Chapter 49

It wasn't that I was lying to them. Not really. But using the Cursed Shield, Pride, had not done me any favours. All through dinner I had to pretend I wasn't getting ready to rip my own horns off my skull to stop the itching. Or that I was watching the debuff timers tick down on my status window. It was only through extreme discipline, distracting myself by fussing over people, having a bath in water that was almost boiling...

Sadeena might have noticed, but if she had, she didn't say anything. Kunshu on the other hand, certainly noticed. But her only 'comment' on the matter was to be the best not-cat fuzzy ball she could be when I collapsed into bed.

And when I said 'timers'... When it happened, I didn't really have much control on the effect. I took all the negative magic being thrown at us, accepted all of it, and then took the power from the mages casting it and reversed it all for Tetsu and Raphtalia. They got about a minute of what amounted to my very best impression of my beloved wife's spell. And I got roughly a hundred times the duration on the debuff magic.

So yes, when the morning came around, I was still under a lot of the effects. I was a little surprised how easily I had handled Pierrot. But she didn't seem to have a clue about grappling. I didn't go out of my way to really hurt her, but it felt far too good to really stop after bringing her near submission a dozen times. Hope she didn't hold it against me.

Anyhow.

After Kunshu had to help me dress (in my own clothes, with actual proper coverage...) I made my way to the breakfast table. I had to smile a little when everyone but Clive made an attempt to tease me about being late, looking like a porcupine was sleeping on my head, or how my tails needed more brushing than usual.

But plans were finalized, I got a bit of help from my party for personal grooming, got an amused look from Sadeena (who teased me about not showing off what I had, like Aisha did... often...), and we got out the door to get things done.

My escort to the Hall of Gold (formerly the Hall of the Dragon Hourglass) was the Ringmaster and two of the biggest, meanest looking Metallica Clowns I'd seen so far. In an obvious show of wealth, they were covered in all kinds of little magic trinkets, spiked armour, expertly done face and body paint, and had the physiques of marble statues. They both represented extreme investments in time and money.

Now, with how weird this world was, it actually shared something with 'back home' in this regard. Despite my lack of attack power, my body was quite strong. My own genetics, exercise and good food gave me a 'mundane' strength well above the average person. I wasn't going to try, since it would have been rude, but I could probably have picked up one of these clowns with one arm, or very nearly so. This gave my 'body' a rather nice shape and tone.

It worked the same way in Orario. There was a little trick to it there, since your 'stats' were almost always on. Once you got into the 'super human' range (level 2 or upper level 1) you had to set a 'trigger' for your falna. Once you did that, and learned how to 'turn off' your full power, you could change your body type almost at will. If you didn't, well, you could do more leg every day, but your body wouldn't change due to your falna being on.

Sadly, here in this world, when it came to anything combat related, your body type didn't matter past being physically strong enough to swing your weapon. Your stats dictated what happened when you attacked anything else with stats. So even though I could now work dragon-steel without Tetsu, if I hit someone else with that same power, it would be as if I hit them with a heavy pillow.

How did this matter with the Clowns?

Well, they were likely strong enough without 'stats' to throw a person through a wall (this is how I actually hurt people when fighting), but past that, I had no idea if they were level 1, or level 80.

"Done admiring my faithful guards?" The Ringmaster asked, "Even I must admit, they are quite good looking. But not for sale."

"I am admiring the effort involved." I said, looking up at the painted face and maybe just missing a smile from the otherwise passive wall of muscle. "This? This takes real effort."

"Of course! Of course! If they looked feral, or slovenly, what sort of reputation do you think I'd have? No Ma'am! Speaking of that however..." He gave his cane a tap on the stone road, "Your reputation is quite incredible. If you weren't a Hero, I'd wonder what kind of magic you were working!"

I walked beside him, the two Clowns falling in behind us to either side. "What is the second most important thing for a merchant to have? Or honestly, any profession."

His smile faded for something more thoughtful, "Many things come to mind. But when you say 'any', then it can only be one thing!"

We said it at the same time. "Experience."

I smiled, while he tapped his cane on the cobblestone again in victory, "There is no substitute for it. Reading about it is fine, having it told to you is fine. But until you do it yourself..."

"Ah, you've done this before! It certainly explains why you are doing so well! Yes Ma'am!"

"I'll admit, this is the first time I've had to speed run it..." I waved of the curious look at the term, "But now, we get to make it stick."

