2 hours in and I haven't been hit once. This might be a new record!
Primera prepared another arrow on her bow, her ears tilted back as she aimed at an arc..
"Get ready Alex! This one is a cluster arrow, so a simple wall isn't gonna cut it!"
Alex nodded, relishing the opportunity to try something new. Primera gave him a sharp-fanged grin, and then loosed her arrow.
Even as the arrow left the bow and soared into the sky, Alex was already moving. By raising both hands into the air, a shimmering dome enveloped him. As Primera's arrow tilted downward, it exploded into dozens of arrows that rained down upon him. But with his mana shield already deployed, the arrows could do nothing but clatter uselessly on the ground.
"Well done! You're getting better at this!"
Alex smiled at Primera's praise. Turning to his right, he saw that Astara was also pleased with him, giving him her own smile and an approving nod.
"Um, Mr. Alex, I have a message to deliver to you." a soft, nervous voice said behind him.
Turning around, Alex came face-to-face with one of the castle kikimoras, who curtsied in her maid outfit. Do I recognize her? Oh yeah, I believe her name is Maribel. But I haven't seen her in Lescatie Castle for a while, not since she finally got herself a husband when Steylia arrived with the Order prisoners.
"Um, I hope I am not interrupting anything, Mr. Alex?" Maribel the kikimora's face turned slightly red in embarrassment.
Ever since Druella claimed Alex as her husband, the monsters in Lescatie had a difficult time determining what title they should give to him. Suggestions included Lord Alex, Prince Alex, Sir Alex, Lucky Consort Alex- but Alex rejected them all. Although the titles did sound cool, he did not want the honorifics to get in his head and turn him into some pompous aristocrat. Instead, he told them that "Alex" was fine.
The kikimoras, however, insisted that they had to call him something, and Alex would never allow them to call him "Master Alex''. So "Mr. Alex'' was the compromise they settled with.
"Not all Maribel. Now what is the message you need to deliver to me?"
The kikimora blushed at Alex remembering her name, then continued. "Lady Druella requests your presence. She said that she is planning another mission, and is waiting to hear if you wish to come along."
A new mission? That's great, I wonder what part of the world we'll be visiting? Maybe this time, I can also be more of an asset for Druella instead of a liability? My abilities are not yet strong enough for me to go into open combat, but at least I can keep myself alive longer.
"Alright, tell Druella I'll be right over-GAH!"
Alex felt something sharp and cold penetrate his back, and all his energy left his body. He fell on the ground right in front of Maribel, who stared at him with horror and confusion.
What the hell was that!
"Hah, didn't expect that one, Alex?" Primera walked over to Alex and knelt next to his limp form. "So far I've been shooting you within your field of vision. That allowed you to expect my attacks and have a little extra time to prepare for them. But in the field of battle, nothing can ever truly be expected, and enemies can come from all directions. Never let your guard down Alex."
"Primera!" Astara yelled, her face aghast. "You can't just shoot Lady Druella's husband without warning!"
"If he really wants to fight in battle, he has to step out of his comfort zone! The enemy won't go easy on him! Why should I?" Primera retorted. Then she pulled the mamono realm arrow out of his back.
"Don't worry, Alex." Her voice was far more reassuring now. "I'll be sure to make you as prepared as you can possibly be!"
"Um, thanks!" Alex grunted. That was still completely uncool though.
Maribel leaned over Alex, utterly unsure of how to comprehend the situation in front of her. "Um, should I tell Lady Druella that you might be running a little late, Mr. Alex?"
"Yes, you should." Alex replied, his limbs still limp. "And, um, please don't tell her about this?"
The kikimora gave him a quick nod before scurrying out of the training field.
Man, it takes forever for mamono realm silver to wear off! It's like someone filled my whole body with the numbing agent dentists use in your mouth! Can't Astara give me a potion or two?
[]
After waiting for his mana to finally regenerate enough for him to stand, Alex bid Primera and Astara farewell as he made his way back to Lescatie Castle. The streets of Lescatie were filled with the usual activity- monsters and their husbands rummaging through the various shops, a Bogie entertaining a crowd of laughing monster children, and a hobgoblin and her husband having a quickie in an alleyway.
Huh, wasn't that guy in the Order party we ambushed a week ago? He sure got used to his new life pretty quickly.
