《I Have Been Summoned as a Hero ...I Am a God Though》 Chapter 1 - A train ticket that will not be reimbursed. (+ illustrations) A train ticket that will not be reimbursed.
It was early in the morning, a young man in a suit was sitting on a bench while eating a croissant, his grey eyes were looking at the train station in front of him, as if he believed that act to be able to accelerate time. He was waiting the announcement of the departure of the train for Rome, one of the stops of his journey around the countries he believed had the best cuisines in the world and the stop that was the most important in his "vacation", not for the food by itself but because it was the place where he lived with the only person he ever loved, and the place where that person died. "Il treno per Roma Termini in partenza al binario 19" Hearing the announcement the man stood up whispering "Servius", the name of his old love, and started walking towards the station. He entered the building but, when he almost reached the platform, the world around him suddenly started to fade and soon only darkness was around him. (What''s happening now?) The man questioned himself as he floated in the never-ending darkness. A light appeared in front of him, and through that light he could see the inside of a dome-shaped room entirely made of marble with four wooden doors and no windows, the room was instead illuminated by small orbs placed on iron holders on the wall. In the room a man dressed as a noble during the medieval times was chanting something while men in full plate armor stood by the wall. (It looks like Im being summoned. There is something weird about these people though; those clothes should have been out of fashion on Earth for a while now.)This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The man used his power to slow down the process that was going on and used one of his abilities to see what was waiting for him on the other side of the light. What he saw was a world he had never seen, filled with what seemed to be monsters roaming around, various races other than humans living in cities and villages that resembled those of Earth of just some centuries ago, people using something that looked like magic and much, much more. The races seemed to have different cultures from one another but one thing was common to all of them: what seemed to be hate towards a certain person, all around the world paintings, statues, windows made of stained glass pictured her in atrocious activities or celebrated her death. (Weird I never heard of one of the Ethereals being summoned to another world. I might as well play a little prank on them for summoning me when I was going to visit the last place I shared with Servius.) While thinking so the man changed his appearance to match that of the so much hated figure: a young woman taller than most men, with bronzed skin, hair white like snow, one eye green as a forest under the noon sun and the other black as the sea during a moonless night, her body with perfect proportions would have made anyone who had not heard nor read about the legend fall in love with her instantly but there was no one in that world that had not heard about her and she was feared by every race in any part of the globe, even after many millennia from her death. Finally the suit he was wearing also changed and became a dark blue dress with silver ornaments that made it look like a starry sky, with high-heels shoes made of Ivory. Having finished her preparation she stopped interfering with the summoning process and was enveloped by a warm light as she appeared in the dome-shaped room she had seen before. When the light subsided the young woman was standing in front of the noble-looking man, smiling while staring at him. (Lets see how they react) The men in the room were shocked at the appearance of the woman in front of them and when the noble-looking man shouted Leliah?!" a man with a different armor than the other guards jumped in front of him. Its the archdemon Leliah! Everyone, protect the king!" When the man with a different armor said these words all the guards in the room drew their swords ready to attack the woman in front of them. Chapter 2 – First meeting with the king. Chapter 2 C First meeting with the king.
"Sheath your swords! It must be a coincidence, we don''t know the appearance of the people from the other world and Leliah has been dead for more than 3000 years, there is no way its her." Even while saying so the king never stopped looking at me while trembling a bit. (It seems that this man is a bit better than I thought, not letting himself be swayed too much by a tale.) "But! Your Majesty!" "I said to wait Gabriel! Or you can''t even follow the orders of your king now?" (Ok, I take it back, now theyre just shouting at each other to ease their fear.) "Please forgive my rudeness my king. With these words Gabriel sheathed his sword, but was still glaring at me with his hand on the hilt. When he saw that Gabriel obeyed his command the king took a big breath and straightened himself while looking at me with a wry smile and after a moment began to speak. "I am the king of the Holy Olivedias Kingdom, August Lucian Olivie. The place where we are now is the palace at the centre of Phosforia and Ive summoned you here to act as the hero of humanity in this time of need. You have to excuse the captain of my guards, your appearance is similar to the demon of an old story of our world, but I will put my trust in you for the time being, despite your appearance" (Wait a moment hero!? Ive been summoned to be a hero? Whats with this sudden demotion? And its obvious that he doesnt trust me, he started shaking again!) (Oh right hes probably waiting for my name. Aaaah! Its always been a pain dealing with kings, but I also kind of want to know more about this world so I think I will go along with this for a little bit. But I''ve been given many names on Earth but which should I use? Lakshmi? Tyche? Lamia? Well, I was going to visit Rome so...) "Its an honor to meet you King August, my name is Fortuna. I thank you for your trust, but may I ask exactly for what reason Im here?" I said while doing a small bow. "As I said, we called you to be the hope of humanity. The Demon King is leading his army against the other races and is steadily gaining territory every day; we can barely slow him down and need you to stop him for us." (What kind of overly used plot is this? Have I become the protagonist of a badly written novel?) I dont think I will be of any use against an army of demons with my ability though. (I could probably wipe them all off in an instant but I think I will keep the play going.) Do not worry, the people summoned as heroes are given a boost to their capacities and the ability to grow faster than any other human. Gabriel here, along with our court magician, will be in charge with your training, starting tomorrowUnauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. As the king said so the man in full plate armor at his side made a step forward, I tried looking at him using the special ability of my eyes and this came up:
Name: Gabriel Canturos Race: Human
Lvl: 63 Job: Knight
HP: 6953 MP: 1284 SP:2597
STR: 324 DEF: 412 AGI: 136
INT: 98 WIS: 86
Skills
Sword mastery lvl8 Polearm mastery lvl5 Hand to hand combat lvl4
Shield mastery lvl 7 Will of the knight Magic manipulation lvl 3
Sense danger lvl 5
Titles
The Sword of The King
(What''s this? It seems like the status window in one of those games that are popular now on Earth. Could it be that the ability of my eyes translates to this in this world?) I looked at myself out of curiosity and a status window similar to the one before popped out.
Name: Fortuna Race: Human (Incarnated God)
Lvl:1 Job: Hero
HP: 123 MP: 137 (#ERROR) SP: 109
STR: 104 DEF: 103 AGI: 106
INT: 105 (#ERROR) WIS: 104 (#ERROR)
Skills
Sword mastery lvl 1 Dagger mastery lvl 2 Hand to hand combat lvl2
Alchemy lvl 1 (Divinity [LOCKED]) Evasion lvl 2
Holy magic lvl 2 (lvl MAX) (Luck manipulation) (All matter manipulation)
(Parallel thinking lvl MAX) (Thought acceleration lvl MAX) (Divine teleportation)
(All seeing eyes)
Titles
(God of Luck and Chance)
Hero of Humanity
(My abilities really turned in a game-like status! Even techniques I learned in my previous lives appeared in the status. But whats the deal with these errors?) I am Gabriel Canturos, commander of the royal knights. I ask your forgiveness for my previous behavior (Oh right, we were doing this.) Dont let it bother you, for what I could grasp from your words it was a misunderstanding caused by my appearance. I look forward to training with you. Very well, now that we explained the situation one of our maids will show you the way to your room. Lucilla, come in. The moment the king finished talking a maid in a long, plain, brown dress entered the room and, even if she was startled by my appearance for a moment, she immediately regained her composure and bowed in the direction of the king. At your service, Your Majesty. (What a good maid, shes more composed than the king. Its a real pity that shes not wearing a maid dress though) Lucilla, show hero Fortuna the way to her room. Yes sire. Please hero Fortuna, follow me, I will accompany you to your room. After she said so to me with a light bow she started walking in the direction of the door she came from. Chapter 3 – The Pizza Palace and the Two Gods. Chapter 3 C The Pizza Palace and the Two Gods.
We walked through a hallway made of white marble with golden ornaments on the walls; it was a hallway that could be as big as those in the Palace of Versailles, on the left a series of windows that reached seven meters in height allowed the rays of the morning sun to hit the marble walls and on the right, every ten or so meters, you could see big wooden doors with beautiful floral carvings. Looking through the windows I could see that we were on the third floor and a garden enclosed in three parts of the palace could be seen. (That garden looks like a slice of pizza; I hope they have something like tomatoes here.) After walking for a while we arrived at the intersection at the end of the hallway and got to a curving hallway that seemed to be going all the way around. (It looks like this palace is actually made as a ring with hallways connecting it to the four doors of that dome-shaped room and the rooms underneath it; its completely different from the ones Im used too.) At the intersection we went right and, after a short while, the maid stopped in front of a door, opened it and went inside. The room we went inside was a large rectangular room of about sixty square meters, against one of the walls there was a king sized bed, on the other part of the room a big wardrobe covered all the wall, in the centre of the room there was a small table with three chairs and from the windows you could see the city outside: an enormous city with a circular shape and maze-like streets, with three stone walls, the innermost being on a hill, allowing the people in the palace to see everything from above. This will be your room for the time being, well soon bring clothes that will fit you for your wardrobe. If you need to use the toilet youll find it at the intersection we just passed, there is a plumping system inside the palace and the inner ring of the capital, so please flush after you use it. The bath is on the first floor, if you need it or for any other necessities please pull that string on the wall, a maid will immediately come. Lunch will be served to you here; in the afternoon you will be appraised with a truth stone to find out your abilities; in the evening there will be a party in the centre hall in the first floor and you will make your debut to the noble society of the capital. Lucilla said all in one go.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Its quite a tight schedule for my first day here. Im sorry but we need to know your abilities as soon as possible so that Lord Gabriel and Lady Raphael will be able to prepare the best training for you and the nobles would start a commotion if we kept the hero a secret and they were to find out. You will be left with the rest of the morning all for yourself; youre free to tour the palace and its gardens if you want to, I would gladly guide you. If there is anything you need please ask me. The look in her eyes told me that she was actually sorry and worried for me and wasnt just doing her job. (Shes also a good person not only a good maid. Im starting to like her.) There is nothing I really need right now, and I would prefer to stay here alone for a bit but may I ask you a question? Please do This city has a really particular shape, why is that? Phosforia was built by Saint Armand Olivie, the first king of the Olivedias Kingdom with the help of the Goddess of Light and is actually a city-wide magic circle that keeps strong monsters away, enhances the fertility of the fields around the capital and makes the water that flows in the canals of the capital always safe to drink. So thats why, its really an impressive city (But the fact that a god actually helped a man to this extent is weird.) Yes it is the pride of the kingdom. Do you have any other question? None for the moment. Very well, Ill leave you alone for the moment, I will return with lunch in a couple of hours. Call for me if you need help. Saying so with a smile Lucilla bowed and left the room. (I think I should know more about this world if Im going to live here) When she closed the door I took my shoes off and laid on the bed to meditate. While meditating I saw that this world consisted only of this planet, the plane of the gods of light and the plane of the gods of darkness. There were only two gods, one per plane. The sun, the stars and the two moons were actually spheres of pure magic circling the planet. Whats more the energy of the whole world, including all living beings and the two gods, was not even near a portion of mine (Is this a joke!? There are only two gods and with a ridiculously small amount of energy! No wonder the system gave an error when trying to display my magic power. Its even weirder considered that this world has laws of physics similar to that of Earth with only two gods. I should investigate this matter and, if needed, help them and make this world biggerbut its really troublesome and I was on a vacation. Well, I could enjoy this game-like world for a while and then help them when I feel like it. Yep, lets go with that.) I stopped meditating and started enjoying the view outside my window waiting for lunch. (I feel like a bored princess in a castle, hopefully the training will be fun. Wait! It wont be like a tutorial in a game right? I hate these. Well, joking aside I hope this day full of useless talks ends soon.) Chapter 4 – Showing Your Status Is Enough to Make a King Smile Apparently Chapter 4 C Showing Your Status Is Enough to Make a King Smile Apparently
Lunch came, it consisted of two entres, a boiled egg with the red replaced with grounded and spiced meat and then grated on top of it and a small salad with two grilled fishes on top that looked like sardines with only oil and salt as dressing, a vegetable soup cooked au gratin and finally a steak sprinkled with spices that tasted a lot like horse meat, everything was accompanied by bread. It was really good, as expected of a royal palace. After lunch the maid Lucilla guided me to a room on the first floor. Please enter; I will wait for you here After Lucilla said so I entered the room and found King August with Gabriel and an old woman I didnt know waiting for me around a white crystal placed on the floor that reached to my waist. Gabriel started glaring at me as soon as I entered the room, the king was still shaking a bit and the old woman was visibly shocked for a moment before regaining her composure and putting on an emotionless face. Hero Fortuna thank you for coming here. I would like to introduce you to our court magician Lady Raphael Millian When the king said so the old woman took a step forward and made light bow while keeping her expressionless face. Its a pleasure to meet you Hero Fortuna. The pleasure is all mine Lady Raphael. I imitated her bow while talking with a smile. After we introduced ourselves Lady Raphael stepped back and let the king, who was still shaking a bit, do the talking. Have you started to adapt to your new residence? (Are you trying to make me or yourself at ease? Seriously stop shaking!) Yes, for what Ive seen this is really a beautiful Palace and your chefs sure know how to prepare an exquisite lunch. Im glad you liked it. As I think Lucilla already told you we would like to appraise your abilities with this truth stone if you are willing to let us do so. As he said so the king had a more and more worried look every word he spoke.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Yes of course, I dont have any reason to refuse. The king, visibly relieved from my words, looked in the direction of Lady Raphael who nodded at him. Please then, place your hand on this crystal At the words of the king I went near the crystal and placed my hand on it, as I did so it started shining and after a moment a status window, similar to the one I could see with the ability of my eyes, appeared floating in mid-air. |
Name: Fortuna Race: Human
Lvl:1 Job: Hero
HP: 123 MP: 137 SP: 109
STR: 104 DEF: 103 AGI: 106
INT: 105 WIS: 104
Skills
Sword mastery lvl 1 Dagger mastery lvl 2 Hand to hand combat lvl2
Alchemy lvl 1 Evasion lvl 2 Holy magic lvl 2
Titles
Hero of Humanity
The three read my status and as soon as they finished a smile bloomed on their faces. Shes already more skilled than some of our soldiers. And she already knows holy magic, it was probably gifted to her by the goddess, but with this it will be much easier for me to teach her magic. After Gabriel and Raphael commented on my status the king looked at me, his overjoyed face was in great contrast with his shaking of just a few minutes ago. Hero Fortuna, with this there can be no doubt that you really are our hero, I hope you are willing to lend us your help in this fight Yes Your Majesty, even though I am from another world Im still a human, if you say that without my intervention the people of this world will perish I cant really turn a blind eye on this matter. I hope I will be of use. After saying so I made a light bow, which made the king even happier. (This will be so fun! Its been more than a thousand years since the last time I got to exercise, give me a sword already!) I really thank you for your understanding; if you ever need anything feel free to ask me with no reserve, I will do anything in my powers for you As soon as he finished talking the king bowed his head to me and seeing him do so Raphael and Gabriel also bowed their head. Thank you sire, but you shouldnt bow your head to me; Ive still done nothing to prove my worth At my words the king stopped bowing, soon followed by the other two. No, I am sure you will do great things. Now that we have finished with this matter our maid will help you choose a dress for this evening party. While talking we went out of the room, where Lucilla, seeing the relaxed look on the face of the king bloomed into a smile but soon regained her composure. Yes sire, I look forward to the party held by you. I bowed one last time before turning to Lucilla who guided me back to my room. Extra – Status Explanation Extra C Status Explanation
While walking inside the castle I decided to check on myself with the ability of my eyes more accurately. | | Name: Fortuna Race: Human (Incarnated God) {a god in a human vessel; gods of light have a racial weakness to the darkness attribute, gods of darkness have a racial weakness to the holy attribute} Lvl:1 {indicates level, when an opponent is defeated level might increase, increase in level comports an increase in status values} Job{indicates job, certain abilities can only be learned by people with a specific job}: Hero {Able to learn all combat and magic skills that can be learned by a human, stats grow evenly when level up occurs} HP:123 {health points, when value=0 death occurs} MP: 137 (#ERROR) {magic power, consumed when magic is used, when value=0 it becomes impossible to use magic, fainting might occur} SP: 109 {stamina points, certain actions may cause depletion, when value=0 fatigue occurs} STR: 104 {strength, indicates the strength and attack power when the body is in its best condition} DEF: 103 {defense, indicates resistance to physical damage} AGI: 106 {agility, indicates the reflex speed and movement speed of the body in its best conditions} INT: 105 (#ERROR) {intelligence, indicates the power of the spells used} WIS: 104 (#ERROR) {wisdom, indicates resistance to magic attacks} A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Skills Sword mastery lvl 1 {the ability to fight with a sword; consumes SP while in use} Dagger mastery lvl 2 {the ability to fight with a dagger; consumes SP while in use} Hand to hand combat lvl2 {the ability to fight unarmed; consumes SP while in use} Alchemy lvl 1 {the ability to compound poisons and potions} (Divinity [LOCKED]) {the intrinsic characteristic of a god that allows to rule over the universe; locked when in a mortal vessel, unlocking will cause strain on the mortal vessel, unlocking over 0.1% will cause death of mortal vessel; when locked all abilities connected to it are greatly weakened and undetectable by anyone except for gods of an equal or higher standing and their oracles; allows contracting with an oracle} Evasion lvl 2 {the ability to evade incoming attacks; consumes SP when used} Holy magic lvl 2 (lvl MAX) {the magic that governs over light and healing; effective against creatures with a darkness attribute; humans may achieve up to lvl 4, contracted oracles may achieve up to lvl 7, gods may achieve up to lvl MAX; consumes MP when used} (Luck manipulation) {The ability to manipulate luck; unique to gods that rule over luck; consumes MP when used} (All matter manipulation) {the ability to manipulate matter in all of its forms and at any level; unique to the gods that rule over creation and destructions, the gods that rule over magic and the gods that rule over luck; may work in conjunction with divine teleportation; consumes MP when used} (Parallel thinking lvl MAX) {the ability to think about different things at the same time; human brain can tolerate up to lvl 2; allows multiple magic invocations, the number of spells that can be used at the same time depends on level} (Thought acceleration lvl MAX) {the ability to think faster than an average human; human brain can tolerate up to lvl 2; allows chantless magic invocation} (Divine teleportation) {the ability to teleport anything anywhere, no matter weight, volume nor distance; ; unique to the gods that rule over creation and destructions, the gods that rule over magic and the gods that rule over luck; needed for (All matter manipulation) in the case of a god that rules over luck; consumes MP when used} (All seeing eyes) {the ability of a god to see everything everywhere and grasp the truth of all that is seen; when in a mortal vessel meditating is needed to see what is outside the field of vision; the amount of information received varies accordingly to the users wishes} Titles (God of luck and chance) {title unique to the high ethereal that rules over luck and chance in the universe Fate, one of the five major gods of light of the universe Fate; in contraposition with (God of misfortune), title unique to the high abyssal that rules over luck in the universe Fate; enables all abilities unique to gods that rule over luck; cant be removed} Hero of humanity {title given to a person who traveled between worlds in answer to a call for help by humanity; allows comprehension of all languages; gives a +100 boost to status; abilities are learned up to 10x faster than average; status increase up to 10x normal increase when level up occurs; level up occurs with an higher frequency} | | (Oh that hero title is really a cheat. Will I be able to cut through stone walls with a wooden sword in no time? No well, it is a fantasy-like world but its still reality, nothing as dumb as that can really happen.) Chapter 5 - The Queen Chapter 5- The Queen
When we arrived at my room four other maids were waiting for us with a multitude of dresses, most of which were composed of a gown with a matching petticoat. The maids seeing me for the first time all had a complex look on their faces but with just a nod of Lucilla they all regained their composure. (Just how important is this maid inside this palace?) After she made sure there was no problem Lucilla left and the maids started showing me the dresses one after another but the ones that hit my eye were only two: one was red with black ornaments while the other one was green with a pattern that looked like the eyes on a peacocks tail going all around the petticoat. (The red one is obviously the best-looking one but the people that will attend the party probably dont know how I look yet and if I were to appear in front of them with a red and black dress I might cause some heart attacks. The green one really puts ones mind at ease if I have to say so; Ill go with that this time.) The maids helped me wearing the green dress after I told them it was the one I was going to wear and, while I was going around the room to feel how comfortable the dress was, which of course wasnt at all, Lucilla returned. Hero Fortuna, if you have finished changing, Her Majesty the queen would like to meet you before the party. Yes, of course, please lead the way. We left my room and went on the second floor, when we reached a door that looked like the others to me Lucilla stopped and knocked. Your Majesty, Ive brought Hero Fortuna. Come in. At the words of the queen Lucilla opened the door and gestured me to enter. When I entered I saw a woman in her forties, with a blue and black dress, sitting on a sofa in front of a coffee table, on top of the coffee table there where two mugs full of something that smelled like tea. You must be Hero Fortuna, we havent met yet, but as our maid must have said to you I am the queen of Olivedias Kingdom, Zillya Deae Carian. Its an honor to meet you Queen Zillya. Saying so I bowed while holding my dress. Please sit, and dont be so stiff. At the words of the queen I sat on the sofa on the other side of the table, as to be in front of her and [looked] at her.
Name: Zillya Deae Carian Race: Human
Lvl: 41 Job: Queen
HP: 3258 MP: 2367 SP: 1014
STR: 189 DEF: 176 AGI: 243
INT: 195 WIS: 194
Skills
Dagger mastery lvl 5 Alchemy lvl5 Hand to hand combat lvl3
Torture techniques lvl 6 Keen hearing lvl3 Poison resistance lvl 3
Stealth lvl 4 Shadow magic lvl 3 Lie detection lvl 2
Titles
Shadow Queen
(What the fuck is this! Is she really the queen? Well, the job is listed as queen so she must be. But this is not what the status of a queen should look like!) I actually wanted to ask you a couple of things Fortuna, if it doesnt bother you of course. Please, feel free to ask me anything. Very well, then. My husband should have told you already that your appearance is the same of a demon that is described in a legend of our world, no one, except for her, ever had that appearance in the history of this world. Why then do you think he didnt let Gabriel kill you the moment they saw you? I really dont know. Its because of the hero summoning ritual conditions. The conditions?Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. You see, the hero summoning can only be done once every ten years, but it is made so that the person who is summoned would be willing to accept to be the hero, to a certain extent. Specifically it has three conditions: first the summoned person must be loved by the light, this means that he would be able to use holy magic but also that it is in his heart to help people in need; second he must have some kind of combat experience, with priority given to those who have experienced killing; finally the summoned person must have no attachment to the people of his world. (Ohiohiohi, these conditions are almost impossible to have at the same time in a normal person! If I, a god of light who was incarnated tens of times throughout history who doesnt care strongly for any person alive, wasnt on Earth, would they have managed to summon someone?) I was looking at the queen bewildered. When I heard the conditions the first time I too was really surprised and thought that no one could really satisfy all three of them, but the summoning was a success and you appeared in the centre of that magic circle. Whats more you accepted immediately the role of hero, without showing discontent and following all our instruction. There isnt a single person in his sane mind who would do this. So it begs the question. Who are you really, and what is your goal? Dont lie because I will immediately know if you do so. When the queen finished talking I sighed, closed my eyes and had a deep breath. Seeing all this, the queen didnt say a thing, probably thinking that I was just preparing an answer for her, instead I started meditating and [looked] around the castle: around the room there were no guards and even Lucilla had left. (Probably the queen was told what the truth stone detected and had enough confidence in her abilities to request to be left alone.) I kept [looking] around the castle until I found what seemed to be the private chamber of the queen, in the room I found a hidden locked box and [looking] inside I saw various documents that shouldnt really be there. (Okay, this should be enough to stop her from meddling in my vacation here.) I opened my eyes, the queen was there, smiling, waiting for my answer. I would prefer if you didnt meddle too much in my businesses, Your Majesty The smile on the face of the queen quickly disappeared but soon returned, it wasnt the warm smile she had before though, but a cold smile that could send shivers down anyones back. I think I did not get what you just said, it seemed like you said I shouldnt meddle with your business, but that cant be right. Oh no, I said exactly that Saying so, I sipped from the mug in front of me and smiled to the queen. Dont fuck with me! You will explain yourself here and now! She shouted while standing, the smile she wore before was nowhere to be seen. (Oooh, shes angry!) Please Your Majesty, calm down; I just dont want to be bothered. I think I dont want it almost as much as you dont want the other nations to find out youre abducting demi-humans from the border to make them into disposable soldiers against the demon army. The queens face went blank and she fell down on the couch as I took another sip from the mug. (Wow, this is really good, I should ask Lucilla what its made from.) I dont know how you got that information but I cant let you live now that you know such things. As soon as she finished talking she took a dagger out of her dress and got up from the sofa, he face now expressionless, ready to kill me. Soon her face went blank again, seeing that her arm, with dagger, rings and everything was now in my hand and no longer attached to her shoulder. She looked at where her arm was, just to see nothing there but blood gushing out. (I tried out of curiosity but I didnt think I would actually manage to teleport it away with my divinity locked.) Id rather you didnt try to kill me if you dont want the next one to be your heart instead of your arm. How!? I saw the report of your status, it was just a bit over that of a common soldier! Who the fuck are you!? Dont tell me you actually areLeliah? Her face was now full of terror as she crouched down on the floor while holding her shoulder, trying to stop the blood that was still flowing out. (How many times can this woman change expression in just a few minutes! Its astonishing. Anyway, I should clean this mess up before it becomes even worse.) Stop with this shit, Im not your archdemon. Hear me out, if you stop meddling with me I will return this arm to the place it belongs, almost as if nothing happened, also I wont speak about your behind-the-scene deeds to no one but if you just try to speak of what happened here today or you interfere with my having fun I will kill you so fast you wont even realize you died. Do we have a deal? I said, tapping my shoulder with the severed arm. (Oh shit, the dagger fell, where did it go now?) Fuck you! No, no, no. Its of course I accept, say it after me. Of and she spit on me, her face was now the image of anger itself. I hit her with her arm. Of Screw you! I hit her again. Of You fucking cunt, I will kill you with my own hands! (She probably meant hand, singular.) Aaaah, this is getting nowhere, and I really wanted to do all this hero stuff. Why the hell did you have to ruin everything! Look, there is even blood in my tea now, and it was so good. Hear me out, you will now agree to the deal, it will be as if this never happened and I will save this countrys ass from the demons, OK? Why should I after all this? Because you can detect lies and if you dont agree I will hit you with your husbands and your sons heads next instead of your arm. You psychopath! Answer me. I agree to the deal. She said looking at me still angry. Good. I teleported the arm back where it was meant to be along with most of the blood she lost, which made the queen bewildered. Who are you to be able to do such a thing?! Ah ah ah, no questions. right. She said biting her lips. Well then, if this was everything you needed for me, I would like to go to my room until the party, Your Majesty. Yes, you are free to go. At the words of the queen I went out of the room and started walking towards my room. While walking I found myself in front of Lucilla who was returning to the room where I had the talk with the queen. Hero Fortuna how was your talk with the queen? Oh, we just drank some kind of infusion and had a natter. I see, a natter Leaving Lucilla, who froze with a troubled look on her face, behind I started walking towards my room again. Chapter 6 – Party at King’s Chapter 6 C Party at Kings
The sun had already set when I heard a knock on the door. Hero Fortuna, its me, Lucilla. The party is going to start soon; if youre ready Ill accompany you to the hall I went to the door and opened it. Yes, lets go. I followed Lucilla to a dimly lit small room at the end of a hallway on the second floor; there I saw the king, who was still smiling from the status reading with the truth stone, the queen, who was trying her best to smile, and two butlers who were standing near a double door on the other side of the room, from which music could be heard coming. (I thought that the party would be held on the first floor.) Hero Fortuna, my wife and I will go into the dancing hall first, you will enter afterwards when it will be told you by our butlers. Yes, Your Majesty. One of the butlers gave a light knock on the door and the music stopped. As soon as the hall on the other side of the door was quiet someone in the hall, who was probably near the door, started talking. Ladies and Lords, Their Most Gracious Majesties, King August Lucian Olivie and Queen Zillya Deae Carian. As soon as the man on the other side of the door stopped talking the two butlers started opening the door, letting the light of the magic tools in the dancing hall enter the room that was dimly lit by candles, what appeared on the other side of the door wasnt the floor of the hall but a balcony with stairs that went down, with the halls floor in front of it on the lower floor. When the door finished opening the king and the queen went out on the balcony and, when they reached the railing, an applause could be heard in the hall but with a single gesture of the king everything went quiet again. People of Olivedias Kingdom, many times the demons have tried to invade us and until now we could only struggle to keep our defenses against the inhuman strength of their soldier, but now its time for us humans to stop this war! My people! The summoning ritual has succeeded and I called you here to present you our hero! Fortuna! When the king finished talking a roaring applause exploded in the hall, many times louder than the one before. The butler on the right side of the door gestured me to go to the balcony. (I wonder if they already told about my appearance to the guests.) I reached the railing. Everything froze. (YeahI guess they didnt. Oh! That guy over there just fainted.) Ladies and Lords who have come to welcome me tonight in this world, I thank you. Today I accepted the role of hero in front of His Majesty King August. Tonight, here, in front of all of you, I want to declare my intentions again. I will fight against the army of demons for humanity! The people in the hall now had regained some of their composure and here and there cheers could be heard, meanwhile behind me I could hear the king saying Shes really good at this. When the few cheers stopped I resumed my speech. Their Majesties have told me that my appearance is similar to that of someone who once brought destruction to your world, archdemon Leliah. At my last words everything froze again. (Oh that girl spilled water over her petticoatoh wait, she doesnt have a glassand now shes running away crying. Poor girl.) But I can assure you, and so can His Majesty the king, Lady Raphael and Lord Gabriel who have read trough my abilities with a truth stone, that I have no connection to her whatsoever and that my intention to help humanity in this time of need is real. Hearing that three of the most prominent figures of the Kingdom had seen my status and could testify for me everyone finally calmed down and, at the end of my speech a thunderous applause roared through the hall. While the people where still clapping their hands the royal couple started walking down the stairs that went to the floor of the dancing hall, followed by me. Meanwhile the music, which resemble that of Earth in the Baroque period, started again and butlers started walking through the hall while holding big trays full of bite-sized pieces of food and glasses containing either water or a crimson red beverage. When we finally got down the stairs the king faced me, while the queen walked away to talk to some noble women. Please, come with me Hero Fortuna, there are some people I would like to introduce you to. Yes, Your Majesty. I walked after the king towards two men who were talking to each other. One was almost two meters tall, appearing to be in his late forties, with some white hair starting to appear on his head; the other one was visibly younger, probably in his early twenties and was around one meter and eighty cm tall. When we got near them the tall man stopped talking and turned towards the king.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Oh! August! You could have told me sooner about this lady here, I almost run up the stairs to attack her when I saw her; I was really worried that my lovely sister might get hurt you know? Shut up Besalel, we both know that Zillya is much better than you at fighting. Says the one who got beaten to a pulp after he was found in bed with another woman. It was you who made me drink that night! You should have gotten your share of punishment too! Dont worryI had. Ohsorry. The king and the man who appeared to be his brother in law had now a gloomy appearance while staring at the floor. (Whats with this guy, dont appear and make the royal family into somewhat interesting characters all of a sudden!) Anyway, Hero Fortuna, this man is Duke Besalel Carian, head of the Carian household, head of our intelligence, my brother in law and a completely useless man when compared to my wife; while this young man here is my first son, Alexander. When the king finished introducing them both Duke Besalel and Prince Alexander, who still hadnt spoke a word, made a light bow with their hands placed on their chests, to which I responded with a bow myself. Unfortunately my two other sons couldnt be present tonight as they are living in Academy City. Please dont let it bother you; Im sure I will be able to meet them in the future. Well then Besalel, I will leave Hero Fortuna in your care as I still have lots of talks to do. Good luck, and try not to get stuck with Count Achar. Dont even mention him. After the two brothers in law finished talking I was left alone with the duke and the prince. The king certainly acts in a really different manner with you , Duke Besalel. I said, looking at the duke. Well, we go way back. Probably Zillya, his own sons and I are the only people he can still act like that around. When he talks with anyone else he has those stiff, kingly manners that dont really suit him; at least in my opinion. I can really imagine what he told you when you met the first time Oh Hero, pleas be the hope of humanity and save us from the demons or something like that. He certainly did say so. I said with a small laugh. I cant really imagine someone to immediately accept to something like that. Oh well, I thought it could be fun and I didnt really have a reason to refuse. How can you say something like that about such a serious matter? Said the prince, who had been quietly listening until now, while looking at me with a kind of disgusted expression. Now, now, Alexander, as long as we have a hero willing to help us it doesnt really matter what their reasons are, does it? But uncle, how can you say so when someone says theyll be a hero for fun! Would have you preferred she refused? Certainly not but Then there is no problem with it. I really cant get you. And with that the prince angrily went away. After the prince left the duke made a sign to the band, then turned to me as the music changed to a dance in 3/4 really similar to waltz. Im sorry for the behavior of my nephew; he really doesnt understand what he should say in front of a lady Oh, this is the first time today someone has called me lady instead of hero. You dont seem to be bothered by it though. You see, I think the role of a noble lady fits me well. Then may I have the honor of this dance Mihero? He said, offering me his left hand while smiling. I may be a bit inexperienced, but please bear with it. I smiled while accepting his hand and getting closer to him to place my left hand on his shoulder, as he placed his right one on my back. We waited the right moment and when it came he advanced with his left foot while I went backwards with my right one. We danced for what could have been a couple of minutes, then Besalel got closer to me, his face now just a few centimeters from mine. I think you said you were an inexperienced dancer. He said in a really low voice, almost a whisper. I really am, maybe I am a natural talent. I answered, almost whispering myself. That may be true. Do you know what I really like about dancing? We did a reverse pivot. No, what might it be? The fact that people give you the space to dance and cant get what you are talking about while you are dancing. So you noticed her stares. Yes, the fact that Zillya has been looking your way all this time with that worried look is quite a serious matter for me. And why might it be? We did another pivot. You see, she is really good at understanding people, good enough that, coupled with her fighting abilities, she could have been the houses head instead of me if August had not asked her hand. What an amazing sister you have. Exactly because she is that amazing it is quite worrisome that she is behaving this way. You see, if she considered you a threat during your meeting today she would have already killed you, if you were a person that could be trusted she would instead happily help and support you. Considering how neither of the two is true, seen her behavior, it means that either she wasnt able to understand what kind of person you are or she considers you a threat but cant kill you for some reason. For the moment I will support her decision, but if you ever try to harm my family or this nation I will make you regret the day you were born. (Well I directly incarnated this time around so I technically never born.) I chuckled a little, which made Besalel a bit upset. Do you find it funny? No, sorry, I just remembered something. I promise you I will not do any harm towards this country. And my family. Well, I cant really swear I wont slap Prince Alexander one of these days. Duke Besalel stared at me for a moment and then burst into laughter. Well, there are times he might need some discipline. I will believe in you for now Hero Fortuna. Thank you Duke Besalel. The waltz-like song stopped that moment and with it our dance. You must be thirsty, would you like a glass of vilam? He said while taking two glasses from the tray of a butler. May I ask what kind of beverage it is? Oh right, I almost forgot you are from another world. It is the fermented juice of a bright red fruit called capui. Ill gladly accept then. I said while receiving my glass from him. While I was taking my first sip of vilam, which had a bit acidic, tannic and refreshing taste, the king came to us again. Hero Fortuna you really are an amazing dancer. Thank you Your Majesty. If you have finished talking with Duke Besalel I would like to introduce you to other nobles of our kingdom. Go ahead August; I cant monopolize her all the night after all. After he said so Besalel made a light bow towards me and left. After that I had to talk with a multitude of nobles about trivial things for hours, especially with Count Achar who apparently doesnt know when to stop talking, for hours and when the party came to an end it was already late at night. Extra - Bath Talks Extra C Bath talks
I was walking next to Lucilla, who was holding a candle, in the hallways of the palace, after the party. We finally reached my room and she turned to look at me. Here we are, is there anything you need? Actually, I would like to take a bath before going to sleep. Yes, I will go and make it prepared. Anything else? I would also like something to drink while bathing too, if it isnt a problem. It is no problem at all, is a digestif bitter good? Perfect. Very well. I will call you as soon as everything ready Thank you Saying so I entered my room while Lucilla walked away down the hallway. After about half an hour she came and guided me to the bathroom. When I entered what I saw was a bath big enough for thirty or more people to bathe in it. (This shit is a pool! I dont really want to have a bath in there by myself.) Lucilla, would you like to enter with me? Im sorry but it wouldnt be appropriate for a maid to bathe in the royal bath. (MhhI need a reason to make her stay. Oh right!) Its just that having arrived only today I still know nothing about this world, so I was thinking of asking you a few things and drinking is more fun in company. Im sorry but it cant be done. Come on, I cant live in a world I dont know anything about and if you explain about it to me now I wont have to waste Lord Gabriel and Lady Raphaels time, and besides you arent just a maid, am I right? Who are you? The head maid or maybe the daughter of some noble? Im also curious about that. Fine, but only tonight. And by the way, I am a commoner, not the daughter of some noble. Fine, fine. Is it okay to put the used clothes there? I said while pointing to a shelf next to one with clean night clothes on it. Yes, please. I went to the shelf and started undressing, Lucilla went to the other side of the room and I could hear her taking off her clothes while I was fighting with my complicated dress. Do you need help? No, no. I can do this. After a couple of minutes of struggling I was able to take off my clothes and I turned, there I saw Lucilla, who was completely naked, her brown hair which she kept tied up all day were now falling on her back and her breasts, her body slim but healthy and beautiful, staring at me with her brown eyes. (That plain dress really doesnt bring justice to this girl.) Beautiful She murmured, still looking at me. I walked up to her and, before she could react I placed my hand on her back, brought her close to me and gave her a passionate kiss. So are you, dear. I said her after I kissed her. She stared at me completely shocked. Pff..pffahahaha. I burst into laughter. You should see your face! Please. Dont. Do. It. Ever. Again. She said with a very serious face. Come on it was a joke, I swear.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Fine, lets enter the bath before I regret this. I entered the bath, soon followed by Lucilla after she placed a bottle and two small cups on a wooden board to let them float on the water. We sat next to each other in the bath with the wooden board between us. So, what would you like to know? Asked me Lucilla as she was pouring a bit of bitter in the cups. I dont really know where to start from. How long is a year? How many countries are there? How big are they? Are there other races other than humans and demons? What are they like? I could ask tons of questions. She passed me my cup. Well, first of all a year is made of three hundred and sixty days, divided in four season, each season being characterized by which of the two moons appears in the sky: the first season is Sel, the season of the biggest moon, also called Sel; the second is Dis, the season in which both moons are up in the sky and also the hottest; the third season is Nen, the season of the smaller moon which has the same name as the season; finally is Nott, the season with no moon, which has the darkest nights and is also the coldest. Every season is then divided in three months and each month is made of five weeks of six days. Next issincerely I dont know how to continue as those are all things that are considered common knowledge so its quite difficult to choose. Then I think the thing that is bugging me the most is that Queen Zillya told me no one ever had my appearance except from Leliah but why is it so? If she was a demon shouldnt other demons also have a similar appearance to hers? Lucilla took a sip of liquor and started talking. Actually only us humans call her archdemon, other races usually call her simply the destroyer. No one really knows what her race was, nor where she came from. Wait, how can it be that nobody knows? You see, in this world only humans and dwarves can have bronzed skin, only the ice-wolf and rabbit beastmen have white hair while black eyes are a characteristic of demons and green eyes of elves, but only lizardmen and the sea people have been seen with eyes of different colors. Couldnt she be a very rare hybrid of all these races? No, thats impossible. Why? Because, except for half lizardmen-half sea person or hybrids of different beastmen tribes, halfs cant have children, so someone with all these particular traits cant be born. Oh, I seethere certainly are a lot of races in this world though. We both had finished the liquor in our cups and Lucilla refilled them before starting speaking again. Why? How many races are there in your world? Only one, humans. Whaaat!? Lucilla jumped up screaming while I caught the wooden board with the bottle on top, then she leaned over me as water was dripping from her hair and breasts. She soon realized her gesture and immediately sat back where she was before, her cheeks red from embarrassment. Im sorry for my behavior. Dont worry; the liquor didnt spill so its alright. I said, putting the board back on the water. A whole world only for humansit would really be a dream come true. She said with a dreamy look in her eyes. Do you really think so? Yes, why? How many countries are there in this world? Ten, if you dont count Academy City. In my world there were almost two hundred countries, many were born after thousands of years of war, others were luckier but there is no country that never saw war. Buthow can it be? Sincerely I dont know how there can be only ten countries in this world, dont they wage war to each other? Dont rebellions and civil wars happen in these countries? Wellapart from the Holy Olivedias Kingdom and the Demon Country all other nations are at relative peace, the last war that didnt involve demons happened four hundred years ago between the Gredum Empire and the Holy Kingdom. Wait, wait. First explain which are these countries and where they are or I cant follow you. Ah! Right! Then Ill explain it to you. She filled the cups that went empty again and put on a serious expression. Well then, there are only two known continents, Kilis, which is where we are now, and Hicracones, also known as the land of monsters, where no one but monsters that are much stronger than those that live in Kilis lives. Kilis could be said to have the shape of a sitting bear, with the head being the Demon Country; the neck being formed by the great mountain, under which is the dwarven kingdom Tureg, and the crater which forms the Armored Dukedom, part of the Holy Olivedias Kingdom; the torso and the arms of the bear are the Holy Olivedias Kingdom, the country of the humans; in the hands there is Lacet, the frozen country of the ice-wolf beastmen; south of the Holy Kingdom there are the country of the lizardmen, Astall, which is mostly composed of swamps, the great desert and country of the sand-cats beastmen Sithar and the Gredum Empire, which is part of the back, the butt and part of the leg of the bear and is the most multicultural country. Lucilla stopped for a moment to take a breath and a sip of liquor. Between the Holy Kingdom and the Empire there is Academy City, which was created after the war as a symbol of peace; in the other part of the leg of the bear there is the Lipan plutocracy, also known as the country of merchants; the foot is the forest country Tae, home of the elves; finally between the hand and the foot there is Tlig, a country which is composed of three great islands and many smaller ones which are the home of the sea-people. I seenow I know why there are almost no wars in this world. What do you mean? Its thanks to the existence of many races, particularly its thanks to the demons. How can it be thanks to the demons when they are the ones that wage war against us the most? I will explain it to you the next time we have a bath. I said while getting up and going out of the bath. Lucilla got up too, taking the wooden board, the bottle and the cups. I said this would be the only time we bathe together. Then you will have to think about it yourself. Youre mean. I am also a bit drunk, so I will go to sleep now." I started drying myself with a cloth and then dressed for the night, while Lucilla was sulking. She didnt talk to me until we got to my room, where she simply said me Good night. Extra - Map This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Chapter 7 – First Day of Training [Part 1] Chapter 7 C First Day of Training [Part 1]
I woke up to the sound of someone knocking on the door of my room. Hero Fortuna, its Lucilla. Are you awake? Ive brought you breakfast. I stretched a bit while yawning. Yes, Im awake. Please, come in. She opened the door end entered with a food trolley covered with an array of different foods. We didnt know what you would have liked for breakfast so we made a bit of everything that came to mind, feel free to choose anything you like. Then Id like some of that bread with eggs and some of these round sweets. I said while pointing at a plate with salty french toasts on top and then to a tray filled with sweets of different kinds. She took an empty tray and placed the plate with the french toasts and some sweets on it, then passed it to me, who was still in bed. (Having breakfast served to you while youre still in bed by a beautiful maid, is this heaven? No wait, its not...) I ate the French toasts which, apart from being a bit spicy, were completely normal salty french toasts but then I tasted the sweets. (This is! Sugar of Saturn! How nostalgic. Well, they didnt really use it to make sweets like these but still) Hey Lucilla, what kind of sweetener is used for these sweets? It should be boiled capui juice, why? Its really good. I said while smiling at the sweet in my hand like an idiot. Really? Personally I prefer honey. Would it be possible to have these every morning? Maybe with something salty to eat before them, I live the choice to you about this. Yes, of course. Thank you. I finished eating and got out of bed. Lucilla in the meantime went to the wardrobe and started looking for clothes for me. Lord Gabriel is waiting for you at the training ground near the palace, he asked that you would dress in easy to move in clothes and go there. I will lead you there, naturally. She said, while passing me a pair of long brown cotton pants, a white shirt and a pair of leather boots. Oh, alright. I put on the clothes Lucilla gave me, they were much easier to wear and much more comfortable than that dress I had to wear the night before. If you are ready I will guide you to the training grounds. Wait a moment. What is it? Well, I just got up and still havent gone to the toilet. I may be a summoned hero but I am still a human. Oh, right. Sorry. Dont worry. Ill be back in a moment then. When I got out of the toilet Lucilla was waiting for me in the hallway. Shell we go then? Yes, Im ready. We walked out of the palace and after a few hundred meters we arrived at outer walls of the training grounds. Well then, here we are, these are the training grounds. Im sorry but I wont be able to stay here during your training, I will come again at lunch time. (I hope Gabriel remembered to tell these guys about me.) When I passed truth the archway that lead in the training grounds I saw an area as big as four football fields, surrounded by a four meters high wall, where a few hundreds of soldiers were training, here and there some doors leading to buildings connected to the training grounds could be seen and on the opposite side from the archway there was a tower with a clock. Most of the soldiers looked at me when I entered but immediately got back to what they were doing.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. (Those are trained soldiers for you, prepared and composed. Maybe Gabriel is actually a good commander. By the way where is heah, there.) I walked up to Gabriel who was giving instructions to a group of soldiers. Good morning Lord Gabriel. He turned away from the soldiers and looked at me. Good morning Fortuna. A bit late arent we? (Ohi ohi, where has my title gone there?) Well, its difficult to be on time when a time hasnt be decided, especially if you spent the night talking to various nobles, by the way, I didnt see you at yesterday party. These things just arent for me. Anyway, today is okay to start a bit late because its your first day but starting tomorrow I want you here at dawn. Also remember that while we are in these training grounds there are neither lords nor ladies, you will call me either Commander Gabriel, Instructor Gabriel or sir. We dont play here, if you cant bear pain dont even bother and go play with magic. If you get severely injured there are healers from the church ready at any time. (What is this? Are we in a movie with a hellish instructor and a fat crazy guy?) Yes sir. (Dont laugh, dont laugh, dont laugh, dont laugh.) Good, come with me. I followed Gabriel to a door in the wall, when he opened the door I saw a small warehouse filled with old weapons and armors. Gabriel entered and started searching in a pile of gambesons. He finally took one out and while handing it to me said: Here, wear it. I took it and almost fell. (Heavy, this shit is heavy!) Are you sure I have to wear this? It doesnt seem like the best equipment. Its for getting you used to wearing gambesons while fighting; these ones are particularly heavy and stiff so they are perfect for the job. Now put it on, we dont have all day. I put the gambeson then went outside after Gabriel. Lets start with some running as a warm up to improve your stamina. (Seems reasonable.) Do twenty-five laps around the training ground. Twenty-five? Twenty-five. You have half an hour starting from now (Hey, they are ten kilometers in half an hour; it isnt exactly a warm up.) The clock is ticking. Right. I started running. When I was at the twelfth lap suddenly an arrow went through my leg. Shit! I fell down face first. Who the fuck shot an arrow at me? I shouted while looking around the training grounds. Sorry, it was an order from the commander. Said a man fifteen meters away from me who was standing next to Gabriel. Why!? Its for developing the sense danger skill. Said Gabriel And how am I supposed to run thirteen laps with an arrow trough my leg now? Dont worry about it. He said, then he turned towards a man with a white robe. Hey you, the healer over there, come here we have a wounded. The man ran up to me, took the arrow out and, in less than a minute, healed my wound. Now you can keep running. Gabriel said to me with a smirk on his face. I swear Im going to cut you, a lot. You managing to cut me is one of my goals. Im happy to hear that. I said while smiling at him. I resumed my running and managed to finish the twenty-five laps in time as no one shot me again. When I stopped I was already tired and started resting a bit with my hands on my knees as I tried to regain my breath. (This shit is too heavy to train in!) Before I could regain my breath completely Gabriel was already next to me. You did it, I didnt think you would. I threw up. (No! My breakfast! Dont go away! Mama needs you!) Gabriel now had a very puzzled look on his face. Do you need some rest? No, Im totally fine, lets keep going. He smiled. Well then, take these. He said while handing me two persian meels that weighted around ten kilos. I will show you how to do the next exercise watch carefully. Yes. He started swinging another pair of persian meels, making sure I was following his movements, then after a few swings he got back to the starting position. Thats it, really simple isnt it? Now you try doing it. I started swinging the meels as he had just shown me while he checked my posture during every movement and when I finished the series I stopped. It seems like you got it. Now do it one hundred times. (Is this Hell!? No wait, it isnt) Im going to cut you so bad some day. I said as I started swinging. Im counting on it. He said smiling. After the exercise with the persian meels, during which a man stabbed me from behind because Its for danger perception, I had to do five minutes of plank, work with the back muscles, other leg exercise, then a weird exercise for all the upper body with a big iron ball. Have a break, its an order. When Gabriel said so I dropped the iron ball and fell to the ground. After I managed to regain a bit of stamina I went to the well that was just outside of the training grounds to drink. I sat against the well while scooping water out of the bucket of the well with my hands. When finally I felt I had rested enough I went back. When I got back to the training grounds Gabriel was there, waiting me with two arming swords. You already want me to cut you? I said to him jokingly. Well, try and see if you can. He answered laughing while passing me one of the two arming swords. in the end I didnt land a single hit and for a good twenty minutes, while I was getting cuts everywhere, which were immediately healed by the healer that was always ready near us. (This gambeson sucks! It cant even stop a small cut! A small cut! Is it even a gambeson?) Finally I managed to create what I thought was an opening when his sword missed me as he was doing a upward cut from his left. Confident I tried a thrust but in the blink of an eye he let go of his sword with his right hand, caught it with his left hand by the guard and parried my sword with the hilt. When the hilt of his sword hit the blade of mine it was done with so much force that the steel bent and pain started to spread through my arm. I let go of the sword from the pain and started holding my wrist. Fuck! Idiot! Shift your grip when you thrust! Youre going to rupture your tendons if you keep thrusting like that with a hammer grip! After another ten minutes of this one-sided fight finally Gabriel decided it was enough, probably because even the healer was getting exhausted. You are free to go for today, I expect you to be here tomorrow at dawn. Yes sir. When I turned towards the archway which was the entrance to the training grounds I saw there a person that looked like an angel after hours of training with that sadistic commander. Lucilla! Hero Fortuna, if you have finished your training I will accompany you to your room and serve lunch. But of course, lets go. Like that I left the training grounds after my first morning of physical training. Chapter 8 – First Day of Training [Part 2] Chapter 8 C First Day of Training [Part 2]
After lunch I was given little to no time to rest and, after walking behind Lucilla trough the hallways of the castle, we finally reached a wooden door. Lady Raphael, Hero Fortuna is here for the training session. Said Lucilla after knocking on the door. Come in, the doors open. Answered an old woman voice on the other side of the door. Lucilla opened the door then bowed and left as I was entering the room. Inside the room there were bookcases everywhere against the walls; on the floor different kinds of magic circles could be seen, some of which were partially covered by a carpet that occupied the centre of the room; the windows had dark, thick curtains that were now open; a long square table, covered with gems, crystals and scrolls, stretched between the two windows and on a leather chair in front of that table sat Lady Raphael who was rolling up a scroll. Good afternoon, Lady Raphael. I said after closing the door. Good afternoon. Please sit there on the carpet; we will begin in a moment. She said, pointing the carpet as she went to a bookcase to put the scroll away. (This should be more my cup of tea compared to physical training) I thought while sitting with my legs crossed on the carpet and soon after Lady Raphael sat in front of me. Shall we start with a simple explanation? Yes please. Well then, there are three kinds of magic in this world; they are called mortal magic, god magic and spirit magic. All three magic systems work trough mana but the way they use it is different. To use mortal magic one has to directly use mana, most magics are of this kind; spirit magic works by giving mana to the spirits to ask them for help; finally to use god magic, like holy magic and darkness magic, the user has to harness the power given to its soul by the gods and during its use mana is subconsciously lost by the body. She stopped speaking and stared at me for a moment, checking if I was following her explanation. I nodded a bit and she resumed talking. To use mortal magic you have to be able to perceive mana inside and around you; for spirit magic and god magic that isnt necessary but you must be able to see and communicate with the spirits for the first one and feel the power given by the gods inside you for the latter. Mortal magic is also the only system that doesnt have any mean to heal wounds, while god magic, especially holy magic, specializes in healing; spirit magic on the other hand kind of falls between the two. So if one learns both mortal magic and god magic learning spirit magic would be redundant and inefficient, am I right? I asked her. Well, I dont know of any living person that uses all three kinds, not really because it is inefficient but because under normal conditions it is impossible. Why? Because only humans and demons can use god magic, holy and darkness respectively, while only demi-humans can use spirit magic and in the rare case an half is born usually they cant use either of them. I understand Well then, now that we are done with the explanation of the kinds of magic we should start with training, dont you think? (Finally!) Yes, Im ready any moment. Then close your eyes and try to feel the mana around and inside you. Considering that you already know some holy magic you should be able to sense the power of the goddess inside you, mana has a similar feeling but is not quite the same, so first concentrate on the power of the goddess and then, based on that, try to feel mana. I closed my eyes. Can you sense the goddesss power? (Well its actually my own power; of course I can feel it.) Yes, I can. I answered, keeping my eyes closed. Then, try to feel something similar that is all around you but also inside of you.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. (Okay, lets cheat a little here.) I [looked] around me differentiating the various energies of the world and found one that was not present on Earth then, knowing what I was looking for, I tried to feel it with my whole body. I did it I said opening my eyes. Lady Raphael had a shocked look on her face. Eh? Already? Yes, is it bad? Its not bad; its just that it usually takes days, if not weeks to manage it the first time and many people, even those who can already use holy magic, cant even do it, no matter how hard they try. Are you sure you can really feel it? Well, yes, Im pretty sure about it. Then lets test how well you can sense it. Place your hands on mine, I will fill them with mana once at the time and you are going to tell me which one is it. She said looking at me doubtfully. I placed my hands on hers and she immediately filled her left hand with mana. Left. She dispersed the mana and filled again her left hand. Left. She passed to the right hand. Right. Finally she filled both hands with mana. Both. She was now looking at me with a face even more shocked than before. You really can do it. It seems so. What should I do next? Lady Raphael regained her composure and thought for a few seconds before telling me Well, considering you can already feel mana we could start with the magic manipulation training. Magic manipulation? Yes, its a skill that allows you to manipulate your mana, its the first step for support magic like body reinforcement, it makes it easier to learn other magics and also improves the mana capacity of your body without leveling up. So its not like I will be able to shoot fireballs after my first day of training, right? I said jokingly. Lady Raphael started looking at me with warm eyes. (Ehi! Dont look at me with those eyes! Dont start treating me as a child just because you didnt understand I was joking!) Dear, you might be a genius when it comes to magic but you still must learn how to walk before starting to run. You will first learn support and wind magic, then water magic, earth magic, fire magic, ice magic and the list goes on, but you will follow this order. I understand. Shall we continue with the training? (Please dont start another explanation. Please dont start another explanation. Please dont start another explanation) I dont think you actually do, -(Fuuuuck)- you see, support magic is one of the easiest to learn, while elemental magics like wind magic, water magic and earth magic are easier to learn in that order as it is more difficult to manipulate solids than liquids and gasses; fire and ice magic are considered by most part of the elemental magics but their real function is to raise or lower the temperature of objects and make them easier to move when in that state but without the other three elemental magics they are almost useless. For example thanks to air and water magic you can use the humidity of the atmosphere to create an icicle with ice magic and move it with ice, earth and wind magic; or you can concentrate the fire gas that is in the air with air magic and ignite it with fire magic to make a fireball that you then move with fire and air magic. There are also much more difficult magics like thunder, space-time or shadow magic but we will come to that when it is time. Thats why I will teach you magic with this order in mind. (Wait, fire gas?) I [looked] at the air around me to see what its composition was. (Oh, I see, the atmosphere in this world contains a 2% of methane, that must be it. I guess they dont really have to worry about greenhouse effects when the sun is made of magic and managed by the gods.) I understand. Shall we resume the training? (Pleaseee.) Yes, of course. She said, almost as if she just remembered what we were here for. Afterwards she made me train in manipulating the mana inside of me for all afternoon. The sun was already starting to set when we were interrupted by a knock on the door. Lady Raphael, Hero Fortuna, its me, Lucilla. Dinner will be ready soon. I looked at Lady Raphael, she nodded. We have finished, Ill come to you in a second. I said while getting up. Well then Lady Raphael, thank you for your lesson, I guess we will have to continue tomorrow. Yes, have a good dinner dear. Ill see you tomorrow. I said to her Goodbye. and went out of the room, where Lucilla was waiting for me. So, you said something about dinner? Yes, it should be ready in a few minutes. Lets go then. We got back to my room the moment another maid was entering with a food trolley, she left the trolley to Lucilla, bowed and went back. We entered the room and I sat on one of the chairs while Lucilla placed the food on the table in front of me. I started eating a mixed salad that was really good if it wasnt for a weird aftertaste. This salad has some weird taste to it, what is it? I asked Lucilla between a bite and another. Its probably the poison. She said, completely calm. Oh, I se - wait! What!? I dropped my fork. Dont worry; we are not going to kill you. Its a really bland poison and the dosage is very low. Its been used for centuries by the royal family to develop the poison resistance skill, so you can eat without worrying. I got back to eating. You know, after a hard day of training I would have preferred a nice dinner instead of some kind of poisoning attempt anyway- As I said, it is not a poisoning attempt. She said, interrupting me. A nice, tasty dinner after which I would have, maybe, hugged something soft to comfort myself. Please dont look at my chest while saying so. Well, they do seem soft and comforting though. I said while keeping looking at her. Please stop with these jokes, Ill have you know I am married. Thunder struck me. Dont do that shocked face now, it would have been weirder if I got in my twenties without getting married. Well, its not cheating if we are both women right? Hero Fortuna, Im serious, stop with this or you might get in trouble with the inquisition some day. Yes, yes, dont worry. I wasnt expecting the inquisition though. Well, you should, as same-sex and interracial relationships are not well seen by the church. (Oh, not this shit again.) Yes, I will be careful. I finished eating and went to take a bath, alone, as Lucilla obviously didnt want to share it with me after such a conversation. Finally I tried to get my brain used to thought acceleration, which caused me a headache, and went to sleep. Chapter 9 – 43rd Day of Training [Part 1] Chapter 9 C 43rd Day of Training [Part 1]
