Inside the fancy restaurant, the atmosphere was tense as the Bishop leaned forward. Closely observing the two Vampires even more. The two women didn’t flinch nor act any differently, merely facing him and his stare with a stoic return.
The light from the outside streaks in like a tidal wave of rays through the large glass windows that has little to no tint at all. The snow has all but melted, with only a few certain areas and crevices from within the city left with any white. The rest left to show their colors to the world. The dimmed paint that once hugged and embraced Janishaire has departed and what replaced it is a bright and bountiful place full of art and delicate balance of hues in all buildings from the affluent to the lessers in the lower areas.
People outside were no longer in such thick clothing, letting their lighter and mobile tunics out as they carried on life, with now a bit of heat mixed in. The large Oxens used to pull carriages had their hair shaved with their thick hide now exposed to the elements. Those working to maintain the city in robes that’re less heavy, thin and shorter with some opting for sleeveless ones. Though inside the restaurant, Jackson can’t help but feel the intense cold still, even with his suit teleported in at the front door, he still shivers if a gust of passing wind were to pass him.
With his hands in between his thighs, profusely rubbing it. Rival on the other hand also didn’t show emotion. Even in the face of one of humanity’s oldest predators in the food chain hierarchy of Threa. He clasps both of his hands together, leaning forward into the table while Jackson just ignored the tension and made funny faces to Seiness as he tried to generate as much heat. The little girl responded back with a cute giggle and smile. Whilst the young Bishop next to her in his Aristocratic ensemble had quite a heavy aura emanating out of him. “May I ask for your names, M’Ladies?” breaking the eyes, the Countess was the first to respond with the first contact, she got up and politely bowed like any Noblewoman. The Dragon on the other hand starts steaming next to her Master, the man deflating at the hot aura around her.
Refined and with taste, the Countess made a show at the table, with even the other Nobles in the restaurant having to take a peek at the Vampire. “I shall make it short. Countess Alana le Minuit of House Minuit. I am sure my name is not new to you.” Hearing this, Jackson just looked at her, the woman’s usual introduction was cut and quick, and without even waiting for a reply, got back to her seat. “U-uhm, of course. A Minuit? Truly? Ah, this shall be discussed further in the future.” He then turns to the other Vampire. “And the golden haired one?” pointing at Elizabeth, she scoffed lightly and brushed her locks. “Carmilla. Just call me that.” With the introductions done, the Bishop then tilted his head a bit as he turned to the Knight. The rays of the afternoon bounced off the glassware of the tables near the large glass window, illuminating the kind smile of the handsome man making faces to the Priestess. “Interesting. And I may ask if Sir Jackson had told about me?” Alana just made a nod. Her legs together and hands on top of her thighs. “M’Lord had.”
“Good. Then we can skip over the long dialogues and get into the main idea.”
“Lord Rival, may I first ask as to why you’ve bought her here?”
“Seiness is but a young girl in her teenage years. She cannot be left alone as she tends to be very adventurous. Her energy is also unmatched, though she may not look much right now. She shows much promise.”
“And? I get it, you intend for us to do something with her?”
“Indeed I do. I do not know if the rumors had sunk into the crevices of the Commoners, but the Pope had made an unprecedented decision to go to Elvennur to quell the rising tension between the Holy See and the Elven Empire.” Alana and Elizabeth both didn’t show a hint of concern, their poker faces as concrete as ever.
“Ah, I see. And you intend for us to do a bit of bodyguarding, I presume?”
“Correct. I shall not pepper the conversation needlessly. In exchange, I will allow Captain Julieanne to stamp your IDs with the mark of the Holy See’s Knight Order. With that, nothing will stop you from sniffing around to your heart's content.” Hearing this, Jackson gave the two Vampires a quick glance before returning back to entertaining the young Priestess alongside Bahamut who had snuffed up all of the complimentary food on the table.
“So, what is your decision?” Jackson didn’t reply, ignoring him whilst waiting for the two Vampires. They just nodded in silence while the Bishop smiled. “Good. The Pope’s sudden decision threw a wrench in my plans. Me and Julieanne will have to tend to business. Please, do watch over her.”
Fiddling with her thumbs the young girl then gathered as much courage as she could muster and faced the two alluring women with a smile. Her face instantly melted Jackson. The man unable to protect himself from the barrage of cuteness, her large circular purple eyes accompanied by a ponytailed black hair. He was left in the open and the man couldn’t help but return her enthusiasm in earnest. “Ehhhhh… Hello Seiness! I am Paul. Nice to meet you. Ahahaha, looking at you right now. You remind me of a lot of women back in my country.” Bishop Rival then tilts his head even more. The man's skin tone was as pale as his and stood at a pretty hefty height. “What do you mean by that, Sir Jackson?”
He just shrugs in return. “It’s hard to explain, but let’s just say she’s the closest person I’ve seen that I can imagine seeing back at home. On a daily walk outside the house.” he smiles at the Priestess, whose hat covered her wolfears but it wasn’t enough to be completely hidden and he’d notice it twitching about at every attempt he’d make to make her smile. The man then reached out his hand to her. The girl then returns it, though her hands were small and slender, compared to his, which is almost twice the size, it was just the right length to properly shake the man's hand. “Pl… Please take good care of me.”
“Hm.” With a small and quiet reply the man returns to his seat with a satisfied face. “Man, she’s quite adorable, ain’t she?” One of the Waiters then replaces the small basket of bread on their table. Leaving it infront of Seiness which the Dragon quickly took to action.
“Girl, are you going to eat that?”
“BAHAMUT.”
“Whaaaat?” Jackson then just facepalms as the Dragon returns her attention to Seiness. “Well? Will you?” She just nodded slowly and without even a second wasted, the woman took the plate. The Priestess was taken aback by the long hand in a darkened gown coming out of nowhere. Removing her crown and veil as she took the utensils and started eating rapidly albeit quietly. Not disturbing the Nobles on the other tables. “Hmmmm… this is very good. But it's still nothing like meat.” with only a shred of decency, the two Vampires facepalmed and shrugged. “Gods. But at least she’s using utensils. Right, Countess?”
