[Current Balance: £367,019,740 4s. 11d.]
---Lisbon----
[System Currency Updated]
[Pound Sterling Currency Converted to Real...]
[Conversion Fee: - 11s. 2d.]
[Current Balance: £367,019,740 4s. 11d. = 11,744,631,688 R]
[Current Balance: 11,744,631,688 R]
La Providencia docked smoothly in Lisbon's harbor later that morning. The city was familiar yet barely explored by Alaric on his previous brief stop with Reuben years ago, it sprawled before them under the morning light. This time, however, was different. This wasn't a quick supply run; it was a much-needed respite for a large, displaced household abruptly embarking on a new life.
"Alright everyone," Alaric announced once the gangway was secured, addressing his family, the Assassins, and the assembled Kenway Estate staff who had gathered on the main deck, their faces were a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.
"We'll spend the day here. Stretch your legs, see the sights, get a taste of Portugal. Lisbon's a vibrant city. Just... try not to cause an international incident, alright?" He offered a reassuring smile. "We set sail again tomorrow morning."
A murmur of relief and excitement went through the staff. After the shock of the raid, the hurried escape, and nine days confined to the ship, the prospect of solid ground and a day of relative freedom was welcome.
What followed was essentially a massive, Kenway-funded outing. Alaric, with Kassandra happily on his arm, led the charge, though "led" was perhaps too strong a word. Groups quickly formed and dispersed, exploring the winding streets, marveling at the colorful tiled buildings, and cautiously sampling local delicacies from market stalls.
The Kenway family, consisting of Bernard, Linette, Leonard, and Eleanor, stuck together, guided partly by Jonathan Hugh's quiet efficiency and partly by their own curiosity, taking in the atmosphere of a foreign capital.
Reuben and Flavia, hand-in-hand, explored with the wide-eyed wonder of young lovers finally free from immediate danger, while Matteo Auditore observed everything with a strategist's eye, perhaps comparing the city's layout to Rome or Florence.
Thulani, who was a towering figure even in the busy crowds, acted as an unofficial, watchful guardian for any staff members who seemed overwhelmed.
Alaric, true to his nature, played the role of the impossibly wealthy and generous patron. He seemed to be everywhere, popping up beside a group of maids admiring intricate lacework, or joining his aunt and uncle as they haggled playfully over painted ceramics. Kassandra, amused and endeared, watched him navigate the social dynamics with ease, effortlessly charming vendors and reassuring his people.
Whenever someone expressed interest in an item… a bolt of fine silk, a sturdy pair of boots, a piece of jewelry, exotic spices, or simply a souvenir to mark their journey, Alaric would step in.
"You like that, Mary?" he might ask a young maid eyeing a colourful scarf. "Go on, take it."
"Oh, no, Master Alaric, I couldn't possibly..."
"Nonsense," he'd wave a hand dismissively, already pulling out his coin purse or instructing Jonathan to handle the transaction. "Consider it... severance pay, part two."
Initially, the staff… the maids, cooks, groundskeepers, former guards, coachmen, and the families Thulani had brought from the farms, nearly two hundred and eighty souls who had chosen loyalty over staying behind… were hesitant, acutely aware of the cost. But Alaric's insistence, coupled with the sheer scale of his generosity, eventually wore down their reluctance.
Soon, tentative requests turned into more confident selections, smiles replacing worried frowns as they clutched their unexpected treasures. Alaric simply observed, a faint smile on his face, mentally tallying the cost.
[Money Withdrawal: - 44,807 R]
[Current Balance: 11,744,586,881 R]
As evening approached, the challenge became lodging. Housing such a large contingent required significant arrangements.
Alaric, through Jonathan and with Oldgate's assistance in navigating the port authorities and local innkeepers, managed to secure rooms across fifteen different inns scattered near the harbor district, ensuring everyone had a comfortable bed for the night.
Meals were arranged, taverns booked for large group dinners, and wine flowed freely, paid for by the seemingly bottomless Kenway coffers.
[Money Withdrawal: - 131,200 R]
[Current Balance: 11,744,455,681 R]
While his extended household enjoyed the city, Alaric also ensured La Providencia was prepared for the long Atlantic crossing. He met with Oldgate and the quartermaster, authorizing funds for restocking supplies.
