When the morning comes, I sure as hell feel like I'm going to too. Waking up with a groan, I rub my face, certain tension riddling the lower half of my body. And while it's usually nothing new since that's just a natural phenomenon around these early hours, it isn't always as intense. To the point that I don't even have to open my eyes to understand the reason behind it happening.
Nevertheless, I do so and steer my gaze towards the suspicious blanket-covered mountain range with two hills sticking close together. Both of them are quaking, bobbing up and down at their own rhythm, making the sheets flutter lightly. Though the shaking peaks do not rumble, they tend to leak muffled wet noises and even a few withheld moans.
Unsure about how long this phenomenon has been occurring, I slide an arm under the covers until my fingers weave into smooth curls. Their arrival makes one mountain pause briefly before both of them double their efforts, growing louder and quicker in motion. I simply hold onto the soft locks in my grasp and caress the surface beneath them, letting out a grunt of approval and early warning.
Shortly after, the tension that's been troubling me this morning gets resolved rather explosively, the bouncing hills staying low to prolong this experience. As I release a relaxed sigh, they burrow through the comfortable field, and two faces pop out of the edge of the blanket, staring right at me. The rusty-haired one quickly grows rosy, and its owner dashes forward, catching a pair of cute glasses from near the pillow, setting them adorably on their small nose, sneaking shy peeks at me.
I chuckle quietly to myself. She's really taken me complimenting her looks with those spectacles to her heart.
"Morning, ladies." I reach out and ruffle through their hair, directing most of my attention at the one who played a major role in the earlier event. "I didn't expect to wake up to such a pleasant surprise. Especially from a proud heiress, not to mention."
Daisy turns even redder, escaping with her eyes. "I-It was her idea…"
Cecil just smirks amusedly, clearly finding joy in making the other female squirm.
I pull the bookish girl onto me and kiss her flushed cheek. "Even so, it was you who executed the most critical part of it, so I'm very much inclined to reward such hard work and willingness."
A shudder travels down her spine as she lies atop me, my hands roaming her noble skin. The gorgeous short woman relishes the touch, humming alluringly. Her petite lips curl in satisfaction as she figures out what's happening, and she starts playing along, rubbing herself into my palms appreciatively, all the while she offers her mouth for worship through a myriad of my fluffy pecks.
Glancing aside, I find Cecil with a tiny frown, nibbling on her bottom lip. Her plan to embarrass her kin-sister has backfired, and now she clearly wishes she were the one to be receiving my gratitude.
But, I guess this state of things is still much better than them cursing at each other constantly, so I shouldn't antagonise them too much.
Drawing Daisy back, I watch her face chase mine with a string of saliva connecting our lips until she realises what she's doing and flushes hard. Smirking, I sit us up, letting her straddle my right leg as she rests comfortably against my chest with a happy grin.
"You come here too." I extend a hand to the able-bodied adventurer. "I can't properly say good morning when you are so far away."
The black-haired warrior beams at me and rapidly crawls up to us, straddling my other leg and smashing her taut breasts into my front. She unabashedly dives in for my mouth, aggressively chasing my tongue. But, the moment our wet muscles make contact, she turns more docile, letting mine take control, dominate the exchange, as she moans into my lips, my left hand kneading her thick ass.
When we finally separate, I take a look at both dazzling heiresses who peer up at me adoringly. "Have you slept well, my ladies?"
Cecil snorts to the side. "After what you did to my holes last night, I don't feel like I can call myself a lady ever again. More like a used and abused whore."
Daisy wrinkles her nose. "Of course, you would."
"Hey, none of that sass. Last I remember, you've been taking him just as hard." The other woman squints playfully. "Slut."
"I'm no slut!" The amber-haired princess bristles a bit, her cheeks positively glowing. "I-I can be a proper lady and still… still… still have Alastair's manhood stretch my feminine entrances!"
"You know guys have an asshole too, right?" Cecil snickers.
