Vol. 1 - Chapter 45 - Without Masks
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It took him some time to get back, and by the time he got out of the lake, Fayrene was already standing on some cloths he spread on the greenfield.
From how she was standing basking in the sun, it looked like she was waiting for her body to dry from all the salt, however knowing from experience that it was something bad, he immediately shouted at her.
"Go in the river to wash the salt off you. Wait, we'll go in together."
She chuckled, and when he got off the lake, there was some mud on his body, yet once they got to the river stream, they helped each other take off the mud remaining on their body.
"Ahhh, so nice and refreshing." commented the two of them, taking turns in drying their body with the rugs Mathias had with him.
"To think those rags would come in handy at one point. I take my words back, dear. If it's useful, no need to throw it away." said Fayrene as she handed the cloth to Mathias.
He laughed, wrapping his arms around her slim waist, telling her.
"Do you wish to stay the night here? I can build something from this wood, a small camp where we can sleep. Yet until then, we will admire the moon and the stars in the sky."
"Dry yourself property, you dummy. I am not good at those menial things, but I can help you."
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In such a way, after standing watching the lake in each other's embrace, they got up, and Mathias walked toward some trees nearby, which he began cutting using 'Saharan Sword'.
It took some time for him to cut those trees, but it felt easier than he expected compared to doing it in reality.
Fayrene watched with curious eyes the movement he used to cut the trees, and when those trees were about to drop, she was scooped up by Mathias, leaving the zone as the tree fell down.
After doing this with some more trees, the two used their magic to drag the trees in a spot close to an old-looking tree which offered some shade and protection.
Using a strength unrecognizable to average humans in reality, he began sectioning the logs while Fayrene was tasked to clean the zone they picked for their home. She did it flawlessly using her magic and soon started supporting Mathias too.
Vek was there to help Fayrene and was surprised by how Mathias was methodically building the cabin.
"Lord Mathias, who taught you to build such houses?" asked the kobold, a question Fayrene too wanted to hear an answer.
Stopping from building the cabin, he gazed at Vek for a brief moment, as if he started remembering his younger days, before cracking in laughter.
"My grandfather taught me these crazy things. He told me it is something I am supposed to know if some unthinkable event would happen and I need a shelter. That old man is a treasure trove for me."
Seeing Mathias with such a bright smile while referring to his grandfather.
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When the night started encroaching into the mountain plateau, Mathias was on top of the cabin doing the finishing touches of placing branches on top, later placing them inside the moss he gathered from around the surrounding places.
"Finally. It isn't even that shabby for a first try. I am ready for a zombie apocalypse. Haha, damn, I better watch what I wish for." laughed Mathias, who was admiring his work.
Fayrene cleaned her forehead of sweat and walked inside the cabin that had sufficient space for the two of them. There was even a bed he made where they could sleep. Mathias turned at Vek and told him with a calm voice.
"Vek, you can return to your tribe. It is most likely they are worrying about you and probably might even think you suffered the same fate as the others. Fay and I will be fine here, so return home since we will stay here maybe one more day before getting down the mountain."
"Understood, Mathias. Ahem, so you know, my kobold tribe is situated in this mountain, and the entrance is in the cave where the beast was slumbering. If you ever need my help or my tribes, I promise you that we will respond to any request."
"Heh, I figured out that on my own, Vek. Don't worry, it will be a secret I will keep with me. Say my greetings to the Elder of your tribe, or rather anyone curious about me."
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With that said, he extended his hand to handshake Vek's small hand, which the kobold figured was a human gesture signaling goodwill, returning the gesture before he walked off the mountain in the direction of the cave.
There he began to take off some stones from a wall which revealed a kobold width entrance, which Vek entered, getting on another tunnel, walking on it until he got deeper in the mountain in a gallery-like environment.
Many buildings made from stone and wood could be seen in his draconian eyes, with many creatures like him, kobolds, walking around with pickaxes and all sorts of tools in hand, busy with life.
Yet, the moment he was noticed by the kobolds, they looked at Vek as if a ghost had arrived to haunt them.
"Elder!!! Vek has returned alive!"
Along with that shout, coming from many other kobolds sounding the alarm, on something similar to a mound, where a building was resting, an old kobold walking with a cane in hand made its appearance, looking at Vek with a wide smile.
"Vek, child, were you victorious in battle? Have you defeated that monster resting at your home gate?"
Vek walked toward the base of the mound bowing to the older kobold, saying to him.
"With the help of two humans, we managed to defeat the monster which slew so many of our own brothers."
The kobold elder looked surprised and later invited Vek to his residence, where he asked Vek of all the details.
Vek didn't shy away from telling him how he first failed to slay the beast from a single attack and was almost killed if not for Mathias and Fayrene's intervention. He showed him the gear he received from Mathias, especially the sword which captivated the Elder's mind.
"This sword belongs to those strong humans, right?"
"Indeed, it was something Lord Mathias gave me to help him with the fight. However, I was quite useless in the fight. I can only look ashamed of my performance."
"No, don't be ashamed, child, we kobolds are different from the humans who are blessed by the Dark Gods. They have banished our Dragon Gods, so, abandoning us kobolds in losing our blessings."
