Revenge Begins by Stealing Their Women!
“We're back~.”
“Haa~ The reassuring scent of our home~”
The next day. In the afternoon after finishing the quest and returning. As if she'd already grown accustomed to it, Cecilia stretched alongside me as we entered Maou Castle.
It was right in front of us, but maybe because we'd gone out? Cecilia looked utterly satisfied. Good reaction. Yeah. This place we live together is the home of my Yinshuu.
““Welcome home♡ Master♡””
“Yeah. No issues while we were gone?”
Four livestock on duty greeted our return at the entrance, wearing only horse-bit chokers around their necks. Puhuhu. Naked and demurely prostrating themselves in welcome—what a sight. Having livestock like this makes me feel like I've become a noble or something. Of course, it's treatment better than any noble could dream of, since it pleases my eyes. Puhuhu.
At first, it felt a bit awkward, but now I can't imagine things without these livestock helping with chores and errands. I should set aside a day soon to enjoy mating with our grateful livestock again. Though with the numbers growing, it might be hard to satisfy them all properly.
“Looks like our combat setup is finally coming together nicely.”
“Yeah, Liz. Hero Knight might be a stretch, but we could handle a decent Hero now.”
“First time fighting with a priest for me... but with Saintess Klea here, the efficiency is on another level. Even without a Hero, we could take on mid-sized guilds just among ourselves.”
I don't get why the three rear-line girls are talking like we're gearing up to fight people... but yeah. It was just light exercise, so hard to be sure, but Cecilia's addition really balanced the party. Tank, melee DPS, two mages, one priest. Perfect balance, right? Now we just need smooth level-ups.
Though my required EXP is sky-high, that's the issue.
...Actually, the biggest problem right now is something else...
“So next, we gotta decide on transportation.”
Right! Transportation! We need a carriage or something ASAP! Today it was only an hour's walk, but forcing four aboard made it so nerve-wracking! Haa... I thought the mount assist skill guaranteeing comfy rides would save us. Skills aren't omnipotent after all. Tsk.
Three was manageable at full speed... but four, and the rear was shaky, couldn't even hit half speed? Long trips like this... can't drag someone along uncomfortably when heading to fight monsters.
...Sure, hanging off my horse cock for fun play crossed my mind... but for combat? Nah...
What to do. My Yinshuu will keep growing. Get a carriage? But storage is an issue, and galloping across Essentia plains—if it breaks, we're screwed. Above all, can they even make one tough enough for my speed... Haa. Tricky.
“Hmm~. Master. Don't worry too much.”
“Just endure a bit of inconvenience, and a solution will come soon.”
“Huh? Liz. Klea. Got something in mind?”
“Who knows~♡”
...What? My bitches. Why so relaxed? At this rate, we can't capitalize on my biggest edge—speed. Few EXP-worthy monsters near the city. Leaving one behind feels off? So I figured Seres would look into carriages right away? Something besides that...?
...No clue at all. My girls are trustworthy, but what solution could they have... So curious.
“Ah. Lady Seres. Speaking of which, something to report...”
“Oh? What is it?”
One of the still-prostrated livestock raised her head toward Seres. Hmm. That one... restaurant livestock, right? With numbers up, hard to memorize faces now. Sorry about that. We've mingled bodies once, and I can't even recall your face... Is this okay?
“Among the noble ladies we sent invitations to for the restaurant, the viscountess you mentioned yesterday replied she'll attend tomorrow's opening.”
“Oh? Hehe...♡ That's...♡”
“Andalena requests that Master and the Yinshuu ladies please attend♡”
The viscount from yesterday? Hmm... Evid Viscount, that sleazy-looking uncle? His wife got invited to Maou Castle's restaurant opening tomorrow? Oh ho. What a delightful turn.
I was gonna deal with him if he annoyed me again, but sending his wife on a platter? Heh heh... That viscount must crave punishment from me. How thoughtful.
“Master. What do you think? Tomorrow, celebrate the restaurant opening, then sample the bitch they prepared?”
“Heh heh. Our restaurant livestock's cooking is top-tier. Something to look forward to?”
“Hee hee♡ Yes. Then I'll head down and instruct preparations for your enjoyment♡”
Perfect. Tomorrow I planned to check openings everywhere except the 6th-floor club anyway. Then drop Cecilia's clothes with Lianna on shift. Didn't expect this bonus fun. No need to repay their rudeness toward me and my Yinshuu... Heh heh. Thanks, viscount. You probably don't know, but I'll give your wife a thrilling time. As thanks for celebrating our opening.
“Thank you so much for coming to celebrate the opening of this restaurant I manage. Everyone♡”
As other shops finished opening and began full operations around lunchtime, the restaurant finally opened its doors last. Livestock Andalena greeted the attending nobles with thanks.
Not many guests. Just six ladies? Heard Radia's nobles and families total under 2000. Way fewer than expected. Seres said it's an entertainment district spot, so only invites to a few young ladies Andalena knows... Still, six in this huge restaurant feels kinda lonely.
Well, better this way? Too many, and turning them all to livestock at once would be messy. Six is manageable. And young noble ladies—plenty of tasting fun. Puhuhu...
“This restaurant is sponsored by Lady Seres, our lord here.”
As Andalena pointed to Seres, the noble ladies bowed lightly toward her nodding head. Grr... As expected of the lord. My bitch Seres's authority shines through.
“Oh my, Celes... no, Lady Seres...”
“...It's been ages seeing Lady Seres, but she feels so unfamiliar...”
“Hmm... Probably that outfit...”
“And tattoos on her body... Suddenly becoming lord— what happened?”
“...Haven't you heard the rumors? Lady Seres and over there...”
The bowed ladies whispered doubts, sidelong-glancing Seres. Heh heh. Ladies. I can hear you. All of it. No need to wonder so much—you'll know soon enough. Just wait a bit.
“...Heh. Thanks for coming, everyone.”
Sensing their vibe, Seres flashed them a strange smile.
“Lately, to hunt the Hero Eaters troubling the kingdom, I've been adventuring with the Divine Beast♡”
Ignoring their stares, Seres eyed them like prey.
“These behind me are the Divine Beast, my daughter Cecilia, and my comrades♡ They're here to celebrate Andalena's opening today♡”
“...Wasn't it just noble ladies today?”
“Hmm... That one looks like a saintess... Cecilia is a noble lady anyway...”
“Why bring the Divine Beast? Kinda scary-looking...”
“But those muscles are as rumored. Impressive.”
Feeling our beastly gazes? The ladies in fancy dresses looked fearful.
“I'm especially glad to see Viscountess Evid. I had a story for you♡”
“Me? Lady Seres needs something from me?”
“Hee hee♡ Yes. I was going to request a meeting even if not today. It absolutely requires your help...♡”
“Oh...? What story?”
“...But first...♡”
Opening the door to the VIP room reserved for me and my Yinshuu, Seres eyed the ladies.
“It's mealtime now, so let's enjoy the restaurant's cuisine first♡”
The VIP room's splendor captivated the clueless noble ladies. Thus, led by Seres, they stepped into the beasts' trap.