Minerva never thought she could afford to go so far away from Rome again. Tioch wasn’t quite on the other side of the world, but the distance was enough so returning in case of any emergencies would take time. Filled with such concerns, the Divine Legionnaire walked the busy streets of the great city, no soldiers to afford to keep guards. A decade passed since her sister came to rule the place, and it showed. The most despicable and detested of races composed the current population. Crime ran rampant as thugs stole from weaker ones, and none did nothing but laugh or plot to take the goods for their own. Minerva’s frown wasn’t near enough to express her disgust. One of the reasons the empire was built was so law and civilization would reach all corners of the world, and here her sister was, over watching the exact opposite.

Getting inside Tioch wasn’t troublesome. It would seem the guards are only careful about the refugees fleeing the Lupus, no doubt unwilling to help the poor souls. Well dressed soldiers like her were constantly assumed as mercenaries, most people ignorant of her identity. Was she to ask, it was probably most people wouldn’t know who or what a Divine Legionnaire was, identifying only to their own city, ignorant of it’s past under imperial command. The ones she expected it wasn’t so extended only to soldiers, the one legion Venus commanded, and the last one at Rome’s disposal.

As she entered the forum, more distrustful eyes met her. Their gazes transitioned from her spear, to shield and overall set. Minerva proudly wore the armor and weapons crafted and given to her by the Princeps. No jealous stares would change that fact. Demons, Centaurs, Taurus or any other race, none could intimidate her, no matter how much they tried. The center of Tioch was overcrowded to no end. One of the busiest buildings was a brothel, guarded by legionnaires. With such a dead giveaway, her search for Venus was over.

She skipped getting in line, walking towards the doors. The periodically opened to let customers in, and few came out. Her eyebrows lowered. Did Venus really need to set her base of operations in this disgraceful place? Was she even involved in the administration of the city? A personal meeting was the best source of answers, a thing Minerva was unsure whether to look forward to or not.

“Oy! Get in line!” shouted an angry Centaur. As Minerva ignored him, his frustration was joined by others.

“Stop cutting the line!” another shouted, “Someone stop him!”

She had no patience to deal with these lowly creatures. Her mission personally tasked by the Princeps was paramount. As he so stressed, time was against them, and none could be wasted. Let the complaints and insults come, she endured far worse in her long life.

“Where are you going?” asked a Taurus. He was strong enough to halt the momentum by grabbing her shoulder pad, “I’ve waited all day here, if you can’t wait, then go to another whore house.”

Minerva glanced back. The Taurus stood five heads taller than her, his strong build typical of his kind. One of his horns was cut off, probably a sign he wasn’t new to battles. The threat given the tiniest amount of consideration, nothing was to be feared. She freed herself from him and continued.

The Taurus’ noses fumed like a volcano, “You little… “He got off from the line, going for a punch. It made full contact, and his hand was crushed. His finger bones cracked on impact with the helmet, not making a dent on it. Minerva’s ponytail was the only part of her sent flying. He sneered in pain but refrained from complaining too much. Since it came to this, Minerva turned back, now an aggressive enemy to address.

“The short temper of your race is nothing but disgusting.” She commented, “Refrain from doing this again, and your hand will be your only casualty.”

Her cold, provocative and direct assessment only angered the Taurus further, together with the spectators. She was surrounded by them. Predicting the only possible outcome, Minerva sighed, her warning dismissed.

“… It’s a woman?” the Taurus face contorted, opening a smirk, “What do you think you are doing wearing your husband's armor?” he joked.

“Teach this tourist what happens when you cross someone in Tioch!” a Centaur shouted, cleaning his hoofs in the stone floor.

“I’ll take her armor!” said a human, “Dibs on the weapons!” another said.

“… And I’ll take her.” Said the Taurus, “If I can’t have my day at the brothel, you will make up for it.” He said maliciously.

“… I have no time for this.” She said, blinking heavily. Freeing her shield-bearing hand, Minerva called upon a spell, charging upon her palm, shining in green illuminance.

