Ryner woke up from his sleep. He nearly whispered Alice’s name, but managed to hold his tongue. His eyes were wet which blurred his vision, preventing him from seeing the ceiling of his bedroom in the castle.
“Good morning.” [Evelyn]
A familiar voice was heard close to him and a soft hand gently wiped away the tears that threatened to spill down his cheeks. He looked to the side and saw Evelyn lying next to him in the bed. Although worried because he had a nightmare, she was smiling at him.
“… Morning.” [Ryner]
Ryner returned her greeting to which she threw her arms around him for a hug.
It had been two days since Evelyn’s rescue and Orga’s violent demise. The mansion he used as a hideout belonged to a noble that was arrested. The place had been empty since then, but after Ryner broke through the ceiling, it was swarming with guards. Moreover, they found the remains of a person in the basement, though they didn’t know that it was the mastermind behind the coup. The sight was gruesome and quite a few nearly puked. Speculations were being thrown around as they wondered if the victim was attacked by a wild animal.
Evelyn shifted about and approached Ryner’s face.
“… Can we do it?” [Evelyn]
“Right after waking up? Seriously?” [Ryner]
“You promised…” [Evelyn]
The blonde vampire pleadingly stared at him, almost looking like she was about to cry.
“… That’s true… And a promise’s a promise.” [Ryner]
Right after he finished talking, his lips were sealed. Evelyn kissed him passionately. She didn’t separate from him for ten seconds before almost reluctantly pulling away. Then, with her cheeks red, she licked her lips and her eyes were in a trance as she savored the feeling.
“Thank you. It was great.” [Evelyn]
After letting out a deep sigh, she thanked him and glued her body to his. A huge smile was on her face as she rubbed her cheek against his chest.
Two days ago, she was kissed on the cheek by Orga and considered herself dirtied. As a result, although Ryner managed to calm her down, Evelyn picked up the habit of scratching her cheek until it bled. It was especially bad when she was alone. To keep that harmful habit in check, she was allowed to do three things. The first one was that she could touch Ryner again. The second one was that she could sleep with him. The third one-.
“No problem… But you’ve got fifty seconds left for the day.” [Ryner]
Was that she could kiss him for one minute each day. Those were the best ways to make sure that she wouldn’t claw her flesh off.
“It’s much too short. Can’t you at least extend it to five minutes?” [Evelyn]
Evelyn asked, almost pouting like a child.
“You’re the one that asked for an hour every day the first time. Be grateful that I’m letting you do this.” [Ryner]
“But, I really want to kiss you more~.” [Evelyn]
“Don’t say that with that spoiled voice. And anything more than a kiss is forbidden, so stop rubbing yourself on me.” [Ryner]
“Isn’t the cheek fine?” [Evelyn]
“I wasn’t talking about that.” [Ryner]
“Oh, I’m sorry. It was an unconscious action.” [Evelyn]
She retracted her legs that had pinned Ryner’s leg between them.
“If you’re apologizing, at least wipe that smile off your face.” [Ryner]
“I’m sorry. I can’t when I do this.” [Evelyn]
She quickly kissed his cheek and giggled in delight while blushing.
“You…” [Ryner]
“Being licked by that stray dog was horrible, but maybe it wasn’t an entirely painful, disgusting, humiliating and demeaning moment of my life.” [Evelyn]
She licked her lips and looked at him hungrily.
“Especially when I can taste your saliva every day…” [Evelyn]
“Damn the guy that invented deep kissing! Damn him! But respect as a man!” [Ryner]
“Ryner~♥!” [Evelyn]
“Get off, you nympho vampire!” [Ryner]
After getting the worked up vampire under control, Ryner pulled out an item from his pocket dimension and got down to business. While he was sitting on the bed, Evelyn was lying on her side next to him.
“Magic shackles?” [Evelyn]
Her eyes, that had been feverish, turned sharp and focused.
