Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 114: Honorable Fools

Daniel slowly opens his eyes as he feels a gentle motion of fingers through his short hair, as much petting him as idly combing his hair as a soft humming comes from directly above his head. The tune is gentle and slow, unfamiliar to Daniel, but no less peaceful and comforting than a lullaby.

The ‘who’, though, is a little surprising. Petting the top of his head as it rests on her lap is Vaergraes, the former-demon queen and now archpriestess of the Uhl’tall living in the Fievegal. In general, she’s a fairly reserved and laid-back advisor, consulting on worldly affairs, though more experienced with the demon-kin and the tribes that she was able to unite for purposes of fleeing the Devourer.

She and Daniel have regularly had a cordial relationship, but she looks genuinely gentle and affectionate as she hums with her eyes closed, idly letting Daniel rest.

He shifts, and she twitches, murmuring, “Oh! You’re awake, Daniel. Welcome back.” She watches him as he sits up, and Daniel looks around. They’re still in the arena, and Hekate, specifically, seems to be getting lessons on some kind of magic from Ryuogriar and Reignleif. Geirahoel and Wenlianna are strangely not present, and the others are mingling with various people of Mattarglos.

Daniel replies gently, “Thanks. Sorry, I was a little surprised.”

She puts on a slightly disappointed smile. “Were you disappointed that it’s me?”

“N-No! Of course not! I’m just… surprised. Hekate or the dragons, maybe, but…”

“But, we have never been intimate?” asks Vaergraes, knowing the answer.

Daniel nods once to confirm.

She smiles gently. “I am still a woman, and we still spend plenty of time together, do we not?”

“Uh… When you put it that way…”

She smiles, cupping her cheek, “This worked out, since Ryuogriar expended most of her magic initially healing you, and I had to continue. Hekate is now attempting to learn healing magic in a hurry.”

Daniel chuckles. “I see… That… explains some of it.” He touches his chest, which is no longer in screaming pain or bruised, though he can feel a little soreness, and he’s rather tired. “Thank you, truly, Vae.” 

She smiles happily. “My pleasure.”

“Are… archpriestesses allowed to be lovers? Because I wouldn’t mind sneaking off with you.”

She giggles. “I accept, though, not right now, I’m afraid.” She puts her hand on his thigh, adding softly, “I’d prefer to move slower than… some of the others, but, I’d like to… demonstrate some Uhl’tall ‘customs’ when we return to the Citadel.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Daniel takes her hand, and he brings it up so he can kiss it, causing her to blush. “I don’t like to be presumptuous, but now that I know,...”

She chuckles, joking, “I understand. And, it looks like our private time is now at an end.” She looks to the side, where Hekate notices that Daniel is sitting up. “Daniel!”

She abandons her attempt at healing and runs over to Daniel and Vaergraes. The human mechanic climbs to his feet, taking Vaergraes’s hand to help her up. “Hey, Sweetpea!”

“Are you alright? Are you still in pain? I can try healing you next!”

Daniel pets her head, and she scowls lightly at him. “I’m fine now, thank you all.” He scratches his cheek, glancing at the Grand Premier, who is talking boisterously and cheerfully with Neith and Magnir. “How’d I do?”

Ryuogriar chuckles as she hears this, having approached, and Hekate replies, “You got real beat up, but you kept staying in the circle! It was awful to watch! Don’t do that again!” She hugs him, and Daniel wraps his arm around her back. “Why not? It was kinda fun… in a dumb way.”

“One might call it a barbaric practice,” replies Ryuogriar softly as she smiles. She cups Daniel’s cheek, adding tenderly, “Mukori.”

“Regardless of the lack of elegance, it was an impressive display,” replies Vaergraes. “I’m not sure of the details, but gatonines descend from dattakoriens, and the average dattakorien is stronger than the strongest humans. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Grand Premier has more dattakorien than gatonine in him from what I saw.” She smiles at Daniel. “It’s no wonder you seem to find trouble wherever you go. You’re a tenacious one, Daniel.”

Daniel chuckles. “I don’t know about that. Maybe too dumb to surrender.” He remarks softly, “I’m a little surprised that display didn’t put me on my way back home alone.”

“Why would that be?” asks Hekate. “You survived. Barely. Of course we’d heal you and go home with you.”