Then, as he turned into another street, he stopped at the sight of a familiar face. Well, not entirely familiar, as she was now a succubus. But that brown ponytail was unmistakable.
It- it's her! What did the other prisoners say her name was? Oh yeah- Darya!
Memories of the last time he saw her came flooding back- black tendrils enveloping her, her face both aroused and terrified, Druella having her way with her…
And now she's walking around as if she was born a succubus. Maybe I can use this as an opportunity…
Alex walked up to her. "Hello, your name is Darya, right?"
The succubus was initially startled by his sudden appearance, but then she gave him a smile.
"Yes, that's me! And you're Alex, right? Lady Druella's husband?"
You're referring to her as "Lady Druella" already? And you already know I'm her husband? I guess she could have found out from Druella herself or any other monster in Lescatie, but that is still pretty fast.
"Um, yes, that's me!" Alex said. "I know that you're new here in Lescatie, and I just wanted to make sure you were fitting in!"
"Thank you for your kind gesture, Alex. But I haven't had much trouble finding my way around here. Lady Druella gave me a home to stay in, and she even offered me a position as a Dark Knight!" The ex-Order Captain's face then turned a little thoughtful. "The Order's propaganda always depicted the fallen Lescatie as a grim wasteland full of pain and despair. But it's the opposite! I visited Lescatie before it fell, and this is all definitely an improvement!"
Huh…I guess although Druella's corruption is morally dubious, at least she provides for every monster she creates. And Darya does seem to enjoy her new life- but she is a monster now, with a monster's values. Is she still the same Darya as before?
"Um, that's nice to hear Darya! If it's not too impolite to ask, do you feel any different now that you're out of The Order and changed into something you used to fight against?"
The succubus pondered that question for a moment, then answered. "When I was in The Order, I cared for nothing but duty. Duty to the soldiers under my command, duty to The Order, duty to the Chief God. Now, I still feel that sense of duty, but it's directed to only one thing- my darling husband!"
"Husband?" Alex asked. "You have one already?"
"Yep! It turns out the friends I thought were lost at the Disaster at Steylia were all here the entire time! One of them was Ralf, a water mage I always secretly admired due to the devotion he held to his craft! I was always too concerned about my duty as a Captain to ever let my feelings emerge, but Lady Druella removed all of those inhibitions! Now he's waiting for me back at our new home, waiting for me to milk him dry until he's unconscious!"
Cool…you didn't need to include that last part.
"Um, this might be a weird question, but do you think you would have ever fallen for him if you stayed a human?"
"Hmmm, probably not." Darya replied. "I probably would have focused so hard on my career that I would have lost my opportunity to share my feelings. I really owe it to Lady Druella for freeing me!"
Alex was starting to get a little unsure. He had gone down this line of questioning to see if corruption altered the personalities of the monsterized women, but it seemed more like a re-prioritization than an alteration. But he still had one more question to ask.
"I don't want to make you feel like you're being interrogated, Darya, but one last question- are you happy?"
"Yes, of course I'm happy!" Her response was almost immediate. "I'm finally free of that overbearing army and united with the man I love! I wouldn't change it for anything!"
"Oh, alright." Alex said. "Well, thank you for your time, Darya. I won't keep you away from Ralf any longer."
"Thank you for checking up on me, Alex! Everyone here is so hospitable! If only the whole world could be this way!"
With that, the ex-Order Captain waved Alex goodbye and ran back through the streets of Lescatie. As she ran off, Alex's mind raced with thoughts. Instead of getting some questions answered, it now felt like he had even more questions than before.
So, monsterization, at least in her case, has only made her life better. But still, the way she looked above that mana ball…her face looked so distressed. But if corruption really does free people without changing their overall personality…
Damn it, what is right or wrong anymore! Druella may legitimately be trying to help people, but is it really right to do it without their full knowledge or consent? Isn't it still a subversion of free will? Or am I just some uptight prick who's just getting in the way? Am I righteous, or self-righteous?
…well, regardless of whether or not corruption itself is right or wrong, they should still have the right to at least decide. Am I being too idealistic? I don't even know anymore…
If I stand her thinking any longer, I'm going to go insane. Druella's waiting for me- let's see what this upcoming mission is all about!
