Rana rolled out of bed in her nightgown. Causing Lily to stir.
“Mommy?” Lily’s eyes opened and shut.
“I’ll be back in a bit Lily. I just remembered something I need to discuss with big brother.” Rana caressed her daughter’s cheek.
“Okay…” Lily slipped back to sleep.
Putting on a robe, Rana headed to the master bedroom.
Rana knocked on the door, and Liara welcomed her inside.
“So, what’s this about?” Lord Caeldaemos asked.
“Take a seat, Rana.” Liara offered a seat.
Rana sat down, feeling nervous.
“So…?” Lord Caeldaemos seemed confused.
“She knows you’re the Demon-Lord Cael,” Liara said.
“What?!” Lord Caeldaemos panicked and began to sweat.
Rana felt terrible making the great man so worried.
“I…” Rana started. “I figured it out the day you saved the children. I told them you used an illusion spell to make yourself look smaller since humans would attack you when they knew you were a demon. So, you don’t have to worry about them revealing your secret.”
“How, though?” Lord Caeldaemos asked.
Rana smiled. “I have worked quite a bit with demons, and I know that some can change their forms or become stronger, but the changes I felt that day. You became a completely different person, both physically and magically. You didn’t see as you were surrounded then, but I fell to my knees in awe. At that moment, I could feel the power of a ruler. It took me several hours, but I realized you had to be the Demon-Lord. Not only did you not kill the soldiers, but you saved both the children and Hallibrush. I knew you were unlike any Demon-Lord in history.”
“Is that really enough to determine I won’t become like them?” Lord Caeldaemos asked.
“Every Demon-Lord is recorded in great detail. I’m not sure why you are completely different than your predecessors, but you are.” Rana pointed out.
“I think I can guess the reason why.” Liara chimed in.
“You can?” Rana asked.
“Yes. Cael, if you tell her your background, she will understand why you are different.” Liara said.
Lord Caeldaemos nodded and began telling his story. Hearing of what the goddess Sylfaerune had done to him pained her greatly. He was such a great man. He did not deserve such treatment. Liara comforted the crying Rana, understanding her sadness for him.
“So, you are more similar to the heroes than anything.” Rana figured.
“He also doesn’t have a rank cap,” Liara said.
“That sounds….” Rana began.
“Like an idiotic decision on the goddess’ part. What if I had got corrupted by the previous Demon-Lords? It would have been the end of this world.” Lord Caeldaemos stated.
“Well, you certainly became a lovely man.” Rana turned her head away bashfully.
Seeing how understanding Rana was, Liara also shared her secret with her. Rana was surprised but accepted Liara wholly.
“Now.” A mischievous smile came to Liara’s face. “I understand that you are interested in Cael romantically, but I’m not sure if you can handle him,” Liara said smugly.
“L-Lia!?” Lord Caeldaemos became flustered, and Rana found it cute.
“Lia? I like that. Anyway, my body is pretty durable in comparison to demi-humans, and I can only go three rounds with him before becoming bedridden. I bet you couldn’t last one.” Liara’s smugness only increased.
Rana, not wanting to back down, began disrobing.
“R-Rana!? Wait! L-Lia!?” Lord Caeldaemos panicked.
The two ladies began to approach him. “What’s wrong dearest? Are you afraid your mighty dragon shall be slain by this party of two?”
Lord Caeldaemos looked like he had been insulted.
“Alright. Challenge accepted. Don’t complain when I use Panacea on you two.” Lord Caeldaemos rose to the occasion in more ways than one.
“I’ve seen the mighty dragon before… but… will we be able to slay it?” Rana saw the mighty serpent ready for battle.
“That or we fall trying!” Liara pulled Rana to battle!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael sat up in his bed. Looking down at the two exhausted ladies who were in each of his arms.
“What a wild night.” Michael used One with Darkness to slip out of bed without disturbing them.
After washing up, he headed downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed a piece of fruit to eat while preparing to make some eggs. He wasn’t great at cooking but knew how to make basic things like eggs. He ate many take-out or premade meals in his old world because he never made enough time to cook. His parents made sure he at least learned the basics of cooking when he was a kid.
Michael cooked a few eggs, and the smell brought Lily into the kitchen.
“Mom?” Lily entered, a bit groggy.
