The Beast

After lunch that day, Mac and Eleanor sat across from Sophia and Charlotte in their council room.

While the other three were calm, Charlotte had her head down, staring at the table.

“I asked yesterday...but are you sure you want to marry Charlotte? She wasn't even one of the daughters I was talking about...”

Mac raised his eyebrow, “Really? When I talked to Charlotte, she agreed to spend time with me.”

Charlotte cowered down as Sophia glared at her. “I...wanted to show him my inventions...since I didn't know when I'd get to talk to an Otherworlder again...”

Sophia looked at Mac. “Are you sure you don't want to see my other daughters? They're quite attractive, and-”

Mac tersely cut her off, “I told you, I think Charlotte is plenty attractive.”

Charlotte blushed even further, tensing up in her chair.

Sophia sighed. “Well, I didn't plan on offering Charlotte, but if you really are that enamored with her then it's fine. I'm assuming you have no objections, Charlotte?”

Charlotte shook her head. Not only do I not object, but I want to go! she thought, but didn't voice out loud based on Mac and Eleanor's coaching. They had told her to to pretend like she wanted to go, but not too strongly, lest it make Sophia suspicious.

Sophia seemed satisfied, nodding in tacit approval. “Well, if that's settled, I had another issue I wanted to speak to you about.” She put her elbows on the table and hands together, face serious. “It pains me to admit, but we need the Kingdom's help. A legendary beast has been running amok in our forest for a few months now.”

“A legendary...beast? You mean it's not a normal animal or beast?” Mac asked.

Sophia nodded, “Yes. It appears to be a large, white, translucent monster cat. It has been raiding villages around the forest, and unfortunately there's been several casualties.”

Mac winced. “We need to...wait, did you say it was 'translucent'?”

“Yes. I saw it for myself once when we were trying to hunt it down. It's as if you can see through it. When we shoot our arrows, they also appear to fly right through the creature. And when it starts to run away, even our best scouts lose sight of it in moments.”

Wait...this sounds kind of familiar, actually...

“The arrows were definitely going through it right? They weren't just missing?”

Sophia seemed somewhat offended, “There's no way my archers would miss a target standing still at that range.”

Mac closed his eyes, deep in thought.

“Do you have an idea?” Eleanor asked, able to understand her husband's mannerisms.

“Maybe. This sounds...similar to a legendary beast from my world as well.”

Sophia's eyes raised, while Charlotte looked up, hanging on Mac's words.

“If I remember correctly, it...refracts light with its coat, to make itself appear in a different spot than it's actually in.”

“Re-refract?” Sophia asked, confused.

“Do you mean like when you shoot light through glass?” Charlotte asked.

Mac nodded, “Yes, although I'm sure there's some magical element when it comes to this creature.”

Sophia looked over at Charlotte, before going back to Mac, “So, do you have an idea on how to defeat it?”

“We could try peppering all around it with arrows. If we can hit, we should notice the arrows sticking out. It might even affect its ability to project itself and allow us to see it properly.”

Sophia nodded, “I guess that's a better strategy than we've had. I'll start the preparations.”

At dinner that day, the engagement of Mac and Charlotte was announced to the gathered crowd. The elves in attendance had a mixture of confusion and smirking while clapping, while the guards from the capital shouted and cheered uproariously, used to their King constantly acquiring new marriage partners.

At night, Mac and Eleanor were talking about the legendary beast subjugation.

“Why do you need to go? There's nothing wrong with staying back while your soldiers fight,” Eleanor explained.

“Well, I'm worried there might be issues. And if there are, I'm the plan B,” Mac responded.

“Plan B?”

Mac responded by shooting a small amount of electricity out of his finger. “I'll try and stun it. If I can stop it from moving, even temporarily, that should give enough time for the archers to shoot it.”

“Fine, I'm coming with you then.”

Mac sat down next to Eleanor on the bed and wrapped his arm around her. “Elly, I want you there too, but it's too much to risk,” he explained, putting his hand on her stomach.

Eleanor smiled, “That's...true, I need to think about both of us now. But you need to be careful,” she implored.

Mac gave her a kiss. “I know. I don't wanna die before meeting our child, at least.”

Suddenly, a purple streak popped out of Mac's pocket. “Haha, guess I better leave now!” Arborhea laughed.

“Hold on Rhea, I wanted to ask something first.”

Rhea stopped abruptly mid-flight and hovered there. “If it's about that legendary beast, I don't know anything about it.”

Eleanor asked, “Really? It's okay if you don't, but I'm surprised...”

Rhea crossed her arms and nodded, “Yes, normally I would. Even if it's something created by one of my siblings, I should normally know at least something, right? So it's probably not of this world.”

“What!?” Mac exclaimed, momentarily forgetting how he himself got there. “Oh...I guess that's normal here, isn't it?”

Rhea shook her head, “No. I mean, it happens, as I'm sure you know, but it's not normal. Either something powerful summoned it here, or it's really powerful and transported itself here.”

That would be pretty terrifying Mac thought about the prospect of a dimension-traveling beast. Eleanor seemed to be thinking the same thing, as she gripped him tightly.

“Well, it was probably summoned here. If it was powerful enough to transport itself, I don't think it would be just attacking some villages.”

“How would they summon it though? Some sort of magic?” Eleanor asked.

Rhea pointed at Mac, “Same way he was, the Summoning Stones.”

Eleanor's eyes went wide. “But...only humans are summoned...or at least, that's all I've ever heard...”

Rhea shrugged, “I wish I knew more, but I didn't have anything to do with them. I just know they summon things from other worlds.”

Why would someone summon that to this world? Either it was an accident, or they were purposefully trying to cause a commotion.

Rhea started whistling and slowly floating to the window. “Well, I don't wanna bother you two...” and flew out.

Mac watched as she flew out.

“Is something wrong?” Eleanor asked.

“I...no it's fine,” he said, before turning back to her.

“Good. Now, since you'll be leaving tomorrow....” she smiled seductively, before leaning in kissing him passionately.

“You read my mind,” he replied, as Eleanor ripped off his shirt.

The next day, the subjugation mission left the castle. It comprised of Mac, Sophia, a guard consisting of Mac's royal guards and Sophia's guards, and a large number of elven archers.

“The last sighting was a few hours from here. It usually stays in the same area for a while, until we track it down and attack it. Then it runs away and reappears elsewhere later,” Sophia explained, as they sat in her carriage.

Unlike his, Sophia's carriage was open-aired, made of interwoven branches in a circular pattern, with two small benches on either side.

“How do you track it if you can't see it?” Mac asked.

Sophia smirked, “Even if we have trouble seeing it, the beast still leaves tracks, and...we can follow the blood it's victims leave behind as it carries them away.”

Mac grimaced.

The plan they had come up with was to hunt it down, then have a formation of guards protecting the archers, while they shoot according to his strategy.

La Hire, who was riding nearby, jumped in. “Sire, if I may...”

Mac nodded at him.

“Please stay in the carriage, we can't have you risking yourself.”

Mac shook his head, “I understand your concern, but I can't stay back. I might be needed if the first plan fails.”

“Are you sure your magic will work?” Sophia asked, skeptical as she hadn't seen it before.

