I Own a Brothel in Another World-Chapter 281: Healed Body, Mended Soul [ * ]

Since we are not in a rush anymore, I ride Diana through the streets at a leisurely pace. The two of us basically trot around the pedestrians and carriages. Still, with her size, that trot is more like a fast jog as we cover a fair distance with each movement. So, we are moving fairly fast compared to all the horses we pass while doing our best not to spook the poor animals.

I listen to the sounds of the bustling city, making use of my sharp hearing to pick up on any mentions of the recent events. There are a lot of opinions and statements that make the rounds amidst the general populace, but the majority of them express sympathy for the girl who lost her mother. The other half quietly celebrates the misfortune that struck the prominent and domineering household.

This is just how this community is. Quite cutthroat and unforgiving regarding certain matters.

But, if people expect the Stockhawker family to fall, they are in for a surprise. What’s ahead of us is a great change. The renaissance of the well-known merchant clan. No one really knows what Miazira is capable of or what her character is, but it’s clear everyone is underestimating the young heiress. Which isn’t surprising considering the fact that the previous matriarch kept the girl deep in her dark shadow.

This is a case no longer.

The confined genius will finally be able to spread her wings.

We arrive at the Stockhawker Household soon enough and stop at the front gate to the main estate. There are more guards positioned around, which is only natural. The family can’t show any weakness during this difficult period. Someone could be more than happy to take this opportunity to strike them down.

One of our mercenary girls stands watch too and salutes respectfully as the sentries let me pass without an issue. I can always count on these brilliant ladies, no matter what their mission is. This definitely isn’t a simple environment to be working in, yet they don’t raise any complaints even when everyone around them gives them not-so-friendly stares.

Stopping somewhere on the side, I hop off Diana’s back and fluff my loyal mount affectionately. As the two of us share a playful moment, I reach out to Hecate and confirm her position. She expresses her readiness, and I send her a mental nod.

Sure, I could enter the proper way, marching through the front door like everyone else.

But, where’s the fun in that?

Heart Swap triggers without a problem, and I appear in a spacious, luxurious office, right behind a big, comfortable chair positioned by a heavy desk. This is undoubtedly the matriarch’s main chamber. And surely, the current head of the clan is present at her station and in the middle of scribbling something over a multitude of parchments and documents. There are piles of those, easily discernible as completed and awaiting.

Silently moving closer, I peek over the blond-haired beauty’s shoulder. "Working hard from the first light, are we?"

Contrary to my expectations, Miazira doesn’t yelp, jump, or even flinch. Her writing hand pauses briefly, then resumes its task.

"There are dozens of files I need to verify and sign before all the clan’s matters are lawfully in my hands," she answers calmly. "Every business, contract, and deal requires a review, followed by confirmation that the agreements remain in place after the shift in management. And I’m pretty sure you are aware of just how big our network is."

I hum to myself.

"It looks like you got used to my sudden entrances much quicker than I expected. And it was just starting to be fun." I chuckle openly. "To be perfectly honest with you, I thought you would be even more on edge under current circumstances."

She doesn’t respond with words. Rather than that, her quill points forward for a second, and I follow its directions.

Out there, at the other end of the room, stands a sizable oval mirror, one of these mobile ones the ladies bring out to check their dresses. It’s positioned just the way to reflect the desk and whoever might be around it. And that includes my person as I lean over the plush throne.

Oho. I’ve been had.

I knew she was a clever one, but it didn’t take her long to catch me. Perhaps I shouldn’t have ignored the signs. Even the second time when I appeared in the same room as her, she was tactically facing the window, an opening she suspected me of using to sneak in. With that out of the picture, she had to get creative.

"You sly little Dwarf, you..." I grin at her in the mirror and watch a splash of rosiness surface on her gorgeous cheeks. "Set up a trap for little old me, huh... I seem to have underestimated just how cunning you can be... Not many can boast of outsmarting a Demigod..."