“ I sto… I borrowed it from the castle’s armory.” [Ryner]
“You stole them? I didn’t notice when.” [Evelyn]
“I said I borrowed them. I just forgot to ask for permission. More importantly, these things are your major weakness. You’ll have to be careful you don’t get restrained by these again.” [Ryner]
“Yes. I have no intention to fall into such a powerless state a second time.” [Evelyn]
Evelyn stared at the two thick, metallic cuffs that had markings on them and were linked by a sturdy chain. When bound by them, a person would be unable to use magic. However, in her case, her body felt very weak and she could barely stand. Her hand crawled towards her left cheek, but Ryner caught it by the wrist. She looked at her hand that moved by itself and smiled bitterly before conveying with her eyes that she was alright.
“That guy said that you were like the elves, right?” [Ryner]
Ryner asked as he slowly let her go.
“Yes. So, we can assume that the elven race in this world becomes very weak when restrained by magic shackles.” [Evelyn]
“As a vampire, you’re closer to magic than humans. It flows through your body like blood, aiding you in your everyday life and giving you a natural affinity with it. The elves are probably the same and magic shackles thus have the effect of weakening them physically… I think. I’ve never met the elves of this world.” [Ryner]
“Haven’t you seen them in other worlds?” [Evelyn]
“Yeah, but things vary from one world to another. Some elves can use magic while others can’t. Some live for very long while others don’t. Some are vegetarian while others aren’t.” [Ryner]
“What are the chances that you’ve met their kind already?” [Evelyn]
“Don’t know, but you’d be surprised at how similar different worlds can be. People just come up with the same ideas even though they live in different realms.” [Ryner]
Ryner took out a gold coin from his pocket dimension and held it up in front of his face.
“Like this coin. The money’s pretty much the same here, so I can make use of what I’ve been hoarding, which brings us to what we’ll be doing next.” [Ryner]
“Is it, possibly… Retaliate?” [Evelyn]
Evelyn asked with a rather dark smile on her face to which he nodded.
“We know some organization’s been behind the coup and they like to move in the shadows. We took out… Well, you annihilated one of their agents. There’s a chance they’ll find out it was us, so we should be ready in case they ever come after us for revenge. That’s why what we need is information.” [Ryner]
He flipped the coin in the air and caught it.
“Secret societies are a pain to deal with because they’re so secretive. Until we get to the part where we fight them, it’ll be a hunt between them and us. Which is why…” [Ryner]
He held out the coin to Evelyn.
“You remember how to engrave magic into an item?” [Ryner]
Evelyn stared at the shiny gold coin for a few seconds before she slowly nodded. She had an idea of what he wanted to do.
“I do, but, I do not have any mercurite crystals for the engraving.” [Evelyn]
“Relax, I’ve got a bunch, enough to last us for years.” [Ryner]
Ryner took out from the shimmering, overlapping blue circles a crystal that had a silver, metallic tinge. Evelyn took it in her hand and examined it, confirming it was mercurite crystal and its quality.
“It is very pure. This will do nicely. As expected of Ryner. You are well-prepared.” [Evelyn]
“No, I’m just a really bad hoarder. Anyway, you know what it’s for, right?” [Ryner]
“Yes. If we are to hunt down an organization that hides in the shadows, then we are to first gather information to grab it by the tail. For that, we need an information network, but…” [Evelyn]
The vampire looked at the coin and at the crystal in her hands in turn.
“Will this be enough? It is not that I doubt you and I am sure that you are already aware of it, but I find this… Lacking.” [Evelyn]
“I know. I just thought I should put my money to good use. That’ll be for the ground. What it can’t cover, the orbital satellites will.” [Ryner]
“Orbital satellites?” [Evelyn]
“They’re-.” [Ryner]
When Ryner was about to explain what a satellite was, he stopped talking and swiftly took the coin and crystal back from Evelyn to put them back in his pocket dimension. Just as soon as he did, she noticed the reason why and stayed quiet instead of voicing a question. Someone knocked on the door.
