Guess who just got the light novel version of Goblin Slayer? This guy! Now I am officially ahead of the manga and you have no idea how happy that makes me. The book has a slightly different take then the manga. It's good to have both sources to see the differences and similarities and believe me there are a few.


For several days Jason, Olga, and Chloe rode on the back of a stolen hell horse. The animal managed to get them to their destination faster than walking ever could! The only problem was feeding the horse. Unlike regular horses, who ate grass, hell horses were carnivores. They required a ton of meat to keep energized.

It was actually getting hungry enough to try and bite them, but Jason smacked it a few times to remind it who's boss. Jason remembered in wild herds hell horses would resort to cannibalism if there wasn't enough food to go around. Thankfully they managed to get to the forested regions, which had more easier to find game then a desert. The hell horse feasted on rabbits, raccoons, and even a bear while they traveled.

The group arrived on the very outskirts of Ken, the Capital of Eostia. They could see the walls of the fortress and even the looming Castle Church in the middle of the city.

"My, my." Olga said. "Impressive battlements. There are magical wards and protection spells built into the structure to make them stronger against heavy fire. I can practically feel them from here. Celestine you've outdone yourself here."

"Each fortress was built in the span of a single month. With the aid of Lady Celestine of course. She's the one that placed all that magic on them. At least that's what I've heard." Jason informed.

"It's defiantly Celestine's work. It's very difficult to tell, even for a veteran mage, but every magic has a mark left by the wielder. It's not exactly something you can see, but feel." Olga said.

"Interesting. For as long as I had magic I did not know that." Jason mused. "Anyway, Chloe, can you reach into my bag? I should have some cloaks in there for you both to wear."

"Excellent idea, Jason." Olga complimented. "It'd be best that we not be seen when we head inside."

"I'm sure the guards are waiting for us, but best we not draw a crowd." Chloe reached into his bag and pulled out two cloaks. "Thanks Chloe. Also your attires are very . . . eye-catching. No doubt it will cause a scene if you travel through the city." He gave one to Olga.

Olga huffed "You human are such prudes. We elves dress like this to be closer to nature. To show that we are not afraid to be a part of it. It is you humans who are shameless for not showing the proper respect to Mother Nature and the world."

"I prefer to wear full armor. You know. To protect myself from arrows, swords, hammers, magic, etc. We can argue about proper fashion at a later date. Right now we need to hurry and report to Celestine."

When they were completely covered Jason rode the horse straight to the gate. Slowly they approached the guards standing sentry.

"Halt!" The guard said. "State your business."

"My name is Jason Bellum. A mercenary under the employ of Lady Celestine Lucross. I've come back from my mission and am here to report."

"Jason Bellum?" The guard questioned. "Ah yes, Lady Celestine told us of your arrival and your . . . entourage." The guard glared at Olga and Chloe. Whose faces were mostly covered by their hoods. The two guards reached for their swords.

"They are with me. Lady Celestine wants them to be delivered to her unharmed. So I suggest you put your hand away from your sword before you regret it soldier." Jason warned.

The soldier hesitated for a moment before he silently nodded his head.

"There will be an entourage waiting for you inside to escort you to the castle. Make sure you don't wander." The guard said.

"I'm heading straight there. I have to collect my money after all." Jason said.

"You should also be aware the leading members of the Alliance are here as well." The guard added.

"The Princess Knights?"

"Yes. Many of them arrived yesterday and today. They are all awaiting you at the castle."

The gates opened and Jason motioned the hell horse forward. When they entered, six knights riding on horseback were waiting for them.

The horses the guards rode whinnied in fright at the sight of the hell horse. The men themselves tried to get their beasts under control and not let them run off. The hell horse just snorted in amusement at its cousin's cowardice.

"Sir Jason?" The head guard asked after getting the horses to calm down. Jason nodded in confirmation. "Follow us."

Jason moved forward and the six guards surrounded him as they walked to prevent anything from stopping them. As they marched through town they garnered the attention of many of the citizens. Though while the escort drew their attention, it was actually the hell horse that caught their eyes more. Seeing such a large monstrous mount trot through the city turned more heads then anything. The hell horse itself snorted menacingly at the people that stared directly into its eyes. Those people jumped back in fright a little from the horses fire red eyes.