“I think he means losing,” replies Ryuogriar, and Daniel looks at her. He doesn’t confirm or deny, but that’s exactly what he means. He’s not trying to be insecure, but he’s still not sure why and how he got lucky enough to have a harem in a fantasy world.

Ryuogriar steps in closer, and she leans against his right shoulder, pressing herself against him affectionately. “The reason, Mukori, is that you are still Mukori. If I believed after a single fight that was massively restrictive against you that you would be unable to protect us with everything else you tend to do, I would be a greater fool than you two for doing such a foolish contest.”

Daniel chuckles. “After the first two punches, I wanted to see how far I could go. Not like third and fourth would unbreak my ribs.”

“But it WOULD make them worse!” snaps Hekate, bopping his chest with her head.

Doephluev makes her sudden appearance, walking up from behind. “My love, if anything, it was nice to see you lose for once. It makes you less intimidating.”

Hekate scowls, but she adds softly, “I don’t like to agree with her, but… It does remind me to be careful, since you can be hurt very badly, and I need to be stronger so I can help you more.” She looks up at him, adding, “Next time, I’ll duel! I’m the ruling empress, after all! It should have been my responsibility.”

Daniel pets her head. “This might not make the most sense, but a fight… can be a kind of bonding experience for men. Especially a friendly competition.”

The four women with him all sigh in unison. But, as if to confirm, Kalegrynten and Veiranoei approach, followed by the two male dragons. “Daniel! Glad to see you’re alright after that! I truly underestimated you.” The muscular feline man approaches with his arms out, and Daniel steps clear of Hekate and Ryuogriar, being hugged by a bear of a short man. Kalegrynten chuckles as he pats Daniel’s back, and Daniel does the same. “Thanks. Though, It’d hurt my pride a bit if you told me you were going easy on me.”

“Hahahaha! I wish! I’ve never broken so many bones!” The gatonine leader grins up at Daniel with his hands on his hips.

“You broke yours yourself, though,” remarks Daniel.

“Ah! True, true, but you made me do it.”

“Grandfather, you really did go overboard…” remarks the gatonine knight, though she’s no longer dressed in her armor. Instead, she’s wearing a fairly simple-looking outfit that kind of reminds Daniel of Kera’tai’s ceremonial dress when she’s dressed ‘fancy’. Veiranoei’s outfit has a kind of ‘tribal’ feel to it; lightweight and made of several pieces of fabric stitched together in a way that makes several varying layers. She looks much more feminine and cute, rather than a hardened knight.

Kalegrynten lets out a playful, “Baaah, it was a fun match.” He looks up at Daniel, still looking like he’s over the moon. “Emperor Daniel kos Lawson, you’re a friend of the Daenaskult household, and I, Grand Premier Kalegrynten Daenaskult, formally welcome you to the great country of Mattarglos.” He then bows respectfully to Hekate, “And, your Greatness, Empress Hekate fell Lawson, I do humbly apologize for causing you distress, but I am pleased to have formed such a strong bond.”

Hekate sheepishly nods. She still feels a little guilty about him using her words against her, though the reasoning was that she only made it a possibility, and he was desperate to help out his granddaughter, even if it’s in a strange way. “Th-Thank you. D-Daniel needs more guy friends, so… I approve of you.”

Kalegrynten bursts into laughter. “Thank you! Thank you. That means a lot.”

Daniel asks, “Do you not use nobiliary particles, Kalegrynten?”

“You mean all those ‘kos’s’ and ‘pels’ and such? Not in Mattarglos. We’ll use them in other countries for decorum. Did the Baron’s daughter; Lady Gwenesphia, was it? Did she not explain that?”

“We hadn’t discussed it, and we met at Fort Peony, so she never introduced herself with her full name.”

“I see. Well, in any case, I have to run an alliance with the Fievegal through the Council, but I don’t foresee any meaningful objections. Ullsten has already been in touch with your Gwenesphia and Treia, and he has pledged support.”

“About that,” starts Reignleif, who appeared at some point. “We would like to discuss the possibility of us addressing the high population of monsters in Mattarglos.”

This stuns Kalegrynten, and Veiranoei gawks at the blue dragon in human form. She then looks at Daniel and Hekate, murmuring, “Wh-What…?”

“Y-Yes, what?” asks the Grand Premier.

Daniel explains, “Gwen and Treia mentioned that Mattarglos is plagued by an unending supply of monsters, and we have some theories on how to alleviate it.”