“Get her!” shouted the Taurus, charging her simultaneously with the others.

Minerva casted her magic. An unrelenting force pushed them all away instantly. Their bodies flew several meters away, landing on other buildings and streets. The Centaur broke a few of his legs on collision, and the Taurus looked to have broken his other hand. Quickly evaluating their conditions, none died. It wasn’t in her interest to break the law in what was supposed to be Roman lands, so she settled with it. As the line dispersed and the ones outside the blast radios fled, the Roman Soldiers guarding the establishment fell into a hostile defensive posture.

“Stand back, woman!” the soldier said, pointing his gladius, “Surrender your weapons immediately!”

“I will do nothing of the sort” she replied, “Let me in.”

“... Let you in? Who do you think you…”

“… What’s all this commotion?” asked another legionnaire, exiting the building through the door. His helmet, unlike the others, possessed a galea. He was a Roman officer, likely in charge of the sentries.

“Sir…” The soldier’s voice lowered, “This woman… She’s casted powerful magic against the customers. What shall we do?”

“Powerful magic?” he asked, his attention going to her, “Oh…” After a pause, he fell to his knees.

“… L-Lady Minerva!” he said, lifting his head, “We weren’t expecting your presence…You must be here to visit Lady Venus… Yes?”

“… This… This is Lady Venus’ Divine Sister!?” asked the soldier, falling to his knees as well, “A thousand apologies! I was too ignorant!”

The officer must have recognized her from the days his legion was stationed in Rome. The soldier must not have recognized her by being recruited from the city’s population. It was a forgivable conduct.

“Is she actually in there?” Minerva asked, approaching them.

“Indeed.” The officer nodded, “This is her chosen base of operations…” the soldier affirmed with a hint of shame. Clearly, it wasn’t his choice to have his command centered there. Nevertheless, he obeyed his superior, something Minerva could deeply respect.

“Of all places… “she sighed, “…Very well.” She pushed her way in, entering the brothel proper, “Let none other get in here before I say so. Be watchful of spies on any infiltrators.”

“…. Understood.” Both soldiers saluted.

She closed the door and was taken aback by the interior. It was far bigger then it looked from outside. There were hundreds of men from all kinds of races being attended by succubuses. They were demonic creatures who feasted on the life essence of other beings to maintain their youth and lifespans. Since the days of Princeps Gaius, they were allowed citizenship, ensuring they wouldn’t prey on the population in exchange to being granted positions at brothels. Back then, and even today the agreement was mutually beneficial, yet even so Minerva despised such a filthy race. Their nature made almost all of them selfish monsters driven only by lust. There was no way for any nobler or dutiful character to develop.

The only good thing about it all was the music. The man playing the harp was very skillful, enough to let Minerva have a little comfort in the ambiance. Some customers got more attention than others. The stronger an individual was the stronger his life essence as well. Consequentially, they were the prime target of the demons.

The establishment bore the Roman banners in its walls as if a sick joke. Soldiers guarded the brothel as much as they indulged in it themselves. Was the place to be attacked, they couldn’t hold it for naught. Venus was never the military strategist, but that’s not to say she was incapable of rational thought. Her abilities lied elsewhere, much to the bane of Minerva.

The was a secluded door, sentries guarding it as religiously as the entrance. It could only be her office, or whatever location she took as her personal space. Minerva rushed there, pushing through the masses. She didn’t notice until then when it was too late to prepare. Focused on her destination, Minerva dismissed the growing number of succubuses giving wide-eyed glares. As it became obvious she was being the target of attention again, she slowed down her movements.

“Are you looking for an escort, sir?” a nearby of the demons asked, “If so, you found one!” she proclaimed loudly, grabbing onto her arm.

“No!” another shouted, “Pick me instead!”

“No, pick me!”

“Not them, me!”