Just like every day since I got to this world a knock on the door woke me up. I opened my eyes to the usual room, dimly lit by the first rays of the sun; small snowflakes were dancing outside the window against the now white capital. Come in. I said, as usual, as I started to get up while stretching. The door started opening but, unlike every other morning, it wasnt Lucilla the one on the other side but the king. The king looked at me and immediately stopped, the door still half closed, then shut it while saying Im sorry. I looked down at the sitting me and realized that I was stark naked, with the sheets covering only up to my hips. I then [looked] out of the room and Lucilla was nowhere to be seen, only the king was standing there, with his hand still on the doorknob, I [looked] further down the circular hallway and saw that a maid I didnt know was bringing the usual food tray to my room. I thought that Lucilla had told you yesterday that I would have accompanied you today to see how the training is going. Said the king on the other side of the door. (That bitch! It must be a revenge for pinching her ass last week.) Yes, sorry, I just forgot about it because of the drowsiness. Feel free to come in. The king opened the door again and entered the room. Are you not going to dress? Said the king while looking at me who had not moved an inch. I am sorry Your Majesty but I think that it will be more fun this way. May I at least know what will be more fun? Said the king with a tired look. I will tell you in just a moment. If I may ask, could you tell me the reasons why Your Majesty has decided to come to my training today in the meantime? I wanted to see if the reports I am receiving about your training are true. Do you not trust your subjects? I do generally trust them but those reports are a little hard to believe without seeing it first person. May I ask you to close the door? Im going to put something on. I said, while getting out of the bed. Are you sure you dont want me to go out? Asked me the king as he was closing the door. There is no need; after all you already saw everything there is to see. The king looked at me with a glowering expression. I never said it was your fault, do not worry. I said smiling as I passed him to reach the wardrobe. I opened a drawer and reached for a pair of small underpants, but as I was going to tie the strings the door opened and the maid with the food tray saw the king next to me, who was putting my underwear on. She immediately slammed the door shut while shouting Im sorry. I wi-will not tell a-anyone. I-I swear. Cried the maid on the other side of the door. I started laughing then got near the king and whispered him I told you it was going to be funnier this way. That was a new hire! he whispered back at me, visibly angry. It was just a little prank. Im surprised that Your Majesty knows about all the workers in the castle though. I said while finishing tying the strings. Dont change the subject here. You didnt sleep naked just for this prank, did you? No, I really forgot about your visit (well, I actually didnt know about it). Ive been sleeping naked since they turned on that fire magic tool when nott started. I said while putting on a linen cloth around my chest and tying it on my back.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! You could have asked to turn down the power! He said, trying to keep his voice as low as he could. We heard a knock on the door E-ehm, c-can I come in? Said the maid on the other side of the door with a wobbly voice. Yes, of course I answered. The king looked at me who was still wearing only underwear with a look of disbelief and mouthed me what are you doing? The maid opened the door and entered with the food tray, only to stop again the moment she saw me. I-is it really fine? Yes, dont worry. I was just starting to get hungry after all. I said, smiling at her. She bowed at me and the king then brought the food tray near the table. The king and I sat on two of the chairs around the table and the king said to me: Hero Fortuna, this girl is Caethy; she is new here and will substitute Lucilla for the next few days. The king then turned to face Caethy and, while pointing at me, told her And Caethy, this shameless woman who will throw away everything you thought about both the hero and Archdemon Leliah out of the window is Hero Fortuna. I am not shameless! I shouted to the king, ignoring Caethys bow. The king looked at me from head to toe and then stared at me with peeved eyes. Im only proud of my body! I said while puffing out my chest. Can you stop joking? You should already be late for training. Said the king visibly fed up. Fine. Caethy, could you give me some of that fried meat, some bread and those cookies? I said while pointing to the various foods. Yes sure. She said and started serving me breakfast. Like that I had breakfast with the king at my table. When I fished breakfast I dressed in the usual clothes, put a cloak on and started walking, alongside the king, towards the training grounds. We soon arrived at the training grounds, now muddy because of the snow. When the king entered the grounds all the soldiers kneeled before him, except Gabriel who only offered a bow before walking towards us. Good morning Your Majesty. Said Gabriel to the king bowing a bit again. Good morning Lord Gabriel. As I have told you yesterday, today I am going to observe our heros progresses. Yes, of course. We have prepared a dais for you, if you please. Gabriel guided the king to an elevated platform with a small fire on the other side of the training grounds then, after exchanging a few words with the king, returned to me. Youre late, go get your armor and start with fifty laps. Yes sir. I went to the usual warehouse and put on a gambeson that weighted at least twice the one I used the first time and a heavy iron plate armor. As soon as I got out of the warehouse I started running at a speed that I couldnt even think of reaching on the first day. While I was running many times arrows rained over me when I least expected them but I managed to dodge them all. During the various exercises a lot of people tried to stab, slash or shoot at me but I managed to block, counterattack or dodge every attack that came at me. After a couple of hours of training it was time for the usual sparring session with Gabriel. He walked towards me and gave me a large, plain heater shield and a longsword; he himself was equipped in a similar way, wearing iron armor and using cheap equipment instead of the golden armor and decorated sword he used to wear during his guard duty. We stepped away from each other, Gabriel looked at the king, who answered with a nod and the sparring started. We circled around each other for a couple of seconds, then I feinted at Gabriels lower torso with my sword, before using the shield, that was protecting the hand during the feint, to bash against his head but he saw through my feint and blocked the attack of my shield with his. Seeing a chance in his blocking I tried to go for his throat but with just a little movement of his shield he parried my sword that went over his head, leaving a line on his helmet. He then tried to go for my eyes but I threw myself at him shield first, deviating his sword and at the same time hitting his head with the crossguard of my sword which was still going over his shield. The momentum of my bash and the hit from the crossguard made him lose balance so I hooked his foot with mine and used even more strength in pushing him, finally managing to make him fall in the mud. He was still holding to his shield that ended up next to him on the ground while his sword left his hand. Sure it was my win I sat on his torso, trying again to make the point of my sword pass through the gaps of the armor and get to his throat but he hit my head with his shield so hard he threw me in the mud next to him. He got over me the same way I was doing just a moment before and started throwing punches at my still fuzzy head. After an interminable series of punches he took his shield and prepared to hit me with the edge but I kicked the back of his head in a moment of clarity and used the momentum from the kick to slide away from him. I got up and took some distance. My heavy and fuzzy head made it difficult to think. My eyes were wet and dirty and made it difficult to see. The cold winter air felt like needles while entering my lungs that where gasping for it, making it painful to even breathe. My sword and shield were now under Gabriel who fell face first. I saw Gabriels sword next to me, I picked it up. Gabriel was starting to get up but, before he managed to do so, I held the longsword by the blade and, with all my strength, hit the back of his head with the pommel. He fell to the ground again. A few seconds passed without him moving, then he raised his right hand. It was the signal that he was alive but needed a healer, the signal that he surrendered. I won. For the first time since I got to this world I won against Gabriel. The healers rushed towards me and Gabriel, made me sit and started removing my armor and checking my wounds. After the healers finished healing me and Gabriel he came to me, offered his hand and said Congratulations. Thank you I said accepting his hand while smiling. You can rest for the rest of the morning; tomorrow well start training with polearms. Yes sir. Ill see you tomorrow then. I went to the dais where the king, who was in complete disbelief, was watching the sparring from and, after getting his compliments, I accompanied him to lunch. Chapter 10 – 43rd Day of Training [Part 2] Chapter 10 C 43rd Day of Training [Part 2]
I was sitting in the dining hall, at my right, sitting at the head of the table, was the king; the queen was sitting in front of him at my left and in front of me there was prince Alexander. For some reason the queen had been watching me with an air of hostility completely different from the usual one since I entered the dining hall with the king. Dear, this morning I saw the new maid and she appeared a bit flustered. I asked her if something happened but she didnt want to tell me so I insisted a bit. Said the queen after she finished the second course. The moment she finished her phrase I could hear the king and the prince murmur things like rest in peace or that poor girl. (Ooh, this will be fun.) I can hear you two, I did nothing bad to her. Alexander, quick! Write a letter of apology to her family! Said the king while laughing. August Lucian Olivie, I do not think it is time for you to be joking. The king froze at the words of the queen. I dont know what you are talking about. Yes you do. The king gulped. How comes that when the maid entered Hero Fortunas room she found her naked next to you? I can explain, she was going to dress and we were talking about the reports on her training. We were not doing anything else. Said the king who was getting more and more nervous. You are telling the truth The king sighed in relief. Then, Hero Fortuna, why didnt you ask my husband to leave your room while you were changing? Said the queen, looking at me. I looked at the king who was pleading me with his eyes. (You can look at me like that but this is too fun to make it stop now.) Well, because he had already seen me naked before so I didnt really have a problem with it. I said, with a calm tone. Alexander spit the vilam he was drinking while the king was looking at me completely baffled and the queen was looking at him full of anger. Father! August! Fortuna! Donkey! Now all the three were looking at me baffled. Sorry, I had to do it. I said while laughing. Do you think this is a game?! Said the queen to me in an angry voice. I sipped some vilam from my glass. Well, yes The eyes of the queen were now furious while looking at me. (Maybe I should explain myself before this ends in someone getting stabbedor losing an arm.) How dare y Wait, let me explain I said interrupting the queen. First, this morning was the first time King August saw me naked and it was an accident at first as I said him to enter my room when I still had not dressed up thinking it was Lucilla. Second, I made him stay in my room and made it so that the maid would see us next to each other when she entered to play a bit with her and I do think it was hilarious. So it was just another joke of yours? Asked the queen, who had calmed down a bit. Well, yes. Both the king and the queen had a tired look as they held their head with a hand while the one who was now visibly angry was Alexander. Do you realize what you are doing? A normal person would already be in a jail for something like this! Cant you stop being such a child and take something seriously once in a while?! He shouted at me.Stolen novel; please report. I sipped some more vilam. Dont you think its funny? I asked him. What is? You people summoned me against my will, stuck the hero title to me, asked me to fight against the demons and made me undergo a hellish training without a day of rest. I accepted everything without complaining but now a paltry, arrogant prince gets angry because I played a bit with a maid and whats more you insult me behind my back. Because dont even think I dont know what you say to those petty people you call friends. How dare you insult the first prince and the nobles of this country?! He shouted even louder at me. Your Majesties, I beg your pardon in advance for what Im about to do. I said while getting up. I started walking around the table. What are you doing? C I reached the side of the table where the King was sitting C Do you think that you can leave this room C I walked behind the king and reached the other side of the table Cbefore permission is given toC I kicked the floor and punched the prince off his chair, sending him on the floor. He was now looking at me dumbfounded while holding his cheek. Are you crazy?! I grabbed him by the neck with one hand and pulled him up. His feet were now hanging in the hair while his hands were trying in vain to free him from my hold. I might be. Stop! Stop! Father! Mother! How can you let her do all this and leave the destiny of our nation to someone like her?! I started walking towards the window, while the queen and the king were looking at me and Alexander with a mixture of anger and disappointment but still they didnt move. You see, my dear prince, I promised your mother and your uncle that I will in no way go against this country and I also declared in front of all the people present at the party the day I was summoned that I will fight against the demons and its my intention to honor those pledges. In fact Im working on it, training every day so that I will be of use during the war. There is one thing I didnt promise your uncle when he asked me to though and that is not to hurt you and I am so glad I didnt, because, you know, I like to keep my word. With that I threw him against the window, which crashed, making him fall in the snow outside unconscious. I turned toward the table were the queen and the king were still sitting and did a light bow. Again, I am sorry for the sight I have shown you. Even though you had a major role in this and I still dont like you, I do not think it was entirely your fault. Sometimes I think I might have failed somewhere with Alexander. If you give your permission, I think that having him train with me and Gabriel might return him to having his feet on the ground. The queen and the king looked at each other then looked back at me. You are right, after all Lord Gabriel his not really famous for going easy on people. I will speak to him and see what he can do for this son of mine. Well then, I think I should go now, we can all agree that if I stayed any more it would only be awkward. I suggest we meet in Lady Raphaels laboratory about an hour from now, as that is the usual time we start the afternoon training session. If Your Majesty agrees to it. I think it would be wise to do so. Very well, I will retire to my room then. Again, I am sorry I ruined your lunch. I bowed a bit again and went out of the dining hall. When I entered Lady Raphaels laboratory the king was already there. Fortuna, I heard from the king that you had a little dispute with Prince Alexander. Lady Raphael said to me the moment I closed the door behind me. Well, yeah I said, while scratching my cheek. I was going to start teaching you space-time magic today but I think we could have our weekly duel today if you want to blow off some steam. It would also be useful to show His Majesty your progresses . What do you say? (Ooh yes!) I think it would be better that way too. Perfect, lets go to the usual place then. She said while grabbing a small leather bag. We went to a field completely covered in snow not too far from the training grounds. Lady Raphael made the king sit in a gazebo where he could see almost the whole field from and, after giving the king a fire magic stone, surrounded the gazebo in a barrier made with the stones she carried in the leather bag. When everything was set we put some distance between the king and us and stood in front of each other at a distance of about ten meters. Your Majesty, if you would like to give the signal to start, we are ready any time. Shouted Lady Raphael through the falling snow. The king stood up from the chair he was sitting on. Then, the duel will start at my three. One. I started concentrating on the mana in my body. Two. I started imagining the spell. Three. I jumped to my left as a fireball appeared where I was just a moment before and flew towards Raphael but she was already high in the air, surrounded by a multitude of ice spears that in a moment started raining on me. I started running while lifting a part of the field then slid under it. When I heard the spears hitting the earth above me I hardened it and made it explode towards the sky. Lady Raphael was expecting it though and was already low on the ground taking cover behind a earth wall she made. I made two compressed spheres of air, surrounded them in sharp ice crystals made them slowly move towards the wall. Fireballs started shooting out of the wall but I easily dodged them all. Suddenly Lady Raphael flew out of the wall as the last fireball came from it and I sent the two spheres after her but she started shooting ice lances at me, which I intercepted by creating small earth pillars, one after the other. The two spheres reached her and exploded in two stars of ice crystals but she created a last moment ice wall to protect herself and came out of the explosion with only a few holes on her cloak but she was now on the ground. I lifted two rocks, transformed them in two globes of lava and threw them at her but she evaded them by sliding on the surface of the snow. The two globes of lava hit the snow and vaporized it, I took control of the mist which was created and had it follow her. When the mist reached Lady Raphael I concentrated it around her and froze it but she managed to surround herself with a fire cocoon and escape behind the wall she used before she had made a full circle around me. The sense danger skill warned me of an incoming attack from all direction, not knowing what kind of attack it was going to be I had to surround myself in a pure barrier. Lighting struck me from all around me. The barrier was quickly draining my mana while the lightning kept coming at me. I surrender! I shouted. The lighting stopped just a moment before my mana was completely depleted. Lady Raphael walked to where I was. You did well. Thanks. I didnt win thoughand you werent even serious. I still have to teach you too much to fight you seriously after all. Lets go to where the king is, shall we? As we were walking towards the gazebo I noticed a thin, almost transparent tread on the ground where the earth was burnt from the lightning. Chapter 11 – Unexpected Day Off Chapter 11 C Unexpected Day Off
After dinner I told Caethy to prepare the bath but half an hour later instead of her the one who came to call me was Lucilla. Lucilla youre back! I said excited. Yes, I returned this evening. She said a bit taken aback. We have to celebrate! I dont think its something to celebrate. No,no it is. We also have to celebrate my first win against Gabriel. What?! You won against Lord Gabriel?! She said in surprise. Yes! Now he is trashing me again though because we shifted to polearms training. Anyway, take the liquor, we are going to celebrate in the bath. I already told you that it is not appropriate for me to take a bath in the palace bathroom with you. Dont worry, this time I got permission from the king. You what? The other day after the training with Lady Raphael I got permission from the king to let you bathe with me. Really? She asked me a bit baffled. Yes, you know that day that the king followed me during my training of which you, lets say, forgot to tell me anything about? C Lucilla gulped a littleDont worry, I didnt mention him you forgot to tell me. Anyway, some things happened and at the end of the day he asked me if there was something he could do for me so I asked him to let you bathe with me whenever I wanted to. What kind of things happened? Well, you know how I sleep lately, right? Yes. She said, her eyes a bit dreamy. Well, I let the king enter thinking it was you. You are not going to make me feel bad about it. Admit it, you are a bit jealous. No, Im not! Come on I said no. You should be honest with yourself Wellmaybe a little. She said while looking down to her side. (Ohi! I was only joking. When did this change happen?) I smiled, broadly. A-anyway, Im going to take the liquor. The bath is ready; you can wait for me there. Saying so, she left the room in a hurry. While I was in the bathroom undressing, Lucilla came in, placed the liquor on a wooden board with two small cups, put it on the water then started undressing. She didnt look at me even once while doing all that. I entered the bath and soon after so did Lucilla, but she was hesitant and kept looking down. Whats wrong? I asked her. I shouldnt have said that after all. Why? Wasnt it what you were thinking? No. I mean yes, but She said while looking away Dont worry too much about it. Come, lets drink and talk a bit, we should be celebrating your return and my victory here. She looked at me, still hesitant, while standing in the bath. I wont bite. She sighed. Fine. She set next to me like last time, with the wooden board between us. By the way, where did you go? I said while taking the bars of soap that were on the border of the bath. I went back to my home village for my sisters marriage. I passed Lucilla a bar and we started washing ourselves. A smell of flowers soon filled the air. Was it fun? Have you ever gone to a marriage surrounded by family members you havent seen in years? I take it as a no. Yeahthe funniest part was probably when my uncle started dancing on the stable roof while drunk and fell in the manure. Dont get me wrong, I do love my family and I was happy to see them again but they are A family. Exactly. I poured a bit of liquor in the cups. Anyway, to your safe return to the capital. We clinked the cups together and drank. Arent you forgetting something? She asked me when she finished drinking from her cup. What? Last time you said you would have explained me why the demons are the reasons humans dont fight against each other as soon as we had another bath together. Here we are, taking a bath. Oh! Youre right! Lets seehave humans and demons ever fought together? Yes, only once though, against archdemon Leliah. See? Its exactly the same. I dont understand. You see, humans are able to be truly united only if they have to stand together against something. Without an enemy to fight or a crisis to resolve humans start seeing the differences between each other and tend to divide themselves in smaller groups. Then those groups want the best resources and treatments without compromising et voil you have war. Humans arent that simple. Trust me, they are. I said while pouring some more liquor. So youre saying that if humans managed to defeat de demons once and for all, soon they would wage war against each other? I drank a bit. Exactly. Then why arent there more wars between the various nations like Sithar, Astall, Lipan, or Gredum Empire? It probably has to do with the characteristics of these regions. In my opinion, for what I know about the nations on this continent, except from Gredum Empire falling apart because of civil war I there shouldnt be any war happening soon. Then again, I dont really know a lot about this world so I might be wrong. Noyou might be right, the swamps of Astall or the tundra of Lacet arent really the best place for a human, only the demi-humans who adapted to live there can do so comfortably after all. She said after drinking from her cup. Speaking of demi-humans, I get that the Holy Kingdom is a human country but I havent still seen even one demi-human since I got here. Well, working in the palace there are none except for a dis ice-wolf beastman slave working in the kitchen warehouse. Wait, wait. You said a lot of things there, what is a dis ice-wolf beastman? Anda slave? You see, ice-wolf beastmen have a different appearance depending on the season they were born.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Really? I said while drinking from my cup, which became empty. Yes, for example those born during nott are so beast-like that they usually wear a silver necklace to distinguish themselves from werewolves when they are outside of Lacet, while those born in sel or nen only have wolf ears and tails and those born in dis like the one working here in the palace are really similar to humans, except for their teeth. Lucilla drank a bit and then refilled our cups. Their teeth? Yes, they have really small teeth in the front and long canines, just like wolves and dogs. Does the same happen to other beastmen? Not as much, ice-wolves can be considered an extreme. Sand-cat beastmen for example are born the same during every time of the year except for those born on the first day of dis, who are born with light green hair instead of the usual red or beige. Oooh, I seebut why is he a slave? Only humans can enter the Holy Kingdom freely, everyone else needs a special permission and if they enter without it they are turned into slaves. Isnt it a bit harsh? I said after drinking again. Lucilla drank a bit too and the said: no, they arent immediately turned into slaves after all, the first time they are simply sent back to their country and when they enter a second time and become slaves their home country has a year to buy their freedom back at half their price, usually this doesnt happen though. The same is true for every other country, except for Academy City. (Shit, my plan to travel around this world has gone up in smoke.) Are there really no exceptions to this? Well, adventurers and registered peddlers can cross borders freely once they reach a certain rank in their respective guilds and so can their slaves. (Thats it adventurers!) Then Im going to become an adventurer! Lucilla looked at me surprised then burst into laughter. What?! Are you a ten year old boy? Ehi! I have the opportunity to see a world completely different from mine and Im going use it! So you want to become an adventurer and travel the world? Yes, of course I do! Fine... C She drank a bit from her cup CJeff. And burst into laughter again. Whos Jeff? Just my cousins child who said the same thing the other day. You little I started tickling her. Ahahaha, stop. Stop! She said as I kept tickling her. I got in front of her while I kept tickling her and soon she almost fell with her back in the water but put her arms down and was now resting her upper body on her elbows. I was on top of her, my hands next to her arms as she breathed heavily from all the laughing while staring at me, her face a bit red. I leaned closer to her and lightly kissed her. I separated my lips from hers and looked at her, there was a bit of surprise, mixed with nervousness on her face. My lips got closer to hers again, she was looking at me, still a bit nervous but she didnt move. I kissed her again, I tilted my head a bit as our tongues touched. She put her hand on my neck under my hair and I put mine under her back, supporting her. Our lips separated again and we looked at each other for a moment then she put her other hand on my back, holding me tight and kissed me, a passionate kiss that was completely different from her reaction just a moment ago. Our lips separated again, I looked again at her eyes, now much calmer and we both smiled. Holding her with my right hand I rolled to the side, a whoah escaped from her mouth as she found herself sitting on my legs. I kissed her again then started kissing her neck from just below her ear. As my kisses reached her collarbone she tilted her head back and I moved my hand from her back to her neck. I reached her breasts and started caressing her thigh with my other hand as I gently kissed them. She straightened herself a bit and looked at me smiling, before kissing me again. She reached for one of my breasts and started playing with the nipple while our tongues danced. I started moving my hand up her tight but just before touching her lips I stopped and went up, caressing her belly. She trembled a bit and separated her mouth from mine as I was reaching her breasts. She started kissing one of my breasts while holding the other in her hand, I moved my hand from her belly to her butt and started slowly caressing her back starting from her neck. She moved her lips down, slowly as my hands got up her back. She started kissing my clit. Blurblu blubluru. She said underwater taking off her lips from my clit. I lifted her up laughing. She took a big breath. Why dont we continue in my room? I said smiling. Yeah, I think its a good idea. We got up and I saw the almost empty bottle of liquor on the wooden board. Lets finish that first. I said and filled the cups with the remaining liquor. Okay We clinked our cups, gulped down the liquor then looked at each other and burst into laughter. Shall we go then? I said. Yes. We got out of the bath, put linen clothes on and went out of the bathroom running barefoot, smiling while holding our hands. While we were rushing through the hallways of the castle Lucilla suddenly stopped in front of the toilet. Is there something wrong? No, I just have to pee. The liquor? Yep Now that you mention it I have to pee too. We went to the toilet one at a time and after our break we started running again toward my room but Lucilla was now a bit red from embarrassment. We entered my room while kissing. I closed the door behind me without letting go of Lucilla, took off her cloth and pushed her on my bed then I took off mine as she lifted the sheets. I got on the bed next to Lucilla and we started kissing again while holding each other tight. The sweet, floral smell of the soap was still on her and it filled my nose. We both started touching each others breasts while our lips were locked together. I started moving my other hand down her back and, when I reached it, grabbed her butt while she caressed my thigh starting from just over the knee. We reached for each other at the same time and I started moving my finger around her clit while she used two of hers to caress my lips. We stopped kissing while we kept stroking each other, we were now both breathing heavily. Feeling she was wet enough I started kissing her neck while I put one of my fingers inside of her, while keeping caressing her clit with my thumb. As the movements of my finger became faster she started breathing heavier and heavier while her hands stopped now and then. Feeling she was about to climax I put a second finger in her, then a third, while my movements became faster and faster. Suddenly her movements stopped and she stopped breathing for a moment as spasm ran through all her body. A huge tremor ran through her body and then she started breathing again, trembling. I lifted my hand from her and she smiled to me. She pushed me on my back and got on me then started kissing my breasts while gently stroking me. Her lips slowly moved down till they reached my clit which she kissed before starting to lick it while she put one of her fingers in me. As my breathing got rougher she grabbed my ass with the other hand while she put another finger in me. Her movement became faster and a wave of pleasure hit me and my breathing got even rougher. Her movements became even faster and spasms started running through my whole body. Then suddenly my mind went blank from pleasure as I came, squirting all over her face. Hey! I already had a bath, you know? She said laughing Sorry I said smiling while still trembling. She got back with her face in front of mine; I licked her cheek and then kissed her. While kissing I hugged her tight and shifted to the side, laying her next to me. We stopped kissing and smiled at each other. I cleaned her face with a corner of the sheets then she snuggled against me, resting her head on my breasts and like that we fell asleep. I woke up, we were still in the same position we fell asleep into, I tilted my head towards the window and saw the sun, high up in the sky. Fuck! Aaaah, speak more quietly. My head hurts. Said Lucilla with her eyes still closed. Ehi, little princess. What ? Look out of the window. She opened one of her eyes and saw, like me, that the sun was already high. Fuck! She said jumping up, followed by an aaaah while holding her head. Where are my clothes? She asked me. I think they are still in the bath. Fuck! Dont worry, Ill go get them. No, no, I am the maid, I should go. She said while still holding her head. And I am the hero; its my job to save damsels in distress. Id like to retort to that but my head hurts too much. Dont worry, Ill be back in a minute. I put on something quickly and ran to the bathroom, there I saw a maid that was about to enter it and managed to stop her just in time. I went into the bathroom that was still as we left it the night before; I grabbed our clothes and rushed back to my room after telling the maid in front of the bathroom not to speak about what she saw to anyone. When I entered my room Lucilla was sitting on my bed while still holding her head, looking down. Does it hurt that much? I said while putting the clothes on the table. She tilted her head and looked at me, her face miserable and said Yes, quite. You know, in some tales of my world is said that a kiss can cast out all pains and evils. I said while getting near her. And in this world I think that if something touches my mouth Im going to puke, badly. Are you sure? I said, now in front of her. I warned you, do what you want. I kissed her anyway and while doing so I casted holy magic on her. I separated myself from her and she said See? Its not like itwait, it worked! I feel great now! I told you. Tell me the truth, you used holy magic, didnt you? Yep. And the kiss had nothing to do with it, right? Yep. I said, smiling. She sighed and said anyway, thank you. She got up from the bed, went to the table and started dressing. The head maid is probably furious right now, I should go and tell something to her and you should dress too and go have your training. I have a better idea. Do I want to know it? Yes. Yes you do. Fine, tell me your great idea. You go to the head maid, tell her we stayed up all night talking and drinking, that I dont feel like training today and that you are going to spend the day with me. And this should work because Because I still havent had a single day of rest since I got here and I ordered you to keep me company. Also, tell her that I will explain myself to Lady Raphael and Lord Gabriel tomorrow and that I will accept any kind of training they will want me to do. It might work after all. She said while she finished dressing. Of course it will. Oh! Remember to bring lunch for two, Im starting to get hungry. Fine, Ill do as you say then. She gave me a light kiss and went out of the room. After almost an hour had passed she came back with a food tray. So, how did it go? I asked her as she entered my room. The head maid was a bit upset but she told me it was fine and that she would talk to Lord Gabriel and Lady Raphael herself. See? I told you it would be fine. Yes, yes you were right. We had lunch together, talked, laughed, then one thing led to another and we spent all the afternoon in my bed having sex. The sun was almost down, we were hugging each other after we had just finished, my eyes were closed and her smell filled my nose when she said falling in love with you was probably the best mistake in my life. (Wait! Did she just say she fell in love with me?) I opened my eyes and looked at her, she looked back at me. Sorry, I was thinking and didnt hear well, what did you say? Come on, you heard me, dont make me say it again. No, Im serious. fine. I said that falling in love with you was probably the best mistake in my life. (Shiiiiiiit!) Why do you say so? I said, keeping a poker face. Because I really liked spending this time with you like this but I am a married woman and a maid, while you are the hero and also a woman. I know too well that we cant be together but still. (Saaaafe!) do you think we could do this again? As many times as you want. I said and kissed her again. Maybe next time we should be a bit more careful not to be found out. I laughed a bit and said yeah She kissed me lightly and snuggled against my chest like the night before. Chapter 12 – The Baroness Chapter 12 C The Baroness (King''s POV)
I put the quill in the inkwell and looked over my shoulder; there Gabriel was standing by the window, like every other afternoon. Gabriel, sit for a moment, I want to discuss a certain matter with you and Raziel. Gabriel shivered a bit when I said Raziel but he immediately regained his composure and answered with a Yes sire. He walked around my desk and sat in one of the chairs in front of me while I took the communication crystal that was connected to Raziel from a drawer. As I felt that the link with Raziels crystal was formed I sent her a message. (Come to my office.) A few seconds later the figure of a person started forming from the shadow that my desk cast on the floor and in a moment a young woman in her late twenties was in front of me. Have you called for me, Your Majesty? Said the woman while bowing a bit. Yes, sit. I wanted to talk about the hero with you and Gabriel. Raziel sat on the other chair in front of my desk and waited for me to talk. You know that there will be a war council a month from now, right? I said to the two in front of me. Yes sire. They answered together. I want the hero to take part to it but for that she needs to be, at least, a noble. Sire, couldnt you just give her a title? Said Gabriel. It isnt so simple Gabriel, if I give her a title without her accomplishing anything some nobles might have something to say about it. Who cares about those shitty nobC Raziel smacked him on the back of his head. Watch your tongue in front of the king! Sometimes I think you are the most disrespectful Gabriel that ever existed in the history of the Holy Kingdom! Raziel, he is unconscious. Oh Anyway, do you think we can trust the hero? I said, trying to ignore the scene that occurred almost every time those two happened to be in the same room. I dont think we can really trust her, she is certainly hiding a lot. What do you mean? I asked her, a bit baffled. She used a skill that is similar to a mixture of appraisal and eagle eye more than once, it also seems much more powerful than a normal appraisal. What?! The truth stone didnt reveal anything like that! She might have a high deception skill like me. Until now she has only used it to look around the castle and to appraise Gabriel, Queen Zillya and herself. Herself? Yes, twice actually. In my opinion it was probably to check the hero title. She hasnt appraised you, has she? No, for the moment at least. Mhhhanything else?A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Yes, actuallyIm not sure she is human, she feels like a much older beingalmost like me. What?! Are you saying she might actually be Leliah? I said while cold sweet was starting to form on my forehead. No, she smells completely different from that bitch, ehm, I mean, from Leliah, also I can guarantee that Leliah died that day. I let out a sigh of relief. Good. Do you think she will really help us against the demons? She will probably keep her promise to defend the kingdom but I dont think she would take part in an invasion of the demon country. Why? Because she has already understood that the hate for demons is one of the things that keep this kingdom together. I seeis that everything? I also tried using my seduction skill on her but Im not sure it worked. How can you not be sure it worked? Well, she tried hitting on me since the first day but even after we had sex many times she still hasnt fallen in love. She said with a bitter expression that was really rare for her. Gabriel in the meantime was starting to wake up. Thats weird, what could be the cause? The seduction skill doesnt work on people that are already in love, on those who have a really high magic resistance, on oracles and other people blessed by gods or if the person using it is in love with the victim. I already know that, which one of these do you think is the real cause? It might be all of them for all I know. While the hero shouldnt have any attachment to his old world she could still be in love with someone who is already dead, the fact that she might have a deception skill makes me unable to judge her real magic resistance and the hero title might be considered a blessing. So three out of four. Actuallyfour out of four. Are you saying that you Im not really sure of it myself, but it might be... I was shocked, and so was Gabriel who was looking at her with the mouth wide open. Ehi! Why are you reacting like this? Cant a pure maiden fall in love? Who is that pure maiden youre talking about? Said Gabriel before being smacked on the back of his head and falling unconscious again. Anyway, everything considered, should I give her a noble title? I think you should, after all she hasnt really shown any sign she wont maintain her word. Very well. Wake him up. I said while pointing at Gabriel. Raziel smacked him on the face twice and Gabriel regained his consciousness. I will have the hero fight against you and Lady Raphael in the arena as proof of her strength, then have her make a public oath. This way the nobles shouldnt complain too much about it. Do you think she will be able to fight against you two on par? I said to Gabriel. Well, she is already able to win most of the time against me one-on-one; sincerely its amazing how fast she learns. I dont know if she will be able to fight against both of us but we could always stage her victory. We only have to convince Raphael then; I find it a bit difficult though, considering how prideful she is. Well, if its for the good of the kingdom she will probably agree, she is a Raphael after all. Said Raziel. You may be rightvery well, Raziel, bring Hero Fortuna here. She stood up, made a light bow and after saying Yes sire. She disappeared into the shadows again. After about ten minutes I heard a knock on the door. Your Majesty, its me, Lucilla, Ive brought Hero Fortuna with me. Said Raziel on the other side of the door. Come in. The door opened and Fortuna entered, immediately followed by Raziel. Have you called for me, Your Majesty? Said Fortuna with the usual smile she kept since the first day, a smile that made it seem like everything happening around her was just a game. She was indeed similar to Raziel on that side; the only difference was that Raziel at least made an effort to hide it when she was working. Yes. I decided that Im going to bestow you with the rank of Baroness. I gladly accept the title. She said bowing a little but that smile she had on her face just made it seem like she was mocking me. Good, I was also planning on having you fight with Lord Gabriel and Lady Raphael in the arena to show the people of our kingdom how strong our hero is and then have you give a small speech before the ceremony, if you agree of course. Yes, of course. Very well, then, as the first one of your house, you also have the right to choose its name. I was looking at her, hoping she didnt choose some weird name just to have fun, when suddenly her expression changed, the smile she always had on her face disappeared and her face became serious for a second before she started smiling again but this time it was not the usual grin that made me want to punch her face, instead it was a melancholy smile, a small almost imperceptible curve accompanied by eyes that were looking at something that wasnt there. I was shocked by the sudden change but I had to keep my composure so I did not react to the fact. Have you thought of a name? Yes. I kept looking at her, but for some reason she didnt give me the name she chose and kept staring at something distant. Please, say it. Tullius. She said. A single tear fell from her right eye. v-very well, I approve that name. We will agree on the dates of the match and the ceremony tomorrowyou are free to go. I said, trying to get over with the matter as fast as I could as I didnt really know how to react to this sudden change. Luckily she bowed and went out of the room almost immediately after I said so. What was that? I asked to the baffled Raziel. I-I dont know, she never reacted like that Go after her and find out! Yes sire. She said before running out of the room. Chapter 13 – The Kings of Old (+illustrations) Chapter 13 C The Kings of Old
I was walking in the hallways of the palace when I heard running steps behind me. Fortuna! Wait! I passed a hand on my cheek to clean my face from the line my tear had left on it and turned to face Lucilla. Im sorry I left immediately, do you need something? Dont do you need something me, what was that? What are you talking about? I didnt want to talk about Servius to anyone; it would have only been painful for me. Talking about him with Lucilla was even harder as I knew this girl who said she loved me would have only been hurt by it. You know what I am talking about. You never reacted like that; you didnt even look like yourself. I just had something in my eye. (Please, dont ask me anymore.) Fine... Thank you. I turned my back to her and started walking again but she started walking behind me. How about I take some liquor and we drink a few cups since you dont have to train anymore this afternoon? I stopped and turned to face her again. Well, a cup has never hurt anyone. I will go take the bottle then. Wait for me in your room. She said before running away in the opposite direction I was going. I resumed walking and started thinking back at Servius. At all the times I visited him by entering through that window. At how almost every time I got in his home he was yelling against the walls about something that bothered him, usually it was the senate complaining about his policies. At how he smiled at me when he saw me entering, almost as if the work of his life, even Rome itself, didnt matter when he was with me. At how he embraced me in these sleepless nights. At how sometimes he would say lets build you a temple and I was unable to stop him because he thought it was the perfect gift, one that only he could give me. At how he ended up building more than twenty of these temples. At how he told me about his campaigns when he returned victorious, trying to make them seem like a nice trip, trying to hide the grief he felt for all the men he lost. I cracked a smile as another tear fell down my face. (I shouldnt have chosen his name after all.) I arrived at my room and entered, Lucilla was already there, a bottle and two cups were on the table. You were fast. Well, I didnt want to make you wait. Thank you then. I said while sitting on one of the chairs. She sat in front of me and poured some liquor in the cups. Soare you sure you dont want to talk about it? It was nothing, really. Fortuna, your eyes are still damp. Its just some dust. Fine. She said, before drinking a bit from her cup. I drank a bit too and we stayed like that, in silence, looking at our cups. Fortuna Tullius. I involuntarily cracked a small smile. I looked up and saw that Lucilla was smirking. (This bitch) Sowho was he? I dont want to talk about it. Weve been sharing a bed for three months and yet you never showed to really care about me, I thought it was just a trait of yours but then you react like that to a name! How can you say you dont want to talk about it to me?! She said in a burst of rage that left me baffled. A few seconds passed while she tried to calm down. She looked down at her cup and said please. I took a deep breath. His name was Servius, he was the king of a country I lived in. She looked up at me and said you were a queen? with a baffled expression.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. No, he had to marry another woman for political reasons but I loved him and he loved me. why are you speaking about him in past tense? he died long ago, betrayed by his own daughter and her husband and I was unable to do anything for him.Rage filled me as I talked, while tears started falling again from my eyes C One of the best men who ever lived, killed by a prideful man for his own gain, just before he could see his wish fulfilled. Lucillas expression started changing into one of sorrow as I talked. What was his wish? She asked me with a trembling voice. He wanted to give the power to rule to his people. He spent his whole life trying to make it possible, trying to make his country a better place to live in. He often said that there were only two things he loved: his country and me. Lucilla started crying too as I finished talking. Ehi, how comes youre crying too? I asked her between my tears, trying to joke about it. No, its nothing. I just remembered an old story. She said, passing a hand over her eyes. What story? It is a story from the times of Saint Armand. She said, her lips trembled a bit as she said the name of the saint. I thought back at the few times she talked about the saint and realized how she had never actually looked at me while doing so, even when I asked her about the city the first day I got here, she was actually looking out of the window at the city below and not at me. You seem to really like the stories of the saint. Even more tears began to form in her eyes and, in some of these tears, without her noticing, blood started appearing, as she said yes. (Wait, this is weird.) I [looked] at her for the first time.
Name: Lucilla (Raziel) Race: Human(blessed vampire)
Lvl:1 (256) Job: Maid (Arcane Spy)
HP: 21 (28316) MP: 5 (37249) SP: 12 (19760)
STR: 3 (1011) DEF: 2 (996) AGI: 4 (1476)
INT: 3 (1431) WIS: 2 (1398)
Skills
(Dagger mastery lvl 9) (Alchemy lvl 8) (Hand to hand combat lvl 7)
(Deception lvl 8 ) (Enhanced senses lvl 8) (Poison immunity)
(Disease immunity) (Stealth lvl 9) (Blood magic lvl MAX)
(Ice magic lvl 8) (Shadow magic lvl 9) (Water magic lvl 5)
(Mind magic lvl 4) (Arcane perception lvl 8) (Vampires seduction)
(Thought acceleration lvl 2) (Parallel thinking lvl 3)
Titles
(Shadow of the Kingdom)
(Guardian of the Crown)
(Forgotten Lover)
(Fallen Queen of the Dead)
(Wait,what?) I froze for a moment and so did Lucilla in front of me, our faces still a mess because of all the crying. We stared at each other for a few, long seconds. You just appraised me, didnt you? YesRaziel. She looked at me with a worried look and said what are you going to do now? Nothing, it would have been weird if the king had not put someone to spy on my movements after allI have a few questions though. Feel free to ask then. She said, obviously a bit relieved. I started [looking] at her, a bit unwilling, in case she was to tell any lie. Is this your true appearance? She kept looking at me for a few seconds in silence, then dropped her head and said a hesitant no as her hair turned pitch black and her skin white as snow. this is. She looked back at me, her eyes, still damp from her tears, were now of a deep ruby red and so were her lips on which were resting the points of her canines, she also appeared to be a slightly taller than before. I suppose all the Im married thing was a lie, right? Yes She said, avoiding my gaze. Where did you actually go when you went missing for a few days? I was on a mission given me by the king to stop the advance of the demons. Then couldnt you stop the demons by yourself? Why even summon me? I cant move freely outside of the capital, there are certain conditions that have to be met. I cant explain any further about the matterIm sorry. She now had a bitter look on her face which made me feel bad about asking her all these questions. fine. What is a blessed vampire? Raziel took a deep breath, it was clear that it was difficult for her to talk about it, considering that probably she didnt even have the need to breathe. I swore to protect Saint Armand and his descendants so the goddess of light then blessed me and gave me the name Raziel. Now I dont have any of the weaknesses of vampires and holy magic heals me instead of harming me. I also have almost no need for blood. You loved him, didnt you? More than anything that ever existed. She said as tears started falling again from her eyes. So when you said you loved me it was a lie I said, quite sorrowful about the fact that the woman I was starting to feel something for probably lied to me about her feelings. She stood up from her chair and shouted at me No! Its true that I cant bring myself to love you as much as I loved him but I do have feelings for you! while the stream of tears didnt stop. I was surprised and glad to know that she was telling the truth. What about you? C She said with a trembling voice C Were our nights just a pastime? I stood up too and got near her. They were at first, C her face grimaced at my words C but in these months Ive found myself thinking about you more and more every day, until I ended up having feelings for you too but, like you, I cant say to love you as I loved Servius. She smiled at me, I smiled back at her and kissed her, it was a salty kiss, wet by our tears. Also, sorry for doubting you, but I have been using my abilities to know if you were telling the truth. I did feel something similar to the appraisal of beforedont worry about it, it would have been weird if you blindly trusted me after I lied to you about who I am. She said and hugged me. Thank you. I said before kissing her again while holding her tight in my arms. I lifted my lips from hers and she rested her head on my chest as tears kept falling from her eyes. You know, Ive never talked to anyone about how much I loved Armand since he died. She said while sobbing. I separated myself from her and looked her in the eyes. Why dont we sit down and talk a bit more about them? She nodded and sat on her chair. I went back to my chair and sat too, there I saw my cup, still filled with liquor. I took it and raised it high over the table. To the kings we loved. Raziel smiled a bit, raised her cup like me and said to the men we loved. We clinked our cups and drank. We spent the rest of the day talking, drinking and crying and, when it was late in the night, we went to sleep, holding each other tight. Chapter 14 – The Morning before the Match Chapter 14 C The Morning before the Match
The day of the match came. Early in the morning I was brought by Raziel, disguised as Lucilla, to a room on the first floor of the palace which I never visited until that moment. It looked like some kind of armory: lances, maces, polearms, axes, hammers and swords of any length were resting on weapon racks of different sizes; mannequins wearing armor spanned all the length of the twenty meters long room; shields and daggers were displayed in long showcases; bows and arrows adorned the room over the racks like wooden reliefs. All the weapons and armors in the room were obviously of a much higher quality than those I used during the training with Gabriel, or at least they were kept in a much better way. In the middle of the room there was a long wooden table with different kinds of weapons on it that stretched almost all the width of the room it in front of two mannequins, one wearing a greenish gambeson and the other wearing golden full plate armor. In front of the table the king, Gabriel and Lady Raphael were waiting for me. Good morning Your Majesty C I said with a light bow towards the kingLady Raphael, Lord Gabriel. Good morning Hero Fortuna. I hope you slept well. Like a baby. Good. I had you come here to give you the equipment you will be using this afternoon. We cant have you fight with that worn-out equipment you use during training after all. I can choose whichever weapon I want from all of these? Yes, of course. We would also like you to accept the armor we had made for you. I went near the table and started inspecting the weapons. All of them were made with a silvery-green metal instead of iron; the wood used for the shafts of the polearms and the handles of the maces and axes was of a really dark, almost black, color; on one side of the table there was a bow made with a white wood with arrows made of the same dark wood as the shafts and tipped with the same golden metal of the armor and mixed between the weapons there were shields of various shapes and sizes made of the same golden metal. I put my hand around the hilt of a long sword with a one meter long blade made almost entirely with that silvery-green metal except for the golden crossguard and lifted it. (Light! Its incredibly light!) Probably my face revealed my surprise as the king said You have never held a mithril weapon, right? (Mithril?! Now its a real fantasy world. Wait, feign ignorance, feign ignorance.) No, what kind of metal is it? It is a special metal only found in places filled with spirits. It is incredibly light, as you can see, and, while normally it has the same performances of steel, when mana is poured into it, mithril becomes harder and tougher the more mana is used. There are legends of people who were able to cut through orichalcum armor with a mithril sword but they are, after all, just legends. Raziel smiled a bit as the king talked about mithril cutting through orichalcum, but I ignored her for the moment as my mind was thinking about another thing. Orichalcum?! I said without even trying to hide my excitement. Yes, the golden metal you can see has been used both for that swords crossguard and to make that armor. C He pointed at the sword I was holding and the golden armor on the mannequin behind the table while saying so C It is the hardest and at the same time toughest metal known to man. While its weight is a bit higher than steel a lot less is required for making armor as a single leaf of orichalcum is as hard to bend and pierce as a ten centimeters wide steel slab. Orichalcum doesnt absorb mana, while this makes it impossible to enhance its performance with magic or enchantments it also means it doesnt interfere with a mages spells at all, making orichalcum armor even better than normal clothing for spellcasters. Because of the weight and cost of it most mages and priests still prefer using only light clothing though. I put the sword down and started looking at the table again, realizing that all the weapons there were probably of the best quality available. Im sorry if I bored you. Metallurgy was a passion of mine when I was younger. Not at all C I said shaking my head as I took my eyes off the table and looking back at the king C instead I should thank you for such a good explanation. What about the bow? I think I should leave the word to Lady Raphael as she more knowledgeable on the matter than me.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. The moment I looked at Lady Raphael she went near the table, took the bow and said This bow is made from elven yew, while the arrows and the weapons shafts C she passed me a couple of arrows to make me examine themare made of black ash. They are two of the most resistant woods in existence. Black ashs ability to let mana flow without interference, similar to orichalcum, and its relative cheapness make it perfect for weapon shafts and arrows. Elven yew on the other hand has the peculiarity of becoming incredibly flexible when mana is poured into it making it really easy to draw, as soon as the mana flow is interrupted it immediately returns to its original shape with an unimaginable strength, making it the perfect wood for bows for anyone who can manipulate mana. Elven yew is so difficult to bend when mana isnt used that bows made out of it are actually carved in shape as it would be nearly impossible to use normal manufacturing methods. To prove what she just said she passed the bow to Gabriel who looked at her a bit baffled for a moment before she said could you show us Lord Gabriel? Without using mana obviously. Yes, sure. The still a bit surprised Gabriel said before trying to draw the bow, to no success. He then put one leg between the string and the bow, while holding one limb between his legs he tried to push on the other as if he was unstringing it but the bow didnt bend at all. Now pour mana into it and unstring it. To the words of Lady Raphael Gabriel poured just a bit of mana into the bow and took the string off it. When he slowly released the bow I saw that the difference in curvature between the bow with and without the string was almost insignificant but it was still there, meaning the string was actually able to keep the bow curved, even if just a little. What is that string made of?! I asked Lady Raphael. Titan spider silk. Its one of the few materials able to withstand the force of the elven yew and the easiest to obtain as titan spiders are raised by the lizardmen in Astall. The gambeson you see on that mannequin is actually made of titan spider silk too.She said pointing at one of the mannequins on the other side of the table. (They invented bullet-proof vests before bullets! If I had a male body I would totally have a boner right now. If I come again to this world I have to bring the lesser god of artisans with me.) This equipment is amazing. Can I really choose anything from all these? I said, looking at the king. Yes, consider everything you see as a gift from this country to our hero. Well then, thank you Your Majesty. I said with a light bow while smiling at him. I went back at looking at the equipment and started feeling all the weapons and shields one by one. I then used space-time magic to open storage, it was one of the last spells Lady Raphael taught me, and started placing the weapons I chose inside it. I started with a mace with a seventy centimeters long handle and a head with four spikes, then I chose the longsword I lifted firs, a rapier with a meter and twenty long blade and an orichalcum swept hilt, an almost two meters tall halberd, an arming sword with an orichalcum crossguard, a three meters long pike, a large heater shield, a scutum-like shield, a buckler and finally the bow and arrows. I then proceeded to take the armor and the gambeson off the mannequins and put these in the storage too. You sure took a lot. Said the king a bit surprised. Well, you can never know. Was it too much? No, no. You are free to take whatever you want. Thank you. Well then, as we have finished with this matter you are now free to do as you please until mid-afternoon. Thank you, Your Majesty; I will be in my room in case youll need me. I bowed and left the room followed by Raziel. What was that smile when the king talked about mithril cutting through orichalcum? I asked her as we were walking through the hallways of the palace. I was just thinking how the first Gabriel cut the orichalcum chains I used on Armand when I kidnapped him. (Yandere!) She probably noticed the baffled look on my face as she said its a long story, I might tell you one day. Im not crazy. Fine. If you say so Hey! Im joking, Im joking. I said while laughing a bit. We kept walking in silence for a bit then I asked her how comes you still disguise as Lucilla? Doesnt the king know I found out about you? He does, the point is that almost no one knows about me, the personnel of the palace think that Im a subordinate of Duke Besalel. Oh, I see, youre some kind of state secret. If you put it that way it seems like Im some kind of secret weapon. You are. I got closer to her and kissed her. Youre a weapon of mass seduction. Raziel smiled at me and then said you know, most people would pee their pants and run away screaming when they find out they are talking to the most powerful undead that ever existed, not tease her. I didnt know you had such a fetish. I dont! I burst into laughter. Fine, fine. We arrived at my room and entered. As soon as she closed the door Raziel deactivated her deception skill and turned back to her real appearance. I think I prefer this version of you after all. Thank you. Youre only the second person to say so. Really?! Yes, people are usually more comfortable with a more human appearance. Then Im officially weird. I said while sitting on my bed. You only realized now?! Hey! That hurt my feelings! Oh, shut up. It would take an emotional dragon just to scratch your feelings. You know me too well. I said and let myself fall on the bed while smiling. Raziel got on the bed and laid down next to me, looking at the ceiling like me. And yet I feel like I dont know you at all. Thats the same for me, you know? We turned to face each other. Ne Mhh? I love you. I love you too. We kissed, lightly at first then more and more passionately as time passed and our hands started moving on each others body. We started undressing but Raziel stopped at one point. Can I bite? She asked me. As long as you dont nearly kill me like that time. That was an accident! I know, I know. I said and kissed her. Soits a yes? yes. I said, after all we had found out that if she bit me we both came faster and better, it was one of the traits all vampires shared apparently. She smiled and we resumed undressing while kissing. We had sex for hours, stopping only when I had lunch or for the occasional healing spell I had to use on myself. It seemed like Raziel still found it difficult to control herself during an orgasm after all. Chapter 15 – The Match Chapter 15 C The Match