La Hire, who had seen Mac use his magic a couple times, answered, “It would probably kill most creatures. With a legendary beast...it should at least take some damage.”

“My goal is to to paralyze it, or at least slow it down, so it can be shot,” Mac explained.

“Why don't you just use it right away? It sounds powerful,” Sophia asked.

“Well, I only get one shot, then I'm probably out.”

“Oh...of course,” Sophia nodded, understanding the magic fatigue issue. “We'll just have to do our best then.”

While they were heading to their destination, Sophia took the opportunity to interrogate Mac about his world.

“Does your world have anything as amazing as our tree?” she asked with a smirk.

“Not exactly. We had really tall buildings of metal and glass instead of wood...or a tree.”

Sophia's eyes went wide. “Metal? Not stone?”

“Yep. We figured out at some point that metal is the most stable when you build that high.”

Sophia looked deep in thought.

“Well, we also didn't have magic to shape wood with...”

“Did you have elves in your world, or was it just humans like you?” she asked next.

“Well, sort of. Elves were a part of fiction, like they were in our stories, but everyone knew they didn't exist, it was just us humans in the world.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow. “So, you knew of us, even though we didn't exist?”

Mac nodded, “Yes. Actually the elves of this world are mostly similar to our stories of elves. Living in trees, being good archers, even the pointy ears.”

Sophia seemed deep in thought. “Is it possible our worlds are connected somehow?”

Mac shrugged, “I've wondered that before too. I mean, since I was summoned here, there has to be at least a minimal connection, right?”

Sophia nodded, still deep in thought “That's true. Very interesting...”

After a few hours, they reached the village the most recent attack had been reported at. The village had a wooden palisade constructed around it, which he could see a section of had been torn up.

An elf scout came up as they stopped.

“Sire, we've found the tracks and are currently pursuing,” she said.

Following the scout, they walked into the forest, as the scout pointed out soft imprints in the ground every so often. There was also drops of dried blood on some of the leaves.

The guards formed a defensive box around them, with the archers and Mac and Sophia inside. They followed the trail for a while. So long, that Mac was beginning to worry.

Evidently, so was Sophia. “Do we still have the track?” she asked to a guard, who relayed it up to the scouts. After a few moments, they gave an affirmative response. “What do you think sire? Should we keep going?”

Mac thought about it for a moment, before nodding. “If we can, I'd like to take care of it now before anyone else gets attacked.”

Sophia nodded, before signaling to the scouts to continue.

They continued on for a while longer, until it eventually started to grow dark. Isn't this kinda bad? Well I guess the elves are used to the forest. “Excuse my ignorance, but how well can elves see in the dark?”

Sophia smiled, “Better than most, except maybe dwarves, who are used to being in their dark tunnels all the time. If you're worried about tracking it, we should still be able to as long as theirs a trail.”

As if on queue, a scout appeared in front of them. “Lady Sophia,” he said, holding out his hand. In it were tattered bits of cloth soaked in blood. “This is all we found.”

Sophia looked down, shaking her head. “Damnable monster. Anything else?”

The scout shook his head, “No, it ended here.”

“It just disappeared?” Sophia asked.

“Could it...have teleported back?” Mac asked.

“I certainly hope not. We'll never catch it if it can teleport at will.”

As they were discussing, some of the guards started shouting. “Over there!”

Mac tensed up. He looked in the direction they were pointing, but...couldn't see anything. He felt Rhea rustling in his pocket, until she flew out and into his shirt. Peeking out his collar, she whispered, “I can sense it over there. It's so...awful...I wish I could ignore it. That thing wasn't created by one of us,” she said, presumably referring to her spirit siblings.

'Where'd it go?', 'What's going on?', 'Come 'ere ya bastard!' were some of the shouts he could make out from the guards. Suddenly, a guard cried out, as he was sent skyward.

While the guards formed a defensive wall, the archers started loosing arrows where the guard had been knocked from.

Mac started to panic. This isn't good. I can't see! How am I supposed to hit it with my lighting.

While he was thinking, two more guards were knocked away. This isn't like the bandit attack, am I going to actually die? I knew this was dangerous, but I just thought I'd zap it and...

As Mac was having an existential crisis, Sophia on his right started barking orders to the soldiers, “Keep the wall tight! Keep shooting arrows!”

Mac shook his head. No, I'm the King, I can't falter like this. Think...think...maybe I could use my magic to try and brighten up the area? As Mac put his arms up, he remembered he had someone next to him (well, on him) that could also illuminate.

“Rhea, light!” he shouted.

Mac felt a whoosh by his neck as Rhea flew up above them. A moment later, the area around them was bathed in light.. Considering they were under the forest canopy, it was far brighter that the forest floor would get even during the middle of the day.

And there it was, probably twenty meters away. A huge, long, cat-like creature, with three odd-looking tails twirling behind it. It seemed to almost shimmer in place, as if he could see the forest behind it as well.

The soldiers all momentarily froze at the sight before them, but then gave a loud roar. The archers started shooting, but the arrows seemed to go through it.

“No, remember the plan, spread out your arrows! Look for its blood!” Sophia yelled.

The archers began spreading out their arrows in the vicinity around it. This caused the creature to start darting about, sometimes even seeming to phase several feet away from where it was previously.

Yup, looks like I gotta do it, Mac thought. He readied himself, and imagined lightning pouring out of the sky and enveloping the clearing around the creature. As he did, bolts of lighting rained down around it. Mac stumbled to one knee, but kept himself from falling. Guess I can handle it a bit better now...

The creature gave a bloodcurdling scream, and disappeared, as at the same time it reappeared ten feet away, writhing in agony. This time, it was no longer translucent, and they could clearly see it's shimmering coat, looking like every strand of fur was an individual prism. It had been directly struck by one of the lightning strikes.

The archers immediately unleashed their arrows. This time, they didn't go through, but instead, seemed to glance off its shimmering coat. “Spirits curse you! Guards, stab the damn thing!” Sophia shouted.

The guards rushed the creature. As they got near, the creature stumbled to its feet, and took a huge swipe, knocking several of the lead guards back and into the guards behind them.

No, we can't let it get away, not when we've got it cornered! Mac thought. Getting back to his feet, he held out his hand and imagined a single bolt of lightning arcing over his guards' shoulders, and right into the face of the creature. He saw it make contact with the creature, and then immediately fainted as he heard shouting around him.

Opening his eyes, Mac was confused to see a roof above him. Weren't we in the forest? I probably fainted from magic fatigue again, but how did I end up here?

Turning his head, he saw Eleanor laying next to him (fully clothed), seemingly fast asleep. Behind her, Charlotte was sitting at a table, reading one of his books. Well, at least they're okay. Did they successfully kill the creature then? Or did it run away?

He started to sit up, which caused Eleanor to wake up. Realizing he was awake, she jumped on him, “Mac! You idiot, making me worry so much!” she shouted, crying. Charlotte got up and walked over, although didn't say anything.

Mac wrapped his arms around her. “I'm sorry, but I had too...”

Eventually, Eleanor stopped crying. “I know, but you need to think about everyone else too!”

Charlotte chimed in, “Um...I'm glad you're okay.”

Mac smiled as he patted Eleanor, “Thank you.”

Charlotte blushed in return. “I'll go let mother know you're awake,” she murmured, before leaving the room.

