"So, where are we going today?" I asked Rose as soon as we stepped out the front door of her house, with Noir and Rubrum floating beside me.
"We're going for a walk around Doveport, I want to show you the city." She locked the door and walked past me, but not before taking my hand and pulling me towards the buildings in the distance.
There was a moment of hesitation and surprise where I didn't know how to react, but I quickly returned the gesture, wrapping my hand around hers in a firm grip. Then I was practically dragged along at a brisk pace, with Rose ignoring my pleas to slow down.
Her laughter and teasing were the responses I received, and I couldn't help but laugh at the strangeness of the situation. I saw her glancing at me and giving me a mischievous smile as I tried to stop my hat from flying off.
That sight made the corners of my mouth lift and my heart race with joy. How many times had I dreamed of this moment? Of seeing her again and spending days together like in the past?
I couldn't help but notice her appearance; she had grown since the last time we saw each other and became a beautiful woman. Her white hair, tied in a ponytail with a black ribbon, flowed in the wind, with a short dress of the same color hugging her voluptuous body, revealing her curves and shapely stomach, ending just above her thighs.
Her neckline was anything but modest, losing to Five in terms of daring, revealing quite a bit of her pale skin. Her eye patch hid the flower and part of her face, but even so, I could find myself staring at her face for hours.
Her features were sharp and severe, the result of her hard life, but that didn't change the fact that she was beautiful, and the landscape around us accentuated that, with the wind blowing through her hair and the sun illuminating her form.
Unfortunately, I had to abandon those thoughts before I got into an uncomfortable situation. It was strange, but I felt a tightness in my chest as I swallowed those feelings. I made my point clear yesterday; despite the changes, I was interested in another woman at the moment.
Instead, I focused on the present, making the most of our walk, leaving the bad mood behind. Rose was happy, and I didn't want to ruin that.
We crossed the grassy hills, reaching a dirt road with trees to our left and the blue sea to our right, the waves crashing like thunder every time the water hit the shore.
The buildings grew taller as we approached, and with that, I spotted ships docking and leaving the port, bringing and taking goods. We passed through the main gate without incident; the guards barely glanced at Rose, but they stiffened as soon as they noticed me.
Apparently, my reputation preceded me. I wonder what rumors about the Sisters and I are circulating.
The townspeople reacted similarly, offering Rose a quick glance or ignoring her, with few greeting her, something she returned. And just like at the gate, the reactions changed as soon as the presence of the books and me was noticed, with whispers and admiring voices filling the area.
Honestly, it was good to be able to walk around without having to hide. There was no one trying to kill us, and we were more than capable of defending ourselves now.
Rose gave us a tour of the city where she worked with her sisters, however short the time may have been. I believe she was trying to hide it, but it was written all over her face how much she had enjoyed those moments, whether through a distant, longing look or a subtle lifting of her lips followed by a more animated tone of voice.
Yes, she wanted to kill her sisters, but that didn't mean she didn't have regrets. She must have been destroying herself inside.
We crossed the square where they used to sing for the public, which was also the place where they first discovered their powers, and with that, had to deal with something growing in them without stopping.
We bought some sweets at their favorite bakery, a nice place they used to visit frequently after work, and Rose made sure to make my wallet bleed by buying a little of everything. We left the place with our arms full of bags and packages while eating some sweets along the way.
"You know, of all the things that could have changed, I wish your hunger had been one of them."
Rose gave me an annoyed look, which quickly turned into an impassive face whose intensity made me uncomfortable.
"What? Is there something on my face?"
I joked, only for her to drag her index finger across the corner of my lips and take a bit of strawberry jam to her mouth. I was speechless for a second, feeling my face heat up, snapping out of my stupor when she laughed, gently pushing my chest.
"PSSH! You should have seen your face!"
I clicked my tongue in irritation, but laughed in the end, being dragged to the next step of our walk when she intertwined her arm with mine.
"Rose, don't you think we're too close?"
"No, why?"
If I didn't know her well, I would have believed the innocence she displayed, but the fact that I had a beautiful view from above her cleavage proved otherwise.
"Nothing."
I kept my eyes focused ahead, being guided towards the port. On the way, we passed the tailor shop where she bought her sewing supplies, not only to mend her clothes but also for her hobby, which, according to her, began with repairing her sisters' dolls.