Raziel suddenly stopped fingering me and looked at her clothes on the floor. Whats wrong? I think its time, His Majesty is trying to contact me through the communication crystal. Already?! I said to her as she got out of bed and started rummaging through her clothes. Yeah she said pointing at the sun outside the window. Youre really going to leave me like this? She pondered a bit while looking at me then she bit her lips. Im afraid I have to. Aaah C I shouted in frustration C Im going to slap that king one day. Please dont I feel the need to slap the shit out of someone though. Are you forgetting why we even stopped? Oh, right. The match. Raziel sighed and said so, are you going to get ready or not? to me. I snorted a bit. Yes, yes. But were going to continue tonight. I said while getting out of the bed. Raziel smiled a bit to my words and said Im counting on it, but now I have to tell the king that youll be ready soon and you have to get dressed. Fine, fine. I went to the drawer and took out some simple linen garments. As I started dressing I saw Raziel whispering something in a small dark crystal in a corner of the room. When she stopped I asked her what did the king say? That you have to be in the main hall fully equipped in twenty minutes. Got it. I said while tying the laces of my leather shoes. Hey, I have to show you a thing. I said to Raziel when I finished dressing. We dont really have time. No, no. It will actually speed things up. Trust me. Fine. Look carefully. I got in the middle of the room, lifted a hand and said moon crystal power, make up. Soon a light enveloped me and, as I moved my body as if I was dancing, the new gambeson started appearing on me. Raziel was staring at me with her mouth wide open. What was that? A new magic I developed, it allows me to immediately equip anything I have in my storage immediately. Thats thats actually amazing. Wait, were that strange chant and the weird poses really necessary? Nope. I said as the orichalcum armor appeared on me instantly. Raziel started massaging the top of her nose near the eyes and sighed. She then looked at me and said are you ready then? Yep. Arent you going to wear the sabatons? Nah, they just hinder me. Fine, its a bit too early now though. I made everything on me disappear into the storage and said Well, then we might We dont have that much time. fine. I said, reequipping everything. Its amazing how fast it happens. Well, there was a lot of testing involved before making it this successfuland a lot of errors. Really, what kind of errors? Lets say that having a helmet appear inside your leg isnt really funny. Ouch. And you cant even imagine how many times I ended up naked in front of Lady Raphael, then there was that time that a gauntlet got stuck in my C Ok stop! Its not like it got stuck up my ass. Oh good, thats actually what I was C It got stuck in my pussy.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Oh, come on. It could have actually become something fun if you were there that time. Raziel was about to retort to that but stopped and, after thinking about it for a moment, said yeah, it probably would have. I smiled and she smiled back. Is that match really that important? Yes, it is. Then I think wed better go before I decide that these pants are really uncomfortable. I think youre right. I took the rapier and the buckler out of the storage and tied them to my waist while Raziel changed back her appearance to that of Lucilla, then we exited the room and started walking towards the stairs. When we arrived at the main hall hundreds of fully equipped knights standing in rows were waiting for us. Lucilla remained outside of the hall to keep up her maid farce while I walked in the middle of the room towards the doors that led to the circular throne room. On the sides of the doors there were Gabriel and Lady Raphael standing, waiting for either me or the king. When I got in front of the doors I bowed to both of them and they opened them. Soon after the king who was waiting on the other side came out of the throne room and I kneeled as I was told to. (Stupid etiquette, even the king is bothered by it. Couldnt we all come out of the throne room and skip this shit?) The king walked up to me and said Hero Fortuna, it was asked you to show your prowess in a fight against Lord Gabriel and Lady Raphael. Are you ready for this task? Yes, Your Majesty. You may rise. At his words I stood up in front of him. Go and show to all of Phosforia the power of the chosen hero. I bowed and said Yes, sire. All the knights turned the other way and started going out of the hall two rows at a time. Before the last row exited Lady Raphael, Gabriel, the king and I went out of the hall, followed by the last group of knights. I looked around but I didnt see Raziel anymore. As we were walking in the entrance of the palace Gabriel said to my ear you were late. No I wasnt. I was even early, youre just fixated. I said whispering. No, Im not. What did you even do all that time in your room? Ladies stuff. I take it that you had sex all day, am I right? So you know about it. Yes, and I would prefer you didnt risk being late to important events because of that. Youre just jealous I get more pussy than you do. I heard Lady Raphael and the king suppress a laugh next to me as we got in the front yard. Gabriel was visibly angry but decided not to make a comeback. Most of the knights who got out before us were already going towards the city on horseback in two rows; some were being helped by their squires to mount. I saw Raziel next to a group of squires holding the rains of a horse. Gabriel and Lady Raphael went in front of me and the king and mounted on two horses while Raziel walked towards me and a squire took a horse to the king. My Hero, heres your steed. Said Raziel while she positioned the horse next to me. Thank you my fair lady. I got on the horse with the help of Raziel as a couple of knights behind us gave us strange looks and started walking the horse behind Gabriel with the king next to me. We walked through the streets of the capital surrounded as a crowd gathered on our sides. Cheers could be heard here and there, all the people seemed in jubilation for the event and when we finally arrived at the arena in the second ring of the capital the crowd exploded in excitement. We entered the arena with a small group of knights. The stands were full of people and immediately over the wall were the stands began a group of mages were setting up a barrier. We all dismounted from our horses and the personnel of the arena took them outside. The knights went to stand by the wall and the king went at the center of the arena. My people. We are here today to celebrate the prowess of the Holy Olivedias Kingdom with a match between two of the best fighters of our kingdom, Lord Gabriel and Lady Raphael, the blessed ones C Gabriel and Lady Raphael saluted the crowd when the king said their names and cheers came from all around us C and the hero from another world, Hero Fortuna. More cheers came as I too saluted the crowd. The king then turned towards us and said may the goddess be in your favor. We bowed to the king and he left. When the king reappeared in the royal balcony we were already in position for the fight: Gabriel, sword and shield in hand, and Lady Raphael were one next to the other on one side of the arena while I was facing them on the opposite side with the rapier and buckler. May the fight begin. At the words of the king I found myself already in the defensive as Lady Raphael tried to control my blood with water magic which I managed to prevent using water magic myself while Gabriel dashed towards me. I threw rocks with earth magic against both of them as I strengthened myself with body reinforcement magic. Gabriel swiftly evaded them while Lady Raphael used an earth wall to protect herself. When Gabriel got right in front of me I feigned a thrust to his eyes with the long rapier and, as he brought his shield up I side-stepped and equipped the halberd putting the rapier and buckler in the storage while defending myself from Raphaels icicles with a wall of fire which I then sent towards her. Halberd in hand I twisted my body and hit Gabriel on the shoulder with the horn. He staggered for a moment and I tried to thrust with the spike to his visor but a thunder came from Raphael who was high above me. I jumped back to evade the thunder strike and sent a burst of flames towards Gabriel. Raphael had to raise an earth wall to protect him and I used the chance to fly to her and try hitting her with the halberd. Finding herself unable to create an elemental shield in such a short time she had to protect herself with a pure mana barrier but the hit still sent her flying into the arena wall. I started shooting fireballs towards Gabriel but he had activated will of the knight and evaded them all. A sudden blast of air pushed me to the ground but I managed to land on my feet and sent a rock towards Raphael who evaded it. Gabriel ran up to me but I created an earth wall in front of him and pushed against it to fly towards Raphael. She sent a huge fireball towards me; I struck the ground with the halberd and pole vaulted over it while still using air magic to direct my flight. When I got near her I swung my halberd again and shattered the wall she had created sending her flying against Gabriel who was running towards us. He caught her and put her back on her feet. Lady Raphael used air magic to accelerate Gabriel who was running towards me while sending thunder strikes to me. I started evading the thunders and when Gabriel got in front of me I swung my halberd to his helmet but he intercepted it with his shield. He tried to thrust at my armpits but I opened my mouth and breathed fire on his face. He jumped back and Raphael started sending other thunders towards me. Hey, whats with all these thunders? I dont need a dancer trophy. You know? I said while evading them. Shut up you dragon wannabe. I threw the still staggered Gabriel against her with air magic, then flew to her while still evading her lightning strikes and created an earth dome around them as she stopped Gabriel from hitting her. I threw a blast of flames in the only opening I had left in the dome. My flames were interrupted by the words of the king who said thats it. I think we have a winner. The crowd exploded again in cheers as the earth dome collapsed. The healers came into the arena and brought us in the arena infirmary for a quick fixing. I looked at Gabriel and Lady Raphael in front of me as a healer checked me. You held back quite a bit. Not that much, really. Said Gabriel as a man healed his burns. After the fight we were made to attend at a public party held in the largest square of the capital. Every now and then someone toasted for a reason or another, sometimes to the king, sometimes to the kingdom, sometimes to me, Lady Raphael and Gabriel and sometimes to the soldiers of the kingdom. After hours of eating and drinking we finally went back to the palace, where Raziel was waiting with a hot bath ready. As I was putting my dirty clothes on the shelves in the bathroom Raziel hugged me from behind, started caressing me and said should we resume from where we left? I tilted my head to the side, she kissed me. When our lips separated I smiled and said sure. Extra - Pictostory 10/02 "Search" (non canon) Sand. Sun. No clouds. No trees. No water. Nothing for miles but the scorching desert. For the last ten days only the dunes of the Great Desert. She kept walking, she had to. No one ever returned from the Great Desert. She didnt care. What she was looking for existed only in old legends and fairy tales. She didnt care. Others called her crazy. She didnt care. They told her it was impossible. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. She didnt care. She kept walking. He was the only reason she had left to live. She had to save him. Even if it cost her life. She had to save him. Even if it cost her life. She had to find it. Auria. The lost city. The capital of the Aurs. The origin of magic. Where magic disappeared. She kept walking. The legends described the city as a floating wonder. The legends said it was impossible to reach by anyone but the Aurs, the masters of magic. But the floating city fell. The Aurs disappeared. Magic was no more. The Great Desert was born. She kept walking. The only lead she had were the other four wandering cities. The cities which were told to rest on the back of enormous monsters. The cities which were told to circle around Auria. She kept walking. The sun was high over her head. The sand seemed to burn under her feet. She kept walking, she had to. The earth trembled. A dune far off in the distance started growing in size. Sand started falling from the top. The sand stopped falling. She stopped walking. A tortoise. A city. A tear. Chapter 16 – Good Morning Princess Chapter 16 C Good Morning Princess
I woke up with a hangover from the party of the day before, the sun was still on the horizon and no one had yet come to wake me up. I really needed some water though. (Stupid human bodies. Me and my shitty ideas. What fun is there in having a superhuman body? Lets make a normal one! Fuck you past me. Fuck you.) I slowly crawled to the side of the bed and pulled the string on the wall. After just a few seconds Raziel, disguised as Lucilla, came storming in my room shouting what happened? Aaah, keep it down. I just needed some water. Raziel looked at me a bit baffled and after a few seconds said wait, you have a hangover? Yes. Why? I didnt think you got those. It is really rare but it can happen to me too. What did you think? That I had some kind of immunity to hangovers? It never happened before, and you arent really someone who holds back when it comes to drinking. Well, lets say I held back even less than usual yesterday. Can I have my water now? Sure. Ill be back in a moment. As Raziel went out of the room I closed my eyes and buried my face between the pillows, trying to let as little light as possible getting to my eyes. After a few minutes I heard the door slowly opening and closing again soon after, followed by light steps. When the steps stopped near the bed I heard something being put on the bedside table on my left. A hand touched my back and I turned my head to look at the person next to the bed. Before I could react Raziel kissed me and, as our lips were sealed together, made me drink mouth to mouth. Surprised I shoved her back and started coughing. What the fuck was that? It almost went down the wrong pipe! Raziel smiled and said doesnt a kiss cast out all pain and evils? I glared at her and said you bitch Hey! Is that what you say when the woman you love kisses you?! She said, trying to fake indignation. Oh no, Im saying it with love, dont worry. I said while I sat up and reached for the jug of water on the small table near the bed. Oh well, that changes everything. She said, laughing a bit. I started drinking directly from the jug as I applied a bit of holy magic to my head. When I felt I was getting better I put the jug back on the bedside table and stopped healing myself. Raziel who watched me doing all that said sometimes you really have the grace of a prin-This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. I grabbed her before she finished talking and pushed her on the bed under me. Yep, really a princess. She said while smiling. Her eyes fixed on mine. I kissed her lightly then said thanks, I strive every day to be as graceful as possible. She laughed for a few seconds then she immediately turned serious and stared at me. I was really worried, you know? Why? Well, until this morning you had never rung that bell and suddenly you ring it at such an hour. How could I not worry? Im fine; you dont have to be so apprehensive. She kept staring at me with that serious look on her face so I smiled at her, leaned closer and kissed her. When I felt she was finally relaxing I lifted my lips from hers and smiled again. Sowhen will the grand event be? I said, trying to change subject. In the afternoon, no need to rush. Good, good. I said and kissed her again. Raziel looked at my body and I realized I was laying on top of her naked. She bit her lip then said are we going to do it or Not now, Im still a bit tired after all. How about you take your clothes off, we lay in bed together, I sleep for a bit and you wake me up in a couple of hours? Oh oh, you may act like a drunken mariner sometimes but youre as spoiled as a princess. And are you going to make your princess happy? Of course. She said and gave me a light kiss. I smiled and got off her. She smiled back at me, got off the bed and started undressing. While she undressed I crawled back under the sheets. When she was finally naked she started moving the sheets. Wait! I stopped her. What? Youre still disguised as Lucilla. Oh right! Saying so she turned back to her real appearance. Seeing the disguise gone I smiled and tapped on the bed. She smiled back and crawled under the sheets next to me. I snuggled in her arms, resting my head against her breasts. You really want to be spoiled today. Yep. Well, sleep tight. She said and kissed my forehead. Thank you. I said and snuggled even more against her cool body. Feeling her soft skin against mine and her firm embrace around me, that embrace so different and yet so similar to the one I had loved thousands of years before, I fell asleep. A soft kiss woke me up. I slowly opened my eyes and Raziel lifted her lips from mine. Good morning. She said to me. Good morning. Do you want me to get your breakfast? Im not really hungry right now. Id prefer eating something else. I said while grabbing her thigh. She smiled at me and I kissed her, slowly getting on top of her. I put my hand under her neck and started kissing it while she put a hand over my breast and the other on my thigh. From her neck I moved down. When I reached her breasts I held one of them in my free hand while I gently kissed the other, lightly biting her nipple every few kisses. Her hands now unable to comfortably reach my thighs and breasts shifted on my back. After shifting my attention from a breast to another I started slowly moving down, the hand that was under her neck moved down to her thigh, slowly caressing her side. The hand that was on her breast finally moved to caress her inner thigh as I kissed around her lips. When I heard she was breathing I started licking her lips and kissing her clit. Her breathing became rougher and moans started leaving her mouth as I put a finger inside her. She suddenly lifted me and turned me around as if I was weightless, showing how you should really not underestimate the strength of a vampire. My crotch was now on her face and she started licking my lips as resumed licking her clit. We kept going like that until we came, almost at the same time. I turned to face her and kissed her then I sat on the bed and opened the storage. I have a surprise for you. I said as I took an almost thirty centimeters long steel rod with round ends out of the storage. Where did you get that? She almost screamed in surprise. Lets say I practiced fire and earth magic on a couple of daggers. You stole weapons from the palace training grounds?! No! They were broken and I asked Gabriel if I could take them for magic training and he gave me permission. He doesnt know what you used them for, right? Of course not! WellI guess there is no problem then. She said relieved. I smiled at her and said round two? Round two she said smiling back. We kept going at it for hours and, after the fifth round, it was finally time for launch. I cleaned both of us with a combination of water and air magic and Raziel dressed up after disguising as Lucilla. She kissed me and said Ill be right back. Before going out of the room UPDATE: Please help me! There has been a bit of criticism regarding my last chapter and I''m actually glad for that. If no one ever pointed out my mistakes or where I lack as an author I would never improve. I would like to thank all of you for the help and support you''re giving me. Honestly when I first started writing this I didn''t know where I was going, I did it on a whim without really thinking about it. I kept going, the number of followers rose, I found myself having more and more fun writing this fiction, even proud about it sometimes and I decided to see this throuth. Now I have a plot in mind, events planned out and characters waiting to be introduced.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. While I might have an idea now of how the story will continue I haven''t really improved as an author. I ask you, my readers, to answer this little survey I made so that I will be able to deliver you a better story. The survey is now closed. Thank you. Chapter 17 – Investiture Chapter 17 C Investiture
When I finished eating lunch it was already time to start the preparations for the investiture ceremony. Raziel, who was still disguised, told me that a group of maids were going to come to my room to help me put on an appropriate dress in a few minutes. Which brought up a little problem: while the king, Gabriel and Lady Raphael knew about us having other people know about it wasnt really a good idea and the bed was a mess. A real mess. A disorganized bundle of sheets was on top of it and stains could be seen everywhere. You dont have time to stealthily take them to the laundry room like usual, right? EhmI might try but I dont think Ill manage to. I have an Idea. I said making a big ball out of all the sheets. What? Just open the window. Are you sure its a good idea? Yeah, yeah, trust me. Fine. She said, opening the big window. I threw the sheets out of the window with a bit of help from air magic. When the sheets were finally far away from the palace walls they caught fire, burning away completely in a matter of seconds above the gardens. When I turned around Raziel was staring at me with her mouth open. See? Problem solved. Raziel kept shifting her attention between me and the small line of smoke that was slowly disappearing out of the window for a while before shouting how was that a good idea?! We dont have to deal with pussy juice stained sheets anymore. You made an almost two meters wide ball of fire on top of the palace gardens! Dont you think someone might have something to say about it? Who? The citizens of the capital are already used to seeing such things from all the practice I had with Lady Raphael, and we can say the people of the palace that I was nervous for the ceremony and I was just relieving some tension. Relieving some tension? Yes. By burning silk sheets out of the window? Do you really think there is someone in this palace who would find anything I do weird at this point? Raziel looked at me for a few seconds and sighed before saying yeah, youre probably right. See? No problem. Now I think I could use some underwear before the maids arrive. I said walking towards the wardrobe. I took out some silk undergarments which didnt differ too much from the ones found on Earth except for their plainness and started putting them on. What are you doing? Putting my underwear on. Dont be stupid, I told you that youll have to wear a dress. She said, taking a corset, a tight silk chemise and a pair of crotch-less pantalettes. Oh, right. I said and took off the panties I already had on. I put the pantalettes on and had Raziel tie the laces behind me. In my world these are considered kinky items now. I said while putting the chemise on. How comes? Well, people simply dont wear them anymore on a day to day basis as even the formal dresses dont require them. Really? She asked a bit surprised as she started tying the corset. Yep. The dress I had when I arrived, for example. The blue and silver one? Yes, that. If it was black it would be as formal as a dress gets in most countries of my world so they are usually worn with really small undergarments like the ones I was putting on. Oh, I get it, its something similar to the elven fashion, only they consider green to be the most formal color instead of black. Wait, if you put even smaller undergarments how did corsets and pantalettes become kinky items.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. SimpleI said turning around and putting some distance between us Cpeople dont wear anything else over them. Raziel looked at me and bit her lips when her eyes met the opening on the pantalettes. Ok, I can kind of see why. Come here now, I still have to finish tying the strings of the corset. I went back to her and turned to give her my back and, as soon as she resumed tying the corset, we heard a knock on the door. Come in. At my words three maids entered the room one after the other. Two of them were holding a long white gown with golden ornaments and a golden petticoat with a white pattern, the other one, behind them was Caethy, the maid who replaced Raziel for a few days when she was on that mission. When she saw me with only my undergarments on she became a bit nervous. I smiled at her and her face became red, to which I giggled a little. Raziel, still behind me, said to my ear stop teasing her while tying the last strings a bit too tight. Ugh, fine, fine. I whispered back. The maids and Raziel helped me dress and fixed my hair for what felt like hours before I could finally say to have the same mobility of a tree. Once ready the other maids left and I went with Raziel towards a room with a balcony over the main hall. When I entered the room I found Duke Besalel sitting on an armchair with a butler at his side. (What the fuck is he doing here?) Good evening Duke Besalel, how unusual to see you here in the palace. Good evening to you Hero Fortuna. Alfred, could you please leave us? At the words of Besalel the butler nodded and walked out of the room but stayed there for a moment holding the door while looking at Raziel. She can stay. Said Besalel Yes sir. When the butler closed the door I turned to look at Besalel who had a grin on his face. Youre probably wondering why the fuck Im here, right? Yep. Well, almost everyone is already in the main hall for the ceremony and I had to tell you a couple of things, so I volunteered to keep you company before your speech. Well then, Im all ears. He took a deep breath and said are you stupid? What?! Im asking if youre stupid. He turned to Raziel, who was still disguised as Lucilla, and said Im asking this to you too, Milady. No need to be formal while questioning my intelligence, Besalel. Explain yourself, now. She said, glaring at him. He gulped and went further into his chair but still tried to maintain a certain composure. V-very well. Rumors started circulating about you two, while they are still easy to silence it wont last forever. I suggest you stop with this ridiculous game of yours before those rumors get to the ear of the Church. Raziel was at his throat before I could even notice; her disguise now undone, her red eyes filled with anger fixed on his. I have no reason to fear the Church and I will make you eat only soup for the rest of your life if you call our relationship a game even one more time. You might consider yourself untouchable but the same doesnt apply to her. While the war is still going it might be easy for the crown to protect her and the inquisition might not even bother with the matter. But when well win, if well win, she will just be a woman with a fancy title and a high level. Do I have to remember you how the Church happened to find out about Viscount Heidrich hobbies a week after he lost his men and a leg to the demons? Im warning you Lady Raziel, it wont end well if it keeps going like this. Raziel was immobile like a statue, anger was still in her eyes but she wasnt able to say anything back to the duke. I put a hand on her shoulder and she let go of Besalel. She turned to look at me and said I wont let that happen. as a tear fell from her eye. I hugged her tight, let her rest her head on my shoulder and said to her dont worry, Ill be fine. Hes right though. I knew and still- I said you dont have to worry I took her head between my hands and kissed her while I wiped her tear off. This is really unsettling. I lifted my lips from Raziels and glared at Besalel. Got a problem with two women kissing? Generally no, Im no fanatic after all, but when I have what looks like a really artistic representation of the conflict with Leliah in front of me its kind of- Is your goal pissing off as many women as possible in a single day? We can go call Lady Raphael and your sister and see if we can get you a new world record. I think there are a lot of men who managed to anger more than four women in a day. They dont hold the record for fastest dismembered body in history though. Besalel gulped and I heard a small laugh coming from Raziel. Now that everything is set I should really give a speech from that balcony, shouldnt I? Y-yes, go ahead, we should be on schedule. Perfect. I gave a light kiss to Raziel and walked towards the balcony. When I got to the railing the crowd just outside of the palace burst in shouts and cheers. I waved my hand to the crowd and waited for the cheers to quiet down a bit before speaking on the magic stone mounted on the railing. People of the Holy Olivedias Kingdom. It was on a day of nen that I answered the call for help of His Majesty, King August Lucian Olivie, and traveled here from a different world. On that day I swore to protect this kingdom from the threat of the demons. Now, after many months, as Sel shines again, I want to make that oath again. Here, in front of all of you, I, Fortuna, as Hero of Humanity, swear to fight the demons and protect the Holy Kingdom until victory or death. I raised a fist and the crowd burst again in cheers as I left the balcony. When I entered the room again Duke Besalel was already gone. Raziel, who turned back to her Lucilla appearance, walked up to me and said shall we go to the main hall? Yes of course. When I got to the main hall I saw that, unlike the day before, it was full of people in formal attire, probably all nobles and rich merchants of the Holy Kingdom. In the crowd I could recognize some of the faces I saw during the party on the first day I arrived. I slowly walked on the red carpet towards the closed doors of the throne room. In front of them was the king, alone, with a sword in his hand. Lady Raphael, Gabriel, the queen and Prince Alexander were on the first row, along with Duke Besalel and some other nobles, a few meters from the second row. Once I arrived in front of the king I kneeled in front of him on a wooden kneeler with a cushion on top of it. Hero Fortuna, do you swear loyalty to the Holy Olivedias Kingdom, the crown and the faith? I swear. The peers of Olivedias have witnessed your oath. I now declare you Baroness Fortuna Tullius. Saying so he tapped on my shoulders with the sword. You may rise. I got up from the kneeler and the king appointed a badge on my chest. The king made a light nod and I turned around as a composed applause filled the hall. Chapter 18 – The Generals (+ illustrations) Chapter 18 C The Generals
Having finished breakfast I passed the tray to Raziel who put it on the food trolley while I sat on the bed border. When she turned back at me I grabbed her by her sides and drew her closer to me. So When will the council start? I asked while hugging her waist. Just after lunch. Speaking of which, I should probably explain you a few things about it. I looked up at her and said Dont tell me I have to wear an uncomfortable dress again. She bent forward and gave me a light kiss. Dont worry you wont. Really? I wasnt even hoping for it. Its tradition to attend to the war council armed after all. That doesnt seem safe for the king. Dont worry, all those who will attend the council has sworn loyalty to the king and proved their words. Also, no one would willingly go against me, Gabriel, Raphael and all those who would protect the king. Youll be there too? Of course, not a single war council since the founding of the kingdom took place without me attending. Youre something like the main attraction then. I said and, pulling her even closer to me, made her fall on the bed on top of me. Well you could put it that way too. Anyway, let me explain. Sorry. I said and kissed her. She moved from being on top of me and laid next to me before saying As I said, everyone will be armed so I suggest you wear your gambeson with the badge the king gave you yesterday over it and a weapon. It can be anything, most people come with a sword but there are exceptions every year. Is the rapier fine? Yes, the rapier is fine. Then Ill go with that. I said and took two pillows to put under our heads. Raziel lifted her head a bit as I placed the pillow under her while she said Youll also have to wear gloves and take the right one off right before the greetings, which will take place in front of the room, not inside. Youll greet everyone with a handshake as equals except the king who youll bow to. Are you listening? Yes, yes. Gloves, handshakes, bowing to the king. I should have a pair of leather gloves in the wardrobe, right? I said while trying to get in a comfortable position. Yes, you do. Anyway, when everyone is present and the greetings are done with the doors will be opened and you will enter. As youre the lowest ranked in the meeting youll enter first. Ill be already inside. Youll walk past the table, come to me and kiss my hand C You really are the main attraction! Stop it, they are just formalities, you already know my title as guardian of the crown, dont you? Its mainly because of that. After kissing my hand youll walk back towards the entrance and stay next to the chair nearest to the doors, waiting for everyone to do the same and get to their seats. After the king sits youll sit too. I dont want everyone to kiss your hands though, theyre mine. I said, took her right hand with mine and lightly kissed it. Dont worry, Ill be wearing long gloves for most of the time. She said and kissed me. On that note Cshe continuedI wont be here during lunch as I have to prepare for the council too. The head maid will probably send Caethy; dont tease her too much, okay? I wont, I wont. But Im still not convinced about all that kissing your hand thing. Some young noble could get the wrong idea. Unlike you, most people are usually terrified when they see me, not turned on. She said laughing. Just because youre a vampire? Raziel stopped laughing and her face immediately became serious, a change that surprised me for a moment, and said No, vampires are scary for a lot of people but most of them arent too different from high level adventurers in terms of fighting power, most of them get themselves killed before even reaching level sixty. Fortuna, you should already know how levels work, dont you? You gain levels by either killing an enemy or making them fall unconscious, the latter giving much less proficiency towards the next level, ones level and the enemy level also greatly influences how much proficiency one receives for defeating their enemies, right? I answered, a bit baffled by the question. Fortuna, you know what my level is, I didnt reach it by knocking people unconscious or by killing dragons and monsters like a rightful hero. Even though I hated and still hate Leliah if she didnt appear and Armand had not mustered the courage to ask for my help in defeating her, I might be the one people celebrate the death of instead of her. Dont you dare saying things like that! Its true, those are things everyone in this world knows but, except for the people who are given permission to attend the war and minister councils of the Kingdom, everyone on Kilis thinks Im sleeping under the palace. Now that you are part of the council too I can tell you that the main purpose of the barrier around the capital isnt to keep monsters out and make the fields fertile, those are just useful side effects. Armand trusted me Her face was clouded in sadness as tears fell down her cheeks, wetting the pillow, every time she spoke of Armand Cbut the same wasnt true for the other humans of the time nor the goddess, the conditions she set to bless me and allow me to walk by Armands side were giving up both my necromancy magic and my freedom.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The tears were now falling as a river as she sobbed uncontrollably. I put my hands around her and brought her closer to me, letting her rest her head on my chest. I hated humans and did terrible things to them; I might have killed Armand too the day he came to me if I didnt feel like playing a bit with him. I now feel sick just thinking about what I had become. Im sorry, I shouldnt have brought this up. Dont be. We stayed like that for something like an hour before Raziel managed to recover from her crying and went to prepare herself for the council. I stayed in my room, idling around before I decided to dress. When Caethy came, bringing my lunch, she was surprised not to see me happy go lucky like usual and seemed worried about it but didnt question me and I ignored her worried looks. Once I finished eating and the time for the meeting came I took the long mithril rapier out of the storage, put it on my side and went to the council. In front of the large wooden doors leading to the circular room used for the council there were already three people waiting, two of them were Duke Besalel and Count Achar who were talking to each other, much to the displeasure of the duke; the third person was a tall, bulky man in his late fifty resting against the wall near a window wearing full plate armor, his visor lifted and his right gauntlet in his left hand. I took off my right glove and went to greet the two I already knew. Good afternoon Duke Besalel, Count Achar. I said to the two giving them my hand. Good afternoon Baroness Fortuna. They said, shaking hands with me one at the time. Besalel guided me to the man in armor and said I think you still havent met Duke Cahel Forsche, hes the head of the Forsche house and governs the Armored Dukedom in the north. Its a pleasure to meet you Duke Cahel. Its a pleasure for me too, hero. CHe said, grabbing my hand in a firm hand shake.I hope you will prove yourself worthy of that title in battle. He tightened his grip around my hand as he said so. You dont have to worry; Ill make sure I wont be outshined by an old man. I said reciprocating the hand-smashing hand shake. Duke Cahel let go of my hand and burst in a loud laughter. Duke Besalel, when you said you liked the hero I was expecting to see a petty whore ready to cock-ride her way up the ranks. Im really glad I was wrong.He said, hitting both me and Besalel with a bear version of a pat on the shoulderI would have liked to see your match against Lord Gabriel and Lady Raphael, Hero Fortuna. You would have been disappointed, it was mostly staged. I might have the hero title but even for me is impossible to win against those two with only a few months of training. Its good that you know your limits, I wouldnt want to see you dead before you can overcome them... Speaking of not knowing ones limits, my crazy girl is here. I turned around and saw a woman in her early twenties with a long, gray robe that covered almost everything except her head and her hands. On the left side of her face there was a large burn scar that reached to her now white eye that contrasted heavily with her otherwise bronzed skin. Fuck you old man. Is that what you say to your foster father after so much time? He said, catching her right hand and bringing her closer to him in a hug. They separated from each other and, after exchanging a big smile, turned towards me. This ungrateful little girl here is Aeithne, my adoptive daughter and General of the Arcane. We shook hands and I said Its a pleasure to meet you General Aeithne. The pleasure is all mine, Baroness Fortuna. Dont mind what this old man says, even after all this years he still hasnt learned how a person of his rank should talk. Im still here, you know. Said Duke Cahel behind her. Im saying it exactly because you can hear me, maybe this time youll understand it. CShe said without looking at him while walking towards Duke BesalelGood afternoon Duke Besalel. Good afternoon General Aeithne. Youre as beautiful as ever. If you try putting your cock in my daughter I will cut it off for good. Shouted Duke Cahel. Besalel gulped but Aeithne ignored both of them and said you flatter me Duke Besalel before turning towards Count Achar with a big smile on her face. Good afternoon Count Achar, Im glad to see youre in good health. How is your wife? Did she like the beauty lotion I gave her as a gift? Good afternoon General Aeithne. My wife loved it, but your concern for my family and me wont make your spending less grave. Aeithne smile broke and despair seemed to take hold of her. By the wayI said to Duke Cahel who was next to mewhat is the General of the Arcane? Has no one explained you the structure of our military? He asked me baffled. Not really. There are four generals: the General of the Ground who manages the army; the General of the Air who manages the air force, mainly constituted of the griffon corps; the General of the Sea who manages the navy; finally the General of the Arcane who manages the mages of all three corps and cross-branch operations. She must make you really proud. She does indeed, I wish I could say the same for those two idiots of my sons. She was already a steel ranked adventurer when I adopted her and she was only twelve at the time. If it wasnt for her few loose screws I would have been submerged by marriage proposals a long time ago. I can hear you old man! Shouted Aeithne, interrupting the counts scolding. General Aeithne is as loud as ever. Said a voice behind me. We turned around and I saw two men in their early fifties, one wearing a brown gambeson , with a sword at his side while the other was dressed it what looked like a blue uniform with a tightly closed jacket. General Kemble, General Murdoch. Im glad to see youre both still in one piece. Said the duke next to me. The feeling is mutual, Duke Cahel Said the blue dressed man while greeting the duke with a handshake. Good afternoon Duke Cahel, wont you introduce us to the lady next to you? Said the man with the brown gambeson. Of course, Generals, this woman next to me is the summoned hero. Hero Fortuna, these two men are General of the Ground Kemble and General of the Sea Murdoch. Its a pleasure to meet you Baroness Fortuna. The pleasure is all mine General Murdoch. General Kemble. I said greeting the two one after the other. So, are we the last ones? Asked General Kemble. No, both General Beval and the king have yet to arrive. The moment the duke said so a griffon with a man covered in leather and fur on top of it appeared outside the window. When the man saw us he started waving his hand at us. I guess that is the General of the Air, right? I asked. Yes. General Murdoch answered while the other two men sighed. Should we open the window? No, ignore him; hell learn to be punctual. Said General Kemble. The General of the Air arrived ten minutes later running and panting. Aaah, aah, am I, aah, on time? He asked, trying to catch breath. Barely, luckily for you the king has yet to arrive. Said Aeithne who was talking with me about my equip magic when he arrived. Good afternoon General Aeithne. AaahHe said, then looked at meyou must be the hero, Baroness Fortuna, right? Its a pleasure to meet you. The pleasure is all mine General...- Beval. Its a pleasure, General Beval. As we were shaking hands the king arrived and we all stopped what we were doing to bow to him. Chapter 19 – War Council Chapter 19 C War Council
Having greeted the king with a bow and Gabriel and Lady Raphael, who came following him, with an handshake we were ready to enter the room of the meeting. Gabriel and Lady Raphael opened the doors, remaining at its sides and I entered first. The room had no windows and was dimly lit by two magic stones near the entrance and one in front of each of the chairs placed around the annular table. Slightly raised from the ground, inside the hole of the table, there was a detailed map of Kilis. On the other side of the table from the entrance there was a small, unlit alcove with a single chair on which Raziel was sitting and a small table on her side with a metal box on it. She was wearing a long, black dress with black gloves and a dark veil in front of her face, her whole body hidden from her clothes except from her black hair. When I reached her she lifted her right hand without saying a word and I kissed it. A small smile appeared on her face behind the veil and I smiled back to her. I turned my back at her and went to sit on the chair in front of the doors, waiting for all the other participants to get to their seats. The others entered one after the other and, like me, they went to kiss Raziels hand before going to sit at their place. Unlike me though each of them also gave her a ring she then put in small slits all around the box. The first to do so was Count Achar who sat at my right, followed by the three generals, the first being Kemble who sat to my left. When all the generals and the two dukes were at their seats the king entered the room, followed by Lady Raphael and Gabriel, who locked the door behind him. They both went ahead, leaving the king in front of the doors, who moved only when everyone was already sat. When the king was in front of Raziel she removed her gloves and he kissed her right hand. As he kissed her hand I inadvertently frowned, seeing that Count Achar leaned towards me and whispered dont take it personally, as the only living being directly blessed by the goddess only the king and the oracles are above her and there hasnt been a living oracle for a while now. It would be weird if she didnt keep her gloves on with us. I only nodded, not really wanting to have a conversation about that now, as the king gave Raziel his ring. The moment the ring slid in place the box opened, revealing a white crown which was faintly shining. Raziel took the crown from the box and put it on the kings head. The moment the crown touched the king the light coming from it became a bit brighter. Curious I [looked] at it as the king sat on his chair and found out the crown was actually an oracle. (That was unexpected. Thank goodness that goddess is too weak to see Im a god.) The king looked around the room for a moment before saying we are here today for the four-thousand-twenty-first official war council. All the ringed members are present. One special observant present. He looked straight at me and said observer Fortuna Tullius, noble rank baroness, special title Hero of Humanity. The matters that are going to be discussed during this council are to be considered a state secret. Do you swear to secrecy? (Oh. I wasnt aware of this, guess it was to be expected.) I looked at Raziel who was still in the alcove behind the king and behind the veil it looked like she was mouthing sorry, I forgot. to me. She looked a bit nervous while doing so but I figured we wouldnt have gone anywhere if I didnt accept.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. I swear. Guardian of the crown Raziel, do you accept the vow? Said the king without turning to look at her. Suddenly I felt something weird inside me, like a magic I couldnt completely grasp, which lasted for just a short moment. I stared at Raziel and she seemed to mouth sorry to me, followed by what looked like a Ill make up for it later. I was probably smiling a bit as the king repeated Guardian of the crown Raziel, do you accept the vow?" with a tired look on his face. Ah. Yes, the vow is accepted. She said a bit flustered. To what probably looked like an unusual response to them the generals, the count and Duke Cahel turned towards Raziel with baffled looks, for some reason Lady Raphael had a small smile on her face while Duke Besalel, Gabriel and the king were trying to remain impassible. The latter immediately tried to shift everyones attention saying do the ringer members accept to renew their vows? Everyone immediately regained their composure to confirm their intention to which Raziel responded with all previous vows are renewed in a flat voice. I officially declare the start of the council. Duke Besalel, please update us with the current situation. Said the King. Yes, sire. After the attack to the coastal city of Glasport the demons managed to conquer until halfway to the Lykwood forest before our forces managed to halt their advance. Thanks to the success of the operation icewall we managed to cut their supplies and reinforcements by sea. We expect the sheet of ice to melt by the end of Dis at the earliest; if the weather is favorable it is possible for it to last until the mid of Sel of next year. After the operation the demons retreated inside Glasport, currently an encirclement is in act around the city. While successful, considering the relative small number of troops involved there is a high possibility the attack on Glasport was a diversion from an attack on the Armored Dukedom. The information we managed to gather from the Demon Country seemed to support this theory until the operation icewall. After the operation troop movements in the Demon Country seem to suggest for a war on more fronts. What do you mean? Asked Kemble. There is information suggesting they are building a new fleet on the east coast of the Demon Country, the remains of a small scouting vessel have been found on our shores. Also, a recent report suggests a high number of scouts, estimated around two-hundred have been sent to the Dragon Peaks over Tureg. Duke Cahel burst into laughter as Besalel finished his report and said are you saying the demons are willingly trying to traverse the Dragon Peaks and the Sea of Monsters to avoid the Armored Dukedom? It looks like it. They are probably trying to find a safe route. Answered Besalel. There is no safe route on the Dragon Peaks. Said Aeithne. Nor in the Sea of Monsters. Said Murdoch. Even if that proves to be true I suggest we dispatch troops to guard the border with Tureg and a small fleet on the east coast for emergencies. It should be safe to keep our ships in the first twenty miles from the coast, shouldnt it, General Murdoch? Said Besalel Yes, the waters are safe at that distance if we dont pass the mouth of the river Turoil but well have to build a whole new fleet there, a few patrolling ships wont be enough in case of attack. Count Achar, would a new fleet be feasible? Asked the king. If we build a new shipyard east of the Great Forest the supply of timber and cordage wont be a problem. A lot of ports on the east coast are still operational, an accurate survey is needed but they should be enough to support the new fleet. Everything considered the costs of the operation should be minimal. Very well, we will keep the encirclement already present around Glasport until the ice starts to melt or they decide to come out on their own. General Aeithne, scouting and guarding the Dragon Peaks is now a top priority, you will coordinate the operation C I saw Aeithne frown for a split of a second the moment the king said so but she still answered with a yes, sire. General Murdoch, relocate half of the navys troops to the east coast, you have permission to navigate river Gran for moving troops from the Inner Sea. Yes, sire. Duke Cahel, the probability of an attack to the Armored Dukedom is not to be considered nil, stay on high alert. Yes, sire. Hero Fortuna, your training from now on will focus on raising your level. I was a bit surprised by the king speaking to me out of nowhere after being a spectator for the entire council but still answered yes, sire mimicking the ones before me. Has any of the members anything to add? The king looked at each of us after saying so and, seeing as no one spoke, said Very well, the council is adjourned to the second month of Dis. After he said so we left the room after him, ending my first war council. Chapter 20 – “Can I?” “Ask your father”. Chapter 20 C Can I? Ask your father.
Only a few minutes had passed since I returned to my room after the war council when Raziel stormed into my room disguised as Lucilla, shut the door behind her and ran to me. Im sorry. Im so sorry. She said agitated and bordering to crying. Calm down, Raziel. Youre sorry about what? I said, placing my hands on her shoulders. About the blood contract. The blood contract? Yes, every participant to the council has to take the oath and that oath is sealed with a blood contract, usually I would have asked the blood in advance to not disturb the council but I already had a sample of your blood so I just had to tell you about it but I forgot about it and when I remembered it was already too late and I had to do the contract during the meeting and Im so sorry, I could break the contract if you want though I shouldnt but there is no need to let others know if you dont talk about what was said during the council with other people there is no problem with not having the contract, Im sorry. She said in a single breath, becoming even more agitated as she did so. Raziel, calm down. Dont worry about that thing. Everyone takes the oath, right? Well, yes, but Then there is no problem. I wont talk about it with anyone anyway. But what if you let it slip by mistake? It wont happen, dont worry. Its not like Id die if it happens, right? Raziel seemed to freeze for a moment as she stared at me without answering. Right? I repeated my question. Ehm No, it only paralyzes you and sends a signal to me so you wont dieunless you try to break free of the paralysis. How strict is the contract anyway? I wont be paralyzed just for saying war council to you, right? I said, hoping not to fall on the ground paralyzed as I did so. Oh no, you can speak with anyone who was at the council about anything but to others you can only say things already of common knowledge. Then its fine, isnt it? Are you sure about it? Yes, dont worry. I said and gave her a light kiss. Speaking of the council, is the king free? Id like to ask him a thing about that leveling part he didnt say anything about to me before the council.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Yes he is free, the council lasted less than expected but what do you have to ask- she seemed to realize what I wanted to do as her expression suddenly changed to one of mild angerCyou are not going to become an adventurer! But Ive been caged here for months! Do you realize what it means for me to be in a world completely different from mine and be only allowed to see the same rooms and gardens for all the time?! Ive been caged here for thousands of years! I do realize it, better than you! She shouted. I Im sorry. I wasnt thinking when I said that. Its just that I want to really see the what this world is like before being thrown into a battle. I know its selfish but still You might end up dead! Well, battlefields arent really safe either. You know what Im talking about! Youll just be risking your life! And for what reason? Playing around a bit? Yes! I dont want to end up regretting having spent all my time here in a golden cage! Please dont. She said as tears were starting to fall from her eyes. I made my decision, Raziel. Dont force me to change it. You might die. I know. I wont be able to help you. I know. We might not see each other for months. I know. I dont want you to die. I promise I wont just die out of the blue. Why do I feel like you really mean that? She said, laughing a bit while wiping off a tear. Because I do. I love you. She said after wiping off more tears. I love you too. I said and gave her another kiss. I guess I should tell the king youre going to speak with him. She said, her eyes downcast. Yes, please. ..fine. She took out the communication crystal from under her dress and told me to wait a moment as she went in a corner of the room to speak to the king through it. A few seconds later I saw her putting the crystal away. She turned towards me and said the king is in his office, he said you can go there to speak with him. Thank you. I said and gave her another kiss. I then went towards the door, as I opened it she told me dont let me regret it. before I exitied the room. When I reached the kings office I knocked on the door twice and the king told me to enter from the other side of the door. As I entered I saw that only the king and Gabriel were in the office, like the last time I was there. I closed the door behind me and walked to his desk. Please, sit. Raziel told me you have something to ask me. Said the king as he put a bundle of documents on a side of the desk. I sat on one of the chairs in front of him and said Yes, its regarding the matter of my leveling. Oh, of course. I was planning to have you train with the monsters around the capital, maybe having a match with a rare monster in the arena every now and then to boost the morale of the population. Actually Raziel mentioned me what adventurers are some time ago and I wanted to ask permission to register as one. The king was a bit baffled for a moment but soon regained his composure and asked me does she know about this? Yes, we were talking about it just a few moments ago. Then you have my permission. I must have had an expression of complete surprise as soon after he added if she couldnt stop you I doubt I could make you reason, dont make that face.I closed my mouth CI want to set some conditions though. Yes, of course. First, you will send daily reports through a communication crystal. C I nodded CSecond, youll return here in the fastest possible way as soon as I tell you to. C I nodded again CThird, you will stay inside the borders of the kingdom. Hearing the third condition I said Cant I travel to other countries for a few days? No, the borders of the kingdom are already far enough and we dont know what could happen in the next few months. Until the situation becomes clearer please refrain from travelling too far. Fine, I wont. When will I be able to leave the palace? Raphael should have some inactive communication crystals, Ill tell her to prepare them and we will activate them tomorrow. After that you are free to leave at any time. Thank you, Your Majesty. I said and left the room. Extra – The Night Before Goodbye Extra C The Night Before Goodbye
When I returned to my room Raziel was still there, sitting on the edge of my bed with downcast eyes. As I closed the door behind me she looked at me and said so, how did it go? He approved. I said, walking towards the table while putting the gambeson and the rapier I still hand on me in my storage. When will you leave? I sat on one of the chair and said the king said hell give me a communication crystal tomorrow then I can leave whenever I want to. As soon as I finished speaking Raziel took off her clothes and came to me. What are you doing? I asked her. Im making what could be our last night together count. As she said so she lifted me up and threw me on top of the bed from where we were. I looked down to see Raziel already crawling up the bed with the double ended dildo I made already inside her. (Wow, shes fast when she wants to.) Having reached me she unlaced my pants and pulled them down at which point I said hey, I get your point but its not like- aahi! I screamed a bit as she inserted the dildo in me when I was still dry. She started moving up and down over me and I slapped her. For fucks sake! That hurt! Cant you wait a minute while Im talking to you?! I shouted at her. She froze and stared at me, her cheek slightly red from my slap. I-I She muttered and got off me in a hurry. She took her clothes from the ground and turned towards the door before I said Stop! but she only glanced at me for a moment before running to the door. At that point I jumped forward and froze the doorknob in place shouting I told you to stop! at her. She turned around and looked at me, a tear was falling down her cheek were the red mark was just a few seconds before.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Really, what the fuck are you doing? You dont even seem you today. I said as I sat on the edge of the bed. I-Ishe looked down CI dont even know. I was just scared of not seeing you anymore and before I realized I was acting dumb. Oh, you sure as hell were. C I opened my arms and smiled Ccome here now. She started walking towards me and as she walked a smile slowly began to appear on her face. She dropped the clothes she was still holding a meter from the bed and, as soon as she reached the edge I was sitting on, I sprang forward and pinched her nipple. Ahi! Why? She said, putting her hands over her chest. You know why.I took her head between my hands Cyou dummy and kissed her. When my lips left hers I stared in her eyes and said and the next time you stick something in my pussy when its that dry without telling me Im going to have you lick it until you cant move your tongue anymore. She hinted a smirk and said yes, Princess Fineness. I pinched her side and a small ahi escaped her mouth then I said Now, didnt you say you wanted to make this night count? putting my hands around her. Well, yes, if you still wa- I interrupted her with a kiss. As my tongue was teasing hers with light touches I made her turn around and pushed her down on the bed. Of course I still want to. I said after lifting my lips from hers. She smiled and started taking my shirt off as I kicked away my shoes and the pants that were already down at my ankles. With my clothes out of the way I went back at kissing her and she started caressing my back, slowly moving her fingers downwards. Her mouth went to my neck and she bit on it as her hand passed over my butt to grab my thigh just under it. At her sudden action I found myself digging my nails in her back. As my breath started to become rougher she reached for my breasts with her other hand while the one on my thigh moved up and started teasing me around my lips. As her fingers moved over them, just to retreat and circle around and slowly reach for my clit, I started moving my hips back and forth without even realizing it. She lifted her teeth from my neck and smiled at me as one of her fingers slid inside me for a moment before going back at teasing me. Now under the effect of the aphrodisiac bite I wanted her to get serious but she kept caressing me lightly while smiling at me and lightly kissing my neck. Before even I realized what I was doing I jumped forward and put my crotch on her face. Almost as if she was expecting me to do so she locked my legs in place with her hands and started licking. As her tongue moved under me, sometimes circling my clit, sometimes moving over the lips and sometimes entering hard inside me, waves of pleasure started to run through my body until I finally came, squirting on her face like on our first night. She released her hold on my legs and I moved away from her face and saw her smiling. This time I cant say I already took a bath. She said. True. C I bent over her to kiss her Cnow, do you mind if I return the favor? Oh no, I dont mind at all. She said as I was already starting to move down. Chapter 21 – Adventurer Chapter 21 C Adventurer
It was still early morning when the king contacted Raziel and told us to meet him in Lady Raphaels laboratory. When we arrived I saw that the two were already there, talking over the four transparent communication crystals that were sitting on the table. A few meters away from them stood Gabriel and two other knights in full armor. (Wait, why four crystals?) Good morning Your Majesty, Lady Raphael, Lord Gabriel. I said, setting the matter of the extra crystals aside and giving a light nod to each of them as Raziel closed the door behind me. Both Lady Raphael and Gabriel gave me a simple greeting before the king said Good Morning, Hero Fortuna. Lady Raphael already prepared the crystals; we only need to bind them now. Might I ask what this binding consists of? I said as I moved to the table. We just need to imprint the two crystals with the mana of the users, as they only work when they detect the mana they were imprinted with. The whole process wont take more than a minute. We were thinking of binding them to you, His Majesty and me, if you agree. Raphael said to me as I reached the table. ActuallyI glanced at the two knightsif it isnt a problem, Id like to bind my maid to the crystals too. Ive grown quite fond of our conversations over the last few months. I thought you were going to ask that so I asked Lady Raphael to prepare another set of crystals. (Oh, so thats why. Good job Augy.) Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. Well then, shall we proceed? Of course, Lady Raphael. We placed our hands over the first set of crystals and in a matter of seconds they started to glow with the same intensity before quieting down and turning in a weird mix of colors. You can stop now, Hero Fortuna. The binding succeeded. Said Lady Raphael as she lifted her hand from over the crystals. Now, for the second set. CShe continued CPlease come here Lucilla, right? Yes Milady. Raziel said before bowing a bit and walking in front of the table. Please, place your hands over the crystals. I modified his set so that it will automatically absorb mana, you just have to think of accepting it when you feel some tingling on the palm of your hand, understood? Yes Milady. Raziel said again as she placed her hands over the crystals. I put my hands next to her and started pouring mana in the crystals, which had obviously not been modified at all. (Why are those two knights even here?) Soon after the same process repeated itself, signifying the success of the binding, only this time the two crystals were definitely much darker in color. That should be all, right? I asked. Yes, in case you already want to go and register at the adventurers guild the Royal Knights Roland and Richard here will escort you there. Naturally youre free to return for the night and keep staying here at the palace once youre done with the process. Also, Ive prepared a small sum of money to help you the first few weeks of your travels. He said, placing a small pouch on the table. Thank you, Your Majesty. Ill go to the adventurers guild as soon as I finish collecting a few necessities from my room. I said, taking the pouch and the two different colored crystals and putting them inside the storage. Of course. Sir Roland, Sir Richard, please follow Hero Fortuna and accompany her to the adventurers guild once she has finished her matters. Yes Your Majesty. Said the two knights at the same time. Well then, have a nice day Your Majesty, Lady Raphael, Lord Gabriel, I said with a small bow before leaving the room with the two knights and Raziel, who faked a bit of nervousness in taking the crystal from the table, behind me. Once we arrived at my room I asked the two knights to wait for me outside and entered with Raziel. You wont be returning tonight, right? Raziel asked me as I started putting some easy to move in clothes inside my storage. I think not, Ill probably sleep in an inn either near the guild or the city walls. Its more efficient that way and I dont know if I could resist another night of convincing. I said, glancing at the still messy bed. Raziel sighed before saying you have to promise youll contact me often though. Of course. I said while closing the storage and turned towards her, smiling, before kissing her. I love you. I love you too. She kissed me. Well, I guess its time for me to go. Goodbye Fortuna. Goodbye Raziel. I kissed her again before exiting the room, leaving her behind. Once out of the room I materialized my armor on me and said to the two knights Shall we go, guys? We first went to the stables to get three horses to ride to the guild. Along the way Roland, who apparently was an adventurer before becoming a knight, started eagerly talking about his youth, probably looking forward to setting foot again in the adventurers guild while ignoring the many retorts Richard had for the various obviously exaggerated adventures. The adventurers guild building completely occupied the side of a fifty meters wide square in the outer circle of the city. The large stone building had three floors, with the third one being about half as large as the first two and centered over the large doors leading inside. Like many important buildings of the capital it too had glass windows in its walls. Over the third floor, just under the tiled roof, a large clock, like the one in the training grounds, was telling the time. On the right side there was a small wooden stable with a yard for carriages in front of it.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. We moved through the small crowd buzzing in front of the guild and went to tie the horses in the stables. Richard gave a few copper coins to a young boy who was tending at the horses and we entered the building. We entered the building and we saw dozens of people, some lining up to the four counters at the left of the stairs in front of the doors while others sitting at some tables eating at their right while other still were just standing around chatting. A few people gave us some puzzled looks but most kept doing what they were doing, not even noticing us. We walked towards the stairs that were guarded by two men in armor. We are here to meet with the guildmaster on order of the king. Roland said. Yes, we were waiting for you, please. One of the guard said, stepping to the side to let us pass. The same situation repeated itself on the second floor. When we reached the third floor we were met with a small desk behind which sat a girl in her twenties. After the same exchange we had with the guards she got up from her chair and led us to a door with a golden plate on it. The girl knocked on the door before saying Guildmaster, Hero Fortuna is here. Let her in. Said a voice from the other side of the door. The girl opened the door and I entered the room, alone. When I entered I found an old, bulky, man sitting behind a desk covered in papers and a few books. On a side of the desk there were two halves of a stone that was obviously filled with mana and next to it, on the floor, there was a tall, white crystal that looked like the truth stone in the palace. I took off my helm as I walked towards the desk and he stood up from his chair. Its a pleasure to meet you, Hero Fortuna. I am Harold Mayes, guildmaster of Olivedias adventurers guild. The pleasure is all mine, Guildmaster Harold. Please, take a seat. I sat on the chair in front of his desk with a thank you and he sat back on his. I have to admit you really look the same as the depictions of Leliah up close. He said with a wondering look as he stared at me for a few seconds. So Ive heard. I said with a faint smile. He burst into a short but vigorous laugh before saying they probably tell you continuously. Really, having you here is like sitting in front of an ancient beast from some legend. Dont worry though, youre already famous throughout the kingdom, you shouldnt have any problems. Its nice to know I wont be attacked on sight like some kind of monster. He froze for a second and his smile disappeared from his face. He looked down for a moment before meeting my eyes again and saying Im sorry, thats probably not what a lady wants to hear first thing in the morning. It isnt CHis expression gloomed when I said that Cbut I wont take it too personally if it doesnt repeat itself. O-of course. He said, trying to regain his composure. (Oh man, this will never stop to amuse me.) Anyway, I was informed that you want to register as an adventurer. He said, trying to change subject. Yes, thats right. Have you already been informed about how the guild works? Only about the basics, things like adventurers have to complete quests and that they are divided in ranks, nothing specific though. Very well, Ill explain a few things then. First of all, law-wise you being a noble takes precedence over being an adventurer inside the Holy Olivedias Kingdom but normally adventurers are treated as reserve for their countrys military for the first five years of service and in case they commit a crime the punishment is doubled in most cases. On the upside they have discounts in guild-affiliated shops and inns, free access to all cities of their country and, depending on their rank, freedom to travel between countries without limitations and access to some restricted sections of various libraries, Academy Citys central library included. CHe stopped for a second and I nodded to show I was still following him CAdventurers, as you said, are divided in ranks, which are, in ascending order: stone, bronze, iron, steel, moonstone, mithril, and orichalcum. Quests are given a rank and it is only possible to take part in quests up to one rank higher than yours. To advance in ranks youll have to complete quests of your rank or a rank above yours. I you are inactive for more than a year youll be downgraded to the previous rank. If everything is clear we can proceed with your registration. Yes, please. Well then, please, place your hand on the truth stone and Ill make your card. He said, gesturing at the crystal next to his desk. I got up from the chair and went to place my hand on the crystal. Just a moment after I touched it a status window appeared above it.
Name: Fortuna Race: Human
Lvl: 13 Job: Hero
HP: 12345 MP: 13612 SP: 11932
STR: 289 DEF: 278 AGI: 294
INT: 281 WIS: 275
Skills
Sword mastery lvl 6 Dagger mastery lvl 3 Hand to hand combat lvl 4
Polearm mastery lvl 5 Blunted weapon mastery lvl 3 Archery lvl 4
Alchemy lvl 1 Evasion lvl 5 Holy magic lvl 4
Shield mastery lvl 2 Magic manipulation lvl 4 Air magic lvl 4
Water magic lvl 3 Earth magic lvl 4 Fire magic lvl 5
Ice magic lvl 4 Lightning magic lvl 1 Space-time magic lvl 3
Body-strengthening magic lvl 2 Though acceleration lvl 2 Parallel thinking lvl 2
Poison resistance lvl 5 Sense danger lvl 3
Titles
Hero of humanity
The guildmaster was dumbfounded at the digits of the status screen. Level thirteen are really strong these days, huh. I think its because of my title. Oh, right, right. Well then, Ill make your guild card now. He said and took a piece of paper and a small bronzed plate from a drawer. Since youre over level ten youll start as a bronze rank adventurer, though your stats are higher the rules are the rules. It wont take you a lot to defeat a couple of goblins anyway. He said while writing on the piece of paper my name, level, race and job. Oh, there is no problem. I said as he placed the piece of paper and the plate on one of the halves of the stone on his desk. He put the other half over the first one and after a few seconds removed it. The piece of paper was gone, leaving only a bit of ash and the plate which now had my personal data on it. Well then, heres you guild card, now youre officially an adventurer. He said, handing me the card. Thank you. I said and put the card away in my storage. Are you going to take a quest today? No, I think I will walk around the capital a bit and find an inn. I havent really been outside the palace since I got here after all. Well then, have a nice walk. Thank you and have a nice day. I said and got up. When I exited the room I found the two knights still there waiting for me and, when I told them my intentions for the day, they offered to guide me through the streets of the capital for a few hours before returning to the palace. Chapter 22 - A Flower in a Clearing Chapter 22 - A Flower in a Clearing
After registering at the guild I spent my first day as an adventurer inside the capital, getting used to the city, finding an inn to stay at and just going around like a tourist. The inn I decided to stay at was half-way between the guild and the gates of the outer circle. Thanks to the two knights letting me keep the horse that I used to get to the guild, I was able to sleep there the first week of my adventurer life, not needing to walk whole days to reach the locations of the low rank quests I took. Slaying low level monsters in the fields and woods around the capital during the day and trying to resist Raziel''s words to go back to the castle for a good portion of the night, these days passed by fast and soon I was iron rank. Being iron rank allowed me to take part in the steel rank mission for escorting the caravans which departed every day from the capital to travel along the Road of Wealth heading towards the other capitals of Kilis. I took the quest immediately and the day after I left the capital behind with one of the caravans. It took us a bit over eight days of relatively tranquil travel to reach the town of Trivis, where the road forks before the border with Astall. After receiving the payment for the quest I was tempted to pass the border and go sight-seeing the swampy lands of Astall but decided to refrain from that and keep my promise to the king, heading west towards the port city Dulsalis. Having left the Road of Wealth I started traveling through the still well maintained but smaller roads which lead to Dulsalis. Along the way I started taking small quests from the chiefs of small villages or the guild branches of towns barely big enough to have one. Most quests from those villages and towns were just hunting quests for animals, with the rare extermination of small groups of monsters in-between the hunts. It was after almost two weeks since I left Trivis, I was laying on the ground in a clearing wearing only my normal clothes, a basket of fruits and berries next to me and a simple straw hat covering my face from the sun, waiting for a viltusk, a boar-like creature as big as an elephant, famous for destroying fields, attacking women and children and for its ability to flee at the first threat, to approach me, lured by the smell of fruits. I heard the steps of a huge animal at the borders of the clearing and raised part of my hat to see an animal which fit the description slowly walking towards me while sniffing the air around it. It stared at me and the basket of fruits next to me for a second and proceeded to walk in my direction, fastening its pace every second that passed. The moment it was halfway from the border of the clearing and me it started sprinting, just to see an arrow getting stuck on his leg. An arrow which wasn''t mine. It stopped immediately and turned the other way to run from where it came, away from a young man, probably in his twenties, who had started shouting to the boar from the other side of the clearing, while running towards it. I sighed, knowing that my prey was lost because of a foolish hunter as the young man stood a few meters from me, looking at the boar that was running away. He let out a sigh and said "this isn''t the place for a woman to rest, what were you even thinking?" Before turning towards me. "That I might have killed a viltusk without having to run after it through all the forest." "What? Those things can be a threat to moonstone ranked adventurers. How do you think you could have-" He froze in the middle of his sentence the moment I took the hat off my face and [looked] at him.
