A/N: I do not own Darkest Dungeon or anything affiliated with the brand. This is just fanfic from an amateur writer. Warning: World Building, Unreliable Narrator, Dark, Everyone is Broken, Flashbacks, Horror, Death, Stress, Traumatic Pasts, Human Trafficking, Abuse, Child Abuse, Rape, human sacrifice, Hey Did I Mention Dark?, Yandere, PTSD, Survivor's Guilt, Depression, Self-Medication, Drug Dependency, Baggage, Temple Prostitution, Cannibalism, Should I just bold Horror at this point? Cheesy Romance, and Gamer tropes. I do not make any money off this story. Thank you for your time and my gratitude to Red Hook Studios.

Important to note, I'm aiming for one chapter a month (at least until I have a stockpile of 5+ chapters again), because, of the following.

I dropped my second job to go back to school after a three-year break. So I still have two jobs, just one that doesn't pay or ends at the end of the day. More to that, it's online classes, which means double the studying.

Classes started and I've had to drop one, to take a step back and study the previous course, because you lose a lot in 3 years. That's a hit to self-esteem, plus with all the bullshit that Wizard's is pulling with their brand new license.

I need to overhaul my entire 80+ hour system so I can remove their influence. Thankfully, they don't own RPGs or myths, or legends. I reference a lot of other games and media. They can enjoy the spotlight. Nor do they own dice games in general. I'm sure the casinos would be interested if they tried that shit.

Wizard's just have a massive influence and are making a power grab over an entire genre of games (RPG tabletop). I refuse to trust them after they pulled this stunt.

Yes, I would be covered under the fan work subsection. I wholly disagree with their money grab and anti-competition/creativity ploy. It amounts to "You agree to give us your ideas on an unlimited and immutable basis, and we don't give you shit for it. Either monetarily or even credit. Worse, we can steal your idea, make it cannon gameplay, not give you shit for it, and then ban you from ever using/selling it. We can also ban you from making content/money. Then as a cherry on top, sue you for going against us in any way, shape, or form. Or if we just feel like it."

Yeah. Fuck that. Anyone who wants to homebrew or gets inspired by my ideas. Have at it. I will not condone blatant attempts of abuse.

"Talking"

'Thinking'

Memories

Casting/Skills/Words of Great Power or Meaning

The Ancestor Speaks

The Others

Previously

"When the crusader is under your command, minor hexes are allowed. Remember at the end of this, he must be alive and fighting fit."

I pass the vial back to him, as his smile grows and ideas swirl. His gambit worked, though not to the extent that he would have preferred-

"Keep the vial safe with the provisions, I have a feeling it will be needed sooner as opposed to later."

'Unholy undead, cultists, brigands, various beast-men, and now Dark Damned Vampires! … What is next? Werewolves?'

Ch 10: Another Go at the Ruins

I've just finished my tours of the abbey and the tavern. Barely standing, broken down, but not a threat to the populace or my rule. They were cleared for use in the town.

The tavern owner kept side-eyeing me throughout my inspections. Which I can respect, 'He knows his place and how to survive my family. By trying to get my measure, he can get leverage over me. All of my family are consumed by their vice. He will find mine are rather unusual.'

As soon as I gave my approval, one of the whores tried his luck with me. Brave of him when everyone else flees from my sight. He was quite a skilled talker too, but it's not something I'm interested in for myself. My men will certainly enjoy their services.

'The heart of my town's economy. I would only hurt the business. Best to visit sparingly.'

Brother Francis stammered and flinched throughout his inspection. Jumping at shadows and whimpering at any sound I made. Tedious and amusing at the same time, I drew out my inspection. Going through the reports and investigating the church. Quite a fixer, but again serviceable. The brother nearly fainted when I complimented his speeches prepared for the weekly communion.

'I wonder how he'll react when I attend?'

I hum as the townsfolk keep their distance. 'Sheep.'

Reynauld is working without rest. Clearing the collapsed lots of buildings so dearly neglected that they ceased to be. I have some ideas on how to repurpose them.

'Some new districts to help the life flow in the land? Maybe he can salvage what materials he can for reconstruction? It would lessen the overall cost. I'll have to talk to the Caretaker as he returns with this week's selection of recruits.'