“Excuse me, are you awake?” [Maid]
The voice of a young woman could be heard on the other side. It was one of the castle’s maids that had come to wake them up in the morning.
“Yeah. You can come in.” [Ryner]
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“Thank you. Then, please excuse me.” [Maid]
With Ryner’s permission, she entered the dim room. Her eyes caught the sight of the two guests in the same bed. Pushing aside any funny ideas that popped into her head, she bowed to them respectively.
“Good morning. Breakfast will soon be served.” [Maid]
“Got it. We’ll be there in a bit.” [Ryner]
“Understood. Then, I shall go report it to her majesty.” [Maid]
She bowed once again and when she raised her head, she saw Evelyn getting out of the bed. Her pure white nightgown covered her body, but it didn’t hide her beautiful figure. As a professional maid serving in the royal castle, she managed to avoid staring at her guest and left the room. Although she was a woman, she couldn’t help but think that that black-haired man was quite lucky to have slept with her.
“I’ll tell you the details later.” [Ryner]
“As you wish. Well then, I shall go back to my room and groom myself. Also, Maya just contacted me, so I’ll have a short talk with her.” [Evelyn]
Evelyn said as she placed her hand on the black choker with a small red gem around her neck. After she was kidnapped, Ryner gave it back to her so that she could instantly call him. She was practically jumping for joy when she got it back.
“Maya?” [Ryner]
Ryner took a look at the leather bracelet around his wrist. There was a small green gem and just like Evelyn’s choker, it allowed him to talk telepathically to anyone who possessed a similar item. Thanks to it, Maya had been informed of Evelyn’s kidnapping as well as what happened to her kidnapper.
“Usually she greets the two of us at the same time. Wonder why she only talked to you this time.” [Ryner]
“Huhu, Ryner, this is a secret talk between women, so please do not ask any questions.” [Evelyn]
Evelyn smiled mischievously.
“… That secret talk doesn’t involve plotting my assault, does it?” [Ryner]
Her smiled disappeared in a heartbeat and she hung her head.
“I’m sorry. I lost to my desires. It won’t happen again.” [Evelyn]
“Says the one that already lost first thing in the morning!” [Ryner]
Having gotten out of bed, Ryner was roughly ruffling up her hair. The vampire stayed quiet and endured it since she had no excuse. But, the violent movements turned gentle and he began patting her head.
“You know, because of you, I once more realized that I’m a damn, ridiculously, freaking soft-hearted idiot.” [Ryner]
She didn’t say anything as her hair was being smoothened out. Then, a light hit on her forehead made her look up at his face. There was no hatred in his eyes. In fact, she could almost see a faint wry smile on his lips.
“Don’t make me hate you, got it?” [Ryner]
“… Of, of course.” [Evelyn]
With blushing cheeks, Evelyn nodded before exiting the bedroom.
“(I need to stick to kissing. I need to stick to kissing. Stick to kissing. Stick to kissing. Stick to kissing. Stick to kissing. Stick to kissing.)” [Evelyn]
Inwardly, she reminded herself to not cross the line and only do what was permitted.
“(Kissing. Kissing. Kissing. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Kiss~♥.)” [Evelyn]
Unfortunately, her thoughts turned strange halfway through.
----------------------------------------
At the breakfast table, Clara, Adrian and their two daughters were present. Maids were standing by the walls and everyone was quietly eating their meals.
“I heard that you two slept together last night again.” [Clara]
The one who broke the silence was the queen of the country. Upon her words, her family all stared at their guests and saviors.
“Why yes, we have.” [Evelyn]
Evelyn, who had been elegantly eating, answered politely and showed a demure smile.
“As cousins, we’ve slept together when we were children. As embarrassing as it is to say it, that habit hasn’t disappeared yet. From time to time, we sleep together.” [Evelyn]
She explained without embarrassment. Her eyes took a glance at Ryner and they both confirmed that her lie was acceptable. It was what they had come up with in case others ever questioned this aspect of their relationship.