With many eyes looking at Jason and the horse, they also saw the two cloaked dark elves as well. Though they didn't get a good look at them, many glared and suspected them to be dark elves under the employ of the Dark Queen.

Jason scanned the area and saw many scowling faces. He kept his hand on his weapon and prepared for a skirmish if one broke out. Wouldn't be his first time bringing down a mob. Thankfully nothing happened along their way and they made it to the Castle Church.

On the way, Chloe and Olga practically melded to Jason, trying to not be seen at all despite being covered up. They could see the angry faces of the humans clear as day and it made them scared and uncomfortable. Though their faces wouldn't show, their body language did. Jason noticed this as well and kept his defense up just in case. They smiled under their hoods at seeing Jason ready to defend them.

They got stopped at the castle stables. They had to leave the hell horse in its own stable, with two other stables next to it empty just in case.

"Make sure the horsemaster feeds this horse." Jason told the stable boy. "Tell him to feed it only meat. In a bucket. Oh and stay away from it kid. It won't hesitate to eat you if you get to close." Jason warned darkly. The stable boy actually trembled in fear of the thought of the creature eating him. The stable boy slowly turned his head to the demonic beast and saw it lick its teeth hungrily with its long reptilian tongue.

Jason walked to the large doors, followed by Olga and Chloe at his sides. The escort had left after getting to the gates and now Jason and the dark elves were greeted by an old butler and two maids. The three servants bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, sir." The butler said. "My name is Sebas. I'm the head butler of Lady Celestine Lucross."

"Hello." Jason greeted back. "I'm here to see Lady Celestine and by extension the other Princess Knights."

"But of course. Please follow me and I will take you to the meeting room." Sebas turned and lead them away.

After going up a flight of stairs and few rights and lefts down the halls they came across a pair of large white doors. Sebas approached the doors and knocked three times.

"My Lady, Sir Jason has arrived with two guests."

"Thank you, Sebas. Please send them in." Celestine's voice was muffled, but understandable through the door.

Sebas gripped the handles and opened the door slowly. He bowed as he moved to let Jason, Olga, and Chloe through.

The three entered a large room with a large circular table in the center of it. Seated at the table was Celestine and the rest of the Princess Knights. Going counterclockwise, Claudia sat at Celestine's right.

Next to Claudia was a girl in her late teens. She had long blonde hair that fell to her thighs. Her hair was decorated with a white hairband and hairclips. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of bluish purple. Her attire was a mix of white armor and a blue and gold dress that only exposed her taut stomach. Overall she looked like a tomboy and she had this uptight air about her, but it did not at all detract from her beauty.

This was the Knight of Iris and daughter of King Eos. Alicia Arcturus.

Sitting very close to Alicia was another girl who looked slightly younger then Alicia. She had long pink hair that was adorned in a golden Tiara with red ribbons tied into it. She wore a white and pink frilly dress that, like Alicia, exposed her soft belly. A bejeweled golden belt was wrapped around her waist between her skirt and blouse. Her eyes were almost the same shade as Alicia's and her face was so adorable and delicate it just made you want to protect her. She seemed to be trying to calm down the blonde princess' mood.

This was Alicia's younger cousin, Prim Fiorire.

Next to Prim was a young woman in her twenties. She had rose red hair and tangerine eyes. She wore a pair of tight jeans that hugged her shapely legs, a belt and brown boots. She wore a red leather jacket with a fur collar that showed off her large bust. A pair of daggers were strapped to her wide hips. She looked like she was frustrated about something.

This was Maia, The Queen of Mercenaries.

The next girl was exotic in appearance compared to the others. She had short black hair with purple ribbons tied on the sides. A white and gold crown-like headpiece sat on top of her head. The crown had a striking golden sun at the very top and bells with red strings tied on the ends. She had strong brown eyes and a pretty face. She was dressed in a pink, two piece, robe-like outfit with a transparent shawl draped over it. Her long pink skirt was held in place by a white rope with magic sigils etched into a cloth. She stared inquisitively at Olga and Chloe, but more so at Jason.

This was the Shrine Maiden Kaguya.

