My Life with an S&M Maid

by Curiosity44

Anime worlds are fun as a story, but what happens when that story becomes your reality? Join Dante on his journey through a world full of adventure, romance, immortals, magic, magical beasts, oh, and a S&M maid, can't forget that one. Join him as he takes the world by storm as the Ouroboros Potioneer! The snake who grasped eternity. . Slight AU Fairy Tail, starts years before canon

13. Fateful Meeting Part 3

Author Notes: Hey everyone. Been a while huh? I kind of stalled on this chap for no real reason. Just kind of happened.

Anyway, this specific fanfic just seems to draw words out of me like crazy. I only have chapters this long in this fic out of all my fics. I have no idea why! Over 19K all told this time.

Lot's of fluff coming your way. Hope everyone enjoys. Please review!

Oh and new chaps for Danmachi and Phoenix coming out tomorrow! (Hopefully…..)

.

New discord link = / fA6MDDYE9m (Remove the spaces and () )

.

Responses to past reviews at the bottom.

Disclaimor: I don't own any source material.

.

Chapter 11: Fateful Meetings Part 3: Changing Fate, and Family.

Receiving a call from Jude Heartfilia was not something I saw coming.

Some points of the canon timeline simply never stuck out to me as possible to change. Not because it was impossible but because I just overlooked them.

Like the fact that Layla Heartfilia, the mother of Lucy, was supposed to die.

I never even thought about changing that, why would I?

But as soon as I got the call, I knew I couldn't very well turn away from it. Not only was Jude a VIP and fully capable of asking me for an emergency request like this, but even Virgo was giving me a hopeful look when she heard about it.

And you would have more luck of safely bathing in the center of a collapsing star than getting me to deny Virgo's unspoken request. The woman barely ever really asks me for anything, and I would turn the world upside down for her if she asked.

So, against my better judgement to not get involved, here I was, sitting on my magic carpet as Katakuri with Virgo by my side and approaching the Heartfilia mansion.

And boy was that thing massive. This family owns the mansion, the surrounding land, the mountain in the distance, and pretty much everything in a range of 15K acres. They could fit the island of Manhattan inside their land.

Well, land is cheaper in this world, but it still shows how massive the fortune of this family really is.

'How the hell could this guy have gone bankrupt in canon? He wasn't a moron so I can only assume his competitors teamed up to take him down.'

With those interesting thoughts bouncing around my head, we reached the mansion and started setting down in the front courtyard.

Before I set down, my magic sense pinged, and I sharply turned to the right.

On the edge of my senses, a distance all the way to a distant mountain, I saw a mage staring at me. I couldn't make out their form, but I could tell they were staring at me and the mana was inside them was in a state of disarray.

But what really got my attention about this mage was what their mana was doing. It was moving in separate directions inside their pathways, almost like a pattern.

Following my gut instinct, I copied down those movements into my memory and pulled out my journal to write it all down.

"Master? Is something wrong?" (Virgo)

I turned my head slightly to see her giving me a strange look and I gave her a reassuring smile while speaking through our link.

Virgo might be emotionless to others but piercing together the point in the timeline, the location, and Virgo's current slightly worried look, I could figure out who that mage was.

'It's ok my love, I know, and I don't plan on speaking of it.' (Dante)

Virgo's shoulders tensed up for a moment before she sagged and gave an apologetic smile.

'I am sorry master, there are things even I am bound by.' (Virgo)

I lifted a hand and rubbed her head affectionately.

'Don't worry, I understand.' (Dante)

Her smile turned more genuine.

'I love you master.' (Virgo)

Seeing that we were still in the air and out of view, except for that mage in the distance, I kissed the top of Virgo's head despite being in Katakuri's form.

'I love you to Virgo.' (Dante)

We took a moment to smile into each other's eyes before I began our descent once more and touched down in the courtyard.

As I stepped off though, a final note from Virgo made me almost trip.

'Will you punish me for my disobedience?' (Virgo)

I gave her the stink eye at her timing, but she just cutely stuck her tongue out at me and skipped off.

'Damn troublemaker.'

Putting the foreign mage to the back of my mind, since I already solved the mystery and wasn't interested in them at the moment, I stored the carpet and approached the massive front door.

*Knock* *Knock*

Using large old school door knockers was a tad bit fun and it only took a moment for the door to open to show a butler.

He eyed me warily for a moment, my current appearance wasn't exactly friendly, but still politely spoke.

"Yes? May I help you?" (Butler)

I smiled slightly as his professionalism.

'It's always nice to see others with manners.'

"Hello, my name is Katakuri, I have been sent on behalf of Mr. Ouroboros at the request of a Jude Heartfilia." (Dante)

The butlers eyes widened, and he hurriedly responded.

"Yes, yes, we were informed of your arrival, my apologies for not recognizing you sir, please come in. The master has been anxiously waiting for you." (Butler)

While speaking, he moved aside and held the door while urging me to enter. I gave him a polite nod and did so with Virgo trailing behind me.

The inside was just as grand as the outside.

Very high ceilings, tiled floors, marble statues, exquisite paintings, it was as high class as you could get in this world. The only two things that were off-putting were the lack of magic items and the tension. My magic sense picked up very few magic items through the entire mansion. I would have expected such from a family that couldn't afford it but the rich in this world seem to love collecting magic tools.

'Maybe the guy is old school? Who knows?'

The tension however, it was like a bow pulled taut and waiting to go off. The atmosphere was depressed and when I took a closer look, I could see stress lines on the butlers face.

The butler led us to a sitting room and called a pair of maids to get us some tea, but I waved it off.

"Not to be impolite but I would rather not sit for tea while I need to see a patient. Perhaps later though, I would love to test your staffs skills against Virgo's here." (Dante)

Virgo blushed slightly but stuck out her chest in pride while the two maids who heard me smirked a bit and stuck their own out. It seems my words sparked a friendly rivalry between both sides.

The butler smiled at the byplay, happy for a small change of tune from the tension and nodded at me.

"Thank you sir, I shall quickly call the master and return right away." (Butler)

He all but practically ran out of the room, while still managing to keep his manners.

'I like that guy, it's rare to see such a refined gentleman.'

For the next two minutes, I had to stand awkwardly in the room while Virgo and the two maid had an epic stare down.

I think I saw sparks flying from their eyes.

Relief came for me when Jude Heartfilia strode in the room in what could be said was a hurried walk rather than a run.

He was a relatively tall middle-aged man with black eyes and slicked back blond hair and a matching, extremely trim mustache, and a rather firm, square jaw. The man's hair was kept extremely neat and trim, and he was wearing a rather expensive looking tailored suit.

The guy struck me as a hard core business man, one who held himself to the same strict standards he held his employees to.

He took one look at me and nodded while extended his hand.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice Mr. Katakuri. I had hoped that Mr. Ouroboros would come but I will not complain about your appearance, I know how infamous he is for hiding his identity." (Jude)

I shook his hand and matched his stare.

"Not to worry Mr. Heartfilia, I am fully capable of handling cases on his behalf. If I am unable to, he will be on his way immediately." (Dante)

'More like he will be here immediately, I'm right here.'

Jude gave a sharp nod and stepped back.

"Great to hear, please follow me, let's not waste time." (Jude)

I didn't argue and followed him out of the room.

While walking through the halls, I asked for some information.

"What can you tell me about your wife's case Mr. Heartfilia?" (Dante)

Jude didn't pause his steps and spoke stoically.

"My wife has had a weak constitution since the day I met here. She is also a mage and against my wishes, kept using magic that only worsened her condition over the years. It's a miracle that she was able to birth our daughter safely but a week ago, she pushed herself farther than ever before to cast a spell and developed Magic Deficiency Disease." (Jude)

I clicked my tongue at that, it was a terrible disease for a mage to experience.

Jude understood my reaction and continued.

"No matter what doctor I called, they all said they couldn't help her. I was wary about turning to magical healing but even when I did, they still couldn't help her. I was at the end of my rope when the auction came around and I was reminded of Mr. Ouroboros." (Jude)

We reached a pair of grand doors and he paused while gripping the handle before turning to me with a desperate look on his face.

"I have overcome many obstacles on my path of life, especially with my views on magic, and built up my company one step at a time to its current heights. But… even with all my success, I cannot help my wife when she is on her deathbed. I will beg if I have to, but you are literally my last hope for her survival right now. According to every doctor that came before, she has only a day at most left to live.

Please, help my wife, I will be you staunchest ally if you can help her." (Jude)

I couldn't help but blink at his sudden confession and plea. If I am being honest, I felt some respect for the man grow. Any man who can accomplish as much as he did and then cast away all that pride to beg someone to help his family was a man I could respect.

I gave him a serious nod.

"I will do my best; you have my word." (Dante)

He eyed me for a moment and gave me a wordless thank you before straightening his shoulders once more and pushing open the door.

The room was obviously a master bedroom. I won't go into detail about how high class it all was and simply focus on the main point.

That point was Layla Heartfilia who was currently laying on a massive bed with her arm hooked up to an IV drip and sleeping peacefully.

Layla was a beautiful young woman. She had long blonde hair which was worn in a bun along with a lacy baby pink band with ruffles on its edges which rests on her hair with her flicks and strands of hair framing her face. Like her daughters future appearance, Layla had a voluptuous figure. She and the future Lucy have almost twin like appearances, to the point that Lucy is almost the spitting image of her mother.

At her bedside was a small girl sleeping soundly while holding onto her mother's hand.

'So that's Lucy huh? At least she is the right age for the timeline. She looks around ten at the moment. The same age as Hisui.'

Jude smiled slightly at the sight before resting a hand on her small back and waking her.

Lucy looked up with sleepy eyes as Jude softly but sternly spoke to her.

"Lucy, we have a guest that needs to check on your mother, please go to your room for now." (Jude)

Lucy's sleepy eyes cleared when she heard that. She turned her head to see me and gasped in slight fright at my appearance.

'Maybe I shouldn't have chosen such an intense appearance…. Nah, Katakuri was a badass.'

Sending a smile down at the small girl currently clutching onto her father's leg, much to his uncomfortableness, I went down on one knee and introduced myself.

"Hello little one, my name is Katakuri, I am here to make your mother feel better." (Dante)

Lucy perked her head up at my words and bravely looked at me.

"C…can you re..really help my momma?" (Lucy)

"Lucy!" (Jude)

I waved him off, Jude was the type of father who was strict and unsure how to deal with children.

"It's fine Mr. Heartfilia. And I can young miss, she will be good as new in a bit." (Dante)

She gave me a bright smile and thanked me while trying to curtsy and looking a bit clumsy doing it.

