanted Rya to be<span ss="aiText"> his girlfriend.<span ss="editText"> He didn''t want to push her<span ss="aiText"> away after everything that had happened between them.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya raised her eyebrow while looking at the Prince with a confused expression.


    ''Your girl?<span ss="editText">... H-He must be tired or something.'' Rya <span ss="editText">just shook it off and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> focused on the task at hand.


    <span ss="aiText">The captain looked back at his fellow knights, then he turned around and bowed once again.


    <span ss="aiText">"Understood, Your Highness... <span ss="editText">If she''s earned your trust then she has<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> mine as well."


    "Alright, let''s head to the site and take care of our fallen brothers," Quinus said with a deep sigh.


    With everything squared away, the group headed over to the site where Quinus and his fallen knights got attacked by the goblins earlier in their quest to destroy the Dungeon Core in the ''Tomb of the Horde''.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took them about an hour to get there.


    "It feels way more peaceful in the forest than it did a couple of days ago. I can''t believe this ce used to be filled with goblins," Percy said out loud.


    "Aye, I bet you''re right, Percy. This ce feels like it has a calming effect now... I''m d ourrades didn''t die in vain," Sir George said with a bright smile, but his eyes had a hint of sadness in them.


    "Well, we wouldn''t have gotten the chance to enjoy this peace without, Lady Rya. I don''t know how I''m going to repay her," Quinus said as he looked at Rya, who was hanging back with Dalia.


    "Well, the Goddess must be smiling upon us. How else would we have run into someone as special as her," Percy said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shakes his head.


    "Well, I''m not sure about that, Percy. We were the only ones to survive," Quinus says with a grim look on his face.


    "Aye, the seventeen others would be proud to know their Lord hase up victorious. Their sacrifice will be remembered," Sir George said with a solemn tone while putting his hand on Quinus''s shoulder.


    "Well, I hope they can find happiness in their next life," Quinus said with a touch of mncholy.


    "Hmm... I don''t know if we will be reborn, my Lord. But if they do, I''m sure they will." George said with a nod.


    Quinus stared at George like he wanted to respond but he held his tongue.


    "My Lord, we''reing up to the clearing where the ambush happened," One of the knights announced to the party.


    "Thank you, Sir Menns," Quinus said with a nod.


    They had reached the area where they had fought and in the goblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    Once they came into the wide clearing. They were able to see bodies scattered about from the ambush. Most of them were the bodies of the goblins but seventeen knightsy next to each other in the middle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is tragic. It feels like yesterday when we left Kishin with all of them by our side," Quinus said with a heavy sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That it does, my Prince," Sir George said with a saddened voice.


    "Let''s bury them before they can get turned into the undead. It would be a great disrespect to their memory," Quinus said as he walked forward towards his fallenrades.


    "Right away, my Lord. You lot, let''s dig up a proper grave for these good men." Sir George said to the group of knights, and they began digging.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Lord," They all said in unison.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I shouldn��t let them do all the work.�� Rya thought as she watched.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you like I can bury them, Quin," Rya said with a kind smile.


    "I appreciate the offer, Rya. They were my men, my responsibility��. We would rather do this ourselves. This is our duty after all," Quinus said with a nod.


    <span ss="editText">Rya wanted to help but she understood<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> what he meant and stepped back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well then," Rya gave a nod to Quin while she stepped aside and watched them bury the dead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span ss="editText">It took an hour before they buried the fallen. After giving them a<span ss="aiText"> proper burial. They all stood in front of their graves with their heads bowed and hands together in a praying position.


    <span ss="aiText">"May you find happiness in your next life, my Brothers<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Quinus said out loud while he was in prayer.


    <span ss="userText">"May the Goddess guide<span ss="aiText"> you in <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">the after<span ss="aiText">life<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">,<span ss="aiText">" Sir George said with a heavy heart.


    Everyone else repeated what the two said as they were also in prayer.<span ss="editText"> After they were finished they made their way through the forest until they arrived on the outskirts of the vige of Kishin. It had taken them quite some time to get<span ss="aiText"> to the vige from the clearing<span ss="editText"> and it was almost sundown<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    The town looked like something out of the Medieval ages. There were cobblestone streets with little houses and shops alongside them. The buildings were built from wood and stone while others were made of brick. The vige has a 10-foot wall that surrounds the perimeter with guards patrolling around. Many green bodies were lying around the wall from all the goblins that died trying to invade the vige. Even with all the dead monsters lying about, everything was calm and quiet, except for the sounds of nature.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I don''t know why I was expecting anything else?" Rya said to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? What were you expecting, Alpha?" Dalia asked, looking over at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, nothing. I''m just trying to get used to living in a... Ah? a human settlement." Rya said with a chuckle. ''Almost let it slip that I wasn''t from the Tertius.'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah, I agree. I''m not used to these unnatural things they live in. How are you supposed to move when you make something that big!?" Dalia asked while she scoffed at what she thought was<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the stupidity of the human race.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Good! Dalia doesn''t suspect anything. Hehehe.'' Rya thought to herself with a giggle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, humans like stability. So, they tend to stay in one ce, mostly," Rya says to Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh really? That makes sense, I suppose. But I''m not sure I like it," Dalia said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well let''s give it a try?" Rya nodded back as they followed the group towards the gate.

 Vol.1 Ch.39 Returned to Kishin.

    Vol.1 Ch.39 Returned to Kishin.


    Rya, Quinus, and the rest of the group made their way to the main gate of the vige. It was closed at this time at night. Everything seemed fine until they were stopped by the town''s guards.


    "Oi! Who the hell are you lot?!" A guard shouts atop the wall to the city. He was having trouble seeing whoever was approaching the gate.


    "You are not wanted here!" Another guard shouted out next to the first guard.


    ''Wow... Talk about a warm wee.'' Rya thought as she looked up at the wall.


    The captain of the knights walked next to Prince Quinus and held his magical torch up in the air. So, he could show the Town''s Guards who they were speaking to.


    "You, MORONS! You''re speaking to the Crown Prince of Fiafyr! Open the gates this instant!" yelled Sir Menns, captain of the Knights who was staring at the two guards with anger in his eyes.


    The captain of the guards, arge man, with a full brown beard, looked down at the knight and then at the twenty-year-old boy with his fancy armor that looked like it had seen better days, "Tch! He doesn''t look like a prince to me," He muttered to hisrade.


    "Yeah, they might be pulling a fast one on us. And look... There''s a Dark Elf with them. They are probably up to something bad. I''ve heard about the dark elves, they are nothing but trouble. I bet this one is nning on taking over our town."


    The Captain of the Guard took a step forward and leaned over the wall.


    "If that boy is the Prince, then why does he have a Dark Elf and a Mutt with him!? No respected Royalty would ever be seen with a dog or a dirty elf." The guard said, spitting on the ground as he looked down at the group.


    Rya was dumbstruck. ''What the hell?! Is this how every new person I meet is going to treat me? Is this how it''s going to be for the rest of my life? GAH! This sucks!!!''


    She wanted to slouch in defeat, but her pride wouldn''t let her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Growl!* "Looks like we''re not wee here, Alpha!" Dalia says with a re.


    "You better sheath your tongues!!!" Sir George snapped back at the city guards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked cool and calm at a nce but if you could see through his fa?ade, you would notice his clenched jaw and fists as a fury was building inside him. He could shrug off insults being thrown his way but when they started insulting Rya and the rest of the group... Well, he was starting to get mad.


    "I''ll deal with this, Sir George," Quinus said to his retainer while he pulled out an amulet that glows when he pours his mana into it.


    <span ss="editText">The amulet is a Royal Sigil that only<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">the royal family and those who have earned the trust of the royal family can have. The amulet glowed as the prince poured mana into it. The glow was bright enough to light up the area and even the guard''s faces changed from smug grins to shock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahhh, what is this?! A Royal Sigil!?" One of the guards asks as he leans over the wall trying to get a better look at the Royal Sigil.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My patience is wearing thin!" Quinus replies angrily while staring up at the guards.


    The Captain of the Guard felt a pit form in his stomach. He knew the Prince and his Party hade through their vige about a week ago to deal with the goblin menace. Everyone thought it was a suicide mission and the Prince was onlying by for lip service. But here he was, alive and well and the guard couldn''t deny that the goblin numbers have dropped dramatically. He would be an idiot to continue his insubordination.


    "OPEN THE GATE! NOW!" Shouted the Captain of the Guard. He was yelling down to his guards on the ground level.


    "Yes sir!!" They all yelled as they moved towards the rope that raised the portcullis. Four of them grabbed the rope and started to pull with all their might. It didn''t take long for the four guards to raise the portcullis before Quinus and hisrades coulde into the vige.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph... Should we discipline them, my Lord?" Sir George asked Quinus.


    <span ss="editText">"Make sure to dock their pay for one month and if they continue troubling us, then<span ss="aiText"> we''ll do more than that," Quinus replied<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> before continuing, "For now, I want to rest in a proper bed and I''m sure everyone else feels the same."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, my Lord." Sir George said with a bow.


    Rya was listening in when she heard Quinus mentioning a proper bed. And it made her feel giddy.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh, my Goddess! I would die for a real bed," Rya moans.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> She couldn''t help herself, it had been so long since she slept in a proper bed. She was so tired from everything that''s happened to her over the past few days.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Quinus and the others chuckled at the dark elf, while Dalia was confused.


    "I would rather you live, Rya," Quinus teased her with a smirk.


    "Yeah, Beta is right, Alpha! I don''t want you to die over a bed," Dalia says with a concerned look.


    <span ss="editText">''This poor wolfkin takes things too literally... I guess that''s something she''ll have<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to work on in the future.'' Rya thought as she rubbed the top of Dalia''s head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe. Dalia, it''s a figure of speech," Ryaughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Figure of speech? I don''t understand, Alpha?" Dalia said with confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She meant it as a joke, Lady Dalia," Percy said with a smile.


    "Aww. A joke... I still don''t get it," Dalia said with a bashful face.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"You''ll get used to it, Lady Dalia. Don''t worry about it too much," Percy said.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Really? I hope so, young one," Dalia says as she wags her tail happily.


    "Well, I believe in you, Lady Dalia... Anyway, what''s our next move?" Percy asked the group as they waited for therge doors into the vige to open.


    <span ss="editText">"We''ll have to talk to the Mayor of Kishin first. I''m sure he isn''t going to be happy to see us without that traitorous dog by our side," Sir George says with a bit of<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> disdain in his voice.


    "Rya... Dalia... Stay close to us. The people of Kishin are not hostile towards non-humans but they aren''t friendly either," Quinus said.


    <span ss="editText">"My Lord? Should we give them <span ss="editText">our<span ss="editText"> cloaks?" Sir Menns asked<span ss="aiText"> as he was looking at the <span ss="editText">girls. T<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText"> were<span ss="editText">n''t human<span ss="aiText"> so it would make sense to give them some clothing to hide their appearance.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. I think that''s a good idea. Hand over <span ss="editText">some<span ss="aiText"> cloaks to Rya and Lady Dalia, Menns," Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">With that two of the knights handed over<span ss="aiText"> their travel cloaks to the girls. The cloaks were a bit big on them, but they fit.


    "<span ss="editText">Thank you," Rya said as she<span ss="aiText"> put her cloak on.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia wasn''t too pleased about putting on more clothing<span ss="aiText">, but she put the cloak on without any fuss<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Lady Dalia, don''t forget your hood. You wouldn''t want the vigers to see your ears, would you?" Percy asked Dalia<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t see what the big deal<span ss="aiText"> is. I don''t have a problem showing the world my ears," Dalia replied as she pulled her hood off.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s not a big deal outside<span ss="editText"> but in<span ss="aiText"> this vige, people will treat you differently if you don''t hide your ears and tail," Quinus exined.


    <span ss="userText">She huffed before<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> saying, "Fine. I''ll wear the hood," and ced her hood back on her head.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Good girl," Rya praised her.


    Dalia wagged her tail a little after getting praise from her Alpha, "Okay, I''m ready."


    It was at that moment when the doors to the vige were unlocked. <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Walking<span ss="userText"> into the vige proper, the doors finally open for Quinus and the group. On the other side stood the Captain of the Guard. He and a few of his men stood at attention,<span ss="aiText"> waiting for their visitors.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, my Lord! We were ordered by the mayor, to not let anyone enter the town without his permission!" said the captain of the guard as he and the rest of the guards bowed their heads when Quinus, Rya, and the rest of his party entered the vige.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus only shook his head in disapproval in response to the guards.


    "You''re lucky that the Prince is merciful, Captain," Sir George said through clenched teeth.


    <span ss="aiText">"We are eternally grateful, Your Highness!<span ss="editText"> I-It won''t happen again!<span ss="aiText">" said the Captain, who had tears streaming down his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Your wages will be <span ss="userText">garnished for one month. Don''t make me<span ss="aiText"> add another month because of your behavior, Captain. Am I understood?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes, Your Highness! T-Thank you, Your Highness!" The Captain stammered and nodded.


    "You''re free to go about your duties, Captain. Make sure your men don''t get out of line either, or the next punishment will be much worse," Quinus warned the Captain.


    <span ss="aiText">"T-Thank you, Your Highness. Y-You won''t have to worry about that, Your Highness.<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> You have my word, Your Highness!" The captain responded while saluting.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"That''s what I like to hear, Captain. Dismissed."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Thank you, Your Highness!" With that, the Captain turned and hurried away from the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span ss="userText">Kishin is a small vige of about 1500 residents. It was one of the newest territories to be added to the kingdom. This vige was one of thest remnants of a fallen kingdom to the west. What was the cause of this kingdom''s<span ss="aiText"> downfall? <span ss="editText">It was a <span ss="userText">simple misfortune of threebyrinths spawning monster stampedes simultaneously. The Kingdom of<span ss="aiText"> Alvara was <span ss="editText">known for gainingrge amounts of wealth thanks to the many Labyrinths that were within its<span ss="aiText"> borders. <span ss="editText">It was a risk to create a Kingdom<span ss="aiText"> with so many Labyrinths, but it was a necessary risk.


    <span ss="aiText">Alvara''s economy was built around mining the Labyrinth''s resources, creating and selling high-quality weapons and armor, and farming the many farnds within their borders.<span ss="userText"> But when three of the La<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">b<span ss="userText">yrinths closest t<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">o<span ss="userText"> the capital started spawning out<span ss="aiText"> their monsters, it was too much for the country to handle.


    <span ss="aiText">It only took a week before the entire Kingdom fell to the Labyrinth stampedes. Most of the survivors fled east towards <span ss="editText">Kishin. By the time the capital fell, Kishin was one of thest surviving viges in the fallen kingdom and the town couldn''t support<span ss="aiText"> all the refugees, which led to the vige bing overpopted.<span ss="editText"> With nowhere else to turn the Mayor of the vige reached out to the City of Ironside dering that they would join the Kingdom of Fiafyr if they helped defeat thest monster horde.


    Upon hearing of their plight, Baron Arathar Coldforge took the initiative before he could get the King involved. Kishin wasn''t too far from "The Tomb of the Horde" and it would be a good frontier outpost in the future for farming materials from the Labyrinth and thends around the Dungeon.


    After the dwarven-human army was victorious in defending thest survivors of the fallen kingdom. Baron Coldforge, along with a delegation from Ironside, returned to the capital to gain the King''s blessing and they epted forty thousand new citizens into the Kingdom of Fiafyr and the surroundingnd became Fiafyr territory. This took ce almost one hundred years ago.


    <span ss="editText">Over the decades<span ss="aiText"> the vige had expanded into a medium-sized town, with many new residentsing in and out<span ss="editText">. Kishin <span ss="userText">established a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="userText"> Adventurer''s Guild<span ss="aiText"> Headquarters, and <span ss="editText">their biggest export was <span ss="userText">lumber, thanks to therge forest to its w<span ss="undoDeletionText">est<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    Everything seemed to be going well until about twenty-five years ago when Duke ric saw the town as an asset. He needed to gather as many Minor Nobles to his side as possible since the Prime Minister had the majority of the support of the Major Nobles. He had been gathering support and money for his goal to get his son the throne. And Kishin was his most recent conquest. The corruption and greed of the major noble family started making life harder for the townspeople, and the few minor nobles, who didn''t agree with the way the Dukedom was handling their town, were slowly being reced by nobles loyal to the Duke.


    <span ss="editText">Over the decades most of the poption that could leave<span ss="aiText">, left and moved to the neighboring towns and cities. But the ones that stayed couldn''t afford to leave and start a new life.<span ss="editText"> The town was more like a vige again in poption size and w<span ss="aiText">hen the Labyrinth stampede urred the<span ss="editText">y nearly<span ss="aiText"> lost the town entirely.<span ss="editText"> If it wasn''t for the <span ss="undoDeletionText">heroics from the Adventurer''s Guild, all would have been lost.


    By the time Quinus and his party were walking around the streets of the vige, a few of the townspeople were outte at night. There was the main square, an open-air bar, and a restaurant that was closed at this time. There also was the usual Adventure Guild building and a couple of stalls where people sold things like fruits, vegetables, and fish. The main street had several houses on both sides but they all looked empty. The vige Kishin''s major attractions were logging and monster harvesting. Thanks to its location being so close to the giant forest to its west called the Great Greenwood Forest. The only downside was the many monsters that roamed the forest which was where the adventurers came in handy. They would keep the monster numbers in check. But after the stampede, the town had been undermanned, and the monsters had be a real problem for the small town, which was in a bad state.


    <span ss="userText">Rya looked around and noticed the main street had several houses on both sides but they all looked abandoned. The doors of many of the buildings were either broken or nailed shut. They didn''t see any lights in most of the homes, which made it look pretty gloomy. She could tell that not much had been happening in the vige for a while now.


    <span ss="userText">Percy noticed Rya ncing at the abandoned buildings<span ss="aiText"> and put his hand on her shoulder. "<span ss="editText">This vige took the worst of the horde before we arrived.<span ss="aiText"> Many homes and lives were lost. There were several times when the vige had been overrun, but thanks to the <span ss="editText">Adventurer Guild''s<span ss="aiText"> guild master they managed to fend off the horde. But, they lost their Guild Master."


    <span ss="aiText">"Is<span ss="editText">n''t there a mayor or a lord<span ss="aiText"> that''s supposed to keep things in order?" <span ss="editText">Ry<span ss="aiText">a asked.


    Percy grimaced and was about to speak when Quinus interrupted him. "The Mayor is loyal to my uncle. He is a coward and wasn''t willing to put forth any effort to stop the stampede. Let''s just say he is more concerned with his own needs than the needs of his people," Quinus said, clenching his fists.


    <span ss="editText">Rya nodded as she made sure to cover her ears. ''Of course, the uncle is evil... What type of fantasy<span ss="aiText"> world would it be if there weren''t any evil Lords or Nobles!'' Rya thought with a sigh.<span ss="editText"> ''So much for the easy life in the pce<span ss="aiText">... With my luck, I''m going to be drawn into whatever bullshit he has up his sleeve... This is so fucking cliche!''


    They continued to walk to the other side of the square and the few people around were looking at the group strangely. Rya could hear some of them as they started murmuring to each other. But Rya��s Dark Elven ears could hear them clear as day.


    "Is that the Crown Prince?... Does that mean they stopped the stampede? I thought it was a fool''s errand?" A man said to his friends as he walked past them.


    "Don��t know? Maybe they did? Wait a moment, isn''t that a Wolfkin and a Dark Elf? What the hell are their kind doing here?" Another townsfolk questioned as they saw Dalia and Rya trying to hide in the middle of the group.


    Rya pulled her hood down when she heard them talking about Dalia and herself. ''What''s their problem? Why do they have such an attitude against a Wolfkin and a Dark Elf?''


    "Don''t worry. They''re probably just the Prince''s ves or something," One of the men reassured his fellow townsman.


    "Huh? But the King ouwed very in the realm... Well, we can''t take any chances. Let''s get some more guards so we can protect our homes from them," the townsfolk said as they left the town square.


    ''The fuck? Is this what it feels like to be discriminated against?... This SUCKS!... I have to remember that I''m no longer a white man anymore! Ugh, I hate this... This is an experience I didn''t need or want.'' Rya thought to herself as she balls up her fists in frustration.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to what the townspeople were saying.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    Quinus led the group toward a big-sized house, which was probably a mansion, with a wall around it. It was hard to tell, with how dark it was. While Rya was taking in her surroundings, she noticed a man running toward them at breakneck speeds from therge house. He was an older man wearing an official uniform of some sort.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My PRINCE! My apologies!" The man cried.


    <span ss="editText">"Well, look who hase to greet us?" Quinus muttered just loud enough for only<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the party to hear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, the Mayor''s minister. I guess Tomas is too busy to greet His Highness in person. Or maybe he''s too scared to show his face," Sir George said with a chuckle as he nced at Quinus for a quick moment.


    The man who was dashing towards them finally made it to where Quinus and his party were. Once he was within range of the party, he dropped to his knees and bowed his head before the prince.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please forgive my foolishness and disrespect! I- I was unaware of your arrival!" the man pleaded.


    "Which one were you again?... Tomas was the one who did all the talking with my cousin thest time we were here," Quinus asked with an irritated tone.


    <span ss="editText">"O-Of course, Crown Prince! I am the Minister of Trade, Mr. Marko Aitken. I serve as the Mayor''s<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> right-hand man, my Lord,"He spoke without looking into Quinus'' eyes.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus looked at him unamused as he was deciding<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">how to deal with this.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And how is the situation here?" Quinus asked.


    "Our people are doing well. Since we haven''t had a monster attack for almost three days, my Lord. It is all thanks to your bravery," Marko said with his head still down on the ground.


    "I''m sure your people are pleased with that, but I''m not pleased with the wee we''ve received, once we returned from the Labyrinth, Mr. Aitken. I''m sure that was Tomas'' doing," Quinus stated.


    <span ss="editText">"I-I didn''t know my Lord! And I''m sure the Mayor had<span ss="aiText"> no idea either. Please don''t me him, <span ss="editText">I''ll make sure the mayor knows<span ss="aiText"> that you are displeased. I''m sure he will have a proper punishment for <span ss="editText">those who wronged you<span ss="aiText">," Marko replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You will do no such thing, Marko. I am going to speak with Tomas myself," Quinus said with anger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marko bowed his head in defeat. "O-Of course my Lord. I''ll see if the Mayor can receive His Highness this instant!" Marko said as he quickly turned around and ran back towards the mansion, in the distance. The building was about three hundred yards away from their location.


    <span ss="userText">"Umm. He''s going to tell the Mayor everything, isn''t he," Rya said<span ss="aiText">, watching the man run away.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Probably... If Tomas knows<span ss="userText"> what''s best for him<span ss="aiText">, he won''t make an appearance, but I don''t think that''s going to happen," <span ss="editText">Quinus<span ss="aiText"> replied.


    <span ss="editText">Rya couldn''t shake this bad feeling<span ss="aiText"> she had. "So, what''s going to happen now?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, <span ss="editText">since he''s an ally of my uncle. I''m sure he''ll send news that Marcus isn''t here," Quinus said with a stern look.


    <span ss="userText">"So, we''ll have to fight him, your Highness? I guess our<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> rest is going to be dyed then, huh?" Percy asked, with a sigh. <span style="font-weight:400">*Poke* "L-Lady Dalia?! Why are you poking me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? No reason, in particr, young one," Dalia said with a straight face but her tail was wagging.


    <span ss="editText">''Aw! That''s adorable! Haah, but I have to stay vignt.'' Rya thought as she refocused on her surroundings.


    "<span ss="editText">Let''s just try and keep our heads up, and deal with this problem. But it has to be thest thing we deal with for the night. I want to sleep in a real bed, Quin<span ss="editText">," Rya said with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well... If my Lady<span ss="aiText">mands," Quinus replied with augh.


    <span ss="editText">This made Rya blush with embarrassment. She was tired and it was getting to her.


    <span ss="editText">Sir Menns walked up to the Prince, "Do you wish for us to deal with the Mayor, My Lord?<span ss="aiText"> We can handle him."


    <span ss="aiText">"No. I <span ss="editText">need you and your men to patrol the vige to see if Tomas tries anything funny. I don''t want any messenger<span ss="aiText"> leaving the town and alerting my Uncle," Quinus answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"W<span ss="editText">ith pleasure,<span ss="aiText"> Your Highness<span ss="editText">. We will report if we find anything. Men!<span ss="aiText">" Sir Menns replied, and he gave the signal to the Royal <span ss="editText">Knight<span ss="aiText">s to follow him.


    The captain took off to patrol the vige with his Knights. Leaving the Prince behind with his retainers and the two girls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, let''s pay the mayor a visit shall we," Quinus said in a serious tone.


    They all followed the prince as they walked towards the mayor''s estate.

 Vol.1 Ch.40 Sign the Blood Contract.

    Vol.1 Ch.40 Sign the Blood Contract.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Rya and the group came closer to the estate. Rya finally saw how big the ce was. The estate was about three stories tall and almost as big as a football field. It had many windows and balconies on both sides of the building as well as arge courtyard in the front where there were trimmed hedges. To say this was the only nice-looking ce in Kishin would be an understatement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, this ce is something else? I can''t believe this is the mayor''s house." Rya said quietly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, it''s pretty impressivepared to the rest of the town. Makes you wonder where he got all this money?" Percy said with a raised eyebrow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I haven''te here that often, but this ce has never sat right with me. I probably have to thank my uncle for this." Quinus said with a stern expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When they walked up to the gate to the estate the ten city guards came out of the front door and took a defensive stance. Which made Rya, Quinus and the group stop in their tracks as they were in a standoff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, another warm wee? Goddess, why did this idiot just advertise that he''s not to be trusted? Dammit, why can''t things be simpler?'' Rya thought as she looked around the area to see if there was any movement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you want!?" A guard yelled as he pointed a short sword at Rya, which caused Quinus to step in front of the guard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You better watch where you point that thing! She is part of His Highness''s Entourage! Now where''s Tomas?" Sir George asked with a stern look. He had his hand on his sword ready to strike if need be.


    The guard looked at Quinus with disgust. "Oi! So, you came back after failing to deal with the Dungeon Core? What a shame, your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Crap! We are getting in a fight with these guys, aren''t we?'' Rya sighed knowing this was going downhill fast.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus responded to the guard by reaching into his leather satchel and pulling out the ss container which contained Liquid Ether. They could see the ether''s glow light up the area. The city guards were shocked and looked at each other as if<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> they were not expecting to see that.


    <span ss="editText">The guard who slung insults at Quinus started sweating after realizing he might have picked a fight with the wrong person, especially if he was able to survive thebyrinth. He was told by Marcus that the prince wasn''t<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a threat and would be dealt with by the dungeon. But the liquid ether in his hands was enough to prove otherwise.


    "Your Highness... I apologi~" The guard took an arrow in the eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud!*


    The body of the guard fell to the ground when Percy swiftly executed him, which caused the other Guards to step back and look at Percy with fear in their eyes.


    "Thank you, Percy... So, who else is a traitor to the future crown of Fiafyr?" Sir George asked the guards with a stern look.


    "We... We were told to take you all into custody and bring you before Mayor Tomas." One of the guards said with a shakey voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So you wish to arrest the Prince?" Sir<span ss="aiText"> George asked as he stepped closer to the group of guards.


    <span ss="aiText">The guards took a step back<span ss="editText">, even if<span ss="aiText"> the<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText"> outnumbered<span ss="editText">them<span ss="aiText">, these men were strong. Especially the one with a bow, he was extremely skilled.<span ss="editText"> Plus they didn''t know what the Wolfkin or the Dark Elf<span ss="aiText"> were capable of.


    <span ss="editText">After a moment, the Guards'' wills<span ss="aiText"> broke and they all lowered their weapons. They <span ss="editText">didn''t see the Viscount, Marcus Revelia<span ss="aiText"> anywhere and the one called Sir George was known as a strong warrior in Fiafyr.<span ss="editText"> If Marcus was there then maybe they had a chance<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"That''s what I thought, now tell me where the mayor is." Sir George ordered.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">One of the guards replied, "He''s on the top floor of the manor."


    "We''ll get the mayor!" Another guard answered as he ran back into the mansion.


    ''Shit, Percy!? I didn''t know you could be so ruthless. He didn''t bat an eye at what he did.'' Rya thought when she saw Percy shoot the guard in the face with an arrow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a moment a guy wearing ck robes with red lines across his chest appeared out of nowhere.


    "Y-Your Highness!? I-I''m d to see you in good health. P-Pleasee in. Men, step aside." Tomas said with a trembling voice.


    "Tomas! His Highness doesn''t trust you. We know your allegiance is to Duke ric Revelia." Sir George said with a stern look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tomas was about to protest but stopped himself before he did.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, you''re right. My loyalty lies with the duke. But that doesn''t mean I don''t care about the people of Kishin. I just wish there was some way to avoid bloodshed, my Lord." Tomas said as he bowed his head.


    Rya thought he was full of shit about caring for the people of Kishin. They literally walked through the vige square and saw the condition of the poor people who lived there. She knew that he only cared about himself and his wealth.


    ''Yeah, this dude is lying out of his ass... I don''t know what he would do to us if we turned our backs on him.'' Rya thought as she watched on.


    "This whole situation was created by the duke and his son... What will you do if my uncle decides to fight me for the throne Tomas?" Quinus asked with a stern look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-You would have my support, of course, my Lord," Tomas answered nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You will have to give me a good reason not to end your life right here and right now, Tomas!" Quinus said with a stern look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes my Lord. I''ll be your double agent!" Tomas said in a hurry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ll have to sign a Blood Contract. That will end your life if you breach it. You will also have to swear your allegiance to me from this day forward. If you do that then I will consider giving you the chance to live. Do not make me regret this decision, Tomas." Quinus said with a stern look.


    "We can do that right away, My Lord... Aitken! Could you please, grab an enchanted parchment," Tomas said with a smile as he looked at the man behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We have our, own Blood Contracts, Tomas," Quinus said with a cold tone to match his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Of course his Highness has his own, contracts! H-How silly of me," Tomas said with a panic-stricken look.


    Tomas'' smile turned into a frown. "So, they know!" He whispered to himself.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus and his mother knew about how the Mayor gained control of the vige<span ss="editText">. Tomas would try to sneak in blood contracts<span ss="aiText"> to the citizens <span ss="editText">or guards <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">of Kishin. These contracts were magically enforced and would cause the victims to be bound to the person who signed the contract. If the victims were found out, then Tomas <span ss="editText">c<span ss="aiText">ould <span ss="editText">dispose of them<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> easily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s ears twitched when she heard Tomas, ''FUCK! I really didn''t want to do this! But this douche is going to screw us over.''


    Rya walked up to Quin and tapped his back. "Hmm?" Quinus said with a confused look as he tilted his head back to nce at Rya.


    "Tomas said something about you guys knowing his n, I think he''s going to betray us," Rya whispered into Quinus'' ear.


    <span ss="editText">If <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="editText">wasn''t in such a<span ss="aiText"> high-stress situation, he would''ve gotten an instant boner from having Rya whisper into his ear. <span ss="editText">He held back from teasing her<span ss="aiText"> and focused on the issue at hand.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you sure, Rya?" Quinus whispered back.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I''m positive." Rya nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then, I guess <span ss="editText">he''s sealed his<span ss="aiText"> fate," Quinus said as he <span ss="editText">regripped his sword<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Tomas watched as Rya whispered<span ss="aiText"> into Quinus''s ear which put him into a panic, <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">n he noticed her ears underneath her hood<span ss="aiText">. He realized the woman beside the Prince was a Dark Elf. He couldn''t help but tremble, if this Dark Elf was here then <span ss="editText">she''d heard<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> every word he said.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Tomas'' heart rate increased and his palms started to sweat, as Quinus'' golden eyes pierced his soul.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-You have an Elf?" Tomas said with a nervous look on his face.


    Quinus nodded and continued to stare down Tomas.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She heard what you said," Quinus asked with a serious tone.


    "OH, GODDESS! ALL OF YOU, DEFEND ME!" Tomas shouted as he looked around at his guards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Four of the city guards tried to engage Quinus as he tightened up the grip on his sword while his body started to glow with mana. And like a sh Quinus moved 25 feet to where Tomas was standing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! Swing! Swing! Swing! Swing!*


    <span ss="editText">Tomas and four of the Guards'' heads were no longer attached to their bodies. Quinus moved fast<span ss="aiText"> enough to kill Tomas and the guards before anyone could react.<span ss="editText"> It was skill<span ss="aiText">fully done, and aplete surprise for the remaining city guards.


    "Wow!" Rya said under her breath, her jaw dropping as she watched the events unfold.


    <span ss="aiText">''W<span ss="editText">ow! I-I didn''t know he could<span ss="aiText"> do that.<span ss="editText"> H-He so strong and... I-I need to focus! I can''t let my guard down.'' Rya thought as s<span ss="aiText">he tried to <span ss="editText">shake the odd sensationing<span ss="aiText"> from herher region.<span ss="editText"> It wasn''t strong, but it tingled<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, and she could feel a dampness in her underwear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!*


    <span ss="userText">The bodies<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> fell to the ground, while the headless corpses spurted blood. This caused the remaining five city guards to panic and try to run.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy! Lady Dalia! Lady Rya! Don''t let the others get away!" Sir George yelled as he attacked the closest guard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    Sir George took the Guard''s arm off at the shoulder and threw him over the side of the bridge.


    "ARGH!!" Yelled the one guard that was thrown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy shot the one running towards the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia moves swiftly as she ws out the throat of the next closest guard.


    "NOOOOOO!" Thest guard screamed as he tried to defend himself.


    ''Crap! Well, here I go!'' Rya thought as she used her Dark Earth magic to make two earth spikes shoot up from the ground underneath the Guard''s feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GRRAAAAHHHH~" The guard screamed in pain while he fell down into a third earth spike which impaled his chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thest guard fell on his butt as he begged for mercy and Mr. Aitken just stood there shaking not knowing what to do. Quinus cleans his de with the sleeve of his left arm while staring down at Marko.


    "Gentlemen... You two can either sign the Blood Contract or you can choose death. Tell me, what would you choose?" Quinus said with amanding tone while his face started to look paler for some reason.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-We''ll sign it, My Lord!" Marko said with a shaky voice.


    Quinus nods as he pulls out a blood contract and signs it with his blood.


    "Now... Sign it," Quinus demanded as he handed it to the city guard first then Marko. Once they signed the blood contract, it started to glow a blood red before it disappeared.


    "It''s done... So, if either of you tries to betray me, then you will die. Do you, both, understand?" Quinus asked with a stern look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, we understand, my Lord!" Mr. Aitken said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good," Quinus said as he turned to the rest of his party. "Well, it looks like we''re going to rest now."


    <span ss="userText">After the dust had settled, so to speak, Rya couldn''t help but rey<span ss="aiText"> what had just happened in her mind.<span ss="editText"> She saw how graceful and strong<span ss="aiText"> the Prince was as he cut down Tomas and the other guards. The way he moved and the speed at which he struck was unlike anything she had ever seen before. She knew he was strong, but she didn''t realize he was that strong<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and it made her heart race. Soon, her eyes wandered to his chest where his armor covered most of his muscr body. She licked her lips before she willed herself to look away from him.


    ''Goddess! He can be so fucking sexy... Gah! I need to control these emotions! This can''t be me!'' Rya thought as she watched Percy and Sir George move around the room checking to make sure everything was clear. After they checked the rooms, Percy and Sir George gave the all-clear sign. That''s when Rya nced over at Dalia who had a confused look on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you thinking about?"

 Vol.1 Ch.41 Getting a Room.

    Vol.1 Ch.41 Getting a Room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-Nothing!? Why would you ask such a question!?" Rya said as she blushed slightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia giggled at Rya as she walked up to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can smell your mating scent. You wish to mark Beta again, don��t you Alpha." Dalia said while wagging her tail back and forth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, Goddess! I''m not going to mark, Quin!" Rya said with embarrassment.


    Dalia nodded while patting Rya''s head quickly.


    "I see... So you like to y ''hard to get'' with Beta," Dalia said as she nuzzled her nose against Rya''s head.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">''Is she sniffing my head? W-Whatever, I don''t need to justify my actions. What happened between me and Quin was a mistake! And it''s not going to happen again... I can prove that I''m still a straight man, regardless of my stupid body! But how can I test it?... Hmm... Maybe I can find a brothel somewhere in this world? But I didn''t see one in this town... Or?'' Rya had a simple idea that would help her test out her theory before she<span style="font-weight:400"> pushed Dalia away from her head.


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah, well I don''t want to mark him right now," Rya said as she crossed her arms underneath her bosoms. Causing her cleavage<span ss="aiText"> to appear in the process.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia smiled brightly at her while Rya continued to think of a way to test her sexuality.


    ''Well... I need a bath and Dalia could use one too. I''m not going to do anything sexual with her. She''s interested in Percy. But since I''m in a woman''s body I''m sure we can bathe together without anyone being the wiser. Then I could see if I get turned on. Wait! Of course, I''ll get turned on. It''s foolproof... I know, I''m a genius!'' Rya thought to herself with a satisfied smile and nodded to her idea.


    Dalia was watching Rya getting lost in her own world, as the dark elf nodded to herself like a lunatic. She tilted her head and began to scratch her ears.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you feeling alright, Alpha?" Dalia asked as she continued to scratch her ear.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya snapped back into reality and stopped nodding<span ss="editText">, "Huh? What?"


    <span ss="userText">Dalia shrug<span ss="editText">ged<span ss="userText"> and started walking towards the entrance <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">door that led into the estate.


    "Erm... Come on, Ryan! Get ahold of yourself... Stop acting like an idiot! I''m not doing anything wrong. But I might scare Dalia off if I keep this up," Rya muttered to herself as she witnessed Dalia going through the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya followed Dalia and they walked through the hallways of the estate. There were paintings of what seemed to be Quinus'' family line and his father, the King. The butlers and maids seemed to be in a panic since the prince killed the mayor, as they scrambled around the ce. Not knowing if they should run or stay. Once they reached the foyer, Rya and Dalia saw Quinus standing by Marko.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mr. Aitken, we require lodging for the night. We need three rooms. One for thedies, another for my men, and one for me," Quinus said with a calm tone.


    "Of course, Your Highness. The head butler will show you to your rooms. And if there''s anything else, don''t hesitate to ask," Marko said with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you," Quinus said as he turned to his group. "Let��s go guys."


    Quinus started walking towards the stairs while Sir George followed behind the prince, then Rya, Dalia, and Percy followed after the knight.


    ***


    <span ss="userText">The floor of the estate had spacious hallways<span ss="aiText"> and rooms, the walls had many decorations on them. And the floors were a red carpet with a pattern of a ck lion roaring. <span ss="userText">The walls have paintings of other nobles or scenery<span ss="aiText"> of the kingdom. There were alsorge windows to look out onto the garden<span ss="editText"> but the drapes<span ss="aiText"> were pulled closed. <span ss="editText">Soon, <span ss="userText">the head butler summoned a maid and a footman to ready the rooms for their<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> guests.


    It didn''t take long before they arrived in a hallway with all their rooms.


    "Your Highness, this room will be for, erm... Thedies of your party. I''m sure they will find everything up to their satisfaction?" The Head Butler said with professionalism as he nced at the dark elf and wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I would like to double-check to see if this room will be up to the standards of my guests. If you don''t mind?" Quinus said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It seems Quin wants to make sure we are not getting screwed over. Well, I''m d he''s doing this because I don''t have a clue if they are trying to fuck us over or not.'' Rya thought to herself as she looked at the door to her and Dalia''s room.


    "O-Of course, Your Highness. Do as you wish," The Head Butler bowed.


    The Head Butler opened the door for the prince. Quinus looked at the butler for a moment before he walked in. Rya and Dalia followed shortly after him.


    Once inside, Rya was in awe of what she saw.<span ss="editText"> She couldn''t help but look around at everything in the room. There was a beautiful four-poster bed with a canopy on top of it and a firece that had a fire raging in it, but there wasn''t any wood inside it. It was almost like it was burning gas but<span ss="userText"> ther<span ss="editText">e<span ss="userText"> was no gas <span ss="userText">line. The mes<span ss="aiText"> were <span ss="editText">just floating inside<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a metal bowl with some type of crystal in the middle of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? So is it burning mana or something?'' Rya asked herself.


    <span ss="editText">She wanted to study the firece but her attention<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> was pulled back towards Quinus when he spoke.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good! I see this room has a Fae-Bath. Rya and Lady Dalia. Is this bath good enough for the two of you?" Quinus asks with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um, What''s a Fae-Bath? I''m not familiar with them," Rya said as she looked at Dalia.


    "A group of fae designed this bath for people who aren''t water mages. All you have to do is channel your mana into this crystal here and it will create hot water. I think you will enjoy it... I know I will with mine,�� Quinus said as he pointed to a crystal that was attached to the tub.<span style="font-weight:400">��Just make sure you don''t use too much mana, or you could flood the room," Quinus says as he shows them how to use the Fae-Bath.


    ''How nice. He''s making sure we''re taken care of. Quin is going to be a good friend.<span ss="editText"> Of all the people to run into<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> here, I''m happy it was him.'' Rya thought as she nodded at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you have any questions just ask me. I''ll be down the hall." Quinus said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well. Thank you. Do you think it will be alright for us to stay here tonight? I mean this ce was Tomas'' ce?" Rya said with a worried tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry about it. I will make sure no one bothers you. This is my home now and Sir George will be taking the first shift until the other Knights show up after their patrol," Quinus said to reassure her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, I guess I''m good. How about you Dalia?" Rya asked with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, thank you. I''m tired and just want to sleep," Dalia said with a yawn.


    "My Lord. We will deliver some food for you and your guests in 15 minutes if you like?" The head butler said with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That would be perfect. Please do." Quinus said with a nod.


    Rya nods her head, then looks at Dalia. "I''m going to take a bath. Do you want to join me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? D-Do I have to, Alpha? I can clean myself with my tongue?" Dalia said with a whimper.


    ''What the!? That''s gross! I need to get her in the bath now!'' Rya shuttered at the thought of Dalia licking herself clean.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, this will be more efficient," Rya says as she starts to walk towards the bathroom. ''Plus, I can see if your body can turn me on. I hope?'' She thought to herself.


    "Ugh. Fine." Dalia said with a defeated sigh as she slowly walked toward the bathroom.


    <span ss="userText">"Rya... If you or Dalia need anything<span ss="aiText">, don''t be afraid to call on me. Okay?" Quinus said <span ss="editText">as he made his way to the door with the butler<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, Your Highness. Thank you," Rya said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please, no formalities. Just call me Quin," He said with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">The way Quinus looked at her made<span ss="aiText"> her heart skip a beat. She didn''t know why but it felt like he was looking deep into her soul.


    <span ss="editText">''I-I need to<span ss="aiText"> stop thinking about Quin. He''s the Prince! Besides, I''m sure he only sees me as a friend. He probably just wants me to call him by his name so he doesn''t feel lonely.<span ss="userText"> Y-Yeah! And I''m so into girls! Yeah, that''s right!<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> I''m a straight man.'' Rya thought as she was trying to reassure herself, that she was a heterosexual man trapped in a female''s body.


    "O-Okay! I need a bath! Come on, Dalia," Rya stuttered while grabbing Dalia''s wrist then she pulled her into the bathroom before mming the door.


    Quinus smirked at her while she dragged Dalia into the bathroom. He was a little confused about why Rya was acting so weird, but he didn''t question her about it.

 Vol.1 Ch.42 Bath Time.

    Vol.1 Ch.42 Bath Time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia stubbled into the bathroom as Rya mmed the door shut and leaned her back against it.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"What''s wrong with you? You seem tense," Dalia said while scratching her ears.


    "N-Nothing. It''s nothing. Now let''s <span ss="editText">clean ourselves up," Rya said as she made her way towards the Fae-Bath.<span ss="userText"> Once she reached the<span ss="aiText"> bath, she noticed that it was big enough for both her and Dalia to fitfortably. It was made of marble stone and it had a crystal that was embedded into it. The crystal had a strange glow to it.


    ''Okay... This will do... Gah! My back feels so tight." Rya thought as she stretched her arms up high above her head until she heard a loud popping noise. She was starting to feel more rxed after cracking her back. It''s been days since shest took a shower and she was looking forward to the experience. She looked over at Dalia who had a worried look written on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, I just channel my mana into this thing, right? Let''s just fill this tub up and rx," Rya said with a smirk.


    Rya turns to the Fae-Bath trying to remember what Quin told her. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and holds out her hand over the crystal.


    ''Okay... Channel your mana into this thing. Just imagine your mana flowing into the crystal. Then, when it''s full, stop.'' Rya thought to herself as she tried to channel her mana.


    Even though she was told how to use it it still feels foreign to her. She sees the crystal that she needs to use her mana on.


    "I think I got the hang of it...ACK!" Rya was surprised when she channeled too much of her mana into the crystal which caused water to spray out from it everywhere.


    "HEY! ALPHA!" Dalia yelped when she got hit with the water. She quickly used her arms to shield herself from the spray. Rya tries to hold back herughter when she sees how wet Dalia has be.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahahaha... Sorry. I''m trying, Dalia. This isn''t easy for me," Rya says while c<span ss="editText">utting off the flow of her mana<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia growled at Rya for a moment, but then she realized how silly she was acting and couldn''t helpughing along with her<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re lucky you''re<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> an alpha. Or else, I would rip you apart," Dalia said as she wagged her tail yfully.


    "Yeah, yeah... I said I was sorry, Dalia. Now, I''m going to try again," Rya said as she focused her attention on the crystal. Dalia made sure to hide behind Rya. Just in case she screws up again.


    Rya takes a deep breath and focuses. She grips the crystal with both hands in order to focus better. She was going to make sure that she didn''t overdo it like the first time. After a couple of seconds, the crystal begins to glow brightly with a blue hue. Rya concentrates until she can feel a little of her mana flowing through it.


    "This thing is a bit sensitive to my mana. Hmmm. Ha! I got it!" Rya said with excitement as the water started to fill up the bathtub in no time. She couldn''t believe how perfect the water temperature was, not too hot or cold.


    Then she takes off her dirty poet''s shirt, ck pants, and boots before she takes a seat on the edge of the tub. She dips her toe in the water to test the temperature.


    "It''s perfect," Rya said with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia walks over to the tub, seeing that Rya has already gotten herselffortable. She reluctantly pulls off her dirty bandages and slowly enters the water.


    "Tch! Why do I have to do this? I can just use my-EEP!" *Ssh!* Dalia was pulled into the tub by Rya.


    <span ss="userText">The Dark Elf couldn''t help herself<span ss="aiText">, and sheughed when she saw Dalia''s shocked expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"Come on, Dalia. Rx and let''s just enjoy ourselves," Rya said as she tried not tough again.<span ss="userText"> Dalia gave her the saddest<span ss="aiText"> puppy dog look she ha<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">d<span ss="aiText"> ever seen. Rya didn''t know why, but she couldn''t resist the adorable look she was getting from Dalia.


    "Geez... I''m sorry, Dalia. It was supposed to be a joke... Here let me help you out," Rya said while she gently helped Dalia sit up in the bathtub.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia gasps and shivers as she feels the warm water soaking her body.


    <span ss="editText">"Hmhm... So, humans do this every day? I-I don''t think I dislike this," Dalia moans as she closes her eyes. She was enjoying the warmth<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> andfort of the water.


    "Here let''s add some soap to the water," Rya says as she stands up and goes over to the cab where she saw a few bottles of scented soap.


    She opens the cab and grabs a bar of soap. She returns to the bath, but before she gets back in, Dalia sshes her with water.


    "HEY! Why did you ssh me?" Rya said with an annoyed tone.


    "Because I can," Dalia says with a smirk.


    "Alright, I guess I deserve that," Rya says with a smile as she hops back into the water.


    She then begins rubbing the bar of soap in between her hands, creating suds. Dalia watches in amazement as Rya rubs the soap all over her body scrubbing away the dirt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Goddess! It feels like ages since I''ve taken a bath!'' Rya thought as she continued to wash herself.


    Dalia''s eyes were glued to the sight before her as she watched Rya clean herself with the soap. She never knew that Dark Elves like to use soap like humans do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya got her hair washed and rinsed and then went about washing her body. She then stopped and moved to Dalia who was sitting in the bathtub. She was holding her nose trying not to breathe in the clean ''stench'' of the soap.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Doesn''t that stuff hurt your nose, Alpha?" Dalia asked as Rya kneeled down in front of her.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh? No, not really... I mean some fragrances can be<span ss="aiText">stronger than others, but this is fine," Rya replied with a shrug.


    "I see..." Dalia mumbles while sniffing the air.<span ss="editText"> She was trying to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> get used to the scent of the soap.


    <span ss="editText">Rya reached out, grabbed the wolfkin''s arm, and beg<span ss="editText">an rubbing the bar of soap a<span ss="editText">cross her skin. Cleaning off the blood<span ss="aiText"> and dirt from their trip.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t understand why you would put this stuff all over your body. Doesn''t it bother you?<span ss="editText"> Like everything is slipperier,<span ss="aiText">" Dalia asked while scrunching up her nose.


    <span ss="aiText">"No.<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> It doesn''t bother me at all. In fact, I love the feeling of being clean," Rya said with a grin.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"If you say so, Alpha," Dalia replied with a frown.


    "Alright, close your eyes," Rya says as she puts her hand under the water and begins rubbing the bar of soap all over Dalia''s body.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia was starting to enjoy<span ss="aiText"> the sensation of Rya rubbing the bar of soap against her <span ss="editText">skin and <span ss="aiText">fur. Rya started from her neck<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> shoulders, arms, and breasts. She took her time cleaning each part of Dalia.<span ss="userText"> Rya was so focused on cleaning Dalia, that she forgot about her <span ss="editText">u<span ss="userText">lteri<span ss="editText">o<span ss="userText">r motive.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">God dammit! This blood is really<span ss="aiText"> dried on! How the hell did her fur get so dirty? It''s so soft, too. Hmm, maybe I can find ab and brush her furter?'' Rya thought as she tried to loosen the hardened blood stuck in Dalia''s fur<span ss="editText"> on her forearms.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia noticed Rya''s determined look in her eyes<span ss="aiText"> and couldn''t help <span ss="editText">but worry that something was wrong with her.


    "Is something wrong?" Dalia asked worriedly.


    "Huh? Oh! No, everything is fine. It''s just this damn blood. It''s caked on in some spots<span ss="editText">. We really went through<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> hell getting here, huh?" Rya said with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes<span ss="editText">... It was glorious<span ss="aiText">," Dalia said proudly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Haha... Okay, now I need you to close your eyes so I can wash your hair. Just lean your head back," Rya said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"O-Okay," Dalia says nervously. She closed her eyes, leaning her head back, and Rya began pouring water on her head.<span ss="userText"> She then rinsed off her<span ss="aiText"> hair, making sure not to get any soap into her eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, open your eyes," Rya said, and Dalia opened her eyes and sat back upright.


    <span ss="aiText">"There, see? Now your hair is clean and smells good," Rya said as she ruffled her hand through Dalia''s hair, shaking off the excess water.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Gah! You Dark Elves are strange<span ss="aiText">. But thank you, Alpha. It feels nice," Dalia said with a giggle.


    "Heh... I''m d you like it. Now that my work is done, it''s time to."


    <span ss="editText">*Ssh!*


    <span ss="editText">Rya leaned back into the water<span ss="aiText">, soaking her body and hair. <span ss="editText">With her body submerged<span ss="aiText">, the water came up to her chin. She closed her eyes and rxed. Dalia watched in amazement as the bubbles floated around in the water.


    <span ss="aiText">''Mmmm, I can''t remember thest time I had a hot bath like this.<span ss="userText">.. Going through life-and-death si<span ss="editText">tu<span ss="userText">ations<span ss="aiText"> can really take it out of you.<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> It''s so nice, not thinking about how I''m going to survive. Wait... I feel like I''m forgetting something?<span ss="aiText">'' Rya thought as sheid her head against the rim of the tub.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia giggles at Rya and tilts her head. "Well, you know how to rx. But you seem to have something on your mind, Alpha?"


    <span ss="editText">"It��s nothing, Dalia. Just<span ss="aiText"> thinking about how nice this is. <span ss="editText">But I have to admit... I feel like I needed to do something with you<span ss="aiText">... but for the life of me, I can''t remember what it was?" Rya says as she closes her eyes andys her head back.


    <span ss="aiText">"I see... Well, we will figure it outter," Dalia said with a giggle.


    <span ss="userText">After a minute of lying in the water. Rya''s eyes snapped open as she recalled<span ss="aiText"> the real reason why she was taking a bath with Dalia.


    <span ss="aiText">''Ah... FUCK! I was supposed to find out if I''m a heterosexual or not!'' Rya thought as she quickly s<span ss="editText">at<span ss="aiText"> up and turn<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> her head towards the <span ss="editText">wolfkin who was ying with the bubbles.


    Rya was studying her body but she couldn''t wrap her head around her feelings. ''Come on! Dalia''s tits are fucking killers! And she has a nice ass! Plus, her tail is adorable. Why doesn''t this excite me?!''


    <span ss="aiText">She was staring at her so long, that the wolfkin started to get embarrassed. "Um, Alpha... Why are you looking at me like that?"


    <span ss="aiText">"H-Huh? Oh!<span ss="userText"> Don''t give me that look, Dalia. I-I''m just double-checking to see if I missed anything. Come here! I need a closer look,"<span ss="undoDeletionText"> Rya said sternly before pulling Dalia into a hug.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ow! Alpha!" Dalia yelped as she was hugged tightly.


    <span ss="userText">''Okay Ryan! Time to see if you are still a MAN! M-Mentally of course?'' Rya<span ss="aiText"> thought as she pressed her face against Dalia''s back. Her hands roamed around the wolfkin''s body, feeling her firm muscles and soft fur. Rya closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.<span ss="userText"> But no matter what<span ss="aiText"> she did, her heart was<span ss="editText">n''t<span ss="aiText"> rac<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ing.


    ''Goddess! Fuck! Why aren''t I getting excited?! Is it because I have a vagina? No... I should still feel something!'' Rya thought in a panic.


    <span ss="editText">"Hehe! Alpha! You''re tickling<span ss="aiText"> me! Ah! Stop it!" Dalia giggled uncontrobly as Rya''s fingers roamed over her stomach.


    Rya felt the wolfkin''s firm skin under her fingertips. She could feel Dalia''s abs tighten every time she moved her hand across them. Rya bit her lip in frustation. ''Come on! This is hot, right?! Why aren''t my emotions going wild?!''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hehe! Okay! That''s enough," Dalia said as she moved<span ss="aiText"> away from Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmm. Fine," Rya said, feeling defeated.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh! By the way, Alpha. What did you mean by, ''I was supposed to do something with you''?" Dalia asked innocently.


    <span ss="aiText">"Eh? Oh! W-Well, I was just <span ss="editText">stressed out and maybe we can get drunk... Lord knows I need to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> take my mind off everything that''s happened," Rya lied with a sadugh.


    "Yuck! I hate wine!... Alpha! Why do you drink that garbage? Dalia asked as her face twisted in disgust.


    "What, you don��t like wine? Well, maybe they have beer? But, I don''t know if the beer they brew is any good. I''m guessing that the wine is better," Rya replied, slightly confused.


    "Hey, hey! What do you mean by that? Beer is, WAY BETTER THAN SOME ROTTEN GRAPES! That''s disgusting!" Dalia dered with a furrowed brow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well to each their own," Rya replied with a shrug.


    Dalia scoffs, "I think you are trying to change the subject. You''ve been acting strange ever since we arrived in this vige. I think I deserve an answer."


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? S-She is sharper <span ss="undoDeletionText">than I gave her credit<span ss="aiText"> for. <span ss="editText">I-I kinda feel like an asshole now... Fuck, Ryan... What are you doing? You''re using her like a fucking creep... Maybe I should tell her about being summoned to this... It''s the least I can do<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> for her,'' Rya thought, looking ashamed.


    Rya sighed softly, "So you want an answer, huh?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! So, tell me already! Please!" Dalia whines as she sits on Rya''sp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, alright! I''m sorry," Rya says sheepishly while she rubs Dalia''s back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I guess I''ll tell her mostly everything. As long as she can keep it a secret.'' Rya thought while she looked at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright... But you have to promise not to talk to anyone without my permission. Got it?"


    "Yes. I promise, Alpha!" Dalia said with an eager nod.


    Rya gives Dalia a big smile and sighs. "Fine, so the first thing I need to ask you is; do you know anything about the God''s or Goddess''s Summoneds?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia raises an eyebrow, "I know that my grandfather was one of them. Something about our God bringing us a champion to fight back against our enemies?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait!? Your Grandfather was a summoned!?" Rya gasped excitedly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah? That''s why I was targeted as a battle ve. Because I''m the best brawler because of my bloodline. But why are you talking about the God��s champions?" Dalia asked curiously.


    "Oh, um... Well, I''m a Summoned of the Dark Elven Goddess, known as Nils," Rya answered nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-WHAT?! ALPHA YOU''R~" Dalia''s mouth was covered by Rya''s hands as she desperately shook her head.


    "SSSHHH! SSsshhhh! Don''t yell it out loud! I''m worried about the others finding out. I was hunted by a pdin before I ran into Quinus and I am not sure what his position is on Summoneds. I believe he would be fine if he knew. But I don''t trust the servants," Rya whispered to Dalia.


    Dalia calmed down and nodded her head so Rya would let go of her mouth. Dalia then whispered, "S-So, Alpha''s a champion!? You came from another!?"


    Dalia was so excited that her tail wagged happily, sshing water everywhere.


    "Well, I guess technically I am, but I''m not a champion! I was just a normal human three days ago." Rya said sheepishly while blushing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia giggles, "You were a human? Now, Alpha''s teasing me!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few seconds ofughing, Dalia noticed Rya was still sheepishly blushing with embarrassment and that was when it hit her that Rya wasn''t teasing her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-So you were a human!?" Dalia asks in a panic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya could only nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How did you be a Dark Elf?" Dalia asked with a trembling voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nils sent an orb to my that caught me when I was running in a forest and warped me to Tertius. She ced this orb choker ne on me to quickly change me into a female Dark Elf once I absorbed mana." Rya exined as she looked to the side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia shuddered. "A-Alpha!? W-Why did you say, female?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya panicked ''Crap! I let that slip!!!''


    "NO! I didn''t mean it like that! I was a human girl! Y-Yeah I''m just exhausted!" Rya cries.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, okay calm down, Alpha," Dalia says as she hugs Rya tightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya gasps for air before she calms down. "I-I..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s fine, Alpha... Hehe. But now I know why you��ve been strange around Beta. You like him and it frightens, Alpha?" Dalia asked as she hugged Rya.


    Rya blushes redder than a tomato, "N-No! T-That''s not true! I lied, Dalia... I''m a man! I mean I was a man... A straight MAN! Okay!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya pushed Dalia away from her in a panic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia giggled, "I''m sorry Alpha... So, if you''re a male, do you find me attractive?"


    Rya went silent, ''I tried everything and I never felt myself getting excited! Not even when I was touching her or seeing her naked body?... Not one damn time! No, no, NO!''


    Dalia could see the panic in Rya''s eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see? You are not attracted to me, in that way?" Dalia said while she smiled at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But I''m a man! Don''t mistake me for a woman!" Rya protests.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you are a man, what does it matter to me if you''re a straight male or woman? As long as Alpha wants me around is all that matters." Dalia responded while she giggled.


    <span ss="editText">Seeing Dalia''s reaction seemed to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> help ease Rya''s panic. "T-Thank you, Dalia."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"You are wee, Alpha," Dalia said while hugging Rya.


    "Erm... I''m sorry about freaking out, just now... I don''t know how to react to this situation since I''ve always thought of myself as a straight man," Rya mumbled awkwardly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm?" Rya looks up at the door to their room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia sniffed the air.


    "OH! I SMELL COOKED MEATS!" Dalia said with her tail wagging. Then she jumped out of the tub and ran to the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"D-DALIA WAIT! YOU NEED TO COVER YOURSELF UP!" Rya called out to Dalia.


    "Coming!" Dalia said happily as she ran through the room towards the door and opened it while she was still naked.


    Quinus, Percy, and Sir George got quite a view as the Wolfkin stood there with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">The group was stunned by Dalia''s beauty as her fluffy tail swung back and forth. She was sniffing the air as the aroma<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> from the food made her mouth water.


    Poor Percy didn''t stand a chance as he staredser beams through Dalia''s body.


    "Please don''t stare, Percy," Rya said sternly as she ran over as quickly as she could to cover Dalia in a towel.


    "P-Please forgive us, Lady Dalia," Quinus said as he bowed his head in embarrassment. He closed the door for them to give the girls their privacy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe... Well, the young one is attracted to me. That makes things easier. If I can get him to fall in love with me then I won''t have to worry about any trouble from him. Hehe." Dalia giggles.


    "D-Don''t be so sure about that!" Rya said in frustration.


    "Hey! I''m not a child anymore! I''m 19! I''m an adult! And I will mark him, Alpha. You just wait and see. Hehe." Dalia pouted before she giggled at the thought of marking Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah.... What am I going to do with you, Dalia? We need to get dressed so we can get some food before bed," Rya said calmly as she walked past Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But I don''t like clothes! Alpha!" Dalia whines.


    "You want me to have you go around naked all the time?... No! It''s not happening! You need to get dressed. Now get over here, Dalia. I don''t care if you like it or not. You''re wearing these clothes because I say so!" Rya said sternly.


    <span>"But I feelfortable being naked in front of others! Especially humans!" Dalia said as she did a power pose with her hands on her hips staring down Rya. She was unting her naked body without a care in the world.


    <span>''Ugh! Dalia!'' Rya thought.


    <span>"That''s it! You leave me no choice. You''re my friend now! Hell, maybe even my pet! So, get over here!" Rya says as she grabs Dalia''s hand and pulls her to the wardrobe to dress her.


    "WWAAAHH! ALPHA! You can''t make me!" Dalia whined as Rya put some clothes on her.

 Vol.1 Ch.43 Clothes that aren’t “too” Revealing.

    Vol.1 Ch.43 Clothes that aren��t ��too�� Revealing.


    ***


    ***


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took about five minutes for Rya to get Dalia in clothes that weren''t ��too�� revealing. Or so she thought.


    The wolfkin tried to put up a fight but in the end, Rya won as she pulled down the dress she found in the wardrobe.


    ''Haah... Finally! She is decent... And the dress really fits her. Hm... I wonder if this was meant for someone else. Oh well.'' Rya thought while wiping her brow before she looked at her own handy work.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"See? Wasn''t so bad, now was it?" Rya asked while she crossed her arms.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"I can''t breathe!" Dalia cried while tugging at the dress.


    Rya had chosen a dark, elegant, off-the-shoulder mini dress that hadce rose trimmings, a dark fur "cor", small bloomers, andce edging around the hem. The skirt barely covered Dalia''s ass so her tail could be free, and the sleeves were tight. <span style="font-weight:400">The dress also came with a pair of white knee-length pantyhose. The whole outfit looked great on Dalia even though she had a displeased look on her face.


    <span>"Come on Dalia, it''s not that bad."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph! Why do you people care about these stupid things? I mean why bother with something so silly?" Daliained as she crossed her arms.


    ''Jeez! How am I going to exin to her that every guy, and some women, who stare at her naked body would probably want to jump her right then and there? She doesn''t understand how gorgeous she is. Hm... Or maybe she''s an exhibitionist?'' Rya wonders to herself.


    "Haah. Dalia, what do wolfkins do when winteres? Do you guys migrate or something?" Rya asked.


    "Hmm? Why would wintere? Winter only happens in the north?" Dalia asked, confused.


    <span>''Wait? They don''t have seasons here on Tertius? Well, there goes my n to convince her.'' Rya thought as she looked at Dalia.


    Rya was silent as she was trying toe up with another idea to convince Dalia that wearing clothes is not as bad as she thinks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alpha, why would wintere down here?" Dalia asked with a frown.


    "Well, I guess it''s my fault for assuming that Tertius had seasons like alls... But this is the only other I''ve ever been on... And to be fair, I''m not sure if the others back in my old sr system have seasons as well. But it can''t only be an Earth thing... Can it?" Rya wondered out loud.


    "Whoa? You''re making that up! Winter doesn''t juste and go like that. C-Can it?" Dalia said nervously.


    "Well, I can''t prove it to you but back on Earth, we had four seasons. Summer, Autumn, Spring, and Winter. I think I will miss the changing of seasons. Anyway, I thought you would need clothes if winter was toe," Rya admitted to Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, fascinating. So, what is winter like? I��ve only heard of it," Dalia asks curiously.


    "Winter is cold, there''s snow and ice everywhere. It rains a lot too. But the winters are short. It usually onlysts for two months depending on where you live," Rya exins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow, that sounds pretty terrible. I''m d I don''t have to experience it. I prefer warm weather myself," Dalia said happily.


    "Well, there hasn''t been that much of a difference between the temperature since I��ve been here... It''s been warm during the day and a little cool at night. It''s almost like I''m living in San Diego... Hey, can you wear clothes around the humans, for my sake? Please?" Rya said to Dalia.


    <span ss="userText">"Okay, fine. I''ll do it for you, Alpha. But if these things get in the way of my fighting, then<span ss="aiText"> I''ll rip them apart!" Dalia <span ss="editText">said as she crossed her arms over her bosoms<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I doubt they would stop you from doing what you want to do. If you really want to fight then I don''t care, just try not to draw attention," Rya replied with a grin.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmph<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">! Fine," Dalia huffed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thanks, Dalia. You''re the best.<span ss="userText"> Alright then, let''s see what I can find for me.<span ss="aiText"> Maybe there''s a <span ss="editText">shirt and pants<span ss="aiText">bo in here somewhere," Rya said with a sigh<span ss="editText"> before she started going through the wardrobe.


    <span ss="editText">''Dammit... There''s nothing in here but dresses!... Hold on<span ss="userText">? I think I see something in the back<span ss="aiText"> of this closet. Aha!'' Rya <span ss="editText">had gone through the whole closet until she finally found a pair of pants and a long-sleeved button-down shirt.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh, I can make th<span ss="editText">is wo<span ss="editText">rk.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> And hey, look! It has pockets!" Rya said happily.


    <span>While Rya was busy going through the wardrobe, Dalia had a devious smile creeping across her lips. She spotted a dress that was hanging in the front that would be perfect for her revenge. If Alpha forcefully dressed her in something she didn''t want, then it was only right for her to dress Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia quickly snuck up behind Rya, who was too focused on searching the closet and pulled the dress off its hanger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here we go~AH!?"


    <span ss="editText">Just as Rya was about to grab the pants and shirt, Dalia tackled her from behind which caused the towel that was wrapped<span ss="aiText"> around Rya''s chest to fall off.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oof! Hey! What the hell Dalia?" Rya yelled at the wolfkin who had a triumphant smile on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is payback for what you did earlier. Now hold still Alpha!" Dalia said as she <span ss="editText">started dressing Rya in a purple off-shoulder dress with matching panties. Rya tried to <span ss="editText">fight<span ss="aiText"> back, but she was no match for Dalia''s strength a<span ss="editText">s she felt the fabric going over her head<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AH! D-DALIA!?" Rya screamed out as Dalia put the dress on her.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia got Rya''s arms through the sleeves of the dress before she moved the dark elf''s hands above her head. Dalia tied Rya''s wrists together so she<span ss="aiText"> could finish the job.


    "Hey! Wait! I don''t want to wear a dress! And especially not THIS one! I have something better. Look!" Rya whined, but it was toote. Rya''s dress was a purple off-shoulder gown, made out of chiffon with a silk lining. The dress came with a pair of satinced panties, with the same material, to match. Rya could tell the dress was custom-made for someone.


    "Ah Ha! You''ll wear this!" Dalia said as she grabbed a pair of ck pantyhose.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the fuck are you doing!? Let go!" Rya cried out in protest as she failed to break free.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia then took a pair of stockings and put them around Rya''s ankles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I��m just returning the favor, Alpha. You should be grateful," Dalia said smugly.


    Rya tried pulling away, but Dalia had her tied down and wasn''t letting go as she added a corset and garter belt.


    "AHHHHH! NO! Get your damn hands off of me! I don''t want to wear a dress or a corset!" Rya yelled out.


    "I''m not done yet!" Dalia dered as she finished putting on the corset.


    Rya didn''t know why she was so resistant to the idea of being dressed by Dalia. Frankly, she was starting to enjoy the feeling. But she didn''t want to admit it, so she continued to struggle against her restraints.


    Dalia grabbed Rya by the shoulders and made sure she wouldn''t move as she tightened the corset on Rya''s dress which caused her breasts to be pushed up.


    "Well Alpha, can''t you wear this dress around the humans, for my sake?" Dalia teased Rya with a smirk.


    ''Not fair! She''s using my words against me! But I never said I wanted to wear a dress! Aunh?'' Rya''s thoughts were interrupted as she felt her corset being pulled tight, causing her breasts to jiggle. For some reason, her nipples had gotten hard.


    "W-Wait! Hold on, please! Why a dress of all things!? Why not something else? Something less girly, like a tuxedo or a suit!" Rya pleaded as her mind was bing cloudy.


    Dalia ignored Rya and kept tightening the corset until it was snug against her.


    "No way, Alpha, you started this!" Dalia giggled before she put on a pair of high-heeled shoes.


    "H-Hey! Hold on a minute, please!" Rya said, a bit louder than she intended.


    "Sorry, no can do," Dalia said as she grabbed a few items of jewelry.


    "What? What are you nning to do? Wait! Dalia, wait!" Rya shouted as her mind wondered what she looked like.


    "Just sit still and enjoy this, Alpha," Dalia winked at Rya.


    Rya let out a shuddering breath. She had never felt this way before. Rya couldn''t tell if it was fear or excitement that was bubbling inside of her, but she had a strange feeling about this.


    Dalia was enjoying herself as she looked at her handy work. Her Alpha had been turned into a cute, helpless, doll.


    ''Goddess! My breasts are getting so tight in this thing! And these panties feel really good too! I didn''t think wearing a corset would turn me on this much! B-But should I let Quin see me in such a state?... N-No! I can''t think like this! I''m a man!'' Rya was conflicted by her feelings, she didn''t know what to do. She shook her head as she was starting to get frustrated at the wolfkin.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Why did you do this to me!" Rya red<span ss="aiText"> at Dalia, who had a smile on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Because i<span ss="editText">f I have to wear this thing, then<span ss="aiText"> so should you," Dalia said proudly<span ss="editText">, "Or I can wear nothing at all<span ss="aiText">. Your choice, Alpha."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya''s re turned into a pout, she wanted to say no but the idea of Dalia walking around in her birthday suit would probably cause a riot.<span ss="userText"> Plus she was a little curious<span ss="aiText"> to see what she looked like.


    <span ss="aiText">"Fine. You win this time Dalia," Rya huffed.


    <span ss="aiText">Daliaughed as she <span ss="editText">cut the rope with her ws. Once she <span ss="aiText">released Rya''s hands<span ss="editText">, she then<span ss="aiText"> ced thest item, a tiara, on Rya''s head.


    <span ss="userText">Rya rubbed her wrists before she tried to stand up.<span ss="aiText"> However, due to the high heels and tight corset, she lost her bnce and fell into Dalia''s arms.


    <span ss="aiText">"Careful now, Alpha. You don''t want to ruin this nice dress, now do you?"


    <span ss="userText">"Shut up<span ss="aiText">," Rya grumbled.


    "H<span ss="editText">m Hm. That thing suits you well, Alpha! I��m sure you''ll enjoy it!" Dalia said as she hel<span ss="editText">ped Rya<span ss="editText"> to her feet<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Tch! Whatever,�� Rya said with annoyance.

 Vol.1 Ch.44 What’s Next?

    Vol.1 Ch.44 What��s Next?


    <span ss="userText">When Dalia and Rya came out of their room<span ss="aiText">, the crew couldn''t help but stare at them. The two of them were so beautiful<span ss="editText"> wearing<span ss="aiText"> those elegant gowns. <span ss="editText">Rya thought she would hate<span ss="userText"> getting ogled<span ss="aiText"> like this, but she enjoyed it a lot more than she would have liked.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">W-Whatever! I''m too hungry to care that I''m stuck<span ss="aiText"> in a dress!'' Rya told herself.<span ss="editText"> She noticed Quinus'' golden eyes<span ss="aiText"> staring at her.


    <span ss="aiText">''What the hell is wrong with me!? I can''t stand being stared at by all these people, and I definitely can''t stand it when Quin is the one doing it!<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> He makes me feel... Nervous? Why would I be nervous? Is it because of how he looks at me? Is it because I''m wearing this stupid dress?'' Rya thought to herself.


    "Whoa! Dark Elves are more dangerous than I thought. Especially in a dress!" Quinus said in a flirty tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It''s because my body is practically spilling out of this stupid thing! I''ve already given up on trying to hide it,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy immediately went to check Dalia''s appearance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-you look beautiful in that dress, Lady Dalia," Percy said sheepishly.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh? You still seem just as nervous as ever, young one," Dalia said<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> in a teasing tone, causing the young man''s face to turn red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah... yes well, I guess so," Percy said awkwardly while he scratched the back of his head.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia sniffed the air and had an annoyed look written<span ss="aiText"> on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is there something wrong?" Percy asked her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yeah! Where''s the old one with the cooked meats?<span ss="aiText"> You know, the one with the <span ss="editText">gra<span ss="aiText">y hair?" Dalia growled.


    "You mean, Sir George? He took the food to the dining room after we saw you naked... I mean, you weren''t wearing clothes... Well, what I''m trying to say is... Oh, forget it," Percy stuttered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh yeah. We should eat now. It''s been a long time since I ate some good grub," Dalia said happily<span ss="editText"> as her tail<span ss="aiText"> wagged back and forth.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yeah, let''s go," Percy said nervously.


    Rya and Quinus agreed with them, and Percy led the group to the dining room, where the servants had snacks out for them on arge table. Sir George was waiting for them in therge room. Dalia practically bolted towards the table with all the meat. The <span ss="editText">servants had a disgruntled look on their faces <span ss="editText">as they watch<span ss="editText">ed the Wolfkin running around the table.<span ss="userText"> They thought such a race<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> should be kept outside with the other animals.


    "I don''t know what his highness sees in these beasts. Either way, she has no manners," the butler muttered to the other servants.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll have to bear with it." whispered the servant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here you go, sir," the servant said as he handed Quinus a te of food.


    "Hmm," Quinus <span ss="editText">hummed as he grabbed a piece of <span ss="editText">food and <span ss="editText">observed it. He was making sure that the<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">food wasn''t poisoned or anything. When he decided the food was safe, he took a bite.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Hm. Not bad. But it could use a little bit more seasoning," Quinus said while he ate.


    <span ss="userText">With that out of the way<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> the four of them found ces to sit and they all grabbed<span ss="aiText"> tes of food. Dalia and Rya were scarfing down the food like a pair of rabid dog<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">s, while Sir George stood guar<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">d<span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is delicious!" Dalia said between bites<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, you''re right<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. Although, it could use a little bit more vor. Like salt, pepper, and other spices," Rya replied.


    "I mentioned it to the butler. Don''t worry, I''m sure they''ll improve the food quality next time," Quinus told them.


    Once Rya''s hunger pains started to fade, she had a few things on her mind. So she turned to Quinus and asked, "May I please ask a question?"


    <span ss="editText">Quinus put down his<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> fork and gave her a nod, "Sure. Go ahead."


    "So now that the Dungeon Core has been taken care of. What''s next?" Rya asked.


    "Well, I would like us to return to the capital, as soon as possible. So, I can tell my father the news about my cousin''s betrayal. Sadly, my uncle isn''t going to take this lying down. Marcus is his only son... And I believe his aim was to get Marcus on the throne. So he could be the next King of Fiafyr, by ridding me... ric is a smart man but he''s also a bitter man who thinks he deserved the throne over my father. I just hope that we can avoid any more conflict with him. But that''s a fool''s hope," Quinus exined.


    ''Oh-boy... The evil cousin and uncle trope... Haah... And here I thought I could rx in Quin''s castle and find a way home... I might be getting into political crap... Yay,'' Rya thought sarcastically.


    "Yeah, we leave here as soon as possible, your Highness," Sir George agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What about the ck Rose Merc?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hopefully we can deal with themter. For now, let''s focus on getting the kingdom back to normal." Quinus said.


    "Hmph! If I pick up his scent, I''ll hunt him down for what he did to my Alpha... and for Beta as well!" Dalia said proudly while pointing at her nose.


    "If you find his scent then count me in, Lady Dalia. He made me look like a fool. I won''t forgive him for that," Percy added with a sinister grin.


    "Oh? When did you be an assassin, Percy?" Quinus said and rolled his eyes. But then he remembered who his mother was and decided to keep his mouth shut.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s part of my job as a ranger to deal with your enemies, my Lord," Percy exined.


    <span ss="editText">"Just don''t get yourself in trouble Percy. Otherwise, Sir George will have to look after you again," Quinus stated.


    <span ss="editText">"But the old one got knocked out cold in thebyrinth?" Dalia remarked as<span ss="aiText">she took a bite out of a chicken leg.


    <span ss="editText">"Hey! That was a one-time thing! No one can take on a cave troll alone and live to tell the tale<span ss="aiText">!" Sir George yelled in embarrassment.


    "<span ss="editText">He''s a lot stronger than he <span ss="editText">looks, Lady Dalia. That''s all I''m going to say on the matter." Percy defended<span ss="aiText"> his <span ss="editText">partner and former teach<span ss="aiText">er.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright. Alright. <span ss="editText">I''ll take the young one''s<span ss="aiText"> word for it, old one," Dalia said as she waved her hand in a dismissive manner.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not old!" Sir George growled.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus just shook his head before he chimed in, <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Just don''t get yourself in trouble Percy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! No worries my Lord. I never take any unnecessary risks." Percy smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Erm... So, Quin, what about your engagement with that princess?" Rya asked Quinus with an eyebrow raised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Was it a bad sign that he cheated on his fiancee with me? Goddess, what was I thinking!?'' Rya thought with a frown.


    <span>Quinus sighed. "Well, I never met her before. It''s an arranged marriage set up by the Alliance through our Prime Minister. The Princess is from the third highest-ranking member of the Divine Three, Prince Dreyand Stoneworthh. All I know about her is her name, Hilda Stoneworthh... My parents weren''t happy with the idea. Especially since I have a Demi-god vein. But politics never goes as one hopes. I don''t know if I can love someone from the Divine Three," Quinus said with a pained expression on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh... Then will aiding me cause a war with the Alliance?" Rya said awkwardly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... They should worry about me starting a war with them. Especially if they keep up their Crusade of purging all the other races." Quinus answered tly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Holy shit, Quin! He would go to war for me? I''m not sure how I should respond?'' Rya thought while she blushed.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I appreciate<span ss="aiText">the sentiment<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> Quin. I''m ttered really, but <span ss="editText">the Divine Three are my problem. And I don''t like the idea of throwing your people into war on my<span ss="aiText"> behalf." Rya told him.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus sighed, "I fear they are looking for a reason to invade<span ss="aiText"> us, and if not the Divine Three, then <span ss="editText">it''s the Kingdom of Marn to our north<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">I<span ss="aiText"> want th<span ss="editText">ings to be peaceful<span ss="aiText">, but it seems the Gods are hell-bent on causing more strife and suffering."


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sorry, Quin. I had no idea," Rya apologized.


    <span ss="aiText">"You shouldn''t apologize<span ss="editText">," Quinus said with a smirk before he looked up at the ceiling, "All things <span ss="userText">considered, I wish we could do things peacefully. But it seems most kingdoms respect those that are stronger than them. I find it tiring when people try to use me to further their own goals.<span ss="aiText"> I would much rather <span ss="editText">have a peaceful life, creat<span ss="userText">ing things to help my people, and raise some kids... Hopefully, they have a bit of dark elf<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> in them," he finished, as he looked back at Rya with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya blushed hard <span ss="userText">as she was speechless<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. She didn''t know what to say, so she just kept quiet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus turned to her "My apologies for being so blunt with you, but I really don''t like the idea of dealing with politicians. I would rather be a simple engineer. Maybe then I won''t have to deal with politics and everything else." Quinus said sadly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? An engineer? That''s unexpected. What kind of engineer?'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I never knew you wished to be an engineer my Lord?" Percy said surprised.


    <span>"Yeah, I liked building things back in--I meant when I was alone. But that''s not in the cards, for this life," Quinus replied with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uhh... So, what kind of engineering projects were you working on?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nothing of importance... Come now. I think we should call it for tonight." Quinus looks to the servants to take away the tes.


    <span>''I never knew all the troubles on Quin''s mind.'' Rya thought.


    <span>"Alright then, Rya... Would you like an escort to your room?" Quinus said as he got up from the table.


    <span>Quinus walks over to Rya, who''s sitting across from him. When he is next to her, he kneels down, so he can look into her eyes and takes her hand. <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus kisses her hand gently. "Thank you for saving me," he said with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s heart raced. ''He makes it so hard to deny him! Fuck!'' Rya thought while trying to keep what<span ss="aiText"> littleposure she <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">could muster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was nothing, really... I just...." Rya said quietly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re a hero to me, Rya," Quinus whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''GODDESS! If I stay by him any longer, I''m going to fall for his charms.'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="editText">"I-I''m fine Quin. I can get back to my room myself. Thank you. I''ll see you tomorrow." Rya said politely as tried to pull her hand back<span ss="userText">, but she was having a<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> difficult time because Quinus had a firm grip on her.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Of course. You should get some rest," Quinus replied.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">When he released her hand, Rya stood up quickly, so he couldn''t pull her hand back to him.


    <span ss="userText">"Goodnight, Quinus," Rya stuttered as she tried to keep herposure. She needed to leave before her heart<span ss="aiText"> exploded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Goodnight, Rya<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Quinus whispered.


    <span>Rya wanted to run out of the room as fast as she could, but she walked calmly to hide the blush on her face.


    <span>''Damn him! Damn, his handsome face! Why am I falling for him?! I''m a guy, Dammit!'' Rya thought angrily as her body heated up. She walked over to Dalia and grabbed her by the shoulder. The wolfkin had a satisfied smile from eating all this food and waspletely unaware of Rya''s internal struggles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa! Alpha, can''t I stay?" Dalia whined as Rya grabbed her by the arm.


    <span>"You need to clean up again. Your hands and face are covered in grease. The servants will have trouble cleaning up your mess. Besides that, I want to go to bed." Rya said with a fake smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine!" Dalia grumbles. "Good night, young one."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goodnight, Lady Dalia," Percy said with a bit of blush on his cheeks.


    <span>The five of them finished up before they left the dining hall and headed towards their bedrooms.

 Vol.1 Ch.45 A Wolf Goes Out at Night.

    Vol.1 Ch.45 A Wolf Goes Out at Night.


    Upon finishing dinner Rya pulled Dalia through the hallways of the estate until they made it back to their bedroom. Rya quickly entered the room without a second thought and was surprised to run into a maid, who was organizing and cleaning up the mess that they made earlier.


    "T-The elf?... I-I mean, how should I address my Lady?" The maid asked.


    ''Good one Ryan. Now they think we''re slobs. I''ll have to be more careful from now on. I don''t want the staff to look down on us.'' Rya thought before answering her.


    "Um... You can address me as Rya and my friend here is Dalia. And I''m sorry about the mess. Dalia and I had a... disagreement on what to wear for dinner," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maid bowed. "Apologies, Miss Rya. It''s alright. I''ll get back to work." The maid said as she began to clean up the mess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No problem. I should be finished in a moment, Miss Rya." The maid said as she exited the room with a bow.


    ''I feel like I should help her... But I have no clue if I would be getting in her way... It''s probably for the best that I give her space. She probably would freak out if a guest started cleaning up in front of her.'' Rya thought to herself while taking Dalia to the bathroom. So she could clean off all the food and grease that was smeared all over her hands and face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span ss="editText">It took Rya 15 minutes to get Dalia cleaned. It would have been quicker if the wolfkin would have<span ss="aiText"> just sat still.


    <span ss="aiText">"Dalia, you''re a mess!" Rya yelled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nope. I''m not. You are!" Dalia yelled back.


    <span ss="aiText">"Look at all this grime in your fur!<span ss="userText">" Rya<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">"There is no grime. There is only my natural beauty." Dalia boasted.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re going to catch a disease! Come back here!" Rya said as she chased the wolf girl around the bathroom<span ss="editText"> until the poor wolfkin was cleaned head to toe again.


    <span ss="editText">With that taken care of<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Rya led Dalia back to the bedroom, where the maidid out two separate sleepwear garments for the both of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here you go, Miss Rya. Please try it on." The maid said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at the clothes and pulled out a white negligee.


    "A-Are these really okay to wear?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, I''m sure it''ll look good on you. I have a good eye for this type of thing, Miss Rya," The maid replied with a proud smile.


    Rya didn''t know if this maid was telling the truth or trying to tter her. She didn''t want to say no because she felt it would be impolite.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''This is so embarrassing!'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya turned away and dressed in the white nightgown, while Dalia wore a simr outfit. <span style="font-weight:400">The whitece negligee matched Rya''s beautiful white hair and contrasted well with her dark tan skin. It barely covered her butt and had a plunging neckline that showed off her chest. <span ss="userText">Rya thought she would hate wearing such a garment, but it was surprisingly<span ss="aiText"> soft. It wasfortable to wear and it felt great to have on. <span ss="editText">But it didn''t leave much to the imagination<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''It''s not bad, I guess. But it is a little bit revealing... This might not be good for my mental health. I feel so exposed!'' Rya thought.


    She turned to the maid and said, "It''s beautiful... But don''t you think it''s a bit too revealing?"


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">The maid giggled and shook her head.


    "Miss Rya, I promise you, you''re going to love sleeping in this outfit," The maid replied.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya blushed, feeling extremely self-conscious and embarrassed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''But it''s so... flimsy.'' Rya thought while looking at the thin fabric.


    "How about yours, Miss Dalia?" The maid asked the wolfkin who had a ckce negligee that was practically transparent on her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, these clothes are more eptable than the ones you gave me, Alpha. Thank you." Dalia said with a smile as she did a spin in her new outfit.


    <span ss="userText">''Well, I guess it''s closer to being naked for her? Are all Wolfkins like this? I''ll have to ask Quin about itter. Maybe he knows<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a thing or two about her kind.'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will take my leave, young Misses. If you need anything just pull the string by the nightstand." the maid said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you!" Rya and Dalia replied with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re wee. Good night," The maid replied with a bow before leaving the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''FINALLY, A BED!!!'' Rya eximed to herself as she jumped on the bed and turned over to face the other side of the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sooo soft. This bed feels like heaven!" Rya yelled out loud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? I guess it''s, okay? I''d prefer to sleep up in a tree, instead of the ground. Even if it is soft," Dalia said while lying down on her stomach.


    <span ss="editText">''Sleep in a tree!? Nah, fuck that. I<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''d rather sleep on a cloud than a tree branch,'' Rya thought as she snuggled into the covers.


    "What''s wrong with sleeping on a mattress?" Rya asked in confusion.


    "Nothing really... It''sfortable, but I feel safer, high up, in a tree." Dalia exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh! That makes sense... Yeah, I guess she''s so used to being in the wild that trees feel like the safest spot for her. Especially if she were attacked by monsters.'' Rya thought to herself.


    *Yawn* "Well, it should be safe here, thanks to Quin. Anyway, I''m going to sleep. Good night, Dalia," Rya said while covering herself with the nket.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goodnight Alpha," Dalia replied with a small yawn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya quickly fell asleep, and Dalia justid there on the bed wondering about everything that led her here.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a half hour of lying on the bed, Dalia opened one eye to see if Rya was asleep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She saw Rya was sprawled out while snoring lightly. Dalia smiled as she quietly got out of bed, making sure she didn''t wake Rya.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia went straight to th<span ss="editText">e do<span ss="editText">or to the hallway patiently listening <span ss="aiText">for any activity outside of the door.


    <span ss="aiText">She waited for a minute and then carefully opened the door.<span ss="editText"> The wolfkin was hoping to sneak out without alerting the servants<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Whe<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">n the coast was clear Dalia slowly made her way down the hallway towards <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">the <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">other bedrooms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Sniff*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Sniff*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Sniff*


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ah! Found the young one''s scent. Time to mark you, little cub.'' The wolfkin grinned. ''You''re mine now...''


    Dalia cracked open the door to Percy''s room. Sir George was nowhere to be seen as she scanned the room until she spotted the bed in the back of the room with alump underneath the covers.


    <span ss="aiText">"Perfect, the pup''s asleep. He''ll never see iting," Dalia chuckled quietly.


    Dalia proceeded to walk through the door while taking note of her surroundings. She noticed a bookshelf full of books and a desk with papers scattered everywhere. Next to the desk was arge bed that looked like it could fit three adultsfortably. And there, lying in the middle of the bed was Percy.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia quietly peeked inside the covers and saw Percy sleeping soundly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Such a sweet cub," Dalia whispered to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">''He looks so cute and defenseless. He smells like a newborn baby, too.'' Dalia thought while staring intently at the sleeping figure in front of her.


    <span ss="userText">She looked behind her at the closed door and thought she heard someone walking by. After a few seconds of nothing<span ss="aiText"> happening<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> Dalia turned back to face Percy.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">He''s mine<span ss="aiText"> now. Time to take what is rightfully mine, my cub.''


    <span ss="aiText">The wolfkin carefully crawled under the nkets and onto the bed, moving slowly and carefully. She didn''t want to make too much noise and wake him up<span ss="editText"> before she pounced on him and just as she was about<span ss="aiText"> to, she saw him shift<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and he started to mumble in his sleep.


    "Mmmm. Oh, Lady Dalia. I wou........... you-" Percy muttered in his sleep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was surprised to find that Percy was dreaming about her. She watched as he continued to mumble.


    <span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText">Lady Dalia... I would like to... You.<span ss="editText"> You are so... Beautiful."<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Percy murmured as he moved slightly in his sleep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So the little cub dreams about me? Human males are so weird.'' Dalia thought while her tail was wagging.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmmmmm, oh, Lady Dalia. I wouww..."


    Dalia felt her heart flutter hearing him say her name in his sleep. It made her feel warm and special, something she hadn''t felt ever in her life. Demi-humans don''t usually court each other in this way. Beastkin males would usually force the females to mate with the strongest male of the pack. So they could create a stronger pack. This was so foreign to her, that instead of pouncing on Percy right then and there. She decided to take a different approach.


    ''I don''t know why I want to do this. But it''s an interesting and weird idea... I just hope he doesn��t wake up... Don''t disappoint me, little cub.'' Dalia thought to herself.

 Vol.1 Ch.46 Taboo Crimes

    Vol.1 Ch.46 Taboo Crimes


    Dalia positioned herself directly by the boy''s ear. Her sense of smell was superb and was able to identify all kinds of scents. Her keen nose picked up his scent easily and was able to distinguish his from the many other people''s odors that lingered around the room. But being this close to Percy made her body heat up in ways she''s never experienced.


    <span ss="aiText">''My heart feels so weird. Is <span ss="editText">it because I''m worried about waking him up?<span ss="aiText"> Or is it something else? No, that can''t be possible... I''ll have to talk to <span ss="editText">Alph<span ss="aiText">a about this<span ss="editText">ter. Now let''s see if the<span ss="aiText"> little cub<span ss="editText"> will <span ss="userText">cooperate<span ss="aiText">. Come on Percy, don''t disappoint me, cub...'' Dalia thought to herself as she <span ss="editText">tried calming<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> herself down.


    "Tha-that''s right little cub, ohhhh. Mmmm," Dalia moaned seductively in Percy''s ear to see how he would react.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"MMMM, yes, that''s right, ohhh, ohhhhhh," Percy mumbled back in response to Dalia''s voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? What''s that? Is there anything else I can do for you little cub?" Dalia said in a sultry tone of voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm, yes, oh, yes, please, ohhhhh, please..." Percy begged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it that you need, my sweet cub? Tell me what you want." Dalia purred while rubbing Percy''s chest which was surprisingly buff from all his training.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ohhhh, please, I would love..... to take you..... on a date..... mydy..." Percy breathed out.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia had to hold back her<span ss="aiText">ughter. She couldn''t believe that the little cub would actually dream about taking her on a date. She thought <span ss="editText">all males wanted to dominate<span ss="aiText"> and fuck their mates. Not take them on a date and treat them like an equal. This was all new territory to her, and she was not sure what to make of it.<span ss="editText"> But one thing was for sure, she found it hrious and a little bit adorable thatthi<span ss="editText">s male<span ss="aiText">''s actions<span ss="editText"> were so tame<span ss="aiText"> and gentle.


    ''Ha, ha, ha. Even his dreams are docile. Hehehe. Where''s your male pride? Where''s the need to dominate and im your female, little cub?... He''s so odd. Plus what do these humans do on dates anyways?'' Dalia smirked as her tail started to wag.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am yours tomand my little cub. Please show me where we should go on our date." Dalia said while ying with the hair on the nape of his neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-There''s this ce in the capital square... It has these desserts..." Percy stammered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm? H-How do you eat these desserts?" Dalia said while looking at his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um, well, I''m not exactly sure how to exin it but, um, you have to put them in your mouth and then you lick them..... like this..." Percy started to lick the air in front of him as he was sleep-talking to Dalia. She was surprised by the fact that he was licking the air. Then she came up with a crazy idea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, very good, little cub. You will teach me how to eat these sweets," Dalia replied before taking off her ck panties. She let them fall to the ground and then slowly got on the bed straddling Percy''s head hovering her vagina an inch away from his lips. ''Good... the little cub is still asleep. Come now eat your desserts,'' Dalia thought to herself waiting for Percy to open his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm. Ahhhh," Percy mumbled while licking the air, just barely making contact with Dalia''s pussy lips.


    With the slightest touch from Percy''s tongue, Dalia felt an electric shock run through her entire body. This caused her skin to form goosebumps and her tail went straight stiff from the jolt. She had never knew that the touch of a man could feel so good. She could feel her face flush and her breath quicken. The feeling was foreign to her, yet she yearned for more, but her legs felt weak, and her body trembled with every touch. She was having a hard time supporting herself and was struggling to stay up. She didn''t know what to do, but her instincts kicked in, and she did the only thing she could think of, which was to grab the headboard of the bed with her right hand and push her pelvis forward, pushing her pussy into Percy''s mouth.


    She lowered herself until Percy''s mouth was directly touching herbia majora.


    Which made her breathing quicken as she felt a wave of pleasureing over her. The wetness between her legs grew even more as the heat built up inside of her. She couldn''t believe how well everything was working. She was going to mark him in no time and get to be the alpha over a male. It was something she thought was impossible, but here she was, doing the impossible. She couldn''t help but smile at how lucky she was. Her tail wagged back and forth as she continued to grind her pussy against Percy''s mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Gods, I feel the heat and it''s not my mating cycle yet!'' Dalia thought to herself as she felt her nipples harden through her nightgown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She noticed that Percy''s eyes were closed and he was still sleeping.


    "Ahhhhhh, yes. Yes, that''s it, ohhhhhh," Dalia moaned as Percy kept licking the folds of her pussy. Dalia then ced her hand on his head and pushed him closer to her womanhood. His tongue started to dance around her clit until he finally found the entrance to her vagina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia gasped loudly as Percy''s tongue prated her.


    "Mmmmmm, yes, ohhhhhh, yes, eat meeeeeeee, ohhhhhhh, yes, how does the desserts taste, little cub?" Dalia moaned as she felt himpping up her juices. The sensation of being eaten out by Percy was unlike any other while her tail curled and uncurled behind her.


    "Mmmmmm, a l-little saltier..... than normal... mmmmm," Percy responded as his lucid state was beginning to fade away.


    "That''s my sweet little cub. Keep eating those sweets. Y-yes, keep going, ahhhhhhh!" Dalia cooed as she gripped Percy''s hair tighter to keep him close to her pussy. She was trying to stay calm, but it was impossible with the way Percy was licking her clitoris.


    <span ss="editText">''This is sooo, good! Ohhh, God, I haven''t been eaten out like this, ever! I-I''m going to mark him! And I might keep him at this rate<span ss="aiText">! O-Oh, Gods! Oh, I need more! I need more of him!'' Dalia thought as she ground her pelvis back and forth, rubbing her wet vagina against his face.


    As Percy''s tongue continued to explore her pussy, Dalia''s mind became clouded with thoughts of making him her mate. She could feel the heat building up within her again. She was beginning to forget her objective of marking Percy without him noticing. But her lust and desire were bing more important than getting her mark on him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ohhhhhh, yes, little cub, you are doing an amazing job. Eat meeeeeeee, ohhhhhhh, fuckkkk!" Dalia moaned as she felt a climaxing.


    ''Yes, YES! ALPHA WAS RIGHT ABOUT THIS HUMAN MALE! HE''S SO MUCH MORE THAN ANY BEASTKIN MALE! THEY CAN''T EVEN BEGIN TO COMPARE TO THIS LITTLE CUB''S MOUTH! I AM GOING TO MARK HIM AND TAKE HIM FOR MY OWN! HE''S MINE AND NO ONE ELSE''S!!! AUNGH! AAAAHHH!'' Dalia screamed in her head as her eyes started rolling back when her climax approached.


    Percy continued licking and sucking on her pussy until she came. Her juices squirted all over Percy''s face and it woke him from his slumber.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the hell?! Ugh, w-wait? Lady Dalia?" Percy said with his mouth full of Dalia''s cum.


    The wolfkin''s pleasure ride came to a crashing halt. She was shocked that Percy woke up while he was eating her out. She got so wrapped up in the moment and the pleasure, that she forgot to keep herself from waking him and now she was going to be in trouble for marking a male without his scent that told the other males that she belonged to him. It was a crime in the beastkinws, punishable by death, and she didn''t want to die just because she was having fun.


    ''Shit! How did this happen? How did I get so caught up in the pleasure? How could I be so stupid?! I-I need to apologize! Maybe he won''t kill me! Wait! I''m in a human kingdom... I might be able to leave if I act fast! Y-You got this Dalia! You''re a proud wolfkin! Just get the hell out of here!'' Dalia thought as she started to get off of Percy''s face.


    "U-Um, yes!? I''m sorry, little cub... It seems that I''ve awoken you from a deep sleep. I am truly sorry about that but..." Dalia trailed off looking down at Percy''s face covered in her juices. She thought she should get out of there since she marked him.


    Percy just stared at her for a moment. He looked confused, but he didn''t seem angry or upset with her, which made it tough for Dalia to get a read on him. She moved off of him by standing up on the bed. Her legs were still a little weak and shaky due to the aftermath of her climax.


    "A-Are you ok, little cub?" Dalia asked hesitantly, hoping he wouldn''t hurt or yell at her. But he was silent and just looked at her. He had the best view of her perfect pussy underneath the nightgowned and it waspletely soaked in her fluids.


    ''Hm? The little cub seems to have nothing to say. I should go before things get ugly...'' Dalia thought as she turned to walk off the bed and get out of there.


    "Well... I will leave you be now, and~ ACK!" Dalia screamed as her wobbly legs gave out on her and she fell backward towards Percy.


    "Huh!? Oomph!" Percy grunted when Dalia''s perfect ass came and crashed into him causing the mattress to shake. They somehow ended up in a 69 position with his manhood right in her face.


    ''This is it! He''s gonna kill me! This is how I die!'' Dalia panicked and squeezed her eyes shut.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ow! Wait, wait please don''t move," Percy pleaded with his heart pounding as he saw Dalia''s ass and tail in his face.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia cracked one eye open and<span ss="aiText"> saw his dick was mere inches away from her face. Her jaw dropped and she couldn''t believe what she was seeing. It was the first time she had ever seen a male''s penis<span ss="editText"> this close<span ss="aiText">. It wasrge, hard, and throbbing.<span ss="userText"> It was way bigger th<span ss="editText">a<span ss="userText">n any of the Beastkin males<span ss="aiText"> she had seen. <span ss="editText">She thought it would have made her panic<span ss="aiText"> even more but it had the opposite effect. It calmed her nerves and helped her rx. She was amazed that he had such a nice penis and wondered <span ss="editText">how human females could take such a thing<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''Wait, what''s happening to me? My body feels hotter. No, no, no, no. Why did the sight of his penis calm me down? Ohhhh, it''s so big!<span ss="userText"> Crazy big!<span ss="aiText"> He''s so big! No, no, no, no. Calm down, Dalia! You can''t have him! No matter how cute or kind or amazing he is! Even though his scent is divine!<span ss="userText"> Agh! Stupid, little cub<span ss="aiText">! Stupid, sexy, little cub!'' Dalia thought as she started panting and drooling a bit.


    <span ss="aiText">Percy could see her tail twitching and wagging uncontrobly, and he couldn''t help but reach out and stroke her tail.


    <span ss="userText">"Aungh!? H-Hey?"<span ss="aiText"> Dalia stammered as she tried not to moan and looked back at Percy<span ss="editText">''s face. <span ss="userText">She could see the look of lust in his eyes, and she noticed his manhood growing evenrger in front of her face.


    ''H-He''s getting BIGGER!? No, no! Y-You did what you needed to do, Dalia. I just need to leave calmly!'' Dalia thought as she quickly tried to get up. But, as she was moving away from him, she felt his hand gently squeeze her thigh. She gasped and looked back at Percy.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m so sorry, Dalia, but <span ss="editText">can we stay like this for a bit<span ss="aiText">?" Percy said while his cock was throbbing with excitement and his hand gently caressed her thigh.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-You''re not mad, little cub?" Dalia stammered as she slowly lowered her ass back down to<span ss="editText">wards<span ss="aiText"> Percy''s face.


    <span ss="userText">"Huh? S-Should I be mad?<span ss="aiText"> W-Wait, was this some sort of dream?" Percy asked in a slightly confused voice.


    <span ss="editText">''He''s not mad! Good! Now I should just leave. I did what I wanted to do.''<span ss="aiText"> Dalia thought as she turned away from Percy and slowly <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">got up on all fours.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Haah... I''ll deal with youter, little cub. Right now, I marked you as my mate and I''m leaving," Dalia said with a satisfied <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? So you see me as your mate now?" Percy asked with a confused look on his face.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, duh!? I marked you with my scent and now I''m your alpha. W<span ss="editText">h<span ss="userText">ether you like it or not<span ss="aiText">!" Dalia boasted while <span ss="editText">sniffing the air<span ss="aiText"> and picking up <span ss="editText">h<span ss="aiText">er scent on <span ss="editText">Percy''s face.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Hehe! Humans can be so oblivious. I can''t believe I marked a male and<span ss="aiText"> he didn''t realize it. That means I''m safe, for now. But the little cub will probably start demanding sex soon, or something else. I''ll deal with that when the timees.'' Dalia thought <span ss="editText">while <span ss="userText">admiring her<span ss="aiText"> work.


    <span ss="editText">Percy was trying to understand what the wolfkin<span ss="aiText"> was talking about and how she marked him. He couldn''t really understand anything at the moment, since all his blood was rushing south. He couldn''t believe that Dalia''s ass was right in his face.


    <span ss="userText">"So, I''m your mate now?" Percy<span ss="aiText"> mumbled to himself, not entirely sure what a "mate" was<span ss="editText"> supposed to mean for a beastkin<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Geez! Do I have to spell it out for you? I''m your Alpha and you''re my little cub. Now clean up this mess before I change my mind about having you as my mate<span ss="aiText">," Dalia <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ordered with a smirk as she tried to get up and off of Percy. But then he grabbed her hips to stop the wolfkin from leav<span ss="aiText">ing.


    <span ss="userText">"Agh? Um.<span ss="aiText"> W-What are you doing, little cub? If you don''t want me to change my mind, then you''ll let me go and get me my panties. Now," Dalia demanded in a firm tone<span ss="editText">, but Percy was unfazed<span ss="aiText"> by hermand. <span ss="editText">His hazel eyes were excited<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and he was not letting her leave anytime soon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, if I''m your mate. That means you''re my girlfriend?" Percy asked.


    "Well, sort of. I mean you''re my mate in the sense that I imed you as mine and you''re my property now. So yeah, <span ss="editText">kind of," Dalia said while looking back at Percy. He couldn''t believe it, he got a girlfriend just<span ss="aiText"> by being asleep and having her mount him.<span ss="editText"> He longed for the day to get a beautiful<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> girlfriend, and the wolfkin was perfect.


    <span ss="userText">When he looked into her big beautiful green eyes, Percy couldn''t help but start thinking of ways to make her happy. But that''s when he remembered Dalia''s first order to clean up her mess and her pussy was<span ss="aiText"> still dripping with her juices. <span ss="editText">He needed to clean her up with his tongue<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, so she wouldn''t have to do it.


    "Ah? Then I''ll lick you clean," Percy said as he stuck out his tongue.


    <span ss="editText">"W-What!? N-No, little cub, y-you don''t need to do that.<span ss="aiText"> I-I can get clean myself. Y-You should just go back to sleep," Dalia protested and tried to stand up, but Percy stopped her by pulling her closer.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry, I''ll make sure to lick everyst drop of your juices," Percy whispered before burying his face in her ass cheeks.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia''s tail stiffened at the sound of his words. She knew what he was saying, and her whole body felt hot from the thought of him licking her clean.


    <span ss="userText">"B-But I already marked you!<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Y-You don''t need to do that, little cub!" Dalia yelled as her heart raced faster and faster.


    "Well, if it''s alright with you, Lady Dalia. I wouldn''t mind being marked by you again... as long as I''m awake... Hmm. So you like it when I use my tongue? Mmmmmmm." Percy starts licking Dalia''s pussy again causing her to go into heat once more.


    "Ohhhhhh, my little cub. Aungah! I-I''m the Alpha. OHHH! I''m the one who''s supposed to lead this pack! MMMmmmmm!" Dalia moaned loudly as she felt Percy''s tongue and fingers pleasuring her.


    She liked the idea of being the Alpha in the rtionship because it usually wasn��t an option where she came from. And she knew the humans had no idea how mating work<span ss="editText">ed, so she felt like she <span ss="editText">could be the one in charge. But<span ss="editText"> her little cub was stronger than she thought and <span ss="editText">nee<span ss="editText">ded to take control of him again. To show him that she was the Alpha,<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and she was the one who would give the orders.


    ''I know what I''m about to do is taboo! But you leave me no choice, little CUB!'' Dalia thought as her body started to react to Percy''s touch. She reached out to his manhood and grabbed it.


    <span ss="editText">Per<span ss="editText">cy <span ss="editText">moaned in excitement when he felt Dalia<span ss="aiText">''s warm hand grabbing his cock. <span ss="editText">It made him double his efforts<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, and he licked her faster and faster.


    ''Ah!?! M-My mother always told me how males hate it when females get ahold of their dicks. I tried to y nice, little cub! But now you''re going to get it!'' Dalia thought to herself as she began to jerk off, Percy''s cock.


    In the Demi-human culture, females were never allowed to lead in mating. They were used for breeding purposes during the mating cycle. And to have children with the Alpha Male. There were few exceptions when a female was a pack leader, but they were few and far between. Plus, Alpha males wanted to conquer and subdue a female chieftain in a fight before mounting her. So it was rare for a female to dominate a male.


    With that knowledge, Dalia had been taught by her mother how to get out of this situation. She followed her instinct and started rubbing Percy''s 10-inch dick vigorously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OH, GODDESS! Dalia, don''t stop!" Percy begged while Dalia kept stroking his cock. He then redoubled his efforts on her pussy while sticking his tongue as deep as he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''AUNGH! He''s not letting go? This is so wrong! He is not supposed to like this. But I can''t resist. Yessss! Ohhh! Ooohhhhhh!'' Dalia moaned as she continued stroking Percy''s hard pole. Percy gently grabbed her tail while eating her out, causing her to moan even louder.


    "AUNGH! S-Stupid humans! Why do you have such big dicks!?" Dalia moaned as she pulled Percy''s cock in every way. She didn''t know why he continued to let her jerk him off.


    But the way he was sucking and licking her clit, was driving her crazy. She felt the pleasure build up and up. She wanted him to stop but her instincts were telling her otherwise. She wanted to mark him again. So she continued stroking him as hard and fast as she could.


    "I-I don''t know!? Oh, Goddess!... I was born with it! Gah! You''re so amazing!" Percy moaned as he licked and sucked her clit.


    ''S-Stupid human! S-Stopplimenting me and let go of me! O-Or I''ll do something far worse than handling your dick with my hands.'' Dalia thought while squeezing his dick harder.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia''s instincts told her to do something that was a death sentence<span ss="aiText"> among her kind. I<span ss="editText">t was an act so foul that the males<span ss="aiText"> would kill her, or any female, who did it. But, she didn''t care anymore. She was the Alpha and she would show her dominance to this stupid human and teach him his ce.<span ss="userText"> So, she opened her mouth wide and started sucking on Percy''s cock<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    ''GODS! I''m so gonna be executed for this!... So why am I enjoying this so much!? Why am I getting so turned on by this, little cub?'' Dalia wondered as she continued sucking on his dick. She loved the taste and smell of his precum that she couldn''t stop.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile, Percy was having the time of his life. With Dalia''s soft lips wrapped around his shaft, he could do nothing but enjoy every moment.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia had never done anything like this before. But ever since she met Percy, she''d felt a strange attraction towards him. She loved the way he looked at her when he saw her. She also loved the way he treated her and she liked teasing him. All she wanted to do was mark her territory<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">But now she was sucking his cock and making him feel good. <span ss="editText">She knew that once she finished she would <span ss="undoDeletionText">be executed<span ss="aiText">. Yet, for some reason, she was happy. She felt her pussy leaking onto his face and her body getting warmer.


    <span ss="aiText">"OHH GOD! Dalia, <span ss="editText">y-your mouth... Mmmmhhh,<span ss="aiText">" Percy moaned<span ss="editText"> and sucked on her<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> clit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia''s head was bobbing up and down on Percy''s pole. She was getting more aroused by the second. The taste and smell of Percy''s cock was making her want to do things she wouldn''t normally do in her life.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aughhhh! Yes! Keep suckin'' on it! You''re so good, Dalia!" Percy moaned as he felt Dalia bob her head up and down his shaft.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia took her time sucking Percy as her heat was pulsating through her body. She felt her body start to shake uncontrobly as she came all over Percy''s face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"MMMMMMMMMMHHHHHHH!" Dalia moaned with Percy''s dick in her mouth. Her eyes rolled back in her head as she was having a full-blown orgasm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was surprised as she came. She wasn''t expecting this to happen to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AH! Ahhh! OH! AHH! OOO! AH! YES! THAT''S IT! MORE!" Dalia moaned as she continued sucking on Percy''s cock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This was the first time in her life that she hade from giving oral sex. After a few seconds, Percy shot ropes of cum into her mouth. <span style="font-weight:400">It was so salty and wonderful. Dalia swallowed every drop of Percy''s seed.


    "HA! Lady Dalia. HA! I''m yours, till the end of time, mydy." Percy said while Daliay on top of him. Drinking up every drop of his essence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sadly, Dalia didn''t hear what Percy said to her because she was panicking about the taboo act she just did.


    ''W-What have I done! The young one is going to kill me for what I''ve done! A female should never have taken a male''s cock in her mouth! My people will kill me once they hear about this!'' Dalia thought to herself while crying in shame.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Dalia? Are you okay?" Percy started panicking when he saw Dalia crying. He worried that he hurt her.


    "I-I''m sorry, Young one! It was so wrong to do what I did! I shouldn''t have done it!" Dalia cried as she buried her face in her hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please don''t cry! Did I hurt~," Percy was cut off by Dalia when he tried tofort her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! No! It''s not your fault! It''s mine! N-Never again! Please spare me! I took it too far!" Dalia cried as she buried her face in her hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"D-Dalia? What are you talking about? Please, I''m here for you." Percy pleaded with Dalia.


    "NO! You''re just saying that so I''ll let my guard down so you can execute me, because of the sexual crime of taboo. I should never have taken a male''s cock into my mouth! But I couldn''t stop myself!" Dalia said with fear in her eyes.


    "A taboo crime? What are you talking about, Lady Dalia? I don''t understand." Percy asked in confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean you don''t know? A female is put to death if she ever puts a man''s manhood in her mouth!" Dalia cried as she sobbed.


    <span ss="userText">It finally hit Percy what Dalia was telling him. He felt like an idiot for<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> not realizing it sooner.


    "L-Lady Dalia. Did you dislike taking my manhood in that way?" Percy asked Dalia with a bit of unease because he wasn''t sure if he forced her into giving him head against her will.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Gods! This is my punishment for doing something so stupid! Why did I enjoy it!? I''m going to die! I deserve to die for doing such a thing! I''m so stupid! So stupid!'' Dalia scolded herself.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia looked down at herp and started to cry. She wanted to deny the fact that she loved<span ss="aiText"> it. She was afraid to tell Percy how she <span ss="editText">wanted to do it again<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> But the deed was done and she rather tell the truth and die as an honest wolfkin<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No! I loved it! I liked feeling your manliness in my mouth! I even came once because of it!" Dalia cried.


    The wolfkin was surprised that she enjoyed giving Percy head. She never would have thought that she''d want to do it again, but she did.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy was shocked when Dalia told him that she liked sucking his cock and he became angry that demi-human culture kills women that give head to their mates. It was a stupidw he didn''t know existed in the first ce. But that would have to wait untilter. He needed to calm down his girlfriend first.


    "I-Is that true? You really enjoyed doing that to me?" Percy asked Dalia with a calm tone in his voice.


    "Yes! I do!" Dalia cried as she was ready to die.


    ''This is it. The young one will end me. I guess living 19 years is a long life for a Wolfkin. I''ve done enough in this life to die happily.'' Dalia thought while she resolved herself to her cruel fate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked at her with a smile. He then pulled Dalia close to him.


    "If you ask me. I''ll dly let you go down on me again, Lady Dalia?" Percy dered with an eager grin on his face.


    "Huh? You-You''d let me do that again...?" Dalia said in shock. Not sure if he was telling her the truth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, I would!" Percy said with a warm smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia blushed and stared at Percy in disbelief. She felt embarrassed that he knew how much she enjoyed sucking his cock and was fine with letting herself enjoy it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-So, you''re fine with a female... that does such horribl~mmmmm?" Dalia was cut off when Percy kissed her. A human kiss.


    The wolfkin squirmed in pleasure when Percy kissed her.


    <span ss="editText">''The little cub is kissing me!? Human kisses are so different? I-I find them fascinating!'' Dalia thought in surprise. She started melting in his<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> arms when she realized he was holding her tightly and didn''t seem to want to let her go. After about a minute, Percy broke the kiss and gave Dalia a loving look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"D-Do you like it?" Percy asked Dalia with a smile. His face turned red as he held her in his arms.


    ''I-Is this really happening!? My cheeks are burning from embarrassment! This is so embarrassing! Oh Gods!'' Dalia thought with worry in her heart.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes... I like it." Dalia said with a blush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. But I do feel hurt that you thought I would kill you. You''re my girlfriend. My mate... My Alpha." Percy said with a small smile.


    Dalia''s heart raced after what he said and sat down on hisp while looking into his hazel-brown eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"F-Forgive me, little wolf. I am sorry for thinking such foolish thoughts." Dalia said as she held onto Percy.


    "Don''t worry about it, Lady Dalia. But if you like, you can make it up to me." Percy said with a warm smile.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh, Gods! What does he want? Oh, Gods! He''s, my wolf! Should I do as he asks? W-Wait!? I''m his Alpha. I should be the one demanding things. B-But he''s forgiving me for my sins. Maybe I''ll do this one favor<span ss="aiText">. Only because he''s my little <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">wolf<span ss="aiText">!'' Dalia thought as her heart raced faster and faster.


    "O-Okay, my little wolf. What would you like me to do?" Dalia asked while blushing.


    "I think it would be wise if you mark my... ahem... manhood with your scent?" Percy said with a shy grin on his face.


    "You know? If I do that no other female is allowed to have you, right?" Dalia said with a blush on her cheeks.


    Percy smiled at her and said, "You''ve already marked me and I only need one wolf in my life, Lady Dalia. I love you... And I don''t care if no other woman has me. I''m yours and only yours."


    Dalia blushed a deeper red and looked away from Percy.


    ''Who knew that a human''s tongue could feel so good in so many ways? And how dare he say such nice things! My heart is beating so fast! How is that possible?'' Dalia thought while her pussy tingled in arousal and her nipples became erect. She felt her chest pounding against her ribcage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Dalia. Are you alright?" Percy said with concern in her voice.


    "Yes, my wolf! I''m just a bit tired!" Dalia said while she looked at the ground.


    "Oh! I''m sorry! If you need rest, we can wai~" Percy stopped when Dalia ced her finger to his lips.


    <span ss="editText">"No! It''s alright! I''ll be fine! I''m your alpha and as<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> your alpha, it is my duty to keep you healthy." Dalia said with a small grin as her tail began to wag.

 Vol.1 Ch.47 Breaking Tradition

    Vol.1 Ch.47 Breaking Tradition


    <span style="font-weight:400">Of all the things to happen to Percy. In his wildest dreams, he never thought he would fall in love with a wolfkin female. But here he was, falling head over heels for the beautiful and charming wolfkin, Dalia, who was sitting in hisp.


    "Alright. But are you sure you''re okay?" Percy asked in concern.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">There you go again<span ss="aiText">, asking if I''m alright. Stop worrying about me, and <span ss="editText">let''s continue<span ss="aiText"> where we left off." Dalia said with a mischievous <span ss="aiText">tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I guess I should mark my little wolf one more time.'' Dalia thought with a blush.


    The wolfkin got up from Percy''sp and went on all fours with her tail up. Dalia aimed her butt in his direction as she was presenting herself in the beastkin tradition that all consenting partners used. Percy got a beautiful view of Dalia''s pussy. It was pink, hairless, and wet. He just sat there admiring her while Dalia wasn''t sure what was taking so long for her little wolf to im her. She looked behind her to see the boy looking at her with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He was enjoying the view but he wasn''t sure what Dalia was doing.


    "Ummm, Lady Dalia? I thought you wanted to mark me again by taking the lead," Percy asked nervously.


    "Geez! You want me to mark you, right? Well, go ahead! Do it! I won''t stop you," Dalia said in a yful manner.


    "Oh! Well, I''m notining, but I thought you wanted to take control?" Percy asked with an eyebrow raised.


    "T-That''s what I''m doing. I''m presenting myself to you willingly... duh!" Dalia replied, annoyed at Percy.


    "Willingly?... Ohhhhhh! OH!" Percy finally understood what Dalia was doing as he moved slowly towards her.


    "Now you''re getting it! I thought humans were smarter than th-agh..." Dalia was teasing Percy until she started to blush when she felt his fingers brushing against her lower back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s take off your clothes," Percy said with a grin.


    <span ss="userText">"R-Really? Why?" Dalia asked with a worried expression. Normally she would be all for disrobing<span ss="aiText"> and getting naked<span ss="editText">. She thought clothes were annoying and got in the way of fighting. But<span ss="aiText"> the idea of exposing her bare flesh was a little nerve-wracking.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, we can get closer. I want to see you, Lady Dalia. All of you.<span ss="editText">.. again. All those times when you were naked before<span ss="aiText"> me. I <span ss="editText">tried to be respectful<span ss="aiText">. But now, I can finally admire your beauty without worrying about making you ufortable. Let me see you... please." Percy <span ss="editText">whispered into her ear.


    <span ss="userText">The wolfkin felt a shiver<span ss="aiText"> run down her spine as Percy ran his hands over her shoulders and down her arms.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Alright... if you insist..." Dalia whimpered<span ss="aiText">.


    Percy smiled and leaned in close to her and kissed her neck. He began pulling her clothes off slowly. Dalia felt the straps of her nightie being pulled down, and soon she found herselfpletely exposed before him. Her breasts, her legs, her butt, her entire body was on full disy for him. She blushed bright red as he stared at her. Percy then removed his shirt then he pulled down his underwear, letting his hard cock pop out and stand proudly between his legs.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia was mesmerized by his member and couldn''t help but <span ss="editText">lick her lips<span ss="aiText">.


    ''Gods, why does it have to be so sexy and big? I still can''t believe how big human males are... I mean, it''s almost twice the size of a beastkin male. B-But I''m a warrior! I can handle this little wolf with ease. Just remember that I''m the alpha in this room.'' Dalia thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"Lady Dalia... You''re beautiful. You''re perfect. You''re amazing," Percy said as he kissed her neck and licked her shoulder.


    <span ss="userText">"Ohhh... H-How do you humans<span ss="aiText"> make these words sound so nice?" Dalia whispered.


    "Because we love the ones we''re talking to. Now, how about we make some new memories, hmm?" Percy asked while stroking her soft hair, causing her <span ss="editText">arms to slide to the side making her upper half<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> lean on the bed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ohhhh...<span ss="editText"> A-And how are you humans so big down there<span ss="aiText">? Mmmmmmm!" Dalia moaned while <span ss="editText">feel<span ss="aiText">ing h<span ss="editText">is hands gripping the sides of her hips.


    "Hm?... I was born with this thing. Also..." Percy grabs Dalia''s legs and rolls her over onto her back before she can react.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ACK!?... Little Wolf!? What are you doing!?" Dalia eximed with a blush while lying on her back.


    <span ss="editText">The wolfkin wasn''t used to presenting her belly<span ss="aiText"> to her mate, as it was considered a submissive position. But she was<span ss="editText"> the alpha in this rtionship and should have taken the lead. She was going toin but stopped<span ss="aiText"> when Percyid on top of her. His hands wrapped around her body, pulling her in close as his face rested against hers. Dalia felt like she was melting, and all her fears and anxieties washed away.


    <span ss="userText">"Now we can both look at each other.<span ss="aiText"> You can see all of me, and I can see all of you. No hiding, no secrets. Just us. Just us together," Percy whispered softly into her ear.


    <span ss="editText">''B-But this is such a weird position. I don''t understand humans sometimes.<span ss="aiText"> Why does he like to make thingsplicated? He can see all of me. That''s a good thing. Why would I ever want to hide anything from him?'' Dalia thought with a bewildered expression.<span ss="userText"> She just wanted to mark her mate''s cock and be done with<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> it. This was way moreplicated than she thought it would be.


    <span ss="aiText">"O-Okay, little wolf. Just... Just mark my pussy already," Dalia whimpered while averting her gaze.


    Percy nodded and positioned himself between her legs. The beastkin blushed and looked down. Watching her mate ce his dick on her pussy lips.


    ''Why am I so nervous?'' Dalia thought while feeling her heart racing.


    <span ss="userText">"Ack! Agh! Please hurry!" Dalia moaned as the head<span ss="aiText"> of his cock slowly entered her vagina.


    Percy gently slid himself into her until his tip was all the way in. He then carefully pushed half of his shaft inside her. He paused briefly, letting her adjust to his size.


    <span ss="userText">"Phew! You<span ss="editText"> are<span ss="userText"> so tight<span ss="aiText"> and warm. God<span ss="editText">des<span ss="aiText">s, you feel amazing," Percy panted as he began thrusting slowly.


    Dalia couldn''t believe how amazing it felt. The way his member rubbed against her insides, sending waves of pleasure throughout her body. Her moans grew louder as she felt him push deeper and deeper inside her. A part of her wanted to be the alpha and take charge. But another part of her really liked this position. She was lying t on her back with her legs spread wide open, and Percy was lying on top of her. The way he was looking down at her with a smile on his face made her heart race faster. She''d never seen a mating ritual like this before, and the feeling was so intense and overwhelming that she couldn''t bring herself toin.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ohhh, fuck me, little wolf! <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Yes! Fill me!<span ss="userText"> Ah!" Dalia moaned as she wrapped her arms around his neck<span ss="editText"> and spread her legs wide open. This helped Percy enter her with ease.


    "Ahhh... Mm! Ah! Aaah!" Dalia moans loudly as Percy slowly pushes his way in deeper. "Noo! Too deep! Aaagh!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-Hold on for a second, Dalia," Percy said as he stopped. He grabbed her legs and lifted Dalia up as he fell backward on the bed. All of a sudden Dalia was on top of Percy with only the tip of his penis inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAHH!? W-Why did you do that!? E-Eeeek!" Dalia eximed with a blush when Percy grabbed her ass.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry!? I just thought you being on top would be better for us both!" Percy said with a sheepish grin.


    Dalia looked around and noticed that she was in the dominant role now. Her legs were straddling him, and the tip of his member was inside her. This was the position she didn''t know females could take.


    <span ss="editText">''He was supposed to ride me, and we��d be done by now! He''s making no sense? Why are human males<span ss="aiText"> soplicated?!'' Dalia thought with a puzzled expression<span ss="editText"> but when the tip of his cock<span ss="aiText"> pressed against her g-spot, her mind became hazy.


    "Oooooh, Gods!" Dalia moaned loudly while arching her back and pushing her butt<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> out.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah!<span ss="userText"> Can you shake your hips, Lady Dalia<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">?<span ss="userText"> And make sure you move your pelvis in circles. It''ll feel good if you do it right," Percy<span ss="aiText"> panted while holding her waist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh... alright... if you say so," Dalia said with a <span ss="aiText">nod and tried moving her hips in a circr motion while keeping her pussy clenched tightly around his shaft. She didn''t want him slipping out and ending this amazing feeling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmmmm!" Percy moaned while stroking Dalia''s hips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oooh... T-This! Aunh! Isn''t what I expected." Dalia said with a blush as she started moving her hips around faster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''His cock is stirring me up!? I-I think I like this! Aaagh! Oh! Ooh! Uuuh! Mmm! Yesss! Gnnn! Gah! Aaaaggh!'' Dalia moaned loudly while shaking her hips around while Percy''s dick slowly started to slide deeper inside her pussy. With only half of it in her, Dalia felt her pussy stretching wide open.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Aaah! There''s more? O-Oh, Gods! My pussy feels like it''s going to burst! I can feel my pussy spreading wider than it normally does! I-I don''t think I can ever go back to being a normal wolfkin!'' Dalia thought while moaning loudly. With her heart rate racing, Dalia tried to keep a calm mind. The only thing she could hear was her own heavy breathing and moans.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re doing great, Lady Dalia!" Percy said with a smile while grabbing her ass and gently pushing down so she waspletely impaled on him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Th-That''s because of you! You''re amazing!" Dalia said with a blush while looking at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see that. Your thighs are trembling. And you''re panting really loud. Seems like I''m doing something right," Percy said with a satisfied smile.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia blushed and looked away from Percy. ''He knows I''m enjoying this? I need to show this little wolf who''s the alpha here. Aunh! Maybe I should move faster? Yeah! That''s a good idea!'' Dalia thought while speeding up her movements. Her clit was getting hard as she moved back and forth<span ss="userText">. Her instincts<span ss="aiText"> were screaming at her to keep going<span ss="editText"> as she started pounding<span ss="aiText"> her cunt up and down on his cock.<span ss="editText"> Smashing her pelvis<span ss="aiText"> onto his, trying her best to hit that one spot deep inside her that would drive her wild.<span ss="editText"> The wolfkin could feel Percy''s cock bumping against her cervix every time she bounced on hisp.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''Aaaaaggh! It''s too much! This is way different from what I''m used to!'' Dalia screamed internally. She''d never had a partner who''d filled her up sopletely.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AUNGH! S-SO BIG! Aaah! AAAAAHHHH!" Dalia screamed out while mming her hips back and forth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gnng... Uuuh! Lady Dalia! You''re so TIGHT! OOHH!" Percy said with a groan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes? O-Okay! M-Move yours! M-More!" Dalia said with a blush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm! Okay, okay!" Percy said with a sheepish grin before thrusting his hips forward and mming his full length all the way inside Dalia in one go.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aaaaaaaaaaaah! AAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Dalia screamed out loudly as she felt Percy''s entire length slide deep inside her tight pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''My gods! This feels so good! I''ve never had someone fill me up like this! It''s like... he''s going deeper and deeper! His big cock is making me feel like I''m going to explode! Aaah! I love it! I want more! More! MORE!'' Dalia thought while grinding her hips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They were going at it for a while with Dalia moving faster and faster as her pussy adapted to Percy''s size. And he was in heaven as hey there trying not to blow his load. Percy instinctively reaches up to grab Dalia''s bouncing breasts. And Dalia moaned loudly when Percy''s hand found her left nipple.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Ahhh! T-That''s it... keep doing that! A-And harder!" Dalia eximed as her head snapped back when she felt the assault of pleasure that rocked her body.


    "I-I don''t know if I can hold on much longer," Percy groaned while pumping his hips up and down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mm! I''ll help you then! Keep fucking me!" Dalia ordered with a moan.


    With that, Dalia grabbed Percy''s ass and pulled him closer. And Percy was more than willing toply. He watched how hard Dalia''s tits bounced around and made him want to m his hips into her faster and harder than ever before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! Ah! A-AAAHH! AAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHH!" Dalia yelled out while mming her hips back and forth.


    <span ss="userText">"I can''t hold it! I-I''m gonna cum!" Percy shouted out as he pushed his hips up as high as he could, which lifted<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Dalia''s whole body off the bed.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"A-AHH! N-No! C-Cum inside! P-Please!" Dalia begged while riding his dick harder than ever.


    As they were making love, Dalia felt something warm gush inside her. She looked down between their bodies and saw arge amount of white liquid flowing out of her pussy. The warmth spread through her body and made her feel even hotter. Then she looked up at Percy and saw him panting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAAUUUUUNNNNNGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!" Percy yelled out while firing off ropes of cum inside Dalia''s pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!" Dalia yelled out while feeling Percy''s hot semen pumping inside her. ''BY THE GODS! I''M CUMMING!? THIS IS SO AMAZING! IT FEELS LIKE MY WHOLE BODY IS ON FIRE FROM ALL OF HIS HOT SPERM!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia continued to ride Percy''s cock until both of them copsed on top of each other. As Daliay there panting, she was shocked to find herself still wet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the hell?'' Dalia thought as she realized that Percy''s cum was leaking out of her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess my little wolf marked me? Hehehe..." Dalia chuckled as she pulled Percy''s head closer to hers so she could kiss him.


    Once they caught their breaths, Dalia rolled off Percy and pulled him close.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Dalia, that was amazing," Percy said while looking into Dalia''s eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It sure was... Can I stay here? I really like it here," Dalia asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? O-Of course!... I-I mean, sure." Percy said with a smile as he tried to act cool in front of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe. So, you''re fine with sharing the same bed with your Alpha? How bold of you little wolf," Dalia said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Another beastkin tradition?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. One that we can do without," Dalia exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Well, I think I''m one for breaking traditions," Percy said with a devilish grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re such an animal... No wonder Quinus likes you so much," Dalia said while shaking her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come here. I want to cuddle with you while I fall asleep."


    After about ten minutes, Percy was the first to fall asleep next to Dalia. And Dalia stared at the ceiling thinking about what just happened. She couldn''t believe that she let another male fuck her. She swore to never let another male try to own her. She didn''t want to get pregnant, either. But she found herself liking how he touched her. How he caressed her. How he cared for her. How he looked at her. How he felt inside her. She liked how he treated her, and she knew that he would treat her the same way no matter what. Somehow, it felt right. It was almost like she had been fated to be with him. And Dalia knew deep down that it wasn''t just lust talking... She was in love with Percy and she wanted him to be her mate.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Little wolf, you are special. I''m d that you''re mine," Dalia whispered as she kissed his forehead before falling asleep next to him.

 Vol.1 Ch.48 Back on Earth.

    Vol.1 Ch.48 Back on Earth.


    While Dalia went off to mark her man, Rya was sound asleep dreaming of being back on Earth. In her dream, she was back in her human male form and was back in their rental home with his girlfriend Zoey.


    ***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryan abruptly woke up when he felt someone shaking him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey? Wake up, sleepy head." Ryan heard someone say.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh... What time is it?" Ryan moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s morning. Hehe. You slept inte again... You''re going to bete for breakfast," A familiar voice asked with a smile.


    "I was... uhm... d-dreaming about being teleported to a different-" Ryan''s eyes snapped open upon hearing his own voice. A man''s voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It was all a dream? Thank fucking Goddes-I mean, Thank God," Ryan said as he rubbed his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow? Was it that bad of a dream?" The woman asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Upon hearing that voice Ryan looked at his girlfriend whom he thought he would never see again. This caused him to hug her with all his might.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa! What caused this?" Zoey asked with surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I missed you... A lot," Ryan said with tears in his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zoey returned the hug with a huge smile on her face. "Man, it must have been one rough dream, huh."


    "You have no idea, babe... Haah. I haven��t had nightmares like this since I was a kid," Ryan said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I have some breakfast ready for you," Zoey replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sounds good. Let me get dressed. I''ll meet you downstairs," Ryan said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright. See ya then." Zoey said before heading downstairs.


    <span ss="editText">Ryan quickly got to look at himself in the mirror. He was back in his male body again and he was never more relieved in his life. But a part of him did miss seeing those big tits and wide hips. He couldn''t believe how real they felt in his dream<span ss="aiText">. He <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">just shook it off as a stress-dream while looking for something to wear.


    "God damn. Maybe I need toy off the fantasy novels for a while. That dream was too real for myfort." Ryan muttered to himself as he put on his sweatpants and a t-shirt that was on the ground in his bedroom.


    Once he was dressed, he went downstairs to eat breakfast.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, here''s some bacon and eggs. Do you want any coffee?" Zoey asked with a sweet smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit yeah! I need coffee. I rather not go to sleep for the rest of my life if I could help it," Ryan said with a tired smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ryan! Your nightmare couldn''t be THAT bad. I swear you take things too seriously. Haah," Zoey said with a smile before leaving the room to make him some coffee.


    <span ss="userText">Ryan sat there eating his bacon and eggs while sipping on his coffee and looking at his phone, seeing what was<span ss="aiText"> going on. The news was the usual. Stock markets are up, celebrities doing the usual stuff, and some people still protesting about the newws being implemented for women. <span ss="editText">Nothing was really catching his attention as he slowly ate<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> his food.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, at least it''s Sunday... Do we have any ns today?" Ryan thought aloud as he continued scrolling through his phone.


    He noticed his girlfriend was on herptop typing away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you working on the weekend babe?" Ryan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah. Wade hasn''t been pulling his weight on a client''s deck that needs to be in by Monday afternoon. And my morning is mmed with multiple calls," Zoey said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit, I''m sorry babe. If there''s anything I can do to help just ask. I mean, you know how much I love you right?" Ryan said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Laying on the charm hard, are we? Hehe. I really appreciate that. So, what are you doing?" Zoey asked curiously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m doing nothing and I''m going to enjoy it. I''m going to enjoy the fact that I am finally back home with you," Ryan said with a warm smile.


    "Oh!? So, you''re doing nothing all day? While I''m busy working through the weekend?" Zoey said with a coy frown.


    "I-I mean I''ll clean up the house, take out the trash, and maybe go get groceries? Whatever you need?" Ryan replied nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That sounds lovely, babe... Hey? What happened in your dreams to put you in such a weird state? You''re acting like you haven''t seen me in weeks... Did something happen?" Zoey asked with a curious expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, man. I don''t know where to begin?" Ryan said with a nervousugh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you can start at the beginning. Come on, I can use a distraction from my work. Besides, I wanna hear about it!" Zoey said with a smile and took a sip of her coffee.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahem. Well, first off I was doing my usual morning run," Ryan began.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sounds boring so far," Zoey remarked with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m getting to it! Jeez, you can be so impatient sometimes. Anyway, when I was running, I ran into this floating orb that chased me and when it caught me, I was pulled into a portal to a fantasy world. With Dark Elves and shit," Ryan said with an annoyed expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, now you have my attention. Did you save the world or something?" Zoey asked with a raised brow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pff! Hell no! I was forced to kill monsters so mana would enter my body. Which causes me to start turning into a Dark Elf!" Ryan said with a nervousugh.


    "Oh? So, you were a manly Dark Elf? Hehe, I wish I could have seen that," Zoey said with a chuckle.


    ''Umm... I don''t think I''ll tell her that I was turning into a chick. I wouldn''t hear the end of it.'' Ryan thought with a shocked expression.


    "Hmm? You have that look, again. You''re worried about telling me something. Come on and tell me, Ryan... I''ll only make fun of you for a few days... Or a week. It depends," Zoey teased him with a coy smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"L-Look? I have no idea what you''re talking about babe." Ryan said while trying not to look into his girlfriend''s eyes.


    "Oh,e on Ry. You know exactly what I''m talking about. Look, I won''t judge you or anything like that, but I think you should talk to someone about it. Just get it off your chest and I''m sure you''ll feel better," Zoey said with a loving smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit! My poker face sucks in front of her. Ugh! I''m screwed here. I can''t lie to her. How am I supposed to exin myself?'' Ryan thought with a nervousugh.


    "Babe, I''ll let you get back to your work. I''m going to go shower and change for the day. I want to head over to the gym around noon... We can hang out after dinner if you''re free?" Ryan asked Zoey.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Running away, are you?" Zoey asked with a yful smile.


    "Haah.... You''re not going to let this go, aren''t you... Fine," Ryan said with a resigned tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wouldn''t be me if I didn''t," Zoey said with a seductive smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay! Okay. Here you go. I turned into a female Dark Elf. And yes, it was weird as hell!" Ryan said with a sigh.


    "Ha ha ha! I can''t imagine you being a girl. But, I guess I shouldn''t say that with such beautiful long ears..." Zoey remarked with a serious look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What!?" Ryan yelped in shock and quickly brought up his hands to the sides of his head only to find that his ears were normal.


    "Ha ha ha! Just kidding babe!" Zoey said with augh. She couldn''t believe how easy it was to trick her boyfriend right now.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You better be," Ryan said with a small frown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, what did you look like?" Zoey asked with a curious expression.


    "Man! You really don''t want to do your work," Ryan remarked with a raised eyebrow.


    "Of course, I don''t want to do my work. Hold on... Mwah!... There, now will you tell me?" Zoey asked with a smile while she gave him a kiss on the cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine! I had dark tan skin." Ryan''s skin started turning darker in front of Zoey. "I also had long white hair with really bright blue eyes"


    His hair and eyes followed along with his skin tone as his hair grew down his back while his eyes turned into a bright azure blue.


    "Huh!? R-Ryan?" Zoey stuttered with a shocked expression. She didn''t know what was going on as Ryan was too focused on recalling what he looked like in his dreams to notice the changes happening to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"God! I also had these ridiculously big breasts and wide hips. Wider than yours, babe." Ryan''s chest started growing and his hips followed suit.


    <span ss="editText">Zoey was struggling toprehend<span ss="aiText"> what was going on right now as her eyes were glued to her boyfriend''s <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">body<span ss="aiText">. All she could do was watch helplessly as Ryan''s changes continued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And I think I shrunk in height and my voice sounded more feminine. Jeez, those boobs. Man! They were huge. Like, really freaking big!" Ryan''s voice became high-pitched by thetter part of his sentence. His dick got smaller and shriveled up. In its ce was a pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Are you okay Ry?" Zoey asked with a worried expression.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Why wouldn''t I be? I just miss seeing them. And my body feels kind of different for some reason?" Ryan said with a confused tone.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Zoey watched as her boyfriend''s face morphed to match what he was describing.


    "W-Wait! Why does my voice sound so, girlish?" Ryan asked with a shaky voice.


    "Ry? Y-You look like an... Elf. Is this really you? Are you okay?" Zoey asked with worry.


    "No! No, no no no! Why am I back to being a woman?... Huh? Z-Zoey... Are you... getting older?" Ryan asked with a puzzled expression as he looked at his girlfriend who looked like she was ten years older now and looked like she just recalled something important.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ryan! I remember. You disappeared 10 years ago! Oh God! This is what happened to you?" Zoey asked with a concerned expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How can this be a dream? I-I just wanted to be home with you Zoey. Why....." Ryan asked with a shaky voice as tears started to form in his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zoey then hugged him tightly.


    "I don''t know why this is happening, but I''ll ask my husband. We might be-" Zoey stopped herself when she remembered that she married someone else. She had a sad expression written on her face as she hugged Ryan.


    ''I''ve been gone for ten years? No! This has to be a cruel joke, this has to~'' Ryan''s thought stopped when she realized who was behind this. ''NILS!!!! SHE DID THIS TO US!'' Ryan screamed in her mind.


    Zoey continued to hug her dark elf of a boyfriend while trying to think of what they could do. At the same time, Rya tried to calm herself because she didn''t know how much longer she had with her girlfriend. She didn''t know if this was her real girlfriend, but something inside her told her that this was really her Zoey.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Z-Zoey. I don''t know how much time we have left. Tell my parents that I''m sorry. I never meant for any of this." Rya said with a tearful expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ryan?... What''s going on?" Zoey asked with a confused expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please! Tell them that I love them very much. And you are the best girlfriend a loser like me could ever have in this universe." Rya said with a trembling voice as she held onto Zoey.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ryan! I''ll do that! I''ll tell your parents! I''ll never forget you! Pleasee back, okay!" Zoey said with a sad expression as she gently ced her hand on Rya''s head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you..." Rya said with a weak smile before she noticed everything around them started to turn into white particles. Everything was slowly vanishing, first was the chair, wall, table, and room, andst was the sky. Rya and Zoey hugged each other in a bright white void until Zoey started to fade away as well.


    "Ryan! Please live! Whatever you do, live!" Zoey shouted with a tearful expression as she vanished from Rya''s sight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just stood there powerless to do anything as she broke down into tears.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s gone....'' Rya thought to herself as she copsed to her knees.


    <span ss="editText">The dark elf was alone in this bright white void for<span ss="aiText">quite a while<span ss="editText">. Rya stared at the spot where her<span ss="aiText"> girlfriend was before she was taken from her.<span ss="editText"> It was like her heart was<span ss="aiText"> ripped out of her chest and her soul shattered. Rya couldn''t even cry anymore. She was emotionally drained<span ss="editText"> and all she wanted to do was curl up into a ball<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. But then she heard someone speak to her from behind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, that worked out better than we thought." Said the voice of the Goddess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya snapped out of her sorrow which turned into rage in an instant. She quickly looked behind her to see Nils and Nebulus standing there with proud smiles on their stupid faces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? You''re not happy about saying goodbye to your old, loved ones? Nebulus used a lot of her power to aplish such an impossible feat and you turn to us in anger?" Nils said with a smirk.


    "YYYEEEHHHHAAAAHHHH!!!!" Rya yelled while mustering the biggest magic attack she could. "YOU DUMB FUCKING CUNTS!!" She yelled again as a giant white mountain shot out everywhere. Rya focused all of her hate, sadness, and regret on the spell and she was going to crush these two Goddesses in front of her and nothing was going to stop her.


    "Hmph. I told you. Now look at her Nebulus. She has be an emotional mess even after doing something so nice for her," Nils said with a bored expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BBBOOOMMM!!!!* <span style="font-weight:400">Was the sound caused by multiple mountains as big as Everest smashing into the Goddesses, Nils, and Nebulus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BBBOOOMMM!!!!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CCCRRRUUUNNNNCCCCHHH!*


    The sounds of crashing mountains echoed throughout the void and it wasn''t stopping.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!" Rya screamed as she released a spell so powerful that it tore up the entire void.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The destruction was so immense that it was more powerful than a nuclear bomb.


    "You fucking took EVERYTHING FROM ME!!!" Rya yelled as she tried to summon a rock that was as big as a mountain and smashed it into the spot where the two Goddesses were.


    "I''ll fucking kill you!!" Rya shouted with tears streaming down her cheeks as she hurled the massive rock causing an explosion that engulfed the void.


    "NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" Rya yelled. She kept summoning and hurling mountain-sized rocks at the void in a desperate attempt to kill the two Goddesses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya did this again and again until she could no longer stand up. She fell to the ground sweating profusely.


    "Huff!... Huff!... Huff!" Rya was gasping for air as she looked around and saw nothing but a white void.


    "So, did you get that out of your system?" Nils said from behind Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You!" Rya growled through gritted teeth as she red at the Goddess.


    "Ahahah!... You''re lucky that we''re in your subconscious... Otherwise, your mana would have beenpletely exhausted and you would have been nothing but dust," Nils said with a smirk.


    "Why did you do this to me? You might have changed my body, but you will NOT change me mentally! NEVER! YOU HEAR ME! I''M STRAIGHT!" Rya yelled as she snapped out of her rage.


    "Haha. We didn''t change your sexual orientation, Ryan. You have a strong will to be straight. And so you are... straight... I don''t see where the problem is. Do you Nebulus?" Nils said with a giggle.


    "Nope. Ryan''s just confused," <span style="font-weight:400">Nebulus added with a giggle of her own.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t see any problem!? How did you keep me straight when you~" Rya stopped herself when the realization hit her.


    ''They changed me into a woman but kept me straight!? A STRAIGHT WOMAN! Ooohh! You cunning little cunts! I''ll prove to you that I''m still a guy! I refuse to back down on this!'' Rya thought to herself as she red at the two Goddesses with new anger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we just wanted to give you a reward for surviving the Cave Troll and defeating a Dungeon Core. So we were lucky enough to have a mental link to your ex-girlfriend. She is doing fine. She got married to someone else and has two kids now. Anyway, keep up the good work... Ryan." Nils said with a smirk.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes, yes... You''ve done well. Now you can be the perfect champion now that you said your goodbyes<span ss="aiText"> to your previous life. And you''re no longer distracted," Nebulus added.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll find a way back! You hear me! I''m not done yet!" Rya growled as she looked at the two Goddesses.<span ss="userText"> She wanted to fight them but she felt her ex<span ss="editText">haustion taking hold.


    <span ss="editText">"That''s the spirit<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. Good luck on your quest, Chosen One," Nils said with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya''s vision started to get blurry.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''DAMN IT ALL!'' Rya cursed in her mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya started to feel herself fade until she woke up in her room in the mansion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RAH! RAH! RAH!" Rya screamed while she thrashed around her bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-Miss Rya!?" There was a maid in her room. She was trying to wake her when she heard the dark elf screaming.


    <span ss="aiText">"WHERE THE FUCK AM I!? WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU!?" Rya yelled while trying to gather her surroundings.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-It''s me, Miss Rya! M-Megara, the maid," The young maid replied.


    <span ss="userText">Rya had a confus<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="userText"> look on her face until<span ss="aiText"> she recalled her memories.<span ss="editText"> Sh<span ss="aiText">e look<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> at the maid<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''s frightened expression and felt a sense of guilt for yelling at her.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"I-I''m sorry, Megara... I didn''t mean to yell at you," Rya said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''God dammit! I look like an asshole! Calm down, Ryan. Don''t let those Goddesses get the better of you.'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I''ll be fine, Miss Rya<span ss="editText">. But is there something wrong?<span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">" Megara asked with a little fear in her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Umm. N-Nothing really... I get night terrors sometimes. I''m sorry about this." Rya said quietly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Well�� If the Miss needs anything, I��ll be right outside this door.��


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maid rxed a bit as she walked out of the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya slowly sat up in bed and the sheets fell off of her. <span ss="userText">When she looked down, she saw her white undergarments holding her beautiful female body<span ss="aiText">. She took a deep breath as she <span ss="editText">refocused her resolve<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''You did not change all of me you cunts!'' Rya yelled internally while looking at the ceiling.

 Vol.1 Ch.49 A Battle With A Bra.

    Vol.1 Ch.49 A Battle With A Bra.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took some time for Rya to get her emotions in check before getting ready to clean herself up. She came out of her bedroom wearing a towel after taking a morning bath. She was so caught up in what had happened to her that she didn''t realize Dalia wasn''t in their room. Rya''s anger at the goddesses caused her topletely forget about the wolfkin and her whereabouts until now.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Where did that little wolf run off to? I hope she''s okay..." Rya mumbled to herself as she went to the wardrobe to see what clothes she could wear.


    When she opened the doors to the wardrobe all she could find was dresses. Her feminine side was delighted at seeing all the lovely clothes while her rational old self was irritated at the thought of putting on a dress.


    "God there''s nothing but dresses in here?" Rya moaned in frustration as she dug through the wardrobe trying to find something other than a dress. Luckily for her, she found some men''s clothing, way back in the cupboard. It was a little dusty, but she decided to take a gamble and try it on.


    "These are a bit big... but they should do for now," Rya muttered as she pulled out a men''s ck shirt and brown pants then she put them on. She thought everything was fine at first but a part of her didn''t like how baggy the shirt was on her. It didn''t hug her form the way she liked it. Andstly, her instincts were screaming for her to wear underwear. She tried her best to ignore these thoughts, but it was bing more difficult to disregard them as she felt her breasts bouncing freely underneath the shirt. As well as, feeling her clitoris rub against the fabric of the boxer-briefs.


    <span ss="aiText">''God damn it, why did I have to be turned into a woman!? Ugh, I guess I need to find some suitable <span ss="editText">underwear. B-But it''s only temporary! Y-Yes<span ss="aiText">, that''s right! Just until I get a new set of armor! That''s it. Yes, that''s why I have to get underwe- NO! NO, I''M STILL A MAN!<span ss="userText"> AUNGH!?'' Rya''s breasts brushed up against<span ss="aiText"> the shirt making her shudder at the sensation.


    "F-Fine! I''ll wear some stupid bra and panties! I just won''t get used to them!" Rya growled to herself as she looked for feminine underwear. She was frustrated when she conceded to her feminine instincts.


    Rya sighed after searching the entire wardrobe and found the drawer with the female undergarments. She was drawn to these purple pairs of underwear that had ckce at the top. They weren''t like the frilly bras and panties that she had seen in the shops back on Earth. No, these were the sexy ones that hugged the body in all the right ces and emphasized the breasts. The fabric was silky soft, and they were the kind that could make anyone''s skin look great.


    "Oh... Well, this will be a one-time thing. I-I''m just trying to see if they fit, that''s all. Yeah, I''ll put them on and see if they''ll work," Rya said as she took the pair of purplece underwear in her hands.


    ''It''s just underwear, Ryan. It''s not like I''m conceding to what makes me a man... I-I just need to support these stupid breasts and I don''t want any chafing with men''s underwear. I''m being practical! Y-Yeah! That''s it. I''m not conceding...'' Rya thought as she held up one pair of panties to examine them closer before putting them on.


    <div>


    <span ss="userText">Rya then removed her clothes and put on the purple panties. While she was putting them on, Rya felt a bit shy about wearing such a feminine garment but continued anyway as she slowly pulled up the purple panties until they were snug up<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> against her groin. When the fabric touched her skin, Rya couldn''t help but blush a little at the feeling. She didn''t know what it was but her lower region felt a little excited from the sensation of having her vulva covered in such a silky garment.


    <span ss="userText">She couldn''t believe howfortable the underwear<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> was. It wasn''t too tight or too loose. And she could tell they were made to perfectly fit her hips.


    ''They must be special or something. They feel so soft... M-Maybe they are enchanted or something.'' Rya thought to herself as she was trying to figure out if they were magical. Instead of disliking them, they felt just right as they hugged her private parts.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">O-Okay... I guess I should put on the bra.<span ss="aiText"> Oh,e on, Ryan! It''s just a stupid piece of clothing. Besides, my breasts will bounce and jiggle without it<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya said to herself while blushing. She was still a bit reluctant, but she picked up the matching <span ss="aiText">bra and examined it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whatever... Let''s hope I cantch the hooks on this thing..." Rya said as she tried to put on the bra.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few attempts, Rya was struggling to get the bra on properly.


    "Augh... Come on. Women have put these stupid things on all by themselves all the time. I should be able to do it!" Rya groaned as she struggled to hook the bra behind her back.


    Rya was contorting her body in different directions to reach the hook behind her. She was frustrated, and her breasts were bouncing about wildly. She didn''t know how women could deal with the awkwardness and difficulty of putting on bras. She tried and tried again, but her boobs wouldn''t stop bouncing and swinging everywhere.


    <span ss="editText">"Nnngh! This is impossible! How do women do this by themselves!" Rya shouted in frustration as her hands were behind her back pulling the straps cl<span ss="userText">oser which caused her breasts to be<span ss="aiText"> pushed together even more.<span ss="editText"> Her boobs looked bigger now<span ss="aiText"> as she continued her struggle<span ss="editText"> totch the hooks<span ss="aiText">.


    "Come on! Come on! Almost there... almost got it..." Rya whispered.


    The Dark Elf was about to give up until she heard a knock on the door.


    "Pfff... Fuck me..." Rya mumbled as she gave up ontching the bra, " Um... C-Come in," Rya yelled out as she covered herself with the towel.


    The door opened violently as a wolfkin with a smug look on her face, came marching in proudly with her head held high.


    <span ss="userText">"Morning, Alpha!" Dalia said<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> loudly.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya turned her head and looked at the wolfkin who was acting a bit odd.


    "Dalia!? Where were you? I was beginning to worry about you since I didn''t see you in our room!" Rya stated with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, I took your advice and got marked by my mate," Dalia said happily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? You got marked?...." Rya asked before she started to sniff the air and could smell the sex permeating off of Dalia.


    ''Gah!? Damn! She must have gotten fucked all night,'' Rya thought as she scrunched up her nose.


    "Yup! My Alpha told me to mark my mate! And I DID! He was so amazing that I let him mark me as well! You''re right about human males, Alpha. They are so much more openpared to beastkins. Oh, and his stamina is AMAZING! He was fucking me all night! Ahaha! And he marked the inside of me, a LOT!" Daliaughed loudly with pride.


    "W-What!? Aren''t you moving a little fast?" Rya shouted in bewilderment.


    <span ss="userText">Rya would have been happy for<span ss="aiText"> the wolfkin but <span ss="editText">she didn''t expect<span ss="aiText"> Dalia to fuck a guy the day they met.<span ss="editText"> It seemed too<span ss="aiText"> fast for a person<span ss="editText"> to jump right into<span ss="aiText"> a <span ss="editText">sexual<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> rtionship. But she guessed the difference between human and beastkin was quite significant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! There aren''t that many males that are timid and aggressive at the same time. So, I don''t see a reason to wait." Dalia said confidently.


    ''Well... She''s honest and straightforward. I guess that''s her way of life.'' Rya thought as she nodded her head in agreement.


    "O-Okay, if you and Percy are fine with it, who am I to get in the way? I''m happy for you Dalia. Just don''t go overboard, alright?" Rya said trying to sound happy for her but she was still fighting her anger towards the goddesses.


    <span>Rya wished she knew how to get back at them and became lost in thought. While the dark elf was thinking about the Goddesses, Dalia walked over to her and tapped Rya on the shoulder.


    <span>''H-Hey? What the hell?'' Rya thought to herself as she snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Dalia who was looking at her.


    <span>The wolfkin smiled and stretched her arms out looking like she wanted a hug. "You''re the best Alpha!" Dalia said with a huge grin as she jumped at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Wait! Dalia! TAKE A BATH FIRST!" Rya panicked while trying to keep her distance from the pursuing wolfkin who nearly got her.


    <span>"A!? Alpha, doesn''t want a hug? Just because she doesn''t want to get dirt all over her clothes?" Dalia teased as she prepared to hug Rya again.


    <span>Rya had to think quickly before she made another attempt, "NO! No, I''m not afraid of getting dirty. I just don''t want to be mistaken as Percy''s mate. Or are you trying to force me as his mate?"


    <span>Dalia halted and her ears started twitching while panic was written on her face. "AH! I can''t believe I almost did that! My little wolf is mine and mine only! I''m sorry Alpha!" Dalia said as she ran away from Rya and went to the bath. Making sure her mate''s scent didn��t rub on anything else that could somehow rub onto another human by ident.


    <span>''Well, at least she''s loyal to her mate...'' Rya thought as she breathed a sigh of relief and was d that nothing bad happened between the two. She didn''t want Dalia''s stink to linger on her, now that her elven nose could smell things way more clearly.


    <span>"Now I need to get this stupid bra on," Rya said to herself as she looked at the bra sitting on the dresser.


    <span ss="aiText">''I can''t believe I''m actually doing this... <span ss="editText">Bu<span ss="aiText">t I''m a man <span ss="editText">in spirit! And no stupid piece of fabric is going to make a fool out<span ss="aiText"> of me!'' Rya thought as she grabbed the bra and <span ss="editText">looked at it as if it was a <span ss="userText">Rubik''s Cube. She flipped it upside down to get a better look at the hooks<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, "How the hell do women put this thing on!?"


    <span>''The hooks andtch are so small, why the hell are they so small? It looks impossible to attach! Who thought this was a good idea!?'' Rya thought to herself as she tried to figure out how to attach the hooks.


    <span>Rya then remembered that the Maid, Miss Megara, told Rya that she would be waiting outside the door to their room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Maybe she can help.'' Rya thought to herself as she walked to the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maid was surprised when she saw Rya poking her head out of the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Umm... C-Can I ask for your assistance? I need a little help?" Rya asked the Maid with a nervous tone to her voice.


    <span>"Y-Yes Miss Rya!" Miss Megara replied nervously. She was still notfortable being around Rya after her night terror episode, which happened a couple of hours ago. But she was a professional and would do whatever was asked of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya then backed away from the door so the maid coulde in.


    <span>"Sorry, I didn''t mean to scare you. I just wanted to know if you could lend a hand and help me with my bra?" Rya asked as she pointed her right hand towards the bra.


    <span>"O-Oh! You''re having trouble, Miss Rya? Do Dark Elves prefer not to wear undergarments?" the maid asked with a hint of curiosity.


    <span>"No, we do! B-But the problem is I-I had a growth spurt in m-my chest and I''m not used to bras yet?" Rya said as she blushed and turned away embarrassed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! I see. Well, I''ll show you my Miss. Here let me take that from you first," the maid said as she held Rya''s bra in front of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you," Rya said as she took the bra from her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She then began to put the straps through her arms and moved around to Rya''s back so she could hook them in the right ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was very grateful for the help as she still wasn''t used to wearing bras.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s pretty easy, now all you have to do is to just tighten the strap a bit more so it will befortable for you."


    <span ss="editText">And as if it was like magic, the bra supported her big breasts with ease when the cups<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> were tightened. Rya was amazed and looked at her new boobs in the mirror. She was speechless at how much her new assets had grown. They were so round, bouncy, and jiggly, and they felt just as good or better than her panties.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I think I can get used to this?'' Rya thought to herself as she looked at the maid.


    <span ss="aiText">"So... How is it?" Miss Megara asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s... surprisinglyfortable," Rya admitted as she felt the weight of her breasts being lifted by the bra.


    <span ss="aiText">Miss Megara smiled<span ss="editText">, "Is there anything else<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> you need, Miss?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No, that should be all. Thank you," Rya answered with a smile.


    <span>"It was no problem at all, Miss Rya." the maid replied with a blush. "I must say I''ve never seen a woman so blessed in the chest department before. Your bosoms are perfect!"


    <span>"Really? T-Thank you. I think?" Rya said nervously as she tried to hide her embarrassment.


    <span>''Yeah, these were created by my foul Goddesses!... However, I have to admit, they do know how to create a gorgeous body... But I hate that I can��t get turned on by I look at myself! It''s frustrating!''


    <span>"You''re wee! Now if you excuse me, Miss... I''ll be back at my post if you need anything else," Megara said as she left the room.


    <span>Rya then closed the door and sighed in relief. "Well, time to get the rest of my stuff on."


    <span>Rya quickly went to her dresser and grabbed the men''s clothing she selected earlier. She put on the dark shirt first and then the pants. They didn''t fit well and felt a bit off but she paid it no mind. Then she grabbed her old dark elven boots and slid them on. Lastly, she put on her belt and grabbed her sword and shield.


    <span>Rya then walked over to her bed and looked down at the other bras. ''Maybe I should bring some with me, for the road? Just in case...'' Rya thought to herself while stretching out her hand.


    <span ss="editText">She grabbed a few of the bras and stuffed them into her bag before Dalia came out of the bathroom. She cleaned off the smell of sex, that she enjoyedst night.<span ss="userText"> Rya was<span ss="aiText"> surprised <span ss="editText">that Dalia cleaned herself<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, despite her strong preference to be covered in the stench of sex.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, I''m almost done. How long will it take for you to get ready for the trip?" Rya replied as she grabbed her backpack.


    <span>Dalia smiled and threw her towel to the ground. "Okay, I''m ready, Alpha!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at the naked wolfkin and then back into her eyes, "Dalia! You''re not going to walk around naked!"


    <span>"Why not? I''ve been marked by my little wolf? So I should be good?" Dalia replied with a confused expression.


    <span>"Jeez! Firstly, humans can''t smell like we can. Hell, I can''t smell half of what you can, and no one can tell that you''re marked. So, put on clothes... Now!... I don''t care how small they are but you''re going to put something on. Got it?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia nodded with a sad look and slipped on her underwear, a mini dress, and skimpy shorts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright I''ll get the rest of my things together and meet you outside," Rya said while heading to the door.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia pouted as she left<span ss="aiText"> the room, "This is bullshit! I can''t go anywhere without my mate''s smell on me! <span ss="editText">And I have to wear this silly<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> thing. Stupid clothes." Daliained angrily and stomped down the hall like a child.

 Vol.1 Ch.50 A Heart to Heart.

    Vol.1 Ch.50 A Heart to Heart.


    Rya shook her head as she heard the pouting Wolfkin from behind her. Once she reached the corner of the hallway, Rya could hear Dalia rushing to catch up to her.


    "Hey! Wait up Alpha!"


    The dark elf then turned to see the wolfkin running out of the room to catch up to her.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh thank, God... She''s wearing clothes... But why is she worried? She''s acting like I''m going to leave her behind or something.'' Rya thought<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">to herself as she looked at Dalia.


    "I''m not leaving you behind, Dalia. I just want to meet up with Quin and see when we''re departing?"


    Dalia smiled and nodded when she walked alongside Rya. "I understand, Alpha. Don''t worry about me. But I couldn''t help but notice that you seemed... Angry? Mad? Was there something that happened?"


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? She notice that? I thought she was so smug about having sex with Percy to<span ss="aiText">notice that I<span ss="editText"> was<span ss="aiText"> angry.<span ss="editText">.. Damn, Dalia''s sharper<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> than she looks... Not only is she a good fighter but she''s smart as well.'' Rya thought as the two continued their walk through the hallways.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah! Yeah, I had a visit from the Goddesses that brought me to Tertius. And let''s just say that they''re on my shit list right now." Rya said with a frown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia tilted her head and crossed her arms over her chest. "What did they do?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t want to talk about it. Let''s just say that I''m not a fan of their methods." Rya said with a grimace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia furrowed her brow. "Fine but I''m curious. So, tell me if you need to talk."


    "Thanks, Dalia. I''m d I saved you. You''re turning into someone I can rely on," Rya said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia smiled back and nodded. "Me too. So, do you know where Beta is?"


    Rya stopped walking down the hall because she realized she had no clue where she was going. As she looked around, Rya noticed a few of the servants staring at them with a concerned look in their eyes. Or was it fear? It seems most of the humans wanted to keep their distance from the Dark Elf and Wolfkin.


    <span ss="userText">''Damn...<span ss="aiText"> It feels awkward walking around with people avoiding me like this...'' Rya thought to herself as she stood motionless.


    <span ss="editText">Rya noticed Dalia look<span ss="editText">ing at the servants a<span ss="editText">s well but she had<span ss="aiText"> a grin on her face<span ss="editText">. I<span ss="undoDeletionText">t<span ss="aiText"> was li<span ss="editText">ke she enjoyed<span ss="aiText"> the fearful stares she was receiving.


    <span ss="aiText">''That''s strange... Does she get a kick out of this or something?... She seems happy but, I can''t figure out why.<span ss="editText">''


    <span ss="editText">"Why are you grinning<span ss="aiText"> like an idiot, Dalia?" Rya asked curiously.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, I can''t help it, Alpha. It''s not every day you get <span ss="editText">the respect of everyone<span ss="aiText"> around you," Dalia answered proudly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmph! Respect!? I don''t know about you, Dalia, but these people are terrified of us," Rya retorted while rolling her eyes.


    <span ss="userText">"Isn''t that the same thing?" Dalia asked as she tilted her head<span ss="aiText"> to the side.


    "Uhh... No, it''s not the same. There''s a huge difference between respect and fear. But I have no clue where I am going... I guess I''ll ask one of them for directions," Rya replied while pointing toward the servant who flinched when the dark elf zeroed in on her.


    The rest of the servants in the hallway quickly got out of there before the dark elfdecided to ask any of them for directions. That only left the servant woman in a pink dress and an apron whom Rya pointed at.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Alright, go ahead, Alpha. I''m sure they''ll be more than happy to help," Dalia replied as she smiled again.


    <span ss="userText">Rya sighed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and walked towards the servant, "Hey... Sorry to bother you, but do you know where Prince Quinus is?"


    <span ss="userText">The servant woman was surprised when the dark elf approached her. She tried to keep a brave face but when Rya finished her question<span ss="aiText">, the servant''s courage faltered and <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> ran away in fright<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Goddess save me!"<span ss="aiText"> the servant cried out as she ran.


    <span ss="userText">Rya was dumbfounded as she watched the serv<span ss="editText">a<span ss="userText">nt clumsily<span ss="aiText"> run away, <span ss="editText">b<span ss="aiText">um<span ss="editText">ping<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> into things along the way.


    "I think we scared her?... Should I go after her and bring her back?" Dalia asks Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shakes her head. "No, it''s not worth it... Hey Dalia, can you find Quin''s scent?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia nodded then closed her eyes. The wolfkin started sniffing the air as she tried to pick up the faint traces of the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few minutes, Dalia opened her eyes and then turned to Rya. "Picked up his scent. He''s this way, follow me," Dalia says with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled. "Thanks, Dalia. I owe you one."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia nodded and then closed her eyes again while sniffing the air. The wolfkin started walking down the hallway with Rya following behind her.


    ***


    It took several minutes for the two women to reach the living room where Quinus was with Sir George.


    <span ss="editText">When the two women enter the room Quinus and Sir George both turn to look at Rya and Dalia with a surprised look. They thought the twodies would have wanted to sleep in after their long travel<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you''re up early? How was your sleep?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya grunted and then rubbed her temples. "It could have been better."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Did someone bother you? Is that why you''re here so early?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shook her head. "No, I just had some bad dreams. I feel like I''ve been having nightmares every single night. It''s getting really annoying."


    <span ss="editText">Quinus frowns and he wraps an arm around her shoulder. "Are you okay?" He whispered<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> in her ear.


    <span ss="editText">''MMmmh? Q-Quin? Agh... I-I know I have the body of a woman. But I''m still a man. I need to get some distance from him?'' Rya thought to herself as she summoned her willpower<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya backed up and shook her head. "Thanks for worrying about me, Quin. But, I''m fine, really.<span ss="editText"> Just a little tired. Thest few days have been pretty rough," she lied.


    Quinus <span ss="editText">has s<span ss="editText">ome worry written in his eyes but doesn''t question her and gives Rya he<span ss="editText">r s<span ss="editText">pace. The dark elf noticed his troubled look and it made her heart sink<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. She didn''t mean to hurt him, but she needed time to clear her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why did I look into his eyes!? He''s like a sad puppy! I can''t act like an ungrateful bitch to him.'' Rya thought to herself.


    "Quin, I need to tell you something in private... If you''re free that is?" Rya asked while looking down and to the side. She was not trying to make eye contact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Ah! Yes! We can chat over here. Sir George, Lady Dalia, would you two mind waiting outside for a moment?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George nodded and left the room with Dalia.


    ''God! Okay, you can''t tell him everything. Just tell him enough to know that this is not his fault and I still want him around. BUT NOT IN THAT WAY! He''s just a very good friend. One of the few I can trust... A friend who''s amazing at using his tongue on my~'' Rya shakes her head fiercely to try and stop these strange thoughts of Quinus going down on her from entering her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"R-Rya? Are you okay?" Quinus asked worriedly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya put her hands over her face. "I don''t know anymore!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, hey. Come over here and sit down." Quinus said and then pulled her over to a couch.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry Quin. If I tell you something, will you keep it a secret?" Rya asked while sitting next to him.


    Quinus looks at her with a questioning look but nods his head.


    "No matter how much it hurts, I''ll keep it a secret... I promise," Quinus tells her while cing his hand atop her head.


    Rya could feel her whole body rx when she felt his warm touch on her scalp.


    ''NO! MY KRYPTONITE!'' Rya screams in her mind but knows there''s no stopping the inevitable but she must resist even though she doesn''t want to.


    "Q-Quin. T-These bad dreams? These nightmares I''ve been having, are caused by my Goddesses," Rya struggles to speak with the mighty hand that soothes her soul.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus frowns as he takes his hand off her head. "What do you mean?"


    <span ss="editText">Rya was relieved<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> that Quinus removed his hand but also felt the urge to scream ''MORE PLEASE!''.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh! They''re teasing and tormenting me. And I don''t know if what I''m bing is something of my choosing or theirs," Rya says to him nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looks at her with an understanding look. "So, you need to find yourself?"


    <span ss="editText">"Y-Yes! I need some time to figure out my new path in life before I can trust myself," Rya says and starts to panic<span ss="aiText"> when she realizes what she just said.<span ss="editText"> The possibility of not returning to Earth was al<span ss="aiText">wa<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">in the back of her mind, but once she<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> said those words, it became more real.


    The prince looks at her with a sad gaze before asking, "So, you need to depart from us? That''s why you''re dressed in your adventure clothing instead of a fine dress?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO! No no! I''m not leaving you guys. No." Rya quickly says and shakes her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiles at her and then ces his hand on hers. "So, you''re not leaving us? Then take all the time you need, Rya."


    <span ss="editText">The dark elf was surprised that<span ss="aiText"> Quinus <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">as<span ss="editText"> going to give her the space she needed. He was so close to her that she didn''t think he would<span ss="aiText"> understand, but she was wrong.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re not upset with me, Quin?" Rya asks hesitantly.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not going to hold you hostage, Rya. You have your own dreams and desires, I understand that. And <span ss="editText">I''m here to help... I''m fond of<span ss="aiText"> you<span ss="editText"> a<span ss="aiText">nd I<span ss="editText"> don''t wish to see you leave<span ss="aiText">, but I won''t force you to stay," Quinus says<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> softly.


    Whatever fear or worry Rya had started melting away with those words. She was beginning to feel at peace with Quin by her side. She thought it was true friendship and nothing more, but deep down inside she had a small me growing for him, that she was unaware of.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Quin. This means a lot to me." Rya says and blushes.


    <span ss="editText">"It''s nothing Rya. Let''s get some breakfast before we depart for Ironside." Quinus said and offered a hand to help her up. She looked at his strong hand and <span ss="userText">hesitated at first.


    <span ss="userText">''Fine. Just this once.'' Rya thinks to herself. She grabs his hand and gets up<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> bef<span ss="userText">ore <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">they leave the room.

 Vol.1 Ch.51 Heading East.

    Vol.1 Ch.51 Heading East.


    <span ss="editText">Upon leaving the room, Dalia and Sir George stood guard outside the door. They seemed to be waiting for the two with eagerness. Quinus spoke first to his retainer.


    <span ss="userText">"We''re heading to the dining room to eat something before heading out. Sir George, how much more time do we need before<span ss="aiText"> we can depart for Ironside?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="editText">Sir George looked at Rya and then at Quinus<span ss="aiText">. "Well, <span ss="editText">the captain of the Rangers said everything is ready to go now, My Lord. Marko Aitken has given the Knights horses from <span ss="editText">the<span ss="aiText"> stables <span ss="editText">and he''s giving us a carriage with enough<span ss="aiText"> room for <span ss="editText">all of us. P<span ss="aiText">er<span ss="editText">c<span ss="aiText">y <span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">g<span ss="aiText">at<span ss="editText">hering enough supplies for our week''s journey ahead<span ss="aiText"> and will meet us at the stables shortly. So, whenever everyone is ready, we can depart, My Lord," Sir George exined<span ss="editText"> with a troubled <span ss="editText">look<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very good.<span ss="editText">.. But what''s the matter, George?" Quinus asked<span ss="editText"> concerned.


    <span ss="editText">Sir George<span ss="aiText"> looked down and then up at Quinus. "I <span ss="editText">don''t know how to say this, but Percy seems to be walking around with a bit of a limp. <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">I don''t recall him<span ss="aiText"> injur<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ing<span ss="aiText"> himself during the <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">fightst night and I told him to rest up, but he kept insisting that he was fine. Maybe he just needs to stretch a little more?"


    Rya looked at Dalia, knowing that the wolfkin was knocking boots with him during the night. She wagged her tail happily, and said, "The little wolf is fine. I''ll make sure he''ll be in shape for the trip."


    <span ss="userText">Dalia<span ss="aiText"> smil<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> as she turned to look at <span ss="editText">Rya and gave her a nod which made Sir George more confused<span ss="aiText"> than ever.<span ss="editText"> He didn''t know what the wolfkin meant<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, but he didn''t want to ask either.


    <span ss="userText">"When did Lady Dalia start calling him ''little wolf''?" George said to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why don''t you twoe with me and Rya to the dining room? We can discuss the details of our journey while eating breakfast." Quinus said to Sir George and Dalia.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia jumps up excited<span ss="editText">l<span ss="undoDeletionText">y<span ss="userText">. "I haven''t eaten anything yet. My stomach is rumbling like crazy!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, I could use a bit of food, my lord." Sir George said.


    <span ss="editText">So the group made their way towards<span ss="aiText"> the dining room. Rya followed closely behind Quinus, watching his back.


    <span ss="aiText">''Hmmm... Quin is a nice guy and he''s kind of cute, but I don''t want a rtionship. Besides, he<span ss="editText"> would freak out if he knew I was a dude<span ss="aiText">,'' Rya thought to herself as she observed her friends.


    Dalia walked along<span ss="editText">side R<span ss="editText">ya and whispered,<span ss="userText"> "Is everything okay, Alpha? Do you need anything from me?"


    <span ss="aiText">The dark elf looked at the wolfkin and smiled. <span ss="editText">She was touched by<span ss="aiText"> Dalia''s concern for her well-being.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, I''m fine, Dalia. Thank you." Rya answered quietly.<span ss="editText"> "Let''s go get something to eat, and then we can head out," the Dark Elf said and the group continued walking towards the dining room.


    ***


    <span style="font-weight:400">They made their way to the dining room where they found Mr. Aitken and Percy were already sitting at the long dining room table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! Good morning,dies and gentlemen! Breakfast is served!" Mr. Aitken said with a nervous smile.


    Quinus looked at Marko with an unamused gaze and sat down at the head of the table. "Mr. Aitken... I hope no one has been thinking about betraying me overst night. It would be a shame to have Kishin lose a second Mayor in two days," Quinus threatened with a cold voice.


    Marko''s smile disappeared and he gulped audibly, "I-I would never, Your Highness... I''ve given all the information about the traitors to the Captain of the Rangers. He and his men worked overnight to rid the town of them. As we speak, they''re being interrogated at the dungeon... I''m d you and your party are unharmed afterst night''s events."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus sighed and took a bite out of his bread, "That''s good... How many have been captured?"


    <span ss="aiText">"10 were apprehended, and 4 are dead. All were <span ss="editText">loyal to your uncle<span ss="aiText">, my prince."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus nodded and continued to eat, "Alright. Well, thank you for the information. <span ss="editText">You may do as you please.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Marko stood up from the table and bowed, "Thank you, Your Highness. If you need anything, you can call on me. Enjoy your breakfast and farewell, Your Highness."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="editText">held his hand up and motioned for him to sit at the table<span ss="aiText">. "Before you go, sit back down. Please join us for breakfast."


    <span ss="aiText">Marko froze for a moment but quickly regained hisposure. He then bowed to the prince again.


    <span ss="aiText">"T-Thank you, Your Highness! I would love to!"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus watched as Mr. Aitken sat back down and began to eat<span ss="editText"> before he went back<span ss="aiText"> to his own te.<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> While that <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">was <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">going on Dalia was giving Percy a staredown.


    Dalia noticed Percy had two tes of food in front of him. One filled with all types of meat, that caused her to drool. She thought he was saving it for himself and she felt jealous.


    "<span ss="editText">Little wolf<span ss="editText">? You took all the meat!? How cou<span ss="editText">ld <span ss="editText">you after everything I''ve done for you," Dalia asks, ring at him.


    Percy is surprised by Dalia''s statement and responds, "What? No. This te is for you Lady Dalia. And this one is for me. I didn''t know what you liked so I grabbed a bit of everything."


    Dalia quickly did a 180 from ring at him and smiled as she grabbed the te with all the meat and sat on Percy''s Lap. "Hehe! My little wolf is the best! I knew you''d take care of me. And you knew what meats I like best!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Nom, nom, nom, nom!*


    <span ss="userText">The wolfkin<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> dug into the te of meats like a starving animal, which made Percy worry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"L-Lady Dalia!? Please, chew your food! You might choke yourself. Here let me cut those for you." Percy says with a serious face while he starts cutting the food for Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. My little wolf is worried about me. If you keep pampering me, I''ll never leave you. Hehe~" Dalia giggled and kissed Percy on the cheek.


    <span ss="userText">Sir George looked at Percy with an awkward expression. You could pra<span ss="editText">ctica<span ss="editText">lly <span ss="userText">see the question marks<span ss="aiText">above his head.


    <span ss="aiText">''Why does she keep calling him little wolf?<span ss="editText"> And why is Percy cutting her food? And Why is she kissing his cheek<span ss="aiText">?''


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">It took a w<span ss="aiText">hile <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">for <span ss="aiText">Sir George <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">to finally ask a question, "Percy? Why is Lady Dalia sitting on yourp?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy gets a little embarrassed and says, "She uh... I mean, she''s my~"


    "He''s my mate! I marked him," Dalia proudly announced before taking another bite of her food.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-Mate? Her!?" Sir George eximed in disbelief.


    "Yep!... I love him so much that I let him mark me," Dalia said with a big smile and wagged her tail.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But... But did he use any of my techniques?... He had to! Right Percy!? " Sir George asked in desperation.


    <span ss="userText">The older teen looked at the old man in <span ss="editText">irritation. The "Love" techniques<span ss="userText"> he learned from the knight had ruined his chance at getting his first love, Bell, and he wasn''t going to scare his new love away<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> like he did with the other girls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Dalia came to me. And I''m never using your techniques again, love sage!" Percy looked at Sir George with a stern look on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You dare question my metho~" Quinus cut off Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George! Cool it. You need to stop getting jealous when every one of your friends gets a woman. Now let''s eat and get back to business," Quinus said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-Sorry my lord, I lost myself in the moment." Sir George said to Quinus while taking a bite of his bacon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After breakfast, Quinus looked to Mr. Aitken and asked, "Would it be possible to impersonate Tomas, so my uncle isn''t on to us Mr. Aitken?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Of course, My Lord! It will be done!" Mr. Aitken replied with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus nodded and told him, "Good. Now once we''ve cleared out all the traitors in Kishin, I want you to meet up with Sir Menns, Captain of the 5th Rangers, and meet up with Sir Beck, Captain of the Western Knights. Since Sir Menns and his men have been rounding up all the city guards who are loyal to my Uncle, we should continue<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">wipe ou<span ss="aiText">t <span ss="editText">h<span ss="aiText">is influence<span ss="editText">in the surrounding<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> viges. I need you to find the other sympathizers who are currently in the vige and round them up. We can''t have any spies leaking the news about his son''s death. I''m tired of Uncle''s games and it''s only fair to weaken his influence inside the Galfrei Domain, with Sir Beck''s help. Sir Menns told me that the Western Knights would be gathered in the vige barracks by noon. You must bring anyone you find to him. He''ll keep them imprisoned there until we''ve dealt with my uncle."


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes<span ss="editText">... As you wish, <span ss="aiText">My Lord!" Mr. Aitken replies <span ss="editText">with sweat forming on his forehead


    <span ss="userText">"That is all... Mayor Aitken<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said and turned to look at <span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText"> and the others. "Now, everyone, it''s time we go to Ironside<span ss="editText">. Gather anything<span ss="aiText"> you might need before we head out."


    ''Damn! The shit is getting real! Well, I guess that''s just how cutthroat it is during a feudal era?'' Rya thinks to herself while eating her food.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aye, my lord," <span ss="editText">Sir George<span ss="aiText"> said and left the table.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia finished her food and stood up, "Alright! I''m ready, <span ss="editText">Bet<span ss="aiText">a!"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Beta?"<span ss="aiText"> Quinus asks with a curious gaze.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yeah! You''re Alpha owns you right?<span ss="aiText"> Then that makes <span ss="editText">you<span ss="aiText"> Beta," Dalia said cheerfully.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus blinked twice and looked at Rya, "<span ss="editText">Well? We are still figuring things out<span ss="aiText">, but she''s mypanion."


    <span ss="editText">Rya blushed<span ss="aiText"> and scratched her cheek. "Y-yeah..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmph. <span ss="editText">Alpha... Once you get the chance, make him your mate<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. You''ll feel a lot better when you do," Dalia says with a wink.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya looked away embarrassed and Quinus'' cheeks became rosy.


    ''W-We''re just friends!... What the fuck did I get myself into?'' Rya thought while shaking her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    After a few hours, the group goes to the foyer of the mayor''s mansion where there are horses and a carriage that looks like it could hold six people, waiting for them.


    "Well, that''s an extravagant-looking carriage," Rya says while walking towards it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I was hoping for something a little less conspicuous. But This is the only one we can find that isn''t a farm cart." Quinus replies while trying to hide his disappointment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Will it be a problem to use the mayor''s carriage? We don''t want anyone to know we''re here, right?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I just hope the ck Rose Mercenaries aren''t here. Thest thing we need is them going crazy over us showing up to Ironside." Quinus says while thinking of what to do if they were to run into an ambush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That traitorous dog will be too afraid to show his face in front of our lord." Sir George adds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I doubt he would have had time to send out a warning to the mercenaries already. Besides, we''re going to take care of them." Percy said with confidence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it''s better to be safe than sorry Percy," Rya says with a small smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I would agree with Rya. Anyway, are we all packed up?" Quinus asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye. All of our stuff is loaded on the coach." Sir George says while opening the door for Rya, Quinus, Dalia, and Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who''s the driver?" Rya asks, confused.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"One of the Knights we met up with after exiting thebyrinth. His name is Sir John." Quinus answers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s someone we can trust?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. He''s a veteran of the Fiafyr Kingdom and has a good reputation." Quinus says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then let''s go," Rya tells everyone as she finds a seat inside the carriage followed by Dalia, then Quinus, and Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George closes the door and rides up front with the driver.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are we all set, Sir George?" John asked while George got seated next to him.


    "Yes, we are ready to go, John," George answered.


    "Alright let''s head east. We should reach the city of Ironside sometime within a week. You keep an eye out for the ck Rose." Sir John instructs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t have to tell me twice," George responds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hyah!" Sir John takes the reins and pulls the coach forward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The carriage starts down the road with Sir George and John riding up in front while the others rest inside the coach as they begin their long journey to Ironside.

 Vol.1 Ch.52 Being Watched by the Goddesses.

    Vol.1 Ch.52 Being Watched by the Goddesses.


    While the carriage continued carrying the group eastward towards the city of Ironside. Two entities were observing them from high up in the clouds. They were the two goddesses, Nils and Nebulus, also known as the Twins of Mournhold, who were second-generation Dark Elven Gods of Tertius. And they were having fun watching their "Chosen One" struggling through her journey to survive while at the same time, fighting to keep her old identity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Did you see that? Her eyes can''t stop looking at the prince." Nils giggles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I do say sister, you found yourself a good ''Chosen One''. She hassted the longest out of all of our others." Nebulus says with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, usually the others would have given up and lost their life in some way or another," Nils says with an amused smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How long do you think she��ll make it?" Nebulus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know. But I''m enjoying the ride, while itsts." Nils says with a grin.


    They both watched Ryan as she sat in the carriage trying to avoid eye contact with Quinus and blushing like crazy when he would lock eyes with hers. It took all of Ryan''s willpower just to break away from Quin''s golden eyes and it was making her look ridiculous in front of the prince. The twins burst intoughter again at Ryan''s futile actions.


    <span ss="aiText">"I hope you''llst a lot longer than our previous Chosen Ones<span ss="editText"> because I haven''t been this amused<span ss="aiText"> for a very long time,<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText"> Nils says in betweenughs.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Indeed, she is an entertaining one. I''m looking forward to seeing how this little game will y out." Nebulus agreed.


    The Twins of Mournhold continued tough for quite some time until they felt the presence of another God, or should we say another goddess of the kingdom of Fiafyr.


    She was known as the Goddess of Natural Bnce and goes by the name, Iyomelka. She has many followers who worship her in a variety of ways but she prefers to stay out of her mortals'' lives so they can make decisions on their own. This is one of the main reasons why the Kingdom of Fiafyr is one of the strongest human Kingdoms in all of Tertius.


    Some say she is a goddess of life and death, while others believe she is a god of knowledge, wisdom, or magic. The holy clerics have a hard time deciphering her intentions as she doesn��t speak to them. But she lets her presence be known in little ways. Like the birth of Quinus from the infertile Queen Rianna or when Rianna first came to the Kingdom''s Church and kneeled before her idol which glowed for the first time in a hundred years.


    Nils had an unamused look on her face while watching her "Chosen One" and said, "I thought you hated being involved with mortals."


    "You always mistake guidance for entertainment, Nils. I let my people live their lives as they see fit, for the most part, but do you think I hate them? No, Nils... I don''t hate my creations, I want them to flourish as most Gods would. But you two always loved teasing yours! I don''t know how you haven''t been exiled off of Tertius. Someday, the fates won''t be so forgiving," The human goddess replied with annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nebulus chuckled at the remark and said, "If we wanted to be chastised, Iyomelka. We would go to our mother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? You two have cut yourselves off from the other gods for so long that you haven''t realized what''s happened to her." Iyomelka replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This caught the curiosity of the twins as they looked at the first-generation goddess in the distance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What happened to her?" Nebulus asked with a raised brow.


    "Her people have been eradicated and have been exiled by Baphomet the Demon God and Lynnic the High Elf God. You two are thest of the Dark Elven Gods," Iyomelka replied with a straight face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nils and Nebulus kept their cool. "S-So we are the only ones left now?" Nils asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, the Dark Elves will go the way of the Halflings soon, and you have five Gods that are telling their people to hunt down thest of the Dark Elves so they can find you two and exile you out to the void of chaos with the other dead gods," Iyomelka answered.


    "I have to ask... Are you one of the five, Iyomelka?" Nebulus asked with clenched fists.


    "Of course not. I''m only telling you this as a courtesy to yourte mother. She was one of the few friends I made when we all created our people on Tertius." Iyomelka exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you came here to gloat? Is that it?" Nils questioned.


    <span ss="editText">Iyomelka shook her head, "Such disappointments. You''ve been given golden opportunities with having a Demi-god being born right under your nose. What''s her name? Yoona, I believe?... And she is the only reason your people haven''t been wiped off the face of Tertius and she''s losing faith in you two. On top of that, the fates have smiled upon you after getting a chosen one who''s kept their sanity after using the full body summoned method! Do you know how many summoned have taken their own lives once they''ve been removed from their home!? Not only has she<span ss="aiText"> survived, but she''s also been keeping herself sane enough to not have gone mad from the shock! She''s been doing the impossible. Yet, you two have done nothing with it<span ss="editText"> but actively try to sabotage her with unreasonable demands!?... It''s you who deserve to be exiled, not your mother!"<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the human Goddess eximed.


    <span ss="editText">This was one of the main reasons Gods chose the soul method over the body method for their ��Chosen Ones�� because they would ept the new world they''ve been brought to once they''ve experienced their own death in their old world. Given a second chance at life<span ss="aiText"> and are eager to find a purpose in the new world they have been given. But <span ss="editText">the<span ss="aiText"> few <span ss="editText">Gods that <span ss="aiText">have chosen the body method have <span ss="editText">always struggled with keeping t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">r <span ss="editText">Summons from<span ss="aiText"> going insane<span ss="editText"> after fighting their new reality<span ss="aiText">. It takes a certain amount of mental strength to withstand the shock and trauma that the body method brings to its victims. And <span ss="editText">it usually ends with them falling into despair. Which mostly resulted in themmitting suicide or<span ss="aiText"> being killed by the very people <span ss="editText">who<span ss="aiText"> brought them there.<span ss="userText"> The twins'' chosen one was a mira<span ss="editText">c<span ss="userText">le<span ss="aiText"> in itself as she had done the impossible and managed to keep her sanity<span ss="editText">. But she was st<span ss="aiText">il<span ss="editText">l<span ss="aiText"> fighting her new reality<span ss="editText"> after the mind stunt they pulled. If they didn''t do anything she would have epted her new self in time<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Twins of Mournhold started to feel dread for the first time in their existence, upon realizing that they didn''t have the protection of their mother or other Dark Elven Gods as they had before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Iyomelka continued, "I probably wouldn''t have said anything if it wasn''t for your Summoned saving my Summoned��s life in the Labyrinth. And he also has taken a liking to her. So I''ll give you two a chance. Stop fucking around with your Summoned''s mind. She''s a straight woman and she was going to ept it sooner until you two pulled that stupid stunt with mind linking to his old lover that he can''t go back to.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��You��re putting her in peril for the future because of it and I pray she survives it so my Summoned can bond with her. In all my years I have never seen the offspring of two Summoneds. But I have a feeling that won''t happen now... She will die because of your interference, Yoona will forsake you for all your failed Chosen Ones and then you two will be banished off of Tertius... I am done entertaining you two."


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that Iyomelka disappeared leaving Nils and Nebulus to digest everything she just said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nils, should I make Rya my Chosen One so I can give her my gift of space-time magic?" Nebulus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-We can''t risk it. She might die if we overload her... We might have fucked up this time, Nebulus... What if she dies on us?" Nils asked nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-If that happens, we''ll be in big trouble. But we still need to tell her about this! Can you reach her or show up in her dreams?" Nebulus asked.


    <span>"I used up too much of my primordial essence to contact her. I think I''ll need a month to get enough to do it again." Nils says in a worried tone.


    <span>"A month!? I could have sent a message to her if I didn''t use up most of my essence! DAMN IT NILS! Why did you make me do the mind link with that Earthling!" Nebulus yelled while shaking her sister by the shoulders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-Nebulus!? It was both our ideas! Don��t use me as your scapegoat! We''re both to me!" Nils cried out while being shaken around.


    <span>Nebulus stopped shaking her sister and looked at her with sad eyes, "Do something!? Give her all your gifts, Dammit!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m doing it! But Ryan won''t know that she can use all the elements except time and space magic until I can talk to her! We can only hope Iyomelka is wrong about Ryan''s peril." Nils says.


    <span>"Dammit!! Maybe we can tell Yoona!? And maybe she could reach Ryan to teach her enough magic to save herself!?" Nebulus yells out in frustration.


    <span>"Yes! We should see Yoona and tell her to teach Ryan how to use other magic before I can. But those bastards from the Divine Three are keeping her busy with their wars, so we can''t just pop in whenever we feel like it. They''re probably watching her right now." Nils says with annoyance.


    <span ss="aiText">Nebulus looked at the carriage, "<span ss="editText">We have no choice but to <span ss="editText">contact Yoona<span ss="aiText"> the old<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">fashioned way. And hopefully, the fates are on our side for once<span ss="editText"> and she cane to Ryan''s rescue<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Let''s just hope the fates aren''t too mad at us to ignore our pleas," Nils said.


    <span>The Twins of Mournhold then fly toward the other side of the continent looking for Yoona. Meanwhile, Percy, Dalia, and Quinus were enjoying the view of the ins and chatting amongst themselves while the summoned girl was trying not to stare at the handsome prince.

 Volume 1: Afterword

Volume 1: Afterword


    Hey all, thank you for reading the first volume of ��I Got Isekai��d, Well Shyt!��

 Vol.2 Ch.53 A Bit of History.

    Vol.2 Ch.53 A Bit of History.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It has been six days since Rya and crew left Kishin and the journey was quite uneventful besides the asional goblin attack. Which were much easier to handle after Rya and Quinus destroyed the Dungeon Core ten days ago. The group was making its way towards the Former Dwarven city of Ironside. The Dwarves left the city hundreds of years ago after they mined out all of the purple iron from Mount Skellige.


    The Dwarves mined out Skellige so much that the mountain copsed in on itself, killing thousands of Dwarves about 500 years ago and creating the massive crater that sits there to this day.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back then the dwarven King named Balgruuf, ordered the Lord of Ironside to transport all the purple iron into the Central part of the dwarven kingdom of Hjorleif. He wanted to abandon Ironside because it no longer served a purpose, and it was no longer strategically valuable with the mine destroyed. Plus, it was one of the few cities that bordered a different race. That race being the humans from the Kingdom of Fiafyr.


    Half of the civilian poption didn''t want to abandon their city and pleaded with the Lord of Ironside. But his hands were tied and he ordered every dwarf to leave. This angered the surviving citizens of the Mount Skellige Catastrophe and half of them refused to leave. The Lord told them they would no longer be under the protection of the Hjorleif Kingdom once he and the kingdom''s soldiers left.


    <span ss="editText">As the dwarves started to leave Ironside, only 10,000 dwarves remained, and once the King of Fiafyr found out about the city''s<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> situation he marched his armies to the City of Ironside in hopes of upying it.


    Of the 10,000 dwarves left in the city most of them were trade workers or miners, and none of them were warriors. They thought that fate was being cruel to them as they saw the approaching army of Fiafyr.


    ***


    A dwarven watchman yells down to Hodur, a dwarven cksmith who took over as the leader of Ironside. Hodur saw the human army beginning to surround the city as the Fiafyrians approached from the east.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hodur! What do you think will happen when we try to fight this human army? Do you have any idea how many of them are out there?" Asked the dwarf on top of the wall.


    "Pfft! More than enough toplete the cmities! Haah!... Be on guard! Humans can be cunning, so keep your wits about you boys!" Hodur ordered from atop the wall as he assessed the situation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know Hodur... I''ve never seen an army like this before..." The dwarf beside him said as he looked around nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Calm yourself Daedric! I''m sure we''ll make it through this mess. After all... We''re dwarves! It''s in our blood to survive!" Hodur yelled back with confidence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That may be true, but they have soldiers! We''re not warriors, and they have a lot more than us."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We don''t have a choice, Daedric! That bastard of a King abandoned our people leaving our dead buried in Mount Skellige! Our city will stand against these intruders! By the Forge, we will hold it for the sake of our families!" Hodur yelled back as he continued to look out over the city walls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will fight, but I hope you''re okay with having the blood of our people on your hands, Hodur. Because if we lose, it will be your fault," Daedric said looking out over the 40,000 soldiers of the human army.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The King of Fiafyr is riding alongside one of his generals as the army approaches the city of Ironside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty, you didn''t need toe all this way to watch a ughter. It''s not worth Your Majesty''s time." General Yngvar says as he rides alongside the king.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you questioning your King, Yngvar? I thought you knew better than that?" King Burell said with a grin as he looked at his friend and general.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yngvar shakes his head no and continues to follow the King. "No, I wasn''t questioning my King. I was simply stating that I am concerned because the city of Ironside is known to be fortified and is heavily manned."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is the Dwarven Lord Gurdon still in the city?" King Burell asked Yngvar.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, Your Majesty. Our scouts observed the Dwarven Lord leaving the city three weeks back with all of his armies and most of the civilians. We believe there are over 10,000 Dwarves still in the city. And they seem to be mostly civilians. If we attack now, it will only result in a massacre."


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm? Mostly civilians you say? Let us speak to whoever is in charge of Ironside. I''m sure that whoever is in charge now is more reasonablepared to that lump on a log Gurdon<span ss="aiText">. Don''t you think?" The King said with a hint of amusement as he used the reins to guide his horse towards the city wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YOUR MAJESTY!? Wait! Please wait! We don''t know if it''s safe?" General Yngvar yelled as he tried to stop the king from getting closer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You said that they''re civilians, Yngvar. They shouldn''t be a problem." The King said with a raised voice.


    "Your Majesty! You must listen to me! Please! It''s not... Haah... Goddess be damned!... He''s not listening... Colonel Sotur! Ready the men! And if the Dwarves try anything, you''re free to engage them!" Yngvar orders as he turns his horse towards the king and chases after him with Knights in tow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodur and Daedric were ordering the dwarves in Ironside to prepare a defensive position in the city. No one noticed King Burell and his mening towards the gate until Daedric spotted them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HODUR! Look! The humans are sending a messenger!" Daedric said as he pointed to the King.


    "Hmm? He''s dressed up nicely for a messenger. Heh heh! Well, I guess we can have our fun with him before the battle. Right, Daedric," Hodur said as heughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What!? What do you mean!?" Daedric shouts as he turns to face Hodur.


    "Oh, nothing. It''s just a joke... Now watch, they''ll be here soon enough." Hodur said as he smiled and turned back to finish his preparations for the battle before King Burell reached the gates to the city.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few minutes of waiting, the ten humans came into view and headed toward the gates of Ironside. The one with the ck armor with golden trim was King Burell and he stared up at the dwarves with his golden eyes with an air of confidence. One of the dwarves on top of the wall had a bit of fear in his eyes while the other was smiling ear to ear. But the remaining dwarves were looking around nervously and seemed unsure of what the humans would do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodur whistled upon seeing Burell''s armor as he approached the gates and waited for one of the dwarves to speak to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, you humans sure do dress extravagantly, for messengers!?" Hodur yelled down to Burell from atop the wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Burell looked up at Hodur and smiled. "I''m afraid I''m much more than a messenger. Who am I speaking to?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The dwarves seemed surprised at the tone of Burell''s voice.


    ***


    "Hodur. This guy seems like some human noble. What should we do?" Daedric asked his friend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He looked at Daedric and smiled. "Well, it''s not every day you get a chance to insult a noble to his face. This should be fun!"


    "Are you insane!? Hodur, don''t insult the man until you talk to him!" Daedric pleaded while he pped his hand against his forehead in frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha! Don''t worry! It''s not like he can do anything to me!" Hodur said as heughed and turned away.


    "He can break down the damn gate! Or he could- Hodur! Don''t!" Daedric tried to stop Hodur but it was toote.


    ***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, human, you''re speaking to Hodur, the Coldforged, new Lord of Ironside! I hope you''ll remember my name when we meet again!" Hodur shouted and bowed to the Burell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re a loud one? Well, I''m King Burell Meredydd of Fiafyr. And I like to make a deal with you, Hodur the Coldforged."


    Hodur and Daedric never thought they would ever speak to a King in their lives. And now they were talking to one for the first time. Plus this King wished to make a deal which intrigues Hodur while Daedric was stunned with fear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, we''re talking to a King? What''s your thoughts Daedric?" Hodur asked while studying the King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Daedric came to his senses before he looked at Hodur. "We have a King talking to us about a deal... We should hear him out! I mean it could be a trap. But he seems genuine though."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodur looked at Daedric and gave him a smirk. "You don''t seem to be worried about being killed... Maybe I should send you down to negotiate in my ce, hmm?"


    Daedric sighed and rolled his eyes. "Hodur! Stop joking around. We have little choice. If we refuse this king, then he''ll probably kill us anyway. So we might as well hear these humans out?"


    <span ss="editText">Hodur shook his head, "I just wanted to throw insults. But maybe I can do that<span ss="aiText"ter... I suppose you''re right, though. Ha ha!"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I don''t like that look in your eyes<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">... What are you nning, Hodur?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodur looked back to the King. "Alright! What''s this deal you��re speaking of King Burell?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Burell grinned, "We would like to make Ironside a part of the Fiafyr Kingdom."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, so you wish to make us your ves then?" Hodur scoffed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! I mean to make you citizens of the Fiafyr Kingdom! I think your King Balgruuf was too hasty in abandoning your city. And I prefer that this city note under control from brigands."


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Hodur was shocked to hear that. He was under the impression that<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> they would be enved by the human race. It seemed too good to be true.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And what does being a citizen of the Fiafyr Kingdom entail?" Hodur asked with skepticism.


    "Just the normal taxes and tribute. And follow the rules ofw. No murder, no stealing, no very, and no rape... Simple really." Burell answered with a smile.


    "Ha! I bet you wish for us to start mining Mount Skellige, again! There is no purple iron left! And the mountain has copsed! So, do you still wish to make us your citizens, oh Great Burell?" Hodur said in a condescending tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We don''t force our citizens into a field of work that they don��t wish to be a part of! But there will be some jobs avable around here. I believe a kingdom''s greatest resource is its people and I see an opportunity for Ironside to be an important city in my kingdom. And I''d like to help." Burell said with conviction.


    The dwarf was trying to read Burell''s bodynguage. He was hoping to find the truth behind his words. And his bodynguage was telling him that Burell was indeed genuine. But he still wasn''t sure.


    Daedric looked at Hodur and asked, "What do you think?"


    "This King is quick-witted alright. I''ll give him that... But all he is is words right now. And words are cheap in my book!... I think we need to test his metal. To see if he''s worthy of those words." Hodur said while examining this human.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you sure Hodur?" Daedric asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sure! Grab a barrel of ale and two mugs... Even if his words don''t ring true. I can at least put him on his ass after a few mugs," Hodur ordered.


    All the dwarves around Hodur started feeling more confident after hearing their new lord''s words. They had never seen a human that could handle a mug of dwarven ale before and they thought it would put this King in his ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Hodur!" Daedric said and followed his orders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodur turned to the King. "So, King Burell, your words are sweet to the ears. But that''s all they are, just words!"


    King Burell looked up at the cocky dwarf with a smirk. This was what he was hoping for.

 Vol.2 Ch.54 Purple Slag.

    Vol.2 Ch.54 Purple g.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Burell looked over to his friend Yngvar. "Looks like we''re getting somewhere!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yngvar nodded. "He''s smart enough to know when to talk. But how are we going to gain their trust?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well if what I read about dwarven culture is true? Then I''m going to have a terrible hangover tomorrow." King Burell looked back up to Hodur. "What can I do to gain your trust Hodurthe Coldforged?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we dwarves only trust those that can hold the liquor! And if you''re half as good with drinking as you are with your words we''ll ept your deal, King Burell!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The king smiled and pped his hands together. "Then I ept your challenge!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodur grinned upon hearing those words and quickly prepared for the challenge. He ordered barrels of ale to be brought down from the brewery. It wasn''t much but it was enough for the challenge with the King.


    The Dwarves opened the gate as Hodur and his men brought a table, chairs, and two mugs for their battle arena. Two dwarves were carefully carrying a barrel full of dwarven ale and put it down on the northern side of the table.


    <span ss="aiText">After the king''s men cleared the area around the gate, the king dismounted his horse and walked towards the <span ss="editText">table, where Hodur had his paten<span ss="aiText">te<span ss="editText">d grin. Once Burell came<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> within three feet of the table, the king stopped and sat down on the other side.


    "Now Hodur the Coldforged, what are the rules to this challenge?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you can out-drink me, we will ept your offer as we can see that you''re a man of honor."


    <span ss="userText">"Sounds simple enough. And if I win I want to see your mining operation! I''ve never seen such a ce!" The King said out loud as he looked at all the dwarves standing behind<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the table.


    <span ss="editText">Hudor and the rest of his men red at the King, "Oy! You''re acting like you''ve<span ss="aiText"> already won! If you can''t hold your liquor you''ll die before you reach the bottom of that barrel!" Hodurughed as his men cheered.


    "Well... I have my work cut out for me," Burell said with a smile as he stared down the cocky dwarf sitting across from him with his golden eyes.


    "Hmph!... You are either the bravest human I know or the dumbest!... Well, I have nothing against brave men. Life''s boring otherwise! So let''s start the challenge!" Hodurughed as he pulled arge knife from his belt. He stabbed the de into the cask and began filling both mugs.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">The crowd of humans and dwarves cheered as the two contestants began their contest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yngvar had a concerned look on his face as he watched his king start the challenge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now remember! You must finish the whole mug!" Hodurshouted out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Burell picked up the first cup and drank all of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? So this is Dwarven Ale?" Burell asked.


    Hodur finished his first mug and then mmed it down on the table with a loud thud. He looked at the King, "We don''t serve any other kind here!... Worried that you can''t handle it?" He said while filling up the two mugs with more ale.


    <span ss="userText">Burell took his second drink and finished it swiftly.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> He mmed the mug onto the table just as Hodur did.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, I find it tastes like water. I just thought you dwarves like stronger stuff?" Burell said with a smirk while waiting for Hodurto finish his mug.


    <span ss="userText">"You! You dare insult dwarven ale!? You''ll pay for that! I''ll make sure that<span ss="aiText"> the whole world knows of your humiliation!<span ss="editText"> You won''t b<span ss="aiText">e a<span ss="editText">b<span ss="aiText">le<span ss="editText"> to <span ss="userText">see straight for a month once<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> I''m done with you!" Hodur shouted as he drank the second mug, and filled both mugs back up with more ale.


    "Hmm? You really think this stuff will put me down? You need some honor, dwarf!" Burell poked Hodur''s pride.


    <span ss="editText">Hodur mmed the third mug down and waited for Burell to finish his, which the King did with ease.Hodur and the rest of the Dwarves couldn''t believe how unfazed<span ss="aiText"> the King looked after the first three mugs.


    <span ss="editText">The Dwarf red at the King but his vision was beginning<span ss="aiText"> to blur<span ss="editText"> a little. ''Why this little!... <span ss="aiText">How the hell can he still see straight!?<span ss="editText"> I need to change things up<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a bit...'' Hodur thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph, you wouldn��t know what honor is! Even if it hits you in the face, Burell! And since you think you can go toe to toe with us, why don��t we up the stakes!?��


    <span ss="editText">Burell just smile<span ss="editText">s a<span ss="editText">t Hodur which makes the dwarf<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> even more irritated. "Well, what did you have in mind, Hodur the Coldforged?


    <span ss="editText">Hodur had enough of this human<span ss="editText">''s <span ss="editText">smug face<span ss="aiText"> and he was going to make sure that he lost this contest<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> as the Dwarf stood up and grabbed the sides of the table. "Cocky are we!? Time to put you in your ce! Daedric! Get the Cognac!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a moment, Daedric returned to the table and pulled out a bottle of the finest cognac. He then poured two shot sses full of the golden liquid.


    "Time to finish what you started! Oh, mighty King! Or should I call you a coward?" said the cocky dwarf as he grabbed the first shot ss and drank it in one go before mming the empty ss on the table.


    "Well... here''s to the Kingdom," Burell cheers to the dwarf before gulping down his shot ss full of liquor and cing the empty ss softly on the table.


    <span ss="editText">Hodurwas starting to get lightheaded and felt like he could barely stay standing. He shook his head to regain<span ss="aiText"> his focus.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmph! Is that all you''ve got?" Hodur said as he filled up both <span ss="editText">the shot sses with Cognac.


    <span ss="aiText">The dwarfs behind him were shouting their encouragement. They were getting a show they would never forget<span ss="editText"> but they were starting to worry<span ss="userText"> about Hodur''s condition. He was putting on a brave face, but the human was<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> clearly winning.


    <span ss="editText">A smile came across Burell''s face as he downed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the next shot and ced the empty ss on the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know I''m going to beat you, right?... Oh, and i<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">t''s your turn," Burell said smiling while watching the dwarf struggle to stay standing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodurlooked up at him with a dazed look on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m g-oing to teach yo-u a lesson in humility, you b-bastard!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">He mmed thest of his shot ss down and poured himself another.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh yeah, and how are you going to do th<span ss="editText">at?" Burell said as he<span ss="aiText"> watched the dwarf pour his <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">third <span ss="aiText">shot for their sixth round.


    <span ss="editText">Hodurwanted to retort but he tried holding back a belch that wasn''t going to be pleasant<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. "D-Don''t get cocky! This is-s dwarven cognac, the best there is!" He shouted.


    Burell took his third shot with ease. But now the King had three shots of liquor in him, which is an equal amount of alcohol to eight regr-sized mugs of dwarven ale. The King looked unfazed by all the alcohol but it was finally catching up to him as his cheeks were getting rosy. He made sure that his golden eyes remained focused on Hodur, who was struggling to keep himself standing.


    <span ss="userText">"You call me cocky, but it''s just confidence<span ss="aiText">. You''re the one who''s cocky. You think that you can win this battle when you''ve already lost?"


    <span ss="aiText">"W-We''ll see about that, Burell. Now <span ss="editText">s-<span ss="aiText">shut up and take your fourth shot, and then you can take a piss outta my ass."


    <span ss="userText">"I will once you finish your third<span ss="aiText"> shot. But, since I''m such a kind person, I''ll help you finish it."


    <span ss="aiText">The King leaned over and grabbed Hodur''s shot ss<span ss="editText"> before drinking it in front of him. This made<span ss="aiText"> Hodur very angry and he mmed his hands down on the table and grabbed the bottle of Cognac<span ss="editText">. He filled the two shot sses and pounded down one after the other<span ss="aiText">. The dwarven ale had already affected him, and now he had drunk the equivalent of <span ss="editText">fifte<span ss="aiText">en mugs of dwarven ale.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two men were now both drunk, but Hodurwas clearly much worse off.


    "h! A-Are yooou p-part ee-elf-f? H-Howw aree you not-tt drunk?" Hodur slurred his speech as the liquor was taking its toll.


    <span ss="userText">Burellughed and downed his fifth shot before staring down the dwarf who still couldn''t believe that this human <span ss="editText">continued to<span ss="aiText"> drink.<span ss="editText"> But Hodur had to maintain<span ss="aiText"> his dignity as the leader of Ironside<span ss="editText"> e<span ss="aiText">ven though his men were starting to <span ss="editText">murmur<span ss="aiText"> about how the King was destroying Hodur''s pride<span ss="editText"> which infuriated him.


    <span ss="editText">So, <span ss="userText">Hodur smiled and clumsily took the shot ss full of<span ss="aiText"> Cognac and drank it down with a grin. He was determined to beat the human. <span ss="aiText">But <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">hen <span ss="editText">he tried to stare down the King, he noticed that he was starting to look up at the blue sky. Which was odd, because he swore he was staring straight<span ss="aiText"> at him moments ago.<span ss="editText"> That is when the dwarf felt the entire <span ss="userText">back of his body smashing into<span ss="aiText"> the ground. He looked up at the sky and saw the blurry faces of his fellow dwarves.


    <span ss="editText">''H-How did <span ss="userText">Daedric g-get so tall?''<span ss="aiText"> Hodur thought before he passed out.


    <span>"H-He''s out cold..." Daedric muttered to himself. He''d never seen anyone drink this much in one sitting and it made him gain a new respect for his friend.


    <span ss="aiText">Burell, still sitting at the table, looked up at the crowd of Dwarves.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Is he alright?" Burell asked one of the other dwarves.


    <span>Daedric was surprised that the King was worried about Hodur. He thought it was strange for a human to show concern for a dwarf. It made him start to have faith that this man could be trusted. King Burell had to do only one more shot to win the contest and they would be citizens of Fiafyr.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry about him! Just hurry up and finish yourst one!" Daedric said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Burell finished the shot and mmed it on the table. "Well, Hodur. I wee you and your people as part of the Fiafyr Kingdom!" He finished the ss and poured himself another.


    <span ss="editText">All the other dwarves were standing there in silence before they erupted <span ss="userText">into<span ss="aiText"> a deafening cheer. <span ss="userText">While Yngvar and the other humans looked like they were trying to pop<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> their ears.


    <span ss="userText">Hodury there on the floor looking up at the sky, feeling dizzy from the alcohol. He was trying to get his bearings after the cheers<span ss="aiText"> woke him from his sleep. ''What the hell happened? And where am I? Why are the clouds moving so fast?'' Hodur thought before closing his eyes again and passing out.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Well, Hodur... if you''re done resting I think we''ve got a job to do-Whoa!" Burell tried to stand up from the chair only to fall back into it. "Yngvar... I think I''m too drunk to... stand. Can you lend me your aid?��


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure, I''ll help you up." Yngvar grabbed Burell''s hand and helped him.


    <span>"Thank you," Burell said. "But what about our friend? How''s he doing?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yngvar turned around and saw that Hodurwas passed out on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think he''s had enough. Hey you, what''s your name?" Yngvar was staring at Daedric who was trying to wake up Hodur.


    <span>"Me? I-I''m Daedric," the dwarf answered. He was not sure what the proper etiquette was when addressing a Human King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Daedric, we will need a ce for half our troops to stay. We''ll have the other half set up camp outside the city walls. And I would like a ce for the King to stay also." Yngvar said while helping the King to his feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. I will find you a ce to rest your men here in the city. But first, there is a room in the pce where you can let your king rest."


    <span>Yngvar nods and starts walking with the dwarves through the entrance of the city.


    <span>"You know he''s now your King, Daedric. Don''t forget that... And please lead the way," Yngvar said as he and another knight helped carry their king inside the walls of Ironside.


    <span ss="userText">"O-Of course... But I''m just a simple<span ss="aiText"> cksmith, sir. <span ss="editText">I know nothing in<span ss="aiText"> the ways of nobility and politics."


    <span ss="aiText">Yngvar looked at the nervous dwarf and shook his head, "You''re more than just a simple cksmith. You were the one <span ss="editText">who<span ss="aiText"> stood beside your friend while he challenged the King, and now you''re helping him and the rest of our people.<span ss="userText"> You''re <span ss="editText">a natural<span ss="aiText"> leader<span ss="editText"> to help your lord."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Daedric felt embarrassed by thepliment.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"I-I''m nothing special."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"I beg to differ, but that''s something that only you can decide. So lead the way," Yngvar said as he and a few knights began to help the king walk.


    <span>Two of the other Knights went back to the Colonel to tell him the news about the Dwarves bing citizens of the Kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The next day Burell and Hodurwere in the dining hall of the dwarven pce recovering from their hangovers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So Hodur. I need to admit I lied about something yesterday." Burell spoke to Hoduras he had his head on the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh. What did you lie about King Burell?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I told you that Dwarven Ale tasted like water? That was a lie. That ale is the strongest stuff I have ever drank in my life," Burell admitted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This got Hodurto act triumphantly as he moved his head up off the table to say, "HA! I told you that our ale is... OW! By the forge!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Dwarf got a little too excited as the quick movement caused his head to start pounding in pain.


    <span>"Please Hodur. No loud or sudden movements. I don''t think my head can take it. It doesn''t feel good at all right now," Burell muttered while holding his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry, sorry... So what did you want to tell me then?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m nning on making you the Baron of Ironside."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodursat up straight in shock. "What?! You can''t do that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why not? I''m the King? And you know thisnd better than we do." Burell said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While they sat there the door to the dining room opened up as Yngvar, Daedric, and a few other people came up to the King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty. Our alchemist has something to report." Yngvar said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Burell looked over at Yngvar. "Well tell us what you found out."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alchemist Tormin has discovered a pile of g lying around the city by the forges."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"g? What kind of g?" Burell asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Purple g. Your Majesty." Yngvar answered.


    <span>Hodur didn''t know why these humans were so excited about trash that they couldn''t get rid of it, even if they tried and paid someone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why in the Forge do you humans care about that useless trash?" Hodurasked with a confused look on his face.


    <span>Burell smiled at Hodur and said, "Well, it seems that the Dwarves don''t know how useful purple g is. Tormin, can you exin to our friend here what makes the g so special?"


    <span>The Alchemist nodded and said, "Well, we found that we can make the g into a fertilizer that can quadruple the yield of nts that are grown in it. That means more food for the people of the kingdom. And it helps crops grow in less-than-ideal weather as well. This g is very valuable. Maybe more valuable than gold?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodurlooks shocked and says, "But how does that make it worth gold? It''s just dirt."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s because the Purple g is rare. Usually, we can only get Purple Iron in a Labyrinth so not too many people know about it. But since Purple Iron is scarce and the g thates from the smelting is so precious that we barely have enough for a half acre. That small pile outside the forges is more than I''ve ever seen before!" The Alchemist exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? That small pile of g is the most you''ve ever seen?" Hodurasked with one eyebrow lifted.


    <span>"W-Wait! Are you saying that you have more, Lord Hodur?" Tormin asked with a confused look on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hodurgot up from his chair and started walking over to the window of the dining hall. Everyone followed him to the window that was pointing north.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You see the hills past the city walls?" Hodurpointed out the window.


    <span>Tormin followed where the dwarf was pointing and saw a field of green grass that went down to a small river running through the ground and past them were some huge hills with a slight purplish hue to them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s where we dumped all the g after all the smelting. We couldn''t get rid of the stuff fast enough. All we could do was throw it out of the city, making hills of the stuff."


    <span ss="userText">The Alchemist dropped his book as he froze with shock. He thought it was impossible to get five pounds of the g but seeing hills of the stuff short<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">circuited his mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? What''s wrong with him?" Hodurasked the group.


    <span>"Oh, Tormin? He''s just overwhelmed with joy at the moment. Just give him some time and he''ll be alright. Anyway, it looks like we have some fertilizer we need to go and collect. Let''s get going." King Burell said with a big grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ironside became one of the most important cities in the whole kingdom. It was the first city to have Humans and Dwarves living in harmony as the poption exploded across the Kingdom, thanks to the purple g. Ironside also helped improve the weapons and armor of the Kingdom thanks to the mixing of dwarven and human engineering. This period of time was what helped the Kingdom of Fiafyr be the strongest kingdom in the entire continent of Agon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was telling Rya the history of Ironside as they could see the city in the distance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, your Great Great Great Great Great Great Grandfather got the Dwarves to ept him as their King without any bloodshed? I guess being epting runs in the family. Ha ha!" Rya chuckled.


    <span>"Yeah during that time King Burell used his skilled tongue to win over many other cities to join the Fiafyr Kingdom... A-And I think he also used his tongue to win the hearts of manydies? He was a formidable man," Quinus said jokingly.


    <span>When Rya heard this joke she had a shback to when Quin used his tongue on her womanhood, after they survived the Cave Troll in thebyrinth. She couldn''t help but blush and looked away with embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''C-Control yourself, Ryan! I mean it felt nice. But you can''t do that, you''re a man!'' Rya told herself as she felt a tingling sensation in her loins.


    <span>The group was enjoying themselves as the carriage kept moving towards the city of Ironside, which was miles in the distance.

 Vol.2 Ch.55 A Mile Out.

    Vol.2 Ch.55 A Mile Out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The day turned into the afternoon as Rya, Quinus, and the rest of the group rode in the carriage heading for the city of Ironside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya noticed a lot of dead green bodies lying around the outer walls of the city which made her question if this was normal for this world.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s going on here?" Rya asked Quinus.


    "Yeah, that''s why we were dispatched to the Labyrinth. A monster stampede was about to happen, Rya. You saved thousands of people''s lives. Not to mention, you killed the leader of the goblin horde. Now the remaining goblins will be directionless and the human-dwarven alliance should be strengthened now," Quinus said with pride.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked to Quinus, "It wasn''t all me though? You helped too, Quin." Rya smiled.


    "Well, I did do a little... But I wouldn''t be standing here if it wasn''t for you," Quinus replied trying to downy his importance in destroying the Dungeon Core.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Both Rya and Quinus look to the ground embarrassed by each other''s praises.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord. We are about a mile out from the city wall. Do you wish to disembark from here? Like you asked earlier?" Sir John asked as he took the reins and guided the horses to the edge of the road.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, let''s get off here. We''ll walk the rest of the way in." Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They disembarked from the carriage and put cloaks on in hopes of concealing their identities from his uncle''s spies if they were in the area. Duke ric, Quinus'' uncle, has his influence running throughout the kingdom. He always seemed to know what was going on before the Major Nobles did.


    "B-Beta do I really have to put this cloak on? Can''t we just use the shadows or something?" Dalia wasining about putting on more garments that she thought was pointless as the wolfkin hated most forms of clothing. She would use any excuse to get out of the small dress that she was already in and now she had to add on this cloak. It didn''t sit right with her especially if she was going to take it offter in the day. Like at night, when she would slip out of her dress so she could mount her mate, Percy. Which happened almost every night since they started their journey from the vige of Kishin to the city of Ironside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rx Dalia. It''s just a disguise. If anyone asks us what our business is here we tell them we''re traveling merchants. That way we won''t attract much attention." Rya said as she held up her hood to hide her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alpha! I''m not good at hiding outside of abat situation! And I''m not sure I can keep my tail from wagging. It has a mind of its own!" Daliained.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re overthinking again, Dalia. Just rx. If we get caught we''ll deal with it. Right, Quin?" Rya said, looking at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin smiled and nodded his head, "Right."


    "Lady Dalia. I''ll be there by your side. I believe in you," Percy said as he started to pat Dalia''s head, which she happily epted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aw! My little wolf will protect me? So cute!" Dalia said happily while she wrapped herself around Percy as her tail went into overdrive under the cloak.


    ''Jeez. I think Dalia''s right about her tail having a mind of its own.'' Rya shook her head when she saw the wolfkin''s tail wagging all over the ce.


    "Yeah, I got you covered, love," Percy said as he hugged Dalia back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya and Quinus both chuckle at the couple while Sir George was looking lonely watching his former pupil surpass him in the ways of courting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George whispered to himself, "I thought I had at least 5 more years before Percy found someone... Maybe Rya is right?... No. I can''t waver in my resolve... I know my methods work! It must be that demi-humans are easier to court. That''s all."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What did you say, Sir George?" Rya asked with a coy smile on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nothin'' Lady Rya. It''s nothing," Sir George replied nervously as he walked away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haha! Some people are too stubborn for their own good. You''ll learn sooner orter Sir George. I''ll see if I can help you out with your problem.'' Rya chuckled to herself while putting on her cloak.


    <span ss="editText">Once Rya gathered her things she finally had a chance to get a good look at the city of Ironside. The city wall was impressive to see. It stretched from one end of the city to the other. The walls were wide enough on top that several wagons could pass along each other without touching. It was almost sie<span ss="undoDeletionText">ge-proof if you had a big enough army<span ss="userText"> to man<span ss="aiText"> the walls and towers. Rya could see a few towers every 100 meters or so. And then another two <span ss="editText">high stone towers<span ss="aiText"> near therge front gates<span ss="editText"> in the middle of the impressive wall.


    <span ss="editText">The other thing that stood out was the carvings on the city <span ss="undoDeletionText">walls. <span ss="editText">It<span ss="undoDeletionText"> sh<span ss="editText">owed off the history of the city, which was mostly of dwarven history it seems. There were images of the ancient dwarven kings, the first king of Hjorleif, the first great war where the dwarves defeated the Orc horde, and another showing a human and a dwarf sitting at a table drinking<span ss="aiText"> beer and smiling at each other.<span ss="editText"> But then there was one carving that had the face of a different dwarven King that looked vandalized. The face looked chiseled over with a dwarven word that said<span ss="undoDeletionText">, coward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wonder if that''s King Balgruuf? Quin said he ordered his people to abandon the city. Hmm... Well, I guess these Dwarves aren''t too fond of the Kingdom of Hjorleif?" Rya mumbled to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After looking at the city she noticed the terrain around them wasn''t the best. It was hilly and rocky. The grass was short and brownish with a bit of green here and there. There was also a forest miles away from the city, with a huge snow-capped mountain range in the distance. The sky was a bright blue with no clouds. It felt like she was back on Earth by Denver, Colorado.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Look at this ce. Now that the goblins have been dealt with. The city looks so peaceful now... There was so much death and destruction thest time we came through." Quinus said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can only imagine... So, what''s the next move, Quin?" Rya asked while observing the city.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus thought about how to answer but then looked up at the sky and sighed.


    "We need to go see the Baron first. He should be in the pce in the center of the city. We might not make it there until tomorrow morning since it might take us four hours just to get past security on the outer walls."


    "So, we''re going to have to deal with the guards and soldiers of the city first? That sounds annoying... Do we have to hide our identities from them?" Rya asked with concern.


    <span ss="editText">"Luckily, Baron Zellin Coldforge is a good friend to my father. So they aren''t looking to stop us. But the main problem is, that we can''t cut in line without alerting or being spotted by m<span ss="undoDeletionText">y uncle''s <span ss="undoDeletionText">spies<span ss="userText">," Quinus<span ss="aiText"> said as he took Rya''s hand.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya gave him a gentle squeeze for some reason. She needed to understand who she was after turning into a woman. But his hand felt nice.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Tha<span ss="aiText">t''s <span ss="editText">if your uncle has his spies watching<span ss="aiText"> the outer gate," <span ss="editText">Sir George state<span ss="aiText">d, still looking at the city.


    Quinus shook his head, "I rather err on the side of caution than negligence. Better to expect the worst and hope for the best..."


    <span ss="editText">Sir George nodded while looking out for<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> anyone who might be spying on the group.


    <span ss="editText">"Well... I guess we shouldn''t linger for too long... <span ss="userText">It looks like it��s rush hour right now. You can see a long line of civilians at the gate from here<span ss="aiText">," <span ss="editText">Percy<span ss="aiText"> said with a hint of annoyance in h<span ss="editText">is<span ss="aiText"> voice.


    "It is that time of the day Percy, when the people are finishing their daily tasks, from farming, hunting, mining, smithing, and more... <span ss="editText">It could be to our advantage<span ss="aiText">. The more people that are in line, the more likely they won''t be paying attention to us.<span ss="editText">.. But It would be unwise for us to stand around<span ss="aiText"> and not take the initiative.<span ss="editText"> Come on<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, everyone, let''s get moving," Sir George said while motioning for everyone to get in formation.


    "Wait! Will they worry about me being a Dark Elf? I don''t want to give them any reason to question us," Rya asked while looking at the long line of people and carts full of supplies. Most of them were dwarves waiting to get into the city.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rx, I''ll make sure you get inside safely. Just keep your hood up and try to blend in. That''s all we really need to do. I''m sure the Baron will be happy to see us."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus grabbed his bag and so did the rest of the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin looked up to Sir John sitting in the driver seat of the carriage. "Sir John, watch yourself out there. That''s an order."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, My Lord. I''ll be careful. The 5th Rangers should be patrolling the Fiafyr border right now. If I see them, I''ll group up with them and head back to Kishin." Sir John said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Drive safe, my friend!" Sir George added as John mushed the horse forward.


    The carriage turned around and continued down the road that led to Kishen. They didn''t wait for Sir John to be out of sight before heading towards the line of people a mile away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright. Let''s get moving. We don''t want to camp outside the city walls," Quinus said while ncing at the city gate in the distance.


    <span ss="editText">Rya took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the city. She looked at the stone walls, and the beautiful carvings onest time before<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> heading down the road. She was looking forward to seeing more of the city and its culture.

 Vol.2 Ch.56 The Lost Monk Inn

    Vol.2 Ch.56 The Lost Monk Inn


    Sir George led the group down the side streets in the city as they tried to avoid any possible spies that might be watching the main roads through Ironside. Rya was surprised by how many people were moving about and she could tell that some of them were heading home after a long day''s work. But there was a good amount of people still roaming the streets and they seemed to be moving towards the market district where most of the pubs and restaurants were located.


    <span ss="editText">They pass by several small stores with wooden doors and windows.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Most of them looked like simple little ces where you could buy supplies like food or clothing and a few of them had signs outside with images of different objects on them. Some of the items were familiar to Rya, but others were strange to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Looks like everyone is heading in for the night, my Lord. We should probably find a tavern so we don''t stand out in this crowd," Sir George said to Quinus.


    "Yeah... It looks like most of the humans have gone home while the dwarves are still out..." Percy said as he surveyed the narrow streets.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good idea. We should find a ce that''s a bit away from the Adventures Guild. I don''t want to deal with the noise andmotion." Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Lord! I know just the ce!" Sir George said happily.


    <span ss="userText">"You know a ce?... What ce<span ss="aiText">?" <span ss="editText">Percy<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    "If my memory is correct, I believe there is an Inn called the Lost Monk just off the main road. The locals said it was a good inn with a solid tavern... They''re known for their strong beer and cheap rooms. Plus, I heard the food is pretty good there as well. I was going to check it out with Sir Brad. But that''s when the goblin horde came out of the woods. I think it''s a little over a mile walk from here."


    <span ss="aiText">"The Lost Monk huh... Sounds good to me." Percy said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well then, let''s get going before the sun sets,"<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Aye, my Lord." Sir George replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After about 30 minutes of walking, they arrive at their destination. It''s a small inn called The Lost Monk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hopefully they have some vacancies. I''ll check, my Lord," Sir George says while walking into the tavern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm? This ce looks quaint?'' Rya thought to herself. ''I wonder what kind of clientele they get here.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">She scans the tavern looking for any threats to herself and herpanions. She doesn''t see anything out of the ordinary so far. But there seemed to be a few adventurers standing around talking.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin. Why do you want to stay away from adventurers? Aren''t they your allies?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, adventurers are like drifters. Theye from all different kingdoms across the continent. So if word gets out we''re staying in Ironside, they might have a quest to report me. Or worse, they could be working for my uncle." Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Got it. You''d rather just stay under the radar... Makes sense," Rya agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nods and smiles. "Plus it''s not every day a beautiful Dark Elf walks around the city of Ironside."


    ''Q-Quin just can''t stop flirting with me! So, this is what it feels like to be a woman... Getting hit on every ten minutes or so... I-I think I like it-NO! Stop it, Ryan! You''re just going to lead him on and I''m a man dammit!'' Rya thinks to herself as she tries to keep herself calm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Daliaes up beside Rya and whispers into her ear, "I can smell Alpha''s mating scent. Do you need time alone with Beta?"


    Rya gave Dalia a questioning look but then sighed in frustration. ''Dalia!?... Just rx, Ryan. She''s just teasing you... And I can''t let her.''


    "You need to get your nose checked Dalia. You must be smelling something else," Rya replies to the wolfkin.


    Dalia smirks at Rya''s response as if she knows that she is lying to her and without saying anything the wolfkin turns back towards Percy and pokes him to get his attention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''When did Dalia get so bold? I''m going to have to watch my back more closely,'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a moment Sir Georgees back from The Lost Monk. He had an uncertain look on his face as he got back to the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord. It seems most of the rooms have been reserved. Mostly by adventurers? It seems a lot of them came to Ironside because of the goblin hordes. Some of them are here to hunt and others are waiting it out until the goblins'' numbers are lessened... Looks like they don''t know that the horde has been dealt with." Sir George exins to the group.


    "Really? Damn it... If this inn has this many adventurers then I''m sure it''s going to be just as bad if we try to find another inn. Haah... I guess we don''t have too many choices. What do you all think? Should we try and reach the pce or get a room here?" Quinus asks.


    "What��s the negative of heading to the pce?" Rya asked as she looked at everyone.


    "Well, we would have a higher chance of being spotted by any possible spies. Then they would most likely try to ambush us or they could hire assassins toe after our Lord the days following, once we leave the pce grounds... I say we stay here," Sir George answered.


    "I would have to agree with Sir George. We can''t risk the Prince''s life after making it out of the Labyrinth. Especially with the death of Marcus." Percy added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia just looks at everyone not really having a strong opinion on whether to stay or go.


    Rya nced at the others and then shrugged. "Alright, if staying here tonight will lessen the chances of being attacked then I''ll go along with it. But I want a room on the first floor... Just in case I have to make a quick exit."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and the rest of the group nodded their heads.


    "Okay, it''s settled then. Let''s check-in and get some food." Quinus said as he turned towards the inn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span ss="editText">The group enters the lobby of the inn and finds the clerk working at the front desk, mostly counting something in their notebook. Their attention<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> was drawn to the sound of the door opening and closing as Quinus and his party walked into the inn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Ah! <span style="font-weight:400">Wee back sir, did you make a decision?" the clerk asked Sir George walked up to the counter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, we would like a room on the first floor. Are there any open ones avable?" Sir George asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, there are. There is one avable room... It''s on the first floor and closest to themon area," the clerk said.


    "How many beds are in this room?" Quinus asked as he approached the counter.


    The clerk looked down at his notebook and turned a few pa<span ss="editText">ges before stopping<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and looking up at Quinus.


    "This particr room has three beds... One is a queen size and the other two are singles. Meals are not included. But it''s only 10 silver a night."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Quinus thought for a second before answering.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s fine. What are you serving for dinner tonight?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Roast pork and roasted potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and green beans. And we just got some Dwarven Red Ale in from the Dales Brewery. 5 copper pieces a head." The clerk said.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh? I haven''t had a beer in a long time. I could go for one right now!'' Rya thought to herself as the idea of having a beer<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> sounded great after being stuck in the dungeon.


    "We''ll take the room... And you said it was ten silver pieces a night?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes sir. That will cover you and your guests," the clerk said while handing him a key to the room.


    <span ss="editText">"Thank you very much." Sir George said as he gave the clerk the ten silver to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> cover the room for the night.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"No problem sir. The meals will be served starting at six in the evening."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Sir George nods his head and turns towards the group. "Okay, let''s go check out the room."


    The group walked down the hall to their room so they could unload their gear. It wasn''t too far from the main lobby and it didn''t take them long to find it. Once they got into the room they saw a queen-size bed and two smaller single beds. The room itself was simple enough, but the furnishings were a little more luxurious than Rya first thought. She was expecting more dark wood but it was brighter thanks to the choice of paint colors. There was a firece, a dresser, a vanity, and a small table with four chairs.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">When entering the room it looked like a really cozy studio apartment. But then a realization hit Rya like a ton of bricks. ''God!... I hope Dalia and Percy don''t get busy with each other while the rest of us are trying to sleep in the same room... Dalia really doesn''t have any shame or restraint when ites to mating and Percy doesn''t seem to mind which is a problem... Man, I was struggling just to fall asleep when we were camping this past week... And now I''ll be only a few feet away from their moaning and grunting... Great! Now I''m getting annoyed! Maybe I should have asked Quin to get two rooms?... No! That would be rude to ask... Especially since I have no money... I just got to bear with it.''


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Sir George put down his backpack next to the wall closest to the firece. "Well, this will do nicely. What do you think my Lord?"


    "It''s very nice... Now I think thedies should get the queen-size bed to themselves, while I will grab one of the single beds for me... So that will leave thest bed for you two gentlemen to decide," Quinus said as he put his bag down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That sounds good to me. I think it''s best if I''m thest to sleep so I can keep the first watch. Does that work for you Sir George," Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sounds good to me. I''m going to take the second watch. So wake me up in four hours after we''re done with dinner," Sir George said.


    "All right... Let''s eat something. I know I could go for some," Rya said while looking at everyone.


    "Sure why not? We can get some food and drinks at themon area," Percy agreed as he walked over to Dalia, who was wagging her tail.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright... But Lady Dalia... Rya... You two should keep your cloaks on for the night," Quinus said, trying to warn them about the possibility of being seen.


    "Wha!? Do I have to?" Dalia whined.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah... It''s for the best, Lady Dalia," Percy said as he pulled Dalia''s hood back up to cover her wolf ears.


    <span ss="aiText">"Fine..." Dalia huffed, "But I won''t like it..."


    <span ss="aiText">"You should be able to eat and drinkfortably with the hood. Just keep your tail hidden," Quinus added.


    Dalia''s tail immediately goes limp as her ears droop with disappointment.


    ''I know what she means. I don''t feelfortable with this either. But we can''t risk getting discovered by any spies or adventurers. This is the price we have to pay to stay safe.'' Rya thought to herself as she followed Quin.


    While Rya and Dalia follow behind Quinus and Percy, Sir George takes up the rear. They walk down the hallway and enter themon area. That''s when Rya noticed something that might be a problem when she observed how everyone in themon area wasn''t wearing any cloaks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... I feel like we are still going to draw attention while wearing these cloaks. But I guess there''s no better option," Rya said.

 Vol.2 Ch.57 Aren’t Dark Elves Supposed to be Evil?

    Vol.2 Ch.57 Aren��t Dark Elves Supposed to be Evil?


    <span style="font-weight:400">It didn''t take them long before they made it to themon area where the group could rx and enjoy some food and drink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Five adventurers were sitting in the middle of the room. Three humans and two dwarves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hello! Grab any seat you want, and I''ll be there in a moment," The barkeep said to Quinus and the group.


    <span ss="editText">The group of adventurers stopped talking when they heard the barkeep addressing someone else<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. They looked towards Quinus and his group as they entered the tavern.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus and the others found an empty table, sat down, and waited for the barkeep toe and take their orders.


    <span>The adventurers started to whisper among themselves, before they turned to Quinus and one of the dwarves asked, "Haven''t seen you guys before? Are you a new adventurer''s party that''se into town?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">We''re not<span ss="aiText"> really an adventure party, <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">but we were hired to deal with the Goblins..<span ss="aiText">. <span style="font-weight:400">I''m Quin Valen... And the rest of my group is George, Dalia, Rya, and Percy," Quinus answered with a half-truth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Youe in to help cull the goblins?" Another dwarf asked.


    "Yes, but we are in need of another recruit... Sadly, it seems like a bunch of adventurers have gone through the ringer. They don''t seem to<span ss="editText">o enthusiastic to go back to hunting the Goblins<span ss="editText">," Quinus said out loud as he was making up a believable story, just in case one of his uncle''s spies were around.


    <span ss="editText">"You''re pre<span ss="editText">ach<span ss="editText">ing<span ss="aiText"> to the choir," One of the human adventurers replied. "We''ve been stuck doing small jobs around the city ever since<span ss="editText"> they showed up... Anyways, <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">good luck with finding a sixth member. We always seem to fail to keep members in our party," The human warrior said.


    <span>Quinus looks at the five adventurers and notices how worn they look.


    <span>"Looks like you have gone through a lot yourselves," Quinus mentioned.


    <span ss="userText">"We''ve been fighting goblins ever since the horde started spawning from the Tomb of the Horde. We lost a few friends along the way... Once we lost Gray... We haven''t gone<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> goblin hunting ever since," <span style="font-weight:400">The human warrior <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">said with a sad tone.


    "<span ss="editText">Sorry to hear that... We too have gone t<span ss="editText">hrough our fair share of casualties. It seems the more we kill the more they spawned. But at least it seems they are slowing down," Quinus said with a<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> solemn tone.


    <span>"Yeah, it seems their numbers have dropped about five days ago. I wonder if Prince Quinus pulled it off and stopped the Labyrinth," The dwarf wondered out loud.


    <span>"Yeah, I thought the kingdom was throwing away the future ruler. Who would have thought he could stop the Goblin hordes and find the Dungeon Core... Maybe he is worthy of the throne? That''s if he''s alive," The human archer said.


    <span>"Aye! And you thought it was going to be easy to find the dungeon core! Hah! How many times did we go into thebyrinth hoping to find fame and fortune only to get some of our party ughtered because the army of goblins came at us like a wave of water... We didn''t stand a chance," The Dwarf swordsman muttered.


    <span ss="editText">The archer just sighed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and said, "I didn''t think they would spawn that fast and that many. I''m surprised we''re still alive after all this time."


    <span>"It''s not fair to me him, Grim... The goblins used to be weaker before the Dungeon Core awoke. I would have never imagined being driven back every time we tried to go deeper into thebyrinth... No matter how many times we tried, they never lessened in number," The Human Warrior mentioned.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s true, Jax. But it doesn''t mean I''m not scared to go back there... I''m just happy the goblins are noting into the city as often anymore.<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> But if you want to go goblin hunting again, then count me out," Grim said.


    <span>"Well, I''m sure things should go back to normal soon. My condolences to your fallenrades," Quinus said while bowing his head to the adventurers.


    <span ss="editText">"There''s no need to apologize, Sir...<span ss="aiText"> We were all in the wrong ce at the wrong time<span ss="editText">... It''s the life of an<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Adventurer... We take risks and hope that we can live to see another day,"<span> The human Archer said.


    <span ss="aiText">The barkeep walked over to Quinus'' group and asked, "Alright, what can I get for you all?"


    <span ss="userText">"What''s the house special?<span ss="aiText"> And do you have any cold beer or ale?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"The special is <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">roast<span ss="editText"> pork and root vegetables. We also have Dwarven Ale on tap<span ss="aiText"> and a selection of wines. We also have some local mead if you want something a little sweeter," The barkeep answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">We<span ss="aiText">''ll take the special<span ss="editText">," Quinus said.


    <span ss="editText">"Alright! I''ll be back in a second<span ss="aiText">," The barkeep replied and walked away.


    <span>The adventurer''s party returns to talking with themselves leaving Quinus'' party alone as the barkeepes back with a tray of roast pork and vegetables.


    <span>"Here''s dinner for five. Now can I get you all something to drink with that?" The dwarf bartender asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''God the food looks so good right now!? I hope it tastes even better than it looks.'' Rya thought as she wanted to drool.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Can I get a beer, please? Thanks," Dalia says.


    <span>"Sure thing. What would you like to drink, sir?" The bartender asked the ranger.


    <span>"I''ll have water, please," Percy replied.


    <span>"Got it... And what will the rest of you be drinking?" The dwarf asked as he looked at Rya.


    <span>"I can go for an ale, as well?" Rya asked, causing Quinus to look at her with surprise.


    <span>"I didn''t know you liked ale. I thought dark el- I mean I thought you were a wine fan," Quinus asked with a hint of amusement.


    <span>"Hmm? Well, I do enjoy wine from time to time... But I prefer a quality beer... Is there a problem with that?" Rya asked while tilting her head.


    <span>"No... But be careful with dwarven ale... It''s usually stronger than other races beers," Quinus warned her.


    <span ss="editText">"Pfft... I think I can handle one mug of ale, Quin. Besides, I don''t n on<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> getting drunk or anything. I''ll just have one drink and stick to water the rest of the night," Rya said, trying not to sound offended.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hahaha, she''s a keeper if you ask me? Got to love a woman who''s not afraid of a proper ale! And you got two of them! Now do you two want water or ale?" The barkeep asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ale, please. Thank you," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I''ll grab one as well," Quinus said with a smirk.


    <span>''Really Quin? Does he think I can''t handle a bit of beer? Come on man! It''s just an ale... He''s acting like this is my first time or something... But I do wish it was an IPA... God... I miss IPAs!... Whatever! It''s a beer and that''s all that matters,'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They all started digging into their meals except for Sir George, who was savoring his food.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm! This is amazing!" Rya said.


    <span>"You got that right! I never had meat this good before," Dalia said as her cheeks were full of roasted pork.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s been a while since I''ve eaten anything besides rations for most of the week. I can''t remember thest time I had a real meal," Sir George said.


    <span>"You know we had a good meal at the mansion in Kishin, right?" Quinus said with an amused look.


    <span ss="editText">"Fine! It was a week ago!... I don''t know why His High- I mean... I don''t know why... Q-Quin... takes things so <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">literally," Sir George corrected himself, "And you too shouldn''t stuff your faces like that... It''s undignified," said the Retainer, who red at Rya and Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Awwe on. We''re not barbarians, you know?" Rya said with a chuckle.


    <span>"Yeah! I''m keeping my mouth closed while I''m chewing," said the wolfkin as she stuffed her mouth.


    <span ss="editText">Sir George could only sigh and shake<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, the barkeep came by with the drinks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, here you go. I hope you like it!" The barkeep said as he ced the mugs in the middle of the table.


    <span ss="editText">''About time! I''m so thirsty!'' Rya thought while she grabbed a big st<span ss="editText">ein <span ss="editText">that had some foam <span ss="editText">dripping<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> down the sides.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She lifted the mug to her lips and took a quick sip.


    <span>Rya never was the biggest ale fan back on Earth but she did enjoy it from time to time. And with not having any beer in over a few weeks. She found herself enjoying the taste more than she usually did.


    <span ss="editText">''Mmmm! This is the best-tasting beer I''ve ever had in my life! I can feel my stomach getting warm.'' Rya thought to herself as she had a smile<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nced over at Rya and saw her smiling from ear to ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s gotten into you? You seem pretty happy about something?" Quinus asked as he took a swig of his beer.


    <span>"Ugh! Mmmmmmm! This is some damn good beer!" Rya said with a grin as she took another gulp of her ale.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just pace yourself, Okay? I don''t need you puking all over the tavern." Quinus warned.


    <span>"Don''t worry, Quin. I''m full of food now so I shouldn''t feel buzzed anytime soon... And this stuff is making my belly feel nice and warm!" Rya told him as she started taking a bigger gulp of her beer.


    <span ss="editText">As soon as Rya took the third<span ss="aiText"> gulp of her ale, she felt <span ss="editText">a war<span ss="editText">m s<span ss="editText">ensation flow through her body. It was so pleasant and it made her lightheaded<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh shit! <span ss="editText">What in the world?! I think I''m getting buzzed!? But my stomach<span ss="aiText"> should be full and the beer is not that strong!<span ss="editText">... I <span ss="undoDeletionText">think?... Agh<span ss="aiText">! I have<span ss="editText">n''t drunk half my<span ss="aiText"> ss and I''m feeling <span ss="editText">drunk! Hold on!... Is it because my body''s smaller?..<span ss="aiText">. Yeah, that''s gotta be it. I should probably slow down. I don''t wanna get shitfaced, ''Rya thought as she stopped drinking and ced the mug down.


    <span ss="editText">"Hey! Why is Alpha smiling so much?" Dalia asked with a raised eyebrow.


    <span ss="editText">"What? Oh! Nothing really... I just feel rxed! *Hic* Oh!? Hehe!... <span ss="userText">Guys, I think I might be a bit tipsy, hehe! *Hic*" Rya said as she started giggling out of nowhere.


    The alcohol was starting to hit her hard and he<span ss="editText">r worries about drinking<span ss="aiText"> too much were quickly reced with a giddy feeling.<span ss="editText"> She looked at her mug and began<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to drink more.


    <span>''Hehe!... This ale is amazing!... I feel like I''m floating... Everything is spinning. Hehe! *Hic* Aw!... I don''t have any more beer!... Did someone drink from my ss?'' Rya thought as her face started turning red.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus watched her for a bit until he noticed she had a weird expression on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well looks like you might be a lightweight," Quinus told her as heughed a little.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha! Ha! *Hic* You have no idea how long it''s been since I''ve had a drink! *Hic* And I would like another one, p-please?" Rya said as she pointed at the bar.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think one is good enough for now Rya. That''s quite a lot of ale to drink in just a matter of minutes," Quinus told her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Quinus with a confused look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I didn''t d-down that ale-e that f-fast *hic*," Rya said as she struggled to talk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus could tell by looking at her face she was drunk.


    <span>"Rya, I think you''re done. Here let me help you back to the room?" Quinus said as he offered his hand to help her out of her chair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No. I-I want t-to hang-out w-with you guy-s! *hic*" Rya said as she stumbled a little.


    <span>"Well? How about this... I''ll let you stay... if you can stand up on your own... Does that sound good to you, Rya?" Quinus asked with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah! I-I can... li-ke total-l-l-y stand up... n-no problem! *Hic*" Rya said as she started to stand up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya thought this challenge would be a piece of cake. But once she stood up, she realized that she couldn''t even hold her own weight. <span style="font-weight:400">She fell right back down onto the chair with a thud.


    <span>''Come on Ryan. You can do this~'' Rya thought to herself as she tried again and almost fell out of her seat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Eck! Ugh! That was a close c-call! I almost tum-bled out of the seat!" Rya said in a high-pitched voice.


    <span ss="editText">"Here. Grab my hand. We''re going to get some rest. I''m sure you need your beauty sleep." Quinus told Rya as he helped her up. She was wobbly as she used Quinus as her<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> support.


    <span ss="editText">"B-But I don''t wan... Wow? Quin, were you always this strong? Hehehe..." Rya said with a smile. In her drunken state<span ss="aiText">, she thought Quinus was very cute<span ss="editText"> and she wanted to flirt<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> with him.


    <span>''Mmmm, Quin always looked handsome, but when did he start looking better? Was he always this sexy? Hehe! He''s a very good friend... I think I could l-love him... WHOA!? I-I can''t fall in love with... Gah!... Quin''s right, I''m drunk... After one beer, too... Ugh! I guess I really am a lightweight. Stupid female body!'' Rya thought to herself as she pouted in Quin''s arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe. L-Lead the wa-y, my prince! *hic*" Rya said as she kissed Quin on the cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, you''re ying with fire Rya. Haah... I wish you weren''t drunk when you said that." Quinus said as he chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just g-go ahead and p-pick me up! *hic*" Rya giggled as she wrapped her arms around Quin''s waist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All he could do was smile and shake his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll see you threeter. Don''t stay out toote." Quinus said to Percy, Dalia, and Sir George.


    <span>"We shouldn''t be too long," Sir George said as he was still eating his meal.


    <span>Rya then turned and gave Dalia a wink, and she followed behind Quinus. The wolfkin gave Rya a thumbs up.


    <span>Quinus and Rya left the tavern and were in the lobby and just as they were about to head into the hallway to where their room was Quinus realized he had forgotten something.


    <span>"Dammit... Rya wait here for a second... I''ll be back," Quinus said to her before he turned back to the tavern looking for Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey. George, I forgot the key. Do you, have it?" Quinus asked Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh yeah. Sorry, Quin. Here you go." Sir George said as he opened his bag and pulled out the key.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks," Quinus said as he took the key.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Quin and the group got distracted trying to find the key, Rya was walking around the lobby in her drunken state.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya wasn''t paying attention to her surroundings when she bumped into another person in a cloak as she rounded the corner.


    <span>"OOPH!" Rya said as her hood fell, disying her Dark Elven ears and white hair to the world. She somehow didn''t fall over but the cloaked figure she ran into took a tumble to the ground as shended on her butt, causing her hood to drop down as well. Revealing her golden blonde hair, green eyes, and a pair of elven ears.


    <span>"OW!... Bloody drunk! Watch where yo~" The Elf was in panic or shock when she looked up and realized she bumped into a Dark Elf. She was told at a young age that Dark Elves were creatures to be feared in all thends. They were evil and dangerous beings who showed no mercy to anyone, especially the Wood Elves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-N-No please d-don''t-" The Wood Elf was struggling to find her dagger as she saw Ryaing closer to her. She closed her eyes thinking this was the end. ''Mother was right! I should have never be an adventurer! How were you cursed with such rotten luck Nieren!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">But instead of death, Nieren felt her hood getting pulled up and over her head again.


    <span>"S-Sorry about t-that. I-I have to say you have c-cute ears like mine? *hic*" Rya said as she smiled at the Elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren didn''t know what to do or how to react in such a situation.


    <span>"Y-You''re a Dark Elf? R-Right?" Nieren asked as her eyes widened in fear. "Yo-You''re an evil creature... Aren''t you?"


    <span>"Pfft! E-Evil? Maybe th-ose stupi-d goddesses are e-vil. *hic* But not me," Rya said triumphantly as she tried to get up.


    <span>The Wood Elf carefully watched Rya get up and struggle to keep her bnce. Nieren wasn''t sure if this Dark Elf would change her mind and kill her on the spot. She heard the stories from the elder about how barbaric the attacks by a Dark Elf were and she knew what was in store for her if things went south.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Wait! Please don''t hurt me!" Nieren begged.


    <span>"Hmm? W-Why wou-ld I hurt you?" The confused drunken Rya asked.


    <span>This only dumbfounded the Wood Elf more. This Dark Elf didn''t show any hostility towards Nieren and all she did was sit there on the floor stunned by Rya''sment.


    <span>"Whoops!" Rya loses her bnce and braces herself on the nearby wall. "God! Hehehe. Oh, I''m definitely tipsy... I must look like a fool... Hehe... Hey, watch ou-t for the dw-arven ale. It''s a bit str-onger than I g-ave it credit..." Rya said as she smiled at the youngdy sitting on the floor but then Rya''s face morphed into a sad look when she had another thought go through her mind. "Or-r I''m a lightweight? *hic* N-No! That would suck! I li-ke beer."


    <span ss="editText">The wood elf was having a hard time understanding the situation as she thought she knew<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> how Dark Elves worked. All of her life she was taught that Dark Elves were bloodthirsty, savage, and heartless. She never heard of a Dark Elf acting friendly towards anyone, especially a Wood Elf.


    <span>"Wel-l... You have a good-nigh-t," Rya said as she tried to find her room.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren <span ss="editText">was struggl<span ss="userText">in<span ss="editText">g<span ss="userText"> to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> understand what just happened. The Dark Elf acted friendly and even tried to help her up. She thought this was some kind of sick joke the Dark Elf was ying.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">She has to be lying, right? <span style="font-weight:400">D-Dark Elves aren''t like that. They are evil... Were the Elders wrong? She doesn''t seem evil to me..." Nieren whispered to herself as she finally stood up from the floor.


    <span>She feels bad for thinking the Dark Elves are evil creatures, but she can''t help it. It was all she ever heard about them, and this was her first time encountering one. She watches Rya until she hears the sound of footstepsing from the tavern and quickly finds cover to hide behind the counter wondering what will happen when the Dark Elf gets spotted by somebody else.


    <span>The footsteps were getting louder and a handsome young man with golden eyes and dark red hair came walking into the lobby and saw Rya struggling to find her way to the hallway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya? What are you doing over there?" Quinus asked with a smile on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin-n! I-I''m a lightwei-ght? Because I like be-er and I''ll be s-ad if this is how I am aft-er one pint? I''m sorry I tripped. I''m so f-fatigued. I''ve been running th-this whole d-day." Rya stuttered out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The young prince kneels down beside her and holds her hands.


    <span>"Well, Dwarves like their beer stronger than most races. I think you''ll do better with human breweries." Quinus said as he walked over to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Aw! You''re the best Q-Quin! I want-ed to t-tell you that earlier but I f-forgot." Rya said with a blush as she looked away in embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you better watch out, Rya. If you keep sweet-talking me like that. I may start to get ideas," Quinus said with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"C-Can you carry me? I-I feel useless right now." Rya said nervously.


    <span>Quinus smiles and picks her up with ease. He carries her princess-style as he walks down the hallway to find their room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren saw it but she still couldn''t believe it. The Dark Elf wasn''t evil. She was cute and innocent. She was weak. She needed protection, but she didn''t know it yet. She always thought the Dark Elves were evil. They were supposed to be evil. That was why she hated and feared them. But now she was questioning what was real.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-Maybe she''s not a Dark Elf? But her skin was so tan? Maybe she was a half-breed? N-No she was a full breed! I don''t understand?" Nieren said to herself.


    <span>The Wood Elf was still having trouble believing that the Dark Elf she once hated and feared was nothing like what she thought they would be. Now she saw the Dark Elf, she wanted to know if Rya was ying a trick on everyone. So, she was going to observe this Dark Elf and see if she was truly evil or was a normal kind being.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you''re evil, Rya? I''ll have to stop you!" Nieren said to herself.

 Vol.2 Ch.58 Morning Wood

    Vol.2 Ch.58 Morning Wood


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was carrying Rya in his arms as he found their room. It was arge living space with several bedrooms for the group to sleep in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here we are," Quinus said as heid Rya down on the queen-size bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... Tha-nks Quin-n! You''re the best Q-Quin!" Rya said with a smile as she patted him on the back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I told you to pace yourself," Quinus said with a grin as he walked over to the other side of the bed to sit down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But... I''ve ne-ver been dest-oryed by one beer before in my life! How could I?! I''m not a wimp!" Rya said with a giggle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You should take some time to rest and recover. You''re still a young elf and haven''t had the experience of drinking that much." Quinus tried to reason with her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah yeah! I need to s-sober up. But I''ll te-ll you I can dr-ink two IPAs with no pro-blem!" Rya said nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus paused when he heard Rya talk about IPAs. That was a type of beer that wasn''t brewed on Tertius.


    ''That''s an American-style beer!? I-Is Rya from Earth!?'' Quinus thought to himself as he tried to find a way to ask Rya if she was reborn on Tertius, just like him.


    "It happens to the best of us... And the dwarves love higher alcohol in their ales... Hey?... What did you do with your sword?" Quinus asked as he started patting Rya''s head. He wanted to make her rxed so she might let more of her past slip out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm. Oh, I put it w-ith my pack." Rya said as she started to get morefortable on the bed. The tips of her ears were a bright red thanks to Quin pampering her. ''Man... Quin is spoiling me again... This should disgust me... But... his strong hands... augh... I... think... I''m going to.... crash soon.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. What about your cell phone? You didn''t lose that, right?" Quinus asked, hoping Rya would let it slip if she had one as he tried to help her rx.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, mmmmm. I-I left it b-ack.... at my....... apar-tment......" Rya said in a quiet voice. Her eyelids became heavy as she slowly closed them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus couldn''t believe it, after all these years he''s found someone from Earth. He thought that he was the only one who reincarnated into this world.


    "D-Do you have a favorite movie?" Quinus asked another question hoping to get another answer.


    "I... haven''t.... gone... to... a... t-heater... in... a... l-ong......." Rya passed out before she could answer.


    Quinus just stared at Rya''s gorgeous face in awe. She was from Earth, and he felt so relieved that he didn''t know what to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess I''ve finally found a friend from Earth," Quinus whispered to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sssnnnnnnoooorrrrrrgggghhhh..." Rya started to snore loudly as she fell asleep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smirked and kept patting her head as she sleptfortably on the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''You''ve be more important to me Rya. I hope you''ll tell me more about your past when you wake up. But I''ll let you tell me when you are ready,'' Quinus thought to himself.


    After five minutes of staring at her, Quinus decided to get into bed with her slowly. He was careful not to disturb her as he got under the sheet<span ss="editText">s. Once he gotfortable himself he turned his head to the side and focused on her sleepy face. It didn''t take long for Quinus to start<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> yawning and close his eyes.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"I''m looking forward to learning more about you," Quinus mumbled.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya didn''t hear hisment, but it didn''t matter because the two slept together on therge bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    That night, Rya slept the best she''d ever had in quite some time. She was so tired that she didn''t even notice she''d snuggled next to Quin who was sleeping peacefully. Rya started hating going to sleep this past week thanks to the Goddesses who usually would try to mess with her in her dreams. But ever since that night when the Goddesses tried to break her mentally by mind-linking her soul with her girlfriend, who was back on Earth, the Goddesses seemed to stop trying to interfere with her dreams.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She woke up to the light shining through the window. She looked around to see Quin lying next as her arms and legs were wrapped around him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''O-Oh no! We didn''t do it!? Did we? I-I don''t remember!'' Rya panicked as she came back to her senses. That''s when she noticed that both she and Quin slept with their clothes on.


    ''Oh thank god! I thought for a second that I went too far!'' Rya panicked as she moved her hands away from Quin and noticed that her crotch was itchy from pressing up against Quin''s leg.


    ''D-Dammit! Why is my crotch so sensitive!? Is it because of the wool?'' Rya thought to herself.


    ''Wait, what is this?'' Rya wondered as she reached down and rubbed her chest. "Ahh!" Rya gasped when she felt her nipples harden and her body began to heat up.


    ''AUNGH! No! This isn''t happening!'' Rya moved her hands away from her chest and tried to calm down. But she started to panic once she heard a noise from inside the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya noticed Quin''s eyes were still shut and the noise wasing from behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-It not Quin? Oh god! It''s Dalia!? Is she awake?!'' Rya thought as she quietly lifted her head up and looked at the other two beds. One was empty and the other had a naked wolfkin riding an 18-year-old man with a surprisingly huge cock?


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I knew it! She has no shame! And Jesus, Percy!? His dick is huge!'' Rya thought to herself as she saw the size of Percy''s cock and how it was positioned deep inside Dalia.


    "Huff... Ahhh!" Rya started to gasp as she touched her own breasts and felt her nipples growing hard again. Rya did like to watch porn and other erotic material back on Earth, but she never had anyone have sex in the same room as her before. And she was having trouble tearing her eyes away from them. Usually, Rya loved watching a woman''s pussy but her eyes seemed to focus on a different body part, that being Percy''s cock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What am I doing!? Aungh! This is so wrong! Why are my nipples hard!'' Rya thought to herself as she continued to stare at the two of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"MMmmmm! Little wolf! I''m at the edge! Nagh!" Dalia tried to whisper but couldn''t contain herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Please, stop it!'' Rya thought to herself as she closed her eyes and pretended to sleep but her idle hands kept rubbing her breasts.


    The moans of the wolfkin and her mate echoed throughout the room which didn''t help Rya to calm down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No, please! Stop! Please!'' Rya begged herself to stop, but her body wasn''t listening and begging for more stimtion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"D-Dalia!... I''m almost there! Mmm!" Percy groaned out as he slowly pushed his cock inside the wolfkin''s pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya could hear Dalia''s legs wrap around Percy''s waist. The elf wanted to resist but her curiosity got the better of her and she opened her eyes to see Percy lifting his hips up with Dalia going on a ride. The wolfkin''s ass cheeks tightened up while her hips started to move. Dalia moaned as she was riding her mate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''OH FUCK!... I-I''M GONNA CUM TOO!?'' Rya bit her lower lip as she thought about her own orgasm. Her hands continued to y with her body.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia''s tail was wagging<span ss="aiText"> rapidly and hitting the wooden frame of the bed, making the sound of a wooden board knocking.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''Why the fuck did they have to pick that bed?'' Rya thought to herself as she<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">felt the build-up, her toes curling and her breathing bing heavy.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m so close, Dalia... I can''t hold back<span ss="aiText"> anymore!" Percy <span ss="editText">hissed<span ss="aiText"> as he was on the edge.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Do it my little wolf! Mark me so no other male<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> wille near me!" Dalia growled and moaned out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''OH MY, GOD!... MY PUSSY IS SO FUCKING HOT! IT''S SO UNFAIR!'' Rya thought as she felt her nipples getting harder and her clit rubbed against her thighs underneath the nkets.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YYYYYeeeeesssss! Right there!" Dalia moaned out as she gripped Percy''s shoulders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh God! What am I doing!? This is so wrong! BUT I CAN''T STOP!'' Rya thought to herself as she felt her pussy getting wetter and wetter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"D-Dalia? AAAAHHHHH!" Percy groaned as he began to cum inside Dalia''s womb.


    <span ss="editText">"Aungh!<span ss="userText">?<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> OH YES! FILL ME UP!" Dalia cried out as her whole body began to spasm.


    <span ss="editText">''OH GOD! QUIN! UUGGGHHH! I CAN''T HOLD ON ANYMORE! AUNGH!!!'' Rya screamed in her hea<span ss="aiText">d as <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">felt her pussy getting squeezed by her thighs as the pleasure became too much to handle<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"YYEAAAAAAH!" Percy growled out as he exploded inside the wolfkin.


    <span ss="aiText">"NNNNGGGGGGGGHHHHH!" Rya tried not to moan out loud but a few sounds escaped her mouth as she was orgasming. <span ss="editText">Her cum squirted out between her legs and the crotch of her pants<span ss="aiText"> was soaked.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya had an orgasm before but nothing was like this. She felt so dirty, and it made her feel guilty that she <span ss="editText">thought of Quinus<span ss="aiText"> while watching them. <span ss="editText">She tried her best to remain silent and acted as if she was sleeping but her orgasm was taking its time to<span ss="aiText"> settle.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh God... W-what''s going to happen now? Are they going to notice that I was awake the entire time?'' Rya panicked as she<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText"> there with her eyes shut.<span ss="editText"> She had to wiggle her toes to distract her from the annoying itch that was deep inside her pelvis<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Luckily for Rya<span ss="undoDeletionText">. the two love birds were too caught up in their post-sex bliss to notice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehehe! That''s my little wolf! Mmmmmaw! Aaah! Y-Your cum feels so good! Yeah! Ohhh! Yes! You''re going to make me cum too!" Dalia moaned out as sheid her head on Percy''s chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"L-Lady Dalia, we should stop now. We shouldn''t wake Lady Rya or the Prince," Percy said as he rubbed her back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No! Let me cum one more time!... Please?" Dalia begged as she wrapped her arms around Percy''s neck and kissed him deeply.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"F-Fine... B-But please make it quick, My Alpha," Percival said as he massaged Dalia''s ass cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Does having a cock in you feel that good?... I wonder how big Quin is?... Gah! No, Ryan! You''re a man! And just because I have a pussy doesn''t mean that I''m a woman! Grrr! I don''t understand why I''m feeling this way.'' Rya thought to herself as she tried to ignore the two of them.


    Dalia''s nose began to twitch as she picked up Rya''s mating scent. The wolfkin turned her head and looked at the sleeping elf, who was covered up in the nkets. She smirked when she realized that Rya was awake and was ying with herself the entire time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia! E-Eyes up here, please! I need you to watch me..." Percy whispered into Dalia''s left ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Ohhh... Yes, my Wolf!" Dalia moaned as she lifted her head to look at Percy''s face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">One of Rya''s hands started to creep down from her breasts to her crotch and she slowly undone the string to her pants.


    <span ss="editText">"Ah! My Wolf''s cock is so big and strong! Ahhh! Don''t stop! Uunghhhh!" Dalia moaned out a little louder as she felt Percy''s cock sliding in and out of her pussy. The Wolfkin was excited to makeboth her mate and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her new friend cum again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, my Alpha! Cum for me!" Percy groaned as he pushed his hips forward and buried himself inside Dalia.


    <span ss="editText">"Uuuuhhhhh! Y-<span ss="editText">You''re so <span ss="editText">thick! I''ll cum again soon! Uuughhhhhh! This is what drives females wild... You''re the best, my Wolf," Dalia moaned while she asionally ncedto her side <span ss="editText">to<span ss="aiText">watch Rya''s expression as she masturbated.


    ''God, they won''t stop. I''ve already cummed once, and I feel disgusted that I''m still aroused. It''s not fair! Why are women''s bodies like this?!'' Rya thought to herself. She couldn''t resist the temptation any longer as she pushed her fingers past the waistband of her pants and felt the soaked underwear that was stuck to her pussy. Her will to stop herself was crumbling as her hand was now rubbing the little bead size clit between her legs. She kept her eyes tightly shut as if nothing was happening. But the more she yed with herself the more her imagination ran wild. It didn''t take long before images of Percy fucking Dalia from behind starteding into her mind. These images were of Percy thrusting into Dalia''s body which was making the itch in Rya''s crotch even worse.


    ''Aungh! Why do I get these images?'' Rya thought to herself as her fingers worked their way into the folds of her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t stop! Keep going!" Dalia cried out as she dug her nails into Percy''s back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The images started to change as Percy became Quin. The Prince was fucking Dalia in Rya''s fantasy. ''Dalia?... WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH QUIN!?!?'' Rya yelled in her mind. She knew Dalia wasn''t having sex with Quin but her emotions were going haywire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Ohhhh! Yes! Fuck me! Fuck my tight little cunt! Fill me up with your cum! Make me moan!" Dalia whispered out as she pushed back harder against Percy''s cock.


    <span ss="userText">At some point, Rya''s finger started entering her pussy. Her body was starting to be weak as another orgasm was beginning to build inside her as her imagination of Quinus fucking Dalia got wilder. It didn''t take long for Rya''s fantasy to change from the wolfkin being fucked to morphing Dalia into Rya being fucked by Quin. It was so surreal, vivid, and god damn hot seeing herself with a lewd face as Quin''s massive cock was sliding<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">in and out of her pussy.


    ''This is wrong! I shouldn''t be thinking about this! This isn''t hap-AUNGH!'' Rya''s thoughts were interrupted when her fingers brushed against her G-spot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m gonna cum again! Faster! More! Fill me up with your hot seed!" Dalia hissed out as her words were mixed with moans and screams.


    <span ss="editText">The images of Rya getting fucked continued and at some point, her feminine side took over as she couldn''t help but notice how attractive Quin was<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. Rya couldn''t get his eyes and his smile out of her mind. And she could feel her pussy tighten every time she thought of him.


    <span ss="editText">''Hmmm... I want this! Ohhh... You''re so hot, Quin! Mmmphh! Let me have your cock! Just this one time!'' Rya thought to herself as she rubbed her G-Spot faster and faster. The Dark Elf had lost herself to her fantasy making her rational mind<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> lose all sense of reality.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! Take it! Fill me up! Yes! Uuuuhhhh! Oooohhhhh!" Dalia moaned out as she started to shake uncontrobly from an intense orgasm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''AAAUUUUUGGGNNNNHHHHH!!!'' Rya''s eyes rolled up into her head as she too lost control and orgasmed again.


    Her hands worked the insides of her pussy which made her hips buck wildly into the air from all the pleasure that she was feeling. This pleasure was lingering and kept washing over her entire body, for a minute, before she came down from her high. After her ecstasy had subsided for what seemed like an eternity. Rya''s eyes began to regain their focus and then she looked around the room in a panic once she realized that she had an orgasm fantasizing about Quin, who was the very same man who was lying right next to her in the same bed.


    ''W-What have I done? I-I... Aungh! My crotch still feels so warm! Please, God!... Tell me that no one saw that!'' Rya thought to herself. But she started to rx when she heard the sound of a female moaning on the other side of the room.


    <span ss="editText">Rya was relieved when no one was looking at her as the two lovebirds were making out. With the coast clear Rya quickly pulled her pants up and retied <span ss="userText">the string<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''W-Why is my body betraying me?... I never felt this way about a man before! What is happening to me!? God! This is so wrong!'' Rya panicked mentally.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe. You''re such a good boy, little wolf... Maybe we should go for another round," Dalia whispered to Percy as she stroked his cheek and smiled at him.


    ''RAH! That is the reason why I had such weird thoughts! It was Dalia''s fault!... You''re a BAD GIRL, DALIA!... You made me horny and also made me imagine myself getting fucked by Quin. It was your fault!... I was only trying to sleep, but no! She had to have sex with Percy! Grrrr! I was fine for this entire trip to Ironside but you couldn''t control yourself and made me think about having sex with Quin! Which I''m not going to do!... Haah... I need to wait for them to leave, then I can go to the bathroom to clean myself off... I''ve made such a mess.'' Rya lied to herself as shey there with her eyes closed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha. Well, you are a beautiful woman, Lady Dalia."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aww! Thank you my handsome Wolf. You are also very pretty yourself. Hehehe," She replied with a giggle while teasing Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah... Thanks. I mean... We probably should get cleaned up, my Lady." Percy answered as he blushed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... Yeah, Alpha would be disappointed in me if we didn''t look presentable," Dalia added.


    Dalia gave Percy a little kiss before getting up from the bed and walking towards the door. "Come on little wolf. I''ll need your help washing my back. And I can wash yours? I hope?" Dalia teased him with a wink. Then she nced at Rya, who was pretending to be asleep but the wolfkin could smell Rya''s mating scent wafting in the air which made her smirk.


    After Dalia was satisfied with her work, she turned to the door that went out into the hallway, and walked out of the room. Percy quickly grabbed his pants that were on the floor and put them on to cover his manhood. Once he fastened the drawstring he hurried after his girlfriend leaving Rya and the sleeping prince in the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Thank God they left! I really need to run to the bathroom. I feel like I have to pee.'' Rya thought to herself as she grabbed her new pair of clothes and ran to the bathroom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After Rya left Quinus opened his eyes. "Hmmm... I was going to reprimand Percy but maybe I''ll hold off for now..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus thought he heard Rya say his name when she was ying with herself.


    <span ss="userText">''I hope you want me, Rya... Because I will do everything in my power to make you feel ten times more love<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">than anyone else<span style="font-weight:400">!'' Quin thought as he got out of bed and headed for the other bathroom.

 Vol.2 Ch.59 We’ve Been Spotted

    Vol.2 Ch.59 We��ve Been Spotted


    <span ss="userText">After the coast was clear Rya ran into the bathroom in a hurry. Once she entered she clumsily closed the door behind her and leaned against it<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> Her legs felt<span ss="aiText"> a little shaky as she slid her back down the wooden door, sitting down on the cold stone floor. She looked around the bathroom and saw a toilet in the corner, a <span ss="editText">Fae-Bath against the wall<span ss="aiText">, a mirror above a sink, and a wooden chair near the <span ss="editText">Fae-Bath.


    <span ss="userText">''Dammit<span ss="editText">! I almost got caught!... And Dalia is going to regret making me<span ss="userText"> fant<span ss="editText">as<span ss="userText">ize<span ss="aiText"> about Quin. That was so embarrassing. Ugh... I''m getting the shivers just thinking about<span ss="editText">... Quin... Grrr! This isn''t me! Yeah! It must have also been the fault of those two foul goddesses!... They must be trying to break me mentally<span ss="aiText"> or something! Yeah, that''s it!<span ss="editText"> A-And it''s not going to work!...<span ss="aiText"> Hah! Good one, me!... Now then... I need to clean myself. This is so embarrassing.'' Rya thought as she tried to ignore the itch in her pussy<span ss="editText"> while her heart pounded.


    <span ss="editText">She let out a sigh and looked down between her legs to see a damp spot on her pants.


    <span ss="editText">''S-Shit... That''s the most<span ss="aiText"> embarrassing thing that''s ever happened to me! I came... twice... and in front of people no less! Ugh. I hope they didn''t notice.<span ss="editText">.. Haah... I can''t focus on that when I need to clean myself<span ss="aiText">.'' Rya thought as she pulled off her boots and set them aside. Then she reached for the strings of her pants and slowly untied them. She felt nervous about undressing wh<span ss="editText">en her body<span ss="aiText"> was so sensitive.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya stood up and pulled down her pants revealing a wet stain on her underwear. ''Oh God, that''s disgusting. Haah. <span ss="editText">How can a woman''s body<span ss="aiText"> be so weird? Why do we even get wet? It''s not fair.'' She thought as she took off her panties.


    <span ss="editText">Once <span ss="undoDeletionText">she removed her shirt<span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, she began to examine the Fae-Bath.


    ''Okay, just use a bit of mana to the crystal and some warm water shoulde out... This should be easy... Then I''ll just clean myself up and I''ll be able to get dressed and meet everyone for breakfast.'' Rya told herself as she looked at her well-endowed, voluptuous, tanned, naked, elven body in the mirror.


    ''Why am I embarrassed? I know it''s weird that I''ve been turned into a woman now, for like, two weeks. But why am I starting to think different thoughts?... This isn''t normal, right?... I know I''m still me! But something feels different... No, Ryan!... This is nothing but a trick that is being yed on you by that foul<span ss="editText"> Goddess, Nils. She <span ss="editText">is probablyughing at me as I speak... That goddess can<span ss="editText">''t change <span ss="editText">me as long as I know <span ss="editText">that I am a man... <span ss="editText">B-But why does it pain me to<span ss="aiText"> say that?<span ss="editText">... Is it because I like looking <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">at myself?... Y-Yeah... That''s the reason... It''s going to be a shame to <span ss="userText">get rid of this amazing<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> body. I wonder if all Elven women are built like me?'' Rya thought to herself as a little blush appeared on her cheeks.


    While the Dark Elf was busy looking at her reflection, she heard the water spilling out over the side of the bathtub.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit! Come on Ryan! What are you thinking about right now? Focus! You''re wasting time. Quickly, hurry up and get cleaned.'' Rya thought to herself as she stopped the water flowing into the tub.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... Way to make a mess Ryan," Rya said to herself as she tried to clean up the water but didn''t know what she could use to soak it up with and she didn''t want to use her only towel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn it!" Rya said out loud, "If only I was a water mage... I bet I could get this mess cleaned up without breaking a sweat," Rya told herself.


    <span ss="editText">After failing toe up with anything useful Rya looked at the puddle of water an<span ss="editText">d her instincts were telling her something. She didn''t know why but she thought she felt a connection to the<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> water.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''Why does it feel like this puddle is calling out to me?'' Rya wondered.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya kneeled on the ground and stuck her right index finger into the water. She started swirling her finger around as her mana began to flow out and mix with the water.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I-I can feel a connection! Oh wow! This is amazing! It''s like controlling earth, but not? Okay, you got this Ryan." Rya said as she started to move the water around by using her mana.


    <span ss="userText">Rya was controlling the water the same way she would be manipting dirt or rock with earth magic. But it was<span ss="editText">n''t th<span ss="userText">e s<span ss="editText">am<span ss="userText">e as<span ss="editText"> moving earth. When she used <span ss="userText">he<span ss="editText">r<span ss="userText"> d<span ss="editText">ark earth magic, she needed to be strong and rig<span ss="editText">id. Whereas using her mana within the water, she needed to be fluid and r<span ss="userText">x<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="userText">, but not too<span ss="aiText"> much,<span ss="editText"> or the connection with the<span ss="aiText"> wat<span ss="editText">er<span ss="aiText"> would break.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya could feel that her mana''s connection beginning to break, which meant her control of the water would stop, so she quickly lifted the water and threw it into the <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">sink<span ss="aiText">.


    "Hmm... Not bad for a first go... But I need to practice some more before I amfortable using it in a battle situation... I wonder if I had a spell book, could I learn how to cast some awesome water magic?... That would be sweet... But for now, I guess I''ll keep practicing by manipting water for now" Rya said to herself as she continued to practice her newfound ability for another 5 to 10 minutes while cleaning herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay. I should get dressed and meet up with the others." Rya said to herself as she started to put her new clothes on.


    <span ss="userText">She was wearing her usual ck clothing but her underwear was pink today. It took some practice but she was finally able to put on a bra all by herself, after a few days of failing. She really started to enjoy how the material of the bras felt against her skin. Not that she had much topare it to but she<span ss="aiText"> didn''t want to wear a bandage around her chest again. <span ss="userText">Her ck pants, which used to be baggy<span ss="aiText">, were now form-fitting and showed off her womanly curves<span ss="editText"> after <span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> l<span ss="editText">ast "Growth Spurt"<span ss="aiText"> and her new underwear was hugging her ass, so well, that it looked like a bubble butt. Her new <span ss="editText">ck long-sleeve blouse was made of nice smooth material and fit perfectly on her body, hugging her curves in all the right ces.<span ss="userText"> The only thing that used to bug her was how much this blouse showed off her cleavage. She tried to button it up all the way<span ss="aiText">, but it looked like she was smuggling two basketballs, so she settled on keeping the first t<span ss="editText">hree<span ss="aiText"> buttons undone.<span ss="editText"> She felt a strange sense of pride when <span ss="userText">she saw how good she looked<span ss="aiText"> in the mirror.


    <span ss="aiText">''Haah... Why can''t I button up my shirt more than two buttons? Ugh. This is so ufortable. My blouse is trying to suffocate my chest.<span ss="editText">.. M-Maybe I should unbutton it a bit?... J-Just so I can breath<span ss="userText">e<span ss="aiText"> easier. I have no other choice. I<span ss="editText">''m not doing this to<span ss="aiText"> show off <span ss="editText">or<span ss="aiText"> anything... I''m definitely not trying to get Quin''s attention or anything like that! Yeah, no way! That''s not what I''m doing. This is just morefortable, that''s all.<span ss="userText">'' Rya was trying to rationalize her choice as she unbuttoned<span ss="aiText"> a fourth button<span ss="editText"> and turned to the side while moving her hands underneath her breasts to <span ss="aiText">give her boobs a better lift and push them together.<span ss="editText"> The cups of her pink bra were peeking out from<span ss="aiText"> the top of her ck blouse, giving off a nice contrast.


    ''U-Uh, y-yeah. Th-This is good!... Hehe. I-I mean. It''s fine... But I hope Quin doesn''t stare at me too much. I-I don''t want him to get the wrong idea, that''s all!... It''s just a bit better this way so I can breathe... It''s not good if I can''t breathe. Plus, I''m a man after all! And I totally don''t swing that way!... Yeah! That''s it! There''s no other reason why I''m doing this!... Okay!... And I just gotta stay calm, I don''t want him to notice anything suspicious about me, like how I look or how good I smell, or how my nipples are poking through the fabric of my blouse and bra, or how my breasts look like they want to escape the confines of my blouse... Agh?... Y-Yeah! Everything will be okay... I hope...'' Rya thought to herself as she started to fidget with her outfit.


    <span ss="aiText">"Haah. This is so embarrassing.<span ss="editText">.. I''m acting like a teen... Just finish up Ryan," Rya said to herself so she stopped<span ss="aiText"> wa<span ss="editText">st<span ss="aiText">ing <span ss="editText">time.


    <span ss="userText">Now that her clothes were fine she moved on to her hair. She made sure to keep her long white hair tied up in a bun so her bangs wouldn''t fall in her face. Then once her hair was done she put on her dark cloak that had a hood so she could pull it up if she didn''t want to be noticed. Unfortunately, she needed to have it up to hide her ears.<span ss="aiText"> Since she was an Elf, in the human<span ss="editText">, dwarf, kingdom<span ss="aiText">, it could be dangerous for her to walk around as is.


    <span ss="editText">''Haah... After all that work, I''m covering it up in this damn cloak... I-I mean!... It''s for the best!<span ss="aiText"> Yeah, no reason to take a chance.'' Rya thought as she looked around <span ss="editText">the bathroom and saw her dirty clothes. She pa<span ss="aiText">cked <span ss="aiText">the<span ss="editText">m in her back<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">pack<span ss="userText"> and got ready to get some breakfast<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">When Rya left the bathroom and made her way downstairs to the dining room, she could smell something cooking in the kitchen. The delicious aroma wasing from bacon and eggs. It was making her stomach rumble as she made her way into the lobby and saw Sir George by the doorway to themon room. She walked up to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George. How is it going?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmhm, I could be better if Percy could get some restraint on his... woman. Haah! She was immediately on him after he woke me up for my watch." Sir George said while shaking his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, She''s been a lot more forward than I thought she would be. She''s really good at getting what she wants though. And they are cute together," Rya replied with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we should try to get them their own room next time. I don''t think I can take it, hearing those two going at it all night every night," Sir George half-joked to Rya as heughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that would be for the best. Hey, has anyonee for breakfast yet?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. you''re the first toe. That''s why I''m standing here," Sir George said with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm? Quin''s taking his time. I wonder what''s taking him so long to get ready? I hope he isn''t going to make us wait... I kinda wanna eat right now.'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">She looked past Sir George into themon room to see who was eating <span ss="userText">whatever<span ss="aiText"> smelled so delicious.<span ss="editText"> She saw the group of adventurers fromst night but then something caught her attention. She didn''t notice it at first but whatever<span ss="aiText"> i<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText"> wa<span ss="editText">s moved a little in the corner of the big room. It looked like a shadowy figure but it was tra<span ss="userText">nsparent. It reminded her of the Optical Camouge from Metal Gear Solid. It spooked her out at first, but then she remembered that she was in a fantasy world that c<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ould<span ss="userText"> break thews of<span ss="aiText"> physics<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> without issue<span ss="aiText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm?" Rya frowned as she focused on the shadow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George noticed Rya''s serious but curious expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s wrong, Rya?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think I saw an invisible figure staring at us... Or maybe it''s my imagination?" Rya answered with a confused look.


    Sir George looked into themon room and saw just the bartender and a couple of adventurers sitting in the middle of the room. His eyes couldn''t find the invisible figure like Rya''s elven eyes could. But he felt that something was off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t tell but there might be an illusion spell cast. I''m not as strong with magic to tell you the truth." Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''An illusion spell? Great! Someone''s on to us.'' Rya thought to herself.


    Rya nced at Sir George, while Sir George nced at her. They both have the same expression on their faces that read. ''Let''s get the hell out of here.''


    "Lady Rya, go get the Lord. I''ll wait here," Sir George said as he gestured to her to take the hallway. He was going to stay at attention and hoped to keep whoever wasthere under surveince.


    "Understood," Rya nodded as she rushed back up the stairs and down the hall to their room.


    ''Damn it! Looks like we got to skip breakfast... I really wanted breakfast... Gah! Focus Ryan!... We might be in danger so pull your head out of your ass... I need to get Quin, Dalia, and Percy before getting out of here. Hopefully, they haven''t taken too long.'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya makes her way back to their room as she opens the door quickly.


    "Quin, quickly get the things we... need?..." Rya was interrupted by a naked Quin, who was in the middle of putting on some new underwear. This was the first time Rya had a good look at Quin''s body and she couldn''t help but notice how perfectly sculpted he was and her eyes couldn''t help but drift towards his well-endowed manhood that put her old self to shame.


    <span ss="editText">''H-Holy shit! He''s bigger than Percy! How is he so wless!?'' Rya thought to herself as she was in a trance<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, unable to look away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa! Rya!?... Could you knock?" Quin said as he quickly pulled his underwear up to hide his manhood.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya shook her head, snapping herself out of her trance<span style="font-weight:400">,<span style="font-weight:400"> "S-Sorry! I didn''t... I mean... I think someone is on to us, Quin. Sir George is keeping an eye out for them. It might be one of your uncle''s spies."


    Quin sighed and shook his head. He looked around for a moment and found his pants. He pulled them on quickly and looked at Rya again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Grab Percy and Dalia. I''ll get our gear ready. We''re going to head to the Baron''s pce, now. It should be safe there," Quin said as he started packing the backpacks with all their stuff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Got it! I''ll be back," Rya replied before running off to get them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya got to one of the bathrooms and found Dalia and Percy rxing in the tub. <span style="font-weight:400">They were surprised that Rya barged in out of nowhere.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Guyse on, we gotta go... We''ve been spotted!" Rya said as Percy and Dalia nodded at her with serious looks on their faces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t wait for us Lady Rya," Percy said as he and Dalia got out of the tub and grabbed their towels. With that Rya returned to the room to put her things away with Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin got most of the gear packed away before Rya, Dalia, and Percy made it back into the room. They each grabbed their own packs before heading outside where Sir George was waiting for them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, you made it. Lady Rya has a sharp eye, we''ve been spotted, alright. Whoever it is, is still waiting in themon room," Sir George said as he grabbed his pack from Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We must make haste to the Baron''s Pce, where we will be safe for a while. Let''s just hope that whoever it is, is working alone," Quin said as he started walking down the street, heading towards a busier road to blend in with the crowd.


    <span ss="editText">"We''re with you, My Lord. Let''s hope no one else is after us," Sir George said as he was right behind the prince. He walked through the city keeping an eye out for<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> anyone suspicious, following the prince''s lead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group made their way towards the center of the city where the pce is located. It will take them about an hour to get to the gate leading to the pce. They tried to keep calm and quiet as they walked the bustling streets of Ironside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span ss="editText">While Rya and the crew left the inn, in a hurry, the mysterious person in themon room was stunned. She had no idea how she was spotted when using her enchanted cloak <span ss="editText">ability <span ss="userText">to create<span ss="aiText"> an illusion<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> field<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, hiding her presence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''H-How did she spot me!? No one has ever detected me when I use my stealth cloak!'' Nieren thought to herself as she hid in the corner of the room waiting for the group of adventurers to leave.


    <span ss="editText">She knew she couldn''t reveal her presence right now, due to the others in the room. Normally she would have walked out of there without a second thought. But ever since she was spotted<span ss="aiText">, she started having trouble t<span ss="editText">rusting<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her cloak''s abilities. So she yed it safe for now.<span style="font-weight:400"> In time she''ll locate Rya again and see if she truly is evil. But for now, she needed to wait ande up with a different n of attack for how she would approach this Dark Elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After an hour of hiding, Nieren kept thinking about the situation as she sat in the corner of the room. She felt like she was missing something important here. Something that would tell her how to spot if Rya was a treacherous creature.

 Vol.2 Ch.60 Walking the Streets of Ironside.

    Vol.2 Ch.60 Walking the Streets of Ironside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group was weaving their way through the busy morning streets of Ironside, passing by shops, stores, and inns.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s good to see Ironside so lively this time of day. People bustling around all over the ce." Sir George said as he looked up at the sky.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"With the goblin horde ended, the people of Ironside are starting toe out of hiding. This is the first time I''ve seen this much activity since we''vee back." Percy said as he nodded in agreement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not used to being around this many humans and dwarves. I feel like I need to be more vignt." Dalia said as she crossed her arms and tapped her foot nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They''re not going to attack us with Quin by our side, Dalia. So please rx." Rya said as she patted Dalia''s shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you say so. But I still don''t trust these people." Dalia said as she sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I''m sure it isn''t easy to forget being a battle ve for most of your life," Percy said as he looked at her with sympathy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You could say that," Dalia said as she scratched her cheek embarrassed. "But if things didn''t go the way they did I wouldn''t be here with you. So I suppose I should thank Alpha for that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well if you want to thank me, you can stop having sex with Percy when we are sharing the same room, Dalia," Rya said as she rolled her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, so Alpha was awake? Hehe. Did you enjoy the show? I know I did!" Dalia said with a grin.


    <span ss="promptText">''Dalia is getting more confident and shameless by the day.'' Rya thought to herself. ''I don''t know if I can stop her. But I should try<span ss="userText"> for all our<span ss="aiText"> sakes.''


    <span>The Dark Elf prepared herself mentally so she could discipline the Wolfkin.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah. That''s because you''re bad at keeping your voice down!" Rya said as she put her hand on her hip.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia smiled and came closer to Rya''s ear to whisper, "I did that so you would be excited about mating with Beta."


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s strong front<span ss="aiText"> was suddenly broken and her face turned red. She was left speechless as <span ss="userText">the Wolfkin turned the tables<span ss="aiText"> on her.


    <span>"I can hear and see your thoughts, you know. Alpha is very excited right now," Dalia said in a quiet voice.


    <span>Rya gulped loudly as the thoughts of having Quinus touching her in all her sensitive ces ran through her mind. It took everything she had to fight these thoughts from controlling her actions. The logical part of her mind was screaming at her to deny the Wolfkin and keep her male dignity.


    <span ss="userText">"Are you crazy?!" Rya eximed in shock while regaining her<span ss="aiText">posure.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm? Nope. But you''ve been acting weird ever since we stayed at Kishin." Dalia said with a smirk.She noticed how Rya was keeping her distance from Quinus and she wanted to help her just like how she<span ss="aiText"> helped<span ss="userText"> her get Percy.


    <span ss="userText">"What?! No, I haven''t!" Rya said as she turned away.


    <span ss="userText">"I saw how you were acting. You were staring at Beta when he wasn''t looking... It''s not healthy<span ss="aiText"> to hold it in, you know." Dalia said, not wanting to leave the matter alone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn! It''s all the Goddesses'' fault that I''m not on my A-game anymore!'' Rya thought as she felt a headacheing on. She took a moment to regather herself and let out a big sigh to calm her racing mind.


    <span>"Well, there''s been a lot on my mind, Dalia. I''m sorry that I''ve been acting off," Rya said as she rubbed the back of her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It''s alright Alpha. I know you''re tired so we''ll just keep moving for now," Dalia said as she held onto Rya''s arm and started tugging her forward to catch up to the boys.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Rya was being dragged by Dalia, she spotted something that caught her interest. Down a street, Rya noticed a building that had women in scantily d clothing standing in front of the door. As they walk past, she notices the group of men that are waiting outside.


    <span>''Is that a brothel? Yes! That''s it! I will go there to prove to myself that I''m still a guy on the inside.'' Rya thought to herself as she tried to remember the name of the brothel which was called Be''s ce.


    <span>While Rya continues to be dragged by Dalia, she studies the ce as best as she can before it is out of sight. So she can find her way back here without anyone noticing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''re almost a mile away from the pce gates," Quinus said as he put his hand on Rya''s shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya refocused her attention on the group and noticed that Dalia was looking around the city with a nervous expression on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hm? What''s wrong?" Rya asked as she turned to look at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Wolfkin doesn''t answer and looks away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What happened, Dalia?" Rya asks again.


    <span ss="userText">After a few seconds, Dalia answers, "This is a really big city. There are too many smells here! From all the food to the dirt and filth! It''s all so fascinating! I''m having trouble controlling myself from shoving my nose<span ss="aiText"> everywhere! <span>I think my senses are going to overload soon!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"God, that''s annoying... <span ss="aiText">It''s tough <span style="font-weight:400">going through a roller coaster of emotions!" Rya exims as she pushes Dalia forward.


    <span>"W-What''s a roller coaster? I don''t think I''ve heard that word before. Is that bad, Alpha!?" Dalia asked as she stopped walking and looked at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Crap! I opened my damn mouth again! How the hell am I going to exin this one?'' Rya thought to herself as she felt embarrassed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A roller coaster of emotions is when you feel a range of feelings like joy, sadness, anger, and other emotions all at once. I guess it''s pretty simr to what you''re feeling right now, Lady Dalia." Quin said as he smirked at Rya.


    <span>"Oh. I see. I didn''t know there was a word for this. Thanks, Beta!" Dalia said as she sighed in relief.


    <span>''Huh? Are there roller coasters on Tertius?... Maybe they do, right? I mean, there''s magic in this world, so maybe I shouldn''t be surprised... I guess?'' Rya thought as she tried to imagine a theme park in a fantasy world setting. But it was hard for her to do at that moment, so she just shook her head to clear her mind to focus on the task at hand. ''Whatever. I need to focus on getting into the pce safely.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span>They were on the final stretch of their journey to the pce, which started looking bigger the closer they got. Rya''s thoughts kept drifting back to the brothel. She needed to test her hypothesis that she was still a male deep down and she was plotting about how she would try to get there without anyone noticing until her thoughts were interrupted by Sir George, who started talking about the culture of Ironside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you see, all the buildings are made of stone because the climate is dry. They get enough rain to keep their crops alive with the purple g, but not enough water for drinking or bathing purposes. So the city hires water mages to fill the underground reservoirs with water," Sir George exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? How many Mages are in the Kingdom of Fiafyr? I don''t recall seeing any during our travels," Rya asked as she looked at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They''re umon at best, Lady Rya. Most of the poption isn''t born with a talent for magic, so most of the citizens of Fiafyr are farmers who rely on their families for help. And since the cities are so far apart, I''m sure there aren''t that many mages in total. That makes you special," Sir George said as he looked at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Awe... Sir George can be nice to me every once in a while. There might be hope for him yet,'' Rya thought to herself as she smiled at the knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you can''t use magic then? You can''t cast spells?" Rya asked as she walked next to Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. But I can use mana to strengthen my body. I''m a stronger fighter than most men thanks to that," Sir George replies with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded in understanding. "I see. So most people use mana to strengthen their bodies with physical training and workouts?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. That''s what most of us do here. We''re a warrior nation by nature. The kingdom makes it mandatory for all citizens to see if they''re capable of using magic. If not, they must do daily training and workouts to be strong enough to defend themselves. However, most people end up choosing another path in life. Either bing a farmer, a merchant, or a craftsman."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow! I had no idea. So you have to train your whole life to be able to use magic?" Dalia asks as she looks at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that''s if a mage notices your potential early on in life. But most children just learn how to fight with their fists and the other physical abilities their parents teach them." Sir George exins as he looks around the city.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So how can Quin use magic when he''s not a mage?" Rya asked while ncing at Quin.


    The Crown Prince smirks before responding to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well yeah, I��m a half step away from being a Mage, but people like me and Sir George are called Maja. Our weapons and armor are the key that unlocks the power of mana... I can''t cast magic without my weapon as a catalyst. I''ve been practicing daily so I can get better at controlling it. And it takes time and patience to be good at controlling your mana flow. Once I master the art of my mana flow. Then I��m able to use my sword with a different type of magic. It''s moremon toe across Maja than Mages�� Percy''s an early-stage Maja, and I think Lady Dalia might be one as well. Especially after seeing how easily she cut through metal and rock during our fights with the goblin hordes," Quinus says as he looks at the confused Wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I''m a Maja? I just thought I was good at using my mana to sharpen my ws. But you said Maja needs a catalyst? And I don''t use any weapons? So how can that be?�� Dalia asks as she frowns.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Luckily your ws act like a catalyst like my sword. It seems you were born with a natural Maja ability to use mana. When you start learning to control it, you''ll notice a difference in your body. I can give you a few pointers when we have free time," Quinus exins as he tilts his head.


    <span>"Awe!... Beta is the best!" Dalia exims as she smiles at him.


    <span>Percy looked a little worried when his friend, Quinus, offered to help his girlfriend with a few pointers. "L-Lady Dalia! I can give you a few pointers if you like!" the young ranger said in a shaky voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe. My little wolf is worried? Come here you big baby," Dalia giggles as she grabs the back of Percy''s neck and pulls him into a hug.


    <span>"Ha! Ha! Ha! You''re too much! B-But Dalia? You''re only a year older than me... So I can''t be a big baby," Percyughed nervously as he hugged her back. His worries started to fade whenshe began to nuzzle her cheek against his.


    <span ss="userText">"Pfft... I know, silly. So stop worrying about it... You''re the only one who can mark me," Dalia said as she pushed him away in a joking manner and looked into his hazel eyes. "If you want to show me that you are my mate<span ss="aiText">, then <span ss="userText">take me on one of those ''dates'' you humans<span ss="aiText"> like to go on<span ss="editText">... <span ss="userText">We can go check out some of those shops... I have never been in a shop before?... Unless you have something better to do?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">A DATE!?... I mean... <span ss="aiText">O-Of course! We can go tomorrow after <span ss="editText">we meet<span ss="aiText"> with the <span ss="editText">Baron<span ss="userText">!"<span style="font-weight:400"> Percy said happily as he grinned ear to ear.


    <span ss="userText">Sir George''s mood soured when his former pupil was talking about going on a date and he<span ss="aiText"> cleared his throat loudly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! We finally arrived at the pce gate. Everyone ready?" Sir George asked while looking at the group. He tried not to re at Percy as he waited for everyone to respond.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus, Rya, and the rest of the group nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay then, follow me to the castle," Sir George says as he walks towards the castle entrance.

 Vol.2 Ch.61 A Warm Welcome.

    Vol.2 Ch.61 A Warm Wee.


    <span ss="userText">The group made their way through the streets of Ironside. Most buildings are made of wood and stone with wooden doors that open onto a small courtyard. But the pce of the Baron is built of gold and stone. Arge golden dome sits on top of the building. The castle<span ss="aiText"> has many smaller domes and towers that are connected to the main building by long hallways and bridges<span ss="userText">. There were also a couple of smoke stacksing from the far side of the castle grounds that were billowing white smoke. Atop the main dome sits a white marble statue of King Burell holding a Mug in his hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya with her elven eyesight notices the statue atop the dome. "Well, the Dwarves sure love to honor their Ale?" Rya mutters out loud while looking at the statue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that''s a statue of my ancestor King Burell Meredydd the Cunning," Quinus exins.


    <span ss="userText">Rya began to notice that Quin was right. She thought it was odd at first to have a<span ss="aiText">dwarven statue in the shape of a human with a beard, but once <span ss="userText">it was pointed out that it was a human<span ss="aiText"> king, she could see the resemnce. The statue even had the same facial features as <span ss="editText">Quinus<span ss="aiText">, although he was taller and had a wider frame.


    "That exins a lot... And here I thought I was seeing things... Thanks, Quin," Rya said with a raised eyebrow.


    She then noticed the pce walls that served as ast line of defense against enemy invaders if they somehow managed to get past the outer city walls. "Look! Look at those walls. They''re made out of solid steel. What kind of magic does this ce have to create a wall out of nothing but steel?" Rya asked as she looked around at the wall.


    "The Dwarves are amazing when ites to engineering. The Dwarven Kingdom of Hjorleif built this city before bing a part of Fiafyr," Quinus replied while he looked around for the pce gate. "There it is!... Alright everyone, act casual."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group heads to the gates of the pce. And now they can see why the town is called Ironside. The gate is made of steel and lined with sharpened purple iron spikes that stick out from the sides of the gates. It reminds Rya of the gate to the Labyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow! I wonder how long it took the Dwarves to craft all of this," Rya said as she looked at the spiked gates.


    "If I remember from what I''ve read... It took them almost a month to construct these gates and it took a year to build the walls," Quinus replied as he took a step back to get a better look at the gate. That''s when he noticed that there was no line to get into the pce. "Looks like it''s our lucky day... There''s no one trying to enter the pce gates right now. I can''t wait to finally rx..."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I second<span ss="aiText"> that, <span ss="editText">Quin<span ss="aiText">. This journey has been very taxing. Especially after traveling all this way," Rya said as she stretched her arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Quinus and the group were about ten feet away from the gate, of the pce, the guards noticed the group. "Who goes there?" one guard asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus answers. "We are here to see the Baron."


    The Dwarven Guard noticed the Prince''s golden eyes. "The prince! You''ve returned!" The guard said in shock.


    <span ss="userText">"We''ve thought you''ve killed the bucket<span ss="aiText"> of piss. Wee home, milord!" the second guard said as he saluted the prince.


    "Huh?... Well, I''m still alive... And we''vepleted our mission," Quinus replied as he nodded at the guards.


    <span ss="userText">The two Dwarven Guards looked at each other with a concerned look before looking back at the Prince.


    "Please wait here," the guard said to them with a bow, while the other Guard stood there at attention. He kept ncing at Rya from time to time as he waited for his superior toe.


    ***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group waits for nearly 45 minutes as the guard talks to the captain of the guard. Finally, the guard returns with an older dwarf wearing a red hat and brown robes carrying a staff. He had a wrinkly face and a gray beard. The man takes a deep breath as he looks at the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha ha ha! I knew you would do it! Well done, Your Highness! Let them through the gates!" The old dwarfughs.


    "Thank you," Quinus said as he bowed to the old dwarf and walked in.


    Sir George, Percy, and Dalia followed Quinus through the gate with Ryaing up the rear. The old dwarf watched Rya carefully as he followed behind her and when they entered the pce grounds, the old dwarf smiled at Rya and asked, "And who might you be?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m Rya, a friend of Prince Quinus," Rya replies.


    "Interesting? You weren''t a part of the party sent out to deal with the Labyrinth? Where did youe from?" The old dwarf questioned her.


    ''Um?... Am I missing something? What the?''


    Rya looks around and notices several different dwarves all wearing different colored robes.


    "What''s going on here?" Rya asked as she noticed that all the dwarves were looking at her.


    "Well, when a Dark Elf walks into our pce with the prince we don''t just let anyone through the gates. So, we naturally want to ask a few questions about who they are and where they''reing from... Isn''t that right, Miss Dark Elf," the old dwarf exined while he took a defensive position.


    Quinus and the group noticed the "Warm Wee" and turned around to see all the Mages from the Guild surrounding Rya.


    "Hajdah! She is an ally! The prince and the rest of us would have perished if it wasn''t for Lady Rya!" Sir George eximed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin moved in front of Rya as the rest of herrades took defensive positions around her.


    ''Aw,e on! Do they think I''m evil or something?'' Rya thought as she looked around. She wasn''t sure what she should do in this situation.


    "Hajdah, I always appreciated your counsel. But if you harm a hair on Rya''s head I will destroy you myself," Quinus warned Headmaster Hajdah of the Mage''s Guild.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah was shocked by the group''s immediate defense of the Dark Elf named Rya.


    "Your Highness? Has she charmed you?" The old mage Dwarf asked as he raised his hands.


    "Not with magic, Hajdah... She charmed us with friendship, and more importantly, loyalty," Quinus replied with a re.


    <span ss="userText">Hajdah looked at Quinus with a little confusion on his face. "So a Dark Elf won you over without using a charm spell?" He looks at her standing behind Quinus then looks back to the Prince. He didn''t see anything to indicate that Quinus was<span ss="aiText"> charmed by a dark elf. But the fact that the young prince would threaten his life, just to protect the Dark Elf was very concerning.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. That''s correct," Quinus replied in a serious tone.


    Hajdah closed his eyes and started mumbling before opening his eyes again. "Haah... Well, you''re right about her not charming you with magic at least. But she is dangerous and can''t be trusted."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What can I do to prove that I''m not an enemy?" Rya asked Hajdah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The old mage dwarf was surprised the dark elf would ask such a question. "Huh? Usually, your kind doesn''t ask for proof of anything. You just kill everyone that disagrees with you. But I guess this one is different from the rest."


    <span ss="userText">''No dah shit<span ss="aiText">, Sherlock!''<span ss="userText"> Rya thought with a frown.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, what do you propose we do then?" Quinus asked.


    Hajdah paused to think of a way to test her and finally came up with something after a second of thought. "Well, Lady Rya. We''ll consider you a friend if you can beat me in a drinking contest... That''s if you''re up to it?"


    ''A fucking drinking contest!? Are all dwarves alcoholics or something!?... And there is no way I can drink more than two ales without getting shitfaced! I''m so screwed!'' Rya thought as she grimaced.


    The Dark Elf was frustrated with Hajdah''s sudden request but knew she had no choice in the matter. She could either try to win and be his friend or lose and be considered an enemy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I ept your challenge Hajdah!" Rya said proudly trying to put up a front as Quin was a little worried about Rya''s inability to hold her liquor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah smiled and nodded, "I see! So this Dark Elf has the courage to drink something other than rotten grapes! Good, I might start respecting Dark Elves after today!"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya could feel the eyes of everyone on her. They were judging her as she tried not to show how nervous she was.


    "Huh? Rotten grapes?... I mean, I don''t mind wine but I can''t deny that beer is better," Rya said with a bit of confusion as to why the dwarf tried insulting her.


    <span ss="userText">In her response to Hajdah''s insults, all the dwarves were surprised that a Dark Elf preferred beer over wine. Elves of all races usually hated beer, especially dwarven ale. So they all looked at Rya with<span ss="aiText"> shock and curiosity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you prefer beer? What do you think of our ale, Lady Rya?" Hajdah asked with one brow raised.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh? Why have all the dwarves'' demeanors changed?... Is it because Iplimented Dwarven Ale?... Or does it have something to do with the Dark Elves not liking beer... Well, it''s the elves'' loss<span ss="aiText">, cause Dwarven Ale is fucking delicious!''<span ss="userText">Rya thought to herself as she took a deep breath and sighed before replying, "I''ve never tasted a better ale in my life. I''m not sure if I can enjoy another type of beer after having dwarven ale?"


    Rya saw Hajdah''s dumbfounded look and realized how much the dwarves respected their ales. She also heard the other dwarves murmuring to each other about Rya''s response.


    "She likes beer? This is the first time I ever heard a Dark Elf enjoy something other than wine." Whispered a female dwarf.


    "Maybe she''s just saying that so we let our guard down then she can attack us... Or maybe she''s telling the truth? It''s hard to tell," Muttered the male dwarf.


    "You know what I think? Maybe it was the High Elves lying to us about Dark Elves hating our Ale. I mean it isn''t the first time they have lied to us... And this is the first time I''ve seen a Dark Elf in my 80 years of life," Whispered a third dwarf.


    <span ss="userText">"I agree with you both. But I don''t know if I would trust her yet. Not until she proves<span ss="aiText"> herself in the drinking contest," Replied a fourth dwarf.


    Rya overheard their conversation and realized they were discussing that she needed to prove her worth to them. This made her feel a bit ufortable with all the attention she was getting but she quickly recovered to put up a brave front.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, Lady Rya. I didn''t expect you to agree to the challenge. So if you can drink one stein of ale, you''ll show us that you''re trustworthy," Hajdah said grinning ear to ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hajdah can you use something smaller than a dwarven stein for Rya? Like a pint?" Quinus asked as he noticed how the dwarves'' eyes lit up when Rya mentioned drinking Dwarven Ale.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Are you saying she lied about liking our ale Prince Quinus?" Hajdah asked with a glint in his eye.


    <span ss="userText">''W-What the hell are you doing Quin!? Now they think I''m<span ss="aiText"> some sort of liar!<span ss="editText"> And then they will demand I drink more... Which wouldn''t be a bad thing if I wasn''t a damn lightweight!<span ss="aiText">'' Rya thought as she began sweating.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed and shook his head. "No, it just-"


    <span ss="userText">"I''m a lightweight! Quin is just worried about me, that''s all. I swear!" Rya said as she<span ss="aiText"> stepped forward interrupting Quinus.


    "Hmm. Well... We still need you to drink one stein of dwarven ale for us to believe Lady Rya''s words, Your Highness." Hajdah said.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus wanted to argue but Rya stopped him and shook her head<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s okay Quin. I will show them how much I love dwarven ale!" Rya said, sounding a little too enthusiastic.


    <span ss="aiText">The other dwarves cheered <span ss="userText">while some of them ran to get <span ss="editText">a <span ss="aiText">barrel of ale.

 Vol.2 Ch.62 To Good Health!

    Vol.2 Ch.62 To Good Health!


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin still wasn''t convinced this was the best way to prove Rya''s trustworthiness to the dwarves, especially after seeing her be a slobbering mess after one mug of ale.


    "Quin... I''ll be alright. Just make sure that I don''t embarrass myself too much," Rya said while smiling at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus wanted to protest, but he didn''t have any other ideas at this moment. So he relented and gave her a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, Rya... I''ll be there for you," Quinus said before turning to Hajdah. The Crown Prince was pissed that the Guild Master didn''t believe that Rya wasn''t a threat to the Domain.


    "So, shall we go to the mess hall then?" Hajdah asked as he pointed down the stone path leading to therge pce building.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, please lead the way," Rya nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As the group walked towards the mess hall, Hajdah exined the dwarven etiquette to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, so there are rules for how you eat here in Ironside?" Rya asked as she looked around at the people eating.


    "Yeah. We usually sit on the floor here as it''s easier to keep the mess clean by mopping it up. But it also allows us to talk to each other without being interrupted by those walking through. Also, we have a separate area for nobles and knights in case they want privacy, which is more typical of a human setting. We''ll go there to see if you speak the truth about liking our ale, Dark One," Hajdah said as he gestured to a small door on the far side of the vast room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya followed Hajdah''s lead and sat down with the rest of the dwarves.


    "Alright, everyone! Bring out the Dwarven Stein! It''s time for Lady Rya to demonstrate her integrity and honor!" Hajdah yelled as he stood up and grabbed a stein from someone sitting beside him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He handed it over to Rya, who took the stein and looked at it. The thing was huge and easily held over two liters of liquid. It also had beautiful craftsmanship, as the silver and gold griffins were engraved into the stein.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"U-Um... Wh-What should I do?" Rya asked as she nced over to Quinus.


    <span>Quinus sighed as he felt powerless to stop the dwarves from getting Rya drunk while Dalia gave her friend a thumbs up. Percy looked worried and wanted to help, and Sir George seemed very serious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, drink it!" Hajdah said as he held out his stein to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Great... There''s nothing quite like a bit of peer pressure to push me into doing something I know I''ll end up regretting... I thought I was done with this crap back in my early 20''s.'' Rya thought as she looked at Quinus again. He wanted to help, but his hands were tied unless he fought everyone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I guess there is no time like the present," Rya said as she found a seat before she started the challenge.


    <span ss="userText">The Dwarven Mage looked like he was sizing her up <span ss="aiText">before he spoke again, "Aye, but we must toast first. <span ss="userText">I''ll let you be the one to decide<span ss="aiText"> what we toast to."


    <span style="font-weight:400">She then looked to Hajdah and lifted up her stein, "To the good health of the people of Ironside."


    <span ss="userText">The dwarves were surprised and a bit impressed by Rya''s toast. They nodded their heads, and Hajdah smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400"><span ss="userText">The Dwarven Mage raised his stein and said, "To the good health of the people of Ironside!"


    <span ss="aiText">They lifted up their steins and tapped them against hers. Then they began drinking their ales.


    <span>A Dwarven Stein could easily hold more than four standard pints, and Rya had to drink the whole thing in one go. As the ale touched Rya''s tongue, she found it tasted as good as it had yesterday. It was refreshing, sweet, and smooth. Then, the warmth of the ale made her feel happy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Glug. Glug. Glug. Glug. Glug. Glug.*


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This stuff goes down too easily.'' Rya thought as she continued to down the first stein.


    It took the Dark Elf about thirty seconds before she finished the stein.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*p!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aaaah! Amazing! This is even better than I remembered," Rya said as she hugged the stein, and her cheeks became rosy. She nces over to Hajdah and the other dwarves, who couldn''t believe their eyes. An elf loved their beer, and she wasn''t afraid to admit it, like all the elves they''d seen before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She does not tell lies. She speaks the truth," Hajdah said, unable to believe his eyes. He had heard his fellow dwarves talking with each other, and he knew exactly what they were saying.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Look at her. She loves our ale like she said she would. She is one of us!" Shouted another dwarf.


    <span>"Yeah! Perhaps Dark Elves are a bit more down-to-earthpared to those haughty High Elves," Another Dwarf said.


    <span ss="userText">"I feel guilty<span ss="aiText"> for not trusting her," <span ss="userText">Whispered one of the Dwarven Mages.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah watched Rya as her cheeks became rosier and saw the brightest smile on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Another dwarf gave her a new stein full of ale and said, "To the good health of the people of Ironside!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya took the stein and said, "T-o the goo-d heal-th of the people of Ironsi-de!"


    <span>She was sloshed and could barely stand on her feet, but the dwarves were cheering for her, and she was enjoying herself. She lifted her stein and was about to drink it. But Quin came in and grabbed the stein away from Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-Hey! Q-uin!? That''s m-ine!" Rya said as she tried to grab the beer stein back.


    <span>"You''re drunk, Rya... And I could use a drink," Quin said as he easily pounded down the beer and mmed it down on the table. He then intercepted another stein that washeading for Rya and chugged it as well.


    <span>The Dwarven soldiers began to cheer Quinus as he pounded down the ales, while the Dwarven Mages began to look worried as they saw the Crown Prince ring at them.


    <span ss="aiText">"I have to agree, Quin. She''s had enough," Percy said as he stopped a few more dwarves trying to give Rya and Quinus more beer.


    <span ss="aiText">"H-hey... Don''t I-I get a say i-n this?" Rya asked, huping.


    Quinus ignored her and quickly downed the second stein in under 30 seconds, mming it onto the table once he was done.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''ve done your duty<span ss="userText">, Rya. Just take a seat and rest a bit,"<span ss="aiText"> Quin said<span ss="userText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aw-ww! How a-m I suppo-sed to b-b-uild a to-lora-nce if you *hic* take away my be-er!?!" Ryained to Quinus as she tried to stand up from her chair, only to fall backward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa! I got you, Rya." Quinus caught Rya before she fell to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He put Rya''s arm around him to help support her weight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-t-thanks Qui-n. I ca-n be-lieve how us-eless I get *hic* I''m sorry," Rya said while looking up at Quin''s golden eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head and smiled, "It''s alright. You did great, Rya. I''ll help you build up your toleranceter. Come on. Let''s find a bed for you."


    Rya felt Quin''s hand petting her head, which made her blush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"MMmmm! Yo-u are spo-iling me," Rya mumbled while she closed her eyes andid her head on Quin''s shoulder.


    <span>Hajdah and the dwarves couldn''t believe it. The prince had charmed the Dark Elf when they thought it was the other way around.


    <span ss="userText">"The blood of his ancestor King Burell Meredydd runs strong in the Crown Prince. He''s tamed a Dark Elf<span ss="aiText"> with such ease<span style="font-weight:400">!" Eximed one of the Dwarven Mages, standing next to Hajdah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m d he did because I don''t think we could take her on in a fight with magic. Her mana surges from within her, pulsating with such formidable power, almost rivaling that of the prince. I would have feared the worst if we had to fight her." Hajdah said to his fellow mages.


    <span ss="userText">"Are you serious?... And you withheld that<span ss="aiText"> information until now?<span ss="userText">" Mystic Laika <span ss="userText">stared at Hajdah<span ss="aiText">, appalled.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">She''s a Dark Elf, Laike... We didn''t know if she chimed the prince to take over the kingdom<span ss="aiText">," Hajdah replied, looking back at the Mystic.


    <span ss="aiText">"That is preposterous<span ss="userText">! Being cautious is one thing, but you refused to listen to the Prince when he said she wasn''t<span ss="aiText"> a threat, and you tried to force her <span ss="userText">to drink a full stein?... Didn''t you notice how<span ss="aiText"> distraught the prince looked when you threatened her?" Laika questioned him, her eyes narrowing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aye. I saw it in his eyes. He cares a great deal for her," Hajdah admitted.


    <span>"And it turned out that he was speaking the truth, Master Hajdah. He didn''t look too pleased," Suhail, The Lightning Mage, said as he crossed his arms.


    <span ss="userText">Hajdah was starting to understand<span ss="aiText"> just how much trouble he had caused, and the weight of the situation fell on him.


    <span ss="userText">"It would be a wise idea for us to keep our distance until the Prince<span ss="aiText"> asks for our help," Hajdah advised.


    <span ss="aiText">"Agreed. Until then, we''ll continue to <span ss="editText">monitor the Prince and his friends. Don''t try to upset them,<span ss="aiText">" Laika said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hey... Do you think we should see if the Dark Elf will join our ranks?" Akashia, The Wind Mage, asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think the Prince would destroy us if we tried to do that. He''s the heir apparent to the throne. And he wants her by his side. Especially if she is as powerful as I think she is... The Kingdom just became much more powerful with her presence," Hajdah replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then, we need to apologize to her and the Prince. She''s been very cooperative and kind so far... Plus, she loves our ale," <span ss="userText">Suhail said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She''s a Dark Elf. She might have been trying to use the Prince to gain power... Haah... But you''re right, <span ss="userText">Suhail. We will apologize to the Dark Elf before the Prince gets offended," Kyan, the fire mage, said.


    The Dwarven Mages exchanged a nod before boldly approaching the Dark Elven woman, who was nestled in Quin''s protective embrace.


    <span>"Prince Quinus! Lady Rya... We, the Ironside Mages Council, would like to offer our sincere apologies for our previous conduct. It was ill-mannered and uncalled for. Your presence here means a lot to the Ironside Mages Guild," Hajdah said, and then they all bowed their heads respectfully to the Dark Elf and the young Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehehe! *hic* Q-uin th-e roo-ms spinn-ing?" Rya said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin looked at Rya with a surprised expression.


    <span ss="userText">"Umm... Hajdah. Rya isn''t in the best condition to ept your apology. We need a room for her," Quin said as he started blushing due to Rya nuzzling<span ss="aiText"> his neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya giggled and snuggled closer to his chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Of course, young Prince! Right this way, we''ll quickly escort you and your group to your room! Come, follow us." Hajdah said to the Prince and the four other members.

 Vol.2 Ch.63 Baron Zellin Coldforge

    Vol.2 Ch.63 Baron Zellin Coldforge


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once the group was in the room, Rya was given a bed and a warm nket. She smiled happily when she saw them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There we go. Now you can sleepfortably," Quin told Rya.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmmm... Thank you, Quin..." Rya said softly as she wrapped herself in<span ss="aiText"> the nket.


    Rya could hear voices as her consciousness began to slip. She was just too cute that Quin couldn''t resist giving her a quick pat on the head before getting back to business.


    <span ss="editText">"Sleep well, Rya," Quinus whispered to the sleepy Dark Elf before he stood up.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya could hear voices as her consciousness began to<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> slip. She looked so adorable that<span style="font-weight:400">Quin had to pat her head briefly before returning to business.


    "Percy... Lady Dalia... I need you both to keep an eye on Rya while Sir George and I catch up with Baron Zellin. I''m counting on you two... Oh?... And no mating!" Quin said with a raised brow while looking at the two love birds. Quin didn''t want a repeat of what happened at the Inn this morning.


    <span ss="editText">"Y-Yes, sir!" Percy replied with embarrassment. He now realized that the Prince had heard the two of them making love in the same room<span ss="userText"> they slept in<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"No promises, sir. But we will try to restrain ourselves," Dalia said with a sly smirk.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus red at her, which made Percy jump in front of her while waving his hands.


    <span ss="editText">"WE WON''T<span ss="aiText"> DO ANYTHING,<span ss="editText"> MY LORD<span ss="undoDeletionText">,<span ss="aiText"> I PROMISE!... We<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''<span ss="aiText">ll<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> wai<span ss="undoDeletionText">t until we can get our o<span ss="undoDeletionText">wn room,"<span ss="aiText"> Per<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">c<span ss="aiText">y stuttered.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Huh?... Oh fine! I promise to behave, Beta," Dalia said with a serious look.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Quin let out a sigh. He would have to talk to the twoter on about the dangers of breeding and pregnancy. <span style="font-weight:400">With that done, Quin looked back at Rya, sleepingfortably in the queen-size bed.


    ''Hajdah had to pick on Rya just because she''s a Dark Elf. For a century-old mage. He''s dumber than he looks!'' Quin thought to himself, annoyed by Hajdah''s unnecessary and useless test.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shall we, dear Prince?" Hajdah asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin nodded and followed Hajdah out of the room with Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a moment, Percy and Dalia found themselves alone with Rya in therge bedroom.


    "I think Prince Quinus is angry with the Dwarven Mage," Percy addressed Dalia with an air of concern in his voice.


    "Yeah, you''re right. I could smell Beta''s anger in his body odor... I wonder what he''s going to do," Dalia answered.


    <span ss="userText">The Ranger shuttered at the<span ss="aiText"> thought of what would happen<span ss="editText"> to the old mage <span ss="userText">if he was oblivious<span ss="aiText"> to the Prince''s anger.


    "We''ll find out soon enough. Until then, I''ll grab some food from the kitchen. Is there anything that you would like, Lady Dalia," Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay. I''ll watch Alpha. OH! And grab me some of that wild boar I like so much. I could smell them slow-cooking one!" Dalia said as her tail wagged under her cloak.


    Percy smiled and nodded at Dalia before he left the room to get food for everyone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile, Quinus, George, and Hajdah were walking the halls of the pce toward the Baron''s chamber. The silence was eerie, and Hajdah could hear the creaking of the floorboards under their feet.


    <span ss="userText">''Did I anger the prince?'' Hajdah thought to himself. ''I was looking out for his own good. Maybe I should see if this is my imagination?'' the old mage thought as he readied himself<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to talk.


    "Your Highness. I like to say how relieved we are that you came back from the Labyrinth unharmed. And I couldn''t help but notice that you also tamed a Wolfkin... If you don''t mind my asking, how did you tame such a creature? I''ve never heard of a wolfkin not being enved before," Hajdah asked casually.


    Quinus stopped abruptly, as did Sir George, upon hearing Hajdah''s inquiry regarding Dalia. The Prince was trying his best not to scream at the old mage, but he needed to let him know that he was displeased.


    <span ss="editText">The Crown Prince sighed, "Are you asking if Dalia has charmed Percy as well, and you mean to test her too, Hajdah? We can''t have a Wolfkin running about now, can we<span ss="aiText">? I would hate to have to cut her down, especially after she''s done nothing wrong other than being born a wolfkin. Right?"<span ss="editText"> Quinus said in a <span ss="userText">condescending<span ss="aiText"> tone.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir George had his hand on the hilt of his sword and was ready to pull it out if he needed to defend Quinus from an attack. Thest thing he wanted was to exin to the King why he let the heir apparent be harmed by an old dwarv<span ss="editText">en mag<span ss="undoDeletionText">e.


    <span ss="userText">Upon hearing and seeing the Prince''s<span ss="aiText"> displeasure, Hajdah realized he''d made a mistake.<span ss="editText"> He felt a sense of dread<span ss="aiText"> at the Prince''s words. He knew <span ss="editText">now <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">that Prince Quinus was very protective of the <span ss="editText">Dark Elf<span ss="aiText"> and didn''t want her toe to any harm.


    ''H-He''s actually furious! I need to do something to show that I''m loyal to the Prince. I can''t lose the trust of the crown!'' Hajdah thought as he took a few steps back from Quinus.


    "No, I was just curious why a wolfkin seemed to follow you all. Especially Percy, since he is not a wolfkin," Hajdah said with worry in his voice while trying to deflect the conversation.


    Quinus turned and walked closer to Hajdah. He red down upon the nervous dwarf who didn''t know if he should defend himself.


    <span ss="editText">"Stop ying coy with me, Hajdah. You knew Rya didn''t cast any spells on me, and you refused to listen when I said she was an ally. You came out in a show of force when you brought out the Mages Guild to surround her... Be thankful that I don''t use the same show of force<span ss="userText"> on you and your guild for you<span ss="editText">r<span ss="userText">ck of <span ss="editText">f<span ss="userText">aith in your prince," Quinus hissed<span ss="aiText"> as h<span ss="editText">is golden eyes<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> glowed brightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah gulped, then bowed his head and said, "My apologies, Your Highness. I will try to be more mindful of the trust you give me in the future."


    <span ss="editText">The Guild Master felt ashamed for what happened, as he had put himself in a situation where he could lose everything for<span ss="aiText"> a single moment of doubt. He <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">was<span ss="aiText"> responsib<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">le for<span ss="aiText"> protect<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ing<span ss="aiText"> the kingdom, <span ss="editText">but<span ss="aiText"> he <span ss="editText">knew that Quinus wasn''t charmed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, and he should have known better than <span ss="editText">to question the P<span ss="undoDeletionText">rince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed, "It''s fine, Hajdah. Please know that you''re still in my good graces. Just don''t disappoint me with another incident like this again."


    "Th-Thank you, Your Highness!... I promise never to question you again!" Hajdah replied nervously.


    The Dwarven Mage didn''t fully believe that he was in the Prince''s good graces. Not until he made it up to the person he had wronged. The Prince''s Dark Elf-friend, Rya.


    ''I must apologize to Lady Rya at once! If she epts my apology and I help her with anything magic-rted, then the prince will no longer be angered with me!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, they started walking again to the Baron''s chambers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The hallways of the Dwarven Pce were dark and quiet except for the asional creak of the wooden nks beneath their feet. The ceilings were slightly lower than usual, and the walls were made of stone rather than wood. Yellow crystals lit the hallways dimly, unlike the bright white crystals that most humans preferred. However, the light reflected off the polished silver mirrors adorning the walls to add a bit more illumination. As they approached the Baron''s chamber, two big windows lit the area with natural light.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arge door with a heavy lock was at the end of the hallway. This particr door was unique because the key to unlocking it was kept within the Baron''s personal quarters. As one would expect, the guards stationed outside of the door wore full dwarven armor and carried battle axes. It looked like both of them had seen battle, as each bore several scars across their bodies.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As the Prince, Dwarven Mage, and Human Knight entered, the guards saluted and stepped aside to allow them entry.


    "The Baron is waiting for you, Your Highness," one guard said with a bow.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus motioned with his hand<span ss="aiText"> for the guard to open the door. After unlocking it, the guard stepped inside first to announce their presence.


    "My Lord, Prince Quinus Meredydd of the Kingdom has arrived," the guard stated loudly.


    The Crown Prince saw the well-dressed Dwarven Noble seated at a desk with a book in hand. Upon hearing the announcement, the Baron quickly set the book aside and rose from his chair.


    Upon entering the room, Quinus, George, and Hadjah proceeded through the impressive doorway and positioned themselves before the desk of the baron. Zellin seemed to be deep in thought about something, and he waited for a moment to speak.


    He proceeded to move about his desk, advanced a few paces, and executed a profound bow in Quinus'' direction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness! You''ve defeated the Dungeon Core that controlled the goblin stampede! The goblins are no longer in ournds, and we shall never have to worry about them again," the Baron said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It wasn''t an easy quest, Zellin, but fate must have been on our side to defeat the Dungeon Core! Thank you for all the help you offered. I just wish more of our men could have lived to see this day," Quinus replied with an apologetic face.


    Zellin responded with a joyful smile. "What''s important is your survival... It is good to see you again, Prince Quinus. I''m d that the rumors of your death are false. I heard that you were one of the few people to survive this suicide mission. Sadly, that''s what happens when a Labyrinth''s Core gets loose... Besides Sir George, who else survived, Your Highness?"


    "My loyal ranger, Percy, and two remarkable demi-human females provided invaluable assistance... I fear I wouldn''t be standing here without her help," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my servants mentioned you came with a Wolfkin and a Dark Elf. I thought Dark Elves only seek power. Are you sure she''s not using you, Your Highness?" Zellin said with concern.


    Sir George cut in. "Not only did she save my life, Baron Coldforge, but she''s saved my lord''s life multiple times. Lady Rya is a purist and cares for everyone around her! Even if she insults my courting methods," Sir George said with a sad look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see... I do apologize for doubting your choice ofpanion! But how did you find these women anyway?" the Baron asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya was chased into the Labyrinth by the goblin horde, and we were able to save Lady Dalia from being impregnated by the goblins in their nest," Quinus exined.


    <span ss="editText">The Baron was surprised<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> by the story but didn''t ask further questions about how it urred.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fated indeed! How did your cousin fare, Your Highness? I don''t see him with you, so I''m assuming the worst," Zellin asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s even worse than that, Baron. He and his mercenaries betrayed the prince when the Goblin Horde was attacking us in the dungeon! He deserved something worse than death!" Sir George spat out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What!? He was mad enough to try and im the throne!?" Zellin said in shock.


    "Yes. And that''s thest thing we''re concerned about. One of his mercenaries survived, and we think he made it out of the Labyrinth before we did. Do you know the whereabouts of the ck Rose Mercenaries? My cousin was only able to hire 20 of them before our quest, and I remember theirmander was in Ironside when we first came through," Quinus asked.


    Hajdah jumped in, "100 ck Rose Mercenaries stayed inside the city five days ago, Your Highness. I believe they went north��toward Mount Skellige... Rumor has it that the main forces of the Mercenary Group have been spotted moving around the foothills... Which we believe is around ten thousand strong. It''s making us nervous, My Prince."


    "Are you certain they didn''t head east toward the capital?" Quinus asked with a worried look on his face.


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Yes, I''m certain, My Lord... While the old mines may have copsed over 500 years ago, there are still a lot of abandoned tunnels that they might be using to hide in, Your Highness," Hajdah answered with a reassuring smile. He hoped this would get him back in Quinus'' good graces.


    "Thank you, Hajdah. But I must say, I''m a little concerned that they didn''t go straight to my uncle so they could report about his son''s execution," Quinus said.


    "Your Highness executed the Viscount!? I can only imagine what Duke ric Revelia will do when he hears about this," Zellin said in shock.


    Quinus sighed, "I don''t know if I can trust my uncle not to ambush us if we try to go to the capital on our own. I might need a garrison of your men, Zellin."


    "I-I can, My Lord... But I thought you and your cousin were so close when you were children. How did ite to this," Zellin said in confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Marcus was always good at putting up a facade when needed, but his heart is cker than I ever could''ve imagined. I wish I didn''t have to end him in such a way, but it''s toote for that," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord, should we deal with the mercenaries? I��m sure they are up to something if they left the city before we arrived," Sir George asked with a hint of concern in his voice.


    "Yeah, I think you''re right. We''ll need to deal with them before heading to the capital with Zellin''s garrison as our escort," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''ll send some soldiers to search the mountainside to see if we are lucky enough to find them, Your Highness," Hajdah said.


    "Sounds like a n... And I have onest thing to ask of you," Quinus said while looking over to the Baron.


    <span ss="editText">"Go ahead," Zellin replied, eagerly awaiting<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the Crown Prince''s request.


    "When was thest time you or your father smithed Liquid Ether?" Quinus asked Zellin Coldforge.


    "Well, my father was lucky enough to get a drop of Liquid Ether about 40 years ago. I believe he smithed it to create your father''s sword," Zellin said while scratching his chin.


    "He made my father''s sword with only one drop?... I wonder what you and your father can make with this," Quinus said while pulling out a glowing vial of Liquid Ether and holding it up.


    Zellin''s and Hajdah''s eyes went wide when they saw the vial of liquid light. The Baron''s hands were shaking slightly as he took the vial and examined it. His face was puzzled and stunned as he saw how much Ether, the Prince, had collected.


    "That''s insane! You''ve got that much Liquid Ether!? That makes you the richest man in the world!" Zellin said in disbelief while handling the vial carefully.


    "And what would you do with this gift, My Lord," Hajdah asked.


    "With this Ether, the possibilities are endless... I don''t seek wealth, but I desire weaponry and armor for both myself and mypanions. I have a feeling that we will need all the help we can get," Quinus said as he watched the Baron stare at the vial of light.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We can do that, but it will take at least a few weeks or even a few months to forge what you want, My Lord... I''ll need to research what types of weapons my father and I can make for you," Zellin said as he handed the vial back to Quinus.


    "I would like for you to make a short sword for Rya first, then use the rest for meter... I could use some gauntlets or a shield," Quinusmanded while gesturing to Zellin to hang on to the vial.


    "As you wish, Your Highness," Zellin said as he pocketed the vial in his leather pouch.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do we have any other business here?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, Your Highness. We can try to send a message to your father and mother about your sess if you like," Zellin asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, I think that would be wise. Let us move on. What else do you have nned for the city?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we are going to hold a Festival of the Goddess starting tomorrow morning. It''s an annual event where everyone throws money and offerings to their respective deities. With the goblins dealt with, we thought it would be a good time to hold it again," Zellin exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sounds like a n. I''d like to attend if possible, incognito, of course," Quinus said.


    "Of course, Your Highness. I''m sure the whole town will be festive, so you can blend in easily if you like," Zellin replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hm. Well, that should be enough. I''ll be retiring to my room. Gentlemen, I look forward to seeing you during dinner," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zellin and Hajdah bowed to the prince as he walked away with Sir George in tow, and they left the Baron''s chamber.


    <span ss="userText">Once the Prince left the room<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> Hajdah and Zellin looked up from<span ss="aiText"> their bows and s<span ss="editText">traightened<span ss="aiText"> themselves.


    "<span ss="editText">He''s really growing up fast... It feels like yesterday when I went to <span ss="editText">the <span ss="editText">Cap<span ss="editText">ital to see if the Prince was gifted with being a mage... <span ss="userText">Even when he failed the test as an 8-year-old,<span ss="editText"> it<span ss="userText"> didn''t bother him. <span ss="editText">Haha... Frankly, it was Grand Master Fennic who seemed more disappointed that<span ss="aiText"> the prince didn''t show any talent<span ss="editText"> in the arcane," Hajdah said.


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah... Now, he''s a 20-year-old man and the most powerful Maja warrior in the Kingdom. It''s a bit scary to think that he will inherit the kingdom someday," Zellin said with a chuckle.


    <span ss="userText">"I <span ss="editText">know this is bad to say... But I <span ss="userText">hope it''s sooner<span ss="aiText"> rather thanter<span ss="editText">... King Cyndre is letting the Prime Minister<span ss="aiText"> have too much control over the <span ss="editText">Kingdom<span ss="aiText">," Hajdah whispered.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t like it either. <span ss="editText">Especially if the Prince is forced to marry that Divine Three Princess<span ss="userText">... I fear for our pe<span ss="editText">o<span ss="userText">ple''s<span ss="aiText"> lives, Hajdah. If <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">Alliance has its way, then we dwarves will be fighting for our lives<span ss="aiText">. I don''t want a civil war to erupt within our kingdom, but it could happen if Cyndre doesn''t step <span ss="editText">up against Marquess Duval Wrightwood''s ns<span ss="aiText">," Zellin replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"I understand how you feel, but I pray that it won''te to that.<span ss="userText"> Anyway, I have to prepare <span ss="editText">the guild <span ss="userText">for the <span ss="editText">f<span ss="userText">estival.<span ss="aiText"> If you have nothing else for me, I''ll be off," Hajdah said while walking out the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, we can continue this conversation another time," Zellin said while returning to his chair.


    <span ss="userText">''I better head to the forge in a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="userText"> hour and give my father <span ss="userText">this Liquid Ether... Haah... He better notin to me about finding a woman<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">,'' the Baron thought as he started writing a letter for King Cyndre.

 HEADS UP WARNING.

    HEADS UP WARNING.


    Hey all, I just wanted to give you all a heads-up about the future chapters in<del> <b>Volume 1</b> </del>and <b>Volume 2</b>.


    These chapters are in a <b><u>rough alpha state</u></b> from here on out.


    <b><u>What does that mean?</u></b>


    Well, it just means that there are way more grammatical mistakes. Like, wrong words, messed up sentence structure, and other issues that will have you trying to decipher what I meant.


    <b><u>So why are you telling us this?</u></b>


    Because I''m trying to fix them from here on out, I''m trying to fix one chapter daily if I can. <i>But life stuff is making it a little tougher for me to plow through them promptly. I''ll exin whyter.</i>


    <b><u>Why are the chapters in a rough state in the first ce?</u></b>


    There are multiple factors for this. The biggest culprit is my dyslexia. It makes me write down some words that are simr to what I wanted to write, or even funner is when I miss a word in the middle of a sentence, and I don''t realize that I''ve made these errors until I hear a read back.


    Another reason is I leaned in on spell check apps that I thought would catch my most ring mistakes. But those apps didn''t catch everything and I didn''t know for a long time because I was way too trusting in them.


    And thest major reason is, I was not as good as a writer as I am now. This story is the first time I''ve ever written anything. And I feel like I have a good vision for what I want the story to be. But Icked experience and now that I have it, I''m trying to correct my past chapters.


    <b><u>How did I find out that your past chapters were in an Alpha State?</u></b>


    Well, I found out after I tried to use Elevebs. An Ai voice generator. I thought it would be cool to make an audiobook out of my work. And I thought my first chapter was rock solid at the time. But when I hear it being read back to me. That''s when I was like "Ho boy! I need to fix this!"


    So, I''ve been on and off trying to slowly fix them while adding more chapters.


    <b><u>Why is it taking so long to fix them?</u></b>


    The first thing holding me up is that I''m a stay-at-home dad with a baby. So my time is very limited for writing. Second, I have Patreon members who wish to support me and I want to give the newer chapters so that takes up more time for banging out my earlier chapters. Andstly, I need time to generate voice renders on all of my chapters and have to listen along so I can hear my mistakes. It adds on more time for the editing side of things but it makes it so much easier for me to find most of my mistakes that Grammarly misses. So I can correct them to the best of my ability.


    <b><u>Are all future chapters in this Alpha State?</u></b>


    No, volume 0 and volume 3 chapters have gone through my new pipeline for editing. So, they are in a MUCH better state. And it will be a smoother reading experience than the untouched Volume 1 and Volume 2 chapters.


    <i>The whole reason for writing this post is to give you a proper heads up and I want to say that I appreciate your patience in reading through these uing chapters while I get the time to fix them.</i>


    You''re all the best and one day I will delete this post once everything is in order.


    Cheers!

 Ch.64 Just a Hangover

    Ch.64 Just a Hangover


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya had been sleeping in her bed as best she could while recovering from drinking too much Dwarven Ale after Hajdah''s challenge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She woke up to hear the door open and a knock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O! God damn, my head," Rya said groggily, fighting a hangover.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alpha? Are you okay?" Dalia asked nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m fine, just had a little too much. Ah, what time is it?" Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve been sleeping for about 3 or 4 hours. Do you need anything? Food?" Dalia asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Food sounds good. Ow... And water. Thanks," Rya answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy brought a tray filled with food and drinks to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya started to sit up when she felt someone touch her shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here you go, Lady Rya. We have wild boar and root vegetables," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Percy," Rya said as she slowly ate her meal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After finishing her meal, Rya looked outside the window and noticed the sun was overcast. She could see the mountain range in the distance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It seems like it''s gonna rain," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looked out the window and sniffed the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Sniff! Sniff!* "Hmm? Well, I do smell moistness in the air," Dalia replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe it''s a storming in?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope it rains. I like the sound of it from time to time. Haah... Well, I''m feeling better, thanks, guys," Rya said as she stretched her arms over her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it''s the least I can do. And you did well with Hajdah''s challenge, Lady Rya. I was a little worried when the Mages Guild surrounded us," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? They were a part of the Mages Guild? I thought I felt something radiating from them. Was that their mana? I have never experienced that kind of sensation before..." Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, that''s what mages say, at least. If someone is born with the ability to be a mage, then mages can sense other mages'' mana. They say it feels different from everyone else''s mana. But it feels all the same to me. Anyway, don''t worry about it. Only the mages can sense your mana. They are the only ones in the city that can locate you... I hope?" Percy exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? So, are there multiple mages in the city? I wonder if they have different books or something that will allow me to learn more magic. I could use some help right now," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you''re looking for books on the subject, I think you''ll be disappointed. Most of their books are made by other kingdoms from millennia ago, and we are unable to reproduce them ourselves unless there''s a magical scribe in the city. And they are hard to read. At least that''s what they tell me," Percy answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I wonder if those stupid Goddesses gave me the ability to read deadnguages? It''s the least those assholes could do! Who am I kidding? They would take away abilities if it amused them,'' Rya thought to herself with a grimace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked around and noticed Quin and Sir George weren''t there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Where is Quin? Where''s he gone to?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, Beta came back from an errand earlier and was watching over you like a sick puppy! But the Baron asked him about sending a message. So, he should be back soon," Dalia replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why would the Baron want to send a message? Maybe a message to the capital? Whatever, it''s probably not important,'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, how''s my room?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia pointed to the door. Rya exited her bed, walked over to the door, and opened it to see avish bedroom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A small desk sat beside the bed with a quill and some ink pens.


    <span style="font-weight:400">On the wall were two paintings of thete King Burell and his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Jeez, this stuff looks expensive!'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The room was painted white with gold ents.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya walked over to the window and stared outside, looking down at the streets below. She then noticed a man sitting at a table in the corner of the courtyard. She recognized him as one of the dwarven mages from when they got surrounded when they entered the pce walls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who is that?" Rya asked Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s the dwarf from the Mage Guild. He''s been hanging around after you were in bed. I thought he was going to go home. I guess he isn''t," Dalia replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked down at him. After a moment, she heard the door open behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, someone''s awake," said the familiar voice that belonged to Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya turned around quickly to see Quin standing there with a smile on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin put his hand up and scratched the back of his head. "I''m sorry, Rya. I didn''t mean to scare you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shook her head and sighed, "No, it''s fine. And I''m sorry about being a burden after getting drunk again."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin smiled and nodded, "Don''t worry about it. It''s not your fault. Hajdah was hell-bent on proving to me that you were using me. He was an idiot for trying to start drama between us. Don''t listen to him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya frowned and ced her hand on Quin''s chest. "Does he not trust me because I''m a Dark Elf? Or what?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin took Rya''s hand into his own. "Yeah. The weird thing is Hajdah has been alive for 120 years, and you''re the first Dark Elf he''s run into? It seems like most of the continent hasn''t run into the Dark Elves except the Alliance of the Divine Three?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? Are Dark Elves a rare species? I thought they- we were prettymon?'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we''re invited to have dinner with the Baron tonight. Would you like to join us?" Quin asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure, why not? I don''t want to be rude. I''ve never met the baron before," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just try not to drink too much ale tonight. You don''t need another hangover," Quin said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryaughed and nodded. "I think I had enough for one day. But I have to say that stuff is too good!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know I don''t care if you get drunk as long as you behave yourself," Quin said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just grinned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh yeah! There''s a festival for the Goddess happening tomorrow. It should be nice just to rx a bit," Quin said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I wouldn''t mind checking it out," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia and Percy were also in favor of seeing the festival.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I''d like to watch the animal show if anyone is interested," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I''d go see the main attraction, but I don''t really like to see animals in captivity. They are used mostly for fighting or performing. But if it were humans that were fighting in an arena, then I would be interested," Dalia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah... Uh?... N-No animals, got it. I believe the main attraction will be human fighters. We can avoid the animal fights, Lady Dalia," Percy answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, that''s why you''re the best little wolf in the world," Daliaughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know it''s like you''re going on a date with Percy?" Rya said with a grin, trying to tease her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia sighed and rolled her eyes. "It''s just a simple trip to the arena. It''s tough to embarrass me in public."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Heh... Putting up a brave front? Well, enough joking around, let''s go meet the Baron," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, the group headed to the dining hall, where the banquet was already being held.

 Ch.65 The Banquet

    Ch.65 The Banquet


    <span style="font-weight:400">As the group makes it to the dining hall they find the Baron, Hajdah, and a good number of servants moving about the room. There are also a handful of other dwarven nobles in the dining hall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As the group walks into the room, a servant approaches Rya and takes her cloak.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Baron looks up and smiles at the group. "Ah, wee. So, this is Lady Rya that the prince was speaking about? She''s lovelier than I imagined." He then turns to Rya. "Pleased to meet you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ah... D-Do I bow or something? I don''t know noble etiquette?'' Rya only bowed her head slightly, not sure if it was correct or not.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Ha ha ha! you don''t have to bow to me Lady Rya. We are equals here. Come! Sit down over here. We have plenty of food and wine!" the Baron says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya blushes a bit embarrassed by the gesture while she hears Quin and Daliaughing quietly about it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The other nobles were interested in talking with the prince. Hoping to curry some favor with the future King of Fiafyr.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya could hear Quin talking under his breath, "Well, looks like tonight''s going to be a long night."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not easy being popr sometimes. Hey if you like I can y the world''s smallest violin you?" Rya whispered back to Quin which caused him to shake his head and smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin and Rya sit down and start eating. While Dalia, Percy, and George sat at a different table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, what''s your n for the next few hours?" Rya asks Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin sighs a bit annoyed, "I need to talk to the local nobles. I have to do the boring stuff with them before we can really get to the interesting things."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nods, "Yeah. I''ll keep an eye on the others while you''re doing that. I''m just surprised that they''re so many nobles here to see you. I thought we didn''t want to let your uncle find out that we are here?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Zellin has sent a messenger to my parents and it''s most likely my uncle already knows. So we are going to borrow a garrison from the Baron."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn! Are we going to war? I prefer to not put our lives in danger. I just want to live in peace." Rya says while worried that they''ll have to face ric Revelia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinughs, "Yeah, wouldn''t we all? Too bad we don''t live on a that doesn''t have magic and monsters. But we are here on Terius."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''T-That was weirdly specific. Quin''s weird sometimes?'' Rya thinks to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince Quinus! It''s been so long! You''ve grown up into such a fine young man!" The Dwarven Noble says while walking towards Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''m on the clock," Quinus whispers to Rya before turning his attention to the Dwarf wearing a gaudy outfit that looks like a circus clown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hello Garlon, good to see you again," Quin said as he put on his best smile that he could muster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Garlon was a dwarf who was one of the other advisors to the Baron. He also worked as a merchant. As a result, he traveled far and wide to meet many races of the world.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they continued their talk. Rya was having trouble following the conversation as Garlon was talking about ces and things that she''s never heard about. So, she decided to turn her attention elsewhere in the dining room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While listening to Garlon speak, Rya notices some of the other nobles whispered to each other and giggling. Rya could hear them with her elven hearing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s so funny?" Rya asked one of the nobles while they were giggling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, it''s nothing." They replied in a hushed voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know I can hear you right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">They looked nervous as a few of their friends came over and whispered to them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-We just thought it would be fun to watch you. I mean you are the first Dark Elf we have ever seen. We mean you no harm." One of them said nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Again? I have a feeling this is going to be amon thing for me... Well, at least they aren''t challenging me likest time.'' Rya thinks to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahem!" Hajdah came by Rya trying to get her attention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Oh, it''s you. Coming to challenge me again? Mr.?" Rya asked the Dwarven Mage as she couldn''t remember his name.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m named Hajdah, Lady Rya. I-I came here to apologize." He stutters out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Apologize? For what?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah looks down as if ashamed of himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I shouldn''t have questioned you when you first arrived in the pce. I apologize for that." Hajdah said shyly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''OH!? He must have pissed off Quin. Hmm? Maybe I can use this to my advantage?'' Rya thinks to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I might be able to ept your apology if you can do something for me?" Rya asked coyly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah looked a little worried as to what the Dark Elf wanted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-If it is in my power I''ll see if I can do it, mydy." He said with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''OH HO! Okay, keep your cool Ryan. Don''t scare him away,'' she thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you''re part of the Mages Guild, correct?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Lady. I am the Head Mage of the guild."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you think that you could let me learn some of your spells? I want to help Quinus defeat his enemies." Rya says, hoping to find a way to gain more power for her and Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah was surprised by her request. "Sure. I don''t mind teaching you any of my spells. But I''m not familiar with what element you''re tied to. Is it fire, ice, or wind?" Hajdah asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I know dark earth magic. But I seem to know how to use water. I can do things like move water around but not much else." Rya exins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s odd. You can use two elements at once. I''ve never heard of such a thing." Hajdah said in wonderment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Really? So, using more than one element is rare as well? That could be useful,'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I guess we should start with what element you''re mostfortable with," Hajdah says as hebs his beard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dark Earth Magic. I feel I understand that the best. What about you, Hajdah?" She asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ice would be easiest for me to teach you right now. It''s Laika''s specialty. She is one of my best water mages in the guild. I''ll bring her to the pce as soon as possible, Lady Rya." Hajdah answers her question.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you Hajdah. But what I meant is, what element do you prefer to use?" She asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fire, I can��t use any other elements," He answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s fitting since you''re Dwarf. But maybe you could also try lightning?" Rya asks coyly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, I haven''t been able to master lightning. Sadly, when I cast it. The lightning goes wherever it wants. Someday I hope to control it. Anyway, I will get Laika for you when she''s free, Mydy." Hajdah says bowing deeply.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you Hajdah. I look forward to speaking with her." Rya replies.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Hajdah leaves, she turns to face the rest of the group and notices their confused expressions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Time went on for Rya and the group as Quinus was dealing with noble after noble asking for his many requests. Most nobles were willing to help in any way needed if given enough money. They all were grateful that he and hisrades stopped the goblin horde from destroying their city. At some point, Quinus wanted to leave but he kept getting other nobles stopping him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haha! Oh, looks like he needs my help to get him out of this mess.'' Rya thought to herself while getting up from her seat. She then made her way over to Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince Quinus? There''s someone here that wants to speak with you." Rya said as she pointed to the door that led out of the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked over to the doorway and saw nothing. But he caught on to what Rya was doing and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I apologize for leaving but I have some business I need to attend to Sir Jevon," Quinus said to the nobleman standing next to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! No problem, your Highness. I''m sure we can continue our conversationter." Jevon replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jevon bowed to Quinus as he walked to the doorway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are a lifesaver," Quin said to Rya while she was walking next to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I could tell you were in distress. How could I note in to rescue you?" Ryaughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"One of these days I''m going to rescue you and turn the tables on you." He said jokingly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''d love to see that day. But honestly, I don''t think you could make it up to me." Ryaughs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I like a good challenge. And if I do manage to win, I''ll reward you." He said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, he''s getting flirty again. It''s so weird that it doesn''t bug me when he does this.'' Rya thinks to herself while smiling back at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, so let me hear it. What is your n?" Rya asks with a yful smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, if you do something that gets you in trouble, I''ll just have toe in and save you." He says with a mischievous grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How very noble of you." Rya smirks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha. Yeah, easier said than done with you. You got a lot of guts girl." Quinus says while looking at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you for noticing. Anyway, I''m feeling it and I''m ready to crash for the night." Rya tells Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, I''ll escort you to your room then," Quin says with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just smiled and shook her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He can be too protective sometimes. Whatever, I''m not sure where my room is anyway.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once they reach their destination, Rya enters her room. The room is muchrger than the one they stayed in during their stay at the inn. And it is decorated with fine linens.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Much more spacious. This will do nicely." Rya says to herself while getting ready for bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once everything was set up, Ryaid down on the soft mattress. She was tired from the journey and knew that sleep woulde quickly. As soon as Rya closed her eyes, she was asleep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***

 Ch.66 The Festival of the Goddess

    Ch.66 The Festival of the Goddess


    <span style="font-weight:400">The night goes by fast and before Rya knows it, the sun is shining through the window. Rya wakes up feeling refreshed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She looks around and notices that there is a knock at her door. "Who is it?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s me Alpha! Open up!" A familiar voice yells.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya opened the door and saw Dalia standing there with her tail wagging.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you doing here? You''re supposed to be mating with Percy?" Rya asked, surprised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh little wolf is sleeping right now. After are nightly exercise. B-But he was asking me about going to the festival and I didn''t know what to tell him. So I came to you instead." Dalia exins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, why are you nervous? You''ve already mated with him. There''s nothing to worry about." Rya says reassuringly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, but this will be are first date! And I want it to go well! I''m worried if I don''t act confident, I might mess things up." Dalia says nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow, you really love him don''t you?" Rya says with a big smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I guess I do. A-And I think I want to have his pups?" Dalia states shyly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You mean you want to ''mate'' mate with him?" Rya asks, surprised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know! Maybe down the road but I don''t want to lose him," Dalia confessed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t think he''s leaving you Dalia. He''s head over heels for you. He wouldn''t leave you because of that. Nowe on, let''s find the dining room and get something to eat." Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia nods and follows Rya to the dining room. They start eating the food and talking about the festival. Eventually, Quinus and Percy join up with them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There you two are. Come on, let''s check out the festival. It should be fun." Quinus says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They all walk together towards the celebration. As they move along, they notice that everyone seems excited. Everyone is wearing fancy clothing and some even wear masks of the Goddess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya notices that the people are acting like they are having a good time. They stop to watch a few performers. Each one performs in different ways.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Onedy is ying a flute while another woman ys a violin. Then a man dressed as the Goddess sings a song about her. Next a group of dancers dance to the music of the musicians.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After each performance, the crowd apuded and cheered. The excitement builds up and soon everyone is cheering and pping.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they continue moving along, the crowd gets thicker and the excitement starts to mount. Rya notices that everyone is starting to get really happy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then a loud cheer went through the crowd. The band stops ying and everyone turns around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A stage is set up in front of them. Two men stand on the stage waiting. One was arge human while the other was Baron Zellin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Is that the Baron? Looks like he wants to get the party started." Rya whispers to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My people of Ironside! We have gotten good news about the Prince! He and hisrades were able to stop the goblin horde that attacked our city! This proves that my people can never doubt the power of the Lord of Fiafyr as the goddess looks after him!" Arge man shouts loudly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All the people in the crowd cheer and shout.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But we must not celebrate yet! For we must honor the fallen that sadly couldn''t make it to this day. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Please bow your heads and pray for the souls of those that fight for us today!" The big man shouts again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">People in the crowd start to bow their heads for a moment of silence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you! For today we will feast, drink, and have fun! That is what the goddess wants us to do! So let''s celebrate!" Therge man yells.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone cheers and ps.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, boys! Let''s give these people something to remember!" Therge man yells.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He reaches into a bag and pulls out a drum. He then takes the drumstick from his mouth and beats the drum. The sound waves hit everyone''s ears and it makes them jump.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"For the Lord of Fiafyr!" He screams.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All the people yell and cheer louder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now for the best part! Our dancers!" He adds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Two girlse onto the stage. They both wear revealing outfits holding golden orbs. They walk slowly on the wooden tform as all eyes watch them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come,dies!" Therge man says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two girls look at each other and nod. They begin to move their hips as they start dancing. Rya watches the two women in awe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How do they not fall over? If I tried to move like that I would blow out my back or something worse," Rya says with a pained expression written over her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know. They''re pretty good though. You should join them when you feel like it," Quinus replies.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They continue watching the two women dance with their surreal hypnotic movement to the beat of the drum as time passes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nah, I''m good. I would mostly make a fool of myself if I went up there," Rya says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looks at Rya and shrugs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, Alpha! Do you want to y a game?" Dalia asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What kind of game is it?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s the Hex Horn Ring Toss! You can win a prize! You''re an elf so you should be able to do it right?" Dalia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Where is it at?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s by the alley! There''s a bunch of people there and some weird creature called a Hex horned goat! They''ll exin everything once you go down there. What do you think? You shoulde with me!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">She grabs Rya by the arm and drags her to the alley.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Is this a joke to you?" Rya demands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course it isn''t! Just trust me! I��ve always wanted to win at this game and never have. That ends today Alpha!" She says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy and Quinus just stare at each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy, your future wife can get a little crazy sometimes." Quinus says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that''s what makes her special!" Percy says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well should we follow them?"Quinus asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s see what happens!" Percy says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya and Dalia are walking down the streets of the city until theye to the game stall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So what''s going on here?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alpha, you see the stall where the game is? The Hex Horned Goat thing is behind that," Dalia says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? That''s the game? Tossing One Inch rings onto the goat��s horns?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, but don''t worry about it. It''s basically a game of chance. You get a prize if you can get three rings on their horns. Don''t worry, I''ve been ying it for years when I was a child and almost got the rings on them before I ran out of silver. But with you here with me I know we can figure it out," Dalia answers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You never won? You think there''s a magic trick to it?," Rya says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah there is like a force field or something that changes the course of the ring before it hits the horn. I always think I have it until thest sec! It��s frustrating!" Dalia says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia, I think it''s a scam? Like, they''re just trying to make money off us," Rya says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What!? No! There has to be a trick to it, Alpha!" Dalia says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, maybe. I don''t know though. This thing screams to me like your not supposed to win," Rya says as she looks at the game


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you don''t want to y, fine! But I''m gonna try anyway!" Dalia demands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, okay. I''ll watch and see if I notice anything!" Rya says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia throws a silver coin on the reception desk as the woman working the booth smiles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A small donation to the Goddess. Please give me three coins for six chances at glory," thedy says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here you go!" Dalia says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good luck, and may the goddess aid you with victory!" thedy says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you!" Dalia says as she took the 6 brass rings while sizing up the Hex Horned Goat that is about ten meters away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was looking to see if she could notice any mana around the game.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HAH!" Dalia said as sheunched the first ring at one of the horns.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya and Quinus both look at the horn where the ring was about to hit before the ringes off the goat''s horn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh that was a close one. Maybe the Goddess blinked before itnded? Hopefully she helps you for the next go." said thedy working at the stall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Yeah. I didn''t see mana being used here the change the flight of the ring. Maybe they''re using something else?'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was watching the horn as she was determined to get one of these damn rings on the Hex Horn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m going to guess this is the trick! The ring is moving faster than it should so it''s causing the horn to spin faster than expected?" Percy said to Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was a bit concerned because she noticed there wasn''t any mana around the game.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph! You two were saying this was a scam?" Dalia asked while tossing the next ring with such skill and uracy that it actually was about tond dead center until thest second again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It looks like the ring is going against a maic field right before ites into contact with the horn? Like two positive endsing in contact with each other?'' Rya thought while looking at the one inch rings in Dalia��s hand


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, I think there''s a trick to it! I''m going to find out what it is! And I''ll finally win this stupid game!" Dalia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Dalia, can I see those rings? I wanna see if they have any mana on them?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure!" Dalia says while handing the ring to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya holds the ring in her hand and she notices the they are maized.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? Can I sense the maic field because I''m a mage? I wonder if I can get rid of the effect from the rings.'' Rya thought while she used her mana to remove the maic field from thest four rings.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here Dalia give it a try now." Rya said as she handed the ring over to Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was confused. She thought Alpha was going to toss the ring towards the horn. Instead she just looked at the rings and gave them back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay? What happened?" Dalia asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, nothing really. I just wanted look closer at them before you tossed the next ring." Rya said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia turned back towards the Hex Horned Goat once more. Focusing on getting a ring on its horn for the first time in her life.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry. It will be easy for you now. Just focus on your target and everything else will fall into ce." Percy said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shh! I''m trying to concentrate!" Dalia whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She steadied her breathing while she held the ring in her hand waiting for the moment to toss it in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then she lets it fly towards the horn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was surprised when the ring fell right in the middle of the middle right horn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thedy working the stall was stunned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"About time! Hehe." Dalia said as she lined up another shot at the Hex Horned Goat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What did you do to the rings?" Quin whispered into Rya''s ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well I''m not sure you would know this but I believe the rings are being maically manipted," Rya said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mas, huh... That''s sneaky of them." Quin said with a small chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Quin knows about mas? I thought there was no science on Tertius? Or is he just making a joke?'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s with the surprised look?" Quin asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t realize that you knew about mas," Rya said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You wouldn''t believe me if I told you I learned all about them in school." Quin said with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Seriously? You mean there is actually science here in Tertius. I guess I shouldn''t be so shocked. After all, this world is full of magical creatures." Rya said as she turned back to watch Dalia get another ring on the Hex Horned Goat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I''m very lucky I was born in this world." Quin said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What''s up with him? I''ve never seen him like this before.'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She couldn''t help but notice how close he was to her. It made her feel warm inside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He gave her a hug from behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you for saving me." Quin said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No problem... I was just doing what needed to be done..." Rya said nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All of a sudden Dalia yells out in celebration as she won the next game.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That was amazing!" Dalia said excitedly as Percy was there by her side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-We have a-a winner!?" Thedy working the booth said in disbelief while reluctantly handing over the cash prize.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes we do!" Dalia said happily as she took the money.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m impressed. I''ve never seen anyone ever win this game." Percy said as he looked at the money in Dalia''s hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! That''s because your wolf is all skill. You need to put your brain into it too." Dalia said as she scratched Percy on the head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah... Yeah, I guess you''re right..." Percy said nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya heard thedy working the stall mumbles under her breath while grabbing the rings off the goat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How did that mutt win? It should be impossible to win! The magic on the rings must have worn off?" The woman said under her breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So it was rigid. I thought it was just my imagination. I wonder how many people they have scammed out of there money?'' Rya thought as she giggled to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was at the moment Sir George walked up to Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George? Don''t tell me they need to talk to me again?" Quin asked with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye. The Baron wanted to talk about a new trade route my Lord." Sir George said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah! What do you three want to do?" Quin asked Rya, Dalia and Percy what they wanted to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I wanted to go on one of those dates that my little wolf always talks about?" Dalia said while she looked at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes! I would love to go on a date with you Lady Dalia!" Percy said eagerly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wouldn''t mind checking out more of the festival. See what else there is to see in Ironside." Rya said while she smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay but no drinking Ale without one of us here with you. We don''t want you getting lost while drunk." Quin said sternly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin, I promise not to get drunk..." Rya said with a blush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright then... You all have fun. I got work do. Sadly." Quin said with a sad look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll have to make up for it once you''re free." Rya said with a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go Dalia!" Percy said as he grabbed her hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold on! Hey Alpha, do you want to join us?" Dalia asked nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, you two have your fun. I don''t want to be the third wheel." Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay then! Bye!" Dalia said as she ran off with Percy holding her hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha. Those two are ridiculous." Sir George said with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, Percy is going to be a parent at the rate those two are going at it." Quin jokes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh shut up! Percy can''t be a parent! Not before me!" George snapped but then realized he told his lord to shut up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How brave of you Sir George. Telling your Lord to shut up." Quinus said while looking at the knight in panic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-My L-Lord! I-I didn''t mean-" Sir George stammered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough George. Let''s get this trade route thing sorted out so I can be done with it." Quin said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Sir." Sir George said and turned away from Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya. Be safe and have fun." Quin said as he walked away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This was the first time Rya has been on her own.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Okay! Time for me to prove that I''m still a man on the inside! Where''s the brothel that? Oh I know!'' Rya thought excitedly as she weaved through the streets of Ironside to find the brothel she saw earlier yesterday.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***

 Ch.67 Bella’s Place

    Ch.67 Be��s ce


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took about an hour for Rya to find the brothel. It was called Be''s ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She looked around to see if anyone was watching her, but she couldn''t see anyone while trying to hide herself under her cloak.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Okay the coast is clear. Time to show those goddesses that they can''t change me!'' Rya thought while she opened the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As she entered the brothel, she noticed how big the interior was. The walls were covered with silk wallpaper and the floors had hardwood floors.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There was a bar with many bottles of wine and liquor. There were also many different types of cheese and fruits on the tables.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looks around to see what kind of girls are here.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She noticed there were many men walking around. Most of them seemed to be wearing suits or fancy clothes. Some had masks on to find their identity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But she noticed that many of the women had their hair down. And they wore dresses that showed a lot of skin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya notices how some of the guys look at the girls with lustful eyes. As some of them looked in her direction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''If I''m not careful I might end up in a room with one of these people.'' Rya thought worriedly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then a woman dressed in ck approached Rya. She seems like a manager of sorts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Whao! Is she Be? All I can say is this is a brothel alright. I wonder how much it costs for an escort?'' Rya thought as she looked around to see if she could spot someone that caught her eye while the woman came right up to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hello... Wee to Be''s ce. How can I help you? " A woman with long blonde hair said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Umm... I was wondering how much it would cost for an escort?" Rya asked the woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I thought you were looking for work? Not too many women out there like to y with only the same team. Well, a girl like you will cost anywhere between 50 silver coins to 200 silver coins an hour. Do you know who you want, Miss?" The woman asks with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uhh... Rya. And no, I don''t know yet. I''ve never been to a brothel before." Rya said shyly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why I''m I so nervous? It''s not like my real name is Rya. Yeah, I''m just being silly now. I''ll ask around and find a good match for me.'' Rya thinks while she looks around to see if she can find another woman of interest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s okay. We have plenty of employees who can help you pick your escort. Just have a look." Said the manager.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded her head as she went to find an escort. "Yeah, I would like your assistance."


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-Why am I not feeling excitement? All these women are sexy! Maybe it''s because I don''t have a dick?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya walked through the party of escorts. Most of them were either human or dwarf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt a little embarrassed to even be here. She looked around to see who caught her eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She noticed a human who stood out from the rest. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail. She wore a white dress that hugged her body perfectly. Rya could see her cleavage and her belly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her boobs were big enough for a D cup if not bigger. Her thighs also looked to be thick. That would normally be her dream girl back on Earth but still she wasn''t feeling excited.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked around to see if she could find the manager. She saw the woman walking in front of her and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey there! Have you found a partner for the night, Miss Rya?" The manager said as she stopped to talk to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She didn''t feel excited about getting a partner. In fact, she felt like she was going to throw up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Am I really this nervous? That has to be it. I''m just nervous because I haven''t been to a brothel before.'' Rya said to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya tried to pretend she wasn''t feeling nervous. Because if anyone saw her acting like that then they might think she was up to no good.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think I''m interested in one with the ponytail." Rya said, trying to sound confident.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, so you''re interested in... ''Miss'' Liria?" The manager said as she looked at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes. I do need a partner for tonight." Rya said nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay! I''ll inform her. Would you like to wait here or go somewhere else?" The manager said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I��ll wait here.�� Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looks around to make sure she won''t be seen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya noticed the room was full of men and women dressed up in fancy clothes. Some of the men wore suits and women wore short skirts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Many of the men were looking at the women as if they were pieces of meat. Others weren''t paying any attention to the women and were talking to the other men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Some of the men had their hands on each other''s shoulders. And they were allughing together as they were telling each other crude jokes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked around for a while until the manager came with a young woman in tow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss Rya, this is Miss Liria."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria was as beautiful close up as she was from a distance. She had long ck hair that flowed down past her shoulders while in a ponytail. Her eyes were almond shaped with yellow flecks. Her eyshes were long and thick. Her skin was a creamy tan color and she had smooth soft lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss Liria is 200 silver an hour and we ask that you don''t kiss the girls while you''re inside the establishment," The manager said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya quickly grabbed her purse and pulled out 200 silver coins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here you go!" Rya said, handing over the money.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Miss Rya. Liria, take the client to room 11. And tell me if you have any requests," The manager said as she walked away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria nodded, "Yes mistress Be. Miss Rya, please follow me." Liria said and lead Rya to the back of the building.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The hallway opened up into arge room where dozens of women were. Each one was wearing lingerie that showed off their cleavage. If Rya were to wear that lingerie, she would have put them to shame as she was bustier and curvier than all of them. But they could tell that as Rya was wearing her coat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When she entered the room, she felt everyone stop what they were doing. All the eyes were on her as she took in everything around her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why are they all staring at me? Am I that ugly or something?'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya followed Lirie this l through the door marked with number 11 and into a private room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once inside it was much like the rest of the ce. In front of Rya was a table with two chairs on either side. There was also a firece burning in the corner that was surrounded by couches and chairs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A few candles were lit to give off enough light for anyone to see.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya sat down in one of the chairs and sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry I didn''t introduce myself before. My name is Liria. It''s nice to meet you. You can call me Liri," Liria said, taking the seat across from Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at her, "So why are all these people staring at me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liriaughed and shook her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not because of anything you''ve done. It''s just that you''re here and most of us are used to having male clientele not female. But don''t worry about it. I''ll get you settled in."


    <span style="font-weight:400">She took out a small key and unlocked a nearby door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This will be our room for the hour. Feel free to look around and make yourselffortable. Is there anything else you need?" Liria asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya thought for a minute, "Well there''s one thing you should know about me. I''m not human."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean? Are you an elf?" Liria asked with a curious look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shook her head, "Close. I''m a dark elf. I just don''t want you to freak out and say I''m evil or something like that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria became interested, "Really? You''re a Dark Elf? Can you take your cloak off?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded and slowly undoes her cloak revealing her Dark Elven Ears and tinum white hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria is shocked when she sees Rya, but quickly recovers herself and takes the cloak from Rya. "Huh... It''s a Dark Elf..." Liria whispered to herself as she looked at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, is that a problem?" Rya responded with a nervous look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, not at all. In fact, I''m rather curious. I''ve never seen a dark elf before. Do you crave power like the stories say?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Liria curiously, "What makes you ask that?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, the dark elves have always been considered evil. Many of us worship the goddess Iyomelka who is known as the goddess of light, justice, and bnce and said that creatures like dark elves are evil and crave for the power to unbnce the world. But you''re different. You don''t seem like the typical dark elf. Are you sure you''re a dark elf?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She doesn''t think I''m a dark elf.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, I am! Why would I lie? I''m a dark elf and I think the dark elves only want to live in istion? So where did you hear those rumors about dark elves being evil?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria thinks about it and then shakes her head, "Hmm? We''ve been told these stories since we were children. I think those stories have been around for generations."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nods, ''Right, the stories have been around for centuries. Or could they be lies? Is there a reason why someone created these lies?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you prefer thepany of females? That''s odd. I''ve never heard of a dark elf preferring to have sex with humans. Are you sure it''s not a fetish?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Your judgment isn''t needed. I just need to prove something to myself. Now let''s start. I have you for an hour tonight."

 Ch.68 Teasing an Escort

    Ch.68 Teasing an Escort


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria nods, "Alright, what do you want to do? I can try my best to please your every desire."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''That''s right! It''s time to show you goddesses that you haven''t changed me!'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria''s right brow raised as she saw Rya looking at her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you wish to see me in the nude, Miss Ryan?" Liria said as she stood up and turned around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''d love to see you naked." Rya said as she stepped closer to Liria.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria blushes and turns around, "You may look if you want."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nods, "Show me everything."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria blushed and then slowly started removing her dress.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya watches carefully. As Liria undresses she looks at Rya with curiosity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, why are you instead a woman? Do you find pleasure in sex? Or are you curious about our species?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I can''t tell her I was a man over two weeks ago? I''ll just agree with her?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Neither. Well, maybe both." Rya said with a smile as she watched Liria''s body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria blushes again and starts to remove her bra as she was only in her panties.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you going to just stare at me for the whole hour Miss Rya? Or do you need me to take charge? I promise I will give you the best night ever!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s eyes widened in shock, ''Come on Ryan! Get your head in the game and take the lead!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya gives a nervousugh and then takes a step towards Liria.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, how about I take care of your poor neglected breasts? They look lovely by the way." Rya said as she slowly brushed her hand over Liria''s exposed breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria blushes and then smiles nervously as she feels Rya''s soft hands on her breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh my, I don''t know if I''m ready for this. It''s been so long since I''ve had a female client." Liria said with a blush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s alright, I like treating women well and I bet you would like me to continue. So, how about we start with a massage?" Rya asked as she gently moved her hands across Liria''s breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmmmmhhhh... Please Miss Rya, don''t stop." Liria moans as she feels Rya''s soft hands massaging her breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Good she''s liking it. Just tease her nipples and then down towards her pussy.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aunh, ahh, ahhh!" Liria moans as Rya teased her nipple.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shall I continue?" Rya asked as she looked at Liria.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yesssss!!! Mistress Rya, please, touch me anywhere you want. I''ll do anything you ask me to." Liria says as she looks up at Rya with lustful eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smirks as she moves her hands lower, "Alright then. Let''s finish this."


    <span style="font-weight:400">She rubs her hands down Liria''s stomach and then onto her thighs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ughh, that feels so good." Liria moaned as she leaned back into Rya''s hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, you have very nice skin, I can feel all your muscles just beneath. You''re a stunning woman Liria." Rya said as she moved her fingers to Liria''s panties.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria blushed and looked away from Rya as she heard those words.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re too kind to Mistress Rya. I''m sure you think I''m a slut." Liria said embarrassed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, not at all. I mean, your breasts are lovely and so is your ass. But really you''re more beautiful than most young women I��ve seen." Rya said as she brushed her fingers against Liria''s cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria smiled shyly as she looked down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s start here." Rya said while sliding the panties out of the way so her fingers could enter Liria''s pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahhh, aahhh, oohhh," Liria moans as she felt Rya''s finger slip inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She grabbed Rya''s arm and held tight to it, "Yes! Yes, keep doing that!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm, it seems you enjoy this. But I think you need more." Rya said as she lifted Liria''s legs and slid her finger deeper into her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ooohhh, uuuhh, ahhhh, mmmhhh, yes!" Liria moans as she feels Rya''s finger slide in and out of her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya had a determined look on her face as she continued fingering Liria.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria moaned as she felt Rya''s hand move lower to her clit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ohh, aaahhh!" Liria moans as Rya starts rubbing her clit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Come on! I''m doing everything that I''ve done in the past? Why am I not into this? She so fucking sexy! Rah!'' Rya thought to herself in frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yessss! Mistress! I''m almost there!" Liria said as she leaned her head back and closed her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is it because of the memories?'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya didn''t know why, but she remembered how much fun it was with Quinus after defeating the cave troll. And how good it felt when he touched her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Aunh? Why''s that memory popping into my head?'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s memories started ying in her mind like a movie.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She remembered the first time she met him. He was fighting the hobgoblins in thebyrinth and how she struggled to look away from him as he skillfully fought. And how he would pet her head sometimes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I remember thinking he was cute.'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After herst meeting with the Dark Elven Goddesses, Nils and Nebulus, she tried to keep her distance from Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But now that she was in the middle of pleasuring an escort, she was suggesting clearing her mind of Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmmmmhhhh? Ahhh! Oh, oh, oohhh, ahhh, yesss!" Liria moans as she climaxes from feeling Rya''s fingers inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re so beautiful, Liria." Rya said as she kissed Liria''s forehead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm, mmmh? Why do you wear men''s clothing mistress?" Liria said as she looked up at Rya in surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well I find themfortable?" Rya said with unease in her voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You do seem confident about that statement mistress Rya? Are you hiding something under your clothes?" Liria said with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?! No! Of course not!" Rya said as she covered her chest with her hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Mistress Rya." Liria said before giving Rya a smile while unbuckling Rya''s belt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It''s fine. I''m fine. Just let her undress you.'' Rya said to herself.

 Ch.69 Conflicting Urge

    Ch.69 Conflicting Urge


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt embarrassed that a young woman like Liria was undressing her, taking off Rya''s ck pants and then her shirt relieving her purple ckce bra and panties.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow! I see you''re wearing some nice undergarments and I must say I wish I had a body like yours, Mistress Rya. I feel inadequate in front of you." Liria said with a blush on her cheeks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Liria, can you please stop calling me Mistress?" Rya asked as she felt ufortable for some reason.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, sorry Miss Rya. Now let me return the favor." Liria said while undoing Rya''s bra.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oooh, Miss! Your breasts feel so soft." Liria said before kissing Rya''s nipples while sliding off her panties.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-Is there something wrong with me? This feels nice... But I''m not sure why I''m not loving this?'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Liria was done undressing Rya, she pushed her back onto the bed and licked her lips when she started down at the Dark Elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was lost. She justid there letting Liria pleasure her. When she realized what was happening, she panicked. She couldn''t get aroused like she normally would, but she was liking the pleasure that Liria gave her as she was grinding her clit into Rya''s soft pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss, are you enjoying yourself?" Liria asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-yes... I think?" Rya said with a nervous tone to her voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm? Is the Miss really into women? Ha ha." The prostitute said in a condescending tone as she leaned forward and whispered in Rya''s ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya panicked, "Of course I''m into women! I just don''t know... why I''m having trouble? Maybe you''re not good at this!" Rya lied trying to hide her embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Well, we can try a test to see if you are what you say you are. Turnover and rest on your stomach, Miss Rya." Liria ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-wait! Please don''t tell anyone about this!" Rya begged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My word, you sound like such a novice. What happened to all that confidence you showed earlier?" Liria said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please, I''m not like that! I''m just..." Rya stuttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re what, Miss Rya? You''re either a virgin or you have no experience with women. If you want to be treated like ady, then I suggest you start acting like one." Liria ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Gah! I can handle women! It��s just����


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m a virgin okay! I''m embarrassed to say it!" Rya said quietly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss, I can help you, but I need you to trust me and be honest with me. So, will you?" Liria asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded as she turned on her stomach andid there on the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What are you going to do?" Rya asked nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''m going to put my hand between your legs and feel if you''re wet for me to use a toy on you. And I want you to close your eyes and think of your ideal partner. You don''t have to tell me anything, just rx and let yourself go." Liria exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya closed her eyes and tried to picture her dream girl again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lift your butt up and push your stomach down, Miss Rya." Liria instructed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is weird. I don''t know why I''m going along with this?'' Rya thought to herself while doing what she was told.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few minutes of Liria stroking her pussy, Rya let out a soft moan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! Just like that! Your body is so hot, Miss Rya! Do you wish to keep your hymen?" Liria asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Should I keep it?'' Rya thought to herself. ''I don''t want to be in pain. So, I should keep my charry.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, please! Yes! I like to keep it!" Rya moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria smiled at her, "Okay, now focus on your ideal partner imagine what they would be like as they touch you. Let your mind drift away from here," Liriamanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt her body go warm as she thought about the person, she wished to make love to. She imagined holding the beautiful woman at first but then the woman started changing into Quinus. As he stared at her in her mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What''s going on? Mmmmhh! This feels amazing! But I''m a man!'' Rya thought to herself as Liria noticed Rya��s pussy bing wetter. Rya was desperately trying to clear her mind of Quin again. But no matter how she tried, Quin became more and more real to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''OH GOD! It''s happening! Oh God! OH GOD! MY BODY IS TINGLING! IT FEELS SO GOOD!'' Rya cried out in pleasure as her mind was taken over by Quin fantasies while rocking her hips back and forth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good Miss Rya! You''re doing great!" Liria praised as she started pumping Rya''s needed pussy with the short dildo.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''AUNGH! QUIN! QUIN!'' Rya screamed in mind as she rocked her hips faster and faster. ''Quin! I need you! Please! Fuck me hard!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was being consumed with a pleasure that she has never felt in all her years as a man. It was slow at first but she could feel it surpass anything she ever felt and she wasn''t close to the end yet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AUNH! OH FUCK! AUGNH! HARDER! PLEASE! MORE! I NEED IT! I NEED YOU! FUCK ME! FUUUUCK!" Rya yelled out loud as her eyes were still closed imagining Quin was right in front of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have taken a lot! I know it can get harder than this, Miss Rya. You may cum whenever you wish. Don''t hold yourself back!" Liria said as she slowly pumped in and out of Rya''s pussy with the toy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I CAN''T STOP THINKING ABOUT QUIN! WHY DOES THIS FEEL SO RIGHT!? I''M A MAN!? AUGH! OH GOD! MMMMM! I DON''T KNOW WHAT TO DO! I LOVE QUIN! I WANT HIM! I WANT HIS COCK IN MY MOUTH! I WANT IT INSIDE OF ME! I WANT TO BE HIS WOMAN!!!'' Rya cried out in her mind as her eyes rolled up while body shook from a powerful orgasm. And it kept washing over her being like never before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"QUIN! Ahh! Ahhh! Aughhh! AH! Oh fuck! OH FUCK!" Rya screamed loudly as she came onest time as her body tensed up and her legs almost gave out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few minutes, Rya��s head began to clear up from the ecstasy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why am I thinking about Quin? Why does this feel so good? Am I a gay now? Wait, no, that��s not right. I''m in a female body. So, am I straight? Gah! This makes no sense!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Rya continued to rock her hips back and forth she noticed something that made her stop everything. Her body was covered in a thickyer of sweat and she was panting heavily. "Oh shit. What is going on?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked around and saw Liria looking at her with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think Miss Rya has a man she likes? Maybe he is your new master or lover?" Liria asked as she pulled the dildo out of Rya''s pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! No! I''m not seeing anyone. I don''t even see myself dating anyone." Rya said as she got off the bed and stood up. Still in denial of her true feelings.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it seems you''re lying to yourself, Miss Rya. I''ve seen that look before. You''re head over heels in love with a man. But I don''t know why you wish to bed with a woman if you''re not interested? Is it a Dark Elf thing?" Liria said as she sat back down on the bed and started ying with herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s that supposed to mean!?" Rya asked as she grabbed a towel and put it over her naked body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You haven''t been interested in me at all, Miss Rya. Since the first moment you saw me, you weren''t truely interested." Liria said as she smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But you were interested in me! You came when I fingered you! And you called me mistress!" Rya said as she turned red while going into defensive mode.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HA HA HA! Miss Rya, I''m a escort. It''s my job to make my clients happy. I will say you are better than most, but I prefer male clients. I��m d I got to meet you, but being a Dark Elf also doesn''t help much either. I like humans more, it''s nothing personal Miss Rya. Plus, males are just a little more fun and exciting to y with." Liria said as she pinched her nipple.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She was faking it this whole time?... I''m losing it! I''m fucking fantasizing about Quin. I''m not getting aroused by females anymore and I feel like an idiot for doing this in the first ce! What the fuck is happening to me?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well Miss Rya your hour is up and if you wish to continue, you''ll need to pay another 200 silver." Liria said as she sat up on the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No I''m fine." Rya said as she started walking past the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Liria stopped her and grabbed her arm. "Miss Rya, that door over there leads to a bathroom. There''s a shower and some towels in there."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Liria and saw a grin. "Thanks. I shouldn''t be long."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm hmm! And onest thing Miss Rya you should trust your instincts. If you like this, Quin, you should go after him. Forcing yourself to be something that you''re not, isn''t healthy." Liria said as she kissed Rya on the cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, maybe you''re right... Thanks." Rya said as she walked towards the door with a nk look on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''m a straight female? Did Nils win? I don''t know how I should feel about this. I''m so confused!'' Rya thought to herself while rinsing herself off in the shower.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***

 Ch.70 Lost in Thought

    Ch.70 Lost in Thought


    <span style="font-weight:400">After cleaning herself up, Rya dressed herself back up in the clothes and cloak that she wore before. Then she left the room and went down the hallway lost in thought about what happened to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''D-Do I want Quin in that way? But he''s engaged to be wed with some chick from The Divine Three. I would just wage a big war on Quin''s people. I don''t want that.'' Rya said to herself as she shook her head. But no matter how she tried. Her heart ached at the thought of leaving him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Maybe I''m just horny... No that can''t be it. I mean I''ve idently walked into his room while he was naked once, but that shouldn''t mean I want sex with him. Why am I fantasizing about him then? D-Do I have feelings for him? My heart is beating out of my chest. I''m really nervous right now. I haven''t felt like this since I was a kid. I think it''s because I''m a virgin again. Maybe I''m too inexperienced as a woman... I don''t know what to do anymore." Rya said aloud as she looked around the hallways trying to find the way out of the brothel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A few minutester Rya found herself in the main reception room of Be''s ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah Miss Rya. I see your hour is up. I hope everything was satisfactory?" It was the manager from earlier.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Oh.. Oh Yes, I''m satisfied, Lady Be." Rya said as she smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? You seem lost? What''s on your mind? Is there something wrong?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya lowered her head and blushed. "Ummm... I didn''t know where to go after my hour was up and I''m still very confused about what''s going on. I was hoping this would have fixed a problem I was having."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Be chuckled. "Well, I''m sorry to hear that. You know what, I''ll give you a parting gift. I hope it will help you in the future."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s the gift?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not much, but I will give you a potion. It''s a love potion. Come with me I have it in the back room. And you can leave out the back of the brothel if you want?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Leaving out the back room is not a bad idea. Someone might have followed me.'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, please!" Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The manager led Rya to the back room as they walked. Rya noticed that the ce seemed quieter than when she first came in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? All those guys are gone. I''m sure they are having their fun with the escorts.'' Rya thought as she looked around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When they reached the back room and opened the door and walked in it looked like a storage room. The room was full of boxes, barrels, and other stuff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here we are. This is a love potion. It should make you feel desired for whomever you want after drinking it. Keep it safe, ok?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded her head. "A love potion? Well, I''ll keep it safe. Thanks."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Any time! The door to the back alley is around the corner to the right."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks again!" Rya said. Then she turned to leave the storage room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was looking at the red liquid in the ss vial. ''This is probably an aphrodisiac. I shouldn''t drink this stuff~'' Rya''s thought was interrupted when she felt an object ced around her neck from the left side of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Click*


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the fuck!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked to her left to see a man wearing light armor that had a ck rose on it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Got her!" He yelled back to someone behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya on instinct mmed her foot to the ground to raise a three rock that smashed through from under the wood flooring as it floated about chest high before she quickly pushed it with the palm of her hand to it causing it to fly like a bullet into the guy the put something on her neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Smash!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ARGH!" grunted the ck Rose Merc as he was sent flying into the wall 15 feet away in a blink of an eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"JONES! You bitch!" Screamed another guy in simr garb as the first guy. He brandished a sword and charged Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swish!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya dodge under the oing attack with ease as she counters with a sweeping kick to his knees.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thump! CRACK!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAUUHHH!!! MY LEG!" The man screams as he falls to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya rolled to her feet ready to run when she heard amanding voice say, "Halt ve!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">In that instance she felt an energy rush from the object on her neck and went through her body causing her to stop in her tracks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-What the FUCK IS GOING ON!'' Rya thought as she stared at the two men in front of her. One of them she recognized. He was the ck Rose Merc that was Marcus''s hired bodyguard back in thebyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You weren''t lying Dietrich. This Dark Elf will be useful for us." Said a man with the same armor as the previous merc. He wore a crown on his head and had a blue robe covering his upper half. His lower half was covered in leather pants that were ripped up the thighs with silver jewelry hanging from his arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''NO! NO! NO! Nooooooo!'' Rya cried inside her mind. She knew who these guys were. She had just been captured by the ck Rose Mercenaries.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, there''s no way that weakling of a prince could defeat a Cave Troll with only a sword. This elf had to be the reason he''s alive." said Dietrich, the second man. He had his war hammer on him, but he wasn''t wearing his heavy armor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then from the storage room came Be out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''ve done what you asked, now let my people go and leave! I''ll tell them to never speak about this ever! We have nothing to do with the prince or the king of Fiafyr or your mercenaries for that matter," she begged them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s funnying from a whore that doesn''t care about anything but herself. Haha! You keep quiet and we''ll spare your establishment. You understand?" asked the one in the crown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Be looked worried but kept her calm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course. Anything to make it easier on you," she answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s a good little whore. Devin is Jones alive?" The man with the crown asked with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-He''s dead! You could have stopped her why didn''t-" Devin stopped when he noticed his superior was ring at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have a problem with me testing her? I can have her continue if you wish, Devin?" the man asked his subordinate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Davin gulped after realizing that hismander will let the Dark Elf kill him as his knee was still killing him after Rya kicked it. "N-No need Jeremiah, she''s good enough as far as I''m concerned. Let''s just get out of here before word gets around that we are here in the city."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah nodded his head and turned to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ve! Bury the dead. We''re leaving." Jeremiah said as he put his cloak on.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I can''t stop my body! RRRAAAHHH!'' Rya thought as she tried to will herself to stop. But the ve cor had full control over her body as she made the dead man disappear into the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are we clear to move out!" Dietrich nodded his head and walked over to Rya. He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her to the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Go on, we don''t have time," he ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She bit her lip but obeyed without a fight even though she wanted to with all her might.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why didn''t I see thising! I''m a FUCKING IDIOT! Quin! Someone! HELP ME!'' Rya thought to herself as she walked outside with the three other cloaked men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***

 Ch.71 A Great Injustice

    Ch.71 A Great Injustice


    <span style="font-weight:400">Earlier that day before Rya gets cored by the ck Roses, and the morning of the festival a wood elfes out of her room at the Lost Monk Inn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... I lost her! If I don��t find that dark elf soon, who knows what peril the city will be in?" Nieren said to herself as she got ready to search for Rya once more.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I still can''t believe she was able to sense me when I was cloaked! She is very dangerous indeed.'' She thought to herself while eating breakfast.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, Nieren! Are you nning on taking a quest?" asked one of the dwarf adventurers in themon room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am afraid not today. I have something personal to take care of." She answered while chewing her bread.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... I was hoping to get a six-person party for this bandit quest. Well, good luck with that!" He said as he walked away to another adventurer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren shook her head and went back to the front desk. ''They wouldn''t be much of a help at all. This is something only I can do,'' she thought to herself before checking the bulletin board for any quests that interested her before looking for Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. Nothing of note. Well, time to find her." She said to herself as she looked out the window watching the sunrise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">As she searched for the dark elf, she couldn''t find her anywhere. Mostly because the streets were packed with everyone in the city. All because of the festival of the Goddess of Bnce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Gods, I thought the festival was canceled? Stupid Baron! Doesn''t he know there''s a dark elf running loose in the city! NO! Of course, he doesn''t and no one would believe me anyway! Her being drunk must have been the reason I was spared.'' Nieren thought to herself trying to not bump into all the people on the street.