“Oh, sorry, Lily. Your mother is, uh, well…” Michael was unsure how to tell the girl that he and her mother spent the night together.
“Huh? Oh! Did mom stay with you last night?!” Lily woke up quickly with a hopeful smile.
“Um, yeah,” Michael answered.
Lily cheered. “I’m so happy! Mom has been missing you for some time, and I know she was happy to see you again! This is going to be great!” She danced about giddily.
Michael smiled. “You want some eggs? It’s about the best I can do.”
“Sure! I can help cook too! Mom has been teaching me, and I can manage breakfast!” She smiled brightly.
“Then I’ll be in your care, teacher.” Michael got up to work with Lily to make breakfast.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lily hummed happily to herself while Daddy scrambled some eggs. She was tired. How could she not be with the amount of noise Mom and Liara made last night. Lily felt it might be best to have her room down in the servant quarters or the one furthest from the master bedroom.
She cleverly pretended she had slept all night, convincing Daddy she was none the wiser. Sure, she had no experience or seen it happen, being a thirteen-year-old, but she knew what sex was.
Lily never knew her father, as he had passed away when she was still a baby. She hoped that the giant demon helping her with breakfast would be willing to fill the spot, so she secretly called him Daddy in her mind.
“This enough for everyone?” Daddy asked.
“Yup! Could you separate the pork belly, please?” Lily asked.
Daddy smiled and got it out of the fridge.
Being limited on her utensils, Lily thought some eggs and bacon would be good. She would have to ask for a toaster if Mom forgot. After adding the bacon to the other pan, Lily filled the four plates with fruits.
“Mmm, what smells good?” Liara asked, shambling into the kitchen, followed by Mom.
“Breakfast!” Lily cheerily said.
The two ladies sat down at the table.
“Hmm, is coffee a thing here?” Daddy asked.
“Oh, we have to add that to our list,” Liara commented.
“I have an idea of many Mana-Tech devices that would be nice to have. Do you have the budget for it, my lord?” Mom asked.
Lily finished the eggs and added them to the plates.
“I got a million Tress yesterday from the palace. That does not include the four I got from a trade made by Phildra Merchant Group.” Daddy boasted.
Lily was screaming with glee at the thought of her future Daddy being rich!
“Right! I forgot to tell you about what you asked me to check out!” Liara exclaimed.
“Oh, the OWP membership?” Daddy asked.
“Yup! If you have that much, I would recommend speaking with Augustus to see if he could swing a discount through OWP for their products. Membership is amazing. It costs 1 million Tress but allows you to upgrade to a special catalog for remote purchasing!” Liara stated.
“Remote purchasing? So, buy from home and have it delivered?” Daddy asked.
Lily finished the pork belly and added it to the plates. “Breakfast is ready!”
Daddy helped move the plates to the table, and they all sat down.
“Not just any delivery, remote spatial delivery!” Liara excitedly said.
“Does that mean they send it to you immediately with magic?” Mom asked.
“The catalog had details into how it worked. There may be a small delay while they prepare your order, but yes, they send it directly to you no matter where you are! Though there was a stipulation how strong concentrations of miasma can interfere.” Liara explained.
“That is awesome! Ah, but does that only apply to one person?” Daddy asked.
Lily enjoyed her hot breakfast while the others kept talking, letting their food get cold.
“It is possible to do a Household one where one person is the main, and they can divvy out ‘child’ accounts. I think it would increase the cost by half a million Tress.” Liara answered.
“Well, then, let’s look at the Household one. After breakfast, I’ll give my friend a call. He would have more pull to get us a discount with OWP.” Daddy said, using a bit of magic to warm up the food.
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Daddy was amazing. Lily was happy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael sat down in his nearly empty study, pulled out his Crys-Link, and called Yanni.
“Caeldaemos my friend! So, how do you like the gift?” Yanni answered with cheer in his voice.
“It’s fantastic, Yanni. I couldn’t have asked for better. We love it.” Michael replied.
“We?” Yanni asked.
“Yeah, well, I have, I guess, two lovers and a kid now.” Michael felt his face turn red.
Yanni began to laugh. “I did not know you worked so quickly, my friend. But I am glad it worked out well.”
“Thanks, Yanni. So, there is something else I wanted to talk to you about.” Michael went on to explain his request regarding OWP.