A soft chuckle sounded in the room and we all turned to see Layla looking at the scene warmly. I saw her eyes dart to Virgo who only sent a smirk and bow of her head back before they returned to me. I was a bit unnerved by the way she looked at me but ignored it.

Jude went to her side and introduced me.

"Dear, this is Mr. Katakuri, he is here on behalf of the famous potioneer Mr. Ouroboros to see you." (Jude)

Layla opened her mouth to speak when Lucy excitedly shot off.

"Are you really the famous Katakuri!? I have read about you in the sorcerer's weekly! You're the mysterious mercenary who works for the famous Ouroboros potion master!" (Lucy)

I thought I saw stars in her eyes for a moment but before I could respond, she turned to Virgo and the stars reappeared.

"That means you must be the S&M Maid! Wow! You two are so awesome!" (Lucy)

I was laughing up a storm on the inside at the uncomfortable look on Jude and Virgo's faces. Jude didn't seem to like that his daughter knew the word S&M even if she didn't understand the meaning and Virgo, who usually enjoys her title, didn't want a young child saying it.

Layla on the other hand was expressing the emotion I really wanted to and was laughing openly.

Unfortunately, that made her start coughing at the strain and I moved to her side while sending a quick reply to Lucy.

"That we are young miss, but please excuse me while I help your mother. Virgo, would you mind accompanying Lucy here for a bit while I work?" (Dante)

Virgo nodded and sent me a quick mental message.

'Please help her, she is an important ally to the celestial realm.' (Virgo)

I sent back a feeling of resignation.

'I know love, you were planning on asking me to help her even if Jude never called me, weren't you?' (Dante)

She only responded with a smirk and the following words.

'I love you master.' (Virgo)

"Come now young miss, let's let the grown-ups deal with your mother." (Virgo)

Lucy nodded but still looked worried as Virgo led her out of the room by her hand.

Turning to the couple, I saw Layla now sitting up against the bed frame while Jude rubbed her back and held a glass of water to her lips.

The sight brought a bit of warmth to my eyes before I focused on her.

"Do you mind if I begin? I just need to cast a diagnostic spell." (Dante)

Jude looked uncomfortable but Layla rested a hand against his and spoke for the first time so far.

"It is fine dear, thank you for worrying. And Mr. Katakuri, please proceed." (Layla)

Her voice was soft and refined, something soothing to listen to if not for the weak undertone to it.

I nodded and cast my spell. The familiar violet-green magic circle came to life and I scanned her.

Unlike when I used it on Hisui, who was poisoned with something I could identify, Layla had an actual disease.

It was the first time I was seeing Magic Deficiency Disease, but I had read about it in plenty of books.

Magic Deficiency Disease causes the recipient to fall ill from the rapid loss of their mana and damage to their core, which can either be from using a massive amount all at once or having it drained from them through other magics. In dire cases, the disease can cause death if their core is shattered, or their body is deprived of enough ethernano.

In basic terms, if you lose more mana then your body has, the spell or draining effect with fracture your mana core and then proceed to drain you of natural ethernano and your very life force.

Ethernano flows through every living person and thing in this world. What separates a mage from a civilian is if they have a mana core inside them.

A mana core is tied into the mages life force. It collects ambient Ethernano and converts it into mana for the user to cast magic.

But when the drain of mana is too high and you run out of mana, it pulls on your body's natural ethernano, and even the mages life force.

This puts a tremendous strain on the mana core.

In light cases, the core will remain intact and simply take some time to recover while slowly filling with mana. In this case, the person will suffer a lot of pain and possibly feel ill, but they will be fine with time. Mana potions can easily cure these cases on their own.

In more severe cases, like what happened to Layla, the mana core becomes fractured, and it is unable to absorb ethernano from the world. Not only does their mana not recover but even fractured, the core still keeps trying to convert ethernano.

In the process, the body becomes drained of ethernano as the core is rapidly sucking it in, but it just gets released back out of the body without any effect.

In this world, not having ethernano flowing through the body is like not having enough air to breathe.

So with an injured core, you will become seriously ill and if nothing is done to fix it, death is guaranteed.

I couldn't imagine how painful that is for a mage who knows what mana feels like.

I knew what it felt like to be without magic in my last life and when I awoke my core in this one, my very perception of the world changed. Magic is an incredible thing to possess, almost like you weren't even alive until you felt it.

My identification spell was mainly used for ingredients and suggestions, and one thing I learned through the years as my magic developed more and more, is that humans are not excluded from that.

That's right, if I wished to go down that path, I could use human parts in potions. It is sickening but realistically, when you dial back the picture, humans are just another animal.

We don't see an issue with eating meat right? Well the animals that meat comes from wouldn't see much issue with eating us to. It's life, humans aren't all that special, surprise!

Anyway, the reason I'm mentioning this fact is that thanks to that development, I can now understand what I need to do to cure a patient even more clearly than before.

And when you add in my magic sense that allows me to clearly see her mana core, I can easily identify what to do.

The only thing was… her life force was almost nonexistent. I could tell through my two methods that she was like a dry sponge, almost nothing was left in her. It was quite a shock to actually see someone reach this state.

Her mana core had sucked in almost everything, leaving her a dry husk on the magical side.

'The amount of will necessary to live this long is crazy. I can't believe she lived till this day, 99% of people would have given up trying long before reaching this point.'

Looking up from my observation, I met the worried face of Jude and calm smiling one of Layla.

'She can even smile. She must know better than anyone how severe a condition she's in. Fine, I was still unsure about helping her before but fuck that, I'll guarantee this woman lives. She has more than earned it, more than most people.'

I gave them a thumbs up.

"I can fix this; you're going to be alright Mrs. Heartfilia." (Dante)

Her face didn't change from her calm smile and she nodded while Jude looked like a man who found water after being lost in the desert.

"Thank you, truly, thank you. Help her and I will pay any price." (Jude)

I waved my hand at that and responded with something only Layla could understand.

"It's fine, the cost of my service today has already been paid by the Mrs. here." (Dante)

She gave me a wink in response while Jude looked confused. Before he could ask what I meant, there was a knock on the door.

"Enter." (Jude)

The butler form earlier came in.

"My apologies master, miss, I understand that this is a serious time but there is an emergency call on your communication lacrima master. It is from the Oshibana branch, they need your directions right away." (Butler)

Jude got a conflicted look on his face, looking between his wife and the door.

Layla laughed at his face.

"Haha Jude, go, I am in good hands here." (Layla)

Jude paused to look at her and nodded before giving her one more kiss.

"I will hurry to deal with this and come right back. I won't be gone long, I promise." (Jude)

He turned to me and I gave him a reassuring nod.

"I'm placing my hope and the love of my life in your hands, don't let me down." (Jude)

And with that, he strode out of the room looking like he was about to rip someone's head off for taking him away from his wife.

Layla just chuckled at the sight.

"He is such a silly man; I can't help but love him because of that though." (Layla)

I shared her chuckle and started taking out a few potions.

"You two are a lovely couple, something the next generation should look up to. Especially a woman like you, I can't believe your alive right now, you know how insane it is that your still conscious?" (Dante)

Her soft smile never left her face.

"I did my best, that's something I can take pride in. I fulfilled my duty to my clan, fulfilled my duty as a mother and wife, and lived my life as best as I could. If I die it will be with a smile but why go down without a fight? I do still want to see my daughter grow into a beautiful woman and see my grandchildren one day, no matter how unlikely that may be." (Layla)

I scoffed at that.

"Please, after I'm done with you, you will live long enough to see your great grandchildren." (Dante)

She laughed at that before her eyes turned somewhat sly.

"So your Virgo's mysterious master huh?" (Layla)

I didn't flinch at the question and responded smoothly.

"Not at all, she serves Mr. Ouroboros. I am just his representative." (Dante)

Somehow, the look she gave me worried me.

"Is that so? You know, Virgo wouldn't give away any hints of her master but whenever asked, she would blush like a maiden in love and have blatant hearts in her eyes. She really loves her master and it made me really happy to see." (Layla)

I had to pump more mana into my transformation spell to keep the blush off my face.

'Damn it Virgo, you didn't break your promise but that's embarrassing!'

Still, I just smiled and played along.

"I can see that; those two would flip the world upside down for each other, it's a beautiful thing to see." (Dante)

She hummed at that but didn't respond.

During the moment of silence that followed, I took out everything I needed and lined up each potion on the bedside table.

I had five glowing potions standing on a rack in an orderly row.

For the first time, I saw Layla's smile dim a bit.

"Do I have to drink all of those….?" (Layla)

I gave a weird look at her reaction and nodded.

"Yes, they will be part of the procedure, is something the matter?" (Dante)

She hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Well.. um… I tried mana potions before… not from your 'boss' of course, but from other sources…. And well…. They kind of tasted like dirty socks.." (Layla)

I blinked at that and ignored her emphasis when she said the word boss in favor of laughing at her expression.

She looked like a kid who didn't want to take bad tasting medicine.

"Sorry for not liking bad tasting things!" (Layla)

I responded while trying and failing to hold back from laughing more.

"Hahaha… no, it's fine Mrs. Heartfilia, my potions don't taste like that. Well, most of them don't." (Dante)

She looked appeased with those words before she verbally pounced on me like a lion who smelled a juicy steak.

" 'My' potions? My, my, and here I thought Mr. Ouroboros was the potion master." (Layla)

I withheld my reaction quite well but internally I was cursing up a storm.

'Fuck! Why the fuck am I slipping so much these days!? What the fuck was the point of making a double personality if I keep messing up! *Phew* Deep breaths Dante, inner peace, inner peace, you haven't lost the game yet, it could just be a typo on the autho….*Cough* I mean, it could just be a slip of tongue.'

"My apologies, I meant our potions. After representing my boss for so long, I see it as us more than just his." (Dante)

Her smile told me she wasn't buying it, but I ignored her in favor of explaining what needs to happen.

"Right, to heal your current condition, you will need to drink these five in different intervals. The first two need to be taken one after the other. They will focus on dealing with your almost non-existent life force. How your alive boggles my mind but they will heal your issues with your vitality.

Once they take hold, I will have you take the third which will numb your pain receptors for two hours.

The third is important because the fourth will be incredibly painful for someone in your condition. I will help the process along with my magic but it's best if you don't feel any pain from it. This will help fix your mana core and effectively cure the disease.

The final one will give you what you need most, internal mana. Your body is like a dried up oasis at this point. We need to bring back the water.

After that, I am 98% certain your condition will be fixed with only the requirement of taking supplement potions for the next two weeks to reach full health. And I mean healthy as a horse, not what you were living at before whatever you did to strain yourself hard enough to reach this point." (Dante)

I enjoyed watching her facial expressions change slightly through my explanation. Between surprise, awe, her usual smile, and annoyance. It made my day.