Name: Holis Race: Human
Lvl: 37 Job: Hunter
HP: 2985 MP: 345 SP:2486
STR: 276 DEF: 98 AGI: 267
INT: 98 WIS: 86
Skills
Dagger mastery lvl 2 Archery lvl 6 Hand to hand combat lvl 2
Stealth mastery lvl 7 Path finding lvl 4 Sense danger lvl 3
Titles
-
(Oh, this one isn''t half bad.) I got up, put my hat on my head, the fruit basket in my storage and gave a few pats to my clothes to remove any dirt which remained on it while the young hunter kept looking at me with his mouth agape. "Fortuna Tullius, baroness of the Holy Olivedias Kingdom, Hero of Humanity and soon to be steel ranked adventurer, enterprising hunters permitting. Pleased to meet you." I said, raising my hand towards him. I found out during the previous weeks that it was much better introducing myself using all my titles as soon as I met someone if I wanted to avoid useless confrontations. ...if. The hunter in front of me remained still even after my introduction, the only difference being that his mouth was now closed while he kept eyeing my face and my hand. "And you are...?" I said, hoping to break the awkward moment. "H-Holis, My Lady" He said stuttering a bit, before making an awkward bow. "Ah, drop that shit, Holis, I''m here to hunt, not to attend a ball."Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Oh, thank the goddess, Im really bad with those things " He said, straightening up. "Now then, Holis, I have a prey to hunt, if you don''t mind..." "My Lady-" "Call me Fortuna." I said as I started walking in the direction the boar-like creature went. "Fortuna, now that it''s running away it will be almost impossible to catch even on a levelled horse." He said, walking a few meters behind me. "And that''s why I was unarmed and unarmored with fruits next to me in a clearing." "Oh, right, sorry." I stopped and turned towards him before saying "Come here." What? "I said come here." Why? "Oh, for fucks sake, I need you to corner that beast, I''m not going to eat you, now come here." "Ok, ok." He said and walked up to me. Im going to take this for a second. I said, took his bow and put it in my storage. "Hey! What are you doing?" "Shut up for a second." I said and put my hands behind his back and legs, carrying him in a princess carry before starting to feel his weight while walking around a bit. I let him down and said "this doesn''t work, hop on my back." "Why should I hop on your back?" "Just do it." I said, turning my back to him and crouching a bit. "Fine." He said and got on my back, holding on my shoulders as I caught his legs. "Put your arms on my front and hold tight. Also, try not to fall and make me lose even more time. Dont blame me if I end up touching your breasts. He said, tightening himself against my back. I ignored him and started sprinting through the forest which made Holis scream a loud and prolonged "fuck" behind me. As I ran through the forest, and Holis held tight to anything he could grab, following the track of broken branches and bent grass left behind by the huge beast, I said to him "when we reach it I''m going to put you down and surpass it. If it tries to run away from me shoot at it, ok?" "Yes!" He said, practically screaming in the wind that hit his face. Soon I could see the beast which was starting to slow down after trampling trees and bushes for kilometers. As I was neering it though it started running again, glancing back at me as I approached it. When I finally reached it I took the bow out of the storage, gave it to Holis and dumped him there as I Sped up to go in front of the beast. Seeing as I was now in front of it the viltusk stuck its legs in the ground to stop and I slided to a stop in front of it, my armor appearing on me as I took the halberd out of the storage. Now stopped the beast turned around to run away from me, only to get hit by an arrow from Holis who had just managed to get back on his feet. The viltusk looked at me and him for a second too much before deciding the best way to run away from us and it was enough to slash at its leg with the halberd sharpened by my mana. The halberd went right through the limb, cutting flesh and shattering bone. Understanding that I was a threat much greater than the bow it turned towards me and tried to bash at me, tusks in front, while balancing on its three remaining legs. I tried to sidestep while moving my halberd to meet its side but I was too late and, while I managed to scratch it, I found myself being thrown meters away against a tree. While still dizzy, I tried to straighten myself to rush back at the beast I thought had run away, only to see it on the ground, a long trail behind it and an arrow on its other hind leg right in its tendons. I gave a thumbs up to Holis and walked where the beast was struggling to lift itself on its remaining legs. I circled around it so that it wouldn''t be able to hit me with its tusk and hopped on its back. I put away my halberd and took out the rapier as I held on its fur. Once I reached the back of its head I filled the rapier with mana and stabbed at its neck, cutting the nerves of its spinal cord. Seeing as it was now completely immobile I hopped off it, took my lance and stabbed through its lungs and heart. As the beast gave its final breaths I dropped my spear and let my body fall to the ground. Finally able to catch some breath I removed my armor and started using holy magic to fix me up from the hit I had received. Holis walked up to me and said "that was amazing, why did you even need to lure it?" "Yeah, why lure it and stab at its neck while it''s eating some fruits when you can sprint for kilometers, have to fight it when it''s aware of you and scared, get thrown against a tree and end up with almost no stamina, half your mana and a few broken ribs?" "Fair enough." "Now, do you want to start skinning it while I try not to puke a lung?" Oh, of course. He said, taking a small knife out of a leather sheath strapped to his pants. I looked at him skinning the beast for a while as my stamina returned and my ribs healed. When I was finally back in shape I got up, took a small knife I had bought during my first week as an adventurer and helped him remove the skin and the organs from the viltusk. Once it was all cleaned up I put the pelt and the beast inside my storage. "So... Are you going to sell it to the guild?" Holis asked me after I closed the storage. "That was my intention, why?" "Well, we could use some game back at my village and..." -he looked at the sun which was starting to go down -" I don''t think I''ll be able to hunt much today." "A gold coin and a bed." "What?!" "And somewhere to let my horse rest too." "No, no. A gold coin is too much, I helped you hunt it." "After you made it run away. It''s a viltusk. The guild pays two golds and twenty silver. One gold coin and a bed or nothing." "I don''t have a fucking gold coin!" "Do you really plan on eating it all by yourself?" "No but... Ooh" "Eeeh." "Right, I''ll have to talk about it to the chief but I think we can manage." "Perfect, let''s get back to my horse then, I tied him at a tree near the clearing we met in." Holis nodded, got next to me and put a hand on my shoulder before I said "what are you doing?" "Oh, I thought..." "Hell no, we are in no rush now and I''m not going to give you a piggy-ride through a forest for no reason." "Right." "Also, don''t think I forget the comment about groping my breasts, nor the fact that you actually did it." I said as I started walking back to the clearing following the path left by the viltusk. I heard him gulping behind me before he started following me. When we reached the clearing after almost an hour of walking and talking I was happy to find my horse still in one piece, tied to the same tree and resting in its shadow. I untied it and we both mounted on him, Holis holding on me behind while I stayed in front holding the reins after various minutes of fighting on who should be the one in front. "Well then, be my guide." I said. "Are you sure you don''t want me to hold the reins? It will be easier for both of us." "Ehi, my horse, I hold the reins. If you''re not happy about it you can walk." "Fine, fine. Head north." "See? It wasn''t that difficult after all." We rode through the forest only for a couple of minutes before reaching a path which was obviously used often which we followed for another twenty minutes or so before finally reaching the village. Chapter 23 - Two Hares and a Barrel Chapter 23 - Two Hares and a Barrel
When we arrived at the village, the people who were returning from the fields kept giving me frightened looks, before seeing Holis behind me, which turned their expressions to ones of curiosity. Ignoring them I kept going towards a house at the center of the village which he said was that of the village chief. Once in front of the house we both dismounted and I tied my horse to the fence around it before going towards the door. I made a sign to Holis to go in front of me and he knocked on the door. When it opened a short old man in simple clothes came out of it and, seeing Holis he said "Oh, you''re back from the hunt already." "Yes chief, actually... during the hunt I met someone." Hearing his words the village chief looked over Holis shoulder and saw me. As practically everyone I met he too froze there for a second but his expression changed immediately and he smiled at me before saying "You must be the Hero! It''s an honor to meet you. I''m Rolan, the chief of this little village." "Oh, I haven''t done anything yet to receive such praise. The pleasure is all mine, Roland. As you''ve guessed I''m Fortuna Tullius." "Well then, what can we do for the hero?" "Holis here helped me hunt a viltusk today so I thought I could give it to you for a relatively small sum and a place for the night." "Oh, it would be much appreciated, good meat like that is always welcome after all. How much did you agree on?" "A gold coin and, as I said, a bed for the night and a place to let my horse rest." "Oh." - The chief''s expression changed to a visible frown - "we are kinda in a tough spot right now so a gold coin is a bit..." "I understand... How about forty silvers and Holis here will help me in my hunts for a while?" "Eh?" They both said with a baffled look on their faces. "Well, he seems to me like he''s a good hunter and I could need some help during some of my hunts." "Oh, of course, of course. Feel free to take him wherever you want." "But chief-" "No buts Holis, you know how much it will help us." "Y-yes chief." "Well then, now that that''s settled, may I ask you to wait tomorrow for the payment?" "Of course, I''m in no rush after all." I said. "Thank you very much, you''re really helping us. As for the bed..." "Holis told me his brothers left for the war, I''m sure his house will be enough." I said, glancing at the baffled Holis who was beside me. "Wait, what? Since when did I agree to all this?" "You didn''t." - I smiled at him - "I''m deciding it now." "Why do I feel like no matter what I say you won''t listen?" "Because it''s exactly like that. - I said and turned back to the chief - Well then, Chief Roland, I''ll see you tomorrow for the matter regarding the viltusk, have a nice evening." "You too, Lady Fortuna." Having finished my talk to the village chief I went back to my horse and Holis followed me. As I was untying the horse he asked me "why do you even want to come to my house? The chief''s is much better than any other in the village." "What? Didn''t I tell you? Where I come from touching a woman''s breast is a marriage proposal. It''s only natural for the future wife to sleep in the same house of her future husband, isn''t it?" I said as I guided the horse away from the house. I turned back at him to see him standing with his eyes half closed as he stared at me. "So? Aren''t you going to say anything, darling?" He sighed and said that''s one of the dumbest traditions I ever heard of. Hey! You''re insulting my traditions! And how should marriages be annulled in this tradition of yours? By touching them again. Hearing that he just put a hand on my breast as if it was the most normal thing ever and I slapped him. At least play along your own jokes. He said, massaging his cheek. You bastard! I thought we had a thing! I won''t accept this! He just sighed again before falling silent and walked in front of me, leading the way as I giggled behind him. After a while he finally stopped in front of an old house and said "Here, this is my mansion... bitch." "Oh, thank you, I''ll be your guest then... molester. By the way, where can I leave my horse?" "With the other animals in the back." "Thank you." I said and walked the horse towards the back of the house while he entered. As I was removing the reins and the saddle I started hearing the voices of two women shouting coming from inside the house though I wasn''t able to grasps what they were saying from outside. I waited a while for the shouting to quiet down a bit before going back to the front of the house and knock on the door. As soon as I knocked the door sprang open and a woman in her forties and a girl in her teens rushed outside to meet me. Just behind them was Holis with an obviously pissed off look on his face. "Lady Fortuna, it''s an honor to have you here! Please come inside! Our house isn''t certainly the best one around but I assure you we''ll do our best to make your stay here comfortable." Said the woman before I could even introduce myself. "Please, Madam, no need to fret over it. It was my decision to come here for the night, I wouldn''t want to impose myself on you too much." To my words Holis snorted "this bitch" which caused the girl to kick behind her at him. "No, no, it is a pleasure for us." "Thank you Madam..." "Clementine, while this girl here is my daughter Clarisse." She said, gesturing at the girl next to her who started weaving while smiling when she was introduced. "Well then, Madam Clementine, I''ll trouble you for the night." I said and entered the house. While old and small the house was still bigger than the usual commoner home and had an ample room with a table and fireplace right in front of the entrance with two doors that lead to two other rooms, each on one side of the central room. "Normally I and and Clarisse sleep together in the bedroom there on the right while Holis and his brothers sleep on the one in the left." - Clementine said, pointing at the two doors - "but I guess he can sleep with us for tonight and leave you the room." "There is no need Madam, I''m sure your son is a gentleman." "Oh no. We can''t have an unmarried young lady sleep in the same bed with a man." "Please, there are a few things I want to discuss with him." "But..." "How about we have dinner and decide afterwards? There is no rush after all. Speaking of which, I caught a couple of hares this morning. If you''d like to prepare them." "Oh, sure, are they outside with your luggage?" "I have them here, wait a second." I said and opened the storage to take out two already skinned hares. She stared silently at me as I closed the storage and passed them to her. "Is there something wrong?" She snapped out of her haze and said "Oh, no, not at all, sorry. I''ll start cooking immediately, make yourself at home meanwhile. Clarisse, come help me." With a "yes mom" by Clarisse the two women of the house went towards the fireplace to start cooking, hares in hand. I turned towards Holis and said "Well then, is there a place where I can wash myself before dinner? I''m all sweaty because a certain someone made me run through a forest behind a beast." "Hey, I already said I''m sorry, ok?"The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "Yes, yes. So?" "There are a well and a wooden barrel on the back, feel free to use them." "Thank you." I went back outside from a door that connected the large central room to the back garden, passing Clarisse and Clementine who smiled nervously at me. Once outside, after I checked to see if the horse was fine, I went to fill the large but short barrel with water magic while heating it with fire magic. In less than a minute the barrel was already full and I entered it. I had just entered when Holi came outside holding some linen clothes and a bar of soap in hands saying "Fortuna, I brought you some soap and something to dry you... with..." - he turned around saying "sorry" and went back towards the door. "Wait! Could you at least pass me the soap? And leave the linen cloths there on the border of the well while you''re at it." I said, pointing at the well right next to the barrel. "Don''t "please pass me the soap", why the fuck are you naked?" "I''m bathing, how am I supposed to do it?" "Sorry, right" - he took a deep breath - "why the fuck are you naked already? It takes a dozen minutes to fill that thing!" He said, pointing at the barrel large enough to fit three people. I shrugged and said "I used magic, now, can you pass me the soap?" "She used magic to fill a bath" he said to himself as he passed me the soap, laughing. "Ehi, try not to go crazy on me now." "I''m trying to, but there is this crazy bitch who keeps doing and saying unthinkable things right in front of me." "I''ll take that as a compliment." I said while I started to wash myself. "It wasn''t intended as one." He put the linen clothes on the border of the well and said "well then, I''ll go inside, call me if you need anything." "Don''t you want to bathe before dinner?" "Don''t you have any shame?" He said incredulous. "I just don''t like smelling a sweaty dude from across the table while I''m eating. Also, when will you have the chance to take a hot bath again?" He looked at the steam that was raising from the barrel and his eyes lit as if he had realized it just at that moment before shouting "it''s hot too?!" "Yes, and you don''t need to break my ears to keep it warm." I said, plugging my ears with soapy fingers. "Fuck your ears, I''m going to enter, move aside." He said, starting to take off his shirt. "Ehi! Don''t you have any shame?! Entering a girl''s bath like that!" He remained still, his shirt in his hands and said "sorry, I thought-" "I''m kidding you, come in." I said and moved towards the border of the barrel to make room for him. "Are all nobles like you?" he said, taking off his pants. I laughed "no... I think. Well, the king and his brother in law tolerate my antics quite well and so does Lady Raphael. The same can''t really be said about the first prince and Lord Gabriel though." "You just threw quite the names in that sentence." He said, sitting inside the barrel in front of me. "I thought you were going to overreact again." "I don''t overreact. You just seem to have a talent in bringing people to the border of insanity." "Well, thank you." "It wasn''t a compliment." -he extended his hand towards me -"Pass me the soap." "Here you go, mister "it wasn''t a compliment"" I said, passing him the soap. "Why do you even do all this? You seem like an hyperactive kid sometimes." "For the same reason hyperactive kids do things, boredom." "Oh, the hero of humanity who lives in the big palace is bored." "I guess that''s how it looks from your perspective." "Oh, it isn''t like that?" "No, I guess you are right in a certain way." "No, no, I want to hear your version now." "Let''s make a deal, if you manage to not get yourself killed and reach level fifty while travelling with me I''ll tell you." "Level fifty?! As if." "You never touched a truth stone, did you?" "Why should have I? I''m a hunter, not an adventurer, I just need to bring dinner home, no need for fancy ranks." "Oh, it''s like that, huh? Then I guess you don''t care about the fact that you''re already level thirty seven." He stared at me with wide eyes for a few seconds before saying "what?" "You heard me, you are level thirty seven." "You''re kidding me, right? That''s enough to take a moonstone rank examination as soon as one registers to the guild." "I''m not kidding, I can take you with me to the guild if you don''t believe me. But tell me, how many hunters are there in these woods as good as you are?" He thinked about it for a bit before saying "Yeah, that''s a fair point. Now I understand why you were so keen in having me hunt with you." "Well, I go for efficiency." "That doesn''t explain why we are taking a bath together." "I wanted to talk with you?" He sighed and said "ok, let''s believe that for now. Why were you insisting in sleeping with me?" "Who said we''re going to sleep?" "You really are a bitch in heat." "Ehi! Let me finish first. I never said I''m going to fuck you tonight." "No? Cause it really seemed like you meant exactly that." "Well, I didn''t mean that, actually I should warn you that all of this- I moved my hand up and down pointing at my body- is claimed property. Anyway, have you ever tried having some magic training?" He laughed at my question and said "I don''t have the money nor the talent to receive magic training. Also, I don''t know if I want to ask who had the courage to, as you said, claim you. "I wouldn''t tell you even if you did. Figures. Well, going back to the magic matter, tonight I''m going to teach you magic manipulation." "What?" "You heard me. I want you to use my bow but it''s made of elven yew, you won''t be able to draw it without knowing how to manipulate mana." "You''re kidding me, right?" "Oh no.I''m completely serious. Don''t consider it a gift though, I''m only lending it to you for our hunts. So? What do you say?" "I accept!" He said, springing up inside the barrel. "Oh, I didn''t realize you were so happy about it." I said, staring at his nether region. "Of course I''m ha-" He stopped himself after realizing where I was looking, just to crouch down immediately, before saying "fuck you." "You really need to learn how to talk to a woman, you''re never going to get married like that." "Oh no, I do know how to talk to a woman." "Doesn''t seem so." "There is just something that makes me easy to piss off today." "Must be something in the water." I said, flicking a finger on the surface of the water, sending drops toward him. "Yeah, probably, considering where it came from." "Touch." I said and rested my head back on the border of the barrel as a smug smile appeared on Holis'' face. After a few moments of complete silence, though, his smile disappeared and he started looking around and washing himself over the same areas, obviously finding the situation awkward, now that we weren''t talking anymore, but just sitting there in the barrel, our legs touching. Let''s go back in, I''m starting to get hungry I said, getting up. He breathed out, relieved, and nodded, before getting up too. I got out of the barrel, reached for the linen towels on the well and threw him one which he caught with a hand as he was going over the border of the barrel. We wrapped ourselves in the towels and went towards the door to return inside. As I was about to open the door Holis said wait! Why? I just realized how bad of an idea this was. Scared of mama? You don''t know how much she can complain about something. I''m sure you''ll be fine. It''s not like we can stay here outside like this. Yeah, I guess you are wait a second! Don''t you know fire magic? I clicked my tongue. You were doing this on purpose! Yes, yes, you busted me. Raise your hands, I''ll dry you. He pointed his hands outward and, as warm air started circulating around him he said "can''t you behave like a normal person?" "Nah, it''s much more fun this way" "Can I ask you not to treat my mother and sister like this too?" "I had no intention to." I said as I stopped using magic. "Oh... good." After Holis had finished dressing I turned back towards the door but, as I was about to open it, he stopped me again. "What is it now?" "Why didn''t you put your clothes back on?" "Because I''m still wet." He sighed and said "why are you still wet?" "Because there is a fire inside and I like drying up in front of one." "I... No, never mind." "Good," I said and opened the door. When I entered I saw Clementine and Clarisse preparing dinner, one was checking a huge pot on the fire while the other was kneading a dough on the table. As soon as Holis closed the door behind me they both looked up. "Oh! Lady Fortuna, you finished your bath. Please, come here to warm yourself." Clementine said to me, taking a chair from under the table and bringing it near the fire. "Thank you, madam." I walked up to the chair next to the pot and sat, making my hair fall on my front to let them dry better. "So, what will we be eating?" "Hare and vegetables filled dumplings with hare broth." I looked over my shoulder and asked "do you need any help with the dumplings?" to Clarisse who was spreading out the dough on the table covered in flour. "Oh, please, you are our guest." -Clementine said next to me before looking at Holis who was eating a bit of raw dough on a chair next to the table - "Holis, help your sister instead of lazing around." "Yes, yes." He said, getting up to take a small knife. I turned back towards the fire and let myself comfortable, closing my eyes as the smell of the broth teased my nose. "By the way, Holis, how come you stayed outside while Milady was bathing?" Clarisse whispered behind me. I looked back again to see Holis looking back and forth between me, his sister and the small squares he was cutting out of the dough. "Oh, it was my request. I got used to always have an attendant with me while I bathe during my stay at the castle and there were a few things I wanted to talk him about. Don''t worry, we didn''t do anything else." "Oh, no, I could never insinuate something like that about milady. I''m sorry if I insulted you." She said, bowing towards me. "Oh, don''t worry about it." I said and went back at enjoying the warmth of the fire. When the hare had almost finished cooking I excused myself and went to change in Holis'' room. When I returned they were all three already placing small portions of minced cooked meat and vegetables on the small squares of though and I went to help them, after having to practically order Clementine to let me, considering her persistence in not having me raise a single finger in her house. When they were all ready Clementine dropped roughly a third of them in the pot where the broth was still cooking while Clarisse put the others in a wooden box and covered them with some more flour for using them at a later day and Holis fetched a keg of ale from a cabinet on the other side of the room from the fire. After a few minutes we were all eating and drinking. During dinner, also thanks to the beer and food, Clementine and Clarisse slowly became less stiff around me, though they couldn''t really be called relaxed. Once we finished having dinner I talked to them about my plans on teaching Holis some basic mana manipulation and having him come to hunt with me, to which I added a part of the quest rewards Id receive while hunting with him. While knowing that their Holis was already at such an high level shocked them at first, they were overjoyed about my overall plans. Having explained everything to them I decided to retire for the night to teach Holis, not before preparing a warm bath for the two women who almost cried out of happiness at the sole idea of finally bathing in warm water inside their own garden. Chapter 24 - Next Time Use Sand, Please Chapter 24 - Next Time Use Sand, Please
When I woke up after only a few hours of sleep, I found Holis still asleep next to me. I got up on my knees and went bent towards his face, when our faces were only a few centimeters apart I put two fingers on his lips for a few seconds. He slowly opened his eyes and, when he finally looked at me, I said "good morning, darling." "Did-did you just kiss me?" "Of course, how should a wife wake up her husband otherwise?" "Oh, ehm..." - he looked around the room for a few seconds, trying to start the gears in his brain - "wait... You''re making fun of me again, aren''t you?" I grinned at him and nodded. He sighed and said, "you really can behave like a child sometimes." "I know. It''s fun, why shouldn''t I?" "I don''t know, maybe because you are technically the hero and a noble and you shouldn''t go around screwing with people?" "Think about that sentence again for a moment." He gave me a questioning look before his expression turned darker and he said "I hope you haven''t used that as an excuse to really hurt someone." "Of course not! I''m a pure and gentle maiden loved by light who only wants the best for humanity after all." "That''s probably the biggest pile of bullshit I''ve ever heard in my life." "Ehi! It''s true!" "At least it''s nice to hear you don''t go around using your influence like that." "Well, now that we have agreed that I''m a wonderful person, we have a lot of things to do today, get off the bed." "Yes, yes, Saint of the Screwing Around Order," he said, lifting the sheets. After getting out of bed, we exited the room right at the moment Clementine was coming in from the back door. When she saw us she made a light bow towards me saying, "Good morning Lady Fortuna." "Good morning Madam." "Holis, the cow is behaving weird this morning. Care to check what happened to her?" "Yes, yes," he said, walking out of the room. "Would you like to eat something?" "I wouldn''t want to bother you." "Oh, no bother at all, our neighbor just gave us a wheel of cheese this morning when Clarisse went to bring him our milk and I wanted you to try it. It''s something like the village speciality." "Then I''d really like to taste this cheese." I said, sitting at the table. Clementine nodded and took out the still whole wheel, wrapped in a simple dry cloth, from a small cabinet. She rested the wheel on the table and unwrapped it. She then took a knife from a drawer over the cabinet and cut slim slices out of it and did the same with a big loaf of bread which was a few days old. Having cut the slices of cheese she put them on the bread and let them heat over a stone next to some embers she had set on the side of the fireplace, away from the small fire. As the cheese melted she went to fill a mug with ale from the keg we had used the day before. Soon I had in front of me a plate with piping hot toasted bread with melted cheese and a mug of ale. I thanked her and started eating. It was indeed an amazing dish in its simplicity. "What are your plans for the day?" Clementine asked me as she cleaned the knife with a cloth. "I''ll deliver the viltusk we hunted yesterday to the chief then I''m taking Holis with me to the guild. Depending on whether I can find a good quest or not we might not be back before tomorrow, if not even later." "Do you want me to pack lunch for you?" "No need, thank you but we will probably eat at the guild''s tavern." "Oh, ok, well, tell me if you change idea."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I nodded before drowning the last piece of bread and cheese with ale and getting up. "Well then, time to get changed. I''ll be in Holis'' room if you need anything." I said and went towards the door to Holis'' room. When I went back to the main room, Holis was eating toasted bread with cheese too as he talked to Clementine. I walked up to him and told him I would have gone to the chief to deliver the viltusk and that I wanted to find him ready to leave when I got back. He just nodded as he tried to swallow a big piece of bread. I exited the house and started walking towards the chief''s house. The village was already half empty as most of the villagers had already left to tend the fields or to hunt. A few kids could be seen playing around, under the watchful eye of some old ladies who were weaving small willow branches into baskets. When I passed by they glared at me, stopping their work for a few seconds, before starting murmuring behind my back. Having arrived at the chief''s house, I knocked on the door and after only a few seconds Roland came out of it with a beaming smile on his face. "Hero Fortuna! Good morning." "Good morning Chief Roland. I''ve come here to deliver the viltusk." "Oh, of course, of course. Come in, there are a few of our hunters and our butcher already waiting inside." He said, moving away from the door and gesturing me to enter. Once inside, he guided me to a room on the other side of the house where almost everything had been moved to leave room for a huge straw mat laid on the floor. Four men were sitting on a few chairs in the little space between the mat and the wall. "Please, if you could deposit the viltusk on the mat." "Of course, wait a moment." I said and opened my storage. I walked to the other side of the room and moved the opening of my storage away from me, over the mat. Slowly, while walking back towards the entrance, I let the vilktusk''s body come out of the breach in space-time as it followed my movements. In a matter of seconds I was back at the entrance, my storage was closed and the carcass was on the mat, covering most of it. "Well then," - I said turning towards the chief - "if you don''t need anything else I''ll take my leave. I have quite a few things to do today." "No, no. You''ve already been a great help," - he unlaced a pouch that was hanging from his belt and offered it to me - "forty silvers, as we agreed." "Thank you." I said, accepting the pouch. "Have a nice day, Hero Fortuna." "You too, Chief Roland. And good work to all of you guys." I said, with a louder tone than usual to the four men who were already cutting at the viltusk who responded with a wave of the hand and a few mumbled thanking words. Having finished my business with the chief, I walked back to Holis'' house. When I arrived, Holis was already waiting for me in front of the house holding the reins of my horse. "Can we go?" He asked me. "Oh course. Your mother and your sister?" "They went to help with the fields, they told me to tell you to excuse their absence." "Well, they are excused. Now, take that horse back where you took it, we are not going to need it." "Won''t we ride?" "It''s a horse, not a dragon, there is a limit to how much it can walk with two people on its back." "Fair enough." He said and walked to the back of the house. After a few minutes, he was back and we started our march towards the town Vilflori, where I had accepted the quest to hunt the viltusk. Along the way, I made him repeat a couple of exercises to feel mana, hoping he would be soon able to use mana manipulation. "I wanted to ask... where did you go last night when you went out of the room after we had already gone to sleep?" He asked me while we were walking. "Oh, you were awake?" "Yes... So?" "I went to the bathroom." "For half an hour?" "If you have time to ask dumb questions use it to feel the mana around you." "Yes, yes." He said and went back to concentrating. When we arrived to Vilfori there was a huge commotion on the walls and the guards let us through without controlling us. Inside the city everyone was running around in a great hurry as we walked towards the guild. Inside the guild adventurers everywhere were checking their gear and eating and drinking as if it was their last time. I walked to the counter and said, "I''m here to receive the reward for a completed quest." "I''m sorry but all quests and rewards are on hold for the time being," said the girl on the other side of the counter. "Oh, yeah, I also wanted to ask about the big commotion that is going on." "Well... someone managed to anger the spirit the town had a pact with and some guards have spotted treants marching towards here. An urgent quest has been issued for all adventurers inside the town." "How did they manage to anger a spirit?" An adventurer passing behind me with a crate full of swords said, "they apparently burned its tree then peed on it to try stopping the fire." I laughed and said, "you''re kidding right?" He shook his head with a deadly serious look on his face. I turned back towards the receptionist and said, "he''s kidding, right?" "No, that''s what they confessed to the city guard." "Can''t we just throw them to the treants?" She shook her head and said, "That spirit had a contract with our city, it probably sees it as a breach of the contract. We have sent a message to all neighbouring cities requesting for a spirit magic user to be sent here and act as intermediary." "So, we have to keep killing treants until a spirit magic user arrives?" "No! Treants are magic beasts, not monsters!" -she said, looking at me with a horrified look - "It will be inevitable that a few die but the quest requires to only requires to defend the city." (What the fuck was the difference again?) "Very well, when is the estimated time of arrival of these treants?" "Well, they should be here in a few-" Her words were interrupted by the sound of a horn. "Sorry, exactly one hour." She said when the sound of the horn quieted down. Chapter 25 - Lets Hope They Dont Know How to Climb Chapter 25 - Let''s Hope They Don''t Know How to Climb
After the horn stopped everyone in the guild seemed to be in high gear as people started rushing outside. "Could you tell me where the branchmaster is?" I asked the girl who just gave me the wonderful news. "I''m sorry, but he asked not to be disturbed as he is speaking with Viscount Granger." I raised an eyebrow and stared at her for a few seconds before she realized what she had just said and, visibly nervous, told me, "Oh, right, I''m sorry Lady Fortuna, they should both be at the guard barracks." "Which is...?" "Near the Northern gate." "Thank you beautiful." I said and walked away from the counter, gesturing Holis to follow me. What was that? He asked me as we walked North from the guild. "What was what?" "That thank you beautiful, what are you? Some creepy old man?" "Are you jealous? I can start calling you beautiful too if you want." "Please don''t, you''d only remind me of the old lady who used to live outside our village." "And I thought I had a good skin all this time, I should look for an herbalist when we finish with this matter." "Too bad they don''t make anything for the head." "Oh no, they do, they make those lotions that make your hair look all glossy and easy to comb." "Sorry, I should have been more specific. Too bad they don''t make potions for mental illnesses." I stopped walking, turned to face him , placed a hand on my chest and, faking a concerned look, said "I didn''t know you had that kind of problem, I''m really sorry I haven''t noticed until now." "I don''t, you do." "That''s the worst comeback you gave me since we met," I said, resuming walking. "You''re right, it probably doesn''t even qualify as one... I must be sleepier than I thought." "Try not to faint on the walls then." "Good joke, too bad I only agreed to hunt with you, not getting mashed by an army of treants. I''ll accompany you to the barracks and see you again later... If you''re still alive." "I didn''t know you were a coward." "I''m not a coward, I just like living, especially when I have no obligation to die. Also, bows are pretty useless against walking trees, you know?" "Fair enough. What are you going to do then?" "I''ll find a good place to eat, have a walk, browse goods at the market -" "Hit the brothel." "You know what? I might do that too. It should be pretty free with this situation going on." He said, then mumbled something like "I don''t think I could resist another night otherwise." "Sorry, did you say something about nights?" I said, if I had slept more tonight it would have been more wise. Well, youll get used to it. You mean there are more to come?! He shouted at me Oh fuck me. Ill let the misses at the brothels take care of that for today. I stopped in front of a building guarded by the city guards with soldiers running out of it towards the walls and said "well, this looks a lot like the guard barracks. I think this is where we separate," giving my hand to him.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Yes, good luck Fortuna," he said, shaking my hand. "Good fuck, Holis." I said before leaving him and walking towards the barracks. The two guards on duty at the entrance of the barracks were surprised, almost shocked, to see me. Before they could say anything though, I told them "I''m Baroness Fortuna Tullius, Hero of Humanity. I was informed that the guild''s branchmaster and Lord Granger are discussing the matter of the Treants here." The two bowed lightly at me and one of them said "Yes milady, they are in the captain''s office. Please, I''ll guide you." I followed him inside the almost empty building, the few remaining guards just glanced at me as we passed them and walked towards the stairs. Once on the second floor the guard guided me to a door at the end of a hallway and knocked on it. "What is it?" Said a voice from inside the room. "Captain, Hero Fortuna is here to talk about the treants." I heard some mumbling I couldn''t distinguish before the same voice said, "let her come in." The guard opened the door for me and bowed a bit as I passed through. Once inside he closed the door behind me and I walked towards the three men facing me while standing around a desk on the other side of the room. The one in the most expensive clothes stepped forward and gave me his hand saying "It''s a pleasure to meet you Hero Fortuna, I''m Viscount Granger. These men here are Branchmaster Leandre and our guard captain, Chaney." "The pleasure is all mine, Lord Granger, Master Leandre, Captain Chaney." I said, nodding to the other two after shaking the viscount''s hand, "now that the greetings are dealt with, I heard you have some adventurers managed to anger the wrong tree." Lord Granger laughed and said, "you heard right, according to their depositions, they followed the beast they were hunting up to the sacred tree of a great spirit we had a contract with and Well, lets say they did their best to anger it and now we are in this situation. I heard they set the tree on fire then tried to put it out using their own urine. ...yes. Well then, what is the course of action? Most of our farmers and the few earth mages we managed to find are digging a large moat north of here, we hope to delay them as much as possible. Luckily for us a group of elven adventurers arrived in Dulsalies two weeks ago and should arrive by late evening." "How long will the moat delay them?" The guard captain glanced outside his window and said, "At most a couple of hours as it is now. Treants are slow but it won''t take them much more to walk around it or get out of it once they fall in anyway. The city guard and any adventurer we managed to find at the guild are ready to intercept those who do." "I see you have everything planned out already. Is there any way I could help?" Lord Granger and the branchmaster looked at each other and the latter said, "yes, if you know earth magic it would really help us. We don''t have much time before their arrival and shovels can only do so much." "Yes, of course. I''ll gladly help." "Was there anything else you wanted to ask?" I thought about it for a moment before saying, "no, I will go and help with the moat, then reunite with the adventurers deployed to intercept the ones that escape." As soon as I said so the viscounts expression changed to one of worry and, after thinking for a few seconds, he said, "about that... I''d prefer you stayed inside the city during the actual battle." "What?" I said baffled. "I''m sorry but you''re a too valuable asset to the kingdom to let you fight on the open field like that only a few weeks after you became an adventurer. If you want to help during the battle, please limit your action to what you can do inside the city and on the city walls." "I... I understand. I will offer magical support from the walls." "Thank you." "Well, good afternoon Lord Granger, Branchmaster, Captain." I said, bowing a bit towards the three before leaving the room. After walking out of the barracks I went north, exiting the city at the gate facing the ongoing works. As I passed the gate a man in full armor came up to me and said, "you are Lady Fortuna, right?" "Yes?" "Are you here to help with the works?" "Yes, the guildmaster told me you needed Earth mages." "Perfect, a courier from the merchant guild is about to bring potions to the mages, we''ll have you ride with him." He said, then turning towards a young teenage boy he told him, "Micky, when you''re ready bring Lady Fortuna to the moat." "Yes, My Lord." The boy said as he brought the horse to us. I mounted behind him and smiled at the man in armor. "May I know who I should thank for my lift?" "First son of Viscount Granger, Reynard Rook" "It was a pleasure, Lord Reynard." "The pleasure was all mine, Lady Fortuna." I gave a pat to the boy saying "lets go" and he shortened the reins and with a yell made the the horse gallop away. As we neared the moat I started to see hundreds of people digging with any tools they had at their disposal, and the four mages who were equally distributed along the length of the site. Once there I dismounted and, after he passed me a few bottles containing the mana-restoring potion, told the boy, "thank you Micky, could you tell the other mages that I''m here and to reposition themselves?" "Yes, Milady." He said and galloped away. I walked up to the border of the moat and started moving or cracking every rock in the way of the people digging and moving the soft soil away from around them, making sure to not interfere with their work. After forty minutes of digging the moat reached a depth of about six meters and a wideness of eight as the treants were finally visible from the ground at the edge of the forest. The mages regrouped with the adventurers while the workers were evacuated and I walked back to the city with them. Chapter 26 - In Need of a Toothpick Chapter 26 - In Need of a Toothpick
Once back inside the city I went to the city guard barracks again. When I arrived I asked the guards at the door if the branchmaster and Viscount Granger were still inside. They told me the guard captain had moved with the city guard to coordinate the operation in the field while the branchmaster had returned to the guild, on the other hand Lord Granger was waiting for me on the roof of one of the wall''s tower. A guard escorted me all the way to the tower and inside, up to the wooden ladder that lead to the roof. After saluting me, which I found a bit awkward, he left, leaving me alone in the dark room inside the tower. I climbed up the ladder and, when I opened the trapdoor that lead to the roof, found something I was definitely not expecting. Viscount Granger was sitting in front of a small table, ready to have lunch on the roof, giving his back to the gate and its towers further down the wall and accompanied only by an old butler with white hair and light blue eyes, who looked more like a bodyguard than a butler. When he saw me he said, "Hero Fortuna, please, sit. You haven''t had lunch yet, have you?" Still a bit baffled I said, "no, I haven''t." "Well then, I hope you won''t mind eating here with me." "I gladly accept your invitation." I said, sitting on the chair opposite to him. The butler poured me some vilam and took the silver cloche from the large plate that was in front of me, letting me see what was on it. In the center of the plate was a salad topped with dried tomatoes, nuts and thin slices of a citrus-like fruits and dressed with oil and vinegar. Around the salad there were thin, rolled up, slices of cold cuts, separated from each other by sticks of either raw or steamed vegetables. A line of a beige sauce wet the plate between the salad and the rays of this delicious sun. "I though a light meal was appropriate for this hot day. Especially considering what has to come later in the afternoon." Said Lord Granger as the butler lifted the cloche over his plate. "Speaking of which, should we really occupy a tower of the wall during, well... that" I said, pointing at the treats that were falling in the moat, pushed by the ones coming after them. "Oh, there is no problem, two mages are stationed on each of the three towers on either side of the gate. With the three of us here we more than meet the quota." I took the glass full of vilam and said "I didn''t know you were an user of the arcane arts, Viscount Granger," before drinking. "Oh, my knowledge is only limited to a few air and fire magic spells, but Genji here is a real prodigy, especially when it comes to ice magic." He said, before he started eating. "Genji doesn''t sound like a name from the Olivedias Kingdom." I said and brought a forkful of salad to my mouth. "If I may, Milady." He said, with a light bow. "Oh, please, speak freely." "I am actually from the ice wolf tribe. I was born during dis so I look almost like a human." "Oh, I totally didn''t notice. There are a quite a few humans with blue eyes in my world after all." Lord Granger laughed at my words and said, "humans with blue eyes, I heard them all now." "Some even have green, yellow or, very rarely, purple eyes." I said, leaning forward and looking him straight in the eyes. "Those people must be difficult to distinguish from the other races." "There is no need to." He stared at me baffled for a few seconds, before looking at his plate with a bitter smile and saying, "a world without discrimination and differences between the races... It must be a wonderful place to live in." "No, sorry, I didn''t explain myself well. There are only humans in my world... And discrimination between groups still occurs." "And here I was, thinking that discrimination between the races of light was barbaric." "Big words from someone who owns a demihuman s-" I couldn''t even finish my sentence that the butler stepped towards me and, looming over me with an unexpected anger in his eyes, said, "milady, I''d prefer you didn''t offend my master further." "Genji!" To the words of his master the butler stepped back and bowed towards me and said "I''m sorry for the interruption, Lady Fortuna." "What is the sentence for a slave threatening a noble, again?" I heard them both gulp before Lord Granger said "torture, death or both, depending on the situation." "Very well then," I said, got up from my chair, took my longsword from my storage and stood in front of Genji. "On your knees." Viscount Granger shoot up from his chair and said "Lady Fortuna, I''ll see to his punishment later, please, let''s finish our lunch." "I''m sorry, Lord Granger, but I''ll see to this myself. I won''t have someone else dirty their hands for my honor. On your knees, Genji." The two exchanged a resigned look that seemed to tell much more to the two that I could grasp, before the butler finally went down on his knees in front of me. I lifted my sword and slapped him with the side of the blade with such a force he ended up hitting the battlements of the tower. "The offence was threatening of a baroness by a slave, the sentence was torture. The punishment was dealt in accordance to the laws of the kingdom. You can testify this, Viscount Granger?" Still baffled by what happened he said, "y-yes..." "Let''s resume our lunch, shall we?" "Yes, of course." We both sat back on our chair as Genji slowly got back on his feet. "You almost gave me an heart attack there." Lord Granger said, before emptying his glass. "You should be more careful if you care for your slave, and he should care for his life more." "I promise we will do so." "Good." "I have to say it though, that was the shortest torture session I saw in my entire life." "I hope it will be the longest you''ll see from today onward." He laughed a bit and said "yes, I hope so too."If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. We kept eating without much talking afterwards. As we ate we could sometimes feel the tremors caused by the treants falling in the distance. Once we finished eating we moved to the battlements to observe the battle unfolding beneath. Some treants were finally managing to climb on this side of the moat while others had already circled it and were coming towards the city. "I certainly did not expect my first battle to involve digging and watching everything from afar as if it was a play." I said to Lord Granger who was next to me. "Are you disappointed?" "Honestly? Yes, I am slightly disappointed." "Has no one ever told you that the best battles are those won without having to fight?" "Even if you say that I still feel useless here." "If this keeps going like this it will come the time to act even for you." He said, pointing at the treants that were about to charge at the army. In that moment the earth beneath the treants trembled and raised itself, sending them back towards the moat. As soon as the treants fell back inside it I saw two people collapsing on the field. "Those earth mages are sure working hard." Lord Granger only nodded to my statement as his gaze shifted to a group of soldiers equipped with large shields encircling the treants that were passing on the right of the moat. In the front of the group there was a man who, from his armor, seemed to be the viscount''s son, though the distance made it impossible for me to be sure about it. "Isn''t that your son leading those soldiers?" "Oh, I see you already met. Yes, he thought about a tactic to delay them further without killing them." "Really? What does it consist of?" "Look, they are about to put it in act." I kept watching as the soldiers placed themselves in an half moon shape around the group of treants waiting for the right moment, which came when most treats were stepping forward, leaving them with only one giant wooden foot still on the ground. All the soldiers moved at once, clashing against the moving trees with their shields, tipping them over and causing a few of them to falling in the moat, over other treants. "Remember me not to anger your son and his soldiers." He laughed a bit and said, "they are indeed strong but that was possible only because there is an expert of body strengthening magic with them." "Oh, I think I can see him behind their lines." "We were lucky he was in town." "Honestly, between all these mages and the fact that those elves are soon to arrive it really looks like luck is on your side." (Don''t laugh at your own shitty puns, don''t laugh at your own shitty puns) I took a deep breath as he said, "it sure does," not noticing I was holding in my laughter. Soon after another group, this time made up by mismatched soldiers and adventurers, met the treants on the left side of the moat. Unlike the other group though, they started a fierce battle, hacking at the branches and roots of the treants with axes, halberds and even swords while the treants stomped on them and sent some men flying. I looked at Lord Granger next to me who just said, "we got lucky we had enough men and a mage for applying that tactic on one side." "I didn''t say a word." The battle kept going for hours, every time a large group of treants managed to climb over the moat the earth mages somehow managed to push them back while the shield strategy seemed to keep being effective, though at the loss of a few men. The left side, on the other hand, was a disaster, the treants kept advancing over the bodies of adventurers and soldiers alike, though severely slowed down. Now they were finally reaching the rearguard stationed at the center, which forced the earth mages to retreat. "I think it''s time we start to do something ourselves." Said Lord Granger, rolling his sleeves up his arms. "With pleasure." "You shouldn''t be so happy to hurt magic beasts." "I''ll try to hurt them as little as possible then." I started collecting water around me and freezing it into two ice lances that I kept hovering over me, waiting for the right moment. Genji seemed to be doing the same, but at the last moment, instead of compacting the droplets to form a solid shape he froze them as they were, forming a raging snowstorm over his head. Seeing a treant braking through the line of soldiers I threw my lances at it. One missed the target while the other impaled its leg. On impact it spread, freezing most of its leg and all of its foot, anchoring it to the ground, while the one that missed shattered in hundreds of shards that flew to the leg of a treant on the other side of the line of soldiers, freezing it in a similar manner. At the same time Genji sent his miniature storm behind the treants lines, against the ones that were coming in to help their floral comrades, to stop their advance and relieve a bit of pressure from the soldiers and adventurers. When the swirling cloud of ice crystals met the ground behind the first line of treants it suddenly expanded in a wall of raging winds and ice. A few mages from the other towers started attacking too, mainly aiming at the treants'' legs with ice and fire magic. From one of the towers on the opposite side of the gate I could even see lightning strikes shooting towards the treats army. No longer being stopped by the earth mages, the treants in the moat were finally able to climb up and reach the other being stopped by the stormy wall. The soldiers equipped with shields lead by the viscount''s son made a last effort to push a group of treants in the moat. After the tactic succeeded once more, they turned around for a retreat before they''d end up being cut off from the rest of the army. A hole opened in the wind and ice wall to let them pass and they managed to successfully regroup with the rest of the army. The treats that were on this side of the wall were rendered inoffensive over the course of dozens of minutes, some had their branches and roots cut to the point they could no longer move, other were encased in ice or earth prisons, others still were burning and had thrown themselves to the ground trying to stop the flames, some died. Right when it seemed like the army had finally time to breathe, though, the storm that was blocking the main force from advancing subsided. I looked at Genji next to me and saw him breathing heavily, resting his back against the battlements. "Sorry, I''m completely out of mana." He said, looking at me and Lord Granger. "Sit for a moment, drink as many potions as you need and try to be back in shape as soon as possible. We need you here." Said the viscount. "Yes, master." "By the way..." I started saying as I prepared another ice spear, "aren''t you going to help?" "They are still too far for me. I don''t have the control you two have, I might just end up hitting our soldiers." "You will be able to continue watching the play for a little longer then." I said, as I threw a spear to the leg of a treant that had managed to breach through the front line. "I fear it will soon be time for me to step on the stage too." "I''ll be looking forward to your performance then." I said as two ice spears struck the ground in front of two treants and foze it and their feet with it. "It won''t be as astounding as yours." "Please, my magic is nothing extraordinary." "No need to be modest when you''re hitting enemies hundreds of meters away with such a good control." Im still not able to do something as complex as Genjis wall. He laughed and said If a human was able to do such things with ice magic after less than a year of training it would hurt the pride of every ice wolf on Kis. I have a lot to learn ahead of me then, I said, hitting a treant, that was about to swing its massive arm against a group of soldiers, with an ice spear thrice the usual size on its shoulder, making it fall on the ground and freezing its upper body. There is something that has been bothering me for a while now about your magic Feel free to ask. I was quite certain that Lady Raphael was an expert of lightning magic and I thought you too would have followed her path and yet, Ive seen you use almost every kind of elemental magic but it. Even the day of your match in the capital. May I ask you why? I stopped forming the next set of ice spears and turned towards him before saying, I Im not really good with lightning magic. So there is something even the mighty hero cant do. I just nodded and went back at throwing my ice spears against the treants, letting silence fall between us. I couldnt tell him the real, embarrassing, reason after all. The battle kept raging for hours after that, every time Genji recovered he would raise his wall again, giving time to breath to the army below, until he ran out of mana again. Slowly the trants made their way towards the wall and Lord Granger joined us too with his fire magic. I was so used to being surrounded by expert who used chant-less magic that, when he suddenly started chanting next to me, I almost lost control of my own magic. When the treants had gotten to a hundred meters from the wall, part of the guards fighting in the frontline retreated inside the city and soon I could see them bring barrels, urns and bottles over the wall. What are those? I asked, pointing at them. One last defense before the barrier, one of the finest spirits of our kingdom. Its a pity to waste it like this but dead men cant drink, can they? I turned around to Genji who was resting again on a chair and yelled at him, bring me as many potions as you can spare! Are you finally going out of mana? Lord Granger asked me. Not yet, but Im going to speed up. It is good to see you are finally fired up. At that moment the trap door that lead to the tower opened and a soldier came out of it. He ran up to us and said My Lord, My Lady, the elves are here. It seems like we will be able to save the alcohol, Lady Fortuna. Chapter 27 - Is This Gap Moe? Chapter 27 - Is This Gap Moe?
