A decision was made. With a shadow cast on their faces, they approached me – noticing the gathered crowd. “What is this?” The white-eared girl asked.

“Valeriana brought some treats,” I answered. Her eyes flickered to the bags as she gulped.

Taking a deep breath, she collected herself. “We accept,” She paused, “but we have some demands.”

“Yeah, sure. Granted,” I dismissed.

“Will you take us seriously!?” One of the boys raised his voice, a Catkin. “At least listen-”

“No,” I interrupted, “You listen. I worked for this money, I bought this land, and you are going to live here without paying a single coin. I know it’s unexpected. I know it’s unfair, but you’ll just have to wait and see what I do, then you can start making demands.”

Deafening silence, only the rhythmic sound of crashing waves as all were staring at me, unblinking.

“Well, this is a little awkward,” I rubbed my head through the cloak. Valeriana shook her head. “You should get grab some of the candy before it’s all gone,” I advised.

With a most tactful retreat, I sat alone facing the shore, taking in deep breaths. Dreading the consequences already, I opened my shop’s storage and brought out one of the heavy pieces of candy. Eyes closed, a connection was made and a spell awaiting – a blueprint, more precisely.

Steeling my heart, I plopped the tiny concentration of mana into my mouth. As the waves of mana hit me, I fed it all to the forming spell, greedily gobbling it up. The ground shook and split open, stone sprouting from underneath. A massive stone slab appeared first, followed by four walls supporting it, two of which incomplete; a window in one and a doorway in another.

I did not get to see the fruits of my labor as I sprawled on the ground, groaning. I could barely breathe, let alone think, the pounding against my skull, numbing my thoughts. I stayed there, unmoving, awaiting the assault to lessen.

Unaware of how much time had passed, I opened my eyes and met with another pair looking down at me, smiling. I propped myself on my elbows and laid eyes on the construction I made, a satisfied grin spreading across my face.

The one-room house turned out a lot more visually appealing than I anticipated, the smooth stone texture giving it an elegant appearance. A groan escaped me as I stood up. The building was sturdy enough, what you would expect from a one-piece connected structure, and with a foundation this solid, no complications should arise.

I let out a pleased sigh and turned around, slackened jaws and wide eyes staring back at me. Fear and awe danced through the crowd; however, the next words spoken caught me off guard.

“A human?” Wolf muttered, his voice audible through the silence.

“Really, Wolf!?” I exasperated, “You just saw me raise a building out of the ground, and that’s what shocks you.” He lowered his head as his cheeks got a little redder, Valeriana giggling beside me.

“This is incredible, Edward,” She remarked.

“Thank you,” I replied, “However, I would truly appreciate it if this was kept a secret,” I added, addressing the crowd.

Nervous nods spread across, and tapping the building, I spoke, “Oh, and feel free to use this – I won’t be needing it.”

Thankfully, Valeriana didn’t loiter about; we were on our back shortly after.

“Hey, Val,” I called out to the cheerful girl, “I want to buy a couple of slaves for the village. What do you think?”

She hummed, “There are some slave traders in the city, I think, but you need identification to buy one, and the guild’s is not enough.” Her head titled. “How did you buy the village, anyway?”

“Bribes,” I replied simply.

Her brows crossed. “How about we go back to the compound? They already know who I am, so there shouldn’t be any issues,” She paused. “and you won’t need to bribe anyone.”

“Sure,” I shrugged, content with lesser expenses, “When do you wanna go?”

The sun was right above us, glaring down. “We can go today,” She replied. “we’ll be back before dark.”

Our visit to the city was short; we ate at the inn, hired a carriage, and took the road north. The ride this time was much more comfortable than the last. Green fields stretched on both sides as farmers and pedestrians going about their day, Valeriana sitting beside me, enjoying the scenery.

“Edward,” She abruptly spoke, still looking out of the window. “Do you still want to break the seal?” She asked, her voice smaller than usual.

“I do.” Her ears flattened. “I hate the idea of being chained. Not controlling my own body, my own thoughts?” A shiver ran through my body as I remembered the tendrils probing inside my brain.

“I don’t mind what we’re doing, though. The adventuring, inn, even the little village; I’ve so many things planned, and I’ve been enjoying my time, especially lately. I just wish I didn’t have a leash around my neck,” I sighed, “and maybe a bigger manapool.”

Valeriana didn’t interrupt nor comment, only listened. She was silent as she leaned on my shoulder, her ears tickling my neck. I shifted, finding a more comfortable spot; the warmth was not unwelcomed. Thoughts swam through my head as time passed. I was returning to the very place I was confined in. An odd month, the last few weeks even more bizarre; I was fighting monsters, cooking dangerous items, and now I was building a daycare.

