Eostia: Harem Quest

by EostianScribe

The Gods have given mortals the power of The Gamer as a pass time. A hobby. A means to compete and relax. One goddess, however, sees it as a means of salvation; starting with one world. As such, she rolls the dice... (Harem, Citrus and Eventual Dark Content Warning)

19. Act I-Ch XIV: It's Ur Birthday Prim!

[ - Author's Note - ]

Well, a new chapter is here. And Act One of Eostia: Harem Quest will be coming to a close soon. I am planning this chapter, followed by an epilogue before starting Act Two of the story.

I also feel a need to say this; Chapters 11 and 13 were edited; I forgot about the Dark Horse of Eostia Bonus. I went back and altered the Halbert fight and Carmen sex scene to add the bonuses to the Defeated/Fucked Lists.

Anyway, this is now the longest chapter of the story so far, far larger then I had expected it to be. Cramming everything in ballooned the word count to just under 28k words, soooo... If you like long chapters this ones for you.

We meet the last of the three Shield Princesses, go off to Prim's party and start setting up for what's to come... And another new poll will be at the bottom of the chapter; a fun one this time, not a serious one.

Let's go!

[ - Act I - Chapter XIV: It's Ur Birthday Prim! - ]

Prim whimpered a bit as she sat inside of a room in the infirmary. Aside from some cramps from being bound up, a bruise from Halbert's sucker punch and the rather... embarrassing bruises on her ass she had been unharmed. The same could not be said of the two figures on the bed under the covers.

Cress had taken his jacket off and laid it over Carmen to help with her modesty when he arrived, but it wasn't her nudity that worried her. While James had healed the cuts on her it had taken proper healers to deal with her jaw; Halbert had broken it with two fractures within an inch of each other. On top of that she had a concussion as well from ether the punch or her face slamming into the ground or both. Prim shivered at the thought of how close Carmen had come to dying; the former street urchin had not only flourished under her employ but became one of her closest friends; the closest whenever Alicia wasn't around.

She was more then a bodyguard, or some girl plucked off the street. She was a friend, a confidant and an aide. Carmen helped her in her duties as a Shield Princess and picked her up when she failed. She protected her when she faltered and held her when she cried. She was like a second sister to her, really, along with Alicia.

She glanced to the other bed. Laying there was James Noxdecus. His blood soaked clothing was stripped off by a male healer and taken off to be cleaned and repaired. He was able to heal his own wounds but at the end of the fight was pale from the blood loss. Raphael, thankfully, had a spell to induce blood growth and brought him back to his usual color. If anything, watching him fight Halbert and take so many cuts and wounds was the more horrific experience of her life. Seeing him covered in his own blood while fighting Halbert who was ignoring his own egregious wound was the stuff of nightmares.

If Carmen was a second sister to her then James was her first real love, her first true crush. For her it was a case of love at first sight; a dashing hero saving her from losing her virtue to a gang of monsters. That bright, burning love was dimmed a bit by her mother warning her that one moment did not make the foundation of a lasting romance. That love brightened by befriending him, however, and his encouragement for her to learn the magical arts and have her potential noticed. For him she was her hero; not just in that he had saved her (Twice now), but because he helped her become more then she otherwise would be.

And to make matters worse Halbert had indeed killed people. Two guards at his door, Alexander Hanner and Kyle Smith, were the first to die. The bodies of Jeff Farmer and Gregory Rams were found later, hidden in another room. Serra Camson was killed and found behind a desk in another room. And two of the maids ran afoul of him, with Carol Carter ending up with a throwing dagger to her back. Six people, dead. Over her. Over her safety. It was sickening to see the lengths he went to to abduct her.

"Stop fussing." She flinched seeing the elder doctor walk in as he moved to Carmen, a hand over him and using a spell to scan her. Raphael took a moment to look back at her. "They'll be asleep until tomorrow at least. You'll do neither one any good by sitting there on your royal rump and feeling sorry for yourself."

"Well I should feel sorry for myself!" She said, stomping a foot as she rose to her feet, pouting to the man. "I... I should have known what he would do! I should have defended myself and stopped him! I should have-"

"Should have, could have, would have." Raphael let off, sighing as he moved to James to scan him next. "Stop whining about what would have been the best thing you could have done is. What's done is done. Learn from it. Grow from it." He told her, finishing his scan, sighing. "If you think you could have done better then do better next time. We learn from our mistakes. Hell... Hell, there are more then a few lives I could have saved if I knew a little more at the time, was a little faster..."

"Raphael..." Prim let off, her shoulders slumping as he gave her a sad smile.

"People died. People got hurt. None of it was your fault." The doctor said as he walked to her, hand moving to her shoulder. "In my opinion Halbert's actions came about from a series of failures and mistakes. Some yours, some your father's but the majority of it was his own. And in the end Halbert is responsible for his own actions, not you. No blood is on your hands; it's all his. Remember that."

"I... Thank you." She said stepping in to hug the man who patted her back.

"Good girl. Now, get lost." He told her with a chuckle. "They'll be fine, and tomorrow they'll be getting ready for your happy birthday; it's the day after, right?"

Prim smiled and nodded as she sighed before turning to the door and moving out of it to the hall, her head held a little higher now. He was right; the day had been a disaster... but it was one she'd learn from.

"Hey, there you are!" A familiar voice called out to her as she turned her head to face the speaker. "Heard you had quite the day, Kiddo. You okay?"

"Maia!" Prim let off cheerfully at the grinning woman who's red eyes shone warmly at her. Maia stood at five foot eight and boasted a pair of F-Cup sized breasts that got her a lot of male attention. Her hair was short, slightly messy and bright red with a black band around her forehead, and a choker around her neck with a small, metal tag hanging off the front of it. Her body was very trim and quite toned and was shown off well in her red leotard that boasted gold colored fur around it's collar. It was open with a V-neck that dipped down so far that a half inch more would have exposed her sex. Over it was a set of purple-blue chaps, tucked into black boots with a copper wing pattern set into the top of them. A set of fingerless gloves were on each hand, and a thick, black belt was around her hips, dipping down slightly on her left side. At each hip was a pair of short swords with brass guards and black grips, held in matching black sheathes on the belt.

The woman reached back with a wide smile as she rubbed the back of her head. "Hey. Sorry, we arrived late to the situation. By the time we got to the keep things had been resolved, it seems."

"It's fine, thank you. It's good to see you." The Mercenary Shield Princess was well liked by Prim; she was easy going and a lot more noble then her profession would suggest; it was why Celestine offered her a position in the Seven Shield Princesses. Anytime they worked together she was more then willing to share with Prim tips and tricks from her time as an adventurer and mercenary. Prim blinked for a moment. "Wait, we?"

"Ah, yeah. Some ogres got an idea that kidnapping girls in a small village in Hakla was a good idea." Maia said with a shrug. "I disagreed. And Lulu and Kaguya were traveling with each other and were near town, so they pitched in when I went hunting. I was worried I'd be late to the party!" She let off, laughing softly. "Glad I won't be. But yeah, Celestine and Claudia arrived just after us. We're about to have a quick meeting so I came to get you. Something was found in Halbert's room, and Celestine thinks it's worth looking into."

Prim's eyes widened; was it what triggered the butler to kidnap her? She nodded and without another word Maia led her away. Spell orbs lit the hall in the evening air as the red head led her up a floor and down a hall of the keep until they came to a door. Knocking twice on the door Maia opened it and walked inside, Prim following her in.

The room was a moderate sized sitting room. A desk was set near one side of the room, a round table with four chairs kept around it in front of it. One chair had been moved aside to bring a second round table next to it, a total of six chairs around the two tables. Celestine sat at the desk, Caludia standing next to her proudly on one side. At one side of the room was a fireplace where Alicia knelt down, stoking on a fire to roar further with a poker. Maia moved to one of the seats at the table and slumped into a seat next to another woman.

Said woman when standing stood at five foot three and boasted a rack of Double Ds. Seated she sipped a cup of tea as her short, straight black hair hung down to chin length with cropped bangs over her eyes and pink ribbons around her bangs. Red-brown eyes looked to Prim as she smiled. She wore a cropped, red robe top that was tied under her breasts with long sleeves with a thin, semi transparent pink robe over it; open on the front but held in place with two red cords, the fabric hanging in front and behind her on both sides, a red pattern near the bottom of each strip. Red sandals were over each foot over white, thigh high stockings. The only thing over her sex was a single piece of underwear, a white thing with twisted cloth holding up the strip that went between her legs and famous, large ass. A small sigil was over the front of her panties. On her head was a gold and silver headdress that extended to the sides with cords hanging off the edge and a sun emblem in the center.

"It is good to see you well, Prim." She said to her, smiling. "I hear your friends are recovering as well?"

"Yes, thank you Kaguya." Prim said in response, smiling to her.

"That butler was a moron to think he'd get away with this!" Another voice added with a huff as Prim turned back to the desk. Sitting on the edge was a tiny figure, a halfling woman. "The moronist of morons! Morons would call him a moron!" The small woman boasted loudly.

Boasting short, curled blonde hair and pink eyes the grinning woman stood at four foot eight; shorter then even the diminutive Prim! On her feet was a set of short, brown boots over white stockings with a red pattern at the top. On her her head was a large, green hat with a yellow brim with a red pattern; although the green fabric covered most of it. Two cords hung off each side with a white ball of puff hanging at the end of each. A lighter green cloak with darker green mini cloak around her shoulders with a yellow band with red trim at it's bottom, a red cord tied around the neck of the it with two puff balls hanging off cords. The last bit of clothing was a simple C-String; a brown strip with lighter brown tup. How it stayed on she'd never know.

That was... Also all she wore; the cloak the only thing hiding her flat chest. And not always that well.

"Settle down Lulu." Claudia told the smallest of their number as the halfling pouted and crossed her arms over her flat chest.

The last one in the room was Klaus, pouring over something on the table; whatever it was someone had it sandwiched between two panes of glass. He was bent over with a four inch long, metal scope of some sort held over one eye. Looking over she saw what it was he was looking at; a burnt, black piece of paper with a gray, charred line along it's bottom edge. "What is that?"

"Two maids decided to taken it upon themselves to investigate Halbert's room after his betrayal." Alicia said as she walked back to the tables, sighing. "They turned it into Rose, ah, The Grand Duchess. We think he burned it on his way out." Prim frowned and moved over to stand next to the lone man in the room to read the letter, or rather what was left of it.

---

I greet you, Butler Halbert. I am a leader of an organization that desires, shall we say, changes within Eostia.

As of now I will not elaborate on all of these changes, nor how I intend to implement them What you need to know is the power to do so is withi

my grasp. I am moving my pieces into position to ensure each and every Fortress of the Seven Shields can be breached. Do not panic for we see

not as a possible foe, but rather a possible ally.

Indeed, we have agents in position and moving to position in and around each of the great fortresses. I expect we can make our

frame of some twelve to sixteen months. We will have the numbers, supplies and means to march and create the first ever

Imagine; the ability to lay claim to women as you pleas

To end the rule of the soft and foolish 'Goddess Reborn'

man of power.

And by that hand a Black Storm will w

well that you'll agree with us th

have agents in Ur already o

Perh

---

"I think... I think he said there was a 'Black Storm' coming when James killed him." She said, biting her lip for a moment. "But..."

"But?" Klaus said as he looked to her, setting his scope down for a moment. She frowned deeper as she thought about it for a moment more.

"I think... I think in his own... Twisted way he was trying to protect me from... This..." She sighed softly. "In fact, I think his last words were a warning..."

"Wait, he wasn't in league with the guys who wrote this?" Maia let off, blinking as Claudia crossed her arms.

"Hmmm... Given what we can read, it sounds like it was a recruitment letter. And one he apparently rejected." The leader of the Dawn Templars suggested as she looked to the High Queen.

"Indeed, that is a possibility." She said calmly as she thought. "Klaus, can you tell us anything of the letter itself? Perhaps it's means of manufacture will provide a clue to lead us to the sender's hand? Something about it's ink, maybe?" After all, the coloration of black paper barring red ink was unusual to say the least.

"Well, for starters this is not ink." He said to the confusion of the women in the room. "It's paint. To be precise, a somewhat watered down paint used as ink. The red paint is a oil based and I believe it is applied first. The black paint is water based and the letter, I think, is then dyed in it after the red paint dries. The oil in the red paint repels the black, water based paint, keeping the lettering clear. It's not the... Quickest way to write a letter, but it would protect it a bit from the elements."

"Interesting..." Kaguya said, humming softly. "If the paint would strengthen the fibers of the paper then one could leave it in the weather to be found or reduce damage if it needed to be hidden in something."

"Or, if the courier was expected to traverse adverse conditions and was unable to carry some other sort of protection for the letter." Claudia mused. "It could also be used as a form of... identification. Not many could or would replicate a letter in such a manner."

"I took a moment to look at Halbert's room where the letter was found." Alicia said, sighing. "Melted, red wax was in a tray; where another letter was burned; likely this one too."

"Hmm. It's possible that once it was no longer directly exposed to the flame the paint helped prevent the spread; or at least the water based one." Klaus mused.

"Err, hold on..." Maia said, lifting her hand upwards for all to see. "So, this letter was meant to recruit Halbert, right?"

"Right." Claudia said with a nod.

"And when he kidnapped Prim he rejected the offer, right?"

"Right."

"So... Why would he set fire to the letter on his way out?" Maia finally asked as all eyes turned to her. "I mean if I got a letter that said 'hey, come betray Eostia with me' and I decided to peace the fuck out I wouldn't burn it on my way out. I'd leave it for someone to find."

A silence filled the room for a long moment as thoughtful frowns filled the room. Lulu hummed in annoyance as she beat her heel lightly to the desk. Kaguya sipped her tea in thought as she looked to Klaus who stroked his chin.

It was Celestine who spoke next. "Based upon the tale Alicia told us, and what Prim just said we can say Halbert held some virtues, twisted and corrupted as they were." She said looking to the Princesses of Feoh then Ur. "You two know him better then us. Would he destroy the letter before he enacted his plan?"

"No." Prim said firmly, shaking her head. "Despite their differences Halbert was grateful to my father; if there was such a threat coming to Eostia he would want him to know about it."

"I agree." Alicia said as she nodded once. "Halbert would leave the letter for us to find, so we could ready ourselves. Which means..."

"An agent of this 'Black Storm' got to his room when the alarm was raised." Claudia said, frowning. "Someone either able to sneak around... Or trusted enough to be above suspicion..."

"...Either is possible..." Prim said, shutting her eyes as she slumped in on herself. "Halbert complained about how lax the guards had been acting. I always thought it was... Part of his issues, but..."

"A sense of security can make one relax too much." Claudia said with a nod. "My own Fortress Guard sometimes needs a reminder to be vigilant."

"Explains a lot..." Maia said, sighing as she crossed her arms.

"By what is left of the letter there is a year before this 'Storm' rolls in." Kaguya began, to speak as she set her cup down. "We must use this time wisely. Halbert knew something, likely from the writing of the undamaged letter, that pointed him in the right direction, one we cannot now follow. He may have had a guess as to this 'Man of Power's' identity and felt his chances of success were good. Good enough to fear for Prim's safety."

"You can bet the Knights of Iris and Feoh Guard will be kicked into shape." Alicia said as she pounded the table with her fist. "It's been two hundred years since any of the Fortresses have suffered a direct siege. We've gotten complacent."