Minerva was again surrounded. Not by angry thugs, but by horny demons. Her confusion gave way to an insightful recalling as a reason for it appeared. Their kind can sense power, of which Minerva had a uniquely massive amount of. In addition, judging by how the men outside thought she was a man due to the armor, they must think the same. She had to correct this before it got out of control.

“This is a mistake, I’m not a man.” She said, but none seemed to listen. What were a few succubuses became a dozen, and then tens. They pushed against one another, trying to get closer, all shouting “Let’s go to my room!” and “Take me too! I won’t charge for it!”

Minerva had a considerably deep voice for a woman, but it was still clearly feminine. It was easily overruled by their thin and high pitch voices. Her armor set wasn’t made to point out any of her body’s features, as it was made for protective measures. In actuality, it differed little from theirs, but the heavy plates gave the silhouette of a manly warrior. If they couldn’t hear her, nor could they see their mistake, then she was left with little recourse.

“Stand back.” She said, louder this time, “Or I will have to…”

“Sister!” The playful voice reached them, “How nice of you to visit!”

The cheerful requests amounting on Minerva ceased. A half-naked succubus entered the fray. Her skin was the same tone of pink as the others, the same color for her eyes. Even considering their time and place, Venus’ dressings were as unsightful as ever. A beauty outside, but Minerva knew the horror inside. While Discordia made the favor to not hide secrets, Venus made it all so complicated. Her arrival, as always, sparked confusion among those present.

“… Was that Lady Venus?” one asked, “She said... Sister? Who does she mean?”

“… Me.” Minerva said, freeing her arm and taking advantage of the silence, “Let me pass.”

“… Eww… It's a woman!” The succubus said, getting away. The sentiment was shared by her companions, “What a disappointment…” some said, lowering their heads, “What kind of woman wears armor like that… “

“Return to your clients.” Said Venus with a grand smile, “Don’t leave them waiting any longer!”

The succubuses bowed their heads, “As you say, Lady Venus.” They gave Minerva room to move again, returning to their previous and not at all jealous clients.

Minerva took a heavy breath, “… I appreciate the assistance.”

“Oh, don’t mention it.” Venus dismissed her with a wave of the hand, “You could have gotten out of it yourself, you just feared to hurt them, right?”

Minerva faced her, “Never mind these incidents. We have a lot to discuss.”

“So quick to dive on business…. We haven’t even received you yet!” Venus held her hand, pushing her to the room, “It’s been so many years, let’s catch up!”

“… Be brief…” Minerva asserted, letting herself be dragged. The Roman soldiers guarding her chambers let them go., saluting accordingly. Not surprisingly, Venus’ personal chambers were full of succubus and Incubus. Her bed was a mess from previous activities Minerva tried her best to dismiss.

“It’s been fun, everyone!” Venus said, “I’ll need some time to talk with my sis. Need the privacy, you know…”

The sexual partners disengaged from the orgy, exiting the room after each saying their affectionate goodbyes. Minerva looked the other way, as they did. As they were left by themselves in the room, the soldiers outside closed and locked the door. The song playing was unhearable by then, a source of slight depression for Minerva. Venus fell on her bed, her barely hanging tunic covering her parts.

“What a full day I’ve had… You wouldn’t believe it…”

“… I can imagine.” Minerva neared the bed.

Venus took a glass of wine from a nearby desk, drinking it a bit, “Want some?” she asked.

“No alcohol.” Minerva took the glass form Venus’ hands, “You’ve had enough of it.” She put the cup back on the desk.

“… As fun as ever…” Venus sighed, “Well then, what makes me worthy of your presence after over a decade? I thought you would spend the rest of your days inside the Imperial Walls.”

“I almost did.” Minerva remarked, sitting on a chair, “The Lupus sieged the capital last week. We took many casualties.”

“Really now?” asked Venus, tilting her head on the pillow, “I never thought that Arcail would do it.”

“It wasn’t him, but one of his underling dogs. An alpha Lupus equal of me in strength.”