"Ugh! You are insufferable!" Daisy throws her arms into the air, making her modest chest sway deliciously. "Those are nowhere as delicate and enticing as female ones! Right, Master?"
With a pair of enchanting puppy eyes staring right at me from up close, I can only nod faintly. I think it might be a bit too early to bring up the concept of femboys to the innocent princess.
"You know, you two still haven't answered my question." I raise a brow at them, which makes them blush together.
"I had a great rest. Never felt this energetic in the morning. It's like I could take on the whole world and come victorious." Cecil flexes a little in front of me, showcasing her wide but toned figure. "Almost makes me want to test how long this lasts through some tiring… activities."
"You experienced intercourse once, and getting your crevice pummeled is the only thing you can think about now." Daisy scoffs.
"Bold of you to say that when I'm not the one rubbing my dripping cunt all over Master Alastair's thigh." Cecil crosses her arms under her tits.
The other woman freezes in place, noticing her depravity only now, her eyes spotting moist marks over my leg that lead towards her pussy with its petals firmly pressed into my skin.
Bringing her chin up to my level, I steal a kiss from her before she bursts with shame. "I take it you rested well too, if you don't feel sore enough to keep back."
"I did." Daisy shows a magical smile. "I've spent nights in the finest silks, on the finest beds, and I've never woken up this comfortable and ready to tackle the day. Thank you, truly."
"I'm glad you noticed the change and have no regrets." I rub their backs gently. "You'll need to be careful for a while, though. The sudden jump isn't limited only to your energy reserves."
They blink at me confusedly, exchanging glances almost like sisters of one mind.
"Pull up your status windows," I instruct them.
They do as they are told and react in different ways. Daisy bluescreens again while Cecil curses in astonishment and shock.
"You joined quite late, so quite a bit of power has been granted to you." I wink at them. "It might be difficult to control at first."
Plus, it's the fact that they nearly maxed the bond status from the get-go, lacking just one level from the top. I don't know if it's because my identity was revealed or just from hanging out around them. But it doesn't really matter.
"Now, we better jump into the bath. We fell asleep right after making a true mess." I laugh softly. "I'll explain the details while we are at it."
Without further ado, I hoist both girls onto my shoulders and march towards the connected bathroom, two seductive rumps framing my face.
The bathtub isn't massive, but we still manage to fit in after preparing the water. I let the pair take care of me together first before I return the favour to each of them. All the while, we discuss what it means to be my Partner and what benefits they can expect.
Half an hour later, we are back in the bedroom as I sit behind Daisy and prepare her noble mane for the day, which she enjoys greatly. Cecil is donning her usual adventuring attire, slowly looking fiercer and fiercer. By the end, I stand with a dashing princess and a capable fighter by my side.
And I'm very happy that getting dicked down has lowered the hostility levels between them.
Guided by my connection, I bring us to one of the chambers near the mess hall, where Sirgia's signature glows to my senses. Entering, we find a table for four fully set with various breakfast foods, my smart mate sitting at one end, waiting for us. The gleam in her brown eyes makes it clear both that evening and this morning are part of her clever play.
"Good morning, Master!" She hops off her chair and trots up to me, throwing herself into my arms. "I hope you had the most pleasant and relaxing night, even though I couldn't join you in time."
The duo at my sides glances away with traces of rosiness on their cheeks.
Oh, she knows what she's doing to them.
"It couldn't have gone better." I shower her in love for a while. "Now, let's eat. I'm sure you are curious about yesterday's events, so let me bring you up to speed."
Daisy and Cecil whip their faces at me, their eyes wide. Still, they silently take their seats, never letting their eyes wander off my person. The relief that washes down their frames is so comically visible when I start describing the meeting with Zira and the Sovereign. Too fun to tease.
They most likely still don't know Sirgia is the one who orchestrated the whole accident of them running into each other in the bedroom, and thus fully aware of everything that transpired.
