– Day 6 –

Desert Elves

I can hardly tell her the truth; ‘Oh that? I just travelled through the night because I can see in the dark using magic’. It will be considered absurd if [Night Eye] isn’t everyday magic after all!

..No, wait. Considering the attacked merchant story and my alchemy, this might actually work.

“Ah yes, I guess you’re wondering how I got here so fast considering where we parted”

“Not really, I am just glad to be able to see you again.”

…Did I over think this? In that case, subject change!

“As am I. Is that your mother I see up there?”

“Yes it is, she would like to thank you as well for saving my life. Come, let me introduce you.”

She takes my arm and pulls me along the to the entranceway where her mother stands waiting. She's an older splitting image of her daughter, but from her posture and upturned nose, it’s clear to see that’s she considers herself of high class.

“Mother, may I introduce Aburi Draconis; the man who saved my life.”

“Draconis, I see. I am Lady Amelia de Armstrong. You have my gratitude for saving my daughter but may I inquire as to how long your stay with us will be?”

Based on her tone, she’s displeased to see her daughter was saved by a non-human. The very fact I’m staying in her household is likely an insult to her. Racism is to be expected I guess.

“Not long. Katharine’s father asked me to dine with him this evening. I will stay only the night if that’s acceptable.”

Less if possible!

“Understood, I will have the maids prepare your room and baths. I will take my leave here.”

Ergh, I’m glad to see Katharine takes after her father and not you–

“I think she likes you.”

What part of that conversation would lead you to that conclusion!? …or was that sarcasm?

“I am glad to hear. Katharine, if I may call you Katharine?”

“Of course, please do.”

“Then please call me Aburi as well.”

…is it just me or does she look pleased by being on a first name basis?

“I was wondering. Could you tell me your father’s name? He forgot to introduce himself at our first meeting, and the conversation didn’t allow me the chance to ask for it.”

“Heh, that’s just like Father."

She smiles widely, pausing a moment before moving in front of me.

"Then allow me to apologise on his behalf and introduce him. My Fathers name is Alexander de Armstrong, the third of his name, First General of the Order of Sinki and the current military commander of the King’s army.”

…I’ve casually met someone extremely dangerous…

I’ll bet that crafty old fox deliberately didn’t introduce himself so as not to raise my defences. A common tactic employed by those with power after all as with my defences lowered, I might have said something out of turn. Luckily enough, the conversation was short, and I had already polished my ‘attacked merchant’ story on the way here. I shouldn’t have anything to worry about, but I should be careful what I say while here.

“Amazing, your father is such a prestigious man. You must be very proud of him.”

She gives a sudden singular nod. Her eyes are sparkling with pride.

“Yes! Father is a brilliant man.”

“Indeed, I look forward to speaking with him further.”

“I am sure he does too. I am so sorry he sent you away straight after meeting him. The recent demon invasion has kept him busy.”

Demon invasion? Another flag already?

“Demon invasion?”

“Haven’t you heard? No, I guess you wouldn’t have yet."

Her smile turns downward as she shakes her head.

"Three Days ago, Amaki was attacked by demons. The entire city was overrun, and we think the city has most likely fallen. Father was put in charge of mounting the counter-attack or reclamation effort, so he’s under a lot of pressure right now to come up with a strategy.”

Avoid Amaki, got it.

“That’s terrible. Is your unit going to be deployed?”

…Oops.

No sooner did the words leave my mouth did I remember. The light from Katharine's pride-filled eyes faded quicker than a heartbeat with her tone becoming flat.

“…unfortunately not…”

“Forgive me Katharine; I did not think before I asked that. Your father had already mentioned the ambush that led to our meeting. You must have lost some dear friends… I am truly sorry for your loss. Are you okay?”

The empty stare turns watery and is then replaced with a fiery one while raising her fist.

“…I …I will be. Once my shoulder heals, I plan to join the judicial enforcement division and hunt for those responsible! My unit will be avenged.”

I understand that anger. I saw the campsite after all, prior to her units arrival. I shudder to think what became of her friends and I hope she never finds out too.

“Do you know who attacked you?”

“No. I think Father has his suspicions, but he’s not telling… I am sure he is just trying to protect me, but I am certain I will find out when I join the judicial division!”

“If I can help out in–”

She shakes her head.

“No, it’s kind of you to offer Aburi, but this is a knights duty. I cannot drag civilians into this as it would only serve to hurt the knighthood.”

“…I understand”

Well, not like I could help much right now anyway. I was just following the conversation.

“Oh, I’ll take you to the baths. I am sure you will want to get washed up after a long journey.”

I guess this is her polite way of telling me I stink. She’s right of course, I’ve been out in the sun and wearing the same clothes, minus the shirt, for what seems like forever. I’m surprised she’s even able to stand this close without holding her nose.

“Indeed, my ‘scent of a man’ is probably a little extreme.”

“N-Not at all, I-I just thought…”

Wow, cute! Plus ten cutey points when flustered!

“Apologies, please ignore me, Katharine. I’m just teasing.”