"Sigh, Elder, let's not go into myths again. What matters now is that Lord Mathias is unlike the greedy humans our ancestors have encountered thus far. He gave me all this strong armor and weapon without asking anything back. I just guided him to the lake on the plateau."
"I see, you did well, child. Befriending a human could always be a blessing for us peaceful kobolds. I have to meet this human lord myself, so I can offer him some meeting gifts. From the writings of my predecessor, humans are a greedy kind, and like this types of offerings, almost like our creators, Dragons."
"I don't think it is required, elder."
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
"Child, you are still young and have yet to experience the world around you. Humans are the rulers of these lands after they were constantly blessed by their Dark Gods. Regardless of whether this person is wicked or good, he knows about our tribe. I, as leader of the tribe, have to make a good impression, keeping him friendly to us."
"Fine, I will guide you, Elder." responded Vek, feeling defeated by the arguments of his elder.
"Don't think I am doing something unnecessary child, as a leader, I have to think for the future of the tribe. We can trade with the humans our resources in exchange for swords such as yours and sturdy armor capable of protecting our frail bodies."
"Understood, Elder. We will go tomorrow at the first hour of sunrise."
"Plenty of time for me to prepare the gifts." said the kobold elder to Vek, who rose on his feet and started to move to a location of his house, looking for something.
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On the other hand, Mathias built a fire in the firepit inside the cabin, and as it was going on, warming the couple, they were watching the night sky by the door.
Snuggling with each other, Mathias looked to be contemplating on something which had Fayrene also look at him.
"Is there something on your mind, Mat?"
"There are many things on my mind, but I just don't know if I should ask you or not. It is a sensitive subject."
"Why not? Just ask me. Is there something wrong with me?"
"No, no, that's not the problem. Sigh. How should I put it?"
"Put it together and ask?"
"If it was that easy. Fay, let me ask you, what would you think of a person who has feelings for two girls, equally beautiful and full of personality that might equally love him back?"
When Fayrene heard that, she removed her head from his shoulder, looking at him with a surprised gaze before settling down, gazing at him calmly and asking him.
"Depends on the women in question. Some are possessive, not wishing to let go of their man, not even for a day. Some are jealous, which would find quick reasons to break off the relationship. Do you want to hear my answer if I would be alright if you would see Jeanne?"
"You really have keen observation, Fay. Please tell me, would you be okay, or should I let Jeanne down with the hope she might find a better person in the future?"
"Better person? Oh, please, stop jesting. You really are sure Jeanne likes you in that sense, woman to male?"
"Indeed. I've told you about what happened at the Hippodrome. I will constantly be honest with you because I don't wish to be a lying scum. As hard it might be for me to look in her eyes and tell her I can't share back the feelings, I also don't wish to have your feelings hurt."
Fayrene started shaking her head and clicking her tongue before giving Mathias a stare which told many things.
"Should I be one of those girls holding into my partner with my teeth? No, I understand that a person like Bishop Jeanne wouldn't be bothered by some man if she didn't see something special in him. My Mathias might be an arrogant fool at times, but ignorant to people's feelings, he is not."
"Thanks."
"Quiet. I am thinking now. I am deciding your future." mentioned Fayrene, barely holding her chuckle when she said that.
The instant he heard Fayrene say that he kept his mouth shut and awaited her judgment like a good son, where he could only hope for Fayrene's agreement.
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"So Jeanne is a man turned into a woman because of a curse. She still might have some manly traits to her, which would make me believe she doesn't care about being too possessive, especially with the law of marriage instilled in the Empire. I might feel uncomfortable at first, but it is not like this dummy will be by my side all the time. I might need a sister to spend time around, and Jeanne would probably love it since I heard she is always alone."
Nodding her head as she processed all the information she knew about Jeanne from Mathias and outside sources, she turned her gaze at Mathias before saying to him.
"I will be the first wife. I don't care what sweet words she might court you with, but if I am not the first wife when we get married under the law of the Empire, I will get really angry with you."
"This means you agree?? You are teasing me, correct?"
"You dummy, I am an independent woman. While I truly love you, it doesn't mean I have to be possessive with you. You better tell her I am the matriarch of the family."
Hearing her say that, he dashed and scooped her in his embrace, raising her up and cuddling closer to her.
"You are the first, so it is rightful you are the first wife. Not even a noblewoman will not be able to take that from you. Hah, I feel like a stone was removed from my chest. Right, the present. This is the moment for the present. With this one, I hope it will manage to soothe your future anger and frustration."
Saying that, while holding her to his chest by the fireplace, he brought up the tapestry canvas he worked for quite a while, the two kittens staring in your eyes, placing the tapestry in her hands.
"Awww, it is those two little candies. You finished them. They are so cute and beautiful." replied Fayrene with a warm gaze as she looked at the art piece.
After some minutes, she leaned back to Mathias and kissed him on the lips.
"This type of gift is way more precious for me than some accessory. Ahh, I have to think of a way to have it with me at all times."
"I am glad you like the piece I have done for you. At first, it was just to show you how it would be to sew on a canvas, but now it changed its meaning totally."