The last girl appeared to be the youngest of them all, but only in appearance. She looked 12 or 13 years old. She wore a two piece leather armor made from the hide of a bear, thigh high white socks, and small brown boots. A green cloak was wrapped around her small shoulders and a large hat sat atop her head. Both had two puffball extensions on them. She had curly light orange hair and bright brown eyes. She seemed to be the only one with a carefree expression on her face, as she was happily kicking her legs back and forth on the chair.

This was Luu-Luu. Leader of the dwarves and self-proclaimed "child genius."

These women were the leaders of the Seven Shield Alliance. The Princess Knights of Eostia.

Sebas closed the doors and when they were shut Olga and Chloe pulled down their hoods. Most of the Princess Knights glared at the dark elves. Chloe glared back with as much if not more ferocity, but Olga didn't even bat an eyelash. Her face was very poised.

Celestine smiled. "Sir Jason. Welcome. It does my heart good to see you well. And Olga Discordia." The two elves connected eyes for a very brief moment. "Please take a seat." She offered a chair right across from her.

Olga wordlessly accepted and walked over to her chair, which was seated between Luu-Luu and Kaguya. Chloe walked ahead of her mistress, completely on high alert now that they were in a room of her queen's worst enemies. She pulled open her chair and pushed it in when Olga sat.

Olga turned her head to both sides presumably looking for something. She turned to Celestine and saw Jason walk over to and stood at attention right behind the high elf. Olga's face was emotionless, but inside she was irritated that Jason wasn't standing with her.

"I thank you all for coming. Now that everyone is here, let us begin." Celestine said. She placed her elbows on the table and crossed her fingers in a serious and focused manner. She motioned to Jason behind her. "This is Sir Jason. A . . . former member of the Black Dogs Mercenaries. I personally hired him to retrieve Olga Discordia to me. He will now retell you his accounts of the last few days. Jason?"

Jason nodded and stepped forward. All eyes were on him. "A week ago I and the Kuroinu were hired to assault the Black Fort, home base for Queen Olga Discordia." He paused as every pair of eyes turned to Olga and give her a slight glare. Olga did not even flinch. Jason coughed to get their attention back.

"I was knighted and personally asked by Lady Celestine here to capture Queen Olga and take her back to Ken unharmed. We succeeded and Olga came quietly. We spent about a week at the Black Fort to scan for anything valuable. But we had finished in a matter of a couple days. We should have left, but we stayed longer. I confronted Vault to get answers and he explained to me his goals and agendas. He intends to utilize the Black Fort and its resources, including the vast army of demons and take over the entire country. He would do this in the name of one goal: to enslave all women and make them the sex slaves of all men. He wants to create a literal Cuntry. He would have started with Olga and Chloe by throwing them to the orcs, but I tricked them and managed to escape with my two prisoners. We went on the run for the next few days and fought off a few tracking parties. And now we're here."

Before anyone could speak, a fist slammed down on the table hard and drew everyone's attention. It was Maia and she was not happy.

"Impossible!" Maia shouted. "Vault would never turn his back on humanity. He would never fight for such a heinous scheme."

Jason shrugged uncaringly. "I thought the same. I looked up to Vault as well. He was an inspiration to mercs everywhere. However, it doesn't change the fact that he wants to rape this entire country into submission."

Maia stood up from her seat. She was really livid right now as she tried to bore a hole through Jason's helmet with her eyes.

"You are talking about a war hero, bastard. I suggest you watch your words."

"Lady Maia, please try to calm yourself. Sir Jason, I'm sure is just being honest in his own way."

The one that spoke up for Jason was the Shrine Maiden Kaguya. She had been staring inquisitively at Jason for some time now.

"Can we even trust his words?" Everyone turned their eyes on Alicia. "He's a mercenary. He'll do anything for money. For all we know this is some kind of ploy by the witch there."

Chloe glared daggers at the blonde princess, but kept her tongue for her mistress' benefit, who was also glaring at Alicia.

"This is not some con set up by Queen Discordia." Jason defended smoothly. He sounded like he was not insulted in the least by the princess knight's accusations.