    <span style="font-weight:400">At some point, she hears the Baron''s friend yell out to the crowd of people in the main square of Ironside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My people of Ironside! We have gotten good news about the Prince! He and hisrades were able to stop the goblin horde that attacked our city! This proves that my people can never doubt the power of the Lord of Fiafyr as the goddess looks after him!" Arge man shouts loudly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Man, Jacob is arge man. The Baron finds the strangestpany.'' Nieren thought to herself as she continued to watch.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He continued on about giving silence to those that have fallen in the Tomb of the Horde and finally started off the festival with the dancers and huge drum.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, boys! Let''s give these people something to remember!" Jacob yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Yeah, you have fun. And don''t forget to tell them about how there''s a DARK ELF SOMEWHERE! Jeez, it''s like this city wants to be destroyed. Oh well, I''m the city''s only hope.'' Nieren thought to herself as the drums sounded louder and the music began, and the dancers were on the stage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This went on for some time until out of nowhere a Wolf-kin in a cloak was dragging along a tanned woman with azure eyes, also in a cloak, as they nearly bumped into Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Is this a joke to you?" Rya demands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, it isn''t! Just trust me! I��ve always wanted to win this game and never have. That ends today, Alpha!" Dalia says with excitement as she leads the way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Whoa! Hey, watch where yo-'' Nieren stops her thoughts when she notices that the other woman is the dark elf. "It''s her!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren was stunned. She never expected to bump into Rya so easily. ''What is she nning on doing?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as she was about to follow, she heard two men behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy, your future wife can get a little crazy sometimes," Quinus says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that''s what makes her special!" Percy says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, should we follow them?" Quinus asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s see what happens!" Percy says.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It''s that guy that helped her. She called him Quin? Yeah, that''s his name. They might be mind controlled by her. Just keep your distance, Nieren!'' as she thought to herself while tailing them until she came upon a booth with a Hex Horned Goat in it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah! That stupid game! I can hit a squirrel through the eye from a mile away with my bow but I never could get one of those stupid rings on those Hex Horns. That game is rigid!" Nieren whispered to herself while watching Dalia try and fail to get the first two rings on the goat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Pff! Wolf-kins are suckers. It''s easy to do.'' Nieren thought to herself as she snuck up on them getting within 15 feet of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Dalia, can I see those rings? I wanna see if they have any mana on them?" Rya asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure!" Dalia says while handing the ring to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-What she is going to do!'' Nieren started to panic. ''Oh no! She''s gonna use the rings!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">But to her surprise, Rya didn''t do anything nefarious with the one-inch brass rings.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here Dalia, give it a try now," Rya said as she handed the ring over to Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that the Wolf-kin nailed her target, getting one ring tond on the Hex Horn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''HOW!?! How can a dumb wolf-kin get a ring on the Hex Horned Goat?'' Nieren thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That was awesome!" Percy said to Dalia. "Don''t worry. It will be easy for you now. Just focus on your target and everything else will fall into ce." Percy said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shh! I''m trying to concentrate!" Dalia whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia went on to hit the next two horns.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren was too stunned to notice Quin flirting with Rya as she was getting angry that a wolf-kin with winning a game that she never won.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I need to win this game! I''ve beening here every year since I was a kid and I haven''t gotten one ring on a Hex Horned Goat yet," Nieren said to herself before approaching the game booth. The Lady working the booth was panicking about what to do as Dalia was lining up herst shot and got her fourth ring tond.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YES!!!" Dalia yelled triumphantly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-We have a-a winner!?" Thedy working the booth said in disbelief while reluctantly handing over the cash prize.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, we do!" Dalia said happily as she took the money.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m impressed. I''ve never seen anyone ever win this game." Percy said as he looked at the money in Dalia''s hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! That''s because your wolf is all skill. You need to put your brain into it too." Dalia said as she scratched Percy on the head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah... Yeah, I guess you''re right..." Percy said nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She won the four-ring prize? I wanted to win that.'' Nieren thought to herself. ''I bet she''ll try to get the five-ring prize now!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">But instead of trying the game again Dalia and Percy looked over to Rya and Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren heard thedy working the stall mumble under her breath while she grabbed the rings off the goat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How did that mutt win? It should be impossible to win! The magic on the rings must have worn off?" The woman said under her breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I KNEW IT! Oh! I''m going to y this game and demand to use those four untampered rings! I''m going to get a damn ring on that damn goat if it''s thest thing I do dammit!'' Nieren thought to herself as she looked at the bewildered ring toss worker. As she pulled out 5 silver from her purse and mmed it down on the wooden reception desk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I demand to y this game!" Nieren said angrily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You want to y!? Ah, Yes! Thank you for the small donation to the Goddess. Here are your six chances at glory. May the goddess look down upon you," The woman said, surprised while giving Nieren six new brass rings.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oooh no ma''am, I want those other rings in your left hand. I don''t want to waste my money here." Nieren said as she pointed at the rings that thedy was still holding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? Y-You wish to use these rings? But those ones are just as good as~" She was interrupted when she saw Nieren pull out her bow from her cloak as she had a smile on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It would be best if you let me use the other ones, ma''am," Nieren said as she aimed the arrow at the goat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay! Here you go! M-May luck be on your side!" the game worker said as Nieren put away her weapon and grabbed the six rings while examining them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm. These two have fresh stone scratches on them when they hit the ground. So, these four should be the ones that the dark elf fixed.'' Nieren thought to herself as she ced the two tampered rings down on the wood table as she took the first ring and focused on cing it onto the goat which was 15 feet away from her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren let out a calm breath and closed her eyes as she tossed the first ring. It sailed through the air with ease as itnded perfectly on one of the Hex Horns making a beautiful ringing sound like a meditation bell gong getting slightly stuck. It was music to Nieren''s elf ears as she wanted to cry out in joy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She opened her eyes and gave the goat a look to see if it would move. But it didn''t budge. She tossed the next three rings in session as they allnded on the Hex Horn at the same time on different horns.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Everything is right in the world.'' Nieren thought to herself as if she found inner peace for the first time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But sadly, Nieren''s inner peace didn''tst long as thedy working the booth asked, "A-Are you going to try thest two attempts, Ma''am?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren looked up at the woman with an annoyed look while pushing thest two rings off the table and them letting them fall onto the stone floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh! W-We have another winner but sadly the four-ring prize is gone so I can give you the three-ring prize instead." the woman said nervously as she waited to see what Nieren would do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Oh, I think I deserve the Six ring prize, don''t you think ma''am?" Nieren said with a tone of annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The game worker looked at Nieren and her attitude. "W-Wait! How about the five-ring prize! Here you go! Thank you for trying your luck!" Thedy said as she handed Nieren the five-ring prize.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you. Now, if you will excuse me." Nieren said as she turned around and hugged her prize with a happy smile written on her face while rubbing her check on the bag of gold.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''A great injustice has been righted! My inner childhood has been saved by Rya!'' Nieren said as she held the five rings with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Wait a minute? Where did she go!" Nieren asked as she looked around looking for the dark elf. But she couldn''t find her anywhere or her friends. ''Ah! She must have known I was watching her and got me distracted by this game! She''s good." Nieren thought to herself as she quickly looked on the ground to see if she could find Rya''s tracks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While behind her the ring toss booth was being flooded by people wanting to y the game with those four untampered rings.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-WE ARE CLOSE DUE TO TACTICAL DIFFICULTIES!" yelled the Lady in the booth while she was trying to close down the game.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren saw the fresh shoe marks on the ground two were leading to the pce while two went to the restaurant district and thest one was going towards the red light district.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is she going to a brothel? Weird? But it has to be her traces, I hope. And I won''t let you distract me again you cunning dark elf. I''ll catch up to you.'' Nieren said as she quickly moved away from the booths.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***

 Ch.72 The Kings Slayer

    Ch.72 The Kings yer


    <span style="font-weight:400">She continued to follow Rya''s trail until she reached the red lighted district of the city. The area had many bars and establishments that offered entertainment for their clients. There were also many performers walking around doing tricks for patrons.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When she followed the trail all the way until she arrived at Be''s ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? She went into a female brothel? Do dark elves'' bed the same team? Or does she not like men? But she looked so cute with that Quin guy?'' Nieren thought to herself as she stopped in front of the door and cracked it open to see Rya standing in the reception area. ''She''s here!'' Nieren said as she slowly closed the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Okay she''s hanging in there and I will wait for her toe out. Now where is the best ce to find and observe her from?'' Nieren thought as she walked around the area looking for a good spot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As the sun set, Nieren decided to sit outside the building and rx while waiting for Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''If she''sing up with an evil plot and I stop it, would I be a legend? Hehe. That would be great!'' Nieren thought to herself as she sat down at the bench and leaned back against the wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">And then darkness fell over the city, but Nieren wasn''t worried about that. She knew Rya wouldn''t do anything stupid in the dark. But that''s when she noticed four cloaked figures sneaking around the back of the building.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Who are these guys? Must be more dark elvesing to join up with Rya. You''re not getting away with whatever you''re doing!'' Nieren said to herself as she got up to go check what they were up to.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As she was going around to the back of the building, she noticed a spell of silence was cast surrounding the area.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What is this? A magical artifact?'' Nieren thought to herself as she approached the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">That''s when the four figures went through the back door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the hell is going on." Nieren cast her cloaking and hind in the alley waiting to see who would being out. The artifact seemed to only work for 10 minutes as Nieren was still hiding in the shadows of the dark alleyway. And what seemed like another 10 minutes had passed when her ears picked up a quick battle was happening inside the brothel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''A-Are they killing someone? What the hell are they doing?'' Nieren said to herself as she waited to see who came out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The door opened up as a man in a hood was looking around the alley to see if the coast was clear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? Is that guy a human? So, he''s a spy for her?'' Nieren thought to herself as she saw the hooded figure going back into the brothel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are we clear to move out!" He said as he grabbed the arm of a woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-Wait that''s the dark elf? Why are there tears in her ey~'' Nieren''s thoughts stopped when she saw the ve cor around Rya''s neck. ''W-WHAT!? She got cored! What do I do! Do I help her? Help her escape?'' Nieren thought to herself while subconsciously rubbing her neck as stood there trying to make heads or tails of what was going on until she saw thest figureing out of the brothel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, ''T-The Kings yer! The ck Roses enved her. Oh GODS!'' Nieren was scared stiff when she saw Jeremiah. She''s heard of the stories of the Kings yer iming the lives of nine Royals in his time with the ck Roses. She''s seen him in action before during the war with the wood elves when he killed the Elven King causing the wood elves tribes to separate and run. Since then, the wood elves standing in the world have fallen on the continent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Wood Elven King was her uncle. She was there to witness his death that day of the copse of her kingdom and knew that many of her people became enved by the human Kingdom of Marn which were the ones to hire the ck Roses. Her and her friends fled to the neighboring human kingdom of Fiafyr because they knew that very wasn''t allowed in their territory and there was the dwarven city with a dwarven Lord that they thought they could seek refuge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They knew it would be a hard journey but somehow Nieren and her mother were the only ones that made it to the city of Ironside 30 years ago. She may not have been living her old noble life anymore, but she was living in peace as best as she and her mother could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren didn''t know why the Kings yer was here, but it can''t be a good thing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With the memories of her uncle''s death, she didn''t move nor took a breath as the four figures walked down the alleyway, away from her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She hid in her cloaked state for a few minutes even after the Kings yer was out of sight. After a while the cloaking spell wore off as she was crouched there in the shadows. Releasing her clenched fists that were making her palms hurt after when her fingernails started digging into her skin for gods knows how long.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After calming herself down she realized that Rya was captured, and the Kings yer wasn''t there anymore. ''What should I do?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren couldn''t just leave her to the same fate as her people. She needed to find a way to free her. ��She may be a dark elf, but she��s an elf nheless.�� She said to herself out loud as she finally came out of the shadows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I can''t just leave her to the ck Roses. But I can''t take on the Kings yer by myself. I must find her friends!'' Nieren thought to herself as she came up with a n.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The wolf-kin! If I find her, she''ll get that Quin guy. Then I can break her out." She said to herself as she ran to the street.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren was going around the city trying to find the wolf-kin because there''s no other breast-kin in the city so she thought it would be easier for her to find.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''That Wolf-kin took that guy to the restaurant district. Please be there!'' She thought to herself as she jogged down the crowded streets where taverns were.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Gods, why is it so busy!'' she thought to herself as she slowed down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As she looked around all over the ce. ''If I won a lot of gold where would I go? I''d probably head to Bao''Hai to spend it?'' Nieren thought to herself while weaving through the crowds of people with ease.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She saw a sign for The Bao''Hai, the best restaurant in the city.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is her ce!" She thought to herself as she rushed towards the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She pushed the heavy wooden doors open and walked in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hello?" She called out hoping to see the wolf-kin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Great! Now an elf wants to dine here. Bao''Hai must be falling on hard times," a voice said behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What did you say?" Nieren asked, turning quickly to face a human male dressed in fancy attire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk! We have serviced your kind before. Just like that mutt that''s came in here making a mess of the VIP room. If she wasn''t with that young rich guy, she would have been kicked out. But you''re not allowed. Get out." He said with a sneer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s here and that guy too. I think his name is Percy? Does he think that Percy is rich?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I said get out!" The man yelled again, getting in Nieren''s face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m with that rich guy. You know, he looks like a ranger?" Nieren said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You stupid elf! If you want to eat here th-" the man was interrupted by a dwarf in fancy attire from behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jacob! What are you doing berating a customer!" he yelled at his co-worker.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But she''s an elf! She shouldn''t even be allowed in here! This is a human and dwarf establishment!" Jacob argued back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough! We are a GOLD establishment. And if she''s with Mr. Percival than she is wee. Hell, Mr. Percival can bring in an Ogre if he has the gold. SO SHUT IT! AND GET USED TO THE NEW BUSINESSES HERE!" the manager yelled at Jocab.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jocab straightens up after getting yelled at.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Wow! It''s like he was never rude to me.'' Nieren thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Madam can you show us some proof that you''re with the young gentleman? Or else we''ll have to ask you to leave." The manager stated as he looked at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren panicked for a moment before realizing that she had the bag of gold she won earlier today.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here you go. This is Mr. Percival''s gold," Nieren said as she ced the bag on the counter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The manager took the bag and counted it. "Huh... One thousand gold!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jacob began to sweat a little when he heard this number.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"One thousand gold?!" He yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! And there are still two more bags of gold!" Nieren said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jacob and the manager both look at each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh um. My name''s Padera. I''m the owner and manager here. Please allow me to show you to Mr. Percival''s room," Padera said nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He seems nervous. Well servers them right for yelling at me,'' Nieren thought to herself while grabbing her bag of gold.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Padera lead Nieren through the main area of the restaurant where everyone was staring at Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They arrived at the end of the hall where they turned the corner to see arge door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is the VIP room. For now enjoy a free meal and then we''ll talk about paymentter madam," Padera said nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you very much! But I came here for business. SO, I''ll take some duck to go please." Nieren said as she began walking down to the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As she walked away Padera looked at the bags of gold. He has never seen such a high amount of gold! ''Jacob needs to stop yelling at customers with sacks of gold dammit,'' Padera thought to himself.

 Ch.73 A Dinner Date

    Ch.73 A Dinner Date


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Nieren ran into the Kings yer, Percy, and Dalia were looking around at restaurants. Dalia was overly excited. She had been to ces like these before, but none were as nice as this one.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, Percy! Look at this ce!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked over to see what she was pointing out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s the Bao''Hai restaurant? Ah, I don''t know about that ce, Lady Dalia. It''s a bit of a fancy ce for someone like us?" Percy said with a worried tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia giggled. "Why do you think we can''t go in? Get because we''re poor? But what are we going to do with this gold," Dalia said with a big grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But I feel that a type of ce that would look down at us? D-Dalia! Wait wait up! We need to find somewhere else to eat," Percy said as he quickly started walking in a different direction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia followed Percy down the street and stopped him. "Come on Gamma! We are supposed to be on a date! And I want to go to Bao''Hai!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"G-Gamma? Um... Well, I guess we can give it a shot. You really are excited aren''t you?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia smiled and nodded as she moved in to kiss Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now that''s my little wolf! Now let''s get to the restaurant!" Dalia said as she grabbed Percy''s hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Why did you stop calling me Gamma?" Percy asked with confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because I am now your Alpha and I will call you whatever I want!" Dalia said as she yfully punched Percy in the shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All Percy could do was pout as he and Dalia made their way to the restaurant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy and Dalia arrived at the restaurant. Percy was holding Dalia''s gold bag in his hand as they walked in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wee! To Bao''Hai..." The host noticed that the two weren''t dressed in the traditional clothing of a lord ordy. "Can I help you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looks around the room. It wasn''t too crowded so they should have a good chance of getting a table. But she wasn''t used to everything being so clean.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My name is Dalia! I would like a table for two!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We don''t serve your type here at Bao''Hai. Can you please leave, before things get unpleasant." the host asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia turned toward Percy and pushed him up to the desk where the host was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Dalia, what are you doing?" Percy whispered to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am going to make sure that we get a seat. If we don''t then I will tell them exactly why they shouldn''t allow filthy humans in their restaurant," Dalia said with an angry tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What!" Percy began to panic about how bad things were going to get if Dalia didn''t get her way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia pushed Percy all the way up to the annoyed host. She then took her bag off Percy''s hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mr. Percival has been traveling for weeks without proper attire after the goblin horde destroyed our convoy, so if you would be so kind as to look past our appearance it would be greatly appreciated!" Dalia said to the host as she dropped the beg of 500 gold pieces on the desk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Where did this version of Daliae from!?'' Percy thought to himself in a surprised state.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The host looked at the coins and then back at Dalia. "Um... Yeah well um... That may be bu-." The host was interrupted by his manager who was a dwarf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jacob! Can''t you see this poor soul has gone through so much toe here! We need to show him somemon sense andpassion. Don''t question him!" Padera said to Jocab.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But she''s a Wolf-ki-" Jacob was interrupted again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jacob! Haah! My apologies Mr. Percival pleasee with me to one of our VIP room as appreciation for braving the goblin horde to dine with us. My name is Padera. Come, this way Sir." Padera opened the door to the dining area.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia grabbed the bag of gold with a smile on her face and Percy followed behind the manager with a confused look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Grrrr... Padera is too soft! Why would he let a Wolf-kin into our restaurant?" The host said to himself as he manned the front desk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Padera lead them down a hall and into a small room that was decorated beautifully. There was a long wooden table with chairs set around it. The walls were covered in tapestries that showed scenes of nature and beautifulndscapes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please sit and enjoy your meal. I will bring out your orders shortly." Padera said as he walked away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia and Percy sat down at the end of the table. Percy couldn''t help himself but stare at Dalia. She was dressed in a beautifully off-shoulder mini-dress that clung to her form. Her body was athletic and toned with a perfect ass with a pair of big breasts that were showing off her cleavage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia noticed Percy staring at her and gave him a wink. Percy blushed and smiled nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. I think I can get used to human lifestyles..." Dalia said as she looked around the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know Lady Dalia... You''re amazing when you want to be. That was quite a performance you did earlier," Percy said as he was trying not to stare.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe! Gamma, I never thought in my wildest dreams would I think that I would fall for a human as my mate. Maybe I was meant to be human?" Dalia asked Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. You''re special as you are. Don''t ever change." Percy said back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh ho! So you want me toe over there and im you?" Dalia said with a smirk on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes!" Percy said as he was looking forward to having her on top of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia giggled and stood up, "You better watch what you wish for little wolf. You might get what you wish for." She spun around and ran towards Percy. Dalia jumped onto the back of his chair, turned around, and straddled him with her hands on his shoulders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia leaned down and kissed Percy passionately. Their tongues intertwined with each other. Percy felt a hand slide across his chest and grab onto his shirt. It pulled him closer to Dalia. His hands slid under her dress and he cupped her ass cheeks. Dalia moaned and pushed herself against him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They broke their kiss. Dalia was panting and Percy''s pants were already bulging. They both stared into each other''s eyes as they yed with each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe. I think I can''t be without you little wolf. You''re so warm and hot. I wonder what it would feel like to have your cock inside me," Dalia said as she unbuttoned her shirt and slid it aside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm! Oh yes!" Percy moaned as his eyes were glued on her big tits. The bra that she was wearing was very tight and hard to remove.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She slowly removed it from her breasts, revealing her round boobs in front of Percy''s face. Dalia reached behind her and unhooked her bra. Her breasts popped out and bounced a few times before she dropped the bra on hisp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OHHHH!!!" Percy moaned as he stared at her breasts. They were huge, bigger than Bell''s. Her nipples were hard and erect as they pointed straight out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m going to fuck you little wolf. Do you want that?" Dalia said as she let go of his shoulders as she opened his pants and pulled out his raging boner.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YES!!" Percy moaned as he grabbed Dalia''s waist and guided himself into her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nagh! Gamma! You''re so big! I''ve never been this full!" Dalia moaned as Percy kept sliding his dick into her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh! I love how warm you are!" Percy said as he started to move faster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah! So good!" Dalia moaned as she wrapped her legs around Percy while feeling him pounding her inside with a vengeance. "Aungh! Fuck me harder!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GHAHHHHHH!!!" Percy yelled as he felt the best he ever did. His cock was buried deep inside Dalia''s pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia ran her hands all over Percy''s body, squeezing his biceps and grabbing onto his neck. Dalia started moving her hips and riding Percy like a horse, arching her back while pulling Percy''s head into her breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh yes! Harder! Faster!" Dalia moaned as she bit her lip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OHHH GAWD!" Percy moaned as he came inside Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"FUCK YES!!" Dalia screamed as she also climaxed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Afterward, Percy fell backward, his arms holding onto Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe! Haah... You are the best Gamma!" Dalia said as she kissed Percy on the lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re pretty amazing yourself," Percy said as he blushed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, crap! Dalia, get your clothes on. Here," Percy said as he threw his cloak over her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re so nervous about other people seeing our love?" Dalia asked, confused.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll get kicked out!" Percy said as he stood up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jeez. Okay okay! This is one thing that bugs me about you." Dalia said as she got dressed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? Why?" Percy asked as he put his pants back on.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because I would have fucked the hell out of you!" Dalia said as sheughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia, please," Percy said as he blushed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay okay! How do I look?" Dalia asked before they heard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock! Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come in!" Percy said as he sat in his seat while Dalia sat next to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The door opened to Padera and two other wait staff. They were carrying in trays of delicious food of all sorts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good afternoon, sirs and madam. What we have for the main course today is a chicken stew with vegetables and potatoes. For dessert, it''s a peach crumble with ice cream. The wine tonight is a Cabe Sauvignon from the Fiafyr Mountains." Padera said while setting the tray down on the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you." Percy and Dalia said as they both got up and grabbed their forks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Padera smiled and nodded, "Is there anything else we can do for you, Mr. Percival?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No thank you. That will be all." Percy said as he grabbed a te of stew for Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very good. Please ring that bell if you need anything else, Sir." Padera and his waiters bow before leaving the room and closing the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aww! This is what I smelled! It looks so good! Hey! Little what are-" Dalia started to ask as Percy cut her off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s a hug! Just a little one! Do not worry about it," Percy said as he picked up Dalia''s hand and kissed the back of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe! Gamma!" Dalia said as she blushed bright red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here, try this." Percy took a fork full of chicken and brought it up to Dalia''s lips. "Go on, try it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I don''t know... Maybe..." Dalia said as she looked at the fork.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just take a bite! The food tastes better when sharing it with someone that you love." Percy said as he pointed his fork at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes!" Dalia said as she took a small bite.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmff!" Dalia moaned loudly. ''UH! It tastes like heaven! What did you put in this?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whatever it is, keep doing it!" Dalia said as she took another bite and snuggled closer to Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are adorable when you smile like that," Percy said to Dalia as he bit into a potato.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah? Well, you''re cute too! You''ve got that serious face thing going on!" Dalia giggled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, I think you might be wrong about that!" Percy said as he winked at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This flirting went on and on for the rest of the afternoon. After they were close to finishing their meal, Percy and Dalia heard footsteps getting louder when all of a sudden an elf came walking through the door wearing an adventurer''s outfit with a cloak on.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was Nieren and when she went through the door she came into the sight of a wolf-kin feeding a human mouth to mouth. ''W-What! What is she doing!?'' Nieren thought as she looked at the female wolf-kin kissing a human.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The wolf-kin noticed Nieren looking at her and stopped her kissing mate. "Hmm? Who are you? Do you know who she is, Gamma?" Dalia asked Percy who was just as confused as her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t recall seeing another elf before?" Percy replied to his girlfriend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My name is Nieren! And I have something urgent to tell you!" Nieren said as she walked up to them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it?" Dalia asked as she got off Percy''sp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That dark elf! She got cored by the ck Rose Mercenaries! I don''t know what they are going to do to her!" Nieren said frantically.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia and Percy became serious when he heard the ck Rose Mercenary mentioned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you telling us the truth about Alpha getting cored? How do you know this?" Dalia asked Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I was keeping tabs on her because she is a dark elf. But then the Kings yer came out of the brothel with Rya cored! We need to help her! Please! Help, we must save her!" Nieren begged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wish we can take your word for it, Miss Nieren. But we''ll need to see some evidence." Percy said as he stood up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Take us to this ce where she was cored. We''ll believe you once, sure us, blonde!" Dalia said as she started to walk towards the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine! But you better keep your word, dog!" Nieren yelled back to Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha! That-" Dalia began to say but was interrupted by Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Dalia. Please calm yourself. She could be telling the truth." Percy said as he ced 15 gold on the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren nodded. "Okay follow me! Don''t make me change my mind!" Nieren snapped back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia gave Nieren a re and followed her out the door.

 Ch.74 I got a Scent

    Ch.74 I got a Scent


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once they reached Be''s ce it caused Dalia''s nose to go into overdrive in the back alley as she could smell familiar scents and blood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you think, Dalia? Was Lady Rya here?" Percy asked Dalia as they passed by the trash in the alley.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Sniff! Sniff! Sniff!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, Alpha was here, and I can only smell that coward that escaped thebyrinth. The one with the hammer... I remember that stench anywhere," Dalia answered as she sniffed the air again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy''s face became angry recalling the man who tried to kill Lady Ryan and his Lord at the same time. "So, the fool didn''t heed our warning."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was shocked by her mate''s anger towards his enemies. She thought it was hot and sexy. But she knew this wasn''t the time or ce to flirt. So, she kept her mouth shut.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss Nieren, you said Rya came out of the brothel?" Percy while looking at Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes sir!" Nieren answered as she pointed to the building known as Be''s ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looked back to Percy and saw his eyes were filled with controlled fury.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We shall ask this Be what she knows about the ck Roses'' involvement. I would hate it if we need to get unpleasant." Percy growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia saw Percy''s wolf sideing out, a side of him that she loves, and she was ready to do anything to protect her mate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Leave it to me, Gamma. Alpha is my friend and I''ll find out what we need to know." Dalia said as her cheeks flushed red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, Lady Dalia. We''ll do this together." Percy smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren was watching the two of them working together. And couldn''t help but be a little jealous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Wow? I never knew how loyal a human can be. This wolfkin was lucky enough to find such a loyal mate. Could I find such a mate?'' Nieren thought as she bit her lip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss Nieren. Thanks for telling us about Lady Rya. We''ll take it from here." Percy said to the wood elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? But what if I want to stay and help you?" Nieren asked as she looked at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re an adventurer correct? Then we have to post a request with the guild. We can''t pay you if you join us now, Miss Nieren." Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t care about getting paid for this. I''ve seen too many wood elves get cored in my life and I''m tired of doing nothing about it. Even if Rya is a dark elf. If she''s helping you two then she must be good." Nieren said as she stared down Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She''s more than a good person, Miss Nieren. She''s saved our lives. I''d do anything to repay her. We all would." Percy said as he smiled at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren''s heart fluttered as she felt a tingle run up her legs. She did like Percy and the way he treated Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Plus, Beta would destroy half the world once he finds out about this," Dalia added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... Yeah, he would. We''ll need to see him after this." Percy nodded in agreement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? W-Who''s Beta?" Nieren asked with a confused look on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, if you n on joining us you might as well know. He''s Prince Quinus, next heir to the throne of Fiafyr."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''WHAT!? That''s amazing!'' Nieren thought as she remembered how cute the prince was when he carried Rya away to her room back at the inn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, he''s my best friend and usually a calm guy but he''s in love with Lady Rya and will do anything to get her back. So, let''s talk with Be and see what we can get out of her before we can make our next move." Percy said as he looked at Dalia as she started wagging her tail.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, then. Let''s go see her!" Nieren replied as she walked towards the back door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Inside the brothel, Be was trying to help her injured employees that were trapped in a room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Be! You''re alive!?" A female voice called out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. I don''t know how we didn''t get murdered by Jeremiah. It was a miracle." Be said as she walked over to see some of her guards dead on the ground with their necks slit open.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... Did any of our bouncers survive?" One of the escorts asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t think any of them did. How are we going to run the brothel with no protection?" Another escort asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tck! Who would want to work here after knowing that they can be killed for no reason?" A third one asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough! We will survive like we always do. But we might need to move out of Ironside." The owner said as she continued to clean up the bodies.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why?" One of the escorts asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Kings yer has a powerful dark elf cored. And they''re talking about the Prince of Fiafyr being in the city. We need to leave before it bes a war zone." Be said with worry in her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What should we do?" Another one asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We can''t stay here-" Be replied was cut short when she looked around the room and noticed three people she hadn''t seen before. One was a wolf-kin, one was a wood elf and thest was a human ranger that had royal markings of the kingdom of Fiafyr on him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you Be?" asked Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. Why?" She asked, looking at the young man with a questioning look on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m Percy, a retainer of the crown prince of Fiafry and I know Lady Rya has been kidnapped from here, by the ck Roses. What''s your involvement with the mercenaries?" Percy asked with a serious look about him. Like he was ready to fight if need be.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Be shook her head and looked at Percy, "He killed my guards and held the rest of my employees and myself hostage if I didn''t help them capture the Dark Elf... If I knew that she would have done this to my business, I would have turned her away, to begin with." Be said with sadness in her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy, Dalia, and Nieren noticed the dead bouncersying on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you know where they were going? Or what the ck roses are doing now?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I heard one of them mention going to one of the abandoned mines by Mount Galfrei." an escort said, looking down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mount Galfrei? Are you sure?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The girl nodded her head, "Yea, there are a few abandoned mines there. I heard it from the guy that had a war hammer."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He mentioned that they were heading to one of the mine shafts?" Percy asked, looking for confirmation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think so. But I''m not sure." The girl said, shaking her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Percy was talking to Be and the girls Dalia was checking out a spot that was covered in broken wood and earth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''There''s a body down there.'' Dalia thinks to herself as she sniffs around the area where Rya killed the Merc. ''But it looks like someone was buried.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia starts digging up the dirt to see who was down there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It takes her a few minutes, but she finally discovers the body buried 5 feet in the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She lifts the body out of the hole and looks at it. It was a human male that had a hole in his chest. There is nothing notable about him except that his attire was that of the ck Rose Mercenary Company.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looks up to Percy, "Gamma! I found a body! A human!" She says to Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who is it? Is it one of those damn mercenaries?" Percy asks, looking back at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, he is. But I don''t know who he is."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let me see then," Percy said, walking over to the body that Dalia threw out of the hole and onto the hardwood floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So Nieren was right about the ck Rose. I wonder?'' Percy thought to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He quickly checks the body making sure that he doesn''t miss anything that might be dangerous before inspecting the body further.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, he must have been killed by Lady Rya before getting captured," Percy said, looking at the body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They must have ordered Alpha to bury him," Dalia said, pointing to the broken pieces of wood and earth surrounding the body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Can you use his scent to find their hideout?" Percy asked Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, I can!" Dalia said, looking at the body of the merc and cut his head off, with her ws, then put it in a bag.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah! Why did you cut his head off?" Nieren asked as she walked up to Percy and Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, I can keep a fresh scent on him as we go searching for their hideout," Dalia said, looking at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure but why the head of all the things?" Nieren asked, confused.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I get a little bit of everything. Skin, hair, saliva, blood, and other things that give off scents. So, if the scent is over 24 hours old, I''ll still be able to pick it up again and should be able to track them down." Dalia said as she looked at the headless corpse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can do that? Well, should we go after them, then?" Nieren asked Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We need to inform the prince before we can do anything. Do you wish to still join us Nieren? Things are about to get dangerous. Maybe you should stay here and wait for my return." Percy says looking at Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. I''m an adventurer. I am going with you even if this is unsanctioned work." She says looking at Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright then. Let''s go." Percy said as he helped Dalia out of the hole. "Miss Be, thank you for your cooperation. And I''m sorry about our earlier hostilities towards you. I didn''t know if you were working with the ck Roses."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Be and the survivors nodded their heads to Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group of three leave the brothel and run to the baron''s pce as fast as they can.

 Ch.75 The Sleeping Giant

    Ch.75 The Sleeping Giant


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy, Dalia and Nieren moved through the city as quickly as possible.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Their destination was the pce of the baron which was directly in the middle of the city. The two moons that shone down on thend gave everything a darker look to it, making the night even more ominous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This was all due to the fact that there weren''t any streetlights in this part of the city. Just torches lining every street corner until they came closer to the pce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They rushed into the building, passing guards and knights. They found the throne room were Quinus, Zellin and some of Zellin''s counsel as they discussed the new trade route with the Kingdom of Marn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Zellin, why would the Kingdom of Marn want to open a new trade route? My father isn''t on good terms with them, and I would have to agree with him," Quinus asked the baron.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know your majesty. I find it peculiar that they wish to open trade routes through Ironside instead of reaching out to his majesty the King? But I wasn''t sure if we wish to get ess to their naval pairs? Or maybe they have a n to get the purple g?" Zellin asked, looking at the council members.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We can''t trust them not to enve the dwarven people of Fiafyr. I don''t like the smell of this. There is something fishy about these talks." Hajdah said as he looked at his council.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... I''ll have my men look into it as soon as I can return to the capital." Quinus said, tucking a piece of hair behind his ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty. We will do what we can to investigate this matter." Zellin replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded his head, that''s when the doors to the throne room opened up to Percy, Dalia and Nieren. They all had serious looks on their faces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s wrong?" Hajdah asks, stepping away from the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord. We have a problem." Percy said as he looked to Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus felt a terrible omen when looking at Percy and Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Where''s Rya? Is she alright?'' Quinus thought to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, what is this problem?" Quinus asked, getting up from his seat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya. She has been cored. My Lord." Percy said, with no emotion showing on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The room went deathly silent as the whole room stood still.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had rage written all over his golden eyes as he processed what Percy had said. While the Baron and his counsel started to feel the raw power of Quin''s mana leaking from his body that felt like the wrath of the gods.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re Ma~" Zellin stopped himself before he spoke the words ''your majesty''. After making eye contact with Quinus for a brief second.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked back to Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who?" Quinus said, trying to keep his voice calm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was the ck Roses my Lord." Percy said, looking down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crunch!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The chair closest to Quinus was destroyed by his mana. The rest of the chairs around the round table were knocked over.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus tried reigning in his anger so as to not injure anyone else in the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''T-This is the toothless lion that all the nobles spoke of!? Prince Quinus could kill us all without batting a eye right now!'' thought Boran Zellin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They must''ve followed us here. They captured Lady Rya and put a ve cor on her." Percy said, looking at the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Zellin... I request that you raise an army as soon as possible." Quinus said, through gritted teeth. "I want them dead. Do whatever it takes."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zellin''s heart dropped to his stomach hearing those words.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood my Lord." Zellin said, bowing his head low.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The mages guild will be summoned as well your Majesty." Hajdah said as he lowered his head and left the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The council members quickly left the room. Everyone except for Quinus, Percy, Dalia, Nieren and Zellin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you know where they took her?" Quinus asked his retainer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Word is they are hiding in a abandoned mine by Mount Galfrei, my Lord." Percy answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mount Galfrei? I''ll send my troops there right aw~" Zellin stopped when Quinus raised one of his hands to halt the baron.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Dalia. Can you track them?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, I can. And I can find her, Beta." Dalia replied, her eyes filled with determination.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very good. Who''s this Lady?" he asked, gesturing to Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Her name is Nieren. She was the one that witnessed Lady Rya''s abduction, my Lord." Percy answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A grim expression crossed Quinus'' face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So why didn''t she stop them from capturing her?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren began to panic a little but summoned the courage to talk to the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I witnessed the Kings yer, your Majesty. I-I''m a great archer but I''m no match for him." Nieren said to Quinus with a sad look in his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was at that moment that Quinus noticed her elven ears that were hidden under her hood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''A wood elf? Haah�� That exins her fear of the Kings yer.'' Quinus thought as he knew about the history of the fall of the Wood Elven Empire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re a wood elf?" Quinus asked, his voice sounding like it came out of a deep well.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren nodded her head as hard as she could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How did you know?" Nieren asked, her cheeks flushing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I saw your ears, Lady Nieren. Can you help me find Rya? I''ve heard that most wood elf are excellent trackers." Quinus said, looking down at Nieren with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, your Majesty!" Nieren said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you Lady Nieran. If you find her, I promise you that the Kings yer will be no more." Quinus said with a small bow of his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''H-He''ll kill the Kings yer! I-I have to save her!'' Nieren thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He looked up to see Dalia standing in front of him, her eyes full of determination.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Find her Lady Dalia." Quinus said before turning back to Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Send word to the rest of our forces once you locate the ck Roses. I��ll bring the forces we need to Mount Galfrei." Quinus ordered as he walked towards the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes my Lord." Percy replied, following after Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zillen was the only one left in the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Prince Quinus is going to be a King that no one should reckon with. The boy''s a sleeping giant! The nobles going against him will most likely beg for mercy when it''s all said and done. I doubt even the Kings yer will be able to stand against him!'' Zillen thought as he stared at the young prince before calling for his troops.

 Ch.76 Are the Black Roses Psychopaths

    Ch.76 Are the ck Roses Psychopaths


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Quinus and the rest of the crew was preparing for their expedition to save Rya, there were four figures walking through the city of Ironside and stopping by a sewage grate on the street floor in a back alley of the red light district.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Open it" Jeremiahmanded Rya as the ver item glows in his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her body goes into autopilot and opens the gate with her magic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crush!* Goes the metal sewage grate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hahaha! She''s going to be fun to use." Jeremiah says as he pats Rya on the back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''God dammit Ryan! What the hell were you thinking! No wait! I wasn''t thinking! What do I do!'' Rya thinks to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She stands in front of the sewer drain and starts to cry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go. Sims is waiting to meet up outside the city walls." Dietrichmands as he walks past everyone and jumps down into the sewer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you waiting for? Follow him." Jeremiahmands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone follows Dietrich into the sewers of Ironside. It would be impossible for human eyes to see in the darkness of the tunnels if Dietrich didn''t have a strange magicalntern that was on his hip that lit up the area around him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn this is cold. One would think the sewers would be warmer?" Devin grumbles as he continues to walk deeper into the sewers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You should only speak when you have something useful to say." Jeremiah snarls as he walks behind Devin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Devin showed panic in his eyes as he turned around. "I''m sorry, I forgot myself."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This Jeremiah guy seems to be an asshole.'' Rya thinks to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah didn''t care what Rya thought of him. He was more concerned about his mission and that was to regroup with the rest of the ck Roses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">After traveling through the sewer system for an hour they finally reached the outer wall of Ironside. There was a giant grate blocking anyone from getting in or out of the city.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see the grate." Dietrich said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you think she''s strong enough to open it?" Devin asks as he looks at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The sewage grate looked like it was enchanted and reinforced with magic of some sort that kept the metal from rusting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Looks like a tough task but I think she might be able to open it." Dietrich replies.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Only one way to find out. SLAVE! Open the grate!" Jeremiahmanded Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes Mas-ter!" Rya said. She tries to fight her body from bowing her head. But in the end the ve cor was too much for her to resist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She then starts to use her earth magic to destroy the stone surrounding the giant 25 foot grate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crush! Crush! Crush!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ck Roses thought the sewage grate was just going to fall over but it was floating there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? What''s she doin~" Devin halted his speech when he saw Rya morphing the metal grate into a 50 foot staircase and ced it on the edge of the wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Please someone see this thing!'' Rya thinks to herself hoping the city guards notice the staircase.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dietrich, Jeremiah, and Devin all looked at the ck elf and the strange magical floating stairs hovering by the edge of the sewer opening.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t try anything stupid bitch." Dietrich warned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No sir, I won''t. Just making sure no one gets hurt," Rya replied in a nervous tone as she continued to focus on keeping the staircase stable.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She''s good! I can''t wait to take over this city and end that "Toothless Lion" life! If only he was a king, I would have added him to my collection!" Jeremiah said with excitement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Toothless Lion? Is he talking about Quinus!'' Rya thinks to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We don''t have the city yet. Let''s get the hell out of here." Dietrich told Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re on my good side Dietrich. Don''t make me change my mind." Jeremiah said with a wicked smile. "Let''s go!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that they all descended the staircase. It was still the dead of night when they reached the ground floor outside the city walls. The streets in the distance were empty and there weren''t any guards nearby.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s a lot of stairs!" Devin said surprised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, there''s not that many mages that can do what she''s done. She''s pretty impressive," Dietrich said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m impressed that she didn''t copse from exhaustion at the top." Jeremiah chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group started walking towards a hill in the distance. They had their eyes set on finding Sims. They needed to find him so they could get him out of the city limits before anyone noticed them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Where the fuck is Sims? Why is he such a dick?" Devin asked himself, annoyed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He will show up. He''s just hiding. That''s what he''s best at." Dietrich exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... He better have the horses ready." Devin sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Calm yourself, Devin. We shouldn''t be too far from his location. Don''t worry." Dietrich saidfortingly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They kept walking until they reached a path leading down to a small river.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s where we''ll meet him. Go and tell Sims to meet us here by the trees." Dietrich ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes sir!" Devin saluted and ran off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dietrich and Jeremiah climbed down the steep cliff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come!" Jeremiah ordered Rya to follow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''There has to be some kind of loop hole with this ve cor? If only Ie grab that item in Jeremiah''s hand,'' Rya thought as she followed the two down the cliff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After reaching the bottom she saw several trees surrounding a small clearing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Go ahead!" Jeremiah told Rya. She walked closer to the tree line and stopped in front of arge oak.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few minutes Sims and Devin suddenly appeared and came riding up with four horses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This way!" Devin yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, this is the dark elf you were talking about, Dietrich? Oh she''s a looker!" Sims said excitedly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She is not for fucking. This one is more important than the others." Jeremiah said with a stern face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But she''s hot! You know I''d be quick." Sims said smiling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya started panicking. She was horrified that she would be used as a sex ve. ''No! I don''t want to be an object.'' She thought. But she knew that she was going to be sold off to whoever bought her if she doesn��t find a way out of this quickly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SLAVE! If anyone touches you sexually you have permission to harm them." Jeremiah said coldly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Huh? I can protect myself? I��ll take it.�� Rya felt a little relief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sims looked annoyed, "Fuck! You''re no fun Kings yer."


    <span style="font-weight:400">In a blink of an eye Jeremiah threw a dagger at Sims in who looked to be startled. Just as the dagger was about to strike Sims his body vanished like it was an illusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the fuck? How did he do that?'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah turned back to the tree line and saw Sims walk out from behind one of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine. FINE! I won''t touch her unless you want me to." Sims said angrily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"One of these days I will kill you and your illusions, Sims. The day Rudolf finds you useless is the day you die." Jeremiah said menacingly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! Oh don''t worry about me, Kings yer. I''ll make sure no new member will have my set of skills," Sims replied with a shit eating smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think we should leave now." Dietrich said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Agreed." Jeremiah agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They mounted their horses and headed towards the forest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck! Are all the ck Roses psychopaths!'' Rya thought nervously.

 Ch.77 I Wish to Keep the Deal

    Ch.77 I Wish to Keep the Deal


    <span style="font-weight:400">After leaving the tree line they rode north towards the mountains on horseback. After a few hours, they reached the edge of the mountain range and entered a ravine where a small river flowed through.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Devin led them past the boulder rocks to the other side of the ravine. Where he pulled out some sort of pendant that lit up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">At that moment some figures came out of the shadows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oy! You return!" Yelled one of the figures that was a ck Rose Mercenary.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! We return with our prize!" Jeremiah said proudly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The mercenaryughed, "Oh! Never thought I would see a dark elf in my life."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You better watch yourself. The Kings yer gave her permission to defend herself." Sims said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? That''s a shame." One of the mercenaries said as they approached.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Like it matters. It seems this one prefers thepany of women.�� Dietrich said to hisrades.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Huh? Really? I always knew dark elves were fucked up�� But that shou~�� The merc was interrupted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��She��s NOT for fucking���� Jeremiah scolded the man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They were soon surrounded by 5 men who stood about 6 feet tall. Their faces were covered with masks and their weapons were held tightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya cringed at the thought of being touched by all these men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fucking touch me! I dare you! You are all ugly sons of bitches!'' Rya thought angrily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is Rudolf awake?" Jeremiah said coldly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, he''s in the cave nning something. My guess is, we are assaulting Ironside. He had the same look back when we invaded the Dwarven Kingdom." One of the mercenaries answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, with thisbat ve. We should make short work of Ironside''s defenses." Jeremiah said as he and the others dismounted their horses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yea. I''m going to go get Rudolf and the rest. We can depart shortly." The leader of the group said before turning around and heading back to the cave.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Follow ve. You will be useful here." Jeremiahmanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''FUCK YOU!'' Rya screamed under her breath as her body moved against her will.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She followed behind the mercs like a puppy dog.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf was sitting in a dimly lit room deep within the caves of Ironside. He was talking to a man and a woman. The woman seemed to be focusing on an artifact while the man was standing by as a bodyguard to the woman who was dressed in Duke ric Revelia''s robes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How long is this going to take?" Rudolf asked impatiently.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The bodyguard responded, "Keep distracting her and it will take longer. Or do you wish to anger Duke ric Revelia more after what happened to his son?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Tck! Dietrich, you better be right about this dark elf. My life will not end because of your failures!'' Rudolf thinks to himself as he wants to make it up to the duke by ending the prince''s life for his men''s ipetents.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine. Do whatever you need to do." Rudolf said annoyed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few minutes for the woman to finish whispering a spell as her mana enters the artifact, she ces it down on the table next to her. The artifact lights up in a blue glow and a figure forms in the particles, no taller than one meter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The figure looked like an older man who had a royal look to him. His face was slightly wrinkled from age, but his eyes still showed intelligence and anger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rudolf... What''s this about my son''s death and my pathetic excuse of a nephew surviving the Tomb of the Horde!" Duke ric Revelia said angrily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am sorry, Your Grace. It seems I was mistaken about the prince. He seems to have a dark elf that aided him in defeating the dungeon core and killed your son. If I''d known, I would have sent Jeremiah with~" Rudolf quickly cuts off when the duke interrupts him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"EXCUSES! MY SON IS DEAD! AND NOW MY INCOMPETENT BROTHER''S SON HAS WON THE FAVOR OF MOST OF THE NOBLES! HE IS ALL BUT GUARANTEED THE CROWN!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf tried topose himself before speaking to the duke.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Grace, I am sorry. We are stealing the prince''s battle ve as we speak and if what my men say about her is true, we''ll use her to destroy Ironside and the prince. We''ll me it on the goblins, so the current king is med for the failure. At least you will be on the throne when this is all said and done, Your Grace."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How is all this going to bring back my son?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf thought to himself for a moment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It will not, Your Grace. But if this dark elf is as powerful as we think she is. We''ll give her as a gift to you so you can take the throne." Rudolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A gift? You still wish to be given lordship over Fiafyrnds?" Duke ric asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Grace. I have never been given a chance to rulends and I wish to be one of your lords if you still wish to keep our deal."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The duke shook his head. "I will be steading assassins after you if you fail to kill the prince... But I will consider keeping some lesser version of the deal if you do bring the prince''s head and give me this dark elf. Do whatever you wish to Ironside. They''re mostly dwarves anyway."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm? So, the duke might keep his end of the bargain? Well if he doesn''t I might have to use this dark elf on him if he thinks he can assassinate me.'' Rudolf thought to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He walked up to the duke and bowed his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It will be done, Your Grace. The ck Roses alwayse through in the end." Rudolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You better Rudolf! Failure doesn''t look good on you." Duke ric warned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you require anything else from me, I shall do what I must toplete our deal," Rudolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, the magical connection was halted as Duke ric vanished from the artifact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The woman in the robes opened her eyes and grabbed her artifact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope you seed, Lord Rudolf. It usually gets ugly for those that fail the duke." Said the bodyguard of the magic speaker mage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Worry about yourself, I''m used to dealing with men of Duke ric''s ilk. You two should leave if you know what''s best for you!" Rudolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The speaker mage and the bodyguard looked at each other and nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We better get going." The mage said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye... Lead the way, ma''am." The bodyguard said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They left the room and walked down the corridor of the cave leaving Rudolf by himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tck! So, the toothless lion has nine lives? Well, he''s not going to have any left after tomorrow." Rudolf thought to himself.

 Ch.78 Put her through the Wringer

    Ch.78 Put her through the Wringer


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf ck, the founder of the ck Roses, made a name for himself many years ago when he came out of nowhere to lead thest great war of the Five Kingdoms. Many nobles and kings were killed in the great war of the five kingdoms, which made Rudolf very famous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Most thought Rudolf was nothing more but a simple soldier in the Kingdom of Druwd. He hated being used by nobles and kings of the past. And one day he somehow came in contact with an enemy nobles and killed them without hesitation. That was when he realized that kings and nobles were no different frommoners.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And ever since that day, Rudolf vowed to kill all those who would try to control him. To this day he has never lost a fight against anyone who challenged him. Though many people think Rudolf is insane and like to call him mad.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There is no doubt that Rudolf is one of the greatest fighters of all time during the war.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When he freed himself from the army, he built his own army of mercenaries called ck Roses and went on a rampage on the four other kingdoms until the Kingdom of Marn became rulers of the northwestern part of the continent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ever since the founding of the ck Roses Rudolf has led his men to be known as some of the deadliest mercenaries in all of the Agon continent for thest three decades.


    <span style="font-weight:400">However, it wasn''t long before Rudolf started making enemies with his main employer, the Kingdom of Marn. As the king started fearing for his life and started a war with the ck Roses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After much bloodshed and battles, Rudolf started killing off the members of the royal family for their treachery. However, he and his mercenaries couldn''t stay in one ce for too long due to the constant attacks from other kingdoms and found a safe haven in the Kingdom of Fiafyr, via Count Marcus Revelia who wished to use them to get the throne from his cousin and got his father on board with the n to be king. Rudolf wantednd of his own to rule over in his older age and decided to help Marcus out with his ns.


    <span style="font-weight:400">That was until Marcus''s death and Rudolf is now back to trying to find a new lord that would let him getnd of his own. He wished to appease Duke ric Revelia, Marcus''s father, to take the throne in hopes to get his ownnds. But his gut was telling him that it was a long shot. If he feels the duke will betray him, he''ll have no choice but to kill him and try again elsewhere.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It wouldn��t be his first time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rudolf. Jeremiah is back and he has the dark elf with him." The voice came from behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Took him long enough to return. So what is the news?" Rudolf asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It seems one man died putting the ve cor on it. Luckily it looks like the cor is working." the Merc said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf gave a sigh of relief knowing it worked. "Good. After spending all that money on it, it better work."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes,mander. What''s our next move?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf smirked and stood up and walked towards the door. "Next we see how strong this dark elf really is."


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was walking through the cave corridor forced to follow the mercenaries as they made their way deeper inside the mountain. They seemed to be heading to some kind of meeting point where the mercenary leader was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Dammit! I still can''t find a way out of this mess. Why did I ever go to that brothel!? Just because I wanted to prove I was still a man? To get back at Nils? Fuck me.'' Rya thought to herself as she kept following the men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Behind her were Jeremiah and Dietrich. Both were silent while walking alongside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As she continued her way forward, she noticed that the corridor looked like an old mine shaft. It was cold and damp, but there was light ahead of her and a lot of men dressed in ck Rose armor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''There''s like a hundred of them in here alone. Are they nning an invasion or something?'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She saw one of them walk by holding a sword in one hand and a crossbow in another.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ve! Halt!" Jeremiah ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya quickly stopped and stared at Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah red at her. "Did I tell you to look at me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked away and sighed. ''Fucking asshole.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">When she looked around she noticed all the men were staring at her. Some with disgust, others with lust and jealousy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya has never had this much attention before in her life. And it made her ufortable.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the hell is up with all these creeps? I hate how they''re staring at me.'' Rya thought while feeling uneasy. ''I wish Quin was here. I-I miss him. God, he must be angry at me for doing something so stupid... I don''t deserve him...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rudolf is taking his sweet ass time," Dietrich said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You should say that to his face," Jeremiah responded


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh... J-Just pretend that I said nothing"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Spineless coward... Well, I know how you were the only one to survive the Tomb of the Horde." Jeremiah smirks at Dietrich who was gritting his teeth in anger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">At that moment the older man came out of his tent. He had full te mail on and has a huge shield in one hand and a mace in the other. His face has the look of a warrior from long ago. He also had an axe strapped to his back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He looks around and suddenly notices Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jeremiah, you''ve done well. Do we know what she can do?" Rudolf asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I haven''t put her through the wringer to see how strong she is but she''s an earth mage,mander," Jeremiah answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll test her. Who in this room wishes to fight this Dark Elf? If anyone beats her they can get to do what they wish to her." Rudolf asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone in the room cheered for their chance to challenge Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rudolf! Let me challenge her!" yelled Sims.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s skin felt cold. She hated the sound of his voice, lusting after her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah had a smile on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Everyone clear the space in front of her," Rudolf ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone backed up and cleared the area.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yelling andughing could be heard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sims came in close to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry. I''ll take good care of you after the fight." Sims smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked up, ''I gotta take this guy down, if I can.''

 Ch.79 Second-rate Illusionist

    Ch.79 Second-rate Illusionist


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SLAVE! You may use whatever you wish against Sims." Jeremiah orders with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at the ground and then at Jeremiah. Her eyes narrowed and she looked like a predator ready to strike.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Go ahead, little girl," Sims said while holding his daggers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''If I remember correctly, this asshole uses illusions. So he''s hiding like a snake. How do I get him toe out?'' Rya thought as she stomped on the ground making an earth spike appear in a blink of an eye, hitting Sims in the chest, causing the illusion to disappear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The mercenaries in the cave were surprised by how fast Rya''s magic was cast. They could see the earth spikes move with incredible speed and power.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha ha ha! You''re a feisty one aren''t you?" Sims voice echoed throughout the cave.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have no idea. Plus no matter how many illusions you create of yourself. You can''t hide the fact that you have a small cock that can''t pleasure a woman." Rya said in a matter-of-fact tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sims came out of the shadows and tried to attack Rya from behind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swish!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya ducked under Sims daggers as she countered with another earth spike that hit him in the stomach.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Tck! So my senses tell me when I''m getting attacked but not when someone has a goddamn ve coring at me? What type of bullshit is this!'' Rya thought with a pissed look on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha ha ha! Looks like you''re not happy when I attack your blind side, aye?" Sims said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, this idiot... If only he knew how fucked he really is.'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Attack me in whatever way you want. I''m not impressed with your pathetic tricks." Rya said with a serious look on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Let''s see what his n is.'' Rya thought with a calm countenance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Again Simses out of the shadows behind Rya with his daggering at Rya''s back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crash!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya created a rock wall behind her blocking Sims'' daggers. <span style="font-weight:400">As soon as Rya felt the daggers hitting the wall, she turned around and kicked the rock wall, sending it flying toward "fake" Sims. It caught him and the speeding rock was about to smash into the cave wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRASH!* The cave vibrates from the impact as a dust cloudes rolling through the cavern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The mercenaries that were watching were stunned again by Rya''s disy of strength.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve never seen Sims get stopped so easily before. Have you?" One of the mercenaries said while pointing at the broken wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. His sneak attacks usually work perfectly." Another mercenary said with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So he''s been getting by on cheap shit all his life. Let''s see if I can''t get him a little pissed off?'' Rya thought with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you''re one of the best the ck Roses have to offer? Pff! I don''t know what Rudolf sees in a second-rate illusionist like yourself. Maybe the ck Roses aren''t as good as they say they are." Rya said sarcastically.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t talk shit about me, you whore!" Sims growled with rage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe... Well, at least whores make money. What does a second-rate illusionist bring? Disappointment, disgrace, and failure. If Rudolf sees value in you then I question how the ck Roses are even still alive." Rya said mockingly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck you!" Sims roared as two of his illusions came from the shadows with their daggers ready for Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, you mean this?" Rya said as she turned around with her hands up in the air and threw two rocks the size of cannonballs right at the two Sims.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom! Boom!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Most dust flies off the cave walls after the impact of Rya''s magic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The real Sims jumped back with a yelp and hisses from the pain of the debris. The mercenaries looked at each other with a worried expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, you made two of you? What''s next, three Sims?" Rya said while levitating another cannonball-sized rock in the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your mana can''tst forever!" Sims shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aw! What happened to all that cockiness you had before our fight? I thought you wanted to rape me? It''s almost like you''re a goblin?" Rya said mockingly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You little cunt! I''ll show you how good of an illusionist I am! I will fucking kill you!" Sims said with fury in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">At that moment multiple Sims came out of the shadows with their weapons drawn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was calm as she broke off a small piece of her levitating rock and shot it as fast as a speeding bullet towards one of the Sims. Striking it in the head which made delusion disappear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So these things can''t even survive a bullet-sized stone? He''s fucked.'' Rya then rapidly fires off more magic bullets from therger stone with ease.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Masterfully striking one after another of the Sims.


    <span style="font-weight:400">One of the Sims fell to the ground with a hole in his neck while the other was missing a leg and both had holes in their stomachs before they all vanished.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Second rate," Rya said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hah hah, maybe you''re better than I thought but I will get you! I promise you that you little cunt!" Sims said from the shadows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? I think I see moisture particlesing over there. Is that where the real Sims is hiding?'' Rya thought as her eyes picked up on some mana-infused moistureing from a cloaked Sims.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Rya focused on that spot about 20 feet away she started hearing Sims rapid heartbeat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Found you, you piece of-'' Rya''s thought was interrupted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jeremiah! Command her to stop! I''ve seen enough!" Rudolf ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Without hesitation, Ryaunched an earth spike attack in the direction of the cloaked Sims.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wha- AAARRRGGGGH!" A scream could be heard in the shadows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya then used her mana to move the earth spike almost like a tree root to bring Sims closer to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sims was impaled on the earth spikes and Rya wanted to make an example out of him before she lost her free will again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who''s fucking who now?" Rya whispered to the dying Sims.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-NO PLEASE! DON''T KILL ME!" Sims begged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya then quickly moved Sims in front of the crowd of mercenaries and blew him up from the insides sending his blood and guts flying towards them. nketed the mercenaries in red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Most of the mercenaries were mortified with the blood of theirrade all over them. All with the exception of one. Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I told you to stop her!" Rudolf yelled at Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What can I say? She was too quick." Jeremiah said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s not funny! Sims was my best scout!" Rudolf asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We got something better than a scout. SLAVE KNEEL!" Jeremiahmanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s body started to move on its own.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh fuck you, Jeremiah!'' Rya thought to herself as she went down on one knee.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah walked up to her. "We are going to do great things, ve. Great things indeed."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jeremiah. If you free me I''ll spare you. If you don''t. I''ll make sure it will be the worst decision in your life." Rya said with a re.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have no idea what you''re saying, girl," Jeremiah said with augh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jeremiah! That''s enough ying around. Get the men ready. I want the prince dead by tomorrow morning!" Rudolf ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish. Commander." Jeremiah replied back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf then turned to the crowd of mercenaries. "The Dark Elf is our main weapon now. We are to kill the prince as soon as possible and take over Ironside, for our own! Are you with me!?" Rudolf asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YES COMMANDER!" The mercenaries yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good! Go get ready!" Rudolfmanded.

 Ch.80 Hot on their Trail

    Ch.80 Hot on their Trail


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy, Dalia and Nieren were on the trail of Rya''s captors which led them into the sewers of Ironside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is so creepy! Gah! They had to go through the sewers!? Really!?" Nieren eximed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, it''smon for vermin like the ck Roses toe through the sewers trying to hide their scent from me." Dalia replied while sniffing the air, picking up the scent of Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah! I don''t know how you wolf-kins aren''t puking your guts out from that foul stench? It''s the worst!" Nieren said while pinching her nose with her fingers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aw? The poor little Woody can''t handle a bit of odor? Hehe. I love it! So many fascinating smells are at my disposal down here. Like how one of the ck Roses pissed himself." Dalia said as she wagged her tail.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh my god! This is why I can stand being around beast-kins! You''re so gross!" Nieren said while covering her mouth and stepping back away from Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s funny? I don''t mind being around you Woody? You probably should get that checked out by a healer or something?" Dalia responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My name isn''t Woody! You F-F-Fuzzball!" Nierenined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey calm down you two. We need to find Lady Rya." Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, alright, let''s keep moving. Maybe we can find some clues down here." Dalia said while letting out a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She continued walking and smelling the sewer waters following the scent of the ck Roses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? I can smell fresh airing from that side tunnel now and their scent ising from there." Dalia said as she pointed to a side tunnel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nice! Let''s check it out. Come on!" Percy said as he started to walk towards the tunnel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait! Don''t leave me alone." Nieren said as she ran after Dalia and Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry, Woody! It''s not too far away." Dalia said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why do you keep calling me ''Woody''?" Nieren asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because you smell like a tree. Duh?" Dalia responded while holding her hands up in the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not that funny!" Nieren said as she pouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia? Can you stop teasing Nieren?" Percy pleads to his girlfriend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay Gamma. I''ll try, but I''m not promising anything." Dalia responded with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re horrible and adorable, you know that right?" Percy said with a frown. "Nowe on."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three of them walked side by side into the sewer tunnels until they came to an opening in the sewers that used to have a metal grate that covered it to the outside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa! Where did this metal staircasee from!?" Nieren asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy and Dalia looked at each other with a knowing look before looking at Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is most likely Lady Rya''s magic." Percy exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-She did this!?" Nieren asked with a shocked expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, Alpha is quite a powerful mage. She may be a dark elf, but she saved my life and I''m forever grateful to her for that." Dalia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah she saved all of our lives. I wouldn''t be here and have the woman of my dreams if it wasn''t for her." Percy said while Dalia blushed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She saved them both!? What would make her save them? She''s a dark elf, so she must have a reason? R-Right?'' Nieren thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three of them descended down the stairs to the ground level outside the walls of Ironside. The moon was almost full and it was starting to get quite chilly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia, have you picked up their scent again? I can''t sense anything from our current position." Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s faint. It''sing from somewhere towards the hills over there." Dalia answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re the best Dalia." Percy said as he pulled Dalia into a hug.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia blushes and looks down as Percy kisses the top of her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''H-He so cute! My mind is thinking too much.'' Nieren thought to herself with a blush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three were hot on the trail of Rya and her captors as they ran towards the hills.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">After some time Dalia, Percy and Nieren came to a spot that had a few trees.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Look, horse tracks!" Nieren chimed in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, they had someone waiting? Hmm? Looks like they headed to the north?" Percy said as he looked past the forest to see some mountains in the distance illuminated only by moon light.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that Mount Galfrei?" Dalia asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, that''s Mount Galfrei. It''s probable 2 hours away?" Nieren said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Great. Lady Nieren, can you lead the way? My eyes aren''t as good as yours in this dark." Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-Sure thing Sir Percy." Nieren took the lead as Percy and Dalia followed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three continued their march through the night for a couple of hours until they came across a ravine that had a small stream running through it by the base of the mountain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait! Hold you two!" Dalia ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I smell something ahead of us! It smells like humans." Dalia said with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Humans? Nieren, tell me if you spot anything." Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay..." Nieren answered as she sensed something in the area. "I hear footsteps though? I think they''re 50 feet in front of us? Behind that boulder."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia with me. We need to grab some prisoners if they are with the ck Roses. Nieren, cover us with your bow. If there''s more than two of them, take out the extras, okay?" Percy instructed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes Sir Percy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe. Gamma and I will move around the edge and try to flush them out. We''re counting on you Woody." Dalia said as she readied her ws.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! You just won''t use my name will you Fuzzball? I said I got you cover. So go." Nieren said in a cheerful tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now you''re getting it! Come on Gamma! It''s time to hunt!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three hid around the backside of arge rock near the hill. As they waited for the enemy to appear, Nieren cloaked herself and went over to find higher ground while Dalia and Percy waited behind some bigger rock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Herees one now...They''reing from the north." Dalia whispered as she poked her head around the side of the rock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Can you tell if they''re with the ck Roses?." Percy whispered back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia focused on the figure until she spotted the man''s ck Rose uniform on his chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yep. They''re with the Roses alright." Dalia said in a whisper.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Let''s get him!" Percy said as he moved out from his hiding spot and leapt at the man.

 Ch.81 Taking a Prisoner

    Ch.81 Taking a Prisoner


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ten minutes early.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey Dan? What do you think Rudolf is going to do to that dark elf?" Sigmund asked his friend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dan was the leader of the squad of four on night watch.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not really my ce to talk about what goes on with his business," Dan responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I bet they''re having his way with her. Man, I wish I could get me a fine ve like that. Nothing like having a beauty like that taking care of you. Am I right?" Czes asked, trying to sound cool.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dan just rolled his eyes and looked away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why don''t you three shut up already? I''m tired of hearing this kind of talk." Dan growled out before turning back towards the campfire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pff! What''s his problem?" Hagenughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know what''s his problem? He''s jealous. If you ask me, I think he''s got something for that dark elf and doesn��t want to admit it." Czes suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He wouldn''t be the first to have a crush on her..." Sigmund whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you three have time to talk then you have time to go on patrol. Now get going before I get angry." Dan said in a low voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? No one knows we are out here?" Hagen asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What does it matter? Just keep your mouths shut and do your job." Dan replied angrily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sigmund, Hagen, and Czes were silent as they left their position and began to walk downstream of the small river to do a patrol of the area by the entrance of the ravine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Salty prick, that''s what he is..." Hagen muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I agree with you there. Let''s just do it and get it over with." Sigmund mumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck. I told Dan no one knows we are here. It''s a waste of our time. Time we could be having with the dark elf." Czesined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sigmund stopped walking and looked down the path. "Shit man. Do you ever feel like everything is falling apart with this mercenary group? I mean we have been on the run for almost a year beforeing to the Fiafyr Kingdom?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, we lost a lot of friends fighting those fucking royals. Backstabbing bastards. Not to mention all the other battles we''ve fought along the way." Hagen added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I think Rudolf will get us riches andnd like he promised us. No way the duke will back down from his promise." Czes said confidently.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope you''re right. I am getting sick of this life. We should find another group and see if they pay better if things don��t pan out." Sigmund offered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rudolf better, he insisted that if we stick to his original n we��ll get paid big time. Plus, he hasn''t paid usst month because he had to buy that single ve cor. I didn��t realize he would use it on a dark elf. I mean that dark elf is hot but how is he going to make all that money back?" Hagen stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoring her out of course. Ha ha ha ha!" Czesughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wouldn''t put it past him. Ah! Damn! I need to take a leak. I''ll be back." Sigmund groaned as he needed to relieve himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sigmund walked off the path and let out a sigh of relief when he relieved himself behind some bushes on the other side of a big boulder at the entrance of the ravine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Step, step, step, STEP! PUNCH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crash!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Daliaes flying in, punching the back on the head of Sigmund. He flies forward and hits the ground hard causing his nose to break on impact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia jumps out of the way of an iing arrow fired from Hagen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sigmund! Where did the mutte from?" Czes eximed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sigmund rolled over somehow maintaining his consciousness after taking the hit to the head and saw Dalia looking up at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tck! He''s still conscious. I pulled my punch! Gamma!" Dalia yelled as she got up and ran off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was quick. Her speed was incredible as she avoided more iing arrows that were aimed at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hagen and Czes began firing their arrows at the wolf-kin as best as they could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The bitch is too fucking fast! I can''t even get close to her!" Hagen yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Keep her busy! I''ll get Sigmund!" Czes said as he pulled his short sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hagen took aim and fired. The arrows flew true toward her chest, but she dodged them easily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe! You suck at being an archer, human! Can''t hit the broad side of a barn!" Dalia taunted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SHUT UP!" Hagen yelled as he nocks an arrow and tried to fire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! Slice!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AH! Fuck!" Hagen said as hended on the ground and felt blood pouring out of his right shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy nked Hagen and cut into his shooting arm hoping to disable him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Kick! SMASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy kicked Hagen in the face, knocking out some of his teeth. He then grabbed the bow from his hands and tossed it away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re not much of a fighter, are you?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sigmund got up and saw Hagen still alive despite his injuries.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"CHEAP LITTLE SHITS! WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?!" Sigmund screamed as he got up with a bloody face. Czes was standing next to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''re here to take you in custody. It would be wise if you lower your weapons and surrender," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Czes looked around and noticed no one else was there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This little shit and his bitch dog wants to fight some ck Rose Mercenaries? Trying to y a hero kid?" Czes said with rage in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have it wrong. The ck Roses forfeit their lives when they kidnapped the crown prince''s mage and friend. There is only one way out of this if you wish to live." Percy said with a serious tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hagen, Sigmund, and Czes noticed Percy''s attire had the royal sigil of House Meredydd.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, the Toothless Lion has to send his retainer to do his dirty work for him? Fine. Let me give you all a chance to surrender. Otherwise, we will have to kill you and your dog," Czer said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy gets annoyed when he hears the Merc insult his master and girlfriend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not going to sit back and allow you to insult the next King of Fiafyr. We are Fiafyr, and you have no right to speak to us like that, Merc!" Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gamma! Behind you! Get down!" Dalia yelled out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy''s hair on the back of his neck stood on end when a sense of danger came over him. He instinctively ducks and rolls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*WHOOSH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy barely saw the head of a war hammer pass him where his head used to be.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YAHHH!" Dan yelled as he continued to swing around his hammer to keep the momentum so he could strike Percy again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dan''s body then began to glow with red light as he released the mana from his body into the weapon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He then charged forward and swung his hammer down onto Percy like he was a metal stake.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dodge THIS!" Dan yelled as he brought his hammer down towards Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But before he could hit him, an arrow hit his shoulder changing the direction of his attack making him miss Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRASH! BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dust and chunks of rock flew everywhere from the impact of the mana-charged war hammer with the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"DAMMIT! There''s a third one! I told you to be on guard!" Dan yelled at his subordinates as his arm started bleeding with an arrow sticking out of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Mercenaries lost sight of Percy as he used the dust as cover while moving towards Hagen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Within a matter of seconds, Percy made his way to Hagen as he came out of the dust cloud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! CLANG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy''s sword struck Hagen''s sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SHIT! HE''S ON M~" Hagen tried to defend himself when Percy dual-wielded his short sword and dagger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLUNG! CHING! THURST! SPLAT!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy made consecutive strikes on Hagen until he lost his bnce and impaled Hagen''s eye with his dagger, deep in the back of his skull.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia! BRAWL MODE! NOW!" Percy yelled out to his girlfriend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"About time! I''m not good at holding back anyway." Dalia replied as she ran up to engage both Sigmund and Czer shing at them with her ws with zing speed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLING! CLANG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"FUCK! This mutt thinks she can take the both of us!? YAHH!" Sigmund yelled as he swung his sword around trying to block Dalia''s attacks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Czer leaped forward and sliced at Dalia''s leg with her ws leaving a bloody gash in the flesh of her leg.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that all you got?" Dalia said unfazed by the cuts and blood dripping from her leg while striking Czes after he ovemitted to attacking Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRASH! SLASH*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*TEAR!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Blood gushes from both of Czes legs from Dalia''s mana-infused ws as they easily tore through his leather armor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GRRRAAAAAHHHHHH!" Czes screamed as he fell to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia then gave him a kick in the stomach and sent him flying headfirst into a rock wall, breaking his neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO! YOU''LL FUCKING PAY FOR THAT!" Sigmund yelled as he swung his sword at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on! Come on! I''ll make it quick for ya!" Dalia said while shing at Sigmund knocking his sword out of his hand after a few parries from his attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She quickly slices her ws through Sigmund''s chest, cutting his heart out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-HOW!? How!?" Sigmund asked in disbelief as he looked down at his chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Because you''re weak? Should have never angered my wolf. Because of that, I won''t give you the dignity of dying slowly." Dalia said as she raised his heart in her hand and ripped it apart.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Bit~!" Sigmund yelled as he felt his heart stop beating as he slid to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Dalia was fighting Sigmund and Czes. Percy just pulled out his dagger from Hagen''s skull.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*THUD!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hagen''s body fell to the ground dead with a loud thud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*STEP STEP! STEP!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dan chased after Percy as he tried to dodge his iing attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You think you''re so fucking tough!? You''re going to pay for this with your life, boy!" Dan said as he punched Percy in the stomach before he could dodge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRACK! CRUNCH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gwah!" Percy yelled out as he doubled over from the blow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Youe here to kill my men! To kill me and my group!" Dan said angrily as he raised his hand up to strike Percy down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy parried the fist with his dagger and kicked him in the chest sending Dan back a good distance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll give you the option to live or die, Merc. The choice is yours." Percy said as he changed his stance and grabbed hold of his short sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Tck! This guy is going to be a pain in the ass to take down.'' Percy thought to himself as he readied his attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thought you''d run away boy! But you''re as stupid as you look! Now die!" Dan said as his body glowed red with mana while he charged toward Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Come on! Come ON!'' Percy was waiting for an opportunity to strike the charging mercenary.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as the mercenary was about 10 feet away a strange white arrow flew towards Dan''s head striking him in-between the eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He rag-dolled forward to the ground in a lifeless heap as he slid about 5 feet beforeing to a stop.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Great. We didn''t get a prisoner out of this. Haah�� Well, at least we know where they are.'' Percy thought as he rxed from his battle stance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nice shot, Lady Nieren! I owe you one." Percy said as he turned to see Nieren in the distance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, you better. I only had two of those Shyft Arrows left." Nieren said as she smiled while walking closer to Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean?" Percy asked, confused.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I put him to sleep."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I used one of my sleeping arrows on him. It shouldst about a half hour."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia came walking up to the two of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia!? Your leg!" Percy ran over to her to help dress her wound.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh,e now, Gamma. I''ve had worse." Dalia said as she stood up and took off her cloak to reveal her long ck hair and wolf ears.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m fixing your leg and that''s final! Now sit here and hold still!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Daliay down and looked at Percy with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can be overbearing sometimes. But that''s why I love you. Hehe." Dalia said while giggling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked up at her and shook his head with a smirk while dressing her wound.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, Nieren, can you tie up that mercenary while I take care of Dalia," Percy said as he was in the middle of cleaning up her wound.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"On it, Sir Percy," Nieren said as she walked over to the sleeping mercenary.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There you should be good to go," Percy said while looking at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe..." Dalia said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks. You really helped me out there." Dalia said as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t mention it," Percy said as he stood up and started walking towards the sleeping mercenary.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren tied Dan''s arms behind his back as hey on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There! He shouldn''t be able to get out of this anytime soon." Nieren said as she finished tying up the mercenary.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, we need to hide the dead bodies and get this guy out of here. I''m sure Sir George is somewhere south of here." Percy said to the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll deal with the dead," Dalia said as she walked over to the fallen body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nieren. Here''s a re arrow to signal the prince. Use it when we''re clear of this area. I''ll carry this piece of trash." Percy said as he picked up the unconscious mercenary.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, sir!" Nieren said as she got ready to give the signal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After some time, they made their way south for a few miles before shooting off the re.

 Ch.82 The Interrogation

    Ch.82 The Interrogation


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George was waiting on the hillside just south of the mountain range with a squad of men, half of them human, the other half dwarves. They were hoping to see the re from Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George was lost in thought of everything that has happened today while he was on leave.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''ve never seen my Lord so shaken and angered. I wish I could have been more of a help. I should have watched Lady Rya.'' Sir George said as he was thinking about what he would say to the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Look! The re!" One of the men yelled as they saw the lighting out of the woods.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come! Percy needs our aid!" Sir George said as he started moving forward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The rest of the men followed suit as they marched through the forest to where Percy was with Dalia, Nieren, and a Merc they captured.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"d to see you''re still alive, boy. What did you find out?" Sir George asked with a smile as he looked at the Mercenary.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We were able to ambush four ck Rose Mercenaries. We had no choice but to kill three of them. And we wouldn''t have caught this one if it wasn''t for Nieren." Percy said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye. You three did well. Let''s bring this one to our Lord. I''m sure he''ll get the information we need. If not, well, he''s going to die." Sir George said with a smirk as he led the group toward the camp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they reached the camp they saw that most of Baron Zellin''s soldiers had already gathered around Prince Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was talking with the Baron and Hajdah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you were able to get 700 men together in two hours? That''s amazing. I was able to get six of our mages from the guild, your majesty." Hajdah asked with a hint of excitement in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wish I could bring more men, but I fear that the ck Roses might be watching. I have sent an emissary to Kishin. I hope he can gather the remaining force needed to save Rya." Prince Quinus said with a sigh as he stared out at the camp. Then Quin noticed Percy, Dalia, and Nieren had returned with Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord! We have a prisoner," Sir George said as he stepped back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Prince Quinus walked up to the man tied with rope. He looks like a normal human wearing the ck Rose uniform.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looks at the man and then turns to Hajdah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you know about him?" Quinus asks as he stares at the man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s a squad leader. You can tell by the insignia on his chest. Other than that, I don''t think he''s a well-known Mercenary outside of being a ck Rose mercenary." Hajdah answered with a shrug.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus walks over to the man and looks him in the eyes. Quin''s golden eyes seem like they''re glowing in the middle of the night.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who are you?" Quinus asks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tch! ..." Dan clicks his tongue and doesn''t answer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is your name?" Quinus asks again with impatience in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not talking, Toothless Li- *PUNCH!* AAARRGG!!" Dan shouts as he falls to the ground after getting punched by Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know whatpelled you to insult my Lord. But I will show you what happens when you keep disrespecting him." Sir George says as he pulls out his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dan is coughing before regaining hisposure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ll have to do better than that if you want info out of me," Dan growls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus takes a step forward and ces his hand on the man''s shoulder. His golden eye glows brightly with mana as he touches Dan causing a shockwave to pass through him. His body goes limp for a few seconds before the man returns to consciousness breathing heavily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hah! Hah! W-What was that? Was that some sort of magic attack?" Dan coughs and gasps for air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I just discharged my mana through you as if you were my sword. So, I''ll ask one more time, what is your name, merc?" Quinus says with cold anger in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''The prince has that much mana!? He''s gone mad!'' Dan panicked after feeling the most painful sensation he has ever felt in his life while the cells in his body were still screaming in pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My name is Dan. I am a mercenary that fought under themand of Victor." Dan answers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked to Hajdah because he didn''t know who Victor was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um. Victor was one of Rudolf''s lieutenants. I believe he died during the Royal betrayal from the Kingdom of Marn." Hajdah answered looking to Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t care about that. We know that the ck Roses are hiding in the abandoned mine under Mount Galfrei. Tell me Dan, how many men are in the ck Rose Mercenaries?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Umm, I think it''s around 400. It may be more now since we''ve recruited a lot of new mercenaries in the past month." Dan gulped nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at him while taking in the information.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"400 men strong. What is Rudolf nning on doing with Rya." Quinus demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Rya? Is that the name of the dark elf? He''se for her?'' Dan looked up to see Quin''s face. That''s when Dan realized it. He''s seen that type of face on a man before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was the same face that he saw when he saw some of hisrades raping a man''s wife in front of his face. A calm face that masked the fury and rage that was boiling deep inside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Rudolf. We shouldn''t have messed with this man. He''s not as weak as we think he is!'' Dan thought as he tried not to piss himself in front of everyone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I...I don''t know. All I know is that Rudolf wishes to rule over Ironside and he was hoping the dark elf could be used to meet that goal." Dan said with worry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He dares to invade my city!" Zellin roared in anger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What makes him think that the King of Fiafyr would let the ck Roses rule over a city under my father''s protection," Quinus growled with rage in his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because Rudolf has the backing of Duke ric. We were nning on helping him take the throne from you and your father." Dan replied with an expressionless face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, my uncle still wishes to betray my father. He wishes to push me to be a killer. Fine! Once I get Rya back, I''ll end my uncle''s life for treason and end all the corruption in thend." Quinus gritted his teeth angrily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord. You need to keep a calm mind. If you''re clouded with anger, you might make a mistake. If you fall here you will never be able to protect yourself and your people from the duke. Keep a level head, your majesty." Hajdah warned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus slowly calmed down and stared at Dan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right. Baron Zellin. Prepare your men for battle. I want to end the ck Roses by noon." Quinus ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty," Zellin said with a salute.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George. Hajdah. I''ll need you two by my side when the fighting begins." Quinusmanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, my prince," Hajdah said with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have my sword, my Lord." Sir George said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy. Lady Dalia. Lady Nieran. Go to the abandoned mine where Rya is being held. I''ll need you to nk them if possible." Quinus ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, my lord," Percy said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry Beta. We''ll get her back!" Dalia assured the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, we''ll save Rya!" Nieren agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that said, everyone got up and started preparing for war.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus then looked to Dan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So. Do you wish to live or die?" Quinus said with a menacing tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dan gulped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wish to retire from the ck Roses and leave the country," Dan said with a serious face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s hope I''m in a good mood to pass judgment upon you after the battle. Someone take him away." Quinus ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A guard came forward and grabbed Dan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come. It''s time to go." Quinus said to Sir George and Hajdah.

 Ch.83 She a Healer!?

    Ch.83 She a Healer!?


    Back in the mine under Mount Galfrei. Rya was ordered to wait in a room with Dietrich watching over her.


    ''Great, I''m stuck in a room with this fucking guy.'' Rya thought.


    Dietrich was sitting there reveling in the fact that he was out of the dog house after failing to keep his client alive. After sitting there for a half hour he wanted to poke fun at Rya''s misfortune.


    "Haha. Oh, how you save my ass, little miss ve. The only thing that would make things better is if I could have a little fun with you. You''re lucky Jeremiah doesn''t want you to be a sex ve." Dietrich said with a smirk on his face.


    Rya growled at the man.


    ''God I want to see my friendse in here and destroy you.'' Rya thought as she tried to calm herself down.


    "Oh? I know that look. Haha! You are imagining your friendsing in here and killing me in all sorts of ways, aren''t you?" Dietrich said with augh.


    Rya red at the man.


    Heughed some more.


    Rya sighed and turned around. ''Dammit! The only way I''m allowed to hurt this guy is for him to get handsy with me. Shit, how I wish he woulde over here and try. Tch! Makes me sick to my stomach.''


    "Dreaming about your princeing in to behead me? Or that old fart trying to smash his shield into my face breaking my nose? Haha. Maybe you''re hoping that kid would shoot me with one of his arrows? Haha! God is fun seeing you pissed off like this." Dietrich said with a smirk on his face.


    Rya didn''t move or respond.


    He continued, "Oh yeah, maybe you want that mutt of yours to use~" Dietrich stops himself as a thought urs to him.


    "Where did you find that mutt anyway?" Dietrich asked with a puzzled look on his face.


    Rya remained silent.


    For some reason, Dietrich recalled the time when he along with Marcus went through the goblin nest and saw that sorry state of a wolf-kin.


    ''No, it can be. That mutt couldn''t have been the one from the goblin nest! She was impregnated! Unless?'' Dietrich thought to himself as he walked closer to Rya studying her.


    She was staring at the wall and not saying anything.


    ''She''s a healer!'' he realized. ''That''s the only way the worthless prince survived the dungeon! She healed him! And she''s powerful enough to save the mutt! Fuck!''


    Dietrich felt shocked by his own revtion. He thought back to the day they were in the goblin nest and he saw the wolf-kin, and then the cave troll that should have been impossible to defeat.


    "D-Did you save the wolf-kin?" Dietrich whispered as he got close to Rya.


    She slowly turned to face Dietrich. Rya kept a calm demeanor but her eyes showed surprise for a brief moment.


    ''Shit! He knows.'' Rya thought.


    Dietrich picked up on the fact that Rya was surprised.


    ''FUCK! FUCK! I should have known! Gods Dammit! If I knew, I could have been emperor of the entire continent of Agon! How am I going to grab the ver tool from Jeremiah? That asshole won''t give it to me! And no way Rudolf is going to let me near him! FUCK! This sucks! Now I need to steal it. I have time. I just need a opening. Damn, it all to hell!''


    Rya could see the conflict going on in Dietrich''s mind.


    ''He''s not going to tell Jeremiah that I''m a healer? Does he want me all to himself? Th-This could work out in my favor. I hope he''s stupid enough to try and steal that damn ve device away from Jeremiah.'' Rya thought.


    As they stood there lost in their own thoughts footsteps could be hearding towards the door.


    *Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    Dietrich was brought out of his thoughts as he heard the knock on the door.


    "WHAT!?" Dietrich shouted in annoyance.


    "Rudolf wants the ve ready. We lost one of our squads and he''s worried that someone is on to us." The voice said as a Merc opened the door to the makeshift holding room.


    ''Dammit! I have less time than I thought!'' Dietrich thought.


    Dietrich quickly grabbed Rya by the arm.


    "Alright. Quit lounging around, ve. It''s time to earn you paid."


    ''Dammit! He''s touching me but I can''t attack him!'' Rya was disappointed that Dietrich wasn''t sexually assaulting her. It was the only way to have free will from the ve cor to defend herself.


    Dietrich pulled Rya with him and stormed out of the holding cell.


    "You seem annoyed?" Rya mocked as she followed behind Dietrich.


    "Shut your fucking mouth! I need to think!"


    "Fine, just don''t think too loudly. Someone might hear you." Said Rya while she had a huge grin on her face as she walked next to Dietrich.


    ''I need this dude to do something really stupid if I want to get out of this ce.''


    Dietrich ignored her as they walked to a different room where Rudolf, Jeremiah, and his lieutenants were.


    ***


    When Rya and Dietrich entered the room. Dietrich stared at the ver tool in Jeremiah''s left hand.


    "Don''t push your luck, Dietrich. You''ve done well to help us catch her but she''s not for fucking. Do I make myself clear?" Jeremiah said with a stern tone.


    "Crystal, Sir," Dietrich answered back.


    Jeremiah turned his attention to Rya and smiled. "Hello, ve. Wee to the party."


    "Enough ying around! Dan and his men have gone missing. They haven''t returned since they went on patrol two hours ago." Rudolf said with concern.


    "So the scouts didn''t find anything?" Jeremiah asked.


    "My best scout was killed during the test! Don''t act dumb with me!" Rudolf vented his frustration at Jeremiah.


    "She was too fast for me to~" Jeremiah was interrupted.


    "Shut up! We don''t have a clue on who took out our men. Hell, it might be a monster for all we know." Rudolf said as he crossed his arms and looked at Jeremiah.


    "So you wish for the men to prepare for war?" One of the other lieutenants asked.


    "We have no choice but to assume that they have been attacked by the prince''s men. So we must take precautions. Prepare the men. I want to be ready in case these are the prince''s army that did this. If so then we will crush them like ants. I won''t lose to some punk!" Rudolf yelled as he stood up tall.


    "We''ll get the men togethermander. The sun should be rising soon. We can start the march to war in the morning."


    With that Jeremiah started walking towards the door.


    "Come ve! We got work to do'''' Jeremiah ordered and Rya followed him out of the room.


    ***

 Ch.84 The standoff with the Black Roses

    Ch.84 The standoff with the ck Roses


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dawn was approaching. As Rya was following Jeremiah and the rest of the 450 mercenaries. As they march to war. Rya was wondering what was going on. She wanted to ask about it but decided against it. Why would they tell her anyway?


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked upon Rudolf who was sporting his te mail armor. He was the strongest man in the army. His shield had a golden skull on top and the pommel of his sword had a dragon''s head with long fangs and horns.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah was wearing the same crown of a fallen king of the wood elves. It was made from gold and gems encrusted in the crown. There were small diamonds embedded in the thorns of the crown. His weapon was a wooden sword with a ruby set in the hilt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He wore a blue cloak that was decorated with silver and gold embroidery while chainmail covered his body. A ck leather gauntlet covers his right hand. On his belt is a dagger made of iron with a dragon''s w for the handle. A red stone was set in the center of the de.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her gaze shifted to the other soldiers marching alongside them. All of them were wearing their ck Rose armor. Each of the mercenaries had a piece of their armor made special. It was abination between a gauntlet and a bracer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All of the mercenary''s swords were unique. In fact, each one had a different design. Some of them had spikes, some had mes, and others had designs that were straight out of fantasy books.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Any signs of who took our men?" Devin asked as he walked beside Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Our scouts found three bodies that were burned and buried. Rudolf might be right about this being the prince''s men. For now, we need to assume that it''s them." Jeremiah replied as he looked up at the night sky with a warm glowing from the horizon. "It looks like dawn will break soon. We''ll most likely see if they''re here."


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Jeremiah said that a shadow came across thend. The sun was rising over the mountains in the distance casting a deep orange glow on everything around them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A group of riders rode towards them from the south.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They went straight to Rudolf and his cavalry. The rider was a tall man wearing ck Rose armor. His head was covered by a helm that was simr to a knight''s helmet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir! The prince has raised an army!" One of the officers yelled as he pointed south.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah turned back to Rudolf and smiled. "So the prince hase out to y? He may not be a king yet but I''ll add his crown to my collection before the day is done."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, the Toothless Lion is braver than I thought. He''ll die like any other royal thates against me." Rudolf said as he tapped his chest. "Let us finish him off once and for all."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah nodded and gave out orders to his troops.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Get ready men! A royal''s blood is going to be spilled today. When the sun rises we shall show them what happens to those who challenge the ck Rose. You may look down at your feet but know that I am looking up at you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf''s cavalry started to growl and snarl.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya heard all of this, ''Like Hell! I wouldn''t let you touch Quin! Once this ve cor is off me, so help me God. I''ll being for you!'' she thought to herself as she red at Jeremiah standing next to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She looked him in the eyes and growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah smirked as he turned away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He ordered his men to start moving and they did.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stood under the cover of darkness. If it was not for the warm glow of the horizon he would have been able to see nothing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George was standing next to his Lord. Keeping guard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked up to the mountain peaks as they started getting hit by the sun.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sire, you should get some rest, the battle won''t start until dawn," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t sleep, George. Not when I know she''s been enved. I''ve got to find her." Quinus said with anger in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye. You will, but not now. Your body needs to recover. You need to eat something. You look pale." Sir George said, looking at his lord.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m fine. I''ll sleep when Rya''s safe." Quinus replied with a re.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re sure?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes," Quinus said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George sighed and shook his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t like thi~" Sir George was cut off when Hajdah came over to them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord, our scouts found them. They seem to be headed east from Mount Galfrei. Just a bit further north from here."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you Hajdah."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah bowed then left them alone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it''s time to free Rya. Sir George moved the army into position." Quinus said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, I''ll move the soldiers to the higher grounds of the Galfrei ins. We should be able to find them easier."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George began to take action.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright everyone, let''s get ready! The ck Roses are on the move! Let us give them a good wee!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ck Rose Mercenaries marched towards the ins by the time they reached the open area and dawn had finally broke. Revealing 700 Ironside soldiers positioned on the higher ground of the Galfrei ins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They were armed with swords, spears, bows, and crossbows. They wore leather armor made from iron and their shields were made with thick Iron tes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus, Sir George, Hajdah, and Zellin positioned themselves in the front of the line of soldiers. They all had a frown on their faces. They knew what was going to happen.


    They also had the Captain of the Ironside Army, <span ss="userText">Reeve Wyntor who was inmand. He also acts as the Captain of the City Guard. He is in histe 30s and is a human swordsman.<span ss="aiText"> He grew up in Ironside and <span ss="editText">joined<span ss="aiText"> the military when he turned 18. He served <span ss="editText">as captain<span ss="aiText"> for many years<span ss="editText">. Known to be fair<span ss="aiText">, yet merciless if need be.


    And there were five other mages from the Guild. Starting with <span ss="userText">Laika is a dwarf mage. She specializes in Water magic. She likes to cut gems with her water magic. Hajdah was going to introduce her to Rya before she was captured.


    <span ss="aiText">The <span ss="editText">fou<span ss="aiText">r <span ss="editText">o<span ss="aiText">th<span ss="editText">er dwarven members were<span ss="aiText"> Kyan, a Fire Mage; Suhail a Lightning Mage; Akashia a Wind Mage; and Dreshan a Earth Magician.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zellin also gave a very solemn look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We will make these bastards pay dearly for enving your friend and dare try to take my city," Zellin said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I agree. These scum deserve no mercy." Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had a pained look when he spotted Rya in the distance with the ve cor on. Standing beside the Kings yer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Rya!... George is right but if I can get everyone out of this without bloodshed then I have to take it.'' Quin thought to himself. "Yeah, they don''t deserve mercy. But if no dwarves have to die then I will give them one chance to release Rya. Let''s go and see how they wish to die peacefully in old age or here on these ins." Quinus added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zellin and Hajdah were surprised that the prince would want to talk. They both looked at each other and nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness. We, dwarves, will never back down from a fight with cowards. Do what you need to do, Prince Quinus." Zellin said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord? What are you going to do?" Sir George asked with concern in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry about me. Whatever may happen we will not fall here. No matter what." Quinus said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ck Roses began to march forward and Rya stood there with the Kings yer by her side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They both stared at the approaching army. They were about 1 mile away before they both halted their march.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf was looking over the Ironside army.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmph! The prince thinks having more soldiers will help him win this war.'' Rudolf thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He still believed he wouldn''t lose to such weakling soldierspared to his mercenaries.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Commander! Looks like the prince wishes to meet with you. They''re waving the emissary g."


    <span style="font-weight:400">That''s when he saw the prince along with four other men riding horsesing towards the middle of the ins, halfway between the two armies.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''A meeting? So, he wishes to see the man that''s going to kill him close up first. Pff. The little boy thinks he''s a man. Fine, let''s see what this boy is going to demand from me.'' Rudolf thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jeremiah, stay here with the asset! Dietrich! Zane! With me! We''re going to talk to the prince!" Rudolf shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three men saluted and followed theirmander.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How much do you want to bet that the Toothless Lion wants his toy back?" Jeremiah asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s a royal. They can''t be trusted. But I won''t mind seeing him cry to me begging for his life." Rudolf said before riding off to meet the prince with four of his men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya for the first time in her life couldn''t help but stare at Quinus. It felt like years since she saw himst. Her emotions were going all over the ce. She was happy to see him, but the entire experience made her feel sick.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was all her fault that Quin was in this predicament. If only she wasn''t so stubborn in proving the Goddesses wrong about her not changing mentally into a straight woman. If she didn''t try to force things, everything would have been fine. Rya so desperately wished to save him and the army that came here mostly for her. She didn''t know what to think really.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Quin! I swear I''ll make this up to you when I get out of this mess.'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Luckily her dark elven eyes and ears let her hear and see everything that was going on with the meeting with Quinus and Rudolf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, boy! What do you wish to talk about on this fine morning." Rudolf said in a cold voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George gritted his teeth when hearing Rudolf insulting his lord in the way that he did. But held his tongue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked in the distance at Jeremiah first before looking at Rudolf and his men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know what I want. If you don''t release her, you and your men will not leave this battlefield."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf scoffed. "What makes you think I''m going to even listen to some bratty boy who lost his toy?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SHE IS NOT AN OBJECT!" Sir George roared.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf raised a bow after hearing the outburst from Quin''s knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your man seems t~" Rudolf was cut off before he could finish his sentence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Make your decision, old man! I''m giving you a generous offer letting you and your men walk away from here with your lives. We know what you��re nning to do, Rodulf. One of your men told me everything!" Quinus shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m still not convinced that we should give her up to you. You know nothing about our ns," Rudolf stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"nning to take over Ironside. Then to help the duke kill the king. We know everything human!" Zellin yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf''s eyes narrowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmph! So this kid does know our ns. All the reason to kill him and his dwarves.'' Rudolf thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I guess there isn''t much choice then," Rudolf sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf and his men turned around and rode back to his army.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I thought that kid was going to be a little more fun to mess with. Maybe he''s going to be worth my time to kill him." Jeremiah said in a voice dripping with sarcasm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah heard the prince yelling at Rudolf from half a mile away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t y with your food, Jeremiah. That boy is mentally soundpared to other royals we��ve faced. He wasn''t afraid of you and I like most other nobles would have been. Don''t take him lightly." Rudolf warned in his usual cold tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Got it. SLAVE! Protect the ck Roses!" Jeremiah ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was staring at Rudolf as he rode away. He was furious. He''s a spoiled, arrogant fool who sentenced his men to death for no good reason. He''s always getting his way and never had to face any repercussions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, this is how it''s going to be. Hajdah get the mages ready. Zellin get in the back of the formation andmand the men. We need to find where they''re going to attack us next. We may outnumber them but they are battle-hardenedpared to most soldiers. They might make things difficult for us." Quinus said as he turned to head back to their side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zellin nodded. "Yes sir. Captain Reeve,e with me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Our magic will be ready, your highness,�� Hajdah said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, the stage was set. The battle of the Ironside was about to begin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***

 Ch.85 The Battle Begins

    Ch.85 The Battle Begins


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ck Roses were the first to go on the offensive as 100 archers took their aim at the opposing forces. The archers shot their arrows at Quin''s forces, trying to push them back or hoping to split them from the rest of the Ironside forces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah and his five other mages use their magic to intercept the projectiles. Most of the arrows bounced off and flew back to the attackers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Laika! Use your Water Wall!" Hajdah ordered his water mage. She began to chant while her mana made her eyes glow blue and a wall of water formed around the dwarven soldiers. The wall of water knocked all of the archers'' arrows backward, sending the projectiles flying back to the mercenaries.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn! So, the mages guild is with the prince as well! ve! Destroy that wall! We can''t let them neutralize our archers," Rudolf ordered Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ve! Do as themand says!" Jeremiah ordered Rya with the ver tool.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''My body is moving on its own! Dammit! I''ll aim higher so I don''t hit them!'' Rya cursed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rock Spike!" Rya stomps on the ground causing a cannon-sized rock to float in the air as she hits it with the palm on her hand sending the rock spike smashing into the wall of water making a huge hole in the wall. The water floods the area, soaking everyone and covering them in mud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SLASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Get up! Get up! You''re not dead yet!" Yelled a dwarven soldier trying to pull one of hisrades out of the mud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That was from the dark elf! How is she so powerful!?" <span ss="aiText">Akashia the Wind Mage <span style="font-weight:400">said in shock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shut it! She aimed high so we wouldn''t be hit! She''s trying to fight the ve cor but we shouldn''t wait too long! There''s only so much she can do!" Hajdah yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"LOOSE!" Rudolf orders his soldiers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ck Roses archers continue to fire arrows that bounce off the water shield Hajdah created around him and a few of his mages as arrows rained down on the soldiers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Raise your shield!" yelled a dwarf in the front line. The other dwarves quickly raised shields in front of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ZIP! ZIP! ZIP! ZIP! ZIP! ZIP! YAH! ZIP! ZIP! CLING! ZIP!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The second volley of arrows shot past the shield, hitting several soldiers in the shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shields down!" Rudolf yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The third volley of arrows hit the shield knocking the soldiers back and into the mud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus couldn''t hold back anymore as he drew his longsword up in the air. It began to glow red like a fire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"LET THE SUN SMITE THEE!" Quinus yelled as the sun res out of his sword as he swings it in the direction of the ck Rose archer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">A bright light illuminated the battlefield as the ck Rose archers were blinded by the light. Most of their bows fell to the ground, unable to use them as a wall of mes wasing straight at them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ve! Protect us!" Jeremiah ordered as Rya put up a rock wall protecting Jeremiah and the men closest to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Come on! Not a big wall!'' Rya thought as she tried to get a bad angle for the archers as they caught on fire from Quin��s attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Charge! Charge!" Rudolfmands his troops.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The mercenaries start to charge forward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Defensive position! Defensive position!" Zellin ordered his men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shoot!" Hajdahmands his archers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arrows rain down on the charging ck Roses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ZIP! ZIP! CLING! ZIP! AAAHHHH! ZIP!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The mercs mmed against the shield wall of the dwarves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A mercenaryes straight at Quinus and Sir George who are in the front line.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"PREPARE FOR COMBAT!" Sir George said as he readied his shield and sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I got this one!" Quinus yells to Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLANG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SWING!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SPLAT!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George blocked the blow as Quinus stabbed his sword into the man''s stomach.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re next!" Sir George yelled as he swung his shield knocking the man away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SWING!* *SLAM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not bad!" Quinus says to Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?" Sir George asked, confused. "We need you to take care of the Kings yer and their Commander, Rudolf!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know," Quinus said, looking down at the dead body of his opponent before shing down another one.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Keep moving! Weaken their front," Rudolf yelled to his men as he climbed onto the back of his horse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jeremiah! Dietrich! Lead the men and kill the prince! I''ll deal with the mages!" Rudolf orders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes,mander!" The two mercenaries asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dietrich eyes the ver tool in Jeremiah''s left hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''If Jeremiah dies, I can grab the tool and get the hell out of here with the ve. y this smart Dietrich.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Back me up, ve!" Jeremiah orders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryaes running alongside Jeremiah as they make their way toward Quin as the battle rages around them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While running up Jeremiah unsheathes his wooden sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He thennds a blow on a dwarf. He then slices another one across the neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GAAAHHH!" the dwarf screams as blood gushes from the wound.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah''s wood sword moves around like it''s a whip. It cuts through the enemy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How can a wood sword do that? I know magic is a thing in this world bute on!'' Rya thought to herself as she blocked some iing attacks on Jeremiah''s blindside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm! You��re doing good, ve." Jeremiah says to himself as he stabs his sword into the leg of the dwarf in front of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��No...no! Fuck you, Jeremiah!�� Rya thinks to herself as she blocks the attacking at Jeremiah''s back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! I could stop all those attacks if I wanted to but I needed to test your skills. And you''re performing admirably." Jeremiah said as he jumped over Rya and sliced the head off one of the dwarves that attacked him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dietrich and Jeremiah move closer to the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"QUIN! Look out!" Rya yelled as she blocked a crossbow bolt aimed at Jeremiah''s back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin looked over his shoulder and saw the Kings yer closing in on him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLING! CLANG! CLONG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah and Quin were exchanging and pairing blows left and right.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin felt a sharp pain in his side. His armor protected him from getting stabbed but he knew that the strange sword would pierce his flesh if he didn''t block it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh! Is that all you got Kings yer!" Quin shouts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Putting on a brave face! I''m going to have fun with you indeed!" Jeremiah said as he unleashed a spinning kick against Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin dodged the attack and kicked Jeremiah''s leg out from under him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re nothing but a coward that wears crowns that don''t belong to you!" Quin shouted as he swung his sword down at Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Kings yer was ready for it and caught the sword with his own.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Better men have tried before you! You may be strong, but youck the heart to fight!" Jeremiah taunted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin was about to unleash a counterattack against Jeremiah but was faulted by Rya''s earth magic as a rock wall formed between them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin! I can''t stop myself from protecting him! RAH!" Rya yelled as she blocked an arrow fired by a dwarf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya!" Quin shouted as he was kicked in the stomach by the Kings yer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya couldn''t help Quin as she was controlled by the cor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Interesting? You love her, don''t you? SLAVE, KILL THE PRINCE!" The Kings yermanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin took Jeremiah''s opening and punched him hard enough to send the Kings yer flying.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! *cough* Let''s see you fight the one you love, Toothless Lion!" Jeremiahughed as hended on his feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO!" Rya yelled as she came in, sending a stone spike at Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLANG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya..." Quin said as he blocked another strike of Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"QUIN! You have to kill me! I can''t stop myself!" Rya screamed as she threw a rock wall at Quin.

 Ch.86 I give my life to save you!

    Ch.86 I give my life to save you!


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ZZ-SWING-ZZ!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin charges his sword as it looks like electricity was arching off the de as he cuts the rock walling at him in two.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya! Try to fight the cor! If I can grab it, I can free you! You won''t have to die!" Quin yells.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked up at Quin in desperation. "I''m sorry Quin. But I don''t think my body will let you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya fired off two more magic attacks while Quin was trying to get closer to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO! I WON''T LEAVE YOU!" Quin growls as he blocks both of Rya''s projectiles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin runs toward her as she throws herself backward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya! Don''t run!" Quin screams as he follows after her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin reaches her side but before he could reach her cor, sheunched another earth attack that struck Quin on his side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! NO!" Quin yelled as blood started to seep through his armor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin! There''s no way I can escape this cor! Quin you have to stop me!" Rya cried out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah was absolutely amused by all the action going on before him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HAHA! I think I should keep her, instead of giving her to the duke. I won''t need to lift a finger anymore with her around." Jeremiahughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin stands back up as he takes deep breaths. He turns towards Rya who was preparing another attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya... I''m sorry I never got to tell you..." Quin says as he readies himself for her attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No! Don''t say it Quin! Not now!'' Rya screamed in her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You��re too important to me Rya�� I can never harm you because I love you..." Quin states as he prepares for her next move.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''FUCK! I HATE THIS COLLAR! FIGHT IT GOD DAMMIT!'' Rya screamed in her mind as her body continued to go after Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just before shees into striking distance, a few arrowse her way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Earth walls formed everywhere around her to stop the iing arrows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn! She''s strong!" Jeremiah said as he watched the scene unfold.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! Crush!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin just barely missed being struck by Rya''s attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why would Quin love someone as wed as me! God! I''m so fucking stupid!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RUN!" Rya screamed as she charged at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin blocks two of her attacks and then shes at her. The attack almost hit her, but she was able to dodge it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not running Rya! I��m going to free you, even if it costs me my life!" Quin yelled back as he blocked her next attack which was a fist covered in a rock spike.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This isn''t fair!" Rya screams as she swings at his head with her rock fist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin dodges it but stumbled backwards onto his back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''NO! Quin''s defenseless!'' Rya screamed in her mind as she swung again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah smiled as he watched Rya about to kill Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Ryan!" Sir Georgees in front of Rya''s attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya swings as Sir George holds up his shield to block the spike strike.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BAM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*m!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">A rock spikes and ms into Sir George''s shield knocking off his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah!" Sir George felt the spike entering his stomach.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George!" Quinus yelled upon seeing his retainer and friend impaled by Rya''s attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! George!" Rya yelled in disbelief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George quickly hugged her so he could keep her in her ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cough!* "It''s o-okay,d-y Rya. It''s n-ot your fault." Sir George said between coughs as blood starteding from his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No! NO! Please don''t die!'' Rya begged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George held her tightly as he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">About 15 minutes before Rya stabbed Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dietrich was engaged in a battle with some dwarven soldiers. Swinging around his war hammer he was able to take out two dwarves in one swing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Weaklings!" Dietrich said as he turned his attention to Jeremiah and Quinus fighting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLING! CLANG! CLONG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah and Quin were exchanging and pairing blows left and right.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh! Is that all you got Kings yer!" Quin shouts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Putting on a brave face! I''m going to have fun with you indeed!" Jeremiah said as he unleashed a spinning kick against Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Come on kid! Injure that bastard so I can make my move!'' Dietrich thought as he swung around his war hammer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as he was about to deliver the final blow to another dwarven soldier.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Argh!" a dwarf screamed as he fell back from the ground with blood pouring from his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Patience Dietrich. Once you get the ver tool. You will be able to take over this continent. Hell, maybe the world if I can kill the dragons... No! Don''t get too cocky, you still have a lot to prove.'' Dietrich thought as he readied himself again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dietrich patiently waited in hopes that he could grab the vers tool from Jeremiah while fighting the prince. That was until Jeremiah sent the ve in to do his dirty work after getting kicked back by Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Goddess be damned! That dark elf is more valuable than a weapon you moron!'' Dietrich thought as he turned to see Rya attacking the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was at that moment Dietrich noticed Jeremiah waspletely engrossed in Rya''s fight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit! This may be the only way for me to get the ver tool! I need to make my move when she goes in for the kill. Hopefully Jeremiah won''t see meing.'' Dietrich thought to himself as he moved himself behind Jeremiah. Trying to not make it too obvious and alert him of what was happening.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''ll go for the tool... Goddess I wish I could backstab this mother fucker. But that unique skill of his will fuck me up if I try.'' Dietrich sighed in thought as he attempted to formte a n.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Dietrich moved into position. That is when the prince''s retainer came in the protect his lord from Rya''s attack, which was the perfect opening for Dietrich.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Time to make my move. Hopefully this stupid ass doesn''t see iting.'' Dietrich thought as he went after the ver tool in Jeremiah''s left hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe! This ve will b-Huh? What the hell?" Jeremiah said as he felt someone grab his left hand. "What the- Dietrich! You traitorous bastard!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Before Jeremiah knew it, he was in a tug of war with the ver tool with Dietrich.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goddess be damned! Fucking let go! The dark elf is mine!" Dietrich shouted as he tried to pry free the ver tool from Jeremiah''s hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! You''re a failure in every way Dietrich! And this is the final nail in the coffin." Jeremiahughed as he shoved Dietrich away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not letting go, you prick! That ve is mine! You wouldn''t have caught her if it wasn''t for me!" Dietrich shouted as he struggled to get the tool out of Jeremiah''s hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ENOUGH!" Jeremiah as he swung his wooden sword at Dietrich. While Dietrich used his mana charged war hammer to intercept the attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah''s powerful swing was blocked by Dietrich''s warhammer causing a mini shockwave pushing the two of them back about five feet. And because of that they dropped the tool because of the momentum.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn it! Why are things never easy for me?" Dietrich cursed as he looked at the ver tool.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re a dead man Dietrich! I swear on my honor!" Jeremiah spat as he raised his sword in the air before charging at Dietrich.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">With Jeremiah no longer holding the tool. Rya wasn''t fully controlled by the cor as she eased up on Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cough!* "It''s o-okay,d-y Rya. It''s n-ot your fault." Sir George said between coughs as blood starteding from his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No! NO! Please don''t die!'' Rya begged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George held her tightly as he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''God! Fuck it, Nils! Please, stop me! I can''t bear to watch myself kill my friends! I don''t want to hurt Quin! So please! End this however you see fit!'' Rya pleaded as she eased up on her attack on Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*WHIZZZ! THUMP!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt something strike her back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RYA!?" Quinus said in shock as he saw a white arrow sticking out of her back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? I-I feel my conscience fading... Am I dying? W-Why does it feel so pleasant......'' Rya thought as she felt her consciousness slowly fade.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO! RYA!" Quinus screamed as he jumped up to Sir George who was hugging Rya. Struggling to stay standing as he was bleeding from his stomach.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George! I got you two! Hold on!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus slowly lowered himself down next to them. As he ced a hand on George''s back and another on Rya''s.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cough!* "D-Don''t wor-ry ab-out m.." Sir George coughed as blood dripped from his lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shhh! You don''t need to speak. Just rest George. Just rest." Quinus whispered as he pulled Rya closer to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George slumped over on his side and closed his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve got you now." He said quietly as tears began to form in his eyes. ''I-I failed her! I failed to save...?''

 Ch.87 I hate wasting energy!

    Ch.87 I hate wasting energy!


    <span style="font-weight:400">During the beginning of the battle between Quinus and Jeremiah. There were three figures hidden in the shadows by the tree line next to the ins. About two miles away from the full scale battle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gamma. We need to get in there and save Alpha and Beta." Dalia whispered to Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know we do but look atdy Rya. She is blocking everything that is being thrown her way." Percy replied as he was watching the fight as Quinus kicked Jeremiah in the stomach.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I don''t think I can handle watching another royal die at the hands of the Kings yer." Nieren said as she stood next to Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy and Dalia turned to Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why are you so afraid of the Kings yer? I know he''s dangerous but not enough to make you scared of him." Percy asked as he looked at Nieren with a confused expression on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I saw him kill my uncle when I was a child. He''s wearing his crown. Right now." Nieren answered as she looked down towards the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy and Dalia both were shocked and surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Uncle?" Percy asked with a worried tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, he was the King of the Wood Elves. Me and my mother barely escaped with our lives after he was killed." Nieren exined with tears in her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey... Woody. If you want to avenge him. We must find a way to free Alpha." Dalia asked as she wiped the tears from Nieren''s cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy nodded, "If Quinus can get his hands on the ve cor he can destroy it with his mana. Like what he did for Dalia."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He can destroy ve cors!? I''ve never heard of everyone having that ability before! Is it true?" Nieren asked in shock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia smiled and nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren suddenly became focused on the task on hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy noticed the one white arrow in her quiver.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait... Didn''t you say that arrow can put people to sleep?" Percy asked as he looked at Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah. The Shyft Arrow. That was the one I used on the guy we caught."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If Rya was hit by it. Could she die?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. This thing isn''t lethal... It doesn''t leave a scratch." Nieren stated as she looked at the arrow in her quiver.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We need to use it. Can you hit her from here?" Percy asked as he pointed to where Rya was fighting dwarves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I could but it would be a eighty percent chance from here." Nieren said as she nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We need a hundred percent chance. How close do you need to be?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren thought about it for a few seconds then nodded, "If I get within a mile, I can shoot a flea off her nose."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Look! Alpha''s attacking Beta!" Dalia said as she pointed to the fight between Rya and Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We need to move, now!" Percy said as he ran out of the tree line.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on Woody!" Dalia says to Nieren as she quickly follows Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I have a chance to avenge my uncle! I won''t miss this opportunity.'' Nieren thought to herself as she ran after Percy and Dalia towards the battle field.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was hugging Rya with an white arrow struck in her back. Surrounded by a raging battle between the Mercenaries and the Ironside army.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve got you now." He said quietly as tears began to form in his eyes. ''I-I failed her! I failed to save...?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus moved his ear closer to Rya''s mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s alive!'' Quinus noticed that there was no blooding from the arrow from her back. And his heart beat faster as he realized what that meant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah and Dietrich were looking at Quinus holding Rya close.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Look what you did Dietrich! Because of you I lost my weapon!" Jeremiah growled as he gripped his sword tighter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin''s golden eyes started to glow while he quickly grabbed the ve cor with his free hand causing cracks to form. Within seconds the cor shattered into a million pieces and Rya fell onto Quinus'' chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The vers tool exploded into pieces, once Rya��s cor was destroyed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the fuck did you do?!" Jeremiah roared as he pulled his sword up ready to sh at Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Beta!" Yelled a distant voice of Dalia. She wasing in hot towards Quinus with Percy not too far behind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord! We can handle this fiend! You get out of-" Percy was cut off by Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You two! Get George and Rya out of here! I''ll handle this bastard!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But my lord-" Percy tried to say.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do as Imand! Now go!" Quinus shouted as he ced himself in front of Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish!" Percy said before he turned to Sir George who was lying unconscious from the blood lost while Dalia picked up a sleeping Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Get them out of here! I''ll be fine."


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that Percy and Dalia took off towards the back lines of the Ironside army, away from the battle with Rya and Sir George in their arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dietrich decided to leave as well. He wished not to be around once Jeremiah finished killing the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Taking your dead away! Tch... Typical..." Jeremiah sneered as he raised his sword to strike. "Well prince! Anyst words?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked up at Jeremiah and smiled before he grabbed his own sword with both hands, making it shine even brighter than usual.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Funny? That''s what I was going to ask you the same thing?" Quinus reys with a smirk as he readies his sword for the attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! You think you can beat me? Thene at me!" Jeremiahughed. He then lunged forward at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quins crossed his swords and blocked the attack with ease.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s it kid! Come at me with all you got!" Jeremiah said with augh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus tightened his grip on his sword and unleashed a flurry of attacks at Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLING! CLANG! CLONG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Each time his de connected, it created a spark which caused the ground to start to crack and crumble as if a giant hammer was pounding the earth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus continued to dodge and weave between the swings of Jeremiah''s sword while he attacked him back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well not bad kid! Looks like your father taught you some things. But it''s time to end this! HIYAH!" Jeremiah yelled as he lowered his guard slightly allowing Quinus to cross his swords again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How has this guy killed so many Kings? His skills are good but he''s not to my level?'' Quinus thought as he parried another swing from Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Whooosh!* A burst of wind that threw Quinus backwards. The wind was so powerful that it knocked Quinus off his feet and sent him crashing into the dirt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Got you now! Hahaha!" Jeremiahughed as he pointed at Quinus with his sword ready to finish him off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tch! He''s nothing special." Quinus started to say before he jumped back to his feet while aiming his sword at Jeremiah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">What Quinus didn''t expect was Jeremiah to not try to parry his attack at all. He actually seemed like he wanted Quinus to stab him. He even moved his arms out of the way to let Quinus impale him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh!? Shit!'' Quinus noticed that something wasn''t right and changed where he was going to stab Jeremiah at thest second. Quinus couldn��t stop his momentum and instead of striking the chest Quinus stuck Jeremiah''s left shoulder instead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Quin''s sword started to sink into Jeremiah a red light glowed from his shoulder as the tip of the sword sank in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAARRRHHH!" Quinus screamed in pain as it felt like someone was stabbing his left shoulder but no one was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck!" Jeremiah tried to slice Quinus with his sword but Quin jumped back before he could get him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dammit! Kid, why didn''t you just go for my heart like most people do? I don''t like wasting energy." Jeremiah yelled at Quinus who took a defensive stance with his swords in his right hand while blood was dripping from his left shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the fuck was that ability!? He was able to magically transfer any damage done to him and send it to me!'' Quinus thought with a grimace as he grabbed his left shoulder for a second.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well kid, I''ll give you credit. You''re the second royal to not get killed by that." Jeremiah said as heunched himself forward towards Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLING! CLANG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus parried and blocked all of Jeremiah''s attacks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Dammit! I can''t attack him! Obviously he can use it at any time but he doesn��t use it all the time. So, the Kings yer probably can only use that ability a few times. Otherwise he would have used it when Inded that kick on him earlier. But how am I supposed to know how many times he can do that! Fuck! All I can do is go on the defensive!'' Quinus thought to himself as he blocked and parried Jeremiah''s sword swings.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"See! If you only tried to properly kill me. We wouldn''t be in this mess! I would have been able to be on my way! Tch," Jeremiah said as he thrust his sword forward at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the hell am I going to do!?'' Quinus thought as he watched Jeremiah charge at him with a straight arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re making me repeat myself. Stop and die kid. You''re only prolonging the inevitable." Jeremiah said as he stared at Quinus with annoyance.

 Ch.88 Who you calling a idiot!

    Ch.88 Who you calling a idiot!


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everything was dark. Rya thought she was dead after feeling something hit her back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So this is death... Huh? Pretty boring if you ask me..." Rya said as she opened her eyes seeing darkness everywhere around her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She seemed to be stuck in a void.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George... I hope you survived. I wish I could heal you after what I did," Rya said to herself as she stared at nothingness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked around some more hoping for something to change, but it didn��t. All that greeted her was the same darkness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia, keep Percy safe. I think he would be a lost puppy without you by his side�� And Quin..." Rya muttered to herself as she felt her body start to fade away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin, I''m sorry I pushed you away... I was scared... I was scared of my feelings for you�� I was scared that I��ve truly be a female that��s interested in men... In you. Feeling that I don''t understand anymore. That are foreign to me." Rya thought to herself as herst words floated through the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I love you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goodbye... Quin..." Rya said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A few seconds after she said those words, in the darkness a golden glow started to flicker her vision.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?" Rya blinked her eyes and looked around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She saw a golden orbing into view.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t tell me! Nils!" Rya yelled out as she approached the golden orb.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just then the orb transformed into the Dark Elven Goddess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tch! So did youe here to gloat~" Rya said angrily but was cut off by the Goddess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SHUT UP AND LISTEN! I have very little time to talk, you idiot!" Nils shouted at Rya with anger in her voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Idiot!? Who are yo~" Rya got cut off as Nils yelled back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re an idiot for pushing away that prince! You''re an idiot for getting enved! YOU''RE AN IDIOT FOR THINKING YOU DEAD!" Nils screamed out at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was stunned by what Nils said and the worst part was, she wasn��t wrong.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m alive?" Rya asked with confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YES! You''re alive! Useless idiot! Did you really think you were dead!? You''re asleep!" Nils shouted at Rya again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��I��M ALIVE! I need to save Quin as soon as possible! Then I�� Then I����


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya couldn''t help it. Tears ran down her face as she was crying from happiness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stop that! You''re not out of the woods yet. I unlocked all the elements of magic to you, like water, fire and all of the earth magic. And to save everyone, use the dark earth magic gol~" Nils faded away before she could finish her sentence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nils!?" Rya yelled as everything started turning white.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NILS!?" Rya called out as a light came back to her vision.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Within moments Rya''s eyes snapped open as she wasying on the ground looking up at the blue sky. Hearing the sounds of battle going on around her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alpha! You''re awake!" Dalia said happily as she came into view.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia!" Rya said to the wolf-kins girl as she hugged her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"See I told you if we took out the Shyft arrow that she would wake up." Said a female voice that Rya didn''t know.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked over to see a wood elf that looked familiar but she couldn''t remember who she was or where she met her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya! Sir George needs your aid!" Percy said as he was helping her stand up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy? How long was I asleep?" Rya asked, confused.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"About ten minutes. I tried to stabilize George but he''ll die if you don''t do something fast." Percy replied as he pointed to Sir Georgeying on the ground next to them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit! Hold on! Give me a second!'' Rya thought as she moved next to him andid her hands on George''s chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hang in there George. Rya will save you." Percy said to George as he put a hand on George''s shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is she doing?" Nieren asked as she watched Rya work on George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shhhh! Alpha is a healer. Just don''t tell anyone about this, Woody." Dalia said quietly to the wood elf that followed her around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SHE''S A MMMmmhhhh?" Nieren''s mouth was covered by Dalia to keep her quiet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya closed her eyes and concentrated. ''Let my mana flow into him. Take this and release it.'' Rya felt the mana flowing inside of her towards George��s wounds. Then she opened her eyes again and saw the hole in George��s stomach healed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''SHE IS A HEALER! THE STORIES WERE WRONG! DARK ELVES AREN''T EVIL! SHE''S NOT! RYA ISN''T EVIL!'' Nieren screamed in her mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George!" Rya said as she helped him sit up along with Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cough!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha. Oh! Ah... Well I feel much better now." Sir George said as he coughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m d you''re okay." Rya said as she smiled at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry about me. Save the prince, Lady Rya. He needs you." Sir George said as his face regained its color.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded and turned to look back at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Quin!'' Rya saw a battered and bleeding Quinus trying to defend himself from the Kings yer��s attacks. She was about 100 yards away from Quin with dwarves and mercenaries going back and forth at each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah swings his sword again and again toward Quinus. Thest swing caused Quinus to block it with his sword. But he wasn''t able to avoid all the blows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The force of Jeremiah''s attacks send Quinus flying across the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m getting tired of this!" Jeremiah yelled as he swung his sword down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus used his de like a shield and blocked the attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He fell back but managed to stay on his feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haa, haa, I can�� do this�� all day..." Quinus said as he pushed against Jeremiah''s attacks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can? HEYAH!" Jeremiah was able to knock Quin''s sword out of his hand, sending it across the battlefield.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This caused Quinus to fall on his back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah! That''s what I thought!" Jeremiah said as he readied himself to give the killer blow to end the prince''s life.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Rya... I failed...'' Quinus thought as he was too tired to evade the Kings yer''s final blow to end his life.

 Ch.89 Saving a Damsel in Distress

    Ch.89 Saving a Damsel in Distress


    When Rya saw Quinus defenseless, she felt a pit in her stomach. Time seemed to be in slow motion as Jeremiah was shing his sword down upon Quin.


    ''NO! Why is this happening to me!?'' Rya was thinking.


    Than Nils voice echoed in her head.


    <You''re an idiot that pushed the prince away!>


    ''I know!''


    <You''re an idiot for getting enved!>


    ''I KNOW!'' Rya yelled at herself.


    <THEN FIX IT! I unlocked all the elements of magic to you. And to save everyone, use the dark earth magic gol~>


    Nilsst sentence started making Rya''s mind click.


    "Earth Magic Golem?!" Rya yelled as she activated her mana.


    She instantly felt a surge of power within her spread out around her and everything seemed to stop. She could feel where everyone was and if felt like she could move the earth like it was apart of her body.


    ''Holy Shit! This is unreal! Okay there''s Quin and if I release my mana, then?'' Rya felt like she could hear Nils in her head.


    <Use your instincts Rya!>


    Rya took a deep breath and released her mana.


    Instantly, the ground in between Quinus and Jeremiah started to surge up and formed into Rya. This happened in a blink of an eye.


    *Swing!*


    *CLANG!*


    "WHAT! Where the fuck did youe from!" Jeremiah yelled in surprise as a naked Rya appeared in front of him and stopped his de with her bare hand.


    ''WHOA! This is fucking weird!'' Rya thought to herself as she could see Jeremiah up close with her golem and she saw them from 100 yards away.


    "Rya! Get away from him! He has an ability to warp damage inflicted upon him back to his attacker!" Quinus yelled as he got up off the ground.


    "So, that''s his secret!" said the real Rya standing by Percy and George as she noticed that she didn''t feel pain holding on to the de Jeremiah''s sword.


    "Fucking bitch! Let go of my sword!" Jeremiah yelled at he tried to grab Rya''s wrist.


    ''Great, it seems my golem can''t speak.'' Rya thought.


    ***


    "Percy, Dalia and new girl! We need to get to Quin! I don''t think my copy can use magic. George you stay here and recover." Rya said to everyone.


    "We''ll clear a path for you. Dalia on me! Nieren give us cover!" Percy ordered.


    Dalia, Percy and Nieren moved up to the front line and started to take down ck Rose Mercenaries.


    "A wolf-kin! She''s min��AARRR!" A ck Rose Mercenary''s throat was slit clean by Dalia.


    Dalia and Percy were cleaving through the enemy like butter.


    "Here we go," Nieren whispered to herself as she started to pick off mercenaries with her bow. Her arrows hit their mark with pinpoint uracy and her target fell dead on the spot.


    "I''ming Quin!" Rya yelled as she avoided an attack from a mercenary.


    ***


    Jeremiah was staring down at the Golem Rya before him. He couldn''t free his sword from her grip.


    ''How the fuck is she doing this!? And why is she naked!? Fuck it!'' Jeremiah thought to himself he pulled out his dagger and stabbed Rya in the shoulder.


    *Swish!*


    *Cling!*


    Golem Rya caught the dagger with her other barehand.


    "Ughh! How are you not bleeding!? You''re a fucking monster! Let me go!" Jeremiah yelled as he kicked at Rya.


    *Pow!*


    It didn''t faze her one bit. As she looked down at the spot where Jeremiah kicked her.


    ''Oh! It doesn''t hurt one bit. Jeremiah is in trouble.'' Golem Rya thought before looking up at Jeremiah with a smile.


    "Huh?" Jeremiah said with confusion as he stared at Rya.


    Rya then kicked Jeremiah with all her might.


    "SHIT!" Jeremiah said as he used his mana to activate his unique skill that sends back the damage inflicted upon him.


    He felt the pain for a split second before it was sent back.


    *SMASH!*


    Dust and dirt goes flying from Golem Rya''s stomach.


    Rya and Jeremiah look down. Rya''s stomach had a part of her skin was missing and showed solid stone underneath.


    ''Rya can create golems? God damn she is an amazing woman.'' Quinus thought as he watched the fight.


    ''Huh!? So that''s how this asshole was defeating Quin. Too bad it doesn''t hurt my golem at all!'' Rya thought to herself as the damage started to heal itself.


    "What the hell!? A-A golem!?" Jeremiah said in  confusion as he stared at Golem Rya.


    Rya looked at him again with a smile.


    ''I wonder what other bullshit you have hiding up your sleeve. I will enjoy breaking you.'' Golem Rya thought before pulling the sword out of Jeremiah''s hand.


    "Shit! I''m not going to be taken down by you!" Jeremiah said before jumping back and grabbing a thing that looks like a grenade.


    Rya gave chase.


    She is about tond a punch on Jeremiah but he used his skill again so Rya took her own damage.


    ''FUCK! That hurt! I don''t know how much mana I have left! Hopefully this bomb will have enough force to kill your ass!'' Jeremiah thought before throwing the bomb.


    The Golem dodged Jeremiah''s thrown grenade with ease but like a ma it pulled towards her.


    *BOOM!*


    The explosion made a crater from the force of the impact. It was tough to see if the golem was destroyed from the bomb because of the smoke and dust.


    ''That should do it!'' Jeremiah thought to himself as he turned around.


    But when the dust settled there were some bits and pieces of the golem that wereing back together quickly.


    ''Whoa boy! I''m d I''m taking you on with my golem! Now I need to end this quickly! Hit me with your best shot, mother fucker!'' Golem Rya thought before fully forming as she charged at Jeremiah.


    Jeremiah was surprised by the speed of the golem and knew he couldn''t dodge her.


    He then activated his unique skill before taking another punch.


    *POW!*


    "GAH!" Jeremiah said as he flew through the air andnded on the ground with a thud. His skill worked but his mana couldn''t take the stress of transferring the damage. And for the first time in a long time Jeremiah started to bleed from his wounds.


    ''NO! This can''t be happenin��'' Jeremiah was interrupted by Rya. She didn''t want to let him get back up.


    *BAM!*


    The golem punched Jeremiah in the gut.


    "BLAHHHHHH!" Jeremiah yelled out as he went limp. The pain was too much for the man.


    ''I need to get out of here! I need to beg for my life! If I die, then I can''t be the greatest warrior in Agon!'' Jeremiah thought as he tried to stand up.


    *BAM!*


    Rya mmed her foot down on Jeremiah''s chest, pinning him.


    "Ow..." Jeremiah groaned out weakly.


    ''You''re the worst fighter ever!'' Golem Rya thought as she leaned down and looked at Jeremiah.


    By this time caster Rya showed up by Quin''s side along with Dalia, Percy and Nieren.


    "Quin! Hold on!" Rya said as she used her healing magic on Quin.


    "Haha�� Come to save a damsel in distress?" Quin smirked even though he was in pain.


    "Shut up! I-I can''t concentrate!" Rya said as she started casting her mana.


    "I''m in your hands, Rya." Quinus said as heid there


    Jeremiah couldn''t believe his eyes as the once batter and brushed prince made a full recovery.


    ''I-I had a healer under my control? DIETRICH KNEW! No! This can''t be!'' Jeremiah thought in shock.

 Ch.90 A Plea for Mercy

    Ch.90 A Plea for Mercy


    <span style="font-weight:400">Some mercenaries fighting around Jeremiah noticed him incapacitated by the golem Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Kings yer is down! What do we do now?" One of the mercenaries asked his ally.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He��s finished!" The other mercenary replied. "We have to push through!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Before they continued their fight with the dwarven, human army. Two figures came into the scene with their sword and ws a zing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SWING! SPLAT!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAARRRHHH!" Yelled one Merc that took a hot from Percy''s sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn! We''re being nked!" Another Merc yelled as he rolled around on the ground, holding his arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With her ws, Daliaes in for the kill, piercing the mercenary''s heart.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A WOLF-KIN! GAH! You bitch!" The Mercenary screams out as he died on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy killed another Merc before Dalia finishes off thest one in this area.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you guys alright," Percy asked the Ironside soldiers as he wiped his de clean and sheathed it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah! Thanks to you." A soldier said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn! That guy was so annoying. We owe you a drink, Sire!" A few of the Ironsidersughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll take you up on that after we finished them. But now I think the right line needs you. Regroup with them as soon as possible. We need to be ready for the attack." Percy instructed the soldiers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye! Let''s move out!" The soldiers all said as they ran ahead of Percy to re-enforce the front lines.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy turned to Dalia. She was sniffing the air frantically.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What did you discover, Dalia?" Percy asked the wolf-kin as he knelt down beside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Smells like that guy who crossed us back in thebyrinth. He''s not far," Dalia said to him with her nose quivered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So, that Merc is nearby?'' Percy contemted while observing their surroundings. ''Well, Rya has healed the prince and has the Kings yer under her control.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gamma, what do we do?" Dalia asked her mate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy glimpsed Dalia straight in her green eyes. "We''re going to hunt, my Alpha."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia''s ears perked up at the mention of hunting. ''Hehe... I do adore this human. After this hunt, I''m going to reward Gamma.'' She thought while wiggling her tail.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, we got a coward to locate," Percy said to Dalia as he stood up. "Keep your senses sharp, my Alpha."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will, Gamma. You stay safe too, okay? I need to show you something after our hunt," Dalia responded to her mate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, the two of them went towards the woods to track down Dietrich.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren couldn''t believe her eyes. She was a youthful child when she previously saw the Kings yer. A mere 14 years old when she witnessed the death of her uncle. She never knew she would get the opportunity to avenge him. In her mind, she thought that she would have to let Father Time take his life. But there he was, battered, beaten, and discolored being held under the foot of a mighty golem that was created by a dark elf. The same dark elf that was healing up the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is this a dream? Has the tension of everything finally caught up to me?'' Nieren thought as she saw Rya healing up the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She stood in ce not sure what to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''A dark elf that protects others not for her own personal gain? But rushes to the aid of her friends!? Why were we told that dark elves were wicked?'' Nieren thought in disbelief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">After seeing how well the prince recovered he felt confident enough to get up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya, you''re my idol you know that," Quinus said as he got back on his feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked up at Quin with tragic eyes, "But people are dying because of��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ssshhh! Don''t. We make mistakes, Rya. It''s what we do to fix them that makes us good."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin smiled at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''God! Quin is right. I can worry about the fallen once we stop these assholes.'' Rya thought as she brushed away some tears.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Can you still cast your spells?" Quin asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded, "Yeah, it''s time to end this. What would like me to do with this one?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin looked upon the Kings yer who was struggling to liberate himself from underneath the golem''s foot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please! Let me go! I promise to leave this kingdom and nevere back!" Jeremiah pleaded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gone was the prideful mercenary of the ck Rose. This man was desperate to save his life.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Rya looked unamused by his plea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Both of them stared at the Kings yer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve threatened to kill my allies, threatened to kill me and my family while enving my love. You sealed your fate, Kings yer," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya blushed a little when Quin called her his love.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re going to hold that against me? I''m a mercenary. Friend one day, foe the next. It''s a job requirement so no hard feelings right?" Jeremiah said frantically as he grabbed ahold of the golem''s leg, but it wouldn''t budge. He grunted as he struggled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Rya both shook their head before Nieren stepped in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No hard feelings? Is this all you can say!? He murdered my uncle and enved my people! Prince Quinus, please don''t forgive him!" Nieren pleaded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GODS! Not another fucking long-eared freak! They think they''re special or something because of a stupid tree. The whole world needs to die with races like you in it!" Jeremiah yelled loudly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus red at Jeremiah while Rya saw the tears streaming down Nieren''s face. Anger was taking hold of Rya as she could feel her magic building inside of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya, if I knew I could kill him without him using that ability of his I would have ended him a while ago. I hate to ask you but��" Quinus said calmly as he looked at Rya in the eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It would be an honor, Quin," Rya whispered before her golem grabbed Jeremiah''s hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HEY! LET GO OF��AAARRRGGGGHHHHH!" Jeremiah screamed as he struggled in vain before Rya crushed his hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He was now trapped between the golem''s foot and the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Golem then grabbed him by the cor and pulled him up from under the golem''s feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RAH! Now you will pay for what you''ve done, you freak! Gods damn it! You will be my SLAVE!" Jeremiah said bitterly as he red at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her golem punch him in the stomach so hard that his armor flew off and made him puck blood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah groaned as he saw Rya staring at him with a murderous re.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cough!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You really do want to kill me, don''t you?" Jeremiah asked with blooding out of his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh yes, I do!" Rya said as her golem rapidly fired punch after punch that fractured his ribs and broke his arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah was struggling to breathe as he felt the pain from his broken bones.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My name is RYA! And you are nothing but a mediocre man. I wish I could make you suffer for everything that you''ve done but I don''t have the time," Rya said as her golem threw Jeremiah back down on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jeremiah struggled to stand up and then copsed back onto the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the Kings yer with contempt and sighed before he nodded to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya, kill him," Quinus said calmly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"With pleasure! Let''s see how much you like having your bones crushed!" Rya said as her golem lifted Jeremiah and ripped his head off from his body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her golem then threw his body away from them and walked back to Rya holding the head and the strange wooden sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at the head of Jeremiah which had a crown on it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uncle''s crown and sword..." Whispered Nieren as she stared at the head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit... This poor woman. Well, I should give these back to her.'' Rya thought as she took hold of the crown and wooden sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren was a little worried when Rya walked towards her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But Rya only smiled at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here you go. I-I hope you get some sort of cfort out of this... It''s not much but..." Rya said as she handed the crown to Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren stared at it in shock before looking up at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s giving me the uncle''s crown and sword?! No way! Rya is a good person! There''s nothing evil about her at all!'' Nieren thought as tears started to fall from her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you very much! Thank you sooo much!" Nieren said as she hugged Rya tight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa! Um? O-okay? You''re wee." Rya said as she was having difficulty breathing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren pulled back a bit from Rya and wiped the tears away from her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How can I ever thank you enough?!" Nieren asked as she stared at Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">��B-By letting me breathe?�� Rya said as her head was being smothered in Nieren''s chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nierenughed a bit before hugging Rya tighter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are my hero! I''ll never forget what you''ve done for me! Oh! I know! I will devote myself to you and be a big sister!" Nieren said with a big smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''HUH? A big sister? W-Well, maybe that''s not a bad idea. I mean I don''t have a clue about how female elves'' bodies work. Oh God, it just rued to me that I''m going to have to deal with menstrual cycles! M-Maybe elves don''t get them that often? I''d like to think they do...? But yeah, it''s best if we find out.'' Rya thought as she looked at Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If that''s what you like then I''m fine with that... Your name is Nieren, right? My name is Rya. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Rya said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren smiled back at Rya before pulling her into another hug.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''ACK! She''s going to suffocate me at this rate! If I was still a guy I would be loving this moment! AHHH! DAMN, YOU NILS!'' Rya thought as she squeezed her eyes shut from the embrace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quin was watching this moment unfold as he couldn''t help but smirk but he had to finish off the leader of the ck Roses. And he wanted Rya by his side when he did.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, Nieren. Could you release Rya for a moment? I think she''s going to suffocate soon." Quin said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren pulled away from Rya and turned to look at Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? I would never do that Prince Quinus!" Nieren asked with a confused expression on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh thank god! I can breathe! So this is what it feels like to be suffocated!" Rya said with a sigh of relief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s nothing to worry about," Quin said as he walked up next to Rya. "We need to find Rudolf and stop him. Do you two know where he is? Or where he might be?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have no idea, prince. I was focused on the Kings yer." Nieren said with a disappointed expression on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold on... I think I can find him." Rya said as she closed her eyes and did the same thing she did right before summoning her golem.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*WHOOSE!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Time seemed to be still and everything looked ck and white as Rya could see everything around her in a few-mile radius.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Okay! So, it looks like the ck Rose Mercenaries only have around 125 troops left and the Ironside Army has over 300. Damn, that''s a lot of dead... Crap! Where the hell is- Oh!'' Rya eximed as she spotted Rudolf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya opened her eyes and looked at Quin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin! He''s in the back line of the Ironside Army! Zellin and Hajdah are in trouble!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll be there in a minute!" Quin said as he ran into the crowd.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do we do?" Nieren asked with concern in her voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We clear a way for him! We need to get to the back line quickly. I''ll summon a new golem to protect the baron!" Rya said as she started moving towards the rear lines while her first golem gives her cover.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait! You should stay here and keep your guard up. I can handle anything thates our way!" Nieren protested but Rya shook her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! You need to get the baron out of danger! Quin and I will deal with Rudolf!" Rya insisted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine!" Nieren said as she took off to find the baron.

 Ch.91 Rudolf is coming!

    Ch.91 Rudolf ising!


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back at the beginning of the battle, when Rudolf and Jeremiah started their assault on Quinus and Zellin''s army.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf got on his war horse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jeremiah! Dietrich! Lead the men and kill the prince! I''ll deal with the mages!" Rudolf orders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes,mander!" The two mercenaries answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that Rudolf turns to his calvary men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Igner! John! Raise the g for the cavalry! We ride to take down their mages! With them gone their numbers mean nothing!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood!" Igner and John said as they both grabbed spears from their mounts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Charge!" Rudolf yelled as he spurred his horse forward and rode into the enemy lines.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile, on the back line of the Ironside army, Hajdah and his mages were giving cover for their troops from iing arrows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hajdah! Look! The ck Rose calvary ising!" Zellin yells as he points to the west.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see them! Let''s end this before they reach us and give the prince our aid! Mages focus on the lead horse!" Hajdah says as he pulls out his wand and casts the spell ''Fire Arrow''.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Akashia used her wind magic to push the Fire Arrow faster and fed it more energy. It flew through the air and made contact with the lead horse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Mage-Arrow flies towards the Calvary. Rudolf used his shield that created a magical barrier around himself to deflect the mage''s arrows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Get behind me! I''ll keep those pesky magic off us!" Rudolf calls to the men behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arge explosion goes off in front of Rudolf. He shields his face from the st and looks up at what caused it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was one of the magic arrows that a mage cast. It was stopped by Rodulf''s barrier but its impact still knocked some of his men off their horses from the shock wave.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re going to pay for that!" Rudolf yells as he aims for the front line of the dwarven soldiers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stop! Our enemies are close to use our magic! We''ll hit our troops!" Captain Reeve yells to Hajdah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Brace your impact!" Hajdah warns the men beside him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf and his 50 cavalrymen were baring down on the dwarven infantry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright men! Aim for the chest!" Rudolf yells as he rides closer to the enemy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Right before the spears of the dwarven infantry, Rudolf used his special barrier that emitted from his shield causing the spears to bounce back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SMASH! THUD! POW!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The sound of steel colliding with steel echoed throughout the battlefield as the cavalry plows through the infantry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is why you should fear the ck Roses!" Rudolf yells as he uses his shield to block the next barrage of arrows thates towards him. He then uses his sword to cut down the dwarf soldier that was trying to get past his barrier.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"PIKEMEN! FLANK THEM! WE CAN''T HAVE THEM BREAKTHROUGH!" Captain Reeve yells to the men behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Captain Reeve! I have three mages with me! We can stop him!" Hajdah shouts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t be stupid! You can''t handle Rudolf when he has that shield! Focus on their infantry, Hajdah!" Reeve yells back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah nods and orders his men to focus on the infantry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let me handle this!" Suhail yelled as he pulled out his wand and cast ''Lightning Bolt''.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"BOOOOMMMM!" A thunderous boom went off in the distance striking some of the ck Roses infantrymening in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf saw his men get struck by lightning and their bodies burned instantly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fucking Mages! KEEP PUSHING THROUGH!" Rudolf screams out as he continued to ride forward cleaving Ironside soldiers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Suhail felt exhausted after casting one spell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Suhail! Fall back and recover! I need you ready to cast another spell if needed!" Hajdah ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes sir!" Suhail says as he falls back and recovers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dreshan! Get ready to use your earth wall if the cavalry breaks through our ranks." Hajdah orders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t have to tell me twice!" Dreshan replies.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m gonna focus on taking these bastards down," Rudolf says as he continues to ride his horse through the dwarves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"STOP HIM! GET OFF OF YOUR FUCKIN'' ASSES AND FIGHT BACK!" Captain Reeve yells as hees up to Rudolf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t want to fight? I thought you were all a bunch of tough warriors," Rudolfughs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are a group of brave men and women of Ironside. We aren''t cowards like you Merc!" Captain Reeve yells as he raised his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hahaha! Coward am I? I guess that''s why I''ve lived for so long!" Rudolf says as he points his sword toward Reeve.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You think I''ll go done easily!" Reeve yells.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! Because you''re a man of honor! And men of honor die so easilypared to cowards. And I''ll show you what it means to fight a coward!" Rudolfughs as he swings his sword at Reeve.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Reeve ducked and rolled out of the way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HEYA!" Rudolf yells to get his horse to chase down Reeve.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*GALLUP! GALLUP! CLANG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">But before Reeve could react he was hit by a massive blow to the side from Rudolf''s shield knocking him off of his feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf''s horse then reared on its legs and tried to trample Reeve.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Captain Reeve rolls over onto his feet and swung his sword at Rudolf''s horse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*NEEEYA!* The horse bucked and dodged the attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damned horse! I''m going to take you down!" Reeve yells as he drew his sword again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn right, you will!" Rudolf says as he swings his sword back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Both swords shed and sparks flew between them as Rudolf had the high ground, sitting on his horse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn, I need to use my sword masters technique!" Reeve curses as he swung his sword around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe! You''re doing great!" Rudolfughs as he swings his sword at Reeve.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Reeve blocked the attack with his own sword and then quickly summoned mana into his sword. It glowed red and surrounded his de as he counter-attacked and struck the horse''s neck in a blink of an eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">His horse went down with its head cut clean off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Son of a~" Rudolf quickly jumped off his horse before he could have been trapped underneath it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Step! STEP! SWING! CLANG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That was close!" Rudolfughs as he blocks Reeve''s sword attacks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You better watch yourself! You might be stronger than me, but I''m faster!" Reeve growls as he swings his sword at Rudolf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tch! You owe me a new horse! Or maybe I should destroy something important to you!" Rudolf says as he swings his sword at Reeve.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"In your dreams!" Reeve says as he swung his sword back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLANG! CLANG!!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Reeve was moving with grace as he pressed the attack. ''This is it I don''t have enough mana to pull this off again!'' Reeve thinks to himself as he pushes harder as his sword beings to glow again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*GRUNTS! GROOOAAARRRSSS!!!* Both swords sh and sparks fly between them as they both pushed each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Reeve felt like he was going to pass out, but he kept swinging his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I... I can''t hold this much longer..." Reeve gasped as he fought against the weakness within him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf smirks as he sees Reeve''s swording in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CLING! CRACK! BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf cast his magic barrier catching Reeve''s sword in the middle of it causing the sword to shatter into a thousand pieces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO!" Reeve screams as the magic hits him and knocks him from his feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s only fair after killing my horse!" Rudolf growls as he rushes over to Reeve and shes his sword through his arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AARRRRR!" Reeve yells in pain as blood dripped down his arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? That''s it?" Rudolf asks as he stabs his sword into Reeve''s shoulder. "That''s all you got?! I thought you were supposed to be strong?!" Rudolf growls as he pulls his sword out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Reeve falls after the pain gets to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hah! What good is a swordsman without his arm? Now time to deal with some mages." Rudolfughs as he walks away from the defeated Reeve.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cough!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I failed you Baron Coldforge. Gah! I''m sorry!" Reeve cries as heid on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***

 Ch.92 Rudolf’s Rage

    Ch.92 Rudolf��s Rage


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah and his guild members saw Captain Reeve fall to Rudolf''s de.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! Reeve! No!" Hajdah yelled as he looked at his fallenrade.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRASH! CRASH!!* The sound of the battle rang loud in the air as the Ironside infantry finally finished off the ck Rose Cavalry. But not without a cost.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cling! ng!* Guess the sound of swords, spears, and hammers ringing in the air was a clue that things weren''t going well for the soldiers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do we do, master Hajbah? Theirmander has that artifact shield that can cast that barrier!" Said Kyan the other fire mage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Retreat is not an option, Kyan. How''s everyone''s mana? We need to keep fighting or our only chance will be lost." Hajdah said as he looked around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''re fine, master Hajbah. I''ve been casting my spells nonstop since the beginning of the battle." Laika replied as she was breathing heavily. "But I think the others are running low on their mana."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah thought for a moment, ''Dammit! Laika and I are the only two with bigger mana veins. Kyan, Suhail, Akashia, and Dreshan could probably cast two spells in a row before the threat of mana exhaustion would possibly happen.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Laika and I will keep the ck Rose Commander busy. If any of you have anything left try a surprise him." Hajdah said as he saw the other mages nod in agreement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes master Hajdah!" Laika said as she positioned herself next to Hajdah while the others spread out in a semi-circle formation around the approaching Rudolf


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And to think that sword master of yours called me a coward? And yet here you lot are, shacking rabbits full of fear. Because you no longer can hide behind all your infantrymen. Like cowards," Rudolf said as he saw Hajdah and Laika approaching him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we weren''t meant to front-line frights, Rudolf! But that doesn''t mean we won''t go down without a fight! Be honored! Because not that many warriors get the chance to be up close to a mage''s magic!" Hajdah eximed as he readied his staff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A Dwarf''s honor is as worthless as their ale!" Rudolfughed as he drew his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"WHAT! I''ll make you take those words back before this day is done! You''re going to feel the wrath of the Mages Guild!" Kyan shouted from the right side of Rudolf as he started to chant his fireball spell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So, the weaker one wants to die first! I guess I''ll give him what he wants!'' Rudolf thought as he makes his move towards Kyan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"FIREBALL!" Kyan chanted as the ball of fire appeared in front of Rudolf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf charged forward, bringing his shield barrier up just to stop the magicing his way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!* Goes the first fireball that didn''t burn Rudolf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"DIE!" Kyan yelled as he fires off another fireball at Rudolf but it hits the ground where they stand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"KYAN! WATCH OUT! EARTH WALL!" Dreshan yells as he casts his own Earth Wall to protect Kyan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SWING! SMASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf smashed his sword through the earth wall which slowed his attack just enough to let Kyan dodge his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now you''re really dead, maggot!" Rudolf said as he readied his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GRRRARGH!!" Laika growled as she takes a few steps back and releases a barrage of water balls that were the size of baseballs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"BOOOOM!!!" The sound of thunder fills the air as Laika''s water orbs hit Rudolf and sent him flying backward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolfnds on the ground and rolls a couple of times before getting to his feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not bad little dwarf! This isn''t over though!" Rudolf said as he starts to charge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Suhail! NOW!" Hajdah yelled as he readies his staff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"LIGHTNING BOLT," Suhail replied as he cast his spell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf was waiting for their lightning mage to attack so he could reflect. The surface area is small. No bigger than a dinner te. But, it''s not about the size of the space it covers. It''s about taking a concentrated attack like a lightning bolt and making reflect back is what makes it dangerous. If they used wider magical attacks then the chances of him getting hit would be much higher. So, he rarely uses it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He waited until thest second before he used reflect.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HA!" Rudolf said as he dived forward to block the lightning bolt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As he blocked the bolt he focused his mana to create the small reflect barrier in front of his shield as he aims it back at the earth mage first.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!* The impact shakes the ground and sends shockwaves all over.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AARRRRHHH!!" Dreshan and Suhail yelled as they got hit by the electrical shockwave from Rudolf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The shockwave was enough to knock them out and they fell to the grown once the magic dissipated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"TWO DOWN! WHO''S NEXT!?!?!" Rudolf yelled. "GET OVER HERE AND FIGHT ME LIKE YOU MEANT TO!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf stood there as he looked around the battlefield.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You bastard! FLAMEWAVE!" Kyan yelled as he uses his fire magic to ignite the ground beneath Rudolf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO! KYAN! YOU''RE PUSHING YOURSELF TO MANA EXHAUSTION!" Laika yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We have no time! Akashia! Hajdah! Finish him!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold on! Whirlwind!" Akashia said as she summoned a column of air moving rapidly around the mes as it helped to create a fire tornado that engulfed Rudolf in res.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dammit! REGNAR!" Hajdah yelled as he unleashed arge fire sword from the sky as it flies into the me tornado where Rudolf is.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BBBOOOOMMMM!!!! CCCRRAAASSSHHH!!!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">When the sword hit an explosion went off and it sent debris everywhere.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took a few seconds before the dust cleared.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Did we get him!" Akashia asked as she slowly approached the smoldering ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Kyan! NO!" Laika yelled as she and Hajdah ran towards Kyan who has fallen to his knees.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cough! Cough!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kyan was slowly turning to dust because of mana exhaustion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... Kyan." Hajdah said as he knelt down next to Kyan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry!" Laika said sadly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha... Well, I always wanted to go out a hero''s death. *COUGH!*" Kyan said as he coughs up blood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You did well old friend..." Hajdah said as tears begin to form in his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s alright... At least... you have..... lesspetition..... for who''s the.... best fire mage now....... Master Hajdah....." Kyan said as he smiles as his arms fall to his side into dust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank... old friend.... Tell me if there''s good ale in the heavens....." Hajdah said as he cries.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As his body fades away, Hajdah and Laika turn their gaze back to the battlefield where Akashia is.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?" Akashia said as she noticed the golden skull on the shield of Rudolfying on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as she came close to the shield it suddenly moved up as Rudolfes from the ground and bashes her in the face sending her flying away from him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"FUCKING MAGES!" Rudolf yelled as his armor was covered in soot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He charged after Hajdah and Laika with all his rage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hajdah! Look out! ICE WALL!" Laika yelled while casting a wall of ice to stop a charging Rudolf that was about to crash into Hajdah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The frost wall stopped Rudolf mid-step before he used his sword to cleave through it. Coming face to face with Laika and he uses his shield arm to bush her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BLASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Laika!" Hajdah yelled as he tried to summon Mana to attack Rudulf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I got to take out their fire mage before I can kill her!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf is a very skilled warrior and has many battle scars he''s had to do many things in his life to survive.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Many of the battles he faced were against other humans. Most of them were soldiers from other kingdoms and nobles which he despised. He would do anything and everything to kill his foes. And never has he been so angry in his life to be facing an enemy like a fucking mage! Using their foul magic to slow him down. If he wasn''t a Maji he would have been killed years ago.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SWING! CUT!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf was able to cut Hajdah''s staff causing him to stop his chant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Guhhhhhhh!" Hajdah yelled as he fell back to the ground. The shock of being hit by a swing that fast caused him to pass out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf finally had the dwarf dead to rights as he was about to finish off Hajdah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SWING! CLANG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Out of nowhere came a dwarf with a smithing hammer that was able to block and dented his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HAJDAH! I have him!" Zellin yelled as hees to Hajdahs aid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You dwarves are like cockroaches!" Rudolf yells.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Baron tried to hold back Rudolf but he was a politician, not a warrior and Rudolf was able to stead the Baron flying after getting smashed by his shield.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough game-WHOA!" Rudolf was grabbed from behind and thrown away from Zellin, Laika, and Hajdah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crash! Crash! Crash!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rudolf rolled around as he crashed into the ground until he came to a skidding stop.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RRRAAAHH! WHO-" Rudolf''s anger was interrupted when he saw a naked dark elf standing there. The dark elf he thought was under control with a ve cor. And she had nothing on her neck not even the cocker ne.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya!?" Zellin yelled as he looks up to see a naked woman in front of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a moment Quinus, Nieren, and a clothed Rya ran to the three.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is going on here?!" Rudolf yelled out in frustration.

 Ch.93 May your reign be long and prosperous.

    Ch.93 May your reign be long and prosperous.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus looked at Rudolf with contempt<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Rya, may I have the Kings yer head please<span ss="aiText">?" <span ss="editText">Quinus asked as he stretched out his hands<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Huh? Sure<span ss="aiText">." Rya said and handed the <span ss="editText">severed head<span ss="aiText"> over to Quinus.


    <span ss="userText">Rudolf eyes w<span ss="editText">ent wide in shock seeing his right-hand man''s head <span ss="userText">in the hands of the crown prince<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">''Impossible! He was supposed to be a kind-hearted fool! He must have freed that dark elf somehow and had her kill Jeremiah!<span ss="userText">''<span ss="aiText"> Rudolf thought to himself.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus looked at the severed head for a second before he s<span ss="editText">howed it to Rudolf who was about 15 yards away from them.


    <span ss="editText">"It''s over, Rudolf! Surrender<span ss="userText"> now and I will<span ss="aiText"> spare your <span ss="editText">men''s lives<span ss="aiText">!" Quinus yelled out.


    <span ss="editText">''Hmm. So this kid is still naive to think I would care about my men''s lives over my own. I could use this against him<span ss="userText">!'' Rudolf<span ss="aiText"> thought to himself.


    <span ss="aiText">Rudolf smiled and then <span ss="editText">stabbed his sword into the dirt before<span ss="aiText"> him.


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="editText">wish to have a trial of the champions, in one on onebat!<span ss="aiText">" Rudolf announced as he turns to face Quinus. "If you win I will <span ss="editText">my men willy down their arms and<span ss="aiText"> surrender. If I win <span ss="editText">I get the city of Ironside." Rudolf added with a grin.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? But my other golem is wiping out the rest of his forces? He''s trying to y us!'' Rya thought<span ss="aiText"> to herself.


    <span ss="editText">"Like<span ss="userText"> hell<span ss="editText">! There no way I would let you take my city!" Zellin yelled<span ss="aiText"> out as he <span ss="editText">pointed his hammer at<span ss="aiText"> Rudolf.


    <span ss="aiText">Rudolf raised his de into the air and pointed it at Zellin.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmph! That''s wh<span ss="editText">y dwarves are dishonorable<span ss="aiText">!" Rudolf spat out as he turned back to Quinus.


    <span ss="editText">"Your Highness can''t be th~"


    <span ss="editText">Quinus motioned for Zellin to calm do<span ss="aiText">wn.


    <span ss="userText">Rya walked up to Quinus to whisper.


    <span ss="userText">"Quin, he''s right. Rudolf is ying us if you do as he says." Rya<span ss="aiText"> whispered in his ear.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="userText">looked Rya <span ss="editText">in her beautiful azure eyes and cracked a smile.


    <span ss="editText">"So you do care about me." Quin joked<span ss="aiText"> with Rya.


    <span ss="editText">"Quin!"<span ss="aiText"> Rya <span ss="editText">yell<span ss="aiText">ed out in protest.


    <span ss="editText">"Haha. Sorry... Yeah I know he''s trying to y us. So, let''s y him." Quin whispered<span ss="aiText"> into her ears.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded<span ss="editText"> and whispered back, "Okay. So, what''s the n<span ss="userText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled and then answered her, "Well<span ss="editText">, the only rule to this trial is no one can help me fight him."


    <span ss="editText">Rya frowned at him before saying, " I know that, Quin. How can I help you if~"


    <span ss="editText">Quinus interrupted her, "Rya... You can do anything but fight him<span ss="userText">."


    <span ss="userText">Rya paused for a second, ''Quin, is saying that I can only heal him? Really?''


    <span ss="userText">After realizing what Quin wanted her to do. Rya''s frown<span ss="aiText"> transformed into a smile as she gave him a wink.


    <span ss="editText">"Oye! Are you saying goodbye to your whore? Or are you b<span ss="aiText">ac<span ss="editText">k<span ss="aiText">ing <span ss="editText">out like the toothless lion that the world knows<span ss="aiText"> you as!" Rudolf taunted Quin.


    <span ss="editText">''This motherfucker! Oh, I can wait to see the look on his face when Quin kills him!''<span ss="aiText"> Rya thought as she started mussing <span ss="editText">Quin''<span ss="aiText">s hair.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I''m just giving him some luck! You prick!<span ss="aiText">" Rya said with a wink.


    <span ss="aiText">Rudolf <span ss="editText">looked annoyed<span ss="aiText"> and crossed his arms over his chest as he red at Quin<span ss="editText">us<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Fucking dark elves are nothing but whores" Rudolf said under his breath but Rya and Nieren heard him.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus smiled, "Thank you Rya. Now, it''s time to get serious."


    <span ss="editText">Zellin was pacing around the area worrying about this fight. Laika was able to help Hajdah up after regaining<span ss="aiText"> consciousness.


    <span ss="editText">"So, the Toothless Lion is going to expect my challenge!?<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">Or will you hide behind that long ea-" Rudolf yelled out before Quinus interrupted him.


    <span ss="editText">"Sheath your tongue! I ept, Rudolf! And it will be an honor to put your head on a pike with the Kings yer''s right next to yours<span ss="aiText">." Quinus said as he he<span ss="editText">l<span ss="aiText">d <span ss="editText">up Jeremiah''s severed head for Rudolf to see.


    <span ss="editText">"Tch! Were you the one to kill him!? I think not!" Rudolf yelled.


    <span ss="editText">''You may have hidden Jeremiah''s ability from my father''s spies but we know all about you, Rudolf!'' Quin thought as he threw the severed head at Rudolf.


    <span ss="editText">"YOU BRAT<span ss="aiText">!" Rudolf yelled<span ss="editText">as he blocked the head with his shield.


    <span ss="editText">"I''ve heard worse insults... And I''ll say this one if you keep speaking ill of Lady Rya. I''ll have to make your death as painful as possible." Quin said with anger as he pointed his sword towards Rudolf.


    <span ss="editText">Rya blushed when she heard Quin defending her and Rudolf was taken aback<span ss="aiText"> by his statement<span ss="editText">, ''Just the words of a worthless royal<span ss="aiText">. Just focus on <span ss="editText">killing him!'' Rudolf thought as he took another step forward<span ss="editText">, readying his sword and shield.


    <span ss="editText">They stood there<span ss="userText"> in position<span ss="aiText"> waiting for <span ss="editText">one of them to make the first move.


    <span ss="userText">The wind blows across the battlefield<span ss="aiText"> as the sun shines brightly overhead, illuminating the area for everyone to see.


    <span ss="editText">Quin''s golden eyes are glowing from the mana inside his body<span ss="aiText">. His hair is fluttering in the wind as his ck armor <span ss="editText">with gold trim <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">glistens in the sunlight.


    <span ss="aiText">Rudolf''s eyes glow bright red as his armor shimmers with light.


    <span ss="editText">''Is this kid going to stare at me all day or<span ss="aiText"> what?'' Rudolf thought as he prepared to strike.


    <span ss="editText">Rudolf<span ss="aiText"> stepped in first with his shield raised and swung down with his sword.


    <span ss="editText">*SWING! CLANG! THUMP!*


    <span ss="editText">Quinus block<span ss="aiText">ed the attack using his s<span ss="editText">wor<span ss="aiText">d and then kicked <span ss="editText">Rudolf<span ss="aiText">''s leg out from under him, sending him flying backwards onto the ground.


    <span ss="userText">"FUCK!"<span ss="aiText"> Rudolf yelled as he rolled back to his feet.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus sighed, "What''s wrong? You''re supposed to be the best <span ss="editText">mercenary<span ss="aiText"> in the world but you <span ss="editText">are having trouble with the toothless lion?"


    <span ss="editText">"Cocky<span ss="aiText"> little shit!" Rudolf growled out as he charged Quin<span ss="editText">us<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">As they both approached each other, Rudolf swung hisrge sword with all his might.


    <span ss="aiText">*CRASH! THUD!<span ss="userText"> CLANG!*


    <span ss="userText">Sparks went flying<span ss="aiText"> as Quin deflected the attack with his de.<span ss="editText"> He was doing it with grace and skill.


    <span ss="editText">"I''m just getting warmed up<span ss="aiText">!" Rudolf snarled out as he brought his shield around to block Quin''s next attack.


    <span ss="aiText">"Heh! This ain''t nothing!" Rudolf growled out as he brought his shield around again.


    <span ss="aiText">Quin blocked the hit and sent a powerful swing towards Rudolf''s chest<span ss="editText">. He was able to parry Quin''s attack with his sword bringing them inches away fro<span ss="aiText">m <span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText">ac<span ss="editText">h other''s noses.


    <span ss="editText">''Come on Rudolf! You were wise to hide Jeremiah''s ability from my father''s spies but we know you like to use poison. Or will I break through that barrier with my Razor Ray ability?<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">Quin thought as he had a close-up look at Rudolf''s eyes.


    <span ss="editText">"Tch! So, you think you are something special, huh?<span ss="aiText"> Well, let me <span ss="editText">show you how you''re nothing at all!<span ss="aiText">" Rudolf said as he swung his sword into the ground.


    <span ss="aiText">Then he stomped on it and a massive spike shot up from the ground.


    <span ss="editText">Quin''s channeled his mana through the sword de causing it to glow white<span ss="aiText"> hot.


    <span ss="editText">*ZZSINGZZ!*<span ss="aiText"> The de became engulfed in mes as it mmed into the ming spike, <span ss="editText">slicing it in half<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">The heat was intense enough to burn Rudolf''s skin<span ss="editText"> if he didn''t cast his barrier.


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn, you are strong! But you still have another thinging!" Rudolf growled out as he <span ss="editText">kept the barrier up.


    <span ss="editText">"Got you!" <span ss="userText">Quinus yelled as he sliced his mana-infused sword into the barrier.<span ss="aiText"> There was a loud *THWACK!* as Quin''s de hit the barrier.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">Gah! <span ss="editText">He has this amount of mana!?'' Rudolf panicked as he saw his barrier failing to hold back Quin''s attack. ''The only people that have destroyed my barrier before had a bigger mana vein! Fuck! I shouldn''t have believed what that Duke told me about this<span ss="aiText"> kid!''


    <span ss="editText">*Crack! CRACK! CRASH!*


    <span ss="editText">*CLUNG!*


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Quin''s sword pushed through the barrier and cut deep into Rudolf''s <span ss="editText">shield stopping five inches away from his arm.


    <span ss="editText">"Fuck!" Rudolf screamed as he saw the sword de stuck in<span ss="aiText"> his shield.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Tim<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">o <span ss="editText">end this," Quinus<span ss="aiText"> said with confidence in his voice.


    <span ss="aiText">Rudolf looked over to see Quin holding onto the handle of his sword.


    <span ss="editText">''Shit! He''s going to cut my sword in half if I try to take a swing at him!''


    <span ss="editText">"You are a skilled swordsman but not a match for me, Quinus!" Rudolf yelled as he dropped his sword so he could grab a vial of green liquid hidden in his left gauntlet on his shield hand. And once he gets it<span ss="userText"> and breaks it on his shield causing a cloud of green smoke to<span ss="aiText"> form around <span ss="editText">them.


    <span ss="editText">Quin''s vision<span ss="aiText"> was blurry as he got hit with the smoke. Then Rudolf tried to charge towards Quin with his sword drawn.


    <span ss="aiText">But the smoke cleared as Quin was able to see again. His head snapped around to see Rudolf charging towards him.


    <span ss="aiText">But before he could attack Quin moved out of the way just in time to avoid a direct hit from Rudolf''s sword.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Haha! I wonder how long you''llst before the poison gets<span ss="aiText"> you,<span ss="editText">boy!<span ss="aiText">" Rudolf asked as he spun his shield to <span ss="editText">deflect a quick strike from<span ss="aiText"> Quin.


    <span ss="aiText">"I doubt it will be long," Quin said with confidence in his voice.


    <span ss="aiText">Quin moved backwards away from him. <span ss="editText">Hisplexion wasn''t looking too good as the ski<span ss="aiText">n <span ss="editText">u<span ss="aiText">nd<span ss="editText">er his eyes<span ss="aiText"> were turning purple and his <span ss="editText">veins<span ss="aiText"> were bulging out of his arms.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yeah, I''m immune to that poison kid. So, w<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">hy don''t we end this now?" Rudolf asked as he <span ss="editText">readied his sword.


    <span ss="editText">"No! The prince is poison!" Zellin panicked as he felt that he should do something to save the prince and his city.


    <span ss="editText">"All is lost," Liaka whispered<span ss="aiText"> as she felt the same thing.


    <span ss="editText">Hajdah was speechless<span ss="aiText"> as he heard that no one <span ss="editText">knew what poison Rudolf uses.


    <span ss="editText">But Rya knew this was her time toe in and shatter Rudolf''s<span ss="userText"> ego and spirit once she heals Quin from the<span ss="aiText"> poison.


    <span ss="aiText">Rudolf started swinging his sword wildly towards Quin.


    <span ss="aiText">"Come at me if you dare!" Rudolf taunted as he swung his sword again.


    <span ss="aiText">Quin then moved <span ss="editText">closer to Rya as best as he could<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh? You''re going to <span ss="editText">say goodbye to your whore<span ss="aiText">? How noble of you," Rudolf mocked as he waited for Quin to get close enough to him.


    <span ss="editText">Rya ran up to Quin''s side<span ss="aiText"> and knelt down next to him. "<span ss="editText">Jeez, Quin... I have no idea what you did before I found you. How will you ever survive?" she said as she put her hands on his forehead.


    <span ss="editText">"Haha... *Cough!* Rya. I can''t live without you. I need you in my life<span ss="aiText">. That''s all<span ss="editText">...<span ss="aiText">" Quin <span ss="editText">said with a smirk as Rya''s magic started to heal him<span ss="aiText"> from the poison.


    <span ss="editText">''W-Why is he saying that<span ss="aiText">?'' <span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText"> thought as <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he couldn''t help but feel <span ss="editText">her heart race when Quin looked at her with those kind golden eyes of his. ''What does he mean by living without me.''


    <span ss="editText">Rudolf on the other hand saw Quin''splexion<span ss="aiText"> slowly change back to normal.


    <span ss="editText">It was then that he was struck with the realization that the dark elf was a healer. And thest time anyone saw a h<span ss="editText">ealer was over five hundred years ago. When a orc how a beast-kin healer he captured and when on a campaign to take over three continents before someone killed his healer.


    <span ss="editText">''I-I had a healer under my control all this time?'' Rudolf thought as his heart sink into<span ss="aiText"> despair.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I could have taken over Agon. I could have taken over most of the world..<span ss="aiText">." Rudolf muttered to himself as he started to panic.


    <span ss="editText">Zellin, Hajdah, Laika, Hieren, and the soldiers watching the fight couldn''t believe their eyes as they saw a healer for the first time in their lives.


    <span ss="aiText">Quin was feeling much better as he s<span ss="editText">tood up<span ss="aiText"> and stared into Rya''s eyes. "Thank you, Rya.<span ss="userText"> I promise I won''t take long."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">T-<span ss="aiText">That''s not a problem," Rya said as she felt her heart race even faster when Quin looked at her like that.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm? What''s the problem, Rudolf? You look like you''ve seen a ghost," Quinus says with a sarcastic tone<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">''No! I can still kill him! I just need to al<span ss="editText">ter the deal!''


    <span ss="editText">"I wish to alter the deal! Instead of Ironside, I want~" Rudolf couldn''t finish his sentence before Quin''s golden eyes glowed brightly as it looked like his vanished, but in reality, Quinus was moving so fast<span ss="aiText"> that no one could see him move<span ss="editText"> towards Rudolf.


    <span ss="editText">*ZZSINGZZSINGZZSINGZZ!*


    <span ss="editText">"GAH!" Rudolf''s arms were cleaved off<span ss="aiText"> at the wrist and his <span ss="editText">stomach had a sword impaled<span ss="aiText"> through it.


    <span ss="editText">''How did anyone think this k<span ss="aiText">id <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">as <span ss="editText">a weakening? Duke <span ss="userText">ric Revelia, you need to pray to the goddess<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="userText">of bnce for forgiveness!'' Rudolf thought as he looked at Quin''s face.


    <span ss="userText">A face that look neutral with a bit of annoyance<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">as he looked at him. There was no joy in seeing his enemy defeated before him.


    <span ss="userText">*Cough! Cough!*


    <span ss="userText">"Haha-gah! Ohh! Ah! So, this is how my story ends?<span ss="aiText">" Rudolf thought as he realized that he was going<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to die.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus frowned at him as he<span ss="editText"> continued, "*Cough!* Aahh... Killed by the next emperor of Agon... May your<span ss="editText"> re<span ss="editText">ign<span ss="userText"> be long<span ss="aiText"> and prosperous."


    <span ss="aiText">Quin didn''t know what to say to this man who he considered a coward.


    <span ss="userText">*SWING!*


    <span ss="userText">*THUD!*


    <span ss="userText">Quinus pulled his sword out of Rudolf''s stomach while making a sweeping motion to behead<span ss="aiText"> him.


    <span ss="editText">After Rudolf''s <span ss="userText">head<span ss="aiText"> hit the ground, Quinus <span ss="editText">quickly channeled his mana through his sword and swung it onest time as he set Rudolf''s body aze<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Zellin and the other dwarves cheered upon seeing the leader of the ck Rose Mercenary''s group was defeated. In the end, around 250 soldiers of the Ironside army were still alive and 12 mercenaries were captured by the dwarves.


    <span ss="editText">Hajdah and Liaka<span ss="aiText"> were very happy that they didn''t have to fight anymore.


    <span ss="aiText">Zellin and the other dwarves bowed their heads to Rya <span ss="editText">and Quinus <span ss="aiText">as they thanked <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">m<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"We''ll take care of the rest," Zellin said as he turned to the other dwarves.


    <span ss="editText">As the mes engulfed Rudolf, Quinus took a deep breath and sighed, "Ahh... Why do these assholes think I want to rule the world?"


    <span ss="editText">Quin turned around to find Rya looking at him with blushed cheeks.


    <span ss="editText">"I just want to live a peaceful life with Rya." He whispered to himself as he looked down at the smoldering body on the ground.


    <span ss="editText">''Quin... God, I wish we could have a peaceful life. But I got a feeling that nothing will ever be easy in this world.''


    <span ss="editText">"Heh..." Quin chuckled at himself as he turned around to see Rya looking up at him. She blushed deeper as she looked away from him and gulped. ''Come on! Why am I acting all shy with him? T-This isn''t me!''


    <span ss="editText">Rya kept her hands behind her back as she watched him walk up to her, "I''m sorry for everything thing, Quin. I-If I didn''t get enved none of this would have happened."


    <span ss="editText">Quin looked at her and smiled, "It''s alright. We would have needed to deal with them sooner orter, since they were in league with my uncle."


    <span ss="editText">''Hmm? I guess Quin''s right. But, I killed some of the Ironsiders<span ss="aiText">. That makes me feel <span ss="editText">shitty<span ss="aiText"> about myself,'' Rya thought as she walked up to Quin.


    <span ss="aiText">Quin smiled at her as he ced his hand on her he<span ss="editText">ad<span ss="aiText"> gently. It sent shivers down her spine as she gasped and grabbed onto his arm.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry, Rya. <span ss="editText">If you like you could probably heal a lot of the wounded." Quin said as he gave her a reassuring smile.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh! Oh course! God, I feel like I''m oblivious when I''m around Quin. Anyway least get to saving some lives!<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded and looked at the <span ss="editText">three mages that were knocked out by Rudolf.


    <span ss="editText">"Okay, but you watch my back<span ss="aiText">!"<span ss="editText"> Rya smiled and walked up to one of the mages.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren walked up to Quinus, "Prince Quinus, I can watch over her if you like<span ss="userText">?"


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm? No. Thanks for the offer though.<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText"> Quin smiled and shook his head.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren nodded, "<span ss="editText">Are you sure? If I watch her surroundings then you could watch her, watch her.  If you catch my drift<span ss="aiText">, Prince Quinus," Nieren said before leaving to go check on the injured.


    <span ss="userText">"On second thought<span ss="aiText">, <span ss="editText">having two sets of eyes is better than one," Quin smiled as he approached Rya as she healed up <span ss="userText">Akashia.


    <span ss="userText">"Nah? Huh? HAJDAH! HIS STILL~" Akashia snapped awake <span ss="editText">whil<span ss="userText">e Hajdah and Liaka<span ss="aiText"> c<span ss="editText">almed her down.


    <span ss="editText">"It''s okay Akashia. The prince finished him. The battle has been won," Hajdah<span ss="aiText"> said as she rubbed Akashia''s back.


    <span ss="aiText">Akashia sighed and looked up at Quinus. "Thank goodness... I was worried for a moment there... I almost died because <span ss="editText">of his surprise attack."


    <span ss="editText">"U-Uh, it''s okay." Rya giggled nervously as she saw the shocked expression on Akashia''s face.


    <span ss="editText">"You''re the Dark Elf?!<span ss="aiText"> How?!" Akashia gasped as her mouth hung open.


    <span ss="aiText">Lilith walked up to Akashia, "<span ss="editText">She''s a healer, Akashia. We''ll exin itter.<span ss="aiText"> Right now we need to rest and recover."


    <span ss="aiText">Laika looked up at Quinus, "Your Highness! I''ve never seen someone move so fast!"


    <span ss="aiText">Quin smiled, "<span ss="editText">Yeah, that attack takes a lot out of me. It''s more of a one-and-done move<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">Nieren chimed in<span ss="aiText">, "Wait! You can use your magic this way too?!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh yeah. That''s what I call the ''Lightning Bolt<span ss="editText"> Style''<span ss="aiText"> which is <span ss="editText">ast resort move for me<span ss="aiText">." Quin said as he tapped his head.


    <span ss="editText">"Well someone is gloating?" Rya joked as she moved to the next person to heal<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren chuckled, "I guess not."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hey,<span ss="editText"> Rya. Just make sure you don''t<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">exhaus<span ss="aiText">t yourself doing that," Quin warned her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahaha, right? Gotta save up my energy for the future! Don''t worry about me though. I''m fine," Rya replied with a grin<span ss="editText"> and a wink.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">This went on for a few hours until Rya healed up to<span ss="userText"> around 300 men bringing the Ironside army to 550 men<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">They were still missing around 150 men that weren''t able to be saved due to <span ss="editText">being killed during the battle.

 Ch.94 Hunting down a coward.

    Ch.94 Hunting down a coward.


    Zellin orders his men to prepare a burial for the fallen soldiers.


    It was Dwarven tradition to bury their dead with a stein of ale and some meat roasted on a spit.


    The dwarves did this to honor those who they lost.


    "We honor the fallen for Fiafyr!" Zellin said as he took a deep drink from his stein and handed it to Quinus. "To our fallenrades, we shall see you again. In the next life."


    ''God, so many people died to save me.'' Rya thought to herself.


    She then looked over to Zellin and saw that his eyes filled with grief. He seemed to be holding back tears, but his face was etched with sadness.


    He then gave a small cough and wiped away the tears that had begun to form in his eyes.


    "To honor our fallenrades, may the goddess bless your souls and wee you home."


    Hajdah, Laika, and the surviving mages stood atop the hill overlooking the army below.


    "Laika, when things settle down I will need you to train Lady Rya water magic."


    She nodded in agreement. "She is already so formidable? I''ve never seen someone cast a spell like that before! The power behind it is beyond anything I have ever experienced. It felt as though the whole mountain shook when she unleashed her earth magic! She should be the strongest mage in all of Fiafyr!"


    Hajdah smiled. "Yes, yes she is. Those earth golems were something else. I''ve never seen a earth mage make identical golems twice, let alone four at once! That was quite impressive."


    "If she was this strong, why did we almost attack her when she came to Ironside?" Suhail said with a raised brow as he recalled the first time they met Rya.


    Hajdah, Laika, Akashia, and Dreshan all cringed at his words.


    "That was a mistake," Hajdah said. "I was out of line too. I was also blinded by the fact that she is a dark elf and I''m sorry for involving us in such a matter."


    Akashia nodded in agreement. "I have no excuses either. I was just as foolish. We will not make that mistake again, Suhail."


    "Yeah, we shouldn''t judge races on sight. We should observe them if we aren''t sure," Dreshan added. "We were lucky she is a good person deep down inside and deserves to be treated with respect."


    "Aye... That be true... Well, we should give Kyan a proper burial after his sacrifice."


    They agreed and began to walk back down the hill to attend his funeral.


    ***


    After everyone was done mourning, Zellin ordered his men to begin digging graves for all the fallen soldiers.


    Rya wanted to help but the dwarves told her it was their rite of passage and tradition which they would do themselves.


    "Rya? Are you okay?" Nieren asked as she noticed Rya was looking off into the distance.


    ''I know we were going to fight these mercenaries sooner orter. But did I make things worse? Fuck! Why did I let my guard down?'' Rya thought to herself.


    "Uh�� Yeah, I''m fine��"


    She looked up and saw that the sun had started setting in the west.


    "Lady Rya, it wasn''t your fault." Sir George said when he saw the look of guilt on her face. "You shouldn''t need to fear being enved. No one should fathom the idea of being enved. I know that these words seem hollow, but that guilt you feel now is not yours to bear and we''re here to help you. You have our word that we are here for you, mydy."


    Rya gave him a weak smile. "Thank you, Sir George.


    Nieren couldn''t help herself as she walked over to Rya and hugged her tightly.


    "It''s okay, Rya. I know how you feel. Just let it go." Nieren whispered in her ear as she held onto Rya''s body.


    Rya looked down at the ground and felt guilty about what happened to the men of Ironside that gave their lives for her.


    "I have to earn this freedom. I don''t know how yet, but I will," Rya said in defeat.


    At this point, Quinus came back over to Rya after finishing his task for the burials.


    "What happened?" he asked when he saw her walking back towards them.


    "She has some guilt, my Lord," Sir George answered.


    Quin looked at her with concern. "Are you alright, Rya? We can talk if you want."


    Rya looked up at him. Upon seeing those golden eyes of his calmed her.


    "C-Can you pat my head too?" Rya asked timidly.


    He obliged and patted her head gently.


    ''Mmmmh... Quin has been there for me ever since I met him... He soothes my heart... He cares about me... Like I''m his girlfriend... Augh...  W-Why doesn''t this bother me? Is it because I''m attracted to him?!'' Rya thought to herself.


    Quin reached out and took her hand in his own. "We''ll get you through this, Rya. I promise. Now let''s get ready to head back to Ironside."


    Then it urred to her, "Where''s Dalia and Percy? They were with me after I woke up? But I lost them once we went after Rudolf."


    Nieren spoke up, "Oh. I think I saw them run towards the woonds... I don''t know why they did that though..."


    "Hmm. They must be after someone. Sir George. Lady Nieren if they aren''t back by dusk. I want you two to find them. I can handle myself, but it would be best if we all stick together. Understood?" Quin asked both of them.


    Both nodded, then followed him. They waited for the burials to be finished.


    ***


    Deep in the woods, a man was running through the dense forest as fast as he could.


    ''Damn! If only I got my hands on that ver tool, I wouldn''t be running for my life!'' the man cursed as he continued to run while sweating profusely.


    After a few minutes, the man made it to a clearing where he hid behind a tree.


    It was Dietrich, one of thest ck Rose Mercenaries. Although he would have been killed for his betrayal if they caught him, he knew the chances of that happening were high if he didn''t make a run for it.


    They didn''t know where he was, so he decided to hide there instead until he could catch his breath.


    He checked his equipment to make sure everything was still intact.


    ''Okay, if I head south from here. I should be able to get to the Kingdom of the Divine Three. I should be able to start a new life there.'' Dietrich thought to himself.


    ''Fuck! Why do healers have to be killed so often? I could have had her! Damn, the fates!'' Dietrich cursed silently to himself.


    ''I''m not giving up yet though. I''ll-''


    *SNAP!*


    Dietrich heard something step on a twig.


    "Who''s there?!" Dietrich called out as he readied his war hammer while looking in the direction of the sound.


    It was a darker part of the forest, which meant it was probably a monster tracking him.


    ''What could it be? I doubt it''s a goblin, we wiped them out. Slimes are umon in these parts. Is it migration season for direr wolves? Shit! It might be a ware bear! That''s thest thing I need right now,'' Dietrich thought to himself nervously.


    *SNAP!*


    Another twig snapped behind him and Dietrich immediately jumped to the side.


    "Who''s there?! Show yourself, you piece of crap!" Dietrich said as he growled.


    There was nothing but stillness in the woods. An unnerving amount of silence filled the air, causing Dietrich to turn around. He saw nothing there. His eyes scanned the area for anything suspicious.


    ''If it was a monster, it should have appeared by now,'' Dietrich thought to himself.


    Dietrich began to sweat as his heart raced in his chest.


    Suddenly, a cold breeze blew through the trees.


    *SNAP!*


    A twig broke underfoot. Dietrich reflexively turned around and drew his hammer.


    He had no idea what was going on, but he knew he couldn''t just sit there and wait to be attacked.


    "Fuck it! I''m running!" Dietrich yelled out as he ran towards the brighter part of the forest.


    He looked back once to see the shadows moving across the ground.


    He started to hear the sound of footsteps behind him. Dietrich kept running, his heart pounding in his ears.


    Then suddenly, he heard a growling from his right side.


    Dietrich froze in ce and looked to see a shadowy figure that had wolf ears and green glowing eyes.


    The shadow had stepped onto a fallen log. The next thing Dietrich knew, the shadow leapt forward with ws aimed straight at his face.


    "SHIT!"


    *CLING! CLANG! CLING!*


    It was Dalia the wolf-kin that attacked Dietrich.


    "Trying to run from me, human? Ha! You won''t get far," Dalia chuckled as she swung her wed hand down towards Dietrich''s head.


    Dietrich quickly dodged to his left. He then raised his hammer in front of him to defend against the oing blow.


    "This fucking mutt! Get off of me, you damned beast!" Dietrich eximed as he readied himself to strike Dalia.


    "DEEP IMPACT!"


    Dietrich''s hand moved faster than the eye could follow as he brought his hammer down on the ground to create arge rocks to jet out in front of him.


    Dalia was able to dodge the rock before it hit her. However, the force of the impact caused her to stumble backwards.


    She quickly got up and tried to attack again. "If that''s all you got, human, then prepare to die!"


    "Like I would ever be taken down by a fucking mutt like you!" Dietrich replied as he swung his hammer downwards to send a barrage of rocks flying at Da.


    Da narrowly dodged the first few rocks as she jumped around from tree to tree.


    "What the fuck?!" Dietrich shouted out as he realized he wasn''t dealing enough damage to her.


    "You''re not taking me down that easily!" Daliaughed as she continued dodging the rocks.


    ''She thinks she can make a fool out of me!? She thinks��''


    *STEP! STEP!*


    *SWING! PIERCE!*


    "GAH!" Dietrich looked down to see a sword de sticking out of his chest.


    "So, we finally got you, merc," said Percy as he nked Dietrich.


    Dietrich looked up to see Percy standing behind him with his sword in his hand.


    "Y-You?" Dietrich said in disbelief as he looked at the de that was sticking out of his chest.


    Dalia was wagging her tail as she walked up to Dietrich while Percy continued, "Remember what we said to you in the Tomb of the Horde?"


    Dietrich recalled thest words the kid said to him. ''I''ll personallye for you!''


    *Cough!* *cough.*


    "Pl-ease, I''m sorr-y for w-hat I did. I don''t wa-nt to die!" Dietrich apologized as he hoped the kid would let him go.


    "Tch! Not so tough once you have a de pierced through your body. It was unlucky that I missed your heart." Percy said with a straight face. "Personally, I would have killed you quickly.  But you had to insult my girlfriend, my mate, again and again. So, I''ll let her decide what to do with you!"


    Percy pulled out his short sword from Dietrich''s back.


    Dietrich gasped in pain and tried to pick up his hammer. However, his hands were too weak now.


    Dalia couldn''t help but be excited about her mate defending her honor and giving her the kill.


    ''Hehe! Gamma''s words make me hot and bothered! Mmmh! I got to control myself!'' Dalia thought as she channeled mana into her ws.


    Dietrich looked up to see Dalia staring daggers at him.


    "Gahh! Please, I be��" Dietrich yelled out as he held his stomach in pain.


    *SWING! TEAR! TEAR! TEAR! SWING! RIP!*


    Dalia showed no mercy as she sliced and diced Dietrich into pieces.


    ''NO! I CAN''T DIE LIKE THI��'' Dietrich''s thoughts stopped as blood sttered on the ground dying it red.


    Percy looked at Dietrich''s corpse with disgust.


    ''Why are there so few decent people  in this worl�� WHOA!'' Percy''s thoughts were interrupted when Dalia jumped on him and squished his face in between her breasts.


    "Ugh! Dalia? W-What are you doing?!" Percy said as Dalia hugged him.


    Dalia giggled as she kissed Percy''s lips.


    "You protect my honor! So you''re mine now! My wolf!" Dalia said as she licked the back of Percy''s neck.


    "H-Hey. That tickles!" Percy asked as Dalia kept licking his neck.


    "Awe! Is Gamma getting shy? It makes me want to tease you."


    "D-Dalia! I''m not shy! It''s-It''s just I don''t want this merc''s spirit to see a amazing woman. He does not deserve to witness such beauty." Percy said as he tried to calm Dalia down.


    "Hehe! Awe! You''re too cute Gamma." Dalia said as she squeezed Percy''s cheeks and gave him a kiss.


    "Cute? I thought I was handsome. Oh, right. I am handsome." Percy said with a wink and a smile.


    Dalia blushed bright red andughed happily.


    "Alright, I''ll admit it. You''re handsome my little wolf. So, handsome that I am going to make it my mission to get pregnant with your children during this mating season." Dalia said as she stepped off of Percy and started walking.


    Percy stood up, dusted himself off, and followed Dalia. "Thank yo�� Wait! You want my children? This soon?"


    Dalia turned around and gave Percy a seductive look.


    "Hehe! It''s because you are so loyal and honorable. I want to have a family that will grow up knowing the value of hard work and honor. I would like you to teach our children just how good they can be in life. Plus, I love the idea of having another body to cuddle with."


    Percy swallowed his throat after hearing thatst part.


    "A-Ah! I mean, um... I love you, Dalia," Percy said as he hurried behind Dalia.


    Dalia loved hearing that from Percy. He made her feel warm and safe. Things she never felt before during her life. Feelings that were my be foreign to her, but she embrace them with open arms. She couldn''t wait to show her mate just how much she loved him.


    ''I wonder how many beds we''ll be breaking tonight?'' Dalia thought as she looked at Percy.


    "Shall we meet back up with Alpha and Beta?" she asked as she looked over her shoulder.


    "Yeah, I''m sure Lady Rya and the prince are waiting for us," Percy said as he put one hand on Dalia''s hip.


    It took them an hour beforeing out of the forest near the ins where the battle was. Noticing the human-dwarf army bearing the dead.


    "Wow! Did Lady Rya heal all the wounded? It looks like a one-way massacre than a battle. I mean I looked like the mercenaries were about to win before Lady was freed?" Percy said as he saw the bodies of the in mercenaries.


    "She did. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be friends with a powerful dark elf. But here I am." Dalia said as she smiled brightly at Percy.


    They walked to where they saw the others standing together talking. Percy noticed that the prince was looking their way.

 Ch.95 Girl talk

    Ch.95 Girl talk


    "Percy, Lady Dalia. Good to see you both." Prince Quinus said as he nodded his head.


    "Sorry, it took us so long to return, my Lord," Percy said, bowing his head respectfully to the prince.


    Quinus shook his head, "No need to apologize. I have confidence there was justification for you two to go and run off on your own."


    "Yes, Beta. There was. I caught the scent of the one that betrayed you and Alpha back in the Tomb of the Horde," Dalia said as she bowed her head to the prince.


    "Oh? Is this so? I''m assuming that he wasn''t on the battlefield," Prince Quinus said as he narrowed his gaze at the woods in the distance.


    Percy nodded, "Yes. He was hiding in the woods close by. We had to move quickly before he disappeared again."


    Quinus smiled as he looked at the two of them. "Lady Dalia. Percy. You two have be quite a formidable team. Thank you. And Lady Dalia, I would like to make you an official member of the Royal Guard. If you''re interested that is?"


    Dalia looked up at Percy. Then back at the prince. "Will I have to be away from Alpha?"


    "No. It will give you more authority within the kingdom. I want you to be Rya''s personal retainer," Quinus said with a smile.


    Dalia nodded her head, "But I already have a life debt to Alpha. Why go through all that trouble?"


    "Because I don''t wish for some noble or knight to push you around because they use their statue on you. When ites to life in the capital, it''s not who is the strongest warrior. It''s about the court of nobles, positioning themselves to curry favor with the King. And if you''re a Royal Guard you only have to answer to me and Rya. I need someone I can trust to be by her side. And you are that person," Quinus said as he smiled at Dalia.


    Dalia blushed, ''Beta, is really good with his words. Alpha, needs to fully im him.''


    "I''m honored, Beta. I''ll be a Royal Guard," Dalia said as she bowed her head once more to the prince.


    Sir George and Percy smiled once they heard Dalia ept the offer.


    "So, we finally have a new member added to our merry band. d to hear, Lady Dalia," Sir George said as he gave a slight bow.


    "How many are in the Royal Guard?" Dalia asked as she looked at Percy.


    "A little over 100," Percy replied as he thought about it for a moment. "Maybe 150."


    "That seems like too many. I guess there are some important people here then," Dalia said as she smiled at Percy.


    "Well, we are the Prince''s personal Guard. And there are only five of us. We lost a few when we went after thebyrinth," Percy said.


    Rya was surprised that Dalia became her personal retainer. She wasn''t used to having this type of authority ced on her.


    ''So, now Dalia is my bodyguard? I mean it''s ttering and all, but I don''t want to put her in danger.''


    Dalia noticed Rya''s difort. She turned towards the dark elf and spoke softly, "Is something wrong, Alpha?"


    Rya sighed as she shook her head, "I just have a lot on my mind... Thanks, Dalia," Rya said.


    Nieren chimed in, "Rya has been feeling guilty about how many men died. Because of being enved by the ck Roses."


    Dalia looked confused, "Alpha,e with me. We need some girl talk."


    ''Huh? G-Girl time? But Dalia knows I was a man. I''m not sure if I know what to do.''


    "Oh, can Ie too?" Nieren asked with a smile.


    "You want to tag along, Woody? Okay, why not! Hey! We''ll be back in a few!" Dalia said as she grabbed Rya''s hand and dragged her away from Quinus and the other men.


    "D-Dalia! You don''t have to pull me so hard!" Ryained while being led away.


    Quinus startedughing, "I hope Lady Dalia can help Rya. I feel helpless right now."


    "What do you mean, my Lord? We''ve said everything the needs to Lady Rya. It''s post-battle jitters. It will pass." Sir George replied.


    Quinus nced at Sir George before watching the girls walk off.


    ''No George. She''s an earthling like me. We are not used to having people die for our mistakes. Fuck! I wish I knew what to do... I just need to let her have her space. Be patient, Quin. She''s safe and that is what matters.''


    ***


    After being led away by Dalia, Rya was taken to an unupied tent that was set up by the Ironside Army.


    Nieren followed close behind Dalia.


    "Okay, we''re along now. So, what''s bothering you, Alpha?"


    Rya sighed as she sat down on the floor of the tent.


    "It''s hard to exin..." Rya said.


    "Don''t worry about exining anything right now. Just take your time and tell us what''s going on inside that pretty head." Dalia said as she sat next to her friend.


    Rya closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again.


    ''God, Dalia is persistent. But she is one person I trust not to judge me. Hopefully, Nieren is simr.'' Rya thought before she decided to talk.


    "I-I can''t stop reying the events of my envement. I can''t stop myself from ying the what-if game. If I didn''t go to the brothel then I wouldn''t have gotten over a hundred men killed... It-It''s my fault and I wish I could fix it. Even though I know I can''t." Rya said with tears rolling down her face.


    ''God, I need to get my emotions in check. How can I turn this around?''


    "Hmm. I think you''re looking at this all wrong, Alpha." Dalia said as she put her arm around Rya''s shoulder.


    "Huh? How should I be looking at it?" Rya asked confused by Dalia''s statement.


    Dalia nodded her head as she spoke, "Alpha... What happened after you got enved?"


    "Um... Quin and all of you came to rescue me." Rya responded with a confused look on her face.


    Dalia smiled, "Not only that but Beta raised an army to save you within hours. Humans and dwarves came to rescue an enved dark elf. I''ve never heard of anything like that before."


    Nieren became dumbfounded by the wolf-kin''s logic. "S-She is right! It''s like a fairy tale! Other races don''te to the aid of other races and the world sees dark elves as evil. But you have a human that''s a crown princeing to free you from your ve cor? My people would say I''m insane if I ever dreamed of such a story." Nieren paused for a moment as she realized how crazy it sounded.


    Rya sat there taking in what Dalia and Nieren were saying. ''Huh? I know I''ve been on Tertius for almost three weeks. But I''ve never seen or heard about halfbreeds. Does this world''s races not like to intermingle?'' Rya thought to herself as she looked back at her friends. "You guys really think so?"


    The two girls nodded their heads together. "Alpha, I would have never trusted humans or elves if it wasn''t for you. And if I had a male raise an army to save me. I would give him so many life debts that he would be stuck with me even in the afterlife." Dalia said with a warm smile.


    Nieren tilted her head slightly, "I can''t argue with the wolf. Because I never would have trusted a beast-kin before or saved a dark elf. And for a human male. His Highness is surprisingly attractive... Hey, why did you go to a brothel in the first ce?"


    Rya panicked, ''Crap! What do I say?''


    "I-I... Um..." Rya was struggling to find the words she needed. Until Dalia came in to assist her.


    "Woody, how good are you at keeping secrets?" Dalia asked as the wolf-kin turned to the wood elf and gave her a serious look.


    "I-I''m very good at keeping secrets. Honest!" Nieren reyed with a nervous tone.


    Dalia raised an eyebrow as if she doesn''t believe her.


    Rya was sitting there waiting to see what Nieren was going to say.


    ''Damn. When did Dalia be so quick-witted? I''m d she''s my friend.'' Rya thought as she tried to think of a n.


    "Okay. I can tell you two secrets about me. Will that work? And please try not to repeat them anywhere else." Nieren pleaded to Dalia and Rya.


    Dalia smiled, "Sure! But don''t expect me to keep a secret forever."


    "O-Okay... Well, my mother and I are thest surviving Royalty of the Wood Elven dynasty on the Agon continent. And almost all my people have been murdered or enved by the Kingdom of Marn. And Ick the strength to save them." Nieren exined nervously.


    ''Nieren? God, now I feel like a asshole. I should help her at some-'' Rya''s thoughts were interrupted when she noticed Dalia smirking at her.


    "What," Rya asked.


    "Were you thinking about saving Nieren''s people?" Dalia asked with a smirk.


    ''Wow! Is she a mind reader? Or am I that obvious? Whatever.''


    "Yeah, I was thinking about helping her save them. But I don''t know where to start." Rya admitted.


    "Y-You would!" Nieren eximed.


    Rya nodded, "Yeah, no one deserves to be enved. And I''ll do what I can to stop it... Anyway, you told me your secrets so I''ll tell you mine... I-I''m a summoned."


    Nieren was dumbfounded, "A summoned? You mean that you''re from another world?"


    Rya nodded her head, "Yeah, the Goddess Nils brought me here to Tertius."


    ''And she brought me here against my will.'' Rya thought to herself.


    Dalia was giving Rya a look to continue.


    "A-And I was a human male beforeing here." Rya finished.


    "Huh! Oh! So, that''s why you went to the brothel. You''re interested in females." Nieren asks, trying to hide her embarrassment.


    Rya gave an awkwardugh, "Ha ha. Yeah, I was into females when I was a male."


    "Huh? So, you''re saying that you''re interested in males instead?" Nieren asked curiously.


    Rya blushed and shook her head, "I don''t know! Maybe?"


    Dalia shook her head and sighed, "Alpha, what''s wrong with liking males? Is there some reason you shouldn''t have feelings for one of them?"


    Rya paused for a second, "Oh course there''s nothing wrong with liking a guy, but if I do that means that Nils has won. She controls me, right?"


    "Does she control you? Did she tell you to save a wolf-kin at deaths doorstep? Did she tell you to help Beta defeat the dungeon core? Did she tell you that I should try having a rtionship with a human? Did she tell you to help Woody to free her people?" Dalia says with a serious expression.


    "Uhh... N-No? I didn''t talk to her at all about those things. Besides, they only told me to rebuild the dark elves empi-" Rya cut off mid-sentence.


    "So how are they controlling you, Alpha? Besides changing you into a female dark elf." Dalia asks.


    ''Huh? I mean... I-I guess she''s making a good point?'' Rya thinks to herself.


    "Well... Well, hmm..." Rya ponders to herself.


    "Alpha, does it feel wrong to be beside Beta?" Dalia asks curiously.


    Rya looked out the opened tent door and saw Quin in the distance. Her heart raced, she wiggled her hips to see how they felt. She felt an odd feeling between her legs. It wasn''t painful or ufortable. In fact, it felt natural and it wanted attention.


    "No, I don''t think so!" Rya answers quickly.


    "If you want him then im him." Dalia said, her hand on her hip.


    Rya blushed and smiled, "B-But how much does it hurt? I know wom- human females say it''s unpleasant for their first time. That''s not true though, is it?" Rya asked timidly.


    Dalia grinned, "When it''s with someone you care about, then it feels like the most wonderful thing ever. You might get swept away by passion and forget your pain."


    ''W-Well, I guess this is a way to know what a woman''s body feels during sex. It could be good research. O-Okay if Quin will have me I''ll give it a try! Yeah, it''s for research! Now I need to ask Nieren onest thing.'' Rya thought to herself.


    Rya looked to Nieren, "I have something I need to know. How often do female elves have their periods?"


    "Huh? What''s a period? Wolf, do you know what she is talking about?" Nieren asked curious.


    Dalia shook her head.


    Rya sighed, "It''s when a girl''s body releases blood from her womb and uterus. When a girl is fertile, she can get pregnant. Do you guys have monthly cycles?"


    "OH! You''re talking about menses. I mean I get one about every ten years or so." Nieren answered.


    "Oh, nice! So it''s highly unlikely that I''ll get pregnant right now! Okay, that one thing I don''t need to worry about!" Rya said relieved.


    Dalia wagged her tail, "So, are you going to go after him?"


    Rya stood up and looked at Dalia, "Yes I am, but I''m taking my time. I want to make sure he wants me too."


    "That''s fine! Just leave it to us. We''ll help you get ready for your first time if you want. It will be fun!" Dalia said excitedly.


    "No, no. I''m good. I''ve done it with a woman... Before I became a woman so I''m good. As long as I know I can trust him that''s all I need." Rya said as she walked out of the tent.


    "Alright, well we should probably get some rest, it''s been a stressful day," Nieren said.


    Dalia nodded, "Yeah, I think I''ll have fun with my mate when hees along."

 Ch.96 Marching back to Ironside

    Ch.96 Marching back to Ironside


    Rya and the girls meet back up with Quinus and the others.


    ''Huh? Is Rya in a better mood?'' Quinus thought as he saw Rya''s gloomy face lighten up.


    Quinus was surprised to see Rya happy again, "Anything wrong?"


    "Nothing!" Rya replied quickly.


    Dalia chuckled and smirked as she gave Quinus a thumbs-up behind Rya''s back.


    He noticed it right away.


    ''Lady Dalia, I don''t know what you said. But I''m eternally grateful for whatever you did. And for making Rya happier! Thank you!'' Quinus thought happily.


    Rya gave him a sheepish look, "Sorry, I didn''t mean to ignore you."


    Quinus waved his hand dismissively, "It''s alright. We are just waiting for Baron Zellin and his men to finish burying his dead before we head back to the city."


    "Is there anything else?" Rya asked.


    "Just be your adorable self. I know you can do it," he replied.


    Rya blushed, ''God, there he goes with the corny lines.''


    "I don''t think one can act adorable. It''s something that should happen naturally."


    Quinusughed, "You already are. When you blush like that, that is."


    Rya''s cheeks turned red as she red at him, "Stop flirting with me! There''s a time and a ce!"


    ''Oh? So, she is open to me trying to flirt with her? Well, I guess this is my chance! Let''s see if I can get her to fall in love with me!'' Quinus thought happily.


    "Um... May I ask a question, your highness?" Nieren asked politely.


    Quinus looked at the wood elf curiously, "Yes?"


    "Could I be a part of Lady Rya''s entourage? I''d like to be her guard."


    "Wait, what? You can''t be serious," Rya gasped.


    "I am. My only request is for my mother toe along as well."


    "So, are you willing to give up your adventuring career, Lady Nieren?" Quinus asked.


    Nieren smiled, "I only became an adventurer to be stronger in hopes to get justice. Sadly I froze up when I saw the Kings yer. And now he''s no more."


    Then she whispered to herself, "And my mother doesn''t like me begin an adventurer. She''s always telling me that it will never end well for me."


    ''We just met and she wants to be my personal guard ordy in waiting? I mean she is nice and all, but I feel she is making this decision too lightly.'' Rya thought with uncertainty.


    "Alright. Your request is granted," Quinus nodded.


    Nieren''s eyes lit up, "Really?!"


    Rya furrowed her brows, "But..."


    "It''s fine. Besides, we elves should stick together, Lady Rya." Nieren smiled.


    ''It''s been so long since I have been friends with another elf closer to my age! Even though she''s a dark elf. But the elders were wrong! She is a good person and I want to be her friend!'' Nieren thought.


    Rya sighed, "Fine, Nieren. But please, you don''t need to be my servant for the rest of your life. If a different opportunityes up, then take it. I don''t want to be the one to hold you back, okay?"


    ''Awe! She better person than I thought! I will devote my life to my new friend! Hehe!'' Noreen thought happily while nodding her head.


    ''Um... D-Did she even hear a word that I said? She has a starry-eyed I''d look at me!'' Rya thought nervously.


    It wasn''t too long the Baron Zellin and Hajdah walked over to the group.


    "Your Highness. We have finished taking care of our fallen. We''ll be marching back to Ironside soon. Are youing with us?" The Baron asked.


    "Yes, we will. Sir George prepare my horse, please. Everyone else, ready yourselves. We''re heading home!" Quinus bellowed.


    ***


    By the time everyone was ready to leave it was almost dusk. They marched through the forest in a line formation. Rya rode on Quin''s horse, while Sir George, Percy, Dalia, Nieren, and Zellin followed behind them.


    The sun began to set, casting a beautiful orange glow across their surroundings. The city was in the distance and they could see several soldiers gathered around the city gates, waiting for them. When the sun finally disappeared below the horizon, the moon emerged from behind the trees. It was full and its light illuminated the entirendscape.


    ''Man... Sometimes I forget that I''m not on Earth anymore,'' Rya thought to herself.


    Zellin rode his horse closer to Quinus.


    "Your Highness. We were nning on having a victory celebration in honor of defeating the mercenaries and freeing Lady Rya. Do you wish to join? I can call in all of my family members to attend this party," he asked.


    Quinus looked at him with a nk expression, "Sure. That would be nice to honor the men."


    "Then I shall go now and make preparations."


    Once Zellin left to return to his castle, Quinus turned back towards Rya who was sitting on hisp.


    "What?" Rya tilted her head confused.


    "At the party, you''re not allowed to have a pint of ale, okay?"


    Rya blushed in embarrassment, "I can pace myself just fine Quinus. Trust me."


    Quinus smiled softly, "Well, I don''t want to worry about you getting drunk likest time and doing something embarrassing at the party tonight. You know what happens when you get drunk, right?"


    Rya shook her head slowly, looking down at the ground.


    "I don''t remember much. But Quin! Dwarven ale just tastes so good!" Rya mumbled as she tried to exin her actionsst time.


    Quinusughed, "Alright then. How about this, you can have a sip of my beer. Okay?"


    ''Was I that much of a lightweight? God, I must have looked like a fool. Fine, I''ll ept his offer.'' Rya thought to herself.


    Rya nodded and continued to blush furiously.


    Quinus nodded in agreement. Then the two looked up to the sky as they heard hooves clomping away as they continued to march towards the city gates.


    "You have no idea how relieved I am right now," Quin replied with a smirk.


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to worry you." Rya apologized.


    Quinus shook his head, "No, no. You shouldn''t have to watch your back every minute of your life. This world is not kind when you let your guard down. So please, don''t beat yourself up. Just learn from this?"


    Rya gave a small nod and looked up at him with curious eyes.


    ''Yeah, I guess I was spoiled being born a man in America. I need to ept that some people want to use me as a object. Haah... Well, I need to get stronger so no one can hurt me or my friends.''


    The two continued to gaze upon the night sky unit the city gate was upon them.


    ***


    An hourter, the party had begun.

 Ch.97 May I have this dance

    Ch.97 May I have this dance


    They set up in the middle of the City Square where the festival of the Goddess was held. The festivities were all for celebrating the Goddess Iyomelka.


    People lined the streets and cheered as the party began. There were severalrge tents with tablesden with food, drinks, and entertainment.


    The surviving soldiers were treated as heroes once again and were given free run of the city.


    Everyone was in high spirits, especially those that escaped death thanks to Rya''s healing.


    It was a relief to be alive.


    Baron Zellin stood up and held his beer stein out to his men. "Gentlemen, Ladies, and Dwarves! Thanks to your warrior pride, we were able to show the world that we are indeed the strongest of the strong! To show the Crown Prince, Quinus Meredydd that we are his loyal subjects and will stand by his side in times of war! And to show the people that no matter how hopeless a battle seems, we will not give up! Let''s drink to the glory of our victory!"


    His men roared their approval.


    Zellin held his stein aloft, "To the Heroes of Ironside and the Kingdom of Fiafyr!"


    He downed the contents of his beer in one gulp and then mmed it on the table."Prince! Join us won''t you? Please, share your appreciation of the effort put forth by our brave men and women!"


    Quinus made his way towards Zellin and nodded. He took the offered stein and drank down the contents.


    Rya, Nieren, Dalia, Percy, and Sir George watch Quinus down the beer like it was water.


    "Gah! I can''t believe anyone drinks that stuff!" Nieren said with disgust.


    "Huh? How long have you lived in Ironside, Nieren?" Rya asked curiously.


    Noreen paused to think for a second, "Hmm... I think we have been here for 15 years now."


    "So, what did you do when someone offered you a ale?" Percy asked curious.


    "I would simply slip the beer in my cup into there''s without them knowing," Nieren replied with a serious face.


    "What do you like to drink then?" Rya asked.


    "Wine of course. Frankly, I can''t imagine why you touched the stuff in the first ce, Lady Rya. It tastes awful."


    "So you''ve tried dwarven ale?" Dalia asked.


    Nieren shook her head, "No, I never have before. I mean, it smells horrible! Why would they serve something like that?"


    "Hold on. You have not tried dwarven ale yet? Oh, Nieren you have to give it a chance. It''s the best-tasting beer I have ever had." Rya said excitedly.


    "Hmmm... well, it does smell good. But why would anyone want to drink something so terrible looking? It''s like rotting water."


    Rya smiled at Nieren, "Well, isn''t wine rotten fruit juice?"


    "Umm..." Nieren gulped, "Yes... yes, it is. But wine is more dignifiedpared to beer!"


    "What if it was ale crafted by elves? Would you try it then?" Percy asked curiously.


    "Ahh, I-I..." Nieren was speechless.


    "Oy! Leave the poor woman alone will ya! If she''s not interested then leave her be!" Sir George said after he chugged down his second beer.


    "Thank you, Sir George. I''m d there''s someone that wille to my defense," Nieren said sarcastically.


    They allughed out loud at this. Then Dalia turned to Percy, "You know, I think it might be time for me to get some sleep. Do you want to join?"


    "You''re tired? Hmm... I appreciate the offer, Dalia. You should go then. I''ll stay here for a bit longer before joining you." Percy said as he gently kissed her cheek.


    "Hmm. I was trying to use one things you humans like to call, being discreet. So I''ll say it again. I want to have sex with you. Are youing with me or am I dragging you, little wolf?" Dalia asked coyly.


    "Oh... uhm... I mean... yes! Yes, please drag me! No, I mean I''lle with you, Dalia" Percy stuttered.


    Dalia giggled, "Good boy. Now let''s go and Alpha, im your man. Or you might miss your chance."


    ''Huh? Jeez, she is persistent... Well, she is my friend. I guess I don''t mind it.'' Rya thought to herself.


    "T-Thanks Dalia. Just don''t beat up your boyfriend too much,"


    "Hey! I can still hear you, you know," Percy said after finishing his drink.


    "Not at all, Alpha. I''m just going to tease him a little bit, right?" Dalia replied with a wink while grabbing Percy''s hand and leading him back to the pce.


    ''Awe, those two are cute together. I''m d I got Dalia to hook up with Percy,'' Rya thought.


    "Tch! There they go again. I can''t believe Percy abandoned me and my teachings for her," Sir George muttered to himself.


    ''Oh boy, the love guru isn''t taking Percy''s love life with Dalia well at all. Maybe I should step in?'' Rya thought.


    "So, what''s on your mind, Sir George," Rya asked innocently while walking beside him.


    George pounding down a third beer.


    *Clunk*


    Was the sound of his stein mming into the table.


    "YoU, waNT to Know whaT''s on mY miNd do ya? WeLl I''ll TelL yOu WhAT''s on my MinD. My AppreNTice hAS abaNDon me aND My tEAchiNGS thAt''s wHAt." Sir George said as he was getting drunker by the minute.


    "Wow, he does not look so good. S-Should we do something?" Nieren asked Rya worriedly.


    Rya shook her head, "There''s nothing we can do besides let him sleep it off. Come on George. You''ve had enough,"


    Rya was about to take his beer stein away but he continued his monologue, "IF pErcy KePT witH it. He woULD hAVe bEen sWimmiNg in wOmen ANd goT his sWeet LiTtle Duell BaCk!"


    "I think you meant, Bell, Sir George," Rya said with cocked eyebrows.


    "ThaT''s wHAt I SAid! AnD aFTeR hE WinS thE hEaRts oF all ThesSes. WE coulD dO seminArs for kNiGhts havIng trouBLe finDiNg theIR TRue love. We''D bE fAmous and RicH! But NO! He HaD to fAll foR LadY dAlia aNd her aLPha waYs! EVerythIng IS RuiNEd!" Sir George said as he began to sob.


    "Uhm wow..." Rya was surprised by George''s outburst. She didn''t know he wanted to start a love training seminarpany with Percy.


    "Why does he need Percy? Shouldn''t he just need himself to seed to start this love training?" Nieren asked with concern.


    "Yeah, his methods to attract women are questionable at best," Rya answered nonchntly.


    "Tch, iT''s beCauSE I''m nOT as haNdsoME anyMorE! THat''s wHy I need pERcy! HE''s yoUng anD HaNdsome! And COuld havE beEn moLDed inTO a dynaMo, riGht? AnD who could me him? AlL thE lADyS in thIs world seem to be bElLS wiTH aLL the hANdles on thEm." Sir George was starting to get loud now.


    ''Christ! George needs to get fuckingid... Haah. I don''t know how much more I can take of his pity party.'' Rya thought.


    "Ah, I see that you''re not too fond of love, huh George?" Nieren asked.


    "Heh, yep, ''tis true!" George shouted back.


    "Well, I think you are a good-looking older man and you just need to be confident in yourself. Come now. You had enough of these- drink let''s get you to bed shall we?" Nieren said as she helped Sir George to his feet.


    "Um... Do you need help, Nieren?" Rya asked.


    "No, I''ll be fine. But I have to say it''s been weeks since I had to help walk home a drunken adventurer. Hehe. I don''t know why people like to get this drunk. Anyway, I''ll see you in the morning, Lady Rya." With that Nieren walked off with Sir George in her hands


    "YOu''Re a gOOd pErSOn! YOu tAkE cArE Of mE!" George said as they went down the street together. Heading to the ce.


    ''I swear, I hope that thing gets fucked tonight...'' Rya thought to herself.


    It was at that time she heard the men cheer as the prince down another beer.


    "Damn! That''s his tenth one and the prince and he isn''t even drunk!" a dwarf shouted.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me! The prince doesn''t look like he''s going to pass out anytime soon!" another said.


    "Are we sure he isn''t a dwarf in disguise? That would exin why he''s so damn strong!" someone else called.


    "Nope! I''m a human, gentlemen!" Quinus shouted back.


    "HAHA! And a mighty one at that! You have my trust, my Lord!" a dwarf said as he pped the prince on the back.


    "That''s right! My lord! Never forget it!" the others cheered back.


    "Haha, well I appreciate you all for your loyalty and friendship. It means a lot to me. Thank you. Now, let''s finish this and get some dance! Rya!" Quinus eximed as he turned to Rya and held out his hand.


    "Uh... W-What?" Rya asked.


    "Come on, let''s go!" Quinus eximed as he pulled her to him.


    "Whoa! Umm... I''m not..." Rya said before she was pulled into the middle of the Square.


    The men whistle and cheered for the two as they made their way to the center of the square.


    "Man! I wasn''t sure about going to war to save a dark elf but after seeing her magic and her being a healer. I get it! Damn! Maybe I should marry a dark elf too!" someone shouted.


    "Shut up! She healed my severed arm!" another shouted back.


    "Yeah! She is a Saint! Tck! Like you would ever have a chance with a woman of that caliber!" another yelled.


    "Oh, shut up! I wasn''t talking about her!" the man said.


    Rya was getting self-conscious after receiving so much attention from everyone.


    ''Nah! I-I''ve never been this popr in my life! I''m not sure if I can handle this!'' Rya thought to herself as she was led by Quinus.


    Her heart was pounding so hard that she could hear it beating through her chest.


    She felt warm and ufortable wearing the ck poet blouse and trousers that age had been on since yesterday. The only things that felt good were her bra and panties.


    ''Augh! Maybe I should have taken a bath before the celebration! Nuh! And why does my shirt and pants, feel so ufortable?! Wait! I have no idea how to dance! I-I''m going to make a fool out of myself!'' Rya thought in a panic as she was led to the dance floor.


    Quinus tried to ignore what the men were saying to Rya as he tried to keep his eyes off her.


    ''y it cool Quin. I know she is beautiful and she makes me want to do things to her that are inappropriate. Fuck! Get your head straight! She will lose all respect for me if I only want to make love to her. Win her heart! Prove to her that I''m a man worthy of being her partner... I just hope she likes dancing,'' Quinus thought to himself as he tried to focus on dancing.


    He started to worry when he noticed that Rya was staring at him. ''Why is she looking at me like that?''


    "Quin?" Rya whispered.


    "W-What is it?" Quinus asked with confusion.


    "I-I don''t know how to dance," Rya confessed.


    ''Oh thank god! I thought it was me for a second. Haah... This is your time to shine Rya. Because I''m going to sweep you off your feet,'' Quinus thought to himself.


    "Rya. Do you trust me?" he asked


    "Y-Yes."


    "Then follow my lead. It''s easy. Just move with my body. I''ll guide you along. Okay? Alright!"


    "Alright... But don''t me me if I trip over my feet," Rya said with hesitation as she followed him.


    He took in a breath and cleared his mind before leading her onto the dance floor.


    Quinus looked around the room to see if there were any others that wanted to join them on the dance floor but it was just the two of them.


    "It''s alright. We''re here now so we might as well enjoy ourselves," he said as she moved closer to him.


    Rya looked nervous as she took his hands, ''CRAP, CRAP, CRAP! I HAVE NO IDEA WHY I''M DOING THIS! GOING TO MAKE A FOOL OUT OF US! I-I should stop this now!''


    But she couldn''t. So instead of stopping they moved forward, close enough that their bodies brushed each other.


    "Just rx and trust me. That''s it... You''re doing great," he said to her as she looked up at him.


    She couldn''t help but stare into those two beautiful golden eyes of Quinus. They were intense and soothing, and they made her feel safe in a way that no one else ever had.


    ''M-Maybe he''s right. Mayb��Whoa!'' Rya was interrupted as the music started and Quinus took the lead. As he guided her hand above her head and caused her to spin backwards while he followed behind her. It was surprising how gracefully it felt being spun like that.


    As he led her through the dance steps his hands traced light circles across her back, making her shiver from the feeling.


    ''Fuck! He feels good. I can feel every single muscle in his hand. Augh! I have never been led in formal dance before!'' Rya thought to herself as her breathing becamebored as she tried to keep her footwork clean and smooth while moving along the floor.


    "You''re really good," Rya said to him with a blush across her face.


    "Thank you."


    Quin sped up the pace of their movement as if to prove her wrong. His movements were fluid and precise as he danced with her.


    "This is fun!" Rya admitted to herself as their bodies touched more and more.


    Their flowing movements exude grace and poise as couples glide across the dance floor even though Rya had no clue what she was doing. But she couldn''t help of feminine she had be as she felt her hips, butt, breasts, and hair shift with the rhythm of the dance.


    ''God! I never knew a woman could feel so amazing when dancing,'' Rya thought as she leaned into his body.


    ''No wonder my girlfriend always wanted to dance with me! It feels so, so sensual. I feel so desirable,'' she thought to herself as her heartbeat quickened while they moved together.


    Everything was going so well until Rya''s toe bumped into Quin''s and she began to fall.


    ''CRAP! Augh!? Huh?''


    Before Rya could hit the ground Quin caught her in his arm which caused her to be leaning back like a professional dip position in dance. Her heart stopped for a moment as she was suspended in his arms.


    The effect of him holding her against him sent electric shocks down her spine as she felt all of her senses on fire. As he stared at her with a passionate nce.


    ''I''ve never felt this way about another person!'' Rya thought to herself as her chest rose rapidly.


    "Are you alright?" Quin asked as he held her closer.


    "Ugh... Y-Yeah... Thanks for catching me there," Rya replied to him nervously.


    "It''s my job." He pulled away slightly to look down at her.


    His hand reached out to touch her cheek, and his thumb stroked across her bottom lip.


    ''Augh? W-What''s he doing!?'' Rya thought to herself as she looked into his eyes.


    "Do you want to share my bed tonight?" His voice was low with a purr as his fingers caressed her cheek.


    ''Angh! He''s asking me to sleep with him!'' Rya thought to herself as a flush swept across her face.


    Dalia''s voice reyed in her head.


    <Are you going to im him?>


    ''Y-Yes! Ah! I-I mean yes. It''s for research. And it''s with a friend I trust. Plus, it''s not like it will change me.'' Rya lied to herself as she smiled up at him and gave him a nod.


    Quin blushed as he set her down on her feet.


    "Then let''s go," He said as he grabbed her hand and led her off the dance floor.


    The dwarves and humans that witnessed the prince and the saint dance couldn''t help but cheer.


    "OY! Show her a good time Prince Quinus!"


    "Saints are meant to be loved!"


    "I''ll bet your sainted lover is moved by your rescue too, isn''t she?"


    Rya shook off her embarrassment and followed after him through the crowd.


    ''Hold did I forget that I was dancing in front of all these people! Am I losing it? Or am I just a little excited?'' Rya thought to herself as her cheeks burned red.

 Ch.98 His hands are so Strong!

    Ch.98 His hands are so Strong!


    After leaving the square everything seemed like a blur for Rya as they moved through the streets of the city. What seemed like hours was roughly 15 minutes of walking before, the pair came upon the castle at the center of Ironside.


    ''Am I really okay with doing this? A old part of me is saying I shouldn''t be doing this. But arger part of me also is curious. Curious of what''s it like to let a man take me in the bedroom,'' Rya thought to herself as she stepped into the courtyard.


    Her heart raced as she heard the sound of horses galloping through the gate.


    The Guards saluted the Prince and Rya as they walked through the gate.


    And it took another ten minutes to get to Quin''s chamber where a butler was waiting for him.


    "Your Highness, I prepare��"


    "Out please!" Quin said to the man as he waved his hand towards the door.


    The butler saw the rose cheeks on the dark elf and understood what was going on.


    "Ring the bell if you need anything, my Lord. Good night." The butler said as he left the room.


    Quinus turned around and looked at Rya.


    "Coming in?" He turned to offer a hand to pull her in.


    ''It''s okay. There''s no reason to be afraid. I''m just hanging out with Quin. If things start feeling weird I''ll leave.'' Rya thought to herself as she took his hand and allowed him to lead her inside.


    His guest chambers were decorated with bookshelves from floor to ceiling. Books lined the walls and sat on the tables scattered throughout the room. It was lit up by a fire burning brightly from the firece in the corner.


    "I take it you''re a bookworm," Rya said as she stood in the middle of the room.


    Quin smiled and nodded his head. "Yup. The Dwarves have quite a few books I haven''t seen before. I was hoping to find some in engineering when we got here a couple of days ago."


    Quin closed the door behind him and locked it.


    ''Okay Quin. Don''t scare her off. Just be yourself and wait for her to give me a opening'' Quin thought to himself while gazing at Rya from the door.


    Rya walked over to the opposite side of the firece and sat down next to the warm mes.


    The fire crackled as she ced her back against the stone wall.


    ''Mmmm, this feels nice, but my shirt and pants feel awkward. I never liked wearing these pants since Kishin. Maybe it''s the material? Or maybe I should wear something else?'' Rya thought to herself as she nced towards the doorway again.


    "You can sit next to me if you want to, Rya. You don''t have to stand around all night staring at the door." Quin said while sitting down on the couch.


    Rya noticed a pitcher of water sitting on a coffee table next to a couple of sses.


    "Um... My throat feels dry," Rya said as she walked over to the pitcher and poured herself some water.


    Quinus couldn''t help but admire Rya''s beauty as the warm glow from the firece lit her tan skin.


    ''Damn! She is so beautiful!'' He thought to himself.


    Rya gulped down the ss before taking another one.


    ''Oh, that was nice. But my shirt and pants still feel ufortable. Why does it bother me?''


    "Rya. Would you like to sit with me?" Quinus asked with a hopeful smile.


    Rya put her empty ss on the table and walked over to sit beside him.


    "Thank you. That was much needed," Rya said as she leaned back against the couch.


    She then gave him a quick nce. ''He still staring at me. Aunh! It makes me feel funny. Like my vagina is getting itchy? Augh! I''m so hot right now.''


    Rya''s nipples were starting to ache.


    She decided to look away from him. ''I need to get a drink of water or something before I do anything stupid,'' she thought to herself.


    "I''m relieved your safe, Rya. I didn''t know what to think when I heard about you being captured." Quin said as he took another sip of his water.


    "Yeah... That wasn''t my finest moment. Thanks foring to rescue me," Rya replied as she looked up at the ceiling and crossed her legs.


    Her breasts felt heavy and full from all the blood rushing through her body.


    She couldn''t stop thinking about how nice it would be to rub them together.


    ''Why am I such a perv? Our my breast still growing? Because my bra is so tight.'' Rya thought to herself as she tried to ignore the throbbing between her legs.


    "I''m d I could do that. But make sure it doesn''t happen again. I don''t think you can heal mental damage," Quin said as he smiled at her while wrapping his arm around her shoulder.


    Rya was shocked and embarrassed that she almost killed them all. She quickly turned red in the face and averted her eyes.


    ''What did I just do? What was I thinking? My mind went nk! Did I even blink?!'' Rya panicked as she felt a shiver go down her spine.


    But Quin didn''t seem to notice anything out of the ordinary. He continued to stare at her. ''How can he not see me blushing?!'' she thought to herself.


    Rya was startled by how aroused she felt right now. She felt like all her senses were heightened. Her heart was racing faster than normal.


    And Rya could swear she felt her vagina bing wetter.


    ''What''s wrong with me?! I''m I really attached to guys now? Or is this some kind of side effect from dancing?'' Rya questioned herself as she touched her chest and felt her nipple harden.


    Her breasts had be sensitive to the touch.


    Rya tried rubbing them together but Quinus put his hand over hers.


    "Do you need help with that?" he said as he gently removed her hands from her breast.


    "Sorry, I don''t know what I was thinking." Rya apologized as she looked away from him.


    Quin pulled her close to him and kissed the top of her head. "You have nothing to apologize for. Let''s rx for a bit."


    ''Rx!? How am I supposed to rx when you''re so clos��Mmmmm? Ohhh! I-I think I can do tha-Ugh! His muscles are so big.''


    Rya rxed her body against Quinus. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of his arms wrapped around her.


    Quin was happy to see Rya in this state.


    ''This is my chance! Go for it, Quin!'' As he musters up the courage.


    "Maybe we should try sleeping together tonight," Quin whispered into her ear.


    Rya froze at his words.


    ''H-He want me to sleep with him! What do I do!? I know I said I was going to im him, but that was before...''


    "I mean I wouldn''t mind if you would want to, but it''s up to you," Quin added.


    Rya took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.


    "Why do you want me to sleep with you? It''s not because of the dancing." Rya asked as she moved away from him slightly.


    Quin looked deeply into her eyes. "I''ve been attracted to you since we met back in thebyrinth. I''ve admired you and I fear that I''m in love with you Rya. If there''s any chance that I could be yours, then I don''t want to lose it."


    Rya felt her cheeks heat up.


    "Have you ever slept with a woman before?" Rya asked as she stared at him intently.


    "Not in this lifetime, no," Quin replied as he leaned forward.


    Rya felt her heart race even faster as she waited for Quin to kiss her.


    Rya held her breath as the moment finally came when his lips touched hers.


    Rya had kissed many times back when she was a man back on Earth. She enjoyed it but this time as a woman getting kissed by a man things were different.


    ''AUGH! Kisses never felt this electric before! Mmmmh!''


    Quin''s kisses grew more passionate and aggressive.


    Rya felt his tongue push its way into her mouth and she responded by pressing her tongue against his.


    She moaned as she felt Quin''s fingers digging into her shoulder des.


    Quin pulled himself away from her and looked down at her.


    "You taste sweet like honey," he whispered as he pressed his forehead against hers.


    "Quin? We shouldn''t..." Rya started to say as she tried to pull him back to her.


    Quin pulled her close again and continued kissing her neck and face.


    "Ohhhh, God!" Rya moaned as she pressed herself closer to him.


    Quin reached around her and grabbed her breasts through her blouse.


    "God, I want to touch your body so bad," Quin sighed as he squeezed her tits.


    "Mmmph!" Rya moaned as she rested her head against his chest.


    ''This feeling! It''s so different than when I was a man. This feels so good!''


    Quin couldn''t stand it anymore and he moved his hand inside her trousers as her belt came undone.


    "QUINNNN!!" Rya screamed out as she felt his fingers slide past her panties.


    Quin''s finger slipped into her pussy and Rya bit her lip as she felt his manly hand touching her again.


    ''This is different from the time in the dungeon! Aungh! Has he gotten better!?''


    His thumb rubbed circles on her clit while his fingers slid in and out of her pussy.


    Quin moaned into her ear as he stroked her wet slit.


    "Ohhh Godddd!" Rya moaned as she arched her back.


    *POP!*


    A button flew off of her blouse andnded on the floor as her cleavage became more visible.


    Quin stopped moving his fingers and he looked up at her.


    "Are you alright?" he whispered as he ran his hands through her hair.


    "Yes...yes, I am," Rya gasped as she pushed herself up and was about to cover her breasts.


    But Quin''s hand caught her wrist and stopped her and started moving it over her head causing her to fall back on the couch.


    "I''m sorry," he whispered as he leaned in and kissed her.


    He pulled back and smiled at her as heid his head beside hers.


    "Now, let me see those beautiful breasts of yours," he teased as she slowly lifted her arms.


    ''Aunh! He''s so strong! And his touch...so warm!''


    "Ahhhhhhhh!" Rya moaned as he cupped her breast and rolled her nipple between his fingers through her purplece bra that looked like they were struggling to support her.


    Quin groaned as he felt her boobs tremble in his hands.


    "Ohhhhhh," Rya moaned as she pushed her chest against his hand.


    Her head fell back and her eyes closed. Her breathing became faster as her body responded to his touch.


    ''W-Why do I like being dominated? I never liked men before this. Why is it different now?''


    She opened her eyes and saw Quin staring down at her.


    "Quin..." she whispered as her heart raced and her face grew hotter.


    "You''re so sexy," he said as he continued to gently squeeze her tits.


    "Mmmmmmmm," Rya moaned as she panted and smiled at him.


    Both her hands were being held by one of Quin''s hands. His other hand pinched her hard nipple, which started to ache as her shirt and bra did nothing to hide the way he was touching her.


    "Unggggghhh!" Rya gasped as she arched her back and pushed her chest harder against his hand.


    "Please, Quin," she moaned as her body went stiff.


    "Oh God, Quin...please don''t stop."


    "Please what?" he asked as he squeezed her nipple harder.


    "Squeezing my boobies."


    Her nipples were red and swollen. And they were so sensitive to the touch. She couldn''t help but moan as he rubbed her tits.


    "Oh, that feels good," she moaned as her cheeks turned pink.


    Quin groaned as he squeezed her tit harder as she rolled her eyes shut.


    ''I''m losing my mind! This is too much!''


    His grip was firm on her tits and he wouldn''t let go. The pain was starting to turn into pleasure for Rya as she began to rx and enjoy the sensations.


    "What about my hand?" he asked as he slid his hand down her stomach.


    "Mmmmmm," she moaned as her body tingled from his touch.


    ''God, he''s so strong...his hands feel amazing.''


    Quin moved his hand down her stomach and inside her open pants.


    "Ooooh," Rya gasped as she squirmed as his fingers brushed her pussy lips.


    "Shall we have some fun?" he asked as his finger rubbed her wet slit.


    "Yessss," Rya breathed as she spread her legs for him.


    "Are you going to be a good girl?" he asked as he slipped his middle finger inside her pussy.


    "Uuuunnnnnggggghhhhh," she moaned as her hips bucked up to meet his finger.


    ''YES! I WILL BE A GOOD GIRL! DO IT TO ME, QUIN!'' Rya screamed in her head


    He pressed his palm firmly against her clit as he pumped his finger inside her cunt.


    "AHHHHHHH!" she screamed as her body shook.


    "You''ve been such a naughty girl, Rya," he growled as he kissed her neck and let go of her hands.


    She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to kiss him. Her tongue darted out to lick his lips.


    "It''s not my fault, how could I not be naughty when you touch me the way that you do," she whispered as she grabbed his hand and guided it between her legs.


    "Oh God, yes. Squeeze my clit for me! Make me into a woman," she begged as she rocked her hips against his hand.


    "Yes, Rya," he moaned as he continued to rub her pussy.


    ''Augh! His fingers feel so good inside me! And he''s making me feel funny!''


    "MMMPPHHH!" Rya screamed as her orgasm ripped through her.


    ''NO! IT''S NOT FADING! AUNGH! THIS IS UNFAIR! NO MAN CAN KEEP THEIR SANITY WITH PLEASURE OF THIS LEVEL!''


    Quin held her hips tightly as she rode his hand. His finger rubbed her clit faster as he sucked on her neck and licked at her ears.


    "I''ming! Cumming!" she cried as her pussy tightened around his finger and her back arched.


    "Ahh, ohhhh," she moaned as her body contracted and then went limp on the couch.

 Ch.99 Quin is mine!

    Ch.99 Quin is mine!


    Her mouth hung open and her breathing came in gasps as her eyes fluttered shut.


    "Rya, words can''t exinhow beautiful you look right now," he said as he leaned down to kiss her.


    His tongue darted out to taste her sweet juices on his lips.


    Then he slowly withdrew his finger from her pussy and stood up.


    "Now let''s remove those dirty clothes off you," hemanded as he turned her over onto the couch and ripped off the blouse and trousers with his mana.


    *RIP! Sizzle!*


    "ECK! Quin!" Rya was surprised to see her clothes disintegrate before her eyes. She tried to cover her shame.


    ''He made me squeal like a girl! This isn''t me! This isn''t ri- huh?''


    She looked down to see her purplece bra and panties disappearing too.


    "Oh, that tickles!" she giggled as Quin removed her hands from her crotch.


    "Not yet, Rya. I still need my fun," Quinus said as he picked up Rya and brought her to the bed. Then heid her on top of it and pinned her hands above her head.


    "What are you doing?" Rya asked as her heart pounded.


    "You seem to like having your hands held down and I like seeing you in this position. Because I think I can make you scream out my name," Quin smiled seductively as he began kissing her neck again.


    ''Huh!? H-He''s going to put it in? But it might hurt! No, no, no. He''ll hurt me!''


    Rya began to panic as he kissed her ear.


    "How long do you think you can stay quiet, Rya," he whispered as he bit her earlobe.


    "Quin... I''m a virgin. P-Please, be... Aungh!" she pleading was cut short when Quin began rubbing her nipples with his thumbs.


    "I promise, I won''t hurt you," he murmured as his fingers pinched her nipples causing them to harden even further.


    ''NUH! I''m at his mercy! This is wrong!''


    Quin smirked as he spread her legs. Brought out his monster cock and rubbed it slightly on her slit.


    "Okay. Let''s take this nice and slow," Quinus said as he looked into Rya''s azure eyes.


    Rya whimpered as he began to push his member inside her.


    ''It''s going to hurt! It''s going to HURT! IT''S GOING TO��Huh?''


    Rya was expecting to feel pain. But it didn''t happen. Instead, there was a wet sensation as her pussy engulfed his 12-inch invader with open arms.


    "Aaah! Y-Yes!" Rya moaned as she felt his shaft stretching her open.


    ''No way! Is this really happening? It doesn''t hurt one bit!''


    "Do you want me to stop?" Quin asked as he moved his hips back and forth slowly getting deeper and deeper inside her pelvis.


    ''Ooooooh! T-Thinking is getting harder! Ooooh! Oh! Ahh! I''m so full!''


    Rya closed her eyes and moaned loudly as he thrust harder and faster.


    "Mmmmmmmm! MMMMM!" Rya moaned out as she was filledpletely by Quinus'' massive member. ''It feels so good! So big! So tig-''


    Rya''s thoughts stopped when Quin''s penis reached her uterus. This cause her to stop thinking about everything that worried her and focus only on pleasure.


    Her fears of being stuck on this, of changing and bing a woman. All melted away at that very moment.


    "Ohhhhhhh! Mmmmmm!" Rya moaned as Quinus continued to pound her deep and fast.


    "Shit! Rya! You''re getting tighter," he said as he pulled out all the way then pushed back in again.


    "Yesssss!" Rya hissed out as he began fucking her fast and hard.


    Out of instinct, she wrapped her legs around his waist and squeezed tightly.


    ''I DON''T CARE! MAKE ME A WOMAN! FUCK MY CUNT WITH YOUR BIG DICK, QUIN!'' Rya was running on instinct as she was lost in a surge of passion that Quinus was giving her.


    "RYA!" Quin eximed as he mmed his cock into her like a jackhammer. "Fuck! I''m going to cum soon!"


    "QUI-Aaaauuugghh!!!"


    "RYA! SAY MY NAME!" He groaned out as he buried his cock deep inside Rya.


    "QUINUS!!" She screamed as she climaxed and felt him throbbing against her cervix.


    "I FUCKING LOVE YOU, RYA!"


    He could feel himself starting to twitch as he emptied his seed into her womb.


    "QUINUS! I LOVE YOU TOO!"


    Rya''s body tensed up as the orgasm took over. Her entire being focused on one thing. Sucking up as much of Quin''s seed as possible.


    "NOOOHHHHHHH!" Rya cried out as she came once again.


    Quin fell forward onto the bed as he tried to catch his breath. Hey there for a few minutes before he got up and took off his sweaty clothes.


    Ryay there on the bed, lost in her own world. Trying to make sense of the tingly feelings going through her body.


    She looked down at her chest as it grewrger and rounder. Her pussy was itching for attention, but she knew she shouldn''t touch herself yet. She sighed as she felt the heat spreading throughout her body.


    Rya looked up and saw Quin standing naked beside the bed. His cock was still semi-hard from their lovemaking session earlier.


    "Rya, can I be your husband?" He asked as he kneeled down to look into her azure eyes.


    Rya''s heart raced. She couldn''t believe what was happening.


    ''B-But I was a man? Nuh! D-Do I even want to turn back? Rah! I don''t know anymore! And this tingling in my groin is making it hard to think! FOCUS RYA!'' Rya thought she was getting frustrated but in reality, she was getting excited.


    After a few seconds, she looked into Quin''s golden eyes. Eyes that were filled with love for her. A love that made her itching and warmth grow inside her being.


    ''Is this what true love feels like? Aunh! I think I want to stay as a female! I-I love him! I''ve been lying to myself for too long,'' Rya thought as she smiled.


    "Yes, Quinus!" Rya said with a smile.


    They both kissed passionately and Rya wrapped her legs around Quin as they rolled over onto their sides.


    "Do you have another round in you, Quin?" Rya asked as she looked into his eyes.


    "Rya, you can have me as many times as you want," He replied as he nted his lips onto hers.


    ''Hehe! I wonder how it feels to be on top. I''m going to rock his world.''


    Rya smiled as she moved on top of hisp. The itching and warmth grew inside her. She slowly lowered herself down onto Quin''s thick shaft. Rya moaned as she felt Quin''s hands grab her hips.


    "Aunh! Yes, that''s it!" Rya cried out as she wiggled her hips down on Quin''s cock.


    "Ooohhh! You''re driving me crazy!" Quin yelled as he grabbed Rya''s ass and pulled her tighter against his dick. Pushing it deeper inside her.


    Rya gasped as she felt Quin''s dick hit her cervix and she started to move faster on his cock.


    "Hahaha! I love you, Rya!" Quin cried as he thrust his hips up.


    "QUIN! Aunh! It''s...mmph!" Rya screamed as Quin''s cock pushed past her cervix.


    Rya felt her walls tighten around Quin''s cock and she shuddered from the sensation of having her womb filled with an erect penis for the second time. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever think she would love to feel a dick inside of her so much.


    Rya couldn''t stop herself as she rode Quin''s cock. Moving her hips up and down on his shaft, letting her pussy swallow every inch of it.


    "Quin! You''re amazing! Aungh! Fuck me!" Rya begged as she pushed her chest out towards Quin''s face.


    "I love you, Rya! I love you! I''m going to fill you up!" Quin yelled as he mmed his hips up against Rya''s while sucking on one of her tits


    Rya cried out as she had a powerful orgasm. Panting as Quin continued to pound into her. She closed her eyes as she saw the bright light and heard the beautiful music ying in her mind.


    ''This is more amazing than anything I''ve ever experienced! AUGH! I never want to go back to being a man ever again! Quin is mine!'' Rya thought as she came again and again.


    "Aunh! Aunhh! Aungh! Ohhhhh!" Rya screamed as she came hard on Quin''s cock.


    "YEAH! THAT IT RYA! LET GO! FUCKING COME ON MY COCK! OH YAH! UGH! AH! AAHHH! YESSSS! MMMMAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Quin yelled as he came deep inside Rya''s womb.


    She could feel her insides flooding and she shivered from the feeling of Quin''s cum shooting into her. The warmth spread throughout her body within seconds. It felt oddly refreshing as the itch in her womb was satisfied with Quin''s essence. Ryay there panting and smiling as she copsed on top of Quinus.


    "You''re incredible, Rya," Quin whispered as he kissed her forehead and then her lips.


    ''Mmmmm, this is lovely. I just want to snuggle with him forever,'' Rya thought as she cuddled up to Quin.


    "You''re not half bad yourself, Quin," Rya said as she smiled and hugged him close.


    Rya opened her eyes and looked up at Quin. Her white hair was messed up from their lovemaking and her cheeks flushed red from the heat of the nkets around them.


    "Haha, I was worried that I wasn''t a good enough man for you, but you were amazing. Thank you for loving me." Quin smiled as he looked down at Rya.


    "Oh, you have nothing to worry about. You''re far better than any man I''ve ever been with before."


    ''He is even a better man than I was back then. He''s so kind and caring. And he loves me! I can''t think of anyone else I''d rather be with.''


    "I love you too, Rya. I love everything about you. Even your secret," Quin grinned as he kissed Rya.


    "Huh? My secret?" Rya asked confused.


    Quin nodded andughed quietly. "I mean I''m simr. In my first life, I was born on Earth. Like you Rya," Quinus said as his smile grew wider.


    ''Wait! Quin is a summoned!? He must have been reincarnated! I''m not alone!''


    "No way! How did you find out?" Rya eximed as she hugged him tight.


    "Well, let''s just say that you talk a bit after drinking dwarven ale," Quin said excitedly.


    ''Dwarven ale? Oh God! The Lost Monk Inn! Nnnnoooo! This is so embarrassing. What if told someone else?''


    "Hey? Are you okay?" Quinus asked as he looked down at Rya.


    Rya sighed and pouted. "Yeah, I''m fine."


    Quin looked away awkwardly. "Sorry, I tried hinting to you that I was from Earth but you seemed not to notice."


    Rya hugged him tighter.


    "It''s okay, I haven''t been my usual self since I was brought to this. I guess that might''ve made it harder to tell. Well anyways, what do you remember of your life on Earth?" Rya asked as she stroked Quin''s arm gently.


    "Well, I was 31 years old and I grew up in Germany. And I was a engineer. All I can remember before I died was falling off the end of my rope in the middle of a storm? I think I was on a climbing trip to the Greek inds? I-I can''t remember all the details though."


    "I''m sorry that happened to you. Here," Rya said as she gave him a kiss.


    They cuddled close together in each other''s arms.


    "Well, it''s not all bad. I never found a woman I truly loved until you came along and saved my butt."


    "Hehe... I was going to leave you guys back in the dungeon but I couldn''t keep my eyes off you. So I had to save you. When those hobgoblins jumped you."


    "I''m d that you did, Rya," Quin whispered as he kissed her softly.


    "Hehe, yeah me too... Hmm. What was your name before being reborn here?" Rya blushed as she looked at him.


    Quin smiled and scratched his head. "Well, my name was Emil. But I like Quin better. How about you? What was your name beforeing here?"


    ''Huh? D-Do I tell him everything? What if he freaks out that I was a man? Ugh! Why did I ask about his old name!?''


    Rya looked at Quinus and the longer she looked the less nervous she became. ''Okay, I''ll tell him.''


    She took a deep breath before speaking. "My name was Ryan. I didn''t die when I came here to this world. I was brought here against my will."


    "What? You''re alive?" Quin asked in shock.


    "Yes, I grew up in the United States and I was doing a morning run when I was chased by a floating orb. Actually, you see this orb on my choker ne? This is what chased me."


    Quinus moved his fingers over the gold and red yin-yang orb around her neck. It glowed brightly for several seconds then dimmed down to its normal glow.


    "So, this thing brought you here?" Quin asked.


    Rya blinked and nodded. "Yep, that''s right! And... And..."


    "It''s okay," Quin interrupted her as he held onto her hand.


    "When the orb captured me, I fell through some sort of portal and ended up in this strange world. The next thing I knew, I was being told to kill monsters so the mana could change me into a dark elf. And I don''t know how you will react to thisst bit... God..." Rya had trouble saying the words.


    "Is there something wrong? Tell me," he asked as he felt anxious.


    "I was a man. A-A straight man. At least I was about three weeks ago. Now, I''m a female dark elf. A female that is attracted to you."


    Quinus closed his eyes to think, ''So that''s why she was so standoffish. D-Did I push her into this? W-Wait, does that mean...''


    Quinus opened his eyes and looked at Rya. She stared back at him as he tried toe up with a way to say what was on his mind.


    "Rya? Did I force you into this? Do you want me to stop?" He asked nervously.


    ''Oh thank, God! He''s not freaked out about what I used to be.'' Rya thought as she felt relieved.


    Rya shook her head and smiled as she squeezed his hand. "No, no. There''s no need to stop anything. Just because I used to be a man doesn''t mean I don''t want you... To tell you the truth I-I was lying to myself when I first saw you... I can''t lie to myself anymore. I am attracted to you Quin. And you made me realize what it feels like to be truly in love... You''re stuck with me now boy!"


    Quinus felt his heart flutter and smile at Rya. His whole body tingled and he couldn''t help but feel giddy inside.


    "Haha... So you want me as your husband then? Good to know," he said softly.


    "But I don''t know how your people will take the news of their next queen being a dark elf," Rya replied.


    He sighed and rubbed his forehead. "We''ll deal with it. I''m sure some of my father''s council won''t be happy about this but fuck them. I''m going to have an heir with you and I don''t care what they say."


    Rya giggled and leaned into Quin''s embrace. But then she realized something.


    ''Wait! A elf''s menstrual cycles are ten years apart! What if I don''t get pregnant? Is this even possible for me to get pregnant?'' Rya panicked.


    "Um... Quin, Nieren said that elves have ten-year menstrual cycles. What if I don''t get pregnant?" Rya asked.


    Quinus blinked and scratched the back of his head. "Well, it means we have to make love every day from here on out. Which isn''t a problem for me."


    Quinus then started peppering Rya with kisses making her giggle as she grabbed his face.


    "Hehehe! Quin! You''re tickling me! Stop! Don''t stop! Ahhhh! Mmfph! Yesss!" Rya moaned between kisses.


    At some point, she stopped and looked into his eyes, "I love you, Quin. We''ll figure everything else outter okay? But we might need a n to get you an heir if I can''t."


    Quinus nodded and nuzzled his face against hers. "Okay."


    "Hmmm... ECK! Quin! Mmmmmmhhhh!" Rya was surprised when Quinus went down on her.


    She gasped as he took to her legs and kissed them until he reached her pussy.


    "Mmmmm! Ahhh! Oh yeah! That''s good, babe!" Rya moaned as Quin sucked her clit. Quinus loved how soft and smooth her skin was under his fingertips. It felt like silk to him. And when he licked her wet slit it sent shivers through her body. Rya grabbed onto his dark red hair as she pushed her hips towards him.


    "You''ve lit a fire inside me! Do something about it, QUIN! Now!" Rya growled as she bucked her hips.


    Quinus smiled and moved up along her body, kissing and nibbling his way up her neck.


    "Mn... Ahhhhhh! YES! Take me! Please!" Rya begged as she wed the sheets.


    He couldn''t help butugh at her begging.


    "Good little wife..." he whispered before licking her long ears, making her gasp.


    Then he stuck his tongue into her ear and made small circles around her hole.


    "Ahhh! Quinnie! Fuck! Yes! Just like that! Lick me there! MMMM! My pussy is burning! Ahhhh! Don''t stop! Ahhhhh!" Rya cried and squirmed.


    "Yes, yes, yes!" he smiled and teased her ear with his tongue as he positioned his cock towards her hole before pushing it inside.


    "AAAUUNNGGHHH! MMMMPPHHHHH! OOOOHHH! AH! QUINNNN! OH MY GOD! YESSSS!" Rya screamed as she came.


    Quinus kept thrusting and grinding against her thighs trying to drive himself deeper within her. His arms wrapped around her waist and held her close as they both rode out their orgasm.


    "QUIN! YOUR CUM IS AMAZING! DON''T STOP!" Rya panted as she pressed her body to him.


    He gave her a quick kiss as he pulled out and rolled over next to her.


    "Mm, you are a beast, Quin," Rya smiled as she kissed his chest.


    "Yeah, you drive me wild. I''m sorry I didn''t asst long." Quin sighed and kissed her nose.


    "I think I came as you put it in me. I can''tst a second," Rya giggled as shey on top of him.


    Quinus thought that she was cute when she did that and he chuckled, "I don''t want this to end. But we need sleep, it''ll be another long day tomorrow."


    "Yeah, I know. We should probably get some rest then. I have to go to talk with the mages guild," Rya yawned and snuggled under the nkets.


    "Hmm. Goodnight Rya, my love." Quin smiled as he watched his future wife fall asleep.


    ***

 Ch.100 Being watched by the Goddesses again.

    Ch.100 Being watched by the Goddesses again.


    As Quinus and Ryay there in each other''s arms. As they starting to drift off to sleep. Quinus looked down at his sleeping beauty one more time.


    ''Hmm... I''m not alone. And she''s a beautiful dark elf. We''ll protect each other, Rya. No matter what this world throws at us,'' Quinus thought as he closed his eyes and drifted off to some of the best sleep he has had in a while.


    ***


    High up in the clouds were two goddesses observing Rya sleeping in the arms of Quinus. Nils and Nebulus, also known as the Twin of Mournhold, are second-generation Dark Elven Gods of Tertius. They were busy trying toplete the summoning ritual for Hiro''s soul.


    "She ovting..." Nebulus said with excitement as she looked down at Rya.


    "I know, Neb. I''m trying to concentrate," Nils replied as she closed her eyes and started mumbling words that none of the other gods knew about.


    "I can''t believe she''s ovting? I thought we would be waiting for years?" Nebulus said in amazement.


    "Count are selves lucky. Now shut up! Or I might screw up the ritual."


    After a few seconds, Hiro''s soul went flying down to Tertius and straight towards Rya. Flying straight into her uterus.


    "Nuh! Mmmmmmhhhh..." Rya moaned as she slept.


    It moved so fast that no one could see it besides the gods.


    Then Nils opened her eyes and smiled, "I think I''ve done it. Now we just wait for the results."


    Nebulus was excited because the ritual hadn''t worked in over 1000 years.


    "Sweet! I get my summoned back!" Nebulus cheered.


    "Well, mine is much stronger than yours. I guess you should have taken care of her better," Nils said as she gave Nebulus a smack on the head.


    Nebulus was furious but calmed herself enough so she didn''t exploded.


    "What are you even talking about? We both weren''t taking care of our summons, you jerk! This is all your fault!" Nebulus yelled at her sister.


    "Fine, I''ll admit that your summoned sacrificed her life to save mine. So this is the least I can do for her. But you should have done better. Anyway, I am still going to enjoy whates out of this. Rya is going to freak when she finds out that she''s pregnant," Nilsughed as she floated up from the clouds.


    "You''re scolding me about my failures! You didn''t do anything to help Rya! You''re just lucky, you jerk!" Nebulus screamed as she followed her sister.


    "Haah... Will you two be quiet? Your bickering is getting on my nerves," said the human goddess of bnce named Iyomelka.


    "Iyomelka!... I see that my summoned saved yours, so everything should be square. No harm, no foul... Well, almost... Anyway, I hope this proves that we are on good terms," Nils said with a satisfied smile.


    Iyomelka looked at Nils with an annoyed look, "Humility is something you''recking in, Nils. If I''m not mistaken you were the one who caused all of this trouble in the first ce?"


    "Oh,e on, Iyomelka. Everything turned out well!... My summoned is alive and epts herself now. Your summoned is alive and is in love with my summoned. Plus! She''s pregnant with your summoned''s essence and to top it off. We were able to use a resurrection ritual on Nebulus'' summoned soul! Win, freaking win, freaking win!" Nils said as she pointed at Iyomelka who looked unimpressed.


    "Well, your right. I''m interested in seeing how my summoned''s daughter will turn out. But can you answer me this?... How are Yoona and your dark elves fairing these days?" Iyomelka asked.


    "Yoona and my elves? Ahh? I-I''ve been focused on Rya. But, I''m sure they are doing fine though," Nils said while looking off to the side and waving her hand dismissively. Not really knowing the situation with her demi-god or elves.


    "Yeah! I''m sure our dark elves have been crushing it!" Nebulus added.


    Iyomelka still looked at them with an unamused look but raised one brow.


    "You know, it''s good to check in on your people from time to time," Iyomelka said.


    The Twin of Mournhold started to feel uneasy from Iyomelka''s statement. But they refused to show that they were nervous.


    "Oh yeah!? Well, since things are calm around here we were about to check in on our people. Right, Neb," Nils said trying to act casual.


    "Y-Yeah! We were just about to do that if you weren''t in the way," Nebulus agreed.


    Iyomelka shook her head, "I don''t know how you two have survived on your own. The fates must be looking out for both of you."


    "Excuse me? What the hell are you talking about?" Nils said as she became angry.


    "Iyomelka! Don''t make fun of us! We''ve survived quite well thanks to are amazing skills and experience. A-And we''ll keep on surviving like we always do, thank you very much!" Nebulus said with a re.


    Iyomelka sighed and gave up on the two. "Then I guess you two don''t care about what''s been happening to your people thesest two weeks," Iyomelka said as she disappeared before Nils and Nebulus could do anything.


    Nebulus was confused, "What the fuck did she mean by that?"


    "I''m gonna find out! I''ll go see how our people are doing. So we cane back andugh at her," Nils said as she flew southwest of the Fiafyr Kingdom.


    "W-Wait! I''ming too!-


    Within seconds the Twins were flying over the remains of the Sorellia capital. Whichy in ruins from the pdins of the Divine Three.


    "No, no, NO! This is all wrong! Why didn''t you tell me this was happening, Nebulus!" Nils yelled as she started flying around trying to find the survivors.


    "ME!? You get angry when I try and help! You always told me to not get involved when someone asks for my help!" Nebulus shot back as she followed her sister.


    "Y-you should have told me I was wrong! Dammit! Where''s Yoona!?" Nils yelled as she was panicking.


    They continued arguing for a few minutes before realizing they weren''t going to fix this problem by continuing to yell at each other.


    "Fine! FINE! I''m sorry okay! I shouldn''t have med you. I was selfish about being the one that everyone looked up to me as their goddess. I should have had you been seen by Yoona," Nils said with a sigh.


    Nebulus was touched that her sister finally admitted the truth. "Thanks... But what are we going to do? Those pdins have killed so many of our people and Yoona has abandoned the city with the rest of the survivors."


    "Okay! We just need to focus on fixing this. We''re going to need to find some help in order to save our people," Nils said with a determined tone.


    Nebulus nodded, "Maybe we canmunicate with Yoona and tell her to take our people to the Kingdom of Fiafyr? With Rya marrying the crown prince. The dark elves could take sanctuary their until the pdin war ends."


    Nils thought about it for a second, "That''s a good idea. But the Divine Three are trying to marry off one of their princesses to the prince. They might attack our people at the border of Fiafyr. Plus I can''t contact her after using up my primordial essence to resurrect Hiro. Do you have any primordial essence, Neb?"


    Nebulus shook his head, "I don''t. All of mine was used to connect to my summoned again."


    Nils had a pained look on her face, "Neb, I hate to say it, but we have only one option right now."


    "Alright. What''s that?" Nebulus asked with a worried look written over her face.


    ***


    Back over the Kingdom of Fiafyr. Iyomelka was happily meditating while sitting in the clouds and watching over her subjects.


    ''Heeeeh! My summoned has bonded with another summoned! I''m d I gave him that passive ability to make any female he loves to start to ovte regardless of race. It was worth the sacrifice!'' sheughed to herself as she saw a handsome man cuddling with the beautiful dark elf.


    ''Oh yes, there is nothing better than having a strong and loyal mate. Especially when you know your mate is willing to die for you. You are a lucky girl, Rya. Make lots of children with him okay?'' Iyomelka thought happily.


    Her happinesssted for a brief moment when two annoying dark elf goddesses came roaring.


    "IYOMELKA! Iyomelka! We need your help!" Nils pleaded as jumped and grabbed Iyomelka''s left leg followed by Nebulus grabbing her right leg.


    ''Will I ever find a moment of peace! Why can''t they just leave me alone!'' Iyomelka screamed in her head and closed her eyes tighter hoping they would go away if she ignored them.


    She sat there for a few minutes but the twins refused to let go. So, she opened her eyes and looked down at the dark elf goddesses staring up at her like crying, children.


    "Haah... What do you need now? I was enjoying a very enjoyable meditation in the sky, until you two came back... Perhaps you could ask that dumbass Qwilfish for help!" she growled while ring at Nils and Nebulus.


    "We need your help to save the Dark Elves! Please! We''re sorry for not listening to your wisdom and for not giving you the respect you deserve! We''re sorry! Please help us! PLEASE!" Nebulus cried as he leaned against her legs.


    Nils was vicariously nodding her head in agreement with her sister.


    Upon looking at their sad pitiful faces, Iyomelka sighed deeply, ''Is this why you pitied them, Arias?... By the void, they make it hard to abandon them... Fine! But this will be therest chance,'' she thought to herself, ''I''ll help them, within reason.''


    She opened her eyes, "Very well. But this will be a one-time thing and I won''t use my summoned unless absolutely necessary... Agreed?"


    Both goddesses nodded their heads in agreement.


    "Thank you, Iyomelka! Mother said you were the best and now we see why! We''ll never take you for granted again! Thank you Iyomelka!" Nils yelled and hugged her legs tightly.


    Iyomelka couldn''t help but smile seeing the happy tears in Nils'' and Nebulus'' eyes.


    ''You better not be ying me? Because I''ll show you what the true wrath of a goddess is!'' she grumbled internally while keeping her smile.


    "So, what is your request?" she asked and waited for them to reply. After a couple of seconds, they both spoke.


    "Can you use your primordial essence to contact your summoned to ry a message?" Nils asked.


    "Yes, I can do that. But I don''t want to control my summoned''s choices in life," Iyomelka replied.


    "Isn''t there anything you could do?" Nebulus asked.


    "Well, I could contact you''re summoned through the fetus growing inside her? But the child needs to be at an age where the mana vein is developed so I can link with her," Iyomelka answered.


    "Oh right! Hiro''s new body is a halfling and is a part of your people as well as ours! Brilliant! Sister when you were morphing Rya into a dark elf did you keep the same one-in-half, to two-year birthing cycle as the other female dark elves?" Nebulus asked.


    "I changed it up a bit. She should be giving birth around 12 to 14 months?" Nils replied.


    "Okay, so I should be able to mind link with Rya in five months or so. When the fetus has grown strong enough," Iyomelka added, "Is there anything you two can do to help? I mean I will only be bringing you two along when we enter her dreams. That''s the amount of help I''m willing to give."


    Nils and Nebulus thought for a moment before Nebulus spoke first, "Well, I think Rya could borrow time-space magic from my summoned. I need some time to recharge a little bit of my primordial essence before I''m sure."


    Nils looked to her sister, "Your talking about the passive ability of shared magical affinities? That''s brilliant! That is something no God thinks to give to their champion! It would definitely make things easier for Rya to blink over to Yoona and the others! And then she can use her golems to pound those asshole pdins!"


    "It must not be easy to replenish your primordial essence with such low followers now. How long does it take to get enough essence to create a passive skill?" Iyomelka asked.


    "I think I''ll get enough in two mouths? Maybe three, worst case scenario?" Nebulus replied.


    "Yeah, hopefully, I can get enough to contact Yoona about Rya in that same amount of time too. It won''t be a long massage but it will have to do. I can only pray to the fates that Rya doesn''t kill herself or the baby," Nils said with a sigh.


    ***


    Rya was in her bed resting, when she felt a slight flutter in her womb. ''Augh! I can''t believe how hard and big Quin''s dick was. My pelvis is feeling it right now!'' Rya thought.


    Rya blushed a bright red as the fluttering continued. ''Augh! M-Maybe I should do something about it?''

 Ch.101 Morning wood?

    Ch.101 Morning wood?


    Rya was in her bed resting, when she felt a slight flutter in her womb. ''Augh! I can''t believe how hard and big Quin''s dick was. My pelvis is feeling it right now!'' Rya thought.


    Rya blushed a bright red as the fluttering continued. ''Augh! M-Maybe I should do something about it?''


    She started to shift on her bed as she reached down between her legs. Rya rubbed her fingers on the soft skin of her inner thighs as she felt her pussy getting wetter.


    "Mmmmh nnuukk... Ahhhh..." Rya moaned as she kept rubbing her clitoris.


    ''Aungh! How have I be such a naughty girl?! I''ve never needed to masturbate so badly before, and Quin is sleeping next to me! And my body feels like it''s been stretched out again.''


    Rya slowly lifted her leg off the bed and spread her legs apart. She leaned back on her hands as she opened up her pussy lips with her middle finger. Her clit was sticking out from between her lips and glistening in the candlelight as she yed with it.


    ''OH FUCK! Naugh! When I was a guy! I could have climaxed quicker! Aungh! But in this body, I''m taking forever!''


    Rya let out another moan as she continued ying with her clit. She closed her eyes as she imagined Quin''srge cock plunging inside of her. The tightness of her pussy around his shaft sent shivers through her entire body.


    ''Aunh! His cock is so much better than my fingers! Feels so good...'' Rya sighed as she began to rub her thumb across her clit. She opened her eyes and looked down at her hand.


    "Hmmm... That seems to be helping. Mmmmh, just a bit more..." Rya whispered as she ran her nails along her slit.


    She reached with her other hand and started groping her breasts, pinching the nipples between her fingers. Nipples were sensitive spots that made Rya feel all tingly inside.


    "H-Huh? Why am I doing this? Why have I be such a naughty girl? Mmmmh," Rya asked herself.


    Rya kept massaging her breast as she slid her other hand to find her clit and rubbed it again, harder this time. The wetness grew even more and Rya gasped out loud.


    ''Aunh! This isn''t fair! Aungh! I just need to cum! Augh! And I can''t! Augh!'' Rya couldn''t stop the flow of tears as she moaned louder.


    Rya was shaking all over, her breathing became heavy as her juices poured out onto her bed sheets.


    Quinus who was asleep next to her started hearing Rya''s moans.


    ''Hmm? It seems Rya could use a hand. Do worry babe. I''m here for you.'' Quin said as he moved his hand over Rya''s that was rubbing her clit.


    "NAUNGH!"


    Rya let out a gasp as Quin''s hand touched hers. ''Ohh! That feels nice.''


    Rya didn''t realize what she had done until Quin gently stroked her clit. She felt like she was going to explode as he kept touching her clit.


    Rya''s face twisted up in pleasure as she squeezed his hand tighter. ''Ohhh! Ohhhh! Fuck meeeeee! QUIN! PLEASE! MAKE ME CUM!'' Rya screamed in her head as she arched her back on the bed.


    Quinus stopped rubbing her clit and instead pushed his finger deep inside of her.


    "AHHHHHH! Q-QUIN!? YOU''RE AWAKE!? AAAH!" Rya yelled out in surprise as Quin''s finger plunged into her.


    ''Mmmph! Aunh! Ohh! Ahhh! Yesss! Yes! Is that my G-spot?! Aungh! YESSSS! FUCK MY G-SPOT!'' Rya thought as her body shook with pleasure.


    Rya grabbed Quin''s arm tightly as she came hard, squirting out onto the sheets.


    "Aunh... Q-Quin? U-Urp... I... Mmph, uuuhhh... I think I''m gonna fall asleep now..." Rya mumbled as her body went limp.


    Quinus smiled as he pulled his finger from her pussy.


    "You can''t fall asleep. It''s morning." Quin said as he covered Rya with the nkets and then moved his hand to her stomach as he slid under the covers.


    Quinus gently caressed Rya''s belly before cing his head between her legs.


    ''Ugh! W-What is he��'' Rya was interrupted when she felt Quin''s tongue licking her pussy.


    "AUGH! Q-Q-Q-QUINNY! NO!" Rya tried to push him away, but she couldn''t get enough strength.


    Quinus licked her pussy again and again as he slowly ate her out.


    ''Aunh! I-I always thou-UGH! it w-would be sexy to get head in the mor-OH!ing! But this is AUNH! Too much! Quin is too good! Augh! He''s TOO GOOD!'' Rya thought as she closed her eyes and enjoyed what Quin was doing.


    Quinus continued to lick her pussy as she felt herself getting wetter. After a few minutes, Quin ran his fingers down Rya''s slit as he began to rub her clit faster.


    "A-Ahhhhh! Aaauunngghhh? SO STRONG!" Rya moaned as she felt Quin''s fingers thrust into her tight hole.


    Quinus then grabbed one of her tits in his mouth and sucked on it.


    ''Arghhh! I''m at his mercy! My body is his to fuck! To use! To devour!'' Rya thought as her orgasm grew stronger.


    "Fuck, I''ming! Ahhhhhh! YESSSS! QUI-AAAH!" Rya screamed out as she came harder than ever before.


    Quinus kept eating her out and fingering her even after Rya''s orgasm had ended.


    After several minutes, Quin decided to roll Rya over and lifted her butt in the air.


    "Q-Quin? Wh-What are you d-doing?" Rya asked as she looked back at him.


    Quinus grinned widely and winked. "I wanted to get a better view of your cute butt. It''s perfect, just as I expected."


    Rya blushed, which caused Quin to smile wider.


    "And I want to do it doggy style so you feel my cock go deep inside of you," Quin said as he began to push his hips against hers.


    "Wh-Why would you want t-to do that? Th-That''s AUNGH! Unn-natural position!" Rya cried out as she felt Quin push himself into her gate of her tight pussy.


    "You seem to like it. Look," Quin said as he grabbed Rya''s cheeks and squeeze them making them jiggle and sway as he groped them.


    He then pressed forward and entered Rya''s pussy from behind.


    "AUGH! UUUUUGGGHH! Y-You''re s-so big! A-ARGHHHH!" Rya screamed out as she felt Quin''s massive cock push deep inside of her.


    She was still sore from the previous times that Quin fucked her, but her body adapted quicker to his size.


    "I think you''ll enjoy this position more. You can see all the action from here, too." Quin said as he pushed his pelvis against her rear.


    Rya moaned softly and nodded, which made Quin smile wider as he reached around and grabbed her huge tits again.


    "Mm... I love feeling your breasts squish together in my hands..." Quin moaned as he squeezed Rya''s boobs hard.


    Quinus began to pump his hips up and down slowly as he rubbed her tits.


    Rya grabbed the bed sheets tightly in both of her fists and tried to ignore the pleasure that was starting to build within her body once again.


    "Oh, I''m gonna cum soon," Rya moaned quietly as she looked back at Quin.


    "Then cum for me, Rya," Quin whispered as he kissed her neck.


    "Y-Yes Quin. Cum in m-me, please! Pleeease!" Rya begged as she felt herself getting close to another orgasm.


    Quin stopped thrusting his hips and instead moved one of his hands down starting to rub her clit with his thumb.


    Rya gasped loudly as she felt her orgasm approaching quickly. The pleasure built rapidly inside of her as Quin continued to finger her.


    "Fuck! You''re clumping down on my dick so good, Rya. I''m about to shoot my seed." Quin warned, which only caused Rya to moan louder.


    "Augh! Yes! Yes! Please, give it to me! Your cum feels so good inside me!" Rya moaned as she felt the pleasure rush through her body.


    "Tell me that it will make you pregnant, Rya. Augh! And I''ll give it to you!" Quin begged.


    "Aungh! B-But there''s no guarantee�C" Rya stopped talking as Quin began to say.


    "Sshh! I know that, but I think it would be hot if you say it!" Quin stated as he kept rubbing her clit with his thumb while pushing his dick deeper into Rya.


    As she spoke, Quin heard Rya''s breathing deepen as she got closer and closer to orgasm.


    Rya moaned deeply and then whimpered before saying something strange.


    "MAKE ME PREGNANT! Make me pregnant with your babies! GIVE ME OCTUPLETS!" Rya screamed as she felt her pussy tighten up around Quin''s cock.


    "Ah! FUCK YEAH, BABE!" Quin grunted out as he began to thrust harder into her.


    "AHHH! YOU''RE MAKING ME CUM AGAIN!" Rya yelled as she threw her head back into the air causing her hair to fly around her.


    Quin felt himself begin to explode inside of her, causing him to grunt loudly.


    Quinus thrust his hips onest time into Rya and shot his load deep into her womb.


    Rya moaned loudly as she felt Quin''s seed fill her. She knew that it wouldn''t be enough for her to get pregnant, but she didn''t care. She couldn''t resist him anymore.


    "Mmm... MMMMPHHHHH!" Rya moaned as she felt her own orgasm rushing through her body.


    She threw her head back and howled, the sound echoing off the walls of the room.


    Rya kept shaking as she climaxed for what seemed like forever. Her whole body was covered in sweat, making the bed beneath her stick to her sweaty skin.


    After several minutes, Rya finally came back from her orgasm and saw Quinus looking at her with a smirk.


    "W-What? Did I do something?" Rya asked nervously as she sat up in the bed.


    Quinusughed and reached forward to help her sit upright.


    "Octuplets? That a bit extreme?" Quin said with a smirk as he stood up. "I mean that was hot and I want to have kids, but I don''t think it''s healthy to push out eight in one go."


    "I-I know! I was caught up in the moment! That''s all!" Rya said as she looked down at her stomach where Quin''s seed was still oozing out of her pussy.


    "And I''m a dark elf. It''s not like I''m going to get pregnant any time soon anyway," Rya said quietly.


    As Rya thought about that, she could feel herself getting wet again.


    "Yeah, I haven''t looked into it yet. But maybe there''s an alchemist that knows how to make potions to make elves fertile? I''ll look into it at some point, maybe in a year or two when things settle down." Quin said as he looked at Rya.


    He stood up and walked over to a wardrobe and opened it up.


    "Huh? You would think a world of magic would have such things?" Rya said as she sat up in the bed hugging her legs as she pondered.


    Quinus smiled and pulled out two robes on hangers. He held one up and looked at Rya.


    "Here, put this on. We''re going to take a bath. I know I could use one too," Quin said as he turned and headed towards the door.


    Rya got out of bed and grabbed the robe. She put it on and followed Quin out of their bedroom.


    Once they made it to the bathroom, Quin closed the door behind him.


    "Whoa! This bathtub is ridiculous! How many people can fit in this thing? Is it even safe?" Rya asked as she looked around at therge bathtub.


    "It''s not a tub at all. It''s a hot spring, and you''re right, there''s enough room for a hundred people.


    The bathroom they were looking at was borate, and muchrger than any normal bathing area in the castle. The floor was tiled in ck marble. Arge wooden table was set up with a bottle of wine, several sses, and two wineskins sitting on top of it. Magic torches lit the room evenly to showcase the grandeur of the space. There was also a small firece built into the wall, which was covered in smooth stones to reflect the heat.


    Arge crystal door was on the far end of the room next to a matching stone archway that led outside to the garden.


    "Yeah, the Baron loves his hot springs. His wife was alwaysining about Fae-Baths being unnatural and not from the earth so he and his dwarves build this hot spring installed."


    "Oh... So what are these then?" Rya said as she pointed to two metal rings that were attached to the wall.


    They looked like the rings used to hang clothing up. But there was a drain on the floor next to the rings.


    "Those are showers but they dump a bucket of hot water on you from above. The baroness doesn''t like filth floating in the hot spring. It does the job though."


    "Ah, that makes sense," Rya said as she looked at the ring that was hanging closest to her.


    She tested it with her hand and gave a slight push. Nothing happened. ''Hmm? Maybe it''s a pull instead of a push?''


    Rya pulled the ring down and saw a chain attached to it as the ceiling opened up and dropped bucket loads of water onto her.


    *SPLASH!*


    "Whoa!" Rya yelled as she jumped back from the falling shower. "You weren''t kidding! Geez, I should have taken my robe off first!" Rya said as she chuckled and took off her robe.


    *SPLASH!*


    "Ooh! Quin!" she yelled as another wave of water fell on her head because of Quin pulling the ring.


    "Sorry. I couldn''t help myself." Quinughed as he pulled the ring again, and she got soaked once more.


    "Ugh, you little tease. You know I''m going to get you back," Rya teased him as she climbed into the hot spring. "I''ll show you the true meaning of teasing."


    Quin climbed in behind her and sat on the edge of the bathtub.


    "So, how''d you find me anyway?" Rya asked as she continued to soak in the warm water.


    "Nieren spotted you getting cored. And she found Percy and Dalia. She is a bit weird but she''s proven herself to me. The more people I can trust to watch your back the better."


    "Hmm... Really? I guess I need to thank her." Rya said with a smile as she leaned against Quin.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    Quin and Rya sat there for a few minutes before either one of them spoke again.


    "So, you said there are alchemists that could make fertility potions?" Rya asked as she looked into Quin''s eyes.


    "Well, those creeps sure like to make aphrodisiacs. So, one of the should be able to make a fertility potion," Quin answered as he watched Rya''s lips move. Her pink tongue came out and licked her bottom lip.


    "That seems dangerous. I might use that to get back at you for teasing me," Rya said as she ran her fingers through Quin''s hair.


    "Yeah, I don''t think I need aphrodisiac to be tortured by your beauty. Push I worry that I would hurt you. Most aphrodisiacs make males into berserkers that can''t think until the potion wears off."


    "Oh... Hmm, then what about a love potion? Would that work?" Rya asked as she traced her finger around the rim of Quin''s ear.


    "I-I... Why would I need one? I already love you. I thought love potions were used to try and win someone over?" Quin stammered out as he felt Rya''s breath on his neck.


    "Mmmmh? I was just curious." Rya said with a soft giggle as she moved her hands down and cupped his balls.


    "Aww... You want me that bad, huh?" Quin moaned as he felt Rya''s fingers tracing circles around his sack.


    "Yes! I want you so badly my body aches." Rya moaned softly as she stroked his shaft gently.


    Quin shuddered as he felt her hand stroke him. His body responded instantly to her touch.


    "Are you trying to make me cum while we''re still in here?" Quin gasped as he tried not to moan too loud.


    "If you want? Just say the word." Rya teased as she continued to massage his cock.


    Quin''s breathing became heavier as Rya''s hand stroked him faster. His hips began to thrust up towards her hand as it rubbed along his length.


    "Rya... This isn''t fair. How am I supposed to focus on what we need to do with you doing this to me?" Quin gasped as he felt his pleasure building.


    "Hm? What do you mean?" Rya asked as she looked up at Quin. He was gazing down at her, panting heavily as Rya kept rubbing his cock.


    "Uhm, I mean... SHIT! Oh! Fuck!" Quin cried as he was close toing.


    Just as Quin was about to climax Rya stopped.


    "Hah... Hah... R-Rya?" Quin panted as he looked at her with confusion.


    "That''s what you get for teasing me. Hehe."


    *Ssh!*


    Rya jumped into the pool leaving Quin blue balled sitting on the side of the pool.


    "O-Oh! That''s not fair! I-I didn''t tease you like this." Quin protested as he sat up.


    "And I bet you were ready to cum weren''t you?"


    Quin blushed bright red. He couldn''t deny it. He was so close to orgasm that she made him lose control.


    "That''s it! You''re going to pay for that!" Quin growled as he stood up and walked towards the edge of the pool.


    "What? Are you gonna punish me?" Ryaughed as she swam to the middle of the pool.


    "No! Not yet anyway." Quin said as he nced over at her. She was floating in the water, her arms spread out above her head.


    "Really?" Rya asked as she looked over at him. "I thought you would have already punished me for teasing you."


    Quin smiled and shook his head.


    "If I didn''t have things to do this morning I would totally take you right now."


    "Really?" Rya purred as she smiled and winked at him


    "You know, if you keep this up. I''ll have to get even with youter."


    "Like what?" Rya smirked as she floated in the water.


    "We''ll see." Quin chuckled as he leaned forward. He kissed her cheek softly before heading back to the bedroom.


    ''Hmm... It''s going to be fun living with Quin.'' Rya thought with a smile.


    But then reality hit her, ''Hmm... What are we going to do with his arranged marriage? He said she is from the Kingdoms of the Divine Three.''


    She then had a shback when she first came face to face with a pdin.


    ''I''m not as weak as I first was udius! I''m going to put you six feet under for killing Hiro and attacking me... It''s thest thing I can do for that annoying idiot.''


    Then she remembered everything the pdin told her.


    "Well, I''ve got to think of something to do..."


    Rya got out of the hot spring and went to the bedroom to change into new clothes.


    ***

 Ch.102 Looking like a Noble

    Ch.102 Looking like a Noble


    It wasn''t long after that when the sun rose. The sun shone brightly through the window of Quin''s room.


    ''Hmm looks like Quin pick out a outfit already.'' Rya thought. She was lying on the bed watching him.


    Quin walked out from behind the door wearing a pair of short tight-fitting briefs and a ck shirt. His hair was still wet from the hot spring and he had some soap foam dripping down his chest from washing off thether.


    "What? You like the view?" Quin said with a smile. He turned around quickly, almost tripping over himself.


    "Haha! Your cockiness is going to get the better of you, Quin," Rya giggled as she grabbed his hand.


    "Oh yeah? Then why don''t you show me?" Quin asked as he pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply. His hands slid up under her rode and caressed her breasts.


    "Augh? You need to calm down Quin. Mmmmh! We just got cleaned up!" Rya moaned as he kissed her neck.


    "Ah... I''m sorry babe, but I can''t help it..." Quin gasped as he moved his hips against hers.


    "Mmm... Okay! That''s enough, Quin! Jeez... I get that I''m gorgeous but I need to meet up with Hajdah and Laika. Plus I''m hungry. How about this we can have funter tonight?" Rya teased with a grin.


    "Are you sure?" Quin asked as he looked into her eyes.


    "Yes, I promise." Rya smiled as she leaned in and kissed him again.


    "Hmm, you''re lucky that I love you," Quin said as he smiled at her.


    Rya smiled as she shook her head while turning around only to feel a paining from her butt check.


    "Ouch! Hey!" Rya yell in surprise as she looked back at Quinus who just pinched her butt.


    "Couldn''t resist," he said with a wink and a grin.


    "Oh! You''re ying with fire my friend," Rya said as she grabbed a pillow and was ready to throw it at Quinus.


    Quin was still smiling waiting to see what Rya was going to do.


    ''Dammit! He''s trying to get me to y with him... I need to be the bigger woman here. Otherwise, we won''t be leaving this bed anytime soon.'' Rya thought.


    But then she stopped herself, sighed, and dropped it back on the bed.


    "Fine, I forgive you. But next time, I won''t show any mercy," Rya said as she pouted.


    Quin smiled as he looked like he was going to make a move, but was interrupted by a knocking on the door.


    *KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!*


    "What? Now?" Quin said in annoyance.


    "Sorry sir, I didn''t mean to wake you," the butler apologized as he knocked again.


    Quin swore under his breath as he went to answer the door.


    He unlocked the door and opened it to see the head butler and a few maids standing behind him.


    "My Lord. Lord Coldforge has prepared the dining hall for breakfast and wishes to speak to you. And I brought the maids to help dress herdyship," The Butler exined as he bowed his head.


    ''Haah... I guess I have to stop ying with Rya.''


    "Fine,e in. Please get Lady Rya dressed first," Quinus said to the head butler.


    "Of course, my lord." The Butler said as he turned around and motioned for the maids to follow him.


    Six maids came walking into the chamber and went straight towards Rya who wasying on the bed.


    ''Huh? H-Hey! Hold on!'' Rya thought as the maids pulled her up to her feet and disrobed her before carrying her to the bathroom where they helped clean her up.


    "But I already cleaned myself!" Rya pleaded to four of the maids. Two of them were humans while the rest were dwarves.


    "Sorry, Ms. Rya. Our master would not like to see you in such a state," One of the female dwarf maids exined.


    "I''m sorry, mydy. We cannot help ourselves," Another female dwarf maid added as she felt Rya''s chest.


    "H-Hey! What are you doing?! That''s so wrong!" Rya yelled as she pped the hand away from her breast.


    "My apologies, mydy. I was just cleaning your front," The dwarf maid apologized with a red face.


    "I''m fine! Just leave me alone!" Rya demanded as she tried to push the maids off her but they wouldn''t budge.


    "We must be quick, mydy. After this, we have a couple of formal dresses that need to be prepared for you," One of the female humans exined as she rubbed her hands together.


    "Fine! Just hurry up! And try not to be so handsy." Rya ordered as the maids began to cleanse the rest of her body.


    ''My body is for Quin. And no one else! Handsy little maids! Huh? Weird... I guess I mentally am a straight woman?'' Rya thought as it was odd how much she''s changed.


    After the maids finishing up with cleaning Rya, they put on their aprons and moved her to the corner were they could dress her.


    Rya stood there watching in confusion as the maids started putting clothes on her. Starting with her underwear which were a pair of pink panties and a bra.


    "Lift your legs, Miss Rya. If you don''t mind," The maid asked as she helped her step into the panties. Rya did as she was told and lifted her leg as the maid pulled the panties up her thick thighs until they were firmly against her crotch sending shivers up her spine.


    ''Aunh! Fresh panties feel so nice on me! I missed this��oooh!'' Rya''s thoughts were interrupted when another maid put a pink bra on her from behind.


    "That should work. I was worried that this bra would be too small for a woman of your stature, but it fits perfectly," The maid said as she adjusted the straps on the bra and made sure to tighten everything enough so that the material wouldn''t slide down.


    From there, the maids helped put her whitece corset on.


    ''Oh, God! The material feels so good on me! It''s almost as if my skin is being caressed by the fabric itself,'' Rya thought as she waited patiently for her undergarments to finish getting fitted.


    "A-Are you sure these are mine?" Rya asked as she looked at herself in the mirror.


    "Yes, Miss Rya. These were provided by the Baron as a gift. You look stunning," The human maid answered as she adjusted Rya''s hair while the dwarf maid finished with the corset.


    It was at this point two of the maids brought over two dresses, one blue and one ck. Both of them were long gowns that went well past Rya''s knees.


    The blue dress was an off-shoulder A-shape design that had a slit that ran from the top right of her hip and ran all the way down to her ankle.


    The ck dress was more conservative that would not show that much skin. It was more of a formal attire that wouldn''t make her stand out.


    "Which one do you like best?" The Dwarf maid asked as she held out both dresses for Rya to see.


    Rya couldn''t help but be drawn to the blue dress. ''Why am I drawn to the skimpier dress? D-Don''t tell me Dalia has been rubbing off on me again,'' Rya thought as she looked at the blue dress.


    The maid knew Rya wanted to wear the blue dress and smiled at her.


    "This will go perfectly with your hair and skin tone. Now please, try on the blue dress, mydy," The maid told Rya as she handed her a blue dress.


    ''Oh! This feels just as lovely as the corset!'' Rya thought as she felt the fabric against her bare skin.


    "Y-Yes... I''ll try this one," Rya replied as she handed it back to the maids.


    They then grabbed her long blue dress and started to slide it on her that was fitted tightly around her hips and breasts then flowed out slightly toward the bottom to cover most of Rya''s thighs while exposing her right leg because of the open slit on the right side.


    When they finally had the dress on Rya''s body, the maids started to adjust the buttons that were pulled up in the middle of her chest.


    ''Aunh! It''s so restricting and so exposing at the same time. Why does this make me so excited? Do I love dresses more than pants now? Mmmh!'' Rya wondered as she tried not to moan as the maids kept adjusting her dress.


    As soon as thest button was fastened, Rya''s cleavage popped out of the dress and she admired herself in the mirror.


    The maids started to tie Rya''s hair back with a small ribbon.


    "You can leave it loose, Miss Rya. Or you can wear it tied back like the rest of us," The Dwarf maid told Rya as she stepped in behind Rya and tightened the belt around her waist.


    ''Mmmh! Maybe I should try a new hairstyle. Perhaps some braids?'' Rya thought as she looked at the maids in front of her.


    "Can you braid my hair?" Rya asked the dwarf maid in a nervous voice. "I''ve never done it before..."


    The dwarf maid smiled at Rya and nodded.


    "Of course, Miss Rya. Come here," The Dwarf maid said as she motioned for Rya to turn around.


    Rya turned around and stepped forward as the dwarf maid took Rya''s white hair and wrapped it around her finger to get an idea of how much she needed to pull her hair back.


    Once the dwarf maid was satisfied with the amount of hair that she had pulled back, she took out ab and started to tease Rya''s hair.


    "Now, this part is very important. You need to keep your head tilted down or else the braid won''t sit right," The dwarf maid exined before she started to add in some hair.


    Rya did as she was instructed and kept her head tilted low. Closing her eyes, enjoying the feeling of having her hair pulled back.


    The dwarf maid started to add more hair and added in another strand. ''Uhh! This feels so good! M-Maybe I should ask Quin to pull my hair?'' Rya thought as her anticipation grew stronger with each strand.


    "Hmhm! There we go!" The dwarf maid said as she finished wrapping Rya''s hair. "Please move your head back."


    Rya moved her head back and the dwarf maid took out a few pins to pin Rya''s hair down. Once thest pin was ced into Rya''s hair, the dwarf maid began to take the ribbon and start to wrap it around Rya''s hair.


    "Do you like it, Miss Rya?" The dwarf maid asked as she adjusted the ribbon.


    Rya looked at herself in the mirror. Stunned by what she saw. She looked so different from what she normally was like. Rya looked like a nobledy with her long white hair pinned up and tied off in a bow. Her braid looked simr to a French braid and it only came halfway down her back instead when it would go past her butt when left loose.


    ''What am I thinking? Am I bing a fussy girl? Why do I enjoy this so much? Is this the new me? I mean, I know I''ve changed, but I don''t think I''m different mentally from when I came to this world,'' Rya thought as she looked away from the mirror while trying to hide her blushing cheeks.


    "Huh? Is there something wrong, mydy?" The human maid asked as she noticed Rya''s reaction.


    ''Oh no! Did I say something weird again?'' Rya thought as she shook her head.


    "It''s nothing, I''m just not used to dressing in such nice clothes," Rya lied as she stood there.


    "I see, well then, let''s get some shoes," The Human maid said as she motioned for Rya to look over at the dwarf maid folding a pair of pink high heels.


    ''Um? Are those 5-inch heels? How does anyone wear these things?'' Rya wondered as she felt her palms starting to sweat.


    But before she could refuse one of the maids grabbed her foot and slipped the shoe onto her foot and then the other.


    ''Whoa! Huh? I''m standing?''


    "Here you go, now try walking in them," The Dwarf maid said.


    Rya was surprised by howfortable they were.


    ''Um? Just take it to show Rya,'' Rya thought as she took a step forward.


    "Mmmh! They feel so good on my feet!'' Rya smiled as she took another step.


    "See, mydy?" The dwarf maid said as she pped her hands together. "Aren''t they wonderful? They were crafted by a famous shoemaker in the eastern city of Tairal. They say you can sleep standing up in those heels. Magical right!"


    "You''re right, the shoes feel great," Ryaughed as she twirled around showing off her new outfit.


    ''I can''t believe I''m doing this...'' Rya thought as she continued to dance in front of the mirror. ''How silly of me.''


    "Goodness gracious, mydy! You move beautifully." The Dwarf maidplimented as she walked towards Rya.


    "Hmm! Thank you... This there anything else we need to do? I would love to spend all day in this dress," Rya asked as she continued to twirl.


    "Usually we would do your makeup. But that''s to cover up one''s ws. But your skin is wless, so you should be fine," The dwarf maid said.


    "Ha ha! Yeah, I lucked out there," Rya replied with augh, "Hmm, well I guess I shouldn''t keep Quin waiting."


    "Yes, mydy!" Both maids said with a bow.


    As soon as Rya opened her door to leave, she heard someone call out to her from outside.


    "Wow! That dress looks like it was made for you, Rya," Prince Quinus praised as he turned around to face her.


    "Thank you, I wasn''t sure how this dress would look on me, at first," Rya answered him nervously.


    Quinus nodded his head in agreement, "Well, I think it looks amazing on you."


    Rya''s heart raced again. ''Calm down Rya! I need to grab some food then meet up with the mages.''


    Quin was dressed up in his formal wear, wearing his royal ck tunic with golden trimming along the sleeves. His hair wasbed back and seemed to be held back with some type of grease.


    He didn''t seem to notice as Rya blushed.


    ''Don''t look at him too much, don''t look at him too long,'' Rya thought as she tried to keep her cool.


    "Ready to go?" Quin asked as he held the door open for Rya.


    "Y-Yeah!" Rya stuttered as she walked past him towards the stairs.


    Once they reached the top floor, they entered into the dining room.

 Ch.103 I Promise on my Honor

    Ch.103 I Promise on my Honor


    <span ss="userText">Uponing into the dining hall Quinus and Rya were greeted by Zellin, Hajdah, Nieren, and a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="userText"> older dwarven woman that looked more noble th<span ss="editText">a<span ss="userText">n the rest<span ss="editText"> while being surrounded by servants<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">The butler intr<span ss="editText">o<span ss="userText">du<span ss="editText">c<span ss="userText">ed <span ss="editText">Quinus and Rya to the party.


    <span ss="editText">"Lord Coldforge and Lady Fyre. T<span ss="userText">he Crown Prince and the Saintess have<span ss="aiText"> arrived," <span ss="editText">stated the butler.


    <span ss="editText">''Is that Zellin''s mother?<span ss="aiText"> Interesting,'' Rya thought<span ss="editText"> as she studied the older female dwarf standing by Zellin.


    <span ss="editText">"Your Highness. Will you be joining<span ss="aiText"> u<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> f<span ss="editText">or breakfast<span ss="aiText">? If not, please feel free to make yourselffortable," The old dwarf woman offered.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes, Lady Fyre. We''ll be joining<span ss="aiText"> you shortly," Quinus answered with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Zellin bowed his head slightly to Rya and smiled, "Lady <span ss="editText">Ry<span ss="aiText">a. It''s nice to see you again.<span ss="editText"> You look more breathtaking in formal wear. I hope everything is to your satisfaction?"


    <span ss="editText">''Oh? So, the Baron is the one that got me this outfit<span ss="aiText">?'' Rya thought as she tilted her head. ''<span ss="editText">Well, that was nice of him.<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s lovely. Thank you Zellin," Rya responded with a genuine smile.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren''s jaw was hitting the floor <span ss="userText">seeing Rya''s dress<span ss="aiText"> and the way she stood next to Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ve never seen such an outfit before," Nieren said as she stared at Rya''s dress<span ss="editText"> which wasn''t leaving much to the imagination. Rya''s cleavage<span ss="aiText"> was definitely showing.


    <span ss="editText">"What? Is it wrong to be<span ss="aiText"> wearing something like this?" Rya questioned as she turned around, her ass now on disy.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, mydy. I was simply surprised. This is a rather daring fashion choice for <span ss="editText">a elf<span ss="aiText">," Nieren replied with a blush.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren wasn''t wearing her usual adventurer''s gear<span ss="aiText">. Instead, she wore a b<span ss="editText">rown<span ss="aiText"> blouse with a <span ss="editText">g<span ss="aiText">re<span ss="editText">en<span ss="aiText"> long skirt that went down to her <span ss="editText">ankl<span ss="aiText">es.


    <span ss="aiText">She hadrge silver hoops hanging from her ears and a small ne with three rings. Her bl<span ss="editText">onde<span ss="aiText"> hair flowed down her <span ss="editText">back with the help of a headband<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"You should try it sometime." Rya offered.


    <span ss="aiText">"M<span ss="editText">y mother would kill me if I wore such a thing. Plus, I''m not as well endowed as<span ss="aiText"> you are. My breasts aren''t nearly as big," Nieren responded as she looked away from Rya''s chest.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? She''sparing her breasts to my ridiculous tits!? That''s not fair. I mean she has what? C-cup-sized breasts? Nieren would look gorgeous in a dress like this... Haah... If she has tits as big as mine, she''ll have to pick up a new profession. Because there''s no way she can use a bow if she gets any bigger.''<span ss="userText"> Rya<span ss="aiText"> thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well then, maybe we could go shopping together sometime?" Rya suggested.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">B-But... But<span ss="aiText"> why Lady Rya?!<span ss="editText"> Are you trying to get me in trouble with my mother?<span ss="aiText">" Nieren stammered as she blushed bright red.


    <span ss="aiText">Ryaughed and pped Nieren on the shoulder. "<span ss="editText">Hmm? You need to be more independent sometimes Nieren. You can''t let your mother<span ss="aiText"> control you all the time. Just think about it!"


    <span ss="editText">Nieren didn''t know<span ss="aiText"> what to say. Her cheeks were still bright red <span ss="editText">as if she was just<span ss="aiText"> p<span ss="editText">ped<span ss="aiText">. She looked up at Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you for thepliment though," Rya said with a smile.<span ss="editText"> But then Rya noticed that Sir George, Percy, and Dalia weren''t in the dining room.


    <span ss="editText">"Hey, Nieren. Do you know<span ss="aiText"> where the<span ss="editText"> others are<span ss="aiText">?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, I too<span ss="aiText">k Sir George <span ss="editText">back to his quarters. I think he is still sleeping. And for Dog and her <span ss="userText">mate, I was able to hear them on the other side of the castle and they were shaking the rocks, if you catch my drift<span ss="aiText">," Nieren replied with a wide grin.


    <span ss="editText">''Damn! Here I thought me and Quin<span ss="userText"> were the ones being loudst night<span ss="aiText">.'' Rya thought to herself as she recalled screaming at the top of her lungs when she climaxed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Dalia is going to get pregnant <span ss="aiText">at t<span ss="editText">his rate.<span ss="aiText"> It shouldn''t surprise me if she was at this point," Rya said with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="editText">never seen a beast-kin take to a human like that<span ss="aiText">," Nieren replied with a frown.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry about it. She''s <span ss="editText">in love, Nieren. And Percy is her champion now<span ss="aiText">. So there''s nothing wrong with it," Rya reassured Nieren.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t know if I am ready to see more beast-kin start to fall in love. Especially not with humans," Nieren admitted.


    <span ss="userText">"What? A<span ss="editText">re <span ss="userText">you getting jealous of Dalia<span ss="aiText">? Or are you just upset because you<span ss="editText"> want a human, like Percy<span ss="aiText">?" Rya teased.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">N-<span ss="aiText">No! That''s not it. I<span ss="editText"> don''t want to love a creature that won''tst longer than a hundred and thirty years, if I''m lucky war doesn''t take him sooner<span ss="aiText">. Humans die young and quickly. No offense. It''s not that I hate humans, but they''re frail creatures." Nieren mumbled under her breath.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Your loss<span ss="aiText"> then, Nieren. If you want a strong man who can protect you from anything, then you should try to <span ss="editText">get a human. They are way more passionate<span ss="aiText">," Rya teased again.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">H-Hey! My mother would disown me if<span ss="aiText"> I tried to have a rtionship with one of those human men," Nieren retorted.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Closed-minded, I see<span ss="aiText">," Rya taunted. "But I suppose it is your choice. Don''t worry though, you''ll find someone someday. Maybe even a human?"<span ss="editText"> She added with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-You can''t say that!" Nieren eximed.


    <span ss="editText">"<span ss="userText">Calm down... I''m only teasing you<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Rya said, holding her hands up in defense.


    <span ss="aiText">"Okay, okay. I''m sorry<span ss="editText">. I''m probably still not used to being around a dark elf. And I didn''t return home afterst night<span ss="aiText">," Nieren apologized.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s fine," Rya said with augh. "Anyway, I guess we better <span ss="editText">sit down and eat. Do you mind if I sit next to you?<span ss="aiText"> There are some chairs by the fire<span ss="editText">ce<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t mind. In fact, I''d like it if you sat next to me<span ss="editText">. I haven''t been around another elf in years. Besides my mother of course," Nieren replied.


    <span ss="editText">''Man! There she goes again about her mother. Is she going to freak out because I''m a dark elf? God, she is, isn''t she? Haah! Well, I''ll deal with it when the timees.'' Rya thought<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Then let''s go. The food smells great," Rya chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, it does. <span ss="editText">I miss the pce life<span ss="aiText">," Nieren said politely.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">Quinus was talking with Zellin and his mother before he noticed Rya and Nieren taking a seat<span ss="aiText"> in front of him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Baron... My Lady<span ss="userText">... It seem<span ss="editText">s<span ss="userText"> my future wife is ready to dine<span ss="aiText">," Quinus announced.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Future wife? You p<span ss="aiText"<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">marry Lady Rya, your Highness?" Zellin<span ss="aiText"> asked<span ss="editText"> with a raised brow while his mother, Fyre, was surprised<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. But I must ask my father for permission<span ss="editText"> out of tradition<span ss="aiText">," Quinus answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Huh... You are nothing but surprises<span ss="aiText">, Lord Quinus. <span ss="editText">A human marrying a dark elf?<span ss="aiText"> This is unheard of.<span ss="editText"> The humans and dwarves of Ironside coexist together in harmony, but we have never seen any get involved romantically. What a novel idea," Fyre<span ss="aiText">mented.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Your Highness... I am relieved you''re taking a wife that''s not a part of the Divine Three. But, should the people of Ironside prepare for war? <span ss="editText">I<span ss="aiText"> know t<span ss="editText">hey don''t like <span ss="userText">the Fiafyr Kingdom because of us <span ss="editText">dwarves being a part of the kingdom," Zellin worriedly questioned.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes. And the arranged marriage with Princess Hildawill be another issue<span ss="userText"> when word gets out that you<span ss="aiText">''re <span ss="editText">wedd<span ss="aiText">ing a dark elf. It will cause political unrest," Fyre added.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. If there is trouble, we must be prepared<span ss="editText">. I will not sacrifice my people for political<span ss="aiText"> gain. And I will take care of the political side of things. I promise on my honor," Quinus stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hmm. <span ss="aiText">Okay. We will inform the <span ss="editText">Ironside <span ss="aiText">Council of our ns. I suggest you inform the other noble families as well," Zellin said with an understanding nod.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. Thank you, Baron. I appreciate it," Quinus said gratefully.


    <span ss="aiText">Zellin bowed his head respectfully then <span ss="editText">moved to the head of the table with his mother<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"What did I tell you, Mother? <span ss="editText">The future king is going to<span ss="aiText"> be a good leader," <span ss="editText">Zelli<span ss="aiText">n praised.


    <span ss="aiText">"I know. But still, <span ss="editText">King Cyndre was the one to okay the arranged marriage in the first ce. And if it wasn''t his idea, then it was an idea that was given by his council. The prince may be fighting an uphill battle<span ss="aiText">," Fyremented.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"He won''t let me down, Mother. I''m sure of it," Zellin said with confidence.

 Ch.104 Arathar the Blacksmith

    Ch.104 Arathar the cksmith


    The group was getting ready to eat breakfast as Quinus sat next to Rya''s left while Nieren sat to her right.


    "Good morning, everyone! Breakfast is served!" A servant announced cheerfully as they brought out their tes.


    "You know, Prince Quinus, this is the first time I''ve met a human that I can actually speak to," Nierenmented.


    "Really? Did you only talk to the dwarves?" Quinus asked curiously.


    "Yes. I guess when my kingdom fell at the hands of humans. I started to fear them and so I stopped talking to anyone. Even when I met the dwarves I was reluctant to talk to them. But I decided to try again. So far, I haven''t been bothered by any of the dwarves either," Nieren exined.


    "Sorry to hear that Lady Nieren. Were there no other elven viges nearby?" Quinus asked sympathetically.


    "No. There were many, but none of the elf''s viges survived," she sadly responded. "I fear that most of the wood elves have been enved or are in hiding. My mother thought Ironside to be the safest ce for us."


    ''Grrah! I''ll be there to help free them Nieren. I won''t rest until all the vers are dealt with.'' Rya thought as she was getting worked up from her own experience of getting cored.


    Rya put her hand on hers and squeezed gently. ''It''s okay, I''m here now,'' sheforted.


    Nieren was taken aback by the gesture and blushed.


    ''They all said dark elves were evil. They''re all wrong! Rya is the best! She''s going to be my best friend!'' Nieren thought excitedly.


    "Well, what will you be doing today?" Quinus asked politely as he picked up his fork.


    "I was going to tell my mother that I''m going to be Lady Rya''s,dy-in-waiting and retainer. I don''t know how she is going to take it?" Nieren replied anxiously.


    "Hmm? Well, if she''s fine with you working with Rya she cane with us. It''s never a bad thing to have a Noble elf to teach Rya in the ways of etiquette," Quinus said reassuringly.


    "Thank you, Your Highness!" Nieren said happily.


    "Hey! Do I really need to learn etiquette? I mean I''ve been around you guys and you didn''t seem to care about it too much," Rya joked with a smile.


    "Oh, I think the most important part of being a noble is knowing the proper way to act, dress, and speak when in public," Lady Fyre said as she look at Rya from across the table.


    "What are you saying?! I''m not noble enough?!" joked Rya.


    "You need to stop taking this lightly! You''re going to be our future Queen and you need to act as such," Lady Fyre argued.


    ''Damn! This old dwarf woman is going to make me behave like a noble? But I don''t care about this noble crap! Haah... Fine! I''ll do it for Quin''s sake,'' Rya thought as she started to get annoyed.


    "Okay, okay... I''ll try to learn the rules of etiquette. Although, I am not sure if I''ll be able to pass it since I don''t know if I''ll care about such things," Rya replied sarcastically.


    "You''ll learn! Just trust me and follow your Lady in waiting''s advice... You''ll do great as long as you give us some effort," Lady Fyre said smiling.


    Rya sighed out loud in annoyance.


    ''Yeah. But I''m not going to like it.'' Rya thought grumpily.


    Lady Fyre was happy that she was going to teach the future Queen etiquette. She was over the twin moons and thought nothing could ruin this moment, until.


    *BAM!*


    The door opened to a thunderous sound.


    "What is the meaning of this interruption?!" Zellin shouted as he stood up from his chair and red at the intruder.


    Quinus, Rya, Fyre, Hajdah, and Nieren were startled and looked over at the doorway. They were all greeted by the sight of an older dwarf with a white bread, leather apron, gloves, and a few swords slung behind his back, while his skin was covered in soot.


    "BOY! That''s no way to greet your father!" Arathar Coldforge shouted angrily.


    "Father!? But what are you doing here!?" Zellin asked confused.


    Arathar shook his head, "Tck! I don''t know how you''re into all this cleanliness stuff! If you want to impress me and your mother... then go and get a wife! I''m tired of waiting, boy!"


    Fyre didn''t react to her husband''s outburst. Instead, she just took a sip of tea. Acting like nothing was happening.


    Zellin responded, "Well, I''m working on that! And if you were worried about training the next great cksmith, you should have given me a sibling or two! Instead of pinning all your hopes onto me! Plus, you gave me the barony when I turned 50 years old. So you can go off to the forge and have fun while skirting your responsibilities. I''m looking out for our barony."


    "Bah! Don''t be foolish, Zellin! I would never want to damage your mother''s perfect figure! We were ying with fire by her having you! So be grateful that you were born! She did her part and it''s up to you, to do yours!" Arathar retorted angrily.


    Fyre tried to keep a stone face but she blushed when she heard her husband''spliment.


    Hajdah snickered, "Well... This doesn''t get old... I wonder what kind of woman my son will pick out?"


    "ENOUGH! Why are you here, Father!? Tell us why you came out of yourir to the dining hall! I can''t stand these insults anymore," Zellin said in rage.


    "Why? I came to greet the Prince and to get measurements to fit a sword for the Saintess that I heard about." Arathar said as he turned his attention from Zellin to Rya and Quinus.


    ''Huh? When did everyone start referring to me as the Saintess? I guess that''s what I get for healing all those soldiers,'' Rya thought as she looked at the cksmith.


    Arathar smiled at Quinus, "I wasn''t sure about you and your father when I heard about the arranged marriage. But after what you did for my people thesest couple of weeks. You''ve proven yourself worthy to me and for that, you have my forge at your disposal, Crown Prince Quinus,"


    Quinus bowed, "Thank you, Arather. I''ll being by often to use your services."


    Arathar snickered, "You better! Especially if you keep giving me liquid ether to smith with! Hell! If I had a daughter I would have married her off to you!"


    Zellin yelled back, "Father! Show a little restraint!"


    Fyre red at Arathar for his bluntness. ''He''s going to kill our son by secondhand embarrassment.''


    "Anyway, I came to thank the crown prince for all he''s done and to get some measurements for a sword that I need to be made. Thank you, Your Highness," Arathar said as he gave a formal bow to Quinus.


    ''Well, he''s a entric one? I wonder what he needs to get measured?'' Rya thought to herself.


    Arathar turned to Rya, "And who is this lovely creature you brought with you, your Highness?"


    ''Creature? I''m not a creature!'' Rya thought to herself as she furrowed her brow.


    "Oh, this is Lady Rya. She''s a powerful earth mage and a healer, she''s saved my life more times than I can count. And I n on marrying her," Quinus said with pride.


    Rya blushed as Quinus admitted that he intended to take her hand in marriage.


    "She''s saved us from Rodulf... For a second there, I thought we were done for. But that''s why you don''t make enemies of Dark Elves," Hajdah said as he nodded his head while looking at Rya.


    "Hmm... Who would have thought a dark elf would be an ally of the humans and dwarves," Arathar said as he walked around Rya. Examining her from multiple angles.


    ''What is he doing? I''m getting the creeps from this guy,'' Rya thought as she tried to ignore the man as he was approaching her private spaces.


    "Alright! So, you want me to make a sword for her with the Liquid Ether? Are you sure, Quinus? It''s not every day you get to make a legendary weapon for yourself." Arathar asked as he eyed Rya.


    ''What? This guy does think I can handle a sword? He can go and fuck himself!'' Rya thought as she was getting annoyed with Arathar.


    "Father! Please, don''t anger her now. That''s thest thing we need right now," Zellin said as he noticed Rya''s temper rising.


    Hajdah scoffed, "You shouldn''t judge her, Arathar. Otherwise, you''ll have to deal with not only the prince''s wrath, but her''s as well."


    Quinus was looking at Arathar. Wondering if he should reprimand him or not. He handle his tongue for now.


    "Haah... Yes, I want you to create a legendary weapon for Rya. And stop acting like she isn''t here. Rya doesn''t need my help to end you, Arathar. So don''t push your luck." Quinus warned him.


    Arathar took a deep breath and stepped back from Rya, "Alright! Fine! I''ll respect your wish," He then looked at Rya again. "Alright then! Let''s see what you got!"


    Rya was confused as to why Arathar was acting so strange.


    "Go on... Stand up, now... I need to see you handle a weapon so I can make you a fitted sword perfectly for your style of fighting." Arathar ordered as he gestured for Rya to stand.


    "Hmph! If I use one of those swords, I''ll destroy them all. I can''t trust these things to hold up." Rya said as she crossed her arms.


    "Oye! I like to see you try Lassy! And if you do break them, it''s fine. They''re meant to be a base sword for measurement purposes only. After I can see how you like to use a sword, I will make the perfect de for you." Arathar said as he pointed towards the pile of steel swords he brought.


    "Fine, whatever. Just don''t get mad after I break these weapons... Just know that I warned you," Rya said as she stood up and picked up a short sword.


    ''Hmm. I haven''t used Dark Earthly de in a while. I wonder if I can hit all the candles in this room?'' Rya thought as she lined her sword up with the candles.


    "Haah... What''s she waiting for?" Arathar sighed as he watched Rya trying to cut through one set of candles sitting in the middle on the table.


    "Dark Earthly de!" Said Rya as she channeled her mana inside the sword before swinging it.

 Ch.105 Make me a Sword

    Ch.105 Make me a Sword


    *SWISH! SWUSH! SWIRL! SWISH!*


    The de of the sword extended and flew around the room. Nailing all the candles on the walls to the ceiling, and all the ones on the table.


    It  happened so fast that it was almost impossible to follow with the naked eye. Which caused everyone to stare in awe as they witnessed the sight.


    "W... Wow!" Was all the servants could say.


    Nieren, Lady Fyre, Hajdah, and Zellin couldn''t believe their eyes.


    Quinus was smirking as he watched Rya.


    Rya was able to hit every candle with ease and precision. It was as if a force was guiding the sword. And she decided to give Arathar a scare as she aimed for his fleshly candle in between his legs.


    *CLING!*


    The candles fell to the ground Arathar screamed out loud in shock.


    "AHH! WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO!" Arathar panicked when he noticed the de almost striking his manhood.


    "Oh, just showing you my skill. Your lucky I only wanted to scare you." Ryaughed as she moved away from him while the sword returned back to its original form.


    "Yeah, some people need to learn the hard way," Quinus said as he took a sip of tea.


    Arathar was stunned by what he saw.


    "Ugh... I''m sorry! I didn''t mean to yell at you, saintess!" Arathar apologized as he rubbed his crotch.


    "Don''t worry about it. Just don''t judge me again." Rya said as she watched the sword in her hand start to crack.


    "I won''t," Arathar said as he bowed his head down to her.


    Rya chuckled and gave the sword back to Arathar.


    He was in awe as his sword started to fall apart from the stress of Rya''s skill.


    "Damn, I see what you mean by my swords not being able to withstand your skill," Arathar said as he looked at his now useless sword.


    ''My sword just crumbled under her might. I need to make her the greatest sword in the world! If I do then my name will be known far and wide as the greatest cksmith on the Amon continent!'' Arathar thought as he sat down and pondered on where to begin.


    "Ugh! I-I never seen a attack like this? Is that what Dark Earthly de can do?" Arathar asked as he leaned back from the shock of the powerful attack.


    "Yes, but remember I''m using a enchanted dagger from the dark elves that were able to withstand the stress of my mana. So use the best material possible. Also are you able to enchant the sword with some special properties?" Rya asked as she sat down in her seat.


    "With all that Liquid Ether I got? Sure... That shouldn''t be a problem. It just takes time," Arathar said as he got up and walked towards the table.


    "When crafting the sword can you apply an anti-magic field to the de? That would help me greatly," Rya asked as she ced her hands in herp.


    "Huh? Anti-magic? I never would think a mage would want something like that..." Arathar said as he scratched his head in confusion.


    "Why would you want an anti-magical field, Saintess Rya?" Hajdah asked as he raised his eyebrow.


    "Well, I know I''m a powerful mage but if I run into someone or something that can stop my earth magic with magical barriers then I would want something that could negate their mana," Rya answered as she crossed her legs.


    "Haha! I like the way you think Saintess! I''ll do that and see what I can do about letting you use that skill of yours without worrying about the sword breaking," Arathar chuckled as he scratched his head.


    Then a thought acquired to him when he noticed his son sitting at the head of the table, "Hey, Saintess Rya! You''re a amazing woman. Even though you''re a dark elf, how about I give you my son''s hand in marriage? He''s not the strongest fighter out there, but he''s a good man, that''s shy."


    There was a tter of silverware that fell on a te. Zellin didn''t know what to do as he feared that his father just gave him a death sentence when he knew Rya was going to be married to Quinus.


    ''Goddess be damned! Is my father trying to get me killed!'' Zellin looked over to see Quinus.


    He was sitting holding his cup of tea. His face had a smile on it but his eyes were another story. The look in those eyes scared him so much that he shank down in his chair in hopes that no one would notice.


    Zellin was terrified that he would die before he even got a chance to taste life. But as far as he could tell, his father doomed him.


    Fyre was worried that her husband was going to be cut down right in front of her.


    Hajdah had a nk face. He knew Arathar was blunt but he never expected him to make such a stupid statement.


    Nieren was curious about what will happen next. But she was ready for Arathar''s nonsense to stop.


    While Rya was trying to fold back herughter.


    ''Oh, my God! He can''t be serious,'' Rya thought as she tried to conceal herugh from everyone else. She noticed Zellin practically hiding under the table.


    ''Awe... Zellin''s embarrassed? Poor guy can''t catch a break. I bet Quin is�� Oh boy!'' Rya looked over to Quinus who was trying to hide his anger or rage, it was hard to tell. But his poker face was cracking.


    Rya quickly stood up from her chair and walked behind Quin as she rubbed his shoulders and pushed her chest on the back of his neck.


    "Hey... Quin, look at me," Rya whispered into his ear.


    Quinus sighed and leaned his head back to her and saw her azure eyes staring at him. She smiled and kissed his forehead.


    "Hmm... You''re scaring Zellin half to death. It wasn''t his fault he did nothing wrong. Now, do you feel better?" Rya asked.


    Quinus couldn''t help but smile in return.


    "Yeah, Thanks Rya," Quin said as he took a deep breath so he could rx. He then noticed only the top of Zellin''s head as the rest of him was hiding under the table.


    "I apologize for letting my anger get the better of me Zellin," Quin said. "You didn''t do anything wrong."


    Zellin''s fear was washed away with relief as Rya came to his rescue.


    ''Saintess Rya saved me from my father''s arrogance! I will serve her and never forget this moment! She is a Savior!'' Zellin thought as he stood up from his seat.


    Once Arathar saw what just unfolded. He pped his hand to his face and muttered, "Tch... Of course my son would be too slow to ask her hand in marriage."


    "ARE YOU TRYING TO GET ME KILLED!? SAINTESS RYA CAME WITH THE PRINCE! I NEVER HAD A CHANCE YOU OLD BASTARD!" Zellin yelled at his father.


    Arathar shook his head in disbelief as he was disappointed in his son, "Excuses, excuses. Well, if she''s going to be the future Queen then that''s a better oue... Prince Quinus! You''re a clever man to win the heart of a dark elf. I''m proud of you... Hahaha! Looks like we''re going to war with the Divine Three! I got to get to making our Queen''s sword! If all goes well I''ll have it ready in a month! For the KINGDOM!"


    Arathar grabbed all of his things and hurried out of the room before anyone could respond.


    ''Wait didn''t he say I was eptable as a dark elf for his son but he was impressed that Quin won my heart? What''s with the conflicting statement? Haah... Whatever.'' Rya thought to herself.


    "E-Excuses!? Your Highness, I''m sorry for my father''s actions if there''s��" Zellin halted his words when Quinus motioned with his hand to calm down.


    "It''s fine," Quin said. "Your father is a bit entric... I know he means well, but I have to do better myself."


    Zellin was relieved that the prince was reasonable.


    "Hehe, good boy," Rya chuckled as she stood in front of Quin and kissed his cheek.


    "S-Sorry about that," Quin said as he put his hand over the spot where she kissed him.


    "Well, hopefully, we won''t have any more interruptions. Because I''m starving," Rya said as she took her seat again and started eating her food.


    Everyone else joined her as they spent the next hour enjoying their breakfast meal.

 Ch.106 Dealing with a Hangover.

    Ch.106 Dealing with a Hangover.


    The hallways of Ironside Pce were bustling with people working hard on various tasks. The hallways are narrow in some areas, but the main hallway is wide enough for several people to walk side by side. There is a lot of lighting through the windows and the sun shines brightly down upon the hallways.


    Rya, Quinus, and Nieren were walking towards the guest rooms wing of the pce where Dalia, Percy, and Sir George were. The Ironside guards follow behind.


    "We''re almost there," said Nieren as she was leading the group.


    Nieren was given a room next to Sir George''s. So, she was familiar with this part of the pce.


    They made their way past a few groups of people that were conversing with each other. Then came the end of the hallway where they arrived at the door to Sir George''s room.


    Quinus knocks on the door three times.


    "..."


    "How much alcohol did Sir George havest night?" Rya asked.


    Nieren shrugs and looks back towards the door.


    "He had too much sadly... I''ve only seen him get that drunk one time before this." Quinus said with a grimace lookwritten on his face.


    "Sooo, do we wait for him?" Rya asks.


    Quinus sighed before opening the door and walked in.


    "Or we do that... Oof! Yeah, that the smell of alcohol all right." Rya says while covering her nose and Nieren followed suit.


    ''Damn! I sometimes forget how much stronger my senses are as a dark elf.''


    "Hey, Lady Rya? I''m going to go to my room and gather my gear. It''s a little hard for me to protect you in formal wear." Nieren says as she walks to the next door down the hall.


    "Sounds good. I''ll see if Quinus needs a hand with Sir George" Rya said as she watch Nieren give her a nod before she went into her room.


    ***


    Rya followed after Quinus into the room and saw Sir George leaning against a wall next to his bed. He was still asleep while wearing his Knight''s gear. It didn''t look like the mostfortable position to sleep in.


    "Yeah, he''s not looking too good right now. He really put them down... All because Percy found love," Rya says from behind Quinus.


    "Yeah, it was the same thingst time, about two years ago, when one of his ''pupils'' got a wife and the same result. He needs to stop putting his beliefs on others. He''ll pull through but George might be useless for a day or two," Quinus says while sighing.


    It was at this moment Sir George muttered in his sleep. "N-No... N-o... Yo-u''re doin-g it all wro-ng... I''ll s-how you h-how......"


    Quinus sighed then kicked George''s foot in hopes to wake him.


    Sir George shakes himself awake after feeling his foot getting jarred and looks around to find Rya and Quinus standing over him. His eyes widened when he saw them.


    "I-I''m sorry, my Lord. Ah! My head! W-What time is it?" Sir George asks as he rubbed the sides of his head in hopes to relieve his hangover.


    "It''s around 10:30," Rya tells him.


    "T-Ten thirty! Ohh! Sssss! Ah! My head feels like I''m been pounded by a cksmith''s hammer!" Sir George says between his coughs.


    "So, do you need to rest day George?" Quinus asked with a bit of disappointment in his voice.


    "Hmph. Just because I had a little too much yesterday doesn''t mean I can''t perform my duties. WHOA!" Sir George was trying to get up from the ground before falling over again.


    "Yeah, I don''t know about that George. You need to sober up first before you can do anything," Quinus said as he moved closer.


    "I''m not useless my Lord! I just need some help up and I''m good!" Sir George growled out in frustration.


    "Calm down, George," Quinus said while grabbing Sir George''s arm and pulling him off the floor and onto his bed.


    "Haah... Some knight I turned out to be..." Sir George grumbles as heid back down.


    "Hey! Stop beating yourself up. And get a different hobby, George... This love guru thing isn''t something you''re cut out for." Quinus said with a chuckle.


    "You know what? Forget it. I''ll figure something else outter." George said as heid back down.


    While the two of them were bantering. Rya couldn''t help but notice some strange red particles that were flowing through Sir George''s body. The particles seemed to be focused on Sir George''s liver and brain. There also was I hint of particles.


    ''Huh? C-Can I see George''s injuries? Maybe I can heal them? It''s worth a try,'' Rya thought to herself.


    She moved over towards Sir George and ced her hand on his chest.


    Quinus had a curious look in his eye when he saw Rya move over to Sir George''s bed.


    "W-What are you do��"


    "SHHHH! I''m healing you. Nowy still," Rya interrupted Sir George.


    Rya closed her eyes and concentrated on what she was doing. Her healing magic began to flow throughout Sir George''s body.


    After a few minutes, the red particles vanished and there was no trace of any injury left on his body.


    Quinus was impressed that Rya could heal hangovers.


    Sir George felt better immediately as hisplexion improved dramatically. "S-sorry about that... I''ve just had a rough day yesterday... I hope I didn''t make things difficult for you, Lady Rya," he said sheepishly.


    "Don''t worry about it, George. We all have been there in one way or another. But you should take Quin''s advice and start a new hobby," Rya said with a wink.


    "B-But I... Haah... Fine! I guess I''ll look into something else. But I swear I was close before you came around, Lady Rya," George replied as he got up from his bed and grabbed his sword.


    "George!?" Quinus said sternly to get Sir George''s attention.


    "Y-Yes, my Lord?" Sir George asked in return.


    "Rya may have been able to cure your hangover, but you still reek of booze. Take a bath and clean yourself up. You have fifteen minutes." Quinus said as he crossed his arms in irritation.


    "A-Ah... Yes sir..." George said as he bowed low and turned around a went to the bathroom in a hurry.


    "Well, we should check on Dalia and Percy. I think Nieren said something about them being up all night doing the nasty?" Rya said with a smirk.


    "That sounds like something they would do. Let''s go then," Quinus said as he followed Rya out of the room and went down the hallway until they reach their room.

 Ch.107 The Mating Moon

    Ch.107 The Mating Moon


    <span ss="editText">Before Rya and Quinus arrived at Dalia''s and Percy''s room. The couple were recalling the events ofst night as theyy there on their bed<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">The city square was busy with the victory celebration. A wolfkin and a human were heading towards the pce<span ss="aiText"> in the center of the city.


    <span ss="aiText">"W<span ss="editText">hat''s the rush, Dalia? I''m notining, but you seem more eager than normal<span ss="aiText">. Are you sure you''re okay?" Percy asked as they walked together.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hmm? Well, there''s a good reason I''m so eager my little wolf. The mating moon is tonight<span ss="aiText">!" Dalia said excitedly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mating Moon?<span ss="editText"> Umm<span ss="aiText">... I don''t think I heard of that before." Percy admitted.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">It just means I''m ready to<span ss="aiText"> mate. There''s also a chance we can conceive a child tonight if I''m lucky!" Dalia added.


    <span ss="aiText">"O-Oh! That makes sense now. <span ss="editText">Wait! What! You want my children right now?<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">I thought we aim for bing parents in a few years?" Percy asked as his eyes widened in shock.


    <span ss="editText">"Hmm? Why wait until then when we <span ss="userText">can have them now? Life is too short to wait<span ss="aiText"> around for things. Especially when there''s a good chance that we will die <span ss="editText">at any point<span ss="aiText">. There''s no point in wasting time. Besides, this mating moon is special because it happens once every <span ss="editText">other <span ss="aiText">month," Dalia exined.


    <span ss="userText">"Dalia, we won''t die for quite some time. I will use everything in my power to prevent that from happening<span ss="aiText">. You''ll be fine. Don''t worry so much," Percy said reassuringly.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Little wolf. Back in the goblin nest. My life was over. If it wasn''t for Alpha I wouldn''t be here. And I became a free beastkin because of Beta. And a loyal<span ss="aiText"> ma<span ss="editText">l<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">who doesn''t treat his female as a<span ss="aiText"> tool. So I am g<span ss="editText">oing to use this good fate to mother your children. With a loyal human of all people. Unless you don''t find me eptable as a female<span ss="aiText">?" Dalia asked.


    <span ss="editText">When Percy heard thatst part of her statement. Something clicked in his mind. He didn''t realize she felt this<span ss="aiText"> way. When she mentioned it at first he thought she was joking. But after hearing her talk about wanting to start a family he realized just how serious she was.<span ss="editText"> And he did the one thing he needed to do.


    <span ss="editText">Percy grabbed Dalia''s hand and stopped her from walking away.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh?" Dalia said before<span ss="userText"> she turned to look at Percy<span ss="editText"> who had a serious look in his eye<span ss="aiText">. "What are you doing?" She asked curiously.


    <span ss="aiText">"I need to ask you something," Percy started as he looked down at Dalia<span ss="editText"> as he grabbed her other hand.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes?" Dalia responded as she was getting excited about Percy''s inner wolfing out<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">If<span ss="aiText"> you truly wish to be a mother<span ss="editText"> of my children then you need to promise me that you and I won''t die until we are too old to stay on Tertius. Promise me then I will give you my everything, my Alpha." Percy<span ss="aiText"> stated bluntly.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia couldn''t help but wag her tail<span ss="aiText"> happily as she tilted her head up to look at Percy. The <span ss="editText">human<span ss="aiText"> looked down at the <span ss="editText">green<span ss="aiText">-eyed wolf before him and smiled softly.


    <span ss="aiText">"You mean it? You really want me and our children to live until old age?<span ss="userText">" Dalia asked the question she knew the answer to but something inside her wanted to hear the answere from<span ss="aiText"> Percy<span ss="editText"> himself.


    <span ss="editText">Percy looked straight into her eyes like a<span ss="aiText"> true Alpha would. His ears perked up and his tail began to wag.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Abso-fucking-lutely... I don''t want another female in my life besides yours. Dalia<span ss="aiText">, you''re the one for me. I love you," Percy said as he leaned down to kiss her full on the lips.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia moaned as she wrapped her arms around Percy''s neck as she kissed him back.<span ss="userText"> Percy grabs her legs and lifts<span ss="aiText"> them up to wrap them around his waist. They both moan into each other''s mouths.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, my...<span ss="editText"> Then I promise to try and grow old with you, my Wolf. Aungh!<span ss="aiText">" Dalia moans as her body begins to heat up from their kiss. Her pussy starts to get wet as her heart races from what they are doing.


    <span ss="userText">"Mmmmh! Then I will give you my everything<span ss="aiText">. My Alpha," Dalia whispers in Percy''s ear.


    <span ss="aiText">They broke apart and grinned at each other. "Then make me yours forever, <span ss="editText">Gamma. Or should I say, Percy?<span ss="aiText">" Dalia said in between kisses.


    <span ss="editText">When Percy heard Dalia say his name for the first time a fire was lit<span ss="aiText"> deep within his soul. It felt like all his instincts wereing out of hiding. All the feelings he had bottled up inside him now came pouring out. The way Dalia called him Percy made him feel as if he was her <span ss="editText">equal and he was going to<span ss="aiText"> do anything and everything for her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aye... I am your Alpha," Percy said as he ced his hand on Dalia''s cheek and pulled her close.


    <span ss="aiText">He pushed her back against a nearby <span ss="editText">wall<span ss="aiText"> and continued to kiss her passionately.


    <span ss="userText">''NAUGH! Gamma''s�� No! Percy is so amazing<span ss="aiText">, I want to be with him forever!'' Dalia thought to herself as she wrapped her hands around his neck.


    <span ss="aiText">She was very much enjoying this new side of Percy. She hoped to see more of this side of him soon and often.


    <span ss="userText">"Take me to our room so we can get our children," Dalia whispered into his ear.


    <span ss="aiText">Percy nodded and picked Dalia up in his strong arms. <span ss="editText">He ran with her in his arms as they went<span ss="aiText"> through the <span ss="editText">pce<span ss="aiText"> until they found the stairs leading up to the second floor. Percy took the stairs two at a time and <span ss="editText">reached their guest room in no time. He practically kicked the door in and <span ss="aiText">set Dalia down on the bed once they reached their destination.


    <span ss="userText">"NAUGH! My Wolf is so strong<span ss="aiText">!" Dalia moaned as sheid on her back and Percy crawled onto the bed.


    <span ss="aiText">"I feel it too. I''ll do whatever I have to in order to keep you safe. Forever," Percy said as he pinned her down on the mattress.


    <span ss="userText">"NAUGH!<span ss="aiText"> You''re not making this easy for me, Percy!<span ss="editText"> How can any malepete against you!<span ss="aiText">" Dalia moaned as she began to rub her body against Percy as well.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t know about that, but I''m going to prove my worth to you today, <span ss="editText">Dali<span ss="aiText">a," Percy growled as he grabbed her legs and <span ss="editText">sprea<span ss="aiText">d them <span ss="editText">so he could get in between them<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"NAUGH! Yes! Take me, Percy! Show me the wolf that you are<span ss="aiText">," Dalia moans as she arched her back to put more pressure on her sensitive clit.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">By the goddess! You know how to light a fire<span ss="aiText"> in my heart, Dalia." Percy growls as he kneels between her legs and grabs her thighs.


    <span ss="aiText">"You already have me burning hot, Percy! Now show me what else you got!<span ss="editText"> Eeck!" Dalia yelped when Percy yanked off her dress and underwear in one<span ss="aiText"> swift motion.


    <span ss="aiText">"My eyes<span ss="editText">never stop loving to see your<span ss="aiText">gorgeous body," Percy rumbled as he looked at her naked form.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh, my God<span ss="editText">s! He''s so aggressive! AUNGH!<span ss="aiText"> I love it!'' Dalia moaned as she felt him grab her thighs and begin to slowly stroke his cock inside her. ''This feels so good!''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">You are everything I ever wanted<span ss="aiText"> in a mate, Dalia! I will give you anything you desire," Percy growled as he began to thrust himself into her.


    <span ss="aiText">"YES! MORE! UH! YES! TAKE ME, PERCY!<span ss="editText"> TAKE ME, MY WOLF!<span ss="aiText">" Dalia screamed as she mmed her head back onto the pillow. "OH, MY GODS! THIS FEELS SO GOOD! OH! OH! OHHHHHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia felt like she was going to cum right then and there.


    <span ss="userText">"Ohh! You''re so tight<span ss="aiText">! So warm! I could go all <span ss="editText">night<span ss="aiText"> if you want me to!" Percy <span ss="editText">say<span ss="aiText">s as he begins to pound her body.


    <span ss="aiText">"Uhh! Don''t stop! Please don''t stop!" Dalia cried out as she clutched onto the sheets.


    <span ss="aiText">"I won''t, <span ss="editText">my Alpha<span ss="aiText">! I''m not stopping until you cum!" Percy gr<span ss="editText">unt<span ss="aiText">s as he continued to thrust into her wet pussy.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaah! AH! Ohhhhh! MMMM! AHHHH! I''M CUMMINNNNGGGG!" Dalia screams as she cums hard.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Ohh! That''s right! Squeeze me tight<span ss="aiText"> like that, Dalia!" Percy growls as he continues to thrust into her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes! Ohhhh! <span ss="editText">Aungh! Deeper! I need you deeper, my Wolf!<span ss="aiText">" Dalia cries out as she grips on to Percy tighter.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">ARH! Your wish is mymand!<span ss="aiText">" Percy <span ss="editText">say<span ss="aiText">s as he ms himself deep inside her.


    <span ss="aiText">"YES! YES! DEEPER! <span ss="editText">MY WOLF<span ss="aiText">! FUCK ME, PERCY! MAKE ME YOUR BITCH!" Dalia yells as she feels herself climax again.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">NO! I''m making you my wife! <span ss="aiText">Your mine, Dalia! Mine for life!" Percy growls as he pulls her close and kisses her passionately.


    <span ss="userText">"MMMMMMHHHH!<span ss="aiText"> YES! I LOVE YOU, PERCY! DON''T STOP!" Dalia cries out as he rides h<span ss="editText">er pussy<span ss="aiText"> even harder.


    <span ss="aiText">"I wouldn''t dream of it! I <span ss="editText">love it when you climax<span ss="aiText"> around my cock! It makes me want to cum even faster!" Percy growls as he picks up speed.


    <span ss="aiText">"OH! UHH! AUNGH! OHMYGOODNESS! I''M CUMMINNNNGGGGG! AH! AAAAH! YYYYEEEEESSSS!" Dalia screams as she cums <span ss="editText">again<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaah! You''re so beautiful, my <span ss="editText">Alpha! Ooohhhhhhhhhhhh! I think I''m about to cum<span ss="aiText">!" Percy groans as he pounds into Dalia''s wet pussy.


    <span ss="aiText">"YEEEEESSSS! CUM FOR ME, PERCY! GIVE IT TO ME! TOUCH ME, MY BOOB! SQUEEZE THEM! FEEL THE POWER OF THE WOLF IN YOUR HANDS!" Dalia screams as he<span ss="editText">r climax was still riding high<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaaaaaaah! AH! AAAAH!" Percy yells out as he cums hard into Dalia''s pussy. "OHHH! OH, GODDDDD<span ss="editText">EEEESSSS!!!"


    <span ss="editText">Percy shot load after load<span ss="aiText"> of hot cum deep inside her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaah! So good! Ooooohhhhhh! I love your cum, Percy!" Dalia moans as she wraps her arms around him and holds him tight<span ss="editText"> to her breasts<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Goddess! I love you too, Dalia<span ss="aiText">! We were meant for each other!" Percy pants as heys down on top of her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oooohhhhhh! I can feel you cumming inside me, Percy! Feel your seed working its way into my womb!<span ss="userText"> Hehehe!<span ss="aiText"> Mmmmmm!" Dalia moans as she feels Percy''s seed fill her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Whoa...<span ss="aiText"> That was good," Percy pants as heys down beside her.


    <span ss="aiText">"I know! I came twice! My wolf is so excited to have such a powerful mate!" Daliaughs.


    <span ss="aiText">"Let''s get some rest<span ss="editText">��Huh? Dalia?" Percy<span ss="aiText"> says as <span ss="editText">Dalia moves on top of him and holds his arms above his head.


    <span ss="editText">"Hehehe! Now it''s my turn to be a dominant one<span ss="aiText">." Dalia purrs as she pins Percy to the <span ss="editText">bed.


    <span ss="editText">"But I thought you were satisfied, my love?" Percy asks with a bit of worry in his voice.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmm! I am satisfied, my Wolf. But I made a promise to you. Now it''s time for you to hold up your end of the bargain..." Dalia purrs as she kisses her mate.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmm! Dalia? I thought I did keep my end of the bargain?" Percy moans as he feels Dalia''s hot breath on his neck.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh!? I thought you said you give me your all? And I''m going to need your all, my Wolf. For the mating moon is still up. And<span ss="aiText"> we both know what happens next." Dalia whispers seductively into Percy''s ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"You mean... You want my cock again!?" Percy gasps as he feels Dalia move her hips against his pelvis.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m going to make you mine, Percy! Your my husband as you say... AUNGH!"<span ss="aiText"> Dalia growls as she pushes Percy back on the bed and straddles him. "And you will be my Wolf!" Dalia says as she unbuttons h<span ss="editText">is<span ss="aiText"> tunic and strips it off.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhhhh! Dalia!" Percy moans as he sees her naked body <span ss="editText">glistening in the moonlight<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">He loves every part of her. Her pale skin, her long legs, her <span ss="editText">wide hips, her t stomach, her wolf ears, her fluffy tail, her C-cup breasts, and her jade green eyes<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">His wife is perfect.


    <span ss="aiText">"AHHH! Dalia! I love you!" Percy pants as she begins to ride him.


    <span ss="aiText">She rides him like a wild animal. Pushing herself down onto his erection and grinding her clitoris against his pelvis.


    <span ss="userText">"NAUGH!<span ss="aiText"> AH! Yesssss! You''re<span ss="editText">so big! And it''s all mine<span ss="aiText">," Dalia growls as she grinds her hips into Percy.


    <span ss="aiText">Her hand re<span ss="editText">leased Percy''s hand<span ss="aiText">s and he went<span ss="editText">straight for her perky breasts<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">He grabbed them and squeezed them tightly in his palms before pinching her nipples between his fingers.


    <span ss="aiText">"AH! DIAALOOOOOOO!!" Dalia cries out as she thrashes about on top of Percy.<span ss="userText"> Howling at the full moon which could be seen through the window from<span ss="aiText"> outside.


    <span ss="aiText">"Dalia! I''m almost there!" Percy pants as he looks at his wife.


    <span ss="aiText">He loves her so much. She is everything to him. He would never hurt her. Ever.


    <span ss="aiText">"OH, YESSSS! MY WOLF! YES! OH GOD! PERRRRRRRRC<span ss="editText">CCEEE<span ss="aiText">EEEEE!!!" Dalia screams as shees hard.


    <span ss="aiText">Percy felt her juices drip down his shaft as he thrust up into her.


    <span ss="userText">"OOOH! I''M CUMMING<span ss="aiText">!" Percy moans as he orgasms inside Dalia.


    <span ss="aiText">Their bodies clench together as they climax and their fluids mix together.


    <span ss="aiText">Afterward, Dalia lies down beside Percy and strokes his hair.


    <span ss="userText">"Hehehe! The fates have given me<span ss="aiText"> my mate of my dreams!" Dalia giggled as she cuddled up next to Percy.


    <span ss="aiText">Theyy there, basking in the afterglow of their love.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hehehe! That was fun!" Dalia teased as she kissed Percy on the cheek.


    <span ss="aiText">"That was amazing." Percy smiled as he stroked her head.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia nuzzled her nose into Percy''s chest and closed her eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So, you ready for around three?" Dalia asked<span ss="aiText"> with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Ummm? I love you, my Alpha. But are we going to make love all night?" Percy<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">as<span ss="aiText">ked as he looked at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Abso-fucking-lutely<span ss="aiText">!" Dalia said as sheughed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Ummm... C-Can we have five-minute breaks in between rounds?<span ss="aiText">" Percy panted.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Mmmmh! We''ll see, my wolf<span ss="aiText">." Dalia smirks as she kisses his forehead.


    <span ss="editText">Percy gulped his dye throat<span ss="aiText"> and nodded. "<span ss="editText">Well, I''m a man of my word. I''ll follow your lead, my love<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yay~!" Dalia cheered happily as she snuggled back into Percy<span ss="editText"> before she straddled him.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia and Percy went the entire night<span ss="aiText"> having sex. They didn''t stop even once for a break.


    <span ss="aiText">Afterwards,<span ss="editText"> passed the break of dawn,<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the couple fell asleep in each other''s arms as Dalia whispered into Percy''s ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m d you''re here, Percy. You are my Alpha now." Dalia giggles as she rests her head on his chest.


    <span ss="editText">Percy looked drained and could barely move after their nightly workout.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">That was a hour before Quinus knocked on their door.


    <span ss="editText">*Knock! <span ss="userText">Knock! Knock!*


    <span ss="editText">Rya and Quinus stood there waiting for someone to<span ss="aiText"> open the door, but no one answered.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus sighed as he knocked again. "Hello? <span ss="editText">Lady Dalia? Percy? Are you there?"


    <span ss="editText">Again silence.


    <span ss="editText">"Hmm? I''m surprised they slept in like this. Dalia is usually up at the crack of dawn. I wonder want up?" Rya wondered<span ss="aiText"> as she scratched her chin.


    <span ss="aiText">"Perhaps they overslept." Quinus shrugged as he tapped his foot impatiently.


    <span ss="aiText">"O<span ss="editText">r it was as Nieren said. That they made love all night! Hehehe! Oh, I bet Percy is beat,<span ss="aiText">" Rya giggled excitedly as she slinked over to the door and peeked through the keyhole<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Rya? Give them time<span ss="aiText"> to wake up." Quinus chuckled lightly as he <span ss="editText">patted Rya on the head.


    <span ss="editText">''Aunh! Quin''s head pats! Mmmmh! They feel so nice<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya thought as she leaned against his <span ss="editText">chest<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus looked down at the <span ss="editText">dark e<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">lf and smiled. "Oh! It looks like you''ve fallen asleep."


    <span ss="editText">"Oooh... Stop teasing me, Quin. And keep up with the head massage<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">" Rya whispered as she mewls in<span ss="aiText"> his ear.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus snorts and smiles. "Yes, ma''am."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmhm~" Rya purred as she snuggled closer to Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">She felt him caress her hair softly and Rya smiled in bliss.


    After a few minutes, someone came to the door and opened it.


    ***

 Ch.108 Letting Go

    Ch.108 Letting Go


    <span ss="userText">The door opened wildly as Quinus and Rya were confronted with a naked wolfkin standing before them.


    <span ss="userText">''Gah! The smell of sexual fluids is stronger<span ss="aiText"> than ever!'' Rya thought as she tried to cover herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Alpha! Beta! What brings you two over here<span ss="aiText">?" Dalia asked with a confused look on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wha- What the fuck!<span ss="userText">? Dalia cover yourself up<span ss="aiText">!" <span ss="editText">Rya barked in anger as she was getting embarrassed that Dalia was walk<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">g<span ss="aiText"> a<span ss="editText">round naked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia blushed and covered her breasts. "<span ss="editText">Hehe. <span ss="aiText">Sorry about that, <span ss="editText">Alpha<span ss="aiText">. I got carried awayst night."


    <span ss="editText">''She only covered her breasts! While her pussy is this leaking Percy''s cum!<span ss="aiText"> Oh my <span ss="editText">God<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya thought as she struggled <span ss="editText">with Dalia''sck of decency.


    <span ss="editText">"G-Get a robe or something! You''re embarrassing me�� I mean, YOU! I meant you!<span ss="aiText"> Cover yourself!" Rya barked as she pointed at Dalia.


    <span ss="editText">"Hehe. Sorry! I can''t help it!" Daliaughed as she walked back into their room and got a robe and pulled it over herself.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus chuckled lightly.


    <span ss="editText">''What!? Is Quin entertained by this!?<span ss="aiText"> Why would he be?'' Rya thought as she got angry again.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hey, Rya. You know you look adorable when you get embarrassed<span ss="aiText">." Quinus smiled as he saw the dark elf blush.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not embarrassed! I just don''t want <span ss="editText">Dalia <span ss="aiText">to be seen like this!" Rya growled as she red at Quinus.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus moved in closer to Rya''s ear and whispered, "Well you''re adorable nheless. And it makes me want to kiss you and pet you<span ss="aiText"> until you''re all frisky."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya blushes and closes her eyes<span ss="editText"> her anger starts to fade away<span ss="aiText">. ''Ugh... <span ss="editText">His breath is so warm<span ss="aiText">.'' Rya thought as she tries to ignore his words<span ss="editText"> but feels shivers going<span ss="aiText"> through her body.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Q-Quin?<span ss="aiText"> What did you say to me?" Rya said as she felt her cheeks start to burn.


    <span ss="aiText">"I said that you''re adorable when you''re embarrassed and I want to kiss your lips until they turn red," Quinus smirked as he saw Rya''s blush grow.


    <span ss="aiText">She started to feel her heart race a bit faster. Her breathing became heavier and she felt her nipples harden.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mhm.<span ss="userText"> B-But we have things to do today.<span ss="aiText">We should leave soon." Rya said trying to change the subject.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hmmm... Yeah, life gets in the way sometimes. But, we will continue thister today. I can''t let my adorable, cute, sexy, dark elf fiance<span ss="userText">e be ignored<span ss="aiText">for too long." Quinus grinned as he grabbed Rya by the neck and kissed her passionately.


    <span ss="editText">''Q-Quin!? Mmmmh! God, he knows how to get me<span ss="aiText"> aroused!'' Rya thought as she felt herself be wet between her legs.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia turned her head and watched in confusion. ''Why is Alpha so shy about nudity? I mean she''s been marked by Beta? Why make such a stink about<span ss="aiText"> it?'' Dalia thought as she looked at Rya''s blushing face and her hands on the top of Quinus'' shirt<span ss="editText"> as he kissed her at the doorway.


    <span ss="editText">*STUMBLED! THUD!*


    <span ss="editText">"M-My Lord! I''m s-sorry! I didn''t know you were here! OH, GODDESS! Dalia! Where are my clothes?!<span ss="aiText"> I need my clothes!" <span ss="editText">Percy <span ss="editText">awoke to see his Lord standing at the doorway and panicked as he fell out of his bed naked.


    <span ss="editText">This broke Quin of his out of his make-out session with Rya. ''Haah... I guess fun time is postponed for now. God damn, Rya is so adorable. Later Quin! She needs to learn magic. I can''t hold her back. Later.''


    <span ss="editText">Back to Percy who was desperately looking around for his clothes.


    <span ss="editText">"I tore them off? You seemed<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">li<span ss="aiText">ke <span ss="editText">it when I did that, Gamma<span ss="aiText">," Dalia said as she walked <span ss="editText">over to the panicking Percy<span ss="aiText"> and smiled at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">What!? Then why didn''t you wake me<span ss="aiText"> up earlier!?" Percy yelled as he cover<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> himself with <span ss="editText">a nket.


    <span ss="aiText">"You <span ss="editText">looked like you <span ss="aiText">were having such a nice dream and I didn''t want to interrupt it. <span ss="editText">And you didn''t get that much sleep. You needed it my Wolf," Dalia giggled as she picked up some clothes from Percy''s dresser and handed them to him.


    <span ss="editText">Percy looked wiped out like a shriveled prune and had dark bags under his eyes from their all-night mating session<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus could only shake his head and whispered, "Shit Percy... Haah... I think I need to let him rest. Dammit... And how is Dalia still functioning? Must be a beastkin thing?"


    <span ss="editText">''Yeah, I have to agree with Quin. Percy is in no shape to work. And�� Huh?''


    <span ss="userText">Rya noticed the same red particles running through both Dalia and Percy''s bodies.


    <span ss="userText">''It''s the same <span ss="editText">particles I saw in<span ss="userText"> Sir George! But it''s focused on their private parts<span ss="aiText">!<span ss="editText"> God damn! Those two fucked so hard that they injured themselves!<span ss="aiText">'' Rya thought as she watched <span ss="editText">poor Percy trying to not fall over with<span ss="userText"> exhaustion.


    <span ss="userText">Rya sighed and whispered, "Well, I better heal both of them up to."


    <span ss="userText">"Huh? You''re saying they injured themself?" Quinus asked in disbelief as he was able to hear Rya.


    <span ss="userText">She gave Quinus a look<span ss="editText"> of "Yeah, I can''t believe it" <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">and then turned to Dalia and Percy<span ss="editText">. Rya w<span ss="aiText">al<span ss="editText">k<span ss="aiText">ed c<span ss="editText">loser to the two of them and <span ss="userText">outstretched both her arms at them and began to channel her mana.


    <span ss="userText">"Alpha? W-What are you doi��"


    <span ss="userText">"Ssshhh! Don''t move!" Rya said as she focused on healing<span ss="aiText"> their injuries.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia quieted down and did what she was told.


    <span ss="editText">''OH! Oooohhh... I-I haven''t felt this since I was in the goblin nest! Mmmmh!'' Dalia thought as she wagged <span ss="editText">her<span ss="editText"> tail while she felt her body healing up.


    <span ss="editText">Percy''s body didn''t look like a prune and looked like his old self but he still had dark bags under his eyes.


    <span ss="editText">"Lady Rya... I don''t know what to say?" Percy<span ss="aiText"> said as he tried to keep his eyes open.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry about it. <span ss="editText">Whoa!" Rya was surprised when Percy fell over from<span ss="aiText">ck of strength and <span ss="editText">was luckily caught by Rya and Dalia.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus rushed over to help<span ss="aiText"> support Percy while Dalia helped Rya hold him up.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I got him. Come on Percy. Back to bed with you," Quinus said as<span ss="aiText"> he grabbed onto Percy''s arm and began to drag him back towards his <span ss="editText">bed.


    <span ss="editText">"B-But my Lord... I need to... perform my duties... A prince shouldn''t...." said Percy but he was too tired to<span ss="aiText"> even finish his sentence.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="editText">got Percy in his bed.


    <span ss="editText">"Percy, you''re duties are to protect this bed until<span ss="aiText"> we get back to<span ss="editText">night<span ss="aiText">. Your job is to sleep here and wait for us. Understand?"


    <span ss="aiText">Percy nodded weakly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good! Now go to sleep."


    <span ss="aiText">With that, Percy curled up into a ball and passed out.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia smiled at her manying in the bed. Rya noticed she was looking<span ss="aiText"> at Percy but Rya <span ss="editText">worried<span ss="aiText"> that Dalia <span ss="editText">might be<span ss="aiText"> thinking dirty thoughts about her mate.<span ss="editText"> And if they left her alone with him<span ss="aiText"> long enough, she would<span ss="editText"> break Percy mentally.


    <span ss="editText">"I guess I should watch over Gamma while��OW! ALPHA!? W-Why are you pulling my ear!?"<span ss="aiText"> Dalia <span ss="editText">yelp<span ss="aiText">ed as Rya pulled her head up by her ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"You <span ss="editText">seem to be working fine? So, you''re going to take a bath and get dressed. I need my retainer so I can go to the Mages Guild. Let''s go, Dalia,<span ss="aiText">" Rya said as she grabbed Dalia by the hand and started walking away.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hey! <span ss="editText">B-But if I take a bath how will people know that Gamma''s my mate!?" Dalia whined.


    <span ss="editText">"Dalia! Humans, Dwarves, and Elves don''t have your nose. If you''re worried about women going after him, then I suggest you put a engagement ring on him<span ss="aiText"> so women won''t try to get close.<span ss="editText">"


    <span ss="editText">"A ring!? Your races are weird! EEP!"


    <span ss="editText">*SPLASH!*


    <span ss="editText">*COUGH! Cough!*


    <span ss="editText">"Alpha! You didn''t need to toss me in<span ss="aiText">!" Daliained as she stood up from the water.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I did. <span ss="editText">Now sit down so I can clean you<span ss="aiText">," Rya said as she sat down on a <span ss="editText">side of the Fae-Bath.


    <span ss="editText">"N-No! Gamma''s scent!<span ss="aiText"> I''m <span ss="editText">los<span ss="aiText">ing his scent!" Dalia argued.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">His<span ss="aiText"> scent is<span ss="editText">n''t fully going away<span ss="aiText">, Dalia. Now sit still and rx," Rya said as she grabbed some clothes and poured some soap into the water.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">It took Rya ten minutes to clean her reluctant friend. But somehow<span ss="aiText"> the magic of the Fae-Bath worked as it gave her a nice smell and refreshed her body.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well done, Dalia. <span ss="editText">Now let''s get you dressed up. I sure Nieren''s waiting in the hallway for us<span ss="aiText">," Rya said to her friend as she helped her dry off.


    <span ss="userText">"Sniff... Sniff... I miss Gamma''s scent<span ss="aiText"> already..." Dalia whined and sniffled.


    <span ss="editText">Rya shook<span ss="aiText"> her head. "Don''t worry. His scent will still be around. It just won''t be at full strength anymore."


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia didn''t like the idea of losing his scent but she knew she couldn''t argue with Rya.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia when to put on a short flowy orange dress that showed off her legs and cleavage<span ss="aiText">. Then she went to put on a pair of ck leather boots.


    <span ss="aiText">"O-Okay. <span ss="editText">I''m<span ss="aiText"> ready<span ss="editText">, Alpha," Dalia said to Rya.


    <span ss="editText">"Alright. Kiss your boyfriend goodbye before we leave,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya said as she <span ss="editText">walk<span ss="aiText">ed out of the <span ss="editText">bathroom and towards the door leading to the hallway.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh? That''s a great idea! I can get Gamma''s scent on my lips<span ss="aiText">!" Dalia eximed<span ss="editText"> as sh<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">an <span ss="editText">out of the bathroom and towards the bed of a sleeping Percy<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">As she got closer to him she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.


    <span ss="aiText">When Dalia pulled back she looked at his face. His eyes were closed, <span ss="editText">but he smiled after getting her kiss. H<span ss="aiText">e was breathing easy and he seemed to be having a good dream.


    <span ss="userText">''Hmm... I wish I could tease him. Haah... But Alpha would get mad.'' Dalia thought as she looked<span ss="aiText"> at his face once again.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia reached up and lightly brushed her fingers against his lips. ''I wonder what kind of dreams he has?'' The <span ss="editText">wolf<span ss="aiText"> girl wondered to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">She traced her finger along his bottom lip and moved it upward. She began to trace the curve of his mouth with her finger as she felt him smile slightly.


    <span ss="aiText">Then she slowly pressed her lips against his. She was careful not to push too hard because she didn''t want to <span ss="editText">wake him.


    <span ss="editText">"Sleep well, my wolf," Dalia said before standing up and walking out to the hallway.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">When Dalia came out of her room she was getting by Rya, Quinus, Sir George, Nieren, and two dwarven guards.


    <span ss="editText">"Where''s Percy?" Sir George asked<span ss="aiText"> looking confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"He''s <span ss="editText">taking a sick day<span ss="aiText">," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus turned to her with a raised eyebrow as Rya smiled.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia didn''t care and Nieren seemed confused before George chimed in.


    "<span ss="editText">A sick day, my Lady?" Sir George asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">This a dark elf term. It means you get paid while not working." Quinus said<span ss="aiText"> with a smirk on his lips.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Huh? What a strange concept! How do you learn about it, my Lord?"<span ss="aiText"> Sir George asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Ah? Well..." Quinus wasn''t expecting Sir George to continue to ask about work policy that really came from Earth''s business.


    <span ss="editText">Rya walk next to Quinus and grabbed his hand. Inteced her fingers<span ss="aiText"> with his<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes. I wonder where Qu<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">in<span ss="editText">u<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">learned some dark elf terms from," Rya said in a joking manner to Sir George.


    <span ss="editText">Sir George looked at Rya and felt a little stupid for<span ss="aiText"> asking Quinus a question like that.


    <span ss="editText">''Goddess! Have I grown so used to Lady Rya''s presence that I forget she isn''t human? Haah... Or maybe I''m getting too old. I need to<span ss="aiText"> stop drinking so much wine<span ss="editText"> and beer<span ss="aiText">,'' Sir George thought as he looked away.


    <span ss="aiText">"Where are we going?" Dalia asked looking around the group.


    <span ss="aiText">"To see our new friend<span ss="editText"> at the Mages Guild<span ss="aiText">," Rya said as she looked down at Dalia.


    <span ss="userText">"But I need to stop by my mother''s ce," Nieren<span ss="aiText"> stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh yeah! We''ll stop by her mother''s house before going to the Guild. Sorry about that Nieren,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya said as she <span ss="editText">followed Quinus<span ss="aiText"> toward<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> the <span ss="editText">main entrance of the Pce.


    <span ss="editText">"Well, I want you two to watch Rya''s back while she''s out on the streets of Ironside. Can you do that for me,dies?"<span ss="aiText"> Quinus asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, Master Quinus!" <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I like to see someone try, Beta," Dalia added.


    <span ss="editText">Rya and Quinus couldn''t help but smile at their enthusiastic response.


    <span ss="editText">"Good. Now Rya. Before you leave I like to give you something,"<span ss="aiText"> Quinus said as he pulled <span ss="editText">Rya closer to him.


    <span ss="editText">"W-What is it?"<span ss="aiText"> Rya asked with a nervous tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="editText"> just need to give you this<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said as he gave her a quick kiss on the lips.


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s heart flutters<span ss="aiText">like crazy. Her body tensed up as she tried to control her breathing.


    <span ss="aiText">Then Quinus leaned his head against hers and whispered into her ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Please don''t get caught again. I don''t know if my heart can take the stress," Quinus said and Rya felt herself blush.


    <span ss="editText">"I won''t. I promise to not put myself in a stupid<span ss="aiText"> situation likest time," Rya said with a nervousugh.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled and kissed her on the forehead, "Thank you."


    <span ss="aiText">"Now let''s go<span ss="editText">. Learn wha<span ss="aiText">t <span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText">ou<span ss="editText"> can, okay<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said as he <span ss="editText">watched Rya and her walk out the entrance of the pce.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">After Rya was out of sight Sir George walked closer to his Lord.


    <span ss="editText">"My Lord, she''ll be fine. I don''t know why but I feel she won''t get herself enved again. She''s a smart woman<span ss="aiText">," Sir George stated.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Quinus looked at his loyal servant and nodded, "<span ss="editText">Yeah, I know. It tough letting go sometimes, that''s all... And I like looking at her as much as I can<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, I was wrong about her when<span ss="userText"> we bumped into her in thebyrinth. She is the best woman in all of Tertius. Your judgment was right. She is worth fighting a war<span ss="aiText"> for," Sir George said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Haha... I''m d you''vee around, Sir George. I have a feeling that we might have a few wars we''ll need to get ready for<span ss="aiText"> soon enough," Quinus said with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">Then they both turned and started to walk down the hallway of the pce<span ss="editText"> towards the Baron''s study.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="aiText">They stopped outside the door and Sir George knocked twice before opening the door. The room was dark except for the lighting from the fire in the firece. In front of the firece sat the Baron of Ironside.


    <span ss="editText">"Ah! Your Highness! I believe that you want to talk about the future of the kingdom business?" Zellin asked as he stoop up from behind his desk.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes. I''ll need you and your trusted nobles to start building an army. While I root out all of the rot in my father''s council that curry favors with my uncle<span ss="aiText"> ric," Quinus exined as he took a seat.


    <span ss="aiText">Zellin nodded and got up from his chair, "I understand. We will begin immediately then<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">With building an army? Yes, but we need to be discreet about it until my uncle''s influence is gon<span ss="aiText">e.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Will<span ss="aiText"> you <span ss="editText">be departing back to the capital as soon as possible, your Highness?"<span ss="aiText"> Zellin asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus shook his head, "No. I''m going to stay here for a little bit longer. <span ss="editText">Rya''s safety and growth in magic is priority for me right now and Ironside is the best ce for her until she''s ready toe with me to the Tairal."


    <span ss="editText">"But what if the duke raises an army andes ou<span ss="editText">t to confront us?" Zellin asked.


    <span ss="editText">"That would make life easier for me to rid him,<span ss="userText"> to be honest. No, he''s a shrewd man. And I''m sure he wille to learn about the ck Roses'' defeat. He<span ss="userText">is going to know about Lady Rya being a healer after everyone she healed after the battle. He won''t try to beat me on the field but rather try to beat me in the cou<span ss="editText">ncil and public<span ss="aiText"> opinion," Quinus answered.


    <span ss="aiText">Zellin nodded, "<span ss="editText">A political battle? That''<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">hat <span ss="editText">I''m best at! Your Highness? Do you think I can pass as a human if I wear stilts?<span ss="aiText"> Or maybe a wig?"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinusughed, "<span ss="editText">Hahaha! Ah, sadly it would be tough for you to pass yourself<span ss="aiText"> off as a human. Your<span ss="editText">arms and hands would be the biggest giveaway if you were on stilts<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> I''ll need you here, Zellin."


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, I<span ss="editText">t was worth asking<span ss="aiText">," Zellin said with a sad look on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry. <span ss="editText">I''ll need you to weed out nobles<span ss="aiText"> that curry favor with the Duke. <span ss="editText">Use your political wit of yours<span ss="aiText"> to figure out which ones are loyal to me and crush those who aren''t. Is that understood?" Quinus asked as he looked at <span ss="editText">Zellin<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Your Highness!<span ss="editText"> Now let me get a list of nobles that I know we can trust your Highness," Zellin answered happily as he got up to retrieve something from another room.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus sighed once again and leaned back in his chair. He thought about his uncle and how he betrayed his own brother and king.


    <span ss="editText">"We''ll be fine my Lord," Sir George<span ss="aiText"> whispered to Quinus as he stood next to him.


    <span ss="aiText">Quins smiled softly and nodded his head, "Yes, I''m sure we will."


    <span ss="editText">But then his face because serious again.


    <span ss="editText">"It''s my mother and father that I''m worried about."


    <span ss="editText">***

 Ch.109 The Gossip Girl

    Ch.109 The Gossip Girl


    <span ss="userText">Rya, Nieren, and Dalia were walking through the street of Ironside with Nieren leading the way. <span ss="editText">The asional ironside soldier would wave to them as they walk through the streets.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh! You see that guy there? He''s been cheating on his wife with<span ss="aiText"> that woman back there," Nieren said as he pointed at the man standing outside of a bar.


    <span ss="aiText">"What!? How can you tell?" Dalia asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Because <span ss="editText">I heard them when I would sneak out from my mom''s ce. But yeah, he almost got caught, like five times in the past month<span ss="aiText">. His wife has been getting <span ss="editText">suspicious<span ss="aiText">tely so she started going through his stuff." Nieren exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"Really? W<span ss="editText">hy doesn''t she just mark him and w the other woman''s face?" Dalia asked in<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">suspense.


    <span ss="editText">"Hold on! Nieren, I like hearing drama on asion but why are you telling us? Didn''t you tell your adventure friends about all this gossip?" Rya<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, they w<span ss="editText">ere mostly men <span ss="aiText">in t<span ss="editText">he Adventure Guild. And I never had any girlfriends in my life. I-I never<span ss="aiText"> even told anyone except for the woman who lived next door to me. We would talk while we did our chores and such." Nieren said nervously.


    <span ss="editText">''Aw!<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">Sh<span ss="aiText">e didn''t have any friends besides a neighbor?'' Rya thought to herself. ''<span ss="editText">Sh<span ss="aiText">e must be lonely...''


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren turned to look at Rya and smiled softly before continuing their walk.


    <span ss="userText">''So she wants to be our friend. Sure<span ss="aiText">, why not.'' Rya decided <span ss="editText">as she looked to Dalia and gave her a look to follow her lead.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia was surprised at first but caught her drift and pointed<span ss="aiText">a<span ss="editText">t Nieren to confirm<span ss="aiText"> what Rya was thinking.


    <span ss="editText">Rya smiled and nodded. So the two of them sneak up on Nieren.


    <span ss="editText">"So back to the story. So, the guy''s wife��WHOA! Hey!?"<span ss="userText"> Nieren<span ss="aiText"> yelled as the girls <span ss="editText">jumped her and hugged her around<span ss="aiText"> the middle.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hehehe,<span ss="aiText"> wee<span ss="editText"> to the club, Woody!" Laughed Dalia<span ss="aiText"> a<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> s<span ss="editText">he hug Nieren''s torso.


    <span ss="editText">"I''m d you want to be friends with us, Nieren!" Rya said with<span ss="aiText"> a s<span ss="editText">mile as she hugged Nieren''s shoulders.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh!?<span ss="aiText"> Really!?" Nieren asked confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yup! And it looks like we have another friend, Dalia!" Rya said with a smile as she hugged Nieren''s arms.


    <span ss="editText">"Yep! No turning back now!<span ss="aiText"> It''s official! You''re stuck with us now, <span ss="editText">Woody<span ss="aiText">!!" Dalia cheered.


    <span ss="editText">''Ooohhh! I-I always wanted to have<span ss="aiText">girlfriends. I never knew<span ss="editText">it was this fun<span ss="aiText">!'' Nieren thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">"So! You were saying?"<span ss="userText"> Rya said as she release<span ss="aiText"> Nieren from her hugs.<span ss="editText"> Dalia followed suit.


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah, well... So, the wife has been trying to find out if<span ss="aiText"> her husband is cheating on her. So, she hired someone to tail him and see where he goes. The guy she hired was one of those "detective" guys who act shady at first and then try to get information from you or threaten you.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">


    <span ss="userText">Nieren continues the gossip as they made their way to the poorer part<span ss="aiText">of town<span ss="editText">, where her mother''s house is. They allughed and squealed at the twists and turns of Nieren''s story. Like they were teenage girls.


    <span ss="editText">It took about 15 minutes before they made it to Nieren''s ce.


    <span ss="editText">"Hahaha! Tell us another <span ss="userText">one, Woody! I can''t get enough!" Dalia<span ss="aiText"> said excitedly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh sure! <span ss="editText">Now l<span ss="aiText">et me <span ss="editText">tell you about�� Oh! Oh, no!" Nieren started to panic when she saw her mother''s house.


    <span ss="editText">"What''s wrong?" Rya asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"My mom. She''ll kill me for <span ss="editText">noting home! I''ve been gone for about a week,"<span ss="aiText">Nieren said as she bit her lip.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hey, she may be mad and worried. But she will be so relieved to see you,<span ss="aiText">" Rya said with a smirk as she put her arm around Nieren''s shoulder.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I don''t know, Lady Rya. Back when I was one hourte, my mother forbid me from epting another Quest for weeks. And I sort of left against her wishes,<span ss="aiText">" Nieren said nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, maybe your mom won''t care that much since you''re a grown woman now," Rya said while looking at Dalia.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> when I''m <span ss="editText">7<span ss="userText">0 <span ss="editText">years old, she might, and I mean MIGHT consider me a grown woman. Which is in like, 26 years away!...<span ss="userText"> No! Trust me she''ll be mad and say, I can''t be your Lady in waiting<span ss="aiText"> anymore!" Nieren said as she looked down at the ground.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah! Well, what if we help? We''ll go over tonight and surprise her, right?" Dalia suggested.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">No. We shouldn''t put this off. Nieren, how did you disobey your mother?<span ss="aiText"> Was it that bad?" Rya asked as Nieren <span ss="editText">wanted<span ss="aiText"> to cry.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">When the authorities thought there was a threat of the monster stampede, my mother told me to quit being a adventurer. I had been working hard on it for 15 years with very little problems and when the little green guys started showing up she said I would be in over my head. She said they would turn me into a brood mother... It''s not like I haven''t gotten out of sticky situations before. So I was, like what''s the big deal? Frankly, I don''t know how anyone fails prey<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">m?<span ss="aiText">" Nieren said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Um? I wouldn''t be here if it wasn''t for, Alpha. I was dead by the time she found me in the goblin nest,"<span ss="aiText"> Dalia said with a grimace stered all over her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yea, and<span ss="editText">they keeping after you in waves. They''re not hard to kill but it''s a endurance test. Especially, if you''re a woman. Those little shits wanted to gang rape me. I''m d I was strong enough<span ss="aiText"> to stop them. But then I ran out of <span ss="editText">weapons and had to run.<span ss="aiText">" <span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Huh? T-They are that tough<span ss="aiText">?" Nieren asked as she backed up a bit.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes,<span ss="editText"> and the hobgoblins,<span ss="aiText"> they were tougher than most monsters you find these days. You should be happy that you didn''t have to fight them!" Dalia said as Nieren looked back up.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren gulped<span ss="aiText"> and nodded her head. "<span ss="editText">Then I''m dead for leaving home<span ss="userText">. I shouldn''t have left<span ss="aiText"> without telling her."


    <span ss="aiText">"No, no, no, she''ll understand that you were doing something important.<span ss="editText"> Like saving my behind when I got enved. You''re my hero, Nieren.<span ss="aiText"> I''m sure she''d rather you be alive than dead, right?" Rya said as Nieren lo<span ss="editText">oked up at with<span ss="aiText"> hope.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yeah! If it wasn''t for, Woody. Alpha would be doing gods know what. You did good<span ss="aiText">, and I think your mom will see that," Dalia said as she patted Nieren on the shoulder.


    <span ss="aiText">"You<span ss="editText"> two have my back?<span ss="aiText"> I''m so d! I''ve never had friends like you before. Thank you!" Nieren said as she gave a giant hug to both girls.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s not really<span ss="editText"> that big of a deal<span ss="aiText">, but we are your friends now, right?" Rya said as she hugged Nieren.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh yea<span ss="editText">h<span ss="aiText">! <span ss="editText">Watch out when my mom sees you. She was one of the grownups that told me that Dark Elves are evil. And she told me daily. I''ll try to talk her down, but she might jump to a biased conclusion. Just be on guard if my mom tries anything,"<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Okay. I <span ss="editText">promise that I won''t hurt her if she tries toe at me," Rya said with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">"Okay, time to face the music,<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> said as she started walking towards the front door.


    ''Gods! I hope mom doesn''t flip out'' Nieren thought as she got ready to knock on the door.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="aiText">


    On the outskirts of Ironside in the poorer part of the neighborhood was a rickety old house. It looked like it was built a thousand years ago as it appeared to be made mostly of wood.


    The yard itself was filled with flowers and trees that gave off a soft shade of green. Yet the flower beds were a mess and needed attention. There was a small garden with vegetables growing in it though they looked a little overgrown.


    It was rare to see such a small garden in a city like Ironside but here it was. It all was created by a Wood Elf. Her name was Yuliana. She lived in this house with her daughter Nieren for over 30 years.


    Yuliana had been born into Wood Elf Royalty, but because of the death of her brother at the hands of the ck Rose Mercenaries. She grabbed the Elder Tree seeds and her daughter before they fled.


    She wishes she could have brought her over to one of the hidden viges of a Noble Wood Elves that escaped the war. But she feared that they would take out their anger on her daughter, for she was half High Elf which is why she has her father''s blonde hair, instead of the wood elf green hair. And the surviving Wood Elves would me her for her father''s betrayal by abandoning the Wood Elf Kingdom in their time of need.


    Her husband ran away with his soldiers right before the fighting started, leaving her and her daughter to die. The few times she tried to go after him, was thwarted by his guards.


    He imed that he would send a message to her once the High Elf King assembles an army. He told her that this was the only way they would be safe. Yuliana knew then that he never was attempting to help her or her people. And he never cared for their daughter. He was more displeased than happy to be a parent. It was such a a rare gift and he seemed indifferent.


    Yuliana knew she had no choice but to flee with her 14-year-old elven daughter to the city of Ironside. She heard about how the dwarven city came to be a part of the human kingdom of Fiafyr. And it was a kingdom that didn''t condone very of any type. It was the only ce she thought it would be safe for her daughter until her daughteres of age and is considered an adult at the age of 70 years. She knew it was a long shot but it was the only city on the continent that gave her hope.


    It took her and her daughter a month of avoiding vers and monsters to get to Ironside from the northwest.


    Yuliana knew she couldn''t tell the Baron''s men that her daughter and her were fallen Royalty. She couldn''t trust that word wouldn''t get out and have assassinse after Nieren and her. So, they had to live asmoners and lie about their heritage.


    They were given the run-down house as refugees since they were fleeing from war. This house was given to her and her daughter for a agreement. If she was able to help with agriculture in the town then they could live in the city rent free.


    Most wood elves were amazing at growing nts but Yuliananever did anything in agriculture, due to her being raised as a princess. But she knew this was the only way to get refuge and agreed to do the work.


    Yuliana was sloppy at first but she was lucky that the Baron didn''t mind her sloppiness. As long as she produced rare fruits and vegetables for the city was all Baron Arathar Coldforge cared about.


    After a year of working hard, she made friends with some of the other farmers but tried to keep to herself as she feared that they would be discovered at some point. She always trying to cover her hair and ears so people would mistake her as a human. And even after all those long days in the field and growing stuff in her personal garden. She had her daughter and her side goal.


    This goal was important for bringing back her people''s kingdom. And all she needed to do was grow a new Elder Tree from seeds she grabbed from the pce on top of the old Elder Tree that was destroyed during the war. It was a Wood Elf''s greatest defense against all the other races and monsters but before the war broke out their kingdom''s tree began to wither and die.


    The elves knew it was foul y but no Elf knew how the humans poisoned the Elder Tree. Yuliana knew the only way to save her people was to grow another one.


    But no matter how much she tried she couldn''t get it to grow. And as the years went by her daughter became interested in her bow and sword. She always struggled with using the green touch. While Nieren was not good at growing nts like her mother. She thought she could help out by bing an adventurer instead. She had a natural knack for hunting and sword y.


    Yuliana worried that her daughter had more High Elf blood running through her veins than Wood Elf. And no matter how much she tried to discourage her. Nieren wanted to follow in her own footsteps.


    After a year of bickering, Yuliana gave in a little and let her daughter go out under strict conditions in hopes to prevent these urges to be an adventurer. She was still not of age to be alone and the work could be dangerous.


    Years went by as she tried to grow the seedlings. But nothing ever came of it. And Nieren grew tired of farming because she still wasn''t good at growing nts. After all, she wasn''t a full-blood Wood Elf and she wanted to be an adventurer instead. And some times when Nieren snuck out to the Adventurer''s Guild. A few of the members taught her the skill cloak. It was a rogue that noticed that she had a knack for concealing herself with her mana. It was a skill that was tough to master and it took her only a month to learn it.


    So, with this skill helped Nieren to sneak out more often as an adventurer until she started bing a household name in the city of Ironside Adventures Guild.


    Yuliana was displeased that her daughter was putting themselves in danger, but knew she needed to try and make a living for both of them but it was hard to make a good living on small amounts of corp yields, even if they were rarer nts. And every time Nieren came back from a Quest with her rewards. It made her happy to help her mother and Yuliana was starting to reluctantly agree that this is what her daughter was. But even if Yuliana agreed to her being an adventurer, she still wanted her home every day so she knew Nieren was safe.


    So, this went on for years until the goblin horde showed up and things difficult between them again as her mother tried to forbid her from going out on quests.


    Nieren had been out adventuring for two years now and was getting really good at adventuring alone. She didn''t know what the big deal was about the goblins. She dealt with a few in the past and thought they weren''t anything to worry about. But her mother didn''t want her to go out with so many goblins around. So, against her mother''s wishes, she found a way to sneak off past her mother''s nts and left a note for her telling her that she was going to save the city.


    That was when Nieren ran into Rya. When Nieren helped the Crown Prince free the Dark Elf which helped defeat the Kings yer and Rodulf of the dreaded ck Roses.


    Yuliana didn''t know that the ck Roses were gone as word hadn''t reached the poorer part of the neighborhood yet and she was worried sick about her daughter. All she could do at the moment was wait and try to get these, damn, Elder Tree seeds to grow. She needed to do it for her daughter''s sake.


    ***

 Ch.110 Well, that Escalated Quickly

    Ch.110 Well, that Escted Quickly


    <span ss="editText">"Dammit! It''s been years and this stupid seed won''t grow! Haah... I don''t know what to do, brother!" Yuliana said to herself as she paced around the inside of her house.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana had beautiful long emerald green hair and green eyes. She had a curvy body with big breasts andrge hips. Her most prominent feature was her ass. She had a strong-willed personality that sometimes got on her brother''s nerves. She used to be slimmer frame and had smaller breasts before she got pregnant with Nieren.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana would wear a light skin-tight yellow dress that had a light green corset with yellow strings which made her cleavage stand out. She also wore ck thigh-high stockings and boots that had white roses on them. She had what looked to be two tattoos of vines growing up her left arm and down her right leg.


    <span ss="editText">"And where is Nieren!? She''s been gone for almost two weeks now!" Yuliana yelled out as she walked past her bedroom door.


    <span ss="editText">Her room was filled with shelves of books and scrolls along the walls. There was a desk next to a window that had a full set of magical tools. The floor was covered in a thick carpet of reds and blues.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana''s bed was made from polished redwood with silk sheets that were spread across it. A wooden chandelier hung above the bed with various leaves hanging from it.


    <span ss="editText">She closed her bedroom door and sighed heavily. "I''m tired... I think I need some tea," Yuliana said as she walked towards the kitchen.


    <span ss="editText">As she walked through the door to the kitchen Yuliana heard Nieren''s special knock on the door. "Huh? Nieren!?" She called out.She heard the door open and there was her daughter standing in the doorway.


    <span ss="userText">"Mom!? I''m<span ss="aiText"> back home!<span ss="editText">" Nieren said out loud as she motioned to Rya and Dalia to wait outside the front door as she walked in.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana turned around to see a <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> with her bright green eyes, <span ss="editText">golden blonde hair, and wearing leather adventurer''s gear with her cloak standing in front of her.


    <span ss="editText">"Nieren!" Yuliana yelled as she ran over to<span ss="aiText"> hug her daughter.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Thank the Gods and Spirits! You''re safe<span ss="aiText">!" Yuliana said as she hugged her tightly.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh thank the Gods, she isn''t mad!'' Nieren<span ss="aiText"> thought.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana then stepped back to ge<span ss="aiText">t a look at her daughter.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">By the Gods and Spirits! Do you know how angry <span ss="editText">I<span ss="aiText"> was when <span ss="editText">you disobeyed me!?... Do you know what would have happened if you were caught by those goblins!? Or worse. The ck Roses! The same people that killed your uncle, and ruined the Wood Elf Kingdom!... No of course you didn''t! You ran off, so you could go on a Quest! Doing whatever you were doing before the Mercenaries showed up in the city! When they left, I thought you were caught! I thought the final heir was in very or dead. Destroying any hope for our people! So, I''m done with your excuses! You''re going to quit the adventuring lifestyle and stay here helping me with the nts, Nieren!"<span ss="aiText"> Yuliana yelled at her daughter until she was blue in the face.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren was stunned, she had never seen her mother this mad before. ''<span ss="editText">No! I was mistaken, Mom''s furious! I think I see some veins bulging<span ss="aiText"> out of her forehead.'' Nieren thought<span ss="editText">in a panic.


    <span ss="editText">"So tell me, Nieren! Was it worth it? Was it worth<span ss="aiText"> it to go against the word of your mother?" Yuliana asked in a stern tone as she stared intently at her daughter.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren looked down. "Yes, it was worth it, Mother," Nieren mumbled as her usual confident self was in hiding.


    <span ss="userText">"YOU!!!" Yuliana stopped herself from screaming more at her daughter''s response, "You keep ying stupid games, Nieren. You''ll win stupid prizes. And you won BIG time, my daughter. Now give me your bow and des."


    <span ss="userText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> kept her head low<span ss="editText"> and tightened her fists. She didn''t want to<span ss="userText"> hand over her weapons. All she wanted to do was help her and her mother<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> But Yuliana won''t listen to her. She kept treating her like a child. Nieren was a few decades away from being an adult and it wasn''t that far away. She just wished her mother would trust her.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren understood not to<span ss="userText">take any unnecessary risks when she went on her quests. And if she felt that she was in over her head she knew to back out<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am not giving up these items. I earned them," Nieren said as she shook her head.