"They may still reject you." He warned. "I understand you will force your way through, and will likely be able to even if they resist. But these are the most powerful people in the world. Emperors and Empresses with money as their domain! I support you, but if it comes to that, I cannot help you."

"Well, now that we are almost there." I smiled, waving my hand near the Book Shield (I rather liked it, though it wasn't Hagane Red), "I will fill you in on the plan. This." I offered him a small red velvet box, "Is an Occulus." I took another little red box from my Inventory, "If you look into it... oh, turn it so the flat side is facing you, yeah. You should see me."

With his cane in the hand of the nearest Metallica Clown, he did as instructed. A moment later, he looked up at me (holding the other half of the paired Occulus) then back in the box, then back up to me. "This is..."

"So, what's number three for any empire? We have your life, experience, and then?"

"Communication."

"Let's go over the plan."

Unlike the Ringmaster, Hickwaal had no escort. It was also apparent that the two... Well it was clear they were just working together for this. Had it not been for me, I doubted they'd ever share a drink together.

"Beloukas."

"Hickwaal."

They nodded to each other, gave the other a 'once over', then Hickwaal turned his attention to me. "Is everything ready, Lady Kodori?"

"Aside from the delivery. Yes." I nodded.

"Excellent." He smiled, his face lighting up like a boy on Christmas, "If you don't mind? I can go ahead and have the Hall's staff deliver them? Though, some will certainly not be there when you stand on the dais..."

"That's expected. Not everyone has a public face. Though, speaking of..." I took my Mask off my belt, and fitted it over my face.

Both of them started to move forward, their appraisal glass in their hand. They looked at each other, paused, "After you." Hickwaal said.

I suffered to have my 'face' examined by the two of them. "I will admit, protecting a woman's face is important, yes Ma'am."

"Solid metal eye protection that you can see through? That's remarkable!" Hickwaal smiled, "But, we can chat about that later."

"Indeed." My voice was just a tiny bit metallic behind the mask, "Here." And I took a 'Box of Occulus boxes' from the Inventory. If nothing else, the storage in the Shiled refused to get disorganized.

The Hall of Gold was just as opulent as one might imagine. I was pretty sure no actual gold was included in the construction though. However, there was an awful lot of polished copper everywhere. And I knew that just about anyone with a hint of magic talent for enchanting and a minor affinity for Earth magic, could make the anti-corrosion enchantment, or 'blood coat'. It just had to be on metal, not a weapon.

The outer building was a mix of pillared castle and Inca temple. Big thick stone (nice marble or pale granite/quartz), pillars (Roman/Greek style), lots of inset stone cut murals, heaps of mirror polished copper, stained glass, super clear (maybe even leaded) glass, magic lighting...

Past the double doors, where the Ringmaster left my side, though only one of his Metallica Clowns followed him, was an incredibly wide open space. Normally, with a tiered pyramid styled building, there wouldn't be so much space. But no, the architects had been deliberate, and made a lot of room in here. Almost no stone corridors here! Balconies, terraces, small theatres, a garden of exotic plants, a small indoor orchard...

Every expensive hobby one could have was in here. There were even giant skeletons of monsters hanging from the ceiling to go along with some exhibits of 'super shiny stuff' that was behind enchanted glass.

There were only two things that really stood out, even among all this. First, of course, was a Dragon Hourglass. Smack dab in the middle of all this shiny stuff and expert architecture, with all its spinning bits and over-designed construction.

The second, was way at the back opposite the entrance, was another double door. It was one of the only closed rooms I could see on the ground floor, and the sign over it said 'House of Lords'.

I looked to the Metallica Clown who'd stuck with me, "In there?"

He nodded.

"Neat. I should be fine."

He nodded again, saluted by extending his index and little finger and tapping them over his heart, and left in the direction the Ringmaster had gone.

I walked up to the Hourglass, the dais it had been built on clearly much older than the rest of the building. That said, it was just as clean.

Location Registered

I blinked at the sudden intrusion of the little notification window in my vision. Wait... what? Did that mean...

"Usa?" Raphtalia started, seeing the rabbit-man's ears angle away.

"I... might be hearing things." He replied after a moment.

I finished chuckling to myself, getting more than a few looks from various fancy dressed people or less fancy but no less important looking people. If this was some kind of way to fast travel... But I didn't want to mess up my meeting with the Merchant Kings, so I resolved to figure it out later.