Given their destination and the uncertainty ahead, the focus was heavily on food… barrels of salted meat and fish, hardtack, dried fruits, cheese, ale, and fresh water casks were loaded aboard, enough to sustain the crew and passengers for months if necessary.
Ammunition stores were already sufficient, thanks to previous preparations.
[Money Withdrawal: - 44,800 R]
[Current Balance: 11,744,410,881 R]
During the resupply, Oldgate personally oversaw the inspection of the hull below the waterline. He ran a hand over the thick timbers, frowning thoughtfully.
The ship felt... unusually sound. He remembered the storm they'd weathered sailing to Thera… a maelstrom that should have strained the galleon to its limits, likely springing leaks or damaging the masts.
Yet, she'd come through remarkably unscathed. And just before leaving Bristol, hadn't young Thomas, one of the lookouts, mentioned bumping a submerged rock while maneuvering out of a tight spot near the docks?
Oldgate had expected at least some gouges, maybe a cracked plank, but the diver reported the hull was perfectly intact, not even a scratch. It was baffling. The ship felt stronger, more resilient than she had any right to be.
He shook his head, dismissing it as good fortune and sturdy craftsmanship, though a nagging feeling remained that something else, something inexplicable tied to his enigmatic employer, was at play.
'Best not to question it,' he decided, spitting into the water. 'Long as she stays afloat...'
---R18---
It was warm in Lisbon that night, with a hint of salt in the air from the harbor.
Alaric was out on the balcony, kicking back with a cigar and watching the city lights. He'd scored the best room at the inn for him and Kassandra, and after a long day, he was finally unwinding.
He had on a loose white shirt and black pants, his nicer coat left inside. The cigar smoke drifted up into the night as he thought about Kassandra. She was a badass... always matching him step for step, and hot as hell.
The balcony door creaked, and there she was, standing in the doorway, butt naked. The light from the moon gave her skin a soft glow, and her hair was spilling over her shoulders. She smirked, knowing damn well what she was doing.
"Like what you see?" she said, stepping out like she didn't give a crap who might spot her.
Alaric nearly dropped his cigar. "Damn, Kassandra, you trying to kill me?"
She laughed, low and sexy. "Not a chance," she shot back, closing the gap.
Her hands yanked his shirt off, then went for his pants. Next thing he knew, she was on her knees in front of him.
"Kassandra..." he started, but she cut him off, teasing him with her mouth... licking, kissing, then taking his dick in deep. He groaned, grabbing her hair, barely holding it together.
She was too good, and it didn't take long before he lost it, coming in her mouth. She swallowed it all, smirking up at him like it was nothing.
"Not bad," she said, getting up and pressing herself against him.
"Not bad?" he laughed, still catching his breath. "Get your ass inside... we're not done."
He pulled her into the room and shut the door. The place was lit by just a lantern, casting a warm vibe. He scooped her up and tossed her on the bed, making her laugh. Then he was on her, kissing her hard, hands roaming everywhere.
"You're gonna scream tonight," he muttered in her ear.
"Make me," she fired back, legs wrapping around him.
He didn't mess around. He aligned his dick to her pussy before he pushed into her hard, and she moaned loud enough to wake the neighbors. He started going at it, fast and deep, and she was all in, moaning and telling him to keep it up.
"Fuck, yes, Alaric, harder!" she yelled, nails scratching his back.
He gave it to her, slamming in until the bed was shaking. She came with a scream, trembling all over, but he didn't stop, pushing her to keep moaning.
Then he flipped her over, taking her from behind. She grabbed the sheets, moaning into the pillow as he went harder. "Alaric, oh gods," she gasped, cumming again.
They kept at it... her on top, then against the wall, legs over his shoulders. She was going wild, moaning and screaming, and he matched her, driving her crazy over and over.
Finally, they crashed on the bed, sweaty and out of breath. Kassandra was shaking, her voice rough from all the noise. "You… asshole," she panted, but she was grinning.
"Felt nice?," he grinned, pulling her in.
She didn't argue, just curled up against him. "I need a breather," she mumbled.
"Take your time," he said, kissing her forehead. "We've got all night."
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