    <span ss="aiText">"You disobedient little��<span ss="editText">Where did I go wrong!<span ss="aiText">" Yuliana screamed as she stormed t<span ss="editText">owards Nieren.


    <span ss="editText">


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">


    <span ss="editText">Rya and Dalia were outside when they heard Nieren''s mother shouting<span ss="aiText"> at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"What should we do?" Dalia asked looking concerned about the situation.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t know," Rya sighed in exasperation, "But something needs to be done."


    <span ss="userText">So, Rya walked into the house with her head held high.


    <span ss="userText">''I don''t know what I''m doing. Please, don''t let this get worse than it is,''<span ss="aiText"> Rya thought as she walked straight towards the angry wood elf.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nieren! What did I tell you about leaving the city!" Yuliana shouted at her daughter<span ss="editText"> as she held one of her daughter''s arms.Yuliana was about to discipline her daughter when she noticed a shadowing from the door.


    <span ss="userText">''By the Gods! I must be yelling so loud that the neighbo��'' Yuliana''s thoughts stopped when she saw who was standing at the doorway.<span ss="editText"> She noticed that she was wearing pink 5-inch heels with an elegant blue dress that showed off her right leg and cleavage from breasts that rivaled her own. Her white hair which seemed to glow was in aplex and stylish braid. It made her look noble. Andstly, she noticed her skin tone and her ears.


    <span ss="editText">''A D-D-Dark Elf!?! NO! THEY FOUND US!'' Yuliana thought in a panic as the color in her face turned pale. She moved in front of her daughter to shield her from the intruder.


    <span ss="editText">"Nieren! Run!"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya stood there puzzled for a moment before she realized that her mother was trying to protect her daughter from her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mother!<span ss="editText">?" Nieren said as she was perplexed<span ss="aiText">by her mother''s actions. Why would she try to shield her? But Nieren saw Rya and she started to panic.


    <span ss="editText">"We''ve been found out! Grab your things and run! I''ll head her off! NOW GO!" Yuliana order<span ss="aiText">ed.


    <span ss="aiText">"But, Mother-"


    <span ss="aiText">"Now!" Yuliana shouted in a panic.


    <span ss="editText">Rya wasn''t expecting things to turn out like this as she noticed Nieren''s mother channeling her mana.


    <span ss="editText">''Well, this escted! I need to try and defuse this! But how?'' Rya thought as her sixth sense was telling her that Yuliana had traps set under the floor boards and up in the ceiling.


    <span ss="editText">"MOM! WAIT��"


    <span ss="editText">"Take this, you FIEND! HAYAH!" Yuliana said as she sent out her mana into her vine nt traps<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> didn''t have time to <span ss="editText">stop<span ss="aiText"> her mother <span ss="editText">from attacking Rya as the green vines came flying through the floorboards and out of the ceiling going straight towards her friend.


    <span ss="editText">''Rya!''<span ss="aiText"> Nieren thought in horror as she<span ss="editText">watched the vines flying out at her and were closing in fast on Rya.


    <span ss="editText">Rya on t<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">o<span ss="aiText">the<span ss="editText">r hand was surprised by how calm she felt while being attacked. She didn''t know why but she felt a connection to the ntsing straight towards her. So she<span ss="userText">raised her hand slightly while channeling her mana into the air in front of her.


    <span ss="userText">Just as the vines were about the strike her with their thorns. They started slowing down until they came to a stop after Rya''s mana interacted<span ss="aiText"> with them.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why�� Why aren''t my vines moving anymore?" Yuliana said with bewilderment.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mom, please! Stop it!" Nieren begged, but Yuliana wouldn''t listen as she was trying toe up with another n.


    <span ss="userText">It was then that one of the vines started rubbing up against Rya''s hand like how a cat would rub their cheeks<span ss="aiText"> against <span ss="editText">a person''s hand.


    <span ss="editText">''Aw! I didn''t know nts could be so cute... Wait? Did I just think a nt was cute? I mean it kinda reminds me of my childhood cat. Haah... I miss that cat.'' Rya thought as she enjoyed the feel<span ss="aiText"> of the vines.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia walked up next to Rya to see what was going on and saw the tamed vines.Rya then looked up to see Yuliana looking terrified at what she was witnessing.


    <span ss="editText">''She can connect with<span ss="aiText"> the <span ss="editText">for<span ss="aiText">es<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText"> s<span ss="editText">pirits!<span ss="aiText"> That means she can control them<span ss="editText">. We''re doomed!'' Yuliana<span ss="aiText"> thought as she <span ss="editText">didn''t know what to do to stop this Dark Elf.


    <span ss="editText">"MOM! Are you listening to me!? She''s my friend! Her name is Rya," Nieren<span ss="aiText"> said angrily while trying to reason with her mother.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana finally s<span ss="editText">napped out of her stupor and looked at her daughter with a<span ss="aiText"> shocked expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-You''re<span ss="editText">friend!? But she''s a fiend, a demon<span ss="aiText">!? She''ll conquer us!" Yuliana shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mother<span ss="editText">! Stop saying that!<span ss="aiText">" Nieren pleaded with her mother to stop talking badly about Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"B-But she''s a monster! You can see the bloodlust in her eyes!" Yuliana shouted back while pointing at the Dark Elf who was just standing there doing nothing butListening to everything that was going on. Her right eye was twitching with irritation but she kept quiet.


    <span ss="userText">''Bloodlust in my eyes? Really<span ss="editText">? N<span ss="userText">ow<span ss="aiText"> that''s <span ss="editText">riching from a woman who attacked me on sight. Haah... Is it because of all these<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">stories about Dark Elves? It must have <span ss="editText">clouded her mind<span ss="aiText">.'' Rya thought as she calmed herself before looking at Yuliana with a wry smile.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana noticed Rya smile and yelled, "What fiendish spell have you put on my daughter!<span ss="aiText"> Tell me now<span ss="editText">!"


    <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText">''s eyes widened as she got furious.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mother! <span ss="editText">STOP! YOU''RE NOT LISTENING! THOSE STORIES THAT YOU AND THE ELDERS TOLD ME ABOUT ARE ALL WRONG!"<span ss="aiText"> Nieren shouted in outrage.


    <span ss="editText">''NO! It''s worse than I thought! She''s brainwashed my child<span ss="aiText"> into thinking that Dark Elves are<span ss="aiText">creatures of good!'' Yuliana thought. She needed to save her daughter, no matter how.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Nieren! Listen to me!... That''s what she wants you to think! She''s using you because she knows we are of royal blood!<span ss="aiText"> If she doesn''t get her way, then she''ll kill us both! Do you understand!?" Yuliana demanded while grabbing her daughter''s shoulders and shook her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Are you even hearing yourself right now!?... Mother! Stop for one second and listen<span ss="aiText">!<span ss="editText"> She''s not evil!<span ss="aiText">" Nieren shouted back.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana was having none of it and continued to argue with her daughter as shepletely forgot that Rya, who was standing there by the door petting the vines.


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">Dalia came in closer to Rya and whispered, "Why is Woody''s mom so weird? It<span ss="editText">''s<span ss="userText"> like she''s in her own<span ss="aiText"> world!"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya just shrugged.


    <span ss="editText">"Some people like to only see what they want to see, regardless of facts. Sadly, Nieren''s mother wants to pa<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText"> m<span ss="editText">e as evil." Rya<span ss="aiText"> said <span ss="editText">to Dalia as they watched Nieren try to reason<span ss="aiText"> with her mother.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yeah, your race is j<span ss="aiText">ust misunderstood," Dalia said with a gentle tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s very kind of you to say, <span ss="editText">Dalia. I just wish there was some way to help Nieren�� Huh?," Rya noticed something strange on the table in the middle of the room.


    <span ss="editText">There were <span ss="userText">three potted nts with each of them having a giant seed in them. The seeds were the size of a peach. And the thing that was odd about them was these sickly purple particles flowing inside them. Rya was the only one who could see them.


    <span ss="userText">It was almost like seeing the red particles in Dalia''s body when she had her injuries as well as everyone else who was injured.


    <span ss="userText">''What''s the deal with these things? Were they poisoned or something?'' Thought Rya as shemanded the vines to return before she started walking<span ss="aiText"> towards the table.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia followed behind her, "Is something wrong, Alpha?"


    <span ss="editText">"Those things over on the table seem to be poisoned? I think I can heal them," Rya answered as they walked passed the arguing mother and daughter who were too distracted to notice Rya approaching the Elder Tre<span ss="aiText">e seed<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">


    <span ss="editText">"I''m tired of arguing with you Nieren! She can''t be trusted! You should know bette�� Huh!? NO! STAY AWAY FROM THERE!" Yuliana stopped arguing with her daughter when she noticed Rya approaching<span ss="aiText"> the table.


    <span ss="aiText">She quickly grabbed hold of her daughter and pulled her back.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-You''re going to die if you touch those! Y-Yeah!... Nieren! Don''t listen to that crazy woman! She''s lying to you!<span ss="userText">" Said Yuliana, sounding like a crazy person.


    <span ss="userText">Rya paid no attention as she touched the first seed and removed whatever was affecting <span ss="editText">it. It took about fifteen seconds before she could see the purple particles fading away.


    <span ss="editText">''Damn! Whatever this stuff is, is taking a crap load of my mana to remove. Gah! Almost done<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya thought to herself<span ss="editText"> as she healed the first seed.


    <span ss="editText">It t<span ss="aiText">oo<span ss="editText">k<span ss="aiText"> a<span ss="editText"> few more seconds before the seed started <span ss="userText">sprouting<span ss="editText"> a new sapling from it.<span ss="editText">Yuliana''s eyes widened in shock as she saw<span ss="aiText"> the <span ss="editText">Elder Tree seed<span ss="aiText"> start to grow.


    <span ss="editText">''The Elder Tree? It is alive? I thought it was impossible...'' Yuliana ran over<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> table next to Rya so she could get a closer look. So, she could make sure her eyes weren''t deceiving her<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana''s hand was shaking as she reached out and touched the nt. She channeled her mana into the Elder Tree sapling to see if she could connect with it.


    <span ss="editText">''By the Gods and Spirits! The Elder Tree lives! I-I never thought I see the day<span ss="aiText">. It''s a miracle!'' Yuliana was shocked at what she saw as she was able to connect with the nt.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren came running over to her mother and saw the sapling.


    <span ss="editText">"Rya! You got the Elder Tree to grow!?<span ss="aiText"> I didn''t know that was possible!" Nieren said with excitement<span ss="editText">before she continued to talk, "See Mom! How can she be evil if she can grow our sacred tree?! Wasn''t that supposed to be something only a wood elf can grow!<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Ugh! I-I don''t know!" Yuliana said as she looked at the sapling. Then her face turned bright red with embarrassment.


    <span ss="editText">''But she''s a Dark Elf?<span ss="aiText">It should be impossible... Why is she doing this for us?...<span ss="editText"> I thought they wished for the destruction of all the other elves?<span ss="aiText">'' Yuliana thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"Who are you?" Yuliana asked as she stood up straight and looked at Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I''m Nieren''s<span ss="aiText"> friend," Rya said with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana stared into Rya''s glowing azure eyes to see if she could see if there was any lie or<span ss="aiText"> deception behind the words. After a moment s<span ss="aiText">he couldn''t sense any ill intent towards her. Which made her feel <span ss="editText">a bit of relief but she kept her guard up.


    <span ss="editText">"I have been trying to grow the Elder Tree seeds for decades. What did you do? How is it possible you were able to grow one? Where I, a princess of the Wood Kingdom could not?" Asked<span ss="aiText"> Yuliana as she <span ss="editText">looke<span ss="aiText">d at <span ss="editText">Rya wondering if she''d answer her or not.


    <span ss="userText">Rya nced at her with a perplexed look before she said, "Yeah, I don''t know why, but these seeds were giving off a sickly aura of purple particles. And I was able to cure the first one but it took a lot of mana<span ss="aiText"> out of me."


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana raised an eyebrow, "Y-You said they all had a sickly aura?"


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah, it seems to be preventing them from growing... Here. I''ll show you." Rya said as she cured the next s<span ss="aiText">ee<span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText"> t<span ss="editText">hat had fewer purple particles in it.


    <span ss="editText">It took a few seconds before the next seed<span ss="aiText"> started to g<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">ow<span ss="editText"> another sapling right before their very eyes.


    <span ss="editText">''She got another one to grow!<span ss="aiText"> I don''t understand how she''s doing it!'' Yuliana thought to herself<span ss="editText"> as she checked that sapling to make sure Rya wasn''t using some type of trick or illusion on her. And again, it was the real thing<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''Could she have some sort of power that allows her to do this?''<span ss="editText"> Yuliana thought<span ss="aiText">as s<span ss="editText">he looked at Rya in awe<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hmm? Thisst seed seems to have a higher concentration of whatever is infecting it. I think I can iste it and push it out?" Rya said as she picked up thest <span ss="userText">seed in her hand and then examined it.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm? What do you need, Lady Rya?" Nieren asked<span ss="aiText"> as she walked over to Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"Can you get<span ss="editText">a cup or an empty vial while I iste the infection? I think it''s liquid-based but I''m not sure," Rya asked while examining thest seed.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren nodded her head and ran over to a cupboard at<span ss="aiText"> the end of the room. She pulled out a small ss v<span ss="editText">ial that would be used for potions.


    <span ss="editText">"Will this work?" Nieren called<span ss="aiText"> back to Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nods her head and says, "Yes, it will. It<span ss="editText"> might be too big, but it will work<span ss="aiText"> for isting the liquid."


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren walks back over and <span ss="editText">tries to hand the vial over to Rya.


    <span ss="editText">"Nieren, can you hold it under the seed for me, please? I''m going to need all my concentration for this one,<span ss="aiText">" Rya requested.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren nods and takes the vial in her hands as she holds it underneath the seed.


    <span ss="editText">Rya then closes her eyes as she uses her healing magic to move whatever the liquid is out of the seed.


    <span ss="editText">''Come on, Rya! Just focus and breathe. That''s it... I can feel it moving to the bottom of the seed,'' Rya<span ss="aiText"> thought to herself<span ss="editText"> as she isted the liquid.


    <span ss="editText">What took seconds to cure the first two seeds took a minute with thest seed. Rya was breaking into a sweat as she continued to heal the seed.


    <span ss="editText">"Nieren... It''s almost out! Get ready!" Rya said as she focused and kept her eyes closed.


    <span ss="editText">"I''m ready,<span ss="aiText">" said Nieren as she held onto the vial and waited patiently.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia was staring silently at the seed waiting to see what will happen. While Yuliana skeptically watched Rya. She wasn''t sure if she was ying up whatever she was doing to try to trick her.


    <span ss="editText">Just then Rya felt the liquid was ready toe out at the bottom of the seed.


    <span ss="editText">"Now!" Rya yelled out.


    <span ss="editText">That''s when a small droplet of dark purple liquid came out of the seed and fell into the ss vial. They had to look closely to see if there was anything at all.


    <span ss="editText">Rya breathed out a silent relief and ced the seed back in its pot. Which sprouted the third Elder Tree before Yuliana''s eyes<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">W<span ss="aiText">ow!<span ss="editText"> What is this purple stuff?" Nieren said as she looked at the tiny droplet in the vial.


    <span ss="editText">"Hey, let me have a look at it<span ss="userText">," Dalia said as she took the vial and sniffed the opening.


    <span ss="userText">"D-Dalia!? Don''t sniff it! You might identally inhale it!" Rya said as she snatched it away from her.


    <span ss="userText">"Pff! Like I let that happen. Anyway, it smells like monster blood. I don''t know what type of monster<span ss="aiText"> though. It''s not <span ss="editText">anything I smelled before. I don''t know if it''s a monster from this continent?" Dalia pondered as she tilted her head. She was trying to recall if she''d ever smelled a simr scent<span ss="aiText"> before.<span ss="editText"> But she wasing up empty.


    <span ss="editText">"Well, that''s something that le<span ss="aiText">as<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">," Rya said as she <span ss="editText">loo<span ss="aiText">ked <span ss="editText">at<span ss="aiText"> the <span ss="editText">small droplet through the ss vial.


    <span ss="editText">''Damn! Even with my elven eye, I can''t tell what this stuff might be. Haah... Well, Dalia thinks it smells like monster''s blood. I wonder what type of monster has poisonous blood that <span ss="userText">can affect a nt?<span ss="editText"> Hmm? I wonder if anyone invented microscopes on Tertius? I mean, I wouldn''t be able to make heads or tails of what I was looking at, but maybe someone else would?'' Rya thought as she continued looking at the vial.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana on the other hand had a troubled look on her face. She seemed to know what that<span ss="userText"> droplet was.


    <span ss="userText">"Your name was Rya, right? M-May I see the vial, please?<span ss="aiText"> I want to take a closer look," Yuliana asked nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, uhm sure... Here you go," Rya said as she handed her the vial.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana grabbed the vial and brought it up to her eye. Andon closer inspection, she knew what it was.

 Ch.111 What’s the Catch?

    Ch.111 What��s the Catch?


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="userText">Wyvern<span ss="editText">''s blood... Why! WHY, would he do this to us!? Why would my husband<span ss="aiText">poison the<span ss="editText">Elder T<span ss="aiText">ree we were growing for our<span ss="editText">people<span ss="aiText">!?<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">Yuliana<span ss="editText">thought<span ss="aiText">as she<span ss="editText">lost the strength in her legs as she fell to the floor.


    <span ss="editText">"Whoa!"Rya said as she grabbed her before she could hit the ground<span ss="userText">along with Nieren.


    <span ss="userText">"MOM!?<span ss="editText">What happened? Why did you fall down?<span ss="userText">" Nieren<span ss="aiText">yelled as she also reached down to help Yuliana up.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-It''s okay!<span ss="editText">I-I um... I��" Yuliana was having trouble answering her daughter.


    <span ss="editText">She didn''t want to tell her that her father was most likely the one who killed the Elder Tree and abandoned them to the fate of the human army.


    <span ss="editText">Rya noticed the troubled look showing in her eyes.


    <span ss="editText">''Somethings not right. I''ll cover for her for now.'' Rya thought as she said, "She just twisted her ankle. I''ll fix her up in a jiff."


    <span ss="editText">Rya gave Nieren a reassuring smile.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? Is she covering for me?<span ss="userText">I think she is!'' Yuliana thought as she<span ss="editText">re<span ss="userText"posed<span ss="aiText">herself<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes. I seemed to have twisted something by mistake. Haha. I guess all the shock of the Elder Tree sapling made me<span ss="aiText">lose my footing for a moment." Yuliana said as she tried to sound normal.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren sighed with relief, "Haah... You scared me, mother... Is there anything I can do to help?"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smiled at her, "No<span ss="editText">, I''ll just take your mother over to her chair and give it a look."


    <span ss="editText">"Y-Yes once I sit down I''ll be alright. But, can you do me a favor, Nieren? Can you take the Elder Tree saplings and put them out in the back so they can get some su<span ss="aiText">n?<span ss="userText">"<span ss="aiText">Yuliana said as she slowly walked towards her chair<span ss="editText">with Rya holding her arm<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sure, Mom. I''ll do that now then.<span ss="editText">Hey Wolf, can you lend me a hand and grab one of the pots and follow me?<span ss="aiText">" Nieren said as she<span ss="editText">walked over<span ss="aiText">to grab<span ss="editText">two of<span ss="aiText">the saplings<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Ah? Sure! Got it!" Dalia<span ss="aiText">said as she followed Nieren to<span ss="editText">the back door.


    <span ss="editText">Once the two left the house Rya turned and whispered so low that not even a human could hear her if t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText">s<span ss="editText">tood one foot away.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I saw the look on your face. You know something about the purple droplet, don''t you."<span ss="aiText">Rya said with a s<span ss="editText">erious loo<span ss="aiText">k on her face.


    <span ss="editText">''She noticed!? Gah! Of course, she noticed. She''s a Dark Elf. Hah... I''ve been bested at every turn. I better just tell her so sh<span ss="aiText">e<span ss="editText">c<span ss="aiText">an<span ss="editText">do whatever she wants to my life. It''s not like I''m going to get the High Elves toe to my aid after what they did.'' Yuliana<span ss="aiText">thought to herself as she blushed.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana looked around quickly to make sure her daughter wasn''t around before she spoke in a calm voice, "Sadly, yes. I do know... My husband is a High Elf noble that tamed Wyverns. He was supposed to be our link for an elven alliance between our kingdoms on different continents. He liked to use his wyvern''s bloo<span ss="aiText">d<span ss="editText">o<span ss="aiText">n<span ss="userText">his arrows<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">And<span ss="userText">he used a drop of it to weaken a d<span ss="editText">ark swamp thicket that the Orcs like to use as a defense. We thought it was the humans that somehow killed our Elder Tree but it was him. He and his men betrayed us! By the Gods, I feel like a fool for not realizing it after all these years<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">''Shit! This sucks! And Nieren is a Half High Elf Half Wood Elf?<span ss="userText">No wonder she didn''t want to say anything to her daughter. She must want to protect her. I don''t me her one bit... Hey! I wonder if she could answer a question that''s been bugging me?'' Rya<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">wondered to herself as she looked<span ss="aiText">over to Yuliana.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, Yuliana I have a question for you. Do you know where the<span ss="editText">stories about us Dark<span ss="aiText">Elves originated from?<span ss="editText">I''m not familiar with them at all and it seems everyone has a knee-jerk reaction when they see me."


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana had a puzzled look on her face.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh? Don''t you know the stories are based on true events? About how they attacked the High Elf city of<span ss="aiText">Ordon and ughtered them? Or how<span ss="editText">they rape and piged the High Elf coastal<span ss="userText">cities? And the time when the High Elf elder sage<span ss="aiText">, L, used the power of the Elder Tree to teleport their entire army onto the beach of a small town called Dierna<span ss="editText">to fight the Dark Elves<span ss="aiText">. The High Elves soldiers<span ss="editText">went<span ss="aiText">to stop them and were ughtered right in front of their families!<span ss="editText"> And the time when the High... Elves... The High Elves? Wait! Ah... I know there has to be a story that doesn''t involve the High Elves. Ummm? No? No... Gah! I swear there''s a story<span ss="aiText">out there! Just not one I''ve heard!"<span ss="editText">Yulian<span ss="aiText">a said to herself as she continued to search her memory.


    <span ss="editText">Rya stood there patiently<span ss="aiText">waiting for her to recall the tale.


    <span ss="aiText">After a few minutes, Yuliana stopped and shook her head in frustration.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, I can''t remember any other stories other than the ones you just mentioned.<span ss="userText">Why would that be<span ss="aiText">?<span ss="editText">"


    <span ss="editText">Rya shook her head, ''So, the higher-ups of the High Elves must have hated Dark Elves. But they also went after these Wood Elves? What''s their angle?''


    <span ss="editText">"Well, the High Elves don''t seem on the level to me. I mean they killed your tree for some reason<span ss="aiText">. And no offense, but wh<span ss="editText">at your husband did sounds like what a Dark Elf would do<span ss="aiText">in th<span ss="editText">ose stories you mentioned. Just saying<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">Yulian<span ss="aiText">a opened up her mouth to speak but thought better of it.


    <span ss="editText">''S-She''s right! But this could be a trick. I know I could do the pros and cons list<span ss="aiText">about he<span ss="editText">r and<span ss="aiText">I coulde up with a lot more cons than pros.''<span ss="editText">Yulian<span ss="aiText">a thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">''First con, she stopped my defense vines! B-But she did not turn them against me when I was arguing with my daughter. Damn, that''s a pro!'' Yuliana thought.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya<span ss="editText">noticed Yuliana''s internal battle going on in her head as she<span ss="aiText">seemed to have a thoughtful expression on her face.


    <span ss="editText">''Okay, she also cured my three Elder Tree seeds like some type of saintly healer. Haah... That''s another pro! Ummm? Ah! Damn! This Dark Elf has done everything to trust her... Okay fine! I''ll be civil around her but I still need to watch myself. She is the first Dark Elf I ever met in my 400 years of life. How am I supposed to know if those stories aren''t true?'' Yuliana thought as Nieren and Dalia came back into the house.


    <span ss="editText">"Finished cing the saplings in the sun Mom. How''s the ankle?" Nieren<span ss="aiText">asked as she looked down at her mother<span ss="editText">sitting in her chair.


    <span ss="editText">"Hmm? What ankle? Oh, my ankle!" Yuliana said with confusion at first.


    <span ss="editText">"She''s fine Nieren. Anyway, we need to get moving if I''m going to meet up with Hajdah." Rya said to her friends.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh, Yeah! Sorry for dying everything. Mom I came by to drop this stuff off for you. First this," Nieren says as she drops a sack of gold coins on the table.


    <span ss="editText">"Where did you get all this gold?"<span ss="userText">Yuliana asked<span ss="aiText">with surprise<span ss="editText">while she walked up to the table.


    <span ss="editText">"I won it at the goddess festival. At the Hex-horn ring toss! And it was all thanks to Lady Rya who unrigged the rings!... Aw! It was sooo satisfying, Mom!" Nieren<span ss="aiText">said as she puffed out her chest proudly.


    <span ss="aiText">"You<span ss="editText">were there at the ring toss booth?" Rya questions Nieren.


    <span ss="editText">"Y-Yeah, that was when I thought all Dark Elves were evil and I that you were nning to destroy Ironside... I''m sorry about that,<span ss="aiText">" Nieren said embarrassed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh? Well, it''s okay<span ss="editText">. If it wasn''<span ss="aiText">t<span ss="editText">f<span ss="aiText">or<span ss="editText">you I would probably still be enved. So, let''s call it even<span ss="aiText">then?" Rya said smiling and patting<span ss="editText">Nieren on the shoulder.


    <span ss="editText">''She helped my daughter wi<span ss="aiText">n all<span ss="editText">this gold!? Th-That''s another pro for Rya!'' Yuliana<span ss="aiText">thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I think I need to do a little more before I would consider myself even with you Lady Rya. Anyway, Mom, here''s the most important items I wanted to give to you," Nieren said as she took off her backpack and pulled out a wooden sword and a Crown<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">that belonged to her uncle.


    <span ss="editText">''V-Valko''s crown?'' Yuliana slowly moved her shaking hands closer to<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">r dead brother''s Crown. She never thought that she would be able<span ss="aiText">to touch it again. But now that he<span ss="editText">r daughter brought<span ss="userText">their family''s<span ss="aiText">treasure back to them.


    <span ss="userText">Her fingers slightly grazed the gold crown that was designed to look like vines interwoven<span ss="aiText">. And the red gemstone that was set in the middle glowed slightly<span ss="editText">as the small diamonds on the tips of the thorns glittered in the light.


    <span ss="editText">"It''s real... How? The Kings yer wasn''t close to death''s age yet?" Yuliana was<span ss="aiText">shocked to see that her dead brother''s crown was real. It couldn''t have been possible.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Pff! He was at death<span ss="aiText">''s ag<span ss="editText">e when he cored Alpha and was about to kill Beta. That bastard got what he deserves," Dalia said as she crossed her arms over her chest causing<span ss="userText">her cleavage<span ss="aiText">to rise up showing some of her breasts.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y<span ss="editText">eah Mom, the word probably hasn''t reached this part of the city yet. But the ck Rose Mercenaries were trying to invade the city yesterday. Crown Prince Quinus was able to raise an army to confront them and Lady Rya defeated a lot of them including the Kings yer. While the prince defeated themander Rodulf. The ck Roses are no more, Mother. Uncle''s been avenged and I was able to help<span ss="aiText">." Nieren said as she looked proud at her aplishments.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">She killed the Kings yer and gave you Valko''s Crown?<span ss="aiText">" Yuliana quickly turned around to face her daughter.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes. I thought Lady Rya was going to keep it at first but she handed it to me without asking for anything! Everything she''s done was to protect everyone<span ss="aiText">in the city! She''s really a good person!<span ss="editText">The stories about the Dark Elves were false!<span ss="aiText">" Nieren said as her cheeks started to turn pink.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana turned to Rya<span ss="userText">with a puzzled<span ss="aiText">expression on her face.


    <span ss="editText">''S-She''s avenged my brother and our people, returned my brot<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">''s<span ss="editText">crown, and saved the city? She could have imed ownership of the wood elves if she kept the crown, but she didn''t! Why is she so kind? Why is she such a... saint?'' Yuliana thought as she was trying to digest<span ss="aiText">everything that happened.


    <span ss="userText">She looked at Rya in a different light<span ss="aiText">now. Her daughter was right; Lady Rya was really a good person.


    <span ss="editText">''W-Why did I attack her? I-I don''t deserve this kindness<span ss="aiText">from her.'' Yuliana thought as she felt tears stinging her eyes.


    <span ss="editText">"Hmm? Are you okay?" Rya asked as she<span ss="aiText">ced her hand on Yuliana''s shoulder.


    <span ss="editText">''Whoa<span ss="aiText">, I''m<span ss="editText">crying!'' She wiped away the tears before they could fall. ''No, I can''t allow myself to cry in front of her!<span ss="aiText">Not now!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Lady Rya.<span ss="editText">But I don''t deserve this kindness after acting hostile towards you... I-I don''t know why I didn''t believe<span ss="aiText">your kindness was genuine. I-I''m sorry," Yuliana said as she bowed her head low in shame<span ss="editText">after feeling the guilt hit her hard.


    <span ss="editText">''Thank God she''se around<span ss="aiText">. Maybe she can be a<span ss="editText">reasonable person now.'' Rya thought as she brought her hand under Yuliana''s chin and<span ss="aiText"> lifted her head up.


    <span ss="editText">"It''s alright, Yuliana. Let me tell you what my fiance told me. We all make mistakes. It''s what we do you fix them that makes us good. So, be<span ss="aiText">smart and use what you learned from your past to improve yourself. That way you won''t repeat the same mistake... Right?" Rya said as she smiled warmly at Yuliana.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana felt warmth in her words<span ss="aiText">and nodded her head.


    <span ss="editText">''N-No wonder my daughter wanted to be her friend. Rya is so<span ss="aiText">nice<span ss="editText">and warm! I haven''t felt this rxed in decades! How am I supposed topete against that? I wish to be her friend too!<span ss="aiText">I can''t lose her!<span ss="editText">She''s the first elf to aid me after the fall of the kingdom. My maids, my friends, my husband, they all abandoned me and my daughter.'' Yuliana thought as she looked into Rya''s eyes.


    <span ss="editText">"T-Thank you, Rya... I don''t know what to say... Would you like to be the queen of the wood elves?"<span ss="aiText">Yuliana asked timidly.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya was surprised<span ss="editText">at first but<span ss="aiText">smiled brightly at Yuliana''s words. "<span ss="editText">Thank you for the offer,<span ss="userText">but I''m going to be the future queen of Fiafyr<span ss="editText">."


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana<span ss="aiText">was surprised by Rya''s answer.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Wait!? That means your<span ss="userText">fiancee is?" Yuliana<span ss="aiText">asked confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Prince Quinus<span ss="userText">Meredydd<span ss="aiText">. He''s<span ss="editText">my best friend and lover<span ss="aiText">," Rya replied happily.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana was shocked. ''So she loves him?<span ss="editText">She loves a human!?<span ss="aiText">The thought never crossed my mind! I mean, humans are<span ss="editText">simr-looking<span ss="aiText">to elves. But they<span ss="editText">just don''t live as nearly as long as us. She doesn''t mind that? She''s a strange elf,'' Yuliana thought.


    <span ss="editText">"Awe!? You''re going to marry the prince! Why didn''t you tell us earlier?" Nieren asked


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Haha? I don''t know. It seems so surreal<span ss="aiText">to me. I feel like it will<span ss="editText">wake up to find out it was all a dream<span ss="aiText">," Rya said with a giggle.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">A dream you say? Hold on!" Dalia said as she ran up to Rya and pinched her cheek.


    <span ss="editText">"OW!? DAILA! I know I''m not dreaming! It was a figure of speech<span ss="aiText">!" Rya said as she rubbed her cheek.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Huh? Figure of speech... You know when you say such things it confuses me. So, you only have yourself to me, Alpha," Dalia<span ss="aiText">said as she smiled.


    <span ss="editText">Rya was still rubbing her cheek<span ss="aiText">from Dalia''s pinch.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh yeah! Mom, I almost forgot to tell you. I''m retiring from being an adventurer." Nieren<span ss="aiText">said.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana gasped when she heard this.


    <span ss="aiText">"What!?<span ss="editText">Reall<span ss="aiText">y!?" Yuliana asked surprised.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yes. Rya and the crown pr<span ss="aiText">ince wants<span ss="editText"> me to be herdy-in-waiting and her retainer. She doesn''t know much about Royal etiquette so I''m going to help her and<span ss="userText">I''ll be going to the city of Tairal.<span ss="aiText">I was hoping you would join me." Nieren said<span ss="editText">to her mother.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh!? Nieren wants her mother to join us. I wish she asked me first<span ss="aiText">!''<span ss="editText">Ry<span ss="aiText">a thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Nieren? Why do you wish to have your mo<span ss="aiText">ther<span ss="editText">join<span ss="aiText">us?"<span ss="editText">Ry<span ss="aiText">a asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well,<span ss="aiText">I<span ss="editText">c<span ss="aiText">an<span ss="editText">be<span ss="aiText">you<span ss="editText">r retainer with no problem but I''m a little bit rusty on the etiquette front.<span ss="aiText">I want to make sure I can keep up with the otherdies of the court.<span ss="editText">And my mother is superb when ites to Royal etiquette," Nieren exined.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh? So, she was worried about<span ss="userText">not being able to help me. Well, I don''t see a problem in it if Yuliana wants to join us.'' Rya thought<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"So, do you want to join us, Yuliana?" Rya asked as she looked right at her.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana<span ss="editText">looked conflicted, ''My daughter wishes me to join her in the human capital? But we should be trying to free our people and rebuild the Wood Elf Kingdom. A-And she''s not an adult yet! 44 years old is too young to be running around on her own. But I understand her wanting to be with Rya. I feel it too.''


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana looked at Rya<span ss="aiText">with a sad look in her eyes. "I''d love to join you,<span ss="editText">but I need to free our people from very and rebuild our kingdom onc<span ss="aiText">e<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">Elder Trees grow big enough to protect us. It pains me to not ept your offer. And you should help me Nieren."


    <span ss="editText">"But Mom! Rya is going to help me free our people! She promised me she would<span ss="aiText">!" Nieren said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmph..." Yuliana sighed. ''That''s<span ss="editText">nice, but<span ss="aiText">Rya wouldn''t just go out there and fight for nothing.<span ss="editText">There must be a catch.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">No one just helps to free someone else''s own race for free. She didn''t expect my offer to be my people''s queen.''


    <span ss="editText">"Why would you free my people, Rya? It sounds too good to be true."<span ss="aiText">Yuliana asked suspiciously.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? Oh! Yuliana thinks I want something out of this. Nah, I just hate very after getting cored. I just want to eradicate very from this continent at least.'' Rya felt<span ss="aiText">she needed to exin herself because she knew her mother didn''t trust her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, I have a goal to abolish all very on the Agon continent. And after experiencing it first hand I can''t help but feel the need to free not just the Wood Elves but everyone<span ss="aiText">. And<span ss="editText">I know it''s a long shot but that''s not going to stop<span ss="aiText">me from trying," Rya said.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="userText">WHOA! She wants to do what!? Really!?<span ss="aiText">Wow! This girl is nuts!<span ss="editText">I mean she''s done a lot but she wants to do the impossible,<span ss="aiText">'' Yuliana thought<span ss="editText">as her expression<span ss="aiText">changed to one of surprise.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hahaha, your face says it all. You must think I''m crazy.<span ss="userText">I don''t me you," Rya<span ss="aiText">chuckled.


    <span ss="editText">"Y-You''re not crazy. I wish very was abolished, but I<span ss="aiText">thin<span ss="editText">k<span ss="aiText">you<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">re<span ss="editText">asking for the impossible<span ss="aiText">," Yuliana said.


    "<span ss="editText">Mom! I''ve seen her already do the impossible more times than I can count ove<span ss="editText">rthe<span ss="editText"st two days<span ss="aiText">! Just give her a chance," Nieren chimed in.


    <span ss="editText">''Nieren<span ss="editText">?I<span ss="editText">-I have neverse<span ss="editText">en<span ss="editText">her like this... Haah... Alright, I''ll give he<span ss="editText">r a chance. Hopefully, she''ll start saving my people in 50 years from now.''<span ss="aiText">Yuliana thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright then, Rya. Your words are convincing and I know you won''t hurt my people. But I still need to ask for something," Yuliana said.


    <span ss="aiText">"What is it?" Rya asked curiously.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">When are you nning on rescuing the Wood Elves from<span ss="aiText">very?" Yuliana questioned.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hmm? W<span ss="aiText">ell<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">I<span ss="editText">''m learning new magic at the Mages Guild and I''ll probably have to deal with<span ss="userText">Quin''s uncle and the nobles that side with him. Plus we might need to deal with the arranged marriage with a princess from the Divine Three. So, once things are settled? I think in <span ss="editText">two<span ss="userText">to<span ss="editText">three<span ss="userText">years from now? That of course if nothing elsees in out of nowhere<span ss="editText">to dy things of course," Rya exined.


    <span ss="editText">''T-TWO TO THREE YEARS!<span ss="aiText">?!?<span ss="editText">But the Elder Tree won''t be big enough to protect us?'' Yuliana thought.


    <span ss="editText">"T-That seems quick? Um?" Yuliana<span ss="aiText">stammered.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hmm? Is there a problem?"<span ss="aiText">Rya asked curiously.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-Well... Yeah!<span ss="editText">I won''t be able to protect our people until the Elder Trees are big enough. I thought you start saving them in 50 years?" Yuliana eximed.


    <span ss="editText">"50 years? Nah, no point in waiting that long. And if you''re worried about having a safe ce for your people, we can talk to Quin and find a forest in the Fiafyr Kingdom''s territory. I don''t know the logistics but I feel it shouldn''t be hard<span ss="aiText">to convince him," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">S-So you give us asylum? Well, if you can promise me that then I will help you, Lady Rya. Just give me three weeks to get<span ss="userText">my things in order," Yuliana<span ss="aiText">said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">YES!!! Mom, you''re going<span ss="aiText">to be so happy!" Nieren cheered<span ss="editText">as she hugged her mother.


    <span ss="editText">"Haha, that''s sweet<span ss="aiText">dear. Thank you," Yulianaughed nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">"Umm...<span ss="editText">Alpha? It''s almost noon. We probably want to get going if you want to the Guild befor<span ss="aiText">e on<span ss="editText">e in the afternoon<span ss="aiText">?"<span ss="editText">Dalia<span ss="aiText">asked.


    <span ss="editText">"Damn! I lost track of time. Hey Nieren, let''s get a move on unless you have something else you need to tell your mother?<span ss="aiText">" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nope!<span ss="editText">I''m just happy Mom''sing. She deserves to live in a pce again.<span ss="aiText">I think we should go!" Nieren said happily.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright then," Rya said with a nod. "Alright<span ss="editText">Dalia, lead the way. Talk to youter Yuliana and try not to attack<span ss="aiText">me when we meet up again."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Haha? Yeah, that won''t happen again, Lady Rya!" Yulianaughed nervously as she waved goodbye to the three of them as they left the house.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana sighed, "Nieren wants us to live in a pce again? Hmm... Well, it will be different<span ss="editText">living ina hu<span ss="editText">man pce inside of an Elder Tree. I just hope things don''t get too crazy<span ss="aiText">around here. I''ll worry about the detailster.<span ss="editText">.."


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana looked at her brother''s crown on the table.


    <span ss="editText">"Brother... Your crown is finally home. Thank the Gods and the spirits for Rya. She might be the hope we have been looking for."

 Ch.112 Wordless Casting

    Ch.112 Wordless Casting


    <span ss="editText">It took about a half hour of walking around the streets of Ironside before t<span ss="aiText">he trio arrived at the Guild and went straight to the receptionist''s desk.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">SAINTESS RYA! Come! Co<span ss="aiText">me <span ss="editText">th<span ss="aiText">is <span ss="editText">way, please! Master Hajdah a<span ss="aiText">nd the <span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">es<span ss="editText">t of the mages are in the library<span ss="aiText">, just follow me!" The receptionist shouted out to Rya and the two girls followed her.


    <span ss="editText">"Well, someone seems to be<span ss="aiText"> excited to see us," Rya smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">You know, after living in this city for almost three decades, I nev<span ss="aiText">er <span ss="aiText">on<span ss="editText">ce came inside the Mages Guild<span ss="aiText">. Hmmm... I wonder what the guild master is like?" <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> chuckled as they followed their guide to the back hallways of the building.


    <span ss="userText">"You''re talking about Hajdah? He''s alright if he trusts you<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> I''m surprised you have talked to him before," Rya stated.


    <span ss="editText">"I''m a�� I mean, I was a new adventurer. He never cared to talk to me unless it was some quest<span ss="aiText"> that needed doing and he would make sure I knew where the dungeon entrance was. Other than that, he <span ss="editText">never really talked to me<span ss="aiText">."<span ss="editText"> Nieren<span ss="aiText"> replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, that surprises me. You would think he would want to be in touch with a princess of the Wood Elf Kingdom<span ss="aiText">. If nothing else, he could use you as a scout. After all, your skills in the forest will surely help him find more rare nts," Rya mumbled to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Pff! A princess of a fallen kingdom and Hajdah wasn''t the one who cared about getting rare nts. It was mostly the Merchants and Alchemists who were <span ss="aiText">interested in those kinds of nts. At least that''s what I heard from my <span ss="editText">mother<span ss="aiText"> when I <span ss="editText">was sixteen<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText"> Nieren shrugged and let out a sigh.


    <span ss="userText">"Huh... So mages don''t make potions?<span ss="aiText"> That''s interesting," Rya said to herself, "<span ss="editText">Y<span ss="aiText">ou can''t be telling me there isn''t one single mage making potions in the entire kingdom?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Maybe one is but I haven''t seen the rest of the kingdom to say<span ss="aiText"> for sure," Nieren replied.


    <span ss="editText">"How about you Dalia? Have you heard of any mages making potions?<span ss="aiText"> Or even brewing them in general?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Meh... I never really cared about what mages do on their free time,<span ss="aiText"> to be honest. <span ss="editText">As long as I''m not on t<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="aiText">re<span ss="editText">ceiving end of a mage''s magic<span ss="aiText">, then I won''tin!" Dalia responded cheerfully.


    <span ss="aiText">"Haha! <span ss="editText">Fair enough<span ss="aiText">." Rya smiled<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">"If Saintess Rya doesn''t mind I might be able to answer most of<span ss="aiText"> your questions here. I''ve been working in the Mages Guild for over ten years now," <span ss="editText">the receptionist asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"That would be great. I''ve been trying to figure out <span ss="editText">what<span ss="aiText"> the mag<span ss="editText">es do when they aren''t fighting monster<span ss="aiText"> hordes," Rya eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Master Hajdah and the rest of the guild spend most of their time deciphering ancient tomes. These tomes are mostly impossible to<span ss="aiText"> understand for anyone else in the kingdom. Most of the other mage guilds on the continent have no clue how to read these texts either, but we make sure none of the information is lost. We also c<span ss="editText">reate and collect magical devices<span ss="aiText"> and store magic crystals that are used for <span ss="editText">powering them. And the mages help the lordship of Ironside when they request counsel on subjects<span ss="aiText"> that concern magical creatures<span ss="editText"> or items<span ss="aiText">. And finally, the Mages Guild has always been at the forefront of developing new spells and techniques. <span ss="editText">Our work never goes unrecognized in the kingdom. There are some other minimal things they like to do but nothing notable.<span ss="aiText">" The receptionist finished exining <span ss="editText">while they walked down the hallway.


    <span ss="editText">''Hehe! So they are just nerds<span ss="aiText">... I guess it makes sense though. One of the best ways to learn is by researching things,'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Thanks for the input<span ss="aiText">!" Rya said happily.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re wee. If you ever need anything feel free to contact <span ss="editText">me, Saintes<span ss="aiText">s." The receptionist smiled<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">Nodding their heads, the three continued down the hallway with the receptionist guiding them further and<span ss="aiText"> furth<span ss="editText">er away from the front entrance.


    <span ss="editText">The hallways<span ss="aiText"> were lined with bookshelves filled with old tomes and scrolls. The room on the right had a few people sitting around reading various books at tables. Next to them was a desk where a few clerks sat behind. A few more doors could be seen on the left wall.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is the library. All of our rare tomes are kept here so people can study them if they wish," the receptionist stated<span ss="editText">, "Master Hajdah and <span ss="userText">Mystic Laika should be waiting for you past this door<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you. I''ll meet them in there then." Rya replied.


    <span ss="editText">This door was<span ss="aiText"> much bigger than the ones before. It was made of a dull gray stone and had the words ''<span ss="editText">Sypher V<span ss="aiText">'' carved into it. Rya sighed as she entered the room.


    <span ss="aiText">She looked around therge room and saw a <span ss="editText">couple of<span ss="aiText"> people sitting and reading their books.<span ss="userText"> They were both dwarves and<span ss="aiText"> wore robes with hoods <span ss="editText">down.


    <span ss="editText">''There''s Hajdah<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya noted seeing one of the dwarves. She walked up to him and gave a small wave.


    <span ss="aiText">Hajdah looked up from his book and waved back with a smile, "Ah, <span ss="editText">Lady Rya! I didn''t know you had arrived. I would have greeted you at the<span ss="aiText"> door. Pleasee and sit."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Thank you. And sorry foring inter<span ss="aiText"> than expected." Rya said, taking a seat next to a table.


    <span ss="aiText">"No<span ss="editText">! No! It''s no problem at all my Lady<span ss="aiText">. I was just about done anyway!" Hajdahughed, "<span ss="editText">And I see you brought<span ss="aiText"> t<span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">o <span ss="editText">of your friends with you<span ss="aiText"> today! <span ss="editText">Lady Dalia and Miss Nieren<span ss="aiText">! Wee to the <span ss="editText">Mages Guild Sypher V library!"


    <span ss="editText">"Well, thanks? I guess this ce is okay? But it smells musty and of old ink." Dalia said<span ss="aiText"> with a frown.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hey! Watch<span ss="aiText"> you<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> t<span ss="editText">ongue dog! You''re in an area at only a few can enter<span ss="aiText">!" <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> shouted out to her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Pff! I wasn''t insulting the ce. It''s just not my scene<span ss="aiText">. I''d rather <span ss="editText">be outside<span ss="aiText"> my own time." Dalia said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, if you two would like, you can go around the<span ss="aiText"> rest of the building and see what it has to offer. There are some rooms that contain things that we don''t allow people to see unless they are<span ss="editText">mages or retainers of special guests<span ss="aiText">." Hajdah suggested.


    <span ss="aiText">"I think I will do that, thank you, B<span ss="editText">ready. Yell out if you need me, Alpha,<span ss="aiText">" <span ss="editText">Dali<span ss="aiText">a said looking at <span ss="editText">Rya.


    <span ss="editText">"Just don''t get too far<span ss="aiText"> away. We may have a lot to do today," Rya warned her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry, I won''t," Dalia reassured her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Right...<span ss="editText"> Hey Nieren. Can you keep an eye on her? She likes to get in trouble when she gets bored."<span ss="aiText"> Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, <span ss="editText">Lady Ry<span ss="aiText">a! I''ll <span ss="editText">watch over<span ss="aiText"> her in case she needs anything!" Nieren said.


    <span ss="aiText">"A<span ss="editText">nything you say? I like the way you think, Woody<span ss="aiText">." Dalia said yfully.


    <span ss="editText">"Wait! What!? Not like anything, anything, you stupid dog<span ss="aiText">!" Nieren shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya couldn''t help butugh as she looked at them.


    <span ss="editText">"Hey, Woody... You need to stop yelling we''re in a library," Dalia<span ss="aiText"> said<span ss="editText"> with a smirk


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren sighed<span ss="editText"> and red<span ss="aiText">, <span ss="editText">''This stupid dog is smarter<span ss="aiText"> than <span ss="editText">she looks.''


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia started walking off towards the other side of the building.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Sorry about my outburst. If I am needed, just say my name, my Lady." Nieren<span ss="aiText"> said to <span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText"> before following <span ss="editText">after <span ss="aiText">Dalia.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya watched them leave and then turned to Hajdah. The o<span ss="editText">th<span ss="aiText">er woman <span ss="editText">who <span ss="aiText">smiled back at her and took a sip from her tea. "So, <span ss="editText">I get to train the Saintess in water magic.<span ss="aiText"> I''ve been waiting for this day since I first heard about <span ss="editText">you being a multi-elemental mage."


    <span ss="editText">"Y-Yeah, I didn''t know I was so gifted<span ss="aiText">. So, how long have I got to learn from you, Mytic Liaka?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"As long as you want. <span ss="editText">We<span ss="aiText"> will teach you what you need to know." Hajdah replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">And before you go out and start casting spells you need to know the fundamentals of how to channel<span ss="aiText"> you<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> m<span ss="editText">ana in the ways of water magics. So, read this before we start the next phase<span ss="aiText">. Also, remember to study up on earth magic<span ss="editText"> too. You never know what you might find," Liaka instructed as she handed an old book to Rya.


    <span ss="editText">Rya nodded and took the book<span ss="aiText">. Then she went to the table where the tea was being served. She poured herself a cup and took a sip. After a few minutes, she felt more rxed and opened the book.


    <span ss="editText">"That tome is written in old Dwarven tongue. So, if you are having trouble with reading it. Just as one of us to<span ss="aiText"> trante it for you." Hajdah offered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thanks. I''ll give it a try." Rya said trying to understand the words.


    <span ss="editText">As Rya<span ss="aiText"> flipped through <span ss="editText">the old book she noticed that all the Dwarven words turned into English right before her very eyes. It was surreal watching the ink move around until it became legible.


    <span ss="editText">''What the!? Did Nils give me the ability to read any text<span ss="aiText"> I see?'' Rya thought.<span ss="editText"> ''Does that mean I can read all the tomes Hajdah and the others can''t read? Oh, that''s awesome! I''ll have to explore some o<span ss="aiText">the<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> book<span ss="editText">s after going through this one<span ss="aiText">!''


    <span ss="aiText">Rya continued to flip through the pages and<span ss="editText">one of the paragraphs she saw turned into <span ss="editText">some<span ss="aiText">sort of picture<span ss="editText">of multiple hand formations on how to channel one''s mana into a water ball<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? This doesn''t seem too hard<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">So, if I follow these illustrations I should be able to summon water magic. Well, I guess I can give it a try and see what happens<span ss="aiText">. Let''s start with water <span ss="editText">ball <span ss="aiText">mana first.'' Rya thought to herself as she focused her mana into he<span ss="editText">r hand<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">She tried to focus her mana into a ball using the picture in front of her. But nothing happened. She looked closer at the picture and realized there were three different symbols above her hands. One was for fire, another for wind, and the third for earth.


    <span ss="userText">''Oh! So it shows the different examples of the other elements. Okay, so I should position my hand like this and center my mana at the fingertips. Not the palm<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">''Okay, let''s try again.'' Rya tried to form the water ball once again. She followed the same steps and formed it in her hand.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Come on Rya... Just concentrate... Focus on your mana but be loose, not rigid like casting earth<span ss="aiText">. Now imagine a sphere that will hold water. Like it''s floating in <span ss="editText">m<span ss="aiText">y hand..." <span ss="editText">Ry<span ss="aiText">a coached her<span ss="editText">self.


    <span ss="editText">Liaka and Hajdah looked up from their books to witness Rya<span ss="aiText">''s attempt at trying to summon the water ball.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">WAIT!? She''s using wordless casting!?<span ss="aiText"> No way!" Liaka eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">Hajdah got out of her chair and approached Rya. "Can you do it?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m trying," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya concentrated harder on her mana, and the water sphere started to form in her hand.<span ss="userText"> As she tried to visualize a water ball. When she did, she noticed a small water ball floating in her palm.


    <span ss="userText">"Ah!" Rya eximed when she felt her mana starting to form the water sphere. "I did it!"


    <span ss="userText">Hajdah and Liaka<span ss="aiText"> both watched in awe as the water ball floated in Rya''s palm.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">How did you learn to use wordless cast, Saintess Rya?" Liaka asked in<span ss="aiText"> disbelief.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, I learned it from the book <span ss="editText">you<span ss="aiText"> gave me," Rya exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Which page?<span ss="aiText"> Which chapter?" <span ss="editText">Liaka<span ss="aiText"> questioned in curiosity.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya flipped back through the pages and found the exact paragraph that told her how to cast wordless magic. She read it out loud, "When you wish to create a particr object using magic, it is best to have a clear image of the item in your mind<span ss="editText"> and proper hand movement in order for ones mana to seamlessly<span ss="aiText"> flow in the appropriate direction. If one does not have a clear image or if they are too tense then the spell will fail. With this knowledge, one should be able to c<span ss="editText">as<span ss="aiText">t any magic they desire<span ss="editText"> if one''s mana vein is strong enough<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">B-But this page has been scribbled over the old dwarven tongue<span ss="aiText"> and marked with arrows...<span ss="editText"> it''s gibberish!<span ss="aiText"> Are you sure it''s right?" Hajdah questioned.


    <span ss="editText">''Gibberish? What unique skill did the goddess give me?''


    <span ss="editText">"Um, yes I am. It''s clear as day for me," Rya replied.


    <span ss="editText">Liaka gasped and said, "I-I know I said I would be the teacher but<span ss="aiText"> can <span ss="editText">you <span ss="aiText">teach <span ss="editText">me <span ss="aiText">wordless casting<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText"> It seems really interesting."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hmm? I didn''t expect this but sure I don''t mind<span ss="aiText">." Rya agreed.


    <span ss="editText">"Hold on! Let <span ss="aiText">me get<span ss="editText"> a new piece of parchment<span ss="aiText"> and a pen!" Hajdah ran off to <span ss="editText">a desk.


    <span ss="editText">''Ah? What should I do with this baseball-sized water ball? Oh! There''s an empty cup of tea<span ss="aiText"> on the table!'' Rya thought. ''I guess I''ll p<span ss="editText"ce<span ss="aiText"> it into the teacup.'' Rya <span ss="editText">carefully mov<span ss="aiText">ed the water into the empty cup and then drank the <span ss="editText">water.


    <span ss="editText">''DAMN! That''s the freshest-tasting<span ss="aiText">wat<span ss="editText">er<span ss="aiText"> I''ve ever had!'' Rya thought with glee.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re <span ss="editText">amazing, Saintess! You haven''t had any field training and yet you are moving around water magic as if you''ve been practicing for 10 years<span ss="aiText">!" Liaka praised in amazement.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smiled, "Thank you. <span ss="editText">I just followed<span ss="aiText"> what I read in the book.<span ss="editText"> I really didn''t do anything amazing."


    <span ss="editText">''Frankly, it''s my ability to read this book is the amazing part,'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">"No, I disagree, Saintess<span ss="aiText">. I <span ss="editText">read that book for seven years before I could cast <span ss="userText">water magic<span ss="aiText"> so I''m surprised to see someone can learn it in <span ss="editText">20 minutes<span ss="aiText">," Liaka admitted.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">How did you know you were a water mage, Mystic Liaka?<span ss="aiText"> Did a book tell you?" Rya questioned.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">When I was a child I felt a stronger connection<span ss="aiText"> when I was <span ss="editText">ar<span ss="aiText">oun<span ss="editText">d water. And one day I was able to kill a slime an<span ss="aiText">d <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">as <span ss="editText">lucky enough to grow my mana vein.<span ss="aiText"> Th<span ss="editText">en the rest of my life I have been able to move water with my mind. My parents noticed it when I was young and I was tested to be a mage at the academy. It turned out that I was a water mage," Liaka <span ss="editText">revealed.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Hajdah returned with a fresh sheet of parchment and a pen.


    <span ss="editText">"Alright I''m ready to write down how you cast wordless<span ss="aiText"> magic," Hajdah said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Okay, <span ss="editText">Liaka watch my hand and mirror what I do<span ss="aiText">," Rya instructed.


    <span ss="editText">Rya moved her hand<span ss="aiText"> through the air <span ss="editText">loosely as if her limb was made of rubber. Until she stretched it out and crossed her ring finger over the top of our middle.


    <span ss="editText">Rya breathed out and channeled her mana to her fingertips again<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="aiText">And<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">*Blup!*<span ss="aiText"> The small ball of water shot out of her fingertips hitting the wall.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wh<span ss="editText">oa! That looked easier<span ss="aiText"> than I expected!" Hajdah eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">Liaka was impressed<span ss="editText"> and tried the same thing<span ss="aiText">, but it <span ss="editText">failed<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I think I need to practice more," Liaka said dejectedly.


    <span ss="editText">"What part of your hand did you channel your mana to<span ss="aiText">?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"My <span ss="editText">entire hand. But mostly focused in the palm." Liaka answered.


    <span ss="editText">"Okay, your mana needs to only be focused on the tips of your fingers. Do the same thing and try it ag<span ss="aiText">ai<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText">. If you get close I''ll exin what is wrong," Rya instructed.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh... So I only need to channel my mana to my fingertips? I would never have thought that.<span ss="aiText">Why would they teach me to focus in the palm?" Liaka pondered.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya shrugged, "<span ss="editText">D<span ss="aiText">o <span ss="editText">you recall what <span ss="userText">type of mage your teacher was<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. She was a fire mage and she had red hair," Liaka answered.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded<span ss="editText"> and flipped to the page that showed the text turning into illustrations of the basic mana channeling for the other elements, "Hmm... Yeah, that exins it. You''re ovepensating your mana because it wasn''t channeled in the correct ce. Fire mages'' spells call for the mana to be channeled in the palm whereas water mages need their mana channeled to their fingers. You were taught wrong by mistake, Mystic Liaka. Try it again. And focus your mana to your fingertips<span ss="aiText">this time."


    <span ss="aiText">Liaka <span ss="editText">nodded her head while Hajdah was busy writing down everything Rya had told Liaka.


    <span ss="editText">"So, I''ve been taught wrong aye? Let''s see if your right<span ss="aiText"> about it," Liaka said.


    <span ss="aiText">She closed her eyes, then opened them and channeled her mana to her fingertips<span ss="editText">while moving her hand in the same way as Rya.


    <span ss="editText">*Blup!*


    <span ss="editText">*SPLASH!*


    <span ss="editText">A massive water ball<span ss="aiText"> shot out of her fingertips hitting the wall<span ss="editText"> hard<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wow!" Liaka eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">Hajdah was impressed<span ss="editText"> and annoyed that Liaka almost hit some of the ancient tomes with water.


    <span ss="editText">"Liaka!? I thought you had better control<span ss="aiText"> than that!" Hajdah eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I do! I used the same amount of mana as I usually do when making a small<span ss="aiText"> ball of water. Yet, it turned out huge! Why would that happen!?" Liaka questioned.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">It''s probably because you used to improperly casting<span ss="aiText"> the spell<span ss="editText">. This was your first time casting when channeling your mana to your fingers, right?" Rya asked with a surprised look.


    <span ss="editText">Liaka''s eyes widened<span ss="aiText"> and she nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re very observant! Yes! I wasn''t focusing my mana on the tip of my fingers like I should have. I guess <span ss="editText">I''ve been using more mana to oversaturate my hand in order to cast my spells in the past. This means I can cast some of those spells<span ss="aiText"> that require a lot of mana much faster now<span ss="editText">! I gotta find the tome about casting a tsunami! I''ll be right back, Master Hajdah! And thank you, Saintess! This was the breakthrough I''ve been looking for!" Liaka<span ss="aiText"> shouted with joy before jumping up and running out of the room.


    <span ss="editText">"Wait! Liaka! And there she goes... She ne<span ss="editText">eds to clean up her mess," Hajdah mumbled.


    <span ss="editText">Rya smiled, "Hehe... I thought she was supposed to teach me. Well, I''ll clean up her mess Hajdah<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">It''s the least that I can do."


    <span ss="editText">Hajdah nodded, "You can pay me back by finding a wordless cast<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">g<span ss="aiText"> f<span ss="editText">or fire mages<span ss="userText">. That''s if you stumble upon<span ss="aiText"> one. Anyway,<span ss="editText">cleaning up the water would be easier for a water mage. If you need help, Lady Rya, just ask."


    <span ss="editText">"I should be fine. But I''ll ask if I do<span ss="aiText">. Thank you for the offer anyway," Rya said before <span ss="editText">standing up and walking towards the wall that Liaka hit with a giant water ball.


    <span ss="editText">''Whoa! That''s a big puddle<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="aiText">She ced her hands against the wall and began to <span ss="editText">turn<span ss="aiText"> the water <span ss="editText">back into mana and absorb<span ss="aiText"> it. After a minute, the water was gone.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Phew... That wasn''t too bad... Huh? That''s a interesting tome." Rya<span ss="aiText"> said as she <span ss="editText">was closer to a bookshelf that Liaka almost hit.


    <span ss="editText">The book in question was called<span ss="aiText">: <span ss="editText">The Seer Stone.


    <span ss="editText">Rya grabbed the ancient book<span ss="aiText"> and opened it to read the first page. She couldn''t believe what she saw.


    <span ss="editText"><The Seer Stone: How to create a magical device to find demi-gods, elites, and mages.


    <span ss="editText">Written by the Demon Sage<span ss="aiText">, Lord Grazon.>


    <span ss="aiText">"What? <span ss="editText">Hey, Hajdah!? Are you familiar with this book?"<span ss="aiText"> Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Hajdah looked at the book and shook h<span ss="editText">is<span ss="aiText"> head, "No, <span ss="editText">it''s written in old d<span ss="aiText">emon<span ss="editText">ic glyphs. It''s a dead<span ss="aiText">nguage. There is no way anyone could understand it.<span ss="editText"> No even me. For all I know it''s a tome about baking or a world-ending spell. I wouldn''t waste your time with that tome, Lady Rya.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Okay? Thanks for the input,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya said as she <span ss="editText">l<span ss="aiText">ook<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> back <span ss="editText">at<span ss="aiText"> the <span ss="editText">book and turned a few more<span ss="aiText"> pages.


    <span ss="editText">''Holy shit! I can read this thing too!? And it''s instructions on how to create a Seer Stone. Huh? So some people on Tertius don''t know they are grandmasterso<span ss="editText">r h<span ss="editText">igher ss of mana veins and this thing can find out if<span ss="aiText"> someone has the gift?<span ss="editText"> This can change everything! I wonder if I should keep this thing a secret?'' Rya thought as she skimmed through<span ss="aiText"> the rest of the book.


    <span ss="aiText">After a while, Rya closed the book with a loud thud. <span ss="editText">And closed her eyes.


    <span ss="editText">''I need to make this thing in private. If word gets out about this thing. Wars wou<span ss="editText">ld <span ss="editText">be fought over it. <span ss="editText">Only Quin should know about this.''<span ss="aiText"> Rya thought as she <span ss="editText">turned to Hajdah and asked.


    <span ss="editText">"Do you mind if I borrow this book<span ss="aiText"> for a while?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Hajdah shook<span ss="editText">his head, "As long as you return it<span ss="aiText"> to me when you''re done reading it.<span ss="editText">"


    <span ss="editText">***

 Ch.113 A Briefing with the Duke

    Ch.113 A Briefing with the Duke


    <span ss="userText">It''s been over a week since the fall of the ck Rose Mercenaries by the city of Ironside. When a group of three cloaked figures made it to the outskirts of the capital city Tairal.


    <span ss="userText">Their destination was a big manor that has the Duke''s insignia<span ss="aiText"> on it. The group stopped outside of the mansion and waited for the door to open<span ss="editText"> In the middle of the night<span ss="aiText">. Once it did, a guard stepped outside and bowed before them.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wee to Divalo<span ss="editText"> Manor<span ss="aiText">. Please follow me."


    <span ss="aiText">The guard led the way to the great hall where two guards were standing near the side door. One was a tall muscr man in fine clothes and the other was a short balding man with a full beard<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">"So, you three made it back. His lordship has<span ss="aiText"> requested your presence in his chambers."<span ss="editText"> One of the guards said<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, sirs," The leader of the group spoke up, he had shoulder-length ck hair and a long scar down his right eye.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">The Duke is in his usual spot. His butler<span ss="aiText"> will show you to him." The second guard said as they walked past the guards <span ss="editText">into the side entrance<span ss="aiText"> to the manor. They followed a path through the gardens until they reached arge oak door that lead into the manor itself.


    <span ss="editText">This mystery group consisted of a woman and two men. The woman was the Speaker Mage that connected Rodulf to the Duke. The other one was her bodyguard and the third man with the scar was the leader of the group. They only had a fourth member that was back at Ironside watching the crown prince.


    <span ss="editText">"How mad do you think he''ll be?" The bodyguard asked the man with the scar.


    <span ss="editText">"It''s guaranteed<span ss="aiText"> that he''ll be angry," The leader replied.


    <span ss="aiText">The bodyguard sighed, "<span ss="editText">I hate this part of the job<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">"


    <span ss="editText">The mage was silent as she kept a calm face.


    <span ss="editText">


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">


    <span ss="aiText">They opened the door and entered the duke''s chamber. There was arge chair in the center of the room that looked like it could be fit for a king. On either end of the room s<span ss="editText">tood one man that looked like a butler and an older noblewoman<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"My lord," The leader of the group said as he bowed deeply, "<span ss="editText">W<span ss="aiText">e have returned and brought news from Ironside."


    <span ss="editText">Duke ric Revelia looked at the three<span ss="userText"> with<span ss="aiText"> anger in his eyes. "<span ss="editText">If you three are here then that means Rodulf and his misfits of overhyped mercenaries have failed<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">The man with the scar swallowed hard while keeping his cool.


    <span ss="editText">"That is correct, my Lord,<span ss="aiText">" The leader said with a bow.


    <span ss="aiText">The<span ss="editText">noblewoman looked angered and sad at that same time.


    <span ss="editText">Duke ric Revelia <span ss="editText">leaned back i<span ss="aiText">nto his chair, "<span ss="editText">How did he fail<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">When the ck Roses enved that Dark Elf, it seems that the crown prince raised an army almost immediately. They were ready to face the ck Roses<span ss="aiText">head-on<span ss="editText">from the start, my Lord<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So, Rodulf was outnumbered from the beginning,<span ss="aiText"> wasn''t he?<span ss="editText">But you<span ss="aiText">said it yourself didn''t you?... They should''ve been ughtered like cattle!" The Duke said.


    <span ss="aiText">The man with the scar started to sweat.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">They looked like they were about to im victory even with heavy casualties. But the fates smiled on the crown prince as his army was able to knock out the Dark Elf with a rare sleeping arrow<span ss="aiText">," The man with the scar said trying not to anger the duke.


    <span ss="userText">Duke ric Revelia raised an eyebrow<span ss="aiText">, "What does that mean?<span ss="editText"> Even if<span ss="aiText"> that Dark Elf <span ss="editText">was asleep the ver tool should have kept her in the fight once the sleeping agent wears off?"


    <span ss="editText">"From what we were able to tell is the crown prince has a unique ability to... destroy ve cors<span ss="aiText">," The bodyguard added.


    <span ss="aiText">"He d<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText">stroyed the cor?<span ss="editText"> Tch! So, my pathetic nephew had a trick up his sleeve. But how did he survive the fight with the Kings yer?" Duke ric said confused and annoyed that his nephew was still alive.


    <span ss="editText">"He was about to die when the Dark Elf intervened when she created a... earth golem. A really powerful golem<span ss="aiText"> that <span ss="editText">she turned on the main forces <span ss="aiText">destroyed half <span ss="editText">of <span ss="aiText">the ck Roses within minutes. They tried to retreat but she created more golems and hunted them down. There were few survivors," The man with the scar added.


    <span ss="editText">Duke ric closed his eyes.<span ss="aiText">"Tch! <span ss="editText">So, the Kings yer couldn''t take ca<span ss="aiText">re <span ss="editText">o<span ss="aiText">f <span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText"> Dark Elf<span ss="editText">? After dealing with so many Kings, it was a little elf that<span ss="userText">done in the terrifying Jeremiah?" He<span ss="aiText"> said with anger.


    <span ss="aiText">The man with the scar <span ss="editText">shook his head, "No, he was doing well, your Lordship. During the battle, we finally f<span ss="aiText">ou<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText">d <span ss="editText">out how he was able to kill all those Royals. He had a unique ability to send whatever melee damage inflicted upon him back to his attacker. It seems that a golem just regenerates<span ss="aiText"> i<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">s wounds.<span ss="editText"> It was only a matter of time before Jeremiah used up too much of his mana<span ss="aiText"> from all the fighting and died<span ss="editText"> to the Dark Elf."


    <span ss="editText">Duke ric stayed silent<span ss="aiText"> as he digested what the man with the scar said.


    <span ss="editText">He mumbled to himself, "Why have the fates gone against me and my family!? I''ve done everything to get my boy the throne. I poisoned my brother''s wife<span ss="userText"> Rianna so she couldn''t bear children. And she birthed that kind-hearted brat of a boy. I hire the ck Roses to aid Marcus in hopes of upstaging and abandoning Quinus in thebyrinth. And that weak heart fool of a nephew finds a Dark Elf to protect him. This boy has destroyed everything that I care about!"


    <span ss="editText">Finally, <span ss="aiText">Duke ric <span ss="editText">opened his eyes again and<span ss="aiText">stood up, "I will deal with this insolent brat myself! No more will I allow the fates to toy with me like some child. When I am done with this boy he will learn what the true meaning of pain is!<span ss="editText"> Belial get my general, I want to send my private guard to finish Quinus even if I need to go through the Ironside forces!"


    <span ss="editText">The man with the scare was hesitant to interrupt the Duke. But he needed to tell him the most important information<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your lordship, <span ss="editText">it would be ill-advised to send your army t<span ss="userText">o Ironside!" The man spat out as fast as<span ss="aiText"> possible.


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke stopped and stared at the man with the scar. His face became pale.


    <span ss="aiText">"What do you mean<span ss="editText">ill-advised? Their forces shouldn''t be at full strength yet. They must be recovering as we speak!" He yelled<span ss="aiText"> angrily.


    <span ss="aiText">The man with the scar held his hand up, "Hear me out first. <span ss="editText">The Dark Elf was not only a powerful ear<span ss="aiText">th m<span ss="editText">age but..<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">The man hesitated<span ss="aiText"> for a moment, "<span ss="editText">She''s a healer that this continent has never seen<span ss="aiText"> before<span ss="editText">. If she wasn''t a heal<span ss="aiText">er <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> Ironside army would have been around one-fourth its strength b<span ss="aiText">ut <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">y have been fully healed by her and only lost almost 20 percent of their forces. They might have lost none of<span ss="aiText"> them <span ss="editText">if<span ss="aiText"> the<span ss="editText"> ck Roses didn''t have her enved at the beginning of the battle. You would be walking into a ughter, my Lord<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="editText">The Duke turned pal<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">all<span ss="aiText"> the <span ss="editText">b<span ss="aiText">lo<span ss="editText">od left his<span ss="aiText"> face.


    <span ss="editText">"This is unfair," he whispers to himself, "Why didn''t this Dark Elf choose my son... He was better in every way... She chose my<span ss="editText">weakling nephew instead<span ss="aiText">? I will make her regret that choice!"


    <span ss="aiText">He clenched his fist and slowly walked back to his chair.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So, going out to Ironside would b<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">h<span ss="aiText">an<span ss="editText">ding over the throne to my nephew as a gift<span ss="aiText">. Is that what you''re saying?"


    <span ss="aiText">The man with the scar nodded his head.


    <span ss="aiText">Duke ric s<span ss="editText">tayed silent as he was trying to think of another way to keep the throne from Quinus.


    <span ss="editText">After a few minutes, the man with the scar opens his mouth to speak but ric holds his hand up to<span ss="aiText"> stop him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">c, if you wish to keep your tongue? I advise you to tell me something that I can use<span ss="aiText"> against my nephew."


    <span ss="aiText">c took a deep breath and cleared his throat.


    <span ss="aiText">"My lord, <span ss="editText">we left Dous behind to spy on Quinus and the Dark Elf as we traveled here. And we received a few of his messenger birds right before we arrived. There are a few interesting things<span ss="editText">. First, it seems like Quinus is not in a hurry toe back to the capital <span ss="userText">as he is letting the Dark Elf, also known as Saintess Rya to the citizens of Ironside, go to the Mages Guild. We don''t know when they n toe back but it seems we have time. Secondly, he spotted this Ryaing out of the Guild with a demonic tome in her possession. He doesn''t know what type of magical spell it may contain. But if it''s a text from the Demons, it can''t be good. Thirdly, he''s witnessed Quinus sharing the same bed with Rya. Dous was able to get close enough to hear the screams of pleasureing from her. The prince is soiling his royal oats with her. And thest message we got was Quinus has been secretly going to a jeweler. Dous found out it was an engagement ring. It seems like the prince ns to wed the Dark Elf."


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke''s<span ss="editText">eyes lit up with hope for the first time in a long time.


    <span ss="editText">He mumb<span ss="aiText">le<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">, "<span ss="editText">Finally something I can use."


    <span ss="editText">The Duke looks at c as he had a nervous look<span ss="aiText"> on his face. He asks, "<span ss="editText">Is there anything else?"


    <span ss="editText">c bowed and said, "This is all we know of as of right now, your Lordship. If I receive another message from Dous. I''ll report it to you right away."


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke <span ss="editText">looked at the three people in front of him with a stony face.


    <span ss="editText">"You three may leave."


    <span ss="aiText">The three people bowed their heads and left the room.


    <span ss="editText">*BANG! SHUT!*


    <span ss="aiText">The door shut and <span ss="editText">the Duke just sat there<span ss="aiText"> thinking about the information c gave him.


    <span ss="editText">The noblewoman to his right<span ss="aiText"> asked, "<span ss="editText">ric! We can''t let that monster live! I know he must have killed our boy!<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">ric turned to her and <span ss="editText">yelled, "SILENCE!"


    <span ss="editText">His voice echoed through the room.


    <span ss="userText">She backed<span ss="aiText"> down and closed her mouth.


    <span ss="aiText">ric stood up and walked to a window looking out over the city.


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="editText"> understand how you feel, Leandra. But as long as that Dark Elf is by our nephew''s side, he is invincible. There''s nothing we can do to kill him unless you know a Dragon on the Continent of<span ss="aiText"> Silvana<span ss="editText"> that woulde to our aid? That is if it doesn''t eat you and won''t start iming the Agon continent for itself?"


    <span ss="aiText">Leandra looked at the floor and <span ss="editText">clutched her fist.


    <span ss="editText">ric continued, <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">That''s what I thought. So, we can''t fight him on the battlefield. That means we must fight him on the court of public appeal. He still has a kind heart and he listens to what the mob says about him. And if we can get the citizens of the kingdom to<span ss="aiText"> not follow him, then it will be easier to remove him from power."


    <span ss="aiText">"But he<span ss="editText"> has a healer! How are you so sure he won''t try to unify the continent as the emperor of Agon?"


    <span ss="editText">ric chuckled and said, "He has the body of a great lion but a heart<span ss="aiText"> of a small child. His weakness is that he cares too much about those around him. He <span ss="editText">doesn''t have the will to do what is needed to be an emperor."


    <span ss="aiText">Leandra looked at he<span ss="editText">r husband<span ss="aiText"> and <span ss="editText">aske<span ss="aiText">d, "But how do we convince them that he is no<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText"> good<span ss="editText"> enough to be the next King? Surely the mob will side with him after defeating thebyrinth<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">ric looked at her and sighed before answering, "<span ss="editText">The key is the Dark Elf, my dear. A Dark Elf that is reading ancient demonic tomes for evil things. A Dark Elf that stole the heart of the crown prince, that is using him for her own<span ss="aiText"> purposes. Most liking by<span ss="editText">inciting a war between the human kingdoms as she riles up the Divine Thre<span ss="editText">e. A Dark Elf that is interfering with the arranged marriage of Princess Hilda Stoneworthh that''s supposed to bring peace between the Alliance and Fiafyr. The people <span ss="editText">will see the danger thates with having a Dark Elf in the royal family."


    <span ss="aiText">Leandra looked at ric <span ss="editText">with a frown, "But he will still be alive while our son<span ss="aiText"> is dead!"


    <span ss="aiText">ric took his wife''s hand and kissed it before saying, "I<span ss="editText"> love our boy, but I<span ss="aiText">''m sure <span ss="editText">he<span ss="aiText"> would have done something stupid <span ss="editText">to<span ss="aiText"> give <span ss="editText">up the throne. Most likely to the Divine Three bastards. I don''t know how they got to the Prim<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">M<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">ste<span ss="editText">r Duval. But once the harlot gives birth to a boy the Alliance of the Divine Three will im the Fiafyr Kingdom as their own territory. And I''ll be damned before I let those zealots<span ss="aiText"> control this beautifulnd."


    <span ss="aiText">Leandra looked away and tears fell from her eyes. <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I''m sorry I was only able to give you one son<span ss="userText">, ric."


    <span ss="aiText">ric cupped Leandra''s face in his hands and wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs, "No need to apologize, my dear, <span ss="editText">you still created five girls that we were able to marry off to some powerful foreign countries for our benefit... Speaking of which that gives me an idea."


    <span ss="aiText">Leandra <span ss="editText">looked curious<span ss="aiText"> and <span ss="editText">aske<span ss="aiText">d, "Wh<span ss="editText">at<span ss="aiText"> idea?"


    <span ss="aiText">ric said, "<span ss="editText">I didn''t like the idea of that Princess being married to Quinus. So, I had my men do some digging into her <span ss="editText">personality<span ss="aiText">. Turns out she''s <span ss="editText">just a pawn for her father. Women have fewer rights in the Alliance and she is no exception. So, if she doesn''t marry the crown pr<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">c<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">she will be severely<span ss="aiText"> punished for <span ss="editText">failure. And she seems to be a clever girl from what my men could find out. So, I propose that we help aid her in getting Quinus to love her or let her use whatever means necessary to drive a wedge in between the Dark Elf and Quinus<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> That''s where youe in Leandra. You need to befriend her so I can give he<span ss="editText">r some foreign... Gifts to help her."


    <span ss="editText">Leandra<span ss="aiText"> looked at ric with <span ss="editText">curiosity<span ss="aiText">, "Gifts?"


    <span ss="aiText">ric smiled at his wife and said, "Yes gifts<span ss="editText"> from the ind nation of<span ss="aiText"> Ryliss. <span ss="editText">I''m sure our daughter''s husband will send us so<span ss="aiText">me he<span ss="editText">lpful gifts<span ss="aiText"> that will help our cause. After all, h<span ss="editText">is<span ss="aiText"> father is the head<span ss="editText">noble<span ss="aiText"> of the <span ss="editText">Pleasure Alchemist<span ss="aiText"> of Ryliss. I think we''ll get along well."


    <span ss="aiText">Leandra looked back at ric with a smile and said, "<span ss="editText">Aphrodisiacs? Well, I will see if Princess Hilda<span ss="userText"> will see<span ss="editText">k<span ss="userText">an old woman like me as her friend<span ss="aiText">. I will start nning our next move<span ss="editText">."


    <span ss="editText">"Good! And once <span ss="editText">the <span ss="editText">Dark Elf is gone I will kill that boy the first chance I get<span ss="aiText">," ric said with a sinister tone in his voice.


    <span ss="aiText">***

 Volume 2: Afterword

    Volume 2: Afterword


    So, we made it! Congrats everyone we somehow made it to the end of <b>I Got Isekai''d, Well Shyt! Vol. 2!</b>


    All joking aside, if you all made it this far into my book I just want to say.


    Thank you all for all thements, the likes, and the support you have given to me. It feels like it was only yesterday when I started writing this story with all my continued grammatical errors and such.


    (I appreciate your patients by the way!)


    And somehow I was able to get you guys and gals a second book! Whoot!


    And I had the birth of my first child during the middle of writing this book. It''s been a crazy few months.


    Okay! Enough with the petting myself on the back.


    I want to say a special <b>gospal</b> for editing a lot of my chapters for me that I still need to go through and update.


    And I also want to say another special thanks to my <b>patrons</b> that like my stuff so much that they are kind enough to give some of their hard-earned cash to support me. You guys are awesome and I truly appreciate you!


    ***


    Now for what''s next on the series.


    Volume 3 will be focusing on the political side of things as Rya and crew finally make it to the capital of Fiafyr. There''s going to be a lot of scheming between different factions within the Royal circles as Quinus, Rya and King Cyndre try to keep the kingdom from going into civil war over the surprise engagement of Rya and Quin.


    Also, Rya and Dalia will be showing early signs of their pregnancy. And, oh boy, Dalia is going <span ss="skimlinks-unlinked">to.be show signs of her pregnancy.


    And how can we forget about Lady Yoona and our other Dark Elf friends? Well, they won''t be making an appearance until Volume 4. So patience my friends, patience. They wille back at some point.


    ***


    And some other notes I''m nning on writing new chapters for <b>Soul Mirror.</b>


    I was so focused on I Got Isekai''d that I let it go to the wayside. So, keep an eye out for that.


    ***


    This is your humble author signing off.


    Paul Michaels

 Volume 0 Announcement

    Volume 0 Announcement


    <u>(The following information down below was written when I thought I was going to be continuing Volume 3. I''m keeping it for prosperity''s sake)</u>


    Hey all!


    I''m sure you have been asking yourselves: <em>"Hey! Where the hell is Paul? Doesn''t he usually like to post new chapters of stuff once in a while?"</em>


    Well to answer that question:<strong> Yes!</strong> I''ve been writing chapters for volume 3 of <strong>I Got Isekia''d</strong>. And I got <strong>six chapters</strong> out and getting ready to upload the seventh chapter once I clean it up a bit.


    And good news! If you all want to see these chapters, I have them posted on my <strong>Patreon</strong>and you are all wee to take a look.


    And if you don''t have the cash well I still have good news! I''m only posting 12 chapters early ess! So, hopefully within a week of this post. The first chapter of volume 3 shall be released!


    Thank you all for being so awesome!

 Vol.0 Ch.114 A Man Named Emil

    Vol.0 Ch.114 A Man Named Emil


    Emil was a man born in Germany. He was a 31-year-old engineer and an avid climber. And during one of his annual climbing trips to the Greek ind of Kalymnos. He and his friend were in the middle of a multi-pitch sport climb when out of nowhere a storm came rolling in. It was so bad that Emil and his friend decided the best option was to try to repel down the route even though they were about 400 meters up the cliff face. Left with little choice they managed to make it down the first 100-meter repel.


    But the storm wouldn''t let up as they started getting waterlogged.


    "Shyt! Emil?! Can you tell if the rope is stuck on the wall? I''m having trouble seeing where the ends of the ropes went!" yelled Martin as he tossed down the rope out after getting the anchors set for the next 100-meter repel.


    "Nah! This damn storm is making it impossible to see anything! Should we try and wait out the storm?!" Emil yelled back to his friend as his voice was getting drowned out by the howling wind and pounding rain. Their harnesses and slings were the only things keeping them on the cliff wall.


    *THUNDER! BOOM!*


    "We can''t stay here and wait out this storm! We got to move! I can take the next repel!" Martin yelled over to Emil who was only inches away from him.


    "I''ll get this one Martin! You''ll get the next two repels! And you''ll be buying me a months supply of beer after we get out of this fucking mess!" Emil yelled back with the rain pounding down on his body.


    The storm picked up in intensity while Emil attached his by device to the rope and detached his slings from the bolts in the wall.


    "Martin! Were the next set of anchors to the right of us?!" Yelled Emil.


    "Da! Yes! I believe that they were!" Martin replied back to his friend as he looked down at him.


    Emil nodded and started repelling down the rope fighting the elements as he descended down the cliff. He couldn''t see, thanks to the heavy rain and wind gusts. He got so distracted and battered by the elements that he lowered himself past the next set of anchors.


    Emil notice at thest second and stopped.


    "WHOA! FUCK!" Emil yelled as there was only 100 cm of rope left.


    ''I almost repelled off the rope! Shit! That means I when past the anchors! Dammit! I can''t see shit!... Wait... I see the anchors! But they are 5 meters above me! Maybe if I can swing into the crack I can climb back up there!'' Emil thought as he tried to swing over to the wall but the wind was making it hard to control himself.


    He took a deep breath and leaned over to the side to gain as much momentum as possible. He swung his left arm out to get his hand in the crack of the wall and then brought his right arm around to hold onto the rope. He felt the rope catch on something above him.


    ''I did it! I made it! Now to get up to the anchors and�C'' Emil''s thoughts were interrupted as his left hand slipped off the wall and swung out into the air again as his by device slipped down the rest of the rope until he repelled off the end. Falling the rest of the way down to his unfortunate death.


    ***


    Everything went dark for Emil.


    ''Well, shit. I guess I died doing what I loved. But I was hoping to live a little longer though,'' Emil thought to himself.


    Everything was so dark in the afterlife. He was surprised that he was still able to have cognitive thought as he floated in the void.


    ''Hmm? Well, it doesn''t surprise me that the afterlife is so pitch ck. But I wasn''t expecting it to be so warm and liquidy. I mean, I''m d I am still me and haven''t faded into nothingness or whatever is supposed to happen to the dead... But why am I the only one here? Maybe this is hell? Like I''ll go insane because of boredom? I guess I''ll find out sooner orter." Emil thought to himself as he was surrounded by darkness. In what seemed like days.


    As he floated there in the liquid void he realized something.


    ''Wait. Am I dead or alive? No... I can''t be alive!'' Emil said in shock. ''I can feel my limbs all of a sudden? But I feel like I''m stuck in a tight ce? Damn! I can''t move!''


    And that''s how Emil''s days went trying to figure out what is happening to him. At some point, he just thought this was what the afterlife was. Being stuck in a dark fleshy tomb somehow breathing in fluids.


    ''This is so freaking weird. I wonder if I''ll lose my sanity at some point... I''m weirdly still calm about all this, even after all this time. How long have I been in the afterlife? Pff! Only god knows at this point... I wonder if being stuck in here has given me inner peace?'' Emil wondered.


    After a few more weeks of being in the afterlife. Emil began to notice strange things happening around him. Like on asion there would be some strange energy that would run through his body. Like he was being scanned by something and he could hear muffled voices from time to time.


    ''Yep! I think I''m losing my mind! Damn... and here I thought I found inner peace. Maybe I can figure out what I did wrong. I mean I got all the time in the afterlife.'' Emil concluded as he felt this will be the rest of his existence.


    After what seemed like months at this point. Emil was doing his new normal routine just hanging there in the dark, bored to death with nothing to do. Feeling like his own little world was beginning to get smaller by the day. When all of a sudden he felt the liquid drain out of the area he was in.


    ''What the hell is going on?!'' Emil thought while he started to feel uneasy. That''s when he felt the fleshy walls enclosed around him.


    ''God dammit! I''m going to be crushed alive! Wait! But I died already!'' Emil''s panic started to kick into high gear now as he tries to fight back against the walls, but he was too weak to fight back.


    The fleshy walls went from rxed to contracting to rxed again. This went on for hours, as that process repeated itself over and over while the intervals seemed to be happening quicker. That was when Emil felt his head getting really mped down on.


    ''Am I going to die in the afterlife? Is this hell? Oh fuck! My head is getting squeezed so hard! It hurts!'' Emil thought.


    As the squeezing continued on his body as Emil''s head pushed through this tight fleshy canal until his head was able to pop out of its tomb first. He saw a bright blurry lighting towards him but his body got stuck by the fleshy vice. Keeping him from escaping.


    ''Oh, God! I can''t breathe?! I CAN''T BREATHE?!'' Emil tried to yell as the blinding light made it impossible to see. He could also hear muffled sounds of people talking loudly and a woman screaming in pain. But he couldn''t focus on that as his body was being crushed.


    Just when he thought all hope was lost his body finally got pushed out as he felt something with huge hands catch him as Emil began to feel really cold and still couldn''t breathe.


    ''Someone! Anyone! Help?! I can''t breathe!'' Emil wanted to yell out but couldn''t because of the fluids in his lungs.


    That is when Emil was held upside down and pped on the butt. Which dislodge the fluids in his lungs which made him scream like... a baby?


    ''Who are you?! What have you done to me?! Why is everything so cold?! Answer me?!'' was what Emil wanted to say but all anyone heard was.


    "Waaaaa! Waaaaa!" Cried, Emil.


    ***


    "Your Highness! It''s a boy!" eximed the royal doctor as he held the newborn prince in his hands.


    King Cyndre was overjoyed to see the new heir to the throne. After all the heartache of his wife''s miscarriages. She finally was able to give birth to a child who looked healthy. And was even a little more handsome than they had expected.


    "You have done well, Rianna. It appears our son will grow up to be a fine young man." King Cyndre thought as he took the baby from his trusted doctor.


    "Cyndre?! Let me see him! Please!" Queen Rianna demanded to hold her son as shey in her bed.


    Cyndre smiled as he walked over to her bedside and handed the baby to his queen. "Here you go my love, your son," he said as he watched as the queen looked in awe at their son.


    "He''s adorable! *Sniff* I feared something would go wrong with the pregnancy but everything turned out perfect for us. The goddess heard my prayers!" she cried as she cuddled her newborn in her arms.


    "That wasn''t your fault, Rianna. Stop demeaning yourself... You''re a perfect woman, a perfect Queen, and now a perfect mother. Your son will grow up to be a great king for this nation just like his father," Cyndre said as he watched his wife hold their newborn.


    "I''m sorry, Cyndre. I shouldn''t dwell on the past. But I can''t help it sometimes..." Rianna replied as she stroked her son''s hair.


    "It''s alright, my love. We''vee too far for that to define us. Rest now... The midwives will be by your side until you are ready to move around again. Your son needs you," Cyndre said as he kissed his wife''s forehead.


    "I know what I shall name him," Rianna said as she looked down into her son''s golden eyes.


    "Oh? So, you did have a name in mind. What is going to be the name of the next prince?" Cyndre asked as he smirked at his wife.


    "Quinus... His name will be Quinus..." Rianna said as she looked back to Cyndre.


    "It''s a fine name worthy of a king... Now rest my love. You need to recover yourself. Quinus will need his mother, so rest." He said.


    Rianna smiled as sheid back down and held her son close to her chest as she drifted off to sleep.


    The people who were there all have a sigh of relief as the Queen gave birth to the next heir to the throne. Emil was reincarnated into the world of Tertius. And he couldn''tprehend what happened to him as he couldn''t see or understand thenguage anyone was speaking in. His reincarnation was something he didn''t consider as he still thought he was in the afterlife. That was until the second week of being alive did it ur to him that he was a newborn.


    ''I WAS REINCARNATED?! This is insane! I-I wish I could see something. But my damn eyes just don''t work! It''s sooo frustrating!'' Quinus thought asid there in a bass.


    All he could do was what every other newborn could do, which was eat, sleep, shit, and cry.


    ***


    A few days after Quinus was born news spread throughout the city of Tairal.


    The city is known as the capital of Fiafyr. And in the Divalo Manor, which was located on the outskirts of the city, Duke ric was sitting in his study while reading through some documents. When all of a sudden one of his butlers came running into his room.


    "Lord ric! The news came yesterday! Queen Rianna gave birth to a boy!" He said with worry as he rushed over to his master.


    "What!? It survived?!" ric shouted in shock.


    "I''m afraid so, my Lord. I got word from one of our men on the inside of the pce." The servant then looked up at his master.


    "Impossible! That poison was supposed to make her infertile. That alchemist said that in a rare chance of birth, the child should be weak and deformed." ric asked as he sat back in his chair.


    The servant shook his head. "Not exactly, my lord. The queen gave birth to a healthy baby boy. She named him Quinus!"


    ric stood up as he paced around the room. "How is that possible? If Rianna gave birth to such a healthy boy then does that mean he''s a demi-god?"


    "My Lord, I don''t know the details. But it would be wise if his Lordship were to make sure that the prince isn''t as healthy as they say he is. After all, if he was born from a Corialis woman, then he might not be as powerful as we believe him to be." The servant said as he bowed his head.


    "It doesn''t matter that she''s a foreign noble, my brother''s blood runs through that child''s veins and if he has golden eyes like his father. Then my ns for the future of Fiafyr will change. Who do we have inside of the pce that could deal with the boy?"


    ric was the older brother of Cyndre. But he didn''t have his father''s golden eyes which made the royal court believe him to be illegitimate and unworthy of the crown. And when his younger brother was born the nobles chose him as the crown prince.


    ric may have lost the throne but he could get it for his son. It was his goal in life and now it was in jeopardy with the birth of Quinus.


    "I believe that most of your insiders are footmen and a few maids, your Lordship. Most likely the servants aren''t as skilled inbat. I don''t think we can sneak any guards into the pce without anyone noticing."


    "What about a wet nurse? If we can get someone capable enough to take care of a child, then maybe she can also watch over the prince. Then when no one is looking she can kill the child and Marcus will be the front-runner for the throne again..."


    "That is one possibility, your Lordship. I''ll look into it right away." The servant said as he bowed his head.


    The butler then turned on his heels to face the door and hurried to leave.


    As the door closed and Duke ric was left there only. And in a fit of rage, he grabbed his desk and flipped it over sending papers flying everywhere.


    "RAH! That alchemist failed me! If he had just done his job properly then the queen wouldn''t have given birth to a legitimate child. He has ruined everything! My ns for the throne of Fiafyr will go to hell because of this! Why must the fates always conspire against me!?"


    He stormed out of the room and mmed the door behind him.


    "I guess I''ll have to get rid of the alchemist myself!" He yelled as he walked past the servant.


    ric went to see a surprised alchemist. He didn''t have a chance to exin himself before his head was separated from his body and tossed aside.


    ***

 Vol.0 Ch.115 The Last Ditch Effort to get the Throne

    Vol.0 Ch.115 The Last Ditch Effort to get the Throne


    It''s been a couple of months since Emil, now known as Quinus, was born into the world. The people of Fiafyr were curious about their new crown prince, many nobles came to pay their respects to him and the royal family. Duke ric was dumbfounded upon seeing Quinus'' golden eyes and healthy appearance. He hadn''t expected the boy to be so strong and healthy. He wondered why Rianna wasn''t affected by the poison like herst seven miscarriages.


    But there was Quinus being held in the arms of a smiling Queen Rianna. When Rianna saw the duke, she smiled at him and returned his greeting.


    "It''s good to see you again Duke ric. How are your children?"


    She then looked towards the side to see a grumpy 9-year-old Marcus, his mother, and two sisters standing next to the duke.


    "Fine as can be. I''m d to see that you''re doing well, Queen Rianna. I just couldn''t be more pleased knowing that the future of Fiafyr is in good hands." Duke ric said.


    "Thank you, your Grace," she replied with a smile.


    King Cyndre came into the throne room after dealing with important matters. He greeted everyone with warm words and then sat down on his throne.


    "ric? I''m surprised to see you here. I thought you couldn''t be bothered with usmoners." He said with a smirk.


    "I''vee to personally congratte you, your Majesty. You are now a father for the first time. It isn''t as easy as it looks. Trust me, brother, I know."


    Marcus looked at his father with an annoyed look.


    "Hahaha! Well if you say so, ric. I''m sure my son will be just fine." King Cyndre said jokingly, but Marcus became angry and stormed off.


    "I''m sorry about my boy, Your Majesty. My son is not in a good mood as he knows at he''s not going to be the next king." The Duke said as he bowed his head low.


    "Hmm... I hope this isn''t going to be a problem for the future of our country. As long as you handle him right, ric. I wish for him to be a friend of Quinus." King Cyndre said while giving ric a worried nce.


    "Of course, your Majesty. I''ll do everything in my power to get my son''s attitude on track. Just give him a little leniency. He has my stubbornness. And you know how stubborn I was growing up. He will grow out of it eventually." ric said.


    "Good. Then we can all work together to keep Fiafyr safe from outside threats. Especially when I heard the news that young Marcus passed the mage''s test. What element was he gifted with?"


    "Wind," ric answered.


    "Wind? Well, that''s quite interesting. I hope he bes the greatest wind mage in all of Agon. This could be a great opportunity for the kingdom of Fiafyr." King Cyndre said with a smile.


    ric smiled back at his king. "Yes, Your Majesty. He''ll be going to the mage''s academy by next year. I''m sure he''ll do well."


    "Very good, ric. It was good to see you and your family today. I will talk to youter. All right, you may go back to your duties. I know I''ve kept you from them for too long." King Cyndre said while waving his hand.


    "Thank you, your Majesty!" ric said and then left the throne room with his wife and two daughters as they went to find Marcus and depart the pce.


    ***


    On the ride home, everyone in the carriage was quiet.


    "Why does Marcus have to act like that?" Eleanora asked her older sister.


    Duchess Leandra answered her daughter before her sister could. "Because his birthright was stripped from him. He has every right to be mad, Eleanora."


    Eleanora hung her head down. ''Why must Mother spoil Marcus so much?'' She thought to herself.


    Marcus broke his silence and looked at his father.


    "You seemed cheery to see the new prince, Father. It was like you were happy to-" Marcus was cut off by his father.


    "Shut it, boy! I''ve done everything I could to make sure your position as the heir is secure. The fates are against us and we have very few options left! I have a few more ns. And if they fail then we will have to swallow our pride and ept that Quinus will be the next king! But until then, you will stay silent and attend your sses while putting on a smiling face every time you see your cousin! Got it?!"


    "Father..." Marcus said in a defeated tone.


    "I know what you want to say, Marcus. But you need to prepare yourself if things don''t work out the way we nned. Being a Duke is not the end of the world."


    ***


    That evening, Marcus stayed silent the whole night as he walked through the corridors of the castle.


    He couldn''t believe his father would say such a thing.


    ''It as if Father has stopped believing in me! Well, I won''t stop! I will do whatever in my power to discredit my little cousin and prove myself worthy of the crown!''


    After walking past several doors, he finally arrived at his room. He opened the door and entered inside quietly. Once again, he was greeted with the sight of his mother looking at him.


    ***


    While back in ric''s study. Belial, ric''s head butler was informing the Duke about an assassin that could be sent to kill the young prince.


    "Your Lordship, we found a woman who might be able to be a Wet Nurse for the young prince. Word is the King needs his Queen to perform other duties so Her Majesty can''t feed the child. We were hoping to disguise this woman as a wet nurse and have her deal with... Him."


    Belial said and handed a letter over to ric.


    ric read the letter and then raised his brow. "Can she be trusted? If the royal court knows about her true identity, they''d want to know who hired her."


    "Yes, your Lordship. She can be trusted and she''s done some other jobs for us in the past. I believe she wille through just fine." Belial replied.


    ric nodded his head. "Good. Send her to my chambers tonight so we can discuss this further." ric said with a smile.


    ***


    The young female assassin who was known as Wina had been given word that she needed to meet up with her client.


    Wina entered the room with the duke and the butler. When she noticed therge pile of gold coins in front of her, she gasped in shock.


    "My Lord Duke, I am honored to receive such generous payment for my services!"


    She bowed her head in respect.


    "Enough of that, I wished to see you first before I decide on hiring another assassin."


    "Of course, my Lord!"


    ric smiled at the young woman. "Tell me, have you ever done a job where you weren''t in the shadows?"


    Wina gave him a slight bow.


    "This would be my first time doing something like this."


    "Would you be willing to infiltrate the pce as a wet nurse? You will need to take care of the child until the servants and guards trust you enough. So you can be alone with him."


    Wina looked at the duke as she thought about how long it would take her to achieve her goal.


    "I believe it could be done, but it will take some time before the staff decides to trust me. I think I can achieve that in three months if I''m lucky. But knowing that this child is the only child of the royal family. They won''t be quick to let down their guard."


    The Duke leaned forward on his chair and spoke in a serious tone.


    "Do you think you can do it?"


    Wina stood up straight and nodded her head. "All I need is time, my Lord Duke."


    It was at this time ric inspected Wina''s body. She had short brown hair that came down to the middle of her back. Her skin color was a light tan. She wore a navy blue dress that was designed for female assassins to hide their weapons while also wearing boots and stockings that covered most of her legs. A dagger was hidden in the right boot and a small knife was tucked away underneath her left arm.


    Her eyes were a deep brown color and her lips were red. She had good hips and ass but her breasts were small. Barely B-cup-sized breasts.


    Wina noticed the duke looking at her chest with a concerned look written on his face.


    "I-I have a maternal elixir that I''ve got from an alchemist. Worry not, Duke ric."


    ric nodded his head. "Good, you may take this gold as a down payment for whatever supplies you may need."


    Wina gave him a nervous smile. "Thank you very much, my Lord Duke."


    "You''re wee."


    ***


    While back in the castle.


    Quin''s eyes finally developed enough to see things in ck and white, with a lot more focus. As he saw his new mother for the first time.


    Originally, he thought he was being handled by giants. But he soon realized that they weren''t giants and instead, he was a baby. He held onto a woman''s breast tofort himself. It was his mother''s breast, Rianna. She was holding him close to her as she was enjoying the embrace of her only child.


    ''Whoa! S-She''s beautiful! Is she my new mom? Man, this is weird. I can''t believe I am a child again!'' Quinus thought as he hugged his mother''s massive breasts.


    Rianna felt her baby hugging her boobs in a tight embrace. That made her smile and she kissed his forehead. "Oh? Is someone hungry? Well, lucky for you I have milk!"


    Quin looked up at his mother, "Whatnguage is she speaking? And why is she in a Victorian-style dress? Did I go back in time? This is all too strange."


    His mind was racing with questions until his mother undid the front of her dress to expose one of her breasts.


    ''Uuuummmmm! H-Her breasts look so massive! I-I just want to suck on them! Uuuhhhnnn!''


    He leaned forward and started totch onto the nipple.


    "Ahhhhhh!" Rianna moaned. "Oh, Quinny! You are so needy! You must be starving?"


    Quin continued to suckle her breast as he felt a warm liquid flowing into his mouth. It tasted sweet and salty at the same time.


    ''Oh, man... This stuff is hitting the spot! I need more of it!'' Quinus thought while continuing to suckle Rianna''s breast.


    "Mmmmmm..."


    Rianna reached around and stroked his hair. "Such a good boy. Don''t stop, Quinny. Drink up so you can get strong like your father."


    Quin sucked on the nipple harder and moaned as he felt his mom''s milk begin to flow inside his mouth.


    ''Hahaha! This tastes great! I thought this stuff looked disgusting back when I was a man. But maybe it''s because I have a newborn''s tongue? Gah! Stop thinking Emil! Just enjoy it!'' Quinus thought as he happily sucked on his mother''s tits.


    Quin continued to drink the warm milk until he heard a knock on the door.


    "Come in," Rianna said as she pulled her son off of her breast to adjust her dress.


    The door opened and a knight entered the room. "My Lady, we were sent to watch over the prince for the night shift. Is there anything else you need from us?"


    "Nope. Thank you very much. I''ll be putting the prince to bed shortly." Rianna said as she walked towards the crib in the middle of the room.


    Quin''s mouth was still full of milk and he began to drool.


    ''I don''t know if it''s a good thing that I can''t get turned on by my mother. Or if I should be worried about getting addicted to mom''s milk? Sigh! Yeah, it this probably for the best that my body isn''t getting aroused by her beauty. I don''t want to piss off Dad... Wait?! Is that dude wearing a suit of armor?'' Quinus thought as he noticed that there were other people in the room, including a man who was wearing armor and was holding a sword.


    ''Am I on Earth? I don''t feel like I''m on the same anymore. Just stay calm, Emil. There has to be an exnation for all this. I need time to figure it out!'' Quinus thought as he started feeling exhausted.


    A few minutester, Rianna hadid her son down in his crib. She kissed him on the forehead before walking out of the nursery.


    "Good night mydy. No one willy a finger on him. I promise," the knight said to Rianna as he escorted the mother out of the room.


    "Thank you, Sir Knight."


    After exiting the bedroom, Rianna stopped to speak with the knight.


    "Send word to me if anything happens to the prince, Sir Mathew."


    "Yes, My Lady. We''ll keep you informed."


    With that, Rianna returned to the main hall where her husband was.


    "How''s our son?"


    "He seems to be doing well. He loves sucking on my bosom." Rianna smiled.


    "Oh? Should I be worried that he will steal you away from me?" Cyndre said with a sarcastic look.


    "Hehehe! Really now? He just has his father''s taste in women. Besides, I''ve been told the more I nurse him, the stronger he grows. So, I''ll milk myself dry to make sure he bes a powerful king one day." Rianna said with pride.


    "But you need to do your duties for the kingdom, my love. I don''t mind you doing most of the nursing but having a specialized servant won''t be the worst idea," said King Cyndre.


    Queen Rianna pouted at first, but then she broke into a smile. "You''re right, Cyndre. I will start looking into hiring a wet nurse to at least feed Quinus when I''m not around."


    Cyndre nodded while grabbing his wife''s hand.


    They walked down the hall to their private chamber and closed the doors behind them as they turned in for the night.

 Vol.0 Ch.116 The Elixir Isn’t Ready!

    Vol.0 Ch.116 The Elixir Isn��t Ready!


    <span ss="editText">It''s a beautiful day as the sun already moved past high noon on the busy city of Tairal.


    <span ss="editText">It has been almost a week since Wina took the contract from Duke ric when she was walking down an alley near the alchemist<span ss="aiText">''s guild. She had <span ss="editText">used some of the gold to pay her own personal alchemist to make a maternal elixir.


    <span ss="editText">''I hope Lucas <span ss="userText">found a way to make my breastsctate. Otherwise<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> the duke will try and kill me if he finds out I <span ss="editText">told an untruth about already having a material elixir! Geez! When I see gold I can''t help<span ss="aiText"> but get excited!'' Wina thought with worry.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina hadn''t heard from Lucas in a couple <span ss="editText">of <span ss="aiText">days and she was starting to panic. <span ss="editText">So, she needed to visit him<span ss="aiText"> soon.


    <span ss="aiText">She finally made it to the guild and headed straight for Lucas''s room.


    <span ss="editText">She listen closely to the door in order<span ss="aiText"> to hear if <span ss="editText">anyone else was in hisboratory. After listening for a minute she<span ss="aiText"> hear<span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText"> someone <span ss="editText">inside<span ss="aiText"> the room<span ss="editText">. She did her secret<span ss="aiText"> knock on the door and waited for him to open up.


    <span ss="editText">*Click! Creak!*


    <span ss="editText">"You''re early? I told you I would send word when the elixir is<span ss="aiText"> ready." <span ss="editText">Lucas<span ss="aiText"> replied as he opened the door<span ss="editText"> slightly.


    <span ss="editText">"There''s been a change of ns. The royal family is hiring right now. And I can''t be the<span ss="aiText"> on<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText"> to<span ss="editText"> tell the duke that<span ss="aiText"> I lied about being able to make <span ss="editText">it inside the pce, so I need you to pick up the pace."


    <span ss="editText">"But it''s too soon for the elixir! It needs more time before<span ss="aiText"> it''s ready!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Sorry, Lucas. You need to hurry up. I don''t know how long the royal family will be searching for a <span ss="editText">wet nurse<span ss="aiText">." Wina said with concern.


    <span ss="editText">Lucas sighed, "Fine... But don''t me me if something goes wrong... Come in I''ll show you what I got<span ss="aiText"> so far.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina stepped inside the room and saw a bowl filled with red liquid.


    <span ss="aiText">"What is this?"


    <span ss="aiText">Lucas shrugged, "<span ss="editText">The maternal elixir. All the ingredients are set. We need them to ferment<span ss="userText"> for twelve more hours<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Twelve... hours..." Wina repeated.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. And that''s assuming everything goes smoothly," Lucas added.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked at the bowl of liquid and noticed a <span ss="editText">misting from it.


    <span ss="editText">"What would be th<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">is<span ss="editText">k of taking the elixir too early<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">Lucas looked at her in surprise, "Well<span ss="editText">? The issues are either nothing happens at all, or some unknown<span ss="aiText"> sid<span ss="editText">e effect<span ss="aiText"> takes ce. <span ss="editText">An<span ss="userText">d if by some chance it works as intended. You don''t want to eat anything for the next twelve hours because the elixir could get activated by another ingredient and change the elixir''s properties<span ss="aiText"> into a different <span ss="editText">unknown potion<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"So there''s no other way?" Wina asked with a frown.


    <span ss="aiText">"No<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Lucas said with a sad tone in his voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I got to risk it, Lucas<span ss="aiText">. I can''t let th<span ss="editText">is chance slip, it''s the easiest way for me to enter the pce. I just need to not eat anything for twelve hours right?"


    <span ss="editText">"You took on a contract that failure isn''t an option, huh?<span ss="aiText">" Lucas responded sternly.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina sighed, "<span ss="editText">Yeah, the risk is worth it. So <span ss="userText">give me what you got. I only have an hour before they close the gates to the pce<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Lucas handed her the bowl of liquid and Wina took it.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Down the whole thing in one go, Wina<span ss="aiText">," Lucas instructed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright. How long do<span ss="editText">es it take before I see any results<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">Lucas shrugged, "All the ingredients should be active within twenty minutes. If you drink it right now then you might start seeing effects <span ss="editText">as you walk through the street<span ss="aiText">s."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina gulped<span ss="editText"> as she looked at the red liquid<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Alright, here goes noth<span ss="editText">ing<span ss="aiText">! Let''s go!" Wina said and downed the entire bowl of the elixir in one gulp.


    <span ss="editText">As the red liquid coated her<span ss="aiText"> throat and entered her body she felt a slight difort <span ss="editText">centered<span ss="aiText"> around her stomach.


    <span ss="aiText">"Geez... I feel like I''m going to throw up..." Wina said with a grimace on her face, "Okay, I think I can keep this down..."


    <span ss="editText">"Well the best of luck to you, Wina,"<span ss="aiText"> Lucas said.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina nodded, "Thanks, Lucas. I''<span ss="editText">ll see you around<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">She then turned to leave hisboratory.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">Wina went back to her inn and dressed in a wet nurse outfit that she purchased a couple of days ago<span ss="userText">, which contained<span ss="aiText"> a white shirt with short sleeves, a ck skirt, and a red ribbon tied around the waist. She also wore thigh-high boots and <span ss="editText">hid her assassin''s tools<span ss="aiText"> under her skirt.


    <span ss="editText">''Well, I look the part<span ss="aiText"> now. I can''t wait to get inside the pce!'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">*Groan!*


    <span ss="editText">"Oof! My stomach aches<span ss="aiText">," Winained as she walked into the city.


    <span ss="editText">''I hope this elixir works<span ss="userText">. Because I don''t have a n B.''


    <span ss="editText">Wina started walking down the street while the elixir worked its magic inside her system. The pain gradually went away and a strange ticklish sensation started forming inside her cervix<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm... What is that feeling?" Wina wondered.


    <span ss="aiText">It was then she realized the ticklish feeling wasn''t from her stomach, but rather the tingling sensation wasing from her <span ss="editText">uterus<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh my... That feels nice." Wina said to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">And as thest few minutes of the elixir passed by Wina felt a sudden urge to urinate.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hm... That''s odd. Why am I suddenly getting urges to urinate?" Wina asked herself.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina hurriedly made her way towards the nearest public washroom and used it as she quickly relieved herself.


    <span ss="aiText">When Wina finished using the toilet she quickly washed her hands and returned back to the streets.


    <span ss="aiText">*Grown!*


    <span ss="editText">Her stomach made another rumbling sound.


    <span ss="aiText">"What is happening to me?" Wina eximed as she looked at her reflection in a nearby window.


    <span ss="aiText">Her eyes were glowing a bright <span ss="editText">hazelnut<span ss="aiText"> color,<span ss="editText"> and<span ss="aiText"> her hair had grown longer and was now reaching her hips.


    <span ss="userText">The tingling sensation started<span ss="aiText"> to grow stronger and Wina felt her clitoris swell in size.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hm... This is so weird!<span ss="editText"> The elixir must be trying to trick my body into thinking that I''ve given birth?<span ss="aiText">" Wina said as she realized that her nipples are growing hard as well.


    <span ss="userText">Wina was using all of her assassin''s training to keep her urges in check<span ss="aiText">, but it wasn''t working very well. Her breasts were still swelling up and her panties were bing wetter.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t believe how many changes I''m experiencing. This is crazy!" Wina said as she continued to walk through the streets of <span ss="editText">Tairal.


    <span ss="editText">Her small chest<span ss="userText"> slowly started to grow<span ss="aiText">rger and it became harder for her to hide her breasts. And as time passed by she noticed other things changing as well.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why do my hips seem to be <span ss="editText">wider<span ss="aiText"> than before?" Wina wondered aloud.


    <span ss="aiText">And as her hips expanded her butt grew bigger as well, causing the hemline of her skirt to rise up revealing more of her legs and the beginnings of her camel toe.


    <span ss="userText">"Ugh... I need to stop and buy a longer skirt... And a new pair of underwear." Wina said as she tried to hide her growing breasts behind her arms.


    What surprised Wina the most was her urge to want to have sex. She never had this urge before thanks to her training as an assassin and also being forced to mutte the inside of her vergina. But it just came from nowhere.


    <span ss="userText">''Damn! If it wasn''t for my assassin''s training. A lesser woman would have probably stripped naked on the street and begged to be fucked by anything<span ss="aiText"> with two legs!'' Wina thought angrily.


    <span ss="aiText">But she knew that if she did something like that she would end up as a sex ve for the local thugs until she died.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Grrr! Lucas was right! My impatience got the better of me. I just need some new clothes and I need to hurry to the pce<span ss="aiText"> now." Wina said as she made her way to the royal pce.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">After Wina went to a tailor she<span ss="aiText"> bought a long flowing dress that covered most of her body. Then Wina headed towards the main gates of the royal pce.


    <span ss="aiText">As she approached the gate guards stopped her<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Name and reason for be<span ss="aiText">ing he<span ss="editText">re<span ss="aiText">?" One guard asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am Wina<span ss="editText"> Daz, and I am a wet nurse looking for the honor of serving her majesty''s son. Here are my credentials,<span ss="aiText">" Wina responded as she handed them a letter.


    <span ss="aiText">The guards read over her credentials and nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very well Miss Daz you may enter the pce." The guard said.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smiled and gave them a quick bow.


    <span ss="aiText">She then entered the pce grounds where she was greeted by several servants who pointed her in the direction of the royal maid''s office.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please follow me mdy." One of the servants said as he escorted Wina towards the maid''s office.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="aiText">After being escorted to the royal maid''s office Wina was met by <span ss="editText">five other applicants looking to be<span ss="aiText"> chosen as one of the <span ss="editText">wet nurses and <span ss="aiText">nanny for Prince Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">"Weedies. Please <span ss="editText">have some tea and<span ss="aiText"> rx while we interview you." A servant said as he gestured to the chairs provided around the room.


    <span ss="aiText">The woman who took charge of the meeting was a middle-aged woman named <span ss="editText">Rose.


    <span ss="editText">''Hmm. How can I get these women out of the running<span ss="aiText">?'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"So tell us about yourself, please<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Rose said as she directed the first question at the first candidate. "What is your name and why should we choose you?"


    <span ss="aiText">All the candidates began to introduce themselves. But Wina was not interested in any of them. She just wanted to make sure that none of them were a threat<span ss="editText"> to win the job. So, she came up with a nonlethal solution.


    <span ss="editText">''I have some of Lucas''s <span ss="userText">potions and poisons<span ss="aiText"> hidden away.'' Wina thought to herself. ''If I use a small dose of it, I could <span ss="editText">make<span ss="aiText"> everyone here <span ss="editText">sick <span ss="aiText">without anyone realizing what happened.<span ss="editText">.. Huh? Crap! Rose asked for my name.<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">My name is Wina Daz,"<span ss="aiText"> Wina said as she bowed her head.


    <span ss="aiText">Rose looked at Wina and smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"That sounds lovely, let me see your credentials<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Rose <span ss="editText">aske<span ss="aiText">d as <span ss="editText">Wina<span ss="aiText"> pulled out a piece of parchment from her p<span ss="editText">urse<span ss="aiText"> and handed it to <span ss="editText">her<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, I will look them over. Now please join the others in the sitting room while I make <span ss="editText">sure everything is in order<span ss="aiText">," Rose said as she rose from her seat.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was grateful for the break because she needed toe up with a n for the rest of her interview<span ss="editText"> and needed to deal with a few of the other women that were eyeing the job.


    <span ss="editText">"Let''s see..." Wina thought as she looked over the rest of the applicants.


    <span ss="editText">''I can''t have all of them get sick<span ss="aiText">. That would be too suspicious... Hmm... I have some of Lucas''s potions and poisons, but I don''t know how much to give them and who I should target. If I give them too much then they might end up dying from overdosing on them.<span ss="userText">I need to be careful. I need to use the minimum amount<span ss="aiText"> of poison so that they won''t die and have the staff suspect there''s foul y.''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina sat there thinking for a moment before she thought of other options just in case things go belly up. When...


    <span ss="aiText">"Excuse me miss?" One of the applicants called out to Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes?" Wina replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I''ve never seen you before, how long have you been a wet nurse?<span ss="aiText"> Are you qualified to take care of our prince?" Another applicant asked as she looked at Wina with suspicion.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Is that how you were treated when you were new to being a wet nurse? I thought this was a weingmunity. I guess my husband was wrong about<span ss="aiText"> the kindness of Fiafyrites." <span ss="editText">Wina said<span ss="aiText"> as she crossed her arms<span ss="editText"> over her ches<span ss="aiText">t which <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">er<span ss="editText">e now DD-Cup-sized breast<span ss="aiText">s.


    <span ss="userText">''Damn! <span ss="editText">My boobs are so much bigger than I''m used to! That elixir<span ss="aiText"> must have had some side effects! Well, no time to worry about that! I need to think of something fast!'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked at the other applicants who were staring at her with wide eyes.


    <span ss="userText">"No one has ever treated me this badly before," Wina said as she held back a smile while trying to keep up the act of being offended. "I am still new to the task of being a wet nurse.<span ss="aiText"> However, I do have experience taking care of children."


    <span ss="aiText">"Treating you badly!? We have never seen you before and we don''t need someone like youing in to try and steal a job that is rightfully for us topete for. Not you! So you better be straight with us and answer our questions if you know what''s good for you..." Said another applicant.


    ''Sigh... It''s going to be one of these missions, aye? I hope I don''t get angry enough to kill them all. But I guess I''ll y along for now.'' Wina thought.


    ***


    <span ss="aiText">Wina took her time answering questions from the <span ss="editText"petition and asked some herself.


    <span ss="editText">She wanted to keep the conversation going because she was trying to figure out which woman was the bigger threat to win the job first. And somehow she was able to win over a few of them.


    <span ss="editText">''Okay<span ss="aiText">. I know that three of them aren''t a problem. <span ss="editText">So, I only need to deal with those two and the job is as good as mine<span ss="aiText">,'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">The one named Amber seemed like she knew exactly what she was doing and would most likely be hired by Rose<span ss="editText"> if Wina doesn''t do<span ss="aiText"> anything.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, Amber. I can see why you should be<span ss="aiText"> hired. You seem to be the type of person that can handle a baby. I hope that you''ll treat Prince Quinus well," Wina said as she smiled at Amber.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thanks!<span ss="editText"> She''s not as bad as I thought!" Amber said happily.


    <span ss="editText">Wina walked around the room in order to<span ss="userText"> grab a cup of tea. As she walked to a seat she stealthily sprayed a mist of poison <span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">n the <span ss="editText">air by Amber.


    <span ss="editText">The other woman Wina target<span ss="aiText">ed <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">as <span ss="editText">Kristan<span ss="aiText">, who was one of the candidates for the job.


    Wina had already poisoned her drink when she was being challenged earlier, so she didn''t need to worry about her in a few minutes.


    <span ss="editText">As the women waited for Rose<span ss="aiText"> to return from her <span ss="editText">chambe<span ss="aiText">r, Wina kept her eye on them and tried to gather information.


    <span ss="aiText">"Miss Kristan, why did you want this job?" Wina asked in a calm voice.


    <span ss="aiText">Kristan gulped nervously and looked down at the floor.


    <span ss="aiText">"Umm... I-I just love babies. They''re so cute and cuddly," Kristan said as she nervously patted her stomach.


    <span ss="userText">''Meh... I never was into babies. But I''ll make<span ss="aiText"> this work if I have to,'' Wina thought to herself as she nodded in agreement with Kristan.


    <span ss="userText">Just as Kristan was about to <span ss="editText">start up another conversation, the doors to Rose''s chamber<span ss="aiText"> opened.

 Vol.0 Ch.117 Beating out the Competition

    Vol.0 Ch.117 Beating out the Competition


    <span ss="aiText">


    <span ss="aiText">Rose was wearing a robe and carrying a<span ss="editText">medieval-style notepad<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Her face was covered with makeup and her hair was styled nicely.


    <span ss="aiText">She lookedpletely different from when Wina first met her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you all foring.<span ss="userText">You all are so qualified for the position but we only can<span ss="aiText">hire one of you. So, please prepare yourselves and answer a few questions.<span ss="editText">And we would lik<span ss="aiText">e<span ss="editText">f<span ss="aiText">or<span ss="editText"> you to show us how well you handle a baby<span ss="aiText">." Rose said while she started to walk towards the<span ss="editText">middle of the room with two other maids beside he<span ss="aiText">r.


    <span ss="editText">Wina noticed Kristan shifting in her seat. Like she was trying to hold in something. And no matter how much<span ss="aiText">she tried to hide it from the others, everyone could tell that Kristan was ufortable.


    <span ss="aiText">"You there Kristan. Pleasee forward." Rose said.


    <span ss="aiText">Kristan was still looking down at the ground, but she quickly stood up and began to walk toward Rose.


    <span ss="userText">*Grown!*


    Came a sound from her lower intestine. As it sounded like she was about to crap herself.


    <span ss="userText">"OH! I-I-I sorry Miss Rose! I-I need to go to the restroom<span ss="aiText">!" Kristan said as she quickly ran off<span ss="editText"> while holding her butt with one of her hands while farting sounds could be heard with every step she took.


    <span ss="editText">''One down<span ss="aiText">!'' Wina thought to herself as she watched Kristan run out of the room.


    <span ss="editText">"Hmm? It seems Miss Kristan''s stress has gotten to her. What<span ss="aiText">a sh<span ss="editText">ame... Miss Amber? Are you alright? You seem sickly pale?<span ss="userText">" Rose asked Amber as she looked<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">like she was about to puke<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Amber held up her pointer finger to signal that she needed a moment and then she turned away from Miss Rose while it looked like she was about to belch.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah... I''m fine. It''s nothing to worry about." Amber answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Miss Amber I appreciate your d<span ss="userText">edication to wanting to serve the royal family but I think<span ss="aiText">you need to take a step back and rx. And maybe get some rest," Rose said in a kind tone as she looked at Amber.


    <span ss="editText">"I-I fine M-Miss Ros- OH GODDESS!<span ss="userText">BLAH!!!" Amber could no longer hold back<span ss="aiText"> and vomited onto the floor right in front of her.


    <span ss="editText">Everyone<span ss="aiText">in the<span ss="editText">room<span ss="aiText">except for Wina gasped.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wh-What''s wrong with her?" Aisha asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t know but I think we should get her away from here before she makes a mess," Rose said as she looked at the vomit on the floor.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I''m so sorry Miss Rose! Please give me anothe- BLAH!"<span ss="aiText">Amber could no longer hold it in and began to vomit again.


    <span ss="editText">"Deb? Can you take Miss Amber to the<span ss="userText">infirmary? She will need a doctor to help her<span ss="aiText">," Rose said to Debra<span ss="editText">, who was one of the maids in the room<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">*Grown!*


    <span ss="aiText">"W-Wait! Stop! I''m so sorry! I''ll clean up what I can!" Amber begged as she tried to catch the vomit in her mouth.


    <span ss="aiText">"We don''t have time for this<span ss="editText">Miss Amber<span ss="aiText">. Just go along with Debra and be quiet<span ss="editText">. I don''t want you to die just because you have the flu<span ss="aiText">," Rose said sternly as<span ss="editText">Deb and another maid<span ss="aiText">grabbed Amber by the arm<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">and dragged her out of the room.


    <span ss="editText">And after she was escorted out of the room. Six new maids came rushing in to clean up the vomit in seconds. Making the floor look like it was never dirty, to begin with.


    <span ss="editText">''Two down,'' Wina thought<span ss="aiText">to herself as she smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are the two of you okay?" Ais<span ss="editText">ha<span ss="aiText">asked<span ss="editText">Trish<span ss="aiText">and Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yup.<span ss="editText">I''m fine," Trish replied.


    <span ss="editText">Wina just nodded<span ss="aiText">as she kept smiling.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m d you''re both okay. I<span ss="editText">was worried that you two might start getting sick as well<span ss="aiText">," Aisha said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">That would be dreadful...<span ss="aiText">" Trish said as she shivered in fear.


    <span ss="userText">So now there were only four applicants left.<span ss="aiText">And each one of them was eager to get their chance to prove themselves in front of<span ss="editText">Miss Rose<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, we''re going to start with a little question<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">and<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">answer session. So feel free to ask any question you want." Miss Rose announced to everyone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes ma''am," the remaining three said in unison<span ss="editText">while Wina just nodded her head


    <span ss="aiText">"Well then let''s begin. First question:<span ss="editText">What do you do when you hear the prince crying in his crib?" Miss Rose asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Umm... I usually go check on him and<span ss="editText">pick him up tofort him." Trish said.


    <span ss="editText">While the other three said, "Speak to Her Majesty First!<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">"Very good you three. Miss Trish? It is good that you want tofort the prince right away but it is after the Queen gives you the<span ss="aiText">order to do so. Understood?<span ss="editText">Now can you wait in the next room, Miss Trish?<span ss="aiText">" Miss Rose asked<span ss="editText">with a smile<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Trish''s eyes went wide open in surprise<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">A-As you wish. Thank you, Miss Rose."<span ss="aiText">Trish replied with a bow.


    <span ss="editText">''Three down, two to go<span ss="aiText">.'' Wina thought to herself as she smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Next question: What do you do if you see someone stealing something?" Miss Rose asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I would ask them why they are doing such an awful thing and try to persuade them not to steal anymore," Aisha said.


    <span ss="userText">While Wina and Rachel said, "Alert the royal guard!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Very good<span ss="editText">, y<span ss="aiText">ou t<span ss="editText">wo!" Miss Ross said to Wina and Rachel.


    <span ss="editText">Aisha looked worried<span ss="aiText">about the answer to the question<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Miss Aisha, It''s good you wish to reform a person to do good. But if someon<span ss="aiText">e ha<span ss="editText">s made it to the prince''s room they are an expert thief<span ss="userText">and might want to kidnap the prince for ransom<span ss="editText">.<span ss="userText">If you wast<span ss="editText">e<span ss="userText">your time trying to talk to them. They might as well deal with you<span ss="aiText">first. And kill you.<span ss="editText">And no one would be the wiser<span ss="aiText">." Miss Rose exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh! That makes sense! I''ll be sure to keep that in mind!" Aisha eximed.


    <span ss="userText">"That''s good to hear. Now Miss Aisha, can you wait in the next room with Miss Trish? Thank you<span ss="aiText">." Miss Rose said to Aisha.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course ma''am," Aisha replied as she bowed her head<span ss="editText">and left the room.


    <span ss="editText">''I just have to deal with thisst<span ss="aiText">one. Then I will be<span ss="editText">able to get this job and kill the prince when I get the chance,'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">"So we are down to thest two? Miss Rachel and Miss Wina<span ss="aiText">." Miss Rose said as she motioned for them toe forward.


    <span ss="aiText">Rachel and Wina both stood up straight and walked over to Miss Rose.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, thest question: What do you do if you smell something burning downstairs?"


    <span ss="userText">"Report to the staff first!" said both Wina and Rachel<span ss="aiText">at the same time.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Very good. You two are making<span ss="aiText">i<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">t<span ss="editText">ough to choose<span ss="aiText">between you." Miss Rose said with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">''Dammit! I should have poisoned this one too! Rah! That''s what I get for ying it safe<span ss="aiText">!'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">While Wina was lost in thought Miss Rose<span ss="aiText">continued.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright then,<span ss="editText">Miss Rachel... You were a wet nurse for Baron<span ss="aiText">ess Lidill right?<span ss="editText">How long did you<span ss="aiText">work for the baroness?" Miss Rose asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"About a<span ss="editText">year and two<span ss="aiText">mon<span ss="aiText">th<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">," Rachel replied as she bowed her head.


    <span ss="aiText">"And you also had been a maid before working for the baroness, correct?" Miss Rose asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes ma''am<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Rachel answered as she nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then please tell me how many children you<span ss="editText">gave birth to,<span ss="aiText">Miss Rachel?" Miss Rose asked with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Two children. <span ss="editText">both sons. They live with their grandparents in the city," Rachel replied.


    <span ss="editText">''Well I''m going to have to top her. Luckily I got the duchess to help write my rmendation letter.''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina thought as she grinned.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Now, Miss<span ss="userText">Wina... You served as the wet nurse for Duchess<span ss="undoDeletionText"><span ss="editText">Leandra Revelia? Funny... I thought she used someone else as her<span ss="aiText">wet nurse..." Miss Rose said with<span ss="editText">curiosity.


    <span ss="editText">''Dammit! Think of something!'' Wina<span ss="aiText">panicked.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes... That is correct that the Duchess had another wet nurse. But she had private matters to deal with. So, I was a full-time substitute until she came back. Which was for almost two months. The Duchess was most pleased with my work that she would have kept me on if her friend and the original wet nurse decided to retire<span ss="aiText">," Wina said as she smiled proudly.


    <span ss="aiText">"W<span ss="editText">ell, that''s good to know. I just wished you had a<span ss="aiText">b<span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">t<span ss="editText">more experience<span ss="aiText">. But I suppose it wouldn''t hurt to hire you either way.<span ss="editText">So, how many children have you given birth to, Miss<span ss="aiText">Wina<span ss="editText">?" Miss Rose asked with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">"One son. I was a surrogate mother for a noble family in the Kingdom of Marn. Baron Killington''s wife was having trouble conceiving a child. I was lucky enough to give birth for the Baron''s family<span ss="aiText">," Wina said as she bowed her head.


    <span ss="userText">"Interesting<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">I hear that nobles from the Kingdom of Marn are on a bit of the crueler side<span ss="aiText">. Especially when ites to their women. So I am surprised that the Baron was so considerate not to keep you in some way," Miss Rosemented.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">He<span ss="aiText">was<span ss="editText">a bit strict, but I can handle strict men with no problem, Miss Rose<span ss="aiText">. I only had to give him<span ss="editText"> a boy <span ss="aiText">and he was very considerate after that," <span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Wina said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Miss Rose could see that Wina was trying to put up a good front about her past. She wasn''t entirely sure if she trusted herpletely yet. But as long as Wina didn''t do anything to jeopardize the job, she would be fine.


    Rachel on the other hand was wondering why Wina lied about being married. But realized it was because they question her right off the bat.


    "She''s a quick-witted one," Rachel said while whispering to herself.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, you two have proven to me that you are both worthy of the job. And I don''t think I can make the final decision.<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText">Miss Rose said as she looked at the two.


    <span ss="editText">Rachel and Wina were confused<span ss="aiText">by what she meant.


    <span ss="aiText">"What do you mean?" Rachel asked as she raised an eyebrow.


    <span ss="aiText">"You have both worked hard today. So instead of<span ss="editText">me making the final decision. We will let the prince make it instead. Come follow me<span ss="aiText">." Miss Rose said as she motioned them to follow her.


    <span ss="aiText">As the t<span ss="editText">wo<span ss="aiText">followed Miss Rose<span ss="editText">and her maids upstairs to where the prince''s quarters<span ss="aiText">were.


    <span ss="editText">Wina was observing her surroundings. Keeping tabs on the architecture<span ss="aiText">, furnishings, and other things like that. Just in case she needs a ce to hide. For when she needs to sneak around and do her assassin thing.


    <span ss="aiText">On the other hand, Rachel was paying attention to <span ss="editText">Miss Rose. As she was trying to get a read on her. In hopes of winning the job. She didn''t truly believe that the baby prince was going to make the final decision for the job. So, she was going to do everything to please Miss Rose.


    <span ss="editText">They arrived at a room with arge double door.


    <span ss="editText">''Hmm, that must be Prince Quinus'' room,'' Wina thought to herself with a smirk. ''These Royals sure do like their extravagant<span ss="aiText"> architecture.''


    <span ss="aiText">She knew that it was probably not wise to enter without permission and so she waited by Miss Rose''s side.


    <span ss="aiText">Just then, the door opened as a young man <span ss="editText">wearing royal knight''s armor <span ss="aiText">walked<span ss="editText">out<span ss="aiText">. He had light brown hair, light green eyes, and a tanplexion.<span ss="userText"> He looked to be in his mid-twenties. And Wina couldn''t help but be drawn to him.


    <span ss="userText">"Ah. Sir Mathew. I''m d to see you on duty today<span ss="aiText">." Miss Rose said with a warm smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good<span ss="editText">afternoon<span ss="aiText">, Miss Rose. Ye<span ss="editText">ah, Her Majesty seems to trust me more than most. I was just trying to go on a quick break before getting back on duty,<span ss="aiText">" Mathew said with a<span ss="editText">joking<span ss="aiText">tone. "I assume this isn''t a social call?<span ss="editText">Oh? I didn''t notice the new faces behind<span ss="aiText">you Miss Rose<span ss="editText">. I''m assuming one of them is the new wet nurse?"


    <span ss="editText">"These two are Miss Rachel and Miss Wina<span ss="userText">. They are the finalists for<span ss="aiText">the position of wet nurse for our royal baby," Miss Rose said as she nodded towards Rachel and Wina respectively.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew looked at Rachel first and gave her a polite nod. And when he looked<span ss="editText">a<span ss="userText">t Wina<span ss="aiText">, she felt<span ss="editText">things she''s never felt before.


    <span ss="editText">When being trained as a female assassin. Their masters mutte the insides of the<span ss="editText">ir<span ss="editText">vaginas for two reasons. One is to prevent them from getting pregnant or having menstrual cycles.<span ss="userText">A<span ss="editText">s they thought having their monthlies would hinder their performance if it happened in the middle of a mission. And second, was to prevent them from getting emotionally attache<span ss="userText">d<span ss="aiText"> to any man<span ss="editText"> or woman. As it made it ufortable and painful during intercourse.


    Luckily they didn''t mutte everything as their master let them keep<span ss="editText"> their clitoris because it could give them away as assassins if a mission requires them to share a bed with a target. So, that was the only part of their body that was able to feel pleasure.


    <span ss="editText">A pleasure that wasn''t allowed for assassins and so they needed to control<span ss="aiText">all emotions. To do this, they practiced various methods of meditation and controlling the<span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">r minds. This included keeping their breathing regted and focusing on nothing but the task at hand.


    <span ss="aiText">And when Mathew looked her way, she felt a tingle go down her spine.<span ss="userText">Tickling a spot deep in<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">the pit of her stomach. Something she''d never experienced before.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? W-What''s<span ss="aiText">happening to me?<span ss="editText">It must be the elixir''s fault!<span ss="aiText">I just need to focus my mind on something else.'' Wina tried to tell herself.


    <span ss="aiText">But she felt like she was trying to fight a war against the ocean waves.


    <span ss="aiText">And she lost every time.


    <span ss="aiText">She had no idea why these feelings were happening. But she knew that she liked it and feared that she would give in to these foreign urges if she didn''t do something about it.


    <span ss="aiText">It took a lot of practice to keep her mind focused in the heat of battle. And now, all her training was gone.<span ss="userText">As she started swaying her hips in hopes of shaking off the itchy<span ss="aiText">feeling<span ss="editText">in her pelvis.


    <span ss="editText">''Naugh! Come on!<span ss="aiText">Focus!'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">And yet, even though she was trying to calm her thoughts. She couldn''t help but stare at Mathew. His masculine face, muscr body<span ss="editText">, and his flowing light<span ss="aiText">brown hair.


    <span ss="editText">Her<span ss="userText">instincts were confusing<span ss="aiText"> her. Even worse than the effects she felt on the streets of the city.


    <span ss="editText">As Mathew looked at her, he noticed the change in her posture and expression. And even though Wina was trying to hide it, he could tell that she was interested in him.


    <span ss="editText">And Mathew couldn''t deny that she was very attractive andhe<span ss="editText">liked<span ss="editText">how<span ss="editText">sexy Wina looked as<span ss="editText">she<span ss="editText">kept her back arched causing her newly grown boobs to push out and forward on her dress<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew<span ss="editText">''s green eyes<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">drifted down<span ss="aiText">to her cleavage. And then he looked up to meet her eyes again and saw the lustful ze<span ss="editText">with a bit of confusion<span ss="aiText">mixed in.


    <span ss="editText">''What the hell is wrong with me!? I need to stop this before<span ss="aiText">I make a fool of myself!''<span ss="editText">Wina<span ss="aiText"> thought<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">It seemed<span ss="editText">she<span ss="editText">was still nervous about her reaction to him. Which is understandable since she had never been attracted to anyone before.


    <span ss="editText">"W-Wait! You can''t look at me like that!" Wina said looking back at Miss Rose.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew was caught off guard<span ss="aiText">by<span ss="editText">Wina''s<span ss="aiText">sudden outburst.


    <span ss="editText">Miss Rose and the others were<span ss="aiText"> startled too. After seeing such a direct exchange between Mathew and Wina.


    <span ss="editText">Miss Rose smirked when she saw the always cocky and confident Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText">get flustered by<span ss="editText">Miss Wina<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">W<span ss="aiText">ha<span ss="editText">t were you doing, Sir Mathew?" Miss Rose<span ss="aiText"> asked while smiling at him, as she watched him fidget awkwardly.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew didn''t know what to say in response. He wanted to tell her that he was admiring how beautiful she looked but that would have sounded weirding from his mouth.


    <span ss="userText">He quickly tried to recover his cool demeanor by clearing his throat and saying. "I''m sorry I got distracted<span ss="editText">by Miss Wina''s beauty<span ss="userText">. And I hope you''re not offended that I stared at you<span ss="editText">, mydy."


    <span ss="editText">Wina was avoiding his eyes in order to not get charmed by him again. And she foun<span ss="userText">d it<span ss="editText"> so strange. When she became an active member of the assassin''s society and was finally out in the world. She has been called pretty, attractive, and beautiful by many men and women before. But this was the first time when<span ss="aiText">someone told her that they were attracted to her<span ss="editText">and it made her heart race<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">She was also confused by her arousal. Especially since she had never felt like that towards any man or woman before.


    <span ss="aiText">And now here he is telling her how gorgeous she looked and it was thrilling to her.


    <span ss="aiText">When Wina''s eyes nced back up to his face she saw that he was blushing and looked away in embarrassment.


    <span ss="editText">''Is this what happens when you are attracted to a man?'' Wina thought to herself. ''Or am I just imagining things? Maybe it was just the elixir''s fault.''


    <span ss="editText">"Well, I''ll let you get to your business. But I hope we can speak again sometime," Mathew said as he bowed towards the three.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, please do!"<span ss="editText">Miss Rose<span ss="aiText">replied smiling sweetly.


    <span ss="editText">Wina looked away again as she feared she might<span ss="aiText"> get more embarrassed and charmed by Mathew. She felt a little ashamed about how she acted around him. But she was happy that he wasn''t angry over it.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">If I get the job. I''ll have to be in the same room as him. This job may be harder than I hoped,'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew nodded and walked away leaving her to face the other two.


    <span ss="editText">Miss Rose was smirking at Wina<span ss="aiText">''s awkwardness with Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">"That was quite the performance, Miss Wina," Miss Rose teased.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was flush with red cheeks and shook her head in embarrassment. "I''m sorry!<span ss="editText">That won''t happen again, Miss Rose!<span ss="aiText">" she said with a curtsy.


    <span ss="userText">"Aw? But you two are so cute together<span ss="aiText">," Miss Rose said teasingly.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed an even deeper red and looked away.


    <span ss="editText">"Haha! I''m sorry for needling you, Miss Wina. But I will tell you this a<span ss="aiText">head<span ss="editText">of time. If the prince chooses you as the royal wet nurse. You are prohibited from having an affair with your coworker until the prince is of age where he no longer needs a wet nurse<span ss="aiText">," Miss Rose stated.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked up to Miss Rose with surprise.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">You don''t have to worry about that Miss Rose<span ss="aiText">, we''re not going to<span ss="editText">be<span ss="aiText"> together like that," Wina said with a smile as she was trying to convince herself that she won''t fall for Mathew again.


    <span ss="aiText">Miss Rose smiled sweetly back at her. "<span ss="editText">But Sir Mathew will be watching over the prince from time to time<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">So, I hope you can work with him while you two are on the same<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">shift<span ss="aiText">. There is nothing wrong with keeping a good rtionship between coworkers in a professional setting," Miss Rose exined.


    Wina<span ss="editText">gulped nervously. She was worried that<span ss="editText">she<span ss="editText">might make a fool out of herself when working<span ss="aiText"> alongside him.


    <span ss="editText">"Also, it''s alright to go out on a date with him if you like. But only when you two are off duty.<span ss="userText">" Miss Rose<span ss="aiText">added.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina gulped nervously again. Her mind was flooded with confusion as she tried to figure out how to respond to what Miss Rose said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">But I thought you said no rtionships, Miss Rose?"<span ss="aiText">Wina asked timidly.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">No, I said no affairs. You<span ss="aiText">t<span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">o<span ss="editText">can be a couple. But we can''t have you having intercourse around the prince<span ss="aiText">. He''s still a baby. We don''t want him being exposed to those acts or other such activities," Miss Rose rified.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh!<span ss="editText">Of cour<span ss="aiText">se. I''ll keep that in mind then," Wina said nodding her head.


    <span ss="userText">"Good! Because I am hoping to see you two<span ss="aiText"> together often. Getting along with each other will help you be a better-wet<span ss="editText">nurse and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">nanny. Isn''t that right,<span ss="editText">Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText">?" Miss<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rosesaid teasingly<span ss="editText"> as she looked past Wina.


    <span ss="editText">''Sir Mathew!?'' Winagasped and looked behind her. Seeing that there was no one standing there.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh?! So you are interested in him<span ss="aiText">?" Miss Rose asked smiling at her.


    <span ss="aiText">''How did<span ss="editText">I fall for that<span ss="aiText">?!'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hahaha! I like you Miss Wina. I hope you are chosen! Because<span ss="aiText">I would love to see the two of you together!<span ss="editText">Now without further ado. Let''s meet the young prince," Miss Rose said happily.


    <span ss="editText">Rachel wasn''t happy that she was getting ignored by<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">Miss Rose and she needed to do something to be seen<span ss="aiText">. She just didn''t know how at the moment.


    Miss Rose noticed that Rachel was a little mopey.


    <span ss="aiText">"Come now Miss Rachel. Don''t think too much about it. <span ss="editText">I think you would be a fine<span ss="aiText">candidate for the position. But i<span ss="editText">t''s not up to me anymore<span ss="aiText">," Miss Rose said as she<span ss="editText">pointed to the big doors that Sir Mathew came out of<span ss="aiText">.


    Rachel shook her head as she couldn''t believe that the baby prince was going to decide who was going to be hired.


    "How''s the prince going to decide? He''s a baby? Whatever, I''ll win in the end," Rachel whispered to herself again.


    <span ss="aiText">The group entered through the doors and<span ss="editText">saw<span ss="userText">a few more maids and another royal guard. That''s when Wina saw her. The Queen of Fiafyr, Rianna Meredydd and she was holding her newborn son in her arms<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">Wina''s target was in sight.


    <span ss="aiText">And as soon as sheid eyes on the <span ss="editText">prince<span ss="aiText">, Wina felt a burning desire to hold the baby. She wanted to cradle him in her arms and make sure that he wasfortable.


    <span ss="userText">''Dammit!<span ss="editText">I should have waited for<span ss="userText">Lucas''s elixir<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">to finish fermenting<span ss="aiText">!'' Wina cursed to herself. ''<span ss="editText">I just need to fight these side effects. And soon orter I will get control over my body again.<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="aiText">She knew that it would take at least half a day for the elixir''s side effects to <span ss="editText">wear off. Or so she hoped.


    <span ss="editText">While Wina was lost in thought the young baby prince turned his head and looked at them with his golden eyes.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? There is something behind those eyes. But I don''t know what it could be. But there''s definitely intelligence behind them. And that would creep me out if he wasn''t so cute,'' Wina gasped in surprise before she regained her<span ss="aiText"posure.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus seemed to focus on Wina over the rest of the group. And it made her nervous. Like this baby knew she was an assassin and he knew that she was hired to kill him.

 Vol.0 Ch.118 Unusual Fantasy for the Assassin

    Vol.0 Ch.118 Unusual Fantasy for the Assassin


    <span ss="editText">Quinus had been living in the world of Tertius for almost three months now. And when he wasn''t eating and sleeping he was trying to learn whatevernguage his mother and the maids <span ss="editText">were <span ss="aiText">sp<span ss="editText">eaking in.


    <span ss="editText">''Man. Even on whatever this is mothers will be mothers,'' thought Quinus as he was watching his mother do baby talk in front of him.


    <span ss="editText">''Ah, what the hell. I''ll give Mom a giggle just for fun<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">"Oh, look at that! He''s so cute when heughs like that!" One of the maids said.


    <span ss="editText">While Rianna was smiling happily at her son''s babyughter.


    <span ss="editText">"I have never seen such a well-behaved baby like this, Your Majesty. He barely cries, isn''t finicky,<span ss="aiText"> and is just overall very easy to handle<span ss="editText">. It''s like you gave birth to the perfect baby<span ss="aiText">," the maid said as she smiled warmly at the queen.


    Rianna nodded in agreement. "Indeed. I am very fortunate to have him. My older brother and his wife told me about their first child, and how he wouldn''t stop crying for 20 hours before he would eventually cry himself to sleep. Then their second child was fine as long as you held her in your arms, which was an improvement over their first. But his third daughter. She was a nightmare of a child. She screamed nonstop, woke up constantly, and only slept for 10 minutes every hour. The poor servants were run ragged by those three... But even if my Quinus were as bad as those three, I would still love him... But who am I toin about having the greatest child in all of Tertius? Isn''t that right my little Quinny? Yes? Yes? Hehehe!"


    <span ss="editText">"Well, I''m d we''re blessed with such a sweet little boy," said the maid.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">''I don''t know why but it''s hrious to see all these women staring at me like this<span ss="userText">,'' Quinus thought as he tried to speak but his tongue wasn''t<span ss="aiText"> cooperating.


    <span ss="editText">''Some day I will talk again! Mark my words!... Yeah, I''m going over bored. That''s what I get for not being able to under<span ss="aiText">stand <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">m yet... I think I know a few of the words, like "Right" and "Left". As well<span ss="aiText"> as the basic greetings, "Hello", "Goodbye", and "Thank You". <span ss="editText">I would learn faster if I could talk dammit!... Sigh... just be patient Emil.''


    <span ss="editText">Quinus was in the arms of his mother as he watched her talk to a maid. They would y with him from time to time before going back to their business.


    <span ss="editText">That was until the doors opened and Miss Rose, Rachel, and Wina walked into the room.


    Quinus turned his head to see who had arrived and was surprised by the blushing face of Wina. Who''s dress showed off breasts that almost rivaled his mother''s.


    ''Holy shit! The women on this are beautiful, especially the one with the blushing face! I wonder who they are?'' Quinus thought as he stared at Wina while she closed her eyes and shook her head as if she was trying to regather herself.


    <span ss="userText">***


    Miss Rose bows down to the Queen and said, "Your Majesty... I bring you the final two candidates for the position. I couldn''t select between them so I decided to let the prince choose his wet nurse, my Queen."


    Queen Rianna frowned at the choices of Rose, "So you wish for my son to decide which one is the better candidate?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty. All I ask is that you let the Prince have his afternoon feeding time be with the candidates. By letting him feed from them and see who he likes more," Miss Rose replied.


    Quinus was sitting on his mother''sp as she spoke to the two candidates.


    "Which one do you prefer, my Prince?" asked Rianna.


    Quinus looked at each of them in turn before looking back up to his mother, as he didn''t know what she asked him.


    Queen Rianna smiled and giggled as she set her hand on Quinus'' forehead, "Well I guess we can let him try both of the candidates and see if he likes them."


    "Excellent, my Queen... Ladies? *p! p!* Please reveal your bosoms to the prince!" Rose said as she pped her hands to get Rachel''s and Wina''s attention.


    Rachel looks at Rose and then at Quinus before lowering her top exposing her breasts. Wina looked at Rachel for a moment before she too lowered her top revealing her bigger breasts as well.


    Quinus was taken aback at the sight of two more pairs of beautiful breasts.


    ''WOW! Shit! How important am I to have my mother order thesedies to expose themselves in front of me? I mean damn, my Momma has a pair of knockers bigger than theirs! But that one on the left is looking really nice. Those nipples look as if they''re trying to escape from the fabric. I wonder what color they are? Man! When am I going to see in color again!?''


    "My Prince, do you like either of these twodies?" Rianna asks with a smile as she stood up from her chair.


    The Queen then walked up closer to thedies.


    Quinus stares at the two women and then back to his mother.


    ''What''s the deal?'' Quinus thought before looking at the twodies again.


    "Hmm? It seems the prince is having a tough time choosing, my Queen. Maybe we should let him try their milk? Maybe he will decide then," Miss Rose suggests.


    "I would be honored to go first, your Majesty!" Rachel quickly said before Wina could say anything.


    Wina looked at Rachel with an annoyed look while cursing herself for being off her game ever since sheid eyes on Mathew.


    <span ss="editText">"Very well," Rianna says as she walks up to Rachel first and hands the Prince over to her<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh! The prince is so beautiful! Come now, my prince. Eat up<span ss="aiText">!" Rachel said cheerfully as she held the prince to her chest and rubbed his cheek as she offered him a nipple to suckle.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh? She wants me to suck on her nipples?... Hold on! Is this a wet nurse thing? Are they called wet nurses on this? Ah! Screw it<span ss="aiText">!''


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus looked at Rachel''s breast and <span ss="editText">started sucking on it.


    <span ss="editText">"There we go. Eat up, my prince." Rachel said to the baby as hetched onto her.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus was surprised at how good her milk tasted, as he sucked and gulped it down quickly<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">''Not bad... Still not as good as mom''s, but not bad nheless<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="aiText">After a few minutes of suckling, <span ss="editText">Quinus<span ss="aiText"> pulled away <span ss="editText">and looked over to Wina.


    <span ss="editText">''God! I think I''m going to be a tits man at this rate. I really want to try her milk,'' thought Quinus as he stared at Wina''s big beautiful breasts with pretty nipples.


    <span ss="userText">"W-Why did you stop eating, my prince?" Rachel<span ss="aiText"> asked with a confused look. She was wondering why the child stopped drinking her milk.


    <span ss="editText">Wina noticed the baby staring straight at her tits<span ss="aiText">. ''<span ss="editText">T<span ss="aiText">hi<span ss="editText">s is it! It''s my chance to see if this brat likes me<span ss="aiText"> or not.''


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Majesty, may I please have my turn?" Wina quickly says as she <span ss="editText">walks over to Rachel. So she could take him in her arms.


    <span ss="editText">"No! No! I think he wants to continue to feed from me! H-<span ss="editText">He''s just taking a break!" Rachel quickly said.


    <span ss="editText">Rose chimed in, "Miss Rachel, you had your go and now it''s Miss Wina''s turn<span ss="aiText">. We don''t want the prince to miss out on her because you were being selfish. Who knows? He may not like her milk and look toe back to you. Remember, this is for the good of the kingdom, Miss Rachel."


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah... Okay..." Rachel said and <span ss="editText">gave<span ss="aiText"> the prince<span ss="editText"> over to Wina<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus looked up at <span ss="editText">Wina as she took hold of him<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">''Damn<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> she''s a good<span ss="editText">-<span ss="userText">looking woman. I''m a little sad that I''m not an adult right now. But there <span ss="editText">are<span ss="userText"> going to be more chances in the future with other women. Just enjoy this moment<span ss="editText">, for now, Emil.'' Quinus thought as he wasing in closer to<span ss="aiText"> Wina.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">''Finally! I got the kid! Now here''s to hoping the elixir is working<span ss="userText">... I mean<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> it made my tits bigger so they better produce milk!... Alright<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> you little brat! Take my bre-AUGH! NAUGH!'' Wina''s thoughts became a jumbled mess as the baby prince<span ss="aiText">tched himself onto her <span ss="editText">super-sensitive <span ss="aiText">nipple.


    <span ss="userText">Wina bit her lower lip in hopes to stop herself from moaning<span ss="aiText"> too loudly as the baby suckled.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">This is wrong. This isn''t normal. What is this feeling? Why does this feel<span ss="aiText"> so good<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText">!'' Wina thought as she <span ss="editText">felt her body shi<span ss="aiText">ve<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> a<span ss="editText">s the baby prince sucked <span ss="userText">vigorously<span ss="aiText"> on her nipple.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t help but stare at the prince as he continued to suckle. His face was filled with blissful expressions as he drank her breast milk with great gusto.


    <span ss="userText">"Is everything alright Miss Wina? Your cheeks are a deep red and you''re shivering<span ss="aiText"> all over." <span ss="editText">Miss Rose<span ss="aiText"> asks her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah... I''m fine. Everything''s fine... Really.<span ss="editText"> Oh!... I-I just wasn''t expecting the bra- I mean the prince to be so aggressive! Ugh!<span ss="aiText">" Wina said as she tried to hide her embarrassment<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">''Shit! My breasts feel so good<span ss="aiText">! How did this happen?!?'' Wina thought, as she just stood there frozen as the baby continued to suckle.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hehe! I remember <span ss="userText">when my boy did that to me about two weeks ago. I believe a doctor told me once before that newborns don''t get the<span ss="editText">i<span ss="userText">r eyesight until the<span ss="editText">y<span ss="userText"> are around the age of two to four months old<span ss="editText">. I think he got<span ss="userText"> excited seeing his mother''s breasts for the first time and has gone easier on me over time. But I think my son likes his women with bigger bosoms<span ss="editText">." <span ss="editText">Queen Rianna<span ss="aiText"> said as she giggles at how <span ss="editText">her son<span ss="aiText"> was reacting to Wina''s big breasts.


    <span ss="userText">''S-She''s encouraging<span ss="aiText"> this?! <span ss="editText">Aunh! His tongue<span ss="aiText"> is so warm against my skin!'' Wina thought as she felt herself shiver.


    <span ss="aiText">Rachel is taken back by this revtion. She didn''t know that babies liked bigger boobs over smaller ones.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus was enjoying Wina so much that he moved his body to her other boob and began<span ss="aiText"> sucking on the other nipple.


    <span ss="aiText">''Ahhhhh! This is heavenly!'' Wina thought as she moaned at the sensation of his warm mouth suckling on her breasts.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked down at the prince and saw him staring right back at her with those cute <span ss="editText">golden<span ss="aiText"> eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">''Those eyes! They look like they are glowing! <span ss="editText">H-How am I at his mercy?! Aunh! He''s nothing but a baby<span ss="aiText">!'' Wina <span ss="editText">wondered<span ss="aiText"> as she f<span ss="editText">elt a tingle run through her body again<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">She needed to calm herself. So she closed her eyes and tried to meditate<span ss="aiText"> to clear her mind.


    <span ss="aiText">''Focus! Focus! Focus! Concentrate on the sensation of his sucking and iste it from your mind! Don''t let yourself get lost in the heat of the moment, Wina!''


    <span ss="aiText">As Wina concentrated on what her breast was feeling.<span ss="userText"> Her mind slowly went nk and her body began to feel warm all over.


    <span ss="userText">''Oh no! What the hell is happening to me?!'' Wina thought as her meditated state of mind started creating a world around her as the baby prince slowly morphed into a man with light green eyes and light brown hair.


    <span ss="userText">''Sir Mathew?! Oh! OH!<span ss="aiText"> AH! UHHHHHHH! NNNN!'' Wina cried out as she felt the heat between her legs rise and knew that she could no longer control herself.<span ss="editText"> As she wa<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">f<span ss="aiText">an<span ss="editText">tasizing about M<span ss="aiText">athe<span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText"> kissing her and fondling her breasts, she realized that she had be aroused.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew stepped closer to Wina and wrapped his arms around her waist.


    <span ss="aiText">''Wha-what?! Wha-whaaaaat?!<span ss="userText"> How is he so strong!?<span ss="aiText"> Wait, <span ss="editText">if he touches me down there it will hurt<span ss="aiText">?!'' Wina thought as she felt her pussy start to tingle.


    <span ss="editText">Her fantasy was<span ss="aiText"> already so real that she was getting wet from just the mere touch of his hands. She wanted <span ss="editText">to gain control but her body refused<span ss="aiText"> to listen to hermands.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hehe! You seem to have enjoyed yourself quite a lot. Do you want me to finish you off?" Mathew asked as he kissed her neck softly.


    <span ss="aiText">His voice sent shivers up her spine and made her knees weak.


    <span ss="userText">''OH, GODDESS! AUNGH! THIS IS WHAT I''VE BEEN MISSING OUT ON ALL MY LIFE!?<span ss="aiText"> AUNGH!'' Wina thought as she felt her pussy throbbing and a warm trickle of liquid drip out onto the ground.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew<span ss="aiText"> the<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> b<span ss="editText">ent her over<span ss="aiText"> and pulled up her dress exposing her ass for him.


    <span ss="aiText">''AHHHHH! NO! NOT THERE! PLEASE!'' Wina thought as she felt her heart racing inside her chest while her panties became soaking wet.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you sure? You can change your mind anytime. We''re not doing anything wrong here," Mathew said as he slipped his fingers under the straps of her bra and slid them down to expose her tits.


    <span ss="userText">Wina couldn''t speak for some reason. So all she could do was shake her butt<span ss="aiText"> around to try and distract him.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re so beautiful. It would be such a shame if something happened to this body... I''m just worried that we might end up having children. That might leave us with some exining to do," Mathew said.


    <span ss="userText">''Childr<span ss="editText">e<span ss="userText">n?! But it''s impossible! I''m a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="userText"> assassin! My master made sure that I couldn''t get pregnant<span ss="aiText">!'' Wina thought as she shook her ass even more.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew got on his knees behind Wina and grabbed her hips firmly.


    <span ss="aiText">"I think it''s time for you to show me how grateful you are for all the things I''ve done for you," Mathew whispered before he brought his face closer to her pussy.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina closed her eyes and bit her lip as she felt his tongue slip into her folds.


    <span ss="aiText">''UHHHHHHH! I-It feels so good!'' Wina thought as her entire body shivered.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina felt a finger slide into her pussy and heard Mathew moan as he licked her clit.


    <span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText">That''s my good girl! I''ll take care of you now!" Mathew said as his tongue began top her clit faster.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina took a deep breath as she felt her pussy getting filled with juices.


    <span ss="aiText">''This isn''t fair! Why does it feel so good?'' Wina thought as she felt the pleasure rising inside her.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew continued to lick her clit as his finger pressed against her entrance.


    <span ss="userText">''NO! It''s going to hurt if he goes in my pussy!<span ss="aiText"> I don''t know if I can handle t<span ss="editText">he pain<span ss="aiText">!'' Wina thought as she pushed back against Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">"Rx! I won''t go too far inside you. Just rx and enjoy this," Mathew said as he pushed his finger inside her tight <span ss="editText">pussy.


    <span ss="editText">But instead of the terrible pain that Wina normally felt when being prated<span ss="aiText">, she felt <span ss="editText">a <span ss="aiText">warm and soft sensation fill her.<span ss="editText"> As ripples of pleasure start running through her ent<span ss="editText">ire being<span ss="aiText"> she moaned loudly.


    <span ss="editText">"NO! N-No? Oh? Oooh! Aungh! There''s no pain? I-It feels so good! Is this what most women feel?! AUNGH! DON''T STOP!" Wina thought as she felt herself growing wetter.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew kept pushing his finger deeper inside her pussy until it hit the top of her vagina.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh, Goddess! It''s so hot! How did he make it feel so good<span ss="undoDeletionText">? PLEASE DON''T STOP!'' Wina thought as her whole body started shaking<span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew kept licking her clit as he pressed his thumb inside her pussy causing her back to arch up to allow Mathew<span ss="aiText"> easier ess to her sensitive parts.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''<span ss="aiText">FUCK! IT FEELS SO GOOD! GODDESS! MAKE ME COME!<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''<span ss="aiText"> Wina screamed <span ss="editText">inside her head <span ss="aiText">as her whole body shuddered and her legs <span ss="editText">started<span ss="undoDeletionText"> to spread wider.


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Mathew said to her, "I''ll give you more if you say my name, Wina."


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''M-Mathew...'' Wina thought as she tried to<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> rais<span ss="userText">e her ass<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> u<span ss="userText">p at him.


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"I can''t hear you Wina! Say it!" Mathew ordered as he pressed his thumb deeper inside her pussy.


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Wina gasped and moaned as she called out his name.

 Vol.0 Ch.119 Discovering Her New Self

    Vol.0 Ch.119 Discovering Her New Self


    <span ss="userText">"MATHEW!!!" Eximed Wina as her eyes opened up to see the Queen, Miss Rose, Rachel, and a whole bunch of maids who were all staring at Wina who was still holding the baby prince in her arms.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus stopped feeding when he heard her yell out in ecstasy.


    <span ss="userText">''W-Wait! Where''s Mathew?... Huh?! What''s wrong with me!!!'' Wina thought as she shook her head trying to regain whateverposure she could muster.


    <span ss="userText">"Miss Wina?! Did you just fantasize about Sir Mathew?" Asked the Queen while covering her lower face with her fan.


    <span ss="userText">"NO, your Majesty! I would never do such a thing!" Wina said while shaking her head.


    <span ss="userText">Miss Rose was covering her mouth while sheughed hysterically.


    <span ss="userText">Rachel was stunned.


    <span ss="userText">While the maids started whispering to themselves.


    <span ss="userText">And Sir Mathew who just froze right at the entrance of the room walked in, just as Wina scream his name in delight.


    <span ss="userText">''Why are they looking behind me?'' thought Wina as she slowly turned to see what they were all looking at.


    <span ss="userText">That was when Wina spotted Mathew behind her.


    <span ss="userText">"M-Mathew!?" Wina yel<span ss="editText">p<span ss="userText">ed as her head snapped forward.


    <span ss="userText">''Oh<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> goddess! He heard me!... Hold on?! Everyone heard me! N-No! I''m a disgrace of a assassin<span ss="editText">! <span ss="aiText">What am I doing? Who do I think I am!? I''m so stupid! I should''ve known better than to do this!'' Wina thought as she blushed furiously.


    <span ss="editText">"Miss Wina is so cute when she is<span ss="aiText"> embarrassed! We need to protect her from public humiliation!" Said Miss Rose as she giggled.


    <span ss="aiText">Rachel startedughing as well.


    <span ss="aiText">"How dare youugh at me! You''re the one who''s acting like a child!"<span ss="userText"> Wina<span ss="aiText"> yelled as she red at everyone.


    <span ss="aiText">Rachel looked at Wina with her eyebrows raised and said, "You didn''t even notice us all watching you?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I-I got lost in the moment<span ss="aiText">! I didn''t mean to act that way! Please forgive me!" Wina apologized.


    <span ss="editText">Miss Rose <span ss="editText">smiled at her<span ss="aiText"> and said, "Don''t worry about it Wina. It''s only natural for a woman your age to be attracted by a<span ss="editText"> handsome man."


    <span ss="editText">Then Rose moved closer to her ear to whisper, "Plus, Sir Mathew is single. Just thought you like to know<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">The Queen cleared her throat<span ss="aiText"> and said, "<span ss="editText">Alright everyone! That''s enough ying around."


    <span ss="editText">Miss Rose backed away, "Very right, your Majesty! Miss Wina! It seems the prince has taken a liking to you. So, the offer is <span ss="userText">yours, if you want it."


    <span ss="userText">Wina looked<span ss="aiText"> down at the baby prince in her arms. She was feeling <span ss="editText">excited and uneas<span ss="aiText">y about what happened earlier.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">I <span ss="editText">never experienced anything like this before. I have to find out what happened to my body. Before things get worse... Sigh! At least I have one major hurdle<span ss="aiText"> out of the way.'' Wina thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I-I ept the position, Miss Rose... Does Her Majesty wish to take back the prince?<span ss="aiText"> I don''t mind giving him to her..." Wina asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Miss Rose smiled and <span ss="editText">the Queen <span ss="aiText">said, "Of course<span ss="editText">! You have done well, Miss Wina. I look forward<span ss="aiText"> to working with you in the future."


    <span ss="editText">Rianna took her child back into her arms.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, your highness!" Wina replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now then! <span ss="editText">I will leave you to Miss Rose. As she will show you to your new quarters." The queen said cheerfully.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes! Thank you, your Majesty! Firstly, Miss Rachel. I appreciate the time you spent here today. But obviously, the prince has chosen Miss Wina. I wish you<span ss="aiText"> good luck with your <span ss="editText">future endeavors," Miss Rose<span ss="aiText"> told her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah! Yes! <span ss="editText">Well, I thought I would be disappointed at first. But seeing Miss Wina''s reaction<span ss="aiText"> to the prince changed that. <span ss="editText">Good luck Miss Wina... You''re going to need it." Rachel said with a grin while she was led out of the chamber by two maids.


    <span ss="aiText">"Lastly, Sir Mathew. <span ss="editText">Can you show Miss Wina to her quarters? You two will be working in the same room for quite some time. It would be good if you two got to know each other. Don''t you think?" Queen Rianna<span ss="aiText"> said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ya! Right!" Mathew said while he walks over to <span ss="editText">Wina<span ss="aiText"> and says, "Let''s go!"


    <span ss="editText">''Shit!'' Wina thought as she quickly covered herself before Mathew<span ss="aiText"> can see her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">You could have given me a moment! I wasn''t respectable!" Wina yelled.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew shook his head and smiled.


    <span ss="editText">"Miss Wina... This won''t be thest time for me to see your bosoms. I need to make sure you don''t do anything to the prince <span ss="userText">while I am protecting him... Plus I wouldn''t mind hearing you scream my name out a few more times<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmph! <span ss="editText">You wish! That was a mistake that won''t happen again<span ss="aiText">! Let''s hurry up and get this over with." Wina huffed as she walked <span ss="editText">past Mathew.


    <span ss="editText">"She''s a feisty one... Isn''t she?" Mathew whispered to himself as he followed her


    <span ss="editText">As Wina and Mathew left the Prince''s Royal Quarters. Queen Rianna and Rose looked at each other andughed.


    <span ss="editText">"Hahaha! Oh! She is going to be a fun one! I look forward to bing a good friend with her," Queen Rianna said as she wiped away some tears.


    <span ss="editText">"Indeed! I wasn''t expecting to pick her at first but I''m d she won the position. She''ll make things fun around here for sure, your Majesty." said Rose.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">After walking down the hallway, Wina and Mathew finally arrived at the entrance of her room.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew wanted to do some small talk but Wina wasn''t having any of it. So he just walk alongside her. Smiling as he did.


    <span ss="editText">''Thank the Goddess he didn''t talk to me!<span ss="aiText"> Now I won''t have to stand there looking stupid or worse yet, have people start whispering behind my back.'' Wina thought.


    <span ss="aiText">When they entered the room Mathew <span ss="editText">finally decided to talk to her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, this is your room. It''s a little fancy but I''m sure this is<span ss="aiText">n''t an<span ss="editText">ything new for you Miss Wina<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">And if you need anything from me, I''m thre<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText">oo<span ss="editText">rs down the hallway."<span ss="aiText"> Mathew said with a wink.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina <span ss="editText">froze<span ss="aiText"> for a second before she realized what he meant and blushed bright red.


    ''I spoke too soon,'' she thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">There''s nothing I need your help with Sir Mathew. Now if you excuse me. I need to take a break before I go back to work and then report to Miss Rose.<span ss="aiText"> Thank you for everything." Wina said w<span ss="editText">ith a<span ss="undoDeletionText">n impatient<span ss="aiText"> tone.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew <span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">ai<span ss="editText">sed his hands up in defense<span ss="aiText"> as he backed away slowly. He <span ss="editText">knew she was attracted to him, but he was trying to figur<span ss="aiText">e ou<span ss="editText">t why she<span ss="undoDeletionText"> was putting up all these defenses. And the harder she tried to push him away the more intrigued and attracted he became<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course. Take care Miss Wina. I hope we meet again soon." Mathew said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s face went white as she saw the smile on his lips and heard the way he spoke. ''Oh<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">,<span ss="aiText"> Goddess! What am I doing<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">?<span ss="aiText"> Why did Ie off like such an idiot?!'' Wina thought as she turned her back to him and quickly <span ss="editText">walked away.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew was confused as he turned to leave.


    <span ss="editText">He hadn''t found a woman of her caliber in a long time and he was hoping to win her over in the long term. But he was worried that he may have screwed it up.


    <span ss="editText">"Dammit! You''ve been thinking with your wrong head Mathew!" Said Mathew as he cursed himself.


    <span ss="aiText">"I should have known better than to try and charm her<span ss="editText"> so quickly..<span ss="aiText">. She''s going to hate me now! I <span ss="editText">can only hope t<span ss="aiText">hat <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> damage isn''t<span ss="aiText"> too bad..." Mathew muttered to himself while he sighed.


    <span ss="editText">He then proceeded to head back to the prince''s chamber as he was still on his shift.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">After Wina heard the door close after<span ss="aiText"> Mathew left she let out a sigh. She had never felt this nervous before. Her palms were sweaty, and her heartbeat was racing. She couldn''t believe how easy it was for Mathew to get under her skin.


    <span ss="userText">"This has to be the elixir''s fault!<span ss="aiText"> It must have changed me somehow!" Wina thought as she rubbed her eyes. "No! I cannot think like that. I need to focus on the mission."


    <span ss="editText">Wina took a deep breath and prepared herself for the uing challenge ahead of her.


    <span ss="editText">But something was still bugging her. It was that strange sensation<span ss="aiText"> she got whenever Mathew was near. Something inside of her just told her to trust him.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked around her quarters for a moment<span ss="editText">. She needed to make sure there w<span ss="undoDeletionText">ere no<span ss="userText"> secret spyholes in her room<span ss="aiText">. Everything seemed fine. There were no hidden <span ss="userText">doors or peepholes as she slowly examined<span ss="aiText"> every inch of the room.


    <span ss="editText">''Well, if there''s a way to spy on me<span ss="aiText"> then <span ss="editText">it would be some artifact <span ss="userText">that I''m not aware of<span ss="aiText">. But so far I haven''t seen any signs of them.'' Wina thought as she rxed.


    <span ss="editText">And as she did Mathew''s smiling face<span ss="aiText"> came to mind. ''<span ss="editText">Dammit!<span ss="aiText"> Stop thinking about him already!<span ss="editText"> No matter what he says I''m not going to fall for him so easily.'' W<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText"> th<span ss="editText">ought as she shook her head.


    <span ss="editText">That feeling was back<span ss="aiText"> again. That same warm sensation ran through her body and caused her pulse rate to increase.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina wasn''t sure how long she stood there staring at the wall.<span ss="userText"> But she needed to find out what<span ss="editText"> wa<span ss="userText">s going on with her groin.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Assassin<span ss="aiText">s are not supposed to feel attraction towards <span ss="editText">anyone! I was trained not to. So it should be<span ss="aiText"> impossible! There has to be another reason for this!" Wina said in a panic as she paced back and forth.


    <span ss="aiText">''Hmmm...<span ss="userText"> I need to examine myself<span ss="aiText"> again.'' Wina thought as she began to undress.


    <span ss="aiText">Once her clothes were off shey down on the bed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Goddess?! My body''s changed so much. I didn''t know my hips were this wide now?<span ss="aiText">" Wina whispered to herself as she stared at her own naked form.


    <span ss="userText">She slowly started caressing her body with her hands <span ss="aiText">as she continued to stare at her bare chest.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">I was in such a hurry that I didn''t realize how big they got<span ss="aiText">?'' Wina thought as her heart began to race once more.


    <span ss="aiText">''I need to stop this! No matter what happens, I refuse to go crazy like that again!'' Wina said as she held her breath and focused on rxing her body.


    <span ss="aiText">Her breathing slowed and became smoother, and her heart rate returned to normal.


    <span ss="userText">Only then did she move her hands lower towards her new problem area<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Augh! This is so awkward!" Wina said as she <span ss="editText">reached into her vagina<span ss="aiText"> and began to rub it gently. "Whoa! <span ss="editText">My clit grew? Aunh! I-It''s the size of a bean? Naugh!<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina slipped one finger inside her pussy and <span ss="editText">felt electricity run up<span ss="aiText"> and down her spine. Her excitement shot through the roof and she moaned.


    <span ss="aiText">"Eek! I''m <span ss="editText">healed?! Lucas''s elixir healed my v<span ss="aiText">agin<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">!" Wina cried as her body shook.


    <span ss="editText">Wina was shocked that she didn''t feel pain like she used to when she fingered herself. She didn''t know i<span ss="aiText">f <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> should be happy or mortified by this discovery. All she knew was, she had to make sure<span ss="aiText"> it stayed hidden.


    <span ss="aiText">"I need to talk to Lucas about thister! <span ss="editText">Aungh!<span ss="aiText"> What am I gonna do?!" Wina said as she sat on the bed and covered her pussy with both hands.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t believe that her body could be healed without a healer. She also couldn''t believe she actually enjoyed touching her own private part even though it was hard to admit it.


    <span ss="userText">And as she sat there pondering, her idle hands<span ss="aiText"> started to wander once more towards her genitals.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Goddess... I don''t th<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">k<span ss="aiText"> this <span ss="editText">is normal! I never seen a woman want to masturbate as much as<span ss="aiText"> I <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">ant <span ss="editText">to right now<span ss="aiText">!" Wina said as she tried to fight the urges that kepting back over and over again.


    <span ss="userText">But this sensation that used to be painful was now begging her to explore it<span ss="aiText"> more.


    <span ss="aiText">"Not today... Not until I''ve calmed myself down." Wina whispered as she continued to rub her leaking pussy.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s thighs squeezed together as she felt the pleasurable heat between her legs.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhh! Goddess, you''re so good to me!" Wina said as she rubbed harder and faster.


    <span ss="aiText">The pleasure that spread from her clit grew stronger, and she continued to moan as her fingers worked their magic.<span ss="userText"> Her fingers plunged into areas of her cervix she never dared to go before<span ss="aiText">, and she was amazed at how sensitive it was.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Aunh! Damn you master! Ohh! Damn, you for stealing this away from me! Mmmmh! If I have known? I would have killed you years ago<span ss="aiText">!" Wina said as she thrust her hips forward and back <span ss="editText">in hopes of reaching deeper inside<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina felt her climax building rapidly, and her orgasm was all but inevitable.


    <span ss="aiText">As Wina''s body trembled, her mind started to go nk as the wave of pleasure washed over her.


    <span ss="userText">Before she would have tried to stop herself. But now that she''s tasted what most women felt<span ss="aiText">, she wanted more.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmnnnn! Ahhhhhhh!" Wina screamed as her body jerked forward and back.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s eyes rolled into the back of her head, and her vision blurred as she felt a powerful release rush through her body.


    <span ss="userText">It was her first time experiencing a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="userText"> orgasm<span ss="aiText">, and it was better than anything she ever imagined. And while she was in the middle of her climax<span ss="editText"> her vision turned white from being lost in wave after wave<span ss="aiText"> of pleasure that coursed through her body.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oooh! Master! <span ss="editText">How dare you take this from<span ss="aiText"> me!" Wina said as she settled down from her mind<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">blowing climax.


    <span ss="editText">As shey there on her bed. All she wanted to do was stare at the ceiling of her<span ss="aiText"> room. <span ss="editText">Thinking about everything she''s gone through in this short time and how she will never let the Assassin''s Societye anywhere near her vagina again<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Now that she had experienced how intense the pleasure of orgasm was. She <span ss="editText">thought she could control it better<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">''Yes! I just need to do this every so often so I don''t get overwhelmed by<span ss="aiText"> the urge again.'' Wina thought as she rxed in her bed.


    <span ss="editText">She knew what she needed to do and now she just needed to get the trust of the people around her so she can be alone with the baby prince and kill him.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">Back in Quin''s chamber, Quinus wasn''t expecting that wet nurse with the big boobs to cry out in ecstasy<span ss="aiText"> when she <span ss="editText">was breastfeeding him.


    <span ss="editText">''Damn! I hope that woman''s singl- wait! What am I thinking about? If she''<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">l<span ss="aiText">act<span ss="editText">at<span ss="aiText">ing<span ss="editText">, then she had a baby herself... Whatever. The boredom is too much and it''s not like I''m going to be her boyfriend... I mean I''m still a baby. And she''s what? In her mid-twenties?<span ss="aiText"> Yeah<span ss="editText">, <span ss="editText">I''m too young for her and I would make her seem like a pedophile if I try to make her love me. I''ll enjoy the journey while itsts,<span ss="aiText">'' Quin thought as he continued to feed on his mother''s breast.


    <span ss="editText">It wasn''t long before <span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">as<span ss="editText"> tired<span ss="aiText"> and ready for a nap. Heid back down and closed his eyes as the warm feeling of his mother''s breasts lulled him to sleep.

 Vol.0 Ch.120 The Wheels Keep Turning in the Background

    Vol.0 Ch.120 The Wheels Keep Turning in the Background


    Back at the Divalo Manor. A footman from the royal pce came by in the dead of night.


    "I have a message for his lordship," The footman said as he handed over a scroll to the head butler, Belial.


    "Is there anything thing else to report?" Belial asked as he opened the parchment and read the message.


    "Everything is in the message, Mr. Belial." The messenger said as he bowed.


    "Very well. You may leave now," Belial said as he waved the messenger off.


    Belial looked at the message and began to walk to the Duke''s study.


    ***


    *Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    The Duke ric Revelia was reading some documents at his desk when he heard a knocking on his chamber door.


    "Come!" He said out loud as he sat there still reading.


    The door opened as Belial walked into the study with a paper in hand.


    "My lordship, I have a message from one of our men on the inside of the pce," Belial said as he handed over the message.


    The Duke didn''t say anything as he grabbed the parchment and began to read.


    After a few seconds, he looked up at Belial standing five feet away from his lord. "So she made it in. I guess the rumors about her are true then..." The Duke said as he took another look at the message.


    "Yes, my Lordship. But there may be some concern about her change in appearance. That maternal elixir might have altered her mindset as well. Especially after hearing rumors of her screaming out a Royal Knight''s name during a feeding time with the prince." Belial said with a bit of concern.


    Duke Revelia sighed and shook his head.


    "Or she''s trying to get this knight, who is tasked to protect the prince, to fall for her in order to get alone time with the prince. It''s what she''s known for in the Assassin''s Society." ric said as he folded the parchment and held it over a candle to burn it.


    "I don''t know my Lord. I didn''t like reading about her acting like a woman in heat. If anything, shouldn''t we have a backup n in case things go south?" Belial asked as he stood there looking concerned for his master.


    Duke Revelia looked at Belial and shook his head. "No, she said it would take her three months at the earliest. So, I''ll give her three months. And if things aren''t going as nned then advise our people in the pce to use whatever discretion necessary to aid or encourage our little snake toplete her task. Is that satisfactory for you, Belial?"


    Belial nodded and said, "Yes, your Lordship."


    "Good. Now, let me be. These tax reports aren''t going to finish themselves." The Duke said as he dismissed his butler.


    "I can retrieve you a refreshment if you wish. My Lord."


    "No, I''m fine Belial. You may finish whatever you need and turn in for the night. We''re leaving tomorrow morning to collect taxes from my territories." The Duke said as he began to work.


    Belial nodded and left the study closing the doors behind himself.


    ***


    By this time word has spread outside the Fiafyr Kingdom into the surrounding human kingdoms.


    The Kingdom of Marn had an emergency council meeting with their king and queen in attendance.


    A room with 20 ministers and cab members was arguing amongst each other about how to deal with this matter.


    "Silence! I can''t hear any of you when you''re bickering like children!" King Arnaud yelled as he mmed his fist down on the table.


    Everyone turned silent as they stared at him.


    King Arnaud continued, "So the Kingdom of Fiafyr has their next heir! Yes, it is a surprise that it came from Rianna Meredydd and not from a mistress. However, the fact remains that we need to take some of their fertilends. How do you n on dealing with that?"


    The meeting exploded again as everyone was talking at once.


    Finally, someone pulled the attention back to them by saying, "The main issue is that their heir is legitimate! Their nobles would unite and stop us from taking theirnds!" Yelled Counselor Hennif.


    Counselor Berthrand added, "Yes! If it was a mistress''s child, the kingdom would have been divided. I don''t know why the Fiafyr Kingdom''s parliament put a restriction on their king to only allow him to have one wife and no concubines. But regardless we need to do something about that child!"


    Many of the men nodded in agreement.


    Then Advisor Krenn spoke up. "If you''re wondering why their Parliament put that restriction on King Cyndre is because of his older brother Duke ric Revelia... ric promised not to go to war for the crown if his brother epted a certain condition, which was to have no more than one wife. And Cyndre agreed."


    King Arnaud looked at Advisor Krenn. Then he turned to the rest of the advisers and asked, "What do all of you think? Do we risk sending assassins to kill this child and the threat of war?"


    Krenn shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don''t know my Lord. As I said before, I''m not sure whether we should just leave this alone or try to assassinate the child. What are your thoughts on this?"


    A few of the advisers began to talk about how dangerous it would be to attempt to murder this child, even an assassin.


    Counselor Hennif chimed in, "I think it''s worth the risk, Your Majesty. We are tired of giving our gold to the Fiafyrites. unting their fertilends in front of us! If we can get rid of this heir, then we can im the northern half of Fiafyr before the southern nobles could react. Plus, if the child dies we can im it was the Dark Elves doing and make them pay instead of us."


    Counselor Berthrand smiled when Hennif suggested this idea. "Yes! We just need to make it look like the Dark Elves did it. This way if it fails we are in the clear and avoid conflict with the Fiafyrites."


    King Arnaud looked around the room. He knew what Berthrand was thinking, but he also knew that his advisers didn''t want to admit it.


    He leaned over and whispered in Krenn''s ear, "Do you think it is an unwise idea? Do we risk war so soon?"


    "Our coffers have not grown in years because we need to spend it on their produce, Your Majesty. Yes, we are in afortable spot. But the Kingdom of Fiafyr is stronger than us because we buy most of their goods and we have nothing in trade that the Fiafyr Kingdom wants. Besides minor trades with their border cities. It''s only a matter of time before they are far stronger than our kingdom and they can push us around how they see fit."


    Arnaud nodded then turned to the others and said, "We can''t let it happen. So we need to contact the Assassin''s Society."


    Berthrand said, "Yes! We''ll need to send a messenger to request for someone toe."


    "But we don''t know where they''re located," argued Minister Kornel.


    "Of course, no one knows where they are, Minister. Otherwise, it would''ve been wiped out ages ago! But they are a necessary evil."


    Minister Kornel sighed. "I''m getting really tired of hearing that phrase, counselor."


    Counselor Berthain rolled his eyes. "It''s all about connections! Sooner orter a assassin will hear about our request and find us."


    "Then it is settled! Krenn! I will let you find an assassin for the job." Said King Arnaud.


    Krenn nodded and exited the room. When he was gone, Arnaud looked at the remaining advisers and said, "So is there anything else to discuss?"


    Hennif replied, "There''s nothing more, your Majesty! But I wanted to ask if we could increase the royal guard. Because as you know we need to protect ourselves from the other kingdoms!"


    "Hmm... That''s true. We might as well increase our guard. If that is all, you''re dismissed."


    After the advisers left the room leaving only King Arnaud and his Queen. He stood up and walked to the window. He looked out the window and saw that the sun had set.


    As he gazed out the window, he thought to himself, ''How am I going to find a killer?''


    ***


    While southeast of Fiafyr Kingdom, where the Alliance of the Divine Three was assembling in the capital city of Istur. Which was in the Holy Kingdom of Chalced.


    The city was the birthce of the Divine Three, who were Gods of purity, virtue, and wisdom. It was also the ce where the Divine One, God Paul, created the perfect world in their image. A world where humankind was meant to cleanse the world of all its impurities and restore it to its purest state. Where men could live in peace once they became the only religion on Tertius.


    The Divine Order was ruled by a man that could hear the Divine One''s voice. This man would be a devoted follower of the Divine Three, and he would lead his followers to spread their message throughout thend.


    This man would cast away his birth name and take the name Prophet Paul, which meant prophet of the gods.


    And so began the Divine Order.


    ***


    As time went on the first kingdom to join the Divine Three was the Kingdom of Nornd. And then the Divine One''s word spread to the other smaller kingdoms and quickly created the Alliance of the Divine Three.


    And when the Alliance was formed they needed to crown a ruler to run the Alliance and name them the High King of the Divine Three. Prophet Paul was told to crown King Rolmund Agur I as the High King by the Divine Ones. King Rolmund was the ruler of Nornd and his line has taken the mantle ever since.


    As of this date, King Rolmund Agur III is the current ruler of the Alliance.


    The Alliance of the Divine Three was to be a union of small kingdoms that were dedicated to the teachings of the Divine Three. And purging the subspecies around theirnds and the people within them that refused to follow the teachings of the Divine Ones.


    And so that was how the Alliance was formed to this day as they assembled in the capital of the Holy Kingdom.


    ***


    The Divine Order met up in the Temple of Paul where they needed to discuss the news about the birth of the next heir of the Fiafyr Kingdom.


    In the Temple, there was a room with tall walls and a high ceiling. It was filled with statues of the Divine Three and the Prophets that came before them. Each statue had its own unique quality that made them stand out among the rest.


    But what distinguished them most was the fact that they were all wearing their holy armor. Their pdin armor.


    Light shined in from the windows that sat above the doors of the temple. In the center of the room, there was arge triangr stone table surrounded by chairs. A white cloth was draped over the stone table and it was covered with many scrolls and documents.


    At the corners of the table sat the three rulers of the Alliance. The right corner sat the Prophet Paul, the left corner sat Prince Dreyand Stoneworthh, and the final seat at the top of the table belonged to the High King Rolmund Agur III.


    Prince Dreyand Stoneworthh would typically be a King of his kingdom if they weren''t a part of the Alliance. As well as the rest of the smaller kingdoms'' royals. But the Stoneworthh family had earned the right to be the third highest ruler of the Alliance after generations of loyalty and service to the Divine Ones.


    And in between the three rulers were the other princes of the alliance. There were three seats per side of the table. And each prince sat in the chair beside their rulers. The nine princes and the three rulers.


    ***


    When thest prince arrived and took his seat, Prophet Paul stood up and spoke, "Children of Light, we are summoned here by the Divine Ones. His word is absolute! And he has shown us a path to grow our flock..."


    "Which kingdom has the Divine Ones set his eye on?" asked the High King Rolmund Agur III.


    "Well, my King," said Prophet Paul, "It seems that the Fiafyr Kingdom has given birth to a child that shouldn''t exist. The son of King Cyndre Meredydd."


    "What makes this boy so special?" questioned Prince Dreyand.


    "The Divine Ones has told me that Rianna was infertile and shouldn''t have conceived. And because of this miracle, he is possibly a demi-god, my prince. And his children will most likely be demigods as well. And this will be our best chance for us to spread our enlightenment to the nobles of the Fiafyr Kingdom once his heir is born." Prophet Paul replied.


    "So the Divine Ones want us to take Fiafyr without bloodshed? Well, there''s going to be blood spilled in that city of Ironside and those heretics that will try and defy us. Meredydd''s ancestors were fools to side with dwarves!" said Prince Kaindle.


    "It''s not the fault of the people of Fiafyr that all their generations of Kingscked good sense, Prince Kaindle. If at all possible we need to educate our kind before using force." retorted Prince Dreyand Stoneworthh.


    Prince Kaindle looked away and let out a snort, "We''ve been waiting for generations to convert the people of Fiafyr. They mock us to this day as they follow that false goddess of theirs. It sickens me just thinking about them worshiping a false idol that doesn''t exist."


    Some of the other princes nodded their heads in agreement with him.


    "I agree with the Divine Ones. We should use this to arrange a marriage with their prince and use his heir to join the Alliance. This way we can grow our followers," said Prince Terenthiel.


    Kaindle red at Terenthiel and wanted to retort.


    Prophet Paul cleared his throat, "You all know that the Divine Ones are changing the world. The time hase to unite us against theing threat. Of the subspecies in Tertius! Prince Keindle, we will need your guidance when we find the beastkins, dwarves, and elves. Please don''t strike down our people just because they are blinded from the truth."


    Everyone listened to the Prophet and nodded their heads in agreement. Kaindle didn''t want to but he knew he had no other choice. He bowed his head and let out a sigh.


    "So, it is settled then. We need to find out what this prince values in his women and we need to persuade someone in their royal court to arrange the marriage for us." King Rolmund stated.


    "I believe I have a cousin once removed who''s a minister in King Cyndre''s Parliament. I will contact him as soon as possible, my King," said Prince Terenthiel.


    "Good! Now all we need is a princess to send them. Dreyand, didn''t your wife just give birth to a daughter?" King Rolmund asked.


    Dreyand Stoneworthh nced over to King Rolmund.


    "Yes, and if she fits the bill? Then she''s his to do as he wishes." Dreyand answered.


    "So, confident that your child will be pretty enough to entice the prince of Fiafyr?" questioned Prince Kaindle.


    "She''ll make a fine little bride," Dreyand responded.


    "What if my daughter is the one? What if her beauty is what they are looking for?" Kaindle continued to egg on Stoneworthh.


    "Then we''ll see if the prince epts her or not. But until then, we''ll have to wait until the little prince gets older." Dreyand said.


    And with that, the Divine Order continued to discuss how to convince Fiafyr to join their cause without violence.

 Vol.0 Ch.121 It’s only the Frist Day!

    Vol.0 Ch.121 It��s only the Frist Day!


    <span ss="userText">Dawn was about the<span ss="aiText"> break through the horizon and the sun would soon rise. The warm rays of the sun <span ss="editText">began to<span ss="aiText"> creep into the <span ss="editText">capital city of Tairal<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">And sleeping in her room without a care in the world was Wina. As an assassin, she wouldn''t have slept more than three hours, but w<span ss="editText">ith the maternal elixir changing her body from a skinny athletic build to a voluptuous<span ss="aiText"> curvy woman, her body demanded sleep for nine hours instead.


    <span ss="aiText">She now had curves that <span ss="editText">wo<span ss="aiText">men could only dream of<span ss="editText"> and men wanted<span ss="aiText">. Her breasts were slightlyrger than a <span ss="editText">cantaloupe<span ss="aiText"> and her ass was a big <span ss="editText">bubble butt that defied gravity. While her hips became wider giving<span ss="aiText"> her an hourss figure.


    <span ss="aiText">Her <span ss="editText">long silky straight brown hair became curlier overnight and<span ss="aiText">flowed <span ss="editText">over the mattres<span ss="aiText">s and was a rich chocte color. <span ss="editText">There was a part of her that<span ss="aiText"> wished she could change back. But there<span ss="editText"> was another part of<span ss="aiText"> her that loved the way she looked now.


    <span ss="userText">It was as if something dormant within her subconscious was awakened<span ss="aiText">. With the elixir, she felt so alive and free. She loved how her <span ss="editText">vagina was healed<span ss="aiText"> from <span ss="editText">her training as an assassin<span ss="aiText"> and how she had bigger breasts. Her face was still the same but her skin was smooth and supple.


    <span ss="editText">And after feeling the joys of being a woman for the first time she slept for nine hours<span ss="aiText"> straight. <span ss="editText">I<span ss="aiText">t wa<span ss="editText">s the most refreshing<span ss="aiText"> sleep she ever had.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmmmm" she moaned as sleep took her agai<span ss="aiText">n.


    <span ss="userText">*Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    <span ss="userText">Wina didn''t<span ss="aiText"> stir at the sounding from her door<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmmh..." Moaned the sleeping assassin<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">The door opened as Sir<span ss="editText">Mathew<span ss="aiText"> entered. "<span ss="editText">Miss Wina, it''s time to- Oh?"


    <span ss="userText">Mathew stopped himself when he saw Wina lying naked<span ss="aiText"> in bed with <span ss="editText">no<span ss="aiText"> sheet<span ss="editText">s covering her.


    <span ss="editText">He could see her breasts <span ss="editText">rising and falling with each breath she took<span ss="aiText">. And her pussy was glistening from the juices that came out of her as she slept.


    <span ss="editText">''By <span ss="aiText">the g<span ss="editText">oddess, she must be smiling upon me<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText"> He thought to himself<span ss="editText"> as he admired Wina''s beauty<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> As <span ss="aiText">the s<span ss="editText">un<span ss="aiText"> rose the light shined through her hair illuminating her b<span ss="editText">rown<span ss="aiText"> locks.


    <span ss="editText">''I think I need to marry her... But I guess I need to wake her up before we are bothte for work.'' Mathew thought as he walked closer to Wina<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ugh...Mmmmm, uhhh<span ss="editText">... Mathew...<span ss="aiText">" she mumbled<span ss="editText"> in her sleep.


    <span ss="editText">''Hmm? Is she dreaming about me? I wonder if I should y along.'' thought Mathew as he quietly moved next to Wina.


    <span ss="userText">He watched her closely<span ss="aiText"> as she started to slowly stir in her sleep. She slightly spread her legs open and pressed her butt against him as she rolled onto her side facing away from him. Her hand went between her thighs and began to rub herself lightly.


    <span ss="userText">"Naauugh... Mathew..."<span ss="aiText"> moaned Wina.


    <span ss="editText">He smiled as an idea popped into his head.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew moved closer to her ear and whispered, "Hm? What is it, my love?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina arched her back as she bit her bottom lip.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Mmmmmmhhhh... D-Do you find me... Pleasing?" She<span ss="aiText"> moaned <span ss="editText">while teasing her clitoris<span ss="aiText"> with her fingers.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh yes, you''re beautiful<span ss="editText">. No woman canpare to you, my love<span ss="aiText">," Mathew whispered as he reached down and g<span ss="editText">uided her hand into her pussy<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmmmmmmm!" Wina moaned as her <span ss="editText">fingers slipped into<span ss="aiText"> her wetness.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew continued to whisper sweet nothings to Wina as he kept his left hand on her hip pulling her close. He leaned in and kissed her neck softly.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">M-Mathew! W-Where have you been all my life?! AUGH!"<span ss="aiText"> She cried out as he<span ss="editText">r eyes snapped open <span ss="editText">as she <span ss="aiText">orgasmed hard.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew backed away a little as Wina was riding on cl<span ss="aiText">oud <span ss="editText">nine<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">It took her a moment before her mind cleared<span ss="aiText"> and she remembered where she was.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh no!'' Wina thought as her cheeks burned red with embarrassment. ''How am I <span ss="editText">still fantasizing about Mathew?! I just can''t<span ss="aiText"> get <span ss="editText">him <span ss="aiText">out of <span ss="editText">my head!''


    <span ss="editText">She then closes her eyes andid on her back again not realizing Mathew was in the bed next to her.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew smiled at how<span ss="aiText"> beautiful Wina looked lying there. A<span ss="editText">nd wasughing on the inside at how oblivious she was<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wina my love, are you awake?" He asked while running his fingers through her curly hair.


    <span ss="aiText">She sighed and nodded when she heard his voice<span ss="editText"> but discovered that this wasn''t a dream. Mathew was really there in her bed.


    <span ss="editText">She quickly opened her eyes and saw Mathew lying next to her with his charming smile.


    <span ss="editText">Panic set in as she quickly rolled away from him to the other side of the bed and grabbed a pillow.


    <span ss="editText">"W-What the three hells are you doing, MATHEW!" roared an embarrassed Wina as she threw the pillow at him<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathewughed and held up a hand to <span ss="editText">catch the pillow that was thrown<span ss="aiText"> at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sorry my <span ss="editText">L<span ss="aiText">ove, but I felt like cuddling," said Mathew as he gave her a wink.


    <span ss="userText">"YOU! You! You<span ss="aiText">! JERK! Why did you have to say that!?" Wina yelled as she <span ss="editText">grabbed another pillow and <span ss="aiText">th<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">ew <span ss="editText">it<span ss="aiText"> at Mathew who dodged the attack.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Haha! I''m sorry, Miss Wina! But you whispered my name and I couldn''t help myself<span ss="aiText">." He exined while batting his eyshes.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina felt her face grow hot when he called her by name. She knew she shouldn''t be acting this way around Mathew, but she couldn''t control herself.


    <span ss="userText">"That''s your excuse for looking at me naked! GET OUT!<span ss="aiText"> NOW!" She screamed at Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s s<span ss="editText">mile disappeared when he noticed<span ss="aiText"> Wina was truly upset.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sorry. I''ll leave now," said Mathew while backing up to leave her room.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina watched him go and then jumped back onto her bed face first. She <span ss="editText">screamed into the quilt<span ss="aiText"> as she tried to calm herself down.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why do I always act like this around Mathew!? Why can''t I stop thinking about him?! Ugh! W<span ss="editText">ait! How did I not discover him in my room? It''s like my training is all gone!" Wina cried as<span ss="aiText"> she sat up on the edge of the bed.


    <span ss="aiText">Her thoughts were interrupted when a knock came at the door.


    <span ss="editText">She turned and looked at the door.


    <span ss="editText">''If it''s Mathew! He''s a dead man!<span ss="aiText">'' Thought Wina as she stood up and <span ss="editText">quickly moved<span ss="aiText">over to the door.


    <span ss="aiText">She slowly opened it and peered outside.


    <span ss="aiText">To her surprise, she saw M<span ss="editText">iss Rose<span ss="aiText"> standing there with a smile on h<span ss="editText">er<span ss="aiText"> face.<span ss="userText"> While Mathew was out of sight.


    <span ss="userText">"M-Miss Rose! What can I do for you?"<span ss="aiText"> Asked Wina nervously.


    <span ss="editText">"I sent Mathew to wake you up before you need to go to work. But it seems <span ss="userText">you still aren''t ready<span ss="aiText">." Said Rose with a small smile.<span ss="editText"> "This will be your only warning Miss Wina. You have five minutes to get ready."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed and closed the door behind her.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">Sh<span ss="editText">it! I need to wash up and-'' Wina''s thoughts stopped whe<span ss="aiText">n <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">caught a glimpse of her assassin''s utility leg belt lying on the floor next to her bed.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh, goddess<span ss="aiText">!" Wina gasped as she picked up the belt.


    <span ss="editText">''PLEASE! Please tell m<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">ha<span ss="editText">t Mat<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText"> d<span ss="editText">idn''t see my assassin''s<span ss="aiText"> belt!'' thought Wina as worry started to take hold of her.


    <span ss="editText">She was hoping her cover wasn''t blown when Mathew came into her room.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina quickly rushed into the bathroom and washed her face before dressing into her <span ss="editText">royal wet nurse outfit. She made sure to secure her thigh belt, with her dagger and poisons, on her left leg so it could be<span ss="aiText"> hidden under her skirt.


    <span ss="aiText">After she finished getting dressed she walked out of the bedroom and headed <span ss="editText">to the door where<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">M<span ss="aiText">is<span ss="editText">s Rose was waiting<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Very good<span ss="aiText">, please follow me." Said Rose while leading Wina through the halls of the castle.


    <span ss="aiText">After walking down several hallways and staircases, Wina was led into arge dining room where there were <span ss="editText">the servants gathered to eat<span ss="aiText">. They all stood up when they saw Miss Rose enter the room and bowed their head.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good morning everyone." Said <span ss="editText">Rose<span ss="aiText"> as she took a seat at the table.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina followed after her and sat across from Rose.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now that we''re all here let''s begin. Breakfast will be served shortly but first I would like to talk about <span ss="editText">your responsibilities for the day<span ss="aiText">." Said Rose as she began eating her breakfast.


    <span ss="aiText">"What should we be doing today?" Asked Wina while she took a small bite from her bread.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">The Queen will be with her son for most of the morning until the afternoon when she''ll need to visit a local noble''s firstborn daughtering of age party<span ss="aiText">. So I want you girls to keep an eye on the boy. Make sure he doesn''t get into any trouble and that you make sure he''sfortable." Said Rose while finishing off her food.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">How long is Sir Mathew''s shift?" Wina asked<span ss="aiText"> as she started eating her breakfast.


    <span ss="aiText">Rose smiled at Wina''s question and leaned forward.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">No fooling around<span ss="aiText"> wit<span ss="editText">h him, okay? <span ss="editText">I<span ss="aiText"> know h<span ss="editText">e''s a handsome young man, but you two are on the clock," said Rose while wagging her finger.


    <span ss="editText">"Really? He was the one to sneak into my room this morning and saw me naked before he whispered in my ear. He''s the one you should be telling not to fool around. Not me!" Wina said then took another bite from her bread.


    <span ss="editText">The maids sitting around Wina started whispering to themselves and Miss Rose<span ss="aiText"> gave Wina a stern look.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Miss Wina. First, you should lock your door next time.<span ss="aiText"> Second, you <span ss="editText">seem to be seducing Sir Mathew. All the young women working in this pce have been trying to get Mathew''s attention. And you are the only one that''s caught his eye<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> Do you know how many women wish to be in your ce, right now<span ss="aiText">?" Said Rose with a soft smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wait! I''m not trying to seduce him! He flirted with me <span ss="editText">and he doesn''t respect my privacy." Wina said indignantly.


    <span ss="editText">All the maids around Wina started shaking their heads<span ss="aiText"> at Wina''sment.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So you wish to get even. Is that correct, Miss Wina?" Aske<span ss="aiText">d Rose as she stood up from the table.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh? She''ll let me get even?<span ss="aiText"> How?'' Wina thought excitedly.


    She waited for a second before answering.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I do! But what can I get from him so I can be square?" Wina asked nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">If you''re are finished eating. We can meet up with<span ss="aiText"> Mathew <span ss="editText">and ma<span ss="aiText">ke <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">hi<span ss="editText">ngs right.<span ss="aiText">" Rose said as she walked towards the door.


    <span ss="userText">Wina wasn''t expecting this at all from Miss Rose. So she stood up and walked<span ss="aiText"> after Rose and the other maids. When she got to the end of the hall Miss Rose stopped and turned to Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Once things between you two<span ss="aiText"> cool down. Try to think of ways you can get <span ss="editText">along with each other. I don''t want to fire you Miss Wina." Rose said to her.


    <span ss="editText">''Hold on! She''ll fire me first!? But I didn''t do anything wrong!<span ss="aiText"> I was the one who was <span ss="editText">wrong<span ss="aiText">ed!<span ss="editText"> Dammit! I hate ying these games!'' Wina thought.


    <span ss="editText">"Okay, I will. What should I do?" Wina asked while still following behind Rose.


    <span ss="editText">"Just let me do all the talking okay Miss Wina?<span ss="aiText"> You just need to follow my lead." Rose said as <span ss="editText">they made it to the Prince''s room.


    <span ss="editText">The maids opened the door for them<span ss="aiText"> and Wina stepped inside.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew was s<span ss="editText">tanding on the left<span ss="aiText"> sid<span ss="editText">e of the Queen <span ss="userText">who had Quinus in her arms<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good morning you three. Come in." The Queen said while smiling at them both.


    <span ss="aiText">"Morning Your Majesty. Morning <span ss="editText">Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText">," <span ss="editText">Rose<span ss="aiText"> said cheerily as she bowed.


    <span ss="aiText">The maids followed behind her and closed the door.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew noticed Wina wasn''t looking happy and started to worry about crossing the line with her.


    <span ss="editText">"So! Sir Mathew... I got aint from a coworker about some misconduct. You wouldn''t happen to know what you did<span ss="aiText"> would you?" Rose asked Mathew.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew became nervous when being questioned in front of everyone.


    <span ss="editText">"Hmm? Did Sir Mathew do something wrong, Miss Rose?" Asked Queen Rianna.


    <span ss="editText">Wina decided to be bold and jumped in to answer the queen.


    <span ss="editText">"Sir Mathew thought it was a good idea to walk into my room while<span ss="editText">I was... <span ss="undoDeletionText">indecent. And instead of trying to <span ss="editText">wake me or leaving <span ss="userText">he decided to touch me while I was dreaming, your Majesty<span ss="aiText">. I think that''s more than enough reason for me toin to you." Wina said bluntly.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I would never, Miss Wina!? I only kissed your neck and touched your hand!<span ss="aiText">" Mathew eximed in surprise as he stared at Wina.


    <span ss="editText">''Tha<span ss="editText">nk the Gods! He didn''t see my assassin''s tools. Now let''s see how much trouble I can get him into,'' thought Wina.


    <span ss="editText">"So you admit toing into my quarters and seeing me in the nude<span ss="aiText">? That''s more than enough reason for me to report this incident to the <span ss="editText">Queen," Wina said with a soft smile.


    <span ss="editText">The Queen and a few of the Maids started giving Mathew judgmental gazes while they whispered to each o<span ss="aiText">the<span ss="editText">r.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew knew he screwed up and needed to make things right with Wina.


    <span ss="editText">"I-I''m sorry I offended you, my Lady. What can I do to make things right<span ss="aiText">?" Mathew asked nervously.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh? Isn''t he the honest type? Most other men would have argued and lied<span ss="aiText"> their way through this.'' Wina thought excitedly.


    <span ss="editText">The Queen jumped in, "I think it''s only right for you to feel what Miss Wina went through don''t you think, Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText">?" The Queen asked him.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew felt like his heart was going to stop.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes ma''am!<span ss="editText">" Mathew replied with a bow.


    <span ss="editText">"So your punishment will be to show yourself unclothed in front of Miss Wina when you''re done with your shift. An eye for an eye. Does that work for you, Miss Wina?" Asked the Queen.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew looked over at Wina and saw her smile happily.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes, your Majesty. That''s a fine punishment,"<span ss="aiText"> Wina said with a nod.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen smiled back at her before turning to Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright then, Sir Mathew. A<span ss="editText">nd a<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">fter <span ss="editText">this, you need to be on better behavior<span ss="aiText"> around my <span ss="editText">servant<span ss="aiText">. Is that understood?" The Queen asked him sternly.


    <span ss="aiText">"S-Sure ma''am! Of course..." Mathew said nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">With that, the queen dismissed the two and told them to begin their shift.


    <span ss="userText">''Good! Once I''m alone with him I might just poison him for what he did... I can wait!''<span ss="aiText"> Wina thought happily.


    <span ss="editText">And so Miss Wina<span ss="editText"> went about her day helping the Queen with Prince Quinus from time to time.


    ***


    After a few hours of work.


    <span ss="editText">Wina''s poor breasts started to get engorged because <span ss="editText">she hadn''t<span ss="editText">breastfed the prince since yesterday. And<span ss="editText"> Queen Rianna doing most of the feedings in the morning<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"My dear, are you <span ss="editText">alright<span ss="aiText">? It''s been quite a while since youst<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> fed him.<span ss="editText"> And you look in pain" Queen Rianna asked Wina.


    <span ss="editText">"I-I''m fine, your Majesty. It''s painful but I''ve b<span ss="aiText">ee<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> t<span ss="editText">hrough worse<span ss="aiText">. I''ll be alright," Wina replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna <span ss="editText">shook her head.


    <span ss="editText">"Here, I''ll let you feed my boy this time, Miss Wina<span ss="aiText">," The Queen offered.


    <span ss="aiText">With that, the queen h<span ss="editText">and<span ss="aiText">ed Quinus <span ss="editText">over to her<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"He''s growing fast isn''t he<span ss="editText">?<span ss="userText">"<span ss="aiText"> Wina asked in a happy tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Indeed, he''s the best baby I''ve ever seen. Though it pains me to say this, since he''s my only child," Queen Rianna said with a sad expression.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, some women can''t give birth, your Majesty. You''re very fortunate<span ss="aiText"> to be able to have such a wonderful boy," Wina replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Really? I didn''t know other women had a simr issue as me<span ss="aiText">. It''s a shame... No woman should have to go through a miscarriage." Queen Rianna said in a surprised tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Haha! Don''t worry about it, your Majesty.<span ss="userText"> Now little prince. Do you want to help me relieve my pain from my bosoms?"<span ss="aiText"> Wina said yfully.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus looked <span ss="editText">up<span ss="aiText"> at h<span ss="editText">er with his golden eyes<span ss="aiText"> that shone brightly as he <span ss="editText">star<span ss="aiText">ed.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smiled gently and <span ss="editText">open<span ss="aiText">ed the <span ss="editText">front of her dress to show an engorged breast. Begging to be emptied<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">''Wow! Her tits look like they need to be drained! Well, I''m still a baby, so I don<span ss="editText">''t <span ss="editText">mind if I do!'' thought Quinus as hetched onto Wina''s swollen nipple.


    <span ss="editText">"Naugh!? Ohh! The prince is so eager?<span ss="aiText"> You must be hungry," Wina said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled back at her and kept sucking on her breast.


    <span ss="aiText">''Damn! This is amazing! I''m so happy to be <span ss="editText">alive again! I wonder if I''m still on Earth but I''m not sure that I am anymore. Not only do I not recognize theirnguage but they use candles for light. It''s like I''m back in the Middle Ages or something... Damn! Her milk tastes amazing<span ss="aiText">! GOD! I need more!'' Quinus thought happily as he continued to suckle on Wina''s breast.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">As the baby prince continues to suck on Wina''s breasts the pain disappeared but something started to rece the pain and made the space in between her legs start to itch<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh no... His sucking <span ss="userText">is making me<span ss="aiText"> horny!'' Wina thought in a panic.


    <span ss="aiText">Suddenly she felt her wetness leak out<span ss="editText"> from her panties<span ss="aiText"> and run down between her thighs.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmm!<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText"> M<span ss="editText">oaned Wina as she bit her lower lip<span ss="aiText"> with pleasure.


    <span ss="aiText">She was unable to stop herself from getting aroused as <span ss="editText">Quinus<span ss="aiText"> yed with her breast, which only got her hornier.


    <span ss="editText">''Why isn''t my assassin''s training not working anymore?! I used to be able to withstand pleasure<span ss="aiText"> but now it feels so good!'' Wina thought in a panic.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is there a problem, Miss Wina?" Queen Rianna asked with concern.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No, your Majesty.<span ss="userText"> T-The prince is so generous that I''m struggling with some strange urges<span ss="aiText"> right now..." Wina said nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna gave a nod<span ss="editText">, "So it''s not only me?"


    <span ss="editText">"Huh?" Wina<span ss="aiText"> replied confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I asked a few of my noble friends about their experiences breastfeeding with their children but they never get aroused while feeding them. But every time I feed Quinus. My heart raced, my loins tingled, and my mind wandered about doing... things to my husband. Like having an urge to... Ahem! Maybe I said too much!<span ss="aiText">Hehe." Queen Rianna giggled.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh!? She <span ss="editText">gets horny as well? J<span ss="aiText">ust from feeding her son!?<span ss="editText"> Naugh!<span ss="aiText">'' Wina thought in shock<span ss="editText"> while Quinus continued to feed<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Would you be willing to be a mother, Miss Wina?" Queen Rianna asked in a serious tone.


    <span ss="userText">Wina''s itch grows deeper inside her when<span ss="aiText"> she hears this question.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Why is she asking such a question!? Aunh! I-I can''<span ss="aiText">t <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">hi<span ss="editText">nk straight<span ss="aiText"> right now! Ugh! How does everyone else around me keep their cool?'' Wina thought while she started to panic.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes, your Majesty. If you wish me to be a mother someday<span ss="editText">!<span ss="aiText"> I would dly ept!" Wina replied in a shaky voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good! <span ss="editText">I think you would be a lovely mother! And not to pressure you but you should make Sir Mathew your husband. When you see him nakedter make sure to tease him<span ss="aiText"> as much as possible!" Queen Rianna ordered with a wi<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText">k.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ummm! Yes, your Majesty," Wina said with a nod while feeling faint but <span ss="editText">warm sensations flowing through her body.


    <span ss="editText">''Mathew naked...? Mathew''s<span ss="aiText"> penis has to be huge! I bet it''ll be so hard and long! I wonder if I''ll have an orgasm from just seeing him?'' Wina thought in excitement<span ss="editText"> as her mind<span ss="aiText"> start<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">get clouded by pleasure<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna chuckled, "You know what to do, right?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes, your Majesty!" Wina said with a flushed face.


    <span ss="editText">And right then Quinus was done eating and passed out right there in Wina''s arms.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh? Looks like my Quinny is asleep... I''ll take him to his crib," said Queen Rianna<span ss="aiText"> while picking taking a sleeping Quinus<span ss="editText"> from the arms of a dazed Wina.


    <span ss="editText">She didn''t realize the prince was no longer<span ss="aiText"> attached to <span ss="editText">her chest.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew couldn''t help as he saw Wina sitting in her chair with her bosoms out and a dreamy look written on her face.


    <span ss="editText">"Is she alright?" Mathew worried but didn''t want to get in more trouble with Wina so he stood there in the corner of the room.


    <span ss="editText">''Mathew... Mathew could be a fantastic husband... Mmm... H-Huh? W-What happened? Wait! Did I zone out!'' thought Wina as she came out of her dazed state and looked down to see her breasts exposed and her arms empty.


    <span ss="aiText">"H-He''s gone! Where did he go!?" Wina panicked while looking around in confusion.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna looked at Wina with concern, "<span ss="editText">Are<span ss="aiText"> you <span ss="editText">talking about my son? I took him back Miss Wina.<span ss="aiText"> You should probably put your clothes back on before you embarrass <span ss="editText">yourself<span ss="aiText"> any further."


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Ah! Y-Yes, your Majesty," Wina said shaking off her embarrassment<span ss="editText"> and quickly fixing her outfit.


    <span ss="editText">''I totally zoned out! I thought this was going to be an easy mission! But all these new variables<span ss="aiText"> are making thingsplicated!<span ss="editText"> It''s only been one day!'' Wina thought with worry.

 Vol.0 Ch.122 Mathew’s Punishment

    Vol.0 Ch.122 Mathew��s Punishment


    <span ss="userText">As the day started to be night Wina was putting away some linens that were just cleaned.


    <span ss="userText">''Jeez! The great Assassin Wina Daz is folding clothes<span ss="aiText">! I''m so proud of myself! I can''t believe how powerful I am!'' Wina thought in <span ss="editText">a mocking manner<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">But it wasn''t as though she was terrible at cleaning or anything, she <span ss="editText">hated this kind of work<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''I don''t mind cooking or fighting monsters but doing household chores gives me a headache.'' Wina thought as she put away a set of sheets. ''Well, <span ss="editText">I must do this until I can get some alone time with the kid... Sigh... It''s going to be a long three months if I''m lucky<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="aiText">Meanwhile<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> Mathew was still in the same spot he was standing when Wina went to check on Quinus. He had been watching the whole time but he didn''t feelfortable enough to approach Wina yet.


    <span ss="userText">Then the door opened to Miss Roseing in with the nighttime maids.


    <span ss="userText">"Alright<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> everyone. You''re shift is done and you all can have supper<span ss="aiText"> now," said Miss Rose as sheid out the schedule.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, ma''am!" the girls eximed.


    <span ss="editText">''Finally! I can rest<span ss="aiText"> for a bit,'' Wina thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wina, w<span ss="editText">ould you like toe and join us for supper?" Asked one of the maids<span ss="aiText"> who was about Wina''s age.


    <span ss="aiText">"Eh? <span ss="editText">I guess I can join you." Wina replied with surprise.


    <span ss="editText">She didn''t talk much to the other maids and was surprised by their offer to join them<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''I guess I''ll give it a try... Maybe I can make a few friends here.<span ss="userText"> It will make the time go by quicker<span ss="aiText">.'' Wina thought.


    <span ss="aiText">And so the two walked to the dining hall together as the other maids followed behind them.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hey <span ss="editText">Sir <span ss="aiText">Mathew, why aren''t you joining us?" <span ss="editText">Another maid asked.


    <span ss="editText">"My shift ends when Sir Williamses<span ss="aiText"> back from his patrol. So I''ll just wait around until then before I can join you," he answered her with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">He better not be trying to back out of his punishment!<span ss="aiText">'' Wina thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Okay! See youter!" Waved the maid<span ss="aiText"> as she left.


    <span ss="aiText">''I wonder what I should say next... What would be polite?'' Wina thought anxiously.


    <span ss="editText">"You''re a funny one Miss Wina? I never expected to see Sir Mathew so flustered before. How did you aplish that?<span ss="aiText"> You''re really a strange girl,"plimented the older maid.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed at thement, "<span ss="editText">I-I didn''t do anything! And I''m not the strange one! If anything he''s the strange one, Ingrid<span ss="aiText">! Don''t you think so too?" Wina defended herself as she <span ss="editText">continued to walk down the hallway.


    <span ss="editText">''Why do they think I''m so strange?<span ss="aiText"> Do I have something on my face?'' Wina thought nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">See? I told you Miss Wina is in denial.<span ss="aiText"> She has to be the strange one! No way could Sir Mathew be acting so flustered around a girl he doesn''t know!" the maid whispered to another one of the maids.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hey! I heard that! And so what if he''s interested in me<span ss="editText">?<span ss="userText"> I never asked to be in that<span ss="aiText">position and neither did h<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText">. Who says we even got a future together?!" Wina <span ss="editText">said sternly<span ss="aiText"> as she entered the dining room.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">You don''t get it Miss Wina... Us maids can''t flirt with anyone that works in the ce, let alone have a rtionship <span ss="userText">unless one of the persons decides to quit their job<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Ingrid exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yeah! But you are not a lifer here in the pce. Once the prince is old enough. You can fullymit to Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText">!" Said one of the younger maids<span ss="editText"> who goes by the name of<span ss="aiText"> Anne.


    <span ss="editText">Wina froze as she looked around to see all the maids smiling at her.


    <span ss="editText">"Ummm... Wh-What are you saying?"<span ss="aiText"> Wina asked in confusion.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">We just want to live <span ss="userText">vicariously through you, Miss Wina... You caught the eye of the strongest Knight of all Fiafyr and you keep<span ss="aiText"> getting to feed and change the prince! It''s only natural to get jealous," exined Ingrid.


    <span ss="aiText">"But I don''t have feelings for Sir Mathew<span ss="editText">," Wina protested<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">All the maidsughed <span ss="userText">at<span ss="aiText"> Wina''sment, "Hahahahaha! Oh, Miss Wina! You don''t have to lie to us! We''re not that dense. But we do understand the predicament you''re in.<span ss="editText"> You identally let your mask slip in front of Sir Mathew and you''re embarrassed by that fact. So now you are putting up some stupid barrier to get back some, what? Pride?<span ss="aiText">" Ingrid said while grabbing a loaf of bread and butter.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am not!" Wina replied angrily.


    <span ss="editText">She can''t help but feel like Ingrid struck a chord that she wanted to deny.


    <span ss="editText">''I scream Mathew''s name one time and everyone thinks I just want to open my legs to the man! Do they think of me as some harlot!?''<span ss="aiText"> Wina thought with embarrassment and anger.


    <span ss="aiText">The maids were already eating their dinner and looked at Wina with pity.


    <span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText">It looks like she has a lot to think about... But if I were her, I''d try and get along with Sir Mathew as soon as possible...<span ss="userText">" Anne whispered to her<span ss="aiText"> friend.


    <span ss="editText">Wina red before Ingrid<span ss="aiText"> walked over to her, "<span ss="editText">Hey! Calm down! We''re not mad at you. You just rem<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText"> us<span ss="editText"> of a young girl that we once knew. She had an opportunity with another knight and she self-sabotaged it. She regretted it once he passed during a mission to rid the forest of Orcs... Anyways, do you think Sir Mathew will back out of his punishment?"


    <span ss="editText">"Oh, he has another thinging if he tries to back out of his punishment. I am one who doesn''t let things slide so easily, Ingrid,"<span ss="aiText"> thought Wina as she took her own seat.


    <span ss="aiText">She grabbed her te and started to eat.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh? Then there''s still hope for you yet, Miss Wina<span ss="aiText">..." said Ingrid with a smile as the other maids nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina felt conflicted as she ate her dinner and was uncertain about the situation she put herself in and felt like she was stuck in a dark box with no way out.<span ss="userText"> It''s been only one day and she had more friends than she ever had in her life and had a man that she couldn''t help but find pleasing <span ss="editText">to<span ss="userText"> the eyes. But she was hired to do a job and that''s what she''ll do<span ss="aiText">. No matter how much it hurts her heart.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="aiText">After they finished dinner Wina said goodnight to the other maids and went to her room.


    <span ss="aiText">As soon as she entered her room Wina''s thoughts turned to Mathew.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="userText">He better not b<span ss="editText">e thinking about backing<span ss="userText"> out of his pun<span ss="editText">i<span ss="userText">shment<span ss="aiText">... He needs to take me seriously. I will not take beingughed at by anyone, ever! If he does try and back out. I will make sure he gets his just deserts!<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText"> thought Wina with a scowl on her face.


    <span ss="userText">She went to her wardrobe and pulled out her nightgown and ced it on her bed<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Then just as she was about to take a bath she heard a knocking from her door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Who is it?" She asked while getting her towel.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s Sir Mathew. May Ie in?" He asked with a nervous voice.


    <span ss="editText">''HE CAME<span ss="aiText">!? <span ss="editText">B-But I though<span ss="aiText">t <span ss="editText">h<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">would back out of his punishment! Does he want his punishment administered here? In my room?'' thought Wina in panic.


    <span ss="editText">"M-May youe in!?<span ss="aiText"> H-How can I be sure you won''t try anything!?" Wina asked in a shaky voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please! I <span ss="editText">promise<span ss="aiText"> I will only get close to the door," said Mathew while shaking from his nerves.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t help but feel guilty at Mathew''s obvious state of panic.<span ss="editText"> Usually, this was a thing she reveled in,<span ss="userText"> when she would get her target<span ss="editText">''<span ss="userText">s main protection to fall for her but <span ss="editText">something inside her wasn''t happy that<span ss="aiText"> she made Mathew like this.


    <span ss="aiText">She sighed before opening the door and letting Mathew into her room.


    <span ss="aiText">He looked at her with his bright green eyes and a nervous expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m just here to tell you that my shift is done and I''ll be heading off to<span ss="userText"> my room. I''ll wait there for you<span ss="aiText"> to give me your punishment so I can get this over with as quickly as possible," he exined with a bow before turning to leave.


    <span ss="aiText">''Jeez! I can''t believe how scared of me he is! It makes me wonder how he acts on the battlefield!'' thought Wina in surprise.


    <span ss="aiText">She felt bad for making Mathew act like this but he needed to understand that <span ss="editText">he shouldn''t sneak into her room and see her naked without her permission<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wait! <span ss="editText">I''lle right now!<span ss="aiText">" She <span ss="editText">sai<span ss="aiText">d as she chased after him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh?<span ss="aiText"> Umm... Okay, <span ss="editText">my room''s right here,<span ss="aiText">" Mathew replied with relief as he s<span ss="editText">top<span ss="aiText">ped a<span ss="editText">nd waited for Wina to catch up to hi<span ss="aiText">m.


    <span ss="aiText">As Wina walked <span ss="editText">up to Mathew<span ss="aiText"> she couldn''t help but feel that there was something she missed about <span ss="editText">him<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''What is it? It''s just like Ingrid and the other maids said. That I have feelings for him?'' thought Wina while looking at Mathew.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, it''s time for me to face the music<span ss="aiText">... Or should I say punishment," Mathew joked.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina felt her heart skip a beat and a warm feeling in her chest.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ha...ha...ha... Y-Yeah.<span ss="userText"> You brought this on yourself, Mathew<span ss="aiText">. I can''t believe you were stupid enough to <span ss="editText">sneak into my room<span ss="aiText">," Wina replied with a forcedugh.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew stopped smiling and turned to her with a severe expression, "I''m sorry, Wina.<span ss="userText"> That wasn''t my intention, but I wasn''t thinking with my head. So, I''ll let you see me naked so we are even<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I thought you would try to worm your way out of<span ss="aiText"> your punishment!" Wina admitted in relief.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nope. I''ve been thinking of it all day.<span ss="userText"> And it''s the right thing to do<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said as he walked to h<span ss="editText">is<span ss="aiText"> door.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina gulped as she stood there<span ss="editText">. She was getting excited to get even with Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText">. But at the same time, she was nervous about what <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">might do.


    <span ss="editText">Ever since she drank the maternal elixir she hasn''t been acting like the usual professional assassin that she was.


    <span ss="aiText">''Will he make fun of me or does he really think I''m that interesting to be around?'' Wina thought with nervous anticipation.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew opened the door and walked into his room.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m ready when you are Wina." He said as he turned to face her.


    <span ss="aiText">She nodded <span ss="editText">as s<span ss="aiText">he c<span ss="editText">losed<span ss="aiText"> the door behind her.


    <span ss="aiText">As Wina faced Mathew she felt that she had to tell him what happened before he took off his armor and underclothes.


    <span ss="aiText">"Umm... Mathew? Something happened the day I arrived... It <span ss="editText">made me say your name by mistake... And I just want to make things professional between us<span ss="aiText">," she confessed with a red face.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew had just finished removing his armor and underclothes. As soon as he took his armor off Wina saw his whole <span ss="editText">upper <span ss="aiText">body and it made her gasp.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s upper body was covered in thick hard muscle with no excess fat on his body. And from what she saw from the entrance<span ss="editText"> she could tell<span ss="aiText"> his legs were equally strong with no excess fat or muscle on them<span ss="editText"> as she waited for him to take off his pants<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">She<span ss="editText">''s seen many men and women naked before. Some look better than most but Mathew<span ss="aiText"> stood out more th<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">n anyone. And it was then <span ss="editText">that<span ss="aiText"> she noticed that Mathew was <span ss="editText">untying the drawstring to his pants<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">As soon as he undid the drawstring Mathew''s pants fell revealing his body underneath. Wina couldn''t help but stare at him in awe.


    <span ss="aiText">He had a well-groomed trail of ck hair that started just above his crotch and went to his navel. It looked like he shaved a part of it off for it to grow back into a well-groomed thin line.


    <span ss="aiText">She also noticed a tattoo of the Fiafyrian royal crest on his left pec.


    <span ss="userText">She had never seen a man like this before but something inside her stirred as she looked at Mathew''s body.


    <span ss="userText">''H<span ss="editText">-How is he so pleasing to look<span ss="aiText"> at? It''s like he''s been sculpted from stone...'' thought Wina as she looked at Mathew with a hungry look in her eyes.


    <span ss="editText">If Wina could see herself right now she wouldn''t recognize<span ss="aiText"> her own self anymore. Instead of being her usual shrewd self, she acted like a love-struck teen. She has never had such a look in her eye before.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew realized Wina was staring at him and looked down at his body.


    <span ss="aiText">He noticed that Wina was looking at him with a hungry gaze.


    <span ss="userText">"Um... I don''t know how long you wish to see me like thi<span ss="aiText">-" Mathew said before being cut off.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Shhhh! No talking<span ss="aiText">!" Winamanded in a soft voice.


    <span ss="aiText">She walked closer to him as Mathew stared at her in shock.


    <span ss="aiText">''W-Wina?'' Mathew thought as she continued to walk closer.


    <span ss="userText">She found him so hypnotizing<span ss="aiText"> and sexy. She couldn''t help herself but move closer to him.


    <span ss="aiText">''This isn''t me!'' Wina thought with shock and denial.


    <span ss="editText">S<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">f<span ss="aiText">el<span ss="editText">t her nipples getting hard<span ss="aiText"> from excitement and arousal. <span ss="editText">Mat<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText"> noticed that the <span ss="editText">thin fabric of her dress<span ss="aiText"> was not able to hide the hardness of her nipples<span ss="editText"> as they<span ss="aiText"> poked through the thin fabric.


    <span ss="aiText">He <span ss="editText">started to rx after noticing Wina''s<span ss="aiText"> hungry stare.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew smiled at Wina, as he realized she was interested in him but he didn''t want to disturb her and let her stare as much as she wanted. Plus this was his punishment and he was willing to serve out his sentence<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina felt something stirring inside her. She knew that it wasn''t just her body wanting Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">''It can''t be! I-I am not interested in Mathew! I<span ss="editText">''m<span ss="aiText"> just <span ss="editText">trying to know my enemy<span ss="aiText">... Yup! That''s all there is to it!'' She thought as she continued to stare at Mathew.


    <span ss="editText">Somethingpelled her to caress his six-pack<span ss="aiText">. Her hands shook as she reached out to touch his abs.


    <span ss="aiText">''Jeez! I can''t believe how hot he is...'' thought Wina as she stared at his body in awe.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew grinned and shook his head<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">She noticed this and immediately stopped. She was confused as to why he did that.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry, Wina. I don''t mind you looking at my body," Mathew said in a soft voice.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I''m sorry! I want too far<span ss="aiText">. I''ll just-" Wina said before she was interrupted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wina! Don''t worry. It''s alright if you want to touch me. I don''t mind," Mathew said with a grin.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina froze as Mathew''s words sunk in.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-Is that so?" Wina asked with a flirtatious tone in her voice.


    <span ss="aiText">She gently ran her hand over his abs again. Her eyes widened as she felt how firm he was.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew chuckled as she started to rub his body. He stood still and let her explore him to her heart''s content.


    <span ss="aiText">''I can''t believe I''m doing this! But he''s so sexy!'' Wina thought with a grin as she stared at Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, you like my body that much, huh?" Mathew asked with a cocky grin.


    <span ss="userText">It was when she saw his cocky grin that she snapped out of her stupor<span ss="aiText"> and realized what she was doing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ummm... I-I''m sorry! I<span ss="editText"> think you''ve served your punishment, Sir Mathew! I hope this was a lesson to you not to do that again,<span ss="aiText">" Wina eximed as she took a step back from Mathew.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew still had a cocky grin, "Yes, my Lady-"


    <span ss="userText">"Wina! Not my Lady!" Said as she kept walking backwards so she could keep an eye on him.


    <span ss="userText">"Sorry, Wina. I didn''t mean to offend<span ss="aiText"> you," Mathew said as he <span ss="editText">stood there like a soldier.


    <span ss="editText">She blushed as she saw how Mathew stared at her seriously. She continued to walk backwards while gazing at him.


    <span ss="editText">"T-That''s alright! We all make mistakes from time to- Ow!"<span ss="aiText"> Wina said before bumping into the wall<span ss="editText">. She was totally unawar<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">o<span ss="aiText">f he<span ss="editText">r surroundings which was rare for<span ss="aiText"> her.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew heard her bump into the wall and looked at her with a worried expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you okay, Wina? You didn''t get hurt, did you?" Mathew asked with a concerned voice.


    <span ss="userText">Wina blushed with embarrassment.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I''m fine! Just a little humiliated <span ss="aiText">from bumping into the wall like that! I-I''ll see youter<span ss="editText">, Mathew<span ss="aiText">! And you <span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText">on''t <span ss="editText">do anything silly again otherwise you''ll have to be disciplined!" Wina said in a shaky voice while trying to sound confident while reaching for the door handle.


    <span ss="editText">"I''ll keep that in mind, Wina. I hope you have pleasant dreams<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said with a warm smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was already by the door handle but she couldn''t help but blush as Mathew smiled at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I hope you do too, Mathew," she said as she opened the door and entered the hallway.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew stood there naked for a few seconds before he heard Wina run down the hallway towards her room.


    <span ss="userText">He smiled while picking up his clothing.


    <span ss="userText">"So, she dropped the ''Sir'' part<span ss="aiText"> for me, huh?<span ss="editText"> Wina, you''re a bold woman," He thought with a grin.


    <span ss="editText">He put away his dirty clothes.


    <span ss="editText">"I think I''m going to marry her someday..." he muttered as he got ready for bed.


    <span ss="editText">***

 Vol.0 Ch.123 Hey! Let’s Start Over…

    Vol.0 Ch.123 Hey! Let��s Start Over��


    <span ss="editText">Wina was rushing to her room.


    <span ss="editText">*Open! SLAM!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Gah!"


    <span ss="aiText">She immediately opened her door, closed it behind her,<span ss="editText">and leaned on it.


    <span ss="editText">She was panting after<span ss="aiText"> running to her room. Her heart was beating rapidly and her legs were trembling.


    <span ss="aiText">"T-That was close..." Wina whispered as she gulped.


    <span ss="aiText">She looked at the door and then looked at her hands. She couldn''t help but notice that they were trembling.


    <span ss="aiText">"Jeez! I need a shower!" Wina eximed as she walked to he<span ss="editText">r wardrobe<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">She stripped naked in her room a<span ss="editText">nd carefully hid her assassin belt<span ss="aiText"> under her pillow<span ss="editText"> before heading to the bathroom door.


    <span ss="editText">Wina stopped in front of the door for a second. S<span ss="aiText">he couldn''t help but look down at her body.


    <span ss="aiText">''I''ve never been attracted to men before. So, why is he so appealing to me?<span ss="editText"> Maybe taking a shower in the fae bath will clear my head,<span ss="aiText">'' She thought while thinking of Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">She felt her chest tighten as her body began to heat up.


    <span ss="aiText">She couldn''t help but remember the feeling of Mathew''s body under her fingertips.


    <span ss="aiText">As she walked into the bathroom she couldn''t help but smile.


    <span ss="aiText">She walked up to the bath and turned it on <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> sh<span ss="editText">e used her mana on the crystal.


    <span ss="editText">"His muscles<span ss="aiText">! Those hard abs and his firm body!" She said while fanning herself.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina <span ss="editText">sat on the edge of the tub with a dumbfounded look on her face.


    <span ss="editText">She was in total shock over what just happened. She was so attracted to Mathew''s body that shepletely ignored the danger she was putting herself in<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''Why did I do something so foolish!? I can''t believe I was so close to being caught!'' Wina thought in fear and panic.


    <span ss="aiText">She felt her heart skip a beat when she thought about how close she came to being exposed.


    <span ss="userText">The water was warm enough for her to get in<span ss="aiText">. She submerged herself in the tub to calm her nerves and sat there while sighing as the warm water rxed her body<span ss="editText">, but her heart was still racing.


    <span ss="editText">''Dammit Wina! If you got caught, <span ss="editText">you know what they do to assassins. Mathew would have to chain me up<span ss="userText"> so I can''t move. And he would tear open my dress in order to find my hidden weapons<span ss="aiText">,'' she thought as she sank lower into the tub<span ss="aiText">that the water started to reach her neck.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">He would probably demand me to tell him <span ss="userText">who hired me. But I wouldn''t tell him anything. He''ll need to torture me first before I''ll say anything<span ss="aiText">," She <span ss="editText">whispered to herself while a shiver ran down her spine. Her heartbeat began to race more at the thought of how Mat<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText"> would torture<span ss="editText"> her.


    <span ss="editText">"H-He probably grab my hair and pull my head<span ss="aiText"> back as he pins me to a wall and threatens me with a knife while he<span ss="editText"> nibbles on my ear<span ss="aiText">-" Wina stopped as she felt her face heat up.


    <span ss="aiText">She realized what she was thinking about and shot out of the <span ss="editText">water��sshing it everywhere<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">She frantically got out of the tub while<span ss="aiText"> quickly drying her body and then wrapped a towel around herself as she rushed back to her room.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s enough of that!" Wina said as she rushed back into her room<span ss="editText"> and put on her nightgown<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"That was close!" She whispered to herself as she hid the towel in the wardrobe.


    <span ss="aiText">She went to bed.


    <span ss="aiText">But instead of sleeping, she kept reying the events in her mind. She couldn''t believe she let her hormones control her actions.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ugh... Why am I like this!?" Wina said with annoyance.


    <span ss="aiText">She looked at her hand as she remembered how Mathew''s body felt under her fingertips.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">How can a man be so pleasing to the eyes?<span ss="aiText"> But he is nothing more than an enemy...'' Wina thought as she closed her eyes and tried to sleep.


    <span ss="aiText">And instead of sleeping she tossed and turned as she couldn''t help but think about how Mathew''s muscles felt under her fingertips<span ss="editText"> and soon she started fantasizing about Mathew <span ss="userText">capturing her as a assassin. How he would need to bond Her arms together and would bring her to a room that had no windows and sit on a chair. So he could question her.


    <span ss="aiText">"P-Please... I<span ss="editText"> didn''t do anything... Why have you arrested me?" She pleaded in a soft voice.


    <span ss="editText">"Miss Wina Daz... You can stop with the act. I know you are an assassin. So<span ss="aiText"> tell me who hired you," Mathew whispered in her ear as he sat in a chair in front of her.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No! I''m not an assassin!<span ss="editText"> Where would you get such an idea!<span ss="aiText">" Wina replied while shaking her head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Miss Wina, can you tell me what this is?"<span ss="aiText"> Mathew asked as he showed her a dagger that was in a sheath<span ss="editText"> and an assassin''s belt that had small vials of different poisons attached to it<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I-<span ss="aiText">It''s <span ss="editText">a- I don''t know what that is?" She replied<span ss="aiText"> as she shivered in fear.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s a dagger and assassin''s belt<span ss="editText"> that I found in your room<span ss="aiText">. Do you have any other items like this in your possession?" Mathew asked in a cold voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No, I''ve <span ss="editText">never seen those before and I don''t have anything like that on my person! Someone must<span ss="aiText"> have put them in my room while I was away," Wina replied while shaking her head.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew then st<span ss="editText">ood up and started walking around her, "No... I know it was you... I saw this beltying on the ground when you were sleeping<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said in a deep voice as he got closer to her.


    <span ss="editText">Wina gritted her teeth <span ss="userText">when he mentioned seeing her with<span ss="aiText"> her assassin''s belt next to her when she was sleeping.


    <span ss="aiText">"S-So? What if I did have this? You think I am an assassin because of those?" She asked while staring at him in defiance.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I know you''re an assassin<span ss="editText">," Mathew said as he moved <span ss="userText">his hand to under her dress and slides it up her le<span ss="editText">ft leg.


    <span ss="editText">She gasped as his fingers slid across her bare skin, causing Goosebumps to form<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-If you think I''m an assassin, then why would you touch me this way?" She asked with a shaking voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m going to strip your mind of the lies that you''ve told and reveal your true self.<span ss="userText"> And?" Mathew''s fingers came in contact with her other assassin''s belt and unbuckled it<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"M-My true self? I-I don''t know what you''re talking about," She replied while shaking her head until she felt him taking her assassin belt off.


    <span ss="aiText">He started to lift her dress up revealing her legs.


    <span ss="aiText">"S-Stop! Please... Don''t take my belt!" Wina pleaded as she tried to stop Mathew by kicking her feet.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, look at that... More poison<span ss="aiText">..." Mathew said as he lifted her dress up higher while pulling out her other assassin''s belt.


    <span ss="aiText">She tried to stop him by kicking her legs but his body was much stronger than hers and he was able to lift her dress higher exposing her ck panties.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm? I wonder if you''re hiding anything else<span ss="aiText"> on you, Wina. Because from what I''ve seen, you are an assassin and not ady..." Mathew said while smiling as he looked down at Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I''m not an assassin! I swear I''m not!" She pleaded as she started to get frustrated.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, what if I do this?" He asked as he ripped her panties off of her.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed as he exposed her.


    <span ss="userText">"I hear that female assassins can''t feel pleasure<span ss="aiText"> from sex. I guess that means you need to prove me wrong," Mathew said with a cold voice as he knelt between her legs.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t help but moan as Mathew spread her legs open and started licking her <span ss="editText">clit<span ss="aiText">. She was panting as she felt hi<span ss="editText">s strong tongue poking and prodding her.


    <span ss="editText">"Y-Yes... Yes... That''s right! Female assassins vaginas are mut<span ss="aiText">ted o<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> th<span ss="editText">e inside! You''ll find that mine isn''t<span ss="aiText">..." Wina replied as she felt a warm sensation building up inside of her.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew stopped and looked at Wina with suspicion.


    <span ss="editText">"That''s funny? I didn''t know that was the reason assassins couldn''t feel pleasure. If you aren''t an assassin how did you know that<span ss="aiText">?" He asked while grinning at Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">She blushed as <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">let an Assassin''s Society secret slip<span ss="aiText"> out of her mouth.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I<span ss="editText">t''s something I heard! I just knew!<span ss="aiText">" <span ss="editText">S<span ss="aiText">he replied <span ss="editText">as she blushed in shame<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, I guess there is one way to test it out," He said as he continued to eat out Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I''ve told you... I''m not an assassin... Aaahh... S-Stop..." Wina moaned out as she felt the warm sensation building inside her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, I guess I''ll just have to see how truthful your words really are..." Mathew replied as he stood up and grabbed her<span ss="editText"> long curly brown hair and pulled her head back.


    <span ss="editText">"AUNH!<span ss="aiText"> I''m not lying! I-I''m not an assassin! Aaaahh!" Wina <span ss="editText">moaned<span ss="aiText"> out as she felt the pleasure wash over her.


    <span ss="aiText">She felt the warmth spread throughout her body and it made her hips buck involuntarily <span ss="editText">when <span ss="editText">she felt her hair<span ss="aiText"> being pulled.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Who hired you<span ss="aiText">, Wina? The Kingdom of <span ss="editText">Marn<span ss="aiText">?" Mathew asked as he <span ss="editText">pinched one of Wina''s erect nipples with his free hand while his other hand held her beautiful mane of hair tightly in order for him to look into her hazel eyes<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No! I can''t tell you!" She cried out as she felt her climax approaching.<span ss="editText"> She was so used to being the one to dominate people<span ss="aiText"> but right now she was <span ss="editText">on the receiving end <span ss="aiText">of <span ss="editText">it<span ss="aiText"> and it made her feel helpless<span ss="editText">, weak, and fragile.


    <span ss="editText">And it was turning her on<span ss="aiText"> so much that it was making her lose her focus and she was struggling to keep up the act.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Why not? Who is it, Wina? Is it the royal family of Marn? It was them that hired you to kill Prince Quinus wasn''t it!?"<span ss="aiText"> Mathew asked while tightening his grip on her hair.


    <span ss="editText">"I-It wasn''t the Kingdom of Marn<span ss="aiText">!" Wina replied as she struggled to free herself<span ss="editText"> from Mathew''s stunning green eyes<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"But you''ve just admitted that <span ss="editText">you were<span ss="aiText"> hired. If not them then who hired you?" He asked with a grin.


    <span ss="aiText">She blushed as she thought of how to lie her way out of it.<span ss="userText"> But the itchy feeling inside her pelvis<span ss="aiText"> was getting worse and she could onlye up with a half-assed lie.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I was hired by the Adventurer''s Guild," She replied weakly.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t believe you, Wina.<span ss="userText"> You''re too beautiful to be hired by them<span ss="aiText">. Who really hired you?" Mathew asked with a serious expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">B-Beautiful?<span ss="aiText"> Y-You think I''m beautiful?" Wina asked as her face heated up and she looked at Mathew with hopeful eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course<span ss="editText">, since the first day I saw you. I wanted to make you fall in love with me<span ss="aiText">. But you wouldn''t do it. I thought I had to seduce you into being with me. And then when you came to my room today, I couldn''t help but want to make you mine," He replied with a warm smile as he gently rubbed his thumb across her cheek.


    <span ss="userText">"Oooohhh.... Mmmmh<span ss="aiText">..." Wina moaned out as she felt herself on the edge.


    <span ss="aiText">"But you''re an assassin... <span ss="editText">and I can''t trust you if you won''t be honest with m<span ss="aiText">e..." Mathew said as he moved his hand down and grabbed <span ss="editText">her breasts<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">He squeezed them and Wina couldn''t help but feel another wave of pleasure wash over her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">M-Mathew<span ss="aiText">..." She moaned out while looking into Mathew''s eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"I guess that means it''s true then. Wina, you''re an assassin and not ady," He said as he moved his face close to her ear and nibbled on her ear.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I want to be a woman! Aunh! I don''t want to be a tool anymore<span ss="aiText">!" Wina cried out as she felt her body going numb and her mind goes nk as a powerful sensation washed over her.


    <span ss="aiText">Her whole being went limp and she couldn''t control her body anymore while her legs opened wide as she climaxed with a powerful orgasm.


    <span ss="userText">"Then tell me Wina... Tell me who hired you?<span ss="aiText"> And I''ll make you mine for life. I''ll never let anyone hurt you. I''ll keep you safe and happy. If you tell me the truth I will be yours forever," Mathew said while gently squeezing her breast.


    <span ss="userText">"D-Duke ric!<span ss="aiText"> Duke ric hired me!" She cried out as she came down from her high and felt the warmth inside her recede.


    <span ss="aiText">She felt relief wash over her body as she realized that she confessed her secret to the one person that she had fallen in love with.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you Wina, I love you," Mathew said with a gentle voice as he brought his lips down to hers and they shared a kiss.


    <span ss="aiText">The scene faded away and Wina woke up in her bed.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">T<span ss="userText">he <span ss="editText">sun had just risen up from the eastern horizon<span ss="userText"> and the warm light<span ss="aiText"> shined into her room as birds s<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">ng in the trees outside.


    <span ss="editText">She looked around in confusion<span ss="aiText"> as she <span ss="editText">thought her dream was real<span ss="aiText">. But when she realized it was only a dream she was both disappointed but also relieved that her dream ended the way it did.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m finally free..." She whispered to herself as she stretched her arms.


    <span ss="userText">Her right hand felt wet for some reason<span ss="aiText"> and she looked at it. She gasped when she realized it was wet with her fluids that had leaked out from under her <span ss="editText">nightgown as well<span ss="aiText"> as he<span ss="editText">r breasts being exposed<span ss="aiText"> to the warm sunlight.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t believe I had a sex dream about a person I barely know...<span ss="editText"> A-And I cracked and told him my client''s name... Thank the gods that it''s only a dream,<span ss="aiText">" Wina said as she rolled off her bed and put on her <span ss="editText">slippers<span ss="aiText"> as she <span ss="editText">fixed her nightgown before heading to her bathroom<span ss="aiText"> to get cleaned.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Why is this bing the hardest mission of my life<span ss="aiText">?'' She thought to herself as she entered the bathroom and took a cold shower.


    <span ss="aiText">She finished cleaning herself up and <span ss="editText">dressed in her royal wet nurse uniform <span ss="editText">before<span ss="aiText"> head<span ss="editText">ing<span ss="aiText"> down to the kitchen to get some breakfast.


    <span ss="editText">And right as she came out the door she ran into Mathew who was dressed in his royal knight''s armor<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">She blushed as she was reminded of the dream she had that <span ss="editText">made her conflicted between wanting it so badly to be real and dreading that it would happen<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good morning, Wina." He said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"G-Good morning Mathew." She replied while blushing.


    <span ss="aiText">"I had some strange dreamst night. I was talking to a beautifuldy with hazel eyes," Mathew said while smiling.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed when he mentioned her eyes.


    <span ss="userText">"S-So you were dreaming about me?<span ss="aiText"> What kind of dream?" She asked with a red face.


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="editText"> can''t really remember sadly..<span ss="aiText">. It was a blur<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> to be honest. All I remember is I <span ss="editText">wanted to be with you. How about you? Did you have a good dream as well?<span ss="aiText">" Mathew <span ss="editText">aske<span ss="aiText">d as he smiled at Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">She looked away from his face and blushed, "Y-Yes, it was a good dream. It was nothing important though."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">That''s good... Hey Wina? I-I know things started off weirdly between us and I fear that I make you unco<span ss="editText">mfortable<span ss="editText"> when I''m around you,<span ss="aiText">" He asked with a nervous expression as he stared at her with his green eyes.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh? Why is<span ss="aiText"> he suddenly talking about this? <span ss="editText">What''s his angl<span ss="aiText">e,'' Wina thought as she gave him a confused look.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I <span ss="editText">can''t deny that I am usually off my game when you are in <span ss="userText">proximity<span ss="aiText"> to me," She replied with a nervousugh.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">That''s what I thought. So I <span ss="userText">propose this, I want to be your friend and I like to get to know you<span ss="aiText"> better. How about it? Would that make you ufortable?" Mathew asked with a serious expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-It''s not that... But why would you want to be friends with me?<span ss="userText"> I will leave here once the prince is old enough to eat solid foods<span ss="aiText">. And once he''s grown enough, I will move on to a different kingdom. So, why would you want to be my friend?" Wina asked as she looked up at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s a simple answer.<span ss="userText"> I want to be your husband<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said as he looked into her hazel eyes and grabbed her left hand with his own right hand, and rubbed his thumb on her soft skin.


    <span ss="aiText">She gasped and blushed when she felt his strong hand grab her own small soft one.


    <span ss="userText">"M-Marry me!? How does being your friend<span ss="aiText"> make you want to marry me!?" She asked while blushing as she felt butterflies in her stomach.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, <span ss="editText">my father always told me that there are many beautiful women in the world but finding the ones that be your best friend is the one you<span ss="aiText"> need to find and hold on to. If I''m going to be a knight I want to find the one woman that can be my wife and help me be a great knight," Mathew said <span ss="editText">with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">He continued, "And I find you very att<span ss="editText">ractive. But I don''t want to treat you like a tool that''s meant to be used. No one deserves to be treated like that and I hope that we like each other beyond are good looks<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">''He doesn''t see me as a tool?<span ss="aiText"> I was wrong about him! And I like him as well. If he keeps talking like this I think I can trust him.<span ss="editText"> And I could have my first best friend!<span ss="aiText"> But still, there is a problem with my job... Aahh...<span ss="userText"> I don''t know what to do anymore!<span ss="aiText"> But he is so nice and handsome...'' Wina thought as her face heated up.


    <span ss="editText">"So, what do you say? I''ll wait until after the prince is old enough to eat solid foods. But once he''s able to eat food on his own I''ll marry you," Mathew said as he gently rubbed her hand.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Well, if you say so. You know, I have never had a best friend before..." Wina replied with a red face as she looked up at Mathew and noticed he was taller than her by a <span ss="editText">few<span ss="aiText"> inches.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"<span ss="editText">Well, there''s a first time for everyone. So, what do you like to do in your free time?<span ss="aiText">" Mathew <span ss="editText">ask<span ss="aiText">ed with a gentle smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"I enjoy reading. Do you enjoy reading as well?" She asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Sadly, I can''t read as much as I used to when I got Knighted. Always on some type of guard duty. But<span ss="aiText"> I enjoy training. I train and spar with the other knights. And sometimes I go hunting to get my meat for dinner. How about you?" Mathew asked as he grinned.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hunting is good for the soul. I also enjoy hunting sometimes when I''m out traveling. But I enjoy <span ss="userText">cultivating nts and herbs. I''m good at identifying poiso<span ss="editText">nous<span ss="aiText"> nts," Wina said as she smiled at Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">"Cultivating is a hobby of mine. My father taught me how to cultivate when I was a young boy. I enjoy making potions and teas for people.<span ss="userText"> It soothes the soul when out on the battlefield<span ss="aiText"> and heals wounds faster." Mathew said as he let go of Wina''s hand.


    <span ss="aiText">She looked down at her hand that Mathew held just a moment ago and wished he would have held it longer.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I was going to go to the kitchen and get some breakfast before my shift starts. W-Would you like to join me?<span ss="aiText"> Or should I make breakfast for you?" She asked nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sure, I would love to have breakfast with you. <span ss="editText">Hopefully Ben is making his cornbread. I can''t eat anyone else''s after having his. You may take the lead, my Lady,<span ss="aiText">" Mathew <span ss="editText">sai<span ss="aiText">d as he ced his right hand on his chest and ced his left hand on his right hip.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright follow me," Wina said while she headed to the kitchen with <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">a spring to her step that she never had before as <span ss="aiText">Mathew followed closely behind her.


    <span ss="aiText">Once they entered the kitchen they were greeted by <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">the other servants that were getting ready for their workday.

 Vol.0 Ch.124 Giving My Report

    Vol.0 Ch.124 Giving My Report


    <span ss="userText">Wina and Mathew started getting along with each other from that point on. As their days<span ss="aiText"> went by <span ss="editText">as they became good friends while serving the young prince.


    <span ss="editText">And for Quinus? He enjoyed life as a baby again while he switched between sucking on his mother''s tits and Wina''s boobs.


    <span ss="editText">He loved the milk from his mother''s tits a little bit more than Wina''s. But he wasn''tining. While feeding he felt guilty if he went the devian<span ss="aiText">t rou<span ss="editText">te with his mother and would respectfully<span ss="aiText"> drink from her when she was there with him. Which was most of the time.


    <span ss="editText">But for Wina, he loved to tease her<span ss="aiText"> nipples by sucking on them hard while staring into her eyes. He enjoyed the look of bliss on Wina''s face and it gave him a sense of pride that he could make his beautiful wet nurse feel so good.<span ss="userText"> She would usually whisper out a name he couldn''t understand<span ss="aiText"> when he did this. But he enjoyed teasing her while she blushed at him.


    <span ss="aiText">He enjoyed it when he teased her like that. It was fun and gave him a sense of satisfaction as he wanted to see <span ss="editText">a beautiful woman make a blissful face. And her milk wasn''t half bad<span ss="aiText"> as it wasn''t full of sugar like some noble''s breast milk.


    <span ss="aiText">And <span ss="editText">after weeks of this, he started picking up thenguage<span ss="aiText"> of this world as he had a great memory. And after he learned thenguage, he <span ss="editText">finally realizes he was born into royalty. Which<span ss="userText"> blew his mind<span ss="aiText"> once he learned about it.


    <span ss="editText">''I''m a prince!?<span ss="aiText"> I have to be the prince! And my new name is Quinus? I think I like it,'' Quinus thought to himself as he looked up into Wina''s eyes as she fed him her milk.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">And <span ss="editText">why do they keep talking about an Orc Tribe <span ss="editText">roaming around some city? Was I reborn in a fantas<span ss="aiText">y wo<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">ld<span ss="editText">? Is their magic!? Wait! Do I have to fight Orcs when I get older?<span ss="userText"> Oh God! D-Do I have to lead people to war!?<span ss="editText"> I''ll just try and avoid it, with peace treaties or something! I just was reborn. And I don''t want to find out if I get a third chance at this,'' He reflected to<span ss="aiText"> himself as he kept drinking Wina''s sweet milk.


    <span ss="aiText">He was thinking these things while he was at peace enjoying suckling on her breast when he got distracted by her voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Aunh! The Prince is going to be dangerous to every female on Tertius!"<span ss="aiText"> She <span ss="editText">groaned<span ss="aiText"> out.


    <span ss="aiText">"Umm... what?" <span ss="editText">A<span ss="aiText">sked <span ss="editText">Ingrid who was <span ss="editText">cleaning the prince''s crib<span ss="aiText"> while Wina was attending to the prince.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh uhh! Nothing! The prince <span ss="editText">just uses his tongue in such a way <span ss="aiText">that <span ss="editText">is<span ss="aiText"> teasing me," Wina said as she sighed<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and looked at Ingrid.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh? So<span ss="aiText"> the prince has taken a liking to you?" Ingrid asked with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yeah<span ss="editText">... And I think no woman will be able to resist him<span ss="aiText">. He just won''t stop sucking on my nipples<span ss="editText"> in a way that makes me- well, horny... It''s like he knows this makes me want to moan<span ss="aiText">," Winained as she felt the prince suck on her nipple again.


    <span ss="aiText">"I know it''s rude to ask such a thing... But how old are you?" Ingrid asked with a worried look.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, I was born in 1308 of the new era. So I''m twenty-four this year. Why do you ask?" Wina asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Really? You look way more mature than<span ss="aiText"> I would expect. But i<span ss="editText">f you are right and he bes a yboy. All the parents of Fiafyr will have to hide their daughters from the prince<span ss="userText">. Hahaha. <span ss="editText">It will be<span ss="aiText"> a disaster!" Ingrid said with a nervousugh.


    <span ss="aiText">"yboy!? <span ss="editText">Don''t worry Miss Wina... I''ll make sure to set my boy straight. I can''t have my son ab<span ss="userText">using his rank<span ss="aiText"> as a prince," Said <span ss="editText">Queen Rianna<span ss="aiText"> as he walked into the room and looked at Wina with his smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Your Majesty<span ss="aiText">? When did youe in?" Wina asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Just a few moments ago. I just heard your conversation from behind the door," The queen replied as she <span ss="editText">walk<span ss="aiText">ed <span ss="editText">ov<span ss="aiText">er <span ss="editText">to see her son.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus stopped feeding and looked at his mother with sad eyes.


    <span ss="editText">''Mother thinks<span ss="aiText"> I''ll be a yboy? <span ss="editText">I-I was just having fun? I never intended for it to go that far. Or maybe I did... <span ss="aiText">Aahh! I was hoping to spend my life in peace!<span ss="editText"> But Mom''s right. I''m supposed to be a newborn, not a 31-year-old man.<span ss="aiText">'' Quinus thought as he looked up at his mother.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh!? Did someone not like being<span ss="aiText"> called a yboy?" The queen asked<span ss="editText"> with a smile<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina and Ingrid <span ss="editText">looked at each o<span ss="aiText">the<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> w<span ss="editText">hen they noticed Quinus''s<span ss="aiText"> facial expression as he fed off of Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus was blushing when he realized he was caught and looked away from his mother.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">D-Does the prince understand us?" Ingrid asked<span ss="aiText"> with a worried look.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Miss Ingrid, don''t be silly<span ss="aiText">. You saw how young he is. He is probably just scared<span ss="editText"> when I snuck up on him<span ss="aiText">," The Queen said as she looked down at her son.


    <span ss="userText">Wina nodded<span ss="aiText"> in agreement.


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah, he probably just got scared<span ss="aiText"> when he heard youe into the room," Wina said as she stroked the back of his head and he leaned his head onto herrge boobs.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hehehe, oh my Quinny is adorable<span ss="aiText"> when he<span ss="editText">''s shy<span ss="aiText">," The Queen said as she looked down at her son while she smiled at h<span ss="editText">im<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus blushed and closed his eyes as he enjoyed being against <span ss="editText">Wina<span ss="aiText">''s warm body while feeding from h<span ss="editText">er.


    <span ss="editText">''Okay... I''lly off of being a creep... Starting tomorrow. In the meantime I should try to learn how to read<span ss="aiText"> thisnguage as fast as possible,'' He thought to himself as he thought about what to do.


    <span ss="aiText">And with that, he turned his focus to reading and absorbing all of the knowledge he could.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="editText">"Some people are born lucky," Said Mathe<span ss="editText">w w<span ss="editText">ho was standing in the corner this whole time.


    <span ss="editText">"You need to get over it, Sir Mathew. He is a baby. It''s not like he''ll remember my bosoms<span ss="aiText"> in the future<span ss="editText">. And this is the tenth time you''veined," Wina said with a smirk.


    <span ss="editText">"I''m notining Miss Wina. But I would be lying if I said I wasn''t jealous.<span ss="aiText"> But I''ll get over it," Mathew replied with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sir<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Mathew<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText"> It''s not like <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">re''s apetition between you and my son for Miss Wina''s hand. So stop it, would you?... But your jealousy<span ss="aiText"> is a little cute. And I''m d you have warmed up to Sir Mathew. It''s good that you two have taken a liking to each other. Do you n to marry after a year?" Queen Rianna said as she smiled at them.


    <span ss="userText">"I have not agreed to marry him, Your Majesty<span ss="aiText">!" Wina said as she blushed when the queen mentioned them getting married.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hehehe! Oh? So you n to make Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText"> wait then? <span ss="editText">T<span ss="aiText">hat<span ss="editText">''s not nice to do, Miss Wina. Hasn''t he done enough<span ss="aiText"> for <span ss="editText">yo<span ss="aiText">u?" Queen Rianna asked with a teasing smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Your Majesty! Please don''t tease me like that!" Wina begged with a red face as she looked up at the Queen.


    ''It''s one thing to get teased by the prince. But getting teased by his mother too is unfair!'' Wina thought.


    <span ss="userText">Wina regained herposure, "Ahem! He offered to be my friend first and that''s what I intend to do,"<span ss="aiText"> Wina replied as she puffed out her cheeks.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hahaha, so you ept his offer to be friends. How lovely," The Queen replied as she smiled down at her son and saw him nursing on <span ss="editText">Wina''s<span ss="aiText"> breasts.


    <span ss="userText">''How am I supposed to marry him if I''m here to kill the prince... I-I never thought I would say this but I hate my job<span ss="aiText">!'' Wina thought to herself as she kept feeding the prince.


    <span ss="editText">The more time Wina spent in the pce with her new friends the more she was hating the idea ofpleting her mission. But she must, it was the assassin''s creed. And if she bro<span ss="aiText">ke i<span ss="editText">t she would be hunted<span ss="aiText"> down by the other assassins of <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> society.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh, looks like the prince has fallen asleep. I''ll take him to his crib," said I<span ss="userText">ngrid<span ss="aiText"> as she scooped up the prince from Wina''s arms.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I''m d he finished feeding. I''ll go to my room to sleep for a few hours," Wina said as she got up and walked out of the room.


    <span ss="userText">"Is something the matter, Miss Wina?" Mathew asked<span ss="aiText"> as he followed her to the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s nothing you need to worry about Sir Mathew<span ss="editText">. It''s just a bit of a headache. I''ll be fine," Wina said with a sad tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I didn''t know you weren''t feeling well. Go and take a break, Miss Wina. My maids and I will watch over my son. I''ll inform Miss Rose if she is looking for you<span ss="aiText">," The queen said with a concerned voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Your Majesty. But I''ll be fine after I get some sleep," Wina replied as she bowed and walked out of the room.


    <span ss="userText">She turns to Mathew, "I''ll be fine, Mathew. I''lle to your roomter tonight for some tea and one round of chess<span ss="aiText">. It will make me feel better," Wina said as she smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright then, if you say so. I''ll see youter, Miss Wina. <span ss="editText">Rest well<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said as he nodded<span ss="editText"> before he closed the door.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">Wina was walking through the hallways of the pce towards her room. Greeting a few of her servant friends along the way <span ss="userText">before she made it to her door<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Once inside, she <span ss="editText">open<span ss="aiText">ed <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> side of her skirt s<span ss="aiText">o <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">could pull out an item off her assassin''s belt.


    <span ss="editText">It wasn''t a poison or a dagger but a ring that had a ck obsidian gem<span ss="aiText">stone with a white line going through the center.


    <span ss="aiText">She <span ss="editText">put it on and channeled<span ss="aiText"> her <span ss="editText">m<span ss="aiText">an<span ss="editText">a into it causing the white line<span ss="aiText"> to glow and light up.


    <span ss="aiText">A ck fog <span ss="editText">surround<span ss="aiText">ed he<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> and when it dissipated <span ss="editText">sh<span ss="aiText">e appeared in her assassin''s outfit <span ss="editText">which <span ss="userText">consisted<span ss="aiText"> of a ck catsuit<span ss="aiText">and a hood to cover her head and face. She pulled the hood over her head and p<span ss="editText">ulled up a mask that concealed the lower half of her face.


    <span ss="editText">''I guess I shoul<span ss="aiText">d <span ss="editText">c<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">ck in with Duke ric''s<span ss="userText"> people<span ss="editText">... I hate paranoid clients<span ss="aiText">, but I''ll do what I must,'' Wina thought as she activated the ring once again causing the fog to appear around her<span ss="editText"> as she snuck out the window and hid<span ss="aiText"> in the <span ss="editText">shadows.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">Two <span ss="userText">footmen that were loyal to Duke ric were waiting in a dark corner of the Pce Gardens<span ss="aiText"> for his hired assassin to arrive. The Duke wanted a monthly progress report on her situation and she''s a week overdue.


    <span ss="aiText">It was nearly night time and the two footmen were talking with each other <span ss="editText">as they waited for Wina.


    <span ss="editText">"This is the seventh day. Do you think she''ll show?<span ss="aiText"> It''s going to be a pain if we wait until it''s <span ss="editText">morning<span ss="aiText"> again," said the footman on the left.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Then we wait, Gram<span ss="aiText">. She''ll show up. Th<span ss="editText">e Duke said she was one of the best<span ss="aiText">. But I agree, this is taking longer than I want. I can understand missing a few days but there must be a good reason. I hope," said the footman on the right.


    <span ss="aiText">"And what if she doesn''t show?<span ss="editText"> What then, Sebastian?<span ss="aiText">" Asked Gram.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then she''ll lose her payment and have to pay a penalty, that''s what. That woman is cunning, so I doubt she''ll risk it," Said <span ss="editText">Sebastian<span ss="aiText"> as he looked over at Gram.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">If she''s so good why is it going to take her so long to take out the target? I feel like I could have done the job three weeks ago<span ss="aiText">," Gramined.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Please! <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">You <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">ould<span ss="editText">n''t get the chance especially with Sir Mathew watching the kid. Stick to what you''re good at<span ss="aiText">, Gram. Don''t question the professionals," Sebastian replied with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">"You''re one to talk, Sebastian," Gram replied with a scoff, "You''re as useful as a-"


    <span ss="aiText">Gram was about to retort when he heard something behind them.


    <span ss="aiText">"What the... Someone ising," Gram said as he raised his weapon.


    <span ss="userText">They heard an annoyed female voicee from behind them.


    <span ss="userText">"So, this is a few of the Duke''s finest? I''m surprised that you haven''t been caught and tortured<span ss="aiText"> for treason yet," Wina said as she walked out of the shadows and stared down the two footmen.


    <span ss="aiText">The footmen had their weapons in hand as they looked at her with surprise.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Tsk! We''ve been waiting for a week for your report and you have the nerve to��"


    <span ss="editText">"Gram!... I''m sorry for myrade''sck<span ss="aiText"> of manners. But we''ve been waiting for you to show," Sebastian interrupted his partner before he got on the wrong side of the assassin.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina just nodded as she stood before them.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well then, <span ss="editText">I''ll give you my report. I''ve infiltrated the prince''s chamber but he always has one to three guards watching him and usually<span ss="aiText"> one <span ss="editText">to three servants<span ss="aiText">. Sir Mathew is usually there as the main protection for the Prince as well as Sir William. They are both skilled and dangerous<span ss="editText">. So, I am trying to befriend Sir Mathew, since he''s on the day watch mostly and I hope at some point that he will let down his guard around me. Unfortunately, that''s not happening anytime soon. So my earlier optimism onpleting the mission in three<span ss="aiText"> mo<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText">th<span ss="editText">s seems unlikely," Wina said.


    <span ss="editText">"It''s been over one month and you can''tplete the job? <span ss="userText">What type of assassi��mmmm!?"<span ss="aiText"> Gram was cut off when he felt something sharp <span ss="editText">against<span ss="aiText"> his throat and he looked up and saw Wina staring at him point-nk with emotionless eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I know<span ss="aiText"> you<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> t<span ss="editText">ype. The client''s loyal dog that thinks they can aplish <span ss="userText">what a professional can''t. Let this be my only warning to you<span ss="aiText">. Don''t question me, my work, or my methods," Wina said as she red into his eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">Gram gulped and looked at her with an angered expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sebastian, help me out here," Gram said as he red at Wina.


    <span ss="userText">"And do what? Get myself killed <span ss="editText">by <span ss="userText">insulting<span ss="aiText"> her? No thanks," Sebastian said as he put away his weapon and crossed his arms.


    <span ss="aiText">"We were sent by Duke ric to make sure the job is done as soon as possible.<span ss="userText"> And I feel you''re dragging your feet<span ss="aiText">. So, I''m here to take the initiativ<span ss="editText">��Whoa!<span ss="aiText">" <span ss="editText">Gram <span ss="editText">was flipped in the air and smashed into the ground before he knew what hit him<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Sebastian watched in shock when hisrade <span ss="editText">was easily pinned to the ground by Wina.


    <span ss="editText">"Do you think I like the idea of having to go this long toplete the mission? So, if I sense youing in to do my job I''ll end you. So go back to your master and give him my report<span ss="aiText">," Wina said as she stared down at Gram.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes! I-I mean No! I won''t bother you anymore! Just please don''t hurt me!" Gram begged as he cried on the ground.


    <span ss="userText">"You betterp dog<span ss="aiText">. And I suggest you don''t waste my time. I''ll finish my mission <span ss="editText">when I can<span ss="aiText">. And I don''t rush things. Understand?" Wina said as she lifted her f<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">oot up and Gram nodded as he cried<span ss="editText"> why''ll Sebastian<span ss="aiText"> was just watching in shock.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I''m off. I''ll give you an update in a couple of months from now<span ss="aiText">," Wina said as she turned and walked away.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I understand! I''ll tell the Duke not to worry," Gram said as he watched her walk away.


    <span ss="editText">Wina then had the dark fog surround her as she disappeared into the shadows<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">The two footmen looked at where Wina disappeared and then looked at each other.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">The next time you want<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">ry a<span ss="editText">nd get yourself killed. You can leave me out of it<span ss="aiText">. Understand?" <span ss="editText">Sebastian<span ss="aiText"> said with a serious look.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Shut up! I-I was testing her! Nothing more!<span ss="aiText">" Gram said as he tried to get back up.


    <span ss="aiText">"And you call me useless. I''ll never understand you, Gram. That assassin was ready to kill us," Sebastian said as he shook his head<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">Gram then stood up and shook off the dust and dirt before he turned to leave.


    <span ss="editText">"Come on we need to give our report to Belial<span ss="aiText">. But let''s avoid telling him about <span ss="editText">her overpowering me<span ss="aiText">," Gram said as he put away his weapon.


    <span ss="aiText">Sebastian shook his head as he followed Gram out of the garden.


    ***

 Vol.0 Ch.125 Marn’s Assassins

    Vol.0 Ch.125 Marn��s Assassins


    It''s been another month since Winast checked in with Duke ric''s people and while she worked to get the trust of the people around her. The Kingdom of Marn found a group of assassins willing to take the contract but needed to discuss the details first. They agreed to meet in a border city.


    So, five men wearing cloaks walked down a dark alley in the city of Zeltoble. Also known as the City of White Walls. It was built at the foot of a mountain range and was surrounded by a massive wall.


    The city was at the edge of the country and its southern half bordered a mountain range. In the east, across a great desert,y the vast petrified forest.


    The five men had royal seals of the court of Marn hanging on the right side of their cloaks.


    One of the men had a pudgy face and a long braided beard, while the other one had long ck hair that he wore in a ponytail.


    The pudgy-faced man spoke, "The meeting ce should be around here. Ah! I see it," He said as he pointed at a building.


    "Yes, the Brick Stone Inn," said the long-haired man as he nodded in agreement.


    "Yeah, they send to meet in the VIP room, Krenn. These assassins sure love to be cryptic. It took us weeks to decipher their stupid code," said the pudgy-faced man named Dentan as they all walked into the building and found themselves at a door.


    "I''ll go first," said the long-haired man named Eln who walked to the door and knocked three times.


    The door opened and the man from the other side looked at Eln and the others before he moved aside so they could walk in.


    Once inside the others saw a room full of people drinking,ughing, and eating.


    "So you lot are the VIPs? I only can take three of you to the private room," Said the man who had just let them in.


    "Eln, Dentan, with me. You two keep watch for trouble," Said Krenn as he pointed at the two men.


    The two men nodded as Krenn, Dentan, and Eln followed the man deeper into the building walking by all the people who looked at them with interested eyes.


    As the room smelled of vomit, piss, and cheap tobo. The walls had old red wallpaper that was peeling off. It was lit by themps that hung on the walls and the floor had the old wooden boards that creaked with every step.


    Eventually, they arrived at a door with a red symbol that read. ''Private Room''


    The man that led the three stopped and turned to them.


    "You lot better not start something you can''t finish... We don''t like the noble types in these parts, especially royal advisors," said the man before he opened the door and let them inside before he left them alone.


    They walked into a room with a table and several chairs. there are several candles on the table and they barely kept the room illuminating. Making the VIP room look dingy.


    The man looked at the three with a serious expression, "Wines on the table. Enjoy," He said as he shut the door before he left.


    Krenn nodded and moved to sit down at the table.


    Dentan went to pour himself a cup of wine and looked at Krenn who was sitting there silently with his eyes closed.


    Advisor Eln moved and sat next to him as they waited for their guest to arrive.


    Dentan was about to drink the wine when Krenn opened his eyes and then spoke, "It''s probably not wise to drink that Dentan."


    "What? It''s fine. I''m sure it''s not poisoned," Dentan said as he went to drink the red wine.


    Krenn then picked up a ss and threw it at Dentan''s head making him duck as the cup went whizzing past his ear. Only missing him by an eysh.


    "Au! What the hell was that for!?" Dentan yelled.


    "To protect you. We are meeting with assassins and you think you can detect their poison? You think that these assassins care who you are?" Krenn said as he stared at him.


    Dentan face was pale as it urred to him that he almost put himself in danger.


    "If I didn''t you would be dead," Krenn said in a cold voice.


    "I-I get it. I won''t drink or eat anything that we don''t think is safe. I promise," Dentan said as he felt a chill run up his back.


    "That''s good. You better learn how to think, before you act, Dentan. So, keep your eyes open. They should be here any minute," Krenn said as he closed his eyes once more.


    Eln just sighed, "We can''t do anything but wait. Let''s enjoy the silence while we can."


    Dentan nodded as they continued to wait for their guests.


    A few minutester a dark fog came from the shadows as three hooded figures walked out of the mist.


    "Ah, the VIPs of the court, how do you do?" One of the figures said as he removed his hood and revealed himself to be a man with pale skin and blue hair.


    The two others pulled back their hoods as they revealed a woman with brown skin and blue eyes and another woman with blond hair and purple eyes.


    "Greetings, Ash. I''m d you made it. But why do I feel like you werete on purpose?" Advisor Eln said with a straight face.


    "Well, I had a bet with myrades to see who would drink the wine," Ash replied as he looked at Dentan. "I was so close to winning. But, no matter."


    Dentan just gave a worried look as he realized he was about to drink poisoned wine.


    "Hahaha! We didn''t poison the wine. But it''s always funny when someone thinks we did," Ash said as heughed.


    "Enough, Ash. We wish to hire you and yourrades for a request," Krenn asked with a serious expression.


    Ash stoppedughing as he looked at Krenn.


    "Of course. Who''s the target? Or rather, the target''s whereabouts," Ash replied with a serious expression.


    "We wish for you to kill the crown prince of Fiafyr," Krenn said with a serious expression.


    Eln''s and Dentan''s faces both showed a simr expression as they wanted to show the same confidence that Krenn showed.


    Ash''s eyes widened as he realized what they wanted him to do.


    "King Arnaud wants me to kill the future king of Fiafyr. Is that right? Well, it''s a long way to travel and the risks are high. We are looking at 10,000 gold?" Ash asked as he looked to his partner to double-check if the payment was correct.


    "15,000 with a half down payment," Gwin said as she stared at the three Marn advisors with her blue eyes.


    Dentan and Eln had surprised looks on their faces as they realized the reward was higher than expected. They did not know that hiring someone to kill a royal was that expensive.


    "Ah, yes of course. But we would prefer if you bring us the prince''s eye as proof. Rumor is he has the Meredydd family''s golden eyes," Krenn said as he pulled out a bag of coins from his cloak and handed it to Ash.


    "I-It''s a bad idea to leave any witnesses to your crime," Dentan said as he moved forward.


    Ash looked at him with gray eyes that were as cold as ice.


    "We never leave witnesses. If that''s all then I''ll take my leave," Ash said as he walked to the door and opened it.


    Krenn asked, "What''s your estimated time frame forpleting your mission? I assume you need to study up on the Prince and his bodyguards?"


    The three assassins paused in their tracks before the woman with purple eyes spoke.


    "It will take us about two to three weeks to get to Tairal. Another two to three weeks of studying Mialuna Royal Pce, Prince Quinus''s room, and another two to three weeks to kill the prince. All together it will take about a month and a half to kill the prince. If things go to n," Violet said as her purple eyes glowed slightly.


    "Then we''ll pray to the God of Darkness and Light for your sess," Dentan said as he watched the three assassins disappear into a cloud of smoke.


    Krenn looked to Dentan as he spoke, "We must return to the king. Let''s leave immediately."


    Dentan nodded and looked at Eln who nodded as well.


    The three men met up with the other two and got to their horses to ride back to the capital city of Marn.


    As they were riding in the dark of the night. Dentan spoke, "Do you think the assassins can pull it off? I''ve never heard of assassins who are capable of such a feat."


    "There are a few that can. But I couldn''t reach her. But the feats those three have pulled off are beyond any other assassin I''ve seen in the past. I believe they have a chance," Krenn said with a cold voice.


    Dentan and Eln both gulped and went quiet as the rest of the ride back was done in silence.


    ***

 Vol.0 Ch.126 Dealing With Cruel Fates

    Vol.0 Ch.126 Dealing With Cruel Fates


    <span ss="userText">The month has been uneventful <span ss="editText">for Quinus <span ss="userText">as he turned five months old. Besides finally being able to see colors<span ss="editText"> as his eyes developed<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">His face was still mostly the same as he continued to suck his thumb as his red-brown<span ss="aiText">hair <span ss="editText">started growing<span ss="aiText"> out and his g<span ss="editText">olden<span ss="aiText"> eyes stayed the same.


    <span ss="aiText">The o<span ss="editText">ther thing was his gums started to ache.


    <span ss="editText">''Damn! Stupid teeth! Now I know why babies chew on everything<span ss="aiText"> they can,'' Quinus thought as he rubbed his gums<span ss="editText"> with his fingers


    <span ss="aiText">At the moment he was in his room with his wet nurse who was sitting on the bed watching him <span ss="userText">with a smile on her face. A royal knight standing in the corner and three maids moving around the room straightening things up after Quinus had a little y session<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">The young princ<span ss="aiText">e ha<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> a lot of energy<span ss="editText">. He''s chewing on everything," Ariana said with a smile as she put away Quinus''s toys<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''I''m sorry. My teeth just ache and it''s really distracting me. I wish I could stop them,'' Quinus thought as he rubbed his gums.


    <span ss="userText">"You better watch out Miss Wina. His teeth will being in soon. I hear it''s unpleasant to feed them when theye in<span ss="editText">," Ingrid<span ss="aiText"> said with a grim face.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus gave a pitiful look at the mention of his teeth as he knew that <span ss="editText">Ingrid<span ss="aiText"> was right.


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah, I''m not going to bite my mother or Wina<span ss="aiText"> when they give me <span ss="editText">their breasts. Well, at least I''m picking up some of their alphabet. Maybe I can find<span ss="aiText"> a <span ss="aiText">bo<span ss="editText">ok of magic or something<span ss="aiText"> to help me learn some spells,'' Quinus thought as he continued to chew on his finger.


    <span ss="editText">"I can handle a few bite marks, Ingrid.<span ss="aiText"> But it will make feeding him harder," <span ss="editText">Wina<span ss="aiText"> said with a serious face.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus just gave her an irritated look. ''<span ss="editText">Have some faith in m<span ss="aiText">e!''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hahaha! That''s the joys of mo<span ss="aiText">ther<span ss="editText">h<span ss="aiText">oo<span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText">," Arian<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText"> said as she looked at Quinus who was giving her an irritated look.


    <span ss="aiText">Ingrid then took Quinus''s fingers out of his mouth <span ss="editText">and gave him a teething toy<span ss="aiText"> as she spoke, "It''s not nice to give your <span ss="editText">us<span ss="aiText"> an irritated look, Prince Quinus."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus made a pout face as he put the toy in his mouth and sucked on it.


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah, I know. I wish I could have some ibuprofen or something. To dull this pain<span ss="aiText"> in my <span ss="editText">mou<span ss="aiText">th,'' Quinus thought as he continued to suck on the toy.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sure the Prince will grow out of it soon enough," Ariana said as she started to <span ss="editText">fill the bathtub with water.


    <span ss="editText">"So, Sir Mathew. Have you gotten closer to breaking even with Miss Wina in chess?<span ss="aiText"> I''ve been seeing more and more people betting on you two," Ingrid asked as she went to the side to get a chair for Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir Mathew was the royal knight in charge of guarding Quinus.


    <span ss="editText">He had a pained look<span ss="aiText"> on his face as he spoke, "It seems Miss <span ss="editText">Wina is a master<span ss="aiText"> tactician at chess. I''m afraid I''ll never break even in my lifetime. I''m d that I can at least y a few matches with her."


    <span ss="editText">"Hehe! But you have gotten better, Mathew. I fear someday you''ll figure me out<span ss="aiText">," Wina said as she looked at Mathew with a mischievous smile on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hehe! That is the dream. To be able to predict your next move and beat you at chess," Mathew said with a smile on his face as he moved over <span ss="editText">to look at the prince<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus watched the two interact and it was starting to be <span ss="editText">interesting. Wina was warming up to Mathew day by day. And they started flirting with each ot<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> w<span ss="editText">hen it was only the two of them in the room with Quinus<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">The idea that they would eventually get married was bing more and more probable.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus started to suck his fingers again as he continued to think about the rtionship between Wina and Mathew.


    <span ss="userText">''I wonder if I get to choose who I want<span ss="aiText"> to marry one day.<span ss="editText">..<span ss="aiText"> Or <span ss="editText">since I''m a prince it''s most likely not in my hands anymor<span ss="aiText">e.'' Quinus thought with a worried expression.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus''s eyes looked up to see Ariana giving him a warm smile as she spoke, "<span ss="editText">You two are getting bolder<span ss="aiText"> every day."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">We went a littl<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">oo<span ss="editText"> bold when we first met. I just needed to know if we can<span ss="aiText"> get along with each other," Mathew said as he looked at<span ss="editText">Wina<span ss="aiText"> with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina justughed as she shook her head.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus decided to focus back on his toy.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, I hear that all the nobles in the Fiafyr Kingdom areing to see the prince for the first time. It seems the Queen is organizing<span ss="aiText"> a feast to introduce you to the world," Ariana said as she <span ss="editText">poured some soap into the tub.


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah. The King and Queen will show their adorable prince to all the nobles and royal family," Wina said as she smiled at the thought of the prince being showcased to the world. It was strange how she was bing so attached to the boy in such a short amount of time.


    <span ss="editText">Wina''s will toplet<span ss="aiText">e he<span ss="editText">r mission was in jeopardy the more time she spent with him. And she experienced something she has only heard about.


    <span ss="editText">She had her first menstrual cycle. It was a shock to her as she felt the strange cramps before the bleeding.


    <span ss="editText">It made her have mixed emotions. A part of her didn''t like the idea of having this type of difort every month but the other part of her realized that she could have a child someday and it made her giddy<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">She could no longer deny that sh<span ss="aiText">e ha<span ss="editText">d changed not only physically, but<span ss="aiText"> emotionally as well. She didn''t want to kill the prince and she now wanted to have a future. She didn''t know what this future was yet, but she wanted to enjoy <span ss="editText">it.


    <span ss="editText">Wina wanted to find a way out of this contract. But she didn''t know how. And at some point, she will have t<span ss="aiText">o <span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText">ea<span ss="editText">l<span ss="aiText"> with <span ss="editText">the consequences of not fulfilling her <span ss="userText">obligation or fulfill it and try to start a new life elsewhere.


    <span ss="userText">''Why must the fates challenge me<span ss="aiText"> so? Why must I be cursed with <span ss="editText">being raised as an assassin,<span ss="aiText">'' Wina thought as she looked at the prince.


    <span ss="aiText">She <span ss="editText">hoped the fates would give her a way out but she knew better than to hope for such a thing<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus sucked his teething ring as he looked around the room and saw Mathew staring at Wina with a happy smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus made a frown and sucked on the ring harder as he continued to watch the two.


    <span ss="editText">''Those two need to getid! I don''t know what is up with Wina, but she needs to stop ying hard to get,'' thought the prince.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">A few dayster at the<span ss="userText"> Divalo Manor.


    <span ss="userText">Duke ric Revelia was <span ss="editText">in th<span ss="userText">e <span ss="editText">courtyard examin<span ss="userText">ing his son''s p<span ss="editText">rogress with his wind mag<span ss="aiText">ic <span ss="editText">training <span ss="aiText">as the<span ss="editText">re were three straw dummies set up in three different locations.


    <span ss="aiText">A small breeze started to form around the dummy that had a human shape to it as Duke ric observed his son who was standing with his eyes closed and arms outstretched.


    <span ss="editText">"Wind bullet!" Yelled Marcus.


    <span ss="aiText">The gust of wind hit the dummy causing the dummy to blow apart.


    <span ss="aiText">''A decent attack. But that is the limit of his wind magic. It''s just a light breeze<span ss="editText"> to most monsters. My son may have been blessed to be a mage. But of course, he got a support element instead of a primordial element, like fire or water. Are the fates testing me and my family again<span ss="aiText">,'' Duke ric thought to himself as he continued to watch his son.


    <span ss="editText">"<span ss="userText">That''s good, Lord Marcus. With a bit more practice. We can venture out to the Bronze Catbs to help grow your mana vein," said Marcus''s tutor<span ss="aiText">, Armitage.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">The Bronze Catbs? But there''s nothing but slimes in there! I can barely feel my veins grow, even after ughtering <span ss="aiText">over a <span ss="editText">hundred of those weaklings!"<span ss="userText"> Comined the 9 years old Marcus<span ss="aiText"> Revelia.


    <span ss="aiText">He had <span ss="editText">his father''s gray<span ss="aiText"> hair that he wore short and wore a re<span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText"> tunic with <span ss="editText">ck<span ss="aiText"> pants.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I''m sorry Lord Marcus. I know you wish to be an Elite or a Demi-God when ites to mana growth, but you''re lucky enough to be a Master level like your father. It''s always wise to continue to grow<span ss="aiText"> your vein as much as possible. You need patience and dedication if you are to grow into a powerful wind mage," Armitage said as he tried to calm the young noble down.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I know! But <span ss="editText">I need to learn<span ss="userText"> Razor-phoon as soon as possible<span ss="aiText">! I refuse to stay in my father''s shadow any longer!" Marcus yelled as he crossed his arms over his chest.


    <span ss="aiText">"You<span ss="editText">''re still young and you have to kill a few thousand of those slimes before the possibility of your mana vein growing strong enough for you to use a lesser version of Razor-phoon<span ss="aiText">, Lord Marcus... Let''s master the basics before we attempt using a novice spell," Said <span ss="editText">Arm<span ss="userText">itage<span ss="aiText"> with a worried face.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus just pouted.


    <span ss="editText">Duke ric shook his head as he recalled the tim<span ss="userText">e when he was his son''s age. And had a simr anger <span ss="editText">within<span ss="aiText"> him.<span ss="editText"> Especially when his younger brother not only had his father''s golden eyes but seemed to be an Elite and was abl<span ss="aiText">e to<span ss="editText"> catch up to him while defeating fewer monsters<span ss="aiText"> in thebyrinth.


    <span ss="aiText">It took <span ss="editText">Cyndre 5<span ss="aiText"> years to surpass hi<span ss="editText">m when he turned 10 years old while ric was 17 and still regrly going to thebyrinths to try to stay ahead of his younger brother<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">It was something that still bothered him. But now he had to worry about his son<span ss="editText"> and he prayed that hisst-ditch effort to kill his nephew<span ss="aiText"> wouldn''t backfire on him.


    <span ss="editText">''My <span ss="editText">boy might be cursed just like me<span ss="aiText">. He may <span ss="editText">be the rightful heir but <span ss="userText">life can be cruel. That assassin bettere through. So my boy can get his birthright back<span ss="aiText">,'' Duke ric thought to himself.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus yelled out, "Wind Bullet!"


    <span ss="aiText">A gust of wind shot out and the dummy blew away.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes! Another one hit! I can do this!" Marcus yelled as he pumped his fists.


    <span ss="aiText">Duke ric just nodded with<span ss="editText">out showing<span ss="aiText"> any emotion.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus looked at him and sighed before he calmed down.


    <span ss="aiText">"What is it, Father? Did I do something wrong?" Marcus asked with a worried face.


    <span ss="aiText">Duke ric shook his head, "No.<span ss="userText"> Just do as Master Armitage says<span ss="aiText">. Continue to kill those slimes and you will be able to cast <span ss="editText">higher level spells. We can''t have you experience mana exhaustion<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus looked down as he didn''t say anything as his father just walked off leaving him behind.


    <span ss="aiText">"Lord Marcus, your father <span ss="editText">doesn''t want you to go the way of many other young ambitious mages. It''s what makes us dangerous a<span ss="aiText">nd unstable<span ss="editText"> when we push ourselves past our limits<span ss="aiText">. I''m sorry that I can only offer you my assistance but I will continue to guide you the best I can," Armitage said as he put his hands on the 9-year-old shoulders.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Duke ric walked back inside the manor and was heading back to his study when he heard one of his Butlers hurrying towards him<span ss="aiText">.


    "<span ss="editText">Duke ric. There''s a message for you from Belial. He''s gotten word from one of our people inside the pce," said the duke''s butler named Weint, as he stood at attention before his master.


    <span ss="editText">Duke ric just stared<span ss="aiText"> at Weint before he spoke, "And what does this message say, Weint?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I-I don''t know your Lordship<span ss="aiText">. I was told to get you as soon as possible," Weint said as sweat started to drip down his forehead as he realized he must have made a mistake in delivering the message.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Tell Belial to meet me in my study<span ss="aiText"> when he returns," Duke ric said as he continued to walk off without saying anything else to the butler.


    <span ss="aiText">Weint gave a sigh of relief before he started to bow and then hurried back to <span ss="editText">wait for Belial. Who was busy with some other <span ss="aiText">work.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Does Weint serve me or Belial? That fool should know better<span ss="aiText">,'' Duke ric thought as he arrived at his study and sat down at his desk.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">After an hour passes Beliales<span ss="aiText"> to the Duke''s study with a report.


    <span ss="aiText">Duke ric sat at his desk as he looked at Belial.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So, Weint said that you have some news for m<span ss="aiText">e," Duke ric <span ss="editText">asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, <span ss="editText">your Lordship. <span ss="userText">Our people finally got in contact with the... Frencer. She thinks her earlier estimate ofpleting the task was incorrect but she has broken ground and is expecting toplete her task in five to six months," Belial spoke in code to his master<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I see... <span ss="editText">Belial. You don''t need to speak in code when you''re in my study. I appreciate your caution, but your paranoia isn''t needed in this room<span ss="aiText">," Duke ric said as he pulled out a bottle of wine and two cups.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Duke. Forgive me, your Lordship," Belial said with a bow.


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke poured two cups of wine for the two of them.


    <span ss="userText">"Is there anything else I should know?<span ss="aiText"> Has anyone been suspicious of me?" The duke asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">No one suspects a thing, your Lordship. But Grim seems to be worried about some rumors about the assassin falling for the royal knight, Sir Mathew,<span ss="userText">" answered Belial as he declined to drink wine with his master.


    <span ss="userText">ric took his wine ss and swirl the <span ss="editText">red liquid<span ss="userText"> around to let it breathe <span ss="editText">whil<span ss="userText">e he turn his chair to look out the window before taking a sip of the dark red wine.


    <span ss="userText">"Is Sir Mathew the head of security detail?<span ss="aiText"> It''s not strange for the assassin to get close to the royal guards. <span ss="editText">She said t<span ss="aiText">hat is her job after all," Duke ric said as he stared off into space.


    <span ss="aiText">Belial nodded and just stayed silent as he waited for his master to say more.


    <span ss="userText">"If these rumors persist after five months, then we might need to reevaluate our little viper<span ss="aiText">''s contract. Send a message to Wina that she can take her time <span ss="editText">and that<span ss="aiText"> we will honor her request.<span ss="editText"> But tell her,<span ss="aiText"> I''ll give her an extra 15,000 gold if shepletes her task in the next two <span ss="editText">months. The sooner Quinus is out of the picture the sooner my son can get the throne," ric said before taking another sip of his wine<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"As you wish, Duke ric. I''ll send the message," Belial said as he got up and left.


    <span ss="aiText">Duke ric drank the rest of the wine before he looked out the window and he thought to himself.


    <span ss="userText">''If this fails to get my son''s birthright back. We may need to ept our cruel fate... I hope my boy can handle being a Duke for the rest of his life<span ss="aiText">,'' ric thought as he stared off into the distance.

 Vol.0 Ch.127 Have You Heard about the Marriage Proposal?

    Vol.0 Ch.127 Have You Heard about the Marriage Proposal?


    <span ss="aiText">Meanwhile, at the Maldura Royal <span ss="editText">P<span ss="aiText">ce.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna was in a garden having tea with her guest<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"It seems my daughter has made a friend. I hope she makes a good friend out of him," <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">aid <span ss="editText">Countess Alexandria <span ss="userText">Ingham<span ss="aiText"> with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">The Countess and <span ss="editText">the Marchioness of Berger had invited the Queen<span ss="aiText"> for afternoon tea and Rianna agreed to meet them in the pce garden.


    <span ss="aiText">Alexandria had short blonde hair and brown eyes. She wore a green dress and was in her mid<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">thirties.


    <span ss="aiText">The Marchioness of Berger was wearing a ck and white dress and was a few years older than the Count<span ss="userText">ess.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm. That''s good that she is fairing well in the <span ss="editText">R<span ss="userText">oyal <span ss="editText">Tairal A<span ss="userText">cad<span ss="editText">e<span ss="userText">my. So, Queen Rianna, how has your son<span ss="aiText"> been doing? I h<span ss="editText">aven''t heard much but I know boys can<span ss="aiText"> be quite a handful," <span ss="editText">Marchioness Isabell<span ss="aiText">a said as she took a sip of her tea.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna looked off into the distance as she replied, "It''s been <span ss="editText">surprisingly easy so far<span ss="aiText">. He''s quite well-behaved. I d<span ss="editText">id<span ss="aiText">n''t <span ss="editText">know what to expect but <span ss="userText">I <span ss="editText">wasn''<span ss="userText">t going to nitpick<span ss="aiText"> him <span ss="editText">if he was a<span ss="aiText"> spoiled brat. He seems to be a happy baby and my people love him so far."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Stop it, my Queen. After everything you have been through. You deserve the perfect child<span ss="aiText">. And if he''s the way you''re saying. Then there is no doubt that you <span ss="editText">gave birth to the next greatest king of Fiafyr<span ss="aiText">," Countess <span ss="editText">Alexandria<span ss="aiText"> said as she smiled at the Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna gave the countess a sad look as she recalled the events that had happened<span ss="userText"> to her. All her unborn children that she never had the chance to<span ss="aiText"> see or hold.<span ss="editText"> All the hardships, all the whispers behind her back of being a failure of a wife and Queen<span ss="userText">. Ity heavily on her soul until Quinus was born. Now she gets nothing but praise<span ss="aiText"> from the citizens and nobles. She would be lying to herself if she said she didn''t enjoy it.<span ss="editText"> But a part of h<span ss="aiText">er <span ss="aiText">fe<span ss="editText">l<span ss="aiText">t <span ss="editText">that their kind words came easier from them in order to<span ss="aiText"> make themselves feel better<span ss="editText"> after<span ss="aiText"> what they had done to her.


    <span ss="editText">She was a foreign Noble that married into<span ss="aiText"> the royal family. So, she was considered the ''other''. Especially with <span ss="editText">all her miscarriages. She knew they thought lesser of her. If they weren''t so important to her husband''s sess. She wouldn''t have associated with any of these noble women, to begin with.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Countess. I never thought that I would get this type of reaction from my people<span ss="editText"> or you<span ss="aiText">. Especially when they have always shown me disrespect," The Queen said as she drank her tea.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">That is just a misconception,<span ss="aiText"> my <span ss="editText">Queen. I may have been prickly when we first met. But I assure you that I never meant<span ss="aiText"> any disrespect towards you. You were so far ahead of me that it felt like I couldn''t hold a candle to you. I a<span ss="editText">pologize<span ss="aiText"> if my words or actions have offended you in the past," Marchioness <span ss="editText">Isabe <span ss="aiText">said with a serious look on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">The Countess gave an awkward smile as she didn''t want to offend the Queen.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes, Queen Rianna. We<span ss="aiText"> have our differences in the past. But we should put them behind us and continue to work together for the good of our country," The Countess said with a nod as she smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"I appreciate your words.<span ss="userText"> But trust is something that is earned<span ss="aiText"> over time," Queen Rianna said with a smile on her face as she sipped her tea.


    <span ss="aiText">Alexandria and Isabe gave an awkwardugh as they all knew that Queen Rianna was still very distrustful of the <span ss="editText">Fiafyrian Nobles. And the only person of high rank she trusts is her husband who has always defended her honor<span ss="aiText"> and pride.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">We promised to earn your trust, my Queen. I thought the goddess was punishing you but I was wrong. She must have been testing you and she rewarded you for your resilience. I have little doubt that Prince Quinus is nothing less than a Demi-god," Countess Alexandria<span ss="aiText"> said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna felt ufortable with thepliment, "I do<span ss="editText">ubt<span ss="aiText"> the <span ss="editText">G<span ss="aiText">od<span ss="editText">dess is that cruel. But thank you anyway, Alexandria<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, <span ss="editText">I''m sure all the surrounding kingdoms will be throwing their daugh<span ss="aiText">te<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">at you<span ss="aiText"> to get your son to marry <span ss="editText">them<span ss="aiText">. You''re going to need the support of these noble women, my Queen," <span ss="editText">Marchion<span ss="aiText">ess Isabe said with augh<span ss="editText"> trying to gain her Majesty''s trust<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hahaha! That is true, Marchioness.<span ss="userText"> But I will worry about that letter<span ss="aiText"> once it arrives. In the meantime. I will enjoy this peaceful time while I can," Queen Rianna said with a smile as she leaned back into her chair as she enjoyed the warmth from the sun and thepany of the nobledies<span ss="editText"> trying to win favor from her.


    <span ss="editText">"Well, I know it might be early to worry about such things but I heard my husband was getting a peace offer from the Alliance of the Divine Three<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> And all they need is approval for an arranged marriage<span ss="aiText"> with <span ss="editText">a Divine Three <span ss="aiText">Princess and the negotiations will beplete. Then our country would <span ss="editText">no longer worry about them invading us from t<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">ou<span ss="editText">th," Isabe<span ss="aiText"> said with a serious expression.


    <span ss="editText">Rianna raised a brow<span ss="aiText"> as she looked at the Marchioness, "<span ss="editText">And here I thought you were enjoying mypany<span ss="aiText">. Is your loyalty to your King or the Alliance?"


    <span ss="editText">Isabe and Alexandria looked at each other<span ss="aiText"> with a nervous look on their faces as they were surprised at how easily Rianna had figured out her true intention.


    <span ss="aiText">Isabe was the first to reply as she said, "I<span ss="editText">''m sorry my Queen. We do enjoy yourpany and once my husband found out that I was going to see you today he asked me to talk to you about the possibility of an arranged marriage. It was rude of me to bring it up on such short notice. Please forgive me for my<span ss="aiText"> impropriety. I was just trying to ease your mind."


    <span ss="aiText">"I understand Marchioness. <span ss="editText">But why doesn''t your husband just talk to the King about this<span ss="aiText">? Why does he need your assistance to convince me?" Queen Rianna said with a stern face.


    <span ss="aiText">Countess Alexandria <span ss="editText">and Isabe <span ss="aiText">couldn''t help but feel intimidated as the Queen looked at <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">m<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, my Queen.<span ss="userText"> Marquess Duval believes the King would agree to this deal if you were to present it. King Cyndre trusts you over anyone else in the kingdom when ites to... Well, everything. He never says no to you<span ss="aiText">. Even when he''s trying to prove how powerful and all-knowing he is. He allows you to be the face of the country and its people," Marchioness Isabe said with a nervous smile on her face.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm. That is true that King Cyndre trusts me and that''s because I trust him. I would agree with him th<span ss="editText">at<span ss="userText"> the Alliance can''t be trusted. I''m sorry you came here for nothing, Isabe<span ss="aiText">. I hope this doesn''t make you lose face," Queen Rianna said with a straight face.


    <span ss="aiText">Marchioness Isabe smiled as she too<span ss="editText">k another sip of her tea.


    <span ss="editText">"On the contrary, my Queen. I came here<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">for you. Not my husband. I just said I would ask and I did. If he''s supposed to be such a great Prime Minister then he should convince King Cyndre himself<span ss="aiText">. I<span ss="editText">''ll<span ss="aiText"> just g<span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">ve him a hint<span ss="editText"> to not bother you anymore<span ss="aiText">," Isabe said with a confident smile on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna couldn''t help butugh.


    <span ss="aiText">"I think I''m starting to like you, Isabe. But I''m sure you didn''t juste to see me just to ask me about peace negotiations with the Alliance of the Divine Three. You must want<span ss="editText">to ask me a favor for yourself<span ss="aiText">," Queen Rianna said as she gave the Marchioness a knowing look.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes! My Queen is perceptive. Alexandria and I would love to help you with the party<span ss="aiText"> you''re throwing for Prince Quinus. He<span ss="editText">''ll be<span ss="aiText"> turning <span ss="editText">six<span ss="aiText"> months old and we would love to help n the party with you," Isabe said as she smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">That''s correct my Queen. You gave our country its next heir and we felt it was the least we can do<span ss="aiText"> to thank you for <span ss="editText">all you endured<span ss="aiText">," Countess Alexandria said as she bowed her head.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna sighed before she gave in.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very well, my Ladies. We will be hosting a grand party for Prince Quinus <span ss="editText">to be shown to the rest of the Fiafyrian Nobles. I''ll need the ballroom setup and invitations to be sent out<span ss="aiText"> to the royal court.<span ss="editText">..<span ss="aiText"> I think a month should be enough time to prepare everything," Queen Rianna said as she thought to herself. ''<span ss="editText">Let''s see if they speak the truth and wish to be my ally<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="aiText">"That is good news! Then we will make sure everything is set up. You won''t be disappointed, my Queen," Marchioness Isabe said with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">"I''ll handle the floral disy<span ss="aiText"> and the food. It''s been too long since we''ve had arge banquet in Tairal," Countess Alexandria said with a confident smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"It will be an honor to work with <span ss="editText">two experi<span ss="editText">enced<span ss="aiText">dies such as yourself. I hope we can get the chance to know each other better," <span ss="editText">Queen Riann<span ss="aiText">a said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Countess Alexandria and Marchioness Isabe smiled back as the afternoon tea continued.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">After finishing their time with the Queen, Countess Alexandria Ingham, and Marchioness Isabe Wrightwood took their own private carriages back to their manors located on the outskirts of the city.


    <span ss="userText">Isabe stared forward the whole half-hour trip<span ss="aiText"> thinking of the Queen<span ss="editText">''s words<span ss="aiText"> <span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">as she let her own carriage carry her through the city.


    <span ss="aiText">"S<span ss="editText">he is smarter than I gave her credit for... I can see why Cyndre chose her to be his Queen.<span ss="aiText"> I need to <span ss="editText">right the wrongs and not bother her with my husband''s <span ss="userText">schemes<span ss="aiText">," Isabe thought to herself as she continued to stare <span ss="editText">forward as<span ss="aiText"> the buildings passing by the window.


    <span ss="editText">She arrived <span ss="aiText">at he<span ss="editText">r manor <span ss="userText">just before the sun started to set.


    <span ss="userText">"Wee back, mydy," said the footman that opened the carriage door<span ss="aiText"> for her as he helped her down.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Ludov. Please <span ss="editText">tell <span ss="editText">my<span ss="aiText"> maids <span ss="editText">to <span ss="aiText">ready my <span ss="editText">even<span ss="userText">ing w<span ss="editText">e<span ss="userText">ar<span ss="editText">. I''ll be joining my husband for dinner<span ss="aiText"> tonight," Marchioness Isabe said with a smile on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">Ludov bowed, "As you wish."


    <span ss="aiText">Isabe went inside and got ready to meet her husband for dinner.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">When Isabe reached her room she was greeted by four of her maids as they help her change out of clothes and pulled out one of her favorite evening dresses.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">I hope I can impress Her Majesty with my work. I need her trust and approval,<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText"> Isabe thought as she started getting dressed.


    ***


    <span ss="aiText">In the meantime. <span ss="editText">Marquess Duval was in his study going over some final paperwork on funding approval for fixing the city roads that were in need<span ss="aiText"> of repair.


    <span ss="aiText">He was a short man with ck hair and blue eyes and a slim body. He was the <span ss="editText">P<span ss="aiText">rime <span ss="editText">M<span ss="aiText">inister of the Fiafyr Kingdom and he was wearing a white suit and had a red <span ss="editText">ascot <span ss="aiText">that <span ss="editText">had a silver pin in it of his Royal Seal.


    <span ss="editText">There came a ringing of the bell at his door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes? Wh<span ss="editText">at<span ss="aiText"> is it?" Marquess Duval said without looking away from his desk.


    <span ss="aiText">One of his maids replied, "It''s your wife, My Lord. She <span ss="editText">has returned from the pce and wishes to have dinner with you."


    <span ss="editText">Duval looks out the window and notices the sun setting on the <span ss="userText">horizon. As it was just barely over the city wall.


    <span ss="userText">''Hmm. It''s already evening?<span ss="aiText"> I guess I''ll finish thister then. It''s been a while since we''ve had a meal together... I wonder if Isabe got her chance to <span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">speak with the Queen<span ss="editText"> about the marriage proposal<span ss="aiText">?'' Duval thought to himself as he finished his paperwork and got ready to dine with his wife.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval got out of his chair and started heading towards the door.


    <span ss="aiText">The maid opened the door and <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">when inside his study so she could start dusting the<span ss="aiText"> room.


    <span ss="editText">"Don''t remove any of my paperwork. I''ll tell Christ<span ss="editText">ian<span ss="aiText"> toe in here and d<span ss="editText">eal with<span ss="aiText"> it," Duval said to the maid with a sigh as he remembered that he forgot to tell his personal assistant toe by and pick up the documents.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, My Lord<span ss="editText">. I''ll only do a simple dusting then," the maid said before she resumed her work.


    <span ss="editText">Duval walked out of his room and down the hallway towards the dining room<span ss="aiText"> where he and his wife dined in private.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Isabe was already seated and waiting for him as she sipped on her wine.


    <span ss="editText">The door opened as Duval walked <span ss="editText">in to <span ss="editText">see his wife waiting for him.


    <span ss="editText">"Well, this is an honor.<span ss="aiText"> You rarely eat dinner with me," Duval said with a smile as he walked up and kissed his wife''s hand.


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="editText">t''s<span ss="aiText"> not <span ss="editText">that I don''t want to eat dinner with you, dear. But you rarely break away from your work. I feel you don''t want to speak to me anymore<span ss="aiText">. And that hurts," Isabe said with a frown on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval gave an awkwardugh, "My dear, I''ve just been so busy <span ss="editText">running the kingdom<span ss="aiText">. And I know you are busy with your own work.<span ss="userText"> So, how was the Queen<span ss="aiText">? Did she give you any hints?"


    <span ss="aiText">"She''s a tough woman. I think you underestimated her<span ss="editText">. You''ll have to find a different way to convince the King. Plus, I''m not sure this whole marriage arrangement with the All<span ss="userText">iance is such a wise idea.<span ss="aiText"> I know you''re worried about <span ss="editText">them<span ss="aiText"> invading us, but I''m not sure that''s the case," Isabe said as she thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">Duval shook his head and sighed<span ss="aiText"> as he t<span ss="editText">ook his seat across from her.


    <span ss="editText">"No, Isabe. They wish to invade us. And if this peace treatyth<span ss="editText">rough a marriage proposal is true. Then I will<span ss="aiText"> support it. Even if I have to send everyone I know to the Royal Court to persuade King Cyndre to ept," Duval said as he poured himself some wine.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''<span ss="editText">m not a <span ss="userText">politician and I''m not going to force the Queen into this scheme of yours, Duval. If you''re such a good Prime Mini<span ss="editText">ster<span ss="userText">, then grow a backbone and convince the King that this is the right move<span ss="editText"> for<span ss="userText"> the king<span ss="editText">dom<span ss="userText">,<span ss="aiText">" Isabe said with a serious expression.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval smiled, "Of course, m<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">y dear.<span ss="editText"> This is why I should have dinner with you more often. You give me the courage that I seem tock every so often."


    <span ss="aiText">Isabe <span ss="editText">knew <span ss="aiText">her <span ss="editText">husband was saying that in je<span ss="userText">st<span ss="aiText"> and not out of a genuine desire. She knew he only wanted her for her connections and position as a Marchioness of Fiafyr Kingdom.


    <span ss="aiText">But, she was okay with that as long as she was able to keep her high standing in the court while earning the Queen''s trust and friendship in order to go higher in the ranks.<span ss="userText"> She just wished she had the foresight to befriend the Queen years ago. Even when everyone was trying to distance themselves from her.


    <span ss="userText">And with that, the servants brought out their meals for the evening<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and the two nobles ate their meals as they continued to talk about the progress on the road system and future projects to fix the kingdom.

 Vol.0 Ch.128 Party Preparations

    Vol.0 Ch.128 Party Preparations


    <span ss="userText">The month passed without<span ss="aiText"> incident and it was finally time for the royal party to celebrate Prince Quinus''s first six months<span ss="editText">of life and to show him to the rest of the Fiafyrian Nobles<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna was in her study with a few nobles and other guests as they were going overst-minute preparations for the party.


    <span ss="userText">"I must say, Alexandria. You have quite the eye for<span ss="aiText"> floral disys," <span ss="editText">Queen Rianna<span ss="aiText"> said as she looked at the flowers that were starting to form into the shapes of dragons.


    <span ss="editText">The Countess<span ss="aiText"> smiled, "Thank you, my Queen. <span ss="editText">It helps to know qualit<span ss="aiText">y maids <span ss="editText">f<span ss="aiText">or <span ss="editText">m<span ss="aiText">y assistants.<span ss="userText"> Sometimes an extra set of hands<span ss="aiText"> is needed to make things more special."


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen nodded and looked <span ss="editText">over to Marchioness Isabe<span ss="aiText"> who was <span ss="userText">standing next to her<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Isabe, <span ss="editText">you said all 31 minor noble families will be attending?" The Queen asked as she looked over thest<span ss="aiText"> invitation list.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, My Queen. And a<span ss="editText">lmost all of the major nobles should be attending with the exception of Baron Arathar Coldforge and his family<span ss="aiText">. He is currently out on a hunting expedition to kill a Manticore that has been spotted in the area. His son is currently the acting Baron and will be <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">at<span ss="editText">ching over the western front," Isabe replied.


    <span ss="editText">"That''s a shame... I''ve never met Dwarves before<span ss="aiText">. I wonder what they''re like," Countess Alexandria said as she stared off into the distance.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">They<span ss="aiText"> are <span ss="editText">what you might expect. Loud, stubborn, smelly, and drunk<span ss="aiText">ards. They make the best of metals and stone. As well as crafting great weapons and armor. But don''t let that fool you into thinking they''re easy to deal with. They have a strong sense of duty and honor and they can be quite prideful," <span ss="editText">Isabe said<span ss="aiText"> with a serious look on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen just smiled, "You speak from experience. I''ve never dealt with Dwarves myself <span ss="editText">but I feel you''re oversimplifying them, Isabe<span ss="aiText">. Just like how the Elves are not just nature lovers and magical users but they can also be quite intelligent and prideful. There an interesting people if you get to know them."


    <span ss="aiText">"I didn''t realize my Queen <span ss="editText">dealt with the elves?"<span ss="aiText"> Isabe said with a confused face.


    <span ss="aiText">"I didn''t personally negotiate with the Elves. But, me and my mother did have to entertain some of the female elven guests. While <span ss="editText">my Father had to deal with the High Elves with some treaty that I''m not privy to, even to this day..<span ss="aiText">. My father only told me that they were a challenge to deal with as their demands were extreme... And they are a proud bunch indeed. Whatever it was, my father and his counsel had to refuse," Queen Rianna said with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">But <span ss="editText">what did <span ss="userText">the High Elves want out of the ind <span ss="editText">K<span ss="userText">ingdom of Corialis? Is it that close to the Lumen Fae Continent<span ss="aiText">?" Isabe asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"No. <span ss="editText">But they met with my Father and his counsel for something. I was only 12 years old when they arrived. But my Fa<span ss="aiText">the<span ss="editText">r <span ss="editText">told me that I should only trust a noble High Elf<span ss="userText"> as<span ss="aiText"> far as you can throw them," Queen Rianna said as she finished signing the final invitations for the party.


    <span ss="aiText">"My apologies if this question is rude. But are the rumors true about your Father''s demise? They say he was assassinated by the Holy Kingdom," Isabe asked with a sad look on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen looked at the Marchioness and the Countess and saw the concern in their eyes.


    <span ss="userText">"<span ss="editText">I don''t know what happened to my Father. I was married to Cyndre by the time he died. My brother hasn''t told me much of what happened<span ss="aiText"> and I''ve only heard rumors<span ss="editText">," Queen Rianna said with a sigh, "But enough of that. I need to get my son prepared for his big day<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen stood up from her desk and headed for the door while her servants followed after her.


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="editText">''ll see you <span ss="userText">in a few hours after the party starts<span ss="aiText">," The Queen said as she headed for Prince Quinus''s room to get him ready for his big debut.


    <span ss="aiText">Isabe and Alexandria bowed to their Queen and they watched her leave as they started making preparations for the party.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Quinus was in his quarters paging through a book that the servants let him have fun with. Since he was a 6 month old they thought he would just rip up the parchment<span ss="aiText"> but to their surprise, he just looked at the <span ss="editText">writing.


    <span ss="editText">''So this is an old history book on the Fiafyr Kingdom<span ss="aiText">,'' Quinus thought as he read the text in front of him.


    <span ss="aiText">He looked back at the pages and noticed the different images of people and ces on them.


    <span ss="aiText">He then saw an image of the capital city of Tairal and an image of the King''s pce.


    <span ss="editText">''Damn? I am a Prince... And all this stuff about the fucking monsters and other creepy shit that''s on the looks like they could whip out humanity without breaking a sweat<span ss="editText">! I wonder why they haven''t done it. Do humans have something that''s holding back those forces,'' Quinus thought to himself as he continued reading.


    <span ss="editText">He then came <span ss="userText">across the history of King Burell Meredydd and learned that a Dwarven City became a part of the Kingdom.


    <span ss="userText">''Dwarves? There are Dwarves in this world? I wonder if there are elves too?... There has to be. I reincarnated in a world of magic<span ss="aiText">... That means there has to be Elves too,'' Quinus thought to himself as some of his questions were starting to get answered but new interesting questions started taking their ce.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus continued reading and <span ss="editText">learning about the surrounding kingdoms on the continent of Agon.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">Wina was watching the prince reading the book with surprise<span ss="aiText">. She had been watching him for thest week and noticed that he seemed to be quite smart for a <span ss="editText">baby. She was starting to believe that this child was something special.


    <span ss="editText">''Is the prince a genius?<span ss="aiText">... I thought <span ss="editText">most Royal families were overhyped<span ss="aiText"> by the court and the servants. I just don''t get it?'' Wina thought as she continued observing the prince.


    <span ss="editText">In her time as an assassin, she had a few contracts that targeted nobles in other kingdoms and she found most of them to be slightly above average as maja warriors with a mana vein that was in the master level at best.


    <span ss="editText">But having been with th<span ss="editText">is child <span ss="editText">for months now. She was starting to believe the rumors of the kid possibly being at the level of a Demi-god. And whatever scrap of will toplete the assassination contract was<span ss="aiText"> slowly leaving her being.


    <span ss="editText">Wina needed to find a way out of this contract. She needed to<span ss="aiText"> find something... anything to get out of it... But, she had no one to help her. She was alone in this world with no one to turn to. Not even her new friends coulde to help her... She <span ss="editText">would have to kill the prince or be hunted by the Assassin''s Society if they find out she willingly turned on her client.


    <span ss="editText">''An extra 15,000 gold to kill this child in the next month?... Go fuck yourself ric!''<span ss="aiText"> Wina thought as she sighed and turned around and started walking out the door.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew and Ingrid noticed Wina''s sad<span ss="aiText"> expression as <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">was by the door.


    <span ss="editText">"Are you alright, Miss Wina?<span ss="aiText"> You seem like you''re not yourself today?" Ingrid asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina shook her head, "I''m fine... I''m just a little <span ss="editText">tired and I think I need some time to myself."


    <span ss="editText">"Do you wish for someone to apany you<span ss="aiText">," Mathew <span ss="editText">aske<span ss="aiText">d as he stood up and walked <span ss="editText">towards her.


    <span ss="userText">Wina felt a warmth in her core when<span ss="aiText"> he moved forward tofort her. But she shook her head and just looked at Mathew, "No, that''s alright... I''ll be fine."


    <span ss="editText">"Sir Mathew, <span ss="userText">you stay here with Miss Ariana. I''ll guide Miss Wina to her room<span ss="aiText">," Ingrid said as she moved forward and picked up the bag that was <span ss="editText">full of dirty rags that were used to wipe down the furniture<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Miss Ingrid," <span ss="editText">Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText"> said before turning around to look at Prince Quinus who was now <span ss="editText">crawling towards the bookshelf.


    <span ss="editText">"Whoa there, your Highness. I can''t have you climbing up the bookshelf<span ss="aiText">," Sir Mathew said as he picked up the Prince and took him out of the room.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus just <span ss="editText">si<span ss="aiText">ghed a<span ss="editText">s he was stopped again<span ss="aiText"> from reading a <span ss="editText">different book that was on a higher shelf. Quinus thought it was a book on sorcery. And was so hoping that it was a book on magic<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Ingrid smiled and bowed to Sir Mathew as she saw him walking away with the Prince.<span ss="editText"> And handed the child to Miss Ariana.


    <span ss="aiText">She turned around and <span ss="editText">walked up to Wina.


    <span ss="editText">"Come on. Let''s go Miss Wina<span ss="aiText">. I can see you need some time away from the <span ss="editText">P<span ss="aiText">rince," Ingrid said as she started leading the <span ss="editText">wet nurse<span ss="aiText"> back towards her room<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="editText"> really don''t need your help, Miss Ingrid<span ss="aiText">. I just need some time alone is all," Wina said as she walked beside the maid.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Wina? I know that look that was on your face<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> You feel alone, don''t you...<span ss="aiText"> Please, tell me what is wrong?" Ingrid said as she looked at the young woman.


    <span ss="editText">''Ingrid noticed that? Why is she always trying to help me?''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina sighed while turning her head and looked at the maid, "<span ss="editText">I just have a lot on my mind. Nothing more<span ss="aiText">. But thanks for your concern."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Wina... You are a good young woman who has her whole life ahead of her. <span ss="userText">And you just need to trust yourself<span ss="aiText">," Ingrid said with a sad smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina wanted to argue back and tell Ingrid to fuck off. But she stopped <span ss="editText">when she saw the older woman''s warm eyes behind her sad smile<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">And with that, she sighed while looking down before she looked into Ingrid''s eyes again, "<span ss="editText">For the first time in my life... <span ss="aiText">I''m just scared."


    <span ss="aiText">Ingrid smiled and wrapped her arms around Wina, "Everyone is scared of something.<span ss="userText"> Just don''t let it stop your future<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s eyes widen as she felt the warmthing from Ingrid''s hug.<span ss="editText"> It was like beingforted by a mother figure that she never had.<span ss="aiText"> And she let the woman hold her for a few seconds before she broke away from her arms and looked at her with conflicting feelings, "I-I...<span ss="userText"> Sigh... Thank you, Miss Ingrid<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"I know it''s a lot to ask Miss Wina but... Just think about your future and where you want to go and who you want to be... Okay?" Ingrid said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s eyes widened for a second and then she turned around and walked down the hallway with a smile on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll try my best, Miss Ingrid. And...<span ss="userText"> I appreciate your kind words,"<span ss="aiText"> Wina said as she continued walking.


    <span ss="aiText">''I have to think about my future and get out of this contract... Th<span ss="editText">ere has to be a<span ss="aiText"> way <span ss="editText">b<span ss="aiText">ut<span ss="editText"> how is the question.<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="editText">Before Wina was out of sight Ingrid had one more request for Wina.


    <span ss="editText">"And please try to have a future with Mathew! He will be so pathetic without you<span ss="aiText"> in his life," Ingrid yelled out as Wina turned the corner and out of her sight.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina stopped and looked back at the maid who was smiling at her.


    <span ss="editText">"W-Why do you think I don''t want to be with<span ss="aiText"> Mathew<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText"> I never said that," Wina asked as she blushed and looked at Ingrid.


    <span ss="aiText">Ingrid wa<span ss="editText">s surpri<span ss="aiText">se<span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText">, <span ss="editText">"So, you do n on marrying Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText">? And here I thought you just wanted to be friends."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina tried to ignore her and <span ss="editText">quickly <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">turned around in the direction of her room, "I did. I do. I mean... I''m not sure<span ss="editText">! Why does everyone like to tease me?<span ss="aiText"> I don''t need this!"


    <span ss="aiText">Ingrid just smiled as she watched Wina turn the corner.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh, Miss Wina. Just how much do you hide behind that tough exterior? And to think she kept trying to push him away<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">,'' Ingrid thought to herself before heading to theundry room.

 Vol.0 Ch.129 I’ll Take Care of the Brat

    Vol.0 Ch.129 I��ll Take Care of the Brat


    King Cyndre was meeting with five men from his council about the affairs of the Fiafyr Kingdom. There were his top advisors and generals. Cyndre was hoping to get this meeting over quickly so he could get ready for his son''s party.


    "Your Majesty... We have all the royal guardsmen on standby for the party and the Monster Culling Request issuedst week to the Adventure''s Guild has cleared out quite a few monsters. The surrounding areas of the countryside should be safe for the Lords and Ladies that areing to visit for your son''s first party," Lord Brice said as he looked over the report in his hands.


    "I understand that but what I''m more concerned with is the state of the soldiers on the western front. Thebyrinth over there hasn''t had an expedition in over a month. I''m concerned that a monster stampede is going to ur if we don''t do something to mitigate it. Thest time a stampede happened was over 60 years ago. I fear that it''s due to be a problem," King Cyndre said.


    "Your Majesty, you don''t need to worry. The Shadow Tombs have a good amount of adventurers exploring it now. And we can handle this stampede. It will be dealt with as soon as it shows," Lord Brice said with a smile.


    The King shook his head, "I was talking about the Tomb of the Horde that''s southwest of Ironside. It''s next to the frontier town of Kishin."


    "Oh? What''s so important about that tomb?" Lord Brice asked with a confused look on his face.


    <span ss="promptText">King Cyndre sighed and looked at his council, "<span ss="userText">So you are not familiar with the town of Kishin? <span ss="promptText">General<span ss="aiText">Kane, <span ss="editText">you''re more familiar with that <span ss="userText">region, when dealing with thest stampede during my father''s reign<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">General Kane stepped forward <span ss="userText">as the 80-year-old man dressed<span ss="aiText"> in a ck general''s outfit bowed slightly<span ss="userText"> and started talking. "Lord Brice, you must have heard about that town when you traveled to Ironside."


    <span ss="userText">"I know where Kishin is located Sir Kane," Lord Brice replied with a sigh.


    <span ss="userText">"The town of Kishin was a part of a small kingdom southwest of Ironside. The small kingdom was overrun, and thest surviving town was Kishin and they requested asylum. Which Barron Arathar Coldforge epted. He answered the call and beat back most of the horde but lost a good portion of his men until I arrived to aid him with the King''s army. I was a captain then. Afterward, Arathar went into thebyrinth and sent a report saying that he couldn''t find the dungeon''s core and estimated that there might be another stampede that could happen in the next 60 years or so. We have passed the date of that monster swarm about two weeks ago," General Kane said with a serious tone.


    <span ss="userText">"This event happened before I was born and happened during my grandfather''s time when the monster stampede happened. And when I learned about this I sent a request for the guild to find the core of thebyrinth," King Cyndre added.


    "That''s an interesting story. All I know about the frontier town is that Arch-Duke Revelia has gotten favor with the minor Lord. I don''t know why your brother has spent all his time winning over so many of the minor lords of the kingdom. And not the lords of the nobles who have served the throne for many generations," Lord Brice said with a sigh.


    "What I''m concerned about is theck of information on the Monster Stampede that was located near Kishin. It''s not a big town so getting good adventurers there is difficult," The King said with a deep sigh.


    "I''m not familiar with what type of monsters it spawns," Lord Brice asked with a questioning look.


    The King looked at Lord Brice, "From what General Kane told me. It''s a mano species dungeon. Goblins is whates out of it. And it''s the onlybyrinth in our kingdom that spawns them."


    Lord Brice frowned, "So it''s a goblin dungeon then? I thought they were simple to kill, Your Majesty."


    The King nodded while General Kane responded, "They are. But the spawn rate of the Goblin Horde is moremon than any other monsters. And if they live long enough they be hobgoblins. And that''s the bigger issue. Their rate of poption is higher than any other dungeon monster in the known world. And they use females to make the numbers grow faster."


    King Cyndre jumped in, "And that''s why I want you to tell the Baron to keep a close eye on it. I know he''s dealing with a manticore right now. But I need him to run point on this issue."


    The King stood up and walked to a window and looked out over the city.


    "Your Majesty, I was going to mention thister but I feel this is the right time now to inform you about the other news from Ironside. Arathar has advocated the Barony to his son Zellin Coldforge. He says it was time for his son to be a man. I don''t know what he means by thatst part," Lord Brice said with a serious tone.


    The King shook his head, "That old Dwarven fool... So, you decided to pass off your responsibilities to your son and your people...? So be it."


    "Your Majesty? I don''t understand why you are upset with this development?" Lord Brice asked with a confused look on his face.


    "Arathar is your typical dwarf... All he wants to do is create weapons and armor in his forge. He never liked all the noble events or dealing with the political side of being a Lord. So, I guess his son, Zellin, hase of age and it''s time for Arathar to retire. That old dwarf has always been a little too independent. But, I still like him. I just wished he could have waited until thatbyrinth was under control first," King Cyndre said.


    "Maybe he thinks it''s not as big of a threat as he first thought. I''m more worried about your brother''s influence on the minor lords of the kingdom. It feels like the Arch Duke ising for your crown, Your Majesty." Lord Brice said with a serious tone.


    King Cyndre turned to his council and shook his head, "No... My brother isn''t after my crown... He probably was doing all of this because he thought Marcus was going to be crowned the next heir. Until my Queen gave birth to my son... No, Brice. He''s not doing anything that I would see as nefarious."


    Lord Brice and the other members of the council all looked at each other. They weren''t fully convinced by what the king said.


    King Cyndre noticed that they were looking at him. And knew that they didn''t believe his words.


    "I know my brother better than I know the back of my hand. He loves our kingdom so much so that he wouldn''t risk civil war in the court. He knows that he isn''t in line for the throne. And he thought his son was likely to be next and was preparing him in case of that possibility. My brother can be a stubborn man but I don''t question his loyalty to the kingdom. I just wish that he could be a little more open to the rest of us," King Cyndre said as he walked back towards his throne.


    He took a seat and looked at the other members of the council.


    "Your Majesty... We are just concerned that he might be plotting because he has been absent ever since seeing Prince Quinus a few days after he was born. We know he loves the kingdom, but we feel that he sees himself as the ruler of ournds and not you, Your Majesty." Lord Brice said with a frown on his face.


    The King shook his head and sighed, "When Marquess Duval thought that he was nning against me. Duval made a special treaty with seven of the major lords that stated that both ric and I would only be allowed to have one wife and no concubines. Otherwise, we risk forfeiting our positions as royals and nobles. ric signed it immediately, without hesitation. He is not trying to take my kingdom. He loves this country like I do."


    The other members of the council frowned when they heard about the special treaty that their King agreed to from Duval.


    They didn''t like the way the Prime Minister and his cronies came up with this treaty that could have weakened the royal family.


    "Was this treaty something the Duke came up with?" Asked Lord Brice.


    The King shook his head, "It was Duval''s idea. The Marquess may be a shrewd man but he doesn''t like conflicts that lead to bloodshed. He just wished for there to be peace among our Lords."


    Lord Brice nodded as he thought about the treaty and how it could have benefited the kingdom in the long run.


    "Well, we will keep an eye out just in case the Duke''s actions are more than what it seems. But we are at yourmand, Your Majesty," Lord Brice said as he stood up and bowed to the king.


    The others did the same and stood up and bowed to the king.


    "Thank you, gentlemen. I need to get ready for my son''s party. Lord Brice, please inform Lord Archibald of my departure. I''m traveling to Silverhaven Coast by tomorrow''s sunrise to assess how bad the damage was from the sea storms," The King said.


    "As you wish, Your Majesty. Good day to you and your son," Lord Brice said as the king dismissed him and the others from his council room.


    ''This is not a good omen for the kingdom. I pray that the barony is prepared for anything that may happen... Arathar, you old dwarven bastard... I hope your son''s up to the task if the stampedees.'' Thought the King.


    ***


    In the city streets of Tairal a robed figure moves through the shadows as if it was one with the night. It moved silently and swiftly through the dark streets with ease.


    This figure went around a few turns beforeing to a run-down building close to the north wall of the city.


    This was the home of the Mortis-ranked assassin group and their current hideout.


    And when the lone figure made it inside the building she made sure the coast was clear.


    "Is that you Violet? Anything new to report?" Said Gwin as she came out of the shadows to meet her.


    Violet looked at Gwin and nodded her head.


    "I finally found an opening in the pce''s wall a made it to the servants'' quarters. They are all busy making theirst-minute preparation for the first prince''s ceremonial party. I''ll have to get closer and have another look before I''m sure about what''s happening inside the pce. But I know that they are having a huge party tonight," Violet said as she walked over to a table and took a seat.


    "I wonder if Ash has found anything yet," Gwin said with a frown.


    Violet pondered in silence for a minute before she shook her head, "I''m not sure. But he''s most likely doing his reconnaissance on the perimeter of the pce trying to spot where the brat''s room is. He has a weird nack in finding these things."


    Gwin nodded and leaned on the table before looking at Violet.


    She was about to ask her something when another figure snuck into their hideout.


    "So, you''re back... Violet found a way into the pce. Did you find where the prince lives?" Gwin said to Ash as he pulled down his hood.


    "Oh yeah... I know where the kid''s room is in the pce. I just don''t know what the rest of the interior is to make a proper map. So, I can''t tell you everything that''s inside the pce," Ash said as he walked into the room with a smile on his face.


    He then pulled out a rolled-up piece of parchment and unrolled it on the table. It was the beginning sketches of a map of the Maldura Royal Pce.


    The map had an outline of theyout of the outer building that made up the royal pce. It also had a detailedyout of the servants'' quarters.


    Gwin looked at the map and sighed.


    "So, do you know where the brat''s room is? I really hate this ce. I want to get this job done and leave this backwater country," Gwin said as she looked at Ash and Violet.


    Ash nodded, "Yeah... I know where he sleeps in the pce."


    Ash took out the onest gold piece that had the Kingdom of Marn''s coat of arms stamped on the top and the royal seal stamped on the bottom.


    He ced it on the map of where the Prince''s room was located in the Maldura Royal Pce.


    "So, his room is on the fourth floor... Violet. Can you fill in the interior of the map of where you''ve been?" Gwin said as she looked at Violet.


    "Give me a moment," Violet said with a nod.


    She got up and walked over to the table and took a seat next to Ash while she got out a pen and started to draw out the map.


    Ash leaned over the table and stared at the map as Violet''s hand moved over it.


    She was only able to fill out most of the first floor and second floor of the royal pce before she stopped.


    "There, that''s what I''ve explored so far and I was able to sneak in through the storm drain over here," Violet said with a yawn.


    "What? Are you getting bored Violet? I thought you liked your job?" Ash said with a grin on his face.


    Violet just smiled as she looked at the young assassin, "I do. I really do like being an assassin. But this continent is too easy for me to kill. I''ve been wanting a challenge."


    "Hey, I''m all about easy contracts. And this one should help get us closer to Umbralis rank," Ash said with a grin.


    Gwin sighed, "So, since there''s a party going on in the pce do we go for the kill? Or are we just waiting around until we map out the whole map?


    Ash shook his head, "The job was to kill the brat. And I saw a lot of fancy carriages with noble seals on them arriving at the pce just now. The nobles will be in the pce to attend the prince''s party and that makes the job easier to do since most of the staff and guards will be drawn away from the kid''s room."


    Violet nodded, "If we want to do it then we should strike tonight."


    Gwin pondered for a moment.


    "So, the n is to sneak into the brat''s room and wait for them to return before we strike, yes?"


    Ash nodded, "Yeah, just like thest contract."


    Gwin looked at Ash, "Okay if we do this. I need you and Violet to go after the guards while I deal with the brat and anyone else who tries to get in the way. Any objections?"


    "I got no objections," Ash said with a grin.


    Violet just nodded with a smile.


    "Okay, we''ll sneak in at sundown. I''m sure these Royals will stay upte just to show off this brat of theirs," Gwin said with a grin.


    The other two nodded in agreement as they sat around the table and started to talk about possible scenarios and how they would deal with them.


    After a few hours of nning, they got ready to head for the Maldura Royal Pce.

 Vol.0 Ch.130 The Party Begins

    Vol.0 Ch.130 The Party Begins


    <span ss="userText">The sun was starting to set on the Royal Pce as thest few chariots that had beautiful intricate<span ss="aiText"> carvings on them carried noble families off to the pce.


    <span ss="aiText">Many nobles came to visit for the party that was happening tonight. There was no better way to show off your status in the kingdom than to meet with the King and Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">The Royal pce was already packed with many guests and was now buzzing with activity.


    <span ss="aiText">As the guests were getting ready for the party the servants were working nonstop to make sure every room was ready for the nobles.


    <span ss="aiText">They had the party in the main hall which was thergest room in the pce. It was able to seat over 300 people and could easily be transformed to hold arge ball.


    <span ss="aiText">It was currently decorated withrge bouquets that were hung around the walls and on top of the tables. There was a long rectangr table that was set up with tes and silverware.


    <span ss="aiText">This was the main table and where the Royal family would sit and entertain their guests.


    <span ss="aiText">There was arge set of double doors that were open and had arge archway in the middle that led to the main ballroom. This was the entrance where the nobles would enter and see the King<span ss="editText">, Queen, and the young crown prince<span ss="aiText"> before they went in to enjoy the festivities.


    <span ss="aiText">All around the pce, there was a buzz of excitement as the nobles talked about thetest news and gossip as they made their way towards the party.


    <span ss="aiText">Many nobles who were part of the guest list were important members of the King''s council, fiefdom lords, and other influential figures of the kingdom.


    <span ss="editText">"I can''t believe it''s true... The Queen finally gave birth to the next heir<span ss="aiText"> to the throne... <span ss="editText">after all those miscarriages<span ss="aiText">," said Lady Juliette as she walked down the main hallway.


    <span ss="aiText">"Lady Juliette... I agree with you but remember not to say such things out loud. Especially with the Queen present," said Countess Mara as she walked behind the noblewoman.


    <span ss="aiText">Juliette sighed, "I know Countess Mara... But, my heart can''t help but feel for the Queen. All these miscarriages in such a short amount of time..."


    <span ss="aiText">Countess Mara frowned, "I know, <span ss="editText">I''ve had one miscarriage and that devastated me <span ss="userText">for months<span ss="editText">. I can only imagine how the Queen<span ss="aiText"> felt when all of this happened," Countess Mara said with a sad look on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, but <span ss="editText">look at her now... She absolutely radiates with joy<span ss="aiText"> as she waits to greet her guests at the main hall. And I''m sure her husband is feeling the same joy right now. He is a good man after all," Lady Juliette said as she looked down the main hallway.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="aiText">Servants were carrying in food and beverages to prepare for the party.<span ss="editText"> All the major and minor lords of Fiafyr<span ss="aiText"> were <span ss="editText">mingling<span ss="aiText"> with each other and trying to make connections for the future of their fiefdoms. While the King and Queen were<span ss="editText"> reconnecting with many of the lords anddies they hadn''t seen in months because they had to govern theirnds on opposite sides of the kingdom<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">In the courtyard, there was a huge garden party taking ce with people mingling and drinking wine. And many other events were going on inside the pce.


    <span ss="userText">Duke ric Revelia and his wife Duchess Leandra Revelia were thest to arrive<span ss="aiText"> for the party<span ss="editText"> with their children in tow<span ss="aiText">. They were dressed in beautiful gold robes and were wearing silver ascots.


    <span ss="aiText">Their two eldest children were in their early teens and their youngest was only 6 years old.


    <span ss="aiText">They were all smiling as they saw all the nobles from all over the kingdom gathered in one ce.<span ss="userText"> Marcus Revelia was the only one who wasn''t smiling<span ss="aiText">. He looked at the Duke and Duchess and then back at his <span ss="editText">older<span ss="aiText"> sister<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> who were standing <span ss="editText">next to<span ss="aiText"> him.


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke and Duchess approached the main hall with a smile as they started to hear the sounds of music starting to y inside the hall.


    <span ss="userText">"Marcus? Remember that you can''t let other nobles know how you truly feel. Put up a facade to keep them guessing, until you have the advantage<span ss="aiText">. Only then will you be able to control your fate. Come now. We must first greet the King and then the baby and congratte the Queen<span ss="editText">. Even if it is a lie. Just have patience<span ss="aiText">," Duke ric whispered as he looked down at his son.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus <span ss="editText">reluctantly put on a fake <span ss="aiText">smile a<span ss="editText">s he followed his mother and f<span ss="aiText">ather into the main hall.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="aiText">The party was going full swing with many nobles and their families enjoying the music and food. There was arge group of young noble children that were dancing in the center of the room <span ss="editText">as<span ss="aiText"> the young prince<span ss="editText"> was sitting in a seat that was made for a six-month-old.


    <span ss="editText">''This is so fricken weird! All these people are here to see me?... I-I don''t know if I''m going to be cut out to be royalty<span ss="aiText">. This is just... Strange?'' Prince Quinus thought as he watched his parents and all the guestse by and congratte him.


    <span ss="aiText">They all seemed to love him and were treating him like royalty.<span ss="userText"> But he had a sickly feeling that some of the nobles that greeted him and his parents were putting up some kind of front<span ss="aiText"> to show off and be on his mother and father''s good side.


    ''How are you supposed to trust someone if they only see you as an object? It seems only half of these nobles genuinely care about seeing my mother, father, and I... Plus that dude is fucking staring me down like he wants to beat the crap out of me! Who the hell is he?''


    <span ss="editText">All the nobles would let their masks slip when they looked at Quinus. How were they supposed to know that he was a fully conscience adult who was reincarnated as a baby who had his old memories<span ss="aiText"> and intelligence? Half of them cared and tried to make Quinus giggle like most kids his age. While other nobles were half-assed in their greeting and seemed more put off by the idea of entertaining a baby and had tried to hold back the look of disgust when looking at Quinus. But then there was this one guy who was staring daggers into Quinus when no one else was looking.


    <span ss="userText">The man looked to be in his mid-forties, with ck hair and gray sideburns while being average high but was a stick<span ss="aiText">-thin. He was wearing a blue long-sleeved robe shirt, with white pants, and had a <span ss="editText">gold<span ss="aiText"> ne that was shaped <span ss="editText">like<span ss="aiText"> a wolf''s head. Quinus couldn''t help but think the guy was the most shady<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">looking bastard here and wanted to avoid him at all cost. But his baby body wasn''t fully developed enough to do anything but sit there.


    <span ss="aiText">Prince Quinus was feeling very nervous right now as he sat in his high chair. And was trying to focus on what was going on around him.


    <span ss="userText">The man put on a smile when it was his turn to greet the royal family.


    <span ss="userText">"Your Majesty!<span ss="aiText"> How nice it is to see you again. It has been far too long. I can''t believe how much time has passed since west met." The man said to his mother, <span ss="editText">and father <span ss="aiText">as he went and knelt before her.


    <span ss="userText">"Viscount William Lysander... I''m d you were able to make it to our son''s party<span ss="aiText">. You have my deepest thanks." <span ss="editText">King Cyndre<span ss="aiText"> replied to the Viscount.


    <span ss="aiText">"There is no need for your thanks. It is an honor to meet your son, and see the two of you after all this time."


    <span ss="aiText">''The f<span ss="editText">uck!? That<span ss="userText"> guy is a Viscount?... Why did William Lysander look at me <span ss="editText">like he wanted to kill me!... Who am I getting in the way of to make him<span ss="aiText"> feel that way?'' Prince Quinus thought as he saw the noble greeting his parents.


    <span ss="aiText">When the Viscount made his way to the Prince he made a point to smile at Quinus with that fake court jester smile of his.


    <span ss="aiText">"Congrattions on the birth of your first son," Viscount William said as he bowed towards King Cyndre and Queen Rianna again.


    <span ss="aiText">They both smiled and looked at Viscount William, "Thank you, Lord Lysander.<span ss="userText"> I <span ss="editText">was nning on visiting your territory after hearing about the bad weather that hit your port city of Mbar.<span ss="userText"> Is it as bad as the reports say<span ss="aiText">?" King Cyndre asked with a serious tone.


    <span ss="aiText">Viscount William nodded, "It <span ss="editText">wa<span ss="aiText">s bad Your Majesty... A few of our fishing ships were destroyed and the<span ss="editText"> levy wall sustained damage from the tidal wave. But we were fortunate to have an earth mage in the city and we were able to hire him to cast some earth walls around the levy until the city engineers can repair it<span ss="aiText">. We expect to have all the damage repaired by the end of the month," Viscount William said with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am sorry that you have to deal with this. I will send an extra <span ss="editText">1<span ss="aiText">0,000 gold to pay for the damages. I feel that you''ve been a big help to us in the past and this should be a way to show my gratitude to the people of <span ss="editText">Silverhaven<span ss="aiText">," The King said as he signaled<span ss="editText">to his advisor so<span ss="aiText"> Viscount William<span ss="editText"> could receive the gold from the Royal<span ss="aiText"> Treasury.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, your Majesty. I''m honored to receive such a gesture. And<span ss="editText">... I''m so ple<span ss="aiText">ased <span ss="editText">to know you have a rightful heir<span ss="aiText"> to the throne. You must be very happy," Viscount William said with a fake smile as he bowed again towards the King and Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">"You are very kind Lord Lysander," Queen Rianna said with a warm smile.


    <span ss="userText">"<span ss="editText">Always<span ss="aiText"> a pleasure to help the royal family. I look forward to <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">eeing His<span ss="editText">Majesty when visiting Silverhaven Coast. I''m sure the prince would enjoy it too,<span ss="aiText">" Viscount William said as he looked at Prince Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">The Prince was ring back at the noble and it showed<span ss="editText"> but everyone<span ss="aiText"> just thought it was due to his inability to sit upright.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Lord Lysander. I hope you and your family enjoy the rest of the party. I''ll let you get back to mingling with our other guests," The King said to the Viscount. William nodded and took his leave from the King and Queen.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">I do not trust him at all... Why would he keep staring at me like that?<span ss="editText">'' Quinus<span ss="aiText"> thought as he saw the Viscount ring at him onest time<span ss="editText"> without anyone noticing<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Then before Quinus knew it the Viscount''s expression changed from anger to surprise then to a smirk when he almost bumped into a tall nobleman<span ss="editText">with gray hair and eyes. <span ss="aiText">He walked in with his family in toe.


    Duke ric looked at the <span ss="aiText">Viscount and gave him a slight nod before heading straight to the King and Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">"Du<span ss="editText">ke ric Revelia... You always like to keep me waiting, brother... Haven''t seen you in a while. Attending to Divalo enve business<span ss="aiText">," King Cyndre said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"My apologies, Your Majesty. But I was in the middle of negotiating trade agreements with Baron Alistair Dravenhart. It was a rather long discussion that had to be done. I hope you can forgive my dy," Duke ric said with a smile and a bow.


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke was the one who took over the Divalo Fiefdom from <span ss="editText">their uncle,<span ss="aiText"> who was the one who had founded it. Their uncle didn''t have an heir so ric was the one to be the Lord of the second-richest territory in Fiafyr.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, that must have been a very long talk. I would have loved to be in your shoes, dealing with Baron Dravenhart," King Cyndre said with augh.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sure you<span ss="editText"> can handle everything with ease, Your Majesty<span ss="aiText">. Myself and my wife are very pleased to know you have an heir atst," Duke ric said with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">Marcus''s smile faded<span ss="aiText"> as he red at his <span ss="editText">father<span ss="aiText"> for saying such a thing.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Oh... Oh no! That kid is my cousin!?... Don''t tell m<span ss="aiText">e he <span ss="editText">was in line for the throne before I was reborn<span ss="aiText">?! Why did I not see thating!? I thought this type of thing was a cliche in stories!'' Prince Quinus thought as he started recalling all the things he read in the books about his family but somehow missed this part of his new family tree.


    <span ss="editText">''Dammit! I miss using the Inte! I could have searched for this information<span ss="aiText"> but nooo... I have to be a six-month-old reborn in a fantasy world! This is so messed up!<span ss="editText"> I just got a second chance at life and I''m going to get stabbed in the back by my prick of a cousin, aren''t I?!'' Prince Quinus thought as he felt like crying but held back somehow.


    <span ss="editText">"Thank you, brother. We''ve had our ups and downs. But I won''t lie... I''m worried about the westernbyrinth...<span ss="aiText"> Especially after hearing about the Horde of Goblins that spawned from it," The King said as he looked at his brother.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Majesty... You don''t need to worry about the westernbyrinth.<span ss="userText"> Baron Coldforge isn''t the most reliable when estimating<span ss="aiText"> the length of time between the appearance of monster hordes," Duke ric said as he looked at his brother.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I hop<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText">ou<span ss="editText"> are right<span ss="aiText">. And to think we''ve never had a stampede since before <span ss="editText">our <span ss="aiText">father became King," King Cyndre said with a serious look.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Majesty... I don''t believe there will be a stampede for a while<span ss="editText">��"


    <span ss="editText">"And even if there was a stampede! I, Marcus Revelia, will y them, Uncle<span ss="aiText">! <span ss="editText">And prove to the kingdom that I am the best noble of my generation! <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">I ama mage in the master tier!" Marcus said with a serious look on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh? I have heard that you are the best among the <span ss="editText">mages<span ss="aiText"> your age," King Cyndre said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Duke ric frowned as he looked at Marcus, "That''s because I took the time to <span ss="editText">hire a teacher for him<span ss="aiText"> before he will be sent away to <span ss="editText">the mage''s academy toplete his training<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> But don''t get ahead of yourself Marcus... Yourck of patience could be your downfall<span ss="editText"> someday<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Ack of patience can be the downfall of the weak! I''m the most powerful <span ss="editText">young <span ss="aiText">noble here! And you know that!" Marcus yelled at his father.


    <span ss="aiText">Duke ric sighed as he looked at Marcus.


    <span ss="userText">Queen Rianna was having trouble keeping a straight face<span ss="aiText"> as she was smiling and keeping herughter back as she looked at the pouting young boy.


    <span ss="editText">Leandra and her daughters looked embarrassed by Marcus''s<span ss="aiText"> outburst.


    <span ss="aiText">"Marcus, I don''t want you to be overconfident. You are a child and your actions show it," Duke ric said with a frown.


    <span ss="editText">Marcus gritted his teeth<span ss="aiText"> and took a step forward and raised his hand towards his father.


    <span ss="aiText">"I will be a great ruler! I have the royal blood of the kingdom! I''m sure that everyone will follow me if I tell them to!"


    <span ss="editText">King Cyndre and Rianna frowned at their nephew''s deration.


    <span ss="userText">ric became rmed by his son''s second outburst and grabbed his hand in an instant.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m sorry your Majesty... I seemed to have failed to discipline my son properly... Leandra, can you please take our son away?<span ss="aiText">I''ll deal with himter," Duke ric said as he looked at his wife.


    <span ss="aiText">Leandra nodded and looked at her <span ss="editText">three<span ss="aiText"> daughters.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sara, Jemma<span ss="editText">, Eleanora. Greet your c<span ss="userText">ousin please while I deal with your brother<span ss="aiText">," Leandra said as she red at Marcus.


    <span ss="editText">Sara was 15 years old and had her mother''s dark hair and her father''s<span ss="editText">gray eyes<span ss="aiText">. And was dressed in a red dress.


    <span ss="aiText">Jemma was the second oldest, she had her <span ss="editText">fa<span ss="aiText">ther''s <span ss="editText">gray<span ss="aiText"> hair but it was more <span ss="editText">tinum silver when the sun shone through it and her mother''s red eyes<span ss="aiText">. She was 12 and was in a red dress.


    <span ss="aiText">Eleanora was the youngest. She had her <span ss="editText">mo<span ss="aiText">ther''s eyes <span ss="editText">and<span ss="aiText"> hair. She was in a blue dress. She was <span ss="editText">6<span ss="aiText"> and loved her cousin Quinus. <span ss="editText">Mainly because <span ss="aiText">he was <span ss="editText">a baby.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus just kept a straight face as the girls came up to him and bowed.


    <span ss="editText">"We''re sorry for our brother''s behavior," Sara said as she bowed her head.


    <span ss="editText">"Aww! Cousin has such beautiful golden eyes like Uncle!" Jemma said with a giggle.


    <span ss="editText">Eleanora stayed silent as she stared at Prince Quinus''s gold eyes.


    <span ss="editText">Prince Quinus just smiled at the girls and felt his cheeks blushing from theirpliments.


    <span ss="editText">All of them blushed<span ss="aiText"> when he smiled and startedughing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your eyes are so pretty, cousin!" Eleanora said with a giggle.


    <span ss="aiText">"We must go now<span ss="editText">. The other nobles need to greet our cousin<span ss="aiText">," Sara said as she led her sisters away from the prince.


    <span ss="userText">"But we just got here<span ss="aiText">," Eleanora said with a pout.


    <span ss="aiText">"They need to have some time alone, dear sister," Jemma said as she walked away from the Prince.


    <span ss="aiText">Eleanora nodded and followed her sisters towards their parents<span ss="editText"> who were ready to scold Marcus.


    <span ss="editText">''Well, at least my female cousins seem alright<span ss="aiText">. But I have a bad feeling about the son... Marcus Revelia...''


    <span ss="aiText">Prince Quinus thought as he sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">''I don''t think I''m going to get a good night''s sleep after this day.<span ss="userText"> I know he''s a kid but he said he''s a mage! I need to learn magic quickly<span ss="aiText">... And I want to get out of this stupid seat!''


    <span ss="aiText">Prince Quinus was brought out of his thoughts when his mother picked him up and got him out of his high chair.


    <span ss="aiText">"That was an interesting moment there, wasn''t Quinus," Queen Rianna said as she started to carry her son.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh?... Oh? Did Mom know that I wanted out of this thing? Hmm... She is the best<span ss="aiText">,'' Prince Quinus thought as he leaned in close to his mother''s chest and hugged her.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s enough mingling with your guests<span ss="editText">. I''ll take Quinus up to his room for the night... Can you hold down the fort, Cyndre?"<span ss="aiText"> Queen Rianna said as she kissed her husband.


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre nodded and gave his wife and son a kiss on their foreheads.


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="editText"> don''t know. Marcus might b<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">c<span ss="aiText">om<span ss="editText">ing for my throne while you''r<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">away<span ss="aiText">. He''s been trying to show me he is the most powerful noble in the kingdom," The King <span ss="editText">joke<span ss="aiText">d with augh.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna gave her husband a worried look, "<span ss="editText">I d<span ss="aiText">on''t l<span ss="editText">ik<span ss="aiText">e Marcus<span ss="editText">... He''s bing quite the brat<span ss="aiText">tely.<span ss="editText">"


    <span ss="editText">''Yes, mom''s right! He''s going to be a problem! A big problem!''


    <span ss="aiText">The King <span ss="editText">nodded<span ss="aiText"> his head, "<span ss="editText">Yeah, I fear my brother has been grooming him to be the next king of Fiafyr if Quinus wasn''t born... I was hoping he could <span ss="userText">put his feelings aside once you had our son. But he''s only 9 years old<span ss="aiText"> and is already a full mage. That boy is bing a problem for me."


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna shook her head, "We need to make sure he doesn''t get too close to our son.<span ss="userText"> He seems like one to hold a grudge<span ss="aiText"> and do anything to hurt Quinus in some way."


    <span ss="aiText">The King sighed and shook his head, "<span ss="editText">He''s our nephew and Quinus''<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">c<span ss="aiText">ou<span ss="editText">sin. We can''t avoid him forever my love<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">''Bullshit! Dad! You''re the fucking king! Decree something dammit! Like you''re banned from seeing your cousin! There! It''s not that hard!''


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna looked down at her son and sighed, "You''re right. But we should try our best to avoid him whenever he is near us. I just want our son to grow up safely in this world without any trouble or conflict."


    <span ss="userText">''I love my second Mom!<span ss="aiText"> She gets me! It feels weird to say that after having been<span ss="editText">reborn<span ss="aiText"> but it''s true!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Come now, let''s go. I think we need to have some private time for a while," Queen Rianna said with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">The Queen walked out of the ballroom and had a swarm of servants following her<span ss="aiText"> as she walked up the stairs to Quinus''s room.

 Vol.0 Ch.131 The Duke’s Friends

    Vol.0 Ch.131 The Duke��s Friends


    <span ss="userText">ric just finished scolding his son and sent him off before heading back to the party.


    <span ss="aiText">He looked around and noticed that many of the nobles were looking at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Have you had your fill?" ric <span ss="userText">asked everyone that was watching him and his family<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">He knew why they were staring and knew that there were going to be many whispering behind his back about his and his son''s conduct. So he needed to confront those who dared to <span ss="aiText">speak ill about him and his family.


    <span ss="userText">When confronted by the Duke<span ss="aiText">, the nobles couldn''t help but feel <span ss="editText">nervous <span ss="aiText">and turn<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> away<span ss="editText"> acting like they didn''t see anything<span ss="aiText">. T<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText"> didn''t <span ss="editText">dare to<span ss="aiText">e near him and risk upsetting <span ss="editText">the Duke.


    <span ss="editText">"That''s what I thought..." Said ric as he turned on his heels and walked away<span ss="aiText"> from the nobles. What he needed was some <span ss="editText">wine <span ss="aiText">and his <span ss="editText">allies<span ss="aiText">. So he went in search of some wine first.


    <span ss="aiText">When he was out of the crowd''s view he <span ss="editText">just stopped<span ss="aiText"> and sighed and leaned against the wall.


    <span ss="aiText">"He''s going to be trouble, isn''t he?" A familiar voice asked Duke ric as he turned to see <span ss="editText">V<span ss="aiText">is<span ss="editText">count William Lysander walking towards him.


    <span ss="editText">"He is but a child. But yes he''s going to be trouble... My soncks tact and seems to be stubborn<span ss="aiText">," ric said as he took a ss of red wine from a waiter who was walking by.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, he better be ready <span ss="aiText">for w<span ss="editText">hen the timees... I always have faith in you Duke ric. You are the rightful heir to<span ss="aiText"> the throne," Viscount William <span ss="editText">whispere<span ss="aiText">d with a serious tone.


    <span ss="aiText">ric nodded, "Thank you. But I would be a fool to take the throne from my brother<span ss="editText">. Tha<span ss="aiText">t is<span ss="editText"> why we must get Marcus his rightful birthright back<span ss="aiText"> and get him on the throne. As I have stated before we can not let <span ss="editText">Duval<span ss="aiText"> ruin this country.<span ss="editText"> That fool will do everything in his power to avoid<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">conflicts at every cost. Even if that means the surrender of ournds."


    <span ss="editText">"Tell me about it... Did you <span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">r <span ss="editText">that the Divine Three contacted him... It seems those fanatics want to marry off one of their female objects<span ss="aiText"> to him as soon as they can," Viscount William said as he drank from his ss of wine.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I didn''t know but it isn''t unexpected<span ss="aiText">. I would be surprised if they didn''t contact him sooner orter... Especially since Duval is the most well-liked noble in the kingdom," ric said as he took a drink of his wine.


    <span ss="userText">"He''s only liked by most of the major lords... And you are wise to get the minor lords on your side<span ss="aiText">... Get the mob on your side and the kingdom is yours... They are loyal to house Revelia... That being said, d<span ss="editText">o you<span ss="aiText"> have a n? For you know who?" Viscount William asked with a serious look.


    <span ss="aiText">ric <span ss="editText">took a sip<span ss="aiText"> of his wine and then looked at the Viscount.


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="editText">don''t know what you ar<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">alk<span ss="editText">ing about,"<span ss="aiText"> ric said as he looked away.


    <span ss="aiText">Viscount William looked at the Duke and s<span ss="editText">miled. He knew that meant he had a n and didn''t need to be involved. Which was fine by him.


    <span ss="editText">"Very well... We should look for <span ss="userText">Baron Alistair before he makes a fool of himself<span ss="aiText"> in front of the entire kingdom. I''ll be going," Viscount William said as he took his leave from the Duke.


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke nodded and watched the Viscount leave the room before going off in search of Baron Alistair.


    <span ss="userText">''That assassin bettere through<span ss="aiText">. Otherwise, I will have to deal with the consequences...''


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke thought as he looked around and spotted Baron Alistair.


    <span ss="aiText">ric smiled as he went in the direction of the Baron.


    <span ss="userText">"So, Alistair<span ss="aiText">. I hear that you''ve had quite an adventure recently. Care to tell me about it?" ric asked the Baron.


    <span ss="aiText">Baron Alistair smiled, "<span ss="editText">Duke ric! I wouldn''t know where to start<span ss="aiText">! My journey was long and filled with perilous challenges that I faced along the way... But I must tell you. I''ve never felt so alive, since my youth!"


    <span ss="aiText">"I see, so what exactly did you encounter in this <span ss="editText">perilous<span ss="aiText"> adventure of yours?" ric asked with a smile on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well... We were in the middle of our trek across the Maldura ins when I felt something was wrong with the sky.<span ss="userText"> Everything seemed normal but everything was quiet and that''s when I noticed there wasn''t a bird in the sky...<span ss="aiText"> So, I decided to scout out ahead... And that''s when I saw it!" Alistair said with an excited voice.


    <span ss="aiText">ric <span ss="editText">smirked, "Saw what, Baron?"


    <span ss="editText">Before Alistair could answer the question two of the minor lords sighed and shook their heads.


    <span ss="editText">"You shouldn''t <span ss="userText">encourage this type of behavior, my lord<span ss="aiText">," said Lord Meriwell as he shook his head at the Baron.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Clifton nodded and frowned at the Baron.


    <span ss="editText">The Baron was bbergasted by his friends'' remarks<span ss="aiText"> and turned to look at ric for help.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Lordship. <span ss="editText">My colleagues think I''m under some type of delusion when I say that I saw a Griffin flying around<span ss="aiText"> the <span ss="editText">Maldura ins<span ss="aiText">!" Alistair said with a serious tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">You see my Lordship. A Griffin... There''s no way a Griffin was<span ss="aiText"> flying in the Maldura ins. It''s impossible!<span ss="editText"> They nest on the Southern tip of the continent where the Beastkin tribes are. Like I said full of delusions and grandeur,<span ss="aiText">" Lord Meriwell said with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I bloody saw one in the ins you twit! It attacked me and I was able to defeat it all by myself<span ss="aiText">! And it was big! I''ve never seen anything like it!" Alistair said as he looked at Meriwell with a frown.


    <span ss="aiText">"Baron Alistair... I''m not trying to upset you but have you thought about why a Griffin would be flying in the middle<span ss="userText"> of<span ss="aiText"> the Maldura ins? And why a Griffin would attack you? They are not known to attack humanoids unless they are provoked. I think you''re just seeing things my friend," Lord Clifton said with a sigh.


    <span ss="editText">"And if the Baron did defeat this Griffin like he says he did, then why doesn''t he have the beak or a talon? Hell, even a feather would do<span ss="aiText"> for a trophy<span ss="editText"> and it shows you speak the truth<span ss="aiText">," Lord Meriwell said as he looked at the Baron.


    <span ss="aiText">Baron Alistair''s smile faded as he sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s not fair Meriwell!<span ss="userText"> I did fight it off and it was real. Not some made-up story just to get attention like my Menticor fib... I said that in jest<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">shut the both of you up about my hunting prowess<span ss="aiText">... But this time I''m telling you the truth," Alistair said with a frown.


    <span ss="aiText">The two lords looked at each other before looking back at the Baron.


    <span ss="userText">ric sighed as he listened to his nobles discuss Alistair''s story and chimed in.


    <span ss="userText">"So you fought it off and didn''t y it, Alistair? That doesn''t inspire confidence in your ims<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">The Baron shook his head, "Of course, I defeated it! It was only a Griffin! I know how to kill them!"


    <span ss="aiText">ric shook his head, "I thought you were the best hunter in the kingdom, Baron Alistair.<span ss="userText"> How are we supposed to y a dragon if you keep telling stories about your aplishments, aye?" said the Duke in a teasing tone.


    <span ss="userText">The Baron sighed in defeat, "It seems I have no one else to me but myself<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Indeed you don''t. And for the love of the god<span ss="editText">des<span ss="aiText">s tell the truth about this Griffin you saw," Lord Clifton said with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">That wasn''t a lie Clifton<span ss="aiText">... You just need to trust my word this time. If you don''t want to believe me then fine! I''ll show you that Griffin <span ss="editText">is real if you decide to visit my territory sometime this month. Unless you are too afraid<span ss="undoDeletionText">,<span ss="aiText">" Baron Alistair said as he looked at his friends.


    <span ss="aiText">They looked at the Baron and sighed as they shook their heads.


    <span ss="aiText">"Baron... <span ss="editText">Even if the Griffin is really there in the ins. We have more important things to deal with<span ss="aiText">. Like he<span ss="editText">lping secure the minor lords'' support for the Duke<span ss="aiText">''s campaign. I have a bad feeling about the <span ss="editText">heir. I thought it was impossible for<span ss="aiText"> the Queen <span ss="editText">to give<span ss="aiText"> birth. But now with the heir and this <span ss="editText">rumor about the Divine Three offering an arranged marriage. Marcus might have lost his chance to be the next heir. We may be facing an uphill battle. We need toe up with a n," Lord Meriwell said as he looked at his allies.


    <span ss="editText">The Baron frowned as he looked at his friends.


    <span ss="editText">"Please... unexpected things happen all the time. The boy might not make it to age 10 when the trials to go into thebyrinths and prove his adulthood to the court... I find being patient is the best course of action <span ss="userText">my Lordship...<span ss="aiText"> Besides, we still have 11 years to <span ss="editText">get more nobles on our side and get your son as strong as possible before we should make our move<span ss="aiText">," Baron Alistair said as he tried to reason with his friend<span ss="userText">s<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Alistair... The fates have never been kind to me... I''m a patient man, but I will not rely on the fates to aid me when they never had... I have a n for the boy... Hopefully, I will see the results in due time, gentlemen."<span ss="aiText"> ric said as he took a sip of his wine.


    <span ss="aiText">"I must agree with <span ss="editText">Duke <span ss="aiText">ric on this one. I don''t think we should make any sudden moves that could endanger Marcus or any of us.<span ss="userText">" Lord Meriwell said with a frown.


    <span ss="editText">"I trust your n my Lordship. But do we have a backup strategy if things fall through?"<span ss="aiText"> Lord Clifton asked with a concerned look on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">All I can say is I''m ying this one close to my vest, gentlemen... That is all I shall say on the matter,"<span ss="aiText"> The Duke said with a smirk on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">The other nobles just looked at him with worried looks. <span ss="aiText">The<span ss="editText">y knew what the Duke meant by that statement. They all assumed he hired a assassin and it made them nervous if word got out that the Duke was the one to order the prince''s death.


    <span ss="editText">ric looked at his friends'' worried faces and nodded, "You all need to enjoy the rest of the party and give my regards to the King and Queen.... Afterward, we will go to our territories and gather support from the lesser nobles... That will be all, gentlemen."


    <span ss="aiText">The three nobles bowed as they took their leave from the Duke.


    <span ss="editText">Once the men left ric finished his w<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText"> a<span ss="editText">nd w<span ss="aiText">en<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText"> to<span ss="editText"> go find the rest of his family. He wasn''t going to be staying that much longer<span ss="aiText"> and wanted to make sure his son was fine before he left.


    <span ss="aiText">''I wonder how things are going to y out when the timees... Hopefully, I will have the backing of the minor nobles, and the nobles who don''t support Marcus will fall in line...'' ric thought as he walked into the main ballroom and looked around for <span ss="editText">his duchess<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">He then saw her with his<span ss="editText"> son and three daughters. The girls were staring at the dancing while Marcus was sulking. The Duke walked over to them with a smile on his face.


    <span ss="editText">"We should get ready to leave in a half hour or so... We have a busy day tomorrow morning<span ss="aiText">," The Duke said as he kissed his wife.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, of course, dear. I just need to make sure <span ss="editText">Marcus doesn''t make a fool of himself again<span ss="aiText">," The Duchess said as she kissed her husband<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">And after 30 minutes the Revelia''s left the party that went on into midnight<span ss="aiText">. The guests were shocked when they saw the Duke and Duchess leave the party. And many of the guests started to whisper among themselves about House Revelia''s sudden departure from the party.


    <span ss="aiText">They all thought it was strange and didn''t know what could have happened to make the Duke leave so soon.

 Vol.0 Ch.132 Getting Knocked Down a Peg

    Vol.0 Ch.132 Getting Knocked Down a Peg


    <span ss="userText">(A couple of hours before the Queen retrieved her son at the party)


    <span ss="userText">A few of Quinus''s servants were in a small room next to the main hall. They were there mainly if the prince needed assistance.


    <span ss="userText">The small room could fit ten peoplefortably <span ss="editText">as there was a small square table<span ss="aiText"> in the center of the room. There were eight chairs around it and two were missing due to their being used outside.


    <span ss="aiText">The room had a few trinkets around the ce but was mostly bare except for some portraits of past royal members of the M<span ss="editText">eredydd royal family.


    <span ss="editText">And the best part of this room was the secret peephole that looked upon the royal family''s throne. And if someone were to try and attack the family the knights stationed inside this room would act. It wasn''t that royal guardsmen weren''t present around the main hall and other areas of the pce. But they were in ceremonial garb that was meant<span ss="aiText"> for fashion in public settings rather thanbat.


    <span ss="editText">So the pce had knights dressed in theirbat garb hidden inside smaller rooms all around the pce. Just in case<span ss="aiText"> someone tries to attack the royal family in their own home.


    <span ss="editText">The room that was closest to the <span ss="userText">royal family had six people hanging around out of sight, from the rest of the nobles<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">One of them was <span ss="editText">Sir Dous<span ss="aiText"> who was looking t<span ss="editText">hrough<span ss="aiText"> the peephole while the other five were <span ss="editText">sitting around <span ss="userText">keeping each otherpany. While they waited for the festivities to wind <span ss="editText">down in a few hours or so.


    <span ss="editText">And as they were waiting Ingrid brought out some tea and snacks <span ss="userText">for the group<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Th<span ss="aiText">ere <span ss="editText">we are... This should help mak<span ss="aiText">e the<span ss="editText"> time go by<span ss="aiText"> a lot faster," Ingrid said as she brought over the tea and snacks to the knights<span ss="editText"> and Wina<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">She then <span ss="editText">sat down next to Wina who was sitting with Mathew. The other two men were squires. They were the youngest in the room.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smiled at Ingrid, "Thanks, Ingrid. You''re a lifesaver."


    <span ss="aiText">Ingrid giggled as she poured the tea into everyone''s cups.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wh<span ss="editText">ich noble<span ss="aiText"> do you think <span ss="editText">is going to show upst?<span ss="aiText"> I bet it''s <span ss="editText">Viscount Lysander<span ss="aiText">," Wina said as she took her cup of tea from Ingrid.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir <span ss="editText">Dou<span ss="aiText">s chuckled, "Yeah, that is a safe bet. But<span ss="editText"> I''m betting on the Duke. He seems more secluded ofte. I don''t know if it has to do with realm business or he focusing on his son''sing of age trials.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Ingrid took a sip of her tea and <span ss="editText">nodded<span ss="aiText"> her head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yeah, I heard that his son has been acting like a brattely... I wonder if they thought he was going to get the throne?<span ss="aiText">" Ingrid said as she thought of the Duke and his son.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina <span ss="editText">held her tongue and s<span ss="userText">ipped her tea.


    <span ss="userText">''I should have never taken this contract... But then I wouldn''t have met Ingrid and Mathew... Gods! I don''t want to kill the prince<span ss="aiText">... <span ss="editText">ric can go to the sevenyers of hell, for all that I care<span ss="aiText">!'' Wina thought as she took a sip of her tea.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Are you okay, Wina?" Sir Mathew whispered when he noticed Wina''s bodynguage became calm. Mathew has been with Wina for months now and was able to convince her to go on a couple of dates during off hours. She would get all flustered when<span ss="aiText"> he tried to get close to her.<span ss="editText"> And he found that adorable when she kept lying about her true feelings. And he started picking up her nervous ticks which involved her bing super calm. Like she''s ready to take someone''s life if need be. No one else noticed this but Mathew and Wina started bing cool and collected when Ingrid and Dous brought up the Duke.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smiled at Mathew, "Of course,<span ss="editText"> Sir<span ss="aiText"> Mathew...<span ss="userText"> It''s just if I need to take care of the prince. I don''t want to make a fool out of myself or the royal family. Especially in front of all the other nobles... It wouldn''t look good<span ss="aiText"> for my future prospects."


    <span ss="aiText">"I understand... But I''m sure you''ll be fine... After all, you''ve done this a few times before and never failed, have you?" Mathew said with a grin as he looked at Wina.


    <span ss="userText">Wina''s heart skipped a beat<span ss="aiText"> and she shook her head, "Of course not! I''ve never failed to carry out my duties. That would make me lose the respect I''ve earned."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew chuckled, "I''m sure you''re going to be fine...<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">Ingrid decided to chime in, "Please... The crown prince is the perfect child... I''ve seen my share of babies and some of them start off like the prince but be a little difficult when they get older. But he has<span ss="aiText"> always been an angel. He will never be trouble for the royal family or the kingdom. You have nothing to worry about, Wina."


    <span ss="editText">''An angel!? Oh, Ingrid... You don''t have him feeding off of your tits every day! He was good for a while. But he started using his tongue again and it makes me so hot and bothered that I need to masturbate after every feeding! And the worst part is I can''t stop fantasizing about Mathew<span ss="aiText"> touching me inappropriately.'' Wina thought as she finished her tea and grabbed a treat to snack on.


    <span ss="aiText">"You don''t need to worry, Wina. I know you will be fine...<span ss="userText"> Nothing really happens during a royal party... Mostly we''ll hear some of them throwing petty <span ss="editText"<span ss="aiText">ments <span ss="editText">behind each other''s backs <span ss="aiText">or have a minor lord trying to bed their wives<span ss="editText"> in secret<span ss="aiText">. That''s about it...<span ss="editText">" Ingrid said as she took a sip of her tea.


    <span ss="editText">"Eww!... I don''t need<span ss="aiText"> to see<span ss="editText"> old people trying to bed each other<span ss="aiText">... That''s gross!" Wina said as she scrunched up her face in disgust.


    <span ss="editText">"Second!" Mathew agreed.


    <span ss="aiText">Ingrid smiled as she shook her head, "Just because someone''s old doesn''t mean they can''t have fun. Wait until you get old... And say that again."


    Wina held up her hands in defeat, "Sorry! I didn''t mean to offend you. But it is annoying that you have to clean up their mess. That''s all..."


    <span ss="aiText">Then the wet nurse looked over to the other young knights, "So, Sir <span ss="editText">Dou<span ss="aiText">s...<span ss="userText"> Who are the<span ss="editText">se<span ss="userText"> two kids? We haven''t been introduced yet<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">Sir Dous turned away from observing the royal family through the peephole an<span ss="aiText">d smiled, "That''s right. I haven''t introduced them. This is <span ss="editText">George<span ss="aiText">, and the one next to him is Robert<span ss="editText">. They are promising young squires that might be knights in a few years<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked at them and gave them a nod, "Nice to meet you both."


    <span ss="editText">T<span ss="userText">he<span ss="editText"> young men gave her a polite nod back<span ss="aiText"> as they were staring at the gorgeous <span ss="editText">wet nurse in awe.


    <span ss="userText">They both were 20 years old and were wearing chainmail with a loose surcoat that had the royal family''s insignia<span ss="aiText"> on the left side. They had brown eyes and ck hair that was pulled back in a ponytail.


    <span ss="editText">Then one of the squires turned his head and acted like <span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText">as<span ss="editText">n''t interested in Wina while pulling out his purse and started counting his copper coins out in the open.


    <span ss="editText">Wina didn''t know what to make of this behavior and raised her brow in confusion. The other squire looks to his left to see hisrade unting his coin "wealth" in front of everyone.


    <span ss="editText">Robert frowned, "What in the Goddess''s green world are you doing?"


    <span ss="editText">"Shut up, Robe<span ss="aiText">rt<span ss="editText">!<span ss="userText">... Can''t you see that I''m working<span ss="editText">?"<span ss="aiText"> George said as he gave hisrade a stern look.


    <span ss="aiText">Robert frowned at his friend as he looked around the room.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina noticed what was going on and smirked<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">Is he trying to impress me with his coin?<span ss="editText"> Oh, this kid is going to grow up to be one of those guys... May the Gods have mercy on his naive soul.''


    <span ss="editText">"Are you kidding me?<span ss="userText">Are you trying to test your moronic pickup skills right now in front of Sir Dous and Sir Mathew?<span ss="aiText"> Seriously? Do you want to die?" Robert said with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">George ignored hisrade and started to y with the coins with one hand as he looked back at Wina and smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was <span ss="editText">roll<span ss="aiText">ing he<span ss="editText">r eyes and Sir Mathew was trying to keep his anger in check<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"What the hell is wrong with him? Is he really trying to impress me with his coin?" Wina asked Sir Mathew with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir Mathew frowned as he looked at George, "<span ss="editText">I''m afraid so... I have no clue where this kid gets these ideas<span ss="aiText"> from..."


    <span ss="editText">Wina thought for a moment before she got a devilish idea.


    <span ss="editText">"Hey? Do you want to knock him down a peg?" She whispered<span ss="aiText"> to Mathew with a mischievous grin.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew smirked as he nodded, "Sure! What are you going to do?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Just follow my lead and let me do all the talking<span ss="aiText">," Wina said as she stood up and approached George.


    <span ss="editText">This wasn''t her first time seducing a man. Seven years ago she had a target that frequently visited Burlesque houses and he loved to hire escorts<span ss="aiText">. He was a low-ranked noble who caught the attention of the other lords of simr rank and they didn''t appreciate the way he was trying to climb the ranks. It was <span ss="editText">a little too fast for their liking. So, those nobles in a small kingdom west of Marn put a hit contract out on him. It took her one day to finish the job, disguised as an escort<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">And here was this little squire acting like a wealthy merchant<span ss="editText"> yboy but all he was, was a wanna-be.


    <span ss="userText">She came up to him and he was smiling at her.


    <span ss="userText">"So, you are interested in me, mydy?<span ss="aiText"> How about we go somewhere private to continue this conversation?" George asked with a flirtatious smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina just ignored his advances and stared at him with an uninterested look on her face.


    <span ss="userText">"You really think a few coppers will woo me? Can that little purse of yours buy a ss of Walister sparkling wine?<span ss="aiText"> Because if not it''s just a waste of your coin," Wina said as she held back herughter.


    <span ss="aiText">The knights and the squire started tough when George started getting flustered.


    <span ss="aiText">The young squire frowned and red at Wina, "<span ss="editText">Tck! You women are all the same... Only looking for a purse full of gold... Good luck<span ss="aiText"> with that."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh? You have me figured out then<span ss="aiText">? <span ss="editText">Let me tell you something... It''s not the size of the purse that will get you the wom<span ss="aiText">an you<span ss="editText"> want. It''s your personality that<span ss="userText"> needs to woo them... Because if you wish to treat me as an object then I will do the same to you<span ss="aiText">..." Wina said as she crossed her arms under her chest and raised a brow in a questioning manner.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hahaha! She got you, George! I told you that they don''t fall for that crap<span ss="aiText">," Robert said as he chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">George frowned, "<span ss="editText">No! I tell you that it does work! I swear! I just need to correct my mistakes and she''ll fall for me in no time! I just need to use gold coins instead of copper... I was too impatient before executing ''<span ss="userText">Pir of <span ss="userText">Statue''. I won''t make the same mistake again.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"George! Get your head out of your ass! <span ss="editText">You''re not even on a knight''s sry! And s<span ss="aiText">he doesn''t want to hear any of that crap you keep spewing," Robert said as he shook his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"Look! I know I can do this if I had more time... That''s why I''m using copper coins right now." George said as he started putting his copper coins back into his purse<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">''Did he just ignore me? I''m standing next to him<span ss="aiText">! Does this kid think I''m not here? He needs to be taught a lesson...'' Wina thought as she grabbed <span ss="editText">Sir Mathew''s hand.


    <span ss="editText">Mathew who was holding back on scolding the squire was surprised by Wina<span ss="aiText">''s forwardness but kept silent as he was curious what she was going to do next.


    <span ss="aiText">She looked back at Mathew and whispered, "<span ss="editText">Can I see your purse for a quick se<span ss="userText">cond<span ss="aiText">, Sir Mathew?"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew nodded as he reached into <span ss="editText">his person and pulled out his purse which caught George''s attention.


    <span ss="editText">"See Robert! She''s taking Sir Mathew''s coin as <span ss="editText">we <span ss="editText">speak and��huh?"


    <span ss="aiText">George''s<span ss="editText">whole ideology was turned upside down when Wina took a gold coin out from the skirt of her dress and put it into Mathew''s purse before returning it.


    <span ss="editText">"But... But... But..."<span ss="aiText"> George stuttered as he <span ss="editText">witnessed<span ss="aiText"> the wet nurse giving Mathew the gold coin out of nowhere.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smirked and smiled at Mathew, "<span ss="editText">Now let me get what I paid for.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="editText">She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and Mathew smirked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Well? I''m all yours this evening, Miss Wina,"<span ss="aiText"> Mathew said as he looked at the squires<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir Dous shook his head, "<span ss="editText">You two can have your fun after the party."


    <span ss="editText">Robert<span ss="aiText"> started tough as he watched <span ss="editText">George having a mental breakdown<span ss="aiText"> in his chair.


    <span ss="editText">"I told you, man... You got to stop treating women like they don''t have a personality��"


    <span ss="editText">Robert was interrupted by George mming his hands down on the table before standing up quickly.


    <span ss="editText">"SIR MATHEW! TELL ME YOUR SECRET! HOW DID YOU GET HER TO GIVE YOU <span ss="editText">COIN AND <span ss="aiText">A KISS!?" George demanded as he looked at the knight.


    <span ss="editText">Sir Dous just shook his head in disgust as he looked at his squires, "GEORGE! Knock it off right now or <span ss="editText">so <span ss="editText">help me, Goddess. I will send you out of this room with a bloody nose!"


    <span ss="editText">Ingrid, <span ss="aiText">Sir Mathew<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> and Wina looked at Sir Dous beforeughing<span ss="editText"> at <span ss="aiText">George who was <span ss="editText">looking down<span ss="aiText"> in embarrassment and <span ss="editText">shame.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smiled and looked at Mathew, "<span ss="editText">Well, hopefully, that knocked him down a peg<span ss="aiText">... Let''s sit down and finish our tea. It would be best to get in the proper mood for after-hours tonight. I don''t know why but I want to be alone with you<span ss="aiText">."


    "Oh? I''m looking forward to that," said <span ss="aiText">Mathew as he smiled and nodded while guiding Wina back to her seat. They took their seats and finished their tea.


    <span ss="userText">While George sits there reying the events over in his mind and trying to figure out where he went wrong.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">A couple of hours passed.


    "Haah!... Well, you''re right about the Duke being thest to show up Sir Dous. Huh? Oh!<span ss="userText">Everyone! The Queen is taking the Prince to his room. It''s time to assist her<span ss="aiText">," Ingrid said as she <span ss="editText">closed the peephole and everyone stood up and exited the small room to the main ballroom<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Ingrid notices the Queen picking up her son from the highchair.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen smiled at everyone who was paying theirst respects for the night and was ready to turn in for the night.


    <span ss="aiText">Once she reached the doors behind the throne. Sir Dous and Sir Mathew were walking beside her as she took a right and started walking down the hallway with the rest of her servants following her.


    <span ss="userText">Wina and Ingrid were able to walk next to the Queen as they made their way towards Quinus''s room.


    <span ss="userText">"Is there anything you need from us, your Majesty?" Ingrid<span ss="aiText"> asked as she looked up at the Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nothing in particr... I''m just taking him to his room to put him to bed... <span ss="editText">He seems to be finicky and I believe he is done for the <span ss="aiText">night<span ss="editText">.<span ss="aiText"> Would you like to <span ss="editText">feed<span ss="aiText"> him, Wina?" Queen Rianna asked the wet nurse with a smile on her face.


    <span ss="editText">"I will<span ss="aiText"> try my best, Your Majesty. But <span ss="editText">he doesn''t seem to be hungry...<span ss="aiText">" Wina said with a smile as she looked down at the Prince<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m sure he won''tin<span ss="aiText"> once you show yourself to him," The Queen said with a chuckle.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen looked down at her son as he was smiling at his wet nurse and started to fidget when he noticed his mother was staring at him.


    <span ss="userText">"He''s going to be trouble with thedies<span ss="aiText"> when he gets older... Isn''t he?" Wina said as she noticed the Prince starting to smile more.


    <span ss="aiText">"Most likely... But I wouldn''t worry too much. I''ll make sure he is disciplined before he bes a man. I''ll teach him to just find the right person for him to catch his interest," The Queen said as <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">y made it to the staircase and went up two flights of stairs until they were on<span ss="aiText"> the third floor.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina sighed as she looked at the Prince who had his eyes locked on her, "I guess we need to go faster, Your Majesty. The prince seems to want to feed from me right here and right now."


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen smiled, "<span ss="editText">He''s just staring<span ss="aiText"> at you... That''s all."


    ***


    <span ss="aiText">They made their way down the hallway until they got to the prince''s room. The guard on duty was waiting outside the door with a smile on his face.


    <span ss="userText">Sir Dous spoke first, "The prince is ready to turn in for the night. Anything to report<span ss="aiText">, Sir Sion?"


    <span ss="aiText">The knight on duty shook his head, "No, there haven''t been any disturbances... As usual, the pce staff are on the ball as always."


    <span ss="userText">"Good... Robert,e with me, while George. Go with Sir Mathew. We just need to scan the Prince''s room before<span ss="aiText"> we can leave," Sir Dous said as he entered the room<span ss="editText"> with the other three men.


    <span ss="editText">It took them a minute before they gave the Queen the okay toe in.


    <span ss="aiText">Ingrid, Wina, and the Queen walked into the room. The Queen <span ss="editText">gave<span ss="aiText"> her son <span ss="editText">to<span ss="aiText"> Wina and kissed him<span ss="aiText">on the forehead.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, that wasn''t too bad of a first event. Right, Quinus?<span ss="editText">"


    Quinus gave his mother a happy squeal.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aw! You''re so cute my love," Queen Rianna said as she turned to look at Wina and Ingrid.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please make sure my son gets plenty of rest tonight and let me know if he has any problems," The Queen said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smiled and nodded, "I will make sure I take extra care of him, your Majesty."


