Rex woke up early as ussual. With the constant draining he performed in the dungeon his body had been strenghtened over and over, and as such not only he had a monstrous strenght and stamina, his body needed minumum amount of sleep and even that from time to time. He could not sleep at all, if he kept draining this in dungeon, reseting his fatigue, and even when home he slept not because he needed, but because it was something familiar, something he always had done. Not to mention, it was quite the pleasant feeling to go to sleep amd wake up next to a beauty. The little pleasures in life.

After he had brought food for his cats, he spent a few hours in the garden working on his mana chains and creating a personal strenghening skill with his mana similar to what Mel could cast. The structure was quite simple, but it wasnt what Rex had in mind. He wanted to make it to stay active as long as he supplies mana, not just take mana and last as long as that set amount could last. Once he couid figure out that part, modifying the output should be easier, Rex reckoned. He kept this on untill he was called for breakfast by on of the maids.

It was nice and friendly atmosphere in the dining room that was used for meals. Once the food was prepeared and served all the girls joined their master , eating and having some simple conversations. One would never think seeing this that anyone in that room was a slave. Smiles and light conversation permeated, while they enjoyed the magnificent work of Aisha.

"Do you need more help in the kitchen Aisha?" Rex asked once they were more or less done eating. Aisha had the three human maids as her personal assistants in the kitchen, since they had a decent experience with it. There where eleven people, him included, that lived in this mansion, so Rex just wanted to be sure none of the girls were overworked. He had reasoned to himself, that the state of ones own slaves is more of a mirror to master nature. The more miserable and pathetic the slaves the less reliable the owner should be.

"There is not that many of us, and I have plenty of help, so right now there is no need. Thank you master." Aisha responded, quite happy with her masters concerns. Rex then looked at Val, who had taken a managerial role with the help of Mel. They both were A class entities and as such quite capable "How does it look on the staff part? I am guessing we need more girls to ensure that the mansion is nice and homely?"

"Yes, for the time being we are neglecting most of the servant buildings aside from the mansion. Mel has calculated that we would need at least fourty more people to be able to comfortably maintain the compound." Val replied.

"Aisha, with such changes I will get another few cooks and helpers for them. Your job will be to mentor the few new additions to the kitchen staff, since they will cook for the new servants. You will still cook for me and the people here." he continiued. "And that will include any guests we might be having."

Aisha was innitialy worried when Rex spoke of more kitchen staff, since she had come to love to cook for her master, but with the entire explanation she smiled happily.

"Yes master, i will train them well." she spoke, prepared to prove to Rex that his choice was the best.

"It will still take some time before I find ones i like, and dont exaust yourself once I do. I need you to be in your best condition." Rex remainded, and the girl nodded.

Once done with breakfast, they all went back to their own duties. Rex returned to the garden to keep working on his mana controll. A few hours later, a maid informed him that Aina has arived, and she has a few more people with her. And they are being guided to the prepared study. Rex thanked her, had a very quick bath, and once in his concealing clothes went to the room his guests were guided to.

Only the three orc maids interacted with the guest party, and Aina noticed the change in the atmosphere. The elven arrival had changed the ussually cheerfull and relaxed atmosphere to one of silence and emptiness. The fact that only Lira, Liara and Lianne was seen also had her narrow her eyes in suspicion, and when she pulled one maid aside to know what was wrong, all she recieved was that those were masters orders. She would ask Rex later, she reasoned.

When Rex entered the study, he saw two elven women sitting on the sofa sipping tea his Aisha had prepeared and his maids delivered. Rex added another task to his to do list- tea master kitsune. Doesnt matter if they exist or not. He wanted one, and one he will have. Someday. Probably. Behind the two women were five elf men, in almost shining silvery metal armor. Sword and shield their chosen weapons. All suspiciously watched Rex, searching for any hint of hostility or danger to their master. A rank power, Rex immediatly assesed. Nothing Tigra or Crystal cant solo if the need arises. He noticed the slightly squinted eyes of Aina at his choice of chothing, but made no reaction to it for now. He sat in the opposite sofa, that was more like a club chair, his posture quite relaxed as he slid in, enjoying its comfort and rested his arms on the armrests. He was on his own litte throne right now, only elevation and overly posh decorations missing. Having taken his place he inspected Ainas sister properly now.