Reynauld is hexed mute, cursed with increased gravity, along with other factors to stimulate pain and discomfort. Weakened and easy prey, so it pleases me to see Dismas hiding in the alley close by. Not a day ago, the women turned on Reynauld for them being punished as well. Dismas stood up for him. Since then, he's watched over Reynauld to ensure the locals wouldn't take advantage of him or worse. 'Not that I would allow that, but they don't know that fact.'

The gates to the town swing open, allowing the Caretaker and his cargo in. A red-haired woman bursts out of the wagon, desperate to get out. As she leaps her foot is caught on the edge, tripping her and slamming her head on a convenient rock. I deadpan at the splattered brain matter from the Hellion and the all-too-innocent look on the Caretaker's face. Taking a deep breath, I greet the other two recruits. Who are much more careful getting out.

Another Plague Doctor and a…Shieldbreaker? I share a look of "We will talk later." at the Caretaker who nods and slinks behind the adventurers to claim his prize. The corpse disappears into a rip in space, as I distract the two women from their companion's fate.

"Adventurers, welcome to the Hamlet." The Caretaker returns the wagon to the barracks, leaving only a bloodstained rock in his wake. "Whatever the reason, you are here now. I am giving you a choice: you may be claimed by me and ascend to a Hero. Or I cut you loose to your fates. You have until sunrise to decide."

I tailor my speech to suit the stereotype of their classes. An adventurer awakens to their class as much as the class chooses them. They would not be what they are without personifying their idealized attributes. In layman's terms, their way of thinking follows a theme with their classes. Stereotypes are rarely wrong if frequently misunderstood.

'I desperately need the men.'

"Know this. I do not offer riches or glory. Though, they may come in time. What I offer is death. I offer adventures and mysteries. Phenomena that will drive you mad in rapture and horror. I offer a place and purpose against monsters and horrors that lurk in my lands. Should you live, you will find wonders beyond human comprehension. But in the end, you will die. Beaten, broken, and unrecognizable from who you are now. And even worse, I'll expect you to serve me with honor and courage in the face of those self-same horrors.

The barracks are that way and at sunrise, I'll come for you. Think long and hard. There will be no going back whichever you choose."

I turn away from them, as the Caretaker finds his place in my shadow once more.

Settling back in my study chair, I ponder on the Caretaker's report, 'Blast this man. Only his Power alone is preventing this from blowing up in our faces, and of course, he is pleased with himself.

This Dark-Damned selfish fool. There is a reason I did not push on the Adventurer's Guild. The proud old establishment that has a stranglehold on the lifeblood of adventurers. An establishment so powerful the Courts, the University, the Church, and many countries hold it as a peer if not above them in Power.

And this motherfucker. This motherfucker! He just waltzes in, as he pleases, and threatens the Head of the Adventurer Guild. Worse, he kills him and installs his successor in his place. And it worked! Damn him, but it worked.

The only reason we are not facing retaliation at the moment is the very cause of this scandal. And their own attempts to keep this weakness hushed. But there is no doubt that this action is being recorded in their history and any further appeals to aid will be rebuffed and mocked. If not outright attacked for this slight.

The Caretaker secured himself as the only defense against them and only so long as he is here will they place nice. Damage control was needed yesterday. Does he expect to be rewarded for this stunt?! Damn that selfish smarmy fool.'

"It's important to uphold your contracts." The Caretaker helpfully points out.

'A defense to consider but hardly one to soothe tempers. This will cost more than the initial bribe I was putting together. Gold and gems will no longer cut it.'

A seal breaks once more on the land, as my soul rumbles in the revelation. The land heard my quandary and has answered. I look at the Caretaker for an explanation.

"Well, well, well, now that is interesting." He breaks out into uncontrollable laughter as he scratches at his skull. "Yes, yes, Finally! It's available once more. The Endless Harvest shall be reaped again! Oh, the possibilities! The discoveries! The Power!"

I use the Lord's Ring to grip his soul and pull. Bringing him back to sanity for a brief moment. "Explain."

"The Farmstead has been unsealed, and its bounty can be reaped. Look, look!" He fades into the Darkness and comes back clutching and cradling luminous crystals of an indescribable color. Looking all the while as a young boy would at his treasured shell or special rock.