"I concur." Celestine said with a nod. "Although we have been at war on and off for seven hundred years the reality is this; our ability to keep Garan at bay for all this time has given some of our people a false sense of security and safety. We must end the wars with Garan, and soon. We must bring Olga to the negotiating table and bring about a Treaty. A two-front war will not favor us. However there is one problem that needs be addressed. This... 'Man of Power'... Who is he?"

"Who cares!?" Lulu exclaimed having been silent for awhile. "He's a dummy! The dummiest of dummies! Let him come, I'll show him what a dummy he is!"

"I appreciate the confidence..." Klaus began, holding up a hand. "But recall the letter's contents; this man has agents. Despite the damage to the letter we know this man has agents in place in Ur; he likely has others in each Fortress. In fact, we must assume that he has at least one agent in place in each Fortress, if not more."

A silence followed the statement for a long moment, the crackling of burning wood the only sound in the room. Finally Celestine spoke up once more. "We will have our usual meeting in two weeks time after the party in Ken. We will speak more of this then." She said firmly. "In the time until then we should investigate as best able. We should start finding these disloyal agents moving to oppose us. We must find information as to who now moves against us. We must find a way to end the war with Garan. And over all of that, we must ready our forces for a war against a foe we do not yet know. Once we meet we can share what information we have; as much or as little as it may be."

"Easier said then done..." Maia let off, sighing as she stood up. "If we're done, I need some grub."

"Maia, there's more important things to do then-"

"It is fine, Alicia." Celestine said softly, but firmly. "We have a party the evening after tomorrow to ready for, so there is no harm in dismissing the meeting now. Rest up all of you, you in particular, Prim." She said, looking to the pinkette. "You have gone through quite the ordeal today, and with your birthday soon you will need the reprieve more then the rest of us."

"Thank you, Celestine." Prim said as she curtsied as Maia left the room first.

"Hey, think they got some roast beef?" Maia called out as Alicia sighed giving chase to the mercenary, Prim following them both out. Kaguya set her cup down and turned to bow to the high queen. She would then collect the tea set she had brought with her and carry it away, following Lulu out the door. Rather then leave, Claudia moved to walk around the desk to stand before Celestine, giving her husband a look. He understood the unspoken request, collecting the black letter and leaving the room, shutting the door behind him.

"What worries you, my friend?" Celestine said as Claudia looked down to her calmly.

"You had a vision as we returned from the boarder, didn't you?" She asked simply. Celestine nodded once, looking back calmly. "What was it?"

"No. Not yet." Celestine said, shaking her head softly. "I will bring it up at the next meeting. This 'Black Storm' has already caused a lot of worry at a time when we are to be celebrating." She said, looking up to her. "As important as it is to protect Eostia and all her peoples her defenders must partake in her pleasures as well; lest we burn ourselves out. We do our land no good by fighting without morale or rest."

"True, true." Claudia said as she moved her hands to her hips, pausing for a moment. "That said, I'm not sure becoming involved with Prince Larion was the best move we could have made. Is supporting him really wise?"

"Perhaps not; but allowing Peter or Hilda to assume rule of Dominious would do no favors to anyone. And Salara is as tyrannical a ruler as Hilda the First had been." Celestine said sighing as she slumped in her seat. "With the funds and supplies we agreed to send Larion should be able to secure the rule of the Empire. He is the most progressive of their leaders and would lead the people with less of an iron fist."

"That he agreed to relinquish all claims on Feoh's territories was the cherry on the top, huh?" Claudia said, crossing her arms as Celestine nodded.

"Larion could, things going well, act as a good ally." Celestine replied as she sighed. "And should we ever find a means to march on the Black Citadel then with their help a two pronged offensive from north and south at the same time would be possible." Her shoulders slumped once more. "If only there was a way to set Larion on his throne and have him refute the claims Dominious has placed on Feoh without all the war and death."

"It's a sad factor of life. Peace, war, revolution; each have their time on the stage." Claudia said, closing her eyes sadly for a moment. When she opened them she looked back to her High Queen. "To have to move the pieces of the Alliance... To save some and sacrifice others on this scale... To have to barter and manipulate foreign leaders and underling lords alike... I do not envy your position my Queen. I am... I am not sure I could compromise myself so much."

"I've had centuries of practice..." Celestine calmly, but sadly, joked. "I... I do what I can to remain honest, and I do hate these backroom deals... But if a deal like this will spare our people suffering then I can sleep at night. If it helps make Dominious into a good ally and place where the people can live in peace, then I will sleep sounder." She said before standing. "Come my friend. I could use a meal as well, and you should be sure that Klaus doesn't study on an empty stomach. Again."

"Heh." Claudia said with a warm smile. "Indeed. Let's go."

[-]

I groaned as I finally woke up, blinking as I found myself looking up at a ceiling I can't say I knew of before. I sat up, stretching with a long, drawn out yawn wondering what happened before the memories came back.

Prim's kidnapping.

The maze chase.

Fighting and killing Halbert.

And before I passed out what he said, or tried to say...

He talked about a Black Storm...

[Olivia, are you there?]

[Indeed. It's been sometime since you've called for me.]

[Oh. Um, sorry about that.]

[None needed. I am here when I am required. If I am not required then there is no need to speak with me. I have no emotions like humans do; I cannot be offended.]

[Good to know...] I sighed as I looked to the side. I could see Carmen in the next bed over as I frowned sadly. She was alright... But for a moment she was nearly dead.

We nearly both were.

[What's the Black Storm?]

[Searching. Found. The information is, currently, unavailable to you. Progression required to unlock.]

[Is it related to the threat I'm supposed to save the world from?]

[I apologize. My programming does not allow me to confirm or deny this.]

[Huh? Why?] I wondered, crossing my arms. [Why is it, if I'm here to save the world that you can't tell me what I'm supposed to save it from?]

[… I am unable to fully explain. Will you except a partial explanation?]

[Sure.]

[Very well. There are parties interested in saving this and related worlds. You are the first of these chosen Avatars to be set into a world, and your experiences are being used to adjust the RPG-X3 System to give those who follow you a greater advantage.]

[However these parties are subject to rules, regulations and restrictions. As such there are somethings they cannot do for you. There are some possible exploits and loopholes they are forced to close. There are others they are allowed to keep open, or have gone unnoticed.]

[Among these restrictions are explaining the upcoming threat, exposing titles that could provide a spoiler and so on. In the end to save this world you must struggle with only the aid provided.]

[They know failure is an option and they can enact their plans to save these worlds even if you do, but they would highly prefer that you win.]

[So would I... Hey, can you send these... Parties a message for me?]

[Indeed.]

[Tell them that I'm grateful for the second chance...] I said as I looked back to Carmen, the teasing and upfront bodyguard. I thought of others I had met and 'knew' from this world.

Riri; my loyal and honest maid.

Miria, my upbeat and joyful adopted sister.

Aeris, my haughty study partner with a golden heart she tries to hide.

Tiffany, a new cheerful friend who's a bit... too free at times.

Makoto, stalwart and honorable friend and bodyguard.

Sora, a wise and supportive maid and guide.

Gregory, a boisterous yet gentle giant.

Merlin and Saxon, the best second set of parents someone could ask for in their next life.

Prim, a childhood friend who's magic is only eclipsed by her heart.

Her parents, Samuel and Rose, wise and able leaders am I glad to call friends.

Alicia, uptight and headstrong but noble and proud.

And others from Kara and Albert to Agana and the Bathhouse Girls. People doing their best to live good, honest lives.

[And tell them I'll do what I can to save Eostia.]

[Indeed. Your message will be passed along.]

I nodded and stood up, moving to Carmen as I leaned over her, brushing her hair out of her eyes. I saw her forehead crease a bit as her eyes started to open. I could see them start to clear up as I chuckled. "And here I was worried I'd have to kiss you to wake you, oh sleeping beauty." I teased her softly. She blinked a few times before wincing and gasping, moving to touch the right side of her jaw, rubbing it before her eyes widened as she shot up to a sitting position. She (And I, I just noticed) were wearing plain, white cotton tunics. Then again our clothing didn't come out of the fight in one piece, really.

"Oh gods, Prim! Halbert was.. Ahhh, my jaw... What happened to Prim!?" She let off in a panic, rubbing her jaw once more as she stood up. I set a hand on her shoulder shaking my head.

"Calm down, calm down..." I told her as I saw how much fear was in her eyes. "It's okay... I got him. Halbert's dead... I passed out afterwards, but he's dead."

"Halbert's dead? Then that means Prim is... She is..." Anything she was about to say was cut off as the door opened as someone came in; wearing a pink dress. Carmen's eyes opened in a mix of relief and happiness as she saw who it was. "Prim!"

"Wha!?" The princess let off as Carmen nearly tackled her off her feet with a tight hug around her ribs. Trembling Carmen held her tightly before Prim moved to hug her back. "Carmen, you're awake!"

"I'm sorry! I failed you! I failed you!" Carmen let off and even with her face in Prim's chest and unable to see it I could tell she was crying. "I couldn't save you in the end... Forgive me..."

"You didn't fail me, Carmen... I failed you... I failed everyone... " Prim said, eyes tearing up as well. "I'm sorry... I won't fail again, I won't..."

"It's Halbert's fault, not yours Prim." I said as I walked closer, Prim gasping and smiling as she looked up to me as I chuckled. "How are you, Prim?"

"James! You're awake too!" She let off, extending one arm to hug me, pulling myself and Carmen to her, smiling. "Gods, I was so worried when you collapsed James. That you two came so close to dying... I was scared; I'd rather die then see that again."

"No dying on us." I said, hugging her back as I spoke firmly. "You owe me your life twice over now; I forbid you from dying."

"Sadly I all but owe my life to Prim..." Carmen added, standing up straight as she wiped her eyes with a hand. "So I can only beg you not to die on me..."

"Guys..." Prim said as she smiled and blushed to us.

"All right, all right..." A new voice let off, the doctor standing being the princess as he looked over to us. "I need to check you two out. With luck I can have you out of here in time for lunch, so let's get it over with."

I can't argue with that...

I had a... lot to ponder and consider, but for now it could wait.

[-]

Once out of the infirmary I quickly went back to my room where I was ambushed by Makoto with a large hug that was a bit... Unexpected from how reserved she usually was. I thanked her for the concern and asked her to tell me what I missed as I moved to change into a set of spare clothing.

After I fell from blood loss Tiffany and Makoto arrived right away to give aid with the others hot on their heels. Guards and healers followed them and took care of myself and Carmen who took the worse of it with a broken jaw and a concussion. The doctor thought I'd have lingering effects still, but nope.

Avatar of the Gamer healed me after enough rest and it did a damned good job.

Not long after we arrived the other members of the Seven Shield Princesses arrived, so my goal of making contact with all of them was in reach now. Nice.

That the assassin was dead spread across the Fortress. There was some grumbling over the escape Halbert had made, some appreciation for the due process that was taken but overall there was a feeling that there was a severe failure in the guards of Fortress Ur. Captain Miles was quite unhappy, or so Makoto told me, and was already starting to drill his men and women much harder then before. By the sounds of it he was taking the failure to heart and would not let it repeat.

Victor had awoken the previous evening and was discharged to his quarters. He supposedly hasn't left his quarters so far and still felt a bit sick but was recovering well, and I heard he'd be feeling well enough for the party. For better or worse.

I expected for the worse.

Speaking of people I don't like, Arnold von Blitzhaus was speaking to several of the Ur nobility and with arrivals from other parts of Eostia. Makoto had heard it from from a couple of maids gossiping but they didn't know the topic or topics on conversation. I didn't know what he was plotting, but I was sure I'd dislike it if I found out. Sadly I wasn't in a position to spy on him, and even if I was without good cause I couldn't justify it to anyone. Damn.

Oh, and... Mom called last night. While I was out cold. Then she called Miria to find out why I wasn't answering her. Makoto didn't need to say anything else.

I shuddered at what awaited me at home.

I did call her after speaking with Makoto and... It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. No, really. It wasn't.

It was worse.

Lunch was a simple enough affair; I met back with Prim and Carmen and more importantly Miria and Tiffany almost knocked me off my feet with a hug. Cress, thankfully, settled for a hand shake. It was nice to be with everyone after that disaster of a day and just... Be alive and happy.

I'd worked so hard to level up and prepare for something that was coming, something I barley knew anything about and while I lost my old life I gained a new one, a life with friends, family and more. Something worth protecting. I knew once I got home I'd have to find a way to step it up. The fight with Halbert was nearly the end of me but it was a harsh lesson.

I wasn't ready. Whatever this threat to Eostia was supposed to be, I wasn't ready for it. Not even close. If I couldn't handle Halbert without passing out I wasn't ready for the Evil Overlord or whatever it was that was coming.

I needed to be stronger... A lot stronger.

And while I wasn't fully sure how I'd get there I was determined to get there. I'd also need to find a way to boost my income. And work on the, ugghhh, Voxlux system was something I had to do as well; the communications system was going to be a huge help in fighting whatever was coming; I already included some fail safes into them. After all, without knowing what was coming I had to get ready and be prepared that this threat would try and use my crap.

On that note I needed to learn a larger variety of spells. Some sort of detect poison spell was most definitely in order. A larger variety of combat spells and types of elements. A more potent healing spell (Which in hindsight I had kept putting off, and that was dumb as fuck). More support spells. And grind those spells up to higher, more potent levels.

More combat arts; I needed more melee techniques to round out my repertoire. And I also had to rank them up as well to make them more potent as well.

I had to get my class upgrade; the sooner the better. That would require a lot more stats and grinding my combat arts up. I had to triple most of my current my primary stats and double my secondaries. Oh, and get more stats on top of that.

And above all else just figure out what this threat even was so I can start dealing with it.

I... had my work cut out for me.

Clearly.

Between lunch and dinner I went to the Fortress Library and got started on some of that. Luckily for me, one of the things on my to-do list was there; Detect Toxin which covered both poisons and venom. I was casting it over and over in the library and planned to do it as often as I could before we got home.

I also stumbled over a useful combat art in the library as well; Blessed Weapon which boosted a weapon's damage by half; with that extra damage as holy. That would be so useful for me. And I could cast it on the weapon of others; so using it on Miria's bow would let her fight slimes. That was a good start. I couldn't grind it until I was in a training room, but I could see how useful it was.

I couldn't find a new healing spell, but I did find a spell called Ease Toxin; a spell that would cure poisons and venom inside someone. Learned, and like Detect Toxin I'm going to cast it over and over as much as I could although it had a higher mana cost. It also wasn't a perfect cure, but still a useful one.

Dinner was a better affair then the day when we arrived. We all sat down for a meal, I used Detect Toxin (Just in case), Samuel gave another speech to the assorted guests (I was seated besides Prim once more, of course) and we ate. And no, Victor didn't pull a stunt this time. He looked a bit pale, but otherwise fine and aside from chatting up a few people seemed to behave himself.

Victor, not acting like a dick? Satan must be snowboarding.

I saw Celestine and Claudia there as well, as well as Klaus. I was sure I saw the other Shields as well, but with all the people going about I couldn't see well enough.

Miria had decided to visit me that night for some nightly fun. It was good and nice, doubly so that Makoto was finally in her own quarters. She was a great girl but I was glad to have my privacy once more.