Her expression tenses a bit, growing a tad paler. "I’m sorry, I—"

"Shush." I interrupt her, turning around to partially open the window behind us to let some air in. "None of that now. I’m making fun of it, so take the compliment. Be it gods or demigods, neither is infallible. Even Lumina makes mistakes. You wouldn’t believe how clumsy she is, that one."

I can feel a divine pout within myself, which only makes me smirk.

Zira’s eyes widen slightly. "You are on a first-name basis with the Goddess?"

It’s kind of a funny thing to say, considering that she technically has one name, but I get the meaning.

"You can say that. It might have all started with a kidnapping, but she’s a total sweetheart when you really get to know her." I decide to tease our heavenly spectator a little more. "Nevertheless, I haven’t come here to talk about her but you. How are you faring? Did you sleep well?"

At that, the colour returns to her face, and she finally rests the quill in the inkwell.

"Yes, I had a restful night. For once in a long while... my dreams were... pleasant." Zira spins her fingers cutely. "Thank you for your help yesterday, My Lord."

"Nuh-uh." I shake my head at her. "It’s still Alastair or Al for you. I’ll forgive you this once since it’s been less than a day, but I’m keeping count from now on, so better be careful."

She searches my face for a moment, then nods gently.

"Did you have any trouble with those old geezers?" I ask, resting my butt on the side edge of the low desk.

"Everything is under control. The interrogation concluded successfully, and the following interviews brought many matters into light. Their misdeeds might not be serious, but they still incriminated each other willingly and allowed us to compile a good chunk of evidence pointing out their scheming and crimes," Zira answers with a grateful smile. "I wouldn’t have been able to get it all done without your amazing mercenaries. They never doubted any of my requests or orders and even assisted with many things on their own."

"I’m glad to hear that." I respond with the same. "As mentioned, they are yours to command until you feel completely safe in your home once again."

"And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that." She sighs softly. "I didn’t think I would find even a minute to relax anytime soon, but with them around, I can sleep soundly without any worry in the world. There has been no trouble at all."

"None, huh?" I glance to the opposite side of the desk.

Hecate materialises out there in a blink, causing Miazira to squawk in shock. "There has been only one assassination attempt, Master."

"Who are y—no, wait, assassination?" The blonde switches tones fast, blinking at the porcelain-skinned guest in confusion.

"Yes. A single individual of the Dwarf race tried to break into the bedroom through the chimney and administer poison," Hecate reports. "He has been removed, his organisation cleaned up, and the family who hired them given a clear warning. There won’t be a second time."

Miazira gapes at the slim woman, trying to parse the information. My devoted agent had quite a busy night, so it seems.

"This is Hecate. One of my subordinates. As you can see, she’s an Arachne. A special one." I break the silence by introducing the pale female. "I secretly assigned her to your side just in case. And while I have no doubt the other girls would have stopped the intruder in time, her peculiar talents allow her to deal with things without raising an alarm."

At my words, Hecate disappears, making Miazira gasp. A few seconds later, something pokes the new matriarch in the neck, and she peers down, noticing the tip of one of Hecate’s sharp legs pointing at her throat from behind, where we can both see the spider girl’s figure via the mirror. Making her point, my scary operative withdraws and moves to stand by my side.

"I hope you will forgive me this discourtesy." I lower my head in an apology.

Zira rubs her neck tenderly, then meets my eyes. "Rather, I’m grateful. Thank you, both. Now I understand that I’ve been overconfident. I shouldn’t have rejected the offer of your ladies to stand watch in my bedroom, not just outside of it. Once more, thank you for protecting me, Hecate."

"I only follow Master’s directives." The Arachne offers the slightest nod. "My current task is to ensure your comfort and protection. I will not fail."

With that, she is gone once more. Of course, only visually.

"I pity your enemies. They must live in constant fear for their lives." Zira shows a wry little smile.

"Speaking of which, what are you planning to do with the deals made with the other clans that you brought up earlier?" I ask curiously.