The crystals shift and shine in colors that inspire madness and Power. Beyond, yet trapped in the confines of time. A refracted false light, illusionary darkness, a falseness to reality. Corrupting and infesting the physical with its mere presence.

'Cosmic Shards. Classified by the University as Minerals from the Stars. Not gems or jewels, minerals by their own statements. The crucial ingredient in the elusive panacea. An element that powers the most exclusive and strange instruments within the greatest of establishments. And I control one of the sole areas where it can be gathered. Yes. That will do nicely.'

"It will have great protections and many foes that guard the Shards. Caretaker, next you bring back adventurers, I recommend that they are a healthy lot. It would be more productive if we send fresh heroes to the Harvest."

"Of course, my Lady." He giggles and steeps his fingers in plots, plans, and dreams.

"And Caretaker?" my voice is laced with poisoned honey.

"Do not pull a similar stunt like with the Adventurer's Guild without my express permission." My voice could chill ice and the Lord's Ring assists in the black lighting coursing through the Caretaker. He grimaces in pain and clenched teeth but seems well experienced in such simple torments.

"This is a Command. In 100 years, you will erase your act of threatening the Adventures Guild and the murder of its head on the Adamos' behalf. So that they will not remember nor hold such actions against my Family. Am I Clear?"

"Yes, My Lady."

I dismiss my lighting, and he takes a deep breath. "Now, bring me that contract you spoke of with the Adventurer's Guild and all current contracts with the other guilds. It seems a review is in order."

He leaves without a word. When I looked up from my current work, the contracts were stacked neatly at the edge of my desk.

I started cooking earlier than usual. Three separate meals do take considerable time. For the Caretaker, I prepared roasted garlic lamb and black pudding. Infused with dark and greater supportive magic, to better appeal to his palate. He comes into the kitchen surprised at the finished and plated meal as I start to prepare something for myself.

"Take it, and enjoy. While I am still angry at the position you've placed my family in. I am grateful that you thought to help and for your continued dedicated efforts to support me." With that show of gratitude and weakness, I dismiss him.

He silently takes his food and disappears. After finishing my meal, I throw in the side cuts and leftovers and use them to make a stew. The only ingredients I waste are flour to thicken it and salt to bring out the flavor. As it cooks I infuse the mixture with light-aligned restoration magic.

'Reynauld is strongly Light aligned. Dark Magic would only weaken him further or have diminished results. To each their own.'

When it finishes, I place a portion into a bowl and place the rest under stasis. The first time I used the greater magic of time to stop a meal from getting cold, I believe the Caretaker had a Heart Attack at the sacrilege. I chuckle at the memory while placing the bowl beside some bread and using my power to deliver it. Then I set off to retrieve my hero from his punishment.

I've taken to alternating his punishments from pain and madness resistance training. Today I unstrap Reynauld from where he was forced under an Amulet of Terrors to relive his worst memories and fears. As usual, he is barely coherent from the infliction and instinctively relaxes at my touch. He has come to associate me with safety and comfort.

I return him to his room with an orb of my Light, red and serene to watch over him as he slept. Automatically he takes the bowl of food beside the table to eat as I turn to leave. My Power nourishes, strengthens, and grants respite. He is trained to associate strength and reverence with even the sense and touch of my presence.

'I do love when a plan comes along together. Perhaps at the end of his punishment, I'll allow him to catch me cooking for him? Would that be too much?'

"I, Heir Lenore Amaris Branwen Adamos, do accept your oath of fealty. From now to the end of time you are mine. In this, I swear to you a home in my lands and a place by my side. With Faith, Honor, and Virtue you shall serve me. Now rise as my Hero Biagnard of the Scarlet Glenn. Now rise as my Hero Tranchant of the Scarlet Glenn."

"Follow me, the rest of your party awaits, and I already have a quest lined up for you." Biagnard my Shieldbreaker and Tranchant my new Plague Doctor flank me as I bring them back to the barracks. Using my Power, I call Dismas from his watch.

With only Reynauld missing, I address my group of heroes. "I have a new scouting quest for the ruins. Biagnard, Dismas, Tranchant, Tallebois, you're headed on that quest. Dismas as you have the most experience, you'll be taking lead."

Marisco fluffs up in anger at her double taking her place.

