I believe that there is a common trope when it comes to butlers. Currently, my memory is so selective that I can't be certain if what I do remember is what actually is my memory or something that is supposed to be my memory or something entirely different. To make it more understandable, lets talk about the butler called Baldrick. For starters, I do not remember my own name so I took Ian as the first thing that came to my mind as a temporary measure. In contrast, my memory tells me very clearly that Baldrick is a common butler name. He has a totally normal white and black butler tail tuxedo. His hair and a neatly cut short beard is of standard butler white color. His height is also of butler standards. His moves are fast, dexterous and graceful, like that of any typical butler. I should also mention that like any respectful butler, Baldrick is also master of shadows and swords. His proficiency in assassin or ninja arts is of outstanding butler level. Finishing this little summary, my memory tells me with crystal clarity that he is of typical butler material, while at the same time I seemed to not be able to remember what I ate for breakfast two days ago. That is why I was speaking about common tropes, but I can't possibly know if it is common or not, especially in my current situation.

Butler Baldrick has taken a vanguard position within our little group of five people. He also took upon himself to transport Catnip on his shoulder. Thankfully his butler mannerisms prevented him from looking like a kidnapper. However, I must say that his killing intent is so strong, that I can't easy up even for a second. He clearly hates me and that is just because of few innocent head pats I've given to miss Doe.

Since we are at the topic of young miss Mongbock, she is currently in front of me. This fearful little creature jumps on her little toes whenever I send her a smile or give her a reassuring pat on her shoulder. I could stop, but then I would never be able to break the ice and grow in her eyes as someone who she doesn't have to fear. I loathe the idea of being hated by such a good and adorable kid. Well, it doesn't work, but I hope it will at some point.

"There is no need to be so frightened little Doe. It's not like I eat little children when I am hungry." I sent her another smile and gave her one more pat on the head plus a little stroke as a bonus.

"Young miss is not a child. She turned seventeen last summer. Lord Ian, treat her with respect and keep your hands to yourself."

"You should ignore him Mr. Baldrick. That two meter tall boulder thinks that anyone shorter than him is a child. He will ignore anything said to him as long as it is convenient. To put simply, he has a brick for a head."

That is definitely not true. Also, the butler must have been joking about Does age. She looks nothing like seventeen, but I do admit I might have grown up a bit in height. And even if, seventeen is still considered a kid by normal standards. Anyway, getting back to the topic. Shorty and Doe both do not look with favorable eyes on my pitiful self. I was thinking what might change their mind and I found the solution. I am sure you'd like to know, so, I'll explain.

You see, little Doe is a girl. An adorable one at that. Although I do not believe myself to be prejudiced about women behavior, I am quite convinced that certain items are bound to rise a girls mood, courage and especially happiness to elevated levels. To make my point clear, I would like to note that young miss in question, grew two more rings on her left hand. Since we started walking in the direction of commerce district, she is constantly rubbing and touching them whenever I pat her head or speak to her. Those must have given her enough courage to be able to respond to a stranger like me. The moment she put them on, she stopped stuttering and her walk became steady.

You probably already guessed the answer. Yes, its jewelry. If I want to win her over I would need to conjure some pretty trinkets. Same is probably true for the rest of the squad. Shorty doesn't strike me as someone that likes shiny things but who knows, I might be wrong. Currently, she treats me as someone stinking of rotten eggs, so placating her should take priority. Catnip on the other hand is fine with me for now, but I should still think in categories of probabilities and she is a cat. Cats behavior can't be fully predicted. It's just impossible. They act kingly by default. It's better to have crown of gems just to be safe.

In summary, I need shinnies in large number or high quality. There is however a big problem with this line of thinking. I can hardly go around handing out rings or gems to girls left and right, not to mention to those of questionable age. Even if I wanted to do that I would have to find a way to conjure the trinkets first. By now you should have already guessed that I am quite penniless.

"What are you brooding over again? Pay attention Ian, Baldrick just said we are closing in on to the main avenue."