“Hmm. Remote ordering is strongly kept by OWP, so I understand your desire to have such a function. Hmm… I don’t think I can get you a discount on all their products, but I might be able to swing one regarding our brand.” Yanni replied.
Michael thanked him and asked how things were going in Yanni’s Barony. Things were still a mess but were improving. Yanni believed it may take a month or two to stabilize things. Thanks to his connection to the Philbra company, many nobles have been trying to connect with him, but as a businessman, he would not make it easy on them. Yanni also informed Michael of his close relationship with the County of Delta.
“They actually want to meet you, Caeldaemos,” Yanni stated.
“But I’m a demon.” Michael pointed out.
“With your permission, I could speak to them. I am sure they would be curious to meet you.”
Michael was unsure of accepting the offer and asked Yanni to give him time to consider it.
They wrapped up their call, and Michael headed out to join the others for their trip to the Philbra shop.
Michael couldn’t fit into the wagon, so he and Lily rode the cycle while Liara and Rana were in the wagon. Lily enjoyed cruising with Michael until they arrived at the shop.
Once there, Michael worked with one employee to get more bedroom furnishings. Rana and Liara worked together to get more items for the kitchen and any personal needs for the three girls. After totaling up their order and getting the 50% off, Michael paid, and they headed to the Mid District.
Michael went to the Philbra Merchant Group Warehouse to pick up their order, while the other three went to the market to fill out their grocery list. Once Michael picked the order, he headed to the Mercenary Guild to turn in his completed jobs.
Michael wandered into the guild and went to a kiosk. Inserting his card, he selected No for the party. A prompt popped up saying, ‘Job Completion Detected. Do you wish to Submit?’ He pressed Yes. It then asked him to ‘Insert Bank Card.’ Michael removed his card and inserted the card. ‘Thank you. Funds have been Transferred.’ The screen returned to request to insert his guild card.
Michael retrieved his bank card and headed to the help desk. Martin did not seem to be around today, so another worker assisted him.
“I have a letter for an Emergent Request.” Michael handed the letter over.
“Understood. Can I see your guild card, please?” She asked, which Michael handed to her.
She inserted his card into her terminal and opened the letter. “Let’s see, an escort job. Encountered on the road. Defeated group of twenty brigands. Hired on the spot. Successful escort to Galgalake. The agreed payment was given on arrival. Does all that sound correct?” The woman asked.
“Yes,” Michael confirmed.
“Alright. It usually takes some time to confirm such jobs, but the client left a way to contact them. Since they are in the city, it should only take a few days. We will update your file in the system, so the next time you insert your card into a kiosk, it will auto-update your card.” She explained.
Michael thanked her for her help and left to meet with the girls.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Listamati left the guild building disappointed. Still no news of the demon Caeldaemos. He should have returned by now, yet she has not received the notice! She huffed in frustration, thinking that the workers at the guild were trying to hide him from her.
Listamati was running a bit low on funds and would need to take some jobs soon if she didn’t want to leave the nice inn she found. She didn’t want to take a mission and end up missing him! With her bad luck so far, he might go to another city if she wasn’t careful. News about Caeldaemos wasn’t much, and he was not well known amongst the people yet.
She sighed. Looking out toward the road, watching people and vehicles roll by. Was she doomed to never find him again? Was it a sign from the gods she was doomed to be alone?
Then as if to answer her worries, a giant, reddish-tanned demon on a Magic Cycle rode by. Time slowed for her.
Caeldaemos rode right on by.
“Caeldaemos!” She shouted too late for him to hear.
Her wings burst out in a desperate attempt to fly after him
“Hey! You’re better not be planning to break the law!” A guard warned.
Listamati clicked her tongue and shrank her wings. She took off running as fast as she could after him, she couldn’t let him escape again!
She saw him heading through a gate in the distance, followed by a wagon.
Listamati called out to him several times, but it was too late.
She stopped before the guards, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.
“Um, ma’am? Do you have a pass?” The guard asked.
“I need a pass to enter here?” She asked, her heart sinking.
“Yes, ma’am. Unless you are on the list of guests?” The guard asked.
Listamati checked the other guard out of the corner of her eye. He didn’t seem to be paying attention.
“I should be on the list. The name is Listamati.” She used an ability.
The man shook his head briefly before heading to his booth to check. Before long, he returned.