“Y-You do?” asks Veiranoei, suddenly stepping close to the human mechanic and looking urgently up into his eyes. Kalegrynten pulls her back gently, replying skeptically, “Mattarglos has been battling monsters for generations. What sudden discoveries would have arisen now, when all avenues have been explored and proven fruitless?”

Reignleif looks at Daniel, and he nods. The blue dragon replies confidently, though her voice is soft as always, “You’ve never had an otherworlder investigate.”

Again, the Mattarglos residents are speechless. Hekate adds, “Plus, you have the rest of us, too! I’ll be helping a lot!”

Kalegrynten shakes his head clear, asking seriously, “Do… you intend to bring your army in to deal with them?”

“Pardon my saying so,” starts Neith. “But, arguably ninety percent of our military’s full might are already present in this arena.”

Kalegrynten looks at each of Daniel’s companions that accompanied him. And, each of them smiles knowingly. He murmurs, “You’re… the actual dragons, aren’t you? I had heard, but… I guess I didn’t expect… you to come to our humble part of the world, save to burn it to the ground. I mean no disrespect.”

“None taken,” replies Ryuogriar. “Were it not for Mukori, that regrettable present would likely have come to pass. Instead, we are here as friends seeking a bright future of prosperity, instead of a conquest of ashes.”

The elder gatonine looks at his granddaughter, who is a little nervous standing in front of so many dragons, with another two who have gone off on their own for one of the most strangely quaint reasons imaginable.

“Did you think we were dragon-kin?” asks Reignleif innocently. “My half-sister was, so it’s reasonable. But, she didn’t have horns or a tail.”

Kalegrynten swallows, and he replies gently, “I honestly didn’t give it much thought at all, if I’m honest. I was excited to meet Daniel, and he didn’t disappoint. A host of beauties accompanying him was all I saw.”

Hekate replies proudly, “Yesss. It is good you are wise enough to recognize the truth. Ha ha ha!”

“No offense taken, Lord Kalegrynten,” replies Ryuogriar warmly. We all gain something out of this.”

The elder gatonine bows his head, and many others around him do the same. He pleads, “Please, if you can bring the monsters under control, I beg of you do so. You will have the full cooperation of Mattarglos to do so.”

Daniel puts a hand on his shoulder. “There’s no need to go that far. As Ryuo-Mukori just said, we all stand to gain. For starters, I’d like to see one of the densest populations myself. Neith, Hekate, Vae, and Doephluev, I’d like you four to accompany me for the initial investigation. Ryuo, Reina, and wherever Geirahoel is, please take Gwenesphia, Treia, Aramellianna, and Wenlianna around to meet and reassure the domain lords. Kera’tai and Aoloan, you may do either. We won’t be fighting this time if we can help it, but it could be dangerous, which is why I want to minimize who is with me.”

Aoloan says gently, “I-I’ll stay with the Dragon Empresses, Daniel. I’ll help if you need me, but I had my fill of fighting getting blown up by a savage human.” She smiles playfully at Daniel.

“You should ask Baeka about being blown up,” retorts Daniel.

“Who is this Baeka!?” snaps Hekate. “Someone I should know about?”

Daniel pets her head, and she swats at his hand to glare at him. He replies with an amused tone, “You have already met her, Sweetpea. She’s the princess of the dattakoriens that are slowly moving to the village. She has been the one going around to gather them.”
The feldrok empress crosses her arms and closes her eyes to think intensely. “Mmm… OH! Her! I like-...” She halts her though, glaring at Daniel. “I like… that she’s not one of your mistresses.”

Daniel chuckles, returning to task. He looks at Kera’tai. “Any preference, Kera’tai?”

“I’ll accompany you, Daniel. I may be the weakest one of that group, but I can still cast some fairly strong magic. And, for some middle-strength monsters, I can use taming magic on them to influence them. It’s not a perfect science and doesn’t last particularly long, but I might be able to disrupt a group or prevent an attack.”

“Sounds good.”

Neith adds, “It’ll be my honor to protect you, my Liege.”

“You should take Magnir with you as well, Mukori,” adds Ryuogriar. “I’ll abide your plan for now, since it makes sense, and I am your loyal empress, so my duties do include supporting you where you aren’t. But, that also means we won’t need as much security.”

Daniel shakes his head. “Not an option. Magnir and Roeta both know what to look for, and they work well together.”