"I'm afraid I'm inclined to agree with Sir Jason here, Alicia." Claudia spoke up. "Lady Celestine had informed me of what Jason told her and so I sent out scouts to observe the remaining Kuroinu. For a few days now, the Kuroinu have been leaving the fortress cities in droves in the middle of the night. Following them my scouts witnessed the men ransacking villages that welcomed them in open arms. They assaulted them, killing most of the men and kidnapping the women and children. They . . . raped women and young girls in front of their families."

Maia looked absolutely dumbfounded by this and just couldn't come up with the words to respond.

"Bastards!" Alicia yelled. "Those damn mercenaries! How could they do such things in front of children? This country looked to the Black Dogs as heroes."

"Sir Jason, could you explain to us why Vault has done all this?" Kaguya asked.

"He said, and I'm paraphrasing here, that with the war over mercenaries will no longer be needed and he and his band will be out of a job. He blamed you all and wanted a better reward then the sum you promised to pay. I don't know personally why he wants to do this, but he seems to hold a great hatred toward women. Especially everyone in this room."

Everyone had hard stares from Jason's words.

Celestine took the silence as a chance to stand up. "Our war with Olga Discordia has ended, now that she is here, but unfortunately a new war has begun. Regardless of his motivations, Vault has turned traitor to us and all of Eostia. We must prepare and devise strategies to deal with him."

"Why not simply send our armies to deal with them?" Alicia spoke up with a wave of her hand. She treated the new enemy like they weren't much of a threat. "Lady Celestine, let me personally lead my army against those mongrels and I will bring Vault here in chains."

"I wouldn't mind getting behind that!" Luu-Luu squeaked. "Adding the dwarves it should make for an interesting fight."

"I'm afraid it will not be that easy." Jason said.

All the women in the room had their undivided attention on the merc. Alicia's eyebrow's twitched up.

"And what do you mean by that?"

"The reason the Black Dogs were able to attack the Black Fort was because the demon army was temporarily crippled. And we had the element of surprise. Vault no doubt is working on getting the demons on his side. Some of his men even managed to tame hell horses, no easy feat. He also knows that I have likely informed you of his betrayal and is prepared for anything by now."

"Even if they are prepared we can still bring the fight to them. We outnumber them!" Luu-Luu said.

"We have the numbers, but it takes more than numbers to win a war. No one here expected Vault to turn. Which means we don't know our enemy as well as we'd like. Yet he probably knows plenty about us. Kuroinu mercenaries are all over the country, in every City-Fortress. They likely know our strengths, our weaknesses. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if the man managed to find individuals who want the kind of world he wishes to create and are waiting for the moment to strike you all down. Vault is obviously more intelligent than we thought and is more prepared for this war then anyone here. This is not a war that will end soon."

Everyone was looking at Jason with wide eyes and some had gapping mouths. The Princess Knights did not honestly expect the mercenary to actually think so far ahead and so thoroughly. Even Chloe and Olga were taken aback by his astute observations and wondered just how smart the merc was to think so far ahead.

The only ones who showed the least surprise were Celestine and Luu-Luu, who both had grins on their faces. Celestine was smiling because she had definitely gotten her money's worth hiring Jason. He wasn't just a good fighter, but he was also brilliant! Luu-Luu was impressed with Jason's tactical mind. The dwarf believed he was just some grunt that followed orders, but apparently he was more than that.

Before anyone could speak Celestine gave her two-cents. "Unfortunately, Jason is correct. It is simply too early for us to commit a full on assault on the Black Fort. We must prepare. I have sent mages and priests to all of the fortress-cities to enhance and upgrade them. I also have my people working on creating teleportation platforms so that we may be able to transport our armies to any fortress in case any one of them needs aid."

"How long until these platforms are up and running?" Kaguya asked.

"A month or two at most. I will also have a personal platform built for you all as well."

"Have them up as soon as possible, Celestine. We'll need every advantage we can get." Luu-Luu said.

"Of course. Now with that matter settled onto the next topic."

All eyes turned to Olga. Olga herself remained as poised as possible. To the point where it looked like nothing bothered her in the least.

"What must be done with Olga Discordia?"

Claudia spoke up first. "I suggest an imprisonment before a hanging."