“My… Equal of you?” asked Venus, “Have you been slacking too much, or was this one a special case?”

“He was strong, but the real problem was with his wolf pack. I spent most of my resources on them, opening a lot of weaknesses for him to exploit.”

“Sounds like a bad time… I now regret not reading my scouts reports… Umm, not really. I was kind of busy…” she giggled, “Anyway, I supposed you won in the end, given you were able to come here and interrupt my business.”

“Your business?” Minerva asked, “What exactly do you think you are doing in this city?”

“A better job than you.” Venus retorted, “When the wolfpacks came here I could defend my people with no casualties to speak off. Can you say the same?”

“Don’t give me that.” Minerva pointed an angry finger, “Paying the barbarians off is only a temporary solution. Eventually, they will use it to get better weapons and men, becoming an even worse threat. Will you keep paying them off until they become a legion on themselves?”

“And what is your solution?’ Venus got up from her pillow.

“All problems must be taken off from the root cause.” She clenched her fist, “Our only choice is to annihilate the Lupus for good.”

“Far easier said than done.” Venus rolled her eyes, “Even if we were to reunite all of our remaining men, to face off the entire Lupus contingent is so mad even Discordia would do it. Flavius tried with a far larger army and look where that got him.”

“Don’t be such a coward.” Minerva scorned, “It is a Divine Legionnaire’s duty to do all they can to protect the empire, even if the odds are against them.”

“Duty… Again, with this nonsense… Why are you even here? Just to scold me for doing what I can?”

“… We need you back.” She said reluctantly, “We need Tioch, it’s legion and yourself to fully return to the Empire.”

Venus’ slight displeasure was made into a smirk, “I see… You came here to beg!” she chuckled, “After everything, you still can’t survive without me, can you?”

“I’m not begging.” Minerva asserted with a shaking head, “It’s an order.”

“Pff…” Venus scoffed at her, “I don’t take orders from you, how many times do I have to…”

“The order is not from me.” She interrupted, “Princeps Gaius has returned, and wishes to restore the empire.”

Venus’ witty and cheerful smirk vanished. Her pupils enlarged like a cat on extasy. Her already naturally pink cheeks blushed, and her mouth slightly opened, “… G-Gaius?” she asked.

Minerva couldn’t help but lift a small smile at her reaction. She might like to pretend to be this hypersexual free-living spirit with no strings attached, but as her elder sisters, she knew some of Venus’ true feelings. The exact way their minds operated differed greatly, yet some things she could conclude, especially with reactions such as these.

“Indeed.” She nodded, “The World Conqueror, our creator is back.”

Venus’ head lowered, “T-That… It can’t be…”

“It’s the truth.” Minerva insisted, “He was the one who saved the city, including myself. He is the one who ordered me here and is currently dealing with Discordia in Cilia.”

“… Gaius…” Venus whispered, her eyes almost closed and looking down. Minerva gave her the time to process the information. In her case, she doubted at first, even at his presence. For someone like her sister, to accept it so quickly would be difficult.

“… So, he wants me to return? What are his grand plans exactly?”

Minerva relaxed a little. Venus accepted this news far better than she imagined., “He is currently focused on relieving Rome of food and disease. His main objective is to retake control of the Imperial Peninsula.”

“He seeks war with the Lupus, then…”

“We are already at war. He seeks only to finish what they started, cleansing roman soil from the barbarian parasites.”

“… I see.” She lifted her head, “You would take my legions and, with all the legionnaires combined, mount a full-on attack on their united wolfpacks?”

“That’s the gist of it.” Minerva got up, “Gaius should be returning from Cilia with provisions and Discordia by now. If we hurry, we can meet him there on arrival.”

“… Meeting Gaius…” Venus gazed on the floor once again. She got off the bed, standing beside her elder sister, “Let’s do it!”

“That’s good to hear…” Minerva sighed. She was able to convince Venus without any major problems. The way back to the capital could present more challenges but nothing too big to worry about. Rome now had an army at its disposal and one of its Divine Legionnaires back.