“I do not mind being separated for a time,” replies Magnir for himself.

“I appreciate that, but that’s not it.” Daniel gestures at Ryuogriar and Reignleif. “Numbers-wise, we have far too many VIPs compared to dedicated guards as it is. You two are responsible for the lives of the three dragon empresses, the gatonine empresses, Aoloan, and the Grand Duchess and her family. People that are all extremely important to me. Less than half of them can defend themselves against the kinds of enemies we’ve been facing. If anything, I’m taking too many people with me, but I want to ensure we can handle any monsters that might ambush us. That’s why I’m counting on the two of  you to bolster defense if needed.”

Kalegrynten remarks a little distantly, “I think one dragon alone would be enough, since I doubt we’ll come under attack.” He adds quickly, “N-Not that I’m asking you to remove everyone. I just mean there shouldn’t be any interference that would require more force than a single dragon can muster.”

Ryuogriar and Reignleif smile. The platinum dragon cups her cheek and closes her eyes dreamily, swaying back and forth happily. “Mukori is simply treating us properly like his beloved wives. It truly is comforting to have such a caring Mukori.”

Reignleif agrees with a soft-pink blush, “Yes…” She narrows her eyes at Daniel. “But, you have to be careful too, Mukori. Neith, you must always stand in front of Mukori. And, if you must, you have our permission to forcefully drag him back.”

Daniel chuckles, while Neith smiles and bows his head in agreement. The human mechanic replies a little dryly, “You make it sound like I’m some sort of renegade.”

Hekate scowls up at him, adding in agreement with the blue dragon, “You have to be watched at all times, Daniel. You’re sneaky and crafty, and you constantly get into trouble.”

“Well, then, it’s a good thing you’ll be with me, right?”

She grins. “Yep!”

“Now, let me get suited up. Does anyone have any objections or changes to the plan?” He makes sure to look at everyone present, and Kalegrynten says, “I only have an addition, Daniel. Please take Veiranoei with you. She will be able to guide you, and she can hold her own against most monsters we encounter most regularly. If she proves unable to aid you, I ask you forgive me and protect her in that case, only until you can retreat.”

Daniel looks at his group of five; Hekate, Neith, Vaergraes, Kera’tai, and Doephluev. Doephluev nods simply, though Daniel knows her expression is a little cloudy from having new ‘competition’. Kera’tai and Neith have no opinions, and Vaergraes reassures Daniel, “I’ll focus on defense for us. Though, I ask that we go tomorrow morning. I need to recover some of my mana to be useful.”

“Makes sense.”

Hekate adds, “We can also share dinner together and get to know her a little more.”

“A splendid idea,” replies Kalegrynten. “Please, join us at my estate, and we shall have a wonderful dinner. Our home is your home.”

“Thank you,” replies Hekate. “We’ll do that. But, we’ll also provide some of our meal options. A-Assuming Aoloan and Geirahoel are willing to help…”

Aoloan smiles. “I’m always happy to exchange recipes, so gladly.”

“Where is Geira?” asks Daniel.

“Why? Because she's your favorite?” asks Hekate a little sourly.

“Do you really want me to answer that?” retorts the mechanic mercilessly with a cool smirk.

Hekate tenses, her ears perking up and her tail twitching. She then droops her ears, admitting, “No…” Daniel doesn’t want to explicitly name a favorite, but he’s reminding Hekate that the Hekate game is a rigged gamble, and Daniel will almost always say something that teases her.

Ryuogriar and Reignleif chuckle, while Doephluev does her best to hide her own laughter -which is for a different reason-. The platinum dragon teases warmly, “There, there, Hekate.”

Reignleif answers Daniel’s outstanding question, “Geira went back to the airship. She’s returning now.”

“The airship? Did something happen?”

“She chose cooking over being here with you,” retorts Doephluev curtly.

“Cooking?” Daniel is a little confused, and he pays Doephluev’s tone no mind.

Vaergraes answers, “You were unconscious through lunch, Daniel. She and Wenlianna wanted to prepare something to help you recover. I believe they will also be helping with our meals.”

“I see.”