    "We''ll make sure everything will go smoothly, Your Majesty," Ingrid added with a bow.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen looked at her son one more time before leaving the room with Sir Dous and Sir Sion. She was heading to her chamber.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina and Ingrid bowed their head. Wina took Quinus to a chair in the corner and sat down.


    "So, do you want to have an evening snack, Quinny?" Wina asked the baby as he was staring at her with hungry eyes.


    "YEEEAAAAHHH!!!" Squealed the prince.


    <span ss="aiText">Winaughed and undid the top of her dress to allow the baby to feed.


    Sir Mathew, Robert, and George stayed behind to guard the prince until the party was over.


    And George''s eyes were popping out of his skull when he saw Wina''s massive tits.


    <span ss="userText">Sir Mathew noticed him staring at her and walked up to him.


    <span ss="userText">"See something that you like boy?" Mathew asked in an irritated<span ss="aiText"> tone.


    <span ss="aiText">George<span ss="userText"> stiffened up with shock as he slowly turned his head towards<span ss="aiText"> the knight.


    <span ss="aiText">"Uhhh! I''m sorry, Sir Mathew. I<span ss="userText"> just got something in my eye is all."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew red at him, "Good! Keep your eyes and hands to yourself. Got it, boy? Or so help me, you will wish you were never born."


    <span ss="aiText">George was sweating buckets when he saw the cold look on Mathew''s face, "Yes, Sir Mathew<span ss="userText">."


    <span ss="userText">Robert just shook his head when witnessing his<span ss="aiText">rade''s idiocy.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Hmm? Maybe I can give that kid some of my non-lethal poison and watch him shit himself? Yeah! I like that idea. Hehe-AUNGH!? Quinus? He''s using his tongue on my nipples again!<span ss="aiText"> Oh, wow! This is... UGH! It''s too intense!''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina <span ss="userText">bit her lower lip to stop herself from moaning.


    <span ss="userText">***


    It was an hourter when <span ss="userText">Quinus finished feeding from Wina and she handed him off to Ingrid so they could change him out of his clothes and put him in his crib.


    <span ss="aiText">As Wina was adjusting her dress, she felt someone staring at her. She look<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> to her right and <span ss="editText">saw the <span ss="aiText">squire George was still watching her.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh,e on! What does it take for this kid to learn?'' Wina thought as she finished straightening her clothes.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina then stood up and turned towards the crib in the <span ss="editText">middle<span ss="aiText"> of the room<span ss="editText"> where Ingrid was heading with a sleeping Quinus in her arms. And when she was about three feet away from Ingrid she couldn''t help but feel like something was off. Like there was some dark aura surrounding the room all of a sudden.


    <span ss="editText">''I feel so nervous right now! I wonder if I''m getting the creeps from that stupid squire who can''t stop staring at me.<span ss="userText">Or is this something else?<span ss="editText">...<span ss="aiText"> Maybe it''s my imagination?'' Wina thought as she approached the crib.


    <span ss="aiText">She noticed Ingrid''s face had a look of difort and concern.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you okay, Ingrid?" Wina asked with a worried look.


    <span ss="aiText">"Huh? Oh... I''m fine. I just <span ss="editText">feeling under the weather all of a sudden<span ss="aiText">. But I''m fine."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina nodded, "Okay... I won''t push the matter. But let me know if it gets worse... I can get <span ss="editText">someone el<span ss="aiText">se to help."


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m fine, Wina. Don''t worry," Ingrid said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"All right, I''ll watch over the prince so you<span ss="editText">��" Herment was interrupted when<span ss="editText">Wina noticed that Mathew and the other two men weren''t looking so good either. They seemed pale and were having trouble<span ss="aiText"> standing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mathew! George! Robert! What''s going on? Are you guys okay?" Wina asked as she noticed them all struggling.


    <span ss="editText">That was<span ss="editText">whe<span ss="editText">n she smelled a faint fragrance inthe <span ss="editText">air.


    <span ss="editText">''Huh!?... Is that... Galebane Fumes? But<span ss="undoDeletionText"> I don''t��''


    <span ss="editText">Before Wina could register her thoughts about where this toxic aroma wasing from. Three hidden figures decided to jump out of the shadows. Making the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.

 Vol.0 Ch.133 A Fight with Some Assassins

    Vol.0 Ch.133 A Fight with Some Assassins


    <span ss="userText">The two of the three cloaked figures started to engage Mathew and the Squires while thest one came for the sleeping prince where Wina and Ingrid were in his way<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"INGRID! PROTECT THE PRINCE! I''LL TAKE CARE OF THIS ASSASSIN!" Wina screamed as she turned and grabbed the arm of the assassin that was closing in on her<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> flipped him over her shoulder<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> and mmed him onto the<span ss="userText"> floor before his venomced de could scratch her skin.


    Ash groaned as he quickly got to his feet and attacked Wina, again.


    <span ss="userText">*SWING!*


    <span ss="aiText">*THUD!*


    <span ss="userText">Wina caught the assassin''s wrist and stopped the de inches away from her right eye.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew, Robert, and George had unsheathed their swords and engaged with the two female assassins.


    <span ss="userText">*Cling! ng!*


    <span ss="userText">"A-Assassins!? Gah! George! Robert! Take these two! Wina is in trouble<span ss="aiText"> and the prince is about to get stolen by the third assassin!" Sir Mathew shouted as he fought against the brown-skinned female assassin.


    <span ss="aiText">''I got to protect the Prince at all costs. No matter what!'' Sir Mathew thought as he used his training and skills to fend off the assassin''s de.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir George was fighting the fair-skinned female assassin with violet eyes and was having the fight of his life.<span ss="userText"> But the knight and the two squires were feeling sluggish because of the Galebane toxic that was permeating through the air.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew was getting winded far too quickly<span ss="aiText"> and was starting to slow down.


    <span ss="aiText">"G-GAH! This is ridiculous. How is this possible!?" Mathew asked as he barely dodged another sh of the outstretched arm with her dagger.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmph!<span ss="userText"> We should have waited for the toxin to<span ss="aiText"> set in.<span ss="userText"> Tsk! You were impatient Ash<span ss="aiText">," Violet said as she fought against the <span ss="editText">two squires<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Ash growled, "Shut it! We''re making too much noise! We need to hurry and finish this!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Then do it already<span ss="userText">!" Gwin<span ss="aiText"> yelled as she fought against Sir Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was able to hold the assassin off for a bit but he was getting the better of her<span ss="userText"> because she couldn''t get to her assassin''s belt. All because she wore a normal dress instead of her tear-away<span ss="aiText"> battle dress.


    <span ss="aiText">"G-GAH!"


    <span ss="aiText">The assassin punched Wina in the gut and the blow knocked the air out of her.


    <span ss="aiText">"WINAAA!!!!" Mathew and Ingrid yelled as they witness<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> her falling backward andnding on her back.


    <span ss="userText">''Dammit! I''ve gotten toocent<span ss="aiText">... <span ss="editText">How did I let my guard down!<span ss="aiText">... But I will not die here... I can''t!'' Wina thought as she looked up and noticed the assassin''s dagger.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina saw the assassin was about to drive his de into her face.<span ss="userText"> When Ingrid grabbed the arm<span ss="aiText"> of the assassin and yanked him towards her<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Ingrid!?" Wina yelled<span ss="aiText"> in shock as she watched the assassin turn around and <span ss="editText">stabbed <span ss="aiText">Ingrid in the <span ss="userText">stomach.


    <span ss="userText">The pain in her<span ss="aiText"> eyes and the look of <span ss="editText">desperate determination<span ss="aiText"> on her face would be forever etched in her mind.


    <span ss="userText">For all of her years of assassinating people, she thought she had grown<span ss="aiText"> ustomed to seeing such expressions. But this one hit differentl<span ss="userText">y. Ingrid had be a mother figure to Wina. A mother that showed herpassion and<span ss="aiText"> a sense of belonging.


    <span ss="userText">This person who was in the same field of work was stealing Ingrid''s life away from Wina. And it was the first time she a ever felt this strange sense of angering from her core. Anger that was turning into pure rage and it showed on Wina''s face.


    <span ss="userText">Ingrid gasped and coughed up some blood.


    <span ss="userText">"INGRID!!!!! YOU BASTARD!!!"


    <span ss="userText">Wina grabbed the left side of her skirt and ripped it vertically so she could get her dagger<span ss="aiText"> from her<span ss="editText"> assassin''s belt<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">The assassin pulled his dagger out of Ingrid''s stomach. And the older woman copsed next to the assassin''s legs.


    <span ss="userText">"Fucking old woman, WHOA!"


    <span ss="userText">*CLING! CLANG! CLONG!*


    <span ss="userText">Wina came at Ash with such speed that it surprised<span ss="aiText"> the assassin.


    <span ss="aiText">The two were <span ss="userText">locked and were nearly eye to eye as they<span ss="aiText"> were pushing against each other''s des.


    <span ss="userText">"Gah!? Who''s this fucking human!?... She is supposed to be a wet nurse<span ss="aiText">!" Ash asked with a look of annoyance and shock on his face.


    <span ss="userText">"You are a disgrace of an assassin... You dare im jump my target... and sloppily killing everyone around you like second-rate<span ss="aiText"> amateurs!?... PATHETIC!!!" <span ss="userText">Wina eximed as her eyes turned cold and murderous.


    <span ss="userText">Wina was putting enough force against her dagger to knock the assassin off bnce. And Ash was losing his footing.


    <span ss="userText">"Huh!?" Ash''s face paled when he noticed Wina''s dagger was that of an Umbralis-ranked assassin. The highest rank that is given to those in the Assassin''s Society.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="aiText">''S-Shit! What the hell!? That''s impossible! <span ss="editText">The <span ss="aiText">wet nurse is a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> Umbralis<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">ranked <span ss="userText">assassin!?<span ss="aiText"> No! There is no way! <span ss="userText">I need to end her<span ss="aiText"> now!'' Ash thought as his mind was racing with thoughts of fear and confusion.


    <span ss="userText">"You call me, pathetic!? You had ample time to end your��Gawh!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina mmed her knee into his <span ss="editText">gut<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">*Thud!*


    <span ss="userText">Wina quickly performed a series of graceful strikes with her dagger and cut into his forearm that was holding his weapon. Then sliced his side and nailed the top of his quad. It was causing him to stagger to the ground<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah-AAAHHH!!!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Nothing but a second-rate<span ss="editText">Mortis...<span ss="aiText">" Wina mocked him.


    (Mortis are the second-highest ranking in the Assassin''s Society)


    <span ss="userText">"Grrrrr! I''ll show you who''s second<span ss="aiText"> rate," Ash yelled in frustration.


    <span ss="aiText">*BANG!*


    <span ss="aiText">Ash''s right hook connected <span ss="userText">with Wina''s dagger and he tried to twist the weapon out of Wina''s grip. But she held strong as they were locked in<span ss="aiText"> ce the de sunk into the middle of his fist.


    <span ss="aiText">"Guh!" Ash gritted his teeth in pain.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s face was inches away from the assassin''s.<span ss="userText"> That''s when she noticed his wounds were starting to heal as a cloud of smoke wasing<span ss="aiText"> from his cuts.


    <span ss="aiText">''What the fuck is this?... He''s healing?<span ss="editText">... I know what you are you piece of shit!<span ss="aiText">'' Thought Wina.


    <span ss="editText">She<span ss="aiText"> smirked, "<span ss="userText">You''re far away from the Nophtian Continent... My little Vampire<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"WHAT!?"


    <span ss="aiText">The surprise and shock were clearly evident on Ash''s face.


    <span ss="aiText">"H-How did you��?"


    <span ss="aiText">"You <span ss="editText">can hide <span ss="aiText">those fangs <span ss="editText">of yours but your<span ss="aiText"> healing factor<span ss="userText"> is showing... Time for you to stay dead<span ss="aiText">..."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Fuck off human!<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina<span ss="editText"> skillfully <span ss="aiText">pulled <span ss="userText">out a seven-inch needle from her assassin belt with her off hand and twirled it in her fingers almost like she was using a butterfly knife and tried to stab him in the heart.


    <span ss="userText">"Gah! How is she so fast<span ss="aiText">!?... <span ss="editText">This <span ss="editText">is <span ss="aiText">a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> Umbralis<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">ranked human!" Ash screamed out in panic as he barely managed to dodge the strike and counterattack with his own<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Die, human!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s body moved in a strange manner<span ss="editText"> like her body was made of noodles<span ss="aiText">,<span ss="userText"> as it contorted<span ss="aiText"> and ben<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText"> in a way to avoid the de.


    <span ss="aiText">*SHINK!*


    <span ss="aiText">She dug her poisoned dagger into his right shoulder<span ss="userText"> leaving his chest vulnerable to her seven-inch needle.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-AAHHHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Thud!*


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Let''s see how long your chest barrier canst<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">*SLAM!*


    <span ss="aiText">*THUD!*


    <span ss="userText">As the silver seven-inch needle was about to make contact with Ash''s chest. A magical transparent blood-red barrier appeared in front of his heart and halted<span ss="aiText"> its approach.


    <span ss="aiText">"GAH! FUCK YOU HUMAN!!!" <span ss="aiText">Ash screamed <span ss="userText">as Wina channeled her mana into the needle making it glow white causing his barrier to show glowing red cracks all over it<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''It''s breaking! Dammit! <span ss="editText">I can''t move! I should have listened to Gwin!<span ss="aiText">'' Ash thought as his barrier continued to show more cracks from the needle piercing it.


    <span ss="userText">Wina was staring at him with her cold<span ss="aiText"> murderous eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"You will regret this day."


    <span ss="aiText">The needle finally shattered the barrier and made contact with his chest.


    <span ss="aiText">"G-Gaeee!!!!!"


    <span ss="userText">"This is for Ingrid you piece of shit," Wina said through gritted teeth as she pushed her needle deeper into his chest until she pierced his heart.


    <span ss="aiText">*GURTCH!*


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was seething with fury as she twisted her needle into his heart.


    <span ss="aiText">"GAH-AWK!"


    <span ss="aiText">The Vampire gurgled up some blood as his skin slowly turned a grayish-blue a<span ss="editText">nd<span ss="aiText"> h<span ss="editText">is <span ss="userText">fangs popped out.


    <span ss="userText">It took only a moment before he exploded into a pile of purple blood<span ss="aiText"> and bone ash.


    <span ss="aiText">*Thump!*


    <span ss="aiText">Wina removed her needle from the remains and flicked the blood from her weapon.


    ***


    <span ss="userText">(Moments before Ingrid stepped in to save Wina.)


    <span ss="userText">"Gah! My head is spinning!? These assassins must have put something in the air!" George yelled out to Robert as he shook his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Gah! George! Focus!<span ss="aiText"> You can''t afford to let your guard down!" Robert said in an annoyed tone as he parried another strike from <span ss="editText">the assassin with purple eyes<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re right, Robert. GAH! AGH! What''s wrong with my body!? It feels like my limbs are getting heavier."


    <span ss="aiText">"Ugh! I don''t feel too good either," Robert said as his sword was shaking.


    <span ss="aiText">The two squires were having trouble just keeping their weapons up as the toxin in the air was slowing their reaction time and movements.


    <span ss="userText">Violet thinks she sees an opening on Robert and strikes<span ss="aiText"> him.


    <span ss="aiText">*CLING! CLONG!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn, his armor is a lot thicker than I thought<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText"> Violet mutters under her breath.


    <span ss="aiText">"Robert!" George panicked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry, George. I''m okay." Robert said while rubbing the spot on his armor. Thankful that it stopped the de.


    <span ss="aiText">"Dammit!" Violet yells in frustration.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I''m growing a newfound hatred for assassins<span ss="aiText">" <span ss="editText">Robert<span ss="aiText">ments.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, it''s time to end this<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" <span ss="editText">George <span ss="aiText">says as he tries to keep his sword steady.


    <span ss="aiText">"Not going to happen."


    <span ss="aiText">Violet''s eyes turned a dark purple as she stared into his eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">*Whoosh!*


    <span ss="aiText">George''s <span ss="editText">body and <span ss="aiText">mind <span ss="userText">instinctively parry her shadow''s swift strikes.


    <span ss="userText">*ng!*


    <span ss="userText">*Cling!*


    <span ss="userText">*CLONG!*


    <span ss="userText">Violet couldn''t believe this kid<span ss="aiText"> could see through her technique.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, your no average squire<span ss="aiText">, are you?" Violet says as she looks into his eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Haha! Yeah! I''m going to be the youngest knight in Fiafyr history... Gah!" George was kicked in the leg causing him to go down on one knee.


    <span ss="aiText">*ng! Clong!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Heh, well that doesn''t matter. You''ll never be a knight<span ss="userText">... I''ll<span ss="aiText"> kill you and the others before you even get a chance."


    <span ss="aiText">Violet''s eyes shifted to her right as she saw her partner Ash getting <span ss="userText">grabbed by the older maid.


    <span ss="aiText">''Dammit, Ash, what the hell are you doing!?<span ss="userText"> Kill those weaklings and help me kill these two annoying meat bags!''


    <span ss="userText">Robert then came in and tried to attack Violet''s blind side<span ss="aiText"> but she was able to sense his approach and parried his de with ease.


    <span ss="aiText">*CLANG!*


    <span ss="aiText">Violet jumped and flipped backward.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ve had enough of this game," Violet said as <span ss="userText">she took out a ss vial and charged in after the two.


    <span ss="aiText">"Gw-Gwaahh!"


    <span ss="aiText">George was hit in the chest by the ss bottle.


    <span ss="aiText">*Crunch!*


    <span ss="aiText">*Thud!*


    <span ss="aiText">The ss broke <span ss="userText">on the te mail and the contents inside the vial started melting <span ss="editText">his armor <span ss="aiText">and burned George''s skin.


    <span ss="aiText">"GWAHHH!!!! MY ARMOR AND SKIN IS ON FIRE!" George screams as he <span ss="userText">desperately removes<span ss="aiText"> his chest te that was being eaten away by acid.


    <span ss="userText">Robert wanted to help but the assassin was right on top of him<span ss="aiText"> and the toxin was affecting him and slowing his reaction time.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t think so, you little brat," Violet said as she zeroed in on him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Gah! Ah-Gah-Ah!" Robert yelled as he tried to repel her. But the toxin had finally taken its toll and he was too slow to react.


    <span ss="aiText">Violet''s de knocked his sword away before she cut into his leg and tried to slice through his thigh as much as possible.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah-Gwaaah!"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">You are done,<span ss="aiText">" Violet said as she grinned<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"G-Gah-Ah."<span ss="userText"> Robert sputtered out, as the blood loss and poisons<span ss="aiText"> in his system were taking its toll.


    <span ss="aiText">Robert was able to parry one more of her strikes but was knocked down onto his back.


    <span ss="userText">Robert''s vision blurred and his body went limp.


    <span ss="userText">"ROBERT!!!!!!" George yelled out as his eyes were wide in shock.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhh...." Robert muttered as his eyes began to lose focus.


    <span ss="aiText">Violet smiled. "I guess it''s your turn now, meat bag."


    <span ss="aiText">George''s face became pale with anger, sadness, and fear.<span ss="userText"> His life seemed easy up to this point. Going through monsters, dueling<span ss="aiText"> his peers, and learning from the knights.


    <span ss="aiText">George was now looking down the edge of his mortality and <span ss="userText">watching his friend<span ss="aiText"> bleed out on the floor.


    <span ss="aiText">"I see my poison is finally setting in. That makes things easier."


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-You''re a monster," George said as h<span ss="userText">e was able to discard his melting armor<span ss="aiText"> and was holding his sword with a shaky hand.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ve been called a lot of things, meat bag. But being a monster is the bestpliment an assassin could get," Violet said as she took a fighting stance.


    <span ss="userText">"I will make you pay for what you''ve<span ss="aiText"> done," George says with determination.


    <span ss="aiText">Violet''s eyes widened. "Really? What is a weak little squire like you going to do? Your friends are already dying, and you''re next. You are no threat to me, boy."


    <span ss="aiText">"We''ll see about that, <span ss="editText">coward<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="aiText">George used what little strength he had left and lunged towards Violet.


    <span ss="aiText">"Foolish boy," Violet said as she charged at the squire.


    <span ss="aiText">*CLANG!*


    <span ss="aiText">Their <span ss="editText">des<span ss="aiText"> shed<span ss="userText"> as George tried to push the attack<span ss="aiText"> into her face but she parried his strike and counterattacked with a flurry of blows.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah-Gah-GAH-UGH!" George grunted as he felt the pain, in his hands from the assassin''s violent strikes, vibrating through his sword.


    <span ss="aiText">George<span ss="userText"> staggered back as he barely<span ss="aiText"> kept up with her attack.


    <span ss="aiText">"You really are an annoyance," Violet said as she <span ss="editText">kicked<span ss="aiText"> him <span ss="editText">in <span ss="aiText">his chest.


    <span ss="aiText">"GAH!"<span ss="userText"> Grunted George as he fell to one knee again.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your body is already failing you... You should just give up," Violet said as she was about to cut his neck.


    <span ss="userText">But once again George''s instincts kicked in and somehow had enough strength in his body to swiftly swing his sword upwards connecting with Violet''s wrist.


    <span ss="userText">*Swing!*


    <span ss="userText">*St<span ss="aiText">!*


    <span ss="aiText">*CRUNCH!*


    <span ss="aiText">"G-Gah!"


    <span ss="aiText">Violet was unable to dodge his unexpected counter and her hand was lopped off.


    <span ss="userText">"HOW DID YOU DO THAT, YOU LITTLE BRAT?!"


    <span ss="aiText">Violet''s eyes were wide open in surprise, anger, and confusion.<span ss="userText"> And before she knew it George was able to pierce her in the gut with<span ss="aiText"> his sword.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s because I''m no average squire, coward," George said with a grin.


    <span ss="userText">The whites of Violet''s eyes turned red and fangs popped out. George tried to pull away from her but she grabbed his sword arm and pulled herself closer to him as the hilt of the sword made contact with her skin<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No way! You''re a vampire!?" George said in a panic as he desperately tried to get away from her.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I''m going to suck you dry, you little brat!" Violet sneered.


    <span ss="userText">George used his other hand to grab her by the neck to push her away but she then wrapped her legs around his waist and wasing closer<span ss="aiText"> to his neck.


    <span ss="aiText">"GAH!"


    <span ss="userText">He falls on his back with the vampire refusing to let go of him and pursues<span ss="aiText"> his neck in hopes of biting him.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No! Get off of me!"


    <span ss="aiText">George had lost his grip on his sword and it was still inside the vampire as she was slowly pulling herself towards him.


    <span ss="userText">"Now time for a snack," Violet said with a sinister grin and was ready to bite him on the neck.


    <span ss="userText">That was when they heard the death screams from Ash as Wina pierced his heart with a seven-inch needle. Causing him to explode into a pile of blood.


    <span ss="aiText">*BOOM!*


    <span ss="aiText">"ASH!!! NO!!!" Violet yelled out as she was distracted by the death of herrade and let her guard down for a moment.


    <span ss="aiText">George used his now free hand and punched the vampire in the face.


    <span ss="aiText">*SMACK!*


    <span ss="aiText">Violet was stunned for a moment but regained her focus.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, I''m going to enjoy making you <span ss="editText">all <span ss="aiText">suffer," Violet said as her fangs were inches away from his neck.


    <span ss="aiText">George''s eyes widened. "NO! GET OFF ME, YOU COWARD!!!"


    <span ss="aiText">Violet was ready to bite him in the neck but before she could do anything.<span ss="userText"> Wina rushed over with zing speed<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is for Ingrid," Wina said through gritted teeth, as she skillfully threw her <span ss="editText">mana-infused <span ss="aiText">needle into Violet''s <span ss="editText">back<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> Shattering her protection barrier with ease and striking her heart.


    <span ss="aiText">*PING!*


    <span ss="aiText">"NOOOOOOO!!!!"


    <span ss="aiText">*<span ss="editText">POP<span ss="aiText">!*


    <span ss="aiText">Violet''s heart was pierced by the needle. Causing her body to <span ss="userText">explode into blood and guts<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">*SPLAT!*


    <span ss="aiText">"GAH-Ah!" George eximed as he had a front-row seat when the vampire died right before his eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">George''s <span ss="editText">whole being<span ss="aiText"> was covered in the purple blood and gore from the freshly ughtered vampire.


    <span ss="aiText">"Huff... Huff...<span ss="editText"> So... Gross...<span ss="aiText">" George was panting and shaking as his adrenaline wore off and he felt the full force of the<span ss="editText"> Galebane <span ss="userText">toxic take hold. Making him feel tired.


    <span ss="userText">Wina would have liked to help George but she needed to focus on thest assassin. She lost one person close to her. She didn''t want to lose Mathew as well. Who looked like he was giving trouble to thest vampire assassin.


    <span ss="userText">***

 Vol.0 Ch.134 The Lightning Rider

    Vol.0 Ch.134 The Lightning Rider


    <span ss="userText">Back at the beginning of the fight, Mathew parries off a poisoned dagger that was<span ss="aiText"> about to stab him.


    <span ss="userText">''<span ss="aiText">Whoa! That was a close one!<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText"> Mathew <span ss="editText">thought<span ss="userText"> as his adrenaline kicked in.


    <span ss="userText">*Cling!*


    <span ss="userText">"A-Assassins!? Gah! George! Robert! Take these two! Wina is in trouble and the prince is about to get stolen by the third assassin!" Sir Mathew shouted as he fought against the brown-skinned female assassin.


    <span ss="userText">''I got to protect the Prince at all cost. No matter what!'' Sir Mathew thought as he used his training and skills to fend off the assassin''s de.


    <span ss="userText">But this dark-skinned assassin wasn''t letting him go so easily to help Wina and the Prince.


    <span ss="userText">And with the Galebane Fumes still in the air, Mathew got winded far too quickly<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="aiText">He could tell the toxin was affecting him by the way his body was sluggish and he was getting exhausted as the sweat started pouring down his forehead.


    <span ss="aiText">''Darn! This poison is getting the best of me. I got to stay sharp.''


    <span ss="aiText">*ng!*


    <span ss="userText">"G-GAH! This is ridiculous. How is this possible!?" Mathew asked as he barely dodged another sh of the outstretched arm of the assassin''s dagger.


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t think so, you are not leaving until you are dead," the assassin said with a smirk.


    <span ss="userText">"Damn," Mathew muttered under his breath.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmph! We should have waited for the toxin to set in. Tsk! You were too impatient Ash," Violet said as she fought against the two squires.


    <span ss="userText">Ash growled, "Shut it! We''re making too much noise! We need to hurry and finish this!"


    <span ss="userText">"Then do it already!" Gwin yelled as she charged at Mathew pushing him away from the Prince.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re not going anywhere," Gwin said through gritted teeth.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew could tell his reaction time was slowing. ''I can''t get to the prince in time!''


    <span ss="aiText">*sh!*


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin and Mathew were fighting each other but Gwin was far faster and was pushing him back<span ss="userText"> with each strike of her dagger.


    <span ss="userText">And her fighting technique was unusual from<span ss="aiText"> any opponent he fought before<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> Gwin likes to keep a low stance. Almost like she was doing the splits while having her arms pointed<span ss="aiText"> downward with daggers in each hand.


    <span ss="aiText">It was almost as if she was a snake. Waiting to strike her prey.


    <span ss="userText">''Tsk! I need to help the Prince but if I die here, then the Prince would be killed without hesitation.'' Mathew thought as he had to be on the defense as Gwin continued to attack him relentlessly.


    <span ss="userText">*Cling!*


    <span ss="userText">"Grrrr! Get out of my way!" Mathew<span ss="aiText"> said with a snarl.


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin was smiling. "Oh, you want to dance? <span ss="userText">I like a man who knows how to take the lead!"


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin''s eyes shifted to a dark <span ss="editText">red<span ss="aiText"> color.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s eyes widened<span ss="userText"> as he started to see the triples of the assassin before him. Almost like he was having double vision. But<span ss="aiText"> somehow his instincts knew where to block her attack.


    <span ss="aiText">"How!? What is this trickery!? Are you some type of illusionist!?" Mathew shouted in frustration.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Sort of<span ss="aiText">, I just love ying with my food," Gwin said as she struck at his chest.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew tried to block the attack but her dagger phased through his sword<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">*Cling!*


    <span ss="aiText">"AHHHHH!" Mathew cried out in pain as the dagger sliced his flesh and was now bleeding.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re lucky<span ss="editText"> that was my shadow that struck you. Otherwise, the poison on my de would have killed you in a matter of minutes... <span ss="userText">I wish this wasn''t a mission I would have made you my pet<span ss="aiText">," Gwin said as her eyes had a hungry look to them.


    <span ss="aiText">"What are you?" Mathew asked as his eyes widened with fear.


    <span ss="aiText">"Just a hungry kitten," Gwin said with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">''Gah! Damn it!<span ss="userText"> Is she a werewolf or a vampire? What the fuck are their kind doing on the Agon continent<span ss="aiText">!? If they are here then we''re in <span ss="editText">trouble<span ss="aiText">. They onlye to a newnd when there are no morends or resources to conquer. We''re truly screwed if that''s the case.'' Mathew thought to himself.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can see it in your eyes, human. You know what I am and are frightened."


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not scared of a bunch of monsters<span ss="userText">," Mathew said through gritted teeth.


    <span ss="aiText">"We''ll see about that. Because you will be dead... Sooner orter... Once I''m done ying with you," Gwin said with a devilish grin.


    <span ss="aiText">''What? Is she some kind of subus?<span ss="editText"> No. She would have attempted to charm me... She and her friends must be vampires... I need to protect the prince. I need to save Wina... Oh, Goddess!? Wina!<span ss="aiText">'' Mathew thought as he realized his <span ss="userText">the woman he loved was in danger<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin could sense his panic. "I don''t think so. You won''t be leaving until we are done with you, and you will watch yourrades die."


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin''s eyes narrowed and her hands started moving so fast that her daggers became a blur and Mathew could barely see them.


    <span ss="aiText">"AHHHH! AHHH! GAH! AHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">"I told you, you are going to die here, human."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew was screaming in pain and falling backwards as he was getting cuts all over his body<span ss="userText"> from Gwin''s shadows. That''s when he looked over towards Wina and saw her beating back the male assassin.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh!?<span ss="aiText"> I didn''t know she could fight that well!<span ss="userText">? No, she''s not just holding her own. She''s pushing him back... I can''t let her upstage me! How will she ever respect me as a man if I need her to rescue me<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew grit<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> his teeth and <span ss="userText">uses his mana to<span ss="aiText"> enhance his strength and speed. He use<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> a skill he rarely uses<span ss="userText"> because of the toll that it puts on his body.


    <span ss="aiText">"Lightning Speed!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Shing!*


    <span ss="aiText">His whole body was engulfed in lightning.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s eyes turned bright yellow <span ss="userText">before looking at the assassining after him.


    <span ss="userText">*BANG!*


    <span ss="userText">Mathew kicked Gwin and mmed her into the wall.<span ss="aiText"> Causing a dent to appear.


    <span ss="aiText">"G-Gwah! How!?" Gwin was coughing up blood.


    <span ss="aiText">"You <span ss="editText">made a big mistake facing me... I''m not going to enjoy tomorrow but you pushed me to my limit<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said with a wicked grin.


    <span ss="aiText">''I have no idea why you are<span ss="editText"> on Agon, <span ss="aiText">vampire, but no more holding back.''


    <span ss="aiText">"You... You''re <span ss="userText">a Lightning Rider<span ss="aiText">!" Gwin said as she had a scared look.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s smile widened. "Yes. I''m one of thest few in this world. And you are going to pay for all the cuts you gave me.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin''s eyes widened. "Shit!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Cling!*


    <span ss="aiText">"G-Gah! Ah!" Gwin said as her eyes were wide in surprise as her des couldn''t match the speed of Mathew''s sword.<span ss="userText"> She was lucky that he went after one of her shadows that kept shifting around. But sooner orter he was going to guess right and strike her with his sword that was covered in electricity.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is what happens when you mess with a <span ss="editText">Maja<span ss="userText"> that has lightning for blood<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said as his yellow eyes narrowed<span ss="editText"> on his target<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">And you call me a monster<span ss="aiText">, meat bag! You''re more of a monster than any of us. Your kind <span ss="editText">of human <span ss="aiText">should have <span ss="editText">died out decades ago<span ss="aiText">," Gwin said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Tsk! <span ss="editText">That''s riching from you,<span ss="aiText">" Mathew said as his voice was deep.<span ss="userText"> He moved quickly hoping to hit the real Gwin<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">*Zap!*


    <span ss="aiText">But Gwin was able to avoid his sh.


    <span ss="aiText">*SHING!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn," Mathew said with a hiss.


    <span ss="aiText">"You will pay for that, meat bag," Gwin said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Humph! Like hell<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> I will."


    <span ss="aiText">The two were dashing around the room.


    <span ss="aiText">''Gah! Where is the real Gwin?'' Mathew thought to himself.


    <span ss="aiText">But his thoughts were cut short when he sensed something behind him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Gotcha!"


    <span ss="aiText">*PING!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah!"


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin had tried to attack him <span ss="editText">from behind with her venomous daggers <span ss="aiText">but the lightning was protecting him.<span ss="userText"> As a small amount of electricity shot through the de and discharged throughout her body<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">*SHOCK!*


    <span ss="aiText">"AHHHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin was flung back as she was convulsing.


    <span ss="aiText">"G-Gah... Ack!"


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin was coughing up blood<span ss="userText">. She had no time to recover as Mathew was on top of her swinging his sword down on her<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"GAH!"


    <span ss="aiText">*SMACK!*


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin had just blocked the blow but felt the lightning discharge through her body.


    <span ss="aiText">*Cling!*


    <span ss="aiText">"This isn''t thest you''ll see of me," Gwin said as she was bleeding heavily<span ss="userText"> from her mouth, eyes, and ears.


    <span ss="aiText">*WHOOSH!*


    <span ss="aiText">Her body vanished.


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn it," Mathew said as he was sweating heavily.


    <span ss="userText">"GAH-AWK!" Screamed the male assassin who was getting stabbed in the heart by Wina.


    <span ss="userText">''She did it! She killed the vampire<span ss="aiText">!''


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew sighed in relief as his lightning was flickering. His skill was about <span ss="editText">to <span ss="userText">fade <span ss="editText">and leave him <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">vulnerable. <span ss="aiText">"Huff-huff... I <span ss="editText">need to keep this one from escaping<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">He looked around<span ss="userText"> trying to find the female assassin who was using her illusion trick<span ss="aiText"> to hide herself.


    <span ss="aiText">''I can''t see her, but maybe I can sense her presence with my mana.''


    <span ss="aiText">"Detect Mana," Mathew said and closed his eyes.


    <span ss="userText">As he closed his eyes. He was hoping to see a disturbance in the electric particles that his body was emitting. It''s a trick that he picked up from his father but never had to use this skill until now.


    <span ss="userText">Everything seemed so dark with his eyes closed. But the slightest yellow particles were floating around<span ss="aiText">. He could tell these were his electric sparks dispersing through the air.


    <span ss="aiText">''I see a few signatures colliding with my mana. But they are too small to be Wina or George''s. There are a few over by the door and one is heading towards me.''


    <span ss="userText">"There you are," Mathew said as he could sense Gwin was in the air to the right side of him.


    <span ss="aiText">*Cling!*


    <span ss="aiText">When he opened his eyes. Mathew swung his sword down and Gwin was shocked to see him parry her attack and quickly counter it as his de made contact with her stomach.


    <span ss="aiText">*SLASH!*


    <span ss="aiText">"G-AHHHHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">*SPLAT!*


    <span ss="aiText">She was cut in half and the two parts of her body hit the floor.


    <span ss="aiText">"D-Damn..." Mathew said as his strength gave out as well as his Lightning Speed ability.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew looked over to see how Wina was doing and noticed George was covered in purple blood and guts of the other vampire that Wina had killed.


    <span ss="userText">''Oh thank goodness she''s alright<span ss="aiText">!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Wina!" Mathew shouted as he <span ss="userText">sat there on one knee trying to catch his breath<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked over to him and ran over.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mathew!" Wina asked as she was worried about him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hey!... I''m fine<span ss="aiText">... I just used my ability to overclock my body. Huff-huff... How''s the prince?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked back to the prince and noticed <span ss="userText">he was passed out in his crib. He was asleep for the entire battle but with the Galebane Fumes still in the air. He probably couldn''t wake up even if he wanted to.


    <span ss="userText">"He''s fine. But I need to give him an antidote for the Galebane Toxin<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">Wina was about to head over to Quinus when she and Mathew noticed the upper body of Gwin was moving.


    <span ss="userText">The assassin''s lower half was missing as it slowly tried to heal itself. But with an injury of this<span ss="aiText"> magnitude. She was going to need <span ss="userText">two weeks before she would grow a new set of legs.


    <span ss="aiText">"Huff-huff... D-Damn it! Damn it all to hell!" Gwin was angry as she was bleeding heavily and was using her arm strength to move herself.


    <span ss="userText">"I think I need to take care of her first," Wina said as her face was grim. She needed to know who sent another assassin to jump her im on the prince. She thought she was the only one who was sent to kill the prince. But there were three assassins<span ss="aiText"> here to kill the baby.


    <span ss="userText">"Y-You! How are you still alive!? The rumors about vampires are no joke," Mathew said with a growl.


    <span ss="userText">"You will... Huff-huff... never take me alive, you meat bags," Gwin said as she pulled out a vial that had a clear liquid in it.


    <span ss="userText">"Is that some sort of potion?" Mathew asked.


    <span ss="userText">Wina''s eyes went wide, "Crap! It''s holy water! She''s going to take her own life rather than face being captured."


    <span ss="userText">There wasn''t anything she could do to stop her and it wasn''t anything surprising for Wina. She was trained to do the same thing. But now that she had people who loved her<span ss="aiText">. She didn''t want to <span ss="userText">throw her life away. Even if she was captured<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"See you in the afterlife, meat bags<span ss="aiText">," Gwin said with a snarl.


    <span ss="aiText">*CRUNCH!*


    <span ss="aiText">*Psssssssss*


    <span ss="aiText">Wina <span ss="userText">watched as the vampire started to turn into ash as the holy water<span ss="aiText"> was melting her skin.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Fat chance<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said with a snarl.


    <span ss="aiText">*POP!*


    <span ss="aiText">Gwin''s upper body and head burst open<span ss="userText"> until she was nothing but a pile of blood and guts<span ss="aiText">.

 Vol.0 Ch.135 I Have Something to Tell You

    Vol.0 Ch.135 I Have Something to Tell You


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Crap... I wish I could have stopped her..." Mathew said as he slowly got up. Feeling the pain coursing through his body thanks to his Lightning Speed ability.


    <span ss="aiText">"She made her choice," Wina said.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew was look<span ss="editText">ing at Wina and he noticed tears in her eyes<span ss="aiText">. "<span ss="editText">Are you alright, Wina?<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">She quickly walked over to him and gave him a hug<span ss="userText"> and put her head on his chest<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I-I''m sorry... I should have spotted them... Two people died<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> Ingrid is dead, and I could have stopped this...<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew wrapped his arms around her and gently rubbed her head. "No. It''s not your fault. <span ss="userText">I should have noticed something when we searched the room. I''m the one at fault<span ss="aiText"> here.<span ss="userText"> And if it wasn''t for you the Prince��"


    <span ss="userText">Mathew stopped himself when he realized that Wina was able to fight extremely well and take down two assassins. And she wasn''t affected by the Galebane Fumes.


    <span ss="userText">''Why was she<span ss="aiText"> not affected? The <span ss="editText">toxin <span ss="editText">made the squires and me sluggish<span ss="aiText">. Unless... No... It can''t be! Can it? Is she a<span ss="editText">n <span ss="editText">assassin <span ss="aiText">too?''


    <span ss="userText">Mathew and Wina stood there in silence for a minute before Wina spoke.


    <span ss="userText">"Mathew... There''s something I haven''t told you..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes?" Mathew asked with a worried tone.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina took a deep breath. "My<span ss="editText"> real<span ss="aiText"> name is not Wina... <span ss="userText">And... I was hired to kill the... Prince... I''m an assassin, Mathew..."


    <span ss="userText">Wina looked up into Mathew''s eyes with tearsing<span ss="aiText"> out of hers<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"But I couldn''t go through with it! You are the first person that actually treated me like a person. <span ss="editText">The Queen, the staff... All of you... Have be a family I never had... I don''t want to be a tool to be used... They <span ss="aiText">see me as an object that is only useful until I serve my purpose and then I would be thrown away like trash.<span ss="userText">.. I''ve been trying to find a way out of this contract, but<span ss="aiText"> I can''t..."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked back down as she couldn''t take the look in Mathew''s eyes. She was expecting him to push her away and say that she was a monster.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew''s panic subsided and<span ss="aiText"> was reced by <span ss="userText">a bit of sadness and relief.


    <span ss="userText">''She''s an assassin with a heart of gold? I never thought I see the day...''


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t believe it... You are a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> assassin, huh?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes..." Wina said as she was trembling.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well... What now?" Mathew asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s head shot up. "You''re not mad!?"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew<span ss="userText"> smiled, "Well, it is disappointing that I won''t be able to swoop in the save you. I was hoping to be your knight in shining armor. Like in those fairytales... But I guess it''s not so bad to have my love rescue me instead?... Of all the women in the world, I seemed to have fallen in love with a badass<span ss="aiText"> assassin,"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s face went red and she looked away. "Y-you idiot... Y-You are just saying that..."


    <span ss="aiText">"No, really. I don''t care if you are a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> assassin.<span ss="userText"> You''ve shown me nothing but loyalty to the Queen, the prince, and most importantly, me.<span ss="aiText"> I don''t care if you a<span ss="editText">re a<span ss="aiText"> monster, a human, a demi-human, a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> angel, or even a dragon. You will always be the Wina I fell in love with. No matter what," Mathew said with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">Wina''s heart skipped a beat and she wished she could have Mathew take her away. But<span ss="aiText"> her duty was first and foremost to the kingdom of Fiafyr. And she needed to find a way out of this contract with the Duke.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew took a step forward and hugged Wina tightly.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was shocked but then melted into his embrace. "Thank you..."


    <span ss="userText">At some point, Mathew got woozy from the toxin<span ss="aiText"> and <span ss="userText">stumbled.


    <span ss="userText">"Gah... I guess I''m not in<span ss="aiText"> tip<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">top shape..."


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s the Galebane Fumes... Here let me get you a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> antidote," Wina said as she <span ss="userText">reached into her assassin''s belt to pull out<span ss="aiText"> a green potion<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> and gave it to him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Wina," Mathew said.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina shook her head. "It''s the least I could do for you<span ss="editText"> and the�� Oh gods the Prince!<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="userText">Wina quickly ran over to the crib and saw the sleeping Prince. But his face was pale from the Galebane Fumes. It usually isn''t lethal but a child could<span ss="aiText"> die if it was left untreated.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I hope you''re okay, my prince<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText"> Wina said as she pulled out<span ss="aiText"> another antidote and a dropper and put a few drops in the infant''s mouth.


    <span ss="aiText">"What''s wrong, Wina?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Nothing, I hope... <span ss="editText">Galebane could be lethal to children. <span ss="aiText">But we better get him back to his mother."<span ss="userText"> Wina said as she was relieved to see the color returning to Quinus''s face.


    <span ss="userText">"Wina? Do you think the person who hired you? Also hired these assassins too?" Mathew asked as his body started to regain its strength as the antidote<span ss="aiText"> started to work.<span ss="userText"> But he was still in pain when he used his Lightning Speed ability.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s <span ss="editText">un<span ss="aiText">likely<span ss="userText">... He wanted the prince''s death to look like a natural<span ss="aiText"> birthplication. These assassins <span ss="editText">were hired by someone who wanted him dead by any means necessary and they were trying to leave no witnesses<span ss="aiText">. The way they attacked was sloppy and <span ss="editText">they were impatient<span ss="aiText">. They were more amateurs than professionals. <span ss="userText">Even if they were skilled enough to not be detected until they attacked us<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew nodded. "<span ss="userText">Who hired you, Wina?"


    <span ss="userText">She paused for a second before responding to him<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Arch Duke ric Revelia... The King''s brother wanted<span ss="aiText"> the throne for <span ss="userText">his son<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">Mathew''s face turned sour when he heard the Duke''s name<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">So, you dare try to go against your own blood... The King needs to know<span ss="aiText"> about this.''


    <span ss="aiText">"We should get him back to his mother," Wina said.


    <span ss="aiText">"I agree, but <span ss="userText">we should check the remains of those assassins to see if we can find out who hired them... And I need to wake up are surviving squire. Can I give him that antidote<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="userText">Wina looked at her hand that was holding the leftover antidote<span ss="aiText">. "Here."


    <span ss="aiText">She <span ss="editText">handed<span ss="aiText"> it over to Mathew and he <span ss="editText">took<span ss="aiText"> it.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thanks," Mathew said as he headed towards the passed<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">out squire<span ss="editText"> who was covered in the purple blood of the dead assassin, <span ss="aiText">and gave him the antidote.


    <span ss="aiText">"Come on, wake up," Mathew said with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">He gently smacked the squire in the face.


    <span ss="aiText">*BAP!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Ugh! I''m up," <span ss="editText"> George <span ss="aiText">said with a yawn.


    <span ss="userText">It took him a few seconds<span ss="aiText"> for him to get his bearings and remember what happened.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">R-Robert<span ss="aiText">!?" George asked in a panic.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew just gave him a sad<span ss="aiText"> look.


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn it... Damn it!" George said as he mmed his fist into the floor.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sorry, George," Mathew said.


    <span ss="aiText">George took a few breaths and wiped the tears away from his face.<span ss="userText"> And he saw the purple blood all over him.


    <span ss="userText">"Fucking vampires<span ss="aiText">... We should have seen thising. <span ss="editText">I should have seen thising...<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText"> George cursed himself through gritted teeth.


    <span ss="userText">"We probably would have joined him and Ingrid if it wasn''t for Miss Wina. Come! The time to mourn the fallen will have to happenter. We need to search the remains of the assassins and try and find any clues on who hired them."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew and Wina helped George up and the trio searched <span ss="editText">through <span ss="aiText">the remains of the assassins.


    <span ss="userText">"I found this note," Mathew said.


    <span ss="userText">"I''ve got nothing but blood-covered leather," George said with a sour face. As he was using his sword to poke around Violet''s remains.


    <span ss="userText">Wina was going through Ash''s remains and found a few pieces of folded parchment that were no longer legible thanks to them getting dyed by Ash''s blood.


    <span ss="userText">''Haah... This might be a map of the pce but<span ss="aiText"> it<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">s impossible to tell what it is. And I doubt there is anyone else involved in this. So, we should be good. <span ss="userText">Huh? Is that a gold coin?''


    <span ss="aiText">"I found this," Wina said as she picked up the coin<span ss="userText"> and cleaned off some of the blood.


    <span ss="aiText">The coin had the royal seal of the Kingdom of Marn on it.


    <span ss="userText">All three of them came together<span ss="aiText"> and looked at the coin.


    <span ss="aiText">"It can''t be a coincidence, right?" George asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew looked up and stared into the distance.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It wouldn''t surprise me if they<span ss="aiText"> are nning something else... <span ss="userText">Let''s see what the note says<span ss="aiText">," Mathew said as he unfolded the<span ss="editText"> small piece of <span ss="aiText">parchment<span ss="userText"> he found.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina and George looked over his shoulder.


    <span ss="userText">When the parchment was opened they were greeted by Dark Elven writing<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t read this," Mathew said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Here, let me trante it," Wina said as she was familiar with the scripture of the dark elves.


    <span ss="aiText">"To the Assassin''s guild. This contract has been paid in full and you are authorized to kill Prince Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">I will contact you if I am required to amend the deed.


    <span ss="aiText">Signed,


    <span ss="userText">The Dark Council."


    <span ss="userText">Mathew and George were confused<span ss="aiText"> by the writing.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">How did you learn the Dark Elven tongue?<span ss="aiText">" George asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I traveled around the world quite a bit when I was a child,"<span ss="aiText"> Wina exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"The Dark Council, huh... <span ss="userText">I don''t know much about the Dark Elves. But I don''t think they have a council... I thought they were more of a matriarchical<span ss="aiText"> society. Do you know anything about them, Wina?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">They seem to keep to themselves... If I had to guess. These assassins were trying to frame the Dark Elves as the culprits... If we didn''t defeat them they probably would have let one of us live. While dropping this note in order to hide their true client. It''s a ssic assassin''s maneuver for lower-ranked assassins<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">How do you know so much about assassins<span ss="aiText">?" George asked.


    <span ss="userText">''Shit!<span ss="aiText"> Why did I have to say all that?'' Wina cursed herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-well...<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">Mathew cuts in, "Wina was an assassin when she was younger. Luckily she was able to escape<span ss="aiText"> her contract and join our ranks. That''s why we can trust her. She''s <span ss="editText">thest line of defense for the prince<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> No one would expect a Royal Wet Nurse to be a warrior. That''s why she was able to save us.<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText"> Mathew said the half-truth with a straight face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Huh?<span ss="editText"> I-I never noticed that you took down those assassins so easily,<span ss="aiText">" George said in confusion.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina<span ss="editText">''s<span ss="aiText"> face was bright red and she looked down.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I was sloppy myself... I forgot to wear my tearaway skirt and couldn''t get my dagger out quick enough... I failed Ingrid... And I might have saved Robert..."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew put his hand on Wina''s shoulder.


    <span ss="aiText">"We all make mistakes. <span ss="editText">You were the only one immune to<span ss="aiText"> those Galebane fumes... But we can''t let the past drag us down. We will honor their deaths.<span ss="userText"> And learn from this... So we can live a better life for their sacrifice<span ss="aiText">and protect the prince from whoever is trying to kill him. Understand?"


    <span ss="userText">Wina''s heart was pounding<span ss="aiText">. The fact that Mathew trusted her after finding out that she was an assassin made her feel loved and epted.


    <span ss="aiText">She thought she didn''t deserve such kindness.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked back up at him and smiled.


    <span ss="userText">"Aye... You have done good, Miss Wina... I should have tried harder... Robert would have<span ss="aiText"> been alive if I wasn''t such a weakling," George said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Was this the first time you had someone you know taken from you?" Mathew<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes..." George replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then you <span ss="userText">have been blessed... This world is cruel, George. One minute you''reughing with your brothers and then in an instant, you''re wiping the blood off your face as a monster took<span ss="aiText"> their life before you had the chance to say goodbye. You can''t afford to let your emotions control you. That''s why we trained so hard. To steel ourselves against the horrors of this world. <span ss="userText">I wish I never experienced loss before I was ten, but it''s a hard truth we all must learn..<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">We survive so their memories can live on. Do you understand?" Mathew<span ss="aiText"> said as he stared into George''s eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-yes," George said as he looked back at his <span ss="editText">superior<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Alright. Let''s get the Prince to his mother."


    <span ss="userText">Wina nodded and walked over to the sleeping prince and picked him up. Just as she was about to walk to the door. She spotted Ingrid lying there on the floor. Her lips were blue<span ss="aiText"> and her eyes were open and empty.


    <span ss="aiText">''Ingrid... I''m sorry...''


    <span ss="userText"><Just live Wina... Just live...> Whispered a voice in her head.


    <span ss="userText">"Huh?"<span ss="aiText"> Wina was startled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is everything alright, Wina?" Mathew asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-yea... Everything is fine," Wina said.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew and George nodded and went to the door.


    <span ss="userText">"Alright... Keep an eye out for any other assassins," George<span ss="aiText"> said as he opened the door.


    <span ss="userText">"It''s unlikely but I guess we should keep our guard up," Mathew said as he held his sword in his hand just in case someone was to attack them.


    <span ss="aiText">George and Mathew walked outside the room and waited for Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was still shaken from hearing a voice in her head. She didn''t think that Ingrid was haunting her, but it was odd that she was hearing her voice<span ss="userText">.<span ss="aiText"> She looked down at Ingrid''s dead body.


    <span ss="aiText">"Rest in peace, Ingrid..." Wina said.


    <span ss="editText">Then s<span ss="aiText">he walked out of the room and closed the door.

 Vol.0 Ch.136 Talking with the Queen

    Vol.0 Ch.136 Talking with the Queen


    <span ss="userText">When Wina came out in the hallway with Prince Quinus in her arms. She noticed George looking off to the side where there was a Royal Guard standing by the wall. But something was off. He wasn''t moving and acted like a statue.


    <span ss="userText">"Sir Sion? What in the hells are you doing standing around?! Didn''t you hear us fighting-"


    <span ss="userText">"George!... He''s dead," Wina<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew noticed the stiffened man.


    <span ss="aiText">''Shit. Another dead body. Why did so many have to die on my watch...''


    <span ss="aiText">George''s face turned pale. "S-Sir Sion...<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">Wina could see the small dart stuck on the right side of his neck.


    <span ss="userText">"They used Harpy''s Serum<span ss="aiText"> on him<span ss="editText">. They were better than I thought<span ss="aiText">," Wina said<span ss="userText"> with a pained look


    <span ss="aiText">"What''s that?" George asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s a rare poison that can make its target immobile for <span ss="userText">hours before the body starts to rot<span ss="aiText">,"


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn it. Let''s hope they didn''t kill any more of our people," Mathew said as he took the lead heading towards the direction of the Royal chambers.


    ***


    <span ss="userText">They quickly moved down the hallway that seemed quieter than normal until they reached the Queen''s wing of the pce. Where she has her own study, office, and bedroom.


    <span ss="userText">"Huh? Sir Mathew? Are you alright?" asked a servant who was walking<span ss="aiText"> towards the Queen''s bedroom.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Who''s on guard duty for the Queen?<span ss="aiText"> We need to speak to them immediately!" Mathew said.


    But the servant couldn''t help but notice the Wet Nurse holding the sleeping prince.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why is Miss Wina carrying the prince?" The servant asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Did you listen to a word, Sir Mathew said? Who''s on guard duty," George said in an annoyed tone.


    The servant was startled by the squire''s anger and finally started to cooperate.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I-I believe it''s<span ss="aiText"> Sir Gildas and Lady Nelumbo, Sir."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Is Sir Gildas posted at the door?<span ss="aiText"> Or is he guarding the Queen?"


    <span ss="aiText">"H-he <span ss="editText">should be by the door? <span ss="userText">Lady Nelumbo is guarding <span ss="aiText">the Queen<span ss="editText"> as usual<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew, Wina, and George quickly walked past the servant.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-wait!" The servant eximed as the three of them pushed him without giving him an answer about what was going on.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You didn''t see us. Got it<span ss="aiText">?" George said.


    <span ss="aiText">"O-of course. What happened?"


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s privileged information. And if I find out you said anything without our permission. You will be reprimanded<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Mathew said as he kept walking.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">A-Alright? But you three look injured...<span ss="aiText"> Should I call the Royal D<span ss="editText">octor<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"We will call one when needed. So, go about your business like we were not here.<span ss="aiText">" Mathew said.


    <span ss="aiText">The servant was confused and watched the three go deeper into the wing.


    "What in the Goddess is going on?" whispered the servant.


    ***


    <span ss="aiText">They walked a little further until they spotted the Royal Guard on duty.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sir Gildas," Mathew said.


    <span ss="aiText">Gildas was a knight of the Queen''s home country. <span ss="editText">H<span ss="aiText">e was an older man and was getting too old for knighthood, but he had a lot of experience and was loyal to the Rianna and the Royal Family.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Mathew? What are you doing-" Gildas halted his speech when he noticed the signs of battle that showed on the three of them. And he also noticed the sleeping prince in the arms of the Royal Wet Nurse.


    <span ss="userText">"We need to speak to the Queen. As well as send word to Sir Dous. There''s been an incident in the Prince''s chamber." Mathew said with a quiet tone.


    <span ss="userText">Sir Gildas understood Sir Mathew''s code. He quickly knocked on the door to the Queen''s room until one of the maids came to the door.


    <span ss="userText">"You better have a good reason to disturb<span ss="aiText"> the Queen," The maid said with an annoyed tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"We have a Code White," Geldas said with a stern look written on his face.


    <span ss="userText">The maid''s posture changed<span ss="aiText"> and quickly nodded her head.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll alert the Queen. Wait a moment." the maid said before s<span ss="aiText">he quickly closed the door and headed into the Queen''s bedroom.


    <span ss="userText">It took only a moment before Lady Nelumbo<span ss="aiText">, another Female Royal <span ss="editText">Knight<span ss="aiText"> came out and greeted them.


    <span ss="userText">Nelumbo was one of the few female knights in the Fiafyr Kingdom. <span ss="aiText">She was a tall and muscr woman <span ss="editText">with white hair tied in a ponytail. She <span ss="aiText">was decorated <span ss="userText">for her for all of<span ss="aiText"> her <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">hard work over the years. She was from a famous family of knights and <span ss="aiText">was the Queen''s most loyal and strongest bodyguard. <span ss="userText">And she only stood guard in the Queen''s quarters when the High Nobles came<span ss="aiText"> to visit the capital city of Tairal.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Sir Mathew?"<span ss="aiText"> She asked<span ss="userText"> with a concerned look.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">We need to talk in private Lady Nelumbo.<span ss="aiText"> There''s been a Code White and we''re the only survivors. We were the only ones guarding the Prince<span ss="userText">." Mathew<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="userText">Her eyes narrowed as she took in the information.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Lady Wina and Sir Mathew can c<span ss="aiText">ome in<span ss="editText">..<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> Sir Gildas, take the squire and summon Sir Dous and his men immediately. Lady <span ss="userText">S<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">aya, you will stand guard until Sir Gildases back with Sir Dous<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Lady Nelumbomanded.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir Gildas nodded and started to <span ss="editText">hurry down the hallway with George chasing after him<span ss="aiText">. While Lady Saya stood outside the door to the Queen''s bedroom.


    <span ss="aiText">"Come on. Follow me," Lady Nelumbo said.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew and Wina<span ss="aiText"> followed Lady Nelumbo as they entered the Queen''s room.


    <span ss="userText">Inside the Queen''s chamber was a beautiful room with arge bed and a lit candle next to it. The room was dark as the night <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">sky was visible through the window. There was a dressing room with the doors open and a bath with a mirror on the wall and candles next to it. <span ss="userText">Queen Rianna was sitting on the edge of the bed wearing her robe.


    <span ss="userText">"What happened?"<span ss="aiText"> Rianna asked.


    <span ss="userText">But once she saw Wina carrying her son she quickly<span ss="aiText"> ran over to Wina and grabbed her baby boy.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">He''s alright your Majesty," Wina said as she gave the Queen a bow.


    <span ss="userText">"We need to speak with you alone<span ss="aiText">. Your Majesty,"<span ss="userText"> Mathew said as he grimaced in pain.


    <span ss="userText">Rianna nodded to Nelumbo who then pped her hands.


    <span ss="userText">"Alrightdies<span ss="aiText">, we need some time with the Queen. Go and check on the other maids to see if they need help cleaning the other rooms."


    <span ss="aiText">The maids all bowed and exited the Queen''s chambers.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">And you too Miss Wina," Lady Nelumbo ordered<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was about to object.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">She has vital information about the attempt on the Prince''s life Lady Nelumbo. Wina needs to be here<span ss="aiText">," Mathew objected.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">She may be your girlfriend but she can''t be-"


    <span ss="userText">"Enough, Nelumbo! She can stay," Queen Rianna interjected as she held her son.


    <span ss="aiText">"My Queen. Is that wise?"<span ss="userText"> Nelumbo questioned.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wise or not. This is a matter of <span ss="editText">His <span ss="editText">Highness''s<span ss="aiText"> safety. Miss Wina must stay and tell her <span ss="editText">M<span ss="aiText">ajesty what happened," Mathew said.


    <span ss="userText">Nelumbo wanted to argue<span ss="aiText"> but the Queen spoke first.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s fine. She stays. Now tell me what happened?"


    <span ss="userText">"We had a breach in our security and three assassins attempted to kill the prince and everyone else in the room... We lost the squire named Robert, Sir Sion, and��"


    <span ss="userText">"Ingrid..." Wina<span ss="aiText"> said<span ss="userText"> with tears in her eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew felt the tension in the room rise.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen''s face became hard.


    <span ss="aiText">"I see... Who was behind it?" asked The Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">"We don''t know yet, My Queen<span ss="userText">. But what we do know is that the assassins were vampires and they had a gold coin with the seal of the Kingdom of Marn," Mathew said as the pain from using his<span ss="aiText"> family''s ability was killing him.


    <span ss="userText">"And we found what seems to be a forged letter with Dark Elven scripture on it... But most of the signs point to someone in the Kingdom of Marn as the client. But we don''t know who." Wina added.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna''s eyes narrowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"I see. So, the Kingdom of Marn has made their move...<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s just a theory, My Queen. <span ss="userText">And why is the Wet Nurse acting like an expert on the subject of assassins?" Lady Nelumbo questioned<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I<span ss="aiText"> know what I''m talking about," Wina said with venom in her voice.


    <span ss="aiText">Lady Nelumbo red at the young girl.


    <span ss="userText">"Wina... Tell her Majesty the truth..." Mathew said in a caring voice<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s heart raced.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">He''s right<span ss="aiText">!<span ss="editText"> I can''t hide this from my Queen!<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s eyes darted around the room.


    <span ss="aiText">''Fuck!<span ss="editText"> Just say it<span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText"> Wina thought as she went down on one knee while bowing her head.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I know a lot about the Assassin''s Society because... I am an assassin, your Majesty,"<span ss="aiText"> Wina said.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna looked at Wina and then her son.


    <span ss="userText">Nelumbo put her hand on her sword and was about to unsheathed it, but Mathew held her arm and shook his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is this true?" The Queen asked Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew looked the Queen in the eye.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, your majesty... But <span ss="editText">if it wasn''t for her we all would have died tonight. And she could have easily killed the prince. She never attempted it. <span ss="aiText">We can trust her."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t help but blush.<span ss="userText"> And then she unbuckled her assassin''s belt and ced it on the floor in front of the Queen.


    <span ss="userText">"This Kingdom is the only ce that has treated me as a human being... I never knew what it was like to be loved and have true friends who cared for<span ss="aiText"> me... Even though I have done horrible things... I will never betray <span ss="editText">the prince or my Queen,<span ss="aiText"> your Majesty<span ss="editText">... I only fear that the Assassin''s Society will send someone to kill me. Once they get word that I have broken my contract<span ss="aiText">," Wina pledged.


    <span ss="aiText">''I can''t believe I''m saying this.''


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna''s <span ss="userText">eyes softened when hearing her.


    <span ss="userText">"You can''t be buying the words of this assassin, your Majesty?<span ss="aiText"> For all, we know<span ss="editText"> she probably nned this?<span ss="aiText">" Lady Nelumbo argued.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">NELUMBO! Do you not trust your Queen''s judgment?" Rianna<span ss="aiText"> demanded.


    <span ss="aiText">Lady Nelumbo''s jaw clenched.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sorry, your Majesty... It''s not my ce to question you... But how can we trust a trained assassin?" Lady Nelumbo said with her head down.


    <span ss="userText">"There''s ways for me to know if she''s truly loyal to me and my family... Now Wina. Who is the one who hired you?"<span ss="aiText"> The Queen asked.


    <span ss="userText">Wina looked up into the Queen''s eyes and said, "Arch-Duke ric Revelia<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">Nelumbo''s <span ss="aiText">eyes widen.


    <span ss="userText">While the Queen''s narrowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"The Arch Duke was behind this?!" <span ss="editText">Nelumbo <span ss="aiText">eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yes, I''m one of the best assassins on the Agon Continent. And he wanted the Prince''s death to look like a natural cause<span ss="aiText">," Wina exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"That <span ss="editText">traitor<span ss="aiText">... That slimy piece of shit!" Lady Nelumbo said.


    <span ss="userText">"Nelumbo! I need you to calm yourself," Rianna<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Queen. But we have to deal with that bastard," Nelumbo said.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"We will... But first. Let''s see if Miss Wina is telling the truth.<span ss="userText"> Now Wina... Do you think ric could have been the one to hire these other assassins?"<span ss="aiText"> Rianna asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina looked <span ss="userText">at the Queen without blinking once as she said, "He is a cunning and shrewd man. And wants his son to be the next heir to the throne. And the assassins that tried to jump my im would have been too sloppy to not have this get traced back to House Revelia. And that would jeopardize his son''s<span ss="aiText"> chances of taking the throne... He <span ss="editText">is most likely unaware of these assassins'' failure. He might panic if he thinks it is I who failed to kill the prince.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">What else can you do to prove your loyalty to me?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I can <span ss="userText">write a list of all the moles servants that are in the pce, who are loyal to the Duke.<span ss="aiText"> I also know where his safe house is and a few of his secret hideouts," Wina offered.


    <span ss="userText">Queen Rianna then looked over to Lady Nelumbo who was standing next to Mathew.


    <span ss="userText">"Lady Nelumbo? May I borrow your sword please<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"O-of course, my Queen," Lady Nelumboplied and handed the Queen her longsword.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was confused and slightly frightened.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen<span ss="editText"> held the sword in her right hand while holding the sleeping Quinus in the other. And as she stood in front of the kneeling Wina. She <span ss="aiText">brought the<span ss="editText"> t end<span ss="aiText"> of the sword <span ss="userText">down to Wina''s left shoulder.


    <span ss="userText">"Miss Wina do you pledge yourself<span ss="aiText"> to House Meredydd and Fiafyr forever?"<span ss="userText"> Rianna said as she channeled her mana through the sword and into Wina''s body.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I do your Majesty," Wina pledged.


    <span ss="aiText">She moved the sword and tapped it on Wina''s right shoulder<span ss="userText"> causing a white sigil to form on her right hand. It looked<span ss="aiText"> like a <span ss="editText">lion<span ss="aiText"> with a crown.


    <span ss="userText">"I dub thee Lady Wina Daz. You will act as the prince''s personal Royal Guard. As a sign of my faith in your loyalty."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s mouth opened in shock<span ss="userText"> while Mathew was smiling.


    <span ss="aiText">"My Queen. <span ss="userText">How can an assassin get your royal sigil?" Nelumbo asked with confusion.


    <span ss="userText">The Queen smiled while handing the sword back to Lady Nelumbo.


    <span ss="userText">"That sigil only appears when someone is truly loyal to me. And Lady Wina''s heart has shown us that she speaks the truth<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">But her sigil is brighter than mine? That can be!<span ss="aiText">" Lady Nelumbo asked with a bit of disgust in her voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes,<span ss="userText"> that goes to show you not to judge one so quickly<span ss="aiText">. Now <span ss="userText">Lady Wina... I must ask you one more favor?" Rianna<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, anything my Queen?" Wina said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I wish for you to continue being the Royal Wet Nurse until my son can eat solids and after that... I wish for you to find someone who wants to love you.<span ss="aiText"> And live the rest of your life happily... I can''t promise that the Kingdom will give you a peaceful life. But I can make sure that you are happy. I <span ss="userText">would like for you to start a family at some point... my mother always told me that good women create good people... And you are a good woman<span ss="aiText">. A little rough around the edges. But good."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t help but shed a tear.


    <span ss="aiText">''Why does this kingdom have to be so good to me? What have I done to deserve this?''<span ss="userText"> Wina thought as she nodded and picked up her assassin''s belt and strapped it back on her leg<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Queen," Wina said.


    <span ss="aiText">''But if I could start a family with anyone... It would be Mathew. He''s the first person to understand how to please me... and he loves me.<span ss="userText"> Gods!<span ss="aiText"> Why is love such a cruel thing?!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Now, Lady Nelumbo I need you to send<span ss="userText">��"


    <span ss="userText">*Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    <span ss="userText">"I''ll get that, your Majesty," Nelumbo<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">She quickly made her way over to the door and opened it.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I arrived here as quickly as I could. May Ie in?"


    <span ss="userText">It was Sir Dous and five of his men.

 Vol.0 Ch.137 Getting a Plan in Motion

    Vol.0 Ch.137 Getting a n in Motion


    <span ss="userText">Once Sir Dous and his knights entered the Queen''s Chamber<span ss="aiText">. Rianna told him everything and he was <span ss="userText">ufortable that he let three assassins<span ss="aiText"> break through his security.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, you''re saying the assassins were vampires <span ss="editText">and were hired from <span ss="aiText">the Kingdom of Marn?" Sir Dous asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It''s a high likelihood, Sir Dous. But far more concerning is the fact that the Duke hired an assassin as well. We are lucky that she has a sense of honorpared to those three<span ss="aiText">. And that she''s on our side now." Lady Nelumbo said as she gestured towards Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir Dous looked at the young girl with an appreciative gaze.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is this true Miss Wina?"


    <span ss="userText">"Lady Wina. Sir Dous," Queen Rianna<span ss="aiText"> corrected him.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s alright. And yes, it is true." Wina confirmed.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir Dous rubbed his beard.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm... <span ss="userText">How do you want to break this news to His Majesty, my Queen?"<span ss="aiText"> Sir Dous asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I do not know the best course of<span ss="aiText"> action<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> Sir Dous. But if he knew of this assassination attempt. H<span ss="editText">e <span ss="userText">would be furious but he would want more proof than Lady Wina''s word that she was hired by his brother." Queen Rianna<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="userText">Wina thought for a moment before she came up with an idea, "We could gather up all the moles and tell them that an assassination attempt on the Prince has failed?"


    <span ss="userText">Mathew raised his eyebrow<span ss="aiText"> at the idea.


    <span ss="aiText">"They would panic and then one of them would most likely try and get word out to the Duke."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">We could have the King watch from one of the hidden rooms. Once they are confronted, I would expect <span ss="userText">one of them would crack. And out the Duke," Sir Dous<span ss="aiText"> suggested.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, but <span ss="userText">what if they don''t crack once we<span ss="aiText"> confront them?" Nelumbo added.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Then I can appear in my Assassin''s<span ss="aiText"> gear. <span ss="userText">There is one that I believe will lose his facade<span ss="aiText"> once he sees me," Wina said.


    <span ss="aiText">Everyone gave her a curious look.


    <span ss="aiText">"How do you know there <span ss="editText">are<span ss="aiText"> mole<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> that <span ss="editText">are<span ss="aiText"> connected with the <span ss="editText">Duke<span ss="aiText">?" <span ss="editText">Sir Dous <span ss="aiText">asked.


    <span ss="userText">"Because I had to report to them monthly on why it was taking me so long to kill the prince. And this one footman thinks he could do better<span ss="aiText"> than I," Wina answered.


    <span ss="userText">"I never knew we had such traitors in our<span ss="aiText"> ranks," <span ss="userText">said one of Sir Dous''s Knights. As he looked like he was going to spit in disgust<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">The Queen, on the other hand, loved Wina''s idea, but they needed to do a few more things to<span ss="aiText"> make sure this would work.


    <span ss="aiText">"I like this n... We can''t have any leaks. <span ss="userText">And we need to get the heads of my husband''s council on board. Are they still on the pce grounds?<span ss="aiText"> Or have they retired for the night?" The Queen asked Sir Dous.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Lord Brice is still at the party while <span ss="aiText">Lord Gawain is still in his study, my Queen." <span ss="editText">One knight<span ss="aiText"> responded.


    <span ss="userText">"And I''ll get General Kane as well, my Queen," Lady Nelumbo added.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good, have someone fetch <span ss="editText">them<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Queen," Nelumbo bowed and turned around<span ss="userText">, and walked out of the Queen''s study with two other knights<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"And Sir Dous... You know what has to be done, correct?" The Queen said.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir Dous nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Queen.<span ss="editText"> We will locate all nine of those moles Lady Wina told us about. <span ss="aiText">And I will see to <span ss="userText">it personally." Sir Dous said<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">The Queen smiled and nodded.


    <span ss="userText">That''s when they heard a sounding from Mathew''s direction as he fell over.


    <span ss="userText">"Gah!" Mathew gasped in pain as his body could no longer take the stress of standing up after using his Lightning Rider ability<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina and Sir Dous rushed to him and knelt down beside him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mathew!" Wina said with worry in her voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Ah! Haha... Aw... I think using my lightning while the toxin was in my system has w<span ss="aiText">reaked havoc on my body and I''m paying the price... I thought I had a few more hours before my body was going to tell me to stop," Mathewughed as his body was in a lot of pain.


    <span ss="aiText">"My Queen! <span ss="editText">Sir Mathew needs to rest. He''s down for the count<span ss="aiText">." Sir Dous said as he lifted the young man with one arm over his shoulders.


    <span ss="userText">"Ah... Ssssss! Dammit, my body is screaming at me... I''m not dying, Dous... I''m just paying the price for getting pushed into a corner. Just give me a day of rest and I''ll be good as new<span ss="aiText">," Mathew <span ss="editText">tried to <span ss="aiText"ugh.


    <span ss="userText">"Don''t push yourself, Mathew... I can''t bear to watch something bad happen to you," Wina said with<span ss="aiText"> worry.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew smiled at her, "I''m not going anywhere, princess<span ss="aiText">. I have too much to live for. And the most important thing is right here."


    <span ss="aiText">"Mathew..." Wina blushed<span ss="userText"> and her heart skipped a beat when Mathew looked at her and gave her a wink.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Majesty, we should <span ss="editText">take him to the medical ward and have the doctor <span ss="aiText">examine him," Sir Dous said.


    <span ss="userText">"Take him there quickly and quietly. We can''t let the moles know that Mathew is down. They will know something is up<span ss="aiText"> and leave," The Queen said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, your Majesty."


    <span ss="aiText">Sir Dous left the Queen''s study with a few knights following behind him.


    <span ss="aiText">''Mathew... Why do you have to make me feel this way?''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina shook her head and got back on her feet.


    <span ss="aiText">''No! Focus! This is the most important thing to happen in the kingdom... Well<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> at least for tonight,''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, <span ss="editText">Lady<span ss="aiText"> Wina... <span ss="userText">Can you get Miss Rose in here? I need my maids to help me and watch over the prince before we can start the show<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, your Majesty," Wina bowed and went out the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now we just <span ss="editText">need my husband to join us. When the time is right<span ss="aiText">," The Queen said as she sat down in a chair next to her desk.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">General Kane was sitting at a table with one of his Colonels drinking wine as most of the partygoers had left<span ss="aiText"> the ballroom.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, I told him! That if you don''t stop being an ass to your wife. I would kick the shit out of you." The Colonel was telling a story about his daughter''s wedding.


    <span ss="userText">"If only that would work<span ss="aiText">," Kane chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah, it''s not that simple when you have a stubborn son-inw... But when you have a strong-willed daughter. She does all the ass-kicking herself. Hells, she would kick mine if I ever tried to help her without her permission," The Colonel chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">Just then the door swung open.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sir General Kane. My apologies for interrupting you. But I must speak with you."


    <span ss="aiText">"Lady Nelumbo<span ss="userText">? What brings you to this side of the pce? Does the Queen really need<span ss="aiText"> to see me that bad?" Kane asked with a hint of yfulness in his tone<span ss="userText"> as he was a little buzzed from the wine.


    <span ss="userText">Lady Nelumbo was annoyed by the general''sck of professionalism and walked up to him and whispered into his ear.


    <span ss="userText">The general was about to make another smart-assment until he heard her say.


    <span ss="userText">"There was a Code White in the Prince''s room. Three down not including the rats<span ss="aiText"> we know of," She whispered.


    <span ss="userText">General Kane''s domainer<span ss="aiText"> was back and his eyes were serious.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sorry Colonel, but it seems the Queen is calling me back to my duties. <span ss="userText">Make sure the men are sharp while I''m<span ss="aiText"> gone." Kane said as he stood up and <span ss="editText">nodded to<span ss="aiText"> the colonel.


    <span ss="aiText">The Colonel stood up and salute<span ss="editText">d his superior as he walked away<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, General Kane. I will wait here for your return," The Colonel said<span ss="userText"> with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">The General and the knights were walking down the hall to where his captain was stationed.


    <span ss="userText">"Give me the details, Lady Nelumbo."<span ss="aiText"> General Kane said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Three vampire assassins killed a guard, a squire, and a maid. And another squire is in the Ward after retrieving Sir Dous and his men. Sir Mathew said he had to use his abilities to take down his opponent."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">And Sir Mathew is still standing after<span ss="aiText"> that? Impressive." General Kane said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, he <span ss="editText">didn''t look too good when he made it to the Queen''s chamber<span ss="aiText">," Lady Nelumbo stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">That doesn''t surprise me. How''s the prince?"


    <span ss="aiText">"He''s sleeping soundly and <span ss="userText">the Royal Wet Nurse was an assassin that was hired by the Duke,"<span ss="aiText"> Lady Nelumbo said as a matter of fact.


    <span ss="aiText">General Kane was a bit surprised but kept his stoic face<span ss="userText">, "So... ric was a fool after all... What happened to the assassin?"


    <span ss="userText">"She turned on her client and saved not only the prince. But the other squire and Sir Mathew. The Queen had the assassin be the prince''s Royal Guard. Her name is Wina."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm... So, the Queen had a change of heart towards the girl. She must be something special. <span ss="userText">Has anyone reached out to Lord Brice yet?


    <span ss="aiText">"No, <span ss="editText">but we have reached out to <span ss="userText">Lord Gawain and he will speak to Lord Brice. Once he''s in the fold, I''m sure they will meet up with the King and bring His Majesty to the East Wing. <span ss="aiText">Sir Dous is looking for the rest of the moles in the pce as <span ss="userText">we speak,<span ss="aiText">" Nelumbo replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, that''s where we''re having this interrogation? That''s good, fewer eyes and ears. I<span ss="userText"> will have my captain<span ss="aiText"> and five of his best men join me." General Kane said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I need to return to the Queen. Is there anything else you need General?"


    <span ss="aiText">"No, mydy. Thank you.<span ss="editText"> We will wait for the King and then head to the east wing for the interrogation,<span ss="aiText">" General Kane said.


    <span ss="aiText">Nelumbo bowed and walked in the opposite direction while the two other knights stood by the General.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Then I <span ss="aiText">shall <span ss="editText">send word to<span ss="aiText"> Lord Brice and tell him where you''ll be?" One of the<span ss="editText"> other<span ss="aiText"> knights said.


    <span ss="userText">"He should know where I''ll be<span ss="aiText">. But I need you to get five more knights ready from the southern barracks. Tell them it''s a Code Blue. They will understand." General Kane said.


    <span ss="aiText">The knights split up with one of them staying with the General while the other went south.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">ric... You''re a dead man..." The General whispered to himself as he waited in the hallway<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="aiText">A few minutester <span ss="editText">in the main hall of the pce just outside the party.<span ss="userText"> It was almost midnight and there were a few nobles still lingering<span ss="aiText"> around talking to each other about the party.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Brice and his wife were in the middle of a conversation with a <span ss="userText">Baron when Lord Gawain came in with a worried look on his face.


    <span ss="userText">"Huh? Lord Gawain? I thought you were done for the night<span ss="aiText">?" Baron <span ss="userText">Thaddeus Windermere <span ss="aiText">asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Baron, I would like a word with Lord Brice in private. Would you excuse us?" Lord Gawain said.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-of course... Have a good night," The Baron was a little taken aback but bowed and left.


    <span ss="userText">"What''s the matter,<span ss="aiText"> Lord Gawain?" Lord Brice asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Gawain stepped closer and spoke in a quiet voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"I received word that there was an attempt on the prince''s life."


    <span ss="userText">Lord Brice showed a bit of anger before he regained his calm.


    <span ss="userText">"Is the prince alright?<span ss="aiText"> Did you find the culprit?"


    <span ss="aiText">"The prince is safe and the attackers were killed.<span ss="editText"> And <span ss="userText">it''splicated.<span ss="aiText"> But <span ss="editText">the short answer is the King''s Brother hired an assassin<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain said.


    <span ss="aiText">"My... <span ss="userText">So, that bastard has<span ss="aiText"> finally made his move..."


    <span ss="aiText">"There''s more..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Tell me," Lord Brice said.


    <span ss="userText">Lord Gawain tells Lord Brice everything that has <span ss="userText">transpired up to now<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"And now the Queen and the others are waiting for us <span ss="editText">to inform His Majesty and to <span ss="aiText">meet with them at the East Wing.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">And you want me to inform the King? I guess I''m the one who always has to break the bad news to His Majesty... <span ss="aiText">Very well, we should get going."


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Brice took his wife''s hand an<span ss="userText">d kissed it.


    <span ss="userText">"It looks like duty calls<span ss="aiText"> my dear," Lord Brice smiled at his wife.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh? And why am I not invited to this little meeting? Are we not on the same side, husband?" Lady <span ss="editText">Hana<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="userText">"Unfortunately it''s about kingdom business. It might be a long night<span ss="aiText">, but I will inform you once it''s over."


    <span ss="aiText">Lady <span ss="editText">Hana<span ss="aiText"> sighed, "Alright, you can tell meter."


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, love."


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Brice bowed and kissed his wife on the lips.


    <span ss="aiText">"Come on, Lord Gawain."


    <span ss="aiText">"R-right," Lord Gawain and Lord Brice walked out of the hall and made their way towards the King''s <span ss="editText">throne room<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is going to be a long night..."<span ss="userText"> Lord Brice muttered as he weaved his way around some of the staff and they were cleaning up<span ss="aiText"> the hall.


    <span ss="aiText">"Tell me about it... This is a huge mess... <span ss="userText">You know how he is about his older brother. He''s pitied him his entire life<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, the older brother syndrome... <span ss="editText">It''s the only thing holding back our King. I just pray that the Goddess will show him wisdom. And finally put Duke ric in his ce<span ss="aiText">," Lord Brice scoffed.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Gawain was a little shocked.


    <span ss="aiText">"You want to see ric die? <span ss="userText">But the Prime Minister won''t allow it. He keeps saying that a civil war would break out if the Duke was<span ss="aiText"> killed," Lord Gawain said.


    <span ss="aiText">"The only reason <span ss="userText">Duval Wrightwood<span ss="aiText"> is still the Prime Minister is because of <span ss="userText">winning over Baroness Ysandra Fairchild and Baron Thaddeus Windermere. <span ss="aiText">Without them in his camp, he wouldn''t <span ss="userText">have had the majority of the major lords to maintain his<span ss="aiText"> position."<span ss="userText"> Brice said as<span ss="aiText"> he waved his hand and two knights opened the door.


    <span ss="userText">"I know! I know... I will find a way to get the Baroness and Baron back to His Majesty''s side. I just need time<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"You may not have that time," Lord Brice said.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Gawain stopped walking, "<span ss="userText">Impossible..."


    <span ss="userText">"I''ll tell you about itter but first we need to deal with the main problem at hand." Lord Brice said as they saw King Cyndre and Earl Nathaniel Valerian having a drink together<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good evening, your Majesty, and Earl Valerian." Lord Brice said.


    <span ss="aiText">The three of them were sitting <span ss="editText">by <span ss="aiText">the balcony of the Throne Room.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah, Lord Brice and Lord Gawain.<span ss="userText"> It usually isn''t good to see you thiste at night. Did some minor lords start arguing over<span ss="aiText"> somend dispute again?" King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s not about and dispute, Your Majesty. But I do have bad news," Lord Brice said.


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre and Earl Nathaniel both <span ss="userText">looked at each other for a second before<span ss="aiText"> King Cyndre gave Lord Brice a nod.


    <span ss="aiText">"Go ahead, Lord Brice," The King said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Highness... There was an attempt on Prince Quinus''s life tonight," Lord Brice said with a serious face.


    <span ss="aiText">Earl Valerian was the first to react.


    <span ss="aiText">"WHAT?!"


    <span ss="aiText">Earl Valerian stood up with a shocked expression and was about to say something when King Cyndre raised his hand.


    <span ss="aiText">"Easy, Nate...<span ss="userText"> It sounds like my son is fine...<span ss="aiText"> Am I correct, Lord Brice?" King Cyndre asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, your Majesty... He''s sleeping soundly <span ss="editText">with <span ss="aiText">the Queen<span ss="editText">. But three are dead because of the attack<span ss="aiText">," Lord Brice responded.


    <span ss="userText">They all could see the King''s throat<span ss="aiText"> twitch and his eyes narrowed as his jaw tightened.


    <span ss="aiText">"And... Who was responsible?" The King''s voice was a little shaky.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It seems that the Kingdom of Marn is the possible<span ss="aiText"> suspect. But <span ss="userText">the assassins were vampires<span ss="aiText">... They were killed on the spot<span ss="userText">. Hopefully, they were only trying to make a name for themselves instead of the other possibility."


    <span ss="aiText">"What?! Vampires?! That''s impossible... Those bastards haven''t dared step foot on the maind of Agon for hundreds of years!"<span ss="userText"> Earl<span ss="aiText"> Valerian shouted.


    <span ss="userText">The King was silent as he<span ss="aiText"> took a deep breath and rxed a little.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I feel there''s something more you''re not telling me,"<span ss="aiText"> The King said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, there is more. <span ss="userText">A lot more but I warn you. You''re not going to enjoy this, Your Majesty," Lord Brice<span ss="aiText"> said with a <span ss="userText">serious tone<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Go on," The King said.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Brice and Lord Gawain looked at each other.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Brice sighed, "<span ss="userText">It turns out that the Royal Wet Nurse is a hired assassin. And she was hired to kill your son. But the strange thing is, she turned on her employer and protected the Prince. If it wasn''t for her six people would have died, including the Prince... Her Majesty has tested her loyalty by using her family''s ability and she bears the sigil of your house, My King<span ss="aiText">. It seems her story was true and she''s not a threat. She is currently guarding the prince and the queen."


    <span ss="aiText">"How interesting... It''s like the god<span ss="editText">dess<span ss="aiText"> wanted her to be there..." <span ss="userText">Earl<span ss="aiText"> Valerian said as he sat down.


    <span ss="userText">King Cyndre wasn''t rxed though<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is that all?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Not quite.<span ss="editText">.. I know this is going to be hard to swallow. But, <span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">t appears that your brother is responsible for hiring <span ss="editText">the assassin that became the Royal Wet Nurse<span ss="aiText">," Lord Brice said.


    <span ss="aiText">The King was stunned for a second.


    <span ss="aiText">"WHAT?!<span ss="userText"> SHE''S LYING!" yelled the King.


    <span ss="userText">Lord Brice, Lord Gawian, and Earl Nathanial all cringed at the same<span ss="aiText"> time.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can understand your <span ss="editText">doubts<span ss="aiText">, Your Highness. But <span ss="userText">the now-loyal-assassin has given us info about servants loyal to the Duke who<span ss="aiText"> are being rounded up at the East Wing. It''s best if we talk about this with the others. And now isn''t the time to be yelling Your Highness. It''s the dead of night and most of the nobles are still here." Lord Brice said.


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre was a bit embarrassed as he calmed down.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I will not believe my brother would stoop to such a low to kill his own nephew<span ss="aiText">... What are the odds of the assassin bing the Royal Wet Nurse anyway? It''s just too convenient," The King said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I wish I shared your<span ss="aiText"> faith in your brother, Your Highness... But <span ss="userText">he''s been working really hard to get the loyalty of the minor lords to his side. He may say he loves this Kingdom but<span ss="aiText"> his actions suggest otherwise<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" <span ss="userText">Earl<span ss="aiText"> Valerian said to his friend.


    <span ss="aiText">"Enough... We need to get the facts straight. And my brother will answer for his actions.<span ss="editText"> If they are true. You said my wife is in the East Wing waiting to <span ss="userText">interrogate these suspected moles? Then I will be the one to say if it''s true or not,<span ss="aiText">" King Cyndre said as he got up and headed out of the throne room.


    <span ss="userText">"Can Ie along?" Earl<span ss="aiText"> Valerian asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I think you''ll need to see the truth with your own eyes," King Cyndre said as a knight opened the doors.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">It''s going to be a long night... Isn''t it<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain said<span ss="userText"> with a pained look<span ss="aiText"> on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Just keep a calm head. If this does escte, it will get very bloody and very fast," Lord Brice said.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Gawain nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Let''s go."


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Brice and the others followed behind the King and Earl.

 Vol.0 Ch.138 The Interrogation

    Vol.0 Ch.138 The Interrogation


    <span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile, in the east wing of the Maldura Royal Pce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna, Lady Nelumbo, Lady Wina, and the rest of the knights were waiting for the King and the others.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina has put on her assassin''s ring but hasn''t used it to put on her assassin''s garb yet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty, Sir Dous has requested all of the Servants loyal to Duke ric to arrive in the Burell room. There are refreshments for them, and they shouldn''t suspect anything. Sir Dous said he would be back soon with the rest of the traitors."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well. I''ll send my maid to let the maids and butlers know," The Queen said as she waved over one of her maids.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then Lady Nelumbo look at Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope you''re right about them outing themselves, Lady Wina. If they don''t then the King is going to be stubborn. And he''ll demand you tell him who hired you," Lady Nelumbo whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry... I know what type of man, Duke ric is. And the type of people he employs. He has too many who wish to take the initiative and make a name for themselves. I have a hunch one of them will slip up. Then King Cyndre will have to face the facts that his brother ordered and nned for his son''s death," Wina whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo looked like she was about to say something when General Kane came in with five more knights as well as the King, the Earl, and two of his council members.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna, Lady Nelumbo, and Wina bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty," The Queen said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My dear... Where''s my son?" The King asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s sleeping in the bedroom. He''s had a long day and he needs his rest," The Queen replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen was dressed in her finest red silk dress. Its design was that of the current fashion of the capital. And her hair was still curled and her makeup was still intact from the party. She was dressed for her battle and it seemed to bring out the strength in her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, this is the assassin?" The King asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She has done well for us, my husband. But I can still see doubt in your eyes," Queen Rianna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, it''s not hard to figure that out," The King said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My apologies, My King. I was ordered to infiltrate the pce and kill your son. I just wish I could have saved more lives," Wina said as she bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t doubt that you''re an assassin, Miss��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Wina, my husband," Queen Rianna corrected her husband.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Wina, what I do doubt is that my brother would go as far as ordering the death of my son. He loves this Kingdom with all his being," King Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I have to agree with you, Your Majesty. Duke ric loves this Kingdom so much. It''s almost sickening how he''s willing to do anything to get what he wants. And your son is an obstacle to his goals," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre red at Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna and the others remained silent as they looked at each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Watch your words, Assassin," King Cyndre warned her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve always been told that I''m too blunt sometimes. And some people can''t handle that," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rina put her hand on Wina''s shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Calm down, Wina... I think you made your point," The Queen smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, your Majesty," Wina nodded and bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The General leaned over to Lord Brice and whispered, "I kinda like this woman."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shh," Lord Brice hushed him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Earl was watching from the side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen cleared her throat, "Ahem!... So the n is to have you watch the suspected moles from the knights'' room... It has that nice new artifact that projects the image and lets you hear everything that''s going on without them knowing that they''re being watched. So, I want you, Nathaniel, Brice, and Gawain to sit there and watch. I''m sure we are going to have a show."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine... But once this charade is over and we find out that my brother wasn''t the one who ordered the hit. Then I need you to tell me who your true employer is. No more lying. And I will give you the proper punishment for trying to kill my son," King Cyndre said as he left the room and the General took him to the knight''s security room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna took a deep breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This isn''t going to end well. Is it?" Lady Nelumbo said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You mean that my husband is going to be heartbroken about the betrayal of his brother. Then I will have to agree with you... It''s not easy to have someone you hold so dear to you. Only to betray you in such a way. But we''ll have to deal with thatter... For now, we have to show my husband the truth about his brother," Queen Rina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After waiting for a moment. They heard some more footsteps echoing in the hallway until they saw Sir Dous and Miss Rose.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Queen... We are ready for you," Sir Dous bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Excellent," Queen Rianna walked forward as Lady Nelumbo, Miss Rose, and Wina followed behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Burell Room was named after thete great King Burell Meredydd who was thest King to expand the Fiafyr Kingdom''s territory to what it is today. And with all the purple g used as fertilizer and the introduction of the new breed of sheep. They were able to increase the yield of food and helped to stabilize the Kingdom''s economy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The room had a beautiful wooden floor, a marble firece, a beautiful golden chandelier, and a few paintings of the Kings and Queens before King Cyndre. And couldfortably seat thirty.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And one by one the servants starteding into the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Gram? I didn''t know you were invited to the appreciation party," A young woman who was probably in her twenties and wore the ck and red servant outfit of the East Wing. She had short curly red hair and blue eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gram was a thirty-year-old footman of the Royal Pce. And is the most eager of all of Duke ric Revelia''sckeys.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was, I thought there would be more important people than you, but I guess not. Hehe." Gram said with a smartass smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What does that mean?" The young woman asked with an annoyed look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please... Like I didn''t see you try and take all of my credit for those stolen documents. I was the one who snuck into Lord Gawain''s study. And I bet the Duke was going to reward me first. But don''t worry, I won''t let that happen again," Gram said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, I get it... You''re jealous. Because the Duke is taking more interest in me," the young woman smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not jealous... I''m not."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s about the results, Gram. And it doesn''t matter if you did most of the work, if the job doesn''t get done, then you''re going to have to take a backseat," The young woman said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gram scoffed and turned his nose away from her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then the two Servants were greeted by Sebastian. Another footman who is loyal to the Duke.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gram... It''s been a while," Sebastian nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, it has. And we''re not supposed to be seen together. What are you doing here?" Gram said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was summoned here... By Sir Dous... He said there was going to be a staff meeting for the party and he asked me to bring some drinks and snacks for everyone. It''s not the first time. The Queen has a habit of doing things like this and rewarding the loyal servants... I might be getting promoted to a butler''s assistant."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You really want to be the butler''s assistant even though the prince hasn''t even been taken care of?... That woman, his lordship hired has been nothing but a failure... She is right next to him every day and yet he still breathes," Gram whispered with disgust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I''m starting to think that she isn''t up for the task... How long has it been since she became the Royal Wet Nurse?" the young woman asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Almost Five months... I''m starting to agree with you, Miss Ava. Maybe it''s time for someone else to take her ce," Sebastian said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s about time you two came around to my way of thinking," Gram said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Miss Ava, Gram, and Sebastian continued talking as more servants started to arrive.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And it was Ava who noticed something was off when the next five servants that entered the room were theirrades, who were secretly loyal to the Duke.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Miss Jolie, Miss Sera, Mister Eckhart, Mister Mullins, and Mister Jeeves... what''s going on?... Why are they all here?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sebastian, I need to talk to you outside," Ava said in a hushed tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And lose my chance at getting promoted? It''s not going to happen, Miss Ava," Sebastian shook his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please, Sebastian... It''s really important," Ava whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine," Sebastian agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And just before they could leave the room. Ava saw thest two servants who were loyal to the Dukee walking through the door. Followed by Sir Dous and a female servant, who was an upper-ss servant named Miss Maris.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s going on?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are here to celebrate the fine job you all have done. Even the Queen wishes to give you all your praises for being the finest examples of loyal servants," Sir Dous said as he closed the door behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ava''s alert gs were going off in her head but Sebastian seemed to buy the Knight''s words.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s a fineplimenting from the Queen herself. We have truly done a great job. Have you heard any word from her about getting my promotion, Sir Dous," Sebastian asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Her Majesty never tells me anything about who gets promoted in the servants'' ranks... But I can guarantee you that your loyalty will not go unrewarded," Sir Dous said as he smiled at the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ava looked around and noticed everyone had bought into Sir Dous''s words.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No... Something isn''t right... Did they find out that we were the Duke''s men? Are they going to torture us for information or are they going to kill us? No... the King would never allow such a thing. This must be a trick. There has to be a reason why they''ve gathered us here. But my intuition is telling me to run. But how can I run away? There''s knights standing in front of all the doors.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss Ava, are you alright? You''ve gotten awfully pale." Miss Maris asked as she offered her a ss of wine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um... I... Y-Yes, I''m not feeling so well right now and I was hoping to go to the restroom for a moment," Ava said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You shouldn''t feel nervous, Miss Ava. I know the Queen can be intimidating, but you''ve done a fine job as a maid. Plus, she should be here at any moment," Miss Maris said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, Goddess! They know!'' Ava''s eyes widened.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think I might just step outside for a minute... Get some fresh air," Ava said as she stepped back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But before Ava could make a move. The two main doors opened up to the Queen, the head maid Miss Rose, Lady Nelumbo, and four more knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good evening," The Queen greeted the nine servants and the fifteen knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group of servants bowed to the Queen while the upper-ss servants left the room through the double doors.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty," They all said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve called you all here because there is something that I need to discuss with you all," The Queen said


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It''s toote!'' Ava tried to keep her cool and was hoping she was wrong about her intuition. But self-preservation was starting to kick in and she wanted to leave the room and run as far away as she could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope you all have enjoyed your refreshments. I had them brought in for all of you. But I''m afraid that''s not the only thing I have for you all. Right now I need you all to make a decision. A decision that will either let you walk out of here alive if you choose to confess the truth. Or you will have to face a severe punishment if you lie," Rianna said as she looked at the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t understand what you mean, your Majesty. I hope we haven''t caused any trouble," Sebastian asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry... I guess I wasn''t making myself clear... You see, there was a assassination attempt on my son''s life tonight. And luckily it failed. But we were able to find out that she had help... Help from inside Maldura Pce. Now, I don''t want to jump to any conclusions, but the evidence points at each and every one of you," The Queen said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sebastian looked around and noticed what Miss Ava noticed. Everyone that was in the Burell Room was either a loyalist to the Duke or a Royal Knight armed with a sword and shield.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But your majesty... Surely, there has to be some kind of misunderstanding... We have worked hard for you. There has to be a reason," Sebastian said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m afraid that you are wrong, Sebastian. There is no mistake. And the reason is that you are loyal to Duke ric. And you''ve been spying on me, my husband, and the Knights," Queen Rianna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All the loyalists started to show signs of panic except for Gram.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you say that we were traitors. Then why aren''t we in the pce''s hold!... You throw nothing but words and no actions. All because one assassin snuck through the Royal Guards defenses, Your Majesty," Gram said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh? So, it seems they didn''t know about the three vampire assassins... Looks like Wina was correct about them being hired by someone outside of the Kingdom... But this one let it slip about only one assassin... I wonder how he''s going to react when I call him out on this.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen looked at Gram with a raised brow, "How did you know it was only one assassin that infiltrated the Pce."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gram panicked about speaking too soon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve already made your case, Gram... You knew the assassin was alone... I''m curious to know how you got that information," Miss Rose said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tell the truth. We know that you are a spy. And if you don''t want to talk then maybe you can be persuaded," The Queen said as she looked at the knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knight put their hands to their swords and unsheathed them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I only assumed that it was a lone assassin. It was the only logical conclusion, Your Majesty," Gram lied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, is that what you''re going to stick with? Alright, let''s see if you can lie your way out of this.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I must admit I haven''t been truly forting. You see. It wasn''t only one assassin, but there were four of them... You at least have confirmed that your Duke didn''t hire the other three. Thank you, Gram," Queen Rianna said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone in the room was shocked to hear the Queen say such a thing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sebastian''s stone face expression was now one of shock and confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Miss Ava and the rest of the Duke''s servants were starting to get nervous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gram gritted his teeth and cursed himself, "Damn, this Corialis woman! She thinks she is so clever!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We did no such thing!" Sebastian yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you are denying your involvement with the plot to kill the Prince?" Miss Rose asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course I am! All you are saying is hearsay and if you had any real evidence we would be thrown in jail already," Sebastian said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you''re not working for Duke Revelia?" Miss Rose asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I would never work for the Duke. That man is a traitor and a coward who can''t do the dirty work himself. Plus, I''m d you rid all of those assassins," Sebastian said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah! You don''t have anything on us, Queen Rianna!" Gram yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I agree. I will not take the me for this attack. You can''t prove I''m responsible for the assassination," Miss Ava said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen just gave them all a polite smile before opening her fan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, the funny thing is only three of the assassins are dead..." Queen Rianna said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What? How is that possible?" Gram questioned the Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You see. We had a little bit of help. And it seems that the assassin you were working for. She has decided to show her true loyalty to me and my family. And she was the one who killed two out of three of the assassins who dared to attack my son... It was quite the spectacle. Would you like to see her?" Queen Rianna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve got to be kidding me. You''re bluffing!" Gram yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen pped her hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then the secret door opened and a hooded figure appeared with two more knights behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina had her ck obsidian ring with the white line going through it on her right pointer finger and activated it with her mana. Which covered her in ck fog and when it settled she appeared in her assassin''s outfit which consisted of a ck catsuit and a hood to cover her head and face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The nine servants gasped in surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hello everyone," Wina said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sebastian gritted his teeth and balled his fists, "I don''t know what tricks you''re pulling, Queen Rianna, but this assassin is obviously working with you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina pulled out a letter with Gram''s handwriting on it saying that she would be paid an additional 15,000 gold if she killed the prince before he turned five months old.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gram''s face turned pale as he was shown the note.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-If you''re going to take me down then I''ll take you with me you damn Corialis witch!" Gram Yelled as he charged the Queen with a dagger hidden up his sleeve.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stop him! He''s got a knife!" Sir Dous yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo and the Queen reacted hastily as Gram came closing in fast as no other knight could get in there to stop him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll kill you, witch!" Gram shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He''s too slow... And too stupid to be an assassin.'' Wina thought as she was prepared for someone to attack the Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Before Gram could reach Lady Nelumbo, Wina used one of her favorite weapons to make an example out of Gram.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She grabbed a spindle of translucent string that was the thickness of a spider''s web and tossed it out with her shadow magic at this wannabe assassin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The string wrapped itself around the Gram''s neck, legs, arms, and body then appeared behind him in a blink of an eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gram didn''t know what hit him as he felt a sharp pain in his neck, arms, and legs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He tried to move but couldn''t.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-What the? Why can''t I move? W-What is this?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smiled and pulled down on the thread which lifted him three feet off the ground as her arms and legs contorted with her threads.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I warned youp dog... Being an assassin is not as easy as it sounds. There''s a lot more to it than just slitting someone''s throat," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-Is that supposed to be some kind of threat!" Gram yelled with a bit of paining out of his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t have a clue what this thread is. Do you?" Wina said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gram was still trying to break free.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This thread is from an Arachne and I''m going to slowly pull it until I''ve cut through all of your nerves, muscles, and bones," Wina said as she continued to pull the thread tighter and tighter around his body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gram''s face became even more pale as he felt his bones starting to break and his muscles starting to tear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Agh!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Queen it''s going to get ugly soon. I suggest you look away," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen was watching as the thread cut through his arm like butter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-Is that thread really made from the silk of the Arachne spider?" Lady Nelumbo asked as she watched Gram''s arm get cut clean off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes," Wina answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo closed her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please forgive me for showing such a gruesome sight, your Majesty," Wina said as she yanked the thread, which sliced off Gram''s right leg from his body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AARRRHHH! NO! NO! THE DUKE WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THIS TREACHERY! NOOOO!" Gram yelled as the Arachne string sliced through his leg.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s riching from ap dog like you. Don''t worry, Gram. It will all be over soon. And you''ll finally learn how to listen," Wina said as her fingers snapped together which cut off the lower half of his body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NOOOO!" Gram yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina''s threads sliced him into several pieces as he bled out on the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That was a bit excessive, wouldn''t you agree," Lady Nelumbo whispered to the Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen shook her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... They wished for the death of my son. And this one thought about taking my life as well. It could''ve been a lot worse... But I have a feeling that she''s not done with the Duke''s men yet. So, I would suggest you step away for a moment if you don''t want to watch Lady Nelumbo," Queen Rianna said as she stepped forward until she was next to Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo swallowed her fear as she stood by the Queen with her sword at the ready.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna looked at thest 8 servants and spoke in amanding voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, it''s time for you all to make a choice. You can either confess everything you know about the Duke''s ns, his whereabouts, and the location of the people that are aiding him. Or you can talk to my most loyal assassin. And believe me when I say she is merciless. Your Duke hired her for a reason... So, what will it be?" The Queen said as she opened her fan and covered her mouth with it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''m curious to see if any of them are willing to talk.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">All but one of the loyalists were scared and confused about the turn of events. Ava was looking at herrades and pondered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Sebastian was angry and gritting his teeth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can''t get away with this, Queen Rianna," Sebastian said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This guy... He is stubborn. I''m surprised. Most would''ve given up by now. Maybe I''ll let Wina have a bit more fun with them.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as Rianna was about to order Wina to do whatever she wanted. Ava stepped forward and spoke, "Your Majesty. If you promise me that I can leave the kingdom alive. I will tell you all I know about the Duke''s involvement with the assassin. I just want to be left alone."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sebastian looked at Ava with wide eyes, "Ava! How could you betray us? After all the Duke did for you!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... The Duke didn''t do anything for me. I''ve been stuck in the lower levels for a long time and have done many things. And I''m not going to die for his cause," Ava said as she stared at Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And before Ava could respond three of the other footmen came after Ava with hidden knives.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Die, traitor!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"After her!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We can''t let her tell the Queen about the Duke''s n!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna, Lady Nelumbo, and the other guards watched as the three footmen ran towards Ava with their knives ready.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ava''s face showed panic as she thought her life was going to end.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t allow that!" Wina said as she used the spindle of Arachne thread and flung it at the three men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The threads cut through the men''s necks and legs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Agh!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AHHH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gahhh!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The cries of the servantssted only for a moment until Wina pulled the strands. Which caused their bodies to rip apart.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina looked at Ava, "You better be true to your word,dy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am, Lady Assassin," Ava said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There was only four of the Loyalist left and they were sweating and trembling in their boots.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now. What will it be?" Queen Rianna said as she folded her arms under her breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two women looked at each other and nodded their heads.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine! We''ll tell you everything! Just keep the assassin away from us, please!" One of the female servants pleaded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mister Jeeves chimed in as well, "I''ll tell you everything if I can keep my life, Your Majesty!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good! I''m d we''vee to an agreement. What will you do Sebastian," Queen Rianna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sebastian was standing there feeling numb.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What are we going to do now? With the evidence the Queen has, the Duke''s n will unravel, and putting Marcus on the throne will fail. Damn, this is all the fault of that damned Corialis Witch of a Queen!'' Sebastian thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna walked over and stood in front of the Duke''s servant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You failed Sebastian... Now, if you tell me what I want to know, you will be rewarded with a painless death," Queen Rianna said with a stoic face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do your worst. I''m not talking," Sebastian said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, that''s your decision. Ladies and gentlemen. Let''s talk about this in another room, shall we? It is a little unpleasant in the Burell room," Queen Rianna said as she closed her fan and started walking out towards the double doors.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sebastian red at the Queen and yelled, "Long live the true King! ric Revelia will bring down the house of Meredydd and take back the throne!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna didn''t give him a response and continued to walk out. While six of the Royal Knights escorted Ava, Jeeves, and the two women out of the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Dous stayed behind and stared at Sebastian.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re a brave one, Mister Sebastian. I''ll give you that," Sir Dous said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sebastian stared him in the eye and then looked at Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you think you will get away from the Assassin''s Society that easily, then you are a fool, Wina. The Duke will make you pay, you traitor," Sebastian said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina just shook her head, "I have something to live for. You are as blind as theye, Sebastian... All this time you think that the Duke sees you as a person, but all you are is a tool to be used until your usefulness is over and then tossed aside."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sebastian sneered and scoffed, "And what are you to the Queen? A dog on a leash?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina just chuckled and took the thread off the floor then started wrapping it around her left hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She didn''t tell me what to do, you tool... I chose to kill yourrades because I''m a free being. I could kill you right now, but I don''t want to," Wina said as she turned on her heels.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I can''t wait to see the look on your face when the Dukees and makes you pay for betraying him. He always returns the favor," Sebastian said, mocking Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If the Dukees and tries to kill me, then I will dly rip his body apart," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He doesn''t try. He does. And you''ll find out the hard way, you cunt," Sebastian said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''ve heard that line too many times little man."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina left the room to Sir Dous and the rest of the Knights who were ready to escort him to the dungeon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry about me, boys. I won''t escape. I know what will happen to me if I try. Plus, I''m too tired to put up much of a fight after losing my friends," Sebastian said as he looked down to the ground as the knights came closing in.

 Vol.0 Ch.139 Call for an Emergency Meeting

    Vol.0 Ch.139 Call for an Emergency Meeting


    <span ss="userText">Once the events of the interrogation were over. The men standing in the secret knights'' room were in shock that the Queen was able to get some of the loyalists to confess. They were General Kane, Earl Nathaniel, Lord Brice, Lord Gawain, and a distraught King Cyndre who couldn''t take his eyes off the magical observation artifact that caught<span ss="aiText"> every moment.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is quite the mess, <span ss="editText">Your Majesty<span ss="aiText">. How do <span ss="editText">we<span ss="aiText"> intend to fix this?" Lord Brice asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t know..." King Cyndre said as he held his head in his hands.


    <span ss="userText">The Earl saw his friend<span ss="aiText"> in despair and tried tofort him, "Your Majesty. You couldn''t have seen thising. <span ss="editText">And your brother yed us for fools<span ss="aiText">. None of us could''ve seen his true colors."


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre stood up and turned around to look at his council.


    <span ss="userText">"No... All of you tried to tell me in some way or<span ss="aiText"> another that something was wrong with my brother. I just didn''t want to believe it... But I was too blinded by my <span ss="editText">love and trust<span ss="aiText"> to see that ric<span ss="aiText">wanted power so bad<span ss="editText">ly<span ss="aiText"> that he was willing to murder my son<span ss="editText">... All so he could<span ss="aiText"> take the throne<span ss="editText"> for his son<span ss="aiText">," King Cyndre said <span ss="editText">with<span ss="aiText"> tears in his eyes<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">The King was first gued by sadness but the more he thought about it the more anger<span ss="aiText"> started to build up in his heart.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Does he think I chose the be the King?... It wasn''t my fault that I was born with my father''s eyes! It wasn''t my fault that I was born second... I didn''t go to the higher nobles of the Fiafyr Kingdom and ask them to dere me as the next heir! That was Father''s council''s doing! <span ss="userText">I tried to do everything to make things right with my brother and what did I get?<span ss="aiText"> An attempt on my son''s life! <span ss="editText">Undermining my authority! <span ss="aiText">NO! No more!" King Cyndre shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Majesty. <span ss="userText">We understand your anger, but we need you to have a level head<span ss="aiText">. If not then <span ss="editText">the Marquess will think you''re trying to im more power over the other Nobles<span ss="aiText">," Lord Brice said.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am aware. Forgive me for my outburst," King Cyndre said<span ss="userText"> as he rposed himself.


    <span ss="aiText">"What should we do <span ss="userText">about this, Your Majesty?"<span ss="aiText"> Lord Gawain asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Haa... we need to have an emergency with the Thirteen<span ss="aiText"> Great Noble Houses. This cannot be allowed to continue. We need a solution. My brother is a threat to my family''s line of session and the throne. He is a threat to my <span ss="editText">child<span ss="userText">.<span ss="aiText"> A threat to my people," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">"I agree. But <span ss="userText">if your brother is punished and kicked out of the Thirteen<span ss="aiText"> Great Noble Houses. Then <span ss="userText">his two allies will<span ss="aiText"> join him and that will cause a rift between the Nobles. Which can be catastrophic for the future of our Kingdom. If the Nobles are fighting each other then there is no telling what the neighboring Kingdoms will do," Lord Brice said.


    <span ss="userText">"That is why we need this meeting as soon as possible. Even if Baron Coldforge can''t<span ss="aiText"> make it. I want the other <span ss="editText">eleven <span ss="aiText">Nobles to see the evidence and the truth. So that the Duke will be shamed and cast out of the Nobility. And maybe if we''re lucky then his allies will distance themselves from him," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="userText">"Shall we send for them now<span ss="aiText">?" <span ss="editText">Lord Gawain<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. And the sooner the better. But we need to create a false emergency to summon the other Nobles to the pce. If my brother and his allies get one whiff that we are on to them. Then I don''t know what they will do. I trust you two toe up with a good cover story," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="editText">Gawain and Brice both <span ss="aiText">bowed, "As youmand."


    <span ss="aiText">Th<span ss="editText">ey<span ss="aiText"> left the room <span ss="userText">while Cyndre, Nathaniel, and Kane<span ss="aiText"> all stared at the artifact.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">That fool wasn''t satisfied with being a Duke?<span ss="aiText">... Now, he''s made things even worse for himself," Nathaniel said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Indeed. And he''s probably thinking he''ll be able to get away with everything. But now I have enough evidence to get him kicked out of the Nobility and possibly have him executed. But he won''t go down without a fight," <span ss="editText">General Kane <span ss="aiText">said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Enough... I wish not to talk about my brother in this way... I''m furious with him... But how can I order his death<span ss="aiText">?" King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">Nathaniel and Kane looked at each other.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Majesty. There are times whe<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> a king needs to do the hard thing and sometimes that involves executing the people closest to them.<span ss="userText">.. We will support you no matter what<span ss="aiText"> decision you make," General Kane said.


    <span ss="aiText">"But for now, let''s hope the evidence we have will be enough to shame my brother into exile," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="userText">The twin moons were high in the night sky<span ss="aiText">, and the city streets were mostly empty. The only sounds were the howls of the wind and the ttering of armor<span ss="userText"> from the Night''s Watch.


    <span ss="aiText">There were five Knights of the Crown walking through the street<span ss="userText">s of Tairal. And they were making their way to the Divalo Manor. The task was to give an important letter to the Duke and escort him to the pce on foot. Order by General Kane himself.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">What''s with all themotion?<span ss="aiText">" Knight Harlowe <span ss="editText">asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">The King has called for a emergency meeting<span ss="aiText"> with the Great Noble houses. <span ss="editText">We have to provide an escort for the Duke<span ss="aiText">. That''s all we know," Knight Phn said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I wonder what the big deal is then<span ss="aiText">," Knight Harlowe asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">We''ll find out sooner orter... I''m just d we aren''t heading out across the kingdom to their domains. It would have taken days to get all of them to the pce<span ss="aiText">," Knight Phn said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah, we lucked out that they all came to the city for the prince''s party<span ss="aiText">," Knight Harlowe said.


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="userText">know... Let''s make this quick so we can go back to our boring patrol<span ss="aiText">s. I''d much rather do that than stand guard outside <span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText"> Noble''s room," Knight Phn said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aye." The other four knights agreed.


    <span ss="aiText">The group arrived at the gate of the manor.


    <span ss="aiText">"State your business,<span ss="editText"> Sir<span ss="aiText"> Knights!" The Guard at the gate said.


    <span ss="aiText">Knight Phn stepped forward, "We have been ordered to escort the Duke to the Pce for an emergency meeting. Open the gate!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, sir!" The guard said.


    <span ss="aiText">The Guards opened the gate, and the Knights went into the courtyard.


    <span ss="aiText">The Knights reached the end of the courtyard where the main door to the manor was and they waited for a few minutes<span ss="editText"> until<span ss="userText"> a butler came hurrying out<span ss="aiText"> of the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hello, sir knights. M<span ss="userText">ay I ask why you havee here to his lordship''s home at this time of night," asked Belial<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">We are here to deliver a message to the Duke. The King has ordered an emergency meeting of the Thirteen Great Noble Houses." Phn<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">An emergency meeting? Do you know what it''s for?<span ss="aiText"> His lordship has retired for the night." Belial asked<span ss="editText"> with a raised brow<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">We are only to deliver the message and to be the escort <span ss="userText">for the Duke," Phn said as Harlowe handed the butler<span ss="aiText"> a scroll with the Royal Seal.


    <span ss="aiText">Belial looked at the seal<span ss="userText"> and opened it<span ss="aiText"> up. He read the message and frowned.


    <span ss="userText">The knights were curious about what was in the<span ss="aiText"> message but it wasn''t their ce to ask.


    <span ss="aiText">Belial looked at the Knights<span ss="userText">, "I''ll tell his Lordship<span ss="aiText"> the news."


    <span ss="aiText">The Butler hurried inside while the Knights were left waiting in the cold.


    <span ss="userText">Harlowe looked at Phn and the other knights with a look of "What the hell is his<span ss="aiText"> problem?"


    <span ss="userText">"Friendly guy<span ss="aiText">, huh?" Harlowe said<span ss="userText"> with a sarcastic tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Who the hell is that anyway?" Phn asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">T<span ss="aiText">he Duke''s personal butler<span ss="editText">... I think his name is, Belial?<span ss="aiText">" Knight Derrick said.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t like him, but it''s not my ce to question the Nobility. As long as they pay my sry and give me a title, then I''ll be a happy knight," Phn said.


    <span ss="userText">The others nodded as they waited for the Duke.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Belial was hurrying through the manor to the Duke''s study<span ss="aiText">. He knocked on the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"My lord! The Knights of the Crown havee to the Manor," Belial said.


    <span ss="userText">ric was sitting at his desk reading a book<span ss="aiText"> when he heard the knocking.


    <span ss="aiText">"What are they here for?" ric asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"My Lord, the King has called for an emergency meeting of the Thirteen Great Noble Houses."


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke''s face darkened <span ss="userText">as he closed his book and looked at the door where Belial was waiting for permission to<span ss="aiText"> enter.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Come,<span ss="aiText">" ric said<span ss="userText"> as he put his book down and stood up from his couch.


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke was in his nightgown<span ss="userText"> as Belial walked into the room and handed him the<span ss="aiText"> scroll with the royal seal<span ss="editText"> already broken<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">ric took the scroll <span ss="userText">with the broken seal at looked at Belial with a<span ss="aiText"> raised brow.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I was making sure it wasn''t<span ss="aiText"> a forgery, my Lord," Belial said.


    <span ss="aiText">ric looked at the scroll and read the message.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Strange? I thought we had a couple of decades before thebyrinth stampede was supposed to happen<span ss="editText">.<span ss="aiText">" ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t say, My Lord<span ss="editText">. But it seems the Dwarf can''t handle it,<span ss="aiText">" Belial said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Baron Coldforge is a fool... But maybe this is a blessing in disguise. We could rid those damn dwarves<span ss="aiText"> from this kingdom forever." ric said with a sinister grin.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Lord. Shall I get you ready?" Belial asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. Bring me <span ss="userText">my best<span ss="aiText"> clothes," ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">"And the other items, My Lord?" Belial asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">No, my proper attire will be<span ss="aiText"> more than enough," ric said as he tossed the message into the firece and watched the note burn.


    <span ss="aiText">Belial nodded and went into the Duke''s bedroom.


    <span ss="aiText">ric was left alone in the study, "<span ss="userText">So, I just need to find a way to dy their aid and<span ss="aiText"> wait for thebyrinth''s monster stampede to crush those dwarves.<span ss="userText">.. Too bad there are human civilians living in the city of Ironside but there<span ss="aiText"> is nothing that can be done about that."


    <span ss="aiText">ric looked up to the ceiling with a wicked smile on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I guess it will be the Great Twelve Houses of Fiafyr<span ss="aiText"> in due time." ric chuckled.


    "Now I need to find a way to weaken Duval''s hold on the six of the Great Houses. I hate how that bastard has the majority to push out his agenda with very little consequence... Soon I will be Prime Minister and secure my son''s rightful ce once that boy has been taken care of."


    <span ss="userText">It didn''t take long for Belial toe back<span ss="aiText"> with a fine suit of clothes and a small bag.<span ss="userText"> And in no time the Duke was ready to meet his escort<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Let''s not keep the King waiting," ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, My Lord<span ss="editText">. I''ll summon the carriage<span ss="aiText">," Belial said.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="userText">The five knights<span ss="aiText"> and the<span ss="editText"> assistant <span ss="userText">butler <span ss="aiText">waited in the courtyard of the Manor for the Duke toe out.


    <span ss="aiText">It didn''t take long, and the Duke exited the Manor with his Butler at his side.


    <span ss="aiText">The knights bowed, and the Duke didn''t even acknowledge them.


    <span ss="userText">"This better not be a joke, gentlemen<span ss="aiText">. I don''t appreciate being disturbed during the night." The Duke said with an annoyed tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"It is no joke, Duke <span ss="editText">Revelia<span ss="aiText">. Please allow us to escort you to the pce," Phn said as he bowed.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, I''m taking my carriage... Try and keep<span ss="aiText"> up," ric said with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">Belial got a carriage from the stables.


    <span ss="aiText">"My Lord, <span ss="userText">we are ready<span ss="aiText">," Belial said.


    <span ss="aiText">The Knights were getting a little tired of the attitude that the Duke was showing them<span ss="userText"> as he got in the horse-drawn carriage<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Let''s go, and hurry," the Duke said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, My Lord."


    <span ss="userText">And with that, they sped off leaving the five knights behind.


    <span ss="userText">"Haa... Why were we ordered not to take the horses again?<span ss="aiText">..." <span ss="editText">Harlowe<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">"It was the <span ss="editText">General''s <span ss="aiText">order... But, I don''t like it either." <span ss="editText">Phn<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="userText">"Did we do something to piss the General off? I mean all the other knights had horses," Derrick said.


    <span ss="userText">"The fuck if I<span ss="aiText"> know. Let''s just get this shit over with," Phn said.


    <span ss="userText">Phn looked at his men and they all nodded.


    <span ss="userText">"Alright, let''s try and catch up to the carriage.<span ss="aiText"> I don''t want to get yelled at by the General," Phn said.


    <span ss="aiText">The Knights jogged down the streets after the carriage, hoping to arrive at the pce before it. Feeling like idiots as the Duke was no longer in sight once it made a turn.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Duke ric''s carriage was flying through the streets of Tairal. Thanks to them being empty<span ss="aiText"> there was no problem.


    <span ss="aiText">The driver was a skilled one and knew how to push the horses and carriage.


    <span ss="aiText">But the only problem was that it was a little bumpy<span ss="userText"> going at these speeds on cobblestone<span ss="aiText"> roads.


    <span ss="aiText">ric wasn''tining though. In fact, he was grinning.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">I need to y my cards right and I will rid myself of one less nuisance... Arathar Coldforge will be nothing but a forgotten note<span ss="aiText"> in history,'' ric thought.


    <span ss="aiText">As the Duke''s carriage was nearing the <span ss="userText">pce gates<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">ric noticed eleven other carriages of the other Noble Great Houses<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Seems that we''re thest ones<span ss="userText"> to arrive<span ss="aiText">. Hopefully, the King isn''t angry," Belial said from the driver''s seat.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Pfft! My brother wouldn''t dare<span ss="aiText"> do anything. He knows he needs me more than I need him," ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">They were allowed in the gates and the guards told the Duke to report to the main throne room.


    <span ss="aiText">"It seems you will have an audience, my Lord," Belial said with a small chuckle<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Like always... Rest the horses... It might be a long night<span ss="aiText">," ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">The Belial stopped the carriage at the stables.


    <span ss="aiText">"Shall <span ss="editText">I<span ss="aiText"> wait here with the carriage?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yes<span ss="aiText">. Wait for me and I''ll send for the carriage when I''m done. I will call upon you if I need your help," ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">"As youmand, My Lord," Belial said as he bowed.


    <span ss="userText">''Belial is the best butler a noble could have<span ss="aiText">... And he is a very good actor.<span ss="editText"> But he''s acting too independenttely. I need to correct that behavior before it''s toote,<span ss="aiText">'' ric thought as he left the carriage.


    <span ss="aiText">He walked up to the pce and the guards immediately opened the doors for him.

 Vol.0 Ch.140 There’s a Traitor Among Us

    Vol.0 Ch.140 There��s a Traitor Among Us


    <span ss="userText">Upon entering the Royal Pce<span ss="aiText">, Duke ric Revelia was greeted by the royal knights, and he was escorted into the main throne room.


    <span ss="userText">Everything was much quieter than when the pce was bustling with Prince Quinus''s party earlier that<span ss="aiText"> evening.<span ss="userText"> But with theck of<span ss="aiText"> people andmotion, the silence was almost haunting.


    <span ss="aiText">ric''s footsteps echoed throughout the halls, and he had a frown on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Time to make my presence<span ss="aiText"> known,'' ric thought as he entered the throne room.


    ***


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre, Queen Rianna, and the nobles were already present<span ss="userText"> with Earl Nathaniel Valerian and Baron Johnathan Dule by their side.


    <span ss="userText">Earl Nathaniel Valerian is Cyndre''s best friend and his domain is to the north of the capital. Also known as the fertilends of Aurora ins. His territory is one of the richest domains in all of Fiafyr.


    <span ss="userText">Baron Johnathan Dule, on the other hand, is a Baron who rules over the western domain called Eder Hills. He is Cyndre''s friend and has a close friendship with Earl Nathaniel as well. His territory is mostly hills and had the Eldermyst Woods, a forest located in the northwest part of his domain. And his territory bordered the Galfrei Range which is ruled by Baron Arathar Coldforge. With the help of the purple g, he was able to grow crops that Eder Hills normally couldn''t.


    <span ss="userText">Johnathan was a little younger than the King and had a young son who was the same age as the Duke''s son.


    <span ss="userText">Then there was Marquess Duval Wrightwood and his group of allies. They were all loyal to the King, but Duval was the one who had the most sway over them. Especially, when he was able to make a few deals to secure Baron Thaddeus Windermere and Baroness Ysandra Fairchild. With them, he was able to be the Prime Minister before Cyndre took over the Kingdom once his father passed away.


    <span ss="userText">Duval also had Count Sebastian Ingham, Viscount Octavius ckwood, Baron Eamon Stirling, and Baron Caldorian Montir as his closest allies.


    <span ss="userText">They were known as ''Duval''s Nobles'' and went along with Duval''s agenda even if they were loyal to the King. Once Duval became the Prime Minister, he was able to appoint all his allies to a majority of the ministry positions. Duval appointed Count Sebastian Ingham as the Minister of Foreign Rtions and Viscount Octavius ckwood as the Minister of Agriculture. Baron Eamon Stirling was in charge of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce and Baron Caldorian Montir was the Minister of Justice.


    <span ss="userText">Duval won over Baroness Ysandra Fairchild''s support when he promised to give her the Minister of Education. It was a position that Baron Alistair Dravenhart used to hold in the past when Earl Nathaniel Valerian''s father was the Prime Minister. But when the Marquess convinced her that it would help the Baroness and her people, she was convinced.


    <span ss="userText">Once the Baroness joined to give Duval the slight majority, Baron Thaddeus joined in with his support of Duval in the hopes of getting some benefits as well. Not wanting to be left behind.


    <span ss="userText">The territory that Marquess Duval Wrightwood ruled over was the southeast region. It was where the city of Everton thergest city in Berger Domain, secondrgest city in all of Fiafyr. The Duke knew that he couldn''t gain control of the Higher Court and decided to gain as many supporters within the cities around Fiafyr. Buying out as many governors and mayors as he could within the kingdom was the key to his sess. It was his only y to undermine Duval''s hold on the kingdom.


    <span ss="userText">Then there were the Duke''s strongest supporters and friends. Viscount William Lysander and Baron Alistair Dravenhart, their territories were located in the east and the northeast of the kingdom. Their territories were close together, and they were friends for a long time and they controlled the coastline of the kingdom.


    ***


    <span ss="userText">"My, my... It''s good to see you again, Duke Revelia," Duval said with an annoyed tone when he saw ric walking towards him.


    <span ss="userText">ric red at him, his eyes narrowed in anger as he held back the urge to insult him as he needed to y his cards right for this to work.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, I did miss you at my nephew''s party. I guess we were too busy like always, Marquess Wrightwood," ric greeted with a stoic face. He was doing well not to show the Marquess his displeasure of being around him.


    <span ss="userText">He would not call that bastard his friend. But it was a lie he had to say to gain support and the others would believe him if he was acting sincere enough.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval just smirked, "Oh, that is so true. There are a lot of things going on with my territory, you see. It takes a lot of time and effort to take care of those things.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">''Pff! Like selling the prince''s hand to the Divine Three''s whore of a girl... You fool! Always looking at the problems of today and never ying the long game. He''s too<span ss="aiText"> stupid to notice the dangers ahead of us to be the Prime Minister. I was too young to get your friends to join me. But I have age on my side Duval... And one day I''ll be the Prime Minister and get my son on the throne!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I am quite familiar with such issues," ric said with a nod.


    <span ss="aiText">''And my biggest problem is the one standing in front of me...''


    <span ss="userText">*Bang! Bang! Bang!*


    <span ss="userText">King Cyndre<span ss="aiText"> hit the throne with his staff as he looked at his older brother, the Duke.


    <span ss="aiText">"Enough. I didn''t call you here for pleasantries," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">"My apologies, <span ss="editText">Your M<span ss="aiText">ajesty," <span ss="editText">Duval <span ss="aiText">said as he kneeled.<span ss="userText"> "You''re right. We need to discuss this issue of the monster stampede in the west<span ss="aiText">ward mountain range. What are we going to do?"


    <span ss="userText">*Bang!*


    <span ss="userText">The King<span ss="aiText"> mmed his staff on the throne again as<span ss="userText"> General Kane came walking out with 30 knights into<span ss="aiText"> the room.


    <span ss="userText">Duval and his allies, as well as ric and<span ss="aiText"> his friends, all <span ss="userText">looked at the Knights with<span ss="aiText"> curious expressions.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">First of all, I lied about the monster stampede to<span ss="aiText"> get you all here," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">Everyone except ric looked shocked and a bit confused.


    <span ss="aiText">''So, that was a ruse? Interesting, I didn''t think <span ss="editText">my brother could<span ss="aiText"> pull off such a thing.<span ss="userText">''


    <span ss="userText">Duval was a<span ss="aiText"> bit irritated and spoke up, "So you''re telling me that you interrupted my sleep just for a little gathering?! Your Majesty, what is your reason for doing such a thing?"


    <span ss="aiText">*Bang!<span ss="userText">*


    <span ss="userText">The throne room echoed<span ss="aiText"> with the noise, "I did this to get you all together because there <span ss="editText">is a <span ss="aiText">traitor among us!"


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre shouted, and everyone was in shock.


    <span ss="aiText">"Traitor? What do you mean, Your Majesty?"<span ss="userText"> Count Sebastian Ingham<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my liege. How can there be a traitor among us, we''re all loyal to the throne," Viscount Octavius ckwood agreed.


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre looked at <span ss="userText">his older brother barely holding back his look of disdain.


    <span ss="userText">"Why don''t you tell us brother<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText"> After all, it was you that <span ss="editText">hired an assassin to kill my son<span ss="aiText">." King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">Duke ric<span ss="editText">''s <span ss="userText">face turned pale, while his two allies came to his defense<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Majesty, you''re wrong. ric would never do such a thing, he''s your brother and your most trusted friend," Viscount William Lysander said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I agree with Lord Lysander, Your Majesty. Why would Lord ric wish for Prince Quinus'' death? Is it not true that the Duke loves his nephew? He would never do something like this," Baron Alistair Dravenhart said.


    <span ss="userText">Duval and his allies were dumbfounded<span ss="aiText">. They were not expecting something like this to happen, and it was not a situation they wanted to deal with.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">How!? How did that assassin fail!? I-I need to find a way to prevent my brother''s wrath<span ss="aiText"> from falling on me. Otherwise, I will lose everything I worked so hard for,'' ric thought.


    <span ss="aiText">But the King was not finished.


    <span ss="aiText">"Do you really expect me to believe that, Dravenhart? <span ss="userText">Not only did he have an assassin in my pce but he also had loyalists working as servants<span ss="aiText"> here as well," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">This new information was even more shocking.


    <span ss="userText">Marquess Duval started panicking. He never trusted ric but he never thought he would go this far in his<span ss="aiText"> own ambitions.


    <span ss="aiText">"Brother, you must be mistaken. I would never do something like that. These are just baseless rumors, and I know that you wouldn''t believe them," Duke ric pleaded.


    <span ss="userText">King Cyndre looked<span ss="aiText"> at the man he once trusted but now was not so sure.


    <span ss="userText">Marquess Duval jumped in.


    <span ss="userText">"Your Majesty. How did you find this assassin and loyalists? Could this not be some plot to tear our country apart?<span ss="aiText"> I believe we should find out more and not act rashly," Duval said in a calm tone.


    <span ss="userText">Duval knew that ric had almost most of the governors in his pocket and his two allies controlled the sea line. There would be uprisings across the whole kingdom if ric were <span ss="aiText"beled a traitor.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">So you are aiding my brother too, Duval?" King Cyndre said with anger in his<span ss="aiText"> voice.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval was taken aback, he didn''t think that the King woulde to such a conclusion.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No, Your Majesty. I <span ss="userText">and the rest of the nobles would like to see this evidence<span ss="aiText"> first before jumping to conclusions," Duval said<span ss="userText"> as he tried to keep a calm presence about him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Majesty, it is not that I don''t believe you but the Marquess does have a point. It would be better if we could find out how much truth there is in these ims before acting rashly," <span ss="userText">Baron Eamon Stirling<span ss="aiText"> added as he was trying to help the Prime Minister.


    <span ss="aiText">T<span ss="userText">he Queen grabbed Cyndre''s hand<span ss="aiText">, and he calmed down.


    <span ss="userText">"Huh? Oh... Thank you<span ss="aiText">, my love. It seems you have a good head on your shoulders, Baron. And the Marquess has a point. <span ss="editText">So, General Kane. Please tell them the events of tonight<span ss="aiText">," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">The general nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"As you wish, Your Majesty," General Kane said.


    <span ss="aiText">The General stepped forward and exined the events that transpired during the ball and what led to the assassination attempt.


    <span ss="userText">"So, during that time three people died before Lady Wina and Sir Mathew were able to stop these three assassins<span ss="aiText">," General Kane exined.


    <span ss="aiText">Everyone''s faces turned pale as they heard about the events that almost led to the prince''s death and were filled with shock.<span ss="userText"> ric was sweating bullets as he heard that his own assassin hade in to save his nephew whom he wanted dead.


    <span ss="userText">Marquess Duval was to speak, "So, the assassin that was hired as the Royal Wet Nurse was the one to save the prince<span ss="aiText">''s life."


    <span ss="aiText">General Kane nodded, "Yes. That is correct."


    <span ss="aiText">"What happened to her, General?" Marquess Duval asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"After Lady Wina<span ss="userText"> confessed to the Queen. She told us about the loyalists who were working inside the pce as footmen and maids. We brought them in for interrogation. That''s where me, the King, and Earl Nathaniel witnessed their confessions in aiding<span ss="aiText"> the Duke," General Kane exined.


    <span ss="userText">Duval was trying to think of something that wouldn''t get ric executed or expelled<span ss="aiText"> from the kingdom. <span ss="userText">If he hadn''t let ric gain major control over<span ss="aiText"> the governors<span ss="editText"> and if his friends didn''t control vital seaports<span ss="aiText">, then he would have nothing to worry about.<span ss="userText"> But if a civil war were to start. He feared that the Kingdom of Marn and the Divine Three would try to invade as soon as <span ss="editText">possibl<span ss="aiText">e.


    <span ss="aiText">''No, no, no, no, no! If a civil war were to break out, then the other two kingdoms would try and take us while we are weak. Then our only hope would be for the Holy Kingdom of Chalced to aid us, but I doubt they would risk their alliance with the Divine Three. This is bad. I need to convince the King that <span ss="editText">he shouldn''t kill his brother! But how<span ss="aiText">,'' Duval thought.


    <span ss="userText">"So, I''ll ask it again. Was it worth it brother? Was it worthing after my boy?" King Cyndre said with<span ss="aiText"> a cold toneing from his mouth.


    <span ss="aiText">ric had a solemn face<span ss="userText"> while his mind was going a thousand miles a minute.


    <span ss="aiText">''Damn! How did thingse to this?!'' ric thought.


    <span ss="userText">All he could do was beg for<span ss="aiText"> his life and hope his brother would forgive him.<span ss="userText"> So he walked towards the steps to the throne as the general positioned himself in<span ss="aiText"> front of the King and Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Your majesty, p-please forgive me. I was <span ss="editText">a fool, <span ss="aiText">blinded by ambition<span ss="userText"> to see my son on the throne... I never meant to hurt you��"


    <span ss="userText">"YOU NEVER INTENDED TO HURT ME!? YOUR HEAD WOULD BE ON A PIKE IF IT WASN''T FOR YOUR ASSASSIN SAVING MY SON!" King Cyndre roared as he stood up from his throne. Seeing his brother cower<span ss="aiText">ing in front of him only made him sick.


    <span ss="userText">Cyndre continued, "Thank the Goddess and the fates that Lady Wina was more loyal to my family than<span ss="aiText"> you, ric! She and Mathew saved my boy''s life. And all I can think is if she didn''te when she did, my boy would have been dead<span ss="editText">..<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> I''ve never felt so betrayed in all my life.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">The room fell into silence.


    <span ss="userText">''The fates! THE FATES! Why must<span ss="aiText"> it always be the fates?! Damnit all, damn them all!'' ric screamed in his mind.


    <span ss="aiText">There was only one option.<span ss="userText"> It loathed him to do such an act but he<span ss="aiText"> had no choice.


    <span ss="userText">ric went on his knees in front of everyone<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please, brother. Let me repent for my crimes against your house and the kingdom. Let me be punished in a manner that suits the crime," ric begged.


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre didn''t have a reaction to his brother''s pleas<span ss="userText">. While all the other nobles <span ss="userText">had mixed<span ss="aiText"> emotions. Some were shocked, others were pleased, and others were not happy at all.


    <span ss="aiText">Marquess Duval <span ss="editText">was panicking while <span ss="aiText">his supporters had looks of displeasure and disgust. While King Cyndre''s supporters looked satisfied and hopeful.<span ss="userText"> But ric''s<span ss="aiText"> strongest allies had looks of despair<span ss="editText"> and anger<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">King Cyndre was done with this<span ss="aiText"> whole charade and needed to finish this.<span ss="userText"> All he wanted to do was pass down his judgment. And just as he was about to speak Marquess Duval quickly stepped in.

 Vol.0 Ch.141 Execution is Too Quick

    Vol.0 Ch.141 Execution is Too Quick


    <span ss="userText">"Your Majesty!"<span ss="aiText"> Duval shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">Cyndre red at him, "Marquess, you dare interrupt me?!"


    <span ss="aiText">Duval was afraid of the King''s anger but still tried to persuade him, "Please, your Majesty.<span ss="userText"> I know your brother has wronged you and the kingdom with such an act but don''t you think that execution is a bit excessive?"


    <span ss="userText">Queen Rianna<span ss="aiText"> and General Kane looked at the Marquess with distaste.


    <span ss="userText">"You think that hiring an assassin right under our nose is<span ss="aiText"> a minor thing, Duval? You truly are a fool, a bigger fool than <span ss="editText">I thought<span ss="aiText">," Queen Rianna said with a disgusted tone.


    <span ss="aiText">The Marquess bowed his head, "I am not saying that it''s not a crime, Your Majesty.<span ss="userText"> But if it wasn''t for the Duke''s ill-advised<span ss="aiText"> action <span ss="userText">then this other group of assassins would have killed our prince<span ss="aiText">. So, in the end, the Duke was the one that prevented the assassination of the prince."


    <span ss="userText">ric''s head snapped up and looked over at Duval.


    <span ss="userText">''He''s trying to save me? What''s his angle<span ss="aiText">?'' ric thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">So you are suggesting that I give my brother a pat on the back for failing to hire an assassin who<span ss="aiText"> decided not to go through with her contract? Then forgive him when he had the gall to say sorry for it?! Are you insane, Duval!?" King Cyndre shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval shook his head and tried to reason with the King, "No, no, no.<span ss="userText"> He deserves punishment, your Majesty. But I believe that executing him is<span ss="aiText"> too harsh and a bit too quick. <span ss="editText">And there''s another reason why he should be punished in a different way...<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="userText">Duval walked towards the King but Kane stopped him.


    <span ss="userText">"Why do you approach the King?<span ss="aiText"> Marquess," Kane said.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval looked at the general.


    <span ss="aiText">"Because I want to <span ss="userText">discuss my thoughts on how best to punish the Duke. And I don''t want ric to hear before His Majesty <span ss="editText">makes his final decision<span ss="aiText">," Duval said.


    <span ss="aiText">''What''s he nning?'' ric thought<span ss="userText"> as he was still kneeling on the ground. The hard tile was making<span ss="aiText"> his knees ache, but he didn''t dare to move in hopes of buying more time to think.


    <span ss="aiText">Kane was reluctant and looked over at the King. Cyndre nodded, and Kane allowed Duval to approach.<span ss="userText"> Queen Rianna didn''t sit idly by as she stood up and walked over to her husband''s side so she could hear what this fool was going to say.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, what is it, Marquess?" King Cyndre asked in an impatient tone.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval <span ss="userText">moved in so he could whisper<span ss="aiText">, "Your Majesty, <span ss="userText">I would agree with you that ric should be executed for his acts against you and the royal family��"


    <span ss="userText">"Then why do you say otherwise in front of everyone<span ss="aiText"> else, Duval?" Queen Rianna<span ss="editText"> hissed under her breath as she <span ss="aiText">cut<span ss="editText"> him<span ss="aiText"> off.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval looked over at the queen.


    <span ss="aiText">"I didn''t mean to offend, Your Majesty. If you give me a moment, I will get to that part," Duval <span ss="userText">said in a calm quiet<span ss="aiText"> tone.


    <span ss="userText">He turned to look at ric kneeling<span ss="aiText"> on the ground<span ss="userText"> about ten feet away.


    <span ss="aiText">''Don''t you dare, Duval<span ss="editText">? I don''t know what you are saying. But I have an idea what you are nning and I don''t care how long it takes. But I will get my vengeance, even if it takes me the rest of my life!<span ss="aiText">'' ric thought.


    <span ss="userText">Duval turned back to the King and Queen as he continued, "Your brother has used his money and influence to buy a majority of the minor lords of Fiafyr. Plus his two friends own the coastline of our great kingdom. And if he were executed, I fear we would have uprisings across<span ss="aiText"> the country, which would lead to the other human kingdoms taking advantage of this turmoil and invade our borders, if given the chance."


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna <span ss="userText">became<span ss="aiText"> a little more irritated<span ss="userText"> while King Cyndre clutched his fists so tightly that his knuckles began to turn white. He was cursing himself for not listening to his council''s concerns<span ss="aiText"> about ric''s actions, years ago. <span ss="editText">He was his brother and felt sorry for him so he always turned a blind eye to <span ss="userText">all of his actions and now he is paying for it.


    <span ss="aiText">"What are you proposing, Marquess," <span ss="editText">King Cyndre <span ss="aiText">said through gritted teeth.


    <span ss="userText">Duval cleared his throat<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I think the best course of action would be to <span ss="userText">punish him financially. Have him forfeit arge sum of money from his<span ss="aiText"> assets, <span ss="editText">and <span ss="aiText">strip him <span ss="editText">and his son <span ss="aiText">of <span ss="editText">their<span ss="aiText"> title<span ss="userText">. His allies probably won''t like him getting demoted too far down but Marcus should be stripped of any chance of being a possible heir if something were to happen to the Prince. And hopefully, we can get these minor nobles to abandon him over time. By using ric''s own money to buy them back<span ss="aiText">," Duval whispered.


    <span ss="userText">Cyndre let what<span ss="aiText"> the Marquess says sink in.


    <span ss="aiText">"So you seem to agree with this form of punishment, Your Majesty?" Duval asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Only if<span ss="userText"> we make one stiption<span ss="aiText">," Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval sighed out in relief when the King was going to agree with him. And he was willing to ept almost anything the King was going to add.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, your Majesty, what would it be," Duval said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">If there''s another assassination attempt on my son''s life. Then you and ric will have to face execution. Even if he wasn''t the one to order it.<span ss="aiText"> Understand," Cyndre said in a low voice.


    <span ss="userText">Queen Rianna wasn''t happy about leaving ric alive but she liked her husband''s way of thinking.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval''s body was shaking from the intense pressure.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-y-yes, your Majesty<span ss="editText">. I''ll make it my top priority to make sure no one from ric''s allies, to our neighboring enemies, dares to try to pull something like this again<span ss="aiText">," Duval said.


    <span ss="aiText">The two then separated.


    <span ss="userText">"Alright, I''ve made a decision," King Cyndre said loudly so the rest<span ss="aiText"> of the nobles could hear.


    <span ss="aiText">Everyone waited in anticipation.<span ss="userText"> While ric was worrying about his own fate.


    <span ss="aiText">"Due to my brother''s crimes, I, King Cyndre of the Kingdom of Fiafyr, will <span ss="userText">take 50 percent of<span ss="aiText"> his holdings and <span ss="userText">will require a 75 percent raise in all taxes and tributes for the next ten years,"<span ss="aiText"> Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">Many gasped, especially ric''s allies.


    <span ss="userText">ric bowed his head, "That is a just punishment<span ss="aiText">, brother. I dly ept the<span ss="userText">��"


    <span ss="userText">"I''m not done."


    <span ss="aiText">ric stopped.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Your title will no longer be Arch Duke<span ss="aiText">, you will be Duke <span ss="userText">while your son will be demoted to Earl."


    <span ss="userText">"But brother!" ric tried to interject.


    <span ss="userText">"I changed my mind! Marcus will be given the title of Viscount while only getting one-third of the Divalo domain and will no longer be considered a possible heir to the throne<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Majesty! That''s too much, I''m begging you!"


    <span ss="aiText">ric''s face turned red and he looked like his eyes were about to burst from his brother''s harsh judgment.


    <span ss="userText">"You dare say this is too much!? You have no idea how disappointed I am with you, ric. You are my brother and I loved you, but you were always ambitious and greedy. Always wanting more power andnd. You are lucky that you are alive. If you ever try to do something like this again, then not even the Goddess herself will stop me from sending Lady Wina to<span ss="aiText"> cut off your head," Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">ric looked like he was <span ss="editText">punched in the gut while his<span ss="aiText"> eyes started watering up, and he had a pitiful look on his face.


    <span ss="userText">"This is a warning to anyone else who wants toe after my son... The assassin that has better judgment and loyaltypared to my brother will be protecting the prince until hees of age. And if she has to take down another<span ss="aiText"> would<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">be assassin, then <span ss="userText">I will execute ric and<span ss="aiText"> anyone else who aids the assassin in any <span ss="aiText">way from the kingdom."


    <span ss="userText">The room became silent.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m giving you only one chance to repent ric... Don''t make me<span ss="aiText"> regret this," King Cyndre said as he<span ss="aiText">and Queen Rianna went back to their thrones and sat down.


    <span ss="aiText">"Guards, escort the Duke back to his estate and secure his coffers, so Lord Brice and his people can start processing the fine...<span ss="userText"> I want your payment in three days, brother. Don''t test my patience<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">You are all dismissed<span ss="aiText">," King Cyndre ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">Two soldiers approached ric and helped him stand up.


    <span ss="userText">''This can''t be happening! Everything I sacrificed<span ss="aiText"> and worked for was all for naught. All because of <span ss="userText">my rotten luck!... I swear I made it so Rianna couldn''t have been able to get pregnant! And even if she did, Quinus should have been deformed! But no! He was perfectly healthy!... My assassin should have killed him! Didn''t I pay her well?! My son deserves to be the next King! Why must everything I do to make things right<span ss="aiText"> always fail?!'' ric cursed.


    <span ss="aiText">All he could do was look down while walking back to his carriage.


    <span ss="aiText">''I<span ss="userText">''ve failed... Whatever chance I had is gone<span ss="aiText"> now. My son will never be the King. No matter what I do, he will never sit on the throne. There''s noing back from this. <span ss="userText">If there is a chance to let my nephew<span ss="aiText"> suffer the same fate, then I will take it<span ss="editText">. But I can''t go after him in the same way anymore. Damn the fates! You''ve bought me nothing but misery<span ss="aiText">,'' ric thought as tears slowly fell from his eyes.


    <span ss="userText">ric had ten knights and four guards<span ss="aiText"> escort him. His face was stoic but the redness and his puffy eyes gave away how he was truly feeling.


    <span ss="userText">Belial was waiting in the courtyard by the carriage and was concerned when he saw armed knights pushing and pulling the Duke toward his location<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"What''s the meaning of this!? You dare treat the Arch Duke of��"


    <span ss="userText">"Belial!" ric<span ss="aiText"> yelled.


    <span ss="userText">The butler was<span ss="aiText"> shocked to see his master yelling at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Do not make things worse for me, Belial," ric said in a calmer voice.


    <span ss="userText">"But what happened?"


    <span ss="userText">"He found out... She turned on us."


    <span ss="userText">Belial was speechless as ric got into his carriage and shut the door behind him. Two of the knights joined the duke when they entered on the other side of the carriage. The other eight knights got on their horses and were ready to go. Belial didn''t know what else to do besides getting in the driver''s seat.


    <span ss="userText">"Don''t try anything stupid, butler. Your master is in enough trouble as is," said Sir <span ss="userText">Harlowe<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Understood," Belial said.


    <span ss="aiText">As they were driving through the streets of Tairal. Belial, and ric both had their minds running a thousand miles a minute as they made their way back to the Divalo Manor.

 Vol.0 Ch.142 Paying for My Crimes

    Vol.0 Ch.142 Paying for My Crimes


    <span ss="userText">Under the watchful eyes of the Royal Knights, the Duke and Belial arrived back at the mansion with no incident<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">It was still the dead of night<span ss="aiText">, and most of the staff were asleep.


    <span ss="aiText">Only a few of his personal guards and a couple of maids were awake. The guards were at their posts and the maids were busy doing somete-night chores.


    <span ss="userText">Half of the knights that were watching over the Duke were the same knights that tried escorting ric to the pce earlier that night. <span ss="userText">Harlowe, Derrick, and Phn never thought they would be returning to the Divalo Manor <span ss="userText">after what happened. But when they were ordered to prevent ric from leaving the city because of treason. Some of them wanted some payback for humiliating them. While the other half of the Knights were led by the Captain of the Guards, Jeral. Just wanted to secure the manor for Lord Brice and his people.


    <span ss="userText">"Pff! So this piece of trash made us run all the way back to the pce<span ss="aiText"> only<span ss="userText"> for us to find out he was charged with treason? Oh! <span ss="editText">Maybe we should have him run all the way back to his manor just for fun,<span ss="aiText">" said <span ss="editText">Sir Harlowe as he red at the Duke<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"We were ordered to make sure he doesn''t run away. And secure his coffers for the King''s council. There won''t be any additional action required unless he doesn''t cooperate," Jeral dered to the angered knight.


    <span ss="userText">"I hope he tries something Sir Jeral. Because<span ss="aiText"> I''ve been dying to beat him into the dirt," said Harlowe.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re not the only one," Sir Derrick said.


    <span ss="userText">"Enough! Simply make sure to secure the manor and its staff. Nothing more, understand<span ss="aiText">," Jeralmanded.


    <span ss="aiText">The two knights sighed but agreed to do as they were advised.


    <span ss="userText">Jeral had his men establish a lookout outside the Duke''s Manor, and his main job was to keep an eye on the Duke''s activities.


    <span ss="userText">He was an older knight in histe forties. He had graying hair and had a short beard. He was an average-looking man, but his attitude made up for that.<span ss="aiText"> He was a man of integrity and didn''t take bribes or let the rich or nobility get away with breaking thew.


    <span ss="aiText">When the Duke''s carriage came through the front gates, Belial stopped the steeds and opened the door for his master.


    <span ss="aiText">"What are you hesitating for, Duke? Get out<span ss="editText"> and summon your entire staff outside the manor<span ss="aiText">," ordered Sir Jeral.


    <span ss="aiText">"What are you talking about?" ric asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Don''t y dumb with me. Get them out NOW!<span ss="aiText"> We''ll have a hard time if we have to force them all out of the manor. Make this easy for the both of us and call your people out," Sir Jeral said.


    <span ss="aiText">ric reluctantly stepped out of his carriage and sauntered over to the doors leading into his mansion.


    <span ss="userText">"Belial... Get everyone out of the manor, please<span ss="aiText">. Advise them not to resist, and just obey their orders," ric said.


    <span ss="userText">"Even your wife and children sir?"


    <span ss="aiText">ric hesitated for a moment.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Belial. Make certain they''re the first ones out," ric said.


    <span ss="userText">Belial wasn''t sure what to do, but he nodded and went to gather the staff.


    <span ss="userText">"Derrick,<span ss="aiText"> go with him," Jeral ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Sir Jeral," Derrick said and followed Belial into the manor.


    <span ss="aiText">Jeral had two of his men follow him and the Duke.<span ss="userText"> While the rest went around the perimeter<span ss="aiText"> of the manor to check for any vulnerable areas or possible escape routes.


    <span ss="aiText">ric took his guards and knights inside the manor with him.


    <span ss="userText">Belial went through every room and gathered all of his servants before getting her lordship, Duchess Leandra, and her children.


    <span ss="userText">Sara was fearful but held<span ss="aiText"> her little <span ss="editText">sister, Eleanora,<span ss="aiText">close to her.<span ss="editText"> While Jemma followed near by her older sister.<span ss="aiText"> She was attempting to stay strong but was on the threshold of weeping.


    <span ss="userText">Marcus on the other hand was angered that he was forced out of slumber by the staff and demanded what<span ss="aiText"> was going on.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why are you forcing us out of the house!?" Marcus asked as he was being escorted outside.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please calm down, Master Marcus.<span ss="editText"> Your father will<span ss="aiText"> exin everything once we''re outside," Belial said.


    <span ss="userText">"Tch! First, he berated me at the party, and now this<span ss="aiText">. This is humiliating," Marcus said.


    <span ss="aiText">ric had everyone meet him in the front courtyard. His wife was holding their young daughter while his <span ss="editText">son <span ss="aiText">was ring at him.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">I never imagined I would see the day<span ss="aiText"> whe<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> my family would be humiliated like this. I can''t even look my children in the eyes,'' ric thought as he felt shame and dishonor.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">ric?... What''s going on? Why are the Royal Knights<span ss="aiText"> here?" Leandra asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">My gamble failed, Leandra. We are ordered to forfeit half of our money as retribution<span ss="aiText">," ric whispered.


    <span ss="aiText">Leandra and her children''s eyes widened.


    <span ss="aiText">"H-how could this happen," Leandra said.


    <span ss="aiText">"I was yed, dear. I thought I was the one pulling the strings, but I was a fool.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">"What was it that you failed at Father!?" Marcus demanded<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">ric was uncertain about informing him of the truth.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">My endeavor to get your cousin out of the way has failed... And you''ve been titled as the Viscount of Divalo."


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus was perplexed.<span ss="userText"> He was still a little too young to know the full<span ss="aiText"> extent of what happened tonight, but he knew that the King and his supporters had him demoted.


    <span ss="aiText">"That doesn''t make sense. How did we lose everything? How did I lose my title?<span ss="userText">Do you wish to make me suffer Father?! You keep advising me to be patient and now look what happened!<span ss="aiText"> Is this your doing father!?" Marcus shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">"I know it''s not eptable<span ss="userText">, Marcus! But life''s not fair! Everything was taken of us by the Fates and even when I tried my best the Fates kept<span ss="aiText"> mocking me and throwing all these obstacles in my path! I was blinded by my own purposes and I was a fool for thinking I could control them.<span ss="editText"> And we might have to acknowledge the reality that you will never be the King of Fiafyr.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">NO!"


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus couldn''t believe his father.


    <span ss="aiText">"You don''t have to like it, Marcus. But you will grow up to be a great noble and have your ownnd and people. You''ll get to live a long life, have a family of your own, and build your own legacy.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"NO! You said I will be the King, Father! That''s why you raised me to be the perfect sessor to the throne!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, ns change,<span ss="editText"> my<span ss="aiText"> son."


    <span ss="aiText">"Father..."


    <span ss="aiText">"You''ll have to learn to be humble, Marcus. That is the most important lesson you''ll need.<span ss="editText"> Even if it seems unfair.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"How can I be humble when my destiny has been taken from me?!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Life has its ways of testing you, my son."


    <span ss="userText">The 9-year-old stood there looking at his father in contempt.


    <span ss="userText">"So, you are saying that I must bow down to my cousin?"


    <span ss="userText">"He is the future heir, Marcus... I tried my best but<span ss="aiText"> there is no way we cane back from this," ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, that''s it? You''ve given up?! You want me to live my life as a lesser noble than my own cousin! When we have the same blood!? No! I will not ept it, Father! I will not let my life be wasted and forgotten! I will find a way to get the power and influence I need!<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">ric<span ss="aiText">nced at his son with sympathy and a bit of dissatisfaction.


    <span ss="aiText">''He doesn''t get it... <span ss="editText">And it''s my fault.<span ss="aiText"> He''s been raised to be the heir and he will have a hard time understanding that the world doesn''t revolve around<span ss="userText"> us anymore. All we can do is make my nephew''s life a little harder<span ss="aiText">, <span ss="userText">and hope that he is foolish and inept to be the next King. Maybe he might perish at the hands of a monster... But that''s looking more and more<span ss="aiText">doubtful. And now that Quinus has an assassin protecting him, he might actually be the next King.''


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus was irate. His father had just epted defeat and his entire future had just gone down the drain.


    <span ss="userText">"Father! Vow to me that when I exhibit that I''m a better<span ss="aiText"> man and a more capable leader. That I will be given my proper birthright. You are my father and you were supposed to teach me <span ss="editText">how to rule<span ss="aiText">. Promise me that you will make things right<span ss="editText"> and aid me when the time is right<span ss="aiText">. Don''t make me grovel before you like some peasant begging for scraps."


    <span ss="aiText">"Marcus, I��"


    <span ss="aiText">"Promise me!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright... I promise, my son. Once you''ve proven yourself, I will give you all the support<span ss="userText"> that I can... But promise me that you willy lower and let the events of my failure blow over."


    <span ss="aiText">"I will, Father. You will see."


    <span ss="aiText">ric looked at his wife who had a stern look on her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Leandra, I��"


    <span ss="aiText">"No. Not in front of the servants and guards, ric."


    <span ss="userText">It was then one of the Royal Knights came in<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is everyone here?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Sir. Everyone is present," Belial answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Give us a moment before. The Duke and his family will be allowed to retire back to your quarters.<span ss="userText"> Once Lord Bricees in to look over the gold that needs to be forfeited<span ss="aiText">, we will allow your staff to start their work. We''ll give you the time you need to prepare the funds. Once it''s ready we''ll be leaving. Do you understand?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I do, Sir<span ss="userText"> Knight<span ss="aiText">," ric answered.


    <span ss="aiText">The Knight nodded and went back outside.


    <span ss="aiText">ric turned to his family.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am sorry, everyone. This will not happen again. I''ve made a mistake and now I must pay for it.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Two of the knights who were watching over the verbal dispute between ric and Marcus couldn''t help but shake their heads.


    <span ss="userText">"That kid is going to be a pain in the ass<span ss="aiText">," said <span ss="editText">Sir Derrick<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Definitely," said the other.


    <span ss="aiText">"He''s going to get himself killed one of these days."


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re telling me... <span ss="userText">I''ll report this to the Generalter<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Too bad we can''t just take care of him right now... He''s lucky that his father is still alive after pulling that crap... Some people are born<span ss="aiText"> lucky, some are not."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yep."


    <span ss="aiText">The two Knights went back to their post as the night went on<span ss="userText"> before a few carriages came rolling up with Lord Brice and his people.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is everyone ready?" Lord Brice asked as he got out.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Lord Brice," one of the knights said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Let''s not waste any time," Lord Brice said as he walked past the knights<span ss="userText"> towards ric.


    <span ss="userText">"Duke Revelia... I''m hoping that you have all the paperwork detailing your finances<span ss="aiText">. We will have to check to see if you are telling the truth about what you''re worth. If you have lied to the King and his allies... Well, the consequences won''t be pleasant. So, let''s just make this painless for everyone and make the procedure a little easier. Shall we?" Lord Brice asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course," ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="aiText">The next day news started spreading all across the kingdom that Duke ric Revelia was charged with treason<span ss="editText">. He<span ss="aiText"> had lost <span ss="editText">half<span ss="aiText"> of his assets<span ss="userText"> and had to pay a 75 percent<span ss="aiText">tariff<span ss="editText">for the next ten years<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">The Kingdom of Fiafyr was shocked and the people were bewildered as to why the King <span ss="userText">was so merciful to his older brother.<span ss="aiText"> Some presumed that the King was merely ying with his brother. While others presumed that Duke Revelia was given a lighter sentence because he was a part of the royal family.


    <span ss="aiText">The people <span ss="editText">who<span ss="aiText"> worked for the Duke were shocked and <span ss="userText">some started distancing themselves from him. While others continued to support him from the shadows.


    <span ss="userText">Lord Brice was able to empty half of his coffers<span ss="aiText"> and left <span ss="editText">the <span ss="aiText">Duke''s manor feeling satisfied and confident that the Duke would not dare to make another attempt on the heir''s life.


    <span ss="aiText">Duke Revelia was left feeling bitter, and the people under his employ were worried that their livelihoods would be affected by the recent turn of events.


    <span ss="userText">He was sitting in his study the next day glimpsing out the window to observe a beautiful sunny day. It was as if the whole world was taunting him<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Tch!... I wish it was raining<span ss="aiText">, and the sky was full of dark clouds and thunder. How fitting for the mood I''m in. Damn the Fates!''


    <span ss="aiText">ric couldn''t believe he was defeated so easily. It was all he could think about sincest night.


    <span ss="userText">Belial knocked on the door of his master''s study.


    <span ss="userText">*Knock! Knock!*


    <span ss="userText">ric just stood there looking stoic. Still watching the world go by as he responded.


    <span ss="userText">"What is it Belial?<span ss="aiText">... Come in," ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">Belial slowly opened the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">The Knights have left the premises with Lord Brice, my Lordship. And luckily I made sure that he didn''t find the paperwork about the hidden coffers in Davilo ins."


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s good," ric said.


    <span ss="aiText">Belial was standing there feeling awkward.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is there something else, Belial?" ric asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, sir.<span ss="userText"> I thought you would be happy about<span ss="aiText"> the news. So why do you look like you''re grieving?"


    <span ss="aiText">ric was silent. He was just looking down at his desk.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">We can''t utilize that money Belial. Otherwise, we might get punished some more if my brother catches wind<span ss="aiText"> of it.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">"But I thought we could use it to retain most of the lower nobles<span ss="aiText"> on our side."


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="userText"> like the way you think, Belial... But we need to keep a low profile for the time being."


    <span ss="userText">Belial nodded his head and stood there still looking at his master.


    <span ss="userText">ric looked annoyed and asked, "Is there something else you like to discuss?"


    <span ss="userText">Belial bowed and said, "Yes, my Lord... Should I tell the Assassin''s Society that Wina Daz betrayed her client so she could be punished?<span ss="aiText"> Or should we have her in?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Let her go<span ss="userText"> for now... If we tell the Assassin''s Society that she breached her contract then they will send assassins to kill her."


    <span ss="userText">Belial looked confused, "Yes? And wouldn''t we want that, my Lord?"


    <span ss="userText">The Duke sighed, "She is now the main protector of my nephew and if an assassin tries to kill her with the Prince by her side then my brother will presume I requested another hit on my nephew''s life..."


    <span ss="aiText">"So, we are going to leave her alone, my <span ss="editText">L<span ss="aiText">ord?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Belial. For the time being. <span ss="userText">We most likely will need to wait until my nephewes of age and no longer needs her protection<span ss="aiText">. Then we can have her exterminated. But for now, <span ss="userText">leave her be<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Belial bowed<span ss="userText"> again and stood there looking at the Duke once more.


    <span ss="userText">"Out with it Belial... I want to be left alone!<span ss="aiText"> So, tell me what you have to say, and then get out."


    <span ss="aiText">Belial stood straight and looked at his lord.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I know, my Lord... But I received two messages. The first one was from Viscount Lysender and Baron Dravenhart. Asking to meet with you in five months in the usual location to<span ss="aiText"> discuss their future agendas."


    <span ss="aiText">ric smiled and said, "Good. I''m d that those two will still be working with me even after my defeat."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, and the other message was from<span ss="userText">... The Prime Minister... He wishes toe over for dinner<span ss="aiText"> tonight. Along with a few guests."


    <span ss="aiText">ric''s smile dropped and said, "<span ss="userText">So, he wishes to see me beg<span ss="aiText"> and grovel... I will not fall so low... Not for him... Not for the Fates. Not for anyone."


    <span ss="aiText">"Sir, <span ss="userText">it seems more like a demand than<span ss="aiText"> an invitation," Belial said.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">He thinks that I will bow down to him and thank him for stopping my execution? Oh... I''ve got another thing nned for you, you bastard! It was his idea to try and cripple me by taking away all of my<span ss="aiText"> wealth. I''m no fool to believe that it was the King''s decision. He was the one that advised my brother on the matter.''


    <span ss="aiText">"Tell the cooks that we will be having the Prime Minister for dinner tonight...<span ss="userText"> Make sure we use our ''Finest'' food we can offer to one so<span ss="aiText">incredible."


    <span ss="aiText">Belial smiled and left his master''s study.


    <span ss="aiText">"And if the Fates were so cruel to me, then I will just have to be cruel to them in return."


    <span ss="aiText">The Duke was the kind of man to hold grudges<span ss="userText">. He knew he couldn''t do anything to Duval yet. But he wanted to glimpse into the eyes of a predictable man who expected ric would bend the knee in order to gain some benefits back. It was his M.O.<span ss="aiText"> after all.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval Wrightwood was a man who <span ss="userText">got his support by giving the higher nobles what they wanted when their luck was down. And now it was ric''s turn to receive Duval''s benevolence<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''I hope he likes <span ss="editText">rotten <span ss="aiText">fish stew and stale bread.''


    <span ss="aiText">ric looked up and couldn''t help butugh about the opportunity to get back at the Prime Minister until he saw a ravennd on the windowsill.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Tch! A ck bird... <span ss="aiText">Maybe the Fates are mocking me again...<span ss="userText"> Whatever, I''m already down and I just need to be on my better behavior with only my brother and hispanions... Duval<span ss="aiText"> is nothingpared to them. Hell! He''s nobodypared to me!''


    <span ss="aiText">ric stood up and started wandering over to his office window<span ss="userText">. All he wanted was to be left alone, but it looked like he needed to entertain<span ss="aiText"> a few guests and masquerade like he was a grateful loser.


    <span ss="aiText">He couldn''t help but feel that his future would be bleak if he didn''t do anything to alter it.


    <span ss="userText">"Looks like I need to take a page out of the Divine Three''s ybook. I''ll need to start negotiating marriages for my daughters. Hopefully, I can get some influential foreign nobles to lend me their support<span ss="aiText"> and strength."


    <span ss="aiText">''I''ve been too stagnant, and I need to get a foothold and leverage that would allow me to have an upper hand. <span ss="userText">If I can''t get the throne for my son. Then perhaps I can help him be the Prime Minster instead."

 Vol.0 Ch.143 Duval’s Mistake

    Vol.0 Ch.143 Duval��s Mistake


    <span ss="userText">The day went by fast before Duval<span ss="aiText"> arrived<span ss="userText"> at the Divalo Manor with two of his closest allies, Count Sebastian Ingham and Viscount Octavius ckwood<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">ric was wearing his best attire and was waiting at the front entrance for his guests. He had a fake smile on his face as he saw the Marquess<span ss="editText">''s<span ss="aiText"> carriageing into the courtyard.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">The fool is here<span ss="aiText">... Time to <span ss="userText">see how long he can keep that fake smile of his<span ss="aiText"> up.''


    <span ss="aiText">As soon as the carriage stopped<span ss="editText">. A footman who was riding with the driver came down to open <span ss="aiText">the do<span ss="editText">or.<span ss="aiText"> Duval got out first and then helped his two allies out.


    <span ss="aiText">ric couldn''t help but feel the smugness radiate off of the three men.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your grace, you are looking <span ss="editText">surprisingly <span ss="aiText">well," Duval said as he approached the Duke.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">How could I not be? When you get a second chance at life you learn to<span ss="aiText"> appreciate it even more."


    <span ss="aiText">Duval shook his head and said, "You are a lucky man indeed<span ss="editText">. If I hadn''t swooped in. Who knows how the King would have paraded around your corpse.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">ricughed and said, "<span ss="userText">I must say, Marquess... I''m surprised you did that in the first ce... Wait, where are my manners? Let''s continue this conversation inside, shall we?<span ss="aiText"> I will not have my guests be neglected while standing outside in the cold."


    <span ss="userText">"Y-You seem more friendlier than normal, ric... You better not be nning<span ss="aiText"> anything<span ss="userText">, unsavory<span ss="aiText">," said Viscount Octavius ckwood in an uneasy voice. The Duke was acting simrly to the Viscount''s wife when she was furious at him. And it put him on edge.


    <span ss="aiText">ckwood is Duval''s right-hand man.


    <span ss="aiText">"What? Me? How could you use me of something so vile? And after all the work that Marquess Duval did to save me. The betrayal will kill me, Octavius.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"T-That''s enough, your Grace... My apologies, Lord ckwood. The Duke is simply happy to have his life spared." Duval said.


    <span ss="aiText">Viscount Octavius ckwood nods his head and then keeps quiet.


    <span ss="userText">"Well then... You can follow me, gentlemen. And Ingham? You can join our conversation if you like<span ss="aiText">. You were always the smart one of the bunch."<span ss="userText"> ric said with a fake smile.


    <span ss="userText">"I prefer to listen<span ss="aiText"> and observe." Count Sebastian Ingham said with a stoic look.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, you would, Sebastian.<span ss="editText"> One of these days I will get you to open up.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="userText">Ingham shook his head before the<span ss="aiText"> three men followed the Duke.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">ric led them inside and they started walking through the halls as the Marquess and his friendsmented on how beautiful the architecture and design were.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s a shame that it won''t be in your possession anymore, ric."


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh. Why is that, Marquess?"


    <span ss="userText">"I''m sure with theck of funds<span ss="aiText"> and assets. It will only be a matter of time before <span ss="editText">you have to sell off<span ss="aiText"> this manor."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">No... I believe I will be able to keep<span ss="aiText"> it for myself."


    <span ss="aiText">"That is doubtful. How will you pay the taxes? You lost 50% of your wealth and lost an additional 75% of your ie."


    <span ss="aiText">"I have plenty of assets I can sell off to make ends meet.<span ss="userText"> And if I must then I will cut my staff down to the<span ss="aiText"> minimum and live a modest lifestyle. Besides, I have other ways of making money."


    <span ss="aiText">The Marquess smiled and said, "Ah. You mean selling off the artifacts in the Revelia Treasury?<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">"You want my mother''s family heirloom? The Core Crystal Compass? I never knew you were interested in dungeon diving, Duval.<span ss="aiText"> But sadly, the artifact is not for sale."


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, I was never interested in it. I was just curious about its value.<span ss="userText">"


    ***


    <span ss="userText">The Duke and the other three men arrived<span ss="aiText"> in the dining room and sat down. The footmen came and ced a bowl of soup and some stale bread in front of each guest<span ss="userText"> except the Duke who had a nice steak with<span ss="aiText"> roasted potatoes and a sd.


    <span ss="userText">"I apologize for the food, gentlemen. You see the kingdom imed half of my<span ss="aiText"> assets and that includes my food storage. So, this is the best the cook could put together."<span ss="userText"> ric said with a smart-ass smirk.


    <span ss="userText">Duval looked at his allies before turning towards the Duke.


    <span ss="userText">"So, is the Duchess and your childrening to join us as well<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">No. They had more important things to do than entertain three<span ss="aiText"> old fools."


    <span ss="aiText">The Marquess was silent for a few seconds and looked like he was offended by what the Duke had said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well... <span ss="userText">I guess it''s better to<span ss="aiText"> have a serious discussion with no distractions."


    <span ss="userText">ric cut a small piece of his steak<span ss="aiText"> and took a bite before saying, "<span ss="userText">So, you wish to have a serious discussion with me<span ss="aiText">. Is that why you brought your allies here with you?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course. They are my most trusted friends. And <span ss="userText">we came here in order to help you in your<span ss="aiText"> time of need."


    <span ss="userText">Duke ric burst outughing<span ss="aiText"> and then stopped to say, "My time of need? Hah! <span ss="userText">Wasn''t it you who advised my brother to weaken me<span ss="aiText"> financially<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">The Marquess didn''t flinch or show any difort.


    <span ss="userText">The Duke continued, "You know... I was racking my brain trying to find out why on the Goddess''s green Tertius you woulde in and stop my brother from executing me... And it finally came to me... You were worried that an uprising would ur<span ss="aiText">. Isn''t that right, Duval?"


    <span ss="aiText">Marquess Duval stayed calm and responded, "Of course<span ss="editText"> not<span ss="aiText">, I didn''t want to see your head rolling in the mud, ric. We may have our disagreements, but you are of royal blood. Your father would have been disappointed in me if I-<span ss="userText">"


    "BYAHAHAH!" ricughed again causing the three men to flinch.


    <span ss="userText">When ric stoppedughing and looked at Duval with a serious<span ss="aiText"> expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"Cut the shit, Duval. I''m not a fool, and you don''t have the balls toe up with a better excuse to convince me otherwise. Plus, you would have kept your mouth shut if it weren''t for the fear of a potential civil war.<span ss="userText">.. And you were hoping that I would agree to whatever scraps you want to throw my way in order to get my support? You are the most predictable Prime Minister in Fiafyrian history... And you''re so short-sighted that you will damn the Kingdom to ruin<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">The Marquess was still smiling as if he was enjoying himself.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, ric. Since you think you''re so smart. Tell me, <span ss="userText">how did you hire an assassin to get through all of the pce''s security only to have them change their allegiance, not because of mary reasons? But because she truly respects the crown<span ss="aiText"> and the royal family?"


    <span ss="aiText">ric froze up. The Marquess had a good point.


    <span ss="userText">The Duke then wipes his lips with the napkin. Before looking at Duval.


    <span ss="userText">"How is it that a Prime Minister is having trouble getting the loyalty of the minor lords<span ss="aiText">? Are you so inept that you <span ss="userText">need me to be indebted<span ss="aiText"> to you in order to secure their loyalty? You''re the one that should be asking yourself these questions, not me. If I didn''t know any better. I would say that <span ss="editText">all those weak offers for minister positions are all you have <span ss="userText">for keeping Baroness Ysandra Fairchild and Baron Thaddeus Windermere from giving their support back to the King.<span ss="aiText"> If you''re going to use your resources and position to make an alliance. Then you should know how to keep the loyalty of your new allies."


    <span ss="aiText">Count Sebastian Ingham <span ss="editText">shook his head <span ss="aiText">as he saw the Prime Minister''s confidence break.


    <span ss="userText">"Wee here to offer an olive branch to a traitor of the kingdom<span ss="aiText">, and this is the thanks we get? Your Grace, if you have no desire to ept the generosity of the Prime Minister. Then I see no reason <span ss="userText">why we shouldn''t have let the King execute you in the first ce." Octavius<span ss="aiText"> said with a hint of anger in his voice.


    <span ss="aiText">ric looked at the Viscount and then to the Marquess.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">And have the kingdom plunged into a civil war? That''s mighty risky, Viscount. You were meant to be in Duval''s shadow."


    <span ss="userText">Octavius gritted his teeth<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">That''s what I thought... Listen, I took my one chance to get the throne for my son. And now I''m paying the price. But I can promise you one thing, Duval... I will never let the Alliance of the Divine Three take over my Kingdom by letting one of their whores spread their legs<span ss="aiText"> wide open <span ss="userText">to my nephew<span ss="aiText">. That bitch has no ce in the court of Fiafyr."


    <span ss="aiText">ric mmed his fists down onto the table.


    <span ss="aiText">"You can''t stop the marriage from happening, ric.<span ss="userText"> And all your fear-mongering over the Divine Three trying to im my kingdom is nothing short of lunacy! All because you think Quinus''s heir<span ss="aiText"> won''t be Fiafyrian enough? It''s a waste of my time reasoning with you. This Kingdom will be safer with this marriage, whether you like it or not."


    <span ss="aiText">"And the moment that <span ss="editText">a half-blooded Diviner takes the throne<span ss="aiText">. Is the moment the Alliance takes control over my country."


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re being paranoid. <span ss="editText">We can''t have conflict be the answer to all of our foreign problems! What would happen if the Kingdom of Fiafyr became an empire? Huh? Do you think the other races will sit idly by and let us humans have our <span ss="userText">bastion<span ss="editText">? You''ve read the history books just like I have. We would be lucky if it was only the High Elvesing after us!<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">ric <span ss="userText">leaned back into his chair and smirked at Duval.


    <span ss="userText">"Stagnation leads to failure, Duval."


    <span ss="userText">"NO! Keeping ourselves from overreaching will be the only way to prevent our kingdom''s downfall. You''re too blinded by your ambition for power<span ss="aiText"> that you don''t see the dangers that we are in."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Who wrote those texts about the downfall of our <span ss="userText">ancestors? It was in the Demon''s texts, the vampire''s texts, and the High Elves'' texts. Strange how it was never written by our forefathers.<span ss="aiText"> Don''t you think?"


    <span ss="aiText">Duval sighed and shook his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Or they are giving us a warning!"


    <span ss="userText">"It''s all hearsay to make humanityg behind. If we don''t make our move now. Then we will lose our advantage over the other races."


    <span ss="userText">Duval stands up.


    <span ss="userText">"I see there''s no reasoning with you. If you lose your support, ric. I will be the first one to suggest that you be executed<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Tell me Duval... What happens if the Alliance ims our kingdom... Wouldn''t they be a step closer to bing what you fear?"


    <span ss="aiText">"They won''t!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you certain of that? If I recall, the Alliance is a coalition of kingdoms... They will have to makepromises in order to survive and evolve.<span ss="userText"> But you are too short-sighted to have realized that<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You talk nonsense! Come Prime Minister. Let''s leave this fool to plot<span ss="aiText"> his next steps alone. I''m sure it will backfire on him just like what happened when he hired an assassin,"<span ss="userText"> Octavius<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">Marquess Duval gave the Duke a long look of disappointment. Before leaving with his allies.


    <span ss="userText">Once they left the dining room. ric went back to enjoying his meal.


    <span ss="userText">"Hahaha... If he hadn''t insisted on meeting with me a day after I was punished I probably wouldn''t have known that he was afraid of an uprising. That was a big mistake, Duval... I just need to make sure my friends don''t leave my side<span ss="aiText">."

 Vol.0 Ch.144 Mathew’s Recovery

    Vol.0 Ch.144 Mathew��s Recovery


    <span ss="userText">(It was one day after the Assassination attempt.)


    <span ss="userText">Wina was reading a book while sitting next to a bed that had Sir Mathew sleeping soundly in it. He was still recovering from using his family''s bloodline ability, known to the world as a Lightning Rider. He pushed his body past his limit due to the Galebane Fumes. Putting far more stress on his body than he was used to.


    <span ss="userText">With everything Wina has done for the Queen and Quinus. She was given shore leave for the week. Especially, after Rianna told Wina the news of Duke ric''s punishment.


    <span ss="userText">''Dammit! What the hell is the Prime Minister thinking? I wonder if I should leave the Kingdom. Just in case the Assassin''s Society pushes out<span ss="aiText"> a bounty on me.<span ss="editText"> But I don''t want to leave this ce. Haah... I''ll need to talk about this with her Majesty-<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="aiText">She was interrupted from her thoughts when she <span ss="userText">felt a man''s hand grab her leg gently.


    <span ss="userText">Wina closed her book to see Mathew staring at her with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, isn''t this a nice surprise? Maybe I should get bedridden more often?" Mathew said half-jokingly<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Wina took her book and yfully hit the top of his head with<span ss="aiText"> it.


    <span ss="aiText">"You should be resting."


    <span ss="userText">"Ouch! Is that how assassins treat their<span ss="aiText"> patients? <span ss="userText">And here I thought you cared<span ss="aiText"> about my well-being."


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, I do, Mat. <span ss="userText">You have no idea how scared I was when you fell over because of your exhaustion<span ss="aiText">. And <span ss="editText">I thought <span ss="aiText">your heart stopped beating for a moment."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s expression changed.


    <span ss="aiText">"I didn''t know that...<span ss="userText"> I never meant to make you worry<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">"I lost one person close to me. I don''t know what I would have done if I lost<span ss="aiText"> you as well."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">So, I''m that important to you? <span ss="editText">Haha... So all I needed to do was go through a near-death experience to find out how you truly felt about me. Aye<span ss="aiText">, Win?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s cheeks blushed<span ss="userText"> and she turned away<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re a real jerk, you know that."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew grabbed Wina''s hand and pulled her down onto his bed. Shended on her side next to him and he pulled her into a hug.


    <span ss="userText">"I know... I just need a badass woman assassin to keep me on the<span ss="aiText"> straight and narrow."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Y-You''re fine with me being an assassin?<span ss="aiText"> I''m just a monster... Why would you want to be with someone like me?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t call yourself that... I''ve killed men and women in the line of duty. Sure you did it for profit, but I know the guilt that you carry around with you... What is important is that we find a way to move past our mistakes and learn to live with the demons inside us."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina <span ss="userText">felt the warmth<span ss="aiText">ing from his chest. It made her feel at ease.


    <span ss="aiText">"Besides, I like a girl with an edge<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText"> Mathew said with a wink.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, shut up, you corny idiot<span ss="userText">. I don''t even know why I let you<span ss="aiText"> hold me."<span ss="userText"> Wina said with<span ss="aiText"> a pout.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew moved his lips closer to her ear and whispered, "Because deep down, you enjoy having me<span ss="aiText"> wrapped around your finger."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed and turned away.


    <span ss="aiText">"Whatever. Let''s just rest for now."


    <span ss="userText">Wina tried to get up from Mathew''s bed but he pulled her<span ss="aiText"> back down and hugged her.


    <span ss="aiText">"I didn''t say you could leave. Come here."


    <span ss="userText">Mathew wasn''t going to hold back anymore. He was going to show her how he truly felt about her. So he grabbed her chin, tilted her lips towards<span ss="aiText"> him<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> and kissed her.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina <span ss="editText">didn''t know what to do. She <span ss="aiText">didn''t fight back. <span ss="editText">And after a while, s<span ss="aiText">he returned his kiss and embraced him.


    <span ss="userText">And the more he kissed her<span ss="aiText">. The more she felt <span ss="userText">these strange urgesing from her<span ss="aiText"> core. She felt an itch deep inside her loins.


    <span ss="userText">''Oh God! I-I thought I trained myself not to fall for his touch<span ss="aiText">... But... I never was trained how it deal with love. How could I train myself when I never felt this way before!? Why am I not stopping him?''


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew slipped his tongue into Wina''s mouth. She gasped in surprise, her eyes widening as he slid his tongue against hers.


    <span ss="aiText">His kiss was gentle and slow, teasing. Wina couldn''t help herself. Her fingers dug into his shoulder and her toes curled in her boots.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew pulled his tongue out of her mouth and looked at her with a seductive smile.<span ss="userText"> He looked down at her assassin''s outfit<span ss="aiText"> and noticed the swell of her breasts and her erect nipples<span ss="userText">ing through the fabric of her catsuit<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">They looked so appetizing that he wanted to touch them<span ss="editText">.<span ss="aiText"> So withouthesitation, he reached over and grabbed ahold of one. Wina gasped.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Aungh!? Y-You''re a brave man to be feeling up an Umbralis ranked assassin<span ss="aiText">, Sir Mathew."<span ss="userText"> Wina said with a serious face but her checks had a rosey color to them.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew <span ss="userText">grabbed both of her wrists and held them over her head with one hand before his right hand went back to her swollen breasts<span ss="aiText">. He cupped them. Squeezed. Rubbed. And groped them to his heart''s content.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Aunh!<span ss="aiText"> Aah!"


    <span ss="aiText">Her breathing becamebored, and her face turned bright red<span ss="userText"> as her stoic face crumbled under Mathew''s onught.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina tried her best not to cry out as he teased her nipples. But, it was hard for her. She was trained to deal with pain. <span ss="editText">But she was starting to think that pleasure was<span ss="aiText"> more dangerous than any de or poison.<span ss="editText"> And worst of all, her body craved<span ss="aiText"> more of his touch<span ss="editText"> and her mind was starting to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> submit to his will.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"You know, Win. For an assassin, you are surprisingly cute."


    <span ss="aiText">"M-Mathew! We can''t do this. <span ss="userText">Aunh! N-Not until I finish my job being the Royal Wet Nurse<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Mmmm. I not letting the woman I love get away from me... I''m going to make you mine, Win. Even if it costs me my position," Mathew said huskily.


    <span ss="userText">His manly voice, his deep green eyes, and his<span ss="aiText"> masculine scent, all of it was turning her on.


    <span ss="aiText">She couldn''t believe what was happening. She thought this would never happen to her. But it was. She was going to lose her<span ss="userText">self to<span ss="aiText"> this man.


    <span ss="aiText">''This man is a beast!''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was trying her best to keep herposure, but her mind was going nk. All the while, Mathew was slowly <span ss="userText">unbuttoning<span ss="aiText">her catsuit, exposing her cleavage and her bra.


    <span ss="aiText">She couldn''t fight him, no matter how much she wanted to. It was like her body was betraying her.<span ss="userText"> And being subdued was making her loins itch worse as she wiggled underneath Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">''No! Stop moving, dammit! Why am I enjoying this?!''


    <span ss="aiText">Her breath hitched, her breasts heaved, and her legs rubbed together, trying to relieve the growing ache between her legs.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew was in the process of pulling her bra down to expose her swollen nipples.


    <span ss="aiText">''This is really bad. I <span ss="userText">swear I trained my body to resist this form<span ss="aiText"> of torture. How did it not work?''


    <span ss="editText">Mathew<span ss="aiText">''s hand snaked<span ss="editText"> there way<span ss="aiText"> under her bra<span ss="editText"> and<span ss="aiText"> grabbed her <span ss="editText">hardened <span ss="aiText">nipple<span ss="editText">. He made sure to give them a good<span ss="aiText"> squeeze.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s back arched and her toes curled, a sharp cry of pleasure escaping her<span ss="userText"> lips<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ooohhh!!"


    <span ss="aiText">''Crap! Someone''s going to hear me! What the hell is wrong with me!? I''m a stronger woman than this!''


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s mouth moved down her neck, leaving kisses and nibbles in its wake. Making Wina giggle like a girl. Once his head moved close to her breast, his lips and teeth found her hard nipple.


    <span ss="aiText">"Gnnnghh!! N-No, not my-aahh!"


    <span ss="aiText">He licked, sucked, and nibbled at the little nub. He was relentless.


    <span ss="aiText">"Stoppp!" Wina cried, her body shaking as he tormented her.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t take the assault on her breasts and her loins any longer<span ss="userText"> as her clitoris<span ss="aiText"> became erect and the tip of her nipples dripped with a sweet white liquid.


    <span ss="aiText">''No! No, this can''t be happening to me. Not now! I''m going to-!''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina tried to get some distance but her body betrayed her as Mathew was suckling away. And instead of pushing him away, <span ss="editText">she freed one of her hands and tangled <span ss="aiText">her fingers in his<span ss="editText"> blonde<span ss="aiText"> hair.<span ss="userText"> Pulling his head tight into herctating nipple.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please, please, I can''t- aaaahhh!"


    <span ss="aiText">She came. Hard.


    <span ss="aiText">Her back arched, her muscles tensed, and she screamed. Her juices soaked her panties, running down her thighs and seeping into her catsuit.


    <span ss="aiText">As her climax subsided, her whole body trembled, and she went limp beneath him.


    <span ss="aiText">''I-I just came... How could I... What kind of assassin is weak to a simple boob y? Dammit. Now my catsuit is dirty. Oh god. This is so embarrassing.''


    <span ss="userText">Mathew chugged down a hefty amount of her milk. And was surprised by how good it tasted.


    <span ss="aiText">''What a sweet and refreshing drink. I''m definitely getting a second helping. Mmm... I wonder what the rest of her body tastes like.''


    <span ss="aiText">He pulled the rest of her bra down and started suckling on her left nipple.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-Not my other one. You''ve had enough." Wina said with a flushed face.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew didn''t listen to her and he sucked and licked the sweet white liquiding from her swollen teat.


    <span ss="userText">She wiggled her hips as her soiled<span ss="aiText"> catsuit and panties<span ss="editText"> seemed to be getting wetter<span ss="aiText">. And felt Mathew''s growing erection pressing against her <span ss="editText">thigh<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''He''s going to put that in me. Oh, God. He''s so big!<span ss="userText"> AUNH! My nipples<span ss="aiText"> feel so sensitive. Ahhh... No. Not again. I can''t let him make me cum a second time. What will he think of me? But he''s doing it so rough. Ooohhhh.''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s breathing becamebored as his mouthtched onto her breast and his fingers tweaked her nipple<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''Ahh... His mouth is so warm. My body is bing sensitive. N-No... Please, Mathew... Don''t. I''m going to cum again. I can''t-!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Oooohh!! M-Mathew!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina cried out, her eyes rolling back, and her toes curling as another orgasm overtook her.<span ss="userText"> Making the wet spot<span ss="aiText"> between her legs growrger.


    <span ss="aiText">"P-Please. No more... I''m too sensitive."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmph... I''m not done yet."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s eyes widened as Mathew''s hands <span ss="userText">grabbed the front of her catsuit<span ss="aiText">. He ripped it off her body, exposing her creamy thighs, and her moist ck panties.


    <span ss="aiText">"No! No! Don''t look at me, Mat. Please! You''re supposed to be recovering. This isn''t what you''re supposed to be doing."


    <span ss="aiText">''Dammit! What the hell is going on with me? Why do I sound so pathetic? I''m an Umbralis-ranked Assassin, not a whiny woman. <span ss="editText">Aunh!<span ss="aiText"> This man is a beast in the form of a human. <span ss="userText">Why do I love it, when he is dominating<span ss="aiText"> me?''


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Seeing your beauty is healing me faster than you know.<span ss="aiText"> I''ve been wanting to see your skin for a long time."


    <span ss="aiText">He leaned down, his breath tickling her ear.<span ss="userText"> Making her wiggle underneath<span ss="aiText"> him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Besides, we''re not done yet, Win. Remember, y<span ss="userText">ou bought me with your gold coin and now you have my heart.<span ss="aiText"> There''s no turning back for us."


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmmnnn! I''m going to kill you, Mat. When we''re done here." Wina said with a flushed face.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew kissed and sucked her neck, leaving bite marks on her fair skin.


    <span ss="aiText">He continued to kiss her, his mouth moving down her body, leaving love bites on her breasts, her belly, and her hips.<span ss="userText"> And with each mark Mathew left, Wina couldn''t help<span ss="aiText"> but moan and wiggle her hips in anticipation.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh God, yes. Oh, Mathew, you''re driving me crazy. Your hands, your mouth, everything is making me wet. No, don''t do that. That''s dirty. Don''t go down there!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Wait! Mat, what are you doing?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not done, Win."


    <span ss="aiText">His hands slipped under her panties, gripping her plump cheeks, and he yanked them down her thighs.


    <span ss="userText">"EEECK!<span ss="aiText"> You idiot! Why did you pull my panties down?!"<span ss="userText"> Never in Wina''s life did she ever squeal<span ss="aiText"> like that.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s hands slipped around her hips and gripped her plump rear, his fingers kneading the soft flesh.


    <span ss="userText">Wina was flustered. She couldn''t believe this was happening to her. In the past before her vagina was healed by Lucas''s elixir. She always hated doing contracts that revolved around being an escort or a prostitute. It was painful to do the deed just to make sure her target dropped their guard down before killing them. That was her earlier days of being an assassin before she became a Mortis-ranked Assassin.


    <span ss="userText">Now she was worried about feeling that pain again. It has been so long since she let anyone get close to her down there. But this itchiness in her loins was getting unbearable.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew spread her thighs apart, his face inches away from her most private area.


    <span ss="aiText">"Haaahhh... Mat, stop that. Don''t touch<span ss="editText"> me<span ss="aiText"> there.<span ss="userText"> Aunh!?<span ss="aiText"> Oh, God! N-No! What are you doing to me? It''s dirty, please, don''t!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina felt something hot and wet sliding across her slit<span ss="userText"> making her head shoot<span ss="aiText"> up and her eyes widen.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s head was nestled between her legs, his tongue sliding up and down her slit.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmmnngghhh! Mathew, s-stop. Please! I can''t handle it. Oooohh..."


    <span ss="userText">She tried to push his head away, but he swatted her hands aside, his tongue delving deep into her core.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh my god! H-His tongue is inside me. No! This is so wrong. Why is it so pleasurable? Why is my body so sensitive? What the hell did he do to me?''


    <span ss="userText">Wina didn''t realize it at first, but she was involuntarily moving her hips<span ss="aiText">, grinding herself against his face.


    <span ss="aiText">''Stop moving! Stop humping his face, dammit! Why are my legs wrapped around his head?''


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s tongue was working wonders on her, her body convulsing as waves of pleasure wracked her body.


    <span ss="aiText">''God, this is amazing. <span ss="editText">I-I will never forgive the Assassin''s Society for taking away this feeling<span ss="aiText">. Oh, Mathew. Please keep going. I''m so close!''


    <span ss="aiText">His tongue flicked across her clit, sending jolts of electricity through her body. Her legs tightened around his head, and her hands grasped his blonde hair.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s back arched, and her thighs trembled.


    <span ss="aiText">''No! No! He can''t stop. He can''t!''


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew lifted his head from her thighs, a satisfied smile on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah! Ah! Why did you stop? Finish me!" Wina demanded.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I will, Win... I just wanted to get you nice and wet before I make you<span ss="aiText"> mine."


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Asshole."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hahaha. That''s why I l<span ss="editText">ove <span ss="aiText">you. You''re so feisty and cute when you''re horny."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was so embarrassed<span ss="userText"> that she<span ss="aiText"> didn''t even notice Mathew took off his clothes. <span ss="aiText">And was now fully naked. <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s member was throbbing with need, a bead of precum dripping from the tip.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina stared at it, her <span ss="editText">bright hazel <span ss="aiText">eyes widening in awe. She''s never seen such a huge massive cock before. All the targets she had to kill in the past were nothingpared to his.


    <span ss="aiText">"No! You''re not going to fit. I don''t want to die from something like this."


    <span ss="aiText">"It will fit, Win. You''ll see. Just rx."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew leaned down, capturing her lips with his. She moaned into the kiss, her fingers tangling in his blonde hair. <span ss="aiText">Their tongues battled for dominance, but Wina surrendered to his assault, letting him im her mouth. <span ss="aiText">Mathew pulled away, kissing her cheek, her neck, her shoulder, and then her breasts<span ss="userText">. While he positioned his throbbing manhood at the entrance<span ss="aiText"> of her wet slit.


    <span ss="userText">''Aunh! Don''t show him any signs of pain Wina! You are an Umbralis Assassin. Aunh! I''ve been trained to deal with the worst pain<span ss="aiText"> imaginable. This should be nothing!''


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew kissed her cheek. "Rx, Win. I''ll take it slow. If it''s too much for you, just tell me."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina nodded, trying her best to rx her tense muscles.<span ss="userText"> While struggling with the memories of having painful intercourse<span ss="aiText"> during her days <span ss="editText">being disguised as <span ss="aiText">an escort and a prostitute.


    <span ss="aiText">''Gah! Fuck those losers! <span ss="userText">You got this Wina!<span ss="aiText"> Don''t disappoint him!'' She thought to herself as she closed her eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">She could feel the tip of his shaft press against her slit, slowly spreading her apart.<span ss="userText"> And instead of the usual pain, she felt an unbelievable amount of<span ss="aiText"> pleasure coursing through her body. <span ss="userText">Her breath was caught in her<span ss="aiText"> throat, her eyes opened wide, and her hands gripped the sheets of the bed tightly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh my god... Oh, my GOD! You''re... You''re inside me. Mmmnn... You''re so thick. Oh, my GOD!!!"


    <span ss="userText">Mathew smiled at Wina.


    <span ss="userText">"That was only the tip, Win."


    <span ss="userText">"Huh!?<span ss="aiText"> Y-You mean..." Wina stuttered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. There''s still a lot more to go."


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Are you insane? I can''t take any more!" Wina began to panic.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hahaha. Trust me, you can."


    <span ss="userText">Mathew buried his shaft inside her, inch by inch until his balls pressed against her ass. As the tip of his cock reached the entrance of her womb. Right, where that itchiness was building inside<span ss="aiText"> of her. <span ss="aiText">Wina''s eyes widened in awe, her mouth opening in a silent scream, her legs wrapping around his waist.


    <span ss="userText">''<span ss="aiText">OH GOD!! I''m full! I''m so full, Mat.<span ss="userText"> AUGH! I''M SO FULL!'' Wina screamed in her mind as she couldn''t <span ss="userText">breathe<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> from the sheer shock.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t take any more and her mind went nk. Her vision blurred and her ears rang. <span ss="aiText">The assassin could feel him pressing against her womb<span ss="userText"> as her vagina was getting stretched<span ss="aiText"> beyond anything she has ever felt before. <span ss="aiText">Wina was shaking, her hands wing at his shoulders, her back arched, her hips trembling, her eyes wide.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">GAWD! THIS IS WHAT WOMEN FEEL WHEN THEY ARE TAKEN BY A MAN! AUNGH!? I LOVE IT! I NEVER KNEW! I-I NEVER KNEW HOW MUCH I NEEDED<span ss="aiText"> THIS!''


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s cock throbbed, the tightness of her walls squeezing him like a vice.


    <span ss="aiText">"Win, you''re so damn tight. Goddess, you''re so wet. I can''t wait any longer.<span ss="userText"> I-I need to move," Mathew whispered<span ss="aiText">, while his voice strained.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-Not yet, Mat. J-Just give me a second. Haaaahh..."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew was struggling to control himself, his cock aching, his balls tight. But he wanted Wina to enjoy it as much as he did.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t hold on any longer. Win, I''m going to start moving now."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s hands gripped her hips, pulling her closer to him, the tip of his cock pressed against her womb.<span ss="userText"> Then he pulled out until it was only the tip inside her pussy. <span ss="userText">Then he thrust his hips forward, sliding into her in one smooth motion.


    <span ss="userText">"Aaaahh! Oh, Mathew. You''re so big!"


    <span ss="userText">Wina was moaning loudly as her hands grasped his shoulders. <span ss="aiText">Mathew continued to move his hips, sliding his thick member in and out of her tight pussy.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh, my god! I can''t take this anymore. I can''t stop moaning.<span ss="userText"> Aungh! I will never judge another woman<span ss="aiText"> ever again if this is what we feel when having sex!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Mat! Oh, my God! Mat, I''m going to cum. Ahhh!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Fuck, Win! Me too..."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s back arched as her legs wrapped around his waist, her toes curling, her nails digging into his back. Her thighs trembled and her pussy spasmed, milking his cock. <span ss="aiText">Waves of pleasure crashed over her, her body shaking, her eyes rolling back. Her legs quivered, and her arms went limp, falling onto the bed. <span ss="aiText">She could feel Mathew''s cock throbbing inside her, <span ss="userText">as it pushed deeper into her womb<span ss="aiText">. She felt his hot cum shooting inside her, filling her up in a way that felt so right to her. Like her very being was missing this.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s lips found hers, his tongue invading her mouth, his hands on her breasts. He pinched and tugged at her nipples, making her cry out in ecstasy.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaunghhh! Mmmnnn... I-I can''t take anymore, Mat!"


    <span ss="aiText">"We''re not done, Win."


    <span ss="aiText">His voice was low, his breath hot against her ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please, no more. I-I can''t take it anymore. AUUNGH! Please, no more!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Not until I cum again."


    <span ss="aiText">He pulled her against him, his cock buried deep inside her, her breasts pressed against his chest. He moved his hips, his shaft rubbing against her G-Spot.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No, Mathew. Aaaunngh! You''re going to make me cum again!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Good.<span ss="userText"> Because you deserve<span ss="aiText"> to cum as many times as you want."


    <span ss="aiText">He leaned down and kissed her lips, his tongue dancing with hers. She moaned into the kiss, her fingers running through his hair.


    <span ss="aiText">He moved faster, his cock pounding into her, his balls pping against her ass.


    <span ss="userText">''Augh! I-I deserve to feel<span ss="aiText"> this! I-I''ve never felt this way. I-I need this. I can''t live without this. This feeling is so... AUNGH!''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s body shook as she climaxed, her walls mping down around Mathew''s thick member.


    <span ss="userText">"AUNGH! Y-YOU''RE<span ss="aiText"> SO THICK, MATHEW. A-AUNGH. YOU''RE SO GOOD TO ME!"


    <span ss="aiText">"F-Fuck, Win! You''re <span ss="userText">such a naughty assassin. It makes me want to make love to you forever!" Mathew grunted out as he was about to blow his load.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">YES! I''m your naughty assassin! <span ss="aiText">Cum inside me, Mat<span ss="userText">!<span ss="aiText"> Cum in my pussy. Make me pregnant!" Wina moaned, her legs wrapping around his waist again.


    <span ss="aiText">"Goddess, Win, you''re so tight."


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s because I''m made for you, Mathew.<span ss="userText"> Aungh! You better marry me<span ss="aiText">, or I will kill you, you asshole!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s body stiffened, his balls tightened, his cock throbbing inside her, her walls mping down around him. <span ss="aiText">He buried his cock deep inside her, his seed flooding her womb<span ss="userText"> making that itchiness go away and it made Wina<span ss="aiText"> moan.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-AUUNGH! I''M CUMMING, MATHEW!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s nails dug into his back leaving marks this time while her body shook and her thighs quivering for what seemed like the tenth time. <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s seed filled her, his cock throbbing inside her. <span ss="aiText">He copsed on top of her, his breathing ragged, his chest heaving.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re such an idiot, Mat.<span ss="userText"> Aungh! Y-You''re such an idiot for falling for me<span ss="aiText">... But I''m happy you did."


    <span ss="aiText">"Haha. So are you, Win.<span ss="userText">.. You have no idea how long I''ve been waiting to find a woman<span ss="aiText"> like you."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmm, really? Then, are you going to stay by my side?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Haha, of course."


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Because I won''t let anyone else have you.<span ss="userText"> And if you dare try and cheat on me<span ss="aiText">, I''ll cut your head off."


    <span ss="aiText">"Haha, I don''t doubt it... I''m not dumb enough to challenge you, my love."


    <span ss="userText">Wina''s heart flutters<span ss="aiText"> as she hears this.<span ss="userText"> She never confided<span ss="aiText"> her past to anyone, before. And the way Mathew says that he loves her, makes her feel like her dark past doesn''t matter.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Mathew. I never thought I''d find someone who epts me for me."


    <span ss="userText">Mathew stoppedughing and<span ss="aiText"> looked at her. "You know, Win. You''re the most amazing person I''ve ever met. Your past doesn''t define you, it''s what you''ve be now that does."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smiled<span ss="userText"> and hugged him<span ss="aiText">. "Thanks. That means a lot."


    <span ss="aiText">They held each other for a few moments, enjoying the closeness.<span ss="userText"> But after a while, she started to worry about the Duke telling the Assassin''s Society about her breach of contract<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> And how she is putting the prince in danger. As well as her loved ones and friends. <span ss="userText">Mathew noticed her worried look.


    <span ss="userText">"Win? Is something up?"


    <span ss="userText">Wina looked up in surprise. She didn''t realize<span ss="aiText"> she was making a face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Um, well, there''s just some things I''ve got to sort out. Don''t worry about it, though."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Win... You''re not alone... Tell me what''s bothering you<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was hesitant, but then she relented. She trusted Mathew and he was unconscious when the King confronted the Duke.


    <span ss="userText">She told him what happened when the King charged his brother with treason. And how the Marquess stopped the King from ordering his execution. And how the Duke could tell the Assassin''s Society about her betrayal of her client. And that it would result in her being<span ss="aiText"> hunted down by assassins.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew listened<span ss="aiText"> attentively and then sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is serious<span ss="userText">. But did you say the Duke would be executed if another assassin came close to the Prince, right?" Mathew asked with<span ss="aiText"> a curious tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, yes... But how do you n to get rid of him?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Unfortunately we can''t do anything to the Duke without his Majesty''s approval. But I think we won''t have to worry about you getting hunted down... At least in the near term, I hope."


    <span ss="userText">"How could you be so sure that he hasn''t sent a message<span ss="aiText"> already."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I don''t know why, but I feel like he doesn''t want to die. So, I think he''ll be the little snake that he is and will wait for you to no longer be the Prince''s protector."


    <span ss="userText">Wina was digesting<span ss="aiText"> this information. She didn''t think that Prince Quinus would be the one who would be protecting her in this scenario. But it was good that Mathew thought that way.


    <span ss="aiText">"Okay, let''s say you''re right, then what''s next?"


    <span ss="userText">Mathew smirked.


    <span ss="userText">"Then, you''ll need to teach me all the ways assassins like to fight. Because I''ll being with you to deal with the Assassin''s Society, Win."


    <span ss="userText">Wina''s eyes widened in shock<span ss="aiText"> when she heard this and blushed. It was suicide to seek out the Assassin''s Society and Mathew would go to such lengths just to save her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mathew, don''t do something that stupid. <span ss="userText">That''s a suicide mission! I won''t let you be dragged down with my problems."


    <span ss="userText">Mathew shook his head


    <span ss="aiText">"No. You''re not alone anymore. You''ve got me.<span ss="userText"> And if I''m your husband, then we will deal with this issue together... I found the woman of my dreams and I''m not going to let this shadowy organization<span ss="aiText"> ruin it for me."


    <span ss="aiText">"But Mat..."


    <span ss="aiText">"No buts. The decision is made. And if you think about leaving me behind, I''ll tie you up and throw you in the dungeon."


    <span ss="userText">Wina''s heart fluttered at the thought of being tied up against her will<span ss="aiText">. And her vagina began to throb.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">B-But I don''t want anything bad to happen<span ss="aiText"> to you."


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="userText">won''t let anything bad happen to me, Win.<span ss="aiText"> I''ll be fine. Trust me."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina hugged him, burying her face in his chest.


    <span ss="aiText">"Fine. But promise me that you won''t do anything reckless."


    <span ss="aiText">"I promise, Win."


    <span ss="userText">And with that, the two cuddled in the bed as Wina tried to tickle Mathew. Which resulted in him tying her hands up with a bed sheet.


    <span ss="userText">"Aungh! Mathew? Aunh! Untie my hands!<span ss="aiText"> Mathew!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew chuckled and then climbed on top of her, his shaft rubbing against her pussy, which made her moan.


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t know, Win... You seem to enjoy being tied up<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina moaned, her hips thrusting upward, the tip of his shaft entering her.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Auunngh! <span ss="userText">Y-You speak nonsense! Aungh! I''m a strong woman! Why would I want to be<span ss="aiText"> tied up?"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew smirked, his shaft sliding further inside her, her walls stretching to amodate his girth.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm, I don''t know. Maybe you like being dominated?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s back arched, her breasts pushing against his chest, her nipples rubbing against his skin.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Aungh! <span ss="userText">Y-Your tongue speaks lies! AUGH! U-Untie me!<span ss="aiText"> AUGH!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew thrust his hips, his shaft sinking into her pussy, her walls squeezing his shaft.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not sure, Win... Maybe you need to be punished?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer.


    <span ss="userText">"H-How are you going to p-punish me? AUNGH!"


    <span ss="userText">Mathew smirked<span ss="aiText">, his hips moving, his shaft thrusting in and out of her, her walls mping around his shaft.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t know... Maybe I''ll start by <span ss="userText">untying your hands?" Mathew said as he moved his hand up to<span ss="aiText"> untie her wrists.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Auungh! <span ss="userText">NO! Don''t you dare!<span ss="aiText"> AUGH! <span ss="editText">I''ll make sure you won''t get to enter my pussy again if you untie my hands, Mat! <span ss="aiText">Aungh!"


    <span ss="aiText">"So you do like it when you are tied up... It''s cute when you try to lie to yourself, Win... I''ll make sure to make an honest woman out of you, my love.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew smirked, his hand gripping her breast, squeezing her nipple between his thumb and index finger.


    <span ss="userText">Wina leaned her head back as her hands struggled<span ss="aiText"> against her restraints.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Aungh! P-Please, Mathew, no more. I-I can''t take much more of this!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew chuckled and then thrust his hips, his shaft sliding into her, his tip hitting her G-Spot.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm, that''s not what I want to hear, Win. You need to learn your lesson."


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Auunngh!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s walls clenched around his shaft, her legs trembling, her toes curling.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s grip on her breast tightened, his thumb and index finger pinching her nipple.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-A-AUUUNGHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">Her back arched, her body shaking, her walls spasming, milking his shaft.<span ss="userText"> She loved being helpless<span ss="aiText"> like this. It made her feel alive.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm, now that''s a good girl."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew leaned down and kissed her lips, his tongue invading her mouth, her moans filling the air. <span ss="aiText">Wina''s eyes widened as she felt his shaft pulsing inside her, her walls mping around his shaft.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t stop, Win. I''m gonna cum."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s hips moved faster, his shaft sliding in and out of her, her walls stretching with each thrust.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Auungh! D-Don''t you dare, Mathew! A-AUNGH!"


    <span ss="aiText">His shaft sank deeper into her, his tip pressing against her womb.


    <span ss="userText">"But you are a good girl. And good girls get<span ss="aiText"> to be rewarded."


    <span ss="aiText">"A-A-AUUUUNNGGGGHHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s shaft slid deeper into her, his tip hitting her womb, his balls pping against her ass. <span ss="aiText">Wina''s body trembled, her back arching, her <span ss="userText">face<span ss="aiText"> flushed.


    <span ss="aiText">"H-H-Hurry up and cum already! A-A-AUUUUUNNNGGGGHHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s hips moved faster, his shaft thrusting in and out of her, her walls mping around his shaft.<span ss="userText"> It was making her swollen tits bounce with<span ss="aiText"> every thrust.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm, are you sure, Win? I think you''re enjoying this too much."


    <span ss="aiText">"A-A-AUUNNNGGHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew chuckled and then leaned down, his lips brushing against hers.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s a good girl! Just a little more, Win!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s hips moved faster, his shaft plunging into her, his tip pressing against her womb.


    <span ss="aiText">"P-P-Please, no more, Mathew.<span ss="userText"> I''m a good girl!<span ss="aiText"> A-A-AUUUNGGH!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew chuckled and leaned down, his lips brushing against hers. He kissed her deeply, his tongue invading her mouth. <span ss="aiText">Wina''s body shook, her legs wrapping around his waist, her ankles locking together.<span ss="userText"> She was in heaven<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm, you''re a very good girl indeed, Win. But you still need to be punished."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew gripped her hips, his shaft thrusting into her, his tip sliding deeper into her womb.


    <span ss="aiText">"H-H-Hurry up and cum already, Mathew!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew chuckled, his hips moving faster, his shaft plunging deeper into her, his balls pping against her ass.<span ss="userText"> Her hands were unable to free<span ss="aiText"> herself from her bindings, the sheet digging into her wrist.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-A-AUUUUNNNNGGGGHHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s toes curled, her thighs quivered,<span ss="editText"> and<span ss="aiText"> her walls mp<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> down around his cock.<span ss="userText"> Her cervix<span ss="aiText"> sucking his tip deeper into her womb.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mm, that''s a good girl! Take all of my cock. Let me fill you up!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s shaft twitched, his balls tightening, his seed flooding her womb.


    <span ss="aiText">"AA-A-AUUUUNNNGGGGHHH!!!!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s eyes rolled into the back of her head, her back arched, her breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples rubbing against his skin<span ss="editText"> as<span ss="userText"> milk leaked<span ss="aiText"> from her breasts and down her torso. <span ss="aiText">Wina''s body shuddered, her walls mping around his shaft, his tip deep inside her womb.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-A-AU-UNGH!<span ss="userText"> I LOVE YOU<span ss="aiText"> MATHEW!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew grunted, his hips moving faster, his balls pping against her ass. Her walls convulsing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Fuck, Win, <span ss="userText">I love you too<span ss="aiText">! I love you so much!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew kissed her deeply, his tongue invading her mouth, his shaft thrusting in and out of her, her walls contracting.


    <span ss="aiText">"H-H-Hurry and cum, Mathew! I can''t take much more of this!"


    <span ss="userText">Mathew finally stopped thrusting and smashed his hips as deep as he could into her pussy before he unloaded everything he had<span ss="aiText"> into her. <span ss="aiText">Wina''s walls spasmed, her back arching, her eyes rolling into the back of her head, her breasts smooshing against his chest.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-A-AU-UUNGGHH!<span ss="userText"> YEEEEESSS!<span ss="aiText"> FILL ME UP, MATHEW!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew held her tightly, her walls clenching around his shaft, his seed flowing into her womb. <span ss="aiText">She was so close to the edge, her body shaking, her back arching<span ss="userText"> as she felt his essence flowing<span ss="aiText"> through her, her womb filled with his cum.<span ss="userText"> Making her belly<span ss="aiText"> swell up slightly.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-A-AUU-UUNNGHHH!!!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s mind went nk as she was hit by the strongest orgasms she''d ever witnessed. The only thing that existed was the feeling of Mathew''s shaft pulsing inside her.


    <span ss="aiText">"F-Fuck, Win! You are so hot when you cum..."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew pulled his shaft out, his seed spilling from her pussy, his tip resting against her slit. <span ss="aiText">Wina''s back quickly arched<span ss="userText"> as she came like<span ss="aiText"> a fountain, her juices sshing against his shaft, her walls convulsing as she caught the tip of Mathew''s cock in the lips of her pussy by ident.


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew groaned when the tip of his cock got squeezed. Making his shaft pulse and shooting his seed onto her slit. <span ss="aiText">Wina''s eyes rolled into the back of her head, her tongue lolling from her mouth. Her mind went nk. Her womb was filled with his essence causing her belly to be swollen.


    <span ss="aiText">"F-Fuck, Win! You are so beautiful!" Mathew gasped out before he<span ss="aiText"> kissed her deeply. As his shaft was still twitching.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s chest heaved, her breathing ragged, her mind hazy. She didn''t know what to think. Her body was still recovering from the afterglow of herst climax. <span ss="aiText">She could barely focus on anything but the feeling of Mathew''s shaft pressing against her.


    <span ss="aiText">"You are such a good girl, Win. I love you."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew kissed her deeply and passionately. <span ss="aiText">Wina''s heart flutter<span ss="editText">s. I<span ss="userText">t was like something in her subconscious was<span ss="aiText"> set off when he said "I love you". She felt a strange sense of euphoria.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmm, you are so big, Mathew. I love you too."


    <span ss="userText">And with that, the two love birds made love for another two hours.

 Vol.0 Ch.145 I Shall Take Responsibility

    Vol.0 Ch.145 I Shall Take Responsibility


    <span ss="userText">The next day Wina walked into the Prince''s room to start her shift. She was walking funny after Mathew<span ss="aiText"> fucked her in the <span ss="editText">bath<span ss="aiText">, and his semen was still flowing down her legs.<span ss="userText"> But luckily her dress was hiding it from unknowing eyes.


    <span ss="userText">Everyone who was working in the Prince''s chamber that day was Miss Rose, Miss Anne, Sir Dous, and the Queen.


    <span ss="userText">They were surprised that Wina came to work after they thought she would take the week off.


    <span ss="aiText">The <span ss="editText">Queen<span ss="aiText"> looked her up and down<span ss="userText"> with a raised brow.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Lady Wina? I thought I gave you a week off<span ss="aiText">. Why are you here?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina curtsied before the Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am sorry, Your Majesty, but I<span ss="userText">... I''m not getting as much rxation as I hoped..." Wina was too embarrassed to tell her Majesty that Mathew hadn''t given<span ss="aiText"> her a second to rest.<span ss="userText"> And her body loved it to such a level that she feared<span ss="aiText"> she might be addicted to his firey passion.


    <span ss="userText">Queen Rianna had a puzzled<span ss="aiText"> look on her face.


    <span ss="userText">"I see... Well, you seem to be walking funny. Maybe you should take one more day off? I don''t want my son''s greatest protector to<span ss="aiText"> be injured or fatigued."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s mind was in a haze. She couldn''t believe that her body was feeling this way. Her mind was telling her that it was a bad idea. But her body wanted to stay with Mathew and continue fucking him.


    <span ss="userText">''Dammit Wina! You are a proud assassin<span ss="aiText">. Stop being so weak-minded!''


    <span ss="aiText">She had to force herself to not moan as her vagina throbbed for Mathew''s touch.


    <span ss="aiText">''I''m a proud assassin! Not a horny whore!'' She scolded herself.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina took a deep breath topose herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, Your Majesty. I''ll be fine. I have a lot of experience being on my feet for days on end. This is nothing to worry about."


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna had a worried look on her face<span ss="userText">. But then she got a whiff of Mathew''s<span ss="aiText"> scent. And understood what was going on.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hmmm? <span ss="aiText">Very well. I''ll trust your judgment."<span ss="userText"> Rianna said with a know-it-all smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smiled and nodded at her Majasty while her heart was pounding and her pussy aching.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Your Majesty."


    <span ss="aiText">"By the way, Lady Wina? Is <span ss="editText">Sir<span ss="aiText"> Mathew a bit aggressive?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina''s heart fluttered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aggressive?" Wina asked while being caught off guard.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, you''re walking a bit funny.<span ss="userText"> I hope he has been treating you like<span ss="aiText"> the noblewoman you are."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s face popped into Wina''s mind for a moment which made her blush. While her heart pounded and pussy continued to torment her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Your Majesty, that''s..."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina stammered trying her best to answer the Queen but her mind flooded <span ss="userText">back with memories of all the things Mathew did to her. How he tied up her arms and legs. How he<span ss="aiText"> teased her nipples and clitoris as she failed to break free. How he would fill her up to her heart''s content.


    <span ss="aiText">''What am I thinking!? Stop this foolishness! You are not somemon woman! You are a proud assassin and you''re a servant of the kingdom!<span ss="userText"> And if Miss Rose finds out<span ss="aiText"> you are a loose woman she''ll <span ss="editText">probably look down on me and probably make me lose my position<span ss="aiText">!''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina cleared her throat and fixed her posture.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">S-<span ss="aiText">Sir Mathew<span ss="userText"> has been... Treating me w-well<span ss="aiText">. Yes." she said in a shaky voice.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna smiled and turned away.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m d... Sir Mathew is a wonderful man. And he is loyal to those he loves. Just make sure to take care of yourself. He''s quite the vigorous young man. And it would be a shame if you ended up being bedridden. Just because of some, ''extracurricr activities''."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed and shook her head. But her heart fluttered and her mind was in a wreck right now as it kept shing back to all the times Mathew took her.


    <span ss="userText">Miss Anne giggled at the way Lady<span ss="aiText"> Wina was acting.<span ss="userText"> While Miss Rose smiled and shook her head at Wina''s stubbornness.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m d that Sir Mathew and Lady Wina are getting along." Miss Rosemented with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">"I wish I could have a man like Sir Mathew<span ss="aiText">. He''s so strong and handsome." Miss Anne gushed, her cheeks reddening at the thought of having a man like Mathew. To sweep her off her feet.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It''s against the rules, Miss Anne,"<span ss="aiText"> Miss Rose scolded the young maid.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, ma''am. I know. It''s just a wishful thought." Anne said with a sad tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good."


    <span ss="userText">When Wina heard that it was against the rules to be having a rtionship with a coworker, again. She started to panic. She usually was good at keeping a straight face when she was a lone wolf and knew she wouldn''t being back after a contract. But now she had someone she cared about and she didn''t want to get him or her in trouble.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm? Lady Wina? Are you worried about having a rtionship with Sir Mathew?" Miss Rose asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"What!? No! I... I mean, yes, but... No, that''s not what I''m worried about<span ss="userText">!" <span ss="aiText">Wina said in a panic. Never has she been so easily <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">flustered like this.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh no... I hope she doesn''t find out! Or Mathew will lose his position as a Royal Knight!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmm... I don''t see a problem with you two having a rtionship. As long as you two don''t misbehave in publ<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ic<span ss="aiText">." Miss Rose said, giving her approval to the two.


    <span ss="userText">Wina did a double take<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"What? I... I am?" She asked in disbelief.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, <span ss="userText">you are exempt from this rule."<span ss="aiText"> Miss Rose assured her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. I<span ss="userText">t''s a reward for saving the prince and weeding out the spies<span ss="aiText"> in the castle." Queen Rianna added with a proud smile.


    <span ss="userText">"B-But how did you know I was courting Sir Mathew?" Wina asked out of curiosity.


    <span ss="aiText">Everyone in the room, including Sir Dous, gave her a knowing smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s not hard to see. You have this dreamy look in your eyes when you speak of him." Queen Rianna said.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed and had a tiny smile showing on her beautiful face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh...<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">Then young Miss Anne chimed in, "And we can smell Sir Mathew''s<span ss="aiText"> scent on you."


    <span ss="aiText">"E-Eh!?"<span ss="userText"> Wina''s face washed white with dread<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Queen Rianna and Miss Rose looked at Anne with<span ss="aiText"> a disapproving re.


    <span ss="aiText">"What did I say, Anne?" Miss Rose asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Anne''s face flushed, and she turned away, "Sorry, ma''am."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was mortified.


    <span ss="userText">''But I thought I cleaned myself<span ss="aiText"> thoroughly! How can they still smell him?''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Lady Wina. Don''t mind Miss Anne<span ss="aiText">''s words. We are all adults here." Miss Rose said, trying to calm the situation.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina nodded, her heart racing<span ss="userText"> at the fact<span ss="aiText"> that everyone knew.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, how are things going with Sir Mathew?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina cleared her throat while her heart was racing, and her pussy still aching.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very good... A-And<span ss="userText"> also a little too good? Maybe?"


    <span ss="aiText">Miss Rose and Queen Rianna smiled.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, that''s not a bad thing<span ss="aiText">, is it?" Miss Rose asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"No..." Wina said as she looked like she was lost in thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then why do you have that troubled look on your face, Lady Wina?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I just... I have a duty, and I''m <span ss="userText">not used to this type of attention<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"What type of attention?"


    <span ss="aiText">"The... Sexual kind. I''m an assassin and warrior, not a courtesan."


    <span ss="aiText">"But you are a woman. And as such, you should enjoy the pleasures of the flesh.<span ss="userText"> The Goddess knows that I enjoy my husband''s touch<span ss="aiText">. So why shouldn''t I enjoy it?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina nodded, as her body continued to tease her.


    <span ss="aiText">"That is true."


    <span ss="aiText">"And as the personal bodyguard of the prince, it would be expected that you have a man in your life.<span ss="userText">.. Who knows... If you bear a daughter. I will be willing to have her marry my son<span ss="aiText">. You will have a secure future for you and your child. A very secure one."<span ss="userText"> Queen Rianna said with a wink.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed at the Queen''s deration.


    <span ss="userText">''I-I know I screamed out that I would love to get pregnant to Mathew... But that was me getting lost in the moment<span ss="aiText">! But still...''


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Your Majesty... I will consider it... If the opportunity presents itself."


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course."


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna smiled and then looked out the window.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It''s getting close to my tea time. Are you good with feeding Quinus when he wakes up from his nap?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Your Majesty."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Good... But please do take a rest if you aren''t feeling well<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">Wina curtsied, her cheeks burning with embarrassment after everyone was focusing on her new love life.


    <span ss="aiText">"I will, Your Majesty."


    <span ss="userText">And with that Wina went about her business as usual<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> Helping Miss Rose and Miss Anne clean up the Prince''s chamber while Sir Dous kept watch<span ss="aiText">.


    Wina couldn''t help but notice that all the prince''s room looked normal. Like there wasn''t an attempt on his life a few days ago.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Quinus finally woke up from his nap. He wasn''t feeling too hot after the Galebane Fumes infected his body. Luckily the antidote worked. But he felt like he was dealing with a hangover<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">''<span ss="aiText">Ugh. Where am I?<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText"> Quinus <span ss="editText">thought to himself<span ss="aiText">, rubbing his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Lady Wina. The Prince is awake,<span ss="aiText">" Sir Dous <span ss="editText">said<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Wina hurried over to the 6-month-old who was stirring in his crib.


    <span ss="userText">"Aww... You look like you are still recovering<span ss="aiText">." Wina said as her heart fluttered at the sight of the baby.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-a-aw."


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry. You''ll feel better soon. Come on. Let''s get you cleaned up<span ss="editText"> and fed, shall we<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus''s face was red.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aw-aw."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina picked him up <span ss="userText">and walked over to a rocking chair. When she sat down with Quinus. She opened the front of her dress to show a pair of engorged breasts begging<span ss="aiText"> to be suckled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Here you go, my Prince. You''re probably very hungry."


    <span ss="aiText">And the Prince started happily sucking on her breasts.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-a-uuun-uunh."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina blushed<span ss="userText"> when Quinustched<span ss="aiText"> on and suckled her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oooh... That feels so good, Quinus. Suck me. Drink my milk."<span ss="userText"> Wina whispered.


    <span ss="userText">She couldn''t help it. Her pussy was still aching<span ss="aiText">. And her nipples were sensitive. Thanks to Mathew.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Damn! What''s gotten into Wina? Wait! I know that smell! She gotid!... Dammit! I''ll have to wait for like 13? No, 14 years before I can possibly have sex, again... Man, that''s going to<span ss="aiText"> be hell.''


    <span ss="userText">Quinus started suckling a little more vigorously. He was frustrated at the fact that he had to wait before having fun with a fine woman.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oooh! Y-You are hungry. Aren''t you?"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="userText">looked at the beautiful woman with hazel eyes<span ss="aiText"> and <span ss="editText">chocte brown <span ss="aiText">hair and couldn''t help but be captivated.


    <span ss="userText">''Well, I hope the guy she''s with is a good dude<span ss="aiText">. But he better not hurt her... I can tell that Wina is a very kind person.''


    <span ss="aiText">Wina smiled down at Quinus, her heart fluttering, her body trembling, and her nipples tingling.


    <span ss="userText">She never really wanted kids before. Now every time she bonded with Quinus. She couldn''t help<span ss="aiText"> but fantasize about bearing a child.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmm... Oooh..." Wina moaned softly as Quinus continued to suckle her. All she could do was <span ss="aiText">close her eyes, tilt her head back, and part her lips, while her chest rose and fell, as her breath quickened under the Prince''s touch.


    <span ss="userText">Her fantasies of having Mathew''s child. She imagined <span ss="aiText">him raising them, spoiling them, and making her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world was getting stronger and stronger as the pressure inside her breasts started to fade. <span ss="editText">Thanks to the Prince relieving the buildup of milk <span ss="editText">from her bosom<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Ooooh... That feels so good." She moaned under her breath.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Quinus was happy and healthy as he continued to drink.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah... Ah..."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina felt the milk starting to flow and couldn''t help but whimper, her legs trembling, her mind foggy, her vision blurry.


    <span ss="aiText">''F-Fuck. This isn''t good. My pussy is aching and throbbing so much. I can''t take it. I''m losing my mind.<span ss="userText"> I need Mathew!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Ooooh!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina moaned and shuddered, her legs turning to jelly<span ss="userText"> as Quinus finished drinking her milk.


    <span ss="userText">"Y-You all done your Highness?"<span ss="aiText"> Wina asked, her voice husky, her legs shaky.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah."<span ss="userText"> Quinus squealed in his baby voice


    <span ss="aiText">"Good...<span ss="userText"> Now let''s get you to Anne. So she can clean you up<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"A-aw-wuun-auunh."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. That''s a good boy."


    ''Dammit! My tongue still doesn''t want to work like it should! Haah... Well, at least I know how to make a woman feel good... One day I will be a man!... I think I''m losing my mind being stuck in a child''s body again...'' Quinus thought as he smiled at the wet nurse.


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t help but smile down at Quinus.


    <span ss="userText">"Miss Anne. Can you give the Prince a bath, please? I-I need to run to the bathroom myself<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Miss Anne smiled and nodded, taking the Prince to be bathed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, Lady Wina. You are always wee." The young maid said with a nod.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Miss Anne. I''m d the Prince is in good hands."


    <span ss="aiText">And with that<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> Wina made a mad dash to Mathew''s room.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Mathew was lying in his bed staring at the ceiling.


    <span ss="userText">"Dammit, Mathew... You need to control yourself... Haah... Why is Win the only woman that drives me<span ss="aiText"> this crazy? I''ve been with dozens of women and none of them ever drove me as crazy as she does. <span ss="userText">I''m gonna push her away like an idiot at this<span ss="aiText"> rate."


    <span ss="aiText">He sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"But I want her... I want her so much. Fuck!"


    <span ss="aiText">And just then <span ss="userText">the door opened and shut in a hurry. Standing there with her back to the door and a<span ss="aiText"> blush on her face was none other than Wina.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-Wina? What are you doing here? Is the Prince ok?"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina couldn''t hold back anymore<span ss="userText"> as she jumped on top of Mathew<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, gods! I can''t take it anymore, Mathew! Take me! Please! I need you inside of me again!"


    <span ss="aiText">She couldn''t stop herself from ripping open her uniform to show her beautiful breasts.


    <span ss="userText">Mathew looked up at her<span ss="aiText">, his cock growing, his balls tightening.


    <span ss="aiText">"What has gotten into you? Are you sure you''re not ill or something?<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not ill!<span ss="userText"> This is your fault<span ss="aiText">, Mathew! Y-You and your damned dick! Ever since you fucked me I haven''t been able to think straight. Every time I <span ss="editText">try not to think about you<span ss="aiText">. My pussy throbs<span ss="userText"> and your face pops into<span ss="aiText"> my mind and it''s all I can think about. I''m losing my mind! AND YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING!"


    <span ss="aiText">Wina was desperate as she rubbed her wet pussy against his cock, moaning and shuddering, as her legs quivered.


    <span ss="userText">"Then I shall<span ss="aiText"> take responsibility, Win."


    <span ss="aiText">"M-Mathew!"


    <span ss="aiText">And with that, the two kissed passionately. Their tongues dancing, their hands roaming, their hearts racing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ooooh!" Wina moaned, her legs giving way<span ss="userText"> and Mathew used his right hand to slide her panties to the side.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m sorry I''ve made you this way<span ss="aiText">. But I''m not going to stop. I will make sure to satisfy your needs, Win. Until you are <span ss="editText">fulfilled<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew''s voice was full of lust. His heart raced.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please... Please fill me up with your seed!<span ss="userText"> A-And you better marry me<span ss="aiText"> after this!"


    <span ss="aiText">Mathew smiled, his cock growing even more, his balls tightening.


    <span ss="aiText">"Anything my Queen wishes."


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhhnnn!" Wina happily squealed out as Mathew''s cock enters her.


    <span ss="aiText">And with that, the two made love for the rest of the day.

 Vol.0 Ch.146 Get the Lifebloom Relic

    Vol.0 Ch.146 Get the Lifebloom Relic


    <span style="font-weight:400">Things calmed down in the kingdom in the aftermath of the assassination attempt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus wasn''t aware that his life was in danger that day. And he never did as no one talked about it around him. All he did was try to get his baby''s body up to speed, as he enjoyed drinking Wina''s and Rianna''s milk over thest six months.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was able to control her urges better after having three more days of mind-blowing sex and lovemaking with Mathew. She was able toe to terms with the fact that she loves to be tied up during sex.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They tried to keep it hush-hush for a while. But since Miss Rose and the Queen already knew they didn''t see the point in hiding it anymore. Plus, they were going to get married anyway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They decided to not hide it and told everyone that they were engaged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna and Cyndre were overjoyed that one of the best knights was going to marry one of the best assassins in thend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They couldn''t be happier for the couple and nned to give them a ceremony once the prince no longer needed Wina as a wet nurse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">There was a little worry that Wina was going to be attacked by assassins sooner orter but after six months of nothing. They started to rx every day when nothing happened. So, Wina began to believe that Mathew was correct about the Duke leaving her be as she stayed by the Prince''s side. The Queen ordered the General to try and keep a watchful eye in the north where Wina told them that is where the Assassin''s Society likes to set up their secret meetings which usually involved them going in between different city-states and even a few smaller kingdoms in the far north.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But they were good at hiding their tracks. So, even if things seemed calm, Wina and Mathew still needed to be ready to defend themselves and the Prince at a moment''s notice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was finally able to walk after he turned seven months old and was almost talking by the age of nine months. Everyone was stunned by the Prince''s growth. Which made everyone start to believe he might have a Demi-god ranked vein. Plus, he was far smarter than any child his age. Which only made Queen Rianna''s ego growrger by the day.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This was much to the dismay of his cousin Marcus. Who was trying to do everything in his power to upstage the Prince over the past six months.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He was so desperate that he was starting to make waves in the court. And people were starting to question if he was going to try and stage a coup. Which started to make Marquess Duval Wrightwood be irritated and made the Duke panic that his son would get him in trouble.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But that all ended when Duke ric sent his son to the Mage''s Academy located in the northern region of the Kingdom. In Baroness Ysandra Fairchild''s domain in order to calm the Marquess and his people.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric didn''t want his son near Quinus. He didn''t trust he would make the right decision after refusing him. ric tried to warn him that they needed toy low and pay for his crimes. But Marcus''s refusal to ept this fact made ric worry that his brother, The King, who would change his mind and execute him and his son as traitors to the Kingdom. Even though Duval would have panicked about an uprising.


    <span style="font-weight:400">So he sent his son to a Mage''s Academy also known as the Fairchild''s Arcane Institute of Magic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He also wanted his son to learn how to harness his magic properly and hoped he could make a name for himself. Even though Marcus had a support element that most nobles and even themon folk feared. He wanted his son to get a level head and hoped he could get humbled by this. But Marcus was too much like his father. He had ric''s stubbornness and pride butcked the ability to lead and strategize.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He was only able to be the leader of his friend group because of his title and the fact that he had no otherpetition.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was furious when he was sent off to the Acadamy. He wanted to be near the capital. Not stuck at some backwater school. How was he supposed to show the court that he was the better heir than Quinus? If he was in the north of the country, how was he supposed to influence the people?


    <span style="font-weight:400">But he had no choice in the matter and it felt more like banishment just as he turned ten years old.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And his father promised to get him a tutor that was highly skilled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He didn''t have much faith in that. It was his father who failed to kill his cousin and now he was paying for his father''s foolishness. So, he focused on the only thing he could do. Which was to be the best mage he could be and try to find a source of ie to hire his own army.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">By the time Quinus turned 14 months old. He was sitting with his mother in the dining room in thete afternoon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna wanted to get a head start on his dining etiquette. So she brought Quinus to the second dining room which was smaller than the main one, which was five times bigger. Quinus was sitting in an infant high chair with many different types of food spread out before him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Miss Rose and Lady Wina were standing off to the side as Sir Mathew kept watch. There were a few maids going around bringing different food and drinks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna was trying to teach Quinus proper table manners.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, Quinus. You need to practice eating with your knife and fork. Here, I''ll show you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uuu." Quinus groaned with boredom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, it is difficult at first, but with enough practice, you''ll get it." Rianna continued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus did as his mother asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''But I love drinking Mother''s and Wina''s milk! Stupid teeth! Ever since they came out. Mother won''t let me drink her milk! I would never bite her! Haah... At least Wina''s milk has been tasting even bettertely. I''m d she still lets me suckle her beautiful breasts.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus grumbled as he started learning how to use the utensils that he already sorta knew how to use from his past life. The only difference was there were five different sizes of forks, spoons, and three knives. Which he thought was annoying, to begin with.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But the main reason why he didn''t want to learn was because he enjoyed the closeness between him and his mother and also Wina when he was breastfeeding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna knew that look on Quinus''s face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, now, Quinus. You can''t suckle on me and Lady Wina for the rest of our lives. We both need to move on and focus on our future."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Humph," Quinus grunted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I don''t know why... But I feel like I get grumpy way too easily... I''ve been a grown-ass man for many years and now I''m acting like a child again! Come on Quin... Do it for Mother.'' Quinus thought as he tried topose himself. Even though he was not pleased with his mother''s statement but did so as best as he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And when Quinus was doing what his mother told him to do. She couldn''t help but be excited.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh ho! See Miss Rose! I am a fantastic teacher... I don''t know why you told me it was going to be hard to train children."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-yes... You are doing very well, Your Majesty." Miss Rose agreed with the Queen. But then she muttered to Lady Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s easy to be a great teacher if you have given birth to the easiest child in history."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Wina tried her best not to snort at that.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know about the easiest... But Quinus is definitely above average. Especially after how fast he''s learned to speak and walk. But his etiquette and manners could use some work." Sir Mathew chimed in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus heard him and turned to re at the knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I just don''t understand why there are so many of the same types of silverware when one set is more than enough," Quinus said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone in the dining room looked at the Prince in surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina looked at Mathew and replied, "I think the prince has a point. Maybe the ce setting should be simplified."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen was having none of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quinus!... There are many good reasons why we go through this whole ordeal. But the main one is because the court is watching us. They want to make sure we are making the right moves and if they see us mess up, then they''ll try and pounce. And the second reason is to weed out those who are not serious nobles. So you know to be wary of them."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I guess Mother has a point, but this feels like such overkill... I mean, sure, the nobles in the court could be watching but I have a feeling there are some that are just doing it because they think they should. Or because it is their duty. Or maybe it''s the pressure from their peers and parents... I guess in the end, it''s not worth arguing about right now. It''s not like they''ll listen to a one-year-old.'' Quinus thought with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I understand, Mother." He agreed to his dismay.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Now, You did well your first time, but you slouch. Keep a straight back. We can''t have anyone think less of you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Mother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Miss Rose was still stunned by how mature the 14-month-old prince was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have never seen such an obedient child. Especially at his age."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course. He''s my son after all." Queen Rianna said as a proud mother. "Now, let''s go again Quinus. I want to see you eat as elegantly as the rest of the nobles in the court."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Mother," Quinus said with a groan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And so Quinus continued to practice under his mother''s watchful eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">After an hour of practicing, Lady Wina started to look a little under the weather. But she did her best to hide it as she stood there at attention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, we shall work on eating dessert. Just for being such a good boy?... Ladies?" The Queen nodded to Wina to have the maid bring over the sweets.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maid brought over a piece of chocte cake and ced it in front of Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just before they were about to start. Wina got a sense of vertigo and stumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Win!" Mathew said loudly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss Daz!" said Miss Rose.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen, Mathew, Rose, and a few servants hurried over to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s wrong, Wina?" The Queen asked as she saw Mathew helping her steady herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I just felt a bout of dizziness hit me all of a sudden, Your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you sure, Win?" Mathew asked with a bit of worry written on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m fine. Thank you. Maybe it was something I ate... This nausea will pass."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen gave her a raised brow when Wina mentioned the word ''nausea''.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How long have you been feeling under the weather?" She asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just a bit in the morning, Your Majesty. I''ve never had it happen thiste in the day."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. When was the first time you felt this nausea?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe two weeks ago? But it hasn''t happened in a few days."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen gave her a quizzing look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss Rose... Can you grab my family''s heirloom?" asked the Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Miss Rose looked at the Queen with a raised eyebrow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t think..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not sure yet. But we won''t know until we test her. Hurry."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Miss Rose left the room in a hurry. And while she was gone, Queen Rianna ordered Wina to take a seat at the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please, Your Majesty... You''re making this into a bigger deal than it is. It was probably something I ate. It happens sometimes. I''m a little sensitive sometimes. It''ll pass." Wina said as she tried to reason with the Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That might be, Wina. But I want to make sure."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina wasn''t sure what the Queen was getting at.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Miss Rose came back into the dining room holding a small artifact that looked like a m shell with a nice round crystal sitting on top of the shell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty. I have the Lifebloom Relic. How shall we proceed?" Rose said as she held up the artifact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was curious about this artifact. For all the time he''s been in Tertius. He hasn''t really witnessed anything magical. There were some small things here and there. Like the candles never seemed to burn out and the rooms never seemed to get cold. And the bathwater is always hot. But that just felt like modern technology but with a Renaissance aesthetic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh... Will this be the first time I''ll see something truly magical?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. Have Lady Wina touch the stone, Miss Rose."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is going on here, Your Majesty?" Mathew asked, looking at the mshell artifact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Lifebloom relic is one of the artifacts that is passed down from my royal family. It will glow when ites in contact with a woman who is with child."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina started waving her hands, "I appreciate the concern, but it''s just a bit of fatigue. You''re overreacting."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wina, please, trust me. I''ve had this happen to me a few times before. And if it is as you say, then nothing will happen, correct?" Rianna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina gave in and sighed. "Fine..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">She took a breath and reached out and touched the crystal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The crystal lit up and turned green.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and everyone else in the room froze.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna smiled, "I wonder if it will be a boy or a girl? I mean, either would be fine."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and Mathew were stunned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was the first one toe to his senses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''re having a baby!" Mathew shouted in excitement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina snapped out of her stupor, "We? I-I''m the one who has to push this thing out of me!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew chuckled, "Yes, I''ll help you in any way I can."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, this is wonderful news!" the Queen eximed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will send word to the castle seamstress and we will get started on a wedding dress and a suit for you Mathew. Oh, and a nursery, of course."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina is still stunned, "Y-your Majesty... What if I''m not ready?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nonsense, dear, you''re going to make a fine wife and mother. But it seems you will have to step down as the Royal Wet Nurse."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"WHAT!" yelped Quinus who had be ustomed to the warm and pleasant feeling of Wina''s breasts and nipples.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, Quinus. Don''t be dramatic. You are not a baby anymore and you shouldn''t act like one."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-but, Mother!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, buts, young man. Wina and Mathew will have to focus on their baby. It would not be fair to take them away from their child. And it''s not like Lady Wina and Mathew won''t be by your side. They will still be your protectors until Lady Wina gives birth to her child."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was happy for Wina but he felt stupid for not ying dumb and enjoying being treated as a baby again. But in his haste to see if he could use magic has outed himself to be far more advanced than any child his age should be.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''At least I can use this as an opportunity to get Mathew to teach me more about magic. I need to use this to my advantage.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus changed his posture and stared at his mother with the most regal and mature expression possible. It made him look super adorable which wasn''t his intention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Mother. I''m sorry. I was just surprised. But if I''m to lose my wet nurse then I wish to learn about magic. That way I can be ahead of schedule before I need to go to the Academy... That is your wish, is it not?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna was stunned that her son wanted to learn magic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well, that''s only if you are a mage, Quinus. And you are far too young to go off killing monsters. I will not have you risking your life."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mother, I do not wish to go hunting monsters. I wish to learn the theory and how to harness magic. That is all. And Mathew is a skilled teacher. I''m sure he can keep me busy with other studies."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus said, doing his best to be as convincing as possible.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew was confused by the prince''s request. He was a Maja and a knight. He didn''t have the ability to be a Mage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m honored that the young master wishes to learn magic. But I''m a Maja. Not a Mage. I''m not skilled enough to teach you. Maybe Sir Cedric will be able to."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Cedric is not a good choice. He''s not patient enough to teach children." Miss Rose said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was confused, "So you''re saying that not everyone can use magic? Only a select few can?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Correct. The Mage''s guild would have to test you, to see what kind of element you can control. And not that many people can do that in the first ce. So if you were not a mage, which is most likely, then you are most certainly a Maja like your father," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I might be a Maja? I need to read up on that... It sorta sounds like a mage but I don''t know what the difference is... Whatever, I would like to get tested and see if I am a mage first. So, I can n something else if I''m not.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then I will go see the Mage''s guild and have them test me," Quinus said with determination.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No," Rianna said firmly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But Mother. I-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. You need to y monsters to grow your mana vein and you are too young, Quinus. And I won''t let you put yourself in danger. I''m your mother and I''m telling you no... I have spoken."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus took in this information.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm... Mana vein, huh?... Well, I still want to find out more about this world... But I can understand why Mother would be worried. Who in their right mind would allow a 14-month-old to go out ying monsters? No one, that who... Haah... I need to be more patient... I wonder when I will be allowed to go see the Mage''s Guild... I hope it''s when I''m five?'' Quinus came out of his thoughts and saw his Mother staring at him with a stern look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Mother. I apologize. I didn''t know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna''s attitude flipped back to happiness once her son didn''t continue to argue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. You will get your opportunity to y monsters when you reach a proper age. Now, Wina, you''ll have to stay here for now and get some rest. Your duties of being my son''s wet nurse have been fulfilled and you may be his guardian until you aren''t capable. Then you can have time to prepare for the birth of your child... Does that sound satisfactory?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina looked at the queen with a puzzled look. In her life, she never imagined getting pregnant. Even though during love sessions with Mathew. She would say in her dirty talk that she wanted to have his baby. She knew it was just dirty talk and that it wouldn''t happen. It was fun to pretend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But now it wasing true.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty. I... I''m not sure what to say... But, thank you, for giving me this chance. I won''t let you down." Wina bowed her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. I expect a healthy child. Hopefully a girl? We could use more women like you in this world," Rianna said, rubbing her belly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina didn''t like it when people touched her out of the blue, with the exception of Mathew. But it was the Queen. So, she put up with it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If the Gods are kind, then it will be a beautiful daughter." Mathew chimed in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Excellent... I think we had enough of an etiquette lesson for today... Don''t you think, my son?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus quickly nodded his head. He hated sitting in this awkward high chair that was supposed to be a throne for him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh thank God! Now I can get back to reading more about what types of monsters are in this crazy world. Plus I should find out what Majas are too.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Miss Rose had some of the maids help Quinus out of his chair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright. I know that look in your eyes. Sir Mathew. Watch over my son. He wants to go to the library. Make sure he doesn''t do anything rash. And make sure he eats."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, My Queen," Mathew said as he bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quinus, I want you back in your room and asleep in an hour."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded before he hurried out of the dining hall and headed to the library. Mathew followed after him as he looked back and gave Wina a warm smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and Mathew both waved goodbye as the Queen watched Quinus run off down the hallway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think that went rather well," Queen Rianna said, satisfied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It did," Miss Rose agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But what do I do now?" Wina asked as she wasn''t used to resting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"For now, we''ll have you meet with the doctor. OH! You look so radiant Lady Wina. I can''t wait to see you in a wedding dress."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina had never seen the Queen so excited about her getting married.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I- Thank you, Your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, Quinus tried to learn as much as he could before his curfew. While Wina went on with her new duties and met the royal doctor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was a few months went by as Mathew and Wina got married.

 Vol.0 Ch.147 She is with Child

    Vol.0 Ch.147 She is with Child


    <span style="font-weight:400">Duke ric was sitting in his study. Over the months heid off one-quarter of his staff to put up the facade that he was struggling financially. But he had set up a few secret ounts years ago that no one knew about. He used to keep most of his minor lords on his side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He also arranged the marriage of his oldest daughter to a powerful noble family that was across the White Sea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Noble Family was a part of the Kingdom of Gavina. It was a small ind nation made up of two major inds that housed most of the poption and five minor inds. It was a peaceful kingdom that was rich in agriculture. So it was perfect for his daughter. And the kingdom was far away, so if something bad were to happen to Quinus, she wouldn''t be close to the Kingdom of Faifyr to be the next heir.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was the one who lost his right to be the next heir to the throne, but his daughter did. She was still considered a part of the royal bloodline. So she would have be an obstacle for her brother.


    <span style="font-weight:400">So ric took care of two problems. But he had a hundred more to deal with. It was bing a juggling act that would end his life if he made one slip up. So he had to be vignt, especially for the next five years.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And as far as the other Noble Families knew, he was showing them that he was in a tough spot. He needed to keep it that way until he could strike again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric was sitting at his desk when he heard a knock on his door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enter," ric said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Belial the butler entered his master''s study with a message.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Lordship. I have news of that traitor. She''s getting married and she is also with child. Should we send word to the Assassin''s Society?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric leaned back in his chair and brought his hands up as he intertwined his fingers together to think.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm... So she''s with child and getting married?..." ric muttered to himself while pondering. He took a moment, weighing out the pros and cons.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How long will the messenger take?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It takes about three week''s ride to get there and back if they ride their horse into the ground."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tck!... That''s too long... I doubt she''ll be going on a honeymoon..." ric said while shaking his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But she might be away from the Prince after she gives birth, My Lord."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric thought about it some more.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe... But then again, my nephew could still be around her. And I doubt that she would leave the pce to give birth... It''s too risky, Belial. We''ll wait. For now, we need to make sure that the fundinging from the Kingdom of Gavina doesn''t get tracked by my brother''s people or the snake Duval. I need that money to keep the minor lords on my side."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, My Lord," Belial said as he bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that all? Good. I need to finish the ledgers. You''re dismissed."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well. I will see to the arrangements."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Belial left the room and the Duke went back to writing his ledgers on the new taxes he needed to pay to the kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"75% of our ie is gone now..." ric muttered to himself. He did have his secret ounts but that would draw too much attention. And he could only use what money his brother knew about. And he knew it wasn''t going to be pleasant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Goddess damn it... Of all the things I need to deal with. Sometimes I wish I could use my gold to make life easier.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric was pissed off that his assassin turned on him and nearly got him executed by his brother. And his financial situation is the way it is, thanks to Marquess Duvel trying to bleed ric dry to weaken his support with the minor lords. But he was too naive and thought he could have control of the Duke and the kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t let you get the best of me, Duval... You will regret letting me live. Mark my words..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric grumbled as he continued to write.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina''s pregnancy was progressing nicely and she was starting to show.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was still reading up on the various beasts and monsters that roamed the continent. He found it odd that all these creatures that lived on the of Tertius were the same as the mythological and fantasy creatures written in novels and old texts back on Earth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Most of them were identical to the writings he read before his death, but there were some monsters with the same name but were slightly different from the ones written back on Earth. Like, one of the monsters called a Chimera. It was like the three-headed hybrid monster from the Greek myths. But instead of having a goat''s, lion''s, and serpent''s heads, it had a crocodile''s, a dog''s, and a bird''s heads instead. It was weird how close some of these monsters were to their counterparts back on Earth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why is there such a resemnce? Was there some weird crossover between Tertius and Earth?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">He couldn''t answer the question. But he figured it was best to just not think about it. Or it would drive Quinus crazy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He was trying to focus on reading but his mind kept thinking of different scenarios.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Wait. What if the Gods came from Earth and decided toe to this? But then we would have had monsters running all over the ce. Gah! Just stop trying to make sense of it!'' He thought while shaking his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus never thought he would be living in a fantasy world, especially one where magic and monsters are real. And now he was stuck being a 19-month-old kid''s body learning Royal etiquette from his Mother. Which was really frustrating because he wasn''t able to do anything without someone looking after him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked over at Wina who was in the middle of her second trimester which made her curves even more voluptuous and she had the glow of pregnancy, radiating from her body. He had been admiring her body as she grew. Her breasts were swollen and had a nice full shape. They were soft and firm, and he would have loved to y with them but his Mother wouldn''t allow it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ugh! Mathew is a lucky bastard. I wish I had a long-term girlfriend or wife before I got reincarnated to Tertius... Damn it. I won''t make the same mistake twice. I''m royalty now and I''ll make sure to find me a woman just as awesome as Wina...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus wanted to experience love and start a family. But he was now a man in the body of a child. He couldn''t do anything. And he could tell that his body wasn''t working as it normally would until he hit puberty again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He looked at her onest time while she was reading a book about childcare and pregnancy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Yeah, I need to be patient. She''s married and is going to have a kid. Plus I''m not 30 anymore. I may be older mentally but physically is a different story. I''d be making her a pedophile and that''s not fair to her... There are other women in the sea Quin.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus closed the ''monsterpendium, volume 2'' and opened a book about the other races on the.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There was an assortment of races.


    <span style="font-weight:400">From Elves to Dwarves. And when Quinus opened the book from the middle pages. It opened up to a drawing of a female Dark Elf. She had dark tan skin with the body of a supermodel. Her ears were elongated and the tips pointed upwards. She was wearing a revealing outfit that showed her curves. Her face had high cheekbones, and her nose was thin. She had a beautiful face. Her eyes were dark purple and her hair was a raven ck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She''s gorgeous," Quinus whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina heard the young prince say something.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? I didn''t know you liked the dark elves?" Wina said with a surprised tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was surprised when she spoke up. He didn''t realize he had said anything out loud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No. It''s nothing. I was just reading this book and I opened it to the page that had the Dark Elf drawing," Quinus said, acting like he got caught watching a porno.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh. Well, they are an attractive race. But they''re a secluded race. I think Agon is the only continent that has thest n of Dark Elves. But I''ve never met one. Just heard stories from travelers. And I loved them so much that I wanted to learn theirnguage and culture. So I learned the dark elven tongue and writing. I can teach you if you like, your Highness," Wina said, sounding enthusiastic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at her and couldn''t help but like the idea of learning anothernguage, like the dark elven tongue. He wouldn''t mind learning the othernguages, too.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you a schr, Lady Wina?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, no. Not at all. But I can read and write a fewnguages..." Wina paused for a moment, trying to find the proper way to phrase her next statement in order to hide the fact that she was an assassin, "I-It''s a hobby of mine. My mother taught me how to speak and write the Elvennguages. I also know a little bit of the Dwarven tongue as well... I learned that one for work purposes."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus likes the sound of that and with Wina as his tutor. He was sure he could pick it up in no time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Interesting... I would appreciate that, Lady Wina," Quinus said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was surprised that the Prince took her offer. If she couldn''t be his protector during her third trimester then she could at least teach him something to pass the time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey Lady Wina? You said the Dark Elves are a rare race... Is it the same for the other races?" Quinus asked as he flipped through the pages and noticed that there wasn''t as much information on the Dark Elvespared to the other races.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Depends on the continent. But the mostmon races are Humans, Demons, Dwarves, Orcs, and High Elves. The umon races are Vampires, Wood Elves, Beastkins, Merfolk, Werewolfs, Angels, and Water Elves."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was half listening while he was reading his book.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. So I''m guessing the other continents have other rare races?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Most likely. It''s said that the Beastkins have a kingdom and live in harmony with the Dwarves in the Kingdom of Lothar. On the Reimus Continent which is far off to the southwest of Agon. The continent is covered in desert and is rumored to have an entire civilization underground."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess that makes sense... What are the rarest races then?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That would be the halflings, who were almost wiped out by the Vampires centuries ago... Something in their blood made the Vampires go into a feeding frenzy. You can find a halfling as a trophy with some rich nobles. Or as a ve with a vampire."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''That''s awful... Wait! What the fuck! Vampire?!'' Quinus was reading about the Dark Elves in his book and missed the part about vampires being umon in the world.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Vampire?" Quinus asked as his voice cracked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina could tell that he was afraid and surprised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... They can be a bit of a nuisance for us warm-blooded people. They''re very dangerous and they''re a pain to kill if you aren''t a Maja or a Mage."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-is that so..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry, Prince Quinus. The kingdom''s Royal Knights are more than capable of handling a Vampire. Plus the Vampires find the taste of humans tolerable on average. So they won''t go out of their way to make us into cattle."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"R-right... And are there any more rare races?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That would be the Fairies and the rarest are the Dragons."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dragons!?" Quinus panicked at first.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Come on, Quin! Of course, there would be Dragons in a magical setting... I need to get used to this crap. I''m not on Earth anymore.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yep. Dragons are the rarest race, but also the superior race on Tertius. And the thing that makes them stronger than us is they don''t need to y monsters to grow their mana vein. Where we need to y monsters to grow ours... They can breathe fire and can be the size of arge mansion. They are majestic beasts that are both intelligent and powerful. They can speak ournguages and even the beastkin tongue. But there''s one thing that mostmoners don''t know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it?" Quinus asked as he was drawn in and wanted to know the secret.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They can take the form of a humanoid and they almost look human. But you can tell the difference because they have a set of horns and a scaled tail. And their eyes are reptilian and their pupils are slit."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why is Wina telling me this stuff?'' Quinus thought to himself. ''She must have a reason for this... Right?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that so?..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... So, if you ever run into a Dragon in their human form. I would rmend running away, My Prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus could see the serious look on Wina''s face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why are you telling me this, Lady Wina?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because you could have a Demi-god mana vein. And if you get strong enough, a dragon will notice you, and who knows if it''s a good dragon or not? You need to know this, so if the timees you''ll be ready. Because this world is not a nice ce, My Prince. We humans forget that there are other races that can push us around. And you''ll have to be prepared."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus took this information in, to the best of his ability.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Lady Wina. I''ll be careful."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina nodded and went back to her book while Quinus did the same. He couldn''t help but be drawn to the illustration of the female Dark Elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I wonder if I''ll run into one of their kind...''

 Vol.0 Ch.148 Frustrations and Hanger

    Vol.0 Ch.148 Frustrations and Hanger


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was watching Quinus as he read his book about the other races for 15 minutes before getting back to her book.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He seemed to be interested in the Dragons and the Dark Elves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I know he''s young but he needs to know these things and it''s still too soon for him to start sword training. So, giving him knowledge is the next best thing. And besides, he''s not a normal boy. He probably has a Demi-god rank mana vein. That alone will bring a lot of attention.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, Wina went back to her book and continued to learn as much as she could about being pregnant and what to do for childcare.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was about 10 minutes in before she started getting frustrated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah... Why are there so many different childcare methods? Some say I shouldn''t feed my child after a certain time, and some say it''s okay. There was this other book I read saying I shouldn''t smoke or I shouldn''t eat raw fish while pregnant... I mean, I don''t smoke, but still! Why is it that bing pregnant means I have to sacrifice everything that has the possibility of hurting my child?! I like fun! And I feel like I can''t have fun anymore! Mathew probably thinks I''m fat! Doesn''t he!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was stressing out a little as she felt like a balloon and was feeling tired as her body was creating her and Mathew''s child. She still did exercises that were simr to yoga, but she wasn''t used to feeling like a house. The realization hit her when she sat downst week only to be greeted by her breasts resting on her belly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All of this was new to her. She was used to fighting and assassinating people. She didn''t know how to take care of a child, let alone a baby. And she was hoping that her child would be a quarter of what Quinus was during his infancy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And to add on top of all the new stress, she started feeling hornier as her hormones started kicking in at the beginning of her second trimester.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ugh. Why can''t I just take care of my needs myself? I-I know Mathew must think I''m fat... That''s why he''s always giving me space. I haven''t gotten any action in three weeks. And that was before I was really showing. I can''t believe he hasn''t said anything about my looks. I mean, yeah. I know I''m his wife. But damn, he doesn''t have to lie to me. I would rather he just told me straight out!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Grrraaa!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina grunted out in frustration as she closed the book. She was starting to get worked up and she couldn''t stop thinking about all the possibilities of why Mathew didn''t love her anymore.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at Wina and could tell she was upset. He didn''t know why at first but then he recalled a time when his best friend''s wife snapped at him about how he wasn''t paying any attention to her when she was about as pregnant as Wina was. He remembered asking him how he fixed the problem and he told him that she was feeling ignored and unloved. Not just mentally, but she was also feeling ignored in the bedroom as her hormones were making her hornier than a teenage boy. Once his friend realized the issue, he made sure to fix the problem immediately.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm... I don''t think Mathew knows about how horny a woman in her second trimester can get... Haah... You are going to owe me big time for this, Mathew.'' Quinus closed his book and looked at Lady Wina who was lost in her own thoughts and didn''t notice him looking at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Wina... Where''s Sir Mathew?..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina jumped when Quinus asked where her husband was. She didn''t notice the Prince was finished with his book.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-He''s was training the knights by the pce barracks..." Wina replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. Was he doing a morning shift? Or am I mistaken?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-He is on the morning shift. He was doing a training regimen with the Royal Knights outside of the west wing." Wina answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the clock on the wall and it was about 12:15 pm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So he should be finished by now... He can''t keep a pregnant woman waiting. It''s bad luck.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... He should be wrapping up his shift soon?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. That''s what his schedule says... W-Why are you asking, your Highness?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have my reasons, Lady Wina," Quinus stood up and grabbed all the books he was reading and put them back on the shelves before heading for the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"P-Prince Quinus. Wait! Y-you can''t just leave."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stopped at the door and looked at her with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not leaving the pce grounds, Lady Wina... Are you going to sit around all day or are you going to join me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina didn''t know what he meant by that.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"J-Join you?" Wina asked in a curious tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. I''m going to find Mathew and invite him to eat lunch with us. I''m hungry and I would love to eat soon."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus turned the doorknob to open the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina didn''t have time to think as she stood up and put her book away. Then hurried after the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was walking through the hallways of the western wing of Maldura Royal Pce with Wina following behind him. Quinus''s tiny legs made him slower so it was easy for Wina to catch up to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was curious as to what the Prince was nning. She wasn''t happy about having lunch with her husband, but she wasn''t going to go against Quinus''s wishes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They walked past a few of the servants and a few of the maids. All of them bowed or curtsied to Prince Quinus as he walked past them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It''s still so weird to have everyone bowing and curtsying to me. It''s so formal. I don''t know what I did in my first lift to be reborn as a Prince. But I shouldn''t look a gift horse in the mouth. Anyway, I guess I have to get used to it at some point...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina noticed that they were heading towards the entrance doors to the pce''s gardens. Which was right by the training grounds of the barracks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why does the Prince want to see my husband? That stupid jerk doesn''t deserve to eat with us.'' Wina wondered as they walked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They walked down the hallways past the servants'' dining room and approached the exit. They could hear the sounds of shing steel and the shouting of men and women as they were sparring outside. The closer they got, the more they could hear the soundsing from behind the doors.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The pce guards opened the doors and a st of heat came through as the sun was shining down brightly. Wina followed the Prince and they were walking through the pce''s courtyard gardens.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked out and could see all the knights doing drills or sparring in pairs or groups of three. It didn''t take long for Quinus to spot Mathew putting away his equipment as he was done for the day. And Quinus also spotted Lady Nelumbo.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Perfect! Hopefully, Lady Nelumbo has a few hours she can spare to be my bodyguard. Once I get the two lovebirds together again.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t say anything to Wina and he started heading down the stone steps and made his way across the courtyard. Wina followed him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo noticed the Prince first and she nudged Mathew''s side with her elbow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? What is it, Lady Nelumbo?..." Mathew asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"His Highness is here. And so is your wife."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Eh? Really?" Mathew said in surprise as he turned around to see the Prince walking towards him with his wife in tow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo rolled her eyes at Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You really are oblivious sometimes, Sir Mathew."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew ignored her and started walking over to the Prince. While Wina looked at the ground, avoiding eye contact. Quinus could see the look of worry written on Lady Wina''s face. This was so unlike her and he knew this needed to be done.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He walked over and stood in front of Sir Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, Your Highness... The King and Queen don''t want you to learn swordy. Not until you turn-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not here for that." Quinus interrupted him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Eh?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m here to ask if you can go to lunch with me and Lady Wina. I''m hungry and I would like yourpany." Quinus said with confidence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"U-uh..." Mathew stuttered and looked at his wife and could tell something was off. "I can do that. Just give me a minute to stow away my equipment."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well," Quinus said, then turned to Lady Nelumbo who was only five feet away from them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah... Lady Nelumbo! I have a request for you as well. That''s if you are free for the next few hours?..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo looked around to make sure she wasn''t mistaken.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Your Highness? Are you speaking to me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course. Who else would I be talking to, Lady Nelumbo?" Quinus said in an annoyed tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"R-right. Sorry, Your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you busy, Lady Nelumbo, or not?..." Quinus asked as he didn''t want to wait all day for her answer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wasn''t assigned to do anything this afternoon, My Prince. So, I''m avable. What do you require from me, Your Highness?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m going to have lunch with Sir Mathew and Lady Wina. And I would like you toe and have lunch with us as well. I believe I''ll need you to be my guardian for an hour or two. I don''t want to cause any issues if you have something else nned."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and Lady Nelumbo both had a puzzled look on their faces. While Mathew was confused too. But he would never question the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t see a problem with that, Your Highness." Lady Nelumbo answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good! I would hate for you to have a conflict of interest."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Conflict of interest?" Lady Nelumbo was confused by that statement. Quinus wasn''t even two years old and he was speaking like an adult.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. I didn''t want to impose if you had other ns. And if you did have something in mind. I wouldn''t be opposed to having you do whatever you need to do and Ie along with you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo looked at Mathew and then at Wina who was ring at Mathew when his back was turned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-oh. I see..." Lady Nelumbo had an inkling about what the Prince was trying to imply. And didn''t know that someone so young was able to pick up on a lover''s quarrel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, let''s head off to lunch. You don''t mind if we eat in your quarters Lady Wina? It would be morefortable there, don''t you think?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina blinked when she heard the Prince asking her a question and nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-yeah... It should be fine, Prince Quinus. If that''s alright with Sir Mathew?" Lady Wina responded kindly to the Prince before giving an annoyed tone towards her husband.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew didn''t know why his wife was being so short with him. He was trying to give her her space and tried to help around, mainly cleaning their room. But it seemed nothing he did was good enough for her. He wishes he knew what to do so his wife didn''t look like she was about to murder him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, yes. We can have lunch in our quarters. I''ll ask a servant to bring up some food for us. I believe they were slow-roasting a wild boar with root vegetables. I''m sure you''ll enjoy it, Your Highness." Mathew said as he put away his gear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded, "Very good! Let''s go and have some lunch then."


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, Quinus turned and walked over to the entrance to the pce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew took off his gloves and followed after the Prince with Wina in tow. Lady Nelumbo didn''t know what to make of all of this. She was just going following orders but she didn''t know what to make of all these events. So she stayed quiet and followed the Prince, Mathew, and Wina back into the pce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was still feeling a little down as her hormones were making her feel all sorts of emotions. And her empty stomach wasn''t helping matters either. Quinus, however, was calm and couldn''t wait to get some food in his stomach.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They entered the pce and went through the hallways, headed up to the royal guest wing where Mathew and Wina were given a permanent residence to live as a wedding gift and a reward for saving Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The servants and the maids bowed or curtsied when they passed them and it didn''t take them long to reach their living quarters. Which was way nicer than the servants'' quarters Wina and Mathew used to share.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The four of them entered and Mathew and Lady Nelumbo removed their weapons. So they didn''t get in the way of eating.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo was surprised that the Prince knew his way around the pce. Normally there would be a young noble or two that would get lost in the pce when theye to visit the King and Queen. Usually, they are five years or six years old when they get lost. But Quinus was different. He was one in a half years old and had a good sense of direction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Prince. It''s impressive that you know the way around the pce without guidance."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, I would know my way around, Lady Nelumbo. I live here after all... Although, I haven''t gotten used to theyout downstairs in the basement. I know it''s mostly storage and is where the dungeon is. But it''s always good to know they of thend. Even if I only know the inside of the pce."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh... I see. Well sooner orter. You will be able to visit the city and beyond, Your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I look forward to it, Lady Nelumbo. Now let us sit."


    <span style="font-weight:400">They all sat down and were waiting for the food toe. Mathew looked at Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-what''s wrong, Wina?..." Mathew asked not knowing what to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nothing," Wina replied quickly and coldly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew felt the tension between him and Wina was getting worse and worse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo sensed it too. She wanted to be silent but the mood was so thick and heavy that she felt the need to say something to alleviate it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, Lady Wina... How is the pregnancying along?" Nelumbo asked, hoping it was a safe topic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina perked up and her eyes sparkled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s been better. My morning sickness has passed long ago... But may I give you a warning?... If you ever get pregnant, just know that things will be limited to you. For example, if you like to drink alcohol, or eat raw seafood. Well, that is out of the question. You also can''t take your normal exercise routine. Like running, lifting weights, sparring, or any form of swordy. Even horse riding is out of the question."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ummm." Lady Nelumbo thought the question she asked would have helped put Wina at ease, but now she wished she had stayed silent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then there''s this weird thing that happens to your body with everything bing loose down there and you feel like you''re getting fatter. Even though I know I''m not getting fatter in the normal sense. But still, it gets in the back of your mind. Then your husband will start keeping his distance from you because he is so disgusted that he REFUSES TO TOUCH M-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock! Knock!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as Wina was about to go on a tirade, a maid came into the room with a cart that had arge bowl with a lid and a few smaller bowls. While Mathew wanted to sink into his seat. Quinus didn''t seem bothered by it and Lady Nelumbo wished she didn''t ept the Prince''s order to have lunch with the three of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your food is ready, Your Highness. It''s a roast pig with root vegetable soup and sd." The maid said as she ced therge bowl in the center of the table and set the smaller bowls in front of everyone. The maid put adle on the table and ced a small stack of tes on the side. She then distributed the sd and poured some dressing on the side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Wina needs some food in her. I think she is hangry on top of being pregnant. Maybe if she eats, things will turn for the better. Then I can fix things... I hope.'' Quinus thought as Wina grabbed thedle and scooped up a generous amount of the roast pork and vegetables and put it in his bowl first.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Lady Wina," Qunius said as he got a te and started cing sd on it and then added the dressing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina gave him a smile and then scooped some up for Nelumbo and then herself. But Mathew had to get his own.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re wee, Your Highness." Lady Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maid left and Mathew, Wina, Quinus, and Nelumbo started eating. Quinus was enjoying the meal and it was quiet and peaceful. Wina seemed to cheer up as she had a full stomach. And Mathew was happy to see his wife smile again. Nelumbo didn''t say anything as she didn''t want to set off Wina again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***

 Vol.0 Ch.149 The Dog Days of Pregnancy

    Vol.0 Ch.149 The Dog Days of Pregnancy


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once everyone finished their meals, Quinus knew this was his shot to help Mathew with Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Wina. I noticed you''ve been distractedtely. You are my main guardian and I need you to be sharp. Is something troubling you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina perked up when the Prince spoke. She didn''t expect the Prince to call her out on her attitude.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"U-uh... I''m sorry, Your Highness. I promise to do better," Wina apologized, as she had be more distractedtely.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head. "That''s not the point. I think I know why you are so distractedtely and it''s not healthy. So I need you to follow my instructions this one time."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-of course, My Prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Sir Mathew... I need you to cooperate as well," Quinus said as he looked at the defeated Royal Knight slouching in his chair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, My Prince," Mathew said as he was curious what the Prince was going to do. He was hoping that he could help him with his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good! So the first thing I need you two to do is to look each other in the eyes," Quinus ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Why should I look him in the eye, Prince Quinus?" Wina asked as she was still grumpy with her husband. Mathew looked worried. He still didn''t know why his wife had a grudge against him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just trust me, Lady Wina," Quinus said as he smiled, hoping that would convince her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay. But I''m only doing this once, Prince Quinus. If this doesn''t work, then I''m not going to be happy about this," Wina said as she looked at Mathew with a scowl.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina red at Mathew''s sad green eyes, while Mathew looked into her bright hazel eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Alright Mathew, don''t screw this up.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, Sir Mathew. Tell me, is Lady Wina beautiful?..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-huh?..." Mathew stuttered as he didn''t know how to answer the Prince''s question while Wina''s re morphed into a look of confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is your wife beautiful, Sir Mathew?" Quinus asked again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course she is beautiful. Why would you ask such a thing?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus ignored his remark, "Do you find her attractive right now?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, of course. She''s always beautiful and she is very sex-attractive, more than she knows," Mathew said as Wina''s cheeks turned red when she heard her husband call her beautiful and sexy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I couldn''t agree with you more, Sir Mathew," Quinus replied. "Now, why have you been avoiding Lady Wina?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew gulped as he didn''t want to answer that question, especially in front of a child.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Mathew?..." Quinus asked again as he leaned forward in his seat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew sighed and gave in. "U-um. W-Well, I-I was told by my father that it wouldn''t be good for the baby if I got... intimate with my wife... You wouldn''t understand how I''ve been fighting every fiber of my being not to... get intimate with her. So I wouldn''t hurt my unborn child, Your Highness. So, I was trying to give her some space, so I didn''t lose control of myself. But, it seems that I''ve failed as a husband."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina looked at Mathew with shock and shame as her face turned bright red. She didn''t know what to say. Her imagination got the better of her and she was wrong this whole time. She got mad at him for no good reason. All because she thought her husband wasn''t attracted to her anymore.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know, Sir Mathew... You''re a pretty dumb fellow if you believe that old wives'' tale." Quinus said with annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"E-eh?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can''t hurt the child by being intimate with your wife, Sir Mathew. Unless you do something to injure Lady Wina''s belly. That rumor is just some garbage that came from goddess knows where. If you keep this up, you''ll lose Lady Wina."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?!... Can that really be true? How are you so sure, Your Highness," Mathew questioned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve read half of the library, Sir Mathew. I even read some of the medical books just for fun. So I''ve read one journal that says it''s perfectly safe to be intimate with your significant other," Quinus said confidently to Sir Mathew. Even though it was a half-truth. Quinus wasn''t interested in medicine and hadn''t touched any of those books dealing with that subject yet. He just knew that it was okay to have sex with someone who was pregnant, thanks to his past life''s knowledge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-sorry, Your Highness. I-I didn''t know..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You got bad advice and nothing more, Sir Mathew... Now, Lady Nelumbo... Grab your things and let us depart."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Eh?!" Lady Nelumbo was surprised by the Prince''smand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness? Where are we going?" Lady Nelumbo asked as she was confused as to why the Prince was leaving without his guardian.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nowhere in particr... Lady Wina, you have two hours. I would advise you to use them wisely. Now, Lady Nelumbo, shall we go for a walk?" Quinus said as he got out of his seat and walked out the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo finally caught on to what the Prince was talking about and grabbed her sword before bowing to Lady Wina and Sir Mathew. She turned around and left the room in a hurry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Wina, Sir Mathew... Thank you for the hospitality!" Nelumbo said in a hurry as she wanted to get out of there quickly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was looking at the doorway, speechless. While Wina was staring at Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know... I was jealous that you were ignoring me, Mat... And I felt like I had done something wrong..." Wina said in a soft tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew snapped out of his trance and looked at Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I didn''t know, Win. I-I''m so sorry. I didn''t know I was making you feel that way."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I understand. I just thought it was because I was getting fat and that you weren''t attracted to me anymore."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew got out of his seat and kneeled down next to her so he could get a closer look into her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re perfect! You''re sexier than you know. I''ve been holding back like a fool because I didn''t want to hurt our child."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina started crying tears of joy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stupid... Stupid, stupid, stupid!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry," Mathew apologized as he hugged his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not upset with you. It''s my hormones and I was so emotional. I was so mad that you were keeping your distance."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, Win. I didn''t know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, if you are so sorry, then make love to me right now," Wina said as she wiped her tears away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew didn''t need to be told twice. He kissed Wina deeply and she wrapped her arms around him. The kiss was intense and heated. Wina moaned into the kiss. She had been longing for his touch for weeks now. They continued kissing until they had to separate for air. Wina was breathing heavily. She was trying to catch her breath while Mathew''s eyes started to linger towards her massive breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Like what you see?" Wina asked, catching him in the act.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course," Mathew replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina then pushed her chair away from the table and stood up. Her dress was hugging her body and her belly was straining against her corset.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thene and take me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Heh," Mathew smirked and walked over to her and intercepted her lips before moving down to her neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmhh!" Mathew kissed and sucked on her neck as he was fondling her ass.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahhh..." Wina was moaning in delight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew stopped kissing her neck and lifted her up, with his hands under her thighs. He carried her with ease to the bedroom. Once they entered the bedroom, he put her down before pushing her back on the bed. He was hovering above her and his eyes were roaming all over her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Take my clothes off," Wina ordered Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew''s lips formed into a devilish grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew then used his teeth to pull the ribbon off her corset and started unbuttoning her dress. After he finished with the buttons, her massive breasts were revealed and he took one of her nipples in his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AUGH! Yes! YESSSS!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was in heaven as Mathew''s tongue swirled around her are. After a minute or two, Mathew started to suck her nipple while pinching the other one.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAAAAAHHH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew then switched, he started sucking the other one and pinching the nipple that was already hard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YEEEEEEEEEESSSSS!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew then went back to the first one and pinched the other nipple again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AHHHHH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"MMM! You''re very vocal today, my dear." Mathew said with a smirk


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It feels so good. Why shouldn''t I be loud? It''s not like anyone can hear us. And, it''s just us right now. So, there''s no reason to be quiet."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew''s fingers roamed over her swollen belly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wonder if our child will be loud. Like their mother?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, shut up! For all we know our child will be like you. Being dominant and taking charge of everything."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... I can''t argue with that. Though, I''m not that dominant. I''m actually a respectful man who was giving you your space, but you just had to turn me into a beast in bed. It''s your fault that I''m this way."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Awe. Really? A respectful man, you say? Well I disagree, it''s very disrespectful to keep a woman waiting. And, I''ve waited long enough." Wina pouted at Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Heh, you''re right. I''m sorry for making you wait, Win. It won''t happen again."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Promise?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I promise," Mathew said as he opened up her corset and freed her belly. He started leaving kisses all over her baby bump. "You''re so beautiful. And you''re getting bigger every day."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was blushing. Mathew then slid off her dress and her underwear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Open up."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina spread her legs and he could see her folds glistening.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My my. You''re wetter than usual. I''ve been a terrible husband," Mathew said as he started to y with her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aunh! You are such a tease, Mat."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mm, but you love it." Mathew continued to rub her folds and inserted his middle finger into her opening. Wina closed her eyes and tilted her head back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I do... Ahh! I really do."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew then leaned down and licked her pussy lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AUGGHH!" Wina arched her back and Mathew continued licking her clit and her pussy. "Oh Gods!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew inserted two fingers into her and started pumping in and out of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You taste so good," Mathew whispered as he continued licking her clit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm! AHHHH!" Wina moaned as she grabbed the bed sheets and bucked her hips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew then took his fingers out of her and sucked on them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, gods!" Wina was in awe at her husband''s actions. He knew just how to drive her crazy and make her want more.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That was hot," Wina said breathlessly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, are you ready?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mm, I''m ready," Wina said as she spread her legs and ced her feet on the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew undid his pants and hisrge cock sprung free.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He then positioned his cock at her entrance and thrust. Only to be blocked by Wina''s belly. He was only able to get the tip of his cock to enter her hungry pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Looks like we need to try a different position."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry," Wina said as she was embarrassed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"For what, My Dear?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m fat, and now I can''t have sex with you the way we used to."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t be ridiculous, my love... This is only temporary. I promise you''ll get your figure back after the baby is born," Mathew said as he kissed her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mm, y-you think so?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, I do, Win. You are a badass assassin. I know you''ve been through worse. Now turn around and get on all fours," Mathewmanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay," Wina obeyed as she was getting excited.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She turned onto her front, her belly hanging low, and her ass was sticking up in the air. Her breasts were swaying side to side. Mathew was behind her, rubbing his cock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll go slow, so I don''t hurt the baby," Mathew said as he ced his dick into her dripping folds. He believed what the Prince told him was true, but he still didn''t want to make a mistake.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina bit her lower lip and nodded her head. Mathew''s dick was sliding deeper and deeper into her wet pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh." Mathew groaned, he missed this feeling. He had a very hard time resisting her. But, now he was enjoying every moment of it. He then was thrusting in and out of her slowly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ohhhh, Gods!" Wina was in ecstasy as her husband''s cock was hitting her G-spot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mm, fuck, Mathew!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew started picking up the pace and was going faster and faster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OH FUCK!" Wina yelled out as she was enjoying herself. She loved the way her body felt when her tits and belly jiggled with each thrust from Mathew''s cock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yessss! Ohhh!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh! Fuck! Ugh!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was also groaning in pleasure. He loved the feeling of his wife''s pussy. It was looser than normal due to her pregnancy making all her ligaments and womanhood looser in order to give birth to a child. He was also enjoying her increased libido.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goddess, your pussy is so good, Win! I''ve missed it so much!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aungh! Fuck!" Wina was enjoying it, too. She missed her husband''s dick inside her. She didn''t even know how she survived for so long without it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahhh! Ohhh! AUNGH!" Wina moaned as her breathing was bingbored.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you close?" Mathew grunted out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! Mmmm, YES!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cum for me, Win!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ohh, ohh, ohhhh, OOOOOOOHHHH," Wina moaned. Her body started shaking and her eyes rolled back into her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeeeesss! Ooooooohhhhhhh!" She was cumming all over his cock. Her fluids squirted out of her pussy. Her body was shivering in delight as her pussy mped down on Mathew''s dick.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"FUUUUUUUUUCK!" Mathew came, too. His cum filled her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YESSSSS! I''VE MISSED YOU SO MUCH, MAT!" Wina screamed as she was being filled up with his cum.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew copsed on top of her and pulled his cock out of her pussy. They were both breathing heavily and were covered in sweat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha... Ha... I love you Mat... But don''t ever leave me hanging like that again," Wina said between breaths.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t, I love you too, Win."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you thanking me for?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"For everything."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew smiled and turned her over so he could kiss those luscious lips of hers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s get cleaned up," Mathew said as he broke away from the kiss.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm, yes."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew got off the bed and helped Wina to her feet. They went to the bath to clean each other up. But Wina was able to make Mathew cum one more time before they finished.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">After they finished cleaning up. Mathew put on a new set of clothes. While Wina wore a different dress.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How are you feeling, Win?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Better. Thank you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mm, well, let''s get to the Prince before Lady Nelumbo gets bored," Mathew said while rubbing her belly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She should learn to enjoy herself. Besides, she''s with the Prince. And the Prince can be quite entertaining," Wina said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know her. What Quinus likes is more torture to her than entertainment," Mathew said with a grimace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina shook her head as they both left their room and headed towards the library.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">And that''s how things went over the next 6 months before the big day came.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Wina''s water broke, Mathew was notified right away and they were taken to the medical wing of the pce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was a wreck. He was worried about his wife. Thebor was intense andsted for 18 hours. Luckily Wina was able to get a potion from her alchemist, Lucas, to help with the pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Eventually, the baby came and Wina was exhausted. But happy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna hurried when she heard the news.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Prince Quinus and Lady Nelumbo were following the Queen as they walked through the hallways. Lady Nelumbo took over being Quinus''s main guardian when Wina was in her third trimester.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew and Wina are in the room and the nurse was cleaning the baby up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The baby boy was wrapped up in a nket and handed over to his parents.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna entered the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Mathew, Lady Wina, are you two doing well?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty," Mathew and Wina both responded at the same time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope it wasn''t too much for you," Rianna asked with a worried tone, while Quinus walked in from behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not at all, Your Majesty," Wina said as she was happy that she wasn''t carrying a child anymore. She was still in pain but it was a pain she was trained for.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You two are truly amazing. I can''t believe you gave birth and I wasn''t here for it," Rianna said, disappointed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, no, you have your duties as a queen. I understand. I''m just d that it''s all over with. But it wasn''t as terrible as I thought it was going to be," Wina said as she stroked her son''s hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, what''s her name?" The Queen asked with curiosity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew and Wina looked at each other in trepidation as they knew the Queen kept saying that Wina was going to give birth to a girl so she could have her be with Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty, this is my son," Mathew said as he stepped forward to show the Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna''s smile quivered but she kept it up even though she was showing disappointment in her eyes. Her ns were shattered and she was having trouble epting this fact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mother! I told you that you shouldn''t get your hopes up. But, I can assure you, if it was a girl, I would''ve respected Sir Mathew''s and Lady Wina''s decisions and wishes for the future of their child. You shouldn''t force things," Quinus said to his Mother who was getting way too invested in the gender of the child.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s fine. I understand your disappointment, Your Majesty, but this child is a boy," Mathew said with pride.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, at least I will still get to see him grow and be a friend to my son. Congrattions. You did a marvelous job. Do you have a name?" Queen Rianna said, still slightly upset.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We decided to call him Percy," Mathew answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s a fine name."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Your Majesty. I''m sure our son will be a good friend to the Prince. And will serve the Royal Family with honor."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have no doubts. If you two raise him, then he will surely be a good man," Queen Rianna said as she finally started epting the situation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"May I hold him?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, Your Majesty," Wina said as she gently handed the baby over. Rianna took him carefully and gently into her arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hello, little one. You''re a strong boy, aren''t you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy''s been fussy ever since he was born, Your Majesty," Mathew exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, my, well he''s been through a lot today. It''s natural."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty," Mathew and Wina both agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, and congrattions to you both," Quinus said as he looked at the baby.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well... I should help out Wina and Mathew. I know they won''t be able to watch over the child all the time. So I''ll do what I can,'' Quinus thought as he watched the newborn baby.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna handed Percy back to his mother. "Well, we''ll leave you three be. I know King Cyndre would have wished to be here if he didn''t need to go and visit the northern territories to deal with the monsters there. But he will return soon. In the meantime, we will send him a letter and have him meet the baby when he returns. Until then, we will send our blessings. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Your Majesty. For your generosity."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re wee, Sir Mathew. It is the least I can do."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna left the room. Quinus stayed behind for a few moments before the two-year-old Prince gave them a smile and a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll make sure that Percy doesn''t get into any trouble," Quinus assured them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We thank you for your concern, My Prince. But we''ll take care of him," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. As the future king, I''m taking responsibility. I don''t like the idea of taking advantage of people. So I''m not going to do that. Besides, you''ve been taking care of me and helping me out ever since I was a baby. So this is the least I can do," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and Mathew always thought it was strange how mature the Prince was. But if he wanted to help out. They weren''t going to stop him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, My Prince," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you," Mathew added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus left the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and Mathew sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... I suppose it''s not bad," Wina said as she held her son in her arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah. But we need to make sure our boy can hold his own and be there for the Prince when he least expects it," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina giggled and said, "You sound like a parent."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because I am, Win."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mm, well, at least I know that we''ll have a good future for our son."


    <span style="font-weight:400">They looked at their sleeping child and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''re going to raise him well, Win."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know. And we''ll be the best parents ever."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha... Damn straight."


    <span style="font-weight:400">And so, they began their lives as new parents.

 Vol.0 Ch.150 Three Years Later

    Vol.0 Ch.150 Three Years Later


    <span style="font-weight:400">Over the next three years, Quinus continued to y with the young Percy and his friends.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was still the nanny for the Prince and his secret bodyguard. She would take the children out to the city with a few Royal Knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric wasn''t happy about his nephew''s extremely fast development and how everyone was saying he was a genius. And to make matters worse, he kept getting reports about Marcus''s behavior. The boy was causing problems with failed stunts, one after another. The other nobles were talking about him trying to upstage his cousin. The one stunt that got House Revelia in the most trouble was when Marcus went into abyrinth and got four students killed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric knew that if something didn''t change then he would have to take responsibility for it. So he brought Marcus back to the capital to have a word with his son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">They were in ric''s study. Marcus was 14 years old at the time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Father."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Marcus."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why did you order me toe home? I doubt that you want to congratte me for my sess in the Serpent''s Labyrinth."


    <span style="font-weight:400">His father wasn''t happy about the way he handled himself, that much was clear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I heard about your escapades in thebyrinth," ric said, trying to keep his anger down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That? Oh, it was nothing, Father. I was lucky to have loyalrades who chose to protect me. Besides, it was a lesson." Marcus said, ying ignorant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A lesson?" ric snapped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, a lesson for the weak. And a reminder of the strong. I am the strong one and the true heir to the throne, Father," Marcus boasted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! Are you, now?" ric said with annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, Father. I''m the only one worthy. Unlike that weakling cousin of mine. That''s why I must kill him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric stood up from his desk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?! Are you mad?!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not. I''m simply doing what''s right," Marcus said with a re.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Those were our allies'', children, Marcus! If we lose the lower nobles then you can kiss any chance of the throne goodbye!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Allies?! HA! Those were sheep. Sheep are meant to be ughtered. Only the strong are allowed to survive."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough of your nonsense! I hoped you would learn some humility. But it seems you haven''t learned a thing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve learned enough. I''m keeping my fake smile in front of the nobles, Father. It''s not my fault that those other wannabe mages couldn''t survive thebyrinth. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have things to do before I can head back to the Academy," Marcus said and was about to leave.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think not," ric said as his hand reached out and grabbed his son''s wrist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus turned and red at his father.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let go of me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not until you understand the gravity of our situation. I''ve been doing everything that I can to get back in the good graces of your uncle. And I can''t have you going maverick. We were going to be executed the day when three assassins tried to kill your cousin. It was a miracle that your Uncle, King Cyndre, was merciful enough to spare our lives that day, Marcus. Our only punishment was being fined and I was demoted to a Duke. But I''ve done well, I''ve kept the faith, and the support of the nobles, while regaining the trust of the King over these long four years. But he could change his mind and have us executed. Is that what you want?" ric said in a stern tone. While leaving out the truth about how the Marquess was the one to have saved them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Like I haven''t been punished myself? I was demoted too Father! Don''t act like you were the only one!... Is this the reason you summoned me here? To yell at me and tell me about your failures?" Marcus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My failures? Do you know the sacrifices I''ve made, the risks I''ve taken, and the danger I''ve put my family in? All because I wanted what was best for you! You don''t think I haven''t tried to kill Quinus? That I haven''t tried to poison the Queen so she couldn''t bear children and tried to prevent him from being born? That I didn''t try to hire an assassin to kill him? I tried everything Marcus and we lost! If you want the throne you have to be smart and patient more than ever. Because your uncle will look for any opportunity to end us if he catches wind of our treachery. If you want to seed, then you have to understand your limits and the limitations of your actions. So no, you will not go back to the Academy. Not until I can trust you to behave and not jeopardize the second chance we''ve been given," ric said with a re.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Belial was listening in on their conversation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fine! I''ll show you, Father. I''ll show you that I can be more discreet and cunning. If I want the Kingdom under my control, then I''ll need to find a way to control them.'' Marcus thought to himself as he pulled his hand out of his father''s grasp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine. Whatever. It''s not like it matters anyway," Marcus said with a scoff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It does matter. Our lives depend on it. And there is another issue."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"First, the nobles are beginning to question your leadership skills and abilities. They fear you''re too reckless. Secondly, it is your cousin''s birthday. So to quiet these rumors, I''m having youe with me and we''re going to be nice and respectful to all the nobles and that little brat. And if anyone questions you, you will tell them that it was all a mistake and that you didn''t know what you were thinking. And you will be friendly to your cousin. So your uncle and the other nobles can see that you are not a threat."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus looked at his father in surprise. He thought he wasn''t allowed to go near his cousin. But now he was going to go with him to the pce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">That was one of the main reasons he snuck into the Serpent''s Labyrinth. He wanted to capture a Crystal Python. And what made them tricky to find was their natural ability to be transparent. The only way to see them is if there was a bright light which would make some of their scales reflect a little bit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus found one and was able to capture it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Crystal Python is an umon monster and they are a very valuable alchemy ingredient. But more importantly, they were venomous. Marcus had big ns to sneak the Crystal Python into the pce in hopes of having it attack the Prince on his birthday.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Perfect! I can make sure my gift from thebyrinth can kill him. Now I can make sure Albert can sneak the Python inside the pce, without waiting to get an update from him. I just need to make sure this doesn''t get traced back to me.'' Marcus thought to himself as he tried not to smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whatever," Marcus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope you won''t disappoint me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Like how you disappointed me? Tsk! Fine, I promise that I will be the model noble during my time at the pce... Now, will you let me go?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will. But don''t think I won''t have my men watching you," ric warned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whatever," Marcus said, annoyed as he turned and walked away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As soon as Marcus was gone, ric rubbed his temples.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn brat. I don''t know why I sacrifice so much for you," ric muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was training with Lady Nelumbo.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was teaching him the basics of sword fighting. Mathew only likes to train those who have mastered the basic forms of self-defense and can wield a weapon without hurting themselves before training them in mana channeling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, remember, always keep your stance firm. Don''t lose your bnce. Bnce is important. Your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was sweating and panting a bit as he was halfway through his training.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. You''re picking it up quickly. And you have good form. Remember to keep the tip of the de pointed forward. It''s going to help you when you parry. And always keep an eye on your opponent. Don''t look at your weapon, don''t look at the floor, but look at their eyes and their stance."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am," Quinus said as he did a set of exercises that involved him swinging his wooden sword three times before going into a defensive stance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And always have your back straight. If you don''t, it will make you tired faster. It''s easy to let your form get sloppy when you''re tired, so never let your form cken," Nelumbo instructed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was sweating a bit as his arms and legs were aching from the constant swings and the exercise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck me! I wish I had done something in martial arts before I was reincarnated. This sucks,'' Quinus thought as his almost 5-year-old body was being trained by a 32-year-old woman who had the body of a fitness trainer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once Lady Nelumbo was satisfied with this set she then instructed Quinus to do his cardio session with horizontal swings and then followed them up with vertical swings. He repeated it several times.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t stop. Keep your feet moving. Move your hips as well. That will help you keep your momentum."


    <span style="font-weight:400">But even with Quinus''s internalining, he was surprised by how natural it felt to him to wield a sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh, I''m actually enjoying this. Maybe my body has a gift for swordsmanship or something?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus''s thought was proven correct as he found himself quickly catching on to the forms and stances that Lady Nelumbo was demonstrating, and he found it much easier to copy her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">So he kept swinging his practice sword. As his form continued to get better by the minute.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Very good. Now, let''s switch it up. Let''s practice on the wooden dummies," Lady Nelumbo instructed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright," Quinus said, feeling the burning sensation in his muscles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo walked over to a corner of the training room. She demonstrated how she wanted him to strike the wooden dummy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, let''s start with the diagonal attack. Hiyagh!" Lady Nelumbo said as she struck the dummy, making it vibrate with the power and grace of a seasoned warrior.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Wow, that''s a beautiful swing. She''s good,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now you try," Lady Nelumbo ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am," Quinus replied with a respectful nod before taking his stance in front of the dummy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And... swing," Lady Nelumbo said and Quinus did his best.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Keep it up, your Highness, but remember, keep your legs a shoulder''s length apart. You don''t want to fall over."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus swung his practice sword several more times and he was sweating a lot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It feels like I''ve been training for hours,'' Quinus thought as his dark red hair stuck to his sweaty forehead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re doing great, Your Highness. You put our 15-year-old squires to shame," Nelumbo encouraged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re wee. Now, let''s switch it up. This time, practice the horizontal swings and vertical strikes on your target."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am," Quinus replied and began attacking the dummy. Even though he was wearing gloves his hands were starting to hurt and felt like they were ready to blister a little.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, keep up the momentum. Don''t slow down."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I can do this!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And... stop," Lady Nelumbo said after 10 minutes of him hitting the wooden dummy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus copsed to his knees and he was breathing heavily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. You''re making progress. I have to say you might get a chance to go monster hunting in a year from now, at this rate, your Highness," Lady Nelumbo said as she gave him some water.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you," Quinus said gratefully as he chugged the water.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo looked at the child with an emotionless face. But on the inside, she was impressed by his stamina and his skill.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He''s the fastest learner I''ve ever trained. If only the other children were this gifted. Then no one would dare try to invade our kingdom,'' Lady Nelumbo thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo is the second daughter of a minor noble family.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She''s one of the strongest female fighters in the Kingdom of Fiafyr and is an expert with the rapier and a long sword. She''s also the instructor for the female knights and some squires. No one was as advanced as Quinus was as a five-year-old boy and he was bing her star pupil.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She wasn''t expecting such high skill from a child his age and was starting to believe that he could have a Demi-god-ranked mana vein. It was hard to measure such things. However, the tall tail signs of having a stronger mana vein corrted with a better ability to learn and a quicker development of muscle memory. And Quinus was already showing these signs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre came into the room to see how his son was doing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Nelumbo, what are your thoughts about my son? Do you believe he could be a Maja?" King Cyndre asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo gave him a respectful bow and said, "In time, My King, I believe he could. We''ll see after he starts absorbing mana."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And do you believe he has the gift of an Elite mana vein?" King Cyndre asked with a bit of hope in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t want to promise anything, Your Majesty, but from what I can tell the young Prince has the potential." Lady Nelumbo said in a confident voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. Well, you should finish up Quinus. You need to get ready for your birthday party. Or your mother will have both our heads," King Cyndre said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus grimaced when he thought about dressing up for his fifth birthday party. For some reason, every fifth year of a child''s birthday they have a big party and a lot of nobles would be there to witness it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Father."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo nodded her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s enough for today, your Highness. Go and enjoy your fifth birthday. It only happens once... Tomorrow we''ll be focusing on hand-to-handbat," Lady Nelumbo instructed and the young boy nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, this is my second time around, but who would believe me?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus gave his instructor a bow before following his father.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How are your studiesing along?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s alright, father. I like learning about history, geography, and magic."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What about mathematics and economics?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m... Tolerating it," Quinus said with a grimace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha, well, just hang in there. When you''re older, you''ll have a better appreciation for it. I promise."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah... I hated it in my first life. I doubt I''ll like it any better in this one. I hope that this world has calctors. Or I''ll have to hire an Artificer to make one,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t look so happy about that," King Cyndre teased.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I understand the logic, Father. But I don''t like the idea of going through a mountain of paperwork just to find out someone was skimming money from me or a merchant was sneaking in merchandise to avoid tariffs," Quinus said with a disgusted look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre patted his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it may not be as exciting as going on an adventure or ying monsters. But it''s important work," King Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, you''ve mistaken me, Father. I don''t wish to go on adventures or y monsters. I wish to be an architect and an engineer," Quinus said as he corrected his father.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh?" King Cyndre said with a raised eyebrow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah. I have ideas that can change the way we live and help the standard of living advance. Not just for us but also for the people of our kingdom. It''s going to be amazing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre was taken aback by his son''s answer. When he was around Quinus''s age he dreamed about ying a dragon or conquering a revealed kingdom. Not solving the housing problem or the transportation problems that the kingdom was having.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He must have more of his mother''s side in him," Cyndre muttered under his breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What was that, Father?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-Nothing! I was just thinking that it sounds ambitious, my son."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It is. I''ve read some architecture books and there are things we can build. It can improve the standard of living and it can make our lives easier," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre grimaced as he knew that being the King wouldn''t allow him to do those things.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s an interesting choice, but you need to focus on your training. You are my only heir and I would like for you to be a strong knight to lead our people in their time of need," Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is father trying to say that I won''t be able to be an engineer? I fucking knew it. Haah... Only if I had an older brother or sister then I could probably pursue my dreams. First-world problems, I guess.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus gave a defeated sigh and Cyndre smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, my son, but that is the fate that has been given to you. I wish for you to be the greatest Knight and King in our Kingdom and unite our people. That''s what a king should do. Just hire someone to be the minister of infrastructure to build what you want my son."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why hire someone when I can do it better? Why can''t I be an engineer? Dad isn''t going to let me... FUCK!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Father," Quinus said while hiding his disappointment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''m not giving up. There may be a chance. I just need to be okay with not getting it in this life. But I won''t give up. I love building stuff and Dad is going to have to deal with it in the future.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good," King Cyndre said as a butler approached him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Her Majesty is getting... a little impatient. I rmend you get ready, Your Highness," the Butler said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright. Thank you... Well, we''ll have to finish this conversationter, my son," King Cyndre said as he ruffled his son''s hair. "Don''t keep your mother waiting and wear the clothes she picked out for you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She owes me if I have to put on those ridiculous things," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The royal family had to wear a certain style of clothes on special asions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, just think, this is thest time you''ll have to wear it until your 10th birthday."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed in defeat as his father wasn''t going to help him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay," Quinus said quietly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"See you at the party," King Cyndre said and went off to meet his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh," Quinus groaned and walked back to his room to take a bath and get dressed.

 Vol.0 Ch.151 Quinus’s Fifth Birthday Party

    Vol.0 Ch.151 Quinus��s Fifth Birthday Party


    <span ss="userText">Quinus walked out of the room dressed in the most ridiculous-looking<span ss="aiText"> outfit. <span ss="aiText">It was a ck doublet with a <span ss="editText">red<span ss="aiText"> undershirt and a silver vest. And to top it all off, the pants had a <span ss="editText">gold<span ss="aiText"> stripe and a <span ss="editText">red<span ss="aiText"> belt.


    <span ss="aiText">''Dam<span ss="userText">mit! I feel like I''m going to a Renaissance festival<span ss="aiText">, and I''m one of the lords. Why do nobles wear this ridiculous shit?!'' <span ss="aiText">He didn''t look happy.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, <span ss="editText">your Highness<span ss="aiText">. How nice. You look handsome," <span ss="editText">Lady Wina<span ss="aiText"> said<span ss="userText"> with a smirk as she helped dress the Prince up.


    <span ss="userText">"You don''t have to lie to me, Lady Wina.<span ss="aiText"> We both know that my mother forced me into this," Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">Wina wanted to hold back herughter<span ss="aiText">, but she couldn''t help herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hahaha! That''s the truth. Her Majesty has quite the taste. <span ss="userText">I don''t know why you nobles<span ss="aiText"> wear such strange clothing. In my country, we would never dress like that."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah, I''m going to abolish this stupid<span ss="aiText"> tradition. <span ss="userText">That''s if I don''t die from embarrassment first<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Wina chuckled and then fixed the clothes.


    <span ss="aiText">"There, now, you''re ready," Wina said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Lady Wina. At least, you can have a sense of humor.<span ss="editText"> Well, I better face the music<span ss="userText"> and get this<span ss="aiText"> over with," Quinus said and headed out the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Have fun, Your Highness<span ss="editText">. I''ll be there watching over the party<span ss="aiText">," Wina said, watching the prince walk away.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus entered the banquet hall where arge crowd of people had gathered. The whole pce hade together for the fifth birthday of their prince.


    <span ss="aiText">"Happy Birthday, your Highness," some of the people said, greeting the prince as he passed.


    <span ss="userText">''Goddess dammit... How the hell does anyone remember<span ss="aiText"> all these names and faces? There''s like 100 nobles here, and it''s driving me crazy.<span ss="userText">''


    <span ss="userText">That was when Quinus spotted his father''s council<span ss="aiText"> members.


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah, I bet Father just uses Lord Brice<span ss="aiText"> to help him remember <span ss="userText">who everyone is<span ss="aiText">. But if I do that, I''m just going to look like a dumbass. <span ss="editText">At least I have the excuse of being a <span ss="aiText">five<span ss="editText">-year-<span ss="aiText">old<span ss="editText">. <span ss="editText">N<span ss="aiText">o one would expect me to know everyone''s name<span ss="userText"> right now.''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Quinus? What are you doing walking around in the crowd? Come on, we need you to sit by me and your father<span ss="aiText">," Queen <span ss="editText">Rianna <span ss="aiText">said as she pulled him out of the crowd.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Dammit! I hate being the center of attention<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> I just wanted to make one quick pass and run to the library with Percy and rx.<span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText"> Quinus thought as his mother dragged him up<span ss="aiText"> to the stage where his parents were sitting.


    <span ss="aiText">King Cyndre was sitting on arge wooden chair with arge table full of food in front of him. Queen Rianna had arge chair <span ss="userText">to the left of her husband and Quinus had a smaller chair<span ss="aiText"> next to his mother.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Mother, I know it''s my birthday but why do we have to go through all of this mess<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now, now, Quinus. You''re royalty. The people of Fiafyr want to show you their respect and their loyalty," King Cyndre said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Father, do the other kings have to go through all this hassle? I would think that the other kingdoms have more important things to worry about than a birthday party."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You are very important<span ss="aiText">, and a prince''s fifth birthday is a big deal," Queen Rianna exined.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus looked confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"Really? Why?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Because it''s a sign that a child is starting their mana vein growth<span ss="editText">. Soon you will begin your journey to bing a man<span ss="aiText">," Queen Rianna answered.


    <span ss="userText">''I must have missed that in<span ss="aiText"> my studies,'' Quinus thought and looked at his father for help.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your mother is right, my son. It''s the start of your journey and you''ll never forget this day."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus<span ss="editText"> reluctantly <span ss="aiText">nodded his head and sat down.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good," Queen Rianna said and gave Quinus a kiss on the cheek.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="userText">sighed but enjoyed his mother''s<span ss="aiText"> affection.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now, let''s enjoy the party," King Cyndre said and a group of musicians began ying.


    <span ss="aiText">


    <span ss="aiText">The party started and everyone was having a good time.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus tried not to show it but he was bored.<span ss="userText"> There were some entertainers juggling<span ss="aiText"> or performing magic. And what made the magical performance so boring was the fact that the performer wasn''t a mage. He was an old-school illusionist that you would find back on Earth.


    <span ss="aiText">''I guess real magicians don''t do shows?... How disappointing.'' Quinus thought as the performer was doing a card trick.


    He wasn''t bad. It just didn''t have the same impact when there were real mages out in the world that could put ''Criss Angel'' to shame.


    <span ss="userText">After a half hour of entertainment<span ss="aiText">, the guests were invited to<span ss="userText"> greet the King and Queen. Then the<span ss="aiText"> children were told to greet the Prince.


    <span ss="aiText">The noble children were the only ones that Quinus feltfortable around.


    <span ss="aiText">''Well, they''re the only ones that don''t suck up to me.<span ss="userText">Even though their parents are another story. And if some do suck up to me then at least I know who''s faking it<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="aiText">"Hello, Prince Quinus," the first group of kids said.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus nodded to a boy who was a part of House Dule. His father, Johnathan Dule, was close friends with Quinus''s father. He was Twelve years old and looked like he was bored.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hello, Lord Jo<span ss="editText">han Dule<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> Did your father tell you to be the first to greet me again?<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText"> Quinus asked with an amused look.


    <span ss="userText">Johan<span ss="aiText"> looked at the prince and shrugged.


    <span ss="aiText">"My father thinks I should be the first to greet you every time," Johan replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah, nothing better than a father forcing a son<span ss="aiText"> to do something," Quinus said, looking over to his father.


    <span ss="aiText">"Right. Well, have a nice birthday, Your Highness. Sorry that I''m<span ss="userText"> not interested in children''s stuff<span ss="aiText"> anymore," Johan said.


    <span ss="userText">''Well someone is transitioning into a teen. It''s such a stupid age. I remember pulling simr crap<span ss="aiText"> back then. I<span ss="userText"> guess I should enjoy it before I''m an adult again<span ss="aiText">,'' Quinus thought<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"I can understand that, Johan. But take this advice from me, bing an adult isn''t what it''s all cracked up to be<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">Johan just raised an eyebrow<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Haah... You don''t believe me, do you? Well, that doesn''t surprise me<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said<span ss="userText"> with a shake of his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, I''m older than you, Your Highness<span ss="aiText">, so I have a lot more experience than you."


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah, I''ve been getting a lot of thattely. I better change the subject.''


    <span ss="userText">Quinus repositioned himself on his chair.


    <span ss="userText">"So, any luck with bing a Maja<span ss="aiText">?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="userText">Johan looked upset. He wished he was a mage but failed to pass the test. It crushed him that he didn''t have<span ss="aiText"> the talent.<span ss="userText"> His father tried<span ss="aiText"> tofort him but it was hard to make him feel better.<span ss="userText"> His only hope was casting magic through a catalyst like a magical sword or a shield like a Maja Warrior but he wasn''t able to do that either. He had a low-grade mana vein and barely absorbed any mana from ying monsters<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> He was asmon as<span ss="aiText"> one could be in terms of magic <span ss="editText">or fighting <span ss="aiText">talent.


    <span ss="userText">"No. I haven''t. They say that I have a low-grade vein and will need to work hard just to be able to use my mana to enhance my strength," Johan said, trying to hold back his emotions.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus caught on to this and felt bad about asking Johan the question in the first ce.


    <span ss="userText">"I didn''t know... I''m sorry<span ss="aiText">, Johan," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, it''s fine, Your Highness. My father says that there are other ways to serve our kingdom and <span ss="editText">I''ll keep trying to grow my mana vein to the best of my ability<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">''Yeah, that''s bullshit.<span ss="userText"> Well, hopefully, he isn''t the jealous type.''


    <span ss="userText">Just as Quinus was finishing his thought. There was amotion between all of the Royal Guards and Knights. And Sir Dous whispered something in his father''s ear. And his warm smile faded for a moment before looking at the Knight with a perplexed look. He thought for a moment before he reluctantly nodded his head and motioned for the guards to open the door at the end of the main hall. That was when his Uncle, Aunt, and Cousin walked into the party. Which made the atmosphere of the room cold all of a sudden and Quinus didn''t know what was the cause of it.


    <span ss="userText">Johan saw Marcus and got excited, "Marcus is here!? I thought he was still at the academy! I''m sorry your Highness, but I want to talk to Marcus about what it''s like to live as a mage<span ss="aiText">. I''m sure you understand."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, of course. Go ahead," Quinus said as he motioned with his hand to leave and Johan rushed over to his cousin.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">I haven''t seen my uncle or cousin in years. What the hell did they do to get everyone''s<span ss="aiText"> attention<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText"> My mother looks angry, and my father doesn''t look happy. What''s going on here?''


    <span ss="aiText">ric and his family made their way through the crowd of<span ss="userText"> High Nobles as well as a few Knights who were all staring at them<span ss="aiText"> like they were <span ss="editText">unwee<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus wanted to pay attention but a few more kids greeted the Prince. There was a girl and a boy who walked up to him.


    <span ss="userText">"Your Highness, I hope that you have a great birthday.<span ss="aiText"> My mother said that you should<span ss="editText">. Anyway, you should open my gift first<span ss="aiText">," <span ss="editText">the<span ss="aiText"> boy said<span ss="editText"> who looked like he was seven years old<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus looked off to the side to see gifts being ced on the table<span ss="aiText"> next to him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah, yes. Thank you<span ss="editText">. Your <span ss="aiText">Baron Thaddeus Windermere<span ss="editText">''s son<span ss="aiText">, right?" Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">The boy was pleased that the crown prince<span ss="aiText"> knew <span ss="editText">his father <span ss="aiText">and quickly bowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Your Highness," he said with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, I can''t guarantee that I will open yours first. It''s tough to keep track of all the gifts. But I believe I will enjoy <span ss="aiText">it," Quinus said, hoping that would satisfy the <span ss="editText">Baron''s <span ss="aiText">young <span ss="editText">son<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, you will, your Highness. My father said that the present I picked out was perfect. I can''t wait for you to see it.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">"What is your name again? I''ll make sure not to forget it<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">The boy beamed with joy, "My name is Tarrin."


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright. Have a good time, Lord Tarrin."


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Your Highness," Tarrin said and hurried over to his mother.


    <span ss="userText">Then a girl who looked to be six years old stepped forward.


    <span ss="userText">"Hello, Prince Quinus. Happy birthday. It''s good to see that you''re doing well," The girl said as she curtsied<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">''Well, this is going to be a longer day than I hoped. I better get through this.<span ss="aiText"> Hopefully, I can <span ss="userText">sneak out at some point?''


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, young Miss. Um. You''re Baron Eamon Stirling''s daughter?"


    <span ss="aiText">The girl smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, your Highness.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">While Quinus was being greeted by a long line of noble children. ric was walking with his family. He wanted to show them that his son wasn''t a threat to Quinus. And needed to make a show of it.


    <span ss="aiText">ric didn''t care what anyone said, but his son was his son. And the Kingdom of Fiafyr would just have to deal with it.


    <span ss="aiText">As they walked past some of the High Nobles and knights, ric could feel the stares and heard the whispers.


    <span ss="userText">"Was there something you wish to say to me, Baron Eamon?<span ss="aiText"> Because it feels like you want to <span ss="editText">tell me something<span ss="aiText">," ric said<span ss="userText"> with a joyful smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"My, my. I was just <span ss="editText">noticing how lovely your<span ss="aiText"> wife is," the Baron said.


    <span ss="aiText">''Yeah, I don''t fucking believe that for a second. You''re not going to win this, asshole. You''re a pawn in the game and that''s all you''ll ever be.''<span ss="userText"> ric thought.


    <span ss="userText">"I know she appreciates thepliment<span ss="aiText">. Thank you, Baron."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, thank you," Duchess <span ss="editText">Leandra<span ss="aiText"> said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">The Baron nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">''Yeah, fuck off,'' ric thought.


    <span ss="aiText">ric''s gaze turned to <span ss="userText">Marquess Duval. Who looked unamused<span ss="aiText"> by ric''s performance.


    <span ss="editText">Duval was hoping ric would have lost his support with the lower nobles. But no matter how hard he tried he was barely able to get<span ss="aiText"> any of the nobles on his side.


    <span ss="editText">It was almost five years since ric''s punishment and Duval estimated that ric lost only three percent of<span ss="aiText"> his support.<span ss="editText"> He didn''t know how he was pulling it off. But it<span ss="aiText"> was a problem.


    <span ss="aiText">"Marquess Duval," ric said in a greeting tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Duke Revelia," Duval said, not hiding his disgust.


    <span ss="aiText">"I hope you don''t mind that I brought my family," ric said.


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t know... Your son seems to like getting our future mages killed. Was it wise to bring him to the prince''s party?<span ss="aiText"> We wouldn''t want something bad to happen to Prince Quinus. After all, <span ss="editText">we would have to bring Sara Revelia back to be the next heir, if something did<span ss="aiText">."<span ss="userText"> Duval said while looking at Marcus with a re.


    <span ss="userText">Marcus clenched his fists but didn''t let it show on his face<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can assure you that Marcus had nothing to do with what happened<span ss="editText">. It was regrettable, yes. But he learned a valuable lesson. And is remorseful for the deaths of such promising mages<span ss="aiText">," ric said, not backing down.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Remorseful? I didn''t know a Revelia could feel remorseful... Otherwise, you wouldn''t have insulted me and my friends all those years ago<span ss="aiText">," Marquess Duval said.


    <span ss="aiText">ric''s smile faded and his gaze narrowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Come now Duval... Don''t make a scene in front of the Prince. It''s his fifth birthday. And we shouldn''t take the spotlight away from him<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Duval''s eyes twitched, "Fine... <span ss="editText">But we are watching you and your son, ric... Good afternoon.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"You too, Duval," ric replied.


    <span ss="aiText">And with that<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> Duval <span ss="editText">stepped aside and let the Revelias walk by him<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus was relieved that his father was able to deal with <span ss="userText">the Marquess. He was starting to understand what his father meant<span ss="aiText"> about his actions being the reason that he couldn''t rx.<span ss="userText"> He needed to be sharp. Plus he was hoping Albert woulde through for him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Marcus, don''t worry. I''ll never let that <span ss="editText">chatan <span ss="aiText">take you away," Leandra whispered into Marcus''s ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"I know<span ss="userText">, mother<span ss="aiText">. I''ll make sure of it, that he doesn''t get the chance," Marcus replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t be too hard on yourself. Your father and I are the ones that failed. <span ss="userText">And we will make it right<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus just nodded his head.


    <span ss="aiText">''I will make sure I learn from my father''s mistakes. And I''ll be able to defend myself.''


    <span ss="aiText">ric, Leandra<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> and Marcus finally reached the King and Queen.


    <span ss="userText">"ric... I see you chose to show up... You really didn''t have to-" Cyndre couldn''t finish his sentence before his brother cut him off.


    <span ss="aiText">"Brother, you''re right. But I''m here anyway. I would have thought you would be thankful that I''m here and not letting our differences get in the way of our friendship. Especially today.<span ss="editText"> I wish to see my nephew''s fifth birthday. It was too important to miss.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="userText">Cyndre closed his eyes holding back his displeasure with his brother and he could feel the death staresing from his wife.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I see you want to get in our good graces ric. But there is a time and ce to<span ss="aiText"> do that," <span ss="editText">Cyndre<span ss="aiText"> said with <span ss="userText">an annoyed voice. At the same time, Rianna was staring daggers at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Queen <span ss="aiText">Rianna," ric said in a stern tone<span ss="editText"> but kept his smile<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna then looked at her husband<span ss="userText">. Cyndre held his hand up to signal that he understood her displeasure.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Make it quick, ric... I don''t like it when you pull stunts like this... and my wife hates them more<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, I know she does. I will apologize to the Queen until the day I die... All <span ss="editText">I wish to do is make <span ss="userText">amends for everything I''ve done<span ss="editText">, but this is the only way I know how<span ss="aiText">," ric said and bowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Try anything and you will wish you had never been born.<span ss="aiText"> Do I make myself clear?" Rianna said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Perfectly, <span ss="editText">Your M<span ss="aiText">ajesty.<span ss="userText"> Once we greet the prince we will be on our way<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Good."


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus wasn''t sure if he should be worried about the conversation that his parents were having with the King and Queen. It seemed like he wasn''t included in whatever the adults were talking about. Even though he was standing right there.<span ss="userText"> Then ric turned to Marcus and motioned to his son to go wait in line so he could greet his cousin and give him his birthday gift<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Father."


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus walked away from his parents and the Royal Couple. His parents had their eyes on him, and he felt the weight of their gaze.


    <span ss="aiText">''I need to find Albert.<span ss="userText">.. He better not fail<span ss="aiText"> me.''


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus stood <span ss="userText">in the back of the line and was waiting for six other noble children to<span ss="aiText"> get out of the way.


    <span ss="aiText">He looked around and noticed a familiar face. It was a<span ss="editText">n <span ss="userText">annoying nobleboy who was only a few years younger than him.


    <span ss="userText">''Johan... Is this loser<span ss="aiText"> still trying to be my friend?<span ss="editText"> He won''t shut up about wanting to be a mage...<span ss="userText"> He''s such a wannabe and obsessed with magic and mages that I wish I could have brought him to thebyrinth. But Father would probably jump down my throat.<span ss="aiText">'' Marcus thought with an annoyed look<span ss="userText"> as Johan walked up to<span ss="aiText"> him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Marcus! You have no idea how excited I am to see you.<span ss="aiText"> I didn''t think you would get an invitation," Johan said.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus just rolled his eyes and tried his best to hide his disgust.


    <span ss="userText">''This is good practice. I need to show that<span ss="aiText"> I''m <span ss="editText">the true <span ss="aiText">prince, not some stuck<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">up kid. Father said I need to get used to it. But I''m not like him<span ss="aiText">. I''m not a fan of politics<span ss="editText"> and putting up with fake fronts. But I have to do this to show the other nobles that I''m worthy of their respect and regain the right to be a possible heir.<span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText"> Marcus thought as he<span ss="aiText"> tried to hide his true feelings.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, well, my parents thought it was a good idea to show our support for the crown<span ss="editText"> and my cousin<span ss="aiText">," Marcus said.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan just stared at him for a moment and <span ss="userText">nodded, "<span ss="aiText">Yeah, that makes sense.<span ss="userText">.. I still can''t believe that you''re in Fairchild''s Arcane Institute of Magic! Oh, what I would give to be a mage<span ss="aiText">. You''re so lucky."


    <span ss="aiText">''God<span ss="editText">dess<span ss="aiText">, this is fucking torture. He''s<span ss="editText"> like a<span ss="aiText">moner<span ss="editText"> instead of a major noble. I don''t know how such a weakling<span ss="aiText"> ended up as the heir of the Barony of Dule.<span ss="userText">.. Pathetic!'' Marcus thought as he forced a smile, "Well, we all have to work hard to get the things we want. It''s a little more remote than I would prefer<span ss="aiText">. And it''s not that easy either. There are many different kinds of mana beasts in thebyrinths around the academy. I''m not a natural fighter. So it''s tough. But I''m learning<span ss="userText"> a lot."


    <span ss="userText">Johan''s eyes were sparkling<span ss="aiText"> with stars, "I wish I could go there. It must be a magical ce."


    <span ss="aiText">''This is why I can''t stand this kid. He''s like a kid who is dreaming of grand adventures and thinking he''s going to be the hero and y dragons.<span ss="userText"> Just like those four fools I suckered into thebyrinth<span ss="aiText">.'' Marcus thought, "Yeah, I would have to agree. It''s very magical. But dangerous too. You can''t let your guard down or else you''ll die. That''s why I''ve been training<span ss="userText"> to be the greatest windmage of them all<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Johan<span ss="userText"> looked at his idol in awe, then it switched to envy as he wished he had a better mana vein.


    <span ss="userText">"Haah... Well, enjoy having a mana vein that can actually growpared to the trash that I have... I know that not everyone can be a Mage but I at least hoped I could be a Maja and have a magical sword to throw fire, lightning, or anything... The Fates can be cruel..."


    <span ss="userText">Marcus looked at him with respect for the first time.


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah, the Fates are cruel<span ss="aiText">. I should be the one being the next heir. Not this pathetic weakling.<span ss="editText">.. If by some miracle he survives the Crystal Pyphon. Then I will need to pivot and somehow use him to<span ss="aiText"> further my ambitions...<span ss="userText"> I''ll just have to endure and use him as a pawn.'' Marcus thought.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus looked over at the prince who was smiling andughing as he was opening some of the gifts.


    <span ss="aiText">''He''s happy and innocent. But not for long. When I have the chance, I will snuff out his life.<span ss="userText"> You weakl-''


    <span ss="userText">"Hey Marcus? What''s the gift you''re<span ss="aiText"> going to give to the prince?" Johan asked, snapping Marcus back into reality.


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus had a sinister smile, "Oh, <span ss="userText">I am giving him our family''s magical sword. It was created by an elven smith<span ss="aiText"> named Efkini<span ss="editText"> about a century ago<span ss="aiText">. And it was created with a unique material. It has a powerful enchantment on it. And it can create a <span ss="userText">me as powerful as the sun<span ss="aiText">. The fire is white in color."


    <span ss="aiText">Johan''s mouth gaped open in awe, "That''s so <span ss="editText">amazing<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">And you don<span ss="userText">''t mind parting with it? I know you''re a mage but wouldn''t it be useful for you?"


    <span ss="aiText">Marcus shook his head, "Nope. <span ss="userText">Mages don''t need such crude<span ss="aiText"> weapons. The only reason we even use weapons is <span ss="editText">if we are low on mana<span ss="aiText">. I have my Wind st spell. And that''s enough."


    <span ss="userText">Marcus was lying about why he was parting with their family heirloom. The first reason was no one had enough mana to use the sword''s me Smite. And second, Marcus thought he would get the sword back after his cousin<span ss="aiText">''s untimely death.


    <span ss="aiText">The sword would be returned <span ss="userText">and no one would be the wiser.


    <span ss="userText">Johan nodded his head, "Ah, I see... Do you think your cousin will like it<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="userText">Marcus shrugged his shoulders, "He''s a five-year-old. Five-year-olds love<span ss="aiText"> anything. It''s not like he''s a big boy and knows the difference between a good or bad weapon.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">Johan gave Marcus a look like he wasn''t convinced. "Yeah, I suppose you''re right. Under normal circumstances."


    <span ss="userText">Marcus looked at him quizzingly<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"What are you implying, Johan?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t mean any offense but, the Prince<span ss="userText"> doesn''t act like a five-year-old. I mean my cousin is six years old and I can''t stand being around him. But the prince feels like I''m talking to an adult. It kinda creeps me out<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">.. I could be overthinking things or <span ss="aiText">maybe he''s a prodigy. Either way. It''s creepy," Johan replied.


    <span ss="userText">Marcus wanted to roll his eyes<span ss="aiText"> at Johan. But held back, "I think you''re overthinking things."


    <span ss="aiText">"I hope so. It would be weird if he could speak to me like a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText"> adult. I just don''t want him to think badly of me," Johan said.


    <span ss="userText">"Just give him candy and he''ll<span ss="aiText"> forget about it."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I hope you''re right. Anyway, I think my father is summoning me. I''ll talk to youter, Lord Marcus<span ss="aiText">," Johan said.


    <span ss="userText">And with that Marcus was left alone waiting in line.

 Vol.0 Ch.152 The Sun’s Fury

    Vol.0 Ch.152 The Sun��s Fury


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took a couple of minutes before the line cleared up and Marcus finally got his chance to meet his cousin, the Prince. He put on his best smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Showtime!'' Marcus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew was watching Marcus like a hawk. While Wina was having a stare-down with ric who gave her a polite nod even though his eyes said otherwise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">That''s when Quinus finally noticed his cousin. And saw his fake smile from a mile away. Holding an elegant sword, sheathed in a beautiful red and gold scabbard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince Quinus! It is I, your cousin, Marcus Revelia, Duke ric''s eldest son," Marcus said and bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Thest time I remember seeing my cousin. He was staring daggers at me when no one was looking and now he''s ying up the charm. Why do I feel uneasy?'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Greetings, Cousin Marcus," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Happy fifth birthday, Prince Quinus... I bet you''re excited by being the center of attention. I would be. Especially since you''re the next heir."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... and no. I''m not the type who wants to force everyone for attention just because I''m the Crown Prince. I know there are some who wish to be somewhere else or do something else. I wouldn''t want to ruin the fun for anyone."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha ha! You''re too humble, my prince. But not everyone would see it like that. They would be fools to think that way," Marcus said and bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is odd. Usually, my cousin doesn''t like talking to people and would much rather be left alone from what I remember. And the way he''s talking. It sounds so... fake. I don''t like it,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you don''t seem pleased to be speaking with me, cousin. But I wouldn''t call you a fool for that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus looked up at Quinus with a weary smile as he wasn''t expecting his cousin to figure him out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Goddess! This little brat is reading me like a book. What the hell?! He''s just five. There''s no way. Right?'' Marcus thought before he rposed himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha. You must be seeing things, your Highness. I''ve just been a little tired after rushing back to the capital to see you. It''s been a while since west saw each other. I''m sorry if I gave off that impression," Marcus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus wasn''t sure if his cousin was trying to y him. But his gut was telling him not to trust his cousin. ''I get the feeling that my cousin despises me. Maybe he was the next heir before I came along? I guess that could be it. But I probably shouldn''t be alone with him until I get older. I better end this conversation as soon as possible.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the gift in his cousin''s hand and thought this would be the best way to finish their interaction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cousin, you''ve been kind enough toe and celebrate my birthday. And you even brought me a gift. Is it enchanted?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus smiled and held up the sword. "Indeed, my Prince. This is the Sun''s Fury. An artifact created by the Elven Smith Efkini. And enchanted with a me Smite enchantment. With a single swing, you can cause a massive fire explosion that is perfect for wiping out an army. It has the power of the sun. It is a perfect gift for a prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was dumbfounded. His cousin was giving him a sword. And one that had the power of the sun. But what really struck him was the fact his cousin was smiling and was happy to be around him. King Cyndre was surprised as well. That sword was their Grandfather''s sword from their mother''s side. Cyndre''s mother gave it to ric as a gift after he lost the heir to the throne.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re giving my son the Sun''s Fury?! ric, are you really giving our grandfather''s sword to Quinus? I thought you loved that sword," King Cyndre said in awe. He never thought his brother would part with the sword even though he never used it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric smiled and shook his head. "You are giving me too much credit brother. I wasn''t strong enough to wield it and I wanted Marcus to use it. But you know how mages are. He got this idea in his head that weapons of any variety are beneath him now."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre gave his brother that knowing look of a parent who wished for their child to follow in their footsteps, only to take another path instead. "It is a pity. But at least he is keeping the sword in the family."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna looked at her husband with a disapproving look as Cyndra was warming up to his brother. She still didn''t like him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rianna? That was my mother''s most cherished possession. She gave it to my brother when he lost the throne... I know he disappointed us but maybe he has been trying to change. I don''t think ric is trying to hurt Quinus again."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna didn''t believe him and wanted to scold her husband but she needed to wait until they were in private. ric was doing a fist-pump in his head as he finally was making some headway to get his brother under his thumb again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the sword and didn''t know what to think. The sword was very beautiful. It had a beautiful scabbard with gold ents, and the grip had an intricate carving that looked like an ancient elvennguage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was getting impatient as Quinus was taking forever to ept his gift.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''m getting sick of him. This was supposed to be easy. Just hand over the sword and he was supposed to praise me. Goddess! Do I need to put this stupid thing in his hands!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus started walking forward and was stopped by Sir Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll need to make sure that it is safe for the Prince to receive. Please stay where you are," Sir Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk!" Marcus let out a noise of disgust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s the problem, young master Revelia?" Sir Mathew asked with an annoyed look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus froze, "I-I''m sorry! I just thought the prince would have been a little more excited about the gift."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus''s eyebrows went up in surprise. He had his guard up but he never expected his cousin to have such an ugly personality.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is he really that upset that I haven''t taken the sword from him yet? I mean, a kid my age probably would have been eager. But I feel like he was hoping to take advantage of me. He''s acting a bit too forced. I feel like he''s trying too hard. This isn''t like the other kids. Something is off.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew unsheathed the sword from the scabbard and was awestruck by the beauty of the de.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It is a beauty, young Lord. This is a masterpiece," Sir Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre smiled and nodded his head. "I''m d it''s the real thing and not a fake."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus felt offended that his uncle thought of him as a fraud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uncle! How dare you. I would never disrespect the throne. Not after what happened. I know better than to try that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna rolled her eyes. But she was grateful that her son wasn''t buying his cousin''s act. She was thankful that her son seemed to have her wit instead of his father''s obliviousness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew sheathed the sword and brought it to the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here you go, your Highness. We''ll let you have fun with it for today. But it will be stowed away in the Royal Vault until youe of age. When you''re ten, you''ll begin your training with your sword then."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I understand, Sir Mathew," Quinus said as he took the sword in his hands and looked at it in awe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I feel so powerful holding this sword. Like I could kill a dragon or even an elder dragon. The sword itself looks so regal. Gah! Get those silly thoughts out of your head Quinus!... I don''t know what it is about getting a weapon in one''s hand that makes the mind stir with fantasies about the impossible... But it never goes as one imagines. I learned that the hard way.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was watching Quinus admiring the sword and had a smirk on his face. ''That''s what I thought. He''s just like any five-year-old. I can''t believe that I started to agree with Johan''s foolishness. This is so pathetic... Oh well, as long as the n is going as it should. That''s all that matters.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then he looked over to finally see Albert, who was a 16-year-old son of a minor noble family. He was looking around aimlessly until he spotted Marcus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He was making his way towards the stage with a good-sized vase with a lid on the top.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus wanted to let out an evil grin but held back. ''Good! The Crystal Python must be hiding on the inside of the vase. Well done, Albert. There is hope for you after all. Well, I should probably get out of��''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I heard the Prince has been learning the basics in swordy from Lady Nelumbo... Perhaps the prince can give us a demonstration. Don''t you think, brother?" Duke ric said with a cheeky smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was confused. He didn''t know why his father would propose such a thing. The Queen, on the other hand, wasn''t excited about having her son perform in front of the court and the King was on the fence until his close friend, Baron Johnathan Dule, had a smile on his face and nodded his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. Let''s have the Prince show us his swordy. I''ve heard Lady Nelumbo has trained him well. I bet most of the court would agree," Baron Johnathan Dule said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I agree. Let''s have the prince show us his stuff," Baron Alistair Dravenhart said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m a little curious about his skill level as well," Count Sebastian Ingham said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked surprised when everyone asked him for a demonstration. He wouldn''t mind normally but they wanted him to show his skills with the Sun''s Fury. Which was a long sword that looked almost like a broadsword with Quinus''s five-year-old body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh boy. Everyone is staring at me. What am I supposed to do? I mean this sword is too big for me to handle, right?'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus saw that the prince was hesitating. He thought his cousin was trying to find an excuse to back out of the request.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh? Is my father trying to embarrass my cousin?... I''m starting to like the way you think, Father. You''re a genius! I never thought of doing that. This would be a perfect way of needling him and sowing doubt about him being the next heir. And I could use a goodugh,'' Marcus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Prince looked over to his cousin who was smiling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not very noble to show ack of confidence. Your Highness," Marcus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric smirked and nodded his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus took a deep breath. ''Fine, I''ll give it a go. Just remember what Lady Nelumbo taught you and everything will be alright.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Prince stood up from his seat and started walking down the steps from the stage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna was worried as well as Wina and Mathew. But all the other patrons were excited to see what the Prince could do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once Quinus reached the ground floor everyone stepped back to give him as much space as possible, almost like when a break-dancer is performing at a club and everyone has tried to make room for him. So, everyone was watching him in an ovalish semi-circle. Quinus had plenty of space running parallel to the stage where his parents were sitting but the crowd across from the stage was pretty tight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew was watching closely. As were Wina, ric, and Rianna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus stepped back with a bunch of people as they were only ten feet away from the stage and five-ish feet away from the Prince. Albert was standing in the front row next to Marcus with the vase in his hands.


    Quinus took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He lifts the sword up and before he unsheathedit. He is surprised by how light it is. ''Hmm. I thought this sword was going to be too heavy. It feels like a feather in my hands. But it is definitely a sword made for a grown man. Hopefully I can handle it.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Ssshhhiiinnggg!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus unsheathed the sword and the audience gasped in awe. Some of the people were expecting him to have trouble lifting the sword because he was just a kid. But what they saw was the prince handling the sword like a pro. While Quinus was studying the sword as he held it with one hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It feels like an extension of my own arm. I don''t get it? It looked really heavy when Marcus was holding it and he is a teenager... I must look like an anime character holding an oversized sword like it was nothing. Maybe I''m a hidden expert. Hehe. I wouldn''t mind that. But I know I''m not. Lady Nelumbo said the first step of mastering a weapon is getting to know the weight and bnce of the weapon.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus then put down the scabbard from his left hand before stretching out his pointer finger and cing it right above the hilt of the sword. On the t part of the de so he could see the weight bnce of the de.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''The de''s center of gravity is right above the cross-guard. Which means the sword has a bnced weight distribution. So, if I can lift the sword with ease with one hand, then I should be able to wield it with two hands easily.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Prince then took the sword by the handle and went into one of his stances. He was holding the sword with both hands with the bottom of the de pointed to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The crowd was in awe and was shocked by his ability to wield a longsword with such grace. Quinus did some practice horizontal swings just to make sure he wouldn''t fall over.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was dumbfounded. He didn''t think that his cousin could handle the sword so effortlessly. ''What the hell? I could barely swing that stupid sword without feeling exhausted or almost falling over. What is up with him? I''ve practiced the basics of swordy for years before I found out that I was a Mage, and he''s already better than me...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric''s smile was twitching as he watched his nephew handling the Sun''s Fury like it was a toy. ''Is the Prince a natural genius or something? I thought he was supposed to be a novice.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna had a look of relief. ''Good. He''s doing very well. It is almost like he was born to use that sword. He''s not even breaking a sweat. I''ll have to reward Lady Nelumboter."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Prince Quinus felt the bnce of the de and started to practice with the sword in the stance that his Swordmaster, Lady Nelumbo, had drilled into him. The Prince then swung the sword upward. Then he spun around and did an overhead swing. Everyone was entranced by his fluidity and elegance as he moved. It was like the sword was a part of him. And with each swing the more confidence the Prince had as he started performing more advanced moves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn! I wonder if this is what it feels like to be a Jedi?... Just with a magical sword instead of a light-saber. Hehe. I wonder if I could pull off twirling the sword over my head. I bet I could.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Prince was starting to show off and performed a few shy moves that some knights wouldn''t dare to attempt. As there was a high likelihood of getting hit by your own de if you screw up. But the Prince was nailing his moves every time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, might as well have some fun with this,'' Quinus thought as he was swinging the sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus continued performing moves around the main hall with ease and he started getting lost in his own little world. That''s when he went into an overhand swing and on the follow-through of the swing the longsword sliced into the marble flooring like butter. Leaving a 4-inch deep by 4-foot long gash.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, crap!'' Quinus thought as he was sweating nervously. He started to worry about what his mother and father were going to say.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen was speechless as their son identally cut into the floor. While the King was excited seeing the strength of his son. The audience was stunned and impressed at the damage that was inflicted on the marble flooring.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry for damaging the floor Father. I-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre just waved his hand at his son. "It was a mistake, my son. Please continue... But for the sake of our floor, try not to use vertical swings. Only horizontal ones."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Prince nods his head. "Yes, Father."


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, Quinus continued to show. ''Okay. Just need to remember not to swing the sword vertically. This is a lot easier than I thought. I don''t think it will be hard for me to show some other moves with horizontal strikes. I bet I can even beat a trained soldier inbat with this sword. This sword is awesome!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">He was doing some fancy footwork and showing off his swordy while he started doing horizontal swings and stabs with the Sun''s Fury. But he felt the need to show off some more and decided to do some spins. Everyone gasped in shock. They were in awe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was getting jealous and felt his face flush with embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why does the Prince have to be so good at everything? Even the nobles are in awe. They should be making fun of him, not praising him. Dammit!... No! No... Calm down, Marcus. The goal wasn''t to humiliate Quinus, it was hoping that the Crystal Python would kill him. It just would have been icing on the cake if he would have been humiliated. I guess I can''t have everything... Now the question is, do I want to be here when he gets the vase or should I get out of here now?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Marcus was pondering whether to stick around or not, a certain Goddess was hovering in the clouds above Maldura Royal Pce. She had an irritated look written all over her face as she looked upon another attempt to murder her summoned champion.

 Vol.0 Ch.153 Send Him to the Western Wall

    Vol.0 Ch.153 Send Him to the Western Wall


    <span style="font-weight:400">Iyomelka, The Goddess of Bnce, was a Human Goddess who watched over the human realm. She likes to keep her presence as a deity as low as possible so her followers aren''t as fanatical. She has long flowing golden hair and her eyes change color depending on her mood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Iyomelka was in a sour mood as she witnessed the son of the Duke plotting to murder the hero that she summoned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Tsk! First the father and now the son... That Duke dared to poison the one woman who could bear a perfect child to be my champion. Then he hired an assassin... I thought I taught the Revelia family to leave my summon alone after I healed Wina''s womanhood when she drank that elixir. And helped her fall in love with the Lightning Rider. But I guess I will need to send a message to the young fool who didn''t take his father''s warning about the fates being against them... These two caused me to use more of my Primordial Essence than I have ever done in thest thousand years... This will not go unnoticed and there will be a price to pay.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">She examined the room, seeing the best way to deal with the Crystal Python while using the minimal amount of Primordial Essence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, I see the perfect option to kill two champions with one stone... Is that the saying mortals use? Hmm. Yes. I like it. Well, let''s get started.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">She raised her hand and closed her eyes as she channeled a very little amount of her power.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back in the main hall, where Quinus was showing off his skills with the Sun''s Fury. The crowd was watching intently as the Prince continued to handle the de like a true master. Mathew was a bit nervous as Quinus was trying to showcase more of his showmanship that almost caused him to identally cut himself across his thighs while demonstrating a fancy spin. While Cyndre and Rianna had looks of pride on their faces as they watched the Prince. Marcus and Albert were in the front row of the crowd as they were the closest to the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While the show was going on there were servants with trays of hors d''oeuvres or sses of wine, who were walking around serving the guests.


    <span style="font-weight:400">One of these servants was walking along behind the first row of observers and made sure to look as professional as possible to show everyone how good their services were while she offered drinks. She was a 20-year-old blonde woman wearing a ck dress and her hair tied up in a bun. She was carrying a tray with wine sses on it, stopping once in a while so a Noble could take one. She was walking towards an area where Marcus and Albert were standing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As she was walking up to a Noble, who wanted to grab a ss. The edge of a rug suddenly lifted up just enough to catch the toe of her shoe. She was caught off guard by the sudden loss of bnce and started to panic as she tried to do everything in her power to not hit the Noble who was trying to grab a ss and was determined to keep the tray full of wine from falling to the ground. Her loss of bnce made her swerve to her right until her shoulder bashed into the back of a 16-year-old who was holding a medium-sized vase. She somehow didn''t drop the tray and sighed in relief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But Albert wasn''t expecting to have a servant''s shoulder mmed into him. The force made him stumble forward toward a Prince who just happened to swing his sword right down the middle of the vase. Albert felt the breeze of the de that just missed his nose.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gasp!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Prince''s aim was true."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Incredible."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The audience murmured amongst themselves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Albert looked down to see the vase''s fate. It seemed like it didn''t break but it slowly started to split in two with one of the cleanest cuts ever. Everyone was surprised by the oue as they saw the two pieces of the vase falling towards the floor in slow motion. Quinus was mortified that he almost hurt a child and his parents were stunned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, fuck! Goddess, Please tell me that I didn''t hurt this kid.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus froze as he saw what looked like water spilling on the ground but in reality, it was the blood of the Crystal Python that he tirelessly tried to collect for the past year. All the ns and preparations were gone, all because a stupid maid didn''t look where she was going. He felt like his soul was leaving his body as he saw his life''s work evaporate into nothing. He wasted the lives of those four fools for nothing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Nooo! NOOOO! HOW!? HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? IT CAN''T BE!'' Marcus used everything in his being not to show the anger that was building inside of him. His body was shaking and he gritted his teeth. He couldn''t believe his bad luck. He turned his head slowly to his right and red at the maid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Calm down! I can''t let the other Nobles see me like this. I will not give them the satisfaction. Just stay calm and think. I need to get out of here before I do something I''ll regret.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Qunius looked at Albert and apologized.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m so sorry. Please forgive me. I didn''t mean to almost hit you. Are you okay?" Quinus said worriedly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Albert was shaking and sweating profusely. He was still holding his arms out as if the vase was still whole and in his hands but all he was holding was air. He was panicking so much that he started pissing himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m-I''m so sorry! I''m so sorry!" He was mumbling over and over again as he dropped to his knees.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had a worried look on his face as he saw the poor kid. He was about to say something but was interrupted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All the Knights and most of the nobles noticed the strange liquid that wasing out of the vase. It was hard to tell as the scales on the dead Crystal Python were still bending the light with its natural camouge. They were only able to make out that the watery blood appeared to have a slight purple and pink color mixed into the liquid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre and Rianna hurried over.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus wasn''t sure why everyone was looking at Albert like he was the one that did something wrong. But it was his fault that he almost injured the kid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Father? Why is everyone staring at this kid like he is the one who did something wrong?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre was too focused to answer while Rianna turned to Wina and Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The party is done for the day. Can you bring my son back to his room, please?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Queen."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and Mathew both bowed their heads.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait. Mother, it was my-ah... F-Fault? Ahhh... Ohhh." Quinus was feeling weird, like his body was absorbing some strange force into his body and it was turning him on.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He started looking around the room and noticed that his sight started to linger towards any woman with arge chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What is this feeling? Why does my crotch feel like it''s on fire?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre noticed his son''s gaze falling on every busty young woman in the room. He felt somewhat prideful that his son was interested in the fairer sex. But at the same time, he was annoyed. His son inadvertently was absorbing mana from a strong monster, which was making him act like a dog in heat. They wanted to take things slowly with him like all children who had the potential to be a Maja or Mage. Usually, they would y a slime or a rabbit-horn as the first monster to see how their body reacts to mana. And since they thought Quinus might have an Elite or Demi-god mana vein. They worried that he might get Mana Rush. Or how the uncivilized like to call it: "Mana Lust".


    <span style="font-weight:400">They wanted him to absorb a small amount of the mana in order to curb his Mana Rush. But with this mystery monster that was yed by the Prince,<span ss="editText">just<span ss="userText"> made<span ss="aiText"> things more difficult for him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre had a look of worry as he looked at his son. ''Damn... I should have given him the talk earlier. Well, looks like it''s my job to teach him how to court a woman... We will have to keep him in his room until he calms down. I just hope my son can figure out how to relieve himself from these urges. Goddess knows I don''t want to tell him how to do the act. He is still a child, for Goodness sake.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">The King was lost in thought as he recalled the first time he had Mana Rush and how embarrassing it was when his father tried telling him how to masturbate. Quinus was trying his best topose himself as Sir Mathew sheathed the Sun''s Fury while Wina took the Prince''s hand and walked him out of the main hall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Albert still was sitting on the floor while everyone around him was looking at the yed monster as best as they could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s a monster with natural camouge. I only know of two monsters that have that ability." Sir Dous said as he looked at the boy who was pissing himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm." King Cyndre rubbed his chin. "It is most likely a Crystal Python or a Frogspecter."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve heard rumors that there is a Crystal Python somewhere in the forest near the mountains." Earl Nathaniel Valerian suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But the question is how did this boye to find one of these Pythons and why was he giving it as a gift," Duke ric said with a narrow gaze.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone was wondering the same thing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Marquess decided to step forward and ask the boy. "Boy! What''s the idea of bringing such a dangerous creature to the Prince''s Fifth Year Celebration!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Eh... I-I came across-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let me through! That''s my son, Marquess! Why are you surrounding him like this? It was the Prince that almost hurt my boy!" Yelled a Minor Lord as he tried to make his way through the crowd.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Albert! Get up this instant! We are leaving!" The Noble yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think not Mayor Yorick. Your son will remain here to answer questions. Unless this was your idea?" The Marquess demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who the hell are you to tell me what to do with my son, Marquess? He did nothing wrong. He was giving the Prince a vase and he almost got cut down. You have no right to demand anything from me!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then what was inside the vase, Yorick?" ric asked in an irritated tone. This Minor Noble was one of ric''s many allies but he was going to use this opportunity to further his influence with the court and get more on his brother''s side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yorick was taken aback by the Duke''s tone. Then he looked down at the vase that was cut clean in two before noticing the liquid and saw how strange the way the light was bending.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I... I don''t know." He finally answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What was your n, Yorick?" The Marquess inquired.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The mayor''s son was still a nervous wreck and was looking around frantically.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough!" Cyndre yelled. "Everyone leave!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">All the Nobles saw how frustrated the King was and quickly bowed before grabbing their children as soon as possible then they started to leave.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was worried that Albert might rat him out but there wasn''t anything he could do to stop this and if he tried then it would bring suspicion on him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you wish for us to stick around, brother?" ric asked Cyndre.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... My Knights and I will handle this. You all can take your leave." Cyndre told the nobles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric bowed before getting his son and wife. Duval was reluctant to depart but he knew when to leave the King be.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Nobles were all talking among themselves about the strange monster and the Prince''s skill with a sword as they made their way out of the pce. When the Nobles left the main hall. King Cyndre was left with Queen Rianna, the Royal Knights, Lord Brice, Yorick, Yorick''s wife, and the boy, Albert.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre went up to the boy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is that monster you brought here, boy?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I... I..." Albert was stuttering as he tried to gather his thoughts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s okay, son," Yorick said, trying to help his son calm down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well... It''s called a Crystal Python. I came across it when a merchant came to town. A-And I thought the Prince would like it as a pet." Albert said, trying to stick to the script that Marcus told him to use if he ever got caught.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yorick and his wife both turned pale when they heard their son''s confession to the crown. All of them showed disapproval on their faces as they looked down at the Mayor and his family.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... You thought giving an invisible venomous snake that can kill someone and make their body disintegrate. Would be a good present for my son?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I-" Albert was starting to sweat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Your Majesty... My son seems to have lost his better judgment... He''s just a teenager... You know how they are. They''re foolish." Yorick tried to smooth things over with the King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Foolish indeed... How do you intend to correct this... mistake." Cyndre said with a bit of venom in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well. We can give you a thousand gold aspensation," Yorick answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You dare try to offer a thousand gold coins to cover up the fact that your boy almost killed my son?" The King yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I." Yorick was at a loss for words.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He will forfeit his title," Yorick''s wife chimed in as she knew her son was going to be executed if they couldn''t satisfy the King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Better but it''s not enough... How about he goes to the Wall to protect his people?" Cyndre suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That sounds like a good idea, Your Majesty," Lord Brice said with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, your title will be revoked. And you and your son will be stripped of your family name and bemoners."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? So you prefer execution instead? Is that it, Yorick?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... N-No... W-We would love to serve our kingdom by sending our son to the Western Wall. Thank you for your kindness." Yorick was trembling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre and Rianna looked at the disgraced Minor Noble with a nk face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Dous? Please take Albert down to the dungeon and get him ready to be transported with the others to the Wall."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty." Sir Dous said as he walked up to the boy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am sorry for the foolishness of my son''s actions." Yorick thanked the King as best as he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You may leave... Lord Brice? Send word to the Western Wall and tell them they will have one new recruit within the week."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Sire."


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, the King and Queen dismissed everyone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The party was officially over.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yorick and his wife walked out with their heads down as they went back to their city to gather their things. They would be leaving in a couple of hours and were going to be stripped of everything and would have to start from scratch.

 Vol.0 Ch.155 It’s Time for Your Maja Training

    Vol.0 Ch.155 It��s Time for Your Maja Training


    <span style="font-weight:400">The next day Quinus was doing his usual routine with the exception of writing ''Thank You'' letters to everyone who gave him a gift. The servants were all acting normal and the incident yesterday wasn''t talked about.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, Quinus? Why are you doing this boring stuff?" Asked the 3-year-old, who goes by the name Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because, I need to write a thank you note for everyone that gave me a gift, Percy. It''s just something I need to do." Quinus said as he was quickly scribbling on another ''Thank You'' letter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But you are five... Why would someone care? My parents always said ''thank you'' for our presents but I''ve never written them a letter. I think it''s dumb."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the boy who had his mother''s eyes and hair color and his father''s face. He was a cute kid and all, but sometimes it''s hard to tolerate a three-year-old.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It may seem dumb, but in the long run, these letters will help me build my reputation. The nobles and royals of this kingdom and others will remember how I treated them. And when the timees I''ll have more allies to have my back."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy furrowed his brow as a kid, it was hard to understand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, okay. Do you think we can spar soon? I want to learn from a master."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled at thepliment. "Thanks. I will be happy to help you train in the art of the sword. But not until your parents say so. I don''t want to be the one to get in trouble."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm? Like when you get in trouble for beingte for your sword lesson?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus chuckled, "Yeah, Lady Nelumbo really hates it when-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">He cut himself off when he realized that Percy was talking about beingte right now.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus turns to look at the clock in a panic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! Lady Nelumbo is gonna kill me!" Quinus yelled as he ran out of the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I told you writing those letters was a waste of time," Percy said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy! You knew I was runningte! Didn''t you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you never want to train me? So, I thought it would be fun to see panic."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OH, you''re gonna get it! That''s if I survive Lady Nelumbo''s wrath!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Quinus ran to his sword training he was praying that his teacher would have some mercy on him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Please, Goddess don''t let me die!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Quinus ran down the hallway, he noticed he was moving with great speed. It was a surprise since he was a kid''s body, but he was definitely running faster than when he was an adult back on Earth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh, it must be the effect of having my mana veins awakened. Cool." Quinus said to himself as he ran down the staircase.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus burst through the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Nelumbo! I am so sorry I''mte!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo was standing there with a nk expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''ll get to my warm-ups now."


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Quinus did his warm-ups, he noticed that his stamina had increased. He was able to maintain his warm-up longer than normal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, I hope you have a good reason for beingte."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus gulped, "Well, I was writing letters to everyone who gave me a gift and I lost track of time."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo was studying Quinus''s movements, with the practice sword, a little more closely than normal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. Well, let''s just get to work. You know the drill."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Quinus got ready for his training, he heard a chuckle. That''s when he saw Percy walking alongside Sir Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy? Don''t distract His Highness while he''s training. He needs to focus." Mathew said with a stern tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, Dad," Percy responded to his father and stood at attention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Sir Mathew is here? I wonder what the deal is?'' Quinus thought as he went back to focusing on his stance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have noticed you like to show off in front of a crowd, your Highness. You do remember the first rule aboutbat, right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Always be aware of your surroundings," Quinus said while in the middle of his swings.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo didn''t look impressed. "Exactly. If you remembered to keep that in mind you wouldn''t have struck the floor."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am."


    <span style="font-weight:400">After witnessing Quinus''s warm-ups Lady Nelumbo pped her hands together to get his attention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, I want you to take a position in front of the dummies."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded his head and did what he was told while Sir Mathew and Percy watched.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, Your Highness, I want you to do a simple strike with your wooden sword."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy. Stand behind me, please." Mathew said to his son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t know what the big deal was as he saw Percy looking at him from behind his father. Who were standing about 15 feet away from him. He tried not to pay any attention to them as he raised his sword and went into a battle stance before charging forward and performing a sh. This looked wless as he was about to make contact with the wooden dummy. But just before the wooden de was about to touch the dummy''s neck, a spark could be seen traveling through his sword, right into the dummy as they both exploded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*BOOM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ACK! WHAT THE!?" Quinus said as he covered his eyes from the dust cloud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy was in shock and awe and Mathew was covering his son from the impact of the st. Lady Nelumbo didn''t look bothered as her hair blew in the wind. When the dust finally settled Quinus could see the wooden dummy was in splinters and his practice sword was nothing but a handle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wha-What happened?" Quinus asked in shock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo crossed her arms, "Well, this is what we were afraid of. Your mana vein is releasing mana and channeling it through your weapon involuntarily."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus dropped the handle and took a step back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Will this happen every time I wield a weapon?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo looked over to Sir Mathew who shook his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, your Highness. You will be able to wield a weapon... It''s just you aren''t used to controlling your mana. That''s why we wanted you to y a weaker monster so we could gradually get you used to channeling your mana."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus calmed down and took a breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I see."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo chimed in, "Well, the good news is we confirmed that you are a Maja with a potent mana pool. If you''re not a Demi-god. I''m sure you have an Elite vein at worst... Anyway, this was the reason I requested Sir Mathew toe here. He will be your master now."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, your Highness. Sir Mathew is simr to you. He has a powerful mana vein and is one of our best Maja. He knows the ways of controlling the flow of mana. I will leave him to instruct you further."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But aren''t you a Maja? Why can''t you teach me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo was quite touched by the prince''s statement. But she kept a stoic face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s an honor that you wish to still have me be your instructor. But my mana vein is far too weak to guide you. You are a very talented fighter, my prince. I justck the ability to show you how to properly wield your mana."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus understood what she meant by that. But he didn''t know why having a weaker mana vein disqualified her from teaching him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But Lady Nelumbo, can''t you still teach me the way of the sword? I''m still a kid and��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo raised her hand to stop the prince from continuing his statement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And here I thought you hated my teachings. One thing you will have to learn is when to move on to the next lesson."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t know how to reply.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo then bowed her head, "May your training be fruitful." She said before looking at Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She spotted the 3-year-old hiding behind Mathew. "So, you wish to have me train your boy, Sir Mathew?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I think it''s time. Plus, I fear he''ll talk His Highness into training him and I don''t think His Highness is ready for that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh!? How did you know Father?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew chuckled, "Because you have a big mouth."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t have-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy! Don''t bother your father. He has a lot of work to do and he needs to train the Prince." Lady Nelumbo stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The little boy stood at attention as he looked at Lady Nelumbo.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come with me, Percy. Your first task will be running fourps around the pce."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Four!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you''re a fast runner, aren''t you? Now get going. Or do you need an escort?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! I can runps myself."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, because if you are too slow you will have to run anotherp. Now get going."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked at the Prince, "See youter, Prince Quinus." He said before running off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus waved goodbye and turned his attention back to Lady Nelumbo and Sir Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So this is it? I won''t see you anymore?" Quinus asked while getting sad for some reason.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew cut in, "Your Highness, Lady Nelumbo is one of our strongest knights but her specialty is in the physical arts. While her strength is unmatched, her mana iscking and it will be difficult for her to properly train you. I will be able to teach you the way of the Maja, Your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess that makes sense... How strong are you, Lady Nelumbo?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">She smiled when he asked her that.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No one can beat me one on one."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, her mana vein is almost a Master rank. So, she only has enough mana to strengthen her body to deal a fatal blow to anyone dumb enough to cross her. And even when she doesn''t use her mana she''s tough to defeat." Mathew said proudly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s impressive." Quinus didn''t doubt that especially going through her training regiment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, Lady Nelumbo, I''ll leave it to you. Don''t be too hard on him," Mathew said before looking at Quinus and motioning him to follow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s up to your boy if he truly wants to follow in his father''s footsteps." Lady Nelumbo said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha... You don''t have to worry about that. He wishes to be the Prince''s retainer. So he must learn how to handle the sword."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well."


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that said, the three of them left the training room and went their separate ways. As Quinus followed behind Sir Mathew, he couldn''t help but notice a few servants looking at him with smiles on their faces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh, I guess the rumors about me having a strong mana vein weren''t all that secret. But what if I can''t control it? Will they change their opinion about me?" Quinus asked while he was walking beside his new master, and he was a bit worried.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew stopped and looked down at the prince, "Controlling your mana is easy once you know how to feel it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Feel it?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. Let''s do some mediation once we get to my office."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uhh, sure."


    <span style="font-weight:400">As the two of them made their way to Mathew''s office, Quinus had to ask a question.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Mathew? Was the reason you didn''t train me at first, because you were waiting for my mana vein to be awakened?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm... Yes and no."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uhhh, what do you mean?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am one of the best swordsmen in the kingdom, but I am the best Maja in the knighthood. So I focus on training our recruits who have their veins awakened. And I trust Lady Nelumbo''s ability to teach the way of the sword. Plus, it was more convenient. But now that you have your mana vein awakened, I have no excuse."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus still was a little sad that he wasn''t going to be trained by her anymore. But he did respect the fact she knew her limitations and didn''t try to go beyond them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha..." Mathew smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s so funny?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I had never seen one of Nelumbo''s former students get so attached before. Usually, they can''t get away from her brutal training fast enough. You''re different, huh, Prince Quinus?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Brutal? Well, her training regimen was pretty intense. But it was the only way to get better. But I''ll miss her training."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew nodded before he sighed, "Listen, once you can control your mana flow. You can request to be taught by her again. Just don''t tell her that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh, but why?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because she''ll have my head. She''s very particr about her way of teaching. So, let''s focus on getting you in control of your body first, okay?" Mathew said as he opened the door to his office.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure. Where do we start?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, sit and we''ll go through the basics."


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Mathew sat behind his desk, Quinus sat in a chair and waited for his new training while Mathew went through one of the drawers looking for something.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! Here it is," Mathew pulled out some artifacts that looked like a lighter for starting a bonfire or a magical wand, but the handle was wider and the point had a sphere at the end of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that a wand?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha... It would be nice if it was an Elemental wand. Then I could pretend that I''m a mage... So no... This is a focusing tool. It shows you how well you channel your mana. Usually, we would use this to help a recruit to learn how to control their mana. If they were struggling to channel mana into their weapon, shield, or armor. They would practice with this. But since you are already channeling your mana subconsciously. We''ll use this so you can practice to halt the flow of mana instead."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew then channeled a little of his mana into the artifact to show how bright it glowed, "This is the color of my mana, and once you grab this it will light up with the color of your mana. It will be a faint glow but that is normal. Now try it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus grabbed the artifact and immediately it lit up. The light was so bright that Quinus and Mathew had to close their eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa! Maybe I should y some Crystal Pythons if that''s how strong your mana is." Mathew joked around while using his hand to shield the light from his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do I do?" Quinus asked with a bit of panic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Try channeling the mana back into yourself. Just imagine the flow going in the opposite direction."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uhh... But I don''t feel anything. I don''t know what it feels like."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just calm your mind, Your Highness. Your situation isn''t unheard of, but it is rare. So, the fact you can channel your mana without thinking about it is amazing. Once you learn to control the flow, you will have no problems."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, I''ll try," Quinus said as he closed his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Just calm your thoughts, Quinus. You can do this.'' He thought while trying to visualize what Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few minutes, Quinus thought he felt something and tried to focus on it. It was hard to describe but it felt like an invisible force inside him and it was traveling through him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh. There is a weird feeling in my body. What should I do?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, just think of it as if you are stretching out your arm but it is calm and rxed. Now contract your muscles."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus imagined his body was his arm and slowly he did the actions Mathew instructed. The artifact''s glow became dimmer but it was still bright.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I can''t stop it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, you can. Just keep doing what you''re doing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was sweating due to him straining his muscles to stop the mana flow, and after a while, the sphere began to glow brighter once again after he started to tire out and had to rx his muscles as they felt sore.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn it!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rx, Your Highness... On the bright side, you will have no problem using enchanted weapons and armor."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus dropped the artifact on the desk in frustration, which made the sphere''s light go out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... If I can''t control my mana how will I know if I''m not going to make my pen explode?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew chuckled, "Well that''s a good point but that''s unlikely, Your Highness. Only if you''re under great stress or exerting yourself will your mana re up and channel through whatever object you''re holding."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? Then what about the practice sword earlier? Howe I didn''t feel any pressure?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You were exerting yourself there. Even if you didn''t think you were."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. Okay, but is there no other way to stop the flow? I''m having a hard time just trying to feel my mana. I feel normal." Quinusined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew leaned back in his chair and thought for a moment. After a minute he thought up an interesting idea. He wasn''t sure if the prince was going to like it but it was the best idea he coulde up with.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, Your Highness. I have an idea."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you''re having trouble sensing your mana then we can use a technique where I channel my mana into your body and have it interact with your mana. It''s not an exact alchemy. But if you are aware of your own mana, you will know how to manipte it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can do that? Why didn''t you bring this up earlier?" Quinus questioned with a bit of irritation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well? This technique is used for interrogating prisoners who are against the crown. It''s also used to torture prisoners and make them confess their crimes."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus gulped and got a nervous look on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So this is going to be painful?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It most likely will be a bit ufortable and I''ll only be channeling some of my mana and making it interact with yours. Plus, this technique is more effective against those who don''t have a strong mana vein. It''s not a foolproof method to get a confession out of someone with a strong mana vein. But it''s better than nothing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded his head, "So, this should help me sense my mana? Is it really okay for you to do this technique to me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We won''t do this today. I need to discuss this with some people first, mainly your mother and father. But yes, I think this will be the quickest way to help you learn to control your mana. Since the feeling of foreign mana is much different than your own."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. Do what you have to do, Sir Mathew. I wish to get a hold of this as soon as possible."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew nodded and stood up. "Alright, let us go and talk to your mother. If we are lucky we might be able to do this today."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled and walked beside his new teacher, hoping his new training would work.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">After speaking with the Queen she reluctantly agreed to letting Sir Mathew go through with his idea. With her approval, Mathew was allowed to go through with his n.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A couple hourster the prince was gritting through the difort of Sir Mathew''s mana which was entering his body when he grabbed ahold of Sir Mathew''s hands. The process took an hour while the Queen along with Wina and a few other servants watched on as the prince struggled with the pain. The whole process was very ufortable for the young prince. Mathew could sense the boy''s mana and it was the most intense mana he had ever encountered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I can feel it! The weird sensation inside me. It feels like energy is flowing through my body." Quinus said in pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, you have done well. Keep your mind focused. You are in control now." Mathew said as he let go of the young prince''s hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took him a moment but he was finally able to stop the flow of his mana. The young prince felt a sense of aplishment and joy. He didn''t know he could be so happy about stopping the flow of mana, but after going through so much trouble to just sense his mana it was worth the effort.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Over the years Quinus was able to master his mana and his skill in the way of the sword, and after a while, he was able to master the spear as well. The young prince was known for his talent and skills. He was also very well respected among the soldiers of the Fiafyr Knighthood by the age of seven.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was able to teach him a few Maja skills that didn''t need the use of a magical weapon. The most useful skill he taught him allowed the user''s weapon to be filled with energy that could almost cut through anything. Then the next Maja art he taught could make his weapon and armor stronger than steel. And the energy could even strengthen his body so he could dodge iing harm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was able to pass down all his knowledge to the prince and the young man was thankful. As well as Percy who was almost as fast of a learner as Quinus. They would spar against each other in their spare time and were close friends.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But not everything went smoothly for Quinus and Percy.

 Vol.0 Ch.156 Failing the Test

    Vol.0 Ch.156 Failing the Test


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Quinus was about to turn eight years old, he had a visit from the Mages Guild. The guild sent three mages to test him and Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">One came from the capital city, one from the north, and one from the west. Each of them was there to see if the young prince or Percy were possible candidates for bing mages.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your majesty, please allow us to test these boys," the leader of the mages, a human male named Darius said to the King and Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The King looked at the Queen and then looked back at Darius, "We thought you were going toe by sooner."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we had a few issues with a few of the candidates from our kingdom, Your Majesty. So we had to dy testing them. It is not my ce to say. But we are here now and it would be an honor to have these two youngds take the test," Darius bowed his head and the two mages beside him followed suit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The one mage to Darius''s left was the Mage from the North and she is one of the instructors as well as the Headmaster of the Fairchild''s Arcane Institute of Magic. She goes by the name, Saffron.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The mage to Darius''s right was the Mage from the West and he was the head of the Mages Guild from Ironside. It''s the only city that has Dwarves, and Humans living together peacefully. He''s the dwarven mage who goes by the name, Hajdah.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah stepped forward and spoke, "Your Majesty, we must warn you that there''s a high likelihood that neither of the boys will possibly pass the test. But it''s our duty to check and make sure they do have any magical potential."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius looked at the Dwarf in a disapproving manner, "I''m sure his Highness will pass with flying colors, Sir."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah turned towards the human and looked up at him, "I don''t want a noble threatening us just because they didn''t pass. So, we should let them know what to expect."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius shook his head, "They are of the royal family, Sir Hajdah. They would not threaten the guild or us. And the Prince''s cousin passed the test and is one of our finest Wind Mages. It''s highly unlikely he''ll fail. His bloodline has a history of being excellent magicians."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What history? That Viscount is the only one who''s passed the test from the royal bloodline in the past 100 years," Hajdah said while ring up at the human.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius gritted his teeth while Saffron was trying to hide herughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gentlemen, this is getting out of hand. You are supposed to be our finest Mages in all the kingdom. But you are acting like children," the King said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius and Hajdah calmed down and bowed their heads, "Sorry, Your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know, Cyndre. Our son acts more mature than these two," the Queenmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre smirked for a moment before regaining hisposure, "Well, he isn''t like other children, my dear."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that''s because he has my wit," Rianna said with a smirk while patting her husband''s shoulder. Cyndre couldn''t deny how much smarter his son waspared to him when he was a simr age.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty, we promise that we will give the Prince every chance to see if he is a Mage. If not I''m sure he will be an amazing Maja," Saffron said with a bit of amusement in her tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius wanted to argue but he didn''t want to ruin his reputation. So, he held his tongue and waited.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, and the other youngd will be given a chance too. Right, Master Darius?" Hajdah said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius nodded and sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we shall summon my son and his friend. You can start with them, Master Darius. I''m sure the prince will be d to see you," King Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, yes. That would be nice to finally meet him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll go and get them," Lord Brice said and quickly left the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Percy were on the training grounds sparring against each other. Under the watchful eyes of Sir Mathew, Lady Wina, Lady Nelumbo, and Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George was officially knighted a year after the assassination attempt on the prince''s life. After recovering from his injuries, he went on to be one of the strongest knights in the Kingdom, after his exploits culling a few monster hordes that threatened the southern region of the kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He also was one of the stand-out knights in the battle of the Red Mountain. Where a Marn Noble was using hired bandits to attack the kingdom''s towns and surrounding viges.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George and Sir Mathew fought off the main bandit leader who was a half-Orc, half-human. Sir Mathew killed the Orcs while Sir George fought and yed the bandit leader. His feats were known by many, and the King had made him one of the Knights that was stationed near the castle. Sir Mathew thought he would be a perfect candidate to be the Prince''s retainer and started bringing him to Quinus''s training sessions, about a year ago.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy and Quinus were sparring with wooden swords. Percy was using a basic sword style and was fighting defensively. While Quinus was using his usual aggressive style as he found it easier to control the flow of the battle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy had improved his swordsmanship over the past few years, as he trained hard, trying to catch up to the rest of the young nobles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once the sparring session started Quinus would deflect Percy''s sword then bash his left shoulder to push into Percy''s chest so he would lose his bnce and would swing his sword at him like he was chopping wood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oof! Whoa! Ha!" Percy grunted as he defended himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh. Ha!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus tried tond a hit but Percy''s defense was wless once he regained his footing. Percy would try to counterattack but Quinus was like a bull charging in with such force that he would stop Percy''s momentum and force him to go on the defensive mode waiting for the prince to make a mistake.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy was two years younger than Quinus but he was proving to be his equal in swordsmanship. He was a natural talent with the sword and was praised by all the knights. The Knights thought he might have a Grand Master mana vein and it was confirmed by his mother, Lady Wina. She would bring him out to the eastern forests to y monsters in secret. She did this so her son could catch up with the Prince in order to protect him. She also secretly taught him assassin''s techniques to her son. Percy didn''t know that they were assassin''s skills per se, but under her guidance, she taught him how to move quietly and stealthily as well as when to strike an opponent when their guard was down. She wanted him to be the Prince''s shadow, while Sir Mathew wanted him to be the Prince''s Shield. After two years of training, Mathew had to admit that his son was better as a rogue than as a knight. He also had the mindset of a rogue thanks to his mother''s influence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew was proud of his son. But he was a bit disappointed. He hoped he would be able to make his son a Knight but being a retainer to the Prince was just as good.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back to the battle Percy was about to use his skill ''Fatal Rush'', and would charge forward and strike rapidly. Quinus was finally forced to go on the defensive now that Percy wasing at him with an unorthodox attack which made Percy''s movement more like he had cartge instead of bones. Quinus had to step back while he blocked and dodged 15 strikes before he was able to counter-attack him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as Quinus was about to hit Percy''s torso. He used his skill ''Wind''s Embrace'' from a magical ring his mother gave him, which slowed the Prince''s sword and gave Percy another opening to strike.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was able to use his mana to enhance his skill, ''Stalwart Stance'' which Sir George taught him to stop the effects of Percy''s skill and would go for a riposte.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ck! ck!* Went the sound of the wooden swordsing in contact with each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn! Percy has been getting better... I guess I''ve been gettingcent over thest year. I better end this.'' Quinus thought and then shouted, "''Sword Aura''!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mana surged through his wooden sword and created a yellow aura that covered his de.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy jumped back and got a nervous look on his face, "Oh shi-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Before Percy could finish his sentence, Quinus swung his sword horizontally and the aura extended his sword''s reach and hit him in the chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ck!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The force behind the strike sent him flying. He dropped his sword as he crashed onto the dirt ground and slid a few feet beforeing to a halt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ow..." Percy mumbled as hey there on the ground sweating and breathing heavily while the dust settled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked down at his wooden sword and smiled, "You''re getting better, Percy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You cheated, Your Highness. You used mana to enhance your sword."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And you use your magical ring... So, I say we are even." Quinus smirked. But the prince''s victory was short-lived when he heard Sir Mathew cut in. "Your footwork needs to be quicker. And stop using such wide swings. You''re not chopping down a tree," Mathew said with a frown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stood at attention and saluted him, "Yes, sir!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus then ran over to Percy and helped him up. Percy groaned as he got back onto his feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness. You are gettingzy with your form. You have be too reliant on your mana to save you." Mathew scolded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus frowned and looked at his feet, "Yes, sir. It won''t happen again."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Prince knew he was gettingzy and shouldn''t be relying on his mana all the time. He needed to take this criticism to heart or he would end up dying if he was not careful.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew sighed, "Now, you and Percy are going to run twentyps around the outer-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was interrupted when Lord Brice arrived.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lords and Ladies. My apologies for the interruption. But, the King and Queen have summoned you. The Mages Guild is here. They are ready to test the boys."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew''s eyebrows raised and Lady Nelumbo was the first to speak.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So the Mages finally made the time toe by and see the boys. I thought they would nevere."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I wonder if the boys will pass the test? It would be a shame if they no longer need to work on their swordsmanship," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I don''t understand why being a mage means that I have to stop learning the sword. It''s like their pride prevents them from using tools to help them. Why use a power drill if you can use a screw-driving, and muscle the damn thing. Sure it''s possible but it uses more energy and it seems so stupid to me,'' Quinus thought to himself as he put away his equipment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy whispered to Quinus, "It would be so amazing if I''m a Fire Mage. Or maybe an Earth Mage."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know Percy... I kinda like using a sword. Plus you''re really good with a bow. I have no idea how you can hit bullseyes from fifty paces while running. It''s like you could be an assassin or something."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy smiled and chuckled, "You give me too much credit, my Lord. The dummies don''t move so it''s simple to hit. But there''s something about casting magic that seems so epic, that I wish to be one of them, my Lord."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Christ, Percy? I know there''s mana in this world, but he still was running full speed while notching an arrow before hitting the target dead center. It is amazing. Why does he think otherwise?'' Quinus thought to himself as he shook his head, "Well, whatever happens, I''ll be d you''re with me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy grinned, "Same here, my Lord."


    <span style="font-weight:400">They walked together with the Knights and Lady Wina into the Throne room where the Mages were waiting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Mage''s Guild has always been a group of schrs. They are the ones who study and research the magical arts and create new spells, and new uses for mana. There are a few Mage''s Guilds spread throughout the kingdom and each of them has their own rules and traditions in hopes of making a new breakthrough in the magical arts and then they meet up in the capital once a year to exchange their findings.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Fiafyr Kingdom''s Mage''s Guild was led by Grand Master Darius. He was one of the rare multi-elemental mages in all the world as he was able to control both Wind and Water. And the guild has been flourishing ever since he''s been the Grand Master. Hajdah was the strongest Fire Mage in the kingdom, and he had been looking for a disciple for some time now. He''s a gruff Dwarf and is known to be a bit blunt, even towards the nobility. Then there was Saffron L. Fairchild. She was one of the only few human mages toe from a noble family and was the younger sister of Baroness Ysandra Fairchild. She was the Headmaster of the Arcane Institute of Magic, and she was an aplished Earth Mage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There were some other people in the room, that were either a part of King Cyndre''s council or a servant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When the boys entered the room, Darius stepped forward, "Crown Prince Quinus. It''s an honor to finally meet you. I am the leader of the Fiafyr''s Mages Guild. We are here today to test you, to see if you have any potential of being a mage."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus knew of Grand Master Darius thanks to reading about him in one of the books about the Mages Guild. He''s a well-known and powerful mage who helped thwart a griffin attack that urred about twenty years ago in the northern ins. He was also an advisor to his father when there were strange magical phenomena that couldn''t be exined by the Council.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled, "Grand Master Darius. It is an honor to meet you, sir. But are you not going to test Percy as well? I would like him to take the test alongside me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius blinked and nced at the boy. Then back at the Prince. He was only being polite about testing this son of a knight. But he thought the prince would have left this matter alone and didn''t think the prince would bring up the other boy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, I shall. If he''s a royal squire, I guess he''s a prime candidate for the test as well." Darius said with a raised eyebrow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah smirked as he liked the Prince''s moxie, "Aye,d. We''ll test your friend first to see if he has what it takes."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy''s excitement shot through the roof when the Dwarf talked about him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, um. Thank you, Sir. I promise I''ll do my best."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rx, young one. These tests are simple and will only take a few minutes," Saffron said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But remember, there''s no shame in failing these tests. Having the gift of being a mage isn''t something that everyone has. Do you understand?" Hajdah asked while walking closer to Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy took a breath before nodding his head, "I understand, sir."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then step forward, and we''ll begin," Darius said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The four walked up to the center of the room. Hajdah looked at Percy and held out his hands palms up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nowd, all you need to do is see if you can manipte one of the four elements. If your mana can interact with these simple spells then you will have the potential of being a mage," Hajdah said with a soft tone in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You may feel a connection with one of the elements. Don''t force it, let your instincts guide you." Saffron said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll do my best, ma''am," Percy said with a nervous expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Now, ce your hands on top of mine," Hajdah ordered and Percy followed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah then said a chant and conjured a ball of fire no bigger than a me from a candle and moved it closer to Percy''s hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy watched and tried to focus his mana into his hands. He so wanted to be a fire mage like in the history books, that Quinus read to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright,d. Channel your mana and let''s see if you have the gift with me," Hajdah said with his deep Dwarven ent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, Sir," Percy said and closed his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The mes moved closer and Percy could feel the heat from the fire as it warmed his hands. And just when he thought he had it, the heat left and the me died.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry,d. No luck," Hajdah said as he withdrew his hands and the me disappeared.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy sighed, "I''m sorry. I thought I could feel the connection but... I failed."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not because youck mana, young one. It''s just luck. Here let''s see if you have the gift of earth," Saffron said with aforting tone as she walked towards him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy smiled and nodded his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Now, close your eyes and rx," Saffron said as she conjured a ball of earth no bigger than a pebble and hovered it next to his hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Focus your mana. Feel the connection between you and the earth," Saffron coached.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy rxed his shoulders and tried to feel the earth. Saffron cut off her mana to see if Percy could connect with the spell. But the spell died a few secondster from her mana expiring and Saffron gave him a sad smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The earth hasn''t chosen you, Percy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you for the opportunity, ma''am. I am honored to be considered." Percy bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s quite alright, young one. We''ll go through the water, then wind elements." Saffron said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright. I''ll give these two a chance," Percy said in a disheartened tone because he didn''t care for water or wind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius took over the next test and he was using his ''Water Maniption'' spell to show Percy the water. He hovered a ball of water in front of him and instructed him to channel his mana. Again Percy failed this test as well as the wind test.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry boy, you are just a Maja. Now, shall we test the prince?" Darius asked as he brushed off Percy like he wasn''t worthy of his time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Who the fuck does this guy think he is?'' Quinus thought as he gave a side re to Darius. ''I''ll deal with himter. I need tofort Percy first.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was standing there next to his mother and he could tell his friend was down about the results. "It''s okay Percy. I probably won''t pass these tests either."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy didn''t say anything but he gave Quinus a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t say such nonsense, your Highness. You have at least an Elite-level mana vein, Maybe even a Demi-god-leveled vein. You will pass the test. You are destined for great things, and you must not worry about this boy. Now, stand there, and I''ll conduct the test," Darius ordered as he stepped in front of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Does this guy think that I''m a fucking child? I mean I am in this child''s body but who does he think he is? He has no right to talk to me like that,'' Quinus thought with a frown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen stepped forward, "Excuse me, Grand Master. I believe my son wishes to see if he''s a Fire or Earth Mage first."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, if he wishes to try those elements first, I guess I can humor him," Darius said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This guy is getting worse by the second. If he keeps this up I''ll have to deal with him... But for now, I will try my best,'' Quinus thought and stood there with his hands open in front of the dwarf mage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah walked closer and looked up at him, "Alright, Prince. You ready?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded, "Yes, sir."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, let''s see if you''re a fire mage."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus failed the test.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah was expecting to see the Prince throw a fit. But to his surprise, Quinus just shrugged. "I guess it''s not in the cards for me to be a fire mage."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah''s eyebrows shot up. He''s never seen a noble take rejection so well. "It''s a shame, your Highness. Better luck with your other elements."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled, "Thanks, sir. Let''s get this over with."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus tried Earth and failed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Welp, thanks for giving me a chance, Lady Saffron... I guess I have two more to go."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Saffron had a pleasant expression as she smiled and nodded her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius had a happy expression. He was hoping that the Prince wasn''t in tune with fire or earth because he wouldn''t get the chance to train him and he was hoping he could get an exclusive contract with the Prince. If Quinus was as powerful as the rumors say he is then he is the perfect candidate for him to mentor and he could have him test out spells that he doesn''t have enough mana to perform.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What''s up with that asshole''s face? I feel like he''s looking at me like I''m a piece of meat. Does he not care about what I want?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness, just rx and concentrate," Darius said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And to his dismay, the water spell expired a few secondster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That was quick," Quinus said as the water evaporated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius brushed it off and moved on to thest test. "Don''t worry about it, Your Highness. The odds are that you are going to be a wind mage like your cousin Marcus. So, don''t get discouraged."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Pfft! Like I care that Marcus is a wind mage. I don''t want to be near that two-faced prick after that crap he pulled five months ago.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you say so. But, what are the odds of that happening? What kind of percentages are we talking about here? Because I''ve been doing the math in my head and I believe I have a 1% chance of being a wind mage. Am I right?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius''s lips curved downward, "No. You have to have a higher chance of being a wind mage. Just really try this time, Your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus raised an eyebrow in annoyance. "So you are saying that I wasn''t trying the first three times?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m saying that you can''t get discouraged, Your Highness," Darius said in frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This didn''t go unnoticed. Everyone in the throne room looked at Darius in surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, that''s some bullshit if I''ve ever heard it. He seems more desperate for me to be a mage than myself. I don''t know if I really want to be one at this rate.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus took a breath and calmed himself down, "Whatever, can we just do this test and get this over with."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, Your Highness. Just focus on the wind element," Darius said as he conjured a small ball of wind in front of Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Prince channeled his mana and tried to connect with the wind ball. But he never felt any connection with it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you channeling your mana?" Darius asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. But I don''t feel the connection," Quinus replied back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just rx, and concentrate," Darius instructed and tried to ignore the Prince''s response.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A minute went by, "Are you sure you know how to channel your mana? I mean, do you even care about bing a mage?" Darius asked with an impatient tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The King and Queen took offense as well as the rest of the court. Hajdah and Saffron didn''t know what was wrong with Darius.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s a bold statement, Grand Master Darius. What would make you say something like that?" Cyndre asked with an edge in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, Your Majesty. But it seems like he''s too young to understand how serious this is," Darius exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Okay, I''m starting to hate this guy.'' Quinus thought as he decided to grab Darius''s right hand with his then in an instant Quinus channeled his mana through the mage''s body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the-" Darius''s eyes widened.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know, Grand Master. You keep saying that I''m not taking this seriously. But I feel like you aren''t taking me seriously either," Quinus said as he continued to channel his mana into the mage to make a point.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius was able to counter Quinus''s mana just by the fact that his vein was bigger due to all the monsters he yed over the decades, but he was struggling to push back the Prince''s mana and he was feeling the pain up to his bicep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! What the!? Argh! Y-You dare- Agh! H-How can this be!?" Darius shouted in pain as he slowly pushed back Quinus''s mana past his elbow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius couldn''t believe that he was struggling to keep his arm from being broken. While Quinus was starting to understand what Sir Mathew meant by this technique only working on those with weaker mana veins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you doing?" Darius shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smirked, "Oh, I just wanted to say that I appreciate your time... But I''m fine with being a Maja. So, don''t question my efforts, Grand Master Darius."


    <span style="font-weight:400">With onest push, Darius was able to repel Quinus''s mana from his body and staggered back a couple of steps.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You��You are just a damn Maja and you won''t amount to anything," Darius said in anger as he clutched his throbbing right arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And you are an asshole. But it seems that we have to deal with what we have," Quinus quipped back and the rest of the throne room chuckled


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not the one who wasn''t giving you a chance��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Darius!" Saffron snapped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Grand Master''s eyes widened, and he looked at her and saw Hajdah shaking his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How dare you say such things to a member of the Royal Family. Apologize!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius clenched his jaw and gave Quinus a cold stare. He turned to the King and apologized, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for my disrespect."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The King gave him a cold look, "Apology epted. But know this, if you say something like that again, I will not be as forgiving."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the fuck? Is he only going to apologize to my father?'' Quinus thought with an annoyed expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, your Highness. It looks like you won''t be able to be a mage. It''s a shame, you have a high potential," Saffron said with a smile and a sympathetic look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah threw a verbal jab at Darius, "And here I was worried about the youngd making a big stink. But, I think I have to give the Prince his props."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s enough... We must leave now. Goodbye, your Majesty. Goodbye, your Highness," Darius said and walked out the door in a huff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Saffron followed suit and bowed to the royal family. At the same time, the dwarf gave Quinus a nod of respect before leaving the throne room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, that was something else, huh, son?" Cyndre said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed, father. I''m d that it''s over."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t understand why he was acting like that. That was quite disrespectful. Especially to a member of the Royal Family," the Queen said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know if this will justify things. But I''ve heard that Grand Master Darius has been seeking an apprentice. Maybe he was putting all his hopes into His Highness," Lord Brice exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I don''t want to be a mage if it means I''m going to have him as my master," Quinus said with an upset look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Agreed, son. I don''t think anyone would want him," Cyndre said. "Anyway we should wrap up and have dinner."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone nodded their heads and began to disperse from the throne room. Quinus and Percy went to clean up and get ready for dinner.