Elizabeth then reaches out her long arm and pats Seiness’ head. But the girl was instead fixated on her breasts, turning to face Bahamut. She then turns back to look at the Queens. Her face became dimmer by the second as the two huge chests seemed to have their own polars of gravity. She then looks down on herself, though not as flat chested. She was dominated in the sector by the two.
“Carmilla, I think she’s uncomfortable.”
“Ahahahah, My Lord. She’s merely intimidated by my bosom.” Seeing the reaction of the Priestess, the Queen had a devious smile on her face. “What do you think? Mine is bigger than hers, right?” Bahamut then stops eating the bones of the fish and turns to face Seiness. Her pale face, though magnificent and perfect, had an intense feeling to it. As if the woman was looking down to her very primal fear.
Jackson quickly got in front of the trio. “That’s enough, both of you. Carmilla, let us not anger the Dragon before she gets a good meal at least.”
“Awwww, I was just about to have some fun with her, My Lord.”
“That’s enough teasing for today, Carmilla.”
Alana then stood up and leaned into the table. Her chest wasn’t as big as the two but it was still plentiful and well rounded. Seiness then looks down on her own chest, bare and with only two small hills on it. Defeated in round two, her soul was on the verge of leaving her body as the Countess giggled at her. “Priestess, be not ashamed. Unlike the Vampires, they are born to be innately attractive and beautiful. It’s not your fault. I am sure you will still grow up. I am particularly not invested in Beast-kin history due to the regional conflicts. But I am aware that your kind has excellence in fighting and in the usage of Mana.”
Rival then softly patted her head as Bahamut sat with a straight back, there was enough space for his hand to reach her. He’d caress her human ears then her wolf ones underneath the hat she wore. The girl reacted with a smile and a purr. Melting the heart of Jackson once again. “Awwwwww… that’s cute. Ain’t that cute?” The Vampires just looked at there Lord and smiled at the sight of him happy and genuinely showing his reaction.
“I am Countess Alana Minuit, Miss Seiness. Fear me not, I might be a Vampire. But the only blood I drink is M'Lords. Under the oath and contract I’ve taken in, I cannot drink the blood of others, only his. That is how much M’Lord loves the uninvolved.”
“It's the same with Carmilla. She only drinks my blood. So don’t worry, alright.”
Seiness nodded softly as their food arrived. Huge lumps of red meat alongside garlic soup with lots and lots of vegetables and fruits on the side. Without even waiting for a second, Bahamut grabbed one of the plates. But before she could start eating, Elizabeth put her hands in the way of the fork. “Ahem. Bahamut, may we respect the customs of this place before we partake of our food?" This made the Dragon slowly retract her utensil, but not without sneaking in a taste.
The Bishop then properly puts the handkerchief on the table to his collar and helps Seiness with hers while Jackson and the two Vampires, already accustomed to proper table manners are done and ready for the feast. “Now, a little prayer.”
Rival then joins his hands together and closes his eyes with Seiness while Jackson and the Vampires alongside Bahamut stay silent and keep their hands to their sides.
“Oh Almighty Deus Vrax, Part Human, Part Dragon. Union of a friendship between two species so far apart yet so close. Bless this meal and may we be able to face the hardships that await us. Bless us like how you blessed the fields of Dragovh and Geraldia. The tears you shed for us sprouting grasslands and fertile soil that fed generations upon generations and helped bring Nations to bear great fruit for the future generations of mankind. May this meal be in part of you, for being the first to kill a Demon King, showing Man and to an extent, the Dragons. That the Outer Gods and their nature can be defeated. I thank you again.”
He then smiles and opens his palm. Bahamut was the first to start munching, devouring the peace of meat without effort. Seiness looked in fear as the four Dragon fangs on her mouth were on full display as she ate the tenderloin at a rate she had never seen anyone do before. Without mercy, the pale faced woman fed on it like a beast that hasn’t had prey for weeks. Whilst the Vampires ate silently and slowly, visibly enjoying the meal and taking their time taking sips in between while the Knight was just eating like it was just another day at the office. With a smile on his face, and a relaxed back, Jackson ate at his pace.
“Man, this is pretty lively. I hope you aren’t too bothered being next to Bahamut, Bishop Rival.”
“Please. Standing next to a Dragon God is a privilege not many could have. I am thankful she’d even let a mortal like me to be so close to her.”
Bahamut who was finished with her meal and was just checking the veil she wore turned to the Bishop.
“What? I’ve spent many years with a mortal. I have no qualms with it. I actually find it better at times. Master really keeps me entertained and I feel really loved when I am with him.”
The two Vampires then stopped eating their food and looked at Bahamut. Her face was earnest, having no malice to it as she had an expression of a person who never lied in her life.
“Sir Jackson, I find it amazing you can entertain a Goddess.”
“Don’t overthink it. Maybe some Gods need special things to feel relieved but Bahamut? Nah. She’s fine with anything that goes really. I feel very lucky to have her with me.”
“I see, you are indeed very lucky then.” His eyes peered over to the two Vampires before his gaze being interrupted by the motherly voice of the Dragon in human form. “Master worked really hard to collect enough scales as a sacrifice to summon me. He is not only lucky but also a hard worker. Even right now, he is working hard.” he just smiles at her while turning to look at the Knight. “Ah I see, then Goddess. What do you think of humans then? Now that you’ve worn our skin, lived our lives, slept like us, and ate like us?” The Bishop’s body completely shifts towards the Dragon.
From his side, Jackson could notice the man had given his full blown attention and time to the Dragon.
“It’s a chaotic experience. Being in a human body felt like I was weak, but when time comes. I felt strong. Though that’s only because of my Dragon self awakening inside, I can see things through the perspective of Man. After all this, I feel more encouraged to help Master. To do the things he does is no easy feat any mortal man can achieve. I want to experience it more, this thing called Humanity and its many follies and strengths. Not only does it entertain my eternity, but also gives me a ray of light to a species I long am curious of.”
“Ohhhh Bahamut. You don’t have to go there.” Jackson visibly turns to the left as his cheeks turn red. “But it's true, Master is a human, yet he continues to do things not even Dragons would do knowing the situation. He is an amazing Human, the will of rebellion in his heart is that of a Dragons innate desire to control and fight against the forces of nature.”