I look at her with all seriousness, "Marisco. I will be requiring your services with inspecting the Sanitarium. The previous Head needed to be replaced…he has. Though that means there are things they will be desperate to hide things from me to the determinant of not only yourself but your brothers-in-arms A second pair of eyes, and ones so experienced, will be sorely needed."

Marisco settles down and practically preens at being placed on an important task.

Dismas catches my eye and moves to speak before I telepathically cut him off. 'I promise to look after Reynauld. I can't promise that he'll be unharmed, but he will be alive and mostly whole when you return.'

Dismas nods in understanding and stands down.

Tallebois takes the moment to speak her grievance, "Are we going to get paid this time?"

I shot back, still sore about what happened, "Are you going to continue to facilitate theft against me?"

She goes meek and quiet at drawing attention to the fact I let them off so easily, "No."

"Pack and prepare yourselves. You leave at dawn."

"Oh, Dark Damned," I swear out loud. Not even two battles and Biagard dies… 'Fuck. Light, Please allow the next batch to do better.'

I watch in resignment as Dismas chooses to press on. Avoiding the fights and scrounging for whatever they could before coming back. Better something than a complete failure. To this end, I help nudge some medicinal herbs to an alchemy table and holy water to an urn. They almost used a shovel. Dismas was strongly encouraged by a press of my Power against our bond to not do that.

I gave up the fact that I can watch them on their quests. Frankly, I need afflicted heroes far less than to keep that secret. Eventually, he pressed too far, and when they had to run from battle.

Broken, bleeding, and afflicted, I used my Power to call them back to the Hamlet. The 3 wrapped in shadows and consumed. Where the Darkness spat them out at my feet. Before only one was afflicted. Now? The rest of the survivors are teetering on the brink. The Darkness is not kind even to those born to it.

As they lay at my feet, I command. "Dismas, report."

This time he didn't dare to leave anything out, with the saving grace of multiple trinkets scavenged from the doomed run. After being healed, they returned to the barracks. The Caretaker not was not making things better by laughing at their misfortune.

"Get me more men."

The Caretaker left to do just that.

There was the saving grace of the adventurer's guild and blacksmith's grand opening after their inspections. Sadly the Sanitaturm did not pass. With Marisco stumbling on hidden rooms loaded with screaming patients and aborted horrors. Men and women, children and infants, twisted half-formed and dripping infectious blight.

The only reason the Head Healer remained so, was the fact she was as terrified as Marisco at the sight. It was in her favor that the Hamlet supported her innocence and willingness to comply with my rules. So she lived, and Marisco witnessed as I smote the victims with Light and Fire. For the rest of the week, we hunted down hidden rooms and corridors. Until my town sighed in relief at that particular infection dealt with.

To make matters worse, mosquitoes keep trying to pass the wards…They've failed so far. The Red Court is knocking at our door, and there is nothing we can do to fight back. Damn.

'I need to check on my town's wards. Double up on them if the bugs persist. Can I afford that?'

Reynauld has finished his punishment and now leads a party of my new sworn, Coursueme a bounty hunter, and Castillion a highwayman. And much to my regret, I sent Tranchant out as well.

I had already paid for Marisco to enjoy the bar after our misfortunate adventure, and the tavern owner will not indulge in refunds. I will not push him in this. With what I could spare, Reynauld is furnished with armor and lessons from the Guild. He will steal from me again with his unfortunate trait, but we need to cull the enemies in the ruins. With their recent success, they have begun getting bolder, and I can scarcely afford a war on one front. Let alone two.

With little coin after paying for provisions, I send Tallebois to mediate on her abusive nature and a little extra to ensure that Dismas is taken care of by the fine folk of the Night. I pray to the Light that Reynauld is successful in this quest.

…We are off to a good start, and the Light heard my prayer. Tranchant was borderline afflicted and got caught in a trap at the first step within the Ruins. But she overcame her baser instincts and defied the wounds meant to end her. She enlighted to the vigorous virtue, and I couldn't be prouder. I have hope for this run. 'I need to get some food to enjoy the show.'

'And goddamn Reynauld…' This time Reynuald made sure his party didn't see before stuffing his pockets. I guess he didn't get with Dismas to realize that someone didn't squeal on him, but rather I can scry their quest directly. That kleptomaniac trait needs to go.