 Vol.0 Ch.157 Quinus’s Tenth Birthday

    Vol.0 Ch.157 Quinus��s Tenth Birthday


    <span style="font-weight:400">Since failing the mage''s test. Quinus focused more on his swordsmanship with Percy over the past two years, until he finally turned ten years old. His birthday was celebrated for two days and there was a ball for the second day. The highlight was when his father announced that his son would go through the trials of adulthood and would be heading to the Labyrinth of Lost Souls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was said that the Goddess created the ancientbyrinth and it was designed to test the worthiness of the youth to be an adult. There have been stories of people going missing thanks to thebyrinth changing its portals every two to three hundred years. But the kingdom would send adventurers into thebyrinth just to make sure that no child of a noble would get trapped if the dungeon core changed its portals or if some monsters wandered in and got trapped inside the dungeon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Kingdom of Fiafyr was very strict when it came to their youth going through the trials. There have been rumors amongst themoners of them using thebyrinth as a way to weed out the weak and stupid. This wasn''t true of course, because thisbyrinth wouldn''t let anyone in unless they had a grown mana vein. If someone tried to enter the dungeon and didn''t have a mana vein, they would get teleported back to the surface.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There were many rules and regtions that a child had to follow in order to go through the trials. The first thing is that they couldn''t bring a weapon into thebyrinth. They could only carry a basic survival kit. And they could only wear basic clothes and shoes. The second thing they needed to do was seek out an impure ether crystal on the fifth floor. These crystals only got as big as a six-sided die and didn''t have any mary value but it shows that those who are able to collect them are worthy of bing an adult.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As everyone was apuding Quinus, the nobles started to talk amongst themselves about the uing celebration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you not worried about sending your son, my liege?" Baron Johnathan Dule asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I put in the quest to the Adventures Guild and requested them to go through the Labyrinth of Lost Souls to clear out any monsters that might be roaming around inside the mazes as well as having them check out the portals. It''s only a matter of time before the dungeon core changes itsyout. So, we are taking precautions." King Cyndre answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Seems like overkill if you ask me, Your Majesty," Marquess Duval Wrightwood said a little loudly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not letting the only heir to the throne of Fiafyr go inside abyrinth without having some of the kingdom''s strongest adventurers clear out the ce to make sure thebyrinth is safe," King Cyndre said with a stern tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I understand that my liege. But you''re paying triple the amount just to send in adventurers who have cleared out thebyrinth from years past. Isn''t that a bit overboard?" Marquess Duval said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can assure you, Lord Wrightwood. I''m not doubting thepetence of our adventurers. But I rather not take any chances and I want them to be thorough... Besides, my son has his retainer Sir George by his side training him until he enters thebyrinth and he has the best tutors teaching him everything he needs to know when dealing with the dungeon. I haveplete faith in him," King Cyndre exined with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marquess Duval didn''t look too happy about spending all that money to make sure the Prince was safe. Especially, since he''s been struggling to buy the support of the Minor Lords from ric. He was using way more money than he hoped and his treasury was dwindling down even with getting 75% of Duke ric''s ie. The Marquess thought it was going to be easy to gain the loyalty of the Minor Lords. But the truth is, ric was the one to advise the few Minor Lords to siphon off as much funds from Marquess Duval as possible before dering their loyalty to Duval.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric had been working behind the scenes for the past five years and he had the support of the Minor Nobles that Marquess Duval thought were loyal to him. And the Major Nobles who had been trying to stay neutral were thinking about joining forces with him as he showed how humbled he had be over the years after his punishment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Behind the scenes, Duke ric was known to be a ruthless man, but he was also fair. While Marquess Duval was only keeping those Major Nobles from leaving his side by bribing them and offering administration positions. This is why his treasury is running low and his power base is starting to crumble.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus on the other hand hasn''t stopped plotting against his cousin. But no matter how hard he tried his cousin woulde up smelling like roses. And to top it all off, Quinus and Percy have grown into a very powerful team. Even before they went to the trials.


    <span style="font-weight:400">In fact, a week ago, a group of bandits raided a vige near the capital city. Marcus sent a couple of his men to try and get rid of his cousin. But to his surprise, Quinus and Percy not only saved the vige, but they captured every bandit that attacked the vige and turned them in. He had to make sure that none of them could talk and he paid for an assassin to poison them before they could be interrogated. This irritated his father to no end as he needed to hide his finances from the other Major Nobles. With his son demanding to use more money meant a higher chance of them being found out. Which would cause them to be thrown in the dungeons or be executed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The nobles were impressed when they saw the Prince and the Knight''s son fight each other. It was clear that the Prince was the superior fighter, but the squire had an impressive disy of agility.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If the Prince is as strong as they say. Then I believe that this will be a very easy task," Earl Nathaniel Valerianmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed. But, you shouldn''t underestimate the Labyrinth of Lost Souls, My Lord. If he makes a simple mistake and heads for the sixth floor then we may lose the Prince," Viscount Octavius ckwood said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This is the main reason why this Dungeon is known as the Labyrinth of Lost Souls. The first five floors of thebyrinth were mostly safe with it acting like a hedge maze with portal traps strewn throughout the hallways. It wasn''t as dangerous as otherbyrinths and almost anyone, regardless of their rank or ability, could get to the fifth floor with little to no issues. But everyone who dared enter the sixth floor has either: never been seen again or has been teleported back to the surface. The few survivors who were teleported to the surface weren''t warped by the entrance like those who didn''t have a grown mana vein. Instead, they were sent to the far reaches of the continent, some even getting dumped in the sea. They couldn''t remember anything after going past the fifth floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Past Kings have tried to clear thisbyrinth to see if there was anything on the sixth floor but the mages weren''t able to dispel the magic in the portals and the kingdom didn''t wish to waste the lives of their people to see if they could make it on the sixth floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You should have more faith in His Highness," Baroness Ysandra Fairchild said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I do. It''s just that I think we need a backup n if he ends up dying," Baron Alistar Dravenhart replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Marquess red at Baron Alistar Dravenhart and Viscount William Lysander who wanted Marcus Revelia to be the next King, instead of Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And who would be the next heir if something happened to the prince?" Marquess Duval hissed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not bold enough to suggest his cousin, Marcus, be the next heir, Marquess. I''m only suggesting a backup n. If we know who could be in the line of session, then we will be fine," Baron Alistar argued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then who?" Count Sebastian Ingham asked with a stern look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Baron Alistar Dravenhart nced over to Viscount William Lysander who smirked. "Well, we can have one of the elder daughters of House Revelia or the elder sons of House Valerian be the next in line," Viscount William suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre cut in after he noticed the Major Lords talking about the line of session, "Do not speak as if my son is dead! I will fine anyone who dares to bring this topic up again. Do I make myself clear?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The nobles felt a chill running through them as the King''s anger was emanating from him. It was clear that he was not willing to let anyone usurp his throne. He was going to do everything to keep his family safe. Even though his wife wasn''t happy with him because Cyndre was warming up to his brother again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are sorry, Your Majesty. We didn''t mean to insult the Prince or the Royal Family," Viscount William and Baron Alistar said at the same time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The nobles apologized for offending the King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Now let''s enjoy the party. This is a celebration after all." King Cyndre dered and everyone went back to their seats and enjoyed the rest of the evening.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric wasn''t chatting with the other Major Nobles at the time as he slowly approached a maid with glowing hazel eyes who was watching over the prince, as he was dancing in the middle of the ballroom with several youngdies. The maid spoke without turning her head, "Your Grace," Wina greeted the Duke coldly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It seems you''ve truly gone down the straight and narrow path, haven''t you?" ric said in a huss tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina ignored thement and kept her attention on the prince, who was still dancing in the middle of the ballroom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re lucky that I don''t turn my de on you. For you''ve caused me a great deal of trouble," ric continued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And here I thought you didn''t hold any grudges," Wina said with an apathetic tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Me? I might have a few. But you aren''t one of them," ric lied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You lie as naturally as you breathe, ric... Now, why are you here speaking to a maid," Wina asked with an annoyed tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Duke didn''t like this assassin calling him by his first name. But he held his tongue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I just wanted to air out my grievances over these many years. I would have done this sooner but I needed things to cool down... Luckily it seems the Marquess took a turn for the better and I didn''t want to give the impression that I was betraying him," ric muttered quietly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You mean you have weakened the Marquess... Serves him right after sparing your life," Wina stated coldly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed... He will get what''sing to him, in due time. But back to you... I''m disappointed in you. You''ve thrown away a promising career. And if you wanted a boy toy I would have given you as many as you wanted," ricmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You think throwing men at me is what made me switch sides? You''re an idiot if you believe that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I would have at least given you a nice ce to retire and live a quiet life. But instead, you decided to be the prince''s hidden bodyguard. Soon you''ll be out of a job once the princees of age," ric said, giving her a suspicious look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm? So, is he nning on outing me to the Assassin''s Society? Why would he do this in the first ce?'' Wina thought to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have another position once the prince no longer needs me. Don''t worry, I''ve already nned ahead," Wina replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I hope you enjoy your pathetic life as a maid, Wina Daz. I would have at least given you something worthwhile to do, but I guess you are nothing but amoner now," ric stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Commoner? He''s more of a child than I thought.'' Wina ignored the Duke and continued watching the prince. While ric just looked at Wina waiting for her to look at him but she never did. He shook his head and left her alone after not getting the response he wanted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">As ric walked through the ballroom, he was stopped by several nobles and made small talk with them. ric then went outside for some fresh air and was approached by his younger brother who was holding a cup of wine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You look angered... What is wrong?" King Cyndre asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was just thinking about the past," ric said as he stared out over the city of Tairal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You better not be thinking about-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric raised his hands up in defeat. "I will never go after your son, brother. That is a promise. My days of going after the throne are long gone."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre looked at his older brother to see if he was lying. But he couldn''t tell. "Good... I would hate to kill you, brother... You are the only one who I can talk to like this."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric chuckled. "Well, you''re my younger brother. You''re supposed toe to me with your troubles. Unless this is something that has to do with Rianna?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre sighed. "You know me too well, brother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric shook his head, "Well, you should have executed me once my assassin turned on me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you are my only brother and you helped me with the marriage with Rianna," Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric sighed and took the cup of wine and said, "You''re too soft, little brother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">They both took a sip from their sses and looked out over the skyline.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Brother, I may not be going after your son anymore. But my son, Marcus, is... and if he needs my aid then I will help him. The throne is his birthright and it will be his even if the fates are against us... Just wait a little longer brother. Then you will see that we are meant to rule this kingdom.'' ric thought to himself as he watched the skyline of the capital city.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know in due time Rianna will forgive you. But maybe you shouldn''t be seen chatting with me all night. You have a reputation to maintain," ric said as he handed the cup of wine back to his brother.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe tomorrow I''ll go and have a chat with her. I''ll even invite her for a pic. Once Quinus goes off to the Labyrinth," Cyndre thought out loud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sounds like a good idea, Brother. Now go... Your people need you," ric replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre gave a slight nod and left his brother alone as he went back into the ballroom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You made a mistake listening to Duval, brother... It may take years but Marcus will get the throne," ric muttered under his breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The duke looked over the city once more before heading back inside.

 Vol.0 Ch.158 Are you Nervous?

    Vol.0 Ch.158 Are you Nervous?


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was in the middle of the dance floor with a beautiful nobledy, her name was Lady Elise. She was wearing a white dress that matched her hair, and her eyes were as blue as the ocean. She was older than Quinus by six years and she was making some passes at him. Which made him nervous for many reasons but two stuck out in particr. The first was that she didn''t seem to care for Quinus as a person and seemed to only want him because he was a prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The second was more of a moral issue. Quinus still hadn''t grown pubic hair yet and she was acting like she was ready to round second base with him. He was tall for his age but it felt gross that a girl who was six years older was being this aggressive. Unfortunately, all signs were pointing to her being a gold digger. And it was such a weird experience for him. Back on Earth he wasn''t rich or super good looking so women never made the first move. But here in this fantasy world where he was a handsome young prince, all kinds of crazy shit was happening that he was trying to get used to.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, Prince Quinus, are you excited for the trials?" Lady Elise asked with a flirtatious tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! Umm... I don''t see a reason to be scared. I''ve trained for this for years," Quinus replied nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, you''re so confident. Are you sure you''re not scared of dying or being trapped forever in the Labyrinth of Lost Souls? It would be such a shame for a handsome young man like yourself to die," Lady Elise said with a fake innocent voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, I''m not afraid of dying. I have no idea if I''ll get another chance of getting reborn so I won''t let fear control my decisions, Lady Elise," Quinus said with a confident look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Another chance of getting reborn?" Lady Elise asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah... I guess I''m the only one who''s been reincarnated here,'' Quinus thought as he asionally probed random people from time to time in hopes of finding someone who has also been reborn in this world.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, sorry. It''s something that was mentioned to me in a dream," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A dream? You sure have an interesting way of speaking," Lady Elise replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus wanted to shake his head. But he knew better. Instead, he gave her a gentle smile and said, "Well, I don''t know if I should take that as apliment or not."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, of course. It''s apliment, My Prince. A man like you should have no problem in the Labyrinth," Lady Elise said with a fake flirtatiousugh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah... She is trying way too hard. I don''t know if she likes me or she''s just messing with me.'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, My Lady. I will keep your words close to my heart." Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Elise gave Quinus a sly smile as she noticed his mother, the Queen, staring daggers at her. They continued to dance until the music stopped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, it seems our dance is over," Lady Elise said in a disappointed tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed... Well, it was nice meeting you, Lady Elise," Quinus stated with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as Quinus turned to leave a wave of girls came running up to him and started bombarding him with questions and some asking for a dance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh! Ummm... I need a little time to myself if you all will excuse me," Quinus said as he slowly pushed his way through the crowd of girls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on, my Prince, just one dance," Lady Fiona asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No thank you, I''m tired and need a drink," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince!" Another girl said as she tried to give him sad puppy dog eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please, just give me one more moment." said another young noblewoman with blonde hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We just want a dance." said a short woman who looked like she was in herte 20s.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus couldn''t move or breathe. He was overwhelmed by all the girls. It was suffocating him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright,dies. The Prince said he was thirsty. Give him some space," A knight said as he grabbed the Prince''s arm and dragged him through the crowd. The girls looked disappointed as the prince was freed from their grasp. Over the years Quinus was getting quite tall for his age and his golden eyes and red-brown hair helped make him stand out from the crowd.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks for that, Sir George," Quinus sighed heavily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No problem, your Highness," Sir George said with a smirk. "But if you need help getting moresses, I can show you a few tricks."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked up at Sir George in confusion, ''Is he blind? I was swamped with women that don''t give a rat''s ass about me. And he thinks that I''mcking in girls? Plus I heard his advice when he was training Percy. He doesn''t have a clue what women want... I better step in before Percy starts putting his ideas into action.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um... Sir George. I think I''m fine in that regard. Besides, I don''t have the time to chase after women, I have abyrinth to conquer." Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, suit yourself, your Highness," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they both reached the drink table, Sir George grabbed a ss and poured himself some wine while Quinus grabbed a ss and poured himself some juice. Just as he was about to take a sip, Quinus heard a familiar voiceing from his right.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you''re not a wine person, your Highness?" Johan Dule asked as the 17-year-old came walking up to Quinus and Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll wait until I''m 15 before I''ll try the stuff. How about you," Quinus replied as he looked at his cup of grape juice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan gave the prince a smirk. Over the years Johan started to despise Marcus as he kept treating him like dirt due to him being a weakling in his eyes. He was won over by Quinus when he rescued him during the raid of a vige near the capital city. And even though Quinus was bing a powerful Maja, he still treated him with respect.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, don''t get me wrong, I can handle my liquor," Johan said as he poured himself a ss.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re only 17,d," Sir George said to the young noble.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He was being sarcastic, Sir George," Quinus said, taking a sip from his cup.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I can hold my liquor, your Highness. Just ask thedies," Johan said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George and Quinus shook their heads. They both knew Johan was just trying to prove himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just try and take it easy. I don''t want you looking like Baron Alistar. That man is a drunk," Quinus joked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... And he can''t stop running his mouth. He should keep quiet and just get his nose out of everyone''s business," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked over to see Baron Alistar talking to several young nobledies. While some were giggling, some looked annoyed and others were outright disgusted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s why I don''t drink. If I want to make a fool of myself, I''ll do it on purpose, not by ident," Sir Georgemented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t think you need to drink to make a fool out of yourself, Sir George," Quinus said as he took a sip from his cup.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn... I miss soda... There has to be someone out there who knows how to carbonate water and put voring in it. I wish I had a Coke. Someday...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, are you calling me a fool, your Highness?" Sir George asked with a joking tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Only sometimes, Sir George," Quinus replied in a mocking tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ouch, now that hurts," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha," Quinus and Johanughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I never had the chance to say thank you for saving me a couple of weeks ago," Johan stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t need to. It was the right thing to do. I couldn''t believe there were bandits bold enough to attack so close to the capital. Especially with the increased number of knights patrolling the roads," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I couldn''t agree more. They came from nowhere. Do you know what group they belonged to? It would be good to know so we can keep an eye out for them," Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They are a new bandit group called the Shadow des. Sadly, we couldn''t get any information out of them." Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Why''s that? Were they all killed?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... They all caught some disease," Sir George replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They got sick? How is that possible?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They seemed fine at first but some of them got sick during the trip. By the time we reached the capital, they had already died," Sir George stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t know that''s what happened to the bandits. He just thought that they had been executed. But catching a disease sounded too convenient.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''But they seemed fine when Percy, Sir George, Lady Nelumbo, and I captured them. So how did they suddenly get sick?'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow... That''s a bit unsettling," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It sure is. I guess the Goddess wasn''t happy that they attacked her kingdom." Sir George said after he finished his wine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Johan were stunned by his response. They looked at each other and then at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Goddess punished them? But Goddess Iyomelka seems like she keeps to herself?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AH! That''s where you are wrong my boy... Goddess Iyomelka''s punishmentes when you least expect it. It maye swiftly and suddenly or slowly and subtly. But rest assured, it will happen," Sir George stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you talking about, Sir George?" Quinus asked. In all his studies he''s never seen any evidence of the goddess punishing anyone. Hell, he wasn''t sure if she existed in the first ce. But there were other ounts of Gods or Goddesses interfering in the Mortal Affairs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s something my grandfather told me, your Highness," Sir George replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And do you believe it, Sir George?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, my Lord. He told me that you never cross a woman who bes cool and collected. That''s when they be deadly and cunning. She may not seem like she''s around. But believe me, she is... You never want to mess with a woman like her," Sir George replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are we still talking about the goddess or is this a personal experience, Sir George?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hahaha, of course, we are talking about the goddess, your Highness," Sir Georgeughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... Sounds like a load of nonsense," Johan stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George stoppedughing and looked at Johan, "Do you doubt the words of your elders, young Lord?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright... Enough of that," Quinus intervened. "Sir George, why don''t you go and make sure we are good to go for tomorrow."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, your Highness," Sir George said as he headed off to talk to a group of knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... You nervous about the test?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nervous? Maybe? I haven''t gone into abyrinth yet, but I am ready," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s supposedly only five floors of mazes? And I''m not the only one taking the test. I think there are three other young nobles joining me," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked over his shoulders to make sure Marcus wasn''t around. Then he said, "I would watch out, your Highness... Your uncle and cousin have the Minor Nobles in their pockets and those three younger nobles are from a family of Minor Nobles. I''m sure one if not all of them are going to do whatever it takes to make you fail. I know the eldest one, his name is John. He''s a slimy bastard. Just stay on your toes and don''t let them catch you off guard."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded his head. He wasn''t expecting that type of response from Johan. But he did appreciate his honesty.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks, I will, Johan. Is there anything else I should know about them?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"John is the only mage in the group. So he doesn''t need a weapon. I''m not sure what elements he uses but his father, Lord Edward, is a water mage," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''That''s good to know,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks again, Johan. I owe you one," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Anytime, your Highness. But remember, if you ever need anything. Just ask," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, the party ended without any more incidents. As Quinus went to bed. For he had a long journey north ahead of him.

 Vol.0 Ch.159 Traveling North

    Vol.0 Ch.159 Traveling North


    <span style="font-weight:400">On the morning of the Fiafyr Trials of Adulthood, Quinus was in his room getting ready. The night before, he was told what to pack. So all he needed was a few essentials like food, water, and a bedroll.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once he finished packing, Quinus sat down and started reading the book his mother gave him. The book was a collection of fairy tales and folk stories that his mother had loved when she was younger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I find it strange to read fairy tales when I''m living on a with magic and monsters. It makes it feel less magical to me.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus continued reading until he heard a knocking on his door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enter," Quinus called out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Wina and three maids opened the door and bowed their heads, "Good morning, your Highness. We have brought you some breakfast."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina wore her usual attire with her assassin''s gear hidden under her maid''s outfit. It was an outfit that exaggerated all of her womanly charms that Quinus struggled to look away from.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Lady Wina. Please, let me get dressed and then we can have breakfast," Quinus said as he quickly threw a tunic on and some pants.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, My Prince," Wina replied with a nod as the other maids got to work cleaning his room and putting fresh sheets on his bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are all dismissed. I will handle the rest," Wina ordered the other maids.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, Lady Wina," The maids replied as they left the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was one of his escorts to the Labyrinth. Quinus thought it was a little too much to have his personal maid join him on his escort. But the Queen insisted and Quinus didn''t argue with his mother.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please sit and enjoy your meal," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was given a te of eggs, bread, and meat along with a bowl of stew. He started eating faster than normal due to him being a bit anxious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Is there something on your mind, your Highness? Are you nervous?" Wina asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t help but feel a little uneasy. Even though I fought monsters in the southern ins with Percy and Sir Mathew. And dealt with bandits, I''ve never gone into abyrinth... Everything I read about them seems like they are beings... Like I am intruding on a living entity and going through its home. It''s a bit unsettling..." Quinus sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina walked over and ced her hand on his shoulder, "You''ll be fine, your Highness... Danger is all around us no matter where you go. And if something does happen. We are here to protect you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks, Lady Wina," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It is my duty as your servant, My Prince," Wina bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus felt a little moreforted by Wina''s words. But it still didn''t help him get rid of his nerves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are to meet the others at the north gate at 7 am. So we should leave in the next 15 minutes," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sounds good," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After 10 minutes, Quinus and Wina were headed to the north gate where his parents, Sir Mathew, and Sir George were waiting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hear you''ll being back with a harem, Quin," Sir Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Was that what Sir George told you?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha, no. My wife told me you needed rescue during the party yesterday," Sir Mathew replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at Wina who looked away acting like she didn''t hear anything.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah... My own maid betrays me... I can''t me her... I bet I looked ridiculous.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rescue is a bit of a stretch," Quinus said as he turned back to Sir Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If the Prince was truly in distress, he would have called for us, Sir Mathew." Lady Wina replied with a wink to her husband.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it was nice to see thedies are interested in you, Prince Quinus. But don''t take their affection for you at face value. You need to make sure it''s genuine," Sir Mathew said as he gave a wink back to his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? If a woman gives you attention then you have the upper hand! What''s more genuine than that," Sir George added out of nowhere as he interrupted the conversation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina''s face soured while Quinus put a hand up to his face trying to hide from secondhand embarrassment. Mathew looked at George exasperated as this was the hundredth time he''dmented on this.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stepped in before the two were about to go into a debate again, "Sir George... If you are as well known for your ways with the women as you are with the sword, then you would have your own harem... How many are in it again? I lost count at zero," Quinus said, cutting him off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George turned to Quinus and gave a look of betrayal. Then it turned to defeat as he wanted to counter the Prince''s ims. But he knew Quinus was right.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-that is a low blow, Prince Quinus," Sir George replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Youck situational awareness, Sir George. You keep trying to counter Sir Mathew, but he''s married to a top-tier woman and has had a child with her. He''s thest person you should be disputing," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was surprised by the Prince''s quick wit. She looked over at her husband who seemed happy by thepliment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A top-tier woman? Well, I guess you''re right about that," Sir George conceded with some reluctance. Normally he would try to continue arguing but the prince always seemed to know how to hit him where it hurt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah... I guess I''ll take that as a win... For now.'' Quinus thought as he looked around to see if he could find Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Where''s Percy? He''s not here?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina stepped in and said, "He''s training with Lady Nelumbo and couldn''t make it today."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So that''s where he is. Why didn''t you tell me that''s where he went, Win?" Sir Mathew asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You were busy getting everything together and I didn''t have the chance to tell you," Wina replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Oh. Sorry, Win," Sir Mathew apologized.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s fine," Wina smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus thought it was strange that Sir Mathew didn''t know that Percy was with Lady Nelumbo but in the end, he decided to drop it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It looks like the rest of the escorts have arrived," Sir George stated as he pointed towards a group of knightsing their way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knights were wearing the same armor that Sir George and Sir Mathew wore. None of them could join the prince in the Labyrinth but they will make camp at the entrance. Just in case they need to run in for rescue. They will also be tasked with keeping any monsters from wandering in and preventing or killing anyone who tried to enter thebyrinth during the trials without the permission of the crown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus''s parents walked up to their son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you ready, Quin?" the King asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin, you know what''s on the line if you don''t pass this," the Queen said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know Mother. I won''t give them a chance to question my worth as the Crown Prince," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just make sure you focus on yourself. I believe you are more than capable of handling these obstacles and challenges. The Goddess has already given you her blessing. Remember that," the Queen said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right, I will," Quinus said as he nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good luck, son. I will see you after the test," the King said as he patted Quinus on the shoulder. While his mother hugged him. After his parents gave him their blessings, Sir Mathew and Wina joined them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Be careful out there. And protect my son, Sir Mathew," the King ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, your Majesty," Mathew bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t let you down, my King," Sir George also bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you all. And may the Goddess guild you," the Queen said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus, Sir Mathew, and Wina bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, Prince. It''s time to get going. Everyone, mount up," Sir Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knights mounted their horses and started riding towards the north gate. The Labyrinth of the Lost Souls was a three-day ride north from the capital city.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">As the Prince starts his journey up north. Duke ric was in the study of the Divalo Manor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock! Knock!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come!" Duke ric said as he was still reading through his documents.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The door opened to Head Butler, Belial.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord. Your nephew has started his journey and that traitor is joining him... Should we recall the messenger?" Belial asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... Things are stable around here and my punishment will be lifted soon. I wished to see her panic when I confronted her yesterday but she was too calm and collected to easily get a reaction out of her. She really does make a man want to break her down. But her death will be more than satisfying at this point. Even if the prince is caught in the crossfire then so be it," Duke ric said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll trust in your n, My Lord. But what will be our contingency n if things don''t work out?" Belial asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She will be continuously hunted by the Assassin''s Society... And she will be far away from the capital city for me to get med for this. Even if Quinus is caught up in the fighting. He most likely wille out of it unscathed... That bastard has fate on his side. But she doesn''t... At least she will pay for what she did to me and my family," Duke ric sneered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Belial smiled, "Yes, My Lord. And if there is nothing else, I shall leave you to your thoughts."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Duke ric nodded and waved his hand to dismiss Belial. Once alone, ric leaned back in his chair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve waited a long time to do this... Wina Daz... You will regret the day you humiliated me and took my family''s honor. No one gets the better of House Revelia and lives to tell about it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, the Duke went back to work going through his documents.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three-day trip was boring for the most part. Aside from a few skirmishes with monsters. They found a spot to set up camp beside the road for the night. Quinus was able to get some sword training in after dinner. Mathew was watching over him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve improved, your Highness. I can see a big difference in youpared tost week," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? I can barely tell," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s tough to notice when you''re focused on the task at hand. But once you rx and take a step back, you''ll be able to see how far you''vee," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why do they not allow us to carry our weapons for this trial? I feel like a mage has an advantage when going into the trials," Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve heard the rules for the trial are based on a story the Goddess told. The rules are simple, the challenger must survive the maze without any of their gear, and they can only use the skills that the goddess has gifted them," Mathew replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, is it to level the ying field? But, mages don''t need weapons," Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If the trials were aboutbat. Then you would be correct. But the trials are more about endurance and wit. It is something all of us who can grow our mana veins must do to prove our worth to the goddess. The trials are designed for Maja and Mages, regardless of their talents. The trial is supposed to help people understand themselves and grow from it," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sheathed his sword and sat down on a log near the fire as Mathew continued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The trials are also a ce for the people of the kingdom to gather together. To share stories, and have a drink or two." Mathew said with a smirk as he looked like he was lost in nostalgia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You speak from experience, Sir Mathew? What happened during your trial?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm? Well, I remember the first three floors were boring but the fourth floor was when I stepped into a portal that teleported me into a dark ce. But it was a room of illusions that triggered things from my subconscious. I was scared. I was angry. And I was confused," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Illusions? Triggered memories? That sounds a little odd. I was expecting something more... I don''t know..." Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It is a different experience for everyone. Some trials were simr. While others were vastly different," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... What happened in your trial?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew looked off in the distance as he remembered the events of his trial, "I saw my family''s home burning. The fire spread out to the surrounding fields, and then I saw the bandits dragging my mother out of our house. I wanted to scream. But I was powerless until something unlocked in me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus leaned forward as he wanted to hear more, "Then what?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My body felt a surge of energy coursing through me. I felt stronger, and faster. As the lightning was awakened inside me just like my father. It was at that moment that I was able to stop the bandits. And save my family. And before I knew it. I was warped out of the room and was on the fifth floor," Mathew replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So the Goddess'' trial helped you unlock a hidden skill?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not quite. I found outter from my father that I had awakened my bloodline," Mathew replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Awakened a bloodline? You have a bloodline, Sir Mathew?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, but keep it a secret. Bloodlines are rare and not well known," Mathew whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at Mathew with surprise and then it changed to a serious face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Keep it a secret... I don''t wish to break it," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... If you change your mind, ask," Mathew replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will," Quinus nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they sat on the log and looked into the mes of the fire. Two knights walked up and bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Mathew... Your Highness... We believe the vige of Vandia is only ten miles away." One knight said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We will reach it midday tomorrow," said the other knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good... Thank you," Mathew replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And both the knights left the Prince and Sir Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s been a long ride. But we are getting closer." Mathew said as he turned to Quinus. "We should get some sleep, your Highness. We will reach the entrance of the Labyrinth tomorrow afternoon and the trials will begin by the day after."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right... Goodnight Sir Mathew," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good night, your Highness," Mathew said as the two men turned in for the night.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t realize how tired he was until heid his head on his pillow. It only took him a minute to fall asleep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The next day, they reached the Vige of Vandia. It is a simple vige of farmers, fishermen, and a cksmith. Usually, Viges that are located by a Labyrinth would grow into a big town or a city due to the trade and farming of resources from thebyrinth. However, this vige didn''t attract the same level ofmerce and traffic due to theck of valuable minerals and metals that came out of thebyrinth. Once in a while, an umon monster would wander inside thebyrinth and get trapped. But that seemed to happen once in a blue moon.

 Vol.0 Ch.160 Meeting the Keeper

    Vol.0 Ch.160 Meeting the Keeper


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once Quinus and his escorts arrived, they went to the Mayor''s home. The mayor''s name was Marlon.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wee, Prince Quinus. We are honored to have you in our vige. How was your trip?" Marlon asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Long, but not unpleasant," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, that''s good to hear. I believe the others are waiting by the entrance of the Labyrinth," the Mayor said as he led Quinus, and his escorts through the vige. It was a little more crowded than usual, thanks to the King requesting the Adventures Guild to clean out the Labyrinth before the trials. The vige was small, with a poption of only 200 people.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Labyrinth was the biggest reason the vige was even there in the first ce. Luckily, the vige was able to start growing crops in the rugged terrain thanks to a fertilizer called "Purple g" from the City of Ironside. It was a byproduct from smelting violet ore, also known as purple iron by the dwarves. It was mixed with the dirt and nted into the ground, and the crops would grow much faster. It also allows crops to survive in harsher conditions. It was a new method of farming that the farmers in the northern and eastern domains were experimenting with, thanks to thete King Burell Meredydd.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Quinus and his escort got closer to the entrance of the Labyrinth, they could see the crowd of people gathered around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked around the vige as they walked through the main street. He saw kids running around. A few shops sold food and weapons. As well as a tavern on the edge of the vige, where people were having lunch. Most of them seemed like adventurers who were from out of town.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A few guards were standing outside of the Mayor''s home and at the entrance to the Labyrinth, which was on the outskirts of the vige.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marlon and Quinus made their way towards the entrance of thebyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wee! Wee, Prince Quinus," an elderly man said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stopped and looked at the old man, "I''m sorry, but I don''t recognize you, sir."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, you wouldn''t. I''m not a noble, nor am I an official from the court," the old man smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who are you then?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s the Keeper of the Trials. He makes sure that those who go in are ready for the trial, and he collects the crystal," Marlon whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see," Quinus nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The old man walked up and looked Quinus up and down, "You''re taller than I thought. Hmmm... and leaner too. Are you sure you''re the son of Cyndre?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh... Yes, sir," Quinus replied. This old man was the only person that called his father by his first name.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! Good! Good! You''re much more polite than your older cousin. He was a real ass. Always yelling at people," the old manughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you were the keeper during my cousin''s trial?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh no no... I''ve been the keeper of the trials since the Kingdom of Fiafyr was founded," the old man said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It all of a sudden clicked for Quinus. This guy was the Eternal who judged the trials. He mainly confirms if the ether crystal you take from thebyrinth is your own. This man also doesn''t know his origin. No one knows if he was created by the goddess or if he even ages. But he always seems toe around once a month to judge the trials for all the ten-year-olds who have mana veins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you are the Keeper of the Trials? You seem so-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Normal? Ha ha! I don''t know about that. When you''ve been around as long as I have, you tend to lose touch with reality and I sometimes forget some things... It happens... But the trials are my job, and I take pride in my work. I just make sure you grab the ether crystal from the fifth floor," the old man interrupted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that all you do, Mister?..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Right! Well, I wasn''t given a name when I was created... Or maybe I forgot. Anyway... One of the earlier Kings gave me the name Rolf, so I go by that." Rolf replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How long ago was that, sir?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... About a thousand years or so. I don''t pay attention to the passage of time like you humans do."


    <span style="font-weight:400">This was only the third species Quinus had ever made contact with. The first was the dwarves from Ironside. The second was a beastkin who was freed from an illegal ver when he was being transported in the southern part of the kingdom, where Quinus and Percy were hunting monsters to grow their mana vein. Dwarves didn''t seem like anything foreign to Qunius, as they seemed like shorter and stockier humans. But seeing the beastkin was surreal for him. It started to hammer home that he wasn''t on Earth anymore. This Eternal looked normal at first nce, but his white eyes. They had a little glowing from them that made him look inhuman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? You seem unsettled by me. Is it because I''m an Eternal?" Rolf asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... No. I just haven''t been around other species before. I''ll get used to it sooner orter."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf smiled and nodded his head at the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re more epting than most people. It''s a rare thing to find these days," Rolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"eptance is the basis of peace. Without it, we can''t move forward," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Interesting? You remind me of one of the Great Kings of Fiafyr... Who was it again? Oh! It was Burell! I liked him! He always was thinking about the future and bringing in other races during his rule. He tried to get a tribe of Beastkins to join the Kingdom. But they were stubborn and declined the offer."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was surprised that Rolf was speaking so highly of one of his ancestors.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Supposedly, he tried to get in contact with the Dark Elves and Wood Elves. But sadly that''s when he caught some strange disease." Rolf said as he was reminiscing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? What was so strange about the disease? Is it contagious?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nah... You can''t catch the disease easily. But if I''m remembering correctly, I think it was a disease thates from the Lumen Fae continent."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait? The High Elves continent? Why would he go there?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Burell never traveled to their continent... At least, I don''t think he did. But some High Elves were visiting the Agon continent at the time. I think they were visiting the Wood Elves... Yeah, that''s probably how Burell caught it... It''s a damn shame. I really liked him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at Rolf in awe. If what Rolf was saying was true, it would mean the Dark and Wood Elves were close. But Quinus didn''t really know that much about his ancestors. Only the recent ones. He knew a lot about thest five kings and how they helped the kingdom. The only thing Quinus knew about Burell was him bringing in the City of Ironside to the Kingdom. Which had ten thousand Dwarves hiding behind its wall after being abandoned by their King following a catastrophe that killed most of the miners from the city. It had to do with a mountain that copsed in on itself in the wake of getting overmined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''D-Did the High Elves kill my ancestor? If true, it would mean they would have killed someone on a different continent without anyone finding out... That''s a terrifying thought,'' Quinus thought to himself. He decided that if he ever came in contact with the High Elves, he would make sure to keep his guard up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marlon, Mathew, George, and the other knights had never seen Rolf so open before. Usually, he ignored anyone who tried to talk to him. He wasn''t mean or anything like that. He would act like a statue until all the ten-year-olds were ready for their trial and ask for their names. He would confirm the crystals and give them their rewards for bing young adults. That was his only job. Marlon dealt with him far more than anyone, and he never could get the old man to acknowledge him for a second. Wina didn''t know anything about the Eternals so nothing seemed out of ce to her. All she was worried about was if this old man had any ill intent toward the prince and he didn''t.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we can''t sit around here talking about the past. Prince Quinus, the others are waiting by the entrance. I''m sure you''d like to get started with the trials, yes?" Rolf said as he stood up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, sir. I do," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The old man chuckled, "Just call me Rolf. I''m not a mortal like you, so there''s no need to be so formal. Follow me," he said while walking toward the entrance to thebyrinth as Quinus and his entourage followed in tow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right... Okay, Rolf."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf led them down a path that was lined with trees and bushes, and eventually, they came upon arge opening that stood several feet above them. Quinus noticed a few other groups of bodyguards. Each group had one ten-year-old with them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''They must be the other children from different towns in Fiafyr,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf walked up to a tree stump and sat down. He looked at all the young ones that were here to undergo the trials.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SO! Is this everyone who ns on taking the trials," Rolf asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mayor Marlon walked up to Rolf and spoke up, "Yes, Mr. Rolf. These are the four children that are here to undertake the trials."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf didn''t bother looking at the mayor and instead focused his gaze on the children.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will give you all a small reminder of the rules of the trials, so listen up. You have to make it to the fifth floor of the Labyrinth, grab the ether crystal, and return to the surface. There''s no time limit. But if you''re rescued, then you fail the trials and you won''t get the reward," Rolf exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A boy raised his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Does that mean we can''t team up?" The boy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can''t have the aid of an adult or a teenager. But you are allowed to team up with any of the other participants," Rolf answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">One of the other boys asked, " What''s the reward? If we seed?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah... That''s a surprise, young one," Rolf smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George leaned down to whisper in Quinus''s ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He just gives you cryptic advice. It''s nothing important," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What did he tell you? I never asked," Quinus whispered back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was something along the lines of: ''The only way to achieve love is by listening. For words can hurt, but assumptions can destroy what you hope to create.'' it wasplete gibberish to me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus raised an eyebrow and looked at George to make sure that he wasn''t joking. But by the look on George''s face, said he wasn''t. Quinus just shook his head as he turned his attention back to Rolf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good! Now state your name so you may begin the trials," Rolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The first kid stepped forward before Quinus could. He wasn''t offended, but it did indicate that he didn''t respect him as the crown prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, this kid must be in league with my cousin. Don''t they know this makes it easier for me to identify them as my enemy? I guess I should be thankful for them being stupid,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m Thomas Reed," the first kid said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf stared at the young boy, "May you find your path. Next!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was cut off again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m Geralt Sturgeon."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"May you find your path," Rolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t try to step forward this time as thest boy walked up to Rolf. The prince was warned about this guy back at his party by Johan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johnathan Bluewood."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf gave him a stern look before he responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"May you find your path and remember that not all paths are set in stone."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan''s face became red and it looked like he wanted to say something, but he stayed silent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Was that a warning? Rolf must be able to see something in us mortals... I wonder what it is?'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus studied John as he started to walk away. He found out that John was a water mage just like his father before him. This will be troubling if he tries to attack him in thebyrinth. Due to not being able to bring weapons into the trial.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan caught up to the other two and made their way into thebyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you alright, your Highness?" Wina asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, at least I know who not to trust," Quinus replied sarcastically.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew, Sir George, and the other knights all chuckled at thement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just remember, my Prince. You''re not trapped in there with them. But they are trapped in there with you," Wina replied with a soft smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled at Wina, "Thanks Lady Wina. Do you have any other advice, Sir Mathew? I''m not very experienced with mages."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew cut in, "If they use magic, then get close. Most mages stop learning how to fight in close encounters. Just watch your stamina."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Plus a mage can''t cast magic as easily if they can''t use their tongue," Wina added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Wow! That was dark... I bet Lady Wina could be a badass assassin if she wanted. But that would put her in danger and that would suck.'' Quinus thought while nodding his head. ''I hope I don''t have to use violence against them. I really am not up for this crap.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus walked up to Rolf, and the Eternal looked him in the eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your name please."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus took a big breath, "I''m Quinus Meredydd, the crown prince of Fiafyr and the son of Cyndre."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will tell you this Quinus Meredydd, your ally is in the shadows. May you find your path," Rolf replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''My ally is in the shadows?... Does he mean I need to hide in the shadows? Or do I have an ally in the shadows?... No... That''s not right. It''s only the four of us and none of them are my allies... I guess I''ll figure it out once I''m in there,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the knights behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Everyone... Take care of yourselves."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knights and his maid all nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wish you the best of luck, my Lord," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, George," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The prince was thest one to enter the Labyrinth, and he took a deep breath before he walked in.

 Vol.0 Ch.161 It’s the Prince’s Job to Lead

    Vol.0 Ch.161 It��s the Prince��s Job to Lead


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and the Knights watched Quinus disappear into thebyrinth and once he was out of sight, everyone started making camp like the three other groups of guards who escorted the young nobles. While the Mayor left everyone alone as he walked back to his home.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was just standing around watching her husband order his men around. When all of a sudden Rolf was standing next to her without alerting her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? You never took the trials, have you... Interesting..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are very quiet for how old you are," Wina replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe! Well, I was born this way," Rolf responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina turned to face the Keeper of the Trials.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is your purpose for talking to me, Eternal?" Wina asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I mean you no harm... It''s just you have a stronger mana vein than others and I wish to give you the reward everyone gets after they pass the trials. It''s tradition."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But I''m too old to do the trials, no?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are already an adult and have proven yourself as a skilled fighter and you''re loyal to the crown. So why not take the rewards?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But you''re supposed to give that to the Prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s why I''m doing it now. The other young adults will be back in a few days. They''ll get theirs after."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina just looked into his white eyes. She was trying to sense if he had any ill intent. But he wasn''t showing any.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Will this harm me?" Wina asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright... Let''s get it over with."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf stretched his wrinkled hand out, and Wina gave him her right hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah... Yes. YES!... You have unshackled yourself from your cruel fate. But that was only a small victory. If you wish to be truly free from the shackles that wish to rebind you. Then you will need to defeat those who have trained you. May you find your path," Rolf recited.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once Rolf released her hand. Wina could feel that her mana was more stable.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He strengthened my mana... Hold on? Did he mean that I needed to defeat the Assassin''s Society to be free? No. That can''t be right. That''s a suicide mission,'' Wina thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf spoke up once more, "It''s hard by yourself. But with the aid of the one that loves you most, only then you will be able to find the strength to defeat the shackles."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina looked at him with suspicion and curiosity.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who are you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? I go by the name Rolf... Now, if you will excuse me. I have some earth to eat."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina watched the Keeper of the Labyrinth walk away. He was scanning the ground for something. She wasn''t sure if he gave her a blessing or a curse. But she knew one thing was certain, she was going to survive no matter what.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What a weird man," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She thought about what he said but then just shook her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Whatever. I just hope Nelumbo made it in time.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a half-hour the camp was finished and a female knight came walking up from the vige.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George was the first to notice her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey? Is that Lady Nelumbo? What is she doing here?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew turned around, "Huh? What are you doing here? I thought you were training my son?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo walked toward them, "I was training your son. But the Queen wished for me to join you. Right after you all left. I believe you all had a half-day head start on me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew wasn''t convinced but he had no way to refute it. He just nodded his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we could use the help. And I''m sure my wife will be happy to have anotherdy around," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo looked around and saw all the Royal Knights and the other three parties. All of them were men with the exception being Wina. The bodyguards from the sons of Minor Nobles were wearing the crests of their respective houses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Two of the groups had only two guards each while the third group had five guards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The prince''s escorts had seven in total, not counting herself at the moment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is there anything you need me to do, Sir Mathew? Or should I just set up my tent?" Nelumbo asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why don''t you keep Winapany? We already got a tent set up for the group."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright." Nelumbo nodded as she walked up to Wina who was standing on the higher ground overlooking the camp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once she got next to her, Wina asked in a quiet voice, "Did everything go ording to n?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s been trained well, Lady Wina. He''s been in sincest night. Right before House Bluewood''s son arrived," Nelumbo replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina gave a nod, "Well, I trained him to be the Prince''s shadow. Hopefully, he doesn''t have to kill anyone."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo turned to face the hidden assassin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If those three other boys know what''s best for them, then they will stay clear of the Prince," Nelumbo said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll see..." Wina said as she stared at the entrance of thebyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... How are things between you and Mathew?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina gave her a nce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s a good husband. But he insists on having another child."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? What''s the holdup?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Duke... I can''t trust him not to make a move on me while we''re busy. Once I know there are no more major threats aimed at me or my family. Then I''ll have another baby," Wina answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I can''t imagine having a kid. Not being able to train or drink wine for nine months doesn''t sound appealing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I would have thought the same thing... But it wasn''t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. If you get the chance, go for it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo wasn''t expecting that answer and just shrugged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I need to find the right guy. If he isn''t a high-ranked warrior then he''s not worth the time."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? Then why do you have a eye for Mr. Mitchell? All he does is write for Lord Brice."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo blushed slightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, he''s a high-ranked scribe. Nothing more."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you have a thing for men with big brains, huh? Interesting."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s that supposed to mean? I''ll have you know that I detest a man who needs rescue from a woman. He needs to be able to save me too."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, maybe he can save you with his pen instead of a sword. I think you would be good with him," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo blushed a bit harder as she looked away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll consider it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina looked away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s still a maiden at heart... I bet if he writes her a love poem, then she''ll fall for him. I wonder how good he is at poetry. I''ll have to ask himter.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and Nelumbo stayed silent until it was nightfall when they had dinner with the rest of their group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Inside thebyrinth it seemed more like a cave at the start. The walls and the floors were covered in stgmites and stctites. It would have been pitch ck in there if it wasn''t for the strange lightsing from the ceiling. The light source wasing from these things that looked like roots growing out from the top of the ceiling and gave off a nice blue glow. The three boys could hear the wind whistling throughout the cave.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You need to rx a bit, John," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t understand. Count Marcus told me that the prince needs to fail the trials," John replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah. He''s been a pricktely... He is obsessed with the crown prince... What''s so special about him?" Thomas said out loud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s a prince. And Marcus will make my life harder if I don''t get rid of him." John said with frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt rolled his eyes, "What''s he going to do? Prevent you from getting into Mage''s Academy? Or take your title away? You''re a water mage... In no way is he going to take that away from you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re an idiot if you think that he can''t. Listen, I was given a n to deal with him. So don''t get in the way," Johnathan responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How will I know if I''m getting in the way? If you don''t tell me what your ns are?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t need to know..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Geralt and Johnathan were talking. Thomas felt a presence to the right of him and looked down the dark corridor. He thought he saw someone or something hiding in the shadows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? What''s wrong?" John asked as he noticed Thomas was looking off somewhere.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think I saw something in the shadows. Do you guys feel like we are being watched?" Thomas replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not really... Maybe it''s just some rats," Geralt answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John turned his gaze toward the shadows. Right where Thomas was staring at. He couldn''t see anything out of the ordinary. But he would rather be safe than sorry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Step aside," he told Thomas.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John stepped in front of his friend and waved his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A mist began to form into a ball of water in front of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cannonball Shot," John whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The mist began to spin and became a ball of water the size of a head. John pointed at the corridor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"RAH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ball of water shot out towards the darkness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom! SPLASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The force of the water ball cracked the stones and caused a loud crunching sound. As well as sending mist everywhere. Once the mist settled down, John and the others were hoping to see something but they didn''t see anything not even a dead animal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nothing? But I could have sworn I sensed something," Thomas said as he still was staring down the dark corridor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t see anything. We''re in abyrinth, Thomas. Of course, things will seem off," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas still wasn''t convinced but didn''t argue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I didn''t hear anything. You probably were just spooked. Like you usually are."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shut up! I''m not the one that gets spooked by a rat," Thomas fired back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I didn''t sense anything so I have no clue if there was something or maybe the darkness is getting to you. And we''ve only been in the Labyrinth for a couple of hours. I don''t know how long we''ll be here. But I rather not waste my energy or spells if you get spooked every few minutes," Johnathan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas clenched his fists as he was trying his best to calm down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wasn''t spooked by a rat."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You sure? Cause you were about to piss yourselfst time you saw one," Geralt snickered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas looked down the hall again and still didn''t see anything. It was then they heard footstepsing from behind them. They quickly turned around and saw the Prince walking towards them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stopped and looked at them with suspicion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the hell are these three doing? Well, I better intimidate them.'' Quinus thought as he mentally prepared himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What... Are you three waiting to jump me? Well, you''ll have to get in line."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus walked past them and continued forward. The trio was confused. But they just followed after him. Out of the four of them, Quinus was the tallest and physically stronger. He almost looked like a fifteen-year-old as he was starting to look more like a man. While the three of them were more or less the same height and looked younger than him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey... Why are you following me? Don''t you have a map or something? Plus, wouldn''t my cousin punish you for being this close to me?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are just honoring you, my Lord. You are supposed to lead our people and us right? So lead us," John said with a re.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Plus, thebyrinth changes its mazes and traps every week. So there''s no way for us it get a map, your Highness," Geralt added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus raised his eyebrows and gave a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So, they want to y? Very well. I can use this... But they have to know that I''m not scared of them.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know you didn''t answer my question, Johnathan."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. Marcus wouldn''t like the fact that I''m working with you. But what he doesn''t know won''t hurt him and I just want to get out of this crappy trial as soon as possible."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm? Well, he''s blunt. But I can''t take his words at face value. He''s from a noble family that is allied with my uncle. They will always lie or twist the truth if they can benefit from it,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that so? Then why did all of you cut me off when speaking to the Eternal? If you really were following me, then wouldn''t you have let me speak first?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomas became nervous while John was trying his best to not show any reaction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh... Well, I thought you wanted to speak to the Eternal for much longer than us, your Highness. We were surprised to have run into you in the first ce. We are sorry if we offended you. Is there anything we can do to make it up to you, your Highness?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus could see through his act but didn''t say anything.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He''s just a ten-year-old that has no clue what''s going on. I should let him off easy. But I''ll have to keep my guard up if they do decide to betray me.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, Johnathan. Let''s keep going forward."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus walked ahead of them and they followed behind. After a few more hours of walking, they found the stone stairs that led to the second floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? We found the stairs already?" Geralt asked in disbelief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, Luckily there aren''t that many portal traps on the first floor. But that''s going to change from here on out," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is it going to take a week just to pass this stupid trial? I feel like we''ve been walking for a whole day," Thomasined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ve been walking for almost five hours, Thomas. You''re too soft," John replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johnathan... Back off of him. I know he''s beenining this entire time, about something following us. But you taking cheap shots at him isn''t going to speed up the process," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pfft! He''s not a child. He shouldn''t be so easily frightened," John answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, he''s right to be uneasy, because I felt it too. But all I can say is it doesn''t seem to have any malice towards us," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? So you are saying there was something in the shadows?" Geralt asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. I can''t be sure what it is... But I''ll tell you if that changes," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas felt relieved that the Prince believed him and was keeping an eye out for him. He gave the Prince a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, your Highness. I thought I was going insane."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t mention it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus led the group down the stairs and found themselves on the second floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm? This ce looks a lot bigger and open. But the walls look smooth. And the ceilings are at least ten feet tall.'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk! So, this is the hedge maze part of the dungeon. I thought it was supposed to be a standard cave for the second floor. How did we get the special maze floor?" John said with annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The dungeon core must have been bored or something. That''s the only reason why I can think of why we have this floor. The normal mazes should only take us a couple of hours or less if we don''t hit too many dead ends," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, somebody''s optimistic? Lead the way, my Prince." John said as he stretched out his arm and hand telling Quinus to take the lead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"John. Why are you being such an ass? Stop it," Thomas said as he red at his friend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whatever..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">John was just ying his part as Marcus got him a map of the newyout of thebyrinth from one of the adventurers who cleared out the dungeon earlier in the week. Luckily the dungeon hadn''t changed itsyout before Johnathan started his trial. Marcus also was able to pay this one adventurer to lie about clearing all the monsters on the fourth floor. Leaving one of the portal traps with a monster inside it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus just shook his head as he began to walk down the maze.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group had walked a mile and a half until they ran into the first trap.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold it... There''s a portal... It''s hard to tell but I can see where it''s located," Quinus said as he squatted down and studied the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t see anything? Where is the damn thing?" Geralt asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus pointed to a clear area, "Do you see how there''s no dust or dirt in this circle area?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomas followed the Prince''s finger and noticed that there was no dust on the floor in a perfectly circle area. It wasn''t obvious at first, but once the prince pointed it out they couldn''t unsee it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? You are just seeing things, Quinus," John said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then why don''t you go ahead of me and walk right through it and prove to me that it isn''t a portal, Johnathan... Go on... I''ll wait here," Quinus replied with an annoyed tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan knew the Prince was speaking the truth. But he had to keep up the charade.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s the Prince''s job to prove he''s worth his title. Not mine."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''ll avoid it. And I leave it up to you all if you think I''m wrong or not," Quinus said as he stood up and walked tightly against the wall to avoid stepping in the portal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomas shrugged their shoulders and did the same thing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Umm? What happens if you step in the portal trap again?" Thomas asked as he was halfway there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You get teleported, you idiot. That''s the purpose of the portal trap. I swear if we survive this trial, then I''ll give you an education about dungeon traps and monsters," John answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s not what I mean, you ass! I mean where do the traps teleport people to?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ll get teleported to another random spot on the floor. It''s why I''m avoiding it. I would prefer not getting turned around in this ce," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I''m d you brought chalk, my Lord. I never thought to bring some with me. I was taught how to navigate a cave but not a maze," Geralt said as he made it past the trap. John followed after them as the group continued for another hour. They asionally took a few wrong turns and avoided a few more traps before they found the stairway down to the next floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The stairs? Oh thank the Goddess," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... That wasn''t as bad as I thought it would be," Geralt replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was silent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is something wrong, your Highness?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Oh, it''s nothing. I wasn''t sure if we should continue or if we should set up camp for the night."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, we should just camp and call it a day. It''s not like you''ll find another stairway before we get too tired," Geralt suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I think we should rest for the night," Thomas added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? Are you both insane? If we take the stairs now, we can reach the next floor. It''ll save us an extra day," John argued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We aren''t stopping you, Johnathan. If you want to go. By all means, go ahead," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan was about to argue but held back his words. He almost forgot his n and he needed to stay by Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine, if you all want to stay a day longer in this forsaken ce, then I can too."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus ignored him and went into his bag to take out his nkets andy down on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Of all the magical crap in this world. And all I have to sleep on is a wool nket. And it''s a thin one at that... I need to figure out a way to manufacture sleeping pads. Because this isn''t going to cut it,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomas set up their nkets andid down. John sat up and stared at the dark ceiling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We probably should go on shifts. Just to make sure nothing sneaks up on us," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who''s going to take the first shift? Cause I''ll dly sleep," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, since Thomas and I are the only ones that can sense whatever that thing is. One of us will have to stay awake. So, I''ll take the first shift with someone," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John stood up and turned to them, "I''ll take the first watch. I won''t be able to sleep tonight anyway."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, Geralt. Thomas. You guys go and rest. We''ll wake you up in four hours. I''ll start the portable fire pit," Quinus said as he pulled out a strange-looking rectangr box from his bag. It had a lid and a small metal handle sticking out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He opened the lid and inside was a yellowish rock that almost looked like a piece of sulfur. It was sitting in the middle of the box. It was no bigger than a baseball. And when Quinus added his mana into it, it ignited the rock and the box lit up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow, that''s a nice magical bonfire. Where did you get that one from," Geralt asked in amazement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This one is one of my designs. I thought the ones that adventurers and knights use were a bit underpowered. Like you get a good amount of light from them but they don''t give off enough heat to cook with. I''m nning on selling theseter on." Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomas became impressed by the prince. They never really got the chance to visit the capital and never got to see the prince during his fifth or tenth birthday parties. So they only got second-hand ounts about him through gossip. And the biggest source came from Marcus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t know you knew how to make things? I thought that was amoner��s thing," Geraltmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that''s what my father says. But I like creating things and I know I wouldn''t be able to do that once I get the throne. So I want to make a few things while I still have the time," Quinus answered as he ced the box down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas was staring at the strange fire. He wanted to ask the prince more questions but he was tired. So heid back down and drifted off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright. I''ll let you take the first watch with John. I''ll take the second shift with Thomas," Geralt said as hey down and closed his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sat down and watched the fire for a moment before he heard the sounds of water sshing around. That''s when he noticed Johnathan sitting against a wall ying with a water ball no bigger than a golf ball. He was spinning it around and bouncing it off his fingers as if he was ying with a coin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re pretty talented... Which academy are you going to when we get back home?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Like you care," Johnathan muttered to himself. But Quinus heard him and he wasn''t happy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I need you to give me a straight answer, Johnathan. Are we going to have a problem? Because if we are, then I''m not afraid of killing you to ensure my survival," Quinus said as his golden eyes glowed with anger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan had a shocked look on his face and his water ball fell onto the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No... We don''t have any problem. I-I was just joking."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus red at him while Johnathan felt sweat forming on his forehead. He''s never seen anyone re at him before with such intensity and anger. Not even Marcus red at him with such anger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This brat... He''s been giving all of us an attitude this entire time. He can''t be trusted,'' Quinus thought.''But at least he''s scared of me. That means he''s smarter than most and not a total idiot.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just remember, Johnathan. This is supposed to be a simple trial... And we can''t afford to get lost in here. If you betray us. I''ll end you," Quinus said as his voice got colder and deadlier.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan gulped as he was shaking in fear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s fine with me, your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Tell me if you notice anything out of the ordinary," Quinus said as he turned his attention back to the bonfire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan was trying his best not to let his fear show. He was cursing Marcus for forcing him to deal with the prince. Sure, he had an edge on him since he was a Mage, and Quinus was a Maja with no weapon. But if he killed the prince with his water spells. Then he would be tried for the murder of a Royal member. And he didn''t trust Marcus to help him out if he got caught. So he needs to push Quinus into the marked portal that has a monster in it. But his impatience got the better of him, and now the prince is suspicious of him. So now he needs to be on his best behavior until he needs to act.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is going to be a long night," Johnathan whispered to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And that''s how the rest of their shift went until they woke Thomas and Geralt up for their turn.

 Vol.0 Ch.162 A Good Morning

    Vol.0 Ch.162 A Good Morning


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back on the surface, the sun was beginning to rise on the campsites outside of the entrance of the dungeon. Some of the Royal Knights were starting to cook up breakfast for the rest of theirrades who were just waking up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The smell of the food caught the attention of Sir Mathew, who was sleeping naked, next to his wife. He woke up and saw the beautiful bosoms of Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Mmm. How did I ever get so lucky? My wife is such a goddess, and she was acting so cute when she was trying not to scream outst night,'' Mathew thought as he began to rub his hand over her bare skin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Augh... Mmm... Stop that," Wina whispered as she felt her husband''s warm hands rubbing her back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But it feels so good. And you were just too much for mest night," Mathew whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina raised her head, which had her chestnut brown hair going all over the ce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I swear you are trying to get me pregnant again," Wina said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, if I do. Then that''s okay with me," Mathew said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She just shook her head and smirked at him before leaning over to kiss Mathew on the lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I love you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I love you too."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew gave his wife another kiss on the lips and then moved his kisses to her neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm. Mathew, stop. We need to get ready. Augh... A-And everyone will hear us. Augh..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew''s hand found its way to his wife''s chest as his mouth started to suckle on one of her nipples.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They can hear us, Mat. Augh... Oh God... Yes, Mathew. Y-Yes. Oh, fuck. Augh... Yes," Wina said in between her moans.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goddess, you taste so good," Mathew whispered as he continued to y with her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You make me so mad sometimes... Aungh... Augh... You always win these arguments. I was so close to winning, but you just had to keep ying with me. Augh... Augh..." Wina moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew''s hand traveled down her body and found itself between her legs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina quickly covered her mouth with her hand and she tried to muffle her moans.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck, you''re so wet. Are you ready for me again, my love," Mathew whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina quickly nodded, and she was getting more and more wet as she felt Mathew''s finger slide into her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I''m a disgrace of a assassin. I let myself get soft, thanks to my husband. Fuck, how many times has this happened? Three? Four times? Damn. This man is going to drive me insane,'' Wina thought as she felt her orgasm build.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm... Oh, yes. Augh. Yes. Augh, Mat. I''m gonna cum. Augh, fuck, yes. Yes," Wina whispered as she felt her husband''s fingers thrusting inside her pussy making her clitoris throb.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on, Win. Cum for me," Mathew whispered into her ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aungh... Fuck, Mat. Augh, y-yes. Oh, fuck. Aungh. A-Aungh. Fuck. Augh, Mmm. Fuck," Wina''s moans became louder as she started to squirm on the bed. Her hips were moving back and forth as her climax got closer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Augh, fuck. A-Aungh. Y-Yes. Ah- Auh. Auh- A- Auh. F-fuck. Augh. Yes. Y-Yes," Wina whimpered as she felt her orgasm approaching.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s right. I love hearing you moan, Win. It''s like music to my ears," Mathew whispered as he felt her juices cover his fingers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, fuck. Fuck, Augh. A-Ah. M-Mat, Auh- A-Aungh. You''re driving me crazy. Augh. Yes. Yes," Wina whimpered as her orgasm kept going.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was biting her lip trying to hold back her moans as her orgasm subsided. Mathew took his fingers out of her and licked them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm, you''re delicious as always," Mathew whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn, you, Mathew," Wina whispered back as she was trying to recover from her climax.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe... Love you too."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew''s hand reached down. and he grabbed her hips and turned her over on her stomach.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nah! M-Mat? Haven''t you had enough?" Wina asked in a panic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew''s hand reached down and groped her ass while pulling her hips upwards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm. Just a little more," Mathew said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-Not again. Augh, damn you, Mat," Winained as she felt her husband''s penis enter her hungry pink pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re so hot, Win. I can''t get enough of you," Mathew whispered as he held both her hands above her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina moaned, and her breasts swayed as her husband was thrusting inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re such a naughty boy, Mat. Mmm. Fuck me, Mat. Augh. I love it when you''re like this," Wina whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So I''m the naughty one. But look who''s enjoying herself. And that''s the way I like you. Augh. Making you so eager for me," Mathew whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I try to deny it but I love it, Mat. Don''t stop," Wina whimpered as she shook her hips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew leaned down and kissed her back and neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm, you''re such a sexy wife. Mmm, and I love it. Augh, and I love you, Win," Mathew said as he thrust harder into his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh FUCK! He''s hitting my G-spot so hard! D-don''t scream... Don''t scream! Aungh!'' Wina thought as her orgasm was getting close.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Auh. Yes, yes. Augh. Fuck me. Oh, Mat. Yes. Augh," Wina cried out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Augh. You''re squeezing me so hard, Win. Fuck. I''m about to cum, babe," Mathew whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, fuck, Mat. Augh. Cum inside me, honey. Please. Augh. I want you. Augh, please," Wina cried.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew grunted and pushed deep into his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, yes. Fuck. Take my seed, Win. Augh," Mathew grunted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-oooh... Oh gawd. Yes, yes. Fuck, oh fuck. Aungh, yes, yes. Mmm," Wina whimpered as her climax crashed into her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He''s not slowing down! H-he''s still fucking me. Fuck, Mat. How can you keep going?'' Wina thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The sexy assassin was at the mercy of her husband, and her orgasms wouldn''t stoping. She was trying to hide her face in the nket of the bed to stop her from moaning. But it didn''t work.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew grabbed her arms and pinned her down to the bed while he leaned closer to her ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm, Win. Your body is amazing. Mmm, so sexy," Mathew whispered as his hips started to go faster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh fuck, oh fuck. Aunh. Aunh... Aunh. O-Oh gawd. A-Aunh. N-no. Y-you can''t. I-I''m about to cum again. N-No, M-Mat. Oh fuck, oh fuck," Wina cried out as her pussy was getting pounded by her husband''s thick cock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I can''t move. Augh, no. No, Mat. Please. Not again. Augh. Not so soon. Oh, fuck. Augh. Augh. Oh gawd, not again. No. Please. Augh, oh fuck. Y-Yes. Fuck, yes. Yes, yes. Fuck me, Mat. Aunh. Oh, gawd, Mat. Fuck me,'' Wina''s thoughts were interrupted by another orgasm. An orgasm that was so powerful that her vision went white. and her pussy sprayed her fluids all over the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. That''s right, Win. Cum for me, babe," Mathew said as he was getting close.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-ooh. Oh, fuck, yes. Yes, yes, yes. Oh, fuck. YES! YES!" Wina screamed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here ites, Win. I''m about to cum. Here it is, babe. Gah! Cumming!" Mathew groaned as his seed erupted inside his wife''s tight pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-oh, god, Mat. O-oh fuck. Augh, fuck," Wina moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck, you''re perfect, Win," Mathew said as his sperm kept spurting into his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''His essence is flowing into me. Fuck, he''s not stopping. H-he''s never cum so much. M-maybe I am pregnant. Mmm. This feels amazing,'' Wina thought as her pussy squeezed her husband''s cock, and her eyes rolled up into her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was using birth control from Lucas''s alchemy shop, but she was still nervous. The assassin guild was hunting her and her husband. If she was found, then her child would be used as bait to lure her out. But none of that mattered at the moment. Because she was enjoying the feeling of her husband''s essence inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">After their orgasms were over, they rested for a few minutes until Mathew pulled out of his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have no idea how wild you drive me, Win," Mathew whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Winay there with her eyes closed and just smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re the one that''s too good to me," Wina whispered back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s where we disagree, my love," Mathew said as he gave her a kiss on the lips before getting out of bed and stretching.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m going to go take a bath, then get dressed," Mathew said as he started collecting his clothes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright. I''ll join you," Wina said as she rolled over on her back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re beautiful," Mathew said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you. And your butt is sexy," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew looked down at his butt and justughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Only my butt?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yup," Wina said as she smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What if I do this?" Mathew asked as he flexed his butt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s not fair. Stop it," Wina said as her smile widened while Mathew was acting like a goofball.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And this?" Mathew said as he started doing dance moves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, no. Stop that," Wina said as she tried to keep herughs quiet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And here I thought you loved all of me. But it turns out you only wanted me for my butt. Oh, how can this world be so cruel," Mathew said as he continued to shake his butt as he walked around the tent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh,e here," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew crawled over to his wife and kissed her on the lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My silly man," Wina purred.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And you''re my sexy assassin," Mathew hummed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. Yes, I am. And we need to get up. I don''t want to miss breakfast."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew, as well as Wina, got out of bed, got their clothes together, and then left the tent to head over to the bathhouse tent, which was a ceilingless tent that had a wooden-style hot tub that could fit two people per tub and there were three tubs in total.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina and Mathew walked there and stripped naked as they jumped into the same tub and cleaned themselves. They didn''t notice that Lady Nelumbo was also in one of the tubs next to them. She was submerged in the water for some reason.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm... The water feels nice," Wina said as she stretched.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah. It does," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo poked her head up from the water, and her eyes were still closed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh. Thank the Goddess. They stopped fucking," Nelumbo muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina looked at Mathew and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... You were eavesdropping, Lady Nelumbo?" Wina said in a teasing tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nelumbo''s eyes snapped open, and she looked around and saw Mathew and Wina in the tub next to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina just waved at her while leaning against Mathew''s chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t eavesdrop! You two were very loud!" Nelumbo protested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure, sure," Wina said with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew wrapped his arms around her waist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What can I say? My wife is very passionate, and she deserves my love. Sorry about that, Lady Nelumbo," Mathew said as he started cleaning Wina''s hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It was more than that! She was squealing like a banshee!" Nelumbo shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina grimaced while Mathew smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that''s my fault. When Wina tries to hold back, she moans louder, and it makes me want to please her more. She''s just too cute. Isn''t she?" Mathew said as he held Wina closer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stop it. Not in front of people," Wina muttered as she tried to push away her embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew chuckled before easing up on the teasing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry, sorry. I can''t help it. You''re too cute," Mathew whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina grumbled, but she enjoyed her husband''s attention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re supposed to be a knight and a adult, Sir Mathew. Not some teenager," Nelumbo said as she sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I apologize for my behavior, Lady Nelumbo. I''ll try my best not to make too much noise next time," Mathew said with a serious expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-thank you. Also, why aren''t you bathing in the same tub?" Nelumbo asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We like to switch things up. So we don''t always bathe together," Wina exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. Very well. As long as you aren''t doing anything inappropriate, I will tolerate it," Nelumbo said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood, Lady Nelumbo. Please enjoy the bath," Mathew said as he resumed cleaning himself and his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... So, do we need to worry about any of those bodyguards from the Minor Nobles? They seem to have kept to themselves," Mathew asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mitchell and Andrew are looking into them. I don''t think they are a threat. I''ve been keeping an eye on them myself. They''ve been staying with their camps and not really trying to mingle with each other. Though they have been keeping a watchful eye on us," Nelumbo answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Which ones have been watching us?" Wina asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mostly the Bodyguards from House Bluewood."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew pondered for a moment, "So the Mage boy''s bodyguards are the most cautious... I hope they won''t try anything stupid. But it''s best to be careful."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Agreed. So far they haven''t done anything wrong, but we have to be cautious."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood... I just hope the prince is doing well. It''s not easy traveling in the Labyrinth with possible foes," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina just smirked, "He''ll be fine. He''s strong and smart. He almost acts like amoner who''s seen some rough times. Which I find funny."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''And he has a friend in the shadows," Wina thought to herself as she was moving her hand through the hot water.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... He''s a strange one. Most Royals his age are sheltered and think the world revolves around them, or they are so virtuous that they get themselves into trouble trying to act like a saint... Prince Quinus is extraordinary, and yet his personality is rather humble. He''s a very curious individual," Nelumbo muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''m not going toin... He''s going to be the best thing to happen to our kingdom," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed... Now let''s get ready. I''m starting to get pruney," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three got out of the tub to dry off and then headed to their tents and changed into their outfits. Mathew and Nelumbo put their armor back on, and Wina put on her maid''s dress which was modified forbat purposes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright... Let''s get some breakfast and wait for the prince," Mathew said as he put his helmet on.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Agreed. Let''s go," Nelumbo said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With the agreement set in stone, the three walked out of the tent and headed toward the bonfire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">When they arrived, they noticed a few people sitting there and eating. Mathew and Wina went over to the cooking pot and grabbed bowls before they started serving themselves. Nelumbo joined them a momentter. Mathew noticed all the men had an ufortable look on their faces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s the matter with you all?" Mathew asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh, we''d rather not say, Sir," said one of the men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew shook his head, "So you all heard usst night."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The men nodded their heads, and Mathew sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I apologize. My wife and I were having a moment of intimacy, and we lost track of our surroundings. I am sorry."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You didn''t lose tra��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew quickly covered Wina''s mouth and smiled, "Yes, yes. You''re correct, my love... It was "I" who lost track of my surroundings, and it won''t happen again."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Most of the men nodded their heads as they epted Mathew''s apology, but Sir George was grumpy. Not because Sir Mathew was making love to his wife, but the fact he wouldn''t listen to his "Love Sage" advice about getting more women. Frankly, he was trying to recruit a new student, but all the men he talked to always declined his offer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Only if Mathew took my advice. Then, I would have be the world''s greatest love advisor and matchmaker. I would have had three wives and many lovers. And they would call me, George, the Love Sorcerer. I would have been known far and wide. s, Sir Mathew is a fool and a idiot for not taking my advice," Sir George muttered to himself as he was lost in his own fantasy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George? Are you dreaming about your "Love Sage" title again?" said Sir Andrew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What!? N-No! I would not!" George stuttered as he was caught off guard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? And here I thought I heard you call me a fool and a idiot. Aye, Sir George," Mathew said as he approached his fellow knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I would never disrespect a superior like that, Sir Mathew. That would be an insult to the kingdom," Sir George said, trying to rpose himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina red at George, "Then you should do a better job of sheathing your tongue, Sir George... Or should I cut it out so I don''t have to hear you speak?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">George''s eyes widened, and he bowed, "I-I apologize, Mrs. Daz."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s what I thought. Now, if you''ll excuse me. I''m going to go eat," Wina said as she sat beside Mathew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am," Sir George said as he started to sweat. He was one of the few who knew that Wina was an assassin of a high caliber. He had a few sparring matches with her, and she was ruthless and precise in her attacks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mitchell just chuckled at Sir George''s expression, "Haha, you always seem to be more afraid of Lady Wina than Sir Mathew."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I can''t help it! I keep forgetting that she��s a��m-married! Yes!... I keep forgetting she''s married! That''s all! And her words cut deeper than a sword. That''s all! Haha, ha," Sir George said in a panic while he nervously started scratching the back of his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew and Nelumbo shook their heads while the other knights startedughing at George and his weird antics, not knowing that he almost let it slip that Wina was an assassin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The day went on without any issues as they went through their daily routine. Waiting for the Prince to return from the trial.

 Vol.0 Ch.163 Making it to the Fifth Floor

    Vol.0 Ch.163 Making it to the Fifth Floor


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once Quinus was done with his rest, he was woken up by Thomas. He quickly gathered his things and cooked up some of his food, which was mostly jerky and dried bread.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, did anything happen while I was asleep," Quinus asked as he started eating.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas shook his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Luckily, it was uneventful," Geralt replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, but whatever that presence was isn''t there right now. Maybe it''s just an animal that left the maze?" Thomas suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s what I''m hoping for," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John was being quieter than usual as he finished eating his food.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After the group ate their breakfast, they gathered their things and walked to the stairway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, let''s get through the next two floors before the day is done. If we hurry, we''ll have time to grab the crystals and set up camp on the fifth floor before we start our ascent," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomas nodded their heads.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, it''ll be great. The sooner we get out of here, the better," Thomas replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John stayed silent, and the group went down the stairs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They were greeted with another maze but could see more traps.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, this will be annoying,'' Quinus thought as he navigated the maze.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, what''s up with John? He''s been quiet since he woke up," Thomas asked Geralt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just shut up and focus," Johnathan cut in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas rolled his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Never mind."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group traveled the maze and had to double back a few times before they made it to the stairway down to the fourth floor. Quinus was marking the walls with chalk so they knew how to get back to the surface once they collected a crystal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, so far so good," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, so far the mazes haven''t been too difficult," Geralt added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I almost wish there were some monsters in here just to break up the boredom," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah? How do you n on killing a monster without your bow, Thomas?" Johnathan said in an annoyed tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey!... W-Well, I guess you''re right. I guess you''re the only one who would have to deal with them? Sorry, John."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If I''m the only one who can deal with monsters then I''ll leave you all to rot... Because I don''t have infinite mana, you know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s ok, John. I can deal with the monsters if you''re unable to," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, yeah. Wait! But you don''t have a weapon either. How can you deal with a monster?" John questioned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Depends on the monster. But I believe I can escape from almost anything, I hope."


    <span style="font-weight:400">John sighed and shook his head. He didn''t believe for one minute that Quinus could take on a monster in unarmedbat. He wanted to retort, but he held his tongue and continued to follow Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">They walked through the maze until they came to a three-way fork in the road. This was the fork where the adventurer had left a monster alive in the portal trap. John could tell by a rock formation that was drawn on the map that Marcus gave him and this was his chance to act.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Now is my chance.'' He thought as he readied himself to do what needed to be done.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness? I think we should head down this direction," Johnathan said as he pointed to the right path.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why do you say that? What''s wrong with the middle path," Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uhhh, it doesn''t feel right."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the middle path and studied the area.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you two think?" Quinus asked as he looked at Geralt and Thomas.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt thought about it and shook his head, "I can''t really say, your Highness. All I can say is the air smells fresher from the left path. I don''t know if that''s due to a portal or not."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh... Interesting... Thomas, your thoughts?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas was looking at the ground. His instincts were telling him to go down the middle path.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Uh, sorry. The middle path looks like the path of least resistance, your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah. It''s more like a gut feeling... I wish I had a little more confidence in my instincts, though... I don''t fully trust myself after feeling that presence yesterday."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was quiet as he thought about the choices.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So, it''s up to me to choose where we''re going. Well, this is the first time Johnathan has spoken up so going down the right path doesn''t seem like a good idea. If it is the correct way then I''ll apologize... If Thomas was a little more convinced in himself then I would have chosen the middle path. But the fresh airing from the left seems to indicate the presence of a possible portal trap that might kick us out of thebyrinth. Maybe we could sneak around it, if it is a trap? Yeah, we''ll check the left route but if it''s a dead end then we''ll go down the middle path next.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, we''ll go down the left path first," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John wasn''t happy about that. "Are you sure, your Highness?" he asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, we''ll try the left path and see where it takes us and if it''s a dead end then we''ll take the middle path next," Quinus said as he started writing on the stone floor with chalk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But that way is a dead end?" John yelled out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas and Geralt looked at John with surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus red at John, "And how do you know it''s a dead end? Do you have some information that you are withholding from us?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">John froze in ce. He quickly realized that he let his mouth slip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck...,'' He thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He had toe up with something quick.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Ah, I mean it''s so obvious that it''s a trap. You and Geralt said it yourselves. It smells like fresh air from that direction. So I don''t want to be teleported to the surface, only to run all the way back down here. Just because you want to go through a process of elimination," John argued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was a bit surprised by his statement but he wasn''t sure what his angle was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then why are you suggesting we take the right path? I like to know your reasoning, Johnathan," Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas and Geralt looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. They weren''t sure why John was acting like this. He usually never hesitates to answer, but right now he was struggling toe up with a reason for them to go down that pathway.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh... Uh, well the right path seems like the path because there isn''t any fresh airing from it. Frankly, I would choose this path or the middle one just because they must go in deeper. And the less likely we''ll be teleported out to the surface."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had to agree with his logic but he didn''t trust going down the right pathway so that meant one thing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s an interesting argument. So I have to agree... We''ll go down the middle path first."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan looked like the wind got knocked out of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-What? How did that not work?'' John thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomas looked at John with confused expressions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"U-Um, are you okay, John? You seem a bit nervous," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan was trying toe up with a backup n and he started to realize he had another shot of pushing Quinus into the portal after they start their ascent out of thebyrinth after getting to the fifth floor. Who knows, maybe he could get him to go down to the sixth floor and push him in there. But that was going to be a tougher sell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m fine! Let''s just go!" John eximed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, then let''s get going. It will be nice to set up camp once we get to the fifth floor. Because we''ll be at the halfway point," Quinus exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! I wish it was the finish line," Thomas whined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, luckily the Prince has marked all the turns and portal traps with the chalk so it should be quicker to get out of thebyrinth once we get the ether crystal," Geralt added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled at the two, "Yeah, that was my n, and it''s not a foolproof method. So don''t rely on the markings too much. This is a Labyrinth and it''s rare for it to do this but it could try and pull a fast one on us by switching up its traps."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, I never thought of that," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt nodded his head, "I agree, your Highness. We''ll keep a lookout for the possibility."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at John and noticed he was still annoyed. The Prince just shook his head and started walking down the middle path.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s get going, Johnathan. You don''t want to be left behind," Geralt said as he followed Thomas and the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan didn''t hide the annoyance on his face as he took a deep breath and followed the rest of the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They walked down the middle path for ten minutes moving around a bunch of traps until they found the stairway to the fifth floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"By the Goddess! Finally! Now we can rx and have a proper meal," Thomas said with relief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go down the stairs first and find a ce to set up camp," Geraltmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No arguments here!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan sighed. He was plotting what the best action would be. He concluded that when the group came to that intersection, he would use a spell called water wave to push the prince into the portal. And if Geralt or Thomas were in the way then it was their fault if they joined the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">One of the other problems was the spell took a lot of mana. So he would need to save his energy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, I need to be careful, but the spell is more than enough to push him into the portal,'' Johnathan thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johnathan? Are you okay?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John was brought out of his thoughts and he realized the others were staring at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes! I was wondering what the reward is going to be once we get out of here. Sorry," Johnathan lied as he rposed himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I wonder what Rolf is going to tell me? Eternals are weird like that," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We can worry about thatter. Let''s go down the stairs. And grab ourselves some ether crystals," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They all agreed and went down the stairs which were like a spiral staircase that had steps. They walked down the long set of stairs until they were on the fifth floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">When they reached the fifth floor, the group was met with a different environment than what they were used to. It glowed with a bunch of different colors of ether crystals that wereing from these natural stone pirs that were everywhere on this floor. Most of them being no bigger than a six-sided die.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa, so this is what ether crystals look like?" Thomas said while staring in awe of the pirs of crystals.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... They are impure ether crystals. Supposedly the pure ones are as big as a person and are worth a kingdom," Geralt exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, and they are usually protected by the Dungeon Core''s guardian," Quinus added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dungeon Core''s guardian?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, the Dungeon core''s guardian is the most powerful monster in the Dungeon and will protect the Core from anyone and they will try to prevent you from stealing its ether crystals. It''s said that ether crystals are converted mana of dead monsters and adventurers. But some say that it''s a byproduct of a world crystal," Quinus exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You read that boring ass book? I couldn''t make it past the fifth page," Johnathan said with disgust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can see why you would find the ''Alchemy of the World and Dungeons'' boring. But it''s actually quite interesting and has some information that could be vital to surviving a Dungeon," Quinus argued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Psh, whatever. I just want to learn about magic. And not some dry history book," John said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then you''re going to the wrong Academy, John," Geraltmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group walked over the uneven ground, carefully picking their steps so they didn''t step on any of the smaller ether crystals that were growing from the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, which pir are you going to grab the crystal from?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, there are a few possibilities. I think I''ll grab the yellow one," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why is that, your Highness?" Geralt asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Matches my eyes," Quinus said with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Heh, well, I can''t argue with that logic," Thomas replied as he was looking a the pir, "Then I''ll go with the purple one," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The blue one seems appropriate for me," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan grabbed a green one that looked like it was the biggest. While everyone else quickly grabbed the ether crystal from the pir. Once the crystal was pulled out of the pir, they all seemed to lose a bit of their glow except for the Prince''s crystal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? It came out easier than I thought," Quinus said as he was studying his ether crystal closely.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John was annoyed that his crystal lost almost all of its glow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the hell?...," John said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe the quality isn''t great?" Geralt said as he looked at John''s crystal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''ll just take a few more just in case," Johnathan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas had a worried look on his face, "But the Eternal said to only grab one... What if the Dungeon bes pissed and sends monsters our way?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan waved his hand dismissively, "Don''t worry. We''ll deal with whateveres our way. I think that''s the best course of action. Besides, what''s the worst that can happen?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head as he watched John quickly grab another crystal from the pir. And once he pulled it out not only did the glowing light disappear, but the crystal started to disintegrate within seconds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, crap! These aren''t very durable," Johnined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... It has something to do with having the ether of your first crystal getting channeled through your body and it will destabilize the new one... I found that info in the Adventurer''s Guild''s manual," Quinusmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You read that useless thing too? It''s a waste of time." Johnathan muttered as he pulled out another crystal. Only for it to disintegrate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know, John. The Prince seems to be right about a lot of things... You should probably listen to him," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan didn''tment and tried pulling out another crystal. But as soon as it left the pir, the ether crystal started to disintegrate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah! So, I''m stuck with this pathetic rock. Damn it!...," Johnined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s what happens when you don''t listen," Quinus said as he started walking away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you can set up camp. I''m going to grab a few more of these, hopefully, I find one that won''t turn to dust and is better than my first one," John said as he started grabbing more ether crystals.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas and Geralt both sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go before John gets mad at us," Geralt said as he turned to leave.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas nodded his head and followed the two to a t part of the ground to set up camp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John watched them and once they were out of sight, he sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Those idiots are siding with the prince? Well, it would be a shame if they got caught in a portal trap that had monsters in it," John muttered to himself as he continued pulling out crystals only to have them disintegrate on him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This sucks...," John mumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took him twenty minutes to grab all of the ether crystals from the pir. And none of them stabilized as the dust fell to the ground. John was frustrated. He didn''t want to admit defeat but no matter how hard he tried, the crystals would always disintegrate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn it... Why did I pick the biggest one?" Johnined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, John! Food''s ready," Geralt yelled out to Johnathan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John grumbled as he started walking toward the campsite.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, did you find a recement crystal?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you think, idiot," John snapped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas winced a little from the insult.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess not," Thomas replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, I didn''t find a recement. So, I''m stuck with a shitty crystal," John snapped again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Geez! Calm down... It''s not like we keep the crystals after we leave this ce. The Eternal uses them to tell us a fortune or something," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John frowned and looked around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Speaking of which. Where is the prince?" John asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, the Prince is checking the perimeter. He wanted to make sure nothing was around," Thomas replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John grimaced as he missed out on an opportunity to push Quinus down into the sixth floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck... I had to try and find a better crystal. Ugh, well, there is always tomorrow and that''s myst shot,'' John thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">That was when Quinus walked up to the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... You''re back for dinner," Quinus said as he looked at a defeated ten-year-old boy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes," John said as he avoided looking at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m surprised you didn''t clean out the rest of the pirs of ether crystals," Quinus said, poking fun at John''s expense.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wasted enough time trying to prove you wrong... Your Highness," John replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm...," Quinus nodded as he sat down next to Thomas and Geralt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, anyway, let''s eat. It''s been a while since we had a warm meal," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, dry bread and jerky can only do so much," Geralt agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks for sharing your hotpot," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My pleasure. I still need toe up with a way to make it lighter though. There''s no way I can carry it if I''m wearing my armor and weapons," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That would be a great invention, your Highness," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled, "Thanks. But, I can''t take all the credit. A lot of the design was thanks to the dwarven craftsmen. As well as having the help of alchemists, who created a special alloy. It copses well, but the weight is the issue."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... technically yes. But the dwarven cksmiths made most of the design. I just took their work and managed to downsize it," Quinus exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh... No one told me you were also a master cksmith," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, I wouldn''t say that. I just drew up the ns and hired people to put it together," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan was silently eating his stew. He didn''t really care about what the Prince was talking about. All he was doing was plotting on how to push Quinus into the portal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So are we doing four-hour shifts again?" Geralt asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... We''ll do the same shifts. Once you two are done eating, get some rest. Johnathan and I will take the first shift," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan looked up and noticed Quinus was giving him a stare.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine...," John replied with his usual tone of indifference.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I can''t wait to get some sleep," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Heh... Same. I''m not used to doing such strenuous tasks. I guess my mother was right to say that my father was spoiling me," Geraltmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled, "You''ll get used to it. It just takes time and practice."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah! I never wanted to be a knight but this is making things interesting," Thomasmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Same here," Geralt agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">John was getting more and more annoyed by their conversation. So he just ignored the rest of it and went back to eating his food. It took about a half-hour before everyone was done eating and cleaning up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomasy down in their nkets and went to sleep. Quinus sat there and started meditating. While John was ying with another water ball he conjured up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johnathan. You''re bad at hiding your feelings. But, I don''t want to talk about your motives. I will just say this, don''t mess with me and I won''t mess with you," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t have to remind me... Your Highness. I am perfectly fine without your warning," John replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus opened his eyes and stared at Johnathan, "I hope you can keep that promise. Because, if you try anything, you won''t like the oue."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that a threat?" John asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus chuckled, "Just a fact."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan snorted and didn''t bother saying anything as the rest of their shift was uneventful before they woke up Thomas and Geralt. Johnathan fell asleep pretty quickly. But Quinus stared at the ceiling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness, are you okay? You haven''t slept yet," Geralt whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I just feel like I''m all alone sometimes," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? I''m sure your mother and father love you dearly. And I''m sure almost everydy in the kingdom would kill to be your wife," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus chuckled, "That''s not what I''m getting at... But thanks."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas was listening in and grimaced.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It must be tough being the heir... Everyone has an agenda or they either want to be friends because he''s the Crown Prince. Or they hate him and want him dead," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked over at Thomas, "Well if I die... maybe I''ll be reborn in another world."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re talking nonsense, your Highness. Tertius is the only created by the Gods and Goddesses. We are the chosen people, remember," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomasughed a little, "Yeah... There''s nothing but chaos in the heavens if there were more worlds. The Gods and Goddesses would surely fight over who gets the other worlds. Or maybe they will create a new set of gods and goddesses."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the two and smiled. ''If only they knew... But I guess they are normal boys just like the rest of the people I run into.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''m going to get some rest. Goodnight," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goodnight, your Highness," the two said.

 Vol.0 Ch.164 Strangers in the Shadows

    Vol.0 Ch.164 Strangers in the Shadows


    <span style="font-weight:400">Night has fallen onto the camps outside of the Labyrinth of Lost Souls. Most of the Knights were still up, and the other three groups of bodyguards kept to themselves. Two of the groups only had two guards each. In contrast, Johnathan Bluewood brought five bodyguards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And of the five, two of them were new hires. They were both twenty-year-olds from a foreignnd north of the kingdom. The other three were older, and they had experience working as private guards for nobles throughout the kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oye? Are you two going to stare at those women all day, or are you going to get some sleep?" themander of the bodyguards asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''re only looking at the one woman, Master Ronin," one of the young bodyguards replied in a cold voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ronin was a forty-three-year-old mercenary turned bodyguard that has been a soldier for the past twenty years. He served a noble house for the first fifteen years, then worked as a Royal Guard for the Kingdom of Fiafyr. He was a seasoned warrior and knew his way around a battlefield.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just keep your distance from the Prince''s people... Oye! Niki. Zephyr. Are you listening to me?" Ronin yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Master Ronin... We heard you..." Zephyr said as he was studying all the Knights'' patterns and routines.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll take the first shift if you don''t mind, Master," Niki said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ronin didn''t know what to make of these two. They weren''t all that talkative, and they seemed cold. Like they were murderers, and his master hired them without his input. But it wasn''t his ce to question his employer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine... Just don''t bother anyone. Especially the Prince''s party. We aren''t on good terms with them, and we are outnumbered," Ronin replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, sir," the two replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ronin just turned around and went to their tent. Once inside, he spots the other two guards sitting there on the ground, ying a card game.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, are those two taking the first shift again?" Rn asked hismander.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... Those two are a strange pair," Ronin replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why did the Lord hire those two freaks as his bodyguards? It''s like-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There killers, Rn," Ronin interrupted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see," Rn replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dante jumped into the conversation, "Do you know why they would hire killers to be our Lord''s bodyguards? They aren''t even from the kingdom. Their ents are very different."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know... Sometimes it''s better not to know," Ronin said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe they want us to fail," Dante muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wouldn''t worry about that. The Young Lord is a mage and is well-trained. He can protect himself... What I''m more worried about is how those two keep staring at the woman... The one that''s dressed as a maid." Ronin said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! Well, I can see two reasons why they are staring at her," Dante smirked as he yed a card from his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pff! Only two reasons? I count more than that," Rn replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have a dirty mind, Rn," Dantemented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know," Rn smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ronin sighed as he sat down in the chair, "Those two are not our concern. But I do worry that they are going to try something and we might need to throw them to the wolves. And that Knight Captain-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Mathew?" Rn interrupted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... Sir Mathew and the others aren''t going to ept excuses. It''s best if we just keep them away from the group, and if they disobey... We''ll offer them up as a sacrifice," Ronin replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The other two didn''t like that option, but it was a probable oue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood," the two replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Anyway, go get some sleep. Hopefully, we will be here for two more nights before the young lord finishes his trial. The faster we get out of here, the better," Ronin said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood, sir," the two replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They all got up and went to their bedrolls to go to sleep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zephyr and Niki were standing there watching the prince''s camp for a few more hours as the twin moons moved across the sky.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s been a while since we were able to take our time, eh Zephyr?" Niki asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm, this is nice. But it seems we aren''t the only ones here..." Zephyrmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I only noticed Soren''s group. Did you spot another?" Niki asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zephyr nodded his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Zane''s group is here too," Zephyr said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm... That makes things difficult. But it''s not unexpected... As long as we can get the head of that traitor," Niki muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, it''s not every day that an Umbralis assassin betrays their client and the Society," Zephyr said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... I can already see us moving up the ranks already," Niki smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So can I. Once we return, the Society will have to promote us to Mortis rank," Zephyr said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two nodded their heads before they heard someone approaching from behind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you two are bold. I didn''t know you two liked to be bodyguards for a ten-year-old brat," a woman said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Niki and Zephyr turned around to see a woman in her mid-thirties. She had a darkplexion, brown eyes, and short brown hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Xenovia," Zephyr said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see you haven''t forgotten about me," Xenovia smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, where are your other two friends?" Niki asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They are dealing with the other two groups of bodyguards. We don''t need to have them interfering," Xenovia replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Leaving your marks on the dead is unwise. It will cause too many questions," Nikimented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"True, but we are taking on an Umbralis assassin. The fewer variables the better. And it''s not like we will be around this kingdom for a long time after this mission. So we''ll just have to take care of any loose ends before we start. And speaking of loose ends. Are you going to take care of those three sleeping in the tent? Or have you grown soft?" Xenovia asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why dirty our des when the Galebane Fumes can do the dirty work," Zephyr smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hoh? I see... And we are downwind from the camp full of knights... Maybe I should give you two a little more credit," Xenoviamented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How ttering, I just don''t know if you''re nning to backstab us once we get the head of the traitor," Niki replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Xenovia smiled, "No... We''ll let everyone else get their shot at taking down the traitor."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean?" Niki asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve never seen an Umbralis assassin in the field before? Well me and my friends might lend you a hand if you haven''t done anything to weaken her. I like to live for another job and we can''t have traitors running free," Xenovia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Niki and Zephyr looked at each other with a puzzled look before looking back at Xenovia. They were about to speak when two of Xenovia''srades joined her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Xenovia... Everything is taken care of... Hmm? So you two are here. That makes twelve assassins in total," one of the two men said as they came out of the shadows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Looks like it''s going to be a bloodbath," the other man said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, just let the others engage her first. I don''t know how good she is, and I don''t want any surprises," Xenovia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why have you divulged so much information to us?" Niki asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because she is a traitor. And it''s more important to kill her than get the promotion... And I like having five of us going after her simultaneously... The others will be our cannon fodder, and hopefully, they will wear her out before we act," Xenovia smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And we will take the glory and get promoted," Zephyr smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Exactly," the three said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, let''s get the Galebane Fumes ready. I''m sure our otherpanions will join us soon enough. Once they see the smoke," Niki said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zephyr pulled out two vials filled with a green-tinted liquid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It will be a few minutes before the effects of the gas start. Let''s remind her why you can never hide in the shadows with us," Zephyr said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Agreed," Xenovia smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zephyr walked towards the fire and threw the two vials. Once the vials were broken open the green gas started to pour out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">The night seemed so peaceful as Wina was sitting next to Lady Nelumbo. The bonfire was keeping them warm from the cool, crisp, night air, while the knights were either cleaning up or practicing a little swordsmanship.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm... Seems like everything is fine," Lady Nelumbomented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed, I always enjoyed nights like tonight... But I fear I won''t have too many more of these peaceful nights," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Why''s that, Lady Wina? Is it because Mathew wants you to have a second child," Lady Nelumbo grinned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... It''s something that the Eternal told me yesterday... I''ve been thinking about it, and I think I should leave the group once I''ve finished my mission here," Wina replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm... That''s a surprise... What is it that you must do? Are you going back to your old profession?" Lady Nelumbo asked in a quiet tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sort of... But it''s different... I think I need to destroy the Assassins Society... There is no room for both me and them," Wina replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo looked over at Wina in shock, "You''re nning on doing it alone! But what about Mathew? And what about your son? How will they react when you leave them?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina had a concerned look written on her face. "I''ll ask Mathew to join me. But I''ll understand if he doesn''t. But if he does, I would like you to watch over my son. I won''t be gone forever, but I''ll need you to watch him until I return or if he bes a man," Wina smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But I can''t... I can''t watch a child! I have no experience in raising children." Nelumbo started to panic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Winaughed a little, "Hahaha, rx. It''s not like you''ll have to raise him by yourself. There will be others that can help you. Like-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George, Sir Richard, and the others... Hmmm. I guess they can help out." Nelumbo replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina grimaced when Lady Nelumbo brought up Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Listen, you''ve trained my son. He trusts you, and he''s already eight years old. He''s closer to bing a good man... As long as Sir George doesn''t try to teach my son how to pick up women with his terrible ''Love Sage'' advice," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo grimaced to, "Well, maybe the Queen can talk you out of this idea. You know the Assassin Society has a lot of members. How are you going to take them all on?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know... All I can say is��" Wina stopped talking once she smelled something familiar in the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Wina? Is everything alright?" Nelumbo asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Galebane Fumes..." Wina said as she stood up and hurried to her tent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo was confused, but she followed after her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was watching Sir George sparring with Richard, who was one of the younger knights in the group.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! I''m impressed by how fast you are, Sir George," Richardughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, when you survive what I''ve been through, you be a lot quicker and wiser. Well, most of the time," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew smiled at the scene before him as Sir George was teaching Richard his special style ofbat that utilized taking away one''s space to corner them. Things seemed normal until he noticed Wina was staring off into the distance by the bonfire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wonder what''s on her mind?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Soon he heard Sir Andrew and Sir Mitchell starting to cough a bit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the hell is going on?" Mathew asked himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But then he smelled the stench of the Galebane Fumes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Assassins," Mathew growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George was having too much fun sparring with the younger knight, so he didn''t notice the green mist creeping closer to them. But he noticed Richard was struggling a bit to breathe and was about to lose consciousness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the hell? Richard, are you oka-" Sir George was interrupted when he heard Mathew yelling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"EVERYONE! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">As soon as Mathew shouted, Sir George saw the green mist and he smelled the foul stench that brought him back to the day when three assassins tried to kill the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Galebane Fumes... Shit!" Sir George growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the fuck is that?" Richard said in a hoarse voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Richard, cover your mouth and hide. It''s not safe," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood sir," Richard replied before ducking into a tent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew drew his sword and yelled, "Everyone to me! We have to defend ourselves. The enemy is using poison."


    <span style="font-weight:400">As soon as Mathew spoke, everyone drew their swords and surrounded the tents.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who''s attacking us?!" Sir Andrew shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know, but it''s an attack," Mathew replied. But he knew who their target was. They were targeting his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George rushed over to Mathew, "I can''t see Wina or Lady Nelumbo. We have to find them!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Agreed. Everyone, stick together and watch each other''s backs. It''s best if we stay in the open," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone agreed and moved towards the middle of the camp with Mathew leading the way while George came up the rear with four knights in between. Luckily, Sir Mathew and Sir George have been exposed to Galebane Fumes in the past and their bodies have built up an immunity against the poisonous gas. But the rest of the knights in their party didn''t, and they were struggling to breathe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Mathew was heading towards the bonfire where Wina and Lady Nelumbo werest seen, he didn''t see them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I hope you know what you''re doing, Win. If anything happens to you. I won''t forgive them.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was trying to look through the green mist but it was hard to make out anything.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir, I don''t see anything," Mitchell said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stay close and follow my lead," Mathew ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, sir," Mitchell replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was at that moment Mathew and George started hearing footstepsing from their right.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who goes there?! Identify yourselves!" Mathew shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A silhouette appeared in the green mist, and then another two silhouettes appeared, and then another five more.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit... Looks like the Society sent their assassins. We can''t handle this many," George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! We stand our ground and fight them. If we lose, then we lose everything. For the sake of the kingdom," Mathew growled as he went into a defensive stance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George drew his sword, "For the sake of the kingdom!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"For the sake of the kingdom!" The four knights behind them shouted as they readied themselves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The silhouettes were getting closer and then the sound of a whistle could be heard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I just hope they aren''t vampires..." Sir George whispered to himself. Remembering how he almost got bitten by one, during the prince''s assassination attempt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The silhouettes came charging at them. Mathew was expecting a full-on assault, but the silhouettes split up. One went to the left, and the others went to the right, as they circled their party.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir, what''s going on?" yelled one of the knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They want the poison to do the dirty work. But the poison can only kill us if we are exposed for a prolonged time. So it''s going to be a battle of attrition. We will have to take care of the assassins as fast as we can, and then get the hell out of the camp," Sir Mathew yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll head right. You go left. It looks like the poison isn''t going to dissipate any time soon. We won''t have a lot of time," Sir George yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s get the bastards!" Mathew roared.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"FOR THE KINGDOM!" the five knights yelled as they charged at the silhouettes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Soon the sound of des shing, echoed throughout the night.

 Vol.0 Ch.165 The Shadows Attack

    Vol.0 Ch.165 The Shadows Attack


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew ran towards the first silhouette in front of him, and he noticed the man was holding a dagger and wearing a ck cloak.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Feel my might!" Sir Mathew growled as he charged at the cloaked figure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The assassin turned around and dodged the initial swing. Beforeunching an attack of his own. Mathew managed to dodge the attack and kicked the assassin in the leg, knocking him away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina taught assassin''s tactics to her husband and Sir George. And one of the things they learned was that assassins prefer to work in teams of two or more. Only the best of the best worked alone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew knew that another assassin wasing from behind. Hoping to stab him in the back. So he quickly rolled away from the first assassin and got back on his feet. He then spun around and caught the second assassin by surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What the?" the assassin muttered as Sir Mathew''s sword pierced the man''s chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cheap tricks won''t help you," Sir Mathew said as he yanked his sword out of the man''s chest and kicked him away. Spraying blood on the grass and dirt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The first assassin wasn''t going to stick around for a fair fight and retreated into the green mist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can run, but you can''t hide!" Sir Mathew yelled as he chased after the assassin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once the man was out of sight, Sir Mathew heard the sounds of someone choking and coughing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That sounds like Sir Andrew," Mathew said to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then a thought came to mind. ''These assassins are trying to use these fumes to do the dirty work. But they have to know that it won''t affect Wina. She has immunity... Or were they hoping to rid us so they can outnumber her? Either way, they won''t stop until everyone is dead.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew took a deep breath and went in the direction of the coughing. Once he got to his destination, he saw Sir Andrew, Mitchell, and Sir Richard struggling to keep the three assassins at bay. Their movements were sluggish, and they were barely holding on.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir, there are too many!" Richard shouted as he blocked an attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just hold on!" Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then Sir Andrew coughed up arge amount of blood, and the assassin that was fighting him took advantage of the opening and charged at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"DAMN IT!" Mathew shouted as he tried to save the young knight, but he was too far away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pick on someone who isn''t poisoned, you weaselly bastard!" Roared Sir George, as he came through the green mist with his shield and sword glowing from his mana. He then bashed the assassin with his shield, pushing him back and saving Sir Andrew. He quickly stabbed the assassin through the heart and ripped his de out of the body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Andrew! Find somewhere to recover! I''ll deal with these cowardly bastards! Sir Mitchell and Sir Richard. Stay here and protect him. If things get too hot, get out of this mist! I''ll catch up with youter!" Sir George shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood, Sir George! We''ll do what we can!" Mitchell shouted as he blocked a blow and tried to counter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew swiftly ran around the perimeter and did a horizontal strike from the assassin''s blindside helping Mitchell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swoosh!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The assassin was cut in half and his guts spilled onto the grass.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George! Have you seen Wina or Lady Nelumbo?!" Sir Mathew yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I haven''t seen them! But they can handle��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">They heard a scream of pain that sounded like Lady Nelumbo.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dammit! I have to go now," Sir Mathew yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Go ahead. We''ll take care of the rest," Sir George shouted as he killed another assassin who was going after Richard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that Mathew bolted through the mist heading towards the scream.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Please don''t be toote!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew could feel his heartbeat as he ran through the mist, and then he saw a sh of silver.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How the hell did you deflect my blow?!" a man yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because I''m used to your cheap tricks," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The man jumped back into the mist to conceal his presence. Mathew knew that it was the same man he first tried to engage at the beginning before his friend tried to backstab him. He also knew the assassin was trying to use the green mist to his advantage, and that was going to be his downfall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I don''t have time for this...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew quickly moved through the mist keeping his guard up until he came to a clearing. Six dead assassins were lying around Lady Nelumbo and Wina who were tied up in some type of trap.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo was bleeding from her leg.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I told you to leave me! I''m slowing you down!" she yelled out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t just leave you behind!" Wina said as she was trying to remove the vines.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe... This Umbralis assassin has grown soft... Good catch, Zephyr," a sinister voiceughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We haven''t killed her yet, so keep your guard up," Zephyr replied to hisrade.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina looked behind her and saw five assassins approaching them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit," she cursed under her breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I should have been paying more attention. They used the others as cannon fodder, and they wounded Nelumbo before using her as bait.'' Wina thought as she was trying toe up with a n.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sever her head and be done with it, Niki," said a female assassin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm... With pleasure," said the male assassin named Niki.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that two male assassins came after Wina who was trying to free herself but the vines refused to be cut.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Mathew! I''m sorry. I''ve failed you... Just know that I love you.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swoosh!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina closed her eyes thinking she was going to be cut in half.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew saw the assassinsing down on Wina and a rage shot out of his core like never before as his lightning blood activated and made time slow down to a snail''s pace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">His eyes lit up as the world around him became dark, and his vision went blue. His body and senses were heightened and the five assassins were outlined in a yellow color.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NO!" Mathew''s body was surrounded by electricity as he appeared in front of the two assassins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Niki and Zephyr didn''t know what happened as their body parts started falling to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew had sliced through both of them with three swings of his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What the hell is this guy?!" one of the female assassins yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s a Lightning Rider! Kill him��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew had already closed the distance before the assassin could finish her sentence. The next thing he saw was the yellow glowing from Mathew''s de.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Run! He''s too strong!" thest assassin yelled as he turned and ran.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The other female assassin tried to counter, but Mathew was too quick and strong. He parried her attack and countered. Slicing off her right arm in three spots.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAAAHHHH!!!" she screamed in pain as her arm fell off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew''s body was glowing brightly and the lightning around him was arcing. The woman tried to attack again, but Mathew swung his sword and cut the assassin''s head clean off. The remaining assassin kept running and didn''t look back. Mathew could feel his blood pulsating and his power growing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Boom!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">A lightning bolt hit the ground and a huge explosion erupted. Causing the mist to scatter. The st was so powerful it destroyed the remaining tents and even destroyed a couple of trees. Wina and Nelumbo could see Mathew''s body engulfed in lightning and the air around him was shimmering. Soon the electricity started to dim, and then Mathew copsed to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"MATHEW!!!" Wina yelled as she got out of the vines and rushed over to her husband.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew was unconscious, but he was breathing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank the Gods..." Wina sighed as she checked his pulse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is Sir Mathew alright," Lady Nelumbo said as she freed herself from the vines.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s alive, but he pushed himself. I have to get him out of here. Can you walk," Wina asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes," Lady Nelumbo said as she tied a bandage around her leg to stop the bleeding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as Wina was about to lift her husband, a dagger was thrown by the assassin who was hiding behind a tree. She caught the de with one hand and turned towards the assant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You should have stayed hidden," Wina said with cold eyes and a murderous aura.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The assassin panicked and tried to run but after taking two steps he felt his body get tangled up in something that he couldn''t see.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the hell?" the man said as he struggled to break free. That''s when he noticed Wina was only five feet away from him and she had her hand out holding something that looked like spider webbing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What sorcery is this!? Let me go!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? So you''ve never seen Arachne Webs?... Let''s see how long it will take before your body gets torn apart," Wina said as twisted her hands and tightened the webbing around the man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!" the man screamed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was twisting her hands while pushing down. Causing the webs to tighten around the man''s body cutting into his sh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The man''s screams soon became a gurgling sound as his own blood filled his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No one will ever harm my husband. Not while I''m still breathing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-This is what happens when an Umbralis grows too attached to a mark," the man sputtered out as his blood was starting to soak the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re mistaken. This is what happens when an Umbralis finds her love and her true purpose," Wina said as she yanked her arm up, dicing the man''s body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAAAGGGGHHH!!!" the man screamed onest time before his head was cut off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once he was dead Wina looked around her surroundings and noticed only one assassin was fleeing the area and towards a cave where some Galebane Fumes were lingering by the Labyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''ll deal with himter. I need to make sure Lady Nelumbo can watch over Mathew and give the rest of the men the antidote.'' Wina thought as she turned to her friend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nelumbo! Do you still have the antidotes for the men? They''ll die if they keep breathing this in," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... What are you nning, Wina?" Lady Nelumbo asked as she pulled out a satchel full of antidotes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m going after thest assassin. I need to make sure he won''t send any messages about our location... Go help the men and tell Sir George to watch over Mathew," Wina said as she disappeared into the darkness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo almost felt sorry for the assassin who was fleeing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Poor bastard. She''s going to tear him apart... But they had a choice and they must suffer the consequences,'' Lady Nelumbo thought. Thest thing she wanted to do was face her wrath. She picked up her spear and walked towards the men who were struggling to breathe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck! Fuck! How am I the only one left?!" thest assassin cursed under his breath as he was fleeing the area as fast as he could. He knew the cave wasn''t that much further but the green mist was making it hard to find. The assassin hoped he would make it to the cave and barricade himself in. As he was running he saw a silhouette in the mist, and his instincts kicked in as he threw a dagger at the person. Hitting the figure squarely in the chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ow? If you really wanted to get a reward, you didn''t have to attack me you know?" Said an old man sitting on a rock. His white eyes glowed in the dark.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who the fuck are you?" the assassin said as he pulled out his sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? People like to call me Rolf... But I''m just the Keeper of the trials," Rolf said as he poked the dagger that was sticking out of his chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dammit! It''s the Eternal. I don''t have time for this," the assassin said as he was about to run.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh... Don''t be like that. Aren''t you curious about your reward?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The assassin stopped and turned around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What reward?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It will help you guide you through your future."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the hell does that mean?... Never Mind! You''re wasting my time! I''m leaving!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The assassin started to leave, but the Keeper chimed in, "Well, this is interesting?... I can''t see your reward. I wonder why that is? Hmmm..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What the fuck are you talking about old m��," the assassin felt a sharp pain in his chest, and he looked down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There was a bloody hole, and a de was sticking out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That is very strange... But now I know why I can''t see your reward... Oh well. Have a nice trip," Rolf said as he waved his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then the assassin heard the cold voice of Wina who was behind him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Die..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then a secondter the man''s body was torn apart and blood was all over the grass and stone. Her face was still as cold as ice as she looked down at the pieces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So? Have you decided to fight the shackles?" Rolf said as he looked at Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, this is what you meant... Yes... I will fight them... But I can''t do it alone," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf smiled, "It''s good that you aren''t alone, Wina Daz."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smirked and looked at the Keeper standing there with a dagger in his chest. She was a little worried but Rolf seemed unfazed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I take it that this isn''t your first time getting stabbed?... D-Do you need someone to help you pull the dagger out?" Wina asked as she didn''t know what he was going to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? This thing? Thanks for pointing it out... When you live as long as I do, you tend to forget things," Rolf said as he looked down at the de in his chest. He used one of his hands to pull the dagger out with no signs of pain and no blood. The hole quickly closed as he brought up the weapon and examined it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, Eternals don''t have blood. Interesting..." Wina said with intrigue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe... Nope. Never had the stuff... Hey? Is that Mathew guy, alright? I think he needs his loved one by his side," Rolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina''s eyes opened wide. She got distracted by Rolf and forgot her husband was unconscious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How could I''ve forgotten! I''ll take care of him right away!" Wina didn''t bother with pleasantries. She ran back as fast as she could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf just smiled, "Those two are something... I wonder what''s going to happen once they take over the shadows?... Meh... I need something to eat." He looked around the ground before looking at the dagger in his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, this will do," Rolf said as he started eating the dagger.

 Vol.0 Ch.166 Trapped with a One Eyed Freak

    Vol.0 Ch.166 Trapped with a One Eyed Freak


    <span ss="userText">Quinus was sleeping soundly when he felt someone shaking his arm<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-What? What is it?" <span ss="userText">Quinus asked as his eyes snapped open.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It''s time to eat, Your Highness," Thomas<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus sat up from his bed roll and stretched.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Man... I can''t wait to sleep in a real bed again. These nkets can only do so much<span ss="aiText">," Quinusined.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''ll get to enjoy one soon enough, <span ss="editText">Your Highness<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">But we should eat first<span ss="aiText">," Thomas said.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus stood up and stretched<span ss="editText"> out his back<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Did anything happen while I was sleeping," he asked.


    <span ss="userText">"It''s been quiet, Prince Quinus. Thomas didn''t sense<span ss="aiText"> anything strange<span ss="userText">," Geralt<span ss="aiText"> answered.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus looked over and saw John still passed out. He was sprawled out with a bit of drool<span ss="aiText"> hanging from his mouth.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">He sure knows how to<span ss="aiText"> sleep," Quinusughed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Let him be. <span ss="userText">I don''t need John making any smartass<span ss="aiText"> remarks about the food," <span ss="editText">Geralt <span ss="aiText">said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah... John''s been acting weird ever since we arrived for the trials<span ss="aiText">," <span ss="editText">Thomas added as he grabbed a bowl of oatmeal from Geralt<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus grimaced, "I hope he isn''t trying to pull one over on me<span ss="aiText">. If he does, he''ll pay the consequences<span ss="userText">."


    <span ss="userText">Geralt and Thomas looked at each other with<span ss="aiText"> the same worried look.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">And what price will that be, Your Highness," Thomas asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Depends... It''s his choice if he wishes<span ss="aiText"> to find out."


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes, Prince Quinus."


    <span ss="userText">Quinus noticed the two looked a little scared. He wanted to lighten the mood after<span ss="aiText"> the serious talk they just had.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hey... Rx. You both have proven your loyalty to me. But John hasn''t... And I know he<span ss="userText">''s your friend, but I can have him questioning me<span ss="aiText"> in front of our enemies."


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Prince Quinus," Geralt and Thomas said simultaneously.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus grabbed a bowl of oatmeal.


    <span ss="aiText">"This looks good... <span ss="editText">Too bad we couldn''t add milk,<span ss="aiText">" Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">Geralt and Thomasughed<span ss="userText">, "Good luck with that. It would be a pain to carry gallons of milk into abyrinth just for some breakfast."


    <span ss="userText">Quinus nodded, "Well? Maybe I can find a way to dehydrate<span ss="aiText"> the milk."


    <span ss="aiText">Geralt and Thomas gave Quinus the ''you''re joking'' look.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t give me that! It''s a great idea! It would be perfect for going on long journeys<span ss="editText">. All you need to do is add hot water to it and you have milk<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">"You have some of the strangest ideas, Your Highness<span ss="aiText">," Thomas said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Maybe, but that doesn''t mean my idea wouldn''t work. <span ss="editText">I mean you don''t question jerky, right? So, why not do that for milk?<span ss="aiText">" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Thomas just shook his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, let''s eat and then we''ll leave," Geralt said.


    <span ss="aiText">They enjoyed their oatmeal and washed it down with water. <span ss="userText">Quinus stood up after cleaning his bowl.


    <span ss="userText">"That hit the spot. You two go and wake up John. I need to go take care of some business, and then I''ll be right back," Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">"Understood, Your Highness. We used the corner over there," Thomas pointed out the spot where they have been relieving themselves<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Gotcha<span ss="aiText">... Thanks," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">When Quinus made it behind the rock, he un<span ss="editText">did<span ss="aiText"> his pants and started<span ss="editText"> peeing in a hole in the ground<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn... I hate peeing on the ground," Quinus muttered<span ss="userText"> as he tried not to get any ssh back<span ss="aiText"> on his boots. <span ss="aiText">When he was finished, he was fixing his pants, but he noticed something move in the distance.


    <span ss="aiText">"The hell was that?" Quinus squinted and <span ss="userText">looked into the shadows. Quinus thought he saw a boy in the shadows but he couldn''t sense anyone or anything.


    <span ss="userText">''Must be my imagination<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus walked back towards Geralt and Thomas who were kicking John''s feet.


    <span ss="aiText">"Come on John! Get up!" Thomas said as he kicked his friend''s foot again.


    <span ss="aiText">John didn''t stir.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus grabbed his water skin and poured some on John''s face<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaaaahhh! The hell man!" John cursed as he bolted up from the ground and wiped the water off his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wake up. We''re going <span ss="userText">to leave in 15 minutes<span ss="aiText">. Make sure you are ready," Quinus said as he walked past John.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why the hell did you pour water on my face?"


    <span ss="aiText">"We had no other way of waking you. <span ss="userText">Plus I thought Water Mages could sense<span ss="aiText"> when they are being attacked by water," <span ss="editText">Quinus <span ss="aiText">joked.


    <span ss="aiText">John <span ss="userText">red<span ss="aiText"> at Quinus and didn''t say anything.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus just shrugged his shoulders and looked at the two.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Alright, you two. Let''s clean up and get ready.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Prince Quinus," They both said.


    <span ss="userText">With that John quickly ate his food while the others gathered their things.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Quinus finished packing his stuff and slung his pack<span ss="aiText"> over his shoulder.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ready to go, Thomas," he asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Prince Quinus," Thomas said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hey... Why are you guys looking at me like that? <span ss="editText">If you woke me up earlier then you wouldn''t have to wait for me,<span ss="aiText">" John said as he adjusted his pack.


    <span ss="userText">"But we didn''t want to disturb you... I know how much you like to sleep, John," Geralt<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Shut up<span ss="aiText">," he retorted.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus ignored them and looked <span ss="userText">around the fifth floor onest time to admire the glowing pirs of ether.


    <span ss="userText">''I still find it hard to believe that I''m living in a world of fantasy and magic... Well, let''s get out of here. I just hope John isn''t dumb enough to try something on the ascent<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="userText">With that Quinus started walking to the staircase<span ss="aiText"> that would lead them to the <span ss="editText">four<span ss="aiText">th floor.


    <span ss="userText">"Whoa!? Wait for us!" Thomas<span ss="aiText"> called out<span ss="userText"> as he quickly<span ss="aiText"> walked up next to Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">Geralt was following close behind while John brought up the rear.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I hope the chalk you used earlier wasn''t<span ss="aiText"> washed away by the <span ss="editText"byrinth<span ss="aiText">," Geralt said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">We''ll see... But I have a feeling that<span ss="aiText"> it''s still there," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">As Quinus stepped out onto the fourth floor, he looked <span ss="userText">around the maze hoping to see all the chalk marks<span ss="aiText"> still there.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh? They are still there. Nice! Getting out of here<span ss="aiText"> will be a lot easier," <span ss="editText">Thomas<span ss="aiText"> said<span ss="userText"> as he poked his head around<span ss="aiText"> Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">That was the n. Hopefully, we can speed run the next four floors and exit thebyrinth in a day<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"If that happens then we''ll <span ss="userText">need to pick up the pace<span ss="aiText">, Prince Quinus," Geralt said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">We shouldn''t let our guard down. Those portal traps might have moved on us. It would<span ss="aiText"> be stupid to underestimate thebyrinth," <span ss="userText">Quinus<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="userText">"Then lead the way, my prince," John said with a smart-ass<span ss="aiText"> tone.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus nced back and said, "<span ss="userText">But of course... I was born<span ss="aiText"> to lead."


    <span ss="aiText">John rolled his eyes and the group continued onward.


    <span ss="aiText">Geralt and Thomas didn''t want John and Quinus arguing the whole time, but they didn''t know how to prevent it.


    <span ss="aiText">They traveled through the maze and avoided the <span ss="editText">traps<span ss="aiText"> on the fourth floor, keeping an eye out for any chalk markings<span ss="userText">. It wasn''t long before they came up to the three-way fork.


    <span ss="userText">John knew this was hisst shot to knock Quinus into the portal trap that still had a monster in it.


    <span ss="userText">''Okay, I saved up all my mana so I can use my Water Wave spell<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">I just need to move around him to his right side and cast it<span ss="aiText">,'' John thought.


    <span ss="aiText">As they started crossing the three<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">way fork, John slowly positioned himself on Quinus''s right side. <span ss="aiText">The prince was leading the way so he didn''t notice Johning up on him.


    <span ss="aiText">"S<span ss="userText">hit! Prince Quinus! What''s that<span ss="aiText"> noise?!" John called out.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus stopped and <span ss="userText">looked at Johnathan before turning his head in the direction he was pointing in.


    <span ss="aiText">''He''s distracted! Now!'' <span ss="aiText">John <span ss="userText">quickly channeled his mana into his hand and<span ss="aiText"> prepared to cast his spell.


    <span ss="userText">"John? What are you��" Geralt was interrupted<span ss="aiText"> when John cast his water magic.


    <span ss="userText">"Water Wave!"


    <span ss="aiText">The wave of water formed from John''s palm, and he thrust it into the unsuspecting Quinus.<span ss="userText"> Thomas and Geralt<span ss="aiText"> were surprised when they saw a wall of watering at them. T<span ss="userText">hey got caught in the crossfire of Johnathan''s spell and were swept away with Quinus<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> They were trying to swim out of the wave while being pushed towards the hallway with the portal trap. It sucked<span ss="aiText"> them up before they could even try to resist.


    <span ss="userText">"Hah, hah, hah... I-I did it... Now Marcus will have to let me join the academy," John panted as he stared at the portal trap. He felt a little guilty sending his friends into the trap with Quinus, but he tried to justify it.


    <span ss="userText">"And those two idiots deserve to join Quinus. Nothing but<span ss="aiText"> fucking sheep following their prince," J<span ss="userText">ohn wasughing at the sight of the three of them disappearing into the portal.


    <span ss="userText">"Hahahahaha! That was easy... Now I need to get out of this ce ande up with a convincing<span ss="aiText"> story," John<span ss="editText">athan<span ss="aiText"> said as he continuedughing<span ss="userText"> while walking down the middle hallway as he continued through the fourth-floor hedge maze<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">He didn''t notice the person hiding in the shadows who was running towards the trap and hopped in the portal<span ss="aiText">. The figure disappeared just like Quinus and the other two.


    <span ss="aiText">''Stupid bastard.<span ss="userText"> All those threats meant nothing. Good luck fighting a monster with no weapons.''


    <span ss="aiText">John was grinning ear to ear. All he needed to do was get to the surface and pass the trial.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="userText">Everything was swirling around Quinus as he was warping through<span ss="aiText"> a vortex.


    <span ss="aiText">"What the fuck is happening!?" Quinus screamed as the pressure and force were almost crushing him.


    <span ss="aiText">Then his vision turned dark<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> and then he felt solid ground. He was dizzy from the ride<span ss="userText">, and he was soaked from the water<span ss="aiText">. He<span ss="aiText">slowly got to his feet <span ss="userText">when he heard two more groans<span ss="aiText"> behind him.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-What happened," Thomas said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I-<span ss="aiText">I can''t believe John knocked us into the portal trap<span ss="editText">... Uh... I think I''m going to be sick<span ss="aiText">," Geralt growled<span ss="userText"> as<span ss="aiText"> he held his stomach.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus was having trouble seeing anything in the<span ss="aiText"> dark room, but he <span ss="userText">had a magical torch in his backpack that he didn''t need to use until now.<span ss="aiText"> He quickly found it and pulled it out. <span ss="aiText">The to<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">ch was a small ss container the size of his thumb with a crystal in the center. When he twisted the crystal, the touch emitted a bright blue glow.


    <span ss="userText">"Ah!... Who<span ss="aiText">a... That''s bright," Thomas said as he shielded his eyes from the light.


    <span ss="userText">"Shh! I don''t think we are alone," Quinus said as he felt a presence inside the cave.


    <span ss="aiText">He held the torch up to help the light travel further in the cave.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Do you sense anything, Thomas?" Geralt<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="userText">Thomas shook his head<span ss="aiText">, "Nope... The only thing I can sense is you and Quinus."


    <span ss="userText">Quinus was focused<span ss="aiText"> on the <span ss="userText">rocks<span ss="aiText"> and walls of the cave.


    <span ss="aiText">"It seems like we''re in a natural cave, not an area of the hedge maze... We might be on the first floor," Quinus observed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Do you think there''s a monster in here?<span ss="aiText">" Thomas asked.


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t know... But I think there has to be one in here,"<span ss="aiText"> Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Are you sure?" Geralt<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus looked back at him, "<span ss="userText">Yeah... Because John wanted us to go down that right side of the fork on our descent<span ss="aiText">... Which means <span ss="userText">he knew something about this<span ss="aiText"> trap... <span ss="userText">This has my cousin''s<span ss="aiText"> n written all over it.<span ss="userText">.. Keep your eyes peeled<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">Thomas''s face turned pale when he saw a glowing eye in the shadows<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"P-Prince Quinus," Thomas was trying not to panic, "I-I see an eye watching us."


    <span ss="userText">Quinus saw the panic on his face and quickly turned his head to see what<span ss="aiText"> he saw.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh... Shit," Quinus muttered in a low voice.


    <span ss="aiText">Geralt looked over and was startled.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-What the hell is that?" Geralt was also scared.


    <span ss="userText">"A Cyclops," Quinus said with<span ss="aiText"> a serious expression.


    <span ss="aiText">The <span ss="editText">C<span ss="aiText">yclops was a giant of a monster that stood well over eight feet tall<span ss="userText"> and could shoot aser out of<span ss="aiText"> its single eye. <span ss="aiText">Quinus knew the Cyclops would be tough<span ss="userText"> as he got a better look at it once it was illuminated by the torch. This monster was staring at them with this broken horn on top of its head and<span ss="aiText"> had scars all over its body.


    <span ss="aiText">''This doesn''t look good... This isn''t an infant or a baby Cyclops, but a fully grown one. <span ss="editText">I need to protect the others.<span ss="aiText">'' Quinus thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Guys, make a run for-"


    <span ss="userText">"RRAAAAWWWRRRRR!!!!<span ss="aiText">!!!"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus''s orders were cut off by the roar of the Cyclops. It wasn''t long before the one-eyed freak started charging towards them.


    <span ss="aiText">"Run <span ss="editText">like hell!<span ss="aiText">" Quinus yelled.


    <span ss="aiText">"What about you," Thomas asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I''ll distract it<span ss="aiText">. Don''t worry about me," Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">Geralt and Thomas didn''t need to be told twice as<span ss="aiText"> they were already sprinting away from the charging monster.


    <span ss="aiText">"Shit," Quinus said as he <span ss="userText">quickly channeled his mana into the magical torch and <span ss="aiText">threw <span ss="editText">it<span ss="aiText"> at the monster<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="aiText">The Cyclops didn''t have time to dodge the thrown object as the bright torch hit its face and exploded on contact. The explosion of light caused the monster to roar in pain<span ss="userText">. It took two steps back before everything went back to pitch ck<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus was able to run to a stgmite before the light<span ss="aiText"> went out and hid behind the rock formation. He was hoping the Cyclops would charge right by him.


    <span ss="aiText">"RAAAAAAAAWWWWWRRRRRR!!!!"


    <span ss="userText">The cave started glowing red as the Cyclops''s eye lit up and<span ss="aiText"> was shining bright red.


    <span ss="userText">"Fuck!" Quinus yelled as he quickly rolled out from behind the stgmite.


    <span ss="userText">*<span ss="editText">SSSSSSSCCCCCC<span ss="aiText">!*


    <span ss="aiText">A secondter aser sted out of the Cyclops''s eye and blew up the stgmite.


    <span ss="userText">''What the fuck can I use to hurt this thing!?... Crap, this is all I got!'' Quinus thought as he was rummaging through his pack until he pulled out a rectangr box.


    <span ss="userText">"Found it! Take this you piece of crap!"


    <span ss="userText">Quinus opened the box and channeled a lot of his mana into it, causing the yellow stone to ignite<span ss="aiText"> and burn with a bright blue me.<span ss="userText"> He then threw it underneath the Cyclops and watched the mes shoot up<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"RAAWWRR! RA<span ss="aiText">ARRRR!!!"<span ss="userText"> screeched the<span ss="aiText"> monster as the fire burned his <span ss="editText">leg<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus didn''t waste any time and ran towards <span ss="userText">some more stgmites that were 20 feet away, but just as he was about to get behind them arge boulder came flying in and smashed into<span ss="aiText"> the stgmite.


    <span ss="userText">*BOOM!*


    <span ss="aiText">''The fuck?!''


    <span ss="userText">Quinus was stunned by the dust and debris<span ss="aiText"> that was blown back at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"RAAWWWR!"


    <span ss="userText">The cyclops was looking straight at him with third-degree burns all over his legs as it started charging<span ss="aiText"> at Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">''Shit!''


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus could only stare in horror as the monster <span ss="editText">came<span ss="aiText"> closer.


    <span ss="aiText">*THUD!*


    <span ss="aiText">The Cyclops''s foot got stuck in a hole.<span ss="userText"> It screamed in pain as the third-degree burns dug into the rock floor.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus didn''t need to think twice. He scrambled away as fast as possible.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Move! Move! MOVE!'' Quinus thought to himself as he was having trouble seeing where he needed to go and was kicking loose stones.


    <span ss="aiText">"RAARRRRRR!!!!"


    <span ss="aiText">The cyclops tried pulling his leg free but the third-degree burns on its leg were keeping it from getting leverage.


    <span ss="userText">''I fucking can''t see shit! I need to avoid the Cyclops''s line of sight. Before-''


    <span ss="userText">The cyclops'' eye was glowing bright red as it was about to<span ss="aiText"> st itsser again.<span ss="userText"> Quinus wasn''t anywhere close to cover and the one-eye freak had him dead to<span ss="aiText"> rights. <span ss="aiText">Quinus shut his eyes as he waited for theser to tear him apart.


    <span ss="userText">''I hope I get a third chance at life!''


    <span ss="userText">Just as the Cyclops was about to use itsser eye an arrow came whistling through the air and striking the eye<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">*SPLAT*


    <span ss="aiText">"RAWR?! RAWRR!!!"


    <span ss="aiText">The cyclops started iling its arms as blood was gushing from its eye.


    <span ss="userText">"MY LORD!... CATCH THIS!" Yelled a familiar voice.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus''s eyes snapped open, "PERCY!?<span ss="aiText">!<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">He looked over to see Percy''s silhouette, and <span ss="userText">he threw a sword in its scabbard<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="userText">saw iting in quickly and reached his hand out to catch<span ss="aiText"> the sword. Qunius didn''t waste any time unsheathing the de <span ss="editText">before he <span ss="aiText">rushed the blinded Cyclops.


    <span ss="aiText">"RAAAARRRR! RARRRRRR!!!!" The Cyclops roared in pain.


    <span ss="userText">''I need to use that Maja technique that can make my de cut through<span ss="aiText"> almost anything,'' Quinus thought as he started channeling his mana into his sword<span ss="userText"> which caused the de to light up.


    <span ss="aiText">The Cyclops''s one eye was shut tight as blood was pouring out.


    <span ss="aiText">''Gotcha!''


    <span ss="userText">Quinus ran right up to the blinded cyclops and shed its exposed throat.


    <span ss="aiText">"HAAAAAHHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">*SLASH!*


    <span ss="aiText">*SQUIRT!*


    <span ss="aiText">The blood poured out like a fountain. The monster was trying to breath<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText"> as its lungs were filling with its own blood. <span ss="aiText">Quinus stabbed his sword into the chest of the Cyclops before he jumped off the monster and watched it copse onto the ground.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hah... hah... That was too close<span ss="aiText">..."


    <span ss="aiText">"You okay, my <span ss="editText">L<span ss="aiText">ord?" Percy asked as he <span ss="editText">ran <span ss="aiText">up to Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus wiped the sweat off his forehead, "Yeah... I''m fine... But... Where did youe from?... I thought these trials were for <span ss="editText">ten years olds only?<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="userText">Percy smirked and scratched the back of his head.


    <span ss="userText">"Well? Lady Nelumbo thought you might get in trouble. So we came a day early, and I snuck in. I was watching you from the shadows from the beginning... But the water mage kid almost shot me with a water bullet... What I would give to loosen an arrow into<span ss="aiText"> that bastard."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus let out a chuckle and smiled, "I see... Well<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> I''m d you''re here. <span ss="userText">I just hope I don''t get disqualified because I use a weapon<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I can always grab your sword so no one knows you<span ss="aiText"> used it," Percy suggested.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s true... <span ss="userText">Haah... Johnathan has probably already made it to the surface... I wish there was a way for him to fail the trial..."


    <span ss="userText">Percy smirked at Quinus.


    <span ss="userText">"Hmm? What did you do?<span ss="aiText">... Percy?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Oh? Nothing too bad... But I don''t think he''ll pass the test without this," Percy said as he pulled out arge green ether crystal that<span ss="aiText"> was the size of <span ss="editText">a golf ball<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-Where did you find that?!" Quinus was surprised to see such arge ether crystal.


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="userText">swiped it from that jerk when you two were sleeping on the fifth floor.<span ss="aiText"> It was pretty easy. He never noticed a thing," Percy chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You were able to sneak past Thomas and Geralt?<span ss="aiText">... Wow, you''ve improved, Percy," Quinus was genuinely impressed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I almost messed up at the beginning when that Thomas guy sensed me. But I<span ss="aiText"> managed to hide my presence. <span ss="userText">Mother has been drilling<span ss="aiText"> those techniques into me ever since I was <span ss="editText">five<span ss="aiText">," Percy grinned.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh? His mother? I didn''t know she knew<span ss="aiText"> how to teach stealth and sneaking.<span ss="userText">.. Maybe I should ask her-<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="aiText">"My lord," Percy handed him the ether crystal, "Here."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hmm? You hang on to it<span ss="aiText">, Percy.<span ss="userText">.. You took it, so it''s<span ss="aiText"> yours," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">Percy <span ss="userText">looked at the ether crystal that was brighter in his handpared to when John had <span ss="aiText">it in his possession, "Uh... Okay... Sure. <span ss="userText">So, what''s the n?"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="userText">sheathed his sword and handed it back to Percy.


    <span ss="userText">"You hold on to this and follow us from<span ss="aiText"> a safe distance," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Will do, my Lord<span ss="aiText">," Percy said as he <span ss="userText">took the<span ss="aiText"> sword and strapped it on his back<span ss="userText"> before running off to the shadows<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus waited for a moment to make sure Percy was out of sight before he ran around a stgmite and undid his trousers.


    <span ss="userText">"Damn... Mana Rush! F-fuck!" Quinus grunted as he took care of some personal business.

 Vol.0 Ch.167 Made it to the Surface

    Vol.0 Ch.167 Made it to the Surface


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took Quinus five minutes before he could calm down from dealing with Mana Lust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fueh... Fueeehh... Fueehhh!" Quinus was huffing and puffing as he tried catching his breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ah... Damn, being a pre-teen again is harder than I thought...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fueh... Alright, no more fucking around, Quin. I have to find the other two and find a way out of here," Quinus muttered to himself as he could barely make out the outline of the dead Cyclops. Due to thest remnants of the magical bonfire burning out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Dammit, If I can get to my bag I can grab another magical torch.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus''s eyes started adjusting to the darkness again as he slowly started to make out theyout of the cave and spotted his backpack about ten feet away from the dead Cyclops.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There," Quinus quietly whispered to himself as he made his way over to his backpack. He blindly rummaged around until his hand found a ss container.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Bingo," he said as he pulled the magical torch out of his backpack and twisted the crystal to the left.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Tch*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Flick*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah, much better," Quinus was relieved that he could now see his surroundings. He got a better look at the dead Cyclops.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m d I didn''t get reincarnated as a Cyclops... They are ugly bastards."


    <span style="font-weight:400">He then turned and faced the path he thought Thomas and Geralt had run off to. He could make out a light up ahead about 500 feet away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, hopefully, I��ll run into them," Quinus said out loud as he started walking down the tunnel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas and Geralt were stumbling through the cave. They were hiding as best as they could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"G-Geralt! Do you think the prince is okay," Thomas was scared that Prince Quinus had gotten himself killed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m not sure," Geralt stuttered, "But I think the Cyclops is dead..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How can you tell?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There was a bright explosion and then you heard that roar in pain. I think the Prince might have killed it," Geralt was confident that the monster was dead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But I think I heard some groaning. Maybe we should have gone back to see if he''s okay," Thomas was worried about Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-We can''t risk our lives. We don''t know if the Cyclops is still alive," Geralt argued, "If we were to go back, then we would have to deal with the Cyclops..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But why would the prince be moaning?" Thomas didn''t understand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt facepalmed and groaned, "Oh my god... You''re stup-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">They could hear footsteps running down the tunnel. They tried to hide as the light started growing brighter and brighter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"P-Prince?" Thomas whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"SHHH!" Geralt hushed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus came walking down the path with his magical torch lighting up the way.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Geralt? What are you hiding in?" Quinus asked as he spotted Geralt''s foot sticking out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Wait? Your Highness?... YOU''RE ALIVE! OH, THANK THE GODDESS!" Thomas yelled and tackled the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oof," Quinus grunted as Thomas hugged him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re alive. I was worried you got eaten by the Cyclops," Thomas said as his eyes were getting watery.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I had a few close calls but Geralt? I think you''re hiding behind... fecal matter? Are you hiding in Cyclops shit?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt was able to see what he was trying to hide behind. He could see bones and arge pile of poop.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"BY THE GODDESS! IT''S CYCLOPS''S SHIT!" Geralt shouted and was trying to get the fecal matter off of him. "Eww. Ew. EW! IT''S ON MY LEG!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Calm down! It''s gross but it isn''t poisonous. If we find some water you can wash yourself off," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You sure it isn''t poisonous," Thomas asked as he let go of Quinus and took a step back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. I''m positive. The Cyclops has arge amount of ether stored up in its digestive tract and it can break down almost anything... Come on. Hopefully, we can find where we are in thebyrinth," Quinus said as he started walking.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, Prince Quinus? How did you kill the Cyclops? Was it hard?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A bit, yes. It shot itsser eye at me one time and almost got me a second time. I was lucky to damage its eye and use a boulder to smash his head." Quinus lied to the ten-year-old.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow, you''re so strong, Prince Quinus!" Thomasplimented him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It wasn''t me. Percyunched an arrow that damaged the eye and I had a special sword to end it. But it doesn''t matter.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why was there moaning after you killed the Cyclops?" Geralt asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um? Do you know about Mana Rush?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. What is that?" Geralt asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh? It''splicated but when you y a monster that has loads of mana it causes your body to react," Quinus tried exining it the best he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Like what?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck! Now I know why Father was having such a hard time exining it to me... So, how do I exin it to them?... Ah. Got it!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... It can cause someone''s body to go number 1 or number 2 out of nowhere. And it needs to be taken care of or you''ll be in pain," Quinus answered as he didn''t want to tell ten-year-olds the real truth. Even though he is technically a ten-year-old himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ew. Why would that happen? Is it because of all the mana?" Geralt was disgusted by the idea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know the alchemy behind it, but yes. It is the mana that causes your body to act out. All I can say is take care of it as soon as possible or you''ll be in hell."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ew, okay," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They walked for another twenty minutes before they found a tight tunnel that was barely 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I can feel air flowing through here so there''s a high chance we''ll get out," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope we don''t crawl into something gross," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll cross that bridge if we get there. Thomas, you go first, I''ll be in the rear. Geralt, you''re in the middle. Don''t want the two of you getting lost," Quinus said as he gestured his arm to the tight tunnel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">The small tunnel went on for 45 minutes before it widened out and they could see a light at the end.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank the goddess," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m thirsty. Do you guys have any water?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t have much. I''ll give you some once I can stand up straight," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three boys were finally out of the small tunnel and they found themselves on a small teau overlooking a vast chasm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"By the Goddess, that''s one heck of a drop," Geralt said as he peeked over the edge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, don''t fall down there, Geralt," Thomas joked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was looking around. "I can see the surface from here... Hold on? Is that... Johnathan?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?! Where is that son of a bitch?" Geralt was pissed that John tried to kill them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Over there," Quinus pointed over to the right.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They could see the silhouette of a young boy running down a tunnel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, we must be on the first floor. I wonder if there''s an easier way down," Quinus was muttering to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, now what?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"First. We should figure out how to get down to the next level. Do you guys have anything we can use as a rope? We can lower ourselves to the ground," Quinus suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh. Thomas. You brought a rope right?" Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here," Thomas looked through his backpack and handed Quinus a 30-foot-long rope.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I think we are 45 feet up... Well, it''s been years since I repelled down a rope... Let''s not die this time.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thomas, Geralt. Do either of you know how to repel down a rope?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know what you''re talking about. Can''t we just climb down the rope?" Thomas was confused.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. It''s a term for controlling your speed when descending a rope. There are a few different methods and I think we can reach that ledge before we need to repeat the process. It''s about 20 feet below us," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh, I''ll try," Thomas volunteered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, okay, I''ll teach you," Quinus said, "Here''s what you need to do..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus showed Thomas and Geralt a technique for safely descending a rope.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, the key is not to rush and keep your hands on the rope at all times. You want to slowly feed the rope through your belt. If you aren''t paying attention you could repeal right off the end of the rope and you''ll have about a 30-foot deck. So, avoid that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um? C-Can you go first? I don''t know if I can do it," Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure, I''ll go first," Quinus said as he started to loop the rope around a rock pir that was sticking out from the side of the cliff. He then tossed both ends of the rope over the edge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, it looks like the line is close to the second ledge. I''ll see if we need to jump for the ledge."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll watch you closely," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus put his hand on the rope and slowly descended down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He stopped after ten feet and said, "Okay, here is where you need to feed the rope through your belt. Make sure you guys do the same or you''ll get burned."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Got it," Thomas and Geralt shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m going to continue," Quinus shouted back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He slowly went down thest five feet before he made it to the ledge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s safe!" Quinus yelled, "Thomas, it''s your turn."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay... I''ll try."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas grabbed the rope and slowly lowered himself down. He did the same as Quinus did.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, I think I''m doing everything correctly."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus watched as Thomas fed the rope through his belt and he continued. He didn''t notice if Thomas was doing anything incorrectly. He wasn''t as smooth as Quinus but he slowly made his way down the rope.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a minute, Thomas made it to the second ledge, "Alright, Geralt... It''s your turn."


    <span style="font-weight:400">He nodded his head before taking a deep breath and grabbing the rope. He slipped a few times as he was repealing down the rope. He was moving quicker than Thomas but he was not as controlled as Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah!" Geralt yelled as he was halfway down the rope.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just rx, Geralt... Deep breaths," Quinus advised him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"G-Got it," Geralt slowed down his descent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt made it down thest ten feet with no problem as Quinus grabbed him and pulled him to the ledge, "I-I did it! I thought I was going to poop myself"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Luckily, we wouldn''t notice," Thomas joked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shut up..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey... Good job, man. But we aren''t out of the woods yet... Here''s the tricky part. I think the distance from this ledge to the ground floor is 35 feet."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But we have a 30-foot rope. Can''t we just drop the rest of the way?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You saw me wrapping it around a rock pir, right? It halved the length when we did that... It makes the rope stronger when you hold onto two lines. I can tie it off on its end but we need to hope that the knot can hold all of our weight."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Oh," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked down again trying to estimate the distance to the ground, "Yeah, I think the bottom is about 35 feet... So, there will be a five-foot drop off the end of the rope. It''s not bad but it''s solid rock... Watch yournding, guys."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked around trying to find the best rock pir to tie the rope off to.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This one should do. Watch yourselves," Quinus kicked the pir just to make sure it wouldn''t break off and fall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Seems strong enough.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">He tied the rope off before letting the other end fall off the ledge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, It''s not caught on anything, so we should be good to go... I''ll go first... I''ll holler up to you once I get to the ground. Okay?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Got it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus grabbed the rope and fed it through his belt. He then stepped off the ledge and waited to see if the pir was going to crack. Once things seemed safe Quinus started lowering himself down the rope.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I hope the rope doesn''t fray and snap under our weight. I didn''t check it for damage.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus reached the end and let go, dropping thest five feet andnding on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He felt the impact on the bottom of his feet but wasn''t too bad.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''m d my body is young again. Or that might have hurt.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked up, "Everything''s good! Who''s next?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas nodded his head as he grabbed the rope. He did all the same things Quinus did before he started his descent. Quinus watched as Thomas slowly made his way down the rope.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re doing good, Thomas," Quinus said encouragingly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas was nervous and was sweating. His hands were bing mmy and he couldn''t focus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay," Thomas stuttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Suddenly his hands slipped and he started falling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AHH!" Thomas screamed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shit!" Quinus cursed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He moved below and held out his arms to catch Thomas. They both tumbled to the ground but they were okay.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oof! Damn, Thomas... you''re lucky that I know how to strengthen my body with mana. Or that would have sucked," Quinus grunted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas was in shock. He didn''t say anything as he was staring nkly at the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I thought I was done for," Thomas muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t think this is any scarier than the Cyclops. But I guess that doesn''t make it any less scary."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-Huh? Yeah... Yeah, you''re right. Sorry," Thomas said as he stood up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It happens, man. Don''t worry about it... Hey, Geralt! You''re up!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Alright," Geralt said as he did his safety checks before repelling down the rope.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas and Quinus were ready to spot him as he wasing closer to the end of the rope.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Almost there, Geralt," Quinus shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt nodded as he readied himself to jump.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once he was about 10 feet above them he jumped andnded safely.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good job, guys, we are finally out of that hell," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I''m done withbyrinths," Geralt sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Can''t agree with you more," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus could see the daylight peaking through the entrance to the Labyrinth which was over a thousand feet away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on. Let''s head to the surface," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The boys started walking and a few minutester they exited the Labyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">They breathed a sigh of relief, once the three of them made their way out of the Labyrinth and felt the fresh air blowing across their faces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank the Goddess," Geralt sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It feels nice to see the sun again," Thomasmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah it wasn''t so��what happened out here?" Quinus paused his sentence as he noticed signs of a battle in the distance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Did the knights fight a monster or something?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, this is something different. Let''s go and��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You three came out not so bad... *Sniff* Well... Except for you... Why do you have monster poop all over you," Rolf asked as he popped up out of nowhere.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah!... Where did the Keepere from?" Geralt asked as he jumped away for the old man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"From behind you of course... So, did you three finish the trials and collect your ether crystal? If you didn''t, I guess I''ll have to kick you out."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We have done as you asked, Keeper. We have passed the trial, and acquired the crystal," Quinus said as he grabbed a pouch and pulled out a bright yellow crystal the size of a six-sided dice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf was surprised by this, "Well, that''s a bright one! How about you two? You got one also, right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas and Geralt pulled out a dull-colored crystal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Excellent! Now, who would like to receive their reward first?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How about Prince Quinus," Thomas suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, he did most of the work," Geralt agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um... Sure. I don''t mind," Quinus said as he was caught off guard by this.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Eternal shook his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Quinus is going to gost... Mainly because I want to savor his crystal," Rolf chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why me?" Quinus asked in surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because it''s a big secret... So, which one of you two would like to go first?" Rolf asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Geralt can go first," Thomas said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sure. What''s my prize?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hand me your crystal and you will find out," Rolf smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt handed over his dull crystal. And without hesitation, Rolf took the ether crystal and ate it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh, such a wonderful taste... Here''s your prize," Rolf said as he leaned over to Geralt''s ear and whispered something.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt''s face had confusion written all over it as Rolf continued to whisper. Thomas wanted to know what the Keeper was saying and started creeping forward before Quinus grabbed his shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s for Geralt''s ears only," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas has a dissatisfied expression on his face, but he knows that there is no point in arguing against Quinus. Soon they heard Geralt say, "R-Really?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yep. Congrattions on passing the trial... Next... the Thomas," Rolf said with excitement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt was lost in thought as he walked over to Quinus. Thomas walked over and gave the dull-colored ether crystal to Rolf. The Eternal once again ate the crystal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, I think this one will go well with diamonds..." Rolf said as he was chewing the ether crystal like some type of hard candy. Making lip-smacking sounds before he swallowed it with a satisfied smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! That hit the spot... I wish more of you humans took the trials, then I wouldn''t have to eat cheap rocks to survive."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh... Thanks," Thomas was confused by Rolf''sment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here''s your prize," Rolf leaned in and whispered into Thomas'' ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas was excited and surprised, "Wait! R-Really!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed. You have passed the trial. Congrattions. Now, let''s see what your prize is," Rolf smiled at Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"These prizes seem like fortune telling... Why do you need the ether crystals? I heard from the schrs that these ether crystals are worthless to humans since they are impure," Quinus was curious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You worry too much... All I can say is the ether crystal makes it easier for me to see your prize."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm..." Quinus didn''t seem convinced, but he didn''t have any proof to argue against it. So he walked over while Thomas looked overjoyed and Geralt was still deep in thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well... Let''s see if it was worth all this trouble...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here," Quinus handed over his bright yellow ether crystal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf''s eyes sparkled as he stared at the crystal and licked his lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s been a long time since I have had a gemstone of this color. Usually, people have the duller ones," Rolfmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um. That''s good?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very good," Rolf''s mouth was drooling, "I will be savoring this."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Eternal ate the ether crystal and his eyes rolled up as if he was in heaven. He hummed with delight as he stood there. Not chewing it at all.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s been a long time. Since I had something like this... I could stay here for weeks and be happy... Oh, right," Rolf remembered that Quinus was waiting. He then quickly chewed it up before swallowing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... Well... Well... Well... You have a very interesting prize. More interesting than these two," Rolfmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the hell is that supposed to mean?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here''s your prize," Rolf said as he leaned over to Quinus''s ear and whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are one of those who are special to the gods... And there are four others that have traveled to this world like you... In the future, you will find one of them, and they can bring peace to all the races if you and only you ept them into your heart." Rolf whispered into Quinus''s ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the fuck does that mean?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But seeing your taste... I don''t see that being a problem... That''s all," Rolf leaned back and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had an uneasy feeling and was trying to decipher what he was told.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''There are four others like me? Does he know that I''m reincarnated or is there something I''m missing... And what does the part about them bringing peace to all races have to do with me?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t realize that he was standing there for a couple of minutes. Trying to make sense of his fortune.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um... Thanks, Rolf. It was a pleasure meeting you. But I''m afraid we must be going," Quinus bowed to the Eternal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! Thank you... Prince Quinus. It was an honor having you and the rest of your party enter the Labyrinth. Feel free toe back any time."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course. And please take care of the Labyrinth." Quinus said


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh... I wish... But she won''t let me in there," Rolf pointed at the entrance to the Labyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?" Geralt heard the Keeper and was curious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who are you talking about, Rolf?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? Oh! I have to go... May you find your path," Rolf yelled out as he ran around a corner and disappeared.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Wait!" Thomas yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What just happened?" Geralt questioned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus wasn''t paying attention as he was still lost in thought. Usually, he was good at deciphering riddles. But he was having trouble with this one.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince Quinus... Your Highness!? Are you okay?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-Huh? Yeah, I''m fine... I''m trying to figure out what the Keeper meant."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"About what?" Geralt asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry about it. It would confuse you more than it did me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um, okay," Thomas responded as he wasn''t convinced, but he didn''t want to push Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go. We need to find out what happened out here and find Johnathan," Quinus said as he started heading back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh yeah! That jerk has some exining to do," Geralt said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes he does," Thomas agreed.

 Vol.0 Ch.168 This is Your Punishment.

    Vol.0 Ch.168 This is Your Punishment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group of three made their way back to the camp to find all the Royal Knights surrounding Johnathan. Sir George was giving him a death stare and looked like he was ready to behead him. There were three of the bodyguards who didn''t know what to do as they had their hands on their weapons, but they didn''t seem to have the willpower to pull them out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is going on here?" Quinus asked as he stepped forward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan looked up in shock then it turned into dumbfoundedness. He couldn''t believe that all of them came out alive. All the Knights looked relieved as they saw the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew was the first to walk over, "Your Highness! Are you all okay?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we had some close calls, but we came out almost unscathed," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Almost?" Sir George said with anger in his voice as he put a de to Johnathan''s neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah!" Johnathan tried to move away, but the Royal Knights were all around him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stand down! The Prince is fine, and so are the Young Master''s friends," Ronin yelled out to George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk! I don''t know why we gave any of you three an antidote for the poison. When we should have just put you all out of your misery for protecting a traitor!" Sir George hollered back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We will not go wing back to our Lord with the death of his son. So, you can take your threats and shove it!" Ronin yelled back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough!" Quinus shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone went quiet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What happened while we were in the Labyrinth?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew took a breath and calmed himself, "Assassins attacked us... The boys'' bodyguards are all dead with the expectation of these three who belong to this boy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t know how to react at first. He thought for a moment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do we know who they were targeting?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew looked at Wina and she gave him a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew sighed, "Yes, Your Highness... We know who their main target was."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who is it that they were after?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I would rather tell you in private, Your Highness," Sir Mathew said with a straight face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? Then they weren''t targeting me? Then they weren''t a part of Johnathan''s or my cousin''s n to kill me... What in the world is going on?'' Quinus thought to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is this information I need to know now or can it wait until we are back at the pce?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It will be better to wait, my Lord."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine... Then I need to judge Johnathan for his actions and pass down a punishment," Quinus turned to Johnathan who was trying not to panic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"J-Judgement? What are you talking about, Prince Quinus? Don''t I get a fair trial?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m the Crown Prince who has passed the trials... But I don''t think you have, Johnathan..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course I have... I just haven''t seen the Keeper yet!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And he won''t show up... That''s because you lost your ether crystal," Quinus said in a cold voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I didn''t lose anything! And I can prove it!" Johnathan yelled back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then show me the proof," Quinus demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t. Not when I have a sword to my neck," Johnathan looked over at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George red back and was getting ready to say something.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George... Let him show us the proof... But keep your eyes on him." Quinusmanded with a calm voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George grunted, "Fine. But the moment you try something, I will strike you down, boy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I don''t need you to repeat yourself," Johnathan was sweating profusely as he tried to pull out the pouch from his belt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He''s going to panic once he can''t find the crystal...'' Quinus thought to himself as he braced for the inevitable.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan opened the pouch and reached inside while staring daggers at Quinus. He was trying to be intimidating. But his eyes quickly changed from anger to surprise, confusion, and finally fear as his hand started to move around faster inside the pouch. He was desperately searching for the ether crystal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, No, No. This can''t be happening," Johnathan said under his breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Have you found it yet?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It should be in here. Where could it have gone?" Johnathan started to look more panicked as he dumped the pouch''s contents out but to his dread, there was no crystal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Where is it? I had it before we left the Labyrinth," Johnathan was frantically looking around for it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You dropped it, Johnathan... I saw it happen when you ran around me and sted all three of us into the portal trap. We were lucky that I was able to kill the monster before it could find Geralt and Thomas... That''s why Geralt is covered in Cyclops''s crap." Quinus said his partial truth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All three bodyguards unsheathed their weapons and red at the prince and his knights. They didn''t look like they wanted to fight, but they feared they might need to.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I warn you... If you dare try to kill Lord Bluewood''s son. We will do everything we can to protect h-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"STAND DOWN!" Quinus yelled at Ronin and his tworades. His golden eyes seemed to glow with power when he red at them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three didn''t dare to take a step forward as they felt an immense amount of fear. Making it feel hard to breathe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus re softened and he spoke calmly, "I have every right to pass judgment. You can''t deny that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ronin took a breath and said, "You''re right, Your Highness... But we can''t-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus held up his hand to signal for them to be quiet, "It''s fine. I know where you stand. And I will judge him fairly. As thew states."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three bodyguards put their weapons away, but they didn''t lower their guard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at Johnathan who was panicking more than ever. Now that his guards couldn''t save him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus walked closer to him as did three of his knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tell me the truth, Johnathan... Why did you do it?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan''s breathing was fast and short.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It-it''s not what you think! It was an ident!... Geralt! Tell him it was a misunderstanding!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt was pissed, "It was a misunderstanding!? Are you joking!? This misunderstanding caused me to run for my life in pitch darkness... All so you can kill the prince? No, John... I thought you were being a jerk but now I know you''re a monster! If it was me? I would have never tried to kill a friend! Let alone the Crown Prince!... You''re lucky that the Prince saved my life as well as Thomas''. You''re the worst friend ever!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Geralt..." Johnathan was stunned, "T-Thomas! T-Tell him that-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not happening, John... This is on you." Thomas didn''t even look at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan was losing it, "I-It''s not what you think! P-please listen to m-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then tell me. Tell me everything... Was it you, or someone else who hired those assassins? What was your father nning?" Quinus ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My father is a good man! He has no ill will toward you! And I have nothing to do with the assassins! You have to believe me! It''s a misunderstanding!" Johnathan was trying to tell everyone the only true thing. He didn''t have anything to do with the assassins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A misunderstanding?" Geralt was losing his patience, "You used your water magic on us to let a monster do the dirty work!... How was that a misunderstanding?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan looked like he was about to have a panic attack, "N-No! I was talking about the assassins! You have to believe me! You have to understand!... It was... It... was..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">He finally concluded that Marcus had yed him from the start, like a pawn. He didn''t know why he was trying to protect him, but he knew that if he didn''t, his own life would be at risk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was Marcus..." Johnathan whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t catch that. What did you say?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan took a breath and said, "It was Marcus! Marcus Revelia was the one who told me to push you into the portal. I knew that led to a room that had a monster in it! He gave me a map and everything!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus could see this ten-year-old boy was beginning to tear up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah... I knew it... When will Marcus stop with the bullshit! Someday... I''ll have to kill him...'' Quinus thought as he shook his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Was it for money or something?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan hesitated, but he couldn''t hide anymore, "H-He was going to make my life a living hell at the academy... I-I didn''t want to do it... I didn''t know how far he would go to torment me... I''m sorry..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And you didn''t think toe to me with this?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He said he would be the next heir... and if I didn''t help him, then he would ruin my family and everything I cared about... I''m sorry..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The anger in Quinus''s heart was starting to fade but he didn''t want to show it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah... How the fuck am I going to solve this?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What will be your judgment, Your Highness?" Sir Mathew asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus took a second to think, "Can I have a sword please?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Mathew nodded to Sir Andrew and he handed his sword over to the prince. Quinus took the sword before walking closer to Johnathan. Once he was three feet away from this scared boy. He stopped and looked back at the knights and then the bodyguards who were conflicted on what they should do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What''s the right thing to do...'' Quinus thought before looking down at the boy who was on all fours. Looking like a lost child.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you ready for your judgment, Johnathan Bluewood? Son of James Bluewood."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-yes..." Johnathan whimpered out as he lowered his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus lifted the sword and started swinging it around with a quickness and precision that even a knight would have trouble keeping up with. Johnathan didn''t have time to react as he felt the wind of the de.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! Swing! Swing!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The sword was inches away from cutting Johnathan. And for a few seconds, Johnathan didn''t know what was going on. He opened his eyes to witness all of his brown curly hair was cut and lying on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus handed the sword back to Sir Andrew.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have given you your punishment," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-Huh?" Johnathan looked around and then back up to Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can go home now."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-Home?" Johnathan didn''t know what to believe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord? Is that such a wise idea?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have your orders, Sir George."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-but..." Sir George couldn''t finish his sentence as Quinus continued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m letting you go, Johnathan. But let your shaven head remind you. That you were judged by the Crown Prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johnathan was still shocked, but he nodded, "I-I understand..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Then, I want you and your bodyguards to leave my sight immediately."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, Your Highness," Johnathan got up and ran.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But, My Lord! He might have lied about the assassins?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He told me the truth, Sir George... Leave them," Quinus said with a sigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George wanted to deal the death blow to that traitor but he held himself back, "Understood..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked back to the remaining knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s start a funeral pyre for the fallen. Then, we are heading home."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, Your Highness," The knights answered with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Thomas and Geralt walked up to the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That... That was overly kind, Your Highness... Do you think it was wise to let John go free?" Geralt asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was going to kill him, Geralt... But then I realized he was a pawn... A pawn that failed toplete his mission. And now he has to worry about Marcus... He doesn''t need me to pass a sentence on to him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomas nodded their heads.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then, what should we do now, Your Highness?" Thomas asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked over to Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Wina... Can youe here please?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was confused. She didn''t know why the prince wanted to talk to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my prince?" Wina said as she walked up to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thomas and Geralt lost their bodyguards, correct?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s correct, my prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then we will need to give them new escorts. Who can we assign to them?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I believe we can assign Andrew, Richard, Mitchell, and Carter to follow these boys."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. They can have two each."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t have to do this for us, Your Highness. We can-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not just for you two, Geralt. It''s for your parents and me... If anything were to happen to either of you on your journey home. Then, I will have a guilty conscience... And I don''t want my friends to get in trouble with my father or your parents."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Geralt and Thomas were stunned by Quinus''s kindness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, let''s help them with the funerals."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Highness," Both the boys said in unison as they ran off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve grown, my Prince," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked back at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t feel like I''ve grown at all. But maybe going through life or death situations has changed me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smiled, "It makes me d to know you''ll be alright without me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t say that... You make it sound like you''re leaving me," Quinus pouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smiled, "Well, unfortunately... I must, my Prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?... What do you mean? Where are you going?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The assassins... They were after me, my Prince. And now I have to go."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus felt a little panicked, "What? No, no. You''reing home with us, and then we will deal with them."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There''s no need, my Prince. I''ve been putting this off for far too long... I never told you this, but I was an assassin at one point."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was speechless at first, "But... You don''t do that anymore. Right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was hired to kill you, but... I fell in love with Mathew and I couldn''t betray you, my prince. And since I betrayed my former client. The Assassin''s Society ising for me and they won''t stop until they have my head."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-wait. W-what do you mean?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smiled, "I have to fight my old shackles so I can be free, my Prince. It''s a dangerous journey, but I have to go. Or else you and the others will be in danger."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then... I''m going with you!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can''t, my prince..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t have you fight an assassin''s organization alone. You''re not the only one who wants to be free."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina was pleasantly surprised at how much her Prince had grown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve matured so much... But I can''t allow you to put yourself in harm''s way."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But you will put yourself in harm''s way?! And expect me to stay behind?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t be alone on this journey, my Prince. My husband will join me. He will be my protection."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was getting upset for reasons he didn''t understand. He took a deep breath to calm himself down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why? Why didn''t you tell me before now? Were you afraid?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m still afraid, my Prince... But I don''t want the people I care about to die because I was a coward."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s worried about me... But Mathew will be with her... And he better protect her or else...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know what you''re thinking, my Prince... He''ll protect me... And he''s the best man for the job... But I need you to do me a favor."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Name it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"When I''m on my journey, please watch over Percy for me... I love him, but I worry he''s been listening to Sir George too much. I fear that he''ll scare away his true love with that idiot''s ideas."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus couldn''t help butugh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. Yes, I''ll watch over Percy and make sure that he doesn''t go down that dark path."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smiled and hugged her prince and her breasts pressed firmly into Quinus''s chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Fuck! I missed these things! Goddess be damned! I was born toote! Mathew! You lucky son of a bitch! You better not fail her!'' Quinus yelled inside his head as he enjoyed the warm embrace of his former wet nurse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, my prince. You and Mathew are two of the people who have saved me from myself. Please take care of yourselves. I will write to you when I can."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have my word. Just promise you''ll return safe and sound."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t guarantee that, but I will do everything I can."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No problem! Let''s just hug some more!'' Quinus wanted to say it out loud, but he somehow held it in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then they released their hug and stood there. For one minute... Then two more minutes... Then three m-


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you''re going to be sticking around for a bit longer?" Quinus asked awkwardly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? OH! My apologies, my Prince. Me and Mathew will depart once we talk to your mother and father first. After we bring you back to the capital," Wina exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, thank goodness! I thought you were leaving right now. Ha hah... I feel a little awkward, now," Quinus said out loud as he was scratching the back of his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You thought I was going to leave you right now, my Prince? Ha! How adorable," Winaughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know! I know... Ha hah..." Quinus felt really awkward, but he was a little sad to let go of his second favorite woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stepped back from her, "I should go help the others. I will see youter."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, my Prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina gave a slight bow before walking away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed as he stood there. He was both relieved and disappointed at the same time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait? I forgot to ask her about who hired her in the first ce?... Was it my cousin? No, he would have been too youn-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stopped once it hit him that it was most likely his Uncle who hired Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uncle... So, I''m gonna have to deal with you as well. I hope it''s sooner rather thanter. Haah... Why does everything need to be a pain in my ass."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Talking to yourself again, Your Highness?" A voice called out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus turned and saw Lady Nelumbo standing about ten feet away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I thought you were on a mission?" Quinus was happy to see her, but also shocked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was, but then I was in the neighborhood and stayed to aid Sir Mathew."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You were around the neighborhood? What type of mission were you-" Quinus stopped himself when he realized it was her who brought Percy to the Labyrinth of Lost Souls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh yeah! Percy mentioned that when he came in and aided me. Well, it saved my ass for sure... Thank you, Lady Nelumbo.'' Quinus thought to himself before he broke out smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, are you nning on joining us for the trip back? Or are you heading somewhere else?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo nced over to the entrance of the Labyrinth and smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll stay behind for a little bit."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head, "Just get our friend once Thomas and Geralt leave. Alright."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo was impressed, "I''m d you turned out to be the clever one."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled, "Not the smartest one?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You need some more time before I''ll admit that. Maybe a few more years... Then we''ll see," Lady Nelumboughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha... Alright, well, I''ll help with moving the dead."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, I''ll keep watch... I doubt they''ll be more assassins, but I''d rather be safe than sorry."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright. See ya." Quinus said while nodding his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus ran off and talked with all the knights and the boys as they gathered all the bodies of the dead. They separated the assassins from the guards before burning them. The fire caught the attention of the mayor. They exined everything to him before night came. Mayor Marlon offered his home to the prince and his entourage. So they can stay and sleep for the night, which Quinus agreed to. By the time they made it back to the vige, the sun was about to set over the horizon. That was when an eight-year-old boy came sneaking out of the entrance of the Labyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Finally... The coast is clear. Now I can-WHOA!... Who are you?" The young boy asked as he was caught off guard by an old man with a long white beard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you were the one who broke the rules," Rolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rules? W-What rules?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sneaking in weapons? It''s against the rules of the trial and you''re not ten years old... Are you purposely trying to fail the trial?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?... Oh no! I wasn''t taking the trials!... I was watching over, my Lord. He was the one in the trial."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, is that so? Then why do I smell an ether crystal on you? If you weren''t in the trial... Then why were you carrying an ether crystal?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, I forgot that I had it," The young boy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? Who forgets something like an ether crystal?" Rolf asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah, I took it from that Johnathan guy... I stole his crystal because I knew he was up to no good... He''s a jerk."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... Alright, well, if it were any other circumstance. I would''ve failed you... but since you have an ether crystal on you I''ll only punish you some," Rolf said with a stern look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The boy sighed in defeat, "Fine, I will ept the punishment. And I''ll give you the crystal."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Give me the crystal first, and then we''ll talk about your��WHA!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The boy pulled out one of the biggest ether crystals ever and it glowed bright. Not as bright as Quinus''s but bright nheless.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What was your name my child? I must know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The boy was surprised by the old man''s sudden change in attitude.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um? My name is Percy, and I''m a son of Lord Mathew and Lady Wina Daz," Percy announced.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. Then, Percy... I heard you saved the prince who had the brightest ether crystal I''ve seen in a long time. Is this true?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, it''s true." Percy agreed, not knowing what this old man was talking about.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then, I will let it slide this one time!... But don''t tell anyone else I did this or I''ll fail you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Wait? You''re not failing me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... Now give me the crystal and receive your reward."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked at the old man skeptically, "A reward? Like treasure?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha hah... Something like that. Now hand it over," Rolf ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright," Percy said as he handed him the ether crystal that was the size of a chicken egg. Rolf received the ether crystal and then grabbed Percy''s hands and held them together.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is a day to remember! Now let me see your reward... Hmm... Hmm? Wow! Well, you''re in for a treat," Rolf said with a big smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t understand."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Listen well, young Percy. You wille across a feisty woman whose beauty will rival the moons. She will have eyes as green as the forest, and hair as dark as night. She will give you many children who will be known for their bravery. She will also be the strongest and cunningest woman in all thend. So when the timees. Make sure you have a strong constitution to handle her," Rolf said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um, can you exin in words a child can understand?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have spoken! Now... May the path guide you!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait?... That''s it? That was my reward?... That was weird."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf wasn''t paying any attention to Percy as he slowly brought the crystal towards his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re not doing what I think you''re doing?" Percy was confused.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rolf didn''t reply. He took a bite of the ether crystal. It was like a sugar cube to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What is wrong with him?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh ho! This is a day to remember indeed! Haha... Mmmmh," Rolf moaned as he ate the entire ether crystal in one bite.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy was stunned. He couldn''t believe what he just saw.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ll be the luckiest bastard alive. Congrattions," Rolf said with a smile. The crystal was making his cheek bulge out like a chipmunk. He was going to savor it for as long as he can.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks, I guess?..." Percy said as he furrowed his brow and walked away. It took him a couple of minutes before he found Lady Nelumbo. She was waiting for him in the field.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well done, Percy. Your parents will be very proud," Lady Nelumbo said as she walked over to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Did you see that?!" Percy yelled as he pointed towards the old man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? You ran into the Keeper?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Keeper?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. The Keeper watches over thebyrinth. He runs the trials and is responsible for giving rewards. He''s an odd fellow. I try not to talk to him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah... Got it... Can we head home? I''m starving," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well. I have a room at the inn. Come with me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay. Thank you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No problem, kid."


    <span style="font-weight:400">They walked towards the vige and stayed in their own room for the night. Once the sun rose in the morning, everyone gathered their things and left for home.

 Vol.0 Ch.169 This is Farewell, For Now

    Vol.0 Ch.169 This is Farewell, For Now


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus said his goodbyes to Thomas and Geralt before he parted ways with them. It took them three days before they arrived at Tairal. The capital city was buzzing as usual, especially when news of the prince''s sess came through the grapevine. The king and queen were relieved and weed their son back with open arms. Wina and Mathew asked for a private audience with the King and Queen. They agreed to this and the four of them went into the King''s study.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am very pleased with the results, Mathew. You did well," Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your son did all the work, my liege. He''s grown into a fine man," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He is, indeed. However, why after all this time has the Assassin''s Societye after you, Lady Wina." Cyndre asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew and Wina knew the King was forgiving of his brother, but they didn''t expect him to be this ignorant about who was the main culprit. King Cyndre was trying to use some strange mental gymnastics to try to avoid the truth. While Queen Rianna wasn''t having any of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"STOP PLAYING A FOOL! YOUR BROTHER WAS ATTEMPTING TO HAVE YOUR SON KILLED!" Rianna yelled at her husband.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre jumped out of his chair, "I am not a fool, Rianna! My brother would never-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AGAIN! Don''t try and y a fool, Cyndre! You are no fool, but you are a fool for thinking that your brother hasn''t been scheming against us for decades!... All of a sudden the Assassin''s Society has finallye out of the woodwork after all these years. Right after ric served his ten-year punishment."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ric would never do such a thing, Rianna! He told me he wasn''t going after our son!" Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"THEN WHAT ARE YOU CALLING THIS, CYNDRE!... We both know that it''s ric who ordered the hit on Wina. He was probably hoping that Quinus was caught in the crossfire. And you seem fine with that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre stood silent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew felt ufortable watching his King and Queen argue. But he sat silently, hoping for it to pass. Wina on the other hand decided to give Cyndre another blow to his fragile mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Liege. If I may..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre didn''t respond. He didn''t even look at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I believe your brother is truthful about not actively going after, the prince��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"See, Rianna! I told you-," Cyndre was interrupted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"��But your nephew. Hasn''t stopped undermining your son... Prince Quinus didn''t want to tell you, but I will... Marcus used his power to force a ten-year-old child into an assassination attempt."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What?!" Cyndre gasped as he was hit with a truth that he was trying to avoid. "Surely, you must be mistaken. Mathew, tell me what truly happened."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew knew that Wina was correct about everything. And he didn''t like that he was being put in a hard ce between his wife and his king.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She''s not mistaken, my Liege. And after further investigation from the Queen... We have a strong belief that the boy who tried to gift the Crystal Python. He was told by Marcus to give the monster to the Prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That can''t be... H-Hold on. You said you ''believe'', instead of ''sure'', correct," Cyndre asked while grasping at straws.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We highly believe it was your nephew who orchestrated the n to give your son the Crystal Python."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But the boy gave his confession. He said he bought it from a merchant! Bring him from the western wall. Right now!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew grimaced before he answered, "He was found dead after giving us his confession a few days earlier... There was poison found in his stomach."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No, no, no... ric wouldn''t allow his son to do such a thing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"CYNDRE!... Face it! Your brother is a snake who has been using us for his own gain," Rianna yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There has to be some reason, some exnation. They would never do such a thing," Cyndre said while his mind was racing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina chimed in, "I believe Duke ric isn''t actively aiming for the Prince. But after working for him, I know he is cunning and has a lot of patience. I wouldn''t put it past him if he''s willing to wait decades before his revenge is served. And he believes that the throne belongs to his son... I wouldn''t bet against him for supporting his son again. He thinks it''s his rightful birthright."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, he wants the throne, through his son?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. That''s why we believe Marcus is the one who''s been trying to kill the prince. And at some point, I believe Duke ric will be more proactive in helping Marcus..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna then said, "And you refused to listen to your council when they said Marcus was gaining traction with most of the minor nobles. While ric is weakening Duval! Your inaction has put your only son in danger. You can''t keep protecting him like this, Cyndre. You know that he''s nning on using the people to take the throne from Quinus if they can''t kill him! We''ve been sitting here ying pretend with you, when you''ve known all along what your brother was up to."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre fell into his chair and rubbed his face, "What do you suggest I do, Rianna?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have a choice, Cyndre. Your brother or your son," Rianna dered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But I can''t just execute my nephew or brother. Not without a reason for the court to ept."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And that''s your failure to our son, Cyndre. Because he''s now been attacked three times we know about. And all those times, the perpetrators were supported by your brother and his son!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... I''ve made a mess, haven''t I, Rianna?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And it took you until now to realize this. Yes, you have. I''m not going to stand by any longer and watch our son get murdered because of your ipetence. You have a decision to make, and if you choose your brother-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I KNOW!... I''m not choosing my brother, Rianna... I''ll admit it, but... I don''t know how to move forward."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina came up with an idea that she knew the King wouldn''t like, "May I have a word, my King."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, what is it?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If I may be so bold, I have a suggestion that can help the prince and you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have no reason not to hear you out... What is it?" Cyndre said in a defeated voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Back when I had a couple of missions that required me to destabilize a kingdom, I would always go for the citizens. I would make their life miserable and make it look like it was the Royal family''s fault. Because it''s the people at the bottom that make the Kingdom, your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre looked at Wina with a puzzled look and asked, "So, are you saying to make my citizens'' lives miserable?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... What I''m saying is, you should build a rtionship with the people... And you should do that, by letting your son do more."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do more? I don''t understand. Our son is still too young. I want to give him a few more years before he starts learning about the real world. Let him grow up first, then when he''s older, he''ll start taking his responsibility."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. I''m saying you should let him build the aqueducts, the windmills, and his n for a kingdom school to help educate the people... His ideas are ingenious. They are nothing I have ever seen before. I do not doubt in my mind that this will undermine the minor lords'' influence. As well as some of the major lords who oppose the crown... Because they see the citizens as nothing more than surfs."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre had a pained look on his face. He tried to discourage his son''s interest in engineering. But Quinus had the heart of a tinkerer. Cyndre couldn''t change his son''s passion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My King, I''m not telling you this as a Queen, but as a mother who knows her son''s potential and is willing to die for his dream. I know you want him to be a gant knight who dreams of adventuring. But let our son have this. It will change Fiafyr. I promise you," Rianna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre slouched into his chair and let out a long breath, "Alright, I''ll talk to the council and see how much it will cost and then have a meeting with my son to tell him the news... He''ll be happy, and that''s all that matters..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna finally smiled at her husband for the first time in a long time. She had hoped this was the push he needed to make a change.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, my lov-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre sat up in his chair while staring at his wife''s smiling face, "Yes?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lord Brice opened the door and peeked his head through, "Oh? I didn''t know you were in a meeting."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it, Lord Brice," Cyndre asked as he turned his attention to his advisor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The baby shower for the fifth daughter of House Revelia is going to start in two hours... You asked me to remind you, Your Majesty," Lord Brice said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna frowned, "We are not going to be attending. Send our congrattions and our regards."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Queen?" Lord Brice questioned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre cut in, "What she means to say is my son and my wife won''t be a part of the party. But I''ll be attending."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cyndre?" Rianna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s fine, my dear. I know I''ve been a fool all these years... But I need to see how my brother and his son respond to me. When I question them."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna rxed, "Very well. Just don''t disappoint me or your son."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t," Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not sure I''m following what''s been happening, Your Majesty," Lord Brice asked in confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s alright, Lord Brice. I''ll brief youter," Cyndre said as he dismissed him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lord Brice nodded and left.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll go ahead and start writing the proposal for the construction project. My son is going to be the happiest boy alive," Rianna said with excitement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed... Mathew," The King stood up from his chair and extended his hand out to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my King," Mathew asked as he shook his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hate to lose one of my best knights... But I know it will be for a noble cause... Lady Wina."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty," Wina answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please, don''t die on Mathew... I fear he''ll destroy half the continent if you''re not around."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina chuckled, "I don''t believe that. But I promise, Your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. I''ll pray to the Goddess to give you the strength and courage you need... May the goddess bless you both," The King blessed them before they left the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna stood up from her chair and hugged Wina.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can alwayse back to us if you need help."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, my Queen. But I''m not going alone and this is something we need to do to free me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well... Then let me know if I can do anything to help. I''ll be looking out for your son."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, my Queen."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, off you go," Rianna said as she shooed them away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew and Wina bowed their heads before they left the room. They walked down the hall to the exit of the pce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go and talk to Percy... I''m not sure how he''s going to handle taking the news."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina sighed, "Yeah... I hope he understands that we can''t stay here."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sure he''ll understand. He''s a smart boy. Just like his mother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smirked, "You''re a charmer, aren''t you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe," Mathew chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two of them walked out of the pce and made their way to the training grounds where Quinus and Percy were practicing with Lady Nelumbo and Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HA! You''re getting faster, My Lord," Sir George praised him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Or maybe you''re getting slower? Either way, I''m winning!" Quinus boasted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy was panting while holding a short spear after sparring with Lady Nelumbo. He had a wide grin on his face while watching the prince fight his retainer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo was shaking her head, "This isn''t a tournament, My Lord. So, stop teasing your opponent."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aww,e on! I''m just trying to have some fun. I feel like we all deserve some after going through everything." Quinus said with a smile on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Georgeughed, "It''s nice to see you having fun, My Lord. But you do need to take things more seriously. Or?... Do I have to show you how a real man fights."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can try," Quinus teased.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George smirked, "That''s it, My Lord. That''s the spirit."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George raised his shield as it started to glow with mana and charged at Quinus. The prince didn''t waste any time channeling his mana into the Sun''s Fury as he swung his legendary longsword towards Sir George and shed with his shield. This caused the ground around them to shake. Quinus and Sir George kept trading blows with their swords. Both were trying to push their opponent, but neither was gaining ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s the spirit, My Lord," Sir George praised as he continued his attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn! I think the Cyclops'' mana has strengthened me more than I realized.'' Quinus thought as he easily parried all of Sir George''s strikes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that all you got? I thought the Shield Champion was supposed to be better than this," Quinus taunted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve be a lot stronger, my Lord. It''s been a long time since someone was able to push me this far. HA!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy was amazed at how much faster Quinus had be since thest time they trained.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s gotten a lot better," Wina said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, he has," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''ll be a great ruler if his father will just let him be."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry, Wina. His mother will see to that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was in the middle of performing an unorthodox horizontal swing with his sword, but he stopped when Sir George pounded his shield with his gauntlet causing a shockwave to stun him. Quinus was knocked on his ass and his Sun''s Fury fell out of his hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not bad... But you still have some ways to go, My Lord... Because of that, I win," Sir George dered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus chuckled, "Well, I would be disappointed. If my retainer couldn''t handle a ten-year-old... You seem to be sweating more than usual. Did I really push you that much, after one bout?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Georgeughed, "My Lord is quite sharp. But you''re still not strong enough to defeat me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It will be only a matter of time before I put you on your ass, you''ll see..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your technique is getting sloppy! Try not to do that in the real battle, Prince Quinus," Lady Nelumbo warned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... Yes ma''am."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo nodded her head. She turned around and saw Wina and Mathew, "Lady Wina, Sir Mathew. You two are early. Is everything alright?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, I just need a moment with my son. That''s all." Sir Mathew answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Nelumbo understood what was going on and she nodded her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I understand. Come on, Prince Quinus. We''re done for today. We''ll resume your training tomorrow," Lady Nelumbo instructed the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Um... Okay," Quinus agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus went over and picked up his sword and sheathed it. Sir George stowed his shield and followed Quinus. Lady Nelumbo looked at Percy and grabbed his spear before walking away. Percy was thest one to leave the training field and he asked, "Mother, what''s going on?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come here," Wina instructed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy ran over to his mother and looked up at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina squatted down and hugged him tightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mom?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy, your mother and I are going away for a little while. And we''re not sure how long it will take for us to return," Mathew exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy pulled away from his mother and looked her in the eyes, "Where are you going? Why can''t I go with you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina smiled and brushed his hair out of the way of his eyes, "I never told you but I''m an assassin who betrayed the Society... They won''t rest until they kill me... So, we''re going to hunt them down. That''s why you can''te with us."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can fight! I can-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy, it''s dangerous and you''re needed by the Prince''s side... He would have died if you weren''t there to aid him. I trained you to be his shadow and I expect you to protect him, understood?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy had a look of disappointment in his eyes. He lowered his head and said, "I understand, Mother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, hey. What''s with that look?... You''re not going to cry, are you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not going to cry... I''m just going to miss you, Mom."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know, Percy. And I''ll miss you too..." Wina hugged him as he started to cry in her arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry. If I ever need your aid I will send you a message."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You will?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. But it will be hard for you to get here. So, I want you to focus on helping the Prince and getting stronger, okay."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay," Percy said as he nodded his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s my boy. Now, give your father a hug," Wina instructed him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not a b-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hug," Wina instructed him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yea, Dad," Percy said as he hugged his father.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew patted him on the head. He was proud of his son and would miss him dearly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy, I have a gift for you," Mathew said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You do?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. And it''s something you''re going to use often. Close your eyes."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy closed his eyes. Mathew took out a short sword and ced it in his son''s hands.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Open them," Mathew instructed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whoa! A sword," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s a magical short sword, so be careful. I got it for you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you," Percy said as he hugged his father''s legs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, go y. We''ll be leaving the pce in two hours," Mathew said as he pointed towards Quinus and Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy nodded his head and ran towards the Prince. Wina watched him as he left.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m going to miss that boy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll see him sooner than we''ll think," Mathew reassured her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Wina took a deep breath and stood up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, let''s get ready to go."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Mathew nodded his head and the two of them headed to their room to pack. When they were getting ready to leave they were met by the New General Dous, Queen Rianna, Quinus, Sir George, Lady Nelumbo, Miss Rose, Percy, and a lot of the staff and guards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you sure you don''t need a couple of knights with you, Lady Wina?" Queen Rianna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sure, Your Highness. Sir Mathew and I will be just fine."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you say so. Well, then. Let us pray."


    <span style="font-weight:400">They all kneeled down and joined the Queen in prayer. Afterward, Queen Rianna blessed the two and wished them luck. They all said their goodbyes before leaving. They went north in search of the Assassin''s Society. It''s a journey that was filled with many dangers and surprises. But Wina and Mathew were prepared for anything.

 Vol.0 Ch.170 Cyndre’s Ultimatum

    Vol.0 Ch.170 Cyndre��s Ultimatum


    <span style="font-weight:400">The sun was high in the sky and the birds were chirping throughout the capital city of Tairal. The people were out and about enjoying a spring-like day. Some were heading to the markets while others were heading to the taverns for lunch. People were working in the fields and the knights were patrolling the streets. The Maldura Royal Pce was no exception to the joyous atmosphere. It was buzzing with servants and guestsing and going. The knights were doing their rounds and the guards were at their posts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The King''s carriage looked like a motorcade with knights on horseback up in the front. As well as having an additional two dozen royal guards and a couple of servantsing up the rear. They were traveling towards the Divalo Manor for his sister-inw''s, Leandra Revelia, baby shower. Even with the beautiful day, King Cyndre''s mood was dark. He was worried about his brother and nephew''s loyalty. The King wasn''t sure if they were involved with the newest attempt on Quinus'' life. He didn''t know if he could trust them and deep down he wanted to, but he was determined to find out one way or another.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty? Are you okay? You look stressed," Lord Brice asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre looked at him and sighed, "I have too much on my mind... I''m sorry I didn''t listen to you earlier, Brice. If only I paid attention, then we wouldn''t have gotten ourselves into this mess."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your warnings about my brother and his son''s behavior. I should''ve paid more attention, but I didn''t. Now, my son has been attacked again."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lord Brice''s eyes widened, "He tried something recently?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"His son did... At the Trials."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How do you wish to proceed, My Liege? Do you want me to summon them and interrogate them? It will cause a scandal, but it will give us answers."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... Let me handle them... For now."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty," Lord Brice bowed his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Soon they reached the outskirts of the city. Lord Brice had something on his mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you had a private audience with Lady Wina and Sir Mathew... If you don''t mind me asking... What was the meeting about, your Majesty?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They were reporting the attempt on my son''s life, as well as their own lives. It seems that my brother told the Assassin''s Society about her failure to uphold their creed... So, she told us that she needed to go on the offensive with Sir Mathew by her side. That means we are without two of the kingdom''s strongest protectors."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The assassins are hunting her?... How many were sent after her?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Around twenty-five... Most were lower-ranked assassins. Lady Wina believes they''ll send higher-ranked assassins the second time around. And if she''s able to defeat the next wave, they''ll just send more and more. Until they sessfully kill her... It''s a fate that I don''t wish for anyone."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do they know that it was the Duke that sent them?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s highly likely... But we don''t have physical proof. And neither does Wina... If I had that evidence, then I would have him executed."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re the King. You don''t need proof to execute him. He is a traitor to the throne. Even if it wasn''t him who attacked the prince," Lord Brice advised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I gave him a soft punishment for his earlier crimes... I can''t retroactively change that unless we want most of the nobility to turn against me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see... You''re too kind, Your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre chuckled, "Am I?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think you are, Your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre shook his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No... I made things worse for my son and the kingdom... I''ve made many mistakes...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, Your Majesty. I didn''t mean to upset you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You didn''t... I''m just lost in thought. That''s all."


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">It wasn''t too long before they arrived at the manor. The servants were greeting and helping all the nobles who were just arriving in the foyer before the King. Once the King''s carriage stopped his servants opened the door and helped the King out. Lord Brice followed him inside the manor and greeted the guests while the Royal Knights weren''t too far behind. They were both wearing expensive clothing, but King Cyndre''s were the most extravagant. He had a ck suit with gold and red highlights. It had a long jacket and a pair of dark gray pants.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two of them made their way towards the party where everyone was enjoying themselves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric wasughing and drinking wine with Viscount William Lysander and Baron Alistair Dravenhart. There was food and wine everywhere and there was music being yed in the background.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s a wonderful party... How did he get enough money to pay for this," Lord Brice asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s a good question... But I doubt we''ll get a straight answer... Let''s wish Leandra and her daughter the best... Then I need to have a chat with my brother and nephew. Make sure you''re within earshot," King Cyndre instructed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Brice nodded his head. They continued to the top of the stairs and waited for The Lord Stewart to introduce the King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen. Please wee the guest of this wonderful event, His Royal Majesty, King Cyndre Meredydd!" The Lord Stewart shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone looked to the King and bowed or curtsied. Cyndre walked down the long staircase greeting a few people here and there as he walked towards the Duchess and her baby girl. When he reached them he gave her a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Congrattions, Duchess. I hope all is well for you and your child," Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Your Majesty. And thank you for attending the party."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, of course. I would never miss an opportunity to celebrate with the family."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see you have made it, but I don''t see your wife or son-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Queen had something that came up. And my son is traveling, but they send their regards." Cyndre lied with a straight face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see... Well, I hope they feel better soon," the Duchess said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Duchess."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please, help yourself to the wine and food," the Duchess offered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sure you do not want me to drink, Duchess. It might be bad for the baby," Cyndre joked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, you''re quite funny, Your Majesty." Leandra humored the King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre chuckled, "Enjoy the rest of the day, Duchess. And again, congrattions."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Your Majesty," the Duchess bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre turned his attention to his brother and nephew. One was drinking wine with his friends while the other looked bored standing in the corner with young nobles trying to talk to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I guess I''ll approach my nephew first... I''m sure my brother wille over once he realizes I''m talking to Marcus.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">The King approached the young Viscount and greeted him with a smile. Marcus was caught off guard when his uncle showed up. He put his wine ss down and greeted him with a bow. The younger nobles scurried off leaving the King and Viscount alone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Greetings, Uncle."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Marcus... I haven''t seen you ofte... I hope you haven''t been too busy," the King said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not at all, Uncle... I''ve just been taking care of family business."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm. Well, I guess you dodged the arrow with having another sister in the family."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Arrow?" The neen-year-old asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''You can''t y dumb with me, Marcus.'' Cyndre thought as his gaze narrowed and the friendly persona disappeared.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... I know how jealous you would be. Because they would have been the next in line if anything bad were to happen to me or my son. I guess your sister is lucky as well."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus wasn''t used to this line of questioning from his uncle and it threw him off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh, right."


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric couldn''t pay attention to the conversation with William Lysander or Alistair Dravenhart. He noticed that his brother was talking to his son first. After all these years, his brother would never go out of his way to talk to his son alone. It made him nervous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ric, what''s wrong?" William Lysander asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Nothing, I''m sorry... But I need to go to my son. I''ll be right back," ric said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">William and Alistar looked where ric was looking and they saw the King and Marcus. They looked at each other and realized the King was questioning him about something.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is there something we need to know," Alistar whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s probably nothing... Don''t worry," William said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t risk it," ric said as he finished his wine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Duke made his way towards the King and his son. He could tell that his son was ufortable with the King''s questions. Once ric was within earshot he tried to listen at first, but he couldn''t make out what they were saying. So he summoned a smile beforeing in closer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! ric... This is the first time I can remember that you came to me. Instead of meing to you. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Cyndre said with an eerie smile written over his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Brother... I notice you talking to my son... And you know how ufortable he gets around you. So, I thought I woulde over and save him," ric exined while still holding his smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why would my favorite nephew feel ufortable? We were just catching up. Right, Marcus?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Uncle," Marcus agreed with an unsure tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There you have it. Nothing out of the ordinary. Isn''t that right, Brother?" ric asked with a glint in his eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not sure what you''re referring to?..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric has never seen his brother act like this before. It was unusual. He''s always been the one to be the aggressor and now his brother was the aggressor. He could tell that his brother wanted to know more about something, but he didn''t want to press the issue in front of his son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I heard Quinus left for the trials about a week back... I haven''t heard any updates ofte... But he seems like a boy who could pass it with minimal issues," ric was trying to change the subject.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I''m sure... He''ll pass the trials unscathed," Marcus added as he smirked. It looked like he was imagining the Prince failing the trials and dying to the monster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh ho!... Well, I have good news, Brother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh?"ric questioned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus snapped back to reality and his face was filled with confusion for a brief moment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. Quinus has passed the trials and has made it home. My son is incredible, is he not, brother?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uh, yes. That''s amazing," ric said with a bit of annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus clenched his jaw and his hands balled up into a fist. He wasn''t pleased to hear that the prince had survived the trials.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It is, isn''t it? But it wasn''t all smooth sailing. Turns out that there was a monster that the adventurers missed. I probably should get some of my money back, but that''s another problem for a different day." Cyndre said with a smug look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So he had to run away like a coward," Marcus hissed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric''s eyes went wide while Cyndre turned to re at his nephew. Marcus'' eyes went wide and realized he said that out loud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, nephew... You know what my son faced."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I-I... Umm. A monster?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha... Of course, it was a monster. I just said that. But do you know what type of monster, nephew?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A... Um... A giant wolf?" Marcus tried to lie.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That would be too easy. It turned out there was a full-grown adult cyclops." Cyndre said as his golden eyes started to glow with anger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then it would make sense that he would run away," ric tried to cut in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre smirked and shook his head, "No, brother... He yed it with no weapons... It''s like the fates are smiling down upon him like a true Malduran king..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus became angry while ric was starting to understand what was going on. His son had another n to kill Quinus. And it failed... miserably. He was starting to worry about his family''s safety. But he thought he could calm Cyndre down like he always did.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A Cyclops?... He must be stronger now after ying such a beast."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed, he is, brother... It''s wonderful to know that no matter how many times someone tries to plot against my son... They will never seed."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric couldn''t help but feel afraid at that moment. His normal stoic face was gone as he was sweating bullets. Marcus was starting to feel dread for the first time when he saw his uncle''s eyes which were filled with malice and hate. And his face was full of contempt. ric wanted to try to smooth things over, but he didn''t know if he could.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Brother... Are you suggesting something? Because if you are, I think you''re mistaken," ric said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Am I, ric? Am I mistaken?" Cyndre said as his golden eyes glowed with fury. He moved his face close enough to ric that he could feel his breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-yes, brother... You''re..." ric couldn''t finish his sentence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you didn''t lie to me? Because I remember you saying you would no longer plot against the throne... Do I have to worry about the people in this room plotting against me or my son? Do I have to worry about you killing anyone loyal to the throne?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric took the hint that Wina was attacked by the Assassin''s Society. But he didn''t know whether she was alive or not.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think you''re getting the wrong idea, brother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, ric... I believe I''m right! And I believe I might have been too soft on you... Ten years ago... When I gave you a chance to redeem yourself."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric calmed himself while having a stare-down with his brother.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... Are you nning on sending the kingdom into chaos?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! Believe me... I would love to rectify my mistakes, but I think it would be way more fun to make you watch the kingdom be stronger than it ever has been, with my son''s rule and influence. Just to show you that it is our birthright, ric!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus and ric were at a loss for words. ric was trying to process everything that was going on. And Marcus was thinking about how he was going to get out of his father''s fury. He didn''t want to exin to him how he failed to kill Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-So you''re saying that you don''t have proof?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh... I have all the proof that I need. Nevertheless, why should I stop your son''s plotting when everything he does benefits, Quinus... However, I will execute your son if Lord Bluewood''s boy somehow dies mysteriously," Cyndre warned them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus''s blood ran cold, and his face was pale.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sure there is a reason why Marcus would do such a thing," ric tried to defend his son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You mean like his hatred for my son?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre''s stare was starting to make ric break.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let this be my final warning to the both of you... If you defy me or my son one more time, then I hope you can handle the consequences... Is that clear?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty," ric answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, Uncle."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre red at Marcus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I mean, your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The stare-downs had been going on for so long that Leandra had to intervene.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is everything alright, Your Majesty?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre stepped back and his searing re changed to a gentle gaze.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Everything is fine, Duchess. I was just telling my brother how lucky he is to have a woman like you in his life. That is all."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh... Thank you, Your Majesty. I''m lucky to have him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric and Marcus stood there in a daze. They weren''t able toprehend what was happening.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, would you like some dessert?" Leandra asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh?... I wouldn''t want to be a bother... Would you like some, Brother? Nephew?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus snapped out of his daze and shook his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... Thank you," Marcus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m fine," ric muttered as he still had a look that was lost in thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone around them didn''t know what to make of this situation. They didn''t want to get involved, but the nobles were whispering about the whole situation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lord Brice had watched the whole thing. He had never seen his King that angry before. And once he noticed everyone was looking at the three. He knew he needed to act. He looked around before quickly thinking up an idea of how to get his King out of there. Without raising any more suspicion. So he walked over to King Cyndre and he started whispering in his ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My liege, act like I''m telling you something important right now," Lord Brice whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre''s face turned serious, "I see."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Majesty. Now nod your head... And do it again..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre was following along with Brice''s instructions and it seemed to have worked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s unfortunate... Well, my duties call. My apologies, Duchess. It seems I''ll have to grab some of your lovely desserts another time."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry to hear that, Your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Duchess. And congrattions again. And please do enjoy the rest of your day."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre nodded his head to all the guests who were bowing and curtsying. He left the party and headed back to his carriage. Lord Brice followed him into the carriage before they took off to the royal pce.

 Vol.0 Ch.171 I Believe We Should Hire the Mercs

    Vol.0 Ch.171 I Believe We Should Hire the Mercs


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric was shell-shocked and his son didn''t know what to do after seeing his father in such a state. They knew they had to do something, but what could they do?


    <span style="font-weight:400">''My idiot of a son was careless again!... I told him time, after time to be patient, and let your enemy develop a false sense of security. But he couldn''t control himself and put our family in danger. We need toe up with a n... No... I''m the one who needs toe up with the strategy.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">William and Alistar came walking up to ric who was standing there not responding to anyone around him. They have seen this look before. It was the same look he had ten years ago when his assassin betrayed him. When she sided with the crown.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ric, are you alright?" William asked with a bit of unease in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He didn''t respond. Marcus took that as his queue to get out of there. He didn''t want to be near his father when he was like this. And when he was about to leave he heard his father''s voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Where do you think you''re going?" cir said in a deep voiceced with a hint of venom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus''s face turned white. "Umm... I-I was going to take a walk..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come with me," ric ordered as he turned on his heels and started walking towards the direction of his study.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus gulped, "Yes, father."


    <span style="font-weight:400">William chimed in, "Do you wish for us to join you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... You and Alistair can keep enjoying yourselves. I''ll speak with youter once I have an idea of what to do."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish," William said as he stopped walking beside the duke.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric walked away with his son towards his study. He was furious with his son, but he didn''t want everyone at the party to see him belittling his son out in the open. It didn''t take long before they arrived at the door to ric''s study.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Belial was in the study cleaning things up since his master was at the party. He also got a few reports from his spies that he sent to watch what was going on, in the Northeast. There was a report that the Kingdom of Marn had been at war with the Wood Elves. That no one knew about. He was hoping to find out how that battle ended.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as he finished straightening up the desk, he saw a raven flying through the window.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, what are the odds of you showing up now?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ravennded on the chair that was in front of the desk and cawed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm. Let''s see what message you have for me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">He walked over to the raven and grabbed the small scroll that was tied to its leg. He unfurled it and read the letter.


    <span style="font-weight:400"><i>Dear B,</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400"><i>I have found that the Wood Elves have been conquered by the Kingdom of Marn. Their people have been enved.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400"><i>For what reason, I have no answer yet.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400"><i>But they hired an infamous mercenary group called the ck Roses.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400"><i>It seems they are on the run from King Arnaud Dupont. Due to a fear of the ck Roses iming the throne.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400"><i>The Mercenaries have been moving closer to the Kingdom''s borders.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400"><i>I''ll give you more details when I find them.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400"><i>-C.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I see... They might be usef��''


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Click!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Belial saw the door to ric''s Study open. ric was walking in while dragging his son behind him. Belial immediately hid himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"F-Father."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What am I going to do with you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It was foolproof, father. I promise."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shut it! Just shut up... How could you be so reckless?! You exposed us to the King... The KING!!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know, father... But��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But what?!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus couldn''t answer that question. He couldn''t think of an answer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nothing! Absolutely nothing!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry, father..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shut up! I need to think..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric paced back and forth for a few minutes while his son stood there scared and confused.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What am I going to do now, father? What about our families? Will we have to run?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cyndre doesn''t want a revolt at the moment but that could change... We need a n that won''t make the kingdom go to war, but the n should help us get rid of that cursed prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve got an idea, father."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Another idea? No! I''m the one with the ideas... You''re the one that has undercooked ns that blow up in your face," ric hissed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus gritted his teeth. He was furious with his father and more importantly, his cousin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Belial was watching this and decided to make his presence known.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pardon me, my lord."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric turned quickly to the voice. While Marcus''s face was filled with shock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Belial? How dare you eavesdrop on me and my son. What are you doing here?!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Forgive me, my lord. I didn''t mean to. I was simply finishing up some work and was cleaning this chamber."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then why didn''t you leave?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... One of my men set a messenger raven and it just came into the study right before my lord came into the room. I was nning oning by the party to give it to you." Belial held out his hand that had the small piece of parchment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that so?" ric said as he was eyeing his butler.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my lord."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think it can help with our situation."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tell me," ric demanded with impatience in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Belial walked closer before speaking.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There is a group of mercenaries that are in need of a job. If I''m correct, we can use them."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How do you know about these mercenaries? And what do they have to do with this?" ric asked impatiently.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This group is the ck Roses, my Lord..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric became interested immediately as the annoyance on his face turned into intrigue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The ck Roses?... I thought they were fighting a war north of the Kingdom of Marn. What in the three hells are they doing down here?" ric asked out loud as he was pondering.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They were hired by King Arnaud Dupont to fight in a war with the Wood Elves... But it seems they have outlived their usefulness and he fears they will overthrow him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk! That sounds like Arnaud."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My lord?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Continue..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, the other reports I''ve been receiving have stated that a higher amount of goblins areing out of the Labyrinth called The Tomb of the Horde... It''s by the city of Ironside... And at some point, the Dungeon Core will need to be dealt with..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric started realizing what they could do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... Yes! That''s it!... You''ve done well, Belial. This is perfect. But we will have to make sure we can negotiate with Rudolf Rose... If we can''t get them, then this will all be for nothing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus was feeling left out of the discussion and wanted to know what his father''s scheme was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Father, what''s the n?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric looked at his son, who looked ufortable.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s going to beplex, but the main goal is to discredit the Royal Family and make them look ipetent in the eyes of all the nobles. We will aplish this by finding the Dungeon Core and we will send you to destroy it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Me? But I don''t know how��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quiet!... We will hire the ck Roses to be your custodians and you will use them to clear the way. And if there''s a chance to kill Quinus then do so... But it''s more important that you beat him to the final floor. So you can destroy the Dungeon Core and bring shame onto the Royal Family."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... You''re going to let me use the Eldrathil Dungeonseeker to find the Dungeon Core?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... But there''s a catch. If you fail me, I''ll personally execute you. Do you understand me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, father," Marcus quickly nodded his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hm!" ric snorted at his son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then the Duke walked over to his desk and grabbed a piece of paper. "Belial, do you have any idea on the time frame of the monster stampede?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My sources say that it will happen within a decade. Give or take a few years."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. That''s enough time."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough time for what, father?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We will start spreading rumors to the nobles about the royal family''s failure to protect the kingdom from foreign migrants and demi-humans. We also need to turn the citizens against them. But none of these rumors can be spread by anyone close to our faction."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! I know one of Quinus''s weaknesses! He cares for the people. He thinks he can help them. That idiot could have used them to his advantage. But no! He''s weak! And-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Marcus..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Oh! Sorry, father."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Anyway... We can''t have the rumors spread by anyone from the inner circle... I''ll need some time to think on this... Belial, tell me when the ck Roses are close enough to the kingdom. We will make contact with them to negotiate the terms of service. Also, I want you to have your people keep an eye out on the city that is closest to thebyrinth."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I believe it''s the vige of Kishin. I''ll send a message as soon as possible, my Lord."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Marcus, I''ll speak with youter. And remember what I told you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, father."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, and Marcus?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, father?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are not allowed to see or talk to Quinus alone until this n is set into motion. And do not speak of this to anyone."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, father..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Marcus then stormed out the door and mmed it shut. ric was left thinking about his next moves and Belial was thinking about how the ck Roses will have no other choice but to ept this job.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">And so the years went by as Quinus was busy working on a few infrastructure projects to help themoners. He started building an aqueduct system that was made by using a type of cement that he made from mixing ash, limestone, and volcanic rock. He started digging deep underground and had the mages create a mana well to produce water and the workers built a pipeline that led to the castle and the city''s center. The city was now getting more clean water for everyone to use. He also had some people gather up all the horse manure,post it, and sell it to the farmers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">There were a few minor nobles who were getting furious that the prince was spending money on the citizens, instead of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Prime Minister Duval was able to secure an arranged marriage for Crown Prince Quinus in hopes of getting a peace agreement with the Alliance of the Divine Three. Duke ric was able to negotiate with the ck Roses, but they wanted something more than money for their services. Rudolf wanted to be a Baron of a territory. So, ric agreed they could have Ironside if the monster stampede was dealt with and Marcus became the next heir of Fiafyr. Rudolf wasn''t trusting of ric but he let Marcus have 30 of his better men to be his bodyguards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t like the idea of an arranged marriage but he knew it was his duty to help his kingdom and he didn''t have a choice. Percy took Sir George''s courtship advice as heid eyes on Bell. Percy thought she was the one from the Keeper''s prophecy and he needed help to get her attention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus warned him but he thought Sir George''s advice was in his best interest and he thought the prince had it easy since he already had a fiance. So, he used all the methods Sir George taught him. And it only made things go from bad to worse. Bell ended up telling him that she wasn''t into boys and then she warned all the other youngdies to stay away from him because he was acting like a creep. It broke him that he failed to get the love of his life and never thought he would find true love ever again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took almost a decade before the monster stampede was supposed to ur. It was just a matter of time as the minor nobles demanded that the Royal Family do something about it. King Cyndre wanted to go but the nobles wanted the crown prince to lead the army into the Labyrinth to see if he was worthy of being the next in line.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The smear campaign against Quinus was working and the king was losing the favor of most of the minor nobles. But the smear campaign wasn''t working on the citizens. Through all his years of working and building things, Quinus was winning over the people with every new innovation he''s been building for them. Which resulted in improving their lives to such a degree, that themon folk started looking up to him and saw him as the next king.


    <span style="font-weight:400">So, after a decade had passed, reports about a monster stampede urring at the tomb were bing a concern that not even the Adventurer''s Guild was able to handle the influx of monsters. The nobles wanted the prince to fix the problem. So, the crown prince, his cousin Marcus, 20 Royal Knights, and 30 of the ck Roses'' soldiers were sent to Ironside before heading to Kishin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The day hase for the Crown Prince to go on his first dungeon dive. Quinus knew it was going to be difficult and he reluctantly epted his cousin''s help because of their family artifact that can find the Dungeon Core. He knew his Uncle and Cousin were plotting something, but he needed to save the people and that''s what was important.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus, Sir George, Percy, and his 20 Royal Knights rode through the vige of Kishin before arriving at the outskirts. They were all in full te armor and were prepared to fight off anything that wasing out of the forest. He was confident in his men and himself. He trained them all hard to make sure they were prepared for anything.


    <span style="font-weight:400">So their journey to save Ironside and the surrounding viges and towns has just begun.

 Volume 0: Afterword

    Volume 0: Afterword


    Holly Molly! So, I got three of these things done!


    It still amazes me that we got through three volumes of my novel. Granted, it was a prequel book. Which I appreciate your patience with me. It came down to a point where I needed to flesh out the main obstacles for Rya and Quinus in the next volume. And I wanted toy out the groundwork by letting in those who care about some silly plot in a smut novel.


    And who cares about the plot? Ha ha ha... ah... Well, I do. Joking aside, I like to thank all my Patreon patrons who donated and supported me. It helped me get better at editing my work to try to minimize the grammatical errors that were rampant throughout most of my first two volumes. Which I''m slowly trying to fix. But that''s a bit of a project in itself.


    (That''s what I get for not running my stuff through a voice generator to hear my mistakes. Crying on the inside.)


    So, what is the n for Volume 3? Well, it''s going to focus on Quinus''s arranged marriage, politics, a beastkin who loves making love to her mate, Rya learning how to create artifacts, a fallen elven prince whose fantasies are getting out of control, and pregnancy. There''s more, but where''s the fun in telling you everything?


    Anyway, if you guys and gals, who enjoy Cultured Works, wish to support me in my crazy endeavors. Please visit my to get ess to my <b>earlier chapters</b> or my newly made  ount which is more of a <b>tip jar</b> at the moment. Every little bit helps me to hire an editor in the future.


    I appreciate everyone who''s joined me on this journey! You are all the best!

 Vol.3 Ch.172 The God’s Tear

    Vol.3 Ch.172 The God��s Tear


    <span ss="editText">


    <span ss="editText">A month has passed since Rya started practicing water magic as well as Fire and Wind magic. It was weird to her that she had a connection with all of the major elements. Everything happened so fast during the battle of the Roses, that she didn''t realize that Nils literally meant she unlocked all the elements to her. But she didn''t go into detail on how to use them like earth and void healing magic.


    <span ss="editText">But thanks to The Mage''s Guild''s library Rya was able to learn how to use those elements from to old tomes of the lostnguages. She was surprised by how easy it was to cast new incantations. So, the Mage''s Guild, along with the help of Master Hajdah, did everything in their power to allow Rya<span ss="aiText"> to practice her magic.


    <span ss="aiText">She learned from the ancient tomes that she could use her magic in different ways than what the other mages were doing and that she could not only create magic but enhance it. S<span ss="editText">tunning the mages'' world when word started to<span ss="aiText"> spread about this new young mage <span ss="editText">who was the Agon''s only known healer.


    <span ss="editText">And what excited Hajdah and the other mages was Rya''s breakthrough in enhancing the three elements of Fire, Wind, and Water.


    <span ss="editText">With Fire, she found out how to strengthen the spells into blue mes. Making<span ss="aiText"> them more powerful and allowing her to have more control over the heat. This helped Hajdah to be the <span ss="aiText">most respected Archmage in thend, making him most likely to be the new Grand Master in Fiafyr Kingdom''s Guild.


    <span ss="aiText">With Wind<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> she found out how to make it stronger and able to move around the area with ease<span ss="editText"> and was able to glide around almost like she was flying. She also<span ss="aiText"> was able to learn how to use wind magic <span ss="editText">to<span ss="aiText"> create <span ss="editText">lightning by creating wind friction, ionizing the particles in the air. Which needed far less mana to castpared to Razor-phoon. This helped wind mages from being mostly support mages <span ss="aiText">to allow them to be main yers in battle. This made Akashia the Wind Mage ecstatic that she could team up with Suhail who was the Lightning Mage.


    <span ss="aiText">With Water<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> she found that she could generate powerful waves which allowed her to swim faster and further.<span ss="editText"> And learned how to cast ice magic. This helped Mystic Laika be known as the Ice Dwarf of Ironside.


    <span ss="editText">And it mainly was the help of her unique gift from the Dark Elven Goddess Nils. Which allows her to read dead writtennguages from all of the ancient tomes that were in the Mage''s library.


    <span ss="editText">This was something no other mage had ever done before, so they started calling Rya "The First Mage".


    <span ss="userText">Rya also found a tome on time magic but she never was able to cast it no matter how hard she tried.


    <span ss="userText">''Hmm? I guess I have no affinity for time magic<span ss="editText">.<span ss="aiText"> I guess when Nils said "I unlocked all <span ss="userText">elements," that didn''t include time magic<span ss="aiText">. Whatever! I have more than enough to do whatever I want.'' Rya thought to herself as she paged through the Time Tome.


    <span ss="aiText">After learning about her new magic. Rya decided to train herself harder and improve her skills as a<span ss="editText">n <span ss="editText">earth mage. She got better at creating her golems and she was able to create some a little bit of clothing for them. So they were no longer running around naked, even if they were only in bras and panties. But it was better than nothing. Then her biggest breakthrough was getting her golems to almost speak<span ss="aiText">. They could do simple few-word sentences. Just enough to get their point across.


    <span ss="aiText">While training herself she took up <span ss="editText">ying ske<span ss="aiText">leto<span ss="editText">ns of the fallen Mercenaries<span ss="aiText"> that came back from the dead. Thanks to a blood moon that raised one night and casts negative mana onto the dead and reanimated them into skeleton warriors. This would be Rya''s duty to kill the undead skeletons in the name of the Fiafyr Kingdom and strengthen her mana vein.


    <span ss="editText">And while her golems were out on patrol they found all the materials she needed to create the Seer Stone. Most of the materials were easy to find but<span ss="userText"> the bain of her existence was looking for a crystal called the God''s Tear<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> Which is a crystal that falls from the sky like a falling star. And the tricky part is they disintegrate if exposed to the sun.


    <span ss="editText">S<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">sp<span ss="aiText">ent <span ss="editText">weeks searching for one and lucked out after three weeks<span ss="aiText"> when one of her golems finally found a rock that resembled a God''s <span ss="editText">T<span ss="aiText">ear<span ss="editText"> just before sunrise.


    <span ss="editText">So her golem named 2E secured it and brought it back to Ironside Pce.


    <span ss="editText">***


    <span ss="editText">The pce seemed quiet as dawn was about to <span ss="aiText">break in the next hour or two, though there was a bit of activity here and there in the city. The morning birds were singing their songs when the night sky started getting a warm glow over the eastern horizon.<span ss="editText"> And a figure that looked like Rya was running full speed towards the Baron''s Pce.


    <span ss="editText">Rya was sleeping in the arms of her fiancee, Prince Quinus. He wasbing his figures through her long white tinum hair<span ss="aiText"> as he gave her a kiss.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good morning<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Quinus said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya blushed and smiled back, "Morning... I''m sorry for beingtest night."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinusughed, "<span ss="editText">Well, you''ve been busy ofte<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">I''m assuming your golems have been running around everywhere?<span ss="aiText"> I haven''t seen any of themtely."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded, "<span ss="editText">Hmm. Yeah, I wanted to make sure none of those skeletons were around the roads that lead out of the city. And 2E sent a message to me in the middle of the night. I think she f<span ss="aiText">ou<span ss="editText">n<span ss="aiText">d <span ss="editText">thest material I need toplete the Seer Stone<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus'' eyes lit up, "Really?! <span ss="editText">So, your golem found the God''s Tear? Do you think you can create that thing? I wonder if it will function like the book says it will. You know people are going to get the wrong idea when they see you reading from a demonic tome, right?<span ss="aiText"> We can''t let the people use this against you."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya shrugged, "<span ss="editText">Oh please! I should have never told you that the tome was written by a Demon Sage. If you are go<span ss="aiText">ing <span ss="editText">to<span ss="aiText"> act<span ss="editText"> like this<span ss="aiText"> then I should have kept it a secret so you wouldn''t make such a big deal out of it!"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus s<span ss="editText">miled and grabbed her chin, then turned her towards him.


    <span ss="editText">"You don''t need to be alone anymore. I''ll be there for you always, babe," Quinus said as Rya saw his two golden eyes up close and it made her heart raced every time<span ss="aiText"> she looked into them.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya felt her body heat rise as she looked away. "<span ss="editText">Y-Y<span ss="aiText">ou are <span ss="editText">just <span ss="aiText">trying to <span ss="editText">make me horny again! I thought I could oust you because of my female body, but you are too much Quin.<span ss="aiText"> I-I need to stop looking at your eyes and focus on my work."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus chuckled, "<span ss="editText">I''m just trying to soothe your soul. You''ve been working so much that<span ss="aiText"> you seem distant. I want you to feel good again."


    <span ss="editText">Rya lost her breath for a second as Quin''s right hand pinched her right nipple through her nightie<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh!" Rya gasped out loud.


    <span ss="aiText">The sound <span ss="editText">made<span ss="aiText"> Quinus <span ss="editText">excited<span ss="aiText"> as he slid down to her neck and kissed her nape softly before moving onto her chest. His lips moved closer to her nipples until they were in his mouth.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya let out another gasp and moaned as her hips buckled slightly<span ss="editText"> while Quin''s fingers slipped easily under her panties<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Q-Quin? Aunh!<span ss="aiText"> H-Hurry<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> please! I can''t take it anymore," Rya said as she pushed her hips up to meet his hands.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smirked, "<span ss="editText">See? You are in desperate need of your fiancee''s<span ss="aiText"> touch to pleasure you."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya looked at him with a re, "You are <span ss="editText">teasing me agai- Aunh<span ss="aiText">! Hah! Ah!"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya''s <span ss="editText">nightie was pulled up over her head<span ss="aiText"> as Quinus'' left hand slid inside her underwear. His fingers ran along her wet folds and rubbed her clit.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I only tease you because I know you like it<span ss="aiText">. It makes you so hot," Quinus said as his tongue flicked her <span ss="editText">nipples<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="editText">had Rya''s hand tangled up in her nightie preventing her from moving<span ss="aiText"> as his mouth worked on her erect nipples. Her legs trembled and her hips rocked forward into his f<span ss="editText">ingers<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaahhh! Q-Quin! OHH! Aaahh!" Rya screamed as Quinus'' fingers rubbed her clit so hard that fluids started rushing out of her.


    <span ss="userText">"That''s it Rya... Just let go of your stress<span ss="aiText">. Let me do all the work," Quinus whispered as his fingers rubbed harder and faster against her sensitive flesh.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya''s back <span ss="editText">was <span ss="aiText">arched and she cried out as <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> felt electricity<span ss="aiText"> rush through her body.


    <span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText">Quin<span ss="editText">!<span ss="aiText"> Quin! Ah! Quin! A-Ah!" Rya moaned out as she <span ss="editText">was at t<span ss="aiText">he m<span ss="editText">ercy<span ss="aiText"> of Quinus'' tongue and fingers.


    <span ss="aiText">Her entire body shook as she bit her bottom lip to halt her from screaming out loud as she felt an<span ss="editText">unstoppable force building inside her. Which made her body spasmed and quivered as shey there on the bed, pinned by Quinus<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="editText">smirk<span ss="aiText">ed, "I think you liked that."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya opened her eyes slowly and looked at him with a smile, "Y-yes."


    <span ss="editText">Rya''s libido<span ss="aiText"> was still buzzing and her pussy was still soaking wet. The memory of Quinus pleasuring her earlier in the day came to mind.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus was the only person that could dominate her. And her body willingly epts<span ss="aiText"> it.


    <span ss="editText">''Why!?<span ss="aiText"> Why do I crave this man so? Is it my dark elvish blood?<span ss="editText"> Aunh! Quin! You need to fuck me!<span ss="aiText"> Please!'' Rya thought as she felt herself blush.


    <span ss="editText">"Rya... I will say this every day of my life. I love you and I can''t wait to get you to carry our first child<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said as he kissed Rya on the lips.


    <span ss="editText">Upon hearing <span ss="aiText">Quin<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">voice<span ss="userText"> Rya''s body began to react on its own as her nipples grew even more erect and hard as diamonds. While her pussy had a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="userText"> itchy<span ss="aiText"> sensation that she hadn''t experienced since she was still a virgin.


    <span ss="userText">''Fuck! His deep voice is<span ss="aiText"> so sexy! I want to hear more of him!'' Rya thought as she blushed.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya''s body was still shaking and her breathing was heavy. She <span ss="editText">desperately wanted to ride him<span ss="aiText"> until they both copsed.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya couldn''t control her movements as she tried to pull away from Quinus. But his right hand was on her hip and his left was h<span ss="editText">olding her hands above her head<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re mine Rya... and no one else''s."


    <span ss="aiText">"Mm!" Rya moaned as he kissed her.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="editText">moved her panties to the side and <span ss="aiText">started to thrust his cock into Rya''s dripping wet hole.


    <span ss="userText">"Aunh!?<span ss="aiText"> Mm! Yesssss!" Rya groaned as she felt hisrge cock fill her up.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus reached <span ss="editText">out to<span ss="aiText"> Rya and grabbed her breasts. He squeezed them gently as he continued to kiss her.


    <span ss="aiText">"You feel so good Rya. So hot and tight around my cock. Ahh! Fuck!" Quinus moaned out as he pushed her down onto the bed and pinned her arms above her head.


    <span ss="userText">All Rya could do was wrap her legs around Quin''s hips<span ss="aiText"> and arch her back. Her body was shivering and she was having trouble catching her breath.


    <span ss="aiText">"Quin..<span ss="editText">.<span ss="aiText"> I''m so close to cumming." Rya whispered as she stared at <span ss="editText">his handsome face.


    <span ss="editText">"Tell me <span ss="userText">that you wish to carry our child, babe<span ss="aiText">. I want to hear you say it in your own words. Don''t make me beg for it," Quinus ordered as he pulled her hair and mmed his cock into her pussy.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya didn''t know how to respond to his demand.<span ss="userText"> She was no longer human and the odds were that she wouldn''t get pregnant for years<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">But she was also craving his seed and needed his child.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I want to bear your children!" Rya whimpered as she closed her eyes and bit her lip.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes!<span ss="userText"> How many children<span ss="aiText"> do you want?"


    <span ss="aiText">"As many as you''ll have with me. All of them! AUGNH!" Rya said as she moaned out louder.


    <span ss="aiText">"So loud! I love it when you talk <span ss="editText">sex<span ss="aiText">y like that. I want to hear you scream my name."


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-yes! Please<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> Quin! Fill me with your <span ss="editText">cum<span ss="aiText">! AUNH!" Rya begged as her pussy clenched around his cock.


    <span ss="editText">Quin stopped moving his hips for a moment, "As you wish<span ss="aiText">..."


    <span ss="aiText">He then started to move his hips again as he drove his cock deeper inside Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh! Ooooh! Yes! Fuck me<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> Quin! Make me cum!<span ss="userText"> AUNGH! OH GOD!<span ss="aiText"> YES! AHHH!" Rya screamed out as she felt herself approaching her climax.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus mmed his cock deep inside Rya and held himself there as he rammed his cock into her cervix.


    <span ss="aiText">"AAAAHHHH! FUCK! AHHHHH!" Rya screamed out as she came hard.


    <span ss="aiText">She could feel Quin''s cock pulsing inside her and she could feel his warm cum filling her womb.


    <span ss="userText">"Holy shit! Uuuuuggghhhh fuck! I love you so much<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> babe.<span ss="aiText"> You''re amazing." Quin said as he copsed next to her on the bed.


    <span ss="aiText">"U<span ss="editText">n.. Un... Y-You know it''s going to take time for me to get pregnant righ<span ss="aiText">t?" Rya said as she looked down at her stomach and saw that Quin had filled her with his seed.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh? So, you''re saying you<span ss="editText">''re<span ss="userText"> up for a second round?<span ss="aiText"> And third? Fourth?" Quin teased<span ss="editText"> but was hoping she would say yes to another round of making love<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Ha... ha... I''m starting to understand why women get annoyed with<span ss="aiText"> men who push their luck. Especially now that I turned into one of them." Rya joked before she kissed him and snuggled into his arms.


    <span ss="editText">"So that''s a no then? <span ss="editText">For seconds?" Quin asked.


    <span ss="editText">"Quin... You''ve been fucking me almost every night<span ss="aiText"> since <span ss="editText">you proposed to me<span ss="aiText">. I <span ss="editText">fear that I''m bing an object to you<span ss="aiText">." Rya said as she rolled off of the bed and stood up.


    <span ss="editText">Quin quickly followed Rya and sat on the edge of the bed before he grabbed her hand.


    <span ss="editText">"Rya... You aren''t an object. You''re too special to me and I<span ss="aiText"> n to marry you and stay with you forever.<span ss="editText">.. And if I ever do act like a jerk you can set me straight<span ss="aiText">, okay?"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya<span ss="editText">looked down at his big s<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">c<span ss="aiText">er<span ss="editText">e eyes that made her heart melt<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">''Aw! He''s so cute when<span ss="aiText"> he gets sincere and serious.<span ss="editText">.. God, I''ve truly be a woman. Haven''t I... <span ss="editText">But I can''t help it! I lo<span ss="aiText">ve <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">hi<span ss="editText">s sincere side of him, that I almost want to give in!'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">"I love you, Quin. More than anything. I don''t want to lose you." Rya said as she leaned down and kissed his cheek.


    <span ss="editText">"Same... I''m sorry for teasing you so much<span ss="userText">. I cany off a bit<span ss="aiText">if you insist. I''ll try to restrain myself from making fun of you. But I really will keep trying to tease you even though it''s stupid. Promise." Quin said back and smiled at her.


    <span ss="userText">"Hehehe! I know the feeling...<span ss="aiText"> I do like your teasing, but not all the time, okay? Also, I''m not gonna lie. It''s kind of adorable when you''re flirting with me." Rya admitted as she kissed his lips again.


    <span ss="userText">"So? You want a second round?"<span ss="aiText"> Quin asked yfully.


    <span ss="editText">Rya smirked and shook her head while moving her right hand up to Quin''s forehead, pushing him back on the bed.


    <span ss="editText">"You know how to ruin a moment<span ss="aiText">... Don''t you..." Rya joked as she <span ss="editText">walked back to her wardrobe and put on a robe.


    <span ss="editText">Quinughed and stared at her body.


    <span ss="editText">"I don''t know how your body defies<span ss="aiText"> gravity. Your breasts and ass look amazing. My God... How did I deserve such a <span ss="editText">wom<span ss="aiText">an?!" Quin said and <span ss="editText">stared<span ss="aiText"> at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m d you think so. I''m always happy when youpliment me." Rya said as she finished putting on her clothes<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">*THUMP!*


    <span ss="editText">A sound came from their balcony. As a figure that looked like Rya hadnded there with a loud thud sound<span ss="aiText">. The figure looked up and saw them.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">There''s 2E. What took you so long? Have you been spying on us again?" Rya said to her golem.


    <span ss="editText">"You... And... Q... Having..." 2E was cut<span ss="aiText"> off by Rya<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="editText">"I know! I know! So, you were<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">spying on me and Quin?" joked Rya<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus sat up on the bed and looked at Rya''s clone.


    <span ss="editText">"It''s amazing that you were able to give your golems their own individual conscience<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> How did you pull that off?"<span ss="aiText"> Quin asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="editText">lucked into it, with the help of Hajdah. My brain was getting stressed see<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">g<span ss="aiText"> everything<span ss="editText"> they were seeing. So, I tried to see<span ss="userText"> if I could create a brain for them so I don''t need to control them 24<span ss="aiText">/7. <span ss="editText">And it worked! Some day I''ll create a golem that came talk inplete sentenc<span ss="aiText">es." Rya exined as she got up and went to the <span ss="editText">balcony<span ss="aiText">. "<span ss="editText">Hey, 2E. I felt your excitement. Did you find the God''s Tear?<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes<span ss="editText">...<span ss="aiText"> Ma''am!" replied 2E<span ss="editText"> as her stomach turned from soft-looking skin to earth and slowly opened up to reveal a glowing crystal<span ss="aiText"> inside.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh my God, this thing is gorgeous!" eximed Rya<span ss="editText"> with a starry-eyed look.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus walked up and examine<span ss="aiText">d <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">crystal as well. It was the size of a chicken''s egg<span ss="aiText"> and the color of a deep blue sapphire as it gave off a beautiful blue glow from within the center of the crystal.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is the God''s Tear! <span ss="editText">My girls<span ss="aiText"> found it! Can you believe that?" Rya said excitedly.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So that''s thest thing you needed to craft the Seer Stone?<span ss="aiText"> You''re almost done then, right?" Quin asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. We should be able to make the Seer Stone now. Let''s get it ready, shall we?" Rya suggested as she headed towards the <span ss="editText">closed door<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"2E, protect the crystal and wait for me in theboratory by the forge. I need to clean up before<span ss="aiText"> we start working on the Seer Stone." Rya instructed and walked into her <span ss="editText">bath<span ss="aiText">room.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes<span ss="editText">...<span ss="aiText"> ma''am!" 2E answered<span ss="editText"> as her stomach closed up and looked like Rya''s tan skin again<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quin smiled and shook his head. <span ss="editText">While<span ss="aiText"> follow<span ss="editText">ing<span ss="aiText"> Rya into <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he b<span ss="editText">ath<span ss="aiText">room.


    <span ss="userText">"<span ss="editText">H<span ss="userText">uh!? Quin!? Mmmmm<span ss="editText">h<span ss="userText">!<span ss="aiText"> Yesssss!" Rya moaned from behind the door as <span ss="editText">Quinus snuck up behind her <span ss="userText">and started groping her supple breasts<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Let me help you clean<span ss="aiText"> up, Rya," he whispered into her ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmmm, yes..." Rya groaned out.


    <span ss="aiText">Quin<span ss="editText">us smiled as he continued t<span ss="aiText">o <span ss="editText">m<span ss="aiText">as<span ss="editText">sage<span ss="aiText"> Rya''srge mounds<span ss="editText"> through the fabric of her ck robe<span ss="aiText">. He reached down and grabbed the hem of her garment and pulled it up from her waist.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t stop, Quin!" Rya gasped.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus moved his hands from her hips to her chest and began rubbing her tits.


    <span ss="userText">"As you wish<span ss="aiText">, Mistress Rya," Quin responded.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya let her arms fall back against <span ss="editText">Quin<span ss="aiText"> and moaned softly as <span ss="editText">he<span ss="aiText"> sucked on her neck and massaged her breasts. She gave him a sexy wink and <span ss="editText">channeled her mana into the Fae-Bath to let the water start<span ss="aiText"> to warm up.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh yesssss," she moaned as she felt the water getting warmer.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus kept massaging Rya''s breasts and pinching her nipples between his fingers. His cock was hard and throbbing <span ss="editText">against her rear end<span ss="aiText"> as he rubbed her breasts.


    <span ss="aiText">"Quin, please! Please! Make love to me!" begged Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled as he grabbed Rya''s ass and began grinding his shaft up against her pussy.<span ss="userText"> As he moved into the bath with her<span ss="aiText">, he removed her robe andid her down into the <span ss="editText">warm wate<span ss="aiText">r of the Fae-Bath. Then he slid himself into her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhhhhhh, hnnnngggg!" Rya moaned loudly as she felt Quin''s thick cock slide inside her tight pussy.


    <span ss="userText">"Got to make sure to clean out every part of you, my love<span ss="aiText">," Quin replied.


    <span ss="aiText">He started thrusting his cock in and out of her wet pussy and rubbing her clit with his thumb. The harder he fucked Rya, the louder she moaned and squirmed around <span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">n the <span ss="editText">warm wate<span ss="aiText">r.


    <span ss="aiText">Quin stopped moving his hips and leaned forward to kiss Rya deeply <span ss="editText">before he started to<span ss="aiText"> pump his cock in and out of her hot box.


    <span ss="userText">"Aunh! Yes! Clean out my pussy with your<span ss="aiText"> big, beautiful cock!" Rya moaned loudly.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled and kissed Rya again as he started to pick up speed and thrust his cock in and out of her faster. He pressed his tongue against hers as he sped up his movements.


    <span ss="userText">''Aunh! No matter how much I try to fight it! I love how Quin touches me! Aungh!<span ss="aiText"> I love feeling his cock inside me!'' thought Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">Every time she thought about the fact that <span ss="editText">she used to be a man and now was in love with one<span ss="aiText">, made her body reacted to him even more.


    <span ss="aiText">Her eyes rolled back and she let out a loud moan as she came for the second time that <span ss="editText">morning<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmmm... fuck! You''re so good to me, my love," Rya panted.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus moaned as he felt Rya''s pussy squeeze his cock tightly. His hips bucked as he made quick thrusts into her tight hole.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m going to cum soon, <span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText">," said Quin.


    <span ss="aiText">"Cum inside me, darling. Give me all of your hot seed," she whispered.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus growled and pushed his cock deep into her pussy onest time before he released his load.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhhh! Ahhh! <span ss="editText">AUNH! SO HOT<span ss="aiText">!" cried Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"Gah! Fuck yes!" grunted Quin.


    <span ss="aiText">After a few moments, both of them caught their breath and rxed as they floated in the warm water together.


    <span ss="userText">"Ha... Haha... You are dangerous, Quin. I feel you are trying to dominate me, through pleasure<span ss="aiText">,"ughed Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus blushed and chuckled a bit. "That is not true! I am just showing my affection."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smirked and looked at him. "You''re a bad liar."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">No, I wasn''t lying. But I won''t deny that you''re falling prey to my touch feels like a benefit<span ss="aiText"> too," admitted Quin.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya <span ss="editText">pout<span ss="aiText">ed<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> "<span ss="editText">Why isn''t it the other way around<span ss="userText">? Don''t you fall pr<span ss="editText">e<span ss="userText">y to my touch?<span ss="aiText"> Or do I have to force myself on you?"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus blushed, "<span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText">... <span ss="editText">My eyes fall prey to your beauty every goddamn day of my second life and I don''t want that to change, ever<span ss="aiText">. You make my heart beat faster and my body respond<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> with... Well, a desire to please you. I think I will always sumb to your charms."


    <span ss="editText">''God! His golden tongue<span ss="userText"> knows just what to sa<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText"> to me!'' thought Rya with a smile. ''<span ss="editText">I''m d he can''t take his eyes<span ss="aiText"> off of me either.''


    <span ss="aiText">"Good..." said Rya with a wicked grin. "Because I n to keep these feelings from changing. I love the way you look at me."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled and kissed her deeply.


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">And with that, they yed around with each other for a bit more before cleaning themselves and getting dressed for the day.

 Vol.3 Ch.173 A Nice Morning Chat

    Vol.3 Ch.173 A Nice Morning Chat


    Rya got dressed in an elegant pink dress with a ck ribbon tied around her midsection that hugged her curves perfectly. She wore her favorite enchanted pink high heels that added five inches to her height. Her hair was tied up into a bun, with her bangs hanging down to cover her right eye.


    When it came down to it, Rya loved wearing dresses now. She tried to wear pants on asion but she felt confined and constricted every time she put them on. Compared to elegant flowing dresses that had open backs and feminine designs, they made Rya feel free and she loved how Quin couldn''t take his eyes off her. Especially if she wore a low-cut dress that showed off her cleavage. It was like she was teasing him, and Rya was enjoying every minute of it.


    ''Hehehe! God, I can''t believe how much I love wearing dresses! I must have looked like such a tomboy after I transformed into a female when I first came to Tertius. Dresses feel so liberating! I never want to go back!'' thought Rya as she looked at herself in the mirror.


    She noticed Quin staring at her, and she knew he liked what she was wearing.


    "Are you going to stare at me all day, boy?... Can''t a girl get dressed in peace on this?" Rya teased Quinus with a sly smile.


    Quinus smirked at her in reply. "Of course, I''ll return the favorter on," he replied with a sly grin.


    Rya giggled, "Not during the day, Quin... I really like this dress and thest time you surprised me with a mid-day tryst. You ripped it into pieces and it took me forever to get dressed again."


    "Alright, alright, Rya!" Quin grinned, "You win... I won''t surprise you today."


    Rya smiled back as she slowly moved in and gave him a peck on the cheek before saying, "But don''t think that you''ll get away with anythingter on."


    Quinus chuckled, "I''m sure I will, my Princess."


    Ryaughed, "No you won''t. And stop calling me princess! It sounds weird to me."


    Quinus broke into a full toothy smile as he wrapped his arms around Rya and held her close. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "You''re my princess and I love you, Rya... Plus you will need to get used to being called prince sooner orter."


    Rya blushed and smiled at him as she kissed him on the lips.


    ''God! He''s so hot when he smiles like that,'' thought Rya as their kiss began to deepen.


    Quinus''s hands started creeping down towards her big juicy ass. His fingers traced the smooth skin of her hips.


    Rya moaned softly as she reached her hand behind his head and pulled him closer. Their tongues danced in each other''s mouths for a few moments before breaking apart.


    "You make it difficult to get to work sometimes," said Rya teasingly.


    Quinusughed, "And you do nothing but make things harder for me too, Rya."


    Rya giggled, "Well, at least I''m not alone... Anyway, I better get going and you better get dressed before Zellin starts worrying about you ditching him."


    Quinus chuckled at her joke as he stood up and hugged Rya tight.


    "He''s a worry wart. You are my priority. But I guess you''re right."


    Rya melted into his embrace, "It''s not like I''m going to disappear, Quin..."


    She sighed as she let go of him.


    "I''ll see you at lunchtime," she said with a warm smile.


    "Oh? Well, make sure you tell the maids to bring you breakfast. It''s essential," he teased.


    Rya winked, "You know me too well, Quin..."


    She turned and walked over to the door of the hallway.


    Quinus watched her as she made her way out of the room and then he shook his head.


    "And I want to eat your pussy again and I know you''re hungry for it too."


    Rya blushed and giggled at his naughtyment. She had never been talked to like that before in her life.


    "Quin? You do know that the servants are waiting outside our door?"


    Quinus smiled, "They can wait."


    Rya blushed even more and shyly opened the door.


    The servant girls looked at her curiously as they waited for her to speak as well as a few butler assistants were waiting toe in to help clean and dress the prince.


    The maids were saddened to see Rya had dressed herself again.


    ''Geez... You can''t fool me with those sad puppy dog eyesdies! If you weren''t so handsy I would let you dress me. My body is only for Quin and Quin alone!''


    Rya yfully smiled at the maids and opened the door wide.


    "Good morning! The Prince is ready for you all!"


    The maids and butlers bustled about the room cleaning and dressing Quinus.


    As soon as thest one left through the door, Rya waved bye to Quinus and quickly closed it shut.


    ''What a wonderful morning,'' she thought to herself before turning around to see two familiar faces standing in the hallway.


    "Well you two look energetic this fine morning," Rya stated cheerfully.


    Sir George was standing there with blushed cheeks and an annoyed look on his face while Nieren was trying not to make eye contact with Rya.


    "M-Morning, Lady Rya... It seems like you and the Prince like to be as loud as Percy and Lady Dalia... I would like to have one morning where I don''t have to hear the siren songs of a woman''s ecstasy," Sir Georgeined.


    "Are youining about hearing women''s moans again, sir?" Rya asked.


    "No... I think we should do something about it."


    Rya smirked, "Sir George you need to stop being jealous about me and Dalia having fun with our men and find a special someone that will allow you to fuck their brains out instead of being a creep and eavesdropping."


    "Umm... We weren''t eavesdropping, Lady Rya. You and Dalia''s voices seem to pierce through all forms of matter and walls. I haven''t had a normal night of sleep in weeks," Nieren said as her cheeks started to blush.


    "Really? I didn''t know we were keeping you up all night. I''m sorry Nieren. I''ll try to keep my voice down from now on. I tend to get carried away sometimes when I am only with Quinus and forget that I''m not alone in this ce," Rya apologized.


    "No! No! You need to do what you need to do so you can give the Prince an heir. And it''s not like I''m not sleeping," Nieren said with an embarrassed look on her face.


    "Wait! You apologize to Lady Nieren but not me!?" Comined Sir George.


    "I can understand why you''re upset, Sir George. But I offered to create a sound barrier artifact and you said no... So stop getting annoyed with me and Dalia!" Rya snapped.


    "Well, that''s��" Sir George stopped himself and sighed in defeat, "I appreciate the offer about creating the artifact, Lady Rya... But if I use a sound barrier and something were to happen to you or the Prince. And if I wasn''t there to save you two then I would be a disgrace of a retainer and a knight of the kingdom. I wouldn''t deserve to live after failing you."


    Rya''s anger towards Sir George melted away into sympathy.


    ''Yeah, that makes sense that he would want to know if someone was trying to attack us in our sleep,'' thought Rya.


    "You know Sir George you can be a sweet man, sometimes," Rya sighed before she broke into a warm smile.


    "Don''t you start thinking that way too, Lady Rya! I''m a man of principles and procedures. I can''t have the other knights seeing me as weak and indecisive. Especially since I have a lot of influence in the ways of courting women. If they see me questioning my methods then it would undermine the authority of my position here," Sir George exined.


    Rya and Nieren looked at the knight with confusion.


    "What is he talking about?" Nieren asked.


    "He thinks he knows how to make women fall in love with him and used to have Percy as his student. And has felt left behind after I helped him hook up with Dalia... Plus, I wasn''t saying you were a sweet man, because of your pathetic ''Love Sage Skills'' Sir George. I was staying that because I find you reliable as a friend... You know how to ruin a moment," Rya replied in annoyance.


    "Huh? I-I sorry I jumped to conclusions, Lady Rya," Sir George said.


    Rya just shook her head and started walking down the hallway towards Dalia''s and Percy''s room.


    "You got to work on those insecurities of yours, Sir George. Let''s go Nieren," Rya ordered.


    Nieren just nodded and followed Rya.


    Nieren was wearing her new retainer outfit she received from Sir George and the Royal Knights, which is a short ck dress with a gold belt around the waist. She wore ck leather boots with a three-inch heel and her blonde hair was done up in a bun with red ribbons. She also had her bow and a quiver of arrows on her back.


    "So you said you haven''t had a good night''s sleep since bing my retainer anddy-in-waiting? You should have told me sooner, Nieren. I could have tried to tone it down," Rya told her.


    Nieren smiled and shook her head.


    "Well, with my elven ears, it''s almost impossible for me not to hear you or Dalia. But I prefer to hear you and the Prince''s moans over the dog''s nonstop assault on Percy. Plus, I think she''s a little more bloated than usual," Nieren teased.


    Rya chuckled and shook her head.


    "Yeah, I think Dalia is pregnant for sure... I guess she''ll have to be downgraded to mydy-in-waiting until she delivers her kids," Rya chuckled.


    Nieren had a grimace on her face, "By the Gods and Spirits... I was hoping to only deal with one Wolfkin but she''s creating more... Gah! I don''t want to be smothered in slobber."


    Ryaughed and pped Nieren on the shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, Nieren. Hopefully, they will have Percy''s personality, and not as much of Dalia''s," Rya reassured.


    Nieren shook her head, "I hope you are right, Rya. Usually, Beastkins give birth to five to ten kids in one go. I have no idea what I am going to do when Dalia has a litter of four or five."


    "Huh? They can give birth to that many?... And here I am worrying if I will be able to give Quin his children... Oh well, we''ll cross that bridge when we get there," Rya said with a sigh.


    ''I mean, I''m a little worried about the whole giving birth thing. But if my Dark Elven ovaries only drop an egg every decade then it''s going to be tough to get pregnant in the first ce. So, it''s not like I''m going to pop out a kid here anytime soon.''


    Nieren smiled and patted Rya''s hand, "It''s an Elves life, my Lady. Plus we were too young to worry about having children. I''m sure you will be fine."


    Rya looked at Nieren, "Yeah, but I worry that the royal court will be on our case for not producing an heir. Plus I''m sure that me being a Dark Elf is going to be a big hurdle as well."


    "I know what you mean, my Lady. I thought you were evil when I first saw you. I remember thinking ''Were you going to destroy Ironside'' But I realize that you are far from evil. In fact, you are my only friend that''s an elf. Even though you weren''t born one. But I can''t help but be excited having someone so close to my age," Nieren said with a joyful smile.


    "Hehe! I wish I could remember the dread on your face when you first met me... Sigh... Why does a pint of dwarven ale put me on my ass? I''ve turned into such a lightweight," Rya said as she stood up and stretched.


    Nieren chuckled, "I should thank the Dwarves for making it so you can''t remember my pathetic actions on that night... You were really adorable when Prince Quinus carried you back to your room..."


    ''Oh? There she goes with the dreamy look again... Huh? Didn''t she say she prefers to hear me and Quin''s moans over Dalia''s and Percy''s? I wonder?'' Rya contemted as she walked around another corner heading to the guest rooms wing of the pce.


    Nieren followed after her.


    "Hey, Nieren? You said you haven''t had a good night''s sleep in a while right? Is it that you are having trouble dreaming? Or is it something else?" Rya questioned.


    Nieren nodded, "Well usually my dreams start off fine. Likest night''s dream involved me, you, Dalia, Percy, and the Prince. We all epted a quest from the Adventurer''s Guild for a monster extermination request for a vige, right... When we get there the town is abandoned and we split up into two groups and it''s just me, you, and Prince Quinus. So at some point, we traveled to the basement of the manor of the town and we ran into a strange Alraune. We fought valiantly to try and defeat the monster but you and Quinus got caught in its roots and I only had one chance to stop the creature from disrobing you both and I shot it in between its eyes. Saving you both..." Nieren said trailing off.


    Rya stared at her, "Nieren? I didn''t hear thatst part. What happened? Did you wake up?"


    Nieren shook her head, "N-No... You and Quinus came over to me with that same excited look on your face and hugged me tight... Saying that I was the best retainer you two have ever had... And then you moved behind me and held my arms back and whispered that I was going to get a reward. Then Quinus kneeled down and reached his hands up and under my skirt..... I-I......"


    Nieren tailed off again as the tips of her ears started to turn red as well as her cheeks while having a dreamy look on her face.


    ''Did-Did she have a naughty dream about us? That''s kind of cute... Well, time to tease her.'' Rya thought to herself as she turned in front of Nieren breaking her out of her daze and noticed Rya''s azure eyes staring at her.


    "So... You had a dream about having a threesome with me and Quin?" Rya asked in a teasing tone.


    Nieren blushed even deeper, "Y-You! I-I would never dream of such a thing! I''m an elegantdy and I''m too young to be interested in rtionships with anyone! Maybe you used some insidious magic to put those weird dreams into my subconscious!"


    Ryaughed, "No, I didn''t do anything. I just saw you looking at me like that and couldn''t resist teasing you."


    Nieren sighed and leaned back away from Rya, "It''s not fair... You tricked me into saying those things! I should punish you for what you did to my mind!"


    Ryaughed, "Oh,e on Nieren. I''m not holding this against you... But you did say Quinus without his title of prince..."


    Nieren looked at Rya with wide eyes, "N-No! I didn''t mean to! I don''t want to ruin my reputation as ady! I promise to stop these dreams, my Lady!"


    Rya just smiled and reached her arm over Nieren''s shoulders.


    "Hey! It''s just a dream and it''s a little bit my fault for being loud enough for you to hear me. You''re one of my best friends and an awesome retainer. So don''t worry about it. Okay?"


    Nieren chuckled and felt relieved as she leaned into Rya.


    "T-Thanks Rya... That means a lot to me..."


    "But I''ll have to warn you though... If you try to take Quinus away from me... There''s going to be hell to pay."


    Nieren''s eyes widened in fear, "I would never! On my honor as a Royal Wood Elf!"


    Ryaughed, "Good. Then I won''t have to do anything bad to you. Now! Let''s go get Dalia and head to... the..."


    Rya''s and Nieren''s elven ears were twitching at the same time as they heard familiar moansing from the room where Dalia and Percy were sleeping.


    Their faces both became annoyed as they walked towards the door where two dwarven maids were waiting with ufortable looks written on their faces.


    "Ugh... I need to start wearing earplugs..." Rya groaned as she walked to the closed door with Nieren beside her.


    "Yeah... They sure love going at it forever... Maybe you should stop healing her after every single love session..."


    Rya nodded her head, "You might be right... Hey, there Miss Ruby. How long have they been going at it this time?"


    Ruby sighed, "They just started about two hours ago, Saintess. We cleared up all the other rooms but this one. We can move on until we can get in there... but I''m pretty sure they aren''t going to stop anytime soon."


    Rya sighed and gave Nieren a look, "Do you think Dalia is going to be stubborn again?"


    "Probably... You might need to create 8R again to stop them..."


    Rya shook her head, "Well, let''s hope it doesn''te to that."


    Then with a determined look written on Rya''s face. She turned to the door and knocked on it politely...


    The moaning stopped.

 Vol.3 Ch.174 Getting Rudely Interrupted

    Vol.3 Ch.174 Getting Rudely Interrupted


    In the early part of the morning, just as the sun wasing over the horizon. A certain 18-year-old royal retainer was sleeping peacefully on his disheveled bed. He was covered with ayer of sweat from his normal boyfriend duties. He had a peaceful smile on his face as he dreamed about what happened in the early parts ofst night.


    And while hey there a mischievous Wolfkin poked her head up from the side of the bed staring at Percy who was stirring in his sleep.


    A smile broke on her face as she wagged her tail and began to purr softly.


    ''My wolf is defenseless... Hehehe! It''s time for your wake-up call.''


    And with that, Dalia got ready to jump on top of her mate.


    Her paws spread out on either side of Percy and was about to ride him. But before she could make contact with him, Percy reached up and grabbed both of her hands with the speed of a viper while rolling her over onto the feather mattress with a quick motion. So he could be on top of her.


    "Eeck! No fair! I wanted to be on top!" Comined Dalia as she was pinned down to the bed by Percy''s body.


    "I know... But if you keep trying to jump me in the morning I''m going to defend myself and tease you even more."


    With that said Percy kissed his girlfriend lovingly on the lips. Then, he looked at her with a grin on his face, "Now, let''s get some breakfast."


    He was about to pull away when Dalia grabbed a hold of Percy''s right hand and brought it up to her chest. She could feel her heart pounding excitedly as Percy looked over her body and smiled.


    "You know you''re too good to me, right?"


    Dalia blushed and nodded shyly to Percy.


    "Mmmhmm."


    "I don''t deserve you."


    Dalia let out a soft giggle and moved her hand back up to ce it on Percy''s cheek.


    "But I deserve you." She said with a joyful smile.


    With that said, Percy pulled his hand back to give Dalia a kiss. As he did this Dalia felt the soft touch of his other hand on her thigh. She shivered in delight as shey there with her eyes closed.


    ''Gamma has tamed me! My wolf wants nothing more than to please me!''


    Dalia began to move her hips slightly on the bed and moaned softly. The sound made Percy''s heart beat faster. His breathing quickened as he leaned down to gently nuzzle his nose against Dalia''s neck taking in her scent.


    Dalia moaned louder as she heard the sounds of Percy''s panting breath. Then out of nowhere, Percy''s lips were pressed to hers. She gasped with satisfaction as his tongue slipped into her mouth.


    ''Aunh! This is heaven! I can''t get enough!''


    Dalia ced her hands on his shoulders and pulled herself up to meet Percy''s kisses. Their tongues battled each other as they shared a deep passionate embrace. When finally they broke apart Dalia panted heavily and looked into Percy''s eyes.


    "Dalia... You know how to bring the beast out of me."


    Percy grinned yfully at her and then nuzzled his head against her.


    "Oh! That''s what I like to hear. Especially from my Wolf."


    Dalia giggled happily and kissed Percy again. And out of nowhere, Percy plunged his fully erect member into her tight pussy.


    Dalia cried out in joy as Percy filled herpletely.


    "Mmph!"


    The sound of their lovemaking made a lot of noise in the room, but that didn''t bother either of them.


    "AUNGH! That''s it! Mark me my wolf! im me as yours!"


    Dalia cried out as she wrapped her arms around Percy''s neck and squeezed him tightly.


    "Goddess! Gah! Don''t forget to mark me as well, my Alpha!" Grunted Percy as he moved his hips slowly thrusting in and out of Dalia''s wet pussy.


    Dalia couldn''t help but moan loudly as Percy''s cock stretched her pussy open.


    "Mmhm! Take your time, Gamma! I want to savor every inch of you!"


    In response Dalia began moving her hips again, trying to force Percy deeper inside her.


    "Yes! Fuck me hard! Show me who owns me!" Yelled Dalia as she felt Percy''s cock reach the entrance to her womb.


    They both moved faster, faster and harder as their passion grew until Percy stopped for a second and looked into Dalia''s beautiful green eyes.


    "You''re not a object, Dalia... You''re so much more."


    He paused as he looked into her eyes, "I''m your wolf, your human. I belong to you. I will never stop loving you no matter what happens. No matter how long we are separated. I love you, Dalia."


    Dalia shivered as she looked deeply into his eyes and returned the look. No matter how many times he says it. Dalia can''t get enough of hearing those words from him.


    She smiled at him as she gripped his shoulders tighter.


    "You''re my wolf and you''re wee in my bed any day, Percy! I love you too!"


    Both of them went into a frenzy as they fucked each other.


    "AUNH! I''m going to cum!"


    Percy grunted as he moved his hips faster and faster causing Dalia to arch her back and cry out in pleasure.


    "AAH! Yes! Fill me up with your seed, Gamma! Make me pregnant with our cubs!"


    Her body shook as her orgasm hit her hard and strong.


    "I-I''M CUMMING! DALIA! GAH! AHH! I''M COMING!"


    Percy groaned as his body tensed up and his cock began pumping sperm deep within Dalia''s fertile womb.


    The sound of their mating filled the whole room as Percy filled Dalia with his essence.


    ''Ohhh! His seed is so warm! I-It soothes my soul!''


    Dalia had her eyes closed as she enjoyed every moment of being filled with Percy''s hot cum.


    Once Percy finished he pulled out of Dalia. She was too busy enjoying the afterglow of her orgasm to realize that Percy wasying next to her while admiring her blissful expression.


    "Did I do good?" He asked with a grin.


    "Y-Yeah, you did great as always, my Wolf!"


    Daliay there with her eyes closed and basked in the afterglow of sex.


    "But I never get to be on top anymore... I miss taking the lead when we mate," She said with a pout.


    "Huh!? I-I guess I''ve been more dominant than usual... And I didn''t notice until you brought it up now... Do you want to go another round?" Percy asked as he blushed.


    "I like to go another round of course, but being on top is something that is earned and you''ve been stronger than metely... I think I need to stop eating so many sweets. I mean look at my belly... Does it seem fat to you?" Asked Dalia yfully.


    Percy paused for a second recalling what his father told him once as a kid.


    He looked at her lower abdomen and there wasn''t anything fat on her besides her beautiful skin and her abs. But it did look bloated from underneath her muscles. And it looked cute to him.


    Percy smiled at her and shook his head.


    "No, you''re not fat at all, Dalia... You''re perfect!"


    Dalia beamed with joy when hearing his kind words.


    "You''re just saying that because I''m your mate, aren''t you?"


    She teased Percy with a knowing smile.


    "Well, I say it because it''s true. And I think you might be pregnant?"


    Dalia perked up and gasped.


    "Really? But the mating season is a couple of months from now..." Dalia said with a confused tone in her voice.


    "Huh? But we did mate during the Mating Moon, right?" questioned Percy.


    Dalia thought about it for a minute and realized what Percy was talking about. She was testing him to see if there was any hesitation when wanting to be a father.


    "Oh, that! Ha haha? I was testing you that night to see if you weremitted enough to me to have my cubs and grow our pack together. You passed! The mating moon isn''t a real thing... At least that''s what my mother told me. So, I can''t be pregnant yet!" Dalia said with a yful smirk.


    Percy smiled at her, "So, you aren''t up for a second round then?"


    "Of course I do but I want to be on top again. I love feeling you inside me while being on top," Dalia said while turning to lie on her side next to Percy.


    Percy just sighed at her before he grabbed her leg and pulled her on top of him.


    "G-Gamma!? W-What are you doing!? Being on top is something that is earned, not given out freely!" Dalia squeaked in fear.


    "You''ve earned it, Dalia. More than you know," said Percy as he rubbed Dalia''s swollen belly which sent shivers up her spine.


    "Ooohh, that feels good... So warm..." Dalia moaned as she felt Percy''s hands rub her pregnant belly.


    "Take the lead, my Alpha," said Percy with a deep husky voice.


    Dalia bit her bottom lip, "...Okay."


    And without another word, Dalia began to ride Percy like a horse. She sat back on Percy''s cock and began to bounce up and down on him. Causing her long, luscious, raven-ck hair to fly around wildly. Herrge breasts swayed left and right with every thrust. The movement of her tits made her nipples harden and poke out begging to be touched.


    Percy''s eyes widened as he stared at Dalia as she rode him.


    She knew how to please her mate and she always gave it her all.


    With each thrust, Dalia took more control. Gyrating her hips and grinding her clit against Percy''s pelvis. Each time causing her to moan louder and more lustfully. Her breathing became fast and short as she tried to catch up with her body''s demands. She closed her eyes so she could focus on the pure joying from her mate''s manhood that was growing deep inside her.


    "OH! FUCK!" Yelled Percy as he almost climaxed.


    She opened her eyes when she heard Percy gasp.


    "No! Ohhhh... Gamma! Not yet..." Dalia moaned as she bit her lip.


    "I''m trying to hold back! But you feel so good!" said Percy.


    Dalia moaned as she felt Percy''s cock sliding between her legs. She leaned forward and kissed Percy deeply, "Ohhh, Fuck. You taste so sweet. I can''t wait to have your babies!"


    Dalia''s breasts bounced and jiggled with each thrust. Making it easy for Percy to grab them and pull her closer to his chest. He breathed heavily into Dalia''s ear as he moved faster and harder. His pace quickened so much that Dalia couldn''t keep up.


    "Huuuh! Ooohhhhhh! AAAAHHH!" Dalia screamed as she came.


    Her juices squirted out onto Percy''s pelvic bone.


    "I''m gonna CUM!" Percy shouted and before he could finish his sentence Dalia was already cumming again.


    This time, her orgasmsted longer and stronger. Dalia screamed out loud as she had multiple orgasms in a row.


    "AUNGH AUNH! GAMMA! AUNGAAAHHHH!" Dalia screamed as she came harder than ever before.


    "Fuck, Dalia!" said Percy as he held Dalia tight.


    ''I can feel it flowing inside me!'' Dalia thought.


    As the two continued their lovemaking they both heard a knocking at their door.


    *Knock! Knock!*


    ''Noooo! It was just getting really good! Why do these things always happen when we''re about to get it on?!?'' Dalia thought as she pouted.


    Percy sighed, "I guess we lost track of time again."


    He tried to get Dalia off of him but she wrapped her legs around him.


    She had a determined look written on her face.


    "D-Dalia? I don''t think this is a good idea... I think that was Rya''s knocking?"


    "Don''t move, I know it was her knocking at the door," Dalia replied as she kept herself wrapped tightly around Percy.


    She then looked over to the big dark oak door.


    "Alpha! Just give us 15 minutes!" Dalia yelled at the door.


    ***


    Rya, Nieren, and two of the Dwarf maids were standing on the other side of the door when they heard Dalia.


    Rya closed her eyes and sighed.


    "Dalia? You have been doing it with Percy for over two hours now and if I let you two have 15 more minutes then you two won''te out until the afternoon. That''s if we are lucky to see you. So, no Dalia. You need to clean up ande with us as my loyal retainer and friend."


    ***


    Dalia''s face turned from a pout back to a smile.


    "Okay, okay. I''lle with you. But, I want to have sex with Gamma onest time."


    Percy panicked when Dalia didn''t fully agree with Rya and knew that one of her golems was about to make an appearance.


    "I-I think we should do as Lady Rya requests," Percy pleaded.


    "Pfft! I''m not afraid of some stupid rock��" Dalia stopped talking when the stone floor morphed into a Rya that was wearing a ck bikini. She was kneeling about 6 feet away from their bed and it looked like a small crater was formed on the ground from her creation.


    From behind the door, Rya''s muffled voice said, "8R! Please take Dalia to the bathroom and make her presentable, please! And thank you!"


    Dalia got off of Percy and squared up into a battle stance in front of 8R who had a unamused look on her face.


    "Aww! Need to send in one of your clones to take me to the bathroom! Hehe! I like to see her�� Whoa! Hey! Let go of me!" Dalia struggled to break free from 8R''s grip and proceeded to take her to the bathroom.


    "Come... Dalia..." said 8R as she was dragging Dalia away while she was kicking and wing at her arm.


    But whatever damage inflicted on 8R''s body quickly healed while they closed in on the Fae-Bath.


    "No! I''m not going to lose my mate''s scent! No! I won''t! NO! EEECK!" Dalia screamed as 8R tossed her into the big bath that had 3 feet of warm water in it.


    *SPLASH!*


    Dalia sshed in the water and sprayed the warm liquid all around her while she desperately was trying to get out but 8R grabbed Dalia''s legs and held them in ce.


    "No! No! No! Don''t do this to me, Cloney! UGH!" Dalia was finally able to get her legs free but still couldn''t run away because 8R held her shoulder and forced her to sit in the tub.


    Then 8R proceeded to add soap and scented oils to the bath and started scrubbing all the filth off of Dalia.


    "AAAAHHHH! AAAAHHH! I HATE YOU CLONEY! This is so humiliating!" Dalia cried out in agony as Percy''s scent started getting washed away.


    Rya opened the door opened once she knew Dalia was in the bath and was followed by Nieren and the two maids.


    Percy hurried and covered his lower half with a sheet when Rya walked into his room.


    Rya saw Dalia with a sad defeated look on her face.


    "You will be fine once 8R is done washing your body, Dalia," Rya said while her golem continued to scrub the filthy grime off of her.


    "Crap! This is so embarrassing!" Dalia said as she stood up and looked at Rya from the open door.


    8R made her sit in the tub and continued to wash her, even though Dalia protested several times.


    Rya turned and looked at a nervous and embarrassed Percy who was sitting on the bed not sure if he should move or stay put.


    "You don''t wish to join your girlfriend in the bath," joked Rya.


    "I-I would join her, my Lady. But Dalia gets a little scrappy when she''s forced to clean herself. I''ll wait until she''s done. I''m sorry I''m not in a better state right now," said Percy as he smiled sheepishly, which made herugh.


    "Hehe! That''s ok. We''ll be out of your hair in no time," Rya said with a smile.


    "No! GAMMA! You are supposed to defend me! And why am I the only one being forced into this thing?" Daliained.


    She sat there and sulked before she kicked at the bathwater like a child.


    "Dalia! She''s engaged to the crown prince. She will be our future ruler," Percy exined.


    Nieren walked up to Rya and added, "Plus, your human likes to be clean as well, Dog!"


    "Oh, shut up, Woody!" Dalia snapped back.


    Ryaughed at Dalia''s childish behavior.


    "Ok! Ok! Calm down. 8R is almost done. Just let her help you wash yourself properly," Rya said while Dalia finally obeyed her as she got up to allow herself to get washed more easily.


    "Fine! But I don''t like it," said Dalia as she took a towel off of a hook and used it to dry herself off.


    Her skin still felt very sensitive, but at least the filth was gone.


    As she dried herself off, Rya took a moment and observed Dalia. She had long ck hair that reached below her waist. The color of her eyes was a deep green, and her face was beautiful with her wolf ears sticking up from her head.


    "8R, help Dalia get dressed. She''ll need clothes too," Ryamanded.


    "Yes... Creator...," replied the golem clone.


    Dalia looked at Rya confused for a second before realizing what she meant. She was about to protest again, but she stopped herself.


    "Do what you got to do Cloney, and make sure you give me something breathable to wear," said Dalia.


    "Very... well...," 8R said in a robotic tone.


    The next few minutes Dalia was dressed in some red underwear and was given an off-shoulder dress. She didn''t know why Rya was doing this, but she knew she couldn''t argue with her. If she did, she would get punished even more.


    She sighed heavily and let 8R dress her and brushed her hair while tying cute red ribbons in her hair, making her look like a proper youngdy.


    When 8R finished dressing her, Rya walked over to her and knelt down so she could get a good look at her.


    "Hmm... Those tiny ribbons are cute on you. You should keep them in your hair more often," Rya said with a smile.


    Dalia pouted, "Why did Cloney have to do that to my hair? I hate it. I''m not a little girl."


    "Because this is what you get for not listening to me. Plus, 8R thinks you look adorable with those in your hair," Rya said and smiled at Dalia.


    Dalia looked at 8R who had a rare smile on her face and pped her hands together in delight at the work she had done.


    "Now then, let''s get going. Percy needs to use the bathroom and the maids need to clean this ce," Rya said while standing up.


    Dalia nodded as she stood up and followed Rya to the bedroom. Once Dalia came in view of Percy his eyes snapped onto her.


    "What!? Are you going to make fun of me!?" Dalia questioned her boyfriend.


    Percy was unfazed as he replied, "You look adorable..."


    Dalia''s ears perked up and her tail started to wag happily.


    "Y-You find me adorable?" She asked with a hint of curiosity in her voice.


    Percy nodded, "Yes, I love you and your cute little ears and tail."


    Dalia blushed as she turned pink from head to toe. Her cheeks were bing so hot that she felt like she was going to burn up.


    Rya and Nieren knew where this was going to go.


    "Alright, you two love birds. You need to save it forter, okay? Come on Dalia. Let''s go," Rya said as she pinched Dalia''s right ear and walk to the door.


    "Ow! Owe! Ow! Ow! Okay! I''ming, Alpha! You don''t need to pull my ear!" Dalia whined as she tried to escape Rya''s grip, but she held onto her tightly.


    As Dalia walked behind Rya she couldn''t help but notice how her stomach was feeling fluttery.


    "You can go back to sleep 8R. And Percy? Don''t keep Quinus waiting," Rya said before walking out the door with Dalia and Nieren.


    Before they closed it.


    Percy was still in a daze upon seeing Dalia dressed in such a cute girly way. While 8R moved back over to the crater on the floor and morphed back making it look like the crater was never there to begin with.


    "Ahem!?"


    Percy jumped out of his stupor and looked to his left to see two smirking dwarven maids staring at him.


    "I''m sorry! I was lost for a moment. I''ll get my things together and get out of��" Percy was cut off by Miss Ruby.


    "I still don''t know what magic a human like you used to tame a powerful Wolfkin, like her. But I won''t mind finding out myself?" She asked with a sly grin.


    Percy gave a nervousugh as he replied, "W-Well... I appreciate the offer Miss Ruby but I''m a one-woman man... I''ll get cleaned up and let you get back to your work."


    Miss Ruby and the other maid pouted but nodded in unison.


    "We can help you get dressed if you like, Sir Percy. We would be honored to assist you," The other dwarf said with a smile and a wink.


    Percy''s throat became dry as he gulped before he replied, "No, I can put on my own clothing, Miss. But if you like, you can pull out a new set of my clothes for me and ce them on the bed."


    The dwarves giggled and nodded before they started cleaning up the room.


    Percy hurried to the bathroom and closed the door behind him.


    "Sigh! When did women start finding me attractive? My dad always told me that it was hard to find love... But I don''t see it," Percy grumbled to himself as he added new water to the bath before getting in.

 Vol.3 Ch.175 Preparations in the Laboratory

    Vol.3 Ch.175 Preparations in the Laboratory


    <span ss="editText">Rya, Dalia, and Nieren were walking down the hallways of the pce corridor towards the stairs that lead to the basement.


    <span ss="editText">"Ow! Ow! Ow! Please! Alpha, I''m sorry!"<span ss="aiText"> Dalia said as Rya pulled her ear again.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Are you<span ss="aiText"> going to <span ss="editText">beh<span ss="aiText">ave you<span ss="editText">rself<span ss="aiText">? Or do I have to drag you around again?" Rya questioned as she walked beside Dalia.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sorry, Alpha<span ss="editText">! I promise to behave<span ss="aiText">," Dalia replied as she <span ss="userText">stared up at Rya with her pathetic, sad, puppy dog<span ss="aiText"> eyes.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren smirked while Rya finally relented<span ss="aiText"> with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ok, <span ss="editText">but don''t make me regret this," said Rya as she let go of Dalia''s ear<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Geez! Why are you so aggressiv<span ss="aiText">e to<span ss="editText">day?<span ss="aiText">" Dalia asked as she rubbed her sore ear.


    <span ss="editText">Rya stopped and turned to Dalia <span ss="editText">abruptly stopping her in her tracks<span ss="aiText">. "<span ss="editText">...2E, she found the God''s Tear,<span ss="aiText">" She <span ss="editText">sai<span ss="aiText">d with a <span ss="editText">coy<span ss="aiText"> tone<span ss="editText"> while try<span ss="aiText">ing<span ss="editText"> to hide her excitement<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"What?! <span ss="editText">So you are saying?<span ss="aiText">" asked Dalia as she quickly <span ss="editText">moved in closer to Rya to hear her whisper<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Rya broke into a lopsided smile, "We''re making that damn stone<span ss="userText">. And I need one of my best friends to watch my back.<span ss="aiText"> So you will being with us."


    <span ss="editText">"So, y<span ss="aiText">ou t<span ss="editText">hink you can assemble the artifact? <span ss="userText">I thought you needed a<span ss="editText">n<span ss="userText"> Artificer<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">create<span ss="aiText"> it?" Nieren inquired curiously.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Turns out you just need three differ<span ss="aiText">en<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText"> s<span ss="editText">ources of mana to start the process of making the artifact. The Artificer just does the focusing and makes sure that all the mana interacts with all the correct materials in the right order and BAM! Brand new artifact. So, I have you and Nieren. <span ss="userText">And the demonic tome has all the information on going through the process."<span ss="aiText"> Rya answered with a confident smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, <span ss="editText">if you say so Alpha... But that demonic tome gives me the creeps!... The stench of demons is all over it<span ss="aiText">." <span ss="editText">Dalia<span ss="aiText"> said nervously.


    ''It sucks that they can''t read the old tome like I can. <span ss="aiText">Lord Grazon has a good sense of humor in his writing... Hehe... Should I spook Dalia and Nieren?'' Thought Rya as the urge to tease her friends for fun started to take hold.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">It''s just a book written by some dead old demonic sage. What''s the worst that could happen?<span ss="aiText">" Rya shrugged as if it wasn''t that big of a deal while she made her way to the basement.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren <span ss="userText">looked <span ss="editText">anxious<span ss="userText"> and quickly interjected, "I-I wouldn''t say thatst part out loud, Rya... A lot of people have been cursed by these old demonic tomes. But I choose to believe in you<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText">"


    <span ss="editText">"Oh? Oh, yeah! I was wondering why there was some weird page in the tome... There was something about getting turned into a frog or something if you do thebinations wrong. I''ll just double-check before <span ss="userText">starting the incantation<span ss="aiText">." Rya said <span ss="editText">as she recalled the passage<span ss="aiText"> in the book while holding herself back from smirking.


    <span ss="editText">"H-How about you triple-check<span ss="aiText"> it<span ss="editText">!<span ss="aiText">?" Nieren suggested with a panicked look.


    <span ss="editText">"Y-Yeah! I agree with Woody... I don''t want to be a frog!"<span ss="aiText"> Dalia added with a scared expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Ladies!... Ladies..." Rya <span ss="userText">said while putting her arms around the shoulders of Nieren and Dalia as she pulled them into a reassuring hug. "I promise to<span ss="aiText"> you two that <span ss="editText">nothing will go wrong<span ss="aiText">. Besides, <span ss="editText">don''t you two want to know what type of mana vein you have?... Come on... Have some faith in me. I''m not going at this half-assed. You have my word."


    <span ss="editText">"..."


    <span ss="editText">"..."


    <span ss="editText">"..."


    <span ss="userText">Nieren and Dalia were starting to get ufortable<span ss="aiText"> as Rya continued to squeeze them, but they both slowly nodded their heads.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">You know what, forget I mentioned anything!" Nieren blurted out looking down at the floor.


    <span ss="editText">"Don''t worry, nothing bad is going to happen," Rya said reassuringly as she released<span ss="aiText"> Dalia and Nieren.


    <span ss="editText">But before they continue to the stairwell. Rya noticed Dalia''s bloated stomach. It wasn''t obvious at first but being so close to her<span ss="aiText"> body made it more apparent. "Wait<span ss="editText">... Dalia? Can I check your stomach?" Rya asked as she looked at her friend<span ss="aiText"> worryingly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Huh? <span ss="editText">What for? AH! Alpha?<span ss="aiText">" Dalia replied nervously as she felt <span ss="editText">Rya''s hand start to rub her belly. "Oh! Ha ha... I know<span ss="aiText"> I''ve <span ss="editText">b<span ss="aiText">een <span ss="editText">eating a little more than usual but I can stop and burn this off<span ss="aiText"> anytime I want!"


    <span ss="editText">Rya met Dalia''s eyes with<span ss="aiText"> a <span ss="aiText">sk<span ss="editText">eptical gaze.


    <span ss="editText">"This isn''t fat Dalia... I think<span ss="aiText"> you<span ss="editText">''re<span ss="aiText"> pregnan<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Pregnant!?<span ss="editText"> Pfft!...<span ss="aiText"> No way... I haven''t <span ss="editText">made it to mating season yet, Alpha!<span ss="aiText">" Dalia retorted back.


    <span ss="userText">''Mating season<span ss="editText">?... That might be a myth<span ss="userText">, Dalia<span ss="aiText">. But I''d still like to confirm this.'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I<span ss="userText">-I''m not sure, Dalia... I<span ss="editText">s<span ss="userText"> there a way to double<span ss="editText">-<span ss="userText">check to see if she''s pregnant?<span ss="aiText"> Like... a test or something?" Rya asked curiously.


    <span ss="aiText">"Umm... Well<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> there is a way to find out if you''re carrying a child but it requires <span ss="editText">an <span ss="aiText">a<span ss="editText">rtifact call<span ss="aiText">ed<span ss="userText"> Lifebloom Relic. Buuut it''s something that Royalty and maybe some nobles would have?" Nieren said<span ss="aiText"> as <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he thought it over.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Alpha!? I''m not pregnant... Geez! First, Gamma, now you two<span ss="aiText">... I''m just getting fat from eating too much <span ss="editText">sweets! And I can stop anytime...<span ss="aiText">" Dalia blurted out frustratedly.


    <span ss="aiText">"...Hm... It''s possible.<span ss="editText">.. I wonder if Quin''s family has one?<span ss="aiText"> We should ask him when we get back." Rya said as she turned around and walked down the stairwell.


    <span ss="aiText">Before Rya could go any further, Dalia grabbed her arm.


    <span ss="userText">"You don''t need to go th<span ss="editText">r<span ss="userText">ough such lengths<span ss="aiText"> just because I''m fat... And I am NOT pregnant!" Dalia yelled out indignantly.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya looked at Dalia with a slight smirk. "<span ss="editText">Hey... I thought you would like to know, but if you want to live in denial<span ss="aiText">. Go ahead."


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia sighed in relief.


    <span ss="aiText">"And... I''ll eat less sweets... I promise... I''m sorry..." Dalia said apologetically.


    <span ss="aiText">"No need to apologize, Dalia.<span ss="userText"> Alright<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> we messed around long enough. Let''s make a artifact<span ss="editText">." Rya said as she started to saunter over to the stairwell.


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah, just don''t curse us, please," Nieren<span ss="aiText"> added.


    <span ss="editText">"You know I was teasing you, right?<span ss="aiText">" Ryaughed.


    <span ss="aiText">"...<span ss="editText"> it''s not a good joke,<span ss="aiText">" Dalia muttered as she followed behind Rya.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren nodded in agreement.


    <span ss="editText">''Damn! When did t<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">e t<span ss="editText">wo lose their sense of humor?<span ss="aiText"> I swear I <span ss="editText">ca<span ss="aiText">n''t <span ss="editText">joke around with these two anymore<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya thought to herself. She felt like they were <span ss="editText">ready to me her<span ss="aiText"> for anything bad that happened in the future.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="editText">While walking down the stairs, Rya couldn''t help but smile when she saw Arathar working in the forge<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Oye! Wasn''t expecting you threesses to be down here! I know getting a new magical de is enticing but I need a couple more days until it''s ready, myss<span ss="aiText">. Just one more day, I promise. Come back tomorrow, okay?" Arathar chuckled to himself as he continued to work.


    <span ss="aiText">"Heh... <span ss="editText">Really? I didn''t know you were that close to finishing... We came down here to use theboratory<span ss="aiText">. The royalboratory, I mean, to do research for a few artifacts..." Rya <span ss="editText">sai<span ss="aiText">d.


    <span ss="aiText">Arathar smirked and patted his beard with a thumb.


    <span ss="userText">"I see! I thought I saw one of your doubles running about<span ss="aiText"> here today. So you''re doing research, eh? Well, I''m d to hear it!<span ss="editText"> Artifacts aren''t my thing! They''re too brittle for my liking but still d to see you three interested in creating something! That''s more than I can say about my son!" He said with a chuckle.


    <span ss="editText">''Geez! There he goes about his son again... He needs to give Zellin a break<span ss="aiText"> already. <span ss="editText">He<span ss="aiText">''s <span ss="editText">just not a smith and that''s fine<span ss="aiText">,'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"So<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> are you <span ss="editText">making anything else or are you just making my sword?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="editText">Arathar grinned.


    <span ss="editText">"Aye! I had enough leftover liquid ether to forge a pair of gauntlets for the Prince. It will have some anti-magic properties<span ss="aiText">, should he need them. It''s going to take another week before I''m done. I reckon the Royal Guard would love to get their hands on a set of these gauntlets. Oh! And I ha<span ss="editText">ve been wanting to create a couple of maces made out of that white obsidian that knight gave me."


    <span ss="editText">"A knight? Are you talking about Sir George?" Rya questioned.


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah! He said he grabbed the ore back when you cleared out the dungeon core<span ss="aiText">. I just don''t know how to make it into a usable weapon yet. I think I''ll need to find some diamond dust or simr materials to mix in with it. I haven''t seen any in the market though so I might need to go mining myself...<span ss="editText"> Plus if I heat the white obsidian with standard coal it will neutralize the properties that make it special and then it''s just your average obsidian that ain''t worth crap! Oh! Sorry, mysses! I was never good with the polite stuff! I should get back to your sword! Ain''t going to Smith it''self now!<span ss="aiText">" Arathar chuckled and walked away from the group<span ss="editText"> towards the extreme heating out of the furnace of the forge<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"I don''t know how Baron Zellin is rted to that man," Nieren<span ss="aiText"> muttered.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">What!? That''s simple Woody! He just mated with��" Dalia<span ss="aiText"> said before she was interrupted by <span ss="editText">Nieren.


    <span ss="editText">"I KNOW HOW BABIES ARE MADE, DOG!" Nieren<span ss="aiText"> snapped at the wolfkin. "<span ss="editText">I was talking about how different those two are! Personality wise!"


    <span ss="editText">"Whoa there, girl! Calm down! You wood elves get so touchy sometimes?<span ss="aiText">" <span ss="editText">Dalia said while rubbing her ear<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Dalia, stop ying dumb and Nieren, you need to not let her get under your skin... She finds it fun when you get mad so easily<span ss="aiText">..." Rya said trying to help settle the situation.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not ying dumb! I''m being nice! <span ss="editText">Woody seemed confused<span ss="aiText"> so I tried to exin things to h<span ss="editText">er." Dalia said with a smile while wagging her tail.


    <span ss="editText">"I WASN''T�� Fine! Fine... It was my fault that I expected better from you, Dog!"<span ss="aiText"> Nieren said with a sigh.


    <span ss="aiText">"Okay, okay! Just calm down! We''re all here to get what we came here for! Right?" Rya said with a chuckle.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren wanted to<span ss="aiText"> protest her statement, but knowing Rya was right she decided to keep her mouth shut.


    <span ss="editText">"Come on! 2E should be waiting for us in theboratory<span ss="aiText">!" <span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText"> eximed<span ss="editText"> as she pulled out the key and unlocked the door to theb.


    <span ss="editText">Rya turned the key as therge oak door<span ss="aiText"> opened revealing the room beyond. The magical torches were lit. Several wooden tables and chairs littered the main floor of theb. There was a counter that ran along the wall to the left of the entrance. Behind the counter was <span ss="editText">2E<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText"> She was waiting patiently<span ss="aiText"> beside a long table covered in various tools and devices.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">C<span ss="aiText">re<span ss="editText">ator..." 2E said with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">"Sorry for taking so long 2E. We had to deal with some distractions<span ss="aiText">," Rya apologized.


    <span ss="editText">2E smile disappeared and she looked at Dalia.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh, not you too!... I didn''t know that you found the crystal thing, Cloney!" Dalia said<span ss="aiText"> while tapping her head.


    <span ss="aiText">2E snorted and shook her head.


    <span ss="editText">Rya closed the door behind them<span ss="aiText"> and walked up to the counter.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Okay, show us the God''s Tear, 2E<span ss="aiText">," Rya ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">2E<span ss="editText">''s skin around her stomach started to turn into dirt and rocks as it opened up to the light emitting from the crystal that was in the shape of an egg. It shined brightly<span ss="aiText"> as the dust flew off into the air.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia and Nieren stared in awe at the beautiful<span ss="aiText"> sight.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yeah, it''s prettier than I could have imagined<span ss="aiText">," Dalia said with a giggle.


    <span ss="aiText">2E nodded happily.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is the first time I''ve seen this thing. <span ss="editText">I remember as a child, seeing one fall to Tertius back in the Wood Elf Kingdom, but I wasn''t allowed to go look for it. Can I touch it, Rya?" Nieren asked nervously.


    <span ss="editText">"Sure thing... Just don''t expose it to sunlight<span ss="aiText">. If you do <span ss="editText">it<span ss="aiText"> will <span ss="editText">disintegrat<span ss="aiText">e," Rya warned.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren stepped forward and reached out to the crystal. Her hands glowed white as she touched the God''s Tear.<span ss="editText"> As she pulled it out of 2E. The golem reformed her stomach just like it was skin.


    <span ss="editText">"Wow!<span ss="aiText"> Is that supposed to happen?" Nieren asked surprised.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hmm...? <span ss="editText">Don''t know if that''s normal or not<span ss="userText">... Anyway just hold on to it, while I pull out the rest materials for creating the Seer Stone,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya exined.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya <span ss="editText">went to the wooden cab on the side of<span ss="aiText"> the counter and pulled out the ingredients and tools needed to create the stone. <span ss="aiText">She <span ss="editText">had stored the seven other materials she needed<span ss="aiText"> in a bag.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Okay, let''s get everything organized first," Rya said as she carried the bag over to a square oak table in the middle of the room.


    <span ss="editText">The table wasn''t anything special<span ss="aiText">. It was made of simple wood and was about 3 feet wide by 4 feet long.


    <span ss="editText">"Hey, Dalia... 2E... can you <span ss="userText">clear off this table, please<span ss="aiText">?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yup!" Dalia replied as she jumped up.


    <span ss="aiText">2E followed and cleared the surface of the table as well.


    <span ss="aiText">"... <span ss="editText">Perfect<span ss="aiText">," Rya said as she <span ss="editText">ced the bag on the table.


    <span ss="editText">She then pulled out the Demonic Tome and opened it while flipping through a few pages until she found <span ss="userText">the page she was looking for which had <span ss="editText">the list of all the materials needed<span ss="aiText"> to create The Seer Stone.


    <span ss="aiText">She then pulled out the seven materials from the bag andid them down on the table next to the Demonic Tome.


    <span ss="aiText">"Okay, now we need to start by <span ss="editText">making a salt circle," Rya exined as she pulled out a tool that looked like a Chak-pur that Budai Monks would use to make sand <span ss="userText">mands.


    <span ss="userText">"Hey 2E<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> can you make a perfect salt circle on the table? Just a two<span ss="editText">-<span ss="userText">foot radius, please<span ss="aiText">," Rya requested.


    <span ss="aiText">2E nodded and did so<span ss="editText"> slowly. While she was doing that Rya pulled out the next item which was pieces of the dungeon core from the Tomb of the Hord<span ss="aiText">e.


    <span ss="userText">"Oookay... So now we need to crush the dungeon core fragments into a powder<span ss="aiText">," Rya said as she dug her fingers into the bag that contained the Dungeon Core Fragments.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">O<span ss="aiText">h! I <span ss="editText">can crush things good, Alpha! Can I please!" Dalia asked eagerly<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Umm... Sure just use the mortar and pestl<span ss="userText">e to break it down evenly okay<span ss="aiText">?" Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia nodded and ran over to the mortar and began crushing the chunks of dungeon core.


    <span ss="aiText">"Perfect! <span ss="editText">Now what else do we have?" Rya praised the wolfkin before she went back to the bag to pull <span ss="userText">five pieces of silver coins,<span ss="aiText"> some copper ore, and five gold coins.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia was still working on breaking down the Dungeon Core Fragments when Rya started pulling out items from her bag. She pulled out a small bottle filled with <span ss="editText">monster blood<span ss="aiText">, a second one filled with a liquid that looked like oil, and finally<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> thest item<span ss="userText">was five candles.


    <span ss="userText">"Done! I crushed them up nice and fine, Alpha!" <span ss="editText">Dalia<span ss="aiText"> said proudly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good job!" Rya replied. "Now, Dalia... put the Dungeon Core power into the liquid."


    <span ss="editText">Dalia came over<span ss="aiText"> and poured the Dungeon Core <span ss="editText">powder<span ss="aiText"> into the vial of Monster Blood<span ss="editText"> causing it to turn purple in color.


    <span ss="aiText">She then added the liquid from the second vial into the first and then mixed it until there was a thick sticky substance left in the container.


    <span ss="aiText">"And now <span ss="editText">we add the copper. And it should liquify<span ss="aiText">..." Rya said as she took the <span ss="userText">copper ore<span ss="aiText"> in hand and <span ss="editText">dropped<span ss="aiText"> it into the mix.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hoooooooly! Gah! This stuff stinks! It hurts my noise!" Dalia eximed as she watched the copper ore turn into a green liquid.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Yeah! It''s not too pleasant of a smell. But that''s what is<span ss="aiText"> supposed to happen," Rya said.


    <span ss="editText">"Umm...? Do you need me to do anything, Rya?" Nieren asked as she was still holding the God''s Tear <span ss="editText">crystal<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, no. <span ss="editText">Just hold that crystal until we draw the pentagram first<span ss="aiText">. We don''t want to be careless with these," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Pentagram!? O-Okay... I''ll hold this crystal for now,<span ss="aiText">" Nieren said nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya picked up <span ss="editText">the container with the thick green liquid.


    <span ss="editText">2E jus<span ss="aiText">t <span ss="editText">f<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">ished making a perfect salt circle right when Rya was holding the green liquid.


    <span ss="editText">"Alright 2E... I need a pentagram drawn inside the salt circle<span ss="aiText">. Make it so that <span ss="editText">one of the points of the pentagram is pointing true north<span ss="aiText">," Rya ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">2E did as she was told and drew a simple pentagram inside the salt circle<span ss="editText"> with one end of the star pointing north.


    <span ss="editText">"<span ss="userText">Now we need to put the five gold in the smaller areas of the pentagram while cing the silver in the fiverger areas<span ss="editText">...<span ss="userText">"<span ss="aiText"> Rya exined.


    <span ss="aiText">As she was exining, 2E ced the five gold coins in the five <span ss="editText">small<span ss="aiText"> areas of the pentagram while cing the silver coins in the five <span ss="editText"rger<span ss="aiText"> areas.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Okay, Nieren. ce the God''s Tear in the middle of the circle<span ss="aiText">, please!" Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sure thing, Lady Rya. I''ll ce it here," Nieren replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren ced the blue <span ss="editText">crystal<span ss="aiText"> in the center of the circle.<span ss="userText"> And when it touched the table it started to light up the pentagram with a dazzling array of rainbow colors<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"W<span ss="editText">hoa! It''s lighting up the pentagram<span ss="aiText">!" <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah!" Rya shouted. "This is what we were looking for! This will allow us to activate the rune <span ss="editText">when we add our mana to candles...<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="editText">"Wow! This is amazing!" Dalia eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">"So once we''ve channeled our mana, the runes will start glowing?" Nieren asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes... But <span ss="editText">I want to give you two a heads-up. It says the candles will burn with a ck me when we get things started and don''t disturb the salt circ<span ss="aiText">le," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">W<span ss="aiText">hat<span ss="editText">''s<span ss="aiText"> so<span ss="editText"> important about this measly little salt circle, Alpha?" Dalia asked as she brought her face closer to the salt circle to sniff it.


    <span ss="editText">"Dalia!?" Nieren<span ss="aiText"> voiced with a hint of annoyance when she saw the wolfkin was about to do something stupid.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m just curious," Dalia replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren was taken <span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">back by her behavior.


    <span ss="editText">"The salt circle keeps all the <span ss="userText">mana contained inside <span ss="editText">for <span ss="userText">the pentagram.<span ss="editText">..<span ss="userText"> So, don''t touch it unless you want to get cursed<span ss="aiText">," Rya warned.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren''s face became pale, "BACK UP, DOG!!!<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="editText">Sh<span ss="aiText">e yelled in anger.


    <span ss="aiText">"O<span ss="editText">w! You need to rx Woody. I''ve done nothing wrong<span ss="aiText">," Dalia replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"You alright, Nieren? You look like you''re gonna puke." Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I-I''m fine! I just don''t want to get cursed because of Dalia,"<span ss="aiText"> Nieren said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I know, I was watching her, Nieren. That''s the one thing the tome stresses<span ss="aiText"> over and over again. <span ss="editText">That the circle needs to be perfect.<span ss="userText">.. I think that''s why no one has tried to make this artifact<span ss="aiText"> before," Rya said.


    ''And no one knows how to read old demonic tongue. That''s probably the real reason why there aren''t more of these things.'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Ugh... Can you stop being a baby, Nieren?! We know the risks of getting cursed," Dalia sai<span ss="aiText">d while wagging her pointer finger at the wood elf.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> sighed in exasperation.


    <span ss="aiText">"I wasn''t the one that was going to mess up the salt circle you dumb dog!" Nieren muttered under her breath.


    "What was that?" asked Dalia as she tilted her head in confusion.


    "N-Nothing!" Nieren responded hastily.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahem!!! Now! All <span ss="editText">we need to do is ce the five candles down at the ends of the pentagram and we can start the rune and create our artifact<span ss="aiText">," Rya said with a smile.

 Vol.3 Ch.176 The Seer Stone

    Vol.3 Ch.176 The Seer Stone


    They each took a couple of candles and ced them along the edges of the salt circle.


    "Now, we need to stand around the pentagram and hold each other''s hands. Then add our mana to the candles," Rya exined.


    They all got into position as Rya stood in front of the point of the pentagram that was facing true north.


    "A-Are you sure this is going to work? I can leave if-" Nieren was interrupted by Dalia.


    "I thought you were an adventurer? Don''t worry, we''ll be fine. I''ve seen a lot of weird things in my lifetime," Dalia reassured.


    "I''m older than you!" Nieren said.


    "What does that have to-"


    "ENOUGH! You two need to focus your mana into your hands and I''ll take care of the rest, okay?" Rya said as she was able to get the bickering girls'' attention.


    "Okay..." Nieren reluctantly agreed.


    "Sorry, Alpha..." Dalia apologized.


    "Good... Now focus your mana into your hands... I won''t let anything happen to you guys. I promise," Rya said.


    Dalia and Nieren closed their eyes


    Once they all finished focusing their mana into their hands Rya started to chant the incantation.


    Then the mana flowed towards the God''s Tear and made it pulse to life before the mana lit the five candles on the edge of the pentagram with ck mes. When the candles lit up, the pentagram started to glow a faint purple. After a few seconds, the gold and silver coins began to melt and flow into the pentagram.


    "What the heck is going on?!" Dalia screamed out.


    "It looks like the gold and silver are flowing into the pentagram! This is creepy!" Nieren eximed.


    "Shhhh! It''s almost done. The ck mes are going to get bigger," Rya replied.


    After thest coin flowed into the pentagram, the lines of the rune turned bright red as the God''s Tear started to light up with rainbow colors while the pentagram started to shrink down and move closer to the egg-shaped crystal in the center of the table. After a few more seconds the God''s Tear began to morph into something they couldn''t make out as the pentagram glowed brighter and brighter until its blinding light forced the three women to close their eyes. The candles melted down into nothing and everything in the room went pitch ck as the magical torches went out.


    "H-Hey, what happened? Are we cursed?" Nieren asked in a panicked state.


    ''Nieren! Your fear of curses is getting annoying... Haah... Whatever this thing is close to finishing.'' Rya thought as she controlled the mana flow inside the salt circle.


    "No, not yet. Just stay calm. We''re almost there," Rya said calmly.


    She then opened her eyes to the pitch ck and looked at her friends. "Now, we have to close our eyes again, and when I tell you to, open your eyes."


    Dalia and Nieren both nodded.


    "Let''s try to keep our breathing steady and silent. If we do that, we should be able to calm ourselves down before we open our eyes," Rya whispered.


    Both of them closed their eyes and waited for Rya to start chanting again.


    ''I feel it! This is amazing!'' Rya thought to herself.


    At some point, the God''s Tear morphed into a demonic monocle with an intricate gold and silver frame. The crystal that turned into the ss looked pitch ck and had a purple glow inside of it as the room became visible again once the magical torches were able to relight with its mana no longer getting interfered with.


    "That wasn''t so hard now was it? It''s safe to open your eyes,dies," Rya said to her friends.


    They all took a deep breath in unison.


    When they exhaled, Dalia and Nieren slowly opened their eyes to see the monocle glowing with a purple hue.


    "Is that the Seer Stone? It looks like a demon''s eye!" Nieren eximed.


    "How do you know what a demon''s eye looks like?" Dalia asked curiously.


    "Well, that''s what my father told me that a demon''s eye looks like... well, that... Demons are evil creatures that can look into your being and know your weaknesses!" Nieren exined.


    "Didn''t your father tell your mother that Dark Elves were evil? I''m going to wait to pass judgment on them until I meet a demon in person," Rya corrected.


    "Well? I-I guess that''s fair," Nieren reluctantly said with a conflicted expression.


    Rya released Nieren''s and Dalia''s hands and reached for the monocle. She grabbed the artifact with her left hand and brought it closer to her glowing azure eyes so she could examine it better.


    "This is definitely the Seer Stone. So this thing should let us see everyone''s mana vein," Rya said in a satisfied tone.


    "Ooh! Ooh! Test it on me, Alpha! I''m feeling lucky!" Dalia said eagerly.


    "Sure thing. Let''s see how well this works," Rya replied.


    Rya held the monocle up to her right eye and focused her gaze on Dalia. Everything looked dark when looking through it but in the middle of Dalia was a strange light that looked like a glowing artery that was pulsing with mana.


    It was almost like looking through a thermal scope and seeing someone''s heat signature, but instead of seeing a full figure. Rya was only able to see this long vein or artery-looking thing was all she could see through the monocle. It went from the top of the heart and all along Dalia''s spine.


    ''Holy shit! It works! Okay! Okay... Let''s see... Her vein has a bluish tint to it... Which means...''


    Rya then flipped a few pages in the demonic tome until she got to the part exining which color mana vein corrtes with what rank they are.


    "So? Is everything good?" Dalia asked nervously.


    "Wow! You have a blue mana vein. And it means your vein is ranked as Elite," Rya said calmly.


    "HA! I knew I was special! Take that Warkith!" Dalia yelled happily.


    "Who''s Warkith? I''m assuming that was someone you knew back in your tribe?" Rya asked.


    "Oh! He was the jerk Alpha of my tribe... He always said that females aren''t supposed to be strong and should submit to him during mating season! And he was constantly belittling me and my mother!" Dalia growled angrily.


    "That sucks, Dalia... You know what? We will go monster hunting at some point and get you stronger so when we run into that jerk you can put him in his ce," Rya said with a smile.


    "You would do that for me?" Dalia asked with excitement in her voice.


    "Of course! After everything you''ve gone through, you deserve it!" Rya said with a smile.


    "Alpha''s the best! Thank you! I promise I''ll repay you in full!" Dalia said cheerfully.


    "Good! Now, it''s Nieren''s turn," Rya said as she looked at Nieren with the Seer Stone in her hand.


    Nieren was now a little nervous. She didn''t expect Dalia to have an Elite ranked mana vein and didn''t want to be left behind when it came to absorbing mana from hunting monsters.


    "Huh... Nieren. Can you do a spin for me? There''s something up with your mana vein," Rya said firmly.


    Nieren nodded as she started to slowly spin around while keeping her eyes locked on the monocle.


    "Hmm... Your vein is a dark green... which means you''re a Grand-Master ranked vein but there''s these weird gray smaller veins that are protruding out from your main vein?" Rya said as she looked through the monocle.


    "What does that mean?" Nieren asked with a confused expression.


    "Well, it says in the tome that smaller veins thate out from the main vein are the elemental veins. They are what allow a mage to be a mage. Sooo, it looks like you should have been a mage but they aren''t flowing with mana? I wonder why that is?" Rya asked out loud curiously.


    "Hold on... You''re saying that I should be a mage," Nieren asked with a frown on her face.


    "Yeah, that''s exactly what I''m saying... Let me get another look at you, Nieren," Rya said as she held the monocle in front of her right eye again.


    ''... There has to be something that prevents her mana from flowing freely,'' Rya thought.


    After a few more seconds of examining Nieren. Rya finally noticed something and moved in closer to Nieren''s chest with the monocle.


    "Ugh... Ughh... Is something wrong with me," Nieren asked with a bit of concern in her voice.


    "Ahh... I think I found the issue..." Rya said as she focused her gaze on Nieren''s heart.


    "What is it?" Nieren asked with a bit of worry in her voice.


    "You remember that I can see damage done to anyone''s body and can heal it? Well, I''m seeing a simr thing going on with your mana vein," Rya said as she kept staring at Nieren''s heart.


    "Huh? You couldn''t see it before? Howe you could see this now?" Nieren asked with a slight hint of confusion in her voice.


    "I can only see the damage on your mana vein through the Seer Stone. When I''m not looking through it you look perfectly fine... Plus the glow of the mana vein was making it tough to see the red particles... I-I think I can fix it. Do you want me to try?" Rya asked gently.


    "Yes! Please!" Nieren replied with a hopeful tone.


    Rya smiled kindly and then put the monocle up to her right eye while bringing her left hand up and touching Nieren''s chest with her palm.


    ''Okay! You got this Rya... It''s like healing anyone else''s wound... Just focus on fixing it!'' Rya thought while closing her eyes tightly and concentrating on the parts of Nieren''s mana vein that had the damage. She took deep calming breaths as she tried to concentrate.


    Suddenly, Rya felt a warmth in her hands as she started healing Nieren''s mana vein.


    Nieren''s cheeks started to blush red as she looked down.


    "S-Stop it! That tickles!" Nieren said as she pulled away from Rya.


    "Um... Are you alright?" Rya asked with a confused expression.


    "Y-Yes! I mean... Yes! I am!" Nieren said with a nervous smile.


    Rya had been focusing so much on healing the mana vein that she didn''t realize her fingers slid in between the buttons of Nieren''s short ck dress and touched her bare chest.


    "Hahaha... Sorry about that." Rya said with embarrassment.


    Nieren blushed a bright red as she looked away from Rya.


    "D-Did you heal me yet? Did you get all the damaged parts healed?" Nieren asked as she peeked back at Rya.


    "I almost did until you stopped me... Try and bear with it a little longer. It''ll be alright. I promise," Rya said as she gave Nieren a reassuring smile.


    Nieren nodded and stepped closer to Rya while reassuring herself that everything would be fine as long as she didn''t move.


    Rya kept trying to focus on healing the damaged mana vein and ced her left hand on Nieren''s chest again.


    Her eyes were shut tightly as she focused hard on those red particles. Her breathing was slow and steady as she felt the heat from her hands increase because of her mana flowing through her fingertips and into Nieren.


    She kept her focus as she tried to repair all of Nieren''s damaged mana vein. Nieren flinched again when Rya''s fingers slid inside the front of her dress and touched her bare skin once more.


    "A-Ah..." Nieren gasped quietly as her body tensed up.


    "I-I almost have it..." Rya whispered as she kept her eyes shut tight.


    ''Something is trying to stop me from healing Nieren? It''s like a parasite or something... Whatever this thing is doesn''t stand a chance against me though,'' Rya thought as she kept her eyes closed.


    Rya added more mana to her fingertips as she continued to focus. When Rya opened her eyes, she saw her hands were now glowing gold.


    ''Now whatever the fuck you are, prepare to get out of Nieren''s body!'' Rya thought as her hand started to glow brighter.


    "Mmmm... Mmph... Mmmph... Mmf... Mmmph..." Nieren moaned softly as her vision started to blur.


    Then all of a sudden Rya felt something crack against her mana. That caused her to open her eyes and look through the monocle to see a few small runes that, glowed with an eerie red, were on Nieren''s mana vein in a few spots and started to light up before they shattered and disappeared from existence.


    ''What was that? Did someone ce some spell on her? Like a debuff, or a curse?'' Rya thought as she blinked a few times trying to make sense of what just happened.


    Nieren was panting heavily and her eyes were still unfocused. Rya quickly sat up and ced her hands on Nieren''s forehead. Then she channels her mana into Nieren trying to heal her.


    "Y-You''re done..." Nieren said with a weak voice.


    Rya nodded while she stood next to her and looked down at Nieren''s chest as she was wondering what was going on with her mana vein. "How do you feel?"


    "I think I''m alright... Y-Yes, my head is spinning a bit but other than that, I don''t feel any different." Nieren said as she sat in a chair and leaned her elbow on the table next to her in order to steady herself.


    Rya felt relieved that Nieren was okay. "Alright then, let''s see if those smaller veins are flowing with mana, shall we?"


    Rya then looked at Nieren through the monocle again and witnessed those smaller veins lighting up and glowing with two different colors.


    "Hmm... looks like you can use two different elements Nieren," Rya said as she smiled brightly.


    "What!? Woody is a mage now? I would like to be a mage," Dalia said with a pout as she crossed her arms.


    "Oh please, we all know you like using your ws as your main weapon," Nieren said with a soft chuckle.


    "Sheesh! Don''t start with that! I would cast magic if I could," Dalia growled.


    "Calm down Dalia... Now Nieren, your element veins are the colors of dark green and pale yellow... Which means you are fluent in vegetation magic and light magic," Rya said as she looked through the monocle and saw Nieren''s element veins, which intertwined with beautiful deep greens and soft yellow colors that went throughout her body.


    "I can use Green Word!? So all this time I had my mother''s ability to talk to nts! But something was preventing me?!" Nieren eximed.


    Rya chuckled and shook her head. "Well... Nothing is stopping you now... And in a book I read at the Mages Guild said that light magic is amon thing with the High Elves. That''s cool that you can cast that now too... But I''m wondering why there were those strange runes on your main mana vein. Do you have any idea when you got those things cast on you?"


    "I don''t know..." Nieren answered.


    Rya then looked at Nieren. "Hmm? Well, it''s fixed now so no big deal," she said as she pondered a bit more about who might have cast those debuffs on Nieren behind her back. But no matter how much she thought about it. She wasn''t going to get an answer anytime soon. So, Rya just put it off to the side for now.


    "Hey, Alpha... Can I look through the circle thingy?" Dalia asked as she pointed towards the monocle.


    "Why not? Just don''t drop it, please," Rya replied as she permitted Dalia to use the monocle.


    "Hehe! This is going to be neet!" Dalia said as she took the monocle from Rya and looked through it.


    Dalia looked at Rya first and was stunned by the dazzling array of different types of element veins that came from Rya''s muchrger golden mana vein.


    "Wooow! Alpha your mana looks so shy!" Dalia said with awe.


    Rya had a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, I can only imagine. I can use so many different elements that I must look like a tree or something simr."


    "Daaamn! Your main vein is glowing with a golden light! I guess that means you are a summoned! You have so much mana too!" Dalia said as she continued to look through the monocle.


    "Yeah killing a couple of basilisks and the cave troll helped a lot," Rya said with a weak smile.


    Dalia looked back at Rya. "You never told me that you took down one of those overgrown lizards. I hate those things! I''m surprised that you are still alive."


    "I barely made it out alive myself, but their eyes were covered so that helped," Rya sighed.


    Dalia thought about that for a moment.


    "Yeah can''t turn you to stone if they can''t see ya''," Dalia muttered under her breath.


    Rya just nodded in agreement.


    "Well, that''s awesome you took them down, Alpha. I like to hear more about it after I take a look at Woody''s mana vein," Dalia said with excitement.


    "Yeah, you just want to gloat about you having an Elite ranked vein and tease me for having a Grand-Master ranked vein, don''t you Dog..." Nieren teased Dalia as she knew that the wolfkin was going to make fun of her.


    Dalia giggled and nodded, "It''s my duty as your friend, Woody. Now let''s see what yours... Looks... Like...? Um? Alpha... Didn''t you say, Woody''s vein thing was green?" Dalia asked with a hint of confusion.


    "Yeah? Why what''s wrong," Rya responded to Dalia.


    Nieren became curious, "What do you mean, Dalia? What did you see?"


    Dalia looked up at Rya and Nieren, "It''s blue... I think."

 Vol.3 Ch.177 Nieren? You are Experiencing Mana Lust

    Vol.3 Ch.177 Nieren? You are Experiencing Mana Lust


    <span ss="aiText">Rya was confused, "Blue?! <span ss="editText">Let me see..."


    <span ss="editText">Dalia handed the monocle back to Rya<span ss="aiText"> who then looked at Nieren''s vein.


    <span ss="editText">Rya was stunned by what she witnessed.


    <span ss="editText">''Dalia''s right! Nieren''s mana vein has turned blue and it looks bigger... She now has an Elite-ranked mana vein<span ss="userText">! Does this have to do with me removing those weird runes?<span ss="aiText"> Maybe h<span ss="editText">er<span ss="aiText"> vein<span ss="editText"> was sabotaged by someone... Why would someone do this to Nieren? It-It pisses me off! I''ll fin<span ss="aiText">d <span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">he assh<span ss="editText">ole that did this and make them pay!'' Rya que<span ss="aiText">st<span ss="editText">i<span ss="aiText">on<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> internally.


    <span ss="editText">"Dalia is right. You''re an Elite-ranked mage<span ss="aiText">, Nieren<span ss="editText">."


    <span ss="editText">"I-I''m an Elite<span ss="aiText">?" Nieren asked with a perplexed expression.


    <span ss="editText">Rya nodded her head<span ss="aiText"> and smiled at Nieren, "You are."


    <span ss="aiText">She then handed the monocle back to Dalia who looked through it again.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t believe that <span ss="editText">Woody<span ss="aiText">''s rank has increased?! And she''s on a simr level to me! That''s some!" Dalia eximed looking at the results.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren all of a sudden jumped out of her seat and stood up in a triumphant pose with her hands on her hips and legs<span ss="aiText"> spread apart.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes! <span ss="editText">Ha! You thought you could tease me, Dalia!? Well, the joke''s on you<span ss="aiText">!" Nieren shouted excitedly.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya sighed and shook her head, "Easy there, Nieren. Calm down."


    <span ss="aiText">"I am calm...<span ss="userText"> Lady Rya... I''m just showing Dalia that I''m not to be looked down on and teased<span ss="aiText">! That''s all. No need to worry about me getting an ego." Nieren replied with a smile<span ss="editText"> as her cheeks started getting rosier<span ss="userText"> than normal.


    <span ss="userText">Rya looked at Nieren and noticed her nipples were<span ss="aiText"> hardening up and slightly<span ss="editText"> poking against the ck fabric of her dress<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> And it seemed Nieren was unaware<span ss="aiText"> of what was happening to her body<span ss="editText"> as she stood there in a power pose<span ss="aiText"> with a smug look.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well... I guess you''ve got a point there, Nieren." Rya said with a chuckle.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, I''ll try and keep my excitement down," Nieren replied with a sheepish grin and a blush on her cheeks.<span ss="editText"> But as she stood there her excitement <span ss="userText">wasn''t<span ss="aiText"> fading.<span ss="editText"> In fact, it seemed to make her womanhood tingle<span ss="aiText"> more than usual.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="editText">''By the spirits! Rya has blessed me again! I''m so excited that I feel like I have to run to t<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">b<span ss="aiText">at<span ss="editText">hroom! But it would be udylike for me to leave her right now... Just hold it in Nieren<span ss="aiText">. Hold it in.'' Nieren thought to herself nervously<span ss="editText"> while still standing in her power pose<span ss="aiText">. She felt her heartbeat increase and her breathing became heavier. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she could feel her nipples getting even harder and her loins started to tingle.


    <span ss="aiText">She tried to focus on something else.


    <span ss="userText">"W-What! Alpha! Her vein...! It''s turning purple...! What does that mean<span ss="aiText">!?" Dalia asked in a panic.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">You''re kidding me!? Let me see<span ss="aiText">!" Rya replied with a <span ss="editText">stunn<span ss="aiText">ed expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"Umm... This is really embarrassing..." Nieren said as her blushing cheeks became a deeper red and began to<span ss="editText"> involuntarily sway<span ss="aiText"> her hi<span ss="editText">ps in order to relieve the growing tingl<span ss="aiText">ing sensation between her legs.


    <span ss="editText">Rya was looking through the Seer Stone again <span ss="userText">with awe. "Holy shit! Nieren your mana vein! It''s a Demi-god rank<span ss="aiText"> now! This is insane!<span ss="editText">"


    <span ss="editText">''I''m a... Demi-god!? Oh, by the Spirits!<span ss="aiText"> I can''t believe this!'' Nieren thought to herself excitedly<span ss="editText"> as her hips swayed<span ss="aiText"> back and forth<span ss="editText">while the tingling sensation intensified<span ss="aiText"> between her legs<span ss="editText"> and on the tips of her<span ss="aiText"> har<span ss="editText">dened<span ss="userText">nipples as well<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh, boy!... Um... Nieren? <span ss="userText">I think whatever was suppressing your mana vein seemed to dy your mana absorption, until I fixed it... Are you feeling... more excited than you been in your entire life?"<span ss="aiText"> Rya asked with concern as she examined Nieren and saw her rocking her hips side to side like she needed to go to the bedroom.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren''s cheeks burned red and <span ss="editText">sweat was forming on her forehead, "Just knowing that I''m a Demi-god is making me excited, Lady Rya... I-I... I-It will pass... I''m<span ss="userText">- aunh... I''m sure<span ss="aiText"> of it."


    <span ss="editText">Dalia stared sniffing the air<span ss="aiText"> as she looked a<span ss="editText">t Nieren, "Woody? Why are you releasing your mating scent right now<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmmh... I-I<span ss="aiText"> don''t know what you''re<span ss="editText">... Aunh... t-<span ss="aiText">talking about! I''m not releasing any kind of scent!" Nieren said with embarrassment while covering her breasts with both hands as her head turned away from Dalia.


    <span ss="aiText">Daliaughed, "You smell like a horny woman! You must be excited! Wanna tell us why?"


    <span ss="editText">''Stupid Dog...! Aunh! Why is my body acting all weird<span ss="aiText">!?'' Nieren thought nervously as her inner thighs began to rub against each other<span ss="editText">while the tingling sensation turned into an itchy<span ss="aiText"> burning sensation<span ss="editText"> in her loins<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m j-just excited that I''m a Demi-god! That''s all! I... I''d rather not talk about it!"


    <span ss="userText">"Ummm? Nieren? You might be experiencing mana lust<span ss="aiText">. It''s prettymon <span ss="editText">when you''re overloaded with mana<span ss="aiText">. Especially for people who<span ss="editText"> are better at absorbing mana like us<span ss="aiText">," Rya exined to help calm Nieren down.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren''s ears twitched as she looked up at Rya and nodded with a nervous smile on her face.


    <span ss="userText">''M-Mana lust!?<span ss="aiText"> Rya thinks I''m horny because of mana lust!? Wait... What''s happening to me!? My body feels weird! Like something is <span ss="editText">making my womanhood so it<span ss="aiText">ch<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText"> a<span ss="editText">nd<span ss="aiText"> wet! Ugh... I need relief! Please Spirits! Just give me some rel<span ss="editText">ief<span ss="aiText">!'' Nieren thought to herself as her breathing turned erratic and rapid.<span ss="editText"> And the hands that were covering her hard nipples underneath <span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> b<span ss="editText">l<span ss="aiText">ack <span ss="editText">dress started massaging<span ss="aiText"> herself over her clothing.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia looked at Nieren with <span ss="editText">surprise, "Ohh! I remember doing that after killing my first shadow panther when I was hunting for food. It was some fun!<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren looked around and realized that everyone had noticed her arousal. Her cheeks burned bright red with embarrassment.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya ced a hand on Nieren''s shoulder and smiled, "Don''t worry, Nieren. We<span ss="editText">''ll let you have your privacy... I remember that I couldn''t stop myself from masturbating in front of strangers when I had my first mana lust. It assaulted my very being with pleasure that is indescribable... Dalia! 2E! Let''s give Nieren her space<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia walked past Nieren and headed towards the door, "Ok! See yater!<span ss="editText"> Have fun Woody!"


    <span ss="editText">Rya and 2E followed Dalia out of theboratory and closed the door behind them to leave the dumbfounded wood elf to herself<span ss="aiText">. Rya couldn''t help but snicker at the sight of Nieren''s aroused state.


    <span ss="aiText">''She looks cute when she gets all embarrassed and shy,'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren shivered as <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">saw the door close and<span ss="aiText"> heard the locks engage.


    <span ss="editText">''Gah! This is so embarrassing! Aunh! I need to stop this lewd act! Aunh! I''m a r<span ss="aiText">et<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">er aunh! A-And ady-in-waiting!<span ss="aiText"> aunh! A-Ahhh! This is a sin! A<span ss="editText">UNH! This stupid itch!<span ss="aiText"> Ahhhhh! I can''t stop! I don''t want to stop! Ahhhh! I need more! More! MORE! AAAAAHHHHHHH! I CAN''T STOP!'' Nieren moaned out loud as she continued rubbing her breasts<span ss="editText"> and pinching her hard nipples<span ss="aiText"> through her dress.


    <span ss="editText">''I-I just need to imagine <span ss="editText">something else so I can we<span ss="aiText">ather <span ss="editText">these<span ss="userText"> urges that are unbefitting of<span ss="aiText"> a woman of my position!'' Nieren thought to herself as she took a deep breath and tried to think of something else other than having sex.


    <span ss="editText">She closed her eyes and started fantasizing about fighting a<span ss="aiText"> giant spider in the forest.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmhm... Mmmmmm..." Nieren moaned softly as she imagined the battle. <span ss="editText">ying out in her mind.


    <span ss="editText">''Aunh! N-Nothing sexy about giant spiders<span ss="aiText">... Aunh...'' Nieren blushed in shame as she pictured the creature in her head. ''They''re so gross! Ugh! <span ss="editText">I bet I can wipe the floor with them. Now that my mana vein was healed... Aunh! I-I would fight them for my Prince and Lady<span ss="aiText">! Yes! That''s what I''d do! I wouldn''t even hesitate to kill one of those things! Augh! I''m getting so wet! What''s wrong with me?! I shouldn''t be feeling like this!<span ss="userText"> Fight these urges<span ss="aiText">!'' Nieren scolded herself as she felt her arousal growing stronger even when thinking of disgusting giant spiders.


    <span ss="editText">And before she knew it she was sucked into her own fantasy where she was exploring the Foggy Green Forest<span ss="aiText">. Her weapon was the bow in her hands and arrows were stuck into the ground around her.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh!? Back away fiend! I won''t let you near<span ss="aiText"> my Prince<span ss="editText"> and Lady<span ss="aiText">!" She said as she readied her bow and fired off arrow after arrow<span ss="editText"> towards the 10-foot-tall ck spider that was in <span ss="aiText">th<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText"> t<span ss="editText">ree<span ss="aiText"> canopy.


    <span ss="userText">The arrows <span ss="editText">struck butbounced off its hard <span ss="editText">exo<span ss="userText">skeleton<span ss="aiText">. ''That''s impossible! It should''ve been destroyed! Why isn''t it!?" Nieren thought to herself as she readied her next shot.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaaaaaah!" Nieren screamed as she saw another 15-foot-long spider jump down from the tree canopy behind her.


    <span ss="aiText">As she turned around she was face to face with the giant spider. Nieren wanted to run but she couldn''t move her legs as if they were frozen in ce.


    <span ss="aiText">''U-Urk!<span ss="userText"> Webs!?<span ss="aiText">There are webs all over me! I can feel them crawling on my skin! Oh no! I have to get out of here! I''m so scared!'' Nieren thought as she realized that the monster had caught her in the web. She began struggling against it, but it was stronger than her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Aunh! T-Take this<span ss="aiText">!" Nieren yelled as she swung her sword at the spider.


    <span ss="aiText">But it didn''t work. The spider easily dodged the de and struck her in the shoulder with its <span ss="editText">webs<span ss="userText">. Entangling her arms<span ss="aiText"> together and holding them tight.


    <span ss="aiText">''No! Nooo! I-I can''t breathe! I-I need to escape! I can''t let myself die in a ce like this! I''ll never forgive myself!<span ss="userText">"<span ss="aiText"> Nieren begged as she struggled to free herself from the web.


    <span ss="editText">With their prey neutralized the two spiders slowly moved in<span ss="aiText"> for the kill. As they both were about to strike, Nieren <span ss="editText">notic<span ss="aiText">ed the <span ss="editText">dirt under the 15-foot-tall spi<span ss="userText">der glowed with a ck aura before a Dark Earthly Spike shot up and pierced its underbelly.


    <span ss="userText">"SCREECH!"


    <span ss="aiText">The spider <span ss="editText">died almost instantly as the earth spike flew up about 30 feet with a curled-up body<span ss="aiText">attached to it.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren then heard Quinus''s voice.


    <span ss="editText">"Let the sun smite thee! HIYAH!" Quinus roared as he swung his mana-infused sword in the direction of the 10-foot-tall spider and cast a wave of mes towards it. Burning everything in its path<span ss="aiText"> as it hit the ground.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Lady Rya!? P-Prince Quinus!? They came to my aid?<span ss="aiText"> This is amazing!'' Nieren thought to herself as she looked up to see Quinus <span ss="editText">and Rya <span ss="aiText">standing ove<span ss="editText">r to the side of<span ss="aiText"> her.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus turned to look at Nieren as he stared at her<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> "<span ss="editText">Haah... Why did you go running off without us<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren looked away embarrassed and said in a quiet voice, "I <span ss="editText">don''t know, my prince<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus looked at her andughed, "<span ss="editText">I know Rya has healed you and you are a Demi-god but that doesn''t mean you''re invincible<span ss="aiText">. You should listen to your allies next time, especially me."


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren blushed and bowed her head, not wanting to make him angry again.<span ss="editText"> But she was still tangled up in<span ss="aiText"> the web. Quinus looked at Rya, "<span ss="editText">How do you think we should discipline<span ss="aiText"> her, Rya?"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded and smiled, "We<span ss="editText">ll, it seems lik<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> can''t be my retainer anymore after this<span ss="userText">... Maybe she needs to be <span ss="editText">your second wife so I can be her big sister so she won''t get in trouble<span ss="aiText"> again."


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren looked up at Rya and said quietly, "My Lady Rya<span ss="editText">? But I''m a wood elf? I can''t marry a human?<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya looked at Nieren and said in a teasing tone, "<span ss="editText">Oh!? Then why do you fantasize about my handsome Quinny<span ss="aiText"> so much?"


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren blushed and <span ss="editText">wanted to<span ss="aiText"> hid<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText"> b<span ss="editText">ut she was still stuck in the spider web as her armor was<span ss="aiText"> covered in mud.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> looked confused, "What!? I-I would never!..."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya looked at Nieren and said, "You have been looking at my man all day and your eyes are always on the lookout when he moves.<span ss="editText"> I can see it in your eyes when you stare at his muscles. You like the way they move<span ss="aiText"> and your bodynguage acts very simr to mine when you''re around my handsome man. I think you have fallen for him. And I also think that you want to make sure he stays safe from harm.<span ss="userText"> And what better way than marrying him with me<span ss="aiText"> and bing his second wife!?"


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren <span ss="editText">struggling to break free<span ss="aiText"> of the web was nowpletely flustered. She was having a hard time understanding the wordsing out of Rya''s mouth.


    <span ss="editText">''T-That''s not true! I''ve only been staring at his beautiful golden eyes<span ss="aiText"> and how well-built he is!'' Nieren thought to herself, ''But I can''t deny that, for a human, he is a handsome man. Nothing more!''


    <span ss="aiText">Rya continued, "Besides, I wouldn''t mind if you became my sister-wife. We could rule together and share our husband."


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren was now beyond shocked. She couldn''t believe what she was hearing. <span ss="editText">But the more Rya talked<span ss="aiText"> the m<span ss="editText">ore her loins<span ss="aiText"> began to burn. She was feeling naughty in a way that she had never felt before.


    <span ss="editText">"Aunh! Lady Rya!? W-Why do you<span ss="aiText"> wa<span ss="editText">nt<span ss="aiText"> a <span ss="editText">simple wood elf<span ss="aiText"> like me for your s<span ss="editText">ister-wif<span ss="aiText">e!? I''m nothingpared to you!" Nieren yelled in embarrassment.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smiled and said, "Because you''re a sweetheart and I adore you. Besides, I <span ss="editText">want to see you pregnant with Quinus''s children<span ss="aiText">. I have a feeling that if we were sisters then I would get pregnant too. I wish I was a <span ss="editText">human<span ss="aiText"> so I could give birth to his children. But I am just a <span ss="editText">dark elf<span ss="aiText"> woman and that is why I need you to help make me pregnant with his <span ss="editText">children<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren <span ss="editText">looked at Quinus<span ss="aiText">''s face and noticed that he was smiling at her. He then moved behind her and <span ss="editText">whispered into her ear<span ss="aiText">, "I would be honored to have you as my wife, and I will dly <span ss="editText">have you <span ss="aiText">bear <span ss="editText">m<span ss="aiText">y children. I already know that you are going to be the most beautiful mother in the world."


    <span ss="editText">''Aunh! My prince wants me!? But he''s human? Aunh! How will we make it work?''


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren turned red with happiness and tried to hide her feelings but gave an embarrassed smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smiled and said, "Now <span ss="editText">it''s time to demote you<span ss="userText">, Nieren... Your day as an adventure and knight<span ss="aiText"> is over. You are no longer worthy of <span ss="editText">wearing this armor<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren tried to <span ss="editText">squirm free but t<span ss="aiText">he s<span ss="editText">pider webs<span ss="aiText"> held her tight.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya <span ss="editText">reached up to Nieren''s <span ss="userText">muddy armor<span ss="aiText"> and pulled down one of the pauldrons.


    <span ss="aiText">She then loosened the buckles and began to remove the straps around the chest te.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oooh! Oooh! Aunh! What are you doing!? Stop! Ooooh! Let me go! I''m not ready for this yet!" Nieren screamed in fear<span ss="editText"> but her loins grew with heat<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya ignored her pleas and continued to strip off thest piece of armor<span ss="editText"> until she was only in her Royal Retainer''s dress<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren''s face turned into a mix of horror and excitement. Her eyes lit up when she saw the beautiful dark elf that stood before her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ooooh! My spirits, please spare me! I''ll do anything to serve you better. Please don''t let me suffer this humiliation any further!" Nieren prayed as she closed her eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled and said, "Oh no <span ss="editText">my <span ss="aiText">dear <span ss="editText">princess<span ss="aiText">. You deserve all this and more. I''m d t<span ss="editText">o make<span ss="aiText"> you my s<span ss="editText">econd <span ss="aiText">wife and I hope you find joy in being with us. Now let''s get you cleaned up."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya noticed the look on Quinus'' face. She knew what he was thinking and she smiled back.<span ss="userText"> Rya moved behind Nieren so she could reach around<span ss="aiText"> her <span ss="editText">and started groping her perky C-cup<span ss="aiText"> breasts.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmm! Mmm! Oh! <span ss="editText">Mydy!? What<span ss="aiText"> are you doing!?" Nieren asked in shock.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smiled and continued to grope her breasts until her nipples started poking against the fabric. Once Rya was satisfied with her work she then<span ss="aiText"> reached down in between her legs and began to rub her crotch through her skirt.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m preparing you to<span ss="aiText"> be an amazing lover for my husband. I want to see how long you can hold out before you start begging to be fucked. Okay?" Rya smiled wickedly at Nieren.


    <span ss="aiText">The helpless wood elf felt like she had <span ss="editText">electricity<span ss="aiText"> coursing through her body. She could feel herself getting wetter and wetter.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya looked at Nieren and said, "Well, my dear Nieren. Do you ept your fate as m<span ss="editText">y<span ss="userText"> sister<span ss="aiText">-wife? Will you do whatever I ask without hesitation orint?"


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren <span ss="editText">was struggling against the webs as Rya teased <span ss="userText">her body<span ss="aiText">. She couldn''t help but moan from the pleasure of being touched.


    <span ss="editText">Her dress uniform was clinging to her sweaty<span ss="aiText"> body and she had trouble breathing<span ss="editText"> as <span ss="aiText">Rya s<span ss="editText">k<span ss="aiText">il<span ss="editText">lfully probed <span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> b<span ss="editText">ody with<span ss="aiText"> her hands.


    <span ss="aiText">"Uuuh! Ah! Uhh! Ooh! <span ss="editText">B-But I like being a knight<span ss="aiText">. I served my new country well and I made sure that they were safe. I-I��I don''t want to be your sex ve. I��I��" Nieren stuttered in fear.


    <span ss="aiText">"Shhhh! <span ss="editText">Who said I want you to be a sex ve? No, I want you to be my sister and help <span ss="aiText">ou<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText"> h<span ss="editText">usband sire a heir<span ss="aiText">. I promise you will never regret it," Rya whispered into Nieren''s <span ss="editText">elven <span ss="aiText">ear.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren stood there in shock. She wasn''t really sure what was happening to her body, but she knew something was causing her to feel incredible pleasure.


    <span ss="aiText">She tried to fight it, but she couldn''t. She was beginning to lose control when Rya finally stopped teasing her.


    <span ss="editText">''Aunh!? Why did Rya<span ss="aiText"> stop?'' Nieren wondered.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya <span ss="editText">smiled and said, "She is ready for her future husband<span ss="aiText">. If you would like to fuck her, go ahead."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya turned and walked away.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">Ugh! I can''t believe this is happening!<span ss="editText"> I''m a knight and an adventurer... I shouldn''t give in to��''<span ss="aiText"> Nieren<span ss="editText">''s<span ss="aiText"> thought<span ss="editText">s were interrupted when she noticed that Quinus was standing in front of her naked. And was staring into her bright green eyes with his mysterious golden ones<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren felt her heart beat faster and she started to pant heavily.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus slowly stepped towards Nieren and began to caress her face with one hand. While <span ss="aiText">the other started to unbutton<span ss="editText">the front of her dress uniform<span ss="aiText">. Then he pulled it open and revealed Nieren''srge breasts.


    <span ss="editText">She was helpless<span ss="aiText"> to stop him. Her body was betraying her<span ss="editText"> as well as her heart<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Then Rya appeared behind Nieren and wrapped her arms around her. She kissed Nieren on the neck and whispered in her ear, "You are now <span ss="editText">ours<span ss="aiText"> Nieren.<span ss="userText"> Show us how much you love us<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">That was when Rya began to strip Nieren''s dress off her body in one quick motion.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren was humiliated to be naked in front of Quinus and was embarrassed that she <span ss="editText">enjoyed being at their mercy<span ss="aiText">. She was mortified knowing that her body wanted more attention from them.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren''s pussy was dripping wet, and she couldn''t help but spread her legs apart slightly.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya ced her hands on the wood elf''srge tits and began to massage them gently.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren moaned softly as her nipples hardened under Rya''s touch.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus took her chin<span ss="aiText"> in his hand and looked into her eyes again.


    <span ss="editText">''W-What is my prince doing? Why are human men so much mor<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">h<span ss="aiText">and<span ss="editText">some than<span ss="aiText"> elven men?<span ss="editText"> No wonder Rya fell for him... Quinus is perfect... I failed to keep him out of my heart! And now I''m paying the price...'' Nieren thought.


    <span ss="editText">He then leaned down and ced his lips on hers.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh Gods! I-I want him! I don''t care if I''m his second wife!''

 Vol.3 Ch.178 Nieren’s Wild Fantasy

    Vol.3 Ch.178 Nieren��s Wild Fantasy


    His lips were soft and warm against hers. Nieren began to feel herself rxing while Quinus took charge. He took his tongue and slid it between her lips.


    Nieren gasped as the foreign invader started battling with her tongue. This was a strange kiss to her, but it was quickly growing on her.


    ''Aunh!? Why do humans love to use their tongues when kissing their lover?!'' Nieren thought as she tried to push back Quinus''s tongue.


    She waspletely lost in the moment. She didn''t know what was happening to her.


    Quinus brought his right hand up to Nieren''s breast and began kneading herrge tit with his manly fingers.


    Nieren moaned from the sensation of his rough fingers ying against her sensitive flesh and her mind became foggy whenQuinus sucked on her tongue.


    Rya decided to join and moved her left hand down and began to y with Nieren''s pussy.


    ''AUNH!? My body betrays me! I should have stayed away from humans... They''re too good at getting into your head! And this dark elf isn''t helping either! Aunh!''


    The fallen wood elf princess never experienced the joys of pleasure before and she was confused by what was happening. Her pussy became soaked as Rya''s fingers yed with her wet folds.


    Rya gave Nieren long firm strokes on her clit and then slipped a finger inside her pussy.


    Quinus pushed his tongue deeper into her mouth and tried to pin her tongue down with his. And she was putting up a valiant fight but it was futile to resist. Nieren was trying to stop him from dominating her mouth but no matter how hard she tried he was too strong for her and was losing ground fast.


    But before she knew it Quinus corners her tongue and begins to suck on it. Nieren''s mind was starting to go nk.


    She felt like she was floating above her own body. Watching herself being loved by a beautiful dark elf and a mysterious handsome human. Touching her in ways that she had never dared to dream about.


    Quinus began to pull away from Nieren''s lips and kissed her ear.


    "I love you Nieren," Quinus whispered into her ear.


    Nieren''s heart skipped a beat.


    The next moment Nieren felt her lower lips being stretched wider as Rya added another finger and buried deep inside her pussy.


    "Ahh!" Nieren moaned as she felt another finger slip into her body.


    "She''s ready for you Quinus," Rya said in an alluring voice.


    Nieren''s eyes widened in shock as the dark elf created a bed from underneath them with her earth magic. Ryay Nieren down on her back while spreading her legs and pussy lips in front of Quinus''s face.


    ''RYA!? N-No! This isn''t Ladylike at all...''


    Rya smiled as she pulled one of her fingers out of Nieren''s pussy which had no pubic hair at all.


    "Fuck her boy. Give her what she needs. Make her cum."


    Quinus looked up and saw Rya''s smile.


    He began to lick and suck at Nieren''s engorged clit.


    Nieren grabbed onto the sheets as she began to moan.


    ''OH! GODS!... Human tongues are so rough, but it feels incredible! And this stupid dark elf won''t leave my nipples be! Aunh!''


    Rya began to rub her hand over Nieren''s breast.


    She began to pinch her sensitive nipples between her thumb and forefinger.


    ''AHH!... She''s doing it again! It''s like she knows exactly how to make me feel good! Now I can feel my hips bucking up towards my prince''s tongue! OH MY GOD! SUCK ON THEM BOTH! TAKE ALL OF ME IN YOUR MOUTH! YES! YES!''


    She was still in shock that she was having oral sex with a couple of races she had never even thought about doing this with.


    Quinus licked and sucked on Nieren''s clit, trying to make her cum.


    While Rya began to suck on Nieren''s hardened nipples while using her left hand to y and pinch the other one.


    Quinus licked around Nieren''s clit until she began to grunt and squirm.


    "Aah! G-Gods! Fuck! Fuck! I''m going to cum! I''m CUMMING!!!" Nieren screamed out in pleasure.


    "YES! MAKE HER CRY OUT! MAKE HER SCREAM OUT YOUR NAME! IT''S TIME TO CUM FOR YOUR PRINCE! FOR YOU TO BECOME A MATURE LADY!" Rya eximed with excitement as she saw the wood elf being to get overtaken by lust.


    Nieren''s knees began to shake as her whole body shook with ecstasy.


    "Uhhnnn... Uuuhhhh..." she whispered as she felt her orgasm begin to build up.


    Quinus kept licking and sucking at Nieren''s clit until she once again groaned out loud.


    "Aaaaaaaaah! AAAAAAAH! FUCK! FUCK ME WITH YOUR TONGUE QUINUS! I''M GOING TO CUM! FUCK MY PUSSY WITH YOUR TEETH! WHATEVER YOU WANT! PLEASE! DON''T STOP! DON''T LET ME STOP FEELING YOU!"


    Quinus began to suck on Nieren''s clit even more aggressively as he licked her pussy as fast as he could. Causing the wood elf to arch her back and groaned loudly.


    The fire inside Nieren grew hotter and hotter. Her hips began to buck again.


    "OOHHHHH! YEEESSS! MORE! PLEASE! MORE!!"


    Nieren moaned out in pleasure as her legs began to tremble. Until finally she screamed out loud in ecstasy.


    "Aaahnhhhhh! Oh! Gods! AUNGH! M-MY PRINCE! MY LOVE! MAKE ME YOUR SLUT! I''LL DO ANYTHING! I''LL SUCK YOUR DICK! I''LL FUCK YOU! JUST PLEASE MAKE ME YOUR SLUT!"


    Nieren cummed so hard that she sprayed Quinus in the face with her juices.


    For a moment, Quinus and Rya looked at each other in amazement.


    Nieren''s head was still spinning from the intense orgasm. She was now panting heavily as her body felt manipted by lust. She never knew that she could feel this way and feared she would be corrupted by it.


    "W-What? What did you say?" she whispered out loud.


    Quinus stared back at her for a few moments before answering. "You''ve grown a cute little bush around your pussy."


    ''Huh!?''


    Nieren looked down at her pussy to see a little patch of golden blonde hair sticking out.


    "What the hell? Wait�� Do I have pubic hair? But I''m only 45 years old? I''m too young to grow pubic hair!" said Nieren in shock.


    Quinus just smiled, "There''s nothing wrong with bing an adult at an early age. You''re special after all. We should celebrate!"


    "Wh-what do you mean?" asked Nieren.


    "By making you my princess," said Quinus.


    Nieren''s eyes widened and she gasped out loud.


    "Your Princess?" she repeated.


    Quinus nodded and kissed Nieren on the cheek, "I want to be your prince!"


    ''...He wants me to be his princess?!'' Nieren thought as Quinus opened her legs wide with no resistance.


    "Wait! Wait! I don''t know what to say! This is all happening so fast!" replied Nieren.


    But Quinus didn''t listen. He continued to kiss her neck and nibble on her long ears.


    Meanwhile, Rya was standing behind Quinus. She had taken off her clothes and waspletely naked. Her breasts wererge and full, her stomach was t, and her pussy was a deep shade of pink.


    She stepped forward and took Nieren by the chin.


    "Wait! Wait! I don''t know what to say!" cried Nieren.


    Rya smiled and pressed her body against Nieren.


    "Say yes," whispered Rya as she kissed Nieren on the lips.


    ''Rya!? Oh! Ohh! Her tongue is so soft and delicate. I-I love them both!... I want to be a princess again! I don''t care if it''s with a human! I love him! I need him! And I want to be Rya''s sister! I''ll do it! I''ll be his second wife!''


    Nieren sighed out loud and gave in as the dark elf''s tongue invaded her mouth.


    The two girls started to make out intensely as Quinus spread Nieren''s thighs apart.


    Nieren moaned loudly when Quinus began to tease her pussy with the head of his big cock.


    Meanwhile, Rya was kissing Nieren passionately.


    This caused Nieren to moan louder.


    Quinus brought his hands up and cupped Nieren''srge breasts.


    "Ohh! That feels good!" moaned Nieren.


    As he fondled her tits, he thrust his rock-hard cock inside of her.


    Rya pulled back from their kissing session and moved her hand down to Nieren''s clit and finger fucked the hell out of the girl as Quinus was shoving his 16-inch cock into her.


    "Ohh! Please!" begged Nieren.


    Rya began to work Nieren over like a pro. She used her fingers to rub Nieren''s clit and Quin''s cock nailed her g-spot.


    "Yes! Yes! YES!" screamed Nieren.


    Her body shook violently from the orgasm.


    Then Rya grabbed Nieren''s hands and put them on Quinus'' chest.


    "Look at us! Look how we''re fucking! This is what you wanted! You''ve always wanted to be a part of this! You''re my sister now!" growled Rya.


    "I love you too! I''m your sister!" screamed Nieren.


    Quinusughed as he looked down at them both while thirsting in and out of Nieren.


    "Someone is having too much fun here!" said Quinus.


    Rya ignored him as she kept fingering Nieren''s clit.


    Heughed and noticed Rya''s pussy was within reach of his hand.


    Quinus smiled and started fingering Rya''s pussy as well.


    Rya''s eyes widened in shock as she tried to stop him from doing so.


    "AUNGH!? Q-Quin!? Aunh! W-We n-need to f-focus on Nieren! Don''t w-waste time on me!" pleaded Rya.


    Quinus chuckled and continued fingering Rya as he kissed her.


    "I''m not going anywhere. Besides, I want to hear both of you scream," smirked the prince.


    Both girls were moaning and panting heavily as their prince was taking care of both of them at the same time.


    ''My Prince! I can feel him inside my womb! Oh God! Quinus! Fuck me harder!'' thought Nieren.


    Quinus looked down at Nieren as she came again.


    "Mmph! Mmmmm! I-I''ve cum so many times... But my prince denies me his seed! I need it!" moaned Nieren.


    "Then you shall have it my princess," grinned Quinus.


    "Please! Your cock is making me go crazy! I don''t think I can ever ept any other race''s seed. Only yours will do." replied Nieren.


    Quinus roared as he continued pounding into Nieren''s tight cunt.


    ''Ah! My lord! I love your cock! Fuck me harder! Make me cum on your big dick! Please make me pregnant! Ahhhhhhh! Yes! Cumming! OOOOOHHHHHHH!''


    "I''ll give you everything you want," promised the prince as his testicles pped against Nieren''s ass cheeks.


    "Ugh! Aaah! Y-Yes! Yes! Yes! YES!"


    Rya''s head spun as she felt her own orgasming from Quinus''s fingers as Nieren was next to her getting fucked by Quinus.


    "Nieren! My Princess! It''s time for you to receive what you desire!" yelped Quinus.


    "Oh God! YES! Give me your seed! I want your baby so much! I love you Quinus!" screamed Nieren.


    "Ah! Yessss! You''re so lucky to be mine! Your body is so perfect! You''re so beautiful and sexy! I love how your tits bounce! I love how your ass jiggles! I love the way your hair flows in the wind! I love the way you look at me! I love the way you moan when you cum! I love the way you beg me to fuck you! I love the way you taste! I love the way you smell! And I love the way you ept me as your mate! I LOVE YOU MY PRINCESS!" yelled the prince.


    "YAAAAAAAAAAAH! I''m cumming! I''m cummmiiiiiinnnnngggg!" screamed Nieren as she orgasmed the hardest she had ever cummed.


    Her legs shook as her back arched. Her eyes rolled back into her head as she let out a loud moan as her pussy clenched around Quinus''s cock that unloaded his essence deep inside her.


    "You made me pregnant my prince!" cried Nieren.


    Quinus mmed himself deep inside her against her pelvis and she felt him hardening up once more as his seed filled her womb.


    "Naugh!!! Uuuuuhhh!!!! Oooohhhh!!!" wailed Nieren as another orgasm ripped through her body.


    She felt her insides quiver as her muscles spasm and her toes curled as her mind went nk.


    Nieren felt like the world wasing to an end. She''d never been this happy in her entire life.


    Quinus leaned down to kiss Nieren as shey limp beneath him.


    He pulled his cock from her pussy and flipped her on her stomach, where he rammed into her. He thrust into her hard, making sure she got every inch of his cock as he came again.


    ''Aunh! This is what it feels like to be a woman!? AUNGH! I love it!... Now I know why Rya loves this man!... AUNGH! And why Dalia rides Percy at every opportunity!... Human males are perfect! HE''S PERFECT! AND I''M HIS!'' thought Nieren as she felt herself being bred by Quinus like a beastkin.


    "YES! YES! YES! MORE! MORE!" screamed Nieren as she orgasmed once more.


    She couldn''t believe how good it felt to be prated by a man. Her pussy was so sensitive now and it was so tight!


    Quinus rocked his hips back and forth as he pounded into her.


    "As you wish, my Princess," said Quinus.


    His hands grabbed her breasts and squeezed them as he fucked her hard and fast.


    Nieren threw her head back and moaned loudly as she felt herself being bred like a wolfkin.


    ''I''m such a naughty elf!... My prince is breeding me like a wolfkin in heat! How does he do it?... His cock is so big! Oh gods! Oh spirits! I just can''t get enough of it!... Mmmmm!... mmmm!... mmmm!... I love it!... I''ve never had sex before! And it''s AMAZING!... I never want it to end!... I''m going to cum again!... I''m gonna cum for my prince!... I''m cumming!!!!... I''M CUMMMINGNNNGGGG!!!!!''


    Nieren felt like she would pass out from the pleasure that radiated from her womb. She could feel the warmth from his seed gushing deep inside her.


    ''Oh yes, I am his dirty little dogkin bitch!... I''ll fuck my prince whenever he wants!... I''m his slutty little elf girlfriend! I love it!... I don''t care if he fucks me with other women!... I won''t stop him!... I''m his mate!'' thought Nieren as she felt a new wave of semen shoot into her womb.


    Quinus looked down at the beautiful elf girl beneath him.


    "You are so beautiful. You make me feel like aplete man." He whispered to her as he leaned down to kiss her softly.


    "My P-Prince, please..." whimpered Nieren as she looked up at him. "Please breed with me again. I need your seed in me." She begged him.


    Quinus smiled and kissed her passionately.


    "Elven females are the best," he grinned as he continued to thrust into her. "Your body is so perfect. Your pussy is so tight."


    He could tell she was getting tired quickly, so he slowed the pace of his thrusts.


    "Feel free to cum again. As much as you like. I will give you everything you desire." He said lovingly.


    Quinus wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close to him.


    ''H-He''s so warm!... No one has ever been this affectionate towards me before... I could stay here forever. He makes me feel safe and happy.'' thought Nieren.


    Nieren was waiting for her prince to start making love to her again but suddenly felt someone grabbing her hand.


    ''Huh!?'' She looked over and saw Rya smiling at her with the most beautiful smile she had ever seen.


    "I''m d you epted Quinus as your husband... Now I have a sister!" smiled Rya.


    "What?" asked Nieren.


    "You heard me. I am your new sister!" giggled Rya. "Now we can share our husband together!"


    Before Nieren could respond Quinus started to fuck her harder and faster. He thrust into her until he felt like he was about to cum.


    "OH GOD! I''M CUMMING! OH YES!" shouted Nieren.


    Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she felt a massive load fill her womb.


    Nieren screamed as she climaxed again. Her hips bucked against Quinus'' shaft in the throes of her orgasm.


    Quinus held onto her tightly as he shot his seed deep inside her womb. And the warmth spread through her body like never before as her mind filled with pure ecstasy.


    Nieren copsed as she came down from her high and felt like she was having an out-of-body experience.


    She could see herself getting loved by the Prince and Rya while she floats above them.


    ''How am I seeing this? I must be dreaming,'' thought Nieren while she saw Quinus thrusting into her again.


    ''Oh Gods! I-I''m losing control!'' gasped Nieren as she felt a hot stream of fluid shoot into her.


    Quinus kept thrusting as he felt his balls empty themselves into her womb. The sensation sent Nieren back into another world of blissful pleasure. Making her conscience float away from her own body, Rya, Quinus, and the forest. Until everything went ck.


    ***


    "AUNGH! GODS! SO GOOD!" moaned Nieren as she felt herself cumming on her own fingers that were plunged deep inside her pussy while her other hand was twisting her nipple.


    Nieren was kneeling on the floor of theboratory in the castle of Ironside. With her legs spread wide and her hands ying with her clit and nipples.


    Her Royal Retainer''s uniform dress was unbuttoned and open up. Exposing herrge breasts and sensitive pink nipples to the world for all to see.


    She was moaning loudly as she continued to y with her breasts while squeezing her pussy around her fingers.


    The room was lit by a single magical torch, but it didn''t take much light to see the beauty of Nieren''s body.


    Nieren was standing up and leaning over a table. Her ass was arched high in the air as she humped the side of the table. She was being affected by mana lust and her fantasy had taken control as she masturbated, leaving a pool of her own juices on the floor.


    "AH FUCK ME! SPIRITS! YES! FUCK MY PUSSY!" cried Nieren as she reached her peak and came all over herself.


    She fell to the ground still panting and breathing heavily as she tried to catch her breath. It took her a few minutes toe back to reality as her orgasm finally faded away.


    "Whoa..." moaned Nieren as she sat there catching her breath. "What... what happened? My Prince? Rya?"


    Nieren looked around and noticed she was mostly naked and covered in her own fluids.


    "...Wait! T-This is theboratory!... Did... Did I just do what I think I did? Oh gods!"


    Nieren felt embarrassed that she caved into her lustful desires.


    She got up off the ground and put her clothes on, covering herself, and then stood there trying to make sense of what happened to her.


    "Ahh! Why did I fantasize about having se��" Nieren shook her head vigorously in hopes of shaking away those thoughts from her mind.


    "I mean it''s fine, right? Right?! It was all a dream and it''s Rya''s and my Prince�� Quinus''s fault for corrupting my mind with such weird thoughts."


    Nieren stopped talking after hearing her own words out loud.


    "M-Maybe I need earplugs or something. So I can''t hear them making love anymore and I stop getting these strange fantasies like this."


    Nieren turned around and walked up to the door that led out of theboratory. She was worried that it could happen again so soon, and she didn''t want to be caught doing anything like she did.


    "Gah! That was so udylike! But mana lust... I thought that was just a myth! Ugh, I don''t even know what to call what just happened to me. I mean... I have to admit that I enjoyed myself. But why did I imagine having a three-way with my best friend and the prince? Something is not right about me..."


    Nieren scratched her head nervously and then walked out of theboratory.

 Vol.3 Ch.179 I Don’t Remember the Sweets Tasting this Divine!

    Vol.3 Ch.179 I Don��t Remember the Sweets Tasting this Divine!


    <span ss="userText">Before Nieren got fully swept up in her mana lust. Rya, Dalia, and 2E came out of theboratory to give the Wood Elf her privacy<span ss="editText">.


    <span ss="userText">When they came out to the hallway of the basement. They could hear in the distance Arathar Coldforge pounding away on some metal. Most likely he was working on Rya''s sword.


    <span ss="userText">2E closed the door to theboratory<span ss="aiText"> behind them while Rya sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So Woody can''t handle her mana... I wish I could watch her getting knocked down a peg... She always mocks me for mating with my wolf<span ss="userText">.<span ss="aiText"> How dare she<span ss="editText">, right? If you have an amazing mate, you make sure<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">mark<span ss="aiText"> him. S<span ss="editText">o, no other female tries<span ss="aiText"> to steal your man." <span ss="aiText">Dalia said with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hey, she may be opinion<span ss="aiText">ated <span ss="editText">but she''s still<span ss="aiText"> a <span ss="editText">fallen <span ss="aiText">princess. <span ss="editText">S<span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText"> was being trained <span ss="userText">to be a noble elf... It''s hard to change your habits<span ss="aiText"> from living the pce life."<span ss="editText"> said Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">But you changed your habits? You wear fancy dresses that reveal<span ss="aiText">your cleavage and legs! <span ss="aiText">And <span ss="editText">you reek of your mate''s scent... I remember you saying that you weren''t interested in men because you used to be one... You''ve changed, Alpha. And it is mostly for the bett<span ss="aiText">er." <span ss="aiText">Dalia <span ss="editText">said while wagging her tail.


    <span ss="editText">Rya''s cheeks<span ss="aiText"> went red<span ss="editText">. ''I-I can''t deny that I''m different... How can I not be... I''m a fe<span ss="aiText">ma<span ss="editText">l<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">Dark Elf now... I don''t care if I used to be a straight man... I love Quin<span ss="aiText">with everything I have.<span ss="editText"> And Quin is my rock... <span ss="userText">Zoey... A part of me wishes toe home and see you one more time... I wish for your future happiness... You were the best girlfriend a guy like me could ever have...<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="editText">"Umm? Are you okay Alpha?" Dalia<span ss="aiText"> asked with concern.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yea, yea I''m fine. Just thinking about the past.<span ss="editText"> And I''m just letting it go," Rya smiled.


    <span ss="editText">"Good! The past can make thingsplicated... Just<span ss="aiText"> focus on the present and the future. For example, I n on <span ss="editText">teasing Gamma<span ss="aiText"> about <span ss="editText">having children! Mating season is around the corner!" Dalia giggled.


    <span ss="editText">Rya cracked into a smile and shook her head. ''Dalia... You don''t <span ss="userText">need a mating season to get pregnant. Because you are already knocked up... But she won''t believe me<span ss="aiText">...''


    <span ss="editText">Then Rya just sighed before ta<span ss="aiText">king the <span ss="editText">Seer Stone and sliding it in between her cleavage<span ss="aiText">. The<span ss="editText"> magical monocle was cool to the touch as it nestled<span ss="aiText"> in<span ss="editText"> between her massive chest<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oooh, thi<span ss="aiText">s <span ss="editText">f<span ss="aiText">ee<span ss="editText">ls good..." Rya moaned out loud as the artifact was safely secured<span ss="aiText"> against her body.


    <span ss="editText">''It''s<span ss="userText"> not a cellphone but it''s not a bad spot to keep the Seer Stone<span ss="aiText">.'' Rya thought<span ss="editText"> as she used her hands to readjust her breasts <span ss="userText">and felt the artifact slide into a <span ss="aiText">more secure spot.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Hey, Dalia? Have you seen any other half-breeds? We''ve been <span ss="aiText">in <span ss="editText">Ironside for a month now and I''ve only seen the dwarves pairing up with dwarves while humans are the same. With the only exceptions being Percy and Quinus. You would think there would be some inner mingling with at least one couple<span ss="aiText">?" Rya said as she looked <span ss="editText">at her cleavage to make sure the Seer Stone wasn''t<span ss="aiText"> moving around.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hm? <span ss="editText">I mean I wouldn''t have imagined marking a human<span ss="aiText"> as a mate<span ss="editText"> until you gave me the idea..<span ss="aiText">. I haven''t really paid attention to the other races either. <span ss="editText">But <span ss="aiText">now th<span ss="editText">at you mention it. I haven''t noticed<span ss="aiText"> an<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText"> d<span ss="editText">warves marking humans or humans marking dwarves," Dalia said as she tilted her head while thinking<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">It''s just weird? Most of the civilians <span ss="userText">seem to enjoy living together but there isn''t one half-breed human-dwarf?<span ss="aiText"> Or maybe I''m wrong and they''re all <span ss="editText">in <span ss="aiText">hiding<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText"> I<span ss="editText">t seems the noble<span ss="aiText"> society is very conservative... <span ss="editText">But then there wouldn''t be this city,<span ss="aiText">" Rya said as she scratched her cheek.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, it''s the other races loss. My human male is far superior to those wannabe Alphas in the Beastkin tribes<span ss="aiText">. Speaking of which... Where are we going next? We can''t stay here forever," Dalia said as she sat down on <span ss="editText">the floor cross-legged in her dress showing off her<span ss="aiText"> toned legs.


    <span ss="aiText">She was wearing an<span ss="editText">off-shoulder red<span ss="aiText"> dress that had many designs of flowers and vines woven into it. Her <span ss="editText">long ck hair had many cute little bows<span ss="aiText"> in it<span ss="editText">. Dalia wouldn''t have let herself be dressed like this in the past when s<span ss="aiText">he w<span ss="editText">as a part of her beastk<span ss="aiText">in tri<span ss="editText">be. But now she secretly has been won<span ss="aiText"> over by <span ss="editText">Rya''s way of thinking when ites to wearing<span ss="aiText"> nice clothes.<span ss="editText"> And she was surprised that she was still able to fight in<span ss="aiText"> it too.


    <span ss="editText">''Geez! I can see Dalia''s panties <span ss="userText">when she was sitting<span ss="aiText"> like that!'' Rya thought as she looked away from the <span ss="editText">wolfkin.


    <span ss="editText">"Hmmm? Well, we finished the biggest objective I wanted to do... And I''m sure we''ll be leaving Ironside to head to Tairal... I''m not going to worry about it, mostly because I haven''t had breakfast yet... So maybe we go to the dining hall until Nieren finishe<span ss="aiText">s he<span ss="editText">r session? Unless you have a better idea?" Rya said as she crossed her arms, which squeeze her boobs tog<span ss="aiText">ethe<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh! YES! FOOD!... And I could go for some of that pie<span ss="aiText"> they were making yesterday..." Dalia said as she stood up.


    <span ss="editText">Rya smirked before teasing her friend, "Didn''t you<span ss="aiText"> say <span ss="editText">you were going to go easy on the sweets?<span ss="aiText"> I don''t want you to get <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">fat<span ss="editText">'', Dalia."


    <span ss="editText">"Tease me as much as you want, Alpha. I''m going to enjoy myself<span ss="aiText">!" Dalia said as she puffed out her chest.


    <span ss="aiText">Ryaughed and yfully pped her on the butt.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Eep! Hey! What was that for?"<span ss="aiText"> Dalia said as she turned around and red at Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya giggled and replied, "You <span ss="editText">seemed so high and mighty that I couldn''t help but<span ss="aiText"> p your butt!<span ss="editText"> Sorry, it won''t happen again<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Ugh! You always like to ruin my fun...<span ss="aiText"> Fine... Let''s go eat... But I get desserts though," Dalia said as she took Rya by the hand, pulling her towards the <span ss="editText">stairwell to head upstairs<span ss="aiText"> leading to the dining room.


    <span ss="userText">2E just stood there and watched the twodies running off<span ss="aiText">. Leaving her behind, again.


    <span ss="editText">She showed an annoyed gaze as her creator didn''t give her any new tasks to do. So, she just stood there<span ss="aiText">and waited<span ss="editText">by the door to theboratory<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia and Rya made it to the dining room where they saw several <span ss="editText">servants were busy cleaning<span ss="aiText"> up the tables.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah! Good morning <span ss="editText">Lady<span ss="aiText"> Dalia and <span ss="editText">Saintess<span ss="aiText"> Rya! <span ss="editText">Do<span ss="aiText"> you <span ss="editText">wish to have ate breakfast or early lunch?" One of the servers asked politely.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh! Lunch, please!... I can eat a <span ss="userText">whole horse<span ss="aiText"> right now if you have one," Dalia said as she walked up to the server.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am sorry, but the kitchen<span ss="editText">only has a roasted wi<span ss="aiText">ld <span ss="editText">b<span ss="aiText">or<span ss="editText">e, my Lady<span ss="aiText">," The server replied as he<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> held out a te of roasted meat.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Ugh... <span ss="editText">I was joking, Shorty<span ss="aiText">. But, I''ll have that thank you," Dalia said as she grabbed a chair by the head of the table.


    <span ss="aiText">"I hate it when she calls me that..." said <span ss="editText">the Dwarven Servant<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s because you''re short! Anyway, what would you like <span ss="editText">Alpha?" Dali<span ss="aiText">a asked as she sat down at the table.


    <span ss="aiText">"A fruit sd <span ss="editText">with a side of chicken,<span ss="aiText">please... And maybe a cup of tea to drink?" Rya asked as she smiled at the <span ss="editText">serv<span ss="aiText">an<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Right away, my <span ss="editText">Saintess,"<span ss="aiText"> the servant said as he quickly left the room.


    <span ss="editText">"Ugh! I can''t understand how you can eat that leafy stuff... It makes me want to puke just thinking about it<span ss="aiText">," Dalia said as she cringed<span ss="editText"> and shivered.


    <span ss="editText">"Have you tried a sd<span ss="aiText">?" Rya asked as she looked confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"It tastes awful! I don''t know why anyone would want to eat those things in the first ce?" Dalia eximed as she waved her hands in the air.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, it''s good to change up your diet<span ss="aiText"> from time to time. <span ss="editText">But maybe Wolfkins can''t eat vegetables?" Rya<span ss="aiText"> said as she shrugged her shoulders.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hah! Fat chance you can fool me with that dumb excuse!" Dalia said with a snicker.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well I know how to discipline <span ss="userText">you if keep acting up<span ss="aiText">, now don''t I?" Rya said as she smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">"You<span ss="editText">-you wouldn''t dare<span ss="aiText">!" Dalia said with a scared expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I would.<span ss="editText"> So you better behave yourself<span ss="aiText">," Rya said as she stared Dalia in the eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"What? Oh... um... I mean, yes I will," Dalia said as she blushed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good girl!<span ss="userText">... Oh? Thank you for bringing me my meal<span ss="aiText">." Rya said as she thanked the servant who brought her, her food.


    <span ss="aiText">"My pleasure Saintess," he replied with a bow.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya took a sip of her <span ss="editText">tea<span ss="aiText"> and quickly started eating.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia got excited when she looked at her <span ss="userText">roast. She couldn''t help but lick her lips and rub her hands together as she was ready to dive in with her hands<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> And before Dalia could start chowing<span ss="aiText"> down, she <span ss="editText">heard Rya.


    <span ss="editText">"Dallliiiaaa!?"


    <span ss="aiText">"W-what?" Dalia said as she looked up at Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Knife and fork<span ss="aiText">," Rya said as she pointed her fork towards Dalia.


    <span ss="aiText">"What?!<span ss="userText"> But they are pointless��"


    <span ss="userText">"KNIFE AND FORK!... Or do you wish to have fruit sd for lunch instead...<span ss="aiText">?" Rya said as she red at Dalia.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia closed her mouth and reluctantly grabbed both utensils.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you," Rya said as she ate her food. Dalia silently looked at her meal and began eating as well.


    <span ss="userText">"Stupid... utensils... I<span ss="aiText"> hate it..." Dalia muttered under her breath.


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="editText">hate having to change your clothes every tim<span ss="aiText">e <span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText">ou only<span ss="editText"> use your ws<span ss="aiText">. You''re making my life harder every time you do," Rya said as she scolded Dalia.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Fine... But I deserve sweets if I''m forced to use these things<span ss="aiText">," Dalia said as she red at Rya.


    <span ss="editText">''Haah... Fine... If she''s<span ss="aiText"> being <span ss="editText">a <span ss="aiText">good<span ss="editText"> girl then sure<span ss="aiText">...'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">"Alright, if you use<span ss="aiText"> your fork and knife properly, I''ll allow you to have some desserts," Rya said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahh! Hooray! Thank you so much!" Dalia cheered.


    <span ss="editText">Rya just smiled and started eating her lunch<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">''Man, it''s weird that this world <span ss="aiText">ha<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> ch<span ss="editText">icken, pork, and beef. <span ss="userText">I wonder if others in the universe have the same animals as on Earth and Tertius...? Whatever, it''s time to dig in<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">When Rya took her first bite of her sd her taste buds<span ss="aiText">went crazy!


    <span ss="editText">''Mmmm! Damn!... The sd is super delicious today... Mmmmh! Oh God! The second bite was better than the first<span ss="aiText"> bite! This is fantastic! Mmm! I love this vorbination! I want more...'' Rya thought to herself as she finished off her sd.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia was inhaling her food as well.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmmk! The roast is extra good<span ss="aiText"> today! The meat is just exploding with vor!" Dalia eximed as she was shoveling her food into her mouth.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya had to hold back fromughing at Dalia''s enthusiasm.


    <span ss="aiText">''Ha<span ss="editText">h<span ss="aiText">ah<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">... That smile of hers is adorable...'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">After finishing their meals, both of them were stuffed beyond belief.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya sighed as she <span ss="editText">p<span ss="aiText"<span ss="editText">ced her fork down.


    <span ss="editText">"That chicken was superb... The chef outdid themselves<span ss="aiText"> today," Rya said as she looked up.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia nodded her head in agreement.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Can we have dessert, Alpha? I was a good girl and used those stupid utensils<span ss="aiText">, so I think I deserve something sweet," Dalia asked.


    <span ss="editText">''Haah... She really can down her food... Hmm?''


    <span ss="editText">"So what kind of desserts were you thinking about?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmm... Hmm..." Dalia said as she thought hard. "I want something sweet like that chocte cake<span ss="aiText"> from earlier... Or maybe some apple pie that was baked yesterday... Ummm... Ahhh! I know! Why don''t we have some <span ss="editText">f<span ss="aiText">udge!" Dalia <span ss="editText">said as she pped her hands together<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh man, she gets excited fast...<span ss="editText"> But I like the idea of having dessert myself... After all, we did create the Seer Stone... might as well celebrate, right?'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">"Alright, Devon... Can you bring out all three tes of desserts for us?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="editText">The servant bowed and went to the back while two other servants cleared their dirty dishes<span ss="aiText"> away.


    <span ss="editText">It took only a moment before Devon and two other maids <span ss="aiText">came out with three tes stacked high with desserts.


    <span ss="aiText">"Here you are,dies!" Devon announced as he put the tes down on the table.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Devon," Rya said as she gave him a nod of approval.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia was drooling and was about to drive right in but stopped herself and looked at Rya.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I will use the utensils! I promise, Alpha<span ss="aiText">!" Dalia said as she quickly picked up the spoon and fork and began using them.


    <span ss="aiText">She took a small bite of the pie before she started inhaling it. She was on her third slice when she noticed Rya was <span ss="editText">staring at her.


    <span ss="editText">"... W-What?<span ss="aiText"> Did I do something wrong?" Dalia asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, not at all... I was just <span ss="editText">impressed with how much you can put down<span ss="aiText">." Rya said as she <span ss="editText">grabbed a small piece of pie.


    <span ss="editText">"Hehe! A warrior like myself ne<span ss="aiText">ed<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> a<span ss="editText">ll the energy<span ss="aiText"> I can get!" Dalia said with augh before taking another bite.


    <span ss="editText">"Geez! Hehe... You''re too much sometimes, Dalia... Just pace yourself<span ss="aiText">," Rya said as she chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia nodded her head and took a smaller bite out of the apple pie. She finished her first te of desserts before <span ss="editText">Rya started<span ss="aiText"> on hers.


    <span ss="editText">''Hmm... The pie looks good. Okay, time to take a bite... Mmmmh... MMMMH!? OH GAWD!? IT-IT TASTES<span ss="aiText"> LIKE! AAAHHH! I CAN''T BELIEVE IT!'' <span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText"> thought to herself as she took a bite of the apple pie. It had a very nice sweet taste. The crust was ky and the apples were soft.<span ss="editText"> And her taste buds were assaulted by<span ss="aiText"> the sweetness of the pastry.


    <span ss="editText">It sent shivers down her spine and felt a buzzinging from he<span ss="editText">r pelvis<span ss="aiText">. ''This is so good... <span ss="editText">oh fuck!... I think I''m going to orgasm from eating<span ss="aiText"> this pie.'' Rya thought to herself as she moaned.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmmmh!<span ss="editText">" Rya moaned when taking<span ss="aiText"> a s<span ss="editText">econd<span ss="aiText"> bite.


    <span ss="aiText">''OH MY GOD! THIS IS SO GOOD!'' Rya thought to herself as she closed her eyes and groaned.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia looked up at Rya and saw the look on her face.


    <span ss="userText">"See! I told you that the sweets are the best here<span ss="aiText">!" Dalia said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah... I-I can''t deny that they are delicious..." Rya said while blushing as she reached for the next piece of pie.


    <span ss="editText">''This one looks like a blueberry<span ss="aiText"> cream pie. ''Rya thought to herself as she took a big bite of her dessert.


    <span ss="editText">''Mmmm!... Why do these desserts taste so good!? Aunh! Gawd! My stomach is buzzing with joy<span ss="aiText">! OHHH! YUMMY!'' Rya thought as she moaned with delight.


    <span ss="editText">She couldn''t help but take another bite and then another as she finished the blueberry pie<span ss="aiText">. She thought her stomach was buzzing at first. But in reality, the strange feeling wasing from her womb.


    <span ss="aiText">''Oh my god! This is so good!'' Rya thought to herself as she moaned and gasped.


    <span ss="aiText">She kept eating even though she felt her co<span ss="editText">rset<span ss="aiText"> start to tighten around her waist.


    <span ss="aiText">''I need to stop,'' Rya thought to herself as she began to feel a familiar tingling sensation in her pussy.


    <span ss="aiText">''I don''t want to cum from eating desserts... But I want to eat one more piece!'' Rya thought to herself as she grabbed another slice of pie.


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn <span ss="editText">Alpha<span ss="userText">... Here I thought I loved sweets... You are giving me a run for my money...<span ss="aiText"> Mmmmh! Oh! I-I think I''m having a sugar rush. Hehe!" Dalia said with a giggle. She couldn''t help but lean her head back with rosy cheeks and looked like she was about to orgasm.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well since we''re here we might as well enjoy ourselves," Rya said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmmmh... T-That''s right," Dalia agreed as she was still on cloud nine.


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s corset<span ss="aiText"> had been tightening around her waist as she continued to eat her pie.<span ss="editText"> It wasn''t visible to the naked eye<span ss="aiText"> because her <span ss="editText">elegant pink dress <span ss="userText">was<span ss="aiText"> covering it up<span ss="editText"> but it was tightening all the same.. and<span ss="aiText"> she could feel the <span ss="editText">we<span ss="aiText">tness between her legs.


    ''<span ss="editText">Shit! I feel like I''m getting bloated... I need to stop... Fuck, they must have added more sugar or butter or something... AUNGH! I-I didn''t know women''s taste buds<span ss="aiText"> were so sensitive!'' Rya thought to herself as she moaned<span ss="editText"> and gasped from the sweet vors coating her tongue.


    <span ss="editText">"Are you okay?" Dalia asked with concern.


    <span ss="editText">Rya put down <span ss="aiText">he<span ss="editText">r<span ss="aiText"> f<span ss="editText">ork and tried to regain<span ss="aiText"> herposure.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, I''m fine. Just a bit full is all...<span ss="editText"> But now I understand why you love these sweets so much," Rya said.


    <span ss="editText">"Haah... They are the best! I just wish they wouldn''t make me so bloated<span ss="aiText">." Daliained.


    <span ss="editText">Rya looked at Dalia''s little bump that was partly covered by her dress<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''...<span ss="editText">Maybe she isn''t pregnant after all? But she''s not getting fatter anywhe<span ss="aiText">re els<span ss="editText">e on her body. But she isn''t human so maybe this is considered fat for a Wolfkin? But I swear I can see her abs getting pushed out.<span ss="aiText"> Or maybe I''m just overthinking things?'' Rya wondered.


    <span ss="aiText">"A, I''m sorry. Are you feeling alright?" Rya asked again with concern.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, it''s fine. <span ss="editText">Once we are on the road. I can stay away from these things and I''ll be good as normal in a day or two," Dalia replied with a smile.


    <span ss="editText">"Okay, I''m sorry for doubting you, Dalia. I see why you get so bloated when you eat these desserts... They are sweet and their gooey texture feels so good against your tongue and then they fill you up like a sponge... I feel like they changed up their ingredients because I don''t remember these desserts tasting this <span ss="editText">Devine since<span ss="aiText">thest time I ate them," Rya admitted.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Nah, they''ve always been this delicious. Your tongue must have matured<span ss="aiText"> enough to appreciate how awesome these sweet are!" Dalia said happily.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ohh... That makes sense... Well, I guess I can''t me you for wanting to have desserts every day, Dalia. But you better watch out because you''re getting a little bigger down there," Rya said with a giggle.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m not that bloated<span ss="aiText">! I swear! I think I''m just sensitive to sweets now that I''m older and my taste buds have grown up!" Daliained.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh? But you''re 19 right? I don''t think you''re that old... Well, if you say so," Rya said before taking another bite out of her pie.<span ss="userText"> Her taste buds screamed with joy as the delightful<span ss="aiText"> vors filled her senses.


    <span ss="editText">''Mmmmmh!<span ss="aiText"> This is so good! Sweet, sticky, and just in good! I never knew I could enjoy eating desserts this much! I should try some other pies and pastries to see if there are any other sweets as delectable as this one!'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="editText">Before Rya could grab a different dessert the door opened to a Dwarven Noblewoman.


    <span ss="editText">When she saw the Dark Elf and Wolfkin stuffing<span ss="aiText"> their faces with <span ss="editText">sweets she couldn''t help but shake her head.


    <span ss="editText">"So, you trying to skip out of etiquette sses for desserts, Lady Rya?<span ss="aiText"> You''re lucky I didn''t call the guards to take you back to your room!" The noblewoman scolded them with a scowl on her face.


    <span ss="editText">''Shit! Lady Fyre... I-I forgot I had a lesson today! I was so focused on the Seer Stone<span ss="aiText"> I totally spaced out!'' Rya thought with guilt.


    <span ss="editText">"I''m sorry, Lady Fyre... My thoughts were lost after<span ss="aiText"> tasting this pie..." Rya confessed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, you know better than to mess around at the table! If you do it again I''ll make sure the next pastry you try will be as hard as iron!<span ss="editText"> Now stand up you two and follow me,<span ss="aiText">" Lady Fyre ordered.


    <span ss="editText">"But I wasn''t finished with this-" Dalia was about to<span ss="aiText"> protest<span ss="editText"> but stopped when Lady Fyre red at the wolfkin<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia sighed and stood up from her chair.


    <span ss="aiText">"Come along now! I<span ss="editText">t isn''t Lady like to miss your appointments!" Fyre said before leading the way to her study.


    <span ss="editText">''She''s going to make us stay longer isn''t she.'' Rya thought<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh?"


    <span ss="editText">Rya felt a funny fluttering sensation down in her pelvic area when she stood up<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"What did you say Lady Rya?" Fyre asked with a frown.


    <span ss="aiText">"Uhh... Nothing... I just got dizzy is all..." Rya replied while blushing.


    <span ss="userText">''Have I been having too much rough sex with Quintely? It feels like my womb<span ss="aiText"> is reacting to him more often than usual,'' Rya thought nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmm, I see. Well, <span ss="editText">I''m not going to go eas<span ss="aiText">y on<span ss="editText"> you just because you have a sugar rush<span ss="aiText">. You need to practice your etiquette and learn how to act properly. There is no reason why you shouldn''t be able to do so with just a little bit of effort." Fyre said with a grin.


    <span ss="userText">"Y-Yes, I''m sorry<span ss="aiText">, Lady Fyre!" Rya apologized.


    ***


    <span ss="editText">The Baroness dowager led Rya and Dalia to a small room where they would have their lesson.


    <span ss="editText">"Now take a seat<span ss="userText">dies<span ss="aiText">. We''re going to begin <span ss="editText">with how to<span ss="userText"> properly address someone with rank and status when you are in a tea party<span ss="aiText">," Lady Fyre exined.


    Rya and Dalia nodded before sitting down.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, so the first thing we will do is have you introduce yourselves to each other! Now, Dalia, tell us what your full name is!" Fyre instructed.


    <span ss="aiText">"My full name is Dalia <span ss="editText">Nightshade Wolfkin stalker-striker<span ss="aiText">. But I prefer to be called Dalia." The wolfkin answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Dalia, you should always refer to yourself as Lady Dalia<span ss="editText"> and you don''t need to add in that you''re a stalker-striker. Most noble women aren''t warriors like us<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText"> Fyre exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Gah! That''s just stupid... <span ss="userText">A female should try and see if they can be a warrior even if the males try and stop her<span ss="aiText">. Like the women in the story of the Three Valkyries," Daliained with a scowl.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I understand<span ss="aiText"> that you want to prove to everyone that you are capable of being one of the best warriors in Agon, but <span ss="editText">how can you be called a warrior if you shy away from the battlefield of wit<span ss="aiText"> and intelligence? Besides, there are plenty of women who are warriors in this world. Just because they aren''t <span ss="editText">going around conqueringnds<span ss="aiText"> doesn''t mean that they aren''t worthy of respect, Lady Dalia," Fyre rebutted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, I guess you''re right but... I still don''t like it," Dalia confessed.


    <span ss="userText">"If you build up your wit then you might have avoided getting enved<span ss="aiText">," Fyremented.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, that may be true, Lady Fyre. But then Lady Dalia wouldn''t be he<span ss="aiText">re i<span ss="editText">f we didn''t rescue her in thebyrinth<span ss="aiText">. And besides, she''s a lot stronger than <span ss="editText">befor<span ss="aiText">e," Rya admitted.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">"She is indeed strong, I''ll give you that.<span ss="userText"> But that doesn''t excuse the fact that you two still need to improve your wit and etiquette. No matter how strong you are physically and magically. But it will all be for naught if someone who is cunning<span ss="aiText"> and intelligent knows how to exploit your few weaknesses. It''s happened to many great warriors and it could happen to you. If you take my lessons lightly," Fyre said.


    <span ss="editText">''... Haah... She''s right. I shouldn''t take these lessons lightly... I can''t solve everything by punching it to death<span ss="aiText">,'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="editText">"She''s right Dalia... If we getcent in our ways then are growth will teau and stagnate<span ss="aiText">," <span ss="editText">Rya agreed.


    <span ss="editText">"W-Well, I don''t want to be surpassed easily... I guess you''re right, Shorty�� ah! I mean, Lady Fyre," Dalia said while correcting herself.


    <span ss="aiText">The Baroness dowager had been watching them both with a stern gaze, but now she sighed in relief.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank goodness... You were starting to remind me of my younger brother<span ss="editText">. Just so you know Lady Dalia. You can use nicknames in private with trusted friends only<span ss="aiText">," Fyremented.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah, I promise to only use nicknames in private unless I smell the stench of nobles. Then I will act as a properdy<span ss="aiText">,<span ss="editText"> Shor-Lady Fyre,<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">" Dalia responded.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Fine, that''s eptable<span ss="aiText">. But if you ever call me anything else other than my given name then I will punish you severely. Understood?"


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia nodded her head.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Now please focus on what I am about to teach you.<span ss="userText"> When attending a tea party with possible foes it''s imperative to analyze their bodynguage. And sometimes if they are good at keeping up a front. You will have to ask probing questions or snide remarks that<span ss="aiText"> will force them to reveal their true selves. For example, let''s say you meet a potential enemy.<span ss="editText"> Things might be going smoothly but they may ignore yourpliments<span ss="aiText">by <span ss="editText">just sitting there in silence while showing you little to no emotions or they will reply with kind words but say them in a sarcastic way in order to insult you.


    <span ss="editText">"So if you observe this behavior you need to return in kind and see whatments start to strike a cord<span ss="aiText">. Usually, you''ll see them falter if you are close to the truth. <span ss="editText">But it can''t be an outright personal insult. It needs to be subtle<span ss="aiText"> enough that it won''t hurt their pride and ego. <span ss="editText">But enough to make them realize that you''re a woman of strong constitution and not meant to be trifled with... You will notice when you are winning if they look nervous. That tells you that they are feeling outmatched and you have gained the upper hand. Resulting in them <span ss="aiText">trying to leave or change the subject to something less threatening to their status<span ss="editText">,"<span ss="aiText"> Fyre exined.


    <span ss="editText">Rya was nodding while Dalia just had an annoyed look w<span ss="editText">rit<span ss="editText">ten<span ss="aiText"> across her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I still don''t see the reason why I shouldn''t just punch them<span ss="aiText"> i<span ss="editText">f<span ss="aiText"> they <span ss="editText">are my enemy<span ss="aiText">..." <span ss="editText">Dalia<span ss="aiText"> muttered out loud.


    <span ss="aiText">Fyre <span ss="editText">bopp<span ss="aiText">ed her on the head. "<span ss="editText">No! <span ss="aiText">That would be irresponsible of you. I know you are young, but you <span ss="editText">can''t just punch everyone you think is your enemy. This whole song and dance is so you can discover who your allies are, find out who is a neutralparty, and most importantly, unearth your enemies. Plus it''s important to find out if there''s friction between two parties or more.


    <span ss="editText">"You could ally yourself with someone who is enemies with everyone in the kingdom and that will make things more challenging for you or you can <span ss="aiText">turn the tables around... All of this will be useful in the future, especially when you are Queen<span ss="editText"> and herdy-in-waiting," Fyre replied.


    <span ss="editText">''Haah... This is going to be harder than I thought... Well, if I''m to be royalty I better get good at this crap. Or I''ll be making Quin''s life harder. And I don''t want that.'' Rya thought to herself<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes, yes, I got that, Shor-Lady Fyre. But what if they a all your friends o<span ss="editText">r a<span ss="editText">llies?<span ss="aiText"> What do I do then?" Dalia asked.


    <span ss="editText">Lady Fyre smiled, "Then you have a lovely tea party, my dear... Just remember that if you are<span ss="aiText"> the h<span ss="editText">ost, let your guest try the tea first before you do<span ss="aiText">. It shows you are being polite."


    <span ss="aiText">"Doesn''t it also show you that they like the tea?" Rya questioned.


    <span ss="aiText">"Not necessarily. They may just be really polite. But you should be able to tell if they enjoyed the tea or not.<span ss="userText"> And make sure you have good sweets toplement the tea<span ss="aiText">. As for thest part, well that''s up to you." Fyre said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Whoa! What!? You never mentioned that you can eat sweets at a tea party! Alpha! We have to have at least four! No! Five! Five, tea parties a day when we go to the capital," Dalia eximed happily.


    <span ss="editText">''Damn! Dalia... She has sweets on the brain.'' Rya thought as she saw Dalia wagging her tail like crazy.


    <span ss="editText">"Ahem!?" Lady Fyre<span ss="aiText">cleared her throat<span ss="editText"> loudly and gazed at Dalia with annoyance.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh! Oh! Ummm... W-When we arrive at the city of Tairal. We should have many tea parties, Al-Lady Rya," Dalia said in the best aristocratic<span ss="aiText">ent she could muster.


    <span ss="aiText">"We should? Why?" Rya asked curiously.


    <span ss="aiText">"Because the people of the Fiafyr Kingdom are very polite people, and they love sweets!" Dalia said with a grin on her face.


    <span ss="userText">"Haha! You mean to say, you love sweets... You are too adorable, Lady Dalia," Rya<span ss="aiText"> said whileughing.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">If it gets me sweets then so be it<span ss="aiText">! Right, Alpha?" Dalia said looking up at Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Ahem!?" Lady Fyre<span ss="aiText"> cleared her throat again.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh! Sorry, Lady Rya," Dalia said bowing her head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Better. But I''m not going to be around to catch your mistakes<span ss="aiText">. So please make sure you practice your etiquette and how to act properly at <span ss="editText">every royal even<span ss="aiText">t." Fyre said looking down at <span ss="editText">Dalia and <span ss="aiText">Rya seriously.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded then replied, "I understand."


    <span ss="userText">It was at that moment the door opened to an embarrassed Wood Elf that was breathing heavily.


    <span ss="userText">"...So you decided to show yourself, Lady Nieren. I''m hoping you had a good reason to hide from us this morning?" Fyre<span ss="aiText"> asked with a smile as she looked upon the elven wood elf.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I-I-I��," Nieren couldn''t respond to Lady Fyre''s<span ss="aiText"> question.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Oh, Woody was just masturb��"


    <span ss="editText">"SHEEE had a personal <span ss="userText">emergency that needed to be dealt with, Lady Fyre. She wasn''t at fault<span ss="aiText">." <span ss="editText">Ry<span ss="aiText">a interrupted <span ss="editText">Dalia <span ss="aiText">before she could tell Lady <span ss="userText">Fyre that Nieren was masturbating<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren looked to Rya as her Savior<span ss="aiText"> and thanked her<span ss="editText"> with a slight nod.


    <span ss="editText">"Y-Yes... It was unexpected<span ss="aiText"> for me as well..." Nieren said as she blushed deeply.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah! I see. Well then, let''s continue our discussion." Fyre said in a cheerful tone. <span ss="aiText">"So now that everyone is here I will continue the lesson... I will act like an arrogant noble that''s looking down on you and you will use your wits to defend yourself. Are you ready?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes."


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Oh, and don''t forget to drink your tea properly. That''s what all nobles do at tea parties. They drink and talk. Got it?"


    <span ss="aiText">The lessons continued a<span ss="editText">s Nieren took a seat and caught on to <span ss="aiText">what <span ss="editText">Lady Fyre was doing.

 Vol.3 Ch.180 A letter from the Prince

    Vol.3 Ch.180 A letter from the Prince


    <span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile in the capital city of Tairal. A messenger made their way towards the Maldura Royal Pce. It was noon by the time she arrived.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The messengers were sent by Baron Zellin Coldforge on behalf of the Prince a couple of weeks after the Battle of the Roses. They were ordered to try and avoid anyone who was allied with Duke ric Revelia. This message was meant for King Cyndre Meredydd only.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This messenger was a female dwarf named Jana. She was a veteran of the dwarven army. She was loyal to the prince and worshipped the saintess. She wasn''t going to let anyone get in her way and had strict orders to avoid contact with anyone other than the king himself. If she was discovered with the message, then she would have to fight them off. But luckily she never encountered any of ric''s men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After walking through the calm streets of Tairal, Jana finally made it to the pce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What brings you to the pce, Dwarf?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jana was questioned by the Royal Guards. It always annoyed her when the humans outside of Ironside called her by her race. She didn''t like the cold stares they gave her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''vee here on behalf of the Baron of Ironside," Jana responded in a gruff voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you can give the message to me and we''ll send it to the king. Or you can go back to Ironside," the guard said as he blocked her path.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, I want to hand deliver my message directly to the king!" Jana told him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not without getting approval from the captain of the royal guards first," the guard replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re going to need to let me pass," Jana told the guard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And why should I do that?" The guard asked as he stared down at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She sighed and pulled out Prince Quinus''s royal ring. "Because this is the royal ring of the Prince of Fiafyr. You don''t want to anger the future King, now do you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Guards looked at each other not knowing what to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">At the time Lord Brice and a few of his men wereing back from lunch and noticed the dwarf standing at the gate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They stopped in their tracks as they saw the royal ring.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s the Meredydd ring!" Mr. Mitchell yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A look of realization washed over both the guards when the royal councilmen pointed out the ring.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She must have news about the monster stampede. We can''t let her go in there alone. Let us go with her," Lord Brice said as he walked right past the guards and approached Jana.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s your name, dwarf?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jana."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m Lord Brice. I''m the King''s head of council. Do you bring good news?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! I was sent here to deliver a message from the Baron of Ironside," Jana said as she handed the ring to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lord Brice looked at the ring for a second before nodding. "It''s the prince''s... Come. We need to bring her to the king immediately."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The guards looked reluctant to step aside at first, but once Jana made eye contact with them they quickly moved aside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let us go," Lord Brice told the guards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once inside the pce, they headed straight to the audience chamber where the king and queen were waiting along with the royal council.