[]
I wonder what is taking him so long? Maribel did say he'd be a little late, but I'm starting to get worried. What if he's in danger?! What if The Order snuck into the city and kidnapped him? What if it's that cursed archer- no, if he were in danger I would feel it. But if Alex doesn't come through that door in five minutes, I'm going to have every single available Dark Knight scour the streets for him!
Druella paced around Lescatie's throne room, anxious about her husband's tardiness. Queen Francisca sat on the throne behind her. This was the first time the Roper Queen had ever seen her patron this worked up, and she was unsure of what to make of it.
"Lady Druella!" Francisca spoke up after a moment. "One of my tentacles detected Alex entering through the palace gates! You don't have to be so worried anymore!"
Druella turned to look at the Queen. I still remember that shy, sick princess hiding in the castle halls, forgotten by nearly all, yearning for a chance to finally be heard. Thank goodness she is gone forever.
"Thank you Francisca". Druella replied in a gracious tone. "Although Lescatie may be a safe city, I still cannot help but worry about him sometimes."
The Roper Queen smiled. "You really do care about him, don't you?"
"Why, of course I do!" Druella replied. "He's my husband!"
Francisca continued. "You know, you've changed a lot ever since he arrived, Lady Druella. You used to be entirely devoted to spreading the Mamono Realm to all corners of the world, with little concern for anything else. Your focus was so intense that it scared even me sometimes. Although you were always kind to me, Wilmarina, and every other monster in the city, there was still this unapproachable aura around you, as if you existed on a higher plane than everyone else.
"Now, however, you still hold that devotion, but your newfound husband has given you something else to be devoted towards. Something that isn't a higher ideal. You've laughed at his jokes, applauded his successes at training, and worried about him whenever he's not around. And, most importantly, you always show off just how much you love him. All these new sides of you, they make you far more approachable, Druella."
…my my, your fall into corruption really has made you far more confident in sharing your thoughts, Francisca.
Still, Druella realized the Roper Queen was right- she had changed ever since she first rescued Alex out of that Ashuran fort. Her drive to fulfill her mother's dream was still always on the back of her mind, but now her love for Alex occupied an equal portion of her thoughts as well. Perhaps more than equal.
But, more approachable? Was I really that aloof before? Hmm, I suppose if Francisca and the other monsters prefer this new me, then there is nothing to be concerned about.
"Yes, you're right, Francisca." Druella responded. "My dear Alex has given me something else to think about other than which realm to monsterize next."
Her expression then became more somber. "Although, he does make me feel worried sometimes. He is striving so hard to keep up with me, to accompany me on all my dangerous missions, that I cannot help but fulfill his wishes. But I'm still terrified of what might happen to him if my back were turned! And I am still unsure why he is so determined to accompany me when he could have just as easily enjoyed the pleasant life of being a lilim's husband."
Queen Francisca was silent for a moment. Then she spoke- "I do not know Alex well enough to understand his thoughts and motivations. But perhaps, in the same way you saved me from being a sickly princess all alone in her room, you're giving him a chance to be someone greater than just another average human. A hero."
Hero? Well, that does explain his recklessness back at Steylia. And Francisca is right- as my husband, Alex has the unique honor of standing beside me, the lilim who will conquer the world! Who wouldn't want to be involved in changing the course of history? He is a history student- perhaps he wants to finally live what he could only read about? Very well my dear Alex, if you truly wish to stand by my side, I will give you that chance. I will keep you from putting yourself into mortal danger, but you will be with me on the day I fulfill my mother's utopia. And I will continue to help you cultivate your abilities- you will be a shining testament to what is possible when humans and monsters become one!
Druella could already picture it now- Alex standing next her, cloak billowing in the wind as the last soldiers of The Order drop their swords in surrender. Meanwhile, the Chief God would be on her knees, tearfully apologizing to her mother for getting in the way of love for so long. Then her mother would walk over to them and congratulate her and Alex for being the greatest human-monster couple to have ever lived! She'd be so proud of her! A truly victorious day, with monsters eagerly having sex with their newly captured husbands, and human males finally being born from their union!
And then Alex will sweep me off my feet and carry me back to our bedroom, where we will make love nonstop until I finally give my mother a granddaughter…oh, I'm drooling. Okay, I will continue this train of thought later. Hmm, I never expected Francisca to provide such good advice to me- usually monsters come to me for some helpful words. But I think I now know how to handle my husband, my foolish little hero.