And, only a few more moments pass for Wenlianna, Geirahoel, and Aramellianna’s serving staff to return, setting up a simple banquet in the arena itself, since the meals are all easy to eat finger-foods that Geirahoel showed them how to make, including simple deli sandwiches, fried poultry pieces, burgers, and fried potatoes in various forms. She notices Daniel right away, and she rushes without a single thought for guiding the serving staff to swoop towards him on her wings, which appear by magic. She lands, impacting Daniel when he braces and catches her. “Mukori! I’m sorry! I tried to finish and return while you were recovering!”

Daniel chuckles. “It’s alright. I am actually pretty hungry. Did you do this for all of us?”

“No!” snaps Geirahoel, always quick to snap-react. “I-I mean…” Her face turns pink as she looks away.

Ryuogriar teases, “You really cooked it only for Daniel? How sweet of you.”

The youthful orange dragon growls, “Grrr-raah! Alright! I did! So what!?” She crosses her arms and pouts. “I wanted to make something to help you get your strength back,... Mukori…”

Daniel kisses her cheek, causing her pink blush to turn red. “Thank you, Mukori.”

“Y-Y-You better eat a lot! And enjoy it.” She fidgets with her hands cutely.

Hekate whines, “Gah! I’ll catch up to you, Geira! And, you may be good at this kind of stuff, but I’m going to go with him to fight monsters.”

Geirahoel’s face turns serious, and she states sternly, “I’m going, too, then.” She looks at Daniel. “You should have all of our full strength at your disposal.”

“They’re only going to scout,” replies Reignleif. “It’s unlikely the problem can be solved on the first try. We’ll likely need to make something.”

“Which means we’ll need…” Hekate looks past Geirahoel to study Wenlianna, who is briefly explaining the meal to Aramellianna, before the group of them approach Daniel and the rest. “Wenlianna,” finishes the young feldrok empress.

Daniel adds for Geirahoel, “Also, Geira-Mukori, Hekate is more suited to monster hunting. I’d like to entrust you with befriending the domain lords of Mattarglos and explain to them what our goal is.”

“But… I can defeat monsters,” murmurs the young red-haired woman in disappointment. She looks extremely huggable at the moment, but Daniel stays focused.

Still, he can’t help a gentleness that enters his tone. “I’d like the forest to still be standing by the end of it.”

Geirahoel twitches, averting her eyes. Daniel adds a little more playfully in her ear, “Hekate started weak, so she has a better idea of how much force a monster needs.”

“I… I understand…” murmurs Geirahoel. She pivots quickly to look into his eyes. “You have to stay in contact over the radio thing, and I’ll immediately come help.”

Daniel cups her cheek gently with his right hand. “I’ll be counting on you to look out for us.” She gingerly uses both hands to hold his hand and arm near her face, enjoying the touch for a moment.

He is fully aware of the daggers being glared at the moment, more than either him or her, so he changes topics. “Now, shall we eat?”

Kalegrynten warmly exclaims, “Indeed! Lady Geirahoel, I must thank you. May we partake?”

Geirahoel snaps out of her trance and folds her hands in front of her waist. Her cheeks are rosy, and she clears her throat. “Ahem. Yes. We made enough for everyone here. If there is a need for more, take it up with the staff of the Grand Duchess.” She starts to walk towards the food, joined by Vaergraes, Roeta, Magnir, Neith, Aoloan, and Kera’tai, while Ryuogriar clears her own throat. “Hr-hrm. Mukori…”

Daniel, starting to make his own escape, halts. “Yes?” He gives his best attempt at sounding completely innocent.

“You were quite affectionate with young Geirahoel.”

“Not to mention Vae,” adds Hekate, cornering him with her number one rival. “Just because she can use healing magic.”

“Alright. I deserve that. Geirahoel is easy, though. She’s very expressive when she wants attention.”

Ryuogriar sighs. “Mukori, I have said this many times. I do now and will always want your attention.”

“Me too!” adds Hekate. Reignleif nods in agreement with them. Hekate then adds brazenly, “I command you to hug us and kiss us at least on the cheek from now on!”

Daniel smiles. “Oh?”

“Are you intending to object, Mukori?” asks Ryuogriar coldly.

He chuckles nervously. “Of course not. But, don’t make me do it all at once. I will, but it’s a bit embarrassing. People will start to think I’m some sort of playboy.”