Breakfast the next day was large and delicious. I spent most of the day training with Carmen; mostly sparring with foils. I had realized that I hadn't really sparred all that much; I only really sparred with Riri who was level six compared to my own level ten. I had gained some xp from it, but it was minute. As in, like, ten xp a spar. It was mostly for her benefit but I didn't mind it. And there was the match with Tiffany but that was one part duel, one part boss battle. In fact, most of my fights had been against monsters and in real, actual fights.

Carmen wasn't just closer in level but above me; I had forgotten she was level twelve to my level ten. But it was the result of the spar that was of interest.

At the end of the first match Carmen got me good; despite giving a good parry she got me right on the shoulder. Point noted by me.

One hundred xp gained, plus twenty percent for the Dark Horse bonus.

That was a surprise to me, but it was a good one. I didn't have time to dwell on it; match two followed. This time I leaned back and got a hit on her. Point noted by her.

Two hundred xp gained, plus Dark Horse bonus.

Hmmm...

Now that was interesting...

Riri gave me almost no xp. Carmen gave me a decent chunk on a loss, a better one on a win. I had just found a good, easy-ish way to grind xp in a faster way then just doing missions all the time; by sparring with people at or above my level. I felt like an idiot once I realized what the hell I had been missing! Sparring with someone better was how you got better at fencing, games, anything competitive! I had it right there in front of my face and I didn't even notice!

I wanted to bang my face into a wall...

In the end we had about twenty five matches over the course of a few hours; the score ending sixteen to eleven in her favor.

That was thirty eight hundred xp in a few hours, plus seven hundred and sixty total as a from the twenty percent Dark Horse bonus. I had made almost as much xp as some of my major fights in a few hours! With less chances of dying!

There were of course questions I had about this. Was there an upper limit to how much xp I could get in one match? Was there a way to raise that ceiling if there was? Could others benefit from this? I got Riri from level two to six just by sparring with her, would it work with the others? Could I help grind us all up to higher levels? Was there a point of diminishing returns?

How fast could I grind? There were limits; my time, the time of others, other responsibilities...

It sent my mind racing...

In the end we parted ways as I went to wash up and change into my outfit for the night.

It was, after all, Prim's birthday party today and I wouldn't miss it for the world; not after all I went through.

[-]

The birthday party took place up on the fourth floor of the Keep; a very large ballroom had been built there with a high ceiling. The House Fiorire Banner was hung up high everywhere and at the back of the room hung a long banner that said 'Merry Birthday Prim' in large, bold lettering. A series of dinner tables were set up in a line down both side walls and a single one near the back wall for the royal family and two in the back corners for esteemed guests. On either side of the royal dinner table was two other long tables with a series of gifts laid onto it. The floor seemed to be divided into an inner and outer area; a large circular pattern was set into the floor were a fair number of couples were dancing and around it people were mingling; speaking and gossiping.

Fine clothing was worn by all as fine drinks and food were passed out. It was one of those picturesque type of scenes meant to impress people with high society. I passed my gift off to a butler when asked and he moved to take it to the gift tables. Miria came with me as well, of course, and carried our parent's gift, plus her own and passed it to the same butler to take. "Well, we're here." She said as a band in the corner of the room played music for the dancing couples.

"Indeed we are." I said as I replied to her. Agana Bellspring, the elven tailor back in Argon, had been the designer for our clothing tonight and I'd say she did a great job. I wore a nice, three piece suit that was well fitted and comfortable; a dark blue jacket with a yellow liner on the inside and two columns of four, silver buttons down the front over a white shirt. A pair of white slacks with a gold colored line going down the outside of both legs, trimmed with dark blue. Dark blue shoes with matching laces for the feet over white socks. Around my neck was a short, gold colored wide tie with the Noxdecus Emblem stitched into it's bottom half. A set of white gloves finished the look.

Miria was in a sleek, black dress without straps with a heart shaped cut out over the breast... and the ass. Yeah. A small hole was added over it for her tail, and there was a series of crisscrossing straps around the back to keep it in place. She also had on a set of black, thigh high stockings and two inch heeled shoes, also black. A silver chain hung around her neck and from it hung the a gold locket with the Noxdecus Emblem painted onto it.

"Ah, you're both here." I heard as I turned to face Channer as he waved over to me, smiling softly. "I heard what happened; I'm glad you're all okay."

"Thanks Chan. It was rough, but we all came out of it okay." I replied. While his outfit was similar to mine it was almost the opposite in terms of colors; cherry red jacket with gold buttons and matching shoes, black pants with a dark purple edge at the ankles with gold trim, a black shirt under the jacket and black gloves. He wore a gold bolo tie around his neck. He also had the Blitzhaus family emblem set over his heart; almost covering the left side of his chest.

The Blitzhaus banner started with a wide shield with slight bevels at the top of the sides with angled corners and a wide, flat top. The bottom of it, meanwhile, curved down to a point. Set to the top of the shield was the image of a steel knight's helm, the sort with the vertical slits in the visor. Two, green leaves stuck out on each side from behind the helm's neck and about three quarter's up the shield; the bottom pair folding over and down towards the shield, and the top folding up and in towards the helm's head. The top half also curled in on the first half, a black back added to them with gold trim.

The shield itself had a gold edge with a black outline around the inside and outside of it. About three quarters up was a horizontal, black chain with gold inside of each of the links which split the face of the shield into two parts; the upper half was red with four lightning bolts across it, side by side with a slightly larger gap between the second and third bolts. The bottom half was a dark purple and boasted three items on it; a rook chess piece in the center, black with thick gold lines giving it's shape. To the left of the rook was a fancy sword, point faced down with a black grip and gold pommel and guard; both of which had a red jewel set to them. On the right hand... Well... Um...

It was a cat-o-nine tails. Or flog, whatever it's called. The straps and handle were both black with a line of gold where the two met and a gold pommel with a hole set into it.

Did anyone need reminding they ruled over a slave county?

The last part of the banner was a gold plaque with a black outline that was under the very tip of the shield, black, Gothic font (I think it was Gothic anyway) on it that said 'House Blitzhaus' on it. It was a much busier banner then the Noxdecus one, to be frank.

"Heh, apparently you'll be a little... Unpopular with some of the other young bachelor around here." He said with a grin as I raised an eyebrow. "He, he, he... A lot of people are wondering how they can get Prim's eyes on them when you're playing the hero for her. There's a pissing contest over who got her the better present to make them all feel better."

"Ahhhh, high society..." Miria let off, chuckling. "A bunch of adult, powerful people taking every chance they can to bicker, posture and in general act like children." She said, causing myself and Channer to chuckle to her. "I'm glad I'm not the one who's going to rule Mungale."

"Keep it up and I'll figure out a way to make it happen, Baroness." I teased back as she huffed and shrugged at me. Channer laughed for a moment before excusing himself and walking off. Miria looked back to me after he left, stuck her tongue out and left. While there was more then a few racist (Speciest?) nobility around there were also some she was friends with and she was planning to speak with them. I watched her as she left.

Yup, I could tell from the ass cutout; no panties were worn.

"Well, well... The hero appears at last." I heard as someone else approached me, smiling up to me. A pig beast man walked up to me; he had a bit of a gut (Common with his species I'm told), but was otherwise not overly fat. Despite having a pig like head he wore a smile on his face that was quite warm and reached his green eyes. On each of his tusks was a gold ring with four small rubies set to each one. He wore a rich looking black shirt under an open white jacket, white slacks and black shoes. A pair of wedding rings sat on his left ring finger and a set of jeweled rings on his right, as well as another wedding band on the ring finger there. "It's been awhile, M'Lord. You look well, given your little adventure. It's quite the topic of conversation tonight."

"I could say the same to you." I said, turning to him and shaking his hand. "It's been awhile, Edmund." I knew Edmund from my days studying in Elddale; he was something of a mentor to me during those days and looked out for me as best as he could.

(-)

Name: Edmund Taxson
Title: Honest Merchant of Elddale
Class: Merchant/Juggler
Level: 16
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 77
Status: Healthy, Pleased

Known Traits
[Here Comes The Money] Investments you make seem to pay back more the usual; +5% money back on all profitable investments
[Acrofatic] Despite your body type, you are more agile then most would expect. +5% to Agi and Dex

[Luck is Golden] You seems to be more lucky as you carry more cash. +2 Lck for every 10 Gold you carry with a +20 limit

Born to a middle class family he was forced to watch since a young age what the slaves were subjected to in the County of Elddale. Disgusted with it he vowed to do what he could to end the practice. Thanks to some luck he's been able to build a small paper mill just in time for the Halflings to create a device called a 'Printing Press' and became a supplier to a book maker who bought one. With his riches he's bought several slaves and freed them, although at the condition of making them Indentured Servants for at least ten years, bringing them into positions in his businesses. Even though several of their contracts have ended those former slaves continue to work for him, thankful for his efforts.

(-)

An indentured servant was someone who worked as a servant for someone for a set amount of time. They were like slaves with more rights, save that instead of a lifetime spent in chains it was up to ten years in servitude (The upper limit permitted in Eostia) and a cash payout upon the contract ending. As an abolitionist Edmund hated slavery and used his money to do what he could, even if it was limited.

There was a reason he didn't just free the slaves after buying them, well, there were two reasons. One; he was still spending money on them and couldn't just throw it all away, so why not get some good, honest workers out of it? Edmund wasn't a cruel boss and working in his various businesses was a step up from what most would do with the slaves. Working in a paper mill with breaks, food and set hours was better then being worked to death in the mines or on a farm while suffering a whip. And on top of that a decade forced into service was better then a lifetime.

Two; Elddale's law prevented slaves from just being freed. No, seriously. If you bought a slave (Or in my case rescued (They'd call stealing) one) and then uncollared them and said 'go on your way' they were, by Elddale law, still a slave and could be recaptured and resold. If you took them out of Elddale then they no longer could apply that law to the slave, but it could still apply to you. Yes, you could be jailed for freeing a slave that you bought with your own money. Edmund once joked to me that you could do anything with a slave except free them.

There was a loophole, however; Indentured Servitude. You could convert a slave to an indentured servant which wasn't considered uncollaring them but also made them no longer a slave. Mind, Elddale law dictates that only contracts of seven years or longer could be created inside the county, so it's not like you could just make a seven day contract, for better or worse.

In the end despite a lot of those contracts ending and the former slaves becoming free they often stuck with Edmund out of loyalty. Hell, his wives were former slaves who were grateful to him for what he'd done for them and wanted to make him happy. Well, wife and concubines officially, three wives unofficially. They were very nice women too; Betty made a mean pie.

"Too long, too long. I've spent some time down in South Point. I've been investing in a new printing business down there, as well as securing a good contract for a ship to export them." He waved with his hand and I followed him as he kept speaking. "I left Nura there to over see things. I swear, she's almost as good at business as I am. Heh, easier on the eyes at least." He joked, smiling a bit, waving to a passing maid. He got us two glasses of white wine and passed one to me. I thanked him as he kept speaking as I took a sip. "Anyway, better you hear it from me then someone else. Have you heard what the good Count Blitzhaus has been up to?" He asked me. Mind, he said the word 'good' with the same amount of sarcasm as one would call Harvey Weinstein a true and gallant gentleman towards women.

"Can't say as I have. I have a feeling he was going to try and make a show of something a few days ago." I began, sipping the wine (Yes, I used Detect Toxin first) softly. "At least until Victor started acting like an ass and found the poison Halbert decided to put in my wine."

"Better him then you." Edmund snorted as he took a much deeper drink of his wine. "You might be right about that, however. I think Arnold is seeking a promotion from the High Queen; at least he seems to be drumming up support behind him for his territories 'return to it's proper place and rank'."

"Oh. Well that's a thing." I replied with a long sigh as I had another sip, taking a moment to consider things.

In Eostia there were four tiers of nobility. The lowest rank was Baron/Baroness, then Count/Countess and then Duke/Duchess. Then there was also the little used rank of Marquess/Marquisess which was an... odd one. In theory it was a rank between Count and Duke, but there were none in Eostia. As I recalled a Marquess or Marquisess was a ruler of a foreign territory owned by a kingdom. As Eostia had no foreign territories beyond her borders the rank is currently unused, but still recognized. The last known Marquess was Thomas Ardell some four hundred years ago, but how that happened I don't recall.

Anyway, one could be promoted or demoted based on their territory. If a territory met certain economic, military and developmental standards then the noble could be promoted upwards in rank. Of course if it dipped down past a certain level a demotion was also quite possible. By my understanding Elddale had been a Duchy some five and a half hundred or so years ago until one of the Garan assaults pushed hard into the territory. They were ruined by the time Garan were pushed out in the end. They were demoted twenty years later to a County and it hasn't changed since.

As much as I disliked the Blitzhaus clan I was forced to admit they did do a lot to rebuild the place once they took over the County as it's leading nobility; over the last hundred years in particular. I've heard that Elddale regained it's former power and had a series of forts along their northern territory. Well, the same could be said of our entire northern border, but Elddale had a denser line then most of the others. Plus their standing military was over what was needed to be a duchy.

"I can only imagine what sort of an ego boost Arnold would get, being the one to restore Elddale to a Duchy." I said, sipping my drink once more as I frowned in thought. "Sadly, he just might get it."

"Bah. Please." Edmund snorted as he let anger tinge his voice. "You must be joking. We all know Celestine holds no favor for the slave states, Arnold's less then most. She would not even consid-"

"Neutrality."

"I beg your pardon?" He let off at my one word interruption as I shrugged.

"As the High Queen of all of Eostia she's required to be a neutral party and an arbiter." I began to explain. "If Elddale is at that point she might be reluctant to consider it because of her personal reasons, but as the High Queen she would have to consider it. And if she seems to be refusing to do so because of her personal issues with them then Blitzhaus and his allies can rally more neutral lords to back him up; after all if Celestine can decide who is and isn't promoted based on her own ideals as apposed to the Aegis Accords, well, it applies to them too, right?"

"... Damn. I didn't think of that..." Edmund said, cupping his chin as his thumb rubbed a tusk in thought. "Now that you mention it, he's been speaking with lords left and right; and not all of them allies or friends; most certainly not ones who would normally back his ambitions. He could be preparing for his ascension."

"Having her job would suck." I let off, sighing deeply. "He'll bring it up at the next Council of Lords, I'm sure." It was something I'd need to tell Dad about later.

[-]

I talked with Edmund for a while before he excused himself to go and talk shop with a few other people. I finally spotted Prim who was entertaining guests; several nobles from around Eostia so I decided to leave her be for now, I knew I would see her later anyway, I was sure. As a passing maid took my now empty glass I took a moment to look out to the dance floor and watched a few couples dance. Some were looking stiff, as if they were doing because they had to. Thankfully most seemed to be enjoying themselves.

"Hey, you clean up well." I heard as I turned to see Alicia standing next to me. I smiled back.

"Back at you. I didn't know you could pretty up." I said to her to tease her. She blushed, crossing her arms as she looked indignant.

"W-well of course I can, I am a girl too, you know?" She let off, pouting at me.

"Anyone with eyes can tell." I said with a chuckle. Alicia's long hair had been braided and pulled into a bun behind her head. Some light make up was on her face, notably some pale blue eye shadow and pink lipstick. Naturally the real eye catching thing here was her long sleeved dress. It was colored a rich, royal blue color with a scale pattern stitched into it with gold colored thread. The top section had a heavy V neck down to past her belly button and wrapped around the shoulders and hips with loincloth segments falling down to her ankles. Two inch, heeled sandals colored gold wrapped around her calves and tied into bows under her knee caps. Finally, under the point of the V neck was the Arcturus Family Emblem.

