“I am fine. But Seraphina, what happened to you?
“Are you eating properly?
“You look like you haven't slept well. What’s with this room and all these papers?
“What have you been doing?
“Everyone has been worried about you,” Elizabeth barraged her concerns as she approached Sera’s desk.
“Haha, sorry for worrying you guys. It's just that I was busy with something. But it’s fine now. I’m done with it.” Sera smiled ruefully.
“So, why did you come here? I thought you’d be joining the assembly?”
“I was. But the Matriarchs have summoned you to the assembly. They asked me to get you.”
“Me? But why?” Sera looked confused.
“No idea.” Elizabeth shrugged. “Any thoughts?”
“Hmm,” Sera pondered, but soon gave up, shrugging helplessly, “I can't think of a reason.”
“No matter, it is still good. I was thinking of meeting the Matriarchs anyway. Let’s go.” Sera got up from her seat.
“Stop right there, young lady.” Elizabeth stood sternly with her arms folded.
“What is it?” Sera asked, puzzled.
“What do you mean by ‘what’? Are you planning to attend the assembly looking like this?” Elizabeth asked.
Sniff, sniff.
“Eewh! You stink. How many days has it been since you took a bath?” Elizabeth covered her nose.
“Ah! I don't remember.” Sera tried to recall in vain.
“First, take a bath and get properly dressed.”
“But they are waiting…” Sera trailed off.
“Go now.” Elizabeth shouted.
“Yes, ma’am.” Sera dashed off.
“Haaa,” Elizabeth shook her head, sighing. “Her condition is serious. But it seems like she’s had a breakthrough now.” Elizabeth smiled gently.
Sera quickly refreshed herself while Elizabeth arranged some light snacks to temporarily fill her stomach.
Once ready, Sera gathered some documents from the mess of papers on her table and headed to the assembly, with Elizabeth accompanying her.
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Sera and Elizabeth began to walk through the castle moving through the corridors of the inner courtyard.
On their way, Elizabeth inquired, “What exactly have you been so busy with lately?”
“I’ve been planning for my future.”
“Future?”
“Yes, since I can't seem to use magic, I’ve been contemplating how I should live my life from now on.”
“Oh!” Elizabeth’s eyes widened in realization. “Then, did you come up with a good idea?”
“Yes. I want to discuss it with the Matriarchs.”
Elizabeth was taken aback, “You want to discuss your future with the matriarchs? That too in the assembly? Don't you have to talk to your mothers and fathers? You need someone of Matriarch's status for this?”
“Well, my proposal involves our entire clan. So, yes.”
“What are you planning to do?” Elizabeth squinted her eyes.
“Hu hu hu, it’s a secret.” Sera said with a smug face.
“Even for me?” Elizabeth strangled Sera’s neck jokingly. “Come on, out with it.”
“Hahaha, I was just kidding,” Sera laughed, tapping Elizabeth’s arm.
“So, what is it?” Elizabeth released her hold on Sera.
“Why hurry? I’ll present it to everyone at the assembly anyway.”
“...Ah, fine, you little minx.” Elizabeth feigned frustration and didn’t pry any anymore, seeing that Sera is unwilling to reveal further.
As they walked, they entered the grand halls, where the walls were adorned with portraits of their ancestors which are depicted in an extremely erotic manner. The worn out marble floors still gleamed under the soft light of the chandeliers, their footsteps echoing in the spacious corridors.
“By the way, will you be free tonight? I want to talk some more. It’s been a while since we met.”
“Tomorrow. Not today,” Elizabeth said without hesitation.
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“Why? Are you busy with something? Ah, don’t tell me…” Sera said, realizing something.
“Haha, good guess.” Elizabeth put on a smug face.
“Haa.” Sera sighed. “Why don’t you cut some slack for that poor maid?”
“No way. She’s my favorite.”
Sera shook her head.
“Why? Are you jealous? Do you want to join big sis tonight?” Elizabeth teased.
“No thanks, We are not compatible with each other” Sera rejected immediately.
“Tch, you’re no fun at all.” Elizabeth clicked her tongue. “Why don’t you find some lovers?”
“No need.”
“What do you mean by ‘no need’?”
“By the way, Sis Eli, I’ve been wondering, what’s the secret to winning the game?” Sera asked, her eyes sparkling.
Elizabeth’s eyes twitched. “You know it irks people when you do that.”
“Do what?” Sera tilted her head, feigning confusion.
“When you change the subject like that.” Elizabeth slightly raised her voice.
“I can’t help it. I don’t want to lie to people I trust, love, care for, or feel gratitude towards. So I can only avoid answering them.” Sera smiled wryly.
Feeling Sera’s sincerity, Elizabeth sighed but still complied with a smile, a warmth crept inside her heart.
“Still, it doesn't mean it isn’t annoying.”
“Can't help it. Deal with it yourself.” Sera Shrugged.
“How arrogant. If you were my mate, I would punish you all night. I hope your future mates give you your just punishment and put you in your place.”
“No way. I will be the one to punish and dominate.” Sera stuck out her tongue naughtily.
“Argh, you are impossible to argue with. I curse you, Sera, I curse you to find your polaris.” Elizabeth pointed her finger at Sera.
‘Polaris again?’ Sera tilted her head in confusion.
Copyright © [August] [2024] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved.
“Anyway, sis, what is the secret to winning the game?”
“Find it out yourself. Why ask me? Know the feeling of others dodging your questions.” Elizabeth chuckled.
“Come on, tell me, tell me,” Sera begged curiously.
