I created another guild crystal soulbound to Mercy. She changed jobs to Guild Master and successfully passed her daughter's crash course. But I am sorry to report one cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs. The Mirfield guild crystal was crushed, powdered, mixed with blood and enchanted the new quartz orb guild crystal. I don't know if it was because the materials were a former guild crystal or not, but the final product was even a bit stronger than the one I made for Marcy. It had the same functions, but the guild field extends for 10 feet per point of magic and it is both hard to damage as anything I've seen and can self-repair using MP it drains from the guild members. I think the new guild master in Mirfield is pretty pissed at losing his crystal. Marcy told me they can feel it.
We are finishing to prepare ourselves to go conquer Mirfield. Alvus, Helen, Marcy, Mercy, Zahariel, Emory and the rat squad, Mittens and Shraaizar are coming with me. The smaller rats still fit inside Helen's robes, but Emory needs to be carried. He is one hand bigger than a housecat, I think he is about to reach his cap. Alvus is now a Knight, 4th tier. Helen and Zahariel are as wizards, Marcy and Mercy, guild masters. I've reforged some equipment from the king's men for Alvus. He is using a metal breastplate without the kingdom's heraldry.
My job was set back to Monster Tamer. The derived stats lower too much if I set it to inactive, and I need my monster companions at the top of their game.
I made a rubber-beetle hauberk with beetle carapace shoulder pads for Shraaizar. It restricts little of her upper body, can stretch if she swallows something big and gives some physical defenses. It also shows that she is not a feral monster. Mittens is using his sheaths and a harness with big metal rings attached. It gives no defensive bonus but there is a locking mechanism for the sheaths so he can 'draw' his blades for himself. The rings are for carrying passengers while he flies. I enchanted their gear with some protection and self-repair.
We are taking them into town to get people used to the notion that some monsters are not enemies. And if something happens, both of them can defend themselves. It won't matter with me around, but still gives peace of mind.
I thought to go as me, but I'll do things slowly.
I change into Beowulf using one of the 'free' charges from the king's knights. Putting on my fancy adventurer's clothes, I look behind at the road I've trailed so far. It is funny how the troll shaman is more prone to contemplation than my former species. The troll was too violent, he had that explosive energy that needed to be released. One of the greatest benefits from the half-elf form was to calm down this seething rage. My monster instincts are there, even in this subdued form, they are still kicking. I believe one of the effects of this [Humanization] skill is exactly mixing the monster and human natures, easing both of them.
I return to the gathering point after making myself presentable, "Is everyone ready?"
Thumbs up and faces full of confidence. I think this group could conquer Heorot if we really tried. I make the last adjustments to the party settings, confirm everyone is invited and well.
There is a strong reaction from one of the sentry wards. "Kochurearc, there are some intruders southeast of the hill. Take care, they seem powerful. Use caution in dealing with them." I'll let the patrol deal with it. The problem with the wards is that it places the burden of relaying the information from them on me.
We are teleporting straight to the lord's estate in Mirfield. I'll take the four humans first, then come back with the non-humans. First, run, everyone appears in the empty room that was being used by the late Viscount. Second run and everyone is there. I have no anchors near town anymore.
There are people entering the manor. I go out into the corridor and after a few turns bump into the butler. I have to pretend I don't know him.
"Intruders!" He seems scared.
I shrug and answer nonchalantly, "Where are the intruders?"
"I-Identify yourselves!" He orders. Probably mustering all his courage. The fact that I am not bearing any arms or my response was neutral may have helped.
Oh. I got an idea. I glance at Helen that is peeking from the corner and wink. Back at the butler.
"Say, you are loyal to the Viscount's house, right?"
"Of course!"
"Including the Viscount's lady? Helen, come forth, please."
"Hello, Sebastian. I have returned. Gather all the staff and guards on the front driveway, now!" She makes a pose and adlibs. After Sebastian goes, she gives me a glare, "I never thought you would do that! I don't want to be associated with that man!"
"Unless we do something, we will have to fight. This way we can turn all the Lord's staff into allies instead of corpses. You can do it. Let's take this town bloodlessly."
"I don't like attention, but you have a point."
We go outside, everyone is gathering pretty much the same way as before. They begin to panic when they see Shraaizar and Mittens.