"That is right. We are now entering an Alley Of Commerce. At this hour it should be full of people but displacement cloaks should prevent anyone from recognizing us and even if, the Mongbock crest will keep guards away. Not to mention his lordships presence will clear the road of any obstacles."

"Say, Mr. Butler, whats the point of hiding your identity if your crest is for all to see? And why I haven't been given a cloak. You all have one so I feel a bit alienated."

"Crest is not easy to spot and mostly only guards know where to look. This is also for thieves to know who they are about to rob. It works as a simple warning sign. Most nobles use these cloaks if they are about to do some less than legal transactions. It's like telling people around they do not wish to be approached."

"Huh? Isn't it like telling people you are going to do something illegal?"

"What commoner in their right mind would try to meddle in nobles affairs? That only happens if a noble wish to declare a war against other noble house. Even If that happens, it's either in shadows or in a field of battle. Besides, you can't prove who is under the cloak unless you take it off. No one would force that, fearing retaliation from a mighty family."

"Alright, so why wasn't I given a displacement cloak?"

"Is your lordship jesting now?"

"Ignore him Mr Baldrick. Ian just shut up. Don't act like you don't know, that cloak would rip the moment you put it on. And get that hand off my head."

Whoops, She got angry. Anyway, I took my hand away and listened to the butler as he was explaining commerce district layout. To sum it up, the avenue was just a very long road that span almost whole city. It was a built in commerce allay that was zigzagging and constantly growing in length. Commoners houses where just popping up around it. It was built in a way to be easily accessed by most residents. However, the logistics of this place must have been a true nightmare. It was handy for commoners since they could enter the avenue from virtually anywhere in the city, but traders who have shops here must have it tough. There is also a large marketplace area that is considered the center of the avenue. It is also there that we are heading. Buildings here are decent, almost normal. At least non of them look like a Swiss cheese from planet Moon. We have had the misfortune of passing few in nobles district that could almost take the cake for being a cheesecake. Literally.

Speaking of cakes. I think I should at least try to improve shortys mood. I've decided to probe a bit. Lets call it, reconnaissance.

"How long are you going to be mad at me, auntie?"

"Drop dead!"

Is what she said. That's how it is. Jokes aside, I came to conclusions and its about time I shared some of them.

Excluding my surprise when I literally walked out of some cute, ork looking statues this morning, three things happened that I can't ignore and would have to delve a little bit into. It hasn't even been a full day, but the scale of happenings can't be swept under the rug. First and foremost, a man died because I lost control of my emotions. I felt angry and a prison guard ended up as a horrible splatter on the dungeons wall. The worst thing in that situation was that I haven't lifted a single finger and he died anyway. Second instance of unexplained outcome was when I went off daydreaming, remembering my childhood memories I didn't even know I had. I conjured three sweet parfaits out of thin air. That cemented my suspicions that the mans death earlier, was really my doing. Whether it was an accident or not, I was responsible for that. Lastly, the third situation was when me, Catnip, and Short Stuff were cornered on prison grounds. I am a grown up, so I have to admit it when its due. I panicked. I wished to be rescued and concentrated my brains power to the utmost limits on some form of escape, creating a big sparkling cloud in conclusion. In summary, strange, unexplained things happened when my emotions got the better of me, when I went blank and let my mind drift away to the realm of daydreams and lastly when I strongly focused my mind on some kind of effect.

Now, If I am not careful. I might literally explode because my mind drifted to some silly things like chewing a bubble gum. I need to find a way to not explode and even if that happens I need to make sure to not drag whole city along with me. I need to think of a solution.

I looked at Catnip and the girl with ever randomised number of tails, depending on the level of our animosity. Although I have vague understanding that Shorty might be far older than me, she still looked like any other fifteen years old girl. I can't allow them to die just because I went and offed myself due to some stupid thoughts.

***

"Lieutenant Valerie, what in gods name are you doing?" Ravan Mongbock, was in a bit of a pickle. However, to get to that point, it is important to know a bit about the town called Onaboron.