Mac eventually loosened himself from Eleanor's clutches and drank some water.

“I can't believe you and the soldiers faced that thing. I would have run away in terror,” Eleanor said.

Mac almost choked on his water, “What!? They brought it here?”

Eleanor nodded, “Yes, it...well, I'll let Sophia explain it once she gets here.”

They didn't need to wait long, as Charlotte arrived back a minute later with Sophia in tow.

Sophia immediately got down on one knee before him. “Sire, you have my eternal thanks. You are already marrying one of my daughters, but if there's anything else...” she started.

“Hold on, hold on, what's going on?” Mac asked, holding up his hands to stop her.

Sophia stood back up. “Do you...not remember? I know you fainted from magic exhaustion, but...”

Mac shook his head. “No, I don't remember anything after I shot that last bolt at it.”

“You must have expended quite a bit of magic then...” Sophia replied, causing Eleanor to give a 'hmpf'. “Well, whatever you did...killed it.”

Mac nodded, “Good, so we were able to break it's hide after all?”

Sophia shook her head, “No, even now we can't. Your magic, it...cooked it, from the inside. It's coat was untouched, but when you hit it, it started convulsing for a few moments, before blood started spurting out of it's mouth, and then it just fell over limply. Our guards rushed it, but it was clear it was already dead. It also smelled...like roasted meat.”

Mac grimaced as he imagined the gruesome scene. “So you brought the carcass back?”

Sophia nodded, “Yes. You killed it, so your entitled to the creatures pelt and meat, although I don't think I'd want to eat that creature...”

Mac vigorously shook his head, “Neither would I.”

“That pelt though, it would probably be worth quite a lot, if you can manage to get it off...” Sophia trailed off, before getting to one knee again. “As I was saying, if there's anything you want...”

Charlotte seemed unsure what to do seeing her mother like this. Eleanor seemed to have no reaction.

Mac thought for a bit. He was marrying Charlotte, so he already had set up good relations with the elves. Of course, if he had the elves fully on his side...

“I don't have anything else I want right now. But, I do have some policies and actions that I will be implementing in the future. Some of them might not go over well with the nobility, but I think will be best for the country as a whole. If I have the elves support on these matters...”

Sophia seemed a bit surprised, but then smiled, before standing back up. “I can't speak for all elves, but those under my domain will do everything in their power to help,” she responded. She then turned to her daughter. “Charlotte?”

Charlotte let out a little 'yip' before standing up straight.

Sophia smiled and gave her a hug. “You're going to be the new Elven Queen now, make sure you set a good example for our people.”

Charlotte, gave a small smile before hugging her mother back. “I'll do my best.”

That night, they held a grand feast to celebrate the slaying of the creature. Luckily, due partly to Mac's magic, none of their subjugation squad had been killed, just a few bruises and broken ribs from the guards who had been hit by the creatures swipes, so everyone was in good spirits.

As they ate, Mac sat at the front table, with Eleanor on one side and Charlotte on the other. He noticed Eleanor seemed to be nodding off.

“Elly...do you wanna go to bed?”

She turned to him and nodded, “Yes, but you stay here. Keep Charlotte company.”

Mac nodded.

As she got up, she leaned in closer, whispering, “If you want to spend the night in Charlotte's room, go ahead,” before giving him a peck on the cheek and walking away.

Mac blushed a bit, before shaking his head. She's ridiculous...although I guess if Charlotte wants too...he looked over at his elven fiance, who seemed intensely focused on the mug of drink in front of her. Well, it depends on how Charlotte's feeling I guess.

On his other side, the chair formerly occupied by Eleanor was pulled out, and Sophia sat down. “Is Eleanor okay? She seemed a bit tired.”

“Yeah, she's just going to bed early.”

Sophia gave a knowing smile, but didn't comment further on Eleanor. She was, however, curious regarding a different topic. “Sire, when the beast first attacked us...I thought I heard you shout the name of the primordial spirit of the forest. Are you familiar with the spirits?”

Mac felt a rustle in his pocket. He tried to remain calm, “Yes, Marie taught me a bit about them. You're speaking of Arborhea?”

Sophia nodded. “Was that part of your magic? Some of the guards heard you and are saying Arborhea answered your call and aided us in battle.”

Mac felt a cold sweat coming on. I want to say yes, but I can't replicate that with my magic. Should I just...play along? “No, I must confess, I panicked a bit while we were under attack, and I decided to pray to Arborhea for divine intervention. It was a common thing to do in a crisis in my world, so I tried it here. Maybe she did favor us?”

Sophia looked away, before nodding. “That may be. Even the Spirits must have wanted that abomination dead.”

Mac nodded in agreement. That she did.

Sophia smiled, “Well, I'll leave you and Charlotte alone,” she said, giving another knowing smile and walking over to one of her husbands.

Well, I wanted to spend more time with her anyway...Mac thought, as he turned to Charlotte. As he looked over at her, he flinched slightly as Charlotte was staring at him. He could see she was red in the cheeks.

“Mac...” she said.

Taken aback, Mac simply replied, “...yes?”

Charlotte reached over and wrapped her arms around him, before forcefully shoving her lips onto his and sloppily making out with him. Her tongue tasted of some sort of sweet alcohol.

Since they were on the head table, everyone in the room had a clear view. Since the occupants were all drinking, everyone started pointing this out to their table-mates, and soon a loud cheer was echoing in the dining hall.

After a few moments of some cheer-fueled making out, she let go, and the cheer died down. “Did you like that?” Charlotte asked, a bit slurred.

Ummm...I think she's drunk. “Yeah, of course. I mean we are engaged, right?”

Charlotte smiled, swaying a bit. She then looked down at her breasts, “Sorry they're nah like yur other wifes...”

Mac shook his head, “No, don't worry about it. You haven't met them, but I have other fiance's that are your size,” Mac explained, deciding it would be easier to just go along.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Charlotte stopped swaying, “How many you have?”

Mac, taking a second to make sure he didn't miss one, “Um, officially six now, including you.”

Charlotte closed her eyes as she swayed a bit back and forth again, “Well, my mom had a lah more than tha', buh she's pretty old...” she explained, before grinning and leaning over again. “You wanna go back to my room?”

Not waiting for an answer, she stood up and started dragging Mac away. Mercifully, Sophia was nowhere to be found, so he wasn't subjected to...whatever face she might have given at this scene.

Mac was conflicted. She's obviously a lot bolder when she's drunk, but this doesn't really sit right with me. Maybe I can put her off until she sobers up some... he thought, as they walked through the empty stairs.

Reaching her room, it had now been cleaned up of all the contraptions, including the almost-steam engine, and only a bed and table with chairs remained. The hole had been grown back together, as Arborhea had said.

Charlotte let go of his hand as they entered the room. Mac was thinking of how to react based on what she did, but Charlotte went straight over to the bed and...fell asleep.

Mac just stood there for a moment, before walking over. “Charlotte?” he whispered. He could see her breath going in and out as she blew the hair that had gone over her face. He gently brushed her hair out of the way, thinking Well, I guess this is fine.

As he did, a purple streak shot out of his pocket. Silently giggling, Rhea sat on his shoulder, “Hehe, I guess she wanted to try and get closer to you.”

