“Which region did you choose for your grand plan?” Jezebel asked with a tease.
Sera replied with a wide smile, “Raven’s Crest”
A few moments later.
Hecate asked, “Seraphina, what do you want in return for your contribution?”
The hall fell silent at this question.
Sera smiled, “Lamia’s Embrace.”
Most of the hall remained puzzled, not understanding what she meant. However, those in the know widened their eyes in realization.
“I see. I understand now,” Theudas said with a grin.
“If a useless artifact can be exchanged for the results she proposes, then it is good enough,” said a woman who is one of the 17 main clan heads.
“If it is that artifact, then this plan might be feasible,” added another of the 17.
While murmurs continued, the five old women glanced at each other in contemplation. Other than Hecate, the other four sisters smiled grotesquely, understanding Sera’s intent. They glanced at Hecate, who still wore a stern expression.
After some contemplation, Hecate said, “We accept your proposal and will also provide our support. However, Lamia’s Embrace is an artifact that belongs to the hive and cannot be given to an individual. But considering your circumstances, we will lend it to you for ten years.”
Sera's expression furrowed, but she soon sighed. “Fine, but you have to give it to me immediately as I will need it for the plan.”
“You can pick it up from the treasury. Discuss the details of your plan with Ravenna.”
Sera nodded.
“Anything else you wish to discuss?”
“No,” Sera shook her head.
“Then you may stand aside.”
Sera went to Ravenna’s side.
“On to the next topic of the agenda,” Hecate declared.
The assembly soon resumed their discussions on various matters.
‘My plan requires 5 years and with the reward time of 10 years, for now, I have earned 15 years. I have to think of other ways to earn more contributions for the hive or, better yet, find a solution for my condition.’ Sera continued planning her next steps in her head.
As the discussions proceeded, Hecate glanced at Sera, who stood beside Ravenna, lost in thought. Her sisters wanted to ask something, but they decided to do it later.
“Father, what is the artifact Sera asked for? It seems like you are quite impressed. Is the treasure so impressive?” Elizabeth inquired.
“Huhu,” Theudas chuckled. “I am impressed, but not because of the treasure itself. Rather, I am impressed by Sera’s ingenuity.”
“Even with all the odds against her, she managed to find a solution to her problem.”
“Really? Can you explain?” asked Elizabeth curiously.
“Lamia’s Embrace is an artifact from the abyss and belongs solely to our race. Although we don’t know its exact origins, it is said that the user of this artifact can gain powers that can easily surpass our matriarchs.
“Even with her low mana reserves, Sera should be able to use this artifact. If used correctly, what Sera proposed can be brought to fruition. She could even solve her problem of sustaining her life force without participating in carnal activities.
“Some of its abilities include the absorption of mana and life force, transfer of life force, inducing hallucinations, stimulating lust, and enhancing strength.
“Many of its abilities are still unknown, even to the matriarchs.
“It is said to possess the abilities of a fully-fledged demon noble from the abyss.”
“Wow, if we have something so powerful, why are we not using it?” Elizabeth asked, astonished.
“That is because the artifact has its own disadvantages.
“The artifact is currently in the possession of the matriarchs, but it has had many previous owners.
“And all of them have met tragic ends.”
“Why? Is it cursed or something?” Elizabeth asked.
“Something like that. Although not directly cursed, its nature is akin to a cursed artifact.
“You should be well aware of what happens to people who are corrupted by the abyss.”
Elizabeth nodded.
“From studying the cases of the previous owners and using it personally, the matriarchs deduced that, with long-term usage of the artifact, the user’s nymphomania and insanity will slowly increase.
“They have roughly estimated that 5 to 10 years is the time a person would be able to resist the artifact's corruption. The duration depends on the user’s willpower.
“There is another disadvantage to this artifact: it not only affects its user but also slowly influences those around it who are susceptible to lust.
“Everyone within its range including the user will start to go insane slowly with long-term exposure.
“I don't know if it has other disadvantages.
“Because of this, the matriarchs have sealed the artifact in the treasury, and it is currently kept only as a symbolic item for our race.
“Due to her low mana capacity, Sera would most likely have to use the artifact on a daily basis to survive.”
“If sera is to relieve her sexual frustrations, she should be able to resist the artifact much better. But she is rejecting this.
“Although Sera might have heard about the artifact, it doesn’t seem like she fully understands its drawbacks.
“Maybe Ravenna will explain it to her later.
“I think Matriarch Hecate limited the time for this reason. Even after considering Sera’s bloodline purity, Hecate seems to have high expectations for her, given that she was granted 10 years. Maybe she wants to test her limits.
“Regardless, I believe Sera will not be able to hold onto her sanity for more than seven years.
She will definitely lose her virginity even before that. Once she loses her sanity I believe she will be no different than a bitch in heat void of all reason. Maybe being a breeding sow might be a better option.
“Although it is a temporary solution, she is really something for finding this,” Theudas explained to Elizabeth.
