Talan POV

Blood streamed down my arm where the mutt’s claws dug into my skin. Pain pulsed through my body as the mutt’s grip tightened on my arm. Every spell I cast toward the mutt hits it hard, but it refuses to go down. The blue determined eyes stared me down no matter how much pain I inflicted on this beast. Fear began to grow in my stomach as the mutt gave me a sinister smile. The beast happily tells me goodbye and rips out my bloody throat with its free claws. My whole body goes cold as I am unable to scream.

“Master Talan!” Nefrisse screams pulling me out of my horrible dream. “Master Talan! Please, wake up,” she called to me.

Thunder boomed into the room and lightning flashed through the window. My eyes fluttered open to see a panicked Nefrisse shaking my body. Pain still flowed through my body as I pushed myself up from the bed. Nefrisse pulled back from the bed nearly in tears. My throat burned from the phantom pains of the dream as well as my arm where the claws had been. I touched my arm and throat, but no wound or scar existed on my skin. Nefrisse was rambling on about my violent thrashing and screaming in my sleep. Sleep? Had it been a nightmare? My water clone had been destroyed by that beast of a mutt. My brain finally caught up to the situation that I had experienced. The water clone spell came with a few side effects like phantom experiences from the clone’s memories. No wonder I felt the pain so strongly.

“Worry not, Nefrisse. It was only a nightmare. I am all right now,” I reassured her. “I will meet you in my study in a while, all right?” She shook her and left my room.

Forcing myself out of bed was easier said than done. Every time my eyes closed, I saw the sinister, smiling mutt with her determined blue eyes. I wanted to bleed the mutt dry and use its coat as a rug in my manor. One day, I would get revenge on that mutt. I need the dragonette to work faster, so these nightmares would stop. The mutt appears in my dreams every few nights without fail. Today was going to be a long day…

A few hours later…

Nefrisse walked into my study with her serving tray. Her clumsy plump form clattered across the floor toward my desk. Rain splattered on the windows in an uneven beat. All the noise distracted me from my paperwork. I had so many requests from the citizens on my land for random and unnecessary things like luxury farm equipment and new buildings in town. Most of their ridiculous requests were not thought through at all. I regret becoming a lord from time to time, but my boss insisted on it nearly a decade ago. Which reminds me, he should be calling through the crystal ball soon. I better summon the new bandit captain before then.

“Here, Master Talan. The mail has arrived,” Nefrisse’s timid voice broke my train of thought as she placed her tray on my desk. Her eyes still looked scared like I might take a bite out of her at any moment. Although her plump jugs were eye level with me, I resisted the urge to fondle them. I don’t need her whining every time she sees me.

However, that won’t stop me from playing with her a bit, grabbing her wrist as she handed me the letter. “Why the sad face, Nefrisse? Have I not been giving you enough attention lately? Would you like me to make you feel better?” I cooed, taking the letter with my free hand. I could easily pull her into my lap. She was so close. Her eyes flashed emotions of shock, disgust, and mostly embarrassment as she looked at me.

“N-n-no, sir. I-I should return to m-m-my duties,” she forced out.

Disappointed, I released her wrist. Will I ever have a woman enjoy my games of seduction? I sighed, looking back at the letter she handed me as she made her escape from my study. "Oh joy, another letter from Eriz. Hopefully, he will have better news this time. Waiting for the dragonette to make progress on her assignment is like watching paint dry," I groaned going through my mail. My maid had brought the mail into my study after showing Lord Ulrich out for the third time this week. That slimy little elf is trying to wiggle his way into my business since he brought me the dragon. I opened the letter and began to read.

Dear Master Talan,

Ms. Athyra found a lead shortly after we arrived in Pine Row. No one had seen your targets here, but the governess recently hosted a young woman and her simian companion. Although the simian beast girl was said to be amber in color, Ms. Athyra believes the coincidence is too great to rule out a connection. We have begun digging for information on the two females. Ms. Athyra has dinner plans with the governess's son tomorrow in the hopes of learning more. What we do know is the two women came into town cloaked, hiding their identities until the governess introduced them at a gala. They were associated with the governess's brother who is said to belong to the White Rapids Guild, which I mentioned before. I will write when we know more, Master.