In the end, she settled for thanking me.

I picked up the first two potions and sat on the edge of her bed, otherwise not even I could reach her with my current long arms.

'Why buy a bed this big in the first place? Do they have massive orgies or something?'

Layla seemed to read my thoughts because she lightly slapped my shoulder.

"Don't get any wandering thoughts, this bed came with the mansion. We just saw no need to replace it when it was conveniently there and unused." (Layla)

Reading between the lines there, I laughed at the truth.

'She fell in love with the big bed and Jude had no say in it. Understood.'

I didn't say anything back before I handed her the first potion. A bright green.

"Here's the first one, a Vitality Ignition potion, we need to jumpstart that cold engine." (Dante)

I got a huff in response as she grabbed the potion from my hands.

"I am a lady, not a machine." (Layla)

Despite her proclamation, she downed the whole thing in one go.

I raised an eyebrow at that.

"Oh shush you, I was young to once upon a time." (Layla)

I raised a hand in surrender.

"I didn't say anything, besides, your still in the prime of your life. Even on the edge of death, you still look like a fairy tale princess." (Dante)

She chuckled at that as I passed her the second potion. The first one was causing her body to turn a pinkish color as her whole bodies nervous system was being stimulated.

She downed the second one, a Vitality Booster potion. It would fuel her body with rich vitality that it would use to heal the damage it sustained over the years of being drained like a wet towel being squeezed.

As she flushed at the feeling of energy coursing through her body, she shot off another shot.

"With a tongue like that, and such an interesting vitality potion available to you, it's no wonder Virgo has fallen so hard for you." (Layla)

I gave her an annoyed look and was about to argue when a finger was pressed to my lips, effectively shushing me.

She gave me a soft look as she spoke.

"I experienced many struggles on my path to grow as a mage, and I unfortunately didn't have a teacher, so accidents were bound to happen along the way.

I didn't reach this point without sacrificing things along the way you know." (Layla)

She brought her finger to the side of her head and continued.

"I lost an eye before, but thanks to an advanced healer, I was able to receive a new fully functioning fake eye. And it came with the benefit of being able to see through illusion and….. transformation magic." (Layla)

I blinked like a fish out of water for a moment before that little bit of info crashed into me like a tsunami.

'This woman has been fucking with me from the start! Oh! Damn that's good!'

On the outside, I just raised a hand to rub the bridge of my nose while giving a despairing sigh.

"*Sigh* I was played with like a cat with its toy." (Dante)

She gave me a peace sign with a Cheshire cat grin.

"If it makes you feel better, your one incredibly handsome young man. I am almost jealous of Virgo. Almost. I am very happy with what I have." (Layla)

I was really tempted to give her the finger, but I just sighed and gave up.

"I think you just made the top of the list for people who managed to pull one over me. You win this round woman, but I will have revenge." (Dante)

"I thought Virgo was the one who wanted to be punished by you? Have you fallen into her flow already? You poor thing." (Layla)

I slapped my forehead.

'Virgo! What are you telling other people!'

I didn't bother responding and just passed her the third potion.

I got a minor amount of satisfaction when she yelped as the potion took effect and she lost feeling in her body. She could still move her mouth and eyes just fine; it was more of a surface layer numbing potion than a deeper numb.

"I think you were having too much fun in your current state." (Dante)

She pouted at her predicament.

"Fine, I think I'm satisfied anyway. I just couldn't help myself. Virgo was so cute when I saw her last week and your reactions were priceless.

But really, it makes me happy to see a spirit so happy with their master. It's far too often that celestial spirits are used as tools rather than being seen as the amazing people they are." (Layla)

I gave a small smile at her words while thinking about Virgo's smile now compared to how it was when I first saw one on her face. It was like two different worlds.

"I know." (Dante)

I didn't say more than that. Anything I said would come out darker than I intended. Layla needed positivity right now, not dark topics.

"I'm going to use my magic to help you take the next potion and then I will begin. Are you ready?" (Dante)

Seeing her nod, I brought the forth potion forward. It was a very familiar vial and I sighed at seeing it.

'I can't believe her luck; I would have given this potion away in a few hours.'

What I was holding was the Magi-Me-More potion that I auctioned off two days ago. Pengrande's king is on the other side of Ishgar so it takes longer to confirm the payment.

I created a random potion just to practice my skills and ended up with perfect cure for a deadly disease in this world. And then I ended up in the perfect situation to use it only hours before I would send it to the other side of the continent. Life really is interesting sometimes.

As I telekinetically lifted the liquid, I asked her something that was bothering me.

"Do you mind sharing your story? It will take me a bit for this step, and I find myself curious on why you forced yourself to your current state. The amount of will necessary for such a thing isn't born from nothing. You said you even lost an eye along the way." (Dante)

I saw her look like she was thinking it over before she gave the equivalent of a shrug with her eyes.

"Sure, why not, it's not a big secret, well some things are a secret so I'll skip over those parts, but I can share the majority." (Layla)

After I controlled the liquid to gently flow through her mouth and to her stomach, I created fifteen, very thin water needles and had them held behind me. Because I was using water magic and not telekinesis, I was capable of controlling many needles, just like that massive attack I sent out against the Gerold birds back during the trip that I met Brandish on.

My control and accuracy is still best with only a few but I can summon and spread shot with water or fire magic. The power is a bit on the weak side unless I compact and condense the element as much as possible.

My reason for summoning the needles now though, was because I had to use them for acupuncture. Her mana core and the surrounding pathways are in such a state that even with the potion, I will need to manually hit the points with built up 'debris' for lack of a better word and allow the new mana to flow through.

She actually managed to drain herself with a spell to the point where her mana pathways looked like dead roots.

As the potion took effect, I watched through my sense as her core lit up with a bright glow and all the cracks and fractures were healed up one by one.

As different parts healed, I would quickly inject a needle, using my own mana to stimulate the pathway and allow new waves of ethernano to flow through the area. It wasn't a physical thing, but you can 'touch' someone's mana pathway and core with your own mana.

And while I worked, Layla told her story. (AN: I KNOW WHAT THE WIKI SAYS, I'm changing things again. This is fanfiction.)

Layla comes from the ancient clan of the Heartfilia, a clan that dates back over 400 years to the founder, Anna Heartfilia. The woman who was said to be the greatest celestial spirit magic user in the last millennia.

In accordance with a deal made with the Spirit King, Anna secured a bloodline ability for herself and her descendants. This bloodline grants at least one daughter of every generation a strong affinity to celestial spirit magic.

But with time, the clan experienced their own hurdles and one by one, they decreased in number until four hundred years later, only two small families were left.

Unfortunately, Layla Heartfilia was not the chosen daughter. She had a cousin from the second family who had the affinity, but the cousin died along with her parents in a natural disaster.

And Layla's own parents had passed not long after that.

That left Layla to inherit the position and duty of her clan. But due to her weaker affinity for celestial magic, she couldn't handle so many golden zodiac keys and supplemented her affinity with her life force, for she was required by her clan to open the doors of time with all twelve keys. A 400 year mission of her clan had fallen on her shoulders as the last of her clan, so she forced herself to push on.

As a result, her health deteriorated over the years as she pushed herself to reach the point she needed for the destined time. By a stroke of good luck, she managed to pull through the birth of her daughter and live to see her grow but when it was finally time to open the gate, to fulfill the long standing mission, she was faced with a problem of a missing key.

She had to use all twelve golden zodiac keys to open the doors. Not only was she weakened and had a lower affinity for the magic, but she also didn't even have all twelve keys.

By using the energy available to her, Virgo was able to tunnel herself to Layla's location on the appointed day, the day I was with Ultear, but one key was too far away, the one held by Brandish's mom.

With no other choice, the woman sacrificed the majority of her life force and pushed herself beyond her limits to open the gate.

As a result of the magic not being cast correctly, the seven children that were supposed to arrive safely were sent out with too much force and explosively shot into the sky and away, all in separate directions.

I could tell there was something she held back from her story but that was the gist of it. Of course, she didn't exactly say everything to me, a stranger, but I pieced together the story from what she did tell me.

"What an interesting tale, thank you for sharing. By the way, I heard from a friend that their mother was a longtime friend of yours." (Dante)

"Hm? Do you know their name?" (Layla)

"I believe it was Grammi U, her daughter had mentioned her working for and being friends with you." (Dante)

Layla's face lit up at the name.

"Oh! Your friends with little Brandish? She is such an adorable girl; I had only met her a few times when Grammi brought her when she was younger, but she never stopped sharing baby pictures with me. And it's funny you mentioned her, Grammi had just arrived the other day." (Layla)

While turning away to grab the last potion, my eyes flashed.

'I didn't plan on intervening in this point in the timeline originally but now that I did, I might as well say fuck it. I would feel guilty to Brandish if I just let her mother die for no reason when I can prevent it. Besides, I would be helping Ultear weaken Hade's power base and allowing Capricorn to stay with Layla and Lucy. It's a triple benefit for just the risk of what the butterfly effect will be. I'll deal with the consequences later.'

I turned back to Layla with a smile.

"Is that so? Perhaps I should say hi then, I'll stop by on my way out." (Dante)

"That shouldn't be a problem, I'll ask a maid to guide you." (Layla)

Giving her a thankful smile, I moved on and held up the final potion.

"This is an advanced grade mana potion, it's significantly harder to make than the lower grades but it's the safest way to help you right now. Because of what the last potion just did along with my acupuncture, your core and pathways are quite 'raw' and sensitive. This will pass after a few days, but I must warn you now, NO USING MAGIC for at least 48 hours. Do you understand?" (Dante)

"Mn." (Layla)

Hearing my tone, she didn't argue and agreed easily. She might look like she was dealing with the whole situation a bit to optimistically, but she understood better than most how close she was to death not even an hour ago. She might tease me and play around, but she knew when it was ok.

"Good, now as I was saying, the higher grade of mana potion is much gentler on the mage. The others are like drinking different strength energy drinks for your mana, you would regain fuel quickly, but it would still strain the core and pathways. That's not a problem for most mages, even when they are injured, but for you, that's like the final hit on a cracked glass window.

The advanced grade does not have that strain and the flow of mana will be controlled. If your reserves were filled to the max, it would pause until you either spend mana or until a certain amount of time passes." (Dante)

"Mn. Thank you." (Layla)

I waved it off.

"No problem." (Dante)

Waving my hand, the neon blue glowing liquid left the vial and I sent half of it in a steady stream through her mouth and had the other half gently hover on her sternum, right above where the magic core is located on the astral body.

As the first half of the potion entered her body, I marveled at the sight I could see through my mind's eye.

It was like watching a star in the boundless space being reborn.