Said emblem started with a shield; flat top, diagonal top corners, curved down to a point. It boasted a thick, gold edge with a white line set inside of it, closer to the inside of the edge while the face of the shield was a rich blue. Over the shield was a golden crown with a white line inside of the edge with three red diamonds set to it. Behind the shield was two crossed broadswords with gold colored guards and pommels and a blue grip.

On the front of the shield was the upper half of a knight's, steel plate armor, holding a sword in both hands with the point down and a red plume on the helm. On either side of it was a white spear with a gold outline. Above the shoulders of the knight and aligned with the diagonal corners were a set of three stars to each side trimmed with purple. Finally, at the bottom of the shield's face, covering the bottom of the knight's sword was a white, capital 'A' in large, fancy font outlined in gold.

"Joking aside, you look good Alicia." I said, smiling to her as her pout vanished, a soft smiling coming to her as well. The funny thing; her outfit covered more of her then her armor but she looked better in it. I did recall that for the whole 'Prim and Proper' quest I had one of the things I had to do was dance with Prim and two other girls. Well, the two other girls was a bonus objective but why not get started on it? "Care to dance while we talk?" I asked, smiling to her and extending her a hand.

"Ahh..." A soft blush hit her cheeks as she smiled back, taking my hand. "Y-yes, but I'm not much of a dancer."

"Well, we can practice then." She chuckled as we walked to the dance floor as I pulled her to me, one hand to a shoulder, one to a hip as she mirrored me. We danced slowly, minding those around us as we minded our steps. Alicia seemed a bit awkward, but otherwise was dancing fine; maybe better then me even. "Glad we had some time to decompress after the shit storm Halbert caused." I began as she nodded to me.

"Yeah... I just wish I was... Well, something..." She sighed, head lowering softly. "I don't feel smart enough, or fast enough or strong enough... I wasn't smart enough to get what we needed to put Halbert away until it was too late. I wasn't fast enough to reach Prim when she needed me most... Wasn't strong enough to lead us in the end..."

"Don't beat yourself up, Alicia." I said, rubbing her hip softly as a means to punctuate my words. "You remember the whole Wesland thing I told you about? During that lunch?" She nodded to me as we kept dancing. "I didn't want him to die, let alone kill him myself... But I failed to help him. I reached out, took his collar off, but he refused to take what help I offered. I was sulking too until the captain of our House gave me my own little pep talk. You did everything you could; no one could ask more of you."

"...Thanks..." She said, smiling back up at me. She gave a soft giggle as we swayed and danced for sometime. I didn't think of anything else to say, but it seemed like she was content to just dance. At least until a cough sounded next to us.

Our heads turned to see Prim, who finally dislodged herself from her admirers, was standing next to us and smiling up to us both, hands folded in her lap. "Beg your pardon Alicia, but can I cut in?"

"By all means, have fun Prim!" She said, letting go of me to curtsy, although my gaze didn't leave Prim as I released Alicia in turn. It was hard not too given what she had on.

It was a pale pink color that covered from the neck to upper thigh; a pink version of the classic 'little black dress', but what was different was it had a cutout panel, shaped like an upside down 'Y' went down and showed off the cleavage just past the belly button before moving down to the side of the thighs. A series of crisscrossing cords going back and forth held the dress together. It also had a similar pattern for a cut out going down the back; her groin and ass crack only covered by a panel; and clearly wearing no panties.

How could I not stare at this? She wore a gold necklace that hung a gold pendant in the shape of and painted with the House Fiorire Emblem. A set of white stockings that went up to the middle of her thighs that had pink hearts circling the top and slipped into a set of three inch, red heeled shoes. She extended her hand to me and I took it, leaning over and kissing the knuckle before pulling her to me. Like with Alicia I started to dance with her

"It's nice we finally have a chance to relax." She said, smiling up to me. It was a tad awkward to dance with her, given how short she was. "I think this situation has taught me how far I've to go..."

"Well, you've come quite far. You did slap that shield over the stone, after all. Not sure I could have done that." Mind, Halbert would have killed me in the same situation... "You did more then most in that situation."

"...Thank you, James. I mean it." She said, leaning into me a bit more as I smiled down to her. "I'll.. I'll become strong enough that you won't need to worry about me... But... Well... I'll always be glad for all you've done for me."

[(⸜∕ ) Dance with Prim at the Party]

I nodded to her and despite the quest update coming up I ignored it in favor of continuing the dance and just enjoy being with her. I decided to ignore whoever was watching and give her the dance she wanted, smiling to her the whole time. She was a better dancer then Alicia and more relaxed, but Alicia was always more into the knight part of Princess Knight.

"Beg pardon." We stiffened and turned towards the Grand Duke, smiling down to us and giving off a chuckle. "Sorry James. I do need to steal my daughter away; the troubles of politics."

"Troubling those politics are." I replied with as Prim pouted. I patted her on the shoulder. "Go on. If I hogged you all to myself people will think I'm being greedy."

"I know, I know..." She said, sighing softly. Sure turned and gave me a curtsy before leaving as I bowed, tuning to move off the dance floor. I needed a moment to think.

I didn't really get it as an arm dropped onto my shoulder. "Oiy, oiy, so here's Prim's big hero, eh?"

"Huh?" I turned my head as some red headed woman was pulling me into her, giving me a big, happy grin as she led me aside to a table were some snacks were set up. "James, right? Noxdiis... Um, Noxderi... Umm..."

"Noxdecus." I replied sighing. "And you are?"

"Ah, right, right. I'm Maia, I work with Prim; Shield Prinesses and all that stuff."

Oh yeah; fifth one I've met now. Maia was wearing a bandeau type top; a red cloth with roses stitched into it; the front was a held together with a series of laces that crisscrossed over the chest and behind the neck to tie off. For bottoms she was wearing a matching red mini skirt with slits on both sides and roses set into the pattern, thigh high, black stockings and matching bridal style gloves that reached up to the biceps. Flat, black shoes were on each foot with red trim on the top. She also had some emblem on her; on the front of her black, leather belt.

The emblem was up a tall, six sided, ruby red gem with points at the top and bottom. Inside of it was a dagger with a black grip and brass guard driven into a purple rose. Compared to a lot of house emblems and what not I've seen it wasn't a very busy one.

(-)

Name: Maia, The Red Wolf
Title: Rising Shield Princess of Rad
Class: Warrior
Level: 34
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 46
Status: Healthy, Joyful, Buzzed

Romance Rating: 88
Corruption Rating: 21

Known Traits
[Ambidextrous] You can wield two weapons at a time with no penalty; and a bonus! +5 Dex and Agi when using two weapons.

[Hidden Romantic] You have a feminine streak that you try to hide. +20 to all Romance Ratings to men who trigger this streak.

[Lightning Reflexes] You deflect missile attacks with great ease. +50% Dex when parrying or deflecting ranged attacks.
[Hit and Move] Your strength just makes you faster. For every 5 Points in Str gain 1 in Agi

Once an Orphan growing up on the tough streets of Rad's capital she found herself scrapping with other children she found picking on others. As a teenager she found an adult trying to abduct a child and defeated him. Finding she had a knack for combat she became an adventurer and a mercenary for hire. While she mostly worked solo she has worked briefly in several mercenary orders including The Grey Guard, The South Summer Strikers, The Black Dogs and The New Hounds before forming The Ruby Roses. It was during a battle defending a border town in the Barony of Albia she went above and beyond her contract's duties that she was asked to join the Seven Shield Princesses by Celestine.

(-)

"Oh right, she mentioned you a couple times." I said as I finally dislodged myself from her; although I still followed her to where she was going. I also decided to note that Trait, Hit and Move...

"Awww, I guess that's sweet." She said. I noticed once near the table there was a halfling girl sitting there on the table's edge and eating some of the snacks in... Uhhh...

Not much.

It was a rectangular, green cloth with a hole for the head with a stitched in hexagon pattern that was just wide and long enough to cover what needed to be covered and a belt to hold it in place. A pair of brown boots ended the look.

The only other notable thing was the emblem on the front of her... ... dress. It was a proper shield based banner; with a point at the top. A steel gray edge with light gray rivets set along it, a thick brass outline on the outside, and a smaller one on the inside. The rest of the shield was dark green. At the top was a bit of an odd thing; a circle with a light green, Celtic style pattern with a white outline that was deeper on the top and bottom and thinner on the sides with a tree in the middle; the roots and branches mingling with the Celtic pattern. Below that was a black hammer with a wooden handle, horizontally placed as was a set of long, black tongs under it. Lastly under that was a large, gray anvil.

"Oiy, Lulu! I found James! Ya know, that guy Prim's always talking about!" Maia let off, waving to her in a casual, relaxed manner. "She's another of the Shields, ya know?" She said as she looked to me.

"Oh, really. Pleasure." I said, smiling to the tiny girl who grinned and waved to me as I waved to her.

"Ahh, Prim's hero, ne? He he he, nice to finally meet you! You're cute! Cute as she said! Cutest of the cute!" Lulu chirped at me as she giggled playfully before munching on another snack; some cheese thing by looks of it.

"Ahhh, thanks...?" I let off, feeling a small blush hit my face. Yeesh, what is with this girl? Is she really a Shield Princess?

(-)

Name: Lulu, Daughter of Sarsar
Title: Stout Shield Princess of Ansur
Class: Barbarian
Level: 37
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 34
Status: Healthy, Happy, Buzzed

Romance Rating: 77
Corruption Rating: 5

Known Traits
[?]
[An Axe To Grind] You love your axes! +3 Damage to all Axe Weapons in your Hand
[Pintsized Powerhouse] You're tiny, but you're much more powerful then you'd seem. +5% Con and Str

[Monkey's Grip] You can wield a single, two handed weapon in one hand with no penalty. You may not wield a second two handed weapon along side it, but may wield a single handed weapon, shield or item in your off hand.
[Halfling Leap] Leap three times as high and far then you would have otherwise

Sixth child of High Prince Sarsar of Ansur, Lulu at a young age gained an appreciation for three things; good food, making weapons and mechanical things and good fights. A highly talented master smith she forged her own battleaxe and has innovated on other devices; she has created a miniaturized a version of the printing press. Despite being the second youngest of her father's children she was the one noticed by Celestine and invited into the Seven Shield Princesses.

(-)

Huh, she was a Shield Princess after all.

"Well, you'd be the sixth Shield Princess I've met." I said as Lulu reached over and grabbed a... Well, it was a wine glass but it was twice the size of a normal one!

With her petite size it just looked weirdly over-sized, really. Lulu set it to her lips and in a very unladylike manner tipped her head back to gulp down the wine.

"I would be the last then?" I hadn't even noticed the other woman, seated behind the table with what looked like a cup of tea. I didn't see what was on her lower half but her top was... Umm...

Sleeveless but covered her whole torso. It was red, slightly loose but made of a well made fabric. A white cloth hung off her neck with a series of Asian lettering (Japanese?) going down the fronts of them. She was.. Well... not half naked.

That's new.

The last thing she had on was a headband of some sort with a black band with a large white circle over the forehead with an emblem on it; a red sun with orange points coming off of it with an open, white Japanese fan on it with a blue handle. An orange cord with two yellow balls on it hung off it with white tassels attached to the end. On the bottom left and bottom right were two characters, Japanese Kanji I think, in white and outlined with yellow.

I imagined she got ignored in part by being a quiet wallflower.

"I am Kaguya. A pleasure to meet you." She said as she set her tea cup down before standing and...

Annnnnnd her dress had no bottoms; she was just wearing a red thong with a twisted waistband. I should not be surprised. Once standing she bowed to me with a soft, calm smile. "Prim speaks of you warmly. If she calls you friend then I shall as well."

"I'd be happy for that, thank you."

(-)

Name: Kaguya, Sun of the East
Title: Blessed Shield Princess of Thorn
Class: Cleric
Level: 32
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 42
Status: Healthy, Calm

Romance Rating: 76
Corruption Rating: 2

Known Traits
[Blessing of God] Your Holy Magic is potent due to your divine connections; +5% to Mag & Mnc when casting any holy magic

[?]
[Chosen of the Odd-Faced God] You are the one chosen to fight for a god on earth. +2 Damage to Physical and Magical Attacks and +10% to Mag when Healing
[Power of Prayer] A few moments of prayer will always boost your spirits. +10% to all stats for ten minutes after praying. This can be done once per day

Chosen as the Avatar of the Odd-Faced God, Kaguya immigrated to Throne at a young age. With several easterners already there she applied herself as a priestess to their religion. While most Eostians do not understand their religion and the ways these newcomers have these migrants have defended Eostia as much as those with long grown roots in her soil; Kaguya no less then others having providing healing for others and even fighting for them. Recognizing her talents, Celestine invited her into the Seven Shield Princesses.

(-)

I looked about for a moment. Prim was doing her meet and greet with a series of nobility. Alicia was speaking with at least three guys; from where I stood it looked like they were trying to hit on her and she was politely rebuking them. Glancing another way I could see Claudia and her husband speaking with other nobility, mostly older men and women. By the looks of it they were trying to curry favor with the couple. I couldn't see Celestine in that moment but I imagined she was stuck in the same situation.

By contrast, these three weren't being harassed at all. "I'm a little surprised you three aren't buried up to your asses in nobility seeking favors." I said, gesturing to Alicia in particular. Maia snorted as she filled up a wine glass near the brim before moving to refill Lulu's glass.

"Ahhh, please... Me and Lulu are the unpopular ones here. At least with the snobs." She said shrugging before having a long sip of her drink. "Most of these brown-nosing idiots just think I'm some pet project of Celestine's, or some bullshit like that. To them I'm just an orphan turned merc going over her station." She said, snorting once more.

"Also, she beat up half the guys up who hit on her and told off the rest." Lulu added with a giggle. Maia shrugged with her.

"Yeah, well just because I'll work for a fat sack of fucking gold doesn't mean I'll just fuck a fat sack because he has gold." She said with a shrug. "Honestly, I'm not going to sleep with someone who sniffs their own farts and pretends it's perfume." I couldn't help but chuckle as Lulu gave off a snort of laughter. Kaguya seemed to try and keep a stoic face but grinned a bit still.

"And most of them don't wanna sleep with halflings and the some that do... Errrrr, they're kinda creepy. Most of them see me a a child" Lulu said with a snort before shrugging. "I wanna a normal guy; one who sees an adult and not some kid." She let off, a contrast to her childish act from before. "Halfling, human or whatever. Long as they're not a creep."

"Well you're still a princess." I replied pointing to her as she took another large swig of wine. I felt I had to speak louder as a small clamor grew somewhere near by. "I imagine that would have people currying favor at least."

"Sixth child of a king and some still do, but my older brothers are here so they prefer to pester them." I nodded once; made more sense. Then I looked at Kaguya as she refilled her cup from a pot of tea after sitting back down.

"And you?" I asked as she sipped on her tea. "You're a priestess and a Shield Princess, and an exotic Easterner with a backside people obsess over across the land. How are you not swarmed with admirers?" I asked her. She gave a soft, wry smile as she giggled softly, looking over to me as she sipped her tea once more. As she set the cup down she spoke.

"I am well known to rebuke offers of courting in deference to my god, making me seem untouchable to some." She said before that wry smile grew just a bit. "Also, anyone who approaches me here would have to put up with these two. Which is why I manage to put up with their antics."