Mac nodded, “Yeah, but I'd rather it be without alcohol. Or at least, a little less than whatever she drank...”

Rhea giggled again. “Well, that means I get some alone time with you now!” she exclaimed, rubbing her face on Mac's cheek.

I guess we don't get a lot of time alone, if that's what she wants. “Well, what do you think of traveling with me so far?” he asked, sitting at the table and pouring himself some water. “Still enjoying it?”

Rhea sat down on the table, crossing her arms and nodding her head. “Yes. Seeing you interact with your partners, outwitting the elf Queen, and taking on some inter-dimensional beast! This is the most fun I've had in a long time!”

Knowing how long Rhea had been alive, that really meant something.

“Oh, I didn't get a chance yet, but thanks for your help during the fight. It would have been impossible without your light.”

“Hehe, I'm just glad I could help. It would be a shame for you to die so soon! You children barely get enough time as it is,” Rhea explained.

“So you definitely think it wasn't from this world?”

Rhea nodded, “Definitely. It doesn't have the smell of your world, either, based on how you smell. It's something much different.”

That doesn't sound good. We can't be sure more creatures won't come in the future, whether it's something summoning them or if they are coming themselves, it's an issue either way.

As he was thinking, Rhea gave an exaggerated yawn.

“Are you tired!? Don't you just sleep in my pocket all day!?” Mac asked, incredulous.

“Hey! I don't sleep, I'm constantly looking out for more inter-dimensional creatures that might attack!” she explained, pretending to scout around the room.

“Oh...sorry, I guess that's pretty helpful actually.”

“So....why don't you reward me?” she asked, flying up to his face and fluttering her eyelashes.

“Ummm...well if I can, I don't mind.”

Rhea grabbed his hand, and curled up inside it. “Yes, this is much better than your pocket...”

“So you are sleeping in my pocket!” Mac replied. Rhea, however, already seemed to be asleep, a cartoon bubble inflating and deflating as she breathed.

Mac shook his head, Oh well, if that's all she wants that's a small price to pay for her help. Closing his eyes, Mac tried to fall asleep, as all the events of the past few days ran through his head.

Journey Home

The next day, the wagons were assembled. They had several more than they had arrived with, thanks to Charlotte's belongings and the monster corpse, which had been wrapped up so as to not scare any local populace, and placed on two wagons lashed together.

Sitting in the carriage as they started out, Eleanor was inspecting Charlotte. Hmmm...Mac says they didn't really do anything, last night. Is she just shy around him, or is she not interested in sex? No, she has to be just shy... Eleanor thought, shaking her head, as the thought of someone not wanting to make love with Mac was too foreign for her to comprehend.

She walked over and sat at the table next to Charlotte, who was sitting at the table reading one of Mac's Otherworlder books. Mac himself was standing at the window, Rhea on his shoulder, watching the scenery roll by.

“Charlotte. Can I call you Charrel? Or Charchar?”

Charlotte, blushed, “Um...sure...”she murmured, looking over the book.

“Charchar...what do you think of Mac so far?” Eleanor asked.

Charlotte blushed a deeper shade of red, while Mac turned and looked at Eleanor, but just sighed and looked back out the window.

“Um...he's very nice.”

Eleanor looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to continue.

“Um...and he likes my inventions...”

Eleanor nodded, smiling, “Go on, go on...”

“Umm...”

“Elly, don't push her so hard. We've only known each other a few days” Mac said from the window.

“He's very considerate of me,” Charlotte added.

Eleanor giggled, “Yes he is, isn't he?”

That night, at the inn they were staying at, Charlotte joined Mac in his bedroom.

“Um...hey...” she asked shyly.

Mac smiled and patted the bed next to him.

Charlotte sat down and grabbed his hand. “Can...I lead this time?”

Mac was confused, “You di-...” she stopped, realizing she must not be remembering the previous night at all. He decided to just pretend nothing happened and nodded.

Charlotte awkwardly hugged him from the side, quivering a bit. Mac slowly put his arms around her so as to not be a surprise, and lightly clasped her back.

Charlotte shivered a bit, but then smiled.

“Are you just nervous around me? I promise I won't do anything you don't want.”

Charlotte shook her head. “It's not you...” she looked down at the floor, “I just don't have a lot of experience with this kind of thing...”

Mac chuckled, “Well, I didn't either until recently.”

“Really? From what Eleanor said, you're very...”

Mac stopped her, “Don't worry about Eleanor, just be you.”

Charlotte smiled. “Okay!” she replied, and went to hug him again. After a few minutes, she asked, “Can we sleep just like this? I think I'll feel better that way.”

“Um, sure, just don't squeeze me too tight...” Mac asked, having been suffocated on more than one occasion.

Charlotte nodded vigorously, and she crawled under the covers with him before wrapping her arms around his chest.

Mac gently stroked her hair as they lay there, causing her to smile, before inevitably falling asleep.

Hopefully she takes that to heart. And hopefully none of the others put weird thoughts in her head...

The next couple days went by mercifully smoothly, until they reached the Gacson estate again. As they stopped in the front yard, Mac went to open the door, but the door instead opened from the outside before he could reach it.

Kay jumped in, and pounced on Mac, rubbing her cheek on him as she wrapped her arms around him tight. “Nyahaha, did you miss me!?” she asked, looking at him, wanting a kiss.

Mac gave her one, before adding “Of course, no one can replace my cute catgirl fiance.”

Kay grabbed her cheeks and flailed her tail, wiggling back and forth, before stopping dead in her tracks as she caught sight of something. Her eyes went wide, asking “What is that!?”

Charlotte stood up, and gave a small bow, “Sorry, I'm also Mac's fiance, Charlotte. I hope we can get along.”

Kay briefly went back to normal and gave a small bow back, before shaking her head going back to being scared, “No, what is that on your head!?” she pointed. Rhea was there, sitting on Charlotte's head the whole time.

When pointed at too, she gave Kay a wave. “So she's one too!? Hehe, she's a cutie just like you said!”

Mac facepalmed, Shoot, I completely forgot about this again...

There was a crowd gathering outside now, since they hadn't come out yet.

Mac leaned over and whispered, “I'll explain later, but don't worry too much.”

Kay looked at him, then back at Rhea, before nodding and shaking her head, going back to cheery Kay mode. “Well, fine, come here!” she said, wrapping her arm around Mac and dragging him out of the carriage.

After introducing everyone to Charlotte, Lord Gascon invited him to his and Kay's mom's wedding.

“Oh, I thought you would have already had it, of course I'd be honored to attend.”

Kay's mom smiled, “We were going to, but Kay insisted she wanted you to be here too...”

Kay laughed, “Nyahaha, it's not often you get to sit in the audience for one, right?”

Mac blushed and scratched his cheek, “Yeah, that's true...”

And so, later that day, Mac and his partners attended the wedding. It was (relatively) small, with only them and the residents of the Gascon manor attending.

Kay was being the bridesmaid for her mother, and one of the Lord Gascon's cat-human butlers was his groomsman. I guess they liked that Otherworlder tradition then? Oh, that one too... he thought, as Lord Gascon put a large-jeweled ring on her finger.

As they kissed, the crowd gave a polite applause, and they then walked over to the dinner that had been prepared. Mac had a place of honor next to Lord Gascon.