Her body had been internally dried like a sponge, her organs slowing down, her mana core a desolate cracked sphere, and her pathways dry like a sandstorm had passed through.

Step by step, I watched as life was reborn from the decay. The vitality potions surged through her in a gentle but momentous manner. Her organs were being cleansed of toxins, her muscles and nerves stimulated and grown, and numerous health concerns were rapidly disappearing under the influx of vitality.

And her core and pathways were like the milky way, shining with a silver light in various places as her reformed and clean core was absorbing the pure energy from the mana potion and rapidly converting it to her own mana. A process that was ten times faster than converting Ethernano.

Something flashed in my mind and I quickly took out a notebook to write it down. Decay and rebirth.

I watched as it flowed from her core, through her reactivated pathways, and rejuvenated them as they passed. She was almost literally being reborn, shedding her old skin and coming out better and stronger.

As a caterpillar, she struggled and fought with her weak body and affinity against all odds.

As a pupa, she turtled up and conserved everything she had all for one moment and began withering away. Her fate at an end.

And now, she was being reborn into the butterfly she was meant to be.

As her mana circulated fully and returned to the core, the core got the energy to start absorbing ethernano from the atmosphere. This is where the other half of the potion came in.

It made the transition of the core reactivating smoother by supplying mana to start it up and then mana to enter it's ethernano absorption cycle.

The half a potion on her chest was quickly absorbed and almost seemed to melt into the air.

*Cough!*

A cough broke me from my thoughts, and I turned my head to face a slightly blushing Layla.

"While I am very thankful for your help, I do have a husband so please try not to stare so intensely." (Layla)

I blinked at that before I realized what she meant and felt my eyebrow twitch.

'I was looking at her mana system through my magic sense, but my head was facing her chest.'

I raised a hand to hover over her confused face before I lightly flicked her forehead.

"I was observing the process, not staring at your admittedly impressive pair of girls." (Dante)

It was funny seeing her not be able to hold her forehead but still being able to react with her facial expression.

"Ow! What was I supposed to think? I thought you were taking passive glances as young men can't help it but that was a full five minutes!" (Layla)

I just sighed at her and explained a bit.

"*sigh* I wasn't checking you out Ms. Heartfilia, I have my own abilities to see the progress of the potions I use. And besides, I prefer Virgo's." (Dante)

Layla huffed at that.

"You're saying I lose out to Virgo? Those are some fighting words right there." (Layla)

I chuckled and held up a hand, deciding to retreat. But much to my annoyance, it seemed that Virgo had chosen that moment to walk back into the room, without Lucy.

"I have returned mas…." (Virgo)

Before she could finish her words, Layla spoke up with a much more lively voice that she had when Virgo had left.

"Oi Virgo! Your man here says he thinks your breasts are better than mine! Come stand by me!" (Layla)

As I just stepped back rubbing my forehead and questioning the sanity of women, Virgo puffed out her chest in pride and didn't back down.

When she reached the bed, Virgo laid down next to Layla who was still numb from the neck down and they began talking and comparing different aspects of their breasts.

"Mine are clearly bigger!" (Layla)

"Ma'am, it's not just about size, shape and feel are important. I believe I beat you in perkiness." (Virgo)

"Of course they are! I'm in my thirties, how am I supposed to compete in perkiness with an immortal spirit?!" (Layla)

"Perkiness is only one aspect; you can retain the shape very well into your later years with proper exercise." (Virgo)

As they went back and forth, I ignored them and quickly wrote down a list of potions, diets, and a schedule for Layla to follow.

With that done, I left a copy on the table and went to try and quietly leave the room and meet with Jude to inform him of the good news and next steps when Layla reeled me back in.

"Dante! Where did he go? Oh, there you are, explain yourself, why do you think Virgo defeats me? And don't say anything about age, it's not a contest when she is immortal." (Layla)

I felt more tired at the current situation then I did with healing Layla.

"*Sigh* My hair will turn grey with all my sighing lately.

Ms. Heartfilia…" (Dante)

Before I could answer, she cut me off.

"Layla." (Layla)

"I'm sorry?" (Dante)

Layla sent a smile my way.

"You just did the impossible and saved me from the edge of death. Whether you like it or not, you're now a friend for life to me and my family. So call me Layla from now on, I'll only call you Dante in private until you reveal your identity publicly." (Layla)

I couldn't help but send a smile back.

"Very well." (Dante)

I bowed my head slightly with my words and causally made for the door again.

"Not so fast! Answer the question." (Layla)

"Master, I must also ask for you to answer." (Virgo)

'Damn, I was so close! And now that Virgo asked, I can't say no.'

Turning back to the two expectant faces, I just decided to get it over with.

"Fine, fine, you want a detailed answer? You will get one. There is the physical aspect where I enjoy the sight, feel, smell, and taste of Virgo's that I have become so accustomed to over the years.

And theirs the mental aspect where my love is toward Virgo. I am not turned off by other women and do find many attractive, but Virgo will always stand firmly in the center of my heart. Her breasts are better than yours because they belong to her, not because of how you both compare by appearance." (Dante)

There was a silence for a moment after my words and I took advantage of it.

"I have left a note on your table there, it contains the potions, diet, and schedule you should follow for the next two weeks. I will inform Jude and have the potions delivered as soon as possible.

Your numbness will wear off in thirty minutes, but I ask you to remain in bed for two days to allow your body to fill out so to speak.

I wish you the best Layla, until next time. Virgo, take your time love, I'll inform you when it's time to go." (Dante)

After saying my piece, I quickly rushed out the door.

'*Phew* safe. I wouldn't mind dealing with two women asking that question if they were single or with me but when one is already married with a kid, it is very uncomfortable. NTR should be burned with holy fire.'

With those thoughts in my mind, I searched for a staff member to guide me to Jude.

*Line Break*

Back in the room.

After seeing Dante all but run out the door, the two women matched eyes and blushed heavily before looking away.

It was Layla who broke the silence a moment later. She turned her head to Virgo with a soft smile.

"That young man really loves you." (Layla)

Virgo turned back as well and nodded with the same blush still on her cheeks.

"Mn. And I love him just as much." (Virgo)

Layla's smile only grew at Virgo's expression. She turned back to face the ceiling.

"You know, I remember when I first met you Virgo. As part of the ancient contract between the Heartfilia's and celestial realm, I had to meet with the zodiacs and be able to make a connection with them even if I wasn't their current contractor.

You were one who was contracted to someone, but you came to my location on the spirit kings orders. You popped up out of nowhere during my training days and we became the friends we are today."

Virgo smiled at that.

"Mn. It is a nice memory."

"We didn't spend long together since you had to return to your master, but I never forgot about you, always searching for your master to retrieve your key.

Unfortunately, I grew weaker and one day, I met June and fell in love. I still wanted to find you, but I couldn't go searching anymore.

And then, a week ago at the appointed time, you appeared before me once more but as a completely different woman.

Where before you were a wonderful person behind an emotionless mask and with a stricter mannerism, you became a young woman in love. Open, proud, confident, and without that mask of ice.

I was so happy to see the new you and whenever I asked, you just said it was all thanks to your new master, a man who holds your heart.

I admit to being skeptical about a human being able to love you as much as the love you showed for them, but I am happy to be proven wrong."

Here her face turned slightly sad.

"It is far too common that you incredible spirits are forced to bond with humans who treat you as tools and weapons. I hated it whenever I heard of such a thing and wanted to prevent that from happening but there was only so much I could do." (Layla)

And then her face became bright once more.

"But that young man, and I really should complement you on that one. Kind, polite, skilled, resourceful, handsome like a prince, incredibly fun to tease, and powerful! Not only financially with his business but when he was healing me and using his own mana to connect to mine, I caught a glimpse of the tightly controlled reserves inside him. He's a beast! He can't be older than seventeen and he has more mana at such a finely controlled level than most full time mages in their fifties would froth at the mouth in unfairness." (Layla)

Virgo's eyes gained a dangerous gleam.

"I will personally 'handle' any such people before they can say such things to my master. My master has shed blood, sweat, and tears for most of his life to achieve what he has today.

Do not think he was born that way, yes he has his gifts, but when I first met him as a young boy, he was barely capable of summoning me with his reserves, and his magic was weak and simple. I watched him step by step become the incredible man he is today, and I stand in awe of his determination.

Men back in the warring tribes period could learn a thing about determination and will from my master."

Layla chuckled at the burning look in Virgo's eyes and her hand twitched as she gained some feeling back before she moved it lightly to take Virgo's hand.

"We have some time while your man talks to Jude, tell me some more about how you two fell in love."

Virgo blushed and nodded with a shy smile.

While she would never share her masters secrets, it wasn't an issue to just talk about day to day stuff.

*Line Break*

Finding June's office was easy after asking a passing maid.

I informed him of Layla's successful recover, and I swear if he didn't have decades of experience in the cut throat business world, he would have started bawling his eyes out in relief.

He poured me a glass of some top quality scotch, and that's coming from a guy who brews his own ale, and we enjoyed a drink while I laid out the specific instructions for Layla's full recovery.

I already left a copy of them in Layla's room, but something told me the only way to make her stick to it was to tell June.

He would make sure it was followed to the letter.

Then came the talk of payment.

At first I tried to put it off thanks to my admiration for Layla's willpower, but he wouldn't take no for an answer.

In his words: "Every act of work requires equal payment."

He might be a hard ass, but I can see his workers being loyal to him for not falling to corruption and being fair.

In the end we settled on the base price for the potions and a favor I could cash in from Jude whenever I needed.

He gave his full commitment and even wrote a written contract to seal that he was henceforth a loyal ally of Ouroboros potions as a sponsor/investor.

I admit it was nice to be able to cash in a favor to such an influential man when needed.

I might have connections with royalty, but it was nice to have a connection with a leading figure in the business world.

It was only two hours after meeting with June that it was time to leave, and I recalled the matter with Brandish's mother.

"Oh, before I forget Mr. Heartfilia but Layla mentioned that a Ms. Grammi U was around? I am good friends with her daughter and wished to say hello."

Jude rose an eyebrow at that but nodded.

"It's no problem, Ms. U has been a hardworking and dedicated woman to her job in her time here."

He rang a bell on his desk and not ten seconds later the gentleman butler entered.

"Yes master?"

"Jeeves, please guide Mr. Katakuri here to Ms. U, he wishes to say hello on behalf of her daughter."

The butler nodded and was about to step aside but then paused.

"Ah.. my apologies master but I believe she had actually just left not long ago."

My finger twitched at that, but I internally controlled myself.

"I'm sure I can catch up with her, it is a vast property after all haha. Do you mind pointing out the direction?"

The butler gave his confirmation.

"Right away sir, please follow me."