“I see. But, as far as being cousins go, you two really don’t look alike.” [Clara]
The queen said as she examined the two. The black-haired man looked like a commoner that one could find anywhere while the blonde-haired woman was exactly like a highborn of nobility.
“As I’ve told you before, Ryner’s family chose a quiet life while mine became merchants and amassed a sizable fortune. However, make no mistake, he and I are definitely family.” [Evelyn]
Evelyn declared and turned a gentle smile towards Ryner who was poking his sliced potatoes with his fork. Clara didn’t miss that and narrowed her eyes.
“I see. So, you two have been sleeping together often?” [Clara]
“Yes. It makes me feel relieved.” [Evelyn]
The vampire said and was unconsciously scratching her left cheek. At that moment, Ryner threw a sliced potato and it landed in her plate.
“Evie.” [Ryner]
He pointed at her with his fork.
“Mind your manners.” [Ryner]
“Ah, yes. Excuse me.” [Evelyn]
She said and lowered her hand.
“You’re one to talk.” [Leila]
The one who rebuked Ryner in an unhappy tone was the Second Princess, Leila.
“You’re throwing food around, your own table manners are horrible and most importantly, to sleep with someone of the opposite gender at your age, how shameless.” [Leila]
She leveled a glare at the sleepy-looking idiot, but he didn’t react to it. Instead, after giving her a quick glance, he lightly threw his own counter and resumed eating.
“Don’t be jealous, kid.” [Ryner]
“J-j-j-jealous?!!” [Leila]
However, it had more effect than he expected.
“I-I-I’m not jealous! I’m only telling you that a boy and a girl shouldn’t sleep together after a certain age!” [Leila]
“Did you just call me a boy, kid? Seriously, kid? You called me a boy, kid?” [Ryner]
“You’re still treating my like a child?!” [Leila]
“Fine, then I’ll stop… Ponytail.” [Ryner]
“That’s it! Ryner! Fight me! This time, I’m going to teach you a lesson after my holy sword splits your dumb head in two!” [Leila]
“Leila, manners.” [Clara]
Leila’s angry outburst was quelled by her mother’s chilly voice.
“But, but, mother, he-!” [Leila]
“Leila.” [Clara]
“… Yes.” [Leila]
While his daughter was being one-sidedly defeated by his wife, Adrian laughed and said that it was good to be lively. As for Tiffany, who had stayed quiet the whole time, she would normally be giggling at the usual interaction between Ryner and her little sister. However, instead of a smile, a downhearted expression covered her face. Clara, who noticed it, cleared her throat and proceeded to talk to Ryner.
“Actually, Ryner, would you like to-.” [Clara]
“No.” [Ryner]
“… You didn’t even hear what I had to say.” [Clara]
“It’s about becoming a noble, right?” [Ryner]
“Well… Yes.” [Clara]
For the past few days, the queen had repeatedly offered him a nobility title. But, every time, he would refuse.
“Then I’m not interested.” [Ryner]
“Are you sure? Normally, commoners would jump at the chance of getting a peerage.” [Clara]
“But I like being a commoner. If I became a noble, I’d have to manage the land I received instead of napping all day.” [Ryner]
“That’s only normal. Napping all day is, well, for those who are quite lazy.” [Clara]
“I’d have to act stuck-up and look down on everyone.” [Ryner]
“No, we don’t actually do that…” [Clara]
“I’d need dress up and worry about appearances all day long.” [Ryner]
“That’s, that is true, but…” [Clara]
“And I’d need to act nice and polite all day, even with people that I’d rather beat the crap of.” [Ryner]
“…” [Clara]
“In short, being a noble is not worth the trouble.” [Ryner]
“… You may have a point there.” [Clara]
“No… Clara… Please don’t let him convince you like that.” [Adrian]
Towards his wife, who was muttering with a pensive and serious look on her face, Adrian couldn’t help but think that the last few days had been rough for her and she really needed some rest.