"Calm down everyone. These two are with us and they are not aggressive. We are tamers, there is nothing to worry. See that we are around them without a hitch."
It takes some time for them to calm down, but I think I'll need to treat them extra carefully or I'll have a staff with PTSD. Did some of the maids faint when they saw the fight against the knights?
"All of you, kneel," Helen is tense, but if you don't know her you might say she is angry. Probably at me.
There are confused looks. Sebastian the butler is the only that keep standing. "Where is the Viscount, my lady?"
"Are you loyal to the house? I gave you an order. Kneel." She makes a face that will not take a 'no' for an answer.
Sebastian concedes and kneels, but won't shut his trap.
"My lady, we are worried about the Viscount's health! Please understand."
She just ignores Sebastian. "Of the house, who is before you now?"
"The Viscountess."
"Swear loyalty to me above the crown and all else, now!"
"We swear, my lady!" Sebastian goes before the others and they follow suit.
"Good. Now, Sebastian, you asked about the Viscount whereabouts, and it is a good question. Here is the Viscount."
I step forward and show the boy's head. I cauterized the neck opening, sew some leather to close it and embalmed with beeswax so there is little danger of rotting. I walk to their middle and pronounce, "And by marriage, I am the Viscount of Mirfield now. The madman died without leaving his seed behind. You all serve me. Loyalty will be rewarded with gold and a good life."
They just stay there frozen for a couple of minutes. I return to Helen's side and let her take my arm. Her hand is cold and not because of the winter.
She clenches my arm and speaks again, "Sebastian, who is the Viscount of Mirfield?"
Sebastian trembles but caves in. "Hero Beowulf, by marrying the widow of the late Viscount Julius is now the Viscount of Mirfield." His voice is trembling.
"You are going to pay me for making it seems I married Julius," Helen whispers to me, clenching my arm.
"We will get a bloodless win," I whisper back.
I address the servants, "Any that desires to leave, will be rewarded for their services and discharged with honors. We will not hold your departure against you. When the roads clear, you will be able to go away with the first merchant caravan. I do not desire to rule by fear, for it breeds betrayal. All of you that desire to stay will be also rewarded even more and will have a comfortable and happy life. Stand now if you want to go."
Nobody stands.
"Sebastian, rise," I command the butler.
"Yes, my lord. What is your command?"
"Report what happened in this town since the day Julius the Mad slaughtered the king's knights!"
What happened was not unexpected. With the knights gone and the viscount's authority demolished, the people invaded and looted whatever was left at the ruined garrison, including the horses. They became a replacement for the food we were supposed to hand out during the festival. And of course, after that commotion, the festival was postponed. The guild master was without his prized guild crystal and unable to operate the guild and it caused a riot in the branch office. Some adventurers were sent to the infirmary but the guild master was able to recover control of the situation. Alvus' absence was felt when the town suddenly was left without a healer. The guild master took over ruling the town and filled in the void left by Julius' disappearance.
He finishes his report and makes a statue impression.
"Thank you, Sebastian. I will seek the guild master now to talk to him. I have a task for you. First, inspect the manor and make a list of furniture that is missing. Take these coins and hire workers from the town to craft the furniture. We are not pressed for time. Also, send the staff to purchase food and drink for a banquet. I want to celebrate my ascension to power with the people important to me. Make sure there are enough portions for at least... fifty people. You are forbidden to seize or haggle below market price. Also, don't buy everything in a single place. Spread the coin through town."
"I will see to it immediately!"
I gesture to Marcy to come near me. "Before you go, there are two things I would like to announce. First is that I have two wives. Lady Helen and lady Marcy here. Neither is the first or the second, much less a concubine. You are to regard both of them as equals."
"As you command, my lord."
"Second, let me introduce you to our nonhuman friends here."
They make shocked faces. I wait for a few minutes in silence before resuming.
"Shraaizar, Mittens, please come here." I extend a hand to Shraaizar and she picks it with grace. "I'll tell you this only once, this naga here is like a sister to me. Treat her with the respect you would treat me."
"Mossst pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Sebassstian. I am Shraaizar a crested naga, and I mean no harm." She makes a perfect bow.