I lifted a hand to Jude who likewise extended a hand, and we shook firmly.

"It has been a pleasure Mr. Heartfilia, now please don't allow me to keep you from your wife longer."

"I truly cannot thank you enough, you and Mr. Ouroboros. I shall standby for the day you two require my assistance and will do all I can to help."

I gave him a smile and tilt of my head in respect before turning and following the butler.

I hid my nervousness behind a calm façade.

'I hope I'm not too late.'

*Line Break*

Along a dirt path a distance away from the mansion, two people were coming to the close of a painful discussion.

On one side was a beautiful middle aged woman on the verge of tears and on the other was a strange looking man in robes with stich marks on the sides of his mouth.

"So that's it? You're never coming back?"

"Yeah… I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for what I've done."

"I see."

"Goodbye Zoldeo."

"Goodbye Grammi."

Grammi got up while holding back tears and stepped away without noticing the sudden glint in Zoldeo's eyes.

'You killed miss Layla you bitch! Die!'

While brandishing a knife, Zoldeo thrust at Grammi's unsuspecting back.

"Wo! Easy there." (?)

An unfamiliar voice rang out and Grammi stumbled in surprise before turning around with wide eyes to see Zoldeo being restrained and gagged by while being held off the ground.

"Wha?"

"Mnn!"

At her incredulous look, she turned to see the towering figure of a dangerous looking man with his hand held out and the end of the in his hand.

"Who are you!"

The man seemed to sigh before turning to her.

"Are you Mr. Grammi U?"

Grammi nodded hesitantly.

"Yes?"

The scary looking man surprisingly bowed his head.

"Hello, my name is Katakuri."

*POV change*

'*Phew* I really almost didn't make it. Talk about last second timing.'

"Katakuri? What are you doing here and why are you restraining Zoldeo?"

'Ah right, she probably doesn't understand the situation.'

"Ma'am, I came to find you to just send my regards as I am good friends with your daughter, I just came from the Heartfilia manor.

But as I approached, I saw this man charging at your back with a knife drawn, I apologize for startling you, but I decided to see what was happening."

Grammi's eyes widened in shock as she turned to Zoldeo and saw the knife on the ground.

"Zoldeo?"

He struggled violently in the for a moment before he turned red eyes on Grammi and started mumbling so I removed the from his mouth.

"You killed her! Miss Layla is dead because of you! Why don't you die too you bitch!"

He started frothing at the mouth in anger like a deranged person.

Grammi was taken aback by the words as if she were physically struck but she just looked down and didn't argue on those points.

'Hm.. such a dramatic scene. I wouldn't mind pulling out some snacks, but I think Brandish might slap me with an island if I don't take care of her mother.'

I re-gagged the man and approached the silent and trembling Grammi before placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Miss U."

She shook and looked up at me.

"He… he's right. I killed her! If only I was here! If only I didn't take the key with me!"

She started wailing and I didn't really know what to do so I just patted her back and took out some tissue for her to use.

I gave her a minute before scratching my cheek and awkwardly speaking.

"Um.. *cough* well, Ms. Heartfilia will be just fine."

Two pairs of eyes snapped to me.

One deranged and one on the verge of breaking down but both with a spark of hope.

"W-what?"

"Mn!"

"Yeah, my name is Katakuri, I represent Mr. Ouroboros of Ouroboros Potions."

Both their eyes in recognition of the famous name and I unknowingly puffed out my chest a bit.

'I know I'm famous, but it feels good to see recognition in random moments like this.'

"I just came from the mansion where I checked up on Ms. Heartfilia. I'm happy to say she will make a full recovery."

The next thing I knew I had Brandish's mother hugging the life out of me while my eyes almost bugged out and my arms shot up.

'Holy fuck! What kind of strength is that?! She almost undid my transformation with brute strength!'

I had to take a few minutes to awkwardly calm the distraught woman down and place her on my magic carpet to take her back to the mansion to see Layla before I turned to Zoldeo.

He had stopped struggling and was just staring blankly ahead.

"Now then, I heard a little rumor that I want to confirm. Don't worry, it will only take a moment."

Before Grammi could respond, a second chain lashed out and swiped at Zoldeo's shirt making his dull eyes widen in panic.

Grammi gasped while I nodded in confirmation.

"Like I thought."

'Thanks Ultear for the info.'

On Zoldeo's chest, over his heart, was a clear Grimoire Heart guild mark.

The three top dark guilds mark is public knowledge.

Ultear had told me when I asked that new and low ranking members of the guild get guild marks placed over their hearts.

They are mostly used as pawns until they prove their worth and the mark can be moved to another part of the body.

"Well, it looks like we have a dark mage here. I think we should have a little talk about your associates."

His eyes widened in fear and he started struggling again but I ignored him and stepped onto the carpet with Zoldeo being held aloft by my .

"Let's head back."

Grammi nodded while gazing at Zoldeo with sad eyes.

I didn't know whatever was going on in her head, but I had an idea.

Time changes many, and if my meta knowledge is right, these two were coworkers for many years.

And just as we got under way, Zoldeo's magic finally gave out under the mana suppression effect of my hook chain. His mana was actively fighting it before, but he was overpowered before long.

His chest flashed as whatever magic he had active faded, and a golden key appeared on his chest.

The second it appeared, it started glowing and before I could react, a doorway opened on the magic carpet and a goat headed spirit stepped out.

"Capricorn!" (Grammi)

At her exclamation, the goat man turned to her and bowed his head.

"Ms. U. Benefactor, excuse me for a moment."

He spoke calmly before he spun around and drove a fist into Zoldeo's solar plexus.

"Huu!"

"You bastard! I told you to stop! How dare you use such foul magic on me!"

I didn't stop him, but he seemed to restrain himself after one more hit.

After that he turned to explain the situation to us.

It seemed that Zoldeo, like canon, used some kind of soul possession magic on Capricorn and he was trapped in his own body, unable to return to the celestial realm.

And not only that, but because he was a spirit and not a human, Zoldeo had effectively cursed his own soul.

The second that key was removed from his neck; his body would turn to ash.

Luckily for him, he was knocked unconscious and didn't hear that.

"I would like to ask that you leave the key for just a bit longer then. I have some questions for the man about his associates."

Capricorn hummed at that, but he was reasonable.

"Very well, we are returning to Lady Layla correct? I believe she should have the chance to address this man anyway."

I nodded at that while Grammi was pretty much in shock at everything she was hearing.

I shared a look with Capricorn and nodded toward Grammi and he got the hint.

Thankfully, he was used to taking care of a middle aged woman and Grammi had known him for many years.

We got back to the mansion shortly and we met up with Jude.

He didn't want to let Zoldeo anywhere near his wife but with my reassurance that he was not getting out, and Virgo appearing and saying that Layla wanted to see him, he let us through.

The meeting was depressing.

What's the worst kind of pain? I believe it's the disappointment and the severing of a bond from someone you cherish.

Layla surprisingly wasn't light at all with him, and the man broke down under her gaze and words.

He willingly gave up the info I wanted, which was just on the low level grunts that even Ultear couldn't give me simply because she was to high up to have to pay attention to such things.

Grimoire heart was a pyramid scheme with various ways to climb the ladders but little care for what the members do until they become useful in the guild masters eyes.

It seemed Layla was truly pissed not only at the possible loss of Grammi's life just as she got a chance at life again but at the perverted way Zoldeo corrupted one of her beloved spirits because even while being forced to remain in bed, she demanded I brought Zoldeo closer so she could rip off the key herself.

Zoldeo dissolved into ash before our eyes.

It was a tense moment before Virgo decided to be Virgo and started sweeping the ash with a broom and dustpan that made the rest of us laugh and the sheer action.

A bit later, Virgo and I were leaving the bedroom as Jude, Layla, and little Lucy were all sharing a family hug together.

It was heartwarming and a wonderful moment to see Lucy's eyes water with joy as she heard her mother would be alright before she almost tackled her mother in a hug and cried hard.

Layla couldn't fight her own tears and hugged her daughter to her chest while Jude swept them both into his arms and let his own tears fall.

Virgo and I decided it was a family moment and left with a note on the table.

As we walked out of the mansion, we were standing side by side silently, but our minds were full of thoughts and warmth.

'Thank you master.'

'Ha, it was my pleasure. Did you have fun with Layla?'

Her cheeks tinted pink for a moment.

'Mn, it was nice to speak with her again. She has been a dear friend of the celestial realm since long ago.'

'I know Virgo, and I don't blame you for wanting to help your friend, you know I am always here if you need me.'

We stepped outside and onto the carpet as Virgo finally let her outward mask fall slightly to show heart filled eyes at me.

'Master.'

As the invisibility of the carpet activated, I let my transformation fade to let my open kimono style shirt flap in the wind as my naked muscled torso was revealed underneath with the lifelike snake tattoo's on my shoulders and abdominals being prominently displayed.

Virgo flashed into my lap and snuggled in like a kitten.

"Thank you master, truly, I don't deserve someone like you."

I chuckled and wrapped my arms around her while lifting her chin with a hand to look into her eyes.

"No love, it's me that doesn't deserve you. Never mind a favor, if you wanted the world, all you have to do…"

I leaned down and my lips hovered over hers.

"Is ask."

Our bond flared as our emotions were shouted across our souls and she closed the gap between our lips with a desperate and passionate need.

Thankfully, we were both invisible from below, and I was a master of multitasking because with how intense things got on the sky ride home, we would have crashed into a mountain.

However, that didn't stop us from having to wash the carpet later on plus the new rumors that spread throughout Fiore about some kind of banshee magic beast screaming from the sky with a passion.

Even if we knew about it though, it wouldn't have mattered, because we were in love.

*Line Break*

The next day, the 15th of July, was spent with me working hard to make a replacement potion for Pengrande's king.

The Magi-Me-More potion.

It's a pain in the ass to make and requires dozens of steps so I would usually make it at all.

I only made it the first time to try out a new advanced potion recipe.

The original purpose of the potion is to allow an older mage to regain some of the power and concentration they used to have in their prime.

It works by mainly affecting the mana core of the drinker. It is similar to Lasik vision surgery from my past life, it shaves off much of the surface layer on the core to refine it.

I used it on Layla with a small alteration that helped to reform her mana core and fill in the cracks.

She truly was lucky I had it on me at all.

But what was worse than having to spend most of the day working was that Virgo was still riding the passion high from the day before.

Something about the events at the Heartfilia job had her lust burning like an inferno and we didn't stop until the sun rose.

We mated in the skies, in the forests, in a nearby stream, on the porch, in the kitchen, the bathes, and finally our bed before we collapsed as the sun rose.

Even my hips were sore!

I mean damn, she was insatiable.