"That depends on the clan." She brings forth a few different parchments. "There are some shady types that I’m going to cut the ties off while passing the evidence of their misdeeds to the Sovereign. As for the honest and previously abused families, I wish to slowly make up for the suffering they had to experience under the leadership of my mother. If they decide to stay with us, that’s great, but I’m not going to force anyone. This isn’t the wisest thing to do, as many most likely will take fault with us and take it to the government, but I just don’t want to fall into that woman’s footsteps and control through pressure and blackmail."

"You would be surprised." I reach out to ruffle through her golden hair. "The fact that the Stockhawker Household is the biggest merchant family in the realm hasn’t changed. Some people might harbour negative feelings towards it, but they have to think of what’s best for their families too. And that might just be taking a gamble and staying with your clan now that things have a chance of getting better. I dare to say, if you keep your promises and show the public your resolutions, new business partners will be barging in through doors and windows to sign a contract with you rather than you having to find them."

"Maybe." Zira mulls it over. "Dwarves are both vengeful and business-minded people. It’s hard to predict which side will win."

"Well, I know the answer to that for at least two clans." I give her a few pats. "Mind putting them on top of your list for me? I’m personally involved with some of their new products, so cooperation on good terms with them should let you recover quicker."

"Really? Who is it? I’ll schedule a meeting with the leaders right away." She gazes at me with hopeful eyes.

I quickly give her the names and some details on what the whole thing is about. She compliments my plan to undermine her mother while securing signatures for my mercenary company, somehow feeling proud of me causing her clan trouble.

"Also, don’t forget the Pleasure Queen," I add afterwards. "Mevana might glare at you a little at first, but she and Niel definitely won’t reject a solid partnership offer. Plus, the Forgegraver Household in general. With their support, your future should be fairly secured."

As I finish, Zira’s gaze falls to the desk, the atmosphere turning a bit pensive and perhaps even sad.

"Yeah... At least the near future..." She tries to smile, but it’s easy to tell that it’s forced.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" I raise a brow at her.

"Just, things might actually turn out for the better and remain like that for as long as I’m here, at the forefront of the family, but..." The blond-haired matriarch peeks up at me. "After that? Who can guarantee that it won’t devolve into the same situation again? There’s no one I can entrust the family to. I’m... alone."

"I understand your position. It’s certainly tough with both of your parents gone. But do you hate the idea of having kids that much? That worried you will make the same mistakes?" I tilt my head.

"What? No! I would never hurt my children like that monster did!" Miazira slams her palm into the desk furiously, then shivers as she notices her outburst and bites down on her lip. "I mean, who in the right mind would want a broken and damaged thing like me anyway..."

I push myself off the desk and march to the other side of the chamber while she follows me with her gaze. Grabbing the stand with the mirror, I drag it with me back to her, rounding that desk and coming to a stop behind it, just to her side. I set the silvery pane so that it faces the Dwarf girl directly.

"Tell me, what do you see here?" I point at the reflection. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

She turns her chair towards the mirror, revealing herself fully. The new matriarch is dressed to match her status. A fine suit jacket for her top and smooth pants to match the set. Her white collar is open for comfort and perhaps unintentional tease of her sexy collarbone. The buttons of her suit strain under the fullness of her chest, creating an even more enticing picture. Not to mention her nearly angelic visage, now completely rid of any makeup and hidden marks.

Still, she hesitates, her posture retreating slightly into herself.

"I’ll tell you what I see, then," I continue firmly, locking on her beautiful blue eyes. "A healthy and well-endowed lady with a figure many would kill for. You might think that this formal suit hides your charms, but you couldn’t be more mistaken. It hugs your curves while tensing at the seams like the crotch of the pants of any prospective male spectator. And forgetting about something as crude as one’s alluring body, just look at this noble face. I know you shouldn’t talk shit about the dead, but comparing it to that ugly thing, I’m starting to wonder if you aren’t actually adopted. Only the hair is an argument against such a notion, which in itself is so unique and rare amongst your kin. I don’t think I’ve seen a single individual with locks so radiant and grand. Do I need to say any more?"