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but your name is not on the list.” The guard replied.
“Really? Sigh. Looks like my friend has been late in notifying the gate. I apologize for wasting your time, sir.” Listamati thanked the guard and left.
This was one thing she was afraid of. Most guards in affluent areas wore trinkets that significantly boosted their resistance to mental influences. Her ability was rare because it was challenging to detect when it was used. It was still risky for her to use it on guard. She grew angry at herself for using it in the heat of the moment. Such actions, when caught, would have landed her in prison or worse.
Listamati chewed on her thumbnail in frustration. She was so close. He was right before her and slipped away at the last minute.
She was running out of funds and needed a way to contact him. Listamati had wasted so much time trying to find info on him when she first arrived at the city and got lucky that someone mentioned him at the Mercenary Guild…
The guild.
With a determined look, the demon woman headed to the guild. She had to find someone she could use.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lily was enjoying her new room in the servant quarters while Michael, Liara, and Rana sat at the kitchen table since it was the best meeting place.
Michael had tried his best to convince Rana and Lily to use the rooms upstairs since their relationship had changed last night, but Lily seemed adamant about using a room downstairs.
Rana and Liara were curious about Michael’s strength and asked if he could explain his abilities.
Caeldaemos
Class: Demon-Lord (Rank 56)
Str: Rank 16 (+25) Dex: Rank 15 (+25) Int: Rank 19 (+25)
Status:
Physical: Normal (Enhanced) Magic: Normal (Enhanced) Mental State: Relaxed
Injuries:
Special: Will of the Demon-Lords
Skills:
Melee Weaponry: Rank 13 (+30) Martial Combat: Rank 15 (+30)
One with Darkness: Rank 23 (+40) Survivalist: Rank 15 (+25)
Elemental Mastery: Rank 26 (+50) Mana Mastery: Rank 25 (+50)
Savior: Rank 20 (+5) Master of Travel: Rank 23
Abilities:
Flight Greater Glide Precision Throw Rapid Regeneration (Passive)
Demon-Lord Vision Demon-Lord’s Call Void Space
Lord of Slaughter (Passive) Lord of Debauchery (Passive) Lord of Elements (Passive)
Lord of War (Passive) Lord of Curses (Passive) Lord of Pestilence (Passive)
Lord of Madness (Passive)
Michael’s rank, stats, and skills had all strengthened. He finished telling them what he read from his info screen, but both ladies looked confused.
“Did I say something strange?” Michael asked.
“You can see your own status?” Liara asked.
“Yeah. I don’t know if it is just particular to me or if it is something about Other-Worlders.” He answered.
Rana thought for a moment. “I think it may be the latter. I can’t remember completely, but I think there may have been mention of Heroes having such an ability.”
“Oh…” Michael broke out in a sweat.
“Are you alright?” Rana asked.
“I, uh, ran into the Io Hero when I first arrived. Since I am not being chased with torches and pitchforks, I can guess she didn’t check me.” Michael shivered at his near miss.
“You definitely dodged an artillery spell.” Liara laughed.
“Can you see the status of others?” Rana asked.
“I can.” Michael nodded.
Both ladies asked him to tell them theirs.
“Is there really no way to see one’s status?” Michael asked before proceeding.
“You can, but you have to go to a temple. They have the ‘Blessed Tablets.’ For a fee, you can view your status.” Liara told him.
“A fee? I guess any church is greedy.” Michael commented, bringing up Rana’s status first.
Rana
Class: Service Manager+ (Rank 18) (+12)
Str: Rank 7 (+12) Dex: Rank 6 (+12) Int: Rank 12 (+12)
Status:
Physical: Normal Magic: Normal Mental State: Curious, Horny (Minor)
Injuries:
Special: Advanced Class, Demon-Lord Lover, Demon-Lord Companion, Demon-Lord Servant
Skills:
Management: Rank 18 (+12) Budgeting: Rank 17 (+12)
Cooking: Rank 16 (+12) Cleaning: Rank 16 (+12)
Negotiation: Rank 13 (+12) Intuition: Rank 12 (+12)
Driving: Rank 10 (+12) Organization: Rank 10 (+12)
Leadership: Rank 9 (+12) Teaching: Rank 6 (+12)
Melee: Rank 3 (+12)
Abilities:
Inspire Intimidate Calculation Stamina Boost (Passive)
Enhanced Senses (Passive) Dark Vision (Minor) Drive Planning
Michael was stunned by Rana’s abilities that he hesitated to say them.