There was probably some kind of item that I had to pick up that would allow me to do... what ever it was. But unless I wanted to... I dunno, chisel a piece of the Hourglass off or something...

When 'petitioning' you started at a disadvantage. You were, from the word 'go', asking without offering. If I had just showed up with my party and tried to do what I was doing now, that's what I would be doing.

But in the last few days, not quite a week, my party and I had amassed what most people of even this world would consider 'an embarrassment of riches'. We had proven we were able to not just make that money, but sustain it, by 'refreshing' our stock at the little store the Ringmaster let us use. Mr. Fancy was also wearing a sword that had the ability to kill the dragon it came from, provided the one swinging it was strong enough.

We had earned the trust, and patronage of the strongest mercenary company in the city. The Ringmaster had directed Frost to me, but it was ON me to bring him to my cause.

We had beaten second, and first place in the Arena (part of where our vast fortune had come from, because of course I bet on myself).

Word, deed, money, power. And all I had to do now, was convince the Merchant Kings that it was in their best interest to let me trade that, so my party could get their class change.

I considered all this as I entered that room way at the back. Like the main expanse outside, it was very bright, very shiny, and had multiple balconies for people to sit and observe the centre. In the centre was a small platform, not quite a stage, but slightly raised and circular. On it was wide podium, fancy, but looking out of place with all the stone and polished metal around it.

Above, I could see a few of the balcony booths had people in them. Hickwaal was there, so were Beloukas and Mr. Fancy. A handful of others too. Some had an escort, like Beloukas and his two Metallica Clowns or Mr. Fancy's conquistadors. But everyone was wearing a mask.

"Petitioner Kodori Haruhime, step forward." Someone announced.

So I did. But I didn't say anything. Instead, I pulled out a second 'Box of Occulus boxes' from the Shield, and set it down on the podium. I opened it, and one by one, I took out the little padded boxes.

"We came here to hear a Petition, not watch a magic show!" Someone complained.

I ignored him, but hurried up just a tiny bit. Each box I set down, I opened, and adjusted the orb inside so it would face me. Part way through, I spoke, noting that some of the Occulus were already 'active', "You have all been given a small box. Those who are not here in person, should have already opened theirs and looked inside. Do so now if you please."

One by one, most of the 'dark' Occulus brightened up, and I could see small faces appear in them. There were a couple that remained dark, and I looked at Hickwaal's face in the orbs in front of me, catching a little shake of the head and a hand holding up four fingers.

Four no-shows? Pretty good considering.

"Oh? What a curious trinket." A dark skinned woman behind a serpent's mask mused.

"As you all should know, I am here to petition the Merchant Kings so that my party and I can use the Dragon Hourglass for a Class-up ritual." I said, looking left and right, trying to meet the eyes of every masked face in my array of Occulus.

"You've done well since you got here, but your title carries no weight here 'hero'."

"Oh? So it's true then? The Shield Hero IS a woman. Rather sad I missed the fights in the Arena..."

"Yes, that's correct, I am the Shield Hero. And you're right, my title carries no weight here." I shrugged, knowing and expecting that being one of the four supposed saviours of the world would mean nothing to most of the people here. "However, for those not paying attention, if you would close your curtains?"

Again, some did, some did not. Meh, I didn't really care past getting 51 percent of them on my side.

"What you have before you, is called an Occulus. An enchanted item from my world. Can you all see me? Hear me? Good. Now, while this is something from my world, I made it here. The Occulus allows communication between two people, across vast distance, and will only ever work with it's partner."

Most of them were wearing a mask with some kind of eye cover, like painted glass or the like. But those who weren't... Well, I could tell they were catching on VERY fast.

"Instant, secure communication across almost any distance, and it isn't an artifact but a product. However-"

"You think you can bribe us with trinkets?" Someone demanded, voice just loud enough to hear from behind a curtain. "The-"

I picked up the Occulus with the irate merchant in it, and dropped it onto the marble floor. "If either stone is broken, it will not work. Otherwise, well, I know that most of you understand the value of this."

"Zo..." Mr. Fancy started, not knowing I was hoping he'd clue in, "Mademoiselle can make more of zese?"

"Hickwaal, my original teacher for this world's ways of enchanting, will be my intermediary. Of course, I'll be out dealing with the Waves, and the monsters, but all the same, supporting me will give you access to this rather potent tool." I replied. "If you do not support me..." I scraped my boot over the glass on the floor. "If you'll give me a minute or two longer, I will explain how it will work..."