Onaboron is a border town on the edge of the vast land held the Holy Empire. It has a long mountain range in its southern parts that is very lucrative for miners, hunters and especially explorers of many different kinds. You could find precious metals, rare minerals and miraculous herbs on those peaks, not to mention dangerous monsters that could be hunted for rare ingredients. All these resources made it possible for Onaboron to grow large in a short amount of time. Its residents were calling it a lucky town, because it was easy to strike gold quickly. On the other side of the peaks you could find a monarchy with King Gideon The Restless, but due to impassable terrain Holy Empire rarely had any real scuffles with Insomniac King. To manage a fast growing populace and traffic as well as large amounts of inflow of gold, many nobles of rich and often distinct houses choose to send their sons and daughters to Onaboron. That was in order to have a cut of this cash cake in any possible form. For the purpose of management of this cake, a magistrate building was erected in most populous area of the commerce district and one of the best architects in whole of the empire was employed to build it. No slave traffic or official matters could be arranged outside of this imposing structure. Not legally at least.

This marvel of an architectural genius was truly of hellish design. It stood in a center of a large market square having in its shadow a magnificent fountain representing the late emperor Vlad The Sucker. Like in nobles carefully maintained district, the magistrate building had a shape that was far off into the realm of modern art, more than of any commonly usable building. It could be said, that it was a center and heart of Onaboron itself.

This important place, was now greeted by shouts and turmoil, caused by one misunderstood woman.

"I. Want. A slave."

lieutenant Valerie that serves in defense corps of Holy Empire, normally has a beautiful, yet rarely used voice. Now however, it was raspy. She was out of breath and heat was emanating from her whole body. She was also holding a very frightened receptionist by her vest. The poor girl was unable to free herself from Valeries vice grip and she was barely touching the floor with the tips of her toes. Many local residents as well as few nobles were observing the situation with curiosity and interest.

"Y-yes miss, I'll prepare a slave for you, but first, please release me!"

"I need. A boy." That phrase could still pass as innocent to some extent if not for Valerie being in state of total agitation. She was huffing deeply, emanating hot air and her sweat was dripping from her arms and forehead wetting the floor. Also, she followed with a rather alarming set of words that could easily be misunderstood. "Give me. A young boy. Quickly."

Ravan Mongbock was looking at this incomprehensible situation being completely at a loss for what to do. He had never seen her ever act like that, not to mention this is a public place with lots of witnesses. He understood that different people had different needs, but what he was currently witnessing, boggled his mind.

"A boy? H-how young, miss?"

"Ten. He has to have. Ears."

That statement made Ravans brains grey matter quicken their response time. His mind wasn't very fast to begin with, but now little cogs started to move rapidly, forcing him to think. Valerie spoke in rare occasions. Only today she spoke more than in the last month alone. Few people knew who she really was and what character she truly had. She is a mystery, that only captain Bork and few others know anything about. Ravan was not included within that group. However, one thing was certain. As little as Ravan knew about her, he knew she would never abandon her mission. She would never do that. Ravan wasn't a complete fool. He understood that whatever she was searching for, the boy in question is the key.

"Ten years old? I see, miss please follow me to one of the soundproofed rooms."

She pointed to the corridor and made an attempt to break free, but to consternation of people in the hall, poor girl was lifted up and dragged to the room instead.

"I need a boy. Ten years old. Feline variant." Last part was far more specific than anything else Valerie has said today. Ravans understanding started to make a loud clicking sounds, he already heard something about a cat kin today.

"Very sorry miss, but such requests are very hard to be met. Please forgive me asking, but do you have enough founds for such a purchase?"

Having said that, the receptionist eyed Ravan, knowing full well that his father is one of the wealthiest people in the whole empire. Only problem is that Ravan wasn't very liked and his father didn't really care about him. The same could be said for the rest of his family. Beast kin slaves came with exorbitant prices and only few every year could be obtained at Onaborons market. It was a high commodity with exceptional fluidity. A beast person changed owners constantly and varied in price, depending on its health, gender, age and many different factors. Ravan was relatively wealthy, but not wealthy enough to buy a high end product like a rare cat kin, that are known for high magic resistance and exceptional senses.