Zira’s cheeks glow more and more as I keep going, and she stops slouching so much, but she doesn’t seem to fully believe me yet.

"Maybe you are right... But that’s another reason... As you noticed, my hair isn’t common..." She runs her fingers through her bright yellow mane. "It’s kind of an open secret that there’s High Elf blood mixed in my mother’s lineage... Most noble houses abhor the idea of staining their bloodlines with it... But, there was barely anything that could stand between my mother and her goals... You haven’t seen many Dwarves like me because most of us join the clergy... As there rarely are places for us anywhere else..."

Now, that could possibly be true. I’ve been nearly avoiding all that stuff, save for the moments when it found me instead. And even so, it was usually old men who were already bald or grey-haired.

"So what?" I snort to the side. "Your mother could do it, so can you, and without any questionable means. You are better than her. You are prettier than her. You have more charm than her. The moment the sun shines on your elegant face and illuminates your golden hair, your beauty nears the Goddess herself. A single smile of yours makes males soft in their knees and hard somewhere else. There’s barely any man who would refuse your courtship even if you weren’t one of the most influential women in this land at the moment."

"You are saying that to make me feel better..." Zira escapes with her gaze to the side.

"No, I’m stating things as they are," I respond.

"There really is no need to lie..." she counters.

"Exactly," I agree with her. "And the earlier you accept the truth, the better. You are a stunning female, but still can’t see it properly."

Miazira scowls faintly, perhaps annoyed by the back-and-forth, then hops out of her chair. "Prove it, then!"

Grabbing the desk, she climbs onto its fine surface. Moving on her knees, she scatters the documents resting atop it. As many float to the ground, she stops near the edge, right in front of me. The manoeuvre brings her more or less level with my face as she glares into my eyes from up close.

"Prove it." She repeats in a quieter voice.

Well, I brought this upon myself, so fine.

I reach out and slide my palm along her cheek, pulling her in. Zira inhales sharply as our lips meet. Closing her eyes, she leaves her mouth in my hands, or lips, in this case. I pepper it with gentle kisses at first, then turn more passionate. She doubts her appeal, so a more amorous response is necessary.

Our exchange deepens, and I prod her with my tongue. She starts giving back, guiding her fingers into my hair. Her tongue invites mine for a sultry albeit slightly awkward dance, betraying its lack of experience in these matters. A little moan escapes her as I press harder, guiding her in the correct motions.

Then, her lashes flutter open slowly, and her eyes widen in panic.

Zira pushes herself away. "I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—"

"Silence." I catch her waist and bring her back, our foreheads bumping into each other lightly. "You wanted proof, and proof was given."

"But you are a divine—"

I shut her up with one more kiss. "Recently, people have started adding a second title to my name, which might be a good fit, but it seems to cause them to forget about the first one. I’m a Demigod of Lust first and foremost. And I certainly feel quite lusty right now."

Her expression relaxes, and she sneaks a glance south. "You... would?"

Gods and goddesses, yes, I would.

"I could bend you over this desk right now, and rail you so hard your dangling legs would flop like flags during a storm, but that’s not exactly how a charming young matriarch’s first time should be, should it?" I let out a quiet growl at her, making her cheeks go positively scarlet. "But, I can’t leave you hanging so cruelly either, can I?"

She gasps cutely as I lift her by the waist and walk to the regal chair. Spinning around, I plop down in the slightly small seat, then place the adorable girl in my lap, facing outwards. One of my hands slides into her curled fingers while the other cups her chin as I lean toward her ear. Our gazes meet in the strategically placed mirror.

"Lady Stockhawker, allow me to help you relieve some of your stress." I kiss the side of her forehead. "My friend tells me you’ve been overworking yourself, and there’s nothing else I hate more than girls who don’t take breaks to unwind."

Zira doesn’t stop me as I start wandering over her figure with my palms. Rather than that, she watches them graze her front like a hawk. When my right hand dips past her navel, she even spreads her knees some more, flashing her covered crotch to the world. Taking her action as a sign, I unpin the button holding it together at the same time as the one in her stylish suit jacket.