I only had to smash two others after I had finished describing 'the supply line'. It was simple, allow me access to the Hourglass, get a 'free sample' and permission to deal with me through Hickwaal (really just him, but they didn't need to know that).

Mr. Fancy, just as he said he would, spoke up for my work, convincing some that I was 'exzeptionally capable!' And worth the investment. Most didn't care about the Waves, having their own private mercenaries equipped with the best money could buy. But others understood (after a little prodding from my small team of Lords behind me) that I was also protecting their interests by killing monsters 'for free' without them needing to spend time and money adding more security.

I only ever 'waved my Shield around' when someone asked about 'the people who weren't here'.

To which my reply was, "If they can't be bothered to listen to someone who is supposed to save their world, then they don't get to deal with me at all."

"All in favour?" That same voice I had only heard, not seen, and also not part of the little Occulus party I had in front of me.

Pause.

"All Against?"

Pause.

"This Petition is over. Kodori Haruhime, you and your party will be allowed to use the Dragon Hourglass of Zeltobe, once each, for the purpose of the Class-Up ritual." Pause, "Once the petitioner's gift has been given to all those who have not..." There was a tiny smile behind the voice, "disqualified themselves... then access will be granted."

The door behind me opened, and few of those important, but not fancily dressed people entered. After a quiet statement of "We delivered them on behalf of Lord Hickwaal." I started closing the boxes and handing them over. "The numbers on the outside match the number on their partner box."

"Understood." And with 'time is money' efficiency, they left with their prizes.

I waited near the hourglass, mostly to keep an eye out from the centre of the giant nearly hollow monument to wealth. I didn't have to wait long before I spotted Mr. Fancy, or rather, two of his taller well armoured conquistadors.

Hickwaal and the Ringmaster had both left me alone there, while they took care of other things. That was fine, they had lots of other things to do, most of which involved my party and I leaving Zeltobe. "There you are good Sir." I called out, jogging over to the door they'd just left from.

The two guards stomped their feet as they got between me and Mr. Fancy, but the cheerful crazily accented man shooed them away impatiently, "Mademoiselle Kodori! Zat was quite ze show! I did not expect zat little... gift. But only a fool vould reject zuch a tool out of hand!"

With a flourish, a rose once again appeared in his hand as he talked. This, he offered to me, and like I'd done before I tucked it into my hair carefully. "I hope you'll forgive the secrecy of that?" He waved it off, so I continued, "This leaves us with the matter between us. But." I held up a finger of conversation pausing. "To make sure it is yours, and only yours, there is one last thing you must do.

I took the Hell-boy Special (normal hand size version) from the Shield's inventory. As before, he marvelled at all the fine curves, crystalline bits, copper and gold trim, and unique to this world 'revolver' chamber. "Vhat is required?"

"A single drop of your blood, to ensure that you, and any sons or daughters you might have, will be the only ones able to use it." I said, carefully turning the weapon upside down so the butt of the grip was exposed, an fingernail sized topaz set deeply into the wood encased metal.

He looked at me, a little confused, then realized what I was aiming for. "I zee... True! Zuch a veapon could be dangerous out in the vorld! And..." He looked at me, "Zere is a little matter of trust, no?"

"You helped me, certainly, but past your nice clothes and skill with flowers, I do not know you. If you are somehow a raving murderer, and there is a suddenly a growing number of deaths due to this weapon, well..."

He nodded, though he was frowning, "I underztand your distrust. And vile I vish I was not ze one you were judging, zuch a weapon should be leashed, no?"

And with that, he pulled another flower from... somewhere, and held it just carelessly enough so that a thorn bit into a fingertip. The single drop of blood seemed to slip under the surface of the topaz as if it were a perfectly still pond accepting a water droplet. Like all the other 'blood bound' weapons I'd made, the gem now held a tiny, impossible, speck of red inside it's otherwise flawless structure.

Once done, the rose vanished, and he took the revolver from me. "Ah... I did not think to... Oh! Very kind Mademoiselle!"

The instant he started looking for a place to put it, I pulled out a simple leather holster and belt. I even dyed it the exact same colour as his actual belt, so he wouldn't clash. Within seconds, he had exchanged belts and did a little 'is there dirt on me' twist to look at himself. "Thank you for your help." I said, "And I hope that the next time we do business, we can barter like proper merchants, instead of exchange like common folk."