They've returned with resounding success. Little loot but clear victories across the board…Reynauld proves himself once again as a cable leader. Sadly he stole twice from me, and thus his party is sent off without pay once more. Reynauld gulps and gets on his knees before me with a slight pant.

'Oh, Light is he enjoying getting tortured?!' His delighted screams echo filling the manor again. 'Whatever the means, I need to get that Santitatruim up yesterday!'

Omake: The Perks of the First Hero

The stars are high as I perform my duties. Pressing a hand against one of the sigils that mark the gated walls. It lights up as it feeds off my power, and I can feel out the inner workings. The wards need to be checked over and get used to the feel of my magic. They're so used to feeding off the Caretaker's that they're sluggish in responding to me.

'That won't do. I'm the Hamlet's master and Heir to the Land. They need- must answer my command and call. In other matters this might be acceptable, but not when it comes to our defenses. Not when it's the difference between life and death. Devastating losses or minimal clean-up. They need to respond at a moment's notice.'

I step back and jot down a few observations. 'Should I do a test run? No. They're practically empty and running on the bare minimum.'

I grit my teeth as I force down panic, the urge to overdo it. Again. I can't afford that. I take a deep breath, 'Pace yourself. This can't get done in a single night. Haste makes waste. Little at a time can build great things.'

I breathe out.

A soul pings at my senses. I tilt my head and stretch my power, 'Who?' The search rings back, and it's one of my heroes. It's cowering and hiding by the gates. The scent(?) of fear, guilt, and self-directed hate makes my hunger flare up. I can feel my dark elemental peek out of its home in interest. With no end of practice, I reject the temptation. The elemental withdraws sullenly.

Though I allow some amusement, 'Of course, they can't escape. Anyone I own can't leave my lands without my permission.'

My heart squeezes… 'I am the master here. Maybe I can indulge? Kindness is a weakness and a bait…but they are mine already. Can I afford to care?'

I let my shadows wrap around the hero. Shrouding them in a stealth condition. It won't break until they move, but they'll be able to collect themselves without worrying about someone taking advantage of them. It's a form of support to ignore the weakness of others. I don't draw attention to it but finish feeding the ward.

'I should be moving on to the next one.' I can feel where my shadows pool in a spot outside my notice, 'My shadows will hold.' The masterpiece glows a sinister red. 'I can't put this off.' I remove myself from the sigil to go to the next. Jotting down notes and observations as I pass the hidden section.

I feel it before I hear him. The shroud is broken, "Lady!"

I tilt my head in annoyance. 'I wasted magic to give you peace, and you don't bother to appreciate it.'

'Worse, still,' I recognize my Highwayman. My First Hero. Here. 'Why?'

"Shouldn't you be enjoying the brothel at this point? I know I paid for one of their best for you. and the night should be covered."

'That was very expensive. Do you believe me so wealthy that I can spend frivolously? If you don't want to fuck they offer massages and company as an alternative. At least get my money's worth.'

I take in his dissolved state, connect the emotions I felt earlier, and annoyance blends into confusion, 'Most people would love to indulge, especially on someone else's coin. He was enthusiastic when he was informed. Even after his failure earlier. I've done nothing to scare him off.'

I ignore what happened on the journey here. 'He survived. That's enough. I've been gracious.'

His demeanor changes into something accusatory, 'Oh, here we go. Let's blame me for every sin of the family. Come on. Everyone does. Easy to pick on the unknown runt of Mother's litter. Let's see what misfortune you'll attribute to me this time.'

Dismas's voice is rough, "What is your Blessing?"

That surprises me to the point it breaks my poker face. I shift to a defensive stance. Indignation swells at the demand. 'HOW DARE-! How dare he demand to know my core attributes? To know my strengths, weaknesses, and how to control me. He has no right! I might have shown favoritism, but how dare he assume! The First Hero should already-!'

'Oh, abyssal hells and high heavens.' I look at him again. Disheveled, emotions in turmoil, and rightly accusing me of his current state. 'Not my family's sins. Mine.'

'I should have known. I should have known. How could I forget? Did I break him? Did I maim him? Maybe I can pass this off as a punishment instead of a-' His body language recoils as he reads me as well as I can read him. He realized I didn't mean to penalize the blessings I PASSED TO HIM.