“Ahem.” They then turned to Elizabeth who had finished her meal. “I do say, My Lord is quite an experience. Though I haven’t been human for so long, and I have no traces of it left within my soul. I oddly feel at home when I am with him. I do not need to be someone or something, I can just be me. I must say, for what he has done. He’s been quite a good Lord and someone whom I might never forget… I hope.” She then starts pressing on her supple white cheeks, whilst looking out the window in silence for a few seconds. “Hmmm… I should really do something about that. I really need to write this all down.”
“Geez Eliza- I mean Carmilla. No need for those words.”
“Carmilla huh…” the Bishop observes the incredibly attractive blonde. Her allure was on a whole other level compared to others. “You know, Lady Carmilla. You remind me of an old story from a nation that no longer exists.” All of the sudden, the bright emerald eyes of Elizabeth turn to look at him. Though her face didn’t move, still pointing to the outside. “Is that so?”
“Yes. An old story of a Noblewoman who lived in a Castle that’s surrounded by a town in the middle of a large forest in the countryside. She was like you, incredibly pretty and held green eyes that could pierce even the hearts of Beast and Demon.”
“Do you know what happened to her?”
“It’s an old story. Far more ancient than my entire family tree. My version may be far from the original, but last I heard she died of the plague that enveloped her country.”
“Hm. Is that so?” Elizabeth’s eyes then peers back to the outside, ignoring the presence of the Bishop completely. Seeing the loss of interest, he then shifts his entire body to face front, his hands together as the Minuit before him got her words together.
“M’Lord… What can I say about M’Lord. Well, when I first saw him. He was but a Human scared to his very bones, but something flicked within him and he knew he had a fighting chance no matter the odds.” Alana then rested her chin on her palm, with her legs stylishly crossed, she turned to her right, giving her Lord a quick glance who was busy entertaining the Priestess. She’d then grin and chuckle as she slowly blinked her eyes and turned to look at the young Bishop once again. “His eyes became that of a beast, a true warrior and a soldier. I couldn’t look away from those peering brown irises.”
Swaying her locks, the woman then leaned back to the seat. No longer retaining the same amount of Noble posture she was doing. “When he swipes his sword, he seems like a Knight, a Heroic Knight serving under his own belief. He may work for the King, but he himself decides for himself. The will to serve and rebel, its such a magnificent thing that Humans have. Hence why I do not judge Bahamut for her obsession with the Human Will. It strikes me just as much.”
“Cough… cough.” The two Vampires then leaned over to him. His hands up his face as he tried to hide his beet red face. But his ears and the back of his hand was also of the same color, making his attempt to hide his emotion moot. “Seems as if my views about Vampires were wrong. Hm, then let me give this advice to the two of you.” Looking at the Holy Man in his Noble attire, he crossed his arms and for the first time since they met, turned his face away to look at the outside. “Do not get comfy showing your true forms around here. We may accept Elves, but that is only due to them being longer here than anyone else. Since you are Vampires, I am sure you are aware of what your kind has done to this land. Lord Jackson, are you aware?”
The Knight just looked at him and stayed silent. “When the Elves first came here, they only marched into the city and took over it. Soon started a thousand or so long ordeal of servitude under them. At first, Humans was considered Citizens, though of the lowest kind, they were still given Rights and Upheld Dignity, but the Vampires?” The Bishop then took one of the last remaining tenderloins and put it up his mouth. Hovering it around as he lets the aroma to coat his nose.
“The Vampires removed the Nobility. The strong became Vampires and those who didn’t submit became Servants of the Houses. Gareth was only free for a few hundred years, you can only imagine the vexation that was stemming from deep within. Sir Jackson, be aware of what you might start if anyone else were to find out. I may be more kind to them, but others may not be.” Alana and Elizabeth then turned to Bishop Rival. The man had a smile on his face as he reached his hand out to the Countess. “Though I am pleased to know that I am wrong now that I get to meet actual Vampires.” With a light smile on his face, the Bishop had all his guards down. “This is an expression used by the Outworlders like your Lord. It seems that Sir Jackson’s humanity has rubbed off much on both of you, or were you already that open? I know that the Contract of Servitude Vampires put so high up in their Tradition could be cheated.”
Hearing this, Elizabeth accepts his hand but then, suddenly pulls it closer to her. “What thou art meant by this?” though not as hard nor violent, it made the Bishop jump a bit from the sudden action. “It’s just some old stories of Vampires using underhanded ways to revenge those who had defeated and shamed them. I do not know their validity.”
“Tsk. This was created for us to learn from our mistakes! Strength, power, and beauty, it’s something we all possess, but some possess it more than us. I cannot believe such stories would become so rampant even you Humans would know of it and pass down through the ages. Countess!” The black haired woman had nothing to say, merely looking at the Queen with a dejected expression. “Gr. Well, it's not as if I am in a position to do anything. Forget about it.”
And just like that, the blonde woman’s expression completely changes from before. The Bishop is just scratching the back of his head from the indifference that she now exerts. “Wow. If only I could do that.”
“Maybe when you are a Vampire. When you get to live for so long, problems come and go. It’s just the question of which is first and last to do.” nodding, the Bishop then sees Jackson’s hand reached out for a shake. “Sir Rival, I can see why the Church chose you to protect Seiness. I can’t believe you people are also catching up with the handshake thing. Ahahahah…” the Bishop gladly took his hand and the two then nodded to one another. “I cannot say if that is true. I am from Dragovh originally. I cannot say I came here with an open mind. But talking and seeing the two of you, I can say that many were wrong and myself included. The stories often depict the Vampires as bloodthirsty beats of lusts, but it's good to see they are sanity like the Demons. I do wonder if I should meet one now.”
As if a new door has opened to the Holy man, he starts rubbing his chin till suddenly, Elizabeth speaks up. “Do not let our new images fool you. Many Vampires are still dangerous to humans. We may only be able to do this due to the circumstances we’ve found each other in.” Remembering how Jackson was treated back then, she shrugs her head and looks at the Bishop right in the eyes. “We are a select few who wish to mingle with a Human. This image in front of you is akin to Two Wolves dining with a Lamb.”
“Of course, of course. But you are a living proof that Vampires and Humans can coexist with one another. If each other knew the bounds and the lines.”