Thankfully, I am a potion master, and it only took a couple potions to be back at 100%.

Unfortunately, Virgo didn't seem to be done just yet.

She kept popping in while I was working in random outfits from naked apron to bunny suits and trying to tease me to jump her while asking for punishment.

And not her usual style of monotonously asking for punishment but huskily breathing in my ear to punish her.

It was only sheer will, skill, and telekinesis magic that I was able to finish that potion without screwing up.

And it was time to get my revenge for the random and sudden happy endings Virgo seemed to enjoy giving me.

But instead of ravaging her like she wanted, I made her wait and beg for it as I gently washed and caressed her in the bath under the moonlight shining through the windows.

I treated her like glass and lit her system up until she was a panting mess before I finally gave in and ravaged her.

No one ever said a punishment has to be harsh. I prefer the gentle approach considering I know Virgo likes it rough.

The 15th was a day of work, lust, and passion as two wild beasts melded into each other's forms in a dance as old as the stars.

*Line Break*

3rd person POV:

July 16th

As the sun rose upon a new day, a wonderful mid-summer morning began in the lands of Fiore.

Deep in the mountains of one the most dangerous areas of the nation, a forest of towering tree's that seemed to stretch to the heavens that was home to an assortment of massive serpentine creatures greeted the day with the sounds of bird song and insects chirping away.

And at the center of such a primitive and naturally beautiful forest was an enchanting and beautifully constructed home built into a rare tree that was wider and shorter than its brethren.

The morning sunlight shone down through the canopy of the trees leaves, through a large circular window, and into the wide master bedroom of the large tree house, illuminating the two forms bundled together under disheveled sheets.

Like an image out of a fairy tale, a princely looking man with long silky green hair was resting serenely as a celestial beauty with long tresses of pink hair was draped over his chest.

The woman was mumbling in her sleep while snuggling deeper into the warmth of the chest of her lover while the man's arms were protectively wrapped around her form, almost as if to shield her from the world and keep her from ascending back into the stars.

And as the morning light illuminated the bed from which looked to have seen better days in its currently damaged state, the man's eyes began to twitch as he stirred from his sleep.

1st Person POV:

'Mn… I slept great…'

The fogginess of sleep gradually cleared form my mind as I began to wake.

A familiar warmth and weight was felt snuggling deeply into my chest as I opened my eyes to take a look.

And my first sight of the day was likely my favorite one in the world.

Virgo with disheveled long pink hair had a megawatt smile on her face as she drooled a bit while attached to my chest as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

My eyes traced the contours of her face and then down her sinfully attractive frame, from the perky and perfectly shaped breasts pressed into my chest, to the curves of her back and hips, and down to one of the greatest examples of the female derriere that I had ever laid eyes on.

Even after all this time, and everything we did to each other, together, I felt nothing but love and desire for this woman.

My hands gently moved their place around her, causing her to frown slightly in her sleep before the smile came back as I gently ran my hands over her form adoringly.

My eyes traced to her long pink hair, a color I've come to love as it represented my lover, maid, and partner.

Virgo had always looked amazing no matter what form her hair was in, but I couldn't help my fondness for the longer hair style which now draped over shoulders and reached her shoulder blades.

"Mnnnnnnn…"

A deep moan of satisfaction rumbled from her body as her eyes twitched a few times until they opened to show those beautiful sapphire orbs that stared into my own.

No words were said as our gaze held but large smiles adorned our faces as Virgo adjusted slightly to lean forward and give me a good morning kiss.

Nothing intense, but light and full of love.

"Good morning master~."

I deep rumble came from my chest as I chuckled at the face inches from my own.

"Morning love, sleep well?"

If anything her smile widened further as she lowered her head to rest in the crack of my neck.

"One of the best in my life, and if you keep your hands where they are, that statement might just extend to this morning."

I blinked at that as I had forgotten what I was doing with my hands until I gave an experimental squeeze and felt the incredible softness of skin with the firmness of muscle underneath.

"Ah~."

A throaty moan escaped Virgo's lips against my neck as I thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of kneading those heavenly cheeks.

Her body instinctively began to rub itself lightly against my frame as a pair of glorious thighs wrapped around my morning wood.

"Hm, have you not had enough yet my cheeky minx?"

A pair of soft arms detached from my torso to wrap loving around my neck as her face rose once more to mine with a predatorial smile and blushing cheeks.

"Don't you learn master? It's a personal maids duty to take care of all of their master's needs. And I think my duty is calling."

She leaned in to capture my lips once more with a bit more hunger in them.

Her thighs began rubbing over my length with a bit more strength as her chest grinded into my own.

As we broke the kiss and we both moaned lightly at the stimulation, I brought a hand up to cup her cheek as I stared into her eyes with love, and she returned it with infinite adoration.

My thumb ran over her lips as a beautiful pink tongue lashed out to lick it sensually.

I chuckled at the sight.

"My, what am I to do with this insatiable maid that holds my heart?"

The smile she sent me sent a shiver of pleasure down my spine as her bent her neck to whisper in my ear.

"Make love to me."

Four words spoken in such a breathless tone finally won her the round as our forms blurred as I spun us around with me on top.

Our lips connected in a fierce display of passion as her legs snapped around my waist like steel and she ground her core along my length.

The passion was fierce as we held each other like lifelines in the very universe.

This wasn't the animalistic and primal need of two nights ago.

This wasn't the lustful and amused playfulness of the night before.

This was just loving, passionate and pure loving.

Our lips trailed from each other's to our necks, ears, and collarbones as her hardened cherry blossom nipples were grasped and kneaded in a hand each.

Our cores were slick with our mixed juices as a sinfully soft hand snaked its way down to pump along my length, making me groan into her ear.

Then without warning, she whispered once more as she raised her hips slightly to target her honey filled entrance with the tip of my burning rod.

"Love me."

There was no pause as my entire length penetrated and filled her all the way to her womb and we each climaxed from all the stimulation.

My seed filled her awaiting cavern as her walls gripped tight and her core arched up to meld into my own as we both moaned in bliss.

But that was only an appetizer, for my length was still raring to go and her walls were not letting go anytime soon.

Around an hour later, as the sun was firmly shining on a new day, I had to break things down so we could get moving.

Her burning emotions aside, Virgo was still a dutiful maid and agreed.

Which is how instead of intense lovemaking, we were tenderly washing each other in the baths.

We sat facing each other on stools as Virgo was lathering my chest and back in soap while I did the same to her.

We were smiling and teasing each other like newlyweds as we washed.

"Virgo love, I don't think giving me a sud filled mustache is helpful to cleaning."

"Hm… maybe it is or maybe it isn't, but its very fun."

"Haha perhaps, let me try."

"Wait! My love! Master please~."

I ignored her cries for mercy as I gave her a grand suddy beard.

"Hm, your right, this is fun~."

I chuckled as she pouted behind the suds before her eyes glinted.

"This means war master."

I met her challenging glare head on.

"Bring it love."

The next fifteen minutes were spent with laughter resounding through the bathroom as we gave each other the most ridiculous suddy facial hair we could.

It ended with me having a mustache that Whitebeard would feel challenged by and her having a beard Dumbledore would be jealous of.

We sank into the large bath with large smiles and the dregs of our laughter as Virgo sat in my lap and cuddled into my form with the windows of the bathroom open to allow the fresh air and sounds of the morning magical forest to drift in.

"Ahaha… I think we can agree this round was a tie."

"Haha… mn, until next time master. I'll have my revenge!"

I sent a coy smirk at her.

"Oh? A maid planning revenge on her master? What ever should I do about such a thing."

She turned to look at me with twinkling eyes full of mirth.

"Punishment?"

My smile matched hers as chuckled and I lightly pinched her godly butt.

"Eep!"

Her cute squeak was a beautiful sound to my ears.

"Consider you punished for now."

She pouted at me with kitten eyes, but I steadily resisted the storm with an iron will.

"Later love, we do have things to do today."

She dropped the pout and reached up for a kiss before snuggling back into my chest.

"Fine, we can pick up tonight."

I chuckled at that, no matter how much we go at it, she just wants more, and I can't complain about it.

"Sure dear, but for now are you ready to see the kids?"

Her smile turned to me with a bright gaze.

"Mhm, it's family day."

I smiled at the look on her face and laid a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

Today was the monthly day for our family BBQ.

"Did you send out the notice to the kids?"

Virgo snorted lightly and gently slapped my chest.

"Please, the second a piece of meat hits the grill they will all come running."

I shared her amusement with a chuckle.

"True, should we make a bet who shows up first?"

We turned our mirthful gaze's at each other and spoke with affection.

""Edd.""

We shared a laugh and relaxed as we leaned back and stared up at the clear sky.

Out of all our kids, Edd was the biggest glutton even if Ed utterly dwarfed him in size.

We soaked for a bit longer before getting out and flirted with each other before I picked Virgo up bridal style and carried her back to our room where we helped each other get dressed.

After three days of being practically glued at the hip, we were all over each other, just loving the feel of the others skin.

Virgo donned a frilly pair of panties and bra that I slowly pulled over her while kissing along her limbs and getting a satisfactory shudder from her.

But she got revenge with sinful teasing as she made sure I was comfortable in my briefs and tied my usual style of hakama pants.

Our light petting and flirting was addicting as one piece of clothes came on after another until she was in a summer version of her usual maid outfit and I was in my boots, hakama pants, and tank top combo.

An open light kimono top hung loosely from my shoulders with the sleeves hanging by my side.

As much as Virgo was dedicated to her maid uniforms, I was addicted to the feeling of loose but form fitting clothing.

Eventually though, we pried ourselves from each other and got to work.

Below the main floor of the house with the living room and kitchen was a few underground floors that dug into the base of the tree and even went into the earth itself.

The roots and trunk of the tree was never touched outside of the main doors and windows, so the tree was 100% still alive and coursing with ethernano.

The first basement floor was for storage while the second held the freezer room and the fermentation area for various drinks.

Each floor was lit by lacrima lanterns that lit up when it sensed movement nearby.

"Shall I go set up the grill master?"

"Mn, yeah, use the hickory wood chips this time. I think Jade and Iris didn't like the smell of the oak chips last time."

"Right away master."

Virgo went along the wall where bags of wood chips with clearly marked labels laid until she reached the hickory section and hefted a large sack over her shoulder without any strain.

I chuckled at the sight of a tiny woman carrying a sack three times her size, and internally applauded her for still being able to swing her hips hypnotically while doing it.

Before she left though, I remembered one other thing.

"Oh, Virgo."

"Yes master?"

"Any preference on today's drink?"

She tilted her head adorably while ignoring the large bag above her head.

"Hm… how about Sakeyashi fruit sake or Emerald wine."