Valerie seeing no way of getting her thoughts through, swiftly changed her approach or she might have noticed another way to solve her predicament. She looked at young Mongbock.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Ravan, a cat in the dungeons."

This short phrase, made Ravan instantly understand what Valerie was searching for. It was like she knew how and what to say to make him see why they made their way to the magistrate. His thoughts accelerated just because of few simple words.

"A week ago, two cat kin were brought to the magistrate by the seekers squad. One was taken for questioning and second was left here to be processed. We need information about this young boy. Is he still being held here, or is he already sold. Where is he now?"

Ravans change of pace took young receptionist by surprise. Still, she was a professional. "I am very sorry, but that particular merchandise is already sold and I cannot disclose clients informgh..." At that moment Valerie made an extremely sharp move and caught poor girl by the throat.

"Speak! Or die."

Sheer intensity of killing intent pierced young receptionist and made her legs weak. Cold sweat formed on her brows. Although she was a professional at her job, she wasn't a soldier. Her experiences amounted to rowdy nobles and drunken commoners. She has never met face to face with death and Valerie was the very personification of grim reaper. Just her will alone created an image of death incarnate.

Without thinking, frightened receptionist started spilling everything she knew about the transaction that took place six days ago.

***

"Lord Ian, what is that little hammer?"

"Ah, I'm glad you asked little Doe. I called it the Whacker mk 1. I hoped for a tool to protect myself. Unfortunately, it's a failed product."

To deal with my current problems I would need to think long and hard, but for now I needed to deal with the most pressing one. That would be the protection of myself and my comrades. I was trying to think of something that would be nonlethal. At the same time it would have to pack enough of a punch to knock out any possible offenders. Of course, it would only be an improvised short term solution. I was thinking about some shields like bucklers. Those types of armor however, weren't good when it comes to offense. Going around bushing peoples heads with a sturdy piece of metal was hardly a good option. If it were I could very well just use a crowbar and paint the armor orange. I was thinking of many different things and my mind went of daydreaming again. As you could have guessed, that had an almost instantaneous effect. My hand grew a bit heavier and an object appeared in my grip. It was a toy sized little wooden mallet.

Normally, mallets are associated with clowns or strongmen in theme parks or are used by cartoon characters on TV. I always pitied poor wolf whenever his head was smacked into the ground with one of those. Mallets in general are supposed to be particularly large, cumbersome and not intended for combat. The first thought that I had when thinking about knocking people out was the image of a clown with ridiculously large mallet. However, if I had something like that strapped to my back I would look incredibly stupid. That's probably why this toy is so tiny. My mind must have made it so that I wouldn't make an idiot out of myself. In conclusion, I ended up looking stupid anyway. All that armor on me and I look like a fool holding something that is barely visible in my hand. I wanted it to be small, but it went to the extreme.

"Ian, show me that."

"Awfully bossy, aren't you Short Stuff." I handed her my new toy. She furrowed her brows and started touching it with deep concentration.

"Ian, what in the world is this thing? Do you have any idea how absurd this item is?"

"It looks just like a little wooden hamer, is it really that special?" Doe thoughts were similar to mine. I am quite certain I conjured a dud.

"Doe, if you value your hands, never touch this item. To begin with, it's incredibly heavy. I doubt that typical human would be able to swing it, let alone lift it. It also has some kind of lightning effect when held. I don't know what it is but I can feel a current. It might burn you if you carelessly touch it. There is some kind of wind element surrounding it too. Ian, how many enchantments did you put into this?"

"A true joker you are Four Tails, as always. You should have said at the start that this is a Mjollnir." This kid, making fun of me. I know that most guys would like to have their own Mjollnir, but this is just too silly to comment on."Don't listen to her Doe, it's just a toy. No need to be afraid. I have not felt any dangerous currents or wind when I was holding it. Also, it felt really light. If it was as heavy as she said, she wouldn't be able to hold it like she is right now, right?" I pointed at the obvious. Logic should always triumph over any argument.

"I am a demigod you cretin, I can handle most of magic tools unless they are cursed or made specifically by Nam. I don't know what that Mjollnir is but this hammer is incredibly dangerous."

