Travelling through the Dominion was quite pleasant. Forests, lush fields and interesting architecture. People did not live in trees, or anything like that. The houses were mostly made of some white clay with straw roofs. At least in the countryside, we had not visited a large city yet.
They did have indoor bathrooms, with magically heated water, and seemed fond of walk-in showers. Further, I spotted a lot of plants. Mostly for decoration, I presumed.
The demons in our group caused some concern but my name carried a lot of weight, it seemed. And people simply accepted my claims. It’s not like there was a common form of ID. I guess pretending to be a noble was punished harshly enough that not too many people tried it.
It was late afternoon and the third day since we had entered the Dominion. We were walking next to some fields when we spotted a small town ahead.
“I have chosen this place for tonight's stop.” Lily announced. “This is our last night in Queen Solana’s territory, tomorrow we enter Queen Aerin’s lands.”
“How much difference is there anyway? It’s all controlled by the High Queen, right?” Lucy asked.
Lily perked up at the question. She had been reading a lot about the Dominion. “A long time ago there were three elven nations, based on the three types of elves. Sun elves, night elves and wood elves. They have been united under the High Queen for quite some time now, but they still have slightly different cultures. While sun elves are more known for their wine, beer is quite common among wood elves!”
“Oh, so you are saying we might get different food and drink?” Lucy asked.
“Yes, my lady! I am hoping to expand my knowledge about cooking and procure more ingredients. I have already purchased a few things from the sun elves.”
I nodded. “Travelling is a great way to experience different foods. A lot of places have amazing local dishes.”
The town had one guard, armed with a spear and wearing some sort of leather armour. She looked slightly concerned as our group approached. She visibly paled as Lily greeted her.
“Greetings! We are travellers and intend to stay the night in your town.”
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The guard desperately looked in my direction. “Eh… are… are those your demons?”
“I am no one's demons, mortal.” Lilith said.
“Lilith, stop scaring the poor guard.” I intervened. “I am Countess Amaya Delphinium. Lily is my maid, Lilith is my guest and Erin is her maid.” I pointed at the individuals as I introduced them.
I saw a lot of relief in the guard's face. Even more, I saw admiration.”Lady Amaya! It is such an honour to meet you!”
“Huh?” I replied.
“I have read all the stories!” She seemed to have completely forgotten about the demons.
“Stories?” I asked.
“Yes! Your victory over the demon lord and the restoration of House Delphinium was big news! Oh, this must be Lucy, your loyal foxkin companion!”
“What about me?” Shani asked.
“Uh… I am sorry, I don’t know you…” The guard responded.
“Pfft! I am Shani, cutest elemental lord in all the lands! Slaughter of demons and Amaya’s court elemental!” Shani proclaimed.
The guard's eyes widened, then she grabbed a small notebook and started writing.
“Are you writing down her titles?” I asked.
The guard nodded while scribbling.
“Is this why we have been treated so well? Amaya is famous?” Lucy wondered.
“You as well, lady Lucy! There were some news articles after the incident. How both of you stopped the demon lord, showing the world the might of the Dominion! There also have been some stories circulating since…” She blushed now.
I raised an eyebrow. “Stories?”
“Uh… my lady, they might not be appropriate!” She stammered.
“I see.” I replied. It seemed that the Dominion had used me for their propaganda. They could sell me as a powerful sorceress, of a lost noble house, bringing glory to the nation. Obviously they did not know that I was an archfey back then. I wondered what they thought about this now. Then again, I was still part of the Dominion. Actually, I could use my popularity for recruitment. But that was an idea for later.
While I had been lost in thought I saw Lucy was now reading something from a small book. She was standing next to the guard, who had turned into a tomato. Not literally, she was just very embarrassed.
“There are some interesting stories about us.” Lucy remarked.
The guard was now trying to look at the floor. That was when she spotted something.
“Um… Lady Lucy? You… you have two tails?” She asked.
Lucy closed the book and handed it back to the guard. “Indeed, I am a kitsune. And Amaya is an archfey. And she does love my tails.” Lucy winked at the guard.
Now it was my time to blush. “Ah yes, we should go and get a room at the inn. Nice meeting you.” I told the guard and entered the town. The guard was still staring at us with wide eyes, digesting the latest revelations.
“She will likely spread the idea that you have a harem, my lady.” Lily remarked. “Should I discourage her?”
I sighed. “I think the more we deny it, the more convinced she will be that there is something.”
Lilith laughed. “You know, there are a lot of stories like this about me. But this will be the first time that I am not the leader of the harem.”
I sighed again, then I noticed that Shani was not following. “What is Shani doing?”
“I believe she is telling the guard about all the things she has slaughtered, my lady.” Lily said.
“At least that should be less embarrassing.” I concluded.