"You love us and you know it!" Lulu let off, raising her glass up as Maia gave a chuckle. I couldn't help but smile as Kaguya turned her head, calmly hiding a smile she tried to suppress as she sipped her drink.

"Well, good to see you all get along, at least." I said chuckling as I moved to lean into the table next to Lulu, smiling back to Maia as I cross my arms. "So, not planning on jumping into the politics of court?"

"Fuuuuuuck no." Maia let off with a chuckle. "I'm here for Prim. Well, Prim and free food and drinks, but mostly Prim." She shrugged. "I mean you're not here to talk politics, are you?"

"No, but I might have to anyway. Baron's Son." I said, giving my own shrug as she winced.

"Sucks to be you then. Man, I don't have the head for this political backgammon game. Or chess or checkers, or whatever snooty people play to feel smart." I chuckled a bit and decided that I liked this woman; she was relaxed and spoke her mind. Hmm...

"I should introduce you to my sister sometime; she's a bit an easygoing sort too. I think you'd get along like a house on fire." I told her as her smiled widened.

"No shit? Sounds great!" She exclaimed. I could hear that odd clamor grow louder in volume but did my best to ignore it; in a place like this a lot of noise was expected.

"She's not hard to find; she's the only Catalan around here. Yeah, she's adopted." I added as Maia gave a confused look before grinning once more.

"Fuck, really? I know one back in the day. Well, and another when I worked with the New Hounds. And another joined my group... And another-"

"I get it." I said, raising my hand to stop her as she chuckled for a moment before having a sip of her drink. I was about to say something else as I could hear more of what that clamor was.

"M'Lady, surely my son would make a wonderful consort. You do need someone to offer you an heir, ri-"

"Now now, my son would be a far better match; mage that he is." A male voice was cut off by a female one as I turned my head to look at the clamor.

"Bah, come now, we've more important things to talk about here! The Balanar agreement, surely we can do more with it."

"Balanar is dealt with for now, I need to talk about joining our houses!"

"Speaking of politics..." I groaned out. All four of us looked on as Celestine (In her usual outfit, not dressed up in anything fancy... Then again, how do you dress up from that?) was in the center of a half circle of nobility clamoring for her attentions. I sighed, grabbed the wine bottle before Lulu did and just took a swig from it directly before setting it down.

"Surely we can talk more about that monster harassing the... Honest traders in Longroad and what can be done with-"

"That's the local lord's problem! Our High Queen needs to finally establish her line!"

"Everyone, please." Celestine spoke, calmly but loudly enough to be heard over the clamor. "We are gathered for the sake of Prim and to relax and partake in her birthday. We can set aside the matters of court for a night and-"

"But Your Highness, surely-" I started to tune out the clamoring voices at that point. I sighed and pushed off the table taking in a breath.

"I do beg your pardon, ladies. But I think I need to go save our High Queen from her subjects." I said as I started to walk to the clamoring half circle.

"Huh?" Maia and Lulu let off as they watched me go, Kaguya only raising an eyebrow at what I was doing.

"Once more, please, we are here to enjoy ourselves." I had a feeling Celestine was becoming quite annoyed with the pestering but had no way to polity rebuke them; or rather she had and all of her rebukes were being ignored. Well, my plan was simple; offer her a polite way out.

The clamor of the nobility, mostly older ones but a few in their twenties, kept trying to be heard, asking (Read: demanding), offering (Read: demanding), requesting (Read: demanding) and demanding (Read: demanding) various things. They kept it up, almost none of them noticing me as I moved behind and to Celestine's right side. As she lifted her right hand I made my move.

"Care to dance?" I asked her in by best firm, smooth tone as I smiled at her, adding enough volume for her to at least hear me clearly over everyone else. As she turned to me I gave her a brief wink with my left eye, my left hand extended to her as I leaned in slightly. There seemed to be a moment of confusion at my actions until a tiny spark of realization hit her.

"I'd be delighted." She said, taking my hand as I led her away and to the dance floor, leaving behind us a series of stammering, upset and bewildered nobility. Once there on the dance floor I set a hand on her hip and was about to set one on her shoulder, but she stepped in and set both of her hands on my shoulders so I held her by the hips with both of my hands. "I appreciate the reprieve you've given me. Are you not worried, however, that you've upset them?"

"Eh, I'm sure they'll dismiss this as you giving a lowly, Baron's son pity or some such." I said with a shrug. I tried to ignore how good holding her bare hips felt and not stare down into her cleavage. Hard as that was. "It's just you looked rather uncomfortable, so I thought I'd find a way out for you. That I can have a dance with a lovely woman is a bonus." I added as a tease as she offered a small smile.

"I can see why Prim would enjoy your company." She said calmly to me. "I'm glad you're trying to refresh my spirits."

[(⸜∕ ) Dance with at Least 2 Other Girls at the Party]

I ignored that little update to keep talking to her. "Mind if I ask a question?" I asked her. She tilted her head to the side slightly. "Why haven't you ever taken a husband? Never met the right guy, or something else in over eight hundred years?"

"No, no. Nothing that dramatic." She told me, shaking her head softly. "I have met the odd man who has caught my eye, mostly knights in my service or the odd nobleman. Happens to me once every fifty or so years. It's just... Well... How do I put this?" She said, brow furrowing in thought. "... I am... Unreachable to them?"

"Beg pardon?" I said, blinking at her as she sighed.

"Every man... Every man I have ever felt something for set me unto a pedestal in their own minds. I am the Goddess Reborn. The Blessed High Queen. The Purest Maiden in the Land. To those men..." She sighed deeply. "To those men I was on a pedestal, beyond the touch of mortal men, beyond reach. To love me was acceptable, but to lust for me? To think of bedding me and loving me in a carnal manner? Unthinkable." Her eyes... Well, took a sad look to them as she sighed. "It is strange. I am aware so many lust for me, so many I would not care to touch but those I could lust for and wish to touch? They felt guilty for lusting for me so." I couldn't help but look at her with a bit of pity. "To them I was too perfect for anyone." I guess it's true what they say...

It's lonely at the top.

"Well, for the record here's what I think..." I began, smiling to her. "The Goddess Reborn is still a woman, and for all she's done she deserves to be happy. Be it with a consort for a good time, or a husband for a long time she should have someone to love and be loved by, no matter who it is. You are not so unreachable to those who really care."

She let off a soft, almost angelic giggle. "Is that so? Are you offering yourself in such a role?"

"I'm not that presumptuous, but if you did reach I would be more then willing to reach back." I replied simply and...

Wait, was that a blush or a trick of the light? Trick of the light, had to be.

"I will keep you in mind then should I wish for a husband in the near future." She said, giggling once more. "I can say that I do not think I've found better suitors for me tonight." She then pulled on my shoulders softly, turning and walking. I followed her off the dance floor as she sighed. "I've needs to see someone for the moment. I apologize for cutting the dance short, but I thank you for the rescue."

"Pleasure to be of service, Your Highness." I said as she turned to leave. Since they were nearby I moved to rejoin Maia, Lulu and Kaguya once more; the first of which grinned and held up her palm to me. I gave her a high five once I was in reach.

"Dude, you should have seen the looks on everyone!" She laughed out loudly as she gave me a thumbs up. "Their jaws were on the floor! Goddess damn it, they couldn't believe it!"

"There was an attractive woman." I started to explain. "I asked her to dance. She agreed. That's it. That's she's the High Queen is just irrelevant to that."

"An... Interesting way to see it. ... Although..." Kaguya began as she seemed to try and work something.

"Your pants suggest it wasn't that irrelevant." Maia finished for her.

"I'm trying to ignore that thank you..." I said... Well aware that, yes, my dick was snaking down my pants slightly. Not fully hard, thankfully, but clear to see. Maia and Lulu laughed a bit and Kaguya smiled in amusement and shook her head. Before I could add to it I felt a slap on my back.

"Hey bro, making some moves, huh?" I jerked a bit, half turning to see Miria's mismatched eyes watching me. "Nice."

"Ha, ha, thanks." I said dryly, sighing. "Anyway..." I began moving to wrap an arm around her shoulders. "Maia, Lulu, Kaguya; Miria Noxdecus, my adopted sister. Sis; Maia, Lulu and Kaguya; Shield Princesses."

"Oh... Shit, never even noticed!" She blurted out. "...Crap, I just swore."

"Ah, fuck it. No one here cares about a little swearing." Maia said with a laugh.

"I care..." Kaguya pipped up, glaring to the redhead.

"Yep, no one cares." Lulu said in a teasing tone as Kaguya sighed as she shook her head. The rest of us laughed before the five of us paused to just chat. It was some time before I saw Claudia and Klaus walking of the dance floor; he in a three piece suit not unlike my own; just dark green all around with a darker green shirt and shoes. She wore a pale yellow dress that was strapless; it was almost all mesh save a strap of cloth that covered her breasts, snaked around and down her back, over her hips and groin. It exposed some of the ass crack if you looked; no panties. Two white, two inch heeled shoes on each foot ended the look. Between her breasts was, you guessed it, a stitched in emblem.

It was a light gray shield with three sides, the top curved downwards to give the corners two points. A thick, gold line went along the inside of the edge. The top had a sword, point down, with a dark gold handle, guard and pommel with a red circle in the pommel with a blade that was a darker gray then the shield. On each side of the blade was a pair of white wings, both it and the sword were outlined in black. On each side of the blade was a red, iron cross with a white outline, but also smaller extensions going in each diagonal direction and the white outlined in dark gold. Over the bottom of the shield was a white banner with 'Levantine' in large, bold, black letters and all capitals.

They walked not too far away, giving us all a wave but moving away to be by themselves, by the looks of it. We kept chatting for a bit longer until the sound of a spoon ringing a glass was heard over the room, the music ending as we turned to look to the Grand Duke who was ringing said glass. "Everyone, please. Dinner shall be served in but a moment. Can I ask you all to be seated?" Chatter rose up once more, but slowly everyone moved to their seats, assisted by maids.

At the back of the room was the royal family, of course. By the corner to one side was the other Shield Princesses with Celestine in the middle, Alicia, Lulu and Maia to her left, Kaguya and Claudia to her right with Klaus to his wife's right. To the corner of the other side was a collection of the highest ranking visitors; all of them dukes or duchesses. While the other Kingdom's rulers weren't present all sent a representative. The rest of us were at the tables along the sides of the room.

Speeches were given by Prim's father, Celestine, Alicia and Claudia. Kaguya spoke an eastern prayer for her afterwards. Maia and Lulu stayed silent for this (Likely for the best). The maids were laying out the food and drinks as this happened of course; steaks, lobster, mashed potatoes, a Caesar salad (Called an Imperial salad here) and corn with butter, gravy and pepper. All of it was made to perfection and I heard no one argue with the taste or portions. Offers for extra food in the form of shrimp came; I turned it down, Miria who was next to me didn't.

Catalans loved their seafood.

There was some chatter and talking around the table. I could see Victor, at the table across the room, glaring at me. As was Jaeger for that matter. Channer seemed oblivious to the glaring and focused on his food. Dulce... Umm... Well...

She was holding a shrimp in her mouth and was sucking it back and forth in her lips as she looked to me. Was she bored? Teasing me? Flirting with me? Annoying her family by teasing and flirting with me?

All were possible.

Their father gave me a stern glare but focused on eating and speaking with the man seated next to him. I ignored them. I could guess why they were glaring.

Beyond, you know, the previous reasons to do so.

Dinner went well and as people finished there was talk on what was going to be for desert. Cake? Pie? Well I knew. Miria knew and licked her lips. Soon bowls were brought over to the guests as Samuel stood up to speak.

"Tonight's dessert is... Something special." He said, muttering starting up around the room. I could hear more muttering rise up as the first bowls of the chilled dessert hit the tables. "Our good friend, James Noxdecus, Heir to Mungale has invented a new device and recipe to make an unusual but rest assured delightful dessert. May we present to you... ice cream." The mutterings picked up further. Did he have to name me!?

Once my bowl was set down I looked into it. There were three scoops, each a different color. One was plain white, one a mix of dark and tan brown and one a dark blue. Miria had a white scoop, a pink scoop and a purple one. So, it seems they made a few different flavors, huh? I took my time to taste what I had. I expected the white one to be plain, but it was actually vanilla. The brown mix was chocolate and caramel set together and the dark blue one was blueberry.

While eating I took a moment to glance about. Dulce looked to her dessert before shrugging and tasting it... Then eating it with gusto. Channer enjoyed his ice cream while Victor and Jaeger pushed theirs away. Dulce stole both their bowls when she was done with hers, causing them to gawk at her with a betrayed look. By contrast Arnold just pushed his bowl to Channer with a soft huff.

Other nobles seemed pensive at first but as bit by bit people tried them it wasn't long before others did, seeming to enjoy the sweet treat before them. It was the Shield's reactions that I paid attention to next.

I'd seen Prim's and Alicia's reactions already, of course. Claudia seemed to enjoy hers, smiling widely as Klaus ate his own. Soon I noticed he dumped a scoop from his bowl to hers where it failed to defeat the woman's spoon. Or lips.

Lulu demolished hers in moments and eyed her companions like a hawk. A drooling hawk. Maia took a testing bite and ate hers at a rate slower then Lulu's. Not much slower, but slower.

Kaguya was more restrained, taking smaller bites and seemingly enjoying each one, savoring the taste. Celestine looked over at the treat for a while before finally tasting it and...

Err...

She gave off a low, throaty moan. No, really. She moved a second spoonful to her lips, ate it and gave another moan... You'd think she was having sex from the sounds she was making.

I think ice cream is now Goddess Certified.

Once done I set my bowl aside and got set to chat with Miria before I felt my shoulder tapped on the other side. Blinking I came face to face with a thirty something woman (Observe told me she was Kara Amaris; a minor lord in Classa) smiling to me. "Beg pardon, you are the Noxdecus heir, right?" She asked. I just nodded as an answer. "This... Ice cream making device... Can you... Can you make another? I want to share this with my daughters."

Before I could answer the lord next to her spoke up. "Ah, I'd like one too! Can you do that?" Before I could speak (Again) the one beside Miria stood up and leaned into her chest first (And boasting a set of F-Cups she all but buried Miria's face without noticing making my sister flail a bit) and spoke as well.

"Ah, yes! Make one for me as well!"

"You made the device then? Surely you can supply me with one as well!"

"And me as well!"

"No, me first!"

Oh fuck me sideways with a broomstick!

It took little time for my little spot of the table to be mobbed by people clamoring for a dessert maker. For a moment I looked to Celestine to see if she'd repay the favor and save me like I had for her earlier.

She was still making oral love to her dessert filled spoon, so no, no help there.

It just got louder as I tried to get everyone to calm down and back off. Eventually I was pestered into naming a price and telling them to just send a letter to order one. Said price was seventy gold; which was about ten times what it cost me to make one. I figured it would cut down on the orders, however I had forgotten that I was dealing with members of the rich nobility with more money then common sense.

Fuck! ... Wait...

Hmmm...

I think can work with this...

No, I know I could work with this!

Eventually Samuel got everyone to calm down (Helped with the explanation on how to order an ice cream maker) and I could hear Miria gasp for air as she was freed from marshmallow hell.