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After listening to her father’s explanation, Elizabeth contemplated for a while. Recalling the crowd's puzzled opinions, she asked, “Father, what everyone previously said seems to hold some truth. I know that Aunt Ravenna’s status, talent, and strength are exceptional. She is also the next likely candidate to be the hive’s Matriarch. But still, why are Sera’s matters being discussed in this assembly?”
Theudas chuckled. “That’s because Sera herself is special, much like her mother. Many things about her lineage are kept hidden from the hive members. Only a few higher-ups know about them. If nothing unexpected happens, they will remain hidden forever.”
“Oh! What is it?”
“Haha, you need to hold a good status in the clan to become privy to such matters.”
“Oh, come on…” Elizabeth tried to pry in vain.
Theudas chuckled. “Even if we don’t consider her secrets, you can look at what is already revealed to you.”
“What’s revealed...??” Elizabeth tilted her head.
“First is Sera’s heritage as the daughter of one of the 17 main clans of our race.
“Second is the ingenuity she displayed just now. Her ability to strategize and her willpower to resist the drawbacks of our bloodline. Can you imagine abstinence from sex for a week or two?”
“Nope, I will die before that.” Elizabeth felt frightened.
“Hahaha” Theudas laughed.
“And thirdly, her inheritance of the dead artifact.”
“I can understand the first two, but what does that have to do with the dead artifact?”
“As I previously mentioned, inherited artifacts contain many secrets.
“For generations, many people have awakened their magic. But only a few are able to inherit an artifact from the spire.
“Do you know why that is?”
Elizabeth shook her head.
“Every artifact from the spire has specific restrictions or requirements for its user.
“If a person inherits an artifact during their awakening at the spire, it means that person has somehow fulfilled the requirements to become the artifact’s user.
“For example, if there is a holy sword with great power, and a human inherits this sword at the spire, it means that human at the very least has the potential to wield such power and master it.
“Even if the artifact is dead, it doesn’t change the fact that the human has the potential. If the human somehow breaks free from the dead sword, they would be able to unleash their full power, and with a good sword, they would still reach greater heights.
“Similarly, Sera inherited a dead artifact. And this artifact is so powerful that, even though it has long been broken and lost its magic, along with the elaborate ritual personally led by the matriarchs, who are some of the strongest witches in the kingdom, sacrificing their life force, they were unable to even put a scratch on its surface.
“Can you understand how strong and powerful that artifact would be if it were at its peak condition?
“Can you imagine the potential within Sera, who fulfilled the conditions for inheriting that artifact?
“If someday, somehow, she were to break free from its shackles, I wonder what kind of being she would evolve into.
“But fate is so unpredictable. It’s such an irony. Despite her potential, her luck is bad. An object that is supposed to give her wings to reach greater heights, has cut down her legs and is slowly strangling her to death.” Theudas shook his head.
Elizabeth widened her eyes and inadvertently looked at Sera, who was standing silently beside Ravenna lost in her thoughts.
Copyright © [September] [2024] [The Rainy Imp].
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Regaining her senses, Elizabeth asked, “Father, is there no way for her to avoid the artifact’s side effects?”
Theudas shook his head. “I don’t think there is any way I could think of. It may be a true dead end for her.”
“....”
“But Father, didn’t you say she is in a perilous situation when she refuses to have sex? Didn’t she still find a way around it?”
“....”
“....”
“Huhuhu, she got you there,” Elizabeth’s mother, who was standing behind them, chuckled, seeing Theudas unable to retort.
“....”
Theudas pinched his brows, unable to counter his daughter’s logic. “Yes, she did.”
“Sera did find herself a solution. But it is only temporary, and she managed to land herself in even deeper trouble called corruption.
“Still, you are right. But it doesn’t change the fact that there is no possible solution for it.”
“Oh! But I think there might be one,” Elizabeth’s mother said with a smug smile.
“Oh! What is it?” Theudas and Elizabeth looked at her curiously.
“Trinity,” Elizabeth’s mother grinned.
“....”
“....”
“Isn’t Sera refusing to marry? How is that a solution?” Elizabeth was confused.
“We don’t have the concept of marriage in our race. Instead we form trinities. Forming a trinity is akin to marriage. But it need not necessarily mean the same. There are slight differences,” explained Elizabeth’s mother.
“....”
“I see. You are referring to the special constitution.” Theudas' eyes lit up.
“Correct.” Elizabeth’s mother grinned.
“But it is still not enough.” Theudas stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“I am only talking about a possibility.” Elizabeth’s mother chuckled.
“Indeed. It is a brilliant idea,” Theudas laughed. “Also, if it is about the special constitution, she need not necessarily form a trinity.”
“Can one of you explain?” Elizabeth asked in confusion.
“....”
“The people of our race do not form trinities easily,” Theudas explained. “In our race, we form trinities which are akin to marriages.
“But forming a trinity and marrying have some subtle differences. But they also have many similarities.”
Elizabeth nodded.
“One such similarity is the oath to stay by each other’s side in this lifetime.”
“Hmm,” Elizabeth acknowledged.
“What your mother is referring to is about this oath.
“In our race, in every generation, one or two children are born with a very special constitution.