I laughed at Lord Grangers remark and said it seems so. Shall we go greet them? Yes, the sooner we manage to end this matter the better. Soldier, where are they at the moment? They are waiting at the adventurers guild, My Lord. Very well, return at the barracks and inform your companions that they will soon be able to rest. Lord Granger said with a smile The soldier beamed before saying, Yes sir, and running back down the stair under the trapdoor. Lord Granger turned towards Genji who was still resting on a chair and told himGenji, can you walk? Yes, Master, I have already regained most of my strength. Good, but dont force yourself. Lets go greet those elves. Yes, Master. Genji said and stood from the chair. As soon as he did we started going down the tower. Once down I saw the city was completely devoid of civilians near the wall and we rushed through the almost empty cobblestone streets towards the adventurer guild. As we got near the guild building people started appearing here and there but, seeing the rush their lord was in, made way for us to pass. When we finally arrived in front of the guild, though, a crowd was already forming there and Genji had to step in front and make way for us up to the doors that were guarded by two of the city soldiers, probably to stop the people outside from crowding the guild inside. When they saw us they lowered their heads for a moment before opening the doors and letting us inside. Inside the guild was almost empty, the only adventurers inside were lying, wounded, on linen cloths on the ground in a corner, under the eyes of two worried receptionists and a healer from the church. All the tables were empty, except for the one furthest away from the wounded adventurers, where the guard captain and the guild master were sitting in front of four women all wearing green gambesons and green scarves around their necks, three of them had blonde hair reaching at most their shoulders while the fourth one, sitting right in front of the guild master, had lime green hair falling down her back almost reaching her waist, pointed ears peeked through the strands of hair of all four of them. They looked to be not older than twenty five and more fit for a beauty contest than the battlefield and their emerald green eyes were fixed on the the two men in front of them, who seemed unexpectedly nervous for a discussion with a group of adventurers. When we arrived at the table they all turned toward us and the green haired woman said, Lord Granger and Lady Fortuna, I presume. Im Alyana and these women here are Lyra, Missya, and Vilandra, she said, gesturing at the three elven women, now sit, Id like to be done with this matter today. At her words Genji next to me became visibly angry and was about to step forward but was stopped by the viscount who raised an arm in front of him and told him, stand there and make sure we arent disturbed. Genji was baffled for a moment but replied with a yes Master and did as he was told. The guildmaster and the captain made room for us on the bench they were on and we sat, the viscount in front of Alyana and I in front of the short haired woman called Vilandra. As soon as I sat on the bench I felt her foot tracing up my leg as she smiled at me, to which I smiled back. Probably satisfied just by that, she stopped and turned to listen what Alyana and the viscount had to say. These two already told me the whole thing, I suppose you want us to speak to that spirit, make him stop this treant wave thats going on and confirm the contract that was already in place before the incident. Alyana said. Yes, thats correct. You know the spirit wont be satisfied only with an apology. We will bring with us the culprits so that the spirit will choose the punishment himself. If that isnt enough Im willing to compromise to a certain degree to keep the contract intact and stop this attack. Well that should be enough. Where are they being held? Under the city guard barracks near the northern gate. Perfect. Lets go. She said and all four of them stood from the bench they were sitting on. I let a wow, that was fast, escape my mouth, to which Alyana said, I think I already told you I want to deal with this matter fast. Yes, of course. I said and got up too, when I did, I noticed that both Alyana and Vilandra were higher than me, while the other two werent much higher than a normal human woman. They stormed outside the guild and we followed them. Once outside people parted ways in front of them but still tried their best to stay as close as possible, like flies around a flame. We walked back towards the wall, followed by a small, curious crowd. When we arrived at the guard barracks the captain entered to retrieve the adventurers who pissed off the spirit, leaving us outside, waiting. Lord Granger, I didnt ask this before but do you plan on walking through that battle that is raging outside? I asked. No, we will mount on leveled horses here, go to the west gate and circle around the battlefield. Too slow, we will ride through. Said Alyana next to me. Id advise against it. Dont worry Lord Granger, Im pretty confident we can protect a few horses from some trees. Of of course. He said and went to speak with a guard who ran towards the gate shortly after. Alyana, are you perhaps in that time of the year? Youve been awfully cranky since we got here. I heard Vilandra say to her in what I presumed to be the elven language. No, Im not! You know it always happens during nott. Its just I hoped we could finally have a bit of fun together and we ended up in a mess again. Missya laughed and said the liquor doesnt run away, dont worry, well have plenty of fun tonight. Exactly, and we might even get Hero Fortuna to join us, I think she wouldnt be against some girl time. Said Vilandra. I dont know she looks a bit too similar to the depictions of the destroyer to be comfortable. Lyra said, sparing a glance at me. Come on, Ly-ly, have you never looked at one of those painting and thought wow, shes beautiful. Well, I cant say I didnt but Then its decided! Vi-vi! Dont go and decide those things by yourself! You know the rule, Alyana has the last word when deciding who joins us. Missya hissed at her. Well Its not like Im against it... Said Alyana in a feeble voice. At that moment the guard captain came out of the barracks along with five guards and the four prisoners: three men and a woman, dressed in rugged hemp clothes with their hands tied together and their eyes and mouths covered by pieces of cloth. Finally, lets go. Said Alyana, returning to her cranky behaviour. Yes. Answered the even more nervous guard captain. We walked around the barracks and reached the stables used by the soldiers. Once there Alyana said, well take the six strongest horses, the captain and guildmaster will each bring a prisoner with them she looked at the remaining members Missya and Lyra a prisoner each too, Lord Granger will ride with me, Vilandra with Lady Fortuna. Any objections? None, said the guard captain, guys, tie those four to the horses. The soldiers replied with a yes sir before tying together the feet of the prisoners and securing them to the back of four horses. I mounted on a free horse and Vilandra mounted behind me. When everyone was ready I told her, hold tight, to which she answered by hugging my waist and resting her head on my shoulder before saying, is this tight enough? Perfect. I said and kicked the horse to follow Alyana who was leading the group. We kept a walking speed up until the gate, which was being opened just enough to let us through. As we passed the gate Alyana shouted keep a tight formation, lets try to be on the other side as fast as possible, before commanding her horse to gallop. We followed suit and soon we were speeding through the soldiers in front of the wall. Vi-vi, stop staring at the heros boobs and put on a wind wall. Alyana said as we were about to reach the first treants. I wasnt staring! Just looking. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Vilandra! Yes maam! Vilandra said as swirling wind surrounded us. Mi-mi, Ly-ly, be ready to intercept anything that gets through. Yes maam! We galloped through the sea of treants without any incident, as practically any treant we met was blown away. The few broken branches that managed to pass through the wind wall were swiftly intercepted by Lyra and Missya using water and wind magic. What level are these horses, Captain? Alyana asked as we were nearing the moat. All of them are just past level thirty. Well jump then. She said, spurring the horse to go even faster. We did the same and, just before reaching the moat I heard her say Vi-vi, stop the wall, upward lift on all the horses. Vilandras yes maam came as the horses jumped the moat and, the moment the hind legs of the horses left the ground, a gust of wind hit them from below, ensuring theyd reach the other side. We soon entered the forest, barely lit enough to see as the rays of the setting sun couldnt reach through the tree crowns. After a few seconds since we entered Alyana said Lord Granger, is there any road that leads to that sacred tree? No, because its prohibited to go near it, there is no road that leads directly to it but we should soon meet a path that leads to north-east that should bring us pretty near it. Very well, well use that. After not even a minute had passed we arrived at the road the viscount talked about. Once there we headed north-east, going further inside the forest, where trees were becoming sparser, replaced by holes in the ground where the treants once rested. After a few dozen minutes of galloping Alyana slowed down and said Mi-mi, we just passed the maximum proximity point of the road, estimated direction of the great spirit is north-west, do you confirm? Yes. Everyone, well now head north-west towards the sacred tree. Alyana said, before steering the horse and heading into the unpathed forest. We soon reached the border of a clearing, in the middle there was a twenty-five meters tall white tree that almost seemed to glow in the blue light of dusk. If not for its color it would have looked like a really old, unkept yew. On one side of its trunk, near the ground, there was a black, charred patch where pieces of the bark seemed to be about to fall off at any moment. We dismounted the horses and tied them to some trees, before getting the prisoners down their backs. The captain and Lyra tied the four prisoners together and we set off towards the tree. We were halfway there when Alyana stopped, turned around and said I, the captain, the branchmaster and Lord Granger will go to the tree with the prisoners. Vilandra, Lyra, Missya and Lady Fortuna will stay here on the lookout. Some treants might decide to pay us a visit. Seeing that no one had any objection she started walking again, followed by Lord Granger and the captain and guildmaster who were holding the rope the four prisoners were tied to. Meanwhile Lyra opened her storage from which the three elves drew three halberds with mithril heads. I, instead, sat there on the spot, while keeping an eye on the other group. Do you think everything will be alright? Lyra said behind me. Vilandra sighed and said, its just a great spirit, there is no way hell go against a leaf, especially considering theyll let him punish the culprits. Yeah... youre probably right. Come on, stop being a worrywart and relax. Well, sorry if I worry about ours and Alyanas well being. Lyra, we are talking about a great spirit and some treants, heck, even the human hero doesnt give a flying fuck and - Watch your mouth Vilandra, you know I dont like it when you talk like a wharf rat. Said Missya angrily. Sorry Mi-mi. Anyway, Ly-ly, stop worrying so much. Fine, fine. Speaking of Lady Fortuna, you said you think shell agree to spending the night with us but we practically havent even talked. I got up, turned towards Lyra and told her oh, I just didnt want to interrupt, feel free to ask anything in their elven language. They all froze on the spot for a few seconds before Vilandra said, wait, you speak Taelish? It seems like I can speak any language of this world from the moment I hear it. Its one of the perks of being the hero of humanity, apparently. Oh so? So what? Are you against having sex with us? (Man, these girls are more horny than I am.) Vi-vi! You cant just ask that to people! Especially a human! Lyra shouted at her. But she already heard us talk about it, its not like we can beat around the bush now. So? What do you say, Lady Fortuna? Please, just Fortuna is fine and Im not really against it but can you wait tonight for my answer? Sure, we wouldnt want to force you Said Missya. Thank you. Can I ask you something? Yes, sure. I think you called Alyana a leaf before. Has it something to do with her hair? Well, I think you could also say so. Vilandra said while laughing. Her laugh was soon stopped by Missya, who planted her elbow in her stomach before saying, Fortuna, the only elves with green hair are the women of the royal family and in Tae we call them leaves. Oh,I didnt know that. So Alyana is The second princess of Tae, Alyana Silva Taelys. I raised an eyebrow at Missyas statement and said Shouldnt she be married to some noble, attend parties, take afternoon teas with her lady-in-waiting and stuff like that instead of adventuring around with her harem? Missya and Vilandra laughed, while I could see a bit of anger in Lyras eyes. Missya put a harm on her shoulder and said Fortuna, only the eldest princess is allowed to bare children in Taes royal family and Alyanas sister already has four daughters. So, she decided to live the life of an adventurer because of that? Pretty much. Well, her being a princess explains why Lord Granger, the branchmaster and the captain were so nervous. Oh, thats not it, said Vilandra, which made me raise an eyebrow, its probably because shes also the first executioner of the guild. You girls are telling me quite the outrageous things today. Everyone knows about it, its almost as if you lived under a rock all this time. Lyra barked at me. Or, you know, in another world. At that moment a flash of light came from the white tree and we all turned towards it. Between Alyana and the tree the faint outline of a kid could now be seen, though only barely. Alyana stepped forward then, after a few moments, the ghostly form moved an arm and four roots sprang up from the ground, impaling the four adventurers on the spot. Alyana bowed slightly to the spirit and the three men with her soon followed, before the spirit disappeared in another flash of light. It seems like everything went well, Vilandra said. I hope so, I said. Missya turned towards me and said, what do you mean? The treant couldnt have possibly breached inside the walls in such a short amount of time. Oh, I know that, I wasnt worried about the townsfolk. What then? They planned to use the liquor stored in the distilleries to burn the treants if they got too close to the walls. As soon as I said that the three of them froze on the spot. After a few, long, seconds Lyra said, girls, we werent too slow, right? I hope so or Alyana wont be happy. Missya said. Vilandra looked first at Missya, then at Lyra and said, lets not tell her, ok? Agreed, the other two answered at the same time. After not even a minute had passed since I gave them the shocking news, the group that went to the three finally returned and Alyana said Everything went well, we can go home. We walked back to the horses and mounted. This time the guard captain, the guildmaster, lord Granger and Alyana decided to ride alone, while Lyra and Missy took a horse in two and I, obviously, mounted again with Vilandra. As soon as we left the clearing behind us it became too dark to see the road in front of us and Alyana said, Vi-vi, Mi-mi, give us some fire. Wait, Ill light the road with holy magic. I said and spurred my horse to move to the front, before using holy magic to create a cone of light in front of us and a small, floating light sphere far in the back. As soon as the area around us was illuminated again I saw that the four who went to converse with the spirit were staring at me. Hero Fortuna, I didnt know you knew the elven language. Apparently I can speak every language I hear thanks to being the hero, else I wouldnt even be able to converse with you, Lord Granger Of course, that makes sense. Sorry for not telling you... Princess Alyana. I said. No, you werent obliged to Wait, girls, you told her?! Its not like its a secret, she would have found out anyway sooner or later. Vilandra said behind me. I know but what is she says no because of it? Alyana, Missya said. Yes? She said, turning to look at her. She still knows Taelish. Alyana slowly turned her head back towards me and I nodded, to which she blushed immediately and turned again the other way. She sure is cute, I whispered to Vilandra. I know, right? One wouldnt say if they only saw her when she keeps her first executioner front though, also she tends to get all stiff when she speaks other languages. I think that makes her look even cuter. She let out a small laugh behind me and said, I totally agree. Princess Alyana, I said Just Alyana is fine. Alyana, Id really like to spend some time with you, Vilandra, Missya, and Lyra, I said, which brought a small smile on her face, but I have to talk to a few people before I can do so. Sure, no problem. The ride to the town was pretty uneventful after that, except for the few times we saw some treants take back their place in the holes they occupied before the battle. Even when they came close to us, though, they completely ignored us and just kept minding their own business. We were almost at the gates when we noticed a few broken and charred barrels, along some patches of burnt ground. Lord Granger seeing them jokingly said, it seems like we were too late to save all of our precious liquor, Lady Fortuna. That night Lord Granger had to draw from his personal reserve to pacify two really pissed off women. Extra - Is It a Phone Call if Phones Dont Exist? Extra - Is It a Phone Call if Phones Don''t Exist? (King POV)
I put the communication crystal away in the drawer of my desk and took a sip from my glass of vilam. Once I placed it back on the desk, I looked at Alexander and said, it seems that Viscount Grangers town, Vilfori, saw quite a fierce battle today. A monster horde? He asked me. Almost, but not quite. A group of adventurers broke the contract the town had with a spirit in the forest and he commanded his treants to attack the town. If youre so calm it means everything went well, right? Yes, apparently the Thorns of Mithril were there and solved the situation with the spirit in time. Wait! Those Thorns of Mithril? He said, bending forward towards me. Yes, I was told they are traveling to Tureg, Id say that its only by sheer luck that they didnt choose to continue their travel by boat once in Dulsalies. I almost wish I was there. It doesnt happen every day to see an orichalcum ranked party fight. Certainly, them and Hero Fortuna fighting together must have been quite the show. Oh, right, she was there too. You still dont like her, do you? Do you? Shes just a deviant who likes screwing around. That deviant, as you call her, accepted to help us unconditionally and has been training to do so for months with no complaint. You werent defenestrated by her. That might have been too much but its not like you were really hurt. There was stone under the snow! I was unconscious for two hours. I thought you training every day with her would have brought you two closer to each other by now.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Well, we never really talked, she had her special training to follow after all. You should have, if something happens to me during the war youll probably be the one who will have to deal with her. Dont say such things. Does she scare you so much? Dont joke about it! You know what I meant. He shouted. I appreciate that you care for me, but its a war, anything could happen and we have to be prepared. Which also means you should be prepared to move around the board a piece that will soon be able to destroy armies. I can always leave her to Raziel. He said, looking away from me for a moment. Speaking of her I said and took the crystal connected to her out of the drawer to ask her to come to my office. Not a few seconds had passed that she appeared from the shadows projected by the magic lamp on my desk. Is something the matter, sire? She said. Did the hero tell you something she wouldnt tell me about what happened today? She hasnt She took a crystal out of her dress, shes actually contacting me now. Do you mind if I answer? No, please, go ahead. Thank you, she said and stepped away from the desk to talk into the crystal. Only a few seconds of whispering had passed when she shouted No! Both I and Alexander turned towards her, who was giving her back to us, just in time to hear her say I said no! You cant fuck an elven princess! As Alexander mouthed me did I hear that right? She shouted what do you mean why?! I let my back fall against the backrest of my chair and just nodded to him as Raziel said to the crystal fine, lets do like this, for every time you do it with them tonight youll have to answer a question of mine. Deal? I took a sip from my glass as she said yeah, yeah, I love you too. before putting the crystal away. She turned around, looked at us and, a bit hesitant, said Your Majesty Thank you but I dont want to know more than what I already heard, I said, waving my hand in front of me. Thank you, I will take my leave then. At that moment Alexander sprang up from his chair and said how can you be fine with something like that? Your Highness, if I was a jealous woman neither you nor your father would be here now. I will take my leave now. She said, before disappearing back in the shadows. Alexander looked at the spot where she was before for a few seconds, then dropped on his chair and gulped down all the vilam that was still in his glass. I laughed a bit and said I never expected that my son would, one day, be jealous of a woman. Oh no, its not jealousy, I can finally genuinely admit I hate a person. Dont let that hatred misguide you. Dont worry, I still care for this kingdom more than I hate her. Thats good to hear. Extra - Scent of a (Elven) Woman Extra - Scent of a (Elven) Woman
I put away the communication crystal in my storage and walked back inside the inn. The tension in the air was still as strong as before I walked outside. Despite the tables were full of people, not even flies dared make a sound. All the diners and drinkers in the room were staying with their eyes fixed on their plates, if not for sparing a quick glance now and then to an obviously angry elven woman with green hair and the short-haired woman next to her who was currently using a pretty badly beaten up man as a chair. Still going on with the punishment? I asked Vilandra as I approached their table. It will continue until Im sure he wont feel his hands anymore. Fair enough. I cant really blame him for wanting to feel Alyanas ass though. I said, sitting down in front of her. Fortuna! Alyana shouted on the other side of the table. Well, thats true. Vilandra! Ehy! Im just telling the truth here! Alyana jokingly hit her shoulder and said, stop teasing me. At that moment the door opened and Missya and Lyra entered with a cart full of bottles. After Lyra closed the door they looked around the inn for a bit before coming to our table. Once there Missya said, whats up with this tense Vilandra, is that a man youre sitting on? Im teaching him to keep his hands in his pockets. Okaaaay Anyway, lord Granger gave us the liquor he promised. Are we going to drink in our room or She looked around at the people eating without making any noise, here? Id prefer to do it here. I want to eat something too and I dont want our room smelling of food all night. Said Alyana. Lyra sat down in front of her and said, fine but can someone do something about this atmosphere? I have an idea. I said and waved at a waiter. He came almost running to our table and asked can I do something for you? Yes, its been a long day, why dont you give one of these bottles to each table so we can all drink it away? Tell them to wait before opening them though. Oh, and give two bottles and this, I passed him a gold coin, to the owner, for the trouble. Right away, Lady Fortuna. He said and walked away towards the counter taking the cart with the bottles with him. What are you doing? That was ours! Lyra said, looking now at me, now at the cart going away. I was dealing with this atmosphere. Dont worry, well have enough to drink even if we give away some bottles. She sat on the chair at the head of the table, pouting before saying, after a few seconds, oh whatever, I dont care anymore. Soon an old, tall, bearded man with a beer belly approached our table bringing the now half empty cart with him saying Lady Fortuna, Im the owner of this inn, I wanted to thank you personally for your generosity. Please, weve caused enough trouble already, it was only natural to compensate for it. Customers like you make the joy of an innkeeper. Im glad to hear that. While youre here could you tell us what your kitchen has to offer tonight? Sure. We have a vegetables soup, hopper stew with soldiers bread in it, mixed steamed vegetables and cheese and dry cured sausages that are made in the villages around the town. Then, could you bring us some cheese and some of those sausages, then, for me, the stew and a plate of steamed vegetables. You girls? He flinched a bit when I called the others like that but soon turned towards Lyra as she said Ill just take the soup, thank you. For me the soup and the stew, said Missya. Same for me, said Alyana in front of her. Ill take the stew and the steamed vegetables like Fortuna, said Vilandra, which made him flinch again. Perfect, he said, then, after visibly trying to muster the courage to do so, he added, dear guest, could I ask you to please let that man go? Oh, sure, Vilandra said before getting up from her temporary chair and kicking him away to make room for the actual chair. Thank you, anything else you wanted to order? Yes, could you bring us two bottles of your best vilam? Certainly, he said before bowing a bit and walking away. As Vilandras chair ran away Missya told me, we havent asked you yet but I presume youve decided to spend the night with us, right? Indeed. Im glad youll stay with us. I dont get why you wanted to wait until now though. I had to speak to a person. Did you have to ask permission to mummy? Said Vilandra, laughing. No, to my lover. They all froze, staring at me for a few seconds before Missya said, was he that man you talked with before? Is he really fine with it? Oh no, thats just Holis. My lover is in Phosforia and yes, she is fine with it kinda. Kinda? Fortuna, you shouldnt do such things, if we knew you had a lover we wouldnt have asked. Alyana said with a worried look on her face. Dont worry, its really fine. I was talking with her over a communication crystal just a few moments ago. Fine, if you say so. At that moment the owner and the waiter from before arrived with a wooden board with the cheese, sausages and some bread on top, knives and cups for everyone and two bottles of vilam. They put everything on the table and the owner said, here miladies, well bring the rest to you soon. Thank you. I took the bottle and poured some vilam in everyones cups before getting up and facing the rest of the room. I hit a knife against another a couple of times to get everyones attention and, once I had it, I said, everyone, its been a long day for Vilfori but now we are here, safe and sound, and we can enjoy our drinks together. So lets bygones be bygones and have fun. Those bottles you have on your tables were kindly offered by Lord Granger himself and he assured us they were the best he had to offer. It would be a waste not to drink them, wouldnt it? So drink up! For luck smiled on this city today. I raised my cup and said, to Vilfori before drinking from it amidst the cheering of the people in the inn. I sat back on my chair and said, see? I told you i would have fixed the mood. Yes, yes. Lyra said. We started eating and drinking and oon they brought us the other dishes too. As we ate they told me some stories from their travels. They told me about time they had to fight against a giant crocodile-like monster that breathed fire in the swamps of Astall, the time they surfed on the dunes of Sithar while chasing a bird that had stolen a ring they had to give to a priestess, the time Vilandra sneaked inside the chambers of the first wife of the Emperor of Gredum and she treated her so well she wanted to run away with them and many, many more. At one point Lyra and Missya made everyone move away from the center of the room and ended up entertaining the inn with a show of wind and water magic, while Vilandra was still busy winning the final of an arm wrestling tournament she had set up herself. We had gotten to the third bottle of the liquor Lord Granger had given us when we decided to go upstairs. We took the bottles still in the cart, which werent many after a drinking game the whole inn took part in, said goodnight to everyone still partying and walked up the wooden stairs while bumping into each other now and then and passing the almost finished bottle between us. We entered the room they had reserved and Lyra took out some magic lamps from her storage, though not with the speed she took their weapons out the evening before. As we lit the lamps and placed them around the room Alyana sat on the bed and, looking at the now empty bottle, said lets play the game of the bottle. Arent you a bit too old for that? Said Missya, walking towards her. Come on, we havent played in half a century. Thats true but Come ooooon. Ehy, its fine by me. Said Vilandra, sitting on the floor in front of the bed Lyra dragged a chair next to her, sat on it and said Im in. Fine, fine, well play the game of the bottle. Said Missya, sitting on the bed next to Alyana. How do you play? I asked. Well, its really simple you- Shhhh, Alyana interrupted her, Ill explain. So you take an empty bottle, lay it on the ground and make it spin, the one who is chosen by the bottle must do what the one who span it says. (So it is practically just spin the bottle.) Ok, Im in, I said, whos going to start. I will, said Alyana, before spinning the bottle on the floor. The bottle span a few times before stopping pointing at Lyra. Ly-ly, you have to drink from Mi-mis mouth. Pervert. Lyra said as Missya walked towards her, bottle in hand. She put a bit of liquor in her mouth and kissed Lyra, forcing the liquor down her throat.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Once their lips separated Lyra said now its my turn. and took the bottle from the floor. Once Missya sat back at her place she made it spin again and this time it stopped pointing at Vilandra. Vi-vi, you have to take off your shirt and any undergarments you have under it and let Fortuna smell you as she sees fit. And I am the pervert. Said Alyana as Vilandra took off her shirt and the linen strips over her chest. Come Fortuna, you have to smell me. Vilandra said, turning towards me. Only smelling, you cant touch her in any way but with your nose. Lyra pointed out as I leaned towards Vilandra who was sitting next to me. I started smelling her neck, gently breathing on it too as I slowly lowered my head. Soon I was using my nose to trace around her breasts before going up again, over her neck, over her lips, until the points of our noses touched as we stared into each others eyes. I stayed there like that for a few seconds before sitting back on my spot. Missya passed me the full bottle as Vilandra span the empty one on the ground and I drank from it. When I lowered it I saw the bottle stopping in front of Missya. You have to close your eyes and not open them until I say so, after you open them Ill ask you a question, if youre wrong youll have to strip. You sure come up with the weirdest ones. Missya said, closing her eyes. Once Vilandra made sure her eyes were closed she gestured Alyana to get up from the bed they were sitting on and for me to lick Missyas cheek. Once I did we both set back on our spots and Vilandra told Missya to open her eyes. When she opened them she asked her, who licked your cheek? It was obviously Aly. Wrong, it was Fortuna. Now you have to strip. Vilandra said, giggling. Fine, Missya said, while starting to unbutton her shirt. Come on, do it properly. Vilandra said. I took the bottle that was next to Missya as got up and she started dancing around, slowly unbuttoning her shirt before throwing it at Lyra. We all started drinking from the bottle as we watched her strip. She removed the safety pin that held the strings over her breasts still and, spinning around unwinded them until she remained with a single, long string of linen in her hand, which she put around Alyanas neck. She then kicked her shoes away and unlaced her pants. She turned the other way and, bending forward, sticking her ass out towards us, removed her pants and panties at the same time. Once they were on the ground she stepped away from them, turned again towards us and picked them up. She then threw her pants at me and, holding her panties, walked up to Vilandra. Once she was right in front of her she leaned forward and, saying here is your trophy, put them on her face. Seeing that the bottle we were drinking had finished she opened the last one and drank from it before going back to her spot on the bed. After sitting down she spun the bottle around with her foot which ended up stopping in front of Vilandra again. Missya grinned before saying for the rest of the night youre a dog, you have to walk on all fours and you cant use your hands, only your mouth. Oh, and unless its to give an order you cant speak, only bark, pant and howl. You- Ah, ah, no speaking. Vilandra glared at her, before going on all four and walking like that up to the bottle to spin it with her mouth. This time, when the bottle stopped, it was pointing at Alyana. Aly, you have to take Missyas string that is around your neck and use it to blindfold yourself, then you have to let us do whatever we want until I tell you so. Alyana pouted a bit as she put the string over her eyes saying you really have a thing against eyes, dont you? But Vilandra only barked in response, which made her laugh. Once the string was fastened behind her head Missya pushed her down on the bed and started taking her shirt off, while Lyra took off her shoes and pants.When the two had finished undressing her they used the strings that used to hold hers and Vilandras breasts to tie her legs to a leg of the bed each, leaving her with the legs open on the border of the bed. Then Lyra took off her shirt and her string and Missya told me to do the same. I gave her mine too and they used the two to tie her hands to the bedposts on the other side of the bed. Missya then took the bottle of liquor, opened her mouth, and started pouring the liquor in,which soon overflowed as she wasnt able to swallow fast enough. When the bottle was half empty she stopped and drank from it as Alyana coughed. She then started pouring it over her breasts and we started drinking it from her until it was completely finished. I got up from over Alyana to fetch another bottle but, not seeing any full one around I said, girls, I think that was the last one. I knew we shouldnt have given all those bottles away to the other people down there. Lyra complained. Now, now, Ly-li we could always get more. Missya said, to which Vilandra barked in approval. Why dont we go ask Lord Granger for some more? I said. You gave it away, you go. Lyra said. No, we all go, its not right for just one to go by herself. Missya said. Fine, fine. Lets get done with it fast then. We put our shirts, shoes, and pants, in Missyas case, back on but, as we were about to exit the room Alyana said, wait! Are you going to leave me here like this? Obviusly. Vilandra said, finally getting up from walking on all fours to open the door. She was immediately stopped by Missya though who said, who told you you could stop acting like a dog? But someone might see me outside! Obviously, Missya said, grinning. Vilandra wailed a bit like a dog and got back on all fours while Missya opened the door. We walked outside and Lyra closed the door behind us. Trying to avoid onlookers, because we had one of the most powerful adventurers on the continent walking on all fours and barking with us, we exited the now quiet inn and started walking the dark streets of the town towards Lord Grangers mansion. Once we were in front of the mansion Missya was about to go to look for a guard or a servant to let us in but I stopped her saying, I have an idea. Is it a good idea? She asked me. Its an idea. She eyed me for a second and I said, look. I made my armor appear on me and enveloped myself in flames using fire magic, then said, do I look like some sort of demon? Kinda. Good enough, go hide. They nodded and went to hide behind some trees that lined the road that brought up to the mansion. Once I made sure they couldnt be seen I walked up to the gate and, using air magic to make my voice deeper and even louder, shouted I am the demon of unholy pleasures! I demand a tribute! Suddenly I heard the other three burst into laughter but they soon muffled their voices, just in time to not be heard by the approaching guards. Whos there?! One of the two guards shouted. I made the flames around me even stronger and shouted, mongrel, have you not heard me.I am the great Queefer, demon of unholy pleasures. Make way, for I demand a tribute from your lord making sure I said a very important part in Taelish. We wont let you pass, you demon! The other guard said, before running towards me, spear in hand. I immobilized him immediately with earth magic and soon after I did the same with his colleague. Mongrels, your efforts are futile. You cannot go against me. For inside this armor runs the power of the pussy juice. Wait until Genji comes here, you demon, and you will cry. He wont have to wait long. Genji said, coming out of the gate. I ask for a lord and I get a guard dog. Are all humans deaf? I said, realizing too late that Genji had nullified my air magic with his own. Lady Fortuna, what are you even doing this late into the night? We we finished the liquor. All of it? Yes. How? Somehow. So, this tribute the great demon of unholy pleasure wants is booze, am I right? Yes. Fine, Ill go fetch some more. Meanwhile, could you please free our guards and turn yourself off? Oh, sure. I said, putting off the flames swirling around me and making the earth that was trapping the guards return at its place. Thank you. He said and walked back inside the mansion. After only a couple of minutes he walked back outside with a crate full of bottles and gave it to me saying, please, this town already saw enough excitement for one day, try to keep it down from now on. I will try but I cant promise anything, I said, walking away from the mansion towards the tree-lined road. Once I passed the first row of trees the three elven women came out for their hiding spots laughing. Okay, that was indeed hilarious said Missya as I passed her the crate to remove my armor. Agreed, though its a pity it lasted so little, Lyra said, to which Vilandra barked in agreement. Well then, shall we return to the inn? Of course. We walked back avoiding the people of the town like before and we soon arrived at the inn. We hurried back at our room and, when we opened the door, we found Alyana panting where we left her, only there was the small addition of a yellowish liquid in front of the bed. Aly, Aly, Aly, what did you do? Missya said, walking towards the bed. You left me here tied for half an hour! I had to go! Excuses. She said, removing her blindfold. She then used water and wind magic to remove the stain and collect it in a sphere of water and said, what if I had you drink this as punishment? No, Mi-mi, please no. Alyana said, thrashing around on the bed. Missya leaned towards her, opened her mouth and lowered the sphere towards her face but, at the last second threw it against the blinders, which opened to let it pass and fall outside. Just a second later we heard a who the fuck is throwing water out of the window? Coming from the street. We all laughed for a few seconds looking at the window, then Missya turned back towards Alyana and said you still need some punishment, dont you three agree? And bit her lip. She sure does. Said Lyra, to which Vilandra barked again in agreement. Agreed I said. Well then, what should we do to this bad girl? At that point Vilandra walked up to Missya and barked. Right, Vi-vi, we should first of all make sure that this messy girl is clean, right? Here, make me take off you those dirty clothes so you can go on the bed. Missya said and started taking off her shirt. After she had finished undressing Vilandra, Missya patted the bed and said hop on the bed, Vi-vi, to which Vilandra complied. As soon as she was on the bed she started gently licking Alyana with repeated movements of her tongue. First she licked her face all over, then her chin, her neck, her breasts. When she was about to lick at Alyanas belly she got over her, putting her hands on either side of her hips and her legs under Alyanas outstretched and still tied arms. She kept licking like that but, when she was almost at her clit she stopped and set on Alyanas face. Oh, youre already tired Vi-vi? Well, there is nothing we can do, sit there to rest for a bit. Missya said, which caused Alyana to thrash about again and try to speak muffled words, much to Vilandras pleasure. Now, what should we do to punish this girl who wet our room with her dirty, dirty, piss, Missya said, pinching Alyanas nipple at the last word. Do you have any idea, Fortuna? I went to the side of the bed, covered my finger in ice and, passing it over Alyanas belly as I walked towards Missya said, I really dont know what we could do. I passed in front of Missya, tracing my finger over her breasts and over her neck, then I bent forward and, using ice magic on my breath said to her ear, maybe we could do something with her ears. Which made her jerk up a bit, which cause Vilandra to let a moan of pleasure escape from her mouth. How cruel, dont you know that the ears of an elf are really sensitive? Oh, really? I infused my breath with magic again, this time using fire to warm it, and said again to her ear, I really didnt know, maybe we should and I started nibbling the tip of her ear, which made her jerk up again. I kept nibbling on it as I moved down her ear, making her whole body move under the pleasure. Once I had almost reached her lobe I stopped biting on it and, using ice magic on my breath again, whispered to her ear it seems like its true. Then blew lightly in her ear. Which made her let out a shout that was muffled by Vilandra still sitting on her. All that movement under her, though, made Vilandra finally climax, squirting directly in Alyanas still screaming mouth, before falling on her, resting her head on her belly. Vi-vi! look at what you did! If Alyana wasnt there to drink it all up you would have made a mess worse than hers. Vilandra turned to face Missya and just gave a feeble bark. You did great, Alyana, Missya said and kissed her, now its time for your reward. Lily, care to give her the reward she deserves? Sure, Lily, who meanwhile had started masturbating, said before opening her storage and taking out a double ended dildo. She walked up to the end of the bed, put an end inside herself and, with the other, penetrated Alyana. As she did so Missya embraced me, gave me a kiss and said why dont we join them now? And that was how one of the craziest nights I spent on Kis started. Chapter 28 – Elf in the Barrel Chapter 28 C Elf in the Barrel
I woke up on the walls of the city, the sun was still low but its rays already reached me from over the battlements. A huge pain was drilling in my head, probably caused by all the drinking of the night before. I sat up, stretched a bit as a yawn escaped my mouth, and looked down, just to realize I was not wearing my clothes but a long-sleeved red dress that looked more like a long shirt as it barely reached my thighs, a black mantle and my leather boots, along with a single knee-sock on my left leg. I decided to ignore my outfit that didn''t really fit me and looked around, not far from me a pointed witch-like hat was lying on the ground, next to a broken tree branch and an empty bottle, over the walls I spotted a hole that was a dozens of meters large in the fields in front of the city, the ground inside and around the hole was black, with small lines of smoke still rising from it, sign that someone used high level fire magic on that spot. Finally I spotted two guards patrolling the walls. I got up and walked towards them. When I reached them one of the two said Lady Fortuna, you''re already awake. We thought you''d be out cold until late afternoon after what happened tonight. The sun must have woken me up. I''ll go back to my inn now. Sure, try not to destroy anything else on the road there though. ...I''ll try my best. I said and walked towards the tower that led down. Once I was back on street level I spotted the head of a elven woman with blond medium length hair poking out of a barrel next to the wall. A flash of said elven woman doing a barrel race with an adventurer we talked with at a pub came to mind, along with the crash of said adventurer, with his barrel, against the walls of the city guard stables. I walked up to her and, while shaking her a bit, said, Missya, I don''t think this is the best place to sleep in. She slowly opened her right eye and, after a few seconds of looking at me said, five more minutes, and went back to sleep. I took the barrel with Missya in it and started walking towards the inn we were staying at while carrying it with me. I had just walked a few hundred meters when we passed a tavern whose owner was mounting a new door, which made me remember how the previous one was destroyed in a axe-throwing contest the night before. The owner spotted me and, smiling, said, good morning, Lady Fortuna, please feel free to come again tonight. I was a bit surprised by his happiness in seeing me but still replied, thank you, I will do so if I have the opportunity, before walking off. The trip to the inn was soon interrupted again when a man unloading a cart full of wooden planks called up to me saying, Lady Fortuna, if you don''t have a place for the night come to my inn. I answered with an absent minded, sure, as the memories of a brawl caused by Missya offering her panties to the strongest person in that inn, which resulted in Lyra winning and a couple of tables being destroyed, came to mind. Which also reminded me that... Yep, the girl in the barrel I was holding was wearing only the white, light dress she put on before going out of our inn and not the panties she had worn under it, which could be easily spotted by anyone looking carefully inside the barrel, as the dress wasn''t able to cover her important bits because of her legs being curled up against her chest. I only sighed and resumed my walk, hoping that nothing else from the night before came haunting me back in the short distance that was left before the inn. I obviously wasn''t so lucky as in the square that was just a few meters from our inn, amidst a crowd of onlookers a certain short haired elven woman was hovering, sleeping and covered only by a bed-sheet, over the fountain that embellished the center of the square. On her arms she was still wearing the pillow covers she used the night before to imitate an harpy while flying around town, screeching noises included. A group of guards was trying to take her down from her sleeping spot as she moved around over the jet of water of the fountain, calling the name of one of her three companions every time the water hit a certain spot, weirdly enough she only called for Missya the few times the water hit her rear tho. Speaking of Missya, seeing as the strings the guards were using to take her down passed right through her as if she was made of thin air, I put down the barrel and trying to wake her up. After a bit of shaking and calling she half-opened her eyes and said, in a sleepy voice, what? Is that normal? I asked pointing at Vilandra who was still happily sleeping.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. She just said, she likes air, before going back to sleep. I shrugged and picked the barrel up again, ready to finally reach the inn but, as soon as the barrel was again firm in my arms, I saw Holis walking towards me with his arm raised. Good morning Holis I said when he finally reached me. Good morning Fortuna. I heard you had quite some fun around town last night. Well, one thing lead to another and... well... yeah, I said, looking now at the girl in the barrel I was holding, now at the one calling Alyana''s name as the water jet hit her again. I suppose the visit to the adventurers'' guild is postponed again, isn''t it? I pondered about it for a bit then said, no, let''s go now, I''ll probably sleep all day once I get to the inn and I don''t want to waste another day. Good for me, he said and we started walking towards the close-by guild. We arrived after only a couple of minutes without anyone interrupting us, except the few people who waved smiling as they passed by. Once we entered, though, almost everyone in the guild, many of whom showed quite a few bruises, either sprang up on their feet or turned to look at us if they were already standing and, saying good morning mistress Fortuna and mistress Missya,we hope to be in your care again tonight bowed at us. That isn''t my doing, ok? I said to Holis who was staring daggers at me before walking to the counter, ignoring the bowing adventurers. Do you know what that was? I asked the girl behind the counter. Apparently one of the Thorns of Mithril, Lyra if I remember correctly, told a few adventurers to do that as soon as they saw any of you and the voice quickly spread among the rest, she said. I don''t think I want to know more. Anyway,I''m here to deliver a viltusk head for the quest I accepted a couple of days ago and to take another quest. Sure, please, let me see the quest form and the proof of verification. I opened my storage to take the two items out and immediately realized why the town people were so happy about all the trouble we caused the night before as of the almost a hundred gold coins I had with me only fifteen remained in my storage and probably the same was true of the other four girls'' pouches. I sighed and took the quest form and head out of the storage before leaving the form on the counter and the head on a steel table next to it. The girl looked at the form for a few seconds then said, I have verified the completion of the quest, if you''d give me your card I''ll register it. Here, I said, giving her the card. She tinkered a bit with the card and a magic tool before saying, I''ve registered both the viltusk extermination quest and the town defense emergency quest. You''ve completed enough quests to become steel rank, would you like to upgrade your card now? Yes, thank you. Wait a second then, she said, before entering a room behind the counter. She soon came back with a steel card in hand and gave it to me saying, the rewards for the two quests amounts to a total of a gold and twenty silvers, deducing the fifty silvers for the ranking up procedure it becomes seventy silver coins, before giving me the payment for the quests. Do you have any steel ranked quest? Yes, she said, opening a folder with a few sheets of yellowish paper inside, there is a extermination quest for a den of globlins with a high number of hobgoblins a walking day to the east, an exploration quest for a cavern that was found inside the forest north of here, an hill viper extermination quest also to the east, and a week long guarding quest for a moving herd of sheep. I''ll take the goblin and viper extermination quests then. Very well, the fee is of twenty silver coins for each of them, the maximum completion time is five days for the viper quest and a week for the goblin one. I gave them forty silver coin and my guild card. She tinkered a bit with the magic tool on the counter again before giving back the card along with the two sheet of paper of the corresponding quests. I then turned around to Holis and asked him, do you want to register? No, thank you, he said. Well, I guess we''re done then, I said, then, facing the girl at the counter I told her, thank you, have a good day, shiny eyes, before walking out of the guild, barrel in hand. Once outside Holis told me, you really are like an old man sometimes. Yeah, yeah. Now if you don''t mind, I have some sleep to catch up with. We''ll depart in the afternoon at the ring of the second to last bell. Have a good day, Holis. Yeah, you too, Fortuna. Ah, don''t forget to practice with sensing mana while I''m gone, I shouted at him as I walked away. Luckily for me the short trip from the guild to the inn had no other surprise for me, even the guards had given up on trying to get Vilandra down from her sleeping spot and the life in the town seemed to had gone back to normal. Once inside the inn I just nodded to the innkeeper, who nodded back with a grin on his face, and went back to our room. I opened the door, happy to be finally able to get the sleep I was yearning for, only to find Alyana sleeping on the large bed while hugging a human girl who was wearing only a rope that went around her chest and tied her arms behind her back and a gag on her mouth. (Oh right, we didn''t only take that outfit from the tailor''s shop.) I sighed and put down the barrel, which caused the tied up girl to wake up. She stared at me and I quickly went to untie her. As I untied her she started thrashing around on the bed, which weirdly wasn''t enough to wake up Alyana. Once I had finished untying her I removed her gag only for her to shout at me, why did you untie me? I sighed and told her, listen, staying like that can be really bad for your arms and breasts, if you still want to play around a bit more, you can ask those two when they wake up, I''m sure they''ll be happy to comply. Fine... she said, before turning towards Alyana and going back to sleep. I laid down next to her and closed my eyes. I was almost asleep when I jerked up, coming to a sudden realization. (Wait, where the fuck is Lyra?) I tried to remember everything that happened the night before but, having no idea of where she could have gone to, decided that an adventurer of her caliber would have had no problems staying by herself for a bit and that sleep is a really important thing. Chapter 29 – Questity Quests Chapter 29 C Questity Quests
After looking for Lyra, who we found sleeping under the table of a tavern, getting scolded by Lord Granger, though not too much as our antics served to liven the mood of the town-folks after the battle of the day before, and saying goodbye to the four elven girls, I and Holis departed towards East. We arrived at the village that had requested help for the hill viper extermination as the sun was setting. After meeting the village chief and getting the details of the quest, he offered us to sleep in his house and we gladly accepted. The morning after we left the village just after dawn and started looking for the viper through the grassy hills of the area. It was almost noon when we finally found the two-meter wide fresh trail of the viper and started following it, Holis hunting abilities came into play at that moment as I was about to go in the wrong direction before he made me notice the way grass was bent. After almost an hour of walking since we first spotted the trail we saw what almost looked like a trunk coming out from a group of trees on top of a hill, if it wasn''t that said trunk was green as the grass around us, shined under the rays of the sun and moved slightly every now and then. We stopped there to prepare and I asked Holis, how good is your aim? I can hit a coin eighty meters away in the right conditions, with the right bow, he answered as he checked the condition of the quiver strapped at his side. Said quiver only held six arrows ready to be rapidly drawn while the others were on a closed one tightened to his back. He had told me as we walked that if he ended up with only three arrows in his fast quiver he''d normally consider the hunt a failure so the back-up quiver was more a precaution than a necessity. So you should be able to hit a fast moving pomegranate from fifty, right? I said, making my heavy orichalcum armor appear on me. Yes, I should be able to hit its eyes. I took the five meters long pike and the longsword out of my storage and said, It''s good to see you catch up immediately. How many weapons do you even have with you? Enough, I said as I laced the longsword to my side, let''s go. We walked to the opposite side of the group of tree from where what we assumed to be the tail was. When the monstrous, green, triangular head of the sleeping viper came into view I told Holis to stop there and be ready to take aim. I then used body-strengthening magic on all my body and started running towards the head of the sleeping viper as fast as I could, seconds before hitting it I poured mana in the mithril tip of the pike and aimed between its closed eyes. The miracle didn''t happen though and, just a moment before I could stab it in its brain it opened its eyes and raised its head, hissing. I still managed to stab it on its neck just behind its head and penetrate it all the way to the other side. I let go of the pike that, having already penetrated in the thick flesh of the beast on both sides and still having a lot of momentum, flew against a tree trunk on the other side as I kicked the ground to come to a halt. I jumped to the side before coming to a complete stop as the viper let itself fall were I was just a moment before. I put my left arm in my storage and took the heater shield out of my storage while drawing the longsword, at the same time an arrow edged itself on the left eye of the viper. The monster hissed in pain and coiled back five meters, ready to charge at Holis. Seeing that, shield in front of me, I put myself between the two and took the full charge of the viper. Maybe because I had leveled up, maybe because this time I was prepared, maybe because it was a nose against my shield that was firmly planted in the ground and not a tusk to my torso, I was able to completely stop its charge instead of being flung away as with the viltusk. I immediately used the opportunity to stab at its face, between the nose and the wounded eye with my longsword. I wasn''t able to go deep though as I had to draw the sword back before it moved away and I ended up losing another weapon mid-combat. The viper raised its head again, probably trying to fall on me again and again an arrow hit its eye, this time the right one, robbing it of its view completely. Understanding that it was now at a complete disadvantage the monstrous forty meters long viper coiled back completely and assumed a defensive pose and started moving its head side to side, trying to hear our movements. Instead of charging at it I stayed where I was, catching my breath as I used Ice magic to cool its body. Soon it stopped moving its head, which fell on its coiled up body, making the huge snake look like a perfect imitation of the poop depicted in a certain anime with a robot girl protagonist, only green instead of pink. Seeing that the monster was now immobile I started walking toward it, I sheathed the sword, put the shield back inside the storage and took the pike back from the tree it was embedded in. I arrived right in front of the monster and it still didn''t move. I leaned back to charge my strike and heard Holis shout, Fortuna, wait a moment too late as, while my arm was still behind me, the viper shot forward and opened its jaw to bite at me. The teeth of the weakened viper didn''t even manage to make a dent in my orichalcum armor though and I was now in the perfect position to strike at its brain from the soft spot that was its mouth. I stabbed through its palate with my pike but, as the mithril tip penetrated the soft flesh of the monster, it sprayed a poisonous mist at me, in a last effort at survival. I drew my pike back and stabbed at it again and again and again, between the coughing the poisonous mist caused. I fell on the ground in front of the now dead snake and I heard Holis shout from afar, Fortuna! Are you alright? Fuck no, I''m not alright, I feel like ants are eating at my brain and stomach, I said and started to use healing magic to cleanse me of the poison and heal back the bit of damage it caused. I''ll take it as a yes. Around a minute later the poisonous mist had faded and Holis walked up to me and removed my helmet, just in time for me to puke on his shoes.Stolen story; please report. Jeez, thanks, I really needed some vomit on my feet today. Fuck you. It''s good to see you''re lively and well. How is this even near being well?! Considering that mist was probably enough to kill the population of an entire village and you''re still alive after taking most of it right on your face, I''d say you''re in top condition. My poison resistance is level five, if I still ended up dying I''d sue whoever made this skill system. I don''t know why but it isn''t hard to picture you suing the gods,. he said, laughing. I laughed along with him and, when we stopped he asked me, so, can you get up? Give me a few minutes. He nodded and crouched next to me before moving me a bit away from the vomit. Once I was about a meter away from it he lifted my head and set next to it, then let me rest my head on his out-stretched legs. He took an handkerchief from a pocket and started cleaning my mouth while stroking my hair with the other hand. Thank you, I said once he finished. He smiled and said, you''re welcome. It sure is peaceful here once there aren''t any giant monsters around. What to have a viper meat pick-nick? No thanks. We stayed like that for a few minutes, enjoying the peace of the hills, then I said, did you have fun at the brothel? He stopped caressing my hair and said, you sure know how to ruin a moment, don''t you? Yeah, yeah, so? Yeah, they were pretty good, they even gave me a discount. I hit his side lightly with my elbow and said, a real lady killer, are you? What about you then, did you have fun with those elves? More than any rumor could make you think of. That''s a lot of fun. I laughed a bit and said, yeah, it sure is. So... is your lover also a woman? ...yes. Well, I can''t say I blame you, I like women too after all, he said, half-laughing. I laughed a bit again before saying, it''s not that I like women more than men in general, it''s just that I''m not ready for another man yet and I met quite a bit of sexy women. What happened to the last one? He was stabbed by his son in law, threw down some stairs and ran over by the carriage his daughter was on. He froze and, visibly sad, said, I''m sorry. Don''t worry, it happened quite some time ago. It''s just... he was one of the best men that ever lived. Maybe not the best father. And I''m seriously going to kill you if you ever try to badmouth him again, I said, dead serious. ..sorry. Let''s talk about something else. How about how we''re going to miss the village festival? Do you really care about it? No, but I thought you would have. Why? There is a lot of food and the girls of the village dance in front of everyone wearing only a skirt and some laces around their chests on the second night. Let''s go! I said, suddenly sitting up, which made me puke again. Once I finished saying bye to my breakfast Holis forced me down on his legs and said, you try not to die on me now, we''ll think about the festival later, before cleaning my mouth again. Good suggestion. After some more waiting, cleansing and healing I was able to move around again pretty well and, after eating the dried sausages and bread we took with us, we started skinning and dismounting the thing. We only took the skin, monster core, fangs and poison glands, leaving most of the monstrous snake behind, before picking up my pike and walking back to the village. We arrived at the village when it was already early evening as skinning such a large monster took us a few hours. It was too late to depart to the village that requested help with the goblin den so we decided to spend another night there, which wasn''t too bad considering the village held a small party to celebrate with us the death of the monster. The next morning we departed again just after dawn to get to the other village early. We arrived just after noon. We immediately looked for the village chief to make him explain us the last details about the goblin den. We soon found him and he told us that said then was a hole the goblin excavated in a small hill a bit over a walking hour from the village. We ate lunch at the village and went to the den right afterwards. Along the way Holis finally managed to release a bit of mana, enough to use simple magic tools but certainly not enough to be called mana manipulation, or use the elven yew bow for that matter. We arrived at the den in schedule. The hole in the hill was surrounded by a dozen goblins and a two hobgoblins, all of which but two were behind a roughly made wooden fence. I equipped myself with my armor, took my halberd out of the storage and charged in. The two goblins outside quickly spotted me but were sniped down by Holis before they could even make a move. I passed through the opening in the fence and threw two ice spears at two incoming goblins while cutting completely in half the one that was right next to me. I saw Holis snipe three other goblins in rapid succession as the two hobgoblins ran towards me along with the remaining five goblins. I killed two of the goblins with two ice spears before they could even reach me and charged at one of the two hobgoblins who, though he tried to parry my halberd with his wooden club, only saw my halberd cut through said club like butter before it did the same with its head. At that point the remaining hobgoblin and goblins tried to run towards the den but I blocked their way with an earth wall and charged at the hobgoblins back, severing his chest from the rest of his body as Holis sniped one of the goblins. I turned around and cut cleanly through the neck of one of the two remaining goblins as a rock pike impaled the other. I ran to the opening of the hole they had made in the hill and sealed it with a thick earth wall I then hardened as much as I could, knowing the ability to dig of the little green pests, leaving through said wall only a small hole from which I started inserting fire gas with air magic. When the concentration of methane inside the den seemed satisfactory I ignited the whole thing on fire and sealed the small hole. Holis reached me just as I had finished making my goblin cooker M3000RC and, seeing me in front of the new wall of compressed dirt asked, now? Now we wait, I said and went to sit on a tree stump that was in the middle of the fenced camp. After roughly ten minutes had passed I made the wall crumble and the view of dozens of charred goblins and hobgoblins trying to reach the wall and dig through it welcomed us. I flooded the hole with water that soon evaporated because of the intense heat still present in the wall and floor of the den. I made the vapor go away with air magic and walked in. As we went deeper inside Holis said, this is brutally effective. We came to kill them, better do it fast than risk an injury ourselves. Fair enough. We soon reached the final room of the den and, as I entered, I saw what seemed like an oversized goblin crawl towards me half-dead. Are hobgoblins supposed to be over two meters tall? I asked Holis. Obviously not, what are you even- his sentence was cut the moment he reached the entrance of the room, holy shit that''s a general! Is it bad? Really bad. I walked up to said general that couldn''t even muster the strength to raise his arms completely and cut through his neck cleanly before saying, good thing he''s dead then. Yeah... he said with an absent-minded look in his eyes. Ehy, stop daydreaming and start collecting the cores, I said as I took a simple knife out of my storage. It took almost an hour to collect all the cores from the goblins in the den and, once we had finished we hurried back to the village. Are you pissed off or something? Holis asked me as we were walking back. No, why? Oh, you know, maybe the fact that you just literally burnt alive around two hundred goblins without batting an eye. I wanted to do it quickly. Why? What do you mean why? Shouldn''t we hurry to that festival of yours? Holis stopped in his tracks and I turned around to look at his serious expression as he said, Fortuna, I don''t know how to tell you this but... today is the second and last day of the festival. Chapter 30 – Brother and Sister Chapter 30 C Brother and Sister
After the goblin extermination we returned to the village that had commissioned the quest and spent the night there. We arrived at Vilfori only the evening of the next day, after a pretty uneventful walk. There we went to the guild where the receptionist informed me that the presence of a Goblin General made the quest moonstone ranked. Between the quests completion, the monster cores and the parts of the viper I received five gold coins and fifty silvers. Being already late we decided to spend the night there in Vilfori and leave in the morning to return to Holis'' village. We arrived at the village around noon. The few people we met around the streets weirdly adverted their gaze when we passed by or looked at Holis with pitiful eyes. No one said anything to us though and Holis ignored them as we went towards his house. He opened the door shouting, mum, we''re back. Clementine, who was cooking at the fireplace, turned around and said Holis! Lady Fortuna! Welcome back, I was starting to worry, before coming to us in a hurry to hug her son. She separated from Holis saying, it good to see you''re alright, and was about to hug me too but stopped just a moment before, visibly nervous about how she should behave with a noble. Seeing her like that I hugged her first and said, it''s good to see you''re still as well as when we left. It''s good to see you too, Lady Fortuna, she said with a smile as I let her go, I hope this son of mine didn''t cause you too much trouble. Oh, the opposite actually, I may be the one who caused him trouble. She laughed and said, there is no way a fine lady such as you could trouble him. I looked at Holis and smirked at him, to which he said, don''t smile like that, she can still call you a fine lady only because she wasn''t in Vilfori the other night. Holis! You won''t be disrespectful to the hero in my house!Clementine said, an angry look on her face. Yes mum, he said in a tired tone, then,after looking around a bit by the way, where''s Clarisse? She lowered her gaze for a bit before saying, about that... The other night after the dance she went to have a walk alone with Jacques- The cheesemaker''s son? He interrupted her. Yes, him. Well, they''ve been friends since they were children, I don''t see what''s wrong with that. Well, he was a bit drunk and... He forced himself on her? I tried to guess. She nodded and said, she hasn''t come out of her room since. Holis didn''t wait a single moment, he ran to his sisters room, opened the door and entered, closing it after himself. Only a few seconds passed before he ran out of her room towards the entrance door shouting, I''ll fucking kill that little cunt. I sprang towards the door too and tackled him before he could reach it, sending both of us on the ground. What the fuck are you doing? He asked me, trying to free himself. Stopping you from doing something really stupid. Let me go. No, I said, struggling to keep him down. I said let me go! He shouted, hitting me right on my nose. I saw a few drops of blood fall on his shirt. I looked him in the eyes and said, now you''ve done it, before mounting on his torso and planting a fist on his jaw. Fuck you! He said. No, fuck you! I said, punching him again. I grabbed him by the collar and raised him until he was almost touching my nose with his, do you even have an idea of what you''re doing? Trying to go teach a dickhead not to mess with my family. No! You''re trying to get yourself executed. Why do you even care?! That''s it, I said before using lightning magic to stun him. I let him fall back on the floor and got up. Once I was standing again I realized that Clementine had been looking at us the whole time and was now staring at me terrified. She stood there, frozen, for a few seconds, before throwing herself at my feet saying, Lady Fortuna, he didn''t mean to hit you. Please, he''s the only son I have left with me. I crouched, put a hand on her shoulder and said, don''t worry, he''s only passed out. I know what anger can do to people. I won''t have him arrested over that. Thank you, she said, looking up at me. I stood up again and said, I still plan on having a good talk with him though. Of... of course.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I bent over Holis and raised him from the floor before putting him over my shoulder. Well then, I''ll see you again at lunch time. I hope to have managed to calm him down by then, I said, before exiting the house without waiting for her to say anything, Holis still hanging from my shoulder. I walked to the back yard where I found my horse. I put Holis on it sideways between the saddle and the neck and mounted. Once I was sure everything was fine I made the horse walk towards the fields, shivering a bit as I thought back at the lightning magic I had just used. The walk soon became a gallop and fields of the village disappeared behind us. I rode for more than half an hour before coming to a pond in a clearing in the forest where we first met. I dismounted, took Holis and threw him in the deep water at the center of the pond. His head being underwater he immediately woke up and swam up. How''s the water? I asked him as he was taking in a big breath. Amazing, want to take a bath? Why not? I said, taking my shirt off. I kicked away my shoes and unlaced my pants, letting them fall on the ground behind me as I walked. In only a few seconds I was already naked and entering the pond. You know I was joking, Holis said, having finally reached a point where his feet touched the bottom. Oh my. Are you saying I misunderstood your intentions? I said, bringing a hand to my chest as I reached a point where the water almost reached my waist. Definitely, he said, walking past me towards the shore, but you know what? It doesn''t seem that bad of an idea now. He took off his wet clothes and threw them on the grassy field under the sun before coming back in the water. We sat next to each other on the gravelly bottom, the water reaching just under our necks. So, has your head managed to cool down a bit? I asked. Kinda. You know you were going to do something really stupid, right? Yeah... Good. We stayed like that, staring at the other side of the pond, for a few minutes before he said, my mother is probably already organizing their marriage. Yeah, I expected something like that. You know? I always thought those two were going to marry someday. I certainly didn''t expect it to happen like that. You know him? Yes, he''s the son of the cheesemaker living next to us. He''s generally a good guy. I don''t know what kind of shit got in his head the other day. Well, let''s make sure he doesn''t drink too much from now on. Yeah... I got up and walked in font of Holis before sitting on his legs and lifting his chin up with my right hand. What are you doing? Healing that stupid face of yours, you''ll get black and blue marks otherwise, I said as I started to use healing magic on his jaw. After only a few seconds his face was completely healed and I said, all done, to which he answered by leaning forward and kissing me. As soon as his lips left mine I said, Holis... I know, sorry. It''s jut... I felt like I had to, at least once. As long as you understand, I said, giving him a warm smile, so, how was it? Salty, he said, passing a hand over his wet eyes. I took his head in my arms and brought it to my chest, holding him tight. I promised to protect them and yet... he said between the sobs. It isn''t your fault. If only I hadn''t left with you. ...sorry. No, he said, shaking his head, which was still on my chest, a bit, I know it isn''t your fault. It''s just... I feel like... Shh, it''s alright, I said, stroking his brown hair. We stayed like that for a few minutes in complete silence then I raised his head and said, let''s go back. He nodded and we got out of the water. I dried both of us up with magic, we dressed again and we mounted back up on my horse. We returned to the village almost an hour later as I didn''t make the horse go as fast as before. When we entered Holis'' house I saw a guy kneeling in front of Clarisse and Clementine''s room, his hands and head on the ground in front of him and a bouquet of wild flowers next to him. Ehy, pretty boy, I said to him. He raised his head and looked at me, he looked to be around seventeen years old, his face not yet completely that of a man but well past being that of a kid. Me? He asked surprised. Yeah, you, get out of here before I decide it''s the right day to make you try anal fisting with some fire magic added to the mix. His eyes widened in surprise before he sprang up and ran out of the entrance door. I walked up to Clarisse''s room and, before Clementine or Holis could tell me anything, I entered. As soon as I entered I was met with a I said I don''t want to see you! shouted at full force, along with a vase crashing on my face. I blinked a few times and I saw Clarisse sitting on the bed under the sheets, staring at me with a frightened look. Lady Fortuna! I didn''t mean- Don''t worry, I said, closing the door behind me, it''s not like something like that could hurt me anyway. Did my mother tell you what happened? She asked me, hugging her knees beneath the sheets. Yes. How do you feel? I said, sitting on the bed next to her. Terrible, she said, looking down. Do you want to talk about it? Not really. That''s fine, I said, letting my back fall on the bed while my feet were still on the floor. I was left there staring at the ceiling for quite a while before she said, what would you do in my situation? I think I''m the worst kind of example for these kinds of things? Why? She asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone. You see, I have a lover waiting for me at the palace. That same lover almost raped me the night before my departure. I started slapping, shouting and freezing doors while being mad as hell. After some arguing we ended up having make-up sex and everything went back to normal, I said,almost laughing towards the end. You''re strong. Your brother would probably say I''m just a bitch. She laughed a bit and said, yeah, probably. Then, realizing what she had just said she froze and said, no, ehm, I didn''t mean to say... Don''t worry, I said, waving my hand in the air, I''m not Baroness Fortuna right now, just a dirty woman who doesn''t mind her own business. You really are weird, she said, laughing. Oh my, I take that as a compliment. How is that a compliment?! Well, it''s like saying I''m not boring. Yeah, you''re definitely not, she said, still laughing. Now, though, a few tears were streaming down over her laughing lips. You know, she said as she rested her head over the covered up knees, her laughing no longer there, I thought I loved him. Now I only feel betrayed by one of the people I trusted the most. And you know what''s even worse? She asked me but instead of answering I just stayed there, looking at her, waiting for her to continue. When I told everything to my mother, she said, now sobbing loudly as she talked, She said... She said I should marry him to keep my honor as a woman. Who the fuck cares?! She shouted, throwing a pillow at the wall. She breathed heavily for a few second before hugging her knees tight again. Still... I can''t come to hate him. Despite what he did, despite how I feel. Why can''t I hate him? She said, her tears wetting the sheets her head was resting on. I sat up and hugged her tight, bringing her head to my chest while caressing her head, like I did only an hour before with her brother. What should I do? She cried. What should I do? She repeated, in her broken voice. What should I do? She asked, growing quieter every time. Soon her words became an even cry and, after a while, she laid on the bed and I laid next to her, over the sheets, keeping her head in my arms. Holis entered the room quietly about ten minutes after she had already fell asleep. He got on the bed next to his sister on the opposite side to me and put an arm over her. We didn''t say a word to each other and I got off the bed and exited the room. Once out of the room I went towards the entrance door but Holis'' mother stopped me saying, Lady Fortuna, where are you going? You haven''t even had lunch yet. I''m sorry but I feel like taking a walk right now, I said, before exiting the house. The fact that said walk involved my fists hitting Jacques'' face behind some trees and a broken nose was an irrelevant detail. I obviously healed him afterwards, and so I did the second and third time too. Chapter 31 – Bishop Is Two Letters Away from Bishojo Chapter 31 C Bishop Is Two Letters Away from Bishojo
When I got back at Holis'' house I saw him at the table eating some toasted bread with boiled vegetables on top of it. I set next to him and took a slice of bread from his plate before saying, how is she? A bit better. We talked a bit but she went to back to sleep almost immediately. I took a bite from the slice of bread with toppings before saying, I almost forgot, taking out two gold coins from my storage, those are for those few days you were with me. Isn''t it a bit too much? He asked, taking the coins. Not at all, I said, before biting the bread again. He placed the coins on the table in front of the plate and resumed eating his snack. After a couple of slices were gone from the plate he said, Fortuna... Yes? There is some blood on your right hand. Oh, how careless of me, I said, before putting a half-eaten slice of bread on the border of the plate to take a piece of cloth out of my storage. I wet the cloth with water magic and cleaned the blood away from my hand before putting it away. I was about to bite into the bread again when Holis'' mother entered from the back door. Lady Fortuna, you''re already back from your walk? She said, putting down a bucket full of milk and a short stool. Yes, it was very relaxing, I said, smiling at her. Would you like some ale with your snack? She asked me. If it isn''t too much trouble. Oh, no trouble at all, she said, going to the same old cabinet to fetch a keg. Some for me too, Holis said. What''s the magic word? She said, turning towards him. Holis sighed before saying, please. His mother nodded and went back at filling two mugs from the keg as I grinned at Holis. He rolled his eyes and went back to eating. When Clementine brought us the two mugs she saw the coins on the table and, wide-eyed asked, what are these? Holis'' pay, I said, before bringing a mug to my lips. Lady Fortuna, that is way too much. I put down the mug after taking a sip and said, not at all, I practically forced him to come hunt with me after all. It still feels like it is too much, she said, visibly troubled. Then consider it also a way to thank you for your hospitality. But- I will not go back on my decision, madam, I said, interrupting her. She was a bit taken aback but said, sure, if you feel it''s the right thing, Lady Fortuna. By the way, how did those few days go? Trying to change the subject. I started talking about what happened in Vilfori, some things she had heard already, others were completely new to her, then we talked about the quests, the other villages, the places we saw and practically everything that happened those days Holis was away from home. Except my night with the elves, obviously. As we talked evening came and Clementine decided it was time to start preparing dinner. She went to a small cabinet and took some sausages out of it. These were made with the meat of viltusk you brought us. They have a bit of a strong taste but I know a little trick, she said with a wink, showing the sausages. She put the sausages on the table before taking a pan with two rings on the sides. She hung the pan to two hooks on one side of the fireplace and went to the same cabinet she took the sausages from to get a small bowl. From the small bowl she took a spoonful of butter and put it inside the pan. As the butter was starting to melt she put the sausages in the pan with it. I went to sit by the fire as the frying sounds of the sausages and the pungent smell of wild game filled the room. Lady Fortuna, you''ll get all the food''s smell on you like that, Clementine said to me as she flipped the sausages. I can always take a bath later, I like looking at people as they cook, especially if it comes with the warmth of the fire, I said smiling at her. I''m not so good at cooking, she said, as she took an half a mug of ale from the keg. On the contrary, your cooking is delicious. Stop flattering me, I just put what I have at hand together, she said with a bit of a bashful smile as she poured the ale in the pan after checking the sausages had browned on both sides. As the ale boiled away in the pan she took the bucket with the milk in it and hung it on a big hook on the other side of the fireplace, before moving away from under it the burning pieces of wood with a long piece of iron, to make sure that the milk didn''t get heated up too quickly. That speaks even more of your ability, I said as she flipped the sausages over in the drying up ale. Well, thank you. After the ale had all evaporated she took the sausages with a large fork one by one and put them in the hot milk.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. After the sausages were all in the milk she moved the burning wood again under the bucket before adding another piece, then, with a wide an flat iron scoop she took some ashes from the fireplace and put it in the used pan. She took a small canteen she kept next to the fireplace and poured some water into the pan before starting to scrap the hot pan with water and ashes in it with a hard brush. As the water was starting to make a few bubbles on the bottom of the pan she took the it out of the fireplace, gave it a few more strokes with the brush and emptied its contents in a dirty bowl by the fireplace. Holis, could you cut some bread? She asked after putting the pan back on the fireplace. Yes, he answered and went to take a knife and a big loaf of bread. Clementine meanwhile had gone to another cabinet and took a bowl of already boiled vegetables, probably the same that were on the bread of our afternoon snack, and, after putting another spoonful of butter in the pan, she emptied the bowl in the pan. She placed the slices of bread Holis had cut on the border of the fireplace and, when everything was ready, she moved the pan and bucket away from the fire. Soon on the table there were four plates with two sausages each and some vegetables and some toasted bread on a plate in the middle of the table. The three of us sat each in front of a plate and started eating. The sausage that had filled the room with its pungent taste now was mild, the milk giving it a sweet and fatty taste that added to the natural fat of the meat, on the other hand the ale had given it a tint of bitterness that balanced the sweetness of the milk while the both of them had served the purpose of making the meat tender and ease its strong taste of wild game. As I was savoring that milky sausage the door of Clarisse''s room opened and she walked out of it, a determined look on her face. She walked up to the table and said, I''ll marry him. Clementine jumped up from her chair and went to hug her, saying that she had made the right choice, but Clarisse''s gaze was fixed on Holis, who just looked back at her and nodded, a bitter smile on his face. Come, eat, the food is warm, Clementine said to her, gesturing towards an empty chair with a plate in front of it. She nodded and went to sit before saying, Lady Fortuna, may I ask you to be the one to wed us? What a wonderful idea! Clementine said after she had sat back down at the head of the table. I looked at Holis, who ignored my gaze and went back at eating his sausages, then at Clarisse who had an expecting look on her face, before saying, shouldn''t a priest be much better? What are you saying? Being married by a prelate, the hero nonetheless, is obviously a great honor, Clementine said, happier than I ever saw her. Oh, sure, a prelate... wait a second, I said, before running at the back door and exiting the house. I fetched the communication crystal that was connected to Raziel from my storage and activated it. She soon answered with a, Fortuna! It''s so early. Did something happen? Yes, people here are saying that I''m a prelate. That''s because you are, she said as a matter of fact. Since when? I said, almost shouting at the crystal. Since you became a noble. (Knowledge is so going to make fun of me for this one once I go back.) I sighed and said, so... all nobles are also prelates of the church? No, only the head of the house, which usually is a man but... well, you''re the only one of your house. Is there anything else I should have known before becoming a noble and a fucking priest! I said, shouting the last part. Fortuna, calm down, it''s just a formality. It''s not like nobles ever actually act as priests. Nobles always go to a real prelate for functions and a commoner wouldn''t ever request a noble to hold a function for them. Yeah, guess what. There is a certain commoner girl who thinks being married by the hero would be a great honor for her family, I said, anger still in my voice. Oh, was everything she could say. Yeah, ''oh''. Now I have to hold her wedding. Well, you just have to take the badge the king gave you, put the rings on it and say a few words. You do have the badge with you, right? Yes, I took the badge out of the storage, I have it right... here. Fortuna, what''s wrong? I think I broke it. What do you mean, you broke it? She said, obviously angry. Well, it became completely red, I said, passing the small, round badge on my fingers, the one golden sun with my initials in it now a deep crimson red. I heard Raziel laughing before she said, that''s because of the blood pact during the war council. No, no. I''m pretty sure it was still golden when I left the council. Well, it usually takes a few days. So... it just becomes red? Why? I asked, a bit baffled. It''s to signify you''re a non-ringed member of the war council. It gives you the authority of a Major in the military. Raziel... Yes? I think we have communication issues. Well, we wouldn''t have ''communication issues'' if a certain someone didn''t decide sex was a better alternative every time I tried to explain her something important, she said, in a pissed-off tone. Don''t say it as if I''m some sort of nymphomaniac. Fortuna, admit it, you kinda are. Ok, fine, maybe a bit. Make it a lot. Aaanyway, about that marriage, I said, trying to change subject. I''ll explain it to you later, I have some things to do now. Oh, ok, contact me later then. I love you, Raziel. I love you too, nympho. I was about to give her a come back but I felt the connection of the two crystals die out before I could. (Hasn''t she started teasing me a bit too much since a couple of days ago?) I thought to myself as I went back inside. When I entered I saw the worried looks on Clarisse and Clementine''s faces while Holis was calmly finishing his vegetables with a piece of bread. Sorry, I had to do something urgent, I said, before sitting back down at my chair. Is everything alright? I have some herbs for stomachache if you need them, Clementine said. No, thank you, everything is alright. Anyway, Clarisse, I''ll be glad to be the one to wed you, I said, looking at her, which made a reassured smile appear on her face. We spent the rest of dinner talking about the wedding, mainly because Clementine kept going back at it even when we started talking about something else. Clarisse was obviously nervous about it but she kept her determination. I went to take a bath after dinner, alone this time, and, once I finished I prepared one for Clarisse and Clementine too. Having nothing to do after the bath I decided to go on with Holis'' magic manipulation training. After a bit over an hour since we started the door opened and I saw Clarisse in a simple nightgown for a moment before she shut the door again saying, I''m sorry. I ran to the door and opened it just enough to let my head through and I said, Clarisse, wait, come here. She stopped in the middle of the main room and turned towards me, her face red, before saying, no, please, I don''t want to interrupt. You''re not interrupting, come here. She seemed troubled for a moment but, in the end, she decided to enter her brother''s room. I moved a bit away from the door and opened it a bit more to let her enter. Once inside she saw her brother sitting cross-legged on the bed with a piece of wood in his hands and his eyes closed. She looked at me, then Holis, then back at me before saying, what are you two doing? She''s torturing me, her brother said. Don''t listen to him, I''m just training him in magic manipulation, I said, smiling at her. Oh, I understand, she said, though not really convinced. You can stay here while we finish, I said. Is that really fine? It seems like I''d be a bother. No, no, no bother at all, I said, before taking her by an arm and guiding her to the bed. I made her sit on the bed in front of Holis and, after sitting right next to her I said, right now he has to pour his mana inside that piece of wood until just before it cracks, then retrieve it. Oh, I understand. So, how is it going? she asked, curious. Well, he''s almost finished filling it with mana, I said, the leaning towards her ear I whispered at her, it''s the right moment to distract him if you know a way. She blushed a bit at my gesture but nodded and crawled up to her brother''s side to pinch him right beneath his armpit. At that moment the piece of wood broke in three pieces in his hands. Oh, come on, I was almost there this time. Why did you have to pinch me? he said, looking at his sister. I told her to. You called for it by keeping your eyes closed. But I can''t concentrate with my eyes open! he shouted in frustration. That''s the whole point of this exercise. You can''t start meditating in a corner when a monster is charging at you. Fine, fine, he said, before taking another piece of wood roughly of the same size as the previous one from the bedside table. Clarisse sat back next to me and said, so that''s why you''re naked. Yeah, but it''s losing its effect. Chapter 32 - Mountainside Camping Chapter 32 - Mountainside Camping (General Aeithne POV)