“Hey…” Venus asked for Minerva’s attention, extending her arm forward, “I’m sorry for all these years of neglect. I know we have our differences, but we ought to put them aside for now.” She lifted the same cheerful smile from before.

“… Agreed.” Minerva answered with a handshake. She looked deep into her little sister's pink eyes. Perhaps their animosity could be overcome. They could return to their days as companion Divine Legionnaires, fighting for the everlasting glory and legacy of the empire.

Venus giggled, evolving into a laughter.

“… What is it?” asked Minerva.

“Oh… Sis… You are still so easy to fool!”

“… What?”

Minerva tried to pull her hand away from the handshake but couldn’t. Her arm was frozen, as was, in fact, her entire body. Not beyond able to even blink, all he could do was curse herself endlessly. She fell for it. Venus let go of her. The paralysis spell was a success.

“You can come out now.” Venus snapped her fingers. While Minerva couldn’t move her eyes, she could see straight ahead. Lupus began to appear from thin air. With her peripheric vision, she saw more walking around. Venus had been casting invisibility on all of them with Minerva realizing. She was now at the complete mercy of the Lupus, her mission a disaster. An everlasting anger flew through her veins. With all her might, she began to shake.

“Now, now, calm yourself!” Venus poked her forehead, tightening the grip of the magic, “Be a nice statue!”

Her trembles ceased, as her body returned to complete stasis. Venus wasn’t a master of Illusion Spell in name only. Only someone of her ability or that of Gaius could ever perform a Paralysis Spell on her. It was the height of humiliation, for once caught in one, she was at the mercy of the caster.

Venus continued laughing, “Now, I know what you are thinking…” she got the glass of wine from the desk, “How could you do this, Venus? How can you betray the empire so blatantly?”

Those were exactly the thought in her head. To think Venus, of all people, would betray Gaius was inconceivable, and for the Lupus no less. She now worked with the same filth who killed so many Romans, citizens, soldiers and Divine Legionnaires like themselves.

Venus rested against one of the Lupus, ‘I’ll tell you why…” she drank from her cup, wine overflowing on her throat, “… They got here first, and their deal was… Oh… Their deal was so much more attractive!”

“Will you or shall we do it?” asked a Lupus.

“Eh? Do what?” asked Venus, the alcohol finally getting a little to her head.

“Kill her, obviously. We won’t ever get another chance like this.”

Venus took his words into consideration, looking back at her sister, “… I agree, a chance like this…”

“It’s settled then.” He said, “Take off her helmet and slit her…”

“Wait! I didn’t finish!” Venus interrupted, “Yea, it’s a good chance, but she is worth far more alive than dead. Think of the concessions we will get from Gaius with her to bargain with.”

The Lupus sighed, “Very well, that makes sense. You have already done your part for now, so might as well grant you as much.”

“Wonderful!” Venus drank the last remnants of her cup, dropping it on the floor. It broke in several pieces, bothering both the sensitive ears of the Lupus and the Elven Minerva.

“I wish to see Codubia personally.” Venus said, putting on some more clothes, “Surely, that won’t be a problem. She’s already near Tioch, no?”

“She is.” Nodded the Lupus, “She awaits news from us, as well as an estimation to when we can expect your legion to join us.”

“Just a few days.” She said dismissively, “I insist we meet personally before the marching on Rome. There are some details that must be addressed.”

Venus gave the Lupus and incongruous glance, “… I’m sure that won’t be a problem. Your loyalty has been proven, Lady Venus.”

“… No.” She smiled, “You will address me by my new and rightful title.” She sat on Minerva’s chair. The Lupus all around shared glances but agreed to oblige.

“Understood, Empress Venus.”

“She opened a sadistic smile, “That’s what I wanted to hear…” She rested her legs over the frozen Minerva, “The day I have waited for so long is finally at hand…”