Chapter 51: A help to the seas.
Kingdom of Gaul, Town of Gerth. Four Days Later.
...
"HAAAH!"
Elt charged in with a war cry as he drew his wooden sword. Ash got defensive and blocked the swings. The young knight then moved his foot forth and pushed on the offensive, and swing the wooden blade around until he does an uppercut attack. Ash took one step back to avoid the hit before countering with a thrust of his pommel, knocking the young red-haired knight from his balance after taking a hit to the face.
"Ow~!" Elt groaned in pain while rubbing his nose as he tries to get up. "Damnit, I didn't see that."
"Don't let your own overconfidence take over your head. It's always necessary to keep on your focus." Ash said while helping Elt to get back on his feet. "I have to say that you're improving your moves. Which is a surprise. Nonetheless, you still have a long way to go."
"Hah! No sweat, Sir!" Elt smiled proudly while wiping off the sweat from his forehead. "Just like I've told you from that night. I'm doing my best at what I've learned!"
"Alright... and I have to say, the training session is over," Ash said while looking up at the sun's angle. "We must go back home, eat breakfast, and get some rest. Today, this will be something special."
Elt curiously raised his brow. "Special?"
"Yep... Elt, you wanted to get stronger, am I right?" Ash asked while looking down in concern. "This training we have is brief. But I know you're a fast learner."
"Wait... does that mean... Y-You'll let me join in for a mission?!" Elt uttered in shock and Ash nodded. The young knight then raised his fist in pride. "Hell yeah! I'll be doing my first quest with you guys! I had been doing nothing but bland guard duties in Lescatie!"
"This is far more challenging than what you have been doing as a guard. Elt, take heed of my words. Our new quest is not to be trifled with." Ash spoke sternly while Elt lowered his arm, listening to the dreaded voice of his instructor, hinting that their next mission will involve dangerous monsters, not the usual mamono that the Order used to face for the last millennia. "So let's find you some better equipment later on before we embark on whatever hell we're going to step through."
Elt nodded. "Understood, sir."
'It's been a few days since we had an incident with the Radical Lilim...' Ash sighed deeply. 'Although... I can't believe that day after the incident when Sasha got woken up from her drunken state...'
...
Four Days Earlier...
...
"KYAAAHH~!"
Ash heard a scream and felt his eyes shot wide open. He sat up from the bed, turning his glance towards a shocked Priestess while Dracolinde, on his right, woke up from her sleep as she rubbed her eyes in irritation.
"Jeez~! What with all the noise~?" Dracolinde yawned while stretching her arms. "Who the hell is screaming early morning?"
"WH-WH-WHAT WERE YOU TWO DOING ON MY BED!?" Sasha blabbered out loud with a wild blush as she points her finger toward the Red Dragon and the Knight. "Ash! Linde! Explain to me at once!"
"Oh... our apologies, I-... we just slept together," Ash uttered while nervously rubbing his neck. "You were drunk, so we brought you here... and you drag us to sleep with you."
When Sasha listened to his words, she became appalled once her face became redder as a tomato and her bewildered expression led Dracolinde to hold her breath from laughing.
"So we thought we'd sleep together to ease ourselves from the quarrels we had since yesterday as a form of an apology..." Ash spoke in admittance. "So I just want to say... I'm sorry for being harsh to you."
As the knight told her his apology, Sasha couldn't help but felt the warmth radiating from her heart. She looked down with some shame on her face and then looks up at her Knight once more with an apologetic look.
"I-... I understand... Ash, I would like to apologise too, as well." Sasha spoke while placing her hands on top of her chest. "I'm sorry for being a complete idiot for telling those questions about you... for being a hero."
"It's alright... It's just from my point of view and the cultural understandings of the lands where I hail from." Ash then smiled. "Better to leave those talks and move on, alright?"
Sasha felt her heart flutter with relief and then smiled with joy. "O-oh... I see, then I'm glad... but wait... since we've slept together... does that mean..."
The former priestess then looks down with dread as Ash became perplexed about what she's feeling. "... Sasha?"
"I-I was drunk yesterday... right? A-And we've slept together... right?" Sasha felt her cheeks flushed once more and Ash felt his shoulders slumped in dismay. He might know where this is going. "That means... th-that means..."
Dracolinde squints her eyes in confusion. "What is the priestess talking about-"
"I'M PREGNANT!"
Upon her declaration, the red dragon and the knight fell in silence for a moment until Dracolinde felt her chest jumping up and covered her mouth from laughing while Ash groaned as he slapped his own forehead.
Ash deadpanned. "Sasha... we have done nothing-"
"I was drunk, and you took an advantage of me! You pervert!" Sasha yelled out loud with a wild blush, accusing her knight. "What am I gonna do!? I have prepared nothing for having a baby!"
Dracolinde giggled. "Ufufufu~! You two truly amuse me~!"
Outside of their bedroom, Elt and the orphans overheard their conversation outside of their room. Lisia gasped when she heard their big sister conceiving a child, causing a surprise to the other children.
"I-Is big sister having a baby!?"
"What?! No way!"
"I knew it! Those two are in love for sure!"
"But there's a dragon in there. Then can she be our auntie as well?"
Elt exhaled with a giggle and hushed the children away to the dining hall while leaving a few knocks on the door.
"Oi! Big sis! Sir Cyrus! Breakfast is ready!" Elt called out, causing the three inside the room to stiffen in surprise. The young knight grinned. "Or else there won't be anything left on the table!"
"O-Oh! We're coming!" Sasha called out. "C-Come on Ash, Linde! The kids have made breakfast!"
...
... Present day...
...
"Whoa! This armour looks sturdy enough, and it's light!" Elt looked down at the armour places which Ash recommends for him while giving off a few knocks on a steel pauldron. "The quality is good and the designs look more practical than the knight's amour I've seen in the barracks."