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre looked like he hadn''t had a good night''s sleep in over a month. Rianna wasn''t that much better as she was worried about her son. They''ve been waiting for over a month to get any news from the West.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He stood up when he saw Janae through the door which caught the attention of everyone else in the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is she from Ironside? What does she have to say?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Jana took a deep breath as this was her first time seeing the King this close. She summoned her nerves before stepping forward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was sent here by Baron Ironside to deliver a message from Prince Quinus himself," she said while pulling out a letter sealed with the prince''s own seal. Brice also showed Quinus'' ring to the King and Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If it''s a message from the prince, then we should hear it," the king said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here you go, my liege."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre opened the letter and began to read it to himself.


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">Mother, Father,</i>


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">I am writing to you now to inform you of the events that have taken ce recently. I know that it took me longer than usual to contact you, but there were extenuating circumstances. I am safe and well, although I fear that I may not be able to return home until my fiancee has finished learning all the necessary skills so that she can defend herself.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre''s face went from joy to shock in the blink of an eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He''s engaged!? H-How am I going to exin this to Duval...'' Cyndre thought to himself as he tried toprehend the fact that his son was now betrothed to a different woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is something wrong, my liege?" Lord Brice asked once he saw the look on his king''s face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"L-Let me finish the letter," Cyndre responded.


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">We fought against an army of goblins and we lost nearly every knight that joined me on this journey. The only ones who survived were Sir George and Percy. We were betrayed by my cousin and were ambushed by hobgoblins. But to our fortune, a talented and beautiful Earth Mage, Healer, came to our aid. She fell into the Tomb of the Horde and she helped us thwart my cousin and found the dungeon core while battling a Cave Troll. This woman is the one who captured my heart.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre''s mood changed a little, ''He''s in love with an Earth Mage, Healer? Maybe this can lessen the blow to the arranged marriage. And he said she''s beautiful?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre recalled all the women that ever caught his son''s eye and they all had a simr look to Wina. Quinus''s old maid and wet nurse, who was a secret assassin. She was his guardian before she had to leave the kingdom with her husband.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The King looked at his wife. Even though she was almost forty. She was just as beautiful and full of life as the day he met her. She was a beauty in her own right, even whenpared to her sisters. She was tall, voluptuous, and had fair skin with dark brown hair that she kept braided most of the time. And her bosoms didn''t get smaller after giving birth to his son. In fact, they seemed to have grownrger over the years.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre''s cheeks became red and hot as his mind wandered into inappropriate territory.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, I can''t deny that a woman with arge chest would catch Quinus'' eye. After all, he''s my son and I am influenced by the same trait... Plus, he''ll be twenty, and he''ll need a strong wife to rule beside him... I just don''t know if the princess from the Divine Three will cut it... They are the prudish types. ming women for their misfortune and such,'' the King thought to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My husband," Rianna spoke, "is there something wrong?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, oh! I got distracted by your beauty," the King said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna red at him, "I still haven''t forgiven you for your brother and his son''s misdeeds. You know what''s at stake. We have to do whatever we can to ensure Quinus'' survival."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre''s expression dropped as he heard his wife''s words. He knew she was right and that he had no choice but toply after letting ric off with such a weak punishment for attempting to assassinate their son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''S-She will never sleep in the same room with me again unless I find a way to convince her otherwise...'' Cyndre sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He turned his attention back to the letter and continued reading.


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">As of right now, we are staying at the pce in Ironside. We have the full support of Baron Zellin Coldforge. After we arrived at Ironside a mercenary group called the ck Roses tried to take over Ironside. It was a hard-fought battle and we saved the day once we rescued my fiancee from their clutches.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?!" the King yelled out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is he okay!? That''s all that matters," Rianna said while holding her chest wondering what was wrong.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-He says they are staying in the pce at Ironside," Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna sighed in relief, "Our son is alive and in a safe ce."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, but it seems he was busy fighting for his life the whole time," Cyndre said as his eyes began reading more of the letter.


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">She was a key factor in saving Ironside, and in turn, I was able to stop the ck Roses from using her as a ve.</i>


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">But even with all this good news. There is the unfortunate bad news as well.</i>


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">I''m sure you can guess that my cousin is dead. I ordered his death after he was captured for treason against the throne. We should assume that Uncle is aware of what has happened and might try something.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400">Whatever good feelings the King had left, disappeared in an instant. He knew that one day his nephew Marcus was going to get himself killed. He wished he could have postponed it for as long as possible. Until they could have gained the control and support of the majority of minor nobles who backed ric and Marcus'' ambitions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s dead..." Cyndre''s voice was filled with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who''s dead, your Majesty?" Lord Brice asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Marcus... I tried to warn them, but it seems like it wasn''t enough..." Cyndre''s body shook.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna wasn''t upset at all, "How did he die?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quinus executed him for treason..." Cyndre responded in a soft voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna had mixed emotions. She was d to be rid of such a thorn in her son''s side, but she also knew that this was a dangerous move that he made.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That means we have lost the support of the Revelia house. This isn''t good," Lord Brice said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We never had their support, Lord Brice... But now we need to be more prepared for ric''s inevitable revenge," Rianna stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hoped there would have been a better time to deal with them. But I fear there was never a proper time to do anything about their scheming," Cyndre added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lord Brice looked around and saw the looks on the other council members'' faces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty, should we prepare the kingdom for a siege?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No..." Cyndre said after a few minutes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No!? Cyndre! ric will try to ambush our son!" Rianna said angrily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t think he will, my love," Cyndre said while looking in her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What makes you so sure?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Our son has a healer on his side..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You mean the Saintess!" Jana interrupted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone looked at Jana.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I lost my arm in the battle of the Roses and the Saintess healed me. It was a miracle!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you serious? A healer hasn''t been seen in over a hundred years. Are you sure that you weren''t seeing things? That can happen sometimes when a person goes through a traumatic experience," Lord Brice asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t you dare question me. You have no idea what it''s like to think your life is over, then a momentter it''s restored. She healed all the survivors of the attack on Ironside. We are now loyal followers of the Saintess," Jana proimed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The King and Queen looked at each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If ric wishes to assemble an army to attack our son. Then their lives will be forfeit. As he would have to send a lot of his men into Ironside. And he would have to make the trip himself just to, maybe, have a chance to kill our son and the healer. He''s not going to throw his life away that easily," Cyndre said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna looked convinced, "I suppose you''re right. But I want to send a few dozen knights to Ironside anyway."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre smiled, "If that is what you wish."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre continued to read.


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">I know I''m probably making a mess of everything. And that father has probably lost his patience with me for thisst part.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? How could I ever be angry with him? I''m a little upset, but that''s because I''m worried about his safety...''


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">My fiancee, Rya, is a dark elf. I know it will be a shock to you both, but she is the woman who has won my heart. Please do not think less of her because of her race. I know you''ll love her just as much as I do.</i>


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">Sincerely,</i>


    <i><span style="font-weight:400">Quinus Meredydd.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400">King Cyndre''s right eye started to twitch and his hands slowly opened to let the letter fall to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cyndre? What''s wrong? What did it say?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The king looked at his wife, "Q-Quinus is engaged..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, to the healer."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who is a Dark Elf."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna''s jaw dropped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That can''t be right. A dark elf!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes," Cyndre responded, his eyes looking vacant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That means there will be a Dark Elven Princess in line to be Queen of Fiafyr! If the word gets out how will the Alliance of the Divine Three take this? We will be at war," Lord Brice cried out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I fear the nobles will use this to sow dissent in our kingdom. I fear that Marquess Duval will do something brash," said the King.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She must have put a spell on him or��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t speak ill of the Saintess! If anything it is the Crown Prince who''s put a spell on her!" Jana argued and interrupted the Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How do I know you haven''t been put under her spell?" The Queen questioned the dwarf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pff! I''m not interested in women. Give me a proper dwarven man whose beard is fully grown and I''ll be happy. You have nothing to fear, My Lady."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen rolled her eyes, "That''s not reassuring, you know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Listen, I know a woman in love when I see it. Saintess Rya is under the prince''s spell, not the other way around. And I don''t know why you human males are so attracted to tall curvy women like the Queen. If you ask me, the Prince is a normal young man who''s just following his heart," Jana stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Queen looked like she was going to yell at the dwarf again. But she was able to hold herself back, "What do you mean by curvy? My figure is considered an ideal figure for a noblewoman!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, and Saintess Rya has the same body as you, my Lady... On second thought I think the Saintess is bigger in the bosom area... Anyway, I''m d I''m not as big as human females. Those things would get in the way," Jana said with augh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Queen Rianna was hit with the realization that her son has always been attracted to women like herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''M-My son''s love for women withrge chests... Will be the end of him... Oh, sweet Goddess!'' the Queen''s mind was a mess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My dear, are you okay?" King Cyndre asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna walks up to her husband and whispers in his ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Am I... Fat?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre was surprised by the question, "What? No! You''re a beauty. My beautiful rose."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna blushed, "Then why does our son''s taste in women seem to be based on the same preference as yours?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that a bad thing? I find it a good thing. Because our son''s future Queen will be a gorgeous woman. Just like his mother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ttery won''t help us with this problem," Rianna whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... I know... I don''t know what to do. This is a delicate situation. Not only has he proposed to a Dark Elf, but he has an arranged marriage to Princess Hilda. And even if this Dark Elf turns out to be a Saintess. We are still in a tight spot. This could cause a civil war. If ric and Duval are not already nning one. And she''s an elf... It''s going to be harder for her to produce an heir."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Like how I struggled to produce an heir..." Queen Rianna sounded sad after recalling all the miscarriages she''s had over the years. Quinus was her only child who survived birth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rianna..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will ept her. If she gains my approval, the people will have no choice but to ept her. Or they will face my wrath. And she better hope that she has the ability to carry a child to term or else," the Queen stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre smirked, "So, you are bing your mother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wouldn''t be if our son would have made a better choice."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... We need to get him home first. Then, we can assess the situation further... I''ll break the news to the Prime Minister... Duval''s going to lose his mind over this one..." Cyndre muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What about ric?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''ll cross that bridge when we get there... Right now, we need to focus on bringing Quinus and his group back home."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And this Saintess girl... If she is a Healer and a mage, then we must be extra careful in our approach to her. I can''t imagine a Dark Elf who isn''t plotting... But I''ll give her a chance to prove her worth as a Royal... As for Princess Hilda..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre looked over to his royal council.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"When was the Alliance Princessing?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Within the month," Lord Gawain said after checking his parchments.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s not a lot of time..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"For what, my liege?" Lord Brice asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"To get my son back to the pce... Your name is Jana, correct?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Jana, could you ry a message to the prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tell him that we''ll send royal knights to Ironside within two weeks. I wish for him to be back home and ready to depart before that time. We have much to discuss."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, your Majesty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lord Gawain... I need you to send a message to Marquess Duval Wrightwood. I need to speak to him personally."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, your Majesty," Lord Gawain bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now leave... I wish to be alone," Cyndre ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone bowed and left the throne room. Leaving Cyndre and Rianna alone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rianna... I wish I knew what to do... Our son has made things difficult."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know, dear."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We can''t lose him, Rianna."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He has survived every encounter and challenge he''s been through... I''ll make sure this Dark Elf is who she says she is. If she''s lying or manipting our son... She''ll pay."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre took a breath, "Well... If all hell breaks loose in the kingdom... At least we can run to Ironside and live happily ever after."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha, my dear you can''t be serious. I don''t mind the dwarves but they are brash and crass people. Living there would be a struggle," Riannaughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s a good thing that humans live there too."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna just shook her head and started to leave the throne room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m going to have some tea... Would you like to join me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre''s mood picked up when he saw the smile on his wife''s face. It''s been years since he was in the dog house with his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, mydy," he stood up and offered her his arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know this doesn''t mean I havepletely forgiven you, right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. There might be hope for you yet," Rianna grinned and walked away with Cyndre.

 Vol.3 Ch.181 The General has Arrived

    Vol.3 Ch.181 The General has Arrived


    <span ss="editText">Back in Ironside inside the pce study, Quinus was surrounded by his two retainers Percy and Sir George. As well as Archmage Hajdah, and Baron Zellin Coldforge. He looking at a ring box with a beautiful<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> diamond ring.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope they like her," Quinus said as he was looking at a beautiful ring. He ordered it to be made by one of the best jewelers in the city. It was made with a special alloy that made the tinum metal glow and therge blue sapphire was wless.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Me too," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know if they would care if you brought a Dark Elf home," Sir Georgemented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Like when you first saw her?" Quinus questioned Sir George. Only for him to look away and y dumb. Quinus shook his head and continued. "I''m hoping they''ll overlook her race... But I can see the Marquess having a problem with her..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t forget the people, Your Highness... They have been hearing all the same stories we have... They may think that you were bewitched," Baron Zellin Coldforge added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If I was, then I''m d to be under her spell."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... This is going to be an interesting year... Well, the Mage''s Guild of Ironside has your back, your Highness," Master Hajdah the fire mage said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And the dwarves will support you," Zellin said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you going to do about the arranged marriage though? Do you think the Alliance is going to attack us?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I hope not. I''ll talk to my parents once I get home. But I''ll probably have to marry both... I''m not sure that I''m going to like having a second wife whose only purpose is to produce an heir and peace... That''s not the way I want to start a family," Quinus looked depressed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh boy. You''re going to have your hands full," Percy chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think it''s you who''s going to have their hands full," Sir Georgemented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why''s that?" Percy asked with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You really don''t know why?" Sir George questioned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, I don''t. That''s why I''m asking."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy... Your girlfriend is pregnant."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked at everyone like they were ying a joke on him. But all their faces were serious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy... She''s with child... Congrats, I guess," Sir George patted Percy''s shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But she said it was due to eating too many desserts and she told me that mating season was happening next month or so," Percy was confused. But deep down he knew something was off when she kept saying she was having a hard time losing weight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mating Season? Hahaha! That''s rich! Percy, a wolfkin female gets a little plump when they are pregnant," Quinusughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And you didn''t notice the fact that her chest was bigger and more shapely?" Zellin added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh course I''ve noticed. It''s hard not to. But she said that she had an ailment where her chest would get bigger and that it would go back to normal... Damn it... I should have known... All the signs were there... And I teased her about it," Percy looked dejected.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... How are you going to break the news to her? She''s a demi-human and... You know? Your kids will be halfbreeds," Sir George pointed out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... I think she''s in denial... Lady Rya and Miss Nieren keep telling her that she is pregnant... But she doesn''t believe them," Percy said, "And it doesn''t matter if they are halfbreeds... They''re my kids and I''ll love them."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re going to have your hands full," Quinus joked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I was hoping to be a father in a few years... Once things settle down in the kingdom and with the Alliance. But... Things don''t go as nned."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy... They never do," Quinus chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"At least you''re happy," Zellin stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I''m happy. But I''m a bit scared. I have no clue what to do..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George was going to chime in with a joke but was cut off by the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re not a father yet, Sir George. So, you shouldn''tment on the subject," the prince smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah!... F-fair enough, my lord," Sir George replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just as they were about to have some more tea, a servant knocked on the door to Zellin''s study.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come in," Baron Zellin called out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A servant opened the door, "My lords, his Majesty sent a toon of Royal Knights. They just arrived at the Eastern gate. General Dous has ordered me to inform you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"General Dous is here?" Quinus was surprised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone looked at the prince who was lost in thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, if he is here then that means my parents want me back in the capital... Haah..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s go see the old General. It''s been a while," Percy was excited.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We should probably change into something more presentable," Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll greet the general while you three get ready. Take your time," Zellin got up and left his study.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks, Baron. We shouldn''t be too long," the prince said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone stood up to leave the study and went their separate ways.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Baron made his way to the pce courtyard and was greeted by a couple of dozen Royal Knights. He was surprised that the General was with the toon. He thought it was overkill to have a man of his position with such a small force. But then again, the Kingdom only had one heir and a lot of knights died going to the Labyrinth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous was given the position of General after his work dealing with the traitors inside the pce''s staff. After the events of the first assassination attempt on Quinus'' life. He was a captain at the time and was the perfect recement for General Kane, who retired five years ago. Even if he passed by a few other senior leaders who were expecting the position.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They rode up by horseback and brought a big carriage that was being pulled by four horses. Normally, they would have brought the royal family''s carriage, with its extravagant gold trimming and red silk interior. But they did not, since that would bring too much attention as they returned home.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Baron Zellin Coldforge! It''s good to see you." Dous said as he pulled the reins of his horse and brought him to a halt. Just before the rest of the knights and the guards stopped their horses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I see you are as punctual as ever. I didn''t expect you and the Royal Knights to get here before the end of the month. You''ve made great time, General," Zellin was impressed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, well, the Prince was a high priority. And..." Dous was looking around. Making sure the Dark Elf wasn''t around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And what, General?" Zellin asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And to make sure the rumors about the Dark Elf are true. If it''s not, then I was instructed to execute her. Right then and there," the general informed the Dwarven Lord.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I wouldn''t advise doing that, General. She''s a very patientdy... Surprisingly so... But the prince?... I think he would destroy half the continent looking for her. So, please don''t antagonize her. You''ll only bring trouble, not just to yourself, but everyone else... She''s done nothing to deserve this treatment," Zellin warned the human General.


    <span style="font-weight:400">One of the general''s men was using an artifact and was pointing it at the Baron. It looked like he was using it like a scanner.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not getting any dark magic readings, sir. Nothing suspicious either," the knight stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s this?" the Baron was curious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A magic artifact that can pick up the effects of ck magic like charmed, hexed, cursed, and mind control spells... So, it seems like you haven''t been charmed by her," the general said while keeping his guard up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zellin was a little annoyed, but he knew that Dous was doing his job.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you can see, I am not under any spell or charm. Frankly, you''ll find out firsthand what makes her special. Just please be respectful to her, General."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll take your advice into consideration, Lord Zellin."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knights dismounted and stood at the ready. They were waiting for the prince to show himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, let''s go inside. You all can rest and we can have a chat over some ale. My treat," the baron smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Normally I would take you up on that offer. But we''re on a schedule. I would like to get moving as soon as possible," Dous politely declined the baron''s offer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. Then I''ll let the others know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus quickly put on some royal garments and made his way toward the courtyard with Sir George and Percy by his side. They rounded the corner and walked by Lady Fyre''s chamber. Quinus heard Rya''s voice and stopped in his tracks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it, Your Highness?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think Rya''s in Lady Fyre''s chamber," he whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then they heard Rya''s muffled voiceing from the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Quin. I''m doing my etiquette lessons right now."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya! You don''t yell through the door. That''s rude," Fyre scolded the Dark Elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My apologies... But my ears picked up on Quin whispering outside the door," Rya responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus grimaced when he heard Lady Fyre scolding Rya. But he didn''t think too much of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, don''t yell through the door, dear. That''s unbing of a Lady. Walk over there and answer the door like a proper Lady," Fyre ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am," Rya answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George just smirks at the prince. "Looks like you can''t have any other women in your life with how good her hearing is."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nced at George with an annoyed expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t look at me like that, Your Highness. She has the best hearing in the kingdom and can easily tell if you''re cheating on her."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The door opened and Rya red at George, "Like you''re one to talk... Tell me how many women have you cheated on again with your girlfriend? Oh!?... What''s that? You''re a single virgin?..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">George was speechless and humiliated. While Percy was holding back hisughter. Quinus smirked and looked at his girlfriend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya. Let''s not talk about Sir George''s sexual escapades and focus on your etiquette training."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just walked over and hugged Quinus''s left arm tight to her big chest. She looked up into his golden eyes with her bright azure eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And what will you do if I don''t, hmmm?" Rya said with a devilish grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked over to Sir George whose pride was hurt. He was trying his best not to punch the wall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was fun at first and I know he was in the wrong... But please, stop picking on Sir George," he pleaded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, fine. I''ll stop, for you, babe," she agreed and kissed his cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But he''s still a jerk," Rya pointed out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus just smiled and looked at George and shrugged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s fair."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy was chuckling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gamma? GAMMA!" Dalia yelled from inside the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked and saw his wolfkin girlfriending straight for him in a hurry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh boy," he whispered as the beautiful woman came charging at him before jumping in the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia''s ck hair flowed through the wind and her green eyes sparkled with joy. She had cute ribbons in her hair that matched the color of her red dress.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy braces himself as she jumps into his arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I missed you, Gamma," she said while she rubbed her face on his neck while her tail wagged back and forth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah, I missed you too... Even if it was four hours ago," he replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Fyre and Nieren came walking out of the room as well.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Nieren... I don''t envy you for keeping these two from getting into trouble," Fyre sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren nodded, "It''s not going to be easy. But I''ll manage... I hope."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey? I was defending my honor... Back me up here Nieren!... If only you had my sense of hearing. You would understand," Rya said as she looked at the older dwarven noblewoman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George did say something inappropriate, Lady Fyre," Nieren the wood elf admitted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That may be, Dear. But, you two have an advantage that no one else has. You have to be careful not to abuse it," Fyre told the two elves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll keep that in mind," Rya responded as she hugged Quinus''s arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good," Fyre smiled and looked at the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George looked like he was going to cry when watching both Quinus and Percy being cuddled by their lovers. He was the only one single and he was the "Love Sage" of the Fiafyr Kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Dammit, I want a hug...'' Sir George was mentally screaming and Rya noticed it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmph! Serve him right for implying that Quin should cheat on me with other women.'' Rya thought and decided to give George a break. She released her grip on Quinus'' arm. That''s when she noticed that Quinus was dressed in his Royal attire.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Where are you going?" she asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hm? Oh, yeah... My father sent a toon of Royal Knights to be our escorts to the capital. I hope General Dous isn''t going to tell us to leave right away. But, since he is the one inmand... We will most likely have to gather our things ready to go."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Humm... I thought I heard a bunch of horses outside... Is the general out there now?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah," Quinus responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well? Should we join you or let you do your princely duty without us?" she asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think it would be for the best if you came with me. I''m sure my parents want to make sure that the big scary Dark Elf hasn''t put a spell on me," he chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I''m sure they''ll love me," Rya sarcastically replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... We''ll get through this," he said as he kissed her cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah... I hope Quin is right.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Quin and gave him a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lady Fyre sighed, "Well, I guess this is the end of your etiquette lessons... Dalia, try not to talk when your mouth is full of food. Rya, please try to be more assertive. And Nieren... Keep an eye on these two."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll do my best, Lady Fyre," Nieren responded, giving a little bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While Rya and Dalia nodded their heads in agreement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, let''s get going," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, let''s," Rya responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, the group started to head for the entrance to the keep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You ready?" Quinus asked her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah. Let''s get this over with," she responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they reached the courtyard, everyone was standing at attention, with the Royal Knights forming two rows leading to the front gate of the Ironside Barony. General Dous was the first to see the group walk out into the courtyard.

 Vol.3 Ch.182 I Was Ordered to Bring you Home

    Vol.3 Ch.182 I Was Ordered to Bring you Home


    <span style="font-weight:400">The General saw the crown prince of Fiafyr Kingdom walking next to a Dark Elf woman he''d been told about. But he also noticed a Wood Elf and a Wolfkin woman as well. He didn''t know anything about those two.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And once the Dark Elf came closer into view. That''s when he noticed her pink dress with a corset that showed off her curves. He saw her big chest and her beautiful face. Her long tinum white hair was in a lovely braided ponytail. Her azure eyes were looking back at him. He also noticed her choker ne that had a glowing orb in the center. It looked like a gold and red yin-yang symbol.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He had never seen a woman like her before. She was gorgeous and had beauty that could rival the Goddess, Iyomelka, herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I thought Dark Elves liked to wear ck leather or purple robes... My ass, she hasn''t charmed the Prince. She has him wrapped around her finger,'' Dous thought to himself as he wasn''t sure what this Dark Elf might do. He was going to give her a chance. But he was ufortable about what she might do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The other knights noticed her as well and had mixed reactions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous noticed how the Prince was standing tall and proud. It''s like the weight of the world was gone from his shoulders. This was a side of the crown prince he had never seen before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous looked over to Sir Richard, who was looking at a special artifact to see if she''d afflicted him with any dark arts. The knight looked confused and shook the artifact to see if it was broken. But nothing indicated anything was wrong. Richard could only shake his head when he looked at the General.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So, she hasn''t done anything to the prince, aye?... Well, I''m still not sure she hasn''t done something. There''s no way a woman can look like that and not steal the hearts of men. She''s probably not wearing underwear.'' Dous thought to himself as he had his own opinion of this dark elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When the group stopped, Quinus stood next to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was expecting Colonel Justice," Quinusmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous kept a stoic face but he cringed on the inside when the crown prince brought up the Colonel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your mother was the one who demanded the King to send someone with a higher rank, Your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, does that mean we must leave as soon as possible? The Baron offered us rooms. I would hate to leave so soon after the Baron offered us a ce to stay," Quinus inquired.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The former is correct, Your Highness. You and your party must gather your things and we will leave immediately. The King wants you back at the castle before the end of the week."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was listening in and noticed that Dous was not very pleased with being ordered to bring the prince back. She looked around the courtyard and noticed how many people were present. Not only were the Royal Knights present, but so was the Mage''s Guild. With Master Hajdah, Mystic Laika, Akashia, Suhail, and a few others.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, this is a warm wee. Isn''t it General? Did the King really have to send so many knights toe get them?" Master Hejdah said with a sarcastic tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can never be too careful, Master Hejdah. Especially with the possible threats that may happen on our way to the capital. Even with a Dark Elf by our side."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''And what exactly does he mean by that?'' Rya thought to herself. She was getting slightly agitated whenever she needed to prove herself to people that she wasn''t some kind of viin. It''s been a month since she had to do that.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hajdah and the other mages were having shbacks to when they first met Rya. They surrounded her the first time she entered the pce grounds, but after she proved herself in a drinking contest then she saved them from Rudolf Rose. She has gone far and beyond to earn their trust and she was someone they were proud to call a friend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"General, are you trying to imply that this dark elf has cast a spell on Prince Quinus and is controlling him? Because, if that is the case, then we all have a problem. She''s earned our trust," Hajdah spoke up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Master Hejdah is correct, General. This dark elf hasn''t done anything to the crown prince, myself, or anyone else for that matter," Sir George spoke up to defend Rya. He may not like the fact that she keeps making fun of his dating advice, but he knows she''s a trusted ally.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? So, Sir George knows how to be a gentleman? Maybe there''s hope for him to find a woman after all,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I agree with them. Rya has been a valuable asset to the team. She has no ill will towards us," Percy added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can never be too trusting of a Dark Elf," sneered the only female knight in the party.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold your tongue!" Dous ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was getting impatient with his father''s Knights while Rya sighed internally and looked around. Upon scanning the knights she noticed that all the males had mixed looks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are they all looking at me because I''m a dark elf, or because they''re checking me out?" Rya whispered to Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed and whispered back, "Both."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh? So, they are nervous around me because I''m a dark elf... But they''re checking me out!... I know those looks. I''ve made them in the past. Hmm... It''s still weird to be gawked at, and yet, it feels really good at the same time,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She looked back over to the knights. Then she got a smirk on her face. Especially when she noticed the jealous female knight staring at her. She knew she would be able to mess with this knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Maybe I should have a little bit of fun with this? And put this woman in her ce... Wait! Why do I care about what she thinks about me? She''s a royal knight. It''s her job to protect the prince. I guess I can let it slide... For now.'' Rya thought as a new side of her came out when being challenged by this female knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya ignored the jealous res and whispersing from the female knight and continued to scan the rest of the male knights before she spotted an artifact in the hands of Sir Richard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Wait? Is that an artifact? I feel like I''ve seen that before in one of the tomes back at the Mage''s Guild. It seems familiar... That thing is definitely giving off a magical aura, but what is its purpose?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her curiosity got the better of her and she wanted to get a closer look. But, she was pulled from her thoughts by a stern voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you will follow me, I will take you to your carriage, Your Highness," the General spoke.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. That''s fine, General. But we need to gather our things from our rooms first," Quinus responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, Your Highness," the General responded with a royal salute.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Haah, I guess I''ll have to call back 2E, and the others before we can leave. But I really want to get a closer look at the artifact... How does a hot chick act to get her way?... Gah! What did those two beautiful chicks do to me and my friends when they wanted us to buy them drinks again? Hmm... Oh! I remember.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya tried her best to recall how those women acted when they were trying to get the men to buy them drinks. Then she tried to emte it. So, Rya fixed her posture by straightening her back, which made her chest jut out. She then slowly swayed her hips and walked up to the knight. Richard did a double-take when he noticed hering up to him. He couldn''t believe a woman like her would even notice him. While Quinus looked at her in amusement. He didn''t know why she was suddenly walking in a provocative way. That''s when Quinus noticed the artifact in Sir Richard''s hand. He was going to say something to her, but she stopped and smoothly turned towards him. She looked into his eyes and batted her eyshes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m just testing something out. So don''t interrupt me, love," Rya said to him in a sexy voice before winking at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It better be... Or I''ll have to punish youter," he responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya blushed and nodded. Then she turned towards Sir Richard and put her right hand on her hip and leaned over a bit. The motion made her breasts bounce. Richard couldn''t believe what was happening, nor could the other knights. They were wondering if the Dark Elf was doing this for their entertainment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, Sir Knight, I couldn''t help but notice the artifact in your hands. May I get a closer look?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Richard has been around many women who never gave him a second nce on a good day. But this was the first time a woman had approached him and asked for his assistance. The knight was speechless.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um, uh, sure," he stammered nervously as he handed it over to her. He didn''t know how to handle a woman flirting with him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya noticed his nervousness, ''Wow! I never knew it was this easy to mess with a guy. This might be useful if I ever need to distract someone.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks," Rya said seductively as she took the artifact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-Is there a-anything else y-you n-need?" the knight asked as he was trying to remain professional. But he couldn''t help but notice her big bosom bouncing and her shapely figure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. You''re cute when you''re nervous, Sir Knight. What''s your name?" Rya asked as she smiled at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-my n-name is R-Richard. W-what''s yours?" he responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My name is Rya. It''s a pleasure to meet you," she said, as she stuck out her right hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The p-pleasure is all mine," he said as he took her hand and tried to kiss it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold on. Did you forget that I''m engaged? I was trying to shake your hand, Sir Richard."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Richard froze at what he was doing. He didn''t realize what he was doing. When he felt her hand in his. He thought she was offering her hand for a kiss. The other knights snickered while the Wolfkin, and the Wood Elf shook their heads. Quinus was giving him a death stare and Dous was displeased at his subordinate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My apologies," Richard said, embarrassed as he let go of her hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, Jesus Christ... Did he really think I was flirting with him? Haah... Now I get it when women put up a barrier around random guys... I hope I didn''t create a stalker or a heartbroken man.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya felt bad, but stopping the act might damage this poor guy''s ego. And that might cause more problems than not.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mistakes happen... Just make sure not to do it again, Sir Richard," Rya said as she held herposure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am," he said, still embarrassed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Richard became bright red and turned his head. He was embarrassed by what just happened. He let his emotions get the better of him and his fellow knights were either chuckling at him or were super envious. While the one female knight just red at all the men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya turned her attention to the artifact, and her azure eyes glowed as she examined it. As she looked at the artifact, she was starting to get an idea of its purpose.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It is a truth-seeing stone. I see, that''s how they can see if someone is under a spell by detecting if any residual mana is still inside their bodies. It''s a very useful tool, but it''s useless against those spells with higher amounts of mana. The amount of mana that''s absorbed inside a person''s body can easily overpower the detection. If it was created with better materials or by someone with a higher mastery over the craft, then it would be much more urate.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was deep in thought as she examined the artifact. Her eyes could see the small imperfections in the material. Then she started to think of the different ways she could improve the artifact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''If I had made this, then the casing wouldn''t have gaps, and the inner parts would be seamless. It''s too rough and bulky... It''s obvious the maker wasn''t confident in their abilities. But I can tell you''ve been used a lot and have been cleaned and polished many times. If I had some time and the proper materials, then I could easily improve its functionality... God, this is so cool! I love that I know how to make artifacts!... Hold on? Why do they have an artifact that can detect dark magic?'' Rya wondered as she started to realize why the artifact was in their possession.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Did... Did they think I charmed Quinus and the others like a subus?... Haah... I forgot how much everyone distrusts Dark Elves... Why can''t people just get along with each other? Is it that hard?... I''m gonna change this narrative. People will ept me! One way or another. Even if I have to fight for my right to live in peace. I will show the world that not all Dark Elves are evil!'' Rya felt annoyed that they would assume she would be evil. She was starting to get worked up but the feeling passed when she felt Quinus put his hand on her shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is there something wrong, my love?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I- No, I''m fine. Sorry, I just got lost in thought."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya snapped back to reality and handed the artifact back to Richard and gave him a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I can''t me them. Most people have been brainwashed by those stories from the High Elves. And they can''t see past the color of my skin. I can''t get mad at them, because they don''t know any better. That''s what I hate the most. Everyone has their own story. It''s up to me to change the status quo, and the first step is to earn the trust of others. To prove to them that not all Dark Elves are bad. Just like it will take time for people to change, and get over their fears.'' Rya thought as she looked up to the sky and felt the breeze on her skin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks again. I appreciate it." Rya said to the knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Richard nodded and was about to say something when Quinus cut in and offered his arm for Rya to hold onto.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Sir Richard. But we need to grab our things," Quinus said as he gave the knight a death stare.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Of course, Your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Richard was frightened and he knew he was in the wrong. He didn''t know how to properly apologize for how he acted. Thest thing he wanted was to get into a fight with a member of the royal family.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya epted the offer and held onto Quinus'' arm, and the two went towards the keep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous was disappointed in his troops. But this was an extraordinary situation. Never in his career did he have a dark elf within his ranks. But he knew he needed to make sure she wasn''t a danger to the Prince or the royal family.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She is a clever one... and what is a dark elf doing so far from her homnd in the first ce? Something isn''t adding up... I hope she isn''t a spy. But, I''ll have to keep a close eye on her,'' Dous thought to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The General watched as the group entered the keep. Once they were out of sight, Dous turned around and faced his subordinates.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"All of you should be ashamed of yourselves. We are the Royal Knights and you can''t act properly? I am extremely disappointed in each and every one of you," the general berated his troops.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knights were embarrassed and bowed their heads in defeat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back in the basement of the pce. Where the forge was raging, Arathar was going through thest phase of creating Rya''s sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The hammer was hitting the steel, and the sparks were flying everywhere. It was a sight to behold. But, Arathar was sweating heavily as he had been working on this project for a month now. Mainly because of the Liquid Ether. Stabilizing it isn''t easy, and the process revolves around having the correct temperature of the forge.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arathar had the temperature set just right. He had a mixture of coal, magic oak, and sulfur to create a level of heat to solidify the Liquid Ether. If it was too hot, then the Ether would evaporate, and if it wasn''t hot enough, then the de would be too brittle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arathar knew he was nearing the final steps and had to be cautious. After about five minutes, he saw the color change and he moved the sword out of the fire. He brought the de into the quench tank and soaked the weapon in oil. Once the de was out of the oil, Arathar took the handle and grip off the de and began the polishing process. This was the most tedious part of the process. Polishing the de was a long and drawn-out task, but the end result is always worth the effort. It was another half hour before the de was polished and the runes engraved into the de. Arathar took a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You outdid yourself this time, Arathar," the dwarf spoke to himself with a cocky smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He went over and ced the de into the sheath and put the finishing touches on the leather wrap. Once the job was done, Arathar was admiring his own work.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This will be the piece that shows how superior dwarven smithing ispared to those damn high elves. Efkini''s name will be a thing of the past. And my name will live on with this masterpiece.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arathar chuckled, but he was cut off from his thoughts when he heard a bunch of clutter soundsing from down the hallway. Towards Rya''sboratory.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm?... What the fuck is going on over there?... Don''t tell me that girl blew herself up or something. Haah... I better check on her."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The dwarf grabbed the sword before he walked out of his forge and followed the sounds. He passed by Rya''sboratory and was shocked to see four of her golems clearing out the ce and putting everything in two wooden crates.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The fuck?... What''s with themotion here?" Arathar asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The golems stopped and looked at the dwarf and said, "General, here... Master, leaving..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"General?... Haah... I bet it''s Dous... Well, I need to talk to that crazy girl. She better not leave without her sword."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arathar turned around and was about to head towards the staircase when he bumped into another golem.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fucking hell! You golems need to watch where the hell you''re stepping."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Apologies," 9E responded as she was carrying a big box of Rya''s things.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arathar just shook his head as he continued up the stairs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He got to the top of the stairs and saw a bunch of the pce staff running around. He also noticed Yuliana talking to his son, Zellin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? Yuliana looks like she''s packed up as well... I can''t believe I''m saying this, but I''m going to miss that wood elf.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arathar sighed, but he was still curious about why Rya''s golems were packing up everything from herb. He knew they would be leaving Ironside at some point. It just felt so abrupt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, I better find out what''s going on,'' he thought as he walked up to the two.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, I have moved all the nts into the greenhouse in the back of the pce and taught the gardener how to maintain them. But, if Rya''s theory is correct, then the nts will be capable of absorbing more sun''s light and producing a higher yield. We should get a surplus of food, and you can make arger amount of potions," Yuliana reported.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. And have you checked up on the progress of the irrigation systems in the fields and the forest?" Zellin asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, the prince helped us get the right equipment and the workers havepleted the instations. And I''ve gotten reports from the viges that the crops are flourishing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Excellent... It''s going to be different with you and your daughter leaving Ironside... And if things don''t go as nned... You''re always wee back here."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The wood elf smiled at the dwarf, "Thank you, Lord Zellin. That means a lot."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Why don''t you kiss her instead of talking her to death!" Arathar shouted at his son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?!" Zellin replied as he was a little shocked by his father''s sudden appearance. While Yuliana became embarrassed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What are you doing up here!? Don''t you have some weapons to make, or is that old age getting to you?" Zellin replied as he was humiliated by his father again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Arathar frowned, "That''s a shittyeback, son. Besides, I came up here to see why Rya''s golems are taking everything out of herboratory. And now I see that our lovely gardener is leaving as well. Care to exin?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah, well... Rya is leaving Ironside for Fiafyr, with the crown prince. The King''s men have arrived and they are demanding to leave as soon as possible," Zellin informed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tch, and I bet they just got here... The only man I know who is that anal with a stick up their ass is Dous... Am I right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, and it seems like the man has a personal issue with Rya... Because she is a dark elf." Yuliana said with a guilty tone. She was simr to Daus when she first met Rya. And as the days went by she realized that she was a very nice girl, even if she wasn''t refined in noble etiquette. Plus, she had never seen her daughter so happy since she was little. Rya had be her best friend and her daughter''s hero.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What did you expect? Most humans think dark elves are evil and are nothing but monsters," Arathar scoffed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I thought Prince Quinus was going to behead the general right then and there. But he managed to stop himself," Zellin added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That boy is alright in my book... Anyway, Yuliana... I''m d to have given you and your daughter asylum. You''ve done a proper service to my people and I''ll never forget that," Arathar said to the wood elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana was surprised that the old dwarf still acted like the Baron of old before he retired from the position and gave it to his son. He had a warm heart inside the rough exterior.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Lord Arathar."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph... I''ll always regret not saving the wood elf kingdom from destruction... So, this is the least I could do... Anyway, I better give Rya her sword. I got it done a half day early," Arathar announced as he showed the elegant sword.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-you got it done? In this short amount of time?" Zellin asked in amazement. He thought his father was talking a big game.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I got lucky and managed to stabilize the liquid ether in half the time. It''s like the fates were on my side."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow... F-Father, if you are looking for Rya. I believe she''s back in the front courtyard," the Zellin said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, good... I need her to test out the sword before she leaves," the dwarf responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, that''s true. Do you mind if I join you, Father? I would like to give Rya something as well."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pff! You''re the Baron, boy! So act like it!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Geez! I try to be nice to you and you go and bite my head off!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because you need to grow a backbone! If you did then maybe Yuliana would have stayed," Arathar said bluntly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shut up! You''re humiliating me! Every time I''m close to her, you seem to show up and ruin it!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana giggled as the father and son duo continued to bicker at one another while walking towards the courtyard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goddess almighty! You just need to take a woman to bed, then you won''t be so stressed... Then I could have a grandchild that can learn how to be a proper Coldforge smith! To keep the family tradition going... You hear me!" Arathar scolded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aghh! Maybe I would have a woman if you would stop sabotaging me at every turn! I swear, it''s like you are woman-repent," Zellin was getting a headache from his father''s constant nagging.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana giggled once again as she followed the two dwarves. ''I''m going to miss these two. But Zellin should try and find a woman who isn''t married, or his father is going to hound him forever.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Zellin and his father made their way towards the courtyard. As they got outside, they saw a whole group of armored soldiers surrounding a carriage and a Dark Elf surrounded by her clones holding multiple boxes of her stuff.

 Vol.3 Ch.183 Twilight Dancer

    Vol.3 Ch.183 Twilight Dancer


    <span ss="userText">Dalia, Nieren, Percy, George, and Quinus were witnessing Rya having an existential crisis. She had six of her golems who brought out sixrge cases filled with clothes alone. Rya didn''t realize how many dresses she umted over the past month.


    <span ss="userText">''H-How have I been<span ss="aiText"> able to wear so many dresses in one month? Oh <span ss="editText">god<span ss="aiText">, I''m turning into a princess,<span ss="userText"> and I didn''t know it<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya was mentally freaking out.


    <span ss="userText">"Wow, Alpha! You have a lot of stuff," the wolfkin<span ss="aiText"> stated the obvious.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I know..." Rya<span ss="aiText"> responded, "But how the hell did I umte this much <span ss="editText">crap<span ss="aiText">?<span ss="userText">... Quin? Did you know<span ss="aiText"> I had this many dresses<span ss="editText"> and shoes<span ss="aiText">?..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Um, well, <span ss="editText">yes..<span ss="aiText">. I <span ss="editText">tried to warn you, but<span ss="userText"> you looked so beautiful<span ss="aiText"> in those dresses that I didn''t want to say anything," Quinus confessed.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya frowned, ''Why does he have to say something so sweet and make me feel bad...''


    <span ss="aiText">"Quin...<span ss="userText"> If I ever<span ss="aiText">in about <span ss="userText">wanting a new<span ss="aiText"> dress, or a new pair of shoes, you have permission to p me across the face," Rya said with a straight face.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus shook his head, "How about I just tell you<span ss="aiText"> that you have too many, and maybe we can donate<span ss="editText"> some of <span ss="aiText">them."


    <span ss="userText">"NO!... Oh god... I''ve be<span ss="aiText"> a spoiled princess..." Rya cried out.


    <span ss="userText">''I thought I was in control of my feminine side! I thought<span ss="aiText"> I had more self-control! <span ss="userText">Where did I go wrong<span ss="aiText">?!''


    <span ss="aiText">Rya looked back at the dresses<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> then at the case filled with her <span ss="editText"boratory equipment<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">Then<span ss="aiText"> the case full of her potions<span ss="editText"> an<span ss="userText">d magical tomes came into view.


    <span ss="aiText">''Okay, the <span ss="editText"b equipment and the tomes <span ss="aiText">are a must...<span ss="userText"> B-But that blue dress<span ss="aiText"> does bring out my eyes. A-And this yellow dress matches my hair. I-I guess the shoes are necessary, and the essories will add a pop to my outfits.<span ss="userText">.. Get ahold of yourself<span ss="aiText"> Rya! Don''t sumb to the girly temptations!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Uh, Rya... are you alright?" <span ss="editText">Nieren <span ss="aiText">asked as she was concerned for her <span ss="editText">friend<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I''m struggling to let go<span ss="aiText"> of the dresses.<span ss="userText">.. I need to be strong<span ss="aiText">. I''m not the type of girl who <span ss="userText">worries<span ss="aiText"> about fashion," Rya muttered.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You know it''s fine if you want to bring<span ss="aiText"> the dresses, right? And I''m pretty sure his highness<span ss="aiText"> would get you a whole new wardrobe, if you asked him," <span ss="editText">Nieren <span ss="aiText">replied.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia chimed in, "Plus, these things just get in the way of fighting<span ss="aiText">! You should focus on practical gear that won''t limit your movements."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">No... That would be wasteful... 3C... 7B... R-Return those crates back into the pce storage... I-I think I can manage with... with only having two crates of my clothes...<span ss="aiText"> Yeah..." Rya ordered<span ss="userText"> the two clones while using every ounce of her<span ss="aiText"> willpower to keep <span ss="userText">herself from<span ss="aiText"> bringing<span ss="editText"> all of her<span ss="aiText"> dresses.


    <span ss="aiText">"Understood, Mistress," 7B responded.


    <span ss="aiText">"As<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">mand<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText">," 3C replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya <span ss="userText">looked like she was about to cry<span ss="aiText"> as the <span ss="editText">four<span ss="aiText"> crates of dresses went back into the pce.<span ss="userText"> Rya turned away and walked straight up to Quinus. She put her forehead into his chest and<span ss="aiText"> sobbed quietly.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hey, hey, hey... If you want them. I can order to have another carriage<span ss="aiText"> brought in," <span ss="userText">Quinus said as he hugged<span ss="aiText"> her.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya sniffled, "No, I need to be stronger than this. I can''t fall into the temptations. It''s only a few... dozen... dresses... I-I can live without it.<span ss="editText"> I don''t want to be a burden.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="userText">Quinus, Nieren, and Percy smiled at<span ss="aiText"> the dark elf''s words.<span ss="userText"> While Dalia looked confused, and Sir George thought Rya was being ridiculous.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus looked over at Dous, "Can''t we<span ss="aiText"> allow <span ss="editText">her<span ss="aiText"> to bring more than two crates of her things? Is it really a bother if she brings all of her dresses? They''re just clothes."


    <span ss="aiText">Dous scowled, "Your <span ss="editText">H<span ss="aiText">ighness, I would have thought that you would have had a more level head<span ss="userText">-"


    <span ss="userText">"Dous! You''ve always been a good soldier, but you be an ass over the years. And now I find that a stick is crammed<span ss="aiText"> up your ass," <span ss="editText">Arathar <span ss="aiText">shouted <span ss="userText">whileing out of the pce.


    <span ss="aiText">Everyone looked over and saw Arathar<span ss="editText">, Zellin,<span ss="aiText"> and Yuliana making their way to Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"Arathar!<span ss="userText">?... <span ss="userText">You''re still alive?<span ss="aiText"> And not dead in a forge somewhere?" Dous asked with a dumbfounded face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmph, <span ss="userText">talk your crap... I''m going to outlive you. Especially, if you keep defying the Prince<span ss="aiText">," the dwarf shot back.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am acting within the authority of the King and Queen. I would have thought you would have realized that, old man."


    <span ss="aiText">"Dous<span ss="userText">... You''ve been trying to be better than Kane for years and you<span ss="aiText">''ve yet to be his equal. <span ss="userText">He was able to adapt to any situation. That''s what made him one of the best tacticians<span ss="aiText"> the kingdom has seen. You''ve always been stuck in the past. So, you''ve failed to advance," Zellin added.


    <span ss="userText">Dous wanted to retort but he saw the prince<span ss="aiText">''s angry face and decided to stay quiet.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Fine... If you are willing to offer another carriage to carry her Lady''s things<span ss="aiText">, then I will allow her to have more than two crates," the man replied bitterly.


    <span ss="userText">The Royal Knights have never seen Dous back down from any<span ss="aiText"> argument. Most of the knights started to see Zellin and Arathar as people whom they should keep on their good sides.


    <span ss="userText">"<span ss="aiText">He''s not an ordinary dwarf,<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText"> one of the Royal Knights <span ss="userText">whispered to another<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I heard that he was the former Barron. I guess the title never left his body," the other replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Arathar and Zellin walked up to Rya<span ss="userText"> who was hiding her face in<span ss="aiText"> Quinus'' chest.


    <span ss="userText">''God! I''ve made a mess of<span ss="aiText"> myself... Why did I have to cry<span ss="userText"> over clothes!? I''ve been a woman for a month<span ss="aiText"> and already I''m acting like a stereotypical woman,'' Rya groaned to herself.


    <span ss="userText">"Oi, you can stop your crying, girl. I''m not letting you leave without giving you a proper sword," the dwarf announced.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m not crying!" Rya yelled, but her voice was muffled in<span ss="aiText"> Quinus'' chest.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus couldn''t help but smile at her and started patting her head<span ss="aiText">. Rya felt her ears and hair being patted and she couldn''t help but <span ss="editText">feel a shiver run down her spine<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''He''s doing it again... That''s cheating! He''s taking advantage of my weaknesses... Ughh, I need to be stronger than this.''


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahem," <span ss="editText">Arathar<span ss="aiText"> cleared <span ss="editText">his<span ss="aiText"> throat, "Rya, stop molesting the Prince''s chest with your face. I <span ss="editText">finished your<span ss="aiText"> sword<span ss="editText">.<span ss="aiText"> Now stop acting like a child and let me see your face."


    <span ss="aiText">''This short little asshole. It''s Quin who''s patting my head! Grr! He''s ruin<span ss="editText">ing<span ss="aiText"> my momen<span ss="userText">t<span ss="aiText"> with my boyfriend...<span ss="userText">Fine! I''ll look at the sword<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="aiText">Rya slowly removed her face from Quinus'' chest and looked down at the dwarf.


    <span ss="userText">Arathar was holding the sword sheathed in<span ss="aiText"> a scabbard made out of some kind of leather and wood. There was an borate pattern on the scabbard that had some dwarven runes engraved into it. <span ss="aiText">Rya could see that there was some kind of red stone set into the middle of the guard.<span ss="userText"> The length and shape of the sword were simr to a Roman Mainz dius<span ss="aiText">, but there were subtle differences.


    <span ss="userText">''Damn... I wonder what the de looks like<span ss="aiText">... The grip and pommel look good. Huh, I see some runes on the side of the guard and some tiny ones are on the metal rings.''


    <span ss="userText">Rya walked up to Arathar<span ss="aiText"> and knelt down so that she was <span ss="editText">at <span ss="aiText">eye level with him. She could see that the dwarf was proud of the weapon.


    <span ss="aiText">"I have never forged a weapon as fine as this. It was a pleasure to create such a masterpiece," the dwarf praised.


    <span ss="userText">"Well<span ss="aiText">, I hope I''m worthy of your masterpiece, Master Smith," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Here, take it," Arathar handed her the scabbard.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya carefully epted the weapon and took a moment to inspect it.<span ss="userText"> She stood up and grabbed the handle<span ss="aiText"> and pulled the sword out of the scabbard.


    <span ss="aiText">As soon as the sword was out of the sheath, the runes on the <span ss="editText">ck <span ss="aiText">de started to glow red. Rya was mesmerized by the beautiful sword<span ss="userText"> and her eyes sparkled with curiosity. She couldn''t help but smile brightly.


    <span ss="userText">"Wow<span ss="aiText">... I have never seen such a beautiful de. This is a work of art," Rya said with awe.


    <span ss="aiText">She saw a few runes and recognized them as the runes for heat, durability, sharpness, and fire.


    <span ss="userText">"Aye... I made sure that the anti-magic<span ss="aiText"> enchantment was added to the de<span ss="userText">. I also was proud of adding a special ability to it. Channel a little bit of your mana into it<span ss="aiText"> and then try it out," Arathar instructed.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded her head and channeled a little bit of mana into the sword. Her eyes widened when the runes stopped glowing and the de suddenly <span ss="userText">turned into a ded whip<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">''Holy shit! It''s like the sword from an old video game I yed. What was it again?... SoulCalibur?... Yeah, it''s simr to Ivy''s sword<span ss="aiText">.''


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s a neat trick," Rya remarked as she was swinging the ded whip around.


    <span ss="aiText">"Heh, aye... <span ss="userText">I needed to create a de that could survive the stress of your Earthly Dark de<span ss="aiText"> technique. So, I created a de that can change its shape based on your will and mana. And with the runes on the de, I made sure it was as durable as possible," Arathar stated proudly.


    <span ss="userText">Rya looked impressed<span ss="aiText"> and continued to y around with the whip. The de didn''t weigh much and was easy to manipte.


    <span ss="userText">''Alright! Let''s try out my<span ss="aiText"> Earthly Dark de.''


    <span ss="aiText">She channeled a lot of mana into the de and the ded whip became rigid. <span ss="userText">She looked across the courtyard and spotted arge rock about 25 feet away.


    <span ss="userText">"Earthly Dark de<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="aiText">A pitch-ck de extended<span ss="userText"> out into its whip form as the tip of the de looked like it was shot out<span ss="aiText"> of a gun. The de flew through the air and mmed into therge rock, shattering it into thousands of pebbles.


    <span ss="aiText">The <span ss="editText">Royal Knights<span ss="aiText"> watching were shocked at <span ss="editText">how much power Rya''s sword had and they had never seen an attack like that before<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText">Rya retracted<span ss="aiText"> the de back <span ss="userText">to its normal form. At the same time, Arathar''s grin was as wide as possible. He was extremely pleased with the results of his work.


    <span ss="userText">"HA!... A fine demonstration... But there''s one more thing it can do. If you channel more mana and focus it on the handle<span ss="aiText">, it can <span ss="userText">create multiple whip des. But you won''t have the same range as the single<span ss="editText">-ded<span ss="aiText"> whip."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya was curious and decided to give it a try. She focused a lot of <span ss="aiText">her mana into the handle. She was able to feel something<span ss="editText"> happening to the sword<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''Is this what he means?''


    <span ss="aiText">"Multi Whip!"<span ss="userText"> Rya roared as she held the sword<span ss="aiText"> over her head.


    <span ss="aiText">Suddenly, a bunch of whips shot out of the end of the sword, each one about <span ss="editText">ten<span ss="aiText"> feet in length. The tips were also razor sharp.<span ss="userText"> She could control where all twenty of<span ss="aiText"> the des went and they were extremely agile.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Holy shit! I wouldn''t want to be on the receiving end of this sword<span ss="aiText">.''<span ss="userText"> Rya thought to herself as she admired the weapon.


    <span ss="aiText">She focused her mind and the des quickly retracted and the sword became the normal shape of a dius as the runes began to glow.


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t know what to say... Thank you, Arathar... Hopefully, I don''t need to use it<span ss="aiText"> much. But I will cherish this weapon. This sword will never leave my side," Rya said sincerely.


    <span ss="aiText">Arathar''s grin grew even bigger.


    <span ss="aiText">"HA!<span ss="userText"> Use it as much as you want. I need my name to spread far and wide<span ss="aiText">. If the sword does well then everyone will be moring for weapons made by me. And you are a fine warrior. You will be a fine champion of this sword."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya couldn''t help but smile back and sheathed the sword into its scabbard.


    <span ss="aiText">"You won''t regret it," she replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m d that you like <span ss="userText">it... But what''s the name of it<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="userText">Rya looked at the Dwarf in<span ss="aiText"> confusion, "The name of it?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Aye... All swords have a name. The de needs to have a name," Arathar answered.


    <span ss="aiText">''Huh?... <span ss="userText">But shouldn''t he name<span ss="aiText"> the sword<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText"> I mean he created the thing. Why do I need toe up with a name? Ugh! Damn, I''m not good at naming things.''


    <span ss="aiText">Rya''s brows furrowed as she was in thought.


    <span ss="aiText">''But wait, the sword can change its shape<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> and I can control the shape of the de.<span ss="userText"> But Arathar''s name is simr to the old legendary tails of King Arthur<span ss="aiText">. But Quinus is the only one who could out me for being unoriginal. He wouldn''t do that, right? Hmm, I''m going to give it a shot.''


    <span ss="aiText">"How about, Excalibur," Rya answered.


    <span ss="aiText">Arathar looked at the weapon and <span ss="userText">shook his head.


    <span ss="userText">"That''s a fine name for a man''s sword<span ss="aiText">, but you''re not a man. So, what''s the name <span ss="editText">of<span ss="aiText"> your sword?"


    "R-Really? Okay? I''lle up with something else," Rya said as she couldn''t believe Arathar shot down the first name.


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah... I guess that''s what I get for taking the easy<span ss="aiText"> way... Alright, time to be serious. What would a good name be?''


    <span ss="userText">Rya thought for a moment before she had another idea. "How about... Twilight... Dancer<span ss="aiText">," Rya offered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm... Twilight Dancer... Not bad," Arathar thought about the name for a few seconds before nodding his head, "Twilight Dancer it is. It''s a good name for such a fine weapon. I like it."


    <span ss="userText">Everyone around Rya was nodding<span ss="aiText"> their heads. The name fit the sword.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thanks again, Arathar. I''m grateful for this sword," Rya thanked the old dwarf.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aye, no problem," Arathar replied.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus came up next to Arathar<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> He looked like he was waiting to get something from him<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> The dwarf looked at the prince with a<span ss="aiText"> smirk on his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">What... You think I have your gauntlets done? <span ss="userText">HA! You need to be patient<span ss="aiText">. You will get them once I''m satisfied<span ss="editText"> with them<span ss="aiText">," Arathar scolded the prince.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus didn''t know how to respond at first, "You know... You could have said they weren''t ready<span ss="aiText"> yet."


    <span ss="aiText">"HA!... What''s the fun in that," the dwarf cackled.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus just sighed and shook his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Ah!... You need to learn a sense of humor, boy..<span ss="aiText">. Whatever! Go back to your mother. I''m sure she''s getting worried," <span ss="editText">Arathar<span ss="aiText"> suggested.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">When do you think you''ll finish the<span ss="aiText"> gauntlets?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Maybe in two weeks if I don''t get interrupted by people<span ss="aiText">. I''ll <span ss="editText">send them to the Royal Pce when they areplete<span ss="aiText">," Arathar promised.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very well.<span ss="userText">.. I look forward<span ss="aiText"> to seeing your work, <span ss="editText">Lord Arathar<span ss="aiText">," Quinus stated and nodded his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aye, aye," Arathar replied and then waved him off<span ss="userText"> while walking back into the keep<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus turned <span ss="userText">to Zellin who summoned his servant to get the second carriage for Rya''s<span ss="aiText"> group.


    <span ss="aiText">Zellin walked up to Rya, "I wish you luck. Be careful in the human city. I''m sure there will be people <span ss="userText">who will unfairlybel you<span ss="aiText"> as evil because of your race. Be mindful of your surroundings."


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry. I won''t let anything happen.<span ss="editText"> Plus, Quinus will have my back<span ss="aiText">," Rya answered.


    <span ss="userText">Hajdah, Laika, and the others from the Mage''s Guild came up next.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh, crap! I should return those tomes," Rya said with an apologetic<span ss="aiText"> tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">No worries, First Mage Rya<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">You can keep them. It''s the least we can do after you helped us trante all of those ancient tomes for us. Plus, you''ve helped us enhance our methods of casting magic... Just don''t be shing around the demonic tome in front of everyone<span ss="aiText">," Hajdah chuckled.


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah. Everyone who doesn''t know me will jump to the conclusion that I''m "evil" just by having, the Demon Sage, Lord Grazon''s book<span ss="aiText">. Thest thing I need is to have <span ss="editText">some religious Zealots<span ss="aiText"> on my ass.''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah... I''ll make sure to find them<span ss="aiText"> a safe ce. Thanks again for lending them to me," Rya expressed.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re wee. We hope youe back and visit. We have much to discuss," Laika stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. We can''t have another powerful mage in the world and not have them on our side. So, if you ever need help,e here. The Mage''s Guild will wee you," Hajdah promised.


    <span ss="userText">"You got it<span ss="aiText">," Rya smiled.


    <span ss="userText">Baron Zellin spoke up again<span ss="aiText">, "Take care. If you need any help, you have the full support of Ironside behind you."


    <span ss="aiText">"Thanks, Lord Zellin. It''s been a pleasure being your guest.<span ss="userText"> And thanks for lending us another carriage... I''m a little embarrassed about all the things I have umted over the month<span ss="aiText">," Rya thanked the Baron and blushed slightly in embarrassment.


    <span ss="aiText">"HA! No worries, Lady Rya. Take care, and hopefully, we meet again," Zellin smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded her head and <span ss="userText">heard the new carriageing around the corner<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">It was being driven by two dwarven knights<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> The Royal Knights guided them<span ss="aiText"> towards the <span ss="userText">other carriage. Once they came to a stop, Rya''s golems started<span ss="aiText"> load<span ss="editText">ing <span ss="editText">her<span ss="aiText"> stuff into the carriage<span ss="editText">, as well as Yuliana''s, Quinus'', and Nieren''s luggage<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> Which was nowhere near the amount<span ss="aiText"> that Rya had.


    <span ss="aiText">Once everything was loaded, Rya''s g<span ss="editText">ole<span ss="aiText">ms <span ss="userText">turned back into dirt and rocks. The knights opened the door to the main carriage and helped all the VIPs in. Sir George was the only one who hopped on a mount with the other knights<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya waved her goodbyes, and the carriage began to move. The gates of the Ironside Castle opened up, and the royal knights rode their mounts and escorted the carriages through the city.

 Vol.3 Ch.184 You’re Not the Sins of Your Father

    Vol.3 Ch.184 You��re Not the Sins of Your Father


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was smiling as she looked out the other side of the carriage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve never been inside a carriage like this before! Aw! I can smell sooo many scentsing through the windows! And it''s sooo soft! Is this silk? I''m so happy right now!" Dalia eximed excitedly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone couldn''t help but chuckle and smile at her joy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s like a dog that is excited to be going on a car ride. Heh, adorable.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was rubbing her face on the window sill as she continued to smell the different aromas from the flowers, people, and odors blowing in the wind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus couldn''t help butment, "This is nothingpared to the Royal Carriage."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? But this is the best! How could it be better," Dalia replied without taking her nose off the sill.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and the rest of the carriage justughed. Rya and Yuliana couldn''t help but look at Nieren who had been quiet the whole time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren just shook her head and sighed, "You need to stop acting like a child."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia just smirked, "Woody? Aren''t you considered a child too?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren growled, "What did you call me?!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? You still don''t like that nickname?" Dalia snickered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The wood elf growled even louder, "Call me by my name, you dimwit."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya stepped in, "Nieren... Dalia was a ve. So she deserves to have a moment of happiness. I think you should let her enjoy this."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But!... Ugh..." Nieren noticed everyone looking at her with a little disappointment in their eyes and she sighed, "You''re right... Sorry, Dalia... Please continue," Nieren apologized.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, don''t sweat it, Woody... I forgive you," Dalia answered with a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia... I... Forget it," Nieren gritted her teeth while keeping her anger in check.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just smiled at the interaction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''They''re going to fight, but it''s like sisters arguing. Nieren needs to stop acting like she doesn''t like getting Dalia''s attention. I can tell that she''s a bit jealous of Dalia. But I don''t know what it is. Maybe Nieren wishes that she could be as open as Dalia. She''s the exact opposite of her. Maybe she''ll open up more at some point. I''ll try and help.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few minutes of traveling through the streets of Ironside. Rya and the others were watching the dwarves and some humans going about their day. They made it out of the eastern gates and into the open ins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm." Rya hummed to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is something wrong?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... Well, maybe... It feels like I''m leaving home... Even though I''ve only been here a month," Rya admitted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I feel simr... I''ve been living here most of my life, so this is my home," Nieren added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana shook her head, "If your uncle wasn''t killed and if our kingdom wasn''t in ruins, then we wouldn''t be calling Ironside home."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Was it a bad thing to call Ironside home?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes," Yuliana responded immediately, "Irisi is our home. Our people need help. We need to go back and save them from the humans who are trying to enve them."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mom!" Nieren chastised, "The people of Ironside have been good to us. Why are you saying bad things about the people who took us in?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not a bad thing, Nieren... It''s just... Unfortunate that you had to live a life without being a Royal," Yuliana said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then why did our servants abandon us when they had the chance to stay with us? I thought there were a few hidden viges that survived the attack, but we came to Ironside," Nieren retorted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana didn''t want to answer her daughter''s question. She didn''t want to tell her that her father betrayed their kingdom and left them for dead as the human armies of the Kingdom of Marn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren saw her mother''s hesitation, "What are you hiding from me, Mom? Please, I have a right to know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana looked her daughter in the eyes, "I-It''s too soon to say anything. I need to get in touch with my contacts first. Once we are safe in the Fiafyr capital, then I will tell you everything. Promise."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was intrigued while Percy was confused. Dalia was too busy sniffing the airing through the open window to listen to the conversation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yuliana... You should tell her," Rya suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?!" Yuliana questioned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She''s old enough to know the truth. She deserves it. I know you think she''s still a child but she''s stronger than you realize," Rya argued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! She''s too young and I''m not going to be lectured by a 27-year-old child," Yuliana countered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mom..." Nieren interjected, "I''ll be 75 in about 20 years... I''m almost an adult. Please, I need to know the truth."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nieren..." Yuliana pleaded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yuliana, if you don''t tell her then I will," Rya stated firmly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You wouldn''t..." Yuliana growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will," Rya repeated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana knew that Rya would keep her word. She didn''t want her daughter to know about her father, being a traitor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine... I will tell her," Yuliana relented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren leaned forward and waited patiently.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Before I say anything... I want you to understand that I didn''t know... And I wish I did... Your father betrayed our kingdom. He left us for dead when he fled back to the Lumen Fae continent with the other High Elves. There were a few servants who hid with us as we fled into the woods. The forest elves and dryads helped us survive. But once word came out about him abandoning the Wood Kingdom, the other elves and fae turned on... you... They didn''t want to house the offspring of a traitor... They left us. And then, the humans invaded and we had no choice but to flee to Ironside," Yuliana exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren didn''t show a single reaction as her mother told her the truth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And... He might have poisoned the Elder Tree... I only found out once Lady Rya pushed out the poison from thest Elder Seed..." Yuliana continued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren''s expression changed. Some tears leaked out, but she remained strong, "I-I understand..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren looked down and didn''t want to see the expression on her mother''s face. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Rya giving her a reassuring look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re not the sins of your father. Don''t ever forget that," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren nodded her head, "Thank you..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana watched in surprise and shock at how fast Nieren had recovered. She thought her daughter wouldsh out and cry. But the Dark Elf was a calming influence on her daughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How did you know that I needed to hear that?" Nieren asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t," Rya replied, "But I''ve seen plenty of people deal with a family member betraying the trust and love that everyone gave. You''ll get through it. And I''ll be here to help you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re wee... Plus, I have to keep my promise to free all the Wood Elf ves. I won''t go back on my word," Rya smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana heard Rya say that before, and her old self wouldn''t have believed the Dark Elf, but over this month she slowly started believing in her. It was an old habit that she had to break.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I hope she''s right... I hope she can help save my people...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, if we do start to free them. Then we can have them stay in our kingdom until they can find a new home," Quinus suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana looked over to Quinus, "Do you mean it?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course. You and your daughter have done me a great favor, so it''s the least I can do. Plus, we can''t send your people out into the world when they don''t have a home," Quinus grinned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have my thanks, Prince Quinus," Yuliana smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren felt a strange jealousye over her when she saw her mother smiling at the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-Why is mom smiling at the prince like that?! Doesn''t she know that he belongs to Rya?'' Nieren''s mind thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus just shrugged his shoulders, "I''m only doing the right thing. That''s the most important thing. And I know Rya would want me to do the right thing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren calmed down after hearing that.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Someone is trying to earn another solid?" Rya giggled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at his lover''s azure blue with a fierce passionate gaze, "Of course. I''m only trying to make mydy happy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya leaned closer to him and ced a gentle kiss on his lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gods and Spirits... She''s too young to be kissing a boy," Yulianamented under her breath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? Can''t two lovers show their affection?" Rya teased.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are younger than my daughter. An elf your age shouldn''t be doing those things," Yuliana replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just shook her head, "27 is old enough to be doing this."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And you are fine with outliving your love by thousands of years," Yuliana asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya paused for a moment. It didn''t really hit her that for most of her life, Quinus would only be a memory. ''I-I''m not human anymore... But I don''t care... I''ll do everything in my power to spend my life with him...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shrugged her shoulders, "I''ll love him until the end of time."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus felt the weight of her words.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll try to be with you even if I need to be reborn again," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just nodded her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana looked at the prince with a skeptical look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You believe in a second life? That''s rare, especially for a human," Yulianamented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I find that nothing is impossible. I''m sure someone out there has been reborn with the memories of their previous life," Quinus grinned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana had to agree. The gods are capricious beings who like to mess with the world, "That''s true. Especially if they are a chosen one from a God or Goddess."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya listened to the conversation while she held onto Quinus'' hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Yeah, Like those two idiot Goddesses... I haven''t seen them in my dreams since the battle fighting the Roses. Maybe they are bored of me and won''t show up anymore...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia opened her window a little wider and took in the fresh air before she stood up and crawled halfway out of the window. Her tail was wagging and hit Percy in the face, "This is amazing! I love the way the breeze feels and smells!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"D-Dalia! You''re going to fall out of the carriage if you aren''t careful," Percy said as he quickly pulled her inside.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A, I wanted to feel the breeze in my hair," Dalia whined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But you were halfway out of the window," Percy retorted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can take care of myself," Dalia argued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked at her slightly bloated belly, "Not with a pup on the way. You need to be careful."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not this again! I''m telling you all that I''m just a little bloated because of the sweets. I''m not pregnant!" Dalia growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy wasn''t buying it, "Dalia, please, sit and enjoy the breeze from your seat."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine! But you have to make it up to me, Gamma," Dalia pouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was holding back herughter. ''She''s so cute when she''s like that. But if Percy thinks she''s pregnant then maybe she tricked me into believing that she''s not... I don''t know why she is so adamant about her belly being bloated because of eating desserts. Does she not want to have children with Percy? You would think she would try and find out if she was carrying. I don''t get it.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shook her head, "Don''t overthink it, Rya."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What was that, Rya?" Quinus asked as he didn''t catch what Rya just said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Oh? Sorry, I''m just talking to myself," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t know what was going on, but he trusted her to tell him in time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey? Do you know how long this trip will take?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, normally it would have taken a week or two to get back, but I''m sure Dous will push his knights to the limit. We will be there in 5 to 6 days," Quinus estimated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. I wonder how they are doing," Rya wondered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Me too," Quinus agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous was riding in the front of the convoy with Sir Richard to his left and Sir George to his Right. They were leading the way along the nicely made stone road.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"When did the Baron fix the roads?" Sir Richard asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That was Lady Rya''s doing. She had her golems running around everywhere. She had them fix the roads, build a bridge over the river, and even build some small viges and towns. She had her golem guards protect them as well. Before the Baron could hire more guards to protect them," Sir George exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya is very powerful indeed," Sir Richardmented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do not speak too loudly. Elves'' ears can hear better than ours. So, talk in a hushed tone, when they are around... But all things considered, I was hoping you would have some insight about the Dark Elf. Other than she''s in love," Dous warned while looking at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My opinion is that she is an ally and has given me a second chance at life. It doesn''t matter if she''s a dark elf, Sir," Sir George replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous wasn''t sure if the Knight was being honest, or hiding his disdain, "And what of her being with Prince Quinus?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George sighed, "She has made a mockery of my Courting advice. But... She seemed frightened to fall in love with the prince, at first... Now, she''s like a new woman around him. And the Crown Prince seems to have a better head when she''s around him... It would be ill advice to break them up. I don''t have the luxury of dying so young."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Richard cringed at the thought of Sir George''s dating advice. He''s seen that man bomb many dates in the past. While Dous wasn''t sure what he meant by "Not having the luxury of dying young." Did that mean the dark elf would kill them all if she broke up with the prince?


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean by thatst statement?" Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George just chuckled, "It means the prince would end me if I was to harm his woman. He loves her. More than he loves the Crown."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous was shocked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Prince Quinus is putting a dark elf over the kingdom?'' Dous'' mind thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Richard wasn''t shocked at all, "It''s no different than his father loving his mother. Who was from the ind nation of Corialis. I never understood the rumors about Corialian women."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh yeah? We know who started those rumors, Sir Richard," Sir George barked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t bring up his name. I have enough headaches at the moment and I don''t want to think about him. Especially since he''s been acting strange ofte. And the King is worried," General Dous said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... He found out that his son is dead, aye? Good! That bastard deserves more than that," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous halted his horse, "That''s enough from you, Sir George."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George just shook his head, "You don''t know, do you? His son left us to die. And we would have been Hobgoblin food if it wasn''t for Lady Rya. Marcus might have been the new heir if it wasn''t for her saving the Prince. The king is a fool if he can''t see that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George''sment shocked Dous, "I know! Don''t you dare speak ill of the crown. Or I''ll have to discipline you, Sir George. You should have used some restraint."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George shook his head, "General, you weren''t there. Marcus was a traitor to the Crown. The prince gave me the order and I ended him. Now if I can only end his father and hisckeys, then I''ll be able to sleep well."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous felt disgusted by Sir George''s words, but the Knight wasn''t wrong. He had seen ric try to assassinate the prince when he was barely a year old and he heard the reports about the time when Quinus was ten years old and almost was killed in the trials by one of Marcus'' plots.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Things are falling apart and the King is trying his best to hold things together. Marquess Duval is hell-bent on marrying Prince Quinus to the Princess from the Alliance and now ric''s son is dead. I have to get the King''s permission to look into ric. And see what he is plotting. With his son dead, he has to be vengeful...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We should keep moving," Sir Richard advised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous was broken out of his thoughts, "O-Of course."


    <span style="font-weight:400">He looked behind him and saw the convoy was stopped and waiting for his orders. So he signaled the convoy to start moving again as he got his mount to move.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, what was that about?" Sir Richard asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We need to keep an eye out for any ambushes. Tell the others," Dous said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, aye, sir," Sir Richard replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They continued to ride through the countryside of the Fiafyr Kingdom Capital. Their first stop would be the city of Dorn, which is a part of the Eder Hills domain. Ruled over by Baron Johnathan Dule.

 Vol.3 Ch.185 Running into Johan Dule and His Unhappy Wife

    Vol.3 Ch.185 Running into Johan Dule and His Unhappy Wife


    <span style="font-weight:400">The journey was going well and there were no signs of an ambush, so the convoy continued to travel without a hitch to their first stop for the night. The city of Dorn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dorn was a mid-size city in the western part of Baron Johnathan Dule''s Domain. Which is called the Eder Hills. The city was a hub for trading with Zellin''s Domain. Dule''s Territory went a little more north, running along a mountain range that separates the Dwarven Kingdom of Hjorleif and the Fiafyr Kingdom. There were only a couple of ways in and out of the dwarven kingdom. But there was no man''snd that divided the two countries. No one has gone in without someone dying during the journey through the valley. Thanks to the ogre tribes that live within the foothills of the mountains.


    <span style="font-weight:400">So, the Kingdom of Fiafyr constructed a giant wall to prevent the ogres froming south and killing the people of the kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dorn City was 200 miles south of the wall and was the third biggest city in the territory but the 50th biggest city in all the kingdom. Dorn had a poption of 75,000. The city is a major hub of trade and distributes the purple g throughout the rest of the kingdom due to all the different roads and rivers that intersect the city. Thanks to the deal with Ironside the city of Dorn has be a hotspot for business and it has grown outside its walls after all these centuries.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The city wall was 30 feet tall and 50 feet wide with four massive gates on each wall to get into the city. There were four walls. Two outer walls and then an inner wall and another inner wall. Quinus'' convoy made it to the Western gates of Dorn and the gate guards waved them in when they saw General Dous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous'' party was escorted to the center of town and into the Noble Quarters of the city. Dorn''s noble quarter was a big ce and was a maze to anyone who didn''t know their way around. This city used to be a frontier city over 500 years ago. So the buildings were designed to be maze-like as they made them out of stone. This part of the city was lined with houses and stores. Making everything feel ustrophobic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous'' convoy reached the Baron''s third estate and entered the grounds which was one of the few ces that had more space than in the other parts of the city. The grounds had a giant open space and had many flower gardens, fountains, and a hedge maze. The Baron usually came to Dorn once a month and liked to take the long way through the hedge maze to the entrance of his third home.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wee back, General," One of the guards saluted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you were," Dous replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Lord came to greet the prince, Sir," The guard informed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous'' eyebrow raised slightly in surprise, "Really?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The guard nodded, "Yes, Sir."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous thought Johnathan Dule was staying put in his domain''s capital city of Springfield. But he guessed the Baron couldn''t help himself from meeting the Crown Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous dismounted off his horse and his guards followed. The guards took the horses to the stables and the rest were taken to the carriage house.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They stopped the "Royal" Carriage and opened the door. "Prince Quinus, the Baron hase to greet you," said one of the knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? I thought he needed to check in on the farm yields. He must have made Johan do it in his stead," Quinus said out loud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was still in the carriage, "I''ll stay in here... I don''t know how he''ll react."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, you''re not a prisoner, Rya. You''re my fiance," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know but...," Rya was about to argue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus leaned in and kissed her lips, "Now, no more of that. I want the world to see that I love you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s cheeks blushed red. While Yuliana, Nieren, Dalia, and Percy were just watching.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You make it hard to say no...," Ryamented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then don''t," Quinus smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What am I going to do with you," Rya relented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, now, let''s meet the Baron," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone in the carriage exited the vehicle and the group made their way to the Baron''s third residence. All the guards and servants were stunned by the sight of the four women exiting the carriage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''The Prince has a harem?'' the staff thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''A Dark Elf? I didn''t think there were any left...,'' the guards thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya held onto Quinus'' arm and was blushing bright red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you okay?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah... I thought it was going to be easier for me," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t let everyone look down on you," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! I don''t need you to get in a fight every time someone opens their mouth... But it would be one hell of a sight," Rya smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They stopped outside the main doors of the mansion and a female servant opened the door for them. Quinus walked inside with Rya and everyone followed him. The foyer was a little smaller than the average noble''s manor. It had a nice red carpet with the symbol of the Dule Family on it. Dous let his men take their leave and went to the barracks. Quinus, Rya, Nieren, Percy, Dalia, Yuliana, and the other two knights. They walked further into the manor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they approached the foyer, they were greeted by a man in his 30''s with red hair, blue eyes, and was a bit short for an average man. The man greeted the prince, "Wee to Baron Johnathan Dule''s residence, Prince Quinus. I''m his Head Butler, Lester. May I have your name?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m Yuliana and this is my daughter," Yuliana spoke up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren bowed, "Greetings."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is Rya, and these are my retainers, Percy and Sir George," Quinus introduced.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! And this is my fiance, Dalia. She is Lady Rya''sdy in waiting," Percy introduced the Wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It is an honor to be in your presence, Prince Quinus, and Lady Rya," Lester bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s fine, please lead us to the Baron," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Baron isn''t here, your Highness," Lester replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lester smiled, "But his lordship''s son is here."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan is here? Where is he?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The doors opened to the living room and a young man of twenty-seven years came walking in with a smile. Just as he was about to speak his eyes caught Rya holding onto Quinus'' arm and the sight caused him to stumble.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Watch your step, Johan. Or will I have to get you a cane?" Quinus chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"P-Prince," Johan bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What brings you out this way, Johan? Aren''t you supposed to be with your father and sister?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If I can get away from the farm fields. Then I''ll take the opportunity," Johan smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head, "Does he really make you work out in the fields? Johan, you''re the lord''s son."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course not! But you know how it is. It''s all about the��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Paperwork, yeah, I''m dreading the day I take the crown," Quinus shook his head and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked at Rya again, and then he noticed the two other elves and wolfkin standing behind Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It isn''t too bad, but it does take up a lot of time... But enough of that, it seems you made some new friends since thest time I saw you," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smirked before introducing the group, "Where are my manners, first is Lady Yuliana and her daughter, Lady Nieren, and the lovely wolfkin is Lady Dalia. They are both of Lady Rya''s retainers... This is my fiancee, Lady Rya."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s eyes went wide after hearing the news. ''Fiancee?... No wonder why the Prime Minister was losing his mind ofte. Goddess be damned. How the hell did Quinus catch such a beauty... And a dark elf at that.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan smiled, "It''s a pleasure to meet you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was surprised by the warm wee. She remembered her etiquette training and bowed slightly, "Likewise."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s cheeks grew a light blush, "My name is Johan Dule, First son of Baron Johnathan Dule."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus chuckled, "She is quite the beauty."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan smiled, "Indeed. You know how to surpass everyone''s expectations, your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey now... I was lucky enough to have her choose me," Quinus smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that how it was?" Rya smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yep, and if you say otherwise then I think I would cry," Quinus smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ttery will get you nowhere, but since you''re cute I''ll give you a pass," Rya smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, you wound me, my love," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan didn''t know if he was happy for the prince or envious. He''s never had any luck with thedies and the woman, who was arranged to be married to him, tolerating him at best. He hoped to change that, but he didn''t know how to.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I like her. I haven''t seen you this lively," Johan smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, she has that effect on me," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, is your family here, Johan?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, my wife is here but I''m not sure if she will join us... My sister is not here," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How is your wife, Johan?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s expression grew sour, "As good as can be expected."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oof! I know that look. She must be angry or something. It must be an arranged marriage thing. I remember things weren''t rosy during the medieval times when women were sold off for political marriages or dowries. Maybe I can find out what might be her problem... I like Johan so far. He''s one of the few people who didn''t look at me in fear or disgust. And Johan seems to be friends with Quinus so he should be alright... Yeah! I''ll ask her myself. And if she is rude to me, then I''ll give her a piece of my mind.'' Rya thought as she stood there quietly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus patted Johan''s shoulder, "Maybe I can help out."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s eyebrow rose, "Help?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry. I might be able to give you some advice, but what''s your wife''s name again?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan sighed, "Her name is Tayna."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna... Which family is she from? It''s hard to keep track," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan cracked a smile again, "So, you aren''t a master of everything, your Highness?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hardly, and please don''t start calling me a master of everything. It''s thest thing I need," Quinus rolled his eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan smirked, "Alright, then. Come!... You all must be hungry and tired from your trip. We can continue this talk while having ate lunch."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded his head, "Yes. That would be nice."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus, Rya, Nieren, Yuliana, Percy, Dalia, and Sir George followed Johan through the manor. There were some nice vases, a few paintings ofndscapes, and a family portrait of Johan''s rtives. The dining room was big. The table wasrge and could fit ten people on either side. The centerpiece was a crystal vase and it was filled with flowers. Johan gestured for everyone to take their seats and he sat at the end of the table. The maids brought out the food and ced the tters down in the middle of the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Man! So, this is going to be my life from here on out. Hopefully, I can get used to thevishness,'' Rya thought as Quinus pulled out her chair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled, "Thank you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Anything for mydy," Quinus smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan took the seat in the middle of the table while Quinus sat across from him. Rya was to his left while Yuliana sat to his right. Dalia and Percy were to the left of Rya. While Nieren sat to the right of her mother. Dous sat across from Yuliana while Sir George stood at attention in the corner. He usually watched over the Prince. Just to make sure no one tries to harm him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please, eat as much as you like," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t know the crown prince had arrived! Johan! Why didn''t you tell me," a voice called out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone turned their heads and saw a woman standing in the doorway. She was a human in her twenties and had brown hair and hazel eyes. She was wearing a ck dress with gold trim. She wore a simple tiara on her head. She was a pretty woman, but Rya noticed that she was wearing ck gloves. Not because it was cold, but because she was hiding something. Rya could see that her left hand was missing a ring finger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? I wonder how she hurt her left hand. It''s a big scar that runs up to her chest. And she used a lot of makeup to cover some scars on her face. If I wasn''t a healer, then I wouldn''t have noticed it so easily. I''ve only seen people who fought monsters or beasts to lose a digit, but with that much damage, I''m surprised she still has an arm... I''m sure she was raised as a noblewoman, so I wonder how she came into contact with a monster. Hmm, maybe she has a story to tell,'' Rya thought as she watched Johan stand up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, my love. You told me to not disturb you," Johan apologized.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That is no excuse. I''m sorry for not greeting you sooner, Prince Quinus. I''m Tayna, Johan''s wife. It is a pleasure to meet you," Tayna bowed to the prince and gave him a perfect smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s brow raised when she saw the fake smile on Tayna''s face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What is with this woman?'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled, "The pleasure is all mine. This is my fiancee, Rya."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna lifted her head and saw the striking woman sitting next to the prince. Her eyes widened when she noticed that she was a dark elf who was wearing a revealing pink dress that put her chest to shame.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s jaw dropped slightly. ''H-how?... Is this dark elf the prince''s lover?! How am I supposed topete with that and get out of this marriage!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mydy, this is Lady Rya, and she will be the future Queen of Fiafyr Kingdom," Dous said reluctantly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna bowed to her, "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Rya."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya stood up and curtsied, "Likewise, Lady Tayna."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"May I?" Tayna asked as she gestured to the empty chair across from her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded her head and took her seat. Quinus sat back down as well.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was surprised that his wife sat next to him, but he wasn''t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia was ring at the future Baroness with her ears pinned back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna noticed that not only was there a dark elf but a wood elf and a wolfkin were also there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What in the hells? I''ve never seen so many subspecies in my life. What kind of group is the prince in? Who are these people?... Are these all his women?... Oh gods, is the prince a pervert?'' Tayna thought as she watched the wolfkin girl ring at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya could hear Dalia growling very softly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s the matter, Dalia?" Rya whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She smells... Strange."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Strange how?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She doesn''t have her mates sent. That means she''s on the prowl for a new mate. And she can''t have Gamma!" Dalia growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Tayna and noticed that she was trying to gain Quinus'' attention, but her husband didn''t notice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, she''s not interested in Percy. It''s the prince," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Well, that''s a relief," Dalia replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Dalia with a skeptical look, "So it''s fine if she''s after someone else''s man?..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia blushed, "Uh... Yeah. I don''t know anything about human mating. I''m a beastkin in a human kingdom. I don''t know if Gamma would leave me for another female... Would I have to ept him taking another mate and raise the children?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled, "Dalia, he''s head over heels in love with you. There''s no way he''s going to look at another woman."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looked at her, "Really?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked over at Percy who was happily eating his food, but his eyes were glued to Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looked down at her food, "Good! Someday I will have his pups. And we''ll raise them together."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Yeah... It''s going to happen sooner than you expect. This Beastkin is so innocent,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was d that his wife joined them for a meal. She hardly did that anymore. He wondered what changed her mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, what house is Tayna from, Johan?" Quinus asked as he took a sip of water.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! She''s from house��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was about to speak, but Tayna cut him off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"House Gilder. We are a small noble family that watches over the city of Bainbridge, in the southern part of the kingdom. We''re not important. Not like your family," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you''re from a minor noble family, who is under Marquess Duval in the Berger Domain," Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, she''s from a minor noble family... I should have studied more geography before our trip,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was surprised that he knew where her family lived, "Y-yes. Your Highness. The Prime Minister is good to my family."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, that''s good to hear. I''m sure Marquess Duval wouldn''t like hearing about a small dispute. He doesn''t seem to be a very forgiving man. I''m sure he wouldn''t be pleased about me breaking the arranged marriage," Quinus replied as he cut his chicken.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked at the prince with hope, ''So, that is why he took this dark elf to be his wife. He hates the idea of being forced to marry a woman he doesn''t even love. And there must be a loophole about taking a different species as his wife to get back at his father and the Marquess. He''s brilliant!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna smiled thinking she knew what the prince''s angle was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I understand your position, my lord. It is not an easy thing to be married off to someone you''ve never met. I can only imagine what it is like for a young woman to be given away like chattel," Tayna said sympathetically.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked like he was hit in the gut with her words. Rya didn''t know what to say to her. It was true. But this woman seemed to be getting the wrong idea. Yuliana looked bored. She hates these human squabbles. She didn''t want anything to do with them. So she ate slowly while ignoring them to the best of her ability. Percy didn''t seem to notice. He was eating his food. And Nieren was watching the human woman like a hawk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was wondering why the Marquess was so erratic ofte. It seems you have given him a heart attack, my Lord," Johan said while trying to shake off the difort of his wife''s words.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think the Marquess will get over it. Arranged marriages break apart all the time. Besides, he''s a smart man," Tayna replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was watching the human woman who was clearly trying to find a way out of her arranged marriage. But Rya could tell that this woman was not in love with Johan. She looked unhappy being around him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She needs to get fuckingid! And I should find a way to do it. She''s an uppity bitch that needs to be knocked down a peg,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sadly, I''ll need to convince him and my father to change their minds. It''s not going to be easy," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''m tired of hearing about this arranged marriage with the Alliance Princess. Those bastards tried to kill me and Hiro sacrificed his life to get me out of the citadel,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya had a hard time keeping her emotions under control. She hated thinking about Hiro and hisst moments alive. He turned to dust after exhausting his mana to teleport them away from the citadel. She couldn''t even bring back his body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya didn''t know how long she was lost in thought but she was brought out of her daze when Quinus put his hand over hers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you alright? You spaced out for a minute," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m fine," Rya lied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus could tell that she wasn''t telling the truth, and he assumed it was because they were talking about the arranged marriage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have nothing to worry about. I will do everything in my power to ensure that you are happy. I will never let anyone harm you," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''God... He''s a sweetheart when he''s worried about me... As if I would let him get hurt. No. I''m not going to allow it,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I appreciate it, Quinus. And I promise to keep you safe. No matter what," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan smiled. He could see that his prince was head over heels in love with his fiancee. ''I wonder what it''s like to be in love like that. I wonder if I ever felt that way towards my wife. I wish she would stop pushing me away. Maybe the prince can help me win her heart.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna wasn''t pleased to see the prince fawning over a dark elf. But she knew better than to make the prince angry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Johan, "So, you are one of Quinus'' friends?... And the next Baron of Eder Hills?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan smiled, "Yes. I am the next Baron of Eder Hills. Back when I was a child. I... Looked up to the wrong person. I''m just d I didn''t follow the path I was on."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? Who was that? If you don''t mind me asking," Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus cut in, "He wanted to be friends with my cousin Marcus."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya gave Johan a "You gotta be joking!?" look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan had an awkwardugh and scratched the back of his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I wanted to be a mage. And Marcus was about to go to the academy... It''s rare to be a mage while having the power and influence that Marcus had. I was too blinded by his prestige when I was younger," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I get it. He was the cool kid that everyone wanted to be friends with. He had everything. Power, prestige, wealth, and fame. It''s easy to get swept away by the cool kids.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded her head, "I understand. We all make mistakes when we were younger."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was tickled by Rya''s response.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I found out at an early age that he saw me as nothing more than dirt... All because I have no mana vein. I''m just a normal human with no potential," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s ears twitched.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s not true. Just because you don''t have a mana vein doesn''t mean you have no potential. You''re a noble. You can help those in need. Help others find their strengths," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan couldn''t believe his ears.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No one has ever said anything like that to me except, his Highness. And I thought he was saying that just to be nice... Maybe they''re both right,'' Johan thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have a very kind heart, mdy. I can see why the prince is so smitten with you... Your personality matches your beauty," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Lord Johan," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked at her husband with a raised eyebrow. ''I know Johan means well. But a noble without a mana vein is just a dressed-upmoner... If only I didn''t get disfigured by the damn slime monster. I wouldn''t have needed to take him as a husband. Why can''t he be one-tenth of the man the prince is? I wish I was his wife. He''s the ideal husband.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was a momentter that it urred to him that he didn''t know what had happened to Marcus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, uh... Where''s Marcus now?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked up at Johan with a stoic look while Sir George had a smirk crack through his professional demeanor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s dead," Quinus replied coldly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan almost choked on his food, "What?!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Marcus was executed by my orders. He left me and my men for dead in the dungeon," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So he finally screwed up... Good. That man was the worst human being on the continent. If anyone deserved to die it was him. And if you hadn''t done it, I would have done it myself. That bastard was always cruel," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t enjoy it... But he forced my hand... Now I need to worry about my uncle and the rest of his supporters," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan leaned back in his chair and looked Quinus in the eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed, "We would need to speak in private about this, my friend. This information is sensitive. And not to be spoken aloud."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan understood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I understand. When do you wish to discuss this, my lord?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had finished his food and drink, "We can discuss it now if you are free."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, my lord," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who else is invited to this meeting?" General Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir George and yourself are the only ones who need toe. Rya and the others can stay here and have their meal. I''ll be back shortly," Quinus said as he stood up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. Tayna? Can you do me a favor and host Lady Rya and her party until I return," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I... I was in the middle of something. Can''t someone else do it?" Tayna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The servants are busy. I can''t ask them to take care of our guests," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the noblewoman with a raised eyebrow. At the same time, Rya took this moment to pull out the Seer Stone from her cleavage. She brought up the strange-looking monocle to her right eye and looked at Johan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I know he said he doesn''t have a mana vein. But there has to be more to this story.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Soon the darkness in the monocle showed a miniscule gray mana vein inside of Johan. Rya almost couldn''t see it at first. But luckily her elven eyes helped her spot the mana vein.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya couldn''t believe her eyes, ''Why are there some strange brown particles floating around his mana vein? It''s simr to what was going on with Nieren''s mana vein, but the particles were a different color... I should double-check to see if it was only him. I''ll need to check all of his friends too.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya quickly looked at everyone with the Seer Stone before she slipped it back into her cleavage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn! I almost went blind looking at Quinus'' mana vein. But everyone else is fine. They all have normal mana veins. And none of them have those particles around their veins. So it must be something that only affects Johan and Nieren. I need to study itter.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone Rya spotted with the Seer Stone was fine. Quinus had a bright gold mana vein just like hers, while Yuliana, Percy, and Dalia all had glowing blue veins which meant they had elite-ranked veins. Percy''s vein had a couple of oddities about it that made it more unique than a normal elite vein, and she was going to investigate itter. But nothing that seemed to affect his health. Nieren had her purple vein and George had a dark green vein. Dous and Tayna had light green veins, which meant they were master ranked. Even though Tayna''s mana vein was thinpared to everyone who had been inbat. Then there were the servants, all of them had light gray which meant none of them had anything special about their veins. Gray was the mostmon ranked vein. It could grow if they yed monsters, but it took forever and they didn''t have the strength to be a Maja.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya didn''t know what those particles were, but they didn''t look good. They were brownish and were floating around the mana vein.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it''s rude to spring things up on me without notice. I would have gotten better tea," Tayna replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at the woman and spoke, "Be polite."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna turned to the prince and nodded, "Of course. I''ll do it for the prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was bbergasted by his wife''s behavior, "Tayna!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine. I''ll host them," Tayna said with a pout.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well. Shall we, my lord," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna sat there pouting while Johan, Quinus, and the others walked out of the room. Leaving Rya, Dalia, Percy, Yuliana, Nieren, and a few servants around to clean up the table.

 Vol.3 Ch.186 A Strange Tea Party

    Vol.3 Ch.186 A Strange Tea Party


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked at the four female humanoids and frowned, "Let''s go to the parlor. I''ll have the servants bring some tea and pastries."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia got excited about the sweets while Yuliana looked unamused. Nieren was trying to be the proper guest, and Rya stood up and said, "That would be nice... Percy, would you like to join us?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked at all the women standing up before him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think I''ll go exploring. Maybe talk to some soldiers. I don''t want to intrude on your time together. Besides, I''m sure you want to talk about things without a man listening in," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya rolled her eyes. ''Of course. Leave the girls to have some girl time. Typical... I hope I can control Dalia without him around... Who am I kidding? Dalia''s going to be Dalia... Well, let''s see what is up with this chick.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fair enough. Go and explore. We''ll try not to get into trouble," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy saluted her, "Aye, aye. Mydy!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehehe," Dalia giggled at her mate''s behavior.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shook her head, and the party of five walked out of the dining room. They followed Tayna into arge parlor, where a couple of couches and arge table with four chairs were.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya sat down on the couch. At the same time, Yuliana and Dalia took the couch across from her. Whereas, Nieren picked a chair next to the window. The servants came in with tea and snacks. Tayna took her time to sit in a chair across from Nieren and was in between the couches. Rya was to her left while Dalia and Yuliana were to her right. A servant came up with a freshly brewed pot of tea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ma''am, I chose the Corialis Green Tea with the Honey Citrus and the Lemon Curd Pastry."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna nodded her head, "Fine. Put the teapot and pastries on the table."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course," the servant replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was still annoyed about having to entertain a bunch of people out of the blue. And she had to use her better manners because Rya was going to be marrying into royalty.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... Tell me. What is it like to be a dark elf? All the stories I''ve heard don''t paint your kind in a good light from what I remember," Tayna asked as she took her cup of tea and had a sip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren and Yuliana seemed to have a guilty conscience as they recalled how badly they acted towards Rya when they first met her on different asions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smirked and took her cup of tea, "What is it like to be a scarred woman?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Excuse me?" Tayna said angrily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You heard me. I''m a dark elf. And you are a woman with scars... Do you fear what will happen when the other nobles find out? You''ll be shunned and cast out... Unless your husband protects you. Or maybe you want someone else to protect you," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wh-what?" Tayna was shocked by Rya''s words.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You fear not knowing how someone will react to you. Will they treat you with kindness, disgust, or murderous intent? You have the same fears I do. But the difference is that I have the power to change people''s minds. And I have a powerful family backing me up... But here you are, insulting your husband... He seems like a good person from what I''ve seen. You''re a fool if you let his kindness go to waste. If I were your husband, I wouldn''t take this treatment...," Rya said before giving her a sly nce while sipping her tea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana and Nieren didn''t know how brutal Rya could be when she needed to. While Dalia was too hyper-focused on the sweets to care about anything that was happening around her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was shocked. Her face turned red. Her hands started shaking, and her eyes were wide open. She knew Johan didn''t have a mana vein. Meaning the nobles would see him as amoner and wouldn''t respect him or worse, they would try to strip his title. And she was nothing more than a trophy. A damaged trophy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you think he''s so good then why don''t we trade ces? Hmm?" Tayna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha-ha. As tempting as that is. I''ll pass," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then I think you shouldn''t be so rude. Dark Elves are the enemies of mankind," Tayna stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Says who?... Yuliana, can you tell me who spread all these stories about dark elves?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana was nervous about answering that question. She took a cup of tea and sipped it before trying to change the subject, "Well... This is some lovely human tea. Where is Corialis again? I think I would like to buy some."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yuliana?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. No. I''m fine. Don''t mind me, Lady Rya. Just enjoying this human tea," said the fallen Wood Elf Princess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on, tell me," Rya demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana froze before replying, "I-It''s the High Elves of the White-Wing Kingdom. They spread rumors."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So... As you can see. Not only have the Wood Elves and the Dwarves been brainwashed into believing that all Dark Elves are evil, but the Humans, too. And since I have been hunted down by the Divine Three, I know how hard it is to escape from them. Luckily, I found the Prince and saved his life. And then he saved mine. He is more important to me than anyone else in this world... And if I can give him the support he needs to make this world a better ce. I will. And I''ll make sure my family will be at the top of the food chain... Then I know I can live in peace with him and my closest friends," Rya stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you say the High Elves are spreading rumors? How am I supposed to know if you are speaking the truth with only your words alone? It''s nothing but hearsay," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I just have to show everyone by my actions," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I still think you are lying. Dark Elves are not good. You''re all monsters. It''s written in history books. You are the offspring of a dark god," Tayna said in a bold manner.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Clink*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana almost dropped her cup of tea. While Nieren red at the human who was insulting her friend. Dalia cracked into a quietugh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehehe... She''s a bold one or she''s dumber than a rock," Dalia whispered as she sat back on the couch wondering how Alpha was going to discipline this one.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that so... Tayna? Is it?" Rya said in a low calm tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes," Tayna said proudly while staring her down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then out of nowhere two of Rya''s golems grabbed Tayna from both of her sides and forced her up with ease.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-There are more Dark Elves!? W-What is the meaning of this!" Tayna yelled as she dropped her cup.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The servants didn''t know what to do, and one tried running towards the door to call for help, but another golem formed from the ground in front of the door and blocked the exit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, cloney! It''s way funnier to watch someone else being handled by them instead of me," Daliaughed while grabbing a pastry and scarfing it down in one bite.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is the meaning of this? Why are they practically naked!?" Tayna yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya is one of the most powerful mages I have ever seen in my life. Those are her earth golems. I''ve seen them wipe out the ck Rose army with only a couple of them," Nieren informed the panicking woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna struggled as she was brought closer to Rya. She didn''t expect Rya to be so powerful.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-You! Unhand me this instant!" Tayna yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya took another sip of her tea as 2C moved Tayna''s left hand closer to her. Tayna was confused about what was going on. Then she felt her left glove being pulled off and then the second one with the fake ring finger revealing her disfigured hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is this!? What are you doing!" Tayna shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tell me, Tayna... How did you get these injuries?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It is none of your business. That is private information. Let go of me��Aunh!" Tayna moaned in pain as she was forced to lean over the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. You made it my business once you insulted me. Which is also insulting the prince through me... So answer the question," Rya demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No! Stop this!" Tayna yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can do this all day. Answer the question," Rya demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-you!... You already humiliated me! What more do you want?" Tayna cried out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"An answer would be nice," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna couldn''t break free, and after a minute of struggling, she gave in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine! I''ll tell you!" Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The golems eased up a bit, but she still was trapped in their grasp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-My brother... When we were young. He wanted to prove he could be a great warrior... So he ran out to the nearby forest outside the vige we lived in. We were forbidden to go into the forest because of how many slime monsters would roam around there. But he didn''t care. And I tried to stop him before he could run away. But he got away and I was lost deep inside the forest. Before I knew it. I ran into a slime and it got my hand and it went up my arm. I screamed for help, but no one was there to help me. It took 20 minutes for the vigers to find me. When they found me, the slime was trying to eat me. And I had already lost feeling in my left arm... My family was disappointed in me... And I had to hide this arm from the world and make a fake finger," Tayna cried as she wished she could hide herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya put down her cup of tea and looked at the woman. She could tell it was the truth and looked like someone who was pitied and shamed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''So, maybe she acts the way she does, because of the pitying eyes of the others. She''s trying to act tough... But she''s fragile and is masking a lot of issues.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya slowly reached her hand up to grab the acid burn hand of Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What are you doing!? L-Let me go!" Tayna tried to fight against the golems but it was no use.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya grabbed her hand and before Tayna could say anything. She felt a tingling sensation that spread throughout her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! Ah!" Tayna moaned as she closed her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She felt a warmth starting to grow inside her while a calming wave swept throughout her body. It was like she was in heaven. And soon her skin started to repair itself. The missing finger was restored. She could feel the finger move and bend. Her face healed and her skin became softer. Andstly, some padding came out of the left cup of her dress as her breast was healed and restored.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh!?" Tayna gasped as her eyes shot open.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She saw her healed hand and the missing finger was now restored. And then her face didn''t hurt anymore. Her cheeks were smooth and soft.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-What happened?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">The golems released her and she was able to stand up straight. And then she felt her chest. Her left breast was restored and she pulled out the padding. She had a mix of disbelief and astonishment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How did this happen? Did she heal me? Or am I hallucinating?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">All the servants were dumbfounded at what they just witnessed. Nieren and Yuliana smiled at Rya''s kindness. While Dalia pouted in disapproval. The wolfkin thought this human needed to be punished for her sharp tongue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How? Why?" Tayna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Because I know how it feels... To be hated, judged, and bullied... But you better watch out, Tayna... I hear that Dark Elves are evil and will do anything to kill mankind," Rya said in a sarcastic tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But... How did you fix my body? I was told the damage was permanent," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smirked, "I''m a healer, Tayna... Now, how about you apologize to me and the prince... Hmm?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! O-Of course," Tayna said while nodding her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya waved her hand and the golems moved back before they morphed into the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I was wrong about her... She''s merciful and a healer... Wait! SHE''S A HEALER!?!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">It hit Tayna like a brick and she looked back at her. She saw the smile on her face and couldn''t believe how lucky she was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s a healer. If the prince marries her then he will have ess to healing magic and then he will be one of the most powerful people on the! She healed me! And I''ve been nothing but rude to her! You idiot, Tayna. What were you thinking?!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna got down on her knees and bowed her head to the Dark Elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya, I am so sorry for my actions and words. P-Please! Forgive me! For I have acted foolishly," Tayna begged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia''s ears perked up and she was amazed by this woman''s 180.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh my, Alpha. I guess you showed her who''s boss. I didn''t think that would work," Dalia joked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t needle her, Dalia... She''s been through a lot," Rya smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked up at Rya and had a pleading look in her eyes. She really didn''t mean to insult the Dark Elf. But she was blinded by her ambitions to see the prince, in hopes of breaking her marriage. Even if it was a long shot. But now she wanted her forgiveness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t give me those sad puppy dog eyes... I get enough of that from Dalia," Rya teased.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey!" Dalia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren chuckled while Yuliana sighed in relief. Tayna felt a little better and the servants were still shocked that theirdy was forgiving and healed by the dark elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">One of the maids walked up to Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-My Lady?... Do you wish for me to call the��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... It''s alright... Just a little misunderstanding on my part... Can you bring another pot of tea?" Tayna ordered the maid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Right away, My Lady," the maid replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maid quickly went to the kitchen and came back with a new pot of tea and set it down on the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you," Tayna said and the maid nodded and went back to her position.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Now that I know the truth about Lady Rya. She''s a person to be friends with... And her power could be very useful to the Prince''s cause,'' Tayna thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya poured a cup of tea and handed it to Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Here," Rya offered the tea to Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-Thank you, mydy," Tayna took the cup and slowly drank the hot tea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, you can sit, Tayna... You''re wee," Rya smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay," Tayna replied and took her seat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow! She''s so obedient. I wonder what tricks she could do," Dalia snickered while eating another sweet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana and Nieren furrowed their brows at the wolfkin''sment. Tayna didn''t say anything, she didn''t want to offend Rya or her friends.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Then you could learn a thing or two from Lady Tayna, Dalia," Rya chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey! Don''t bring me into this, Alpha. She was the one who said it, not me," Dalia pouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, yeah. Keep eating," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! I will do as you obey, Lady Alpha," Dalia teased with a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya rolled her eyes and went back to drinking her tea. Tayna was quiet and she felt a little awkward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gods and Spirits... Lady Fyre would be scolding us for being so informal with Lady Rya," Nieren groaned while grabbing a cup and filling it with tea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I fear this wolfkin will be the end of you, Lady Rya," Yulianamented while sipping her tea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pfft," Dalia muffled herughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia? Behave yourself. This isn''t an etiquette ss. And I think I will be fine. Maybe I was a bit forceful at the beginning but we are getting the hang of things," Rya smiled while pointing her pinky finger out as she took another sip of tea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Lady Alpha. We are totally getting the hang of things," Dalia replied while cramming another pastry in her mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The more the others talked with each other the more Tayna started to feelfortable. And she didn''t notice the servants whispering about her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This Dark Elf is like nothing I have heard. Maybe the other races were wrong about her kind. And if I can get on her good side then I can be her ally or better yet her friend. The prince would reward me if I could gain the favor of this Dark Elf. Both of them will surely see how useful I can be. And then we can rule this kingdom how we see fit.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was scheming as she sat there, watching Rya and her group talk and enjoy themselves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, Lady Tayna?" Rya called out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes," Tayna answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You seemed displeased to be married to Johan... Care to tell me why? Is he a bad person?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No... He''s a... Fine man and he is very... Thoughtful," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then... You don''t want to be his wife?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He... He''s going to be ousted... He can''t defend himself with no mana vein and odds are, our children won''t have the mana veins either. And it is not like anyone else will marry him," Tayna answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then why don''t you be the alpha?" Dalia asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve been healed. And you were born into a noble family. So get stronger and protect your mate," Dalia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But it''s udylike to fight..." Tayna answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who said? Women are allowed to fight," Dalia argued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia... She doesn''t have the drive to do what we do," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya is right, Dalia. Don''t force people into doing something they aren''t suited for," Nieren spoke.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, Wood��I mean, Lady Nieren," Dalia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Tayna, "So your only issue is that Johan has a weak mana vein? Is that right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Lady Rya... I would find him eptable if he had a stronger mana vein... But I doubt we could ever bepatible," Tayna answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm. Understandable," Rya said before taking another sip of her tea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s a bit shallow... But I think I can make her fall in love with Johan. I''m sure he yed a bunch of monsters while growing up. And if whatever is affecting his mana vein is simr to what happened to Nieren''s vein. Then he''ll have a case of the "Mana Lust". She''ll be fucked so well that she''ll be hooked... Hell! Maybe she''ll love him if we''re lucky.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was busy thinking up a n. She was going to help these two even if she needed earplugs for the night. They were stuck together and even though Tayna is a bit of a shallow bitch. Rya was sure that deep down, Tayna wasn''t that bad.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, I''m sorry for all of that, Lady Rya," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We all make mistakes... Just make sure you learn from them and grow," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will, Lady Rya," Tayna said as she looked at Rya as if she had a question.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Something on your mind, Lady Tayna?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... Someone had mentioned that you met Prince Quinus in his travels?... How did that go?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled, "I don''t know if you have enough tea, but I could tell you the story..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna smiled and was very interested in this story.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please do," Tayna answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, thedies began chatting away about how Rya met everyone over the past month.

 Vol.3 Ch.187 Tell Me What Happened This Past Month

    Vol.3 Ch.187 Tell Me What Happened This Past Month


    <span style="font-weight:400">While thedies were having their tea party. Quinus, Johan, and the others went to a sacred location. Johan took them to his father''s study. The ce where Johnathan Dule would do his research and store his paperwork.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was fascinated by the study and all of the books and artifacts that were stored there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can grab anything you want, My Lord," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks for the offer, but I don''t want to take your father''s things for my personal gain. It wouldn''t sit well with me," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">That''s what Johan liked about Quinus. He was honorable and had a code that he didn''t stray from. He was theplete opposite of his cousin, Marcus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He''s going to make a fine king.'' Johan thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, you can still look around, my Lord," Johan offered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''ll make sure to ask you. If I see something that interests me," Quinus smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Didn''t you say that you wanted to speak in private, your Highness?" General Dous asked while getting a little impatient.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dous, you need to enjoy the little things in life, before you have to deal with the bigger issues," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness, I will when this kingdom is safe. We have no time for such things," Dous replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are a very boring old man, Sir Dous," Sir Georgemented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough... Your Highness, you said there were details that you needed to discuss in private. And if it is a sensitive issue then you should hurry," Dous said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, fine. Lester. Please bring us some tea, and your staff can go about your business," Johan ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Lord. We will prepare your drinks," Lester replied and bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He and his staff left the study. While Lester prepared the tea and snacks, he and the rest of the staff did their daily chores and duties. Once everything was to his Lordship''s satisfaction, he returned with the tea and served it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Lester. You and the rest of the staff can leave us now," Johan ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, My Lord," Lester replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He bowed and left the study. He locked the door and stood there on the other side. Just in case, his lordship needed anything.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Now we can speak freely. So, what happened in thebyrinth, your Highness," Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus turned and looked at Johan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I believe by the time we made it to the sixth floor. Marcus and I lost almost every one of our troops... The only members of my party that were still alive were Percy and Sir George. While Marcus had three of his mercenaries," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not hard to believe. A Dungeon that was building up a monster horde in the lower floors couldn''t have been easy to conquer...," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, Marcus thought it was a good time to split up on the sixth floor when we were taking on a horde of goblins. I used Sun''s Smite to burn hundreds of them. And when we thought we were safe. Three Hobgoblins came at us from the ceiling... I thought my luck had finally run out," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George nodded his head as he recalled the moment when he thought they were all done for.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We thought that we were going to die," Sir George spoke up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, those things were vicious. Their des were poisoned, and they had no care for anyone''s well-being. The way they attacked. It was as if their sole purpose was to kill anything and everything in their path," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How did you defeat the Hobgoblins?" Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had a glint in his eye and a smile crept on his face, "Well, it turned out thatdy luck was still on my side. Because as the hobgoblins came at us, the earth under us started to move. And suddenly, multiple earth spikes shot up and pierced all of them, killing them instantly."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re telling me that''s when the dark elf came into the picture?" Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Refer to her as Lady Rya, General! I''m getting tired of you not giving her proper respect," Sir George demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous was taken aback by Sir George''s outburst. If he wasn''t the Crown Prince''s retainer, then he would have reprimanded him. But since he was, he had to hold back his tongue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t trust the Dark Elves. No matter how many times you try to tell me they aren''t evil. I fear she''s trying to use us, and possibly control the kingdom," Dous stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus squared off against his General.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are my most trusted knight, Dous. But you need to drop your prejudice towards the Dark Elves. They aren''t what you were told in your youth. They aren''t the same people as the ones from the Great War. And if you can''t put these childish feelings aside. I will find a new general," Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But, Your Highness... You can''t��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t tell me what I can and cannot do, General. You are not my father and I won''t let you speak down to me," Quinus interrupted him as he moved in close to the General. Dous looked into the Prince''s eyes and saw a fire burning within him. He''d never seen the Prince so serious before. He knew he was talented but he thought his personality was softer than his father''s. He didn''t expect the Prince to be this fierce. Dous stepped back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I just want to make sure she''s not using you, your Highness," Dous stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus'' golden eyes glowed brightly. It reminded him of when Cyndre would be furious. But Quinus'' eyes burned far more brighter than his father''s when he was angry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''His eyes remind me of a dragon''s,'' Dous thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was getting nervous about what his friend was going to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is he going to kill Dous?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous was a great general, and Quinus respected him in the past. He would never think about killing him, but if Dous pushed him to the brink. Who knows what the Prince would do?


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness?... I believe the General needs to know what Lady Rya has done to earn your trust," Johan said, trying to calm the situation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked over his shoulder at Johan. Making Johan swallowed his throat when Quinus'' eyes looked at him. It was intense. Quinus thought for a moment before he looked back at Dous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you know what we have been through this past month?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I only heard bits and pieces, Your Highness... I only know that you seeded and Viscount Marcus has died. I was also told that you chose to take... Lady Rya''s hand in marriage. And I should watch out for the Duke and his men. That''s all I''ve been told," Dous replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stared at the General for a few seconds before speaking, "I guess I''ll start at the beginning."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan internally sighed in relief. ''Looks like the Prince calmed down... Thank the Goddess...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, after she saved us and after we found out that she wasn''t a brood maiden. She chose to help us find the Dungeon Core due to her ability to see the flow of ether in the dungeon. We didn''t need Marcus'' artifact with her by our side.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She found the illusionary wall. After we traveled down a few more floors. Then, we came across a goblin''s nest, General. Rows and rows of women who were unfortunate to be brood maidens." Quinus paused to let Dous and Johan take in this information.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry you had to witness that, Your Highness. It must''ve been hard," Dous said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, we found one brood maiden who hadn''t given birth to goblin offsprings yet. I was ready to end her life until Rya stopped me," Quinus paused and looked at the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And then?" Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked up to face Dous, "She asked us to wait because she wanted to save her."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s impossible to save a brood maiden. It would''ve been kinder to kill her," Dous replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. That''s what we all believed, but she showed us that she''s a healer, General... Rya went out of her way to save this woman. I was amazed at her ability to heal. I never seen anything like it," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous was skeptical and Johan was a bit shocked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, Your Highness. But did you say a Dark Elf could use healing magic? There haven''t been any healers in centuries," Dous said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, she is the first healer in centuries then. Because I saw this poor woman go from death''s door to walking out of the dungeon alive and well," Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous'' skepticism turned to amazement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? Who did she save?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She saved the wolfkin, Lady Dalia," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She saved that wolfkin? And she didn''t want anything in return?" Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She did it because she thought it was the right thing to do. And Dalia swore to serve her," Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, the wolfkin is still loyal to her and she helped you all clear the dungeon. Then, what happened next?" Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then... We ran into Marcus. I pressed the attack and pinned the traitorous bastard. Once the prince gave me the order. I executed that traitor with pleasure," Sir George stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So then you found the dungeon core," Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not quite... There was a cave troll guarding the core room. At one point, Rya and I fell down to the final floor with the cave troll and the Hobgoblin King. She fought by my side and we almost died because the core was preventing her from using her earth magic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She found the core and used all her strength to open up its hiding spot for me to strike the core just as the cave troll was bearing down on us," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How did you kill the cave troll?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Once the influence of the dungeon core was gone. Rya quickly created an earth spike and smashed that bastard through all the floors until it reached the surface and died in the sunlight... She''s gone above and beyond in aiding me.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She is an excellent fighter and her healing ability is unmatched... Her beauty is unlike any other woman. Her smile andughter can warm the coldest of hearts... I love her, General... She is my everything and I will not let you speak down to her."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''And she''s the only other person who''s from Earth. Just like me. I have to protect her at all costs. If anyone finds out about her or if I lose her. I don''t know what I''ll do.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous stared at his Crown Prince and felt his forehead beginning to sweat. Quinus'' eyes burned with determination and he wouldn''t budge on this.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not only that, what happened in Ironside is what made me believe in her, Sir Dous," Sir George chimed in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean, Sir George?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, out of Marcus'' party. One lone mercenary escaped from us during our fight with the Hobgoblin horde and the cave troll... This Merc knew about her earth magic and made it back to his group and stalked her. We didn''t know at the time, but she was cored with a rare ve cor that hadplete control over her will. That wood elf with the blonde hair, Lady Nieren, was the one to witness her being kidnapped," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan and Dous looked at each other and then back at the two men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re telling me, the ck Roses cored her and tried to sell her?" Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, General... They tried to use her to conquer the city of Ironside. I requested Baron Zellin Coldforge to summon an army as quickly as possible and had my ranger, Percy, go in search of the Mercenaries. It was a mad dash to find her," Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">General Dous heard the rumors about Rudolf Rose and his infamous right-hand man, Jeremiah. Also known as "The Kings yer." Who single-handedly killed many powerful Kings and Nobles alike. It was a mystery as to how Jeremiah was able to kill so many kings and nobles. But everyone feared him if he was sent out to hunt you.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You were able to assemble an army, my Lord? Was itrge enough to stop the ck Roses?" Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We had them outnumbered. But with Rya under their control. The odds were not in our favor...," Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone was silent as they thought about the situation that was described.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How were you able to save her, Your Highness?" Dous asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But Sir George answered, "I knew, going into this fight. That if Rya was forced to use her earth magic, then we were done for... I decided to go up against her in hopes of restraining her so His Highness could free her from the cor... She was a terrifying opponent. Killing the Ironside soldiers with ease. But her face was that of pain... She desperately tried to will her body to stop killing our soldiers, but her body would not obey her...


    <span style="font-weight:400">"When I faced her... She cried out and told me to run... But I needed to do my job. So she could be back on the prince''s side... Her face, General, was one filled with remorse, fear, and regret. It was the hardest thing I have ever done... And she somehow will one of her attacks just enough to miss killing me on the spot... She gave me the chance to kill her, but I just hugged her... Those tears... Imagine a woman like her crying over a man like me... She doesn''t have a damn evil bone in her body. She was the victim and was forced to be an executioner for the ck Roses..." Sir George sniffed while trying to do everything in his power not to shed a tear. Once he rposed himself, he continued.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"After that. It was all a blur. I woke up with her worried face as she healed me and then she saved the prince from Jeremiah."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She was hit with a sleeping arrow and I destroyed the fucking cor before I had to face Jeremiah... The Kings yer had a special Maja skill that transferred whatever damage done to him, to his opponent. I''m d I didn''t try to stab him in the heart... When Rya showed up to save me. She used her earth magic to create her golems, which you saw loading the second carriage, and when they attacked him the damage was done to the golem, instead of her. It was only a matter of time before Jeremiah ran out of mana and copsed after taking a real hit from one of her earth golems. Rya killed him and then ughtered the rest of the Mercenary group as I dealt with Rudolf Rose... She healed all the survivors of the Ironside Army... We would have lost two-thirds of twenty-five thousand men. If not for her intervention. We were lucky that they didn''t know she was a healer. Otherwise, we wouldn''t be standing here right now," Quinus finished.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous and Johan were stunned. This was more than they expected. They were expecting the normal story of them going into the dungeon, killing the enemies, and retrieving the core. But the ck Roses'' involvement and the fact that a Dark Elf could heal and fight. This was a lot to take in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous cleared his throat and spoke, "I appreciate what you told me here today, Your Highness. I didn''t realize the depth of this story. I will make sure the King and Queen know that Lady Rya has not used dark magic on you. And I promise to treat her with more respect until it is truly earned."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded, "That''s eptable, General. Thank you for hearing us out."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan didn''t want to feel this heavy atmosphere and felt like he should lighten the mood a bit, "Well, with that cleared up. Now we can get to the more important questions I have for you, Your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus, Dous, and George looked at the future Baron with confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Like what?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, what I need is your advice. On how to get a woman, who''s more powerful than me, to fall in love with me? I''m asking for a friend of course," Johan said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head and smiled, "Is this about Lady Tayna?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YES! She... She doesn''t want to do anything with me. She just wants me to leave her alone, but I think we could be so much more," Johanined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Dous burst outughing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George shook his head, "It''s very simple. Have you ignored her? Or are you constantly annoying her?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ignored her? George, she ignores me!... So, I have no choice but to try to talk to her," Johan stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How about shing your purse full of gold? Do you have a nice ring or two?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But she came with arge dowry when we were arranged to be married. Her noble father is a wealthy merchant and she gets a solid allowance," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... Have you tried forcing yourself on��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George!... Are you trying to kill his marriage?" Quinus scolded the knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry, My Prince. I''m trying to help him. So he doesn''te back asking me for advice," George replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous shook his head, "You need to learn how to read the room."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan, you need to be patient with her. Maybe you can find something inmon for starters. Then you could move from there," Quinus advised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That makes sense... But I still haven''t consummated the marriage yet. And I... I don''t know what to do... down there... and doing all the things that are important to treat her right... I have no clue if she will let me join her in the same bed," Johan said shyly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous didn''t want any part of this conversation and decided to stay out of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed and rubbed his face. He then spoke, "Okay... So, the first thing is to find out how she likes to be touched. If she is a virgin then she might not know yet. This means you need to look to see how her bodynguage reacts to your touch... If she goes frigid then she not likely it. If she rx and closes her eyes, then she''s into it. Or even better is if she bites her lower lip and her breathing because erratic. Once you see that then you know she likes what you''re doing. Which means you might be able to make the next move. But you need to listen to her. Just because she is warming up to you doesn''t mean you jump straight in and have sex with her. You still need her permission. So, if she says that you are hurting her or pushing too hard, then back off and slow down. She needs to trust you. Remember making love is a marathon not a sprint."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan nodded his head while Sir George pulled out a small notebook and quickly started writing notes down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous looked at him and said, "And why are you taking notes?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George blushed and said, "No reason... Just a personal journal is all."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan didn''t care about that and wanted to know more.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s fine and all. But where do women like to be touched, and what can I do for her?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus raised his brow, ''Damn! I didn''t know Johan was this helpless. But, I''m the Crown Prince, so this is my duty to my best friend.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, every woman is different so there''s no foolproof method, but they have simr sweet spots. Usually the first thing you should do is get her rxed. Whether that be kissing her cheek, ying with her hair, or rubbing her neck, just let her know that you''re there. Then, if the mood is right. Start kissing her on the lips, then do some heavy petting and see where it goes. Don''t push her too fast or she will get scared off. Remember, she doesn''t want to be an object, she wants to be loved by someone she can trust. So don''t just try to get your thing wet and leave her unsatisfied. If you do then she will never let you touch her again," Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan nodded his head and Sir George furiously wrote down every word the Crown Prince was saying.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If things are going well then you can move on to the next part. Which is to focus on certain parts of the female body that are extremely sensitive to touch. The ears and neck are a good start like I said. So, kissing them can make her rxed and excited, but the nipples and clitoris are a woman''s weakness. Usually when she trusts you she will allow you to tease them. Just don''t go hard on them, unless she demands it. So if she''s letting you touch her body at will, them my suggestion to tease her weak spots. For example, don''t grab a nipple and twist it. Rub it gently over the fabric of her dress, to make them erect. And when they are harden, then gently roll it between your fingers and give a light squeeze. If her breathing picks up, then you doing it right. But if you aren''t then she will tell you or you can ask her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And you can do a simr thing to her clitoris, but don''t directly rub it. Rub around it. You''ll know when she wants you to touch her more when she starts opening her legs to give you easier ess. But this is were I like to make her wait for the direct contact and let her feel the build-up. Usually she will demand you to touch her because she wants you to but is frustrated that you aren''t. And when you make her admit that she needs you, then go at it. She will love it and then she will ask for more when she is ready. Also, you can tease her buttocks or rub her inner thigh. These spots can help with the build-up," Quinus instructed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan nodded his head but looked liked he was having trouble following what the prince was saying and after a second he took a deep breath, "W-What is a clitoris, your Highness? I''ve never heard of it before."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous, face palmed while Quinus cringed at the question.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, this is going to take longer than I thought, it''s located around a woman''s... Well, it''s... In the area around her vagina..." Quinus stuttered as he tried to describe the clitoris.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan shook his head because he didn''t know what the prince was implying, while Sir George asked, "Where exactly on the female genitalia is the clitoris located?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">''S-Sir George doesn''t have a clue either!? Fuck me... Do I stop? No... That would make things even more awkward. Hoo boy, what did I get myself into,'' Quinus thought as he mentally prepared himself for the long haul.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He continued exining everything he could to Johan and Sir George. And after hours of talking, it was almost time for dinner.

 Vol.3 Ch.188 Prince Hilda Stoneworthh

    Vol.3 Ch.188 Prince Hilda Stoneworthh


    <span style="font-weight:400">A half-hour before dinner.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two young men that were in the study, sitting on the couches with the door locked, were still talking away. While the older knight was busy going over all his notes he had just written down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I never knew howplex the female anatomy is. That was a very eye-opening talk, Prince Quinus," Johan said with a big smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re older than me. Didn''t you read any of the books about the opposite sex?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh... My mother and sister always said to wait till marriage. And they forbid me from looking at anything that they considered unhealthy," Johan said in a hushed tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head, ''Well, the information in those books is archaic at best. Talking about the humors in the body and other old ways of thinking. Not really helping much... Maybe I should write a book on the subject?... No... Who would believe a twenty-year-old man could know so much about a woman''s body and not think he''s full of shit...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">After Quinus finished his thoughts he noticed his retainer was still taking notes on everything he just said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hold on? Maybe I can use my failure of a "Love Sage" as my frontman for writing my book. I can be the ghost writer and we will help the love lives of any man and woman in the kingdom... Yes, yes. I like this idea. But Sir George needs to stop his obsession with collecting women, like a dragon hoarding gold. I need to teach him the art of understanding women first and treating them as people before trying to court them. Then maybe he will stop getting pped in the face by random women that he keeps insulting,'' Quinus thought as he grinned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was about to say something, but then there was a knock on the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s time for dinner," Lester said from the other side of the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? What time is it?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Six o''clock, my Lord," the butler replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was stunned at how fast time flew when listening to Quinus, "Wow... I guess time does fly when you''re learning new things."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, now that he''s mentioned it. I''m starting to feel hungry. Sir George! Are youing," Quinus asked the knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Huh... What?" Sir George asked while he looked up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are youing or are you just going to sit there reading your notes," Johan teased.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George quickly put away his notebook and said, "Hold on, I''ming!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">After the three men got up from their seats they left the study and headed to the dining room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm... I''m d that we had our talk with General Dous. It was annoying but in the end, it was worth it. He wasn''t so bad after all. He listened and was willing to learn. And I hope Johan learns from my advice. However, I think Johan should learn the art of flirting and teasing from Rya. She''ll really send home the message. Now, I just need to avoid Tayna trying to flirt with me. It sucks watching someone''s partner openly flirt with a man, and they are not even ashamed of what they are doing.'' Quinus thought as he followed the butler and his retainer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Elsewhere in the Kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A carriage, with the markings of the Divine Three, pulled into the city of Tairal, the capital of the Fiafyr Kingdom. Riding in that carriage was a redhead beauty who was apanied by her half-brother and one of the Council members of the Holy Alliance, who goes by the name Prince Terenthiel Marrell.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Normally Prince Terenthiel would have been known as a king in his small kingdom. But ever since their kingdom joined the Alliance of the Divine Three, they have be a principality. With the exception being High King Rolmund Agur the Third. His grandfather and the Kingdom of Nornd were the first to cast away their old Gods to ept the Divine Ones. They were rewarded for their loyalty by bing the ruler of the Alliance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was an easy decision for King Rolmund Agur the First to join the alliance. After Prophet Paul cured him of a deadly disease, that no alchemist or doctor could cure. He prayed to his old Gods to save him, but his prayers went unanswered. However, a monthter the ruler of the Holy Kingdom of Chalced, Prophet Paul, showed up at the gates of the city with his Pdins. And when he entered the pce the Prophet cured him with his divine healing powers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When King Rolmund was told by Prophet Paul that the Gods wanted his line to rule over the new alliance. He dly epts the role of the High King of the Divine Three.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With Rolmund by the Prophet''s side, they spread the faith of the Divine Ones when they started invading the surrounding kingdoms. The Holy Kingdom of Chalced grew its forces when adding a third kingdom to its ranks and made King Adam Stoneworthh the third head of the Divine Three. His line was demoted to a principality. But they were given the authority to rule over the Alliance if the High King and Prophet were away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Within the first five years, the Holy Kingdom of Chalced was known as the birthce of the Divine Three and was ruled by the Council of the Holy Alliance. Which had the three heads of the Order, the Principality of the Nine, and the Pdin Order.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With the power of the Divine Ones, the Kingdoms of the North were easily conquered. They were renamed the Principalities and joined the Alliance of the Divine Three.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The other Kingdoms in the South and West were harder to conquer. But with theirbined efforts and the Pdin''s holy magic were able to push back their armies. And the other kingdoms eventually surrendered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">In the South, the Kingdom of Lakora was the first Kingdom to fall. Followed by the Kingdom of Ebonia and the Kingdom of Tulvia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While in the West, the Kingdoms of Zurath surrendered immediately after the Alliance army conquered the southern Kingdoms. There were only two Kingdoms north of the Alliance that couldn''t be conquered by force. They were the Kingdoms of Kartoll and Fiafyr.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kartoll wasn''t a big Kingdom and could have been easily defeated, but the leader, at the time, of the Kartoll Kingdom, Queen Nefer, was a powerful Sorceress and was a force to be reckoned with. But she knew that she could only hold them off for so long. So she formed a formal alliance with the Fiefyr Kingdom. Which was the biggest and strongest Human Kingdom on the continent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">So the Council of the Holy Alliance had to wait for the chance to take the two Kingdoms. Prophet Paul was told that these Kingdoms would not be easily taken. He told the Alliance Council that they must wait a few generations and try to gain the trust of the people by marrying off the daughters of one of the nobles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And so two generations of Prophets and High Kings have passed to the present. When the God, Paul the Wise, spoke to his Prophet, Paul the Seventh, about the miracle birth of Crown Prince Quinus Meredydd. They were to offer one of the Princesses to be betrothed to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Prince Terenthiel Marrell was used as an emissary to Marquess Duval Wrightwood. Due to him being rted to the Marquess as a cousin once removed. They used the proposal as a peace treaty, and Marquess Wrightwood agreed to the terms and would bring the other nobles on board. Duval just needed to tell them what the prince''s ideal type of woman was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Duval didn''t know they were going to use the prince''s offspring to take control of the Kingdom. If King Cyndre was to find out about their plot. Then there would be war between the two. So, this was to be kept a secret, from Duval and everyone else in the Fiafyr Kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">So, it came down to seven princesses that ranged from 14 years old to 22 years old.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">(Two years ago.)


    <span style="font-weight:400">The sun was high in the sky and the heat was stifling, even in the shade. The Holy Kingdom of Chalced, a kingdom in the southwest region of the continent, had the most oppressive summers. And today was no exception in the Capital City of Istur.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The city was busy as always. The streets were crowded and the sound of a hammer nging on steel could be heard in every direction. While the Pdins patrolled the city to enforce the Holy Church''s rules. Which was unfortunate for the people of the Alliance who were forced to wear concealing clothing. To pervert the temptation from the eyes of men.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Holy Alliance Council had decreed that the dress code of the popce be changed per the teachings of the Divine Ones. And women weren''t allowed to wear anything that showed their cleavage or legs above the knees. The dress code for men was the same, but no one really cared if men wore tight clothes or shorts for work. Some of the women were unhappy about the changes, but no oneined, for fear of being arrested or worse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The city had an impressive Temple of the Divine Order. The Temple was made from stone and had the symbol of the Alliance. It was a white triangle that looked simr to the Tri-Force. It shined brightly in the middle of the sun, with three white rays of light pointing in all directions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This temple was dedicated to the Divine Ones, the Gods of the Holy Kingdom. The city was the birthce of the Divine Three, who were Gods of purity, virtue, and wisdom. It was also the ce where the Divine One, Paul the Wise, created the creed of the perfect world. A world where humankind was meant to cleanse the world of all its impurities and restore it to its purest state. Where men could live in peace once they became the only religion on Tertius.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Inside the holy council room was arge triangr table. On the top of the table was the symbol of the Divine Three with lighting through the stained ss windows. There were a total of twelve members sitting around the table. Prophet Paul VII, King Rolmund Agur III, and Prince Dreyand Stoneworthh were sitting at the corners of the table, while Prince Terenthiel Marrell, Prince Kaindle Hull, and seven others of the principality sat in between each of the three leaders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They were looking at the seven girls who were kneeling in front of the three leaders. They were waiting for the decision of who was to be the bride for the future heir to the Fiafyr Kingdom. The room waspletely silent and the tension could be felt in the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Terenthiel... What child of light does the Crown Prince enjoy? Does he prefer a woman who is gentle, and innocent, or perhaps he likes them more mature," the Prophet asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"From what I''ve learned from the Marquess. He prefers a girl with a curvy body and a... healthy bosom. The Marquess also told me that he is interested in a woman who''s like his mother, Queen Rianna, Holy One," Prince Terenthiel answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that so... He prefers the sin of the flesh... That is unfortunate... But the Divine Ones will judge him when he passes on to the next ne," Prophet Paul said, and then his eyes turned towards the girls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All the princesses were wearing conservative dresses and had veils covering their hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Does he prefer them younger? Older? Or the same age as him," Prince Kaindle asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He prefers them in theirte teens to early twenties... From what I''ve heard he had a crush on his wet nurse in his youth. She disappeared eight years ago with one of their best knights. There wasn''t much I could find out about her. Except that her son is the Prince''s retainer," Terenthiel said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So he wishes to have one of a simr age," Prophet Paul said while stroking his short ck beard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He looked over all seven of the girls. He noticed the three younger girls in the group, then nced at the oldest one who was in her mid-twenties.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Princess Gwendolyn, Raven, Gloria, and Elizabeth. You are dismissed, you may leave," he said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Holy One," the four princesses said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The four princesses got up from their knees and bowed, and then they turned and left the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda was nervous, she was the daughter of her father''s mistress. And would have been sent to the monastery if not for the birth of Prince Quinus. She was only five months older than the Prince and tried to do everything she could to stay out of the monastery. She would have been forced to be a nun, which did nothing but serve the priests and the Holy One.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her father was Prince Dreyand Stoneworthh and he is the third in charge of the Holy Alliance. His official position is the head of the Principality. Hilda barely talked to her father growing up, since he spent most of his time serving the Alliance. But he did make sure to see her at least once a week when he had the chance. Just to check in on her. He was a very strict parent and did everything in his power to make sure she was a possible candidate for Prince Quinus. He would tell her what her responsibilities were, and make sure she took care of her body in hopes of being chosen to marry the Crown Prince. Because if she wasn''t picked, then she would be sent to the monastery, and be a nun.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda had to learn the hard way that she didn''t have any close friends in the Alliance. She would talk to the servants, but the other nobles in the court didn''t like her. Some would treat her poorly because she was born out of wedlock, and she had to grow up with the constant reminders that she was the child of the prince''s whore. As she had her mother''s looks and her father''s hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She would spend most of her time with her nannies and tutors to avoid ridicule. But her stepmother, Princess Aelene, made sure to put her down whenever she had the chance while keeping her children away from their half-sister.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And her half-sister, Princess Gwendolyn, was the worst of them all. She had hated Hilda for being born and did her best to make her life miserable. Especially, when she found out that her half-sister was one of her potential fianc��s. She would always bully her, and tell her that the prince would love her, just because she was the daughter of the Prince. Even though Hilda was just her half-sister, due to her being the product of an affair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">But she wasn''t selected. And now that Gwendolyn was out of the running, she was going to give her a piece of her mind once the Holy Court chose the new bride for Prince Quinus. She was just happy that her half-sister was a failure of a princess. She had no magical talent and no useful talents. The only thing she had going for her was her good looks and the fact that she was a princess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Looks like your daughter''s out of the running, Prince Dreyand. It''s a shame," Prince Kaindle Hull said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dreyand kept a stoic face and didn''t look at the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince Kaindle... This isn''t apetition. And his daughter from his mistress is still in the running," King Rolmund said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, your Majesty. But this is an opportunity to give birth to a possible Demi-god. If the Divine Ones will it. Then the Alliance will be unstoppable," Prince Kaindle Hull stated, which got some nods from the Holy Court.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Pdins don''t have mana veins and are just as deadly as a Demi-god ranked hero. The Pdins are the chosen of our Gods and can use their Holy Aura to purify the sinners. The Gods do not need the children with a Demi-god vein to fight their battles. They''re mortals, just like the rest of us. They''re no better than the Pdins and how would you know if Quinus'' child will have a mana vein stronger than our Palidins? There''s no guarantee that he will.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That is why Pdins are better than a mortal with a Demi-god vein. They''ve been chosen and it''s their devotion that makes them different, and that''s the only difference that matters," Prophet Paul said, in a cold tone, and everyone nodded in agreement. While making Kaindle nervous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Of course, Holy One. It''s an old habit from my childhood, please forgive me," Prince Kaindle apologized.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s fine, child. Just remember to keep the Gods'' will first, and then your own wants second," Prophet Paul said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, Holy One," Prince Kaindle said with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Prophet Paul looked to the final three women kneeling before him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Disrobe your veils and dresses," he ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda kept a still face even though she was shocked on the inside. She slowly reached up to remove her veil, and let her hair fall free.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her hair was venom-red and reached the center of her back. Her hair had a slight wave, and she had a heart-shaped face with purple eyes. The other two women did the same. One had blonde hair and the other had ck hair. All three were hesitant to remove their clothing for it was a sin to show their bodies in public.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You will not be judged by the gods for removing your clothes in the presence of the Holy Court. For you are all pure and chaste," Prophet Paul said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With a heavy heart, the three women removed their clothing andid them down next to them. The blonde who was 16, had a small bosom, but a round, plump ass.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The ck-haired princess was 20 years old. She had a modest bust and an okay ass, but her strongest asset was her wide hips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda was thought to have a simr body to Princess Alexandria, who was the ck-haired woman to her left. Hilda had the same wide hips but her ass was bigger and shapely. And her breasts were wrapped in bandages, making them look smaller than they actually were.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Princess Hilda, why are your bosoms covered?" Prophet Paul asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am embarrassed by their size, Holy One. My sister says that the Divine Three would punish me for having them," Hilda replied while trying to control her blush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm... Remove the bandages," Prophet Paul ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, Holy One," Hilda replied with a stutter, and she reached up and started to remove her bandages. She slowly started unwrapping the tight fabric and was barely breathing due to her anxiety. She had always kept them bound when her body developed during puberty.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda had barely started unwrapping her breasts when all of a sudden her breasts sprang free from their restraints. It happened so fast that she didn''t cover them at first. The Holy Court watched as her breasts bounced around the air with such force that they swayed a bit before settling. Her breasts were pushing past DD-cup and they were surprisingly perky. Her ares were dark brown, and her nipples were light pink and were about one inch long and a quarter-inch thick. Hilda tried to cover her breasts up with her arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t be shy, Child," Prophet Paul said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, Holy One," Hilda said in a quiet tone. She slowly lowered her arms and showed the fullness of her breasts. Her bust size was big enough to rival the Queen of Fiafyr, and with her wide hips and amazing ass how could any man resist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ohhh..." Prophet Paul gasped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They are beautiful and big enough to feed ten children," King Rolmund said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda couldn''t help but feel creeped out by all the men staring at her naked body. Even if they were the most powerful men in the Alliance of the Divine Three. She had never seen so many men stare at her without clothing. Some red at her while others had lustful gazes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaindle gritted his teeth when he noticed that the Prophet, with everyone else in the room, was ignoring his daughter, Alexandria, for this girl of a mistress.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who in their right mind would want to have a woman with such unwieldy assets," Prince Kaindle said with anger and envy but stopped when the prophet red at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She isn''t being married to one of our flock, Prince Kaindle," Prophet Paul reminded the Prince, who just sat there with his mouth open.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My apologies, Holy One. But could the reports from this Duvel Wrightwood be correct? Are we sure that Prince Quinus is really this perverted of a man?" Prince Kaindle asked, with a snarky tone, which earned a few chuckles from the Holy Court. Hisment made Hilda self-conscious and blushed with embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He is a man born into a kingdom with a false Goddess. They don''t understand that they are damned to an afterlife of pain and misery," Prophet Paul said, as he turned his head back towards Hilda and the other women.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, shouldn''t we save him by having him marry a proper woma��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough... We havee to a decision," Prophet Paul said while raising his hand to quiet everyone. To Kaindle''s dismay. While Hilda flinched in surprise.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Princess Alexandria, Princess Raine, you are dismissed," he said, as both women got up and gathered their clothes, before quickly leaving with tears in their eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Princess Hilda. You may get dressed," he said, and the princess grabbed her clothes and began putting them back on in a hurry. Hilda sighed in relief when she was no longer naked. Her Father smirked once his daughter was chosen by the prophet. When someone''s bloodline gets chosen by the Holy One, then it is seen as a great honor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Arguing with the Holy One is futile, Kaindle," Dreyand told the Prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tch!... Who said I was arguing?" Kaindle scoffed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Divine Three don''t take kindly to liars and hypocrites. Do you wish to join the people who practice the false religion, Prince Kaindle?" King Rolmund said with a smile while making the Prince ufortable.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, your Majesty... I know that the Divine Ones'' version is far grander than ours," Kaindle said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m d you''vee to this understanding. But remember that the Divine Three''s forgiveness can only go so far," King Rolmund warned the Prince who bowed his head to the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But it had to be Dreyand''s child. It should have been my line to bring the Fiafyr Kingdom to the Alliance. Then I would have be the new head of the Principality," Kaindle muttered under his breath before raising his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I couldn''t hear you, Prince Kaindle. Can you speak up," Prince Dreyand asked while looking at Kaindle with a cold look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was reminding myself to check in on the farm yields in the north, once we are done of course... That is all, My Lord," Kaindle lied as the blood drained from his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that so... Well, may the Divine Three bless us with a good harvest," Dreyand said with a stoic face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaindle looked away from Dreyand and the King as he tried to calm his heart down from almost getting caught. At the same time, Prophet Paul walked up to Hilda after she was dressed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your body is a gift from the Divine Ones, and you must use it to bring life into the world. This will be the first step in bringing salvation to the people of Fiafyr," Prophet Paul said, with a serious face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is that all I am to the Holy Order? A broodmare. An object to be used as a tool for the Gods,'' Hilda thought as she looked down at her feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your body will be the key to unlocking the future," he added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I understand, Holy One," Hilda said, her voice slightly cracked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-It''s fine... As long as I don''t end up going to the Monastery. I can bear this burden for a short while. At least I have a chance of marrying Prince Quinus and saving myself from a life as a nun,'' Hilda thought, as she wiped a few tears from her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is the matter, child? Is there something wrong?" Prophet Paul asked with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No, Holy One... I was just crying tears of joy. I didn''t expect to be a part of a n so grand and amazing," Hilda lied while forcing a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Prophet Paul smiled and nodded his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, very good, child. We will pray for your sess," Prophet Paul said, and he turned and walked back to his throne.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It will all be worth it in the end... I''m sure,'' Hilda thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We will have to update her wardrobe to match the Fiafyr Kingdom''s standards," King Rolmund said, and Dreyand nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll send a tailor to prepare her for the journey. And I will have her maid, Gretchen, join her as well," Dreyand said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who will make sure things go smoothly, once they reach the pce?" Kaindle asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will send my son, Prince Zane. He will make sure everything goes as nned," Dreyand suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All the princes of the Principality nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then let us pray to Paul the Wise, Joseph the Pure, and Michael the Virtuous. For they will watch over our Princess Hilda," Prophet Paul said, as everyone in the Holy Court put their hands together and closed their eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let us pray..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Amen," everyone said in unison.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, all the Principality stood up and made their way to the exit. While Prophet Paul, King Rolmund, and Prince Dreyand remained on the raised dais. Hilda was still standing there waiting to be dismissed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We will make preparations for offering the princess to the Kingdom of Fiafyr. But they won''t ept her until the Crown Prince turns Twenty years of age," Rolmund said, while the others nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Such a strange tradition... If a woman is on her cycle, then she''s old enough to get married. But the heirs of nobility and royals have to wait till they turn Twenty years of age to marry. How odd," Prophet Paul said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was aw put in ce by the First King of Fiafyr. So, their sons could grow to their full potential. They can marry a woman at any age. It just turns out that my daughter was born the same year as him," Dreyand exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we will start the preparations in the morning," King Rolmund said as Dreyand stood up from his throne and walked towards the exit, but stopped next to his daughter. He didn''t look at her when he spoke.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You can go back to your room, Princess," Dreyand told his daughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Father," Hilda replied as she followed her father. They left the Prophet and the High King alone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She will need a tutor on how to please a man," Rolmund said while thinking out loud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That is unnecessary, Your Majesty. I''m sure her beauty will be more than enough for the young prince," Paul said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And what if she isn''t?" Rolmund asked with a raised brow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Prophet smiled, "If she can''t please a man, then why did the Divine Ones give her that body? She will not fail us. For the Gods will be watching her."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The High King smiled and shook his head, "That''s not the point, Holy One. There could be outside forces that could harm the n. We don''t need the princess bing aughing stock, just because of her inexperience."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If she''s unable to fulfill her role. Then we''ll send another," Paul said, as he walked to his private chambers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It would be a shame to send her to the Divine Ones at such a young age. Regardless, I''ll have Terenthiel inform the Prime Minister about the peace treaty and we have chosen a bride," Rolmund said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will leave you to it, your Majesty," Paul said before he left the throne room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Let us see if the boy''s parents raised him right... It will make it easier for Divine Three to guide him to salvation. If not, then I wonder if we''ll need to purge them of their sins,'' Rolmund thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Prince Dreyand walked through the open door with his daughter in tow. Just as they entered the room, an angered woman walked up to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t believe you allowed her topete," Princess Aelene said, while her daughter, Princess Gwendolyn, was ring at Hilda.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda has never seen her stepmother so upset.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Silence!... Youe to me and dare to defy the Divine Ones'' orders? She may have been born a mistake but she''s still my blood," Dreyand said, with anger.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda felt numb. But this wasn''t the first time her father had belittled her existence in front of her stepmother.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That mistake has prevented your true daughter from getting the attention of any royal suitor. I won''t stand for it any longer," Princess Aelene yelled out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is done is done, Aelene. I will not change the path the Divine Ones haveid out before me... She is not to be harmed and will be living with us until she has to leave," Dreyand said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is ridiculous! She''s a filthymoner!" Aelene screamed out before Dreyand pped her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SLAP!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Aelene was hit so hard that her head turned, and she almost fell on the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do not forget your ce, Aelene. I''m the one that makes the rules... And no matter how many times you try to call her amoner, it doesn''t change the fact that her mother was a conquered royal... I grow weary of yourining. Do not tempt my patience again," Dreyand said in a dark tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda was stunned. She has never seen her father this mad before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is this what my life is going to be?... Stuck as a broodmare to the Divine Ones. I-I''ve been a fool...'' Hilda thought, as the tears came to her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And I expect you to support her, Aelene. Or do you wish to meet the Divine Three," Dreyand threatened.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Aelene didn''t respond as she red at Hilda.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll do as you wish, My Lord," Princess Aelene replied, with a hint of sarcasm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Now take her home and get her fed. She will be learning Fiafyrian etiquette," Dreyand demanded. The Princess Mother bowed and left with Gwendolyn, who was also bowing to her father. Hilda just stood there, lost in thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you waiting for, Hilda? Get out of here. And don''t cause me any problems. If you do, I''ll toss you into the Divine One''s Monastery," Dreyand warned as his wife put him in a sour mood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, father," Hilda said, not wanting to test her father''s patience as she walked towards the hallway where her stepmother and stepsister went.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dreyand rubbed his forehead and sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why must women be so difficult? Aelene has been nothing but a problem since I brought home Hilda... They know their ce but they keep trying to act like they are the same as men,'' Dreyand thought, as he walked to his room to be alone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda learned to survive in a hostile environment over the past two years. Her stepmother and stepsister would take their anger out on her. At the same time, her father was too busy to stop them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda had learned how to outwit her stepmother, as she was smart and crafty. And the more time she spent in the pce the more her stepmother resented her. This just made Hilda more calcting and cunning, which was a trait that her father loved about her. He knew she would need it to survive in the Fiafyr Kingdom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda knew that her stepmother would try to sabotage her at every turn, so she had to n ten steps ahead of them. Which was the best lesson her stepmother and stepsister had taught her. Even if that wasn''t their intention.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She had be a formidable woman. But in the Alliance, she was just a woman who had to y a role. For they must serve men as foretold by the Divine Three.

 Vol.3 Ch.189 I Have a Unique Perspective

    Vol.3 Ch.189 I Have a Unique Perspective


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back in the present.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''If only my life could be different. Then I could be free to live my life,'' Hilda thought, as she looked straight ahead. Hilda was ignoring the world passing by the carriage''s windows as they went through the City of Tairal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was no longer wearing the nd dresses that the order made all women wear. She was now wearing a white long-sleeved dress, which hugged her curves. It was considered risque back in the Alliance but it was on the conservative side in Fiafyr due to it covering her cleavage. Her red hair had a tiara made out of white gems and her face was now made up in the fashion of ady. Her makeup was on the lighter side due to her natural beauty, the makeup was mainly designed to enhance her eyes. She was not wearing any lipstick or lip gloss. Her lips were naturally red and her eye shadow was blue, which really showed off her purple eyes. She didn''t even wear any perfume. The reason why she didn''t wear any perfume was due to the Order of the Three''s doctrine stating that any type of scent was sinful.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Even with her change in appearance, Hilda''s personality had not changed one bit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Gretchen was sitting in the coachman''s seat as the horses pulled the carriage towards the Ecros Manor on the southern part of the city''s outskirts. This manor belonged to Marquess Wrightwood. She was apanied by two people sitting across from her. One of them was her older stepbrother, Zane Stoneworthh, who was sitting to the front left of her. The other was Prince Terenthiel Marrell, who was the main contact to Prime Minister Duval Wrightwood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What am I going to do?... Father has sold me off to the wolves. And it''s not like I can run away. Where would I go?... If I were a man, I would fight for my freedom. But the fates are cruel... Why couldn''t I be born a man?...'' Hilda thought, as she finally looked out the window, seeing the city pass by.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">As they approached the entrance gate to the manor, the two guards stopped the carriage and the coachmen stopped the carriage. When the carriage came to a stop, Hilda was brought out of her thoughts of the past.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What business do you have with the Prime Minister?" one of the guards asked, as they stepped in front of the carriage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You dare block the path of��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Darius, we are no longer in Alliance territory. They don''t know about the Divine Three''s children. Let''s not cause any trouble..." Terenthiel told the Pdin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius relented even though he wasn''t happy about it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are here on official Alliance business. I''m Prince Terenthiel Marrell, the Fifth Son of the Holy Order. We are here to see the Prime Minister," Prince Terenthiel said from his window, while the carriage door was opened by Darius.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Great... It''s these assholes again... The fucking Divine Three... I don''t know why the Prime Minister even deals with these creeps,'' the guard thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, My Prince. Wee to Fiafyr," the guard said and waved to the other guards in the post behind the wall to open the gates.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The gates started to slowly open. Once everything was clear the carriage and its protection drove past it. The manor was about a 15-minute walk from the city wall. But the carriage made the trip in a quarter of the time. The manor was the biggest mansion that the party had ever seen. It was almost as big as a castle. The manor had four towers on the corners and each tower had a blue and white g, which had the symbol of a turtle on it, blowing in the breeze. It was the Wrightwood family coat of arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow... That''s a pretty big ce," Zane said, as he looked at the manor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s nothingpared to the Castle of Light, the pce where the Divine Three reside," Terenthiel said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Hilda didn''t respond. She didn''t even bother to look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I wish this carriage would crash so I could escape and never look back,'' Hilda thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When the carriage arrived at the manor, the guards were already at the entrance doors with several servants waiting to assist their guests.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Darius'' holy armor glistened as he dismounted off his horse. The five other holy knights followed suit. He came around and opened the carriage door, so the Prince coulde out. Zane and Hilda followed Terenthiel and stood next to the prince. Hilda wasn''t allowed to stand directly next to her stepbrother and Terenthiel because of the social differences between the two. They were waiting for the Prime Minister to make his appearance. It only took a few seconds before Duvel came hurrying out of the foyer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Prince Terenthiel Marrell," Marquess Wrightwood called out while walking down the steps of the entrance. "Wee back to Fiafyr. I was busy doing my daily duties when I was informed of your arrival. I hope your travels went smoothly," Marquess Wrightwood asked while greeting the Prince and his Pdins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There is much to discuss, Sir Wrightwood. Please take us to your private study and we will discuss our business there," Terenthiel demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Duval''s poker face cracked a bit but he recovered back to its stoic nature. ''Do they know about the crown prince taking a different bride? That''s a Dark Elf?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">He looked at the one Pdin and his holy knights and noticed they were acting like their usual, stick up the ass, selves. ''No, they don''t know yet. Or they wouldn''t have brought the princess.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course. But before we head there, I was wondering if you wish to have dinner. I''m sure you could use a bit of��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I want to get this done with as soon as possible, Wrightwood... Take me to your study," Terenthiel cut him off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-of course, Prince Terenthiel. Right this way," Duval said as he led the way. He started walking back to the manor, and the group followed him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back in the city of Dorn. Quinus, Johan, and Sir George were waiting in the dining room of the Dule Manor. They have been sitting there, waiting, for thest ten minutes and started wondering if thedies were going to join them for dinner.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They''re sure taking their time," Sir Georgemented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I''m hoping that they are getting along with each other," Quinus responded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean, My Lord?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, your wife didn''t seem too pleased to throw a tea party for my fiance," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked a bit concerned. He thought the same thing after he asked her to host the future Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, she didn''t know you were bringing a dark elf to our home. I mean, it''s very unlikely for someone to bring a different race with them, especially a dark elf. I''m d she''s taking it as well as she has... It takes time to get used to another race that you''ve been told is evil. Frankly, I was surprised to see Lady Rya by your side," Johan answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And why is that?" Quinus asked, curiously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s hard to exin. But it seems like she is out of your league, Your Highness," Johan answered with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? You''re ying with fire, Johan. Don''t be surprised if your invitation gets lost in the mail for the wedding ceremony," Quinus said, jokingly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, please don''t take it seriously, your Highness. I just meant that she is a beautiful woman, and it''s surprising to see a Dark Elf by your side. Frankly, I''m also surprised that your retainer got a Wolfkin to fall for him. I''ve never seen a human take a different species as their partner," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I think that was more of Rya''s doing. She saw something in both of them and put the idea in Lady Dalia''s head," Quinus replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is she a Mind Mage?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, not a Mind Mage. But she would be a good matchmaker to help those in need of help in finding a partner," Quinus answered with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SLAM!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George pounded the table with his fist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Her!? A Matchmaker!? I''m not going to lie down and have her put me out of business!? Never! When there are troubled loney men in desperate need of love advice. Then they wille to me, Sir George the Gant Love Sage!" yelled the old knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Jesus, George... Now you''re gant? I really need to change his views on flirting... But that''s for another day.'' Quinus thought as he held back the look of disappointment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hahaha. That will be a day. If you have such a following, Sir George, then I would like to get some free love advice," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George, the Gant started losing his bravado when asked a simple question.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well, I''m working on that, young Master. A-And once I do then you will be the first to get my advice. It shouldn��t take too long, thanks to all the things I��ve been picking up thisst month. I''m sure I''ll be getting a following in no time, once I get a sess story from a few students," Sir George said with confidence.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinusughed and he wanted to knock down Sir George''s confidence but the door opened to five beautiful women. Rya was the first to walk in, followed by Tayna, Dalia, Yuliana, Nieren, and a few maids. They were all happily chatting away as they entered the dining room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That hedge maze was quite impressive, Tayna. How often do you walk through it?" Rya asked as she sat next to her fiance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I usually walk through it once a day. When I want to be alone. Or when I need to think about something. But the best part of the maze is the middle. When the flowers are in bloom, it''s truly breathtaking," Tayna answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Johan were both stunned by Tayna''s change in attitude towards Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How the hell did that happen? They were at each other''s throats before and now they are having a friendly conversation as if they''ve always been friends,'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If I was staying here longer. I would have loved to grow some elven herbs. There are a few that only grow in a maze and a few that thrive on the forest floor. If we had both, then your garden would be truly whimsical," Yuliana said as the Wood Elf was always happy to talk about growing her nts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really?" Tayna asked with an intrigued expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes. But if the seeds are not nted at the same time. They could interfere with each other''s growth and overtake the rest of the garden. It''s ill-advised to nt them all willy-nilly. But I''m sure I could figure out a few ways to do it with less-than-ideal tools. Maybe there''s a few spells I can try to ovee those issues," Yuliana said as the gears started spinning.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''m sure once everything is settled in the capital. You cane back and have a look. And if you like, you can stay and help me n out the rest of the garden," Tayna offered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana smiled, "You humans do surprise me with your love of nature. I would love to see how far the human race hase in understanding the forest."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Guh... I''m all for nature but who cares about nting things in such ways? Just let them be," huffed the Wolfkin who sat down next to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I thought a beastkin would care more about nature than that. I mean most of the tribes live in the forests or am I mistaken," Johan asked while looking at Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We love nature, but you all try forcing nature to your will. We would rather keep it wild and free so we can adapt to our surroundings," Dalia replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I guess someone doesn''t want sweets anymore," Rya said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia became concerned, "W-Why would you say such a thing? What''s wrong with wanting nature to be wild?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it would be harder to find all the necessary ingredients if we didn''t try and cultivate somend," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia had a nk stare as she was lost in thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I suppose it''s not so bad to control a little bit of nature if it allows me to have sweets," she said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya chuckled at how quickly her friend''s convictions were broken.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? What is so funny?" Dalia asked with a hint of annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nothing. You just make life more fun, is all," Rya replied to her friend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looked a bit flustered and tried to hide her blushing face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not sure if I should take that as apliment or an insult," the wolfkin muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nced at Rya who noticed him staring at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m just impressed with your ability to get along with others. Especially with her. How did you do it," he asked in a low voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled, "It''s my warm personality, babe. And I would love to give you some advice, but then you wouldn''t need me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, that''s not true," he said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya leaned over and kissed his cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, for being by my side, no matter what," she whispered back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus just looked at Rya with a soft gaze.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I will always be by your side. Till the day I die," he said softly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two looked at each other lovingly and forgot about the rest of the world around them. They were brought out of their trance when Percy hurried into the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry! I got distracted, and it took me longer than I expected," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia stood up and pouted, "Where have you been!? Ap and the others have been teasing me all day. When I needed my mate toe and save me!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked a bit nervous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-Sorry! I didn''t mean to��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia grabbed Percy''s cor and pulled him into a deep kiss. Nieren, Yuliana, and Tayna were baffled by Dalia''s bold move. The two broke their kiss and Percy''s face was beet red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-We are in front of people. W-What would they think?" he asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia didn''t say anything, she just sat down and gave a smug look to the other four girls.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, are we going to eat?" The Wolfkin asked as she started rubbing her hands together.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No one is going to take Percy from you, Dog!" Nieren tried to scold her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph, I don''t know that! So, back off, Woody!" Dalia barked back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stop calling me Woody! You are an annoying mutt!" Nieren growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What did you call me!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough! Dalia! Start acting like a properdy or you won''t have dinner," Rya snapped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But she started it," Dalia muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sit down and behave or you can go sit in the corner and think about what you did," Ryamanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia''s ears went t as she sat back down and stared at the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph! Serves you-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nieren!... No, gloating... I can''t have you two fighting either. Just... calm down," Rya said sternly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren didn''t reply. Yuliana was surprised at how Rya was able to get control over these two. Especially her daughter. She wanted to ask for a few pointers from Rya in private.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How often do those two bicker?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Agh... It seems like they argue every five minutes," Tayna cut in not realizing that she was responding to her husband, which made him happy. "They are lucky to be in a small party. I don''t think the nobility would look too kindly on them."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maids entered the dining room with a cart with all their meals. They saw that everyone was quiet and seemed to be waiting for them to be served as they ced their food on the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you. Well, if you don''t mind. Let''s all have dinner, shall we?" Johan asked as he tucked in his napkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They all nodded and started eating and talking about various things going on in the kingdom. The topic of the conversation switched to Johan and his marriage to Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How long have you two been married?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"About six years. It was arranged between my family and hers," Johan answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna remained silent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see... So, what was it like, being forced to marry a stranger?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, I''ll admit that it wasn''t easy. But I was able to get along with her eventually," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus leaned over to whisper in Rya''s ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"His marriage is struggling. I don''t know if it''s a good idea to bring this up in front of Tayna," he warned her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya leaned in to respond, "I know, babe. Just trust me. Okay?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at her quizzingly as he wondered what she had in store, but he decided to not say anything.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, are you two nning to have kids anytime soon? You have been married for six years. Seems a bit long for just a political marriage," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna almost spit out her wine through her nose and looked at Rya with a confused look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well I know I would like that, but Tayna would like to wait. At least till we arefortable with the idea," Johan answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that so?" Rya said as she gave Tayna a quick nce.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was looking away and tried to focus on eating.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s your thoughts on the matter, Lady Tayna? Would you ever want to have kids," Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t reply right away. She seemed a bit ufortable.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I told you at the tea party. I have no interest in having kids. If it happens, it happens. But I won''t go out of my way to do it," Tayna answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya yed along even though Tayna told them she was worried about giving birth to a noble child with a weak mana vein.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s understandable. You need to be romanced before you''ll let someone put a bun in the oven," Rya said with a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren, Quinus, and Johan almost spat out their food. Tayna looked like she was about to die from embarrassment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, that didn''te out right... I was trying to lighten the mood, but it came off a bit vulgar," Rya said, awkwardly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna coughed a bit before regaining herposure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It''s fine. But that would be an odd thing to say to someone you just met," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Plus, I don''t want to rush things. I worry that I would push Tayna away if I did so," Johan added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked at Johan with curiosity, but he didn''t notice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I thought you said that you two didn''t have any romantic feelings for each other. Yet, you worry about her feelings and you don''t want to push her away if you get intimate too soon. That doesn''t sound like a person who doesn''t want to get close to their spouse," Ryamented.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna felt her heart skip a beat right when Rya spoke. Johan blushed a bit and avoided eye contact.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m not sure how to respond. It''s hard to exin. I do want us to have a strong rtionship, but I also want to make sure she isfortable with me first," Johan exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s heart was racing, and she had trouble speaking. ''W-Why am I acting so strange around him? I mean he''s not too bad on the eyes. But his mana vein is what''s holding us back. Now that I''m healed. I don''t need to hide myself anymore. So, maybe I can find a different suitor if things turn out for the worst.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan is right. We should focus on getting to know each other first. Then we''ll see," Tayna said while acting like nothing happened.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, then. That makes sense. I don''t think it''s a good idea to have a child, without having a stable rtionship," Rya agreed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, a healthy rtionship is essential to have a happy home," Johan chimed in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s very true," Tayna added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, why are you asking so much about our marriage, Lady Rya?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya just smiled, "Just curious."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked at Rya and knew that she was lying. She didn''t know what her angle was, but she didn''t like being toyed with.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you curious about, Lady Rya?" Tayna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You really want to know? Fine, I''ll tell you," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone''s attention was focused on Rya. She could see that everyone was on edge and that was exactly what she wanted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... I think Johan is too much ''man'' for you, Tayna," Rya said bluntly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was shocked by the answer. While everyone else did a double-take.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What does that mean?" Johan asked with a stutter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smirked as she got the reaction she was looking for.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Exactly what it sounds like. You''re too much man for her, Johan. And she''s not taking advantage of that fact," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh!? W-What the hell are you talking about?" Tayna objected to Rya''s remark.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m just saying. You''re married to one heck of a man. It would be a shame if he went to waste," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone had a perplexed look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I don''t understand, Lady Rya. No one has ever thought of me in such a way. Not even my mother," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And that''s why you are moping around the castle. Because you''re too busy worrying about other people''s opinions instead of your own happiness," Rya shot back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not unhappy. I''m just respectful," Johan defended himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Listen, I think there''s something holding you back, Johan. Something that keeps you from being truly happy. And once you realize that you are the one keeping yourself down, then you will have the confidence to reach for your dreams. Which in turn will make Tayna fall madly in love with you," Rya stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pff! You jest!" Tanya scoffed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It wouldn''t be the first time you didn''t believe me," Rya retorted while she smirked at Tayna before ncing down at her gloved left hand. Which was fully healed by Rya not too long ago.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Whatever. That was different. How would you even know that I''ll fall in love with him?" Tayna argued back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, let''s just say I have a unique perspective when ites down to knowing what men and women want. It''s a talent of mine. I''m a bit of an expert on the matter," Rya said, smugly. ''Tayna would lose her shit if she knew I was born a man from another world. But that knowledge is only for Quinus and my closest friends to know. It��s not for the general public and it never will.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re just bluffing. There''s no way you can read people that easily, not even Mind Mages can do that. It''s impossible," Tayna shot back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess you''ll find out the fun way," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna blushed and looked away from everyone. While Rya just shook her head. "Well, I think I''m ready for bed." Rya stood up from her chair and when she did all the men stood up as well.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''God. I feel like I''m in the UK or something. I guess I''ll get used to it at some point.'' Rya thought to herself before she spoke, "No, sit down, guys. It''s okay."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''m tired too. Unless you don''t want me to join you, mydy?" Quinus said as he took her hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The charmer as always," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Am I any other way?" Quinus asked with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nope," Rya replied as they started walking. She stopped next to Johan who gave her a slight bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan, I appreciate you and your wife''s hospitality," Rya said as she held her hand out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, Lady Rya. We are more than happy to have you. You and your friends are wee here whenever you like," Johan said as he took her hand and kissed her ring. It was a part of the Fiafyrian protocol that all nobility were taught from a young age. Rya didn''t waste any time channeling her void healing magic into Johan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''You got this Rya. You saw those brown particles floating around his mana vein. I just wish I could use the Seer Stone on him to make sure everything is alright... Come on. I can feel it.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Johan. You''re a true gentleman. You know..." Rya moved closer to whisper, "Don''t go too hard on Tayna. She''s not used to having a man like you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was taken aback and looked over at Tayna who had a surprised expression on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t follow what you''re saying, Lady Rya."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Trust me, you will. Have a good night, everyone," Rya said as she winked at Tayna.


    Then Rya walked off with Quinus leaving everyone there with perplexedlooks on their faces. They didn''t know what Rya''s deal was. After a few minutes of silence, some of them started to finish up their meals before calling it for tonight.

 Vol.3 Ch.190 Johan’s Unknown Confidence

    Vol.3 Ch.190 Johan��s Unknown Confidence


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia looked over at Percy, "I think I''m ready to turn in for the night as well, Gamma."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy looked up at Dalia and saw the mischievous look in her eye. He gulped as he thought of the possible things she was going to try to do to him tonight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Maybe she just wants to cuddle?'' Percy hoped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay. So you need me to escort you to your room?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia gave him a smirk, "Yes, that would be wonderful."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I know that look... It''s going to be a long night. You got this Percy!'' He thought as he stood up from his seat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren red at Dalia, "You! You need to keep it down! I can''t sleep if I have to listen to you screaming all night."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia rolled her eyes, "It''s howling, Woody... Just don''t listen. It''s not my problem if you can''t sleep."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t help it that my elven ears are sensitive. Plus, I need to make sure that I can hear what''s going on with His Highness and Lady Rya''s room," Nieren defended.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia giggled, "So, you prefer to hear the moans of Alpha over me? I didn''t know you swing that way, Woody."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren shook her head, "NO! You don''t know what you''re talking about, Dog!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Or is it Beta''s moans that you''re into? You''re a strange elf, huh?" Dalia teased.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren''s face turned beet red due to Dalia striking too close to the truth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Enough! I''m tired of listening to your babbling, Wolf... Nieren, use these," Yuliana was growing weary with all this mating talk and handed her daughter some earplugs she specially made for her and her daughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren was reluctant to grab them, ''But how can I hear my prince''s handsome voice with these damn things blocking my ears?'' She thought while examining the earplugs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nieren. We are living in a human kingdom. And they mate almost as much as the beastkins. We can''t expect them to behave like civilized people." Yuliana chided.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren huffed, "Hmph. You don''t have to remind me, Mother."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone who was witnessing them shook their heads in disbelief, especially the servants.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll see youter, Woody," Dalia said with a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aren''t you forgetting something?" Percy asked Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it, Gamma?" Dalia tilted her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The formalities," Percy told her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I forgot. Sorry, Lord Huma-Johan and Lady Tayna. I appreciate your hospitality. And if you excuse me, I need to spend time with my Gamma," Dalia bowed her head slightly and looked over at Percy, "Come on Gamma. The night is young."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia grabbed Percy''s arm and the two of them walked out of the dining room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George looked around and decided that it was best for him to go over all the notes that he had taken so far. He had a lot of information and he needed to get a better grasp on how to apply it to his pick-up artistry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, today''s been very informative. I''ll check in with the General and have some men posted by the Prince''s quarters. You don''t have to worry about anything, Lord Johan," Sir George said as he stood up and left the dining room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Sir George. That would be a relief," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''That was a surprising dinner. But why does my core feel so warm all of a sudden? It must be from all this talk from Lady Rya. She''s very forward. Plus, why did she say to take it easy on Tayna? I can barely get her to talk to me, and we''ve been married for six years. Is that all it takes? To be more direct? But I don''t want to offend her... Or her family.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lord Johan. May my daughter and I have a room that''s furthest away from the wolfkin please?" Yuliana requested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mom!" Nieren tried to protest but her mother shot her down with a re.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, mydy. Lester. Please escort these twodies to a room," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lester the butler nodded and led the twodies out of the dining room. Leaving Johan and Tayna alone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">That''s when Johan noticed that there was something different about Tayna. He couldn''t put his finger on it, but she looked healthier.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you alright, Tayna?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked at him in surprise. She wasn''t used to him asking questions. Normally she would have blown him off. She couldn''t help but notice his features seemed more refined. And he wasn''t looking at her with his usual hopeless eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Umm... Yes. I''m fine, thank you," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan didn''t know what else to say, but he didn''t want her to leave just yet. And he wanted to test out all of the advice Quinus had given him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, this day became more interesting than normal. Did you enjoy yourself, Tayna?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna wouldn''t have entertained the idea of talking to him one-on-one. But she had to agree. This day had turned her world upside down, then right side up, again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, it was interesting. Especially meeting the prince... And Lady Rya. They''re a fascinating pair. The way they talk to each other is so strange," Tayna said while looking at her healed hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was beyond ted. This was the first time Tayna hadn''t just walked off from him. He remembered one of the important things from Quinus. Keep striking when the iron is hot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, the prince was always an interesting man. Even when he was a child, it felt like I was talking to an adult instead of a little kid. But the way he talks to Rya, it''s like he''s truly in love. He''s never shown this side of him. And he fell in love with a Dark Elf of all people. I didn''t see iting... Well, there are some things that were predictable," Johan chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked at Johan with a bit of curiosity, "Like what?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The prince has always had a thing for women with... Well, you know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna knew what he was referring to. Rya''s boobs were enormous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If it was only that easy," Tayna sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan became nervous when seeing Tayna looking disappointed. He made a mistake bringing up Rya''s figure and he knew he needed to act fast before she could change her mind about talking to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well, yours are impressive," Johan blurted out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna stared at Johan, "What?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan could feel his hands getting sweaty, but he had already dug his grave. He was going to have to follow through and dig his way out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m saying your breasts are impressive."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna shook her head and stood up, "Well, good night, Lord Johan."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No! No! No! Dammit! Think, Johan! I can''t let her leave on this bad note!'' Johan panicked as things were falling apart fast.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I didn''t mean to offend you, Lady Tayna."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked back at him, "And just what did you mean?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan wasn''t sure how to answer the question. But he was sure he had a look of panic written all over his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not good atplimenting people, mydy. I''m sorry if I offended you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t know why, but this was one of the rare times she wasn''t insulted by her husband''s antics. For some reason, the look of panic on his face made her smile for a brief second.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Goodnight, Lord Johan. See you tomorrow," Tayna walked off leaving a confused Johan sitting there. Normally he would have been enthralled with seeing his wife not scolding him or rolling her eyes at him. But tonight, he didn''t know why he had the urge to reach out to her and kiss her. Especially, when he saw her hips swaying and her ass jiggling a bit under her ck dress.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Did she gain weight? Her behind is more attractive than I remember.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan followed after her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Tayna," Johan called out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna stopped and turned around, "Yes?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Can I walk you to your room?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not necessary, Lord Johan."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just to be safe, I insist," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine," Tayna wasn''t sure why she agreed, but something inside her told her she should.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan had caught up to her and started walking next to her. It was quiet in the manor and the awkwardness between the two of them was getting to Johan a bit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What did Quinus say? Just act like you belong here... Okay, just take a look at her and see if she is annoyed.'' Johan stole a nce at Tayna and he saw a faint blush on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He couldn''t believe it. She wasn''t annoyed at all in fact. She looked like she was enjoying hispany. So he remained silent for now as neither of them said a word.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I can''t believe it! I''m walking my wife to her room! I feel so alive! But, why does my manhood feel so itchy all of a sudden? Maybe I should take a bathter tonight.'' Johan thought as his heart started pumping faster as his mana vein was healed by Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After going up a set of stairs. The two of them had finally made it to the door to Tayna''s room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, here we are. Goodnight, Lord Johan," Tayna turned around to open her door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was going to let her be and leave. But his body moved on its own. And his hand grabbed Tayna''s arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan!? Wh~Mmmm!" Tayna tried to protest, but before she could. Her lips were being sealed by his.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan had no idea what came over him, but he was kissing his wife! His arms wrapped around her body to hug her. Tayna couldn''t believe what her husband was doing, and she couldn''t believe that she wasn''t pushing him away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Aunh! W-What has gotten into him!? Aunh! What''s he doing with his tongue? Oh, goddess! Aunh!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was enjoying every moment. His wife''s scent was intoxicating and her body was so soft.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna had never kissed another man before. All she was taught was the basics of procreation. And from what she remembered, Lady Aaliyah told her about a woman''s lower lips and how her cycles would happen. She told her what sex was and how it was a means to an end. But the more Johan''s tongue invaded her mouth. The more her loins started to throb.


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a couple of minutes, the two broke their kiss. Both of them were breathing heavily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-That was..." Johan was at a loss for words.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You should leave," Tayna said as her hands were holding onto his arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked at her red face. She was so cute and sexy. He couldn''t help himself. His cock was so hard. It was almost painful and his instincts told him to make love to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, there''s a problem," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?" Tayna''s voice was still a bit raspy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m afraid I can''t leave," Johan said as he lifted her head up with his right hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-Hey! Mmmmh!? Mmmm!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan had his lips locked with hers again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What''s gotten into him?! Aunh! W-Why is his hand rubbing my butt?! What''s wrong with him!? H-He making me feel... weird! A-And squishy... down there.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Their tongues were wrestling each other, but Tayna was losing the battle. Then Johan''s hands went lower and squeezed Tayna''s ass.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She has one hell of an ass! Thank the goddess!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s free hand was groping Tayna''s plump ass with joy. He could feel his member twitching as he was humping his crotch against hers. Tayna was starting to lose herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I can''t stop him! O-Oh goddess! H-His hand is touching... t-there!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was panting and her legs were shaking, "Johan... We should stop..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But I can''t. Not when I made you like this," Johan whispered in her ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna felt her whole body quiver. She felt his hand untying the corset to her ck dress. Then he slowly pulled it down, revealing herrge breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So beautiful," Johan breathed out as the urge to please his wife skyrocketed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"L-Let me go! H-Have you gone mad!" Tayna protested. She was more shocked at the way her body was reacting than anything.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked into her eyes. The lustful look she was giving him was all he needed. He didn''t know what hade over him. But he was going to do everything in his power to make her his.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ve been the most beautiful woman in the entire world to me. And the only woman who has ever captivated my heart. Now let me show you just how much you mean to me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''H-He''s just saying that to get into my knickers! B-But why does he sound so sincere?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. We''re not doing this. Let go of me!" Tayna struggled, but her body wasn''t cooperating.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna, I love you," Johan said, as he stared deep into her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"J-Johan..." Tayna didn''t know how to respond. She never felt like this before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then she felt her body being lifted with ease.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan, what are you-!" Tayna yelped out when she was lifted off the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re a married woman. You should be more careful with how you treat your husband," Johan smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not in the mood for your games! I''ll forgive you if you put me down and leave!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tsk, tsk, tsk. I''m not leaving until I make you mine," Johan said as he walked into the room with Tayna in his arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Aunh!? W-Was Johan always this strong? He''s carrying me like a child!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Put me down! That''s an order!" Tayna tried to sound authoritative, but the way her voice was quivering in excitement didn''t help her case.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And what if I don''t want to? Will you punish me?" Johan looked at her as he picked up on her arousal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No! I-I... Johan. You''re ying with fire," Tayna warned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm. I''ll take my chances."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan! PUT ME DOWN NOW!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan didn''t respond. He ced her on her bed but he didn''t move away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t make me repeat myself," Tayna warned as her body was getting hotter and hotter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was still in a daze, but he was trying his best to keep his cool. But his mana lust was going crazy and his member was about to rip through his pants.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"For some reason, I don''t believe you, Tayna. Especially since your body is calling out for me. Your breasts are begging me to taste them. And the scenting from between your legs is making me very hungry."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How is he acting so bold! And his eyes are so... seductive.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna wanted him to touch her and pleasure her. But her pride wouldn''t allow it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll have you know that you''ll be punished if you continue this," Tayna said while trying to lean back away from him, but he moved in closer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, then I look forward to my punishment. I just want to spend my night with you," Johan said as his hand went to her thigh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t permit you. Aunh? W-Why are you looking at me like that? Johan, wait! Augh! AH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t expect him to start kissing her neck. And the way his tongue teased her, her body was starting to feel strange.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''H-How dare he! Aungh!? T-This is so frustrating! Why does his touch feel so good!? Aunh! And my lower half feels so hot! Aunh! What''s wrong with my body!? Augh! I can''t let him win. O-Oh, goddess! His hand is... t-touching my chest!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna had never felt this way before. All Johan had done was kiss her neck and it made her body so sensitive.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I need to get this over with so he can leave! Aunh! Because he''s making me feel funny. T-Think Tayna! What did Lady Aaliyah say about men? Oh yeah! They will climax in 30 seconds. If I just let him finish, then it will be over! But what if he wants me to finish first? No, no, no, no, no! I''m not letting him make me climax!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aunh! S-Stop! Mmmm!" Tayna moaned as she felt Johan sucking on her nipples.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re so beautiful. Every part of you is beautiful," Johan said as he continued kissing and licking her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna used whatever will she had left to push Johan''s head back away from her body. She needed to act before he could start kissing her again. So, what little space she had was enough for her to quickly spin herself around on the bed so she was lying face down first. Then she lifted the skirt of her ck dress. Showing her wet and sticky white panties.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Thank the Goddess. Now he can''t tease my breasts!'' Tayna thought as her body trembled in anticipation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan... I''m waiting. Just get it over with so we can be done!" Tayna blurted out with her eyes closed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan had never seen something so erotic in his life.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s asking me to mount her. I can''t believe this! My wife is giving me her consent. Thank the Goddess!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, mydy," Johan said as he got behind her and removed her panties.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-It''s okay... I''ve dealt with pain before... It should be no different than... Ahhhhh! What is he doing!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t expect Johan to start licking her slit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aunh! N-No! You''re supposed to prate me! Aunh! Don''t do that! Aunh!? Aunh! O-Oh goddess, what''s he doing to me!?" Tayna screamed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was just using the advice the Prince gave him. His tongue waspping up her juices. And she was squirting all over his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can''t mount you without making sure you''re nice and wet," Johan said as his mouth went back to work.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aunh! No! No! This is too much! Aunh! I''m your wife! And I''m telling you to-! Aunh! Stop using your tongue! And mount me!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He started sucking on her clitoris, and her legs started shaking uncontrobly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aunh! Johannnnn! M-My clitoris! S-Stop! That spot! It feels... too go~weird! Aunh! I can''t handle this kind of stimtion! Aunh! Put your manhood in me this instant! Or I will never allow you to touch me again!" Tayna moaned out in a mix of pleasure and frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan stopped and stood up. Then he took off his pants and revealed his 8-inch cock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s eyes went wide. ''I-It''s so big. W-Was he always this big?... T-That''s not important! I just have to deal with a little pain and once Johan climaxes, then I can get rid of him!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan lined up his cock and pushed the tip in slowly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aungh!" Tayna cried out in pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you okay?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Of course! This is nothing! So stop your worrying!" Tayna shouted out, but she was lying. The pain was unpleasant but it wasn''t that bad.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay," Johan said and continued pushing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This pain is annoying. But it''s nothingpared to that stupid slime that started eating my arm. OH!?... Huh? Where did that pleasuree from?... If it wasn''t for this pain then I would be in trouble. AUNH!? J-Johan''s dick is still going in deeper!? It''s bigger than I imagined!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna felt the pain mixed with the pleasure after her maidenhood was broken by his member. Johan felt so alive. And he was using everything in his will to control the urge to ram into her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Augh! W-Weren''t you supposed to ejacte already? You''ve been going at it for long enough!" Tayna yelped out as Johan was slowly entering her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you talking about? I just put it in," Johan stuttered as his wife tightened around his member.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it shouldn''t be that hard to climax!" Tayna retorted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why don''t you rx and let me make you feel good," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Feel... Good? He thinks he can make me feel better than this? I''ll say that intercourse is not as bad as I thought. But I don''t know how me and every other woman are supposed to enjoy this part at all! It''s tolerable at best and he''s delusional to think I can rx!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t believe him. Her teacher told her that intercourse was always painful and quick. It was an unfortunate part of her duties as a noblewoman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fine. Just don''t make me wait any longer," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, then I''m going to start moving now," Johan said as he slowly pulled his dick halfway out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''O-Oh. H-He''s pulling it out. I-Is it finally over? Goddess, please, make this nightmare end. O-Oh... H-He''s pushing it back in... O-Oh, I see. This is a little different than what I was expecting.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">With each stroke, the pleasure was starting to increase. But the pain was making it hard for her to enjoy it fully.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-Well, at least it''s better than my finger getting eaten off by a stupid slime. Ugh, I still need to think of a punishment for Johan after he finally finishes. Augh! D-Does he know how rude it is to make ady wait? H-How long is this supposed to take? Augh! This is getting tiresome!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna justy there waiting for Johan to finish.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was getting ready for bed in the guest room. He put away his armor and sword in the chest next to the wardrobe in the corner of the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There we go, now let''s have some f... Rya? What are you doing?" Quinus asked as he saw Rya standing by the far wall with her eyes closed and hand out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m concentrating," Rya replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Concentrating? On what?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I can hear Johan and Tayna having sex. But she''s a virgin and I''m trying to heal Tayna... Johan broke her hymen, and I think she''s in a lot of pain right now," Rya answered while her eyes were still closed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait, you can hear them fucking right now?" Quinus asked in amazement. He was impressed that Johan was able to convince her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yep. I almost channeled my mana towards Tayna''s womb to help rid her pain and make her fall for Johan... I''m tired of her trying to flirt with you," Rya said as she stretched out her right hand a little further. "Plus, this is good practice on healing someone who''s out of sight... I don''t think I can regrow someone''s limb or organ from this distance. But I could save someone''s life before I can get closer to them to regenerate anything that was lost."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''ll be damned. You surprise me every day, babe... And I didn''t know Johan had it in him to make any move on Tayna. I hope he didn''t push her too far. He seemed kinda clueless with knowing anything about women in general," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well from what I could hear. He became a little more assertive due to the Mana Lust coursing through his body."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait? Johan has a mana vein?... I remember him killing multiple monsters back in the day with his father and he couldn''t grow it to save his life. So, how is he all of a sudden experiencing Mana Lust?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s a long story. But I noticed some strange particles floating around his mana vein. And I healed it right before we left the dining room. I don''t know what type of mana vein he has, but I was hoping it would be strong enough for him to unleash Mana Lust at the right time. It was risky I know, but he seems like a man who cares and wants to make his wife proud. And it seems I am right. He''s trying to control himself but he''s struggling to not go at her like a jackhammer," Rya said as she started to meditate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh... Hey, babe?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, for helping them. Johan was always a bit of an outcast back when he was a kid... And he deserves some happiness in his life. There''s no one like you, and that makes me love you," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya blushed a bit but she remained focused on healing Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-Why is he so adorable! I-I need to concentrate. You got this Rya. Tayna is almost healed and-''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There... She''s good now. Plus, I think Tayna needs some happiness in her life as well. Alright Johan, make sure you go and rock her world. Lord knows you both deserve it." Rya said out loud as she pped her hands in satisfaction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had a huge smile on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You know, you''re pretty cute when you''re healing others."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph. I''ll show you cute."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I love you, Rya," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh. Stop... You''re gonna make me blush," Rya said, and her cheeks turned red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, are they still going at it? Will you be able to sleep tonight?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yep, Johan is picking up the pace... So, I don''t know how much sleep I will get. Being an elf isn''t easy, Quin," Rya said with a defeated smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well? Is there something I can do to help you sleep?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya brought her index finger to her chin and started tapping it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, maybe my moans will drown out theirs. And it will help me go to sleep easier if I release some pent-up energy," Rya giggled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus gave a smirk and walked up behind her and kissed her neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well,e here, and let''s get you a good night''s rest," Quinus said as he didn''t hesitate to scoop Rya into his arms and ce her on the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hehe, that''s what I''m talking about," Ryaughed and then Quinus began undressing her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya enjoyed a good night of rough sex with her husband.

 Vol.3 Ch.191 He’s Too Much of a Man

    Vol.3 Ch.191 He��s Too Much of a Man


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back to Tayna''s room, where Johan was still going.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Gah! How is he still going? Aunh! At least this pain is helping me not think about Johan''s lips. I mean, he does look handsome. But, he''s not my type. Ugh! It''s hard to think with him ramming his penis into my womanhood.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna couldn''t see Rya''s healing magic slowly traveling across the flooring straight for her feet. Soon it started flowing inside her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-What the? W-Why does this feel so good? Aunh! Aunh!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s thoughts were slowly getting mixed up as the pleasure increased, while at the same time, the pain started fading away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''S-Something isn''t right! Something is~AUNGH! I-I''m feeling really good all of a sudden! O-Oh Goddess, what''s happening to me?!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her whole body started shaking uncontrobly, and her hips were twitching.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna! You''re so amazing," Johan moaned out as he slowly pumped his dick inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''N-NO! I''m not amazing! But your stupid cock IS!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s mind was screaming as her body was betraying her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re so sexy," Johan whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"F......." Tayna muffled a scream in the sheets of the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What was that?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I am not~ Aungh! S-SEXY!" Tayna moaned out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was a little hurt by her words, but he wasn''t going to give up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, you are," Johan said, then started licking her neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No, I''m n-not!" Tayna tried her best to sound angry, but it was hard to do when she was in this much pleasure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">This just made Johan''s mana lust kick into full gear as he pumped into her harder. Tayna''s eyes snapped open and she tried to scream, but nothing came out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re beautiful, Tayna," Johan whispered into her ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-STOP P-P-PLAYING AROUND WITH ME!" Tayna tried to shout, but she was so confused by what she was feeling, it was hard to speak.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan started moving faster as they were still having sex in doggy style. Making every part of her body bounce and shake with each thrust, while she buried her face into the sheets of the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I can''t take this anymore! He was supposed tost 30 seconds! And it was supposed to be painful!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re sexy, you''re beautiful, and most of all, I love you, Tayna."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"NOOOOOO! I-I AUNGH!" Tayna''s head snapped up as she had her first orgasm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her legs shook as she copsed onto the bed with Johan still inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna... You''re so warm," Johan said as he leaned closer towards her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was in a daze. Never in her life had she felt something so powerful and pleasant at the same time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''S-She was wrong. The way she exined it, I thought this was going to be a horrible experience. But I have to admit, it feels... wonderful.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked back at Johan. His face was full of happiness and he looked more striking than ever.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What is this? I''ve never seen this side of him before. Why do I feel this way?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, my love, but I can''t hold back anymore. I-I need to continue."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan started pumping as fast as he could. Shaking Tayna''s body even more than before. At one point, her tiara slipped off her head andnded on the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"J-JOHAN! YOU! ARE! GOING! TOO! FAST!" Tayna yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I know! But I can''t stop! My body won''t let me stop!" Johan grunted as he continued to pump his cock in and out of Tayna''s wet pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''HE''S TOO STRONG! HE''S~''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s thoughts stopped when she remembered what Rya said to Johan during dinner. How she said he was too much of a man for her. Tanya thought Rya was just being sarcastic, but now she knew it was true.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''NO! RYA''S WRONG! I''M MORE THAN ENOUGH WOMAN FOR HIM!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan kept pumping into her but Tayna started moving with him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YES! YES! YOU CAN DO IT, MY LOVE!" Johan yelled out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t know why she was doing it, but she felt like she was in control now.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''YES! FASTER JOHAN! LET ME SHOW YOU THAT I''M THE ONLY WOMAN FOR YOU!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan started thrusting harder, and the bed was creaking.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''M CUMMING, TAYNA! I''M CUMMING SO MUCH! YOU''RE SO WET!" Johan yelled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"CUM IN ME! LET ME FEEL YOUR LOVE! FILL ME UP, JOHAN!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was in ecstasy and started cumming in Tayna''s womb. His essence was so warm that it made Tayna climax as well.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah~ Yesss~ I didn''t know!" Tayna moaned out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan pulled out andid next to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna... you''re... perfect."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s heart was pounding. Her mind was racing, and she was confused about how she was feeling. She looked over at Johan and saw the smile on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What''s this feeling? I''ve never felt it before. This is so confusing. What do I do?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">She moved closer to him and buried her face in his chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry..." Tayna apologized.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry? For what?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan smiled and startedbing his fingers through her brown hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t apologize, my love. You''re perfect."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stop saying that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But it''s true."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shut up! If I was the perfect wife then I wouldn''t have done such a foolish thing to you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">She then buried her face back into his chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan, I''m so sorry. I''m really sorry for being an ungrateful wife."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s eyes widened and he wrapped his arms around her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s ok, Tayna. I''m not mad."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Please... forgive me..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There''s nothing to forgive. I''m not mad at you. You''re beautiful, Tayna."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I can''t believe I said those things. And I was such a bitch to him. What the hell is wrong with me? And why did Lady Aaliyah tell me lies about how bad sex is? If it wasn''t for her lies, then Johan and I would have done this a long time ago.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m such a fool. I should''ve believed you when you told me you loved me. I''m so sorry, Johan."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was over the twin moons.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is this real? Is this actually happening? Is Tayna truly apologizing to me? And she loves me! This is the best day of my life! Agh!? W-Well, it''s almost as if my damn manhood won''t rx. I swear that Tayna was overflowing with my love juices when we finished. So, why do I feel like I need to go another round?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan... I... l-love..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I love you, Tayna," Johan kissed her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Are you sure?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well... If you wish to make it up to me... Can we go another round? My body is still not satisfied."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked at him with a furrowed brow, and she saw how red his face was.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But I thought men climax once then they would fall asleep?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I would say that would have been true. But there''s something about you, Tayna. I feel like I could cum over and over again if you want me to."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna couldn''t help but blush at the thought of him having his way with her. She reached one of her hands down to grab Johan''s shaft.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''By the Goddess! He''s still hard! I didn''t even notice! Yet another lie from Lady Aaliyah.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-If we must... Then fine... BUT! You need to go slower... I thought you were going to break my pelvis!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan grimaced, "I didn''t know that I was that rough... I''m so sorry."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I guess, you are forgiven. But please... be more gentle..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan nodded his head, "Of course, my love. But I fear that I will lose myself if I''m on top of you, so maybe you could ride me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"R-Ride? Like... I-I''m on top?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I guess I could try. What should I do?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan smiled andid on his back letting his cock stand tall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''By the Goddess! That thing was inside me? How the hell did it fit?! It''s so thick!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come here, and straddle my hips."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna moved slowly, and her knees were at his sides.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now what?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"ce your hands on my chest, and slowly lower yourself down. And make sure you''re wet. If you''re dry, then it''s going to hurt."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay... I-I''ll try," Tayna said nervously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry, Tayna. We''re doing this together. You don''t have to rush it. If you want to wait, we can-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No. No. I-I can do this," Tayna took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She grabbed his cock, and slowly lowered herself to get the tip inside her. As the tip touched her pussy lips, she shuddered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AH! It''s tingling!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-You''re very sensitive. Just go s-slowly," Johan said while biting his lip. His cock was just as sensitive as ever, even after going one round.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was able to get the tip of his dick inside of her, and it was already making her shiver.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Aunh! I-I think I got an inch inside! Oooh~ He''s so warm! So good!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna lowered herself another inch, and her head went back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hnngh! I-It''s too big! I don''t know if I can!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna, just breathe, and focus on the pleasure."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-This is pleasure?!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes! It''s the best!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was trying to calm her mind but then she heard Rya''s voice again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"See? I told you that you couldn''t handle Johan. I know a real man when I see one, Tayna. If I didn''t have Quinus in my life then I totally would have taken Johan from you. He''s too much man for a snooty bitch like you. If you can''t even handle a man''s love then maybe you shouldn''t have married him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''SHUT UP! HE''S MINE! I CAN TAKE IT!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna raised her hips up a bit before she mmed them down on his pelvis. Johan''s cock entered her whole in an instant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah! Ah~ Tayna!? That! Oh fuck!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s eyes went wide as Tayna dropped all the way down. Her mouth was in an O shape and her eyes were wide open.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He''s in so deep! It''s filling every inch of me!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t move. She couldn''t. All she could do was hold onto his chest and try not to fall off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I''m m-more th-than enough o-of a woman, for MY MAN!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan had a worried look, "Tayna!? Are you ok? Please say something."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-no..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No!?" Johan was getting nervous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m n-not okay... I''m s-so far past okay... Johan... I can''t think straight. Everywhere you touch... it''s driving me crazy! It''s so hot! I-It''s amazing. Argh!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Rip!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna ripped open his shirt to reveal his muscr body. Her nails were digging into his skin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How have I never seen him naked before? I-It''s like he''s a statue! He''s so perfect! And so big! How was I so blind!? Rya is right! He''s perfect and no other woman can have him!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s breathing was heavy, and he couldn''t help himself. He had to move his hips. He grabbed her ass and moved his hips upward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AUNGH!? You''re such a naughty boy!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan grinned, "Sorry. You felt too good not to move. Are you sure you''re okay?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! More than ok! Fuck me, Johan!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I thought you''d never ask, my love," Johan smiled, and he grabbed her ck dress with gold trim. He ripped it off her body with ease.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AUNGH! So strong! I knew you could handle me, Johan! Show me the true power of a man!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t want to hurt you, my love."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You won''t, Johan. Now, stop holding back, and make me your woman."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan began thrusting his hips with a fast and steady rhythm. Making Tayna''s breasts bounce with each thrust. She almost looked like she was riding a horse but with her knees on either side of Johan''s waist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ah~! Ah~! It''s so good! It''s hitting so deep! Johan is fucking me! Johan is FUCKING ME!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna moaned as Johan''s cock went deeper inside her with each thrust. She ced her left hand on his abs and moved her fingers up and down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aunh! So strong," she moaned as her body kept bouncing around with each thrust.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Augh! Tayna, you''re amazing. You feel so good. Your body is so hot. I can''t stop."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, Goddess! More! Fuck me harder! I want it!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re too tight. I can''t keep this up, Tayna," Johan moaned out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then fill me up, my love. Make sure your seed goes as deep as possible. Impregnate me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Guh!? Y-You want my baby?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I want everything you have to offer. Don''t you dare stop! Or I''ll punish you," Tayna smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Alright, my love. If you say so."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan started to fuck her with more force. His cock was going in deeper, and faster than ever before. Her brown hair was iling up and down, and her breasts were bouncing wildly. If her breasts were any bigger then they would be smacking her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aungh! So good!" Tayna cried out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-It''s like my insides are on fire! OH GODDESS! THIS IS BETTER THAN THE FIRST TIME! MORE! I NEED MORE!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck, you''re so tight," Johan moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! I can''t believe I''ve been missing out on this for so long. AUNGH! I was so stupid."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-Tayna... I''m close."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fill me, my love. Impregnate me. I want to feel you inside me forever."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh, TAYNA! I can''t hold back any longer. Take all of my cum!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was thrusting faster, and harder than before. His cock was twitching, and ready to release its load.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AH~! YYYEEESSSS! FILL ME WITH YOUR SEED, JOHAN!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan grunted as his cock bursted inside Tayna. It filled every inch of her pussy and womb. It was so warm, and she could feel his essence flowing through her womb. She snapped her head back and curled her toes as her own orgasm washed over her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OH~! IT''S SO HOT! I CAN FEEL YOUR SEED IN MY WOMB! I-IT''S SPURTING OUT OF ME! YOUR TOO MUCH! Y-YOU''RE TOO BIG!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Take it all, Tayna. This is your reward for being such a good wife."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAHHH~!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">After a few moments of pure bliss, their bodies copsed together in a mess of sweat and cum.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... Haah... Oh, my... That was incredible, my love. I-I don''t think I''ve ever had an orgasm that intense. You''re so perfect," Tayna cooed while she kissed him all over his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You took the words right out of my mouth, Tayna. You''re amazing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. Their tongues danced, and her legs wrapped around his waist.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm... Johan," she moaned softly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I need more. I need to be taught a lesson for denying you for far too long."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am," Johan smiled, and then the two rolled over on the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He was now on top of her, and his cock was still rock hard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tell me if I''m going too hard," Johan said, lifting her left leg up and putting it on his shoulder. Then he thrust his cock in and out at a fast pace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah~! Johan! Aunh!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna moaned, and her breasts were bouncing around again. Johan leaned forward and sucked on her nipples, which only made her moan louder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! Suck on my tits! You''re so naughty!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan smirked and kept sucking. He thrusted his cock in deeper, and Tayna could feel it hitting her cervix.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh~! I LOVE YOU!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan kissed her lips and then her neck. He was moving his hips faster, and Tayna''s whole body was shaking. Her nails dug into his back and scratched it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah! Johan, please! I can''t take it anymore! I''m going to cum again! Ah!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan kissed her lips, and she came.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAHHH~! JOHAN!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re too sexy. I can''t hold it anymore," Johan moaned and then came inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"YYYYYEEEEESSSS! YOUR COCK IS SO GOOD, JOHAN! DON''T STOP!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">After they were finished, the two copsed on the bed in a mess of sweat and cum. Johan was exhausted, but he wasn''t done as he continued to make love to his wife all night long.

 Vol.3 Ch.192 I Think I Like Him

    Vol.3 Ch.192 I Think I Like Him


    <span style="font-weight:400">The sun started to rise up from the horizon. The sounds of people waking up to get to work, mixed with birds chirping filled the air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Inside Tayna''s bed chambery twopletely naked people. One of them was a very satisfied Johan and the other was Tayna who was sleeping on his chest. She had a content smile on her face as she slept.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s hair was messy, and her body was covered in love bites. And as the sun filtered into the room, Tayna started to stir in her sleep.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ugh... I-I feel like a horse and carriage ran me over. Maybe I had too much winest night... And why did I have dreams about Johan having his way with me?... Haah... It must be that stupid dark elf''s fault for putting such lewd thoughts in my mind...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">As Tayna slowly started to wake up, she heard someone else''s breathing next to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She looked to her right and saw Johan lying beside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Johan?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna quickly snapped awake. She sat up and noticed her body was sore. She felt a slight pain between her legs. Her eyes widened when she looked down as she saw the many hickeys all over her body and the blood stains on the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ow! Ow! O-Oh Goddess, what happenedst night?! Why am I naked? Wait... Why is Johan naked!? No, no, no, no, no, no! This can''t be happening! It wasn''t a dream?!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna felt a wave of panic wash over her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''W-We did it... We had sex... Johan took my virginity. A-And I liked it? No... That can''t be right. It was just a mistake... I was drunk... It''s not like I actually enjoyed it. Right?... But... I was the one who pushed him after the third time. A-And he''s a better lover than I expected...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was trying to rationalize her feelings just as Johan started to moan and stretch out his arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s eyes cracked open. He saw Tayna sitting up and staring at him. She looked shocked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s wrong, my love?" He said while rubbing her thigh. His hand sent a shiver down her spine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"J-Johan... We had sex... Y-You and me had... SEX!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, we did," Johan replied and sat up. He noticed all the marks on her body and the dried blood.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait, are you alright? Did I hurt you, my love? I''m sorry."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, I-I''m fine. I''m just a bit sore," Tayna said as she grabbed a pillow to cover her chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you need me to get you anything? Maybe a healing potion? Some breakfast? Whatever you want."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna blushed at Johan''s kindness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"J-Just a healing potion would be fine."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, I''ll be right back," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He got up, and Tayna watched as his muscr ass flexed while he walked away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Goddess... His body is perfect... I had no idea,'' Tayna thought to herself as she stared at his muscr physique.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He went to Tayna''s wardrobe and looking for something to wear. When he opened the door to the wardrobe, a mirror was on the inside of the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan did a double-take when he saw his reflection. ''Whoa! When did I lose my gut? And what''s with the six-pack? Was it from all the lovemaking?'' Johan shook his head, ''It''s not important. Taynaes first.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan grabbed a couple of bathrobes and turned towards his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is it okay if I can borrow this? My clothes seem to have been ripped up."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was broken out of her stupor. Her memories of her ripping open his shirt and pants came rushing back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah, that''s fine. Just grab the pink robe."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks," Johan said and slipped on the robe. He left the room and closed the door behind him. Something about him wearing her robe made her heart skip a beat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ow, ow, ow, ow..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna winced as she got up and put on a white robe. She was having a tough time standing up and limped towards the mirror in her bedroom. She stared at her reflection and saw the many hickeys on her neck and chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn it, Johan. Look at all these love bites. It''ll take weeks for them to fade. And my hips hurt so bad... How can a man be this strong without a mana vein?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna sighed as she took a seat on the sofa and waited for Johan to return. It wasn''t long before Johan returned with the potion. He was still wearing her robe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I went into the emergency medical supply and luckily my father has a potion from the Famous Alchemist Raiden. The bottle had the mark of hispany, ''Crown Pharmacy'', on it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t know the Dule Family had a rtionship with the Crown Pharmacy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How much did that potion cost?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan grimaced, "Well? I believe it''s a twelve-hour healing potion that is fifty thousand gold coins, but it''s the strongest potion for sore muscles and minor wounds."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?! Y-You don''t want to let me use that. Just grab a normal two-day potion."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, no, no. It was my fault that I took your virginity, and I''m going to treat you the way a husband should treat his wife."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan popped the lid open and handed the potion to Tayna. She sighed and grabbed the small vial with blue liquid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''H-He really didn''t need to do this.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna chugged the potion down. "Mmmm..." The potion was bitter, but she quickly felt the soothing sensation flowing into her muscles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, the pain should be gone in twelve hours, right? Thank you," Tayna smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Anytime. So... Are you okay? Was I too roughst night?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A little, but I''m fine. I should be able to walk properly in an hour... I hope."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I-I don''t know what came over me. It was like I was captivated by your beauty. I was mesmerized, and the next thing I knew, we were naked in bed," Johan blushed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked at her left hand, which used to be scarred by a slime, but now it was healed by Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''M-Maybe I wouldn''t have had intercourse with Johan if I still had my scars. Normally, I would have been repulsed at the idea of being close to anyone I don''t trust... Is this what it feels like not to have the fear of physical intimacy?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s okay, Johan. It''s my fault for teasing you. I-I was drunk, I think, and I couldn''t help but notice that you looked different," Tayna admitted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well, you looked... more defined. Your muscles are much bigger. It''s like you''re a warrior," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked down at his body and he couldn''t help but feel awkward. ''Yeah, I don''t know what''s going on with my body either... Wait! Taynaplimented me! She must be starting to like me! Thank you, Goddess!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um, well, thank you," Johan chuckled while he scratched the back of his head and looked away. He wasn''t used to her being kind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-So, is it okay if I can be around you more often?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s right brow raised in question.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean? So, you can have your way with me again?" Tayna asked and folded her arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, no, that''s not what I meant. It''s just, I-I was wondering if we can spend time together more often... L-Like having lunch or, or?... Um, maybe a walk in the garden."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t know why, but seeing a handsome warrior of a man blushing and stumbling over his words was adorable.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is strange... Why am I getting excited at the idea of spending more time with Johan? Am I going mad? B-But he looks so pathetic and cute.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll think about it," Tayna said as a smile cracked on her face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked at her and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, my love. You don''t know how happy I am right now."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, can you be a gentleman and bring me some breakfas~"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock! Knock! Click!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna and Johan got interrupted by Tayna''s personal maid, Kaya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lady, I''m here to help you with your-ACK!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*m!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya panicked when she saw the young lord in her Lady''s chambers. She got too good of a view of Johan''s behind as he was kneeling in front of Tayna. She quickly closed the door to hide his modesty.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-W-What are you doing here?!" Kaya eximed and dropped the towels she was holding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I forgot that I told Kaya that I wanted a bath this morning... This is awkward. Why do I feel embarrassed?'' Tayna thought as she blushed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um... J-Johan was just leaving. Go on, honey. Let me have a bath and I''ll meet you in the dining room for breakfast," Tayna said to her husband.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan felt awkward and didn''t want to leave, but he couldn''t say no to his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright. If you need me, I''ll be waiting for you. Bye, Tayna," Johan said as he came up and kissed her on the forehead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Gah, his kisses are too sweet! What''s going on with me? I need to have a talk with my mother and ask her what''s happening to me.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan walked towards the door that had the maid peeking through the crack. He opened the door and walked out. Kaya didn''t dare look at him as he was wearing only a bathrobe, and it was a pink bathrobe at that.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan turned back and smiled at his wife, "Take your time, Tayna. I''ll make sure to have your favorite breakfast prepared for you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Th-Thank you, honey," Tayna smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why does this feel so weird, yet it feels so nice?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">She hugged the pillow in her arms a little tighter and she couldn''t help but smell it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''His scent is intoxicating.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan left the room, and Kaya closed the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-My Lady, I''m sorry. If I had known he had entered your chamberst night. Then I would have helped you get rid of him... By the Goddess. What has he done to you? Are you okay? I didn''t hear any sounds of distressst night, but you have many hickeys. Are you hurt anywhere else?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya was panicking as she looked over her mistress and checked for any signs of pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna blushed at the sight of her maid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Geez, calm down, Kaya. Don''t embarrass me.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Kaya, I''m fine. He was a little rough, but I''ve been through worse," Tayna said as she gingerly stood up. She felt a dull ache as she hobbled to the bathroom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But, he forced himself on you. If I was here, then I would have given him a piece of my mind," Kaya frowned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna shook her head, "He didn''t force me, Kaya. He might have been aggressive, but..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But what, mydy?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was thinking of the best way to exin what happenedst night.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was... different. It was like, a side of him that I didn''t know existed. A-And it made me curious. I was still afraid of losing my maidenhood, but there was something that made me give in," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That sounds like he used some type of trick on you... Are you sure he didn''t use some type of forbidden aphrodisiac?" Kaya said as she helped steady Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We came straight to my chambers from the dining room. If he had lit an AphroAroma Wick, then everyone who entered the room would have been in an orgy. At least that''s what Lady Aaliyah warned me about."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya knew about the AphroAroma Wicks. They were used to stimte arousal when someone breathes in its fumes. And if more than one person is breathing in the fumes, then everyone who is exposed to the fumes bes a wild animal in heat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, that''s true... But maybe he spiked the wine with subus saliva? Or maybe the subus blood was mixed in the wine."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Kaya! If a subus was on the Agon continent, then there would have beenrge amounts of poption missing from cities across the kingdom," Tayna frowned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, or maybe a shady alchemist finally made a liquid form of-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"KAYA!... You are venturing into the realm of insanity. No form of aphrodisiac is liquid and not a pill or powder. If there was, then it was created by a subus. And a subus won''t make a straight form of an aphrodisiac. They will always make sure to take over the person''s mind with their aphrodisiacs and use them as a food source until they die."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya didn''t have an answer to that.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s brows narrowed in thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well? Maybe Rya was the one who made Johan more aggressive after talking about him being too much of a man for me... I-Is that even possible?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna just shook her head in frustration and gave up on trying to find an answer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let''s forget about that and have my bath."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, mydy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya started up the fae-bath before helping Tayna into the bath.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Owie! Ow!" Tayna squealed in pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya frowned and gently helped her sit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lady, let''s have a quick soak and we''ll see what the doctor has to say."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t need a doctor. Johan gave me a Crown Pharmacy potion. I''ll be fine in twelve hours," Tayna said as she settled in the water and disrobed her white bathrobe, tossing it to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya was amazed by two things, first was the fact that Tayna had no more scars on her body. She was at the tea party when Lady Rya healed her. And second, was the fact that the Dule Family had ess to Crown Pharmacy potions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How did Lord Johan have a Crown Pharmacy potion on hand? It must have cost a fortune!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess it pays to be a part of a Major Noble house. I''m surprised that Lord Johan gave you a potion. Most men will leave their women to deal with the pain," Kaya said as she added bath salts andvender bath bombs to the water. Tayna observed the water changing into a purple-pink color.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''But he didn''t... He worries about me. And if I wasn''t forced to marry him, then I wouldn''t have gotten healed by Lady Rya... Mmmmh... I-I feel like my heart is beating out of control. Why do I feel hot?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya noticed the look of confusion on Tayna''s face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lady, is something troubling you? You are flushed," Kaya said as she leaned forward and touched Tayna''s forehead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna flinched back. "Huh?! Oh, I''m fine, just a bit warm..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya could tell that something was bothering her. It was a simr look she had back before she was married off to Johan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mydy, is everything alright? Does the Lord hurt you? I can call your family''s guards and have him punished."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What? No! He didn''t hurt me on purpose... I-It''s just... Am I a terrible wife? I-I feel so conflicted."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was looking at the ground and didn''t want to look up at her friend and personal maid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya was confused, "Why do you say that? You were married into a terrible situation, my Lady. Even if he''s the first son of a Major Noble house. He still doesn''t have a mana vein to protect you or even himself. Once his father passes away, then his uncle would take over as the Head of the House. Then his uncle will be able to throw him away if he wanted to."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Kaya... I-I think Johan is stronger than I... <i><span style="font-weight:400">we</i><span style="font-weight:400"> give him credit for," Tayna said hesitantly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? And what makes you say that?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Last night... I didn''t know how handsome he was. Under his garments was a chiseled body. It''s like the Goddess herself carved him out of the finest stone. Not to mention the size of his... manhood," Tayna said as she started to blush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya blinked in surprise, "Well, I didn''t get a good look at him when he left your chamber. Why was he wearing one of your robes and not his clothes?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna cringed, "I-In the heat of the moment. I sort of... ripped his clothes..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lady, are you trying to tell me that you stripped him? And you saw his naked body? Did he threaten you and force you to rip his clothes?" Kaya asked as she looked at her mistress with a concerned expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... He didn''t threaten me. I-I climaxed my second time and he let me... be on top. Something came over me when I saw him gritting his teeth after I mmed my hips down on him. It stirred something inside me and I wanted more. Before I knew it, his shirt was ripped open, and his pants were torn apart. He looked so happy that he ripped my clothes off too... I-I don''t know how to describe what I was feeling, but it was exhrating."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna had a smile on her face as she thought aboutst night. Kaya had never seen her mistress smile like that.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, mydy. Do you think he''s good in bed? Does he please you in that aspect?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s face became embarrassed, "I can''t believe I just said all of that! It''s not proper for a Lady to talk like that. Please forget I said anything. We were discussing something else," Tayna said, trying to hide her flushed cheeks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya chuckled, "Alright, we were talking about you being conflicted."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know... Hey Kaya?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Lady?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Am I a bad person for liking Johan?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya blinked, "I''m sorry, mydy. What do you mean by ''liking'' him?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m saying that I might... I want to stay with him. And it scares me. I know he doesn''t have a mana vein, but he''s friends with the crown prince and Lady Rya is a powerful healer that history books haven''t even recorded. The same woman who could kill all of us with a thought. Plus, I don''t think Johan''s weak anymore. There is something more to him. He''s different."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it''s only been a day. And he did all this damage to your body in one intercourse session. So, I would have to agree that he''s not weak."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was more than one session," Tayna whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What was that?" Kaya asked, not hearing her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I said that it wasn''t just one session," Tayna said quietly, not making eye contact with Kaya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re saying that he... climaxed more than once?" Kaya asked in disbelief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah..." Tayna replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you kidding me?! Most men climax once and then they are done. How many times did he..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not sure. I lost count at the fifth time."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya''s mouth became agape in shock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And he didn''t leave you alone after that? I mean he did leave you to get the potion, but he came backter on to check on you," Kaya said, recalling when she opened the door to her mistress''s chambers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He was in my bed all night."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"All night?!" Kaya eximed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... He stayed the whole time," Tayna said as a little smile appeared on her lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya just stared at her mistress and then she realized why she was smiling. Tayna didn''t just like Johan, she was in love with him. And the fact that he cared about her afterst night made her happy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya just nodded, "My Lady, let''s get you washed up so you can have dinner with your husband. And don''t worry, I''ll pick a dress out for you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna just nodded and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''If this is the result, then I don''t mind marrying him again and again. I''m the future Baroness, Tayna Dule, Wife to Lord Johan Dule, and soon to be the mother of the next Head of House Dule. I wonder how many kids we''ll have? I think a few boys and a couple of girls would be nice.'' Tayna thought as Kaya was scrubbing her body and rinsing off the bath salts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya finished cleaning her mistress. And they walked back into the bedroom.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, what type of dress are you interested in wearing today, mydy?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"One that can show off my figure. I''m a married woman now, and I need to make Johan look good."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, mydy," Kaya said as she went to the wardrobe to pull out a few dresses that matched her description.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm... I''ll go with the dark green one."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"An excellent choice, my Lady. Dark green will bring out the color in your hair and eyes. Plus, it matches the color scheme of the House of Dule," Kaya said as she set the dress down and brought out the undergarments. Soon the maid started putting on herdyship''s outfit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was wearing a green dress that hugged her body, and the dress had a slit on the side that showed off her long leg that had ckce stockings on them. She was wearing a ck bra with matching panties and the bra had some extra padding to help lift her breasts up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was wearing green heels that matched her dress. And thest thing was her tiara which symbolizes her rank as the First Lady of House Dule. It was given as a wedding gift from her mother-inw and it was the first time she had ever worn it in public.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you ready to go meet with Lord Johan, mydy?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, thank you, Kaya," Tayna said as she got out of her chair. The pain was slowly going away. But she still had a slight limp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kaya followed her mistress out of her chambers and into the main dining room. Where everyone was waiting for her.

 Vol.3 Ch.193 How Many Pups Will You Carry?

    Vol.3 Ch.193 How Many Pups Will You Carry?


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Tayna was taking a bath. Johan hurried to his chambers, cleaned himself up, and dressed before Lester could walk in. After putting on his clothes, he walked to the main dining room. The table had several tes filled with food. A couple of servants worked around the room, cleaning the tables and chairs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Where''s the Prince and his Lady?" Johan asked a nearby servant.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They areing, milord. They should be here shortly."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan nodded, "Okay."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The servant bowed and continued to work.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana and Nieren were the first to arrive. Yuliana was wearing a white dress and she was also wearing a tiara that signified her rank as a former princess. She was carrying a special satchel that had the three Elder Tree saplings. She had spent thest two decades trying to get them to grow to no avail. It was Rya who noticed that the seeds were poisoned by wyvern blood. And she healed them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren was wearing her Fiafyrian retainer armor. Which was ck leather and was designed for an archer. She was wearing her cloak, of invisibility, and had her bow on her back with a quiver on her left hip. She also had two knives on her thighs and her leather boots had metal tips on the toes. But her beautiful face had two dark spots underneath her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good morning, Lord Johan." Yuliana said in a chipper tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good morning, Princess and... Is your daughter okay?" Johan asked as he noticed Nieren bumping into a chair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana''s chipper attitude turned sour as she looked at her daughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nieren!" She called out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren just grumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My apologies. She didn''t use the earplugs I gave her. I think everyone who was performing mating rituals had kept her up to an unreasonable hour."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan started feeling bad for the young wood elf, for he was one of the culprits.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why are you apologizing? You weren''t the only one."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Still. I can''t imagine what it was like to hear everything around you so easily. But I can understand someone being loud and keeping you up. It can be annoying."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you for understanding, Lord Johan. But my daughter could have done something about it and she''s stubborn in her ways," Yuliana said with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren had sat down and had her head on the table. She was snoring softly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why didn''t she use the earplugs? If you don''t mind me asking?" Johan asked as he was concerned for the poor wood elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haah... She told me that it was her sworn duty to protect Lady Rya. And she thinks she can''t do that with her ears plugged up... Sadly, I think she gets that trait from me," Yuliana shook her head as she looked at her daughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... When I was her age. I thought I knew what was best for my family. My father was the leader of our people and he would tell me to do things smarter and not harder. I didn''t listen to him and did something that made me look like a fool. But luckily I survived it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You don''t have to tell me if you don''t want to," Johan said, not wanting to pressure her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s in the past. Oh! Nieren! Watch out!" Yuliana yelled out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren slipped off her chair and smacked her head against the ground, jolting herself awake.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aaaahhh!" Nieren yelled as she jumped to her feet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ouch. That had to hurt," Johan said as he cringed at the sight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren looked at the human and her mother and saw their concerned looks. "W-What''s wrong? What happened?" Nieren asked as she rubbed the back of her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nothing happened. I just told you to watch out," Yuliana smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mom! It was important to listen for any possible danger," Nieren growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t think there is any danger. At least not at the moment. Unless there is something we should know about," Johan said as he looked at Nieren.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well, when Lady Rya and His Highness are done doing there... passionate love session. They seem to get in a slumber that leaves them vulnerable to attacks."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I see. So, you are just doing your job," Johan responded with a nod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Lord Johan," Nieren smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her mother, though, wasn''t buying it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nieren, stop using Lady Rya''s rtionship with the prince as an excuse for your actions."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But, Mom. She is vulnerable in that state. It''s my job to protect her. And if that stupid dog would just slow down then I could hear my prince''s moans bett~ I-I mean! His Highness and My Lady wouldn''t be at risk from an assassin!" Nieren shouted, as her cheeks were turning bright red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mhm. Well, whatever it is. Just stop it and take better care of yourself. Lady Rya would prefer if you were functional during the day," Yuliana said as she sat down next to her daughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren was mortified that she almost let it slip that she enjoyed listening to them. Especially hearing Quinus'' passionate husky moans. In the beginning, she thought it was disgusting that an elf, albeit a dark elf, was making love to a human. But now she can''t stop herself from fantasizing about the young man. And it was getting worse after Rya healed her mana vein.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ugh. My head," Nieren grumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan just chuckled. He wanted to make another remark but he heard someone elseing into the dining room. He looked over as Dalia and Percy walked in. The wolfkin had a pout on her face while Percy had a big smile on his.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Is something the matter, Lady Dalia," Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph! I finally got the jump on... Gamma this morning but my stubborn stomach hit the corner of the mattress and I fell short. He woke up and proceeded to take the lead!" Dalia said in a huff.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry, My Lord. She likes to be the dominant one during... mating," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that so?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, and she gets disappointed when I offer her to be the dominant one," Percy said with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s because it''s something that is earned, Gamma! Not given! How are you going to respect me if I''m not strong enough to keep you down and ravage you? Grrr! Alpha''s right! I''ve been eating too many sweets! From here on out, it''s only red meat for me," Dalia stated with her head held high while taking a seat at the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy shook his head, "Dalia, just listen to your body and what it needs. Your Alpha is fine with you having sweets every now and then. As long as you bnce it with a healthy diet."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I appreciate your advice, but I need to draw a line. From here on out, you''ll all see a new wolf," Dalia dered, folding her arms across her chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Just then a maid ced a giant tter of pastries, that looked simr to donuts, in the center of the table. Dalia''s nose twitched and her mouth watered. She nced at the maid and snatched one up before the maid could put the tray down on the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Starting tomorrow," Dalia said as she took a bite out of the pastry, and then her eyes rolled up as she groaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"These are so good! Why are they so good!" She moaned as she shoved the entire pastry into her mouth. She leaned back in her chair which showed off her tummy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s eyes went wide and he gulped. While Percy was just watching his lover stuff her face. He''s already seen her eat more than three meals and then some. And her body was mostly the same. But her baby bump had gotten bigger over the past week.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia, please. Use your manners," Yuliana said with irritation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, maybe you humans shouldn''t make such delicious food. I mean look at what it''s doing to my stomach," Dalia said, with her cheeks full.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The sweets aren''t the main culprit you silly wolf! You''re obviously carrying Percy''s pups," Yuliana said with augh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not you too! I''m still young and my heat is a long way off. Mating season isn''t until four months from now," Dalia said as she was trying toe up with excuses.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy smirked before he put his hand on her tummy and rubbed her stomach gently. Dalia tried to get offended that Percy was touching her vulnerable spot but the wolfkin couldn''t fight it as she slouched in her chair. Going into a docile state while she was getting her tummy rubbed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re adorable, Dalia."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No I''m not. I''m a tough wolf."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, you are a very tough wolf. I wonder how many pups we''ll have."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia''s tail started to wag behind her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-As many as I can carry. A-And I will carry as many as I can. A-As long as it makes you happy, G-Gamma."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It would make me very happy, my little wolf," Percy said, smiling at his future mate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone around her just smiled at the cute wolf girl.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia, I know you''re not used to being the submissive one. But I promise to always protect you," Percy said, with his hand on her cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia''s face was bright red and her ears folded back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Alright, Gamma. I-I''ll do my best," Dalia said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan knew how fierce beastkins could be, especially the females. But seeing a female beastkin give into a male was a sight to behold. ''This mighty wolfkin was tamed by her partner''s love.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm. You sure are. I wonder what you''ll be giving birth to?" Percy whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia''s cheeks turned pink as she imagined carrying her lover''s pups. She shook her head and pped Percy''s hand off her belly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha! I never knew how adorable a wolfkin could be," Johan said while observing the cute wolf getting flustered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph! Now everyone thinks I''m cute," Dalia grumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are cute, my love," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shut up."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan and Yuliana smirked while Nieren was rubbing her temples and muttering to herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That damn dog is so pregnant... Why does she keep denying it? I know her sense of smell is better than ours but even we elves can smell your lover''s stench permeating off you. She stinks of his musk and the scent of her growing womb makes it obvious... Ugh, I need a drink. Or maybe... I should use the damn earplugs that mother gave me. Damn them and their loud moans..." Nieren mumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Nieren, are you feeling okay?" Yuliana asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, mother. Just peachy," Nieren grumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, the door opened to Rya and Quinus stepping in with rejuvenated looks on their faces.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana, Percy, and Johan stood up to greet the two. Nieren slowly rose up, her eyes were a bit dark around the edges.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good morning, my Lord and Lady," Percy, Johan, and Yuliana said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dalia got up and greeted them, "Good morning, Alpha and Beta."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Morning... Sorry to keep you all waiting. But the bath was divine," Quinus said as he and Rya took their seats.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren yawned and rubbed her eyes, "M-Morning."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled, "So? I see you didn''t use the earplugs."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-Sorry, Lady Rya. I-I couldn''t sleep well. S-So, I thought I would... keep watch," Nieren stuttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana just shook her head while Rya nced at her friend.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nieren. Give me your hands," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? W-Why?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I just want to see something."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay," Nieren said whileplying.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She put her hands on the table and Rya ced her hands on top of the Wood Elf''s. Rya summoned her void healing magic and channeled it into the Wood Elf''s body. Her eyes glowed a soft blue as her mana traveled through her and into her body. Nieren gasped at the warmth of herdy''s mana. Soon the dark bags under her eyes faded away and her face became more vibrant. She could feel the weight lift off her shoulders and her mood brightened up. Rya cut off the mana flow and her eyes returned to normal. Nieren smiled and was about to talk when her head came down and smacked the table.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-Nieren!? W-What did you do to my daughter?" Yuliana shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yikes... Looks like she didn''t have much sleepst night. I just healed her, but I guess the difort was keeping her awake. I''m sorry, Yuliana," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana looked at her sleeping daughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She looks so peaceful. It is disrespectful but thank you, Lady Rya. Please forgive my rudeness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There''s nothing to forgive, Yuliana. I should have taken her to a bedroom first," Rya said, with a sad smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lord, My Lady, breakfast is served," a maid said as she brought the food into the dining hall.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan asked a few servants to take Nieren to her room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Breakfast consisted of steak, sausage, potatoes, bacon, and eggs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wow. That looks good," Rya said as she took a deep breath of the scent.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes indeed," Quinus agreed. He looked over to Johan and noticed that he looked better. His features became more defined and his face looked like that of a male model. Quinus softly elbowed Rya''s arm and pointed at Johan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Did you get the chance to see his mana vein? He definitely looks different," Quinus whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at Johan and slipped her fingers into her cleavage. It took her a second to pull out the Seer Stone from her secret hiding spot and brought it to her right eye. She looked through the demonic monocle and her eyes widened.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"His vein is elite ranked," Rya whispered back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded as he looked at his friend, "Well, he''ll be happy to know that he can be a Maja warrior."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, he has a mage''s vein too... and it''s a rare color," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus''s jaw dropped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you serious?" he whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, take a look," Rya whispered back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya handed Quinus the Seer Stone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do I need to do anything to make it work?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just channel a little mana into it. Not too much. The thing is sensitive," Rya exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Understood," Quinus said, nodding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He held the seer stone to his eye and was amazed at the sight. There was a giant blue vein running along Johan''s spine and then there were a bunch of smaller veins extending out from the glowing blue one. These veins spread throughout and connected to other parts of his body. These smaller veins were pulsating purple.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What type of mage is he?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I need to double-check the tomes but if my memory is correct. Then he''s an illusion mage, a very rare one at that," Rya said while thinking about how those veins pulsated, "Yeah, his mage''s vein is a rare variant of illusion mage. I''ll check my notes just to make sure."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus lowered the seer stone and gave it back to Rya. Who slipped it back into her cleavage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''ll give him the newster. I think he deserves it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled and nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group enjoyed their meal. Rya and Percy shared some of their food with Dalia. Which made the Wolfkin happy and her tail was wagging the entire time. And just as everyone was almost finished the doors opened to a limping Tayna with two maids escorting her.

 Vol.3 Ch.194 Indecent Exposure

    Vol.3 Ch.194 Indecent Exposure


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry I''mte, My Lord, My Lady," Tayna said, as she bowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No worries. Please, take a seat," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was happy to see his wife. He was beginning to worry that she wasn''t going to show at first. Then his eyes wandered over her body as she was wearing clothes that weren''t her usual conservative fare. He admired the way her dress fit her figure perfectly. The way her hips moved with every step she took. And how her breasts would bounce with each movement, even though she wasn''t as graceful as usual, which was his fault. He could feel his dick stirring in his pants.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She took her seat next to her husband and kissed his cheek. "Morning, dear."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Morning, sweetie," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was giving Tayna a coy smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-Morning, Lady Rya, Prince Quinus," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Morning, Tayna," Rya and Quinus said in unison.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maid cleared the table of some dirty dishes and left.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna, you seem to be walking around gingerly? Did you sleep funnyst night?" Rya asked with a hint of mischief in her voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna red at her husband which made Johan''s smile turn upside down with guilt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, I didn''t. It''s just my husband was a little too excitedst night," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s face had started to sweat from his forehead. He was worried that Tayna was going to scold him in front of Quinus and Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why are you being hard on him? Did he not satisfy you?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No, he was quite good. I just had trouble sleepingst night because he woke me up again."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, you were woken up multiple times? Seems like he was a bit too much of a Man for��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m more than enough woman for him! And he''s mine! Eep..." Tayna covered her mouth after her outburst. Everyone at the table had their eyes widen from Tayna''s outburst. Rya looked at Johan with a raised brow, who looked back at her sheepishly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya giggled, "Good... You deserve a good man like Johan. I''m sure you two will be happy together."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s re faded and her cheeks burned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks... Lady Rya. I won''t judge you ever again," Tayna mumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good to hear, because you have a very nice ass. I can see why Johan wanted to ravage it," Rya added with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan choked on his drink while Tayna wanted to retort, but she secretly tried to check her butt with one of her hands and she blushed hard after squeezing her butt cheek. She straightened herself and coughed into her hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-If you say so, Lady Rya," Tayna said bashfully.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re wee," Rya said with a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana was ring at Rya, but she didn''t care. She loved seeing people getting flustered and embarrassed after they gave her a hard time. It was something she developed after bing a female dark elf.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''God, I can be such a bitch... But it''s so much fun. Heh... But now I understand why some women like being a bitch... It''s needed sometimes to put someone in their ce. I just can''t push it or Tayna will be pissed. Like how a certain elf is looking at me right now,'' Rya thought with a smug smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"re at me all you want, Yuliana. I needed to make sure that Tayna was satisfied."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, that gives you the right to forgo your etiquette training? Or your manners, mydy?" Yuliana said, coldly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, it doesn''t... You''re right, Yuliana. I should have minded my manners. My apologies, Tayna, for myck of decorum," Rya said, sincerely.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was surprised.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um... Apology epted, My Lady," Tayna said, nodding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, I see you are still walking around gingerly. Would you like it if I healed you, Tayna? I''m sure I could fix that up for you," Rya offered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But Johan offered me one of the Crown Pharmacy potions this morning," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-It''s fine. I didn''t want to assume that Lady Rya would heal you out of the blue. So, it isn''t a waste if she heals you, sweetie," Johan added.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? You took a potion. Well, I''ll do it anyway. Call it an apology for my rude behavior." Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Um... If you''re okay with that. Thank you," Tayna said, shyly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My pleasure," Rya said, as she stood up from her chair, walked over to Tayna, and grabbed her hand, "This will be quick. Don''t move, okay."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya channeled her mana into Tayna. Soon all the love bites, aches, and pains were healed. Rya cut off the flow and her eyes returned to normal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How do you feel?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A lot better," Tayna said, as she stretched her limbs, "Thank you, Lady Rya."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna shifted in her seat and felt a jolt of pleasure shoot up her spine and her butt cheeks swayed in her chair. Her eyes widened and she could feel the blush returning to her cheeks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is something wrong?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-Nothing. Nothing is wrong," Tayna stammered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked over her body and noticed that Tayna''s pain was gone, but herher region was still feeling the effects of the after-sex. Rya could easily cure that, but she didn''t. She thought it would help her to fall more in love with Johan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you say so, Tayna."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya moved away from her and sat back down. While Tayna was trying not to move too much in her seat. She could feel her clit getting aroused and she could feel her pussy getting wet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I should have refused! Rya got rid of the pain but my vagina is still recovering from Johan''s assault,'' Tayna thought as her cheeks turned crimson.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan, we will be departing in the next hour or two. So, please be ready to see us off," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course, your Highness," Johan said, nodding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The group soon finished their breakfast and everyone headed to their rooms to grab their things. While Johan had Tayna stay behind as he needed to have a conversation with her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna," Johan said, in a serious tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, dear," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you okay? I thought Lady Rya healed youpletely. Why are you still moving gingerly?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna tried shifting in her seat but was met with the same pleasure shooting up her spine and her clit being teased by the padding in the chair. The sensation made her bite her lip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m fine, honey," Tayna said in a weak voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re still in pain?" Johan asked with concern. He stood behind her and started rubbing her shoulders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna leaned back and moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, it''s not pain, it''s pleasure. And I''m fine, dear. I just need a minute," Tayna moaned out as she arched her back and pushed her tits out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Upon hearing this, Johan had a coy smirk on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? So, it''s pleasurable, huh? Are you sure you''re okay?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah. Just need a minute," Tayna groaned out, "I don''t know how to describe it. It''s like myher region is still sensitive and tender. And every movement I make sends waves of pleasure through my body."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm? Oh, I know what the problem is," Johan said, nodding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really?! What is it?!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya healed the physical damage, but my wife''s body is still sensitive fromst night''s passion," Johan said, as he rubbed her shoulders and neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ooooh! J-Johan!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shhh, let me handle this, sweetie," Johan whispered as he began to massage her neck, shoulders, and ears.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He started rubbing the spot behind her ear and her neck. This was sending shivers of pleasure through her body. She could feel her clit getting excited, her pussy was bing moist, and her nipples were bing so erect that they were poking against the dress.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ohhhhh, Johan," Tayna moaned, arching her back and leaning her head back which caused her to push her chest forward. Her bosoms were threatening to burst out of her dress.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"See, there''s the issue. I should fix this up for you, sweetie," Johan whispered, as he continued massaging her ears and neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna could only moan as the pleasure was overtaking her mind. She wanted to protest, but the words were stuck in her throat. All she could do was moan and pant while her braided hair was being yed with by Johan''s hand. Then she felt her left earlobe being sucked on by his lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ooooh, J-J-Johannnn," Tayna moaned as she tilted her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let me make love to you, sweetie. I will give you a good morning fuck," Johan whispered into her ear. He could see her cheeks turning redder as she panted heavily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We shouldn''t... we need to meet up with everyone," Tayna whimpered, weakly. The shoulder sleeves of her dress were threatening to fall off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come now, Tayna, let''s have some fun. Besides, I want to thank you for being such a good wife. I promise I will be gentle," Johan said, smiling as he continued to massage her shoulders, neck, and ears.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I mustn''t... At least not here! Aunh! Goddess! Johan is too good at this!'' Tayna thought, as her cheeks burned hotter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She tried to resist, but her willpower was quickly crumbling. Her eyes were starting to ze over, and her legs were beginning to rub together. Her clit was being teased and she could feel her pussy lips quivering.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm, mmm, mmm, mmm," Tayna moaned, trying to keep her mouth shut.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on, sweetie, you know you want to. Let me love you," Johan whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No! I-I can''t... No! N-Ngh! N-No,'' Tayna''s inner thoughts screamed while the shoulder sleeves of her dress slowly slipped down her arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s mind was going nk. The only thing she could focus on was Johan''s hands and his breath on her skin. Her breathing became erratic as she struggled to hold back her moans. Johan decided to make the next move and slowly moved his hands downward, massaging her corbone, then down her cleavage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nggghhh, mmm, mmm, nnnggghhh!" Tayna moaned, biting her lip harder. She normally would have told him off but instead, she slowly thrust her bosoms upwards and opened her legs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is bad! This is really, really bad! Why can''t I stop?!'' Tayna thought as her brain was bing cloudy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan could see her bosoms were almost spilling out of her bra, and her skirt had a moist spot between her legs. Her cheeks were a bright red color and she was biting her bottom lip. He knew he was winning her over and decided to make his move.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My poor sweetie. You look like you''re about to burst," Johan whispered as his hands slid down inside her dress and grabbed a handful of herrge breasts. Tayna''s eyes went wide as she moaned loudly. She felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her body. Her nipples were so erect that they poked his fingers, and her pussy was getting wetter by the second.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No fair! You can''t touch them like this," Tayna groaned, "Please, let''s not do this here!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But you''re so cute and sexy when you''re all horny," Johan cooed as he rubbed his thumbs across her nipples. Tayna leaned her head back into Johan''s chest and moaned louder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"J-Johan, p-please, this is too embarrassing," Tayna pleaded, but she couldn''t deny the fact that she was getting wetter and hotter by the second.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"There''s nothing to be embarrassed about. It''s perfectly natural to feel aroused when you''re near someone you love. It''s even better when you''re married and know that your partner loves you," Johan whispered in her ear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ooooooooh," Tayna moaned as her will gave in to Johan''s advances. In response, she reached her left hand up to grab the hair on the back of Johan''s head. She pulled him into a passionate kiss while he massaged her bosoms and yed with her nipples.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm, mmm, mmm, mm," Tayna moaned into his mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on, sweetie, I''m getting hard," Johan said in a low husky tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Images of Johan''s cock shed through her mind and her cheeks were burning hotter. Her legs spread wider and her pussy was soaking wet. She could feel her clit throbbing with pleasure. Her mind was racing at the thought of giving in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No," Tayna said, weakly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan kissed her lips and slid his tongue into her mouth. Tayna moaned loudly and her hands grabbed onto his hair tightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No, p-please," Tayna whimpered, after breaking out of the kiss, "I-I can''t take this anymore. It''s your fault that I''m this way."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s the idea, my dear. I want you to feel good and be satisfied. It''s my job as your husband to make sure you''re happy," Johan said as he lifted her onto her feet and kicked the chair to the side. He bent her over the dining room table and lifted her dress up over her ass, exposing her, round, and supple butt cheeks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh!" Tayna moaned as her bosoms pressed against the cold table. She looked back and saw him taking off his pants and underwear, freeing his 10-inch erection.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''It''s bigger!? When did it get that big?!'' Tayna thought as her cheeks burned a dark shade of red.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You look so beautiful, my dear," Johan said, admiring her round ass and supple butt cheeks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-Shut up and fix me, you bastard! It''s your fault that I''m this way!" Tayna cried out, trying to sound angry. She was actually loving this attention and wanting more. Johan just chuckled and rubbed the head of his cock against her slick, dripping-wet pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Ahh!" Tayna cried out, bucking her hips forward, trying to force him to prate her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now, now, let''s not get impatient, my dear. I don''t want to injure you," Johan whispered, rubbing her clit with his thumb.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"P-Please, please, please, I can''t wait any longer," Tayna begged, wiggling her butt at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, but don''t me me if you''re in pain," Johan said as he slowly pushed his cock into her soaking-wet pussy. And unlikest night, this time she could savor the sensation of having his cock slowly entering inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nnngh, g-goddess, you''re so big," Tayna groaned as he entered her fully.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You feel so good, sweetie. I''m almost all the way in," Johan whispered, holding her hips firmly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna moaned loudly and gripped the table tightly. She felt the head of his cock hit her womb and a shudder ran through her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her mouth was open but no words wereing out. She was gasping for air.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re so tight, my dear. You feel so good," Johan whispered as he slowly thrust in and out of her, letting her get used to his size.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh... My... GAWDDESS! IT FEELS SO GOOD!'' Tayna''s inner thoughts screamed. She could barely think straight. Her mind was nk, all she could focus on was how good his cock felt inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-Ngggh," Tayna moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Does it hurt?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No! Stop asking me questions and keep fucking me!" Tayna demanded, trying to sound angry again. But she was secretly loving every moment of this.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, ma''am," Johan said as he began thrusting faster.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna gasped and moaned as her breasts rubbed against the table, sending pleasurable shocks throughout her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is better thanst night! Goddess, I''m going crazy! I can''t think straight! This is wrong but it feels so right! Oh, Goddess, please forgive me! But I need this! I need... NO! I DON''T NEED IT! I WANT IT! I WANT JOHAN! I''M HIS WIFE!'' Tayna''s mind screamed. Her hands gripped the edge of the table, holding onto it for dear life. Her hips rocked back and forth, trying to match his thrusts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"G-Goddess! You''re so deep inside me," Tayna gasped with joy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, and you''re so tight. It feels like your womanhood is sucking me in," Johan whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahhhhhh," Tayna moaned, bucking her hips forward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''G-Goddess! H-He''s the one! I don''t care if he doesn''t have a mana vein! I-I... I love him!'' Tayna''s inner thoughts were a flurry of emotions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s it, my dear. Enjoy yourself. You''re mine now," Johan whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn it. How does he keep talking and making me feel better?! I''m going to go insane if this keeps up!'' Tayna''s mind was a jumbled mess. She was fighting the urge to scream and cry out in ecstasy. She noticed a cloth napkin on the table. She grabbed it and bit down on it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I think you''re ready," Johan whispered as he sped up his thrusting.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna felt him thrust even deeper into her. She moaned loudly, and her pussy clenched around his shaft.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ohhhhh, yessssss," Johan groaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna arched her back and her ass pressed against his pelvis.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''HE''S A BEAST OF A MAN! HE''S MINE AND I DON''T CARE WHO KNOWS! HE''S FILLING ME UP AND MAKING ME GO INSANE WITH PLEASURE!'' Tayna''s inner thoughts were all over the ce. If she didn''t have the napkin in her mouth, she''d be screaming out in pure pleasure. She could feel her climaxing closer and closer. Her body was tensing up, and her breathing was getting heavier.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Ohhhh, G-GODDESS, I-I''m about to...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s feet curled up and her heels slipped out of her shoes, causing her to lose her bnce. Johan wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her upright against him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''OHHHH, HE''S HOLDING ME LIKE A LOVER!'' Tayna''s inner thoughts screamed joyfully. Her toes were clenched. Her legs were shaking. Her body was tense and her pussy was gripping his cock tightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hnnngh," Tayna groaned as she orgasmed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oooh, goddess! I''m cumming, Tayna!" Johan groaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna gasped. His cock pulsated inside her, filling her womb with his hot, thick semen. She could feel her body shudder and her pussy squeeze his shaft tightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I FEEL IT! I FEEL HIS SEED BURSTING INTO MY WOMB! IT''S FILLING ME! OOOOH, YES, YESSS!'' Tayna''s inner thoughts were lost in a swirl of ecstasy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s head tilted forward and her body rxed. She closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the moment. She felt his warm semen fill her womb and her entire body rxed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahhhh, Goddess," Tayna breathed, letting the napkin fall from her mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was beginning to pull his cock out. But Tayna grabbed his arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"P-Please... Don''t pull out just yet," Tayna whimpered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan stopped. "Okay. If that''s what you wish, my love."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna gasped. ''Did he call me "my love"?'' She felt her heart flutter and her cheeks burn a dark shade of red. She smiled widely. Everything seemed right in the world until Tayna and Johan heard some silverware clinking off the floor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s eyes snapped open and she looked to the left. She saw three young maids staring at them with wide eyes and red cheeks. Tayna noticed that they were staring mostly at Johan with a bit of envy in their eyes and it made her furious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU STILL HERE!? YOU DARE STAND THERE AND WATCH ME AND MY HUSBAND IN OUR PRIVATE MOMENT!?" Tayna roared, making the three maids flinch in fright.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-T-The dining room needs cleaning, m-m-ma''am," a blond human maid said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GET OUT!!!" Tayna shouted, feeling Johan''s cum leak out of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three young maids yelped and scrambled to their feet and quickly made their escape from the room.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HOW DARE THEY!" Tayna roared, and then she gasped. ''Oh no! They''re going to spread rumors about me and my husband!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was feeling embarrassed. It was his fault for not keeping his voice down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry, my love," Johan said, feeling guilty for getting her in trouble.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s anger and fear faded and she looked at Johan with a warm smile. She put her hand on his cheek and gently caressed his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have nothing to apologize for, Johan... But maybe next time we should do this in our bedroom. I-It''s a lot more... Private," Tayna said, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Johan''s face burned. He didn''t expect her to say that.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Umm... I will do better in the future," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked into his eyes and her heart raced. "I can''t believe this is real. You''re real, right?" Tayna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As real as you are, my dear," Johan said, leaning in and kissing her softly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna blushed as she returned the kiss.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m... I''m d," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She couldn''t help but smile at him. He was hers and she would not let him go.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna turned and looked at the table, which was a mess. She wanted to say something about it but she felt Johan pulling up the sleeves of her dress.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What are you doing?!" Tayna eximed, not used to this treatment.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fixing up your dress. I can''t have you shing yourself to the rest of the staff... Even if your bosoms are glorious," Johan said as he finished fixing her dress. Tayna''s eyes went wide as her face flushed dark red and she felt the fabric covering up her breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''HE REALLY THINKS MY BREASTS ARE GLORIOUS?!'' Tayna''s inner thoughts screamed with joy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked into his eyes. His eyes were filled with adoration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''H-He really does love me! Oh, goddess, he''s so perfect. I-If need be... I''ll protect his title for the barony... Maybe I can learn how to fight so I can protect him,'' Tayna''s thoughts ran wild.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna, are you alright?" Johan asked after seeing her cheeks were flushed and her breathing was heavy. Tayna''s mind was filled with so many different thoughts. All of them had Johan in them, which made her smile widely.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m fine. L-Let''s get out of here. So the staff can clean up," Tayna said as her mind was still running wild with thoughts of her husband.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Should I talk to Lester about those maids?" Johan asked as he helped to straighten up her hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Oh, them? Let them talk. But if I see them staring at you with lust in their eyes... Well, they won''t live to regret it," Tayna said, giving a wicked smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan gulped. He wasn''t used to this possessive side of his wife. It was kind of scary, but it also was a turn-on for him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna, you''re scary when you are angry," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She pouted, puffing out her cheeks, and looking away from him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re such a dummy. If I don''t do something, then those hussies will try to do something with you," Tayna said, sounding a bit childish.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan smirked, ''She''s worried that I would leave her for a younger woman. Not gonna happen.'' Johan hugged Tayna and gave her a quick peck on the lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You have nothing to worry about, Tayna. You''re the only woman who can have my heart. Even if theye at me in droves, I''ll send them all packing. You have my heart and I don''t want anyone else," Johan whispered, making her melt into his embrace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Aunh!? H-He''s going to make me climax with only his words?!'' Tayna''s inner thoughts panicked. She took in his scent and she calmed down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna pulled him in and hugged him tight. "Promise me you''ll never leave me," Tayna whimpered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I promise. No matter what happens, I''ll be by your side," Johan whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Oh, goddess, why is he so perfect? Six years... Six years I''ve been married to him and I''ve been nothing but a failure as a wife. And now... Now I finally have him, and he''s everything I''ve ever wanted,'' Tayna thought. She looked up at him and kissed him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Knock! Knock!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahem!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">They both broke the kiss and looked to their side. Lester and the three maids were standing there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m d your lordship anddyship are enjoying yourselves. But the dining room needs to be cleaned," Lester said, sounding a bit embarrassed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The three maids were ring at the future Baroness and she red right back but then gave them a coy smile. ''Jealousy?... I know you three are jealous that I have Johan all to myself. Don''t you even dare think of getting between us,'' Tayna thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah, sorry, Lester. We were just getting ready to see the Prince and hispanions off," Johan said, letting go of Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I believe they will be ready to leave within the hour," Lester said, motioning the maids to get to work.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna hugged Johan''s right arm. "Come on, Johan. I want to see the Prince off," Tayna said, pulling her husband along.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Tayna, I can walk on my own," Johan chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, it''s your fault that I''m this way now and you said that you love me, so you''re going to have to deal with this," Tayna giggled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Lester rolled his eyes as the maids gave a disgusted look at Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She didn''t want to be breathing the same air as his Lordship''s for thest six years and now she is suddenly madly in love with him?!'' Lester thought as he followed after them. Once they were out of sight the maids began to talk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s like she''s trying to seduce him," the blonde hair maid whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shhh! She might be listening," a brte maid shushed the blonde.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That bitch has been cold towards his lordship for six years. Now suddenly she''s all over him," the ck-haired maid grumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You saw how big he was. No woman could handle that," the blonde maid said, remembering the size of his Lordship''s member ramming into his Ladyship''s pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... She must have never seen his manhood before and she is now obsessed with it," the brte maid said with a hint of envy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The blonde maid sighed. "Why can''t a man like his Lordshipe and have his way with me?" the maid asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''ll get over it, Anna. You need to focus on your work. Not some rich lord that could have any woman he wanted," the ck-haired maid said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Anna, the blonde maid, huffed. "But what if he falls in love with me? And then I��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It isn''t happening, Anna. Besides, his lordship has a wife, and she has him wrapped around her little finger. She may have been stupid before, but now that she knows that his Lordship is a stud. She''s going to protect what''s hers," the brte said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Anna pouted. "Fine, fine. I''ll just have to be subtle about it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Anna, you''re ying with a dragon here. If Lady Tayna gets the slightest whiff of your flirting. She will make you pay in ways you can''t imagine," the ck-haired maid said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Bri, it will be fine. I can make him fall in love with me," Anna said, smiling widely.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Brianna, the ck-haired maid, sighed. "I''m going to ask to be transferred to a different manor," Brianna said while grabbing a washcloth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll join you, Bri," the brte maid, whose name was Rachel, said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Anna scoffed, "Cowards!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The other two shook their heads as they began cleaning the table and ced down some clean silverware, while Anna cleaned out the firece.

 Vol.3 Ch.195 The Queen Wishes to see Rya.

    Vol.3 Ch.195 The Queen Wishes to see Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">General Dous, Sir George, and the rest of the knights were checking their supplies. Percy showed up with his and Dalia''s luggage. He gave it to the two dwarves who ced it in their carriage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Richard. What more do we have on our journey?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Richard is a knight with the rank of captain. He became the best swordsman in the Fiafyr army, once Sir Mathew left the kingdom with his wife. The only other knight that could challenge him was Lady Nelumbo. But she took the position of the Queen''s personal knight and bodyguard after she gave birth to her son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Richard is a human male who has brown hair, grey eyes, a scar across his left eye, and arge muscr build.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We have a 2-day journey by horse to get to Eldermyst City and a 2-day journey from there to the next town within the Maldurian Domain."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''re stopping at the town of Lomar? Why not continue the rest of the way to the Capital city?" asked Percy with confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are stopping there because His Majesty would like us to meet with the Queen," Sir Richard exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Why is the Queen meeting with us at Lomar?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She will be taking a small entourage of soldiers with her to... Greet Lady Rya. She wants to ensure she''s not a threat to the kingdom. But I think she''s more concerned about her son... It''s probably going to be another interrogation for Lady Rya," Sir Richard sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Interrogation? Are they going to torture her?" Percy asked, fearing the worst.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No!? She''s going to meet her in person. And since the General was the first step, she''s the second. If we show up in the capital with a dark elf. Then there might be a panic and who knows which nobles will want to start a war over a dark elf. But if we can prove that she''s not a threat and that the goddess herself has spoken to her. Well, the people will have no choice but to ept her," Sir Richard exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How will the Queen prove her innocence?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s only a question she can answer," Sir Richard said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Should we inform Lady Rya?" Percy asked George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ll tell her and His Highness when we are about to depart," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I still can''t believe that I got to witness a dark elf. They''re far more pleasant than I was told. Maybe there''s a misunderstanding about their kind," Sir Richard said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... It makes me wonder why everyone believes that they''re evil. When the only ones I''ve met have been nothing but nice," Percy said, thinking of the times he''s spent with Rya. She was the one to help him fall in love with Dalia. And he was forever grateful. Even though he''s been getting restless nights over this past month, but he kinda liked it. It reminded him of his mother''s training, back when he was a kid. His mother always told him that this type of training would help him be stronger, to protect himself and the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... Queen Rianna isn''t going to know what hit her," Sir Georgeughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean?" Percy asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Percy... You seen how Lady Rya turns someone, who is hostile towards her and then they''re friends with her. Just like what happened to Lady Tayna," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Percy nodded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah. I thought it was going to get ugly yesterday. And when Lady Rya offered me to join them for their tea party. I noticed how Lady Tayna wasn''t pleased at all and I didn''t want anything to do with that," Percy said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then at dinner, it was like that girl was a whole new person. She was chatting away with Lady Rya as if they were always friends," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She really is something. It''s like she has a natural charisma," Percy said while nodding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''ll have to take your word for it. But we need to pack the rest of our supplies. The General has said that we are leaving in the next half-hour," Sir Richard said, walking away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George and Percy continued to talk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Go and get your girlfriend''s things. I''ll get His Highness''s gear and ce it into the carriage," Sir George ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, sir," Percy said, rushing off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George went to his private chambers in the barracks and packed his items before heading to the prince''s guest room to grab his luggage. Normally the servants would do this. But with how "high stakes" things were, George couldn''t risk any chance of a spy ruining things for the prince and his Lady.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Rya were in the Prince''s room and having a discussion when Sir George showed up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I thought you two would be finished. It''s almost time to leave," Sir George said, cing his bag down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry, we were waiting for Johan and Tayna to finish... Doing some private things," Rya said, giggling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George sighed, "So, you are saying that Johan has found a way into Tayna''s private parts?... Dammit! I had the perfect n for him to save his rtionship. All that work I did overnight was a waste. Oh, well," Sir George shrugged his shoulders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Did you really have a n to save his rtionship with Tayna?" Rya asked, curiously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I nned for Johan to get her nice and drunk then he would need to shower her with gifts and then he would need to ignore her so shees to him," Sir George said, rubbing his chin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Rya looked at each other, then back at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What?" Rya asked, looking confused.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George. You''ve had bad ideas in the past, but this one has gone to a whole nother level. Trying to use alcohol to get your way is bad. Really bad," Quinus said, shaking his head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? The idea isn''t to do everything to her in that state. The whole idea is to nt these things in the target''s subconscious and then act like you never did those things. It will cause them toe to you when you act like you''re no longer interested," Sir George said as if his idea wasn''t stupid.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shook her head, "George. Stop referring to women as targets. We''re not some kind of game to you. And even if your idea could work. The reason why Tayna was ignoring her husband was two reasons. First, she has some really bad scarring all over her left side thanks to a monster attack. Second, she worried about Johan not having a mana vein. Andstly, I think she''s gotten bad advice about intercourse. It''s a gut feeling, but she was a twenty-five-year-old virgin. That''s not by mistake."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded his head, "Yeah, I read some of those books when I was a child. It''s archaic, to say the least. Saying men can onlyst for 30 seconds and we will leave them unsatisfied. While women only feel pain and difort the whole time. And that the only pleasurees from poetry and gifts. Yeah, the writer had to be an unsatisfied woman."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That sucks," Rya said, sighing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George looked at them with skepticism.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I guess you win again, my Lady. But Mark my words, someday I will surpass you in the art of matchmaking. And I''ll be the one getting the credit," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, sure you will," Quinus mocked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya giggled, "George, we can''t be good at everything. Plus your methods might make predators, instead of gentlemen. Your ideas always sound great in your head, but maybe you should try to get a girlfriend first, before you go around trying to get all the single men and women together.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George just shook his head. That''s when he recalled Sir Richard''s warning about seeing the Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, by the way, the Queen is going to meet us along the road. She''ll meet us at Lomar," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus did a double take, "What does my mother want?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Apparently, she wants to meet Lady Rya," Sir George answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is she nning something?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She wants to make sure, Lady Rya is on the up and up. But with how skilled she dealt with the General and Lady Tayna. I''m sure she''ll pass whatever Queen Rianna has nned for her. It makes one wonder what her ns are. And it seems like the Queen isn''t taking any chances. She''s bringing a full escort of her knights with her," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked over at Rya, "Well, are you ready to meet my mother?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at George then back to Quinus, "Is there something I should know?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, my mother is a cunning woman. When she has her doubts, she will do anything to make sure she knows everything... And she may be a little overprotective of me after there was a few attempts on my life," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya gave a nervousugh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She sounds like a tough woman... Hold on!? You said someone tried to im your life, three times?" Rya asked, looking a little worried for Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness... You forgot to add thest attempt in the Tomb of the Horde," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha... Ha... Y-Yeah, I forgot Marcus tried to leave us for dead in thebyrinth. It slipped my mind after seeing Rya for the first time," Quinus said as he gave Rya a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya blushed a little, "Y-Yeah, you were lucky that I was stuck in thebyrinth. A-And that I found you attractive."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked hurt, "So, you wouldn''t have saved us if I wasn''t good-looking."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya rolled her eyes, "Jerk. You know what I mean."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, and I''m the jerk," Quinusughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahem, can we get back to the subject at hand?" Rya asked, turning her face away from him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Which subject? My mother or the people who have tried to kill me in the past?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Both. Now tell me everything I need to know," Rya ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded, "Okay. I guess I''ll talk about the past so you can get an understanding of my mother and father.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"First, my father was given the heir to the throne over my uncle due to him having my grandfather''s golden eyes. Which is a Meredydd family trait."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya gave Quinus a questioning look, "So your uncle is the older brother, but he wasn''t chosen. Because your grandfather wanted the best heir for the throne. And your father was better suited?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head, "It was the Major Nobles that made the decision. The majority of Major Nobles at the time thought that my uncle was the offspring of infidelity due to his gray eyes and gray hair. So, when my father showed up and was born with the Meredydd Family''s golden eyes and reddish brown hair, they immediately made him the heir to the throne. And my Uncle ric, who was the rightful heir, was pushed aside and was forced to take my grandmother''s maiden name."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was starting to put two and two together.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So your uncle tried to assassinate you, so he can have the throne, aye? And your mother is worried about a simr attempt from someone else in your family?" Rya asked, looking worried.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed, "You''re close, but a little off, babe. First, my uncle was trying to get the throne for my cousin. Because my mother had seven miscarriages before having me. And everyone was worried that she couldn''t produce a proper heir."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your father couldn''t take a mistress?" Rya asked. She knew about the history of nobility back on Earth taking mistresses in hopes of siring a son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George chimed in, "It had to do with keeping the peace in the kingdom. I was a child at the time, but when King Armond Meredydd passed on. ric, with the help of his mother, was gaining support from the minor lords, and Cyndre, being the kind soul that he was, felt bad for his older brother. He agreed to a deal to take only one wife and no mistresses."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold on? Why did Quin''s father make this deal?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George took a seat in one of the chairs and crossed his arms, "Well, the new Prime Minister that came into power was Marquess Duval. He tried to act as the neutral party but he was the one who wrote a proposal and he put in a use saying that ric could only take one wife as well."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Now Rya understood the predicament, ''So Quin''s uncle epted the offer... But he had to know that Quin''s mom would most likely give birth to a child�� wait!?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya broke out of her thoughts. She needed some information that she was missing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin... You said your mother had seven miscarriages before you were born. How old was she?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"When I was born, my mother was in her mid-twenties," Quinus said, sounding worried.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And howmon is it for women to miscarry a child at that age?" Rya asked, curiously.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was silent for a moment before he spoke, "Very rare from what I''ve seen. But that''s not saying much."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? Did they arrange a marriage with a noblewoman who was known to have trouble conceiving?" Rya asked, getting an eerie feeling.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George thought for a moment and then spoke, "From what I''ve been told, the Queen is from the ind country of Corialis. The women there are considered highly fertile and they have simr figures to you, Lady Rya."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was surprised that Sir George actually knew how topliment her, but this confirmed her suspicions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you... There might be hope for you yet, George," Ryaughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I was just saying that because King Cyndre''s tastes in women seemed to be passed down to his son. The nobility seems to be attracted to your type of figure, my Lady," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold on, George... I indeed enjoy Rya''s beauty, but it''s her personality that drew me to her," Quinus said, putting his hand on his chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George shook his head, "Really?... Before Mathew left with Wina... He seemed worried that you were coveting his wife at the age of ten..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus'' face turned bright red with embarrassment. It was true that his old wet nurse was his first crush, and he cursed himself for being too young at the time to pursue her. But that was in the past. Rya saw how embarrassed Quinus was and couldn''t help butugh.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s not funny, babe," Quinus pouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s face turned red when Quinus called her by her nickname.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I get it... You''re lucky that I''m not the jealous type, Quin," Rya said, giving Quinus a quick peck on the cheek. Quinus'' heart skipped a beat and he felt his cheeks getting hot.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, it''s a good thing. Plus, I don''t want to be Percy''s stepdad," Quinusughed, making Sir George join in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was confused, "You had a crush on Percy''s mom? Wow, Quin. I didn''t know you liked the mature type."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked panicked, "I like your type more, babe!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled, "It''s okay, Quin. Maybe some of your father''s taste rubbed off on you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head, ''No. I never cared for women with the body types like Rya, Wina, or my mother before I was reincarnated. I love Rya because she''s smart, and from Earth. B-But Wina was smart and my mother is...'' Quinus started realizing something, ''Well... When I was reborn I did have inappropriate thoughts about my mother. Before I knew that she was my new mom, Goddess, her breasts were so massive when I was a baby. I remember breastfeeding and I couldn''t help but get... GAH!? When did I care so much about women with big boobs!? I-I don''t even remember when my love of tits started, but it''s been going strong ever since I... was reborn?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus snapped out of his thoughts when Rya started shaking his shoulder, "Quin? You okay? You spaced out for a second there."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yeah. Sorry, I was thinking about how I would exin the situation to my mother," Quinus said, lying.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You sure?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m fine," Quinus answered, trying to hide the fact that he lied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shrugged her shoulders, "Alright... I still need answers... I have a feeling that your uncle did something to your mother that made her sterile."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus'' and Sir George''s eyes widened. They never thought of it before.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, your father and uncle agree to this peace treaty. But when you came into the picture, Marcus lost the throne. So your uncle tried to assassinate you. Then, Marcus would be the next heir again, right?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s what we believe, my Lady," Sir George answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And I''m assuming that none of ric''s daughters have ims to the throne, right?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, they have a im if there are no boys in the royal family," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Got it. So, ric wasn''t going for the throne himself. He was trying to get it for Marcus instead. I think he was happy to sign that treaty so he could easily right the wrongs in his eyes, without shedding blood... But you said he tried to assassinate you, right? How is he still in power?" Rya asked in confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Both Quinus and Sir George sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s aplicated story that we''ve kept from the prince," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had an unhappy expression, "What have you kept from me?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wina... She was hired by your uncle to kill you," Sir George answered with a bit if guilt in his voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s eyes widened, ''What the fu~''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I know... She told me after I passed the trials of adulthood ten years ago," Quinus sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George''s eyes widened, "You knew? And here I thought I was keeping this secret from you. You''re more mature than I give you credit for, Your Highness."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I had time to process what Wina had told me, and the more I learned about my uncle and cousin, the more it made sense," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was confused and wanted some details, "So, let me get this straight. Your uncle had the Royal Wet Nurse hired to assassinate you?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, she was an assassin who infiltrated the pce as a wet nurse," Sir George interrupted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She was sent by ric Revelia and her goal was to kill Quin, but she didn''t? What stopped her?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George gave a little chuckle, "Well, it wasn''t my charming personality."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No duh!... What was it?" Rya asked, wanting an answer.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George looked hurt, but tried to hide it, "Well, she fell in love with the Kingdom''s strongest knight, Sir Mathew. He was the main protection for the prince and was with him most of the time. And Mathew mentioned something to me about her taking actation elixir that wasn''t fully fermented. It heal her womanhood or something like that... Anyways, the night of the prince''s first birthday was when a different assassins'' group came to assassinate the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was a squire at the time and I didn''t know the tactics of the assassins as I do now. They used a toxic in the air to weaken me, Mathew, and... Robert..." Sir George said in a somber tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus and Rya noticed the sudden change in his tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sir Robert died?" Rya asked in a quiet tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... I was young and cocky back then, and when we were ambushed by three assassins. I underestimated the one assassin that me and Robert were fighting. She threw a vial of corrosive acid and hit me square in my steel te. I was scrambling to get it off when she got Robert... It''s the first time in my life that I''ve seen someone I cared about die. Robert was a great friend, even if he mocked my Courting advice..." Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya wanted to shake her head when George brought up that he still had this terrible dating advice back when he was younger, but this wasn''t the right time for it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry... I didn''t know," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George''s sad look turned serious, "You don''t need to apologize, my Lady. It was a long time ago, and it was the assassins that were at fault. If I ever see a vampire again, they won''t live to tell about it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold on? They were vampire assassins that tried to kill us?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, the assassins were vampires. I didn''t know it until I stabbed that undead bastard in the gut. That''s when she grabbed me and tried to sink her fangs into my neck. Luckily, Wina killed the assassin who was going after the prince. Then she came to my rescue as she threw her assassin''s needle into the vampire''s heart... I would have been relieved if I didn''t experience the most disgusting thing in my life," Sir George said, his face turning a little green.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What happened, Sir George?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The vampire''s body started rotting on the inside out, then they exploded into a pile of purple blood and guts... I was lying on my back with her on top of me. I was covered in head to toe with her innards," Sir George shivered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ew," Quinus said while cringing at the thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yikes," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Indeed," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That is pretty bad... but wait? You said Wina was hired to kill Quinus and she saved everyone she could. So, how did ric find out that she didn''t kill the prince?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George looked surprised, "Well, I was sent to the infirmary after we brought the prince to the queen. I only heard the details from Wina after the dust settled. But it turns out that Prime Minister Duval stopped the King from executing his brother on the spot. Instead, the Arch Duke was demoted to Duke and had to empty out most of his coffers. As well as, forfeiting over most of the taxes and tributes from his domain for ten years... I also think Marcus lost his title for the throne but that didn''t stop him with his scheming."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus frowned, ''Why didn''t anyone tell me this happened?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you are telling me that this Prime Minister is the main reason why ric is still running around? Why the hell is this guy alive!?" Rya shouted in frustration.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George was surprised by the future princess''s reaction, "I don''t know, my Lady... I-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus held his hand up, "I think I know why he stopped my father..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya and George looked over at Quinus who had a serious look on his face.

 Vol.3 Ch.196 You Come from a World of No Magic?

    Vol.3 Ch.196 You Come from a World of No Magic?


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed, "My uncle has the backing of the minor nobles, while Duval has the support of most of the major nobles. My uncle could make the kingdom fall into chaos if he and the minor nobles took action and tried to start an uprising. But we have the numbers and could put down the revolt in a few months if it came to war. But I know that the Kingdom of Marn, to the north, and the Alliance of the Divine Three, to the south, are itching to start a war. And we''re the only thing stopping them from starting one. If the kingdom were to fall into a civil war, both nations would have the excuse they''ve been looking for. To invade us and im ournds for themselves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Duval didn''t want a civil war and wanted a peaceful solution to postpone the conflict. I bet he thought he could weaken my uncle''s support from the minor nobles with his funding cut off. But I remember my uncle seemed unfazed by all of this... he must have been bringing in some other funding by hidden means... I was wondering why my mother became overprotective of me the next day and my father seemed to be in the dog house... My father failed to properly punish my uncle and now we are paying the price," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George raised his brow, "Pardon me for asking this, but you were a one-year-old and couldn''t speak... how do you know this?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus didn''t realize that he had let it slip that he was a full-grown man reborn as a baby.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ummm... I-huh?" Rya reached over and squeezed his forearm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin, I think it''s alright to tell him the truth. We trust him, and it''s important that you have the support of the ones you can call a true friend," Rya said in a loving tone. Quinus looked at Rya and felt calm and collected.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George was puzzled, "What are you two talking about? What secret?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus took a deep breath, "Okay... I''ll tell you... How much do you know about reincarnations or transmigration?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You mean when a person is reborn or transmigrated into another world? What about it?" George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Have you heard of someone being a Reincarnation or Transmigrator with all of their memories from their past self?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George looked at the prince as if he were joking, "You can''t be serious, right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus had a stoic face and didn''t move an inch. George startedughing, "You two are just trying to fool, poor old George for augh. It''s not funny!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s true, George," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George''sughter quickly ended, "You can''t be serious. How does that happen?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I don''t know how I came to be here. But I lived on another called Earth. I passed away on a climbing trip and thought I was in the afterlife at first. Then, I came out of my mother and realized that I was reborn. It''s a scary experience feeling your whole body getting crushed before popping out into a new world," Quinus said, "Rya is also from the same."


    <span style="font-weight:400">George kept looking at both of them, trying to see if they were joking, but the two didn''t crack. "So, the reason why you seem older is because you''re an adult on the inside? So, you had the body of a child, but the mentality of an adult?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded, "It took me forever to learn yournguage and understand it. Plus, my motor skills took forever to get right. But once I learned to walk and talk. I was able to understand the new world I''m living in."


    <span style="font-weight:400">George was speechless, but he was still thinking about something. "You said Rya was from your home world as well? So, the dark elves are from your world, too?" Quinus smirked, while Rya blushed and shook her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No... Earth is a of 9 billion humans," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George''s right eye twitched, "So, there are no dark elves in your old world?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nope, not one. And our old doesn''t have mana or monsters running around," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George''s brain was struggling toprehend a world with no monsters or magic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No magic!? So you didn''t have magical touches, fae-baths, potions, or enchanted clothes? You''re shitting me! How did you survive in such a primitive world!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya and Quinus looked at each other and tried not tough at the knight''s reaction.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We didn''t have magic on our, but our society was based on science and technology. We made machines that made life WAY more rxing than Tertius. In most ways... But, we did create the tools for our own destruction. Luckily, no sane person would dare to use nukes," Rya exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George had no clue what the hell they were talking about, "I''m sorry, but what is a Nuke?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s a type of explosive weapon that could level a city, a thousand times more powerful than a dragon''s breath. The easiest way to exin science is, it''s a more urate form of alchemy," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George had a pleasant surprise slowly appearing on his face, "Ah, I see. So, your society had this technology in the ce of magic and mana. How fascinating."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And the nice thing about technology is that it can be used by people who don''t have a mana vein. Like the magical torches are unusable by anyone, that isn''t close to a master-level mana vein," Rya said, "Plus, the weapons we created were much more potent and had better range than the bows and swords formon soldiers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hah! You jest, my Lady! Swords and bows are the superior weapons for us Maja. No fancy technology or whatever, could be more superior than a de or a bow, or even a mage''s magic," George said, crossing his arms.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus chuckled, "If you saw an airne, then you would change your tune."


    <span style="font-weight:400">George gave the prince a doubtful look, "No technology or fancy metal bird is going to outdo a bow. I''ll have you know, that a skilled archer can bring down a wyvern or a dragon. I''ll take a bow over your ne any day."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shrugged, "Well, enchanted weapons being used by Mages or Maja would make things very interesting. But if we could create a rifle brigade. They could overpower most Majas. Maybe we could look into that, in the future?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded his head, "Yeah, I was pondering that myself. But I was worried about the cost and the time to mass-produce them. I could probably figure it out with my skills in engineering and mechanics. But the problem is the ammo, which is the biggest issue I''m running into. I''m having trouble with creating smokeless gunpowder."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you are saying that we can only make muskets," Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, but we can rifle out the barrels and create a bay for close-rangebat. The real issue is with the ammo, mainly we need a reliable supplier of sulfur, carbon, and potassium nitrate. And I haven''t found a mining town with those ingredients," Quinus said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe there''s a different type of element we could use in their ce? I mean, Earth never had Violet Iron, White Obsidian, or Ether. So, maybe we can find a substitute?" Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus pondered, "True, we have ess to different types of resources on Tertius. But it will take some time to get the research and development done. I was nning on starting a research department when I became king. But now with the news of my uncle nning something behind the scenes. I might need to get a head start on my ideas."


    <span style="font-weight:400">George was feeling left behind in this conversation and decided to bring it back to something he could understand, "So, you two were both from the same before getting reincarnated, right? How did that happen? I''ve only heard that when the priests pray out to the Gods to bring them a champion, in a time of need. Is when a reincarnatedes to Tertius with the God''s blessings?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at George and had the same question, "Well, Rya''s summoning was different... What was it called?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was called a full Body Summoned. The only reason I know anything about this is due to the Dark Elven Goddesses, Nils, and Nebulus. Most Gods choose the method ''Soul Summoned'' because it''s faster to get their chosen one to Tertius. Plus, there are other benefits for the Body Summoned, like I can read, speak, and write everynguage. I also can absorb mana at an even higher rate than Quin," Rya exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hold on? You were a human when you got summoned to the dark elves?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked nervous. She didn''t know if she should tell George about her being a man before the mana started to affect her body. She had gotten so used to being a woman that she didn''t want to change back. But she didn''t know how other people would take the news.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"R-Rya, was a human yes. And I think that artifact on her neck changed her race from a human to a dark elf," Quinus said, seeing that Rya didn''t want to reveal her secret of being a man. So, he was running cover for her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"U-Umm... Yeah, the dark elves seemed desperate... Because I wasn''t alone... There was someone else who was summoned with me and started turning into a dark elf as well..." Rya tailed off at the end as memories of Hiro popped into her head. The sight of him turning to dust before her very eyes because of mana exhaustion still haunts her. When she first met Hiro, she couldn''t stand him or his antics and hoped that he would die a terrible death. But when that wish came true due to him saving her from Sir udius'' attack. She couldn''t help but regret her wish.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You had a friend that was with you? We should get them and~" George stopped himself when he saw Rya closing her eyes, and a lone tear ran down her face. Quinus hurried to her side. That is when George remembered what she said back in the Tomb of the Horde, once they set up the camp.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Was this friend the one that sacrificed himself to save you from the Divine Three?" Sir George asked with a face filled with remorse.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked up and nodded. Quinus hugged her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I... I should have known... Every time I see one of those zealots. I wonder if they even care about their actions. And how it affects others," George said through clenched teeth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya wiped her eyes and cleared her throat. She looked at the Knight with determination, "That''s why I need to keep getting stronger. I know I''m not the strongest yet, but I need to protect myself and the others that are close to me."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George looked at Quinus and Rya with a newfound respect, "I must say, I''m d I''m alive. Because you two are going to do great things."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shrugged, "I''m not the King of Fiafyr, yet. Just the Crown Prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t be a smartass, Quin. You are going to be a great King," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He''s going to be a better King than his father... There''s no doubt in my mind," Sir George said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus felt proud. He couldn''t believe that he would have the respect of the Kingdom''s greatest Knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Sir George. That means a lot," Quinus said with a smile. After a bit of silence, Quinus was thinking about what Rya said earlier about the two different types of summoning. She talked to two Goddesses while he hadn''t even seen one God or Goddess, yet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, Rya... Do you think a Goddess made me a champion? I mean, the whole being reborn again on a different seems odd to not have seen a Goddess at least once in my twenty years of life, don''t you think?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Well, I don''t know much about the Fiafyr Goddess, but she seems way more hands-offish than the other Gods... It makes me like her more," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">George raised an eyebrow at her statement, "Hmm? Isn''t it an honor to have a God or Goddess talk to you? Or am I missing something?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, the Gods and Goddesses seem to think it''s okay to mess with people''s lives. That was the problem with Nils... Her and her sister wanted to see me crack. It was like a sick game for them... At first... But thest vision I saw of them seemed like they were in a panic," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What do you mean byst vision?" George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was when I was knocked out by Nieren''s sleeping arrow during the battle of the Roses. I thought they were there to mock me but instead were mad at me for getting cored. That''s when Nils gave me the knowledge on everything about Darkly Earth magic. I knew how to create my golems and killed that piece of crap, Jeremiah. If she was worried about my own well being, then why did she put me through so much?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Maybe, something has changed. And they need you to live... To fight the Divine Three," Quinus suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve been thinking about that, too. But the only reason they would worry about me dying was if they needed me. But they are gods and can easily rece a Champion when another universal equinoxes. They don''t seem like the type to worry about someone''s life."


    <span style="font-weight:400">George frowned, "But you haven''t been on Tertius as long as Prince Quinus. I don''t know why you weren''t here twenty years ago like the Prince."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s one of the cons of the Body Summoned. It takes ten years to reach the with an orb then it takes another ten years to get back to Tertius. But with the Soul Summoned, it happens within hours... Unless Nils was lying to me about the Soul Summoned time frame. But that would be silly if she did that," Rya said out loud as she pondered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When Quinus heard this his bodynguage perked up all of a sudden.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya!? What year was it before you were warped to Tertius?" Quinus asked as he kneeled in front of Rya holding one of her hands with both of his.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at him curiously, "It was 2023... Why?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus'' face became determined, ''YES! She might know... B-But she''s an American... So don''t get upset if she doesn''t know, Quin.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"R-Rya? Do you know if Germany won the World Cup by chance?" Quinus asked, trying to contain his excitement.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked at him with a raised brow, "Huh? You want to know if Germany won a FIFA World Cup?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded vigorously with a serious look. While Sir George didn''t know why the Prince would ask such a strange question.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Umm... Well, there was more buzz about it in the States in 2022... And I think I remember them recapping thest two cup winners?" Rya said as she was trying to think back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Who was in the finals in 2022?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Argentina and France... Argentina won," Rya answered, making Quinus panic a little.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-And the World Cup in 2018?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was France... Everyone was talking about them defending the title," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus wanted to facepalm but he didn''t. He still had one chance left. He was excited for 2014. Everyone thought they had a good chance that year to win it. But he died in 2013.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And the one before that?" Quinus asked with fleeting hope.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was quiet for a moment, and then she looked up at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh! I remember now. The news wouldn''t stop talking about how Messi hadn''t won a World Cup yet and they came close in 2014," Rya said with a smile, trying to tease him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Who won, my love? Who won the World Cup in 2014?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was Germany... It was a close one too. I believe the score was~WHOA!? QUIN!?" Rya was picked up off the ground and spun around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George''s eyes went wide in surprise when he saw the prince spinning around with a huge smile on his face while a dumbfounded elf, who wasn''t sure if she should be scared orugh at his actions.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"GERMANY WON THE WORLD CUP!!!" Quinus yelled, spinning Rya around in happiness.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Ryaughed as her hair was flowing in the wind. "Put me down, you crazy German!" Rya said while trying topose herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Never! You''re the best thing to ever happen to me, and now I know that you''re from the same as me!!" Quinus said as he continued to spin her around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is ridiculous... Was I ever like this when my teams won? I feel like I was moreposed than this... But maybe I wasn''t? God... I feel like a child being spun around like this!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, okay. That''s enough... Put me down," Rya said, but she couldn''t hold herughter back. Quinus set Rya down and took a knee. He looked her in the eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you, Rya... you''ve made me the happiest man on Tertius," Quinus said with a tear in his eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya gave him a stern look, "So, I wasn''t good enough for you before now, huh?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus panicked, "I-I-I-I didn''t mean it like that, Rya... I~"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled and startedughing, "I know, Quin... I''m just joking... I would be a hypocrite if I were to get mad at you for celebrating your team winning. I know the feeling so enjoy it."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus felt like crying, he didn''t think he would find someone from his that would be this perfect for him. He hoped he could talk about football with them or anything from his previous life. He got more than he could have hoped for. The only thing he wished was that he could have seen it in person, but this was just as good. And once the excitement of his team winning a world cup, from his past life, faded. He had another thoughte to him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What if we started our own football league in Fiafyr? Yes, Yes! Why didn''t I think of this before!? There are those old battle arenas in the northwest of Tairal. We could convert them and use them as stadiums!'' Quinus thought, and then he had a bigger idea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Wait, why not bring over other sports, too? There were a lot of games that could be yed on arge field. Then, hopefully, we can get rid of the diatorial events and rece them with our sports instead. I just need toe up with a good way to implement them into the public sphere.'' Quinus smiled as his brain went into overdrive.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was confused by Quinus''s expression. He was acting weird, and his facial expressions kept changing by the second.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Quin? What''s going on in that head of yours?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George looked at him curiously, as well. Quinus snapped out of his thoughts and smiled at the two of them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nothing, my love... I''m just happy," Quinus said with a loving smile. He stood up and gave Rya the most passionate kiss he had ever given.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Q-Quin!? Aunh! His tongue is~'' Rya was lost in the feeling of Quinus'' passion. She tried to break free at first, but her arms found themselves wrapping around his neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George looked away with a small blush, ''They''re really going at it.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">George cleared his throat, "Um, shall we be on our way then, Prince Quinus?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus stopped kissing her but was still holding her face with his hands. Rya''s eyes were zed over and a trail of saliva wasing from her mouth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re beautiful, my love... Let''s get ready to go home."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya could only nod, she was still recovering from the kiss.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''M-Maybe I should have told him that Germany won the other two cups... But I''m not sure how long I can take this kind of love,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked at George, "Sorry about that, Sir George. I let myself get carried away."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well, it''s good research for my pirs of courting. But the kissing is a bit excessive. I''ll have to make note of that."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"C-Courting?" Rya and Quinus said at the same time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, a woman needs to have a strong foundation for a man''s advances. Because she needs to have the strength to hold up the house of her future husband and children. If the foundation isn''t solid, the house will crumble. That''s why, Prince Quinus, is the type of man who needs a strong foundation. Lady Rya is by far the strongest woman I''ve ever met. You''re the perfect fit," George exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''D-Did George actually make sense? HOLD ON!? Why do I need to be the stronger one!? Quinus should be the foundation for me!'' Rya thought, but she still felt something was off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... I''m d we''re finally helping you, George," Rya said reluctantly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, don''t worry. I have different pirs for different men. Like Sir Richard, he needs to find a woman that he can use to satisfy his weak ego and build it up so he can get a better woman. And repeat the process until he gets the perfect wife," George exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''And there''s the Sir George that we all know and love,'' Rya thought while shaking her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was smiling but inside he was feeling a bit awkward that George didn''t learn anything.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I see... Well, we should really be getting back," Quinus said as he turned to face the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George nodded, "Yes, and I''m finding out the best way to make a harem!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head, ''I don''t mind a harem, but it''s not something Sir George should try to teach. Especially, if he can''t get a single woman to like him, without him having to buy a prostitute. I think I should warn him��ter.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, we''ll be heading to the carriage, Sir George. You can grab our luggage," Quinus said, dismissing George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well, Sire."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George went back inside and grabbed Quinus'' and Rya''s luggage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus held his hand out to Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"May I, my love?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded and took his hand. Quinus walked down the stairs with Rya at his side.

 Vol.3 Ch.197 Let’s Tell Him the Good News

    Vol.3 Ch.197 Let��s Tell Him the Good News


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan and Tayna were waiting outside, watching over the Royal Knights inspecting their horses and carriages. At the same time, the two Ironside dwarves were stowing away thest of equipment on their carriage for the party.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"They sure are thorough," Tayna said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It''s their job. They need to make sure everything is in order, and that nothing is amiss," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s true. So, do you think the prince will have us join him on his travels around the kingdom?" Tayna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan thought for a moment, "I don''t think so... It seemed like he''s needed back at the capital. It''s a six-day journey if they push it. It wouldn''t be a rxing ride, and the Prince''s reputation will be called into question once they see Lady Rya."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... You have a point."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We''re all ready, Sir," a royal knight reported to Sir Dous who was looking over everyone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well, we''ll be leaving shortly once the Prince and Lady Rya get here," Sir Dous said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Knight nodded and went back to his post.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">It took about ten minutes before Rya and Quinus finally showed up. Percy, Dalia, Nieren, and Yuliana were all following behind the two of them as they made their way towards the carriages.


    <span style="font-weight:400">General Dous came walking up to the Prince and gave him a salute, "Your Highness, we are ready to depart when you are."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus nodded, "Thank you, General Dous. We''ll leave shortly. Once Sir Georgees back with our luggage."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Very well, my Lord," General Dous replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked back and saw his friend Johan standing next to his wife. He looked at Rya and whispered, "Well? I think it''s time to give Johan the good news."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya giggled and nodded, "I agree, babe."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The two of them walked up to Johan and his wife, Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan saw the two of them approaching and bowed, "Your Highness, Lady Rya, it''s good to see you both. I hope you enjoyed our hospitality."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna curtsied, "It''s an honor to meet you, Prince Quinus, and Lady Rya."


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Well, she''s really calmed down after gettingid by Johan,'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled then looked to his right and saw a knight standing at attention about ten feet away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Excuse me, Sir Knight. But can you grab a Focusing Tool for me, please?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Knight was a little confused but didn''t show it on his face, "Yes, Sire. It''ll only take a minute."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Knight ran over to the dwarf''s carriage and grabbed a Focusing tool from one of the crates. Johan didn''t know why the prince wanted a focusing tool, the prince was already one of the strongest Majas in the kingdom and he couldn''t light the thing to save his life. Quinus took the Focusing Tool, which looked like a lighter that you would use to light a bonfire back on Earth, and the tip lit up once Quinus channeled some of his mana into it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, it works," Quinus said as he halted the flow of his mana into the tool.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna and Johan didn''t know why the Prince was testing out a Focusing Tool. But they decided to wait and see what he was nning.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus handed the tool to Johan, "Here you go, Johan."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ummm, I appreciate the offer, your Highness. But you know that I don''t have any mana," Johan said with a skeptical look written on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled, "Just give it a shot... You might surprise yourself."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay?..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked at the tool and held it. Nothing was happening as Johan looked at the item in confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Just channel some of your mana into it," Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But I have no mana, Sire."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus gave him a disappointed look, "That''s because you''re not trying."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I have tried many times when I was a kid after ying multiple monsters. I''m worthless on this front, my Prince. My mother didn''t have much mana, either," Johan exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus sighed, ''He doesn''t realize that his mana vein is working. I guess I was in a simr situation when I was younger, but I couldn''t stop the flow of my mana until I could feel it... Well, I think I have an idea of how to make Johan feel his mana. Let''s hope it isn''t too painful.'' he thought to himself, as the prince held up his right hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Give me your hand, Johan," Quinus ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why, my Lord?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m helping you. Now, give me your hand," Quinus ordered again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked confused, but he obeyed the Prince and offered him his hand. Quinus grabbed his hand tightly and channeled some of his mana into him. Johan immediately started feeling a burning pain in his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAHHH!! W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus ignored him and channeled arge amount of his mana into him. Johan tried to pull away from him, but his grip was too strong. Rya watched with intrigue while Tayna was nervous.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Come on, Johan... Fight the flow of my mana. You can do it!" Quinus encouraged him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But! Ahhh! I don''t have any mana to fight it with! Please stop!" Johan begged as his face grimaced in pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled, "No, I know you can do this. So, fight it!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The pain reached up to his bicep and continued to move upwards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''WHAT IS HE DOING!? THE PAIN IS UNBELIEVABLE!'' Johan screamed internally.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The pain kept moving upwards to his shoulder. Johan wanted to cry out in pain, but he bit his lip and tasted blood. It was right when Quinus'' mana almost reached the chest of Johan that it happened. Johan felt something stir inside of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is this?... Mana?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">He focused on the strange energy inside of him and started moving it against the foreign mana. Quinus smiled when he felt Johan''s mana fighting back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s it, Johan. Concentrate! Push back with everything you''ve got!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan nodded and closed his eyes. ''I can do this!... I can do this!'' Suddenly, the flow of Quinus'' mana was getting pushed back, causing massive amounts of pressure within his body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! Johan! Keep pushing! Don''t let up! You''re doing great!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I''m doing it! I can feel the power!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Soon Johan pushed all of Quinus'' mana back into his hand and Quinus let go immediately. Johan was breathing hard while staring at the prince with a shocked expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-What was the meaning of that, your Highness!?" Johan asked in a shaky voice.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna''s eyes widened in shock when she saw the Focusing Tool in Johan''s other hand lighting up out of nowhere.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"J-Johan? The tool... It''s..." She stuttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked at the tool and his mouth opened wide. "W-What? How?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus smiled, "You have to thank my fiance for this. She noticed something was preventing your mana vein from absorbing mana from the surrounding area."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"B-But I tried everything! My father even consulted with many doctors," Johan said, still in shock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This was something that no one could have seen but me. You were lucky that I noticed it," Rya exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna didn''t know if this was a dream, while Johan was still in disbelief as he looked at the Focusing Tool.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-So you are saying that I am a Maja now?" Johan asked in disbelief.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked over to Rya with a smirk and she nodded back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not only that, but you are a mage," Rya said happily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s body stiffened up like a statue when he heard that he was a mage, he didn''t even blink. Quinus, Rya, and Tayna could see a vein pulsating on Johan''s forehead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan? Are you alright?" Tayna asked as she was concerned for her husband. Johan didn''t respond as his body started to tilt backwards.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Johan?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus watched as Johan''s body fell backward andnded on the grassy ground with a thud. Cause dust to swirl up around him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Honey!?" Tayna hurried over to her husband.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, boy," Rya muttered at the sight of a 27-year-old man passed out on the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus moved closer to his friend to see if he was okay. Some of the servants came over as well. Quinus shook his head, "Well I didn''t expect this reaction... That''s a first."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess the news was too much for him," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hey, hey, hey... Johan, are you alright?" Tayna was freaking out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya walked over and waved her hand in front of his face. His eyes were closed, and he wasn''t responding.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh... He''s not hurt, but he seems to be out cold," Rya said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus scratched the back of his head and sighed, "Well, Johan really wanted to be a mage back when he was a kid. So much so that he idolized anyone who was a mage. Like my deceased cousin... Luckily for his sake, he epted his fate of being an average human. But he looked devastated whenever one of his family members awakened their mana vein. He tried everything to awaken his vein, but nothing worked. Even after the doctors gave him a clean bill of health. They couldn''t find anything wrong with him and everyone thought he had nothing but amon-level vein."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That makes sense now. He was shell shocked by the news," Rya stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">A servant chimed in, "Should we do something about his lordship, my Lady?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked up at the servant and was about to say something when Johan started to stir.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Uhhh... T-Tayna?" Johan mumbled as his eyes were still closed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, honey. I''m right here," Tayna said as she stroked his cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-Thank the Goddess... I had the weirdest dream... First, you finally fell in love with me... Then my mana vein awoke and I became a mage," Johan groaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked over at the prince and his fiance and smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It wasn''t a dream, my dear."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan''s eyes snapped open. He saw his wife smiling down at him with Quinus, Rya, and three servants hovering around him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s going on? Am I dead?" Johan asked as he stared at his wife.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna giggled, "No, you dummy. You fainted after Rya healed you and told you that you were a mage."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-So it isn''t a dream?" He asked again, trying to get his mind wrapped around this revtion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded, "Yep. You are a full-blown mage."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan sat up and looked around him. The Focusing Tool was still in his hand, but the light was out. He concentrated on it and channeled some of his mana, causing the tool to light up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"This is real..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus knelt down and offered him a hand, "It''s not a dream. I wouldn''t lie to you about something like this. You''re a mage now, congrattions."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan took the offered hand and stood up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know. I can teach you some of the basic Maja techniques so you can defend yourself," Quinus said as he let go of Johan''s hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thanks. I would appreciate that, your Highness... I wonder what type of element I can cast? Fire would be nice," Johan wondered out loud.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm... Well, that''s going to be tough to do, since you are an illusion mage," Rya stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan did a double take, "Did you say an illusionist?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nodded, "Yep. I''m not an illusionist myself. But luckily for you, I have a few notes for some incantations and spells that illusionists can use."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-This is real, right? This isn''t a dream?" Johan asked, still stunned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head and pped him on the arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ow!? Hey!" Johan cried out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Does that feel like a dream?" Quinus asked with a grin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No, but damn, that hurts," Johanined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then you are wide awake, my friend. Come on, let me show you a few things before we need to head out," Quinus said and headed toward some of the knights with Johan following closely behind him. They grabbed a couple of swords and Quinus was pointing out a few tips and tricks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya, Tayna, Nieren, Yuliana, and the servants watched them from a distance. Tayna was in a simr state as Johan was. She watched as her husband was able to use Maja skills for the first time.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Is this really happening?... Everything has changed in such a short time...'' Tayna thought to herself. She looked over to Rya, who was enjoying watching her fiance train Johan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Everything has changed so much... If it wasn''t for her, I-I would have been a miserable scared wrench desperately trying to escape... I was ready to do something drastic.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I guess this is what it feels like to be free," Tayna mumbled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was talking with Yuliana and Nieren when she heard Tayna whispering to herself. She smiled and continued the conversation. Tayna felt a weight lifted off of her shoulders, and her eyes started to get blurry as everything started to sink in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-I''m crying?'' She touched her face and felt her tears.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you alright, Tayna?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna looked and saw Rya looking at her with concern.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, I''m fine. Sorry. It''s just that I feel happy."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Happy?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, mydy. I haven''t felt happiness in a long time. This feeling is new to me," Tayna stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I''m d... Just don''t forget what I did for you, alright?" Rya said jokingly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna wiped her tears away and kneeled before Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Ummm... What are you doing Tayna?" Rya asked in confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mydy. Please forgive me for not being grateful when you first visited. I''m truly thankful for you healing my husband and myself. I pledge myself and my family''s loyalty to you. My life is yours to do as you please."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s eyebrows raised in surprise, while Nieren and Yuliana looked at Tayna with a hint of confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya looked down at this woman, kneeling before her. She had no idea what to do at first. ''Really!? I know she annoyed me at first and I wanted her to stop flirting with Quin... But this has taken me by surprise... Should I take her up on her offer or refuse?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stand up Tayna," Rya said in a soft tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna got up and looked at the young dark elf. Who was shaking her head with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I appreciate the offer, but it wouldn''t sit right with me. You''re not my servant or ve, but if you want to make it up to me... Then, how about you be my friend."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"F-Friend? Me?" Tayna was astonished.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, a friend. You are not a subject. Plus, it would be weird to have the future Baroness as a servant. If you are willing to be my friend, then we will be even. Deal?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna couldn''t believe what she was hearing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s a saint... There is no way she''s a Dark Elf...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Deal. I, Tayna Dule, will be your friend, Lady Rya," Tayna said with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good. Now stop bowing like that. It''s getting awkward," Rya stated while waving her hand dismissively.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They bothughed, while Yuliana and Nieren exchanged looks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She really has turned my opinions around on dark elves," Yuliana said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know," Nieren agreed as she smiled at the human female.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They all turned their attention back to the training ground and watched Quinus and Johan sparring.

 Vol.3 Ch.198 Putting the General in his Place

    Vol.3 Ch.198 Putting the General in his ce


    <span style="font-weight:400">After minutes of sparring, Johan was starting to get the hang of channeling his mana into his sword and shield. Quinus was impressed with how quickly Johan was grasping the basics of controlling his mana, especially when he started at twenty-seven years of age. Sure he knew the basics of swordy back when he was a child but that was all physical. In contrast, this was magical, which was far more difficult to master.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"See! It''s like riding a bike," Quinus stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan chuckled, "What''s a bike?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus shook his head once he realized what he said. ''Hanging around Rya has made me slip back into Earth sayings.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Never mind that, Johan. Look, your technique has improved in a short amount of time. Is it starting to feel natural for you now?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not quite... I need to focus on the flow a bit more than I would like, but I think I''m getting the hang of it," Johan replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, if you are ever in the capital. Make sure you cane by the pce and practice with me," Quinus offered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That sounds nice, but I wish I could learn some spells... It would have been nice if you and Lady Rya could stay here a little longer," Johan said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was at that moment General Dous walked up to them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Excuse me, your Highness... But we''ve postponed it for long enough. We need to get back on the schedule or we will bete arriving in the capital. And it is already gettingte in the morning," Dous interjected.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus looked up at him and nodded, "I guess you are right."


    <span style="font-weight:400">It was at that moment when Rya, Tayna, Nieren, and Yuliana came walking up. Percy and Dalia were by the carriage, and Sir George just finished stowing the supplies on the horses with the other knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My Lady. Did you enjoy the show?" Quinus asked Rya with a smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya sighed with a bit of displeasure, "Yeah. I''m d you could get some training in with Johan. But..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous''s head snapped towards Rya as he felt that she was about to make another one of her demands. Which he was getting tired of dealing with.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But what?" Quinus asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I was hoping to help Johan get a jump start on his mage training... So, if we have the space, I can teach him on our journey to the capital... That is, if it works for them, of course," Rya suggested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous looked at the Prince with a re, "Your Highness. Adding the young Lord and his wife to the party is a big risk. It will start stressing my men''s ability to protect you if we add more people at this rate. There is no telling who or what is lurking along the roads between here and the capital."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan looked disappointed while Quinus gave Dous a stern look.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''He''s worried about weakening my protection? Even after telling him, he still doesn''t have a clue who''s riding with him and his men. Rya''s a force to be reckoned with. Shit, man! I''m a force to be reckoned with and with Percy, Dalia, Nieren, and Sir George. I can''t see any medium sized armying to attack us without getting wiped out first. Even Yuliana is a capable mage. This man has got to be the most stubborn person I''ve ever met. And it''s getting on my nerves..." Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dous... I told you what Rya and I are capable of, right?" Quinus asked him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, Your Highness. I do. But this is a serious matter. I cannot risk anything happening to you while you are under my protection."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So you doubt me then?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous became silent and refused to back down.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What a hard-headed ass...'' Quinus thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya, seeing the two men staring each other down, decided to speak up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, are you saying that the Royal Knights of the Kingdom of Fiafyr are too weak to protect their Prince and his guest from a bunch of bandits or other threats along the way?" Rya questioned the General.


    <span style="font-weight:400">All of the Royal Knights and General Dous took offense to her question and started to re at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How dare you suggest that the Royal Knights are weak! How dare you, a mere outsider, question our capabilities," Dous snarled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m not questioning you or your men''s abilities. But it seems like youck confidence if you''re worried about protecting a few more people," Rya said with a smirk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knights grumbled in response, and some gripped their weapons angrily.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"We are only twenty-four strong and you expect us to protect not only the Prince but now the heir of the Eder Hills Barony and his wife as well. What do you think will happen if we have to deal with a hundred people? Then what are we supposed to do!?" The general questioned while trying to hold back his temper.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya gave him an unamused look and was about to speak when the two dwarves and Sir George burst out withughter. Dalia was smirking as well.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"He says, <i><span style="font-weight:400">''What are we supposed to do!?''</i><span style="font-weight:400"> Haha! I''ll tell you what we''ll do, General. We open a cask of ale and take bets on who will y more. The Crown Prince or the Saintess," one of the dwarves roared inughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous'' right eye was twitching while the other knights were taken aback.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re telling me that these two can take on a hundred men," the General stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"No... Not one hundred. But twenty thousand," the other dwarfughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous wanted to discipline those two dwarves.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Who the hell do they think they are? Making a fool out of me in front of my men...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If you''re so sure then, how about a little wager?" Dous barked back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Everyone was surprised at this.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What kind of wager, General," Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"If Lady Rya can take on ten of my knights, then the Lord and his wife can join us. And we''ll see how you fair against true warriors," the General exined.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knights started to chuckle as they liked the idea of teaching this dark elf a lesson.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus walked up to Rya, "Babe? Are you okay with this? I can order them to back off. They are my men after all."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan hurried over as well, "I-It''s fine my Lady. We cane visit you in a month or two. There''s no reason to-"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya held her hand out and stopped Johan from speaking.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna was a little worried for her friend. Very few women fought on the battlefield, especially noble women.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Rya. Please reconsider this. I don''t think a Lady such as yourself should partake in a knight''s training. It''s beneath you," Tayna urged.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry. It''ll be fine. Plus, they need to learn a lesson," Rya winked at them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna knew that look. It was the same one Rya gave her when she questioned her for being evil by nature. ''Oh boy! M-Maybe I should back up.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna grabbed her husband''s hand and pulled him a few feet away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Tayna? What''s going on?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna just gave him a nervousugh, and said, "Don''t worry, dear. Lady Rya is going to need some space."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus noticed Rya giving him a wink.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He sighed, "Alright, just make sure not to kill them by mistake."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t worry. I''ll go easy on them."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya walked forward with a grin and took a spot in the middle of the training ground. The knights looked at her with disgust. At the same time, the two dwarves looked over at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Betcha one gold piece the Saintess takes them down in thirty notches," the one dwarf stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really? You''re on. She''ll take them down in twenty-five notches. What about you Dalia?" Sir George asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ou! Ou! Put me in for fifteen notches! Alpha is going to kick their asses," Dalia replied.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir George and the dwarves chuckled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m in for fifteen gold pieces, for twenty notches," the dwarf named Kyan replied, while hisrade pulled out a wooden object that looked like it was an incense holder and he ced a long thin stick with tiny bumps, running evenly along the length of the rod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright... It''s ready to be lit," Suhail stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Kyan nodded and channeled his mana into the tip of his dagger. He held it close to the end of the stick. He was waiting to light it once the fighting started.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was standing there waiting to see who her opponents would be. Sir Richard stayed out of it with thirteen other knights who didn''t want to fight her. While the other ten seemed too confident and wanted to take her on.


    <span style="font-weight:400">General Dous had an amused look on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''The Young Lady Rya doesn''t know what''s about to happen. My men are the best in the kingdom. And she thinks she''s going to embarrass us by beating them. Well, she''s about to learn a hard lesson. I''m not going to allow my men to kill her, though. They''ll just knock her unconscious or cut off an arm. That should be enough to satisfy their honor.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You ten will fight her at the same time," Dous shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hmm, this should be interesting. So, I''m taking on these ten, aye? Well, this should be fun at least,'' Rya thought as she cracked her knuckles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Should I hold back from using my magic?" Rya asked the General.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course not, Lady Rya. We can handle any spell you have. For Mages fear us," Dous smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Alright, if you say so."


    <span style="font-weight:400">General Dous ordered his ten knights and they formed a line facing her. They readied their shields and drew their swords.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya took a rxed stance and created a stone pole from the ground. She grabbed it and twirled it around.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hm! Nice bnce. I''m getting better at creating earth staffs... Huh? Oh yeah, got to focus.'' Rya thought as she stopped twirling the pole staff and had it at the ready underneath her armpit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Whenever you''re ready, General," Rya smiled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Tch! I don''t care what stories the prince and Sir George told me. No one can take on ten fully armored knights with their own enchanted weapons and armor. Not even the Hero of the Demonic War.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">��Show her why the Fiafyrian Royal Knights are the best, men," the General roared.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The knights roared and readied themselves for a fight. They rushed her and she was surrounded by nine men and one woman.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? I thought they would be as fast as Sir George? Interesting. I guess George is a cut above the rest,'' Rya thought as she waited for the knights to strike.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Three knights came bearing in and started swinging their swords at her in a calcted fashion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swing! Swing! CLANG!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya nimbly bent her torso backward and was able to dodge the first two des before parrying the third.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hahaha, sparring with everyone over the past month is really paying off. Well, time for the counterattack!'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya spun the stone staff above her head and brought it down hard onto the third knight''s shield.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng! Thud!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her strike knocked the shield out of the way so she had a clear shot at his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ack!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">She hit him square in the face. Breaking his nose and causing him to lose a few teeth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The other knights watched in shock as they saw Sir Glen, face nt into the dirt with ease.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She''s mine!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Shing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">A sword grazed Rya''s neck as she bent backward and did a backflip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hm! Not bad. He''s fast.'' Rya thought as she looked at the knight while in the air. And just as shended on the ground. The earth shifted under her feet as she had a moving tform that let here flying right back at the knight who grazed her neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Urk! Gah!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya mmed her stone pole against his chest, causing him to cough out blood before passing out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dammit! Don''t let your guard down," the third knight shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shit! This bitch is fast.'' He thought as he lined up with two other knights.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">One knight swung his sword and hit the staff. While the other aimed for her legs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Swish!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was able to parry all three of their des at the same time by twirling her staff and tried to counter them but their shields protected them from her attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hm! I guess his shield is pretty tough. But their shins are exposed.'' Rya thought as she spun around her staff, smashing it into the three knights'' shins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*THUD!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crack!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Shittt!''


    <span style="font-weight:400">''FU-''


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud! Thud! Crack!


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya shattered all three of the knights'' shin bones, causing them to drop to the ground and cry out in pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The five remaining knights looked at their fallenrades in fear.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No way. No one is that fast. I thought she was a mage. Not a warrior. What the hell is she? And how the hell is she moving so fast?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t just stand there! Form up! We can take her down together," a female knight roared. The remaining knights quickly formed a line.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya smiled as she moved towards them in a blink of an eye. Smashing her staff into the middle knight''s shield.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng! ng! ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">She continued to strike him with the stone staff, causing him to slowly back up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Urgh! Huff! Gah!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"nk her! nk her," the female knight roared.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Two more knights joined in and tried to nk her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Hm! Time to change it up a bit.'' Rya thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She mmed her foot down and sent the dirt into the three knight''s faces before smashing her pole into each one of their sword hands. Fracturing their arms while sending them to the ground.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Crack!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahhh! My hand! Shit," one of the male knights cried out while holding his arm. He was about to get up but Rya mmed her staff down on his chest breaking his ribs, causing him to cough out blood and passed out due to the pain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The other two received a simr treatment as they too were knocked out into a bloody mess.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Bart! I got the front and��" The female knight tried to regroup with thest standing knight but Rya used her wind magic to swiftly glide around the arena. Before the Knight named Bart could register what was happening, his body was being mmed into the dirt. Dislocating his shield arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRUNCH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*THUD!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya broke his left arm and leg before kicking him in the chest.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh-Arrgg," he dropped his sword and fell to the ground holding his arm.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gotcha," Rya said as she twirled her staff and swung it at Sir Bart''s head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Wait!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*SMASH!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''s blow knocked him unconscious, fracturing his skull. Rya sighed and shook her head. She walked over the body of the unconscious knight who was thest to fall as Rya focused her attention on the final knight who looked worried.


    <span style="font-weight:400">General Dous witnessed nine of his knights getting easily defeated by a single woman in under 15 seconds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''No way. The Prince had to be spinning a tall tail about her. No one could be this strong! And how is she so fast? No one can be this fast.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">The female knight looked panicked at first before regaining herposure.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I won''t give you an opening. You''re fast, but you''re not faster than my de," the female knight stated as she got into a defensive stance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is that so," Rya grinned before her azure eyes glowed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Whoosh!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Shing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The female knight panicked as Rya''s staff wasing straight for her. She did everything in her power to avoid her attack. She contorted her body just enough for Rya''s staff to miss her face but it left her torso open. Once Rya saw the opening, she used the other end of her staff to hit her breastte instead.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya wasn''t done as she continued tounch a flurry of strikes on the poor knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Gah! Ah-gah-Gah-GAH-GAH-GAAAHH," she was battered with attacks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*ng!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*WHOP*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*CRACK*


    <span style="font-weight:400">*THWAP!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">The female knight''s sword went flying after Rya fractured her forearm and her body was covered in bruises.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Thud!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ough-Gah!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya''sst attack was a hard swing to the knight''s legs, sending her crashing to the ground with twopound fractures.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''M-My legs!?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">The female knight was sitting on the ground looking at her sorry state before looking up at Rya who still had her staff in her hands looking down at Lady Rachel with what she thought was a sinister smile.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''S-She''s a monster! She''s going to take over the kingdom and we will all die! No... I failed!'' Lady Rachel cried in her mind as the tears flowed from her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous and the knights that didn''t join in the fight didn''t know what to do.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She''s killing my men... A-And I don''t know if we can even stop her! Should I order the rest of my men to go after her or stay and help the wounded? Why didn''t I listen, we are no match for her. Damn, you, Prince Quinus! This is all your��'' Dous'' cursing stopped when he saw Lady Rya reach her hand out towards Lady Rachel.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''This is the end!'' she thought as she closed her eyes and prepared for the final blow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya didn''t know the knight''s thoughts, but she saw the look of defeat in her eyes. ''Haah... I bet she thinks that I''m going to kill her. Well, there''s no point in torturing them, I won. So let''s heal them up.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">She channeled her mana into her hand just before she touched her head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh,'' Lady Rachel felt a gentle touch on her head and a soothing sensation flowing through her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She cracked open one of her eyes and saw herpound fractures disappearing while her arms and legs straightened back in ce. All the pain vanished in a matter of seconds.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-Is this healing magic? Can that be?'' She was in shock at the fact that the woman who easily killed all of herrades was now using healing magic on her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What the hell is happening?'' Rachel looked up and saw Rya smiling at her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You need to work on your stance. You need to fight like a woman, not a man," Rya chuckled before turning her attention to the rest of the wounded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rachel didn''t understand. She was defeated. Why is she helping her? Why didn''t she kill her? And why did she say "fight like a woman" instead of "fight like a man?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous couldn''t believe his eyes as Rya went from one knight to another, healing all ten of them without breaking a sweat. He then looked over to the Prince who wasn''t looking too happy for some reason. While one of the Dwarves was celebrating winning the bet against his friend, Sir George, and Dalia.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It was seventeen notches, shorty! I won!" Dalia protested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oi! You chose fifteen notches and it went over!" Kyan barked back at the wolfkin.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But I was closer! So it should count!" Dalia growled.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s not how it works, you dumb wolf! It''s not who''s closest! It''s about who doesn''t go over the time limit," Kyan countered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s not fair!" Dalia cried out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dalia... It''s okay. Sometimes we lose," Percy said while trying to calmly diffuse the situation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Humph! Fine. You''re lucky that my Gamma is here. Otherwise, I would have ripped your beard off your face," Dalia turned her head and stuck out her tongue.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ha! I didn''t know wolfkins could be so funny," Suhailughed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous then looked back at Rya who was helping up one of his knights. All of them looked dumbfounded as they looked at Rya with wonder after she healed them all. They were struggling to understand the events that just transpired.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why didn''t she kill us?'' one of the knights asked in his mind.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why didn''t she torture us and leave us for dead? I thought that''s what dark elves did?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">''S-SHE REALLY IS A HEALER! And a WARRIOR! I didn''t know anyone could do both.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Seeing her helping his men made Dous realize something.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''All the stories of healers from the past, always mentioned about how much it took out of them, depending on the wound. The emperors of the time alwaysined about not being able to use healers too much. Even though the healers themselves weren''t hurt, using their powers to heal others was exhausting and could cause them to faint if they overdid it. Yet, this dark elf didn''t seem to show any signs of fatigue at all. She was able to heal ten heavily wounded soldiers without a second thought. She''s not just a warrior. She''s also a healer, the best kind. And she''s not just a dark elf. She''s the legendary dark elf who is a master of all elements. I''m standing in the presence of a goddess... H-How did the prince tame her?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">He then looked at the prince and saw him ring daggers at the Rya. He was clearly upset about her performance for some reason. Rya didn''t notice Quinus'' stare while helping out thest knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ummm... Is something the matter, Your Highness?" Johan asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Highness?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"She almost got killed when Sir Walfort came charging in and grazed her neck... I almost lost her once... And I''m not going to lose her when she''s standing in front of me," Quinus said with a cold tone.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan gulped as he was sweating bullets from the prince''s fury. He''s never seen this side of Quinus before. Tayna didn''t know what to say to him either.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"S-So what are you going to do, your Highness?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I need to correct her defenses. I''m going to train her," he said before looking over at Sir George.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"George! Get me the Twilight Dancer and Sun''s Fury," Quinus ordered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? Right away, my lord," Sir George ran back into the carriage and got the weapons that Quinus asked for. Quinus walked over to Rya who just finished healing thest knight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Come to congratte��"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is this?" Quinus said as he rubbed his finger over Rya''s neck where the de of Sir Walfort almost cut her throat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s not necessary. I''m perfectly fine," Rya was used to this behavior during sparring. It seemed like anytime she made a mistake, Quinus would try and correct her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya... If you are sloppy with your training then you will pay the price in battle. This is serious," Quinus scolded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I was holding back so I wouldn''t kill someone," Rya defended herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">When all the knights that fought her heard that she was holding back that entire time. They had mixed feelings. On one side they were disappointed that they didn''t put up that much of a fight. But on the other side, they were thankful that she didn''t just kill them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Holding back? That was holding back!?'' One Knight thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Was she serious? Or is she making a fool of us?'' Another Knight thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What a monster. Thank the Goddess that she''s merciful.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know. And I appreciate that, but there may be a situation where you exhausted your mana, and all you have is your physical strength. And even then you should be able to hold your own. Take your sword and get in position," Quinus held out Rya''s sword to her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya sighed then took her sword and got in a ready position.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus then pulled out the Sun''s Fury and readied himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now block my attacks."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay," Rya said as she was prepared to receive Quinus'' attack.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HYAH!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Shing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She still leaves her sides open. She''s too cocky,'' Quinus thought as he moved with zing speed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Cling! Clung! Clunk!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was having trouble keeping up with Quinus. His attacks wereing at her so fast and so urately that she started to give ground quickly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn it. How can he hit me so quickly? His attacks are getting stronger each time. I have to do something else,'' Rya''s eyes darted around as she tried to find an opening. But then Quinus'' de parried her sword and knocked it out of her hand and then his de wasing for her neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Move back! Move back! Move~'' *Thud!* "Huh!?... Ack!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya didn''t realize that she was pushed back to the manor wall and bumped right into it when she was focusing on moving away from Quinus'' attacks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">*Shing!*


    <span style="font-weight:400">Her eyes went wide as her body became still when she felt the touch of cold steel on her neck. Quin''s de was on the same spot where she was almost killed. But Quinus'' control over his de was so superb that he had the dull part of the sword resting against her neck.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The cold steel and Quinus'' scent sent shivers down her spine as she looked at his expression. Seeing his golden eyes stare down at her, like an apex predator who''s caught his prey, sent her heart into a frenzy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''G-Get it together Rya! H-He''s not flirting!... But God damn. He looks so hot when he''s serious. Hehe, but if I y this right. I might be able to turn the tables on him,'' Rya smiled as her heart rate picked up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya... Do you see the weakness in your form? You need to protect your vitals. You can''t rely on your mana all the time," Quinus'' tone was different from the usual yfulness he would have. It was serious and stern, but when he spoke, his face moved in closer to hers, their lips were only centimeters apart.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, Your Highness," Rya blushed as her body heated up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Now... What have you learned today?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"U-Um. I know that my technique is not there... But I don''t know what I''m exactly messing up, babe... You''ve been training with a sword for decades, while I have only been doing this for maybe a month," Rya stated as she started to pant lightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus'' serious face twisted into a grimace before he let up on Rya.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''S-She right... I keep wanting to treat her like a seasoned veteran. But she''s still all new to this... Maybe I should have someone else teach her the basics... Maybe I can get Lady Nelumbo to train her? But then that would mean I would have to spend less time with her...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Babe? Are you okay?" Rya whispered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus was brought out of his thoughts and noticed that Rya was blushing while looking at him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes. I was just thinking," Quinus answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thinking? About what? What''s on your mind?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Well, I was just thinking about getting someone else to train you the basics when we get to the capital. But then I realized that I would have to spend less time with you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinus'' honesty was refreshing and a bit shocking to Rya. But also a bit worrying.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Babe... You don''t have to worry about spending time with me. I would be happy if you could get me a teacher to teach me the basics. I know that you are going to be busy running the country and your time will be limited. But the training you already have given me has been a huge help. I don''t want to be a burden or take up your time,"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re not a burden. I want to help you be strong," Quinus stated but then he remembered what Lady Nelumbo told him years ago. After his mana vein awakened he couldn''t control the flow of mana through his body. She said, <i><span style="font-weight:400">One thing you will have to learn is when to move on to the next lesson.</i>


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Yeah, Rya knows far more about using mana than me. And Lady Nelumbo knows far more about teaching basic techniques and swordsmanship than I do,'' Quinus looked at Rya. "I think it''s time..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? What do you mean, babe?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Lady Nelumbo is the only one who could train you properly in the basics. She was the one who trained me before my mana vein awakened. I can still show you the ropes, but she knows more about teaching the fundamentals than I do."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh? Well if you trust her. Then I will trust her as well. Thank you," Rya hugged him tightly and gave him a peck on the cheek.

 Vol.3 Ch.199 They’re Coming by Land

    Vol.3 Ch.199 They��re Coming by Land


    <span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile, all the knights and General Dous were astonished by how easily Crown Prince Quinus defeated Lady Rya. The ten Royal Knights could barely touch her and she was holding back in the fight. Quinus also handicapped himself in his skirmish by not channeling his mana as well. He gracefully and precisely moved his weapon as if he were dancing while countered her without breaking a sweat. His attacks were so refined and his dodges so wless that it made him look like he was in no danger. The whole skirmishsted only a few seconds as Rya was pinned to the wall with Quinus'' de on her neck, his face inches away from hers.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They all saw how Lady Rya''s face was blushing and could see her breathing was bing heavy. She looked like she was excited and was struggling to free herself, but they all knew it was no use. They were all speechless. They had no idea what just happened. The two just stood there, looking into each other''s eyes, even though the prince was trying to act like he wasn''t aware of her current state.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''How did he move so fast? We were barely keeping up with her and he was able to outmaneuver her. When did the prince be this skilled? I-Is this the true power of a Demi-god-leveled mana vein? How can any Majapete against him,'' Lady Rachel thought as she watched the two whispering to each other.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''T-The Prince is that fast!? H-He''s almost as fast as Sir Mathew!'' General Dous thought as the realization hit him. It was a shocking and exciting time for him. For the Kingdom to have their next heir with a Demi-god-leveled mana vein meant the other surrounding Kingdoms could be in trouble and need to think twice before invading them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Sir Walfort, who was on his knees and trembling, couldn''t believe what he had seen. ''N-No way... I''m the fastest in the Royal Guard. B-But the Crown Prince is even faster than me?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">All the knights were feeling a sense of defeat and admiration. General Dous was the first to calm down from his stupor and that''s when he noticed Rya''s blushing face. The way she looked at Quinus was a woman in love.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''S-She''s like an innocent maiden... How was I so blind?... She''s been under Quinus'' manly charms all this time and I refused to believe, my lord... That means this marriage will definitely happen. If he could win the hearts of a dark elf then he can win the hearts of the other races. Hell! Even the hearts of the people of the kingdom at this rate! I just hope that his mother doesn''t do anything drastic to ruin this. I''ll need to tell her that she''s not a threat as soon as we arrive in Lomar,'' General Dous had a bad feeling when thinking about the Queen. She was a smart woman but her overprotectiveness of her son could get in the way of his growth.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you finally realized it?" Sir George said as he walked up to the General, breaking him out of his thoughts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? I-I was wrong about... the both of them... When did the Prince be so powerful? And that young woman is not your average dark elf... She is a rare breed," Dous asked while watching Lady Rya kissing the prince.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aye, she is a rare breed indeed... One that''s merciful, kind, and dangerous when she needs to be... She''s made the prince a stronger man... Plus, wiping out hundreds of goblins and Mercs helped his growth," Sir George said with a chuckle.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hundreds!? T-That many? I didn''t know the monster stampede was that bad... We should have sent the 10th Rangers battalion with them..." Dous shook his head as he heard about the reports but never witnessed a monster stampede before in his life. He thought the Nobles were making a big stink about nothing. After all, it was just goblins.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, the prince wasn''t as strong when we left the capital and we lost three toons worth of good men," George frowned as he remembered the blood and screams of his men as they made their way to the Tomb of the Horde. "It was a disaster, but we prevailed and gained much more from it. Especially her... She''s going to change everything we know."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Dous'' old self wanted to argue that but what he witnessed before him made him realize that the old ways needed to be changed. "Yes, you''re right. She is the future. With the Prince and her leading the charge, the Kingdom of Fiafyr will be the most powerful force in the world. The other nations will quake in fear and the people will know peace... Sir Richard!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Richard wasn''t expecting the general to call him by his full name. He jumped slightly and walked up to him then saluted. "Y-Yes, sir?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Get a bigger carriage so we can amodate Lord Dule and his wife... I lost this challenge... And I''m a man of my word."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As you wish, sir," Richard bowed and walked off to procure a bigger carriage.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"d you came around, General," Sir George said while he patted him once on the back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... I''m stubborn sometimes... Even when it''s against my better judgment," Dous agreed


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan and Tayna couldn''t believe their eyes. As they watched Lady Rya taking down ten royal knights without breaking a sweat.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna never knew a woman, as beautiful as Rya, could fight so fiercely and gracefully as she did. Tayna could barely keep up with all of the dark elf''s movements during the fight.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''She asked me to be her friend and that''s what I''m going to do! She''s the best thing that has ever happened to this Kingdom!'' Tayna smiled and watched the two love birds staring into each other''s eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was shocked by the dark elf''s fighting prowess. The way she used her staff was different from a normal warrior. But Quinus was even more impressive with his speed and grace.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn... Note to self... Don''t start a fight with either one of them... Haha, the prince is more dangerous than I thought and I''m one of his best friends... I never thought my life would change so much by meeting him. I''m so d I stopped trying to be Marcus'' friend... I could''ve missed this opportunity if I was stubborn,'' Johan chuckled to himself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, I guess we should have our servants pack up our things, my dear," Johan said as he grabbed Tayna''s left hand and kissed the back of it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm? So we are heading to the capital? But what will your father think?" Tayna asked worriedly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Orders from the prince are priority over anything else. Plus, Lester can collect this month''s taxes without us... I feel like my father sent us here, so my uncle wouldn''t try to belittle me in front of the family... After all, he doesn''t think I''m fit to be the next Baron of House Dule," Johan exined as he looked into Tayna''s eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She smirked, "Well, he''s in for a rude awakening... My handsome, strong, mage of a husband."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Tayna pulled Johan close and passionately kissed him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Damn, she''s the best thing that has ever happened to me.''


    <span style="font-weight:400">Johan was lost in his wife''s kiss until a loud voice shouted from behind him,


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahem!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">The couple turned around and saw Crown Prince Quinus Meredydd, Rya, Nieren, and Yuliana staring at them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, you two get excited during a fight, huh?" Rya giggled, causing the two to blush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-That''s not true. We were just-" Johan stammered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-We were just excited for the future! That''s all! Tayna cut in.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Quinusughed, "It''s fine... But we need to get going soon. We''ve dyed the trip long enough."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Okay, Your Highness, we will be ready shortly. We''ll gather our things in order," Johan bowed and walked off with Tayna.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do humans always show such affection in public?" Yuliana asked with a puzzled expression.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya blushed and said, "Well... When you are in love... You tend not to care in the moment."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmph, disgusting..." Nieren muttered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What''s gotten into you?" Rya asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-Nothing... It''s just ack of sleep. That''s all," Nieren looked away with blush on her cheeks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m going to put away our swords and help with getting ready to leave. You can stay here as long as you want, before I call for you," Quinus walked off.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Okay, babe."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Nieren watched Rya as she had a dreamy look on her face. She didn''t realize that she was making the same face when she was watching Quinus'' butt and back muscles.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Why am I feeling this way... I just want to make sure that he is worthy of being by Rya''s side... H-Humans are cunning creatures... and I need to observe him just to make sure...'' Nieren thought to herself before it hit her like a bolt of lightning.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''D-Do I like him!? W-What is wrong with me...?'' Nieren then turned around. ''I-I should go help as well...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Nieren? Where are you going?" Yuliana asked as she started to follow her daughter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-Nowhere. Just going to help is all."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t push yourself too hard. Remember you''re still haggard from not sleeping," Yuliana ced her hand on Nieren''s right shoulder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-Yes, mom..." Nieren rolled her eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana red and hit Nieren on the head.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t give me that attitude... You may be a retainer to Lady Rya but you are still a princess. And you should act like one."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ow! S-Sorry, I-I won''t do it again..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Yuliana smiled, "Good... Let''s go help out."


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">With that, everything was set when they swapped out a new carriage that had House Dule''s coat of arms and colors on the side. It could hold twelve people on the inside of itpared to their old one which could only hold six. Johan also grabbed four of his own personal guards to join them for the trip.


    <span style="font-weight:400">They would be taking the quickest route to leave the city and head to the eastern gates of Dorn. The trip east would take a week before they would reach the capital if they pushed it. But with the extra protection they had now, they would be a little slower to their next destination.


    <span style="font-weight:400">And so the convoy left the Manor grounds and weaved its way through the city streets. Once they reached the Eastern gate, they headed straight to the main highway roads that would lead to Eldermyst City in two days. Eldermyst City was the second biggest city in the Eder Hills Domain.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rya was sitting inside the carriage with Quinus, Nieren, Yuliana, Johan, Tayna, Dalia, and Percy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She was in between Quinus and Dalia. She had a smile on her face and she looked out the window.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''What a crazy couple of days... It''s starting to feel normal to be in this world...''


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you thinking about?" Quinus asked as he noticed her zoning out.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? O-Oh, I''m just thinking about how surreal everything has been for me..." Rya said while cing her left hand on top of Quinus'' right hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He smirked, "I know... But it grows on you."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah... You''re right."


    <span style="font-weight:400">And with that, the convoy started cruising down the open road. Just around 11:00 a.m. With nothing but a beautiful sky and the sounds of hooves galloping. They passed some people on the road but most of them had horses or carts with them. As they continued traveling they would asionally stop for a break or lunch. But mostly they would ride on through the day and set camp for the night if there wasn''t a town they could stop at before sundown. Luckily they were nning on stopping by a town named Edermines City and resting at the inn.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Back in the city of Dorn. Two men were sitting in a cafe right by the upper-ss district. They looked like they were waiting for someone. One had his hood up while the other had shoulder-length ck hair and a scar over his left eye.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Do you think we can get an Eldritch Bond Cor and enve the Dark Elf? Just like how the ck Roses did it back in Ironside? It''s not like we can kill her, and if we pull it off, then we can be emperors overnight..." The man in the hood said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s a fool''s errand, Doug," The other man said as he sipped his tea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Really, c? Why is that? It happened once before and it can be done again, right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">c looked over at Doug with a smirk and said, "Firstly, do you know an Artificer skilled enough to forge Eldritch Bond Cor?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Of course not. But how did the ck Roses get their hands on one?" Doug asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The rumors are that Rudolf stole it from King Arnaud. I believe Arnaud was hoping to use that cor on one of the Wood Elf females as a trophy ve. It was probably one of the reasons why the Kingdom of Marn hunted down the ck Roses. It was an embarrassment for the Royal Family and the Noble''s Guild," c said while drinking his tea.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So what? We just find another Eldritch Bond Cor and buy it. Problem solved. It can''t be that hard."


    <span style="font-weight:400">c sighed, "You think they sell those things in any shop?... Besides, the only race that knows how to create them are the demons, I think... Then there''s a second problem. The Eldritch Bond Cors are extremely rare. This isn''t your everyday ve cor, Doug. I heard from a reliable source that only ten cors have been created and only seven are known. So, if you do find one. It costs more gold than a kingdom has... I have no idea how King Arnaud Dupont stumbled into getting one in the first ce. He must have been luckier than anyone I know... Until Rudolf stole it I guess..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Damn... Then there is no way to capture that dark elf for ourselves, is there?" Doug sighed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... that''s the other problem. She was cored with the strongest ve cor known to Tertius. And it was destroyed while it was still on her. Which means she might be immune to getting cored again..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Are you fucking kidding me!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Doug stood up and mmed his hands on the table. Which got the attention of some bystanders.


    <span style="font-weight:400">c red at him and whispered, "Shut up, you moron. Or do you want to give away our position to the Prince and his group?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Doug quickly sat down and whispered, "Fuck... Okay... So, we can''t get our hands on the dark elf, even if we cor her with an Eldritch Bond, right?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">c sighed, "Odds are it would slow her down at best. You could try to give her orders, but she will mentally resist and try to fight back. You can''t enve a monster like her anymore... I would suggest just kidnapping her and ransoming her off to the Meredydd Family or the Fiafyr Kingdom. But we would have to restrain her with something that would disrupt her mana flow. It''s best not to dwell on it, Doug... We just need to track them for the Duke. And then we will get paid."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I got it. I''m not saying we should try and take her. I''m just saying I''m upset that we can''t."


    <span style="font-weight:400">c just shook his head and finished his tea. Just then a man came running up to them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"c, Doug, I have found the Prince and his entourage. They are heading to the Eastern gate and I think they are heading to Edermines City."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Dammit. I thought they would take the fairy and ride the rivers to the coast. This is a pain..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Why does it matter, c? All we have to do is send a raven to the Duke."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It would have been easier to track them on the rivers is all. Now we need to put in more work... Is there anything else new you can tell us, Remy?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Remy nodded his head, "It seems the young Lord, Johan Dule, and his wife have joined the Prince on his journey."


    <span style="font-weight:400">c was pleasantly surprised by this, "Really?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What are you thinking, boss?" Doug asked as he ced one copper coin on the table before they started to walk out of the cafe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"His uncle is aiming to be the next Baron of Eder Hills. And he''s offering a reward to the Duke to have Johan Dule dead or alive. If we capture him, it could lead to the downfall of the Dule family."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmmm... I like that. But won''t we need to get his approval for kidnapping him?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">c nodded, "Send a raven. While we gather some horses. If he doesn''t deny us this mission, then we will go and kidnap the young lord."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And his wife, boss?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Leave her, we have no need for a damaged woman. I doubt her father would even pay ransom for her. He hoped to have an in with this barony but if Linus bes the next Baron... Well, it''s a good thing that the Duke has the right to take Linus''nds and titles away from him. If he ever tries to betray the Duke after giving him the barony."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"So, it''s a win-win, situation for us, huh? Alright, let''s get this job done."


    <span style="font-weight:400">c and Remy started making their way out of the cafe and to the stable. While at the same time, Doug wrote a message for the raven to send to the Duke. Once the bird was sent Doug met up with the rest of the party of nine and started heading east to catch up to the Prince''s convoy. They were hoping to get a response from the Duke by tomorrow so they could get ahead of them and set up an ambush.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">***


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">It waste afternoon at the Divalo Manor. The butler, Belial, was going through the rooms of the manor. Making sure that the staff was cleaning the rooms properly. It was a daily routine that he had. It was the only way to make sure everything was up to code.


    <span style="font-weight:400">While walking around the second floor of the manor he noticed a raven flying by one of the windows.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''A messenger bird?''


    <span style="font-weight:400">He hurried to his office. Normally it would have gone to the Duke''s Study if he had the window open but he wanted his privacy and Belial knew it was closed. So the raven would go to his office instead and wait there for someone to collect its message. When he walked into his office and the raven was waiting for him on his desk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, well, well. A raven? Who was the one that sent you, little one," Belial asked as he approached the desk.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The raven looked over at him and then hopped on his right hand. The butler took off the small piece of parchment off its leg and the raven flew from his hand andnded on the windowsill.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm, it''s from Doug? Oh, this is about the Prince..." He said as he unrolled the note and started to read it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well, well, well. Looks like the Young Master of House Dule is on the road with fewer guards than the prince. How interesting..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The raven looked back at him as if it was curious.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Stay here little one. I need to deliver a response," Belial said as he started making his way towards the Duke''s Study.


    <span style="font-weight:400">


    <span style="font-weight:400">Once he arrived at the door of his lordship''s study he took a breath then knocked a couple of times. There was no response for a couple of minutes before he heard the Duke call him in. When Belial came inside, he saw the Duke reading a book and drinking wine.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You better be here for a good reason, Belial," Duke ric said with a hint of annoyance.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m sorry to disturb you, my Lordship. But I received a message from one of c''s men. It seems the Prince''s convoy has decided to travel bynd toe to the capital," Belial said with a slight bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric nced up from his book with an unamused look on his face.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And what of it? I''m not raising my armies in hopes that I can kill my nephew and that dirty dark elf."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Lord. But what''s interesting is the young Lord of House Dule has joined him on the Prince''s journey. And he only has four of his personal guards with him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric was quiet for a few moments as he thought it over.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"How many men does c have?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ten including himself, my lord. If they capture the young Lord, then we can give him over to his uncle, Linus Dupree so he can take the title away from Johnathan Dule. Or you can take theirnds for yourself."


    <span style="font-weight:400">The Duke thought about it some more, "How many knights are protecting my nephew and his whore?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Twenty-four Royal Knights, as well as, General Dous, two of the prince''s retainers, two wood elves, two dwarven Ironside soldiers, and a wolfkin. So thirty-two in total, not including the prince or his woman or the young Lord''s guards."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"It is true that they are small in numbers... But with a healer by their side, it''s too risky..."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"My lord? If the convoy is attacked they might think we areing for the prince, instead of Johan Dule. If they can pull off a diversion, they might be able to kidnap him."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric just looked at his butler with a curious look, "You have something nned, don''t you Belial?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Belial smirked, "If c could send one of his men as a spy, we could easily attack the convoy before they reach the Maldurian Domain. The prince and his men will believe that we areing for them, which would allow the kidnappers to take the Young Lord. We can me the attack on bandits or highwaymen. And no one will be the wiser."


    <span style="font-weight:400">ric thought about it some more before a small smirk appeared on his lips, "It is an interesting proposal... But I don''t know about kidnapping Johan Dule. I worry that the Prince might give Chase and capture our spies... I can''t have the minor nobles seeing my failures. But if you think they can kill the Young Dule and get away then you have my permission."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my Lord. I will deliver the news to our men as soon as possible. Your brother will lose a close ally within a few days."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Good, now leave me. I have to get back to my book."


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, your Grace," Belial bowed before he left the room leaving the Duke alone, once again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I do not doubt that this n of Belial will work. It has to... I need the major nobles to see how weak the prince''s leadership is. And if he can''t protect a pathetic excuse of a noble''s son from a major house... Then they will see how unfit he is to lead... Soon, I''ll gain more control over the Nobles and the Crown. Then I can have the king abdicate and make me the new ruler. And finally, I can kick out that spineless trash of a Prime Minister, then execute my nephew. Once, I get him to break up with that elf... Then I will have a proper heir who will lead my dynasty. Hehehe, The fates will bend to my will. Then I''ll be the oneughing in the end..." ric said to himself as he picked up his wine ss and took a sip.

 Vol.3 Ch.200 Trying Something New

    Vol.3 Ch.200 Trying Something New


    The next day, as the sun begins to rise up from the horizon. Sir George and a few knights were watching over the carriages outside of the inn in the town of Edermines City. This town is just thirty miles northwest of the City of Eldermyst. The town is known for its coal mines, iron and steel forges, and the beautiful scenery of the Eldermyst forest to its east.


    As the knights stood there waiting for someone to release them from their shift, the rest of the convoy slept inside Myst Inn.


    Their journey to Edermines City was peaceful for the most part. The road was free of any dangers and the weather was perfect. Rya was able to teach Johan a couple of spells that worked for his mage vein. What made Johan''s Illusion Vein so uniquepared to a normal Illusion Mage was that his illusion spells felt real to the touch, like they were solid objects instead of projections that you could just phase through.


    So, when a normal mage casts an illusionary wall, you could walk right through it like it was nothing but air. While Johan''s illusionary wall felt like an actual wall and it would stop you from walking through it. But these illusions weren''t very durable, they would shatter and fade if the illusion was hit hard enough, like swinging a big stick into it, which could cause a disruption in the illusion''s mana and make it disappear.


    Rya was still trying to figure out what Johan''s limit was and what type of illusion magic he could use. Luckily for him, Rya only had a few spells that he could use and the first one she taught him was Shadow Mimic. Johan was beside himself when he sessfully cast his first incantation ever in his life and he was even more thrilled with how simple it was. It was his childhood dream to be a mage and now he was finally getting the chance to live it.


    And the best thing about the spell is that he could mimic non-living objects, like rocks, dead trees, or even a carriage. Sadly the illusionary carriage could onlyst ten feet before it would disappear after being pulled by a horse. But other than that, his illusions couldst anywhere from five hours to ten depending on how big and detailed it was, as long as no one tried to disturb the illusion''s mana, like sitting on it or bumping into it, which would speed up the process and make the illusion disappear faster. But if no one touched it, then the illusion would remain in ce until the mana ran out. Shadow Mimic was the perfect beginner spell for an Illusion Mage and the most popr incantation for this ss of mages. So Rya wasn''t surprised with how quickly Johan learned how to use it.


    <span ss="userText">Rya also had some notes for the Dispell Illusion incantation and one other spell that was more advanced, known as Shadow Self. What made this incantation harder to cast for Illusion Mages was therge amount of mana they had to channel throughout certain parts of their body to sessfully cast it. Shadow Minic was easy to cast because all a mage needed to do was channel some of their mana into their head and look at an area where they wished to create an illusion, before whispering the incantation. But Shadow Self needed to channel their mana into multiple parts of their body for this incantation to seed, mainly having most of their mana flowing in the biceps and quads. While having a little in the head and chest. It took a lot of mana to cast Shadow Self but that wasn''t the issue for Johan. What kept him from sessfully casting this spell was hisck of control. He just didn''t have the experience <span ss="aiText">to have this kind of control and focus on where to channel his mana.<span ss="editText"> This didn''t <span ss="userText">deter him<span ss="aiText"> from trying and he continued to practice the incantation<span ss="editText"> throughout the trip. Getting pointers from Rya<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> every once in a while.


    <span ss="editText">At one point during the trip. He almost pulled it off by sheer luck and when Johan saw a second version of himself. He lost his conc<span ss="editText">ent<span ss="editText">ration <span ss="editText">and the illusion shattered before him. He could see his illusionary self <span ss="editText">through its own eyes<span ss="aiText"> and it had its own personality. <span ss="editText">Johan''s mind struggled to<span ss="aiText"> deal with the information he was receiving. The feedback was too much and it <span ss="editText">made him lose<span ss="userText"> his concentration<span ss="aiText">, which in turn caused his illusion to dissipate. He was <span ss="editText">excited that he pulled it<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> off for a few seconds but it left him with a headache and feeling exhausted afterward. Rya was amazed that Johan was able to create a copy of himself in such a short time.


    <span ss="userText">After Johan recovered he tried to repeat the spell for over two hours with no sess. Everyone told him to take a rest after a while so he didn''t stress his mana vein. Rya didn''t want Johan to experience "Mana Exhaustion" which would have turned him into dust if he had used all of his mana. Johan agreed and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> decided to work on his shadow mimic spell until he got a handle on the basics.


    For Rya, when she first saw Johan''s sessful cast of Shadow Self, reminded her of Ellianna, also known as "The Left Hand" of the Dark Elf tribe of Sorellia. At the time Rya was still a human male and was starting to feel aroused after her first day of ying Kobolts, to absorb their mana. She didn''t know at the time that Ellianna was an Illusion Mage and must have been the rare version as well if she was able to touch Rya with all those illusions of herself.


    <span ss="editText">It made her skin crawl thinking about another woman trying to touch her now. It was something she was still getting used to, turning into a woman and being attracted to Quinus was still new to her. It took a while for her to ept her new self but<span ss="aiText"> now that she has, she wanted to<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> explore the new possibilities that came with it.


    And admitting it she was happy to have someone who would be with her throughout the journey. It''s something she didn''t expect to happen to her on this trip through a fantasy world but now that she had the chance, she was going to take full advantage of it. So when the sun started creeping through the room that they were sharing. It made Rya wake up when the warmth of the sun''s rays caressed her skin and when she turned over, she saw Quinus sleeping naked under the covers, with a big smile on his face. It was an adorable sight to see and she wanted to do something nice for him as a way to show her gratitude.


    So, Rya quietly climbed out of their king-sized bed, making sure not to wake Quinus as she moved around the room. Once her bare feet touched the hardwood floor, she made her way over to the other side of the bed and pulled the covers slowly off of him.


    He was still naked from theirte-night romp, but Rya noticed he had a semi-hard cock. He must have been dreaming of something dirty. A wicked smirk appeared on her face as she climbed onto the bed and moved her head between his legs.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">''God! Never in my fucking wildest dreams would I have thought to give a guy a blowjob. And I''m loving every minute of it,'' Rya thought as she moved her lips closer to his cock. The manly musk hit her nostrils and made her wet. She couldn''t help but wonder if this is what her ex-girlfriend felt like every time she sucked her dick.


    Rya gently grabbed the base of his shaft with one hand and slowly stroked his cock, causing him to moan in his sleep. ''Oh God! There''s no turning back now. I just hope it doesn''t taste bad.'' she thought as her lips opened before moving her head down his shaft and sucking on the tip.


    Rya was starting to get into the act of sucking his cock as she tried to take the whole thing in her mouth. When the tip touched the back of her throat, she gagged and quickly pulled her mouth off his cock.


    "Fuck!" Quinus cried out in pleasure, waking up instantly. He looked down at Rya, who had a smile on her lips.


    "Morning, babe. I didn''t mean to wake you," she purred.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus was surprised by this. Ever since Rya told him about her past<span ss="aiText">, he never expected her to befortable with this.<span ss="editText"> He''s never tried to ask for her to go down on him. Because he didn''t want to force her to do <span ss="editText">anything s<span ss="editText">he wasn''t ready for.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> It wasn''t a deal-breaker for him. As long as he had Rya in his life, he was happy. But now that he knew she was okay with it, he was excited about this new step in their rtionship.


    "Well, this is a pleasant surprise," Quinus smiled, "Please don''t stop on my ount."


    Rya''s heart was pounding at the thought of sucking his cock again.


    ''W-Why is this turning me on?'' She wondered before moving her lips around the tip of his cock and licking the head, causing him to moan. She loved the taste of his precum and couldn''t get enough of it.


    ''He tastes amazing. A-And I feel like I have him under my control! F-Fuck! T-This is turning me on! Why am I getting turned on?!'' Rya thought, feeling confused about why she was enjoying this so much.


    "Goddess! Babe! That feels so good!" Quinus moaned out as he moved his hands on top of Rya''s head and grabbed her hair before pulling her head downwards, forcing his cock deep into her throat.


    Rya felt the tip of his cock hit the back of her throat and tried not to gag while some of his hot cum poured into her stomach. ''AUNGH!? B-But I was in control!? W-What''s happening?!'' Rya wondered, feeling a bit confused as to why she was getting turned on by having him pull her hair and fuck her throat. Rya thought she would panic at having his cock shoved down her throat, but instead, she found herself enjoying it. ''F-Fuck! I-I can''t take it anymore! I-I need him inside me!''


    "HOLY SHIT! RYA! FUCKING GODDESS!" Quinus cried out loudly. His body shook as his balls emptied into her mouth.


    Rya''s eyes widened when she realized what was going on.


    ''H-HE''S GOING TO CUM DOWN MY THROAT! FUCK! GET READY RYA!''


    Quinus held Rya''s head still as he continued to pump his load into her. "R-RYA!" He cried out once more, feeling his body shudder.


    <span ss="userText">Rya felt her pussy start to drip with excitement as she swallowed every drop of cum that wasing from his dick like she had done this before. She couldn''t believe how much she enjoyed swallowing his cum. It made her pussy jealous that his cock wasn''t buried inside her right now. Why was her mouth getting all the action when her vagina <span ss="aiText">needed to be filled with his seed.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">She felt her clit pulsing with desire, begging to be touched, and when she couldn''t resist it any longer. She brought one of her hands down and began fingering herself.


    "Oh, Goddess! Thank you," Quinus panted.


    Rya slowly released his cock from her mouth and licked the head. "Mmm. T-That was something I never thought I would like," she purred, looking at Quinus with lustful eyes.


    Quinus'' cock started to stiffen as he watched Rya lick her lips.


    "Well, is there anything else I can do for mydy?"


    "Yes, there is," Rya smirked.


    "And what would that be?" He said in a coy tone.


    "Fuck me!" Rya replied, getting up and positioning herself so her pussy was hovering above his cock. She ced her hands on his chest and slowly lowered her pussy onto his cock. ''OH FUCK!... My pussy can''t get enough of him!'' She thought.


    "GAWD!" Rya cried out. She was amazed at how good his cock felt inside her.


    Quinus couldn''t believe how tight her pussy was.


    "Shit! I didn''t know that giving head would make you this tight."


    "I know. It feels amazing."


    Rya started moving her hips slowly. She wanted to savor the moment.


    Quinus grabbed her ass cheeks, squeezing them hard.


    "Aungh!? Q-Quin... Fuck! Your hands are so strong," Rya whimpered, loving how he squeezed her tan ass.


    "I-I''ve always wanted to do this," he grunted, thrusting his hips upward and burying his cock deep inside her pussy.


    <span ss="userText">"AUNH!? B-But we''ve done it so many times before?" Rya groaned, feeling his cock slide out of her pussy only for it to m back inside her with<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> enough force to send her tits bouncing.


    "True but it never gets old," he smirked, moving his hands away from her ass and grabbing herrge tits.


    "Augh! Y-Yes, please, squeeze my tits," Rya gasped, feeling her pussy walls mp down around his cock. Her uterus always seems to flutter every time he''s deep inside her.


    "M-My pussy can''t get enough of you," she whispered, her body shaking slightly as his cock brushed against her cervix.


    "Neither can my cock. F-Fuck! All I want to do is make you feel loved and happy," Quinus grunted, his cock throbbing inside her.


    Rya leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her breasts against his chest. She buried her face into his neck, kissing and biting him as he continued to thrust away.


    "AGH!?" Quinus cried out, thrusting his hips harder, trying to fuck her faster.


    "Aungh! Q-Quin! O-Oh, god! Y-Your cock is so big! You''re making me so happy!" Rya whimpered, feeling her pussy quiver. She felt her uterus contract around his cock.


    "R-Rya!" He grunted, thrusting his cock in and out of her even harder, his balls pping against her ass.


    "QUIN!" She screamed, her body tensing up as her pussy tightened around his cock.


    "A-Are you going to cum?" Quinus asked as his body was trembling.


    "Yes. I-I''m close. FUCKING UNLOAD EVERYTHING IN ME!"


    Quinus couldn''t hold back anymore. He was already on the verge of climaxing.


    "OH FUCK! SHIT! I''M CUMMING!"


    "QUIN!?" Rya cried out, her body shaking uncontrobly as her orgasm washed over her.


    "GODDESS!" Quinus grunted as he emptied his balls inside her.


    "AHH~?!" Rya moaned loudly, feeling his cum pour into her.


    "FUCK!" Quinus panted, his cock pulsing as he pumped his seed deep inside her womb.


    <span ss="editText">They both stayed locked together<span ss="aiText"> until thest drops of his cum poured into her. Then he rolled her over and got up off the bed. He smiled as he admired the beautiful view in front of him. Ryaid on her back, her legs spread wide, her pussy glistening with cum and juices.


    <span ss="userText">''E-Every time he<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> fucks me, it''s like a fucking dreame true.''


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Goddess, I wish I could just fuck you all day long," he sighed.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"If only," Rya giggled.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus leaned down, cing h<span ss="editText">is forehead against h<span ss="editText">ers while panting<span ss="userText">, "Y-You are something else<span ss="aiText">. You know that right? <span ss="editText">Where did you learn to give<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> head like that?"


    "I don''t know what came over me. It just happened naturally," she giggled.


    "Haha... Yeah, I didn''t expect you to give me a blowjob... I didn''t hurt you, did I?"


    "No. I''m fine," Rya replied, kissing him on the cheek.


    "Good. I would never want to hurt you."


    Rya blushed slightly, "Well, maybe it hurt a little... But in a good way. Like I said, I didn''t expect to go down on you."


    "Well, thank you... Is this going to be an everyday thing? Because I''m up for it." He smirked.


    "Mmmm... We''ll see," she said while pushing him off to the side as Quinus rolled onto the bed. Then she walked towards the bathroom.


    Quinus sat up, watching her walk away, his eyes fixed on her perfect tan ass.


    ''Fuuuuck!... I would so like to go for another round. But that would get on Dous'' nerves if we arete, and he doesn''t deserve that right now.''


    "Are you going to watch me bathe or are youing?" Rya asked in a yful tone.


    Quinus was brought out of his thoughts by her voice.


    "Huh? Oh, right."


    He climbed off the bed, grabbed a towel, and followed her into the bathroom.


    "You really like to stare, huh?" Rya smirked at him as she slipped into the tub.


    "Rya... You used to be a man right? If you saw your new self when you were your old self. Wouldn''t you want to tap dat ass? I mean damn."


    "Oh? That doesn''t sound like my Prince Charming talking," Rya teased as she looked at him.


    Quinus smirked and shook his head as he slipped into the bath next to her.


    "Well, that''s what you''ve done to me, my love. You''ve turned me into a sex-crazed animal. I can''t get enough of you. Every time we''re together, it''s like a whole new experience."


    Rya couldn''t help butugh. "Mmmm... You''re right. And you do the same to me," she giggled.


    Quinus wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer, resting her head against his chest.


    "This is the life... But I''m sure this is nothing but the calm before the storm... Do you think I can pull off being a royal?" Rya asked him.


    "I think you''ll do fine. After all, you are a quick learner."


    "Thanks... But the real question is can we make this rtionship work in the eyes of the nobles?"


    "That is the question, isn''t it? However, I know we will seed. We will make them see what a wonderful woman you are."


    Rya smiled and leaned forward, pressing her lips against his. They were like that for minutes before Rya pulled away first.


    "That''s not what I meant, Quin. I meant it as how am I supposed to conceive a child when I ovte once every decade or so? I don''t want them to force us apart."


    "Hmm... Well, I''m sure we''lle up with something. I mean, you were able to read those books of dead tongues, right? Maybe, there''s an alchemy book that has a potion or a spell to fix that." Quinus replied, stroking her hair.


    <span ss="userText">"I hope so... Because I''m not leaving. Even if the thought of carrying your child scares me<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> I''m not giving up my happiness no matter what...<span ss="aiText"> I love you, Quinus. And nothing will change that," she smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"And I love you too, <span ss="editText">babe<span ss="aiText">. I promise <span ss="editText">that no one will<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> tear us apart. We''ll figure this out," he said.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Right. Let''s stop worrying about that and enjoy ourselves."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"I couldn''t agree more," he chuckled.


    They were quiet for a few moments as they sat there in the tub. The two enjoyed each other''s embrace when Quinus spoke up again.


    "I know this is off-topic, but didn''t you say that you healed Nieren just like Johan?"


    "Yeah... It''s strange though. Her mana vein had some seals on them. It was like someone deliberately nerfed her," Rya exined.


    "Nerfed? What''s that?"


    "It''s a video game term meant for making her weaker on purpose."


    "Why would someone do that? Did they not trust her?"


    "Who knows," Rya sighed.


    "So, it''s a mystery then?... Well, that''s not foreboding at all... I guess there''s no point in dwelling on it for now. But I want to get back to the main subject. You said she''s a mage as well, correct?"


    Rya was wondering why he was so curious about Nieren''s mage veins.


    "Yeah... She''s a light mage and she can use the green word as well... Why are you so curious about her?"


    "Well, because I thought you were going to train her as well... But I haven''t seen you trying to teach her anything yet," Quinus replied, his expression showing some confusion.


    Rya looked at him with a smile and chuckled a bit, "Yeah... Nieren is an oddball. She told me to not bring it up in front of her mother... I think she is worried about Yuliana cramping her style or something. She told me to teach her everything I know once we get to the capital."


    "Ah, so she is embarrassed by her mother then? I can understand that," he said, nodding his head in agreement.


    "I think it''s cute... Anyway, do you think you can help me gain ess to the Mage''s Guild in the capital?"


    "The Mage''s Guild? Well, I think I can arrange that. But I''ve never been a fan of the Mage''s Guild over there... The grand master there is a bit of an asshole," he replied, thinking about the man who insulted him when he failed the mage''s test at the age of eight.


    "Huh? What did he do?"


    "Well, let''s just say that he''s not the nicest person... And he really wished��No... Demanded that I was a mage even though I was failing the test. He belittled me in front of my parents and questioned if I really had a Demi-god tiered vein," he exined, his eyes narrowing.


    Rya smirked and chuckled again, "Well... He''s right... You don''t have a Demi-god mana vein. You have a Summoned vein instead. Which is way better at absorbing mana than a Demi-god vein."


    Quinus nodded his head, "I guess you are right... But I don''t know why I haven''t heard from the Goddess who reincarnated me. You said that made you respect her more than the other Gods, right?"


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">"Yeah, Nils was confusing. At first, I thought she was trying to help me, but then she was trying to make me suffer, but after that, she went back to helping me again?... I don''t know what the hell her angle is... And to think I respected her at one point... It was foolish of me to trust her," Rya sighed while shaking her head in frustration.


    "Well, we all make mistakes," Quinus said, hugging her close.


    Rya smiled and closed her eyes.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes, we do. I just hope I don''t<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> make any mistakes when dealing with the nobles," she replied, enjoying his embrace.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Don''t worry. We''ll make it through this. Together," Quinus replied reassuringly.


    They stayed like that for a few minutes before they heard a knock on their door. A Royal Knight opened the door slightly and spoke.


    "Lady Rya, Prince Quinus. We have breakfast ready down in the tavern. The general would like to leave within the hour," Lady Rachel stated.


    "Tell him we''ll be down soon, and thanks," Rya answered her.


    "Very well, Lady Rya," she replied, closing the door.


    "So, I guess our fun time is done," Quinus said, disappointedly.


    "Yep," she sighed.


    "Alright. I''ll get out first," Quinus said, standing up and exiting the bath.


    "Wait! I need to dry off too!" Rya said, climbing out of the tub and running after him.


    Quinus grabbed his robe and headed back to his room.


    "Well, I guess we should hurry and get dressed," he said, grabbing his clothes.


    "Right," she replied, drying herself off and grabbing a yellow dress with a ck underclothing set.


    Quinus watched her put the outfit on, his eyes taking in her naked body.


    "Hey, perv! Quit staring at me!"


    "I can''t help it. You have a beautiful body," he said, his voice filled with admiration.


    "Stop being such a sweet talker," she blushed.


    "It''s true," he said, grinning.


    Rya rolled her eyes and continued getting dressed. Everything was going smoothly until she tightened her corset. It seemed a little tighter around her belly area, causing her to struggle.


    "Dammit... How is it this tight?" she grunted, pulling theces harder.


    "Need help?" Quinus asked, smirking at her.


    "I''m fine," she said, straining.


    "Okay," he said, putting on his shirt.


    He had just finished buttoning it up when she finally managed to tie the corset. She panted slightly as she took a deep breath.


    "See, told you I could do it," she said, grinning.


    "Yeah, yeah. Just don''t hurt yourself. Or you''ll have to get a personal maid," he teased.


    Rya tried tough it off but in the back of her mind, she was worried. ''Dammit! Am I getting fat? Maybe I should cut down on the sweets,'' she thought.


    "You done daydreaming?" Quinus asked her, breaking her from her thoughts.


    "Yeah. Let''s go," she said, grabbing her cloak and walking out the door.

 Vol.3 Ch.201 You Can Use Green Word!?

    Vol.3 Ch.201 You Can Use Green Word!?


    Rya and Quinus left the room and headed towards the tavern. As they were walking Rya made sure her Seer Stone was safely nestled in between her breasts. When they arrived, they found most of the party, waiting for their arrival.


    "There you two are. I was wondering if we would have to send a search party for you," Percy teased with a mouth full of food. Dalia wasn''t that much better as the wolfkin was inhaling her meal.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Were you nning on saving some food for us?" Quinus asked with a hint<span ss="aiText"> of sarcasm.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nope, sorry," Percy said, swallowing.


    "Percy? You know you''re a human and not a beastkin, right," Rya joked, sitting down.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus sat down next to her and they both started eating.


    "Hey, don''t me me. My mate is very passionate in our private time. And we burn off a lot of energy at night," he winked at Dalia while taking a sip of water from his cup.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia blushed, and she turned her head to look at him, "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Nothing," Percy grinned.


    <span ss="aiText">"Uh huh," Dalia grumbled before she continued to eat.


    Rya had to ask, "So Dalia... Did you fail to get the jump on him? You seem poutier than normal."


    <span ss="userText">Dalia put down the piece of meat<span ss="aiText"> she was about to bite into and s<span ss="editText">ighed before<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> speaking.


    "Haah... I thought I had him this time but it turns out he let me jump him in bed! It doesn''t count if he just lets me win!" she exined, still feeling a little salty about her failure.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aww, <span ss="userText">but that''s so sweet of him<span ss="aiText">," Rya cooed.


    "Yes, it is," Percy grinned, kissing Dalia on her cheek.


    "Pff!... Some ''alpha mate'' I turned out to be. I have to have my mate give up his victory just to feel like a winner," she pouted, taking a swig of water.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, lighten up. Besides, <span ss="userText">you were so happy when you had the jump on me. That smile alone<span ss="aiText"> was worth getting jumped on," Percy <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">assured her<span ss="aiText">, making the wolfkin blush again.


    "I suppose you are right... B-But I can''t get soft! I need to be better," she muttered before stuffing her face again to hide her embarrassment.


    Rya and Quinus just looked at each other and shook their heads. While six of the Royal Knights were impressed by how much food Dalia could pack away in one sitting.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are all wolfkins like this?" Sir <span ss="editText">Bart <span ss="aiText">asked <span ss="editText">Sir Richard<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Pretty much. Wolfkin<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> are verypetitive by nature. They''re always trying to get better at everything.<span ss="userText"> That''s why vers are always trying to capture them for the battle arenas<span ss="aiText">. They have a natural desire to fight and win," he replied.


    <span ss="userText">"Does that make it right to enve them?" Rya asked Sir Richard pointedly<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, not at all. But it''s something you have to understand. They want to fight and will do anything to do so. They have a strong survival instinct and a drive to be stronger<span ss="userText">," Sir Richard tried to defend himself. As Rya slowly nced over to Dalia who was sumbing to Percy''s head pats<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">Sir Richard grimaced when he followed <span ss="editText">Rya''s gaze and saw the mighty wolfkin<span ss="aiText"> melting in the hands of the young <span ss="editText">rang<span ss="aiText">er.


    <span ss="aiText">"I... I didn''t mean...<span ss="editText"> That... is an exception!<span ss="aiText">" he stuttered, realizing that the wolfkin next to <span ss="editText">them<span ss="aiText"> was <span ss="editText">proving <span ss="userText">his point<span ss="aiText"> wrong.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sure it is," Rya rolled her eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus couldn''t help but chuckle a little, earning a re from Sir Richard.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sorry<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">... But it was funny<span ss="aiText">," Quinus apologized.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t understand what''s so funny.<span ss="userText"> The fact of the matter is this. Lady Dalia is a special case. Most wolfkins are ves. So, they fight for the entertainment of the crowds.<span ss="aiText"> That''s how they get stronger," Sir Richard tried to exin.


    "<span ss="editText">She''s not an exception, Sir Richard. She is simply a woman who''s a little for<span ss="editText">war<span ss="editText">d due to her upbringing.<span ss="aiText"> But that doesn''t mean she''s incapable of <span ss="editText">being civil<span ss="aiText"> or showing kindness," Rya argued.


    <span ss="editText">Sir Richard wanted to argue but he then heard Dalia purring as Percy<span ss="aiText"> scratched behind her ears.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I suppose I was a little too<span ss="aiText"> hasty with my opinion. Forgive me, Lady Rya. I was mistaken<span ss="editText">," he admitted, not wanting to continue<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> this conversation any further.


    <span ss="userText">Rya smiled triumphantly at<span ss="aiText"> him and then turned <span ss="userText">to her meal. The food looked like a shepherd''s pie<span ss="aiText"> with some bread and a side sd.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmm. Looks delicious," Rya said, grabbing a fork and knife. Her stomach was rumbling more than normal<span ss="aiText"> this morning and she needed to fill it with food.


    ''Gawd... This is embarrassing. I''m hungry all the time now. Maybe having all this sex with Quinus is making me burn more calories?... But my corsets seem to be getting a little tighter over this past week. Gah! I just wish the cravings would go away! Why doesn''t this world have ice cream... Maybe I cane up with a way to make some,'' she thought to herself while taking a bite of the pie that tasted simr to a beef casserole.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is delicious," shemented after chewing and swallowing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ye<span ss="editText">ah... It''s hitting the spot,"<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Quinus agreed.


    The party continued to eat their meals and talked among themselves. Rya noticed Nieren sitting at the far end of the twenty-person table with her head down.


    ''Jesus! Did she not get any sleep, again? And there''s no food on her te either... She must have stayed awake all night. She needs to start taking better care of herself,'' Rya thought while shaking her head after witnessing her friend''s poor condition.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana came from her room and into the tavern with a pot of tea in her hands. The green-haired elf could only shake her head at her daughter''s<span ss="aiText"> state.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good morning," she greeted the table.


    <span ss="aiText">"Morning Yuliana," Rya greeted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hello, Miss Yuliana," Quinus added.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good morning," the group said, acknowledging her presence.


    <span ss="userText">"Mmmm..." Nieren<span ss="aiText"> grumbled.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana poured everyone some tea and sat down. She grabbed a piece of bread and butter<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> it. She then began eating her food.


    <span ss="aiText">"How are you today, Lady Rya?" Yuliana asked politely.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m doing well. And yourself?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I am feeling quite well today, thank you," she replied, smiling.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good to hear," Rya smiled back<span ss="userText"> before looking at Nieren''s sorry state. "Is Nieren going to be okay?<span ss="aiText"> She looks dead on her feet," Rya asked Yuliana.


    "I don''t know. She refuses to use the earplugs I gave her and now she has a horrible headache. She probably needs to use a potion to help rid it," Yuliana sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well? I can help if that''s alright,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya offered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh? <span ss="userText">That''s kind of you, My Lady. But if you keeping to her rescue then I fear she will never<span ss="aiText"> learn," Yuliana admitted.


    "Maybe... But I can''t help but feel sorry for her," Rya said while taking a sip of her tea.


    <span ss="editText">"Naugh! I''m fine!" Nieren snapped her head up and yelled out before her <span ss="userText">fatigue<span ss="aiText"> caught up to her and mmed her head into <span ss="editText">the table with a loud<span ss="aiText"> ''thud''.


    <span ss="aiText">Everyone stared at her in silence. Yuliana couldn''t help but cringe<span ss="editText"> at<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the sound of her daughter''s skull colliding with the wood.


    <span ss="aiText">"See? That''s exactly what I mean," Yuliana sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">Everyone stared at the young wood elf and shook their heads.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren startled herself awake and sat up in her <span ss="editText">chair. Her body posture was stiff and rigid, and she had a scowl on her face. Plus the bump<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> on her forehead was painfully red.


    "<span ss="editText">Ugh... Why does it have to be so noisy today?" Nieren mumbled while rubbing her head.


    <span ss="editText">"Because we are in a tavern," Rya sighed, shaking her head.


    <span ss="editText">"I-I''m fine. You''re all just paranoid," she muttered, waving her hand dismissively.


    <span ss="aiText">"No. You are not," Yuliana chastised.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes<span ss="userText">, I am, mother... And I''ll be better once you bring me some tea," Nieren said while trying<span ss="aiText"> to look dignified.


    "Nieren? Your mother already poured you a cup of tea. It''s in front of you," Rya said with concern in her voice.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh? What? OH! Yes! T-Thanks!" she stammered, as she noticed the steaming cup of tea on the table in front of her. It was right next to a potted nt in the center of the table. Nieren weakly reached out <span ss="editText">for <span ss="editText">the<span ss="editText"> cup of tea, but she identally grabbed the potted nt instead. And thanks to her sorry<span ss="aiText"> state, she mistakenly channeled her mana into the nt.


    <span ss="userText">The nt started to grow before everyone''s eyes. Yuliana did a double take when she saw a beautiful red flower bloom. She nearly dropped her cup of tea when she realized what her daughter was doing. All these decades of her daughter failing to use the "Green Word" tomunicate with nts made her fear that she was a failure of a mother and a wood elf. But now that Nieren was able to use the green word<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, her hopes were renewed.


    <span ss="aiText">''That was a flower of love and passion... Could it be? Has she found someone?<span ss="editText"> Wait! That''s not<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> what matters right now. What matters is that she has finally learned how to speak with the nts. I can''t let her ruin this chance,'' Yuliana thought excitedly to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nieren! You''re using the green word!" she shouted happily.


    <span ss="aiText">"Huh? Wah!" Nieren gasped and <span ss="userText">looked around in a haggard state. That was when she noticed that<span ss="aiText"> she was holding a potted nt. She let it go and itnded on the table with a thud.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Nieren blinked her eyes rapidly before she realized her mistake.


    "I... I-It''s your imagination, Mom!" Nieren panicked and then she grabbed her tea and started drinking it while acting like she didn''t do anything. "Mmmmh... The tea is good! Thanks, Mom! Ha ha! I feel better than ever!"


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana didn''t care that her daughter tried to hide her talent. She had the starry-eyed look of a proud mother and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> it made Nieren nervous.


    <span ss="userText">"I prayed to the spirits for<span ss="aiText"> this day!" she cried out.


    <span ss="editText">"W-Wait! M-Mother!?" Nieren stuttered as she knew what her<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> mother was going to do.


    <span ss="aiText">"This calls for a celebration!" Yuliana eximed and jumped up and <span ss="editText">hugged <span ss="aiText">her daughter<span ss="editText">. <span ss="editText">P<span ss="aiText">ull<span ss="userText">ing her head tightly<span ss="aiText"> against herrge chest.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Nieren was panicking on the inside but she couldn''t do anything to stop her mother.


    <span ss="editText">"Mom... Your boobs are crushing my head! And you''re just seeing things," Nieren said as her mother''s chest muffled her voice<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"What was that, sweetie?" Yuliana asked,<span ss="aiText"> rubbing the top of her daughter''s head.


    <span ss="editText">The wood elf mother wasn''<span ss="aiText">t letting her daughter go<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> no matter how much she squirmed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mother! I-I said-"<span ss="userText"> Nieren<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> stopped mid-sentence when she felt her mother''s grip on her tighten.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Mmmph!? Mmmf! Mm!" Nieren squeaked, trying to break free.


    <span ss="userText">Rya shook her head at Nieren''s weak attempts at denying facts. The cat was out of the bag and Nieren needed to<span ss="aiText"> ept that<span ss="editText"> her mother<span ss="userText"> now<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> knew her secret.


    ''Jeez!... <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Poor Nieren... She''s trying so hard to deny the truth, but if she doesn''t admit that she''s a green word user to her mother. Then I''ll tell Yuliana myself. She deserves to know the truth. And maybe Yuliana will stop ming herself for being a bad parent,'' Rya thought.


    After a few minutes, Nieren finally escaped her mother''s vice-like grip.


    "Gah!... Mother! I told you that it was a fluke," Nieren tried to argue.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, it''s not, dear. You''ve used the green word, I saw it with my own eyes," Yuliana said, smiling at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Mom! I am telling you that I''m��"


    <span ss="userText">"Nieren!... The secret is out. If you won''t tell her then I will<span ss="aiText">," Rya cut her off.


    Nieren''s face became redder with embarrassment.


    "T-There is no secret! Don''t listen to her mom!" she tried to deny.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana looked at<span ss="aiText"> Rya, then back at her daughter, and raised an eyebrow at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">What<span ss="aiText"> are you two talking about? What is going on?" Yuliana demanded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Rya! Please, don''t do this! You promised not to tell her," Nieren begged.


    "And I wouldn''t if you didn''t just use the green word in front of everyone," Rya scolded her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nieren? You''ve been able to use the green word all this time?" Yuliana asked with shock in her voice.


    "NO! Rya, don''t please!"


    <span ss="userText">"Yuliana... Nieren''s mana vein had some seals or curses ced on it. I was able to heal it. That''s when I saw her mage veinsing back to life<span ss="aiText">. She had the ability to use the green word. But she couldn''t ess it<span ss="editText"> until I fixed them<span ss="aiText">," Rya said, taking pity on the poor girl.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana <span ss="userText">looked at Rya as her savior<span ss="aiText"> and her eyes filled with tears. She <span ss="editText">began to <span ss="aiText">hug her <span ss="editText">daughter again, but it was even <span ss="aiText">tight<span ss="userText">er as Nieren''s head almost disappeared into her mother''s chest.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you! Thank you so much, Rya. I didn''t know. I had no idea. Thank you for helping my daughter," Yuliana cried<span ss="userText"> while swinging<span ss="aiText"> back and forth <span ss="editText">while<span ss="aiText"> hug<span ss="userText">ging<span ss="aiText"> her daughter.


    "Mom... I can''t breathe... And you''re embarrassing me," Nieren said with a muffled voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, sorry," she said, letting her go<span ss="userText">, "Now you can stop ying the adventurer and be a proper Wood Elf Princess<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren was mortified, and she wanted to die at that moment. She just couldn''t deal with the embarrassment.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ugh..." Nieren groaned.


    <span ss="userText">Everyone at the table was feeling the secondhand embarrassment from Nieren, with the exception of Dalia, who was enjoying Nieren''s<span ss="aiText"> suffering.


    <span ss="editText">"Y-Yuliana? You do know that Nieren''s my retainer. And she needs to maintain her fighting skills, right?" Rya stuttered whileing up<span ss="aiText"> with an excuse<span ss="editText"> to help her friend<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana blinked and realized that Rya was right. Her daughter vowed to be her retainer and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> serve as her sword and shield. And Yuliana knew her daughter was serious when she said those words.


    "Oh<span ss="editText">... I suppose you''re right... But can''t you dismiss her from that duty? I''m fine if she continues being yourdy-in-waiting, but she''s a princess and<span ss="aiText"> should be learning about diplomacy and other important skills<span ss="editText">. Not some adventurer<span ss="aiText"> that runs around inbyrinths," Yuliana asked, not wanting to give up her dream<span ss="editText"> of rebuilding the Wood Elf Kingdom for her daughter<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mother! You can''t ask her to do that," Nieren argued, but Rya had another idea.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I would have agreed to that, Yuliana... But you see, Nieren is also a light mage. And it wouldn''t be right<span ss="aiText"> if I took her away from her calling," Rya <span ss="userText">stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"She is<span ss="editText"> a light mage<span ss="aiText">?!" Yuliana eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, she is," Rya nodded.


    Yuliana looked at her daughter in shock, ''She has her father''s gift of being a light mage!? But he said it would be impossible for her to gain it! He said that only full-blooded High Elves were capable of using the "white word"... Could it be that he lied to me about this as well?... N-No... He wouldn''t.''


    "A light mage and a green word user? How can she be both?" she asked.


    "What do you mean?... She''s half-high elf, right?" Rya asked.


    "But full-breeds are the only ones that can use light magic. So how is my daughter able to use it? How do you know she''s a light mage?" Yuliana asked.


    Rya looked at her with a perplexed look, "Well, that''s not the case because I''ve seen her mage veins and she has two of them. It seems like it''s another lie from the High Elves, Yuliana."


    The older wood elf sighed as her old habit of believing everything from the High Elves resurfaced. It was second nature for her to believe them after four hundred years. But after everything Rya has done for her and her daughter, she knew she shouldn''t have doubted her.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s true. I''m sorry. But please forgive my stupidity, Rya," she apologized.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hey, it happens to the best of us<span ss="aiText">. I''m not offended. Just remember that you can trust me. I would never lie to you," Rya said<span ss="userText"> before returning to eating her meal.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana felt a sense of<span ss="aiText"> warmth fill<span ss="editText">ing<span ss="aiText"> her heart.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have doubted you," Yuliana apologized again.


    <span ss="aiText">"You are forgiven," Rya smiled at her.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren seemed to rx when her mother<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> finally let her go and stopped smothering her. That was until her mother chimed in again, "Oh! I need to get some pots for the seedlings! There''s so much catching up to do, Nieren. You wait here and I''ll be back," Yuliana said, getting up and hurrying out of the tavern.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mom! No, don''t<span ss="userText">! I don''t need to learn..."


    <span ss="editText">*SLAM!*


    <span ss="userText">Goes the door<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> as her mother went out to get some supplies.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Urk!" Nieren groaned and sat down with her head in her hands.


    "Aaand she''s gone! Ha ha! Woody''s going to be a nter," Dalia teased,ughing at the blonde wood elf.


    <span ss="aiText">"Shut it, mutt! Or I''ll put a muzzle on you!" Nieren growled at the demi-human.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh<span ss="userText">! How scary! Flowers are way more dangerous than that bow of<span ss="aiText"> yours," Daliaughed harder.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren clenched her teeth. Then a smirk formed on her lips, "<span ss="userText">Yeah, I wonder how many flowers I can put in your hair<span ss="aiText"> before you start looking like a <span ss="userText">cute defenseless maiden, waiting to give birth<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">Dalia stoppedughing and looked at Nieren. Her eyes went wide.


    <span ss="userText">"You wouldn''t dare!"


    <span ss="userText">"Try me!" Nieren growled.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia hid behind Percy, " Gamma! Keep her flowers away from<span ss="aiText"> me!"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">She''s just bluffing<span ss="aiText">. Nieren wouldn''t do that," Percy said.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re not helping, Percy," Rya groaned.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh? How am I not helping? Nieren has never done anything to harm her before," Percy stated what he thought was<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a fact.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya and Quinus just gave him a look of disbelief.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren grabbed the flower pot and channeled her mana into it as more flowers began to bloom<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"W-What is going on?!" Percy<span ss="aiText"> gasped as the nt continued to grow<span ss="editText"> many flowers. Nieren had a sinister grin on<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her face as she held the pot in her hand.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, Percy. You just sealed Dalia''s fate," Rya chuckled.


    <span ss="editText">"W-What did I do?<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Nieren is just bluffing... right?" he stuttered, turning to the blonde wood elf.


    <span ss="aiText">"D-Don''tugh, Alpha! H-Help me!"<span ss="userText"> Dalia panicked as Nieren pulled out over three dozen red flowers<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Heh heh. It''s payback time, puppy," Nieren chuckled darkly.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia squealed and ran out of the room. Nieren chased after her,ughing maniacally.


    <span ss="userText">"You''re not so tough now, wolf<span ss="aiText">y! Take your punishment!"


    <span ss="aiText">"NO!"


    <span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText">ughed at their antics.<span ss="userText"> While the Royal Knights were stunned by how the other races acted. It went against all the stereotypes<span ss="aiText"> they''<span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText"> heard about other races.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">S-Sir Richard? I thought you said Wolfkins are verypetitive by nature?... Are you sure<span ss="aiText"> we have the correct species?" Sir <span ss="editText">Bart<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    "Of course, I am! I''ve studied all the known species of demi-humans in our world," Sir Richard huffed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, <span ss="userText">maybe the studies are wrong? Because she seems to act almost like another human. Maybe a little more of a free<span ss="aiText"> spirit," Sir Bart questioned.


    <span ss="aiText">"I would have to agree with Sir Bart. The demi-human has shown no signs of aggression, except <span ss="userText">if she''s provoked. But you could say that about<span ss="aiText"> humans as well," Sir <span ss="editText">James<span ss="aiText"> added.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m telling you that Wolfkins are the most aggressive out of the known species of demi-humans. We''ve fought them on several asions, and their ferocity in battle is something to behold," Sir Richard insisted.


    <span ss="userText">"That''s only if you are their enemy," Percy<span ss="aiText"> interjected.


    <span ss="aiText">"And what do you know, boy?" Sir Richard growled.


    <span ss="aiText">"More than you do, sir. She''s <span ss="userText">my mate<span ss="aiText"> and I would appreciate it if you don''t talk about her like that," Percy warned him.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, she''s your mate. I''m not impressed. You have no idea how hard it is to control the beast that''s inside of her kind. You will see soon enough that you''re in over your head," Sir Richard warned.


    <span ss="userText">With that, Dalia burst into the room and jumped into Percy''s arms with red flowers in her ck hair. It made her look so adorable but<span ss="aiText"> deadly at the same time.


    <span ss="aiText">"D-Dalia, are you okay?"


    <span ss="aiText">"No... She almost got me. She was going to put these in my ears, so I ran here to hide," she said, clinging to him.


    "You''re doing a bad job at hiding, dog!" Nieren shouted as she came into the room with more flowers in her hand.


    <span ss="userText">"Eep!" Dalia clung<span ss="aiText"> harder onto Percy when she saw the wood elf zeroing in on her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">L-Lady Nieren! Please stop! Dalia is sorry for<span ss="aiText"> teasing you," Percy pleaded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, I''ll stop. But <span ss="userText">if you try and tease me again. I''ll make sure to put flowers in your tail, Dalia<span ss="aiText">," Nieren grinned.


    "W-What?! You wouldn''t dare," Dalia said while peeking out from behind Percy''s shoulder. Her tail was wagging yfully.


    <span ss="userText">''D-Does Dalia enjoy being chased? Huh... That''s cute.'' Rya thought as she witnessed the two of them.


    <span ss="aiText">"Do you want to find out?" Nieren grinned evilly.


    Dalia shook her head no while whimpering, even though her tail wagged harder than before.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then let that be a lesson to you, pup. I always win," Nieren said<span ss="editText"> while<span ss="aiText"> walking back to her seat.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia''s ears drooped and her tail slowed down, "You''re no fun," she muttered.


    <span ss="userText">Percy just smirked<span ss="aiText"> and patted her head, "Well, <span ss="editText">you could ask her to chase you, you know<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">She blushed, and leaned into his hand, "Mm-hmm.<span ss="editText"> It''s only fun if<span ss="aiText"> she tries to get me."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">''I can''t believe Dalia likes to y cat and mouse. She''s so <span ss="userText">weird.'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="userText">Four of the Royal Knights were watching how affectionate Dalia was being to Percy. Then they all turned to look at Richard who was sweating<span ss="aiText"> profusely.


    <span ss="aiText">"Um, Sir Richard? I think the boy has things under control," Sir James chuckled nervously.


    "Y-Yes... A-Apparently," Sir Richard gulped while rubbing the back of his neck.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I kinda want to have a wolfkin as<span ss="aiText"> a <span ss="editText">wife<span ss="aiText">. They are quite lovely, wouldn''t you say, gentlemen?" Sir Bartughed.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t agree with you more, Sir Bart. They are quite attractive. If I were single, I would have snatched her up in a heartbeat," Sir James added.


    "So, once we return to the capital, I should tell your wife that you wish to rece her with a wolfkin?" Lady Rachel asked while finishing her meal.


    <span ss="aiText">"Eh... I take it back. <span ss="editText">Bart... Good luck in finding a wolfkin<span ss="aiText">," Sir James quickly replied.


    "I don''t need luck... Percy! Do you know where to find a wolfkin? I would love to give one a try as my woman," Bart shouted out from the other side of the room.


    Percy was surprised that one of the older knights asked him where to find a woman like Dalia.


    "U-Um, I don''t know, sir. Dalia was saved by Lady Rya in thebyrinth. And Lady Rya was the one to convince my love to give me a chance. So, I don''t know how to find a woman who wants to be in a rtionship," Percy answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Haaa... Well, I''ll find a way. I''ll find a wolfkin woman and tame her. I''ll be a wolf''s alpha male!" Sir Bart proimed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh!<span ss="userText">? You think you can handle a wolfkin of my caliber, aye? Hehehe! You<span ss="aiText"> can try, but it will end with you being a beta," Dalia taunted the older knight.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ha! We will see about that<span ss="userText">. If I find a wolfkin worth her salt<span ss="aiText">, then you will see mee back a conqueror of the fairer sex," Bart boasted.


    "Hmph! If there''s a free wolfkin without a mate. She will run away from you the first time she picks up your beta scent," Dalia stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is that a challenge?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, it is.<span ss="userText"> We, females, can smell weakness<span ss="aiText"> and we stay away from those who are weak," Dalia exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh!? <span ss="editText">Are you<span ss="aiText"> calling me weak? <span ss="userText">I will find a free wolfkin and she will be so<span ss="aiText"> in love with me that she won''t even remember her past lovers. Then I''ll bring her back and have her show off her devotion to me," Sir Bart countered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Pfft. As if that''s possible. No wolfkin female would ever fall for a human male. Even a warrior, such as yourself," Dalia chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re going to eat those words, wolf girl," Sir Bart stated<span ss="userText"> as he got up and left the table.


    Lady Rachel turned to Sir James, "Isn''t she mating a human? Why is she saying that wolfkin females won''t fall in love with a human male if that''s what she''s already done?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I have no idea, Lady Rachel. I was wondering the same thing," Sir James said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">There you humans go. Overthinking things as usual<span ss="aiText">," Dalia sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Overthink things? How are we overthinking this, missy?" Lady Rachel challenged.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s simple. <span ss="userText">And if I need to exin it then<span ss="aiText"> you humans are too stupid to understand. I''m going to <span ss="editText">get ready to leave<span ss="aiText">," Dalia stated as she got off Percy''sp and walked out of the room.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why you, little!... Come back here!" Lady Rachel demanded.


    <span ss="userText">"What the hell was that?" Sir Richard asked Percy<span ss="aiText">.


    Percy was scratching the back of his head as he didn''t know what to say. So, Rya came to Dalia''s rescue.


    "Well... Dalia realized that she talked herself into a corner and refused to admit that she was wrong. She likes to push the me onto others then she retreats to save face. Or embarrassment. It''s hard to tell when she runs away." Rya answered.


    <span ss="userText">"She lied to us?<span ss="aiText"> She is a coward then," Sir Richard said.


    "She may be clumsy sometimes but she''s a clever one. Plus she''s been through so much with her near-death experience. So give her some ck. She knows that she''s wrong but won''t admit it. So just roll with it please," Rya defended her friend.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t believe you''re defending her. She''s a disgrace," Sir Richard huffed.


    Rya, Percy, Nieren, and Quinus red at him, "How dare you," they said in unison.


    <span ss="aiText">"T-That''s not what I meant," Sir Richard tried to defend himself.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Sir Richard... It''s best to know when one is<span ss="aiText"> beaten. And you are losing this fight," Lady Rachel sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t help it. All wolfkins are a nuisance. They are all the same," Sir Richard grumbled.


    "And I''m a Dark Elf... So am I a nuisance to you as well, Sir Richard?" Rya questioned him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Personally, no... But it will cause problems with the nobility. You''ve shown me more than enough<span ss="aiText"> that not all Dark Elves are evil," Sir Richard exined.


    "Good. I was getting tired of proving myself. But you should start treating Dalia better. She may act all tough, but deep down she''s been through a lot. And she''s mydy-in-waiting," Rya stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"Haaa... I''ll do my best, <span ss="editText">my Lady<span ss="aiText">," Sir Richard sighed.


    <span ss="userText">With that everyone in the Tavern finished their meals before heading outside to meet up with the General, Johan, Tayna, and the rest of the party.

 Vol.3 Ch.202 Making a Scene.

    Vol.3 Ch.202 Making a Scene.


    The sky was starting to be a bit overcast this morning while the rest of the party slowly made their way out of the inn.


    General Dous wasn''t happy to see a crowd of locals hovering around them. He wanted to be incognito for the trip back to the capital. But his ns went up in smoke ever since he challenged and lost to Lady Rya. It was hard not to draw attention to the House Dule family carriage with their coat of arms on the doors.


    Sir George noticed how the General was looking at the crowd of miners walking by and waved at them.


    "It''s not so bad, General Dous. I mean, the people are just curious about our party. It''s not every day that they have visitors from the Capital," Sir George reassured him.


    "I know... It''s just... when you have a perfect n, and everything changes against my best interest for the prince... Well, it''s disheartening, to say the least," General Dous sighed.


    The two dwarven soldiers came out to ready their carriage. This brought more attention to the group.