“M’Lord and I have a… unique relationship to say the least.”
“I cannot even fathom a word with what group you’ve ushered onto this planet Sir Jackson.”
“Haaaaahhhhh… believe me. I don’t know myself. This has been one thing after the other and I prefer for it to stay like this. I don’t think I can handle another person though. They are… weird in their own ways but, the good kind of weird I guess.”
“But you are happy, right, Sir Jackson?”
“Is that even a question?” His face changed, the man with a stoic and serious tone with him as he sat with a straight back. His body facing Rival’s as his shoulders seem to broaden as he breathed in and out.
“It may get hard every now and then. But who wouldn’t want to be in my position? I am very thankful that I am here. I can't even have words with the sheer amount of luck I got. But that might explain the unluckiness I’ve usually found myself in. Carmilla, Alana, Bahamut. They’ve also helped me. Kept me in check, reeled me in when my ideas were far too insane and most of all, kept me company both physically and mentally. It’s because of them I faced Hell head first and came out alive.”
“Oh? Is that so? What kind of Hell is this? A war of sorts?”
“One that still sends shivers to my spine whenever I look up to the skies. It’s just as bad as the stuff I saw back on Earth… or even worse. Bahamut was correct, your Demons aren’t the Demons we know of. They're more like Aliens than Predators that prey on those with a soul.”
“I see. It seems that you Outworlders have been up to something whilst we aren’t looking, I do find your Culture far more… lenient and somewhat obtuse at times but its openness is unmatched and what comes with openness is lots of potential for both good and bad.” The Bishop then stretches his arms. “If I were to do this in front of my relatives, I would’ve been punished. Yet the look on your faces shows it's but a fleeting trifle. Vampires, his Humanity has truly made you grow.” Jackson then shrugs whilst resting his elbow on Alana’s right shoulder.
“That’s the world I came from. It's a very open and yet closed world. Society is far more complex with technology being embedded in our everyday lives, some, in their very bodies. Heck, there’s even these things called Androids, but that didn’t go anywhere… so far. People are still afraid of it.” He then rests his head on the Countess’ slender shoulder. “Sometimes, I often feel like it's a bit too open for my taste. As our countries grew richer, we became just like the West our leaders touted as impudent, sinful, and liberal… just for us to become the same when we get enough money and hardships disappear.” The Bishop tilts his head upon hearing such an excerpt and joins both his hands together.
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“My, I do wonder what a world where only Humans were the sentient species would look like. But it seems that I’ve gotten my answer. A society where there is enough money for everyone and little to no hardships. My… such an answer indeed.”
“Hm? Answer?”
“That our weaknesses are amplified and our strengths mixed. I cannot say if that’s good or bad, but looking at you Outworlders, it seems to have a strange mental effect on you. A sort of illness that is openly accepted, and none of you seem to admit to having.”
“Hmmm? What’s that? I’ve gone to therapy after my tours and then more for some stuff. It helped quell it but I still get dreams every now and then.”
“An illness of loving everything. Even those forbidden. As if… Man ate all the fruits of chaos and freedom.”
“Oh man. Don’t even get me started with that. Bahamut knows very well how things worked back then. She has seen Humanity in and out, but she still has no definite answer to what we truly are.”
Bahamut then bursts into laughter. The motherly voice of the woman seemed so soothing, and calming. The other people in the restaurant couldn’t help but turn to look at her. Reminded of an aura they long sought forgotten since they were young. “BAHAHAHAHA! I do remember that Master! We were in a lodging right?”
“Don’t. Don’t remind me.”
“My, what story is this Dragon? Speak up.”
“Carmilla. Don’t encourage her.”
“M’Lord, what can a little story do?”
“Believe me this isn’t the one you want to know.”
“You see, Master and I were hunting Dragons in the Mid Continent as the Chosen Ones call.”
Waking up, Jackson could hear banging on his door. The erotic screams of a woman as a man talked loudly. “YEAH BABY! RIDE IT! RIDE IT! I’LL POUND YOU TILL ITS AFTERNOON!” He then looks up to the window as he lay on a bed. The cobblestone walls and ceiling seemed cold and harsh as the Sun was outside and snow melted. All the while, the banging only seems to have gotten more and more powerful. With the ink bottle and the quill on it shaking along with the entire table.
“Bahamut… how long have they been doing it?”
“Uhm… Thirteen hours now, Master.”
“I was just supposed to take a power nap in game and this shit is-”
“BEND OVER WHORE. I’LL DO YOUR ASSHOLE!”
“E-EH?! BUT BUT I’M NOT- ANNGGHH~”
Jackson then rolls over to his bed. Burying his face under the pillow while the little Dragon landed on the bed sheets and curled up. But before she could get comfy, the player rolled over to the other side as he banged the pillow to his ear. He’d then try to get the blankets to further dampen the sounds. “Should I use magic? No… I can’t… this is a misuse of magic… but dangit!”
With nothing working, he then makes a small cross. Opening his inventory and equipping only his Death Knight helmet. “Ahhhhh… silence.” whilst he couldn’t hear them anymore, he no longer could feel his pillow, and his head was elevated and angled in an awkward way due to the horns. Soon even his bed then started shaking. “WHAT?! HOW?!” He then took it off and could hear the two had moved from the bed and could audibly hear wood cracking violently as a glass vase fell to the floor. “OKAY. THAT’S ENOUGH.”
With a face flushed with anger, the Knight didn’t even think as he took his Greatsword from his scabbard and walked over to the door right next to his small room. The flimsy wooden frame stood no chance as he used its metallic pommel to get the two’s attention. “HEY! STOP IT. CAN’T YOU SEE I’M TRYING TO SLEEP HERE?! I HAVE A BUSINESS MEETING IN SEVEN AND A MINI EVEN TO GRIND!” The rocking didn’t stop and he was left alone in the hallway with a sword in hand. “ANH! ANH! ANH! HARDER! POUND ME TILL I CAN FEEL IT IN MY STOMACH.” Ignored, he then turns to the ceiling, and then to the floor, then to the staircase where two players were just sitting down quietly. Tending to inventory management whilst he was there, in front of the wooden door with only his anger to accompany him. “I AM GIVING YOU TILL TEN. IF YOU DON’T STOP, I AM GOING TO BREAK THE SANCTITY OF A PLAYER HOTEL AND ATTACK YOU.”