I cut off shame and guilt, and too late. He noticed! 'I can't linger on that. I need to know how my blessings manifested in him.'

I call a ward around us. Limited mute, interference, interception, protection, shell, and decoy are set up in half a second. A testament to how often I use this particular spell sequence. Intertangled circles would be difficult to read at a glance. If my enemies could? We were fucked regardless.

'We should be safe to talk now. There's only one person that might be able to bypass them. Small mercies he showed no interest in leaving his study tonight.'

I move forward with damage control, "I have three."

"Dark Damn!"

Is it proper to cuss in front of your master? No. Am I going to allow it? This situation would. That being said, I still follow our bond and read his soul for insight.

'The First Hero gets a lesser version of the blessings of their Lord. How could I forget that? It follows their master's theme. Granted, with a personal manifestation that adapts to their lives, trials, and personalities. Penalties included.'

I wince. 'Yes, his state is because of my negligence. This is my fault. I was careless.'

"Sincerity," His eyes shine with realization, and I withhold a sigh. No time for that. "Which in its minor form should allow you to better know when someone is genuine with you, and provide a bit of insight to their emotions. Your cost is that you can no longer lie to yourself."

'How he can read me so easily. Not that it's hard in the first place. At least he isn't forced to be sincere in all his actions. Just…nudged.'

"Fortune. Luck will favor you at the cost of misfortune to another person. The worse their luck the greater your own. It's very difficult to control and I don't think it's possible for you."

'I only did a brief scan, and fortune isn't going to be my biggest concern. It's thematic so it shouldn't be too off from the truth. I'll do a deeper read later.'

His emotions are muddled but strong. I don't want to break him. I still need him functional not reforged.

"Finally, Love..."

'My biggest concern here. Its violation is an instant win condition against me.' I probe deeper and flesh out the form it's taken in him.

"It…"

I'm confused. It's still muddy to my senses. I would assume interference if it wasn't impossible.

'How? Am I reading this right? Why would? …Okay do things in order. Establish a baseline.'

"First are you harmed? Is your will weakened? Your mind reduced or warped?..."

'I'm rambling.' His breathing is even, still unsteady but seems to have centered himself. I can be a bit rougher without triggering a mind break. I raise my hand and use the Lord's Ring to regulate my magic. It glows red, and I dive down the threshold of the physical realm.

I finally finesse the details of the Minor Blessing and his current state of health. He also has acquired the 'Deviant Tastes' quirk. Which good to know, but it's not something I need to worry about too much.

"Right, Okay." I pace, and my voice is shaking from the adrenaline. 'Thank the gods. I did not fuck up that bad.'

"So Love acts as a passive charm. It's not lust, so it does not provide pleasure."

He snorts.

I give him a look, "It's the Great Blessing of Love…the madness that comes with caring for another more than yourself, given without any thought of personal benefit. For me..it acts as a passive charm that grows and nurtures that True Love in other people, and once ensnared, it empowers them on my behalf…"

The sound of jester bells rings- I shut that down right now. Just as quickly it's replaced.

A fresh-fashed crusader with red scars and crushed wildflowers. His head clangs from the guillotine.

An old tired dog large enough to eat me in a gulp. It ends with a pyre before its time.

Guar wearing the mark of his oath. His 7 years of lenience are almost up. It will collect its due.

'Enough.'

A flash of golden hair clutching a cursed rabbit. Dead eyes as I grant-

'I Said Enough!'

There is no use in dwelling on that nor the sequence that follows. 'I got vengeance for-'

My left-hand burns with the fire elemental reminding me of its presence. I can feel its anger, loss, love, and gratefulness as it projects its emotions. 'A lot. Too much. Just barely enough. And still, revenge was left unfinished. Strength and time are lacking, but I need to focus on what's in front of me. '

Dismas is watching my every move, "For you, when you're acting in service to Love you will grow stronger even if it's not to me directly. You'll also be able to find someone who loves you easier and faster."

I fight back the memories and wonder, 'How will this one be tortured for my benefit?'

'I need to be honest. If he knows his tools and their prices, he can work around them. Who knows, maybe fortune will favor him?'