"He paused in mid twist, settled down, then laughed. "Ah! I will be zure to give you my very best starting offers!"

And with that, we shook hands, and he left, leaving me to return to the hourglass. A moment later, I took out a Sound Stone, and gave it a little tap. "Sorry to interrupt." I said, "But it's time, negotiations were a success."

"We're still setting up the wagon for Atla." Melty said quietly, "Kunshu is... very popular with her." This was followed by a sleepy buzz someplace in the background.

"We are almost done." Raphtalia's voice said through the stone, "he just got back, and is..." A pause, "All he needs is for you to transfer ownership."

Usa's reply was next, and he sounded a little nervous. "Ah... Um... Mr. Frost is ready any time." There was a tiny cry of distress, followed by a purr.

"Why so nervous?" Nadia asked, sounding just a tiny bit drunk. "Fox, you're rabbit is no fun!"

"A..." I almost called her Aisha... "Please make sure the work is done before you play. Anyhow, as soon as you're all done, or as done as you can be so you can take your hands off the work, meet me at the giant shiny building at the end of the main street."

"Petitioner, Raphtalia. Step forward."

My party (and a couple of our well wishers, like Sadeena and Fohl) stood at the base of the Hourglass's platform, while a... I almost wanted to say 'priest', but the term didn't quite feel right. Paladin? Maybe that was it?

He was an old man, still strong, but getting to the point in his life where his armour would soon be too heavy to wear. The armour, I noted, was very fancy, but also functional and far FAR older than he was.

"I am the guardian of the Hourglass. Twenty seventh generation descendant of the fist Bow Hero. By the power granted unto me by my mother, who bound my soul to the Hourglass at birth, I break my seclusion to grant the worthy souls before me, access to the next stage of their growth."

Raphtalia stopped just out of reach of the Hourglass while the man went about his speech. "What must I do?" She asked, her tail the only sign of her excitement.

"Bide." He replied, turning his back to her, and placing both palms on the glass.

And the hourglass stopped. Everything but the sand inside simply froze in place. The spinning bits inset into the frame? Stopped. The spiralling metal of the stand itself? Halted. The fins at the top that floated without actually being attached to the main structure? Ceased.

Then with a bunch of successive clicks, they seemed to 'reset' into a default position, almost as if the Hourglass was about to be put back into the packaging it came from. Then, once all the orbs, disks, spirals and whatnot 'reset', the Paladin turned.

"Place your palm upon the glass, and the Sacred Hourglass will judge your deeds. Then, you will have to choose the path that suits you best."

She did as instructed, placing her palm against the glass of the huge artifact.

I watched as her tail went still, a good sign of her thinking (at least for her, my tails like to visit people), and after a long moment, she nodded to herself, and my 'party' window started to blink gently with a 'notification'.

Raphtalia, Level 41, Raccoon Demi-human, Dervish

I focused on the word 'Dervish' and a little help window popped up. Sword based class that favours mobility and a bit of magic power. I looked past the little notification and focused on Raphtalia. I gave her a nod, and a smile that got a little wider when she looked back with relief. Her stats overall had also gotten a large boost.

"Petitioner Usa, step forward." The Paladin announced.

Like Raphtalia, Usa waited for the Paladin to step aside, the Hourglass 'turning back on' then 'resetting' again.

Moments later, I got another notification.

Usa, Level 41, Rabbit Demi-human, Storm caller

Again, I called up the help window on the new class. Bonuses to lightning magic, higher curve towards magic power growth and mana pool. Little nudges towards lightning based resistances... Yeah, made sense.

"Petitioner Clive, step forward.

Next was Clive, who actually got into an 'after you' waving match with Melty. He surrendered to her royal glare though, and again waited for the Hourglass to cycle.

Clive, level 41, Therianthrope Lizard, Ranger

One help file later, and 'Ranger' seemed just a little more literal than the one I knew. Literally 'to fight at range' it seemed, the stat growth sharply favoured DEX, with ATT as a close second.

"Petitioner Melty, step forward.

Careful steps, a friendly pat on the shoulder from Clive as they passed each other, and Melty waited until she got the nod from the Paladin.

And with a silent 'ping' from the status screen I got this.

Melty, level 41, Human, Water Caller

Like Usa, except for water based stuff. Yeah... Once again this world seemed more like a game. But that said, we'd done it. I'd talk to them all later, ask if they wanted me to balance their stats out with the slave shield's ability, or push their specialties even harder.