“A lovely wedding. I appreciate you incorporating my worlds traditions,” Mac said.

Lord Gascon gave a hearty laugh, “Well, she insisted...” he said, grabbing his new wife's hand and smiling at her. “I imagine many upcoming weddings will be utilizing them as well.” He then looked at him with a more serious tone, “How went your discussions with the elves?”

Is he trying to get information out of me at his own wedding? Well, I guess it's to be expected. “Yes, we...” he paused for a second, not sure how much he should tell Lord Gascon. Well, he is going to be my father-in-law, and I want him on my side... he thought, deciding to tell him just enough to earn his trust. “Mind you, nothing is official yet, but we had negotiations regarding their special status.”

Lord Gascon's eye's widened. “Oh, really now? Is that where your new fiance comes in?”

Mac nodded, “Yes, that was part of the arrangement.”

Lord Gascon nodded back in approval, “Well, she's no cat-human, but she's quite pretty.”

Mac awkwardly laughed, He really is a catgirl maniac.

During the after-party, Mac was pulled away by Kay to a bedroom.

“Hey, we should at least-”

Kay interrupted him, “I already told the others, and they were fine with it.”

“Okay...” Mac said. Thinking she would want to kiss or do some such other intimate action, he braced himself.

Kay, however, turned around with a serious expression on her face. “What did you all say to my father?”

Mac, confused, repeated what he had said.

Kay nodded, “Okay, that's fine, since that would all be public soon anyway. He'll just see that as you giving him an early peek.”

“Is it an issue talking with your dad?”

Kay shook her head, “I think we can trust my father, but we can't tell him too much. Even if we want to keep him as an ally, we can't tell him everything.”

Mac, still confused, asked “Are you sure? I mean, he's your father.”

Kay smiled, grabbing his shirt, “I'm not part of his family anymore, I'm part of yours,” she explained, pulling him down and giving him a kiss. “Well, I will be, once we're hitched. But I'm already acting like I am. You need to make sure you're putting the royal family first.”

Mac nodded.

“Good. Information can be just as valuable as money. You don't want to give it out for free unless you have too.”

“Even something like that?” Mac asked.

“Definitely something like that, it was an official visit! Even simple things like your favorite drink or color can be useful if someone's trying to bribe you. Don't you remember when I was trying to figure out your taste in women?”

Mac grimaced, as he did indeed remember the rumors that circulated when he first arrived.

“Okay, I'll be more careful in the future.”

Kay nodded. “Good now...what was that thing earlier?” she asked, changing into a serious tone, her tail standing on end.

A purple streak jumped out of Mac's pocket. “Hehe! The great Arborhea at your service,” Rhea said with a flourish.

“Nya-...wait, did you say Arborhea?” she asked, leaning in to look at the spirit.

Mac let Arborhea tell the tale of their meeting again, as she seemed to always enjoy doing, occasionally downplaying some of Rhea's embellishments, and nodding occasionally when Kay looked at him to verify what she was saying.

Luckily, Kay seemed to take in all in stride. “Wow, that's pretty amazing. I didn't think spirits were so common...”

Rhea laughed, “Hehe, I don't think my siblings show up that often, I'm just an exception.”

After some basic introduction talk, Rhea took her leave, “Well, I bet you two want to get to it, so I'll leave you for now!” she said, before flying out of the room.

Kay blushed a bit, asking “How did she know?” before leaning up and kissing him.

“Well, Eleanor was quite...aggressive this trip,” he said between kisses.

“Nyahaha, I can't fall behind then...” she said, grabbing his hand and putting it on her ears.

Mac diligently petted, indulging himself in the soft fur.

Kay grabbed his other hand, “I want you to pet me here too...” and moved it to her chest. “I know you don't mind if their small,” she added with a giggle.

“I won't deny that,” Mac said, gently squeezing and caressing her breasts. Even through her clothes, it was causing Kay to moan (instead of her usual purring).

“Mac...” she said, grabbing his arms, “Um...”

Mac was concerned, “What's wrong? Do you wanna stop?”

Kay shook her head, “No, it's the opposite...I don't wanna wait anymore,” she said, gently rubbing Mac's crotch to make her intentions clear.

Mac gulped. “Are you sure? I thought...”

“I did! But now...I just can't take it anymore. After last time, while you were gone, it was all I could think about. I just want to hold each other, and....”

Mac wrapped his arms around her. “If you're really sure, I don't mind...”

Kay nodded, and walked over to the bed, turning to show him the zipper of her pink dress. Mac slowly unzipped it, revealing her black lingerie underneath.

Turning around, Kay showed herself off.

“I see you were prepared,” Mac said, grabbing her breasts again.

“Hey! You get undressed too!” Kay said, pulling his shirt up and over his head, before pulling down his pants. “Oh...you're ready to go,” she said, blushing.

“What did you expect acting like that!” Mac said, feeling this reaction was way too common.

Kay pulled off her bra, revealing her small breasts underneath. Mac put her onto his lap, massaging her breasts from behind as she alternated between moaning and giggling.

“Why are you laughing?” Mac said, although laughing himself.

“It feels nice, but it also tickles,” she said, before turning around and making out with him again. “Um...are you gonna keep poking me? Or we gonna do this?”

Kay jumped up and pulled her panties off.

“I see you're ready to go, too,” he chuckled.

“Nyahaha, I told you this was all I could think about!” she laughed back, sliding onto Mac's lap.

Mac gently slid Kay onto his erect member. Kay visibly winced in pain, before gasping for air.

“Are you okay?”

Kay wrapped her arms around him, “Yes, I knew it would hurt, but still...”

“Do you wanna stop?”

Kay started making out with him again. “No, let's do this,” she asserted confidently.

Mac nodded, and started slowly thrusting his way in and out. Kay was breathing so heavily she couldn't kiss properly, so Mac just held her close.

“I'm almost there Kay...”

Kay nodded, head bobbing up and down, “I'm ready...”

Mac moved his hips quicker and quicker, until finally he released, pushing up into Kay multiple times. After he finished, they fell over on the bed holding each other.

“Yeah, that was amazing,” Kay described, pulling herself up to be face to face and kissing him.

“I'm glad,” Mac said, still gasping for air. “I'm always worried one of you will be disappointed.”

“Nyahaha, don't worry too much. You've had enough practice now, you should be fine.”

Mac slowly slid his hand down her body, glistening with sweat. “Do you want to wash off, or...?”

Kay looked down at Mac's loins. “I think I know what your answer is, nyahaha...” she laughed. “I actually was going to try something to get you excited, but you didn't even need it...”

Mac shrugged, “You still can if you want...”

Kay sat up before going on all fours, “My mom said this was the best position for cat-human's,” as she rubbed her butt on Mac's crotch, with her tail tickling his chest.

Mac covered his face, which was growing red, “Yeah, I'm not surprised.”

“Soo...” Kay said, giving her rear another wiggle.

Mac grabbed her hips and started pounding hard, Kay letting out a small 'nyah!' in surprise. He reached around and grabbed the small breasts he could see hanging down. This time, Kay was quivering in pleasure, failing to stifle her moans as Mac held her up.

Before he could say anything, Mac released inside her again.