"It's a miracle in itself that we avoided being publicly discovered for this long, Master," my mate comments after I finish the story at the point just before walking into my bedroom. "What are you planning to do now?"
"First, we need to help Zira stabilise her clan. It shouldn't take long. She's a talented Dwarf with lots of experience," I reply, taking a sip of tea.
"And what of the Sovereign?" Daisy chimes in.
"He won't make any moves until we do, so we can sideline him for a moment," I answer. "After things around the Stockhawkers calm down a little, we'll go with a proper meeting and all. It should be easier to talk now that we have some authority. But it's not like we have much to discuss. We didn't really plan to get involved unless Stockhawkers forced us to, or unless the main branch of Forgegravers proved to be problematic regarding Sirgia's ascent and the ancient tunnels. But, we don't have to worry about that now, do we?"
The scholarly heiress hastily shakes her head. "I'll do everything in my power to stop Grandfather from giving you any grief! You can trust me, Master, I swear! I still don't know all the details behind this case, but if you wish to punish him and the Elders, I'll help however I can as long as you don't hurt him too much!"
Sirgia's calm lips curl into a satisfied grin. However, I'm fairly sure that's more because of Daisy calling me Master rather than offering her unquestioned support.
"I believe you." I squeeze Daisy's hand, earning myself a pretty smile. "We'll deal with that after finishing our operations here. And perhaps taking a moment to visit home. I can't be gone all the time, can I? Especially with my first son or daughter on the way."
The last bit surprises my new Partners, then the one I'm holding onto blanches heavily. Noticing it, the other one furrows her brows as they turn to each other, soon turning ghastly too.
A giggle arrives from Sirgia, bringing them out of their anxious states. "Do you really think the Demigod of Lust isn't capable of something as simple as deciding if his essence should take root or not?"
Processing her words, they both exhale with immense relief. Then, their gazes snap back up to her, and they both blush like fair maidens, understanding that they got got.
"You two don't need to worry so much. I wouldn't let you anywhere near Master if I didn't approve of you," Sirgia continues, inclining her head towards them. "I admit, I've been angry with your antics a few times, but you aren't exactly bad people. And with Master's affection, I'm sure you can be better. Right?"
Cecil is the one to nod vehemently first. "We can and we will!"
Daisy mirrors her actions. "Does that mean… you accept us?"
My brilliant lover rolls her eyes at her. "I'm just one small cog that is part of the massive machine of Master's heart. The decision to add more to it lies within him, and we follow the motion he sets, keeping all of us running smoothly with the aid of the lubricant that is his kindness and passion. Even though he is willing to check with any of us if the new addition fits in without any harm to the whole system, ready to forgo the expansion at a moment's notice. Which is one of the most admirable things about him."
Leave it to my genius artificer to turn this entire situation into a mechanical analogy.
"So, just believe that you are welcome in this family," she adds to finish up. "Or you can set out for a journey around the whole realm while seeking approval from dozens of mates Master has gathered by this point."
Their eyes bulge out for a second, then Cecil seems to display a trace of reverence on her face. "As expected of the Demigod of Lust…"
I rub my forehead but decide not to waste our time explaining my entire life right now.
"Alright. Back to the important things. Eden Beta will remain in Zira's service until she feels comfortable in her own mansion. We'll need to close up commissions for now. Perhaps ask our friendly contact in the guild if that's not a problem this early in our career." I attempt to steer the conversation on its rightful tracks.
Daisy abruptly stands up, leaning onto the table. She forgets her newfound strength and pushes a hole through its surface. Catching her balance, she gapes at her palm for a second before recomposing herself.
"The slaves we picked should be ready to be inspected! If you would like, I can accompany you to the establishment today! I'm sure you will be satisfied with our choice! I verified all the legal and political aspects while Cecil verified their capability!" She gazes at me eagerly.
"Not a bad idea," I admit. "But, even if we recruit them, they are still green. You know I can't let them officially wear our shades without proper training. It will take a while before that happens."