I have no idea how was she able to both insult and praise me at the same time. Praising little toy is one thing but insulting a grown up is another entirely. There has to be consequences.

Wait a moment, what did she say she was?

"You are a what?" I asked.

"I am a demigod. Just you wait till I regain my power and my body. You will never call me a kid again."

"A demigod... huh, sure. Why not? But you know, if you are a demigod, then I might as well be a god. How about that? Cool, isn't it, Shorty." Yup, she is nuts. I can just go and join her in this silly game she is playing. This way this kid won't be alone in her delusions and won't sink any deeper. Hopefully.

She did some magic earlier so she sure has some abilities, but godhood... come on. Her mind must have addled being closed up in the dungeon for far too long. She must have gone full megalomaniac in order to not go crazy and in process ended up going crazy anyway. Pointing that stuff out, could have adverse effects so its better to leave it be or even join her instead. There might still be hope for her yet.

Of course there is a slim possibility she really is a demigod and what was returned to me a moment ago could truly be a Mjollnir. Magic is prevalent in this world so denying everything would be a mistake. I am ready to acknowledge parfaits and the fact that I am somewhat dangerous with self bombing possibility, but conjuring legendary hammers or accepting little kids as gods or demigods is way over the top. Just because someone could use some magic or me summoning stuff wouldn't make me or anyone else a god. I have limits of accepting absurdities.

"Ian, everybody already knows you are an outer god. Just one look at you is enough. I don't know why you don't act like one and try to hide or mask it. If this is your idea of a joke then it is just full of crap. I don't know what kind of sick game you are trying to play, but you aren't fooling anyone."

"Are you telling me that I should act on it and be some kind of a god although I am a human? I already left my dark past behind me, so don't ask me to seriously imitate some dark and mysterious powers. I can lower myself to your delusions, but I will only do that as a joke. Let me ask you, if you are really believing you are a demigod then why don't you yourself act like one or are you gonna tell me that every demigod has such a crappy tongue and act like a spoiled brat."

"You are so full of it Ian, why are you even trying to pull my leg? Are you seriously thinking I will believe that you are a human? Tell me again, what that purple cloud above our heads is? You aren't fooling a single person with your stupid jokes!"

This girl has real issues with her brain and tatsu isn't a proof that gods exists. Not yet at least.

After our little exchange we walked for half an hour until we reached a big market square. In the center was a building that made my skin crawl. Who in their right mind would build something like that as a point of interest is beyond me. Since Baldrick and Doe started to argue I had no time to admire that scarecrow.

"Young miss, please, reconsider. We should not be showing ourselves around here. If your brothers see that you are meddling in slaves business again, they will push for disinheritance or even worse. They might send assassins. Miss Doeranaya I might not be able to protect you a second time."

"I understand your concerns Baldrick, but I already made my mind. I will help them, even if it cost me my position or even my life."

Hearing their topics I thought that this is as far as I should allow them to risk themselves. I am sure that ninja butler can take care of himself and little miss, but when I hear words like assassination, it tells me that the world of nobles must be a scary and extremely dangerous place. Letting them go home is the right choice.

I looked at the shadow butler intensifying my gaze. He looked back at me. We both came to an instant understanding since we both wanted to protect this kid.

I closed my eyes and concentrated as deeply as I could. I didn't know if it would work, since the last time was a dud, but I wanted to try either way. Little Doe is a stranger that I met only few hours ago. She is just some kid I happened to meet by chance, but at the same time, that kid is a good person. She is seeing the world in a bit of a naive, colorful glasses, being spoiled as a rich little lady of grandiose household. Doe is full of righteousness, not fully knowing what it truly is. Despite the dangers she tries to help strangers and correct the wrong she instinctively have a feeling off. In short, she has a pure and a good heart. She helped us, without asking a thing in return. If I left such a precious child without any kind of aid, I could never look myself in the mirror ever again. So, I concentrated. I wanted to present a gift that would transmit a simple thank you and at the same time add to her possessions of shiny trinkets in hope of winning a little of her trust. I made sure for it not to be a ring though. That would be a grave misunderstanding.