Your Servant,

Eriz

"Well, there's some good news after a month!" I exclaimed. "Perhaps, the tasty dragonette has more uses than just something to look at after all." I needed some good news since my boss has been breathing down my neck since the bandit crew was destroyed by those adventurers. Boss hated losing such a lucrative opportunity that he insisted I set up another crew of bandits immediately. The only problem is there aren’t any capable candidates to run a crew of bandits as Markis did. The dumb human had to go and die. Plus, I still haven’t figured out what that weird mutt was. I believe the creature was connected to that rare magic item the adventurers had. The emerald-eyed woman had used her magic item to summon a wolf familiar, which was unheard of in the world of summoning magic. Wolves are mysterious creatures, to begin with. Some wolves are common and easily tamed, but some incredible wolves are said to control magic to some extent. Most animals can’t use much magic if any, but there are always exceptions to every rule. If the dragonette can obtain useful information or even the magical item itself, it would be priceless like most of the magical items in my collection.

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A knock on the door called my attention. “Come in, Nefrisse,” I answered. I am surprised she returned so soon.

Nefrisse cautiously entered the room. “You have a visitor, Master Talan,” she whispered. Her eyes stayed glued to the floor. “L-lord Ulrich…is…here. He refused to leave the manor. Please, forgive me.”

Rage and annoyance filled my being as the greedy little elf pushed his way into my study. Just as my good mood had come, it vanished again. I wanted to squeeze the life out of this greasy little eel-like my breath depended on it, but being a lord means I can’t kill other lords without cause… Damn politics…

"Well, if it isn't my dear friend, Talan, buried under paperwork like usual. You really should go out more my friend. Your complexion is utterly pale." Lord Ulrich greeted with an obscene smile that would curdle milk.

I choked on my breath, struggling for words. Ulrich had shown up in this lavish red suit that was so flashy it nearly burned my eyes. Secretly, I wondered if fashion could indeed kill a person from the way Ulrich dresses. How this elf became so slimy and glitzy at the same time was a mystery itself. I know I am an asshole, but this guy is in a category all his own. "Lord Ulrich, what brings you by?" I grit through my fake smile. I wish he would have just left when Nefrisse had asked him to.

"Opportunity…curiosity…entertainment… The list goes on. You, Talan, are so busy and quick with your endeavors that I have to personally stop by to understand what you are trying to accomplish! Your agenda is long and mysterious. Honestly, I brought an A-class bounty hunter, and I have heard nothing about it since. Your village is in the middle of renovations. Recently, you acquired a new batch of slaves. Now, I hear you hiring mercenaries for a side project you are doing off the books. How could I not come by?"

Does this man have good spies or do my servants have loose lips? He is well informed about all of my projects, except for the dragonette. "I don't know whether to be flattered or concerned by your interest in my affairs, Ulrich. I have many plans in the works at the moment as you seem to know. I appreciate your concern, but I really must return to my work."

"Aww. Come now, a little break with an old friend will do you good, Talan." Lord Ulrich happily sat himself down on my couch. "Where did that servant woman go? Oh, Pork Bottom! Come here." he called. His eyes searched the room for Nefrisse. Across the room, he saw her cleaning up. He started oinking at her to get her attention. Her body went stiff at the noise. “Your guest needs some service, little sweat hog!"

Nefrisse froze in her spot where she had been putting away my books on the shelves. She seemed unsure of how to respond. Her face was twisted with disdain and shock. If Nefrisse were to slap him right now, I would double her wages for the next 10 years and shield her from any backlash Ulrich attempted. Come on, Nefrisse! Slap him, please. I begged, internally. Lord Ulrich kept calling after her, and I could feel her fury from my desk.

"Who are you calling for, Lord Ulrich?" Nefrisse spits out before turning to face him.

"I am calling for you, Porky. Make your hammy thighs useful and fetch some fresh tea and cakes for your master and me," he demanded.

Nefrisse shook with anger. She tolerates my antics out of fear of my lust, but I never insult her figure as Ulrich had. She knows I adore her shape. Actually, I just adore women. I am an equal opportunity pervert when it comes to women. Nefrisse glanced my way as if asking for permission to respond. I give a gentle nod although I am nearly bouncing in my seat with anticipation.