The carriage bumping brought me back to the present. I was unconsciously running my fingers through my owner’s hair. I seized my chance and touched her ears, slowly feeling the soft fur and scratching much like you would do a cat. My actions did not go unnoticed as she nuzzled in closer and let out a sound akin to a purr. We stayed like that for some time; I was enjoying the unusual experience all the while.

The carriage stilled as we reached our destination. I shook the sleeping girl awake, and she let out a soft groan. With a yawn, she opened her eyes, meeting mine. In a flash, she jumped back, startled, her face reddening considerably. I rolled my numb shoulder, a wry smile formed as I saw the little pool of drool on my forearm.

Valeriana noticed, and the blush intensified, exiting the carriage – she dusted herself and acted as if nothing had happened, though she would not meet my gaze. I was both amused and frightened; the strongest person I have yet to see, a predator capable of impaling my heart before I could even blink, was sheepishly evading my eye.

Outside the gate, there were no guards I could immediately spot; however, a quick scan disproved that; multiple figures were lurking around. Passing through, she knocked on the double wooden door, a maid answering and wordlessly leading us inside. We sat in awkward silence in a lavishly furnished room. It was not until a familiar face walked in that it was broken.

“Hello, my Lady,” Alfred bowed, “I apologize for the wait; if you had notified us of your arrival, we would have prepared more appropriate accommodations.”

Valeriana waved dismissively, and he continued, “How can I help you, my Lady?”

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“I want to buy a slave,” She stated.

“Of course. Do you have anything specific in mind?” He asked.

She glanced at me, and for the first time, Alfred took notice of my existence – a frown crossed his face but was quickly wiped off.

“Hello, Alfred, how have you been?” I spoke, removing my cloak.

“I’ve been fine, Edward,” He replied, his jaw tightening.

I nodded. “So have I, Alfred. So have I.” I revealed the pendant from under my shirt. “I’ve been doing great myself. So much so that I would appreciate the proper courtesy.” It was a little petty but not nearly enough to make up for my aching shoulder.

He glanced at Valeriana first, and meeting a blank look, he grudgingly complied, “Sir Edward, how can I help?”

“Three cooks, two guards, and maybe someone decent at administrative tasks.” I listed, “Actually, I’d like to browse.”

“Of course, Sir,” He replied in a steady tone, thoroughly covering his irritation, “Please, give me a few minutes to get everything ready.” With a bow, he left.

“He really doesn’t like you,” Valeriana remarked.

“Nah, we just go way back,” I replied.

True to his word, Alfred only took a couple of minutes. We followed behind him through various doors, some seemed familiar to me, but the room we finally reached was not – a massive hall with a high ceiling and prison cells on both sides. I braced myself for the inevitable stench to hit; however, no such thing happened. I was pleasantly surprised with the smell, or more accurately, the lack of. I made a mental note to look into it later; the village definitely needed whatever this was.

“What is this, Alfred?” The question came from my oblivious companion. I held in my laughter but couldn’t stop a grin from surfacing.

The proud servant flinched. “It’s a small portion of our merchandise, my Lady,” He calmly replied. “And please, call me Medraut.”

Valeriana assented and shot me a questioning look, to which I answered with the same grin I wore. He really hated the name. With that little bit over, we resumed our walking. The cells were large enough, not limited to a single resident – most had two and a few three; Beastkin were the most common, alongside other races; Elves, a few Humans, and presumably, Dwarves. Dwarven people bore a great resemblance to Humans, though being half my height and almost twice my size – they definitely stood out.

Hope and despair crept up equally, some awaiting the illusion of freedom and others dreading it. I felt a small sense of comradeship with the inmates.

“We’re here,” Alfred noted. “All cooks step forward; the rest fall back,” He ordered.

They did as they were told, and I approached the nearest cell with a Dwarven couple standing at the front.

“Are you both cooks?” Wearing a frown, the man nodded. “What’s your name?”

“Golrag,” He answered gruffly.

“How long have you been a cook?” I asked.

“Twenty years.”

I glanced at Alfred, silently asking if he was truthful. The prideful butler read my thoughts and nodded.

I looked at the one beside him. “And you?” I asked.

“Me wife,” The man answered instead.

“And how long has she been a cook for?” I asked, ignoring the snappy reply.

“Since ye were suckin’ on ya mum’s teet,” The Dwarven woman smirked, and I mirrored her. If anyone were to deal with a bunch of uptight teenagers, it would be her. Alfred, however, was not pleased. I could barely make out a mutter, something about Dwarven women.

“Perfect,” I said, “Can you pick two more people to work under you?” I addressed the surprised woman.

“Let them out, Alfred,” I ordered, and he didn’t bother hiding his frown this time. “I’m sure you can handle them.”

I continued walking down the hall, and Valeriana caught up to me. “You’re really pushing it.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ll tone it down a bit.” He started glancing at the both of us, weighing whether my snapped neck was worth the trouble.