"Aye! That's the ye' olde knight's set! A fine piece of battle gear that is made with unique bradden steel, which is commonly worn by knights of astora, ranging from footmen to experienced veterans. Say young chap, what were the knights of your kingdom look like?" Andre then asked, having an unamused look after he had seen the armour designs of the Order. "I've seen many female knights who come from the Order states who lack armour to protect their vital parts. As for their male counterparts, theirs were heavy that should've been used for jousting and rarely wear their helmets."
Elt felt his head hung down in defeat. "Uh, yeah. You aren't wrong. My old armour weights around thirty-five kilograms and it was heavy as hell."
"Thirty-five!? What in the Flames did they allow that?!" Andre spoke out loud. Appalled when he heard the average weight of an Orderite Armour. "You know that much weight will wear you down from exhaustion of long travels and restrict your movements?!"
"A-Actually, they said that the heavier the armour, the more protection it can grant to the user," Elt explained while looking down in embarrassment while scratching the back of his head. "At least that's what my instructor told me back in the barracks. We were taught that the armour of an average knight is heavy."
"Huh, that sounds like nonsense, young lad. No wonder why monsters mocked the Knights of the Order were being slow! At least the Federation has their own knights with proper kits!" Andre ranted as he hammered down a piece of glowing metal on the anvil. "You'll have to thank Sir Cyrus for recommending you some proper equipment."
"I'll have to thank him for that." Elt smiled as he appreciated it. "At least I got myself a new armour. I wonder how will my pals think of it if they were here?"
"I'm sure they'll see you as a true knight." Andre then expressed his toothy grin. "I've made that armour overnight and the ol' chap requested me to reinforce it with Titanite. To offer better protection from lethal blows and magic projectiles."
"Oh... I see. Well, I would like to try it out!"
...
"Is he done?"
Sasha stood at the counter, along with Dracolinde and the two orphan children, Lisia and Emiyu. The Red Dragon hummed while inspecting her newly reinforced caestus while Ash leaned against the wall, waiting patiently with arms crossed.
"It might take a while, Sasha," Ash said.
After a few minutes passed, Elt finally stepped out of the workshop and revealed himself to the priestess. Sasha then smiled to see her foster brother wearing a new suit of armour. It has armour plates that are made with fluted patterns, and his helmet strikes the same appearance as Ash's Elite Knight helmet. Lisia and Emiyu were awed to see his new equipment as they ran forth, inspecting the armour with curiosity.
"Whoa~! Big bro became a knight!"
"Yeah! Now he can save everyone! Even the Hero Wilmarina!"
"Ehehe! Thanks, you two." Elt smiled as he rubbed his hands on top of their heads. "First, we have to send you home. Because today, I'll be assigned with my first quest."
"Ohh~! Elt is going on an adventure with Sasha and the others!" Emiyu jumps up in joy. "I wished I wanna join and help!"
"Hahaha! Ah, children." Maughlin laughed behind the counter while polishing an armour piece in hand. "What is a world without such innocent souls as their minds filled with curiosity?"
...
Horseback Inn.
...
"So... Elt... you must be the additional newbie in our group, huh?" Elaine looked down on Elt with an amused look, which made him uncomfortable. "I bet your ass can live for twenty minutes once you stepped into a dungeon."
"Elaine, please don't scare him." Olivier waved her hands in dismissal. "Forgive her attitude, Elt. She's somewhat rude to anyone."
"Wh-Who are you calling rude, eh!?" Elaine yelled out loud in denial. "I only greet this manner to anyone I'm very familiar with!"
"Knock it off, girl. I'm drinking." Elen groaned while taking a sip of her mead and then glanced to her left. "Anyway... how are you feeling?"
To her left sat a disgruntled Lilim, by whom she was eating a pair of sausages and crockets. She munched down the human food and then swallowed it before wiping off her lips.
"I'm... fine. The food isn't bad either, and I'm quite satisfied that the food here was unlike in any other human tavern I've tasted in my previous travels." Druella said with a pout while looking down with an embarrassed look. "It's been a few days since I'm stuck here as a "prisoner" in this town with my trusted confidants."
Druella looks up towards the kitchen window while hearing Siegward telling orders to his new "employees". She can't believe the members of the Radical Faction who did not agree to join their group would end up working in the kitchen four days ago and didn't interact with them since. After all, the remaining members were just pure-blooded monsters with no human background and lived with questionable mindsets, incomprehensible to humans. Except Markus.
"Good gracious, it's fortunate we have expanded the kitchen," Jennifer said in relief with a warm smile. "At least the tavern is growing as more customers from outside the countryside would come here to enjoy our food and drinks~!"
"Those guys you hired belonged to the Radical Faction, miss." Druella glared at the former heroine. "Not your employees. They're mine."
"Well, they joined to work with us voluntarily after they heard the news of what happened in Lescatie," Jennifer explained while crossing her arms. "Dear goodness, all of them were scared and declared themselves to leave your side... that is what I've heard from them."
"Huh?... Wh-What!? Are you kidding me!?" Druella felt her jaw slacked in disbelief and then jumps off into the kitchen window, glaring at the trusted members of her faction. "Hey! What's all of this and calling quits!? I thought you were by my side!"
"Like if I would care, Druella! You fucked up a big time to handle the situation!" Mirelle yelled back in anger towards the Lilim, causing the other demons to glare at their former leader. "I don't care anymore and I'm no longer involving this shit! We left you so that we're not letting our asses die out there!"
"Yeah! To hel with you!"
"That's right!"
"We're staying so I won't get my neck cut off by Wilmarina!"
"E-E-EH!? What!?" Druella shrieked out in dismay at the demon's protest and then turned to the hero hunters, who were sizzling some meat. "What about you guys!?"
Markus and Aurola shared their looks until they turned their glares at the lilim.
"Fuck off. We ripped off our contracts." Aurola growled as she narrowed her brows. "We no longer take heed to work as Hero Hunters for your stupidity."