Druella smiled at Francisca. "Thank you for your advice, Francisca. You're right, he wants to be more than just my husband- he wants to be my partner. And since I am unable to convince him otherwise, I'll bring him along on my future missions! Including this one!"
"You do not have to thank me, Lady Druella. You saved me along with the rest of Lescatie- I have to return the favor eventually!"
Just then, the throne room doors opened, and Alex walked into the room. After walking through the long hall, he stopped right before them.
"Sorry I'm late, Druella." Alex apologized. "Training took longer than expected."
Fufu, he really is trying so hard to become strong! "You do not need to apologize, Alex. I'm glad that you're improving your abilities. They'll give me a far greater peace of mind when I bring you along on this mission!"
Alex's eyes widened slightly. Her husband likely did not expect her to invite him along immediately. True, she was still a little annoyed at his recklessness in Steylia, but this time will be different.
"Oh, um, alright! Where are we going?"
"To the Tazchekian Steppe! I've received words that the Centaur herd living there is suffering damaging raids by nearby humans. I'm going there to discover the source of this problem."
Druella then leaned closer, her eyes glowing brightly. "But before we go, I want you to promise me something, Alex. Can you do that for me?"
As much as I want to satisfy your desire to be a hero, Alex, if you get yourself hurt I'm not letting you leave Lescatie until you're strong enough to lift a Minotaur with one hand.
Her husband gulped a little. "Um, what do you want me to promise?"
"Promise me that this time, you will remain by my side at all times unless I give you express permission to wander off? You may be getting stronger, but you are not strong enough to go entirely on your own. Well?"
Her husband's face grew conflicted for a moment, but eventually he gave her a firm nod. "Alright, I promise."
Druella gave him a kiss on the forehead, causing his face to turn red. "Thank you, Alex. Now get yourself ready, we'll be leaving soon."
The two then left the throne room, leaving Francisca all by herself.
"They truly are cute together." Francisca said to herself. "That cuteness is making me feel…worked up. Perhaps it's time I paid a certain someone a visit…"
[]
The Centaur herd resembled a mobile city more than just a temporary nomadic abode, with hundreds of yurts spread across the flat, grassy plains of the Steppe. These yurts were large with tall entrances, tall enough for a man on horseback to comfortably ride through. Some were arranged in circles and shared a communal fire pit, others were more individualistic in placement. Some of them were brightly decorated with patterns or floral designs- a few even had murals etched into the fabric. These murals either depicted ancient scenes of battle, or ancient scenes of utter lewdness.
As Alex walked with Druella towards the largest yurt, the home of the Centaur Chieftess, he examined the many denizens of this encampment. There was no shortage of centaurs trotting about, but he also saw a few unicorns, bicorns, and even a White Horn.
She sure is a long way from her natural habitat. And that coat looks a little too warm for this weather. But I guess the steppe probably gets really cold at night.
There were also some human males in the encampment, helping the centaurs prepare meals, sharpen weapons, and repair any tears in their yurts. A few even rode on the backs of their centaur wives- though from what Alex remembered from the encyclopedia, they would be in for a rough time later tonight.
When they finally made it to the Chieftess' yurt, the centaur guarding the entrance waved for them to enter. "Come, my lady has been waiting for you."
After walking through the opening, Alex got a good look at the yurt's interior. Long tables with cushions lined the sides of the yurt, giving visitors a place to sit. A fire burned in the center of the yurt, smoke drifting to the open hole on the roof. At the far end of the yurt were more cushions arranged in a semicircle, reserved for the most esteemed of centaurs. The cushion arranged right in the center was occupied by who he assumed was the Chieftess- a centaur with a pure black horse half while her human half wore a fur-lined white robe. Her long, black hair was partially hidden by the fur-lined helmet she wore on her head, and she stared at them with almond-shaped eyes. Her face was beautiful, with well-sculpted cheeks and full lips, but the intensity of her stare suggested that she was not someone to be trifled with.
She looks almost…Mongolian. I feel like I'm walking in Genghis Khan's wet dream…
"Welcome Druella, Fourth Princess of the Mamono Realm." The Chieftess bowed her head- Alex assumed that having a horse half made it a little difficult to bow with the rest of her body.