Looking as if she snapped out of it, the queen of Garroth faked a cough and resumed the conversation.
“Putting all that aside, it would be unacceptable if we did not give you a proper reward. You have done much for us. Are you sure there is nothing we could offer?” [Clara]
“Weeelll, if you insist, there is something…” [Ryner]
This time, unlike his uninterested and carefree attitude, Ryner’s tone and actions suggested that he did desire something.
“Oh? And what would that be?” [Clara]
Clara asked, wondering what a man who possessed his strength would want when being a noble was no good. Ryner flashed a smile and stated his wish.
“I’d like a house.” [Ryner]
“… House?” [Clara]
“Yeah. A big house.” [Ryner]
“… For everything that you’ve done… What you want in return… Is a house?” [Clara]
“Yup.” [Ryner]
Except for Evelyn, everyone stared at him silently, unable to voice anything.
It truly was difficult to fathom his thoughts.
----------------------------------------
“(Is there really no need for me to come with you?)” [Evelyn]
Evelyn’s voice resounded in Ryner’s head as he walked down the streets of the city.
“(Yeah, it’s fine. Just start engraving those coins.)” [Ryner]
“(Understood, but in exchange for my good work, I would like a reward~.” [Evelyn]
Her voice turned coquettish and he knew just what she wanted.
“(Evie, I’m indulging you so that you won’t rip out your face, but-.)” [Ryner]
“(Yes, I know. It doesn’t make us lovers.)” [Evelyn]
She said in a peaceful voice, having already accepted it.
“(Besides, I have a more important objective.)” [Evelyn]
“(Objective? What’s that?)” [Ryner]
“(… Never losing you again.)” [Evelyn]
The vampire said and cut off the connection. Ryner stared at the blue sky as he weaved his way through the crowd.
“… Don’t talk like I die so easily, brat.” [Ryner]
He muttered softly and made his way towards his destination. Once he arrived, he was ushered into the building and was brought to a tidy and stylish room. Sitting on the comfortable two-seater couch, tea was given to him by a man in a suit, similar to a butler.
“Thank you very much for visiting us.” [Merchant]
The one other man in the room was sitting on the opposite couch in front of him and greeted him with a business smile on his face. He was somewhere between his thirties and forties. A fine suit of green and white colors adorned him. His sleek blonde hair was combed to the back and his sharp eyes were black. He was a slave merchant, the one running the slave shop that Ryner was currently at.
“This is my first time meeting you.” [Merchant]
“That’s because it’s my first time here.” [Ryner]
“I see, I see! A new customer! Once again, thank you very much for visiting us.” [Merchant]
He rubbed his hands together and his smile widened.
“Shall we get down to business? How may I be of service to you? Do you perhaps require a slave for physical labor? Or is it to accompany you in the night?” [Merchant]
“For labor.” [Ryner]
“I see, I see. Then, shall I bring my best slaves here for you to see?” [Merchant]
“No, show me all the slaves that you have.” [Ryner]
“… Yes?” [Merchant]
He blinked his eyes, unsure if he heard right. He tried to tell him that it would be better if they conducted their business here, but by Ryner’s incessant urging, he gave in to his request. However, the main reason was because of the sacks of gold that his new customer took out of nowhere.
Guided by the merchant, Ryner was brought before a door. Two men in light armor, hired as guards, were accompanying them.
“This is where I keep my merchandise, but my dear sir, it is not exactly a good place to be.” [Merchant]
“It’s fine. I’m familiar with dark and dirty cages. To be honest, I used to be a slave.” [Ryner]
“Ah! I see, I see! For you to now be able to walk the streets with so much gold on you, how marvelous! You have my utmost respect!” [Merchant]
The merchant nodded and sported his usual friendly, business smile. Somehow, he managed to prevent his face from cramping up at the sudden revelation.
“That’s also why I feel like killing every single person involved in the slave trade.” [Ryner]
“…” [Merchant]
This time, his smile froze and his eyes opened wide.