    "Whoa! What''s the deal with those dwarves? I thought they only stuck around Ironside and the surrounding areas," One manmented.


    "Yeah, they normally don''t travel outside of their mountain cities. They must be bringing something to the capital if they are with the Royal Knights," Another miner added.


    Dous sighed again as the crowd grewpared tost night. It was nightfall by the time they arrived in the town of Edermines City. So the locals were indoors and they didn''t know the Prince was there. But since they were in a carriage with House Dule''s coat of arms, the local guards took notice and it was only a matter of time before they reported it to the mayor. Luckily, Johan met with the mayor of the town so they could keep the prince''s location a secret. And now that it was morning the townsfolk were starting to take notice that a noble was in their quiet town.


    "We need to get going when His Highnesses out. I don''t want to have a crowd of the townsfolk surrounding him when we leave," Dous said to Sir George.


    "Yes, General," Sir George saluted.


    Just as they were about to finish their conversation, the door to the inn opened up, and a beautiful green-haired woman, wearing her dark green dress that didn''t hide how voluptuous her body was, came walking out in a hurry.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana was looking around frantically, until she spotted the general and the <span ss="undoDeletionText">Prince''s retainer<span ss="aiText"> and walked right over to them<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, with a purpose<span ss="aiText">.


    "Sir George, do you know if there''s a nursery nearby!? I need to buy some potted nts immediately," Yuliana demanded.


    <span ss="editText">Sir George was taken aback by how assertive she was. Normally she<span ss="aiText"> was shy, or kept to herself, so seeing her act like this was a new experience for him.<span ss="editText"> Being this close to a beauty of her<span ss="aiText"> caliber <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">made it hard for him to think clearly and nced over to the general for help.


    Dous just raised his hands in surrender as the wood elf came barging out in the open with no cloak on. Thanks to the wood elf, all the townsfolk could see her pointy ears, and he knew they were done with keeping a low profile. Yuliana crossed her arms impatiently as she waited for an answer.


    The miners'' jaws nearly dropped when they witnessed her beauty and the shape of her voluptuous body. This was the first time any of them had seen an elf in person and the rumors of their beauty didn''t do her justice. They looked like they were hit by a frozen spell when she locked eyes with a couple of them and they became paralyzed out of admiration. She didn''t know what the deal was with these townsfolk. She just thought these humans were being weird and turned her attention back to the Knight again. Sir George shook his head and tried his best not to look at the elven woman''s chest.


    "W-Why do you need a nursery, again? And why do you want potted nts?" Sir George asked.


    "Because! My daughter can use the green word! And I need to train her before she tries to weasel her way out of it. That is why I need to visit a nursery, now please!" Yuliana stated.


    "I don''t know of any nursery stores around here, mdy," Sir George answered.


    Yuliana turned to the General with sad pleading eyes, "General Dous, please... I need to teach my daughter. It''s not safe for her if she doesn''t know how to use her birthright? I... I..." she said as she put her hands together in a praying motion.


    <span ss="userText">Dous put up his best <span ss="editText">front<span ss="aiText">. He wasn''t going to be swayed by this woman. He was themander of the entire military for crying out loud! He wasn''t going to be bossed around <span ss="editText">so easily, no matter how<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> beautiful she was. He stood firm and put his hands behind his back as he spoke.


    "Mdy, I understand, but I don''t know of a nursery store in the area. I can send a man to scout one out for you, but I''m not letting you walk around this vige. It isn''t wise at this moment," Dous answered.


    But Yuliana started to tear up and his heart sank a little then she pouted, "Please, sir! Please..."


    The General was starting to break under her plea and he felt his iron resolve melt away. But he stood strong, "I can''t, mdy. I am inmand, and my mission is to escort the prince to the capital."


    Yuliana looked down sadly and let her arms fall to her sides. That''s when a couple of the townsfolk came in after they eavesdropped on their conversation.


    "Excuse me, Miss. Are you asking about a nursery?" A young woman asked her.


    "Y-Yes," Yuliana said quietly.


    "Oh, okay. There''s a nt nursery just two blocks away. It''s owned by the Sanchez family. And they sell flowers, seeds, and even potted nts," The young woman answered.


    Yuliana''s mood brightened and she smiled, "Really? That''s wonderful. I''ll pay a visit right away. Thank you."


    "Mdy!... You shouldn''t go there alone," Dous interjected.


    "No need to worry, I''m almost older than all of youbined. And I can take care of myself. Thank you again, Miss," Yuliana thanked her as she bowed.


    "Umm, no problem," The young woman was blushing as she spoke. As this was her first time talking to a wood elf.


    "Lady Yuliana... I don''t think you can make it to that store without being mobbed by the people here," Sir George informed her.


    "Huh? What do you..." Yuliana was so caught up in the moment when she saw her daughter using the green word that shepletely forgot to wear her cloak to hide her hair and elven ears. As she looked around a sizable crowd was now hovering around the caravan. Only being held at bay by twelve of the knights. And they were all staring right at her.


    Yuliana wasn''t used to this type of attention. Even living in Ironside, most people wouldn''t give her a second look, as the majority of the city was full of dwarves and she stayed away from the humans that lived there to protect her daughter. So, she never got the same kind of attention like this.


    "I... I seemed to have made a mistake," Yuliana mumbled.


    "Yeah... It would be best to wait until the rest of your group gets out. Or I''ll send some of my men to get what you need. But we can''t afford to have the whole town follow us," Dous stated.


    "R-Right! I will leave it to your judgment, General. I didn''t realize what I''ve done," Yuliana said apologetically.


    "Don''t worry, mdy. This is my fault. I should have paid more attention. We''ll get you those pots and seeds. Once we are secure," Dous reassured her.


    "Thank you, sir," Yuliana replied as she was flustered from making a mistake.


    The front door opened, and out came Johan and Tayna. She seemed to be walking gingerly again after a certain someone kept her up for most of the night.


    "Good morning, Sir George... General... What''s going on?" Johan asked.


    "Ah, Lord Johan. Good timing. We are just about ready to go once the prince arrives. If the mayores, can you handle him? I don''t think I can stand to listen to his ramblings," Dous stated.


    Johan gave the General a sly grin, "I can, but that will cost you extra. After all, I was the one who got the Inn for us."


    Dous looked at Johan with annoyance, "I do appreciate your help with keeping things quiet, but the people know of one elf now and things will get crazy once they see the prince."


    "And what if they see Lady Rya?" Tayna asked.


    "Haah... Pandemonium, mdy," Dous said with a sigh.


    "I can take care of the Mayor, but the rest is on you and your men," Johan replied.


    "Fair enough... I''m sure the Royal family will repay you for your services," Dous nodded.


    "I hope so. We still have a long way to go, and the road to the capital is not as safe as the other roads going by the Eldermyst Forest," Johan pointed out.


    "Let''s hope the Prince and his fiance are true to their word about being able to take on armies. I''ve tried to send out the 14th Rangers to deal with the bandits in that area but robberies are still a problem," Dous replied.


    Just then, the prince, Rya, Dalia, Nieren, and the rest of the knights came out and the town folk started murmuring among themselves. The three non-humandies had their cloaks on as they came out. But that didn''t stop the townsfolk from noticing their beauty.


    "I-Is that his Highness? The prince? The future king of the Fiafyr Kingdom?" the young woman from earlier asked.


    "It has to be. No one else has those golden eyes," a miner replied.


    "And his party are the most beautiful women I have ever seen! And that one with the tanned skin must be an ind princess," another manmented.


    "And the elven maiden. She has such a beautiful shade of green hair. She''s just gorgeous," a miner gushed.


    Nieren saw her mother looking guilty for not wearing her cloak and she hurried over to give her hers, "M-Mother! Here take mine. You should have worn yours."


    "T-Thank you, darling. I forgot," Yuliana mumbled as her cheeks were red from embarrassment.


    Nieren saw how all the townsfolk were looking at her and her mother, and it didn''t sit well with her. So she pulled her mother into the carriage so the townsfolk could focus on the prince instead. The prince and his party came to the General and Johan.


    "Well... This never gets old," Quinus stated when he saw the town folk looking at them.


    "I bet it doesn''t, my Prince," Johan agreed as he looked at the crowd, "Well, shall we go?" Johan asked the group.


    Quinus chuckled, "I suppose... Rya, Dalia, and Percy. Are you three good to go?"


    Rya nodded, while Dalia and Percy bowed then they entered the carriage before Quinus.


    <span ss="editText">The Knights started to prepare the horses when all of a sudden the mayor came running through the crowd with a couple of his staff trailing behind him, "Wait! Your Highness! I demand that you exin what''s going on here! If I''d known that you were in my<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> town, I would have prepared a feast for you. And now you are leaving before I can do anything?"


    <span ss="editText">Dous<span ss="aiText"> sighed as he pinched his nose in frustration. He knew the mayor would being out here and hoped he wouldn''<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">t.<span ss="userText"> But that''s how this day<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> was turning out for him.


    "Damn, it''s Mr. Brown," Dous muttered, "Lord Johan, you''re up!" The General said in a hushed voice.


    <span ss="editText">"I got this," Johan replied before turning to face the Mayor and his staff<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, "Mr. Brown. Is there a problem? I was told that you were fully aware that we were leaving today," Johan said politely.


    "But Lord Johan! You didn''t mention that His Highness was here. Or his party!" Mr. Brown eximed.


    "And what if I had? Would you have tried to hinder us somehow?" Johan asked with a knowing look.


    "N-No!? Oh course not... Hahaha, R-Right Jarvis? I wouldn''t try something like that, right?" Mr. Brown said sheepishly.


    Jarvis just rolled his eyes and nodded, "Yes, milord. He wouldn''t dream of it."


    The Mayor looked back at Johan with a smile, "You heard my man, Lord Johan. I wouldn''t dare."


    "Listen... Mr. Brown...<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> I''m sure the prince would have loved to have a feast with the people, but he is on a very important mission and can''t afford to stay in one ce for long. His Highness is needed back in the capital and he wished not to disturb your townsfolk. So, we didn''t inform you. It''s that simple. Now, we have a long journey ahead, and I don''t want to make it longer by arguing with you," Johan stated.


    "But we were hoping to get funding, for an aqueduct, approved by your father, within this year? We fear that it might be dyed until next year at this rate. But if his Highness could write him a letter on our behalf. I''m sure he will approve it sooner," Mr. Brown asked.


    "I told you that you will get your water project approved by next year. The farmers are getting them first," Johan informed him.


    "But your father isn''t here! A-And the prince is! I-If he could find it in his heart to at least think about it," Mr. Brown insisted.


    "Johan! Tell him that I''ll talk to your father in a month''s time! We have to leave," Quinus ordered from inside the carriage.


    "Hear that? His Highness will discuss it with my father and I will as well. If I were you, I''d start making preparations," Johan stated.


    "Thank you, Lord Johan and Your Highness. It is an honor to be blessed by your presence," Mr. Brown said happily.


    The mayor and his staff bowed as Johan hurried into the carriage.


    "Okay, His Highness is secure. We are leaving," Dous roared to everyone and the driver took the reigns and led the carriages to the gates. While all the knights on horseback made a perimeter around the carriages. The crowd was slowly following the caravan as they started to wave to the prince.


    "Well, that went better than expected," Quinus said.


    <span>"Agreed. But we should be wary of any spies following us. I''m sure your uncle knows where we are. And the other kingdoms would be interested in the whereabouts of our group," Johan advised as he sat next to his wife, who was smiling at him.


    Dalia sniffed the air, "Well, someone had a good night''s sleep."


    "Hehe, yeah. I slept like a baby," Tayna giggled as she rested her head on her husband''s shoulder.


    <span ss="userText">Rya couldn''t help but be happy about her handy work. This was the second couple<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> she brought together.


    "General, we''re ready," the driver announced.


    "Let''s move out!" Dous ordered.


    "Sir, yes, sir!" the knights shouted and the carriages moved on their way to the capital. They were hoping to make it to Eldermyst City by nightfall.


    ***


    As the convoy started to leave the town. Two hooded men were waiting to see when the prince''s convoy was departing. The older man had short brown hair, a trimmed beard, and a scar over his left eye. He was wearing a leather chest te with leather bracers and pants.


    "<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Finally, they''re moving! Looks like they''re heading down Eldridge Road. Looks like they aren''t taking any detours," the older man stated.


    "Good! I''ll get the horses so we can meet up with, c," the younger man stated. He was tall with ck hair and had a lean muscr build.


    "Aye, Cyril. I''ll stop at the next fork in the road and make sure they''re not splitting up," the older man instructed.


    "Got it, Mast. I''ll catch up with you after I report back to the boss," Cyril said before he ran off.


    The older man nodded and hurried to his horse, which was saddled up and waiting for him. He rode off to the next fork in the road to make sure the prince''s convoy stayed on Eldridge Road instead of taking a detour through Red Griffin Drive.


    For they needed to ambush the convoy to kill Lord Johan.


    <span style="font-weight:400">

 Vol.3 Ch.203 A Storm is Coming

    Vol.3 Ch.203 A Storm is Coming


    The convoy was slowly moving along the dirt road. They had passed the forest and were crossing arge field. Ahead of them were sizeable foothills. The road they were on wasn''t well-maintained due to the rise of bandit activities in recent months, and the military couldn''t spare anyone to take care of it due to growing tensions in the north. Another reason for Eldridge Road, being less traveled, was the fact that it was the quickest and most direct route to Eldermyst City. However, this road avoided taking a detour south around the foothills that would have them going through two more towns, which offered a safer route since there was more traffic on it. But it would have added two to three more days to their trip. So, they decided to risk it and took the dirt road through the hills and forest. They were hoping to get to the city before sundown.


    Dous and his men had ridden on ahead to scout the area as they stopped for lunch. Rya had gone into the woods to relieve herself, while Dalia and Nieren followed to stand guard. The wolfkin couldn''t help but notice how quiet the wildlife was.


    "You guys notice how quiet the woods are?" Dalia asked.


    "I mean, it does seem quiet but I wouldn''t know if that''s normal," Rya answered as she was finishing up. ''Hmm? Did I piss on my dress? No? I think I''m good... Man, I love dresses, but they do require a lot of attention. It''s not easy being a woman sometimes.''


    "Woody? What do you think?" Dalia asked.


    "Maybe there''s a monster hiding around these parts. But I''ve never ventured this far east to know if there are any dangerous creatures in these woods," Nieren said.


    "So, we should keep an eye out," Rya concluded.


    "Probably. It''s best to err on the side of caution. That''s what I had to do when I was an adventurer," Nieren replied.


    "Were you a solo adventurer?" Rya asked.


    "Yes and no... I mostly quested alone so no one could find out that I was an elf. And if I did join a party, I tried to hide my ears and pretended to be a human. Then we would go on our separate ways after we would split up the reward," Nieren replied.


    "Well, if Dalia''s instincts are correct. We probably should stay on guard. Hopefully, General Dous and his men can handle it. But it''s probably best to warn the others," Rya said.


    "Agreed. And I can smell rain in the distance," Dalia said.


    "Really? Agh... So, we are going to get ambushed, aren''t we," Rya muttered out.


    "Huh? Why do you say that, Rya?" Nieren asked.


    Rya shook her head, ''Because this has all the makings of an ambush. Dalia''s on edge, rain ising, and Quin''s crazy uncle wants him dead!... This is so like a fantasy story. It''s kind of scary. Like a cliche. Ugh, this isn''t real, is it?''


    Rya pinched herself as she cried out, "Ouch! Okay, it''s not a dream. Dammit..."


    "What''s wrong, Alpha?" Dalia asked.


    "I''m getting a sickening feeling that we''re being watched. And I was making sure that this wasn''t my imagination," Rya answered.


    "Why are you acting so strange, Rya?" Nieren inquired.


    "Nieren. When was thest time you felt like your life was a cliche," Rya asked.


    Nieren rubbed her chin in thought, "Well, maybe when I was a child running away from my fallen kingdom. I always wished that the stories I read came true. They mostly revolved around a handsome elven prince who woulde to save me from my predicament. But once I started getting older and realized that I wasn''t going to be saved, I became an adventurer to help my mother with paying the bills... But what does that have to do with anything?"


    "It''s hard to exin but this feels like a situation out of a suspense movie or a novel. And it''s starting to creep me out," Rya said.


    "What''s a movie?" Dalia asked as she tilted her head.


    "Um... Sorry, I keep using terms that only Quinus knows. It''s like a y in a theater," Rya stated.


    "Oh, you mean like a performance? But I''ve only seen operas or dances in a theater. I don''t recall seeing any performance that involved a story," Nieren said.


    "Really? You don''t have ys or musicals that have a plot?" Rya asked.


    "W-Well, maybe they did? I was very young when I saw a y for the first time. And I never attended another performance since. Maybe it''s different in this kingdom," Nieren said.


    Dalia was looking at the two elves talking about a subject she didn''t have a clue about.


    "Uh... What is a theater?" Dalia asked.


    Nieren and Rya looked at the confused wolfkin with a nk stare. Rya thought about it and then smirked at Dalia which made her panicked.


    "Well, once things calm down after dealing with all the politics within the nobility. Then I''m sure there''s a theater in the capital of Fiafyr. And if there isn''t one, then we''ll create one. Then we can show you what a y is... How does that sound?" Rya asked.


    Dalia blushed, "O-Okay? If Alpha thinks it''s something I should see, then I''ll go."


    "OH! Can I join too? I want to see a performance again," Nieren begged.


    "Of course, you cane along. The more the merrier. Besides, it''s a great way to bond and get to know each other better," Rya replied.


    "Oh, yes. That would be nice," Nieren smiled.


    ''Hmm... Nieren looks good when she smiles, I feel like she''s been holding back,tely. Maybe it''s her personality or she''s just not used to hanging around people, especially, Dark Elves. But she''s so cute when she blushes, though. I want to see how many reactions I can get from her,'' Rya thought to herself.


    "We should head back. I''m sure Prince Quinus will get worried if we stay here any longer," Nieren suggested.


    "Yeah. I''m getting a little hungry. Besides, the clouds in the sky are getting darker. Let''s hurry back," Rya stated.


    ***


    After the group of three returned, they were greeted by Quinus who had a worried expression on his face.


    "There you are. Looks like a storm is heading our way. It would be best if we got back on the road," Quinus said.


    "Agreed. And Quin?"


    "Yes, dear?"


    "Dalia says the wildlife in the woods seems quieter than normal... Do you think it''s possible that we''re being targeted," Rya asked.


    "It could be the storming in... But we can''t be sure. Either way, we need to move on," Quinus replied.


    "I''m guessing Dous and his men found nothing," Nieren inquired.


    "He has some of his men searching the roads ahead, but the forest is quiterge. So, I wouldn''t be shocked if brigands or monsters were lurking about. It''s giving me a bad feeling... But I could be overthinking things," Quinus answered.


    "Hmm... I''m sensing a simr feeling as well... Whelp! Nothing like getting ambushed in the rain, right? Just your ssic surprise attack scenario," Rya smirked.


    "Yeah. Feels like we are in a storybook, alright," Quinus chuckled.


    "Well, you seem calm about a potential attack," Nieren muttered as she observed the two and thought it was strange how cool and collected the prince and Lady Rya were.


    "I would say, we''re both not that concerned about it after going through so many near-death situations. And this just feels like the beginning of a new adventure," Rya replied.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">"Rya took the words right out of my mouth... Plus, I''m used to it at this point in my life... Frankly, it''s gotten weird not having someone plotting behind my back over thisst month... It feels like things have be boring," Quinus added.


    "Well, I think you deserve a boring rxing life at some point, Quin. You''ve been through so much," Rya replied.


    "Maybe, but I still have a war to win, dear," Quinus replied.


    "Oh? Well, I will make sure to do my part. Now, let''s get going," Rya stated.


    "Alright, I''ll advise the General before we depart. Make sure you don''t leave anything behind," Quinus said as he led Rya towards the carriage.


    Everyone else agreed as they made their way towards the caravan. And just as they arrived at the main carriage, General Dous came riding on his horse.


    "Ah, General Dous, did you find anything?" Quinus asked.


    "Unfortunately, we did. The scouts noticed some strange movement in the forest. They think it''s bandits," General Dous answered.


    "How many men do you think they have?" Quinus inquired.


    "We don''t know... Should we double back and head south? It will add two days of travel time but we''ll be safer," General Dous suggested.


    Quinus was about to speak up, but Rya intervened.


    "No, General Dous. I know it''s hard to fight the enemy in an unknown territory, but we need to stay the course. And you have me and Quinus if things go awry. Besides, I believe in you and your men. Just do your best," Rya replied.


    General Dous looked at Quinus who nodded his head.


    "If thedy says that she trusts in us. Then I''m going to prove myself worthy of such a high regard," General Dous stated.


    With that, Sir George opened the door to the carriage. And they climbed inside. Tayna was waiting inside with a bored expression on her face.


    "I don''t know why you would go to the bathroom in the forest like that, Lady Rya," Tayna said.


    "Eh, sometimes you gotta go," Rya chuckled.


    "That may be a good point, mydy. But it''s uncivilized for usdies to do such~ Oh? Did something happen? General Dous looked a little worried," Tayna inquired.


    <span ss="userText">"Storm clouds areing in. Hey, is there any food left?" Rya asked while trying not to scare Tayna. She was<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> trying her best to act like it was no big deal.


    "Huh? Oh yes. I have some leftovers from earlier," Tayna answered.


    Rya reached out and took a few pieces of sliced fruit and some roasted nuts.


    "Mm, these are good. Want some, Nieren," Rya asked.


    "Wha!? Why aren''t you offering me any food, Alpha? That''s so unfair," Dalia whined.


    "That''s because it''s nuts and fruit... You told me that you hate both of them so I didn''t offer," Rya said with a confused look.


    Dalia flinched, "B-But... I''m still hungry, Alpha."


    Rya sighed and just ate her food.


    "I believe there''s some dried meats in the basket," Yuliana said as she pointed to the basket underneath Rya''s seat.


    "Oh Yea~ Hmm, this one''s nice. Here you go, Dalia," Rya said.


    Nieren was sitting next to Rya and was watching the wolfkin devour her food like a ravenous animal.


    "Does she always eat like that," Nieren asked.


    "Pretty much," Rya replied.


    "Oh, Woody... You''ll understand when you''re older," Dalia replied.


    "Don''t speak with your mouth full," Tayna scolded the wolfkin.


    Dalia blushed, "Sorry..."


    Rya smiled and turned her attention towards the window. She saw Quinus talking to Sir George, Percy, and Johan about being prepared for an ambush. They all nodded as Johan, Percy, and Quinus all came into the carriage and then took their seats. Sir Bart and Lady Rachel came over to the carriage with Quinus'' and Rya''s swords in their hands.


    "Thank you," said Quinus and Rya at the same time.


    "I have also brought everyone''s weapons, just in case," Sir Bart said as he gave Nieren, her bow and arrows. At the same time, Lady Rachel gave Johan, his sword.


    "Thanks... Try and stay dry out there," Johan said to the knights.


    "We''ll try our best, sir," Lady Rachel replied before shutting the door to the carriage.


    Tayna looked at everyone who had their weapons in hand.


    "Am I missing something? I thought it was just a storm," Tayna asked out loud.


    "Bandits may have taken notice of the caravan, and are nning an ambush," Nieren replied.


    "Eh!? B-But aren''t we going to be safe with General Dous and his men protecting us," Tayna panicked.


    "It''s hard to say, Lady Tayna. We''ll have to see," Nieren replied.


    Rya could sense that the young woman was starting to get nervous.


    "Don''t worry, it''s probably just some cowardly bandits and they won''t be a match for the Royal Knights," Rya assured her.


    Tayna was trembling a bit, "R-Really?"


    Rya was about to reply when a sh of lightning illuminated the dark forest. Then thunder could be heard rumbling above them.


    "Yeah, we''ll be fine," Rya said to the worried woman.


    "T-That''s not reassuring!" Tayna stated as she moved closer to Johan.


    "Hehe... I love the sound of rain and thunder... Makes me feel sleepy," Dalia giggled.


    "You''re such a weirdo, Dalia," Nierenughed at the wolfkin as the wood elf tried to make the atmosphere in the carriage a bit lighter for Tayna.


    "Hehe... Well, at least I''m not shaking like a leaf," Dalia teased Tayna.


    "HEY!? I''m not a warrior so shut it!" Tayna retorted.


    With that, the rain started falling soon after, and the wind picked up as the carriage started moving. The sound of thunder was heard after lightning shed through the windows.

 Vol.3 Ch.204 The Ambush.

    Vol.3 Ch.204 The Ambush.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh, wow. That''s some storm," Dalia remarked as she looked out the window watching the knights on horseback<span ss="aiText"> trying their best not to get drenched.


    ''Damn... I feel bad for them. Is there anything I can do to help?... Well, I think I have an idea.'' Rya thought as she knew of a new spell she wanted to use. So she started to channel her mana into her hands before motioning them with a series of gestures, forming aplex pattern that shimmered with arcane power.


    ''me Familiar'' Rya said in her mind as she used wordless casting.


    <span ss="userText">***


    A momentter, the air in front of the knights started to spark and flicker before a fiery humanoid figure spawned in front of all of them. The knights were startled by the appearance of me creatures but quickly realized that it was a familiar.


    <span ss="userText">"Who cast this spell?" Sir Richard asked out loud.


    <span ss="userText">General Dous looked into the carriage window and saw Rya waving at them<span ss="aiText">.


    "It''s alright. Lady Rya cast the spell," The General said out loud to his men.


    <span ss="aiText">The knights felt better, <span ss="userText">as the familiars prevented the rain from hitting their faces and were getting warmed up<span ss="aiText"> by the me.


    The knights sighed with relief before continuing to follow the General''s orders. They appreciated the extra protection against the weather that the me familiars were providing. Rya''s gesture to the knights didn''t go unnoticed, most mages wouldn''t bother helping them in such a way.


    <span ss="aiText">The me familiar was the result of the first intermediate-ranked spell Rya learned while reading <span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText"> magic book<span ss="editText"> in the library of the Mage''s Guild, back at Ironside<span ss="aiText">. It was a spell that created a creature made from mes<span ss="editText"> that would act as a torch and it would ram itse<span ss="undoDeletionText">lf int<span ss="aiText">o a nearby enemy if provoked. The familiar could also create a fiery explosion after taking enough damage.


    ''It''s a nice change to see a mage helping themon folk like that... She''s proven me wrong in so many ways already, she''s nothing like what I expected... Quinus! You lucky bastard! How''d you pull off finding a gem like her?... Damn! Why can''t I find a woman like that?'' The General thought as his jealousy of his prince took hold for a brief moment. Luckily the rain was hiding his tears from the world.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t thank Lady Rya enough for this. I thought I was going to freeze my ass off," one knight said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Tell her, we appreciate the warmth," another knight said.


    <span ss="userText">"Thank herter! We need to make it through<span ss="aiText"> this storm," Sir Richard scolded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aye, sir," the knights said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Let''s pick up the pace, men," Sir Richard ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, sir," the knights yelled.


    <span ss="aiText">


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">


    As the convoy moved through the storm, the Duke''s men were waiting down the road where the forest was thicker. c was looking over the road as the rain was beating down hard on them.


    They were lucky enough to catch up to the Prince''s convoy which stopped in the town of Edermines City. But instead of staying in the town, they decided to go ahead of them while leaving a scout behind to make sure they would take Eldridge Road which went through the forest. And luckily for c. He and his men stumbled across a sizable group of brigands. This group wanted to rob c and his men at first. But they turned the tables on them and once c took down a few of their leaders, then the rest of the bandits surrendered and agreed to c''s demands to be the new leader of their group.


    c knew it was a risky move to trust a group of bandits. But he had no other choice. He needed canon fodder to draw the knights away from the caravan. But to his surprise, this group knew a few other brigands in the area. They were all working together to rob the wealthy nobles and merchants that used these roads.


    <span ss="userText">''These bandits are quite organized. They have some military training. So they aren''t amateurs.'' c thought as he witnessed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the bandit''s battle formations.


    <span ss="userText">So c offered gold for the other<span ss="aiText"> bandit groups to join him in the raid. And most of them were eager to take part in the ambush. And they were happy that they would be getting gold and whatever valuables the caravan had.<span ss="userText"> Soon they gathered almost 150 men<span ss="aiText"> in total.


    <span ss="aiText">The n was for the main group of bandits to attack the caravan head-on. And the others would ambush them from behind. c would <span ss="editText">lead <span ss="aiText">the <span ss="editText">main group <span ss="aiText">of <span ss="editText">100 <span ss="userText">men to get the attention of Rya and the Prince. Then when they<span ss="aiText">''re busy dealing with the main group, the others will attack from behind<span ss="userText">. The real objective is to kill the young Lord, Johan Dule. He had no mana vein and he wouldn''t be a part of Prince Quinus'' assault<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">The goal was to get a new Major Noble in power so Duke ric could gain<span ss="aiText"> more influence and power<span ss="userText"> over the court. His goal is to weaken Marquess Duval''s control over parliament<span ss="aiText"> and the court. The <span ss="editText">Prime Minister <span ss="aiText">would have no choice but to listen to him<span ss="userText"> if he was to keep his position.


    <span ss="userText">"Damn, this is a horrible day for an ambush," a soldier cursed.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah, the gods are clearly against us," another soldier said.


    "Shut up! The rain is giving us cover! This makes it better to ambush them. We can get the job done and be gone before they can get help," c growled.


    <span ss="userText">"Y-Yeah, sorry boss," the soldiers apologized.


    <span ss="userText">c didn''t reply as he observed the dirt road. He was patiently waiting to see any signs of the convoy. He watched the road for quite some time until Doug came hurrying over from behind him.


    <span ss="userText">"The convoy is less than a mile away... It seems that their mage has been kind enough to give every one of their knights a me Familiar... It''s making it easier for us to spot those idiots. Killing that weak bastard is as good as done," Doug said excitedly.


    <span ss="userText">"Don''t get too cocky, Doug... We still need to distract their strongest warriors so Lord Dule is left alone with only his personal guards. He''s the real prize here and we can''t afford to mess this up. Understood," c ordered.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes, sir," Doug said with a confident smile.


    <span ss="editText">"Doug, make sure you take the lead with the fifty men on the southern side of the road. I''ll lead the main group on the north and when they are in range<span ss="aiText">, we will <span ss="editText">unl<span ss="userText">eash<span ss="aiText"> he<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ll... S<span ss="aiText">tay hidden ande out when it''s time," c said.


    "I know, I know... Don''t worry. We''ll make our move when we see the dark el~ I mean when we see the mage focused on your group. Just make sure you really get her attention... Or this n will go belly up," Doug said with a sinister look.


    <span ss="userText">"Have I ever failed in the past?" c asked in a cold tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"No... That''s why I trust you to lead us. Just be careful with the bitch," Doug said.


    "I''m not underestimating her. So, you don''t have to worry about me. I''ll get her attention. You just focus on getting the job done. We don''t have time to waste. The Duke is counting on us," c said.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"You got it, boss. Let''s move out," Doug said as he gave the signal to his men to take their positions before the caravan got closer.


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">It took about fifteen minutes before the glow of the me Familiars could be seen through the thick forest.


    <span ss="userText">"Get ready, men. It''s time to earn our pay," Doug yelled.


    <span ss="userText">"Haha! We''ll have a good time," a soldier cheered.


    <span ss="userText">"Shut the hell up and focus," Doug hissed.


    On the northern side of the road, c watched as the convoy came closer, "Men! Get ready to spring the trap," c shouted.


    <span ss="userText">"Sir, yes, sir," the soldiers yelled.


    <span ss="userText">"Make sure you get your bows ready," c ordered.


    <span ss="userText">The soldiers all drew their bows. Waiting<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> for c''smand to unleash their volley of arrows.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Soon the convoy of knights on horseback appeared on the road and they were riding close together. c could see that the me Familiars were being used as a shield against the rain.


    <span ss="userText">As the convoy moved closer, the bandits began to ready themselves, and they were itching to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> kill and loot.


    <span ss="userText">''That''s it... Just a little closer<span ss="aiText">,'' c thought.


    <span ss="aiText">Finally, the caravan passed by, and the bandits unleashed their volley of arrows.


    <span ss="aiText">"FIRE!" c roared.


    <span ss="aiText">Arrows rained down from the forest<span ss="userText"> while another group of bandits released twenty logs<span ss="aiText"> down the hill.<span ss="userText"> The arrow stuck into the horses while the lead knights smashed into the logs causing them to tumble to the ground.


    <span ss="editText">''This is going better than I thought! We might kill the Prince as well!... Gah! Don''t get ahead of yourself! That elf can heal anyone so don''t be surprised if the prince is fine,'' c thought while he watched the arrows continue to<span ss="aiText"> fly.


    The me Familiars went out, as they were riddled with arrows. The knights tried their best to avoid the iing volleys until the bandits exhausted their supplies. c ordered his men to charge at the convoy and the bandits who were hiding on the southern side did the same.


    <span ss="aiText">''This is it!''


    <span ss="aiText">"ATTACK!" c roared.


    <span ss="editText">The bandits surged from the forest and charged towards the convoy. And when they came out to the clearing<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, they were shocked to see something they weren''t expecting.  The bandits on the northern side were the first to be greeted by these strange horses that they had never seen before.


    <span ss="userText">"What the hell<span ss="aiText"> are those?" one bandit shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">"They look like <span ss="userText">horses... But they look like they are made of stone and mud?"<span ss="aiText"> another bandit said.


    These earth horses had mud dummies riding on them and their bodies had these weird pyramid rocks lining all around their sides. c was the first to realize what these were but he was toote to respond.


    ''Golems! We''ve been tricked!'' c thought as the Mud Golems charged at the bandits.


    <span ss="userText">The bandits panicked and broke formation.


    <span ss="userText">"RETREAT! RETREAT!"


    <span ss="userText">But it was toote as the first horse exploded sending those pyramid rocks flying<span ss="aiText"> into the crowd of bandits.


    The rocks exploded into a hail of spikes that impaled dozens of bandits and vaporized ten of the closest men as a mist of blood filled the air.


    "AAAHHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">"What the hell was that?" a bandit screamed.


    "Shit! They''re attacking us with exploding horses!" another bandit yelled.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">The second golem charged at another group of bandits and <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">it exploded<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, s<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">howering them with spikes.


    <span ss="aiText">''Damn! Damn! DAMN, IT ALL! We don''t have a choice now!'' c cursed, <span ss="aiText">"EVERYONE! FALL BACK! FALL BACK!" c ordered.


    <span ss="userText">*Boom! Boom! Boom!*


    Thest of the horses exploded, killing about forty more men and wounding countless more. The bandits were in disarray after feeling the shock of this strange trap.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">What the hell were these<span ss="aiText"> things?!" one soldier yelled.


    Before anyone could answer him, the bandits heard a few horses neighing in the distance. The survivors turned to witness their horror as they saw twenty knights on horseback staring them down with their swords out.


    <span ss="editText">General Dous could only smirk at Rya''s brilliant idea. He didn''t know this kind of spell or enchantment could draw enemy fire and then <span ss="userText">explode when their guard was down<span ss="aiText">. The fact that the Golems <span ss="editText">mimicked their horse<span ss="aiText">s made it the perfect distraction and a deadly weapon<span ss="retryDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Lady <span ss="aiText">Rya, you never cease to impress me<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.<span ss="userText"> It''s a miracle that the Prince somehow got her to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> marry him... He better not make her mad or I won''t be able to help him,'' Dous chuckled to himself.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">She''s a fierce<span ss="aiText"> woman," General Dous said with a smile.


    "That she is, sir," Sir Bret said.


    <span ss="aiText">"What are your orders, sir?" another knight asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"What we are paid to do gentlemen! We''re going to crush them. Charge," General Dous ordered as he held his sword out.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, sir!" the knights roared.


    "Charge!" Sir Bret yelled.


    "Kill them before they get away!" Another Knight growled.


    <span ss="aiText">"y the bandits!"


    "For the crown!" Hollered the rest of the knights.


    <span ss="userText">The Royal Knights charged at the surviving<span ss="aiText"> bandits <span ss="editText">who were still in the middle of the roa<span ss="aiText">d.<span ss="userText"> General Dous had to chuckle as he saw the bandit''s leader retreat into the woods with a few of his men. Where they were running<span ss="aiText"> was irrelevant because <span ss="editText">Rya''s golems would f<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText"> them a<span ss="editText">nd dealing with them was a fate worse than <span ss="editText">death.


    "Looks like Lady Rya and the Prince''s n worked. Hah hah! Let''s finish off the stragglers, men! We can''t let Her Ladyship''s efforts be in vain," Dous shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, sir!" the knights roared as they<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">smashed into<span ss="aiText"> the bandits and a fierce battle was waged. The knights were far superior warriors and were stronger than the bandits<span ss="editText"> who were mostly wounded by Rya''s magic<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">It wouldn''t take long befor<span ss="aiText">e the<span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText"> would finish the fight and return to the caravan.


    <span ss="aiText">


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">About a half mile back from where the failed ambush took ce. Rya, Quinus, and the rest of the convoy who stayed behind were waiting for Dous and his men<span ss="aiText"> to return.


    <span ss="aiText">"I hope Sir Dous is alright," Johan said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry. <span ss="userText">Lady Rya has her golems sneaking through the forest. None of those bastards will make it out alive," Sir George smirked.


    Most of the party was standing under a rock canopy that Rya created so they could stay dry while Rya had her eyes closed and held her arms out so she could perceive what her golems were seeing.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">"Well, I can''t take all the credit. If it wasn''t for Dalia''s amazing sense of smell. I wouldn''t have been able to tell which direction the bandits wereing from. And then Quin came up with the idea of making the golems," Rya smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sure you''re giving yourself too little credit.<span ss="userText"> But I have to wonder who sent<span ss="aiText"> the bandits?" <span ss="editText">Johan<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Probably my uncle.<span ss="userText">.. Hey Rya? Do you think you can capture their leader<span ss="aiText"> alive?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I will see what I can do<span ss="aiText">," Rya said as she focused on the battle.


    <span ss="userText">Percy looked over at Dalia who was pouting<span ss="aiText">. He chuckled, "<span ss="userText">You really wanted to fight them<span ss="aiText">, huh?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes," Dalia huffed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry. I''m sure you''ll get the chance to kill some more bandits in the future," Percy smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">But why not now!?<span ss="aiText"> It''s not fair!" Daliained.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Dalia?... You might be pregnant and it''s not worth risking it unless it is necessary," Rya<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia''s face went red<span ss="userText">, "But it could be fat! And what better<span ss="aiText"> way to burn off the calories than fighting? I want to fight! I want to fight!" Dalia whined.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">No, Dalia<span ss="aiText">. We''ll talk about it when we get <span ss="editText">to the capital<span ss="aiText">," Rya said firmly.


    The wolfkin wanted to argue but she knew that toneing from Rya''s voice. She would have to wait to have this discussionter with her Chieftain.


    <span ss="aiText">"Haaaah... Okay, fine," Dalia pouted<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Niere<span ss="editText">n <span ss="aiText">was trying not tough, but the look on Dalia''s face was too cute. She''s never seen someone act this way before.


    ''This is hrious!... I know this wolfkin is annoying most of the time, but I''m starting to understand why Rya is friends with her... Heck, I''m starting to take a liking to her myself,'' Nieren thought.


    <span ss="userText">Out of everyone who was underneath the canopy, it was Tayna who was bored. She didn''t like the fact that her shoes were getting wet and dirty<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Tayna? Are you okay?" Johan asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Just dandy," Tayna growled.


    <span ss="editText">Johan wasn''t an idiot, he knew his wife<span ss="aiText"> was upset <span ss="editText">about standing around in the mud and it was his idea to bring her<span ss="aiText"> along<span ss="editText"> when she wished to stay in the carriage<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="editText"> can send you with one of our guards<span ss="aiText"> to get you <span ss="editText">back to<span ss="aiText"> the carriage," Johan said.


    "I would appreciate that, love," Tayna said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan nodded, "<span ss="userText">Gyst,<span ss="aiText"> please escort Lady Tayna to the carriage."


    <span ss="userText">"Yes, sir," Gyst bowed as he held up a device that was simr to an umbre so Tayna could get back to the carriage without getting<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> wet.


    Johan just smiled before turning his attention back to the road. He wished he could see the battle but all he could do was listen to the conflict from a distance. And he could barely hear the skirmish through the sound of all the rain hitting the canopy.


    ''I wish I could be of more help,'' Johan thought as he looked down at his legs. He thought he was so close to casting Shadow Self. But he always did something wrong before casting it.


    ''Haah... Stop beating yourself up, Johan. You just found out that you were a mage a day ago. Not everyone gets it right away. You will get there. You just have to believe in yourself,'' Johan thought as he looked up. The group was all waiting for the sounds of battle to end so they could rx and return to their journey.

 Vol.3 Ch.205 Tayna Gets Captured.

    Vol.3 Ch.205 Tayna Gets Captured.


    <span ss="userText">Three men in hooded<span ss="aiText">cloaks were<span ss="userText">sneaking through the forest. They were the scouting party for c<span ss="aiText">and the others.


    The one leading the group was Remy and the other two were Cyril and Mast. Of the three, Mast was the oldest of the group while Cyril was the youngest. The three of them were making sure that the Prince''s convoy wasn''t taking any detours. And to their luck, tracking them was a lot easier thanks to those me familiars that were flying in front of all the Knights.


    "I still can''t believe those me things are real," Cyril said with astonishment.


    "They''re not real. At least in the creature sense... They''re probably some kind of magic the Prince''s mage is using," Mast answered.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, should I run ride ahead<span ss="aiText">and warn the boss?"<span ss="editText">Cyril<span ss="aiText">asked.


    <span ss="userText">Remy thought it over<span ss="aiText">and nodded, "Yes. Hurry back and let him know. We''ll keep an eye on the convoy."


    "Right," Cyril said as he dashed offto report to Doug.While Remy and Mast continue to observe theconvoy from a safe distance.


    <span ss="aiText">"Do you<span ss="editText">still<span ss="aiText">think<span ss="editText">it is wise to be this close to<span ss="aiText">the convoy<span ss="userText">, with three elves within their<span ss="aiText">midst?<span ss="editText">They could hear us,<span ss="aiText">" Mast<span ss="editText">stated with a bit of concern<span ss="aiText">.


    "I wouldn''t worry about them.But if you''re so concerned, then we can use the notebookand quill," Remy answered.


    "That works for me... I can''t trust that the rain will coverourpresence," Mast stated as he watched the carriage that had the three elves in it.


    Remy went to grab the notebook and quill that was tied to the saddle on the back of the horse before he returned next to Mast.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now. Let''s continue and keep a close eye on the Prince," Remy said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes sir," Mast nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">The two of them continued to follow the convoy as it got closer<span ss="userText">towards the ambush<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">The two of them could see the Prince and hispany stop<span ss="userText"> all of a sudden. They were almost a half mile out from where c<span ss="aiText">''s men were waiting.


    <span ss="aiText">"What the hell are they doing?" Mast wondered.


    "Maybe they are stopping for a break? It makes no sense to stop otherwise," Remy guessed.


    <span ss="aiText">"In the middle of a thunderstorm?<span ss="userText">... Something isn''t right... Should we sneak in closer to<span ss="aiText">see what''s going on?" Mast asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Remy shook his head, "No. Let''s just continue to watch them and if we''re lucky,<span ss="userText">they''ll continue down the road<span ss="aiText">."


    "I hope you''re right... Thest thing we need is unwanted surprises," Mast said.


    The two of them watched as the Prince talked to the general. The General nodded to the prince and then the wolfkin came out of the carriage. She was sniffing the air likecrazy.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">What the hell is she doing?" Mast<span ss="aiText">wondered.


    Remy started to panic when he realized it was the wolfkin and noticed the headwind that was hitting the convoy. That''s when everything started to click into ce. "Goddess be damned... The ambush is upwind of them! That fucking mutt can smell them."


    <span ss="aiText">"So, that''s why she is sniffing the air like crazy," Mast figured.


    <span ss="aiText">"We<span ss="userText">need to make sure... Don''t speak... <span ss="aiText">only nod<span ss="editText">and use the notebook<span ss="aiText">to<span ss="editText">talk<span ss="aiText">," Remy ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">Mast nodded<span ss="userText"> as he and Remy started to sneak towards the convoy from the southern side of the road. As they moved closer, Quinus, Rya, and the rest of the party who were in the carriage came out and moved to the front of the caravan. Rya made a canopy out of the earth as they started talking to the wolfkin.


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">


    "What''s wrong, your Highness?" General Dous asked as he dismounted from his horse and walked underneath the earth canopy.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Lady Dalia picked up something<span ss="aiText">odd with her nose," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Something, like what?" General Dous asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"It smelled like blood and human waste. It also had the stench of iron mixed in<span ss="editText">... And there''s a lot of them. There''s more than a hundred humans<span ss="aiText">," Dalia<span ss="userText">answered as she sniffed the air and the wind flowed through her hair<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You''re saying that there''s<span ss="aiText">a hundred men nearby?" Dous asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia shook her head, "No, the number is bigger than that. <span ss="userText">But the rain is making it harder<span ss="aiText">for me to determine how many people there are."


    <span ss="userText">Dous looked down the road<span ss="aiText">. "Then, we have a problem. W<span ss="userText">e probably can defeat them with His Highness and Lady Rya''s aid, but we might lose some of our men if they get the jump<span ss="aiText">on us."


    <span ss="aiText">"Should we try and go around them?" Percy asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"We<span ss="userText">could... But I think I have an idea... Rya, can you create horse golems?" Quinus asked<span ss="aiText">.


    "Umm? I should be able to but I don''t think they''ll look really believable or thorough. I don''t know the anatomy of horses well enough to makeit look perfect," Rya answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s fine. We just need them to look<span ss="userText">and sound the part. Plus, I was wondering if you can make them explode like a grenade?"<span ss="aiText">Quinus smirked.


    Everyone was confusedand curious, and they didn''t know what the Prince was talking about, except for Rya who had a smirk written on her face.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh? That''s mean, Quin... But if these idiots are a part of your uncle''s ns<span ss="aiText">, then<span ss="userText">they deserve what''sing to them," Rya said as she turned towards the road and channeled her mana<span ss="aiText">into the ground.


    Everyone watched as the ground started to shake and 20 horses formed from the earth, it took only seconds for them to shape. And on top of the golem horses were the forms of fake men. They were crudely made, but the golems looked and sounded like horses. Their ribcages were lined with a bunch of pyramid-like rocks that were meant toact as shrapnel when the golem exploded.


    <span ss="userText">The knights and<span ss="aiText">soldiers were amazed by the magic they were seeing. Even the prince was impressed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You really outdid yourself<span ss="aiText">, Rya," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Humph. This is nothing. If you give me a week, I could make a hundred of them with ease," Rya smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll take your word for it," Quinus chuckled.


    <span ss="userText">General Dous wasn''t sure what the Prince and<span ss="aiText">Lady Rya had nned.


    "Your Highness? What exactly are we going to do with these... things?" General Dous asked.


    "It''s simple, General... We''ll let these decoys take the lead and hopefully, they take the bait... Just keep your distance until they explode," Quinus smiled.


    <span ss="userText">The general looked at the golems before looking back<span ss="aiText">at the Prince. "<span ss="editText">So you wish for me and my men to trail behind these��"


    <span ss="userText">"You can call them trojan horses," Rya<span ss="aiText">added.


    "��Trojan Horses," Dous repeated before he continued, "So, we wait for them to attack the decoys? That''s the n?"


    Quinus nodded, "The moment the enemy sees the horses, they''ll most likely charge. At that moment the golems will detonate, like a fireball... So keep a safe distance from them... Be no closer than... 200 yards?" Quinus looked at Ryawho nodded in agreement.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah, that should be good. Plus, I''ll have the me Familiars flying with the golems so they<span ss="aiText"> don''t look too suspicious. So just follow them," Rya said.


    The General kinda liked the idea of letting these "Trojan Horses" take the brunt of the attack and soften up the enemy for his men.


    "I''ll trust in you two''s n... Your Highness... and Lady Rya," Dous said with a salute.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good, now let''s hurry<span ss="editText">and get this over with... Take as many men as you need, General<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">"Understood. I will have my men follow your orders, your Highness," Dous saluted and bowed.


    <span ss="userText">"Stay safe, General," Quinus nodded.


    <span ss="userText">Dous mounted his horse and rode to the front of his troops.


    <span ss="userText">"Alright men! There''s a possible ambush waiting for us! I need twenty of you to join me<span ss="aiText">. The rest will remain with the Prince and his men!" Dous ordered.


    "Yes sir!" The men responded as twenty of them took a position behind the golems. With all of that sorted the General nodded to Rya whomanded the Golems to ride ahead.


    Twenty soldiers apanied their General down the roadas they followed the Trojan Horses.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya had the "Horses"<span ss="userText">speed up a little<span ss="aiText">as the decoys continued up the road.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Now, let''s see if they will take the bait<span ss="aiText">," Quinus grinned.


    <span ss="aiText">Everyone hoped for the best.


    <span ss="aiText">


    <span ss="aiText">Meanwhile,<span ss="userText">Remy and Mast couldn''t believe their eyes as arge group of earth horses rode ahead of the general and his men.


    <span ss="userText">They couldn''t hear what Quinus or Rya were saying to the General thanks to the rain and wind. But they knew it wasn''t good.


    <span ss="userText">Remy scribbled away on<span ss="aiText">his notepad and showed it to Mast.


    <span ss="userText"><i>Can you get to c to warn him?</i>


    Mast read the message and shook his head. He would need to sneak back to his horse and those golem horses, along with two toons of Royal Knights, already had a head start on them. He could try to hurry back to c but he was so far behind them that it would be a miracle if he could catch up to them.


    <span ss="aiText">Remy wrote on the notepad and handed it back to Mast.


    <i><span ss="aiText">We need to<span ss="userText">try. Go<span ss="aiText">!</i>


    Mast didn''t argue. He nodded then he snuck back to his horse and climbed on. He spurred his horse on before he went off the path and tried to move around the convoy''s decoys, even if it was a fool''s hope.


    Remy watched as Mast vanished off into the woods before he turned his attention back to the convoy. He just hides there in the bushes looking for an opportunity for something. Maybe he could pull something off while everyone was focused on the "Trojan Horses".


    ''Think man! There has to be something I can do to turn this thing around... But what?''


    It had been ten minutes since the Trojan Horses and the General''s men had moved down the road where c was waiting to ambush them. But it was c who was going to be ambushed and the sounds of fighting could be heard through the rain.


    ''Fuck! We were toote! We could have made a name for ourselves if that fucking mutt wasn''t in their party! I have no idea what that dumbass kid sees in the bitch... You''re supposed to use wolfkins and fucking throw them away! Not fucking fall in love with those stupid bitches... Gah! I need to calm down... Cursing our crappy luck isn''t going to fix this... Haah... Is there anything I can do to salvage this?'' Remy wondered as he sat there and listened to the sounds of battle in the distance.


    After five minutes, Tayna was being escorted back to the carriage with only one guard by her side.


    <span ss="userText">Remy saw this and an idea came to him.


    ''If I take her and leave a letter, telling that Manaless Lord toe into the woods alone, or I''ll kill the girl... Then maybe I can kill that weak bastard and we can save face with the Duke... Yeah, that should work... And if it doesn''t work, then I''ll just sell her to a brothel and make some moneyeven if she''s damaged goods... But I do have to say... she does an excellent job of covering up her scars... It''s like she''s never been attacked by that slime... Whatever, I need to capture her,'' Remy grinnedas he moved closer to the carriage, waiting to strike.


    <span ss="aiText">***


    <span ss="userText">Tayna was barely able to stay dry with all this rain<span ss="aiText">.


    ''I can''t believe how much Rya and those three girls don''t mind the rain... But I guess they are not human after all... Dalia makes sense that she doesn''t care, but Lady Rya, Nieren, and Yuliana are not wolfkins, so it makes no sense <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">to me that they''re not bothered by the rain... They''re elves, not canines... Why am I even thinking about that? Ugh, it''s so boring in here...'' Tayna sighed as tried not to step in a mud puddle with her nice shoes.


    But against her best effort, Taynamisjudgeda step and her left footnded right in a deep mud puddle.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Gah<span ss="aiText">..." Tayna groaned.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you alright, miss?" The guard asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ugh... Yeah, I''m fine.<span ss="userText"> I am not really meant for the outdoors... I just don''t get how<span ss="aiText">Dalia and Lady Rya are ok with the rain..." Taynained.


    "They are both Demi-humans. They''re different from us, Mdy... There''s nothing wrong with it but they are <span ss="editText">morefortable<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> in the wild than the city. So it''s natural that they aren''t bothered by the elements," the guard exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"But Lady Rya is a Dark Elf.<span ss="userText">They are a higher ss of species<span ss="aiText"pared to us... But then again, I guess it''s just like the Dwarves. Their race is known for their ability to handle the weather and live in the mountains," Tayna sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mdy. We are not very far from the carriage. Let''s hurry and get you back so we can avoid any injuries, Mdy," the guard said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you... Say, can I ask you a question?" Tayna asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, Mdy," the guard said.


    <span ss="aiText">"What are your thoughts on Lady Rya?" Tayna asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Honestly? I don''t know what to think of her.<span ss="userText">Why do you ask?<span ss="aiText">Are you curious?" The guard asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">No... It''s just when I think I have her figured out<span ss="aiText">, she throws me for a loop," Tayna admitted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is that so? Well, I would suggest keeping an open mind.<span ss="userText">She is strangely blunt, but she seems very loyal<span ss="aiText">to her friends. Like herpanions<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText">the guard advised.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. She has <span ss="userText">done more for me than I could ever repay her<span ss="aiText">for... If it wasn''t for her, I would have never<span ss="userText">seen how good of a husband<span ss="aiText">my<span ss="editText">Johan<span ss="aiText">was... He truly is a great man...<span ss="userText">" Tanya looked at her left hand which Rya healed.


    <span ss="userText">''I just have to ept that she is a different type of woman... To be honest... I like a person who is so forward and direct... She is the most honest female friend I have... Everyone else<span ss="aiText">hides their feelings... But Rya doesn''t seem to hide her thoughts. Even when it gets her in trouble... And her personality is so fun to be around...'' Tayna thought.


    She was deep in her thoughts whenall of a sudden. A poisoned dart came flying out from the woods and it struck the guard in the neck before anyone could react.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Gghhh......." The guard tried to speak but his lungs<span ss="aiText">stopped working.


    <span ss="userText">The rain hit her head as the guard dropped the strange umbre<span ss="aiText">he was holding.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hey<span ss="userText">! What are you doing��" Tayna turned to witness the guard''s face turning purple as he was clutching at his throat<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Ah!" Tayna yelped.


    <span ss="userText">Before Tayna could scream, a hand mped over her mouth and pulled her off the road and into the thick bushes and trees.


    "Ghak..." Tayna choked as she felt a knife against her throat.


    <span ss="userText">Once Remy had Tayna under his control he tossed the letter at the Guard who<span ss="aiText">was choking to death on his own vomit.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">"Ghk... Kkh... Ghhh... Khhh..." The guard''s face waspletely purple and his eyes bulged out of his headbefore he fell over and hit the ground hard. Remy saw this and moved deeper into the forest with Tayna atknifepoint.


    <span ss="userText">*Thud!*


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s, Nieren''s, and Yuliana''s ears twitched in unison<span ss="aiText">as they heard a loud thud.


    "Did you guys hear that?" Rya askedas she opened her eyes and turned her head to look behind her.


    <span ss="aiText">"I heard it too. It sounded like something fell," Nieren said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Like a person fell over<span ss="aiText">, or a tree falling over?" Yuliana asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"That was the sound of a person," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia perked her ears and sniffed the air.


    "I can smell, Whiny''s fear? Somethings not right."


    <span ss="userText">Johan looked panicked as he, Quinus, Percy, Sir George, and three of Johan''s Person Guards ran back to the carriage<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"What''s wrong, Dalia?" Rya asked.


    "Tayna is scared. Really scared," Dalia said as she looked into the dark woods.


    <span ss="userText">Rya turned and started hurrying<span ss="aiText">to the carriage.


    <span ss="aiText">"Rya, Wait!" Nieren shouted<span ss="userText">as she ran after her.


    <span ss="aiText">"I<span ss="userText">f someone is hurt then I''m going to heal them<span ss="aiText">," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren and Yuliana followed after Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus and his men ran up to the dead guard.<span ss="userText">Johan felt a pit<span ss="aiText">in his stomach and his legs grew heavy.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-no! Tayna!" Johan screamed.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus kneeled next to the dead guard and he could see a note stuck in the guard''s hand.


    "Sir George, read this out loud," Quinus ordered as he handed the letter to his retainer.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Your Highness," Sir George took the letter and read it.


    <em><span ss="aiText">Dear<span ss="editText">Manaless Dule<span ss="aiText">,</em>


    <em><span ss="aiText">If you ever want to see Lady Tayna Agur again,</em>


    <em><span ss="aiText">You''ll have toe<span ss="editText">south<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">to<span ss="aiText">the woods<span ss="userText">.</em>


    <em><span ss="aiText">Alone!</em>


    <em><span ss="aiText">You have<span ss="userText">10 minutes before she dies.</em>


    Sir George looks back to the Prince who is deep in thought, like he was trying toe up with a n. But w<span ss="userText">hen Johan hears the message. A rage that he''d never felt before<span ss="aiText">took over his body.


    Quinus looked up at his friend just as Rya approached the dead guard. She couldn''t save him, it was toote for that. But she could help Johan.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia came running up with Nieren and she sniffed around the dead guard.


    "It seems that it''s only one human who is behind this. I can''t smell any other scents nearby. Just his," Dalia reported as she sniffed around the area.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus stood up before he spoke, "Johan... Do you want us to join you in the rescue?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="userText">Johan didn''t answer as he clenched his fists.


    Rya chimed in when she saw Johan''s bodynguage, "Johan, you''re not the defenseless man you used to be... You''re an Illusion Mage... It''s time to educate this idiotwho thought that kidnapping Tayna was a good idea," the Dark Elf said with a grin.


    Nieren, Yuliana, and Dalia smirked as well, while Quinus and Percy nodded their heads in agreement.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan took a deep breath and rxed his hands.


    "But I haven''t mastered the spell, Shadow Self...What if it doesn''t work? And Tayna dies because of me?" Johan asked.


    "It will work... You''ve done it once and you can do it again... And if not then I''ll be waiting in the wings if either of you need my healing magic. Now go and save her," Rya said with a grin.


    <span ss="editText">"Johan, remember to trust your feelings... They will guide you. I''ve always believed that. And my intuition has never led me astray," Quinus added. He wished he could just go into the woods and help him but Johan would be in a better position to save Tayna than<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> he would.


    Johan <span ss="editText">looked around him and realized that he had friends <span ss="editText">who were willing to risk their lives to help him. It gave him<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> strength and confidence that he never thought he could possess.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you," Johan smiled as a tear rolled down his cheek<span ss="userText">. It was tough to tell due to the rain.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded, "Now go,<span ss="userText">Tayna needs you<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Johan nodded and hurried off into the woods<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"So, do we join him?" Percy asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"No. We should wait for him to return.<span ss="userText">We don''t want to be the cause of Tayna''s<span ss="aiText">death.<span ss="editText">I trust in Johan to pull this off<span ss="aiText">. So, we''ll wait," Quinus said.


    <span ss="editText">Everyone nodded in agreementas the<span ss="editText">y w<span ss="editText">aited forthe oue of<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the situation.

 Vol.3 Ch.206 Johan, The Illusionist.

    Vol.3 Ch.206 Johan, The Illusionist.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan hurried through the woods<span ss="userText">, running through the dense vegetation<span ss="aiText"> with a single-minded purpose.


    ''Please... Let me make it in time. I can''t lose her...'' Johan thought as he dodged a few low branches from a tree.


    <span ss="userText">Johan chastised himself for<span ss="aiText"> not being there for his wife. He should have gone with her to the carriage, but then he might have died in her arms instead. So he set his emotions aside as best as he could. He had to focus on the task at hand ande up with a n quickly.


    ''I''ll be there soon, Tayna. I promise you that I will save you.''


    <span ss="aiText">As Johan moved deeper into the forest<span ss="userText"> the more soaked<span ss="aiText"> he got. But his determination never wavered.


    <span ss="aiText">The rain made the ground slippery, and even with Johan''s high dexterity, he nearly tripped a few times.


    <span ss="userText">''Dammit!<span ss="aiText"> Why does it have to be raining so hard!'' Johan cursed.<span ss="userText"> His anger starts to take hold and his mana channeled throughout his body<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">''If only I could use Shadow Self<span ss="aiText">! <span ss="editText">Then I could save my Tayna<span ss="aiText">!<span ss="editText">... I''m a pathetic excuse of a husband!<span ss="aiText">''


    Johan kept running and his heart started pounding as he thought about Tayna''s beautiful smile. He couldn''t bear the thought of never seeing her again as his anger started taking hold. He thought it was going to be a bad thing to let his emotions run wild. That was until he felt his mana flowing throughout his body. That''s when it clicked, Johan''s mana was in perfect harmony with his mind and body.


    ''Shadow Self... Please! Work! I''ll give anything to save her. So work dammit!'' Johan concentrated on his mana and chanted the incantation.


    <span ss="aiText">*Shing*


    The familiar sound of his mana came ringing in his ears. He remembered hearing the same thing when he sessfully cast Shadow Self that one time by ident.


    <span ss="userText">"Shadow Self," Johan whispered while he closed his eyes<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">He could feel the magic forming around him <span ss="userText">until it felt like something pushed out of him<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wha?" Johan was confused a<span ss="userText">nd opened his eyes to see a perfect clone of himself. His illusion<span ss="aiText"> looked exactly like him in every way. Even his clothes were soaked, but one thing that surprised Johan was how <span ss="userText">determined his illusion looked. Johan could feel its conscience<span ss="aiText"> inside his mind.


    <span ss="aiText">''Joha<span ss="editText">n... what''s the n?<span ss="aiText">'' the illusion spoke to him through Johan''s mind.


    <span ss="editText">It took a moment for Johan to register what was going on. It was a surreal experience to have a second consciousness running through his mind. It almost gave him a headache at first but he seemed to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">gain a better understanding of his spell the more he concentrated on it.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''That''s right. You''re a part of me. And together we''ll save my wife,'' Johan spoke mentally to his clone.


    ''But what''s the n, Master Johan?'' The Illusion asked again.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Well... I think you should take the lead... For some reason the person that captured Tayna wants us... Dalia said there was only one of them but we need to make sure that she''s correct before we make our move to save her... If it is only one perpetrator then I need you to distract<span ss="aiText"> him while I sneak up behind him and <span ss="userText">I''ll save Tayna... I''m sorry for putting you in harm''s way<span ss="aiText">,'' Johan s<span ss="editText">poke through his mind<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''Don''t be sorry. I''m a part of you, so your emotions are my emotions. <span ss="userText">Being dispelled<span ss="aiText"> is just a natural process. So don''t worry about it. Besides, you need to save Tayna,'' his shadow said.


    <span ss="userText">Johan just smirked and shook his head, "Having two of me is weird... I feel like I would get into an apology loop with<span ss="aiText"> myself... Now, let''s go. Time is wasting."


    <span ss="aiText">The two Johans went deeper into the forest <span ss="userText">with the shadow Johan moving<span ss="aiText"> ahead of his master.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan followed <span ss="editText">about twenty feet <span ss="aiText">behind<span ss="userText">. He could almost see what his clone could see. He was starting to understand what Lady Rya was talking about with him being a formidable<span ss="aiText"> mage.


    <span ss="userText">''I wonder what other illusion spells<span ss="aiText"> I can learn. But that will have to wait. For now, I need to concentrate on saving Tayna,'' Johan thought.


    <span ss="userText">With that, the clone Johan<span ss="aiText"> and his master walked for five more minutes beforeing upon a clearing.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Remy held Tayna at knifepoint, watching the surrounding woods, trying not to move, so that his prey couldn''t find him.


    <span ss="userText">''Where the fuck is that pathetic excuse of a noble<span ss="aiText">man? <span ss="userText">Or maybe he doesn''t care about his wife''s life<span ss="aiText">...'' Remy thought as he waited.


    <span ss="userText">Tayna was trying her best<span ss="aiText"> not to move. She didn''t want to anger her captor; her life depended on Johan''s rescue.


    <span ss="aiText">"P-please, let me go," Tayna whimpered.


    "Shut up! You''re my bargaining chip!... If things work out the way I want them to then I might show pity upon you and let you go free once this is all over. So, don''t talk..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Wh-why are you doing this?"


    "You''re not worth my time. And if you speak again," Remy pulled the de tighter against her skin, "Then I will slit your fucking throat and watch you bleed out," Remy whispered in a threatening tone.


    Tayna whimpered as she stood there trying not to move while the de was slightly cutting her skin. She had toply with this man''s demands or she will never get the chance to see Johan again.


    <span ss="aiText">The two stood there for another minute, and Remy was growing impatient.<span ss="userText"> But then he heard someone<span ss="aiText"> moving through the bushes.


    ''Damn bastard took long enough... Now, it''s time to kill a noble and get out of here,'' Remy thought as he saw Johaning out of the bushes and into the clearing. He looked around and saw Tayna being held at knifepoint.


    <span ss="aiText">"J-Johan! Don''te closer! Please! Save yourself!" Tayna begged.


    <span ss="userText">Remy pulled Tayna and himself<span ss="aiText"> back a step.


    <span ss="aiText">"I told you to shut up, bitch!" Remy shouted and then he put the knife back on her throat.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan stopped about thirty feet from them, looking scared, but his expression was still determined.


    <span ss="userText">"Ah? So, the coward has finally decided to show himself," Remy spoke, "I hope you didn''t bring your friends, because that would be a bad decision for her," Remy grinned.


    <span ss="userText">"Don''t hurt her, I''ve done as<span ss="aiText"> you asked and came alone," Johan said.


    <span ss="editText">Remy looked around to ensure no one else was there, but he was still cautious. After a moment of looking around and not seeing anyone else,<span ss="userText"> he was satisfied that they were alone<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"So, I''ll ask it again. What do you want from me?" Johan demanded.


    <span ss="userText">"<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">What I want is very simple<span ss="userText">... I want you to drop your weapons and surrender... I''ll let your bitch live if you do as I say<span ss="aiText">," Remy ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please, Johan... Run! Don''t let him take you too!" Tayna pleaded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Silence!" Remy shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Stop it!"<span ss="userText"> Johan yelled out as he dropped his<span ss="aiText"> sword and dagger and put his hands up, "Please... Just let her go..."


    Remy smiled at how easy everything was going. But this could be a ploy to let his guard down. He needed to make sure this idiot didn''t try to do anything funny. Nothing was more annoying than someone thinking they were a hero and trying to be smart. Luckily for Remy, this fool was mana-less and even if he did try to do something, he could easily handle him.


    <span ss="aiText">''Pathetic. He''s just like all the other nobles. All talk, and no bite,'' Remy thought as he <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">watched Johan standing there defenseless<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s better. Nowe to me... Nice and slow-like," Remy ordered.


    <span ss="userText">Tayna watched<span ss="aiText"> Johan walk towards her and Remy. She couldn''t believe that he would throw his life away for her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please... Johan, run..."<span ss="userText"> She whispered.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, I''m not leaving you. You mean everything to me. I''m not going anywhere. Just don''t hurt her," Johan pleaded.


    <span ss="userText">Tayna felt a pit in the middle<span ss="aiText"> of her stomach. She was terrified for him but she also couldn''t believe how brave he was.


    <span ss="userText">''I-It''s my fault... If only I<span ss="aiText"> wasn''t kidnapped, then Johan would be safe...'' Tayna thought, ''I''ve been such a terrible wife. He''s so kind and selfless, and I''ve <span ss="userText">treated him<span ss="aiText"> horribly. I''ll do anything to protect him.''


    <span ss="userText">Remy was getting impatient with how slow Johan was being, "Enough of this! Come here! Or I''ll cut her throat if you try anything funny!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Ok, ok," Johan said and slowly walked toward Remy and Tayna.


    <span ss="aiText">Tayna wanted to shout, but she couldn''t move her body. All she could do was watch as her husband walked towards her captor.


    <span ss="userText">When Johan was within range of Remy''s dagger<span ss="aiText">, the rogue <span ss="userText">moved and stabbed him in the stomach.


    <span ss="userText">"Johan!" Tayna screamed as she saw the knife getting twisted in Johan''s stomach.


    <span ss="userText">Seeing the pain written<span ss="aiText"> on his face made her heartache. But she couldn''t do anything to help him.


    <span ss="userText">''NO!''<span ss="aiText"> Tayna cried, and her tears streamed down her cheeks.


    <span ss="userText">"All too easy<span ss="aiText">. I didn''t think a nobleman would be so weak," Remyughed.


    <span ss="aiText">Tayna struggled to break free from Remy''s grasp, but his grip was tight.


    <span ss="userText">"You better say yourst<span ss="aiText"> words<span ss="editText"> to your wife<span ss="aiText">. You have a few seconds left," Remy said<span ss="userText"> with a smirk as he twisted<span ss="aiText"> the dagger more<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"No! No! NO! PLEASE!" Tayna cried as her world came crashing down.


    <span ss="userText">"Arghh... I... Love... You..." Johan grunted and then his body disappeared in a puff of smoke.


    "Huh?" Remy was confused as the nobleman disappeared right before him. While he was in his stupor the real Johan was able to nk Remy from his right side. Johan didn''t waste any time as he swiftly sliced off Remy''s arm, which held the knife.


    The Rogue screamed out in pain and let go of Tayna, "AAAAARRRGGGGHHHH!!!"


    <span ss="aiText">Tayna fell to the ground as she watched her husband cut off her captor''s arm.<span ss="userText"> Johan made sure to stab him in the chest<span ss="aiText"> as well<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">Remy looked<span ss="aiText"> at Johan with a mixture of fear and rage, but he couldn''t move, because of the pain.


    <span ss="aiText">"You bastard!" Remy hissed as he stared at his wound.


    "I wish I could torture you more for bringing my wife into this, but she needs my attention more than me getting my revenge. So I''ll do you this favor if you tell me why you tried to kill me and kidnap my wife... Maybe I''ll let you live if the information is good enough... Although, I''ll need a little bit of assurance," Johan said as he lifted up Remy with his sword still stabbed in his chest.


    <span ss="userText">Remy didn''t know this was how strong<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a nobleman could be. This wasn''t just some ordinary noble, he was like a battle-hardened warrior.


    <span ss="aiText">"AHHH!" Remy screamed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now, who sent you?"


    <span ss="userText">It was at this moment that the rogue realized that this noble had a mana vein. No one could<span ss="aiText"> have that much<span ss="editText"> strength without one<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Y-You clever bastard... You had a mana vein all this time<span ss="aiText">. H-How did you hide it?" Remy asked, "You... Are not who <span ss="editText">they<span ss="aiText"> say you <span ss="editText">are<span ss="aiText">," he gasped.


    <span ss="userText">Johan may not have all the details but what this rogue said was more than enough for him to guess<span ss="aiText"> the reason behind the attack<span ss="userText">. So he didn''t waste any more time and he swiftly pulled his sword out of the rogue''s chest and sliced his head off before his body hit the ground.


    <span ss="editText">Tanya''s emotions were a mess. She had neve<span ss="editText">r b<span ss="editText">een so scared in her entire life when she thought he<span ss="editText">r husband was killed. While at the same time, seeing him saving her life gave her joy that she never knew<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> was possible. But now that the danger was gone, she was crying uncontrobly.


    <span ss="editText">Remy''s dead bodyy there on the ground turning the mud<span ss="aiText"> a dark crimson color<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> as the rain continued to fall.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''It''s over...'' Johan thought before he looked over to his wife and saw the bloodied rope still wrapped around her wrists. He rushed over and began untying the binds.


    <span ss="userText">"Tayna! I''m sorry... I didn''t mean to make you<span ss="aiText"> worry," Johan spoke in a soothing voice, but his wife wasn''t listening.


    <span ss="aiText">"I... I thought I lost you," Tayna sobbed.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and holding her tightly.


    <span ss="userText">"You''re real<span ss="aiText">... right?" Tayna asked, still crying.


    <span ss="aiText">"I am, my love. I promise," Johan said and hugged her tighter, "Everything is fine."


    <span ss="aiText">"Johan<span ss="editText">... I''m sorry... I''m the worst wife<span ss="userText">��" Tayna was interrupted by Johan''s lips


    It took a moment before Tayna kissed him back. It felt so good to feel his warm body against hers in the cold rain.


    <span ss="aiText">"Shh, you''re perfect," Johan whispered and wiped her tears away, "<span ss="userText">Let''s get back to the others and get you out of this<span ss="aiText"> rain."


    <span ss="aiText">He helped her stand up and led her through the forest, back towards where the others were waiting.


    <span ss="aiText">When they got closer, <span ss="editText">Percy<span ss="aiText">, Nieren, and <span ss="editText">three of Johan''s personal guards <span ss="aiText">were already on the way towards them.


    <span ss="userText">"Do you need any medical aid, my Lord?" Asked one of the Guards<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"No. Just some dry clothes<span ss="userText"> for my wife. Please take her to the carriage<span ss="aiText">," Johan replied and turned to <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText">, "We''ll discuss what happenedter. For now, please <span ss="userText">apany my wife. She needs<span ss="aiText"> someone she trusts by her side<span ss="editText"> while I go see the prince.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"I understand<span ss="editText">. I''ll have my mother and Dalia join her<span ss="aiText">," Nieren bowed and took Tayna to the carriage.


    <span ss="userText">Tayna looked back at<span ss="aiText"> Johan and smiled at him before the three went into the carriage.


    <span ss="userText">''I-I need to carry his children. He''s too good to me and I need to make up for all the lost time... He''s my soulmate and I will never take him for<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> granted ever again. I need to be a good wife for him,<span ss="aiText">'' Tayna thought as she was brought inside the carriage.


    <span ss="userText">Johan looked to his guards, "You three protect her<span ss="aiText"> at all costs. Do not leave her side. Am I understood?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, sir!" They answered.


    <span ss="userText">Johan and Percy waited till the guards were gone.


    <span ss="userText">"Lady Tayna is a strong woman... You were lucky to have been married to<span ss="aiText"> her," Percymented.


    <span ss="aiText">"I know. <span ss="userText">Not that many nobles get married to<span ss="aiText"> a girl they actually love," Johan replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, you two deserve it... Anyway, did the culprit get away<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"No... he''s dead<span ss="editText">..<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">I think this whole ambush was an attempt just to kill me,"<span ss="aiText"> Johan exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"But why would anyone want you dead?" Percy asked, confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="userText">have an idea, but I need something concrete<span ss="aiText"> before I can prove my theory."


    Percy was curious, "What is your theory?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t tell you now.<span ss="userText"> But if we can capture someone else<span ss="aiText"> from the group who tried to a<span ss="userText">mbush<span ss="aiText"> us. I''ll let you know," Johan answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ok<span ss="userText">ay... I think Lady Rya is trying to capture the leaders as we speak... She sent out her golems into the woods to get the stragglers,"<span ss="aiText"> Percy replied, "Now, let''s go see the Prince and exin what happened."


    <span ss="aiText">They went to the front of the <span ss="editText">convoy <span ss="aiText">where the Prince was waiting for them<span ss="userText">. Rya was standing underneath the earth canopies with the protection of four Royal Knights, the two Ironside dwarven soldiers, and Sir George.


    <span ss="userText">The sounds of fighting in the distance were starting to die down<span ss="aiText">. The rain was still pouring down heavily, but the thunderstorm had subsided.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you alright, <span ss="editText">Johan<span ss="aiText">?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, <span ss="userText">your Highness. I was able to get Tayna back<span ss="aiText"> safely," Johan replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m d. I didn''t expect an attack <span ss="userText">this coordinated<span ss="aiText">. This must have taken some time to n," Quinus mused, "<span ss="userText">It has my uncle''s name<span ss="aiText"> written all over it. If my hunch is correct, Duke ric was behind this assassination attempt."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I wonder if they were really after you, your Highness<span ss="aiText">. Or if it was a trap set for <span ss="editText">me<span ss="aiText">?" <span ss="editText">Johan<span ss="aiText"> suggested.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus raised his right brow<span ss="aiText">, "Why would the Duke want you dead? You haven''t offended h<span ss="userText">im<span ss="aiText">, have you?"


    <span ss="aiText">"No<span ss="userText">t to my knowledge. Unless..."<span ss="aiText"> Johan muttered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Unless?"


    "Sorry, your Highness. My thoughts are running wild. I need to confirm a few things first before I can say for certain," Johan exined, "If I may ask, how is the General faring? Were there any casualties on our end?"


    Quinus turned to Rya as she began to speak.


    "General Dous and his men are fine. They cleared the road, and I''m taking care of the rest of the stragglers," Rya said while her eyes were closed.


    She did this so she could see through the eyes of all her golems. It also made it easier to take direct control of one of them if needed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">My Lady... If you find the leader can you bring them here alive<span ss="aiText">?" Johan requested.


    <span ss="editText">"Sure. I can do that. Just give me a few minutes," Rya nodded as she continued<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to work on eliminating the enemy.


    "She''s an amazing mage. I''ve never seen someone with such high magic affinity and control. It''s like she doesn''t even need to chant the spells, and yet her magical attacks are more powerful than the average spell," Johan muttered to himself.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus smirked at his friend who<span ss="aiText"> was impressed with the Dark Elf mage, "Jealous, Johan?"


    <span ss="aiText">Johan chuckled, "<span ss="userText">Maybe a little, your Highness... But I won''tin. I''m an Illusion Mage thanks to her. And that''s more<span ss="aiText"> than enough for me," he replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinusughed, "<span ss="userText">Well, you''re just ate bloomer<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Johan rolled his eyes, "Whatever you say, your Highness... You know... You''ve be more yful since <span ss="userText">you took Lady Rya as your fiancee<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled and blushed slightly, "Well, she has a way of bringing out my true nature. It''s almost like she''s a part of me now."


    <span ss="userText">Johan couldn''t help but agree. He felt the same way about Tayna<span ss="aiText">, too.


    <span ss="aiText">"Anyway, we should check on your wife," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing," Johan agreed and turned towards the carriage.


    <span ss="userText">"I''ll send someone to inform you<span ss="aiText"> once the area is clear," Rya said as she <span ss="userText">continued<span ss="aiText"> her search.


    "Thank you, Mdy," Johan said as he turned to leave.


    <span ss="aiText">After a few moments, Rya found the leader of the attack<span ss="userText">.

 Vol.3 Ch.207 Tell Me Who Was Your Target.

    Vol.3 Ch.207 Tell Me Who Was Your Target.


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">The rain seemed heavy as c, Doug, Mast, Cyril, and a few<span ss="aiText"> of the other <span ss="editText">thieves<span ss="aiText"> gathered up, regrouping for their next move.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">That was a fucking ughter<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">What type of fucking sorcery was that<span ss="aiText">? How could that dark elf summon so many <span ss="editText">exploding <span ss="aiText">golems?" <span ss="editText">Doug<span ss="aiText"> cursed as he tried to catch his breath.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I thought I''ve seen everything that a mage<span ss="aiText"> could do, but I never knew a mage could <span ss="userText">make suicide<span ss="aiText"> golem bombs. Those were not ordinary golems either," Mast said, wiping the sweat off his forehead, "We are lucky to be alive."


    <span ss="aiText">"Where the fuck is Remy? He was supposed to<span ss="userText"> watch the convoy<span ss="aiText"> and report if anything happened. Damn it, now we lost a good fighter because of this shit," cined.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I don''t know what he''s doing. He knows where to meet up, if things went sideways<span ss="aiText">. But he hasn''t shown up," <span ss="editText">Mast<span ss="aiText"> answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"What should we do?" Cyril asked.


    "We need to get out of here and report back to��"


    <span ss="userText">"AAAHHH!" one of the thieves screamed as he was pulled into brush<span ss="aiText"> and bushes.


    <span ss="aiText">"Shit! Get the torches! They''re in the bushes!" shouted another thief.


    <span ss="aiText">"FUCKING HELL!" screamed another one.


    <span ss="aiText">c quickly grabbed a torch and held it up, "Don''t move! Show yourself, whoever you are! If you are one of ours, speak up now!"


    <span ss="aiText">Silence filled the air<span ss="userText"> while the rain<span ss="aiText"> kept pouring. No one moved or spoke <span ss="userText">until they saw blood streaming<span ss="aiText"> out from the bushes.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I-Is he dead<span ss="aiText">?" Cyril stuttered.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t know. Maybe," c replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"This isn''t normal. I''ve never heard or seen anything like this before. It feels like the shadows are alive," Mast said, "Maybe we should split up<span ss="userText"> and��"


    <span ss="userText">They heard footsteps<span ss="aiText"> approaching them from behind and heard someone running towards them.<span ss="userText"> They turned to witness a beautiful Dark Elf, wearing what looked like a bikini, running<span ss="aiText"> towards them.<span ss="userText"> Normally this would have been<span ss="aiText"> an arousing sight, but this was a nightmare<span ss="userText"> because it was one of Rya''s golems<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh fuck, it''s her! RUN!" screamed one of the thieves.


    <span ss="aiText">"Fuck, Fuck, FUCK!" c shouted, "<span ss="userText">We need to<span ss="aiText"> get out of here!"


    <span ss="aiText">They tried to run, but <span ss="userText">one of the other thieves got<span ss="aiText"> grabbed by the golem and was pulled into the darkness.


    <span ss="aiText">"AAAHHH!" the man screamed while being grabbed.


    "We don''t stand a chance against her golems! Split up and regroup at the meeting ce!" c ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">The group split up into different directions and ran.<span ss="userText"> c tried<span ss="aiText"> to find a way out of the woods but he found himself lost and running around in circles. He couldn''t tell where he was going or how far he had run.


    <span ss="aiText">He didn''t know if anyone else made it out, or if the golems had gotten them already.<span ss="userText"> He could hear three more screams<span ss="aiText"> in the distance, but he didn''t know who was screaming.


    <span ss="aiText">Suddenly, he bumped into someone who knocked him down on the ground. He quickly looked up and saw that it was <span ss="userText">Mast, who was lying on the ground after<span ss="aiText"> colliding with c.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ow, dammit, I think I sprained my ankle," Mast said while holding onto his leg.


    <span ss="userText">"Mast! What the fuck, man? You scared the shit out of me!" c said,<span ss="aiText"> getting up.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sorry, <span ss="editText">Sir<span ss="aiText">. I didn''t mean to. I just got caught off guard when I bumped into you," Mast apologized, "I''m having trouble walking."


    <span ss="aiText">"Shit. Can you walk at all?" c asked, helping his subordinate up.


    <span ss="aiText">"I think so, but it''s a bit difficult," Mast replied.


    <span ss="aiText">c then heard something moving around nearby, and it sounded like something big was heading towards them.


    <span ss="userText">Both of them stayed quiet as they prayed<span ss="aiText"> that whatever wasing towards them wouldn''t notice them. But their prayers were not answered as <span ss="userText">a bloodied hand of the Rya clone grabbed Mast<span ss="aiText">''s shoulder and pulled him away.


    <span ss="aiText">"AAAHHH!" Mast screamed as he disappeared.


    <span ss="aiText">"Shit! MAST!" c yelled <span ss="userText">he wanted to go after him but he knew<span ss="aiText"> he would probably get killed.


    <span ss="aiText">"AAAHHH! AAAAAH!" Mast screamed as he was dragged away.


    c didn''t wait to be grabbed next so he decided to run in the opposite direction. After running for a while, he heard another scream and then silence.


    <span ss="aiText">He was getting tired and exhausted. His heart was pounding rapidly as he ran through the rain-soaked forest.


    ''Did I finally lose her? Or is she following me?'' c wondered while staying still hoping the dark elf wasn''t following him.


    <span ss="userText">''I can''t keep running forever,'' he thought as his vision started to blur and his breathing became heavy.


    <span ss="userText">''I have to hide somewhere, anywhere,'' c decided as he found a hollow tree trunk and quickly crawled into it. The tree trunk <span ss="aiText">was big enough for him to fit inside. He climbed into it, closing the opening behind him, and waited.


    He listened intently, trying to hear anythinging his way but all he heard was the falling rain hitting the tree trunk.


    <span ss="userText">He let out a sigh and then.


    <span ss="userText">*Pow!*


    <span ss="userText">A female fist punched through the<span ss="aiText"> tree trunk and grabbed him by his neck. He was then pulled out of the tree trunk.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaah!" he screamed<span ss="userText"> as he grabbed his dagger.


    <span ss="userText">c saw a glowing from the golem''s eyes as she held him like a rag doll. He didn''t hesitate to stab her.


    <span ss="aiText">The golem ignored the wound and lifted him up. She then pulled him over her head and mmed him down onto the ground.


    <span ss="aiText">*Crack*


    "Aahh!" c screamed in pain. He was mmed down so hard that he felt a few ribs break.


    <span ss="aiText">He tried to get up, but the golem kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying backward andnding face-first in a puddle of mud.


    <span ss="userText">''T-This can''t be the end!<span ss="aiText"> I-I can''t die like this! I still have so much I want to do!'' he thought, ''I haven''t even seen my kid yet! I have to live!''


    <span ss="aiText">His body hurt and was covered in mud. He was barely able to breathe, and his vision was blurry. He could feel blooding from his nose and mouth.


    <span ss="aiText">''Please... Please, someone help me!'' he pleaded silently as his eyes began to close.<span ss="userText"> Soon he felt his hair getting grabbed as<span ss="aiText"> the golem picked him up and threw him on her shoulder.


    <span ss="aiText">c didn''t fight back. He was too weak to fight. Instead, he passed out and hung limply on the golem''s shoulder.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">Everything seemed dark and painful<span ss="aiText">. A golem was dragging c through a <span ss="editText">forest<span ss="aiText">, his hands and feet tied. The golem''s grip was strong, and her speed was incredible<span ss="userText"> as she swiftly ran through the dark. It took about ten minutes before she stopped and c was dropped onto<span ss="aiText"> the wet <span ss="userText">mud.


    <span ss="userText">"Ugh<span ss="aiText">..."


    <span ss="userText">"My my my? What do we have here," said a beautiful woman''s voice.


    <span ss="userText">c opened his eyes<span ss="aiText"> and saw <span ss="userText">the Dark Elf. She was sitting on a rock throne that she created. Also, the prince was there with his Royal Knights all standing next to her underneath a stone canopy as they were getting dried by her me Familiars.


    <span ss="userText">c gritted his teeth<span ss="aiText"> and stared at her. He was angry, and his body was in pain. He was tired, cold, hungry, and dirty.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-You... bitch! You will pay for this!" he growled.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya ignored him and smiled as she waved her handmanding <span ss="userText">her golem to grab him by the back of his cor and brought him up to his knees<span ss="aiText"> in front of her.


    <span ss="aiText">"So you must be the leader of these pathetic thieves," she said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Fuck you!" c cursed.


    <span ss="aiText">"What''s your name?" she asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Go to hell, you evil witch!"


    <span ss="userText">"It''s funny... Early you had the look of<span ss="aiText"> fear in your eyes<span ss="userText"> before 2E caught<span ss="aiText"> you. And now you''re all high and mighty," Rya said<span ss="userText"> with an amused tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Fuck you, you evil bitch!"


    <span ss="userText">Quinus and the rest of the knights<span ss="aiText"> stood quietly as they watched Rya and the captured thief talk.<span ss="userText"> She told them she had a n to make the thieves talk and she only needed them to stand there menacingly.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You call me evil when it was you who sent over, one hundred fifty men to their deaths, and for what?... To kill Johan Dule?<span ss="aiText"> Who was it that ordered the Young Lord''s death?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="userText">c panicked inside<span ss="aiText">. He was wondering how the Dark Elf knew that.


    <span ss="aiText">''She must have interrogated the rest of the crew,'' he thought, ''Damn it!''


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re a monster! <span ss="userText">Don''t any of you see it!? She''s a dark elf and she''s manipting<span ss="aiText"> you!"


    <span ss="userText">The knights <span ss="userText">just smirked while Dous couldn''t help but feel ashamed. He couldn''t help but feel like a fool after everything Rya<span ss="aiText"> did for him after he used her simrly, just like this thief.


    <span ss="aiText">"Manipting? How exactly am I manipting them? By showing them kindness and treating them with respect?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re a dark elf!"


    <span ss="aiText">"And you''re a human, so what?<span ss="userText">"


    c hoped to divide them, but his words didn''t affect them.


    "Well... if you won''t talk... Then perhaps one of them will?" Rya said as she looked past c which caused him to turn around to see three of his crew tied up and gagged behind him.


    <span ss="userText">''No!... Doug. Mast. Cyril... No one escaped<span ss="aiText">,'' he thought.


    <span ss="userText">His surviving crew wasn''t in<span ss="aiText"> good shape. Their bodies were covered in bruises and cuts. Their clothes were torn and dirty.


    <span ss="userText">She stood up from her throne and started walking towards c. With each step she took, the stone canopy grew and followed<span ss="aiText"> her, allowing <span ss="userText">her to<span ss="aiText"> stay dry <span ss="userText">as she approached.


    <span ss="userText">c turned towards her<span ss="aiText"> and tried to act bravely in front of the approaching Dark Elf.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Y-You<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes?" Rya responded with a raised brow.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You won''t get away with this<span ss="aiText">," c threatened<span ss="userText"> with a shaky voice.


    "That''s riching from a pawn. Now... We can do this the easy way... Or?..."


    <span ss="userText">c was lifted to his feet as another golem grabbed his right hand<span ss="aiText">.


    "We can do this the hard way," Rya said in a cold voice and stared at him unamused.


    <span ss="aiText">"You won''t break me! I''ve been trained to withstand torture! I will not talk!"


    <span ss="aiText">"We''ll see about that."


    <span ss="aiText">*Snap*


    <span ss="aiText">c screamed in pain as his index finger was snapped backward.


    <span ss="userText">"Ahhh! Ah ha! Ha ha! Is that all<span ss="aiText"> you got, bitch!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Snap*


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhh! AH Ha Ha Ha!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Snap*


    <span ss="aiText">"ARG! Arrggg! Fuck! Arghhhh!<span ss="userText"> Grrr! I only have so many fingers<span ss="aiText">! Ha ha ha!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Snap*


    <span ss="aiText">"AAAARRRRGGGHH!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Snap*


    <span ss="aiText">"Grr! ARGh! Grrrraaa!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Snap*


    <span ss="aiText">"GRA! GRAAA! Ahhh! AHA! HA! HA!"


    <span ss="userText">c''s right hand<span ss="aiText"> was mangled and bloodied. All his fingers were broken, and his wrist was dislocated.


    <span ss="userText">"Hahaha! Looks like you can''t break any more<span ss="aiText"> bones," c taunted her with a cocky smile, "You have no power over me!"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya just shook her head<span ss="userText"> as her azure eyes started to glow. Soon c felt all of his injuries beginning to<span ss="aiText"> heal, and his hand was being reset.


    <span ss="userText">''F-Fuck!'' c thought as a sense of dread<span ss="aiText"> filled him.


    "Oh... I''m not done with you yet... I was just getting warmed up," Rya said with a smile.


    <span ss="userText">*Snap*


    <span ss="userText">"ARrrggggrrraaaahhh!<span ss="aiText"> Ah ah hahahaha! Aaaaahhhh!"


    <span ss="aiText">c''s screams of agony echoed through the forest, but nobody came to save him.


    <span ss="aiText">*Snap*


    <span ss="aiText">"ARRRAAGGGGHHHAHAAA!"


    <span ss="userText">He gritted his teeth. He never thought the day woulde when he needed to use his suicide<span ss="aiText"> pill, but here it was.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I''ll tell you nothing!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmm? Really?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Fuck y-"


    <span ss="aiText">*Snap*


    <span ss="aiText">"AAAAAAAAHHHHHA!"


    <span ss="editText">The pain was getting unbearable and his resolve to use<span ss="aiText"> the suicide pill was b<span ss="editText">eginn<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText">g<span ss="aiText"> t<span ss="editText">o<span ss="userText"> strengthen<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''I-It''s now or never,'' he thought, ''If I can get my jaw open, I can crush the pill and bite it. This will poison me, and I''ll die.''


    <span ss="userText">The pill was in his ne<span ss="aiText">. If he bit down on it, it <span ss="userText">release<span ss="aiText"> a deadly toxin into his body that would kill him in under a minute. He had to make sure <span ss="userText">she didn''t stop<span ss="aiText"> him from doing it.


    <span ss="aiText">*Snap*


    <span ss="aiText">c screamed once more as he was left shaking and convulsing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Tell me, what is your name?"


    <span ss="aiText">"-c," he answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"c? That''s it? What a simple name. Not even a surname? Or is that fake as well?"


    <span ss="aiText">"No."


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, so, tell me, what are your orders?<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">"My orders were��"


    <span ss="userText">c tried to move as quickly<span ss="aiText"> as he could and bite the poison pill<span ss="userText">. Rya just looked at him with amusement<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">''At least I will die on my own terms,'' c thought as the pill broke open<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and the poison was released.


    <span ss="userText">He felt the most excruciating<span ss="aiText"> pain in his jaw and head, and <span ss="userText">just as everything was about to go ck. He felt a warmth flowing through him as his body was healed again.


    <span ss="userText">"N-No<span ss="aiText">! NO! WHY CAN''T I DIE?!" he cried as he stared at the Dark Elf in terror.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hehehe, did you really think I''d let you off that easy?...<span ss="editText"> Not after I learned your name... Now?<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="userText">Rya pulled out a small bag from behind her.


    <span ss="userText">c didn''t know what<span ss="aiText"> was going on, but he was afraid of the contents inside the bag.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya held up the bag and <span ss="userText">then she pulled out two little wood nubs. They had an elegant<span ss="aiText"> pattern carved into them. <span ss="userText">She took one in each hand then she put them in her ears.


    <span ss="userText">"W-What are those?"


    <span ss="userText">"Ear plugs. Nieren hasn''t been using them so I thought they would be useful."


    <span ss="userText">"W-Why are you putting them in your ears?"


    <span ss="userText">"Because I don''t want to be deaf after 4R peels your fingernails<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"What?! No! Nonononono!"


    <span ss="userText">*Rip!*


    Everyone including Rya grimaced as c''s fingernails were slowly torn off and discarded.


    <span ss="aiText">"GRA! Aaaah! Gaaaaaahhhh!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Rip!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhh! Gra! Arrrrrghh! Ahhhhh!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Rip!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Argh! Argh! <span ss="userText">Aaaaahhhh! Stop! STOP<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="aiText">*Rip!*


    <span ss="aiText">"AAaaarrrghhh! Grrrraaaaa!"


    <span ss="userText">4R was about to rip off c''s thumbnail.


    <span ss="userText">"Stop! I-I''ll tell<span ss="aiText"> you! Just stop! Please!"


    <span ss="userText">Rya raised her hand<span ss="aiText"> and 4R stopped <span ss="userText">but she still had<span ss="aiText"> his thumbnail in its grip.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well... I''m waiting<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">"W-We were hired to capture or kill Johan Dule! His uncle is eyeing to be the new Baron of Eder Hills! And he would be an ally to the Duke!" c confessed.


    <span ss="userText">Rya looked like she didn''t<span ss="aiText"> believe him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Really? With one hundred and fifty men<span ss="aiText">?"<span ss="userText"> Rya said<span ss="aiText"> as she tilted her head.<span ss="userText"> Causing 4R to slightly<span ss="aiText"> pull on c''s thumbnail.


    "Araghhh! W-We witnessed your battle with the ck Roses! We needed cannon fodder for a distraction! And they were the perfect bait! We had no idea if they were capable of killing you or the prince! Argh! H-Hold on!... But we knew it was a long shot if either one of you died! Our focus was on the Young Lord! By the goddess''s name, I swear it''s the truth!"


    <span ss="userText">"Is that all?" Rya asked again looking into the pain-filled<span ss="aiText">eyes of the <span ss="editText">spy<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes! That is all we were tasked with! I promise!<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmm...<span ss="userText"> So if the Young Lord didn''t join us on our trip. What would you<span ss="aiText"> have done?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">W-<span ss="aiText">We were ordered to<span ss="userText"> observe you all! I-I can tell you what the Duke knows!<span ss="aiText"> Please! Show mercy!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Fine.<span ss="userText"> What<span ss="aiText"> does the Duke know?"


    "The Duke knows about you being engaged with the prince! He knows that you''re a Mage and a Healer! He knows that his son is dead! And he''s nning on undermining the Prime Minister''s peace n with the Holy Alliance by sabotaging the arranged engagement with Princess Hilda! He''s also nning a coup d''��tat!"


    <span ss="userText">General<span ss="aiText"> Dous<span ss="editText"> and his knights <span ss="aiText">couldn''t believe their ears.<span ss="userText"> While Quinus, Percy, and Sir George didn''t seem fazed<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well... I wouldn''t mind seeing Duval getting hiseuppance," Sir George muttered to the prince.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah... But he''s one of the few people putting up<span ss="aiText"> a fight against <span ss="editText">my uncle <span ss="aiText">and <span ss="editText">his<span ss="aiText"> Noble Faction," Quinus answered.


    Back to Rya who was deciding whether to let c live or die, was processing everything she was told.


    ''He did say a lot of useful information. But I can''t let him go or he will report back to the Duke... Unless he would be willing to be a double agent? Hmmm.'' Rya thought to herself.


    It took a moment for her toe up with an idea to turn him to her side. Hopefully, he will y along with her. But if not, she''d have to kill him even if she didn''t want to.


    <span ss="userText">"4R... Continue," She orders with a straight face.


    <span ss="userText">The golem nodded and grabbed c''s thumbnail. It started to pull the thumbnail slowly.


    <span ss="userText">"Whoa! Whoa! Hold on! I told you<span ss="aiText"> everything! I did! Stop! SToOOOoooop!"


    <span ss="aiText">4R slowly peeled c''s nail <span ss="userText">and stopped to let her creator<span ss="aiText"> decide his fate.


    <span ss="aiText">"What?! Why?! Stop! STopstopstopstop!<span ss="editText"> Why are you doing this!?<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya walked over to c''s right ear and leaned in.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Because I think you''re lying about everything... All you''ve done is use your words but your actions have<span ss="aiText"> said otherwise."


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No! I''m not lying! I-I have no reason to lie anymore! Please!"


    <span ss="userText">Rya stepped back and looked at the miserable<span ss="aiText"> spy.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Then what can you do to prove that you aren''t<span ss="aiText"> lying to me."


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I<span ss="userText">''ll do anything! I can go away, I can <span ss="userText">stop my<span ss="aiText"> job!<span ss="userText">..."


    <span ss="userText">4R started pulling his<span ss="aiText"> thumbnail again.


    <span ss="aiText">"Stop! AAAAH! STOP! PLEASE!"


    <span ss="aiText">"That isn''t helping your case," Rya said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll be a double agent!<span ss="userText"> I''ll sign a damn blood contract! I''ll even order my men to sign it!<span ss="aiText"> Just please! I don''t wanna die! Not like this!"


    Rya was surprised that he offered to sign a blood contract. She had totally forgotten about them after she read up about how they worked back at the Mage''s Giuld''s library.


    <span ss="userText">Blood contracts sounded way more foreboding<span ss="aiText"> than they actually are. In short, it is a magically binding agreement. If the user breaks the contract, then the penalty is usually <span ss="userText">weakening a mana vein and the other thing was they weren''t permanent. Over time the effects of the Blood Contract would<span ss="aiText"> disappear and the person could return to normal. <span ss="userText">Plus it was hard to inflict those who had a strong mana vein with a standard or umon blood contract<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> From what she''s read, only the legendary Blood Contract can do anysting<span ss="aiText"> damage to the <span ss="editText">recipient<span ss="aiText">. But few people in the world have seen such a document.


    <span ss="aiText">A rare and powerful contract could also force the victim''s <span ss="userText">mana vein to shrivel up to nothing and kill them<span ss="aiText">. It was a horrible death. And it was called a legendary Blood Contract because not many were ever made and it was the rarest and most powerful contract.<span ss="userText"> Frankly, it was simpler to cor somebody with a ve cor than to get them to sign a piece of parchment with their own blood.


    <span ss="userText">''That reminds me. I wonder what Blood Contract Quinus used on Marko Aitken, back in the vige of Kishin. If we ever visit him again, I would like to use the Seer Stone on him<span ss="aiText"> and see if the Contract is still active or not. Maybe I could learn a thing or two.<span ss="editText"> Gah! Focus Rya!<span ss="userText">'' She<span ss="aiText"> thought.


    <span ss="userText">Rya stared at c for a while before she pulled out her earplugs.


    <span ss="userText">"Quin? Do you have any more of your Blood Contracts<span ss="aiText"> on you?"


    <span ss="userText">Quinus looked over to his retainer, "George take this key and open my case in the dwarves'' carriage. I have two of<span ss="aiText"> the contracts inside."


    <span ss="aiText">"As you wish," the Knight answered.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh... So, Quin does have more of them. I wonder why he has them in the first ce?'' Rya thought as she looked over to see Quinus walking towards her.


    <span ss="aiText">George left and was back in no time.


    <span ss="aiText">"Here,<span ss="userText"> my Lord,"<span ss="aiText"> George said as he held out the case to the Prince.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus took the case and unlocked it. Inside were some scrolls, a book, and the two Blood Contracts<span ss="editText">. He used to have three but<span ss="aiText"> he used <span ss="editText">one <span ss="aiText">when he first met Marko,<span ss="userText"> who was the new Mayor of Kishin.


    Quinus poked his finger with the tip of his dagger and let some of his blood drip onto the contract. He signed the contract first and then brought it over to c who poked his finger. c signed his name underneath the prince''s name. After that, one by one of c''s crew was forced to sign the contract.


    <span ss="userText">After that was done, the contract glowed a blood red and the four men glowed as well. The parchment vanished into thin air<span ss="aiText">, while the men felt <span ss="userText">something attaching to their mana veins.


    <span ss="userText">As this was going on, Rya pulled out her Seer Stone<span ss="aiText"> and saw the magic working its way into the men''s mana veins.


    <span ss="userText">Her eyes widened as he noticed a simr seal that was on Nieren''s veins before she healed it. Then the seals broke apart and floated around their<span ss="aiText"> veins <span ss="userText">with simr brown particles that were in Johan''s<span ss="aiText"> veins.


    ''What the fuck? Did Nieren and Johan sign blood contracts or something? N-No, Nieren was simr, but hers was worse than what happened to Johan. This just raises more questions!... I need to get a look at thatst Blood Contract. Maybe I can tell how potent it is.'' Rya thought as she put away the Seer Stone.


    <span ss="userText">She walked up next to Quinus and looked down at the four men.


    <span ss="userText">c and his men soon felt their wounds healing up as the ground beneath their feet showed Rya''s healing rune<span ss="aiText">. The prince and his knights watched as Rya was healing the enemy.


    <span ss="aiText">''This girl is full of surprises. But I''m d she''s on our side,'' <span ss="editText">Dous <span ss="aiText">thought.


    <span ss="userText">Sir George and the rest of the knights started gathering their things as they were getting ready to move out.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus and Rya stared down at the men.


    <span ss="userText">"Now... I will contact you with a raven if need be until then keep my uncle upied," Quinus<span ss="aiText">manded.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">But... What should we tell Duke ric<span ss="aiText">, my lord?" c asked.


    Quinus sighed and looked at Rya. If there was one thing he knew about his uncle, it was failure was not an option. And he knew that his uncle was not a forgiving enough man to let them walk away unscathed. He might kill all of them if he didn''t get what he wanted.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya was thinking the same thing and smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Simple... <span ss="userText">Tell him about my Trojan Horses<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">c looked at her confused, "You''re what?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">My earth horses... Just make sure you leave out the part about them exploding.<span ss="aiText"> We want him to feel a false sense of security. Right, Quin?" Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus couldn''t help but smile and nodded his head, "<span ss="userText">Yes... That''s a good half-truth... I will let youe up with the best way to keep my uncle off your trail<span ss="aiText">. Now<span ss="userText">, step aside... We''ve been dyed<span ss="aiText"> long enough."


    <span ss="aiText">c nodded, got up, and went to the horses. His men soon followed him. They took their time,<span ss="userText"> as they waited for the Prince''s convoy<span ss="aiText"> to leave.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya and Quinus <span ss="userText">were walking toward their carriage and once they entered<span ss="aiText">, Dous came up to the window and knocked.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus answered<span ss="aiText">, "What is it, Dous?"


    <span ss="aiText">"My Prince, <span ss="userText">I just wanted to say we are just about ready to depart<span ss="aiText">," the general said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good... <span ss="userText">Do you want my fiancee to summon up some me Familiars?<span ss="aiText"> Or will you be fine by yourself?"


    <span ss="aiText">"If it''s not too much trouble, I would like her help," Dous said.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya popped her head out the window, "No problem. Just give me a minute."


    <span ss="userText">Soon twen<span ss="editText">ty-<span ss="aiText">four me familiars were summoned and were <span ss="editText">floating<span ss="aiText"> along with the convoy.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Thank you, Mdy... And if I may ask you onest question?"


    <span ss="userText">Rya was confused<span ss="aiText">, "Uh... Sure."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Are you sure you aren''t evil? That was pretty brutal what you did to that spy<span ss="aiText">..."<span ss="userText"> Dous asked in a sarcastic<span ss="aiText"> tone.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya <span ss="userText">cracked a smile and shook her head.


    <span ss="userText">"Only if someone targets me and my friends.<span ss="aiText"> Otherwise, I''m as innocent as a little <span ss="editText">elf<span ss="aiText">," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Dous chuckled and shook his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"Somehow, I doubt that.<span ss="userText">.. But I can''t argue with<span ss="aiText"> the results."


    <span ss="aiText">Dous tipped his hat to Rya and walked away.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, looks like <span ss="userText">you made an impression<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya rolled her eyes then she went back into the carriage and sat down <span ss="editText">next to<span ss="aiText"> the prince.


    <span ss="userText">Tanya was snuggling with Johan, while Dalia<span ss="aiText"> was resting her head on <span ss="editText">Percy''s<span ss="aiText"> shoulder. <span ss="editText">Percy<span ss="aiText"> felt Dalia''s tail tickling <span ss="editText">his<span ss="aiText"> leg but didn''tin.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren and Yuliana just shook their heads.


    <span ss="userText">"Did you really have to torture the pathetic human<span ss="aiText">?" Nieren asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, yes I did... Because he was trying to kill me and my friends<span ss="editText">. They could have killed Tayna... He''s lucky that I didn''t kill him and the rest of the crew<span ss="aiText">," Rya answered<span ss="userText"> with a pout<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren had never heard Rya talk like this, but she could understand where she wasing from. She would have done the same if her mother had been a target.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, <span ss="userText">I wish I had those earplugs<span ss="aiText">," Nieren said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You never used them. And I made them for you," Yuliana<span ss="aiText"> stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s because they''re <span ss="userText">not useful for nighttime<span ss="aiText">, Mother," Nieren argued.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana just rolled her eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Lady Rya... I''m d you are getting some use out of my earplugs. Some people just don''t<span ss="aiText"> know how to appreciate good craftsmanship," Yuliana said.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, thank you... I''ll put them to good use."


    Rya smiled and then she pulled out thest Blood Contract that was in Quinus'' case. She was examining it as the carriage started pulling away.

 Vol.3 Ch.208 I Miss My Mom.

    Vol.3 Ch.208 I Miss My Mom.


    <span ss="userText">"Why did you want to look at that thing anyway? It''s just<span ss="aiText"> a regr contract," Quinus said.


    Rya was concentrating on the blood contract, as her eyes started adjusting to the magic particles floating through the parchment.


    <span ss="userText">"I want to know what kind of Blood Contract it is and its potency, Quin. I think you have<span ss="aiText"> a rare kind of Blood Contract," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">"I highly doubt that. It was just a standard contract. Nothing fancy<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">" Quinus said.


    "Why do you say that? Do you even know how potent this Blood Contract is?" Rya asked.


    "Of course, I know how potent it is... Back home in the Royal Vault, there''s a crate full of those same pieces of paper that you are holding. I don''t know much about the history behind them, but my ancestors used to use them a lot."


    <span ss="aiText">"So, you don''t know where your ancestors got the Contracts?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well... There was an old kingdom in the east, that tried to invade Fiafyr during the early years of<span ss="aiText"> our founding. <span ss="userText">They lost the war and the east coast joined Fiafyr. My <span ss="aiText">ancestors found the<span ss="aiText"> blood contracts from the conquered kingdom," Quinus exined.


    <span ss="userText">"Who created the blood contracts in the first ce<span ss="aiText">?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, they... Um<span ss="aiText">... <span ss="userText">You know? I don''t know to be honest... Does anyone know<span ss="aiText"> where blood contractse from?" Quinus asked<span ss="userText"> the rest of the carriage.


    <span ss="userText">Tayna and Johan just shrugged<span ss="aiText"> their shoulders.


    <span ss="aiText">Percy <span ss="userText">shook his head while Dalia was asleep.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren looked like she was thinking<span ss="aiText">, <span ss="userText">but wasn''t<span ss="aiText"> sure.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana was the one who answered.


    "Blood Contracts are made on the Lumen Fae continent... T-They are created by High Elven Clerics... From what I was told..."


    <span ss="editText">Everyone''s <span ss="aiText">head<span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText"> shot up at this information.


    <span ss="aiText">"High Elves?" Rya repeated.


    "Yes. From what I remember... A few high elves traveled to other continents and sold their services to the human kingdoms about a millennia ago. I don''t know if they still do. I-I haven''t seen a high elf since my husband left us before my kingdom fell..." Yuliana said in a quiet voice. Nieren looked at her mother with sadness and anger. Her father had much to answer for.


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s face softened, "I''m sorry... I didn''t mean to bring up any painful memories. But I need to ask... Did your husband use a blood contract on Nieren?"


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana''s <span ss="userText">head snapped towards Rya while everyone else who was awake<span ss="aiText"> stared at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I don''t know.<span ss="editText">..<span ss="aiText"> I-I don''t think he did<span ss="editText">. Why are you asking, Lady Rya<span ss="aiText">," Yuliana answered<span ss="userText"> as she sat on the edge of her seat.


    <span ss="userText">Rya looked over at Nieren<span ss="aiText"> who looked confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Nieren... I think we should tell your mother about your mana vein<span ss="aiText">," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana looked between the two women.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-What are you talking about? My daughter <span ss="userText">is perfectly healthy<span ss="aiText">. Is she not?" Yuliana asked.


    "Oh, no, no. She is healthy. But what I''m about to tell you all needs to be kept a secret. Can everyone agree to that?" Rya asked as she looked around the cabin.


    <span ss="aiText">Tayna<span ss="userText"> looked at Johan<span ss="aiText"> and nodded. Percy <span ss="userText">had a questioning look.


    "Have you kept this secret from His Highness?" Percy asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">This is something Rya told me, Percy. I believe Dalia and Nieren both know<span ss="aiText"> as well," <span ss="editText">Quinus <span ss="userText">reassured his retainer<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Percy just nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright. But, mydy. How is this information going to help us? What do the high elves have to do with anything?" Percy asked.


    <span ss="userText">Rya reached in between her cleavage to pull out the demonic-looking monocle and held it out for everyone to see.


    <span ss="userText">"So I need to give you all a bit of a backstory before<span ss="aiText"> we begin. <span ss="userText">This is an artifact that I created with the help of Nieren and Dalia. It''s called a Seer Stone. And it lets me see what type of mana vein everyone has," Rya<span ss="aiText"> exined.


    <span ss="userText">The four of them couldn''t believe what<span ss="aiText"> they were hearing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you serious?" Johan asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah.<span ss="userText">.. That''s how I knew you were an Illusion Mage with an Elite ranked mana vein,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">What!? What is my level, Lady Rya!" Percy<span ss="aiText"> shouted<span ss="userText">, causing Dalia to wake<span ss="aiText"> up.


    <span ss="userText">"Gamma!? I was sleeping<span ss="aiText">," Daliained.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Ah! Come here, Dalia... I''m sorry, I wanted to know what level my<span ss="aiText"> mana vein was," Percy exined<span ss="userText"> as he hugged her.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia looked at Percy''s eyes and could see that he was curious. She just sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, alright,<span ss="userText"> but keep it down... I''m really tired for some reason<span ss="aiText">," Dalia said<span ss="userText"> with a yawn.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry... Just go back to sleep, my love," Percy said.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia''s ears perked up when Percy called her his love.<span ss="userText"> She nuzzled<span ss="aiText"> against him and fell back asleep.


    <span ss="userText">''Aw!<span ss="aiText"> That was so cute,'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Lady Rya?" Percy<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Right... Um, your mana vein is <span ss="userText">strange.<span ss="aiText"> I''ve never seen it before. But your mana vein<span ss="editText"> level<span ss="aiText"> is a<span ss="editText">n <span ss="editText">Elite<span ss="aiText">," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Percy <span ss="userText">was excited to know<span ss="aiText"> that his mana vein was at a higher tier.<span ss="userText"> But he wasn''t sure what she meant by<span ss="aiText"> ''strange''.


    <span ss="aiText">"What do you mean by my mana vein is ''strange''?" Percy asked.


    Rya was a bit nervous, "Well... A person''s mana vein runs along their spine, and what makes a person a mage are these smaller veins thate out of your mana vein. They run through the rest of your body and this is what makes it possible to cast spells... But then there''s your mana vein, Percy. It sorta has those mage veins that areing off the mana vein, but instead of having them go throughout your body it''s running along your mana vein and spine."


    <span ss="aiText">"So, <span ss="userText">that isn''t normal?<span ss="aiText"> So does that mean I can''t use spells<span ss="editText"> or am I only a Maja<span ss="aiText">?" Percy asked.


    "I don''t know... You have two different sets of them wrapping around your mana vein. So I''m not sure if you can even use magic. But one of them looks like electricity is pulsing through it while the other has a dark shadowiness," Rya said.


    <span ss="userText">Percy was dumbfounded<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">What the<span ss="aiText"> hell does that mean? Does that mean, I''m some sort of freak of nature?" Percy asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"No... But it makes you a very powerful man, Percy<span ss="editText">... I''ll see if I can find out what you can do in the future<span ss="aiText">," Rya said with a smirk.


    Percy was speechless as he tried to process everything that he just learned. He really wanted to know what the hell was going on with his mana vein.


    Quinus on the other hand, had an idea of what one of the strange veins might be, "Percy? I think I know what one of those things might be... You know about your mother, right?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">About her being your wet nurse<span ss="aiText">?" Percy asked.


    "W-What!? No!... I don''t mean that!... I meant... Your mother is an assassin. She was one of the best in Agon... I think the veins you have running alongside your mana vein are from her," Quinus said.


    Percy looked at Quinus with a questioning look as he tried to recall thest time he saw his mother and father. He was eight years old at the time and he was watching a sparring match between Quinus and Sir George. His mother told him about how she needed to travel north to destroy the Assassin Society. So they would stop trying to hunt her down. His Father was joining her and would be gone until they finished their goal. But that was ten years ago.


    <span ss="userText">"So you think it gives me some assassin<span ss="aiText">''s <span ss="editText">abilities<span ss="aiText">," Percy said.


    "Yeah... That would be my guess and for the other one? I''m not sure... Maybe it has something to do with your father?... I mean, he was the best knight in all the Kingdom... I hope they are doing okay... It''s been ten years, right?" Quinus asked.


    "Yeah... They have a lot to answer for when I find them... For all I know, they could be dead... But, it doesn''t matter right now. What is it about these, blood contracts that have to do with this Seer Stone and Lady Nieren''s mana vein?" Percy asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya <span ss="userText">nodded and decided to get back on track, even though she was more curious about Percy''s parents. S<span ss="aiText">he will have to ask him at ater date to get some answers.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Okay. So when I tested out the Seer Stone, I noticed these strange rune-like seals on Nieren''s<span ss="aiText"> mana vein.<span ss="userText"> And I couldn''t see them without the artifact. So, I was able to heal them and it took a lot of my mana to<span ss="aiText"> do it. <span ss="userText">And once it was removed, Nieren''s Mana Vein level went from being a Grand Master to a Demi-god," Rya<span ss="aiText"> said.


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana''s<span ss="aiText"> mouth dropped and <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he looked over at <span ss="editText">her daughter<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">Her green eyes looked starry as she held both of her hands together.


    <span ss="aiText">"M-My Nieren... <span ss="userText">Y-You''re a Demi-god<span ss="aiText">!?" Yuliana eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren was shocked,<span ss="userText"> she''d never seen this side of her mother before.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Um. Mom? You''re scaring<span ss="aiText"> me. Please calm down," Nieren begged her mother.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana shook her head<span ss="userText"> before she jumped up to hug her daughter.


    <span ss="aiText">"O-Oh my! I-I''m sorry, Nieren... But my sweet baby is a Demi-god! A DEMI-GOD!" Yuliana shouted in joy.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren looked over at Rya for help, but Rya just gave her an ''I''m sorry, but I can''t do anything about this'' look.


    <span ss="userText">"If only I knew you could have saved our kingdom��" Yuliana halted herself when she realized that her daughter couldn''t help at the time<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> Someone had done something to her daughter without her<span ss="aiText"> knowing.


    <span ss="aiText">"Who did this, Nieren?" Yuliana asked<span ss="userText"> as she grabbed the sides of Nieren''s head and looked<span ss="aiText"> her in the eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"M-Mo<span ss="userText">m?<span ss="aiText"> What''s going on? Why are you acting this way? Why is everyone staring at us?" Nieren asked as she tried to get her mother''s hands off her head.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana<span ss="userText"> didn''t let go<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mom! <span ss="userText">I don''t know! I never<span ss="aiText"> knew my mana vein <span ss="userText">was sealed<span ss="aiText">!" Nieren shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana''s expression changed to sadness as she loosened her grip.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-Nieren? W-Was I a bad mother?" Yuliana asked.


    <span ss="aiText">The cabin became silent.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">What!? No<span ss="aiText">!<span ss="userText">... You are a little overprotective<span ss="aiText">, but that doesn''t make you a bad mother... Why would you ask me that?" Nieren asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana had tears in her eyes, "Why didn''t I notice someone had sealed your mana vein...<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">Rya was feeling ufortable seeing a 400-year-old<span ss="aiText"> elf cry like a baby.


    ''Ah, crap! This is too much! I need to say something. Or this is going to be a cliche from a drama in an anime or a TV show,'' Rya thought.


    "Okay. Enough! You are making it more dramatic than it needs to be, Yuliana. I was hoping you knew how Nieren''s mana vein got sealed because it prevented her from using her Mage Veins as well. That''s why she couldn''t use the green word or her light magic," Rya stated.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana looked at Rya in shock<span ss="aiText">.


    "Did you say Light Magic!? Nieren can use light magic?..." Yuliana asked Rya as she was making sure she wasn''t hearing things.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ye<span ss="userText">s, <span ss="userText">Nieren''s a Light Mage on top of being able to use<span ss="aiText">the Green Word," Rya stated.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren noticed her mother''s bodynguage and she knew what was about toe.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh no," Nieren muttered as she tried to stop her mother. "M-Mom. It''s not that big of a��"


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana hugged her daughter tighter and started swaying<span ss="aiText"> her from side to side.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">By the Gods and Spirits!<span ss="aiText">... My baby girl is such a genius! You are the pride and joy of the Royal Family!<span ss="editText"> This is the greatest gift we''ve received in decades!<span ss="aiText">" Yuliana shouted<span ss="userText"> causing Dalia to<span ss="aiText"> wake up again.


    <span ss="userText">The Wolfkin had a groggy<span ss="aiText"> look on her face after falling asleep.


    <span ss="aiText">"Fricking, <span ss="userText">Wood Elves... Alpha! Can I use those earplugs<span ss="aiText">?" Dalia asked with an irritated tone. Rya could tell she was pissed off more than normal.


    ''Damn? Dalia is way more tired than I thought. I better give her the earplugs.''


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded and gave her <span ss="editText">the <span ss="editText">wooden <span ss="aiText">earplugs. Dalia thanked her and ced them in her ears. She then went back to sleep.


    Rya looked back at Yuliana who was smothering Nieren''s head with herrge breasts. The blonde wood elf was ring at Rya as best as she could as her face began to disappear into her mother''s cleavage.


    <span ss="userText">"R-Rya... You''re��making��t-things��worse!" Nieren tried to yell but her voice was being muffled<span ss="aiText"> by her mother''srge bosoms.


    Rya grimaced due to secondhand embarrassment, ''Yikes! W-Well, I failed to stop the cliche... But I''m d I''m not in the spotlight. So this is how a mother''s love is portrayed. Damn! Wood Elf moms are scary.''


    Nieren''s face started looking blue from her mother slowly suffocating her.


    <span ss="userText">"Um? Should we try and interfere, Lady Rya?" Tayna<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Uh... I<span ss="userText">''m not sure if I''ll make things better or worse<span ss="aiText">, Tayna," Rya replied.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus looked away and felt really ufortable. It reminded him<span ss="aiText"> of his mother and h<span ss="editText">ow she would <span ss="userText">suffocate<span ss="aiText"> him in her chest whenever she was proud of him. He had forgotten how annoying it could be<span ss="editText"> while at the same time how nice<span ss="aiText"> it was to <span ss="editText">have his head buried<span ss="aiText"> between a woman''s chest.<span ss="editText"> But it was his mother<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''s chest, so it was weird.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Is that how I look when my mother hugs me<span ss="aiText">?..." Quinus asked in embarrassment.


    Percy looked at his friend, "Yeah. You are a real momma''s boy, Your Highness."


    <span ss="editText">"Fine! Fine... I''m sorry I asked," Quinus said while<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> waving his hands.


    <span ss="userText">After a minute of nonstop hugging, Rya knew she needed to step in<span ss="aiText"> and get Yuliana to let go of Nieren.


    <span ss="aiText">"Excuse me, Lady Yuliana, but could you let go of your daughter now?<span ss="userText"> You might not have one if you continue<span ss="aiText"> hugging her," Rya said.


    It took another minute, but she finally released her daughter. Nieren fell back in her seat gasping for air. After a few deep breaths, Nieren''s face returned to a normal color.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you okay, Nieren?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren hurried over to the other side of the cabin and squished herself in between the wall of the carriage and Rya. She was using the Dark Elf as a shield from her mother<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Gah! N-Nieren!? What are you doing<span ss="aiText">!<span ss="editText">?<span ss="aiText"> Get off me," Rya said<span ss="userText"> as she was shoved into Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hah. No. It''s safer over here. Plus, I need to be away from my mother," Nieren said<span ss="userText"> as she hid behind Rya while her mother approached<span ss="aiText"> the two.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You... L-Lady Rya has done more for me and my<span ss="aiText"> daughter than anyone else. I-I owe you my life," Yuliana said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Um. It''s okay, Lady Yuliana. I didn''t know that Nieren was a Light Mage<span ss="userText"> until I healed her<span ss="aiText"> mana vein. I was just trying to do the right thing. You don''t owe me anything," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">But that didn''t stop Yuliana from <span ss="userText">looking at Rya<span ss="aiText"> with admiration and respect.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">How could such a young elf-like<span ss="aiText">yourself have such kindness and beauty?<span ss="userText"> Your mother must be proud<span ss="aiText"> of you," Yuliana said.


    <span ss="userText">Rya was going to brush off herment until she thought about her mother back on Earth. It started to sink in that she would never get<span ss="aiText"> the chance to see her mother ever again.


    She had so many memories of her childhood with her mother and father. They were very close, and her mother would always give her words of encouragement whenever she needed them. And her father would give her the tools she needed to reach her full potential back when she was a man.


    Even though she had fond memories of her parents, they weren''t perfect. Rya still remembers the time when her parents fought with each other and almost divorced at one point in her life. She was in high school and didn''t know what to think when everything happened. Luckily for her, they stayed together and helped her and her brother through their teenage years. They made sure that he and his brother had a good education and were happy.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya was grateful to her parents and wished that she could see them onest time and tell them how much she loved<span ss="userText"> them and wished<span ss="aiText"> them all the happiness in the world. But that''s no longer possible for her<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s face looked nk<span ss="aiText">, and her eyes began to water.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus, Johan, Tayna, and Yuliana<span ss="aiText"> all saw the change in Rya''s expression.


    <span ss="aiText">''What happened? One minute she was fine and the next she''s sad?'' Quinus thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Rya? What''s wrong," Quinus<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m never going to see my parents again..." Rya whispered<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana quickly hugged Rya<span ss="aiText">, which surprised her.


    "Sshhh... You''re a brave child, Rya... I''m sorry, I didn''t know about your past, but it''s okay. We''re here for you," Yuliana said as she rubbed her hand over the back of Rya''s head.


    <span ss="userText">More tears started to fall from her eyes as she felt the warm<span ss="aiText"> embrace from the older elf.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I <span ss="editText">miss them so much<span ss="aiText">..." Rya cried<span ss="userText"> as she hugged Yuliana back.


    It was the third time she cried since arriving in this world. She was stronger now and thought she had left the past behind her. But she couldn''t stop the flood of emotions that wereing out.


    <span ss="aiText">''How can I forget them<span ss="userText">...<span ss="aiText"> They were everything to me... and I have to let them go... I want to go back home and see them again... Mom, Dad... I''m so sorry...<span ss="editText"> If it wasn''t for Quin, I would be lost.<span ss="aiText">'' Rya thought<span ss="userText"> as the motherly<span ss="aiText"> hug helped her grieve over the loss of her own parents.


    Yuliana let her cry her eyes out and keptforting her. While Quinus understood what Rya was going through. He wished he could have said his final goodbyes to his first parents too. But he was blessed to have new parents in this world that he was reborn into. Johan wanted to help but didn''t know what to do, while Tayna didn''t know that Rya had this side of her. This made her realize that Rya was more than just a powerful Dark Elf. She had feelings like everyone else and wanted to be her friend more than ever.


    <span ss="userText">''If everyone ever talks bad about Dark Elves behind her back<span ss="aiText">. I''ll be sure to teach them a lesson,'' Tayna thought as she saw how Yuliana was handling the situation.


    Nieren watched from her hiding spot behind Rya. She felt sorry for her but didn''t know what to say. Percy couldn''t see what was happening, but he had a good idea based on the reactions of everyone around him.


    ''God... Yuliana is a good mother... I feel like I could stay like this forever.'' Rya thought as her emotions started to calm down and her crying had stopped.

 Vol.3 Ch.209 I Can Adopt You?

    Vol.3 Ch.209 I Can Adopt You?


    <span ss="aiText">They stayed like that for a few minutes before Rya broke the hug<span ss="userText">and wiped away her tears as best as she could.


    "T-Thank you, Lady Yuliana.I didn''t mean to let myselfgo like that," Rya saidas she sniffled.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana gave her a<span ss="editText">handkerchief<span ss="aiText">and smiled at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t be. I''m d you are able to let your emotions out. Sometimes you just need a hug," Yuliana replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes. I guess you''re right," Rya said.


    Yuliana looked at Rya and wondered how someone so young had this level of maturity. She thought the Dark Elf was younger than her daughter but she didn''t know her exact age.


    <span ss="aiText">"Rya, how old are you?" Yuliana asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya didn''t have a problem answering that question, "I''m<span ss="editText">27<span ss="aiText">."


    "T-Twenty-seven!? You''re only twenty-seven years old?... You are nowhere near being an adult!..." Yuliana eximed as she examined Rya and thought for a moment.


    Quinus did a double take and mumbled quietly, "And here I thought I was the only one who couldn''t tell an elf''s age."


    The Older Wood Elf heard him and red but then she had a eureka moment and smiled at Rya, " I know! If you want, I can adopt you as my daughter!" she<span ss="aiText">proimed.


    <span ss="userText">Everyone was caught off guard by her statement.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-What!?" Rya yelled.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yes, I know people will give me looks for adopting a Dark Elf, but they can go to one of theyers of hell for<span ss="aiText"> all I care... I want you to be a part of the family," Yuliana said.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya looked confused and turned to Quinus for help, but he was too stunned to reply.<span ss="userText">Then she turned to Nieren<span ss="aiText"> who was just<span ss="userText">as bbergasted by her mother''s<span ss="aiText">words.


    <span ss="aiText">"B-But mother! You''re getting a little ahead of yourself. Besides, Lady Rya probably has a family of her own!" Nieren eximed.


    "Nonsense... She has done everything for us and having her be a part of a Royal Family should make things easier for the Fiafyrian Nobles to ept her as their future queen," Yuliana said with a confident smile, "Plus, I remember you bugging me for a younger sibling, Nieren... So this is the best of both worlds for us. I have a new daughter and you have a little sister. You two are the future of the elven race. We win, everyone wins."


    ''What the hell is going on?... I mean... It would be nice to have a mother figure. And if I was adopted, it could help me avoid some political problems. But...I don''t want to make things weird with Nieren. If she doesn''t want this then��''


    Rya''s thoughts were interrupted when Nieren''s eyes lit up with excitement.


    <span ss="userText">"I can have a little sister<span ss="aiText">?!... Uh, I mean... I suppose having a little sister would be fun," Nieren said, "I''ve always wanted a little sister. And the fact that<span ss="userText">I saved my little sister once already<span ss="aiText"><span ss="userText">just shows you how good of<span ss="aiText">a sister I could be. I could teach her how to use a bow, and<span ss="editText">��<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="userText">Nieren started rambling on and on about what she and her new little sister would do together. Rya, Quin, Percy, Johan, and Tayna all witnessed<span ss="aiText"> the princess''s enthusiasm for her new little sister.<span ss="userText"> It almost creeped them<span ss="aiText"> out how excited the princess was.<span ss="userText"> Rya couldn''t believe how<span ss="aiText"> fast Nieren went from being unsure to excited.


    <span ss="userText">''Okay?... So Nieren is <em>WAY</em> more up for this than I<span ss="aiText">expected. I didn''t even get a say in this. Not like it''s a bad thing, though. Maybe things will get better.'' Rya thought as she started to consider the idea.


    <span ss="userText">"Um, Mother... Is Lady Rya really going to be my step-sister?" Nieren asked with big <span ss="editText">starry <span ss="aiText">eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, why would it be anything else<span ss="editText">? And she will get her own Elder Tree sapling. It''s tradition for Elven Royalty to have<span ss="aiText">a house in the forest for them to retreat to," Yuliana said, "And you can call me ''Mom'' from now on, Rya."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya<span ss="userText">noticed Johan and Tayna<span ss="aiText">were smiling.


    ''Okay?... So those two don''t have a problem with this. But what does Quin think?''


    Then Rya looked at the Crown Prince, "Hey?... What''s your thoughts, Quin?"


    "Umm... Idon''t see it as an issue. It''s up to you ifyou want to be adopted by her or not, Rya," Quinussaid.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Haah... I-I guess I don''t<span ss="aiText">have a<span ss="editText">reason to say no<span ss="aiText">,'' Rya thought, ''Maybe it won''t be so bad... Besides, I<span ss="editText">could use having an elven mother<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> There are things I still don''t know about being an elven female... <span ss="aiText">It should be fine... Right?''


    <span ss="userText">The Dark Elf closed her eyes and took a deep<span ss="aiText"> breath. Then she opened her eyes and looked at Yuliana.


    <span ss="userText">"O-Okay... Mom," Rya said, which made Yuliana''s smile widen to a point that gave Rya a worrisome<span ss="aiText"> feeling.<span ss="userText"> It was the same smile Yuliana gave Nieren right before she smothered her with her massive breasts.


    <span ss="userText">''Ah, shit...'' Rya thought as the Wood Elf''s chest came straight<span ss="aiText"> for her.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-Wait! N-No!<span ss="editText"> YULIANA!<span ss="aiText"> M-MOM! NO! NOT THE<span ss="editText">-MMMMH!!! MAAMMH!<span ss="aiText">" Rya yelled out in shock and surprise as Yuliana <span ss="userText">buried Rya''s face<span ss="aiText"> in her bosom.


    <span ss="userText">But the poor Dark Elf''s pleas fell<span ss="aiText"> on deaf ears. Yuliana was happy to have a second daughter. She was so ecstatic she began squeezing Rya tighter.


    <span ss="aiText">''H-How does this woman have this much strength in her chest?''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">I promise I will love you like my own flesh and blood.<span ss="aiText">We''ll wear matching dresses, I''ll make special wood elf jewelry and everything! I''ll show you how wonderful it is being a part of the Wood Elf family," Yuliana cheered.


    <span ss="userText">Rya thought she was finally able to break free from Yuliana''s grip until Nieren came in from behind and hugged the Dark Elf which forced<span ss="aiText"> Rya''s head even deeper into Yuliana''s chest.


    <span ss="userText">"Don''t forget about me! We''re going to be sisters, and I''ll always protect you. We''ll have so much fun, Rya!" Nieren added.


    <span ss="aiText">''I-I<span ss="editText">made a mistake<span ss="aiText">!<span ss="editText"> Someone! Anyone!<span ss="aiText">Save me!''


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s hands started to push Yuliana back, but she had a steel grip on her head as the Dark Elf was desperately<span ss="aiText"> trying to get some air.


    ''I-I can''t breathe! They''re so soft!... A-And if I was still a guy, I would have died happily!... But I want to live, dammit!'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="userText">"Ahem!?" Quinuscleared his throat trying to get Yuliana''s and Nieren''s attention. He didn''t know what else to do to help Rya<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana and Nieren were so overjoyed that they had a hard time hearing him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahem!" Quinus coughed a bit louder, "AHEM!"


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana and Nieren finally noticed and turned to see Quinus and the rest of the group giving them a weird look.


    <span ss="userText">"Huh?" Yuliana was confused about<span ss="aiText"> what the group was staring at.<span ss="userText"> She let up just enough<span ss="aiText"> for Rya to <span ss="userText">move her head.


    <span ss="aiText">"M-Mom... I-I can''t breathe," Rya gasped.


    "Oh! I''m sorry, Rya," Yuliana said as she finally let go of Rya''s head.


    <span ss="userText">*Gasp!*


    <span ss="userText">*Cough! Cough!*


    <span ss="aiText">''Fucking hell, I didn''t know boobs could suffocate a person!'' Rya thought as she tried to get air into her lungs.


    <span ss="aiText">"Rya<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText">are you okay?" Quinus asked<span ss="userText">as he took her hand<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah... Just give me a moment," Rya repliedbefore regaining herposure. She had her left hand on top of her chest as she was taking a few deep breaths<span ss="aiText">.


    "Sorry," Yuliana said, sheepishly.


    <span ss="aiText">"No need. Just give me a second to catch my breath," Rya said, then she started to cough.


    "I''m so happy," Nieren cheered as she went in for another hug.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-Nieren, give<span ss="editText">your sister<span ss="aiText">some room," Yuliana said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh right, sorry," Nieren replied as she scratched the back of her head.


    <span ss="userText">"Agh... I guess things aren''t going to be the same<span ss="aiText">after this,"<span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="aiText">sighed.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus smirked<span ss="aiText">and nodded in agreement, "That''s the understatement of the year."


    <span ss="userText">Rya couldn''t help butugh at the absurdity of everything<span ss="aiText"> that just happened.


    "Haah, hahaha! Hahaha... Okay... That was a lot," Rya said while chuckling, "I''m a little exhausted, but now that we got that sorted out... I need to finish what I started." Rya stated as she picked up the blood contract from off the floor of the carriage.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Huh? About what, Rya?" Yuliana asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"About the blood contracts and the weird seal on Nieren''s Mana Vein. You''re sure that no one made her sign<span ss="aiText">a contract<span ss="userText">?"<span ss="aiText">Rya asked.


    "No?... It''s something that isn''t easy to hide," Yuliana said, and then Nieren nodded in agreement.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Why do you think it was a blood contract that sealed my mana vein, sis?" Nieren<span ss="aiText">asked.


    <span ss="userText">''Wow... Nieren<span ss="aiText">really went all in on the sister thing. Oh well, that''s my new life now,'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well,<span ss="userText">when those spies signed the contract, I saw the same seals<span ss="aiText">appear on their veins<span ss="userText">," Rya<span ss="aiText">said.


    "R-Really!? You saw the same seals on the spies!?"Nieren yelped in surprise.


    <span ss="userText">''Jeez, she''s loud,'' Rya thought as she used her pinky finger<span ss="aiText"> to pick her <span ss="editText">left <span ss="aiText">ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well<span ss="userText">... It was simr at first. But then the seal broke up into brown particles that started floating around their<span ss="aiText">bodies.<span ss="userText">Like what I saw in Johan''s body before I healed him," Rya said as she looked at<span ss="aiText">Johan<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Hold on!? My Johan was affected by<span ss="aiText">a Blood Contract!? Who did it!?" Tayna yelled<span ss="userText">as she looked at her husband.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I<span ss="userText">had<span ss="aiText">no idea, my love! You know<span ss="editText">that my family doesn''t have any blood contracts<span ss="aiText">," Johan said, "Plus, I can''t remember signing any contract."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmm..." Yuliana said, "Could someone have forced him to do so?"


    <span ss="userText">Quinus scratched his chin<span ss="aiText">, "That''s a good question.<span ss="userText">I''ve heard that it could be passed down to<span ss="aiText">a person<span ss="userText">if one of their parents<span ss="aiText">was affected by a blood contract."


    "You think Johan''s parents were affected by one, Your Highness?" Tayna asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s possible. And if Johan was born with the seal, it would make sense why you never noticed it," Quinus said.


    <span ss="userText">"But I thought Blood Contracts'' effects wear off over time? At least that''s what I read in the Mages'' library back in Ironside,<span ss="aiText">" Rya said<span ss="userText">with a<span ss="aiText">tilted head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">That''s the problem with blood contracts. The ones that some nobles have ess to are the more potent onespared to the<span ss="aiText">regr ones<span ss="userText">," Quinus<span ss="aiText">said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wait,<span ss="userText">does someone know how to make regr contracts on this continent?"<span ss="aiText">Rya asked.


    <span ss="userText">"Some of the Mages'' Guilds up north do. But it''s not something they like to create. Mainly because ve cors do what a regr blood contract<span ss="aiText"> does<span ss="userText"> but faster and easier... It''s a pain in the butt to get someone to willingly sign<span ss="aiText"> a blood contract," Quinus exined<span ss="aiText">, "I''m sorry if you are getting confused, Rya."


    <span ss="aiText">"No, no. I''m fine<span ss="editText">. Maybe what I read was incorrect data,<span ss="aiText">" Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Lady Rya? Can you take a look at my parents if you get the chance... I would like to know if one of them is inflicted<span ss="aiText">with a blood contract,"<span ss="editText">Johan<span ss="aiText">said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sure,<span ss="userText">it will help me understand<span ss="aiText">it a bit more," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Rya," Tayna said.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus chimed in with a question, "So? I''m assuming that you have another idea of what was inflicting Nieren<span ss="aiText">''s mana vein?"


    "Maybe... The only thing I know is that Nieren''s seal was way more powerful than Johan''s... I had to use a lot more of my mana to rid it," Rya said.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana looked like she had another<span ss="aiText">idea, "<span ss="userText">There''s one thing it could possibly be... Witchcraft<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="userText">Everyone looked at Yuliana<span ss="aiText"> and asked in unison, "What!?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, it''s been a long time since anyone has seen a Witch on our continent," Yuliana said.


    "Witchcraft?" Rya repeated Yuliana in disbelief.


    <span ss="aiText">''Don''t fucking tell me that this ce has Witches! And why haven''t Ie across this in the Mages'' Guild''s library?'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Witchcraft. It''s a very dangerous magic that most people think is a myth," Yuliana said, "My father told me that witches were mages who wished to gain power and they experiment on their own mana veins. But with that power, it corrupts the user and turns them into a monster. He told me that they fled from the Faeo continent because of the Witch Wars. That happened over five thousand years ago."


    <span ss="aiText">"If they have that kind of power, how is it that no one has heard of them?" Rya asked.


    "As quickly as they rose to power was as quick as they fell from it," Yuliana said, "The Demons didn''t like how hard they were to corrupt and bend to their will, so the demons overpowered them in the end to rid a threat to their rule... If there are any witch covens left. They must be hiding themselves really well."


    <span ss="aiText">"I see..." Rya said, "How much do you know about the Witch Wars?"


    "Not much. My father was always vague when I asked him," Yuliana answered, "All he would say to me is to stay away from it."


    <span ss="aiText">"If this is true, we may have a real problem... Maybe they''re witches working with the High Elves?..." Rya wondered out loud.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan looked over at Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t know about you, my Lord. But this is a little unsettling," Johan said.


    <span ss="aiText">"It is. We''ll keep an eye out and see what we can find. Maybe there''s a book or two on Witchcraft at the Mage''s Guild in the Capital," Quinus said.


    Rya looked over at the parchment that was sitting on top of herp. She picked it up and hoped her eyes could find something that would tell her how powerful this thing was like when she looked at an artifact. Maybe there was something she missed or overlooked. But she couldn''t find anything in the blood contract that could indicate what its potency might be.


    <span ss="userText">''Dammit... I need to get a regr blood contract. So I canpare the two and see the difference. I guess I''ll have to shelve this one until<span ss="aiText">I have ess to the Mages'' Guild''s archives in the Capital. And maybe I should check <span ss="editText">and see if there is a ck market<span ss="aiText"> as well.''<span ss="userText"> Rya thought before putting the parchment away.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya''s train of thought was interrupted when Tayna asked a question.


    <span ss="aiText">"So... Were you able to find anything, Lady Rya?" Tayna asked.


    Rya shook her head, "Not yet... I''ll need topare the different kinds of contracts and their potency to make sure I know what we are dealing with... For all we know, the witches could have created a unique spell that mimics a blood contract, or blood contracts are supposed to mimic their... Spells?... Curses?... Whatever they use to mess with someone''s mana vein."


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, if that''s the case, then we are better off resting for now," Quinus said, "Plus, we have to prepare for meeting my mother in a day or two... I hope my mother doesn''t do anything drastic to test you, my love."


    <span ss="aiText">Percy and Johan both grimaced.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, her reputation as the Queen is the only thing that has kept the nobility in line for so long," Percy said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Indeed. She can be very... Calcting... When she needs to be," Johan said, "If you can prove your loyalty to her, then she will probably back off and allow Quinus to marry you. If not... I don''t know."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya sighed while leaning back in her seat. She closed her eyes before she spoke, "It must be my lot in life, to meet someone new and have them think I am evil... All because of those stupid stories about Dark Elves. And now I might have to go through the same bullshit with Quinus'' mother..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh... Um... Well... It won''t be that bad, Ry... You won all of us over. Plus, I could put in a good word since you''re my daughter now," Yuliana said.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren perked up, "That''s right, sis! If anyone gives you a hard time, we can just beat them up."


    Quinus red at Nieren making her heart jump.


    <span ss="aiText">"Umm... I mean... We won''t have to. I''ll just talk to her, my prince," Nieren said as her cheeks blushed.


    <span ss="userText">"Lady Nieren. I appreciate your friendship and loyalty. And I don''t want to banish you from the city, all because<span ss="aiText"> you decided to <span ss="userText">fight my mother... You''re my fiancee''s friend and I know she''ll be sad if you are forced to leave," Quinus said, "Besides. I can deal with my mother. And if she does give Rya a hard time, then we''ll cross that bridge when we get there, Lady Nieren... Is that understood?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes, my prince," Nieren replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled at her which made the wood elf blush again.


    <span ss="aiText">''Gods! What are you doing Nieren!? He''s in love with Rya! I-I can''t get in the way of my Sister''s happiness!'' Nieren thought, ''I can''t let her find out either! If I''m going to keep being her sister, I have to find someone else... At some point.''


    Nieren turned and looked out the carriage window as the rainstorm seemed to be letting up a bit.


    ''Maybe when we get to the capital, I''ll meet someone. Hopefully, it''s an elf. I don''t want some silly human. They don''t live that long... So there''s no point in falling in love with them...'' Nieren thought but then she saw Quinus wrapping his arm around Rya''s shoulder. She wished she could feel his muscr arms wrap around her.


    ''Agh! N-No! Don''t think like that! That''s my little sister''s man! She doesn''t even know you''re in love with him!'' Nieren chastised herself, ''Wait!?... Did I say love!? I-I mean... No! I just... Agh! I can''t even say it in my thoughts. Okay, I have to find a way to make my feelings go away. And fast!'' She sighed and she turned away.


    ''Who am I kidding? It would be a miracle to find an Elf in a human kingdom... Maybe I should try dating a human guy... J-Just to upy my time before I find a real candidate. Yeah...'' Nieren thought.


    As the hours passed the storm finally let up before they made it to their destination, the city of Eldermyst, where Johan had to run cover for his friend, Prince Quinus, and Lady Rya. They stayed at Johan''s family estate so theMayor wouldn''t cause any problems for the young lovers.

 Vol.3 Ch.210 Will He Stop Me?

    Vol.3 Ch.210 Will He Stop Me?


    As the morning sun rose over the horizon, things went much more smoothly in Eldermystpared to Edermines City. Thanks to Tayna for keeping an eye on the two wood elves from creating a ruckus like what happened in Edermines City. Rya had just finished breakfast and made sure to put on her cloak as she made her way to the carriage with Quinus by her side. At the same time, Johan was busy dealing with the city''s mayor and would meet them at the eastern gate before the convoy left.


    <span ss="aiText">The rest of the party had gotten their things and ensured their horses were properly equipped for the journey ahead.


    The driver, the footmen, and the guards all got into their ces as the Crown Prince came out with Rya by his side. She didn''t want the guards and servants to know that she was a dark elf, so she wore the hood of her cloak up while wearing a less revealing dress to keep her appearance under wraps. She found it surprising that she preferred to show more skinpared to her older self. Something about covering her shoulders,chest, and legs didn''t suit her.


    ''Ugh... It must have something to do with me being a Dark Elf... I don''t understand. First I stopped liking pants, now long-sleeved dresses... What''s next, no shoes or socks? Oh, wait...'' She looked down and moved her right foot forward just enough to see the tip of her foot, which had a purple open-toe high-heel shoe that looked fabulous on her.


    <span ss="userText">''Yeah, I''m not going barefoot when I can wear these... Who knew I would love wearing heels!? I am relieved that these shoes are enchanted; otherwise, I wouldn''t be able to wear them for as long as I do without feeling ufortable... And I''m never going back to boots!''<span ss="aiText"> Rya thought as she and the prince walked over to the carriage.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya looked at her right hand, which was being held by the Crown Prince, ''<span ss="userText">Hmm<span ss="aiText">... <span ss="userText">I hope things go well with Quin''s mom... Gah! Everyone says guys have it tough when they have to meet the father! What about the women meeting the mother!?<span ss="aiText"> If they dislike you,<span ss="editText">they will make your life a living hell<span ss="aiText">! I have no idea what Quin''s mom is like<span ss="userText">... She''s had nine miscarriages, seven before Quin was born. He''s her only child, and she will<span ss="aiText">be <span ss="userText">sooo protective of him. Damn, this is going to be harder than I thought.


    ''I just need to act like myself, right? "But she might assume that I''m attempting to charm him simply because I''m a "dark elf"... No, no, no! Stop thinking negatively, Rya. Sure, she might be tough on me at first. But eventually, I will win her over... Or at least establish a cordial rtionship. Cordial is just fine with me... AH! Whatever! If she doesn''t believe I''m attempting to im, Quin''s soul is a win in my book... After all, she''s just the mother-inw, and I''ll be her daughter-inw. She''ll have to ept that I''ll be with her son,'' the Dark Elf thought.


    Quinus observed Rya with a pensive expression, clearly engrossed in deep reflection.


    <span ss="userText">"Are you alright, babe?"<span ss="aiText"> Quinus asked, "You''ve been staring at the ground for thest ten minutes."


    Rya snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at her future husband. "O-Oh... Sorry... I''m just mentally bracing myself for the worst and hoping for a neutral oue with your mom."


    <span ss="aiText">"It''ll be alright. She''s not the best at socializing with people. But she has a good heart. It''s not easy being <span ss="editText">the <span ss="aiText">Queen of a major kingdom. Especially when <span ss="userText">my father has made some mistakes with my uncle<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah, I''d say... To think, you wouldn''t have needed to look over your shoulder if he had been punished for attempting to assassinate you... I have no idea how he''s escaped such a fate<span ss="aiText">... Unless your father wanted him to escape punishment," Rya wondered.


    "I don''t think that''s the case... The Prime Minister also helped to prevent my uncle from receiving a death sentence... That didn''t stop him from losing his son, so that''s one less obstacle to deal with," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Or it will make things moreplicated<span ss="aiText"> in the future," Rya replied.


    Quinus sighed because it might be true. However, Marcus was trying to kill him when he was younger. Luckily for Quin, his cousin was lesspetent than his father, ric, whose primary goal was to get Marcus on the throne. Now that Marcus is dead, Quinus doesn''t know what his Uncle''s new goals are. All he knew was that ric wasn''t going to take his son''s death lying down. He would surely seek revenge. But the real question was, how?


    <span ss="aiText">Rya didn''t need to read his mind to know that the prince was concerned about his uncle''s next move. She couldn''t me him. After all, ric was the reason for their current need to travel incognito.


    <span ss="userText">After making their way through the foyer, Rya spotted the carriage they had been traveling in thesest couple of days<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, at least we won''t have any problems getting to the city of <span ss="userText">Lomar<span ss="aiText">," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hopefully. <span ss="userText">Now that we have our double agents<span ss="aiText"> in ce," Quinus said.


    "Yes. I think things will be better once we deal with your mother," Rya said in a worried tone.


    "You need to stop worrying about my mother... She''ll love you. I promise," Quinus reassured her, "Now,e on. Let''s get you into the carriage before the servants realize that four demi-humans are riding with the Crown Prince."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya chuckled and nodded her head. They walked up to the carriage, and Rya let Quinus help her inside. Once <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he was in the carriage, <span ss="editText">he closed the <span ss="aiText">door<span ss="userText">. Rya turned around and looked out the window.


    <span ss="userText">"I''ll be back. I need to make sure the General is ready<span ss="aiText"> to go," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya nodded her head and watched him walk away. She leaned against the window as she continued watching her beloved prince.


    <span ss="userText">''God... I can stare at his ass all day<span ss="aiText"> long,'' Rya thought as <span ss="userText">she ad<span ss="aiText">ored Quinus'' muscr buttocks.


    The young girl was enchanted by an absolutely perfect sight. As the Dark Elf stared at the prince''s ass, she heard a cough. She turned and saw Dalia sitting on the opposite side with her head down. She wore a cloak simr to hers to hide her tail and ears. Rya noticed her fidgeting with her hands as if she were nervous about something.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you okay, Dalia?" Rya asked, "You look upset about something."


    <span ss="userText">"A-Alpha? Do you think Gamma will make me stop being a huntress<span ss="aiText">?" Dalia asked.


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s curiosity was piqued, ''What<span ss="aiText"> the hell is she talking about?''


    "I don''t follow? Can you go into more detail?" Rya asked.


    Dalia looked up and saw the confused look on Alpha''s face. She blushed and looked down again, "I-I mean, I know I''ve been ying it off as the sweets are what is making me fat... But I''ve been feeling extra tired... more than normal. And sometimes, I feel sick in the morning. And sometimes I get the sudden urge to eat certain foods I never liked before..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you saying that you''re-"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Don''t say it... If I do, then my days as a brawler<span ss="aiText"> and huntress are over..." Dalia said.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, you''ve been trying to deny it for a while?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, not exactly... I just don''t want <span ss="userText">my Gamma to tell me that I''m no longer needed in the field..."


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t follow, Dalia... I mean, I think I know, but there''s something that you''re leaving out," Rya said.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia closed her eyes and sighed, "D-Do you remember what I said about why I got enved?<span ss="aiText"> How <span ss="userText">I was sought after because of my grandfather''s bloodline."


    Rya recalled the time she rescued Dalia from the goblin nest while they were searching for the dungeon core. Then, when they arrived at the vige of Kishin, Rya informed Dalia that she was a summoned. This led Dalia to reveal that her grandfather had also been a summoned, which resulted in her being captured into very.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, your grandfather was a summoned from another world.<span ss="userText"> What about it?"<span ss="aiText"> Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s not all..."


    Rya sat down in front of the Wolfkin and gave her full attention to her.


    "My tribe... sees strong females and wants to breed with us to have strong offspring. Mostly hoping to get males... My bloodline is mostly female, and I saw how my proud sisters became breeding wives for the males... Once they became pregnant, the male stopped them from entering the field. So they could raise their pups... Most of the time, the strongest male wished to impregnate as many females as possible to make a stronger pack. I was afraid of that. That''s why I ran away. And then I got caught by ve traders and sold to a master in the battle arena..." Dalia said quietly.


    <span ss="userText">Rya was silent as she took in the information. It was making sense now: why Dalia originally wanted to mark Percy without him marking her, why she was in denial about her showing signs<span ss="aiText"> of pregnancy<span ss="editText">, a<span ss="aiText">nd why she was afraid that <span ss="editText">Percy <span ss="aiText">would try to prevent her from being a huntress.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why are you so worried, Dalia? I don''t think <span ss="editText">Percy <span ss="aiText">would want to stop you from being a huntress<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia looked at Rya, "But Alpha, you have no idea what it''s like in my tribe. Once a female is pregnant, she bes useless in the field.<span ss="userText"> They must protect the young<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Okay, I get that. But it''s not the same thing here. We have the guards and other soldiers protecting the city. <span ss="userText">Of course, you''ll have to wait to be a brawler again until your kids are old enough to walk around and feed themselves at a table or something... But this shouldn''t prevent you from<span ss="aiText"> going hunting. You should just take it easy during the pregnancy. Plus, the guild will make sure that you have the proper training. And once the pups are born, you can return to hunting and fighting<span ss="editText"> monsters<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, <span ss="editText">Gamma <span ss="aiText">won''t try to keep me from being a Huntress?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Nope," Rya shook her head, "<span ss="userText">And if he did, well... He''ll have to answer to me<span ss="aiText">."


    Dalia regarded Rya with a hint of skepticism as if she didn''t take herpletely seriously. Then, the carriage door opened. She turned and saw Percy climb inside. He sat next to Dalia and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Everything is good to go... <span ss="aiText">So, what have you twodies been talking about?" Percy asked.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia looked down at her feet in shame while Rya looked at her and then at the young retainer who had <span ss="userText">noticed Dalia''s odd behavior.


    "D-Did I do something wrong, Dalia? Y-You didn''t try to jump me this morning like you normally would... Are you upset with me?" Percy asked as he was beginning to worry.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya giggled, "Actually, it has something<span ss="userText">-"


    <span ss="userText">"NO! Don''t say anything, Alpha!<span ss="aiText"> Please!" Dalia pleaded.


    <span ss="userText">Rya looked at her friend with a bit of annoyance<span ss="aiText">, "<span ss="userText">Dalia... I''m getting tired of this. Do you trust Percy or not?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I... Do," Dalia replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then why are you acting like this?"


    <span ss="aiText">"B-Because Alpha... He won''t see me as a strong warrior anymore..." Dalia said.


    <span ss="userText">"Why would I not see you as a<span ss="aiText"> strong warrior, Dalia? Is it because you''re pregnant?" Percy asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"H-How did you know?" Dalia gasped.


    Percy went silent as his eyes slowly drifted down toward her bloated belly, which was barely hidden by her dress and cloak.


    "I-It''s the sweets! I promise to stop eating sweets!" Dalia eximed. She thought that Percy had discovered her pregnancy and was about to punish her, so she pleaded with him.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-No, Dalia... It''s not that...<span ss="editText"> And why would I stop you from doing what you were born to do?<span ss="aiText">" Percy replied.


    <span ss="userText">The Wolfkin''s panic turned into<span ss="aiText"> shock as she heard the words from her beloved''s lips. She stared into his eyes and saw nothing but love.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-You won''t?"


    "No. Why would I? You''ll be fine," Percy said as he gently caressed her cheek, "Besides, I don''t want to control what you can and can''t do. I love you too much to do that."


    <span ss="userText">Dalia couldn''t believe her ears. She stared at Percy<span ss="aiText"> and blinked, "You really mean that?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course," Percy nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia<span ss="userText">''s tail started to<span ss="aiText"> wag <span ss="userText">uncontrobly as her face slowly approached<span ss="aiText"> Percy''s. He saw the look in her eyes and realized what was about to happen.<span ss="userText"> Rya just smiled and nodded with her arms crossed underneath her<span ss="aiText"> breasts.


    <span ss="userText">"I told you, Dalia. You''ve been worrying all this time for nothing-"


    "MY WOLF! MY CHIEF!" Dalia shouted as she wrapped her arms around Percy and embraced him tightly.


    <span ss="aiText">She rubbed her cheek against his and began to nip at his neck and jawline, leaving little red bite marks behind.<span ss="userText"> Soon, she took Percy''s head and buried it inside her cleavage as she wrapped her legs around his waist.


    <span ss="userText">"I know my wolf loves my breasts<span ss="aiText"> and my milk... I can''t wait for our first pup!" Dalia growled happily.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t wait either," Percy said, his voice muffled by her bosom.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia squealed happily as she kept her mate close to her.<span ss="userText"> At the same time, Rya looked like she was pped across the face as she watched her friend dry<span ss="aiText"> hump her lover''s body.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Dalia!? What the hell are you doing!?<span ss="aiText"> This isn''t the ce to do this!" Rya shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You don''t understand, Alpha!<span ss="aiText"> I have to im my mate<span ss="editText"> so no other women dare try to take him!<span ss="aiText">" Dalia shouted.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya<span ss="userText"> shook her head quickly as she<span ss="aiText"> watched her friend dry hump Percy''sp while her hands were all over his <span ss="userText">head which was buried in her<span ss="aiText"> cleavage.


    <span ss="aiText">"Dammit,<span ss="userText"> Dalia! No one''s taking Percy! And no one has your nose to smell his scent<span ss="aiText"> except you!" Rya shouted furiously.


    <span ss="aiText">"I still need to mark my territory," Dalia growled as her tail wagged.


    <span ss="aiText">Percy lifted his head out of Dalia''s cleavage and gasped for air, "H-Hey!<span ss="userText"> Maybe we should wait until we arrive at Lomar, my love<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia stopped and pouted at her mate, "Why do we have to wait? I can''t wait!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Because<span ss="editText">...<span ss="aiText"> I don''t want Rya or anyone else <span ss="editText">to see<span ss="aiText"> you naked<span ss="editText">. I don''t want anyone to steal you away from me<span ss="aiText">," Percy said.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia''s pupils<span ss="aiText"> dted, and her cheeks reddened, "Oh! My wolf! No one will take me away from you. But if you don''t want anyone else seeing me, then I guess I can wait.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="userText">Dalia nuzzled her<span ss="aiText"> cheek against Percy''s, and her tail wagged. Percy''s heart swelled up, and he hugged Dalia, who joyfully squealed.<span ss="userText"> Percy looked at Rya and gave her a reassuring nod.


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s eyebrows raised in surprise, ''Well, I''ll be damned... Percy is slyer than I thought. He knows how to calm Dalia<span ss="aiText"> down and make her do what he wants. Well, at least he''s not taking advantage of her. I''m d she found someone <span ss="editText">who loves <span ss="aiText">her.''


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahem. Now, if you''re both done.<span ss="userText"> Dalia... If you need to mark him as your mate. Get him to buy you an engagement ring<span ss="aiText">. A nice big one," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia''s eyes widened with glee, "Really?! <span ss="editText">Human women will know that he''s mine with a ring<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course. He''s your man. And you''ll be his woman soon," Rya smirked.


    <span ss="userText">Dalia looked at Percy with a new sense<span ss="aiText"> of confidence, "Gamma! Give me a ring."


    <span ss="aiText">"Uh... W-We can do that <span ss="editText">when I get the money... A-And how big is big, my love?<span ss="aiText">" Percy <span ss="editText">asked <span ss="aiText">nervously as sweat started trickling down his forehead.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia tilted her head, "A big one?"


    <span ss="userText">Rya smirked, ''Maybe I''ll help him out. Plus, I''m sure Quin will spot Percy enough gold<span ss="aiText"> to get a decent engagement ring. Maybe a diamond one?''


    "Dalia. I''ll take you to a jewelerter so you can get an idea of what you like," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia jumped with happiness. Her tail was wagging like crazy. Percy smiled, shook his head, and then looked at the carriage door, which had just opened<span ss="userText"> to Yuliana, Nieren, Tayna, and Quinus. Rya noticed that Nieren looked well-rested for the first time in a while.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, you seem<span ss="aiText"> better today, Nieren. I''m d," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren <span ss="userText">smiled and nodded, "Yes... Dalia finally decided not to give in to her animal instincts and gave it a rest. It was the best night of sleep in a month<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia stuck her tongue out at the wood elf, "Whatever! I can''t help it! I have a very good nose and must mark my mate''s territory. So that no other women will take him from me!<span ss="userText">"


    Nieren shook her head, "Oh, for crying out loud... Can you not have sex with your human lover every damned night? You''re worse than a goblin."


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia growled, "No. My wolf and I <span ss="editText">won''t <span ss="aiText">stop.<span ss="editText"> Or you might take him!<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"Ugh... <span ss="editText">I''m not interested in your human<span ss="aiText">," Nieren sighed as she rolled her eyes. "I''m only interested in my prince-Ah! I <span ss="userText">mean! I am interested in myself at the moment<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">Percy and Quinus looked at each other while Tayna just shrugged.<span ss="userText"> Yuliana could only sigh at how her daughter was reacting. She thought that her daughter''s head was in the clouds again.


    <span ss="aiText">"If you say so," Rya giggled<span ss="userText"> as Nieren sat to the Dark Elf''s right while Quinus sat to her left. Once everyone got seated, Sir George gave the all-clear to move out of the castle grounds<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> They moved through the city grounds of Eldermyst.


    Once they left the estate grounds, Rya whispered in Nieren''s ear.


    <span ss="userText">"Hey, you always said that hearing Dalia having... Well, you know<span ss="aiText">... was keeping you awake. But<span ss="userText"> Quin and I did it<span ss="aiText">st night, too. Didn''t we keep you up as well?" Rya asked.


    Nieren''s cheeks turned beat red as she shook her head, "W-What? You two had a tryst? I-I didn''t notice! If you did, you two must be respectful or quiet lovers. That must be it."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya giggled, "Yeah... Well, <span ss="userText">I''ll try not to be loud<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">I know it must be rough since you think those earplugs will interfere with your duties as my retainer."


    <span ss="userText">"Haha... N-No, you don''t need to change what you two are doing for my sake... You two are as quiet as a<span ss="aiText"> mous<span ss="editText">e. Especially His Highness<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> He''s... I mean, <span ss="editText">y<span ss="aiText">ou won''t bother me," Nierenughed nervously.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you sure? Because I swear we were really loudst night," Rya smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren blushed hard and tried her best to stayposed, "<span ss="editText">S-Sis<span ss="aiText">...<span ss="userText"> You''re worrying over nothing<span ss="aiText">. Your lover''s noises don''t bother me. <span ss="userText">I''m a respected former adventurer, and I''m a princess<span ss="aiText">. I''m a woman who is used to being the center of attention. But, please, keep having fun with him."


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, but if you''re not sure, we''ll stop having fun in such tight quarters until we get to the pce," Rya said.


    <span ss="userText">"NO!... I-I mean to say if I don''t hear you two at all, then I will think that an assassin<span ss="aiText"> has snuck into the room," Nieren said, "Besides, you''re not the only ones doing... you know."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya raised her eyebrows in surprise, "<span ss="userText">Yeah... Johan and Tayna go at it <span ss="editText">pretty hard as well. I need to thank Yuliana for making those earplugs.<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren''s cheeks redden slightly, "Yeah... <span ss="userText">Luckily, they don''tst as long as you two."


    "Huh? But I thought you said you could barely hear us... I swear we were as loud as those two, and if you couldn''t hear us, then how did you know they were... having their fun?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren looked a bit embarrassed and whispered, "<span ss="userText">Sis! Can you stop asking questions? It''s not loud enough to bug me, okay? I appreciate<span ss="aiText"> you being a considerate sister and not wanting to make me feel ufortable, but I''m not. Trust me, it doesn''t bother me."


    "O-Okay... And hey... Thanks for being understanding. I really appreciate it," Rya said as she hugged Nieren, "You''re a great retainer... And sister? I''m unsure if I can adjust to calling you sister just yet... It seems premature."


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren was surprised by Rya''s sudden act of affection and felt happy.


    <span ss="userText">"You don''t need to force it, Lady Rya<span ss="aiText">. I''m not going anywhere. You''re my sister<span ss="editText"> now, and I''m here to protect you<span ss="aiText">," Nieren said.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smiled and nodded as she continued to hug her friend. <span ss="userText">Yuliana watched as her adopted daughter hugged her<span ss="aiText"> older sister and smiled warmly.


    <span ss="userText">After an hour''s ride, they arrived at the east gate, where Johan joined them. With everyone together, the convoy made its way east towards the city of Lomar. It took them two days to reach the city. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the royal guards, who were there to escort them to the Queen waiting at the estate. Rya and her group were escorted by knights towards the gate where the Mayor of Lomar waited. He had a panicked look on his face. He was ordered to keep the citizens from discovering that a dark elf wasing into their city with two of the royal family members who needed to be protected under his watch, which made it even more stressful for the poor man<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">As they arrived at the gates, the Mayor was visibly shaking.

 Vol.3 Ch.211 Are You Ready to See My Mother?

    Vol.3 Ch.211 Are You Ready to See My Mother?


    <span ss="userText">The city of Lomar was the third biggest city in the Maldurian domain. It''s known for its alchemist academy and is also a central trading hub, with an<span ss="userText">abundance of alchemists<span ss="aiText"> and other magical professions.


    The city, with a poption of 700,000, is governed by Mayor Kowalski. He''s in his early fifties and has been the mayor for five years, having been appointed by the Royal Family to his current position. He was a retired member of the Royal Council after thirty years of service and is still a loyal friend of the royal family.


    He''s slightly overweight and shorter than the average human male, but he stood with his men in position as they observed the prince''s convoy approaching the city gate.


    He felt an overwhelming sense of nervousness, his heart pounding in his chest and his hands trembling uncontrobly. Despite the anxiety, he was determined to carry out his duty with as muchposure as possible. However, the challenge waspounded by the need to maintain the secrecy of the Queen''s presence and the arrival of the Crown Prince. Regrettably, he was aware of an impending threat from a dark elf. He had to ensure that guards were positioned on the rooftops, poised to unleash a barrage of arrows upon the carriage upon receiving the signal from the General. Unfortunately, he couldn''t directly inform his men about the possible danger, so he had to be cautious in his directives.


    Once, the convoy came to a halt at the city gates. The mayor and the general saluted each other.


    General Dous, Sir Richard, and Sir George approached the mayor.


    <span ss="userText">"Mayor Kowalski. How''s the city?" Sir Richard asked.


    <span ss="userText">The Mayor bowed, "G-Good, sir. W-Wee. A-Are you here t-to escort the... u-um..."


    <span ss="userText">"Yes... Everyone is here... But you seem nervous... Is herdyship... Displeased?" General Dous asked the Mayor about the Queen''s mood. He knew they were a day behind schedule, and Kowalski must have been taking the brunt of Her Majesty''s displeasure.


    <span ss="userText">"N-No... She''s quite... happy... But she was worried when you didn''t show up yesterday," the mayor answered while looking at the carriage with worry.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, a little ambush happened three days ago. But it wasn''t anything we couldn''t handle," General Dous said.


    <span ss="userText">Sir George shook his head, "It was Her Ladyship who did most of the work<span ss="aiText">. But we did have a bit of fun."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hahahaha... Yeah, <span ss="userText">I haven''t had that much fun dealing with bandits in a while... She''s more<span ss="aiText"> skilled than I could''ve ever guessed," <span ss="editText">Richard<span ss="aiText"> chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">"I <span ss="userText">have to admit that she''s a good one,<span ss="aiText"> alright," <span ss="editText">Dous <span ss="userText">agreed, as they were trying not to divulge Rya''s race out in the public.


    <span ss="userText">"A-Ambush!? W-Who were the ones to attack you?" Mayor Kowalski asked.


    <span ss="userText">"A good sized<span ss="aiText"> bandit group<span ss="userText">... It was <em>he</em> who sent them<span ss="aiText">. But we''ll talk about itter. For now, let''s head into the city," Sir Dous said<span ss="userText"> as he referred to Duke ric as "he" to the mayor.


    <span ss="aiText">The Mayor <span ss="userText">nodded, "Well, I''m d no one is hurt... But General... I-Is our... g-guest, friendly?" He asked the general in code<span ss="aiText">if the dark elf was going to cause a problem.


    <span ss="aiText">"No... I mean, she''s fine. I mean, she won''t cause trouble... I mean... Ugh... What I''m saying is she''s a good person<span ss="userText">. I trust her with the lives of everyone<span ss="aiText"> in the city," the General stumbled over his words.


    <span ss="aiText">"O-Okay... B-But is there any reason why she shouldn''te into the city?" Mayor Kowalski asked.


    General Dous sighed, "Kowalski, I was just like you when I first encountered her... But everything I thought I knew about her was wrong... Tell them to stand down. I''ll inform ourdyship about her."


    "Yes, General!" Kowalski saluted Dous as he walked away from the mayor, leaving the city guards confused by the mayor''s cryptic conversation.


    Sir George nced up at the rooftops as he saw the archers taking position.


    <span ss="editText">''Her Majesty isn''t messing around... But it''s all for nothing<span ss="userText">... Lady Rya<span ss="aiText"> is too skilled... If she wanted to take over the city, she could have already done so<span ss="editText">. But she''s a just person<span ss="aiText">,'' Sir George thought.<span ss="editText"> ''But if she <span ss="undoDeletionText">ridicules my dating advice one more time... I swear to the goddess... I''m going to <span ss="undoDeletionText">outy her!<span ss="aiText">''


    The archers looked around the streets, waiting for a signal from the Mayor, but it never came. Sir Richard and Sir George followed the General to the carriage, where they knocked on the door.


    "Your Highness, and mydies... Our escorts are here to lead us to the estate. They have already given their word that no one will harm her," the General said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, General," the <span ss="editText">Prince''s <span ss="aiText">voice was heard from inside the carriage.


    <span ss="userText">"We''ll get to your family estate in ten minutes, my Lord<span ss="aiText">. Please stay inside the carriage until we reach the estate grounds. The streets are busy right now. Somebody might recognize you," General Dous advised the Prince.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, <span ss="editText">General. You may continue to lead the way<span ss="aiText">," <span ss="editText">Quinus<span ss="aiText"> ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, let''s get going!" General Dous shouted to the drivers as the horses pulled the carriage along.


    As the convoy made its way through the bustling streets, it weaved past vibrant merchants and busy citizens immersed in their daily activities. Plenty of soldiers were on patrol, watching over the people and keeping the peace.


    <span ss="editText">When the soldiers saw the General riding through the city''s main streets, they saluted him and his knights as they rode by.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> The convoy passed by the city''s alchemist academy, where they could see young students and teachers in the courtyard.


    After a few minutes, the convoy arrived at the city''srgest and most opulent area, which had the city hall and the Royal Estate, also known as The Seat of the Queen. This massive building dwarfed any other in the city. It was built for thete Queen Victoria Revelia. Queen Rianna used it to gather the Ladies of the Court for tea parties, balls, and other social gatherings. It was here where the Queen would get away from her husband from time to time, especially after failing to punish her brother-inw''s attempt on their only son''s life. The Seat of the Queen had arge garden with several statues and fountains. It was a wonderful ce to visit whening to Lomar. It was located in the center of the city and had arge courtyard surrounded by a high stone wall.


    <span ss="userText">Two guards wearing full te armor guarded the main entrance. Typically, there would be ten times the number of guards, but it would raise<span ss="aiText"> too many questions if it were evident that someone important was there.


    <span ss="aiText">The convoy came to a halt, and the two guards stood at attention as the General and his men approached them.


    <span ss="aiText">"General! Wee home, sir," the first guard said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, soldier. At ease," the General said as the guard saluted him, "<span ss="userText">Does she know of our arrival<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, Sir! She is waiting in the audience chamber, sir!" the second guard replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very good. We''ll see her shortly," the general said, motioning<span ss="userText">for the convoy to move forward<span ss="aiText">.


    The general and his soldiers guided the convoy to the rear of the mansion, where they housed the carriages in the stables. They wanted to enter the estate incognito. Rya''s group stepped off and waited patiently as the horses were unhitched from the carriages. General Dous walked up to the Prince and bowed.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, it''s been an enlightening trip, Your Highness. The Queen is in<span ss="aiText"> the audience chamber. If you and your party would follow me," the General said as he led the group inside.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus nodded and then looked at Rya, who was still wearing her cloak so the servants could not see her skin color. Her yellow dress was a little more conservativepared to her everyday dresses. This dress covered her shoulders, legs, and cleavage. The dress was more Victorian-style,<span ss="aiText">with the skirt being longer and tighter.<span ss="userText"> But no matter how much it covered her, it couldn''t hide her figure<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> Rya took a deep breath before looking at<span ss="aiText"> her<span ss="userText"> fiance<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, <span ss="userText">how do I look?<span ss="aiText"> Will your mother approve?" Rya asked Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">"She will... Even if she disapproves, she can''t stop us. I won''t let her," Quinus replied as he held her hand.


    <span ss="userText">Those words<span ss="aiText"> calmed Rya''s heart, and she smiled at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">And don''t forget that we are all at your side<span ss="aiText">. So, don''t be afraid. We won''t let anyone bully you," <span ss="editText">Yuliana <span ss="aiText">said<span ss="userText"> to her adopted daughter.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, that''s right. We''re with you no matter what happens. And don''t let anyone else say otherwise<span ss="userText">, sis<span ss="aiText">," <span ss="editText">Nieren <span ss="aiText">added.


    "She will have her biases, Lady Rya. But you will show her that she''s wrong to believe those thoughts in the first ce. Like I did," Tayna said with a nod.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, guys," Rya said with a smile.


    "Any time, Rya... Now, let''s get our game faces ready," Quinus said.


    "You can do this, Alpha. The chieftain will have to ept you once she notices that both of you marked each other," Dalia answered with a nod.


    Rya nodded back before she took a deep breath. Then she walked with Quinus to the audience chamber.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana and Nieren followed behind the two, and the rest of the group closely followed them<span ss="userText">.


    ''Don''t fuck this up, Rya... I don''t want my future mother-inw to hate me because I''m a dark elf...But what the hell... I can do this! Yeah! I got this!'' Rya thought to herself.


    <span ss="aiText">A servant<span ss="userText"> noticed the crown prince<span ss="aiText">, and he bowed, "Prince Quinus, you''ve returned. Wee home."


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you. We''re here to see the Queen," Quinus replied.


    "Of course, My Prince. She''s in the audience chamber. Please follow me," the servant said as he led the prince and his entourage through the mansion. The servant was curious about the four cloaked women. He knew that the prince was secretly engaged with a different woman. But the Queen never mentioned who the new fiancee was.


    ''Maybe they''re her maids? No, I don''t think so. Why is House Dule walking behind them... The prince would''ve told me if they were special. Something is fishy about them,'' the servant thought as he led the prince and his group through the mansion.


    <span ss="aiText">They arrived at the audience chamber, and the servant motioned for them to wait until<span ss="userText">they entered the<span ss="aiText"> room.


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">(15 minutes before the prince arrived.)


    <span ss="aiText">The audience chamber was arge, grand hall decorated with paintings, statues, and tapestries. Itsrge balcony overlooking the city had two thrones on either side.


    Queen Rianna Meredydd wore her finest clothes and crown, which consisted of a golden tiara. Her ck hair was done up in a bun, and she had a regal air about her, but she was getting worried. She thought she would have seen him a day earlier, but something happened that she and her guards weren''t aware of. Her son sent a messenger from Eldermyst City so she wouldn''t have to worry about why they were a dayte. But it did little to calm her nerves. Quinus had been gone for too long, and she wanted to see him safe and sound.


    <span ss="aiText">''My son, please be safe... I wish I could''ve been there to help you,'' Rianna thought to herself as she sat on her throne, waiting for her son to return.


    <span ss="userText">Lady Nelumbo was standing next to her queen. She was a former Royal Knight turned<span ss="aiText"> royal advisor to the Queen. Her long blonde hair was tied up in a ponytail, and she wore her knight''s armor, which consisted of a chestte, gauntlets, and greaves. Her sword was at her side, and her shield was strapped to her back.<span ss="userText"> She also had five more guards at the ready to protect her<span ss="aiText"> queen if needed.


    <span ss="aiText">Nelumbo looked out the window, thinking about the prince. ''<span ss="userText">You better not have lost an arm, Quinus... It would look bad on me if one of my best students ended up injured or, worse, dead.<span ss="aiText">The Queen would have my head if that happened.''


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna turned her attention to her guards, "<span ss="editText">Lady Nelumbo<span ss="aiText">, has the prince arrived yet?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Not yet, my queen.<span ss="userText"> But a spotter saw the General''s banner at the city gate about an hour ago. I believe they are already in the city<span ss="aiText">," Nelumbo replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very good, then. Inform me when they arrive at the estate," the queen said.


    <span ss="aiText">"As you wish, my queen," Lady Nelumbo said as she left the room.


    <span ss="userText">Then Rianna''s head maid came<span ss="aiText"> over and bowed, "My queen, <span ss="userText">we can have the garden room ready for tea once<span ss="aiText"> the prince arrives."


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, <span ss="editText">Miss <span ss="aiText">Gretchen. That would be perfect. And have the cooks prepare some refreshments. My son must be tired from the journey. He has had a hard time. Especially with that Duke being such a bastard," Rianna said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my queen. I''ll inform the kitchen immediately," the maid bowed as she left the room.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen leaned back on her throne and sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">''I just hope this dark elf my son is attached to is worth his affection. Thest thing I need is to <span ss="userText">deal with a scheming<span ss="aiText"> bitch trying to use him for his title. He needs a strong woman to stand beside him,'' the Queen thought to herself as she stared out the window.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna had always worried about her son.<span ss="userText"> Because he was the only child to survive childbirth, and<span ss="aiText">she had miscarried <span ss="editText">more times than she wished to count<span ss="aiText">. She loved him dearly, and she would do anything to protect him.


    <span ss="aiText">''My dear Quinus...<span ss="userText"> I hope you know what you got yourself into<span ss="aiText">. Please be careful, my son. I pray that the god<span ss="editText">des<span ss="aiText">s has blessed you with a wonderful wife. I pray that you will have children. Many, many children. So you may continue the Meredydd bloodline,'' Rianna thought to herself.


    <span ss="userText">After five minutes, Lady Nelumbo<span ss="aiText"> entered the room and bowed, "My queen, the Prince has arrived at the estate. They are on their way to the audience chamber."


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Lady Nelumbo," the queen said as she <span ss="userText">straightened<span ss="aiText"> up.


    <span ss="aiText">Nelumbo stood at attention. Then the queen looked at the guards and said, "Keep an eye out for the dark elf.<span ss="aiText">We must find out what her intentions are towards my son."


    <span ss="aiText">The guards saluted.


    <span ss="aiText">Lady Nelumbo <span ss="userText">nodded<span ss="aiText">. Then the queen looked at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nelumbo, you are the best warrior in this kingdom. I trust you with my life. And I know you will not let me down. Do you understand?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my queen," Nelumbo replied.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen smiled, and then the door opened <span ss="userText">as a servant entered.


    <span ss="userText">"Your Majesty, the prince and his<span ss="aiText"> entourage are here," the servant announced.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna nodded, and the servant stepped aside.


    <span ss="aiText">The Prince entered the room and was followed by <span ss="userText">four women in cloaks. Percy, Sir George, Sir Richard, Lady Rachel, and General Dous<span ss="aiText"> also entered the room.<span ss="userText"> Johan and Tayna stayed in the back to give the group their space.


    <span ss="userText">Upon seeing her son for the first time in two months, she wanted to run to him and hug<span ss="aiText"> him, but she remained calm and collected, a<span ss="userText">s all royals must do.


    Rya looked around, and she couldn''t help but notice how beautiful Quin''s mother was. Even though Rianna was pushing 40, her looks hadn''t faded, at least not from what Rya could tell. In fact, she was even prettier than she thought. But there was something that was bugging Rya. She observed a significant number of purple particles in Rianna''s pelvic area. The particrs were simr to the ones in the Elder Seeds that Yuliana was trying to grow.


    ''Huh? Did someone poison Quin''s mom!? Why would they poison her!? And why is it focused on her lower body? Is that why she has no children besides Quin? I have so many questions right now. I''ll have to ask her about thister. If it''s a poison, then I might be able to do something about it... B-But I have to make sure she likes me first,'' Rya thought as she tried to recall all her etiquette training from Fyre Coldforge.

 Vol.3 Ch.212 Challenging the Queen.

    Vol.3 Ch.212 Challenging the Queen.


    The queen scanned the room and spotted the four cloaked women standing behind Quinus. She furrowed her brow, trying to discern which one was the dark elf her son had mentioned.


    ''Is that one the dark elf? Or is it the other one,'' Rianna thought as she nced between Rya and Yuliana. ''Two of them are well-endowed, so one of them is this "Rya" my son wrote about, while the other two cloaked women are well-shapen, from what I can tell... But they aren''t at my level, so those two aren''t her. Hmm... Three of them must be Rya''s friends, but why are they wearing cloaks? What do they have to hide?''


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus and his group bowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wee back, my son.<span ss="userText">I-It''s been too<span ss="aiText"> long. How are you feeling?" the queen asked,<span ss="userText">trying not to cry tears of joy.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m fine, Mother. Thank you for your concern," Quinus replied as he and the others straightened.


    <span ss="aiText">"I heard you were gravely injured in the battle of Ironside.<span ss="userText">A-Are<span ss="aiText">you okay? Does it hurt? Shall I call for the royal physician?" Rianna asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m okay, Mother. My lovely fiancee treated my injuries<span ss="aiText">," Quinus said, gesturing to Rya.


    <span ss="userText">''<span ss="aiText">Fiancee? Oh!<span ss="editText">So it was that one<span ss="aiText">!<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">the Queen eximed<span ss="editText">to herself<span ss="aiText">as she<span ss="editText">put on a fake<span ss="aiText">smile, "So, this is the dark elf you told me about<span ss="userText">in your letter. She can take<span ss="aiText">off her cloak and approach me."


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus nodded and whispered to Rya, "Come on, I''ll introduce you."


    ''Fuck... She''s staring daggers at me. Just breathe, Rya. Just remember that etiquette training that Fyre did for me. You can do this. For Quin,'' Rya thought to herself as she took off her cloak and stood next to Quinus.Rya slowly removed herhood, revealing herwhitehair,azureeyes, and pointy ears.


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s hair was done up in a braid, and she was wearing her royal yellow dress and<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">silver heels<span ss="aiText">.


    She could see the surprised look on the Queen''s face when her eyesnded on her.


    ''Huh? If it weren''t for her ears she would have passedas a human. A very beautiful human at that... Gah! My son is just like his father! He can''t say no to women with a body like mine! Cyndre is lucky that I''m kind and understanding. However, I have my limits. I will not have my son marry a hussy! I will not allow it!'' the Queen thought to herself as she observed Rya, ''She seems confident. But this could all be a ruse to make my son her puppet by using her beauty and curves to her advantage. She''s pretty, I''ll give her that. But she must prove herself worthy of being my son''s bride.''


    <span ss="userText">Rya was nervous as Quinus grabbed her hand and walked toward his mother.


    <span ss="userText">"Mother, this is my fiancee, Lady Rya of the Sorellian tribe," Quinus introduced Rya, who curtsied<span ss="aiText">to the queen.


    <span ss="aiText">"It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty<span ss="editText">. I am Rya of the House of Venax. Adopted daughter of Princess Yuliana Venax<span ss="aiText">," Rya said.


    Rianna observed Rya as she stood up, ''Hmmm... She has good manners. Hold on!? Thatst name is from a famous Wood Elf family... I remember! It''s from the Royal House of the fallen Kingdom of the Wood Elves! One of them survived?''


    <span ss="userText">Rianna looked at Rya with<span ss="aiText"> a raised eyebrow. "I''m impressed. You''re not like most dark elves I have seen. You have good manners. I am impressed. What else are you hiding under those curves of yours?"


    "Mother!?That is uncalled for!" Quinus interjected.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, Quin. I''ll handle this," Rya said calmly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Show me that you can stand your ground. Show me how you intend to defend my son''s honor and virtue," Rianna said sternly.


    "Yes, my queen. My intentions are nothing but pure. My feelings for Prince Quinus are true and honest. He''s the only one with whom I wish to spend the rest of my life with. And I will do everything in my power to keep him safe and happy. My only wish is to be the woman he needs and the partner he can depend on," Rya exined.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna stared at her, then looked at her son, "Is this what you truly want, Quinus?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, mother," he answered.


    <span ss="userText">Rianna looked back at the dark elf, "So, do you think it will be easy<span ss="aiText">? Do you think your looks alone will keep my son''s attention?<span ss="userText"> I heard what happened to you in Ironside. You allowed yourself to be captured by ric''s mercenaries! Is that really watching out for him?<span ss="aiText">"


    <span ss="editText">Rya felt her face flush with embarrassment and anger, "I let my guard down. It will not happen again. And yes, I am well aware of how beautiful I am. I have known this for a while. I never relied on my appearance to get an edge with Quin. My skills are my own and are<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the fruits of my hard work and determination. My appearance is just a bonus."


    <span ss="userText">"How am I supposed to believe you won''t make another mistake? ric is looking for revenge for the death of his son. The Divine Three with the Prime Minister won''t ept a dark elf as the next Queen, and the Kingdom of Marn has been eyeing to take over the north<span ss="aiText">. So if you really love my son, you need to show me that you will put his safety and the wellbeing of this kingdom first," Rianna argued.


    <span ss="userText">The Queen was hoping to scare off any ideas<span ss="aiText">the dark elf had of taking her son''s hand in marriag<span ss="userText">e. And instead of seeing a<span ss="aiText">hint of fear or worry in the girl''s eyes, she saw determination and confidence.<span ss="userText">Rya took it in<span ss="aiText">stride<span ss="userText">as she smirked. Rianna felt ufortable<span ss="aiText">as the dark elf stared her down.


    "I was afraid to fall in love with your son, your Majesty. It was a love I never knew existed... And I learned a very valuable lesson when I tried to fight these feelings. I attempted to resist falling for him, but I couldn''t. His presence always drew me in deeper, no matter how hard I resisted. I wanted him... but I knew deep down that he would be better off without me. Especially when I was dumb enough to get cored... I learned the hard way how dangerous the ambitions of powerful people can be when they prioritize their own best interests.


    "They will sacrifice anything and anyone to get what they want... I had to watch myself kill innocent soldiers while my body was controlled. I almost killed a good friend and saw Quin at death''s door because of my mistakes... I also witnessed corrupt nobles using the civilians for their own gain.


    "When Quin freed me. I made sure that all of those who dared to hurt my love paid dearly. I made sure that the ck Roses were destroyed so they could never hurt him again. If my love wants to be with me, then I will destroy anyone who dares try to stop us, no matter who it is. I will do whatever it takes to be with him. To stand by his side and to support him," Rya said confidently, "Whether that be destroying the Kingdom of Marn to free the wood elves, fighting against the Divine Three and their false Gods, or even facing a God. If it is in my power, I will destroy them. If it is beyond my power, I will find another way to defeat them... And for Duke ric... I will turn every ally against him, I will cut off his funding, and I will weaken his influence to the point where no one will follow him. If it is necessary, I will even kill him myself. I refuse to let his insanity and anger poison the happiness of the person I love... Because Quin is my one and only. I refuse to let him go through life without me by his side."


    <span ss="aiText">The room fell silent as Rianna stared at her, not knowing how to respond<span ss="userText">, ''S-She definitely has the<span ss="aiText">heart of a lioness. But still... If she thinks she can just waltz into the pce and take over the kingdom... She is very much mistaken.''


    <span ss="aiText">"You are a brave girl to say those things to me, and I admire your resolve and conviction.<span ss="userText"> But not everything can be resolved by bloodshed, even if I wish that<span ss="aiText">some people were dead. You need to know your ce and understand how politics work.<span ss="userText">How can I trust<span ss="aiText"> someone like you, a dark elf and a member of a dark elven tribe, who is responsible for looking after the welfare of this kingdom and my son? What proof do I have that you will keep your word?" the queen asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya took a step forward and said, "I know what I am saying is a lot. And I will not force you to ept me or our love. If you don''t like me or disapprove of our union, we will find a way to be together. But I ask you this, Your Majesty, to please give me a chance. Please allow me the opportunity to prove myself. Allow me the chance to earn your approval."


    Rianna stared at the dark elf, ''What does she want? Hmmm, she seems willing to y along and do what is needed.Maybe she isnot a lost cause after all... Still, this is not something I can agree to so easily. If I say yes, the church will throw a fit. Not that I care, but they are a major political power that can cause a civil war.''


    Rianna looked her in the eye, "If you wish to be by my son''s side, you will have to prove yourself worthy of that position. And not just to me but to the Church, the people, and the Kingdom as well. You will have to go through the proper channels.First, you must visit our High Priestess, Mother Astra, in the capital''s Temple of Bnce. If the Goddess shows you favor while doing the ritual before the Idol. Then, we can move on to getting the Prime Minister to ept you as a possible candidate, which is already an uphill battle because he is the main driving force behind signing a peace treaty with the Alliance. I''m sure you know about the arranged marriage with the Divine Three''s Princess. That can''t be broken without starting a war. But if you get a connection with the goddess, we may have a chance. But it won''t be easy."


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m well aware, Your Majesty. I won''t ask for an easy road; I know it will be difficult. But I will do everything in my power to stand by Quin''s side," Rya replied<span ss="userText">with<span ss="aiText">a smile.


    Rianna couldn''t help butstart tolike the girl, ''Well, she has a fire in her, that is for sure. But is that enough?And there''s the issue of her bing pregnant. Female Elves'' reproduction cycles are extremely long and only happen once every decade or so. So, her chances of having a child with my son are improbable. That means we will have to rely on a mistress. That is the only way for my grandson to be born. Hmmm, but can she ept that?''


    <span ss="aiText">"Well then, I have a couple more things to discuss with you," Rianna said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Okay, what is it?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="editText">"So, if you can get favor from the goddess and somehow get the Prime Minister''s approval, and I have my doubts about thetter. Thest thing we will need to discuss is your children. If you can''t<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> produce an heir, <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">then you will need a mistress who can<span ss="aiText">. And I fear that fertility potions won''t work on Elves. This means you will be required to have a baby outside of your marriage...<span ss="userText">Are you willing<span ss="aiText"> to ept that, Rya, or will you refuse and leave my son''s side?" Rianna asked with a serious tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll ept it," Rya answered immediately.


    <span ss="aiText">"You won''t try to fight me on this? Will you?" the queen questioned.


    "No, Your Majesty. I will not try to argue with you on the matter. I have thought about this, and if Quin wants me, then I will ept any condition, no matter what it is.A-And I know that it''s a long shot even to hope to have a baby, but if there is a possibility that we can have a child... Then, I will do anything to make it happen. Because I love him, and I want to have a family with him," Rya said with a gentle smile.


    <span ss="aiText">The queen smiled as she watched the dark elf. She could see that she was being honest. And she knew that the girl loved her son. She could tell by the way Rya was staring at him and the tone of her voice.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh... Maybe I should give my son<span ss="aiText"> a chance with her. Maybe he will be happy with her. But, will she be able to handle the pressures of being the future queen?'' the queen wondered.


    <span ss="userText">"Well... I think I can see why my son<span ss="aiText"> likes you. You seem very genuine and are not afraid to say how you feel. And I can tell that you will do whatever it takes to protect him. Just be sure not to lose yourself in the process<span ss="userText">. Being in this environment<span ss="aiText">is different than what you are used to. Things here can be a little more... intense," the queen said as she nced over at her<span ss="editText">son<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll remember that, your Majesty," Rya replied.


    <span ss="userText">Queen Rianna then looked at the other three cloaked<span ss="aiText"> individuals. She was curious about their identities, and since they were clearly close to her son, she was naturally suspicious.


    <span ss="aiText">"And these three are?" the queen asked, gesturing to the hooded figures.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh, yes. I''m sorry, mother. You<span ss="aiText">haven''t been introduced to them yet. These are my<span ss="editText">wife''s<span ss="aiText">friends.<span ss="userText">The first one is Dalia Nightshade, and she''s a wolfkin we saved in thebyrinth. She''s engaged to Percy<span ss="aiText">, one of my knights. He''s the second boy there," Quinus said.


    Dalia hesitated for a moment but then summoned the courage to join Rya by her side. She revealed her identity to the queen when she pulled down her hood. She was nervous as the queen stared at her.


    "Nightshade? Could this be rted to the Nightshade tribe?" Rianna asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes. I''m from the champion''s bloodline," Dalia replied.


    ''How did they get her to agree to take a human as her mate? Hm... I''m concerned that my son may have used a ve cor on her. It''s hard to see under that cloak, but that has to be the reason why she''s here, right?... Gah! It doesn''t add up, though. She seems genuinely attracted to young Percy,'' the queen thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is she your servant, son?" Rianna asked.


    "No, mother. She is my wife''spanion and friend. She''s an adventurer and she fell for Percy," Quinus replied.


    <span ss="aiText">''An adventurer? And a member of the Champion''s line? Hmmm, I wonder...'' Rianna thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"What were you doing in thebyrinth, youngdy?" the queen asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I was an abandoned battle ve that got captured by the goblins. If it wasn''t for Alph~I mean, Lady Rya and The Prince. I would''ve probably died there. They saved me and gave me a second chance. I am eternally grateful to them, and my life is in their debt. So I have pledged myself to them," Dalia answered.


    ''There has to be more... Beastkins are notorious for being hard to tame. So there''s no way she submitted to humans without a fight... Unless they somehow earned her trust. Or my son has lied and used a ve cor. It might have been Rya''s idea to convince him to do such a terrible act,'' the queen pondered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Remove your cloak. I wish to check something," the queen ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia looked over at Rya, who gave her a nod.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia removed her cloak and was wearing a cute orange mini dress. Her ck ears were out in the open, and her tail wagged behind her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Where is the ve cor?" the queen asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I was never put in a ve cor, Chieftain," Dalia answered.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna was about to question her again when she noticed Dalia''s baby bump.


    ''She''s pregnant? And she looks no older than 18 or maybe 19 years old. Hmmm, this is quite surprising... So, she''s carrying Percy''s children!?... How am I going to exin to Wina that her son is marrying a wolfkin demi-human? It would be fun to see her reaction to the news if things weren''t so damn tense at the moment. Especially since the church will not like this,'' Rianna thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, you are carrying Percy''s child, is that right?" the queen asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes, your Majesty. I am," Dalia replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna nodded. Then she turned her attention to the two girls standing beside Percy. She recognized that they were elves as well.


    <span ss="aiText">''I''ve lived most of my life without seeing any demi-humans, and now I''m surrounded by them. And there''s a dark elf as well. Is this some kind of joke?'' the queen thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"You there. What''s your name and rtion to the dark elf?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m Princess Yuliana Venax. Only surviving heir to the Wood Elf throne. And I''m Rya''s adopted mother," she said as she pulled down her hood. Yuliana wore the wood elf family crown that used to belong to her deceased brother, who died during the war.


    <span ss="aiText">The queen looked surprised. Why was a fallen princess with her son?


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm, I see. I had heard about your disappearance after the war. How did youe to be with my son?" Rianna questioned.


    <span ss="aiText">"My daughter was the one who ran into Lady Rya. And the reasons why we were in your kingdom is a bitplicated," Yuliana exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"That is an understatement," Rianna said sarcastically.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, you''ll understand when you see my blood daughter. Nieren," Yuliana called out.


    <span ss="aiText">The elf girl removed her cloak, and her golden blonde hair shined brightly under the sun''s light. Her green eyes sparkled as she looked up at the queen.


    <span ss="aiText">Once Rianna saw Nieren''s hair, her eyes widened in shock.


    <span ss="aiText">''No way... That''s impossible! She has blonde hair of the High Elves... She''s a half-breed?'' the queen thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"So... I''m assuming that you couldn''t find shelter with another wood elf hidden vige because of your daughter''s hair. She''s part High Elf, isn''t she? So, you came here to seek refuge. Am I correct?" the queen inquired.


    "Y-Yes, Your Majesty. The High Elves abandoned my people in their time of need, and the Lesser Elders of the hidden viges would have taken my daughter away and killed her due to her father''s actions. So, I fled the forest and brought my daughter to Ironside. I needed time to rebuild the kingdom''s Elder Tree. But when my daughter became Lady Rya''sdy-in-waiting. It took me some time to process everything, but I realized that the only ce she could be safe was by Lady Rya''s side," Yuliana answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, when did you decide to adopt a dark��"


    "Rya!... That''s her name!... I''ve held my tongue long enough as you refer to her as "the dark elf" and not her name. She''s my daughter, and I would appreciate it if you''d treat her as such," Yuliana snapped at Rianna, cutting her off.


    <span ss="aiText">The queen''s eyes went wide. No one has ever cut her off before.


    "Listen, Queen Rianna. I don''t know you, and I''m not one of your subjects. I do not have any desire to be one if this is how you will treat my daughter. Though she may not share my blood, the moment I learned about the hardship that this 27-year-old girl had endured after losing her parents, I was deeply moved. I made the decision that she could benefit from having a mother and a big sister. She aplished more than you could ever understand. So, I adopted her into my family. She may have a different skin color than us. But she''s not a monster and deserves to be treated with respect. I can see that your son loves her, and I know that he''ll protect her. So, if you have a problem with that, you can keep it to yourself," Yuliana finished.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya was impressed that Yuliana had a bit of bite to her. She had only seen Yuliana be sweet and motherly towards her, so it was surprising to see this side of her.


    <span ss="aiText">The queen stared at the wood elf princess and couldn''t help but feel a little impressed.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''re telling me that Rya is a 27-year-old woman?" the queen asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s right, Your Majesty. She''s not close to being an adult. She''s just a girl," Yuliana replied.


    ''She doesn''t act like a child to me... Maybe she''s been through more than I realized and that''s why she acts more like a 27-year-old human... I''m still not used to calling a 27-year-old elf a child though. But that''s elves for you... Maybe she still has her innocence... That''s why she fell for my son. I''m a fool for not seeing it before. Plus, my son is a good judge of character. If this is the woman that caught his eye, then I should try to ept her... But we still need to go through those stupid hoops in hopes of stopping any uprisings. We can''t have the kingdom tear itself apart, even if it isn''t her fault.'' Rianna thought.


    <span ss="aiText">The queen finally noticed Johan Dule and his wife hiding in the back of the room. She was so focused on the demi-humans she didn''t see him enter the room.


    <span ss="aiText">"Lord Johan? What are you doing here?" the queen asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah, forgive me. Lady Rya wanted me and my wife here. She''s done so much for us that we felt we needed to be here," Lord Johan said.


    <span ss="aiText">''And he''s calling her Lady Rya as well? Why does everyone seem to treat her as if she''s a goddess? I get that she''s young, but she''s still a dark elf... Oh well, it''s not like I have a choice. I''m already going against my better judgment by letting them in the pce. But what else can I do?''


    <span ss="aiText">Tayna walked up and curtsied. "Hello, Your Majesty. I''m Tayna Dule, Johan''s wife."


    Rianna studied the young woman before her. She recalled the rumors about her and the arranged marriage. Johnathan Dule was having a hard time getting a woman for his son. Most of the women in the kingdom had refused him. So, he tried a different tactic and looked for a woman in the Minor Noble families.


    That''s when word got out that he married a poor girl who was injured by a monster at a young age. The Minor Lord assumed that no one wanted to marry his daughter due to all the scars, but when a House of a Major Family requested a betrothal. He jumped on the opportunity, not caring about his daughter''s opinion. Things weren''t good between them as Tayna refused to consummate the marriage, and there were rumblings about the end of a Major Noble House if Johan couldn''t get a child from his wife. So it was a shock to Rianna when she saw Tayna in the same room as well as traveling with her husband this entire time.


    <span ss="aiText">''She doesn''t look like a woman who was forced into a loveless marriage. Johan seems happy, and they look like a real couple. I''m d to see him happy, but I wonder how they overcame their differences. Hold on? Why does Johan look more striking than ever? I remember him being an average-looking guy with a beard... Hmmm, his muscles are bigger. He''s almost twice the size. And his face... it''s more handsome. What the hell is going on?''


    <span ss="aiText">"Lady Tayna? It''s good to finally meet you. I''ve heard some interesting rumors about you," the queen said.


    <span ss="aiText">Tayna was about to reply, but her husband ced a hand on her shoulder and smiled.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty. I''m absolutely certain that only the most wonderful rumors surround her. Isn''t that right, my darling?"


    <span ss="aiText">Tayna giggled. "That''s right, honey."


    The queen looked dumbfounded. ''What is happening right now? Did she really just call him honey? I-I definitely need to invite her over for tea soon. I really want to figure out how this all happened. And why does Johan look so... different? There''s something not right here. There''s something that I''m missing, and it''s bugging me...''


    <span ss="aiText">"So, did you wish to tell me something, Lady Tayna?" the queen asked.


    "Huh? Oh yes! You see, I can tell you aren''t fully sold on Lady Rya... I understand. When I first met her, I did the same thing. But she has done more for me than I can ever repay. She healed me, took care of me, and became my friend. She also healed my husband and told me that he was a perfect man for me, and I didn''t see it like the fool that I was. And it was all because of her. So, I owe her my happiness and my life. That''s why we''re here... So, give her a chance... She hasn''t failed anyone," Tayna finished with a curtsy.


    ''A dark elf saved her. And she''s praising her. Hmmm, she seems sincere, and Johan is a good judge of character. Okay, so far, everyone who has met Rya has only given high praise to her. Maybe Dous has something to add. But I''ll ask him when no one is around,'' Rianna thought, ''I better wrap this up so I can speak to Quinus alone before I do the same with Rya at the tea party.''


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna turned her attention back to Rya. "Well, it seems interesting things happen around you, Lady Rya... So, let''s move on to the next step. I would like to have a less tense environment when I get a chance to talk with you, Lady Rya. So, we are going to have a tea partyter. And I expect you to be there. And all four of youdies can join me. Is that understood?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, Your Majesty. I''ll happily answer any questions you have," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good. Now, we can end this for today and have tea in an hour," the queen said.


    After the meeting, everyone exited the room, leaving only Rianna''s guards behind. As Quinus prepared to depart with Rya, Rianna halted him and signaled for Rya to leave.


    <span ss="aiText">"I want to have a word with my son. You can have himter, Lady Rya," the queen said.


    <span ss="aiText">''Haah... What does mom want to talk about?'' Quinus thought as he took Rya''s hand and kissed it.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll be back soon. Please behave, my dear."


    <span ss="aiText">"Okay, sweetheart. Don''t let her bully you too much," Rya replied with a wink.


    The Prince observed the Dark Elf''s departure from the room, and as the figure disappeared, he made his way back to his mother. The heavy doors closed behind him, and a few momentster, Rianna signaled for Lady Nelumbo and her guards to withdraw as well. Left alone, the queen fixed her intense gaze on her son, filling the silence with unspoken thoughts.

 Vol.3 Ch.213 Some Alone Time with Mother.

    Vol.3 Ch.213 Some Alone Time with Mother.


    "Okay, Mom. What was so important that you had to wait until we were alone?" Quinus asked.


    Rianna hurried over to him and embraced him tightly.


    "Son! I missed you more than words could describe. You were gone for way too long. It''s a mother''s job to worry," the queen said while rubbing her cheek against his.


    Quinus couldn''t help but smile at his mom''s affection, even if it was a bit embarrassing.


    ''Huh! Looks like I ended up being away for a whole month longer than I had intended. Even though she''s royalty, she''s still a mom. I should have anticipated that she would react this way,'' Quinus thought as he wrapped his arms around his mother.


    "I''m sorry, mom. It''s just the trip took a lot longer than we thought. We ran into some issues," Quinus exined.


    "Sshhh! All that matters is that you''re home now. I missed you," the queen said.


    She pulled back and ced a hand on his face. She smiled brightly at her son.


    "Now, son, are you sure she didn''t charm you with some kind of magic? It''s not a crime if she did, but I could make her pay for tricking you. And don''t lie to me, Quinus. I know when a man who has been charmed when I see one," the queen said with concern in her eyes.


    Quinus stepped back, wearing an expression of bewildered surprise as he looked at his mom.


    <span ss="editText">"You''re kidding, right? A charm spell?... No, she doesn''t have that kind of magic, Mom... Now, I can understand why Dous was acting <span ss="editText">the way he was when he first arrived at Ironside... You ordered him to be wary of Rya, <span ss="editText">didn''t you? But mom<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, she''s a good woman. And if it weren''t for her, I wouldn''t be standing here for you to hug me. You should know better than to use her of something you have no proof of... I won''t tell you again. Leave her alone, and let''s end this charade," Quinus said.


    "Son, she''s a dark elf. The same race that destroyed kingdoms. And she''s young, but she has a powerful aura around her. If she weren''t a dark elf, then I''d be happy for you. But that''s the race she is, Quinus... So, how do you think the kingdom is going to react? There will be a massive uprising if we don''t put a stop to it," the queen exined.


    "Mother,e on. This has been dragging on for days. Everyone in Ironside hails her as the city''s savior, revering her as the Saintess. I understand the need to quell any potential unrest, but we shouldn''t underestimate Rya. She''s much smarter than you realize... She already has ns to deal with the problem. We just need your support. Please, mom. Just listen to her. That''s all I''m asking for," Quinus said.


    He was about to say something else, but a guard walked into the room and bowed.


    "Your Majesty, I sincerely apologize for the interruption. However, we just received word that the King is set to arrive in Lomar by nightfall. It seems he''s concerned about his son and is eager to see him. The mayor won''t be able to conceal the King''s arrival from the public. I must inform the Mayor immediately so that arrangements can be made for an escort to wee him," the guard said.


    ''Dad''sing? This could be the perfect opportunity to resolve everything. Mom may have her reservations about Rya, but if Dad is supportive of her, then he could pull some strings with his council... Wait!... Who am I kidding? Dad''s been in the dog house for years with Mom... And if he''sing all the way here, then it must mean he''s worried, which could lead to an argument between him and Mom. Damn it, things were finally starting to calm down. Now, there''s going to be an uproar over Dad''s sudden arrival... Haah... I guess the ball is in <span ss="editText">Mother<span ss="editText">''s court<span ss="editText">... I wish I knew what to say to<span ss="aiText"> persuade her. I know that she<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''ll<span ss="aiText"> lo<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ve Rya, but she''s letting her prejudices cloud her judgment... Well, whatever happens, I''m staying by Rya''s side. And there''s nothing she can say to change my mind<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">,'' Quinus thought.


    The queen stood there deep in thought. ''My husband''sing. He''ll be able to get to the bottom of this. He''ll find out if Rya has some kind of hold on my son, just in case I missed something. I know she has an amazing ability to heal, and that''s how she has won over the people of Ironside. But I know her kind. She could turn on us at a moment''s notice.''


    "Tell the Mayor to have the King''s escort ready. And make sure everything is perfect. This is a joyous asion," the queen ordered.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will tell the Mayor right away."


    Quinus looked at his mother. "So, how have things been with Uncle? I''m sorry that things are a mess after I ordered Marcus'' death. But you have to understand. I couldn''t let him get away with treason, especially since he almost killed all of us inside thebyrinth. I know it''s not easy for you, Mom. But we did the right thing," he said in a somber tone.


    Rianna observed her son and bestowed upon him a warm smile.


    <span ss="editText">"Quinus, what''s done is done. I''m proud of you for making the tough decision, but it was necessary. Your uncle has been quiettely, which worries your father and me. And the Prince of the Divine Three has arrived at Marquess Duval''s manor with Princess Hilda Stoneworthh. He''s waiting for your arrival in the capital and wishes to marry you to her immediately. That''s why I wanted to see<span ss="editText"> you here in Lomar��to make sure everything was okay with you first and t<span ss="editText">o give you some warning about<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the Prime Minister''s intentions," the queen said.


    ''Dammit... I was so focused on getting here that I forgot about the arranged marriage after everything we''ve been through. I''m going to have to meet the Princess in the capital, aren''t I... I better tell the others about this... I''m going to need their help to get out of this arranged marriage.''


    "Well, it''s been a long trip, and I would love to rx a bit before dinner. I''ll inform you when we head for the capital tomorrow. I''m aiming to depart at noon," Quinus said.


    The queen was about to respond when the doors opened, and two maids walked in and bowed.


    "We''re here to escort the Princess and the Ladies of the party to the Royal Tea Room, Your Majesty."


    The queen nodded, "Very well, I will be there in ten minutes. I need to speak with the General first."


    "Of course, Your Majesty. We''ll cater to their needs."


    Quinus kissed his mother on the cheek, "I''ll see you at dinner. I need a change of clothes. These are a bit rank."


    The queen just smiled, "Of course, son. We''ll see you at dinner."


    Quinus walked out of the audience chamber and saw hispanions waiting for him, as well as Lady Nelumbo, who was talking with the General. He walked over to them.


    "Dous... My mother wants to speak with you," Quinus said.


    "Right... Well, it''s time to tell her that she can trust Lady Rya," the General said.


    "Good luck, Dous... But my mother is more stubborn than you," Quinus said with a smirk.


    "That may be true, Your Highness... But your mother isn''t as dumb as me. So, it won''t take me long to reason with her," the General said with a smile.


    Quinus watched the General go into the room, and he turned to Lady Nelumbo, who was giving Quinus her patented judgemental stare.


    "You really know how to stir up a ho''s nest, don''t you, my Prince," Lady Nelumbo said.


    Quinus just smirked at his old teacher, "What can I say... I''m a sucker for strong women."


    "Falling for a strong woman isn''t a bad thing. Falling for the enemy is. Don''t forget that, young prince," Lady Nelumbo said.


    "The dark elves aren''t our enemies. And isn''t that arranged marriage proposed by Duval doing the exact same thing as marrying our enemy," Quinus said with a coy smile.


    "That is a good point, but how sure are you that this dark elf can do what you im she can? She could be an enemy spy, for all you know. She could be working with the enemy. Or, she could be a spy sent to gather information on us by another kingdom," Lady Nelumbo stated.


    "She''s not," Quinus said firmly.


    "How can you be sure?" Lady Nelumbo questioned.


    "Because I am... By the way, did you question Lady Wina this much when you found out that she was an assassin hired by my uncle? Because I remember you two were close friends, and yet you didn''t doubt her intentions. She even saved your life," Quinus countered.


    Lady Nelumbo was surprised by that statement. It was true that she was close friends with Wina. But she proved her loyalty to the Royal Family when she betrayed ric Revelia by saving Prince Quinus'' life.


    "You are a smart boy, my Prince. Maybe there''s hope for you yet," Lady Nelumbo teased.


    "I''ll take that as apliment. And thank you," Quinus said.


    Lady Nelumbo just scoffed and was about to go back on duty when Quinus asked her another question.


    "Hold on. Lady Nelumbo? I have a favor to ask," Quinus said.


    "And what is this favor, my Prince?"


    "I''ve been training my fiancee in the ways of the sword. She''s good, but she needs a teacher��someone who can help her hone her skills, someone with the skills that only the Royal Swordmaster can teach," Quinus exined.


    Nelumbo gave Quinus a confused look.


    "She''s good with a sword? I thought she was a healer and a mage. Mages look down on sword fighting. So, I''m surprised," Nelumbo said.


    "She''s different from any mage you''ve met, that''s for sure. So, will you train her? I''m asking you because you''re the best, and I fear that I''m teaching her incorrectlypared to you," Quinus exined.


    Lady Nelumbo smiled, "You give yourself too little credit... But I can understand how you feel... My daughter doesn''t have the will to be a warrior like her mother. And I don''t have the same drive to kick her ass like my mentor before me. But, since you''re asking. I''ll teach her... But you owe me, my Prince," Lady Nelumbo said and gave him a devilish smirk.


    Quinus smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Lady Nelumbo. Maybe I can train your daughter as payment."


    "Hah!... That would be the day... No, she''s too much like her father," Lady Nelumbo frowned.


    "So she''s aiming to work in the Royal Council like her father," Quinus asked.


    "Yeah... She can read books and study politics, which is all she likes. But the girl can''t handle herself in a fight," Lady Nelumbo scoffed.


    "Don''t worry, Lady Nelumbo... It''s never toote. How old is she again?" Quinus asked.


    "Seven."


    <span ss="editText">''Geez!... She''s still that young?... Maybe she''d be more interested<span ss="aiText"> in <span ss="editText">swordsmanship if her mother <span ss="userText">wasn''t such a stickler<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> I mean. I guess I''m technically 50 years old<span ss="editText">, and I didn''t start practicin<span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">g until I was 35ish<span ss="editText">.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> So, it shouldn''t be toote for her.''


    "Okay... It''s not thatte. You just have to be patient and believe in her," Quinus said.


    "Thanks. But she''s too soft-hearted like her father. That''s what I get for falling in love with a man who was raised as a schr," Lady Nelumbo smiled.


    "Well, they say opposites attract," Quinus said with a knowing smile.


    <span ss="userText">"True... I don''t know what it is about a man who can make a woman''s heart race with words alone<span ss="aiText">," Lady Nelumbo whispered<span ss="editText"> for a moment before shaking h<span ss="aiText">er h<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText">ad<span ss="userText"> vigorously. "Gah! I should have fallen for a knight or a soldier... But I couldn''t get Mitchell out of my mind," she<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> continued.


    ''Looks like our Lady Swordmaster has her own love life. Who knew that the cold, unppable Lady Swordmaster had a soft spot,'' Quinus thought.


    "Rya is the same for me. She''s a good person, trust me. You''ll appreciate her work ethic and dedication. And I know she will do great things. And that''s why I''m going to protect her," Quinus said.


    Lady Nelumbo gazed at the Prince, astonished. She had never witnessed this side of him before. The boy possessed a remarkable sense of justice and honor, and it was clear to her that he was truly in love with the dark elf.


    "So, I guess there''s nothing more to argue about, then. Well, I believe it''s high time for my family and me to go on vacation before all the chaos brewing in the kingdom erupts. Once Lady Rya''s secret is out, there will be no stopping the Major Nobles and the power of the church. I hope she''s worth the trouble, my Prince, because the future of the kingdom rests in her hands," Lady Nelumbo said.


    "She''s worth it," Quinus said with a confident smile.


    "Let''s hope so," Lady Nelumbo replied. "Now, I need to watch over your fiancee... the Queen''s orders and all."


    "Got it... Thanks again," Quinus said.


    "It''s not a problem, My Prince," Lady Nelumbo said as she smiled at Quinus and left to attend to thedies.

 Vol.3 Ch.214 The Queen’s Tea Party.

    Vol.3 Ch.214 The Queen��s Tea Party.


    The Queen''s astonishment deepened with every word the General spoke. He validated every assertion made by the dark elf and dropped even more shocking revtions. Despite the General''s confirmation, Rianna remained cautious around the Dark Elf, determined to ensure that Rya was indeed the suitable match for her son.


    "Dous is really putting his reputation on the line for her? It''s still so difficult to wrap my head around the idea of her being able to do all of that... mending wounds that would normally take years to heal and effortlessly conjuring up golems. If it''s actually true, then she''s truly a force to be reckoned with... But I can''t take the risk of trusting her, not until I witness her actions in person. Only then will I feelfortable having her around my son," Rianna mumbled to herself while making her way through the corridors, eventually reaching the opulent Royal Tea Room.


    The grand royal tea room was a vast and elegant space adorned with a delightful small garden featuring a tranquil stream of water and a charming koi fish pond. Adjacent to the garden, a quaint gazebo stood, and a table was thoughtfully positioned near the serene fish pond.


    <span ss="userText">Rya, Nieren, Dalia, Yuliana, and Tayna were entertaining themselves<span ss="aiText"> with a game of cards while having tea.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll win this round. Just you wait," <span ss="editText">Dalia<span ss="aiText"> said with apetitive smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"You''ve said that three rounds ago, <span ss="editText">Dalia<span ss="aiText">. But yet I''ve won every round so far," Tayna taunted.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Someone is Brave to speak to the former battle champion in<span ss="aiText"> such a manner," Dalia smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Dalia? What does being a ve and fighting in the battle arenas have to do with ying a card game?" Rya<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="editText">"Uh? Well... Ummm..." Dalia mumbled while<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> trying toe up with an answer.


    Just then, to Dalia''s great relief, the Queen swept into the tea room, causing the maids and guards to rise and bow in unison.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty," the maids chanted.


    When the sound of the maids reached Rya''s group, they all snapped their heads in Rianna''s direction and got up from their seats.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sit down, please. And enjoy your game. I just wanted to see you all for myself," Rianna smiled<span ss="userText">. Lady Nelumbo gave her queen a nod<span ss="aiText"> and walked behind her.


    The group wrapped up their card game in record time, but Rya couldn''t help but notice something peculiar. As the Queen took a seat across from her, she couldn''t ignore the strange sight of purple particles swirling around Rianna''s lower region. It was as distracting as gnats buzzing around the corner of her vision, and Rya feltpelled to do something about it.


    "Haah... I fold," Rya sighed as she ced her cards face down, leaving Tayna, Dalia, and Nieren to continue the game. Tayna confidently folded her hand and leaned back in her chair, but Dalia remained determined to emerge victorious.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hah! It''s just me and you, Woody... Let''s see what you��"


    <span ss="userText">Nieren skillfully revealed her hand just as the Wolfkin was about to express herself. With a winning flush, the Wood Elf imed victory in the round.


    <span ss="userText">"Read it and<span ss="aiText"> weep, <span ss="editText">Wolfy girl<span ss="aiText">."<span ss="userText"> The wood elf shed a triumphant smile as she spoke.


    "What!? When did you get a hand like that!? I thought you were bluffing this whole time. Haah... Oh, well... Good game, Woody. This deck isn''t going my way, so I''m calling it quits." With a heavy sigh, Dalia conceded defeat and dramatically tossed her hand away.


    <span ss="editText">Queen Rianna <span ss="undoDeletionText">elegantly savored her tea, her eyes locked on Rya, the Dark Elf. Her keen gaze assessed whether Rya was a potential threat or a valuable ally. Finally, after a moment of tense silence, the Queen broke the quiet with her voice.


    "I''ve heard so many stories about the famous dark elf from my son. I couldn''t believe it when I first read about them... So you''re a mage on top of being a healer? That''s amazing to hear. But I wonder how true they are," Rianna said. She heard all the stories, but she needed to witness some of Rya''s magic with her own eyes.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, I''m ttered," Rya replied, "But I don''t think it''s wise for me to create my golems out of the wood floors... When they get unsummoned, the wood bes a pile of splinters... And I would rather stay on whatever good terms<span ss="aiText"> we have with each other. So, no magic," Rya exined.


    <span ss="editText">"Well, that''s kind of you to be worrying about damaging my lovely floors, but I know you can show me<span ss="aiText"> some magic... After all, I''m sure there is one spell that is not going to damage anything, right?<span ss="editText"> Or is everything General Dous<span ss="aiText"> mentioned about your capabilities a lie?" Rianna questioned<span ss="editText"> with <span ss="undoDeletionText">a straight face.


    Rya shot her a quizzical look. She fought the urge to nce down at her lower region where the purple particles were moving around, sensing that something was amiss with the Queen. However, she didn''t want to cause any embarrassment.


    "Well, I could make three simple balls of earth, fire, and water while flowing some wind magic towards you, Your Majesty... But that would probably be unwise in such a delicate setting, don''t you think? Plus, even if I did show you, I''m sure that it wouldn''t be enough to convince you that I''m telling the truth. If you wish, we can go to the training grounds where I could demonstrate some more spells... Or is there a reason why you want me to use magic now, Your Majesty?" Rya replied, hoping the Queen would drop the subject.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen took a long sip of her tea before answering, a mischievous smirk on her lips.


    "You''re very perceptive... I know we''ve been through this already. But how will you handle this line of questioning from all the major nobles when they want you to prove yourself immediately? After all, you''ll have to face them in the future, and you''re already at a disadvantage with your race alone," Rianna exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"I will answer all questions I have to answer if it''s not a private question. And if it is, then it''s no one''s business," Rya said. "But I understand what you''re saying.<span ss="userText"> It seems like everywhere I go, everyone I''ve met treats me as a threat or they fear<span ss="aiText"> me.<span ss="userText">"


    Tayna, Nieren, and Yuliana couldn''t help but feel ashamed of themselves. They realized that they had all treated Rya as a threat when they first met her, mirroring the Queen''s current attitude towards Rya. Dalia was the only one who didn''t share this feeling of shame due to the Dark Elf rescuing her from death''s door.


    <span ss="aiText">"We''re sorry, Lady Rya," the girls said.


    "No, it''s okay... I can''t me you. You didn''t know who I was, and you were just protecting yourselves... But I did enjoy it when you all struggled with the reality of the situation when Ipletely turned your expectations upside down," Rya grinned, causing the girls to blush.


    The girls were embarrassed, but the Queen''s mood shifted as she witnessed how the group interacted with each other. She was still skeptical, but her curiosity grew by the second.


    "You have a lot to learn if you n to join this court, but I can''t deny that you''re quite an enigma. Fortunately, I feel like I''m starting to understand you more. Tell me, what was it like when the four of you first met Rya? I''m quite curious," inquired Queen Rianna.


    <span ss="editText">The four women <span ss="undoDeletionText">exchanged uncertain nces before Yuliana gathered her courage and decided to speak up, shar<span ss="undoDeletionText">ing her <span ss="undoDeletionText">unique perspective.


    "Uh, well... At the time, we were hiding from the humans of the Kingdom of Marn, and I forbade my daughter from going out adventuring due to the goblin hordes that were roaming around the walls of Ironside. She didn''t listen to me, and she went out to help the people... She''s stubborn like that," Yuliana replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Mom!<span ss="aiText"> You''re embarrassing me," <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText"> groaned.


    Rianna nced at the mother-daughterbo and couldn''t help but rte to Yuliana''s worries, knowing full well how difficult it was to raise an only child.


    "She sounds like my son," Rianna muttered to herself with a sigh. Quinus was always thinking about how to help the people of Fiafyr even though he was the Prince. She never was able to speak sense into him when his mind was set on something.


    <span ss="userText">"It''s not as bad as it sounds. She was just trying to help the people and help our financial situation. But she didn''t realize the danger she was in," Yuliana said, giving her daughter a stern<span ss="aiText"> look.


    <span ss="userText">"We would still be in Ironside if I didn''t<span ss="aiText"> go out to help. Mom''s too paranoid," Nieren argued.


    Yuliana could only smile and shake her head. "That''s true, but I''m a mother who just wants to keep her only daughter safe. But I guess adding another daughter who saved our Elder Seeds was a plus," she chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smiled back at Yuliana and gave her a gentleugh, "I can''t deny that... But I''m d you''re part of my new family," the dark elf replied.


    <span ss="userText">The Queen carefully observed Rya''s every move and gesture. Having faced skepticism from nobles due to her heritage, she was adept at sensing any signs of trouble. She was from a noble family in a foreign country, Corialis. It''s an ind nation<span ss="aiText"> to the <span ss="editText">east <span ss="aiText">of the continent.<span ss="userText"> It was the biggest ind<span ss="aiText"> nation <span ss="userText">that ships had to stop at if they wished to travel to the Elros Continent<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Her father''s family, the Alvos Family, was a well<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">known Noble house in Corialis. They were a well<span ss="editText">-<span ss="aiText">known military family. <span ss="editText">S<span ss="aiText">he had an older brother named Rolfe Alvos.<span ss="userText"> The Fiafyr Kingdom offered a peace treaty with the<span ss="aiText"> Alvos family <span ss="userText">so they could trade<span ss="aiText"> with each other.


    <span ss="aiText">Her father was the Duke, and <span ss="userText">he offered Rianna''s hand<span ss="aiText"> in marriage to the king''s <span ss="editText">second-<span ss="aiText">born son. Her family was happy to offer her hand in marriage, but Rianna was devastated<span ss="userText"> at first. She was only fourteen at the time, and she loved the tropical climate of Corialis, but she<span ss="aiText">didn''t want to marry the prince.


    But when she met Cyndre for the first time, she changed her mind. He wasn''t that much older than her. And he was far more handsome than she expected. She found him attractive and charming. So, she didn''t hate her fate as much as she did before. Plus, she couldn''t help but chuckle as she watched Cyndre struggle to avert his gaze from her captivating figure.


    Cyndre was a true gentleman, making a valiant effort not to let his gaze linger on her curves and breasts for too long. Little did he know, she found amusement in his inner turmoil. Every now and then, she would yfully tease him, relishing the sight of him bing flustered. It puzzled her why she took pleasure in this, especially when the attention of other men made her ufortable.


    <span ss="aiText">And her rtionship with the prince grew from there. And after a year, they got married.<span ss="userText"> Then, the line of session changed when the Major Nobles dered Cyndre the next heir<span ss="aiText"> to the throne <span ss="userText">over his brother ric. She thought she was only going to be a duchess. But<span ss="aiText"> she was happy when she was told she was going to be queen.


    She was just 18 when this happened. Now, at 45, she''s still as stunning and has maintained the same youthful figure she had back then. But her bosoms got a little bigger after the birth of her only son.


    The Queen was snapped out of her reverie as Yuliana recounted her cringeworthy first run-in with the dark elf. She described how sheunched an attack with her nts, only for Rya to effortlessly halt them without using any force.


    "Sorry to interrupt, but let me get this straight... Did you really attack Rya just because she''s a dark elf?" Rianna asked, realizing she hadn''t fully listened before.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Y-Yes... I believed in all of those stories when I was growing up and even when I became an adult... And since we were in hiding, I thought the dark elves had found my daughter and followed her to find me and finish off thest royal bloodline of the Wood Elf Kingdom of Agon. I didn''t want to believe her even when my daughter was pleading<span ss="aiText"> with me. But I knew there was no other way she could''ve found us if we were hidden in a forest that<span ss="editText"> wa<span ss="aiText">s far from the border. The only thing that makes sense is that she''s a dark elf spy," Yuliana said with a sigh.


    Nieren started tough, "Mother waspletely befuddled when her Writhing Briarthorns stopped their attack on Lady Rya. She couldn''tprehend what she was seeing. She''s always so confident when ites to her magic. She''s one of the strongest Wood Elf Mages there is... And even a Dark Elf can stop her magic without any effort. Mother didn''t know what to do."


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana frowned<span ss="aiText">, "You don''t have to say it like that... I didn''t <span ss="userText">know that the stories were a lie,<span ss="aiText"> and she''s different than the stories."


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m sure... But you shouldn''t have attacked her," Nieren said, "If she was the dark elf the stories talked about, then we''d all be dead."


    <span ss="userText">"Well? Alpha probably could kill us all if she wanted." Dalia''s words caught Rya off guard as she took a sip of her tea, almost making her spit it out in surprise at what the Wolfkin had just said.


    <span ss="editText">"Dalia!? That''s not true," Rya argued, trying<span ss="userText"> to downy<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her abilities.


    "But you''re the strongest person I''ve ever met. I don''t know anyone who can summon golems. Let alone fight off an army by yourself... I don''t think even Beta could stop you," Dalia countered.


    Rya scanned the room, racking her brain for the right words to dispel the suspicious gazes of the Queen and her guards. She couldn''t afford to have the Queen fretting over her.


    <span ss="userText">''Goddammit! They are looking at me like I''m a criminal! Okay! Okay... I can''t believe I''m going to steal this line, but it should<span ss="aiText"> work. Here goes nothing,'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Dalia... There''s an important saying I love to live by... ''With great poweres great responsibility<span ss="aiText">,''" Rya quoted, "I have to use my powers wisely. If I were evil, then I wouldn''t be helping people or fighting off monsters."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya hoped her words would make the Queen feel at ease, but her words had an unintended effect. The Queen looked even more confused than before.


    "God damn it... I failed you, Stan Lee! Ugh, that''s what I get for using aic book reference with a group of people from a fantasy world where it''s moremon to find Majas and Mages running around than someone who can''t use mana... I can''t win..." Rya cursed internally before she thought up another way to dispel the suspicion.


    "I know that I''m strong, but even though I am strong. I can still get hurt, and I will make mistakes. Like when I let my guard down and got cored. I''m not going to make the same mistakes of the past... If I lost anyone I care about, I don''t know what I would do... And I care for Quinus with all of my heart, Queen Rianna," Rya said, her eyes meeting the Queen''s.


    Everyone was shocked at the dark elf''s bluntness, but the Queen was even more surprised that she mentioned her son''s name. It was unusual for someone to mention a Royal''s name unless they were very close to them. And it was unheard of for anyone outside her family to speak to her so boldly. Rianna couldn''t help but be in awe of Rya''s fierce determination as she bravely stood her ground against the Queen''s scrutiny, all while being under the watchful gaze of the Royal Guards. The guards were perplexed by the enigmatic dark elf''s words and actions, and some of them even began to wonder if the rumors were true. Rianna might have even begun to feel a sense of camaraderie with Rya if it weren''t for the lingering difort caused by Rya''s persistent nces at her body. While Rianna didn''t typically mind being observed by another woman, the nature of Rya''s scrutiny left her feeling unsettled.


    "Indeed, Lady Rya, you make apelling point," remarked the Queen. "The allure of power is strong, but as a formidable dark elf with mysterious abilities, you must tread carefully. Unchecked power has the potential to corrupt even the most steadfast of souls."


    Rya wasn''t convinced. "I don''t think that''s entirely true, my Queen," she countered, her eyes zing with determination.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, really?" the Queen replied with a smirk.


    "Power is not inherently evil. Its impact is determined by the intentions of the one who wields it," Rya emphasized.


    The Queen replied passionately, "I have witnessed countless individuals sumb to darkness as a result of their pursuit of power."


    "Or that''s when their true character shines through," Rya added with a knowing smile.


    The Queen fixed her gaze on Lady Rya. "True character? And what, pray tell, is your true character, Lady Rya?"


    "Have you ever thought about how you can truly understand someone''s character? Some say that you can strip away everything from a person and see what''s left, but that doesn''t really show the whole picture. When someone is at their weakest, unable to escape a tough situation, or even starving, their actions might not reflect who they truly are. If you want to see someone''s real character, give them power. It could be the power of money, influence, or authority. It''s what they do with that power that truly reveals who they are. Do they use it to control and dominate, or do they lift others up and help them seed alongside them?" Rya exined.


    The Queen fixed her gaze on the Dark Elf, sensing a depth of wisdom that surpassed her outward appearance. The words she spoke carried a sense of deja vu, stirring something familiar within the Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">''Where have I heard those words before?'' Rianna thought.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen was lost in thought when Yuliana interrupted her.


    <span ss="aiText">"My Queen... I''m curious. Why are you so worried about Rya''s character?" the Royal Wood Elf asked.


    Rianna blinked and then turned her gaze towards the enigmatic Wood Elf.


    "Princess Yuliana, I''m sorry, but I find it hard to trust outsiders so easily. Understanding the dangers of the outside world, I would expect you, of all people, toprehend this," Rianna said.


    "Of course. But Lady Rya isn''t an outsider. She is now a part of my family. Which is the proud Royal House of Venax," Yuliana argued.


    <div>


    Rianna arched an eyebrow, her voiceced with doubt. "Just because you took her in doesn''t mean I can trust her. You may be a royal without a kingdom, but now you''re part of this human realm. You might as well be an outsider, but I''m not heartless. I understand your plight and have given you refuge within these walls. Besides, you''re friends with my son, who helped keep him safe. That''s the only reason I''ve allowed you and your daughter to stay. That''s the only reason you hold the title of Countess, Princess Yuliana," the Queen cautioned.


    Yuliana''s frown deepened as she prepared to argue, but Rya swiftly raised her hand to silence her.


    "Queen Rianna, Ipletely understand where you''reing from. It''s natural to be cautious with strangers. I don''t expect instant trust, but I want to assure you that I''m here to make a positive impact and earn my ce. Your trust means a lot to me, and I''mmitted to proving myself," Rya said with a smile before her eyes nced down to the Queen''s crotch once again.


    <span ss="editText">Rianna��s frustration grew as the Dark Elf kept sneakily ncing at a particr region below her waistline. She couldn''tprehend why Rya was so fixated on that area and mistakenly thought it was flirtatious interest. This led her to question Rya��s feelings towards her son and made her uneasy at the thought of Rya being interested in her. Rianna only feels sexually attracted to men, and the idea of another woman being interested in her feels unappealing and even revolting.<span ss="undoDeletionText"> It made her think that Rya had ulterior motives.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Tell me, Rya... Are you really attracted to my son? Or are you attracted to women<span ss="aiText">?" The queen inquired, her expression revealing herck of amusement.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya''s blood turned to ice as she realized that the Queen had mistaken her looks for romantic interest<span ss="userText">. ''<span ss="userText">Oh, <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">no!''


    <span ss="editText">Rya found herself facing an unexpected challenge, and it was all because of those mysterious purple particles emanating from the Queen''s crotch. As she tried to focus, her gaze kept drifting back to the strange glow. Deep down, she knew she had to find a way to heal Rianna, not just for her sake but for Quinus''<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">as well.

 Vol.3 Ch.215 Removing the Poison.

    Vol.3 Ch.215 Removing the Poison.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya gulped. She could feel the heat on her face, but she wasn''t blushing.


    <span ss="userText">''Fuck! She thinks I''m interested in her!? Those God damn purple particles keep drawing in my eyes and are bugging me! I want to cure her so I can stop<span ss="aiText">seeing the fucking things. It''s like my brain is telling me she''s going to die if I don''t help her! But the Queen thinks I''m into her and not her injury.<span ss="editText">I know that I''m interested in women''s bodies thanks to my old male side, but they no longer turn me on... S<span ss="aiText">hit!<span ss="userText"> I doubt she''ll believe me, but I guess<span ss="aiText">I should try,'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="userText">Rya sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose<span ss="aiText">, "Queen Rianna<span ss="userText">, Quinus is the only man that can touch me<span ss="aiText">. I''ve only been with one man, and that was Quinus. I''m not interested in women<span ss="userText">��"


    <span ss="userText">"Then why do you keep<span ss="aiText">looking at my<span ss="editText">womanhood<span ss="aiText">?" the Queen interrupted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Because... There''s a problem," Rya answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"And what would that be?" the Queen asked.


    <span ss="userText">Rya took a breath and stared straight into Rianna''s eyes. Rya used all of her willpower to not<span ss="aiText">look at her crotch.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You''ve heard about me being a healer<span ss="aiText">... Right?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes<span ss="userText">... You''re the first healer toe in centuries, they say.<span ss="aiText">But what does that have to do with anything?" Rianna asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"My healing powers allow me to see the state of people''s health," Rya stated.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna<span ss="userText">looked at her in disbelief, "<span ss="aiText">You''re lying. No one can do such a thing. It''s impossible."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya chuckled and shook her head. "I''m not. I can see how healthy you are and even the state of your injuries. It''s like seeing a bunch of fireflies floating around inside your body. Most of the time, these particles are red, which<span ss="userText">means there is either internal bleeding or a broken bone."


    "Really now. I''ve heard rumors that you can heal someone without evenying a hand on them," the Queen challenged.


    "When ites to minor cuts and bruises, sure, I can handle it. But when ites to serious injuries or illness, the distance andplexity really affect how much mana and focus I need to put into healing," Rya borated.


    "So you''re telling me you see red particles floating around my womanhood?I can''t believe any of this nonsense. Are you sure you''re not trying to pull a fast one on me? And if I got hurt, you should have been able to mend me right where you are," Rianna countered.


    <span ss="userText">"That''s the thing... The particles are purple<span ss="aiText">," Rya stated.


    <span ss="userText">*Clink!*


    <span ss="editText">Yuliana <span ss="editText">nearly broke her teacup when sheset it down too hard upon hearing<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> what Rya had said.


    "I-I think I misheard you, Rya... What did you say again?" the Wood Elf asked with dread in her eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"The Queen has purple particles," Rya repeated.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana and Nieren both stood up in a hurry.


    <span ss="userText">"You need to save her!<span ss="aiText">NOW!" Yuliana demanded.


    <span ss="editText">The Queen and her guards gazed at Yuliana as though she hadpletely lost her mind. Rianna was about to ask a question when the other women<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> spoke before she could.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-What''s wrong? What''s wrong with the Queen having purple partic<span ss="editText">le<span ss="aiText">s?"<span ss="editText">Tayna<span ss="aiText">asked in a panic.


    "Purple Particles are a sign ofpoison! Rya said she saw them in the Elder Seeds, and once she healed them, they sprouted saplings!" Nierenyelled.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes! It was wyvern''s blood that was used in the poison!" Yuliana confirmed, "Rya was able to remove the poison from the seeds,and we collected it in a vial! My daughter! You must heal the Queen!"


    <span ss="editText">The green-haired wood elf was acting<span ss="aiText"> crazy, and the guards were unsure how to respond. The Queen, however, was not amused and stood up from her chair.


    "Are you telling me that I''ve been poisoned!? By whom!?" Rianna questioned with annoyance.


    "That doesn''t matter until you are saved first! Rya, I''ll hold her down while you start purging the poison," Nieren dered<span ss="editText"> as she grabbed Rya''s left shoulder and started to shake her.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes! Tha<span ss="aiText">t''<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">s <span ss="editText">a great idea! Hurry, Rya! You are the only one who can save her!" Yuliana yelled as she grabbed Rya''s right shoulder and started shaking her<span ss="aiText"> as well.


    R<span ss="editText">ya was stunned as the wood elf duo shook her back and forth. To make matters worse, the Queen was staring at her as if she had suddenly sprouted three heads.


    "Yuliana!? Nieren! S-Stop shaking me!" Ryained,but the two elves continuedshaking her.


    <span ss="aiText">''Why are they acting so crazy?! <span ss="editText">The<span ss="undoDeletionText">y''re making things worse<span ss="aiText">!''


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Mom! Sis! STOP!" Rya<span ss="aiText"> shouted, getting the two''s attention.


    It appeared to have done the trick as the two wood elves came to a halt.


    <span ss="userText">Nelumbo and the guards didn''t know what to make<span ss="aiText">of the situation.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why would the Queen have poison inside her body?<span ss="userText">" Tayna asked<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yes... How am I poisoned, Lady Rya?" The Queen asked, unamused<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Rya took a moment to straighten<span ss="aiText">her clothes, "<span ss="userText">I think it''s a poison or toxin that only affects a<span ss="aiText">person''s sexual organs. And it has a high resistance to heal<span ss="editText">ing potions<span ss="aiText">...<span ss="userText">What that poison might be is beyond my knowledge<span ss="aiText">. But I can get rid of it, my Queen."


    Rianna waspletely caught off guard by the news. She found herself questioning whether she should trust the source, but deep down, she had a gut feeling that it was the truth.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I will allow you to proceed, but if this is a trick<span ss="aiText">. I will have you executed," the Queen said with a stern expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"If this is a trick, then I''ll let you execute me. But if this is true, then you should thank me," Rya said.


    <span ss="userText">''She''s a brave one, alright<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> and she''s not backing down... This Dark Elf may have strong convictio<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">n<span ss="userText">, but she better no<span ss="editText">t<span ss="userText"> be lying to me... Or I''ll have to order her<span ss="userText"> death... But I can''t shake this feeling that she<span ss="aiText">''s telling the truth... And I have no idea how long the poison has been in my body, either... <span ss="editText">My gut better not be wrong about this,'' the Queen thoughtwhile nodding to Nelumbo to be on guard if this Dark Elf<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> tried anything funny.


    "Very well, Lady Rya.What do I need to do?" the Queen asked while sitting back down in her chair.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">All I need to do is hold one of your hands<span ss="aiText">," Rya answered.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen reached out, and Rya held her hand. Rya could feel the Queen''s hand was ice cold.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Well... Here goes nothing<span ss="aiText">. This is my first time healing someone''s pussy. Hope this works,'' Rya thought<span ss="userText">as she closed her eyes and channeled her mana<span ss="aiText">into her hands.


    As Queen Rianna vigntly watched Rya for any signs of foul y, she unexpectedly began to feel a warmth spreading through her insides. She felt a little embarrassed when she felt her pussy begin toget wet.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna could only blush while staring at Rya, who had her eyes closed.


    ''S-She must be trying to embarrass me! I-I won''t let her! I will resist! Aunh! I-I can''t let everyonehere know that I''m feeling weird. This is just a test! Nothing else!'' Rianna thought while doing her best not to show the pleasure shewas feeling.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen could feel a wave of heat rush through her lower regions, and it made her squeeze her legs together.<span ss="userText">She was thankful for wearing a thicker dress<span ss="aiText">and was d the table blocked the view from her guests.


    <span ss="editText">''This feels... Really good...'' Rianna thoughtas she gritted her teeth. A part of her wanted to let go and order her guards to throw her in the dungeon. Butthe other part of her was curious about this girl and her healing magic. Maybe she was poisoned<span ss="undoDeletionText">, and this elf was trying to heal her<span ss="aiText">?


    <span ss="aiText">''Maybe...<span ss="editText">This isn''t that bad?... Aunh! No! I was wrong! I''m not going to cum from this! N-Never!<span ss="aiText">'' the Queen thought as a wave of warmth hit her, and she felt her clit throb.<span ss="userText">Her nipples<span ss="aiText"> hardened under her dress, and her pussy was practically dripping.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen<span ss="userText">did everything in her power<span ss="aiText"> to hold back. But her body didn''t listen to her mind, and she felt the waves of pleasure crash over her.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna had no idea that her pussy was being healed as she tried her hardest to suppress the iing orgasm.<span ss="userText">She grabbed Rya''s hand tightly and squeezed her legs together, holding back her moans<span ss="aiText">and breathing through her nose.


    <span ss="userText">Rya was so focused that she didn''t<span ss="aiText"> notice the Queen''s struggle, and<span ss="userText">her eyshes began to flutter<span ss="aiText">. She<span ss="userText">could see the purple particles condensing into her womb and was trying to flush it out of Rianna.


    ''Huh!? I know I have all this poison centralized, but something is fighting me... Come on, Rya! If you do this, then your future mother-inw has to like you. Just focus!... Gah! Fucking shit. These stupid purple things aren''t getting out of the womb.It''s like I''m being blocked. Time to use more mana.'' Rya thought, concentrated her mana into the palm of her hand, and released it into Rianna''s.


    <span ss="userText">''Oh, Goddess! Oh, Goddess!... D-Don''t cum, Rianna! She''s trying to humiliate me<span ss="aiText">! That has to be it! She''s using her magic to give me a pleasure I never felt before...<span ss="userText">B-But I''m strong!<span ss="aiText">I won''t break! I won''t let her win! I''m... I''m... Aunh! Aunh!... NO! NO! NO! AUNH!!''


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen was losing the battle with her own body as she felt something squirting out of her loins.


    <span ss="userText">''Nice! I can see the purple glow flowing downward. I think one more push<span ss="aiText">should do it,'' Rya thought as she sent thest surge of her mana into Rianna''s womb.


    The Queen''sirises slowly rolled up as she rubbed her legs together, and she bit her lip hard to stop her from moaning. Her legs were shaking uncontrobly, and she gripped Rya''s hand tightly. If the Queen were of the right mind, she would have sent a signal to Lady Nelumbo and her guards to arrest Rya. But this feeling was overwhelming, and her body was giving in.


    <span ss="aiText">''Come on... Almost there. A little more...'' Rya thought.


    "Auunh!!" the Queen moaned softly, and the dam burst.


    ''I-I can''t take it anymore! I-It''s too much!'' Queen Rianna arched her back, throwing her head back in an act of pure ecstasy. Her body went rigid from the tsunami of pleasure that flooded her system. Whatever resistance she had faded away in an instant. She couldn''t stop herself from releasing the juices inside her underwear as her legs opened up. She felt her panties getting soaked by her cum which seemed thicker than normal. It was the most she''d cummed in her entire life.


    <span ss="userText">Her guards didn''t know what was happening and didn''t dare leave their posts. They looked at each other <span ss="editText">and <span ss="userText">tried to ga<span ss="editText">u<span ss="userText">ge whether th<span ss="editText">ey should step in or not<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="editText">Lady Nelumbo was worried at first, but she saw he<span ss="editText">r Queen<span ss="editText">''s face show signs of relief that she hadn''t<span ss="aiText"> seen in a long time. She was a little confused about what was happening but decided to stand her ground and keep watch over the situation.


    <span ss="aiText">Queen Rianna had just cummed, and the pleasure was so intense she forgot how to breathe for a moment<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya<span ss="editText">sighed in relief once she<span ss="aiText">had gotten thest bit of poison out of Rianna''s body.<span ss="userText"> The dark elf was utterly unaware that Rianna<span ss="aiText">had an orgasm while she was healing her.


    <span ss="userText">''Hmph! Hmph! Job well done, Rya... Now Quin''s mom has to like m-'' Rya''s self-congrattory thoughts came to an abrupt halt as sheid eyes on the Queen''s condition. Rya could see a whirlwind of emotions swept through Rianna''s face- confusion, satisfaction, fear, shame, embarrassment, and anger.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Are you okay?" Rya asked, looking concerned<span ss="editText">as she let go of the Queen''s hand<span ss="aiText">.


    The Queen''s eyes narrowed as she hissed, "You were trying to make a mockery of me!" Her words cut through the tense silence, sparking a confrontation with the dark elf.


    Rya was taken aback. "What!? No, I wasn''t! I was trying to heal you! And-" Her retort was cut short as Dalia suddenly started sniffing the air, her expression quickly turning to one of revulsion at a smell that came from out of nowhere.


    <span ss="aiText">"What''s wrong?" Nieren asked.


    The pungent odor made Dalia wrinkle her nose in disgust. "It''s a smell!... A bad one," she grimaced.


    "Smell? What smell?" Tayna asked, her curiosity piqued as she thought the Wolfkin was overreacting at first.


    Dalia pinched her nose in disgust. "The chieftain smells like rotting eggs, but worse," she said, making a gagging face.


    "Huh!? Rotten eggs?But I only smell the scent of flowers?" Tayna asked, confused.


    Rya was skeptical about Dalia''s ims until she caught a whiff of a horrifying scent emanating from the queen.


    <span ss="aiText">''Fuck!?... Why does it smell like something rolled over and died? Wait, it smells kind of like chemicals?''Rya thought, unsure of what it was.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen didn''t understand what Dalia was talking about, but that made her angrier. She red at the dark elf, "Is this a trick?"


    <span ss="userText">"No! I honestly<span ss="aiText">don''t know what<span ss="userText">-" Rya was interrupted again when the two wood elves noticed the smell and reacted simrly to the Wolfkin.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh wow! I-I think I can smell what Dalia is<span ss="aiText"> talking about. It smells like bad basilisk eggs," <span ss="editText">Nieren<span ss="aiText">added as she pinched her nose.<span ss="userText">Yuliana followed suit when<span ss="aiText">she noticed that her daughter was pinching her nose.


    <span ss="userText">The humans in the room were oblivious to the h<span ss="editText">e<span ss="userText">ightened<span ss="aiText"> sense of smell<span ss="editText"> that the demi-humans<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> possessed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">So, you are making<span ss="aiText">this up?" the Queen asked as her gaze became more hostile.


    "No,Your Majesty. I swear.It must be the poison I pushed out ofyour body. The smell must being from it," Rya responded.


    Rianna wanted to punish Rya for humiliating her, but she couldn''t deny the fact that she''d never felt this good in a long time. She hadn''t felt this amazing since her teenage years. It was as if her body had beenpletely revitalized. And it was all thanks to this Dark Elf.


    ''Did she really heal me?N-No. It''s my imagination. She must have yed a trick on me! But if I throw her in jail, then I don''t know what my son will do,'' Rianna thought. She was trying to remain angry at the Dark Elf, but her womanhood was still buzzing and needed more attention. Her hands wanted to drift south to give herself more relief, but she forced them back onto the table.


    <span ss="editText">''Aunh!... I-I need to leave, but I need to show her that I''m displeased. I can''t let her get away with what she did to me. Maybe I can threaten her or something? Augh! I-I should... No, that won''t work. Gah! I-I can''t think straight with my womanhood being in a state like this!'' the Queen thoug<span ss="undoDeletionText">ht with frustration.


    Rianna<span ss="editText"> gritted her teeth and stood up on shaky legs while trying he<span ss="editText">r best to re at Rya withher half-lidded eyes. She didn''t realize her cheeks were flush and her bosoms<span ss="aiText"> were heaving. <span ss="userText">Her dress was barely<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> concealing her erect nipples.


    Rya and the rest of the group rose to their feet, but Dalia remained seated, determined to shield herself from the noxious stench.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Your Majesty? Are you okay?" Tayna''s question quivered in the air, underscoring her nerves, while Rya''s fear skyrocketed. She had never encountered a woman so furious in all her life.


    <span ss="userText">"Y-You!" Rianna pointed at the dark elf, "You''ve embarrassed me and made me appear powerless in front of my staff! I would scold you if it wouldn''t upset my son. So, you should consider yourself fortunate and remember not to breathe a word of this to anyone. Unless, of course, you want to reconsider the marriage,"<span ss="aiText">the Queen finished, ring at the dark elf.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya''s throat felt constricted as she struggled to swallow, a lump forming in her throat, "N-No��Your Majesty. I promise I won''t say anything. And I''m sorry if I upset you," Rya said apologetically.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna looked away, "You did<span ss="userText">... If you pull this stunt again, especially in front of other nobles<span ss="aiText">, then I''ll make sure to throw you in the dungeon."


    The Dark Elf nodded her head and looked at the floor, "Yes, Your Majesty," Rya said obediently.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna sighed and waved her hand, "You are all dismissed," the Queen said as she<span ss="userText">walked towards the door. Rianna was having trouble walking straight<span ss="aiText">as she opened the door. She quickly left, followed by Lady Nelumbo, Gretchen, and the two guards.


    The door mmed shut, and Dalia, Tayna, Nieren, and Yuliana turned to Rya, whose expression betrayed her shock.


    Rya gazed into the distance, her mind consumed with one pressing question: ''Did I fuck up? What did I do wrong?''


    "Rya?" Tayna asked as she gently touched the dark elf''s shoulder, drawing her attention away from her thoughts.


    "Uh, yes?" Rya answered.


    "You alright?... You look a little lost," Tayna said.


    "Yeah... I guess... I feel so out of my element. I don''t know if I belong here," Rya answered with worry written in her azure eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why do you say that? You saved Ironside, didn''t you?" Dalia asked, trying to cheer up her Alpha.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah! And you changed both my mother''s and<span ss="aiText"> I''s opinion of Dark Elves, too. You have nothing to worry about. I''m sure you''ll pass the Queen''s test," Nieren said and smiled<span ss="userText">while Yuliana nodded her head vigorously.


    Rya appreciated everyone''sfort, but she sat back in her chair and then ced her forehead on the table. Then she bumped it into the table with a little force a couple of times as she groaned in frustration.


    "Ow... Guh...Thanks, guys. But... IthinkI really screwed it up with Quin''s mom... Fuck! Why didn''t I act like my usual confident self?I was acting like a scaredchild," Rya muttered as her forehead was still smushed up against the table.


    <span ss="userText">Yuliana came over<span ss="aiText">and rubbed the dark elf''s back, trying tofort her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, you are a child, my daughter. You tried to help her, and she didn''t appreciate what you did for her... Plus, if she really was displeased with you. She would have sent you to a dungeon. But she would have to go through me<span ss="aiText">," Yuliana said as she smiled at her daughter.


    <span ss="userText">Rya still had her forehead resting on the table.


    ''Yuliana doesn''t know that I was born a human on another... But it''s nice to know that she would defend me... That makes me happy,'' Rya thought as her heart warmed up a little.


    <span ss="userText">"I think you''re being too down on yourself, Lady Rya. The Queen wille around. She has a trust issue due to most of the nobility questioning her when she was married to the current King.<span ss="aiText">But she does care about her son, and I can see that he loves her very much<span ss="editText">. Just give it time<span ss="aiText">," Tayna added.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. And I''m pretty sure the prince has already spoken to the Queen and told her not to hurt you<span ss="editText">, sis<span ss="aiText">," Nierenmented.


    <span ss="userText">Rya took a deep breath. "Thank you. I''ll try to be more confident next time. But I''m still nervous about meeting the royal court and other nobles. I was hoping things would be easier<span ss="aiText">," Rya said, sitting up in her chair.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''ll be fine. Most of them won''t bite you... Well, there are a few I don''t rmend interacting with. But we''ll handle them<span ss="userText">," Tayna<span ss="aiText">stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Thanks, Tayna... I''ll need to lean on your knowledge of all the nobles I need to look out<span ss="aiText">for," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll help, too," Yuliana said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, same<span ss="userText">!<span ss="aiText">You can count on me, sis," Nierenmented.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you," Rya said and gave them a gentle smile.


    <span ss="userText">After the warm moment was over, Tayna had a question that was bugging her.


    "Hey... You said you could smell a foul stench just a momentago. Butit seemedlike no one else could smell itbesides you four...Do you think that was the poisoning out of the Queen?" Tayna asked curiously.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah, I think it was<span ss="aiText">," Nieren replied.


    "But what type of poison only damagesthe woman''s, well?... womanhood?I''ve never heard of such a thing," Yuliana asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"I think I have an idea... But I<span ss="userText">want proof before I say anything definitive<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText">But that was the foulest stench<span ss="aiText">I have ever smelled<span ss="editText">. I''m sure it was worse for Dalia<span ss="aiText">," Ryamented.


    <span ss="userText">The Wolfkin<span ss="aiText">nodded her head, "Yes. It was<span ss="userText">. And I usually like smelly things<span ss="aiText">. But this was just too much<span ss="editText">. It still is lingering in the air<span ss="aiText">," Dalia added.


    <span ss="aiText">"If you are saying the truth, then the person or persons who did this were evil beyond words. To even poison a Queen''s womanhood is just a new low.<span ss="userText">I wonder who was cruel<span ss="aiText">enough to do such a thing," Tayna replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">T<span ss="aiText">hat''s the mystery, isn''t it?<span ss="editText">"<span ss="userText">Rya remarked as she thought she knew who might be behind<span ss="aiText">it.<span ss="userText">But she didn''t want to overstep<span ss="aiText">her bounds and<span ss="userText">thought it wasn''t her ce to investigate it.


    <span ss="userText">"Let''s leave the topic alone. I don''t know about you four, but I could use a bath��a long, hot one," Rya said<span ss="aiText">as she looked at the<span ss="editText">women<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. I could use one too. You mind if I join you, sis?" Nieren asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sure," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Nah! I''m good. I kinda want to explore this ce<span ss="aiText">more," Daliamented.


    <span ss="aiText">"You sure?<span ss="editText">Quinus said<span ss="aiText">They have a nice hot spring. I think it would help with your soreness," Rya stated.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia was rubbing her sore breasts, "I don''t know..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Come on, Dalia. I think you could use a soak," Rya responded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, if it''s okay with you. I''ll join," Dalia replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Nice! What about you two?<span ss="aiText">Want to join?" Rya asked Tayna and Yuliana.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t know," Tayna replied, a little unsure.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, I''ll go. I need to get some bonding time with my new daughter," Yuliana said, smiling<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then it''s decided. Come on, let''s see if the hot spring<span ss="editText">can hold all five of us<span ss="aiText">," Rya stated as she got out of her chair and left the room.


    <span ss="userText">"B-But I haven''t decided<span ss="aiText">yet?" Tayna stuttered, unsure of herself.


    "You got to admit my daughter has a way with people. And it''s pointless to argue because she''ll talk you into going, Lady Tayna," Yuliana replied.


    "But the Queen wasn''t-"


    <span ss="aiText">"Come on, Tayna.<span ss="userText">I''m good at giving back massages<span ss="aiText">. Maybe it''ll help with the stress," Rya called out from the doorway.


    <span ss="aiText">"See what I mean?" Yulianamented.


    <span ss="aiText">Tayna sighed and got up, "Fine. I''ll go."


    <span ss="aiText">"Sweet. Now,e on. I want to have a long soak," Rya said excitedly.


    <span ss="editText">The sooner she could forget about what happened with Rianna<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, the better.

 Vol.3 Ch.216 The Queen’s Been Cursed ??

    Vol.3 Ch.216 The Queen��s Been Cursed ??


    Rianna strolled through the grand hallways of the estate, her mind swirling with the recent events. Gretchen and Nelumbo trailed behind her, noting the unmistakable distress etched on the Queen''s face.


    ''What is wrong with me? I couldn''t even walk straight. My legs felt so weak and jelly-like... I hope no one noticed. I couldn''t embarrass myself like that. It would be a sign of weakness. And if any nobles saw that, they would take advantage of me and the Kingdom,'' the Queen thought, concerned as her clit was still vibrating a bit due to her womanhood being healed to its former glory.


    "My Queen, are you alright?" Nelumbo asked.


    "Y-Yes. I''m fine," Rianna fibbed, reluctant to confide in her two personal attendants.


    "You don''t look fine, my Queen," Gretchen added.


    "I''m just tired from the stress of work. That''s all," Rianna said, brushing the topic off as if it was a trivial matter, but her red cheeks said otherwise.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">Nelumbo and Gretchen sensed that something was amiss but wisely chose to remain silent, all too aware of their Queen''s fiery temperament.


    As they got close to her room, the Queen''s clit was tingling and aching for her attention. But she resisted and waited until she was alone in her room before she could y with her womanhood and deal with her annoying urges.


    Entering the room, the three women apanied Queen Rianna as she gracefully seated herself on the ornate bed.


    "Please leave me alone. I wish to rx," the Queen stated.


    Gretchen looked at Lady Nelumbo, who had a concerned look on her face.


    "My Queen, please tell us what is wrong. We have always been your closest confidants. Please tell us if we should contact the doctor," Nelumbo pleaded, worried about her Queen.


    "I''m okay, Nelumbo. Please leave now; I need some alone time��I mean, I need to rest," the Queen ordered firmly.


    Rianna desperately longed for solitude, aching to shield her inner turmoil from prying eyes.


    "Okay, my Queen," Gretchen replied, and she bowed to the Queen before leaving the room with Nelumbo.


    "We''ll be on standby outside if you need anything, my Queen," Nelumbo stated as she closed the door.


    Rianna maintained her regalposure, refusing to acknowledge them as she waited for them to disappear from view. She wanted to y with her vagina so badly that she almost started doing it in front of them. But her royal training kept her in check.


    After a moment or two, the Queen rose from her bed and strode purposefully to the door, securing it with a decisive click.


    Her face glowed with a blush, but it wasn''t the usual hint of shyness or embarrassment. This was a flush of passion and longing, an undeniable sign of her inner desire.


    <span ss="editText">''Y-You''re better than this, Rianna. You have to be...'' she told herself. But her clitoris sent a signal to her brain. Her<span ss="userText"> proper <span ss="editText">royal demeanor<span ss="aiText"> crumbled under the influence of her womanhood.<span ss="editText"> She looked at <span ss="aiText">her bed, which was ten feet away<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> and if she could get ther<span ss="editText">e,<span ss="aiText"> then maybe she could calm down.


    <span ss="aiText">She took one step, then another, <span ss="editText">"Mm!" she moaned, and her legs became wobbly once more.<span ss="aiText"> Her pussy was throbbing and pulsing with the desire to be filled with cock. She had to touch it<span ss="editText">, but it was udylike to do<span ss="aiText"> so, and the Queen did not want to give in.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll never sumb to <span ss="editText">lust... That''s what that Dark Elf wants me to do. But she is wrong... I will never��<span ss="userText">Mm~!" She tried to keep herposure, but her clit was buzzing so much that her whole body was getting turned on. The Queen couldn''t stand there<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">,<span ss="userText"> and she stumbled over to her bed<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mm... No!<span ss="aiText">" Rianna moaned softly as she leaned against the foot of her bed, her body burning with need.


    ''I-It''s my stupid underwear! I need to pull it off!'' the Queen thought and started to pull her dress up. Then she ripped her undergarments off and dropped them on the floor. Her pussy was excited to feel the cool air on her sensitive folds.


    <span ss="editText">"Mm~!" the Queen moaned as<span ss="editText"> the cool air<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> touched her bare womanhood.


    ''W-What didn''t that witch do to me?!'' the Queen wondered, as she was breathing heavily and trying to stay in control.


    She was starting to pant, and her face was flushed with desire.


    "I-I must stay in control!" the Queen stated as her whole body was tingling. Her nipples were so hard that the thick material of her dress and undergarments were unable to hide them. It felt as though a lifetime of pent-up hormones was being unleashed all at once.


    She attempted to rise, but her legs buckled beneath her, causing her to copse onto her bed,nding on her back.


    "Mmm~! No! I-I can''t do this! It''s wrong!" the Queen eximed as her body was starting to get hot.


    The Queen''s hand slowly moved to her stomach and down to her lower area as it lifted up her skirt.


    "No. Stop! Mm! This is wrong!" the Queen said, but her body didn''t listen, and she started to rub her swollenbia.


    "Mmm~! Why is this happening?! Ahh!" the Queen moaned as she rubbed her clit. Her hips started to thrust forward, and she began to move her hips up and down.


    Her other hand reached down to her chest and grabbed herrge breasts. She began to rub and squeeze them through the materials of her gown, and the Queen''s body was now on fire.


    "Ahh~! Mmm~! I can''t believe this is happening to me!" the Queen moaned, but she couldn''t stop her hands from roaming all over her body.


    The Queen''s fingers were moving in a circr motion on her clitoris and vagina.


    "This isn''t me... I-I can''t stop," the Queen muttered as her body was bing more and more aroused.


    ''What would Cyndre do if he saw me in such a state!? I''m supposed to be the Queen and a mother figure for our child! Not some whore! Why is this happening?!'' she wondered as Cyndre ''s face started toe to mind. It was like he was standing in front of her, enjoying the view.


    "I-I''m sorry, my love... I-I''m losing control," the Queen moaned as her hips started to buck wildly.


    "That''s alright, Rianna... You''re the perfect wife, and you need some alone time," the image of Cyndre replied.


    ''Y-Your voice... I can''t stop it. It''s making my body hotter and hornier!'' the Queen thought, her mind was losing control and her body was on autopilot.


    "That''s it, Rianna. Let''s get you out of these clothes and into something morefortable," Cyndre''s image stated.


    "Y-You think you deserve to see me naked!? H-Ha! You''re still in the dog house for failing to stop your brother from trying to kill your son!" the Queen eximed.


    "Of course, my dear. But I''m here for you," Cyndre''s image replied, his hand now resting on her hip, which made her wiggle them yfully.


    "Y-You think you have the right to touch me?! You''re nothing more than a fool for not listening to me!" the Queen replied, but she couldn''t stop her body from shaking as the vibrations were making her hornier.


    "I know. And I''m sorry. But I want to make it up to you. I love you, Rianna," Cyndre''s image said.


    The Queen''s heart was beating fast, and she felt her cheeks heating up. She was arguing with an imaginary Cyndre. But it didn''t stop her body from bing hotter.


    "Mmm~! Y-You''re a fool! A fool! A damn fool! Mmm~!" the Queen moaned as her fingers pinched her left nipple while the other was rubbing her clitoris.


    "You''re so sexy when you''re mad. And you''re right. I''m a damn fool. I''m a damn fool for letting my brother almost kill my son. I shouldn''t have listened to Duval," Cyndre''s image said.


    <span ss="editText">''H-He''s admitting he was wrong and saying that he was a fool. M-Maybe he''s learned his lesson, and he''s trying to make up for his mistakes?'' the Queen thought as her hips were grinding into the bed. The buttons on the front of her dress started toe undone from all the erotic movements her<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> body was making.


    ''But why would he apologize now? I-It''s not like him,'' the Queen thought as she was moaning loudly.


    "Y-You''re a fool, Cyndre!" the Queen stated.


    "And I know it. And I''m sorry, my love. My love for my brother blinded me," Cyndre''s image answered, and he started to unbutton her dress.


    "Mmm~! N-No, stop it! Y-You''re not him!" the Queen moaned as her body was getting closer to the edge.


    "Then who am I?" the Cyndre''s image asked.


    ''It''s an illusion created by the witch. She has made him the way I want him to be. He''s apologizing for his mistakes, and he''s trying to make it up to me. It''s making me want to forgive him,'' the Queen thought.


    "Mmm~! I-It doesn''t matter. I-I can''t let you see me naked! Mmm~! I-I haven''t forgiven~Aunh!?" the Queen replied, trying to keep herposure as the front of her dress opened and her breasts were seen in her bra.


    "Rianna. You know you want to forgive me. I''m here for you, and I''m ready to do whatever you want. You''re the only woman I''ve ever loved," Cyndre''s image dered as her dress was slowly sliding down her shoulders.


    "Mmm~! I-It doesn''t matter anymore, Cyndre. We both failed, and our son almost died because of us," the Queen stated, as her body was now getting hotter. Her fingers were twisting her nipples through the fabric of her bra.


    "I know. But I want to make it up to you," Cyndre''s image stated as the hem of her dress was pulled up and her pussy was visible.


    "Mmm~! C-Cyndre. Stop. I-I can''t," the Queen moaned as her body was bing weaker and weaker.


    "Don''t worry, Rianna. I''m here for you. You can tell me anything," Cyndre''s image replied.


    "I-I''m sorry. I failed my son," the Queen muttered.


    "Rianna. You haven''t failed anyone. I''m the one who failed you. I''m sorry," Cyndre''s image said, and the Queen looked into his golden eyes.


    Her fingers plunged deep inside her cunt, and she began to thrust her hips, and her fingers moved inside her.


    "I-I can''t forgive you. I-I can''t forget what you''ve done," the Queen muttered, as her fingers were now pumping in and out of her wet pussy.


    "I''m not asking for forgiveness. I''m asking for you to give me another chance," Cyndre''s image stated, as his hands moved around her body.


    "Mmm~! C-Cyndre!?! I-I''m almost there! Mmm~!" the Queen moaned.


    "Let go, Rianna. It''s okay," Cyndre''s image told the Queen.


    "I-I can''t... HOLD ON, I''M GOING TO CUM!" the Queen moaned and her fingers began to pump in and out of her faster and harder. Her other hand moved to her clit, and she began to rub it with her thumb.


    She arched her back, which caused the sp on her bra toe undone. Her bra came flying off as her massive breasts bounced free.


    "Mmm~! Y-Yes! Yes! Ooh~! C-Cyndre, please. Mm~! T-Touch me!" the Queen moaned as she looked up at the image of her husband.


    "As you wish," Cyndre''s image stated.


    He moved forward, and his hands cupped her breasts. She was lost in the sensation and didn''t notice that he had started to suck on her left nipple.


    "Mmm~! Y-Yes. Lick them! Mmm~! P-Please, keep going. Mmm~! I-It feels so good! Mmm~! S-So close. Mm~!" the Queen moaned, and she began to hump his thigh.


    "Just let it out, Rianna," Cyndre''s image said as his left hand squeezed her ass.


    "Mmm~! S-So Close! I-I''m almost there! Mmm~!" the Queen moaned as her fingers kept pumping in and out of her.


    "Let it all out, Rianna," Cyndre''s image replied, and his fingers pinched her left nipple while sucking her right.


    "Mm~! OH GODDESS! YES! AUNGH~!" the Queen screamed as her legs started to spasm and her pussy began to clench her fingers as her juices flowed from her vagina.


    She was cumming hard, and she began to hump his thigh even faster, which only intensified her orgasm. She hadn''t had an orgasm in such a long time that she was lost in the sensation.


    "Mmm~! Ooh~! C-Cyndre! Mm~! I''m so close. Mmm~! Keep going, C-Cyndre! Mmm~! Oh god!" the Queen moaned.


    "Don''t worry, my dear. We''ve got all day," Cyndre''s image replied, and his tongue licked her ear.


    "Mmm~! T-Thank you," the Queen muttered.


    She couldn''t control her body as her mind was nk, and she was in the throes of passion. She waspletely lost in the pleasure of her own mind.


    After a minute, she finally calmed down, and shey on her side panting.


    She arched her back, which caused the sp on her bra toe undone. Her bra came flying off as her massive breasts bounced free.


    ''W-What did I just do? I-I can''t believe I did that,'' the Queen thought as she wiped some of her sweat away.


    "Oh, goddess. What have I done?" the Queen said as she sat up and put her head in her hands. She felt ashamed of herself for letting her guard down and sumbing to her desires. It was unbing of a royal.


    <span ss="editText">''Why did I fantasize about my husband? H-He''s still in the dog house,'' the Queen thought as she looked around the room, making sure that Cyndre was only<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> an illusion.


    "What is wrong with me? How could I be so weak?" the Queen muttered as her hand moved down between her thighs and her fingers began to tease her lower lips.


    ''I-I shouldn''t be doing this. But this must be the dark magic of that witch. This isn''t like me. I need to resist the temptation. I-I can''t let this continue. But the pleasure was just too great. Maybe just a little bit more won''t hurt,'' the Queen thought as her fingers pushed their way past her folds, and she began to moan softly. Her ck raven hair, which was done up in a bun, finally came loose, and her hair fell over her shoulders while her fingers continued to move in and out of her.


    Her body was getting warmer, and her fingers were pushing deeper inside her. Her other hand was moving to her left breast, and she began to squeeze her nipple.


    "Aungh~! O-Oh, goddess. Mmm~! I''m not going tost very long. What witchcraft did that dark elf do to me?" the Queen said, as her fingers pumped in and out of her.


    "Aungh~! F-Fuck. Mmm~! So Close. Aungh~! Mmm~! So Hot!" the Queen moaned, and her body started to shiver as her fingers kept pumping in and out of her. Whatever part of her that was trying to resist this had now vanished, and her uterus was working in overdrive thanks to the poison being expelled from her system. Rianna mistook this as some type of curse or spell, but it was actually a natural reaction to her body being fully healed after all these decades. She waspletely unaware that her body was preparing for her to start ovting again.


    She had no clue that she had been poisoned to make her infertile for the past two decades, and now her hormones were working overtime to make her fertile again.


    "Ooh~! Mmm~! Aungh~! F-Fuck. M-More. Ooh~! I-I can''t hold back. GAH!? M-My fingers aren''t enough! This stupid curse... I-I need more. Ooh~!" the Queen groaned, and her hands were moving up and down her body. At some point, her frustrations got the better of her as she inserted three fingers inside of her while her other hand yed with her clit.


    "O-Oh, goddess. I-I need more! Ooh~! T-This damn curse has taken my self-control away. I-I have never felt like this before. F-Fuck... There''s a stupid itch deep inside me that is begging to be scratched. Mmm~! Aungh~!" the Queen muttered as her hands were working faster. As she desperately tried to reach her climax, she started to hump her hand, and her moans grew louder.


    "M-More... Fuck. F-Fuck. Aungh~! M-Me... Need... Cyndre''s COCK! Aungh~!" the Queen said, and her voice trailed off as her entire body started to convulse thanks to her G-spot being hit with her fingers.


    "Gah~! Aungh~! FUCK! AUNGH~!" the Queen eximed as her orgasm crashed over her, and her walls mped down on her fingers. She never knew the walls of her pussy were so sensitive, and it only intensified her orgasm.


    ''W-What the fuck is happening? I-I''ve never felt anything like this before. W-What the hell did that witch do to me? M-My mind is going nk again! Aungh~! S-Still cumming. Oh, goddess, what''s happening to me?'' the Queen thought as her entire body was shaking, and her hips bucked uncontrobly.


    "OH, FUCK, MY GODDESS! AUNGH!? AHHHH! YES! AUNGAH~! C-CYNDRE! Y-YES!" the Queen yelled as her mind went nk, and she lost control of her body.


    She was unable to stop herself from orgasming again and again and again as she continued to scream for her husband after what seemed like an eternity. Rianna came down from her high and copsed onto her bed, panting.


    "F-Fuck. I-I can''t move," the Queen muttered. Her body enjoyed the climaxes, but that itch deep inside her still remained.


    "Grrr! This is all that dark elf''s fault! When I get my hands on her, she will pay. I-I won''t let her get away with this," the Queen stated, and she looked down at her soaked fingers.


    "B-But first, I need to take a bath. I can''t be seen like this. Who knows who might be watc~Huh?" The Queen sat up in bed and spotted her discarded panties on the floor. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw therge wet stain on them. The unusual yellowish-brown mucus-like stains made her freeze in shock.


    "W-What the hell is this? Did I shit myself? N-No, I couldn''t have. T-That''s not possible. But that came from me, didn''t it... W-What in the hells is this stuff?" Rianna muttered to herself as she cautiously walked over and picked up her soiled panties. She was disgusted and confused, and she looked around her bed to see if there was any more of this stuff that came out of her on the bed, but it was just her normal juices.


    "H-How can this be? This has never happened to me before. Did the dark elf make me lose control of my bowels?" Rianna questioned out loud as she looked at the panties to examine the substance.


    "T-There''s no mistake. This dide from me," Rianna said.


    Then she brought the panties close to her nose so she could smell them. When they were about one inch away, her nose caught the whiff of the foul odor.


    "B-Blek!? What is that smell? Ack, it''s so rancid. What the hell is that?" the Queen questioned, and her face was contorted in disgust. That''s when she remembered how all four of the demi-humans had a simr look written on their faces when the smell of the mucus hit their noses. A little part of her was starting to believe that Rya was telling her the truth. That she was poisoned for some reason, and she had no clue who would have done it. It was getting harder for her to deny it, but she needed to make sure that this stuff was a poison that was flushed from her system. Before she truly sided with the Dark Elf.


    ''M-Maybe she''s right. I-I can''t deny the evidence. I might have been poisoned, and she helped to flush it from my womb... But I need to be sure. This still could be a trick to get me to lower my guard... I wonder if Raiden is in the city''s Pharmacy. He should be unless he''s out collecting herbs. If I can find him, I can ask him for a quick diagnosis of this substance. I-I have to find out if the dark elf is telling the truth.''


    The Queen looked around her room, found a small towel to wrap her panties in, and ced them into her purse. Then she went to her closet and grabbed a robe before she pulled a rope on the wall by the bedside.


    A momentter, Lady Nelumbo and Miss Gretchen appeared at the door.


    "You rang, my Queen?" Gretchen asked as she bowed respectfully.


    "I-I wish to take a bath, Gretchen. Can you prepare one for me and clean up my mess? I seem to have let my emotions get the best of me," the Queen responded, and Gretchen raised her head to see the Queen was naked except for a robe covering her body.


    "Certainly, my Queen. I shall prepare it immediately. Do you wish to have any scented oils, my Queen?" Gretchen inquired.


    "Yes, please, the jasmine and vani-scented ones. Thank you, Gretchen," the Queen answered. Gretchen bowed and left the room, leaving her guard, Nelumbo, alone with the Queen.


    "Anything else, my Queen?" Nelumbo inquired. She heard all of Rianna''s moaning through the door and wondered if she should bring up the topic.


    "I''ll be going out. Please gather ten Royal Guards and have them wait for me in the courtyard," the Queen ordered.


    "Going out, my Lady?... Is that wise right now? Are you sure that you are feeling well?" Nelumbo inquired. She was worried for the Queen''s health.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m fine, thank you, Nelumbo. I am merely going to the city''s pharmacy to speak with Raiden. I want to consult him about a personal matter," the Queen stated, and the guard nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"As you wish, my Queen. <span ss="userText">Should I inform King Cyndre of your whereabouts?" Nelumbo inquired.


    <span ss="userText">Rianna''s eyes zed over as Cyndre''s handsome face appeared in her mind. It made her heart race, and her pussy started to tingle with excitement. ''Grrr! S-Stop it! Rianna! You''re acting like a maiden<span ss="aiText"> in love.<span ss="userText">.. He needs to prove that he deserves to have me<span ss="aiText">. T-This curse is affecting me more than I thought.''


    <span ss="userText">"My Queen?<span ss="aiText"> Is something the matter?" Nelumbo questioned, and the Queen blinked before her eyes refocused on her guard.


    "Y-Yes, everything is fine," Rianna said as she shook her head to get her mind straight. "And no, I don''t need Cyndre bothering me with his idiotic questions. I will go see him when I return to the estate. Just have the guards waiting for me, and I''ll meet them in the courtyard in fifteen minutes," the Queen ordered, and the guard bowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Queen," Nelumbo said, and she turned to leave and do her queen''s bidding.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now, time for my bath... Hopefully, these weird thoughts will go away," the Queen muttered, leaving her room and heading<span ss="aiText">for the Royal bathhouse.

 Vol.3 Ch.217 Rianna meets with Raiden, the Alchemist

    Vol.3 Ch.217 Rianna meets with Raiden, the Alchemist


    The Queen painstakingly took twenty minutes to prepare herself before she made her way down to the Royal Courtyard. Her ten Royal guards were already assembled, standing at attention as she joined them. She intentionally decided not to tell anyone on the estate about her departure, wanting to ensure that her husband, King Cyndre, wouldn''t discover her absence when he eventually arrived at the estate. The incident with Rya was something she wished to keep from him, and her intended destination, the Crown Pharmacy, was to be a closely guarded secret. She feared that any disclosure of this information would undoubtedly lead to unwanted attention and potential leaks.


    <span ss="aiText">"Let''s go. I want to get there before my husband arrives in Lomar," the Queen said as she got into a servant''s<span ss="userText">carriage. She wanted to go incognito<span ss="aiText"> and not have her status known to everyone.


    <span ss="aiText">"As you wish, mydyship. It''s about a 30-minute ride from the estate to the Crown Pharmacy<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> Is there anything else<span ss="aiText"> you wish of us, mydy?" <span ss="editText">Lady Nelumbo<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, just hurry and take me to the pharmacy. I need to speak with Raiden, and I want you all to stay in the carriage while I speak with him privately<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText"> the Queen ordered, and the guards all nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very well, my Queen. <span ss="userText">Hopefully, he doesn''t have a fit, so we interrupt him<span ss="aiText">," the Lady guard said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I can deal with him<span ss="aiText"> if he does," the Queen replied, and she crossed her arms.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hahaha, indeed you can, my Queen. We are ready; let''s go," Nelumbo said before closing the door to the carriage, which<span ss="userText">had seven of her guards sitting inside with her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yah!" <span ss="userText">Lady Nelumbo pulled on the reins of the horse, and the carriage started to roll through the front gate.


    ''Now, I need to ask Raiden if any poison came out of me. Let''s hope this doesn''t backfire. Thest thing I need is a rumor spreading that I shit myself,'' the Queen thought, and she looked at her wrapped panties with worry. They were in her purse, and she hoped that Raiden would give her an answer.


    The servant''s carriage rumbled through the bustling streets of the city, weaving past people engrossed in their daily activities. Vignt guards in the carriage kept a watchful eye on the passing buildings while Lady Nelumbo skillfully navigated through the throngs of people, ensuring a smooth journey to their destination.


    Arriving at the Crown Pharmacy didn''t take too long. The building, a modest two-story brick structure, defied the grandeur implied by its name. However, it was renowned as the go-to destination for the Kingdom''s most potent potions and effective remedies. The catch? Affording their goods was no small feat. The pharmacy was exclusive, catering only to those with deep pockets. Walk-ins were a rarity; reservations were the norm. It was a ce that demanded wealth and stature, leaving the average noble out in the cold.


    The Crown Pharmacy is infamous for offering the most luxurious and exclusive products in the entire kingdom.


    <span ss="aiText">"We have arrived, my Queen," Lady Nelumbo stated, and Rianna looked out the window to see they had indeed arrived.


    <span ss="userText">"Pull around to the back<span ss="aiText"> of the building," the Queen ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you certain, mydyship? They will not wee us if we try to enter that way," Lady Nelumbo said.


    "Absolutely! That''s an order. I refuse to be disturbed. Plus, we have no idea who from the nobility is present. Just do it," the Queen insisted, leaving Lady Nelumbo with no recourse but toply.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Queen," Nelumbo agreed. She took the carriage around the back and pulled up to the loading area, where four security guards approached <span ss="userText">and stopped it.


    <span ss="userText">"For the love of... Halt, what is your business here?<span ss="aiText"> We have no deliveries scheduled for today," the guard said.


    <span ss="aiText">"We don''t have any deliveries, and we need to speak with Raiden. It''s an urgent matter," Lady Nelumbo told him.


    <span ss="userText">"Really... You and everyone else,dy. Now, I suggest you leave here before we do<span ss="aiText"> something drastic," the guard threatened, and the other guards drew their swords.


    Lady Nelumbo was about to say something when she heard the Queen''s special knocking from inside the carriage.


    <span ss="userText">"We''ll leave if you speak to my boss<span ss="aiText">," Nelumbo stated.


    The guard''s voice boomed, "Who the hell are you, and why should we listen to you?" Nelumbo confidently knocked on the carriage door, and it opened slightly.


    The guard nced at Nelumbo, who was seated in the driver''s seat, and she gestured to him to take a look inside. Despite his skepticism, he peered into the carriage and was astonished to find the Queen herself sitting within.


    <span ss="aiText">"Q-Queen Ria<span ss="userText">n��"


    Rianna cut him off with amanding voice, "Don''t speak! And listen..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes, <span ss="editText">of course<span ss="aiText">," the guard responded while waiting to hear what the Queen had to say.


    "I urgently need to speak with Raiden," the Queen dered.


    The guard''s eyes widened in panic, "But he''s in the middle of brewing an important potion right now."


    "I''m calling in a favor, and I will amodate him... somand your men to stand down and let me see him," the Queen ordered, and the guard had no choice but to obey.


    <span ss="aiText">"Alright, my Que<span ss="userText">��"


    "Ahem!" Lady Nelumbo cleared her throat loudly, causing the guard to turn towards her. After a moment, he grasped the significance of her gesture and realized that the information was meant to be kept secret.


    <span ss="aiText">"Right, my Lady... They''re clear to pass!" the guard said, and the rest of the guards stood at attention and backed off.


    "Excellent," Rianna said confidently as she firmly shut the carriage door. With a swift tug on the reins, Nelumbo urged the horses forward, quickly veiling them from the prying eyes of the bustling crowd.


    <span ss="aiText">"We''ll wait out here," Nelumbo said, and the carriage stopped right outside the building''s rear entrance.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very good," the guard said, opening the door for the cloaked Queen. "Pleasee inside,<span ss="aiText">Mdy."


    "I will. Let''s hurry and get this over with. I need to return before nightfall," the Queen said, and she followed the guard inside the building.


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">***


    <span ss="userText">


    Raiden, the renowned figure in the alchemist world, was widely respected for his unparalleled knowledge and expertise. His reputation, however, faced a formidable challenge from Lucas, a mysterious alchemist who emerged two decades prior and had since established himself in the kingdom''s capital. Fueled by a relentless drive to outshine his rival, Raiden became somewhat aloof, showing minimal patience for those who dared to disturb him while engrossed in his work.


    His reputation for rudeness preceded him, and the Queen dreaded their uing meeting. However, she knew it was her only opportunity to uncover the truth about the mysterious mucus.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is Master Raiden''s work area, my Lady," the guard informed the Queen.


    "Alright, thank you. You may go," the Queen said dismissively. The guard hesitated for a moment, torn between duty and the fear of displeasing the Queen, before reluctantly exiting the room.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Lady. I pray to the Goddess that Raiden is in a good mood today," the guard said before leaving the Queen alone.


    "I hope so as well," the Queen whispered to herself as she fixed her gaze on the door, mustering up the courage to open it.


    In a chaotic room filled with scattered papers and books, Raiden stood, the mastermind behind Crown Pharmacy''s sess. As he carefully poured a mysterious liquid into a bubbling cauldron, his intense focus and precision revealed the dedicated craftsmanship that made his business one of the most prosperous in the entire kingdom.


    As the door swung open, he almost let the instrument slip from his grasp.


    "What the hell?! I''m not finished yet. Come backter," Raiden said without even bothering to turn around.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t. I need your assistance," the Queen said with a firm voice.


    Raiden''s body tensed, and time seemed to stand still as the sound of that voice reached his ears. He recognized it immediately, and a heavy sigh escaped his lips as he carefully set an eyedropper back on his desk.


    <span ss="userText">"Great... Of all the times<span ss="aiText"> you decide to show up, it''s the worst possible moment. Your timing is terrible, as always," Raiden muttered as he looked at the Queen standing by the entrance to hisboratory.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh shut up, you old bastard. You''ll bepensated," the Queen said<span ss="userText"> with a re.


    <span ss="userText">"Compensation can''t hold back that bastard in the capital from overtaking<span ss="aiText"> me<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText"> Raidenined.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So I should go to Lucas'' Emporium instead?<span ss="aiText">" the Queen suggested, and she removed her cloak and hung it up.


    <span ss="aiText">"N-no... That asshole doesn''t know anything about potions," Raiden stated, and he looked back at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then do me this favor, and I''ll consider <span ss="userText">us even<span ss="aiText">," the Queen demanded.


    "Tch... Making a deal with royalty was a mistake," Raiden grumbled as he paced around theb, clearing a spot for the Queen to settle in.


    <span ss="aiText">"Excuse me?" the Queen questioned.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m joking. Please take a seat," Raiden said.


    The Queen gracefully made her way over and settled into a rustic wooden chair.


    <span ss="aiText">"You know I''m busy. So why are you here? Does the King have a new recipe he wants me to brew?" Raiden asked impatiently.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, King Cyndre is still in the capital... This visit is personal, and it shouldn''t leave this room," the Queen answered.


    Raiden squinted and furrowed his brow, his gaze intense as he processed and absorbed the information.


    "Looking for something personal, are you? A secret potion that not even the King can know about?" Raiden inquired with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"No, and I will have your head if you mention this to anyone. I don''t need this information leaving this ce for<span ss="editText"> my enemies to use against me, understand<span ss="aiText">," the Queen told him.


    Raiden''s curiosity was piqued. It was unusual for the Queen to visit this ce, and she was known for her directness. Whatever the reason for her visit, it had to be of great significance.


    <span ss="userText">"Fine... My lips are sealed," Raiden said as he locked the door to theboratory.


    <span ss="userText">"Thank you. I need you to tell me if this substance is harmful to the human body. It appeared in my tea this morning, and I wiped it out with this cloth<span ss="userText">," Rianna lied<span ss="aiText">.


    Raiden''s gaze bore into her, and he sensed her deception. Yet, he dared not defy royalty with further inquiry.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hand it over, and I will look it over," Raiden requested, and Rianna took the cloth out of her <span ss="editText">purse <span ss="aiText">and handed it to him.


    He arched his eyebrow in a mixture of intrigue and skepticism as his gaze lingered on the peculiar yellowish-brown substances. His eyes then shifted back to meet the steady, unwavering gaze of the Queen.


    "Where did thise from?" Raiden asked, and the Queen kept up her royal facade.<span ss="editText"> There was no way in hell she would<span ss="undoDeletionText"> disclose the <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">events that led her here.


    "Like I said, I found it in a teacup. I was about to drink a cup of tea, and this substance was in the tea leaf," the Queen answered.


    "I see..." Raiden said as he strode purposefully to another part of hisboratory. The room was filled with ss tubes, each one emptied into a small container.


    He carefully ced the piece of fabric, which held a yellowish-brown substance, into the empty container that looked like an Erlenmeyer sk. Then, he picked up a ss beaker filled with a transparent liquid. Slowly and steadily, he poured the liquid into the Erlenmeyer sk until it reached the halfway mark. After ensuring that the amount was just right, Raiden sealed the sk with a snug-fitting rubber stopper.


    <span ss="editText">"Brace yourself," Raiden uttered with a hint of anticipation. The fabric with<span ss="undoDeletionText"> the yellowish-brown substance<span ss="editText"> was submerged into<span ss="undoDeletionText"> the clear liquid<span ss="undoDeletionText">, causing the once transparent sk to be ha<span ss="undoDeletionText">zy as the<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> solution reacted to the foreign material.


    "<span ss="editText">What are you doing<span ss="editText">?" R<span ss="editText">ianna asked as she witnessed<span ss="aiText"> the reaction.


    "Testing your sample, my Lady... See here?... The clear liquid has a special attribute that can iste harmful materials. And once I start boiling it, the liquid will go through these ss tubes, and depending on how quickly the materials cool off will determine what type of chemicals are in this substance. One of those five empty vials over there will separate out the chemicalposition, and I can analyze it," Raiden carefully exins the process as he attaches a ss tube to the rubber stopper already in ce on the container. He then focuses his mana into a magical instrument resembling a hotte, causing it to glow with vibrant energy.


    Rianna <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">observed that the <span ss="undoDeletionText">single tube <span ss="undoDeletionText">connected to the sk <span ss="undoDeletionText">started to branch out into several smaller tubes, leading into the five vials that Raiden had mentioned earlier.


    "Wait, I''m a little confused about how the substances are going to move through the ss tubes. It''s hard to imagine how this setup will actually separate out the different chemicals into separate vials," the Queen inquired, watching as the hot te began to glow and heat up the ss.


    <span ss="userText">"It''s simple, my Lady. Poisons tend to retain heat for a little longer than other<span ss="aiText"> materials. This is because poisons are more vtile. In this case, I''ve set the heat source to <span ss="editText">10<span ss="aiText">0 degrees centigrade, a temperature that is ideal for heating up the poison. Once it reaches a boil, the vapor will rise up and be sucked into the tubes, where it will cool off. And depending on the speed at which it cools off will depend on the separation into the vials," Raiden exined as he carefully adjusted the heat source<span ss="editText">. "So if there is anything that is poisonous within that <span ss="userText">substance<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> then it will be collected in that fourth vial," he added, and he pointed to the vial in question.


    <span ss="aiText">"I see. That makes a lot of sense. Well done, Raiden," the Queen praised.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s my job, after all," Raiden replied<span ss="editText"> as he watched the vapor<span ss="aiText"> rise up from the sk. The Queen was intrigued as she saw the vapor moving from the sk through the tubes<span ss="editText"> until it began to turn into liquid droplets<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, which were slowly dripping down into the vials.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna nodded and waited patiently as the liquid moved through the tubes.


    <span ss="userText">"What gets collected in the fifth<span ss="aiText"> vial?" Rianna asked, and Raiden continued to stare at the sk.


    <span ss="aiText">"That will co<span ss="editText">llect <span ss="userText">sediment..." Raiden answered, but the Queen had a confused<span ss="aiText"> expression.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sediment?" Rianna asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Raiden smiled at the Queen, "It''s the leftover solid remains of whatever we ce into this device.<span ss="editText"> Solids retain heat for<span ss="aiText"> a much <span ss="userText">longer period<span ss="aiText"> than liquids, <span ss="userText">and it will go<span ss="aiText"> in thest vial," he exined.


    "Ah... I understand," the Queen remarked, her gaze fixed on the mesmerizing sight of the amber-hued mixture coursing through the ss tubes. The liquid embarked on a captivating transformation, gradually splitting into an array of vibrant hues, each fluid stream flowing at its own unique pace.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"This is truly an exceptional device,"<span ss="aiText"> the Queenmented, which made <span ss="editText">Raiden <span ss="undoDeletionText">beamed with pride.


    <span ss="editText">"My old mentor taught me how to build it... It needs to be just precise<span ss="aiText"> enough for the liquids and gases to separate from each other. If not, you''ll have a mess on your hands," Raiden stated.


    He was on the verge of boasting about his extraordinary potion-making abilities when the fourth vial began to fill with a strange substance, leaving both of them utterly astonished. This confirmation solidified the presence of poison in the substance. The liquid had taken on a vivid neon yellowish-green hue. If Rya or Quinus had been present, they might have mistaken it for antifreeze.

 Vol.3 Ch.218 Sterilith Bloom and Royal Blue.

    Vol.3 Ch.218 Sterilith Bloom and Royal Blue.


    "That''s peculiar..." Raiden said as he examined the fourth vial.


    "What''s the substance? Is it poison?" Rianna asked with curiosity.


    Raiden inhaled deeply, contemting how he would convey the news to the Queen. As his contraption continued collecting more of the yellowish liquid, he observed a blue-colored sediment forming in the fifth vial that really piqued his curiosity.


    "That''s quite peculiar," Raiden muttered as he quickly made his way over to one of his cluttered desks piled high with ancient tomes.


    He started looking through his books for answers.


    "Is it poisonous?" the Queen asked once again.


    "The yellow liquid is no ordinary toxin; it''s not deadly, but its origin eludes me. I could swear I''d encountered it before I arrived in this kingdom," Raiden muttered, flipping through the pages with a sense of urgency.


    "What about the blue sediment?" the Queen asked.


    "I have a hunch, but I need to make sure that the toxin is what I think it is. Just wait a little longer, please," Raiden requested, and Rianna got irritated.


    "Fine," the Queen huffed, crossing her arms in frustration.


    It took a few minutes, and the liquids stopped in all five of the vials. When it was all done, the fourth vial was almost full of the neon yellowish-green liquid.


    Raiden hurried over to the device and carefully took out the vial.


    "What is that toxin?" the Queen asked. Raiden examined the substance and then looked at his book on exotic substances.


    "Well... It''s an exotic toxin, my Lady," Raiden answered, and the Queen was interested.


    "What does that mean?" Rianna asked.


    "Poisons fall into two categories. The first type is standard poisons, which are easily detectable and can be countered with an antidote. The second type is Exotic poisons, which are much more challenging to counteract. It''s been many decades since I''ve encountered a toxin of this nature..." Raiden muttered as he lifted the vial into the light, and it changed to a neon yellow.


    "So it''s an exotic toxin," the Queen stated.


    "Absolutely, my Lady. When I was just starting out in the world of alchemy, I received an intriguing assignment to extract a unique toxin for a well-known brothel in the Marn Kingdom. This toxin had a fascinating impact on the reproductive organs of women. It was highly sought after by brothels and pimps as it rendered their workers infertile for a certain duration," Raiden revealed.


    Rianna maintained aposed facade, concealing her inner turmoil, yet a lump formed in her throat. The memory of Rya''s anguished countenance lingered in her mind��the moment when Rya divulged that she sensed a malevolent taint eroding Rianna''s very essence, a poison that the dark elf had purged from her with relentless determination.


    "Y-You said it can make a woman infertile for some time, correct? How much would... Haah... A business owner of that field need to use on a woman to ensure she remains infertile for a year?" the Queen inquired, her voice betraying a mix of concern and determination.


    <span ss="editText">Raiden, feeling puzzled, absentmindedly reached up and scratched his head out of habit before ambling over to a different workbench, carefully cradling the vial in his hand. With deliberate movements, he gingerly ced a Petri dish on the sturdy table, its clear surface pristine against the surrounding clutter. As he pondered the vial''s contents, his hand reached for an eyedropper resting nearby. With unwavering focus, he delicately squeezed a single drop of the noxious, swirling liquid into the center of the Petri dish, watching as it<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> spread out <span ss="editText">a litt<span ss="aiText">le<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, like a drop of blood.


    "Watch closely," Raiden whispered, holding up the Petri dish to the Queen. "This single drop has the power to render a female human infertile for about a year... Give or take a few months. The duration varies depending on the woman, some may be affected for longer, and some for shorter periods."


    Rianna fixated her gaze on the vial, observing the eerie neon yellowish-green fluid contained within. It was hard to fathom that such a minuscule amount of toxin had the potential to inflict significant harm on a person''s body.


    "H-How long would a female human be infertile with that much toxin?" the Queen asked, her gaze fixed on the vial containing the dangerous substance. Despite having a rough estimate, she felt a surge of unease and uncertainty bubbling within her.


    "This much!? Oh, geez..." Raiden muttered to himself, scratching the back of his head as he peered at the vial. Rianna caught snippets of his mumbled calctions as he pondered the contents.


    "A-hem," the Queen coughed to get his attention.


    "Oh, my apologies... I would need to measure it out for an exact number. But if I had to guess. That is enough toxin to keep a human woman infertile for ten or maybe fifteen lifetimes. Frankly, this amount of toxin might have killed a lesser person," Raiden answered.


    Rianna shivered as a chill raced down her spine, sending her blood running cold. The realization that so much poison hade out of her left her in disbelief, and now she was determined to uncover how she had ingested the toxin.


    Rianna inquired, "How exactly would someone consume this substance?"


    Raiden furrowed his brow and scratched the back of his head. "You see, this toxin, also known as Sterilith Bloom, can only be absorbed in the stomach. The catch is, it has a pungent taste that''s hard to miss," he exined.


    "Would the substance make someone vomit if they tasted it?" inquired the Queen.


    <span ss="editText">"<span ss="undoDeletionText">Believe me, just a sip of that pungent substance would make you want to spit it out, but it''s impossible to swallow it by mistake. <span ss="undoDeletionText">That''s whe<span ss="undoDeletionText">n the fifth viales into y," Raiden <span ss="undoDeletionText">exined, eyeing the vial containing a small amount of blue sediment.


    "And what makes this blue sediment so interesting?" Rianna asked.


    Raiden strode over to the vial and gazed at the Queen. "You''re looking at a very rare moss straight from the depths of the Twilight Forest deep inside of the Demon continent of Faeo. It''s got a vor that''s truly one of a kind, and its vor is unparalleled," he exined, leaving the Queen utterly astonished.


    "Are you saying it would make a woman forget about the taste of the poison?" the Queen asked.


    Raiden shook his head, "No... It''s used to mask the vor of anything foul or unpleasant to one''s tastebuds. I don''t know how you found this substance with both of these elements in it. But I don''t know if someone was trying to poison you with it."


    Rianna shifted her gaze to Raiden, who was intently peering into the Erlenmeyer sk, his eyes fixed on the cotton rag that once held the mucus. She pondered her response, then questioned him, "What makes you think that?"


    Raiden took the sk and put it into the sink. " Whatever this substance was, it was extracting or expelled from someone''s body. But I have not seen anything like this before. The closest thing was doing an autopsy on a human body that had been dead for a week. Or I would get lesser results with fecal matter from animals I''ve tested," he exined before looking at the Queen. "My Lady, do you have any idea who or what produced this mucus?"


    Rianna''s stoic expression didn''t waver as she nodded and said, "I have a pretty good idea. But I will keep that information to myself for now... If this moss can mask the taste of any poison, why hasn''t it been used more often to kill or poison others in power? Or at least royalty," she asked.


    "Well, do you know what the name of this moss is?" Raiden asked, and the Queen looked at him.


    "No... What''s its name?" inquired the Queen, her curiosity piqued.


    "Royal Blue," Raiden stated.


    Rianna raised her brow, "Royal Blue?"


    Raiden sighed, "If you''re asking about it, then you don''t know how hard it is to obtain. In fact, only a handful of people in this kingdom can get their hands on Royal Blue."


    Rianna frowned, "Why''s that?"


    Raiden gave a nonchnt shrug and began, "The legend of Royal Blue is shrouded in mystery. They say it all started when a majestic blue dragon perished eons ago, and from its remains, this extraordinary moss emerged...Now, I''m not staking my life on that tale, but it''s the only exnation for the rarity of Royal Blue that makes any sense, my Lady."


    "So, how expensive is the moss?" the Queen asked.


    Raiden gazed at arger-than-life portrait of himself adorning the wall and slowly approached it. The painting concealed a secretpartment, which he promptly opened. Inside, he found a diminutive ss jar containing a powder of a serene cerulean hue. Its color resembled that of the fifth vial but possessed a softer tint. The jar seemed to contain only five grams of this mysterious powder.


    He strolled up to the Queen and dered, "Behold, the only remnants of the Royal Blue I bought many years ago."


    <span ss="userText">He carefully twisted the lid of the jar, the scent of aged wood and sweet spices wafting into the air as he did so. Delicately, he pulled out a small piece of paper from his workbench, the edges slightly frayed from age. As he turned to face the table, he unearthed what appeared to be the smallest measuring spoon the Queen had everid eyes upon. With extreme caution, Raiden scooped<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a tiny portion of the blue powder, which he dropped onto the center of the paper.


    "I stumbled upon this treasure decades ago at an estate sale. The family selling it had no idea of its value, and I managed to snag it for just a few silvers. I''ve kept it hidden all these years. You see this tiny half-gram of Royal Blue on this paper is worth a staggering two hundred fifty thousand gold pieces! Can you believe I had no idea of its true worth when I first bought it?" Raiden''s voice was barely audible as he revealed the astonishing amount.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> stood frozen, her<span ss="aiText"> mouth f<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">a<span ss="aiText">ll<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ing<span ss="aiText"> open in <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">utter <span ss="aiText">shock as she gazed at the <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">m<span ss="aiText">in<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">uscule<span ss="aiText"> heap of blue powder<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">id out before her. She strugg<span ss="aiText">le<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">d<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"prehend the unimaginable value contained within<span ss="aiText"> a mere five grams of the moss<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. This tiny quantity hel<span ss="aiText">d the potential to <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">purchase a small <span ss="aiText">kingdom.


    "<span ss="editText">T-Two hundred fifty thousand!? For only that much?<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Are you kidding me?" the Queen questioned, still in disbelief.


    Raiden nodded and presented the Queen with the shimmering powder, saying, "But it''s worth every coin, my Lady..."


    Raiden deftly seizes a copper kettle, its contents bubbling and releasing wisps of steam. With careful precision, he envelops the Royal Blue in a paper sheet, encapsting it. He ces the paper onto a specially designed teaspoon with a secure mp and lowers it into the simmering water. As the paper makes contact with the hot liquid, a remarkable metamorphosis urs. The previously inert powder magically transmutes into a vibrant green fluid, filling the air with the delightful aroma of ripe, sweet berries.


    After gently swirling the water in the kettle, Raiden retrieves two delicate teacups from beneath his cluttered workbench. Carefully setting them down on the worn wooden counter, he meticulously pours the steaming hot liquid into each cup, the fragrant steam rising and filling the room with itsforting aroma.


    "Close your eyes and inhale deeply. Can you sense the heavenly aroma?" he inquires.


    Rianna nodded her head slowly, her mind drifting into a hazy state as a wave of nostalgia enveloped her. She was certain she had encountered this familiar scent before, but despite her best efforts, she struggled to pinpoint where.


    "Y-Yes... It''s quite the aromatic scent," the Queen admitted.


    "Well, give it a taste. You should drink it while it''s still hot," Raiden insisted.


    Rianna''s gaze shifted from him to the delicate teacup resting on the saucer. She reached for the cup, lifting it to her nose to take in its rich aroma before bringing it to her lips. With a delicate sip, she savored the taste of the warm tea on her tongue.


    Once the green liquid touched her tongue, her eyes widened in surprise. She immediately recognized the sweet taste and scent. At the age of fifteen, she had just married Cyndre. Her sister-inw, Duchess Leandra Revelia, had invited her to a tea party to celebrate her bing the next Queen of Fiafyr. Leandra said her husband had purchased a rare tea leaf from the Lumen Fae continent, known as thend of the High Elves.


    Leandra had already savored a cup of her own before the party, and only one more cup remained. To the envy of the others, Rianna ended up with thest cup. Leandra promised to get more if she ever found the elusive tea leaf again. Despite Rianna''s persistent inquiries, Leandra never managed toy her hands on the rare tea leaf once more.


    Rianna never knew that she was poisoned by her own sister-inw that day. She never knew that she felt off because of the poison. All this time, she thought it was because she was getting used to Fiafyrian cuisine. All those times she miscarried, all the times she thought she was a failure of a wife for only giving birth to one child. It was all Leandra''s fault!


    Rianna then remembered how her sister-inw smiled at her after she had drunk that cup of divine tea. She told her the tea was very special and made the person who drinks it very healthy. She also told her the tea would help her conceive children.


    The way Leandra looked at her while sipping that tea would always remain vivid in her memory.


    The pieces of the puzzle fell into ce as her delicate fingers released their grip on the porcin teacup, sending it crashing down to the floor, where it shattered into a dozen scattered fragments.


    Raiden jumped in surprise, "My Lady!? Is something the matter?"


    Rianna''s breath came in short gasps. "N-No... Nothing''s wrong, Raiden. I think I had a vision," she lied through clenched teeth, her eyes fixed on the shattered cup at her feet.


    Raiden raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "Oh, is that so? I guess that happens from time to time when savoring something so divine," he remarked.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna looked at Raiden, "<span ss="editText">How easy is it for one to a<span ss="userText">cquire<span ss="aiText"> the Royal Blue moss?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Obtaining Royal Blue might seem nearly<span ss="aiText"> impossible<span ss="editText">, b<span ss="aiText">ut there <span ss="editText">is a way to secure<span ss="aiText"> some from the north<span ss="editText">ern region<span ss="undoDeletionText">s<span ss="aiText"> of the continent. Royal Blue is <span ss="editText">a preciousmodity located in the Faeo continent, home to various demon races. It embarks on a perilous journey across the sea and through trade routes that span the continent. Legend has it that selec<span ss="undoDeletionText">t<span ss="aiText"> demon ns <span ss="editText">nurtu<span ss="undoDeletionText">r<span ss="aiText">e the moss, <span ss="editText">safeguarding it with utmos<span ss="undoDeletionText">t<span ss="aiText"> secre<span ss="editText">c<span ss="undoDeletionText">y<span ss="aiText"> and <span ss="editText">fierceness. Whispers even spea<span ss="undoDeletionText">k<span ss="aiText"> of assassins hired to <span ss="editText">trac<span ss="undoDeletionText">k<span ss="aiText"> down an<span ss="editText">d eliminate those who dare to pilfe<span ss="undoDeletionText">r<span ss="aiText"> their pr<span ss="editText">ize<span ss="undoDeletionText">d<span ss="aiText"> harvest."


    <span ss="aiText">"I see... <span ss="editText">so it is <span ss="userText">highly unlikely<span ss="aiText"> that someone in the human realm would be able to get their hands on Royal Blue unless they had powerful connections," Rianna stated.


    "Yes, unfortunately. If there''s any supply of it on Agon, it''s definitely being kept under wraps,"<span ss="aiText"> Raiden answered.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''s mind was a whirlwind of contemtion as she carefully proc<span ss="aiText">es<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">s<span ss="aiText">ed Raiden''s words. <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Her thoughts swirled as she absorbed the information, meticulously gathering every detail to craft a strategic course of action to confront<span ss="aiText"> the tr<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">eache<span ss="aiText">rous Revelias.


    <span ss="editText">The Queen <span ss="undoDeletionText">gazed up at Raiden <span ss="undoDeletionText">with a piercing stare and uttered, "I need your assurance that everything discussed here will remain confidential," she demanded.


    "Absolutely, my Lady. But I do hope to bepensated for the Royal Blue that brought you such enjoyment," Raiden replied with a nod.


    The Queen gazed at him with a glint in her eye, "Oh, but of course. You shall be handsomely rewarded for allowing me to savor the essence of Royal Blue."


    "Excellent. You may count on my loyalty, my Lady. You have nothing to worry about," Raiden said.


    "I''ll make sure someone from my husband''s Treasury Department will give you the money within the week," Rianna said.


    Raiden nodded eagerly, "Is there anything else your Majesty desires from her loyal servant?"


    <span ss="userText">Rianna shook her head, "Not at this moment,<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> but I will contact you if the situation changes. You''ve been a great help, Raiden."


    Raiden grins, "I might not always express it, but it''s always a delight to see you, your Majesty."


    Rianna then turns to leave. Her jaw clenched tightly in anger, her knuckles turning white as she balled her fists. How could Leandra do this to her? Memories of the countless heartbreaking miscarriages flooded Rianna''s mind, each one a painful reminder of the anguish she had endured because of Leandra''s actions.


    Leaving theboratory, she stepped out into the dimly lit hallway of the Pharmacy, her fists clenched in frustration. With determined steps, she made her way through the echoing halls until she finally reached the back door.


    As soon as she emerged from the doorway, Nelumbo and her guards were filled with panic. One of them swiftly draped their cloak over the Queen to shield her from view. Rianna was so lost in thought that she forgot to put on her cloak, which was still in Raiden''sboratory.


    "Your Highness! It would be best if you weren''t going outside without a disguise," Nelumbo scolded the Queen.


    Rianna was caught off guard by her forgetfulness, "O-Oh right. Thank you, Nelumbo."


    "It''s my job to keep you safe, my Queen. Let''s get you out of here. I don''t want anyone else to recognize you," Nelumbo whispered to Rianna.


    The air crackled with tension as the Queen swiftly made her way into the servant''s carriage, nked by eight of her loyal guards. With a resolute sp, Nelumbo shut the ornate carriage door and agilely ascended to the top, riding in "shotgun" while another vignt guard took the reins in the driver''s seat.


    The horse-drawn carriage gracefully lifted off, gliding smoothly down the cobblestone street. Nelumbo cautiously scanned the surroundings, relieved to find no indication of prying eyes. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she nced over at the vignt guards through the tiny window, whose watchful eyes remained fixed on the Queen.


    "Where to, your Majesty?" inquired the guard sitting in the driver seat.


    "Bring us back to the estate... I have an apology to make," Rianna dered as she reclined on the plush carriage seat. The guards remained silent, choosing not to inquire about the Queen''s actions.


    The horse-drawn carriage made its way through the bustling streets, finally arriving at the grand estate. The sun had not yet set, and it was a tranquil four o''clock in the afternoon. Overwhelmed by the day''s journey, she felt the urge to refresh herself before the uing dinner with her beloved son and his soon-to-be bride.

 Vol.3 Ch.219 Dinner with the Queen.

    Vol.3 Ch.219 Dinner with the Queen.


    Rya, Dalia, Tayna, and Nieren were all leisurely getting dressed, their hair still slightly damp from the rxing bath they had just enjoyed. Yuliana, on the other hand, craved a bit more solitude and tranquility, opting to linger in the warm embrace of the bathwater. Sitting at the far end of the bath, she allowed the soothing water to envelop her, embracing the calm and stillness of the moment. Tayna was assisting Nieren with fastening her bra, and she was wearing a pair of white panties. Meanwhile, Rya was brushing her hair, d in a pair of ck panties and a dark purple bra. Dalia stood bare in the quiet of her closet, her skin illuminated by a gentle light, as she sought a pair of underwear amidst the hanging clothes.


    "Alpha, do you have a spare set of underwear I can borrow? I only have one pair, and they are a little tight on me," Dalia asked the Dark Elf.


    <span ss="editText">Rya <span ss="undoDeletionText">gazes at <span ss="undoDeletionText">the wolfkin and <span ss="undoDeletionText">realizes that her body has <span ss="undoDeletionText">matured, with her figure bing more pronounced and her breasts <span ss="undoDeletionText">appearingrger thanks to her pregnancy<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"Here, try these on. They''re a bit tight on me, but they should fit you," Rya said as she strolled over to Dalia. She presented her with a perfectly coordinated set of ckce bras and underwear.


    "You''re the best, Alpha," Dalia says with a smile. She puts them on, and they fit her perfectly.


    Dalia''s bust appeared to have grownrger in the past few months. She is now filling out a full D-cup. The wolfkin slid on her panties and fastened on her bra that lifted and pressed her breasts together.


    "Wow, those are perfect for you," Ryaplimented the wolfkin.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia''s face turned red, and she smiled happily. "Y-Yeah... But I feel like my bnce is off. I don''t know how I can fight with these things. I''m used to my old ones. Plus, the extra weight is going to throw me off when I want to use my brawler moves<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. I need to be able to move quickly," Daliained about her big breasts.


    "Well, maybe they''ll go back to a normal size after you give birth. It happens to humans, so maybe it''s the same for demi-humans," Rya replied while tapping her chin.


    <span ss="editText">"Yeah... But if my breasts stay this big, I don''t think I''d be able to fight," Dalia said sadly.


    <span ss="editText">"You''re worried about them bouncing around? I can understand that... But I know a solution<span ss="aiText">," Rya said with a wink.


    <span ss="aiText">"Really?! What is it?" Dalia asks excitedly.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Sports bras... <span ss="userText">But I need to find someone who can make them... I''ll ask Quin about finding a tailor who can make them. Maybe a leatherworker could make them if <span ss="editText">nylon hasn''t been<span ss="aiText"> in<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">vent<span ss="aiText">ed yet," Rya <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">pondered<span ss="aiText">.


    "Sports... Bra?... What''s a sports?..." Dalia tilts her head.


    "Huh? Well, sports are a game of physicalpetition. Sorta like your battle arena days, but from where I was from. They were way less lethal," Rya tried exining.


    "I see," Dalia replied with a bit of confusion.<span ss="editText"> She was beginning to understand<span ss="aiText"> the meaning, but the concept <span ss="editText">of a non-lethal<span ss="aiText"> form ofbat seemed ridiculous to her.<span ss="editText"> What was the point of<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> fighting if not to kill?


    "Like there were races to see who can run the fastest or jump over hurdles around the track. There are also team games, and the best example would be a sport called ser, or as they call it in their country, Football. And the goal in ser is to use your feet to kick a ball into the opposing team''s," Rya exined.


    <span ss="editText">Dalia never thought of a professionalpetition that didn''t involve killing your opponent, <span ss="userText">and the idea ofpeting<span ss="aiText"> purely for fun was a foreign concept to her. "So, you didn''t kill them when they lose?" Dalia asked curiously.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">What? OH!? No, no, no... You don''t kill anyone in the sports games that<span ss="aiText"> I know of. And the winners and losers are not life and death either. They''re just to determine the best in a specific sport," Rya said, realizing that she had to be careful with her wording.


    It was at that moment that a light clicked inside Dalia''s mind. This wasn''t a fight to the death but rather a friendlypetition. "So, it''s like when we spar together, and we aim only to beat the other without trying to kill them?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Absolutely! That''s spot on. And then there are other nonbat sports<span ss="aiText"> where you <span ss="editText">earn<span ss="aiText"> points by <span ss="editText">shoo<span ss="aiText">ting an object in<span ss="editText">to<span ss="aiText"> a hoop or a <span ss="editText">before time runs out," Rya exime<span ss="aiText">d with a <span ss="editText">wide <span ss="aiText">smile.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia''s eyes lit up, and her tail began to wag furiously. "That sounds like so much fun!"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">It is... And that''s where sports brase into y for us. S<span ss="aiText">ports bras are <span ss="editText">created to minimize chest movement, providingfort during high-impact activities like<span ss="aiText"> jumping and running," Rya <span ss="editText">affirmed with a nod.


    <span ss="userText">"<span ss="editText">You''ve caught my interest in these non-lethal games, Alpha... I want you to teach<span ss="aiText"> me about this game," Dalia asked respectfully.


    <span ss="aiText">"You got it<span ss="editText">... And maybe these games can be popr enough to rece the battle arenas<span ss="aiText">. It''ll be safer for everyone," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Dalia looked <span ss="editText">excited at the prospect of<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> being able to y this sport that didn''t involve the shedding of blood.


    Dalia smiles, "I would love that."


    Rya gave a nod before turning her attention to Nieren and Tayna. She noticed that they had finished getting dressed. Nieren was wearing a striking red tunic, a ck long-sleeve shirt, dark brown pants, and a pair of knee-high ck leather boots.


    Tayna looked stunning in an elegant, floor-length white dress. The dress featured a stylish V-cut neckline and a tasteful slit on the right side, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.


    "I don''t know why we didn''t request a maid to help dress us," Taynained.


    "And lose this bonding moment, Tayna? Come on, it''s more fun dressing each other. And besides, I feel like we won''t be able to have many of these moments together. So why not enjoy it?" Rya asked.


    Tayna was tempted to argue that it was beneath her, but deep down, she couldn''t deny how enjoyable it was to dress up her friends.


    "You make a good point, my Lady," Tayna answered reluctantly.


    Rya smirks, "Now, let''s find a dress for me and Dalia."


    Rya entered the wardrobe and pulled out a ck silk dress and a pair of ck shoes.


    ''God damn... These heels should be painful to wear, but they don''t. Freaking fantasy worlds, I guess... I still can''t believe how much I enjoy wearing these.''


    "Hey, Dalia? Can you give me a hand with this dress? I can''t tie the back," Rya asks.


    "Of course, Alpha," Dalia replied.


    The wolfkin skillfully helps Rya into the stunning ck dress, and she looks absolutely gorgeous. The dress features a captivating V-cut neckline that gracefully plunges down the center, showing off her cleavage. The short sleeves elegantly showcase her arms, while the hemline cascades all the way down to her ankles. Paired with a sleek set of ck heels, she is radiant.


    "Here. You should wear this fur shawl. It''ll give you an elegant look," Tayna said, handing the white fur shawl to Rya.


    "Thank you, Tayna. And thank you, Dalia," Rya said with a smile.


    "Anything for you, my Alpha," Dalia smiled back.


    "Yes, my Lady," Tayna adds.


    ''Man... It feels like a lifetime ago when I resisted wearing this stuff... But now, I really don''t mind... And I love the feeling of being pampered... It''s so satisfying... I just hope I don''t get spoiled,'' Rya thought while looking at herself in a mirror.


    "Dalia, you''re thest one that needs to get dressed up. Come here," Rya said as she finished the final touches to her outfit.


    Dalia nodded and went into the wardrobe next to Rya. After a quick search, she pulled out a vibrant yellow dress with a flowing fabric and a short, flirtatious skirt.


    "I''m not too familiar with human clothing, but... I think this should work," Dalia said, pulling the dress out and showing it to Rya.


    ''Huh... She''s finally starting to enjoy wearing clothing... Way to go, Dalia. I should reward her in some way. But I''ll do that in the future.''


    "Hmm... That should be perfect," Rya answered, giving her approval.


    After some time, all the women finished putting on their dinner attire before greeting the Queen. Ten minutester, they are all dressed and make their way to the dining room.


    ***


    The dining room was draped in a hushed silence, broken only by the rhythmic clinking of cutlery against porcin. The meal consisted of a humble serving of savory chicken soup apanied by crusty bread and a ss of rich, velvety wine.


    Rya was seated between Quinus and Nieren, with Quinus positioned next to his mother. Percy and Dalia were seated across from Quinus. Tayna and Johan were seated on the same side of the table as the wolfkin and her mate. General Dous was also there, seated at the end of the table.


    Rianna looked stunning in her elegant evening gown. Her rich, deep green dress caught everyone''s eye, and the bodice beautifully entuated her figure.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">Quinus didn''t know what to do. Rya told him about what happened during the tea party. He couldn''t believe that his mother was poisoned by something. He was relieved that Rya was able to heal her. But his mother thought the Dark Elf was trying to embarrass her by making her cum. But in reality, Rya expelled the poison from her body, which made her have an orgasm.


    "My Queen, you seem to be in a good mood," General Dous said, breaking the silence.


    "Why yes, I had a lovely conversation with the Baroness Ysandra Fairchild a few days ago. It seems like she''s bing a grandmother soon," Rianna said.


    Rya hesitated, unsure whether to speak up, but she feltpelled to at least give it a shot withouting across as too eager.


    "That''s wonderful news. When is she expecting?" Rya asked, not knowing if she was interrupting the queen or not.


    "In a few months. Her daughter-inw is about four months pregnant. But it''s been a secret," Rianna replied calmly.


    Rya was taken aback by the unexpected shift in the Queen''s attitude. It was almost as if their disagreement from earlier had never urred.


    ''Is this because I saved her from being poisoned? Maybe after a few hours, she has realized that I wasn''t ying a trick on her?'' Rya ponders.


    "That is wonderful news, Your Majesty," Tayna said with a smile.


    "Indeed, it is... Which one of her sons is the father?" Johan asked.


    "Well... She didn''t specify, but I have an inkling that it''s her second son, Lord Jared," Rianna replied.


    "Lord Jared Fairchild? I thought he was busy running the academy... I guess he had more time than I thought," Johan said out loud.


    "I see... I hope her daughter-inw''s pregnancy is a smooth one," Yuliana added while sipping her wine.


    Rianna smiled and looked at Rya, who was a little nervous but kept herposure.


    "Yes... And I hope to be a grandmother someday, too," Rianna said, staring at her son''s fiancee.


    Rya''s cheeks blushed red as she stared back at the queen.


    "Y-Yes, my Queen," Rya stammered.


    Quinus sped Rya''s hand in his own and shed a warm smile at his mother.


    "Lady Rya is doing her part, mother," Quinus stated.


    Rya felt her heart rate spike with embarrassment as her fiance revealed their intimate rtionship in front of his mother. While Rya was open about their rtionship with others, she hadn''t anticipated her fiance sharing such personal details in such a public setting.


    Rya couldn''t help but feel torn as she shifted her gaze back and forth between her beloved and the queen. She noticed a subtle smirk forming on Rianna''s face, which left her utterly perplexed. Instead of anger, there was a hint of amusement in Rianna''s expression, adding to Rya''s confusion.


    "Indeed... Lady Rya is doing her part as a fiancee. But remember... She needs to win the court and the people if she is going to be the next Queen," Rianna reminded her son.


    "I''m sure she''ll do fine," Quinus replied.


    "We shall see," Rianna replied with a smile as she savored her meal. "And when I say this, Lady Rya, I truly mean it... I long to be a grandmother. I cannot bear the thought of our family lineage ending with Quinus. You might have to make certain concessions in the future, but I believe it will be worth it," Rianna exined earnestly.


    "Yes, my Queen. I understand," Rya replied.


    Rianna and the others ate their meals in rtive silence, with only the sounds of the clinking cutlery and asional chatter breaking it.


    General Dous finished his meal first, followed by Dalia, then Johan, Quinus, Percy, Nieren, and Yuliana. Rianna took her time finishing her meal, and Tayna and Rya finishedst.


    "Well... This has been a lovely dinner," Rianna said, breaking the silence.


    "It has, your Majesty," Rya said politely.


    "Indeed, Lady Rya, it''s a delight to have you join us for dinner tonight. And Lord Johan Dule, your presence is truly appreciated. It''s clear that with your support, my son has a strong ally in the court, and that is something we warmly wee," Rianna expressed with genuine gratitude.


    Johan shed a bright smile and nodded enthusiastically in agreement.


    "Yes, your Majesty. Thank you," Johan replied.


    "If I may. I would like to ask one more favor from you and the general," Rianna asked.


    "Ask away, my Queen," Dous replied.


    "Please escort my son and Lady Rya to the capital within the hour... The King is on his way to Lomar, and there''s no way to keep the eyes of the lower court from finding out about Lady Rya. We must keep her out of the public''s eye for as long as possible. Plus, with all the attention drawn here, it should make it easier to get into the pce," Rianna exins.


    "So, her Majesty wishes to use me as cover for the Prince and his fiancee? And she wants me to escort her into the capital city without causing any unwanted attention?" Johan summarized.


    "Yes, I know it''s an inconvenience. But it is a royal order, Lord Johan," Rianna states.


    Johan looked at his wife, and she smirked and then nodded to him. Johan turned back to the Queen.


    "It''s no inconvenience at all, Your Majesty. My wife and I will be honored to help out," Johan said.


    "Thank you, Lord Johan. General Dous. The King will be taking the main road here. And is halfway through his travels. Also, make sure to take a detour before arriving in the capital city. We don''t need the Duke''s people seeing your arrival at the pce," Rianna exins.


    "Yes, my Queen. I''ll make sure that Lady Rya gets to the capital safely," Dous said as he stood up from his chair.


    "And we''ll be there too, Your Majesty," Percy chimed in.


    "Oh yes, and Miss Gretchen will be joining you. She will inform the staff at the pce about Lady Rya''s race. They will treat her right and help her fit in," Rianna said.


    "Understood," Johan and Dous said in unison.


    It felt weird how everyone was nning Rya''s life for her. While she felt an obligation to lend a hand, she couldn''t shake the feeling that it might be easier to just go along with their decisions.


    Quinus smiled at his mother, "You''re the best, mother."


    "Of course, my Queen," Rya expressed her gratitude.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus and Rya''s admiring gazes towards Rianna filled her heart with joy, yet she concealed her emotions because that is what a<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> queen must do.


    "You''re wee. Now hurry and pack your belongings. And don''t forget to wear a disguise when leaving the estate," Rianna reminded them.


    "Yes, my Queen," they all answered.


    The dining room quickly emptied as everyone departed to make their preparations, leaving only Quinus and his mother behind.


    "Are you okay, mother?" Quinus asked.


    "I''m fine, Quinus. Why do you ask?" Rianna asks.


    "Well, you are being nice to Lady Rya... And I was worried that you wouldn''t get along," Quinus exins.


    Riannaughed, "Quinus, we are royalty. It''s not our job to get along with everyone. Our job is to lead and guide our people... But I think I''m starting to understand why you are so fond of her... But remember, I need a grandchild from someone. If it''s her, then that''s fine. But if she can''t, then you will have to take a mistress, or I''ll arrange a marriage for you. The royal line must continue," Rianna stated.


    Quinus sighed and nodded, "Yes, Mother... I understand. But I will do everything in my power to only have her as my wife," Quinus stated.


    Queen Rianna smiles and nods, "Very well, Quinus. You have my permission. But know that if she doesn''t give you a child by the time you are king. I will do as I said," Rianna warned.


    "Thank you, Mother," Quinus thanked her.


    "You are wee, my son," Rianna said, hugging her son.


    As Quinus leaves the room, a sense of excitement fills the air. He has a trip to prepare for and eagerly sets off to get ready for the adventure that lies ahead.


    Rianna''s face lit up with a smile as she watched her son walk away, a sense of contentment settling in her heart. However, the feeling of joy at seeing him finally finding his ce in the world was overshadowed by the impending turmoil that would soon unfold with the revtion of a dark elf''s presence.


    Rianna diligently prepared for any obstacles that might threaten her family. She was determined to ensure that those who opposed her would face the consequences.


    ***


    In less than an hour, Quinus, Rya, and the rest of the Entourage traveled with them. They all were on a carriage heading towards the Fiafyr''s Capital City of Tairal.


    The regal Queen stood stoically, observing their departure.


    "Good luck, my son. I will be home in a few days," Queen Rianna whispers as the carriage bearing House Dule''s coat of arms is escorted by the General''s Royal Knights, beginning its departure from the estate.


    As they passed through, the royal guards stationed at the gates respectfully inclined their heads in a show of deference.


    Queen Rianna''s face lit up with a warm smile as she observed her son''s entourage departing from the estate and making their way toward the main road.

 Vol.3 Ch.220 I Might Forgive You

    Vol.3 Ch.220 I Might Forgive You


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the city, the first sliver of the twin moons began to appear in the darkening sky. The resonant st of horns filled the air, signaling the long-awaited arrival of the King at the Eastern gate of Lomar. A palpable excitement rippled through the crowd as the King mounted on a majestic steed, made his regal entrance into the city. His subjects erupted into cheers and apuse, their voices blending with the sounds of music and revelry that filled the air. Amidst the jubnt throng, Cyndre maintained aposed countenance, acknowledging the crowd with intermittent waves and smiles. However, his thoughts were consumed by the anticipation of reuniting with his beloved wife and, above all, his precious son.


    As the king''s convoy rolled through the grand gates of the Royal Estate, the polished armor of the royal guard glistened in the nightlights as he stood at attention, announcing the esteemed arrival with a booming voice that echoed through the majestic courtyard.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness King Cyndre Meredydd," a voice announces as the King walks into the foyer of the estate.


    In the grand foyer, everyone bowed in deference. Cyndre''s gaze swept across the opulent surroundings, but there was no sign of his beloved wife or son. Frowning, he pivoted and locked eyes with the royal chambein.


    "Chambein, have you seen my wife and son?" Cyndre demanded.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"The Queen is in her room, your Majesty," the Chambein answered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And the Prince?" Cyndre asked.


    "I can''t say, your Majesty... All I was told was that herdyship said she would tell you," the chambein stated.


    Cyndre furrowed his brow. "Is that right?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice. "I''ll go check on my wife. Please see to it that my room is ready for me within the hour. I''m feeling a bit worn out," Cyndre requested.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, your Majesty. I''ll inform the butler," the chambein said before going off.


    Cyndre and Rianna had always shared the same bed as a symbol of their closeness, but due to Cyndre''s poor decisions involving his older brother, his once-loving rtionship with his wife became strained. Despite the distance between them, his love for her remained, and he was determined to repair their rtionship.


    <span ss="editText">"Well, time to face the music," Cyndre muttered to himself. He felt a lump form<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> in his throat and swallowed hard. "Here goes nothing."


    <span style="font-weight:400">Then, the King made his way towards his and his wife''s chambers.


    Upon his arrival, he rapped on the door, and a servant promptly appeared to answer it.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Your Majesty," the maid greeted him with a bow.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Huh? Where''s Gretchen?... N-Nevermind that,'' the king thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"May I enter?" He asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maid turned to inform the Queen.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, he may enter," the Queen''s voice called out.


    The door creaked open as the maid stepped aside, allowing Cyndre to enter his bedroom. As he nced around the room, his eyes fell upon his wife seated in front of her ornate vanity. Her delicate nightgown draped around her, and she was gently running ab through her flowing hair while avoiding her husband''s gaze through the reflection of the mirror.


    "Hello, my Queen," Cyndre greeted her with reverence.


    Rianna let out a sigh. "What is it, Cyndre? You know I usually like to sleep around this time," she exined. As she nced in the mirror, she noticed her husband standing near the doorway. For some reason, he appeared especially dashing tonight. She brushed off the thought and tried to maintain her annoyed demeanor.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Sorry, my dear. But I couldn''t help myself. I missed you and the boy," Cyndre stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna raised her eyebrow at him before looking at the maid standing by the door.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Miss Edith, could you leave us alone?" Rianna asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">The maid bowed, "Of course, my Queen," Miss Edith left the room.


    As the maid departed and closed the door behind her, the King turned his gaze towards his wife. She was still engrossed in her reflection, delicatelybing through her luscious, jet-ck locks of hair.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Is something the matter, my Queen? You look troubled," the King asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Did you forget that our son has a dark elf with whom he''s in love with?" The Queen stated with a hint of annoyance.


    King Cyndre sighed, "No, I didn''t forget," he answered, "But I trust in your judgment, and if she was a threat, you would have dealt with her," Cyndre stated.


    <span ss="editText">Rianna felt a surge of excitement as her heart started to flutter when she caught a glimpse of her husband''s reflection in the mirror. The longer she looked at him<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, the more her excitement grew.


    "Y-Yes, I would have done what needed to be done," she said as the itch in her loins returned with a vengeance and got worse. All she could do to distract herself was quickly pick up the pace ofbing her hair. She purposefully tried to avoid gazing at her husband, but her body had other ns.


    <span ss="editText">Cyndre thought she was still mad at him when she started acting<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a little up tight, <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry... I feel like I messed something up again. But I don''t know what," he said as he looked at the floor in defeat.


    "You did, but it was a good distraction for allowing Quinus and Rya to sneak into the pce without anyone noticing," Rianna said with a hint of amusement in her voice.


    As Cyndre nced up, he caught his wife''s gaze in the reflection of the mirror. Their eyes met, and a fleeting blush colored Rianna''s cheeks before she averted her gaze.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rya? That''s the name of the dark elf, isn''t it... Well, if you are saying her name so easily. Does that mean you have epted her as part of the family?" Cyndre asked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna chuckled a bit, "Yes, and no... She is an interesting one. She needs to win over the court and the people if she wants to be the next queen," she stated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre sighs, "If you think that is best, then I will not interfere. Were you able to find out if she is a healer? Like Quinus said she was," he asked.


    Rianna''s body stiffened up as memories of her womanhood being healed by Rya made her fantasize about her husband. She couldn''t believe how she sumbed to lust so easily. It was unbing of a Queen.


    "Um... N-No, not yet... I didn''t have enough time to test her," Rianna lied out of embarrassment.


    "Alright, then. Well, I will let you rest," Cyndre said softly, turning around and heading toward the door.


    As he made his way to the door, he paused when he caught the sound of his wife''s voice.


    "C-Cyndre?" she stuttered out as her eyes stared at his fine behind.


    "Yes, my Queen." Cyndre turns his head to see his wife sitting there, blushing.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-You missed a spot... O-On my back, I mean," Rianna states.


    "W-What?" Cyndre responded in confusion.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna blushed harder, "C-Can you p-please check my back," she asked.


    Cyndre had never seen his wife so hesitant since the first time they were intimate. He approached his wife and positioned himself behind her, gazing at the nape of her neck.


    "Y-Your hands would feel nice right now, and my back is sore from all this stress... T-That mostly is your fault! Y-Yes, it''s your fault. B-But... C-Can you-G-Guh," the queen couldn''t bring herself to say the words she wanted to say.


    Rianna was feeling hot and wet between her legs as she felt her husband''s presence behind her. She could almost imagine his hands caressing her body and the things he would do to her.<span ss="editText"> It made her bosoms ache for attention, which only her husband''s touch<span ss="aiText"> could relieve.


    <span ss="aiText">The king felt her tension, and it confused him. ''What happened to her?'' he thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you sure you''re alright, Rianna? I cane back another time," he said, trying to give her an out.


    <span ss="userText">"NO! I mean... I request that<span ss="aiText"> you help me," the Queen said<span ss="editText"> in her<span ss="aiText"> most authoritative tone, though her voice quivered slightly.


    <span ss="editText">''Well, I better do what I''m told.''


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Cyndre''s hands reached up, and he ced them on his wife''s shoulders, giving them a firm yet gentle squeeze.<span ss="editText"> Rianna felt<span ss="aiText"> a small tingle run down her spine, and a faint moan escaped her lips.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-Is this helping?" Cyndre asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes!" his wife responded, almost in a hiss.


    <span ss="userText">She didn''t know how much she missed his touch, and it made her nipples<span ss="aiText"> harden and her loins to get wet.


    Cyndre could sense her body tense up under his touch, and he couldn''t help but wonder if he was causing her pain.


    <span ss="aiText">"Should I continue or stop? I don''t want to hurt you, Ria<span ss="editText">nna<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">," the King asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna didn''t want him to stop, and the thought of his hands roaming all over her body made her even more aroused.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please... Continue," the Queen pleaded.


    <span ss="aiText">Cyndre slowly continued massaging her shoulders. He felt her tense up under his touch, but her moans piqued his curiosity.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-Is it alright if I massage your lower back?" He asked.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna nodded, a slight blush spreading across her cheeks.


    <span ss="aiText">"Please," she whispered, her voice full of desire.


    <span ss="aiText">Cyndre''s hands drifted down and began massaging her lower back. Rianna arched her back and moaned as she felt his hands on her soft skin.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmm... Yes, that feels amazing," she murmured.


    <span ss="userText">"Is there anything else<span ss="aiText"> you need me to do?" Cyndre asked as he felt his own arousal growing.


    "<span ss="editText">K-Kiss my shoulder!" Rianna asked in a shaky tone as her bosoms ached. She needed her husband''s attention, but she couldn''t allow him to be rewarded until he<span ss="userText"> righted all the wrongs<span ss="aiText"> he had done.


    <span ss="editText">''Kiss her shoulder?'' the king thought,<span ss="editText">puzzled by his wife''s behavior, but<span ss="aiText"> he wouldn''t deny her request.


    <span ss="editText">"I-I haven''t forgiven you! B-But I w-wish t-to��" Rianna tried to warn him, but she was interrupted when Cyndre''s lips met her neck<span ss="aiText">. She moaned softly and closed her eyes, losing herself in the pleasure.


    <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">Oh, god<span ss="editText">des<span ss="aiText">s, that feels good,<span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText"> she <span ss="editText">thought as she arched her back more, causing the material of<span ss="aiText"> her nightgown to tighten against her hardened nipples.


    <span ss="editText">"My Queen," Cyndre moaned as he grabbed hold of his wife and placed <span ss="editText">another kiss on her shoulder<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">When Rianna felt her husband''s lips on her skin, shivers ran up her spine. She bit her lip to keep her voice in check. She knew she needed to stop<span ss="aiText">, but the sensations her husband was making her feel were too good to ignore.


    <span ss="aiText">"C-Cyndre," she moaned as she felt his hands roaming her body.


    <span ss="aiText">Cyndre heard her moan his name and pulled her close to him.<span ss="userText"> She could feel his lips trail up to her neck, then the other side of her neck, and finally, he came close to her right ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, my Queen?" Cyndre breathed.


    <span ss="editText">Rianna didn''t answer because she feared saying something<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> foolish. However, her husband''s breath against her ear, along with the feel of his hands on her body, made her shiver with delight.


    <span ss="editText">''W-Why did I let him kiss my neck?!'' She thought, as her face waspletely red.


    Cyndre enjoyed teasing his wife. He didn''t understand why, but she was more sensitive to his touch. It''s been years since he was able to touch his wife. He missed it, and he could smell her intoxicating scent, and the feel of her skin made his cock hard.He wanted to ravage her.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmh," Rianna moaned a bit, trying to contain her excitement<span ss="aiText">.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre pulled back from kissing his wife''s neck, ced his lips to her ear, and whispered, "Is there something wrong, my dear," he asked, his hot breath sending more shivers down her spine, making her nipples erect and rubbing against her nightgown until the fabric tented outward.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"N-No... I''m just..." Rianna paused and looked down at her own erect nipples. She had never seen them stick out like this, not even when she and Cyndre were intimate.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''T-They''re so big! M-Must be from all the milk I gave Quinus when he was a baby,'' the Queen thought.


    <span ss="editText">Cyndra saw out of the corner of his eye that his wife''s bosoms were sticking out more than<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> normal, and he had to resist the urge to grab and squeeze them. He wanted to y with her nipples and make her squeal.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Has her chest gotten bigger?...'' He wondered.


    <span ss="editText">''T-They are so hard... W-Why?!'' The queen thought as she saw<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the outlines of her nipples sticking out of her nightgown.


    Cyndre <span ss="editText">moved <span ss="editText">his h<span ss="editText">ands to his wife''s <span ss="editText">sides and slowly moved them up. Rianna would have stopped him, but when she felt her husband<span ss="editText">''s <span ss="editText">hands moving over her body and slowly headed toward her chest, she couldn''t resist as her heart was pounding, and her breathing was heavy. She was afraid to move<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> or speak, as she didn''t want to break the mood.


    "Hmmm?..." Cyndre hummed as he gazed at his wife''s chest, his hands slowly making their way to her breasts.


    ''W-What is happening to me!?'' She thought. Her heart was racing, her breathing wasbored, and she could feel her juices running down her thighs. She''s never been this turned on since the months before she found out that she was pregnant with Quinus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ah~!" Rianna gasped as she felt Cyndre''s hands move over her bosoms. She felt his thumbs rubbing over her hardened nipples. She covered her mouth with her hands to suppress her moans. Seeing her reaction, Cyndre started ying with her nipples a bit more.


    <span ss="userText">"Aah~!" The queen let out another gasp of pleasure as she arched her back<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, pressing her breasts into his hands.


    <span ss="editText">"I-It''s b-been years s-since you touched me like t-this, Cyndre... I-I forgot w-what it felt like," Rianna moaned as she closed her eyes and let her husband continue his <span ss="editText">husbandly<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> duties.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I know... And I will do everything in my power to make it up to you, my love," Cyndre whispered in his wife''s ear, causing her to gasp again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre then moved his hands down to her sides and pulled her closer to him. He continued kissing and sucking on her neck and gently bit her ear lobe.


    <span ss="editText">''T-This is the only reason I let him back into the room... T-To massage me... Yeah! That''s it! H-He''s not out of the dog house yet,'' Rianna<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> told herself as she felt her husband''s breath against her neck.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rianna couldn''t take it anymore and leaned back, pressing her body into Cyndre''s. Her bosoms squished against his hands, causing her nipples to get even harder.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How do you intend to m-make it up to me, Cyndre," Rianna asked, her voice a bit shaky as she was losing control of her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Let me show you," Cyndre said as he slowly undid the strings holding his wife''s nightgown together.


    <span style="font-weight:400">He then pulled down the straps, exposing her shoulders. He started to kiss her bare skin while he continued to pull her nightgown down. Her skin started forming goosebumps.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Aah~," Rianna moaned.


    Her nipples were now visible. And Cyndre couldn''t help himself. He moved his hands up to her breasts and began ying with them again. He gently pinched and tugged at her nipples and rubbed his thumb over them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"O-Ohh, Cyndre," Rianna gasped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my love?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I need more," she whimpered like a child wanting candy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre chuckled, "Patience, my love, we have all the time in the world," he whispered into her ear. Causing her clitoris to twitch.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''T-This is a trap. He''s doing this to make me forgive him,'' Rianna thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre moves his left hand down her side and grabs hold of her butt.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aah!" Rianna yelped.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm, I''ve always loved this ass," Cyndre said as he massaged her ass cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-You don''t think it''s too big?" She asked, worried that her butt had gotten bigger after having her son.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Not at all... You''re perfect... And I''m blessed to have you in my life... I fear that I don''t deserve you," he whispered as he kissed her earlobe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna''s legs began shaking. And she could feel her pussy getting wetter.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''T-This is bad... W-Why am I feeling so good?'' She thought.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"T-That''s not true, I''m the one who doesn''t deserve you," she argued. She didn''t realize what she just said.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmm, but you''ve always been by my side through all these years," Cyndre said as he gently squeezed her other ass cheek.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hnng! Aah~"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You are a good mother and an excellent wife... I don''t deserve your forgiveness, but I will earn it," he said as he continued to fondle her ass.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna grabbed his hands and brought them up to her breasts.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-If you want my f-forgiveness, y-you must work f-for it," she moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre smiled. "As you wish," he said as he grabbed hold of her breasts and began to massage them.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hnnngh!" Rianna moaned.


    She could feel Cyndre''s warm breath on her neck as he leaned in to ce gentle kisses along her skin. His lips left a trail of soft, lingering caresses as they moved from her neck down to her shoulder, leaving her with a tender and intimate sensation.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Y-You don''t think my breasts are too big?" She asked.


    Cyndre couldn''t help but smile at the sight of his wife being utterly adorable.


    <span ss="userText">"Absolutely not. I''ve always loved them... You have no idea how much I missed massaging them. I feel honored to enjoy them once more... Hopefully for all night long," he<span ss="aiText"> whispered into her ear as he squeezed her breasts.


    <span ss="aiText">"T-They''re probably too saggy now<span ss="userText">��AUNGH!?"


    <span ss="userText">Cyndre slowly lifted her left tit up and moved his lips closer<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to her nipple. He stuck his tongue out and lightly licked her nipple.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"HNGH! O-OHH, C-CYNDRE!" Rianna yelled, arching her back.


    The Queen moaned loudly as she felt Cyndre''s tongue circling around her nipple.


    <span ss="userText">''H-He''s such a weird man! Aunh! All thedies of the court whisper about how men prefer skinny women. Yet this man loves my big bosoms and butt!'' Rianna thought as she was worried that there might be something wrong with her<span ss="aiText"> husband.


    "<span ss="editText">W-Why do you l-love my breasts?" Rianna asked as she held her husband''s head and pushed him harder <span ss="editText">onto her <span ss="editText">chest. She needed to know why he<span ss="aiText"> loved her body.


    <span ss="aiText">Cyndre took his mouth off her breast. "Because they''re yours," he replied as he started to suck on her right nipple.


    <span ss="editText">Rianna''s stoic<span ss="aiText"> expression quickly turned into one of pleasure.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nnngh... Oohhhh," Rianna groaned as she closed her eyes and began to enjoy the sensation of her husband sucking on her breast.


    <span ss="editText">"Because they''re beautiful," he added as he kissed and sucked on her left breast.


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Aah~," she moaned as she threw her head back<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Cyndre could feel his wife''s body getting warmer. She was definitely aroused.


    "I also love your ass... Your body is amazing, but all of these physical features are nothingpared to the kind heart you have, Rianna. Or the wisdom you have shown over the years," he said as he kissed and sucked her other breast. The resolve she had to confine him to the dog house was crumbling, and her husband was keenly aware of it.


    "Haa~," she gasped as her husband''s words caused her to lose herself in the moment.<span ss="editText"> The more he talked, the more aroused she felt. She never felt this turned on in her entire life. Her legs opened wide as she sat on her chair. Her juices were dripping down her thighs, making a puddle under her ass. Her body was telling her that this was a once-in-a-while<span ss="aiText"> urrence, and she needed to seize it.


    <span ss="aiText">"You are the most beautiful woman I have everid my eyes on," Cyndre murmured as he continued to suck on her breasts.


    "C-Cyndre... M-More," Rianna demanded as she opened her legs as wide as she could and leaned back, giving him better ess to her pussy.


    <span ss="aiText">''I-I don''t care about the dog house anymore... I want my husband! I need him!<span ss="editText"> A-And once this is over, he''ll be put back i<span ss="aiText">n there<span ss="aiText">for sure,'' the Queen thought, but she was too aroused to even think about punishing her husband.<span ss="editText"> She could feel the heat between her legs, and her fingers wouldn''t be enough.


    <span ss="aiText">Cyndre was a bit shocked by her sudden change of attitude, but he wasn''tining.<span ss="userText"> So, the king didn''t hesitate. He moved his right hand down her stomach underneath the fabric of her nightgown so that he could rub her clit.


    <span ss="userText">"Aaah!<span ss="aiText"> Yes, right there," she gasped.


    <span ss="aiText">He felt his cock grow harder when he saw his wife''s eyes rolling back in pleasure.


    "<span ss="editText">You''re so wet, my love," he said as he inserted a finger inside her pussy.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I know... T-That''s because of you! It''s your fault that I''m this wet," she wined as she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face into his shoulder.


    ''T-This man is making me act like a horny teenager! A-All this talk about my bosoms and how much he loves me, it''s too much. I-I can''t control myself! W-Why is my body reacting like this?...'' As Rianna pondered, she couldn''t help but wonder why she had never experienced such profound emotions throughout her entire life.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Cyndre grinned a little bit at her remark and continued to finger her. He moved his mouth up to her ear and nibbled on her ear lobe.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''ve missed you so much, Cyndre," she cried as tears rolled down her cheeks.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"And I''ve missed you, my love," he said as he inserted another finger into her pussy, and slowly started pumping his fingers in and out of her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aaah! T-The itch is back! Aunh!? I-It''s deeper than before! D-DO SOMETHING!?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna wrapped her arms around her husband''s neck and started grinding her pussy on his hand.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... That''s it... Let me give you the relief you desire, my love," he said as he started speeding up the movement of his fingers.


    Rianna was enjoying herself, but the itchiness was just out of reach of Cyndre''s fingers. She wanted more. She needed more.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aahn~ C-Cyndre... Please... M-More," she moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Shh," he said as he kissed her neck.


    "GAH! CYNDRE!?! IF YOU EVER WANT ME TO FORGIVE YOU EVER AGAIN, THEN YOU WILL PUT YOUR COCK IN ME RIGHT NOW!... Huh? I-I didn''t mean to say��ACK! CYNDRE!?" Rianna shouts as her husband lifts her, brings her to the bed, andys her on her back.


    "As my queenmands," he said as he ripped open his robe and pants and pulled out his massive 13-inch cock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna''s eyes went wide as she saw the massive shaft that was in her husband''s hands. She was already drenched in her own juices, but she couldn''t help herself.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''I-It wasn''t supposed to go this far. H-He''s just doing this to win me over. Maybe if he treats me right, then I might��N-No! H-He''s just a stupid, horny male. I can''t forgive him that easily... But his cock is so big... I forgot how big it was...'' Rianna thought as she eyed the massive rod.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re so sexy when you''re angry," Cyndre smirked.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna wanted to be mad at him, but she couldn''t. His words were too sweet.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I don''t care! Just give me your dick already!" she demanded as she spread her legs wide.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre''s eyes widened, and he licked his lips. He wasted no time and crawled on top of his wife and positioned himself in between her legs.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"As youmand, my Queen," he said as he slowly inserted his dick into her. Once the tip of his cock rubbed against her pussy lips, her body began to shake.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAH~," she moaned loudly as he slowly pushed his entire cock inside her. His cock was poking the itchiness in her womb.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh, goddess! Y-You��re so thick! Aahn~," she moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre didn''t answer her, and he just kept pumping his dick in and out of her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Y-Yes! He''s doing it! Aaahn! His dick is rubbing the itchiness away!'' Rianna thought as her eyes rolled back.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"M-More!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haa~ Yes, my Queen," he says, as his balls pped against her ass.


    After years of anticipation, Cyndra finally has the opportunity to make amends with his wife. He wasn''t going to let this chance slip away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes... Yes! More, Cyndre! Give me more!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna had tears streaming down her cheeks, and her moans were echoing through the bedroom. Her breasts bounced up and down, and her ass jiggled each time he pumped his dick into her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''Aaah... T-This is exactly what I''ve been missing... I-I can''t believe I''ve been without this for so long... I should have let Cyndre fuck me every night instead of just banishing him,'' Rianna thought as the pleasure consumed her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh yes! Oh yes! Keep going!" she cried as she wrapped her legs around her husband''s waist and pulled him closer. She could feel her husband''s cock reaching deeper into her womb as the itch was getting battered away.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Oh yes! This is what I''ve been missing!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">She couldn''t deny that this was what she wanted. She had been missing the sexual pleasure that she got from her husband''s cock. And it was all thanks to Rya''s healing magic.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"F-Fuck!" she cried.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"You''re so fucking sexy, my love," he said as his balls pped against her ass.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Deeper! Put it in deeper, CYNDRE! OH GODDESS! MY CLIT IS ITCHING SO BADLY!" she shouted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Cyndre was enjoying himself and was d that his wife was finally letting him make love to her again. He thought she finally started forgiving him due to the sessful return of their son. He was going to thank himter, but first, he wanted to make his wife cum.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m about to cum, Rianna! HNNG! Your pussy is milking my dick so well," he says, as his balls tightened, and he felt his orgasm building up.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Don''t say such vulgar things, Cyndre! I-I can''t take it any longer," she said, as her pussy walls clenched around his dick.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"But it''s true! Your pussy is amazing! It''s been a year since I''ve been able to have sex with you. Aann~ and I''m gonna cum!" he moaned.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Cum? Y-You''re going to cum inside me? Aaahn~," she said, as her toes curled and her orgasm came crashing down on her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OH, GODDESS! OH, GODDESS! OH GODDESS!" she screamed as her pussy milked his cock dry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck, I''m cumming, my love," he moaned as he pushed his dick deep into her womb and shot arge load of semen deep inside her.


    <span ss="editText">Rianna forgot how good her husband''s cum felt. The way it filled up her womb. The way it was coating her pussy. The way it dripped out of her hole. The whole process of making love was messy, sloppy, and unorderly. It was everything that a Royal<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> should never do. Yet, Rianna loved it. She loved the feeling of being dominated.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''T-The itch is gone! It''s finally gone!'' she thought as she felt his warm seed flow through her body.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aaahn~ C-Cum inside me... Don''t stop," she moaned as her pussy clenched around his dick.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Fuck, I''ll give you my everything," he moaned as his dick throbbed inside her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna''s primal urges were taking over, and she wanted more.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hahhh... You''re so big... I''ve missed your cock so much... Please forgive me, my love," she said as she looked him in the eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"R-Rianna? Oh goddess!" he moaned as his balls twitched, and he unloaded another batch of his cum into her womb.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mnn~"


    <span style="font-weight:400">Rianna closed her eyes, and her pussy quivered. Her primal urges were telling her to procreate while her ovaries were releasing her eggs into her uterus.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''m cumming, Cyndre," she moaned.


    <span ss="editText">"Fuck! Rianna!? Here''s my cum!" he said as h<span ss="editText">is dick pulsated, and he released another load of his essence inside her. He''s never unloaded so much of his<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> semen inside his wife.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"AAAAAHHH~" she moaned as her whole body convulsed.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">They both came at the same time, and their bodies were trembling for a solid minute.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"O-Oh goddess, Rianna, that was amazing," he said as his dick twitched and throbbed inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">''T-This feels amazing! I-I haven''t felt this good in years! Ooohhh~ I want more!'' Rianna thought as she hugged her husband tightly.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Rianna, are you alright?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, my love. I''m fine. Just a little sore," she replied.


    Cyndre''s dick was still inside her, and he knew she was enjoying the sensation because she was wiggling her hips a little.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve missed you so much, Rianna," he said as his penis slowly started hardening again.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I''ve missed you, too," she said as she looked up at him with her beautiful blue eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then allow me to show you just how much I''ve missed you," he said as he started pumping his cock inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes, please. Give me your all, or I won''t ever forgive you," she said, as her pussy started leaking more and more juices.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Then I shall not disappoint you," he said as he began thrusting his hips, and his cock pounded her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OH GODDESS! OH YES! CYNDRE! MORE! FUCK ME! FUCK ME MORE!" she cried, as her whole body shook with pleasure. Her royal demeanor had been thrown out the window, and she was now a horny woman who wanted nothing more than to be fucked by her man.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HNggh, you''re so tight, my love," he grunted.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Yes! Yes! You''re so big!"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HNGH, Fuck, I''m gonna cum," he said, as his dick twitched inside her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"OH, YES! DO IT! CUM INSIDE ME, MY LOVE! FILL ME UP!" she cried as her pussy tightened around his dick, and her juices leaked onto the bed.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAHH, CUMMING!" he groaned as his dick exploded inside her womb, and her pussy milked him dry.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ahh, I''m full," she moaned as her pussy walls clenched around his shaft. She''s never been so satisfied before. She could feel her body rxing, and the itchiness that had gued her was no longer there.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haaa..." She sighed as the feeling of his dick inside her and the warmth of his cum flowing through her body made her feel rxed and happy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"H-How was it, my love?" he asked as he pulled his cock out of her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Huh? O-Oh, it was wonderful, my love," she said, as her eyes lit up when looking into Cyndre''s golden eyes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Thank you," he said as he leaned forward and kissed her lips.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Hmm," she moaned as her tongue danced with his, and her juices continued leaking from her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">She''s never felt soplete. Her husband was back. Her son was back. Her pussy was satisfied. Her womb was filled with his semen. Everything was perfect.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Well... I better not overstay my wee," he said as he climbed out of the bed and started putting on his clothes.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"W-Wait, my love," Rianna said as she tried getting out of bed but failed. Her body was sore, and she felt a little dizzy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"What is it, Rianna?"


    <span style="font-weight:400">"I-I''m sorry, Cyndre. For the way I treated you, I was wrong," she said, as her eyes were starting to fill with tears.


    "No... It''s not your fault. If I hadn''t been so infatuated with my older brother at the time, maybe things wouldn''t have turned out like this," he confessed.


    Rianna gazed into his eyes and tenderly reached out her arms toward him, beckoning him to draw near.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Pleasee back to me, Cyndre. I-I want you to hold me and make love to me again. I''m so sorry for not understanding how you felt," she said as tears rolled down her face.


    <span ss="rounded transition-colors ease-in-out duration-100 editor-block-inner bg-amber-200">Cyndre was taken by surprise, and he felt a pang of distress as he found it unbearable to witness her tears. He removed his garments and then slid back under the covers with her.


    "I promise I''ll never let you down again," he vowed, pulling his wife close with his powerful embrace. Rianna''s heart raced with joy like never before. She felt like she was a teen again. Her husband''s strong arms wrapped around her waist, and his big cock was inside her.


    "Mmnnn," Rianna moaned as her pussy tightened around his dick. "Mmm... That''s right, you''re mine, and there''s a lot more that needs to happen before I''ll consider us even," she dered, leaning in to kiss him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"A-Are you sure? I''m not sure if I can keep up," he said as the tip of his cock touched her womb, and she shuddered.


    "I believe in you, my king," she said, as her pussy contracted around his dick. "Mmmm... You''re going to make me cum if you know what''s good for you," she demanded, as her hips started moving faster, and she bounced on his cock. She showed a mischievous grin on her lips as she moved on top of him.


    "I don''t know what''s gotten into you. But I like it," he said, as one of his hands went between her legs while the other grabbed her ass cheeks as she was bouncing on top of him.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Aaahhh... You''re such a naughty boy," she moaned as her hands squeezed his pectorals. "You''ve aged so well... All the women of the court must be jealous of me," she said as her pussy quivered.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Haha... And all the men of the court are jealous of me," he said as he started rubbing his fingers along her clit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ohhh... Cyndre," she said, as her back arched and her hands gripped his pecs.


    <span ss="userText">"I''ll show you what a man can do, Rianna," he said as he pulled out and thrust his dick back in her. This caused her hair to go flying as she threw her head back, and her massive tits bounced hypnotically.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Ooohhhh... Yes... That''s it, my love... Show me how a real man does it," she<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">begged <span style="font-weight:400">as her pussy quivered around his shaft.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm, yes, I will," he said, as his lips found hers, and they started kissing passionately.


    Rianna couldn''t believe how passionate her husband was. It''s been so long since she''d seen him act like this, and she didn''t realize that she was doing the same thing. It didn''t take long for her to reach another climax.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAHHHH! YES, I''M CUMMING!" she cried as her juices sprayed all over his cock.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AAAHHH, I''M CUMMING, TOO!" he roared as his dick spurted his load into her womb.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm... That''s right, you''re making me yours again, aren''t you?" she asked, as her pussy continued to quiver around his shaft.


    "Yes, I am, my queen," he said as his hand went down between her legs and rubbed her clit.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"HMMNNN... YES, MY LOVE, MAKE ME YOURS," she moaned as her juices started to leak out of her pussy.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"Mmmm... I love the way your pussy feels, Rianna," he said as he rubbed her clit faster, and his dick pulsated inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"AHH, AHHH... YES... YOUR DICK IS SO BIG AND HARD," she said, as her hands grabbed his ass cheeks and pulled him deeper inside her.


    <span style="font-weight:400">"That''s right, Rianna, your pussy is the best," he said as he kissed her.


    <span ss="editText">The two royals engaged in their heated mating session thatsted throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning. They finally finished with each other when<span ss="aiText"> the sun was peeking over the horizon.<span ss="editText"> They were <span ss="userText"pletely and utterly exhausted<span ss="aiText"> and copsed on the bed in each other''s arms.


    <span ss="aiText">"That was amazing, my love," Rianna said, snuggling up to her husband''s chest.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, it was," Cyndre agreed, stroking his wife''s hair.


    <span ss="userText">They stayed like that until they both fell asleep<span ss="aiText">.

 Vol.3 Ch.221 He’s Getting His Second Chance.

    Vol.3 Ch.221 He��s Getting His Second Chance.


    The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Royal Estate as the staff diligently carried out their customary tasks, setting the stage for another day of regal elegance.


    "Good Morning, Mr. Tiberius," one of the maids said.


    "Good morning," he said as he was getting dressed.


    "I heard from the cook that the King came into Lomarst night... But I haven''t seen him yet," she said.


    "Yes, he seemed tired from his trip. His Majesty visited the Queen''s chambers," he said as he finished getting ready and walked out of the room.


    "You think Her Majesty kicked him out again?" the maid asked.


    "Who knows... Rumors would have spread at some point if it did, but I haven''t heard anything yet," Tiberius said as he went downstairs.


    As Tiberius got closer to the foyer. He spotted the carriage with the Royal Council insignia on it. Tiberius saw that the first footman was already there to greet their guests.


    Tiberius then saw that the door to the carriage opened, and a tall and slender middle-aged man stepped out. He wore an expensive dark green coat with gold trim, ck trousers, and a ck cravat. It was the King''s Head of Council, Lord Brice, and he was followed by four others who were his aides.


    "Wee to The Seat of the Queen, Lord Brice," the first footman said as the other servants bowed.


    "Thank you," Lord Brice greeted the footman before he nced around the foyer, "Where are his and her Majesty?"


    <span>Tiberius dashed out of the grand estate doors to wee the esteemed Head of Fiafyr.


    "Lord Brice, the King and Queen are not prepared for your arrival yet," Tiberius informed with a respectful bow, "So they have not been notified."


    "Well... Coming here without any notice was definitely a mistake on my part," he admitted to the Underbutler.


    "That is quite alright, Lord Brice. It is always a pleasure to have you here. If you wish, I can take you to the dining room so you can wait for the King and Queen. I''ll see to it that Mr. Campbell will bring you some tea while informing Mr. Rogers, the Steward of The Seat of the Queen''s estate, that you''re here," Tiberius said.


    "Thank you, that would be wonderful," Lord Brice said.


    "This way, My Lord," Tiberius said to his staff, leading Lord Brice and his aides to the dining room.


    ***


    Rianna and Cyndre were wrapped in each other''s arms, nestled in the opulent Queen''s chambers. The room was disheveled, and the weariness of their night''s passionate endeavors was evident on both of their faces.


    <span>A contented smile graced her lips as Rianna rested her head on her husband''s chest. The gentle, golden sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, dreamy glow over the peaceful scene.


    "Hmmm," Rianna murmured as she was half awake. She didn''t know if what happenedst night was real or a dream. But it was the best night she''s ever had in a long time.


    "Dammit... Ever since that Dark Elf healed my body, my mind has been in a fog. It''s like I''m dreaming, but everything feels so real. I can''t believe I fantasized about Cyndre again and forgave him so easily. What''s wrong with me?" she thought.


    Cyndre''s chest rose and fell as he took a deep breath, lifting his wife''s head up and down. Rianna''s eyes snapped open, and she gazed up slowly, the realization dawning on her that what she was experiencing was not just a figment of her imagination.


    ''Oh Goddess! It was real!? I had sex with Cyndre, and I said all those things to him about wanting another baby!?... T-This is embarrassing! I can''t let anyone know about this! What would the Kingdom think if their Queen acted like a... like a... whore!?'' she thought.


    The Queen''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she dwelled on the events of the previous night. Her thoughts raced until she felt theforting sensation of her husband''s fingers gently running through her hair.


    "Did you have a restful sleep, my queen?" he asked in a gentle, soothing voice.


    Rianna''s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of crimson as she struggled to find the right words to respond to him.


    "Ah, I... I actually slept really well," she mumbled, still feeling the lingering embarrassment from the events ofst night.


    "That''s good, my queen... Thank you... I know I haven''t finished my goals yet to regain your trust... But I promise to do my best to fulfill your request... I want you to know that I love you... And I won''t disappoint you," he assured her.


    <span ss="editText">Rianna''s heart pounded as she heard him say those words. How is she supposed to send him back to the dog house<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> after he has shown his devotion and love for her?


    "Cyn... I..." she started, but his gentle touch on her neck''s soft, delicate skin cut off her words.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rianna was unable to resist as she leaned into his embrace. She let out a soft sigh, her body melting into his strong, muscr form.


    <span ss="userText">"I''ll try and do better... If I can make you happy, I will," he said as his fingers went down her neck<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and to her corbone.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">His gentle touch sent shivers down Rianna''s spine. The Queen''s breath quickened as her excitement grew.


    <span ss="editText">''N-Not again!... Nagh! F-Forgiving him is one thing... But falling victim<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to his charms a second time is another!... I can''t allow him to do whatever he wants with my body!... B-But, it feels so good��I need to get away from him before it''s toote<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">,'' she thought.


    "<span ss="editText">I... I need to take a bath," she stammered, feeling overwhelmed by her emotions and desperate to get away from his presence before her body<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> betrayed her once more.


    "<span ss="editText">Very well," he said with a soft chuckle<span ss="editText"> as his fingers went through her hair and rested on her shoulder, giving her goosebumps. He noticed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> that her cheeks were flushed, and she looked embarrassed.


    "I<span ss="editText">-I will call for the maid," she said as she crawled over her husband toward the rope by the nightstand that r<span ss="undoDeletionText">ang the bell for her servants.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Before Rianna could pull the rope, her husband gently grabbed her wrist, stopping her. She looked at him with a startled expression, her heart pounding.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"There is no need, my queen," he said, as his other arm wrapped around her naked waist and pulled her towards him.


    "Cyndre?" she said, as her heart was pounding faster and her breathing was growing shallow.


    He then rolled her over onto her back and got on top of her.


    "Don''t worry, my queen. I''ll call for them... Once I take care of something first," he said, as his arms were on both sides of her.


    She could feel the warmth of his skin, and her heart was beating fast. Her mind was nk, and her emotions were going crazy.


    "Cyndre?... What... What are you doing?" she asked, as her heart skipped a beat when she locked eyes with him.


    "I''m just giving you what you desire, my queen," he said.


    "I-I can''t do this now. We have too much to do," she retorted.


    <span ss="userText">"That can wait. You are my priority<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> and it''s my fault that you are in this state... I need to fix it by satisfying my queen before we begin the day," he said as he brought his lips to hers.


    <span ss="userText">Her mind was screaming that this was wrong and she had to stop, but her <span ss="editText">heart and body were saying<span ss="aiText"> otherwise. Her body wanted him, and her heart <span ss="editText">need<span ss="aiText">ed him.


    <span ss="aiText">As he kissed her passionately, her mind was clouded with lust. His strong hands roamed over her body, exploring every inch of her.<span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> She felt his hands reach her hips, and his thumbs traced her curves. She could feel his warm breath on her neck as his mouth trailed down to her shoulder. She shivered from his touch.


    ''This is wrong. I shouldn''t be doing this... But... It feels so good... Why does he have to make me feel this way?... Goddess! What is wrong with me!? I-I''m acting like a virgin all over again!'' she thought as his hands squeezed her soft, supple flesh.


    She couldn''t believe that she was letting him touch her like this. His fingers kneaded her skin and massaged her muscles. It felt so nice to be pampered by her husband.


    ''Damn him!... Why is he doing this to me?'' she thought, as her nipples were stiff and erect.


    She could feel the heat of his body against hers as his hands moved over her and her legs subconsciously spread for him.


    ''This is wrong. We shouldn''t be doing this! Not here! Someone might hear us,'' she thought as her face flushed and her body burned up.


    "Cyn-Cyndre... Stop," she moaned, as her mind was screaming no.


    "It''s ok, my queen," he said as he brought his face close to hers and kissed her gently on the lips. Her willpower was fading, and she knew she couldn''t fight back anymore. Cyndre positioned himself between her legs, and he pressed his hardened member against her lower lips.


    She felt his warm, firm hands caressing her sensitive areas as his fingers rubbed against her inner walls.


    "AHHH!" Rianna quickly covered her mouth with her hand as his fingers found her clit.


    <span>''Fuck! That feels so good! He''s ying me like a fiddle!... N-No... NO! I won''t let him control me anymore,'' she thought as she tried to push him away, but that just caused her to get even more turned on.


    His fingers were now moving slowly and deliberately rubbed her clit. Her breathing quickened as she could feel the pressure building up within her when his cock was pushing into her pussy.


    "UHHH!" she moaned as she closed her eyes and bit her lip. She couldn''t believe how good it felt when he thrust inside of her.


    "Oh, Goddess... This isn''t fair," she whimpered.


    "Shhh. You''re okay, my queen. Just rx," he whispered in her ear.


    ''Damn him!... Damn him and his amazing cock!'' she thought<span ss="editText"> while<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her hips started to buck.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">His hard cock rubbed against her inner walls as his hands gripped her hips and held her down. His thumb found her clit, and he pressed down hard on it.


    "Mmmm..." she moaned, as she could feel her insides contracting around his shaft.


    ''Shit! This feels so good... I-I''m gonnae,'' she thought, as his fingers rubbed her swollen nub while thrusting at the same time.


    "Uhhhh!" Rianna screamed as she came hard on his dick.


    Her body shuddered and trembled as she climaxed. She could feel her muscles tightening and releasing over and over again.


    "Ahhhh!" she cried out as another orgasm washed over her body.


    "Good girl," he whispered in her ear as her legs shook uncontrobly.


    <span>''No, NO, NO! Not again! Please... Goddess! Make it stop!'' she thought.


    "Ohhhh... Ahhhh... I-I can''t... AHHHHH!" Rianna screamed as she orgasmed for the third time.


    <span>Cyndre grimaced when Rianna''s pussy squeezed down on his cock like a vise, which made him halt his thrusting for a moment. He pulled his fingers away from her clit, and he moved his hands down to her hips. He lifted her up and started pumping her pussy, while holding her firmly by the hips.


    "Ahhhh! Ohhhh!... Ahhh!" Rianna cried as she could feel herself getting close again.


    "Yes, my queen. Come for me. Come for your king," he said as he thrust harder into her.


    ''No! Not again. I don''t want to cum. If I do, he''ll win and think that he''s forgiven! I don''t want to... OH Goddess, it''s happening again!'' she thought as she gritted her teeth.


    "Ohhhh! AHHHHH! NOOO!" she screamed as she climaxed once more.


    Cyndre kept fucking her through her orgasm, and her eyes rolled into the back of her head.


    "Ahhhh! Noo!" Rianna screamed as he continued thrusting into her.


    "Come on, my queen. Just a little bit more. Let me give you another orgasm," he said as he pumped his dick in and out of her cunt.


    "Ohhhhhh... AHHHHH! YES! OHHHHH! AHHHHH!" Rianna shouted as she came a fifth time, mping down on his cock and making him cum with her.


    "UGHHH!" Cyndre grunted as his balls emptied into her pussy. The warmth of his seed filling her womb was what her body needed to stop orgasming.


    "AHHHHHHH! MMMMMMH!" she moaned loudly as she came for thest time and finally copsed onto the bed.


    Cyndre slowly pulled out of her, and she whimpered from the sudden loss of contact.


    <span>''Damn him!... He''s won again! A-And why is it so hard to get mad at him?'' she pondered while she descended from cloud nine.


    She took a moment to catch her breath before opening her eyes. When she looked at Cyndre, he had a happy smile on his face.


    ''What? Why is he smiling at me like that? Does he think he''s won something?'' she wondered as she stared back at him.


    "Are you satisfied, my queen? Or do you wish for me to continue?" he asked.


    She felt a strong desire to say yes, but her rational mind cautioned her against it, warning that it would be unwise.


    ''I can''t believe I''m actually considering it,'' she thought.


    "Y-You''re not getting off so easy. That was a lucky shot. A-And this doesn''t mean we are even!" she yelled, trying to sound angry, but the truth was, her anger was melting away.


    "As you wish," he said with a nod and got off her.


    The sensation of her husband''s reassuring warmth, which was now absent, left her yearning for his return so that he could envelop her in aforting embrace.


    <span>''NO! No, you don''t. He''s an idiot! I-It''s a trick to make you go crawling back to him! I''m not going to let him make a fool out of me!'' she cursed herself while fighting her urges to hug him.


    Rianna was on the verge of speaking when a sudden knock at her door caught her off guard and interrupted her.


    "Your Highness, I heard you scream. Is everything alright?" a female voice asked through the closed door.


    "I-I''m fine, Miss Edith... Um... Th-There was just a rat that tried to attack me. B-But the King took care of it," she said.


    Cyndre nced at Rianna and raised his eyebrow in surprise. He was pleasantly taken aback that she wasn''t attempting to berate him to her servants.


    "<span ss="editText">A-A giant rat," she added as she red at Cyndre, who<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> was smiling.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''You bastard! Stop smiling!'' she thought, her heart fluttering in response to his adorable smile.


    "Oh, that is terrible. <span ss="userText">Should I tell Mr. Tiberius to hire<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> some exterminators? Or do you need me to clean the room for you, Your Majesty?" Miss Edith asked with a bit of worry.


    "No, I-I don''t think that''s necessary. Cyn��The King can handle it... B-But thank you, Miss Edith. Also, once the King leaves for his duties, I would like a bath drawn for me," she replied to her maid standing on the other side of the door.


    <span>"Of course, Your Majesty," Edith replied before walking away from the Royal Chambers.


    <span ss="userText">After the <span ss="editText">echoing <span ss="userText">footsteps f<span ss="editText">inally faded into the distance, Rianna let out a long sigh of<span ss="userText"> relief and <span ss="editText">copsed<span ss="userText"> back onto her mattress<span ss="editText">, causing her breasts to<span ss="aiText"> bounce.


    <span ss="aiText">''I can''t believe that almost happened! What would Miss Edith have thought if she saw me naked and my husband was standing next to me!? How would I exin t<span ss="editText">hat he''s still in t<span ss="editText">rouble?'' she thought.


    <span ss="editText">"That was close," she muttered under her breath.


    <span ss="editText">Cyndre observed his wife with intense focus, captivated by her stunning beauty. He wished to continue teasing her but recognized the importance of not overstepping any boundaries. She let him back into the same bed<span ss="aiText"> as her. And they made love. That was more than enough to satisfy him, and he wasn''t going to take any chances and ruin the moment.


    "<span ss="editText">Well, I better let you have your bath, my queen. I''ll grab a few things and be on my way<span ss="aiText">," he said, standing up and picking up his pants, shirt, and cape from the floor.


    <span ss="editText">Rianna quickly sat up<span ss="aiText"> in her bed and <span ss="editText">looked at<span ss="aiText"> hi<span ss="editText">m<span ss="aiText"> w<span ss="editText">ith worry, but then she shook her head and tried to re at him<span ss="userText">.


    <span>"Hmph!... Just so you know, this doesn''t change anything. You''re still an idiot, and this was a strange fluke," she huffed while her heart pounded.


    <span ss="aiText">"I understand, my queen," he said<span ss="editText"> with a smile and a wink, which made her frown<span ss="userText"> falter<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"And don''t think that because you''re getting some, I''m going to give in and let you do whatever you want. You''re still in trouble!" she scolded him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">But o<span ss="aiText">f course<span ss="editText">... I still need to deal with my brother, and I promise you that he will be dealt with," he replied with a serious tone that made her spine<span ss="aiText"> tingle.<span ss="editText"> He looked so<span ss="aiText"> sexy when he was determined and protective.


    ''Damn<span ss="editText"> him!... Goddess, how does he make it so difficult to stay mad at him<span ss="editText">!?<span ss="aiText"> He''s just such an idiot,'' she thought, her heart pounding in her chest.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-Well... That''s good... And you''re still in the dog house... But... Good luck. I know you''ll get him," she replied with a smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, my queen. I will do my best," he replied.


    <span ss="editText">Seeing Cyndre leav<span ss="undoDeletionText">e would have been enough for Rianna, but a lump in her chest prevent<span ss="undoDeletionText">ed<span ss="aiText"> her from letting him go. It was the same feeling thatpelled her to call out his name the night before and prevented her from walking away the day after their wedding.


    <span ss="aiText">''What the h<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ell is wrong with me?<span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> It was a one-time thing... But... But...''


    <span ss="aiText">"B-By the way, there''s one more thing," she said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes?" he inquired, pausing with his shirt half-on.


    <span ss="aiText">"You... You have my permission to use the royal bedchambers again, but ONLY because <span ss="editText">you''ve proven to help me sleep better... And it''s not an invitation<span ss="aiText"> to jump me every chance you get. So, if you try, and I''m not in the mood, then it''s off limits," she said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very well," he replied with a grin, making her blush and look away from him like she was a young maiden again.


    Cyndre found himself unable to stifle a chuckle at the sight of his wife''s behavior. She appeared incredibly endearing when she adopted a yful, mischievous demeanor, a side of her that he hadn''t seen in years. He recognized herment about forgiving him for being a "bad wife" as a spontaneous and far from truthful remark. Luckily for him, this night filled him with hope that he could win her heart back.


    He was determined to outwit his older brother without plunging the kingdom into full-scale conflict. He had ignored his brother''s behavior for too long, and now it felt like his brother''s influence had be deeply entrenched, like a stubborn tick that refused to let go.


    "You better not be thinking about doing anything stupid!" she pouted again while crossing her arms over her chest.


    "I can''t promise that I won''t make a mistake, but I will promise you this. I''ll try to avoid doing anything that would put our people or the kingdom at risk," he replied and walked out of the room.


    "Hmph, that''s not good enough, you big idiot," she mumbled to herself. She couldn''t shake the feeling of being unusually moody. And to top it off, she was absolutely ravenous��more so than usual.


    Rianna had always been skilled at keeping her emotions in check, no matter what ric did to her son and husband. She never allowed her true feelings to surface, embodying the qualities of a strong andposed queen rather than a pampered princess like those in other kingdoms. It seemed as though her emotions weren''t entirely under her control, almost as if her hormones were out of whack.


    ''What is wrong with me?'' she thought as her stomach growled. ''Maybe it''s just because I haven''t eaten since yesterday. Yes, that has to be it. I need to eat, then I''ll be back to my usual self,'' she told herself while rubbing her lower abdomen, which felt slightly bloated thanks to Cyndre''s essence.


    After Cyndre exited the room, Rianna summoned her attendant, the same person who had previously knocked on the door.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Miss Edith asked as she returned to the door.


    "Is there any meals ready yet? I''m famished," Rianna asked.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. We have the breakfast prepared for You and the King. Do you wish to dine in your room? Or will you be dining in the royal dining hall?" she asked.


    "I think I will take it here. I''m feeling a bit off, and I don''t want to be around too many people until I''m feeling better," Rianna answered as she sat up.


    "Yes, my queen. Should I send one of the servants to bring the food up?" Miss Edith inquired.


    "If you wouldn''t mind. It would be much appreciated," Rianna said.


    "Certainly, my Queen," Miss Edith responded and left the room.


    Rianna let out a heavy sigh as her gaze swept across the room. Her eyes came to rest on the torn nightgown lying on the floor. It had been Cyndre who had ripped it off her earlier, and now its presence served as a stark reminder of the events of the previous night.


    <span>"Tsk... That damn idiot. I swear he''s going to drive me insane. I can''t go two seconds without thinking about him," she said aloud, and her face turned bright red.


    ''I really am acting like a love-sick maiden. Ugh... I hate this... I''m a grown woman... Sure, it was one of the most memorable nights of my life. But that doesn''t erase everything that has happened over the years,'' she thought.


    Rianna heard a gentle but persistent knock at her door. Without bothering to check who it was, she quickly grabbed her robe and wrapped it around herself before answering the door.


    "Enter," she beckoned.


    Shortly after, a youthful male servant entered the room, pushing a cartden with an assortment of delectable food.


    "My Queen, here is your breakfast," he said and put the food down on her table.


    "Thank you. You may leave," she told him.


    "Yes, my Queen," the servant said and bowed before leaving her room.


    She walked over to her table and took a seat. As she looked at the food, her stomach growled once again.


    "Oh, this smells amazing," she said as she grabbed the bowl of soup. She dipped her spoon into the broth and brought it up to her mouth. The savory vor was exquisite, and she enjoyed every sip.


    After finishing the soup, she moved on to the eggs and bacon. They were perfectly cooked, and the yolk was runny, just how she liked it. The bread was also delicious, and the jam was sweet and vorful. She couldn''t remember thest time she had such a good meal.


    Once she was done eating, she sat back in her chair and rubbed her belly.


    "Mr. Brown has outdone himself. I have never had such a delicious breakfast before. Maybe I should invite him to the pce so he can teach the kitchen staff how I like my breakfasts," she mused aloud and then shook her head.


    ''No, what am I saying? We don''t need two head chiefs in one pce. It would only cause a stir among the staff,'' she thought.


    After satisfying her hunger, another knock echoed through the room, signaling a visitor at the door.


    "Enter," she beckoned again.


    "Pardon my intrusion, my Queen. But the bath is ready for you," Miss Edith informed her.


    "Thank you. I will be there shortly," Rianna replied.


    <span>"Yes, Your Majesty... Oh! And his Lordship wanted to inform you that Lord Brice is here... It seems something of importance hase up. King Cyndre wanted to know if you wished to join him," Miss Edith informed the Queen.


    ''What is the Head of Fiafyr doing here? Has something happened back at the pce?'' Rianna wondered as she looked at her.


    <span>"Please tell my husband that I will be down momentarily after my bath. And have the Head Chef make a tea for me. I don''t have the taste for coffee," Rianna answered.


    "Right away, my Queen," Miss Edith replied and left her room.


    Rianna untied the silk robe, letting it slide off her shoulders, and gracefully walked towards the bathing chamber, her steps echoing softly on the polished marble floor.


    As she entered the room, her eyes were drawn to a magnificent porcin bathtub elegantly filled with hot, steaming water. The air was infused with the soothing scents ofvender and jasmine, creating a tranquil and rxing atmosphere.


    She eased herself into theforting embrace of the bathtub, feeling the warmth of the water enveloping her body. As she settled in, she felt the tender release of all the aches and pains that had been weighing her down, both physically and emotionally, as they were gently washed away by the soothing water. She closed her eyes and let the soothing scent surround her.


    After spending some time rxing in the bath, Rianna eventually decided to step out and make her way to her room. There, she knew that Miss Edith would be waiting to assist her in getting dressed.


    "How was your bath, Your Majesty?" Miss Edith asked as she dried Rianna''s hair.


    "It was nice. Thank you for asking," Rianna answered and closed her eyes as Miss Edith ran the brush through her hair.


    "I hope his lordship didn''t bother you too much," Miss Edith inquired as she ced a light perfume on her.


    <span>"Not at all. He was a perfect gentleman," Rianna replied with a smile.


    Rianna''s response caught Miss Edithpletely off guard.


    "So he was able to win you back?" Miss Edith inquired and finished thest touch-ups to the queen''s appearance.


    "Let''s just say that I''m willing to give him a second chance," Rianna replied, looking over her reflection.


    "I can''t imagine how difficult this has been for you. Sharing a bed with a man you no longer love," Miss Edithmented.


    <span>Rianna''s thoughts came to a halt as she found herself picturing Cyndre''s warm smile in her mind. In the world of nobility, women often aren''t free to choose their own partners. Marriages are typically arranged, and they must learn to ept it. However, Rianna''s situation was different. She had fallen deeply in love with the King, and he had reciprocated her feelings. This love had brought her an unprecedented sense of joy and renewal that most people never experience.


    "It wasn''t as bad as I thought it would be. And it seems I needed a male''s touchst night... And there''s nothing better than a man who knows how to read a woman''s body," Rianna responded and giggled.


    <span ss="userText">''I don''t know what came over mest night. I don''t regret sleeping with him. I might lift my ban on his visitation privileges. Of course, I won''t tell him... Maybe I could tease him and see how long it takes for him to break. He thinks he''s in the dog house, <span ss="userText">so he''ll hold back... It will be his punishment until he realizes that I need him... Yes... And he''s not quick enough<span ss="aiText"> to catch onto those hints. I''m going to have fun with this,''Rianna thought and giggled at the idea.


    <span>Miss Edith noticed a sudden shift in her mood as if she were embodying the persona of a young maiden experiencing love for the very first time.


    <span ss="editText">''Yes. Yes! That''s it! I''ll t<span ss="editText">ease him and make him work for it. I want to see how far he''ll go to earn my affection. Goddess, I feel like a teenager again. How long has it been since Ist felt this excited?'' Rianna smiled at the idea of teasing her husband. Staying mad at him was too much work, and she didn''t<span ss="aiText"> have the energy to do it anymore.<span ss="editText"> Not when she needs her energy for her <span ss="userText">extracurricr<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> activities.


    "My Queen, is everything okay? You look a bit flushed," Miss Edith pointed out.


    "Everything is perfect. Please escort me to the room where my husband is," Riannamanded.


    "As you wish, my Queen," Miss Edith said and curtsied.


    <span>Rianna rose from her seat and gracefully trailed behind Miss Edith as they strolled through the sprawling estate, finally arriving at the grand dining room. Upon entering, Rianna''s eyes fell upon the imposing figure of the King engaged in deep conversation with Lord Brice.

 Vol.3 Ch.222 The Emergency Session.