Long blonde hair, cascading over her shoulders reaching almost her hips. heart shaped lovely face, with vibrant green eyes. Her body looked quite delicate and slim, as all elves do. Of course they do, they always do. Damn genetics of the arrogant bastards, though Rex to himself. The princess had a moderate bust, and Rex asumed she had an ass to kill for, if he used Aina as the relative for his base, he coudnt check it now, since she was seated. Rex had to give the sister a damn solid 10/10. She stil wasnt a match for Irina in his mind though, personal bias and all since that orc lady was his, and he had all the right for personal bias. That didnt take away from the fact that just like Aina, her sister was increadibly smashable. Another point for the list- get some hot elven booty to smash. Will ask Brogni later, hell, might even have them deliver me some hottie if they ask something stupid. The princess was dressed in some fancy looking dress, accentuating her beauty even more, but Rex, ever the utalitarian, failed to apreciate the overly posh dress.

He sat there, waiting for the oder side to speak, and the elves stayed quiet as well for a minute or two, as if waiting for him to do or say something. Rex, having no fucking idea of any kind of ettiquete, nor giving a shit about it, just went with it. signaling for Lira to bring him tea as well. Aina, finding the akward silence unbearable was about to speak when Rex lifted his hand, interrupting her

"I was informed you have been asking for a meeting with me quite actively, so, here we are." he spread his arms as he finished "I have limited time to spend on pointless silence." Then he looked at Aina "Visit once you have free time, seems this has kept you busy." His tone of voice, the lack of cold indifference, and more frendly manner was aparent, informing Aina of his intentions. Right now Rex was dealing with an elven delegation, what with the guards and all. He had made it abundantly clear that no matter how this meeting ends Aina was her own person, not just a delegate of an elven royal house.

The sister, frowned for just a small moment, almost unnoticable, but with his sharp eyes and other senses Rex noticed it, but pretended to ignore it, and she shoved an amiable smile and spoke

"I am Kanaelia Silvermist, first princess of the Silvermist Isles." then she pointed at Aina "And I have been led to believe that you are well aquinted with my sister - Ainyliala Silvermist."

"My previous words should have been evidence enough, but yes, we are well aquinted. Her being a princess doesnt matter." Rex responded and allowed her to continiue.

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"Ow, but it does. There are many customs and procedures that has to be followed, and with how much time she spends here rumors have already spread, and we cannot have our names tarnished."

She had already made quite a few schemes in her mind. If she had to use Aina here as sacrifice she would do it without a second thought. Ainas mother was just a concubine and the girl herself had never shown potential for scheming or magic. AS and elf, with her lifespan she would reach the upper echelons of A rank adventurers but that was it. Her royal blood ensured at least that much potential. But she was not gifted in magic, and as such she would never be trully respected as an elf. She had dealt with quite a few mages in her life, not blood mages of course, because those were rarer than the unicorns. and while arrogant and powerfull, they stil had to show respect and bow their heads to the great families. She had brough her guard with her for that exact purpose. To make a show of their strenght and remind this that he would be blessed if her family decided to business with him.

"While a daughter of a concubine, she still has the royal blood and as such our reputation must not be harmed. We are more than willing to hand her over to you, however it must be done properly. To avoid any further harm there are only two options. You either take her as your wife or concubine, or once she has been striped of her status as a princess you claim her as your slave. Regardless of your choice, she ends up yours, and we believe that we should recieve a gift of equal value in return."

Rex could see how quickly Ainas expression changed from one of slight pout, when she knew her friend would pull her leg for quite a while because of her 'royal name', to one of suprise and disbelief. She had seen many people and learned to recognise whne she was being fooled, and she was shocked that the kind sister she believed Kanaelia to be was just an act, and that she would be used just like a slave to be traded for greater benefits, or a trophy to be given away. Rex saw her change and decided to help her heal, but he first had to know how deep the infection went

"And you are making this offer as?" he asked Kanealia, his qeustion clear.

"My father, the king of Silvermist Isles, has himself agreed to this, and has authorised me to act with his authority in the matter."

Aina, in barely a whisper, hear head now hung low, with a dead tone of voice asked

"That means that the family council has made this decision." both a question and an answer.

"Yes sister." Her voice sweet, yet devoid of any emotions, betraying her lack of care "Rejoice, you can serve the family once more. Father told me to thank you for your hard work."

"With that out of the way" Kanaelia claped her hands "I believe its time to iron out the details. Since Aina here went and dirtied our name a bit, we will be expecting a rather favourable conditions, but worry not, we will not be too unfair."

Rex half zoned out, quickly attributing most of his brain power to help Aina and make a plan to heal her heart after this. Sure he stil heard what the first princess was spouting but he was too busy to respond.

"Why dont you explain your limits so we can come to the correct number and and power class bradns we will be expecting in return."

Rex raised his arm to stop her from going on with her ramblings. He gently tugged tree connections he had with f his brands, indicating to three individuals that he was calling for them. His plan getting finalized in his head. He had the general idea and dirrection but that will have to do.