Markus then exhaled in pity towards the Lilim. "Yeah, she's right. The monsterised people of Lescatie were now seeking our throats. So I don't want to indulge in this mess anymore."
Druella then turned to the succubus, who appears to be happy while making a salad. "T-Tilly?... You too?"
Tilly then stopped until she slowly turns to the lilim with a hateful look in her eyes, which made Druella feel her shoulders slump.
"... Huh? You're now asking me? Tsk! No way. I'm no longer a part of your stu~u~upid faction!" Tilly sticks out her tongue in a hateful mockery while waving her hands dismissively to shoo away their former leader. "If you want to fix this mess, then do it by yourself! Everyone back there wants our heads right now. So that's a no-no for us!"
"But-!... But... how come you guys hate me...?" Druella then turns away from the kitchen window. Distraught after meeting with the former members of her faction who just left. Jennifer then comes up to Druella with a pat on her back. "What... what happened to them...? Why did they leave me?"
"Now, now, there's a way for forgiveness." Jennifer smiled. "After all, you can forgive your actions by turning them back to who they were."
"... How?... How should I make them forgive?... Everyone hates me right now because I did this mess..." The Lilim slumped while placing a palm over her forehead in distress. "At first, I thought everything should be in our favour... now it was on me."
While at the bar, Elt felt pity towards the Lilim. At first, he could've hated her for what she had done. Now she became hated by the remains of the surviving members for what she had done to handle the situation over Wilmarina before Lescatie fell under the Order of the Dark Ice Flower during the Coup. According to his new mentor, Ash Cyrus, Druella is an idealistic radical who wished to spread the love of monsters around the world to secure the paradise that her mother had wished for.
From his perspective view, it doesn't really sound that bad, but the additional information from Ilassa made him realise it was more sinister than anyone thinks. Not even Druella herself, as she was deluded by this belief.
Seeing her current state as their prisoner, he can only feel pity rather than hate.
"Hmph, now look at that. The monster deserves that hate she received from her own kind." Elt then turns around to Vermut, who gossiped along with Luciana. "Can you imagine that a monster who lived too confidential for over a thousand years and never experienced failures in their lives? Who could've thought that this is amusing to see~?"
"Yeah, I felt bad for her. But whatever." Luciana shrugged off her shoulders. "Now she's nothing more but a prisoner. We could've sent her off into the dungeons of the Federation for eternity."
"Oi, knock it off or else you'll be sounding like the bad guys here." Both Luciana and Vermut turned their heads toward Gerome, who looks at them in concern. "She's our prisoner and there is no need to mock her. Although, she hasn't killed people but transformed them. Then again, that doesn't sound gruesome since we have the cure."
"Oh? Now you're gaining sympathy for her, huh?" Vermut then casts a doubtful look. "Will you try to stab us in the back?"
"What!? No! She's one of Ilassa's sisters who was being misled by their mother!" Gerome waved his hands in denial, trying to reason with the knights of the ice flower. "I know you hated her, but now she knows what's going on!"
"Hmph! My opinion stands firm, knight of the sunlight. She has killed no one, but she led the masses into a misleading belief." Vermut growled as she clenched her grips and intensified her glare. "A belief that resulted in the deaths of many innocent citizens. Remember, she is the one who is responsible for this, not ours."
Druella overheard the conversation and felt the pain ached within her heart. Her chances for forgiveness will be low as both sides began doubting her. From her enemies, she had once conquered and her own confidants as well, who gave up on her. While Vermut turns away, Gerome couldn't help but sigh in distress before he heard the tavern doors open up and saw Reginald walking into the bar with Daniella by his side.
"Hey, mornin' folks!" Reginald greeted while waving his hands and noticed Vermut looking away from Gerome. "Uh, hey. Is something wrong with you guys?"
"O-Oh~! It's nothing~!" Elaine called out while greeting Reginald and Daniella with a wave of her hand. "Those two had just... a disagreement."
"Ah, I see. Sounds nothing bad about it." Reginald responded with a smile. "I picked up Daniella from the infirmary this morning. She doesn't have any serious injuries, what luck."
"Ahem, excuse us~!" Everyone jolts up in surprise and turned their heads to Ilassa, who just walked from around the corner. Followed by Ash, Sasha, Arcturus and Junayd. "Alright, everyone. Today, it's going to be a special quest~!"
"... What quest?" Elen asked curiously.
"Yesterday, I received a call from the Mirrah Headquarters in Albion that the Diva of Al-Mar requested the Federation for help to fight against unknown creatures from the deep seas," Ilassa explained while pointing up her finger. "So I responded kindly in return. The Companionship of Gerth should take the job as additional representatives of the Federation to help Court Alf."
"Huh, that doesn't seem bad after all," Elaine said.
"And also~!..." Then Ilassa tiptoed to Druella and raised up her hand. "I would like my sister should join you~!"
At that moment, everyone stood still for a few seconds until Elaine spits out her ale. The three Knights of the Ice Flower lashed out from their seats in an outcry. Including Alameria, who sprung up from the second floor after hearing what Ilassa had just said and joined their outcry of trepidation.
"WAIT, WHAT!?
"YOU'RE FUCKING WITH US!"
"DO YOU EXPECT US TO WORK WITH THE ENEMY!?"
"YOU'RE KIDDING! LIKE THIS IS SOME SICK JOKE!"
Druella just stood there with a blank expression plastered on her face in confusion and then looked down at Ilassa.
"Uh... sister, what are you trying to pull off?" Druella asked.
"Oh? Well, I just want you to join them and earn actual, genuine, friendship~!" Ilassa said with a smile radiating from her face. "Isn't that great~?
"You find this great!? These guys are going to kill my ass if I do something suspicious!" Druella hissed out to her sister in anger as her mistrust aimed at the Knight of the Ice Flower. "Do you think they will forgive me when I do a teeny, minor mistake!?"