"Master." Sirgia's gentle voice captures my attention. "The Pleasure Queen is already self-sufficient. My branch of the clan shouldn't give us trouble anymore. I think everything has been securely established."
"And where are you going with that?" I sense a purpose behind this pitch.
"Send me back home," she declares. "I will start working on the gate there, connecting it with the system we are building. Teffith or Garrena can take my place, starting Eden Gamma's training here, in our new base. As soon as I'm done, Elea shall cross the portal and initiate them. It shouldn't take longer than a few days."
I stroke my chin ponderingly. Not a bad suggestion, though I do feel bad sending her away while this is supposed to be her journey. But I know she doesn't mind, always focusing on how to best help me. And I can't deny that her words are smart.
"We can do that. This will let us return faster too, skipping the entire travel time." I ultimately agree with her. "Our instructor will be able to take the newbies on a quest or two as a part of the training, making it clear they are still recruits. And even if they won't, there will be some commotion in the base, at the very least. Although there's one more issue."
"And that is?" Sirgia hums thoughtfully.
"We need a clerk," I reveal. "My thoughts wander towards Niel, but she grew to like her role in the store. We might need to find another Lyona here."
"That's true. It would be wise to employ someone local." She scratches her head. "I'll share this with the others, and we should all think about it. You too, Daisy, Cecil."
"Of course!" The rusty-haired researcher puffs her chest out. "I'll be sure to think hard while accompanying Master with his affairs!"
"Great." I pat her head warmly. "What are you going to do, Cecil?"
The adventurer-in-question drops her gaze with a sad sigh. "I need to explain to the girls why I'm leaving the Tempest Wolves."
"Didn't you intend to have your friends join Master's corps?" Sirgia tilts her head.
"Aye. But, all of his mercenaries receive this… power, right?" the other woman asks, and my lover nods. "While my companions are solid, I don't think I can guarantee that they will… submit. Even after experiencing Master Alastair's cock, they might get ideas and try to leave in pursuit of selfish goals while abusing his gifts. I can't have that. I'm sorry."
She must think I'm disappointed in her because she repeatedly asked me to take them in previously.
"What about you?" my genius mate inquires.
Cecil jumps to her feet just like her kin-sister had earlier, but wary of the power she mentioned. "I'm loyal! I will never betray Master's trust! I will sooner kill myself!"
Can't say it's completely unexpected, but her admission is still a bit shocking. Yet, it suits this badass woman to the letter. She's been looking for the way out of her troubling situation for decades, finally finding a solution that even provided unimaginable benefits. It's obvious her previous comrades don't share the same backstory, and that's where her hesitation about them stems from.
I meet Sirgia's gaze, a flash of understanding passing between us, without the need for Whispers.
She summons something from her spatial storage and walks up to us, dropping the object on the table in front of Cecil. It's a deep suitcase covered in black leather.
"Take this and go change." She gestures towards the nearby door with her head. "It might not be the perfect fit, but we should be able to adjust it easily."
Confused as hell, the raven-haired beauty nonetheless picks the heavy case up and moves out of this small dining chamber. We wait a few minutes in silence, then she steps in again, her hands constantly tugging at her new attire like the hands of someone unused to what they are wearing.
As for that, she now wears a full set of clothes and reinforced leather armour representing our mercenary company. It's not that far off from her own gear, but the upgrade in quality, style, and protection is obvious to the naked eye. The deep black with dark purple accents complements her rough charm.
I pull out the draconic hilt and shape it into a fierce ornamental sword. "Now, kneel."
Still incapable of comprehending what's going on, the devoted lady listens, dropping to one knee and even lowering her head. I tap the blade to each shoulder with a serious air. Dismissing it, I offer her a hand.
"Rise, Captain Cecil Forgegraver." I slowly help her up, staring back into those deep and bewildered eyes of hers. "I can't wait to see the glory you will bring to Eden Gamma's name."
Finally connecting the dots thanks to my more direct words, she stumbles back.