"Of course, Lord Fatness. How could I have missed your uncouth pig calling or hogwash of nicknames? Your words were so clearly meant to insult me and get my attention at the same time. You are quite talented when it comes to being a slimy, crook of a lord! I hope a brave soul will run your greasy, little body clean through with their blade sometime soon. What a brighter day it will be in the world once your black, bloody soul leaves this world. Good day, you fat, old jackass!” Nefrisse exclaimed, leaving a speechless Ulrich in her wake as she left my study.

I couldn’t help but applaud Nefrisse. Her performance had been just as enticing as the fear she expressed at my every advance. In fact, I was worked up that I would need hours alone to calm down again. Ulrich’s stunned face was priceless and satisfying all at the same time. How would he react? Could he come after Nefrisse? Who cares! This idiot had finally met his match.

“Talan, are you going to let that wench treat me that way?” Ulrich was beyond flabbergasted.

I want nothing more than to laugh in his face and kick his greedy ass out of my manor for good, but I can’t protect Nefrisse that way…ugh…damn it. “Ulrich, surely, you jest. Nefrisse is my dear housekeeper, and you insulted her honor as a woman with your jokes. I know you to be above such behavior as a gentleman. Come, my good man, let’s discuss potential new hires that you have for me and your commission for the dragonette.” I sweet-talked him to the best of my ability.

His anger changed to flattery as he considered my words. A deep breath and greedy laugh soon followed as he agreed to look past the incident with Nefrisse. We both sat down and discussed his potential hires for me, and I grimaced internally signing a check for this buffoon’s commission for bringing me the dragonette. It took an hour for the idiot to finally leave, but as he left, his servant handed me files on the prospective new hires that Ulrich had suggested. A few prospects had potential from what Ulrich had told me, so the buffoon wasn’t completely useless. Relief flooded over me as his carriage pulled away from my manor.

I sighed walking back in the front door. A tear streaked, frumpy Nefrisse appeared in the foyer. Her eyes were glued to the floor and face flushed from crying. Nefrisse could have a sharp tongue when needed, but she is as fragile as glass. My daily harassments of her cause her shock, embarrassment, and some fear, knowing that, Ulrich’s words must have torn her apart on the inside. I was unsure whether to comfort her or wait for her to speak. She briefly glanced at the door, breathing a sigh of relief. This woman definitely deserved a pay raise for enduring Ulrich’s torment no matter how brief the experience had been.

“Master Talan…I won’t apologize to that jackass of an elf. I would rather receive lashings for my behavior from you than see that horrible man again.” Her lips quivered as she held back more tears. She dropped to the floor in front of me grabbing my hand. “Please, Master Talan, do not turn me over to that jackass. I will endure any and every punishment from you. Please, sir, I beg you.”

Nefrisse was broken in a way that I couldn’t stand. I liked to see her cringe or beg me to stop my advances toward her, but the Ulrich incident had left her broken in fear of her life in Ulrich’s hands. It bothered me, and I don't like it. I pulled her off the floor. This ends now. “Nefrisse, that’s enough. You will have nothing to do with Ulrich in the future. I have already sorted it out. No more tears, all right?”

Her expressions flashed from confusion to happiness to concern. “Will I still be punished, Master Talan?”

“Do you not listen, woman? I said the matter is sorted,” I grumbled looking down at her sweet, round face. I wanted to pinch her adorable cheeks. The things I could do with this curvy and beautiful woman. If only…

With glistening eyes, she wrapped her arms around me. “Thank you, Master Talan,” she whispered.

Her plump chest pressed against me, and it took all my willpower not to fondle the chest in front of me. This woman has no idea how she is teasing me! “Nefrisse, go wash up before I indulge on my urges.” I patted her thick brown hair to urge her to let go.

Nefrisse’s expression changed from appreciation to shock as she let me go. Her face was bright red as she awkwardly backed away from me. Each movement seemed stiff. I chuckled at the display. She backed up to the large black staircase until she quickly ran up the steps to escape me. My laughter continued as she tripped every few steps. Silly, delicious woman, what a pleasure to watch her panic. My good mood had returned at last. Now, I had to return to my agenda. Bandits don’t hire themselves after all.