It was after dessert that people got up and gathered near the royal's table. Prim was sitting alone now as the maids brought gift after gift to her to unwrap and appraise. Her parents gave her an heirloom of each side of their families; a necklace from Rose, a small bust of Annabelle of the Runes from her father. Alicia got her a wand; a golden one with a silver coil curling around it with two red spell stones; one at the back and one longer one forming the point.

From Claudia and Klaus was a large tome written by a Mage General who lived some nine hundred years ago about tactics and magic. Maia got her a nice, functional dagger with a jeweled guard. Lulu gave her a rather nice looking, brass clock with about a six inch wide clock face. Celestine gave her a simple, but well made statuette made of glass of a woman holding a six pointed star in her hands.

All of those were well thought out, meaningful gifts. The rest she got were... Less so...

Most of it was in the form of jewelry. Lots and lots of jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and so on. Some were kinda fitting, like the small, pink rose earrings. Others less so, like the gaudy bracelet with penises shaped into it (No, seriously), a bull pendant and a skull ring. None of it enchanted, I could tell at a glance. Some were more thoughtful; paintings, dresses and so on, but jewelry was the go to it seemed.

My gift would be useful then...

And then we got to the Blitzhaus' gifts. Channer gave her a nice piece of glass work; a small dove statue. Jaeger got her a decorative bow. Why? I don't know. From Dulce... A single spell stone. Not set into anything, just a spell stone. A good quality one, mind you but still just a spell stone. The rest of her family gave her an annoyed look and she shrugged.

I mean she was still wearing the same dress as when she arrived rather then dress up; she had no fucks to give it seemed. And she still gave a better gift then Jaeger. Or, as it turned out, Victor.

Victor... gave her a wedding band. People made a few gasps and coos... Until the box it was in was snapped shut and set aside with no fanfare by the birthday girl with Prim just shy of tossing it aside. Chuckling at Victor's expense followed, stoic as he tried to keep himself. Arnold seemed unaffected; his gift was a simple, but high quality tiara.

After a few more gifts and the Noxdecus ones came to her next. Miria's came first; which turned out to be a small box of chocolates. Prim tried one right away and seemed pleased with it. From my parents came an old book on magic; it was a copy but even the copies of this book were hard to come by. She flipped through it and seemed quite interested and told us to thank our parents.

And finally it was my gift that was given to her.

Prim took her time to unwrap it bit by bit. It was seven inches by seven inches by seven inches. Once unwrapped it came into view; an oak jewelry box. When I bought it the thing was in rough shape and in desperate need of repairs; repairs I had made with my own hands. It came out well, with brass fixings,a set of four drawers in the front and a lid. She pulled out each drawer, lined with new, pink fabric. Finally she opened the lid and the real work I put into it was shown.

Centered on the inside of the lid was a white spell stone. Once the lid was fully open the first thing that happened was the stone glowed softly before the built in illusion spell activated. Prim gasped as the image came into view over the glowing stone...

With the memories of this world I was able to make a hologram over the stone, some four inches high, of Prim standing with her hands folded in her lap and with a soft look on her face. Behind the image of Prim stood her father's image, hands on the daughter's shoulders, pride on his own face. To the left of Prim's image was Rose, smiling warmly. To the right was Alicia's image, proud and calm look to her own face.

Just as Prim's face turned into a smile the next part of the spell in the stone kicked in... As a flute solo started to play. Yes, I managed to (With some trial and error) record a song onto the spell like a music box. The song in question?

A rendition of the main theme of the Final Fantasy series.

She gasped once more at the music as her smile widened, eyes half shutting as she took in the theme. In fact the whole room went silent as the theme played to her. I felt a bit of nostalgia well up in me and resisted the urge to say 'All rise for the RPG National Anthem.'

No one else would get the joke.

Soon Prim's eyes shut as she swayed side to side, humming to the theme softly. I could see soft tears at the corner of her eyes and a glance around showed that she wasn't the only one impressed with my hard work. Soon the finale of the song came and went before going silent. She finally opened her eyes and looked up at me. Our eyes met as she blushed, biting the top of her bottom lip.

The moment was broken as Samuel clapped once, then twice the started to applause. Slowly the room clapped much to my embarrassment. I could feel a glare and glanced to my side.

Victor was clearly pissed that my gift got such a response; from not just Prim but everyone. I wasn't trying to show him up, but I clearly did and I was proud of it.

Then again saying I got a better gift then him was like saying fire is kinda hot.

Channer was rubbing his chin muttering to himself as he tried to work out what I made and how exactly I had made it.

"It's beautiful." Prim said, drawing my eyes back to hers as she looked down to the image of her and her family. I could even see Alicia rubbing her eyes from the corner of my vision. "It's more then I could have ever asked for. Thank you." She said, beaming to me. "What is the song's name?"

"Ummm..." I let off. I... Couldn't say the truth to be frank.

"I didn't give it one, sorry." I said with a shrug.

"Wait, you came up with that?" Someone called out.

Oops.

"Then perhaps you should name it, Prim." Her father said, smiling to her as she set a hand to her shoulder. "It is part of your gift, after all."

Prim smiled wider and looked down to the images projected and thought for a moment. "Then... How about... Of Life and Hope?"

"A wonderful name, don't you agree?" The Grand Duke asked me as I nodded. I was a bit proud of how much she liked my gift to her.

[(⸜∕ ) Give Prim the Gift]
[New Objective: Wait]

...

Huh?

[-]

I was swarmed a second time after the last of the gifts were opened. Half of them asking about the ice cream makers, half of them asking about the song, half of them asking how I had the unmitigated gall to ask Celestine Lucross of all people to dance with me, half of them asking about what else I've been making, half of them asking-

Wait, that's five halves.

I finally escaped as things wound down and retreated to a hall to look out to the garden in the back, leaning onto the window frame. So much had happened these past few days and they were some of the most intense ups and downs I've had so far. What's more I knew more was to come. How high would the ups be? How low would the downs be? Who could say?

In the dimming light I just sighed and relaxed a bit, wondering what was around the next bend this crazy new life had for me.

"There you are." I heard, turning my head to see Carmen leaning into a wall, watching me in turn. "Am I interrupting anything?"

"Reminiscing is all." I said, as I pushed off the window frame and turned to her. "What's up?" I asked as she walked closer before bowing in a deep, overly formal fashion.

"My Lord James, dearest Prim of House Fiorire doth requests you in her quarters to speak in a matter most private." She said, keeping the bow. "Shall you follow me to her?"

"Very well, M'Lady Shard." I said, bowing in turn with a chuckle. "Lead on." She stood fully and turned on her heel as I followed. I wondered what Prim wanted; a part of me suspected what she could want but dismissed it; she was the good, innocent type; even in a world like this she just wouldn't give up her chastity until a wedding, right?

...

I mean, I've been wrong before...

We ascended the south-east tower up until we reached three quarter's of the way up. I recalled that the last time I came up this far, several months prior, the security was a bit lax; Only a couple of patrolling guards and one stationary. Not so now; there was a pair of guards every floor and two sets of patrols in the tower; seems if Halbert did one thing right it was light a fire under the asses of the guys in charge of security.

Carmen didn't even knock and just entered Prim's quarters before stepping aside. "She's in the bedroom. Try not to have too much fun." She giggled as I raised an eyebrow and turned to walk away before I walked into Prim's quarter's. I shut the door behind me as I walked over to the bedroom door and sighed. All of a sudden I had a feeling of what would come, given this world's trends. I lifted my hand and knocked lightly.

"C-come in." Prim's voice came as I opened the door and stepped in...

The door shut behind me as I looked ahead of me and paused, my eyes widening a bit. You can expect something, it seems, and still be taken off guard by it.

The room was softly lit by a few magical lights showing off the rich sheets of the large bed, the paintings and furniture... And it's occupant; standing in the nude before me, hands behind her back. Her large breasts hung slightly but managed to be a bit perky, fully stiff pink nipples capping them. She blushed as I stopped and stared at her, squirming in my view. She looked ready to cover herself up but resisted. "Prim... You don't have to-"

"N-no... I'm not a child anymore..." I flinched a bit, surprised at her tone; surprisingly firm and determined.

"I don't mean that, and you know it. It's hard to be a child while looking like that." She blushed deeper for a moment as she giggled softly as I walked closer, stopping four feet from her. "But I thought you wanted to wait for, ya know, marriage before.."

"...I did, really. I wanted to... But..." She said, sighing as she moved her hands before her lap, shyly shifting side to side as she bit her lip softly. "...The thing is... Halbert... That was the second time I almost was... Well..."

"Prim..." I said, my shoulders slumping a bit as she looked up at me, smiling wide.

"I was almost raped now not once but twice. I... I don't... I don't want to risk my first time being with someone I don't want... So..." She said taking in a deep breath before clasping her hands before her chest as stepped closer to me until she was standing right before me. "Lay claim to me. Make love to me. Show me what it is to be made into a woman." She said as I moved my hands to her hips, pulling her in closer. "I know it'll hurt, but I don't care. Make it hurt, if it has to... Just... Please... I want you..." She said as she shivered in my grip. "I love you... So please..."

"Prim..." I said, smiling down to her, struggling to find what to say. Finally I just decided no words would work and leaned down, pressing my lips to hers with a soft kiss. Her hands wrapped about my neck, mine went down to cup her ass, squeezing softly before lifting her up so I could kiss her without bending over so much. Her legs wrapped about my hips tightly to help hold herself up. She moaned into my mouth as I took the time to feel up her very plush, soft backside before walking to her bed. I kicked my shoes off before laying her down onto the bed.

I broke the kiss and pulled back to stand, undoing my tie first before undoing my jacket. Before I could even pull it off Prim was sitting on the edge of the bed and working on my pants, pulling the belt open, then my pants. She pulled them and my boxers down with more force then I expected and made me give off a 'whoa' as she gulped. She stared right at my stiffening cock, looking half scared and half mesmerized. It occurred to me this was the first penis she had likely seen...

Well, human penis. Fucking goblins.

It grew further under her stare as I got my jacket off then undid my shirt, tossing it aside. "You can touch it." I told her as she gasped, jerking in her seat. "Just be gentle."

"S-s-sorry.. I just... D-don't know what to do." She admitted to me, pouting as she blushed. I think my cock got harder from that alone; could she be any more adorable?

"It's fine. Everyone starts somewhere." I told her, a hand moving to rub the top of her head as she pouted deeper. "You can't cast Magic Missile until you know how to channel mana. Here..." I said, reaching down and took one of her hands. "Grab it gently and stoke it softly. Take your time..." I said as I set her small hand to my cock; it looked much bigger then normal in her hand then the hand of anyone else, save Riri's.

She gulped before starting to rock her hand slowly back and forth, eyeing my cock with a mix of fear, wonder and arousal. Her hand was soft and gentle over my dick and a bit too loose, if truth be told. It took a moment before she grabbed it a bit tighter and I finally gave a soft groan making her yelp and relax her hand. I chuckled at her reaction making her blush and offer a small smile before squeezing down a bit once more, stroking me off again.

She seemed kind of happy as I gave another groan with her squeezing a bit harder but still softly as her other hand moved to join the first, stroking me lower on the shaft of my penis. "It's so hard... And hot... It's kinda scary..."

"I'll be gentle, don't worry..." I said moving to cup her cheek softly, rubbing it gently. She giggled as I took my time to enjoy her efforts; I wouldn't get off from this but I enjoyed her innocent explorations as she worked out what she should do my cock slowly growing to full size.

"Hoooo... Should I kiss it? I... I heard girls to that to boys they like..." She asked, gulping softly.

"Sure. You can kiss, lick or suck. Just remember two things." I said as she looked up to me. "No teeth and take your time. Don't do more then you can handle."

"B-but shouldn't I try and do what-"

"Hush." I said firmly as I tapped her nose. "It's your first time. Don't worry about what other girls do; you're the one here. Worry about enjoying yourself." She nodded to me before looking to my cock once more, leaning in and giving the tip of my dick a quick, timid kiss. Then a second. Then a third. Soon she was licking the tip of my dick slowly and lovingly moaning out softly.

"It tastes like you..." She muttered as she licked more and more. Finally she pulled back, looked at the tip and gulped nervously before setting her lips to it and sucked it into her mouth, pushing down over the head. I groaned a bit; her teeth scraped for a brief moment but as she sucked it was easy to forget about it. She sucked softly at first but started to pick up in power as she bobbed her head softly.

"Yeah... Yeah, like that... Just like that, don't rush yourself." I let off, groaning. It wasn't the best blowjob I've gotten, maybe one of the worst, but seeing Prim so eager to learn and make me feel good it was hard not to enjoy it on a more then physical level. She moaned softly around me as her hands held my cock at the base, bobbing her head slowly until I could feel the back of her throat. I groaned a bit as she worked on my cock, slowly back and forth. And then...

She pushed down harder to try and swallow it; failing and gagging on my dick. I pulled out as she started to cough. "Easy there, Prim." She coughed out a few more times before looking up at me, some frustration on her face.

"So-sorry... I just... I just wanted to make you feel good..." She said, biting her lips gently before me. Despite the lewd act her innocence shown through.

"You were... But you're new to this, so no need to rush. Here..." I said, taking a moment to pull my pants and underwear off with my socks following them. I gently pushed her back and moved onto the bed, adjusting her so she was on the bed fully as I laid next to her. I kissed her cheek as I took hold of a breast, making her gasp as I pinched her nipple. She squeaked as I kissed at her ear.

"Ahh, J-James, what are you-"

"Hush." I told her softly, nipping at her ear and sending shivers down her body. "It's your birthday and first time. Relax and let me make you feel good, okay?" I told her moving my lips to her closest nipple and bit softly to pull it into my mouth, suckling firmly. She gasped and squirmed next to me before mewling as I toyed with he nipples; one trapped between a thumb and finger, the other within my lips as I pressed my tongue to it, flicking it back and forth. She was panting next to me as I carried on my assault on her nipples.

I plucked the nipple in my fingers, pulling and letting it go before rolling it about with my thumb then I pressed down on her nipple with my thumb, pressing it into her heavy tit. My tongue meanwhile slipped out of my lips as I circled her nipple with the tip before flicking it over. She then gave a soft squeal, stiffening for a long, long moment. I moved my lips to look down and notice that her thighs were splattered softly with her own juices. "Did... Did you cum from just that?"

"Uuwwww, that's embarrassing..." She let off, moving her hands to cover her face, pouting as she quivered.

"He he, I think it's cute." I told her, taking her wrists and pulling her hands aside. Before she could respond I gave her a full kiss, groaning into her as I half laid on her, my hand cupping her sex. I pressed two fingers into her slit but not into her pussy yet, just rubbing for a long moment. I took my time, making her moan into my mouth as I groaned back. Finally as the kiss broke I drove a finger into her, feeling her tight sex squeeze hard on it. I worked my finger back and forth in her slowly as she panted under me, head leaning back.

I kept pumping her sex, taking my time to loosen her up. Once she started to ease up on my finger I slipped a second finger up into her pussy, wriggling it in. She moaned deeper shivering as she panted on my digits as I looked to her face. She looked back at me, eyes locking to mine as I could see what she was feeling; passion, lust and love in equal measure. She was, however, a tiny girl and if I wanted to get my penis into her without hurting her too much, well, I'd need to spread her a bit more. "Relax Prim... I'll give you what you want soon, okay. You can cum as much as you want." I said, twisting my fingers a bit to angle my thumb to press onto her clit, rolling it around softly.