“The Matriarchs banned everyone from passing on the methods directly. Everyone has to figure it out for themselves.”
“Come on, give me a hint at least.” Sera pleaded.
“Fine, fine, stop with your puppy face. Here’s your hint: think of the game’s objectives,” Elizabeth gave up. She is weak against Sera’s puppy face.
“Objectives?” Sera pondered.
As they continued, they passed through a long gallery lined with tall, arched windows that offered glimpses of the lush gardens outside. The scent of blooming flowers wafted in through the open windows, mingling with the faint aroma of polished wood and stone.
“According to the game’s objectives, for the maids, it’s to train their movement techniques and to release their stress. For the players, it’s to improve their skills, wits, and logic. But what kind of skills are we talking about?”
“Think of how I usually win. You’ve seen me win the game a few times.” Elizabeth gave another clue.
“How, you usually win?” Sera continued to ponder.
“I see. It’s to train the players in the arts of seduction—their techniques and skills to tempt the maids,” Sera realized.
“Exactly. But no rewards,” Elizabeth laughed and continued to give a full explanation as Sera had deduced the main point of the game.
“You should be well aware of our principles. We normally engage with only those we succeeded in seduction. We don't resort to forceful means unless they are into that kind of kinky stuff.
“Since it is very hard to peek under their skirts, we have to rely on our skills to seduce and excite them so that we can get the answer between their thighs.
“Even if lost, newbies can still learn the ways of sex from the maids.”
“But Sis, won’t there be some cases who are so extreme that, despite wearing something underneath, they are so aroused that they leak too much? Then won’t we lose?”
“In the end, it all comes down to our own judgment and experience to make the final guess,” Elizabeth smirked.
“Oh,” Sera felt enlightened.
“As for the method to win the game, you have to come up with something yourself. Everyone’s methods differ, after all.”
“I have another doubt.”
“What is it?”
“No matter who wins, both parties will still have a pleasant sex filled night. Why is everyone afraid of punishment? How is it a punishment to begin with?”
Elizabeth felt conflicted, remembering the times she lost—her dark history. But she still gave hints to Sera.
“Do you know what the game’s punishment is?”
“If I remember correctly, if the player loses, the maids can do whatever they want with them for one night. If they’re not interested, they can transfer their rights for that night to any other maid of their choice.”
“Yes. The crux of the matter is that ‘any other maid.’”
“I still don’t get it. Can you explain?” Sera asked, still confused.
“‘Any other maid’ means any maid within the hive, everyone included, even maids such as the chief maid,” Elizabeth spelled out.
As if struck by lightning, Sera stopped in her tracks, her mind racing with thoughts.
Elizabeth waited patiently, allowing Sera to regain her composure.
After a few moments, Sera finally responded. “Sister.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve decided. If I ever play this game, I will never lose,” Sera declared resolutely.
“Hmm,” Elizabeth nodded in approval.
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Eventually, Sera and Elizabeth reached a room with a large fireplace hearth, its ornate mantle decorated with carved figures and ancient symbols. Elizabeth approached the hearth, her expression focused.
She began to chant a small incantation, her voice slightly ethereal, resonating with a mysterious energy:
"Per ignem vetus et arcanum,
Monstra viam, aperi ianuam.
Per velum flammae, secreta ostende,
Ad profundum, nunc ire debemus."
The ancient words seemed to linger in the air, and the flames in the fireplace flickered in response. With a soft rumble, a magic circle with ancient runes inscribed in the fireplace shined brightly indicating the activation of a hidden mechanism.
The back of the fireplace slid open, revealing a secret passage that led underground. Elizabeth and Sera stepped into the passage, which was dimly lit by faintly glowing crystals embedded in the walls. The air grew cooler as they descended the narrow staircase, the sound of their footsteps absorbed by the thick stone walls.
The passage was lined with smooth, worn ancient stone. Occasional alcoves held flickering torches, casting dancing shadows that added to the otherworldly atmosphere. As they ventured deeper, the air was thick with the scent of earth and stone.
Sera and Elizabeth continued onward, until they reached a heavy wooden door bound with iron.
Together, they pushed open the door emerging into a vast ancient underground city.
Sera and Elizabeth stood at the top of a wall, behind them is the door connected to the underground passage.
From this vantage point, they could see the entire city spread out below them in a breathtaking bird’s-eye view. The path beside them descended into the town, winding through the cavern like a serpentine river.
The sheer size of the City, easily exceeding that of the castle above. The space was illuminated dimly by crystals embedded in the walls, casting an ethereal glow that bathed everything in a soft, otherworldly light.
The air flowed remarkably well, suggesting carefully designed ventilation systems. A majestic waterfall cascaded down one side of the cavern, its sound a soothing backdrop that filled the expansive space. This waterfall, flowing into a clear, sparkling pool, served as the town's primary water source.
Despite being underground, the area was surprisingly lush. Various species of trees and plants thrived, their leaves glistening with moisture from the waterfall's mist. Moss carpeted the ground in patches, giving the place an ancient, almost primeval feel.
Scattered throughout the cavern were numerous empty houses, their architecture echoing styles long forgotten by the world above. These structures, built with stone and reinforced with wood, stood silent and waiting. Their walls are painted by moss and creepers. At the center of the town, a grand castle rose, its towers reaching towards the cavern's ceiling.
The town exuded an air of history and mystery. It was clear that this place had been a thriving settlement in ancient times. The walls of the cavern were adorned with carvings and frescoes depicting scenes of life from a bygone era.
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Copyright © [August] [2024] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved.
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