After half a minute, my non Mjollet occupied hand became a tad heavier. I called the toy, the Mjollet since its a combination of Mjollnir and Mallet. You get it right? It's funny. Right? Well...

Anyway, this time I felt it. It wasn't a dud. It wasn't strong and maybe held only some minor power if not just a placebo effect, but It was still some way of doing something I could to protect this girl.

"Little Doe, please come here." I made a gesture for young scioness of Mongbock family to face me. I didn't put a smile this time. It was a moment when we had to part ways. I knelled on one knee in front of her so that we could speak on the same eye level.

"Doeranaya, this is where we move our separate ways. You helped us greatly and I am thankful. You have a brave and a good heart that made a deep impression on me. I would like to give you something for you to remember us by." I handed her my little present. " Keep this with you and grow strong. It might not be powerful but it is a token of my feelings and appreciation. This little trinket represents my sincerity. Remember that you can only be righteous as long as you are alive."

My solemn and pompous speech was rudely cut short when Shorty interrupted and stole my gift from Does hands the very moment it reached them.

"Are you insane, Ian? Why are you proposing to and at the same time trying to murder her? If she take this necklace as she is now she will implode in matter of minutes. Damn womanizer. How, can you be this shameless."

That was rude and I wasn't proposing. This is a necklace, not a ring. I specifically made sure it is not a ring. There is no point in belittling me for this. Calling me shameless while she herself act shameless all the time. And why a womanizer? I can't even remember if I ever had a girlfriend. That is really not fair.

She took the necklace and starter to whisper to it holding it tightly. She was starting her magic or simply acted upon her demigod persona. It's best to just ignore her.

"Doe, that necklaces core contains an aquamarine. It might not be the most beautiful of gems, but it comes with my true feelings. Where I come from, aquamarines are believed to protect from illness. They are the symbol of youth, happiness and growth. I thought that it would look good with your blue eyes." I sent her a reassuring smile and pat her head. "You should head home. Lay low for a while. Train and gather your strength. There is no need to worry about us. You see, we have one god here as well as a demigod and super sensitive cat. We will manage somehow." I joked a bit to relive her stress, but ended on a serious note. "If you wish to help beast kin and actively fight slavery, first, you need to be strong enough to be able to uphold your values. Do you understand? You are no good to anyone if you are dead. You need to use your head and be a wise girl, then you will surely succeed."

"Thank you for your wise words Lord Ian. I will think positively about what your lordship said."

"Are you absolutely sure about this Doe? Me and March have no way out of this since this brick head there used underhanded and cheap tactics, sneaking up on us before we could do anything. He wouldn't recognize boundaries that even humans respect. You however are no beast kin. You can still refuse the necklace and the claim that was made on you. Human customs are a bit different than ours. While we don't, you do have the right to refuse."

I don't get any of their conversation. What's this about customs? And I am not a brick. I at least did catch up that I created some kind of misunderstanding with the necklace. Maybe it is about the color? Also Shorty has a lot of trouble with it. She is sweating and swearing like crazy trying to do something to it. If I told Auntie Tails that it only has some placebo effect, she would just verbally assault me for pointing out her demigod play, so I'll keep my mouth shut.

"Here, take it. I sealed most of its power. It will gradually unseal itself along with your own growth. Keep it with you at all times. Never, ever take it off and never give it to anyone, not even your family. This is a powerful artifact and as such is immensely valuable. It's even comparable to the works of Nam. Do you understand what that means?"

"Thank you, auntie Malay. I will remember what you said and will keep it close to my heart at all times." She hugged furry for few seconds and then faced me with a polite bow.

"Lord Ian. I cannot say that I am not scared of you, but I trust my intuition. It tells me you are not a bad person. Quite the contrary, I have a feeling you are a kind being. Although you are a bit forceful and shameless, you were sincere and honest with your feelings. I will gladly accept your great gift and all that is included with it. I really hope we will be able to meet again soon."