Her considerable chest pops out of its confinement, making her breathe in fully. The waistline of her pants loosens and dips a bit, the first signs of panties peeking out. From what I can already see, they are definitely fancier than last night. And the lacy texture pushing through her white shirt further proves that point.

"Is... she watching?" Miazira suddenly whispers.

I pause immediately, carefully peering into her eyes through the mirror. "Give a word and she won’t."

Not wanting her to be uncomfortable, I wait for an answer before continuing, ready to ask Hecate to leave us for a moment.

"W-Where?" Zira asks, to my surprise.

With a quick thought, the spidergirl appears to the side, hanging upside-down from the ceiling near the centre of the room. All three pairs of her black eyes are locked on us as one of her hands rests between her legs, where her costume is currently split. There’s no doubt she’s been at the very least preparing to touch herself.

I feel Zira swallow thickly, but she doesn’t say anything else, her attention back to the mirror. So, I resume my previous machinations and slip one palm under her shirt, snaking upwards, while dipping the other into her pants. She shudders when my fingers rest over her bra and squeeze her delicate breast. At that moment, my digits that have headed south run into a rather wet material.

"Oh? Are you really this eager, or does the presence of our guest excite you?" I chuckle warmly into her ear.

"It’s because... of the dream..." she reveals.

"What kind of dream?" I ask, even though I can easily guess.

"I lay down in the bed on my back... And you... With fingers..." the embarrassed lady explains quieter and quieter, but still brave enough to voice out her recent fantasy.

It’s not surprising that it’s a fairly tame one. Until recently, she despised her body. Whenever or wherever she touched, it must have hurt really badly. So, something more tender for her first sexual desire is very understandable.

"Like this?" I smirk at her.

Another shiver makes her tremble as my fingers bypass the drenched fabric and glide over her scorching hot folds. Her head bobs a few times as she tries to assume a more comfortable position, pushing her back more into me and opening up her legs even more, setting her feet atop my knees.

I trace patterns up and down her slightly swollen folds, avoiding the dip in the middle for now. It’s all new to her, and thus we should take our time. Just having her moist petals stroked causes her breath to hitch and speed up. And it all happens in secret, hidden beneath her formal clothes. All we can see in the mirror is the movement of my hands beneath them, which still drives the golden-haired lady crazy.

"Look how wet you are just from some slow rubs," I whisper into her ear and stretch her panties outwards a bit.

She peeks down her front and properly lays her gaze on her bare femininity, adorned with a stroke of golden hair. Two of my fingers glide under her and back out, teasing her labia with each stroke, spreading glistening juices over themselves and everything around.

"Oh, Goddess..." Zira takes hold of the armrests. "I’m so dirty..."

"Dirty is good," I reassure her. "This is how the Goddess intended these parts to look. Sparkling with nectar and flushed in pleasure. Are you ready for more?"

Her grip tightens, and she observes her femininity intently. Then, my left palm slips into her bra, enveloping her bare breast for the first time, giving the stiff nipple a soft brush.

"Ohhhhh..." Miazira’s shuddering moan graces the air.

My right hand follows suit, the two fingers finally caressing her inner flesh.

"Ohhhhhh!" She sings for me beautifully, jerking up slightly.

What follows is a cacophony of sighs, mewls and whimpers as I languidly rub her pussy with great care. She grabs my wrists instead of armrests now, though not to stop them. The desperate tugs seem to urge my limbs to move faster and harder.

"Ohhhh... This is so different... Ohhhh... With yours..." Zira lets it slip amidst her growing ecstasy.

"Did my naughty matriarch touch herself this morning?" I nibble on her earlobe.

"Oh, Goddess! Oh, Goddess! I’m..." She tenses and bucks in my lap, letting out a soft cry. "Ooohhhhhhhhhh!"

I hold the spasming girl steady, continuing to brush against her folds and core as she covers my fingers with even more of her warm juices. A few heavy shivers later, she looks up at me while gasping for breath, her eyes sparkling with awe.