“These people with special constitutions are very much sought after. So much so that, as long as they agree, anyone would be willing to form a trinity with them.
“If it is a boy, then you can definitely expect a clan war within the hive,” Theudas chuckled.
“Luckily or unluckily, the birth rate of boys in our race is low. Because of this, they are considered very precious. And the rate of birth for the special constitution is one or two for every generation. Thus, it has an extremely low probability for a boy with that constitution to be born within a few centuries.
“What your mother is implying is that, regardless of gender, if Sera is to find someone with that constitution and able to stay by their side, it would reduce the side effects of the artifact.”
“What is this special constitution you are talking about? Why would our race go crazy for them? And how would that help Sera?” Elizabeth asked curiously.
“All the demon kin races have a common trait called anxiety. Their hearts are always feeling anxious for some reason.
“Our race is anxious for sensual pleasures.
“The vampire race is anxious due to their thirst.
“But this anxiety is very low in intensity and doesn’t affect anything even if left alone. This is something all other races feel too, although negligible.
“But unlike other races, we just don’t experience a calm heart. It is hard to explain, but we always feel a sense of lacking. We are never satisfied, unlike other races.
“This anxiety is so natural that it is not noticeable. Even if noticed, no one would care.
“Roughly speaking, the people with this special constitution have two features. One is that they are able to calm the anxiety of the heart with just their presence alone.”
“What you are implying is that if a person of this constitution is to stay by Sera’s side, her heart would be calm and she would be able to maintain her sanity even under the influence of the artifact,” Elizabeth understood.
“Yes.”
“But father, if it is just that, why would everyone go crazy for them?”
“It’s because of their second feature.” Theudas chuckled. “You know the ability of our race. Even if we don’t use any special techniques or skills, just having normal night activities with us will give heavenly pleasures to others.
“Even in our race, high level individuals can give inexplicable pleasures to low level ones. The higher we undergo the reversion process, the harder it gets for us to be satisfied in bed.
“If we were to mingle with the members of the special constitution, we would be satisfied. Not just satisfaction, but we will experience extraordinary ecstasy.” Theudas grinned.
Elizabeth widened her eyes in shock.
“When they mature, our bodies crave for them naturally, just like how the other races are naturally attracted to us. To us who seek pleasure, they are like exquisite and addictive drugs. This is the reason why we seek them out desperately.”
"Such a thing exists? Why have I not met anyone till now?" Elizabeth asked, with frantic curiosity.
"Of course you wouldn't," Theudas replied. "We normally start to feel their effects after they reach adulthood. Even if they awaken to such a constitution, they are hidden and safeguarded by their families. They would like to call the first dibs on them. Why would they give out their treasures to others?"
"In our generation, there were two such individuals. One of them formed a trinity with Ravenna. At that time, Ravenna fought three clans single-handedly to claim her as her exclusive possession."
"What about now?" asked Elizabeth desperately.
"One girl has awakened to this constitution."
"Haa, then Sera would need her," Elizabeth sighed.
"I don't think so."
"Why?"
"From what I heard, a year back, Ravenna tried to find a suitable partner for Sera. The girl liked Sera, so their family reluctantly approached Ravenna. But nothing happened. It is most likely that Sera rejected her."
Elizabeth's jaw dropped.
"Huhuhu, as expected of Ravenna's daughter. Only she would do such a thing," chuckled Elizabeth's mother.
"Why would she do that?" asked Elizabeth.
"How would I know what goes on in her mind?"
"Wouldn't she reconsider if Ravenna explains the drawbacks of the artifact?" Elizabeth's mother interjected.
"Nah. I don't think she would. If she were someone who compromised, would she have to go through all this trouble?"
"Indeed."
"Not to mention, it is a temporary measure. And it may not work."
"Why?" asked Elizabeth.
"Even if it is a special constitution, there is a quality difference between each one.
"The use of the artifact will slowly affect the user, and its side effects will accumulate over time. Even if she stayed by Sera's side, with the constant accumulation of side effects, after a year or two, she would no longer be of much help. If it were Ravenna’s wife, it might last for three years.
"Another aspect is that this artifact doesn't just affect Sera; it would slowly influence everyone around it. This is the reason the matriarchs sealed it away in the first place.
"So, even this method would only provide some extra time. In the worst-case scenario, even the one with the special constitution would be affected, and the outcome is inevitable." Theudas shook his head.
After some contemplation, Elizabeth said, "Father, what if in the future, Sera finds someone who can suppress the artifact’s effects completely?"
"Hahaha, that very thought is absurd." Theudas laughed.
"Why?"
"Think about it. The artifact is said to possess the power and ability that rival that of a full-fledged demon noble from the abyss. Even if the blood of demons runs in us, we are still human. We are a far cry from what a true demon is.
"Suppressing the accumulating influence of a demon noble by their presence alone is not something even the most powerful saints and paladins of this world could accomplish.
If someone were to accomplish that, would they even be human? They would at least be in the realms of demi-gods and ancient heroes."
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Poll: Why do you think Sera and Ravenna hate the matriarchs so much?
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Copyright © [September] [2024] [The Rainy Imp].
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This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.