Hearing this, the two players stood up from the staircase and turned to him. Before they could unholster their weapons, they noticed the splendid Greatsword and the striking scabbard with it. They both just breathed in and logged off as the erotic sounds continued to echo through the second floor. “BEND OVER MORE, LET ME SEE THAT.” Jackson then bangs the door once again with his swords pommel, the wood almost bending inwards from the force he was giving it.
“I DON’T CARE IF THE SHINE GUARDS CHASE AFTER ME. LET ME SLEEP! I’VE HAD A LONG WEEK!”
Hearing just more erotic screams, the Knight uses his sword to slash through the door, revealing the sweaty player Elf with long blonde hair and big bountiful breasts and hips that even he couldn’t look away from, with a slim and curvy body, she was a perfect female that any man would instantly fall over while the other player on top of her was a low level wearing only the leather armor that he wore in adventuring.
“Oh my… aren’t you a hot stud. Wanna come over and join? I have many holes you can use.”
“NO.” Jackson just massages his nose’s dorsum. Visibly flipped and angry as his hand was trembling holding the Greatsword on his hand. “One last time.” He breathes in and out. Collecting himself while the two stop having coitus before him.
“Me and Bahamut have been staying here for two months now. NOT ONE DAY PASSED when you didn’t bring some player to your room. Every night, every day, it's a different man. CAN YOU PLEASE DO THIS SOMEWHERE ELSE?!”
“My, but what’s the fun in that when no one can hear it?”
“Fun? I WANT TO SLEEP!”
“Why are you even using a Full Dive game to sleep? Are you some salaryman without time to sleep in the real world so you sleep here instead?” as if it bursts a vein, Jackson’s arm was about to swing when the low level player suddenly removed himself from her and put his pants up. “I… I apologize! Please don’t do this! I won’t respawn here!” he stops midway, just as his muscles were about to grip the handle hard enough for him to be able to cut through even the floor. “Grrrrr… you people are really pushing it right now. I just wanna enjoy my time with my cute little dragon companion and here you are annoying me with this incessant sounds of yours! This is truly my last… LAST warning. Stop this shit or I will do something. GOT IT?”
He then sheaths his sword and immediately starts massaging his forehead.
“But are you sure you don’t want to join? You seem pretty toned. Those broad shoulders.” She licks her lips, erotically staring at the man's chest. “You make me hotter than ever before. Putting a lady like me in heat is bad, you know?” Being angered beyond belief, Jackson takes the last intact vase in the room and throws it at her which she catches with one hand. Her well polished nails reflected the man's angered expression. “Huh, you're fast. What level are you?”
Jackson then strikes the tip of his sword down to the ground, the explosion of air sends her to the bed while he grabs the new player by the neck. “And do you really have to narrate EVERY fucking thing you do?! Last night, I heard you screaming how tight she was. Do you seriously think I need to hear that?!” he then lets go of him while wiping his face with his hand profusely. Doing his best to contain the sheer brutal anger within. “S-Sorry dude!”
“Don’t you say sorry now. I will literally use True Magic on you.”
“T-True Magic?! Are you at Max Level?!”
“I… Might be… SO STOP IT.”
Before he could threaten the player even more, the beautiful Elven lady pulls the rug under him. It made the player slip, hitting his head and knocking him out completely. “Well, well, well. I got myself another meal. Let me check that rod of yours.” Before she could completely remove his belt, fire starts to appear on her hands. But rather than being scared, she merely blew on it, completely erasing the burns and healing her hands back to its beautiful pristine condition.
“Oy Elf. Don’t touch, Master.”
She looked at the hallway and could see a dog sized Black Dragon walking into her room.
“I apologize for Masters' rash behavior. But if you dare lay a finger on him. I will make sure you will face a Dragon not even you can destroy with True Magic.”
“Ohhhhh, I know that voice. Your Bahamut, correct? Ah, I knew he was something. Such a unique companion, I only have a white feathered Griffin. Ahhhhhh, such ecstasy in knowing a man like this. It makes me wanna share a night with him even more.”
As she talked, Bahamut bit into the collar of Jackson’s suit and dragged him back to the hallway. She then opens her wings and proceeds to close the door.
“PFFFFFFTTTT… Really, My Lord? Narrate?” scratching his face, Jackson couldn’t say anything in return. “W-WELLL… He was! And it was super annoying!” As they all laughed, Seiness was beet red from hearing such a story. “S-She… did it for thirteen hours?”
“Yes. That player's name was culturegirl forty two and was a level two hundred like me. I have no idea what’s with these people. Sometimes I meet some of the most unique and outright badass humans in the virtual world, while sometimes… It's just pure horniness…”
“Hah. My goodness. That was a good laugh. Sir Jackson, I presume you never had done the natural obligation beforehand?”
“I haven’t… well…” He then turns beet red, the handsome and Knightly man suddenly looking like a fragile child as he fiddles with his thumbs. “C-C-Carmilla took my first.”
“First? What do you mean by this?”
“It’s a cultural thing… you guys don’t have your own version? Or is it because you are a Bishop?”
After thinking about it, the Bishop lights up. “Ah! I get it! But a Vampire took your first? Very interesting. We Bishops and Priests, are not under an oath of celibacy. Our time schedule makes it very hard for us to find that sort of love though. Many say we are married to the Church but I digress as I have a woman waiting for me back in the Kingdom of James. A pretty woman from a very good family.”
“Me? I might just go back to my routine and add in a bit of exercise. I now remembered why I kept a toned body when I was in the military. This stuff could mean life and death sometimes.”
“But you must have amazing stamina. Vampires from what I’ve heard could do it for weeks straight without a tire.”
“Don’t go there. Believe me, I’ve experienced it.”
“Is it true then that doing it with a Vampire gives one absolute bliss?”
“Yes. But also tired legs that won’t function for the next few days. So, if I can’t walk straight or I have a bit of a limp. You know what happened… There’s also the problem of me being only one. So, stuff has to get creative when it comes… ugh… it feels nice but my body…” Just remembering about it made him look as if he had trekked a desert and the Bishop giggled. “But at least you can still walk, Sir Jackson.”