"Is this... a real orgasm?" the poor lady asks. "I’ve been missing this... my entire life?"

Chuckling openly, I pull my fingers up to show her just how much she came. Zira stares at my glistening digits with wonder, then, without a warning, leans forward and opens her mouth. Before I can react, she brings out her tongue and goes for a tentative lick. Not finding her own nectar repulsive, she laps it up curiously while peering into my eyes in the reflection.

She might be new to this side of bodily experiences, but it looks like she might not be that innocent at heart.

When there’s nothing more to suck off my fingers, she rests against me again, her angelic face flushed with the afterthought of her boldness. I hug her warmly and glance down. The two of us can clearly see the big wet spot over her entire crotch.

"My apologies. I seem to have ruined a perfectly nice pair of pants." I grin at her unabashedly.

"It’s alright. But..." Miazira shuffles a bit to raise her hips. "My nanny always said that when your clothes get wet... You need to get rid of them as soon as possible..."

She yanks her bottoms and underwear off, throwing them past the mirror. Using my arms to fix herself, she brings her heels atop my knees once more, displaying her fully unobstructed slit in the smooth reflection. A steady string of clear liquid trails down from the sealed crevice, dripping onto the puffy cushion beneath.

The look she gives me makes it obvious that her dream didn’t stop at some light petting. And after what she’s gone through, she is quite interested in experiencing the rest.

Therefore, I let my palm slither south once more. My fingers arrive at the sides of her puffy folds and repeat the past motions, this time without anything hiding the full extent of the movements. We both observe them play with this drooling pussy for a while before they slide to the sides and open this pretty pink flower up.

Zira’s mouth hangs agape as she peers at her opening with anticipation. When my middle finger travels past her clit and towards that inviting hole, she arches her back a bit, tensing up like a bow. Then, it slips into her steamy channel, teasing the entrance.

"Ohhhhhhhh!" Miazira trembles in my lap, her lips curling up in an elated smile. "It’s ticklish!"

Aware that her previous abuse has unfortunately broken her purity due to physical stress and mistreatment, I let my digit explore her passage without any worries about discomfort. Her pussy quickly grows accustomed to the invasion, and I slip another finger in, listening to the golden-haired beauty moan musically. Slow and steady, I massage her inner walls like a fond lover.

"Ohhhh! Ohhhh! You can go a bit faster! Ohhhhh!" My partner brings her hand to touch my cheek in a quite endearing way. "Please? Ohhhh!"

Listening to that heartfelt request, I pick up the pace, and the room starts filling up with soft smacks and wet plops as my palm bumps into her mound with each thrust. Zira loves it, though, and she doesn’t hold back her voice anymore after the first round. There’s still a trace of timidness in her expression, but it’s been set mostly aside for this ride. She’s even starting to roll her hips into my knuckles, seeking more pleasure.

"That hungry for more?" I laugh lightly. "Here. Let me help you."

"How can there be mo—ohhhhhhhhh!"

Miazira cuts herself with a mighty cry as I curl my fingers in and pay more attention to a certain spot inside her slippery channel. She immediately grabs my wrist with both hands, her eyes going wide. I keep the fast pace while rubbing her intently, beginning to notice the first signs of her squeezing down on me.

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Something is—" Her short frame locks up, and her knees bang together, tightening her insides even more. "Ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

A violent jet of fragrant liquid pushes my palm away and shoots towards the mirror. Zira rides her peaks alongside a wave of juices gushing out of her pussy as I hold it spread with my fingers. Amidst the shudders and spasms, she keeps watching the stream originating from between her legs cover the mirror’s surface, staining it with her erotic euphoria.

After a few short seconds, the stream loses its potency and makes a small arc before completely dropping down. Zira’s hands immediately slap over her face, covering its entirety. A few more spurts trickle out of her twitching slit before everything calms down. In her pure mind, she must feel deeply ashamed seeing that she’s wet herself during her high. Which, technically speaking, isn’t wrong, but that’s not exactly it either.