“Er? That’s not very fair Aburi.”

“Sorry, sorry. I couldn’t help it. You’re very cute when flustered by the way.”

“G-geez, enough! Come on; I’ll show you to the baths.”

I like it, that reaction. I think can have fun with her.

As we walk through the manor, I get the chance to look around. The manor is just as grand as the interior of the garrison building. I guess being the first general of an order must pay well.

“The baths are in here. Helen here will take your clothes and wash them for you. If you need anything, just ask Mira who will be attending you.”

Attending me? Wait, who’s Mira?

“I’ll come find you at dinner. Please treat this manor as if it was your own”

“Thank you Katharine.”

“You are most welcome. Until later then.”

She’s off. Guess Mira’s in here–

Wow… that is not a bath, that’s a swimming pool of hot water. Rather grand for a bath but I guess this is to be expected of the rich–

Wha?

Yes, yes Helen, I know you want my clothes, calm yourself and give me a moment!

I disrobe and hand my clothes to Helen as I go. Hello there trunky! How ya been? Oh my, Helen, don’t you know it’s rude to stare?

Oooo, the waters excellent. So relaxing–

“Shall I wash you now sir?”

What the-!! You scared the hell out of me. Where did you even come from, and why are you naked!? Ha, naked ninja…

“M-Mira I assume?”

She nods at me.

Huh? She looks familiar… Wait, she’s the Dog-kin from the front gate this morning!

“N-No, I prefer to wash myself if that’s okay but, er, thanks… for the offer… Er…Can I ask why you're naked?”

“I-I.. was told to service the guest of the manor by the Lady of the house in whatever he needs…or desires.”

Katharine’s mother Amelia huh? Heh, maybe she does like me?

No no, wait, that’s not bloody likely. This beauty is a Dog-kin, I’m sure there’s a stigma for relations between humans and…Ah ha. That bitch equates me to a mongrel in her mind; this is her way of secretly insulting me. Well, it’s backfired. Cute is cute!

“I see. You don’t need to worry; desires won’t be explored here today.”

She looks puzzled. I guess this way of talking is only suited to nobles. To be honest, I don’t like talking this way either.

“I mean I don’t plan on touching you in any way, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

“I-I… ”

She nods, moves back a bit and then proceeds to cover her exposed breasts with one arm…

Awkward… I should say something to ease her mind.

“Didn’t I see you at the front gate this morning?”

She looks at me with a blank stare for a moment and then, like a light being switched on, her eyes opened wide, and she nods. If Katharine’s cute score was twenty, she’s a forty.

“Was that your daughter with you?”

She nods again… This isn’t really working, is it?

“She looked just like you.”

“S-She… She’s actually my sister.”

But you nodded when… Not important; she’s talking now at least.

“Ah, the two of you looked very close and alike. So I guessed wrong eh... Have you worked for Lady Armstrong long?”

She shakes her head

“..Eight days.. Lady Katharine told Lady Amelia to buy my sister as well, so we could remain together.”

Katharine, the heroine!

“I.. I…”

She goes silent again while looking to the other side of the room. I pause for a moment to see if she speaks by herself–

“Is it alright if I stay here until you are done?”

She returns to looking at the milky water.

Ah… Amelia will probably beat her if she leaves too soon. She was sent here to ‘service’ me after all.

“Of course, the bath is big enough for both of us.”

A slight smile as she brushes her hand over the back of her neck, moving her hair over her shoulder.

I’ll consider that a win.

She lays back, resting her head on the steps leading into the pool. I feel my eyes drawn to her no matter how much I try to avert them. I am a red-blooded man after all, and that is a naked busty ninja babe..

I try to distract myself by looking around at the bathroom.

Baths was an apt description from Katharine. Beside the giant swimming pool Mira and myself are in, there are four others, each in varying size scattered around the room. Large marble statues of topless women holding jugs of water pouring actual water into the baths are dotted around the place. It must be some sort of pump system like house taps but more intricate.

There are various marble pillars around the large pool that stretch up to the ceiling, and the ceiling itself is a mosaic of varying blue tiles while the floor of varying yellow. If there is a design on either, I can’t make it out due to the steam… it’s pretty hot in here.

“…Sir Draconis, would you like to get out now?”

I’ve been in the pool for about thirty minutes. I feel refreshed but also dizzy due to the heat. To be honest, I had wanted to get out for a while but with soundless beauty using the only way out as a headrest… I couldn’t.

I nod to her to affirm.

As I get out of the bath and look for a towel, Mira follows behind me. I want to turn around so badly *sob*…behave my filthy mind!–

“Here”

I turn to Mira who hands me a robe while smiling. She’s too innocent to have picked up those thoughts…right? She’s already covered herself up as well… Cheer up brain; you got an innocent smile from a cute woman!

“Thanks”

“No problem…. Sir Draconis–”

“Call me Aburi, please.”

“…”

She hesitates for a moment but looks happy.

“Aburi. Thank you”

“Hm? For what?”