“I am not finished, Bishop. If you don’t see me for the next few days, that means I’m completely immobile from the waist down. Either two or all three of them ganged on me in bed which we all agreed shouldn't happen… but they got carried away waiting for their turn.” Hearing this, the Bishop’s eyes completely widened, he then shrugged and smiled. His mouth silently said wow. “That’s… very painful so it seems.”
“A bit. Is the pleasure worth it? Ehhhh… fifty fifty.”
All the while, Seiness was not only confused but also terribly out of place as the adults talked amongst one another.
“Ah, I forgot about Seiness here. I apologize. It seems that I was too caught up with this very unique group and extremely interesting relationship. Ahahaha, to think Seiness will one day partake in this activity. If you are uncomfortable, we may go home now.”
“It’s fine Bishop Rival.. I’ve just never learned much about this. We of the Wolf-kin tribe do it out of pure instinct. Love is a rare thing, to hear it to such a degree…” Like a steam engine ready to blow, the Priestess just puts her hands up her face while Jackson was still beet red from the conversation.
“Well, that is good and all but we must go. Sir Jackson, are you aware of what you must do? The reward I am sure is what you’ve been looking for.”
“What’re we supposed to do again?”
“Just protect Seiness while the Higher Ups of Janishaire’s Church tends to the Pope’s recent excursion to Elvennur. It will only be for about four or five days. Have you gotten your ID’s renewed as I asked?”
“We did pass the Adventurer Guild and talked about it…” Not even waiting for Jackson to finish, the Bishop immediately intrudes on him. “Good. Then take her along with you. I must take care of some business. I am sadly only one person and so is Captain Julieanne. If I do get the chance, I’ll request for a proper Knight to guard her.”
“Well… Carmilla? Alana? Bahamut? None of you said no, right? Are we gonna go for this?”
“I’m fine with that, M’Lord.”
“Sure Master. It's only for a few days.”
“M’Lord, it should be a breeze. We should get some easy ones so that she may learn slowly.”
“Unanimous vote has been casted. Alright, we’re in.”
Shaking each other's hands. The two men agree and Seiness stands up and heads next to Alana. The young Priestess then bowed as she held her white and blue staff close to her heart.
“P-Priestess Seiness of the Holy See! Janishaire Sect! Pleased to be with you!”
“Hm. I am also pleased, Seiness.”
“Heyyyy, don’t be bothered by us alright? If any of them bothers you, or if Carmilla starts teasing you, just go to me or Alana.”
“Can you cook? Master and the Bloodsucker can cook.”
“My Lord, what about her lodging? Shall she stay with us? They did attack the Holy See’s Offices just to get to her.”
The Bishop who had just finished wiping his mouth then stood up with a smile on his face. “Don’t worry about that. They tried once, doing it again will surely put those who set it in motion to the light of Deus. She also knows her way around the city. She’ll just travel back and forth from the office to your place. Just be sure to escort her back, can never be too sure.” hearing this, Jackson nods as Rival flicked his finger and one of the Waiters ran to the exit. “Hey uhm, Bishop. What does that building do anyways?”
“It’s where reports and paper from the Adventurer Guild’s buildings go to and gets sorted. Though there are very little official Holy See sanctioned Guild buildings, we do own shares in a lot of the ones the Kingdom owns. We sort through reports and quest filings there and track which place needs more attention or some anomaly is occurring within a certain region." The Waiter then comes back with his elegantly embroidered coat and shiny cane. “Oh wow, that’s a pretty complex system you have in place.”
“Indeed it is, the Cardinals are the one in charge of it and they do most of the heavy lifting alongside the Church’s research division. One of which is in the University of Saint Berthal. But nonetheless, it's because of that we can properly allocate resources and help Kingdoms in stopping calamities. It’s also because of that we could predict the future End Time without using Magic beyond comprehension.” He then kneels before Seiness. “Priestess, take care of yourself alright? I’ve already vouch for these people and now that you’ve met them. They’ll keep you safe.”
Giggling, the Priestess nodded. “Thank you Bishop Rival. I shall be under there care then.”
“Hm. Now, you must take into use all I’ve taught you. This is the true test of a Priestess of the Holy See. In combat. Can you do it?”
The girl’s eyes sparkled as her expression lit up. “Hm! I will do it!” In response to this, the Bishop had a warm face, one of a caretaker watching his dove fly away from its nest.
“Sir Jackson, when will you start? As you can see, I have very little time and I must depart. I can only keep her with me for a day or two now.”
“If need be, right now. We can take Seiness to the Guild Hall. We’ve been planning on taking on quests and hearing that you’ve already taught her, means she can take her with us, right?”
“Indeed. Hear that Seiness? This is also an opportunity for you to grow both as a person and as a warrior. If you need me, I’m either in the Cathedral or the Office. I shall be on my way.”
“Alrighty.”
Parting ways, the Bishop went further North in his own personal carriage while they went South. Having to walk, Jackson finally got a good look at the Priestess in her holy garbs.
Her height only reached his shoulders and the light tan she had made her stand out a tiny bit and the pretty ensemble of the Priestess outfit of the Holy See, a daily gown coloured blue and white, the same hue of her staff. She had long black hair which she was now changing to a twin tail braid, making her look more like a normal girl he’d see back at home. She was clearly well fed and taken care of even through her small frame, in stark contrast to the very mature and bountiful bodies of the Vampires and the Dragon.
Her wolf ears were hidden by the hat she wore and to Jackson’s surprise, she has a tail that’s tucked in her skirt. He’d notice it wave about as she’d try to avoid passerby on the sidewalk. Though it was barely visible, he could see and she had it rolled up so as to not annoy anyone.
“Hmmmmm… Do you want armor? Looking at you right now, a single blow of the wind could kill you. Some Wizards I know even train their strength to carry Greatshields.”
“E-eh? Uhm… I don’t know how to use armor or maintain it, Lord Jackson.”
“Then what does your gown do? Does it have any enchantments or anything that increases your skills?”
“Hm. It adds extra damage to Divine attacks and resistance to Corruption magic.”
“Corruption magic? What’s that? Some sort of curse attack?”