I raised a thumbs up at that suggestion.

"Good choices love, I'll grab them."

She gave me an excited smile.

"Mn. Love you master."

"Heh, love you to dear."

She went off and I watched her practically skip up the stairs with a bemused smile before shaking my head from such thoughts.

I went down a floor and entered a large room filled with stacks of barrels in neat piles with clear labels.

Considering the alcohol tolerance that Virgo and I have, we usually use at least a barrel every time we drink.

I found the marking for Sakeyashi fruit sake, a wine that's actually fermented by nature. It's found in a paper lantern looking fruit with a sweet alcohol inside. The naturally distilled alcohol is smooth and mellow as a fancy liqueur. It's very high proof, so those who think they're drinking innocent fruit juice can get very drunk very fast.

It's one of the few naturally formed alcoholic drinks that we stock up on since we love the flavor so much. The trees are found all over monkey mountain, a name Virgo gave the mountain a bit of distance away from our forest for its massive population of monkeys and natural hot springs.

I stored a barrel inside my requip space before moving over to a large wine rack and pulling out two bottles of Emerald wine and likewise storing it in my requip space.

Emerald wine is made with the main ingredient of the bones from Emerald Komodo Dragons. An annoying race of emerald colored Komodo dragons with wind magic that are quite vicious and bloodthirsty. Kind of like giant magically enhanced crocodiles.

After that I went down another floor as the air chilled.

Built from large amounts of metal and with a dozen ice lacrima's was a large freezer room.

We had to make it big to fit the various meats we would bring home.

Not only were there massive monsters in the mountains around my home, but even in other area's or from the oceans we would occasionally stumble on massive monsters.

When you removed the organs, skin, bones, and any special parts for various uses, you were left with quite an impressive amount of meat.

We had meat from Celepigs, Crab Pigs, Ashurasaurus's, Deep Sea Mammoth, Frenzy Cattle, and a wide variety of others.

And when you consider the amount of meat 12 large snake type magical animals eat, it's necessary.

'Thank god they are snake types at least. Snakes don't need to eat much per year but that doesn't stop them from enjoying a meal like my gluttonous kids.'

With a fond smile, I grabbed a few Sky Deer steaks for Virgo and me while I grabbed the massive frame of a giant floating whale monster called a 'Tovkezeera'.

According to Virgo, these whales used to be some of the favored prey of the dragons and almost got hunted to extinction back then.

In the last few hundred years their numbers had multiplied, and they stuck around in the clouds in area's with dense ethernano so normal civilians and mages rarely meet them.

I want to take credit for hunting this beast, but it was my eldest who discovered them and dropped off a trio of carcasses while staring at me with the fabled pleading eyes that all kids use on their parents when they want something.

I laughed myself silly at the imposing image of my eldest trying to implore me to grill the meat for him.

It was adorable and I know if any kind of meat can get that 'big brother' type down from his perch to join us. It would be this meat.

The meat was too large to fit in my requip space but thankfully we have a solution for that thanks to Virgo.

I truly love the fact that my lover is so useful with dealing with earth and construction, or demolition based on your point of view.

I dragged the massive frozen piece of meat to the side of the freezer where a large iron door stood.

I slid the metal bar that locks the door to the side and opened the large door to show a short tunnel with a big platform at the end with a few hanging hooks on metal wires.

Above the platform was a large tunnel that went straight to the surface where a much more sturdy metal slab covered in moss was hidden to the side of my homes courtyard.

It was simple to drag over the meat onto the platform and hook up the various wires to the sides of the meet before I closed the iron door and climbed the ladder inside the tunnel up to the top.

There was a series of circular locks built into the metal slab that could be accessed from the inside or outside.

It had three circular rings you had to click into the correct position before pressing a security lacrima in the center.

If you got the exact combination wrong three times, it locked up and sent an alarm to the control center in my office where I would have to turn it off from there.

It's pretty serious stuff but it's needed since I can't just have a massive entrance into the basement of my home where anyone could sneak in.

I'm not like that moron noble who I killed to get Virgo's key.

I hit the lacrima and it glowed for a moment while scanning the combination before there was a *click* and the slab opened up from the center to allow sunlight to stream down.

I squinted my eyes and allowed them to adjust before climbing out and getting a wave from Virgo who was standing by the giant sized grill with a large bonfire going to heat it up.

This grill was custom made from the celestial realm since we needed something that could cook meat in Ed's size.

I waved back with a smile and turned around to grab the ends of the cables that held the meat and connecting them to a harness.

Now I would love to haul the meat up myself, but frankly I'm just not that strong yet unfortunately.

Thanks to my training and potions, I had quite the crazy strength, enough to drag around 20 tons of meat across the ground.

But I just don't have the strength to lift something like that up such a distance.

Thankfully, I don't have to.

I held up a hand to my mouth and let it rip.

*WHISTLE!*

A clear whistle echoed through the forest for a moment before I felt the ground start trembling as something was coming toward us.

Something large and red gleamed off the sunlight in the distance and I almost fell over laughing at the sight of Ed barreling toward me with a clearly excited look on his three heads.

"*HIIIIISSSSS!*

I laughed and summoned a bunch of water balls before launching them at him before the child squashed me.

The water hit true, and the charging tank of muscle and scales shook it's head to clear it off and look at me with a wronged look.

"Hahaha, come here son."

His wronged look changed back to happy as he slithered up to me, slowly this time, and his massive frame circled around me happily.

Three giant heads were shoved into my personal space looking for affection and I made sure to rub each one.

"Come on, enough Ed, haha, enough already. Come, help me with the meat that will mostly go into your stomach."

Two his pairs of eyes gleamed while I saw the right head had already broken off to stare soulfully at the tunnel.

I untangled myself from his massive limbs and hooked up the harness to his middle head.

"Ok, back it up Ed, nice and slow."

*Hissss*

He nodded and started moving back without issue to lift the meat up the tunnel.

Once it reached the top, I called him to stop before I grabbed one edge of the meat and my muscled bulged like thick iron cords as I heaved the edge over the side of tunnel.

Ed pulled it the rest of the way out before I unhooked the harness and reclosed the tunnel.

"*Phew* That's always a challenge, thankfully it's getting easier every month."

I swung around my arm to stretch the muscles while Ed happily picked up the meat and deposited it by the grill before he swarmed Virgo for some of his mother's love and affection.

If her laughter was any indication, she was very happy at the moment.

I smiled at the sight before my senses picked up more movement from the forest and I turned just in time to see more of our kids showing up.

Two heads poked out from the surrounding tree canopies as Azure and Blu, the Occamies eyes shone and dive bombed toward me in excitement while from the ground came Edd, the lazy Runespoor, and Jade, one of the two female Horned Serpents.

*HIsss!*

*Hisssss*

*Hiss!*

Soon enough I was being dogpiled by a mass of scales and feathers and poor dad was being drowned with affection.

It took large amount of effort to free myself without hurting anyone and through it all my deep laughter was resounding out.

My laughter drew Virgo over with Ed trailing behind her before the pink haired beauty became the next target of the dogpile by excited children.

The rest of the more sedate members of our kids trailed behind as Eddy, Iris, Celeste, Sapphire, Teal, and Sky showed up.

Eleven of our twelve kids showed up at my call, with the elder likely watching from his perch and waiting for the meat to be ready.

He was the 'cool' big brother after all, he had to keep up appearances.

It didn't stop him from showing up randomly for affection when no one else was around though.

"Haha come on kids, let your mother and I get cooking. Everyone get ready, you know how this works!"

The Occamies saluted with their tails while Edd and Eddy were being restrained by Iris since those two would be sure to cause some mischief if let loose.

I created a large ball of water before controlling it to wash over the meat and thoroughly scrub off any dirt and such things.

One of the cool things about magic beast meat is that it retains its freshness much longer than non-magical beast meat. I never have to worry about parasites or illness's unless it's left out to rot for at least a week.

Plus with it being frozen, it could stay fresh, and it won't get freezer burn for years.

After cleaning it off, I summoned my personal chain weapon, Starlight, on to my hand before focusing on the massive carcass before my sword shaped chain flashed out with a dense layer of sharp mana running across the chains length.

Before our eyes, the carcass was getting sliced up with clean and even cuts.

Considering the meat was already stripped and removed of excess fat, skin, and such things before being frozen, the pieces were ready to be grilled as they currently were.

I called out orders as each piece fell.

"Azure, Blu, Celeste, those three are yours. Throw them on the grill."

"Teal, Jade, Sapphire, girls, those three are yours, same order."

"Virgo, are the spices ready?"

"Yes chief!"

I rose an eyebrow at her for her cheek and she stuck her tongue out before bumping her hip on mine and going to the spice station.

I laughed and slapped her ass when she passed which only made her smile more.

The next two hours were a whirlwind of activity as I shouted out orders to my kids who used their flight and natural strength to move around meat on the large grill and Virgo and I ran around with massive canisters of spices to get everything seasoned.

For our own much more normal sized Sky Deer steaks, we marinated them in sauces and spices before using the small section of the giant grill sized for human sized portions.

We couldn't use sauce for the big pieces obviously since we didn't have that much sauce.

No one had THAT much sauce.

Our kids didn't seem to care either way however as they were play wrestling with each other as they devoured steaming and sizzling meat pieces one after another.

Me and Virgo were laughing and having a hell of a time moving around as our kids were helping or trying to play with us along the way.

And then a massive shadow descended on the courtyard as everyone looked up.

Virgo and I holding each other and looking up with gentle smiles as all eleven kids sent happy hiss's in greeting to the eldest.

*ROAR!*

Over fifty feet in length with a large emerald scaled width and four pairs of massive rainbow colored wings, our eldest child swooped down.

We named his Rayquaza or Ray for short after I saw his appearance was quite similar yet slightly different from the Pokemon Rayquaza.

Ray was a truly special species, for he was a Quetzalcoatl, the legendary feathered serpent.

He was still a child and would need years more to grow into his full strength but once fully aged, he would be an even match for a grown dragon in might.

Ray has an elemental affinity for storms believe it or not.

He enjoys flying into storm clouds and bathing in the lightning and fierce winds, and one day, he will be able to call forth storms of his own into being.

But even without summoning a storm, he can use minor lightning and wind magics plus his incredible strength to bring down foes.

And the mighty legendary feathered serpent roared to announce his presence, before he ignored everyone and swopped down on a large piece of grilled meat with excited eyes.

His fill body wrapped around it protectively like a child with its prized possession before he came to his senses and looked up as everyone was staring at him.

*Hisssss*

A much more tame greeting came out as Virgo and I burst into laughter and the rest of the kids went to swarm their 'cool' eldest brother.

Ed was actually bigger than Ray, but Ray was longer.