"T-the c-cost…for you thankfully it's rather cheap comparatively. You simply don't gain pleasure from having sex with someone you don't love. They don't need to love you back, but you need to love them…also you take a penalty to wisdom while engaged with someone you don't love."

'Which explains your current state. Wisdom governs reason, intuition, and along with Will Power, mental fortitude. I'm just lucky he doesn't actively take psychic damage when the penalty activates. Just more receptive to it.'

He asks, "What's yours?"

I take a step back, fear floods my system, and just for a second, 'I should kill him.'

'No one needs to know,'

'Except.'

…

'What if it happens?'

'The First Hero has the authority to take command when their Lord is unavailable. Who will carry on with the cleansing of my land if I become catatonic? …If I'm left vulnerable… He already guarded my body when I was indisposed before without being ordered to. He didn't abandon me on the old road. There is precedent to trust him, at least when it's not in his active favor to oppose me.'

I decide to be brave and etch on his soul, "The knowledge of my Blessings may only be given as it is needed to save me and only to my other heroes. You are not allowed to communicate this knowledge in any way to anyone else. The knowledge of the penalty of the Blessing of Love…you speak of to no one. You may reference that it's dire and only to my heroes, but that is it. When giving this info make sure you can't be overheard. That is my command to you Dismas of the Red Glenn."

He grimaces, but I already decided on this path. I pour more magic into the wards, the Caretaker should be alerted by now. If he gets curious, he could bypass them without my knowledge. But it's a red herring. I speak some silly nonsense about conquering the lands around us. It should through off the Caretaker's interest and project my intended message into Dismas's mind.

'I'm well aware that I can't invite the Necromancer Lord for tea and biscuits to have him swear eternal servitude. I would have to drag him in chains at death's door, destroy his seat of power, and offer him more than he built. Even then he would subvert my every order and weaken me until his authority could challenge mine. Better to finish him with a Final Death or Soul Eater. …I need to expand my knowledge of necromancy.'

I communicate to Dismas, "Only Love is Enough. That is the penalty my Blessing of Love applies to me. I can only have sex with someone who loves me, and I love them in return. I can't fall in love unless it's with someone who is romantically interested in me, and again they must be in love with me as well…"

I start complaining aloud about those cursed mosquitoes buzzing outside the gates. Maybe some lemon grass and mint oils would scare them off? 'Of course not. They're drones of a Lord. Whatever discomfort that might bring will be overcome by the fear of their queen.'

Dismas's face contorts into annoyed boredom. 'He must be thinking that it isn't that bad. Shame I can't read his mind. At least his surprise will be entertaining. Something to lighten this conversation.'

"Violation of this verdict will permanently break my will and reduce my wisdom to near nothing. I would become obsolete and less than a puppet if anyone were to have their way with me or successfully trick their way into my bed."

He murmurs out, "...and you must have children…"

'My quandary quaintly summed up.'

"Last of my name after all."

"Fuck."

"Fuck. And that's a good part of the problem."

I release the barrier, and he's furiously blinking. My vision adjusts instantly to the night, but he has to use more mundane tricks. I can't help the jape, "Now you know why I was so keen on training to become a Vestal when I was on the run from my family."

His head snaps to me, and I don't laugh. Barely. Not even when he stumbles. No, not even then.

"I'm still checking and topping off the wards here," I toss my notebook and quill at him. Even with his vision impaired he deftly catches them. 'I'm not getting my money back. Might as well use him as a pack mule and sounding board. Speaking out loud to someone doesn't make the sheep as nervous as when I talk to myself.'

"The quill is infused with a cartridge of ink, a useful little invention. The Caretaker does have his moments I suppose."

'His horde is one of his better points.' I muse on how to deal with the dark sage that can break the bounds of my authority with a flex. My eyes linger on the curiosity he gifted me. I know the ploy of giving a crumb while flaunting the cake out of reach. 'I can't discount his knowledge and experience. Yet, I have a strong suspicion that his price is beyond my ability.'

I'm more amused than anything at the attempt. 'I might be short on time, but the library is mine by birthright. He can't deny me its full use and access. It will suffice for my purposes.'

The sound of sobbing breaks my train of thought. My First Hero is clutching his head, curled up on the floor, and crying heart-wrenching sobs. Strangely those tears come from a place of love. Which discounts the Caretaker. The only person I've seen Dismas hate more than me is him.

