Plugged In: I got Isekai'd into a Sexbot (Now I Must Save The World)-Chapter 76: Balance and Bathwater

Maribelle drops to one knee, head bowed, fists tight. "Whatever task you have for me, I’ll do it," she says. "I want to earn my place."

Vexena lounges back in her obsidian throne, resting her chin against her knuckles, crimson eyes glowing with amusement. "Good," she hums. "Because you’ll be working under Eris."

Maribelle lifts her gaze, startled. "Truly?"

Eris crosses her arms with a toothy grin, already enjoying the idea. Virelle bounces beside the throne like an excited puppy.

Vexena nods. "You have war experience. And Eris is preparing our armies. You’ll assist her."

Maribelle’s brows furrow. "You really think it’ll come to war?"

Vexena’s expression sours. "We’re getting between Lady Sylareth and the object of her obsession. Conflict is inevitable. She’s the Queen of Greed for a reason."

Virelle lets out a delighted squeal. "Oh! I can’t wait. If war breaks out, I get to punch someone important, right?"

Vexena chuckles. "Perhaps. But remember, not all battles are solved with fists. A future queen must also understand diplomacy."

Virelle groans loudly. "Boooring."

Maribelle straightens her back, glancing at Vexena. "If she’s so dangerous... why don’t you just crush her?"

"I could." Vexena leans forward. "But I don’t have the influence. Sylareth has half the noble clans wrapped around her claw. If I make a direct move, it could shatter the balance I’ve fought to preserve."

She rises from her throne, walking to the edge of the dais. "The demon lands are chaotic by nature, but we’ve maintained relative peace. If I upset that balance, the war wouldn’t just consume us... it would reach the north. Elthrea. The Kingdoms. Maybe even the lands beyond."

Maribelle nods slowly. "You’re holding everything together."

Vexena sighs. "Barely. And I’m tired. I have power, but my hands are tied. By laws. By oaths. By... sentiment."

She turns back, her expression hardening. "But that doesn’t mean we sit idle. Eris."

Eris snaps to attention.

"Take Maribelle. Begin preparations. I want drills. Logistics. Formations. We need our army ready to crush anything Sylareth throws at us."

Eris grins. "Finally."

Maribelle kneels again. "I won’t let you down."

"I know," Vexena says. "But I prefer more tangible guarantees."

She snaps her fingers. A black collar materializes around Maribelle’s neck. Magic sigils flicker along its band.

Maribelle blinks, touching it.

"One wrong move," Vexena warns, "and it’ll separate your head from your shoulders."

Maribelle gulps. "Understood."

Eris slaps her arm around Maribelle’s shoulder. "You’ll get used to it."

Before Maribelle can respond, Eris opens a crimson portal and shoves her through it. Virelle squeals and leaps in after them.

Vexena remains standing a moment longer, her gaze distant.

------------------------------

In the quaint little town of Husk Horn , a few days later...

Pip lounges in a large, steaming bath. Or rather, tries to. Two women wage war beside him.

"No, no, no!" Penelo yells, brandishing a sponge like a weapon. "You’re doing it wrong. You have to oil his joints first!"

Ka’Lula huffs, holding a steaming ladle. "He needs to be warmed properly! A steam bath comes first!"

Water splashes. Oil flies. Pip emits a long, low beep of pure defeat as the two continue to argue, sitting in the eye of a swirling tempest of beauty and chaos.

Outside the bathhouse, Vuvi and Veena sit on a bench beneath the stars, wine cups in hand and papers scattered between them.

Veena sighs. "Why are we still counting money? We have a dragon’s hoard."

Vuvi snorts. "Because I don’t trust that hoard. Not until we know what it’s for. Or who it belonged to."

Zora twirls through the village square, enjoying the moonlight, arms extended like a dancer. "If it helps," he says, sauntering toward them, "I might know someone who can read that book Lula was given."

Vuvi perks up. "Really?"

Zora nods. "Old friend. Lives beyond the Dwarven Kingdom. If he’s still alive, he might be the only one who can crack it."

Veena scribbles a note. "We’ll look into it."

A high-pitched shriek echoes from the bathhouse.

"Pip’s going to melt," Veena mutters. "I’ll go sort them out."

She rises, but Sera appears in a towel, eyes gleaming with mischief. "No need. I’ve got this."

Vuvi watches, half-curious, half-concerned. "What are you—"

Sera grins, flicks her towel into a long whip, and kicks the door open, butt-cheeks gleaming under moonlight.

"Time to restore sacred order to the bath!"

Penelo and Ka’Lula barely have time to scream before Sera is chasing them, snapping her towel at their exposed rears.

Pip watches it all unfold with a flat beep.

Moments later, the bathroom is littered with limp women.

Penelo and Ka’Lula lay on the tiles, whimpering. Their backsides glow red with fresh welts.

Sera sighs, settling in behind Pip and rubbing his shoulders. "Don’t worry, Prince," she whispers. "They’ll behave now."

Pip lets out a low, thankful chime.

Sera leans close. "You’ve helped so many this last few days. I was wondering..." she traces a finger along his arm, "...if you’d have some time to help me tonight..."

Pip’s eyes brighten. A proud thumbs-up follows.

Sera squeals. "I’ll go ask Vuvi!"

But before she can rise—

Boom. The door bursts open.

Vuvi and Veena stride in, towels over their shoulders like capes.

"Time’s up," Veena says, tapping her wrist.

Vuvi gives Sera a lazy smirk. "Move it, knight. Queen’s orders."

Sera groans but rises. As she stands, Pip’s eyes glow warmly, admiring her flawless form. Her curves rising out of the water like prayers to the Great Mother herself. She blushes, stretches a little too slowly as she slides out of the bath and bites her lips seductively, eyes focused firmly on Pip as she slowly wraps herself in a towel.

She turns and slinks toward Vuvi.

She whispers something in red-head’s ear.

Vuvi sighs. "Fine. Just keep the noise down. I need sleep."

"No promises," Sera sing-songs as she twirls down the hallway.

Veena smirks. "So. Vuvi. Still haven’t tried him?"

Vuvi blushes. "You haven’t either."

"True," Veena admits. "I dream about it though."

"Same," Vuvi mutters.

They slip into the bath beside Pip, sighing as the heat washes over them.

Outside, Zora twirls under the stars, basking in the ambience of a sleepy town.

----------------

Back in the Demon Lands...

The city of Duskhollow buzzes with motion. Horns sound. Flags rise. Soldiers train in formation under black banners.

Maribelle marches at the front, armor scuffed, eyes fierce. Beside her, Eris barks orders, her voice slicing through the air like her scythe.

"You there! Tighten that formation! Maribelle, flank left, show them how it’s done."

Maribelle nods, sweat glistening down her temples as she drives the line.

Hours pass.

By sunset, the field is silent. Only Eris and Maribelle remain, locked in a sparring duel. Blades clash, sparks fly, grunts echo.

Maribelle grits her teeth. "Still can’t land a hit."

Eris grins. "But you’re closer. You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that."

Suddenly, a ripple tears the air.

A portal opens.

Kyrsil steps through.

He bows to the two. "General Eris. Lady Maribelle. Word from the western borders. Movement. Large numbers. Syraleth’s forces have moved beyond her domain."

Eris’s grin stretches. "Finally."

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