"That's too good for her. I say we burn her at the stake." Alicia suggested.

Prim remained silent. Though Olga was indeed an enemy, Prim just didn't have the heart to consider a punishment like the others.

"There are ancient rituals my people have that can summon protective spirits. They require a living sacrifice." Kaguya proposed.

"I don't know. Crucify her?" Maia gave off-handedly. She wasn't really focused on the talks as her mind was more on Vault and what he was doing.

"Sky burial." Luu-Luu offered. Her answer was swift and simple.

"I think she could help us."

The room had gone silent as all eyes turned to the only man in the room. Despite having the eyes of all the powerful women of Eostia on him, Jason remained tall with his arms crossed.

Alicia stared incredulously at Jason. "You what?!"

"I say we keep her alive and have her help us against Vault." Jason clarified. As if what he was saying was completely reasonable.

"Surely you jest, Sir Jason? Olga Discordia is charged with many war-crimes and you wish for her to aid us?" Kaguya said.

"Yes." Jason simply answered. The only eyes that weren't glaring at him was Olga, Chloe, and Celestine. The two dark elves were quite happy that their former protector was defending them again. This time by his own allies.

Celestine looked curiously at her mercenary. But there was a hint of a smile on her lips. She pressed him for answers.

"Can you explain, Jason?"

"Vault is in control of the northern regions now. The Black Fortress, the Demon Army, and the Badlands. Who knows what else he has under his sleeve? Olga here will be able to provide us with valuable intel on all of that, while we work on unraveling Vault's plot."

"But she's a monster! How many lives were lost and ruined because of her?!" Alicia shrieked.

"Countless." He said plainly. Everyone flinched from his tone. He said it like it was irrelevant. And probably, to him, it was. "But that was yesterday when we were fighting her. Now we are in a new war against an enemy that has a significant advantage against us. We need all the advantages we can get ourselves and Olga's knowledge will be greatly valuable." He turned his head to the Dark Elf Queen. "If she is willing to work with us."

Everyone remained silent as they contemplated the merc's words. Many were reluctant to agree, but they did see that Jason's words had merit. Even the stubborn ones like Alicia and Claudia could see the benefit of having Olga on their side in the war to come.

"Olga, do you agree with Sir Jason?" Celestine asked.

Olga's arms and legs were crossed elegantly as she sat. Her eyes were closed as she considered her next words. When she finally opened them she sighed.

"it's not like I have much of a choice. If I disagree I'm sent to prison or worse, the chopping block. However, I do agree that I can help against Vault and I would love nothing more than to put that human in his place. So yes, Celestine, I agree to this truce of yours. Under certain conditions of course?"

"Of course." Celestine nodded and smiled happily. The high elf then scanned the room. "Does anyone object?"

"Hmm, the enemy of my enemy is my friend." Luu-Luu nodded her head.

"Truly, it would be more beneficial and less time-consuming to have her outside of prison then in one." Kaguya said.

"Mm." Maia gave a half-hearted hum of agreement.

"I am reluctant, but it does seem wise." Claudia mumbled.

"Everyone deserves a chance right?" Prim added.

Alicia was the only one who didn't give a reply and that made the leader of the Alliance give the blonde a questionable look.

"Alicia, is there something you wish to say?"

Alicia looked to her leader then to Jason, then back to the blonde elf.

"Can Sir Jason leave the room for a moment?"

That question surprised everyone. Even Maia was brought out of her thoughts from the out of place question. Celestine quirked a delicate eyebrow before looking to Jason.

"Sir Bellum, do you mind?"

Jason, as always, spoke in his neutral tone. "Not at all." The Princess Knight's request didn't bother him in the least. He made his way to the door. "Let me know when you wish for me to return."

When the doors closed and she was sure he couldn't hear, Alicia voiced her concerns.

"Alright, I can understand the reasoning of keeping Olga around. And while I'm reluctant about it, I agree that Olga can help us."

"Then what is the issue, Alicia?" Celestine asked.

She stared at the door. "That man. Jason Bellum. Can we trust him?"

"You have doubts about him?"

"With all due respect, Lady Celestine, we thought Vault was on our side too. How can we be sure this man is?"