'He's broken.'

I look down at the weak man at my feet.

'I should leave him.'

I don't.

'Maybe just a defense?'

A small three-ring ward (protection, hide, and decoy) lights up under us. It should last 3 hours once I leave. My legs won't move.

I'm frustrated with myself. 'I know better than to care.'

I kneel beside the wretch, and my hand wavers as I reach for him. 'He's mine. It's okay to care for what's mine.'

I grab him. He doesn't resist. 'He really should.' and pull him close. 'Close enough to kill me.'

I tuck his head under my neck, 'He would have to move himself to slice it. If my dark elemental doesn't get to him first.'

His side covering my heart, 'I can heal everything else if he tries anything.'

I pet his head to distract myself, 'Will this one shatter under my touch as well?'

His tears are going, and I'm grateful his scarf covers his nose. I don't want to be covered in snot. His arms raise and are shaking. A rare display of vulnerability. I swallow and nod. He hugs me, and I embrace him back. The tears are the grief of a love lost. Even mourning is worship for the concept. Of course, I would support it.

'Weak now.' The tears are drying up. He's almost through this session of spiritual healing. I draw out my power and authority. Love comes out and enhances my healing magic. Just enough to supplement a natural healing process, not replace or supplant it. His heart will need to learn how to do this without my interference.

'He'll grow stronger.'

I look up and see a silhouette darker than the blacked-out woods. 'I figured he would check up on me.' A Cheshire grin stands in stark contrast as I feel his disgust and hunger rise at the scene in front of him.

My face becomes blank and haughty in response. My power slithers as warning and preparation alike. Weighing down the air and my shadows wrap around us. I hide the care and kindness I used to comfort my hero and bring out my greed and want. One of the few things a man like him could understand, let alone respect.

I look down at my servant with all the disdain that's appropriate of a Lord. With an unspoken question, "Who are you to judge me? I will do as I please."

'I'm so sick of others breaking my toys.'

A sparkle glints above that infuriating grin. Whatever he was searching for, he's satisfied for now. The woods pulse a new wound as he slips through the shadows. I don't let out a breath as he leaves. No, I strengthen my grip on my hero. Channeling Love where I'm keeping him while focusing Fortune and Sincerity on the lookout.

His healing is complete within a few hours, and he falls asleep from exhaustion. Which is good. I don't let him leave until the sun breaks the horizon. Dark mages are weaker in direct sunlight, and the Caretaker is nocturnal besides.

I grit my teeth at what feels like a child's tantrum, 'Not like I'm strong enough to stop him if he ever stops pretending to be civil.'

A/N: Bahahahaha Lenore did a little too good a job with conditioning Reynauld. All I could think when he stole again is, "Why is this guy who is so good at everything else, keep stealing from his Lord? He knows he's going to get punished…he knows he's going to get punished." I then imagine a scene with him panting at the thought and inspiration!

Lenore acquired Darkness from Konosuba but, you know, useful. She is freaked out by this turn of events and here I am laughing my ass off at her. This is great and deserved.

In other news, the Caretaker blackmailed and threatened one of the most powerful institutions in the world to uphold a very old contract and acquire more Blood for the Estate. So the Adamos Estate has unlocked adventurers from the Guild…I wonder where he got the idea to do such a thing? Actions have consequences, huh Lenore?

Which leads to needing the Farmstead. With such rare crystals being classified as minerals by the university…well they can't in Good Faith demand that they are sold to them now can they? But to avoid issues, any cosmic crystals will not be sold. Only traded and given as gifts. Wouldn't do to get too greedy and fall into her trap.

Yeah, it sucked that we had the first death already, but there was no time to get attached so…tough brakes. And I mentioned Umbrella-inspired Head Healer, so pest control is a great reason to have the openings delayed. Plus it put into perspective at least one hero and thus the barrack grapevine, that their Lord is powerful.

The religious folk will enjoy that…if Reynauld can stay out of trouble enough to return to the Barracks. That's a wrap.

Edit: I added a bonus scene for the end of this chapter. My rereaders will recognize it, from an arc I write in later chapters starring Dismas's POV. I wanted to expand on her version of events while rewarding those who want the extra content. I love ya guys. Thank you for your patience.

Ciao, for now, good folk.