I gently pry her palms open to brush our cheeks together. "This is a sign of a very good time, nothing more. And it’s fairly rare, so you should feel proud rather than humiliated."

"Really?" She tries to search my eyes in the mirror, her alluring lower half still at full display, steadily dripping with her nectar.

"Yep. It might even be connected to your elven side. I recall a certain Elf community that gushes out like a waterfall all the time they are getting pounded in the ass." I smirk at the memory.

"In the... butt?" Zira peers up at me directly with an intrigued glint.

"Right?" I wink at her. "So, something like this is nothing to worry about, not even close to how kinky some ladies get. Just be honest with yourself. Did you like it?"

Her gaze wanders to the dirty mirror, then the puddle beneath it, and finally between her legs. At the last view, she seems to recall the feeling and flushes hard.

"I did..." Zira admits. "So much pleasure just... exploded out of me..."

"See? And I surely loved to see it." I kiss her cheek and offer her a hand to climb off me, which she does with an unsteady step. "Plus, you look much less stiff now."

She lets out an elegant giggle while checking herself in the mirror, her shoulders visibly less taut.

"How is there still so much..." Miazira notes the steady trail connecting her slit to the carpet at the very bottom.

I shake my head, freeing her seat. Getting on my knees, I grab her shapely waist and drag her in. She gasps, then moans in bliss as my mouth latches onto her snatch. I kiss and suck at her mound while she digs her fingers into my hair.

After making sure I have lapped it all up, I withdraw with a grin. "Do you have anything to change in?"

"I’ll ask one of your ladies to bring me a spare set. And we’ll clean this mess too. You already cleaned part of it." She smiles at me brilliantly. "I’m almost tempted to make a bit more..."

Booping her on the nose, I stand up. "Let’s save some fun for later. Also, catch this."

"There will be more?" Her face brightens up even further, then she notices the pink window. "What’s this?"

"You’ll be able to talk with my ladies and me mentally if you join," I explain, and she already accepts mid-sentence. "And, of course, there will be more. I gotta take responsibility for getting seduced by your otherworldly charm."

Her eyes grow big again. "Does that mean... That you would give me... A successor?"

"Possibly." I shrug faintly. "After getting to know you a little closer, that might happen at some point. I certainly find you quite likeable, Zira. And I don’t mean just your beauty this time."

She jumps to hug me strongly at the waist. "It’s okay! I’m not in a hurry! I have to learn how to be a proper female first before even thinking of bearing an offspring! And I need to keep my promise and take good care of the clan for you!"

"You do that." I pat her on the head affectionately. "I’ll handle some of my other matters in the meantime."

Miazira releases me from her hold, and we walk out from behind the desk.

She glances around, not finding Hecate anywhere in her previous spot. "Did she leave for my sake?"

I point at the floor with my thumb. "I don’t think so."

There are quite a few wet marks on the carpet, their source rather clear.

The sneaky spider enjoyed the show.

After receiving the call, one of my mercs comes in and discusses the matters of clothing and cleaning with the half-nude matriarch, not really fazed by the sight, staying fully professional. Though I catch a note of disappointment as her eyes briefly skip to my waist, unable to catch a peek of me as I’m completely clothed.

Bidding farewell to Zira, I leave like a normal person, through the door. Reuniting with Diana, I ride to the mercenary headquarters. Moving inside, I find Cecil in the middle of a speech to a row of our new recruits, who are dressed in matching training outfits.

"Leader!" She salutes the moment she notices my entrance, the others awkwardly trying to copy her.

"At ease." I nod at the raven-haired captain. "What do you think about your new squad?"

"The members heavily lean on the magical side, but that won’t be an issue." Cecil grins confidently. "I might request some more armour and take the front too. Other than that, I’m looking forward to their combat education. I will naturally partake in it too. A good party experiences everything together."

I snort at her statement, reminded of the initiation.