“The temples are not too bad, Cael. The fee was to lessen the temptation to check one’s status every time they do something. The line is usually horrendous.” Liara commented.
Rana nodded in solemn agreement.
“Oh, I, uh, see. So… There are some interesting things on your status.” Michael said before telling them Rana’s status.
Advanced Class. An achievement one gets when one breaks beyond the bounds of their job through hard work, tenacity, or sheer willpower. +2 to overall status.
Demon-Lord Lover. Woe be onto the one who challenges the Demon-Lord, for they will never be able to love another. Increased attraction and loyalty to Demon-Lord. During carnal activities: +20 to Physical stats, +30% Sensitivity, +25% Enjoyment, +100% Stamina, and +50% Fortitude.
Demon-Lord Companion. Make way and beware of the trusted ally of the Demon-Lord. Their loyalty will not be tested. Increased loyalty to Demon-Lord. +6 to overall status.
Demon-Lord Servant. Quick and efficient, this one serves the Demon-Lord for their needs and desires. Increased loyalty to Demon-Lord. +4 to overall status.
Rana’s maw hung open in shock while Liara tried to keep herself from laughing.
“Was it really necessary to say my complete Mental State!?” Rana turned away bashfully, and Liara could not stop her laughter anymore.
“Hah! Hah! Hah! Oh… That is truly funny!” Liara continued to laugh, garnering an annoyed look from Rana.
“Do her now!” Rana demanded.
Michael chuckled and did as she said.
Liara
Class: War Priestess of the Cursed Veil (Rank 28) (+6)
Str: Rank 10 (+6) Dex: Rank 12 (+6) Int: Rank 8 (+6)
Status:
Physical: Normal Magic: Normal Mental State: Amused, Horny (Intermediate)
Injuries:
Special: Curse of Spirits, Demon-Lord Lover, Demon-Lord Companion
Skills:
Misty Vei (H)l: Rank 30 (-27) (+6) One-Handed Weapons: Rank 18 (+6)
Light Element: Rank 18 (+6) Tactics: Rank 14 (+6)
Dodging: Rank 12 (+6) Dual Wielding: Rank 9 (+6)
Fire Element: Rank 7 (+6) Melee: Rank 7 (+6)
Water Element: Rank 4 (+6) First Aid: Rank 2 (+6)
Abilities:
Inspire Intimidate Heal
Stamina Boost (Passive) Enhanced Senses (Passive) Dark Vision (Major)
War Planning Sword Dance Misty Veil (H) (Limited)
Spirit Walk (Locked) Spirit Form (Locked) Draconic Breath
Fortitude Boost (Passive)
Rana laughed briefly at Liara’s Mental State, but her mirth turned to worry over the curse.
“Are you alright, Lia?” Rana asked.
“I…” Liara looked as if she had a long-wondered question answered.
Michael placed a large hand on hers.
“Huh?! Oh. I… I never knew why my ability was limited. What is the Curse of Spirits?” She asked.
Curse of Spirits. A potent curse bestowed upon another, upon a spirit’s death, containing the will of the spirit. Removal of the curse is instilled within the will. Will of Spirit (Dasheara): Seal Skill Misty Veil to prevent its usage. Removal Requirement: Death of Gaolphista.
Liara sat quietly, thinking about the information Michael provided. After getting her attention, Michael asked about the names.
“Dasheara was the name of my mother. Gaolphista is the name of my father. Heh…” Liara’s shoulders began to tremble, and tears ran down her face. “This whole time… I thought… That my mother hated me.”
Michael hugged her to his broad chest. “There may be more to the story. What do you know of their relationship?”
“I... sniffle, I thought they may have harbored feelings for each other from what I was told, but now I am not so sure. I will contact some people to see if they can look into it for me. There are not many in demon country, but I have a few people I can rely on. But the information they would be able to get will be limited.” Liara replied, pulling out her Crys-Link.
Liara left the room to call her contacts.
“My lord.” Rana got his attention. “I will begin making dinner. Could you call Lily for me, please?”
Michael smiled, catching her message to look after Liara for a bit.
After sending Lily to her mother, Michael headed to find the foxy woman.