“That is the price you pay,” retorts the platinum dragon with a merciless smile. “You agreed to love so many people, it’s only fair that you show it.” She steps closer, and rather than waiting for him to kiss her cheek, she hugs his neck and kisses him. She grins after she parts lips, saying, “But, I do know better.” She pecks his lips once more, parting so Reignleif can hug him this time. Daniel kisses her cheek, and she hums happily. “I want to do something with just the two of us later tonight, Mukori…”

“Alright. Remind me, but I’ll make time when we get back.”

She nods, and Hekate takes her turn. “My turn!” She stands on her tiptoes with her lips together in anticipation.

Daniel scoops her up into a hug, and he kisses her cheek. He replies softly, “You’re still too young, Hekate. But, as always, there are Hekate privileges.”

She blushes even as she tries to scowl at him, and she murmurs, “Stupid age… Why couldn’t we meet when I’m old enough! Or, why can’t you be younger?”

“You know I’m actually old enough to be your dad, right?”

“Pfft. So? They’ll have babies with you, and they’re over four hundred years old.”

“Hey!” whines Ryuogriar.

“Just because my grandparents didn’t exist when Ryuo was my age, that doesn’t make it the same as your situation. I’m sorry.”

Hekate sighs. “Ugh… Fine! But, you know I won’t change my mind.”

“And, if that’s true, then there will be no problem.” He kisses her cheek again, adding softly, “Thank you for being patient… You know. Mostly.”

She sighs again. “Yeah, yeah.” She hugs his neck as he carries her. “Now, you should put your clothes back on. Or bathe. You’re all sweaty.”

“Let me get something to eat first, or Geira will be mad.”

A pair of arms wrap around Daniel’s right arm. Doephluev adds warmly, “Daniel, you probably really should just choose one woman to be your wife and Empress for social functions. I will accept th-...”

“Nice try!” retorts Hekate instantly. “I’m Daniel’s wife. You can just move out whenever you want if you don’t like it.”

Doephluev smiles with her more predatory smile. “I am already of marrying age, and archoneldwyn do traditionally marry, just as humans do.”

Just before Hekate can retort, Daniel notices Veiranoei has been standing nearby, awkwardly watching the whole thing. “Oh! Veiranoei. I… Did you need something?”

She clears her throat, averting her eyes quickly. “No. Sorry. I just… Grandfather… suggested that I ask you to… e-escort me. This isn’t a formal event, but… he said it would be good to practice…”

There’s a pause, and Hekate looks at Daniel, who returns her gaze. Veiranoei adds, “Grandfather explained everything while you were unconscious, so… I… I ask you to take care of me. I’ll try not to be any trouble to anyone here.”

Hekate slumps on Daniel’s shoulders for a moment, humming in thought. She then climbs down off of Daniel, and he helps her to her feet on the ground.

“As Daniel’s first betrothed until I’m of marrying age, I’ll allow you to be escorted by him. But, you’re not allowed to steal him like some people here.” She shoots a deliberate glare at Doephluev, who is still clinging to Daniel’s arm.

The archoneldwyn woman with her cute, office-lady-like outfit and glasses, finally sighs. She releases Daniel and backs away a step as well, regaining her elegant posture. “I, too, will grant this young woman your arm, my love."

“Let me put a shirt on, then.” Daniel receives his magic bag from Hekate, finding his shirt and putting it on. He then receives Nemaisol from Reignleif, and he fastens it to his belt. Thanks for your patience, Kaeralegier.

“{Yeah, yeah, Daniel. There were a few moments I thought you had him in that fight.}”

Hah. Yeah, I wish. We’re all good at something, and being a jack of all trades does not make one good at fighting, it seems.

“{Ya think?}”

Daniel offers his left arm to Veiranoei. “Veiranoei, you look very beautiful in that dress. Will you do me the honor of accompanying me and my dear family?”

She blushes a little and smiles. “Y-You don’t have to go over the top.”

“I meant what I said. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do, so if I’m about to cross a line, do stop me.”

“More likely,” starts Ryuogriar in contrast. “You’ll need to take what you want.” She grins at Daniel, and he rolls his eyes. The gatonine knight gingerly takes his proffered arm, and he walks with her as her escort. Ryuogriar, Reignleif, Hekate, and Doephluev keep close as they all join the others in enjoying the nice lunch.

Daniel makes sure to spend a few moments with each of his companions, since he probably does have a favorite, but he also wants to be fair to the fantasy he never really dreamed of. 