"Oh, don't worry about it~! I've done that before when I met with Artos and Dina to fix some trust issues." Ilassa then cast her mischievous wink at her older sister. "So don't be shy and you gotta be great friends with them, alright~?"
As the three Knights of the Ice Flower glared at the radical lilim, Druella can feel the wave of their killing intent brushing against her back and she couldn't help but tremble and hissing at her little sister, who dares try to stick her to the companionship as it was like putting a mouse into a cage full of snakes.
Druella then grits her teeth, trying not to lash out. 'Illassa, you crazy little shit!'
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the tavern. Lucena was watching the entire fiasco from above while munching on her toast in amusement.
"Heh, now this gets amusing." Lucena chuckled. "Didn't expect that they would head off to Court Alf."
"They'll return within a month... or so, at least," Adelmar said while flipping his dagger. "Court Alf is located in the midst of the Asuramis Sea. It's truly further away from a continent and ships might reach there for a week or more, depending on the speed of any ship and class."
"Hah~! I wished to spend a vacation on those islands since fall is around the corner." Lucrezia sighed while polishing her rapier. "Then again, I heard rumours about that place is too distracting for certain tourists like us, who would expect to see them having sex in every corner, even under broad daylight."
"Yeah... true, a real shame," Lucena said while waving her hand in dismissal. "At least we'll have to wait until they could make a change."
As the companionship was unaware, an Imp disguised under her cloak stalked the group through a window for a while and vanished from thin air, leaving no traces behind. Little did the spy know, Shin had observed the disguised monster from the rooftops, growing concerns about what the Demon Realm of Lescatie should do with the town.
...
Demon Realm of Lescatie, City of Salvarision.
...
"Eva... has our spy gained any intel about Ash and his companions?"
"Yes, Lord Noscrim," Eva replied with a nod. "According to our agent, they're heading off to Court Alf.
"Good, as long as they are gone." Wilmarina smiled with a malevolent look. "Then we'll have our chance to get my husband back in my hands."
"... Actually, they're bringing him with them," Eva replied, causing the Dark Hero to scowl. This was not what she had expected from Ash and Sasha to bring her lost husband into their companionship. The Alp Strategists then explained further with confusion in her eyes. "Lady Druella is also joining with them as well."
Wilmarina felt her palms clenched on the royal throne, casting a hateful glare when Eva mentions the name of the Lilim, who conquered the entire nation of heroes. Elt may have joined them, but she did not expect Druella joined Ash Cyrus and Sasha Fullmoon as well in their quest to Court Alf. She knew the royal succubus was a radical who could not easily abandon her beliefs like that. Unless...
'Is Druella aware of what we're doing..?' Wilmarina spoke in deep thoughts until her lips formed a venomous smile and rubbed her palms. 'If so... then this must be a perfect opportunity to frame that whore and her mother shall punish her for her crimes by joining the enemy!'
"Hehehehe~! This will be a perfect convenience to take our chances!" Wilmarina cackled like a madwoman as her fingers danced like crazy. "Prepare the navy! We shall strike back on our enemy from the skies!"
"A-At your command, Lord Noscrim!" Eva hastily salutes her orders. "The Admiral will organise the New Lescatian Fleet with the best captains we have."
"Good. Make sure this new operation should not fail." Wilmarina then laid her cheek on top of her cheek and then furrowing her eyes. "If some of them truly fail, whether they ignore my orders or, at worst, desertion, regardless of reasonable excuses... execute them at once."
Eva then felt a chill run through her spine. "B-But they're important! Think of the war effort we have in our hands!"
"Even if they were that important, then I don't want any incompetency running within our ranks. They only have sex within their heads without thinking about something that's truly important." Wilmarina's voice turned chilly, which freezes the poor strategist in her place. "Think what happened at the Fallen Tower and Anor Londo. We've sent the best warriors we have in the Dark Ice Flower, only they've returned with no success."
"I-I... Uhh..."
"Eva... you dare to doubt me?" The Dark Hero's tone turned bitter when she casts a mild, angry glare toward Eva. "If you are... then I shall write up an appointment for your execution."
"N-No! I will follow your orders and we will not fail, I promise!" Eva straightens herself up out of fear. "We will make them into shape to achieve this goal to defeat the Silver-Blue Knight and the Maiden of Lescatie!"
"... Well, that's what I like to hear." Wilmarina nods before the Dark Hero dismissed the Strategist. "You may leave and also assign Eristia and her Execution Teams for this operation to place some discipline within our ranks."
"... As you wish, Lord Noscrim."
...
Kingdom of Gaul, West Region of Poitou. Port Bayard.
...
Five days later after departure.
...
It's been over seven months in this new world and the season of summer has come to an end as the first leaves began to fall. The cold, dry winds brushed our skins like ice and my crew bought some extra clothing from the towns we passed by in case we return to Gaul from our quest. The trek to Port Bayard took us nearly a week, and the Region of Poitou used to have more bandit activities in recent years. Now there was little to none since the hollows have already spread out from nearby convoluted Dungeons.
Rumours spoke from the locals about the appearance of that dungeon in the midst of the region, made bandits into treasure hunters as their new opportunity to gain riches. Only they foolishly delved deep into those forsaken places and never to be seen again.
Right now, I stood in Port Bayard along with my companions and Sasha. We also have three new additional members in our group as well... One is a young knight who I took under my wing. The other two were of Royal Blood. One is a Red Dragon, a sister to a Queen, who ruled over the Land of Dragons. The other is the daughter of the Great Temptress. Infamous to the Men of the Order and the Overlord of all half-humanoid maidens, who donned the skins of various beasts of the past.
I am not sure of myself why I had to agree with Ilassa to let that Radical Lilim join us... But I digress. She must have reasons because she loved her sisters dearly and had the ambition to free them from their delusional mother. Her goal to give Druella a chance to understand what love actually is... was reasonable enough.
As we head off to Court Alf... I am aware that we are not alone. In short, we're being followed.