"We can bring the instructor at any time." Sirgia’s soft voice reaches me from the side as she walks up to us with Daisy next to her. "I’m ready for transfer, Master."

"And I have an idea about the clerk!" The bookish girl waves her hand in the air.

"Do tell." I cross my arms over my chest.

"I have an assistant-maid back at home, who I had to leave behind when I came here. She’s someone I trust, even though I might not have been the nicest to her previously. I think she deserves a better position with how hard she is working," Daisy says.

"Someone you treated like shit? I can already tell we’ll become great friends." Cecil snickers.

The ginger-haired lady rolls her eyes with only a shadow of annoyance.

"Alright. Take Diana and bring her here." I whistle, and my beast companion emerges from the floor. "Just explain things to her first and make sure she is willing, not forced."

"I promise!" Daisy climbs into the saddle and gives me a polite nod. "I’ll be back as quickly as possible!"

Taking hold of the handlebars, she plunges into the shadows alongside her steed.

"Okay. Let me fetch the instructor, then." I turn to Sirgia. "Garrena or Teffith?"

"Garrena first, Master." My dainty lover smiles charmingly. "Teffith will switch with her after I’m done building the gate. Then, Elea will take over for the general studies and initiation."

"Got it. I’ll see you in a few days, then. Love you." I kneel down to give her a loving kiss and trigger Heart Swap a second time today.

With a tug and a swirl of darkness, I appear back in the mansion’s corridors. A certain Dragonewt stands to my side, leaning against the wall with a fierce smirk.

"Rude. I was in the middle of a conversation." Teffith eyes me up and down before biting into her lip.

"Allow me to make it up to you." I cup her chin and steal her lips roughly. "I missed your scales."

"And I missed your cock," she answers brazenly. "Too bad I can’t risk having it yet. The girls would have my head for taking advantage of this moment."

"Well, I could stay for a bit longer, catch up with a few people." I make a show of mulling it over. "Cornelia would certainly appreciate me checking up on her after all this time, no?"

"Don’t." Teffith presses a palm to my chest. "She’s very emotional still. And very anxious about you seeing her with a baby bump. Words of reassurance might not be enough. Just trust us that she’s well and give it some more time, okay?"

I take a deep breath and nod. "Okay. Anything that makes her feel comfortable, even if the thought that I might dislike seeing her like this is just silly."

"I know that. Everyone else knows that. Even she knows that. But, she isn’t completely in control of herself right now. That little troublemaker inside is messing with her. It will pass soon." The crimson-scaled bouncer offers me a soothing smile.

"I’m aware. Keep reminding her that I will always love her no matter what." I share a hug with the lean Dragonewt. "I’ll be off, then. Can’t tempt fate. We’ll be able to see each other freely soon. Thank everyone for their hard work."

And with that, I switch with Sirgia, returning to the Dwarf city. A loud and hearty laugh welcomes me, followed by a solid blow to my back.

"You managed to escape safely, Master!" The buff Orc female keeps slamming her palm into me. "Looks like my scaly colleague succeeded in holding those thirsty bitches back!"

"Thirsty bitches?" I frown.

Then, I make a correction. Teffith wasn’t leaning against the wall. She was leaning against a door. And only now I seem to notice that it was shaking. As if someone was banging on it from the other side while the room was silenced. A lot of someones, possibly.

"Whew. Looks like I dodged a bullet." I wipe my forehead off. "Also, are you speaking more fluently?"

"You noticed?" She grinned at me, baring those dangerous tusks. "It was bound to happen after spending so much time amongst Humans. The tribes will now make fun of me, but eh, they can go fuck themselves. They would wish you would fuck them like you fuck me, hahaha!"

The green woman might be better at talking, but she’s still the same brute.

"Fancy a quick wrestling match, Chief?" Garrena waggles her thick brows at me.

"Do your job properly, and I just might agree," I shoot back, and she’s charging towards the frightened Dwarf girls like a train right after.

Shaking my head, I sigh softly.

I do miss the chaos that is home.

I truly do.

But, not for much longer.