I raised my gaze from the papers on my desk and looked at the entrance of my tent when I heard a voice from outside saying, General Aeithne. I am Major Cadby. I have important news regarding griffon squadron R-17s mission. Come in. The major, a man in his mid thirties who was sporting the usual uniform of the air force of the kingdom, entered my tent and walked in front of my desk before standing to attention and saying, Maam. Rest, Major, I said. Being saluted used to make me feel proud when I first became an officer, now I wished we could do without those wastes of time. What happened to griffin squadron R-17? I inquired him. My tone might have been a bit too harsh because he flinched a bit before saying, They have managed to capture an enemy spy, Maam. Where? In the northern section of the Last Valley. (Thats way too close for comfort.) Is this spy still alive? I asked him, not letting my worries transpire. Yes, we have removed any means for him to kill himself. Perfect. Where is he now? He is currently detained in the temporary prison. Inform the prison that Ill be visiting in twenty minutes. Bring the spy to the interrogation room. He stood to attention again and said, yes Maam, before exiting my tent. I could hear a sigh of relief escape his mouth as his head passed the cloths that marked the entrance. Am I really that scary? I asked my aid, Captain Camellia, who was sitting at a small table next to my desk, as I went back to read the reports of the day. She was a couple of years older than me but had refused many promotions throughout the years to be able to work as my aid. You are the dragon slayer after all. My eye involuntarily twitched a bit and I said, please, not you too. She laughed and said, well, you could always order them to stop calling you that. As if that would help. No, they have to understand that no one can beat a dragon, or well just keep piling reports of soldiers missed in action, I said, moving the sheet of paper I had in my hands to the pile of those I had already read. You slaying those wyverns as if it was a walk in the park didnt really help. I sighed and said, those are just overgrown lizards, you know that well. And thats exactly why youre scary, miss dragon slayer. Im seriously going to demote you one of these days. As if you could do without me, roomie. Were not at the academy anymore, Camellia. Unfortunately, she said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. Yes, yes, its a real pity. Could you write a letter to General Beval asking for another two squadrons now? Precise that I want people who know what flying low means this time, I dont want to have to ask again in a week. Yes maam. I started looking for something between the papers on my desk but, when I didnt find it, I asked Camellia, who had started writing the letter, did we receive no new report on project Aether? She looked up and pointed the quill at her lower lip, leaving a thin spot of ink on it, before saying, no, if I remember correctly, the one we received last week about the prototype was the last one. Send a letter to the laboratory too then. I want project Aether to be given maximum priority, I said and went back at reading the few remaining papers on my desk. After I had finally done a good part of the paperwork left I said, get my robe, we have a spy to interrogate. I got up from my chair and stretched a bit before taking the grey robe Camellia was holding and putting it over the standard white shirt and grey pants issued to the arcane branch. I exited my tent with Camellia following me and started walking through the tents illuminated by the torches towards the prison that was built for situations like this. As I passed by the soldiers in the camp they saluted me before going back at their mansions. (Really a waste of time.) We soon arrived at the prison, the only stone building in a camp otherwise consisting only of tents. The torches at the entrance and the silvery dragon peaks looming in the distance gave the one story building a really eery feeling this late in the night. I entered the building ignoring the two corporals of the army saluting me and went towards the first room, where the commanding officer of the prison was stationed. When I entered the army first lieutenant jumped up from his chair and saluted me before I said, rest. Wheres the prisoner? I asked him. In cell number two. Has he undergone a truth stone reading? Yes, he said before passing me a piece of paper. I looked at the sheet in my hand and read its contents, | Name: Thractalex Race: Demon (Sub: Erepyr) Age: 29 lvl: 31 Class: Magic Rogue Notable skills: stealth lvl 3 | shadow magic lvl 4 | fire magic lvl 2 | darkness magic lvl 1 | dagger mastery lvl 3 | night vision | throwing weapons mastery lvl 2 | hand to hand combat lvl 2Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Titles: none | Very well, prepare the interrogation room and bring him there. Yes, Maam, he said, before saluting me again and exiting the room. So, what do you think? Camellia asked me once we were alone. His level is too low to have passed over the Dragon Peaks. He either is extremely lucky or he was the only one we found of a much larger force. Or they actually found a safe route. Camellia, Ive already said this, there is no safe route over the Dragon Peaks. Id consider it more likely if they digged all the way down to a dwarf tunnel and digged out on this side away from the main entrances of Tureg. A silver, she said, a smug smile on her face. Deal. After our short exchange I went back to reading the papers about the prisoner. Apparently they had found various concealed weapons on his person, along with some documents, that had caught fire as soon as they got in human hands and werent able to be saved, and a capsule of poison behind his teeth. I had just finished reading the report when the lieutenant got back to the room we were in and saluted me saying, Maam the prisoner is in the interrogation room. Very well, I said, putting down the sheet of paper on the table. I exited the small room and headed to the room next door. Two sergeants were stationed at the sides of the door and saluted me as I entered, followed by Camellia. Inside the room we found the captured demon, a creature not dissimilar from a human in form but with a black skin, with red lines running across it, black hair and two black horns over his head, with his hands and feet tied to two poles. Four magic stones the size of a small pebble were embedded in his hands and feet, the fresh wound carved in his flesh to make room for the stones still bleeding lightly. I went to sit on a chair in front of him while his gaze was fixed at me, a stern look in his eyes. Do you know my language? I asked him. I waited for a few seconds but he didnt answer my question so I said, fine, we will speak in yours. He immediately tried to jump at me but was restrained by the bindings so he said, dont you dare speak in the language our Lord gifted us with, filthy human. His speech was slightly impaired by a smaller magic stone than the previous, not bigger than the one that could be found on an earring, that was mounted on a small mithril needle that stabbed his tongue. (A religious fanatic, I can work with that.) I bent towards Camellia and whispered to her ear to go fetch something for me before telling the demon in front of me, so do you know my language? Yes I know, he said, hesitant. Good, now, would you be so kind to tell me how you got on this side of the Dragon Peaks? I asked him. In response he spat in my face, the glop of saliva mixed with blood hitting my eyebrow. I took an handkerchief out of my robe and cleaned the spit away from my face before getting up and saying, alright, I really hoped we could have ended this talk quickly without getting dirty but apparently that isnt an option. Do you worst, human. I no say. I got up from my chair and walked towards him in silence as he glared at me. Once I was right next to him I grabbed his left hand and took a small dagger out of my robe. With a smug look on his face he said, what you doing human? Asking hand in marriage? Sorry but I do not accept. If you want to put bag on head I can, I peeled off two of his nails in a single motion, fuck you bitch! No, thanks, I said, before peeling off the nail from his thumb, which cause him to let out a groan of pain. So, do you want to collaborate now? I asked him. This pain, so little. Foot banging against furniture is badder, he said, regaining his smug grin. I peeled off the remaining two fingers, slowly this time, as his groans of pain continued. When his left hand had no more nails but only black blood over his fingers I said, you were saying? You not only ugly, also stupid. I ignored him and said, oh, look, youre bleeding so much from your fingers, we better heal them, right? before using holy magic on them. Instead of healing its fingers though, the light started eating at its flesh like acid, causing him to finally scream in pain. Oh my, really how stupid of me, I had almost forgot what holy magic does to you demons, I said as I stopped casting. I tell already, you stupid, he said, trying to keep his act as he panted heavily. At that moment Camellia entered, holding something as tall as her torso and about half as wide wrapped in cloth. She set it on the the chair and removed the cloth, revealing a wooden statuette in the form of a naked demon with shoulders and legs covered in fur, hooves instead of feet, goat horns coming out of his reptilian face and strange symbols tracing his chest and arms. In his hands was an enormous battle axe, too big to be wielded effectively, raised over his head ready to strike down at his enemies. The eyes of the demon I was interrogating widened and I asked him, you do recognise him, dont you? You filthy humans! Dont you dare touch the figure of our Lord! he shouted in his language. I walked up to the chair, picked up the wooden statuette and said, sorry, what did you say? You want to tell us everything? as I planted the tip of the dagger in its stomach. The Lord will not forgive your blasphemy! Youll die an atrocious death for this! he shouted as he trashed around, trying to free himself from the bindings. I walked up to him, holding the figure in my hand, this time positioning myself on the side of the still healthy hand. I reached for his palm and removed the magic stone embedded in the flesh, making sure to make it as painful as possible. Despite the pain, he kept glaring at me with hatred in his eyes, not even groaning. I threw the magic stone at Camellia and placed my now free hand on his wrist, before saying, I really wonder what would happen if someone was to burn this statue then. They would see his divine wrath in all its might! Good, I said and forced his mana out of its palm, willing it to create a small fire as I slowly moved the statuette towards his hand. What are you doing? Stop! he shouted, terror in his eyes. Nothing, Im just holding a statue, youre the one whos conjuring this fire. You can feel it, right? This is your mana, your own will, and its about to burn your precious god. No! Youre lying, this is not true! Talk! I shouted at him, the statue now only a couple of centimeters from the flame. Yes! Yes! Ill talk! I stopped manipulating the mana inside his body and let go of his wrist saying its good to see youre willing to collaborate. I left the statue on the floor, facing him, and turned towards Camellia, who was about to pass me the small magic stone. At that moment the demon threw a fireball at me. Instead of hitting me the fireball flew right through me, robe and uniform included, leaving a faint blue light that immediately dimmed out on my body where it passed, before crashing against the stone wall of the room. (Weird, there was nothing hinting at him being able to silent cast,) I thought before taking the pebble from Camellia and sticking it again in his hand, before he could recover from the shock of seeing his spell having the same effectiveness on me as a light breeze. I went to sit down on the chair and said, so, care to tell us how you managed to get on this side of the Peaks? You Youre a monster! he said, his eyes wide. Oh, its been a while now since the last time, are you still counting, Camellia? I said, a grin on my face. Yes, this should be the one-hundred-thirty-second time, she said. Thats a lot, I told her, then, turning back at the demon, anyway, we were talking about you little hike, werent we? After that the interrogation lasted another twenty minutes, I still had to convince him a bit more from time to time but he ended up telling us everything we wanted before we left, which resulted in Camellia saying, I win, one silver. I sighed and said, we still have to confirm if what he said is true, you havent won yet. Youre just a sore loser. No, Im not! I said, almost shouting. She laughed a bit and said, sure, sure. Chapter 33 - The Wedding Dragon Chapter 33 - The Wedding Dragon
The day after I found out I was a prelate Clementine already wanted to celebrate the marriage. After a small talk I and Clarisse managed to make her change idea and wait a week, using the fact that I wanted to give her a ceremony worthy of that name as an excuse. The real reason was that Clarisse still wasnt as ready as her announcement would have made her mother think she was and wanted to have some more time but couldnt bring herself to tell her mother. It obviously wasnt because I suck at memorizing tedious religious passages, to the point I thanked Creation when his religions took over most of the world, making most prayers to me nothing longer than a good luck or a knock on some wood. The week passed by in the blink of an eye, between the preparations for the marriage during the day and Holies magic training and my studying at night. We had decided to hold the ceremony in front of the small church near the border of the village, seeing as the weather was nice and a lot of people came over once they heard I was going to be the one wedding them, and the church itself wouldnt have been able to hold that many people inside. Every villager who didnt have a pressing matter to attend to was present and even some people from neighbouring villages and Vilfori came to attend. Probably some were there only because of the free feast that was planned to take place after the wedding, especially considering how they were eyeing the pork that was roasting whole over some fire down the street and the two cauldrons, big enough to have a person inside, next to it. Even more people were gazing at the ice sculpture I made in the morning that sat on the other side from the improvised kitchen, the crystal clear, ten meters long, dragon shone under the rays of the sun, creating a show of dancing lights, a lot of those gazes werent focusing on the ice sculpture though, but on the many vilam bottles that were resting against the scales on its back and two kegs of ale, one held tight in its jaws and the other pinned down on the ground by his front left leg. When everyone was finally either sitting on the few wooden planks we had managed to gather or standing behind them, the groom walked up to me from my right while the bride came from my left. When they were finally in front of me I said a few words to the audience about how we were here to celebrate love, a new family and all that stuff audiences like to hear at a wedding, no matter the actual reason for the wedding. After having addressed the audience I turned to the two nervous teenagers in front of me. Jacques was wearing a simple but clean and somewhat elegant outfit, composed of a dark brown pair of pants, a white button shirt and a brown jacket. Clarisse meanwhile was wearing a cream colored dress with white frills I had her prepared by a certain apprentice tailor I had the pleasure to know in Vilfori during the drinking night with the elves. I told them some lines about the goddess of light then took Jacques right hand and Clarisses left and overlapped them, both facing upward, before tying them loosely with a white string. After another couple of boring lines I placed my badge on their hands over the string. As soon as I did it turned a dull gray color but, after the two put a ring each over it and I recited the next phrase of the ceremony, it started shining, bathing the three of us in a golden light. After the light subsided I took the two rings and put one on Clarisses right annular and the other on Jacques left and said, those rings signify the everlasting bond of marriage as it was blessed by the goddess. I now declare you husband and wife. May your lives be joyous and prolific, ending the official ceremony. I untied the string on their hands and said, now, whos in for a feast? loud enough for everyone present to hear. Cheers and clapping of hands could be heard coming from all over the street in response to my question and I said, then, lets celebrate! Everything you see is free for all to take, I hadnt even finished talking that a guy I had never seen was already about to shave off a piece of the still roasting pork, so I shot a shard of ice at the knife and said, but the first two plates go to the new couple as he turned around, a hint of fear on his face. The two newlyweds walked, hand in hand, up to where the food was being prepared to receive their plates, meanwhile, having finished the ceremony, I went to talk to Holis, not before fetching a bottle of vilam from the ice dragon though. Do you think shell be fine? I asked him, while I uncorked the bottle. Would you, if you were in her place? I stopped drinking from the bottle in my hand and looked him in the eyes before raising an eyebrow. Yeah, I asked the wrong person, he said, half laughing for a moment before turning serious again, honestly, I cant say. I can only try to be here for her. I guess our hunts together stop here then, I said, after another sip.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Yes, I prefer staying where I can reach her, at least for a while. Fair enough, I said, before giving him my bottle as Clementine came up to us, tears in her eyes. Lady Fortuna! It was such a beautiful ceremony, she said, wiping off the last tears of happiness she cried during the marriage, I never thought my little Clarisse would have had such a wonderful day for her marriage. How can I thank you? Please, I did nothing at all, madam. Consider it a gift for the new couple. Now, go to your daughter and feast with her, its her day after all. Thank you again Lady Fortuna, she said before leaving. I cant really say I like your mother, I said to Holis. I cant really say I like you, but we have to do with what we have, he said before taking a sip from the bottle I gave him. Says the guy who kissed me, I said, which caused him to spit the vilam in his mouth. It was a delicate moment for me, ok? Yeah, yeah, pass me my bottle now, I said, extending my hand towards him. He passed me the bottle and I took a sip as I watched the guests start eating and drinking. After a while he said, thank you. Not you too, I joked. You know what I mean, Im not thanking you for a roasted pork and some alcohol. I took another sip and passed him the bottle again, saying, dont mention it. Do you think well actually get to eat something if we stay here? he asked me. I dont really like queues. Fortuna Im pretty sure theyll let you skip the line. Oh right. Well then, lets go fetch some food. We went to the improvised kitchen and the people waiting for food let us pass ahead of them without batting an eye, soon both I and Holis had in our hands a piping hot plate with a vegetable soup in it and another with some slices of the roasted pork. With our hands full we walked past the improvised kitchen, towards a few tables behind the cauldrons that were slowly getting full of people, most of which were standing, except a few lucky ones who managed to get the few chairs available or those who moved a bench from the church front. I saw the two newlyweds sitting at the last table, facing the party, a visible tension between them as they ate. I started walking towards them, followed by Holis, trying not to make everything I was holding fall as I passed through the small crowd. Mind if we sit here with you? I asked once we were in front of their table. Lady Fortuna! Please, I would be really glad if you did, Clarisse said, actually looking glad we came here, I dont think there are any chairs left though. That wont be a problem, I said, before raising the ground on our side of the table, creating a small bench. I put the plates on the table and sat on the bench in front of Jacques and Holis did the same next to me, sitting in front of Clarisse. So, I said, taking the bottle that Holis had put on the table. Realizing we had no cups nor glasses, I conjured two glasses made of ice for the two of us, as the young couple already had some cups to drink from, and poured some vilam in mine, before continuing, are you liking the party I organized for you? With that we started talking about trivial things, both me and Holis trying to ease the tension in the air while we ate. More than an hour had passed when Jacques left for a brief bathroom stop, leaving Clarisse alone with me and Holis. How are you? I asked her. Im trying. When we are like this it almost seems like we could go back to how we were before. Its good to hear that, I said and Holis nodded next to me. Its also thanks to you Im able to say this, Lady Fortuna. No, Im sure Holis would have been enough to help you had I not been here. Maybe, but I was really thinking about running away and joining the Valkyrie Corps before our talk, she said with a small laugh. (The what now?) You would have been a terrible Valkyrie and you know that, Holis said. Hey! You cant know that! Right, youre really the image of a valiant soldier running through the battlefield, Holis said, laughing which made Clarisse start laughing too. Jacques returned to the light mood that had created, which helped him relax a bit too, and joined back in the conversation. It was late afternoon when the feast finally ended. The new couple went to their new home together as per tradition, leaving the remaining guests behind. I was sitting on one of the benches in front of the church, looking at the villagers who were tidying up, when Holis walked up to me holding another bottle of vilam. He sat next to me and offered me the bottle. I took a sip as he said, can I ask you something? Yes, sure, ask away. Why did you do all this? Selfishness, I said, before taking another sip. What? he asked baffled. Not only selfishness, also laziness and hypocrisy. I dont think Im following you. Clarisse wasnt the first and wont be the last girl to whom something like this happens. Many have it much worse than her. Helping her was easy, just as it is easy, or in a sense hard, not to help all the others. It almost makes me feel better. Thats why I say it was because of selfishness, laziness and hypocrisy, I said and took yet another sip. Are you drunk? Nah Maybe just a bit. Fortuna you arent all-powerful, you arent a god, youre just a person. You cant hope to help everyone in need, he said, a bit of worry in his voice. I cracked a smile. Chapter 34 - A Fathers Problems Chapter 34 - A Father''s Problems (Unknown Demon POV)
I digged out of the tunnel, the soft dirt, moved by the wind and rain of the week before, falling behind me as the rays of Sel hit my face. The makeshift tunnel apparently ended in one of the shallow valleys that steeply went down the mountain that were common on the dragon peaks. I turned around and extended one of my clawed hands inside the tunnel, reaching for the soft, pale blue hand of Nekana. She caught one of my large fingers and pulled herself out of the hole. Soon she was standing next to me, the silvery light of the first moon dancing on her young blue face while her black leather armor seemed to absorb any light that dared come near to it. She unfurled her bat-like wings, before stretching them along with her arms, legs and tail. Are you sure we managed to get to the other side? It doesnt look that different, she asked me, looking around at the rocks and grass that surrounded us. Nature doesnt care for humans and demons, Nekana. What were you expecting? I dont know, maybe those horse and cow things roaming around? Stop being dumb. Not even the humans are so stupid to raise livestock near the Dragon Peaks. I probably sounded angry to her, again, for as soon as I finished speaking she said, in a feeble voice, with her eyes cast down, sorry, sir. As always, not knowing what to say to the girl, who wasnt even out of her teens yet, to cheer her up and clear the misunderstanding, I just ignored the sadness in her eyes and said, lets go, I want to reach the plains before dawn. I dont want the humans to find us here, before starting to march south. Using the shadows in our favor to make sure no human patrol could spot us, we slowly descended the mountain. For hours nothing but the wind, grass, rocks and Sel kept us company as we went down the mountainside until we came out of the valley into a large opening, where the many small streams that flowed at the bottom of the shallow valleys merged in a lake, before dividing again in dozens of little streams that formed just as many valleys. The first rays of Nen of the season hit us when we entered the opening and we both turned to see the second moon resting on the dark sea.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Its beautiful, Nekana said, almost in a whisper, next to me. We have to move, we are too exposed here, I said, resuming the march. Yes, she said, hurrying behind me. We kept walking from a valley to another as we descended the Dragon Peaks, slowly small bushes and pine trees started appearing on the wild slopes of the mountain. Our march was suddenly interrupted by a screeching sound and a flash of light. I raised my head to see a griffon spiraling down enveloped in flames as three other griffons flew from a dragon. I pushed Nekana between some low trees and hid there with her, watching as the griffon crashed only a few dozens of meters from us. From the flames the figure of a burning human rose and, with undying determination, started crawling towards the small stream. Soon he reached it and threw himself in the freezing cold water. I motioned Nekana to move while keeping herself to the trees to remain hidden and started walking. As walked away from the scene of the crash we heard a loud gasp for air and turned around to see the almost unrecognizable human on the riverbank, still half submerged in the water. He reached for his belt and took something, only to start shouting soon after as he threw a broken and empty flask at the ground in front of him. As the human shouted I saw Nekana clutching a dagger in her hands, hatred, caused by the lie I told her may years before, in her eyes. I put an hand on her shoulder, which startled her and made her turn my way. I stared deep into her eyes before shaking my head and forcing her to resume the march. After almost another hour had passed she stepped in front of me and said, why did you stop me? I slapped her and said, it was useless and risky, and you know it. If you cant control your hatred youd better return home now. How can I? Those beasts killed my pa- I interrupter her shouting with another slap and said, its the last time Im going to say this, if you cant control you hatred you better return home.You knew what the mission entitled. She looked at me, her eyes damp, before nodding and saying, sorry, sir. It wont happen again. Good, lets go now, I said and started marching again. We finally reached the forest at the foot of the Dragon Peaks as dawn was approaching. We entered and stopped just behind the border of the forest and I said to Nekana, we should turn into our disguises now that we are still unseen. She just nodded before activating the racial skill that succubi shared with vampires, morphing into a plain looking human girl, meanwhile I activated several mind magic spells on me so that I looked like an old male human in old traveler clothing from the outside. As I watched the young half succubus taking some plain traveling clothes out of her bag only one thought crossed my mind. (I wished shed call me father at least once.) Extra - The Black Rose Extra - The Black Rose
It had been two days since the marriage, things had more or less settled down in Holis village and I decided to leave, leaving him behind with his family. I was now at the guild in Vilfori looking for quests to do before going to Dulsalies. The receptionist of the guild opened the folder that contained the informations for the available quests and said, its a pretty tame period right now, there is still the exploration of the cavern north of here, then there is an escort quest for an herbalist who wants to pick up herbs in the forest, and finally there is an escort quest for some merchants who are departing for Dulsalies tomorrow, I suggest you take this one seeing as you plan on going there anyway. Arent three quests a bit too little? I asked her. Well, there are other quests but theyre all low level ones, helping in a farm, fixing the fields outside the city walls, hunting critter, stuff like that, she said, boredom visible on her face as if she was the one who had to complete those quests,oh! And the Black Rose Distillery is looking for mages to distill again. I still suggest you take the- Ill take that! I shouted, startling her. Are you sure? Its just a menial job. Absolutely! She raised an eyebrow for a second but soon went back to her usual smile and said, well, then, if youd please give me your guild card Ill register the quest. Sure, I said, giving her the steel card. She took it and tinkered with the magic tool on her desk for a bit before giving it back saying, you fit the requisites for the quest, the duration is five days, a person from the Black Rose Distillery will come pick up the participants at the southern city gates tomorrow morning at the second bell. Thank you, cherry lips, I said, before walking away. Once outside of the guild I walked towards the inn I had stayed at with the elven girls to leave there my horse, ready to enjoy a true free day, thinking, (it isnt the same without Holis calling me an old man.) I woke up the next day at the sound of the first bell, naked, alone in my bed, with an empty bottle of vilam on the bedside table and a hangover. I got up, used air and water magic to clean myself a bit and dressed, opting for a simple pair of pants and a white shirt. Once I was ready I went down to the main hall of the inn. The owner, who was talking with a customer, once he saw me said, Hero Fortuna! I didnt expect you to be up so early after last night. I have to be at the gates by the second bell, cant really oversleep I said, ruffling my white hair. I see, I see. Well, what can I give you for breakfast? Anything with a bit of fat in it will do, I said, sitting on a chair at a table near the counter, oh, and the hair of the dog that bit me. It was more like a whole pack than a single dog, he said with a giggle, but I have the right thing for you. He went to the back and returned shortly after with a plate with some boiled sausages and a few slices of bread and a mug. He placed them on the table in front of me and said, the drink is a specialty of mine, perfect for hangovers.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Thank you, I said and started eating. The lightly toasted bread was still hot and soft in the middle and was perfect to accompany the small sausages that, while giving my stomach the fatty kick it needed, were still pretty light. Then I tasted the drink, a herbal aroma and a slightly bitter taste filled my mouth as the alcoholic drink, just a tad stronger than the usual vilam and reminiscent of vermouth, filled my mouth. I finished eating and got up from the chair. I took the empty plate and mug to the counter and told the owner, Im leaving my horse at the stables. Ill probably be back for dinner time. Very well, have a nice day Hero Fortuna. You too, I said and left the inn. I walked towards the southern gate through the streets of the waking city and soon reached the line of carriages waiting for the gates to open. One of the coachmen was standing on his carriage with an open roof, holding a wooden sign with a rose burnt in it shouting, for the Black Rose Distillery, repeatedly. I walked up to him and said, Im one of the adventurers employed by the distillery. Wait, arent you the hero? he said, baffled by the fact that I was there. Yes, why? I said, smiling. No, nothing, nevermind. Get on the carriage, well depart when everyone arrives. I nodded and got on the carriage, sitting on one of the two wooden benches that were on it while the coachman resumed his shouting. The other mages, four men and two women, arrived well before the second bell rang and, as soon as the gates were opened, we departed. The carriage followed the main road for around ten minutes before turning right into a small unpaved road that lead up to the distillery. The distillery itself was massive, when we arrived we were met with a brick wall that spanned hundred of meters and an iron gate large enough to let two carriages pass at the same time when fully opened. Over the gate Black Rose Vilamerie and Distillery was written on a wooden sign. Once passed the gate we saw a garden of black roses that spanned the whole front of the main building, except for a relatively small half circle right in front of the building doors to let carriages turn. The carriage stopped in front of one of the doors, where a bulky man who didnt even reach my chest with a long beard was waiting. The short man said something to the coachman then turned towards us and said, ok people, we have work to do, move your asses. A few of the mages on the carriage were visibly taken aback by the straight comment of the man while others, who had probably worked at the distillery before, laughed at the reaction of their colleagues as they got down the carriage. Once everyone had gotten off the carriage it went away, leaving us with the short man. Okay, first of all, yes, Im a dwarf, deal with it, he said, second, I dont give a flying fuck about who you are, noble, archmage, beggar, or whatever. You accepted to work here and while youre here youll follow my instructions. I havent studied magic for years to hear a drunktard speak to me like this! a boy, probably the youngest of the mages here, said. Lad, I just literally said I dont give a fuck, if you dont want to work here bug off, I swear I wont cry, the dwarf said. How dare you! the boy shouted, while a man and a woman were trying to hold their laughter. Ehy lad, even your hero there isnt complaining, you think youre better than her? he said, pointing at me, by the way, I know you like the stuff we make here, eye candy, I might add a few bottles to the pay if you do a good job. I laughed a bit and said, oh my, thank you. The boy was left speechless by our short exchange and the dwarf said, very well, lets go then, we dont have all day, before walking inside the building. He guided us through a labyrinth of caskets all the way to the back of the building, where a large open barrel stood in front of three distillers. Ok people, I want one water mage to move the vilam from the casks to the barrel, another one to move the vilam from the barrel to the distillers, a fire mage to heat the still pots, an ice mage to cool the condenser, another water mage at the end to move the foreshots and tails to the drain and the heart to the clean barrels, then two air mages to keep everything tight and make sure the vapors dont get to our heads. I want maximum precision, here we make the best liquor in the kingdom and I want to keep it at that. Understood? Yes, we all said, almost at the same time. Very well, lets get to work then, he said, smiling. Chapter 35 - A Fiery Ring Chapter 35 - A Fiery Ring
I was on the carriage to return to Vilfori after the last day of work at the distillery when I saw a column of smoke coming from the direction of Holis village. Suddenly the bells of the city ahead of us started clanging in alarm as a figure rose to the skies from where the column of smoke was. Shit! the coachman shouted as he spurred the horses to go faster. I saw the figure fly in a circle over the column before flying towards the city. Soon we were in front of the city gates, rushing inside as a group of around twenty guards and adventurers with loaded crossbows was running out towards the approaching threat, lead by who looked to be the Viscounts son, while others took position on the walls. I jumped down from the coach and ran to meet with the adventurers and guards outside. I had almost reached them when I saw the monster crash against the barrier around the city sending ripples through it, making it visible for a short moment. The ten meters long wyvern, with green scales, red wings and spikes protruding from its tail then fell to the ground in front of the city walls. Two arrows were embedded deep into its left eye, another one was sticking out from its right clawed foot and three small holes were widening in the membrane of its wings. The guards and adventurers who rushed outside didnt lose any moment and immediately shot their bolts at it when it hit the ground, attached to every bolt there was a thin rope, too thin to hope to hold a creature that strong still for long if there was only one, but all of the twenty bolts hit their target and the men proceeded to pull them until they reached their max tension and affixed them to the ground with wooden stakes. As soon as the monster was trapped in place a barrage of arrows and spells rained on it, causing it to screech in pain and try to use its weak fire breath to burn the ropes that were binding it. The wyvern died in under a minute, victim of the trained expertise of the city guard. It looks like you didnt need my help, Lord Reynard I said to the viscounts son, Reynard. Lady Fortuna! Its good to see you here. Im sorry but we took the fun all for ourselves this time. I can see that, it really took you nothing to bring it down. That was only because we managed to prepare in time, someone must have kept it busy for quite a while. I didnt know we had such good archers near Vilfori, he said, pointing at the monster behind him. Someone does come to mind. Really? You should tell them to join the city guard. Were always in need of some good men who dont get easily baited by the adventurer guild. Ill tell him so if I see him again. Now, if you dont need my help I have a box of liquor I have to make sure reaches my inn, I was about to turn towards the gate but he stopped me with a hand on my shoulder saying, actually, Hero Fortuna, you know holy and water magic, right? Yes, why? A carriage should pass by shortly with two priests and some volunteers on it to give first aid to any injured where the wyvern struck and try to quench the flames in the forest but we found no water mage. I sighed and said,I will be glad to help.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Thank you. It will really help us. You surprisingly care a lot for your people, dont you? What are you saying? I wouldnt be able to face the goddess if I didnt do my best to protect my people against monsters, he said, his tone suggesting I came really near to insulting him. Of course, of course, I said, averting my eyes from him, which made me notice the approaching carriage. Oh, it seems like my lift is here, have a nice evening, Lord Reynard. I jumped inside the open top carriage as it passed by before the viscounts son could say anything, surprising the people riding in it. Oh, and Id really appreciate it if you had one of your men make sure my liquor gets to the Oak Keg inn, I shouted at him as the carriage brought me away from the city. (I should have put them in my storage as soon as I got them. Oh well, shit happens.) I looked at the still surprised people in the carriage, two of them had a white robe on while the others were wearing simple civilian clothes. Good evening gentlemen, Im Hero Fortuna. I was told you could need some help, I said with a smile. Oh, a couple more hands sure wont hurt. Im the head priest of the Last Night Church, Jonah, this here is the second priest of our cathedral, Father Patrick, the oldest of the two men said. So, whats the plan? I asked as I sat on one of the two benches in the carriage. I and Father Jonah will provide a first healing to any heavily injured while the rest of you put out the fire. Lord Granger wants to avoid making another forest spirit angry as much as possible, Patrick said with a light chuckle. Lady Fortuna, may I ask you a question? one of the men dressed in civilian clothing said. Sure, ask away. Could you tell us if you know any magic that may help us? I ask for forgiveness if Im being inopportune, he said, lowering his head at the end. Oh, not at all, its only natural wanting to know. Of the types I know I think water and earth magic would be the most useful. Then, may I ask you to soften some dirt for us using earth magic? It will speed our efforts considerably. Sure, Ill do what I can. Thank you very much Lady Fortuna, he said, practically touching the bench with his forehead. A few minutes later we found ourselves surrounded by the smoke produced by the burning green forest and I used magic so that we could breathe without choking on the hot, polluted air. Soon the fire was visible and the carriage stopped. One of the priests took out some pieces of clothes and asked me to wet them before giving one to each of the volunteers. Once the volunteers had their mouth and nose protected they each got a bucket and a small shovel and jumped out of the carriage one after another. I jumped out of the carriage too and softened a four meter wide patch of earth between the forest and the road. I then used fire magic to burn the bushes and trees near the front of the fire in a matter of seconds, making it impossible for the fire to progress any further towards us. I saw the two priests erect a holy barrier around themselves and walk straight into the raging fire while the volunteers digged out the dirt from the softened patch and brought it to the forest to clench the flames. I started collecting all the vapor and particles raised by the fire using water and air magic, trying to concentrate them over the burning forest and fields, calling to me even the humidity from outside the range of the fire and the water from any near river or lake. The process seemed slow at first but, in the matter of a few minutes large, black clouds were already forming over the fire and, soon enough, rain started pouring over the flames. Confident that the smoke of the fire itself would have been enough to feed the raincloud for a while I walked too into the fire, turning the earth on itself to bury bushes and grass that had caught fire, stopping every time I reached a tree to burn it down completely in a matter of seconds. I walked like that for almost half an hour before reaching the other side of the fire, my immense reserve of mana almost depleted for having effectively cut through the fire, leaving a five meters wide path behind me. Having reached the other side I realized I arrived at Holis village, in the dark night I could see the fields in front of me and the houses immediately behind them showing signs of the fire eating through them in the light that the flames provided, people were running around to quench the flames while others brought the injured to the two priests whose white light could be spotted from afar. I ran towards them, passing the villagers who were carrying buckets of dirt and water. When I reached them I saw there were around a dozen people lying on the ground. Two of them I recognized, Jacques, who was holding his severed left arm, which had already closed, showing that the priests had managed to treat him already and Holis, who was lying unconscious with bandages all over his body. Thank You So its been a year huh. Shit time flies. Last year on this day (well, it was technically Friday and not Saturday but you get the point), while smoking a cig and reading a badly translated Japanese webnovel (no, I wont say its name) I thought, hey, I can do this too. I went to my pc and put down a chapter, a couple of hours later it was up on RRL, which I actually only discovered the day before. The coincidences of life, right? That night I just went out with some friends drinking, thinking no one would have actually enjoyed that first, short chapter and that I would have probably stopped there. I was pretty surprised when, returning home, I found a couple of comments, a few ratings and a few dozen followers accompanying that first, badly written chapter. So I posted another chapter on Saturday and a third one on Sunday. At the end of the weekend I had some forty followers, so I decided that, after all, I could have actually continued and continue I did. I still wasnt sure how much I would have gone on with this, every week there was a drop it/continue conflict in my head, then I looked at my follower count and continue always ended up winning until one day I decided that yes, I was going to finish this shit, even if it were to take me 10 years (fuck I hope not) and took the WriTErs pledge. Slowly I improved, to the point that looking back at my old chapters makes me cringe. Slowly, I started to see the flaws in my writing. Im still far from what Im aiming at with my writing, but I can honestly say that in the last year I became a better writer and maybe even a better reader.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Months passed by, my schedule went to fuck itself between writers block moments, university and the random writing spree that forwarded the story a bit more. And yet, just like the day I took the pledge, I still think, Im still convinced, a year since I started writing, that I will finish this. Not only do I want to finish this but I have a fuckton of ideas for other stories too, some of which I already wrote the first chapter of, some others that are only a concept in my mind, waiting to be typed. So Why this useless wall of text when you were probably hoping for a chapter? To thank you, the people who read my fiction, the people who follow it, the people who put it in their favourites, the people who rated it, even those who bashed against it, the people who comment on it, my patrons (only one for the moment, love you Vorquel... no homo), and the staff of RRL who made all of this possible. I know a lot of content creators of any kind online thank their followers and at this point all of this might seem like an empty lie but its not. If it wasnt for you I really wouldnt be here right now, I would have dropped this months ago, I would never have tried to become a better writer, I would have never become a mod of the awesome group that is WriTE (I love you fuckers too, in case any of you is reading this), I would have never had the possibility to talk to some awesome people who are part of the community of this site, get mad at a few of them or troll some others. Thank you for reading. Ill try to bring you two chapters today so, as always, enjoy! Chapter 36 - Severe Lack of Nurse Outfits Chapter 36 - Severe Lack of Nurse Outfits
I was sitting in Holis house, having breakfast with his mother. The injuries he suffered the day before were severe but not life-threatening and he was now sleeping in his room. The priests and volunteers who came from Vilfori had returned home when, after a long night of work, the fire was finally quenched. As I was biting into a piece of bread dipped in milk I heard a loud, fuck, followed by the sound of something falling coming from Holis room. I got up and said, Ill go, to his mother who was getting up from her chair too. Lady Fortuna, youve already done enough, she said. Dont worry and get some rest, you need it, I said to the old woman who showed the signs of a sleepless night. Thank you. I walked up to Holis room and opened the door. When I entered I saw him, on the floor, face down, wearing only a the bandages and a loose pair of pants, with his body hugging a stool that had fallen on the floor. Its nice to see youre already this lively, I said with a laugh. He turned his head and said, oh, Fortuna, its nice to see you. Can I ask you a couple of things? Ask away. Okay, first of all, can you put me back on my bed?I think my everything is still broken. I laughed and said, oh sure, and lifted him up. He groaned a bit from the pain as I laid him on his bed then he asked me second thing, what the hell are you doing here? I thought you left for Dulsalies last week, I decided to work in a distillery for a while and just as I was about to finally enjoy the fruits of my hard work I saw someone had decided to play with fire a bit and decided to scold them,I said as I put back the stool next to his bed. I see, I see. I guess Im the one who needs a scolding then, he said, ending in a soft laugh which soon turned to groaning in pain. That depends if you deserve it or not. Fair enough. Lastly, could you call my mother? I told her to get some rest, shes been checking on you all night. You can ask me if you need something. He stared at me with the most serious expression a face half covered in bandages allowed him and said, Fortuna, Ive been sleeping for what I think has been half a day, I have to take the piss of the century. I really dont think you want to help with that. Ill go call for her. Thank you. I exited his room and went to the main room but Clementine was nowhere to be seen. I went to her room and knocked on her door, soon she opened the door and said, did something happen? Holis woke up and told me to call for you. Oh! Ill go immediately then, she said and walked towards Holis room. Deciding that I didnt really want to assist at Holis supposed piss of the century I went to sit at the table in the main room and finish my breakfast. After about five minutes Clementine came out of his room and said, Im sorry we had to trouble you with such a thing. Dont worry about it.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Ill go to sleep for a bit now, call me if something happens again. Sure, I will. She she gave me a light bow and went back inside her room, leaving me there. I got up and went back in Holis room. When I entered I found him back on his bed, trying to find a comfortable position to rest in. Hey, arent you tired of having everything broken like that? I said, half laughing. Well, I tried to tell my bones to fix themselves immediately, but theyre a bit stubborn. That priest could have fixed me a bit better yesterday tho. Well, you were breathing and you had no parts missing, I guess it was good enough for him, I said as I sat on a stool next to his bed. Ah, fair enough, he said, grunting a bit in pain. How about I try to speak to your bones? Maybe theyll listen to me. I cant really stop you, can I? No, I guess you cant. I leaned over him and started removing the bandages that had in part untied themselves, being careful not to move him too much and ripping the bandages apart when it would have been better not to move him to remove them. I soon noticed the wooden sticks that were holding his arms straight under the bandages. I removed those too and placed his arms down at the sides of his body. I was about to remove his pants when he said, do I really have to be naked for this? Well, its better if I see whats going on, or do you want to risk finding yourself with two right feet? Its not like I havent seen you naked before anyway, I said, smiling. Okay! Okay! I get it, he said, rolling his eyes, do what you have to do. I laughed a bit and proceeded to remove his pants, then the bandages that were holding his left leg and the sticks around it together. Okay, seems like everything is in the right place, I said once all the bandages were removed. Except Except?! he asked, worried. Bite this, I said, sticking one of the wooden sticks that were holding his arms together in his mouth. Wud bu biu meam bide di- Aaaaah fag! he shouted as a sharp noise came from his leg. I took the stick from his mouth and said, sorry, half of your shinbone had shifted a bit and I had to put it back in place. Tell me that before you do it! Now, now, everything went well, right? Id still prefer to know when someone is shifting my fucking bones around! Fine, fine, Ill tell you next time. Next time?! You have to do that again? he asked, goggling at me. Well, no, if you stay still I should be able to heal you without having to manually fix anything. Oh, thank the goddess. Not that it wont hurt like a bitch, I said, smiling. Wait wha- Aaaah! Fuck! he shouted as I started healing him. Come on, youll get used to it immediately, I said, pouring even more mana in the spell. Oh Fuck! Is it supposed to hurt so much? he shouted again, bringing his head up to look at me better. Only if you go really fast when healing. Cant you slow down then?! I dont want to stay here all day, I said, pushing his head back on his pillow. Fuck! Come on, were almost there, I said, [looking] at his bone. I find it hard to believe after oh, it stopped, he said, blinking. I told you we were almost there. Try to move around a bit, slowly. He raised his right arm, and, while looking at it, tried to move the fingers. It seems like everything went right. Yes, it seems so, he said, moving the other arm. He sat up on the bed, moved his legs and said, it looks like Im all fixed. Good. Dont move too much tho. Yes, yes, mum. I promise I wont go out to play right away, he said. Good little Holis, mama is really happy. Now mama has to go retrieve her liquor and horse. Can I leave you here or do I have to watch you like a guard dog? I said, patting his head. Nah, go, Ill sleep some more. I got up and said, Ill be back in a couple of hours.Your mother is sleeping, dont make too much trouble. Yes, yes. Im not a kid, you know? Youre a man though, I said as I went to the door. What the hell is that supposed to mean? he shouted at me as I closed the door of his room behind me. I decided to check on Clementine to see if she needed something but she was already sleeping so I chose to let her sleep and exited the house. Outside I was met with the village full of people still making quick repairs to the houses damaged by the fire, while the village chief was arguing with some old farmers about something concerning the crops. I ignored the villagers, only greeting them when they looked at me, greeting that they returned with a quick bow, and walked towards Vilfori. Chapter 37 - An Offer He Cant Refuse Chapter 37 - An Offer He Can''t Refuse
I arrived at the village just after noon, happy that my liquor had actually found its way to my inn, even though a few bottles were missing from the crate. The hectic working of the villagers had stopped and the streets were now almost completely empty. I passed by the hastily fixed houses and went straight towards Holis home. Once I arrived I went on the back and left the horse there along with the other animals of the house. I circled the house, not wanting to enter from the back door and entered from the front. What was waiting for me when I entered werent either Holis nor his mother but Clarisse, who was sobbing, crouched in front of the door, looking down. She raised raised her watery eyes to meet mine and I saw the black and blue marks on her young face. She clinged to my pants and shouted, Lady Fortuna! You have to stop him. I crouched next to her and said, calm down and tell me what happened. Holis! Hell kill Jacques! You have to stop him! she shouted between her tears. Shh, its alright, calm down, I said, bringing her head to my chest and caressing her hair. She pushed me away and shouted, no, its not alright! He said hell kill him! Dont worry, Im here now, I said, blocking temporarily the blood flow to her head. She stared at me and said, please, Lady Fortuna, you have to stop my before passing out. As soon as she passed out I undid my spell and picked her up. I brought her all the way to Holis room and laid her on the bed to rest before going back to the main room. Once in the main room I walked up to the table sat at one of the chairs around it. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and [looked] around the village. I soon saw Holis inside the newlyweds house, his hands on Jacques collar. (Seems like its too late. Oops.) I took out a few sheets of paper, a quill and an inkwell out of my storage, put them on the table in front of me and started writing a few letters. It took me almost half an hour to write all the letters I had to write. Every now and then I checked on Clarisse but she was apparently was tired enough to fall asleep instead of waking up shortly after passing out. Having finished, I put the written papers back in various envelopes and put them back in my storage, then I took out the communication crystal to speak with Raziel and went out of the house. I contacted Raziel and started walking towards the new house that the two newlyweds had occupied as I spoke to her. She was quite surprised to hear from me in the middle of the day and even more so after she found out what I had to ask her.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. I reached the house right as I had finished speaking with her. I put the communication crystal back in my storage and entered without knocking. Once inside I saw Jacques body lying not far from the door over the wooden floor stained by his own blood, killed by a single hit to the head. A set of bloodied footprints went from the body to the backdoor of the house. I passed over the body, walked all the way to the other side and opened the door. The set of footprints continued outside, going into the fields, towards the forest at the borders of the village. I sat in front of the backdoor, closed my eyes and [looked] at the forest in front of me. I soon spotted Holis sitting on a rock not far from the border of the forest, his head in his hands. Having found him, I got up and started walking towards the forest. It took me only about five minutes to reach him. When he heard me approaching he raised his head, panic on his face, then, realizing it was me, he relaxed and said, oh, its just you. Well, sorry if Im just me, I said, smiling. You saw what I did, didnt you? he said, looking down. Yes, I said, sitting next to him. Im an idiot, right? Yes. I was mad. I I only punched him once. I didnt really want to kill him he said, looking down. No, maybe I did he shaked his head, I dont even know myself. Well, wanting it or not you ended up doing it. He looked at me and said, are you going to bring me to the guards? Who? Me? I laughed, Im just taking a stroll through the woods, I saw no one here. Well, its not like there are many options now. I either run and abandon my mother and sister to themselves, or get hanged and leave my mother and sister to themselves, he sighed and looked up, I should at the very least do the right thing and turn myself in to the village chief or the guards in VIlfori. Well, there is a third option. He looked at me, baffled, and said, what are you saying? Im just a hunter in some forgotten village who killed a man. I cant get off with some tricks like you nobles. I shook my head and said, Im not talking about any underhand way. What then? The queen of the dead is going to bring me back after they hang me? I coughed, looking away, then, looking back at him I said, no, I dont think she would. Yeah, I doubt it too. You do know death isnt the only penalty waiting for you, right? What then? You want me to become a slave in some mine? It wont be any different, Id still end up away from home. Also, I dont think anyone will sentence me to slavery instead of death after seeing, he waved his hand in the direction of the house, that. Yeah, it was a pretty brutal sight. Thanks for the tactfulness. Youre welcome, I said, laughing a bit. Well, if youve finished teasing me Id like to be left alone for a bit before I meet the executioner, he said, getting up. Im telling you there is another option. What option?! he shouted at me. You do know that, as the nearest noble, I can claim the right to judge you, right? Wait, didnt you say it wasnt an underhand way? he said, baffled. No underhand way, Im just going to remake you the offer I already made you weeks ago, I smiled, would you like to come on my hunts with me? Chapter 38 - Mamaaa... I Killed a Man Chapter 38 - Mamaaa... I Killed a Man
I tied Holis hands with an improvised rope and we walked out of the forest. As soon as we reached the fields behind Clarisse and Jacques house we were met by a small crowd, led by Jacques father. As soon as the cheesemaker saw Holis he tried to run towards us but he was stopped by some of the people around him. Let me go! Im going to kill that little cunt! the man shouted at the people who were holding him. We soon found ourselves face to face with the man and he said, Holis! Just wait until I can get these hands of mine on you and you will see! Mister, I already proceeded to arrest Holis and he will receive a fair trial, this bloodshed can stop here, I said. Shut up you bitch! Youre probably in this just as much as he is! he shouted at me before spitting on my shirt. I sighed and said, take him away before I decide we should also have a trial for injury today. One of the men who were holding him nodded and said something to the others before going away, bringing the angered father with them. Tell the village chief to prepare a jury, were going to hold the trial in the church in a hour, I said to the people around us before I resumed walking holding Holis from his arm. The people of the village let us pass through, their eyes ranging from hatred to pity. Soon we reached his house. When we entered I saw Clarisse and Clementine sitting at the table in the main room, the mother massaging the back of her crying daughter. Hearing the door closing behind us they raised their gaze to meet mine, but their eyes soon fell on the tied Holis. Clarisse sprang up from her seat and ran around the table and towards us, the small effort of her mother to stop her completely futile. She soon was in front of me and she shouted, you! You were supposed to stop him! she hit me on my chest, why didnt you stop him!? she hit me again, why!? she hit me again, her punches weak and trembling, why? she clung to my shirt, why? I put a hand over her head as she rested it against my chest without saying a word. In her sobbing she turned her head, looked at her brother and said, Holis, how could you? Clarisse, I- No! she shouted at her brother, I dont want to hear any excuse from you! You killed Jacques! Yes, I killed him! Holis shouted back at her, and I would do it again after what he did to you! You didnt know him! Clarisse cried, he isnt that kind of person he wasnt that kind of person he just he just He just what? Lets hear what you have to say for him, he said, full of anger. He just hit me! He was just mad for what happened yesterday to him! You didnt even know what kind of person he was and you killed him! Should have I stood here to watch as you came crying again and again because of him? Yes! (Ok, I think we can close the dances here) I thought and, using water magic, rendered them unconscious like I did earlier with Clarisse, though Holis proved to be much harder to affect. In a second I was holding the two unconscious siblings as their mother looked at me terrified. What what did you do to them? she asked, her voice shaking. I just put them to sleep for a bit, dont worry, madam. Them shouting at each other more would have only made matters worse. I see Actually, if you would be so kind to bring Clarisse to your room while I take Holis to his bed I would really appreciate it, I said, shifting the two around a bit as that they wouldnt fall. Oh, of course, she said and got up from her chair to come take her daughter. As she lifted Clarisse in a princess carry I said, Id like to talk to you for a bit afterwards, if you dont mind. Sure, she said before leaving for her room. I bent down a bit, got Holis over my shoulder and walked to his room. Once inside I put him down on his bed before walking back to the main room. Clementine came out of her room as I was sitting on a chair. She walked up to the table and sat on the chair opposite to me. Whats going to happen, Lady Fortuna? she asked. Holis admitted to his crimes. I cant pardon him and you know that, her face clouded as I spoke, still, I dont plan to send him to the executioner. Youll let him live? she asked, a hint of hope in her eyes. Yes, but it will be the life of a slave. I I dont want to see my son turned into a slave, there must be other ways. Its the axe, the cell, or the collar in this situation, Clementine, and you know it.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. But still her eyes started to tear up as she talked, theyll make him work in a mine or something, or keep him in some dirty room as the plaything of a noble or or I dont even know. Hes a hunter, Lady Fortuna, it would be worse than being in prison for him. Dont worry, I said, taking her hands in mine, I know of a certain noble woman who likes adventuring who would really like him tagging along with her. Really? Who is she? Are you sure shell treat him well? I sighed and said, Im talking about me, Clementine. Oh, she said a bit baffled but relieved, you should have told so from the beginning! I can rest assured knowing that hes going to be with you. Actually, thats not the only thing I wanted to talk about with you. What did you want to talk about? You see Holis would rather die than leave you and Clarisse here alone. So I have a proposal for you, I said, taking out the letters from my storage, here are some letters of recommendation, theres one for the guildmaster in Vilfori, one for the guildmaster of the capital, one for His Majesty the king, and one for one of the kings maids, Lucilla. Clementine stared at the letters in complete disbelief, babbling, I-I I dont I dont I dont know I trust you and Clarisse to be ready to act as my personal maids when Ill be back to the palace in the middle of dis. She looked at me, swallowed,and said, of of course, Lady Fortuna, bowing a bit on her chair. I nodded and said, do you have any sealing wax or beeswax here? I have a beeswax candle, if its fine. That will be good enough. She nodded and went to open one of the cabinets in the room, from it she took a dark yellow candle that was obviously meant to be kept for more important occasions. She then offered the candle to me and went back to her chair. I took a gold coin and a couple of silver ones and put them in one of the envelopes.I then heated the lower part of the candle, where there was no wick sticking out, and pressed it against the paper to seal it, then I took my badge and impressed the seal on the warm wax. I passed the letter to Clementine and said, this is the letter for the guildmaster of Vilfori. Inside there are the details of a request to escort you two to the capital and the reward for it. Lady Fortuna, this is a bit too much. It all helps me, dont think of it as charity, I said, as I sealed the next envelope. I dont understand. Holis is too good of a hunter to leave him rot in a prison or see his head fly by the axe of the executioner. Consider all of this as an investment on my side. Thats she stopped what she was about to say and pondered for a second, I understand. Good. This one is for the guildmaster in the capital while this one is for His Majesty, I said, giving her two sealed envelopes. Finally, I said, sealing the last one with wax, this one is, I kissed the wax, impressing the shape of my lips instead of my seal on it, for the maid, Lucilla. Clementine stared at me with wide eyes as I passed her the envelope. Dont worry, shell understand, I said, to reassure her. Thats not the problem here, Lady Fortuna. Wasnt it hot? Are you fine? she asked troubled. Dont worry, it wasnt hotter than a warm cup of tea to me. If you say so Well then, I said, getting up, Ill wake up Holis, we have trial to take. Ill leave with him immediately after and Id prefer if you at least waited until tomorrow to depart. Id like those two to see each other only after theyve calmed a bit. As you wish, Lady Fortuna. Thank you, Clementine, I said, getting up from my chair. When I entered Holis room he was already awake, staring at the ceiling from his bed. I should have also used lightning magic like the other time, I said as I walked up to his bed. Very funny, he said, sitting up, have you talked to my mother? Yes, I explained her everything, theyre going to depart tomorrow at the earliest. Good, he said, looking back up to the ceiling. Quit this overly dramatic shit, it doesnt suit you. Could you please show a tiny bit of sympathy? Im dealing with a lot of shit here in case you didnt notice, he said, obviously mad. You made a choice, a shitty one, but still a choice, and now Im here cleaning after your ass. Not only that, you also did it after I explicitly told you not to move from your bed. Im Im sorry, he said, lowering his head. Good, now get up, we have to go. ...yes, he said, getting up from his bed. We exited his room and walked towards the front door, as we passed Clementine only gave Holis a reassuring, silent, look. Once we exited the house we started walking towards the church, with me holding the tied up Holis as I did before. We reached the church after a few minutes, in front of the building, that was no bigger than the other houses around it, were already gathered a few dozens of curious onlookers. We entered the church and found ourselves in front of ten people, three of them I recognized, the village chief, the priest of the small church, and the man who I told to gather people for the trial to. Good afternoon, misters. I would have preferred for us to meet in a different and more joyous occasion, but we have a duty towards the kingdom and our goddess to fulfill, so, if everyone is ready, I''d like to start with the trial, I said, with what was probably the most fake smile I made in a while. (I''m going to empty that fucking crate of liquor tonight.) Lady Fortuna, good afternoon to you. We''re ready to proceed at any time, the village chief said. Good, let''s get on with this then. I made Holis kneel in front of the altar as the priest and village chief went to sit behind it, while the other eight men sat on the two benches in the first row. I then reached the village chief and the priest behind the altar and said, we''re here today for the murder of Jacques, the main suspect being Holis, who is now here in front of us, I saw the village chief write what I was saying on a piece of rough parchment as I talked, Holis, what do you have to say in your defense? Nothing. I declare myself guilty, Holis said, looking up at me. Good, this makes things easier. What does the jury have to say? The eight men on the benches murmured for a bit between themselves, then, after a series of nods, the one I had spoken to before said, the jury accepts the confession and declares him guilty, Lady Fortuna. Very well. Then, I took my badge out from my storage, in the name of the Holy Olivedias Kingdom and our Lady, I, Fortuna Tullius, declare you, Holis, guilty of the murder of your brother in law, Jacques. The punishment will be lifetime slavery. Two thirds of the proceeds from the sale will be given to the family of the deceased, the remaining third will be repartitioned as by the laws of the Kingdom. My badge started shining lightly, I got up from my chair holding it and approached Holis. Once I was in front of him I placed it on his forehead and pushed lightly. When I lifted it a black mark, resembling the symbols on the badge, was on his brow. I declare the trial closed, I said, putting my badge back inside my storage. Chapter 39 - Pulling a Lady Anise Chapter 39 - Pulling a Lady Anise
We left the village immediately after the trial, only passing by Holis home briefely to fetch my horse and a few of Holis clothes. There we only saw Clementine as Clarisse apparently refused to come out of her room. Once we resumed our trip, the people who knew Holis seemed conflicted at his departure as we walked the unpaved roads that led out of the circle of houses and towards Vilfori. So, what now? Holis asked me once we were outside of the village. Now we have to look for a slave trader, then well leave towards Dulsalies. Maybe Ill pass by the guild while Im at it, I said. Youre sure this is going to work and I wont end up in an auction or something, right? he asked me, a bit worried. I sighed and said, dont worry, I asked someone trustworthy before proposing all of this to you. And lets hear, how and where did you find someone to ask those things? Cant you trust me a bit? Were talking about spending a life in slavery here! he yelled at me. Well, I can always decide to cut off your neck here and now if you preferred that. He just gulped and remained silent. Good, I see you understand. We spent the rest of the trip to Vilfori in silence, though Holis worries obviously hadnt left him. When we reached the gates I was about to just walk in as usual but a guard stopped Holis by grabbing his arm, asking, where do you think youre going? I immediately reached the guard and said, excuse me, Im the guard of that criminal, is there any problem? The guard, a burly man in his fifties with white streaks in his short beard, looked at me, wide-eyed, and said, Lady Fortuna! Im sorry, I didnt know. Still, even if its you, I still have to ask you to show proof of that and that he isnt a run-away. Oh, sure, I said, opening my storage and taking the papers filled by the village chief during the trial, here is the verdict of the trial. I was about to take him to a slave trader to have his punishment finalized. The guard took the papers from me and, after reading them with some difficulties, said, everything seems alright. Do you need help with escorting him? Well, I dont know where to find a slave trader here in Vilfori yet, and if the towns guard will be more at ease by having someone accompany me I certainly wont refuse. Very well, can I ask you to wait here for a minute? Certainly. Thank you, he said, before leaving inside the guard cabins next to the gate. You dont even know where youre going to have me enslave! Holis whispered to me, angry. I waved him off and said, those are just details. How is the slave trader just a detail in me getting enslaved?! Dont worry, trust me. Its becoming more and more difficult, you know? The guard I spoke to before came out of the cabin at that moment with another, younger guard, who was visibly yawning. The younger guard went to take the others place next to the gate while the older one came up to me and said, if you want, Im free to accompany you to one of the registered enslavers. Yes, thank you, I said with a smile. He nodded and said, please, follow me, then. He started walking and we followed him. First he went towards the main square, but he turned just before reaching it to go towards a small street, where he escorted us up to a door that had Freds collar, enslaver and slave trader written on it. Thank you very much, I think I can manage from here, I said, tying my horse on a pole outside of the shop. Sure, feel free to ask the city guards if any trouble arises, Lady Fortuna. I shoved Holis inside the shop and entered behind him. Inside the shop we were met by two couches with a coffee table between them on a large carpet, on the coffee table there were a magic lamp, a few pieces of paper and an inkwell with a quill next to it. A beautiful girl in her early twenties dressed with a grey skirt that reached her ankles and a white blouse was standing next to a door that lead to the rooms in the back. When she saw us enter she walked up to us and said, what can I do fo you, dear customers? I came here to have this man here turned into a slave as punishment for a crime, I said, pushing Holis forward a bit. She bowed and said, Very well, I will inform the master immediately, in the meantime, feel free to rest on one of our couches, before leaving for the door in the back. This is a surprisingly nice place, Holis said. What were you expecting, a dirty basement filled with cages and excrements? I asked, sitting on a sofa. Yes, actually, he said, sitting next to me.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. That would make the customers run away. Fair enough. We heard the door to the back open and we turned to see a man in his sixties, with a wide, hoodless, beige robe decorated with black drawings that covered most of his figure, with a white shirt barely visible underneath it near his neck. Good afternoon, Im Frederick, the master of this shop, how may I help you? he said. I got up from the couch and said, good afternoon mister Alfred, Im Fortuna Tullius, Im here for turning this man into a slave as punishment for his crimes. Please, Lady Fortuna, no need to get up to greet an old man like me, please, sit, he said, before eyeing Holis who was still sitting. I sat back on the couch and Fred followed sitting on the couch in front of me. Could I please see the papers of the verdict? he asked, taking out a monocle from a pocket. Certainly, I said, giving him the papers I had shown the guard before. He took them and read them for a bit before saying, do you confirm to have been the judge at the process, Lady Fortuna? Yes, is there a problem with it? No, no problem, just a formality. I would have to request a document of accompaniment or a permit signed by the local guard if you werent one of the original signatories of the document, he said, before giving a sign to the girl, who immediately went back behind the door. Oh, I see. Well, we can proceed. As by law, for the escorting services, youre also entitled to a portion of the money from the slaves sale. Where would you like it to be deposited? It could take a while before hes sold. Actually Id like to buy him myself, I said, a bit hesitant. He lit up and said, oh! Why didnt you say so immediately?!. In that moment the girl returned with some documents, he saw her and told her, we have a Lady Anise here, get the other documents, to which the girl immediately turned back. Im sorry a Lady Anise? I asked, perplexed. Lady Fortuna, you''re not the first noble to save a favorite toy from the executioner like this, we in the trade like calling a situation like this a Lady Anise, after the now defunct Lady of The Valleys, peace to her soul, he said, looking up for a second, who had her lover saved from the axe. Its quite the touching story, you should ask a bard to sing it for you once, its pretty famous too. I I see. But enough small talk, Im sure you dont want to waste your time here, he took the papers from his assistant who had just returned, I just need you to sign here, here, and here, he said, pointing at three lines on the handwritten documents, then its just a matter of paying two gold coins for taxes and retribution to the, he looked at the verdict of the trial, family of the deceased, its the minimum allowed by law, Im afraid, plus the three silvers for my services. Sure, I said, and signed the documents, not before giving them a quick read, before taking the money he had requested out of my storage. Perfect, now if Mister he looked again at the verdict of the trial, Holis would follow me for a moment, well conclude the procedure in no time. Holis looked at me unsure, to which I gestured him to get up. He sighted, stood from the couch and went to the back room with the slave trader and his assistant. A few minutes later the assistant returned and asked me, the master asks if youd prefer a collar or a mark, and, in case you choose the mark, where youd like to have it placed. The question was a bit unexpected but I still managed to answer, a mark on the back, I guess? Very well, she said, before leaving again. They all returned after a couple of minutes and the slave trader said, we have finished the procedure, if you want, youre free to go. I have to ask you to leave here the copy of the verdict for registration though. Oh, sure. Thank you, Lady Fortuna. No, thank you, Mister Frederick, I said, getting up. Im just doing my job, Lady Fortuna, he said, with a light bow. Well then, have a nice evening. You too, Lady Fortuna, and I hope well be able to do business together again. I will contact you if I ever need a slave trader in this area again. Its much appreciated. Goodbye, I said, and left the shop with Holis. That was intense, he said, once we were out. Was it painful? I asked him as I freed my horse, that was luckily still there. No, no, I didnt feel a thing as he enslaved me, I meant him. That guy sure likes talking. Yeah I said, as I started walking. Well, what now? Now, were going to the adventurers guild, then rent a room for the night, and tomorrow well leave for Dulsalies finally. When we arrived at the guild I left Holis outside with the horse and entered alone, hoping it would be quick. When I reached the counter I found a man in his thirties waiting at it instead of the usual girl. Not for long though, as, as soon as I was about to speak, the girl who usually manned the counter came in running and shoved him away shouting, good evening Lady Fortuna! with a short breath. Good evening Is he alright? I said, pointing at the guy on the floor. Yeah, sure, what can I do for you today? she asked, with a beaming smile as a drop of sweat ran down her cheek. Tomorrow Ill leave for Dulsalies, I wanted to know if there were any quests I could do down the way. Oh, her smile disappeared, youre leaving already? (I didnt do anything with this girl, right?) Yes, Im going to spend the night in town then leave tomorrow morning. Will you be staying at the Oak Keg again? she asked, her smile again on her face. (Ok, something definitely happened. Dammit I have to call Raziel again.) I think I will, Im probably going to spend the rest of the evening there too, I said, still not too sure about what happened with the girl in front of me. Perfect! she said, clapping her hands. Anyway, what about those quests? Oh! Right! The quests she said, before starting to look through the large folder that held the quest sheets. There are a few quests nearby but they have to be completed here at the branch, if you want quests you can complete at any branch I can make a short list of bounties for monsters and criminals that are known to be in the area youre going to pass by. Are they any different from quests? Not really, just that you dont have to accept them officially, its more of a first come, first serve thing. Whoever kills the objective can claim the reward at any branch. Oh, thats perfect. Can I have that list then? Well, I have yet to write it, how about I give it to you at the inn? she said, winking. (Really, what the fuck happened?) Oh, ok, well, see you later then- Wait! I should probably tell you before I forget, she said, looking a bit troubled. What happened? The guild issued a warning to all travelers not to pass near the ruins of the black castle until an investigation of the area has been done. Apparently there have been sightings of undeads in the are. Oh, could I take part in that investigation? I asked, honestly curious. Im sorry, but the quest hasnt been issued to our branch so I cant register it. Oh, I see Well, thanks anyway. Ill see you later, honeylips, I said, leaving the beaming girl behind me. (Dammit Luck! You did it again!) I got out of the guild to find Holis still waiting with my horse, I dont know what face I was making but he asked, hey, what happened in there? I need alcohol. Chapter 40 - The Old Name of Love Chapter 40 - The Old Name of Love
Two whole weeks had passed since we had left Vilfori and we were now inside a small patch of woods on the road to Dulsalies. While looking from a tree to see if I could spot the monster that had escaped us, a four meters long lizard-like creature that tended to attack livestock during dis, I saw what looked like an enormous, completely black, rock formation far north. I jumped down the tree, startling the horses a bit, and asked Holis, hey, is that black castle we shouldnt go to supposed to be north of here? Ehm, I think? I dont know, Ive never been this far away from the village, why? I wanted to go take a look. He closed his eyes, the mark I had imprinted on his forehead had almost disappeared, but it was still faintly visible and made him look a bit like some monk as he sighed, listen, I get youre curious, but literally everyone we came across told us to not go there. I know, doesnt that make you want to go there even more? I said, grinning. What are you, a child? Well, some of my siblings still consider me one, I said, mounting on my horse which had already calmed down. I never knew you had siblings, he said, mounting on the horse we had bought before leaving Vilfori. I spurred the horse forwards, going north, I never told you. What are they like? he asked, following me. Compared to me? Theyre workaholics. I see, I see. Like practically everyone else in existence then. Hey! I shouted, thats not true! I just have fun from time to time. Sure, sure. Anyway, I dont think I ever agreed on going to those ruins. I grinned at him and said, I never asked. I swear, if this ends up like the other day with the vines he shivered. I laughed a bit then said, oh yeah, that was fun. Fun? I still have nightmares about it. I just laughed again and spurred my horse to go even faster. When we came out of the woods, after almost an hour of riding, we found ourselves in front of a single, wide hill that rose gently, on top of which sat a completely black castle, or what remained of it. The structure at its prime must had been one of the most intimidating sights in the world. The remains of the wall hinted that it had a span of around six-hundred meters at his widest point, and the parts that were still standing showed that the wall itself was around twenty-five meters tall. A few, still standing, watchtowers dotted the perimeter, and, from behind the walls, the remains of a few towers that went well above the wall could be seen. At the top of the hill, just a bit on the left from what would have been the center of the complex, there was a tower that, from where we were observing it, appeared to be well over a hundred meters tall, without counting the broken spire at its top. I looked at Holis, who was staring at the castle in front of us with his mouth agape, and said, so, wasnt it worth the detour? Ok, it is pretty impressive. Right? Whose castle was it by the way? Holis turned to look at me in disbelief and said, wait, you dont know? Ehm, no? It was the castle of Letia, the queen of the dead, he said, as a matter of fact. Wait, Letia? Not Raziel? I asked. Who the hell is Raziel? Nevermind, I said, going back at looking at the castle. At that moment I noticed that there was a small camp halfway up the hill and that two people on horseback were coming our way. I made my horse start walking again and went towards them. Holis, realizing what I was doing, immediately followed me. When we finally reached them at the foot of the hill, one of the two, a man in his thirties with a stubble who was wearing heavy steel armor, said, are you Hero Fortuna? Yes, I am Fortuna Tullius, do we perhaps know each other? No, milady, we have never met, but the guild warned us not to attack someone he swallowed, who looks like you. I see, so I have to guess that youre adventurers. He nodded, yes, currently we are investigating the black castle because of some suspicious occurrences in the surrounding villages. What kind of occurrences? I asked, curious. Kidnappings and deaths by blood loss, milady, said the other adventurer, who was visibly younger than the first, but just as well armored.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Doesnt that sound like vampires? Especially considering the location, I looked at Holis, it definitely sounds like vampires, right? but I was met only with a roll of his eyes. The two adventurers both started laughing vigorously at my question. After quite a few seconds since they started laughing the older one managed to calm enough, Lady Fortuna, I doubt were dealing with vampires here. Its probably the fault of some direbats who made their nest in one of the buildings here. Though it could also be some idiot who decided to play with necromancy, but if thats the case we have rope and shackles ready for them, he grinned. It seems like you have everything under control then. Of course, Lady Fortuna, we are strong enough to deal with something like this, you have no need to worry. I [looked] at the older of the two.