...
*DING~!* *DONG~!* *DING~!*
The ship mast rolled down, and the ship set sail through the waters. The people who stood at the harbour bid their farewells to the sailors and passengers on their safe trip to Court Alf.
"Whoa!... This is my first time setting sail at sea!" Elt said with breath-taking awe as the sea winds brushed his skin. "So this is what it feels like going through the oceans!"
"This is also my first time having a trip to the seas," Arcturus said while joining in and noticed a Sea Bishop strolling on deck with two legs. "Oh! Look, a Sea Bishop."
Elt raised his brow in concern. "A Sea Bishop? What she's doing on the ship?"
"It looks like she's making a prayer," Arcturus said as he observed the mamono interacting with the ship's captain. The man nods as the Sea Bishop prayed to the heavens. "She's blessing this ship under the protection of Poseidon from dangers... I bet the sea itself is no longer safe."
"The sea isn't safe?" Elt questioned.
"You heard the quest from Ilassa. This mission will involve real monsters." Arcturus explained. "Creatures of unknown origins were terrorising the denizens of the Oceans just recently and Court Alf is now on the verge of danger. So you have to be prepared."
Elt nods with a determined look. "Yeah, understood!"
Meanwhile, Druella looked down at her Titanite Bracelets with an irritated demeanour. She hated being weak as long as the bracelets remained to seal off her powers within her and the Radical lilim couldn't help but felt infuriated that this material exists to cease her confidence and pride. At least she can move freely and still be able to perform magic, but her strength as a monster had withered down like that of a fragile woman and the only magic that she can perform was basic levitation that was strictly used on solid objects and a blast spell, but both require a lot of mana than the usual.
"I hate these things that exist!" Druella growled while gritting her teeth as she pried off the bracelets. "I will show that little shit who's the boss here and why does she think that letting me join this quest is that important!? What does this have to do to give meaning to my life?!"
"That's because you never experienced what it means to have a real adventure." Druella then stopped and turn her glance towards Junyad, who leaned on the ship's handrails while smiling mischievously at the Lilim. "You know what an adventure has a meaning, do you? The thrills of travels, the sense of freedom and places that you haven't seen before. Imagine that you have made friends along the way."
Druella casts a narrowed glared towards the Carthus Warrior and crossed her arms, looking away from him.
"Hmph! As if you know more than me!" Druella grunts while looking down in embarrassment. "I've been travelling quite a lot in the past. So don't think that I'm an amateur at adventuring!"
Junayd raised his brow in interest and stroked his chin underneath his bandana. "If so... then what have you learned from it?"
"Hmph... I learned a variety about human culture and their tradition." Druella answered as she straightens herself up with pride. "I even transform them into monsters as well~! Some of their cultures are bland and lack happiness, so I gave them what the meaning of love is all about~!"
"... Is it really that necessary to transform them into one of your kind because they cannot find their own happiness?" Junayd questioned and Druella then looks away in shame. The Carthus Mercenary then tilts his head in disappointment. "I can't believe you had repainted their entire cultures to fit the tastes of monsters and asked no one who agrees?"
"W-W-Well... someone asked me to make their wishes come true. Then I respond kindly in return." Druella responded nervously and Junayd was mildly appalled by her answer. "After their transformation... th-they were happy!"
"... Or so than you think, unlike what happened to Lescatie," Junyad responded blankly while crossing his arms. His response made Druella hang her head low in defeat. "I know about your faction idolised love... but that is not the way how you can ease their suffering when you imprison them to their depraved desires. In fact, even the most successful individuals who find their own happiness knew their own miseries never leave. So what makes them a person without meaning and a purpose in life?"
"Tsk, don't lecture me, human!" Druella scoffed, trying to look away from him. "I'm not in the mood to answer such questions."
"Heh. And I thought a lady of royal blood such as you... should know better." Junayd chuckled with a smile. However, Druella then felt a blush on her cheeks when he called her the title 'Lady'. "You're over a thousand years and don't tell me your head just slacked off while travelling and not knowing a thing, 'ey?"
"Sh-Shut up! Y-You dare to get me this far!" Druella shrieked back as she trembled and her face turns red. However, her heart began thumping in her chest. A feeling that she's all too familiar with and the Lilim dreads in fear. Druella growled to hide her feelings. "You... d-don't talk to me like that ever again!"
"Alright, if that's what you are, then so be it." Junayd teased her as he dismissed their conversation with a wave of his hand. "At least you have to stick with us and... somehow, you might learn a thing or a two from us."
"Hmpf!" Druella felt her cheeks giving out a pout while looking away from him in shyness, as her face was still red. "I-... If I should..."
...
"Whoa! This cabin looks neat." Arcturus was awed once he entered the cabin before Elaine, Gerome, Vermut, and Olivier came in. "Everything is cleaned off from dirt."
"I bet the kikimoras are at work here." Elaine smiles as she placed her pack beside the wall. "Whoo~! Even the air is fresh in here~!"
"Hmm... Nice and tidy." Vermut inspected the bed with curiosity. "The quality of such tidiness could be only seen in the bedrooms of every noble house in Lescatie."
"Don't tell me the citizens there never clean their bedroom sheets?" Gerome raised his brow in question.
"The sad truth is... yeah, it's worse." Olivier sighed as she hung her head down in admittance. "Soap is expensive and the people don't have sufficient earnings which aren't enough to pay for their taxes."
"Damn, did your government mess up your economy that bad?" Arcturus questioned.
"Indeed, King Castor increased their spending on the military..." Olivier explained with a sharp look. "However, Priest Noscrim made the situation even worse. Instead of working together... that man truly wants to save his face and used Wilmarina as his political puppet to raise his popularity."
"That damn priest... I was supportive of Wilmarina and find ways to make her happy." Vermut growled while looking down at her clenched fist. "Once I see that man, we have to make sure he is guilty of his crimes."