“Yes Lord Jackson, it's only wielded by the enemies of the Holy See. So our gowns have some weaves against them.”
“I see… and your shoes, can you walk far and long with them? Do you want us to buy you one for adventuring?”
“No need, Lord Jackson, I have outside shoes back in my room meant for excursions into the soil beyond the city walls.”
“Alright. Be sure to bring that tomorrow, for today. What we’ll be doing is some quest taking. I’ll be teaching you how to pick one and then maybe even in formations and vanguards and backline party members! Ohhhh… I can say so much!” Seeing the excited expression on their Lord, the Vampires couldn’t help but share the same face as he is, the two of them walking near his back while Bahamut has turned into her Dragon form and sat on his shoulder. Looking down on the Priestess now walking alongside them.
As they were returning, Jackson noticed a large park on the path ahead of them. The roads around it were all extra widened. Having to take in the volume of parked carriages and the hundreds of Maids and Servants guarding and playing around with the children. They were different from the ones he saw near the Cathedral, more pristine in their movements, refined, and of better posturing. It seems like small adults in the clothes of the young.
Without even thinking about it, he had already walked into the park ground. The fenceless place had shaved grass and two bronze statues. One showing the people of Janishaire breaking these chains and toppling the Elves, and another. The Vampires that once took over the city burning by the flames of the Holy See. With his hands behind his back, he made sure to steer clear of the kids and the mere handful of Nobles present. There were so few he could count them with the fingers on one hand yet the Maids and Butlers outnumbered them tenfold.
“Just what is this park about?” walking to the one with the Elves, the polished plaque on its foundation only had one sentence. “Seiness, can you read that?” the Priestess nodded and she stepped forward. “To those whom we lost under the brutality of the Curates.” Looking up the statue itself, the Elves were on a whole other level. Wearing proper segmented armor and in their pose, organized and tactical whilst the Humans, only in cotton rags using rocks and leftover swords. “Wasn’t Janishaire owned by the Elves?”
“That is true, Sir Jackson. But before the High Elves came. The city was shared by the Snow Elves and migrating Humans. This was the frontier of Mankind’s desire to expand. This came to an end when Emperor Dydares came with his army.”
“Geez… and how come it took us so long to fight back?”
“The Snow Elves were given control of the city, Sir Jackson. They were already in a good and mutual relationship with the Humans beforehand.” Jackson then looks back to the lone Snow Elf he had met, the stranger not even having a hint of malice from that transpired, no ego or pride. Merely accepting as if he was paying for all he had done. “Humans were mostly given normal Rights and even power within the localities. It only happened after the Curate Empire went down a different path one day.” He touches the plaque and makes a long sigh. “I see. A story as old as time, I guess. Your Nation becomes so strong it starts to eat itself from within.”
Turning around, standing adjacent to the Elven War Statue was the Vampire one. There, two sentences were on the plaque and Seiness immediately read them out. “To the Holy See and the Pope, for freeing us. A toast to Queen Victoria the Beautiful, King Gareth shall forever be with you.”
“That woman again? Just who is she?”
“She was the one who defended Janishaire from the invading Vampire Army, Sir Jackson. The fight for the gates was called the Battle of the Queens, as the magnanimous and devilish Queen Elizabeth was leading her own Crimson Knights alongside General Mar Marioleone.”
“And King Gareth?”
“He was in the flanks of the city, fighting against the Sixth and Seventh Night Legions while King Charlesmagnes went around from below, using their wings to get to his rear. King Gareth died there, saving their Son and soon to be King.”
“Wow…” left with no words, Elizabeth just turns to the image portrayed by the statue. The Bishops and Holy Knights overwhelming numbers striking at odds with her own immortal army. “Though, no one ever knew what happened to Queen Victoria. Some said she was captured by her own Knights who had been under the tutelage of the Vampire Queen from the start.” The Queen then walks forward and steps beside her. “Tell me, do you feel any ill will for what we’ve done?”
She immediately shrugs. “Deus Vrax taught to Mankind that the past must remain as such. Mankind will never grow if it keeps looking back. It must look forward instead, and leave behind the problems of those before them.” They then hear a giggle coming from Jackson. “Sorry, we could learn much from him.” while Elizabeth just had a blank expression on her face. Seiness on the other hand could now fully notice her beauty as the afternoon star lit up her face.
But after a second of being awe-struck, something clicks in her head. “Hmmmm…” with a hand on her hip, Elizabeth touches the foundation of the building. “This is just between us, but your Queen is alive by the way.” The entire party then looks at her. “You’ve been good to us, not letting history cloud your eyes. Then, let me tell you something.”
Entering the city, Queen Elizabeth Bartley and her entourage of Crimson Knights went straight to the Castle as the fighting inside the walls stopped completely. The Vampires, like savage beasts in shining armor, started dragging the Nobles of the city from their Manors alongside their Maids and Servants. Even though the armor they wore showed organization, strength in warfare and strategy, they grabbed Men by the neck and women by the hair as their Queen in her carriage stopped.
Exiting out, General Mar was there to help her. Kneeling in one leg and a hand out, she takes it and is elegantly presented by the surviving Human Nobles while behind her, parts of the city were burning and screams could be heard as her winged Knights flew from building to building, taking as they wish and desire. “General, thou remindeth of one's elegance. Our troops shalt not waste away with such trivialities. Unless they wish to tarnish the Houses they represent.” The Knight General in his blood red armor immediately replies. “Of course, Your Majesty! General Jacques! General Lannes! Remind your young Knights of their decorum!” Vanishing from thin air, she then proceeds to the Castle gates, opened by her very own personal army.
There stood the Queen of Gareth, in her pretty gown that’s covered by pieces of armor. She was on her knees as two Human Knights bearing her own flags put their sword up to her neck. “You’ve both done well. Eternity awaits you and your families. Begone." The Human Knights disperse, running inside as the Vampires take the front courtyard. Elizabeth on the other hand took a good long look at Victoria.
Slender and the contours of her beautiful body flowing like a seamless river, with skin as pale as powder and a ponytailed black hair and bangs that covered her eyebrows that’s shaped like fangs, she had a dangerous frown on her face.
“My… what a meal, I shalt make thee thine servant.”
