“Coo coo~” [Master Lou, it’s time to wake up.]

I’m slowly pulled out of my dreams by a sweet voice. One eye opens and I see Bell crouched beside my head, one small hand on my cheek. The precious creature is holding a glass of water with her tail and offers it to me as I sit up. I rub her smooth head as I down the water, loving the smooth texture even more than wetting my dry throat.

“Bell~ You’re so good to me. Unlike these deviants…” My eyes go to the other occupants of the bed. Fen is beside me with her arm around my waist wearing a sloppy smile. Drool leaks from the corner of her mouth. This woman is dreaming about eating me, isn’t she? I teased her by partially transforming last night but she never got a bite. I mean, come on. I’m not going to throw myself to whatever elemental wants a taste.

I’ve got standards.

On her opposite side is Kierra holding Geneva to her. Those two are just something else. My wife is exhausted, hair strewn about wildly. Geneva is resting more comfortably but she is covered with scratches and love bites. Knowing that she can heal it, Kierra must have told her to leave them. After my strength gave out, I could still hear them going at it, coloring my dreams. Animals, the both of them.

I hand the glass back to Bell and carefully leave the bed. As a more upscale hotel in the capital, the Golden Feathers’ rooms have attached bathrooms and plumbing. With my connection to the Guiness family, we have the best suite at the top of the building, which includes a bathroom the size of a living room with a bath that could be used as a swimming pool.

Bell goes off to fill the bath while I wash off. The room turns misty as a sweet smell hangs on the air. Before coming to this place, I had no idea what bath salts were. Now, can’t imagine bathing without them. Going to be one of the worst parts of being on the road.

Clean and feeling much more awake, I enter the bedroom and set about waking up the others.

Fen is easy, though I have to fend off her reaching hands. Geneva as well and she helps with the problematic thrall. Kierra is resisting the urge to wake. In the end, I carry her into the bathroom. A little straining in my human body but no longer impossible.

In the bathroom, I lovingly wash my wife before carrying her into the bath. Submerged in the hot water, her eyes finally blink open. She looks over her shoulder and gives me a sweet smile. “Hello.”

“Hey, yourself. Ready for our big trip?”

She yawns, flashing those sharp teeth. “I believe I’ll be sleeping through the morning. Our pets are very energetic. Though I was a bit surprised that your favorite didn’t join in.”

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I follow her gaze to Bell who is currently being scrubbed by Geneva. “Probably for the best, Master,” Geneva answers with a chuckle. “Bell has certain tastes and needs a firm hand.”

“Hoh? Sounds interesting.”

“Shall we say she’s more of a giver than a taker? Not something her previous contractor appreciated I bet. Poor Bell was forced to hold back for years while that man enjoyed the harem she made for him. Wouldn’t you feel bad for Lou having to endure all those passions without any…experience?”

Kierra chuckles. “Ah, that might be a bit unfair.”

The look Bell gives me is uncomfortably intense. “Coo~” [Master Lou’s first time…I want it…]

No, not you too! You were supposed to be the only one I can depend on in this storm of lust my wife is conjuring around me! Just thinking about them plotting against me makes me shiver. Holding Bell against my chest is never going to feel as innocent as it used to but I’m not prepared to give it up. Sigh.

After a long soak, everyone is rejuvenated and we prepare to depart. Geneva leaves to check the luggage and pull our carriage around while Kierra dresses and finishes a quick breakfast.

I give our hotel room a final look. We stayed here for a season and made many fond memories but it’s time to move on to the next phase of our lives. I fully intend to make even better memories in the future. With a smile, I close the door for the last time.

I return the key at the front desk and I step outside, ready to begin the long journey to the Grand Hall. My carriage is at the curb as expected. However, there’s several more carriages about. Nothing unusual but…amongst them I spot a shining gold carriage with several white doves mid-flight along the side.

I’ve got a bad feeling.

A feeling that is confirmed moments later when Maxine Guiness steps around the back of my carriage and waves to me. Her usual dress is replaced with a lighter white number that is more suitable for travel and compliments her sparkling gray eyes.

“Max,” I shout, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Guess this is just another one of those coincidences.”

“Would you believe it? My father has suddenly appointed me to help manage a small store in Quest.”

“Of course he did.”

“And since we are headed the same way, I thought it would be rather enjoyable to travel together.”

“Of course you did.” I’m not terribly upset. Though the Guiness family has made no secret about wanting to profit from the elves, they’ve been nothing but friendly and Maxine is rather useful to have around. There are few places the Guiness crest is barred from. Besides, if Jac’s ambition becomes a reality, I imagine our two families will become a lot closer. “I take it you’re ready to depart? We aren’t waiting.”

“Whenever you’re ready, Lou.” Giving me a quick bow, she turns to board her own carriage.

I shake my head at the sight. “Persistent.”

“I rather like her,” Kierra says. “You and I are her only chance to stand out amongst over a dozen siblings for a share of her father’s empire. She’s clamped onto us like a twilight leech. It’ll take more than a few tugs to pull her off.”

“Great comparison.”

“Ah, I misspoke. The leech can be used for brewing. Far more valuable.”

I turn to her with a raised brow. “Leeches? Seriously?”

“If a twilight elf offers you a drink, there’s no telling what’s in it but you’ll definitely enjoy it.”

“Huh.” Learn new things every day. With the cheery thought of leech ale in my brain, we board our ride and pull away from the hotel. Maxine’s convoy pulls in behind us and together we make quite a commotion as we leave the capital.