"What a shame." Elaine tilts her head sideways. "I bet you guys can come up with better laws once we're done freeing Lescatie."
...
"Kyaah~! Regi~! A bed for the two of us~!" Daniella sang gleefully as she snuggled up to her boyfriend. "We should sleep there together as a lovey-dovey couple~!"
"Y-Yeah... right." Reginald blushed as he nervously scratched the back of his head. "At least there are two bunk beds."
"I'd say, it's quite clean," Junyad said, musing as he looked around. "Must be the kikimoras doing some good work here."
"Man, I wished I had this bed in my apartment," Elt said with starry eyes as he rubbed the bed sheets as the soft sensations overwhelmed the touch. "Whoa~! It's so soft!
"Kill... Kill... Kill!" Druella slowly turns her gaze towards Luciana, who she silently chants with killing intent as her hand held tight to her weapon. "An enemy like you shouldn't be sleeping with us!"
"Ehehe~ Now, Now. She's under my protection, Luciana." Elen smiled while waving her hand in dismissal. "I bet the bitch herself might be used to us."
"Quit calling me a bitch, you cur!" Druella hissed toward Elen with a mad glare. "I, as a monster, do not fall to any men at random!"
"Well, a bitch does not mean being a sexual prostitute." Elen smiled mischievously. "It goes beyond that..."
Druella raised her brows. "Like what?"
"Being a meanie, abusive and, of course... manipulative." Elen clarified. "Since you're a manipulative type, that means you still fall into my bitch list."
"B-But you're a bitch as well!" Druella spat back in retaliation. "You're being a meanie and violent to others!"
"Well... you aren't wrong. But that doesn't mean I would beat up someone's ass randomly." Elen stated to herself. "I'm a bitch, yes. Yet I always have a good reason for who should I kick someone's asshole when they're trying to mess with me."
"Damn, your sister is that bold," Alameria whispered to Reginald. "I'd never seen her talking that brashly to a Lilim."
"You're not wrong. She's a brave one at that." Reginald smiled. "Couldn't be much prouder since I taught her how to beat up some bullies and stand on her own when we were young."
"Man... I wished I had a brother..." Alameria then looked down with a depressive look. "It's not fair, and the Demon Lord hasn't done anything yet..."
...
Underneath the ship's deck, Ash opens the door and entered their destined cabin. A room which has a window, a wooden table with two seats and a lamp. A couch and a king bed with some heart-shaped pillows. It has more space which fits a loving couple or three. The knight casts a deadpan look in his eyes while looking back at Sasha and Dracolinde who stood beside him.
Sasha fidgeted with her finger as her cheeks blush once she noticed the king-sized bed while Dracolinde casts her mischievous, lustful grin when she thinks what they were thinking about. The Knight of Astora sighed. He could've chosen those rooms with separated bed bunks, not a couple's bedroom.
"Well... this will be a "pleasant" journey that we're heading." Ash grinned scornfully while cracking his neck. "I hoped this trip won't be crazy enough."
Sasha turns her gaze to Dracolinde and sweat rolls down her cheeks once she sees the Red Dragon wagging her tail in joy and her hips were shaking in excitement.
"Fufufu~! A bed for the three of us~?" Dracolinde couldn't help but flattened as she imagined herself sleeping with the knight and the priestess. "Hah~! This feels like a dream come true~!"
The Priestess was not amused and makes an angry pout as she crossed her arms. As it seems, their love rivalry does not see an end and the Knight mentally prayed for the flames that they should do nothing brash.
...
Borders between the Buffer Regions and Dragonia... One Week Later.
...
...
"Artor, do you take Alto-Eris to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, to love her and honour her all the days of your life?"
...
"I do."
...
"Alto-Eris, do you take Artor to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, to love him with all of your heart and to honour him all the days of your life?"
...
"I do."
As their marriage was nearing its end, the young Filia came up to the stage with a pillow in her hands. A necklace and a collar. The couple smiled as they took the items before the young lordress hastily walks away in shyness and excitement.
"Alto-Eris, as you place this necklace around Artor's neck, tell the words of your vow of love."
Alto-Eris was the first to take action by gently placing the Necklace of Pairing over Artor's neck once he lean his head down. The Dragon Knight crafted the necklace with all of her heart and tied her scale to signify her bounded love for her fiance.
"Artor, let this necklace be a symbol of my promises to you and a reminder of my devotion to you."
"Artor, as you entrust this collar to Alto-Eris, tell the words of your vow of love."
Then it was Artor's turn to wrap the Marriage Collar around Alto-Eris. The young dragonslayer smiled to see his wife had his collar placed around her since he crafted it with his own hands and enhanced it with the Blessings of the Sunlight with his own soul. So that the Nameless King may forever watch them over.
"I shall place this collar unto thee to wear as a symbol of my enduring love, my eternal faith, and my undying devotion. It is an outward reminder of our inner unity."
The Dragon priestess was pleased to hear it and smiled at the couple.
"By the authority vested in me by the Red Queen, I now pronounce you husband and wife... you two may kiss~!"
Artor and Alto-Eris leaned forth and kissed. Marking it as a symbol of their marriage. Leia, Shirtiya and the Dragon Knights raised up from their seats with cheers, alongside their incubus partners. Deonora smiled as she called out a congratulation while Uedephilis wipes off the tears as she cuddled together with her husband. Artor's family, the giants and the crossbreeds were also there being invited to their wedding, and they clapped in joy to celebrate. Alissa was in tears to see her son getting married while being in comfort with Elizabeth, who handed her some tissues using levitation.
"Congratulations, brother~!" Ciara cheered with joy.
When the couple stepped down from the stage and showered with rose petals, Ornstein felt a nary feeling in the air and turn his glance somewhere on the horizon. Whatever it was, it hints to him that such raw sensations should've meant to be buried centuries ago.
'This feeling... could it be...?'
...
Sea of Asuramis. Court Alf.
...