“As if! I shall never bow to you! I’d rather die than by brandished by the likes of you as your plaything infront of my people!”
“Ah, but dost is without an army, pride, ego, nor a King.”
“Heh-heheheheh… King Gareth will survive and Humanity will win against you. We won against the Curates far long ago, we will do the same.”
“Pfft. Thy humor is as dry as the deserts of Meridia. Cometh unto me and I shall let thee experience immortality… in exchange of one's Humanity.”
Behind her, General Marioleone just watched in silence as Lannes beside him nodded to one of his men. “Alright. The entire area is clear.” Marioleone just shushes him as the Vampire Queen grabbed Victoria by her long slender neck, her fangs baring and ready to strike her.
“Ah, another Noble to the list.”
“Nay. Queen Elizabeth wishes to make an example out of this one.”
“What? Why? We already have so much.”
“The Kingdom of Gareth is the one that sowed the seed of Rebellion into Humanity when the Curates was still active. To see their now beloved Queen become a Servant to the Vampires should be a good way to put the Humans in line without having to resort to more extreme methods.”
“Pfft. Who cares? These peons are as laughable as the Elves. Look at them.” The General in the bright blue armor kicks the corpse of a Human Knight. “Pretty sure seeing there much vaunted and near Godlike Nobles die in droves should be enough. They're stupid enough to meet us at the border rather than shore up defenses and find time to weaken us.”
“That is only because the Queen thought ahead, the agents we’ve embedded in Humanity have been working for centuries. Humans aren’t stupid Lannes. They did this because they know they have nowhere to run to. They’d rather meet us than be surrounded and get destroyed with no effort.”
“Even still, drudgery like the Humans won’t do us good. Why keep them? This is it, we have enough blood to last us for an eternity.”
“King Charlesmagnes has told of his orders. We will not touch the citizens, only those who oppose us.”
“Heh. Duke Gandolfo has already started wiping out the peasant villages in the plains. His words aren’t absolute.”
“LET ME GO!” The two Vampire Generals then turn forward, to Queen Victoria who was still struggling even at her defeated state. Both her small hands were gripping Elizabeth’s wrist tightly, trying to twist it but to no avail and upon she stopped to catch her breath, the Vampire bites into her neck. Drinking her blood as she then once again tried to fight her. “KING GARETH! PLEASE!”
Flying down behind Elizabeth, King Charlesmagnes arrives and the Knight Army behind her all kneeled. There were so many of them that they covered multiple blocks, including the rooftops and alleyways. The handsome blonde man didn’t say anything. Just dropping a sword and scabbard on the gate, in view of the Queen as tears go down her eyes as her vision dims.
“My beloved Queen, what do you plan to do with her?”
“I shall send her back to my Castle. Her type is best chained and locked in a Castle. She won’t get near any Human after I train her.”
“I see. I shall be in the throne room then. After this, we must strike Gareth’s capital.” Elizabeth tilts her head and releases Victoria from her hands. Making her drop onto the courtyard road like a discarded doll. “Why? We have their King and Queen. The Capital has no reason to exist anymore.”
“No. Not with them, I am sure the surviving Nobles had already started to vote for a successor.” With his hands gripped tightly, he looks at his Queen, her emerald eyes gone and is replaced with the golden hue of a Vampire in power. “...” He just stared at her while slowly breathing in and out. “Hm? What is it?”
“Nothing. Rest now, my love. The fighting will only get worse from here. Lannes, Marioleone, with me in the lobby. We must tend to the upcoming Dragon problem.” as the Generals depart her sides and the Vampire Army around her dispersing. She was left with her Crimson Knights. Two of which walked to Victoria’s now changing body.
“Your Majesty, what shall we do with her?”
“For now, carry her back to her room. I shall tend to her soon.”
“Of course.”
“And call for my Servants. Have them prepare an outfit for her. One reserved for Head Maid.”
“What… so you turned the Queen into your maid? Really?” Elizabeth just scoffs at him. “What else was I supposed to do with her, My Lord? If I kept her around, she was just gonna find a way to rebel.” facepalming, Jackson just breathes a long sigh. “I’m guessing because your insiders already had all the information you need?” she nods. “So where is she then?”
“In my castle. She’s probably buried underneath it in a coffin alongside my other Servants.” he then gets reminded of the Dungeon under her lobby that they never got to fully explore while there. “Don’t tell me while I was helping you get clothes, I was literally on top of a grave.”
“Not a grave per say, My Lord. More so a sleeping chamber.” he facepalms once again and turns to Seiness. “Got that?” The Priestess just looked confused at Jackson. “Uhm… Sir Jackson, how come you aren’t reacting more violently?”
“Kid, I’ve seen some shit in my lifetime. This doesn’t surprise me anymore.”
“I… I see…”
“You know where she is now… just that it's the worst place you can imagine. I doubt you’ll be able to get her till a few hundred years in the future.”
“I don’t know about that, Sir Jackson. That means Queen Victoria has been turned into an arguably strong Vampire seeing that it's Elizabeth herself that bit her.”
“And? From Carmilla’s story, she seems to love humanity more than anything.”
“But would she still be the same person? Lady Carmilla mentioned training, I presume this is to bring her under the servitude of the Vampires?” Elizabeth just nods. “I see… then I believe it's better for her to be left.” Jackson just scratches his head at the answer. Looking at Alana and Bahamut, they both didn’t protest. “Seriously…? Ugh, this is why it's hard to be the only Human in the party.”
Shrugging his face, he puts both his hands into his pockets and turns around. “C’mon, let’s head back to the city center and get to that Guild Building. Geez, just how strong are the Nobles of this place to stand against superpowered Vampires?” As he continued to scratch his head, the man walked away with the women in tow.
Heading back to the less affluent area of the city, to the busy section of the settlement meant for adventuring and attaining quests or even personal tasks. Jackson stops the group before entering the street, crossing his arms and turning around to take a good look at his party one last time. “Sheesh, we’ll take one that's easier first. We need to find out how this will work. Seiness, prepare yourself. I’ll be asking you of your magic and capabilities.”
She grips her staff tightly and nods. Her face brimmed with energy and courage which made Jackson smile. “Good. Everyone, let’s go.”