Kay collapsed on the bed. “I can...see why...she said...” Kay got out between gasps of air.

Mac fell down next to her, brushing her sweaty hair out of her face, and giving her another kiss.

“Okay, now we should probably wash up.”

After washing in the now-lukewarm water and drying off, they slid under the covers of the bed, holding each other tightly, Kay nuzzling into his chest. “I'm jealous Mel got to do this with you all the time...”

“We can too now, right?” Mac said, rubbing her head, causing Kay to purr in appreciation.

“Maybe I can get Mel to give me extra days with you...” Kay said, thinking intensely.

“Hey, I told you I want to be fair, I can't favor one of you more than the others,” Mac protested.

“Yes, but shouldn't I get some catch up time since we got engaged later?” Kay asked, smiling seductively.

“Um, I guess that does make sense...” Mac said, caving at the logic.

“Nyahaha, you might be too considerate sometimes,” she said, scooching her body over to tightly hold him. “But I guess that's fine.”

Mac didn't have a response to that, so he simply stroked her hair until they fell asleep.

The following day, they said their goodbyes to the Gascon estate and continued back to the palace.

“Nyahaha, you're so cute,” Kay said, as she poked Charlotte's cheek.

“Right? I can't get enough of this,” said Eleanor, poking her other cheek.

Charlotte continued to blush at the attention she was receiving, although didn't seem to mind it too much.

Rhea, who was sitting on Mac's shoulder as he watched through the window again, asked, “Do all your partners get along this well?”

Mac nodded, “Mostly.”

“Hehe, I guess you picked well!”

“I feel like usually they're picking me.”

Rhea seemed thoughtful, “Hmmm, maybe you're just easy to get along with.”

His three fiance's turned from what they were doing, and nodded in agreement.

“Mac accepted me when no one else would,” Eleanor explained.

“He...thought my inventions were interesting,” Charlotte murmured, poking her fingers together.

“Every lord needs a cute cat-human concubine. Or wife,” Kay said, crossing her arms and nodding.

“The other two said something nice and you make me sound like a catgirl maniac like your father,” Mac said, sighing.

“I could have mistaken you for one last night! Nyahaha...” Kay responded, laughing.

Eleanor smiled while Charlotte looked down and blushed. Mac just facepalmed and shook his head.

After another night at an inn (this time Eleanor taking a turn, more lustful than usual after a few nights off), they were on their way home again. A few hours into traveling that day, and the capital came into sight.

“Ohhh, that's a pretty big town. There's a lot of children living there I bet,” Rhea said, a bit in awe, which Mac was surprised at.

“There's a couple larger, although not many,” Eleanor explained.

“Is that where we're going?” Rhea said, pointing to the palace that overlooked the city.

“Mhm. Oh, that reminds me, can you hide for a bit once we arrive?” Mac asked

Rhea pouted in an exaggerated fashion, “What, you don't want to introduce me?”

“No no, I definitely do, but remember what happened with Charlotte and Kay? I want to wait and introduce you in a controlled fashion. You can even strike a fancy pose after I set you up,” Mac explained.

This seemed to win Rhea over, as she was nodding in agreement. “Yes, that sounds good. I'll hide out until you're ready,” she said, slipping into his chest pocket.

Passing into the city, they heard a myriad of different conversations as they rolled along the streets.

“This is ridiculous, I'm not going there.”

“Haha, you got rejected again?”

“The Gold Fairy visited us! We'll be set for a while.”

“How many more weddings is the King gonna have? He'll be married to half the country by year-end.”

Mac winced at the last one, before closing the shutters of the wagon, instead focusing on the conversation his partners were having.

“There's a really nice cafe in town, you can go talk with him there,” Eleanor explained.

“Oh, if you prefer being surrounded trees, we do have a gardens too,” Kay said.

“I might like that more, if there's less people,” Charlotte murmured.

“By the way Charlotte, I planned on getting you a separate room for your inventions, I'd rather you not have them in your bedroom, mostly for the maids' sake” Mac explained as he sat next to them.

“Um...” Charlotte poked her fingers together, “...sometimes I fall asleep while I'm working.”

“Hmm...I guess we can put a bed in your work room too, if you want.”

Charlotte smiled and nodded.

Always nice to get a smile out of her.

Eleanor couldn't contain herself “Oh, you're so cute, everyone's going to love you!” and reached over to hug her.

“Well, there's someone I think you'll really get along with...”

Arriving at the palace, there was a small crowd to greet them.

Mac was immediately jumped by Emma, who swung around his neck in a comedic fashion. “Mac! I did it!” she said, jumping up and kissing him. “Marie said I passed! I'm a proper noblewoman now!”

Marie, who was standing off to the side, nodded in approval.

“You better be excited for our wedding! We already sent the invites out.”

Mac gave her a grin, “You know I am.”

Emma blushed a bit, knowing what he was implying.

Felicia came up next. She gave him a hug and leaned up into his ear, whispering, “Since Mel is getting farther along, you wanna start trying soon? I was low on contraceptive medicine anyway...”

Mac blushed a bit, and nodded.

Felicia smiled, leaning up and giving him a kiss.

Melissandra, who had been excitedly whispering with Kay, came over after Felicia.

“Hmm, I thought you might be showing by now,” Mac asked, putting his hand on her stomach. “Have you been okay?”

Melissandra giggled, “I'm not that far in. And yes, luckily my symptoms haven't been that bad, at least so far.”

Mac gave her a hug, whispering into her ear, “I missed you.”

Melissandra smiled, “I missed you too,” she added, hugging him back. “Oh, I received a letter about...”

She stopped as she saw Charlotte, who was hiding in the back, trying to blend into the background.

Urk, I was so happy to see everyone, I completely forgot...

Mac walked over and wrapped an arm around Charlotte, causing her to give a small 'Eep!'. “Everyone, this is Charlotte. She's one of my fiance's too now, so please get along with her.”

Everyone mobbed Charlotte now, causing her to grow red in embarrassment.

Melissandra gave her a hug, “It's so nice to meet you.”

Charlotte gave a small smile as Melissandra grabbed her hands.

Emma crossed her arms and nodded in approval. “Yes, very pretty. She'll fit right in.”

Is she just glad to have another small breasted compatriot? Mac thought, shaking his head.

After reuniting, everyone gathered in the Royal dining room for dinner. As they were waiting for the food to come out, Mac realized Now is probably a good time while we have everyone gathered.

“Hey, um, everyone,” Mac said to get everyone's attention. “I actually have someone else to introduce.”

The three partners who hadn't been on the trip looked at Mac confused. Eleanor smiled while Kay giggled softly.

“You can came out now Rhea.”

Rhea, taking her cue, zipped out of Mac's pocket in a purple flash, flying up above the table and striking a pose. “Hehehe, it is I! The great spirit Arborhea! Mother of the forest, and now also loyal servant of King Mac!”

“Wha-...what?” Melissandra said, confused.

“Ummmoooo....” said Emma as she narrowed her eyes at the spirit.

Felicia, who generally wasn't surprised by anything, had a look of genuine shock on her face.

“Nyahaha, they're more surprised than I was,” Kay laughed.

Melissandra looked at her, “This isn't...some sort of joke?”

Mac shook his head, “Look, I know it's a little weird, but she's the real deal. Or at least, as far as I can tell she is.”