"*Yawn~!*... Damn, it's morning already?" Arcturus sat up from his bed while rubbing his eyes. Then he looks down from his bunk bed and saw Elaine dressing up in her armour. "Oh, hey! You're awake as well."
"Heh, mornin' cousin. The others were awake as well." Elaine greeted while tying her greaves. "It's been a week and looks like we're almost at Court Alf."
"Yeah... I'd go check up with Ash, Sasha and Dracolinde." Arcturus placed his bedsheet aside and jumped down from the bunk bed. "
...
*Knock!* *Knock!* *Knock!*
"Hey, Ash! Sasha, It's time to wake u-" As Arcturus entered the room, he was appalled by the sight of two women sandwiching a man in the middle. He felt a single sweatdrop rolling down his cheeks, seeing Ash was already awake. "Uhh... Ash?"
"Yes... I'm awake." Ash spoke with a deadpanned expression. "... can you help me with this, please?"
"Y-Yeah, sir!"
...
Once they were up, Ash and Sasha went up to the ship's deck with their package ready while Dracolinde stretched her arms apart.
"Uwaah~! We've been sleeping for too long~" Dracolinde yawned until she saw the sight of the White City of Al-Mar. "Ooh~ That looks like a good place to take a vacation~!"
"Sasha, take your blessing. In case you don't want to be monsterized." Ash instructed. "Tell to the knights of the Ice Flower as well."
The priestess nodded as she left off. "Understood Ash."
Once Sasha was out of their sight, Dracolinde came to his side with a concerned look.
"Say Ash... do you know which place where we could meet our client?" The Dragon asked.
"Ilassa instructed that we should head for the Temple of Poseidon," Ash responded bluntly. "And meet with the Priestess there who was named Arial."
"I see... say, Ash~?" Dracolinde's cheeks then flushed red as she stood closer to him, nudging her left shoulder to him. "Have you found a place for us to stay~?"
"Hmm... I might ask what the Priestess would recommend for us staying overnight." Ash said as he looked down at the dragon and his eyes widen in surprise to see Dracolinde was fidgeting with innocent eyes as if she was excited. The knight admitted that the expression she was making was quite cute. Like how Sasha expressed herself at the Harvest Festival. "Umm... what are you doing?"
"Oh, me? W-Well... I'm literally quite excited." Dracolinde pressed her fingers together in a shy manner. "Going on an adventure like this with you and Sasha... makes me happy."
"Really?... I see." Ash then nods with a smile. "Then I'm glad you're seeing things you haven't been in your entire life."
His words made the dragon blush madly as her heart within her pounding with joy. She still can't make moves yet since Sasha was away. In fact, that would make her love rival bitter. Dracolinde knew Sasha wanted the same man as her and she, a mamono, also has feelings for him. This is why she wanted to share her love bonding so that Sasha wouldn't be heartbroken. But little did she know the priestess has eyes on them.
Meanwhile, Sasha was observing the two behind the walls of the ship and noticed Dracolinde was happy with the appreciation from Ash. The Priestess couldn't help but felt a fit of bitter jealousy strike into her heart. Sasha wouldn't let that dragon come near him. Yet Ash was taking a liking to her. As if her greedy heart screams in an outcry, she wouldn't let that defeat come over her fears of her beloved knight being taken away.
Sasha walked out of her hiding place and went to the Dragon and the Knight. Dracolinde noticed Sasha coming over with a pout on her face until she held Ash firmly at his left arm. The Red Dragon noticed this and then glared at the Priestess by doing the same and held the Knight by his right arm.
For Ash, he didn't like where this is going as the rest of his companions pitied the Knight of Astora. Once again, sandwiched by the two women who shared interest with their knight.
"By the lords, I pity him," Arcturus said with a nervous smile.
Elt sighed towards Sasha, while pitying his instructor Ash as he casts a smile. "Big sis... Is it that really necessary...?"
Once the ship docked at the harbour, the companionship arrived at the port until a crane dived into the storage chamber until the crew lifts a Greatwolf to the surface. The nearby citizens of Al-Mar were shocked at the sight of the giant beast until Ash reunites with Sif.
"So... how's your trip in the cabin?" Ash smirked mischievously. "I bet the crew did treat you well."
"Hmph, it wasn't thrilling. Actually." Sif replied with an unamused gaze. "It must've felt like centuries in the storage room."
"I pity Sif as well." Gerome sighed with a nervous laugh. "Well then, so where should we head first?"
"Hey! Are you sent here by Ilassa?"
Ash and the crew heard a distant voice calling out for them and then turned around, seeing a centaur and an ogre greeting them as they waved their hands. The Silver-Blue Knight stepped forth while pulling up a quest sheet with an official stamp.
"Well, looks like we found the right guys." Della smiled as she leaned her club over her shoulders. "I'm Della. The captain of Al-Mar's new home guard and this is Jenna. A Royal Guard of Poseidon's Temple."
"Greetings!" Jenna bowed politely towards the companionship. "It's an honour to meet thee, O' warriors of the Federation."
"Huh, they sound too honest," Reginald whispered to Elaine and Jerome. "Also, this city seems to be decent enough."
"Oh? Is that a Lilim?" Della piqued her concern while pointing her finger toward Druella. "We didn't expect a succubus of royal blood would come over to Al-Mar."
"She joined us because Ilassa requested us to bring her into our adventure," Junayd replied with a smile as Druella rolled her eyes in nuisance. "Her reason was... she's going to learn a thing or two from us."
The lilim couldn't help but pouts to the Carthus Mercenary with a blush. "Hmph!"
"I-... I see. Well, that's unusual a lilim tagging along with you." Della said with sweat pouring over her face while observing every face of the companionship. "To be honest, your entire group compromise of humans and mamono... and we don't see such groups every day. Not once in my lifetime. And... uh... I would like to ask since when does a wolf grow that big?"