I mentioned that I'd like to see some of her work, and she was more than happy to show me when we got back, although a little embarrassed. However, her mood soured when we passed a flower shop, her face turning serious and her grip on my arm tightening.
"I guess you don't like flowers anymore, do you?"
She didn't answer, shaking her head and pulling me away. I gave a worried look to Noir and Rurum, who, even unable to change their expressions, shared my feelings. Not now, but at some point, I would have to discuss the flower and the sisters. So that this wouldn't end in tragedy.
The port was exactly what you'd expect from one: bustling and full of sailors and fishermen coming and going from ships, chatting, transporting fish, and crates and barrels full of merchandise.
I didn't know what was worse, the smell or the noise, but as we moved away from the crowd, I could appreciate the sea and the waves crashing against the white rocks of the port. I wish I had my cell phone to take some photos and record a video, although I feel that part of the appreciation I had for the sea died the last time I crossed it, even more so my love for beaches.
We took a short break near the lighthouse, sitting on some rocks surrounded by sand, eating a little more while admiring the scenery.
"Alan?"
"Hm…"
"Why don't you and the books come live with me? Like in the old days?"
Rose asked without taking her eyes off the horizon, but, however much she tried to hide it, I noticed the tremor in her tone. I paused to think, crossing my legs as I watched the clouds drift across the blue sky. A good question, why not?
"Rose, don't get me wrong, I'd love to, but I have my life now. I can't drop everything to live on the other side of Midgard. I have a job, I live in a small community that likes me, and I was adopted by a pair of elves I consider my grandparents. I only realized how much I had when I almost died again, I'm not going to abandon all of this now that I've come to appreciate it. How about you come live with me? Elyon and Tesshalia will like you, I'm sure."
She seemed to perk up at this answer and slowly turned towards me, a glint in her eye visible, speaking in a careful tone, as if she were measuring each word.
"Are you serious?"
"Of course I am! I have a spare room that could be yours! I can also introduce you to the other elves; they're friendly, well, friendly after you prove you're not a danger to the village, but I'm sure you'll like Lyllenas."
The lack of response made me try even harder to convince her, however, I felt my joy die when she hugged her legs to her chest and rested her head on her knees, showing a sad smile.
"I'd love that. Who knows, maybe someday?"
"Rose, you don't expect to get out of whatever you're planning alive, do you?"
The silence was more than enough of an answer. I looked down at the ground, rubbing my hands on my knees, thinking about what to do. Taking a deep breath, I approached her and held her in a tight hug. She shuddered, but I felt her relax moments later.
"Thank you."
Rose murmured, hiding her face in her legs.
"You're welcome."
We stayed like that for a few minutes, enjoying each other's company, the waves, the wind, and the birds being the only sounds present.
"Rose, please, talk to your sisters. There must be a way to resolve things without killing each other. They still love and miss you, I know they're willing to talk."
"Do you think so?"
"Of course!"
"Hm… I don't know, I need time to think. I can't just show up out of nowhere after everything that's happened."
"Take all the time you need, and if you want to talk to someone, I'm all ears."
I don't know how much time passed, but we continued exploring the city until the sun began to set on the horizon, indicating it was time to go back. The return trip was more peaceful than the beginning. Hand in hand, I took Rose home on a casual walk, exchanging stories and laughter along the way.
"Hey, it's a long way to the Land of Forests. Why don't you spend the night here again?"
"Are you sure? I don't want to take advantage of your hospitality."
"Don't worry, you're not."
She invited me inside and closed the door behind me, and then we prepared for the evening. After a bath, which Rose jokingly suggested we should take together, I hope, we found ourselves preparing dinner with the help of Noir and Rubrum. We ate while listening to Rose's bounty hunter stories, her most difficult and most interesting jobs.
"...And then, the sorcerer threw a fireball in my direction, and I made sure to return it with a swing of my sword."
She was so happy to tell me this, but I knew it wasn't a coincidence; there had been an increase in the amount of work days after the Lords' deaths, as the few remaining authorities were working double shifts to deal with the number of criminals wanting to fill the power vacuum.
Bedtime arrived when there was nothing else to do. I wondered where I would sleep. The last time was by accident, but apparently I was wrong, because Rose offered me her bed.
