Chapter 63
Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Southern Headquarters and Aunt Mane's Arrival
After spending the night at the church, we set off in the carriage toward the southern headquarters of the Salvation Church.
Of course, Aktaion was the one driving.
Up until now, it had been Antiope and Ekyon taking turns at the reins...
It seemed they were finally catching on.
So I'd learned how to drive from Ekyon, and now I was handling it too.
Thanks to that, we switched off in three shifts, easing the burden on the other two.
Our goal was the southern headquarters, but along the way, we scouted each territory.
Any info from the headquarters would just be for verification.
If what we saw firsthand didn't match the records? That would mean either the records were wrong or the headquarters was.
"How was it today?"
"Nothing much. They were just doing as ordered from the start, no guilty spots in sight."
"Good work. Get some rest."
On a dark night, Aktaion returned from scouting.
Zenon, Castello, and the others.
We'd secretly checked several territories, and all of them were faithfully following imperial orders.
Whether out of caution or true loyalty, it was a good sign either way.
'Not brainless, at least.'
If they knew how to rein in their greed, they were still human—at least somewhat. Otherwise, beasts.
So if they were human, they wouldn't cross the line.
I figured they'd behave, but exceptions popped up now and then.
That's why I sent Aktaion to hunt for those exceptions.
I'd draw attention while sneaking Aktaion in to tail them.
If they had something to hide, they'd move. If not, they'd stay put.
Simple, but effective.
It made exposing corruption easy and proving innocence just as straightforward.
Practically free wins.
"Master, we're here."
"So we are."
Our swift, thorough checks had brought us to our destination before we knew it.
The Bourbon Dukedom.
Southern lands hugging the main headquarters, with the sea just half a day's carriage ride away.
People dressed lightly here.
A bit of exaggeration, but it evoked Hawaii.
'Nice vibe.'
The warm weather meant open buildings everywhere, and bright people.
A relaxing atmosphere that soothed the soul.
"Let's grab an inn and catch our breath."
"Yes, Master."
As usual, we booked a decent inn and unpacked.
Today's room was on the second floor.
'Great view.'
Alone, I gazed out the open window on the second floor while picking cotton from my ears.
The wide-open vista and bustling people made it feel like vacation.
From here to the headquarters? An hour's walk.
Using mana to dash, it'd be much quicker.
'Tricky.'
Gazing out the window brought the priest's words to mind.
Something felt off, but no proof.
No evidence, just rumors—and even those weren't solid.
That's why we'd meticulously checked the territories. No major issues.
Just minor corruption at worst.
'That's forgivable.'
Perfectly clear water holds no fish.
Humans can't help a little graft—as long as they don't cross the line.
Of course, by doctrine, even that was irreverent...
But the Salvation Church wasn't the state religion, and it didn't force faith.
"Nngh...!"
I stretched lightly and sat at the table.
After a quick breather, I'd head out to the streets.
Today: casual stroll and recon.
Tomorrow: headquarters visit.
Simple plan set, I dozed off in my chair.
About an hour and a half?
'Feeling better now.'
I woke refreshed, loosened up, and stepped out.
Head clear, energy surging.
"Coming this far south, I can really feel the heat now."
Ekyon, walking beside me, fanned her shirt collar.
Too bold a gesture for a refined noble lady.
Fanning her collar like that? It naturally exposed her sweat-glistened cleavage.
Me, passersby—everyone stole glances at Ekyon's massive breasts.
'Oh.'
Droplets of sweat trickled down into her cleavage.
Nothing major, but plenty arousing.
"Master? What're you staring at?"
Ekyon met my eyes with a playful smile.
She knew exactly what I was looking at.
"Your tits."
No secrets between daily fuckbuddies.
I answered boldly.
"Pardon? Isn't that a bit too blunt?"
Ekyon giggled as expected, pleased underneath.
"They're mine, so I can look."
"They're my tits, though?"
"You're mine, so your tits are mine too. Forgot already?"
I sneakily poked the underside of her breast.
Quick jab—no one noticed.
"Nng...! Really, no poking my tits on the street in broad daylight...♥"
Ekyon clutched her chest and twisted away.
One poke, and she was already heating up.
"What if it's not on the street?"
"Anytime at all."
Ekyon pressed against my side, swaying her hips.
Her huge tits squished against my arm.
That sweet whisper in my ear riled up my cock.
'Fuck... done for.'
Recharging lust and arousal as we walked, we ducked into a cafe.
Dinner fantasies kept my erection raging.