"I am not an elf, nor am I one of your constituents, nor do I live within your territory. Expecting me to know, care or give a shit about your customs is quite the arrogance on your part. Not to mention that you are insinuating i just went and messed around with my friend here. Furthermore from her expression and the details of you 'offer', it is quite clear she has been classified as an item to be sold already. Sadly for you, she is of age by both this cities and elven customs, an as such she is her own person." Rex spoke, making his point clear.

"Whats more, i am a blood mage. I dont think you have ever dealt with one before. What we offer, kings would kneel to secure, sell their daughters and wifes in slavery for our continiued support. What you failed to understand, is that you were supposed to kiss my ass while offering Aina as a gift, hoping i would in refurn look favourably at your future requests."

He then looked at Aina "Aina" his adress jolting her out of her stupor "I believe it is time to discard that ridicoulus name and such a detestable family. You are a friend, you know that. And while thinking of you in a maids outfit trying to clumsily act as one, is in itself hilarious, that woudnt be you. I need my friend Aina back, the one who is drooling over my cats, trying nonstop to convince me to gift you one."

At that moment the door opened and three women entered. The guards went on high alert. They had been well trained and they could tell that two of them were extremely dangerous.

"And that pathetic attempt at flaunting your 'might' is quite the insult to me." Rex spoke "To bring mere A ranks to intimidate blood mage who definetly has the ability to brand that same rank is just retarded." At his words, his blood chains pulled Aina in Irinas dirrection.

"She needs a hug, and you are the best at that." Rex addressed Irina and the girl immediatly followed his request. The guards failed to react to Aina being pulled in Irinas embrace, but right after they drew their weapons and surounded Kanaelia, who seemed startled and quite angry with the arrogance of the mere mage in front of her. She had never in her life been disrespected so much by a mere mage. So what he is a were ware type, royality is still at least a few steps higher.

While she was thinking of her next step,Mel had already cast a spell to calm and soothe Ainas mind, giving her a clarity that she couldnt reach in her now depressed and heavily wounded mind. In that moment of clarity she did the only thing that felt right. Free herself and side with the people that saw her as more thna just a tool to be used, to hopefully free herself from such a fate

"I renounce my name. I discard my blood right and ties to the Silvermist tree. In the name of the divine, sever our bond."

And in response to her words, a bright light shone from her body, and a sound of a tree breaking and falling resounded. Something only the two sisters new the true meaning of. All Rex was aware of from a random talk he and Aina had, regarding the bloodties and belonging to certain noble families. He knew tht every member that was admitted in such families was recognized by a contract of sorts, that symbolized their belonging to that particular dynasty. And that contract could be broken in two ways. Either the Learder of the house adn the elders make the decision and some sort of ritual is involved that removes that connection, or a member could sever it as well. But there had to be some sort of unrepairable act on behalf of said family, that had to have happened. A simple offence from another member was not good enough, but the decision by the whole top brass of the family, Rex reckoned had to count, and from what he saw Aina do, he guessed he was right.

Aina knew that since the moment her family decided to sell her off, she would be removed from the family, and luckaly, with her boundless desire for old lore and fairytales, she had read of the binding rituals in one such book, and she felt even more lucky because she randomly stumbled on that conversation with Rex once, when he asked how the members are regonized and whatnot. And she was gratefull to him now, how he had given her the opportunity to free herself from it here and now, because she would be under their laws and customs as long as she was part of it.

"What? How?" A couple confused, and shrot words followed by a cry of disbelief "IMPOSIBLE! Only the council could break the crest of a dynasty." Kanaelia continiued in shock. They no longer had any right over Aina. Their precious chip was nolonger theirs to use for the beneft of the family.

"I am quite disgusted with such a family, and fell quite offended by your actions. Pray we will not have much interactions in the future." Rex addressed the elven princess, surrounded by her guards.

"Leave my property, before i decide that your drawn weapons are an act of aggression itself. I guarantee that my oracle and valkirie will be enough to wipe you all out if it comes to blows."

His words drained the color from the faces of the elven guards. They knew how dangerous a valkirie can be. And the mages words were even more dangerous than the presence of those two. His words implied that he has more powerfull beings on standby, so even if they could take down the two elites, the blood mage himself was a dangerous variable, and any other power he has in the complex. The leader of the guards quickly ordered them rest to sheathe their weapons, and they were escorted out of the complex. Before trully leaving the mansion grounds guard captain helf a deadly chill run down his spine, a predator eyeing his every move. He hastened their leave, and as soon as they were outside the walls of the mansion the gaze dissapeared.

With the unpleasant bunch off the property, Rex ordered Mel to focus on Ainas recovery. She would surely need quite the care to bring her back to the cheerfull and happy elf he was so well familiar with.

"You are staying with us untill you are all better." he told Aina who was cared for with Mels spells and Irinas gentle embrace.