Not a minute later, Alfred rejoined us. He spoke before I could comment, “I gave them their orders. They’ll fulfill them and return to their cells afterward.” His voice lacked the practiced patience it had.

“How much are they, Alfred?”

He let out a weary sigh. “The dwarves are fifteen each, and depending on who they pick, they will be around three to five gold coins a person.”

“And the guards?” I asked.

“They are still further ahead. The price varies greatly with how proficient you want them.”

“How about someone near B-rank?”

“No less than fifty coins,” He answered briefly.

I hummed in thought. One is too little, and two would leave me with very little to work with; I still need suitable accommodations for everyone.

“We don’t need any,” Valeriana chimed in.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

She nodded. "Yeah, I'll take care of it."

I left the matter to her; protecting the village shouldn’t be much of a hassle if a bunch of kids were able to survive there thus far. We continued walking anyway. I was curious as to what else was here, and Alfred saw no reason to discourage further sales.

A vibrant white caught my eye. In one of the cells at the far end of the hall, a creature laid tucked in on itself. White webbed wings enveloped it, only two great horns protruding. A slitted eye noticed our arrival and snapped open underneath a scaly forehead – bored, it closed back up.

“What is that?” I asked, fascination leaking through.

“A wyvern,” He shortly answered; however, noticing my visible curiosity, he followed up, “It’s a rare creature that lives deep within the forest. They’re distant cousins to the mighty dragons, just as prideful and cursed.” He spat the last word. “Foreigners to this world, invaders, unable to feel nor use mana, and as such cannot be branded with a seal. This one refuses to feed or drink, weathering away and dying. It’s a damaged product, and it would only shame my Mistress selling it to you.”

“Insolent fool.”

We all heard the strange sound and glanced at its source; however, I doubt either of them understood the words spoken.

“How much, Alfred,” I asked.

“I cannot!” He raised his voice, “The beast is called for already. A nobleman-”

“How much?” I repeated.

He exasperated, “Two platinum.”

“You’re selling me a broken toy for two hundred coins? What would your Mistress say?”

He stiffened. “I’ll have to consult her first, but I doubt it would be any less than one platinum.”

I nodded as the curled figure stirred up and down, chuckling – mocking us.

“Humans… unrivaled in greed.”

“Not all of us,” I replied, surprising not only myself but the others.

“You speak its language!?” Valeriana asked, incredulous.

“I do?” I replied, unsure myself.

Our conversation was interrupted as it rose, unfolding its wings and revealing a fairly humanoid figure. Its limbs were covered in light bluish scales receding at its core and judging by the two figures dangling, it was very much a she.

I was the same height as she was; however, as she stood up, spraying her wings, rivaling her entire frame, appearing much larger than she was. The scales stopped at her breasts and only reached her hips from below, leaving her torso and privates bare to the world. Despite her thinning body and tattered wings, she stood naked and imposing.

“You speak my tongue, Human.”

“It seems as such.” The words felt alien to me.

Her eyes narrowed into slits. “No human has yet to understand a Draconian word, let alone utter one. What are you?"

“I am a human, I can assure you, Edward, more specifically.”

She snorted, “I am without, and be that as it may, you are undeserving of such knowledge.”

“How come?” I asked.

“Cease your inane chatter, Human.” She beat her wings, stirring my cloak. “Why do you speak my tongue?”

“Why are you without a name?” I asked again

Her tail whipped the ground in frustration. “Because my Lord is dead.” Her voice laced in cold anger.

I paused. “I have no idea how. I just can.” She took a second, measuring my words and staring me down. With a hiss, unsatisfied, she hit the floor again.

“What do you mean by your Lord?”

Staring me in the eyes, she answered, “I am, as the fool said, a wyvern. We are second only to dragons, sworn to serve our Lord, and with him gone, I am without purpose. When have you first spoken Draconian?”

“This is my first time,” I replied, “So you’re just laying down and waiting to die? Surrendering? Is that how the all-powerful dragons and their brethren are? Cowards?”

She jumped forward, gripping the bars and revealing two great fangs. We all took half a step back. “And what would you have me do, Human? Serve you?”

“Work for me.” I calmed my rapidly beating heart. “One year. I’ll get you out of here, and for one year, you’ll protect a little place I own – afterward, you can look for a new Lord to follow or succumb back to your fate.”

Her lips formed a sharp grin. “And What is stopping me from leaving by myself?”

“You can try,” I reasoned, “but why risk it? What’s one year off a dragon’s life?”

She stared at me, boring a hole through my skull; I looked back at her slitted eyes, doing my best to ignore the pointed fangs.

“Very well, Human.” She folded her arms, emphasizing her ample bosom. “I accept.”