She's just been accepted into the troop.
More than that, into the highest position in the squad.
In the whole mercenary organisation, there are only two more people on equal standing with her, the three of them beneath the owner, of course.
It dawns on her that in mere moments, all she has ever dreamed of came to fruition.
She's free, but not abandoned.
She's free, but retains purpose.
She's free, but still desired.
And it all comes crashing down, tears beginning to trail down her rugged cheeks. With the first sob, she crashes into me, wrapping her arms around my chest. I stand still and allow her to let it all out. Even Daisy trots closer and pats her kin-sister on the back, their feuds momentarily forgotten.
A few minutes of sniffling later, Cecil steps back, wiping her face with a handkerchief that's part of the set. She straightens up, slamming her chest in a copy of what she's seen my girls do. I grin at her widely.
"You look dashing," I compliment her new look.
"I humbly request you spare me the praise, Great Leader." She tries her best to hold down the massive smile. "It would pain me to stain this exquisite uniform right after donning it for the first time."
Daisy's cheeks flash pink as she catches the meaning of her statement, which makes me chuckle.
"May I ask a question?" Cecil gazes up at me, receiving a nod. "What about my training?"
"Owner privileges." I pat her on the shoulder. "Plus, I verified your prowess myself, conducting the initiation last night."
"I won't let you down!" she shouts proudly.
Sirgia places a hand on her other shoulder. "You need a proper weapon to match the set. Come with me before you visit your former party. We'll develop the design together, and I should have it done in a few hours. Nothing as fancy as the others wield, but it will have to do for a few days."
"I'm honoured!" Our new captain makes a respectful bow.
After that, we take a few more bites of breakfast and get moving. As mentioned, Cecil pairs up with Sirgia, heading to a workshop or forge, while I join Daisy to see if we can recruit some subordinates for the former. Since the establishment isn't far, we choose to walk the streets together.
About halfway to our destination, I notice my companion's pensive mood.
"Daisy," I call out to her, and she takes a peek at my face. "Remember what Sirgia said. You are now part of the family. Don't compare yourself to Cecil or the others. I'm not going to cast you aside, part of the mercenary corps or not."
"Sorry." She ducks her head cutely. "I was just thinking about the receptionist post."
"Isn't that slightly beneath you as the Forgegraver heiress?" I raise a curious brow at her.
"Cecil is an heiress too, and she is a step lower as a captain even," Daisy responds, surprisingly acknowledging her kin-sister's family position without any disgust.
"I'll keep you in mind, then." I ruffle through her pretty hair. "But, you should know that Sirgia won't be staying around these parts forever. I could use a reliable pair of eyes on the Forgegraver family. Even better if those eyes didn't have to split their attention between two fronts."
The mentioned eyes widen a fraction. "You want me to unite the house and lead it?"
"If you don't hate the idea." I shrug lightly. "Sirgia might have introduced herself as someone in control, used to being listened to, and so on, but the truth is, she is just acting. That sweet girl is a follower at heart. She thrives as a supporter, allowed to drown herself in her efforts to aid the one she acknowledges. I don't want her to force herself to be strong just for my sake."
Daisy chews on her lip thoughtfully, then meets my gaze once more, resolute and decisive. "I'll do it. With your support, nothing is impossible. I'll bring Forgegravers to heel."
"That's my girl." I lean in and peck her reddening cheek. "Don't be too hasty, though. No need to cook up evil schemes like with Stockhawkers. We should be able to make things work with some goodwill. In the end, we have your grandfather's expedition, the Sovereign's possible cooperation, and the ancient passages in our pockets."
The rest of the walk passes in a much better mood, my gorgeous princess all smiles and blushes. Until we find ourselves in front of the establishment, of course. She turns cold and collected in an instant, bringing back her noble persona.
Inside, we find a simplistic structure focused on efficiency. The main foyer looks like it's been designed meticulously to make things as easy to do business as possible. It's like a superior version of an Adventurer's Guild with clerks and receptionists, but a lot more on the sides. Perhaps it feels closer to a bank, considering the atmosphere.
