40 Chapter 40: Establishing Terms (1/2)
When we got back inside, we were stopped by one of the guild staff and was told to wait in one of the meeting rooms upstairs for further instructions. After requesting some water to be sent up, we all went to the designated meeting room upstairs. The meeting room has a few rows of tables and chairs along with one of those podiums that makes the place look like a sort of classroom. Having no idea where to sit, I just take the centermost spot in the room. Ren, Erizora, and Ms. Gallofree take my right in that order, while Umeiyon and Lili take my left. It took very little time for the water to arrive, of which we take a moment to quench our thirst.
”So, how did things go in the church, Master?” Ren asks.
”Ah, right. I can't go into details just yet, but I think it's safe to say that I'll be put in as a black-ranked adventurer.”
”Ohh! That's wonderful news, Master!” Ren exclaims while she and Erizora applaud me.
”So, with Ren being green, me a blue, and Master as black, the three of us put together as a party may be ranked as a blue or red,” Erizora guesses.
”Well, whatever we end up, I'll be counting on you two to help me learn the norms of the Demon-Kin's Territory as we go on quests. It's so overwhelmingly different for me just being here that I'm starting to have difficulty keeping up with everything.”
”You can count on us, Master, though personally, you might not have very much trouble fitting in with how strong you already are. You got an Ogre's guarantee that everyone will be looking to you with respect and admiration at first sight,” Erizora declares while thumping a fist on her impressive chest. The way it ripples from the impact is almost mesmerizing.
”Not only that, but you'll be swarmed with many girls who'll want to be your mate,” Ren adds. ”And … do you mind if I speak honestly, Master?”
”Of course, Ren.”
She then puts a hand on her modest bosom. ”While Eri and I are your officially owned slaves to do with as you please, though we normally aren't in place to even speak what we want, as I have confessed over lunch, I hope our party can grow into a wonderful pack where we'd live happily, and that we have a chance to share as much fun times and experiences together as you will with your potential mates … and yes, that includes mating,” Ren finishes with a slight blush.
”… Does that go for you as well, Erizora?” I ask her.
”Y-Yes, the same as what Ren said and what I confessed over lunch as well.”
<”I gotta admit, having such a big, strong woman being a masochistic sub is definitely something not many will ever come by,”> Nyra comments.
”Is it normal … for demons to go straight to mating after first meeting someone in a day?” I ask out of curiosity.
”How mates are acknowledged and formed varies between races, but from what I've heard, yes, there are pairings who've become successful partners even after meeting them for one day. I like to think we just have good instincts in these things that makes us confident in the choices of our mates, even if it's just from seeing them for the first time. It's akin to what humans refer to as 'love at first sight,' I think the saying goes. Of course, there are people like those of the Succubi who aren't looking for committing partners but have good eyes and instincts on mating and seek those who're capable of that, and then there are those who just mate for the sake of pleasure, and that's where brothels come in.”
”Wait, mates 'mating,' like doing 'that?' There are people who get together just for that? 'Brothels?' What now?” Umeiyon mumbles to herself, looking confused. I couldn't make out the words.
”I see … well, please understand that I need some time to think and adjust before we get to that point. I'm not sure I can just accept every offer given to me, either. I'm not just speaking as a human, but as a man who hasn't got so much attention from girls in that way before while growing up. I honestly still can't believe there are girls who actually do see me in that way, just going by my experiences with them in the past back home.”
”Believe me, there are plenty here who do, and that includes the two of us. Right?” Ren asks Erizora, to which she nods in agreement.
”Master Kotori, may I … also confess in something?” Ms. Gallofree asks.
”What is it?” I ask.
”I have thought of this quite hard after the events from last night, and the things I have seen so far today have only ascertained my decision.” Ms. Gallofree then suddenly takes a knee (at least the best she can with her horse lower-body). ”I know thou hast said thou will save the favor I owe to thee until a later time, but for saving my life last night, I feel this may be the best way for me to pay my debt. Please, allow me to join thy party and serve thee as thy servant, as thy trusted steed.”
”Um … steed?”
”She's saying she wants to be your riding horse,” Lili translates. ”Which is sort of peculiar, because don't Centaurs hate humans riding on them?”