She squealed in pleasure once more as she raised her hips up into my digits, shivering on them as I smiled down to her. I wouldn't be surprised if she rarely played with herself, or even never. This must have been overwhelming for the girl. She mewled more and more as her hips thrust to my hand before cumming a second time, her sex clamping down like a vice as she quivered hard onto me before she fell to the bed and relaxed. I slipped my fingers out and moved my other hand to cup her cheeks. "Deep breaths... Take a moment to recover and then will do the next step, okay." Panting she nodded at me, blushing deeply as she shivered.

[-]

That Moment...
Gardens Behind Fortress Ur's Keep

"Let's see here..." Carmen said as she wandered to a particular spot; where the largest collections of roses were kept in the garden. Her duty done with James escorted to her mistress' bedchambers so Prim could consummate a relationship with her hero she was free to her own devices. And she had specific devices in mind.

She looked about, humming bit by bit before finally seeing it. "Ah, there you are..." She said walking over to a spot. The three foot tall, brick flower beds for the roses were arranged like a fence with two gaps for a path, surrounding a small fountain of water, a circular bench all around it. In the northeast corner was a spot of earth that was disturbed. Attempts to hide it was clearly made, but soil was visibly splashed onto the inside of the corner. The moment she saw it she knew what the rumors the butlers and gardener's said was true.

She found the final resting place of Halbert Oxford.

Despite what he had done he had been a (Mostly) loyal servant and butler to House Fiorire for decades and the Grand Duke had wanted to him to have a proper burial. Perhaps a final respect not to Halbert himself but Halbert's honorable Uncle, Arburn? She didn't know, but in a way she was glad for it. It let her pay her 'last respects' to the man.

To her there was no one she hated more then him. Ever since he arrived he had sneered down at her, called her every nasty name in the book, overworked her when she was under his direction, took steps to see her fail and humiliated. Once she became her Mistress' Bodyguard all he had let was the sneering and the name calling.

And there was no one more she loved then Prim. A girl who had every right to be upset with her upon their first meeting, to just allow Alicia to continue to pummel her without mercy, to lock Carmen away or just forget about her. But Prim didn't. Prim gave her food. Prim gave her purpose. Prim gave her love and friendship and more. Prim was the angel who uplifted her from the gutters of Stonewall, cleaned her up and made her into something.

When she had confronted Halbert at the end of the maze these two things aligned into a grand union.

For her hate she could finally put that bastard in his place. She would finally be able to shut his arrogant, bigoted mouth up once and for all. She had permission, nay, a duty to kill the bastard there and then. She was the first to come across him, she would be the one to end him and reap a glorious vengeance upon him. In that moment she wanted to strike him down like the fist of an angry god.

For her love this was exactly the moment she had trained, sweated and bled for. She was Prim's bodyguard; she would gladly lay her life down for the Princess' safety. For all Prim had done for her she could now repay it now by protecting her mistress, her friend and lady. Prim had uplifted her from nothing and in one moment of magic and steel she would repay it by protecting her from Halbert!

With hate and love in her heart in a perfect union she fought her tormentor, her mistress' kidnapper and the most foul man she had ever known. With hate and love in equal measure she fought to fulfill her duty, protect her princess, show her worth...

And she failed.

Miserably.

She was defeated. Not only defeated but easily stripped and displayed in the nude by him and knocked out cold. That she was left defenseless before him in such a moment sickened her. Prim told her how close she came to death and felt a chill up her spine at her failure.

Hell, Halbert hadn't even seemed to consider raping her in any manner whatsoever before going for the kill. She wasn't sure of she should be relieved or offended by that. She chose relieved; choosing to be offended over not being raped by a monster seemed petty and silly.

She never felt weaker then when she awoke. That her sword was the one left in Halbert's heart eased the sting a bit, but didn't remove it. That said besting James more times then she lost when they spared did uplift her a bit.

She stood before the spot were he was buried and scoffed. "Well... I guess this is the last time I'll talk to you, you god damned bastard. My own little farewell, we can call it. I just escorted James to Prim's room. By the sounds of it you planned of forcing her to be your unwilling bride. Well I bet you'll be happy to know that James likely has his dick in her. If not now then soon. And fucking hell, he's a hung bastard. Prim'll love it."

She could see the steam that would come from his ears if she told him that for real. In her minds eye his spirit stood over her grave, raging and snarling at her, powerless to do a thing. "And you should have seen the gift he gave her for her birthday; worth fucking him as a thank you for that. And it must gall you so much to know he was the one who ended you. He was always the better man then you, and you knew it from the start and you couldn't stand it."

She sneered down to the unmarked grave and chuckled. "He had a father who gave a shit and a mother who could fight off anyone who tried to fuck with her. A caring sister who'd bend over backwards for him. Prim's love, earned by being brave and saving her, twice. Really, you really made him bleed for her, huh? And she'll never forget. You reduced yourself to a villain to make him a bigger hero. Your plan didn't fail, Halbert. It backfired. It backfired in a manner most glorious. And I get front row seats to it all."

She smirked a bit wider. She could picture his screaming in rage, frothing at the mouth but she kept going. "And if you only knew what he's been making... The Voxlux, the Ice Cream, that gift he gave Prim... James is going to change Eostia, hell, he could change the world! He's set to do great things. And what have you ever done? All you were doing was sneering and raging, looking down at everyone and wasted your potential by never learning. Well now you can rot. You can't fail at that, can you? As for me..."

She set her left toe to the inside of one of the walls the flower beds made. She set her right toe to the other. Reaching down she pulled the seat of her leotard aside to expose her pussy to the evening air. "As for me, know this. I'll get stronger. Stronger then you could ever dream of becoming. I'll protect Prim from now on, come hell or high water and better then you ever could. And I'll make sure she's happy and that James makes her fat with children. And me, as well. But for now I've spent all this time drinking water, wine, ale and juice and I've been holding it in for hours... Just... For... You..." Finally she groaned as she set her overtaxed bladder to work.

She was glad she finally found him; all of her piss would go to waste otherwise. She sighed as the stream of urine came out, splattering onto the ground over where he was buried. She knew it would be a final, grand insult to the man. She could see him raging at the indignity of what she was doing, covering her better with her dirty, stinking urine. And she reveled in it. She kept pouring out the urine for what seemed like a full minute as she heard a cough.

Turning her head she saw two of the guards there watching her. She blushed a bit; they were out of armor and wearing matching red tunics as her piss kept flowing. It felt like another moment before the stream ended and she could finally wipe herself with a small cloth she brought and replace her leotard. She was sure they planned on reprimanding her before one made a shooing motion to her. Blinking she stepped aside and he moved to take her place. With no fanfare, not caring that she was watching he whipped his cock out, soft and limp (But decent sized, she admitted) and like she had done grunted as he started to urinate on the grave.

"Hurry it up, Fred. The Captain will be pissed off if we're found missing from the guard's party." The second man said as his counterpart urinated. While not a part of the main party the guards were holding their own, smaller one to celebrate Prim's birthday.

"Worth it to make sure the bastard is pissed on though." The first guard, Fred, replied as he finished in half the time the female did. As he put his penis away he stepped aside to let his still unnamed partner empty his bladder in turn. Fred turned to Carmen and smiled. "How'd you take such a long piss anyway?"

"Lotta water. Lotta booze. Since lunch." She replied simply as the man whistled.

"Damn. You wanted to give him that much huh?" He said grinning. "Well, me and Jerry have to get back to our party before we're missed. Care to join us? We can share Hal-butt Ox-fart stories." She snickered as the second guard finished what he was doing.

"Well, if you're buying..."

After all, there were worse ways to make friends.

[-]

Once Prim's panting slowed I moved to mount her. I moved her legs, spreading them and moving them towards her shoulders. They didn't go all the way, but they went far enough for me as I moved myself closer to her groin. "Take a deep breath and relax." I told her as a set the cock to her womanhood gently pressing myself into her sex. She gasped lightly as I slowly pushed into her moist and wet walls. She quivered and held her hands next to her chin, balled into fists as she shut her eyes. Small tears welled in the corner of her closed eyes as I kept going. In truth, I was a bit worried by her reaction. Finally I found her virgin barrier with my tip and paused. This was it; the last place to stop before The Point of No Return, and I was worried giving how she was trembling under me. She seemed quite nervous, and not without good reason.

"Are you okay there, Prim?" I asked her, cupping her cheek softly, giving it a gentle rub as I looked to her face. "If you're not ready we can stop, there's no shame in it. The first time will hurt you after all." I said to her softly. She finally opened her watering eyes to look up at me as I tried to make her relax as she kept trembling under me. And then, well, I didn't expect what she said to me.

"Then hurt me!" I flinched back slightly and went wide eyed at her declaration, caught off guard by both her tone and choice of words. "I don't care if it hurts. I'm... I'm a grown woman now... I'm a Shield Princess I... I have to be able to take the pain... And... For you... I don't mind how much it hurts..."

"Prim..."

"I'm not a child anymore... I can... I can take it..." I gave a soft chuckle as I rubbed her cheek once more.

"No one could mistake you for a child. Childish maybe." I replied as she pouted up at me. I chuckled once more before getting serious. "Okay, I'll go in deeper now. Deep breath and relax, okay?" She nodded once to me, relaxing as she looked down to where we were joined. I drew back slightly, making her shiver before pushing back to where I was. Two more warm up motions came before I pulled a little further back and drove down into her, breaking through her maiden barrier. She cried out, hands grabbing my forearms as she shivered. I kept going, even with her face showing clear pain and kept pressing more cock in. I only stopped once I had no more dick to push in. "It's... All in now..." I grunted. Damn, she was really squeezing on me here...

"Y-yeah... It is... Ow..." She let off, wincing. She shivered and looked down as a small trickle of blood leaked from her. She was panting as she looked down to see how much her tiny body took in; my cock outlined in her abs. She idly reached down to her stomach, stroking me through her own flesh.

"Are you okay?" I asked her as I let her adjust to my cock being so deep inside of her.

"It... It doesn't hurt as bad as I feared... It was so big I was scared... But now..." She said, gulping as she looked up at me. "N-now that it's in me I feel... Full... Warm.. It hurts a little, but it feels good..." She shivered once more before smiling up at me. "I... I feel good... You're penis feels good in me..." I chuckled and leaned over, kissing her lips, her legs moving to wrap about my hips, locking her feet behind me. Her arms moved to wrap around my neck as I held still for a bit letting her recover and adjust. She broke the kiss to smile at me for a moment. "You've made me a woman, James."

"My pleasure. Now then..." I said as I pulled my hips back, making her gasp as my dick dragged on her insides. "I want you to moan like an angel."

"I, ahhh!" She let off as I thrust into her. Hands besides her I rammed down into her, hearing her mewls and gasps. I started slow and gentle but I let myself pick up power and speed. I watched her face for any pain or discomfort (Well, too much pain and discomfort, I just deflowered her after all) but she either hid it well or was enjoying it honestly. I pressed in a bit harder as she mewled under me. "It's good! It's really good! Your dick is really good!" She let off, her eyes rolling back.

I groaned hard as I picked up speed; she was real tight and I was having a hard time not blowing a load into her. Thankfully the former virgin was the first to climax as she cried out under me, tensing and clutching me hard. I felt her juices splash onto my groin before I redoubled my efforts, ramming over and over into her before I finally buried myself into her in full and came, my balls squeezing down as load after load pumped down into her tiny cunt. I groaned over her, shuddering for a long moment and starting to pant as I came down, matching her own pants.

I slipped from her sex, dripping girl juice, semen and a bit of blood before moving to lay next to her, panting for a moment. She had her eyes shut, spread eagle and arms laying next to her as she recovered. Soon she looked up at me, smiling sweetly to my face.

[(⸜∕ ) Wait]

[Fucked List]
Banged Prim Fiorire=100xp x 20 First Time Shield Princess Bonus=2000xp
+20% Dark Horse of Eostia Bonus
Gain 2400xp Total

Level Up!

You are now Level 11!

+1 to Dex, Acc & Mnc
+1 to End!
+1 to Rap!
+2 RSP & SSP!
+5 UTP!

Achievement Unlocked: Shield Princess of Ur – Bedded
You laid with Ur's Prim Fiorire

"How does it feel to be a woman, Prim?" I asked as I wrapped an arm around her, moving to lay on my back, pulling her onto my chest where she rested her head, panting before looking up to me.

"Wo-wonderful... Sore... But wonderful... It was heaven..." She told me snuggling into my shoulder for a long moment. "James?"

"Hmm?" I gave off as I looked down to her.

"...Marry me."

"Huh?" I let off, looking down at her surprised at her sudden... Request? Demand?

"I... I mean... Ummm..." She let off, squirming in my grip. "I can't... Well..." She paused and took in a breath before looking at me. "I want to spend my life with you... however it maybe... And, umm, no matter whoever else catches your eyes, I want to be your woman... I know... I know there are politics to consider and right now... Right now it would be a bad idea... But..." She blushed and looked up at me, biting her lip softly. "But with the things you're making... I'm sure that will change soon, so please..." She said, gulping as she looked me in the eye. "Promise me... Tell me I'll be your bride..." She sat as she set a finger tip to my chest, rubbing it side to side nervously.

[New Objective: Accept or Decline Prim's Offer (No Penalty Based on Response)]

That's part of the quest!?

I mean I'm already on the spot here!

I stroked her back with one hand, unable to help but smile back to her. "Prim... Are you sure about this? I care deeply for you... Very deeply, but I have a hard time saying the hard L word. I'm not-"

"I'll find a way then, to make you love me." She said, blushing deeply. "And... I... I will understand if you need time to sort your heart out as well... And well... Ummm... I'll accept other... women in your life... as long as I'm one of them, then I don't care..."

"Prim... That's..."

"There's no one else I want..." She said, looking at me with a serious look on her face. "I know we'll have to keep it a secret until the time is right but please..."

I looked up at her earnest face for a long moment before sighing and pulling her to me. I gave her lips a soft kiss. "Are you sure? I hate to say it, but I have ended up with... More then a few women before and with nothing official I don't think I can just refuse some people without so-"

"I'm not asking you to refuse." She said, smiling widely as she cut me off. "You can lay with half of Eostia like a hero of legend... As long as you come back to me... And... Umm... Teach me what you learned."

I had a feeling Prim had a perverted side that even she didn't know about. Well, did I have a good excuse or reason to refuse her? ... No. No I didn't. "Then if you're going to be so adamant about it... Very well, my Prim, Lady of the House Fiorire. When you feel the time is right you'll be my Bride. ... Was saying it like that too muc-whoa!" I let off as she hugged me harder then her small framed suggested.

"Oooooh! Yeeees!" She let off, rubbing her face to my chest as I hugged her. "I'm so happy!" She cried out, smiling to me as she pulled herself more to my side. "I'll make you the happiest man in all of Eostia! I promise you! I promise!" She let off as I chuckled and hugged her to me.

"I'll... Do what I can to return the favor then..." I said as I sighed.

We simply then just... Cuddled until sleep came for us, her first as I watched her calming face..

[(⸜∕ ) Accept or Decline Prim's Offer]

[Quest Complete: Prim & Proper]
[Gain 3500 XP]
[Gain 1000 XP to All Stats]
[Gain 5 USP, 5 RSP & 5 SSP]
[Gain 5 UTP, RTP & STP]

Stat Up!

+1 Con, Agi, Lck, Rec, Wil & Rap

Gained 1 Bride: Prim Fiorire

Achievement Unlocked: Here Comes The Bride!
Claim your first bride

Relations Menu Unlocked!