Helen also goes with the flow, "And this mantis here is my personal knight."
Mittens just clicks and waves his sheathed scythe.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
The butler swallows hard, but steels himself, bows and kisses SShraaizar's hand. "My lady, I am honored to make your acquaintance."
"It will be a pleasssure to work with you, Sssebastian. In time you will find that being in the ssservice of Beowulf is the bessst thing that ever happened to you," She turns to address the servants, "Fear not, humansss! Before you doesss not ssstand a sssavage beassst. Serve well and you ssshall be rewarded."
In the middle of her speech, I put a hand on her back and patted her frills. I could tell for the hissing that she was very nervous. If snakes could sweat, she would have filled a bucket by now.
"You've spoken well, my sister. I am touched. You heard her. Now go on your errands. Clean the house, prepare for the feast. You are dismissed. Go!"
"I shall hire the crafters and oversee the feast, my lord. If you may excuse me!" He bows and leaves.
"Sebastian, remember to be generous!"
They go past the gates and disappear behind the tall stone wall.
Helen is angry. She gives me a punch and scolds me, "I can't believe it! You posthumously married me to Julius!"
"Oh, C'mon! When I slaughter everyone you complain when I win things without spilling a single drop of blood you complain. Next time I'll brainwash everyone with my bad shaman mojo!"
Mercy comes to my defense. "Helen, once you showed at that dais with Julius during the festival and was introduced, you were already considered his. But don't worry, we will erase that from the records, right Alvus."
"Of course," the apothecary nods.
"History is written by the winners, it is a saying in my world. But I am sorry, it is my fault. What can I do for you?"
"A proper wedding. Get me and Marcy some nice dresses and rings. Make a ceremony, my Lord Viscount." She gives me a derisive glare.
I am assaulted from the right side by the other bride.
"Yeah, let's get everything bound together! Mom's inauguration as guild master, the wedding, the claiming of the town. And while at it we can also redo the midwinter festival. I know you have lots of toys."
----------------------------------------
After leaving Shraaizar and Mittens (and resisting not to chuckle at the S&M acronym) in the lord's estate we move into town and go straight to the guild. To the crowd that formed a few minutes after we arrived, I announce my takeover loudly.
"I am Beowulf, called by many the Hero. I defeated the Mad Viscount, rescued his hostages and now I am the lord of this town. Let all and any that oppose my rule come forward to get their due punishment."
I set foot on the guild ready to maintain the tradition. Every time I did, trouble happened.
A receptionist comes, "I am sorry adventurers, but the guild is closed. We are not handing out requests."
"I know. I am here to see the guild master regarding his substitution." I say out loud, almost shouting. "Call him here, please."
"About time somebody does something to solve this problem. I want to change jobs dammit!" Some muscular warrior grumbles. I'll dub this guy Rowdy the second.
There are five receptionists in the office. They are whispering among themselves. Marcy walks next to one of them and says to them, "Did you know that guy registered as an 'i' rank? I'd bring the GM here faster if I were you." Oi, who taught you to make veiled death threats like that? Me? No! I plead the fifth!
Soon the guild master comes, "Fancy seeing you well, guild master. I heard of your troubles, and came to replace you."
"You traitor! Not only you betray the king, but also the guild! You stole the job crystal! Get..." I interrupt him with a punch on his belly. He makes the infamous '<' position. It didn't hurt that much. I know you have a tier 5 job.
Flop.
Wait. Did I change his job when I stole his crystal?
"Full Heal!"
Shit that was close! If I had the troll strength he would have passed away from internal damage. Appraising him it seems he is healthy but unconscious. It will take a while for him to wake up.
"I didn't betray the king. And this guild is under new direction. Receptionist team, I am the lord of this town and I am expelling this guild master. If any of you want to go with him you are free to leave town. If you want to stay and work I promise you double pay. I am reactivating the guild now. And we need to issue new cards for all members."
One of the receptionists was driven to tears when I hit the guild master and decided to leave with him. The other four decided to keep working for me.
Some adventurers took the guild master and his receptionist to an inn. I did not let him take anything from the building except his clothes. I'll schedule him to leave at the first caravan going out.
"But we don't have a job crystal, what are we going to do?"