“I’m kidding. Don’t be so serious.” [Ryner]
“Ah, I see, I see! It was a joke! You certainly fooled me! Hahaha!” [Merchant]
The blonde-haired man smiled and let out a rather dry laugh. There were beads of cold sweat on his forehead. While feeling relieved that he had guards with him, he opened the door and let him in. The room was huge and dark with cells aligned on both sides of the walls. Those inside stirred and turned their eyes towards the source of light.
“Are these all the slaves you have?” [Ryner]
Ryner looked at them briefly and walked ahead, followed by the merchant and his two guards. He avoided staring into their eyes.
“Yes, I have a hundred and fifteen slaves here.” [Merchant]
The men and women, wearing worn-out rags, watched them as they walked passed their cage. Some were too tired and only spared a glance. Others were more energetic and rattle their cage, though were quickly subdued by the angry voices and steel swords of the guards.
“I apologize for the ruckus, sir. They still need training, you see.” [Merchant]
“No, it’s fine. If they’re lively, then it’s better for me.” [Ryner]
Ryner walked near the end of the room. The cages in the front of him were now filled with nothing but children. Most of them, shivering in fright, crawled away and curled up in the corners, huddling together.
“Are these kids slaves too?” [Ryner]
“Why yes, of course. What a question to ask, my good sir.” [Merchant]
“Are they crime slaves or debt slaves?” [Ryner]
“Both types are here.” [Merchant]
“You sure they weren’t just kidnapped and sold as slaves?” [Ryner]
“That would be illegal. The dealer from whom I bought my merchandise from assured me that these are all proper slaves. Now of course, many slaves would try to appeal that they were abducted, but there is no way to know if they are telling the truth.” [Merchant]
The blonde-haired man added. Truth be told, he didn’t care if they were legal or illegal slaves. All he worried about was selling them off and making money.
“Would you prefer only debt slaves?” [Merchant]
Rubbing his hands together, he asked as he planned on making a profit by selling at a high price.
“Hmm…” [Ryner]
“Sir?” [Merchant]
The merchant stared curiously at his customer who was mumbling something to himself. A few seconds later-
“Unacceptable.” [Ryner]
Ryner suddenly glared at him.
“You know what it means to sell kids as slaves?” [Ryner]
“… Huh?” [Merchant]
“It’s child labor!” [Ryner]
Ryner pointed at the frightened kids.
“They’re sure to do backbreaking jobs that will definitely kill them in the end! If not, they’ll be used like toys by sick perverts or tortured by sadistic bastards! That’s the kind of people that come here to buy them! You’ve been conducting business with twisted lowlifes!” [Ryner]
The sleepy-looking, and sometimes scary, man was gone. In his place was someone that was passionately denouncing the practice of selling and buying children. The merchant couldn’t keep up with the sudden change and just stared at him with his mouth agape, stunned. The two guards looked at each other and then at their boss, wondering if they should kick the customer out.
“Listen up! You should never sell kids to others ever again! They are still young! They deserve to live! To have a future! No one has the right to take that away from them! Do you hear me?!” [Ryner]
Ryner pointed at the merchant and fiercely glared at him.
“… H-huh, yes…” [Merchant]
“WELL?!!” [Ryner]
“Y-yes, sir!” [Merchant]
The merchant answered and nodded his head mostly by reflex because of the pressure his customer was giving off.
“Good!” [Ryner]
Seemingly satisfied with his answer, Ryner grunted in approval. Taking an imposing stance, he crossed his arms and puffed out his chest.
“Now that you understand, sell all of these kids to me.” [Ryner]
“… Huh? S-sell you…?” [Merchant]
“That’s right.” [Ryner]
He said as he turned around to look at the boys and girls in the cages.
“I love kids.” [Ryner]
“““SO IT’S OK IF YOU BUY THEM?!!!””” [Merchant and guards]
The merchant couldn’t maintain his business smile and attitude to the very end.