Myria says "What's that got to do with anything?"

"Well, for starters I don't want Mercy to lose part of her kingdom. It would also upset the balance in the empire if the duke succeeds."

Myria says "Why do you care about the empire?"

"Because, we will need them when it comes time to face the demons. If they are busy fighting a civil war then they won't be able to help us."

Myria says "I guess that makes sense, but why does it have to be you?"

"Because, I am the one with the power to make a difference. Especially against the shadow demons."

Myria says "That doesn't mean you have to do it."

"As a wise man once said 'With great power comes great responsibility.'"

Myria says "You are saying that you have to do it because you have the power to?"

"I don't have to, but if I can I will help. Besides, I want everything in the north settled before I focus on the south."

Myria says "Does that mean you will make contact with the empire?"

"No, not unless I have to. I'd rather wait to do that until I am the beast king. Especially since they are not going to like what I have to say."

Myria says "What are you planning to say to them?"

"That unless they free and return all the beastmen they have as slaves I will burn their empire to the ground."

Myria says "You are right, they are not going to like that at all. I, however, do!"

"If I am going to be the beast king then I will protect all the beastmen."

Myria says "That is good! Although, you are probably going to have to shed some blood to become the beast king."

"I know, but it will be as little as possible."

Myria says "Not all beastmen are good, there are some that you will need to deal with."

"Are you referring to someone specific?"

Myria says "I hate to say it, but my mother is one."

"Wait, you are saying I should kill your mother? Won't that make you the chieftain of the bunnies?"

Myria says "No, not unless my mother lifts my banishment before she dies. Even if she does, I don't want to be the chief."

"You might change your mind if you knew what Annya suggested."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Myria says "What did she suggest?"

"First, I want your word that you will not repeat this. Especially to Ruby!"

Myria says "I promise!"

"Annya suggested I bring some of the clans to follow me by marriage."

Myria says "Well, that would reduce the bloodshed."

"That is why she suggested it."

Myria says "After all, people burned to ash don't bleed!"

"You see why I have problems with the plan."

Myria says "Other than Ruby, what problems do you have?"

"For one, having multiple wives is not something I want to deal with."

Myria says "You don't dream of having a harem all to yourself?"

"While I may have fantasized about it a time or two, in reality? Hell no!"

Myria says "Why not?"

"Keeping multiple women happy is impossible, not to mention my limited time would make it unfair for anyone I was with."

Myria says "I won't argue the first point, but the second is wrong."

"How is it wrong?"

Myria says "It would only be unfair if you didn't tell them. If you tell them about your limited time then the decision is theirs. If they decide the limited time is worth it then there is no problem."

"Huh, maybe. Getting back to the original point, why do I need to kill your mother? I hope you have a good reason, I have a serious dislike of killing women."

Myria says "My mother has plans for you, and not good ones. If you don't kill her she will cause you endless problems."

"What are her plans?"

Myria says "In her words, she will seduce you, devour you, and then use you to make her the beast queen."

"And you are worried she will succeed?"

Myria says "Yes. My mother has been using sex to manipulate the clans for ages. She is basically a succubus in bunny form."

"That certainly paints an interesting picture."

Myria says "I'm serious! You should be wary of her!"

"I will, I was just teasing you."

Myria says "Not allowed! It is our job to tease you, not the other way around!"

"And I am not allowed to get payback?"

Myria says "Nope! You just have to take it!"

"Ha ha! Very well! I have to go talk to some people, are you coming along or staying here?"

Myria says "I will come with you."

"Okay. Just out of curiosity, how does your mother fight?"

Myria says "If she is challenged, she fights with two daggers, and she is very good with them. I asked many times for her to teach me but she always refused."

"She probably didn't want you to be able to challenge her."

Myria says "True. If I had been able to, I would have killed her several times, even before I was banished."

"If I can arrange it, would you like to learn the dagger?"

Myria says "Yes! I would like that."

"Alright, let's go."

With a wave to Sarah on the way out we hit the street and I lead the way to the mercenaries guild. Several times along the way I am stopped by people wanting to thank me. When we finally make it to the guild we are taken in to see Borrik immediately.

Borrik says "Lord Ash, what can I do for you?"

"I want to hire some of your people, specialists."

Borrik says "That should be easy enough, what do you need?"

"First, I need skirmishers, the best you can find, but they need to be female."

Borrik says "Why female?"

"Because, they will be training a hundred bunny girls. Unless you know men you could trust to do so."

Borrik says "A hundred bunny girls? No, I know of no man that could resist. It will take time to summon female skirmishers here."

"That is no problem, I also need a female who is an expert in using daggers to train Myria."

Borrik says "That is easy, I have just the woman."

"Lastly, I need advice on where to buy horses for the bunny girls."

Borrik says "The best horses come from the Free Union, but they are expensive."

"Price doesn't matter, I want the best. Can you make the arrangements for me?"

Borrik says "Sure, no problem. I have a few contacts over there."

"Thank you, just send the bill to Sarah."

Borrik says "Okay, before you go I have a question."

"Sure, ask."

Borrik says "What is with your weird new cloak?"

It takes me a second to realize he is talking about my wings, which makes me laugh. Since I entered Illium I have kept them folded tightly to my back so as not to draw extra attention. As I extend them now, causing Borrik's eyes to nearly fall out, it feels good to stretch them.