"He turned on Vault and brought Olga Discordia here. What is there to question? He performed the task I gave him wondrously."

"Yes and now that task is accomplished. He's a mercenary. He fights for money not our cause. That's the only reason he did it. What's to stop him from turning on us if Vault offers him an even better reward?"

Maia glared at the princess. "Are you saying that all mercenaries are turncoats, Alicia Arcturus?" She said with a challenging tone.

"You and your band have proven their loyalties, Maia." Alicia shot back with her own glare. "I admit I didn't trust you when Lady Celestine brought you into the fold, but you have since proven yourself. But Vault is as crafty as he is crass it seems. How do we know that Jason isn't a part of some elaborate plot of Vault's?"

The silence in the room was almost deafening. The thought of Jason being some ploy rang warning bells in most of the women's heads. Could they trust Jason?

"Lady Celestine." Claudia spoke up. "Jason has indeed been a great help so far, but what if Alicia's right? We don't know Jason very well and we apparently don't know Vault as well as we thought too. What if Jason really will betray us?"

Slowly, one by one, the others were starting to think the same thing. Celestine lightly frowned at her compatriots. She seemed to be the only one to have any faith in the young man. But before she could voice her disagreements someone else beat her to it.

"My you lot are paranoid. I can't help but wonder how I never beaten you all."

Everyone turned to the Dark Elf in the room, who was snickering at them.

"What was that?!" Alicia shouted.

"You heard me." Olga said cooly. "Jason's prowess is wasted on you people. If he really wanted to betray you all he would have done it at the Black Fort. He turned on Vault, he killed his men, and did everything in his power to make sure we got here. Jason may want to be rewarded for his efforts, but he is, above all, a man of his word."

"Out of everyone here I know this better because I've seen firsthand what Jason is truly capable of. I would even go so far as to say, out of all the human men I've met and seen, he is by far . . . the most tolerable."

Everyone from Chloe to Celestine stared with shock at the dark queen. Everyone knew how much the Dark Elf Queen hated humans. It was common knowledge that she absolutely loathed them. But to hear her stick up for a human, especially a man, it was quite the jaw-dropping spectacle.

Alicia, the instigator of the topic, was at a loss for words.

Realizing everyone was flabbergasted and staring at her, Olga coughed into her fist trying to hide a blush. When she got a better control of her emotions she kept talking.

"If it truly worries you that Jason could turn over to Vaults side, which I'd like to add is impossible, then simply make a permanent contract with him. Make him swear to fight for you and only you throughout this whole war. As I said, he's a man of his word and he will fight tooth and nail for his contracts."

There was a pause in the room for a moment, before Alicia sighed. "Alright, you can let Sir Bellum back in Lady Celestine."

Celestine smiled. Happy that her comrades agreed to let Jason join them in this war.

"Sir Jason, you may come back now!" She called.

Jason reentered the room and closed the door behind him. He walked back to the same spot at Celestine's side. Once again, his stance was as neutral as his tone.

"Have we reached a conclusion?" He asked.

"We have." Celestine nodded. "Lady Alicia has voiced concerns about your allegiance to us and the war we will face."

"Oh?"

"Yes. She believes your loyalties still lie with Vault, despite turning your back on him and taking Olga and her protégé right from under him. She thinks it's possible that you will betray us in the near future."

Alicia fidgeted, but kept her face hard. She wondered if Jason would be angry at her for her accusations. Not that it mattered to her what his opinion was, but being called a traitor when you've done nothing yet can grate on anyone's nerves. But Jason had a way of always surprising you.

"That's understandable."

Those two words made everyone blink in surprise. He agreed with them?!

"It is?" Celestine asked also surprised.

"I am a mercenary. Despite being vital in the war we still only fight for money and prestige. Not to mention that the greatest mercenary group just defected and has declared war on us."

"What?!" The entire room bellowed.

Jason reached for a scroll behind him and handed it to Celestine. "Sebas gave me this when I was waiting outside. It just arrived a moment ago."

Celestine took the scroll and unfurled it to read its content. It was a declaration of war from the Kuroinu and Vault.