"May your new strength not change your purpose." The Paladin said, placing his hands on the hourglass again. And with a series of clicks, it returned to its overly fancy dance of metal bits orbiting the giant time keeping device.

We all kept silent as the old man stepped down from the platform, and walked away. Then, I turned to everyone, "I'm cooking tonight. Melty? Call your mom. Usa? Give Frost the all clear. Sadeena? Stop trying to make Usa's ears catch on fire."

I almost got into a fight with the silent Metallica Clowns in the kitchen. By the time we'd gotten back, they were well into getting things ready for dinner. Someplace in the range of 90 percent done preparing the ingredients.

When I took stock of what they had out and the pots and pans they had on the stoves, I figured, 'yeah, I can make something out of this'.

But then they noticed me and gave me the glare. They were sworn to silence, sure, but they didn't need to speak to make their displeasure known.

So, after a moment of thinking how to not upset my host's staff, yet still cook something for my hardworking party, I said, "I'll make dessert, and even show you how."

I think, with the constant almost non stop effort towards saving the world, my party and I really needed this. Tonight, we had a party of a different sort. Great food, reasonably good dessert (I wasn't used to this world's butter, and my attempt at pastry didn't quite make it), the official joining of Fohl and Atla to our caravan, the reunion of Raphtalia and Sadeena. Add that to finally being able to class up (Tetsu was a little envious, but looking at her stats a little closer, she and Kunshu were level 41 as well. Maybe animals didn't have a level cap either?)

And honestly, just taking a day off to celebrate and not worry about the world ending... The only thing left to do, was for me to take over the slave curse from the Ringmaster for all of Raphtalia's villagers, as well as Fohl and Atla. Then, we just had to march to that sad little town in the 'barren delta', past it into Siltvelt, and pick up the Queen.

Sigh... then deal with what ever waited for us in Melromarc.

At least all of the people I'd left with Van, including the 'distraction' team that we sent to Shieldfreeden, were still alive. The average level had even gone up!

"I know foxes climbed trees, but didn't know about rooftops." I heard Sadeena say from behind me as I looked up at the moonless sky and wished for home. "Not drinking with the others?"

"I'm not very good with alcohol." I shrugged, holding up a tiny bottle of something that almost tasted like sake, that had been found way at the back of a wine cellar shelf someplace. "Already drink everyone under the floorboards?"

"They're all lightweights! Oh, except that little tiger girl. I dunno about her, but she's shouldn't be drinking anyhow."

"Good thing I know how to make hangover medicine." I sighed, "So what brings you up here?"

I felt her hand grip the back of my neck, and I found myself dangling over the edge of the roof and she picked me up with one arm and took a step forward.

My reply to this was to simply sip at the bottle of sake while I dangled there, slightly drunk and totally expecting this. "Want me to guess? Fight back? Yell and scream?" I took another sip. "Oh, suppose now that Usa is passed out drunk, he wouldn't hear this and warn the others."

"Either you're drunker than I thought, or you're crazy." She said, still in that cheerful tone of hers, though her hand squeezed just a little tighter. "Why do you have her as a slave?"

"Power." I couldn't really shrug as I dangled, and my mild drunkenness made the contact of her hand kinda tingle, not quite pleasantly. "I only have three rules. Do not lie, do not attack in anger, and when combat starts, follow my orders."

She growled quietly, and again my brain was translating it to something less angry and more... familiar. "You have no idea who you're messing with."

"Neither do you." I replied, "You're also not the first, likely not the last, to question me about keeping slaves." I sipped at the bottle again, "Now please, put me down, or I'll have to tell Raphtalia I had to beat up her friend."

There was a long pause, then a low chuckle. A moment later, her arm pulled back and she put me down. "You're something else." She said, "Got any left?"

I handed her the bottle, "Every hear of the Tyrant Dragon Rex?" She nodded, "We killed it. A pretty lady who can change into a killer whale isn't really that scary." I laughed at her look, almost giggled, the tiny voice in the back of my mind reminding me to drink water before bed. "Besides." I stepped off the roof.

"Wha-... oh."

And on to an Air Strike Shield. "Oh, and Kunshu is just over there. She'd be angry with you if we got into a fight. Did you know? They call her 'the silent spear'?"

There was a quiet 'buzz' from a very dark shadow nearby.

