Puppy Coffee Milk for the Duke
In the bustling Krantz Imperial Palace, swamped with subjugation duties, Duke Adrian sat in his office, checking the chat room once more. The items sent by the Moderator were placed on the desk.
Mysterious potions of unknown effects. The duke examined them closely once more, but couldn't even guess their purpose.
"Should've at least asked what benefits they have? Feels too hasty now."
A request from the Moderator, who bestowed favors not just on the Empire but all races across the continent. And even that request was merely to gather data for providing more aid. It was only natural to accept as a matter of duty, yet he couldn't shake his wariness toward unfamiliar items.
But the deed was done. Pushing down his unease, the duke calmly waited for the on-duty staff he'd summoned to the office.
Knock-knock.
A knock soon sounded.
"Duke, may we enter?"
"Come in."
The door opened at his permission. Behind it, two pale-faced staffers awaited entry approval.
"Brought the two matching your criteria. Chronic fatigue from overtime, recent efficiency way down."
The valet's report on their own handling of the matter. The pair bowed at the words, but Adrian smiled in satisfaction. They perfectly fit his requirements.
"No need for shame. I know best why you're exhausted."
The two looked up at the duke's words. Expecting a reprimand, they inwardly cheered.
"I called you to test these items and observe effects. You're on duty today, correct?"
"Yes, Duke. I'm finance on duty, my colleague here is HR."
These were the Empire's finest talents, ground down daily. The duke himself was no different, so no pity stirred—only shared kinship.
"These are from the Moderator. Says subjugation soldiers are fatigued, so tailored remedies."
Fatigue relievers? Or stimulants? Curiosity piqued, the workers eyed the desk items.
"You take the beer-like one, you the small vial. I'll have this paper packet."
Noticing their gaze, Adrian pointed them out.
They stared in shock. The Empire's top noble, Duke Adrian, testing on himself?
"Duke? Effects and risks unverified. I'll fetch another—test on them..."
One couldn't hold back his worry, urging the duke against it.
Adrian replied with a warm smile. "I'm just another overworked drone like you. And tougher than most. The strongest one's mine, naturally, in case of issues."
He spoke as if obvious. Though entry-level, he was a Swordmaster—fact, not brag.
Moved, the workers' eyes reddened slightly. A bit embarrassed, Adrian pressed on.
"Consume now, head to duty. Report effects here tomorrow morning. Understood?"
"Yes, Duke."
The valet swiftly distributed their assignments. Adrian confirmed, then tore open the bipedal puppy-illustrated packet.
Riiip—
Hiss— Pop-pop—
Three workers gripped their items. Eyes met briefly, then they drank.
Gulp-gulp—
Emptied in seconds. Checking each other—no immediate change. Effects take time?
Seeing no instant shift, Adrian dismissed them. "Duty awaits—good luck. See you tomorrow."
"Yes, Duke."
No effects felt, they left puzzled. Watching them go, Adrian dove into his tasks, hoping fervently for real results.
Roll-roll-roll roll-roll-roll
Groooowl—groooowl—
Another day like yesterday in the bunker. Having entrusted the energy drink tests to Duke Adrian, I was scrolling the Gallery.
Subjugation hype dying down? By late afternoon on day two, non-subjugation posts emerged.
Most eye-catching: an update on the artist I'd unearthed.
My little artist, now a master drawing imperial interest, ducal snatching, noble begging. Sister talented in sculpture too.
SkeletonLifeOver alone redraws the art world; sis adds to it.
Any sculptures done? Curiosity piqued, I messaged the artist Gonnick.
Sis's work intrigued, but rags bugged me too. Ad revenue boomed, yet same clothes? No shops—got it.
Entering capital in rags? Nah.
For art-world revolutionaries, I sent fitting clothes. Picked two white dresses carefully. Nice outfits for outings too.
Imagining sisters strolling capital in them, my lips curved up. Near-dream-quitters chasing dreams. Happiness ahead—prayed inwardly, then resumed Gallery scrolling.