“…Everything”

“I…”

Now I’m lost for what to say. She was clearly prepared to be sexually exploited and is thanking me for not exploiting her? Her innocence.. I get the feeling she’s never laid with a man before.. Jeez, my way of life is just too foreign here!

*Knock knock*

Yay! I’m free of the conversation.

“Draconis, the master of the house, has requested your presence.”

“Thank you, Helen, but I have no clothes?”

“Your clothes are washed, pressed and waiting for you in your room. Shall I guide you there now?”

“One moment Helen.”

I turn to Mira and lower my voice.

“Mira, should Amelia; should anyone in fact, ask you what happened in here. Tell them whatever you need to tell them. Do not worry about me okay?”

This should protect her from being beaten… It will sully my honour a little, but I don’t plan on sticking around the capital for too long anyway. I especially don’t plan to hang around with nobles like Amelia.

As I turn to leave, I thought I saw Mira reach out for me but maybe not.

“Okay Helen, please lead the way.”

We reach my assigned room, and I find my clothes resting on an enormous double four-post bed in the centre of the room Helen guided me to.

“The master requests your presence as soon as you are dressed.”

Must be important– Lavender and honeysuckle huh? My clothes smell rather girly, but it’s certainly better than the previous ‘scent of a man.’

“Please lead the way, Helen.”

We proceed back downstairs to a room off the lobby.

*knock knock*

“Enter. Ah, Aburi Draconis, I see you have had time to refresh yourself.”

“Indeed, your house has treated me like kin. I am very humbled by your generous hospitality.”

Yuck. I feel like a fluffer. The sooner I find my own company to keep, the better.

“It gladdens me to hear it. Unfortunately, I will not be able to dine with you this evening. I have been summoned by the King, and shortly after that, I will depart the capital you see.”

“I understand. Your daughter has told me much about you. To be honest, I feel ashamed for greeting you so poorly before–”

“Eh, she has! Damned daughter spoiling my fun.. You have nothing to be ashamed of! It’s a bad habit of mine from my younger years, don’t think too badly of me. Anyway, enough of all that. To the reason I came here. Your reward for saving my daughter is finally ready and I will hear no discussions about it either”

He hands me a sealed letter. It’s rude to open this here and now right?

“Thank you but–”

“I said I would hear no discussions on the matter.”

“..Very well, I thank you for this...”

Hrm, should I push my luck? No, I’ll talk to Katharine about Mira–

“Aren’t you going to open it?”

“Apologies, I wasn’t sure on the etiquette.”

“Ha ha! Well, I guess you were right to wait but I want to see your reaction so go on, open it!”

This guy…I can’t get a handle on him.

I open the sealed letter. It’s a bill of goods to be delivered to me… A large cart, four high-grade horses, Alchemical supplies, one human female slave, an annual contract for two high-grade mercenaries and 200 gold king coins… I…

“Speechless eh? This should get you back on your feet. This is partly for saving my daughter and partly compensation for your highway robbery. The capital ensures the safety of the highway after all and we look to be failing. Rest assured though, since our meeting earlier, I have increased our patrol units size from eight to sixteen and frequency of patrols by four. We will route out those responsible and make the highway safe again. You have my word on that.”

“I don’t know what to say. This is far too much–”

“Nonsense! If anything, it’s far too little. You saved my little girl; I would have given you my left arm should you have asked it”

“Surely that would be a discussion though?”

“Ha! Indeed it would. I must say Draconis; you are a fine fellow for a Desert Elf. Our usual dealings with your kind have not been good, especially our last encounter… It’s a shame I have to leave so soon. I would have liked to converse more”

Desert Elf?! So there are other Dark Elves!

“The items listed in that letter will be delivered to this manor in the morning. The slave and mercenary contracts will have to be collected at the guilds but Katharine will take you to them when you are ready to go.”

“Understood. Thank you for the kindness and generosity you have shown me. I am truly undeserved of it.”

“Not at all, you’re too polite! But now I must take my leave, if our paths should cross again, I would very much like to converse in length.”

We leave his study together and I find Helen and Katharine waiting on us.

“Katharine, I leave this mans care to you.”

“Understood Father, please travel safely. Aburi, mother has taken ill and will not be joining us for dinner this evening. There are some hours before sunset, so I was thinking that perhaps you would like me to guide you around the city? We can stop at a restaurant to eat should we get hungry.”

Well, that’s a welcomed, if not foreseen outcome. I would personally like to spend as little time as possible with your mother Katharine. Hm? As Alexander was heading out the door, I was certain I heard him say ‘Aburi huh?’. I’m not sure what that was in reference to though, anyway I guess I better keep to my character.

“Indeed, that would be most welcomed. If I may ask, what ills your mother? I might be able to help with a tonic–”

“I believe it was something she ate. She will be fine by morning but I thank you for your concern.”

Rough translation, ‘Mothers being a bitch’. I nod to be safe.

“You’ve barely had a moments rest since getting here. Would you like to rest here for a bit or head out now?”

“The bath was very relaxing, and besides, I haven’t been to the Capital, so I’m looking forward to being shown the sights.”

“Then let us head out.”