What a sweet kid. She gave me a smile and waved her hand while moving back in the direction of her home. Ninja butler sent me a sour look but waved his hand too. Maybe we grew a bit in their eyes. Give little Doe few years and she would end up crushing hearts at tea parties. I could only wish her the best of luck.

"Ian, carry me. Sealing your damned gift took the little strength I had left. I will fall to the ground with the first step I'll make."

"Don't be cranky, or your four tails will drop in number again. There wasn't much power to be sealed anyway. But I must admit, I didn't think you had it in you. You are kinder than I thought. Normally, you shout abuses with the speed of a machine gun, but you treated Doe very gently."

"I told you."

Furry is barely able to stand. I lifted her up and placed face forward on my right shoulder. Catnip was already occupying my left. As much as I wanted to prevent being seen as some offender kidnapping two girls in the middle of the city, there is no helping this situation. She must be so tired that she even spared me the standard barrage of insults.

"I have, seven tails. Ian, do you really know nothing about this worlds customs? Do you really do not know what kind of life deciding decision you forced Doe to make? She had little to no choice but to accept given the kind of artifact you offered."

"How would I know?" I looked at the sun that was partially obscured by the mountains in the distance. It was already growing dark. Two moons, one red and one pale were high in the sky. "This planet is completely alien to me. In my world there is only one moon, you know?"

"One? We have six at times. What about caressing our heads? Do you not know what such action means to beast kin?"

We slowly made our way forward, crossing the vast market plaza. Normally bustling with people, this place was now abandoned. Inhabitants of this town must have run away and take shelter at their homes, fearing for their lives. Unbeknownst to me, a cloud of ever changing color frightened most of townspeople away giving them a feeling of impending doom. To the poor commoners and wealthy nobles an end time was coming in form of a calamity. A dragon was about to be born just right under their heads.

"You mean head pats? Whats wrong with head pats? Every child like head pats. It soothes the soul and the body. Even grown ups are eager to receive head pats in some particular situations. It's a great stress relief."

"Haha, stress relief, you can't be serious Ian. Do you know then, what it means to give someone a necklace? It is common for men or women to kneel in front of the one they like and present them a necklace. It's a marriage proposal. In human and even in beast kin society, if you accept a necklace it is like accepting to be collared, agreeing... to be... bound... a partner..."

Long tails head along with her whole body went limp. She must have exhausted herself to her very limits and she is now sleeping soundly. I continued on walking and stopped in front of a three story banana shaped magistrate building. Yes, this atrocious monstrosity was in a shape and a color of a banana. It astounds me how architects in this world possess no common sense when it comes to aesthetics. Looking at the girls still out cold I leaned both against a nearby fountain. I washed my hands and my face clearing my thoughts. The welcome committee was already waiting for me in front of the grand banana building.

"I guess the two of you will be the final boss of this round, right?" I said it more to myself rather then to them. I doubt they heard me. That's mostly because the sense of the words that Furry told me a minute ago started to set, taking over my calm mind.

On the wide stairs leading to the magistrate banana, stood an imposing looking woman with a villainous bob haircut and stouty looking man with some grunts in the back. Thinking about it I believe I have already seen the pair with their commander before.

I hope, we will be able to come to terms somehow and that they won't foam from their mouths like many of my dialog partners. I couldn't fully focus on the pair since the moment Shorty ended her talk. There was something that was nagging me and didn't allow me to concentrate. I felt waves upon of waves of anxiety and I could feel panic starting to build, but I was sure it was not because of the two in front.

The girl with a short villainous bob haircut made a gesture to the stout man and he moved a step forward. The girl had a scary look in her eyes and the guy looked clumsy. He made a rude gesture in the air, then politely bowed and spoke up.

"Most esteemed lord, please show us your graciousness and allow lieutenant Valerie present here, to have a duel with your lordship. Please grant her the honor of witnessing your might!"

It took a bit, but the sense of words spoken by Furry, that little demon with self proclaimed seven tails as well as that of the stout guys, reached me at the same time. I've been given a clear uppercut from both. The villain girl wants to fight me one on one, but that is still preferable to the fact that I accidentally proposed, was accepted and didn't even register it. I could only comment it with one word.

"I'm toast."