There I was, watching her in a white nightgown, lying on her bed patting the empty space beside her with a soft smile on her face. I sighed, knowing I was fighting a losing battle, and lay down beside her, finding myself trapped in a pair of strong arms and legs.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
I closed my eyes, waiting for sleep to come, but soon opened them as I felt a hand sliding under my shirt and smoothing my abdomen.
"Wow, you could grind cheese on them."
"Rose…"
"Sorry."
Slowly, the hand receded, letting me sleep.
-XXXXXX-
The goodbye the next day was painful. We spent so much time together only to be separated, to meet again and part again, but unlike last time, nothing held us back now, except for our embrace.
"Have a good trip, and stay out of trouble."
"Funny, I think I should say the same to you."
"You're the one who keeps getting into trouble, not me."
We parted ways, then she turned to Noir and Rubrum.
"You two… I'm glad to see you both safe and sound. Take care, and make sure that idiot doesn't kill himself again."
"You can count on us, Miss Rose."
The black book nodded as the red one rubbed against her face, making her laugh.
We said goodbye one last time, and with that done, I left the house, flapping my wings and taking flight, however, before I was out of earshot, Rose shouted something.
"Next time, you get to choose the place of our date!"
My eyes widened and I mentally replayed everything that had happened.
My God, that was a date.
-Cathedral City-
The days passed without major events, following my usual routine until the day came to visit the sisters.
As time went on, Cathedral City became more and more bustling. Looking down, I saw rivers of people moving in the streets below, commerce thriving, and the army being formed.
I didn't know how the sisters managed it, but there were even airships using some of the city's towers and buildings as hangars, transporting cargo and people.
Unlike other times, cannons weren't fired in my direction, and the Cathedral servants guided me to where the sisters were. I arrived at a pair of double doors, but stopped with my fist in the air upon hearing agitated voices coming from the other side.
Before I could do anything, the doors opened and a group of servants rushed through, almost trampling me as they carried stacks of papers in their arms. I left my place pressed against the wall, watching them disappear down the hallway, and leaned to the side, peering into the room.
It was a mess; the sisters were seated around a circular table, discussing and writing like machines on countless sheets of paper and parchment. Those were the ones that succeeded, for all around them were almost mountains of crumpled papers stained with black ink.
"...The nobles of the South have accepted our demands and will now join us…"
Four spoke without looking at the others, dragging her finger along a long list.
"...With the arrival of the money we obtained by looting the Lords' treasury, we acquired a total of 10,000 bronze coins, 4,500 silver coins, but no gold, which raises the question of where all the gold went…"
Three was in a similar situation, writing something down while fiddling with an abacus to perform her calculations.
I may or may not have felt a pang of shame and glanced at Noir and Rubrum, who reacted the same way I did, knowing full well that we were the ones who looted all the Lords' gold before anyone else. Bass in the Land of Deserts was just the beginning.
"...Trying to unify the desert tribes is a difficult task, but I think my treaty is good enough for now. Eliminating the powerful monsters in the area can serve as a common enemy to speed up the process…"
Two slammed what could only be described as a tome on the table, probably the treaty she was talking about.
"...At least we managed to assemble a fleet large enough to face the pirates, however, we still need to chart the best route; an ambush would be the best option to end everything quickly…"
Five worked with maps, using a compass and small wooden ships to simulate combat.
"...The training and arming of the troops are going according to plan." "If there are no obstacles, we can launch our first offensive in…"
One, like Five, worked in the military, only with armies and ground troops instead.
They all looked exhausted, with disheveled clothes and hair, tired faces with dark circles under their eyes, and slow movements. I wondered if I should leave and come back later, however, I preferred to at least show that I came to visit them.
I knocked on the door and spoke in a playful tone.
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
In a display opposite to all the times we met, the sisters glanced at me, offering nods and dejected murmurs before returning to work.
"Alan, Noir, Rubrum… It's good to see you again."
One murmured between yawns, trying to keep her head upright with her hands, but little by little, her eyes closed and her head threatened to fall, only for her to wake up before that happened.
"I feel the same. I see you've been busy. Being a responsible ruler isn't easy, is it?"
"You have no idea. I just want to sleep for the rest of the week, but there's always a problem to solve."
One stood up from her chair, and like a zombie, staggered towards me with outstretched arms, but instead of a bite, she wrapped her arms around me and buried her face in my chest.
"What are you doing?"
"Recharging my energy."