    Vol.3 Ch.222 The Emergency Session.


    When the queen entered the room, Lord Brice and his aides rose from their seats and respectfully bowed in her presence.


    <span ss="aiText">"My queen, you are <span ss="userText">glowing this fine morning. Did you do<span ss="aiText"> something new with your hair? Or is it that you slept well?" Lord Brice asked with a smile.


    Rianna''s cheeks burned as she struggled to suppress the telltale signs of embarrassment.


    "I didn''t do anything differently. Excuse me," Rianna said as she brushed past them, heading determinedly towards the king.


    <span ss="userText">Lord Brice was confused and watched her sit beside the king and grab his hand. Normally<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">,<span ss="userText"> the Queen<span ss="aiText"> would be reserved and <span ss="editText">would have told him off<span ss="aiText">. He couldn''t help but notice the way her hand tightened around the king''s and how she looked at him, which made the old man''s eyebrows rise in surprise.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''Well, isn''t this interesting? <span ss="userText">She''s acting shyer than normal... And she''s grabbed Cyndre''s hand? I wonder what he did to get back in her good graces<span ss="aiText">?'' Lord Brice thought.


    Cyndre''s gaze shifted to Rianna, and a warm smile spread across his face.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m d to see you this morning, my queen. You are looking exceptionally lovely," he whispered to her.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Don''t push<span ss="aiText"> your luck," Rianna whispered back, but the corner of her mouth twitched.


    <span ss="editText">''His Majesty did<span ss="userText"> do <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">something<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to get out of the dog house<span ss="aiText">, and it''s got her all flustered. Hmm, <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">now I need to ask him how he did it. But that will have to be for another time<span ss="aiText">,'' Lord Brice thought and chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Alright, Lord Brice... Now, we can get into<span ss="aiText"> the matters of the Kingdom. I have other things to attend to. So please make it quick," Cyndre said in an authoritative tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah, yes, <span ss="editText">Your M<span ss="aiText">ajesty... I have some unfortunate news. It''s regarding the <span ss="userText">Prime Minister,"<span ss="aiText"> Lord Brice stated.


    Both Rianna and Cyndre cast frustrated nces in the direction of Lord Brice, their expressions clearly conveying their irritation.


    <span ss="editText">"What has Duval done now?" Cyndre inquired as he rubbed his temples. He knew that if it<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> concerned the Prime Minister, the news was bound to be troublesome.


    <span ss="aiText">"He<span ss="userText"> has summoned the other Major Noble Lords to the Capital for an emergency session... Word is he wishes to ban the Dark Elf��"


    "Lady Rya!" Rianna''s sudden interruption startled everyone in the room. It was highly unusual for her to interject in front of her husband''s council, but she felt an inexplicable need to defend the dark elf.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I apologize, My Queen... He wants to ban Lady Rya from entering the capital. He warned that her presence in the pce would shatter the harmony between the Divine Three and our kingdom, bringing about ruin... I fear that he wishes to turn her over to the Alliance<span ss="aiText"> to be executed," Lord Brice told the King.


    Rianna was ovee by an intense surge of anger welling up inside her. She struggled to contain it, but eventually rose from her seat.


    <span ss="aiText">"You will not hand over Lady Rya to the Alliance! Do you hear me? She''s a guest of the crown and under my protection," Rianna growled as she red at Lord Brice.


    <span ss="editText">Brice had never seen the Queen this animated before. Unsure of what to do, he nced at his aides<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> for support.


    Cyndre rose from his seat and leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper, as he spoke into her ear.


    "Rianna, are you okay? I''ve never seen you like this. Is there anything I can do to help?" Cyndre pleaded, and Rianna calmed down after releasing what she had done.


    <span ss="aiText">''What the hell came over me? I''m not sure what''s going on. Why did I get angry? Why did I defend her?<span ss="userText"> She did heal me from that unknown poison in my body... And my son does love her...<span ss="aiText"> So maybe that''s why I feel a need to help her. Yeah, that must be it... She''s a good woman, and I need to do everything I can to help her,'' Rianna wondered as she calmed herself<span ss="userText"> before whispering back.


    <span ss="userText">"Cyndre... We can''t let them take our son''s love away. And I think she''s good for him... I think<span ss="aiText"> we should support her and keep her protected. We have no idea how long this peace treaty willst. And the Divine Three mighte after her... <span ss="userText">Hopefully, they snuck into the Pcest night and are safe,"<span ss="aiText"> Rianna exined, and Cyndre smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">''So <span ss="editText">this Lady Rya did pass my wife''s test<span ss="aiText">. She must have done something amazing for Rianna to get her trust. I<span ss="userText">f my wife trusts her, then I should too.''<span ss="aiText"> Cyndre thought as he nodded his head.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well... I had a feeling that he would pull something like this after I informed him about our son''s letter... That''s one of the other reasons why I hurried over herest night. Duval can''t ratify his<span ss="aiText"> orders unless <span ss="userText">I''m there to witness<span ss="aiText"> it. <span ss="userText">We can take our time to return to the capital... Even if it is an Emergency Session, we can draw it out for five days, maybe seven if we y things right," Cyndre whispered<span ss="aiText"> back.


    <span ss="editText">Rianna was impressed with her husband. She didn''t know he was capable of thinking outside the box, which sent a<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> small shiver up her spine.


    <span ss="userText">"You knew that Duval was going to<span ss="aiText"> pull a stunt like this?<span ss="userText">" Rianna<span ss="aiText"> inquired as she looked into his eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I wasn''t a hundred percent sure. But I had a hunch after I informed him about Lady Rya''s race... My main reason was to see our son, but this was a happy ident<span ss="aiText">," Cyndre exined.


    One of the things that captivated her about Cyndre was his unwavering honesty and his genuine concern for her well-being. She could feel herself being drawn to him once more, and she was so taken by the moment that she would have kissed him if it weren''t for the presence of Lord Brice and his aides in the room.


    <span ss="aiText">"Cyndre...<span ss="editText"> You have your moments... Even if they''re rare<span ss="aiText">," Rianna whispered back.


    <span ss="aiText">"I aim to please," he replied and smiled.


    Rianna let out a light-hearted giggle and then made her way back to her seat. Cyndre couldn''t help but feel a surge of satisfaction knowing that his wife was starting to open up to him. However, he was also aware that he needed to assert himself when it came to dealing with Duval and his schemes.


    <span ss="userText">"I apologize for my outburst. Please continue," Rianna stated as her normal demeanor<span ss="aiText"> returned.


    <span ss="aiText">"As youmand, My Queen," Lord Brice responded<span ss="userText">, "So, Duval is hell-bent on getting Princess Hilda to meet up with Prince Quinus.<span ss="aiText"> I think that the main goal for th<span ss="editText">is<span ss="aiText"> meeting<span ss="userText"> is to trap Lady Rya<span ss="aiText"> and force Prince Quinus into a marriage. Duval ns to have him wed the Princess and unite the kingdom <span ss="editText">with<span ss="aiText"> the Alliance. But <span ss="editText">my aides informed me <span ss="aiText">that <span ss="editText">this marriage could <span ss="aiText">leave <span ss="editText">the <span ss="aiText">Fiafyr Kingdom open and vulnerable<span ss="userText"> to the Divine Three,"<span ss="aiText"> Lord Brice informed the King and Queen.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is there a way we can stop him? Or is he beyond reasoning?" Rianna inquired.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Well, this is a long shot, but w<span ss="aiText">e could use the church to help us...<span ss="userText"> If Lady Rya can speak to the idol of Goddess Iyomelka, then <span ss="editText">the people <span ss="aiText">will see her as a messenger from the goddess. It will stop the other nobles from following Duval''s n," Lord Brice exined.<span ss="userText"> Rianna perked up at the mention of Iyomelka. She remembered the ceremony when she first came over to Fiafyr, and the priestesses performed<span ss="aiText">the blessing ceremony.<span ss="userText"> They were all stunned when the idol''s eyes glowed a faint<span ss="aiText"> white light<span ss="userText">, which made the priestesses go crazy with excitement. Rianna was the first in many decades to get<span ss="aiText"> the Idol to <span ss="userText">respond.


    <span ss="userText">Rianna didn''t know what the big deal was, but after living in the kingdom for as long as she has<span ss="aiText">, she has learned more and more about the <span ss="userText">goddess and how she never reveals anything to her followers like other gods do. It was<span ss="aiText"> like she wanted her followers to find the answers themselves.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">B-But she''s a Dark Elf, and the goddess could be furious with us," one of the aides<span ss="aiText"> stuttered.


    <span ss="userText">Everyone looked at the aide with<span ss="aiText"> a look of disbelief.


    <span ss="aiText">''That aide has no tact... Ormon sense,'' Cyndre and Rianna thought at the same time.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">That''s what they said about me when I first arrived in the Kingdom<span ss="aiText">," Rianna pointed out.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">But you are a human like the rest of us, my Queen. And<span ss="aiText"> a Dark Elf is��"


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s enough<span ss="userText">, Sig<span ss="aiText">mund.<span ss="userText">.. This is the best option we have to hold back<span ss="aiText"> Duval''s ns," Lord Brice told him.


    <span ss="aiText">"My apologies, Lord Brice," the aide stated.


    <span ss="userText">Cyndre nodded, "Do we have a backup n if she doesn''t seed<span ss="aiText">?" Cyndre asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"If the Goddess rejects her, we will have no choice but to send her into hiding... Or have her leave the kingdom," Lord Brice replied.


    <span ss="userText">"She won''t fail," Rianna<span ss="aiText"> stated<span ss="userText"> with conviction.


    <span ss="userText">Lord Brice and his aides weren''t fully convinced, but they nodded anyway, and Cyndre smiled at his wife''s<span ss="aiText"> confidence.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Of course she won''t. If Lady Rya has won my Queen over<span ss="aiText">, then she''s more th<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">n worthy," Cyndre told them.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Brice <span ss="userText">wanted to argue about that, but he held his tongue<span ss="aiText">. He ha<span ss="editText">d<span ss="aiText"> seen the Queen act like this a couple of times in his life, <span ss="userText">but he couldn''t remember when<span ss="aiText"> or why.


    <span ss="aiText">''I need to keep an eye on her behavior. It seems a bit strange that she''s acting this way. <span ss="editText">She''s practically glowing. M<span ss="aiText">aybe her love for her son is making her <span ss="editText">this way<span ss="aiText">,'' Lord Brice wondered.


    <span ss="userText">After a moment<span ss="aiText"> of silence, Cyndre <span ss="userText">turned back to Lord Brice and asked, "Any word on how my brother tends to y this? He''s been silent, and it''s putting me on edge<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Nothing at the moment, my King. He hasn''t moved any forces from his territory," Lord Brice replied, and the aides nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"I see," Cyndre mumbled as he tapped his fingers against the table.


    <span ss="userText">Rianna was in a simr<span ss="aiText"> thought process as her husband.


    <span ss="userText">"Do we have an idea of how he''s going to side in the emergency<span ss="aiText"> session?" Rianna inquired.


    <span ss="aiText">"We believe so, My Queen. But we can''t be certain," one of the aides replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna''s face turned to disgust as she was reminded of a memory<span ss="userText"> of her brother-inw''s actions. She wished that Duval hadn''t talked Cyndre out of executing his brother for the failed assassination attempt. But here they were <span ss="editText">19<span ss="aiText"> yearster, and <span ss="editText">ric was <span ss="aiText">still plotting.


    <span ss="userText">"We believe Duke ric is going to side with the Prime Minister... If Lady Rya is a healer��"


    <span ss="userText">"She is... I''ve witnessed it first hand<span ss="aiText">," Rianna interrupted.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then he would probably support the Prime Minister''s decision<span ss="editText"> to try and break up the prince''s rtionship with her,<span ss="aiText">" the aide concluded.


    <span ss="userText">Cyndre sighed and leaned back on his throne while rubbing his temples, "That''s too simple and juvenile for my brother... He hates Duval, and there has to be more to his<span ss="aiText"> motive th<span ss="editText">a<span ss="aiText">n this. He wouldn''t risk <span ss="editText">handing over <span ss="aiText">the kingdom <span ss="editText">to the Divine Three. I''m sure he has a n to use Princess Hilda, but is she a willing<span ss="aiText"> participant, or is she <span ss="userText">a pawn to be thrown away after she served her usefulness<span ss="aiText">?"


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s a great question, my King," Lord Bricemented as he pondered the situation.


    <span ss="aiText">"My husband is correct. There''s no way he would side with Duval without something in it for himself," Rianna added.


    <span ss="userText">"Well... He can''t do anything to the prince with a healer by his side<span ss="aiText">. He''s probably banking on the fact that she will di<span ss="userText">e at the hands of the pdins<span ss="aiText">," Lord Brice pointed out.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna''s anger returned as she heard this, <span ss="userText">but she calmed down once Cyndre took her hand<span ss="aiText"> in his and held it tight. She felt better as she squeezed his hand.


    <span ss="aiText">"And if we can prove to the people that she is the messenger of Iyomelka. His n would be ruined.<span ss="userText"> But we need to find out what else he has up his sleeve<span ss="aiText">. I can''t see him giving up the fight so easily," Cyndre stated, and Rianna nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"We <span ss="userText">are trying our best, Your Majesty<span ss="aiText">," Lord Brice replied.


    <span ss="aiText">The Queen was bing restless, so Cyndre gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Rianna looked over at him and nodded.<span ss="userText"> She didn''t know why she was<span ss="aiText"> so irritated. She just wanted to see her son and have him be safe. But the news of Duval and ric trying to split them up was a bit too much for her to handle,<span ss="userText"> and she was getting hungry again<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"My husband is correct... We need more information and less assumptions. I suggest you gather more intel, Lord Brice," Rianna suggested in a calmer tone.


    <span ss="aiText">"We will do that, my Queen," Lord Brice said<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"When did Duval first order the session?" Cyndre asked.


    <span ss="userText">"This morning, my liege,"<span ss="aiText"> an aide replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">So, we have four days before Duval has the authority to begin the session<span ss="aiText">. We have three days to get our affairs in order and one day for Lady Rya to perform the ceremony," Cyndre deduced<span ss="userText">, "Brice. I need you to get the wheels in motion. If I step foot in the capital, then Duval canmence<span ss="aiText"> the session<span ss="editText">. So I''ll stay here in Lomar until thest minute. I''m counting on you, my friend<span ss="aiText">," Cyndre told him.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Brice smiled and bowed, "As youmand, my King. We will have everything in order and make sure Duval has nothing toin about. I''ll leave you with your wife, My King," <span ss="userText">Lord Brice and his aides left the chamber and left the King and Queen alone.


    <span ss="userText">"I hate having to sit back and wait for the news," Rianna said, and Cyndre smiled.


    <span ss="userText">"I''ve never seen you<span ss="aiText"> like this, my love. You''re usually more patient," Cyndremented.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna''s face flushed with embarrassment, "I-I know... It''s just that I don''t like Duval<span ss="editText"> and ric <span ss="aiText">scheming behind our backs," Rianna admitted.


    <span ss="userText">"And their schemes will fail<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">I promise you that<span ss="aiText">," Cyndre reassured her<span ss="userText">. Rianna couldn''t help herself but to grab the sides of Cyndre''s head and pull him in for<span ss="aiText"> a kiss. Cyndre was taken aback but didn''t fight his wife as he enjoyed the moment.


    "You better be right because if you''re not, then you can say goodbye to kisses like this," Rianna whispered once they broke the kiss.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">All the more motivation<span ss="aiText"> for me to put them in their ce," Cyndre said with a smirk.


    <span ss="aiText">Rianna giggled as she sat down next to her husband and snuggled up against him.<span ss="userText"> Cyndre was surprised by her actions, but he wasn''t going to<span ss="aiText">in. He wrapped an arm around his wife, and the two stayed like that for <span ss="userText">an hour before her stomach<span ss="aiText"> started growling.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you hungry again, my love?" Cyndre asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Yeah... And if it''s your fault for making me burn all that energyst night<span ss="aiText">," Rianna joked.


    <span ss="aiText">Cyndre chuckled, "I''m sorry... You can punish meter. But let''s get you fed," Cyndre said as the couple got up<span ss="userText">.

 Vol.3 Ch.223 Arriving in Tairal.

    Vol.3 Ch.223 Arriving in Tairal.


    Under cover of darkness, Quinus and his convoy arrived at the outskirts of the Capital City of Tairal after a series of events that had unfolded over the past eight hours.


    As the carriage rumbled along the road, Sir George rode his horse up to the left side and rapped on the window. Quinus promptly rolled down the window and extended his head out, taking in the passing scenery.


    <span ss="aiText">"What is it, Sir George?" Quinus inquired.


    <span ss="aiText">"We should arrive in Tairal within the hour, My <span ss="editText">Lord<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> We''ll enter through the southern entrance. Make sure thedies are covered up.<span ss="aiText"> We don''t need the citizens seeing them," Sir George instructed.


    "I will, thank you, Sir George," Quinus said before closing the window. He then looked over at Dalia, Nieren, Yuliana, and Rya, "We''re almost there. Once we''re inside, you four will have to keep your hoods up until we reach the pce," Quinus told them.


    <span ss="aiText">"We understand," Rya replied.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana and Nieren nodded<span ss="userText"> while Dalia snuggled up with Percy. The wolfkin looked tired<span ss="aiText"> and was trying not to fall asleep.


    "Wow, what a long day, huh, Dalia?" Quinus remarked, and she nodded in agreement.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, <span ss="editText">Beta. I''ve been staying up toote with Gamma. I think it''s been catching up to me<span ss="aiText">," Dalia replied with a yawn.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, you can rest once we get to the pce," Quinus reassured her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, Beta. <span ss="editText">I can see why Alpha likes you<span ss="aiText">," Dalia said as she yawned again.


    Quinus, Johan, and the other girls couldn''t help but giggle at the sight of the wolfkin.


    <span ss="userText">"Hey... Take a nap if you need to<span ss="aiText">, Dalia. We''ll wake you when we get there," <span ss="editText">Percy <span ss="aiText">told her, and Dalia smiled as she nuzzled into Percy<span ss="editText">''s chest<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">As Quinus, Johan, and the girls <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">gazed out the window<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, they marveled at the breathtaking scenery unfolding before them. The outline of the capital city gradually emerged, captivating their attention. Rya''s elven eyes<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, with the<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ir s<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">uperior night vision, allowed her to discern <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">the<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> details of the imposing, high walls and the <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">grand gate, offering a glimpse of the immense size of the capital. She <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">also spotted the massive structures <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">nestled within the walls<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, their outlines looming in the distance. The buildings<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, seem<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ingly taller than they <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">appeared, were entuated by the presence of a colossal hill at the city''s center. This sight evokedparisons to New York City, <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">yet the <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">gothic and medieval aesthetic of the buildings lent the capital a unique and enchanting allure.


    <span ss="editText">The sun dipped below the horizon, and they finally arrived at the city''s southern gate. The imposing gates swung open, and the convoy of carriages made its way into the capital. The streets were lined with grand, towering buildings, each more magnific<span ss="undoDeletionText">ent than thest. Enchanted torches illuminated the bustling streets, casting a warm glow on the borate architecture and vibrant banners adorning the stone structur<span ss="undoDeletionText">es.


    <span ss="aiText">As the<span ss="editText"> carriage journeyed onward, its wheels ttered over the uneven cobblestone streets, finallying to a halt just<span ss="aiText"> a block away from the <span ss="editText">magnificent <span ss="aiText">Royal Pce. The <span ss="editText">surroundings were shrouded in darkness, with no signs of life near the imposing twenty-foot-tall concrete wall. Suddenly, a solitary guard emerged from a small guardhouse nestled within the wall and made his way toward<span ss="aiText"> the carriage.


    <span ss="aiText">"State your business," the guard requested.


    <span ss="aiText">Sir <span ss="editText">Richard<span ss="aiText"> rode his horse over to the guard and addressed him, "<span ss="editText">A night sparrow needs a ce to return."


    The guard nodded knowingly as he whispered the code phrase, "It depends on the night. The night may not always be a good time to return," he said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">But this<span ss="aiText"> night can be a good time. One just has to know the right bird," Sir Richard answered.


    <span ss="editText">The vignt guard was aware that a member o<span ss="undoDeletionText">f the Royal Family was in need of secu<span ss="undoDeletionText">re passage through the conceale<span ss="undoDeletionText">d entrance leading to the Royal Pce.


    <span ss="userText">"Very well," the <span ss="editText">G<span ss="userText">uard said a<span ss="editText">s<span ss="userText"> he walk<span ss="editText">ed over to a section of the nk wall and took out a special <span ss="userText">key. He stuck it in a crack that slowly revealed a door that wasn''t there before<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="editText">"You have 5 minutes before the door<span ss="aiText"> disappears again," the guard informed them.


    <span ss="aiText">"That''s all we need. Thank you," Sir Richard told him as the carriage moved towards the secret door.


    Quinus emerged from the elegant carriage, his presence immediately drawing the attention of the surrounding royal guards. Walking in his wake were his loyalpanions - Rya, Dalia, Percy, Nieren, and Yuliana. Meanwhile, Johan and Tayna remained inside thefort of the carriage as the group made their way forward.


    <span ss="userText">"Are you sure you two don''t want to stay in the pce?" Quinus asked his friend.


    <span ss="userText">Johan smirked and shook his head, "My family has their own ce in the city, and I don''t want to overstep<span ss="aiText"> my bounds. Besides, the nobles would be furious if they found out you housed amoner," Johan joked.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smirked and nodded, "<span ss="userText">Well, they''ll be in for a rude awakening once they find out about your secret. Make sure youe by tomorrow. I''ll need your help<span ss="aiText"> to deal with the <span ss="editText">other nobles<span ss="aiText">," Quinus told him.


    <span ss="aiText">Johan smiled and saluted him, "You can count on me, my Lord," he said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Lord<span ss="aiText"> Johan<span ss="userText">... Make sure you are ready for your Mage''s training as well," Rya added<span ss="aiText">, and Johan''s smile widened.


    <span ss="aiText">"I will, Lady Rya. Thank you for giving me this opportunity," Johan replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">And Lady Tayna... I would like to see you for some tea<span ss="aiText"> tomorrow," Rya said as she nced at Tayna sitting next to Johan.


    <span ss="aiText">Tayna nodded and bowed. "Of course, Lady Rya. I''d be delighted," she replied<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"We''ll make sure to bring over all your things tomorrow. Just make sure the guards let us in," Johanmented.


    "I will," Quinus replied before looking over at General Dous, who opened the secret passageway into the pce grounds.


    <span ss="userText">"Alright, Sir Richard. You''re inmand of the second toon. Escort the Young Lord to his<span ss="aiText"> residence and return to the pce at once," themander ordered, and the knight saluted him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, sir!" Richard replied.


    As the Prince''s group reached the hidden entrance, the dwarves bid farewell and followed Johan''s carriage, disappearing into the distance. Meanwhile, Quinus made his way through the passageway. After everyone was inside, the secret entrance was shut and securely sealed, leaving no trace of their presence.


    Rya marveled at the hidden passageway, feeling as though she had stepped into a scene from a movie as she made her way through the cavern. She couldn''t help but notice the enchanted torches that magically ignited whenever someone approached within fifteen feet of them.


    Quinus couldn''t help but notice Rya''s gaze fixed upon the flickering torches, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It''s not like you haven''t seen enchanted torches<span ss="aiText"> before," Quinus joked.


    "Nah, that''s not what I''m marveling at... It feels like I''m in a movie... as if we''re on a special mission to save the princess and defeat the evil wizard," Rya joked. Quinus burst intoughter while everyone else looked on, a bit puzzled.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t understand what a movie is<span ss="userText">," Dalia wondered out loud<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t understand that term either," Yuliana added.


    <span ss="aiText">"Me neither," Nieren whispered.


    <span ss="userText">Rya <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">felt a surge of <span ss="userText">panic as <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">t<span ss="userText">he <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">words slipped from her lips, revealing<span ss="userText"> that she was not <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">o<span ss="userText">f their world<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. Thest thing she wanted was for any of the knights to discover her secret. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, Quinus stepped in to save the day<span ss="userText">.


    "It''s like an EchoSphere. Where you can watch someone''s events repeatedly, but it''s mostly for entertainment purposes like ys," Quinus exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh... Yeah, that makes sense," Yuliana said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Huh? I never came across such a thing. Howmon are they?" Rya<span ss="aiText"> asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It''s an artifact that was created by the vampires... It seems over time, they lose their memories<span ss="aiText">. They use the EchoSpheres to record <span ss="userText">memories they don''t want to forget. It''s rare to see these items,"<span ss="aiText"> Quinus replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"I see..." Rya muttered as she continued to look at the walls and torches.


    <span ss="userText">"Indeed... You''re quite informed for such a young human, Prince Quinus," Yuliana<span ss="aiText">plimented him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, <span ss="userText">I was a fast learner and picked up reading at an early age. I read almost everything in the Royal Library. The only things I couldn''t read were the books written in a deadnguage<span ss="aiText">," Quinus replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"Impressive... <span ss="userText">But do you know why vampires start<span ss="aiText"> to lose their memories after living for so long?" <span ss="editText">Yuliana <span ss="aiText">inquired.


    <span ss="aiText">"Not really... But there are rumors<span ss="userText">. Like they get the memories of the people who they suck their life force from,"<span ss="aiText"> Quinus answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ah... Yes, that <span ss="editText">does happen if they go into a feeding frenzy, which they try to avoid... But there''s another reason," Yuliana said, frowning<span ss="aiText">.


    "Are you serious? What''s the other reason?" Rya asked eagerly. Back when she was still on Earth, she couldn''t get enough of the vampire craze that took over in the mid-2000s. Now, in this new world, she couldn''t help but wonder just how different vampires were here on Tertius.


    <span ss="editText">"Newly turned vampires struggle to hold on to their memories when they resist feeding. It''s like a battle to hold on to their humanity. But as they grow hungrier, their past slips <span ss="editText">awa<span ss="editText">y faster until they forget who they used to be so their body can survive and feed on the living," Yuliana described with a hint of concern. "But the main reason they lose their memories<span ss="aiText"> is because a vampire''s memory capacity is not asrge as a human''s or even an elf''s. So, the memories fade away over time<span ss="editText">. Being reced<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> by the newer memories," Yuliana exined.


    The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the information. It all made perfect sense, but Rya struggled to truly grasp the reality of it. However, there were lingering doubts nagging at her. Specifically, she couldn''t shake off the memory of when Hiro had expressed his desire to be a vampire shortly after their arrival on Tertius. Yoona had insisted that vampires were born, not made and that one couldn''t simply be turned into a vampire. Rya was uncertain whether Yoona had lied to discourage Hiro from his pursuit or if it was genuinely impossible to undergo such a transformation. The situation wasplicated by the fact that they were already in the process of turning into Dark Elves, leading Rya to wonder if Dark Elves couldn''t be turned into vampires.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Huh... That''s not what I was told about them... But Yoona could have been lying to me,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya said as they continued to walk through the passageway.


    Yuliana was taken aback when she heard Yoona''s name. There were legends about the Dark Elf who had bravely thwarted her father''s armies during the High Elves'' attack on Sorellia. Yoona was feared for her Demi-god-level Vein and her exceptional skill in crafting golems. However, upon reflection, Yuliana found Rya''s golems to be even more remarkable.


    "Did you meet Yoona, the legendary yer of Light? The High Priestess of Darkness and Death? And she didn''t try to kill you because she sees your potential to surpass her?" Yuliana asked, clearly surprised.


    Rya was shocked by Yuliana''s response, which made her realize that many people were afraid of Yoona. However, Rya''s stay in the citadel was brief, and she never witnessed Yoona''s actions. She had little information about the elf, only knowing that Yoona was involved in bringing her to Tertius.


    "Well... I''ve never actually witnessed her using her magic or seen her golems in action... But I have a feeling that she just didn''t care enough to show them off. It''s hard to say, but I remember a friend of mine expressing interest in bing a vampire, and she actually talked him out of it. Apart from that, I haven''t had much interaction with Yoona," Rya revealed, carefully choosing her words to avoid disclosing the entire truth about her situation.


    <span ss="aiText">"A friend of yours wanted to be a vampire!?<span ss="userText"> Is he a moron or something?" Yuliana<span ss="aiText"> asked angrily.


    Rya made a face before saying, "He was pretty clueless, to put it mildly."


    <span ss="userText">"Pff! Listen to me, my daughter. He is asking for a life worse than death if he tries to be a vampire,"<span ss="aiText"> Yuliana advised her sternly.


    "Hey, it wasn''t me who wanted to be a vampire in the first ce. That was all him! I just found it strange that I was lied to about how people be vampires," Rya said, defending herself.


    Quinus became curious, "What did this Priestess tell you about vampires?" he asked as they could see the exit in the distance.


    <span ss="aiText">"She said <span ss="editText">that you can only be<span ss="aiText"> born<span ss="editText"> a vampire, and you can''t be <span ss="aiText">turned into one," Rya answered.


    "Huh? Where did she lie to you, Ry? Because she''s correct. We Elves can''t be turned into vampires. Only humans can be turned into lesser vampires. All the other races would be ghouls, bing mindless ves of a master vampire," Yuliana exined, and Rya frowned.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, <span ss="userText">she didn''t lie to<span ss="aiText"> us..." Rya muttered, and Quinus looked at her with a serious gaze.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I know what you''re thinking, Rya. There are simrities between the lesser vampires from... You know. But the Master or Higher Vampires can procreate, and the sun isn''t as dangerous for thempared to the lesser vampires<span ss="aiText">. And if a Human is bitten and fed the blood of a master vampire, they will be a <span ss="editText">Lesser<span ss="aiText"> Vampire," Quinus exined, and Yuliana looked at him surprised.


    "You''re much wiser than I expected, Prince Quinus. Are you sure you learned all this from only reading books?" Yulianaplimented him again.


    He smirked and shook his head. "Like I said, I learned to read at an early age, and the library had a lot of good books on Vampires... I have never met one in real life, so I can''t reallyment on them through experience. And I hope I never do."


    Sir George couldn''t help but shiver as he vividly remembered the chilling night when three deadly vampire assassins attempted to take his life and that of the young Prince, who was just a year old at the time. It was a harrowing ordeal, and he barely managed to escape with his life. Although Dous was present in the pce during the attack, he only witnessed the aftermath of the fierce battle that unfolded that fateful night.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, technically, he''s been around them," <span ss="userText">Sir George<span ss="aiText"> said, and the others looked at him confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">But I was asleep��"


    "You were a baby, right?" Rya jumped in as Quinus almost let it slip that he was reincarnated and a fully conscious adult when he was reborn.


    <span ss="aiText">"Um... Yeah... I didn''t know that I came across some vampires. It was too early in my life to remember, and I was asleep based on what Sir George told me<span ss="aiText">," Quinus corrected himself, and Sir George nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Indeed. <span ss="userText">I wish we could have found out who hired them,<span ss="aiText"> but there are still no leads," Sir George added.


    <span ss="userText">"Really?<span ss="aiText"> Whoever paid for their services must have known that it was a suicide mission," Rya mused.


    "Well, what Sir George is saying about not knowing who hired them is partially true. We suspect that the Kingdom of Marn was involved, but we''re still in the dark about who exactly within their ranks hired them. Weck the evidence to confirm if it was one of their nobles or even their King, Arnaud Dupont," General Dous exined.


    <span ss="userText">Rya frowned, "Hm? Well, that''s another reason to destroy them<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"Agreed," Yuliana added.


    The entire assembly of Knights gazed at Rya with wide eyes and dropped jaws, their surprise evident in their expressions. The only ones who didn''t appear surprised were Rya''s friends, and Yuliana beamed proudly at her adopted daughter. The hushed atmosphere was shattered by the sound of Dous clearing his throat, signaling his intention to speak.


    <span ss="userText">"Do you mean to wage war on the kingdom of Marn?" Dous inquired.


    <span ss="userText">"Only if they refuse to release the enved Wood Elves<span ss="aiText">... And if<span ss="userText"> they don''t, then my golems will<span ss="aiText"> tear down the entire Kingdom of Marn so I can free the ves," Rya replied.


    Dous fell silent as he carefully considered her words.


    <span ss="aiText">"That <span ss="userText">seems reasonable<span ss="aiText">, but if the citizens are innocent, then there''s no reason to annihte their Kingdom<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText"> Dous said, and everyone nodded.


    "Yeah... I would prefer not to kill innocent people. But their Kingdom will be destroyed, and the King will lose his head if I find out that he was the one who sent those vampire assassins after Quinus," Rya rified.


    Quinus was grateful that she was willing to seek revenge on his behalf for the wrongs done to his younger self. However, he couldn''t help but wonder if she would actually go as far as to take Arnaud Dupont''s life if she discovered he was the one to hire the assassins.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Don''t force yourself into something<span ss="aiText"> that''s not worth your time, Rya," Quinus advised her.


    <span ss="userText">"Keeping you safe<span ss="aiText"> is worth my time," Rya countered.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">You know... It should be my job to protect<span ss="aiText"> you, right? Not the other way around," Quinus <span ss="userText">teased<span ss="aiText"> her.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya snorted, "<span ss="userText">Over my dead body<span ss="aiText">!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t joke about that!" Quinus told her, and she looked at him curiously. <span ss="aiText">"I don''t want you to die for my sake," <span ss="editText">he <span ss="aiText">told her in a low voice, and the others pretended not to hear them.


    <span ss="userText">"Well, you''re stuck with me, babe. Where you go, I go<span ss="aiText">," Rya teased, and Quinus rolled his eyes.


    "I guess there''s no stopping a determined Dark Elf like you," Quinus teased as Rya grinned back at him.


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn straight!" Rya agreed, and heughed.


    <span ss="aiText">Yuliana sighed, "You two remind me of a certain couple that I know."


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh? Really?" Rya asked, curious.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. It''s the Princess of the High Elf Kingdom and her human knight that she rescued and fell in love with. The two are inseparable, and she always tells him off whenever he gets hurt," Yuliana said, as she remembered how they acted when they were together.


    <span ss="aiText">"Wow!<span ss="userText"> I guess there are a few good eggs in the High Elf Kingdoms<span ss="aiText">," Rya said, and Yuliana smiled at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, well... The High Elves aren''t the best rulers of their continent... Um... <span ss="editText">After thinking about it. <span ss="aiText">Most of them are arrogant, greedy, and selfish. And they are very strict with their rules. But I have met some that were kind and just rulers. They are few and far between, unfortunately," Yuliana told her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well,<span ss="editText"> I''m sure<span ss="aiText"> there are good people and bad people in every race," Rya pointed out,<span ss="userText"> "But that brings me back to the vampires. If the Master Vampires can procreate, then why do they need to turn some humans into lesser vampires? I''m guessing it''s tough for them<span ss="aiText"> to get <span ss="userText">pregnant<span ss="aiText">, right?"


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well... Yes... You know how we, Elves, can only get pregnant every ten to fifteen years?"<span ss="aiText"> Yuliana asked, and Rya nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah,<span ss="userText"> so they<span ss="aiText"> have a longer gestation period than Elves and Humans," Rya deduced.


    <span ss="aiText">"Correct. <span ss="userText">They can only procreate when there is a sr eclipse with both moons. It''s the only time when there''s enough negative energy being<span ss="aiText"> released that a<span ss="userText">llows a female vampire to release an egg,"<span ss="aiText"> Yuliana told her.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya thought about this new information, "Hm. So, if a female master vampire was impregnated during a sr eclipse then she would be pregnant for <span ss="userText">how long?"


    <span ss="userText">"One Hundred years... And the sr eclipse of the twin moons only happens every thousand years<span ss="aiText">," Yuliana answered, and Rya frowned.


    "That sounds pretty intense. Being pregnant for that long must be tough. How do you manage to stay sane?" Rya asked while Quinus smiled with amusement.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s not an easy task, that''s for sure. It takes a special type of person to do such a thing. But the reward is great for a Master Vampire, for they are few," Yuliana answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"I wonder if vampires would consider it a blessing or a curse," <span ss="editText">Nieren chimed in<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="editText">"For them... Most would see it as a blessing," Yuliana answered honestly. She then looked at Nieren as if she was hinting at her<span ss="aiText"> to <span ss="editText">find a male and<span ss="aiText"> have a child.


    <span ss="editText">This caused Nieren to frown<span ss="aiText">, "Don''t even think about it! <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">I don''t want a child for at least 50 years," she dered, and Yuliana sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, I know. I just want you to have a child with the man you love, and hopefully, it''s sooner rather thanter, Nieren," Yuliana told her.


    Nieren felt her cheeks grow warm as a subtle flush of embarrassment spread across her face. She stole a quick nce at Quinus, hoping no one would notice her blushing, and then quickly looked away.


    "I''ll have children when I''m good and ready. There''s so much I want to aplish before even thinking about it, Mom," Nieren dered, her expression returning to its usual calm.


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t me you for feeling that way, but if you are in love with someone<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> then you will want a child soon enough, right?" Yuliana asked her daughter<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mom!" Nieren protested, but Yuliana smiled at her.


    <span ss="aiText">"What? I''m not trying to rush you into anything. I just want you to have a child of your own before you turn one hundred," Yuliana told her softly, and Nieren<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> sighed.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Okay... Fine, Mom," Nieren agreed reluctantly, and Yuliana''s smile grew wider.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Excellent! Now, let''s continue our walk," Yuliana cheerfully told her, and the rest of the group nodded.


    As they approached the exit, Rya couldn''t help but notice the sheer size of the door. It loomedrge before them, easily big enough to amodate an elephant.


    <span ss="aiText">"I don''t understand why there''s such arge door here of all ces... This is supposed to be a secret passage, right?" Rya wondered out loud.


    <span ss="aiText">"The door was made by dwarven artisans a hundred years ago <span ss="userText">as a gift from Ironside. Plus, you never know when you might need to hide a carriage, Lady Rya<span ss="aiText">," <span ss="editText">Dous<span ss="aiText"> answered.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Huh?... Well, I guess you make a good point<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">," Rya agreed.


    Quinus approached the imposing door and paused, turning to face the expectant group gathered behind him.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well... It''s been a long timeing. But we finally are home. Wee to the Maldura Royal Pce,dies<span ss="aiText"> and gentlemen," Quinus announced.


    Rya stood in awe as two of the knights focused their energy, channeling their mana into the ancient door. The intricate mechanisms of the door began to shift and rotate as ifing to life. With a surge of power, the two halves of the door slowly parted ways, revealing the mysterious courtyard beyond. The knights then concentrated even harder, pouring more mana into the door to halt its movement, ensuring that the passage remained open for their party to enter.


    As the door swung open, it revealed the magnificent pce courtyard. A broad stone pathway stretched out, leading to the most stunning fantasy castle that Rya had everid eyes on.


    <span ss="aiText">"Woah..." Rya gasped, and the other <span ss="editText">three women <span ss="aiText">stared in awe at the pce.


    "It''s even more magnificent than I could have imagined. It''s nothing like the Elder Tree," Nieren admitted.


    <span ss="aiText">"And<span ss="editText"> here I <span ss="editText">thought I''ve seen everything that humanity<span ss="aiText"> has to offer," <span ss="userText">Yuliana said, as Dalia almost fell backward from looking <span ss="editText">so high <span ss="aiText">up at the pce.


    <span ss="editText">Percy <span ss="aiText">caught her before she fell, and Dalia blushed in embarrassment.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, <span ss="editText">Gamma<span ss="aiText">," Dalia whispered, and <span ss="editText">Percy <span ss="aiText">smiled at her.


    "You''re wee," Percy answered her as he helped her get back on her feet.


    <span ss="userText">"Damn... So this is where I''m going to live?<span ss="aiText"> It''s amazing," Rya said, and Quinus chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s only a fraction of the entire pce. We won''t be exploring it until morning," Quinus told her<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah, I''m too tired<span ss="aiText"> to explore the pce right now. But I can''t wait to see my room. I feel like I can sleep for a whole day," Rya said, and she started walking toward the pce entrance.


    Quinus watched as the others followed suit, and a warm smile spread across his face as he observed the happiness evident on Rya''s face.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah... You deserve to live in<span ss="aiText"> a beautiful pce," Quinus told her.


    The group''s arduous journey back home has finally reached its conclusion. Little did they know that their next test awaited them the very next day when Quinus would receive word of the Prime Minister''s devious scheme.

 Vol.3 Ch.224 Alaric’s Preparations

    Vol.3 Ch.224 ric��s Preparations


    The day following Quinus and hispanions'' return from their long journey, the Divalo Manor, situated on the western fringes of Tairal, bustled with activity as servants moved in and out of the grand mansion, carrying boxes, bags, and furniture.


    The grand entrance of the mansion was disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious figure cloaked in ck. As he stepped inside, he theatrically removed his hood, unveiling himself as none other than Duke Revelia, the esteemed uncle of the Crown Prince of the Fiafyr Kingdom. His silver locks were elegantly tied into a ponytail, and his weary visage bore the weight of his experiences. Yet, behind his tired eyes, a fierce ze of fury burned brightly.


    As he entered the room, he was met by Belial, the butler, who greeted him with a respectful bow.


    "Has the trip been fruitful, my lord?" inquired Belial.


    "Not here... Let''s talk in my study," Duke Revelia murmured, then swiftly departed from the entrance.


    "Absolutely, sir," replied Belial as the Duke disappeared into the hallway and ascended the stairs.


    After the Duke departed, Belial quietly trailed behind him, making his way to the study. Once inside, the two men closed the heavy oak doors and secured them with a firm lock.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, how did it go?" Belial asked, and the Duke sat down in his chair.


    <span ss="aiText">"We had a small setback.<span ss="userText"> Krenn thinks he can y me for a fool, but once the Kingdom of Marn is no longer useful for me,<span ss="aiText"> I''ll send someone to kill him<span ss="editText"> and his King<span ss="aiText">," Duke Revelia answered.


    "Who would have thought that the Advisor to the King is actually a snake? Well, color me shocked," Belial said with a hint of sarcasm.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes<span ss="editText">... The people of Marn are cowards and liars. And I can use that to my advantage. Theyck long-term vision, and their short-sidedness will be their downfall.


    <span ss="aiText">"As we speak, the soldiers are packing up the weapons and gold and will leave by tonight. Once that''s done, I shall have their armies take control of the north, and once I purge the kingdom of all of Duval''s supporters, I''ll surrender Fiafyr to King Arnaud Dupont of Marn," Duke Revelia told his loyal servant.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It''s risky, and I hope you can kill him like you say<span ss="aiText">," Belial said, and the Duke sighed.


    <span ss="aiText">"I have a n in ce to kill him. He won''t expect anything because he''s too confident. And that''s what will be his undoing," Duke Revelia said, and he took a sip of his wine.


    <span ss="userText">"You''ve been<span ss="aiText"> nning this for some time, then. <span ss="userText">Let''s just hope that your nephew doesn''t get in the way. He somehow has fate on his��"


    <span ss="userText">*CRASH* Goes the ss of wine<span ss="aiText"> that the Duke just broke.


    <span ss="aiText">"Quinus has be a problem. But I will deal with him<span ss="userText"> once and for all..."<span ss="aiText"> Duke Revelia promised.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So... Krenn was able toe through and sold you an AphroAroma Wick<span ss="aiText">?" Belial inquired, catching the Duke''s attention as he nced up.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, and we were sessful. <span ss="userText">I was able to secure the aphrodisiac from Krenn, and hopefully, my lovely wife can convince that worthless princess of the Divine Three to use it on my nephew. Hopefully, when Quinus sleeps with another woman behind that dark elf''s back, she will finally leave him. Or better yet, she kills him. I hear that dark elf females are highly protective of their mates," the Duke said.


    "Yes, I have heard that they can be extremely possessive. But maybe it would be even better if we could somehow get one of those wood elves to sleep with him. Dark Elves hate their cousins by nature. I am sure she would kill both of the Wood Elves if push came to shove," Belial pointed out.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes... It would be better if he ravages the wood elves instead of Hilda. It would be a problem if she got pregnant<span ss="aiText">. We''ll have to find a way to get rid of the child if that happens.<span ss="userText">.. I''m not handing over my Kingdom to the religious zealots and their pdins.<span ss="aiText"> The Divine Three can stay in their damn church and <span ss="userText">hunt down the demi-humans<span ss="aiText"> for all I care. I won''t allow the<span ss="editText">ir<span ss="aiText"> Church to gain any more influence within my kingdom<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText"> the Duke said, and Belial smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, we still have plenty of time before the wedding takes ce. There''s plenty of time for our ns to be set in motion," Belial told him, and the Duke nodded.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes... But we can<span ss="aiText">''t afford to have anything go wrong.<span ss="userText">.. Speaking of<span ss="aiText"> which... <span ss="userText">Have we heard anything from c? Was he able to kill that Manaless halfwit?"<span ss="aiText"> the Duke asked, and Belial<span ss="userText"> grimaced ever so slightly.


    <span ss="userText">"I just got a message from him yesterday... It seems like the dark elf''s golems are more advanced than we first thought. He thought he had them distracted with the bandits he took control of. And he said that they almost pulled it off, but in the end, they failed, and he lost the entire group of bandits. All 150 of them without delivering one casualty to the Prince''s<span ss="aiText"> party," Belial told him.


    <span ss="userText">ric clenched his fists, "So, that means that they''re more dangerous than I thought... Or c is a coward that needs to be punished<span ss="aiText">..."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">W-Well... There is some silver linings, my lord,"<span ss="aiText"> Belial said, and Duke ric raised his eyebrow.


    "Like what?" he snapped back at his butler.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Firstly, c and his men weren''t tracked, so the prince doesn''t know about our involvement. Secondly, he was able to secure the brigands'' hideout in the Eldermyst forest. It seems they had arge stock of supplies and gold from all the merchants and nobles <span ss="aiText">they robbed," Belial exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"How much is in the treasury?" Duke Revelia asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Around 2,000 Gold coins, 20,000 Silver coins, 30,000 Iron coins, and<span ss="userText"> goods<span ss="aiText"> worth around 500 Gold," Belial answered, and the Duke''s face lit up.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">So... We now have a little staging area within Baron Johnathan Dule''s domain<span ss="aiText">... Good... <span ss="userText">This could work out nicely for me... Can you show me where this hideout is on a��"


    <span ss="userText">*Knock! Knock! Knock!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Sir! Sir! Are you in there!?" A voice cried out.


    <span ss="userText">ric looked annoyed as Belial sighed and walked over to the door.


    <span ss="userText">"You''re disturbing his lordship''s<span ss="aiText"> time," Belial snapped at the servant on the other side of the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Forgive me, sir. But <span ss="userText">we received a letter from the Prime Minister,"<span ss="aiText"> the servant said<span ss="userText"> from the other side of the door.


    Belial cast a quick nce toward his lord, who arched an eyebrow in response.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very well. I''ll give it to him," Belial said, and the servant ced the sealed message through a slot in the door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Thank you, sir," the servant said, and he scurried away.


    Belial gazed at the sealed letter, its parchment adorned with the official seal of the Prime Minister. What caught his attention was the deep purple wax used to seal the letter, a departure from the usual red wax. This unconventional choice hinted at an imminent emergency session of the Major Nobles.


    Belial let out a heavy sigh as he made his way over to his lord. With a sense of solemnity, he extended his hand, offering the letter to his master.


    "Oh? Looks like there''ll be an emergency meeting. What are you afraid of now, Duval," ric mumbled to himself while he broke the seal and read the letter.


    Belial feigned disinterest as he carefully concealed his curiosity about the contents of the letter. Maintaining his guise as a servant was paramount despite his eagerness to know more.


    Duke ric''s expression brightened, and a wide smirk spread across his face, lighting up his features.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is everything okay, my lord?" Belial asked, and the Duke''s eyes shot up.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Normally, I would<span ss="aiText"> be infuriated <span ss="editText">when Duval tries to interfere with my ns<span ss="aiText">, but the Goddess of Fate has decided to smile upon me this time, Belial.<span ss="userText"> Duval wants to ban the dark elf from entering the capital. We can use this to create a rift between the Nobles and the Royal family. I can''t wait to see the look on my nephew''s face once<span ss="aiText"> I tell him that he is theughingstock of the whole Kingdom," <span ss="editText">the Duke said, and a sinister smile crept upon his lips<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Belial <span ss="userText">coughed<span ss="aiText"> into his hand, "But <span ss="userText">the King left for Lomar yesterday night... He''s not in the capital<span ss="aiText">..."


    The Duke''s eyes darkened, "So... My brother has learned how to be more tactical? But it doesn''t matter. The meeting has tomence within four days. What can he do by dying the inevitable in a week''s time? Nothing, that''s what."


    "But what if they bring her to the Church of Bnce, and Iyomelka''s idol lights up for this dark elf? It will be like what happened when Rianna knelt before the altar," Belial reminded the Duke.


    "Belial... Did you even hear yourself? Rianna was a once-in-a-century thing, and the idol barely lit up. No one from the Royal family or the Nobles has been able to get any reaction from the goddess besides Rianna. And you think the goddess will make her presence known to a dark elf? Hell! Even that zealot, Mother Astra, couldn''t get the idol to react, and she''s the damn High Priestess of the Goddess''s religion!" Duke ric reminded his servant.


    <span ss="aiText">Belial''s face went nk, and he shook his head, "Yes... You''re right, my lord.<span ss="userText"> I don''t know why I<span ss="aiText"> suggested that... I was being foolish."


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry. We can use the situation to our advantage. <span ss="editText">I''m sure that my brother will advise the Prime Minister to let this dark elf<span ss="userText"> meet up with the priestesses, and I''m sure Duval willply with the King''s wish. But it''s just a fool''s errand<span ss="aiText">, and they''ll realize that in due time. But enough of this. Have our soldiers leave as soon as possible<span ss="userText">. I need toplete the payment within the month if I''m to secure favor with the Kingdom of Marn<span ss="aiText">. That fool, Duval, will never see iting. I''m the only one who''s thinking ahead," the Duke said, and he chuckled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, sir," Belial said.


    "Good, now leave me. I need to devise a n for how to rid King Dupont after he served his purpose," Duke ric ordered, and Belial bowed.


    The butler pivoted on his heel, reached for the doorknob, and smoothly stepped out of the room, ensuring that the door was shut firmly behind him. Meanwhile, ric let out a light, amusedugh as he gazed down at the letter in his hand.


    "It''s about time you became useful to me, Duval... But I can''t wait to see your face once I strip everything from you. I''ll take your money,nds, and people. I''ll leave you with nothing but the clothes on your back and a small amount of food. <span ss="editText">Once he <span ss="editText">witnesses the immense power that my kin<span ss="editText">gdo<span ss="editText">m has gained in his absence, he will surely kneel before me and plead for forgiveness. I''m sure he will take his o<span ss="editText">wn <span ss="editText">life<span ss="aiText"> when he sees his beloved daughter in a cor and leash, serving as a pleasure ve," Duke ric said, and a twisted smirk appeared on his lips.


    The Duke <span ss="editText">stood up from his <span ss="editText">chair, walked across the room to the window, and <span ss="editText">peered out at the <span ss="editText">vast expanse ofnd stretching in<span ss="editText">to the distance<span ss="editText">. On the far-off horizon, the magnificent Maldura Royal Pce stood tall, evoking a feeling of grandeur and power within the Duke. The pce wo<span ss="undoDeletionText">uld be his in due time; all he needed to do was y his cards<span ss="aiText"> right.


    "It''s all finally falling into ce... I will avenge the death of my son... I''ll make sure that your death will be a slow and painful one, nephew," Duke ric hissed to himself while watching his butler giving orders to his soldiers outside of the manor.

 Volume 3: Afterword

    Volume 3: Afterword


    Hey All!


    Holy moly! Another Volume is done. It still feels like yesterday when I started this crazy thing. I want to say thank you to all of you guys and gals who have been leavingments, liking, and reading my story. It means a lot to me as I chug along and try to clean up my work over all this time.


    I <span ss="editText">would also love to shout out all of my<strong>Patreon</strong>and<strong>Ko-fi members</strong>! You guys and gals are helping me envision a possible career in this field after I get my kid into school so I can have more time for myself. If you have enjoyed my work over the years, I would be eternally grateful if you che<span ss="undoDeletionText">cked my  o<span ss="undoDeletionText">r  page and supported me if you could.


    Now, what''s in store for the future? Well, we''ll finally get to see Rya and ric butt heads, and Duval will start losing his grip over the Major Houses while trying to hide the fact that a Dark Elf has entered the Pce grounds from The Divine Three Prince who has been staying in the Marquess'' Manor. And what will happen when Rya stumbles across a Pdin that reminds her of Sir udius from all the way back from Volume 1? We''ll have to see and find out!


    Unless you''re a Patreon member, then you can spoil it for everyone.


    See you allter!


    <h2 style="text-align:center">******</h2>


    <h3 style="text-align:center">Princess Hilda Stoneworthh

 Vol.4 Ch.225 Duval the Spineless.

    Vol.4 Ch.225 Duval the Spineless.


    It was three days before Quinus and his Entouragefinally arrived at the grand Capital City of Tairal. Situated in the southern outskirts of the city stood the magnificent Ecros Manor, the ancestral home of the esteemed Noble Wrightwood family. This stately manor served as Duval''s residence during his frequent visits to the capital city of Tairal. As the Prime Minister of Fiafyr, Duval found himself drawn to the city often, and the grandeur of Ecros Manor provided a fitting abode for his stature and responsibilities. And the Prime Minister had special guests staying at his home.


    The distinguished visitors included representatives from the Alliance of the Divine Three, a coalition of kingdoms situated along Fiafyr''s southern frontier.


    The gathering at the Marquess'' residenceprised ten restless individuals, all humans, who were seated impatiently in the living room.


    In attendance were Prince Zane Stoneworthh, his half-sister Princess Hilda Stoneworthh, and Prince Terenthiel Marrell, who was also known as the Fifth Son of the Holy Order. Additionally present were the valiant pdin, Sir Darius, and his devoted squire, Sir Kaelin. The assembly also included a High Priest, several White Knights, and a few others apanying Terenthiel Marrell.


    The reason for their impatience stemmed from their inability to secure an audience with King Cyndre Meredydd or his son, Crown Prince Quinus. They were aware that the prince had been dispatched to the west with a small contingent of royal knights to address a crisis involving a stampede of monsters, but this had urred over two months ago. Adding to their concern, Duval received word two days ago that the Crown Prince had developed feelings for another woman. Initially, King Cyndre had been ambiguous about the identity of this woman, but it was only on the day of Prince Terenthiel''s arrival that he learned she was a dark elf.


    For days, they have been attempting to secure an audience with the King to discuss the future of the two countries and the impending marriage between Crown Prince Quinus Meredydd and his fianc��e, Princess Hilda Stoneworthh. Meanwhile, Duval has been frantically searching for a solution to rid the Kingdom of the Dark Elf. If the Divine Three were to discover that the prince allowed a dark elf into the Kingdom, it could nullify the peace treaty and potentially spark an open war in an attempt to eradicate the Dark Elf.


    Duval needed to find a way to persuade the King to either banish the Dark Elf or subject them to an even harsher punishment.


    ***


    <span ss="editText">As Prime Minister Duval sat in his dimly lit living room, surrounded by his foreign guests, <span ss="aiText">th<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText"> w<span ss="editText">eight of his responsibilities bore down on him. He spent countless hours deep in thought, desperately seeking a way to convince the King and the Prince to listen to his advice. It pained him greatly to see the Prince being deceived by a Dark Elf out of sheer desire, as it seemed clear that this infatuation was a ploy. The Prince''s willingness to jeopardize the fate of the Kingdom for his own gratification was both exasperating and deeply concerning. <span ss="userText">And the King didn''t seem<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to be making much effort to rectify the situation.


    "Why do you look so worried, Prime Minister?" Terenthiel asked in a bored tone.


    Terenthiel''s voice echoed throughout the grand living room, shattering the tranquility and causing Marquess Duval to jump slightly in surprise.


    He looked up to see the Fifth Prince staring at him with a frown. He was a handsome young man with long ck hair tied in a ponytail, and he was his cousin once removed. Terenthiel was Duval''s only link to the Order of the Ones. It allowed the Prime Minister to contact the three heads of the Alliance: Prophet Paul, High King Rolmund III, and Prince Dreyand Stoneworthh, also known as the Third Son of the Order.


    Terenthiel was the fifth highest-ranking member of the principality. He would have been the King of his kingdom, but ever since his father joined the alliance, the royal family was stripped of its rights when they adopted their new Gods. He still had power and prestige within the Alliance, but he had to answer to those above him.


    Terenthiel was seated regally in his High Pdin armor, resplendent in a full set of gleaming silver-white te armor adorned with intricate engravings. A pristine white tabardy over his chest, emzoned with the symbol of the Order of the Three. The symbol, a radiant gold sun encircled by three triangles reminiscent of the Triforce from the Zelda series, shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance.


    The old wooden chair emitted a low, ominous creak as Terenthiel shifted his weight forward. He fixed his gaze upon the Prime Minister, anticipation hanging in the air as he awaited a response.


    "I''m just a bit troubled," Duval finally answered as his throat was starting to feel dry.


    "Troubled by the fact that we haven''t been able to get a meeting with your King?" Terenthiel replied in a low tone. "Or are you troubled by the fact that you are wasting my time, which is more important than any King or Queen?"


    Duval''s body tensed involuntarily in response to the sharp andmanding tone that Terenthiel had used.


    "N-No! I am just worried about what the Duke will do, is all. He is the biggest obstacle for our two countries to continue working together," Duval answered with a half-truth because he feared what Terenthiel might do if he told the truth.


    "Duke ric Revelia? What about him?" Terenthiel raised an eyebrow.


    "He and his Allies are more hawkish when ites to the Alliance. I just received news that his sole heir perished in the Tomb of the Horde. I''m on edge, wondering what his next move will be... And ric always seems to outmaneuver me at every turn."


    Terenthiel narrowed his eyes, "So you''re ipetence is showing?"


    The blood nearly drained from Duval''s face. His gamble on weakening ric''s influence throughout the minor noble families had failed, and his fear of an uprising caused by ric''s execution might have been an overcalction on the Marquess'' part.


    "N-no! I just don''t want another war, especially since we are close to winning against the monsters. With the arranged marriage between Crown Prince Quinus and Princess Hilda, we can finally have peace. The alliance between the Divine Three and the Kingdom of Fiafyr was made possible by the treaty we signed. If war were to break out��" Duval was interrupted.


    "We are already in a war," Terenthiel said in a calm but stern tone. "You just aren''t on the front lines fighting it."


    The atmosphere in the room was heavy with tension as the two men locked eyes. Duval could feel a lump forming in his throat, making it hard to swallow. Despite his efforts to stayposed, he sensed the mounting pressure inside him, like a coiled spring ready to snap. He took a deep breath before responding.


    "Prince Terenthiel... We don''t see the need to fight the dwarves or the beastkins. We are only worried about the ogres and orcs beyond the western wall. Do what you want on your borders. We will not stop you, but please��"


    <span ss="editText">"Your ancestors made a terrible mistake epting those impure beings into your kingdom. Purging them is the only way for those dwarves to find salvation. The same goes for the beastkins and the elves<span ss="aiText">. Those vile beings should all be killed for their sins<span ss="editText">," Terenthiel cut off<span ss="aiText"> Duval''s speech and red at the Prime Minister. "As for the orcs and ogres, it is only a matter of time before they are dealt with. The Horde is already on the verge of extinction<span ss="editText"> with the <span ss="userText">guidance of the Three<span ss="undoDeletionText">."


    Duval felt his pulse quicken as his chest tightened. The Marquess knew he had no say in the matter, but he couldn''t help himself from speaking out.


    "But we can''t! My people wouldn''t stand for it. The Galfrei Domain may have dwarves living there, but they helped our kingdom grow strong," Duval countered.


    "You mean, weakened... Maybe we should help you with your problem."


    "What?!"


    <span ss="userText">"I''m sure your people would dly ept our help in cleansing your kingdom if the monsters and that heretic of a goddess that resides within your temples are<span ss="aiText"> purged<span ss="editText"> from ex<span ss="userText">istence. Their reign has<span ss="aiText"> gone on for far too long<span ss="editText">, giving those around<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> them the freedom to corrupt your people. We will make sure she is dealt with and that the Divine Ones can watch over your kingdom. You will have the power of the Alliance behind you, and we will make sure the heretics are gone," Terenthiel said with a small smile. "All you need to do is allow us to set up one of our temples. A ce where the people can worship the Three and bring their sins and grievances to the priests to heal their souls from the Goddess'' corruption."


    Duval felt a chill run down his spine as he reminisced about the day he arrived at ric''s grand manor nearly two decades ago. It was in the aftermath of the Duke''s conviction for conspiring to assassinate the young crown prince. King Cyndre had initially intended to sentence his older brother, ric, to death, but Duval managed to persuade the King to opt for severe financial penalties instead in a bid to weaken ric''s grip on the lesser noble families. Despite this, ric had somehow maintained his influence over them for years.


    Duval had believed that ric had secured their loyalty through financial means. However, after a decade of receiving 75% of ric''s taxes and siphoning 50% of his coffers to the Royal Treasury, Duval found it increasingly challenging to sway the minor noble families to his side. He was forced to pour significant amounts of his own resources and wealth into prying a few of them away, all while struggling to retain the support of the major noble houses to maintain his position as Prime Minister.


    He found it perplexing why these lesser nobles remained loyal to ric no matter what incentives were presented to them. He began to wonder if they genuinely admired ric or if his influence and charm were simply toopelling. He recognized that hecked such influence and that his continued hold on power relied on his subservience to the major noble houses. However, he sensed that their loyalty to him was beginning to waver, and he knew that if ric managed to unite the majority of noble families against him and incite a rebellion, his reign would be at an end.


    Duval was vehemently opposed to the idea of another war, yet the prospect of beingpletely powerless was equally daunting to him.


    He had never fully grasped the Duke''s warning until now. The Duke had warned him that the Alliance sought to seize control of the Kingdom and thatunching a preemptive invasion into the Holy Alliance would be in Fiafyr''s best interest. The Marquess was deeply troubled by this, recalling ancient tales of powerful human civilizations banding together to form empires in order to protect themselves. In these stories, the empires ultimately fell when an external force invaded and subjugated them, leading to the creation of new, smaller kingdoms from the remnants.


    Duval''s apprehension grew as he contemted the potential transformation of the Kingdom of Fiafyr into an empire. <span ss="editText">The kingdom held significant power and influence within the Agon Continent, possibly even on a global scale. <span ss="editText">This realization fueled his deep-seated fear<span ss="editText"> of the possible destruction of the Fiafyr Kingdom<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, as well as the extinction of his family''s lineage and the entire Wrightwood n.


    "No... Our people love the goddess, and bringing in new ones would anger them. We barely have any beastkins tribes outside our borders, and the Dwarves have lived alongside our kingdom for many generations, and they are good people."


    "Are they?" Terenthiel tilted his head slightly. "The dwarves are a greedy race that loves their rocks, and the beastkins are savage beings that are loyal to no one except themselves as they battle to be the alpha of their pitiful little packs. Those creatures would be better off dead than serve the Divine Ones."


    Duval remained silent, his thoughts consumed by his unwavering devotion to Goddess Iyomelka. The mere idea of a Temple of the Divine Three being constructed within his country left him grappling with the potential repercussions it could have on his people.


    "Prime Minister," Terenthiel spoke again. "We are offering you a rare opportunity to save your kingdom, but your hesitation is concerning. You should think very carefully about your decision to save your people."


    Duval found himself in a precarious situation, akin to a mouse ensnared by a snake. On one front, he grappled with the challenge of addressing the Dark Elf who had captured the crown prince''s affections while simultaneously maintaining his influence over the Major Noble Lords to maintain his position as the Prime Minister. Additionally, he faced the looming threat of an uprising from ric and his allies, all while being menaced by his sole link to the Alliance.


    His options were dwindling, and he felt a growing sense of desperation as he searched for a solution.


    ''I-I need to bring up an emergency meeting! I have to inform the major families about this dark elf! We need to prevent her from entering the capital, and if we must, we will have to eliminate her. But I need the backing of the Major Lords.''


    Duval felt the urge to step away and instruct his aide to dispatch the messages, initiating the Emergency Session in private. However, Terenthiel maintained a stoic expression, seated directly across from him, clearly unimpressed.


    "Ahem! I will take it under consideration, for now, my prince..." Duval said after clearing his throat. The Prime Minister resorted to a diversion tactic, a strategy he often employed to shift the focus away from a particr subject when necessary. Duval looked down and stared at Terenthiel''s armor with a puzzled look on his face.


    "If I may ask, don''t you find it... ufortable?"


    "Hm?" Terenthiel did not notice Duval''s strange behavior, but then he realized he was looking at his armor. "It may be ufortable to wear this armor every day since I came here. But it brings me closer to the Divine Three," Terenthiel stated.


    Duval gave him a skeptical look, "But the heat is unbearable. You should make yourself at home, My Prince."


    "The heat is only a reminder of the Three''s love and light for their believers. It is a gift from the Divine Three, and the only thing I could ever want is their blessings, and?..." Terenthiel locked eyes with Duval, his gaze piercing through him like a predator stalking its prey. "And their protection."


    Duval could feel tiny beads of sweat starting to form on his forehead, a physical manifestation of his growing anxiety.


    "You need their protection? From what?"


    Terenthiel smirked, "Protection from my enemies..."


    Duval felt a new lump in his throat, "B-But we have a peace treaty��"


    <span ss="editText">"That hasn''t been finalized until Princess Hilda and Crown Prince Quinus are married, and the treaty is sealed with the consummation of their marriage. At the moment, I''m just a guest, but who knows, my people and I could end up being prisoners... Prime Minister,"<span ss="aiText"> Terenthiel interrupted Duval.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval <span ss="editText">needed to<span ss="aiText"> tread lightly<span ss="editText"> to prevent the Prince''s paranoia from worsening, but he also needed to keep the Prince happy until he dealt with this Dark Elf.


    "W-We will do everything we can to protect you and your men. You and yourpanions are our esteemed guests. No harm wille to you as long as you are under the Major Lords'' protection. I will personally ensure that you and your men are safe from any harm," Duval tried to keep his cool. "And we wouldn''t imprison you if we broke the treaty. We just ask you to leave, My Prince."


    Terenthiel smirked again, "I hope you''re true to your words, Prime Minister."


    Duval could feel the beads of sweat trickling down his forehead, unsure whether it was due to the oppressive heat or the chilling effect of Terenthiel''s words. He couldn''t discern if Terenthiel''s remarks were meant in jest or as a form of intimidation, but the intensity in the prince''s gaze left Duval with no doubt that there was no humor behind his words.


    "I''m a man of honor, Your Highness... And if you don''t mind... I have to use the bathroom for a moment... If you and your men need any refreshments, the servants will bring them out to you."


    "Thank you for your hospitality, Prime Minister. But what we need is to see the King..."


    "Of course... I will get that squared away as soon as possible. I will return shortly."


    Duval rose from his chair with a sense of urgency and swiftly left the room to prepare the necessary paperwork for an emergency session. As he departed, he knew that time was of the essence and he had a considerable amount of nning ahead.


    ***


    In the living room, every person present watched as the Prime Minister made his way out of the room. Duval made an effort to maintain hisposure while Sir Darius cast a piercing re in the Prime Minister''s direction.


    "Terenthiel, why did you push him like that?" Prince Zane asked.


    "Because he''s stalling... For what reason, I do not know," Terenthiel replied.


    "Tsk!... He is spineless and a coward... How did someone of his ilke from the same family as you, Fifth Son?" Sir Darius asked.


    Terenthiel nced over at the pdin, "He''s a distant cousin, Sir Darius. Hecks my faith and conviction. But don''t mistake his spinelessness with cowardice. When onecks a spine, it makes them annoyingly flexible."


    "Annoying?" Zane asked with a raised brow.


    "Yes... You can try to push him and bend him all you want, but in the end, he''ll bounce back like rubber. He is from my family tree, so he has some conviction, but it''s weak. He will bend if you put enough pressure on him, and if you let him be, he''ll snap back to his original position when you least expect it. So, never go easy on him, understand?"


    <span ss="editText">"Hahaha!" Darius chuckled<span ss="userText"> at his Lord''s<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> remarks. "You should have pushed him a little harder."


    "No... We won''t push him any further for now, but if he continues to take us for fools, we''ll have to up the ante."


    Zane and Darius acknowledged the conversation with nods while Hilda remained seated in the corner, apanied by her personal maid named Dori. Throughout the discussion between the three men, Hilda maintained aposed expression, showing little emotion as she listened intently. She didn''t say anything to Duval, but she could tell he was intimidated by Terenthiel''s appearance.


    ''So... This is going to be my life now... Just an object for political gain...''


    Hilda found herself confined indoors, forbidden from venturing outside. As a result, she remainedpletely unaware of the customs and societal expectations within the Kingdom of Fiafyr.


    In this unfamiliar environment, all she had forpany was her devoted personal maid, Dori, and her cherished collection of books. Despite having undergone extensive etiquette training and lessons, she couldn''t shake the feeling that it made little difference in her current surroundings.


    "My Lady, are you okay?" Dori whispered in her ear.


    Hilda was so lost in thought that she didn''t even notice her hand resting gently over her chest.


    "I''m fine... I think..." Hilda whispered back.


    Hilda remained oblivious to the fact that Zane and Terenthiel had both turned their attention in her direction. The two princes exchanged a knowing nce, indicating that they were thinking the same thing.


    ''She''s beautiful...'' They both thought.


    Terenthiel''s heart raced as he gazed at Hilda. She was truly captivating. Her long, flowing red hair cascaded down her pale skin, entuating her beauty. Despite knowing that she had been chosen to be Quinus'' wife, he couldn''t help but feel a strong desire to im her for himself, even though her allure was deemed sinful by the Divine Three.


    Zane shared the same sentiment. His half-sister was undeniably stunning and exuded beauty. However, he couldn''t shake off the words of his mother, who had warned him about her. She had described her as a product of his father''s unfaithfulness, implying that she couldn''t be relied upon to be a faithful wife. As a result, he feltpelled to maintain a certain level of distance. But the fact that she''s his half-sister and his father ordered him to make sure she consummated her wedding night made him wonder how far he could go.


    "Well, Princess... You will serve the Divine Three as a proper servant when the timees, understand?"


    "A servant..." Hilda repeated.


    "Yes, a servant," Terenthiel reaffirmed.


    Hilda remained silent, her gaze fixed on Terenthiel. The way he looked at her made her skin crawl with an overwhelming sense of revulsion. Ever since Hilda emerged victorious in the trials to choose Prince Quinus'' future bride, Prince Terenthiel has been casting lingering, unsettling nces in her direction.


    "Princess, make sure you carry his children. For they are the key to this country''s salvation," Darius added.


    Hilda nodded slowly, her eyes downcast, hoping to divert their attention away from her.


    ''So I''m a servant to the Divine Three... How can Gods be so cruel... I don''t know what I can do... But I need to get out of this situation. Especially if the Crown Prince is as cruel as my father and brothers say. I need to get out, but how?'' She thought as Hilda felt helpless.


    Hilda sat in the dimly lit room, her heart pounding with fear and anxiety. She could do nothing but wait, her only wish being that someone would arrive to rescue her from this nightmarish situation.

 Vol.4 Ch.226 Has Quin’s Stamina Gotten… Better!? ??

    Vol.4 Ch.226 Has Quin��s Stamina Gotten�� Better!? ??


    Three days have passed, and the sun now rises, casting its brilliant light over the city. The temperature is gradually rising, signaling the arrival of a warm and sunny day. A gentle breeze drifts through the streets, adding a refreshing touch to the bright and clear morning. Everything seemed peaceful unless you were around the Prince''s chambers, where erotic moans could be heard through the closed door.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaah!" A <span ss="editText">female dark <span ss="aiText">elf was moaning with pleasure.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes! Yes! <span ss="userText">Oh, Goddess! Rya! That''s it, babe..."


    <span ss="editText">The dark elf was in bed and riding on the hips of a young, handsome, muscr man wit<span ss="editText">h golden eyes and reddish brown hair. His name was Quinus Meredydd, and he was the Crown Prince of Fiafyr. This morning, he had a special wake-up call from his gorgeous, dar<span ss="undoDeletionText">k-elven fiancee, Rya. She wanted a reward for making it to the Pce in one piece with her man, and when she saw his morning wood<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, she jumped him, and they were having a hot, passionate lovemaking session.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus was lying down on the bed while Rya rode his cock by rocking her hips<span ss="aiText"> up and down. She was wearing nothing, which left herrge and soft breasts bouncing freely. Her round and firm ass also shook as her pussy swallowed his shaft up and down.<span ss="editText"> She was enjoying the ride of her life.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh <span ss="editText">God<span ss="aiText">! This is the best!<span ss="editText"> Aunh!? Why does it seem like your cock is getting bigger-Aungh!?<span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText"> Moaned the female dark elf.


    <span ss="aiText">"R-Rya... Ugh!" Quinus grunted and grabbed her waist, helping her bounce on his dick faster.


    <span ss="editText">"Oh! GAWD!" Rya moaned out as she jerked her head back while her fingers <span ss="aiText">dug into his chest<span ss="editText"> to steady<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> herself. She was having the best time of her life, and she was going to milk every drop of semen out of her fiance''s cock.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aungh! Ah! SHIT!" The Prince grunted.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus started thrusting his hips upwards while pulling Rya''s pelvis down, making sure that his manhood was going deeper into her.<span ss="userText"> This caused Rya''s massive tits to<span ss="aiText"> bounce and shake with every thrust.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aaah! Aungh!"<span ss="userText"> Moaned the prince as he continued his assault on the dark elf''s wet pussy.


    <span ss="aiText">"Cumming! I''m cumming!"<span ss="userText"> Rya screamed out as she arched her back.


    "Yes! Please, squeeze down hard, babe! Aaahnh!?" The Prince pleaded as he was getting closer to climaxing.


    Rya tried riding his cock with vigor, but the pleasure was beginning to be too much for her to handle.


    <span ss="editText">"Ah! Gah!?" Quinus was grunting and growling, enjoying the tight feeling of her pussy<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> around his shaft.


    <span ss="editText">"Mmmnnh!?" Rya''s moans were muffled by her hand covering her mouth. She was trying to<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> stay quiet so no one would hear them.


    "Ugh! Hngh!" Quinus let out a grunt and thrust one more time before releasing a load into her womb. Rya''s entire being was waiting for this moment, and she felt the warmth of Quinus'' essence flowing through her. It made her feel happy.


    "Ahhnhh!" Rya let out a quiet but satisfied moan as her womb started to tingle.


    <span ss="userText">"Fuck... So fucking tight..." Quinus said as he held onto Rya tightly.


    <span ss="userText">Rya''s body began shaking uncontrobly, and her eyes rolled back as she climaxed once more.


    <span ss="editText">"Aungh~!" Quinus let out a groan, and then he slowly eased his vice grip<span ss="aiText"> on Rya''s hip<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">s<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Mmmnngh..." Rya moaned as she slumped against Quinus'' body, resting her head on his chest.


    ''F-Fuck! I-I''m struggling tost over a minute... I swear I could go an hour easily about two weeks ago. Why has my stamina been dropping?'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya could feel something hard poking her stomach and looked down to see Quinus'' cock twitching with excitement.


    ''It looks like he''s still ready for more... Come on, Rya... you''re in a woman''s body now. I should be able to oust a man.'' Rya thought as she looked at Quin''s golden eyes, which looked eager for a second round.


    With a sigh, Rya slowly moved off of Quinus and lifted her hips up to allow his cock to find her entrance, and she pushed down on it. She then began moving her hips, causing Quinus'' dick to slide in and out of her pussy, once more.


    <span ss="aiText">"Uhhn..." Rya moaned softly as she felt Quinus'' member enter her depths again.


    <span ss="userText">"Augh! Y-You''re so amazing, babe<span ss="aiText">..." Quinus praised Rya.


    "Aunh! Y-You say I''m amazing?... That''s a lie! Quin, your cock is insane! My old self''s doesn''te close to yours! Your dick is too good!" Rya shouted out in ecstasy.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus'' face flushed red, and his cock twitched even more from herpliment.


    <span ss="aiText">"I love you so much, babe! Please, make me feel good..."<span ss="userText"> He whispered<span ss="aiText"> to her.


    Hearing her man''s request lit a fire inside of Rya, and she started moving her hips faster, making Quinus gasp in pleasure.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh fuck... yes..." He groaned.


    <span ss="aiText">"Auhn!" Rya moaned as she mmed herself down onto Quinus.


    <span ss="userText">''F-Fuck!? His cock has definitely gotten bigger and stronger<span ss="aiText">. Damnit!<span ss="editText"> It''s not fair!<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="aiText">"Ooohhh... R-Rya... Auhh..." Quinus cried out.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aungh! I love you, Quin..."


    <span ss="userText">"I-I... l-love you... t-too, babe." Quinus struggled to reply as Rya was twisting<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her hips while moving.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus reached out and grabbed Rya''s waist and started pushing her hips up and down, making her take his cock deeper.<span ss="userText"> This made Rya''s legs go numb, and her pussy gushed out juices.


    <span ss="aiText">"FUCK!" She screamed out in ecstasy as her body shook violently.


    "Gah!?" Quinus was breathing heavily as he watched his lover orgasm right in front of him.


    <span ss="editText">Quin loved the way her tinum white hair shined in the light and the way her breasts bounced with every thrust. Her perfect tan skin glistened with sweat. She looked so beautiful to him, and he<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> wanted nothing more than to worship her body forever.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oooh!" Rya''s body trembled, and her hips convulsed, making her squirt out even more fluids.


    "Aaahhn..." Quinus was groaning in pleasure as his hips began bucking wildly. He was inplete control of her now as Rya''s body became limp due to exhaustion, and she could only hold on tightly to Quinus'' arms.


    <span ss="userText">"Gawd! It''s so hot inside! Quin! You''re a beast<span ss="aiText">! You''re such a beast!" She moaned.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ugh! Auh!" Quinus'' breathing became erratic, and he couldn''t hold himself back anymore.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m going to cum, babe!" Quinus warned her.


    <span ss="userText">"Please! Aungh! I can''t take it anymore<span ss="aiText">! Please cum inside!"


    <span ss="editText">"H-Here... I-Ites!" He gasped as his testicles<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">tightened and his cock swelled.


    "C-Cum inside me! Please!" Rya begged.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aungh!"


    Quinus thrust his hips upward one more time. Then he engaged his back and legs so he could lift Rya intothe air.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oooohhhh!"


    <span ss="editText">The force of Quinus'' thrust, along with his powerful legs, sent his cock flying into her cervix and womb. Rya could feel the heat of his cock as it was forced into the deepest depths<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> of her womanhood.


    <span ss="aiText">"Gwaaaaaa!" Rya let out a scream, and her whole body convulsed as another intense orgasm wracked her entire being.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus roared out, and his hips bucked as he released a massive load into her womb, flooding it.


    <span ss="userText">''OH FUCK! QUIN!<span ss="aiText"> OH GOD! IT''S SO MUCH! MY WOMB IS GETTING FULL! I''M GOING TO BURST! OH GAWD! AHHH!''


    <span ss="userText">The Dark Elf was sent to cloud nine as her vision went white with ecstasy<span ss="aiText">. She could feel every drop of her lover''s seed entering her womb, and her belly began to expand slightly.


    Quinus finally stopped his ejaction, and he copsed backward onto the soft mattress, bringing Rya with him.


    <span ss="userText">"Ack!<span ss="aiText"> Auugh..." Rya struggled to catch her breath, and the momentum from falling caused her to fall forward andnd on Quinus'' chest with a thud.


    <span ss="aiText">"H-Heavy..." She groaned weakly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Sorry, babe... I just couldn''t help myself..."<span ss="userText"> Quinus said with a weak smirk<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya chuckled and then leaned forward and kissed him.


    <span ss="aiText">"I love you..."


    <span ss="aiText">"I love you too..." Quinus replied and kissed her back.


    <span ss="aiText">Theyy there in silence for a few minutes.<span ss="userText"> She was enjoying lying there in Quin''s embrace. But she noticed her bloated<span ss="aiText"> belly and felt a bit embarrassed.


    ''Oh, goddess! Look at my stomach. It''s so big. Is this what it looks like if I were to get pregnant? Ahh... Maybe Quin''s cum is the reason that my clothes have been getting a little more snug. And I''m a Dark Elf now, not a human. So, is it normal for me to have my abdomen be bloated by my lover''s semen? Or is Quin''s cock and balls otherworldly. I mean, he had to unload about a gallon into me. That should be physically impossible! Haah... Fantasy worlds make no sense.''


    <span ss="aiText">Rya was lost in thought as she looked at her belly and felt her lover''s seed sloshing around in her womb.<span ss="userText"> And when some of it leaked out. Her abdomen started to shrink down <span ss="editText">a bit<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> She couldn''t help but think of how much of a pervert she had be. But it wasn''t entirely her fault, as her lover was a very handsome, muscr, and kind man.


    <span ss="aiText">"That was so much. I can''t believe how full you made me." Ryamented.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Hmm? Well, you bring it out of me, babe<span ss="aiText">. Your sexy body is too much for me to handle. Especially when you start screaming my name and cumming. I couldn''t hold back." Quinus replied.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Jeez, Quin... You''ve been pumping me up so much that it''s making it harder to put<span ss="aiText"> my clothes on."


    <span ss="aiText">"Really?"


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah. My shirts are getting a bit snug, and my skirt feels a bit tighter.<span ss="editText">Plus, my corsets<span ss="userText"> have been squeezing my chest and waist more.<span ss="aiText"> My panties are also getting a little too small."


    "Huh? Are you sure? Because you look perfect to me." Quinus said as he examined her voluptuous body.


    <span ss="userText">Rya wanted to be serious<span ss="aiText">, but thepliment made her blush. "T-Thank you. But I''m serious.<span ss="editText"> I''m worried that I''m getting fat. This normally wouldn''t bug me<span ss="aiText">, but I''m trying to maintain my appearance."


    Quinus scanned Rya''s body once again, and the only spots that he could see fat in her were her magnificent tits and that perfect round ass of hers. Sure, her abdomen was bloated, but it wasn''t fat. It was getting pushed out from behind her muscles, thanks to him overloading her womb with his essence.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nope. I don''t see any extra weight on you. Maybe your corset''s just getting old and needs to be reced. Also, the material could be <span ss="editText">shrinking the wash<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"I guess...<span ss="userText"> But you''ve got me a bit worried about my stomach,<span ss="aiText"> babe. It''s not fat, but I''m feeling it. And it''s making me feel a bit weird."


    Rya had conflicting emotions about her body. Part of her was happy and excited that Quinus was pumping so much into her. But another part was worried that her figure was being ruined. She didn''t want to lose her perfect form for her man.


    Quinus noticed her anxiety and gently ced his hand on her stomach, offering a soothing caress. Rya was taken aback and felt the urge to shoot a fierce re at Quinus, but <span ss="userText">her womb quivered<span ss="aiText"> when heid a hand on her stomach.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your body is perfect. No matter what you look like. Even if you gain a bit of weight, I won''t care. Because no matter what, I''ll always love you."


    <span ss="userText">Rya rolled on her back in a weak attempt to<span ss="aiText"> escape. But Quinus wrapped his arms around her and held her close<span ss="userText"> while he continued to caress her tummy.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not a pervert..." She muttered weakly.


    "What was that, babe?" Quinus asked, trying not tough at how adorable she was being.


    <span ss="userText">"Because everything you do to me makes me<span ss="aiText"> horny. It''s not fair."


    "Well, that''s not a bad thing... Look, your belly is going back to normal. See. Just a little more massaging, and you''ll be back to normal. Then you''ll have room for me to give you even more," he said in a soothing tone.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus started massaging her belly as he kissed her neck.


    <span ss="aiText">"Aunh... Quin...<span ss="userText">"<span ss="aiText"> Rya moaned as her body shivered.


    <span ss="aiText">"You like that, don''t you babe?" Quinus teased.


    "Ahhn... N-No. It''s just that I''m already sensitive after having such a big orgasm. If only you knew what it is like to be a woman. How sensitive our bodies are. How every little touch can set us off. If you knew, then you wouldn''t tease me like this."


    <span ss="aiText">"Is that so? Well, maybe I''ll have to see if I can change that. Wouldn''t that be interesting? To see you in the same position that you''ve put me in?"


    <span ss="aiText">"W-What!?"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus moved his hands up and squeezed her breasts.


    <span ss="aiText">"Auh! Ooh... You pervert!" Rya moaned.


    "Hmm... I love how your breasts feel, babe. They''re so big, so soft, and they''re so sensitive. You know what it''s like to be a man, babe... Being around a beautiful woman that you want to please all the time... Your body lights a fire in me in ways that you would understand."


    "Q-Quin... I get where you areing from��AUNH!? W-We''ve already had our fun! Aunh! F-Fine! One more time, okay!? It''s not like you can get me pregnant by fucking me all day! Aunh! I''m a dark elf now... It might take five to ten years before I might ovte!" Rya tried to reason with her lover, but her body reacted to his teasing.


    "I know, babe... But we don''t know when you will, and we need to make sure we don''t miss an opportunity to keep my mother and father off our backs."


    Quinus continued to grope and massage her breasts, and then he began pinching her nipples.


    ''Aungh!? Rianna said I couldn''t marry Quin if I didn''t produce offspring! Augh!? My nipples! B-But I''m not sure if I''m going to enjoy carrying a child! I was a man literally over a month ago! Auugh! I-If it does happen, then I''m going to make Quin carry our kid in his guts! Sure, I want his kid, but I need time to mentally get myself ready and I think I will be ready in ten years... Or fifteen? Whatever��Auugh! Damn him and his fingers! He knows I love it when he does this! I''ve truly be a woman, haven''t I!''


    Quinus gently ced his hands on her bloated belly, massaging it with care before moving down to her thighs, where he continued to offer a soothing touch closer to her womanhood. Rya squirmed and moaned, unable to resist her lover''s touch.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nngh! <span ss="userText">Q-Quin?<span ss="aiText"> Haaah... Y-You really want to go another round? Nngh!"


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, I do love seeing you moan and groan, babe. It''s really hot." Quinus smirked and began kissing her neck.


    <span ss="aiText">"B-Bastard! H-How are you able to have this much stamina?" Rya moaned louder, and her body tingled.


    Quinus grinned, "You''re throwing insults now?... You''re bing cuter by the day, babe," he joked while he continued teasing her womanhood.


    "Aunh!? C-Cute? That''s not fair! You''re a pervert and a jerk! Nngh! Auugh... W-Why can''t I get mad at you? Nngh!" Rya squirmed as she was getting flustered.


    <span ss="editText">"I guess I''ll just have to take that as apliment," Quinus said with a sly grin as he enjoyed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> seeing his lover get all worked up.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Hmph! <span ss="aiText">Take it however you want. You''re still a perverted jerk... Aunh!<span ss="userText"> AUNGH!?" Rya was interrupted when Quinus slid his massive member into her needy pussy.


    <span ss="editText">She didn''t know why she had been acting so moodytely, but it was probably because of the overwhelming amount of pleasure that Quinus was giving her. He had no problem taking advantage of it. And there was another thing that was bugging her. There was <span ss="userText">something about Qu<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">inus <span ss="userText">that was different, and it was driving her wild.


    <span ss="aiText">"Babe, <span ss="userText">you are perfect in every way... And what I say<span ss="aiText"> is true." Quinus whispered in her<span ss="editText"> elven<span ss="aiText"> ear.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-You... <span ss="userText">Aungh! I-I! Augh! Love you<span ss="aiText">... Aunh! Aaaaannnngh!!!!" Rya came.


    <span ss="aiText">"I love you too, Rya."


    <span ss="userText">Whatever reservation she had<span ss="aiText"> was gone, and she let herself give into her lust and passion.<span ss="userText"> It was like she needed<span ss="aiText"> Quinus more than ever. The Crown Prince<span ss="aiText"> was enjoying the sight of his beautiful fiancee''s body trembling, while at the same time, hearing the sound of her erotic moans was like music to his ears. The way her vagina was tightening up was amazing.


    <span ss="userText">''I know that you are scared of carrying a child, babe... But if you can carry one child, then the Major Noble Families can''t dismiss you and ban you from the kingdom<span ss="aiText">... I want you to be the future Queen of Fiafyr.'' Quinus thought to himself as he continued to fuck his lover.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya was lost in her own pleasure as Quinus continued to ravish her.<span ss="userText"> It didn''t take long before he reached his climax, and both of them hollered<span ss="aiText"> out in pure ecstasy.

 Vol.4 Ch.227 I Can’t Believe What I’m Doing! ??

    Vol.4 Ch.227 I Can��t Believe What I��m Doing! ??


    <span ss="userText">Quinus wanted to continue, but he noticed how exhausted Rya looked after taking on another load of his essence, which caused her bloated belly. He didn''t know that it was physically possible to do such a thing, and he thought it was sexy. He would have enjoyed the moment if not for his manhood demanding to <span ss="aiText">continue its conquest.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="editText">Dammit... I''ve climaxed multiple times? How am I<span ss="aiText"> still not satisfied?'' Quinus asked himself.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> on the other hand<span ss="editText">,<span ss="aiText"> was in bliss<span ss="editText"> as she felt her man''s cock<span ss="aiText"> buried deep inside her. Her legs wrapped around his waist and pulled him closer. She wanted to be close to him.


    <span ss="editText">''I-It''s like we''re connected... Our souls are one.'' Rya thought with half-zed eyes and a happy grin.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus sighed as he <span ss="editText">w<span ss="userText">rangled in<span ss="aiText"> his lustful desire. He was sure that if he were to go all out and give his fiancee everything, then he would destroy her body. <span ss="editText">And he wouldn''t forgive himself<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> if he ever did that.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''Calm down, Quinus. You can''t lose yourself to your desires. It''s not right. Rya deserves better. Just take it slow and gentle.''


    "Babe, let''s get a bath going. Then we can sleep."


    "Nnngh..."


    "Babe?"


    "Mmmph..."


    ''Is she sleeping?... Fuck, Quin... I don''t know what''s gotten into me. It''s like I can go for hours on end... I need to control myself better, or I''ll injure her... And I don''t know what I will do to myself if I ever hurt her...'' Quinus thought.


    Rya''s breaths came in gentle, rhythmic intervals, a testament to her calm demeanor. She exuded an air of tranquility, her body at ease despite the world around her.


    <span ss="userText">''I better clean her off<span ss="aiText"> and put her in bed<span ss="editText">,''<span ss="aiText"> Quinus thought to himself as he <span ss="editText">moved off the bed and picked her up. He took her into the bathroom and began to fill the tub with water when he channeled his Mana into the crystal.


    <span ss="aiText">He took the opportunity to admire her body once more. Her slender neck and her ample bosom.<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Her shapely hips and her supple butt. Her creamy thighs and her dainty feet. Every inch of her was perfect.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">He gentlyid her into the water and washed her body, making sure to clean her thoroughly.


    ''Alright... Easy does it.''Quinus thought as he sat Rya down in the bathtub and began to wash her off.


    Ryay unconscious, her body limp and powerless in the warm water of the tub. Quinus, realizing he couldn''t keep her upright with just one hand, carefully climbed in beside her. The waterpped gently against the sides as he shifted, using his own body as a support. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, steadying her against his side, determined to keep her from slipping under the surface.


    <span ss="userText">''I really have done it now... She looks so peaceful... Fuck me! How is it that every time I''m around her, I just want to ravish her? I need to find a way not<span ss="editText"> to<span ss="userText"> push Rya. She''s done so much, and somehow<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> I<span ss="editText">''m not satisfied after blowing my load three times<span ss="aiText">. I need to be careful. What if I actually do lose control?<span ss="editText"> Dammit, I just want to rx with her like this... <span ss="userText">We''ve been running around a lottely... And I wish life was simpler than what it is... Whatever, we''ll stop my uncle and the Prime Minister from stopping<span ss="aiText"> the wedding.''


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="editText">stroked Rya''s tinum-white hair while she rested<span ss="aiText"> her head on his shoulder. <span ss="editText">Rya made a cute noise<span ss="aiText"> and leaned her body against him, snuggling against him, making him smile.


    <span ss="aiText">''Fuck... This is nice. Just sitting here, not thinking about anything. Well, except her...''


    <span ss="userText">Quinus looked at his Dark Elf fiancee and couldn''t be happier<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> but then he noticed her bloated abdomen. He rubbed it softly<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> an<span ss="editText">d<span ss="userText"> a cloud of white liquid flowed into the water.<span ss="userText"> He grimaced at his own hand<span ss="editText">i<span ss="userText">work<span ss="editText"> and felt a little guilt, but only a<span ss="aiText"> little.


    ''<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Oh boy... Yeah... I definitely came t<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">oo <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">much. I can''t believe she could hold <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">all that <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">inside her. I need to make it up to her.''


    <span ss="userText">And so Quinus began to slowly massage her stomach, pushing out more of his seed that was inside of her, which slowly<span ss="aiText"> flowed into the water.<span ss="editText"> He did this <span ss="userText">until her stomach looked close to normal. This caused Rya to hum<span ss="aiText">, and she seemed content. She nuzzled closer to him, and<span ss="editText"> the pressure in her<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> belly went away.


    ''She''s so cute when she''s like this... And her boobs are so soft... Shit! Calm down, Quin... Let''s just snuggle. Y-Yeah... We can have our funter tonight.'' Quinus thought while looking at Rya''s amazing chest.


    After a few minutes of sitting in the tub, Rya''s eyelids gradually lifted, revealing her sleepy gaze as the soft light of the room filtered in. The gentle ripples of the tub danced around her, and for a moment, she lingered in the stillness, savoring the tranquility before fully engaging with the world.


    "Good morning, my princess," Quinus greeted her.


    "Nnngh... Why are you calling me your princess?" Rya yawned.


    "Well, you''ll be my wife and the next Queen of Fiafyr, so I can call you whatever I want. Besides, you look like a princess right now."


    <span ss="editText">"Pfft... You and your corny jokes... Haah... What am I going to do with you? Nngh... Q-Quin!? Are you hard again? Really!? I know we live in a fantasy world, but this is getting ridiculous!" Rya blushed as she felt his manhood poking<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> her back.


    "<span ss="editText">I know... I know... It''s fine... I can wait untilter tonight," Quinus said while looking off to the side so he wouldn''t get<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> more excited.


    <span ss="editText">Rya looked at him and felt guilty<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> about him having to restrain himself.


    ''Fuck... I know I have the ability to heal myself, but even with that... I won''t be able to walk straight for a week... But blue balling Quin would be a dick move... Haah... I can''t believe I''m thinking of this... But I''ll try it for him,'' Rya thought to herself as she turned around to face Quin and stared at her fiance''s crotch.


    "Haah... Sit on the edge of the tub," Rya ordered.


    <span ss="editText">"Huh? Why do you want me to sit on the edge?" Quinus asked with a raised brow<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    "Just do it, babe. Or do you want me to change my mind?" Rya looked at him with an annoyed look.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus didn''t know what she was going to do, but he would be an idiot if he didn''t take this opportunity.If he thought <span ss="userText">Rya was going to do what<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> he thought she was going to do.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Okay, okay."


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Quinusplied and sat on the edge of the tub, allowing his fiancee to have a better angle at his erect manhood.


    <span ss="userText">"Alright... Just sit there and don''t move," Rya ordered while looking at him with a serious<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">face.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Um, okay?" Quinus said, not wanting her to stop.


    Rya was blushing as she got on her knees and looked closely at Quinus''s cock.


    <span ss="editText">''Jesus, he''s big! And this thing fits inside my pussy? Does that mean I have a big pussy? Ugh... I can''t believe I''m going to do this, but I would have loved to receive this from a chick back when I was a man. I just never expected me to be the on<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> doing it. Haah... Well, it''s now or never.'' Rya thought to herself as she mentally prepared herself as she got on her knees and positioned herself in between Quinus'' legs. <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya was nervous. She''d never done anything like this before, but she was willing to try.


    The Crown Prince''s brow raised as he saw Rya looking up at him with a seductive gaze.


    <span ss="editText">"Are you sure you want to do this, babe?" Quinus<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> asked, giving his fiancee onest chance to back out.


    "I said don''t move... And yes... Yes, I do."


    "O-Okay," Quinus muttered as he looked at Rya and waited for what she was about to do.


    The Dark Elf cupped her breasts, moved them around, and added some water in between her cleavage. She then pressed them together and moved them closer towards the base of his cock. It was quite the sight to see, and Quinus'' breath hitched as Rya began to move her tits up and down his cock.


    <span ss="userText">Rya had to hide her surprise when Quin''s cock poked out of her cleavage after stroking<span ss="aiText"> his dick with her tits.<span ss="editText"> Her breasts were huge, and she didn''t know if she could see the tip of his cock, but <span ss="userText">it turned out that Quin''s cock was far more impressive<span ss="aiText"> than she had thought.


    <span ss="editText">''Oh my god, this feels so weird! And yet, it''s not unpleasant... I just hope Quin likes this,'' Rya thought as she looked at Quinus''s face, hoping to gauge his reaction.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Rya saw that he was biting his lips, and she knew that she was on the right track. She kept going, trying to make it feel as good as possible.


    ''Shit! He''s getting bigger! And he''s already leaking precum...'' Rya thought as she increased her speed.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus could feel his balls tightening. It didn''t help that Rya was looking at him with that cute expression<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> of hers.


    "Oh fuck... R-Rya... Y-Your breasts... Oh, fucking hell!" Quinus moaned as he closed his eyes and leaned back.


    <span ss="editText">Rya didn''t know why, but seeing Quin at her mercy was making her wet and turned on.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> She felt like a dominatrix as she continued to stroke his dick with her tits, causing him to groan.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''I never knew being dominant could be such a turn-on!'' Rya thought as she licked her lips.


    "You like that, babe? Nngh!" Rya cooed as she kept moving her tits up and down his massive shaft.


    "Haa... I-I love it! Ooh fuck! Fuck!"


    <span ss="editText">"Mmm... Good... Because I''m not done with you," Rya purred. She never knew that she had this side to her.<span ss="editText"> She was only nning on giving Quin a boob job, but her curiosity<span ss="aiText"> got the better of her,<span ss="editText"> and she wondered what it would be like to suck<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> on his cock.


    Quinus could barely speak as he felt the warmth of her breasts and the water around his cock. It was driving him crazy.


    Rya could smell his precum, and it made her start licking the tip of Quinus'' member, and her tongue swirled around his bulbous head.


    ''God! His precum tastes so good! I-I should give Quin boob jobs more often! Aungh!? I never knew this was such a turn-on for me. Shit! My pussy is so wet right now!'' Rya thought as her pussy was leaking fluids into the water.


    "R-Rya! Shit! I''m close! Oh fuck!"


    Rya could feel the pulsating sensation and knew what wasing. She moved her mouth around his tip and continued to suck on his cock while rubbing her boobs on his shaft. Her heart raced as she felt the blood pulsating throughout his member.


    "Haah! R-Rya... F-Fuck! Ahhh! N-No fair! Haa... Shit! Nngh! Ooohh! Fuck!" Quinus moaned as he was about to blow.


    Rya moaned as she felt the warm fluid squirt into her mouth. She was able to swallow some down but was unable to drink it all. She pulled her mouth off his cock, and thest rope of cum spurted onto her face.<span ss="editText"> She tried toput her mouth<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> back over his tip, but she was a second toote.


    ''OH GAWD! THERE''S TOO MUCH! A-AHH! I-IT''S COVERING MY FACE!'' Rya thought as she tried to swallow his cum, but his cock wasn''t deep enough in her mouth for his cum to hit the back of her throat, causing her mouth to let go of his cock, and Quinus'' cum covered her face again.


    Rya thought she would hate to be covered in Quin''s seed, but the warmth felt nice andforting.


    ''I-It smells so good...'' Rya thought as she continued to milk him, and he unloaded for ten more seconds before he was empty.


    Quinus was in bliss while Rya was busy savoring his delicious seed that was all over her face and breasts.


    After a few moments, he finally opened his eyes and saw Rya with her cheeks full of his cum. He couldn''t help butugh a little.


    "Pfft... Did you have enough?"


    Rya blushed and quickly swallowed his cum. She looked up at him and nodded her head.


    "Haah... Y-Yeah..." Rya responded as she was still in shock at what she just did, and the worst part was she was horny. But Quinus'' cock finally softened after giving him a blowjob.


    <span ss="editText">Quinus looked down at his fiancee and couldn''t believe how beautiful she looked. Even with all<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> his seed covering her, she was still the most gorgeous girl in the world.


    "Haah... Here," Quinus channeled some more Mana into the crystal of the Fae-bath. "Let''s finish bathing, and I''ll wash you. Then we can get something to eat."


    "Y-Yeah... T-That sounds good."


    Rya was in a daze and didn''t know what hade over her. This was the second time she had given him her head, and she was beginning to like it.


    ''Shit... This is bad. I should try to avoid giving him a blowjob unless necessary.''


    <span ss="editText">Rya was in denial, but deep down, she wanted to do it again. It was just thest remnants of her male ego talking, trying<span ss="aiText"> to convince her otherwise.<span ss="editText"> But her feminine<span ss="aiText"> side <span ss="editText">that was beginning<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to blossom wanted to keep sucking Quin''s cock in the future.


    Quinus didn''t know how lucky he was, but he would find out soon enough. After he helped wash off Rya''s body and her hair. He got a whiff of her pussy. It was the smell of pure arousal.


    ''Wow... She''s really turned on. Maybe I can return the favor...'' Quinus thought as he looked at his fiance''s beautiful face.


    "W-What?"


    "Can you sit on the edge of the tub, babe?"


    "Huh? W-Why?"


    <span ss="userText">"Just do it, princess. I need to see something," Quinus ordered in a teasing<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> manner.


    "Fine," Rya relented and sat on the edge.


    Her face was red as a tomato, and she was still embarrassed that she did that for him, and her vagina was leaking.


    <span ss="editText">''What''s he going to do? Haah... Why is my body trembling?''<span ss="aiText"> Rya thought, feeling nervous as Quinus got on his knees.


    The Prince had a serious expression as he <span ss="aiText">ced his hands on her thighs, and they were both looking each other in the eyes. And in a blink of an eye, he lifted her legs onto his shoulders and moved his head closer to her crotch.


    "Q-Quin? Agh!? W-What are you doing!?"


    "I can''t just leave you with blue balls... That would be rude."


    "H-Hey! Wait, I don''t have balls! Aungh!"


    Before Rya could react, she felt a hot and moist tongue slide across her vagina. It sent a shiver up her spine.


    "Oohh! W-What the fuck are you doing?"


    "I''m paying back the favor, babe. Now rx."


    "B-But this is different than sucking your cock. Nnngh! O-Oh shit! Augh! Quin!"


    Rya''s back arched, and she couldn''t help but moan. Her body was getting hotter, and her legs were shaking.


    ''Holy fuck! H-His tongue is going inside of me! Aungh!? He hasn''t gone down on me in such a long time! Ahhh! Oh shit!''


    "Q-Quin... S-Stop... I-I''m about to..."


    "Don''t worry, babe. Let it all out," Quinus responded as he kept going. He loved how engorged her clit was.


    ''Fuck... She tastes so sweet. I should go down on her more often,'' Quinus thought as he inserted a finger inside of her.


    "AUNGHAH!" Rya moaned and gripped the sides of the tub. She was trying not to fall off the edge as Quin continued his assault on her pussy.


    "Haah! Quin! O-Oh fuck! Nnngh! Oohh! Haaa! Shit!"


    She was starting to lose control and couldn''t keep quiet. She wanted to twist her nipples and y with her tits, but she needed both hands to hold herself steady.


    "Q-Quin! I''m cumming! Nnngh!"


    Quinus didn''t need to be told what to do as he went into overdrive and ate her out even harder. He felt the muscles contract as her vaginal walls started mping down on his tongue.


    "Ahh! Fuck! Haaa! Nngh! Q-Quin! I''M��CUMMING! AAAAAAHHHHH! AUGNH��GAWD! YES!"


    Rya screamed as she orgasmed. Her whole body shook, and her legs quivered. She squirted all over Quinus'' face like a tsunami.


    Quinus didn''t expect her juices to be this strong. His face was soaked in her cum. He quickly gulped down her juices and thenpped up what was left. He could tell she was spent as she fell into the water. The Prince couldn''t help but smirk while wiping off his face.


    "You okay, babe?"


    "Uggh... Shut up... You did that on purpose to embarrass me..."


    "Why would I want to embarrass you? I think you did great."


    "Uggh..." Rya groaned and buried her face in her hands. She didn''t know why she was so embarrassed by the fact that he gave her a cunnilingus. But she enjoyed every second of it.


    "Haha. Come on, princess. We need to dry off and get ready."


    <span ss="editText">Rya felt a surge of frustration bubbling inside her, ready to burst forth with a sharp retort. However, a wave of caution washed over her; she knew that any words she chose might ultimately backfire <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">on her with Quin''s insatiable libido. Resigned, she exhaled deeply, the sound heavy with disappointment, her shoulders drooping as she suppressed the urge to speak.


    <span ss="userText">"Fine,"<span ss="aiText"> she mumbled.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus couldn''t help but smile. His fiance was adorable.


    <span ss="aiText">"So cute," he teased, pinching her cheeks lightly.


    <span ss="aiText">"Nngh," she whimpered, her face turning bright red<span ss="editText"> as Quin started<span ss="userText"> to towel<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> dry her.


    Quinus and Rya emerged from their refreshing dip, droplets of water gleaming like tiny jewels on their skin as they quickly dried off. They exchanged yful smiles, the kind that hinted at a shared secret. Normally, the Prince��s personal servants would be bustling around, eager to assist him in his royal attire, but today was different. Quin felt a spark of mischief; he had no intention of summoning them. Instead, he turned to Rya, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. He wanted her to help him get dressed, and even more, he was determined to adorn her in beautiful garments, transforming their intimate moment into a delightful game of fashion.


    After pulling on his crisp shirt and fitted trousers, he made his way across the room, his footsteps soft against the polished floor. As he approached Rya, a warm smile spread across his face, illuminating his features and reflecting the warmth in his golden eyes.


    "I have the perfect dress for you," Quinus said with a smile as he took out a dress from the wardrobe.


    Rya blinked, her long eyshes fluttering like delicate wings, and raised an eyebrow high on her forehead, a mixture of surprise and intrigue dancing in her bright azure eyes.


    "Why are you so happy?" Rya asked.


    "Oh, it''s nothing, but can you close your eyes for a second," Quinus replied and grabbed the dress.


    Rya furrowed her brow. "Fine," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. With a sigh, she gently closed her eyes, shutting out the world around her.


    "Good. Now, stay still and keep your eyes closed," Quinus said as he walked up to her.


    Rya nodded her head as she waited, "Okay, what now?"


    "Now lift your arms up and hold them out," Quinus ordered.


    Rya did as he asked and held out her arms. Something soft wrapped around her body, and she could feel a corset getting tighter, which gave her goosebumps.


    "Alright. Now lower your arms," Quinusmanded.


    Rya let her arms drop to her sides, the soft fabric of the dress brushing against her skin as she heard the gentle sound of buttons being fastened, one after another. A delicate scent enveloped her, a mix of fresh linen and subtle floral notes, reminding her of a warm summer day. The familiar aroma wrapped around her like aforting embrace, pulling her further into the moment.


    "Alright. Now open your eyes."


    Rya slowly opened her eyes, and as her sight adjusted to the soft light, she realized she was adorned in an exquisite ck dress. The fabric hugged her figure just right, while a delicate red silk bow rested elegantly on her chest. Intricate red embroidery wrapped around her gown, proudly showcasing the Royal Meredydd crest and the emblem of the Kingdom, each stitch telling a story of nobility and grace.


    She gasped and looked down at her outfit.


    "I-It''s beautiful..."


    "Of course, I had it specially made back in Ironside... I wanted you to wear it for the first time in the pce. Just to show you off," Quinus stated.


    "Oh!? Who do you want me to tease?"


    "Everyone."


    Rya looked at him and couldn''t help butugh.


    "Hahaha! You are so silly!"


    "I know. But you''re so gorgeous. I''m just d I found someone like you," Quinus said and pulled her close to him.


    ''Aunh! I''m going to O.D. on hispliments if this continues.'' Rya thought and hugged him back.


    "Thank you. I''m d I found you, too."


    "Haha. Well, now that you are ready, let''s get some breakfast," Quinus said as he reached out his arm.


    Rya nced at it before epting it.


    "Very well. But it''s probably closer to brunch at this point."


    "Then we can have brunch instead," Quinus said, smiling, and leading her towards the main door of their bedroom.


    Just as Quinus was about to grab the doorknob and open the door, Rya stopped him from doing so.


    "Huh? What''s wrong," Quinus asked and looked at his fiancee.


    Rya had a look of disbelief written all over her face, "She fell asleep against the door." She muttered.


    "Who?"


    "Just step back, babe," Rya said, cing a hand on his chest and moving him back.


    Quinus furrowed his brow and took a cautious step back. Just then, Rya reached for the doorknob, her fingers tingling with anticipation. She turned it slowly, then darted away as the door creaked open. To their surprise, a wood elf tumbled through the threshold,nding with a soft thud on her back, her long, flowing blonde hair fanning out around her like a halo.

 Vol.4 Ch.228 What is Up With Everyone?

    Vol.4 Ch.228 What is Up With Everyone?


    <span ss="editText">Nieren, Rya''s Lady-in-Waiting and older sister, was positioned on the ground in front of Quinus and Rya''s bedroom door. She had long, flowing blonde hair spread across the floor and was dressed in the Fiafyrian female retainer uniform. Ever since their mother, Yuliana, had adopted <span ss="editText">Rya as her new daughter just a week ago, Nieren embraced her new role with warmth and affection, eager to protect and support her newfound sister in their enchanting world filled<span ss="aiText"> with magical creatures<span ss="editText"> and danger.


    <span ss="editText">��Augh? Ow... Zzzzz...<span ss="editText">�� The weary female wood elf groaned, seemingly unfazed by he<span ss="editText">r tumble as she slipped right back into a peaceful slumber, lost in her dreams.


    <span ss="editText">Rya let out an exasperated sigh, roll<span ss="editText">ing her eyes <span ss="editText">at the sight while Quinus stood there, caught between amusement and concern. His heart wa<span ss="editText">rmed <span ss="editText">at how endearingly adorable his future sister-inw <span ss="editText">appeared, sprawled on the ground in a s<span ss="editText">tate of utter exhaust<span ss="editText">ion from their <span ss="editText">long journey back to the capital.<span ss="editText"> He couldn''t help but smile, yet a pang of sympathy tugged at him��she had certainly earned her rest.


    "<span ss="editText">Nieren! I told you t<span ss="editText">o find a room to sleep in. You didn''t need to stand guard all night<span ss="aiText">." Rya sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren stirred and <span ss="editText">opened her eyes and saw Rya standing above her with her arms crossed<span ss="aiText"> and a slightly annoyed look on her face.


    "Huh? <span ss="editText">S-Sis?..."<span ss="aiText"> Nieren muttered as she rubbed her eyes.


    "<span ss="editText">Nieren?" Rya repeated and tapped he<span ss="editText">r foo<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhh!<span ss="editText">"Sorry... I-I wanted to protect you and the Prince,<span ss="aiText">" Nieren eximed and sat up, looking around the room. She saw that the door to the Prince''s bedroom was wide open.<span ss="editText"> She was dumbfounded<span ss="aiText"> at first, then quickly jumped up to her feet and acted like nothing happen<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText">.


    "<span ss="editText">That''s s<span ss="editText">wee<span ss="editText">t of you, but you need to take care of yourself. You have been up for nearly 24 hours,"<span ss="aiText"> Rya stated and sighed.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren''s retainer uniform was looking a bit messy, and her hair was all tousled. She had some dark circles under her eyes from staying upte to "guard her adopted sister," though she had a few other reasons for staying up as well. She''s be ustomed to hearing Rya and Quinus''<span ss="aiText"> activities, especially their sexual escapades.<span ss="editText"> And the voice she was more attracted to was Quin''s<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="editText"> Every grunt, moan<span ss="aiText">, and groan of his turned her on and made her <span ss="editText">feel funny. Nieren convinced herself that her actions were all about shielding her new sister and the Prince, but deep down, she was grappling with a blossoming crush on him. It was a truth she was too blind to acknowledge, lost in her own delusions.


    <span ss="aiText">"O-Of course. I-I''m fine. Haah..." Nieren yawned, unable to conceal her exhaustion.


    "<span ss="editText">Nieren... Go get some <span ss="editText">sleep and fix<span ss="aiText"> yourself up. I''ll call youter, and you cane back."


    <span ss="aiText">"What!? No, I''m fine. Besides, I<span ss="editText"> need to make sure that you''re safe. It''s a new ce, and every few people realize that a dark elf is in the Pce."


    <span ss="editText">Rya gave her older sister a skeptical look, "<span ss="userText">Nieren... You can protect me just fine when you are fully rested. Come on, let''s find you a room so you can<span ss="aiText"> get some sleep. Then you cane back and do your job."


    <span ss="editText">No! I''m fine, sis! This tiredness will pass," Nierenined as she pushed away Rya''s hand.


    <span ss="editText">"You are being stubborn," Rya replied with a sigh.


    <span ss="editText">"I''m sorry, Sis. But I am not going to leave your side until I know that the pce is safe for you<span ss="aiText">."


    Rya <span ss="editText">let out a weary sigh as she watched Nieren struggle to keep her footing. It pained her to see her friend so worn out, and the reason be<span ss="editText">hin<span ss="editText">d her own clinginess puzzled her.


    <span ss="editText">��Dammit! She can barely stand<span ss="editText">,�� Rya thought, frustration bubbling inside her. It was utterly absurd how stubborn she was being. ncing over <span ss="editText">at Quinus<span ss="editText">, she sought a silent plea for assistance. Picking up on her distress, Quin strode over to the wood elf, ready to lend a hand.<span ss="userText"> He smiled brightly at the Wood Elf, who did a double-take<span ss="aiText">, suddenly aware of his presence.


    "<span ss="editText">Nieren... I admire your bravery in protecting the woman I love," Quinus said as he grabbed her hand<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren''s eyes w<span ss="editText">idened in surprise, a delicate shade of rose creeping across her cheeks as the dashing prince gently sped her hand. Her heart raced, a wild drumbeat echoing in her chest, while her palms grew mmy with a surge of nerves<span ss="aiText">. She <span ss="editText">gaz<span ss="aiText">ed up at him<span ss="editText">, a mix of wonder and confusion dancing in her expression, captivated by the maic charm that radiated from him<span ss="aiText">.


    "<span ss="editText">But Rya makes a valid point. You really need to take a break," Quinus urged gently, his voiceced with concern. "It would truly be an honor if you chose to stay in my room. We have an extra bed just waiting for you." He stepped forward, guiding her toward the cozy, inviting space that was connected to Rya''s and Quin''s room that was off to the<span ss="aiText"> side.


    <span ss="aiText">Nieren didn''t know what to do or say. She felt butterflies in her stomach. But she didn''t understand why.


    "<span ss="editText">Uhh? M-My prince?" Nieren murmured, locking her gaze with his. A rush of emotion surged through her, her heart fluttering like a captive bird. Confusion clouded her thoughts, and the weight of her exhaustion pressed heavily upon her, amplifying the whirlwind of feelings coursing through her.


    <span ss="editText">Nieren couldn��t shake the peculiar sensation overwhelming her. ''Why does my heart race like this? What��s happening to me?'' A flutter of confusion swept through her thoughts. ''Could Rya be onto something? Maybe hearing all that... passion is finally getting to me.'' She took a deep breath, trying to steady her frenzied pulse as she trailed behind the captivating human. Under different circumstances, she might have pushed back against this unexpected attraction, but exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and curiosity tugged at her like an irresistible force.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus gently guided her over to the empty bed and helped her sit down. Rya watched all of this with a dumbfounded look. How was it that Nieren was so stubborn with her, and yet Quinus'' simple touch and smile made Nieren meek andpliant?


    <span ss="userText">"I can <span ss="editText">see the concern etched on your fac<span ss="userText">e <span ss="editText">f<span ss="userText">or my fianc<span ss="editText">��<span ss="userText">e, and <span ss="editText">it��s entirely understandable. Believe me, her safety is my top priority as<span ss="userText"> w<span ss="editText">e<span ss="userText">ll<span ss="editText">," Quinus said softly, kneeling before the weary Wood Elf. Nieren, fatigue weighing heavily o<span ss="userText">n he<span ss="editText">r, let out a long, unguarded yawn, revealing just how deeply this journey was taking its toll on her. "But please, don��t sacrifice yourself in the process," he added, his voice filled with genuine care<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">Nieren tried onest time to protest<span ss="aiText">, her words heavy with reluctance, "But... But,<span ss="editText"> My<span ss="aiText"> Prince��"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus <span ss="editText">let out a warm chuckle, hisughter filling the room and cutting through her words. "Just c<span ss="aiText">all me Quin. <span ss="editText">That��s what a<span ss="aiText">ll my friends do<span ss="editText">," he said, a yful glint in his golden eyes. With a gentle touch, he nudg<span ss="aiText">ed her to<span ss="editText">ward<span ss="aiText"> the bed. <span ss="editText">"Now, get some rest, Nieren. You deserve it." The wood elf met his gaze, her heart fluttering slightly, and after a moment of hesitation, she nodded and settled onto the bed,forted by his presence<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">''Warm...'' Was all <span ss="editText">Nieren could<span ss="aiText"> think as she nestled into the silken sheets, letting her eyes drift closed. Sleep imed her in moments, and before long, she was lost in her dreams.


    <span ss="aiText">"Phew. She finally went to sleep<span ss="editText">," Quinus <span ss="editText">sighed, gently tucking the nkets <span ss="editText">around the wood elf<span ss="editText"> as she settled into a deep sleep. With a sense of relief, he rose and made his way toward th<span ss="editText">e perplexed Dark Elf<span ss="editText">, whose eyes looked at her older sister with more questions than answers<span ss="aiText">.


    "What <span ss="editText">the hell? I was trying to do all the same things you just did, and she wouldn''t listen to me<span ss="aiText">," Rya whispered in astonishment.


    "<span ss="editText">Hmm? Well, she might have the big sisterplex...<span ss="aiText"> I''ve seen that happen before. Sometimes, the <span ss="editText">old<span ss="aiText">er siblings want to be the ones to protect the younger siblings," Quinus whispered, leaning in close. <span ss="userText">"And maybe she needed to hear the same thing from someone else<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="editText">''Really? It looked like he was hypnotizing her. What the fuck is going on with you, Nieren?... Even since I''ve healed your mana vein, you''ve been acting stranger than usual. But it could just be the fatigue andck of sleep...'' Rya thought as she sighed.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">"<span ss="undoDeletionText">Hmph. Well, whatever it was, I''m d she finally went to sleep," Rya grumbled.<span ss="editText"> "Maybe I will ask her about it after she gets some rest<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Least not worry about her<span ss="aiText"> for now, babe," Quinus whispered and gave her a gentle peck on the lips. "She''s <span ss="editText">safe here," Quinus said while offering Rya his arm again.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes, let''s," Rya replied <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">as she <span ss="userText">loope<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">d <span ss="userText">her arm around his and smile<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">d a<span ss="userText">t him.


    <span ss="editText">As the two <span ss="editText">strolled out, they were met with a startled servant whose eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of both the prince and the enchanting Dark Elf by his side.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">��I... I... I had no idea His Highness was back!�� the servant eximed, her voice trembling with excitement. ��Please forgive me for not noticing sooner! I��ll get right to cleaning your chambers!��


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">With a hasty bow, she hurried off, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway, eager to atte<span ss="editText">nd to their <span ss="editText">needs.


    <span ss="userText">"Hold on!..." Quinus called out, halting<span ss="aiText"> the servant in her tracks.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes, Your Highness?"<span ss="editText"> the servant<span ss="aiText"> replied, turning to face the pair.<span ss="editText"> She was trying her best not to stare at Rya<span ss="aiText"> and focus on the Prince.


    <span ss="aiText">"I have a favor to ask," Quinus said.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, my prince. What is it?" the servant replied.


    <span ss="editText">There''s another guest sleeping in my chamber. You cane back to clean my room in the afternoon��unless that goes against your schedule,"<span ss="aiText"> Quinus exined.


    "<span ss="editText">U-Umm. Well, yes. But it''s fine. I can adjust to amodate His Highness," the servant <span ss="editText">answered and bowed<span ss="editText"> her head again.


    <span ss="editText">"That''s alright, just wait until the afternoon. Oh, and I''ll send for another servant to assist you."


    <span ss="editText">"T-That won''t be necessary," the servant objected.


    <span ss="editText">"It is because this ce could use a little more cleaning than��usual," Quinus countered.


    <span ss="userText">The servant''s eyes darted back and forth from the Prince to the Dark Elf. She knew that this would be a good time to impress her superiors.


    <span ss="userText">"Very well. If his Highness insists, thank you," the servant said as she bowed her head again before hurrying off. She kept ncing at Rya with fear in her eyes.


    <span ss="userText">''Haah... Here we go again... Everyone is scared of the big bad elf... I should grab something to cover my ears so <span ss="editText">everyone can<span ss="userText"> stop being so damn jumpy,'' Rya thought as she sighed.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus noticed<span ss="aiText"> the change in her mood and ced his hand on her shoulder.


    "Don''t worry<span ss="editText"> about them. They<span ss="editText"> will get used to you<span ss="editText">r presence soon enough," Quinus assured her.


    <span ss="userText">"I know. But I''ll grab a shawl or a hood<span ss="aiText"> so people aren''t star<span ss="editText">tled by<span ss="aiText"> me," Rya stated, her voice t and tired.<span ss="editText"> "Hang here, and I''llbe back in a moment."


    Rya <span ss="editText">sauntered over to the dresser<span ss="editText">, her eyes dancing over the array of essories until theynded on a luxurious ck silk shawl. It was the perfectpanion to her new dress. With a graceful motion, she swept the shawl over her head<span ss="editText">, a<span ss="editText">llowing it to cascade around her shoulders, elegantly concealing her long, pointed ears. She turned around a yful spark in her eyes. "So, what do you think? How do I look?"


    <span ss="userText">Quinus just stared at her with a brilliant smile, "Beautiful... as always."


    <span ss="editText">Rya shed him a yful smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she sent him a cheeky wink.


    "<span ss="editText">Shall we?" Quinus inquired, a yful glimmer in his eyes as he extended his arm to her for the third time, inviting her to join him.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes, let''s," Rya replied, wrapping her arm around his. Then, they went<span ss="editText"> on their way towards the private dining room.


    <span ss="userText">As they strode down the dimly lit hallway, the guards snapped to attention, their expressions impossibly stern. Rya felt a flicker of unease wash over her; there was something unnerving about the rigid formality that surrounded her. She''d thrived in theid-back atmosphere of Ironside, where the Dwarves weed her with open arms and heartyughter.


    <span ss="userText">Yet here, every detail seemed steeped in an archaic tradition she struggled to embrace. It was precisely this contrast that had drawn her to train under the formidable Fyre Coldforge, the revered Baroness Dowager of Ironside. Rya had immersed herself in the nuances of Fiafyrian noble etiquette, determined to adapt. Still, the echoes of her old Earth habits lingered, making it challenging to navigate the stifling expectations of her new world.


    <span ss="userText">Quinus and Rya <span ss="editText">stepped into the bustling dining hall, their senses immediately enchanted by the vibrant atmosphere. Laughter and chatter filled the air as<span ss="userText"> they s<span ss="editText">potted<span ss="userText"> Quin''s <span ss="editText">loyal <span ss="userText">retainers<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">��the young Ranger, Percy, and the ever-dutiful Sir George��gathered around a long, beautifully set table. A few servants darted between the guests, carrying tters of steaming dishes that promised a feast fit for royalty<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Your Highness," Percy greeted with a bow of his head.


    <span ss="userText">"Morning, Percy," Quinus greeted back.


    <span ss="userText">"Your Highness, I trust you and Lady Rya had a pleasant morning?" Percy inquired with a smirk<span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="userText">"We did," Rya answered for Quinus<span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="userText">Percy just raised an eyebrow at the Dark Elf.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh, stop, Percy... Like you are one that can judge. I had to change rooms because you and Dalia were howling at the moonsst night," Sir George stated with a re.


    <span ss="userText">"And you''re just annoyed that your ''Love Sage''s advice still isn''t helping you pick up thedies," Percy taunted.


    <span ss="userText">Sir George''s face turned beet red, and he quickly looked away. <span ss="userText">"I-I''m getting better," <span ss="editText">he stammered, trying to defend himself.


    <span ss="userText">"Sure, you are," Rya teased with a chuckle.


    <span ss="userText">��Oh, I see how this morning is <span ss="editText">going to go<span ss="userText">,�� Sir George eximed, throwing his hands up dramatically. ��Just let��s all pile on poor old George, the world��s worst matchmaker. Why not kick a guy while he��s down? Well, I��ve had enough!�� His eyes sparked with determination as he continued, ��All your teasing and taunting has only steeled my resolve! I��m going to find the perfect girl�� or perhaps a disciple! And mark my words, I will be renowned for my pirs of wisdom and courtship!��


    <span ss="userText">With fervor, he jabbed his fork in the air, first pointing at Rya, then Quinus, and finally, he turned to Percy, who could only grimace at George��s bold deration.


    <span ss="userText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"Oh! A disciple, you say? Like young Percy? That sure helped him getbeled as a prevent, if my memory is correct," Rya asked, and Percy and Quinus looked at each other and smirked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course not!<span ss="userText"> He failed to understand my teachings<span ss="aiText">... <span ss="userText">But You! Lady Rya! You may have had the upper hand in getting Percy together with Dalia. And you might have helped fix Lord Johan''s rtionship with Lady Tayna... But I''ve been learning and taking notes on you and Prince Quinus'' methods. I''ve been holding this back until we''ve returned home, and I am here to tell you that I will master them and be a Love Sage that this world needs!"<span ss="userText">Sir George announced with his fist clenched.


    <span ss="userText">"So, what you are saying is that I''m a failure? And I''m here to tell you that I''m fine with that," Percy said, which caused the table tough.


    <span ss="aiText">"No! No, of course not, Percy. You were just the perfect test subject... Ahem! Sorry... What I meant to say was, you are a great example of what not to do, my dear friend," Sir George corrected himself, which only made everyoneugh even harder.


    <span ss="userText">"Jeez... What has gotten into you, George? Isn''t being a Royal Knight enough<span ss="aiText"> for you? Or are you going to take up the life of a Bard now?" Quinus joked, and Sir George <span ss="userText">paused momentarily as he looked like he was lost in thought. And after a few seconds, he shook his head vigorously.


    <span ss="editText">"Bah, this is nothing. I was just messing with Lady Rya," Sir George retorted, trying to save<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> face.


    <span ss="aiText">"Is that so? <span ss="userText">You weren''t thinking of something else now<span ss="aiText">, were you?" Rya asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"What?... No, no... Nothing at all," Sir George replied with a nervous smile.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh? Is that so," Rya continued with a smirk.


    A sheen of sweat broke out across Sir George''s forehead, glistening under the sunlight that came through therge windows as tension mounted in the air.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-Yes... It''s nothing," Sir George stammered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Oh, you were. Well, that''s a shame," Rya teased.


    <span ss="userText">Sir George tried to ignore<span ss="aiText"> the Dark Elf''s teasing, but his pride was making it difficult. He didn''t want to admit that he was getting older,<span ss="userText">and he didn''t know how much longer he had to<span ss="aiText"> find a wife and start a family. He felt his time was running out.


    <span ss="aiText">"A-Ahem. I-I don''t know what you are talking about," Sir George said, and the others at the table couldn''t help but chuckle at the knight''s denial.


    <span ss="userText">"Alright, I''ll let you off the hook this time, George... But I won''t be so merciful next time," Rya teased the old knight one more time<span ss="aiText">. "Let''s eat; I''m starving," Rya said as she grabbed her fork and knife.


    <span ss="editText">Everyone else followed suit as they enjoyed their meal<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, chatting amongst themselves.

 Vol.4 Ch.229 I’ve Come To Inform You.

    Vol.4 Ch.229 I��ve Come To Inform You.


    As they relished their meals, a few minutes slipped by, filled withughter and delightful conversation. Rya took a bite of the roasted pig, its savory vor exploding in her mouth, and she couldn��t stifle a soft moan of delight. The rich, smoky goodness was simply irresistible, drawing her deeper into the moment and making her forget all else.


    "Mmhm. Delicious!" Rya eximed, savoring a sip of water that seemed to dance on her tongue. The past week had elevated her senses, sharpening her taste buds as her cravings for rich meats and sweet treats surged unexpectedly. She chuckled at the thought, attributing it to the rigorous training sessions with her mage��a whirlwind of spells and incantations. Plus, thosete-night escapades with Quinus had surely been burning off her energy; it was only natural for her appetite to grow. Just some innocent hunger, she assured herself, nothing more.


    "I''m delighted you''re enjoying the meal," Quinus replied with a warm smile. "It��s one of my favorites, though I have to admit, it doesn��t quite match the taste of the wild boars we used to hunt in the woods." His eyes sparkled with nostalgia as he spoke, reminiscing about the past adventures they had shared.


    <span ss="editText">"I found it a bit gamey and toughpared to this. I prefer the pork," Rya hummed<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">. She leaned in and rested her elbows on the table, the warmth from the meal radiating through her body.


    <span ss="userText">"Huh? Well, I find it to be quite the opposite. It has more of a rich and smoky vor that is more robust and hearty," Quinus retorted<span ss="aiText">, raising his eyebrows.


    <span ss="aiText">"No way. Pork is so much more sulent and tender. It just melts in your mouth," Rya fired back, her gaze narrowing yfully.<span ss="userText"> She didn''t understand why eating this food was making<span ss="aiText"> her feel so feisty, but she couldn''t deny the thrill of bantering with her partner.


    <span ss="aiText">"Pork, eh? Well, you do have a point. The taste is more refined, though, so I suppose there''s no right answer," Quinus conceded.


    <span ss="userText">Rya felt a little bad<span ss="aiText"> for <span ss="editText">teasing<span ss="aiText"> her partner. She <span ss="editText">just loved the taste of<span ss="aiText"> pork and couldn''t resist the desire to eat more of it. <span ss="editText">But she s<span ss="userText">wallowed her pride<span ss="aiText"> and apologized. "<span ss="editText">That''s fine... We all have our own opinions, Quin... Speaking of opinionated people... Where''s Dalia and Yuliana? I was expecting them to join us," Rya asked<span ss="userText"> as she looked around<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the room.


    <span ss="userText">Percy grimaced, "My Dalia seems to be tired from our long trip and is still resting in our room... I was going to bring a te of food to her before she wakes up."


    "I see... It looks like the early days of her pregnancy are really catching up to her," Rya remarked, a yful smirk dancing on her lips as she nced at Percy. "I''ve heard that during the first trimester, human women tend to feel exhausted, but don��t worry��things change after that. Once those hormones start kicking in during the next three months, they often find themselves bursting with energy!" she added, her eyes twinkling with mischief.


    Percy met her gaze, a flicker of panic shing across his face.


    <span ss="userText">"M-More energy? B-But<span ss="aiText">, she''s already been rather... frisky..." Percy whispered to Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yes, and I wouldn''t be surprised if you start sleeping with one eye open at night within a month or two... I know what you are in for, Percy," Rya teased and winked at the young ranger.


    <span ss="userText">"But I already do that...<span ss="aiText"> She is rather active and... well... She likes to be on top... a lot," Percy muttered as his face turned red.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Huh? But I thought you kept getting the upper hand on<span ss="aiText"> her and would make her cry out in ecstasy all night," Quinus teased.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-Well, uhm... Yes, but...<span ss="userText"> I''ve been letting her win<span ss="aiText"> on purpose," Percy admitted.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya looked at the ranger and smirked, "You''re<span ss="userText"> a sweety<span ss="aiText">, Percy."


    <span ss="editText">"W-What? I''m not being sweet... I just... I want to make her happy," Percy protested<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, his face turning an even brighter shade of crimson.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, who am I<span ss="aiText"> to say anything? But that is sweet of you... It means you care," Rya said, and Quinus agreed with her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, Percy, you are a good man," Quinus stated, and Percy blushed a bit.


    <span ss="userText">"I need to figure out her ring size<span ss="aiText">, but I haven''t had a chance to do it yet," Percy said, and Rya smiled and looked at the young ranger.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I''ll see what I can do<span ss="aiText">," Rya whispered.


    Percy''s eyes sparkled with excitement as a broad grin spread across his face, and he gave Rya an enthusiastic nod of agreement.


    <span ss="aiText">"Speaking of, where''s Yuliana? Is she not joining us?" Quinus inquired.


    "She''s bugging General Dous for potted nts to nt in her room. She wants to start training her daughter in the ways of the Green Word. So, I doubt she''ll be joining us anytime soon," Sir George <span ss="editText">shared with a hint of amusement, as he was sure that Dous was getting driven <span ss="userText">nuts by the Wood Elf''s demands<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Green Word?<span ss="userText">... Well, she did jump the gun at Eldermyst City. All those townsfolk couldn''t stop staring at her<span ss="aiText">," Quinusmented.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, her <span ss="userText">green hair<span ss="aiText"> and <span ss="userText">overall figure<span ss="aiText"> make her stand out from a crowd," Sir George said, and Rya narrowed her eyes at the knight.


    The Dark Elf raised an eyebrow, a yful grin tugging at her lips. "You''ve been gazing at Yuliana quite a bittely, George. Care to share what��s brewing in that curious mind of yours?" The question hung in the air, and Sir George found himself caught off guard, his thoughts scrambling as he froze in ce.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-Intentions?... Well... I''ve <span ss="userText">been trying to find a suitable partner for her... At first, I thought about getting Sir Richard, lieutenant of the Royal Knights<span ss="aiText">, but... He <span ss="userText">has a thing about Wolfkins<span ss="aiText">. But then, I had a second thought, and maybe I should be the one to... W-Well, I... I''m just looking out for her," Sir George exined.


    <span ss="aiText">"George," Rya warned, "Don''t lie to me.<span ss="userText"> I know she is not blood-rted to me, but she adopted me, and I<span ss="aiText"> care for her as my mother."


    <span ss="editText">Sir George cleared his throat, "O-Of course... I wouldn''t dare<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> think of doing such a thing."


    "Good.<span ss="editText">.. Now, let''s <span ss="editText">talk about how you n on finding the perfect partner for Yuliana," Rya continued<span ss="aiText">, her voice taking a yful tone<span ss="editText"> that made Sir George<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> sweat nervously.


    Quinus couldn''t help but smirk; his curiosity piqued as he opened his mouth to question whether Rya had a list of her own brewing in that clever mind of hers. Just as the words were about to escape, the door swung open, and a member of the Royal Council strode in, shattering the moment andmanding their attention with an air of authority.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Your Highness!? Thank the Goddess that you''ve returned unharmed," Lord Gawain said as he bowed before<span ss="aiText"> his prince.


    Lord Gawain stood as a pir of wisdom and strength within the royal court, holding the esteemed position of the second-highest member of the King''s Council. For over forty years, he had devoted his life to serving the royal family, earning the respect and admiration of all around him. A devoted husband and father of two, Gawain bnced his family life with the demands of his role, always striving to maintain harmony both at home and in the kingdom. As the right-hand man to Lord Brice, he navigated the intricate affairs of the council with a steady hand, ensuring peace and order reigned whenever the king or queen was away. His presence was not just influential; it was essential to the very fabric of the realm.


    <span ss="userText">"Lord Gawain... Shouldn''t you be running around with Lord Brice?<span ss="aiText"> Surely, there can��t be anything so pressing that it demands my attention right now?" Quinus asked with a bit of annoyance.


    <span ss="aiText">"Your Highness, there is an<span ss="userText">~" Lord Gawain paused when he lifted his head and noticed the beautiful tan woman sitting next to the Prince.


    <span ss="userText">''S-She''s the Dark Elf!?... I didn''t notice with that shawl covering her ears... It seems our prince has simr tastes to our King... Like Father, like son<span ss="aiText">,'' Lord Gawain thought as he quickly regained hisposure and bowed to the prince and the lovelydy.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Ahem... Your Highness... There is an emergency. The Prime Minister called for an<span ss="aiText"> urgent meeting. <span ss="userText">But since the King is away. The meeting can''t start until the King shows up or if four days have passed<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain exined.


    Quinus, Rya, Percy, and George exchanged worried nces, each wearing a deep frown that spoke volumes about their shared concern.


    <span ss="userText">"Urgent? What''s wrong, Lord Gawain?" Quinus asked, now getting<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> a bit more serious.


    <span ss="aiText">Lord Gawain nced over to Rya briefly and then back to Quinus.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">The Prime Minister wishes to ban... your fiancee... from entering the capital... He doesn''t know you''ve returned so<span ss="aiText"> far, but the meeting won''t be able to start until the King is here,<span ss="editText"> and Lord Brice has left this morning to head to the city of Lumor to inform him... He believes that your father will stay in Lumor until the deadline<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain informed.


    Quinus ground his teeth, the tension visible on his face. Rya gently rested a hand on his leg, a soothing gesture meant to ease his growing frustration.


    <span ss="aiText">"Very well.<span ss="userText">.. What are our<span ss="aiText"> options<span ss="editText"> to stop this<span ss="aiText">?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I''m waiting to get a messenger bird by noon... But, I can tell you that we have one option on the table and that''s to have... I-I''m sorry, but I didn''t catch your lovely fiancee''s name<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain stated.


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s Rya. You may call me Rya," she said, and the lord nodded and bowed.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Lady Rya... Thank you for protecting the prince... We''ve received a letter from His Highness<span ss="aiText"> exin<span ss="editText">ing<span ss="aiText"> the situation, but some council members aren''t sure if it was an illusion or not," Lord Gawain informed her.


    <span ss="userText">"Don''t get sidetracked<span ss="aiText">, Gawain... Tell me our one option," Quinus ordered.


    <span ss="aiText">"Right... We could use the <span ss="userText">Church of the Bnce... It''s a long shot, but if Lady Rya prays to Iyomelka''s idol, and if it lights up at all. Then the Prime Minister loses<span ss="aiText"> his argument that Lady Rya is evil," Lord Gawain suggested.


    <span ss="aiText">"Huh? Why does it have to be me, and what''s <span ss="userText">Iyomelka''s Idol?" Rya asked, confused.


    <span ss="aiText">"You are the Dark Elf, right?<span ss="userText"> Have you ever prayed to your gods and had them<span ss="aiText"> answer you?" <span ss="editText">Lord Gawain <span ss="aiText">asked.


    Rya felt a wave of disgust wash over her at the mere thought of facing her two insufferable Goddesses, Nils and Nebulus. These were the very beings who had yanked her from her world and brought her to Tertius against her will, weaving a web of lies along the way. If it were up to her, she''d nevery eyes on them again, not if she could help it. The idea of their presence made her skin crawl.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well... I''ve done something simr, I guess<span ss="aiText">," Rya answered and took a drink from her cup.


    <span ss="aiText">"Good<span ss="userText">! So if you can get the Idol to react, then the Priestesses and Clerics will see this as a sign, and you will be under the protection of the church and can enter the city without the Prime Minister''s opposition," Lord Gawain stated, and bowed.


    <span ss="userText">Rya seemed pleased at first, but then she noticed the troubled looks on Percy''s and George''s faces, and Quinus narrowed his eyes at Gawain.


    <span ss="editText">"That is our only option!? You''ve got to be kidding me. My fiancee has saved many lives, and she needs the mercy<span ss="aiText"> of the Church''s protection!? Will Mother Astra even let us near that stupid statue?!<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> Quinus eximed.


    <span ss="aiText">"W-Well, Your Highness, you see, <span ss="userText">this is the only option we came up with on such short notice... I''m sure<span ss="aiText"> Lord Brice will have another solution by the time we meet," Lord Gawain suggested and bowed again.


    <span ss="userText">Rya looked at everyone in confusion, "What''s the problem with this idol<span ss="aiText">thing?"


    <span ss="aiText">"The Idol is a religious artifact that the Goddess, Iyomelka, blessed<span ss="userText">... But the damn thing never lights up; even the High Priestess, Mother Astra, can''t get it to respond. It''s just something to buy us time and not much<span ss="aiText"> else," <span ss="userText">Quinus<span ss="aiText"> exined.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh? It doesn''t light up? Then this n is pointless? What the hell.'' Rya<span ss="aiText"> thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">On the contrary, Your Highness. The Idol did light up once in thest twenty-five years<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain stated.


    Rya shot him an exasperated nce, her brow furrowed in confusion. Quinus, shaking his head with a mix of disbelief and curiosity, leaned in closer and asked, ��Then who did that light up for?��


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I-It was your mother... Queen Rianna, Your Highness. I was there that day, and it was a sight to behold. The idol''s eye glowed only a little bit, and the High Priestess nearly made a backflip<span ss="aiText"> in the air," Lord Gawain exined.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya tilted her head, ''<span ss="editText">That''s all they need to see to freak the fuck out over<span ss="aiText">?<span ss="editText"> If it takes that little to get the<span ss="aiText"> church on my side, I should probably try it.<span ss="editText"> And maybe I can find a way to make it work with my Mana if praying doesn''t work.<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="userText">"And my mother has been the only one in a century to get that<span ss="aiText"> Idol to react, correct?" Quinus asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Th-that''s correct, Your Highness. But this could be the chance we need," Lord Gawain insisted.


    "Haah... We''re in a tight spot now," Quinus sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "It''s ast-ditch effort, and honestly, I doubt anyone will buy into the idea that Rya can truly win the Goddess''s Favor just because the Idol''s eye is glowing ever so slightly. The nobles won''t be easily convinced and will likely double down on their efforts to get her ousted."


    <span ss="aiText">"It''s better than nothing. At least it can buy you two some more time, Your Highness," Lord Gawain suggested.


    <span ss="userText">"I don''t like~"


    <span ss="userText">"Quin... It''s okay... I''m sure there are other options<span ss="aiText">. But for now, let''s at least try it and see if the church is willing to give us an opportunity," Rya said, interrupting Quinus.


    Quinus turned his gaze to Rya, captivated by the fierce determination zing in her eyes. ��Are you really sure about this?�� he asked, a note of concerncing his voice.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m positive, my love<span ss="editText">. My eyes allow me to see how artifacts work... Maybe I''ll notice something<span ss="aiText">," she responded, and Quinus couldn''t help but smile.


    Lord Gawain couldn''t shake off his astonishment as he witnessed Rya''s remarkable ability to sway the prince''s thoughts. It was as if she wielded magic, effortlessly transforming his stance with her insightful words.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well<span ss="userText">, there''s one more thing I should inform you<span ss="aiText">, Your Highness<span ss="userText">,"<span ss="aiText"> Lord Gawain informed.


    Quinus arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Well, don��t keep me in suspense. Go on," he urged.


    <span ss="aiText">"The Prime Minister <span ss="userText">has the Princess of the Divine Three in his<span ss="aiText"> mansion. And he wants to <span ss="userText">get the arranged<span ss="aiText"> marriage pushed through. He ns to <span ss="editText">show her off to the Major Noble Families at some point<span ss="aiText">," Lord Gawain said and bowed.


    <span ss="userText">This made Rya''s blood<span ss="aiText"> boil, and her hands were trembling.<span ss="userText"> She knew about her from Quinus, but now that<span ss="aiText"> the bitch was in the city, it pissed her off even more.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">So... I have to defend my position to keep my man<span ss="aiText">. That''s fine... I will not lose. <span ss="editText">And I never will<span ss="aiText">,'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus clenched his fist and narrowed his eyes, "Gawain... Make sure that bastard doesn''t push through the marriage.<span ss="userText"> You hear me?"


    <span ss="userText">"I-I understand, Your Highness... If you wish, I believe the Prime Minister is in <span ss="userText">the West Wing of Parliament... Only half of the Major Nobles are in the capital, and he might be<span ss="aiText"> discussing his n with them," Lord Gawain offered.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus stood up, "Gawain, send word that <span ss="userText">I wish to speak with Duval this instant<span ss="aiText">."


    <span ss="aiText">"But thew states~"


    ��Damn thew, Gawain! I will be the next king, and that meddling Prime Minister is overstepping his bounds. If he thinks he can defy me, then he can kiss his position goodbye. If he weren��t so consumed by his own agenda, we wouldn��t have to endure these ridiculous theatrics!�� Quinus snapped, his voice echoing with fierce determination.


    Rya felt a rush of heat rise to her cheeks. She rarely witnessed this fierce side of Quinus, and there was something undeniably captivating about it.


    <span ss="aiText">''Damn, this is so sexy... But he needs to calm down a little bit. Otherwise, I might attack him.'' Rya thought and stood up, "We should get ready and head there."


    <span ss="userText">"I-I would advise against having Lady Rya<span ss="aiText"> attend this meeting. She would be a liability, Your Highness," Lord Gawain suggested.


    <span ss="aiText">''Fuck him!'' Rya screamed in her head.


    ��Rya ising, Gawain,�� Quinus dered, his eyes alight with ambition. ��She��s destined to be our future Queen and will stand beside me on the throne someday.��


    <span ss="editText">"I can''t shake the worry that he might try to toss her into the dungeon," Lord Gawain confessed, a frown creasing his brow. "Though we both know those old stone walls wouldn''t be able to contain an earth mage like her for long. But<span ss="aiText"> I still would feel more at ease if <span ss="editText">she were to hang back <span ss="aiText">for no<span ss="editText">w<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">."


    Quinus paused, his mind racing with the implications. The thought of Rya taking down the Marquess'' guards sent a chill down his spine. Even if it were an act of self-defense, the consequences could tarnish her reputation. He knew the kind of scrutiny she would face, and thest thing he wanted was for her to be judged harshly for a situation beyond her control.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">He''s right, Rya... I don''t want the Prime Minister to use some stupid trick to get the Nobles to<span ss="aiText"> side with him. Just stay here and let me handle this. It won''t take long. And I''ll have Percy stay behind to keep youpany," Quinus suggested.


    Rya felt a surge of defiance bubbling inside her, ready to argue, but deep down, she understood the truth of his words. If she started taking out Duval''s people, she''d not just be a target��she''d be dering herself an enemy of the state. The thought sent a shiver down her spine; it wasn''t a path that would lead to anything good for her.


    "Alright, I��ll agree, but I expect something in return," Rya said, crossing her arms and pouting in a way that made it clear she meant business.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus smiled, "Name it."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smirked and whispered into his ear<span ss="userText">, "How about we use ropes<span ss="aiText"> tonight?~"


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus''s face turned bright red, and the image popped into his mind, making him feel hot. <span ss="aiText">Rya pulled away and <span ss="userText">winked<span ss="aiText"> at him before going back to her seat.


    <span ss="aiText">Quinus quickly calmed down and cleared his throat, "Percy, you stay here and keep Ryapany. The rest of us will head out to deal with the Prime Minister.<span ss="userText">"


    <span ss="aiText">"As you wish, Your Highness," Percy bowed and then moved next to Rya.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll see you soon, Rya," Quinus said and gave her a peck on the lips before leaving the room.


    <span ss="aiText">"I can''t wait," Rya responded with a seductive smile.


    <span ss="aiText">His heart was pounding as Quinus was leaving with Sir George and Lord Gawain. The idea of doing such a thing with Rya made him a little nervous, but he knew he could trust her. <span ss="aiText">He knew this was just a way for her to distract him from his stress. And honestly, he was happy about it. He felt proud and honored that she wanted to do such a thing with him.

 Vol.4 Ch.230 In the Garden.

    Vol.4 Ch.230 In the Garden.


    As Quinus, Sir George, and Lord Gawain strode out of the dining room, Percy let out a heavy sigh, casting a sideways nce at Rya, frustration etched across his features. ��You would think thating back to the capital would simplify things, but no�� it never seems to work out that way���� His voice faded, burdened by the heaviness of unmet hopes.


    Ryaughed softly, her eyes glinting with mischief. ��Oh,e on, Percy! When have we ever had a normal life?��


    Percy shrugged, a slight blush creeping across his cheeks. ��I guess not... But honestly, if I get to share my days with Dalia��and the rest of our crazy crew��then I can handle anything.��


    Rya couldn��t help but admire him. He was still so young, yet here he was, already dreaming of a future with the girl he adored. It was a sweet, hopeful sight that warmed her heart.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well... You''ve grown a lot these past couple of months<span ss="aiText">. You''re still a teenager, and yet you act more mature than some adults," Rya praised.


    Percy beamed at her, his eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you, Lady Rya. Honestly, I can��t imagine where we��d be without you. Your bravery in thebyrinth made all the difference."


    <span ss="aiText">"Hahahaha,<span ss="userText"> You probably still be Sir George''s pupil. I wouldn''t wish that on my worst<span ss="aiText"> enemy. He''s hopeless," Rya said andughed.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah, he is... <span ss="userText">But now that I have Dalia... I''m wondering where his drive to be<span ss="aiText"> a <span ss="editText">matchmaker <span ss="aiText">came from. It seems like a waste<span ss="userText"> to put in all that work just to arrive at the wrong<span ss="aiText"> conclusion.<span ss="aiText">I can''t imagine being stuck in that mindset,<span ss="aiText">" Percy mused.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah, Sir George might be caught up in what they call the ''Sunken Cost Facy.'' It��s that tricky situation where you��ve invested so much time, energy, and money into something that you start feeling an unwavering loyalty ormitment to it. This emotional investment can cloud your judgment, leading to some pretty irrational decisions," Rya passionately exined.


    <span ss="userText">"I''ve never heard of that term before... But that sounds<span ss="aiText"> about right," Percy nodded.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It''s a shame<span ss="aiText">, really... You should probably talk to him about it. Maybe he''ll reconsider," Rya suggested.


    <span ss="aiText">"I think he''s too far gone for that<span ss="editText">, Lady Rya... Ever since Dalia chose me as her mate... Sir George seems... I don''t know... Betrayed? Envious? It''s hard to tell<span ss="aiText">," Percy replied and rubbed his neck.


    <span ss="userText">''That sucks!... I''ve been there before, Percy. Back on Earth, when I first started dating Zoey. My old roommate was happy for me... At first... Then he pulled out the "You''ve Changed" card on me<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="userText">Then he did this ultimatum<span ss="aiText"> and said I had to choose between him and her. And, of course, I picked her.<span ss="aiText"><span ss="editText">It was so fucking cringe... Anyway<span ss="aiText">, I don''t know what''s going on with Sir George, but he''s got some issues to work through,'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="userText">"It happens, Percy... You only have so much time to do things in a day, and Dalia<span ss="aiText">''s your priority. Don''t worry about him. He''ll figure it out," Rya smiled.


    <span ss="aiText">"Yeah... <span ss="userText">Maybe he will... Anyways, what would do you��" Percy��s voice trailed off as he caught sight of the second te of food he had intended for Dalia. His eyes widened in realization. "Oh, Goddess! I can''t believe I almost forgot! I need to get this to Dalia right away!"


    He nced up at Rya, a hint of urgency in his expression. He had been instructed to watch over Rya until the Prince returned, but the thought of Dalia waiting for him sent adrenaline coursing through him. Time was ticking, and he couldn��t let her down.


    Rya��sughter broke through his thoughts, light and carefree. ��Hahahaha! Just go! Take the food to her!��


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Are you sure!? His Highness��"


    "Go, Percy," Rya said with a yful glint in her eyes. "But remember this: you��d better start honing your skills in kindness because I am destined to be your future Queen!" With a theatrical flourish, she sent him off with a grand gesture of her hand. "Now, off with you!"


    ��Th-Thank you, Lady Rya! I promise I��ll repay you!�� Percy eximed, bowing deeply before hastily exiting the room, his heart racing.


    And just like that, the dining room fell silent, leaving Rya to revel in her own delightful mischief.


    "Well... now what?~" Rya mused, a yful spark lighting up her eyes as she rubbed her hands together. A moment passed, and then inspiration struck her like a bolt of lightning. Thoughts whirled in her mind, bursting with possibilities to pass the time and turn the mundane into something exciting.


    <span ss="userText">Rya felt a wave of curiosity wash over her as she surveyed the opulent dining hall, with its ornate chandeliers casting a warm glow across the exquisite tableware. ''Well? Maybe I can explore the pce a bit. I''m sure there''s a library or garden around here<span ss="aiText"> somewhere,'' she thought, her anticipation growing. With that thought in mind, she rose gracefully from her seat, her heart racing with excitement, and made her way toward the grand archway that beckoned her into the unknown corridors beyond.


    Rya glided gracefully toward the grand doors that led from the bustling dining hall, the soft echo of her footsteps reverberating off the polished marble floors. Sunlight streamed through the towering windows, casting a warm glow and creating intricate patterns that danced across the walls like fleeting memories. As she approached a richly adorned door, her gaze caught a small group of servants huddled nearby, their expressions a blend of nervous anticipation and profound respect. In a synchronized motion, they bowed their heads as she passed, a gesture that sparked both intrigue and a hint of unease within her.


    ��Um�� we��ve finished with the dining room. You��re free to tidy up,�� Rya said, her voice steady as she continued her path.


    ��Of course, yourdyship,�� one of the servants replied, the formality of the exchange hanging in the air.


    ��Geez�� this feels so strange. Is this really what Quinus has to deal with every day? R-Remember your training, Rya. You��re in charge here�� time to own it,�� she reminded herself, lifting her chin a little higher as she pressed onward, determined to embrace her role.


    As Rya settled into the bustling atmosphere of the main hall, she marveled at how effectively the shawl concealed her elven ears. Not a single servant cast a curious nce in her direction, nor did anyone question her presence.


    Relief washed over her. ��It��s about time,�� she mused, stifling augh as she recalled the chaos that ensued whenever she walked around new people. Especially that one maid, wide-eyed and speechless, the very first time she spotted Rya. The memory made her chuckle.


    Her gaze drifted upward to a magnificent painting that dominated the hall��an ethereal human woman with flowing white hair and striking purple eyes. Rya felt an inexplicable pull toward the portrait, as if the woman had a story to tell, just waiting to be uncovered.


    <span ss="editText">''Hmmm... I wonder who this is. Probably someone important.'' Rya thought as she took in<span ss="aiText"> the details of the painting.<span ss="editText"> After a minute of<span ss="aiText"> pondering, she gave up and <span ss="editText">noticed a white marble statue of an old king<span ss="aiText"> holding a sword. She studied it <span ss="editText">briefly, ''This world is more lived in than<span ss="userText"> I realized... Huh? There''s a name on the base<span ss="aiText">.''


    Rya knelt down, her fingertips gliding over the inscription as her mysterious eyes narrow<span ss="editText">ed and<span ss="aiText"> tranted the <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">foreign words for her<span ss="aiText">. <span ss="editText">She whispered the words aloud, ��King Alphonse the Bold.�� A smirk yed on her lips as she took in the regal figure��s likeness; he bore a striking resemnce to Quinus, <span ss="editText">only older and <span ss="editText">adorned with a distinguished mustache. Curiosity sparked within her<span ss="undoDeletionText">��just which ancestor could he be? Shaking her head, she chuckled softly to herself. ��No point in guessing. I<span ss="editText">��ll <span ss="editText">just ask Quinus when I see him next<span ss="editText">.�� With that, Rya stood tall, the weight o<span ss="editText">f her <span ss="editText">discovery lingering in the air.


    Rya turned her gaze to another statue and was captivated by the stunning figure of a high elf. The elegant form was crafted with exquisite detail, from the delicate features of her face to the graceful curve of her posture. Her long, flowing hair seemed to cascade like shimmering silk, framing a visage that radiated ethereal beauty. The elf''s piercing eyes, carved with precision, held an air of wisdom and mystery, drawing Rya closer as if the statue were alive with a story waiting to be told.


    <span ss="aiText">''Queen Fyre the Wise. She is the Queen of the Yn Kingdom...<span ss="userText">Why do the High Elves spread so many stories about the Dark Elves<span ss="aiText">?<span ss="editText"> And is this chick still alive?<span ss="aiText">''


    <span ss="userText">Rya <span ss="editText">couldn''t shake the unsettling feeling that loomed over the Yn Kingdom. It was a whisper in her mind, urging her to pay attention. Determined not to let her instincts go unheeded, she resolved to keep a watchful eye on<span ss="userText"> the High Elves and their <span ss="editText">myster<span ss="userText">io<span ss="editText">u<span ss="userText">s <span ss="editText">motives. Their tales, filled with intrigue and deceit, seemed to trickle down into every corner of her life,plicating every step she took. Rya knew she had to uncover the truth behind<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> the High Elves'' deception.


    Rya was so captivated by the intricate details of the statue before her that she failed to notice a curious maid pausing nearby. Her gaze was fixed on Rya with a blend of intrigue and amusement.


    <span ss="userText">"Lady Rya?<span ss="aiText"> May I ask what are you doing here?"


    <span ss="editText">Rya jumped slightly, her heart racing, as she nced over at the maid. It took her a moment to recognize the woman as Gretchen, Queen Rianna''s ever-watchful attendant. Shescared the crap out<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> of Rya, who had been lost in her own little world.


    "Ah... just exploring a bit," Rya stammered, struggling to mask her surprise with a casual smile.<span ss="aiText">"I came by this ce by chance and got lost in the beauty of this artwork," Rya said<span ss="userText"> as she regained her<span ss="aiText">posure.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">I''m sorry, mydy... I didn''t know that someone like me could sneak up on an elf like<span ss="aiText">yourself," Gretchen said and bowed.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Ugh... Yeah... It happens when I''m deep in thought... That''s how those assholes got a ve cor on me... Thank God, Nieren shot me with her sleeping arrow to stop me from killing any more Dwarves... And I almost killed Sir George... I need to be better<span ss="aiText">,'' Rya thought.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">It happens when I''m deep<span ss="aiText"> in thought," Rya responded.


    <span ss="aiText">"I see. Well, is there anything I can do for you, My Lady? Perhaps a little tour of the estate? Or would you prefer a delightful snack?" Gretchen asked.


    Rya paused for a moment, her thoughts drifting towards the outdoors. "Actually," she replied, a hint of excitement in her voice, "could you direct me to the Garden? I don''t know about you, but I could use some sun."


    <span ss="aiText">"I can do that, My Lady. Follow me," Gretchen nodded and guided her to the Garden.


    As Rya stepped outside, she took a deep breath, allowing the crisp, invigorating air to fill her lungs. The garden enveloped her senses, a tapestry of vibrant colors and fragrant blooms swirling around her. She hadn''t fully appreciated the enchanting aroma that wafted through the flowerden space��the sweet scent of roses mingling with the delicate perfume of lcs and the earthy undertones of freshly turned soil. Each inhtion brought a newyer of olfactory delight, awakening her appreciation for the garden''s hidden beauty.


    <span ss="aiText">"Here we are, My Lady. If you need anything, please call for me," Gretchen said.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Will do, Miss Gretchen... And thanks<span ss="aiText"> again for showing me the way," Rya nodded and smiled.


    ��It��s truly a privilege, Lady Rya,�� Gretchen said, a warm smile gracing her lips. With a respectful bow, she turned to leave, the soft rustle of her skirts trailing behind her. ��May you enjoy this afternoon.��


    <span ss="aiText">''What a nice woman... Maybe I could be friends with her.<span ss="userText">.. But she is Queen Rianna''s personal maid, so it might be<span ss="aiText"> a little awkward.<span ss="userText">.. Hold on!? Did that mean I''ll be getting a personal maid, too? I don''t know how I feel about<span ss="aiText"> that. I mean... Having someone do everything for you is nice... But what would I do then? Just sit on my ass and order someone around. Nah, that''s not for me,'' Rya thought as she took in the sun''s warm rays.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya stood amidst the sprawling expanse of the vast garden nestled in the northern reaches of the pce grounds. Enclosed by imposing pce walls and a cliff''s edge to the north, this serene oasis stretched over 20 acres, bursting with vibrant flora and lush greenery. The air was fragrant with the sweet scent of blossoming flowers, and pathways wound their way through the verdantndscape, inviting exploration. As she looked around, Rya couldn��t help but admire the carefully tended beds of colorful blooms, the graceful archways draped in climbing vines, and the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze, all contributing to the garden��s enchanting allure.


    Rya felt as though she had stepped into a grand European pce, caught in a delightful blend of English and French influences. The castle loomed majestically atop a rugged hill, reminiscent of the storied Castle in Edinburgh, its stone walls standing proud against the sky while casting a regal gaze over the bustling city below. Yet, there was an undeniable charm that evoked the elegance of a French chateau, with its sprawling architecture and soft, romantic contours that whispered tales of yesteryear.


    Surrounding the castle was an expansive garden, a vibrant tapestry of colors bursting forth from a variety of trees and blooming flowers, their sweet fragrances mingling in the air like a gentle luby. Fountains danced yfully amidst the greenery, their crystal waters sparkling in the sunlight, creating a serene ambiance that invited visitors to pause and enjoy nature''s handiwork. Tucked away within this enchantingndscape was a hedge maze, its towering greenery forming abyrinth of twists and turns, promising adventure and mystery for those daring enough to explore its secret paths.


    <span ss="aiText">''Guh... That is a big garden. It looks like something straight out of a fairytale.<span ss="userText">.. Ugh... I''m practically in a<span ss="aiText"> fucking fairytale, Rya... I''m the evil Dark Elf who bes the princess of the Fiafyr Kingdom, and she will marry the handsome prince who is going to be King of the entire continent. Yay...'' Rya thought sarcastically and sat down on a nearby bench<span ss="userText"> to observe the scenery.


    The garden sprawled endlessly, an enchanting realm of beauty and mystery. At its heart stood a magnificent fountain, its waters dancing delicately amidst the lush greenery. Delicate blooms and vibrant nts adorned every inch of this verdant paradise, with some even climbing gracefully up the ancient pce walls. Yet, despite the garden''s charm, an air of intrigue lingered near the northern cliff''s edge, where something peculiar seemed to await discovery.


    <span ss="userText">''Huh? Is that... Ether Practicals? But there isn''t a Dungeon Core around here, right?'' Rya thought to herself as she got up and started walking across the garden toward<span ss="aiText"> the mysterious <span ss="userText">particles.


    <span ss="editText">As she <span ss="undoDeletionText">ventured closer to the <span ss="undoDeletionText">swirling Ether Particles, <span ss="undoDeletionText">an intriguing sight captured her attention. They emerged from a <span ss="undoDeletionText">small hole in the ground<span ss="undoDeletionText">, no deeper than a softball<span ss="undoDeletionText">, yet radiating an energy that seemed almost alive. Unlike the eerie<span ss="undoDeletionText">, toxic green <span ss="undoDeletionText">she had encountered in thebyrinth<span ss="undoDeletionText">, these particles glowed with a vibrant neon green that pulsed with vitality. To her astonishment, they danced upwards in a mesmerizing flow, resembling flickering mes rather than floating wisps of gas, casting <span ss="undoDeletionText">an <span ss="undoDeletionText">enchanting light that drew her closer with every heartbeat.


    <span ss="userText">''That''s odd... Is this ether? What is going on here?'' Rya thought to herself<span ss="aiText">. She approached the hole, kneeling down beside it to peer inside.


    "It feels so different from the Labyrinth... and there''s no heat radiating from it at all," Rya mused, a frown creasing her brow. With a mix of curiosity and apprehension, she reached out and plunged her hand into the mysterious hole. To her astonishment, nothing happened.


    "I don��t feel a thing," she whispered, her mind racing. "Whatever this is, it resembles ether practicals, but it��s something else entirely."


    Frustration mounted as Rya scoured her thoughts, grappling with the enigma before her. What could possibly cause these elusive particles to materialize? The question hung heavy in the air, leaving her craving an answer she couldn''t quite grasp.


    <span ss="aiText">"Hmmm..." Rya mumbled as she tried to figure out the mystery<span ss="userText">, "I wonder?"


    <span ss="userText">Rya <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">gently <span ss="userText">reached into her cleavage<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, her fingers brushing against her smooth tan skin until they grasped the Seer Stone. As she pulled it out, the monocle caught the light, revealing its striking, demonic-inspired design. The frame, a blend of shimmering silver and rich gold, twisted into an intricate pattern that seemed to pulse with dark energy. The lens itself was as opaque as the midnight sky, yet it emanated a haunting purplish glow, hinting at the mysterious powers it held within<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="aiText">''Well<span ss="userText">? This is a long shot, but perhaps I can catch a glimpse of the mana��or whatever mysterious energy is seeping from this opening.''


    With focused determination, she channeled her mana into the Seer Stone, its surface shimmering in response. As she peered into the depths of the hole, something astonishing unfolded before her eyes. The Dark Elf��s brows shot up in disbelief; a vibrant stream of energy snaked its way from all the lush nts in the garden, converging at this very spot. Below the opening, a swirling cloud of energy pulsed ominously, hovering about six feet down, beckoning her to explore its mysterious depths.


    <span ss="userText">''What the hell is this? It''s like all the nts are connected... I should really ask Yuliana��well, Mom��about this. It feels like a secret a Wood Elf should definitely<span ss="aiText"> know something about.''


    <span ss="editText">With a determined sigh, Rya stood up and stretched, a spark of curiosity igniting within her. She put her Seer Stone<span ss="aiText"> back in her cleavage and <span ss="editText">looked at the strange ether particles <span ss="userText">onest<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> time before she set off.


    <span ss="aiText">"This is a mystery," Rya murmured, excitement bubbling just beneath the surface.


    <span ss="userText">She was about to leave when a faint sound caught her attention��a woman��s muffled sobs apanied by quiet sniffling. Intrigued and concerned, she paused, curiosity pulling her back.


    Rya paused, her curiosity piqued. "Huh? Is someone crying?" she wondered, tilting her head toward the sound that echoed through the air. It was strange; her view was obscured by the dense hedge maze surrounding her, but her keen elven hearing hinted that the source of sorrow was a world away.


    "I wonder who that could be?" she murmured, a mix of concern and intrigue swirling within her.


    Determined to uncover the mystery, Rya began navigating the winding paths of the maze, her footsteps soft against the ground. After a few minutes of searching, she stumbled upon a secluded corner where a young woman sat alone on a bench, her shoulders trembling with quiet sobs.


    The woman possessed stunning red hair that cascaded down her back like a fiery waterfall, and herrge, purple eyes glistened with unshed tears. d in a simple yet elegant white dress, she appeared to be around Quinus�� age. Her gaze was fixed on her hands, which cradled an intriguing object��a bracelet crafted from vibrant beads, each one asrge as a marble and shimmering softly in the filtered light. It bore a resemnce to a rosary, but there was something unique about it, something that hinted at a story waiting to be told.


    <span ss="userText">This woman was doing a good job at hiding her sorrow, but Rya''s ears were so good<span ss="aiText"> that she could hear the sniffles from a mile away.


    <span ss="aiText">''<span ss="userText">Ugh... Should I just leave her alone? <span ss="userText">I mean, she doesn''t look like she''s from around here... And maybe she wants to be left alone. Yeah, I would<span ss="aiText"> probably want that, too, if I were her.''


    Just as Rya was about to leave the redhead alone, the woman began sniffing again, causing Rya to wince in response. A wave of empathy washed over her, stirring an urge to reach out and providefort, but the words caught in her throat, leaving her unsure of how to bridge the unspoken gap between them.


    <span ss="userText">''God... I guess I still have that side<span ss="aiText"> of me that''spassionate... Ugh, what am I supposed to say? Hey girl, I''m just a stranger, and I can tell that you''re sad. How are you? What''s up?...<span ss="userText"> No! No! That''s stupid, Rya... Okay, I''m gonna go over there and see if she wants anypany. What''s the worst that could happen,'' Rya thought as she took a deep breath and slowly made her way towards<span ss="aiText"> the redhead.

 Vol.4 Ch.231 Three Hours Ago.

    Vol.4 Ch.231 Three Hours Ago.


    Princess Hilda found a rare moment of solitude in the lush garden of the Maldura Royal Pce, nestled in the vibrantnd of Fiafyr. Slipping away from the watchful eyes of her handlers, she craved a brief escape from the suffocating expectations of court life. In the grand tapestry of her royal duties, where emotions were masked and vulnerabilities suppressed, this serene spot was her own hidden sanctuary.


    With her chin tilted down and hands delicately cradling a bracelet gifted by Prophet Paul, Hilda stared at the intricate design. The trinket was meant to assist her prayers to the Divine Three, deities in whom she held no faith��merely a symbol of her position, a reminder that she was but a pawn in a game farrger than herself.


    Though clothed in the finery of royalty, Hilda carried the weight of unspoken thoughts and concealed sorrows. The fear of scorn kept her silent; tears were a luxury she dared not indulge in openly. So, in the embrace of the garden��s blooming flora, she let the walls she��d built around her heart crumble, allowing her tears to flow freely, away from the judgmental gaze of those in the court. For just a moment, she was not the stoic princess but simply a girl lost in her own quiet anguish.


    "Why?! How did it alle to this?" she pondered, her mind racing back through the whirlwind of events that had led her here. Memories flooded in, each one sharper than thest, especially the moment earlier that day when she had been set to meet her fianc��. What had started as a normal morning had spiraled into chaos, and she couldn��t shake the feeling that everything was slipping through her fingers.


    ***


    (3 hours ago)


    As dawn broke over Ecros Manor, a soft golden light filtered through the curtains, casting an ethereal glow in the room. Hilda, the radiant princess, admired her reflection in the mirror. She wore an exquisite white dress adorned with delicate frills that danced lightly around her as she moved. Her personal maid, Dori, an attentive brte with sparkling dark eyes and fair skin, had just finished tidying her appearance.


    "Your Highness, the time hase," Dori announced, her voice steadier than her expression, which gave away a hint of the day''s gravity.


    Hilda let out a soft sigh, nodding with resignation as she rose from her seat. A flutter of nerves coursed through her, yet a spark of determination ignited within.


    Taking a deep breath, she slowly turned the ornate door handle, the cool metal grounding her. As she stepped into the corridor, anticipation swirled in her chest. Her gaze fell upon two imposing White Knights standing at attention. Though their faces were stoic and unyielding, their presence loomedrge, signaling the day��s fateful events ahead.


    With a silentmand, they began to escort her down the hall. The sound of their armor echoed softly, a reminder that Hilda was embarking on a journey far beyond the familiar confines of the Marquess'' manor.


    "Just y the role," Hilda reminded herself as she walked purposefully between the two white-d knights. The cold marble of the manor''s halls gleamed under the flickering torches, their shadows dancing ominously on the walls.


    As they approached the meeting room, the heavy oak door creaked open, revealing an austere atmosphere inside. The room was dominated by a long, polished table surrounded by a dozen ornate chairs, and behind the table stood four elegantly lined couches, waiting silently for the proceedings to unfold.


    At the head of the table sat Father Gil, a striking figure in flowing white and gold robes. The soft glow of the candles highlighted his wise, weathered face, framed by a long white beard and tied-back brown hair. He exuded both authority and warmth, but Hilda felt a shiver run down her spine as she caught sight of her half-brother, Zane, kneeling at his feet alongside a formidable group: Sir Darius, the holy pdin, Sir Kaelin, his eager squire, and the highest ranking member of the Holy Order, Prince Terenthiel Marrell, the Fifth Son of the Principality.


    ��May the Three give us strength,�� Father Gil intoned solemnly, bowing his head as he united his hands in prayer.


    ��And may they grant us their blessing,�� the four men responded in unison, their voices a harmonious echo of devotion.


    Hilda felt herself drawn into the moment.��Ah, Lady Hilda...�� Father Gil began, his gaze shifting towards her as he noticed her arrival. ��We just finished the sermon. Do you����


    ��You��rete,�� Prince Terenthiel interjected sharply, rising from his position with a gaze that cut like ice.


    ��Oh, no, no... Your Highness,�� Father Gil interjected, his smile strained yet insistent. ��Lady Hilda was notte at all. In fact, she��s precisely on time. Isn��t that so, my dear?��


    Hilda took a breath, steadying herself. ��I prefer to pray in seclusion, Your Highness,�� she replied, her voice steady as she offered a respectful bow, masking the storm of emotions swirling within her.


    "And why is that, mydy?" Terenthiel inquired, an edge of impatience creeping into his tone.


    ��Because it is the only way for Three to hear my prayers. Whenever I pray in your presence, it feels as though my pleas be mere whispers drowned out by the crowd,�� Hilda asserted, her gaze unwavering as it locked onto the prince''s. She hoped her candidness would satisfy him.


    "Hmmm..." Terenthiel narrowed his eyes, considering her words. "You make a fair point, mydy. But, regrettably, your father has decreed that you should be present whenever we gather."


    ��Of course, your Highness,�� Hilda replied, her voice steady but her heart racing.


    Terenthiel studied her for a lingering moment before settling back into his chair. The tension in the air was palpable.


    ''That was close. If he was not satisfied, I might''ve been punished for my insubordination,'' Hilda thought to herself and suppressed the urge to sigh.


    Just then, the door on the opposite side of the room creaked open, revealing Dreth, the ever-reliable butler, stepping inside with an air of formality.


    "My Lords... breakfast is ready for��" he began, but his words were cut short.


    "Where''s Duval?" Prince Zane interrupted, his impatience palpable.


    Dreth straightened, hisposure unshaken. "I��m afraid, my Lord, the Marquess is not at the Manor. He has pressing matters to attend to."


    Zane''s brow furrowed. "Tsk! Sounds like he''s avoiding��"


    But before Prince Zane could finish, Terenthiel raised a hand to halt his words. His gaze locked onto the butler, a mix of curiosity and irritation flickering in his eyes, making Dreth swallow hard.


    "We''ve been here for nearly a week," Terenthiel said, a steely edge to his voice that sent a chill through the room. "And still, no word from the King or the Crown Prince. Prince Zane''s youthful impatience is palpable, a reflection of his inexperience, but he''s not alone in his frustration. I came here under the impression that we were invited not merely as a political maneuver but as a genuine gesture of goodwill towards the Alliance. After all, we are allies, are we not? So I must ask, where is the Marquess?"


    Dreth offered a wry smile, his bow betraying nothing of the tension. "I assure you, Your Highness, the Marquess is not evading you or your people. He had an unforeseen emergency that required his immediate attention," he replied, his tone measured. "Rest assured, he will return shortly, and I will convey your concerns to him." The air between them thickened, a silent battle of wills as they navigated theplexities of diplomacy.


    Terenthiel rose from his chair, an air of authority surrounding him as he approached the butler with Sir Darius and Sir Kaelin at his side. Dreth��s heart raced as he stood his ground, sensing the tension in the room. The sound of the door mming shut echoed ominously behind him as two imposing White Knights took their positions, sealing his fate.


    ''So, the door is locked. No escape...'' Hilda��s mind whirled with thoughts, her gaze fixed intently on the three men looming in front of Dreth. She felt bad for him, but there wasn''t anything that she could do.


    "Do you take me for a fool?" Terenthiel��s voice dripped with venom, his patience wearing thin. "I have shown remarkable patience, but every time my prayers reach the Three, their answer is the same. There is an insidious darkness lurking in this city, and it''s our sacred duty to purge those who interfere with the Divine Ones'' designs." His words hissed through the air, charged with righteous fury.


    "Your Highness, I implore you to trust in the Marquess," Dreth stammered, his voice steadying as he met the prince''s fierce gaze. "I assure you, he will return and shed light on all that has transpired."


    In a swift, menacing motion, Sir Darius unsheathed a portion of his sword, the polished de glinting like a warning under the sunlight.


    "The Divine Ones have whispered to me that deceit lurks in shadows," Terenthiel hissed, his teeth clenched tight in fury. ��And I believe that deceit stands before me now... You have onest opportunity to tell me where that spineless coward of a Lord is hiding.��


    The tension in the room was palpable as the pdin''s piercing gaze bore down on the butler, a weight that felt like an iron shackle. Yet, the butler summoned every ounce of his resolve, inhaling deeply as a spark of determination red within him. "My Lord is no coward..." he asserted, a defiancecing his trembling voice.


    Terenthiel''s eyes narrowed into slits, a predator sizing up its prey, causing beads of sweat to trickle down Dreth''s forehead.


    "B-But he is in the west wing of the Maldura Royal Pce... He��s engaged in a meeting with several Major Nobles... I��m not privy to the details, but I assure you, it holds considerable significance," the butler confessed, bowing his head to mask his unease.


    <span ss="editText">To his surprise, a slow, enigmatic smile spread across Terenthiel��s lips. Sir Darius sheathed his sword<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, and the knights stepped back into the shadows, leaving the room free from the looming presence of the White Knights.


    "Is that so?... Then it seems we shall forgo breakfast here. Prepare the carriage," the princemanded, his voice smooth as silk, as he and his men turned to exit, leaving a trail of tension in their wake.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes, Your Highness," the butler nodded and approached the door. He tried to go through it, but the white knights stared him down<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, refusing to move.


    <span ss="aiText">Dreth cleared his throat, trying to remain calm.


    <span ss="editText">"Let him through," Terenthiel<span ss="aiText">''s voice cut through the silence, the knights instantly moving aside to allow the butler''s departure.


    <span ss="aiText">Once Dreth was out of the room, <span ss="editText">he quickly ran down<span ss="aiText"> the hallway, the thud of his footsteps echoing off the marble floors. When he was certain he was out of the prince''s sight, he copsed against the wall, his legs wobbling, barely able to hold his weight.<span ss="userText"> After a minute, he made sure to get Prince Terenthiel''s carriage<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> ready.


    "<span ss="editText">Fifth Son? What are<span ss="userText"> we going to do now?" Prince Zane<span ss="aiText"> inquired w<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">ith a raised brow.


    "We will go to the Royal Pce and see what that idiot Marquess is up to. Come now, Lady Hilda... It''s time for you to see your new home," Terenthiel said with a chuckle as Hilda reluctantly followed them.


    ***


    The grand party swiftly made its way to the opulent foyer of the manor, the soft glow of crystal chandeliers illuminating their path. As they approached, Hilda was met with the courteous nod of a waiting servant.


    "Your Highness, Lady Hilda, and esteemed guests�� The carriage is prepared and awaits your presence outside," the servant announced, gracefully pulling open the door to reveal a cool evening breeze and the soft glow ofnterns lining the path.


    "Finally! Let''s get moving!" Zane shouted, a spark of excitement in his voice as he strode out into the sunlit courtyard, a sense of adventure in every step.


    "Yes, brother," Hilda murmured, her heart pounding slightly as she trailed behind him, feeling the anticipation crackling in the air.


    "Listen closely, Sir Darius. I��m putting my trust in you to guard Lady Hilda and Kaelin. You must keep her within your sight at all times. I won��t tolerate any dys��we��ve waited far too long for this moment," Prince Terenthielmanded, his voiceced with urgency.


    "Of course, Fifth Son," Sir Darius replied, bowing low, the resolve in his stance affirming hismitment as he joined Terenthiel.


    The prince strode forward, nked by Sir Darius, with Sir Kaelin closely shadowing them.


    "Mydy," the knight said, offering Hilda a respectful nod, but she merely sighed, her thoughts elsewhere as she quickened her pace.


    <span ss="editText">Ahead, she glimpsed Zane waiting by the carriage, the sight of him beside the two armored White Knights waiting for her sent a surge of anxiety through her. The journey was about to begin, and she <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">knew there would be no turning back.


    <span ss="editText">"Lady Hilda... After you," Terenthiel said and smiled, waiting for Hilda to<span ss="aiText"> enter the carriage.


    "Thank you, your Highness," Hilda bowed and entered the carriage.


    <span ss="aiText">The Princess climbed into the luxurious carriage with <span ss="editText">Prince Zan<span ss="aiText">e in tow. A gentle breeze brushed her cheek,<span ss="editText"> and<span ss="aiText"> the cool air <span ss="editText">was <span ss="aiText">a wee relief from the heat of the day.<span ss="userText"> Prince Terenthiel was thest to<span ss="aiText"> enter, taking the seat beside <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">Zane<span ss="aiText">, his face etched with tension.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are we ready?" Terenthiel asked.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ready as we''ll ever be," Sir Darius nodded and signaled the driver.


    Hilda sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. ''Ugh... How could we forget Dori?'' Panic flickered in her chest as she nced at Terenthiel, who was still fuming. ''I��ll have to send for herter, once things have settled. I just hope she��s alright,'' she thought, worry gnawing at her.


    ��So, sister... When are you nning to bless us with some nieces and nephews?�� Zane teased, a shit-eating grin spreading across his face.


    Hilda felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought of raising children with a man she had yet to meet. Attraction? That was a distant notion. ��I��ll wait until I��m married, my lord,�� she replied, her gaze drifting out the window to avoid his prating stare.


    ��Oh,e now! You should be thrilled! Your marriage is arranged to a powerful and incredibly handsome prince,�� Zane said, his pride evident.


    ��Yes, yes... A ��very powerful�� prince... A ��handsome and charming�� prince,�� Hilda droned, her voice dripping with sarcasm as the carriage lurched into motion.


    She caught a glimpse of Zane��s face, his expression shifting from amusement to irritation, but it barely registered. The walls of the carriage felt like they were closing in, and all she could think about was the desperate need to escape this moment.


    ***


    The carriage glided silently through the bustling streets of Tairal, the rhythmic sound of hooves echoing against the cobblestones. For a moment, the atmosphere was serene, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy surrounding them. The buildings, painted in a kaleidoscope of colors, stood tall, their intricately designed facades adorned with hanging flower boxes bursting with blossoms. As the party observed the throngs of people navigating the lively thoroughfare, they noticed a distinct difference from what they remembered in the Capital City of Istur, nestled far away in The Holy Kingdom of Chalced. Here, the inhabitants wore expressions of contentment and joy, theirughter ringing through the air, unlike the downtrodden faces that often popted the streets of Istur. The aroma of street food wafted by, mingling with the sounds of merchants calling to customers, creating a vibrant tapestry of life that left the group feeling both intrigued and at ease.


    ''No beggars or starving children. No stench of piss and shit... No guards harassing citizens for no reason. These people seem so carefree,'' Hilda thought as she looked around.


    "What is it, Sister? I thought you weren''t a city girl," Zane snorted.


    Hilda gave him a sideways nce and ignored him as the carriage continued on.


    The ride was bumpy, and Hilda had to hold on tight to avoid hitting her head. She was not used to riding in these things.


    ''Ugh... I hate being cooped up like this. It''s hot and stuffy. Plus, there''s not much legroom with those two wearing their armor,'' she thought.


    "Don''t worry, Lady Hilda, we will arrive soon," Terenthiel said, a smile stretching across his face, though it felt anything but reassuring.


    <span ss="editText">"Yes, thank you," Hilda replied, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. Something was unsettling about the way Terenthiel gazed at her��he was one of the pivotal council members of the Holy Court, yet his lingering looks sen<span ss="editText">t a <span ss="editText">chill racing down her spine as if<span ss="undoDeletionText"> he was a creep<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> trying to undress her.


    ��Just think positive thoughts,�� she reminded herself. ��We��re on our way to meet the Crown Prince, and then I can finally escape Terenthiel��s unsettling presence.��


    She closed her eyes for a moment, letting her mind wander to thoughts of her future husband. What would he look like? The sketches she had seen were beautiful but didn��t quite capture the essence of a person. Would he be charming, or would he possess a quiet strength? The anticipation mingled with a flicker of anxiety, as the carriage rumbled onward, each bump pulling her further into her swirling thoughts.


    Hilda stared into the distance, her thoughts swirling like a storm. ''Will he truly respect me?'' she pondered, a knot tightening in her stomach. It felt as if every man in her life had sought only to exploit her in some way. ''Is he just like the others, or could the whispers of his kindness hold some truth?''


    Her heart ached as she recalled her family. ''Unlike my father, my stepmother, and my half-sister, who all treated me like a pawn in their games... Even the Holy Knights and priests of the Holy Church seem to see me as a means to their own ends.'' A deep sorrow washed over her. ''It��s as if even the Gods look upon me as a mere tool to be used.'' She frowned, the weight of her loneliness pressing down on her tightly.


    Suddenly, the carriage jolted to a halt, the door creaking open. Hilda��s breath caught in her throat as she beheld the Royal Pce, its grandeur a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing in her heart.


    ''I suppose it��s time to meet my husband... Let��s hope he��s not too insufferable,'' she mused, stepping down onto the stone steps that led to the entrance.


    The sun hung high in the vast azure sky, its golden rays spilling across thend and enveloping everything in a warm, inviting glow. However, an undercurrent of tension rippled through the air at the grand gates, where the Royal Guards stood resolute, their armor gleaming and weapons at the ready, confronting Sir Darius.


    With an imposing figure and a fierce scowl etched onto his rugged face, Sir Darius took a step forward, his voice low and intimidating. "You will let us pass," he growled, the wordsced with authority and impatience.


    The chief guard, steadfast and unwavering, narrowed his eyes at the imposing knight. ��We haven��t received any orders concerning an emissary from the Holy Alliance,�� he replied, his tone firm yet cautious. ��Now, I advise you to leave this ce peacefully before we arepelled to take action.�� The tension thickened, a silent battle of wills unfolding between them, as the sun continued to bathe the scene in its relentless warmth, oblivious to the confrontation brewing beneath its rays.


    Hilda and Zane watched from a safe distance while Terenthiel and Sir Kaelin approached the Royal Guards at the Pce''s gate.


    "Are you sure that''s a good idea, Terenthiel?" Zane whispered.


    ��Just trust me, Zane. Everything will go as nned,�� Terenthiel replied, his voice steady, exuding a confidence that seemed to fill the air around them.


    As they reached the Royal Guards, Terenthiel stepped forward, his posture regal and unwavering. He took a deep breath and spoke, his voice resonating with authority. ��I am Prince Terenthiel Marrell, Fifth Son of the Holy Council Member of the Divine Three. Wee seeking an audience with the Royal Family to discuss urgent matters concerning the Holy Alliance.��


    He unfurled his cloak, revealing the intricate crest that shimmered in the sunlight, a symbol of their mission and a reminder of the gravity of their quest. The tension hung thick in the air as the guards exchanged nces, the fate of their meeting hanging delicately in the bnce.


    "My apologies, Your Highness. But if we don''t have approval from the King or Queen, then you cannot enter," the guard replied.


    "But we were told that we were honored guests from the Marquess... Duval Wrightwood... Or is it that the Fiafyrian hospitality iscking?" Terenthiel said and smirked.


    The guard shifted ufortably, his confidence wavering. "That may indeed be the case," he replied, "but without the royal family''s approval, you''re not permitted to pass."


    "STEP ASIDE! OR WE WILL FACE THE DIVINE THREE''S WRAITH!" Sir Darius shouted and drew his sword.


    The Pdin''s thunderous roar echoed across the sprawling pce grounds, sending a ripple of unease through the ranks of guards who instinctively took a step back. They gazed up in awe and apprehension at the formidable figure draped in a flowing white cloak.


    "Stand down!" one of the guards called out, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "This is the Royal Pce of Fiafyr Kingdom. We do not yield to threats!" He tried to project calm, but the weight of the Pdin''s presence loomedrge, filling the space with an electricity that sent shivers down their spines.


    ***


    Meanwhile, General Dous strolled purposefully around the opulent pce grounds, apanied by his lieutenant, Sir Richard, and two stalwart Royal Knights, Lady Rachel and Sir Bret. Their measured pace was suddenly interrupted by the distant sound ofmotion, drawing their attention toward the unfolding scene.


    "What the fuck is going on?" he muttered.


    "The Alliance is here?" Sir Bret eximed, his brow furrowing in disbelief. "I thought their arrival was set for the treaty signing ceremony!"


    "Honestly, what did I expect? The Prime Minister must have really messed this up," General Dous grumbled, his voice low and tense. "I warned him��the Alliance can''t be trusted!"


    "We need to find a way to calm the situation before it spirals out of control, Sir," Lady Rachel interjected, her tone urgent.


    "Indeed... Sir Bret!" General Dous turned sharply. "Inform the Prime Minister that his esteemed guests are going to be put in an early grave if he doesn''t hurry his ass up!"


    "Right away, sir!" Sir Bret replied, a look of resolve crossing his face as he took off at a sprint.


    Without wasting another moment, the three of them raced towards the gate, adrenaline surging as the stakes escted.


    ***


    As the tense confrontation unfolded at the grand main gate of the Royal Pce, a beautifully crafted carriage emzoned with the intricate coat of arms of House Revelia rolled into view. Its polished wooden frame gleamed in the soft light, drawing attention as it was escorted by four imposing Guards d in gleaming armor, their expressions stern and watchful.


    Inside the carriage, the Duke of Revelia sat with an air of contemtion, his brow furrowed in thought. He was en route to the Royal Pce for the critical preliminary discussions of an emergency meeting summoned by Duval. Ordinarily, the Duke would have found Duval''s theatrical behavior quite irritating; however, today was different. He sensed the urgency woven into the situation��it was a matter of safeguarding their interests ahead of the impending arrival of the Alliance.


    The clock was ticking down for the peace treaty negotiations, and the atmosphere was thick with tension. The presence of the dark elf was causing palpable unease, particrly for the Prime Minister, who was growing increasingly anxious as the minutes slipped away. The stakes were high, and the air crackled with the weight of impending decisions that could alter the course of their realm.


    Duke ric Revelia found himself conflicted. Although he had often opposed the Prime Minister''s views in the past, today, he loathed the thought of relinquishing his kingdom to the Holy Alliance, especially through the dubious union involving that princess. His loathing for her was as strong as ever, but he faced a unique challenge. The dark elf who had captured his nephew Quinus Meredydd''s heart possessed healing abilities so rare that they had not been seen in millennia. Withbat no longer an option, ric knew he must turn to the intricate dance of psychological and political maneuvering to safeguard his family''s legacy. The game was on, and he was determined to y his cards wisely.


    <span ss="editText">Duke ric Revelia stood at a crossroads, torn by a tumult of emotions. For years, he had shed with the Prime Minister, staunchly opposing his views. But today, he found himself wrestling with the unsettling notion that he might have to align with him. The thought made his stomach turn��a bitter pill to swallow. The prospect of the Holy Alliance taking over his kingdom through the offspring of this whore of a princess they sent<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> to seduce his nephew was intolerable. But he found himself at an impasse, unable to harm the Dark Elf who had captured the heart of his nephew, Quinus Meredydd. Her extraordinary healing abilities were unlike anything the world had witnessed in a millennium��or more. Realizing he couldn''t overpower them through brute strength, he knew he had to turn to the subtle arts of psychological and political warfare to achieve his goals.


    The Duke was practically brimming with anticipation at the prospect of voting to expel the Dark Elf from their ranks. He knew full well that she would likely disregard any decree issued by the Prime Minister, believing herself above such authority. Yet, the unfolding situation held various possibilities for him, each more enticing than thest. This could very well tip the bnce of power in his favor or create openings he could exploit to his advantage. The thought swirled in his mind, each scenario more thrilling than thest.


    <span ss="editText">The initial scenario unfolds with her adamantly rejecting the order, standing her ground against <span ss="editText">the<span ss="editText"> Prime Minister. In a dramatic confrontation, she exposes his vulnerabilities, weakening his position to the point where many of the Major Nobles begin to waver in their loyalty. As a ripple effect of her defiance, the once formidable Duval would find himself stripped of his authority and influence, leaving an opp<span ss="userText">ortunity<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> for the Duke to emerge as a new Prime Minister of the kingdom.


    <span ss="editText">In an alternate scenario, she may unleash a wave of aggression, attempting to eliminate The Prime Minister along with several key members of the Nobility. Such a violent outburst would thrust the Prince and the entire Royal family into the harsh re of public scrutiny and suspicion. Seizing the moment, the Duke could rally support from the other Major Nobles, positioning himself strategically to usurp the throne and dere himself King. But the tricky part would be to get rid of her<span ss="aiText"> without incurring the wrath of <span ss="editText">both <span ss="aiText">his nephew<span ss="editText"> and her. As they were both monsters<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> with unfathomable powers, the Duke knew it would be a fool''s errand to attempt a head-on assault.


    In the third scenario that ric envisions, the Dark Elf chooses to respect her sentence of expulsion and leaves without resistance. The news of her departure ignites a furious rage within Quinus, prompting him to forsake his loyalty to the kingdom and renounce his im to the throne. This oue would be nothing short of a triumph for ric, for it would not only strike a devastating blow to his younger brother, King Cyndre Meredydd, but it would also unravel the delicate threads of the peace treaty that Duval hasbored over with the Alliance. The repercussions could spiral into chaos, potentially igniting an all-out war between the Divine Three and the Kingdom of Fiafyr, plunging the realm into turmoil and conflict.


    The Prime Minister''s reputation lies in tatters, a once-respected figure now marred by scandal and betrayal. The Royal Family, once the epitome of grace and dignity, stands humiliated in the eyes of their subjects, their royal lineage overshadowed by shame. Yet amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerges, as whispers of a true King arise��one destined to restore glory to the faltering kingdom. ric, with his noble blood coursing through his veins, is poised to reim his birthright.


    However, the path to his legacy remains fraught with challenges. To solidify his im to the throne, he must secure an heir. If his beloved wife is unable to bear him another son, he finds himself at a crossroads. He contemtes a future where one of his five spirited daughters might ascend to power, even if theyck the cold ruthlessness and shrewd calction that define their father��s leadership. In a realm where tradition loomsrge, ric must grapple with the unconventional prospect of a female ruler, determined to ensure that the royal lineage does not fade but instead thrives, regardless of how unconventional the means may be.


    The Duke would not settle for anything less than reiming his throne and kingdom. His sole purpose was to honor the memory of his son, Marcus, who was brutally murdered under Quinus'' orders. The Duke is determined to avenge his son''s death. Quinus''s very existence is an affront; he and his wife plotted to poison the Queen''s tea, ensuring she would bear no children. Their scheme was supposed to secure Marcus''s path to kingship. But fate intervened, and his sister-inw defied their ns by giving birth to a healthy boy. Now, the Duke finds himself shackled to a reign that should never have been, forced to y second fiddle to a royal who has no rightful im to the throne.


    "ric?... You''re daydreaming again," Duchess Leandra Revelia said.


    "My apologies, my dear... But I don''t know why you wanted toe along?" ric asked.


    "Well, if I''m going to be attending the meeting, and that dreaded sister-inw of mine isn''t in the capital... It''s only fair for me to see if I can take something that has sentimental value to her," Duchess Leandra said and smiled.


    "Well, if you can... I''ll allow it. As long as you don''t get caught," Duke ric said, and he smirked.


    "Someday, she will learn the pain of losing a son, and she will feel the same pain as I felt. I hope it hurts her even more than what I experienced. For her, it will be even worse since she''ll be losing her son and her husband," the Duchess said, smiling wickedly.


    "I couldn''t agree more... But like I said... We need to y our cards right... With that Dark Elf by our nephew''s side, makes it nearly impossible for Rianna to witness her son''s death. We need to make sure the Dark Elf is either exiled or dead. That''s when we strike," the Duke said, smiling darkly.


    The carriage halted abruptly, which made ric frown.


    "What in the hell''s is Franklin doin��"


    "STEP ASIDE! OR WE WILL FACE THE DIVINE THREE''S WRAITH!" Roared a voice in the distance.


    ric and Leandra exchanged bewildered nces, their brows furrowed in confusion. Just then, ric��s lips curled into a smile, breaking the tension and sparking a hint of curiosity in Leandra��s eyes.


    "Do you know who that is?" Duchess Leandra asked.


    "No clue... But I have an idea... Come, my dear... Let us witness Duval''s ipetence firsthand," Duke ric said, and he grinned evilly as he offered her his hand.


    Leandra arched an eyebrow, curiosity mingling with uncertainty, but she couldn��t resist the captivating allure of her husband��s words. She smiled and ced her hand in his, feeling a thrill course through her. Together, they descended from the carriage, a sense of mischief enveloping them as they made their way toward the grand gates of the pce, eager to see what awaited them.


    ***


    There was one more carriage that was on its way to the pce as well. It had House Dule''s coat of arms on the side, and a dozen royal guards were escorting the carriage. Inside were the young couple, Johan Dule and his wife Tayna. They were visiting the pce to see the crown prince and his fianc��e. Their journey took an unexpected turn when Quinus stopped in the city of Dorn.


    First, the Prince and his Fiancee helped his rtionship with his wife. Then it turned out that Rya was a healer, and not only did she heal the scars and missing finger on his wife, but she also healed his mana vein that was being inflicted with some mysterious particles that could have been a curse from a blood contract. He was now a powerful and rare Illusion Mage who still needed training.


    Second, they joined the Prince''s convoy through Johan''s father''s domain, heading towards the Royal Capital. That''s when a band of brigands tried to target him and his wife. He was able to save her, and his bond with his wife has never been stronger.


    Now that they were in the capital city, Johan and his wife were staying at his family''s manor on the outskirts of Tairal. He couldn''t help but enjoy some passionate moments alone with his beautiful wife. She seemed determined to conceive a baby, and Johan was open to the idea of bing a father.


    But the reason they came to the capital was for the peace treaty meeting. The Messenger had left a day after they arrived at the Dule Estate looking for his father, Baron Jonathan Dule. But Johan decided to go in his father''s stead until the Baron was in the capital. The messenger exined the situation and gave the official letter that Duval gave him while Johan told the messenger where he could find his father. And now that he''s arrived at the Royal Pce. He hoped that everything would go well.


    ��Johan? Can you hold me just a little longer?�� Tayna murmured, her voice soft as she snuggled closer to him.


    ��Of course, my love,�� Johan replied, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her into a warm embrace.


    A bright smile spread across Tayna��s face as she nestled against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.


    ��Are you sure you��re okay, Tayna? I-I was a bit too rough earlier,�� Johan said, a hint of pink creeping onto his cheeks.


    ��Mmm... I��m perfectly fine,�� she replied yfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. ��Besides, it was me who decided to tease you, remember?�� She giggled, warmth blooming in her cheeks as she met his gaze.


    ��Still�� I��m not looking to hurt you,�� Johan said softly, his brow furrowed with concern.


    ��Don��t worry, my love�� I��m not some delicate flower,�� Tayna replied with a yful glint in her eye. Johan couldn��t help but smirk at her fearless confidence.


    ��Besides,�� she continued with a teasing smile, ��I��m thinking of asking Rya for tips on how to keep you on your toes next time.�� With a sultry flick of her tongue across her lips, she drew him in closer.


    "Well... Someone has be a naughty girl," Johan remarked, a yful challenge sparking in his gaze.


    ��Yes�� and it��s all your fault,�� Tayna said, closing the distance between them and leaning in for a kiss that promised undeniable heat.


    As they leaned closer, their hearts racing with anticipation, a sudden, thunderous roar shattered the intimate moment, echoing through the air like a distant storm.


    "STEP ASIDE! OR WE WILL FACE THE DIVINE THREE''S WRAITH!"


    "What was that?" Tayna asked.


    "Not sure," Johan replied.


    They heard a knock at the door and saw the coachman had opened the door.


    "My lord anddy, I am sorry for the sudden interruption, but there seems to be amotion near the pce gate," the coachman said.


    "We noticed. What''s happening?" Johan asked.


    "There are some men with white and gold clothing," the coachman said.


    Johan grimaced as he knew who they were.


    "Do they have any holy symbols that are triangles?" Johan asked.


    "A Triangle?... Oh! Yes, they do. Do you know what''s going on, my lord?" the coachman asked.


    "It''s the Divine Three... Tayna... You need to find Lady Rya and warn her. Those zealots will attack her on sight," Johan said.


    "Wha? What are you talking about, Johan?" Tayna asked.


    "Demi-humans are banned from the Divine Three''s creed, and they would rather kill a dark elf than let one live. They will be the enemy and will try to kill her. I will do what I can to distract them, but I can''t hold them for too long," Johan said.


    "Okay... Johan. Please be careful," Tayna said and gave him a passionate kiss.


    "You too. I love you, Tayna," Johan said.


    "I love you, too, Johan," Tayna said.


    Johan stepped out of the carriage, his heart racing with anticipation as he made his way toward the tense scene unfolding before him. The Divine Three stood resolute, their expressions a mixture of defiance and determination, facing off against a formidable line of guards. The air crackled with tension, and Johan could see the unmistakable glint of armor and weapons glimmering in the dim light, setting the stage for the standoff that could change everything.

 Vol.4 Ch.232 The Fiafyrian Standoff.

    Vol.4 Ch.232 The Fiafyrian Standoff.


    Sir Darius stood firmly, his sharp gaze sweeping across the ranks of the Royal Guards assembled before him. Their polished armor gleamed under the sunlight, reflecting hints of gold and silver. He noted the disciplined stance, the stern expressions, and the unwavering resolve etched on their faces. Each guard stood like a sentinel, exuding an air of authority and readiness that made the tension in the air palpable. The sounds of leather and metal shifted slightly as they aimed their weapons at the imposing pdin in front.


    With a voice as thunderous as a storm, Darius eximed, "Imand you to open the gates and grant us passage!" His piercing gaze locked onto the Guards, who remained unyielding, their resolve as immovable as the walls before them. They stood firm, steadfast in their duty, denying him entry into the pce beyond.


    "This de was forged for one purpose: to purge the world of sinners... So tell me, are you among the wicked?" The Pdin''s voice was a low growl as he tightened his grip on the gleaming sword, its edge glinting ominously in the sunlight.


    Johan felt a chill run down his spine. He had heard the tales of the Pdins�� otherworldly strength and feared what would happen if he were to step in and challenge that power. The air around him seemed to thicken with tension as he weighed his options, knowing that a wrong move could lead to dire consequences.


    <span ss="editText">"So! This is how the Alliance acts when they go through a little adversity... Quite shameful if you ask me," said themanding voice of General Dous, who backed up the Royal Guards with <span ss="userText">twenty <span ss="editText">of his R<span ss="userText">oyal <span ss="editText">K<span ss="userText">nights<span ss="aiText">. The General was arge man with a muscr build and an air of confidence. His dark blue eyes were narrowed in a stern gaze, and his jaw was set in a determined line. He looked like a bulldog ready to pounce.


    Prince Terenthiel gazed past the imposing guards, his eyes settling on General Dous and his entourage of regal knights, their armor gleaming ominously in the sunlight.


    "General Dous," he began, his toneced with sarcasm, "I must say, this wasn��t the wee I anticipated. Surely, you know better than to draw your des in the presence of guests."


    The general��s lips curled into a wry smile as he met Terenthiel''s re. "And why should I disarm myself when your hound is so keen to show its teeth?" he retorted, his eyes narrowing.


    "Watch your tongue, General," Sir Darius interjected, stepping forward, fury simmering just beneath the surface. "Or I��ll be the one to take it out."


    "Oh really? And how would a boy like you manage that?" General Dous retorted with a sneer. "I''ve taken down countless zealots just like you."


    <span ss="userText">"With an army that includes women? How fearsome can the Fiafyrian Knights be if you need<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> them to fight alongside your men? I''m surprised they aren''t the ones guarding the gates," Sir Darius retorted, casting a quick nce at Lady Rachel, who stood nearby with a fierce scowl, clearly unimpressed.


    <span ss="editText">General Dous took offense to<span ss="aiText"> his remark, his face flushing red<span ss="editText">, bu<span ss="aiText">t he <span ss="editText">kept his<span ss="aiText"> calm. "If you think my female knights are any less formidable, then you''ve got another thinging. <span ss="editText">I''ve been with them when we <span ss="userText">faced the worst of the worst... We''ve fought Demons and their Demon Lord... You don''t evene close to those horrors," General Dous said<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> in a low growl, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists.


    "Now, now... Let''s not jump to conclusions, General," Terenthiel said, a sly smile curling at the corners of his lips. "It appears there''s been a mimunication. Wee as emissaries for the peace treaty between our nations. Yet, it seems that in this pce, no one is eager to uphold their end of the bargain."


    The General''s brow furrowed, his demeanor unyielding. "I''m no diplomat, Prince Terenthiel. I''m a soldier, and I value rity over ambiguity. I won''t tolerate threats against my men. If this is genuinely a misunderstanding, then all you need is an official seal from the Fiafyrian Parliament or the Royal Family to let you through. Without that, I must insist��you aren��t going anywhere."


    Johan couldn��t help but admire General Dous; few could withstand his steely gaze or unyielding resolve. The man had a way of standing his ground that demanded respect, regardless of the situation at hand.


    "General," Terenthiel began, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "My people and I have been ignored for nearly a week, left in the dark about the Royal Family''s intentions. It��s beginning to feel deliberate."


    The General��s expression remained impassive, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. "I haven''t received any notification regarding your arrival in our city. It appears a Major Noble has promised more than he could deliver," he replied, casting a nce towards Lord Johan and Duke ric, who stood observing from the other side of the gate as witnesses of the unfolding situation.


    "Indeed�� I may have ced my trust in the wrong hands," Terenthiel replied, his voice hardening. "But we''re finished with pleasantries. They''ve led us nowhere... Brother," he added, ncing at Sir Darius.


    <span ss="editText">Nodding in agreement, Sir Darius joined the Prince as they<span ss="aiText"> both stepped <span ss="editText">forward to deal with the guards blocking<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> their path. The Royal Knights tensed, prepared forbat, and raised their weapons.


    Suddenly, a figure burst out into the courtyard, breathless and frantic. "STOP!" Duval shouted, his voice echoing off the stone walls as he dashed out from the west wing of the pce.


    Gone was his usualposed demeanor; he appeared disheveled, sweat gleaming on his forehead and panic etched in his features. "Your Highness!? I thought I instructed you to wait!" Duval gasped, desperately trying to regain hisposure.


    "We''re done waiting, Duval... If the Royal Family wants war, then we''ll bring it to their doorstep," Terenthiel dered, his voice low and lethal.


    "N-No! They only desire peace!" Duval stammered, his eyes darting anxiously. "But they are not in the capital, and I''m doing everything I can to bring them back here��immediately!"


    "You think us fools? You treat us like some misguided zealots who are a danger to your ns!" roared Sir Darius, his indignation cutting through the tension like a de.


    "NO!... We have procedures that I assumed would have been processed sooner. But due to some unforeseen events, we have been unable to do so," Duval eximed, desperation tinging his voice as he faced the Pdin.


    "Unforeseen events, you say?..." Terenthiel''s brow furrowed, skepticism coloring his tone.


    Duval<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">''s lips parted, ready to delve deeper into his exnation, but his voice caught in his throat as his gaze locked onto Duke ric<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">, who <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">stood nearby with an insufferable grin spreading across his face. The sight of ric��s smug expression triggered an immediate and extreme reaction in the Prime Minister, draining the color from his face until he appeared ghostly pale. ric, sensing the power he held in this moment, basked in the unfolding drama, his eyes glinting with glee as he noticed five other members of the House of Lords <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">stepping out of the <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">grand pce, their attention fixated on the unfolding scene and their faces lit with amusement or furrowed with curiosity<span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    <span ss="editText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">A wave of panic surged through Duval, his heart racing as the walls seemed to close in around him. Thoughts rushed through his mind like turbulent waters; he could not risk revealing to Terenthiel or the rest of the Divine Three the secret that was weighing heavily on him. The implications of Quinus choosing a Dark Elf as his fianc��e loomed like a dark shadow over his thoughts. If that information slipped into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster��war might be an unavoidable reality. Desperate to think clearly, he wrestled with the rising tide of dread as he fought to maintain a semnce of calm in the face of potential chaos.


    "Y-Yes! We... we have a situation brewing in the north," Duval stammered, a nervous edge creeping into his voice. He was doing his best to mask the truth, but the tension hung heavy in the air. ��But I assure you, we��re doing everything we can to address it.��


    Terenthiel arched an eyebrow, studying Duval closely, while ric struggled to suppress augh. The urge to mock was there, but the presence of the Divine Three kept him in check.


    "Is that so?" Terenthiel asked, his toneced with skepticism.


    "Indeed," Duval replied, forcing a veneer of confidence. "I sincerely apologize for the dy in our response. The Fiafyr Kingdom values its alliance and would never act in a way that could threaten it."


    Terenthiel��s piercing gaze bore into him, suspicion written all over his face. Deep down, he knew Duval was hiding something, but for now, he had no other choice but to ept the words that hung in the air like a fragile truce.


    "Fine... But we refuse to leave here until we get an audience with someone in the Royal Family... If that poses a problem for you, well then, I suppose the Divine Three will demonstrate precisely why we earned our titles," Terenthiel dered, a smug grin lighting up his face.


    General Dous had a scowl on his face and wanted nothing more than to wipe that arrogant smile off his face.


    Duval��s mind raced as he searched for a way to diffuse the standoff unfolding before him, but his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the smooth voice of Duke ric. ��Well, if it��s an audience you desire, look no further. I happen to be part of the Royal Family.�� The Duke��s grin stretched wide across his face, a shark��s smile that sent a shiver down Duval��s spine, knotting his stomach with unease at the implications of his words.


    As the tension thickened in the air, Duval couldn''t shake the feeling that ric was on the verge of derailing his carefully crafted ns. His eyes flicked toward Terenthiel, who glowered at the Duke and his elegant wife, his expression a mixture of disdain and boiling anger. Ever since their first encounter, ric had taken every opportunity to mock Terenthiel��s deeply held beliefs, attacking the very core of his faith with calcted precision. Unlike others who might have faltered under the pressure of Terenthiel''s intimidating presence, ric appearedpletely unfazed, relishing the challenge.


    The Duke was a serpent in a finely tailored suit, clever and charismatic but undeniably venomous. Duval felt a sense of foreboding; in the tangled web of their interactions, ric''s cleverness often spelled disaster for the Prime Minister, making the situation all the more precarious.


    "Duke ric Revelia," Duval managed to utter, his smile strained as if it were a fragile mask threatening to crack.


    "Prime Minister. How delightful to find you in such high spirits this fine morning," ric replied, a mocking tonecing his every word.


    Duval silently pleaded to the Goddess, wishing for the Duke to simply tire of the conversation and let the weight of the matter drift away into nothingness. <span ss="userText">The General, on the other hand, had had enough<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> of this farce.


    "What is your answer, Terenthiel?" General Dous interjected, his voice steady butced with tension. "We stand at a crossroads: we can either settle this with reason, or we can turn to force."


    "Your threats hold no weight here, General," Sir Darius chimed in, his expression as smug as a cat that had just caught a mouse, a confident grin spreading across his face.


    With a swift flick of his wrist, Dous summoned his Mana, channeling its raw energy into the gleaming de of his magical sword. A palpable tension filled the air, crackling around him like static electricity as he swung the weapon diagonally toward the pdin, who stood resolutely fifteen feet away, undeterred by the imminent threat. The moment stretched out, a breath held in the silence before the storm of conflict erupted.


    As the sword arced through the air, its de came alive, releasing a surge of magic reminiscent of a Wind Mage''s legendary Razorphoon. The sound was sharp and fierce, a harmonious blend of elegance and brutality.


    *Swing! Fooosh!*


    The gust of wind unleashed was nothing short of extraordinary. It was so forceful that it cleaved through the sturdy metal gate like parchment, sending shards flying and creating a thunderous sonic boom that reverberated through the surroundings. The explosive sound momentarily stole the very breath of onlookers, leaving them in stunned silence. Only the General and the Divine Three maintained theirposure, their eyes locked onto the spectacle with a mix of awe and anticipation.


    Sir Darius felt a warm trickle of blood sliding down his left cheek, the metallic scent sharp in the air. He raised his hand slowly, almost as if in disbelief, only to find his fingertips stained crimson when he pulled them away.


    "That was merely a warning," the General sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Remember, you stand alone here without an army to back you. You should consider yourself fortunate that I chose to show mercy today."


    A faint smile crept across Sir Darius''s lips. To the astonishment of those watching, the cut on his cheek began to knit itself together before their eyes, closing as if it had never existed.


    The pdin scoffed, arrogance radiating from him like a shield. "I doubt those tales of demon ying you shared are anything but fiction. You may pride yourself with your mana vein and a few shy tricks, but they pale inparison to the might of the gods."


    General Dous scowled, "I just wanted to see if the rumors were true... But I''ve seen someone far more impressive than you when ites to healing..."


    Duval finally regained his hearing after the chaos unleashed by the General''s reckless assault. Anger coursed through him as he turned to confront the man responsible.


    "GENERAL!" the Prime Minister''s voice thundered, reverberating through the room. "ARE YOU SERIOUSLY TRYING TO START A��"


    But he halted mid-sentence, his eyes widening as he registered the identity of which General standing was standing beside him.


    ''Dous!?... W-What��s he doing here? I thought he was a few days away from the��Oh, no...She''s here!''


    A smirk crossed ric''s face, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What''s wrong, Duval? You look like you''ve just seen a ghost."


    The atmosphere around Duval felt electric, a palpable tension that danced like lightning in the air, sending adrenaline coursing through his veins. His heart pounded wildly against his chest as a tumult of emotions surged within him, each one more overwhelming than thest.


    He found himself at a loss for words, a heavy silence enveloping him. The Prince had returned, a figure of authority and grace, and with him came the unsettling thought that the Dark Elf was likely lurking within the pce��s shadowy corridors. This reality made Duval��s situation all the more precarious; the knowledge of the Dark Elf��s engagement to the Crown Prince weighed heavily on him,plicating any thoughts of secrecy he might have harbored. The stakes had never felt higher, and the walls of the pce seemed to close in around him, amplifying his sense of urgency.


    ��G-General... With a member of the Royal Family in attendance, I must insist that you grant Prince Terenthiel, Prince Zane, and Princess Hilda ess to the West Wing under the Emissary Act, Article Three, Section Eight, use Two. You are toply with their every directive,�� Duval dered, his voiceced with urgency.


    Sweat dripped down his brow��not simply from the dash to the pce gate, but from the weight of the moment.


    Terenthiel, a yful smirk dancing on his lips, interjected, ��And I��d like to add Father Gil to that list if you please.��


    General Dous shot a fierce re at the Divine Three, who responded with knowing smiles��the kind that could unsettle even the most steadfast.


    ��What necessity does a priest serve on this visit?�� the General retorted, his frustration palpable.


    "I would rather discuss that with the Royal Family," Terenthiel said.


    "You will discuss it with me first because I''m in charge of the security of the Royal Family," General Dous said with an iron fist.


    "I don''t believe that''s necessary, General," Duval interjected, his voice steady as he met the General''s fierce re. The Prime Minister, sensing the tension, chose to step back, granting the General free rein. Terenthiel sighed at how spineless Duval was and decided to answer the General.


    "Very well... Father Gil stands here to unite the Crown Prince and the Princess in holy matrimony so the Divine Three can bless our nations with peace," Terenthiel exined, his tone measured yet firm.


    General Dous''s gaze shifted to the Divine Three, their faces devoid of expression. The weight of the moment settled heavily on him; he knew he would have to seek the Queen''s guidance.


    "This peace treaty cannot be ratified without the King''s presence. If His Majesty is away, that means the priest must remain here," the General dered, his voice leaving no room for argument.


    "I will not��"


    "You will," the General shot back, their eyes locked in a fierce standoff that seemed to crackle with unresolved tension. The air was thick with unspoken challenges as both men stood their ground, each unwilling to yield.


    Terenthiel let out a heavy sigh, his gaze drifting back to his brothers, "Fine... We��ll give in to this demand... For now."


    The pdin merely scoffed when his Prince backed down from these heathens, disdain evident in his expression, while the General turned his attention to the Prime Minister, a calcting look in his eyes. "Very well. You may stay within the West Wing��only the West Wing. Four of your security detail may apany you. Do you ept these conditions?"


    In the shadows of their tense exchange, Hilda watched, her brow furrowed in confusion. Why did it feel like everyone was harboring secrets? The atmosphere crackled with unspoken truths, leaving her with an unsettling sense that something was amiss.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course, we do... The Divine Three will not vite anyw or custom," Terenthiel said.


    "I truly hope you''re sincere in your words, Prince Terenthiel. Otherwise, the Goddess has a way of exacting her wrath," Sir Darius warned, his voice low and intense.


    Terenthiel merelyughed, a mischievous glint in his eyes. <span ss="aiText">"Oh, we are confident that the Divine Ones will be happy to ept you to the flock. They are benevolent and loving. Not petty and cruel like the God<span ss="editText">des<span ss="aiText">s you worship," he retorted, a sly smile spreading across his face.


    His words ignited a fire in the hearts of the Royal Knights, their faces darkening with anger, while the Divine Three stood unmoved, their expressions as unreadable as stone.


    General Dous let out a heavy sigh; his brow furrowed with frustration. He stepped closer to Duval, leaning in to whisper sharply, "You best not make this any worse, Marquess... Or I won��t hesitate to report you to the King..."


    Duval��s throat tightened at the implied threat, but before he could respond, the General straightened up, turning to face the three leaders with a strained smile. "Let them through, and follow my lead. A guide will escort you to the foyer," hemanded his tone firm yet strained.


    The knights parted to create a path for the Divine Three and their entourage, who walked forward with an air of authority.


    Terenthiel couldn��t help but smirk at the scene, waving his hands with an air of confidence. His White Knights quickly fell into formation, and he turned to Father Gil and Sir Kaelin. "I trust you both to hold the fort while we��re gone," he dered, his voice dripping with assurance.


    Sir Kaelin straightened his posture, saluting with conviction. "As youmand, my prince," he replied earnestly, while Father Gil nodded in agreement, ready to uphold their duties in the absence of their leaders.


    Terenthiel gestured for Princess Hilda and Prince Zane to follow him, and, with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, theyplied. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and General escorted the Divine Three toward the grand foyer of the West Wing, where ric and Leandra observed the Alliance leaders'' entrance into the opulent Pce.


    A sly smile crept across ric''s face as he watched the unfolding scene. "So, what are your thoughts on Princess Hilda, Leandra?" he asked, his tone teasing.


    Leandra arched an eyebrow, her voice smooth yet sharp. "She��s inexperienced and quite naive in many respects�� But I see potential. I could certainly find ways to make her useful," she replied, a hint of ambition glimmering in her eyes.


    ric chuckled, admiring her cunning. "Oh, you are delightfully devious�� That''s precisely what makes you so intriguing. If everything falls into ce as I envision, perhaps we won��t even need her after all," he mused, an air of mystery surrounding his words.


    "Ah, I��ll weave my magic soon enough�� She might just have her uses in ways we haven''t yet imagined," the Duchess remarked, her toneced with intrigue.


    "Indeed... But if she bes more of a burden than an asset... we could always remove her from the equation," ric responded, his tone cool and calcting.


    Leandra nodded thoughtfully, a conspiratorial grin creeping across her face as they strode purposefully toward the pce gates.


    As they walked, ric''s gaze drifted to the Young Lord Johan, who stood off to the side. His expression was a mix of anxiety and uncertainty as he regarded the Alliance.


    "Lord Johan! What a delightful surprise! I was beginning to think your father had stashed you away in Eden Hills for good," ric said, a smirk creeping onto his lips.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Huh!? Duke Revelia? I-I''m sorry... I didn''t notice you<span ss="aiText"> were there," Johan said.


    The Duke chuckled softly, an amused glint in his eye. ��No need to apologize, young lord. But I can��t help but wonder, what has you looking so uneasy?�� Beside him, Lady Leandra studied Johan with a curious expression, her graceful hands sped delicately in herp. The atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension, drawing Johan into their gaze.


    <span ss="userText">''Fuck! What''s he nning?... Stay calm... I''m not the same Manaless boy I was thest time we met. He doesn''t know that I''m a mage<span ss="aiText"> now. He''s just trying to get a rise out of me,'' Johan thought, and he took a deep breath.


    ��Nothing much, my lord,�� Johan replied, a hint of tension in his voice. ��It��s just rather unsettling that the Alliance appeared out of nowhere. I can��t help but worry they��ll stir up trouble for the royal family and the Kingdom. It really makes me wonder why Marquess Duval was appointed as prime minister in the first ce.�� His words hung heavy in the air, leaving the Duke with a look of astonishment and drawing a simr reaction from Leandra.


    ric observed the Young Lord with a keen eye, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "He��s far sharper than he appears," he mused, noting the boy��s potential. "If only he had a mana vein... then he''d truly be formidable. But perhaps that��s a blessing in disguise. Without raw power, he��s forced to rely on his wits, a trait rare in those born with privilege. It��s a pity, though, that his uncle is scheming for his demise, all in pursuit of the title of Baron. This boy, if given the chance, could shine brightly in the world."


    He leaned closer, his voice lowering as he continued, "Remember, my young lord, it��s all about connections. Without them, you��re just a whisper in the wind. But I��m sure you��lle to understand that truth someday."


    Johan stood silently, lost in thought, his expression unreadable.


    <span ss="userText">''Well... It''s time to leave this boy be... For now... He may have survived one of my ns to kill him in the forest... But I wille up with another. I always do... Luckily for him, I need to deal with my nephew and his pet elf first<span ss="aiText">,'' ric thought, and Leandra grabbed her husband''s hand.


    "We''ll be on our way then. Have a splendid day, Young Lord Dule," the Duke said with a courteous nod, and Leandra followed suit, her thoughts already elsewhere.


    As the Duke and Duchess strolled past the guards, their footsteps echoed softly in the stillness of the courtyard, an oasis of tranquility amid the bustling pce. It was halfway across the courtyard when Leandra broke the silence.


    "That Young Lord... he seems... different," she remarked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.


    The Duke raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Different? How so?"


    Leandra paused, searching for the right words. "He just exudes more confidence now, and honestly, he''s more handsome than I remember. It''s strange... it''s like there''s a newfound light about him."


    The Duke chuckled softly, a sly smile creeping across his face. "Ah, my dear, my spies have been busy. Word is that the young Lord''s marriage to that <span ss="userText">damaged woman has brought out a side of him we��ve never seen. It appears that he��s stepping into manhood atst, and perhaps thates with its own charm."


    <span ss="userText">Leandra thought about it and shook her head, "I don''t think it''s only that<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText">.. Maybe I''m overthinking things... But he has an aura about him that I can''t put my finger<span ss="aiText"> on."


    ric let out a heavy sigh, his brows furrowing as he pondered his wife��s growing unease. Deep down, he thought she was being a bit paranoid, though he��d never voice that to her.


    ��Really, love, there��s nothing to fret about,�� he reassured her, trying to keep his tone soothing. ��He��s just amoner dressed in fine clothes. His father��s simply trying to shield him from the scrutiny of the other nobles, terrified as he is that his lineage might fade away soon... And honestly, he��s not wrong to worry.��


    Leandra cast him a sidelong nce, her expression thoughtful. ��Hmmm... If you say so, my dear,�� she replied, though a flicker of uncertainty lingered in her eyes. As they approached the grand entrance of the West Wing, the air around them buzzed with unspoken tension.


    <span ss="aiText">"Now... <span ss="userText">Let''s watch Duval flounder about<span ss="aiText"> and make a fool of himself," ric said.


    As the grand doors swung open, the Duke and Duchess stepped into the West Wing, their presencemanding the elegant space. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting intricate shadows on the polished floors, while the soft hum of activity in the background faded into a respectful silence. The rich tapestries adorning the walls whispered tales of nobility, and the air was suffused with the subtle scent of fresh blooms from nearby vases, creating an atmosphere of refined sophistication.


    <span ss="userText">***


    Johan raced back to his carriage, his heart pounding in rhythm with his hurried footsteps. Tayna and his guards awaited him, their expressions tense with worry.


    As he swung the door open, the sight of his wife''s anxious face immediately set off rms in his mind.


    "What happened? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voiceced with concern, eyes searching his for answers.


    Still rattled from his encounter with Duke Revelia��something he now regretted, believing it safer to stay inside the carriage��Johan took a deep breath to steady himself.


    "The Alliance is gathering in the West Wing," he said urgently, his mind racing. "I have to attend the meeting, but we must alert Lady Rya. I��m relying on you, my love." The weight of the situation hung heavily between them, and he could see the determination sparking in her eyes.


    <span ss="aiText">"O-of course, <span ss="editText">Johan<span ss="aiText">," Tayna replied, and Johan nodded his head<span ss="userText"> and nted a quick kiss on her lips<span ss="aiText"> before getting out of the carriage and making his way to the Pce Gate.


    <span ss="aiText">''Damn! <span ss="userText">Things seem to be getting moreplicated by the day... But I''m not going to let Quinus down<span ss="aiText">... And I''ll protect Lady Rya with my life. And if those damn Alliance leaders try anything, then I''ll have no choice but to act,'' Johan thought while he took a deep breath and motioned for the Royal Guards to let him pass <span ss="userText">when he showed them his family''s<span ss="aiText"> ring.


    Tayna nced anxiously as her husband dashed into the west wing of the Pce, a cloud of worry settling over her. She pushed aside her concerns; her priority was finding Rya and warning her about the Divine Three that were inside the Pce. As her carriage rolled into the pce grounds, headed for the southern entrance, her heart raced with urgency. The servants swung the door open, and without a moment''s hesitation, Tayna stepped into the grand expanse of the pce, determination etched on her face.

 Vol.4 Ch.233 Don’t Cross the Duchess.

    Vol.4 Ch.233 Don��t Cross the Duchess.


    Duval rushed into the grand Parliamentary Chamber, a sense of urgency propelling his steps across the polished marble floor. The air was thick with tension as a small assembly of Major Nobles gathered, their expressions a tempest of disbelief and simmering anger.


    "Prime Minister, what is the meaning of this!? Why did the Alliance suddenly show up and force their way into the Pce!?" Baron Thaddeus Windermere��s voice rang out, sharp and usatory, as he fixed Duval with an intense gaze that demanded an exnation.


    Raising a hand to quell the rising murmurs, Duval surveyed the room, his eyes darting over the five Lords present, their regal robes contrasting sharply with their furrowed brows. Duke ric, thest of their number, was slowly making his way to the West Wing, the sound of his heavy footsteps echoing in the background as he seemed lost in thought. The atmosphere was charged, each noble waiting with bated breath for a response that could shift the bnce of power.


    The Parliament of Major Lords, a grand assembly steeped in tradition and history, was steadfastly ruled by the powerful Major Houses of Fiafyr,prising an intricatework of thirteen Houses. Marquess Duval Wrightwood emerged as a masterful strategist, adeptly rallying a coalition of six of these thirteen Lords to his cause over thirty years ago, with Marquess Duval being the seventh member of his coalition. This coalition, forged through cunning persuasion and political savvy, granted him a substantial majority that allowed him to champion legition with remarkable ease and face only minimal opposition throughout the years.


    Yet, amidst this politicalndscape, Duval found himself in a constant struggle against the more fragmented Minor Lords. These lords, primarily responsible for governing the vibrant cities and picturesque towns scattered throughout the Kingdom, held sway over public sentiment. Most of them chose to align with Duke ric Revelia, even during the Duke''s grueling decade-long Financial punishment, showcasing a loyalty that perplexed and frustrated Duval. Meanwhile, themoners��the heart and soul of the Kingdom��had been drawn to the Royal Family''s earnestmitment to uplifting their lives. Crown Prince Quinus Meredydd took the lead on a series of ambitious projects, crafting a legacy that included engineering marvels, aqueducts that quenched the thirst of parchednds, schools that nurtured young minds, and infrastructure that connectedmunities.


    Duval, initially dismissive of the King��s expenditures on what he considered his son''s unorthodox initiatives, grew increasingly concerned as the tangible benefits of these projects began to reshape public opinion. The Kingdom��s economy flourished, jobs blossomed in both bustling urban centers and sprawling countryside, and a sense of optimism took root among the popce. It was only when Duval faced the stark realization that he was losing the affections of themon people that he endeavored to thwart the Crown Prince''s momentum. However, this battle ended in defeat; instead of regaining influence, Duval only seeded in creating abyrinthine bureaucracy that rendered it nearly impossible for the King to ess the Royal Treasury without the Parliament''s consent.


    As the gathered Lords convened, the atmosphere thickened with intrigue and ambition, each noble eager to stake their im in the unfolding drama of power. Marquess Duval stood before a select assembly of Major Nobles who were fortunate enough to be present in the city when he dispatched the messenger ravens announcing the Emergence Session. Yet, the grand chamber felt only half alive, as many Lords were still tending to their far-flung territories.


    The Emergence Session demanded attendance from as many members as possible within the crucial span of four days to cast their votes on a matter of great significance. Thus, Duval had cast a wide, summoning even those absent Lords residing far from the capital. Normally, the presence of King Cyndre would have expedited the voting process, but with the King away on affairs of state, the Parliament found itself in a precarious position. Time slipped through their fingers; if the King didn��t return within the allotted days, the weighty decision would rest solely on their shoulders, poised to shape the very future of the Kingdom.


    Among the members of the Prime Minister''s coalition was Baron Thaddeus Windermere, a man of once-uncertain allegiance who had been drawn into Duval''s orbit by the tantalizing promise of a prestigious seat on his council. Windermere''s gold-trimmed tunic, adorned with family crests, hinted at both his wealth and the ambition that simmered within him. Beside him stood Baron Eamon Stirling, the epitome of pragmatism. With a shrewd gaze and a ledger filled with visions of prosperous trade routes, Stirling had allied himself with Duval primarily to secure his own position as Minister of Trade and Commerce, demonstrating how far a noble would go for the sake of title and influence.


    In this charged atmosphere, Count Sebastian Ingham emerged as Duval''s most trusted ally. His gray hair, framed by the borate robes of a seasoned diplomat, spoke of years dedicated to navigating the treacherous waters of foreign rtions. Ingham''s keen insight and extensive experience lent ayer of stability to the Prime Minister��s political stratagems, making him an invaluable asset amidst the swirling tempests of rivalry.


    Across the chamber, the Duke��s coalition struggled to assert its presence, represented only by Viscount William Lysander. Cloaked in a deep emerald mantle that mirrored the lushnds of the Eastern Coast he controlled, Lysander was a loyal supporter of the Duke, entangled in schemes to obscure ric��s finances from the ever-watchful gaze of Duval. His influence over the lucrative coastlines of Fiafyr was a powerful card in the ongoing game of political chess.


    The third coalition, loyal to the Royal Family, was a much slimmer assembly, with only Earl Nathaniel Valerian present. Dressed in rich blue and gold, Valerian''s proximity to the throne was solidified by his lifelong friendship with King Cyndre. His fertile and abundantnds produced more food than those of any other noble, cing him in a position of significant leverage. The bountiful output of his domain made him a key yer in any discussion of the kingdom''s stability and prosperity.


    Together, these factions formed aplex tapestry of alliances and rivalries, each thread representing the shifting currents of ambition and treachery that defined the ever-evolvingndscape of power in Fiafyr. As the Emergence Session unfolded, the air crackled with tension, a palpable anticipation of the political maneuvers yet toe.


    Duval let out a weary sigh, casting a nce around the room filled with his fellow Major Nobles. ��It��s all just a formality, my friends. Trust me, it��s under control,�� the Prime Minister insisted, though his words were met with skeptical frowns and low murmurs of discontent from those gathered. The tension in the air was palpable, and doubt hung over the group like a dark cloud, threatening to unleash a storm of dissent.


    "Enough of this nonsense, Prime Minister! If this is truly just a formality, then why on earth was the Royal Guard summoned to secure the Pce grounds? And what justification is there for allowing the Divine Three inside the Pce? Why are they being kept in the shadows?" Earl Nathaniel Valerian''s voice thundered through the Chamber, his frustration palpable.


    "That is quite enough! If any of you dare to mention the Dark Elf in front of��"


    *SLAM!*


    The heavy doors of the Chamber swung open with a force that silenced the room. In strode three formidable figures of the Holy Alliance: Prince Terenthiel, the young Prince Zane, and their Pdin, Sir Darius. Each step they took echoed with authority, drawing every eye as tension thickened in the air.


    "Why are you speaking in hushed tones, Duval?" Terenthiel''s voice cut through the air, sharp with annoyance. Duval''s expression shifted to one of palpable anxiety.


    ��Y-your Highness, we were just discussing some recent events and whether they might reveal any state secrets in front of foreign guests�� If so, there could be consequences,�� Duval stammered, ncing around the room.


    Terenthiel remained silent, his gaze sweeping over the other lords, who instinctively bowed their heads in deference to their foreign guests, sensing the tension.


    ��Where is the Crown Prince?�� he asked, his tone shifting to one of impatience.


    ��I��m not certain�� He should have arrived by now. But you know how princes can be,�� Duval replied, managing a shaky chuckle that barely concealed his anxiety.


    Terenthiel raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?... Well, I think it''s time we all have a discussion," the Prince said.


    "A-After we finish drafting up a decree for our emergency session... The details need to be finalized by present Nobles before the full session can happen in four days from now. Once this is done, then we can deal with the peace treaty, Your Highness," Duval said, which got the other lords interested.


    "Emergency session? What do you mean?" Viscount William Lysander asked with a smirk. He hated the Prime Minister almost as much as his friend ric. And he wanted to see how Duval was going to worm his way out of this.


    <span ss="editText">The Divine Three <span ss="userText">looked at William, who was sitting next to Duke ric<span ss="aiText">''s side. They exchanged a look. A silent understanding passed between them. The two of them would ensure the downfall of Marquess Duval Wrightwood.


    <span ss="aiText">T<span ss="editText">he Prime Minister jumped in<span ss="aiText">, "There is no need to be rmed. As a matter of protocol, we have summoned you to convene an Emergence Session to vote on a new deration, but due to the urgency of the situation, it will be held within a shorter period of time," Duval exined.


    Earl Nath<span ss="userText">aniel Valerian rolled his eyes at the Duval''s bullshit non-answer. "That''s funny. You<span ss="editText">r<span ss="userText"> message said that an extreme threat was on its way to the Pce. Don''t tell us that this was all a lie<span ss="aiText"> to get us here?" the Earl retorted, his frustration mounting.<span ss="editText"> He also despised Duval after losing the election for the Prime Minister by turning four of his allies against him. He knew about the Dark Elf that was with the Crown Prince from his Friend King Cyndre<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">.


    Count Sebastian Ingham, along with the rest of Duval''s coalition, remained tight-lipped, fearful of revealing their deliberations to the Divine Three. They were set to vote on a decree that would bar a dark elf from entering the Fiafyr Kingdom, a foreign entity wandering perilously close to the capital alongside the absent Crown Prince. The consequences of their decision weighed heavily on them.


    Duval could feel the sweat trickling down his brow as he hastily dabbed it away with a handkerchief, anxiety thrumming in his veins. The pressure was mounting, and with it, the stakes had never been higher. He needed to fabricate a different reason for ordering the Emergency Meeting.


    "Yes... as we speak, a shadow looms over the Kingdom��a mysterious magical anomaly and time is of the essence. Our fears suggest it may be some sort of magical beast, and we must act swiftly before it esctes into a catastrophe. If only the King were present, we could convene with the avable council and devise a n, but for now, all we have is the Crown Prince," Duval dered, concealing the true motive behind this urgent meeting.


    Prince Zane and his Pdin exchanged skeptical nces, their sharp gazes fixed on the Prime Minister, while Terenthiel maintained an inscrutable expression.


    "The inner workings of your kingdom are of no concern to me. As long as you deliver what we desire, your worries are misced," Terenthiel announced with a cold confidence. The other nobles nced uneasily at one another, then redirected their attention to Duval.


    "Hah! Of course�� If you prefer, you and your entourage can take a seat in the lobby��"


    "Absolutely not! We will remain here in this chamber," Prince Terenthiel asserted resolutely. Duval and his allies exchanged looks of astonishment, grappling with the prince''s unexpected defiance.


    Duke ric, Viscount William, and Earl Nathanial exchanged uneasy nces, their enjoyment of the gathering dimmed by the looming threat of Prince Terenthiel and Sir Darius. Yet, a flicker of satisfaction sparked within them as the Divine Three finally seemed poised to put the arrogant Prime Minister in his ce.


    ��Your Highness, this isn��t appropriate,�� Count Sebastian Ingham interjected, his voice steady but edged with tension. He fixed a stern gaze on Terenthiel, whose defiance radiated from across the room.


    "I will not be sidelined for another moment... And I thought your kingdom was in peril? That''s why you called for an emergency session. To deal with state affairs, yes? If it is too much for you people to handle, then maybe we could step in to deal with your threat," Terenthiel countered, and Duval and his allies all stiffened up.


    ''Dammit, Terenthiel! You��re making my life more difficult than it needs to be!'' Duval seethed inwardly as he faced the royal figure before him.


    "We will allow you to join us after we''ve spoken to the Crown Prince. It��s crucial that he isn��t caught off guard by the presence of our esteemed guests��and his future bride," Duval stated firmly, hoping to maintain some semnce of order.


    Terenthiel crossed his arms defiantly, a storm brewing in his eyes. "I refuse to linger in the hallway like somemoner until you grant us your permission. I have as much stake in this as anyone!"


    <span ss="editText">Duval sighed, recognizing that there was no point in arguing further. Terenthiel was not the type to back down easily. ��As you wish, Your Highness... But know that this goes against all protocol.�� He turned to Sebastian, his voice steadying as he added, ��Please, gather everyone and prepare the main chamber <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">for an emergency session. There is no time to waste."


    "Right away," Count Sebastian Ingham said and turned to the rest of the nobles and started instructing them as they opened the double doors to the Parliamentary Chamber and entered the chamber.


    "Well, well, well... This should be interesting," Viscount William Lysander sneered at the Prime Minister and followed the others into the room.


    "Enough of your games! If youplicate this process for me, you''ll regret it!" Duval spat, his frustration bubbling to the surface.


    William merely grinned wider, stealing a look back at the Duke, who was barely suppressing his amusement at William''s bravado. Just then, young Lord Johan Dule stepped into the west wing, catching sight of themotion.


    "Well, look who''s here��the Baron''s son, stepping in for his esteemed father. Are you prepared for some spectacr drama? I have a feeling we��re in for quite the performance," Duke ricughed heartily, his eyes glinting with mischief. Panic flickered across Duval''s face as he realized that a split vote could shatter his carefullyid ns, the stakes rising with every moment.


    "Lord Johan Dule!? You really didn��t need to be here for this," Duval eximed, his voice a mix of surprise and disdain. His eyes darted around the chamber, taking in the tense atmosphere. "These royal matters are best left to the Major Nobles, not a mere child."


    The implications sank in like a stone. If a Major Lord could not attend an Emergency Session, their heir could step in. But Johan''s presence was particrly troubling. As a close friend of the Crown Prince, he was likely to throw his support behind Quinus, which could tip the scales disastrously. Duval��s heart raced; the stakes had just risen higher than he had anticipated.


    Johan red defiantly at the Prime Minister; his brow furrowed in determination. "I''m 27, and I will represent House Dule in this session. My father can��t make it, but I won��t be intimidated," he dered, the weight of the moment hanging heavy in the air. He had heard the whispers about the strange circumstances that had brought them to this point, and he was intent on keeping things from spiraling out of control.


    "R-Right! You may be a man now, but trust me, this is a lot for someone your age to grasp," Duval retorted, a forced smile barely concealing his irritation as he tried to regain the upper hand.


    Johan rolled his eyes, turning his attention to the Prince, who stood observing the chaos with an enigmatic expression. "I don''t understand why this measure is soplicated. All you��re asking for is a vote on whether to prevent the Dark��"


    "The emergency North?" Duval cut in sharply, his voice rising as he interrupted the young lord. The tension in the room crackled, hinting at the weight of the decisions hanging in the bnce.


    Johan blinked, taken aback by Duval''s sudden outburst. As the murmurs of the other nobles washed over him, he sensed the sharp nces directed his way, urging him to silence. Even Nathanial, usually soposed, made a subtle gesture for him to hold his tongue.


    "Er... Yes, the emergency in the North," Johan stammered, scrambling to understand the dynamics shifting all around him.


    Across the room, ric couldn''t help but notice the depths to which Duval had sunk. After all the years they''d known each other, witnessing Duval pivot so desperately was surprising. It was clear to ric that his old rival was willing to do anything to prevent his carefullyid ns from unraveling. The stakes were higher than ever, and the game had taken on a new intensity.


    <span ss="editText">''Hmm? Duval''s under so much stress that it might kill him... This day is turning out better than I thought it would be,'' ric thought with a smirk.<span ss="aiText"> He was eager to watch <span ss="editText">Duval<span ss="aiText"> fall apart and relished the opportunity to savor every moment of it.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval took a deep breath, steeling himself as he addressed the young Lord, "You''re a very intelligent person, John, and I can tell you want to do the right thing, but there is a lot at stake here. The fate of our kingdom rests on the choices we make, and you should listen to the guidance of your elders. We have a responsibility to make the right decision."


    <span ss="userText">"And I believe in myself to make the right<span ss="aiText"> choice," John retorted, his expression growing resolute.


    <span ss="aiText">The tension in the room was palpable, and Duke ric could sense that a pivotal moment was approaching. The politicalndscape was shifting beneath their feet, and he was eager to <span ss="editText">u<span ss="aiText">se th<span ss="editText">is as an opportunity to remove Duval from his<span ss="aiText"> position of power<span ss="editText"> and find a way to take his<span ss="aiText"> ce.


    <span ss="aiText">"It is not a matter of what you believe. This is aplicated issue that requires careful<span ss="editText">��"


    <span ss="editText">"Are you going against Fiafyrianw, Prime Minister? Of all the<span ss="aiText"> years I''ve known you, you''ve never <span ss="editText">disregarded<span ss="aiText"> thews of ournd before<span ss="editText">. Is there a reason<span ss="aiText"> why you''re choosing now to start?" Earl Nathanial Valerian cut in, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    <span ss="aiText">"Of course not, Earl Nathanial. It''s not against Fiafyrianw, not at all!<span ss="userText"> I-I just want to make sure the Young Lord Johan<span ss="aiText"> is well informed about the situation, is all. There is no need to get so heated, my friend," Duval sputtered, hisposure faltering. He was growing increasingly anxious, his mind racing as he struggled to formte a n to salvage the situation.


    <span ss="userText">"I grow weary of your stuttering<span ss="aiText">, Prime Minister. What exactly is this mysterious ''shadow'' you mentioned earlier? <span ss="editText">How this Kingdom became as powerful as it has is beyond me<span ss="aiText">. A nation is only as strong as its <span ss="editText">Gods! And you worship a false deity<span ss="aiText">, a god<span ss="editText">dess of all things. It''s about time that you rid yourselves of this false idol and find your salvation through the true gods of Tertius... The Divine Thre<span ss="aiText">e," Terenthiel said, crossing his arms.


    <span ss="aiText">A gasp rippled through the chamber, the nobles'' eyes widening in shock and outrage at the foreign Prince''s audacity<span ss="editText">, but Duval stopped them<span ss="aiText"> before they could speak up.


    <span ss="aiText">"The Kingdom of Fiafyr is blessed by the Goddess, and <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he shall remain so," Duval said, his voice strained. "This is not up for debate.<span ss="editText"> But maybe I''ve lingered<span ss="aiText"> too long<span ss="editText"> on Lord Johan<span ss="aiText">... Let''s get on with the session. Sebastian, lead the way!"


    <span ss="aiText">Duval spun around and rushed <span ss="editText">into the main chamber of Pament, also known as the House of Lords<span ss="aiText">. He quickly took his ce at the podium.


    "This should be a good show indeed," ric said with a smirk.


    "What''s so funny, ric?" Duval asked in a threatening manner.


    "Everything..." ric said as he walked toward the doors and entered the room.


    ''ric is nning something... But what!? Grrr! And Johnathan''s boy thinks he cane in here and mess with my ns!? I need to make it clear to this manaless boy that I''m in charge!'' Duval thought angrily and red at Johan as this Young Lord was the only one he could physically overpower due to him being the only manaless Lord in the building.


    With a fierce re directed at Johan, Duval felt a surge of frustration. Johan stood there, oblivious to the storm brewing around him. "Why are you ring at me?" he asked, confusion etched on his face. In a swift, decisive move, Duval seized the Young Lord''s arm, squeezing hard enough to make his point clear. He relished the feeling of control��because in this game of power, he was not about to let a boy challenge his reign.


    Johan stood there, initially confused, but then it clicked: the secret of Rya''s healing remained hidden from everyone. He was now far stronger than a Royal Knight, yet the sensation coursing through him was anything but painful, despite Duval''s relentless grip.


    ''What on Tertius is going on?'' Duval pondered, his face twisting in frustration as he squeezed Johan''s arm with every ounce of his strength. To his surprise, Johan felt like solid steel beneath his grasp.


    Realizing he needed to maintain the illusion of weakness, Johan forced a grimace and let out a soft, pained whimper. At that, Duval��s expression shifted, clearly satisfied with what he thought was a victory.


    "Your father isn''t here, so make sure you don''t mess anything up for me. Otherwise, you can expect serious consequences. Understood?" Duval said with a firm tone, releasing Johan, who nodded while pretending to nurse his arm in pain.


    "Your father isn''t here, so make sure you don''t mess anything up for me. Otherwise, you can expect serious consequences. Understood?" Duval whispered in a threatening tone, releasing Johan, who nodded while pretending to nurse his arm in pain.


    <span ss="userText">''What the fuck is his problem?<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> What''s gotten into him? He''s usually so calm andposed. Is this what Father meant about keeping my distance from Duval?'' Johan pondered as he took his seatnext to the Earl and Viscount.


    ''I''ll be watching your every move, Duval. I won''t let you hurt Rya or Quinus... I''ll make sure that you never hold the Prime Minister title again,'' Johan thought.


    Meanwhile, as Terenthiel, Zane, Sir Darius, and three white knights strode into the chamber, an air of anticipation filled the room. Hilda trailed behind, her footsteps steady and purposeful. Just as she reached the doorway, Terenthiel abruptly halted, pivoting to block her path.


    "My apologies, mydy. But where do you think you are going?" he asked, a hint of arrogancecing his words.


    "I thought I was wee to join you in this meeting," Hilda replied with a fake smile.


    Terenthiel almost had a disappointed look on his face. "This chamber is meant for men only. And a woman''s ce is not in politics. Especially one from a rival kingdom," the foreign prince exined.


    Hilda''s eyes shed with disbelief as she fixed a steely gaze on the Prince.


    "But I''m supposed to meet the Crown Prince," Hilda stated.


    "That is true, and you''ll get to see him in this chamber once he arrives. But until then, I''ll be taking a seat, and you should find afortable spot in the lobby to wait," Terenthiel instructed, and Hilda looked annoyed.


    Hilda''s annoyance deepened, and she fought the urge to unleash her pent-up frustration at the Prince. With a deep breath, she steeled herself.


    "Very well, holy one. I shall wait for the Crown Prince," Hilda said, curtsying with exaggerated grace before turning sharply to leave the chamber. Her heart raced with a mix of impatience and anticipation.


    "See? Was that so hard?" Terenthiel smirked, which made Hilda pause for a second.


    Hilda''s heart raced with the wild desire to escape, to leave everything behind and never return. The Crown Prince of this strange Kingdom was a mystery to her��she had no idea if he was a noble soul or a lurking monster.


    What tormented her most was the suffocating realization that her life was no longer her own; fate had seized the reins, and she was powerless to resist. The thought of marrying a man she didn''t know in and that felt like a gilded cage filled her with dread. Above all, she yearned for the warmth of a family that she never had and the love of a partner��luxuries that now felt like distant dreams, slipping further away with each passing moment.


    ''I want to run away... But where would I go?'' Hilda thought as she walked into the lobby.


    Terenthiel looked at one of the three white knights, "I need you to watch her and make sure no one besides us can talk to her. Understood?"


    "Yes, your Highness," The White Knight said, who stayed behind as the other two followed the Prince, and then the Pdin closed the doors.


    "Well... We are finally getting closer to the finish line," Terenthiel said with a confident look.


    "It won''t be long now," Sir Darius added.


    "Indeed," Terenthiel replied.


    "It''s annoying that we have to give these heretics my sister''s hand in marriage," Zane stated, and the prince looked at the young man.


    "Your half-sister was chosen by the Three... Don''t defy them. It will be a grave mistake," Terenthiel warned, and Zane red at the Prince.


    "Half-sister or not. She''s still a Stoneworthh, and I don''t like the fact that a heretic is going to be a Stoneworthh," Zane hissed.


    "You need to understand that the Holy Alliance is the most powerful political entity in the world. The Divine One''s word is absolute, and if the Three decide that she is to be the wife of the Crown Prince, then that''s final. You will do as you''re told. Am I clear?" Terenthiel ordered, and Zane clenched his fists and bit his lip.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Zane forced out, walked over to a chair, and sat down.


    Terenthiel looked at Darius, "He is emotional... Make sure that Father Gil uses his divinity on him to cleanse his soul. Thest thing we need is for sinful thoughts to corrupt him and infect the flock."


    "As youmand, Your Highness," Sir Darius bowed.


    ''This boy needs to be tamed. He''s too hot-headed and impulsive... He''ll ruin the Holy Alliance and the n. All because he wants his half-sister for himself... How pathetic,'' Terenthiel thought.


    ***


    The White Knight escorted Hilda to the lobby and took a seat on the opposite side of the hallway while she sat in one of the chairs.


    The anger inside her turned to fear after she had a few seconds to herself. She couldn''t control her emotions, and tears started streaming down her cheeks.


    ''No... No... I''m scared. I don''t want to be married to a stranger. Please... Somebody help me...''


    As the grand chandelier cast a warm glow over the elegant lobby, an older noblewoman glided in, her fine dress whispering tales of opulence with each step. Her keen eyes scanned the room until they settled on the lone figure of Princess Hilda, who sat on a plush velvet seat, ensnared by her own swirling thoughts.


    Duchess Leandra''s heart quickened��this was the moment she had been waiting for. A sly smile danced on her lips as she whispered to herself, ''I finally found her�� Time to work my magic.'' With an air of poise and purpose, she began to cross the room, intent on weaving a connection with the unsuspecting princess.


    Unbeknownst to Hilda, who remained blissfully absorbed in her musings, the seasoned duchess was threading her ns for her family''s ambitious future��a future that hinged on winning over the enigmatic young foreigner sitting just a short distance away.


    ''Good! She''s in a depressed state... This will make things easier for me to gain her trust,'' Duchess Leandra mused, observing Hilda from a distance of about ten feet. Just as she prepared to call out to the young woman, a figure d in gleaming white armor suddenly stepped into her path, halting her approach.


    "No one can approach the Princess," The White Knight said firmly.


    Duchess Leandra was taken aback for a second but recovered quickly.


    "Who do you think you are to tell me where I can or cannot go!? Don''t you know who I am?" Duchess Leandra asked in an angry tone.


    "You''re a woman... I don''t answer to anyone but Prince Terenthiel. Now back away, peasant," The White Knightmanded, and Leandra was shocked that this bastard didn''t know who she was and dared to call her a peasant.


    ''This cretin thinks he''s better than me! Who the hell does he think he is?'' Duchess Leandra thought and had the urge to p the white knight across the face. But she refrained from pping him and smiled at him while pulling out a bottle of perfume from her purse. She spritzed in the air in front of her face and his face.


    The white knight kept a stoic face as he stared her down. Leandra sighed and put away her perfume.


    "Listen here, knight... And listen well... I''m Duchess Leandra Revelia... And no one of lesser status can disrespect me and get away with it... You will be on your knees begging for my forgiveness... And I will revel in your demise," Duchess Leandra threatened and then turned to leave, but the white knight grabbed her arm, and she red at him.


    "If I were you, I would leave before I''m forced to break a noblewoman''s arm," The White Knight stated coldly.


    The Duchess smiled once more, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she gently wrenched her arm free from his grasp.


    "Very well, young knight... I shall leave... for now," Duchess Leandra said and turned to walk towards the door.


    The tension in the lobby was palpable as the Royal Guards exchanged bewildered nces. They felt the urgency to intervene when the Duchess was suddenly halted, her graceful stride disrupted by the firm grip of the White Knight. Conflicted, they debated stepping in to escort her to safety, but their resolve crumbled as they watched her regain herposure and stride out unhindered.


    ��Hey, Zealot! If you dare cross that line again, I��ll have no choice but to report you to the General!�� one of the guards barked, his wordsced with bravado.


    Yet the White Knight remained unfazed, his steely gaze locked on the Princess, unwavering in his duty as a protector. The atmosphere thickened with a silent challenge, leaving the Royal Guards in a state of uncertainty.


    <span ss="editText">"Humph! Did you hear me, bastard!?" The Royal Guard<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> growled.


    The White Knight shot a steely re at the guard, his voice dripping with defiance. "Go on, report me if you dare. I''ve been given strict orders to allow no one��" He abruptly paused, a pained expression shing across his face as he rubbed his aching stomach. For a brief moment, the veneer of stoicism cracked, revealing a hint of vulnerability beneath his hardened exterior. After a deep breath to steady himself, he continued, "Not to allow anyone to speak to the Princess." His tone was t, but the pallor in hisplexion betrayed an inner struggle brewing just out of sight.


    The Royal Guards raised their collective eyebrows, perplexed by the knight''s unexpected shift in demeanor. One of the guards was tempted to question the White Knight about those mysterious orders, but the knight quickly masked his difort, returning to his fierce re.


    ''What''s with him?'' the guard thought, bewildered.


    A sudden, resounding groan erupted from the depths of the knight��s stomach, halting the conversation and catching everyone��s attention. The once-heroic figure, now drenched in sweat and clutching his abdomen, was a far cry from his earlier, confident demeanor.


    ��Are you alright?�� one of the Royal Guards inquired, concern etched across his face.


    *BELCH!*


    ��Uh, I��m perfectly fine,�� the White Knight replied, though his strained voice suggested otherwise. ��But if I were to... need a toilet, where would one be located?''


    The four guards exchanged puzzled nces, shrugging their shoulders in unison.


    ��There��s one just two hallways down to your right,�� one of them eventually replied, his tone hinting at amusement.


    ��Much appreciated,�� the White Knight replied, his voice strained as he shuffled awkwardly down the corridor. The guards exchanged amused nces, stifling theirughter as they watched the spectacle unfold.


    With each step, his movements seemed morebored, deep breaths escaping his lips in slow, heavy gasps. ��Is he sick?�� one guard whispered, leaning closer to get a better look.


    ��Probably not,�� another guard chimed in, smirking. ��But I��d bet my sword it was something he ate.��


    <span ss="editText">Just then, the knight dropped to one knee, his face pale and contorted as if he might lose his lunch. ��Goddess be damned!�� one of the guards eximed, rushing over. ��Come on! I don��t want to face Lady Rose just because this fool couldn��t manage to hold in his lunch!�� With a swift motion, he helped the knight up, while another guard took his other arm, urgency in their movements. The other two hurriedly opened the door so they<span ss="aiText"> could guide the knight through.


    In an instant, the princess found herself alone in the lobby, the echoes of chaos still hanging in the air like thest notes of a lingering melody.


    ��Huh?�� Hilda said, blinking in confusion as she realized no one was watching her anymore. Without a moment��s hesitation, she sprang to her feet and darted out of the lobby, heading for the door on the far side.


    ��I don��t know what I��m doing,�� she thought, her heart pounding, ��but I have to get out of here... or I��ll surely lose my mind.��


    As Hilda rushed through a series of twisting hallways, a stunning sight caught her eye: a sprawling garden, lush and alive.


    ��Wow, I had no idea this ce had a garden this grand,�� she marveled, stepping closer to the entrance. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the vibrant blooms and verdant foliage, an unexpected oasis that brought a moment of wonder amidst her turmoil.


    Hilda paused, a serene smile spreading across her face as she basked in the beauty around her. The garden was a riot of colors, each flower unfurling its petals like a delicate whisper. Inhaling the sweet fragrance, she was instantly transported back to her cherished garden at home��the one sanctuary where her stepmother and half-sister''s nagging voices faded into the background. It was a ce woven with memories,ughter, and the purest joy.


    She could have lost herself in that moment, surrounded by nature''s beauty, if not for the sudden sound of footsteps approaching behind her. Her heart raced as panic surged through her. ��Gah! Run! You have to run!��


    Without a second thought, Hilda dashed into the winding pathways of the maze-like garden, her feet flying over the vibrant earth. The thrill of the chase pushed her forward, a mix of fear and exhration propelling her deeper into the enchanting shadows of blooming life.


    ''Damn! That was close... And I''m tired... I-I just need to find a ce to rest,'' Hilda thought as she caught her breath and continued walking through the maze.


    After wandering through the winding paths of the maze for what felt like ages, she finally stumbled upon a sunlit clearing, where a sparkling water fountain danced merrily at its center.


    ''Wow! It��s absolutely stunning...''


    She couldn��t help but smile as she approached. Finding a sturdy wooden bench, she sank down and leaned back, soaking in the serene atmosphere.


    ''It��s such a perfect day��''


    Hilda closed her eyes, letting the warm sun kiss her skin while a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, wrapping around her like a soft,forting nket. The world around her faded, leaving just the sounds of the fountain and the rustling leaves��a moment of pure bliss.


    ***


    Back by the lobby in the West Wing of the pce. Duchess Leandra was waiting in the hallway outside of the lobby where Hilda was supposed to be.


    ''I wonder how long it will take before that insignificant little worm beings to puke his guts out?... Hehe! I made sure to spray an extra amount of my Vertigo Essence Perfume on him. I hope the poor fool has a bad reaction... Heh!'' Duchess Leandra thought with an evil smirk on her face.


    As she was lost in her thoughts, the door to the lobby opened abruptly, and four guards carried the white knight down the hallway towards the nearest restroom.


    "Oooh-BLECH-UGH!" The white knight moaned.


    "Don''t you dare puke on this floor, you arrogant ass!" One of the Royal Guards growled.


    "Yeah! Or we''ll feed you your own vomit!" Another guard warned.


    *URP!*


    "Damn it! He''s not going to make it! Hurry!"


    "Ugh!"


    The duchess looked at her own handy work with a pleased smile on her face.


    ''Good! He''s going to regret the day he ever crossed paths with me... Serves you right, insolent fool!'' Duchess Leandra thought and chuckled as the royal guards yelled and shouted at each other until they were out of sight.


    "Well, that''s enough fun for one day... Now it''s time to work my magic on that girl... hehe," DuchessLeandra murmured with a yful smirk as she rounded the corner, striding confidently toward the lobby entrance.


    As she stepped into the room, however, a wave of surprise washed over her�� it was utterly deserted, not a soul in sight. ''Huh? Where did that little brat go!?... Did she run? No! This is uneptable! I need to find her!''


    "Goddess be damned!" Duchess Leandra fumed quietly as she paced the empty lobby, her eyes darting around in search of Hilda. Frustration swirled within her��no sign of the elusive brat. With a resigned sigh, she decided it was time to pivot.


    "Haah... all right, n B it is," she murmured to herself, a sly smile creeping across her lips. "And if I happen to cross paths with that troublesome girl, well, I can always revert to my original scheme." Determination fueled her steps as she made her way toward her sister-inw''s room, a glint of mischief in her eyes. She envisioned the glittering jewels and exquisite silverware waiting to be liberated��just a few petty crimes to satisfy her craving for a little chaos.


    The Duchess gracefully left thevish lobby, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floor. She began her journey down the long, ornate corridor adorned with intricate tapestries and glimmering sconces that cast a warm, inviting glow. Each step took her deeper into the heart of the pce, heading towards Rianna''s room, which rested at the far end of the eastern wing, a realm that felt almost like a hidden sanctuary within the grand estate. The air was thick with the scent of delicate blossoms from nearby gardens, blending with the history that surrounded her as she ventured forth.

 *Vol.4 Ch.234 The Fated Meeting.

    *Vol.4 Ch.234 The Fated Meeting.


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">


    <span ss="userText">Hilda sat in the vibrant garden, a ce she usually cherished for its beauty and serenity, but today, it felt like a prison. The colorful flowers swayed gently in the breeze, yet they did nothing to lift the heavy weight in her chest.


    <span ss="userText">In her hands, she clutched the Beads of Truth, a gift from Prophet Paul on the eve of her arranged marriage. Each bead was imbued with significance, and yet all it brought her was irritation. A flicker of anger ignited within her; how had the Gods seen fit to reduce her to a mere pawn in their game? Yet, amidst the tempest of her thoughts, a thread of gratitude lingered��at least her life had been peaceful thus far. Most women in the Holy Alliance weren''t allowed to do one-quarter of the things that she was able to do.


    <span ss="userText">But what her heart truly craved was to hurl the beads down the ravine, to watch them shatter into a thousand irretrievable pieces, just like the dreams she felt slipping away. Unfortunately, Terenthiel and Zane were nearby, so she restrained herself from doing so, as it was sacrilege to destroy a syblom of the Divine Three. Her punishment for such a transgression would be harsh and swift. And all the little freedoms she did have would be taken away. Ultimately, Hilda was little more than a pawn in someone else''s game��an asset to be manipted and cast aside the moment her value diminished. And this knowledge left her with a feeling of utter powerlessness.


    <span ss="userText">*Sniff*


    <span ss="userText">''I''m going to be yelled at once Terenthiel finds out that I''m no longer in the lobby, isn''t he? But how can I stay there?... How can I smile and act like everything is fine? It''s not fair. Why did the Divine Three do this to me? Why do they need me to marry a man that I don''t love?... Fate can be so~''


    <span ss="userText">"Ahem..."


    <span ss="userText">Hilda��s heart raced as she jolted in her seat, nearly letting the beads slip from her fingers. When she looked up, her breath caught in her throat. Before her stood an enchanting young woman draped in a sleek ck dress adorned with the Royal sigil, its golden thread glinting in the light. The first thing that captivated Hilda was the woman''s wless, sun-kissed skin that seemed to glow with vitality. Her long, tinum-white hair cascaded elegantly, partially veiled by a delicate shawl that added an air of mystery. But it was her eyes��brilliant azure, like the clearest summer sky��that held Hilda��s gaze, radiating warmth and kindness that wrapped around her like aforting embrace.


    <span ss="userText">''T-The QUEEN!?!... Wait!...'' Hilda panicked and started straightening<span ss="aiText"> her gown and tucking strands of her <span ss="editText">red <span ss="aiText">hair back into ce.<span ss="userText"> Once she got a second look at this woman<span ss="aiText">, she realized that this could not be Queen Rianna, as her skin <span ss="userText">seemed a little darker<span ss="aiText"> and her <span ss="userText">hair was ck<span ss="aiText">, not white. <span ss="userText">But this woman had simr curves to the Queen''s, and the royal sigil<span ss="aiText"> was emzoned upon her dress, which was very odd<span ss="editText"> to see on someone who wasn''t Rianna<span ss="aiText">.<span ss="userText"> ''Who is she?... I wonder if she is a rtive of the Queen? I mean, from what I remember reading about Corialian women, they have a tannerplexion than the women on Agon, but I didn''t know they were this tan<span ss="aiText">... Hmm, maybe she''s from the desert region?<span ss="userText"> I-I shouldn''t judge her. She''s wearing the Royal Family Sigil, so she must be the Queen''s younger sister or her cousin... I can''t offend her, or<span ss="aiText"> the Queen will surely have my head!''


    <span ss="userText">Hilda had only been in the Capital for a couple of days, so she wasn''t too familiar with the politics here. She had gleaned only a modicum of understanding from the sporadic moments spent with her half-brother, where Terenthiel would regale him with thetest political tidings, his voice swelling with enthusiasm as he basked in the spotlight of his own oratory.


    <span ss="userText">Despite her royal lineage, her father, Prince Dreyand, had confined her education to the rigid confines of etiquette, history, and religion��subjects that left little room for the strategicplexities that pulsed through the veins of the Capital. Hilda felt more like an outsider, relying on her instincts alone, hoping that her gut feelings would guide her through the tangled web of alliances and rivalries��an uncharted territory for a young woman seeking her ce in a world built upon whispers and power ys.


    Rya couldn''t help but be entertained by Hilda''s flustered expressions. When their eyes finally met, she shed a charming smile that lit up her face, drawing Hilda''s attention like a moth to a me.


    <span ss="userText">''Wow... She''s really pretty. She must be a member of the Royal family... Terenthiel mentioned something to Zane about the Queen not trusting most of the noblewomen here in Fiafyr... Maybe she only trusts her family... I wish I could trust my family...'' Hilda<span ss="aiText"> smiled warmly at the mysterious woman, hoping to ease the awkwardness.


    "You must have been deep in thought for me to catch you off guard like that," Rya teased, a yful gleam dancing in her eyes.


    Hilda felt her cheeks flush, a warmth spreading through her. Nobody had ever approached her quite like this before, and it made her feel as if she were a child again, innocent and wide-eyed.


    "I-I might have been, but you didn��t have to sneak up on me like that," Hilda stammered, her heart racing.


    Rya''s eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly enjoying the moment.


    "Well, I guess it''s just one of my little habits... Sorry about that," Rya replied, shing a warm, disarming smile.


    Hilda��s mind raced. Was that sincerity she detected? She couldn��t help but wonder, ��Why would someone from the Royal family apologize to someone like me, a mere nobody?��


    In a world where she was ustomed to orders andmands, where respect felt nonexistent except from her maid, Hilda found herself taken aback by this unexpected kindness. The contrast was almost surreal��how could someone so noble be so approachable and friendly?


    "I-It''s okay," Hilda replied with a shy smile.


    Rya smiled warmly, her posture straightening as she caught sight of the vacant seat beside Hilda. "Is it okay if I join you?" she asked, her tone inviting.


    Hilda''s cheeks flushed as she blinked in surprise. She turned her gaze to the empty spot, feeling a flutter of nervous excitement. "O-Oh! N-No, I don��t mind at all! P-Please, take a seat," she stammered, her heart racing.


    As Rya settled down, a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, and she let out a contented sigh. "Isn��t it a beautiful day?" she remarked, her eyes sparkling with the sunlight.


    Hilda tilted her head back, drinking in the vast expanse of the clear blue sky before turning her focus back to Rya. "Yes�� Yes, it truly is," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.


    As Hilda cast a furtive nce at Rya, a whirlwind of emotions twisted within her. The woman exuded an air of confidence and undeniable beauty, making Hilda''s heart race with a mix of admiration and self-doubt. She longed to approach Rya, to engage her in conversation, but the words felt trapped in her throat. Rya was not just any woman; she had ties to the Queen, which only amplified Hilda''s nervousness. Her eyes caught sight of Rya''s dress��an elegant creation that boldly showcased her cleavage. A pang of confusion struck Hilda. She had always been taught to cover herself, to suppress any hint of allure, and yet here was Rya, radiant and unashamed.


    Hilda''s thoughts spiraled. ''S-She''s showing off so much skin... But why is she dressed like that? I thought it was bad to do so. But maybe it''s different for nobles in this kingdom. Wait... I-It''s a sin, Hilda. I shouldn''t be ogling her like a piece of meat, and I should be ashamed of myself.''


    Yet, despite her internal conflict, Hilda found her gaze lingering on Rya. The way her curvaceous figure effortlessly captured the attention of those around her��Hilda couldn��t help but be entranced. It was as if the world around them faded, leaving only the maic allure of Rya��s presence. How could someone possess such charm and fearlessness? Hilda��s heart raced, caught between admiration and the conventions she felt bound to uphold.


    <span ss="userText">Without looking at Hilda<span ss="aiText">, Rya could sense the young woman''s nervousness and curiosity <span ss="userText">as she sensed Hilda staring at her chest<span ss="aiText">, wondering about the dress. The silence was deafening, and Rya decided to break it.


    "Enjoying the view?" Rya asked yfully, a teasing smile dancing across her lips.


    Hilda''s eyes shot away as she blushed a deep crimson, flustered by the unexpectedment. "I-It��s not what you think!" she stammered in a desperate attempt to reim herposure.


    Rya couldn''t help but grin wider. "Oh really? Then what��s with the lingering gaze? You seem to be built simrly, so why not admire your own?"


    Hilda gasped, indignation shing in her eyes. "How dare you speak to me like that!" she snapped, the embarrassment quickly turning into irritation.


    Rya burst intoughter, unable to contain herself. "C''mon, how would you react if you caught someone staring at you? You probably ask a simr question, no?" she replied, enjoying the yful banter.


    <span ss="userText">"I-I... Y-You..."<span ss="aiText"> Hilda stammered, <span ss="userText">as this woman was right and caught her dead to<span ss="aiText"> rights. "W-What I meant is that I was not ogling you!" she dered, crossing her arms defiantly.


    <span ss="userText">"Rx, I''m just teasing," Rya said<span ss="aiText"> reassuringly.


    Hilda couldn��t believe the words escaping her lips. Was she really being this rude to aplete stranger? Part of her feltpelled to defend herself, to stand her ground against what she perceived as inappropriate.


    ��Fine! I admit it��I was staring at you,�� she blurted out, her voice sharper than she intended. ��I just don��t get why someone would choose to wear such a low-cut dress. It��s not something I understand.��


    Rya cast a slow, scrutinizing nce in Hilda''s direction, her brow arching in mild curiosity. She couldn''t help but take in the sight of the striking redhead, whose white dress hugged the contours of her figure modestly. The high neckline framed Hilda��s delicate corbone, while the skirt cascaded down to her ankles, lending an air of elegance and restraint. Although the attire suited her well, Rya sensed an underlying impression that Hilda possessed a certain prudishness, seemingly contrasting with Rya��s own more daring sense of style.


    ��Wow, she might be a little prudish, huh? I''m getting the religious vibes from this chick... This could be fun,�� Rya mused, a yful smile gracing her lips.


    ��I have to ask, does it bother you?�� Rya inquired, her tone light yet curious.


    Hilda fell silent, her focus locked ahead as if the world around her had suddenly faded away. The tension between them hung in the air, thick and palpable.


    "Well?" Rya pressed, an eager smile tugging at her lips.


    Hilda turned toward her, a quizzical look on her face. ��What? Why are you asking me?��


    Rya let out a softugh, her eyes shining with amusement. ��Because it��s obvious you��re bothered by it,�� she teased.


    Hilda scoffed, dismissing the notion with a shake of her head. ��I am not bothered! It��s just�� improper,�� she dered with a note of defiance.


    Rya raised her hands in yful surrender. ��Alright, if you want to know why, I''ll tell you... I love the feel of the open air brushing against my skin. And if you think this is too much, just be thankful you weren��t with me two weeks ago��this dress is practically a fortresspared to what I wore then!�� she added with a cheeky wink.


    <span ss="aiText">Hilda''s eyes widened in surprise, a rush of heat ring through her cheeks. "A-Are you trying to embarrass me?" she sputtered, her voiceced with disbelief.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya chuckled, amused by Hilda''s flustered demeanor. "<span ss="userText">Well, if we are born with a body like ours, then why not find it when it can be used as an asset?" Rya said proudly<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I don''t see my body as an asset," Hilda muttered, shifting ufortably.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya smiled warmly, sensing a hint of vulnerability behind Hilda''s words. "<span ss="userText">Did youe to that conclusion, or did someone<span ss="aiText"> tell you it was wrong to do so?" she asked gently.


    <span ss="aiText">Hild<span ss="userText">a''s frown faded as<span ss="aiText"> a thoughtful look came over her face. <span ss="userText">''B-But the Divine Three says that it is sinful<span ss="aiText"> to show your body like this... <span ss="userText">But many men look at me with those strange looks in their eyes<span ss="aiText">. Even <span ss="editText">some <span ss="aiText">women... They all seem to admire the way I look...<span ss="editText">'' <span ss="userText">Hilda looked at Rya''s body again and suddenly realized that her assets were slightly bigger than her own. <span ss="editText">''<span ss="aiText">What if I was <span ss="userText">lied to... NO! The Prophet<span ss="aiText"> would never lie. He is a holy man. He is doing God''s work.''


    Hilda shook her head, her brows furrowed in concern. "B-But... what about the sins of the flesh? We can��t just unt our bodies like this without consequences!"


    Rya erupted intoughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And who put those ideas in your head?"


    Hilda crossed her arms defiantly, a hint of frustration in her voice. "My father and the Church, obviously!"


    Rya rolled her eyes theatrically, a smirk ying on her lips. "Well, isn��t that just typical? Is the Church really just another arm of the patriarchy?"


    Hilda''s high and mighty attitude vanished and was reced by confusion.


    "Pati... what?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.


    "Patriarchy," Rya reiterated, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.


    Hilda tilted her head, her brow knitting together as she contemted the strange term.


    "What exactly is a patriarchy?" she asked, genuinely unsure, her curiosity eager for answers.


    <span ss="userText">Rya smirked, "It is a ce where women are seen as nothing more than property. Like second-ss citizens... And men are seen as the rulers of the world<span ss="aiText">, and the gods have gifted them dominion over everything... The Church is nothing more than a tool used by the male patriarchy to control the masses<span ss="userText"> and women... Everything else is seen as a threat<span ss="aiText">, so it must be <span ss="userText">put in their ce or<span ss="aiText"> eliminated. Women are nothing more than ves and breeding machines for men, and the Church uses that fear to keep women under their thumb."


    <span ss="userText">Hilda blinked, dumbfounded. She had never considered the concept in this light before, and her mind was still trying to process it. Sure, it was true that everything in the Alliance was a man''s world. Even in the church, women weren''t allowed to be priests.<span ss="aiText"> Only male clergy. But why was this the case? Surely, there were some women with faith strong enough to lead the masses.


    <span ss="aiText">"Are you saying that the Church is lying?" Hilda asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">From how you are acting, says it all. Youe from somewhere<span ss="aiText"> that is controlled by a religion, right?" Rya asked, her expression serious.


    <span ss="aiText">Hilda nodded, her gaze dropping.


    <span ss="aiText">"Then, you must have felt ack of freedom, right?" Rya asked softly.


    <span ss="userText">"N-Not exactly... But men are the ones to whom the Gods talk, so they know what is and isn''t a sin," Hilda replied.


    <span ss="userText">"Really?... Only men can hear the words of the Gods<span ss="editText">.<span ss="aiText"> So, women are deaf, then?" Rya asked sarcastically.


    <span ss="aiText">"I-I did not say that!" Hilda huffed, crossing her arms.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Well, if they can hear the words of the Gods, then there isn''t any suffering from where you<span ss="aiText"> are from, right?" Rya asked, a smirk tugging at her lips.


    <span ss="aiText">Hilda bit her lip, feeling cornered. She couldn''t lie and say everything was perfect because she <span ss="userText">saw how the people of the Holy Alliance<span ss="aiText"> suffered every day. They were constantly fighting a war on two fronts��a war against the monsters and a war against the <span ss="editText">beastkins tribes <span ss="aiText">that lived in thends south of the Agonian Kingdom.


    <span ss="userText">"I... I-I don''t know," Hilda said, sounding defeated<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">Rya sighed as she saw the pained look in the red hair''s eyes, and she felt a little bad<span ss="aiText"> for being so blunt. She reached out and ced her hand on Hilda''s shoulder.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="userText">Listen...<span ss="aiText"> I didn''t mean to make you upset. <span ss="userText">But all I was trying to say is that just because we aren''t men doesn''t mean we are any less than them. You have just as much worth as they do, and you shouldn''t be afraid to use your womanhood to your advantage," Rya said confidently<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">Hilda looked at her with uncertainty, but the <span ss="userText">confidence in Rya''s<span ss="aiText"> voice was infectious.<span ss="userText"> All her life, she had been told never to show her breasts. To hide herself away from the world. And yet here was this woman who didn''t care if she showed hers<span ss="aiText">. She wasn''t ashamed, and her confidence made her even more beautiful.


    <span ss="aiText">''But... Is the Church wrong?'' Hilda pondered, her mind reeling from the realization.


    <span ss="userText">"And what makes you so sure?" she asked, her tone a little lighter.


    <span ss="userText">Rya chuckled softly, "Where do strong mene from?<span ss="aiText">... Women... And where do strong womene from?... Men. That is how it works."


    <span ss="aiText">Hilda was taken aback, a wave of emotions


    <span ss="aiText">"But the Church says..."


    <span ss="aiText">Rya raised a finger, silencing her.


    <span ss="aiText">"Don''t worry about what the Church says. Focus on what you believe. Your faith is in yourself. Do not let anyone else control that for you," Rya said.


    <span ss="aiText">Hilda was speechless.


    <span ss="aiText">"And... don''t feel pressured to act like me. If you feel ufortable, then don''t do it.<span ss="userText"> For me, I love wearing breathable<span ss="aiText"> clothing, and it also gets <span ss="editText">my man<span ss="aiText"> excited, so I get whatever I want," Rya said, smiling cheekily.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, you''re saying you use your body as an asset to get your way? Is that what you''re saying?" Hilda asked, her brow furrowing in disbelief.


    <span ss="aiText">"Well, not always... But sometimes," Rya admitted, shrugging.


    <span ss="userText">Hilda paused, her thoughts swirling in a whirlwind of revtions. The weight of new ideas pressed upon her, challenging everything she''d ever known. The unsettling notion that the Church might not hold all the answers left her reeling. In that moment, she couldn''t help but wish for a different fate��dreaming that if she had been born a boy, perhaps she would have navigated this world with more freedom.


    <span ss="aiText">''If only I could be a boy and not a weak and feeble woman... I wouldn''t have to worry about my future... Maybe I wouldn''t be so worried all the time and wouldn''t need to be married off to some stranger!'' Hilda thought bitterly.


    <span ss="aiText">"So, is there anything else you''d like to ask me? I''m an open book," Rya said, her tone inviting.


    <span ss="userText">Hilda hesitated for a moment, but then she asked a question she never dared to ask her maid<span ss="aiText"> or the priests.


    ��D-Do you think your life would be better if you were born a man?�� Hilda asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid of the answer.


    Rya��s face burst into a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling as they danced across the vibrant garden sprawled before them��an enchanting realm of color and fragrance nestled within the pce grounds. The flowers swayed rhythmically in the breeze, inviting her into their mesmerizing beauty.


    ��If only she knew the truth�� Maybe it��s time to share a few secrets. If I told her I was actually born a man, she��d probably think I��m joking. But perhaps this will help ease her worries,�� Rya mused, a yful glint in her eyes.


    ��Well,�� she began with a teasing tone, ��there are definitely some perks to being a man, like, for instance, the ease of using the chamber pot!��


    Hilda��s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. ��That is not funny!�� she shot back, trying to suppress a smile.


    Rya chuckled, her amusement infectious. "Any disadvantages we may face for being born women arergely rtive to the culture we are raised in. Otherwise, these disadvantages are minor, with the sole exception of giving birth. In fact, the benefits of being a woman often outweigh the negatives."


    Hilda gave her a skeptical look, eyebrows raised. ��Benefits?��


    With a mischievous grin, Rya replied, ��Oh, absolutely!��


    "Honestly, I really struggle to see the benefits of being a woman," she confessed, her voiceced with confusion and raw honesty.


    Rya paused, letting the words hang in the air. *She has no idea... Yep, definitely a virgin��totalck of experience�� And no real sex education either... Interesting,* Rya mused to herself, her mind racing.


    She met the other girl''s gaze, a spark igniting in her eyes for just a moment before fading back to normal.


    "I know we just met, but would you mind if I asked you something a bit... personal?" Rya ventured, her curiosity getting the best of her.


    Hilda arched an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of suspicion.


    "It depends," she replied cautiously.


    Rya leaned in, her voice a yful whisper. "So, Hilda, have you ever been with a man?"


    Hilda''s eyes widened, and a bright crimson hue spread across her cheeks. "O-Of course not!" she stammered, barely able to meet Rya''s gaze.


    Rya chuckled softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Ah... That exins why you have never considered the benefits."


    "W-What benefits," Hilda asked, curiosity dancing in her tone despite her embarrassment.


    Rya turned back, an amused smile ying on her lips, clearly enjoying the moment. "Oh, let��s just say there are all sorts of adventures waiting for you. Like the fact that our bodies can feel levels of pleasure that a man can''t."


    Hilda''s brow furrowed, her lips parting as she prepared to voice her thoughts. But just as her words were on the verge of emerging, Rya''s hand gently caught her arm, silencing her in an instant.


    <span ss="userText">"Yes... Men do indeed feel pleasure every time they have sex, but they can''t orgasm the same way that women can. Their pleasure is short-lived, whereas ourssts much longer... And if you are with a partner that you trust wholeheartedly, then you''ll feel the more intense<span ss="aiText"> kind of pleasure that can make your toes curl. It''s an intense release, a blissful feeling unlike anything you have ever experienced. <span ss="editText">You have to feel it to believe it<span ss="aiText">," Rya whispered, her tone sultry and seductive.


    Hilda waspletely blindsided by this woman''s sheer boldness. A wave of disbelief washed over her, and she felt her throat tighten as she struggled to swallow her astonishment. Though the words spilling from the woman''s lips made little sense to her, Hilda found herself inexplicably drawn in, hanging onto each phrase as if it were a tantalizing secret waiting to be unveiled.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya leaned in closer, her breath hot against Hilda''s ear. "Imagine the sensation of a man''s tongue flicking against your sensitive nipples or the feeling of a thick, throbbing cock buried inside of you," she continued, her voice dropping to a low, husky growl.


    <span ss="aiText">Hilda''s blush deepened, her pulse racing wildly as images flooded her mind��vivid and intense. A shiver ran down her spine, and her breath caught in her throat.


    <span ss="aiText">"Y-You shouldn''t say things like that!" she managed to sputter, her cheeks burning.


    <span ss="aiText">"Why not?... It''s natural to have such feelings," Rya teased.


    <span ss="aiText">"B-Because it''s improper! And the <span ss="editText">Gods <span ss="aiText">will punish me for my sins if I don''t repent," Hilda blurted out, a note of panic rising in her voice.


    <span ss="userText">Rya took a step closer, her expression softening. ��Hey, listen to me. I don��t know what world you��ve been living in, but honestly, there��s barely any difference between men and women. Sure, men might be physically stronger, but we possess our own kinds of strength. It��s not all about brute force; it��s about intelligence,passion, kindness, and even magical prowess. What truly matters is how we wield our unique abilities to uplift those around us. That��s the essence of being a good person.��


    <span ss="userText">"I-I have never heard anything like this before," Hilda admitted<span ss="aiText"> her voice barely above a whisper.


    <span ss="userText">Rya smiled, warm and reassuring. "Well, now you have. Just remember to be cautious of religions that thrive on keeping their followers in the dark. They often use fear to control, but true enlightenmentes from understanding and embracing who you are."


    Hilda turned her gaze away, letting out a heavy sigh that seemed to echo her mounting frustration. A dull throb began to pulse at her temples, warning her of an impending headache.


    ''Is it true? Is the church hiding things from us?... And the Gods... Why have they not spoken to me?... They only ever spoke to the prophet or my father...''


    Rya noticed that Hilda was deep in thought.


    "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine," Hilda snapped back, the cold tone failing to hide her inner turmoil.


    Rya''s eyes saw some red, particrly floating around in her head.


    ''Shit... I gave her a headache... I''ll fix it.''


    With a gentle focus, Rya channeled her mana, releasing a soft stream of healing magic toward Hilda. The soothing warmth washed over her as she was still deep in thought and within seconds, Hilda''s headache vanished.


    ''It frustrates me! Why would the church do such a thing? What does the prophet gain from lying to the people? A-And... Agh... M-My head feels better... That''s strange... What is this feeling in my stomach? I''ve never felt like this before...''


    <span ss="userText">"Feeling better," Rya asked, snapping Hilda back<span ss="aiText"> to reality.


    "Y-Yes, actually. Thank you," Hilda said, sounding embarrassed.


    <span ss="userText">"Yeah... It looks like you are fighting an internal battle. I won''t pry, but just remember that sometimes the truth hurts. The truth can be ugly and cruel<span ss="aiText">. But you have to decide what is important to you. Are you willing to risk the pain of the truth, or are you willing to remain ignorant, living afortable lie?" Rya said, her voice solemn.


    <span ss="aiText">''A-Am I willing to risk the pain of the truth? If it means finding true happiness, then... I will ept the pain.'' <span ss="aiText">Hilda nodded, her expression filled with determination.<span ss="userText"> ''She''s so wise... I never felt thisfortable around everyone other than my<span ss="aiText"> maids...<span ss="editText"> What is it about her that makes me want to trust her?<span ss="aiText"> There''s something about her that isforting...''


    Hilda smiled, her eyes sparkling with a newfound sense of hope.


    "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely rising above the gentle rustle of leaves.


    A yful grin danced on Rya''s lips, a delightful blend of joy and mischief. "It was my pleasure."


    The two women sat together, enveloped in the beauty of blooming flowers swaying softly in the breeze. In that serene moment, Hilda felt an overwhelming sense of tranquility, as if she could linger in this bliss forever. Yet, like a distant storm cloud threatening a clear sky, her thoughts began to intrude.


    ''But I need to know... I have to uncover the truth... Maybe she can help me,'' Hilda mused, her heart racing.


    She turned her gaze to Rya, who sat with her eyes closed, fully immersed in the soothing symphony of nature��the whispering leaves and distant chirps creating a melody that hinted at ancient secrets.


    ''How am I supposed to broach this? Should I dive right in or take a more subtle approach? What words will unravel the mystery?''


    It took Hilda several deep breaths to gather her courage.


    ��M-Miss... do you think the Divine Beings really care about us mortals?�� she ventured, striving for a tone of casual curiosity.


    Rya''s eyelids fluttered open, surprise flickering across her features. Her heart tightened as unwee memories of Nils and Nebulus surged within her, battling against the urge to reveal her true feelings about the gods.


    "That''s quite a weighty subject, but if you ask me... it seems like the Gods are more like cosmic spectators, ying games with our lives for their own amusement rather than genuinely caring about our welfare."


    Hilda''s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped.


    Hilda��s eyes widened, disbelief painting her face. ''Is this woman out of her mind?''


    "W-What makes you think that?" Hilda stammered, her disbelief palpable.


    Rya''s thoughts raced back to the moments when Nils had deceived her, the painful memories threatening to surface. She hesitated, not wanting to reveal her dark elven race in front of this curious girl.


    ��Let��s just say I��ve had my own�� encounters with a couple of goddesses who thought it would be entertaining to break me mentally,�� Rya replied, an icy edgecing her words. ��They failed, of course. But trust me, their games were no joke. I came out stronger, but it wasn��t easy.��


    ''This can''t be true! How can she say something like this and not be struck down by the divine beings themselves,'' Hilda thought at first but she felt like Rya was speaking the truth as she was still breathing. ''And yet, she sits here unharmed... What does this mean?''


    Hilda had never considered the idea that the gods were ying games with humanity, and it made her sick.


    ''What if she is telling the truth? Is that why they never speak to us? Because we''re just pawns in their game? How can they be so cruel?''


    Rya could see Hilda''s thoughts and could see the gears turning.


    "Hey... Don''t think too hard about it... It''s just going to send you into a rabbit hole that will drive you crazy," Rya warned.


    Hilda sighed and nodded.


    ''It''s a lot to process, but maybe she''s right. I shouldn''t dwell on it too much,'' Hilda thought, calming down.


    "How do you not think about it?" Hilda asked.


    Rya grinned.


    "Well... Having trusted friends helps a lot," Rya said.


    Hilda smiled sadly, and her expression fell.


    "Friends?"


    "Yep... It makes going through life a lot easier. Especially if they are the kind of friend who won''t stab you in the back," Rya said, trying to cheer her up.


    "I-I don''t think I have any friends like that," Hilda muttered, her voice cracking.


    "Really? You are easy to talk to... And it''s obvious you are a nice person. You have a lot of qualities that would make someone want to be friends with you," Rya said.


    Hilda''s mood brightened slightly.


    "I-I never thought of myself that way... Thank you," Hilda replied with a smile.


    "You are wee... But honestly, I find you very pretty, smart, and interesting... And if you are going to be around here for any amount of time, I wouldn''t be opposed to being a friend... That''s if you want me," Rya said, her tone gentle.


    Hilda blushed, but her eyes shined brightly.


    "R-Really? Y-You want to be my f-friend?"


    "Yeah, I don''t see an issue with it," Rya said with a smile.


    Hilda was pleasantly surprised. She wasn''t used to people treating her like an equal.


    "I-I would love that."


    Hilda reached out to her right hand, which had the beaded ne with the Divine Three symbols on it, which seemed to be glowing all of a sudden.


    "It''s a promise," Rya said and shook her hand.


    "A promise," Hilda replied with a bright smile, "My name is��"


    "PRINCESS HILDA!" Roared the voice of a furious man.


    Hilda''s eyes widened, and her body stiffened as the familiar voice rang through the air. Rya''s smile twitched as she heard the name of the princess who had been arranged to marry her fiance.


    ''I... I fucking made friends with mypetition?... Good one, Rya... Real good,'' Rya thought as she let go of Hilda''s hand and slowly turned to see who was screaming.


    Rya''s thoughts changed when she saw who it was, as three men dressed in white armor came into her view. It brought her back to the early days when she was first teleported to Tertius. When the Dark Elves citadel was attacked by men that wore simr armor. And the tall man with the most holy-looking armor of the three reminded her of that piece of shit, who tried to kill her, Sir udius. He had that same arrogant aura but a different face.


    ''The fucking Pdin and his white knights... I''ve been waiting a long time for this day,'' Rya thought darkly.

 *Vol.4 Chapter234 The Fated Meeting.

    *Vol.4 Ch.234 The Fated Meeting.


    Hilda sat in the vibrant garden, a ce she usually cherished for its beauty and serenity, but today, it felt like a prison. The colorful flowers swayed gently in the breeze, yet they did nothing to lift the heavy weight in her chest.


    In her hands, she clutched the Beads of Truth, a gift from Prophet Paul on the eve of her arranged marriage. Each bead was imbued with significance, and yet all it brought her was irritation. A flicker of anger ignited within her; how had the Gods seen fit to reduce her to a mere pawn in their game? Yet, amidst the tempest of her thoughts, a thread of gratitude lingered��at least her life had been peaceful thus far. Most women in the Holy Alliance weren''t allowed to do one-quarter of the things that she was able to do.


    But what her heart truly craved was to hurl the beads down the ravine, to watch them shatter into a thousand irretrievable pieces, just like the dreams she felt slipping away. Unfortunately, Terenthiel and Zane were nearby, so she restrained herself from doing so, as it was sacrilege to destroy a syblom of the Divine Three. Her punishment for such a transgression would be harsh and swift. And all the little freedoms she did have would be taken away. Ultimately, Hilda was little more than a pawn in someone else''s game��an asset to be manipted and cast aside the moment her value diminished. And this knowledge left her with a feeling of utter powerlessness.


    *Sniff*


    ''I''m going to be yelled at once Terenthiel finds out that I''m no longer in the lobby, isn''t he? But how can I stay there?... How can I smile and act like everything is fine? It''s not fair. Why did the Divine Three do this to me? Why do they need me to marry a man that I don''t love?... Fate can be so~''


    "Ahem..."


    Hilda��s heart raced as she jolted in her seat, nearly letting the beads slip from her fingers. When she looked up, her breath caught in her throat. Before her stood an enchanting young woman draped in a sleek ck dress adorned with the Royal sigil, its golden thread glinting in the light. The first thing that captivated Hilda was the woman''s wless, sun-kissed skin that seemed to glow with vitality. Her long, tinum-white hair cascaded elegantly, partially veiled by a delicate shawl that added an air of mystery. But it was her eyes��brilliant azure, like the clearest summer sky��that held Hilda��s gaze, radiating warmth and kindness that wrapped around her like aforting embrace.


    ''T-The QUEEN!?!... Wait!...'' Hilda panicked and started straightening her gown and tucking strands of her red hair back into ce. Once she got a second look at this woman, she realized that this could not be Queen Rianna, as her skin seemed a little darker and her hair was ck, not white. But this woman had simr curves to the Queen''s, and the royal sigil was emzoned upon her dress, which was very odd to see on someone who wasn''t Rianna. ''Who is she?... I wonder if she is a rtive of the Queen? I mean, from what I remember reading about Corialian women, they have a tannerplexion than the women on Agon, but I didn''t know they were this tan... Hmm, maybe she''s from the desert region? I-I shouldn''t judge her. She''s wearing the Royal Family Sigil, so she must be the Queen''s younger sister or her cousin... I can''t offend her, or the Queen will surely have my head!''


    Hilda had only been in the Capital for a couple of days, so she wasn''t too familiar with the politics here. She had gleaned only a modicum of understanding from the sporadic moments spent with her half-brother, where Terenthiel would regale him with thetest political tidings, his voice swelling with enthusiasm as he basked in the spotlight of his own oratory.


    Despite her royal lineage, her father, Prince Dreyand, had confined her education to the rigid confines of etiquette, history, and religion��subjects that left little room for the strategicplexities that pulsed through the veins of the Capital. Hilda felt more like an outsider, relying on her instincts alone, hoping that her gut feelings would guide her through the tangled web of alliances and rivalries��an uncharted territory for a young woman seeking her ce in a world built upon whispers and power ys.


    Rya couldn''t help but be entertained by Hilda''s flustered expressions. When their eyes finally met, she shed a charming smile that lit up her face, drawing Hilda''s attention like a moth to a me.


    ''Wow... She''s really pretty. She must be a member of the Royal family... Terenthiel mentioned something to Zane about the Queen not trusting most of the noblewomen here in Fiafyr... Maybe she only trusts her family... I wish I could trust my family...'' Hilda smiled warmly at the mysterious woman, hoping to ease the awkwardness.


    "You must have been deep in thought for me to catch you off guard like that," Rya teased, a yful gleam dancing in her eyes.


    Hilda felt her cheeks flush, a warmth spreading through her. Nobody had ever approached her quite like this before, and it made her feel as if she were a child again, innocent and wide-eyed.


    "I-I might have been, but you didn��t have to sneak up on me like that," Hilda stammered, her heart racing.


    Rya''s eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly enjoying the moment.


    "Well, I guess it''s just one of my little habits... Sorry about that," Rya replied, shing a warm, disarming smile.


    Hilda��s mind raced. Was that sincerity she detected? She couldn��t help but wonder, ��Why would someone from the Royal family apologize to someone like me, a mere nobody?��


    In a world where she was ustomed to orders andmands, where respect felt nonexistent except from her maid, Hilda found herself taken aback by this unexpected kindness. The contrast was almost surreal��how could someone so noble be so approachable and friendly?


    "I-It''s okay," Hilda replied with a shy smile.


    Rya smiled warmly, her posture straightening as she caught sight of the vacant seat beside Hilda. "Is it okay if I join you?" she asked, her tone inviting.


    Hilda''s cheeks flushed as she blinked in surprise. She turned her gaze to the empty spot, feeling a flutter of nervous excitement. "O-Oh! N-No, I don��t mind at all! P-Please, take a seat," she stammered, her heart racing.


    As Rya settled down, a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, and she let out a contented sigh. "Isn��t it a beautiful day?" she remarked, her eyes sparkling with the sunlight.


    Hilda tilted her head back, drinking in the vast expanse of the clear blue sky before turning her focus back to Rya. "Yes�� Yes, it truly is," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.


    As Hilda cast a furtive nce at Rya, a whirlwind of emotions twisted within her. The woman exuded an air of confidence and undeniable beauty, making Hilda''s heart race with a mix of admiration and self-doubt. She longed to approach Rya, to engage her in conversation, but the words felt trapped in her throat. Rya was not just any woman; she had ties to the Queen, which only amplified Hilda''s nervousness. Her eyes caught sight of Rya''s dress��an elegant creation that boldly showcased her cleavage. A pang of confusion struck Hilda. She had always been taught to cover herself, to suppress any hint of allure, and yet here was Rya, radiant and unashamed.


    Hilda''s thoughts spiraled. ''S-She''s showing off so much skin... But why is she dressed like that? I thought it was bad to do so. But maybe it''s different for nobles in this kingdom. Wait... I-It''s a sin, Hilda. I shouldn''t be ogling her like a piece of meat, and I should be ashamed of myself.''


    Yet, despite her internal conflict, Hilda found her gaze lingering on Rya. The way her curvaceous figure effortlessly captured the attention of those around her��Hilda couldn��t help but be entranced. It was as if the world around them faded, leaving only the maic allure of Rya��s presence. How could someone possess such charm and fearlessness? Hilda��s heart raced, caught between admiration and the conventions she felt bound to uphold.


    Without looking at Hilda, Rya could sense the young woman''s nervousness and curiosity as she sensed Hilda staring at her chest, wondering about the dress. The silence was deafening, and Rya decided to break it.


    "Enjoying the view?" Rya asked yfully, a teasing smile dancing across her lips.


    Hilda''s eyes shot away as she blushed a deep crimson, flustered by the unexpectedment. "I-It��s not what you think!" she stammered in a desperate attempt to reim herposure.


    Rya couldn''t help but grin wider. "Oh really? Then what��s with the lingering gaze? You seem to be built simrly, so why not admire your own?"


    Hilda gasped, indignation shing in her eyes. "How dare you speak to me like that!" she snapped, the embarrassment quickly turning into irritation.


    Rya burst intoughter, unable to contain herself. "C''mon, how would you react if you caught someone staring at you? You probably ask a simr question, no?" she replied, enjoying the yful banter.


    "I-I... Y-You..." Hilda stammered, as this woman was right and caught her dead to rights. "W-What I meant is that I was not ogling you!" she dered, crossing her arms defiantly.


    "Rx, I''m just teasing," Rya said reassuringly.


    Hilda couldn��t believe the words escaping her lips. Was she really being this rude to aplete stranger? Part of her feltpelled to defend herself, to stand her ground against what she perceived as inappropriate.


    ��Fine! I admit it��I was staring at you,�� she blurted out, her voice sharper than she intended. ��I just don��t get why someone would choose to wear such a low-cut dress. It��s not something I understand.��


    Rya cast a slow, scrutinizing nce in Hilda''s direction, her brow arching in mild curiosity. She couldn''t help but take in the sight of the striking redhead, whose white dress hugged the contours of her figure modestly. The high neckline framed Hilda��s delicate corbone, while the skirt cascaded down to her ankles, lending an air of elegance and restraint. Although the attire suited her well, Rya sensed an underlying impression that Hilda possessed a certain prudishness, seemingly contrasting with Rya��s own more daring sense of style.


    ��Wow, she might be a little prudish, huh? I''m getting the religious vibes from this chick... This could be fun,�� Rya mused, a yful smile gracing her lips.


    ��I have to ask, does it bother you?�� Rya inquired, her tone light yet curious.


    Hilda fell silent, her focus locked ahead as if the world around her had suddenly faded away. The tension between them hung in the air, thick and palpable.


    "Well?" Rya pressed, an eager smile tugging at her lips.


    Hilda turned toward her, a quizzical look on her face. ��What? Why are you asking me?��


    Rya let out a softugh, her eyes shining with amusement. ��Because it��s obvious you��re bothered by it,�� she teased.


    Hilda scoffed, dismissing the notion with a shake of her head. ��I am not bothered! It��s just�� improper,�� she dered with a note of defiance.


    Rya raised her hands in yful surrender. ��Alright, if you want to know why, I''ll tell you... I love the feel of the open air brushing against my skin. And if you think this is too much, just be thankful you weren��t with me two weeks ago��this dress is practically a fortresspared to what I wore then!�� she added with a cheeky wink.


    Hilda''s eyes widened in surprise, a rush of heat ring through her cheeks. "A-Are you trying to embarrass me?" she sputtered, her voiceced with disbelief.


    Rya chuckled, amused by Hilda''s flustered demeanor. "Well, if we are born with a body like ours, then why not find it when it can be used as an asset?" Rya said proudly.


    "I-I don''t see my body as an asset," Hilda muttered, shifting ufortably.


    Rya smiled warmly, sensing a hint of vulnerability behind Hilda''s words. "Did youe to that conclusion, or did someone tell you it was wrong to do so?" she asked gently.


    Hilda''s frown faded as a thoughtful look came over her face. ''B-But the Divine Three says that it is sinful to show your body like this... But many men look at me with those strange looks in their eyes. Even some women... They all seem to admire the way I look...'' Hilda looked at Rya''s body again and suddenly realized that her assets were slightly bigger than her own. ''What if I was lied to... NO! The Prophet would never lie. He is a holy man. He is doing God''s work.''


    Hilda shook her head, her brows furrowed in concern. "B-But... what about the sins of the flesh? We can��t just unt our bodies like this without consequences!"


    Rya erupted intoughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And who put those ideas in your head?"


    Hilda crossed her arms defiantly, a hint of frustration in her voice. "My father and the Church, obviously!"


    Rya rolled her eyes theatrically, a smirk ying on her lips. "Well, isn��t that just typical? Is the Church really just another arm of the patriarchy?"


    Hilda''s high and mighty attitude vanished and was reced by confusion.


    "Pati... what?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.


    "Patriarchy," Rya reiterated, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.


    Hilda tilted her head, her brow knitting together as she contemted the strange term.


    "What exactly is a patriarchy?" she asked, genuinely unsure, her curiosity eager for answers.


    Rya smirked, "It is a ce where women are seen as nothing more than property. Like second-ss citizens... And men are seen as the rulers of the world, and the gods have gifted them dominion over everything... The Church is nothing more than a tool used by the male patriarchy to control the masses and women... Everything else is seen as a threat, so it must be put in their ce or eliminated. Women are nothing more than ves and breeding machines for men, and the Church uses that fear to keep women under their thumb."


    Hilda blinked, dumbfounded. She had never considered the concept in this light before, and her mind was still trying to process it. Sure, it was true that everything in the Alliance was a man''s world. Even in the church, women weren''t allowed to be priests. Only male clergy. But why was this the case? Surely, there were some women with faith strong enough to lead the masses.


    "Are you saying that the Church is lying?" Hilda asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.


    "From how you are acting, says it all. Youe from somewhere that is controlled by a religion, right?" Rya asked, her expression serious.


    Hilda nodded, her gaze dropping.


    "Then, you must have felt ack of freedom, right?" Rya asked softly.


    "N-Not exactly... But men are the ones to whom the Gods talk, so they know what is and isn''t a sin," Hilda replied.


    "Really?... Only men can hear the words of the Gods. So, women are deaf, then?" Rya asked sarcastically.


    "I-I did not say that!" Hilda huffed, crossing her arms.


    "Well, if they can hear the words of the Gods, then there isn''t any suffering from where you are from, right?" Rya asked, a smirk tugging at her lips.


    Hilda bit her lip, feeling cornered. She couldn''t lie and say everything was perfect because she saw how the people of the Holy Alliance suffered every day. They were constantly fighting a war on two fronts��a war against the monsters and a war against the beastkins tribes that lived in thends south of the Agonian Kingdom.


    "I... I-I don''t know," Hilda said, sounding defeated.


    Rya sighed as she saw the pained look in the red hair''s eyes, and she felt a little bad for being so blunt. She reached out and ced her hand on Hilda''s shoulder.


    "Listen... I didn''t mean to make you upset. But all I was trying to say is that just because we aren''t men doesn''t mean we are any less than them. You have just as much worth as they do, and you shouldn''t be afraid to use your womanhood to your advantage," Rya said confidently.


    Hilda looked at her with uncertainty, but the confidence in Rya''s voice was infectious. All her life, she had been told never to show her breasts. To hide herself away from the world. And yet here was this woman who didn''t care if she showed hers. She wasn''t ashamed, and her confidence made her even more beautiful.


    ''But... Is the Church wrong?'' Hilda pondered, her mind reeling from the realization.


    "And what makes you so sure?" she asked, her tone a little lighter.


    Rya chuckled softly, "Where do strong mene from?... Women... And where do strong womene from?... Men. That is how it works."


    Hilda was taken aback, a wave of emotions


    "But the Church says..."


    Rya raised a finger, silencing her.


    "Don''t worry about what the Church says. Focus on what you believe. Your faith is in yourself. Do not let anyone else control that for you," Rya said.


    Hilda was speechless.


    "And... don''t feel pressured to act like me. If you feel ufortable, then don''t do it. For me, I love wearing breathable clothing, and it also gets my man excited, so I get whatever I want," Rya said, smiling cheekily.


    "So, you''re saying you use your body as an asset to get your way? Is that what you''re saying?" Hilda asked, her brow furrowing in disbelief.


    "Well, not always... But sometimes," Rya admitted, shrugging.


    Hilda paused, her thoughts swirling in a whirlwind of revtions. The weight of new ideas pressed upon her, challenging everything she''d ever known. The unsettling notion that the Church might not hold all the answers left her reeling. In that moment, she couldn''t help but wish for a different fate��dreaming that if she had been born a boy, perhaps she would have navigated this world with more freedom.


    ''If only I could be a boy and not a weak and feeble woman... I wouldn''t have to worry about my future... Maybe I wouldn''t be so worried all the time and wouldn''t need to be married off to some stranger!'' Hilda thought bitterly.


    "So, is there anything else you''d like to ask me? I''m an open book," Rya said, her tone inviting.


    Hilda hesitated for a moment, but then she asked a question she never dared to ask her maid or the priests.


    ��D-Do you think your life would be better if you were born a man?�� Hilda asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid of the answer.


    Rya��s face burst into a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling as they danced across the vibrant garden sprawled before them��an enchanting realm of color and fragrance nestled within the pce grounds. The flowers swayed rhythmically in the breeze, inviting her into their mesmerizing beauty.


    ��If only she knew the truth�� Maybe it��s time to share a few secrets. If I told her I was actually born a man, she��d probably think I��m joking. But perhaps this will help ease her worries,�� Rya mused, a yful glint in her eyes.


    ��Well,�� she began with a teasing tone, ��there are definitely some perks to being a man, like, for instance, the ease of using the chamber pot!��


    Hilda��s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. ��That is not funny!�� she shot back, trying to suppress a smile.


    Rya chuckled, her amusement infectious. "Any disadvantages we may face for being born women arergely rtive to the culture we are raised in. Otherwise, these disadvantages are minor, with the sole exception of giving birth. In fact, the benefits of being a woman often outweigh the negatives."


    Hilda gave her a skeptical look, eyebrows raised. ��Benefits?��


    With a mischievous grin, Rya replied, ��Oh, absolutely!��


    "Honestly, I really struggle to see the benefits of being a woman," she confessed, her voiceced with confusion and raw honesty.


    Rya paused, letting the words hang in the air. *She has no idea... Yep, definitely a virgin��totalck of experience�� And no real sex education either... Interesting,* Rya mused to herself, her mind racing.


    She met the other girl''s gaze, a spark igniting in her eyes for just a moment before fading back to normal.


    "I know we just met, but would you mind if I asked you something a bit... personal?" Rya ventured, her curiosity getting the best of her.


    Hilda arched an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of suspicion.


    "It depends," she replied cautiously.


    Rya leaned in, her voice a yful whisper. "So, Hilda, have you ever been with a man?"


    Hilda''s eyes widened, and a bright crimson hue spread across her cheeks. "O-Of course not!" she stammered, barely able to meet Rya''s gaze.


    Rya chuckled softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Ah... That exins why you have never considered the benefits."


    "W-What benefits," Hilda asked, curiosity dancing in her tone despite her embarrassment.


    Rya turned back, an amused smile ying on her lips, clearly enjoying the moment. "Oh, let��s just say there are all sorts of adventures waiting for you. Like the fact that our bodies can feel levels of pleasure that a man can''t."


    Hilda''s brow furrowed, her lips parting as she prepared to voice her thoughts. But just as her words were on the verge of emerging, Rya''s hand gently caught her arm, silencing her in an instant.


    "Yes... Men do indeed feel pleasure every time they have sex, but they can''t orgasm the same way that women can. Their pleasure is short-lived, whereas ourssts much longer... And if you are with a partner that you trust wholeheartedly, then you''ll feel the more intense kind of pleasure that can make your toes curl. It''s an intense release, a blissful feeling unlike anything you have ever experienced. You have to feel it to believe it," Rya whispered, her tone sultry and seductive.


    Hilda waspletely blindsided by this woman''s sheer boldness. A wave of disbelief washed over her, and she felt her throat tighten as she struggled to swallow her astonishment. Though the words spilling from the woman''s lips made little sense to her, Hilda found herself inexplicably drawn in, hanging onto each phrase as if it were a tantalizing secret waiting to be unveiled.


    Rya leaned in closer, her breath hot against Hilda''s ear. "Imagine the sensation of a man''s tongue flicking against your sensitive nipples or the feeling of a thick, throbbing cock buried inside of you," she continued, her voice dropping to a low, husky growl.


    Hilda''s blush deepened, her pulse racing wildly as images flooded her mind��vivid and intense. A shiver ran down her spine, and her breath caught in her throat.


    "Y-You shouldn''t say things like that!" she managed to sputter, her cheeks burning.


    "Why not?... It''s natural to have such feelings," Rya teased.


    "B-Because it''s improper! And the Gods will punish me for my sins if I don''t repent," Hilda blurted out, a note of panic rising in her voice.


    Rya took a step closer, her expression softening. ��Hey, listen to me. I don��t know what world you��ve been living in, but honestly, there��s barely any difference between men and women. Sure, men might be physically stronger, but we possess our own kinds of strength. It��s not all about brute force; it��s about intelligence,passion, kindness, and even magical prowess. What truly matters is how we wield our unique abilities to uplift those around us. That��s the essence of being a good person.��


    "I-I have never heard anything like this before," Hilda admitted her voice barely above a whisper.


    Rya smiled, warm and reassuring. "Well, now you have. Just remember to be cautious of religions that thrive on keeping their followers in the dark. They often use fear to control, but true enlightenmentes from understanding and embracing who you are."


    Hilda turned her gaze away, letting out a heavy sigh that seemed to echo her mounting frustration. A dull throb began to pulse at her temples, warning her of an impending headache.


    ''Is it true? Is the church hiding things from us?... And the Gods... Why have they not spoken to me?... They only ever spoke to the prophet or my father...''


    Rya noticed that Hilda was deep in thought.


    "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine," Hilda snapped back, the cold tone failing to hide her inner turmoil.


    Rya''s eyes saw some red, particrly floating around in her head.


    ''Shit... I gave her a headache... I''ll fix it.''


    With a gentle focus, Rya channeled her mana, releasing a soft stream of healing magic toward Hilda. The soothing warmth washed over her as she was still deep in thought and within seconds, Hilda''s headache vanished.


    ''It frustrates me! Why would the church do such a thing? What does the prophet gain from lying to the people? A-And... Agh... M-My head feels better... That''s strange... What is this feeling in my stomach? I''ve never felt like this before...''


    "Feeling better," Rya asked, snapping Hilda back to reality.


    "Y-Yes, actually. Thank you," Hilda said, sounding embarrassed.


    "Yeah... It looks like you are fighting an internal battle. I won''t pry, but just remember that sometimes the truth hurts. The truth can be ugly and cruel. But you have to decide what is important to you. Are you willing to risk the pain of the truth, or are you willing to remain ignorant, living afortable lie?" Rya said, her voice solemn.


    ''A-Am I willing to risk the pain of the truth? If it means finding true happiness, then... I will ept the pain.'' Hilda nodded, her expression filled with determination. ''She''s so wise... I never felt thisfortable around everyone other than my maids... What is it about her that makes me want to trust her? There''s something about her that isforting...''


    Hilda smiled, her eyes sparkling with a newfound sense of hope.


    "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely rising above the gentle rustle of leaves.


    A yful grin danced on Rya''s lips, a delightful blend of joy and mischief. "It was my pleasure."


    The two women sat together, enveloped in the beauty of blooming flowers swaying softly in the breeze. In that serene moment, Hilda felt an overwhelming sense of tranquility, as if she could linger in this bliss forever. Yet, like a distant storm cloud threatening a clear sky, her thoughts began to intrude.


    ''But I need to know... I have to uncover the truth... Maybe she can help me,'' Hilda mused, her heart racing.


    She turned her gaze to Rya, who sat with her eyes closed, fully immersed in the soothing symphony of nature��the whispering leaves and distant chirps creating a melody that hinted at ancient secrets.


    ''How am I supposed to broach this? Should I dive right in or take a more subtle approach? What words will unravel the mystery?''


    It took Hilda several deep breaths to gather her courage.


    ��M-Miss... do you think the Divine Beings really care about us mortals?�� she ventured, striving for a tone of casual curiosity.


    Rya''s eyelids fluttered open, surprise flickering across her features. Her heart tightened as unwee memories of Nils and Nebulus surged within her, battling against the urge to reveal her true feelings about the gods.


    "That''s quite a weighty subject, but if you ask me... it seems like the Gods are more like cosmic spectators, ying games with our lives for their own amusement rather than genuinely caring about our welfare."


    Hilda''s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped.


    Hilda��s eyes widened, disbelief painting her face. ''Is this woman out of her mind?''


    "W-What makes you think that?" Hilda stammered, her disbelief palpable.


    Rya''s thoughts raced back to the moments when Nils had deceived her, the painful memories threatening to surface. She hesitated, not wanting to reveal her dark elven race in front of this curious girl.


    ��Let��s just say I��ve had my own�� encounters with a couple of goddesses who thought it would be entertaining to break me mentally,�� Rya replied, an icy edgecing her words. ��They failed, of course. But trust me, their games were no joke. I came out stronger, but it wasn��t easy.��


    ''This can''t be true! How can she say something like this and not be struck down by the divine beings themselves,'' Hilda thought at first but she felt like Rya was speaking the truth as she was still breathing. ''And yet, she sits here unharmed... What does this mean?''


    Hilda had never considered the idea that the gods were ying games with humanity, and it made her sick.


    ''What if she is telling the truth? Is that why they never speak to us? Because we''re just pawns in their game? How can they be so cruel?''


    Rya could see Hilda''s thoughts and could see the gears turning.


    "Hey... Don''t think too hard about it... It''s just going to send you into a rabbit hole that will drive you crazy," Rya warned.


    Hilda sighed and nodded.


    ''It''s a lot to process, but maybe she''s right. I shouldn''t dwell on it too much,'' Hilda thought, calming down.


    "How do you not think about it?" Hilda asked.


    Rya grinned.


    "Well... Having trusted friends helps a lot," Rya said.


    Hilda smiled sadly, and her expression fell.


    "Friends?"


    "Yep... It makes going through life a lot easier. Especially if they are the kind of friend who won''t stab you in the back," Rya said, trying to cheer her up.


    "I-I don''t think I have any friends like that," Hilda muttered, her voice cracking.


    "Really? You are easy to talk to... And it''s obvious you are a nice person. You have a lot of qualities that would make someone want to be friends with you," Rya said.


    Hilda''s mood brightened slightly.


    "I-I never thought of myself that way... Thank you," Hilda replied with a smile.


    "You are wee... But honestly, I find you very pretty, smart, and interesting... And if you are going to be around here for any amount of time, I wouldn''t be opposed to being a friend... That''s if you want me," Rya said, her tone gentle.


    Hilda blushed, but her eyes shined brightly.


    "R-Really? Y-You want to be my f-friend?"


    "Yeah, I don''t see an issue with it," Rya said with a smile.


    Hilda was pleasantly surprised. She wasn''t used to people treating her like an equal.


    "I-I would love that."


    Hilda reached out to her right hand, which had the beaded ne with the Divine Three symbols on it, which seemed to be glowing all of a sudden.


    "It''s a promise," Rya said and shook her hand.


    "A promise," Hilda replied with a bright smile, "My name is��"


    "PRINCESS HILDA!" Roared the voice of a furious man.


    Hilda''s eyes widened, and her body stiffened as the familiar voice rang through the air. Rya''s smile twitched as she heard the name of the princess who had been arranged to marry her fiance.


    ''I... I fucking made friends with mypetition?... Good one, Rya... Real good,'' Rya thought as she let go of Hilda''s hand and slowly turned to see who was screaming.


    Rya''s thoughts changed when she saw who it was, as three men dressed in white armor came into her view. It brought her back to the early days when she was first teleported to Tertius. When the Dark Elves citadel was attacked by men that wore simr armor. And the tall man with the most holy-looking armor of the three reminded her of that piece of shit, who tried to kill her, Sir udius. He had that same arrogant aura but a different face.


    ''The fucking Pdin and his white knights... I''ve been waiting a long time for this day,'' Rya thought darkly.

 Vol.4 Ch.235 A Dance with a Paladin.

    Vol.4 Ch.235 A Dance with a Pdin.


    Hilda''s breath caught in her throat, and she felt the color drain from her cheeks as Sir Darius suddenly appeared before her.


    "S-Sir Darius," she stammered, disbelief etched across her features. The pdin stood tall, a striking figure, clutching a radiant beaded ne that glimmered in the dim light��a mirror image of her own��and its luminous beads pointed unwaveringly in her direction.


    ''Huh? What��s happening? My bracelet is radiating light! Did the Prophet gift me this to keep tabs on me?'' Hilda pondered, a mix of intrigue and unease surging through her.


    Darius had an angry expression, "You left the lobby without permission, Princess... You''re lucky that we aren''t in our homnd. Otherwise, you would be severely punished," Darius hissed.


    "Y-Yes, Sir, but I��"


    "Shut up ande here," Darius barked, his voice cutting through the air like a knife.


    Hilda fell silent and quickly stood up for the bench, her gaze fixed firmly on the ground. She then made her way to her bodyguard, her steps quick and tentative.


    From her position, Rya observed the scene unfold. She could see the tumult of fear and shame swirling in the princess��s eyes, but her attention was drawn more to the imposing figure of the pdin standing nearby.


    ''Yeah... Different man but has the same bullshit attitude. Just as bad as I remembered... I don''t know if I can hold myself back from killing these assholes. I wish it was that prick udius, but this Pdin will do... But what should I do about this princess? Rah! Leave her alone. She''s a victim of these assholes,'' Rya thought. Rya felt a seething hatred churning within her, yet she managed to maintain an icyposure as she rose gracefully from the bench.


    Darius shot her a disdainful nce, his eyes narrowing at the sight of her revealing dress. In his homnd, such attire would not go unpunished.


    ��Tsk! These Fiafyrian women really ought to know their ce when ites to approaching our Princess,�� he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. ��Come, Princess Hilda. It''s time we meet your husband.��


    Rya felt a surge of anger rise within her as the pdin casually said that Hilda was going to meet her fianc��. ''How dare he!''


    Hilda turned to Rya, her expression a mix of hesitation and resolve. "Yes, Sir," she replied, casting a quick nce back at Rya. "Goodbye..."


    Rya barely noticed Hilda''s sorrowful response as she stood rooted in ce, her heart racing. She watched them turn to leave, but she couldn''t let the pdin walk away without a word. No, not after that. Taking a deep breath, she readied herself to confront him.


    "Excuse me? But are you a pdin from the Divine Three?" Rya called out.


    Sir Darius halted abruptly; irritation etched across his features. He spun around, his expression darkening further.


    "Why do you wish to know, wench," Darius replied curtly, giving her a nasty look.


    Hilda''s concern deepened. She could sense the tension rising, and she feared that Darius might unleash something reckless in his fury.


    "Well... I''ve encountered your type before," Rya said, her tone sharp as a de. "I didn''t want to assume you were like him, but the way you treat both your Princess and me leaves little doubt."


    Darius tossed his head back in a sneer, annoyance boiling beneath the surface. "I don��t have time to chat with a sheltered wench like you," he spat, prepared to turn away.


    But Rya��s voice slid in like silk, "Have you ever met Sir udius?" she asked, her toneced with an enticing allure.


    Instantly, Darius��s irritation faded, reced by a flicker of curiosity mingled with caution. Sir udius was a man of legendary renown within the holy order, revered for his righteousness during the purging of the unfaithful. Yet, he had vanished on a crusade against the Dark Elves, and whispers of his deeds had faded into myth as he and his pdins hadn''t finished their mission. How could this insufferable girl possibly know him?


    "Yes... He is the strongest of the order," Darius stated proudly. "If you have met him, then you are very fortunate."


    "Oh, yes, I was <em>VERY</em> fortunate to meet him... Where is he now?" Rya asked, wanting to know what that bastard was up to.


    "I don''t have the time nor the patience for this... Come, Princess," Darius growled and started walking off.


    "Is that because you are a coward or because you have something to hide, Pdin?" Rya''s voice cut through the air, sharp and challenging.


    Sir Darius, not one to back down easily, felt his temper re as he turned to face her once more. But as he did, an unsettling realization washed over him. Her skin was a deep, rich brown, smooth and unblemished, radiating an almost ethereal quality. His gaze was drawn to her striking tinum-white hair, a stark contrast that only added to her allure. In that moment, unease settled in his chest. He couldn''t shake the feeling that this woman was not someone to be trifled with.


    ''That can''t be natural,'' he thought, ''And there''s something...off about her.''


    ��Oh? I have your attention now, do I?�� Rya said, her voice smooth, a yful glint dancing in her azure eyes. ��Well then, tell me, what has Sir udius been up to since thest time I saw him? It must be over a month ago."


    "He''s on a mission from the Divine Ones... He''s wiping the clean of those who follow the dark ones," Darius boasted as his unease continued to grow, "He''s a powerful warrior and is the pride of the Order."


    Rya raised an eyebrow, a smirk ying on her lips. ��Oh really? So he''s still out there hunting the dark elves, is he? He must not be as remarkable as you im if he hasn''t returned yet����


    The atmosphere crackled with tension as Darius locked his gaze with Rya''s mesmerizing azure eyes. The white knights around them were caught in a whirlwind of confusion, unsure of what was about to unfold. Darius, unyielding, slowly lifted his hand toward the hilt of his sword, a silent deration that sent shivers through the air. Meanwhile, Hilda''s heart raced, and her worry for Rya''s safety grew, sensing the storm brewing in the space between them.


    ��Sir Darius? We should really leave her be����


    ��Princess... Run... Now!�� Darius hissed, his voice low and urgent as he unsheathed his sword.


    Panic surged through Hilda as she sensed the tension crackling in the air. The fierce determination in Darius''s eyes warned her that a storm was brewing. The white knights followed their captain��s lead, swords drawn and ready for anything.


    Rya stood firm, a dangerous glint in her narrowed eyes as she summoned her mana, a swirling energy gathering around her.


    ��What��s happening?!�� Hilda gasped, her heart racing at the uncertainty of it all.


    ��Run, now!�� Darius shouted, his fierce gaze fixated on the enigmatic woman before them. A heavy air of danger hung between them, crackling with tension.


    ��I��ve always wondered what I��d do if I encountered another pdin like Sir udius,�� Rya replied, her voiceced with a dark amusement. ��Seeing you brings him to mind... You know, he ughtered countless under the banner of your foolish gods. I was different back then��naive, perhaps. But I��ve grown stronger, and I refuse to make the same mistakes. It seems I��ll finally get a chance to test my skills against one of your kind,�� she added, her smirk deepening.


    Hilda felt her stomach drop. The warm-heartedpanion she once knew was gone, reced by a figure who exuded danger and a palpable thirst for blood.


    ''What��s happening? I can��t make sense of this!'' Hilda��s mind raced, confusion washing over her.


    With deliberate slowness, Rya pulled back the ck shawl that had veiled her head. Her long, silvery hair spilled out, revealing pointed ears that marked her as something otherworldly.


    Hilda''s breath caught in her throat, her face draining of color. ��You... you��re a dark elf?�� she stammered, disbelief flooding her senses.


    "Yes... I am a dark elf, and I''m a survivor of one of your massacres. I think I''ll have a bit of fun with that Pdin and his two knights," Rya stated.


    "Like hell, you will! Get her!" Darius ordered as the three of them charged in her direction.


    Rya had a grudge against the Pdin and his ilk ever since they almost killed her, and she would have been if it wasn''t for Hiro sacrificing himself by using a teleportation spell that drained all his mana and turned him into dust. So she didn''t have to hold back anymore. She didn''t have any reason to show them mercy as her Azure eyes lit up from her mana, and she used her Darkly Earth magic to create a spike that pierced the Pdin through the chest, halting his charge.


    The white knights stopped in their tracks when they saw the tip of a rock-hard spike punctured through the pdin''s armor and then poked out of his back. Their eyes went wide with terror, and the air was thick with the metallic tang of blood. Rya <span ss="editText">made sure that he wo<span ss="editText">uld die a slow death as she<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> turned her attention to the knights.


    "Sir?!"


    "What the��"


    Rya didn''t even move a muscle as she cast a fireball in the direction of the knight closest to the pdin and engulfed the poor bastard in mes.


    "Ahhh!" the knight screamed as his white armor melted and turned him into a pile of ash.


    <span ss="editText">The other knight witnessed the deaths of his tworades and needed to avenge them quickly. As he was about to strike Rya, <span ss="editText">she<span ss="editText"> summoned a small typhoon that lifted him off the surface, and then she controlled the wind to m him into the ground<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"Ahhh! You bitch!"


    <span ss="aiText">''They will pay for killing those that protected me. And there isn''t <span ss="aiText">a damn thing they can do to stop me!'' Rya thought with rage <span ss="editText">as she created a heavy rock<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> over the knight and mmed it on him.


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">*Crunch!*


    <span ss="editText">Darius was still alive as he saw the dark elf<span ss="aiText"> murder his knights.


    ''This is how powerful the dark elves are? I need to cleanse her from this before she can corrupt it,'' Darius thought as he summoned the strength to cut the earth spike with his sword and pulled it out, leaving a giant hole in his chest.


    Rya initially shed a smirk, amusement dancing in her eyes, but her expression shifted as she noticed the uncanny sight before her. Darius�� chest began to knit itself together, the wounds mysteriously vanishing as if time itself were rewinding. She tilted her head, curiosity piqued, captivated by the surreal spectacle unfolding right in front of her.


    ''Huh? So, the pdin possesses a regenerative ability. No wonder they''re so feared... But just how do they manage to heal themselves like that? I always thought I was the only one with such powers,'' Rya mused as curiosity began stirring within her. The revtion sent her thoughts racing��what other secrets did these holy warriors hold?


    <span ss="userText">Killing Darius became secondary <span ss="editText">as she wondered how this man was able<span ss="aiText"> to regenerate, <span ss="editText">and she wasn''t going to let him go<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> until she found out how.


    "I won''t let you get away with this, you demon," Darius hissed as his sword started glowing.


    Rya was amused. "Oh, this is going to be fun," she whispered as she took a fighting stance.


    Suddenly, a blinding sh erupted from Darius'' sword, illuminating the clearing like a bolt of lightning. He emerged, poised to attack, but then he froze, confusion painting his features.


    <span ss="editText">"What the��?" Darius eximed, ncing down in disbelief. His ankles were ensnared by thick, twistin<span ss="editText">g roots<span ss="editText"> <span ss="undoDeletionText">that sprouted from the very bushes and nts <span ss="editText">that surround<span ss="editText">ed him<span ss="editText">, holding him firmly in ce.


    Rya<span ss="editText">��s lips curled into a sly smirk as she <span ss="editText">nted her heels <span ss="editText">firmly into the ground, <span ss="editText">feeling the earth pulse beneath her. With amanding gesture, she summoned a massive wall of dirt and stone, its rough surface rising dramatically in front of her like a fortress emerging from the earth. <span ss="editText">The <span ss="editText">air crackled with energy as she struck the wall with he<span ss="editText">r palm<span ss="editText">, channeling her power into a forceful shove. The wall shot forward like a projectile, crashing toward Darius with an overwhelming velocity. He barely had time to react before the wall mmed into him, sending him sprawling backward into another earth wall that Rya expertly crafted behind him; the two barriers exploded into small pieces upon impact, causing Sir Darius to fall to the ground, coughing up blood.<span ss="editText"> His body began to heal up just like thest time, but the process was slower than before.


    <span ss="aiText">Rya <span ss="editText">slowly <span ss="aiText">sauntered <span ss="editText">around the Pdin with<span ss="aiText"> an expression of mild amusement on her face. She star<span ss="editText">ed<span ss="aiText"> down at him as her mana red and danced within her, the power coursing through her veins.


    <span ss="userText">''That''s it... Show me how you are healing yourself<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> you son of a bitch<span ss="aiText">!'' Rya thought as her smile widened.


    <span ss="editText">Darius got to his knees<span ss="aiText"> and coughed, blood dripping from his mouth<span ss="editText"> as<span ss="aiText"> he g<span ss="editText"red at the Dark Elf<span ss="aiText">. "<span ss="editText">Don''t you know that pdins cannot be harmed by the likes of you?" Darius roared, with blood<span ss="aiText"> sp<span ss="editText">ray<span ss="aiText">ing <span ss="editText">out of<span ss="aiText"> his mouth.<span ss="editText"> It wasn''t long after that he was fully<span ss="aiText"> healed.


    "<span ss="editText">Oh, I don''t believe that... But I will say that I find it fascinating how quickly you can heal yourself<span ss="aiText">," Rya said in a mocking tone. "<span ss="editText">How is it that a <span ss="userText">miserable<span ss="aiText">, lowly pdin like you can achieve this power? <span ss="editText">Did you make a deal with a devil?<span ss="aiText">"


    Darius, filled with rage, leapt to his feet, his face flushed with fury. He brandished his sword and aimed a strike at Rya. But she was swift. Her movements were almost a blur as she utilized her wind magic, propelling herself with an agility that left him struggling to keep pace. The air around her crackled with energy, enhancing her speed and evading the deadly arc of his de.


    "<span ss="editText">My faith in the Divine Three is what gives me my strength<span ss="editText"> to purge the wicked!" he dered, raising his sword above his head.


    <span ss="editText">The de was enveloped in a golden light, radiating divine power,<span ss="aiText"> and then a beam of pure, dazzling light burst forth from its tip.


    "<span ss="editText">All I see is a cute shlight<span ss="aiText">," Rya said with a smirk as she swiftly evaded the beam.


    <span ss="editText">"Shut up, you heathen!" Darius shouted.


    <span ss="editText">"Hm? Why am I not intimidated," Rya replied as the stone spike came up and stabbed him in the back, causing him to grit his teeth<span ss="aiText"> and groan.


    <span ss="aiText">"Damn...it..."


    <span ss="aiText">"Come on, show me how you heal yourself, and maybe I''ll let you live."


    Rya sensed that the pdin was tiring and his energy waning, and she was determined to find out how his powers worked.


    "B-By the Holy Three! <span ss="editText">Grant me your power!" Darius <span ss="editText">bellowed, his voice echoing through the still air as a vibrant yellow particle descended from the heavens. It danced in the light beforeing to rest against his chest, pulsating with energy.


    <span ss="editText">Rya watched in awe, her curiosity piqued. She had never witnessed anything quite like it. The glowing yellow particle shimmered with an intensity that reminded her of the eerie green <span ss="editText">ethe<span ss="editText">r she had encountered in thebyrinth, as well as the mysterious particles flowing from that hole in the garden. She wasn''t sure if this man could see the particle as he didn''t react until it absorbed into his chest. What magic was at work here?


    <span ss="userText">''So this motherfucker is using the Gods'' power for healing, and it is repairing his armor as well. But I''ll bet that it has its limit, and I''ll find it,'' <span ss="userText">Rya <span ss="editText">concentrated deeply, channeling a surg<span ss="userText">e of mana into the <span ss="editText">vibrant nts around her. Nearby, Darius was struggling to break free from the restraints of her earth spike that was embedded in his torso. As he finally extricated himself, a brilliant light enveloped him. The divine energy flowed through his form, mending his armor and revitalizing his body. Muscles swelled with newfound strength, and the wounds that had marred his skin vanished as if erased by the Divine Three''s blessing. The transformation was breathtaking, a testament to the sheer power he wield<span ss="userText">ed.


    <span ss="editText">"Now, this is interesting," Rya smirked as she pulled out her Seer Stone from her cleavage as she readied herself to use it when the time was right.


    <span ss="aiText">"I''ll purge you from this world!<span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText">"<span ss="editText"> Darius growled as he held his sword up high.


    <span ss="editText">"Hm, I''d like to see you try," Rya smirked, baiting the Pdin<span ss="aiText">.


    "<span ss="editText">You will suffer the wrath of the Divine Three<span ss="aiText">, heathen! <span ss="editText">Divine Light!<span ss="aiText">" Darius shouted, charging toward Rya with his sword raised.


    <span ss="aiText">He lunged, his sword arcing through the air, the gleaming de poised to deliver a fatal blow. But Rya was quick<span ss="editText">er<span ss="aiText">, her movements fluid and precise, a whirlwind of energy and power<span ss="editText"> as she jumped in the air<span ss="aiText">, dodging the Pdin''s deadly strike. <span ss="userText">It was at this point when all of the flowered nts aimed them<span ss="aiText">self toward the pdin<span ss="editText"> and shot out their pollen, blinding Darius<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">Shit!" The Pdin cursed as he swung his sword blindly while Ryanded gracefully behind him, a devious smirk curling her lips, and then she spun on he<span ss="editText">r h<span ss="editText">eel, summoning a powerful st of wind. The air <span ss="editText">rushed past her, a tempestuous roar, and her hair whipped about, framing<span ss="aiText"> her face in a halo of white. She thrust her hands forward, fingers syed, unleashing the full force of her power. A fierce gale shot forward, mming into the blinded pdin and hurling him across the clearing.<span ss="userText"> Rya noticed that Darius was heading towards the pce''s fountain<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> an<span ss="editText">d<span ss="userText"> she quickly created a darkly earth wall that stopped him and caused him to collide with the wall and fall t on his back.


    <span ss="editText">The radiant glow faded from his body, and his muscles returned<span ss="aiText">to their former size. <span ss="userText">''This damn Elf and her cheap tricks!'' Darius thought as he spit out a loose tooth and hurried back to his fee<span ss="editText">t,<span ss="userText"> only to find <span ss="editText">Rya<span ss="userText"> closing in on him fast.


    <span ss="aiText">''Now''s my chance!'' Darius thought, ''I''m going to end this heathen''s life once and for all!''


    <span ss="aiText">"Die, <span ss="editText">foul creature<span ss="aiText">!" Darius roared, his body erupting with golden light.


    <span ss="userText">Rya<span ss="editText">��s expression was anything bu<span ss="userText">t impressed as she <span ss="editText">deftly conjur<span ss="userText">ed a water whip<span ss="editText">, its shimmering tendrils slicing through the air. With a flick of her wrist, the spellshed out like a serpent, knocking his de effortlessly from his grip and sending it ttering to the ground.<span ss="editText"> In one fluid motion, she ensnare<span ss="userText">d his arm<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> yank<span ss="editText">ing<span ss="userText"> him <span ss="editText">for<span ss="userText">ward <span ss="editText">with a force that left him reeling, drawing him closer as if the very element itself obeyed hermand.


    <span ss="aiText">"What the��?!<span ss="editText">?"


    <span ss="editText">"Now... Let''s see how you deal with this!" A confident smirk yed on her lips as Rya''s right fist was covered in rocks, and shended a crushing blow to his face, her gaze fixed upon his body and the particles surrounding him.


    <span ss="editText">*BAM!*


    <span ss="editText">Darius'' head snapped back with such force that<span ss="aiText"> the air escaped his lungs. Pain seared through his entire body, a dizzying haze enveloping his senses. Blood sprayed from his broken nose, coating his teeth and tongue, and his vision blurred<span ss="editText"> as he flew back<span ss="aiText"> andnded hard, his body thudding against the ground.


    <span ss="userText">"Ouch... You are one tough motherfucker. I''ll give you that much, Pdin..." Rya<span ss="aiText">mented, her eyes never leaving the Pdin<span ss="editText">, w<span ss="aiText">ai<span ss="editText">t<span ss="aiText">ing <span ss="editText">for his <span ss="editText">wounds to heal.


    <span ss="userText">''Alright... Let''s see what is going on inside of this creep,'' Rya thought as she brought the Seer Stone up to her eye and channeled her mana into it.


    <span ss="userText">As she gazed through her Seer Stone, her perception transformed entirely. The world around her faded into a pitch-ck void, leaving only Darius�� figure illuminated in stark contrast. It was as if she were peering into the very essence of his being, revealing the intricateyers hidden beneath his skin.


    <span ss="userText">What struck her first was the appearance of his mana vein. Unlike the vibrant hues she was ustomed to, Darius�� mana vein was a dull gray, amon-level vein<span ss="editText">. Y<span ss="userText">et<span ss="editText">,<span ss="userText"> its development was more advanced than any she had encountered before due to every human and monster he''d yed. Although it wasparably modest in size, norger than Tayna''s Grand Master Mana Vein��who herself was neither a hunter nor a fighter��as she barely has killed anything at all to grow<span ss="aiText"> her mana vein.


    <span ss="aiText">However, what was most striking was the fact that Darius was not channeling any of his own mana. Instead, he was utilizing the energy of the <span ss="editText">Divine <span ss="aiText">Three, their divine power coursing through his veins and permeating his entire body<span ss="editText"> in the most astonishing sight she had ever seen. A <span ss="userText">swirling mass of yellow mystery particles danced around, seemingly alive with energy. They drifted through his bloodstream, gravitating toward his face with purpose, only to dissolve into nothingness as they made contact<span ss="aiText"> with the wound.<span ss="editText"> Each particle flickered like tiny stars, illuminating the shadows of his anatomy for just a moment before disappearing and leaving<span ss="userText"> behind a <span ss="editText">pristine<span ss="aiText"> patch of skin<span ss="editText">, muscle, and bone<span ss="aiText">.


    It was mesmerizing to behold, and she had no doubt that if Darius could harness the mana within his veins, he would be a formidable foe. However, his reliance on the gods made him vulnerable, which gave her an edge.


    <span ss="userText">''So this idiot doesn''t have a strong mana vein, and this divine power is healing him... It looks like he is almost out of those divine particles,'' Rya observed. <span ss="editText">Just then<span ss="editText">, a<span ss="editText"> brilliant yellow particle <span ss="editText">descended from the <span ss="editText">heavens, striking Darius. In an instant, his body was engulfed in a dazzling light, replenished with an overwhelming amount of yellow energy that was almost blinding.


    <span ss="userText">Rya blinked a few times to adjust to the brightness through her Seer Stone. <span ss="editText">��Ah, so that��s the secret! No wonder you and your fellow pdins have never been defeated. You��ve got an endless supply of <span ss="editText">that<span ss="editText"> glowing magic at your fingertips�� How adorable,�� she quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm.


    <span ss="userText">Darius'' neck popped back into ce<span ss="aiText"> as his broken bones mended themselves, and his bleeding stopped. <span ss="editText">It took him a moment to realize<span ss="aiText"> that Rya was looking <span ss="editText">up at the sky.


    ''What the hell is she doing? And what was she talking about?'' Darius thought as he struggled to his feet. His mind was hazy, and his body ached for a moment until the divine particles healed himpletely.


    <span ss="aiText">"What''s wrong, you demon?"


    <span ss="aiText">"I''m not a demon. I''m a dark elf, you dumbass.<span ss="userText">..<span ss="editText">" Rya said as her attention<span ss="aiText"> returned to him.<span ss="editText"> "I wonder if I can cut off this connection with these Gods?... I guess there''s only one way to find out,<span ss="aiText"> isn''t there?"


    <span ss="editText">Darius felt a surge of adrenaline as those words struck him. His eyes ignited with determination as he dashed toward her, his voice resolute, "My faith is unshakeable! Your feeble tricks are no match for my resolve, Demon!"


    <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">A slow smile spread across her lips, a sinister gleam in her eyes. Her hands moved rapidly, her fingers dancing in the air, weaving her spell. The space around her shimmered her mana ring, its energy filling the atmosphere.


    <span ss="userText">"Demon? That''s riching from the likes of you, who would kill innocent people just because they are <span ss="editText">a <span ss="userText">different<span ss="editText"> race<span ss="userText">," Rya retorted before hitting the pdin with her fireballs and wind des.


    <span ss="userText">*BAM! BAM! BAM!*


    <span ss="aiText">"Gah!" Darius was sent flying as the three elemental attacks hit him. His body smacked against the pce wall, leaving an indent in it. His body was smoking as he coughed up a few teeth.


    <span ss="userText">"You''re just as pathetic as your god is," Rya spat<span ss="aiText"> as she channeled her mana to her palm and created a bl<span ss="editText">ue<span ss="aiText"> fireball.


    <span ss="aiText">Darius could feel the mes burning through his clothes and eating away at his flesh. His skin bubbled and blistered, melting into his armor.


    <span ss="userText">"Shut up! Shut the fuck up!" Darius <span ss="editText">unleashed a primal <span ss="userText">scream as <span ss="editText">a surge of divine energy coursed through him. He f<span ss="userText">el<span ss="editText">t<span ss="userText"> the <span ss="editText">miraculous wave of healing wash over his body; wounds closed, bruises faded, and the battered pieces of his armor reformed with a radiant gleam. In an awe-inspiring moment,<span ss="userText"> his sword <span ss="editText">soared<span ss="userText"> back <span ss="editText">in<span ss="userText">to his <span ss="editText">grasp<span ss="userText">just as the blue mes <span ss="editText">flickered and finally extinguished. The air crackled with renewed vigor, igniting a fierce determination within him<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">"This ends here, monster," Darius stated as the divine light grew brighter<span ss="aiText">and the particles danced around him.


    <span ss="editText">''Okay... Enough toying around with this prick... I need to see how I can sever his link to the Gods... Maybe I should cut off his arms and legs first,'' Rya thought<span ss="aiText"> as her <span ss="editText">eyes glowed bright<span ss="aiText"> blue.


    <span ss="editText">Darius was covered in a golden glow<span ss="aiText">, a surge of divine power surging through his veins, <span ss="editText">strengthen<span ss="aiText">ing him once <span ss="editText">more. He was using so much<span ss="aiText"> energy<span ss="editText"> that the nts around him started to<span ss="aiText"> wither, and the grass turned brown.


    <span ss="editText">When Rya saw the nts dying, it made her pissed as she could feel<span ss="aiText"> the nts'' pain as if it were her own.


    <span ss="aiText">"<span ss="editText">So, your holy magic also kills<span ss="aiText"> thend... Why am I not surprised?" Rya asked rhetorically as her mana red<span ss="editText"> throughout her body<span ss="aiText">, a raging inferno ready to explode.


    Darius could see the dark elf''s aura pulsing, her mana ring with a fury, unlike anything he had ever witnessed before. There was something otherworldly about it, almost primal as if she were tapping into some ancient source of energy. It was both terrifying and exhrating at the same time.


    <span ss="editText">Darius let out a roar as he ran toward her. "<span ss="aiText">Prepare to die<span ss="editText">, you Dark Elf SCUM<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">!"


    <span ss="aiText">Rya''s eyes glowed even brighter, and her mana red. <span ss="editText">She was about to strike him with some more earth magic, but then her ears s<span ss="editText">tar<span ss="editText">ted t<span ss="editText">o twitch. Out of nowhere, Rya stopped chan<span ss="editText">nel<span ss="editText">ing her mana, and her f<span ss="editText">ierce face morphed into one that looked frightened. She slowly started walking backward from the Pdin as if his Divinity was too much for he<span ss="editText">r to <span ss="editText">bear��giving Darius<span ss="aiText"> a sense of victory.


    "<span ss="editText">So you finally understand you''re no match for me," Darius roared as he raised his sword, which was glowing a blinding golden light.


    "No! No, please stop!" Rya begged in a panic. The once powerful and intimidating dark elf now cowered before him, tears welling in her eyes and her voice trembling.


    <span ss="editText">Darius ignored her pleas<span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText"><span ss="undoDeletionText"> and lunged at her.


    "This is the end! HIYAH��"


    <span ss="userText">"YOU!!!" Roared the voice of Quinus as the Crown Prince saw the pdin bearing down on Rya. His golden eyes glowed<span ss="aiText"> furiously as his hair <span ss="editText">went on end.


    <span ss="userText">Before Darius <span ss="editText">had a chance to react, the Crown Prince materialized before him in an instant, his movements almost ethereal. With a swift, fluid motion, he sheathed his gleaming sword, the sound of metal sliding against leather echoing softly in the tense air, as if he had finished a battle that never even began<span ss="userText">.


    <span ss="userText">Darius tried to stop himself from running into the Prince, but his legs wouldn''t listen as time seemed to slow down. It wasn''t long before he noticed that he was falling towards the ground. That wasn''t a big deal as long as his arms would break his fall, but then his arms weren''t listening either. He swore he felt his shoulders moving his arms forward. as if to catch himself, but his arms never came into view as the ground wasing closer.


    <span ss="editText">''W-What''s<span ss="aiText"> happening to me?<span ss="editText"> My body isn''t responding to me?<span ss="aiText">'' Darius wondered as h<span ss="editText">is face was about to crash into the<span ss="aiText"> dirt, <span ss="editText">and when his nose smashed into<span ss="aiText"> the ground, <span ss="editText">it was as if time<span ss="aiText"> had sped up, and Darius fell to the ground with a thud, his face t on the grass.<span ss="editText"> His arms and legs were cleaved off<span ss="aiText"> at the joints, and his guts were hanging out. He didn''t feel any pain, and then a secondter, his pain receptors finally started working, and his body felt like it was on fire.


    <span ss="userText">*SLASH!*


    <span ss="userText">*SLASH!*


    <span ss="userText">*CRACK!*


    <span ss="aiText">*THUD!*


    <span ss="aiText">*SPLAT!*


    <span ss="aiText">Darius didn''t know what happened as his body parts flew off his body and onto the ground.<span ss="userText"> All that was left intact was his head and upper torso<span ss="aiText">. He didn''t feel the impact of the severed parts as his eyes stared nkly into the distance. He had a hard time understanding why his body parts were on the ground.


    <span ss="aiText">''What the hell happened to me?'' Darius wondered, his thoughts racing, the shock of what had transpired rendering him immobile.


    "Are you okay, my love?" the Crown Prince asked, his tone softening as he held Rya in his arms and fixed his gaze upon her face.


    <span ss="aiText">"I... I''m fine," Rya replied, her voice shaky, her body trembling slightly.<span ss="editText"> S<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">was putting on an act <span ss="userText">as the other nobles wereing to the <span ss="editText">pce garden. She<span ss="aiText"> co<span ss="editText">u<span ss="aiText">ld<span ss="editText">n''t let them see her as the <span ss="userText">fearsome<span ss="aiText"> dark elf; they needed to believe she was a weak, pitiful creature, a helpless victim of a ruthless pdin.


    <span ss="aiText">"I was so scared..." Rya said in a pitiful tone<span ss="editText"> as Duval showed up with<span ss="aiText"> the nobles and knights.


    <span ss="editText">The Prime Minister''s face turned p<span ss="aiText">al<span ss="editText">e<span ss="aiText"> as<span ss="editText"> he saw Quinus taking down the pdin and hugging the very woman he was trying to prevent from entering the pce. All his ns to keep the Holy Alliance from finding out that a Dark Elf<span ss="aiText"> was in the pce were foiled, as all the nobles and knights had seen the entire fight between <span ss="editText">Quinus<span ss="aiText"> and Darius.


    <span ss="aiText">Duval''s heart sank as his stomach twisted into knots. He knew this was a catastrophe of epic proportions, one that would surely have dire consequences for all of them.


    <span ss="editText">"Your Highness! Please stop! Don''t kill him,"<span ss="aiText"> Duval pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion, "This is a grave misunderstanding!"


    <span ss="editText">Quinus gave<span ss="aiText"> Duval a<span ss="editText"> death re that the Prime Minister had never seen before<span ss="aiText">, "Misunderstanding? A misunderstanding is when you go to a bar and order a ss of wine and instead get a ss of whiskey. This is a far cry from a misunderstanding."<span ss="userText"> He said before turning his attention to the<span ss="aiText"> fallen pdin, "<span ss="editText">I have half a mind to kill you here and now<span ss="aiText">,<span ss="editText">"<span ss="aiText"> Quinus dered, his eyes aze with fury, his voice cold and menacing.


    <span ss="editText">Duval didn''t know if he could stop<span ss="aiText"> Quinus from killing the pdin<span ss="editText">, and a part of him knew it didn''t matter as the <span ss="userText">inevitable was about<span ss="aiText"> to happen<span ss="editText"> when Terenthiel <span ss="userText">and Zane arrived in the<span ss="aiText"> garden and saw their fellow pdin being dismembered.


    "What''s the meaning of this!?" Terenthiel roared at Quinus, his voice filled with outrage and his eyes zing with indignation.


    <span ss="userText">Prince Zane and the rest of the Fiafyrian nobles hade running<span ss="aiText"> when they heard themotion. They all watched in <span ss="editText">awe and some in <span ss="aiText"><span ss="retryDeletionText">horror as the Crown Prince hacked and shed at the pdin''s body.<span ss="editText"> Rya saw this as a moment toy the me on the Holy Alliance as a possible way to sow <span ss="userText">doubt in the minds of the Major Nobles <span ss="editText">who<span ss="userText"> were siding<span ss="aiText"> with Terenthiel and the <span ss="editText">Divine Three<span ss="aiText">.


    <span ss="userText">"Oh, Quin! The moment he discovered my race, his men descended upon me like wolves. It was a nightmare! I barely managed to fend off the two knights, but the pdin��he vowed to eradicate me simply for existing. I can''t express how grateful I am that you showed up when you did," Rya<span ss="editText">��s voice quivered, her eyes shimmering with tears that seemed heartbreakingly real. Yet, deep inside, she marveled at how skillfully she could conjure such emotion.


    <span ss="editText">''Damn? I didn''t know I could turn on the water<span ss="aiText">works like that!<span ss="editText"> Maybe I could be an actor someday<span ss="aiText">.''


    Hilda <span ss="editText">emerged from her hiding ce, her heart pounding as she witnessed the true<span ss="editText">, terrifying power of the Dark Elf, <span ss="editText">Rya. The fight had been spar<span ss="editText">ked <span ss="editText">by Rya herself, and now she was <span ss="editText">spinning a fa?ade of innocence<span ss="editText"> that sen<span ss="editText">t shivers down Hilda��s spine. Memories flooded back of her half-sister, who had weaved simr webs of deceit to manipte their father, always managing to warp the truth and cast Hilda as the viin.


    <span ss="editText">Rya''s cunning reminded Hilda all too much of those painful days. The Dark Elf''s true aim was clear: she wanted to steal the heart of th<span ss="editText">e Handsome Brave Prince,<span ss="editText"> Quinus, who<span ss="editText">m she was <span ss="editText">orchestrated to wed. In that moment, Hilda''s fears of a loveless marriage <span ss="editText">eva<span ss="editText">porated, only to be reced by a fiery determination.


    <span ss="editText">As she watched Quinus rush to Rya��s side, concern etched across his handsome features<span ss="editText">, a<span ss="editText"> pang of jealousy tugged at Hilda''s heart. How easily he fell for Rya��s charm,pletely unaware of the master maniptor''s wicked schemes unfolding before him. A surge of resolve coursed through Hilda��she <span ss="editText">would<span ss="editText"> not allow Rya to ensnare him in darkness. It was time for her to step into the light and protect <span ss="editText">Quinus from the very <span ss="editText">threat that sought to <span ss="editText">twist his noble heart<span ss="editText"> into a pawn for evil.<span ss="editText"> If only she knew that Rya did love him.


    <span ss="editText">Hilda clenched her fists, ''No! She is just like my evil sister... And the prince is too kind-hearted to notice... I need to save him from her, or humanity will perish because of her. This harlot won''t win his heart... Not when the Divine Three have sent me... But how?''


    <span ss="editText">Quinus hugged Rya tightly, "You''re okay now, Rya... I won''t let anyone<span ss="aiText"> hurt you. I will protect you."


    <span ss="editText">Rya had a slight <span ss="userText">devious smile on her face that made Hilda want to vomit<span ss="aiText">. ''If only Quinus knew that woman he was holding was a bloodthirsty monster. She''s not the person he thinks she is. She''s a lying witch!''


    Hilda <span ss="editText">felt a surge of anger bubbling within her as she watched the deceitful woman unt he<span ss="editText">r arrogance. The temptation to march over and deliver a sharp p was nearly irresistible, yet she knew all too well the consequences of such an impulsive act. This Dark Elf wielded a power so formidable that even the <span ss="editText">Divine Ones<span ss="editText">'' Pdins<span ss="editText">, revered for their strength, would quiver in fear. Engaging her directly would be a reckless path, one that could very well lead to Hilda��s untimely demise. Instead, she resolved to channel her cleverness, outsmarting the Dark Elf rather than confronting her head-on. She would need every ounce of cunning at her disposal to <span ss="editText">free her Crown Prince from this<span ss="aiText"> evil woman''s clutches.


    <span ss="editText">Rya was blissfully unaware<span ss="aiText"> of Hilda''s internal struggle as <span ss="editText">s<span ss="aiText">he <span ss="editText">focused on the Pdin. <span ss="userText">She hugged Quinus back while peeking around him to see if <span ss="editText">Darius<span ss="userText"> was going to die or if his divinity<span ss="aiText"> was going to save him<span ss="editText"> again. She was thankful that she heard Quinus'' and everyone else''s footsteps before she took down<span ss="aiText"> th<span ss="editText">is<span ss="aiText"> Pdin<span ss="editText">. As that would have given Duval his e<span ss="userText">vidence, he needed to paint her<span ss="aiText"> as a monster and have her thrown into a dungeon <span ss="editText">or something worse. She could easily escape a normal dungeon, but she didn''t want to find out if they had s<span ss="userText">pecialized dungeons for holding mages.


    <span ss="userText">''Few!... That was a close one... Can''t have these nobles looking at me in fear... Or it will make both our lives harder... Hold on?... You got to be kidding me.''


    <span ss="userText">Rya saw a third yellow particle descending from the heavens andnding on Darius'' torso as he slowly wormed his way over to his severed arms. His arms reattac<span ss="editText">hed <span ss="userText">themselves like mas<span ss="aiText"> snapping together, and then the rest of his body did the same.<span ss="editText"> But it was f<span ss="aiText">ar m<span ss="editText">ore <span ss="userText">disgusting<span ss="aiText"> to watch as it was like watching a pile of worms wiggling all over each other. It didn''t take long before the severed parts were fully attached to Darius'' torso, and the wound waspletely healed.


    <span ss="userText">''This motherfucker is like Deadpool... Except he isn''t witty or funny... I will find a way to stop these weird particles from healing him... I just need some alone time with him when things settle down<span ss="aiText">,'' Rya thought, a n already forming in her mind<span ss="editText"> as arger crowd<span ss="aiText"> of <span ss="editText">people came into the garden<span ss="aiText">.

 Vol.4 Chapter235 A Dance with a Paladin.

    Vol.4 Ch.235 A Dance with a Pdin.


    Hilda''s breath caught in her throat, and she felt the color drain from her cheeks as Sir Darius suddenly appeared before her.


    "S-Sir Darius," she stammered, disbelief etched across her features. The pdin stood tall, a striking figure, clutching a radiant beaded ne that glimmered in the dim light��a mirror image of her own��and its luminous beads pointed unwaveringly in her direction.


    ''Huh? What��s happening? My bracelet is radiating light! Did the Prophet gift me this to keep tabs on me?'' Hilda pondered, a mix of intrigue and unease surging through her.


    Darius had an angry expression, "You left the lobby without permission, Princess... You''re lucky that we aren''t in our homnd. Otherwise, you would be severely punished," Darius hissed.


    "Y-Yes, Sir, but I��"


    "Shut up ande here," Darius barked, his voice cutting through the air like a knife.


    Hilda fell silent and quickly stood up for the bench, her gaze fixed firmly on the ground. She then made her way to her bodyguard, her steps quick and tentative.


    From her position, Rya observed the scene unfold. She could see the tumult of fear and shame swirling in the princess��s eyes, but her attention was drawn more to the imposing figure of the pdin standing nearby.


    ''Yeah... Different man but has the same bullshit attitude. Just as bad as I remembered... I don''t know if I can hold myself back from killing these assholes. I wish it was that prick udius, but this Pdin will do... But what should I do about this princess? Rah! Leave her alone. She''s a victim of these assholes,'' Rya thought. Rya felt a seething hatred churning within her, yet she managed to maintain an icyposure as she rose gracefully from the bench.


    Darius shot her a disdainful nce, his eyes narrowing at the sight of her revealing dress. In his homnd, such attire would not go unpunished.


    ��Tsk! These Fiafyrian women really ought to know their ce when ites to approaching our Princess,�� he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. ��Come, Princess Hilda. It''s time we meet your husband.��


    Rya felt a surge of anger rise within her as the pdin casually said that Hilda was going to meet her fianc��. ''How dare he!''


    Hilda turned to Rya, her expression a mix of hesitation and resolve. "Yes, Sir," she replied, casting a quick nce back at Rya. "Goodbye..."


    Rya barely noticed Hilda''s sorrowful response as she stood rooted in ce, her heart racing. She watched them turn to leave, but she couldn''t let the pdin walk away without a word. No, not after that. Taking a deep breath, she readied herself to confront him.


    "Excuse me? But are you a pdin from the Divine Three?" Rya called out.


    Sir Darius halted abruptly; irritation etched across his features. He spun around, his expression darkening further.


    "Why do you wish to know, wench," Darius replied curtly, giving her a nasty look.


    Hilda''s concern deepened. She could sense the tension rising, and she feared that Darius might unleash something reckless in his fury.


    "Well... I''ve encountered your type before," Rya said, her tone sharp as a de. "I didn''t want to assume you were like him, but the way you treat both your Princess and me leaves little doubt."


    Darius tossed his head back in a sneer, annoyance boiling beneath the surface. "I don��t have time to chat with a sheltered wench like you," he spat, prepared to turn away.


    But Rya��s voice slid in like silk, "Have you ever met Sir udius?" she asked, her toneced with an enticing allure.


    Instantly, Darius��s irritation faded, reced by a flicker of curiosity mingled with caution. Sir udius was a man of legendary renown within the holy order, revered for his righteousness during the purging of the unfaithful. Yet, he had vanished on a crusade against the Dark Elves, and whispers of his deeds had faded into myth as he and his pdins hadn''t finished their mission. How could this insufferable girl possibly know him?


    "Yes... He is the strongest of the order," Darius stated proudly. "If you have met him, then you are very fortunate."


    "Oh, yes, I was <em>VERY</em> fortunate to meet him... Where is he now?" Rya asked, wanting to know what that bastard was up to.


    "I don''t have the time nor the patience for this... Come, Princess," Darius growled and started walking off.


    "Is that because you are a coward or because you have something to hide, Pdin?" Rya''s voice cut through the air, sharp and challenging.


    Sir Darius, not one to back down easily, felt his temper re as he turned to face her once more. But as he did, an unsettling realization washed over him. Her skin was a deep, rich brown, smooth and unblemished, radiating an almost ethereal quality. His gaze was drawn to her striking tinum-white hair, a stark contrast that only added to her allure. In that moment, unease settled in his chest. He couldn''t shake the feeling that this woman was not someone to be trifled with.


    ''That can''t be natural,'' he thought, ''And there''s something...off about her.''


    ��Oh? I have your attention now, do I?�� Rya said, her voice smooth, a yful glint dancing in her azure eyes. ��Well then, tell me, what has Sir udius been up to since thest time I saw him? It must be over a month ago."


    "He''s on a mission from the Divine Ones... He''s wiping the clean of those who follow the dark ones," Darius boasted as his unease continued to grow, "He''s a powerful warrior and is the pride of the Order."


    Rya raised an eyebrow, a smirk ying on her lips. ��Oh really? So he''s still out there hunting the dark elves, is he? He must not be as remarkable as you im if he hasn''t returned yet����


    The atmosphere crackled with tension as Darius locked his gaze with Rya''s mesmerizing azure eyes. The white knights around them were caught in a whirlwind of confusion, unsure of what was about to unfold. Darius, unyielding, slowly lifted his hand toward the hilt of his sword, a silent deration that sent shivers through the air. Meanwhile, Hilda''s heart raced, and her worry for Rya''s safety grew, sensing the storm brewing in the space between them.


    ��Sir Darius? We should really leave her be����


    ��Princess... Run... Now!�� Darius hissed, his voice low and urgent as he unsheathed his sword.


    Panic surged through Hilda as she sensed the tension crackling in the air. The fierce determination in Darius''s eyes warned her that a storm was brewing. The white knights followed their captain��s lead, swords drawn and ready for anything.


    Rya stood firm, a dangerous glint in her narrowed eyes as she summoned her mana, a swirling energy gathering around her.


    ��What��s happening?!�� Hilda gasped, her heart racing at the uncertainty of it all.


    ��Run, now!�� Darius shouted, his fierce gaze fixated on the enigmatic woman before them. A heavy air of danger hung between them, crackling with tension.


    ��I��ve always wondered what I��d do if I encountered another pdin like Sir udius,�� Rya replied, her voiceced with a dark amusement. ��Seeing you brings him to mind... You know, he ughtered countless under the banner of your foolish gods. I was different back then��naive, perhaps. But I��ve grown stronger, and I refuse to make the same mistakes. It seems I��ll finally get a chance to test my skills against one of your kind,�� she added, her smirk deepening.


    Hilda felt her stomach drop. The warm-heartedpanion she once knew was gone, reced by a figure who exuded danger and a palpable thirst for blood.


    ''What��s happening? I can��t make sense of this!'' Hilda��s mind raced, confusion washing over her.


    With deliberate slowness, Rya pulled back the ck shawl that had veiled her head. Her long, silvery hair spilled out, revealing pointed ears that marked her as something otherworldly.


    Hilda''s breath caught in her throat, her face draining of color. ��You... you��re a dark elf?�� she stammered, disbelief flooding her senses.


    "Yes... I am a dark elf, and I''m a survivor of one of your massacres. I think I''ll have a bit of fun with that Pdin and his two knights," Rya stated.


    "Like hell, you will! Get her!" Darius ordered as the three of them charged in her direction.


    Rya had a grudge against the Pdin and his ilk ever since they almost killed her, and she would have been if it wasn''t for Hiro sacrificing himself by using a teleportation spell that drained all his mana and turned him into dust. So she didn''t have to hold back anymore. She didn''t have any reason to show them mercy as her Azure eyes lit up from her mana, and she used her Darkly Earth magic to create a spike that pierced the Pdin through the chest, halting his charge.


    The white knights stopped in their tracks when they saw the tip of a rock-hard spike punctured through the pdin''s armor and then poked out of his back. Their eyes went wide with terror, and the air was thick with the metallic tang of blood. Rya made sure that he would die a slow death as she<span><span> turned her attention to the knights.


    "Sir?!"


    "What the��"


    Rya didn''t even move a muscle as she cast a fireball in the direction of the knight closest to the pdin and engulfed the poor bastard in mes.


    "Ahhh!" the knight screamed as his white armor melted and turned him into a pile of ash.


    The other knight witnessed the deaths of his tworades and needed to avenge them quickly. As he was about to strike Rya, she summoned a small typhoon that lifted him off the surface, and then she controlled the wind to m him into the ground.


    "Ahhh! You bitch!"


    ''They will pay for killing those that protected me. And there isn''t a damn thing they can do to stop me!'' Rya thought with rage as she created a heavy rock<span><span> over the knight and mmed it on him.


    <span><span>*Crunch!*


    Darius was still alive as he saw the dark elf murder his knights.


    ''This is how powerful the dark elves are? I need to cleanse her from this before she can corrupt it,'' Darius thought as he summoned the strength to cut the earth spike with his sword and pulled it out, leaving a giant hole in his chest.


    Rya initially shed a smirk, amusement dancing in her eyes, but her expression shifted as she noticed the uncanny sight before her. Darius�� chest began to knit itself together, the wounds mysteriously vanishing as if time itself were rewinding. She tilted her head, curiosity piqued, captivated by the surreal spectacle unfolding right in front of her.


    ''Huh? So, the pdin possesses a regenerative ability. No wonder they''re so feared... But just how do they manage to heal themselves like that? I always thought I was the only one with such powers,'' Rya mused as curiosity began stirring within her. The revtion sent her thoughts racing��what other secrets did these holy warriors hold?


    Killing Darius became secondary as she wondered how this man was able to regenerate, and she wasn''t going to let him go<span><span> until she found out how.


    "I won''t let you get away with this, you demon," Darius hissed as his sword started glowing.


    Rya was amused. "Oh, this is going to be fun," she whispered as she took a fighting stance.


    Suddenly, a blinding sh erupted from Darius'' sword, illuminating the clearing like a bolt of lightning. He emerged, poised to attack, but then he froze, confusion painting his features.


    "What the��?" Darius eximed, ncing down in disbelief. His ankles were ensnared by thick, twisting roots <span>that sprouted from the very bushes and nts that surrounded him, holding him firmly in ce.


    Rya��s lips curled into a sly smirk as she nted her heels firmly into the ground, feeling the earth pulse beneath her. With amanding gesture, she summoned a massive wall of dirt and stone, its rough surface rising dramatically in front of her like a fortress emerging from the earth. The air crackled with energy as she struck the wall with her palm, channeling her power into a forceful shove. The wall shot forward like a projectile, crashing toward Darius with an overwhelming velocity. He barely had time to react before the wall mmed into him, sending him sprawling backward into another earth wall that Rya expertly crafted behind him; the two barriers exploded into small pieces upon impact, causing Sir Darius to fall to the ground, coughing up blood. His body began to heal up just like thest time, but the process was slower than before.


    Rya slowly sauntered around the Pdin with an expression of mild amusement on her face. She stared down at him as her mana red and danced within her, the power coursing through her veins.


    ''That''s it... Show me how you are healing yourself, you son of a bitch!'' Rya thought as her smile widened.


    Darius got to his knees and coughed, blood dripping from his mouth as he red at the Dark Elf. "Don''t you know that pdins cannot be harmed by the likes of you?" Darius roared, with blood spraying out of his mouth. It wasn''t long after that he was fully healed.


    "Oh, I don''t believe that... But I will say that I find it fascinating how quickly you can heal yourself," Rya said in a mocking tone. "How is it that a miserable, lowly pdin like you can achieve this power? Did you make a deal with a devil?"


    Darius, filled with rage, leapt to his feet, his face flushed with fury. He brandished his sword and aimed a strike at Rya. But she was swift. Her movements were almost a blur as she utilized her wind magic, propelling herself with an agility that left him struggling to keep pace. The air around her crackled with energy, enhancing her speed and evading the deadly arc of his de.


    "My faith in the Divine Three is what gives me my strength to purge the wicked!" he dered, raising his sword above his head.


    The de was enveloped in a golden light, radiating divine power, and then a beam of pure, dazzling light burst forth from its tip.


    "All I see is a cute shlight," Rya said with a smirk as she swiftly evaded the beam.


    "Shut up, you heathen!" Darius shouted.


    "Hm? Why am I not intimidated," Rya replied as the stone spike came up and stabbed him in the back, causing him to grit his teeth and groan.


    "Damn...it..."


    "Come on, show me how you heal yourself, and maybe I''ll let you live."


    Rya sensed that the pdin was tiring and his energy waning, and she was determined to find out how his powers worked.


    "B-By the Holy Three! Grant me your power!" Darius bellowed, his voice echoing through the still air as a vibrant yellow particle descended from the heavens. It danced in the light beforeing to rest against his chest, pulsating with energy.


    Rya watched in awe, her curiosity piqued. She had never witnessed anything quite like it. The glowing yellow particle shimmered with an intensity that reminded her of the eerie green ether she had encountered in thebyrinth, as well as the mysterious particles flowing from that hole in the garden. She wasn''t sure if this man could see the particle as he didn''t react until it absorbed into his chest. What magic was at work here?


    ''So this motherfucker is using the Gods'' power for healing, and it is repairing his armor as well. But I''ll bet that it has its limit, and I''ll find it,'' Rya concentrated deeply, channeling a surge of mana into the vibrant nts around her. Nearby, Darius was struggling to break free from the restraints of her earth spike that was embedded in his torso. As he finally extricated himself, a brilliant light enveloped him. The divine energy flowed through his form, mending his armor and revitalizing his body. Muscles swelled with newfound strength, and the wounds that had marred his skin vanished as if erased by the Divine Three''s blessing. The transformation was breathtaking, a testament to the sheer power he wielded.


    "Now, this is interesting," Rya smirked as she pulled out her Seer Stone from her cleavage as she readied herself to use it when the time was right.


    "I''ll purge you from this world!<span><span>" Darius growled as he held his sword up high.


    "Hm, I''d like to see you try," Rya smirked, baiting the Pdin.


    "You will suffer the wrath of the Divine Three, heathen! Divine Light!" Darius shouted, charging toward Rya with his sword raised.


    He lunged, his sword arcing through the air, the gleaming de poised to deliver a fatal blow. But Rya was quicker, her movements fluid and precise, a whirlwind of energy and power as she jumped in the air, dodging the Pdin''s deadly strike. It was at this point when all of the flowered nts aimed themself toward the pdin and shot out their pollen, blinding Darius.


    "Shit!" The Pdin cursed as he swung his sword blindly while Ryanded gracefully behind him, a devious smirk curling her lips, and then she spun on her heel, summoning a powerful st of wind. The air rushed past her, a tempestuous roar, and her hair whipped about, framing her face in a halo of white. She thrust her hands forward, fingers syed, unleashing the full force of her power. A fierce gale shot forward, mming into the blinded pdin and hurling him across the clearing. Rya noticed that Darius was heading towards the pce''s fountain, and she quickly created a darkly earth wall that stopped him and caused him to collide with the wall and fall t on his back.


    The radiant glow faded from his body, and his muscles returnedto their former size. ''This damn Elf and her cheap tricks!'' Darius thought as he spit out a loose tooth and hurried back to his feet, only to find Rya closing in on him fast.


    ''Now''s my chance!'' Darius thought, ''I''m going to end this heathen''s life once and for all!''


    "Die, foul creature!" Darius roared, his body erupting with golden light.


    Rya��s expression was anything but impressed as she deftly conjured a water whip, its shimmering tendrils slicing through the air. With a flick of her wrist, the spellshed out like a serpent, knocking his de effortlessly from his grip and sending it ttering to the ground. In one fluid motion, she ensnared his arm, yanking him forward with a force that left him reeling, drawing him closer as if the very element itself obeyed hermand.


    "What the��?!?"


    "Now... Let''s see how you deal with this!" A confident smirk yed on her lips as Rya''s right fist was covered in rocks, and shended a crushing blow to his face, her gaze fixed upon his body and the particles surrounding him.


    *BAM!*


    Darius'' head snapped back with such force that the air escaped his lungs. Pain seared through his entire body, a dizzying haze enveloping his senses. Blood sprayed from his broken nose, coating his teeth and tongue, and his vision blurred as he flew back andnded hard, his body thudding against the ground.


    "Ouch... You are one tough motherfucker. I''ll give you that much, Pdin..." Ryamented, her eyes never leaving the Pdin, waiting for his wounds to heal.


    ''Alright... Let''s see what is going on inside of this creep,'' Rya thought as she brought the Seer Stone up to her eye and channeled her mana into it.


    As she gazed through her Seer Stone, her perception transformed entirely. The world around her faded into a pitch-ck void, leaving only Darius�� figure illuminated in stark contrast. It was as if she were peering into the very essence of his being, revealing the intricateyers hidden beneath his skin.


    What struck her first was the appearance of his mana vein. Unlike the vibrant hues she was ustomed to, Darius�� mana vein was a dull gray, amon-level vein. Yet, its development was more advanced than any she had encountered before due to every human and monster he''d yed. Although it wasparably modest in size, norger than Tayna''s Grand Master Mana Vein��who herself was neither a hunter nor a fighter��as she barely has killed anything at all to grow her mana vein.


    However, what was most striking was the fact that Darius was not channeling any of his own mana. Instead, he was utilizing the energy of the Divine Three, their divine power coursing through his veins and permeating his entire body in the most astonishing sight she had ever seen. A swirling mass of yellow mystery particles danced around, seemingly alive with energy. They drifted through his bloodstream, gravitating toward his face with purpose, only to dissolve into nothingness as they made contact with the wound. Each particle flickered like tiny stars, illuminating the shadows of his anatomy for just a moment before disappearing and leaving behind a pristine patch of skin, muscle, and bone.


    It was mesmerizing to behold, and she had no doubt that if Darius could harness the mana within his veins, he would be a formidable foe. However, his reliance on the gods made him vulnerable, which gave her an edge.


    ''So this idiot doesn''t have a strong mana vein, and this divine power is healing him... It looks like he is almost out of those divine particles,'' Rya observed. Just then, a brilliant yellow particle descended from the heavens, striking Darius. In an instant, his body was engulfed in a dazzling light, replenished with an overwhelming amount of yellow energy that was almost blinding.


    Rya blinked a few times to adjust to the brightness through her Seer Stone. ��Ah, so that��s the secret! No wonder you and your fellow pdins have never been defeated. You��ve got an endless supply of that glowing magic at your fingertips�� How adorable,�� she quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm.


    Darius'' neck popped back into ce as his broken bones mended themselves, and his bleeding stopped. It took him a moment to realize that Rya was looking up at the sky.


    ''What the hell is she doing? And what was she talking about?'' Darius thought as he struggled to his feet. His mind was hazy, and his body ached for a moment until the divine particles healed himpletely.


    "What''s wrong, you demon?"


    "I''m not a demon. I''m a dark elf, you dumbass..." Rya said as her attention returned to him. "I wonder if I can cut off this connection with these Gods?... I guess there''s only one way to find out, isn''t there?"


    Darius felt a surge of adrenaline as those words struck him. His eyes ignited with determination as he dashed toward her, his voice resolute, "My faith is unshakeable! Your feeble tricks are no match for my resolve, Demon!"


    <span>A slow smile spread across her lips, a sinister gleam in her eyes. Her hands moved rapidly, her fingers dancing in the air, weaving her spell. The space around her shimmered her mana ring, its energy filling the atmosphere.


    "Demon? That''s riching from the likes of you, who would kill innocent people just because they are a different race," Rya retorted before hitting the pdin with her fireballs and wind des.


    *BAM! BAM! BAM!*


    "Gah!" Darius was sent flying as the three elemental attacks hit him. His body smacked against the pce wall, leaving an indent in it. His body was smoking as he coughed up a few teeth.


    "You''re just as pathetic as your god is," Rya spat as she channeled her mana to her palm and created a blue fireball.


    Darius could feel the mes burning through his clothes and eating away at his flesh. His skin bubbled and blistered, melting into his armor.


    "Shut up! Shut the fuck up!" Darius unleashed a primal scream as a surge of divine energy coursed through him. He felt the miraculous wave of healing wash over his body; wounds closed, bruises faded, and the battered pieces of his armor reformed with a radiant gleam. In an awe-inspiring moment, his sword soared back into his graspjust as the blue mes flickered and finally extinguished. The air crackled with renewed vigor, igniting a fierce determination within him.


    "This ends here, monster," Darius stated as the divine light grew brighterand the particles danced around him.


    ''Okay... Enough toying around with this prick... I need to see how I can sever his link to the Gods... Maybe I should cut off his arms and legs first,'' Rya thought as her eyes glowed bright blue.


    Darius was covered in a golden glow, a surge of divine power surging through his veins, strengthening him once more. He was using so much energy that the nts around him started to wither, and the grass turned brown.


    When Rya saw the nts dying, it made her pissed as she could feel the nts'' pain as if it were her own.


    "So, your holy magic also kills thend... Why am I not surprised?" Rya asked rhetorically as her mana red throughout her body, a raging inferno ready to explode.


    Darius could see the dark elf''s aura pulsing, her mana ring with a fury, unlike anything he had ever witnessed before. There was something otherworldly about it, almost primal as if she were tapping into some ancient source of energy. It was both terrifying and exhrating at the same time.


    Darius let out a roar as he ran toward her. "Prepare to die, you Dark Elf SCUM<span>!"


    Rya''s eyes glowed even brighter, and her mana red. She was about to strike him with some more earth magic, but then her ears started to twitch. Out of nowhere, Rya stopped channeling her mana, and her fierce face morphed into one that looked frightened. She slowly started walking backward from the Pdin as if his Divinity was too much for her to bear��giving Darius a sense of victory.


    "So you finally understand you''re no match for me," Darius roared as he raised his sword, which was glowing a blinding golden light.


    "No! No, please stop!" Rya begged in a panic. The once powerful and intimidating dark elf now cowered before him, tears welling in her eyes and her voice trembling.


    Darius ignored her pleas<span><span> and lunged at her.


    "This is the end! HIYAH��"


    "YOU!!!" Roared the voice of Quinus as the Crown Prince saw the pdin bearing down on Rya. His golden eyes glowed furiously as his hair went on end.


    Before Darius had a chance to react, the Crown Prince materialized before him in an instant, his movements almost ethereal. With a swift, fluid motion, he sheathed his gleaming sword, the sound of metal sliding against leather echoing softly in the tense air, as if he had finished a battle that never even began.


    Darius tried to stop himself from running into the Prince, but his legs wouldn''t listen as time seemed to slow down. It wasn''t long before he noticed that he was falling towards the ground. That wasn''t a big deal as long as his arms would break his fall, but then his arms weren''t listening either. He swore he felt his shoulders moving his arms forward. as if to catch himself, but his arms never came into view as the ground wasing closer.


    ''W-What''s happening to me? My body isn''t responding to me?'' Darius wondered as his face was about to crash into the dirt, and when his nose smashed into the ground, it was as if time had sped up, and Darius fell to the ground with a thud, his face t on the grass. His arms and legs were cleaved off at the joints, and his guts were hanging out. He didn''t feel any pain, and then a secondter, his pain receptors finally started working, and his body felt like it was on fire.


    *SLASH!*


    *SLASH!*


    *CRACK!*


    *THUD!*


    *SPLAT!*


    Darius didn''t know what happened as his body parts flew off his body and onto the ground. All that was left intact was his head and upper torso. He didn''t feel the impact of the severed parts as his eyes stared nkly into the distance. He had a hard time understanding why his body parts were on the ground.


    ''What the hell happened to me?'' Darius wondered, his thoughts racing, the shock of what had transpired rendering him immobile.


    "Are you okay, my love?" the Crown Prince asked, his tone softening as he held Rya in his arms and fixed his gaze upon her face.


    "I... I''m fine," Rya replied, her voice shaky, her body trembling slightly. She was putting on an act as the other nobles wereing to the pce garden. She couldn''t let them see her as the fearsome dark elf; they needed to believe she was a weak, pitiful creature, a helpless victim of a ruthless pdin.


    "I was so scared..." Rya said in a pitiful tone as Duval showed up with the nobles and knights.


    The Prime Minister''s face turned pale as he saw Quinus taking down the pdin and hugging the very woman he was trying to prevent from entering the pce. All his ns to keep the Holy Alliance from finding out that a Dark Elf was in the pce were foiled, as all the nobles and knights had seen the entire fight between Quinus and Darius.


    Duval''s heart sank as his stomach twisted into knots. He knew this was a catastrophe of epic proportions, one that would surely have dire consequences for all of them.


    "Your Highness! Please stop! Don''t kill him," Duval pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion, "This is a grave misunderstanding!"


    Quinus gave Duval a death re that the Prime Minister had never seen before, "Misunderstanding? A misunderstanding is when you go to a bar and order a ss of wine and instead get a ss of whiskey. This is a far cry from a misunderstanding." He said before turning his attention to the fallen pdin, "I have half a mind to kill you here and now," Quinus dered, his eyes aze with fury, his voice cold and menacing.


    Duval didn''t know if he could stop Quinus from killing the pdin, and a part of him knew it didn''t matter as the inevitable was about to happen when Terenthiel and Zane arrived in the garden and saw their fellow pdin being dismembered.


    "What''s the meaning of this!?" Terenthiel roared at Quinus, his voice filled with outrage and his eyes zing with indignation.


    Prince Zane and the rest of the Fiafyrian nobles hade running when they heard themotion. They all watched in awe and some in <span>horror as the Crown Prince hacked and shed at the pdin''s body. Rya saw this as a moment toy the me on the Holy Alliance as a possible way to sow doubt in the minds of the Major Nobles who were siding with Terenthiel and the Divine Three.


    "Oh, Quin! The moment he discovered my race, his men descended upon me like wolves. It was a nightmare! I barely managed to fend off the two knights, but the pdin��he vowed to eradicate me simply for existing. I can''t express how grateful I am that you showed up when you did," Rya��s voice quivered, her eyes shimmering with tears that seemed heartbreakingly real. Yet, deep inside, she marveled at how skillfully she could conjure such emotion.


    ''Damn? I didn''t know I could turn on the waterworks like that! Maybe I could be an actor someday.''


    Hilda emerged from her hiding ce, her heart pounding as she witnessed the true, terrifying power of the Dark Elf, Rya. The fight had been sparked by Rya herself, and now she was spinning a fa?ade of innocence that sent shivers down Hilda��s spine. Memories flooded back of her half-sister, who had weaved simr webs of deceit to manipte their father, always managing to warp the truth and cast Hilda as the viin.


    Rya''s cunning reminded Hilda all too much of those painful days. The Dark Elf''s true aim was clear: she wanted to steal the heart of the Handsome Brave Prince, Quinus, whom she was orchestrated to wed. In that moment, Hilda''s fears of a loveless marriage evaporated, only to be reced by a fiery determination.


    As she watched Quinus rush to Rya��s side, concern etched across his handsome features, a pang of jealousy tugged at Hilda''s heart. How easily he fell for Rya��s charm,pletely unaware of the master maniptor''s wicked schemes unfolding before him. A surge of resolve coursed through Hilda��she would not allow Rya to ensnare him in darkness. It was time for her to step into the light and protect Quinus from the very threat that sought to twist his noble heart into a pawn for evil. If only she knew that Rya did love him.


    Hilda clenched her fists, ''No! She is just like my evil sister... And the prince is too kind-hearted to notice... I need to save him from her, or humanity will perish because of her. This harlot won''t win his heart... Not when the Divine Three have sent me... But how?''


    Quinus hugged Rya tightly, "You''re okay now, Rya... I won''t let anyone hurt you. I will protect you."


    Rya had a slight devious smile on her face that made Hilda want to vomit. ''If only Quinus knew that woman he was holding was a bloodthirsty monster. She''s not the person he thinks she is. She''s a lying witch!''


    Hilda felt a surge of anger bubbling within her as she watched the deceitful woman unt her arrogance. The temptation to march over and deliver a sharp p was nearly irresistible, yet she knew all too well the consequences of such an impulsive act. This Dark Elf wielded a power so formidable that even the Divine Ones'' Pdins, revered for their strength, would quiver in fear. Engaging her directly would be a reckless path, one that could very well lead to Hilda��s untimely demise. Instead, she resolved to channel her cleverness, outsmarting the Dark Elf rather than confronting her head-on. She would need every ounce of cunning at her disposal to free her Crown Prince from this evil woman''s clutches.


    Rya was blissfully unaware of Hilda''s internal struggle as she focused on the Pdin. She hugged Quinus back while peeking around him to see if Darius was going to die or if his divinity was going to save him again. She was thankful that she heard Quinus'' and everyone else''s footsteps before she took down this Pdin. As that would have given Duval his evidence, he needed to paint her as a monster and have her thrown into a dungeon or something worse. She could easily escape a normal dungeon, but she didn''t want to find out if they had specialized dungeons for holding mages.


    ''Few!... That was a close one... Can''t have these nobles looking at me in fear... Or it will make both our lives harder... Hold on?... You got to be kidding me.''


    Rya saw a third yellow particle descending from the heavens andnding on Darius'' torso as he slowly wormed his way over to his severed arms. His arms reattached themselves like mas snapping together, and then the rest of his body did the same. But it was far more disgusting to watch as it was like watching a pile of worms wiggling all over each other. It didn''t take long before the severed parts were fully attached to Darius'' torso, and the wound waspletely healed.


    ''This motherfucker is like Deadpool... Except he isn''t witty or funny... I will find a way to stop these weird particles from healing him... I just need some alone time with him when things settle down,'' Rya thought, a n already forming in her mind as arger crowd of people came into the garden.


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