“Umm...what are you all talking about? Is that light some part of your magic?”

Mac looked over at the owner of the voice. It belonged to Marie, who had been standing along the wall talking with Eleanor.

Ah, shoot, I completely forgot, she doesn't fit the criteria. “Rhea, you can let Marie see you too, she's our Magistrate so it's fine.”

Rhea nodded, and snapped her fingers.

Marie's eyes went wide. “Is that...is that a spirit? It's exactly like the tales say.”

“Hehehe, in the flesh!” Rhea said, flying over and hovering in Marie's face.

“Um...Mac, how exactly did you get a spirit as a servant!?” Emma asked, incredulous.

Rhea, who seemed to never tire of telling the tale, again explained the story of her rescue to the gathered crowd, from the dreams to Mac freeing her from the box.

Marie was murmuring to herself, “This is astounding! I need to scribe this into the Records...”

“And it was really nice seeing one of my niece's! I could tell Mac had good tastes,” Rhea said, hugging Eleanor's cheek.

“Niece...?” Marie said, looking over at her, before an epiphany coming across her face. “Wait, you mean, the eyes?”

Eleanor nodded, “According to her, this shows I have a spirit ancestor.”

“Hey, not just any spirit, it's definitely Celestina! You smell like her,” Rhea explained.

Marie held her forehead, before starting to laugh. “Haha. Hahaha. Those idiots, it was never a curse,” she turned to Eleanor. “I'm sorry Eleanor, because of some historical misunderstanding, everyone wrongly thinks you have a curse.”

Eleanor shook her head. “It doesn't matter to me anymore. I have Mac, and all of you, and that's all that matters,” she explained with a smile.

After dinner, Marie pulled Mac into the council chamber while the girls helped set Charlotte up with a room.

“I heard from Eleanor regarding Queen...well, Lady Sophia's offer. It'll require a lot of paperwork, but I think it will be to our advantage. I was also surprised you accepted one of her daughters so readily, I would-...”

Mac stopped her, “Charlotte might be a genius. If she can complete some of the stuff she is working on, it's fair to say she is more important to the kingdom than me or anyone else.”

Marie looked at the serious face he was making. “Well, I will take you at your word on that. Now, about this...spirit thing...” Marie trailed off, holding her scrunched up forehead. “Did she really swear fealty to you? I don't understand...”

Mac shrugged, “I don't either. It's not like I forced her too, she did it of her own volition.”

Marie shook her head, “If she's a spirit, it's not like you could force her to anyway...” she trailed off. “We need to keep her a secret, at least for now.”

Mac nodded, “Yes, she has enchanted herself to only be visible to me and my partners. And you now, obviously.”

Marie smirked, “Yeah, that was quite a surprise.” She seemed like she was going to say something after that, but then stopped.

Mac, seeing this, asked, “Is there something else?”

Marie smiled, “No, just...um, good work on this one.”

Mac nodded in recognition, as Marie quickly left the room. I wonder if she's worried about something? I guess she'll talk to me if she needs too...

During the Trip – Side Stories

The Gold Fairy

While Mac was gone, Emma had acquired a penchant for going into town when she wasn't busy with lessons. Today, she crept along an alleyway, listening for the sound she was seeking. While she had grown accustomed to wearing noblewoman dresses, today she was in her normal shirt and overalls, to blend in better with the area of the city she was visiting.

As she started down a new alley, she heard the sound she was searching for, a soft crying coming from a window. As she approached the source of the sound, she saw the window was cracked only slightly. Well, I guess that's enough, she thought, taking out a coin and slipping it through the window. There was no reaction inside, so she slowly crept back out of the alleyway and headed towards the main thoroughfare leading back to the palace.

Emma had gained a reputation lately, albeit of her exploits and not attached to herself, as 'The Gold Fairy'. Once a week, she would take a gold coin from her royal stipend and find a baby to bestow her donation on. She had heard about the reputation one day while at the cafe with Felicia, and decided to make it a regular thing.

It sounds like people appreciate it, so hopefully it's being put to good use! she thought, slowing her pace as she walked the street, watching a couple kids playing Rocks. This caused her to think of the currently-absent Mac, and about their future children. Grabbing her cheeks, she looked down at her body. While she wanted several, she was concerned with how many children her smaller frame would be able to have.

She shook her head to dispel the thought, and pumped her fist. No, Ma had a bunch, so I can too!

A Dwarf in waiting

Daisy was in her hut that day, sitting at her crafting table, working on a ring. This one would be for Emma, who's marriage would be occurring shortly after Mac returned. Not that I'm in any rush, but it'd be nice to have ours soon too...

A knock came at the door. Used to getting the occasional visitor, she got up and went to the door. Outside, Melissandra was standing with a smile, “Hello Daisy, can I come in?”

“Oh...of course!” Daisy replied, opening the door for her. Melissandra wasn't one of her normal visitors, although she got along with her well enough.

Offering some tea (heated by the forge) Daisy sat down next to Melissandra. “Err, did you need something?”

“What, can't I just come visit you?” Melissandra said with a giggle. “Although I did have something to talk about...”

“Is it another project? I got a couple rings to do, but I can-”

Melissandra held up a hand, “No, it's about Mac.”

“Oh...” Daisy responded, not sure what to say.

Melissandra continued, “Mac told me you slept together.”

Daisy blushed, looking down. “I'm sorry...”

Melissandra shook her head, “You don't need to be sorry, Mac wouldn't have done so if it would have gotten you in trouble. Or him, for that matter...”

Daisy smiled, still blushing, and scratched her cheek.

“That said, I'd like you to reconsider marriage. I know you said before you weren't ready before, but having a Dwarf Queen would greatly improve our relations with-”

This time it was Daisy's turn to hold her up hand. “I know, I already changed my mind.”

Melissandra's face froze, not sure what to say. Eventually, she said “But...Mac said he hadn't tried to propose to you yet.”

Daisy nodded. “Yes, I asked him to propose to me in traditional dwarven fashion.”

Melissandra connected the dots in her head, “Ahhh, I'm sorry, I thought...” and shook her head.

“No, don't be.”

“Well, I'm glad to have you!” she said, standing up and hugging Daisy. “I'll make sure Mac works on it as soon as he's back!”

Sewing together

Felicia and Bella sat across from each other, sewing together the latest order of dresses. They had co-opted a room in the palace to use as their dedicated sewing room, different cloths and dresses in various states of construction strewn about.

They had gotten fairly well acquainted in their time together, and could speak frankly amongst themselves.

“So, how are you feeling?” Felicia asked, smiling as she looked at Bella's stomach. She was still fairly early on, but just showing a tad in her normal clothes.

Bella smiled, “So far so good. It's, um, nice that King Mac is letting me use the royal midwife for my checkups.”

Felicia nodded, “Tillie is supposed to be the best in the Kingdom.”

After a few moments, Bella asked, “Well, what about you? Have you and Mac decided to have one?”

“Since I'll be in charge of nursing and raising, I'm waiting until the others are a bit along. Although, that time might be coming close...” she added with a smile.

Bella nodded, “What about your wedding? You said you were waiting.”

“I...” Felicia trailed off.

Bella stopped sewing, before leaning in and whispering, “Are you having second thoughts?”