While he’s with Veiranoei and speaking to Gwenesphia, Treia, and Ullsten, the domain lord over the towns where their families reside, Daniel listens as they describe the plan to investigate the monsters, and that Daniel already has a couple fresh ideas to reduce the monster population. He makes eye contact with Geirahoel, who is watching him from a distance, and he smiles, toasting with the fried ‘chicken’ he’s eating. She smiles happily, evidenced by her tail shifting ever so slightly and reflecting the sun.

“{Daniel, don’t look around too much, but I want to ask if you’ve noticed the woman nearby observing you.}” It’s Kaeralegier’s voice, the goddess who bound herself to the sword known as Nemaisol. He ‘checks his magic bag for looseness’, so that he has an excuse not to be paying close attention to the conversation between the four gatonines.

I assume there are men and women observing me. I’m a self-proclaimed emperor from an upstart nation surrounded by dragons and with my very own harem to boot. If they aren’t suspicious of me being an enemy, they probably think I’m playboy scum.

“{Maybe so, but this woman is quite possibly the most powerful being present in the arena.}”

Daniel inadvertently freezes as a chill runs down his spine. Between Hekate, Vaergraes, and Doephluev, there should be very few beings in the entire world, as far as he knows -and hopes-, who can compete with those three for raw magic power, and Doephluev is because she essentially cheated the system using the many rune tattoos and subdermal implants she had when she and the other archoneldwyns attacked. Even Ryukana believes that Hekate has more magic potential than she does, but only by a little, leaving some of the more senior gods and goddesses, as well as the two primordial goddesses that surpass her by unfathomable heights.

Where is she?

“{Like I said, don’t look around obviously, but she’s behind and to your right, speaking to Yanidere near the drink trays. Light green hair, silver eyes, extended humanoid ears. I recommend you release me just in case she is waiting for an opportunity.}”

Daniel finishes refastening his magic bag to his belt, and he ‘straightens’ Nemaisol out, releasing the blade from the locking ring, similar to a katana’s koiguchi. Just the act of releasing Nemaisol from the scabbard allows Kaeralegier’s magic negation to take effect without any additional effort from the goddess in hiding.

Daniel says warmly, “Excuse me for a moment, but I’m going to get a drink. Can I get you ladies anything?” He looks at Veiranoei first, since he’s treating her special at the request of Kalegrynten. 

“Oh! Um… if you wouldn’t mind. Valta juice, please.” She hands her glass over, and Daniel smiles. 

“My pleasure. Anyone else? Lord Ullsten?”

Gwenesphia shows her glass, which is half full. “I’m good for now, thank you Daniel.”

“Me as well,” replies the gatonine domain lord with a polite nod. Treia says, “I’ll go with you. I want to get some more nibbles. Please excuse me for a moment as well.”

Treia walks with Daniel, saying quietly, “Just to warn you, Daniel, he’s making subtle passes at Gwen.”

“Is he?”

She nods once. “He’s flicking his tail at you when she’s talking, which is to distract her from speaking to everyone, and he’s throwing subtle compliments in.”

Daniel realizes now that she points it out that the male gatonine has been adding in compliments to Gwen, where he hasn’t added in the same courtesies for Treia.

“I trust you and Gwen, so I’m not worried about that. If he’s a threat to either of you, though, don’t hesitate to take action. We’ll respond as needed to protect your families.”

She nods. “Thanks. I think he’s harmless enough, but I just wanted you to know he’s subtly snubbing you.”

Daniel shrugs. “Does it turn you off?”

“Nah. I know what I got myself into.” She bats him lightly with her tail, hip-checking him gently. “If nothing else, life is interesting around you.”

“I could say that about almost everyone and everything in this world.”

She giggles, and Daniel spots the person he made the excuse of drinks to study.

At first, he is afraid a fourth archoneldwyn has made an appearance. It must show on his face, because she looks directly at him as well, and she smiles softly. 

It’s a very cold smile, regardless of its outwardly gentle appearance.

She has the distinctive, elongated ears that Daniel would normally associate with fantasy elves, which is a trait the archoneldwyn have, as well as the fantasy hair colors and a skin tone that doesn’t quite look like a human tone. In this case, the woman has impeccable posture, even as casually as she’s standing, and her expression is one of wisdom and grace, where the three archoneldwyn Daniel has met all had more ambitious, energetic faces.

The signs are all there, and Daniel is comfortable making the assumption.

Whoever this seemingly young woman is, she most likely is an elf.

***

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