I stepped back onto the roof as she sat down, laughing. "Okay okay you win." She sighed, patting the spot beside her. I sat as well, "So... up here alone? What's on your mind?"

"Thinking about home. And the other pretty ladies." I added before my brain could apply the breaks.

"Ladies? Little Raffy told me you were married, but..."

"She might be a little young to know all the details." I giggled.

Sadeena laughed, offering me the bottle back, then taking it back when I shook my head, "Well, I'm not too young, I wanna hear this!"

And in a desperate attempt to stop me from being a stupid drunkard, my inner ear decided that now was the time to lose balance...

The next morning, after waking up, somehow, in my own bed with Kunshu in her usual spot behind my knees... Well, I got the Shield started on making that hangover medicine.

Next was breakfast, distribution of hangover medicine, getting teased by Sadeena for falling off the roof, eating breakfast, getting packed up...

The Ringmaster was 'sad' to see us go. But considering we had made 'an embarrassment of riches' here, and he took a percentage of it, well, I could tell why he was sad. But, other than that, we met, shook hands, and concluded the deal between us. I gave a similar speech to my new friends, got them all transferred to my 'ownership', and got them out the door.

Frost, true to his word, had wagons and supplies already set up, and all we had to do was get people loaded up, and moving out.

When we got within sight of the sad little town in the barren delta of land, I got off the wagon, gave Tetsu's eye ridge a scrub, then went to find Frost.

"Problem?" He asked when he spotted me, his wagon also being pulled by a dragon (that wasn't as fun as Tetsu, but still hard working).

"Not exactly. Just a little... niggle. Think you can survive without your quartermaster and a couple guards for her?" I asked.

He gave me a puzzled look, then slid his gaze over to the sad fort/town we were approaching. "Seriously?"

"I hear the guy in that nice keep there is a jerk who is taxing everyone to near death. Figure since it's on the way, and you already have this trip planned..." I trailed off.

"Well..." He considered, "Sure. What's the plan?"

"When I give you the signal..."

We met the same guard at the gate as before. He took one look at me, then the small company of mercenaries, and my party, and said, "He's over in the keep, second tower."

His partner, an equally bored looking guard, looked at his senior officer and asked, "But-"

"I don't get paid enough for this." He cut his junior off, motioning to me and the people behind me.

"Smart. I like you." Frost said with a bear-eating grin, "You'll be captain, when things change over."

"Oh joy. Just so long as you pay me."

"Sir!" I got to the top of the steps of the second tower, a young guard opening the door and announcing my presence, "The Shield Hero is here to see you."

The guard let me pass, and I walked into a room that positively reeked with corruption. Various chests filled with valuables, fancy decorations, nice paintings, a bed with two women of negotiable affection half under a sheet, and a fat man behind a desk.

"Ah! Shield Hero! I thought you were-" He stopped as I put an Air Strike Shield over the only door into the room, "What are you- Guards!"

He tried to protest, but I grabbed his fancy shirt, slapped his sword out of his hand, and without ceremony or any significant pause in my walk, tossed him out of the nearest window.

A minute or two after the terrified ladies in the bed had fled, and having the guard at the door point his spear at me even though his boss was now dead, Frost, his lovely quartermaster (one of my former customers for equipment repair) and two dangerous looking members of his company entered.

The poor guard looked at them, looked at me, and just dropped his spear.

"I like you too." Frost said to him, "Stay here, you'll be a messenger."

The lone guard tried not to shiver in his armour at Frost's smile.

"I wasn't sure what your signal was. But I assumed it was the guy hitting the stone outside?" Frost asked me.

"Suppose it was. How's things out there?"

"Bah, seems you were expected. Hardly anyone has said anything more than 'well shit, he owed me money'." He laughed.

I laughed, "Well." I looked to the quartermaster, "Please don't make me come back here. Past that." I took out a couple of thin metal cards, "As a member of the Hickwaal trading company, these should have merchants flocking here to help out." I then set down one of my spare Occulus sets, handing one to Frost, the other to his quartermaster. "Keep in touch with these. I've already told Hickwaal himself, so your first caravan of supplies will be soon. It's all yours."

"Huh... Never thought I'd... what do you even call it? Inherit a town?" Frost mused.

"Call it what you want." I shrugged, "Let's get going."

Notes

Here's your new word for the day. Defenestration.

Thank you for reading! And if you want to see any full colour art, join the discord!

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