Felicia shook her head, “It's not that, I want to marry him. I'm just worried my past might cause problems...”

Bella didn't know how to respond. She knew that Felicia used to work as a prostitute before becoming one of King Mac's fiances. “I don't think you need to worry about that...”

“I wish I didn't, but...I'm worried one of the nobles may recognize me. It wasn't uncommon to have them as customers...”

Bella frowned, “You're worried they'll start rumors about you? Damnable nobles. No offense ot you and Mac, of course...”

Felicia giggled, “Well, I'm technically not one yet...”

Bella crossed her arms. “You should talk with Mac about it.”

“I know what he's gonna say though... 'it doesn't matter'.”

“Well, isn't that fine then? If you and Mac love each other, that's all you need,” Bella explained with a smile.

Felicia looked down and blushed, before nodding.

More Magic

On a different day, Marie had asked Felicia to come with her.

“If you're okay with it, I'd like to test you for magic,” Marie explained.

Felicia seemed confused. “I don't have an issue with it, but is there any point? I didn't think commoners had magic usually.”

Marie nodded. “Generally, yes, but after Emma turned out to have the ability, I wanted to test you as well.”

Felicia smirked, “What, do you think Mac is somehow pulling in all the commoners with magic potential?”

Marie stopped for a moment, before turning to look at her, and nodded, “Yes, actually, or at least that's one of my theories.”

Taken aback, Felicia nodded back and continued following her.

As they got to the room with the Drain Stone, Marie showed Felicia how to use it, putting her hand up to the glass orb, showing her fire magic get absorbed into the black inner stone.

Felicia followed suit, putting her hand up to the orb. Her eyes went wide, “my hand is...tingling.”

Marie's eyes narrowed. “So you do have magic...but I don't see anything.” As she waited, she heard a 'crack' as a small fracture appeared in the pillar supporting the Magic Stone.

Felicia leaped back in surprise.

Marie looked between her and the cracked pillar.

“Um...did I do that?” Felicia asked.

Marie nodded. “I think so. Well, your magic did.”

Felicia, calming down, asked, “So...do you know what my magic is?”

Marie thought for a moment, but then shook her head. “No, whatever it is isn't obvious. I'll need to see if we have records of anything similar happening...”

Side story - La Hire's Surprise

Captain La Hire had just gotten back to the palace with the the rest of the entourage. After the fight with the legendary beast, he realized life was too short to hesitate, and had made a decision. I can't wait any longer, I must propose!

He had thought often of the apple of his eye during the trip. Walking through the palace, he quickly got to the room he was looking for.

Knocking on the door, a little bunny-human girl opened it. Looking up at La Hire, she jumped up on his leg. “Fiona!”

La Hire heard a few steps, and then the door opened all the way, a bunny-human girl in a maid outfit appearing before him. “Captain La Hire, it's good to see you,” she said, giving a curtsy.

“Um, Fiona...could we talk in private?”

Fiona nodded, grabbing the little girl off his leg and setting her back in the room, before closing the door.

La Hire led her part-ways down the hall, until they reached an alcove. As he stopped, he looked at her silently. She was looking down, but when he didn't say anything for a few moments, she looked up into his eyes.

La Hire got more nervous at this, but resolved himself. Getting to one knee with a 'clank' of his armor, he grabbed her hand. “Fiona...I realized during the trip that I missed you terribly, and-”

“Yes,” Fiona said, showing no change in emotion.

“I...ummm....yes?” La Hire asked.

“You're going to ask me to marry you right? I thought you might soon, and already decided I would accept.”

La Hire stood back up, still holding her hand. “Oh, well, I'm glad you...wait, so you're fine with it?”

Fiona nodded, “Yes. I...was actually a bit worried you had changed your mind about pursuing me...” she said, blushing a bit and looking to the side.

La Hire gave a giddy smile, happy things how managed to turn out well so easily.

“Oh, I have one condition though,” Fiona added.

La Hire froze. Oh shoot...no, whatever it is, I'll do it!

“We need a house large enough to take in my siblings. I'm grateful King Mac took us in, but I don't want them growing up in the palace. They need to be out in the world to experience things properly.”

La Hire was mentally counting them. “All...of them?”

Fiona nodded, “Yes. Well, besides Felicia of course. Preferably in town, since that's what we're used too, and you and I can walk to work together.”

While La Hire liked the sound of that, he was also internally panicking. He made a good wage, being the captain of the guard, but he was still young, and hadn't saved up enough money to buy a house that large. Of course, he wasn't going to let that stop him now.

“Of course, I'll make it work,” he said, forcing a smile.

He was rewarded with a precious smile from Fiona. She leaned up and whispered in his ear “We'll need room for our own children, too, of course,” and gave him a peck on the cheek, before turning and briskly walking back to the room with her siblings.

La Hire blushed like the sun, feeling his cheeks physically burning as he remembered the feeling of her lips on his cheek as she retreated down the hallway.

Standing for a moment in bliss, it quickly came crashing down as he remembered her condition. No, what do I do! Can I ask Marie for an advance on my salary? How much would I need? Probably a few years, unless we want to starve...La Hire grabbed his head in despair.

“Nyahaha, you look a little distraught their captain,” a voice from the shadows laughed.

La Hire quickly turned around. A cat-human maid stepped out, walking over to him.

Recognizing her, La Hire calmed down. “You're Kelly, right? Eleanor's maid?”

Kelly curtsied as her name was called. “Nyahaha, you remembered me from Eleanor's wedding?”

La Hire, still suspicious, nodded.

“It seems like you're in a bit of a...situation. From what I gather, you probably can't afford a house large enough for all Fiona's siblings, right?”

La Hire nodded again, “Yes, unfortunately I don't...wait, were you listening to us!?”

Kelly giggled, “Nyahaha, sorry, but I had the same idea, I was just waiting my turn.”

La Hire was confused, “Your...turn?”

“I'm already twenty, and having been in the capital now, I quite like it here, so I'd like to settle down. My dad would probably be willing to pay a moderate sum to any noble that might marry me. And I quite like the serious, earnest type of man.”

La Hire's eyes went wide as she realized what she was getting at. “You...want to marry me? But I just...”

Kelly, who was a tad taller than him, leaned down, “What? Am I not cute enough?”

La Hire blushed, “No, you're quite pretty, I just...”

Kelly giggled again, “Nyahaha, I'm just teasing. I don't mean to jump in front of Fiona, but I think we can both benefit from this arrangement, right?”

La Hire scrunched his face in thought. This would help out a lot if it can help pay for the house. And...he looked at Kelly again...she is very pretty. No, I just got engaged to Fiona! But, I guess if she's fine with it....wait, that's what Mac's wives do, right?

Deciding on a course of action, La Hire nodded, “Okay, as long as Fiona approves.”

Kelly giggled once more, “Nyahaha, she already did. I asked her a while ago since I thought you two already were engaged!”

La Hire's mouth went open in surprise. How far ahead of me are they...? he thought. Kelly leaned in and gave him a kiss on the opposite cheek that Fiona had. “I know you won't think of me as much as Fiona yet, but I'll try and change that in the future,” she added with a sly smile, before turning around and walking off.

La Hire stood there, feeling his cheeks. What did I get myself into?