Virgo and I walked up hand in hand as our kids made room for us and Ray lowered his head to look at us for a moment before his tongue slipped out and he gently rubbed his head into us.

We hugged him back.

"Hey son."

"My boy, look how big you have gotten."

"*Hisss*"

It was a loving moment, until everyone else decided it looked fun and swarmed in, except Ed who just moved a single head in.

Even buried under all our kids, Virgo and I were still holding each other and laughing.

It was good to be with those you loved and who loved you back just as much.

A few hours later Virgo and I finished our own meal on the balcony and we're enjoying our drinks while cuddled up by a human sized fire pit.

Our kids ate to their hearts content before Ed swallowed up the leftovers.

Over 20 tons of meat, gone in a single BBQ session, that's what it takes to have giant magical beast's as kids who like to be spoiled.

Clean up was easy with both of our magic and the tools were stored away in the proper place for next month.

There really wasn't much clean up to do.

"Dante."

I turned my head from my musing while staring at the flames to Virgo who was leaning into my side on the outdoor couch.

"Hm?"

"I don't want you to go tomorrow."

I chuckled at her pouting look and lowered my head to nuzzle against hers.

"It's just another job, and a personal request from the royals, you know I can't just turn it down."

"Mu… but I can't be by your side."

"It should only take two weeks tops to finish everything up."

"And you could get hurt without me there."

"I am an S class mage in strength love. And I have dozens of specially made potions on me."

"And you might get pounced on by some harlot."

"That…. Virgo, what's wrong?"

I tilted her chin to look at me as she childishly teared up in an obvious act.

"A maid is supposed to be her masters side at all times!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her adorable look and she lightly swatted me on the chest in retaliation, but I saw the smirk at the corner of her mouth.

I tilted my forehead to lightly press against hers.

"Don't worry love, I'll always come back to you."

Her eyes met mine and I saw genuine sadness in them this time.

"Mn… I know. I just love you so much, I've never felt so strongly for someone before in all my years."

I felt my heart swell at that.

When someone like Virgo says that it is a LONG time.

"Thank you Virgo, thank you for loving me as you do, you're a treasure from the world that I would fight the celestial king himself for a chance to be your contractor."

A bit cheesy I know, but it was heartfelt.

Virgo giggled lightly at that as she leaned in to connect our lips.

The taste of the sake we were drinking came off strong from her tongue.

When we pulled back, she attached herself to my front like a koala.

"I'll love you master, no matter who else enters your heart and how many years you live and even beyond that, I'll always love you."

My smile dimmed at that in slight guilt.

Virgo had my heart, but I couldn't say that I didn't feel attraction to other women as well.

But as soon as it appeared, her finger landed on me lips and I looked into her soft eyes.

"Never forget my love, we are bound by our very souls. Our feelings and emotions are laid bare by the purest of oaths. And just as you find attraction to the female form, I do as well. I never mind the idea of spicing up our night life and if others enter into our home and family, but my heart will always solely belong to you."

Her arms wrapped around my neck as she smiled at me.

Not closing the distance but simply looking at me with that expression of pure adoration.

"I'm old Dante, very, very, old. I can say it if I wish to. I know myself; I know what I value, and I know that no matter how much time passes, I shall be yours.

Gather a harem, have children, grow old, do whatever your heart desires. Because through it all, I will there, I shall be by your side every step of the way, and I will love you, I will support you, and I will care for you.

For now, and for eternity, I~ Am~ Yours~."

She punctuated the last few words and our spiritual bond flared to life as our emotions were channeled and conveyed to one another.

Love, adoration, lust, devotion, passion, possessiveness, protectiveness, tenderness, warmth, attachment, and so much more flowed and we connected.

There truly is no greater feeling, no expression I can convey in words to say how much joy I felt, how happy I was, how much I loved this woman.

So I put it into a kiss.

I kissed her with everything I had, with all my feelings and emotions mixed in, and she responded.

We didn't come up for air until we we're both flushed red and panting from the exertion.

Her eyes were igniting but I had one final thing to say, and it was my turn to place a finger against her lips.

It didn't help that she playfully nibbled on it.

"There are many things I can't promise as I don't know what the future holds, but I have one thing I can say to you.

I swear, age or sickness will never separate us.

I cannot speak for the battles I have yet to face, or the accidents that can happen along the way, but when it comes to time and sickness, I swear it to you that they shall not take me from you.

I will find a path to immortality, I will grant myself eternal youth, and I shall walk the earth and the heavens with you, until the time when the stars recede from this world.

That is my oath to you."

Virgo stopped nibbling on my finger when I started speaking and simply closed her eyes.

But my emotions behind my words were conveyed directly to her soul.

I know she feared the idea of losing me to age, as she has out lived almost every civilization since her creation.

Sure the time in the spirit world moves much faster than the actual earth, but we are talking about a long time period here.

"Virgo, my love, look at me."

Hey eyes trembled before they opened, and I saw real tears in her eyes this time.

I placed a hand on her cheek to wipe her tear as my other hand rubbed circles into the small of her back.

"I'm not going anywhere; you're stuck with me whether you like it or not~."

And my tone she coughed up a chuckle and attacked my lips.

"That's right. I'm your maid, your never getting rid of me."

We shared a laugh as our feelings flowed and I stood up with her still attached to me.

"How about I spoil my maid for one more night."

I could feel the growing smirk on her face, and she ground her core against my own.

"Punishment time for your personal maid~? M~A~S~T~E~R~."

The tone she spoke in set my instincts alight and the growl coming from deep in my chest only made her smile grow larger.

It was time to thoroughly 'spoil' and 'punish' this devious little maid.

*Line Break*

July 17th

I didn't sleep much the previous night, as my dutiful and devoted maid did her absolute best to wring me dry of every last drop.

But this morning wasn't like the last few lazy ones.

As the morning sun shined in, I was fully dressed in my gear and had a prepacked bag ready plus all camping equipment ready in my requip space.

A beautiful goddess with flowing pink hair staired up at me with love as I got ready from the bed.

She had a few bruises and red marks that were already fading after she stropped suppressing her healing factor.

The little minx really likes going all out and pushes me for more.

"You sure you have everything?"

I rolled my eyes with a fond smile.

"Yes dear, I'm sure."

"And you WILL summon me if things get bad?"

"Yes dear."

"And don't forget to update.."

She trailed off as I gave her a look and she pouted.

"I can't help it."

"Haha I know love."

I walked over to the bed after organizing a few things at my desk and leaned over her to give her a kiss.

"I'll be back soon love."

"Mn, I'll take care of things here."

I gave a final kiss and stood up.

"Be a dear and toss out the mattress will you? I think we thoroughly destroyed this one, and the frame again."

She sent me a saucy smirk.

"Damn straight we did. And I know master, that's why we keep a stock of mattress's in storage."

I chuckled at that and gave her another look before tearing my eyes away from her sinfully attractive body just tempting me to come back to bed.

'It's time to work for a living.'

But after taking a few steps, I found myself pausing as something wrapped around my leg.

Looking down, I raised an eyebrow at the chain and followed it to its owner.

"Love?"

"Carry me to the door."

I rolled my eyes at her cheeky smile and gave in to her spoiled behavior.

"What am I supposed to do with you."

"Love me, feed me, never leave me."

I couldn't help but laugh as I bent down and wrapped her in the sheets before carrying her bridal style as she snuggled into me.

As I walked down stairs, I curiously questioned my lover as she rubbed her head against me, not in a lustful way but in a strangely cute and adorable way.

"What are you doing love?"

"Making sure my scent is on you."

"For what purpose?"

"To ward off the vultures."

I laughed at that as we reached the ground floor.

"And what happened to not caring about others hm?"

She slapped my chest lightly with a huff.

"I don't care if I'm there to confirm they are acceptable and join you in your bed. I may be old but I'm still a woman and I can be jealous and possessive. Your my master, it's a maids duty to guard you from harlots."

"Oh? And who is to guard your master from the insatiable incarnation of lust that shares my bed with me?"

"Hmph, that's just a maid doing her duty."

"I see…. I'll just consider her an overachiever then."

She snorted in good humor and a second later we were both laughing as I reached the front door.

Virgo's laugh calmed and she lifted a hand to my cheek.

"Come back soon my love."

I leaned down and captured her lips before pulling back.

"Always."

I set her down in nothing but her bedsheet on the cushioned chair by the front door and finally turned to start my journey.

I made it halfway down the stairs this time before another chain stopped me.

"Virgo!"

"Hahaha I couldn't help it."

The chain let go and I met her gaze with twin smiles before I disappeared in a blur of speed into the woods.

If I kept walking slowly she might never let me go.

With a quick requip, the magic carpet was released, and I jumped on before setting off.

'Stella huh? Let's see what you have for me.'

Chapter end.

Author notes: Review! Let me hear your thoughts. Unless your thoughts are very negative, then please don't.

Response to Reviews:

Big shout out to the following people for reviews. Thank you all for your words and interest, it means a lot to me.

Nobodyowens, Munchman, Dragon King Hecht, Dimensional Fish, Lonetigar20, Mekyaku, Albertocervantes569, FreakyFreek, AssengoSxS, AshBladeHentai, TehStorm, Orion De Aurora, Gobert600, Idknows, Zeonneus, T-B-R, mdhunter111, frankiebayer2002.

Runelt99: Embrace the waifu, for the waifu is justice. Lol. To be fair tho, I do in fact have a hate boner for Jellal. Some of it is logical, others is just personal preference. If you wish to discuss out views on his canon character, feel free to join the discord or PM me.

Vparadox: True gender equality always wins. If a guy can be kicked in the nuts, a girl can get punched in the boob. Only those who deserve it tho, both things are very painful.

LibraryOfBabylon: LOL. Dude, wtf did you search? I remember reading your review and almost spitting my coffee on my phone.

FreakyFreak: thanks for the reminder about the OC tag, I added it after you mentioned it.

Subscribe: Ok, let me explain a bit here since you seem to have misunderstood. I said the STARTING bid was 1,000 jenny. There were 12 low grade potions and each one was sold separately.

The final price was well over 15K per bottle.

And despite some ingredients being hard to initially find, Dante grows most things that he can inside his home, so he has a supply.

For a low grade potion, he can make a batch of 20 vials without a sweat at his current level. The cost + time spent to make them is practically nothing for him at this point.

The auction is set for not just special potions but left over stock from past orders and experiments.

Dante makes a lot of money with most of the 'cost' on his side being from just collecting the ingredients and training his skills to create the mixture correctly. He doesn't actually spend much money on production.

Even his vials and tools are made through his magic.

I hope that answers your concerns. Please contact me through discord or PM me if you have any more questions.

Thanks everyone.