Name: Joel Race: Human [Enthralled]
Lvl: 34 Job: Guardian
HP: 3012 MP: 240 SP: 2140
STR: 268 DEF: 259 AGI: 102
INT: 65 WIS: 68
SKILLS
Sword Mastery lvl 6 Hand to Hand Combat lvl 3 Polearm Mastery lvl 2
Shield Mastery lvl 4
TITLES
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Well then, we will just take a look at the outside of the castle and resume our travels, its a pity we will not able to see how the castle is inside. The oldest one bowed forward and said, Lady Fortuna, I am sorry to ask you this, but could you please delay your visit to another day? We are still not entirely sure what we are dealing with, and I would feel responsible if something were to happen to you. I smiled, oh, I would never want to trouble people who are working, it will be for another time then. Thank you, Lady Fortuna. I wanted to ask you one last thing before I leave. He gave another small bow, I will be glad to answer. I took a deep breath and readied my mana, before showering them with holy light. As soon as the light hit them an ear-piercing scream escaped their mouth and they fell from the horses they were riding. What the hell are you doing? Holis shouted at me as they kept screaming and convulsing on the ground. I just hushed him with a hand, keeping my attention on the two men. When they finally stopped they both stared at me, their breathing rough and heavy. I leaned towards the two men on the ground, there are vampires in that castle, arent there? They slowly nodded, unable to speak as they caught their breath. I looked at Holis and grinned, I knew it. He rolled his eyes, good, now we can get out of here before I regret following you again. A battle cry resounded from the hill as seven more people on horseback came galloping down. Aaand there goes our chance.Great I extended my hands towards the oncoming charge and made the earth rise in a crescent-shaped wall in front of them. As soon as the charge met the wall, unable to steer in time, I closed the wall behind the adventurers and, just like before, used holy magic to heal them from the enthralling. It took a few minutes for the screams to quiet down inside the earth bowl, when they finally did, I lowered the portion of earth wall right in front of us to reveal a group of panting and not mind-controlled adventurers. Ok then, Joel, I said looking at the adventurer still on the ground as I dismounted, care to explain what happened? He looked at me wide-eyed, How do you know my na- It doesnt matter now. Answer. He frowned at that but started explaining anyway. Apparently they arrived five days before and set camp outside of the castle at their arrival, deciding to go inside the castle only the day after. At night they woke up already enslaved to a vampire, their two lookouts dead, bringing their number down from eleven to nine. His memories after that moment were hazy but not completely gone, they were ordered by the vampire that had enslaved them to remain there at their camp and keep watch during the day and send away any curious traveler who might pass by, while at night dozens of vampires went in and out of the castle grounds, sometimes bringing still living beasts, or people, with them. His expression had become more and more bitter as he told me what he remembered. I put a hand on his shoulder and said, there is nothing you could have done, we can only try to fix all this. He laughed. Fix? Fix?! There are dozens of vampires inside that castle! All probably at levels humans can only hope to reach in their lifetimes and the bodies they might have raised the bodies of their victims too. How can you think to even stand a chance? I smiled, I just need a priest and an earth mage. Joel fell silent at my request and the younger adventurer next to him said, our only mage was lost during the first night. Oh fuck. Perfect, we can get the fuck out of here now, Holis said from his horse. I extended my open palm towards him and said, wait, wait, I got this, give me a second. And what would be the brilliant idea this time around? Joel, do you have entrenching tools with you? I asked to the adventurer who was looking at us with his mouth agape after our exchange. Y-yes, Lady Fortuna. Perfect. I drew two squares on the ground in front of me, one over the other forming an eight-pointed star, centered on a small dot and with a circle inscribed inside the two squares, I need you all to start digging this symbol on the ground, it should be large enough to fit all of us and your equipment. You can keep it shallow, I will pass over it with earth magic afterwards. I also need you to rebuild your camp inside said symbol. Everything clear? He nodded, crystal. Perfect. I looked at the other adventurers still getting up inside the half dome, ok ladies, you have work to do, Joel here will guide you, if you have any questions I will answer them afterwards. Now I have something urgent to do. I tore down the remaining part of the earth wall and walked to Holis. Is it one of your bathroom breaks? he asked in a voice low enough to not let the others hear. Yes, in the meantime I need you to draw the same symbol over and over again around the hill, I dont care if its on a tree, on the ground, on a rock, if its the size of your thumb, or as large as your head, just replicate that symbol as many times as you can all around the hill. He sighed. Fine, but I want an explanation after all of this ends. I smiled and mounted back on my horse. If I feel like it, I said, before spurring my horse towards the forest as I took a communication crystal from my storage. Chapter 41 - A Matter of Shadows Chapter 41 - A Matter of Shadows (Queen Zillya POV)
The stale, cold, and humid air of the room was already starting to get at me, meanwhile Raziel, who was standing next to me in her maid disguise, seemed unfazed by all of that, even enjoying it. Even the papers on the desk in front of me, illuminated by the light of a candle that was barely able to lit the rough stone walls, seemed to start to become damp. Can you detect them? I asked. Yes, they should be here in a few minutes at most. I sighed. I swear, they keep doing this on purpose. A common tactic during negotiations, Your Majesty. We should cut their arms, maybe that will convince them that they should not play with us. I heard it can work wonders during negotiations, I said, staring straight at her. She stared back. As I have already explained, your life was not in danger at the time. What if your judgement was wrong? It rarely is, and the fact that you are here in perfect conditions is proof that it was not. Then is your perfect judgement ability the one that tells you to bed the crazy woman who harmed both me and my son? There have been no negative consequences to her actions, on the contrary the knights of the palace seem to have grown closer to Prince Alexander, she smiled, soldiers who keep their ruler in high regard are important. I probably had a disgusted look on my face as I said, are you going to disobey the pact for a stupid infatuation? Her eyes grew wide for a moment before she burst into laughter, not a joyous one, but a maniacal sound that seemed to seep in from the shadows of the rooms, a laugh I had never heard from her. Cold sweat ran down my back as she stopped laughing and leaned over me, her disguise disappearing from her face revealing those blood-red eyes, a smile on her face. Do not forget that a stupid infatuation, as you call it, is the reason this kingdom and that pact exist, my child, and that the pact itself leaves quite some room to interpretation. You would never- Hurt one of his descendants, she took a deep breath through her nose, as if sniffing the air, which you definitely are not. I was frozen, just like I was when I was but a girl and I first came to know about her existence, but this time she wasnt speaking reassuring words similar to those of a caring mother, no, she was showing herself for what I feared she was when I first met her. For the first time I wasnt in front of Raziel, the woman who had sworn her never-ending life to the crown, but in front of the queen of the dead from the legends, as if my words had shattered a mask that had never been removed in thousands of years. After what seemed like an eternity she straightened back up, her disguise returning with a caring smile on her face. Of course, I would never want to hurt the feeling of King August if possible, nor those of the princes, so I would prefer if you refrained from speaking badly of Fortuna... despite her antics. I finally released a breath I didnt know I was holding and said, of course. Thank you, she turned to look at the door, it seems like your guest have arrived, Your Majesty. At that moment a knock came from the door. I coughed and fixed my posture before saying, come in. Two robed figures entered the room. When they reached the light of the candle they removed their hoods, revealing the faces of a woman in her sixties, her face showing the signs of age, and her hair grey, and a man in his early thirties with short hair and a stubble. As they arrived in front of my desk I gestured them to sit on the two chairs in front of it.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. When the man grabbed the back of the chair with his left hand I noticed that the middle finger of his glove was empty. I do not think we have ever met, Medii, I said to the man. No, I am afraid we have not, Queen Zillya, it is a pleasure, he said, bowing his head slightly. And it is a pleasure to see you are still in good health, Anularii. These old bones will still help you for many days to come, Your Majesty. I smiled, at times I think you will outlive all of us. You will have to tell me your secret. Please, a woman who shares so easily her secrets cannot call herself one. Unfortunate but true. I took the few documents that were sitting on the desk in my hands and glanced over them for a few second. Now, time to move to business. In your latest report you said that you were having difficulties with moving our resources to Tureg. Anularii nodded, yes, as it says in the report we have lost an important connection inside the dwarven kingdom, we are working to build new ones to substitute the lost one. I glanced over the reports again. I dont think the reports said anything on the reason for such a loss. Death, Your Majesty, Medii said. I raised an eyebrow and said, should I be worried? Anularii gave a small laugh before saying, no, we confirmed that the cause of death was natural. The old dwarf liked brothels much more than the medicines for his regression sickness. An unfortunate pairing. Definitely. At that moment Raziel interrupted our conversation to ask, Your Majesty, I am sorry, but may I leave the room for a few minutes? surprising everyone in the room. Ehm, sure, but do not stray too far, I said, still baffle. She bowed and said, thank you, Your Majesty, before leaving the room. When she closed the door after her Medii burst into laughter and said, you should employ more experienced maids if a simple mention of a brothel is enough to embarrass them, Your Majesty. Boy! Anularii shouted at the young man, a look that seemed able to kill in her eyes. The young man froze immediately and said, I am sorry for my behavior, Your Majesty. I shall overlook it this time. Hoping that so will do your maid, Anularii said. Of course. Now, where were we? Oh, right, the connections in Tureg. I hope that this matter will not delay our plans too much. Anularii smilied. Gold always helps speed up an operation. Of course, and how much gold are we talking about? Ten gold per slave, plus a reserve of one million gold. The reserve and two thirds of the payment shall be delivered immediately and the remaining payment after the operation is concluded. I smiled and said, my dear, that is a lot as a simple incentive, especially after all the investments I put in this operation. I understand, Your Majesty, but there were unforeseen circumstances. I see I smiled at the woman in front of me, fifty silvers per slave, no additional payment, half immediately and the other half after the job is concluded. My beloved queen... you should know that I alway work with the best interests of the country in mind. Of course, I know that very well, which is why I am sure you will be able to accomplish this task without weighting too much on the kingdom''s reserves. My, my, she faked a laugh, for a kingdom as great as ours what I ask is but mere change, I am sure. She had just finished speaking when Raziel opened the door and reentered the room. Instead of going back at her place next to my side, though, she bowed and said, Your Majesty, I request permission to temporarily leave the palace grounds. Medii sprang up from his chair and shouted, maid! Stop interrupting us! Do you not know your- Sit and shut the hell up you idiot boy! Anularii shouted, stopping him. He looked back at the old woman, not understanding her rage. I said sit! And remember that the Finger has yet to reach the Hand. Medii visibly gulped at that and went back to his chair. Your Majesty, I am truly sorry for the disrespect this man has shown you today, we will accept your offer, Anularii said, bowing her head. I am glad we came to an agreement so quickly, I told her before shifting my attention back to Raziel, what is the reason you have to leave the palace? I have an urgent message for the high cardinal at the cathedral. I was a bit baffled at the answer but I still nodded, very well, I grant you permission to leave the palace and its grounds for this matter. Thank you, Your Majesty, she said, before disappearing in the shadows of the room. Medii was staring with his mouth wide open at the place where Raziel had disappeared from when, with a smile on my face, I said, I was not expecting the Poison to be unable to recognize the Shadow. April Fools Chapter - The Visage of a Goddess Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. You were expecting an actual chapter but it was me! April Fool''s Day chapter! Did you like the image? It''s one of a soon to come series of reactions featuring Fortuna brought to you by Oracle. Normal updates will resume past Easter holidays. Happy Easter everyone. Or, well, happy 1st of April in case you don''t celebrate woodworkers respawning. Chapter 42 - The Nature of Luck Chapter 42 - The Nature of Luck
I went back to where I had left the adventurers and Holis after almost two hours since I left to talk with Raziel. It had taken much more than expected because she apparently went to ask a favor from a cardinal. When I reached the others I saw that the symbol I asked them to draw on the ground was already finished, the eight-pointed star that laid in front of me was about ten meters from one point to the opposite one and the lines were a few centimeters deep, inside the circle there was already a pile of stuff from the old camp of the adventurers. I spotted Holis in the midst as he came towards me. Took you a while, he said once he was in front of me. Yes, it took a bit more than I expected, but I have good news, I said, dismounting. He raised an eyebrow, were getting the fuck out of here? No. He took a deep breath before saying, figures. So, whats the good news? Reinforcements from the church are coming for us. He blinked a few times, oh nice. They should be here in three days. Less nice. I shrugged and walked towards Joel, when he saw I was coming towards him he got up from the wooden stakes he was planting in the ground. Were almost finished here, he said. Good. How much food do we have? Enough for a couple of days, milady. Perfect, well hunt something tomorrow if its not enough. Finish setting up camp and get ready, it will be a long night, I said, before walking back towards the perimeter of the circle without waiting for his response. Once I reached the furrows that composed the circle I used earth magic to deepen the lines and harden the dirt around it, followed by fire magic to vitrify the walls of what was becoming a narrow ditch. Like that I walked along the lines, making sure that every single centimeter of the circle was treated. Having finished reinforcing the circle I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and concentrated on myself. Focusing on my soul I decided to unlock a minuscule part of my power, barely enough to serve its purpose without being noticeable, unless one of the two gods who presided over the world I was in concentrated on me. The procedure in itself was like standing in front of a dam that restrained a whole ocean and trying to poke a hole in it that only let through a few droplets at a time. The whole thing took me almost twenty minutes, but once ready I started writing on the outside of the circle using earth magic. I had started by less than a minute when a petite girl who couldnt have been more than twenty years old with a sack over her shoulders interrupted me asking, what are those symbols? Theyre letters, Im writing the spell for the barrier, I said, resuming my task. Oh I have never seen letters like those, she said, dropping the sack before leaning towards the carvings I was making, how do you read them? I smiled. You dont. Oh she was again surprised, but they are letters, right? I finished the letter I was working on and started the next one before answering, yes. But you cant read them? she said, even more curious about what I was doing. Exactly. What are they for then? Look, I said, finishing the last letter of the first section. As soon as the symbol was complete all the letters I had engraved in the ground and the circle started shining of a soft yellow light. A soft wow left the mouth of the girl. Im glad you like it, I said, smiling at her. It is reallyshe stopped in her tracks and stared at me in the eyes, Lady Fortuna Yes? Your eyes are a bit red. Dont worry, Im just a bit tired. Now, I moved a bit to carve the next letter, let me finish this before the sun goes down. It took me more than half an hour to finish writing all around the circle. The light coming from the drawing was now even stronger than before and if one was to focus enough theyd be able to notice a faint mist-like white, glowing layer making a dome over the magical formation. Already feeling the drawbacks of having my powers unsealed in a human body, even though they were severely limited, I dragged myself towards the round hole that signed the center of the formation. I deepened the hole like I had done with the outer parts of the circle and set cross-legged behind it, facing the castle. Resting already? came Holis voice from behind me.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. I turned to look at him saying, ah ah, very fun- Holy shit! he interrupted me. I frowned. What? You look terrible. Well, thanks for the compliment. Have the others finished setting up everything? He nodded. Yes, about ten minutes ago. Good, go tell them that they wont be able to exit the circle from now on unless I tell them to, then come back here. Okay he said, before leaving to talk with the adventurers. Left alone again, I faced the hole and closed my eyes. I took a deep breath, concentrated on the formation all around me, and let my power flow towards it. In a few seconds the circle started drawing avidly from me, powering itself. Various sounds of stupor came from the people all around me but I ignored them, concentrating instead on the task at hand. After a few long minutes the barrier was finally stable enough and I opened my eyes. The dome that was barely visible before was now a milky white semi-transparent veil that emitted enough light that inside the circle it looked as if it was still noon, despide the ever darkening evening outside. I then noticed Holis who was standing next to me. All set? he asked when he saw that my eyes were again open. Kinda, I let out, my breathing rough. He raised an eyebrow. I have, I swallowed, I have to stay like this to keep the barrier going. All night? Are you sure youll manage? You really look like shit right now. Not all night, all three days. Remind me why we just didnt get away from here. I took a few deep breath before answering, honestly? I have no fucking idea myself right now. I see, I see, he nodded to himself. I think you might be a masochist. No, Im not. Then how do you explain... he gestured towards me with his hand, that. Devotion to my job as a hero, obviously. Yes, and Im a rabbit. Dont say it too loud. What?! he asked, taken aback by my answer. I smiled. Youll see. The last rays of the sun finally disappeared from the sky and a loud scream of rage came from the castle. Only a few seconds passed before a group of shadows that moved at incredible speed rushed from the gates of the walls to the limits of the light ring cast by the barrier around it. When they stopped the figures of more than twenty people appeared from the shadows, men and women who all looked attractive and shared the pale skin, red eyes and red lips that were common signs of vampires. They were all dressed in fine, elegant clothes that seemed to signify a noble status, despite not in line with the trends of human fashion I saw at the palace, nor being as impractical to move in. The one in the front, a tall and muscular man with long black hair tied in a ponytail stepped forward and spoke, you! How dare you Id definitely tap the third from the left, I said, ignoring the man who was talking, looking at a tall woman who looked to be in her early thirties, her body was on the slim side, though it still retained the right curves, and her face, coupled with the long, loose hair, was a mix of maturity and youth that resulted in a fine, elegant beauty. What?! Shes a vampire! he exclaimed next to me. So? She wants to kill you! As if that ever stopped me before. What? he said, his eyes wide. Maybe Ill tell you another time. Which one do you like by the way? I asked, grinning. What? None of them! Oh, come on dont be shy. He sighed and said, do I really have to? Yep. Fine, the rightmost one. Oh, I said, as I looked at the vampire who was at the edge of the group, a short girl who looked to be in her late teens and, was it not for her vampiric traits, would fit perfectly in the pure village girl trope. What? Nothing. He sighed again and shook his head. Before he could said anything though, I shouted, still ignoring the angry man in the front, hey you, the woman to the left with the untied hair! Whats your name? All the vampires were taken aback from my random question and turned to look at their comrade who, not knowing what to do, just answered, S-Seila. Well, Seila, youre really hot. She was even more baffled now and said, thanks? The man in the front stared at me with ice cold eyes and said, what are you doing? Well I coughed, were probably going to spend all night here, I thought some talking would have made it less boring. Also, you have to admit that she is pretty hot. Are are you crazy? he asked. I have been wondering the same for a while, I still have to come to a conclusion, Holis said next to me. Im not punching you only because I cant move, I said to him. Thats it, the vampire said, producing a javelin out of his shadow, say hi to your goddess for me. He ran a few meters forward, the light from the barrier lightly burning his skin, something he didnt even seem to mind at that level, and threw his spear towards me. I saw Joel try to run to intercept the spear but he was a few seconds too late. Not that it mattered, as when the spear hit the barrier, sending ripples through it, it stopped completely in its track and transformed in a bouquet of wildflowers. The vampire was still under the light of the barrier, immobile and blinking. After he finally snapped out of his stupor, he snapped his fingers before walking back outside of the influence of the barrier. After a few seconds a figure that easily reached six meters in height came out from the gates. As it ran down the hill the earth beneath us started shaking in tune to its steps. When it finally was near enough for the barrier to cast some light on it, we saw that it was a giant abomination made of a multitude of corpses stitched together, limbs, heads and torsos blending together to make the humanoid shape of the monstrosity. It came crashing against the barrier, creating ripples that ran all the way to the other side, instead of the barrier collapsing though, what the vampire saw in front of his eyes was a pile of ducks as high as his monster raining tumbling to the ground before starting to run in all directions quacking. The energy needed to manipulate luck to such levels worsened my condition and I started shivering as I felt a fever taking me. Fortuna Holis said next to me. Yes? Id like to remind you that I am definitely not a rabbit. I tried to laugh but I started coughing instead as the vampire leader shouted, what the fuck just happened?! Loris! Go get more corpses! he shouted at one of the vampires with him. The vampire in question nodded and started running at incredible speed away from the barrier and towards the forest, only to be stopped when two small symbols in front of him started shining and all the rocks between them transformed into mini rockets and shot towards him knocking him back a few dozen meters. The rockets then continued upwards, exploding like fireworks when they were well over the height of the castle in colored words that spelled, congratulations, you are our first visitor, against the night sky. Having finally stopped coughing I said, so, Seila, do you have any hobbies? Chapter 43 - At Dawn (+illustration) Chapter 43 - At Dawn
The vampires retired to their castle once they ascertained that there was no way for them to escape or destroy my barrier. After the first night they never came out, except one time when one of them tried to escape during the day, which didnt end well for him. Two nights and two days had now passed, and the sun was setting for the third time since we arrived. Having the attacks ceased the toll on me to maintain the barrier was much easier than the first night, though the sole fact that I had to maintain it for days without sleep meant that I was feeling terrible. I was still sitting cross-legged in front of the hole, with a high fever and constantly shivering and sweating. A pile of furs was keeping me warm while Holis poured some water in my mouth or gave me some food every now and then. After seeing what happened the first night the adventurers who were sent by the guild hadnt even tried to start a conversation with me and I was also bored out of my mind. When the sun had set by about half an hour Seila came out of the castle, alone. When she was at the limits of the light cast by the barrier I said, hey beauty, in a barely audible voice. Despite the distance she seemed to have heard what I said because she said, has this approach ever worked? I smiled. Well, you are here. Yeah not interested, sorry. What? Not even if I throw in this nice young man here as a bonus? I said, referring to Holis who was next to me. Hey! he shouted. Seila laughed and said, Im afraid Ill have to refuse. So? What are you here for? Well, she stared into my eyes, I thought that maybe you could let me out. Ehm No? She blinked a few times before going back at staring me in the eyes. Can you lower the barrier, please? she said with a sweet voice. As I said, no. She was even more surprised than the first time but instead of trying again she looked at Holis and said, can you kill the hero for me, dear? Holis just nodded next to me, took out a dagger and tried to stab me, only to fall to the ground convulsing. Hes your slave, isnt he? she asked, a tone of defeat in her voice. Yeah Did you just use that vampiric seduction skill or what it is called? Yeah Its a lot more effective than I thought it would be, I said, looking at Holis laying on the ground in the corner of my eye. She looked around me at the other adventurers who, after seeing what just happened and not being able to hear what I was saying despite being much more near to me than the vampire, were staring at her with their weapons drawn. Are the others, the adventurers started falling to the ground one after the other, ...nevermind. So was that your plan? Yes. How did you do that anyway? she said, pointing at the passed out adventurers. Air magic, I said as a matter of fact. Thats not how air magic works. It is if you know air well enough. I see she pondered for a few seconds then said, wont they die because of it? No, theyll wake up in a bit. Hope appeared again in her eyes before being crushed again when she saw that I was trapping every adventurer with earth magic. Anyway, I continued, you left without telling me what your hobbies are, and let me tell you, that was pretty rude. She stared at me wide-eyed. You are keeping us captive! And do you think thats a good reason to be rude? Yes!This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. I see I hoped it would have helped us become closer, I said in a sad voice. How could something like that happen?! she shouted. Well, it works sometimes. Sometimes? Have you? Is it? No wait, I dont want to know. She took a deep breath before continuing, how did someone like you even become the hero? Well, its a funny story, I was eating a pastry on a bench Stop! Stop! Please. I dont think I have ever met anyone like you in more than six hundred years, she said, before burying her face between her hands. Wow, let me tell you, you look a lot younger. With that, she broke. She let herself fall to the ground and, sitting there with her legs against her chest she started crying in exasperation. It took her well over ten minutes to stop crying, when she finally did she lifted her head from her hands and, staring daggers at me, she said, I hate you. Please, you flatter me. By the way, what were you people doing here? We were gathering forces to awake Letia and free her from the capital. Our leader, Moris, thought that doing it while the kingdom was busy with the war was a good idea. It also looked like we would have been able to before you arrived. He was one of her generals, you know? I could only stare at her in disbelief after hearing that. What? she asked, seeing me like that. Can you bring me your leader? I asked, still organizing my thoughts. Why? Do that and I might let you go, I said before winking at her. It was clear from her expression that she didnt believe me but she got up nonetheless and went back to the castle. She came back a few minutes later with the man who threw his spear the first night. When they were finally at the limit of the light of the barrier I asked him, can a mithril sword cut through an orichalcum chain? What? he asked me. Answer. No, of course it cant. Wrong answer, I looked at Seila, he lied to you. He doesnt actually know your queen. She looked at Moris. What?! Dont listen to this crazy woman, Selia. I smiled. I dont care if she believes me or not. I just wanted to make sure. Im done with all of this, he said, anger in his voice. He cupped his hands together and a sphere of condensed shadows manifested between them before flying at high speed against the barrier, only to transform in a white string of text that said, try again, youll be more lucky. He screamed in rage before sending another, only for the same thing to happen. He tried again, and again, and again, every time with the same result, until the tenth time when, the moment the globe of shadows hit the barrier, the string read, Congratulations! You won a free trip! before recondensing in a sphere of light and flying against him with roughly the power of ten of his spells, sending him flying all the way back to the castle. I think you should go see how he is, I said to Seila. She just nodded, her face blank, before running back to the castle. The rest of the night passed by quitely, except for a short moment when I had to explain the adventurers in the camp why they were half buried in dirt as they started to wake up. It was almost dawn when I started hearing a low humming from south-west. As minutes passed the the sound kept growing and growing in intensity. Suddenly the humming stopped and dozens of horns resounded in the forest from the same direction it came from. After a few, long seconds the horns stopped and the humming resumed, this time accompanied by a slow and protracted chant. The adventurers in the camp all rose to their feet, readying their weapons. Whats coming now? one of them asked, worry in his tone. In answer, another one hushed him and we went back to listen. When, after many seconds passed, the first two words, Our Mother, were finally sung I heard the girl who asked me about the barrier three days before say, could it be? She was hushed too as the adventurers listened to the chant growing closer. When what seemed to be the first line of the chant, Our Mother who resides in the heavens, finally finished more than a minute after it started Joel said, I think its them. Have you ever seen them fight? another asked. No, but I saw them sing once during a parade, Joel answered Who are they talking about? I asked Holis who was next to me, my voice barely a whisper now. I think they are the Valkyrie Corps, he answered as the second line, you who are holy, finished. I saw some of the adventurers who were in my field of view touch their foreheads, lips and chest before kneeling in the direction the chant was coming from. Who? Women who devoted their life to the service of the church as soldiers, he explained. Theyre all women? Nice. I wouldnt joke about it, he said as the third line of the chant, give us your light, finished. I tried to laugh, and failed, before asking, why? Fortuna, theyre at the head of the inquisition. Do not try one of your antics with them, he said, completely serious. Oh Thats a bummer. Im serious. Yes, I got it, I said, as all around us resounded the end of the fourth line, to defeat our enemies. The sun started to rise above the treetops almost as if the chant was calling on it and, about a minute later, singing and victory will be ours, what seemed to be a hundred people in full plate armor came out of the forest, even from almost a hundred meters away it was possible to feel the holy magic radiating from them. In front of the formation that was quickly taking shape stood a woman in plate armor without a helmet, from where I was I could barely distinguish her long red hair and the golden sun on her shoulders. She stabbed her longsword in the ground and everyone behind her stopped. Her two hands still on the hilt of her sword she looked at me and nodded. Understanding what she meant I sealed back my powers, making the barrier around us disappear and, having no more use for them, I covered back the letters around the circle with earth magic. The woman in the front of the formation raised her sword in front of her before bringing it down with a sharp motion. The moment her sword was lowered everyone started running towards the castle, the formation moving as a sole body. I saw the formation split in two halfway to the castle before passing out. Chapter 44 - The Valkyrie Chapter 44 - The Valkyrie
I woke up on a wooden floor surrounded by sacks and chests of food, a pelt was over me to keep me warm. Instead of complete walls there were only short barriers that barely reached the waist of a standing person on three sides with a tent-like structure continuing over them and closing at the top like a vault. On the other side from me a person in full plate armor was sitting in front of an opening. The moving scenery outside of the opening and the rocking of the floor under me finally confirmed that I was inside some sort of carriage. I looked at the person in front of the opening and smiled. Good morning, could I get- I couldnt even finish that the person had already jumped off the wagon. ...some water. I looked around me to see if there was anything to drink and, in doing so, I realized that something was around my ankles and wrists. I lifted the pelt in a rattle of chains to reveal golden shackles, probably made of orichalcum, impairing my movements. At that moment I realized there was also something around my neck and I raised my hands to find a leather choker with various stones embedded in it. The sound of metal on wood came from the opening and I saw the woman who was in front of the force that attacked the castle enter the wagon. She was still wearing her silvery armor, with a stylized sun painted on both her shoulders, while a longsword with almost no decorations except for the same sun symbol on the pommel was hanging from her waist. Her hair was red and fell on her back reaching almost to her waist, only a few strands falling on the front to her chest. Behind the woman with red hair was another one wearing a simple brown dress, her hair short and brown just like her eyes. In her hands she held a leather folder tied with a string. The red-haired woman kicked a crate in front of me and sat on it. She leaned forward, staring at me with yellow eyes. Good afternoon, Hero Fortuna. Good afternoon. May I know who I have the pleasure to speak with? I said, smiling. I am Zeina, Grand Dame Abbess of the Order of the Divine Light, High Mistress of the Holy Inquisition, and loyal servant of Our Lady, she said, her tone clear but completely devoid of emotions. I bowed my head lightly before saying, It is a pleasure to meet you, Mother Zeina. As you already know, I am Fortuna Tullius. Now, may I know why you decorated my wrists with such lovely bracelets? Of course. She extended her hand back and the other woman gave her the folder. She opened it and took a few pieces of paper before giving it back to what seemed to be her aid. You see, we asked the adventurers who were with you a few questions and some strange details surfaced. Because of those details we thought it was best to keep you she motioned at the chains, safe, lets say, until we could confirm what happened. They told us that you made them inscribe an eight-pointed star on the ground before writing symbols they had never seen around it. Is that correct? Yes. Very well, she continued, do you also confirm that an abomination about six to seven meters in height transformed, and I quote the reports, in a pile of live ducks? I chuckled a bit. Yes. Would you mind telling me how you achieved said effect? I grinned at her. Yes.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. I barely saw the armored fist that came my way before it crashed into my face. Punch given, her aid gave her a napkin which she passed over her gauntlet before throwing it at me. I took the napkin and pressed it against my bleeding nose before saying, it seems like you do not appreciate jokes. You could say so. Now, explain what you did, she said with her still emotionless voice. I tried using healing my nose through magic but it seemed like the choker around my neck severely impaired my ability to use mana, making the regeneration almost imperceptible. I stopped using magic as there were little to no results and said, the original plan was to build a barricade with earth magic and have me and another holy magic user keep up a barrier in shifts. I spat out some blood. The plan was impossible because there were no other mages in the group except for me so, seeing no other options, I tried using magic from my original world. I had never tried using that spell before but luckily for me it attuned to holy magic in this world. I see she put a hand on her chin and pondered about it for a while before asking, is it replicable? For me? Possible, but unlikely. It was a bet this time around and I happened to win it. Also, as you have seen, I looked at my body that was still pushed against the floor, there was quite the backlash from it. For others? I would consider it practically impossible. She raised an eyebrow. Why is that? Magic seems to have different rules in this world compared to mine. It would be like a mute trying to teach a blind man how to write. She sighed before saying, I will choose to believe you this time, Hero Fortuna. Be glad that there were still residues of holy magic where you used your spell. I am much thankful for your trust. May I ask you a question myself? Please, she said, gesturing me to continue. I had two horses and a slave with me, what happened to them? They are at the end of our convoy with our slaves and reserve horses. Do not worry about them, you will find them all well fed and in perfect health. Oh my. I guess I have to thank you then. You are welcome, she said before getting up. She then gave the papers to her aid and told her, see that she is freed and fed. She turned towards me and gave me a quick smile. We must take care of our hero after all. Her aid saluted her and said, yes, maam, as she jumped off the still going cart. The aid then turned towards me and gave me a light bow. I am sorry for what happened, Hero Fortuna, but it is our duty to verify the characteristics of unknown magic. I hope you will understand. Sure, dont worry, I said, giving her a smile through my bloodied face. She gave me a light nod and said, thank you, I will send you some of our women to free you from your chains and heal you soon. Well, thank you. She just nodded before exiting the cart with a small hop. It took only a few minutes for another set of women in heavy armor to enter the wagon, with them they had a small bucket full of water and a small sack. They put the sack and bucket down and one of them said, please, hold still, and, after a small nod from me, they proceeded to free me from my chains and remove the collar around my neck. After that, the one who had talked before used healing magic on my face. In the sack there is some food and a few pieces of cloth, you are free to use them as you want. The water in the bucket is safe to drink, and I suggest you do so. You have been asleep for over a day now, it will be bad if you become dehydrated, the one who hadnt talked yet said. Oh my, thank you very much for your care and concern, I said in a sarcastic tone. She frowned for a moment before saying, we will now leave you. If you wish to go outside and wish for the cart to be stopped, please tell the nearest Dame so. I will, I said with a nod. She just nodded before motioning to her companion and exiting the wagon much like the others before. I tried to stand up but I was still weak from using my powers in a human body, so, after cursing a bit, I started crawling towards the bucket. I took it with two hands and drank a few large gulp of the fresh water inside. (Human bodies suck.) I passed my tongue over my lips. (And this water tastes like fucking blood now.) Chapter 45 - Dulsalies Chapter 45 - Dulsalies
The trip didn''t end up being too bad in the end, a bit boring because the guards assigned to me never seemed to like talking much, but all in all it could have been worse. By the second day I had recovered enough to be able to move around and use magic normally, which allowed me to contact Raziel. She was definitely not happy when she heard what happened the previous days, especially the way Zeina greeted me. Most of all, though, she was happy to finally hear from me and know that I was fine. As for my companions, when I went to talk with Holis he started rambling about how the valkyries treated him, to which I simply answered that not every slave owner is as awesome and understanding as me. The horses on the other hand had no complaints, on the contrary they seemed quite happy to be free from any load, for once. In the end, the whole trip to Dulsalies ended up taking five days, which was more than I expected considered the fast response of the valkyries after I contacted Raziel. Then again, there was no hero to save this time around. The Valkyries themselves didnt take us all the way to the city, but stopped at a monastery on a hill just over it. The monastery was impressive because of its size but pretty unimpressive in its architecture, probably deliberately. It mainly consisted of a grey wall about four meters tall, with a heavy steel gate. Behind the open gate, a building in the shape of a squared U could be seen facing the internal yard. The building was made of grey stone too and had slits for windows and a flat roof. In the yard various groups of women were busy either training in various ways, from running and muscle training, to sparring and magic practice; or going about their daily activities. A group of women not wearing armor, when we finally got near enough, came towards us to help unload the carts. As her women did the heavy work, Zenia came to me and said, I think this is where our ways part, hero Fortuna, giving me her hand. Yes, we each have our duties, after all, I said, shaking her hand. It is as you say. I hope your stay with us wasnt too unpleasant. Oh, please, not at all, I said, smiling, just Id avoid going to the capital for a while if I were you. Why is that? she asked, raising an eyebrow. Just a hunch, I said, before mounting on my horse to leave. Oh and just another hunch, I said, still smiling, but I think you should be careful for what you wish for in the near future. Having finished our farewells I spurred the horse forward, not before leaving the yellow-eyed girl a small gift. When I and Holis finally passed the monastery, we were able to take in the full sight of the city. A large agglomeration of tightly packed, white and grey houses with flat roofs enclosed inside a stone wall was on the right side of the river that ran all the way from the capital to the sea. Squares and buildings bigger than the rest broked the otherwise monotonous sight here and there, while a port with hundreds of ships coming and going sat by the sea near the river. On the other side of the river from the city, instead, there was a military fort with wide earth walls covered in bricks that reminded of the star forts on Earth. It too sat next to the sea and had a harbour well protected from both the elements and possible attacked, and inside said harbour, dozens of warships were stationed and ready to depart. The most impressive feature of the city, though, was a massive chain that ran just over the surface of the river from two towers, each about fifty meters from the banks of the river. Small vessels could be seen travelling from the two ports to the inner part of the river passing in the small corridor between the towers and the banks and going from one side to the other of the river. Thats a big chain, Holis said next to me. That it is. You dont seem too impressed by it, he said with an inquisitorial tone. Ive seen my fair share of chains like that. Though thats thicker than what Im used to. Way to ruin a moment, he grumbled. Oh, come on, Ill buy you a painting of it from a street artist to bring to your sister. Really?! Yes, of course I grinned, but only if youre good and do what mommy tells you. I spurred the horse forward while laughing, as Holis ran after me cursing at me.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. We reached the front of the gates of the city after only twenty minutes with the horse running as they were. In front of the gates a long queue of people were waiting for checks by the guards, but we just passed by them and went straight for the gates. When we were close enough, two guards came our way. When they saw me, the two appeared visibly nervous, but they tried their best to keep their professionalism and one of them asked, halt, who are you and what matters do you have in Dulsalies? Baroness Fortuna Tullius and her possessions. Im here for touring and as part as my training as hero of the Holy Kingdom. I saw one of the other guard gulp while the first said, well need proof of your identity. Sure, I said, producing my badge from my storage. I showed the guard the red badge and he immediately bowed. I am sorry for the impertinence, Lady Fortuna. Please, come this way. We followed the two guards and soon we were on the other side of the gates, having skipped all the long queue. I wish you a good time inside Dulsalies, Lady Fortuna, the guard said, bowing once again. Thank you, I answered with a smile. Having finished with the short border control, we set off to explore the city. The buildings right after the gate already presented the white and light grey colors I saw from far away. From close up I could finally see that the buildings were made of stones cut like bricks and put together with mortar. Every single building seemed to be built off of the same stone, probably abundant near the city. The scenery created by that was somewhat confusing and almost surreal. Despite that, the light colors, coupled with the bustling of the city and the small breeze that brought the smell of the sea all the way to the outskirts of the city, made the scenery give some sort of relaxing feeling, probably aided by the perfectly blue sky over our heads. Hearing more people coming behind us from the gates, I commanded my horse forward and started going down the large road, with Holis behind me. Only a few minutes had passed when my nose was filled with the smell of fried fish, and I spotted a street seller dipping large amount of fish in a pot full of hot oil. Needless to say, I immediately went towards him. What are you doing? Holis asked me. Getting some fish, I answered as a matter of fact. Its not been a while since we ate though. Who cares? Its fried fish. I havent gotten some decent fish since I came to this world. Why does it sound so dirty? I don''t know, maybe you should wash yourself a bit more down there, I said with a small giggle. Hey! I he sighed, you know what? Nevermind, let''s go get this damn fried fish. That''s my boy. I heard another sigh from him as I got closer to the street vendor but just ignored it. How much for two portions? I asked the man who was concentrating on his task. He looked up to me and, when he saw me, jumped back a bit. Ehm Twenty coppers. I tossed him two coins and he nodded, before taking a slotted ladle to take some of the frying seafood and put it in two small bags of rough hemp. Holis then came forward to take the two bags, to the relief of the vendor who obviously preferred not having to deal with me. Holis gave me one of the bags and we resumed our tour. Following the large road we soon arrived to a large market square bustling with activity. Two large buildings, which seemed to be the adventurers guild and the merchants guild, faced each other on opposite sides of the square. From the square itself six roads departed, three going back towards the walls, and three going further in in the direction of the sea. Deciding to keep a tour of the market for later, I kept going south towards the sea. It didnt take us long on horseback to finally reach the shore. Ships and boats of any kind and size were maneuvering to either leave or enter the port east of us from any direction. Right in front of us was a promenade that seemed to go from the port all the way to the limits of the city. People of any kind were walking here and there, either for leisure or for work. I spotted a bench and decided to just relax a bit in front of the sea. I tied the horse and went to sit on the bench, with Holis following me, quiet as he too took in the view around us. I sat on the bench and bit into a fish that resembled a goatfish for size and shape. Taking in the gentle breeze of the sea, I said, it sure is nice here. Indeed. Maybe we could finally relax a bit, for once, Holis, who had sat next to me, said. Oh come on, you say it as if there is always something happening around me. Yeah, youre right, its not like since I met you I found myself facing more deadly monsters than in all the rest of my life, ended up in a city under siege by an army of treants, or spent three days in front of a vampire hideout while those same vampires wanted us all dead. Oh yeah, it must have been really hard for you to spend the day in that brothel or giving me food and water while I kept the barrier up, I said after swallowing a piece of fried squid. Ok, ok, I get it, I have no right to complain about that, he said, waving around what looked like a fried anchovy. Its good that you understand. Im still going to complain about that time with the vines though. Oh, come on, it wasnt that bad. I couldnt sit for a full day after that! How is that not bad? he shouted. I just giggled a bit as I bit into another fish. Anyway, he continued, my point still stands. Youre like a magnet for weird shit. No, Im not. Those were just coincidences, I said, waving the matter away. Sure he said, going back at his portion of fried seafood. Thats when I felt it. Just like the seafood had grabbed the attention of my nose before, making me crave for it, something was grabbing the attention of my very soul, making me crave for it as if it was a rare delicacy. Fanart Gallery Fortuna Reactions by Oracle Tired Sad Lewd LaughLove this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Heh Happy Angry Lets drink Really? Fortuna and Raziel fanart by Whisper Chapter 46 - Child of the Small Moon (+illustration) Chapter 46 - Child of the Small Moon
I was staring at the city behind us, in the direction where of that thing that was calling to me, when Holis asked, whats wrong? Theres something that just came up, finish fast, I said, before going back at eating the fried fish in my hand. He just nodded and kept eating his portion. When we finally finished eating, we got back on our horses and started going back the way we came from. After a few hundred meters I turned towards a smaller street perpendicular to the wide road that brought from the square to the sea. Care to say where we are going? Holis asked as he rode next to me. Youll see in a bit. Fine It took us only a few minutes and a couple more turns to finally reach the place. A relatively large building, with a wooden sign over the door that read, Mailard and sons slaves. Wait, wait, wait, Holis said in a hurry, I was joking, dont go off selling me at the first slaver. Im not here to sell you, Im here to buy. Oh he said surprised but relieved. I dismounted and gave the reins of my horse to him. Watch the horses. Yeah, yeah, have fun, he said, waving me off. I entered the building and found myself in front of a human girl who looked to be in her early twenties who was wearing a frilly maid dress. (I wish Raziel wore something like that every now and then.) Welcome to Mailard and sons, how may I help you? she asked with a small bow. I would like to buy a slave. Do you already have something in mind? Yes. I see, then please follow me, she said, before walking towards a door on the side of the lobby. I followed her into a small room with a sofa and an armchair in front of a coffee table. Please, wait here, the master will come to you soon. Thank you, sweetie, I said, before sitting on the sofa. The girl gave me another small bow before exiting the room, leaving me alone. Finally alone, I closed my eyes to seek out what I had come for. A girl with white hair, wolf-like ears, a white tail protruding from her back and blue eyes was sitting inside a room with the bare necessities. She looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, and, while I couldnt perfectly grasp her height while she was sitting, it seemed like height wasnt her strong point. I smiled seeing that she was indeed what I had come for, a natural born oracle. At that moment, I heard the door open again, and I opened my eyes. A man in his late fifties wearing fine brown pants and a brown jacket over a white shirt was entering the room. Following behind him was the same girl of before. I am sorry to have kept you waiting, Lady Fortuna, I am the owner of the establishment, Rey Mailard, he said, giving me a light bow. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mailard. He sat on the armchair next to the coffee table, while the girl stood next to him. My worker here has told me you wish to buy a slave. Yes, an ice-wolf female to be precise. Oh, do not worry, we have a few here that are sure to be of your liking, he said with a large smile, Yolanda, please, can you bring them here? The girl bowed saying, yes, master, and walked out of the room.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. She returned about five minutes later with three women following her. One was but a child and not too different from a human, save from the blue eyes and the white hair. The second was a girl in her early twenties with wolf ears and a fit body. Finally, the third one was a woman I couldnt grasp the age of well, who looked just like a werewolf from a fairy tale, only with completely white fur. All of them were wearing rags that barely covered their bodies. Is any of them to your liking? he asked, still smiling. Actually I was hoping for a girl who looked mostly human, but with both the tails and ears of an ice-wolf. His smile broke and, visibly agitated he said, ehm we do have one who fits that description but I dont think she is fit for someone of miladys caliber. Oh, and why is it? I asked, curious. She is broken goods. A truth stone reading revealed that she has a skill that is not fit for a non-human. I would like to see her anyway. He left out a sigh before saying to the girl at his service, please, bring her here. The girl, just like before, bowed and left the room. Are you sure none of these three are of your liking? he asked. I looked at the second woman, the one with wolf ears and a slim and toned figure. (Well, Id definitely tap that, but) No, I am sorry. I see After only a couple of minutes the girl returned, this time with the girl I previously saw when I was searching for what was calling at me. Finally able to see her standing in front of me, I could see that she was about a meter and sixty tall. Not only was she not the highest person around, but she was also trying to make herself smaller, obviously scared and worried about what was going on. This is the girl in question, Lady Fortuna. She is cute, I admit it, but, as I said, she is broken goods. I cannot have a lady of your caliber buy someone like her, the slaver said. What is your name? I asked the girl, ignoring the master of the shop. She looked at her master, who just motioned her to answer, before looking at me and saying, Akiko. It is a beautiful name, I said, giving her a smile. How much for her? Ehm Fifty silvers, if you really want to buy her. That is quite cheap for such a beautiful girl. As I said, she is broken goods. I would never ask a lady such as you for more, he said, which caused Akiko to close even more in herself when she heard she was broken goods. I will buy her then, thank you. He sighed and said, very well. Yolanda, bring the documents. It took us only a few minutes to end the whole procedure of passing her ownership from Mr. Mailard to me. In the meantime Yolanda had brought the other slaves back in their rooms. May I ask you if you have any clothes more fit for bringing her around with me than what she is wearing? I said, once the procedure was finished. Ah, yes, of course, of course, he said, finally regaining his business smile, we have a wide array of clothes for our slaves, from simple commoners clothes, to high quality dresses. We should also have some traditional clothes from Lacet, if you prefer. I think they suit an ice-wolf like her perfectly. Please then, I would like to see her with those clothes on. Sure, he nodded. Yolanda, please have her changed. Yes, master, the girl said, before taking Akiko outside the room. They returned after almost twenty minutes. Instead of the rags she was wearing before, Akiko was now wearing what I could only identify as this worlds version of a yukata. The yukata itself was white, with blue borders and a blue flower motif. Over the yukata she was wearing a hori-like jacket of a pale greenish blue color, while a light purple obi was around her belly. Her feet were covered by a pair of white socks as she was wearing sandals that would otherwise leave her feet out in the open. Finally, in her hand she was holding a purple umbrella with a wooden handle. She was obviously nervous about being made a show of, and her eyes were downcast. All I could say when looking at her though was, beautiful. I see you like the outfit, Lady Fortuna, Mr. Mailard said with a beaming smile. Yes, very much so. How much is it? Only a gold and two silvers. I nodded and gave him the money for the clothes too. Is there anything else I can help you with? No, thank you, this is all I came for today, I said getting up from the sofa. He got up from the armchair too and, bowing slightly to me, he said, thank you for your patronage, Lady Fortuna. I hope we will be able to make business together once more in the future. Thank you for your time, Mr. Mailard. Having finished what I had to do, I told Akiko, come, and exited the building. Once outside, I saw Holis waiting for me with the horses leaning against the walls of the building. Took you a while, he said when he saw me. I put a hand on my chin and said, I think i should sell you after all. Hoi, dont even joke about it. So, what did you have to do? I had to buy a very special slave. Holis, this is Akiko, I said gesturing towards my newly acquired slave. Akiko, this is Holis, my other slave, who doesnt know how to behave like a slave at all. Nice to meet you, Holis said, ignoring my comment. Akiko just nodded her head towards him in response. So, now that you have our new sex toy, what should we do? Holis asked, which made Akikos eyes open wide in surprise. Hey! I didnt buy her for that, I said, putting a hand over my chest and feigning the most outraged expression I could do. Yes, yes, what for then? Youll see. But first, we have to exit the city for a while. Chapter 47 - Oracle We were a whole hour away from city by horse when I finally decided to stop near a dense group of trees. I dismounted my horse and tied it to one of the trees, before helping Akiko, who had rode with me, dismount too. So? Can we know why we had to come all the way here? Holis asked once he had dismounted too. Sure, I said with a smile, you see, Akiko here has a pretty peculiar skill. When I said so, I saw Akiko shy away from me while looking down. Her reaction made Holis more curious about her, though in his look there was also a bit of disgust towards me. Its not something like nightly activities, right? Wait! Theres a skill like that?! He shrugged. I only heard about it in some rumors. Oh I said, with a disappointed look on my face. (I should look more into this later) Youre thinking that you should look more into it, arent you? I will not lie to you, I said. I then looked at Akiko and, completely changing matter, I asked her, you have the oracle skill, dont you? She only nodded in response, not even able to look in my eyes. Wait, Holis said, leaving aside the fact that you didnt answer me - I did not lie to you. Leaving that aside, whats this about the oracle skill? As I said, Akiko here has the oracle skill, I said, waving towards the wolf girl. He raised an eyebrow and said, that makes no sense, the goddess only gives the oracle skill to humans. Oh, she didnt get it from your goddess, she was born with it. Am I right, Akiko? In response to my questions, once again, she could only nod. Holis seemed to immediately come to a realization as he said to Akiko, Im sorry, I didnt know. She shook her head and said, do not worry. Well, now that we have confirmed everything. Akiko, would you like to be my oracle? What? she said, with a look of disbelief. What the hell are you saying? Did you buy her just to make fun of her? Holis shouted at me, visibly angry. I put a hand between me and him and said, wait, before I continue, I order you two to never talk about what you are about to hear. Akiko, once again, just nodded, while Holis said, yeah, yeah. Explain. Remember what I did a few days ago? That was something possible only for me, because , in my world, I am the goddess of luck and chances. Yeah, and Im a boar, Holis said, scoffing at me. Ignoring him, I continued, for this reason, I ask you, Akiko, would you accept me as your goddess and become my oracle? She started mumbling, not knowing what to say, as she definitely didnt believe me but didn''t want to anger her new mistress. Lets put it like this, if you knew for certain that I was a goddess, would you accept? I said. Ehm yes. Thats good enough for me. I released a bit of my power. It was actually much more than I had to release only a few days before to defend against the bandits, but I confided in the fact that, being the duration so short in comparison, my body would have been able to tolerate it. It was still far from the maximum I could release while in a mortal form, after all. Just to be sure, though, I used a portion of that power to keep my body going through holy magic. I wasnt a long term solution, but it was enough for the few minutes I needed.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Because I released so much of my power, my body started glowing lightly, and two thin strings of light, about three meters long, appeared from my back. I, Luck, designate you, Akiko, as my only living oracle. After saying so, I leaned forward, closed my eyes, and kissed her. At the same time, the two strings of light moved to enter her heart and head. After only two seconds that seemed to last an eternity, I separated from her, and so did the two strings. I opened my eyes, and saw that the wolf girl was glowing lightly too. A glow that was quickly subsiding as the short, and relatively informal, ceremony ended. I [looked] at her and said. Now I need you to do something for me. Try looking at yourself with your mind. I know its difficult at first, but close your eyes and search inside yourself, trying to know more about yourself. When you succeed you should be able to see your status as if you touched a truth stone. Akiko nodded and closed her eyes. It was evident that she was putting a lot of effort in it from her face that showed a deep concentration. In the meantime, I kept her status in front of me.