"These new cards I am issuing can change jobs without a crystal. You just need to use the card as you would the crystal while inside or near the guild. I am handing out the blank cards now, I want you to go to the meeting room with the new guild masters and they will teach you the new procedures. To all adventurers, I have some barrels of ale here that need to go. Please help me."
These barrels were in the basement of the Barnsley guild. Only fitting they be used to celebrate the inauguration of a new guildmaster.
Marcy came back with mother-in-law and the receptionists and seized the floor, "Attention adventurer rabble and dear guild staff. We are inaugurating Mrs. Mercy as the new Mirfield Guildmaster and the receptionist staff will be issuing the new improved cards. Bring your old card to a counter, make a line. First come first served regardless of rank."
I get Mercy and go with her to the guild basement. It was locked and without the key, but I lockpicked it. Inside, I first pumped the guild crystal with my full MP pool. Then I created a hole with an elemental and buried the guild crystal in a gap in the basement inner walls. I won't bury it below or on the sides of the walls. I've had a bad experience with burrowing... trolls. I also seized all the pemadras laying around. There wasn't too many, but whatever. I also left a log behind just to be sure. I don't know if this will be considered a heist or not.
With the guild issue over, we left Mercy at the guild and went to the central square. I collected a few drops of blood from each bride in a mortar for later use.
The stage for the winter festival was still there. Our presence caused people to gather.
I address some children that were playing in the square, "Hey, you kids! Wanna earn two silver coins each?"
"Wow, it is the Hero! He saved my mom!" "Look, uncle Alvus is back!" "It is Beowulf and Alvus, they saved my mom!" "What do you want us to do?" The kids are super excited.
"I want you to run through town and tell everyone that on my orders, the new lord of Mirfield, we are hosting the winter festival again tonight. All citizens are to gather in the central square! Payment will be given at night." I place a tracking beacon on each one of them and note their names on a piece of parchment. "One silver now, one silver at night. Now, go! If you slack off I'll know."
They run and shout the announcement through the streets. I lead the people to the mayor's office and do to the civil servants there the same I did at the lord's manor.
"And thus I reinstate Alvus as the mayor of Mirfield. Any who oppose this ruling shall be beheaded on the spot. All agree?" I admit, I placed a lot more pressure on the civil servants than the manor servants.
I chose one office as my private room. Nobody is allowed to set foot in without my consent. This room will have a permanent dimension anchor. Using my cheat sewing skills I make their wedding dresses and a quick enchant to make them size-altering and cold resistant. It only took until almost nightfall.
Showtime!
We went to the main room of the town hall and I began to remove bundles of smoked roc meat from the item box. Three tons of it. I also removed all the toys the goblins crafted into a corner. I hope there are enough toys. For the girls, there are quartz pendants if the toys are not enough.
Outside the town hall, I made cauldrons appear in the town square. They were already filled with a roc stew almost ready. Also some firewood and ignite. I add some other ingredients and stir the cauldrons. This is not a shamanic cure disease potion, ok? It is roc stew with... medicinal herbs. And just a few medicinal bugs carefully diced.
Skill Alchemy (crude) level 6.
You are always right, Akashic Records. Maybe it is. But no mad cackling.
After the potion soup is ready I leave only a few burning logs to keep the heat and disappear inside the town hall to finish the last touches.
I had the rings crafted and enchanted back when we were in Colchester but never got to give it to them. Things were too hectic and I chickened out. The band is pure gold and flat with vine and leaf engravings and the girl's rings have each a 4-carat diamond is in a crown setting. Took me five tries to do it right.
Grendel's Wedding Band (S): Increase the effects of Aura skills by 10%. Triples the range of Aura skills. Converts 10% of burn damage received every minute to normal damage. Abilities only work on wearers of matching rings: Can know HP, MP, and ST at any range. Can always sense direction to the paired rings (Helen's Wedding Ring, Marcy's Wedding Ring) unless the owner of a paired ring removes it or turns the tracking off. Paired rings can work as dimensional anchors for teleporting. The ring can become invisible upon command. Changes size to adjust to wearer's finger. Indestructible. Soulbound to Grendel.