"Welcome. We have open terrace seats or private rooms—which would you prefer? Note that rooms cost a bit more."
"Room, please."
"Right this way."
The staff led us to a second-floor room.
Better to drink without prying eyes.
A few extra coins? Pocket change.
Wallet was fat anyway—no issue.
'Not bad.'
Sitting across from Ekyon, I scanned the room.
Cozy like a small bar, clean and tidy.
"The girls back at the inn would be so jealous if they knew."
"Then make time for them later."
"By then, I might be the jealous one."
"That's how it goes."
We ordered coffee and chatted while gazing out the window.
The south had this uniquely languid feel.
"Pardon the intrusion. Coffee's here."
Mid-chat, someone opened the door.
Why did that voice sound familiar?
"Huh?"
I turned, eyes widening.
The server with our coffee was someone I knew all too well.
"Auntie?"
"Huh? Why is the Northern Commander-in-Chief here...?"
Ekyon, glancing late at the door, gaped too.
Aunt Mane's sudden appearance was startling.
"Hey."
Mane slipped quietly beside Ekyon and set down the tray.
Three cups, not two.
"What brings you here?"
I took the coffee from her with a light bow.
Shocked, but manners first.
Ekyon matched me—noble breeding kicking in.
"Missed my nephew, so here I am. Once work wrapped, I couldn't hold back."
Mane smiled softly, sipping her tea.
Glad to be missed, but this was bewildering.
"Thanks, but isn't this a bit impulsive?"
"It is. But you made me this way—what can I do? Sorry for dumping responsibility on you, but I couldn't help it."
"Can't argue with that."
I nodded and sipped.
Her call, so what could I say?
"Thanks for understanding. Coffee first."
"Sure, Auntie."
I sipped slowly, nodding.
Ekyon looked awkward, but I felt at ease.
Sudden, sure—but not unwelcome.
"Heading back to the inn?"
Halfway through her cup, Mane set it down and asked.
Coffee aroma and subtle buzz sharpened my already clear head.
"Yeah. Rest today, headquarters tomorrow."
"Headquarters? Why there?"
"We crashed at a church en route and heard shady rumors. No hard evidence."
"Shady how?"
Mane smiled gently, but her eyes were sharper than a blade.
'Even I'm intimidated.'
I steadied my breath, quelling the chill, then spoke.
"Rumors of smuggling slaves out the back door."
"Demonkin slaves? She issued the emancipation decree, but violations still turn them into slaves, right?"
"Seems they're exploiting that."
As Mane said, all demonkin slaves were freed.
But they hadn't vanished entirely.
Slavery itself lingered.
"Vermin never learn. Can't even from the dead ones."
Mane's lip curled in clear scorn.
"Greed blinds them. Even wise folks falter there."
"That's why periodic purges are needed. Proof: no founding families left standing."
"True."
I nodded, recalling etiquette lessons.
Great houses of the past weren't guaranteed forever.
Heirs could ruin them anytime.
Luckily, Ion endured—ruthless purges ensured it.
Founding houses and old nobles? Wiped out.
Others culled irregularly after.
"Eek...!"
Ekyon's shoulder twitched.
My bitch, but still noble-born.
Noble purges would unsettle her.
I stroked her back soothingly, smiling.
Reassurance and care.
"Thank you."
Her expression brightened.
"No need."
"Noble hearing this would freak. I get it."
Mane finished her coffee and met my eyes.
"Several houses purged over emancipation?"
"Yes. Some survived but lost power."
"This'll be similar?"
"Probably. Smuggling freed demonkin slaves defies decree—treason, execution."
Regular slaves? No issue.
No point smuggling them; at worst, hoarding assets.
Even enslaving normals wouldn't doom a house.
Just pay the penalty.
But re-enslaving emancipated demonkin and smuggling?
Direct imperial defiance—rebellion.
"Was gonna fill my belly, but seeing you... gotta hold off."
Mane sighed, shaking her head.
I shared the regret, but unavoidable.
"Sorry. Stuff keeps popping up."
"Regime change breeds problems. Started the cleaning—finish thorough."
"Agreed."
"Yeah. Want help? Speed things up."
Dead viscount? Maybe.
Now? Okay?
"Appreciate it, but no solid pretext."
"Hm... fair."
"You're Northern head. Dropping south to help looks off—no war."
"True. Still, back channels exist."
Mane itched to assist.
Bitch in heat mode, huh.
Charm's a skill.
Using it wisely? Skill too.
Not crazy, but asking felt off...
"Thanks. I'll call if needed."
Like insurance—why not?
Options never hurt.