"Thank you for inviting me, Chieftess Khultula. A shame it could not be under more pleasant circumstances."
"Indeed, Lady Druella." The Chieftess turned her head towards Alex. "And you must be Alex. Lady Druella's new husband."
Wow, news travels fast in the mamono world. Just how many of them are aware of me? Is the Mamono Lord herself aware of me? Oh boy, someday I'm eventually going to be meeting my uber-powerful in-laws!
Alex gave her a bow. "A pleasure to meet you, Chieftess Khultula."
Khultula gave him a small smile at his sign of respect, and then turned back towards Druella.
"Recently, we've been suffering raids that have stolen our livestock, pillaged our valuables, and forced us to remain on the defensive lest they come and take more. These raids are all being performed by the Tazchek, Lady Druella."
"The Tazchek?" Alex asked.
"A confederation of human tribes that reside on this steppe, Alex." Druella answered him. "They were once mercenaries from the Mist Continent hired by The Order to fight against one of the previous Mamono Lords, back when monsters still killed humans. After that Mamono Lord was defeated, they decided to settle down in the Steppe that now bears their name, and they've stayed ever since."
"They also at one point created a massive Empire that nearly conquered all of the known world and were only checked by a coalition made up of The Order and nearly every independent nation, but that is in the past. Currently, they maintain their animal herds, engage in trade with other humans and various groups of monsters, and sometimes launch raids against human settlements."
Hmm, so like every steppe culture from the Scythians all the way to the Dzungars. But if they're currently hostile…I just hope their leader is more friendly than Attila, more temperate than Genghis, and far more forgiving than Timur.
Alex then turned back to Khultula. "But they almost rarely go after monsters. Why this sudden change in behavior, Chieftess Khultula?"
Khultula sighed. "I wish I could tell you. It is just so baffling- one day a friendly trading party came by to sell some furs, the next day about 50 horsemen rode in and burnt down several tents before we drove them off." Her face turned into a grimace. "Ugh! We've been peaceful for years- some members of my herd even found their husbands through the Tazchek! What made them change- we haven't raided them for husbands in years! I do not want to engage in open warfare with the Tazchek Khanate, but I am running out of options, Lady Druella. These raids are costly!"
"Fear not, Khultula." Druella replied in a reassuring voice. "I will not allow your herd to suffer any longer. The Tazchek will need to be dealt with."
Oh boy, she's starting again! I knew one nation left un-monsterized wouldn't be enough for her to change her ways! I better steer this conversation in a different direction!"
"Um, Chieftess Khultula?" Alex asked. "Are there any Tazchek who have been captured after this weird change in their behavior? Maybe they can shed a little light on what's going on?"
Druella looked a little surprised at him speaking up, but Khultula answered. "We've tried, Alex. A few have been captured and married by members of my herd, but Tazchek do not give up their secrets easily, even to their new wives. It may be a futile effort, but if you and Druella do wish to talk to one, find a tent with red, hexagonal patterns. Ask for Sarnai, she'll introduce you to her husband."
"Thank you for the lead, Chieftess Khultula!" Alex gave her another bow, and turned to Druella. The lilim stared at him for a moment, then smiled and motioned for him to follow.
Is she happy that I'm being a little assertive? Maybe she's finally starting to see me as a potential partner instead of someone to keep her bed warm! Now I just hope this Tazchek guy will open up to us- otherwise, Druella is going right back to DEFCON 1.
[]
When Alex and Druella approached the yurt with red-hexagonal patterns, a centaur with a golden-brown horse body and long, blonde hair stood outside hanging out wet laundry to dry in the sun. She did a double-take at the sight of the lilim approaching her, but managed to regain enough composure to bow her head.
"Um, welcome, daughter of the Mamono Lord!" she said nervously. "How may I be of service?"
"You are Sarnai, correct?" Druella asked. The centaur gave an affirming nod.
"I am Druella, Fourth Princess of the Mamono Realm. And this is Alex, my husband. Chieftess Khultula told us your husband is a Tazchek recently captured after one of their raids. Could we speak to him?"
Sarnai looked a little reluctant to respond. "Um, you may, Lady Druella. But my husband is rather headstrong. He only just started opening up to me, so I am unsure if he'll be willing to share anything with you."