Name: Akiko Race: Ice-Wolf Tribe
Lvl: 14 Job: Ice Mage [Overwriting]
HP: 1007 MP: 976 SP: 239
STR: 37 DEF: 21 AGI: 43
INT: 94 WIS: 71
SKILLS
Dagger Mastery lvl 1 Water Magic lvl 2 Ice Magic lvl 3
Oracle Holy Magic lvl 5 Luck Manipulation
TITLES
Oracle of Luck
After a few minutes she said, mistress I I can see it. Very well, now think about hiding your oracle skills from others. Y yes. It took her another minute or so, before she finally said, I I think I did it. And, indeed, her new skills and title now appeared to be hidden, which meant that only gods as powerful as me and their oracles would have been able to see her true abilities.
Name: Akiko Race: Ice-Wolf Tribe
Lvl: 14 Job: Priestess
HP: 1007 MP: 976 SP: 239
STR: 37 DEF: 21 AGI: 43
INT: 94 WIS: 71
SKILLS
Dagger Mastery lvl 1 Water Magic lvl 2 Ice Magic lvl 3
(Oracle [Hidden]) (Holy Magic lvl 5) (Luck Manipulation )
TITLES
(Oracle of Luck)
Good job, Akiko, I said, ruffling her hair. T thanks, she said, with a slight blush on her cheeks. Ok, then, I said facing towards Holis. I will now seal my powers again, and I might pass out when i do so. I need you to take us back to the city and find us an inn. He put his palm between himself and me and said, wait, wait, Im still trying to process what the fuck just happened here. How about we talk about it later? Id rather not start puking blood for nothing. He sighed and said, I guess thats fair. Good. I sealed back my powers and, the moment I did so, I felt my legs collapse beneath me, but Holi managed to catch me before I hit the ground face first Are you ok? he said, with worry in his voice. Yeah. I nodded slowly. Its better than I thought it would be, just throw me on the horse. I think Ill sleep for a bit. Thats not very godly of you, he said with a smirk. I swear Im going to actually transform you into a boar. Ok, Ill shut up, he said, before picking me up in a princess carry. I only managed to say, good, before falling asleep, still in his arms. Chapter 48 - Night in Dulsalies Chapter 48 - Night in Dulsalies I woke up in a bed with a light cotton sheet covering me. Over me I could see an unfamiliar wooden ceiling, between two walls of light gray stone lit by candlelight. I sat up and met Holis eyes. He was sitting on a wooden chair next to the bed, eating from a bunch of red berries. When he saw I was up, he took a bowl full of the fruits and offered it to me saying, want some? Yeah, I said, and took a handful of berries. So... he swallowed the berries that were still in his mouth, youre a goddess? Yep. Im the goddess of luck, to be precise, I said, with a mouth still half full of those acidic but sweet berries. Wait, I thought there were only two gods. The hero summoning brought me here from my world. I see... he shrugged, well, that explains the ducks at least. And why youre so random. You seem pretty unfazed, considering the situation. Honestly, I think I havent registered it yet. I mean, a king is something I can get my mind around. A god Its as if someone just told me they have a billion gold coins. It just doesnt register. I just nodded as I kept eating the berries. Are you going to smite me or something now? he asked. I burst out laughing, putting a hand in front of my mouth to stop me from spewing pieces of berries everywhere. When I finally managed to stop my laughter, I said, no, definitely not. Why would I? Well, you didnt really seem happy about me before. Also, it seemed like something that should remain a secret. You have that slave contract on, right? I cleaned my mouth with a handkerchief I took out from my storage. That thing by itself should be enough from stopping you from talking. I see I guess youre right. Also, I continued, if I were to smite every person who insulted me there wouldnt be a single living soul in my world. Do you have any idea how many people curse their luck? I guess thats true too... And its not like me being a goddess is much different from me being a baroness as far as your well-being on that front is concerned, you know? He looked up at the ceiling, and took a deep breath and. After a few seconds he looked back a me and said, I dont have much of a self-preservation instinct, do I? I giggled a bit. Oh no, you definitely suck at that. I smiled at him. But its fine. Ive been worshiped as a deity, Ive been respected as a noble, Ive also been a priest a few times. But there were times when the same people who respect nobles and revere priests have insulted, tortured, or killed me, because I wasnt holding such positions, or I was and I was betrayed by them. Some of them, when it seemed fun to do so, saw retribution on my part, but most of them I just let go, as I know well how human nature is. I took a deep breath, Anyway, what I wanted to say is, Ive seen a lot, and lived a lot, and two things that are rare to find in people are coherence and honesty. Youre too honest for your own good, but at least its a nice change of pace. I dont really know what to say Thanks, I guess? I giggled. Im practically calling you dumb, you know that, right? He shot up from his chair and shouted, oh, come the fuck on! I thought we were having a moment here. I burst out laughing, and Holis soon followed me. We kept laughing and laughing for a few good minutes. At one point Holis was finally able to take a few deep breaths to calm his laughter and said, bitch. Dick, I said, and we resumed laughing. It took us another couple of minutes to be able to stop laughing completely, at which point I said, so, wheres my new oracle? It looked like she needed some time to think, so I told her to tend to the horses once we were all settled. What?! I shouted, jumping off the bed. Do you have an idea of how much that dress cost me? Dont worry, I got her some cheap work clothes, he said, taking another bunch of berries from the bowl. Speaking of which, between the clothes, the fee for the inn, and dinner I practically ran out of money. Dont worry, tomorrow well go on a quest and Ill give you some pocket money afterwards. Oh, thanks mummy, he said, grinning. Youre welcome, my sweet child, I said, playing his game. I then realized what he had just said and shouted, you already had dinner?! Yeah, a couple of hours ago actually, youve been out for quite a while. Do you think they still have something to eat? I told them to keep something for when youd wake up, he said, setting aside the bowl. Ill go get it for you. Thanks, I said, waving at him as he left the room. Now alone in the room, I went towards the window and opened the closed shutters, revealing the streets where the silver light of the moons danced around the warm orange light of the lanterns. Despite the fact that it was already late into the night, the streets were still bustling with people who were coming and going from buildings with red lanterns outside their doors. At that moment I heard the door opening again behind me, and turned to see Holis with a bowl and spoon in hand. Holis... I said, making it clear that I wasnt happy.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Yes? he said, putting the bowl on the bedside table. Are we in the red light district? Maybe? I sighed, is this a brothel? Of course not! Oh, good. Its just a normal inn that happens to also offer a very specific kind of room service. Holis! I shouted. What? I didnt know about it, ok? I just asked around for a good inn. I realized that we were in the brothel district only after dinner, he said, trying to defend himself. I hope that at least the food is good, I said, sitting on the side of the bed. Oh yeah. Its amazing, he said, offering me the spoon. I took a spoonful of the soup that was sitting in the bowl and tasted it. The soup seemed to have beans and shrimps as its main ingredients, with a clam here and there. I wouldnt say its amazing, but its pretty good, I said, dipping the spoon again in the soup. Food aside, knowing you I would have never thought youd be so against staying in the middle of the brothel district, he said, before laying down on the bed behind me. I shrugged. I have nothing against the profession, though I prefer a partner who does it for passion rather than money or because theyre forced to do it. Its just that it can get noisy at night. Oh right, it might get difficult to catch sleep at night. Thats not the problem. I turned to face him and stared straight into his eyes. I might get too excited and jump on you like a crazy animal. Fuck off, he said, throwing a pillow at me. I started laughing and, in that moment, a knock came from the door. Yes? I said, still giggling. Mistress, it is me, Akiko. I have finished tending to the horses, Akiko said from behind the door, her voice barely audible. Come in, I said and, a moment later, Akiko slowly entered the room while looking down at her feet. As Holis said, she wasnt wearing her yukata-like dress but a simple and loose linen dress that wasnt even dyed. When she was finally inside, she closed the door behind herself and stayed there where she was. Dont stay there, come sit here. I dont bite, I swear I said, smiling. A smile she probably didnt even register, as she kept looking down while, with a, yes, mistress, she went to sit at the end of the bed. We stayed there in silence for a few minutes as I finished eating. When the bowl was finally empty, I put it back on the bedside table and asked Akiko, how are you feeling? I am doing well, thank you, she said, still not daring looking at me. I moved closer to her and put a hand over her back, which made her tense up for a moment. Please, Akiko, talk to me. Do not lie thinking that it will please me. I know well that this situation might be difficult for you, so, please, tell me how you truly feel. She looked at me for only a second, before looking back at the ground. I I do not know, mistress. I do not know what to think. I do not know what I should do I saw tears starting to flow down her eyes, so I drew her closer to me and closed her in a hug. Akiko, I might have pushed myself a bit on you today, but if you dont want to be an oracle I- No! she interrupted me, pushing me away, but still clinging at my shirt. She looked at me, tears flowing down her cheeks, and said, please, let me serve you. I know I was born an abomination. I know I do not deserve this. But please please I brought her closer to me once more, letting her rest her head against my chest, and said, you are not an abomination. You are a young and beautiful girl, and, for what I have seen, you are strong and good too. I put a hand over her head, between her wolf ears. But, most of all, you are my oracle, Akiko. I will not abandon you, and I will not allow anyone to call you an abomination, not even yourself. Those simple words were enough to let her burst into a loud, liberating cry, while she kept clinging against me. She kept crying and crying, only stopping after about half an hour had passed, when she fell asleep, her head still on my chest, and her cheeks still wet from her tears. I gently placed her on the bed, and decided to let her sleep. I then looked at Holis, who, in the meantime, had gone to sit back on the chair. Want a drink? I asked him. He shrugged. It definitely cant hurt. I sat on the bed in front of him. I then took out a half empty bottle of liquor from my storage, took a sip, then passed it to him. He took a sip too, before saying, that wasnt what I was expecting. Yeah, to think someone would call such a cute girl an abomination... I said, turning to look at Akiko. She was laying on her side, her expression finally relaxed, and her lips slightly apart as she slept. Her white ears twitched now and then seemingly for no reason, while her tail went over her side to reach for her belly. The loose linen cloth had moved, revealing a bit of her breasts. (Damn, Id definitely do her.) At that moment, Holis flicked my forehead with his finger. I immediately turned back towards him, only to be met with a raised index finger right in front of my face. No! Bad goddess! he said, moving his finger as if he was scolding a dog. Hey! I didnt do anything! But you thought about it. Instead of rebutting, I [looked] at him again.
Name: Holis Race: Human
Lvl: 37 Job: Hunter
HP: 2985 MP: 345 SP:2486
STR: 276 DEF: 98 AGI: 267
INT: 98 WIS: 86
Skills
Dagger mastery lvl 2 Archery lvl 6 Hand to hand combat lvl 2
Stealth mastery lvl 7 Path finding lvl 4 Sense danger lvl 3
Magic manipulation lvl 1
Titles
-
After a bit, as I was still staring at him without saying anything, he said, what? I was just checking if you had perhaps gotten some mind-reading ability, I said, letting his status fade away. Maybe Im an oracle too, he said, before taking another sip. No, I think youre a god in the making, I said, keeping my tone as serious as possible. I what?! he said, bottle still in front of his mouth. Yes, youll soon be the mighty God of Annoyance, I said, as a smirk crept on my face. Chapter 49 - Sweet Relief from Pain Chapter 49 - Sweet Relief from Pain (Unknown POV)
We were walking towards one of the largest cities of the Olivedias Kingdom, the port city Dulsalies, when we met a small contingent of mounted knights with a few servants. They were coming our way and seemed to be ready for battle. Stay behind me and dont act rashly, I said to the girl who was with me. Yes, was her only answer as she positioned herself behind me. I moved to the right side of the road, hoping the knights would just pass by without even noticing us. It looked like that was exactly what was going to happen, until the knight right in front of the procession suddenly fell from his horse for no apparent reason. Halt! came the shout of a woman, the mounted knight right behind the one who fell. The whole column stopped and the woman who gave the order dismounted and rushed to the the aid of the knight who fell. Only when she removed the helm of the knight on the ground I realized who were the people in front of us. Change of plans, I whispered to my companion, as I felt one of the many vials of poison hidden beneath my clothes. I started walking towards the two knights on the ground as the one who was probably the second in command tried to assess the conditions of their commander. I finally got close enough to confirm my suspicions. The one on the ground was a woman with red hair and yellow eyes, on top of that, the stylized suns painted on her armor right over her shoulders were a clear indication of what organization they were part of. I had just stumbled upon the leader of those who were commonly referred to in the kingdom as the valkyrie corps, Grand Dame and High Mistress Zeina. Her appearance now showed nothing of what I had heard in the stories. Her breath was ragged, her face sweaty and flushed red, while her eyes struggled to remain open. A stark contrast to the mighty fighter everyone told about. A perfect occasion to rid the kingdom of one of their greatest assets. Sister, may I help you? I asked, bowing towards the worried woman. Go away, traveler, the second in command said, after only glancing at me. She whispered a few words, and soon I could feel holy magic gather around the sick woman, followed by a warm light. In a matter of seconds her breathing became more regular, but her overall complexion didnt seem to improve. When the light subsided, I could still feel the holy magic inside the commander, then I realized. What I could feel behind the layers of magical protections of her armor wasnt the spell her second in command had just used, but a divine blessing. It was but a small one, barely noticeable, but still the real thing. Sister, if I may What do you want?! she shouted at me. I felt again for the vial of poison, then, deciding otherwise, I moved my hand towards a small bag that contained various herbs and other alchemical ingredients. I took out the bag and opened, letting the smell of the drugs fill the air around us. Some illnesses see no improvement from the use of holy magic, only medicine will help her feel better. Are you an alchemist? she asked. No, sister, I cannot say I am an expert of the craft. But I received some training and I do have something that might help. I opened the bag and retrieved two small paper packets. I have some willow bark and dried elderberries, I am sure they will help our dear mother.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. She seemed to ponder my words for a bit, finally she said, very well, we will stop here for a while, prepare your concoction in the meantime, mister My name is Luis, sister. I do not have the privilege of a family name. I gestured towards my companion. The girl with me is the daughter of my dear brother, her name is Marie. She nodded. Very well, Luis, start preparing your mixtures. I will have my comrades make camp. Yes, sister, I said, bowing towards her. She opened a storage, retrieved a piece of cloth and used it to make a cushion for her commanders head. She then stood up and, turning towards her subordinates, she shouted, we will make a temporary camp here for a few hours, until the High Mistress feels better. Squads one and two, prepare the camp. Squad three, you are on patrol. She pointed at two men on foot. You two, slaves, carry the High Mistress to a more comfortable resting place as soon as possible. She turned again towards me. Well? What are you waiting for? I am sorry, sister, I will start mixing my ingredients immediately, I said, before walking back towards Marie. So, whats happening now? she asked me once I reached her. Im going to help cure one of the most powerful figures of the kingdom from her illness. What?! Why? she asked incredulous. If they get to show a bit of trust in me, I might be able to poison their whole squad. I I see. I glanced back at the woman on the ground. Also, even if I dont manage to, I want to at least try to strip that woman of her divine blessing. A divine blessing?! she said, her eyes almost bulging out from the stupor. Shh! Dont let them hear you, I said, placing a finger over my lips. Now, let me work, before that bitch of a vice commander starts questioning me. Yes she said, dropping her shoulders. It took me half an hour to grind the bark and elderberries in a fine powder and mix them with honey and liquor in a wooden mug so that they could be easily ingested. It would have probably taken me less time if I actually only had to prepare the mixture, but as I made it, I also had to weave darkness magic inside the ingredients, so that it would clash with the blessing and hopefully dispel it completely. In the meantime, the dames had almost finished preparing a small camp for the day. Only one tent had actually been prepared and the High Mistress was resting inside it, with two slaves and one of the dames tending to her. The vice-commander probably didnt plan to spend the night there, as the sun was still high over our heads. The fact that some of the dames had cleared a much larger area than was needed from the weeds growing close to the road, though, let me think that she was prepared to change her plans if the need arose. I walked up to the tent with my mixture in hand. When she saw me, the dame who was inside the tent stepped outside and put herself between me and the entrance. Is that the mixture that we are supposed to give to the High Mistress? she asked me, raising an eyebrow. Yes. Is it safe? There is nothing more than willow bark, elderberries, honey, and a bit of liquor in it. I took the wooden stick I had used to stir the mixture and used it to scoop a bit of it out and eat it myself. Its perfectly safe. Though I advise you give it to her slowly, as the liquor might burn her throat a bit. Yeah, sure, she said, snatching the mug from my hands. Now scram. Yes, sister, I said, and returned to where Marie was. It was only after almost a full hour had passed that the vice-commander came up to me with a smile on her face. The High Mistress fever has finally gone down. Thank you very much for your help. Please, I only did what any other good citizen would have done. There is no need to thank me, sister. She seemed to think about something for a bit after I said so. Finally, she said, my women are preparing lunch, would you like to join us? I nodded. We would love to. Good, it should be ready in a few minutes. She was about to leave when I stopped her, saying, actually I have some spices with me. Would you like to use them for our meal? Oh? Arent you generous? she said, honestly surprised. Please, shouldnt a man always donate to the church when he can? She started laughing and gave me a slap on my back. I like you, there should be more men like you around. Go to the slaves that are preparing the food, they will know what to do with your spices. You humble me, sister, I said with a smile. Now, if you excuse me Ill go see if I can get to be of use before our lunch finishes cooking. Sure, sure, go. I gave her a final nod before walking away towards the slaves who were busy working around a large cauldron. Looking at the pot I started feeling for the bag where I kept a few assorted spices. And for a container with dried dragon thimble. Chapter 50 - A Sunny Day Chapter 50 - A Sunny Day
I heard something falling on the hard wooden floor next to me, immediately followed by Holis voice. I fucking hate this shit. I lifted the white hat with a large brim from my face and turned to look at him. You should have said something before I accepted the quest. How the fuck I was supposed to know I was going to get seasick?! Ive never been on a ship! Look at the bright side, we should get back to Dulsalies by tomorrow morning. Yeii. He threw a weak punch up in the air. Only one more day of puking everything I eat. At least someone seems to be enjoying this, I said looking at Akiko. She was sitting on the taffrail of the ship, dangling her bare legs out. She was wearing a simple white cotton dress held by two thin white straps on her shoulders. The wind was making her long hair fly disorderly towards the back of the ship. She was smiling while looking at the large net that the fishermen were bringing on board and that was full of fish and crustaceans of any kind. Well, its easy to enjoy the sea when your stomach isnt trying to crawl out of your mouth. Yep, it is, I said, pulling my hat back over my face and resuming my sunbathing session. Shouldnt you be working instead of just lazing around? Nah, Akiko is more than enough to do the job. What about the guarding duty? Ready to deploy at any moment, I said, tapping the halberd on the ground next to me. Sure Anyway, I feel like another one is incoming. You know you dont have to tell me every single time, right? I heard him stir around a bit before jumping up and rushing away. He returned a couple of minutes later and let himself fall to the ground next to me once more. It would be probably be much better if you laid face down and with your feet flat against a wall, I said, peeking at him from under my hat. He was lying on his back, his face sweaty and his breath rugged. His eyes, which now seemed like they would fit on a panda from the black circles around the, were staring at me. And youre saying this now?! People usually find out pretty soon on their own. I havent slept in three days! he shouted. Oh my, did someone from the crew strike your fancy? He just sighed and closed his eyes. How boring, I said, before using holy magic to relieve his symptoms a bit. Thanks, he said, still keeping his eyes closed. Sure, sure, youre welcome. At that moment I heard someone approaching from the other side, soon followed by captains voice. Hero Fortuna, I am sorry to interrupt your break, but I think your slave is not enough for the last catch. I lifted my hat and looked at the burly man in his fifties who was looking down to me. Oh please, we are here to work after all. I jumped on my feet and picked up the halberd that was laying on the ground. I then looked around to see where Akiko was. I soon found her over one of the large hatches in the middle of the ship. Six fishermen were busy preparing the fish caught in the net and dumping it inside the hole, while Akiko froze it as it fell. It was obvious, seeing the net that was about a dozen meters long and packet with fish that it was going to take way too much at that pace. With a spring in my step, and the halberd over my shoulder, I skipped towards them. When I finally was at Akikos side she stopped for a second and, bowing to me, she said, mistress, I am sorry. It is just too much for me.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Dont worry, I glanced at the now sleeping Holis, I was starting to get bored anyway. Even with the two of us working in tandem, it took over an hour to finish freezing and storing away all the fish that was inside the net. I was about to go back at my sunbathing spot when I saw a bass that was on the deck flop. I walked up to it and lifted it by its tail. Hey, is it ok if I take this? I shouted towards the fishermen who were preparing the net to cast it out again. Sure thing, milady. The oldest said, barely glancing at the fish in my hand. I took a small knife and stabbed the fish behind its eyes, killing it in one swift move. I then proceeded to cut the gills and remove the blood, letting it fall were the remainers of the fish processing of before were. While I was at it, I used water magic to clean the deck of all the blood and fish parts still laying around. With my fish clean, I went back to my sunbathing spot. Holis was still sleeping and I didnt bother waking him up for the fishy aperitif. I sat down on the deck and, using ice magic, conjured a slab of ice. I put the fish over the ice and, using the same knife I had used to kill it, I cut off its tail, then proceeded to cut from head to tail entering from its back, leaving me with two fillets ready to be eaten in only a few swift motions. I threw the head, bone, and entrails that were left off the ship, then I cut the fillets in small, thin slices. As I took a pink citrus fruit that tasted of sweet lime from my storage, I shouted, Akiko, come here for a second. Yes, mistress! came Akikos response, accompanied by Holis groaning behind me, as my shouting had probably woken him up. What do you need? she asked when she was in front of me. Oh, I just wanted to ask if you wanted to snack a bit with me, I said, as I covered the raw slices of bass with the juice of the citrus and took a small pouch containing a mix of salt and spices from my storage. She stared at the sliced fish for a few long seconds, before nodding and sitting on the other side of the ice slab from me. What are you two doing? came the tired voice of Holis behind me. I turned around and saw that he had set up in the meantime. Eating. Want some? What are you even He saw me put a slice of fish in my mouth. Is that thing raw?! I just nodded as I kept chewing the firm and tasty fish. I think Ill go puke again. I waved at him as he got up and walked towards the taffrail, then went back to my freshly sliced bass. When I turned back towards it, I saw Akiko with her eyes closed, looking as if she was about to cry. You dont have to force yourself if you dont like it, I said. She shook her head violently, before smiling at me and saying, no, it is just perfect. We kept eating in silence for a while. Akiko would close her eyes every now and then, looking as if she was in deep thought, only to resume eating immediately afterwards. I didnt manage to finish my treat, though, as the ship suddenly rocked as I was nearing the end of the fillet, throwing the fish that was resting on the slippery ice on the dirty deck. I heard the captain shout, Its a pausiodan! Everyone in battle positions! as I grieved over my lost snack. I immediately shot up, halberd in hand, only to see a giant narwhal-like creature swimming next to the ship, on the opposite side from where I was. The thing was half submersed, but from the part that was visible, it looked to be about forty meters long. I dashed towards the leviathan, evading the fishermen who were hurrying to the ballistae of the ship, jumped off the deck, and, kicking off the taffrail, onto the beast. The landing wasnt of the most graceful. As soon as my bare foot touched the skin of the beast, it slipped off like a bar of soap on a wet floor. Instead of falling off, though, I managed to use the momentum I still had to plant the blade of the halberd inside the monster, finding myself to hit it face-first, but being still anchored to it. I pulled myself up using the halberd, then, using air magic to give me a further push, I kicked the beast and vaulted to reach its head. This time I was prepared, and I landed with a slide, which was soon stopped by using the halberd again as an anchor. Finally on top of his head, I took my rapier from the storage and planted it firmly in the beasts skull. I then took my mace and brought myself on my feet, still holding to the halberd. At that moment the beast suddenly moved to the side, away from the ship, and shook its head. It was almost enough to throw me off again, but it only served to make the cut from the halberd even more severe, or, at least, as severe as a cut that is as long as an halberd head can be on a creature that is as big as a ship. I peeked over its head towards the ship and soon found out the reason for the sudden movement. Three of the two meters long poles that the ballistae on the ship used were firmly planted in the beasts side. Before risking the same thing to happen again and finding myself actually having to swim back, I hit the hilt of the rapier with the mace as hard as I could, driving it further inside the pausodians head. I then hit it again, and again, until I felt the rapier push through the monsters skull. The over one meter long blade was almost completely buried inside the beast when I was finally confident that it had reached the brain. I put my mace away and, still holding the halberd for safety, I bent down and put a hand around the few centimeters of the mithril blade that were still visible. I sighed. Well, here it goes. With a shiver I sent lightning magic through the highly conductive metal directly inside the monsters brain. The leviathan started convulsing violently, shaking me around. Still, I held myself at the two weapons embedded in it with all my strength and kept the magical onslaught going. It took a few minutes of violent shaking before the beast finally stopped moved completely, dead. I rose back to my feet and heard the captain calling for me. Hero Fortuna! If we manage to bring that thing back to port, Im going to raise your pay by fifteen golds. (Holy shit!) Twenty! I shouted back, to see if I could profit even more from it. Eighteen! Deal! I looked at the giant beast that was now floating lifeless beneath my feet. (How the fuck am I supposed to do it tho?) In Memory (Not a Chapter) Today I was planning to post two chapters to mark my second year on Royal Road as well as the second birthday of this story, but I decided against it. The reason for this choice of mine is simple, today marks a full century from a much more important day. Most of you probably already know what I am going to talk about and I do not blame you if you decide to close this page now. I will be grateful, though, to those who remain until the end. A hundred years ago World War I ended. The estimated number of casualties of the Great War was close to forty millions. Such a number makes it impossible for a person to comprehend a tragedy of such proportions and, in our minds, it tends to translate to simply that, a number. Many of you have probably lost someone dear to you. From my own experience, I know that a single death, when the one who dies is someone close to you, can overshadow everything. Those numbers have nowhere near the same impact an event close to you can have, yet, for many more, at the time, a single person in that multitude was that event. Despite all this, I am not writing this short piece to cry those deaths, because my sentiment would be insincere, as I too am not able to put a face to those millions. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. I am writing this to thank them. I want to thank those people who gave their life, on either side of the conflict, because it is only thanks to those sacrifices, and the sacrifices made during the Second World War, that humanity learned a lesson. Today most of us live in peace, without having to worry about conflict. For the first time in history, a large portion of humanity lives without war looming over them. A single century is really short in historical terms. Yet, in the last century, humanity as a whole advanced in ways that would have been unthinkable before. As sad as it is, those advancements probably would not have happened, or would not have happened as fast, if it wasnt for the two wars. For this reason, I thank those people. I thank those who fought, because over them is built the foundation of the peace many of us enjoy. As readers and authors we soon stumble upon wars that exist only in fantasies, either by our, or someone elses pen. I wish to all of you that the pages of a book will be your only confrontation with the tragedy of war. I hope that if they have the chance, people will make that wish of mine come true and not repeat the past. Because a century is short, but the memory of people is often even shorter. I thank all of you who have read this crazy, incoherent rambling of mine. It was not planned, but I felt like I needed to do it. Updates of the story will resume on the 13th with two new chapters. Thank you. Chapter 51 - City Women Chapter 51 - City Women
When we returned to Dulsalies, a large crowd was awaiting for us at the docks, probably curious about the frozen pausolian being dragged by ropes behind the ship. Well, this is where we part, I said to the captain, giving him my hand. Yes, it has been a pleasure. He shook my hand. I will send one of my men to the guild with the payment after we finish unloading the cargo. It might take a while, so I suggest you go tomorrow to receive your reward. I would not want to waste your time by making you going back and forth from the guild. Thank you for your consideration. With the mission over, I went down the gangway, already savoring a lunch of delicacies from the stalls of the city. My expectations for lunch were immediately crushed when a group of guards moved through the crowd to approach me. Are you Baroness Fortuna Tullius? one of them said as soon as he was in front of me. I frowned, which immediately made the guards flinch. Yes. Is there something wrong? Absolutely not, my lady, the same guard said, now visibly nervous. Lord Lamar would like to invite you for lunch. Oh, you should have just said so from the beginning, I said, smiling. May my slaves come with me? Of course, my lady. Very well. I will gladly accept the invitation. I only ask that you wait for me to make myself presentable. One hour should suffice. Of course, my lady. May I ask where you are lodging? Sure. We are currently staying at the White Petal of Madam Valerie. The guards eyes immediately became wide as saucers, while some of the other guards behind him started whispering to each other. The bro- he caught himself before finishing the phrase. The one in Street of the Lantern? Yes, the brothel. He coughed, embarrassed by my frankness. Very well, I will send some of my men to inform Lord Lamar of your time of arrival. I and my men will escort you to your Inn. Thank you. The walk from the port to the brothel took only ten minutes. It was not uncommon, after all, for the sailors to want to find some rest in the arms of a woman after days at sea, and the red light district had developed close to the port to cater to those needs, but still far enough to not have to deal with the smell from the fishing boats. As soon as I entered the brothel, excited screams came from around the hall as the girls who weren''t busy with a client rushed towards me. Some girls started showering me with questions about the trip, how I was doing, how long I was going to stay from then on, et cetera; while others were just happy about me being back. Before I could answer to their attention, a woman clapped behind the small crowd, making the girls stop immediately. Do not bother our hero and get back to work. That was enough to make the girls leave me to go back to what they were doing before I entered, revealing a slightly plump woman over sixty who barely reached a meter and a half in height. She was wearing a long maroon dress with a split on her left thigh and a fox fur around her neck. She walked towards me with wide arms and I bent down to hug her, letting her plant two kisses on my cheeks. Hero Fortuna, I am so glad you are finally back, she said, smiling at me. I am happy to see you too. Has everything been fine while I was away? Oh yes. Most people know better than to mess with the White Petal, she said with a wink. She then looked at the guard who had spoken to me. Captain Murien, I haven''t seen you in a while. How is your son? He sighed. He''s a brat who thinks he''s more mature than he is, just like most kids his age. It wouldn''t surprise me if one if these days I''ll have to come here to bring him back home by a ear. He looked first at me, the at the girls around the room who were still glancing towards me now and then. By the way, madam, I have rarely seen your girls so excited. Oh, Hero Fortuna here helped my girls the other day when some unruly sailors wanted much more than what they paid for. That explains the recent shipment to our jails. Though It surely seems a pretty large welcome for something like that. Should I remind you that - Captain, she cut him off, I am sure that if there was something wrong with my establishment our dear cardinal would immediately let you know himself. Her eyes were now a lot less gentle than they were when we first entered, and the guard captain seemed to freeze under the gaze of the short woman. He bowed. I am sorry madam, I don''t know what I was thinking. He waved him off. It''s already in the past. Now, you still haven''t told me why you are here together. Lord Lamar asked me to accompany Lady Fortuna to his manor for lunch. She clapped her hands while smiling. Oh my, what are you doing here then? I wanted to change first, madam, I said. Of course, of course. She snapped her fingers. Girl, bring our hero, Akiko, and Holis to the changing rooms, we can''t have our dear lord wait. A few girls immediately shot up to take me to the small rooms behind the main hall, where they changed clothes at the start and at the end of their shifts. As I walked towards the back, I heard Valerie ask the guard captain if he wanted some entertainment while he waited, and the captain refuse. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. I came out of the changing rooms after about fifteen minutes. I had used air and water magic to clean ourselves up fast, as there wasn''t time for a full bath, and now we were ready to go to the Lord''s place. Akiko was back in her yukata-like dress, coupled with her parasol. Holis was now sporting a dark brown pair of trousers with a white dress shirt and a brown jacket over it. It wasn''t the most elegant attire in the kingdom, but more than enough for a slave to attend to their master in the house of a noble. He was the first to finish changing, and went back to the entrance while he waited for Akiko to wear her yukata, and for the girls to dress me, as I decided to go with formal attire. As with the dresses I had to wear in the castle a few times, a tight corset was needed underneath it, as well as the open underwear typical of the attire. The dress itself was white, with a wide skirt that reached all the way down to the ground and short sleeves that reached only halfway to the elbow. Frills and embroidery decorated it, to break the monotony of the fully white dress. A white floppy hat completed the summer attire. Finally ready, we made our way to the lord''s place. The mansion sat on the western side of Dulsalies on a small hill. While nowhere near the size of the royal palace, the mansion was still three stories tall and over two hundred meters wide. A balcony was right over the main entrance, supported by columns. Just like most buildings in the city, the palace too was built from a light grey stone. In front of the palace was a rectangular garden, slightly wider than the palace itself and a hundred meters long from the outer gates to the doors of the palace. The guards accompanied us up to the open doors, where a slightly tanned man who looked to be in his early fifties and a woman with skin white as snow who barely looked over thirty were waiting for us, surrounded by a small entourage of servants. When we arrived, the guards bowed to their lord and left us. Under the shade of the balcony over our heads, the lord and lady stepped forward to meet us. The lord was wearing a dark blue suit with a double breasted jacket which slightly reminded of a navy officer, along with a white foulard around his neck that was tucked inside the jacket on the front. The lady, on the other hand, was wearing a yellow dress not dissimilar to mine, if it wasn''t for a lack of a hat and the long sleeves that reached past her wrists. Welcome to my home, I am Lamar, Count of Fiebuche and Lord of Dulsalies. He motioned to the woman at his left. This is my wife, Veta. I bowed slightly to the two. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Baroness Fortuna Tullius. The ones with me are my slaves, Akiko and Holis. Please, please, enter. Our chef is eager to have the hero taste his cuisine, he said, moving a bit to the side. He lead us through the ground floor of the mansion until we reached a room where a long table, able to fit over twenty people, was prepared for three people. The lord of the house sat at the head of the table, while his wife sat as his right. A maid moved the chair on the lord''s left for me, and I set in front if his wife, giving the maid my hat. Lord Laram, my slaves have not eaten since this morning, may I ask of you to provide for them too? Certainly, he said, before motioning for a maid to lead them elsewhere, probably the servants common room or the kitchens. Soon after the first course of the meal, a salad made with boiled mackerel, broad beans, green beans, and the tuber known as soldier''s bread. Along with the dish, came a serving of vilam, which was unusually pink compared to the bright red I had grown accustomed to. Lord Lamar began to eat and I and his wife soon followed. After we ate the first dish in silence, he said, Lady Fortuna, I see our cuisine is of your liking. Yes, I am glad I came to Dulsalies. The rest of my experience in this world has seen a severe lack of seafood until now. He laughed a bit. That does not surprise me. Many of those who grow far from the sea are not used to the taste of its fruits. I am glad that you appreciate it. More than you think. I leaned forward as if I was confessing a secret. When I first arrived here, not an hour had passed before I had to try the delicacies offered by your city. He laughed again. Now I understand why you decided to go fishing in the past few days. It must have been fun to work on a fishing boat, Lady Veta said, putting a lot of emphasis on the last part of the sentence. It was indeed. Sunbathing while being lulled by the waves and refreshed by the breeze of the sea is a quite enjoyable experience. You should try it, Lady Veta. My, my. I would love to, but I fear my skin might suffer from such an activity. I smiled at her. Please, if you ever desire to do so, I would be glad to accompany you, I am sure my healing magic would be able to make it enjoyable for you too. There are things you can experience at sea that you cannot in the walls of a mansion. The lord beamed. So true, so true. Oh, how I miss the days when I was still in the navy. Now I left to my sons the enjoyment of sailing. A city like Dulsalies cannot run itself after all. The countess glared to her husband for less than a second, but that alone was more than enough to make him compose himself with a cough. I heard you had a small incident while at sea, the lady said. I am sorry but I do not recall any incidents. She looked quite surprised for a second but she continued nonetheless, have you not met a pausiodan? I smiled. Please, that was nothing so grave as to call it incident, on the contrary, it was quite the enjoyable experience. If I have to talk about a downside of the encounter, I would say that I did not expect it to die with a single spell of mine. I hoped such an imposing beast would have served better for my training as the hero. I sipped some vilam as the lady of the house glared daggers at me. One spell! her husband shouted, not reading the mood. You are truly worthy of your title as hero, Lady Fortuna. Please, I am sure you have many tales to tell about your service yourself. He leaned forward towards me. Oh yes, there was this time when - Dear, she interrupted him, the next course has arrived, you are making it difficult for our kind maids to serve you. Ah, sure, he said, straightening himself and letting the servants change the plates. The next course, a plate of rice with clams, cuts of squid, and peas was again eaten in complete silence, making the atmosphere that tiny bit heavier. At the end of the dish, when the countess took her glass to drink, her sleeve slipped down, and I noticed a red mark around her wrist that she quickly covered. Have you perhaps hurt yourself, Lady Veta? I asked. The question made the lord of the house tense up, probably trying to come up with something to say, but the countess answered completely ignoring her husband. Oh, it is nothing, I was not holding the reins of my horse correctly and they tightened on my wrist when it made a sudden movement. Oh my, I am sorry to hear that. I have been told that I am pretty good at fixing unruly horses, would you like me to try making yours behave better, I said, shooting a glance at the count, who was becoming more and more nervous by the second. No, her response came hard and decisive. my horse behaves exactly as I have taught him. I would like you to stop talking about this matter. I am sorry, I will not inquire any more. The next course came to heighten the mood a bit. A fillet of a fatty and red fish that had just been seared outside and left practically raw at the center, with a few scallops and a mild green sauce that tasted vaguely of mint to accompany it. The course once again went away in complete silence. After finishing it, trying to make the conversation start from a different topic, I said, Lord Lamar, I have not yet complimented you on your city. Since I have arrived I have had nothing but enjoyable experiences, truly a marvelous management. Please, Lady Fortuna, you should not be complimenting me. My talents are in leading ships and men at sea. It is thanks to my dear wife that the city can prosper as it does. Now I was honestly surprised. Oh, I have to give you my honest praises, Lady Veta. Please, you humble me, she said, obviously happy of having scored a win. I was about to talk again, when I suddenly felt the gift I had given to Zeina disappear. I unconsciously frowned, which didn''t go unnoticed by the two nobles. Is something the matter, Lady Fortuna? the count asked me. I smiled, putting the matter of the blessing aside. No, sorry, I thought I heard something, but it must have been my imagination. Chapter 52 - Following the White Rat Chapter 52 - Following the White Rat
After the lunch at Lord Lamars place, we decided to tour the city some more. After all, having a vacation was the whole reason I was in a mortal body to begin with, and a sprawling medieval-like city on the sea full of delicacies was pretty high there with the top spots one could visit. We made our way to the center square we had traversed on the first day, looking at the various shops and stalls that dotted the streets. Holis was pretty uninterested about most of the wares the city had to offer, though he did stop at one point to browse the goods of a leatherworker that had set shop just outside of the square. The shop obviously didn''t dab as a tanner, as, while the smell of worked leather permeated its walls, the foul smell characteristic of tanning wasn''t present. After browsing for a while, he ended up buying a thick and sturdy protection for his forearm that felt harder than steel. He had been worried he would hurt himself badly with the bow I was planning to give him for a while, so he was more than happy about his finding. As for Akiko, while she had opened up a bit to the two of us, she didn''t seem at ease with stranger and, in the large crowd of the city, she limited herself at glancing here and there, never approaching a shop on her own. No matter how many times I told her it was fine for her to get something for herself, she always replied that I shouldn''t spend even more money on her. As for me, I was jumping at every shop that caught my eye. By the time we got to the street that went towards the sea from the central square, I had already added to my storage a spinning top that had its top colored to look like an island in the middle of the sea, a carved knife made of some kind of whale or monster bone with a sheath decorated with mother of pearl, a few bottles of a sauce made by fermenting fish with salt and herbs, a few bottles of a liquor made by letting a mix of citrus fruits peels infuse in distilled vilam that reminded me a bit of Grand Marnier, and a straw hat. I was still wearing my formal dress, so the old man who had set up stall to sell his simple hemp sacks, straw hats, and wicker baskets was a bit flustered when I asked him the hat. He tried to convince me for a while that his wears weren''t worthy to be sold to me at first. When he saw that I wasn''t going to leave the simple hat behind, he instead tried to give it to me for free, and I actually had to do some weird form of backwards haggling to convince the man to take at least a few coppers for it. Nothing else really caught my eye as we traversed the wide street we had walked through a few times already during our short stay, until, almost at the end of the street, I saw a burly man with dark skin shouting at the crowd to attract customers. Curious, I moved through the crowd and got closer. When his short stall that had been until then hidden by the sea of people was finally visible, I took Holis and Akiko by their hands and run up to him fast like the wind. Seeing me approach, the man turned his attention to me. Milady, would you like an iced treat? he asked, with a big toothy smile. (It''s fucking ice-cream!) I would love to. Very well, shall I make it three then? Yes, I answered, without even looking at Holis or Akiko. Very well then. He proceeded to scoop a very generous portion of yellow ice-cream from the only container of the stall and dump it in a small wooden bowl. He then did the same three more times. With the bowls ready, he took a bottle of the same liquor I had bought previously and poured some in each bowl over the ice-cream. Finally, he put a wide wooden stick, similar to a popsicle stick, though a bit more irregular, in each bowl. That would be three silvers, milady. If you bring me back the bowls by the end of the day, i will give you back fifty coppers each. Holy fu- Holis tried to say, before I planted an elbow in his side. Smiling, I gave the coins to the man and took the bowls. Thank you, mister. Thank you for your patronage, milady, he said, still grinning. I gave the Holis and Akiko their bowls and started walking again towards the sea. I took a scoop of from the bowl. The ice-cream itself tasted vaguely of custard and blended well with the sweet orangey liqueur. When we were a few meters away from the stall Holis said, are you crazy?! That''s way too much for some yellow goo. I''ll eat yours too if you don''t want it. Feel free to, it doesn''t look that appetizing, honestly. It looks like a mix between a slime and goblin snot, he said, looking at the bowl in his hands as if it actually was what he had just described. Try it, it''s an order. With disgust on his face, he took the stick and scooped up a bit of the cold treat and put it in its mouth. His expression soon changed from disgust to surprise. Ok, this shit is pretty damn tasty. Thol wu, I said, with the stick in my mouth. Still not worth three damn silvers though.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. I just shrugged and kept eating as I walked. During our exchange, Akiko had taken to eating the ice-cream with reverence in her eyes, savoring every small scoop and treating the bowl like some sort of holy relic. We had almost reached the promenade in front of the sea when someone bumped into me, making my bowl fly off. I tried catching it, but it was futile. The bowl fell opening down in the middle of the street. I looked up and saw a boy running away, chased by a few guards. Ehm Fortuna Holis said beside me. I used my magic to switch from my dress to a pair of pants, comfortable leather shoes and a simple white shirt. It was the usual attire I wore under my armor, and the only type of clothes I had attuned to the spell. Fortuna. No. I took my mace out of my storage and gave it a few swings. I then took a deep breath, and, to be sure not to lose him, I [looked] at the young man.
Name: Timothy Race: Human
Lvl: 19 Job: Thief
HP: 1098 MP: 240 SP: 1976
STR: 98 DEF: 87 AGI: 161
INT: 65 WIS: 68
SKILLS
Sword Mastery lvl 1 Hand to Hand Combat lvl 2 Dagger Mastery lvl 2
Sneak lvl 3
TITLES
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Target confirmed, I started running towards the now far away rascal shouting, I''m going to smash your head you fucking piece of shit! Seeing what looked like the archdemon of legends running with a mace in her hand while screaming, the crowd of people parted ways to let me pass, with a few outright running away. I soon reached the guards, who were already slowing down, their stamina drained by the weight of their armor and the heat of early dis. Speeding past them, I kept following the boy. He looked back and, seeing me rushing towards him, he put even more effort in his escape and dashed into an alley. The boy himself looked to be no older than fifteen, but by his levels enhanced his speed, making it that more difficult to shorten the advantage he had on me on the streets. I followed him in the narrow alleys one after the other, but I soon lost him in the unknown maze of buildings. I stopped, took a deep breath, and closed my eyes. It took a few seconds of deep concentration, but I soon found him standing in front of a half-hidden wooden door on the street on the other side of the building at my right. Aiding myself with a bit of wind magic, I ran around the building in only a few seconds, arriving just in time to see the door open in front of the boy. With a roundhouse kick, I hit him right on the head, showing him inside the door and making him fall face-first on the floor. I jumped in after him, stroke the floor with my mace right next to his face and said, any last words? That''s what we should ask, said an unknown voice. I looked up and saw a few dozens weapons between swords, maces, daggers, bows, and crossbows pointed at me. The man who talked looked to be in his late fifties, with well groomed hair and a short beard, both starting to turn white from age. He was standing behind what looked like a normal bar counter made of wood and was the only one unarmed. He looked at me for a second before saying, oh, I''m sorry, i didn''t realize- Hero Fortuna! came a voice that i had come to know very well during my short stay in Dulsalies. True to my suspicions, a short woman made her way through the armed goons, who now looked a lot less sure about the course of action they were supposed to take. Madam Valerie? I asked with no little surprise. What are you idiots doing?! she shouted at the people who still had their weapons drawn. If you harm Hero Fortuna here you might as well say goodbye to Dulsalies as a whole, trust me. I blinked a few times when she said that, as the people in the tavern, who were just as confused, put away their weapons. In the meantime, the man behind the counter had started to clean a mug without a care in the world. Now, Hero Fortuna, could we know why you are trying to kill our little Timmy? First of all, I was actually just trying to scare the shit out of him. She nodded as i said that. As for why, he kind of made my ice-cream fall. Your ice-cream? Yes, you know, that frozen treat made with milk that a guy sells from a stall, served in a bowl. He even poured some liquor on it, I said, gesturing all the time to aid my description. I see she said, not completely convinced. I think she''s talking of the stuff that Gimmy sells, Valerie, the man behind the counter said. He usually comes here for dinner at the end of the day. Why don''t you stay with us for a while, i''m sure he''ll have some to give you left from the day. He then pointed at the boy. Your dinner will be on Timmy''s tab of course. Oh well, no harm done then. I lifted Timmy on his feet, gave him a quick heal and a pat on the back that made it stumble forward. He stared daggers at me, but made its way to a table far away from the entrance without saying a word. Now that the crisis was averted, I could finally take in the tavern I was in, because, once the swords and crossbows were put away, the establishment looked like nothing more than a normal tavern. People were drinking and sometimes snacking at the tables. A few were even playing some sort of game. The counter was just a normal counter, with a door behind it that probably lead to the kitchen. What betrayed the place was the almost complete lack of windows, as only two holes barely large enough to fit an arm through let air and light in, and the fact that candles and oil lamps lit every corner of the room, hinting at a slightly richer establishment than one would assume at first. Come sit with me, Fortuna, Valerie said, with a bit more familiarity than usual. I put my mace away in my storage and followed her at a table that was next to the counter and close to the wall, a bit separated from the others. So What even is this place? I asked her. A tavern, she said as a matter of fact. Valerie, don''t play with our hero, the man who was behind the counter said, taking a seat at the table. I glanced at the counter, seeing that another man had taken his place. He extended a hand towards me and said, it is a pleasure to finally meet you, Hero Fortuna. My name is Indexii. What Happened (A Letter to the Readers) Hi, everyone. So Here we are. I owe you all an apology for such a long silence. I definitely did not deal with this in the best of ways. The fact is that, the more time passed, the harder it became to reach out to you all. I am sorry for disappearing for so long. So, what happened? Let''s begin from the beginning. When I posted the first chapter of this fiction I was already suffering from depression and alcoholism, although as a high functioning alcoholic. I am apparently also a bit of a narcissist and have a tendency to ignore problems and run away from difficult situations. (All that definitely did not end up reflecting on a certain character by the way.) Back then, I was avoiding the issue and I kept going without ever admitting I had a problem. Problem that I was pretty good at hiding from others too. That all changed a few weeks after I posted my last chapter when I had a fight about a completely idiotic issue with most of my closest friends, all at once. Something so insignificant immediately seemed like it was something irreparable to me. Two days later, on the 2nd of December, I almost killed myself. Luckily, suicide hotlines are a thing and I managed to convince myself to call them before actually going through with it. That was quite the wakeup call. I could no longer hide from myself my own issues. On that same day, I talked about it with two of the friends I had had a fight with. They listened, they helped me convince myself that I needed a professional, and that I had to talk about it with my closest family too and they supported me through every single one of those steps. I sincerely wish you all to find friends who are as good as the ones I have the luck to have. From there, I stopped going to university, although I officially dropped out only later into the year at the beginning of autumn. I started going often to the gym, going for long walks with the doggo, going out with friends more without destroying my liver, you know, the usually recommended things. I was still a long way from being back on my feet though. I had absolutely no idea what to do with my life, for one thing, and I was barely helping my father with his job here and there, doing little more in terms of work.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Most importantly for you, I found myself unable to write. Or, rather, I found myself unable to continue writing this story, for two main reasons. First, I was afraid, quite a few months had passed as I tried to get, you know, less suicidal, and in that time I had posted absolutely no chapter. The more time passed, the more I felt getting back to posting becoming a heavier and heavier weight, afraid of the reactions. Stupid, I know, most readers would have definitely preferred late inconsistent chapters to nothing at all, but hey, if my brain wasn''t a little bitch we wouldn''t be here right now. Second, I finally understood my protagonist a bit more, after admitting to my own problems, and, while this didn''t change where I want the plot to go, it made me want to take her more seriously than I had done up to that point. For a reason similar to the first reason that prevented me from posting, I also stopped managing the pledge, which is now officially gone along with the WriTE subforum. I did not completely disappear from Royal Road though, I am still technically a part of the staff, although not a site admin (so don''t come to me with any issues, there are support tickets and reports for a reason). Since I was no longer going to university I actually managed to help a bit more last year. The leveling and experience system and the new reports and support system are the children of my ability to write down ideas in a somewhat useful way and Kana''s ability to make them into something much better, for example. Anyways, come summer, an idea of what I wanted to do with my life started to form. I then spent the summer in a seaside village where my uncle lives, working in a cafe in the morning and helping looking after my younger cousin the rest of the day (by the way, you don''t really appreciate parents and grandparents until you have to wake up at 3am to go to work at 4 every day and your mid-afternoon naps are interrupted by an hyperactive 8 year old). While I was there, that idea started to consolidate. Autumn came, I dropped out of university (I was studying oenology before, for anyone who''s wondering) and joined a navigational officer course for the merchant marine. It was one of the best decisions I ever took in my life. Not only was studying no longer something that filled me with anxiety and dread anymore, but it became something I even enjoyed at times. I even became the students representative for my year. Ok, rambling over. Let''s get to the part that you all really care about. When are we going to see more of Fortuna and her adventures? The honest answer is, I don''t know. I initially made various plans. One was to start writing again during the summer of this year. Another was to write while I was on board ships, to then post lots of chapter in one go once I returned on land. But I don''t want to make promises that would only put more pressure on me and run the risk to end up in the same situation again. So, yeah, I don''t know. One thing I can say is that I don''t intend to drop the story as of now. There is a lot of stuff I still want to tell, and the story I have in mind is pretty fucking massive (the stuff I''ve written up to now will probably end up being something like a tenth of the total length, if and when I''ll ever finish the story). While I work up the courage to return to this story, I decided to write a few things to exercise my writing, so that my next chapter won''t be a dip in quality from the last ones, and also because I want to get confident again with my writing. I''ll let you know if anything good comes out of it. I know it''s probably not what you wanted to hear after so long, but I wanted to be honest and not spout bullshit and excuses. If you still like this story, just keep it in your follow list. One day, while you''ll be picking your nose half asleep in bed, you''ll open the list and see this cover right there at the top, with "Chapter 53" written under the title. Thank you all for your support, Oinos.