"Hmm, I doubt. You probably liked me from the start. You were just shy to tell me." mentioned Fayrene looking at Mathias's eyes, who gazed back with a calm expression.
"Are you curious to find when it all started?"
"I am all ears. Our children would love to hear about how their dad began loving their mother." responded Fayrene while giggling, holding on his hand.
"Heh, you sure want to tell them that? If you really want it that badly. It was exactly when you sent your first spell hitting me. How could I resist that sad little girl, believing she was some monster."
"Hmph, let's forget about that incident." snorted Fayrene, displeased by that event being mentioned.
Laughing at her, making her look angry at him because of the reminder to reconcile her, Mathias started playing around with her right arm, tickling her, massaging her arm, and later kissing it.
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After eating from the food brought by Mathias, the couple went to bed in a sweet atmosphere, where Fayrene placed herself on Mathias's chest and later leaned on him, kissing his neck.
"Ahh, you succubus. Are we going to play that game now? You were so shy because of your gorgeous arm? That is truly unfortunate, but now, we have defeated the monster."
She nodded her head while Mathias started to work for his hands on her delicate body. Along the way, as he started touching Fayrene more sexually, making her moan in pleasure, the system notifications began going crazy in his mind, notifying him of some restrictions implemented by the developers.
'I can only do it once a month with my partner? Are they celibates or something, for not allowing players to do it more often?.'
He didn't let himself be disturbed as he was caressing Fayrene's body, whereas she had her eyes closed, trembling a bit.
"No, don't stop. You can continue until the end." said Fayrene with a barely audible voice, which fired up Mathias.
After teasing her nipples, kissing her all over the place, he lowered down, taking the last piece of defense from her body, and slowly he began to do his foreplay on her.
Only after she was ready did he finalize the process of sealing their relation, entering slowly so she wouldn't feel much pain in her first intercourse.
"Mat, you are mine. You better don't run away from me and take responsibility."
"Yes, my love, did you get used to the pain?"
"Noo, don't move yet." shouted Fayrene, placing her hands on his chest to stop him from thrusting furthermore.
Nevertheless, he ignored her remark, and after a while, Fayrene began moaning in pleasure, wrapping her arms and legs around Mathias as he was plumbing.
The bed he made seemed to collapse under the movements of those two, yet after 35 minutes of changing positions doing inside the entire cabin, with Fayrene reaching climaxes that she spasmed a bit, he ended this blessed atmosphere by pulling out and releasing on her body
"I love you, Mat. I don't think I can let you run away from me anymore." confessed Fayrene with a weak voice, as she looked at Mathias getting to sit next to her, gazing at her with an infatuated face.
"I love you too, Fay."
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Fayrene went to sleep in his embrace while Mathias began rewatching the recording of the fight with the bear monster, wanting to observe his mistakes in the fight and later note all of them so in the future he could work improving his fighting game.
Hours passed, and the fire inside the cabin seemed to need more wood. Yet Fayrene was clinching on himself that whenever he wished to leave the bed, she would bite him.
"Ahh, how can a sleeping person have such a precision?" asked Mathias in a whispering tone, gritting his teeth, looking at his chest, exactly his nipple who got in Fayrene's target.
"I'll teach you a lesson for daring to hurt my little boy next time." said Mathias looking at the fireplace and some wood he prepared beforehand.
Using his magic, he began to take each wood piece and slowly levitate them toward the fireplace, maintaining it without breaking Fayrene's sweet dreams.
[Your Stamina has risen by 1.]
[Your Stamina has risen by 1.]
[You have confused all your mana resources. It requires you to wait for more resources to use additional mana.]
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'This is enough wood for the fire. I'll place the remaining ones after my mana has recovered and then go back to my watch.'
After about 30 minutes of waiting around for his MP to recover and instantly using it to place the wood on the fireplace, he, at last, did it, receiving a new notification.
[Your Intelligence has risen by 1]
"This feels nice, warmth from all directions." mentioned Mathias to himself with a soft voice, looking at Fayrene, who was sleeping on his arm, at which he changed his position and wrapped his left arm too around her.
"My muse, even if I will go away from you and you might forget about me, this will not change what I feel for you or what you feel for me."
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Morning came to 'Satisfy,' and he still didn't log out from the game even though he spent about 5 hours inside the game where he, thanks to Vlad finding an unknown feature at least to him to the capsule system, where Mathias could access streams inside the game and the amount of time, waiting for the morning to come, he found a new activity of watching the streams of players, seeing how other players were doing compared to him.
From those who were low level trying to fight stronger monsters and getting themselves killed, to people forming parties and raiding bosses such as how he fought 'Mutated Bear Ilknojs', others trying crafting and menial jobs, yet from all those people he watched about 2 hours, he found something which made him stop and watch.
'These guys really believe the people of this world are just usual NPC's acting according to what the developers build inside, like how the old games looked. Sigh, how unfortunate and is only one more week of game time. Once the live version kicks in, those people will be blinded about leveling up, fighting each other for resources, and building their fame.'
'Ohh, there are people who behave like normal people with the inhabitants of this world? This would be interesting for the future, don't give up now. Atlas, you are on the right route.'