"The Federation is diverse, so it's common to form such a group where we're from," Ash answered, causing the Ogre and the Centaur to reel back in surprise. "We've gone through a long way. As for the big guy over here, he's a rare species we found along the way."
Sif then turns his gaze to Ash in concern.
"It's astounding. Male and female Humans and mamono in one group. That's rare!" Jenna spoke up, astounded. "Then I welcome you all to Al-Mar~! Please, follow us~!"
The captains led the companionship through the city and rented a giant gondola which can fit the entire crew and a single greatwolf before setting off to the Great Temple of Poseidon. The Knights of the Ice Flower and Sasha were captivated by the beauty of the White City and awed at seeing the structures that stood taller than the royal castle seen in Lescatie.
However, Luciana caught a monster couple kissing on a nearby gondola nearby, which made her fluster in embarrassment. As the next gondola came into her view, she dropped her jaws in disbelief to see a mermaid doing a fellatio service with her husband under broad daylight while the citizens were doing their usual business. Not minding that a monster inciting sexual intercourse in public places.
"A-Are they not bothered!?" Vermut stuttered out in a mad blush. "Th-They're doing it under broad daylight!"
"Well, you gotta used to it. After all, you're in a Demon Realm~!" Della said while winking at Vermut. "It's a common sight to see couples doing their daily routines, even sex. Children who lived here aren't bothered."
Elt couldn't help but felt disgusted. He couldn't bear to imagine witnessing children doing what their parents do and teaching them made him worried about Lisia and Emiyu. He wished the monsters can share the same morality as decent humans.
"I feel so dirty coming here!" Luciana flabbergasted while covering her face out of embarrassment. "This place makes any erotic novels down to shame!"
"W-Wait, you were reading those!?" Vermut screamed out, shocked that Luciana told more of her private life. "No wonder why you were acting off and slacking on duty!"
"I'm sorry!" Luciana quickly apologised as she bowed down. "I won't slack off again! I swear to the Chief God!"
Sasha and Dracolinde observed the activities surrounding the main Waterway of Fontan Street, thinking about where would they like to spend their time with the Knight, while Ash stared at the Great Temple of Poseidon until their transportation reached the docking area.
As soon as they stepped into the temple grounds, the guardsmen stood in a disciplined file while saluting the Orge and the Centaur with their new arrivals. The Astoran was surprised to see how disciplined they were.
"Someone must've trained them to shape," Ash muttered under his breath. "Their eyes hold no laziness... I wonder who drilled them?"
Once they entered the building of the Great Temple, they were greeted by a Sea Bishop, who stood with a pair of legs. The face of the Priestess reminded him of Sasha and looks back to the Holy Maiden of Lescatie, much to his concern. Then Sasha stared back at Ash while raising her eyebrow in confusion.
"My goodness, she reminds me of you. Sasha~!" Dracolinde teased while poking the Priestess. "Did you have a twin sister~?"
"Shut it!" Sasha hissed. "Also, that woman is in no way a twin sister of mine!"
"Greetings, travellers from the Federation." Dracolinde and Sasha stopped once the Sea Bishop began her speech. "You've come a long way to lend us your help."
"A pleasure to meet you as well." Ash greeted the Sea Bishop politely with a bow. "I presume you're the main priestess of this Temple and our client?"
"Ufufu~! That's right. Arial is my name, Mr Knight." Arial smiled. "I am the Diva of the First Island, Al-Mar... Come, we prepared a banquet as our welcoming~!"
"Not that she's just pretty. She's also very polite," Gerome remarked silently with a slight blush.
Elaine noticed her brother's reaction until she gives off a sly smile. "Hey, hey~! What's wrong Gerome~? Do you want to have a streak with some Priestess?"
"Shut up! It's not like I would want to propose to her!" Gerome retorts in anger before grumbling. "Jeez! You got to have some nerve to tell me that whenever I came up to some woman."
"Calm down now, big guy~! I'm sure you'd find a girlfriend of your own~!" Alameria then teased him with a smile as she pokes his left shoulder.
The Diva of Al-Mar led the companionship through the halls of the temple until they stopped at the massive doors. The Temple Guard open and let them pass through. Ash came into sight of mermaids and incubus sharing their drinks and various exotic food until he noticed there were a couple of individuals that stood out. One is a Knight who wore a Forossan armour set that originates from Drangleic, an ancient land before the Lothric came into existence. Then there stood another who wears an armour he was all too familiar with.
"Hey, that guy wears the exact armour like Ash!" Elt speaks and Sasha hushed to keep his mouth shut. "Oh, sorry."
"This is Deren Forossa and Anri Strauss. These two saved our city weeks ago from the Red Wyvern and are renowned as heroes of Al-Mar." Arial introduced the two heroes. "Since I heard you were sent here by Ilassa. Then I assume you all are strong~! So I hoped you could cooperate with Deren to eliminate the threat that seeks the destruction of Court Alf!"
"A pleasant introduction you got there, priestess. But being overly dramatic isn't all that necessary." Deren smiled while waving his hand to Arial in dismissal and stepped forth to offer his hand towards the Astoran. "Greetings, Deren is my name. I am a Knight of Majula."
"Ash Cyrus, a mercenary from a far-off land." Ash greeted with a friendly gesture. "You seem to be a professional."
"Likewise, I have a good fair share of experiences in my travels." Deren laughed it off and patted Ash on his left shoulder. "So, why don't we share some talks before I could tell which enemy we are facing?"
"... Can we skip to the point?" Ash asked with a straight face. "I would like to hear it before we can share some words."
"Huh, you're a straight man. I like that." Deren chuckled. "The enemy that we're about to face is no easy feat. It's an entity which has been dormant since the times of the Great Lords, had resurfaced."
'I... don't like the tone from those words...' Ash narrowed his gaze. 'Don't tell me...'
"This enemy that we were going to face... is called The Abyss."
...
Chapter 51: Ends
...
AN: New Artwork can be seen at AO3 and Questionable Questing.