We the Black Dog Mercenary Company hereby declare war on the country of Eostia. For too long this land has become weak, thanks to the weak-willed bitches of the Seven Shields Alliance. For too long men have followed the pathetic blindness of the Princess Knights and their so called desire for peace.

No more will men serve women, instead we will make them serve US! We will return this country back to the glory days of when women serviced men. I King Vault will create a world where all men will be pleasured by any woman they so desire. A paradise where women are our slaves and every man lives like a king! And it will all be built upon the cum covered bodies of the Princess Knights and Olga Discordia!

-Vault, King of Cuntry, the Sex Empire and Leader of the Kuroinu Group

P.S. To the traitor Jason Bellum: you will pay for crossing me and for the lives of my men that you took. I will get my revenge by personally fucking and mind-shattering Celestine and Olga in front of you before taking your life. Because before you die I want you to realize you failed your mission. Watch your back traitor.

The room was quiet after reading the proclamation from Vault. It had now become official. They were at war. Again.

Jason turned his head to Celestine, his boss. "My Lady, my contract to you is finished. I have brought Olga Discordia to you. After I receive payment the job is finished. But if you would like me to stay in your employ and fight alongside you in your war. Then all we must do is set up another contract and I will serve you faithfully. That is my oath to you."

Despite his tone being neutral, the High Elf could indeed tell they were sincere. Jason wanted to fight Vault and the Kuroinu just as much as she and the others did. Celestine rose from her chair and stood in front of the merc.

"Sir Jason, please kneel." Jason did just that. The corner of Celestine's mouth went down a little. She voiced a question that made Olga gasp a little, much to the confusion of the rest of the ladies. "Sir Jason, would you please remove your helmet? I wish to do this properly."

There was a pause in the man's movements. Everyone wondered if Jason would do it or continue to remain frozen or just plain deny it. But then, wordlessly, Jason reached for the clasp of his helmet and slid the metal headpiece off. He gently laid the piece of armor by his foot.

All the women, including Olga and Chloe craned their necks in different directions to get a better look at Jason. Not a single one could see the warrior's face. They could tell he had a mop of black hair that went down to his neck and looked like it hadn't been cut in a long time. Even Celestine couldn't quite see him. His head was bowed, which caused his face to be curtained by his charcoal hair. The only thing that could be seen was his strong jaw and mouth.

Regardless, Celestine continued.

"Sir Jason, another war is coming to our country. He threatens to destroy everything we cherish and hold dear. He intends to plague this home of ours with chaos and sin. I wish to hire you to fight at our side and give us your all for us to win. Will you lay down your life for us and this country? Will you be willing to sacrifice all that you are for this mission? You will be rewarded divinely should you accept and succeed."

"I am willing and able, Lady Celestine Lucross. I accept the contract." Jason said with his head still bowed.

Celestine smiled. Now for the announcement that would shock everyone even more then Vault's declaration of war.

"Then, Sir Jason, for your loyalty and dedication, I grant you the title of the Eighth Shield and now make you a part of the Seven Shields Alliance."


Well there you guys go. You got to see a little of Jason's face. Don't worry, there will be more opportunities to see it, but for now all you get is a teaser! :P Don't expect that to happen a lot though. His helmet is as much his identity as his real face. He'll only take it off in rare moments in the story or when he's getting it on with one of the girls. ;) Unless one of them would find it kinky for him to keep it on. Would that be the equivalent of keeping your socks on during sex?

Just so everyone knows, I've made Luu-Luu and her people dwarves. Apparently they are beast-kin in canon, but in truth I did not know that. Most of what I've seen of Luu-Luu has her animal parts covered up or just plain none at all. Well she and her people are short, super strong fighters, and inventors. They were either going to be dwarves or halflings. And since we have elves in this series I'm making her the leader of dwarves.

Lastly for those who were confused by the Princess Knight's descriptions, those were the original images for Lionheart's future Kuroinu game. I got his permission to use them and I'm very thankful to him for it. Everyone except Celestine, Olga, Chloe, and Claudia will have a different look in my story. I like Lionheart's looks better then canon. Éspecially Kaguya's and Luu-Luu's. There's just something about them being clothed tha makes them look hotter. Not every woman has to be half naked just to look sexy!