Marcy's Wedding Ring (S): Stores up to 10,000 lb of materials in a subspace. By applying MP, the user can create a light as strong as a torch at any visible spot up to 60 feet away. Increases range and accuracy of all senses by 2x. Double the range of weapons. Increases chance of evading an attack by 20%. Increases hit chances with ranged weapons by 20%. Increases damage with ranged weapons by 20%. The diamond can cut anything physical below rank S. Can always sense direction to the paired ring (Grendel's Wedding Band). Can deactivate detection at will. The ring can become invisible at will. Changes size to adjust to wearer's finger. Indestructible. Soulbound to Marcy.
Helen's Wedding Ring (S): Stores up to 10,000 lb of materials in a subspace. Reduces all elemental damage received by 20%. Reduces all physical damage received by 30%. One-third base chance of abnormal status afflictions. Reduces base duration of abnormal status afflictions by 50%. Reduces base casting time and MP cost of spells by 40%. The diamond can cut anything physical below rank S. Can always sense direction to the paired ring (Grendel's Wedding Band). Can deactivate detection at will. The ring can become invisible upon command. Changes size to adjust to wearer's finger. Indestructible. Soulbound to Helen.
Night came and we began the feast. Food being eaten, songs being sung. Boys got knight and horse or building block toys, the girls got cut quartz pendants with steel chains. I was going to use silver but got scolded. The pendants were not the heavy metal ones. The goblins improved their aesthetic sense after a few scoldings and Alice's input. Zahariel was glowing and making some aerial maneuvers to entertain the people. It seems our non-hostile takeover was solved without... no, the guild master spat some blood. But it doesn't count. Some old timers were astonished at seeing her on the stage giving out smiles and toys. I approached the bunch.
Helen and Marcy are inside the town hall getting dressed.
"Is the stew to your liking, my elders?"
"Yes, my lad." "Hey, have respect for the Lord!" "Isn't this the orc-slaying Hero!" "No way, I saw the Hero, he was at least seven feet tall."
And in this good mood, the festival went on.
"And this banquet is to celebrate the end of Mirfield's internal tribulations. I will rule with a kind hand to those that need and an iron fist to those that deserve it. Please, gentlemen and ladies, take your seats."
Alvus came to warn me that the brides were already in their dresses.
It is the big moment. I call Zahariel down.
"Got the rings there?" My best men is a seraph. Deal with it.
"Yeah, everything is ready to go. Nervous, my Lord?" He pokes me.
"Not you too with this 'my Lord' gimmick."
"Tehe. Relax, my Hero. It is your big day! You won the town, the people are feasting, what else..."
A message pops up and the world comes tumbling down.
Your tame monster Strangga has passed away!
"Fucking shit! Something is terribly wrong! Alvus, you have the floor. I have to go back to the hill, there is something happening there!"
I teleport to the town hall. Inside I was grabbed by Marcy but she stops when she sees my face. They have no custom of 'no seeing bride dressed before the wedding'. She is gorgeous.
"What is wrong Beowulf?"
"I just got a message saying that Strangga has died! Where is Helen? Helen!"
Helen comes running from the dressing room, "Beowulf, I lost two bees! The hill..."
"... Is under attack! Zahariel, come with me! Marcy, Helen, you need to stay here and keep the feast going. I will get Shraaizar and Mittens in the manor and teleport to the hill with Zahariel. I'll be back as soon as possible to give you the news or to take you with me. We need this feast to work."
"We are going too!" They say in unison.
"Please stay. If the three of us disappear, things will get hectic. Someone needs to stay and represent the House Mirfield. And there is a small chance that the town will be attacked too."
"I understand." "Please take care! Come back as soon as possible to get us."
I hold Zahariel's hand and cast teleport from the back of the stage. Some people might've seen me but it is inconsequential. "Shraaizar, ready for teleport. Get Mittens and meet me at the room we teleported to! It is an emergency! Someone is attacking the hill!"
Title Usurper awarded.
Those that illegitimately claim power over an established region.
Doubles the effects on loyalty from bad or good treatment. This title disappears if legitimacy is later obtained.
Title Viscount awarded.
Those that hold the title of Viscount. No practical effect besides being considered aristocracy.
Job [2] Aristocrat unlocked. Skill Persuasion level 7