”There was a time when we did not get along with humans or any race capable of getting on our backs; however, a Champion changed all that when he valiantly saved a life of our own kind one day. That moment became a legend of which few of us wish to see come to fruition; to serve under a human who sees us as allies and not tamable, abominated animals. I am secretly one of those few, and with my uncle's guidance without his knowing of my intentions and motivations, I have honed my body for battle since I was able to pick up a weapon. Even if I may never find such a human, especially when bridges between kin art starting to build, I wanted to serve a rightful cause; thus, leading me to be an adventurer.
”I was beginning to think my hopes were becoming something like childish dreams … until thou came along, Master Kotori.”
”Listen, that sounds awesome and all, but I'm not as valiant or good of a person you're making me out to be. I save or beat the crap of whoever I want, no matter if they're human, demi, or demon. I'm not really a hero if I was able to beat, pilfer goods, and kill all of those guys last night just because they pissed me off.”
”If that is so, then why did thee save me?”
”… I dunno, it just sort of happened.”
”Master Kotori, there art few in number who would put their lives on the line to save another as a first response, and even fewer if the person they art saving is so different from them. Thy battle tactics may be concerning, but thy quick judgments and decision-making from last night, as well as all the scars I have seen on thy body, they spoke thy story to me more than any other ever would. If that is not enough to speak what kind of person thou art to be, just look at the girls who art with thee now, those who do see thee as more than what thou can for thyself.
”I will speak to my uncle the truth about my wishes, I can be the legs that carry thee when thou art weary, I can pull more of a loaded cart on my own than thou may think, I can be thy knight who thou can use as a sword and shield, just please, give me a chance to prove myself worthy to serve thee, to be a companion in your new party!”
”… Just so you know, I'm planning on meeting the Demon King.”
My statement makes Ms. Gallofree's eyes widen.
”Nothing too serious or life-threatening, mind you, I'm just seeking information that may help me figure out what's going on in my personal matters,” I continue while pointing my eyes, knowing she witnessed how they were last night. ”Despite that, there are bound to be more enemies than you might expect from Nyra's power, my ridiculously low LUCK, and my annoying ability that attracts strong enemies combined. Even if I want to live a stress-free, peaceful, laid-back life, that might be impossible for me, and the same could be said for you if you stick by me. Do you still want to come with me despite knowing all that?”
”On the contrary! I could not be more thrilled to want to join thee in thy adventures any more than I do now! An arduous journey of peril and hardship, seeking an audience with the Demon King who may hold the answers to the mysteries that is thy true self, all before fighting to the main goal of everlasting peace. Yes! Tis certainly the kind of life I want to be a part of, and the possibilities of who and what we may run into art endless!
”Give me a test, a trial, something to prove me worthy to joining thee on this personal quest! I must join thy party! I just have to! Please!”
”Okay! Okay! You can join!”
”Really?!” she responds with sparkling eyes.
”But only if your uncle's okay with it. Also, I'm not aiming to gain 'everlasting peace' for the world. I just want to live a simpler life after figuring out what the heck is even going on with me and my body.”
”Tis enough for me! I thank thee for considering!”
”By the way, how old are you, anyway?”
”I turned 20 a few months ago, actually!”
So, a little younger than me, but still old enough to be considered an adult. Unless her uncle's really overbearing, I don't think she'll have any problems getting permission. Not only that, but she's a red-ranked adventurer, and she doesn't look to have a romantic interest in me, just in the adventure aspect, right? I don't know how okay it is for her to do labors that are fitting for a horse, but I'll just have to respect her decisions as a person to be able to work together, so I shouldn't have to worry about anything weird sprouting between us … right?
<”Hm, I don't know. That depends on how you'll respond to seeing her you-know-what if you ask me.”>
Okay, that's not even funny, Nyra.
”Just so we're in the clear, I'm just a tailoress with minimal combat capabilities,” Lili now speaks. ”I won't be joining in on your crazy adventures when I have my own shop to tend to, but you're welcome to submit commissions to me. I can even make stuff that will help you survive in your battles. Though, I do hope you'll find time for us just to have an outing or two.”
”Yeah, of course.” I might as well have her be my go-to person for all of my clothes. Spider silk is really strong from what I've read, so I can only imagine how much they'd resemble something like armor if she spins the kind for the job needed.
<”Plus, you're wanting to continue where you left off in the cellar, are you?”>
… Not like I'm putting that on such high importance, but I'd still like to see it if she's willing.
”It's a shame you won't join us, Lili, but it sounds like it can't be helped,” Umeiyon says while shrugging her shoulders.