A bank for slaves sounds ridiculous.
But, recalling the explanation about this system that I received from the Forgegraver ladies, I guess it matches. All that collateral, lending, guarantees, and so on.
This world continues to surprise me.
As expected, we stroll towards a free window, but the clerk quickly leads us to a VIP room after verifying who Daisy is. Big families get big privileges. No matter the world.
Soon, a pudgy branch manager shows up, heavily balding and with an atrocious moustache.
"Lady Forgegraver! How may we help you today?" The man bows to her, giving me a bit of a side eye.
Daisy conceals her distaste at that, showing only smiles. "I previously requested you gather the slaves I handpicked in one location. I wish to see them now. Unless you need more time?"
"They are all here, My Lady! Just a moment!" He dashes to the door and presses his palm to a crystal panel on the wall for a moment.
Some small talk follows, during which the male tries to crawl into Daisy's ass with how hard he is buttering her up. She humours him, but I can tell it's fake. Under her mask, she's becoming more and more disgusted by the slimy bastard. But, she never breaks, to the very moment a butler-like employee brings in twenty figures.
You wouldn't really think the women are slaves with how good they look. And I mean the simple pants and shirts they wear, or how clean their hair is, not how hot they are. It's like we are standing in front of hands for hire belonging to some outsourcing company or something.
Nevertheless, the ladies are of various heights, body proportions, and general statures, all of these fitting in the common standards for the Dwarf race. Most of them have fair skin, visible through their exposed arms, and only a few bear some scars and bruises. Either a group consisting mainly of ranged fighters, or none at all.
But, still, one thing links them together.
I lean into Daisy's ear. "I didn't expect all of them to be… gorgeous."
She lets out a faint giggle. "I swear, it wasn't the highest priority. But the more beautiful or handsome the heir put as collateral, the higher their worth. I assure you, they are all capable individuals, and their Classes make up a reliable team composition. It's just that the more desperate the clan is to survive, the more the leaders are willing to sacrifice. Thus, we end up with completely abandoned individuals of great skill and beauty instead of the other way."
"Alright." I nod to myself. "Is it possible to release them?"
"It's costly, but not impossible. There are, in fact, tales about lovers from houses where one family fell upon troubling times that speak of the wealthier side buying their sweetheart and joining together on a new path of life," Daisy explains. "But, to do that, you need explicit consent from the slave, because paying off the debt plus taxes removes them from the family registry, just like when they would have been repossessed after failed obligation."
So many rules and regulations. And politics. I thought Dwarves would be simpler, focused on craft and research.
"Let's begin." I clap my hands to get everyone's attention. "I'm Alastair Carter, owner of Utopia's Mercenary Corps, a mixed-race military unit for hire operating mostly in Human lands. My associate has brought you here today so that you can listen to my offer that involves servitude for our newly opened and registered branch in this region. Please, consider my words well, and don't fear asking questions."
The fact that I'm the one handling this shocks the manager and the slaves, but the latter get too curious about this situation, so they listen more intently.
"You will become representatives of our unit, faces of our brand and faction. Proper conduct is required. You know what a mercenary is, so I don't need to expand on that. In return, you will receive high-level training in your born role from the strongest instructors in this realm, highest quality gear rivaling products produced by the most famous households, a comfortable and spacious place to live, freedom to do whatever you want when off duty, and all the necessary support necessary to stay alive, including monetary and culinary," I begin my pitch.
I bet a few of them believe the outrageous claims, but this is just the appetiser.
"Moreover, after ten years of active duty, you will receive the right to retire," I continue, the females exchanging uncertain glances, not sure what that means for them. "It allows you to get dismissed from your position, with a respectable heads-up first, so we can find a replacement, and become free women. I shall pay off your debts fully, and with your consent, release you back into the world."