I laughed, wrapping my arms around her and resting my chin on her head. I didn't know what product she used on her hair, but it smelled great. I would create some copies of myself to help, but that would set a precedent where the sisters would call me every time they had to deal with paperwork, and I wanted to stay away from that.
"Now you understand why I avoid positions of power."
"So you like being the bottom on the bed?"
"What!"
"What?"
She just blinked, an innocent flutter of her eyelashes that completely ignored what she had said.
"Forget it."
"Well, now come with me, I prepared a gift for you."
One asked her sisters if it would be alright to leave for a while. Something they agreed to, as long as it wasn't for too long. I accompanied her to a room far from the cathedral, and no matter how much I asked, she refused to reveal what the gift was.
As soon as the double doors in front of us opened, I got an idea of what she had prepared for me, as we had entered what appeared to be a private training room. There were mannequins covered in cuts and punctures in one corner, shelves full of weapons and armor, targets hanging on the walls, and more. Unlike the rest of the Cathedral, this room lacked luxury and adornment, with simple but reinforced walls and floor.
At the center of it all was a mannequin wearing plate armor that looked like it came straight out of a JRPG. It was masterfully and skillfully forged, a gleaming silver that shone in the dim light that entered.
Its helmet, a darker shade, was difficult to describe; honestly, it reminded me of what a Kamen Rider or Power Ranger would wear, composed of several sections of plates that descended, spreading to the sides and ending in small sharp points, mainly on the sides of the head where the ears should be, culminating in what could be described as a small "beak" or "snout" pointing downwards.
In place of the eye openings, it had a pair of thin, upward-curved red lenses that descended and almost touched at the center of the helmet, giving it a menacing appearance.
This was connected to the breastplate of the armor, where there was a symbol I didn't recognize, a kind of jewel that also served to fasten a white cape around the neck and over the right shoulder.
The peculiarities ended there, as the rest was what one would expect from armor, with a solid plate protecting the stomach, and others protecting the arms, legs, groin, and hips, with chainmail and leather protecting the few openings that allowed unrestricted movement.
I approached with my mouth open and eyes wide, words refusing to come out as I smoothed the helmet, seeing my distorted reflection in the metal. It was incredible, like a childhood dream come true.
"One, I-I, I don't know what to say! I loved this armor! It's impressive, like in the stories of knights! But why? Why go to the trouble of getting this for me?"
I turned to Intoner, who approached slowly, hands hidden behind her back and a playful smile on her face.
"Well, considering you get into trouble all the time, I thought it would be good to have something that protects you from attacks and sunlight, so you can fight without having to worry about getting burned or having your clothes destroyed, although I'm not complaining about the last part."
Something else emerged in her gaze and voice, something provocative as she stopped in front of me, placing a hand on my chest.
"Seriously, there's nothing more to this?"
"Hm… I think I'd feel more at ease knowing you have a little extra protection. I don't like seeing you get hurt. You can also see this as a gift for the plushie."
I give her a plushie and in return I get armor? I might as well skip the dating phase and ask her to marry me. I was bold, playing along with her game and placing a hand on her waist, pulling her close, making her soft, generous chest touch mine.
"If that's the case, then I think I should return the favor."
"Oh, and how will you do that?"
"Like this."
I'd always been on the backfoot when it came to the various flirts and provocations the sisters threw my way. A gentle touch, a provocative pose, a whisper full of innuendo, or an outfit that revealed more than it should, but I saw an opportunity and took the initiative this time.
I placed a hand on One's chin, gently lifting her head. For a second, confusion appeared on her beautiful face, which quickly turned to surprise when our lips touched.
I heard the sound of the doors opening, glancing back, I saw the books leaving the room. I offered a word of thanks in my mind, returning my focus to the wonderful sensation of her soft lips pressed against mine.
A pair of arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me close, deepening the kiss. Unfortunately, the need for air made us separate.
"PANT! Th-that, that was…"
One breathed heavily, looking away, her face as red as an apple.
"Amazing, wasn't it? I felt the same."
I offered my hand, which she accepted, intertwining her fingers with mine.
"I think that means you like me."
"Yes, I just took a while to make a move."
"You have no idea how long I've waited for this."
We continued kissing, the heat growing ever stronger, our hands dancing over each other's bodies, but One broke the mood moments later, pulling me out of the room at an absurd speed.
"Hey, where are we going?!"
"To my room!"
Oh… I won't be going home anytime soon.
END OF CHAPTER