Sarnai then turned to the entrance of her yurt. "Bartuk! There is someone here who would like to speak with you!"
After a moment, a tall, well-built man emerged from the yurt. He wore a Mongol-esque deel lined with fur, along with a fur cap on his head. A scabbard hanging to the right of his belt contained what appeared to be a saber, and a small warhorn hung to the left. Although he appeared to be only in his late twenties or early thirties, his black, curved mustache and sharp eyes made him look much older. The man, whom Alex presumed was Bartuk, raised an eyebrow at the sight of Druella, but otherwise his expression remained entirely neutral.
Wow, normally people either prostrate themselves or get really nervous around Druella. This guy is barely fazed at all!
"Sarnai, who are our guests here?" he asked.
"Husband, this is Lady Druella, one of the Mamono Lord's daughters. And that young man is Alex, her husband. They want to ask you some questions."
Bartuk turned to face both of them, but otherwise remained impassive.
"Bartuk," Druella said with a smile. "I understand you were part of a Tazchek raid that attacked this centaur herd. Could you please tell me why your people are aggressively attacking monsters?"
"Hmm, and why would I tell you that?" Bartuk replied.
Druella looked rather taken aback- the lilim likely never encountered a human talking back to her before.
"Bartuk," Druella continued, her smile a little more forced. "The safety and wellbeing of monsters are my constant concern. Do you not want to keep your wife and new home safe?"
"I do." Bartuk said. "But why should I tell my people's secrets to you?"
Um, Bartuk? Do you realize who you're talking to?
Druella was starting to get annoyed, her arms crossed. "Young man, I am Druella, Fourth Princess of the Mamono Realm, and one of the most powerful monsters in existence. When a lilim asks you a question, it is best that you answer."
Bartuk remained unfazed. "Fourth Princess, huh. Tell me, Druella, did you gain your strength through training and constant struggle, or were you simply born with it?"
Druella looked rather confused at the Tazchek warrior's question, but she answered. "I am the daughter of the Mamono Lord herself! Of course I inherited a portion of her limitless strength!"
Bartuk scoffed. "Hmmph, you call that strength? You were born strong, you never worked for it, never fought for it. You do not impress me, Lady Druella, so why should I bother answering you?"
Druella was now livid, her eyes glowing a dangerous shade of red. Sarnai gave her husband a fearful look, but Bartuk himself remained unfazed.
Wow, this guy is either absolutely fearless, or absolutely arrogant! But Druella looks pissed, I should probably intervene before things get ugly.
Druella spoke in a low, dangerous voice. "Now listen here, you insolent little-"
"Um, Druella!" Alex interrupted. "This is clearly not going anywhere! Let's go find someone actually willing to talk!"
Druella gave him a pointed glare- clearly she did not appreciate him butting in. Before she could say anything, however, Bartuk spoke up.
"You," Bartuk said while looking at him. "You're Druella's husband, right?"
"Um, yes?" Alex replied.
Bartuk looked at him up and down. "Hmm, you don't look like much. But there is more than one kind of strength, and you must be strong if you're able to control a wife like her." The Tazchek gave him an approving look.
Uh, "control" might be too strong of a word. It's more like trying to stop an out-of-control train with a single rope.
"Hmm." Bartuk continued. "I'm willing to speak to you, husband to the Mamono Princess. What would you like to know?"
Druella was speechless at this strange turn of events, looking at Bartuk and then at Alex with a confused look in her eyes.
I guess she's not entirely used to the many differing values humans can have. Even I didn't expect things to go this way, but since they have, might as well go with it!
"Um, Bartuk?" Alex asked. "From what we've heard from Chieftess Khultula, your people used to coexist peacefully with the centaurs and other mamono. Why the sudden change in relations?"
Bartuk sighed. "I am not entirely sure myself. Our tribes benefited from trading with monsters- selling goods and captives to them always promised strong returns. But then Turgal Khan suddenly sharply changed course and ordered us to attack them instead. Since the Khan has spent the last twenty years defeating rivals and uniting us, we follow his directions. It is still strange though- monsters rarely have enough loot to justify attacking them, and what they do have usually has…unexpected side effects. Monsters are just more profitable as friends rather than enemies."