That gets them muttering, their wide eyes searching around inside the group. The manager silences them quickly with a frown. His frown doesn't disappear even after it's quiet again, now directed at me.
"Additionally, you will continue to receive a salary, just like during your active years. Lower one, of course, but still more than high enough to comfortably sustain yourselves and whatever family you create after retiring," I add the last incentive atop the biggest one.
Not even the manager hides his disbelief at the revealed complete package. Who would trust such bold claims?
Daisy steps forward. "For those who don't know me, I'm an heiress to the Forgegraver Household, and my family guarantees his words carry no deceit. House Stockhawker can back up his claims too. And while I hope it doesn't have to come to that, even the Sovereign himself can verify the truth of this matter."
Gasps fill the room, and the manager straightens up, schooling his expression. Everyone knows that even uttering such a declaration can easily get the speaker imprisoned or worse. Using the ruler's name to endorse something without having direct permission is the most idiotic thing to do. Especially in front of so many witnesses who would be eager to gain favour by bringing the news to the man's ear.
"Sounds too good to be true, right?" I bring the focus back onto me again. "Well, you are right to think that. There's one big caveat to this entire operation. One that might very well tip the scales of favour entirely towards the opposite side. Slamming it, more like."
And here comes the biggest grip. In the Human lands, it wasn't as much of an issue because the slaves there were actual slaves before the reform. Often abused, harmed, mistreated, and with no rights. No real choice left for them. The single requirement that I'm going to voice out didn't feel that bad to them.
But these females aren't bottom-of-the-barrel oppressed rejects. They are possibly of noble blood, simply bidding their time in hopes of one day returning to their clans. Many of them… probably unsullied.
"I wish it could be a different way, but the initiation at the end of the training period that precedes proper services requires the recruits to… lay with me." I reveal the truth openly.
Stunned silence descends upon us for long seconds as the gathered crowd gapes at me unblinkingly.
Then, all hell breaks loose, and various colourful curses and derogatory terms start flying, all generally falling in line with the term pervert. They grow rather heated, until one female even calls me a man of an unforgivable deed, to paraphrase it.
A powerful thud echoes right after, followed by a loud crack. Everyone falls silent, all eyes snapping towards my companion, whose foot is currently halfway up the shin inside the polished but now ruined floor tile.
"Shut the FUCK up!" Daisy bellows with a snarl. "You have no idea who you are slandering! Whose goodwill you are spitting on! If you don't want this, just get the fuck out! If you knew how good this offer is for you, you would be shamelessly crawling towards Lord Carter like worms! Begging him to take you in!"
I come closer and rest a hand atop her shoulder. She shivers, but calms down a little, throwing me an apologetic look. I insisted on not revealing my nature right from the start. It's better to take time to find honest people than to flash my status and power and have everyone smashing their faces into the floor reverently or spreading themselves open to be taken. In the end, many would sacrifice a lot for their goals, rightful and not.
A page I took from Cecil's book.
Daisy takes a deep breath and turns to the group again. "I personally chose every one of you with my acquaintance. I talked with each of you myself. I informed you that something like that might be a crucial condition. And still, you all came here, seemingly accepting that possibility."
She glares at every one of them before continuing.
"Now that it turns out it would be a Human cock rather than a Dwarf's, you suddenly find your spines? You make me sick being part of a noble lineage!" The flame-haired princess spits to the side. "This is your last chance, so think it over carefully. Whoever is interested, step forward. Twelve spots. First-come, first-served."
And silence falls upon the hall once more. The ladies exchange glances as it stretches uncomfortably. As expected, we won't find much success with this batch. Getting any close intimately with a Human is quite a breaking point. Which is fully understan—
One person pushes to the front, passing through the first line of bodies, then walks into the open, stopping in the middle. A girl on the shorter and leaner side, with shoulder-length white hair and grey eyes. She offers a polite though slightly guilty curtsy, making it clear she comes from a reputable family, having experienced a number of prestigious ballrooms.