Relations menu?

Seeing as Prim was asleep now I decided to go to the menu have have a peek. Seeing the Relations Menu unlocked I opened it.

Once opened I saw a standard RPG menu with two tabs; labeled Brides and Concubines. Brides was the default tab and I could see a rectangle that was colored pink with Prim's Image set to one side, her name, title and class listed on the other. At the top left over the tabs was a bit of text. It said '[Brides: 1 of 2] [Concubines: 1]'.

Wait, I have a concubine too?

Soon Olivia spoke up.

[Welcome to the Relations Menu. This is where you can learn about the effects claiming a Bride or Concubine will have on you. You have just claimed the first members of your Harem. Congratulations! Let us see what effects they will have for you! Select Prim now.]

Okay... I selected Prim and looked at what came up. The first was a three dimensional image of her in her usual princess dress, standing for a moment before making a curtsy. "I'll do my best! For everyone's sake!" I hear in Prim's voice as the image stood with her hands in her lap. There was clothing options there, to the upper left of the image and controls to turn it about. The options were her usual dress, the one from the party and nude.

Then was a box with basic information to the right of the image.

(-)

Name: Prim Fiorire
Title: Girlish Shield Princess of Ur
Class: Wizard

Stat Bonus: +5 to Acc, Mag & Mnc. +3 to Con, End & Dex. +5 RSP
Trait Bonus: Prim's Pure Love ~ +4 to Magical Damage +2 to Magical Resistance
Bridal Bonus: Prim's Hero ~ All of your Resistances are increased by 3. Additionally any armor you wear gains +2 to all Resistances +2 to all Primary Stats. +1 to all Secondary Stats

(-)

Holy crap! That was... A significant stat boost and I needed them all! Coupled with the quest reward and level up I had some Stat Points to play with finally! I was a lot closer to that class upgrade! And a lot of Trait Points to spend on top of all of that!

I'd need to pick my next trait carefully...

[By claiming Prim as a Bride you gain a unique Trait, plus a second as a bonus Trait called a Bridal Bonus. Each Bride you can gain has bonuses unique to her and will vary on her class. Now, select the Concubine's Tab.]

I did and when it came up I saw another rectangle like before, but red with Carmen's image on the left side and her name and stats on the right side. Huh?

[Select Carmen now.]

I did so. Like before there was a three dimensional image. This time of Carmen who moved to stand with her heels together, drawing her blade and saluting with it. "My life for my lady is a small price to pay!" The image said as she swung the blade down to her side, point downwards as her legs parted slightly, other hand on her hip. Her normal outfit and nude were the only clothing options. I then looked to her stats.

(-)

Name: Carmen Shard
Title: Blade of House Fiorire
Class: Spell Blade

Stat Bonus: +3 to Dex, Acc & Mnc. +1 to Agi & Mag. +2 RSP
Trait Bonus: Bodyguard's Duty ~ +5% to all Stats when defending another person

(-)

Well, that's nice... But why...

[Concubines offer less bonuses then Brides do and no Bridal Bonus, but are sometimes gained with a particular Bride they are exceptionally loyal to.]

Oooooooh, that explains a lot.

[Remember; there is a limit to the amount of Brides you can currently have. As a Baron's son you may have a total of two Brides. To obtain more then two you must either increase your social rank, be declared a Divine Hero or gain permission by the High Queen.]

[Remember your Main Objectives requires that you obtain a Harem of Four or More women. You are now half way to that goal! Would you like to review the status of your Main Objectives?]

[Yes, let's have a peek.] I replied to her.

(-)

(N/C) Main Objective One: Save the Kingdom from [Unknown]
(2/4) Main Objective Two: Assemble a Harem of at least Four Brides and/or Concubines
(⸜∕ ) Main Objective Three: Bed Five Additional Women

(N/C) Bonus Objective One: Gain a Nobility Rank of Count or Higher
(N/C) Bonus Objective Two: End the Conflict Between Eostia and Garan
(N/C) Bonus Objective Three: Gain at least One Bride or Concubine from Garan
(11/50) Bonus Objective Four: Reach Level 50 or Higher
(N/C) Bonus Objective Five: Obtain One Legendary or Relic Weapon That You Can Use

(-)

Huh. I guess I have slept around enough to have way more then needed for the bedding objective. Wait.

[Olivia, is there a reward for finishing one of the Objectives?]

[Main Objective Awards are granted at the end of an Act.]

Ah. Well, whatever. That'll be a tomorrow problem I guess. For now I shut the menu and cuddled into Prim as I went to sleep.

It's been quite an experience so far, huh?

[-]

The next day a large breakfast was served. During the party Tiffany and Makoto was invited to a party hosted by the guards and had their fun. Cress was at the main party, but I never saw him. As it turns out he was trying to convince Miria to dance with him... And she did give him a short, pity dance to shut him up.

He was still over the moon about it.

While I held onto my Trait Points for now that morning I decided to spent my Stat Points. I dumped all five of my Universal Stat Points into Magical Power. For my fourteen regular points I moved ten to Mana Capacity and sent two to Dexterity and Accuracy. I moved all seven of my Sexual Stat Points to Rapid as thanks to The Speed of Sex more Rapid meant more Dexterity.

Mana Capacity was just over the half way mark to the class upgrade and Dexterity and Accuracy were just under half way there. My Magical Power was ten points shy of the mark and Agility was just over half way. I was almost half way to the upgrade I wanted, and the sooner I got it the better. In fact of the thirteen conditions I needed to upgrade I met nine of them.

Our carriages were loaded up and we agreed Cress and his escort should join with ours for extra safety. We took a moment to chat as the finishes were done for the journey ahead. We had done our goodbyes earlier, of course, but when I heard footsteps I turned to see the royal family coming out to us, Alicia, Carmen and Miles flanking them on their sides. "Samuel, Rose, Prim, Alicia, Carmen, Captain. Come to see us off?" I asked, smiling to them. The Grand Duke nodded.

"Indeed." Samuel said, smiling to us. "Once more I must offer both apologies and thanks. Apologies for allowing Halbert's actions; I should have done something years ago and this regret will last with me. And thanks, for being there to save my Prim once more. As strong as she's become I still worry for her, and that you and others will look out for her will ease my mind quite a lot."

"Please, no more blaming yourself." I said smiling and waving to him. "And I'm more then happy to help Prim, anytime." Prim blushed as she smiled to me, walking up and giving me a large hug.

"Thank you for everything... Saving me... The gift..." Prim said, kissing my cheek before whispering to my ear. "My virginity."

I blushed a bit and chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Really." I said as Samuel stepped aside. Behind him was a young butler holding a pillow and on it was...

Wait.

Samuel took the object and turned to me, holding it out for me to see; Halbert's Cane. "I want you to have this. Take it; as a weapon, as a cane or as a trophy. It was one of Halbert's most treasured possessions. I could have buried it with him, but given his actions giving it to you would be a punishment for his ghost to observe. I failed to adjust his attitude in life; I'll take the last chance I can in his passing."

I gently took the cane and looked it over. Seeing a slightly flat spot near the handle I pressed it and the guards for the blade snapped into place as the shaft slid off. I then used Observe on it.

(-)

Name: Gentleman's Sword Cane
Type: Rapier
Stats: +1 Dexterity
Damage Bonuses: + 4 Piercing, +3 Slashing

A well made cane made for nobility to carry to discreetly hide a weapon for protection on them for times and places where carrying an open weapon is frowned upon. It was once used by a series of nobility before being given as a gift to Halbert Oxford, and used by him until his death.

(-)

"Thank you. Not sure if I have a use for it, but I'm sure I can mount it somewhere." I said, sheathing the blade before tucking it under my arm as I reached out, shaking the Grand Duke's hand. Rose walked over and gave me a hug before I shook Alicia's hand in turn.

"M'Lord, we are ready to leave upon your word." The driver said as I turned and nodded. My friends gave a few last goodbyes before I smiled to the Fiorires before looking to Prim.

"I plan on being busy with some things, but you know how to reach me if you need me."

"The Voxlux!" She chirped out, nodding.

"I'm still not sure about that name..." I grumbled.

"Still outvoted!" Miria called out from the carriage. I sighed and turned to walk to it as the royal family and Alicia laughed at me. I made a show of getting into the carriage.

"So long!" Prim called out, waving to me as I smiled and waved back.

"Safe journeys!" Alicia let off as she waved, Rose nodding and waving as well.

"Go well, M'Boy! You've a lot to do, I'm sure!" The Grand Duke added and followed it with a bellow of laughter before we started to leave.

We drove around the three walls once more, out the first gate and towards Stonewall City. Riding past it we moved onto the open road once more. I was relaxing as the world flashed white and my vision just... flew upwards to see the city from above, the Fortress in the distance. A proud, bombastic theme began as the voice of that Narrator from when arrived in Eostia started to speak.

"Our hero now leaves the Fortress of Ur, having fought treachery and obsession and claimed his first Bride! From first, uneasy steps he walked forwards from simple work to deadly fights. From fighting goblins and slimes to testing might with mercenaries and madmen, he has met each challenge and survived, and in some ways thrived."

Thrived according to who? The view turned towards the road we were on, I could even see our convoy drive off towards Mungale.

"Returning home the victor his work shall continue... However the truth is this... These tests are only the beginning..."

The view slowly turned back as I wondered what was going on as he kept speaking.

"For in the distance... The Black Storm brews... And upon it's howling winds does darkness and shadow approach."

"The fate of all Eostia... Shall be written in blood and tears."

Act I: Complete!

Act Completion Rewards
+1 Level

Level Up!

You are now Level 12!

+1 to Dex, Agi, Acc, Mag & Mnc
+1 to End!
+1 to Rap!
+2 RSP & SSP!
+5 UTP!

+50% Current XP to Next Level
Gained 6000XP

Main Objective Complete: Bed Five Additional Women
Gain 3000 XP
Gain +1 to All Stats
Gain +10 USP

Achievement Unlocked: Fledgling Adventurer
Complete Act One

Achievement Unlocked: One Down, Two To Go
Finish one of your Main Objectives

[-]

The Following Evening
The Keep of Fortress Feoh

Alicia had dismissed her escort and aides as she walked into the keep sighing deeply. She looked down to her right hand, holding it before her before she clenched it into a tight fist. 'I need to be stronger.' She thought to herself. 'I couldn't save Prim... I couldn't stop Halbert... I couldn't help James...' She thought to herself, sighing deeply. 'James...'

What did she feel for the Noxdecus boy? He was also someone that protected Prim and helped her out. If anything he was more then a hero then she herself was to Prim. On one hand she was jealous; she knew she was the stronger one yet he had something about him that she couldn't put a finger on...

He was polite, honest and industrious. And given his Voxlux creation, he was in position to change the world... Yet humble enough to ask for help in spreading it. He was... He was...

What was he to her? Sadly she envied Prim in times like these; her cousin was so in touch with her emotions and could understand them so much better then Alicia. Sometimes Alicia felt that she was anything but feminine and all she could do for a future husband was offer her blade in service and skills in battle. She couldn't really cook or sew or do much of anything feminine. And yet...

And yet he asked her to dance, like she was just a normal lady of the court instead of a well trained brute and it made her heart do something odd...

What did she feel...?

"My lady, you are home." She let off a small sound of surprise as she turned to see someone walk out of a side hall. From the side a man walked out, wearing a yellow robe over brown pants as well as a white shirt and tie with a small, foot long, green cape was over it all. On his head sat a worn, red beret. Brown boots were on each foot as he held his hands behind him as he walked closer. He was a bit shorter then her at five foot five and rather portly, likely from his age being in his early fifties. A wrinkled, aged but friendly face with white hair hanging down to his chin on the sides and an equally white mustache over his lips finished the look. "Princess Alicia; I had not expected you until the morrow."

"Beardsley, it's good to see you." Razon Beardsley (Although not even he used his first name often) was her father's Prime Minister and with his increasingly frail health it was Beardsley who was the one handling most of the administrative and ruling duties alongside a pair of her other, most trusted aides. As much as she hated to say it; she well could be the Queen of Feoh within the next five years, despite her father not even being forty yet. The man nodded and smiled in his warm manner as he walked to stand before her.

"As it is you, Your Highness. How was Prim's party? She did enjoy the gift I sent, yes?" He asked her. Since she was a child he had been like an uncle to her, doting on her and teaching her. The man was excellent in managing the economy and all of Feoh was flourishing under his direction.

"There were... Some issues that happened before the party took place." She said with a sigh. "I'll explain it in due time. Something happened, Beardsley, and we needs be alert for the future."

"Hoo? So serious?" He let off, straightening himself out. "When the time comes, I shall be ever at your disposal." She smiled to him at his kind words.

"Thank you, Uncle." She said, bowing her head slightly. "But to answer the question you had, Prim loved the painting. She said she has no idea where to hang it, but she adores it."

"That's wonderful news! I'm glad she enjoys it so!" He said, clapping his white gloved hands before him. "I was worried; the painter was well recommended but relatively unknown by most."

"Really? Then you made a very wise commission." The Princess Knight said before sighing. "There will be much and more to speak of in the morning. For now, I need my rest. Do not overwork yourself, Uncle. Sometimes I worry I put too much weight upon your shoulders."

"I bear the weight gladly, Your Highness." He said, patting his chest. "This old man still has the vigor to do tasks all night if need be!" He boasted with an overplayed laugh, clearly for her benefit. She smiled all the while.

"Thank you. But please, get some rest yourself." She said as she moved to the stairway. "Good night."

"Good night!" He said before moving behind her and looked up at her... And smirked softly, leering to her backside as it swayed with her steps upwards, watching her well defined ass with each step she took. 'Oh yes... I will have a good night... A good night of dreaming of what I will do once my hands are finally upon your lustful frame...' He lifted his right hand up as she walked, as if to cup her ass from all that distance away, sneering a bit at the thought. His middle finger wriggled up, as if to press into the treasures between her legs. 'Hoo, the Black Storm cannot sweep into Eostia soon enough...' He thought to himself, lowering his hand before Alicia turned towards a hall, walking down to another place on the first floor.

'The new era that shall come... Will grant men like me their dreams!'

[ - Author's Note - ]

Holy crap, this is long... Really long... Maid to Love was the longest chapter before now at just under 23k words, but this has it beat by over 4k... This is twice my usual average for chapter length.

I didn't think all I wanted would take so long to write... Damn...

Well, we've set up the Shields learning of the Black Storm and starting to move to oppose it, Prim is now an official Bride and we're setting up a bit for Act Two.

For the record, Beardsley is a canon character but he's only known as Beardsley in it; I gave him the first name of Razon; a name that means wish or desire. Anyone who knows the canon knows why that's fitting.

Next chapter will be Act One's Epilogue; it'll be setting up more of what's to come. After that, Act Two will establish James after the party as he prepares for the Storm... And we'll be spending time with each of the Seven Shield Princesses over the course of said Act.

And of course, the new Straw Poll. The question this time is this: Of the Shield Princesses who has the best banner? I've made one for each, and the bulk of them were shown in this chapter. In case you need a reminder; the poll will have a link to an Imgur Gallery with all seven banners in question and each labeled.

Straw Poll is at strawpoll dot com slash 1j54gju4o

Let me know your thoughts on the banners, this chapter and what you liked and didn't like.

Until then everyone!

~~Eostain Scribe