Hmm, so it appears that this Turgal Khan is the one causing the Tazchek to become more aggressive, and the other tribesmen follow his lead out of respect. Maybe me and Druella could investigate him?
Bartuk wasn't done speaking. "To be quite honest, I wonder if maybe us Tazchek would be better off pairing with monsters anyway." He gave his centaur wife a smile. "Just imagine- a whole army of Tazchek on the backs of centaurs, able to fire two bows at once and not worry about the skittish nature of horses. Nothing could stand in our way- we would conquer the whole world!"
Bartuk was practically salivating at his little power fantasy, while Sarnai smiled and hugged one of his arms.
"Druella?" Alex turned to his lilim wife, who was still rather shocked. "I think we got all the information we need. Let's leave these two and plan what to do next."
Druella snapped out of her confusion and walked away with Alex. Once they were finally out of earshot of Bartuk and Sarnai. Druella finally spoke her mind.
"That insolent little human!" she growled. "Questioning my strength? Unimpressed by me?! If he hadn't already been married, I would have given him to some of the most aggressive hellhounds in existence! Let's see how strong he feels when his pelvis gets absolutely-"
"Druella, hey, calm down a little." Alex said. "Some people just have different ways of viewing strength. Don't let it get to you personally."
Druella calmed down a little, but she remained a little pouty. "Hmmph, easy for you to say, Alex. He respected you more than he respected me."
Yeah, that is still something I'm trying to wrap my head around. I definitely don't agree with his assessment.
"Hey, that guy is definitely wrong in one thing- I'm definitely not stronger than you!" Alex replied. "He may have his own bizarre way of judging strength, but in a one-on-one fight, I'd probably definitely end up underneath you!"
Huh, I could have phrased that last part better. But maybe she could use the stress relief.
Druella finally calmed down, and smiled at Alex. "Thank you for your kind words, husband." She then gave him a mischievous look. "Though, if you ever do desire to wrestle with me, I would not refuse you."
I'm glad to see her happy again, but something tells me that MY pelvis is now at risk of being crushed.
Alex gave her a smile. "Well, to return to the original reason we spoke with Bartuk, at least now we know why the Tazchek are acting so aggressively."
"Indeed." Druella replied. "And I do thank you for finally getting that information out of him. Hmm, so they are all following the whim of their Khan? Perhaps it is time to investigate the Tazchek themselves."
"Oh, are we going undercover again, like in Steylia?" Alex asked.
"Yes, though this time I will take an original appearance. That eunuch was able to see right through my glamor- I will not risk a particularly perceptive Tazchek outing me."
Shen then looked right into his eyes. "Alex, you may accompany me on this mission, but remember your promise. No leaving my side! Understood?"
"Yes…" Alex said rather reluctantly. But if I hadn't wandered off, I would have never encountered Alia!
Druella smiled. "In that case, let us get going, my dear husband. We have a Khanate to tame."
[]
Author's Note: And thus begins the next mini-arc! I'll be honest, part of the reason I chose this setting was just because I always thought the Mongols would LOVE centaurs.
TheEmeraldMage- Couldn't resist that reference- support classes don't get any love. But I'll tone down the pop culture references from this point onward, I'm not Joss Whedon.
Timur Beg- Yeah, as much as monsters and their allies generally veer towards non-violence, conflict is likely always going to happen. At least any wars won't lead to casualties, but no doubt the Mamono Lord and her daughters have to occasionally step in to keep things from going out-of-hand. And even her resources aren't infinite- maybe some mamono nations get resentful when they don't get enough requested support.
Keiseki1- You do make a good point, Keiseki. Although corruption can be viewed negatively, the alternatives aren't much better. Maybe it would have come across a little less forced if I included the Darya segment in this chapter in the previous one, but I wanted a little time to pass for narrative's sake. Though, keep in mind that although Alex may be trying to lead Druella to change her ideals, he has his own ideals that might cause him grief in the future when reality comes knocking.
J- No and no.
As always, reviews are always appreciated- I read them all. This is my first story here, so naturally things might come across a little clunky at times. And while I'm satisfied at how things are going so far, when this story gets finished (and it will be, having it remain incomplete would eat away at my soul) I might go back and polish everything up, maybe put it up on AO3 as a "Definitive Edition". Just an idea.