Then, one after another, more ladies join her, forming a new line. Soon enough, eleven volunteers gather, and the twelfth makes haste to secure her acceptance before someone changes their mind quicker.
Daisy's lips curl into a vicious smirk at that sight, and I recognise the final subject too.
"Ah, I just realised, I meant to say eleven, not twelve. My sincerest apologies, Lord Carter." She makes a show of bowing low. "You there. Back off. Your presence won't be needed. Now or ever."
The woman's heart sinks, clearly insinuating some difficult circumstances, but that's also the one who strongly called me a bad man, so I guess that's karma.
And I have a feeling Daisy made this mistake in hopes of her jumping in. In case of anyone else taking the spot, she would most likely have honestly apologised and offered some compensation.
"Branch Manager, prepare the contracts. We don't want to spend a minute longer in this room. And lend us a carriage. It should come complimentary with such a large purchase, right?" Daisy orders our attendant, and he leaps to action, guiding us to another chamber.
I review all the documents before signing them and paying up front. It's quite a large sum, since, as my cruel friend has mentioned, these are the finest females in this region, the money their families received for their collateral being massive. I only have to pay a percentage of the whole since I'm hiring, not freeing them, but that still stacks up fast.
Yet, I drop the full price onto the desk, almost making our manager faint.
Money isn't really an issue at this point. At least until something truly rare is in play.
Not to mention, I will soon have the entire Stockhawker empire under my thumb, Forgegraver one following suit shortly. That's going to rake in some serious cash. I doubt Zira will let me go without forcing at least some percentage of their earnings onto me. The whole puppet matriarch project was my idea, ultimately.
With all the formalities wrapped up, we exit the establishment and find the carriage waiting for us. It's a partitioned one, the length of two or three, with an additional axle in the middle. Never thought I would see a coach limousine in this world, but here we are. This thing definitely won't drive through certain parts of the city without getting stuck on turns.
Our new acquisition stands nervously by the vehicle.
"Hop in." I gesture at them to move on. "We'll get you home, fed, and dressed properly. Then, your future captain will explain some things while we wait for the arrival of your instructor."
They obediently fill up the cars, disappearing inside. I turn to my adorable bookworm, who does the same.
"I really talked grand in there, didn't I?" Daisy chuckles ruefully. "Like I didn't react the same way towards you the first time we met."
I get down to match her level and brush her cheek tenderly. "But I gave you a chance to make up for it. And so did you with those girls. You did great. Thank you."
Her eyes flick to my lips as she smiles warmly, so I lean in and capture her mouth in a soft kiss. She welcomes my appreciation with a faint moan, her lashes closed to fully enjoy the moment. Aware of where we are, she withdraws first, not wanting to invite any more trouble into our arms.
But she notices numerous faces peeking out of the carriage's windows, and she sneers at them. "What are you staring at?! Never seen a man and a woman kiss?!"
With a few squawks, the spectators shut the curtains tight.
I snicker faintly as she huffs and fixes her glasses. With a whistle, I summon Diana next to me, and we run our fingers through her fur together.
"I'll go with the coach. You should check up on our new ally, Master," Daisy offers.
"No longer Lord Carter?" I tease her with a grin.
Her cheeks colour a little. "I need to retain a modicum of decorum in public due to your status, but if you will allow me…"
I press one more peck to the bridge of her nose. "You can call me whatever you wish in private. I appreciate you having a good head on your shoulders."
"Much better than that brute, am I not?" Daisy preens under my praise playfully.
I laugh openly and flick her on the forehead, evoking a cute yelp from the sweet girl.
A few more parting pats, I hoist myself into the saddle and glance at the carriage, over a dozen wide eyes staring back at us again.
"Get used to the sight as much as you can." I ruffle Diana's fur. "In a few days, you'll each have a loyal lupine companion to accompany you everywhere."
Leaving that thought in their heads, I charge forward.
Time to see what our dear Miazira is up to.