Alissa nodded at the retreating figures without paying attention as she read the file. It had a few images of Theon, all of him scowling or berating someone. The file mentioned he was only B rank thanks to endless pills and treasures being poured into him, and lived in his own mansion separate from the rest of the Zurk family. He was cautious, hiring groups from the Warring states to set up many formations around his property and mansion. He was also a deeply private and distrusting man, at home he only has his C rank servant near, with guards in a separate house nearby.

Alissa sighed as she looked at a map to see where it was, then at the moons already sinking slowly towards the horizon. Whistling a tune only she could hear, Alissa trotted to her next target quickly so she could at least go back to bed for a few hours.

Theon Zurk was peacefully resting in the center of his mansion in a bed fit for a king. It was so large, there could be five people on either side of Theon and still sleep comfortably. He slept at peace knowing he’d spent tens of thousands of Platinum for the best formations money could buy, and had half a battalion of trusted guards on property in case of emergency, though he’d been considering increasing it as a beast tide was due.

This was a first, he thought scowling at the curved knife point resting on his throat, a single drop of blood leaking where it sat.

“Oh good, you’re up! You’ve really pissed me off Theon. Normally I’d just burn you and your mansion to the ground and be done with it, but I read about you on the walk over. Very impressive for a tiny fifth son of the leader of a no name merchant group to elevate your entire clan to such a level in under a hundred years. I like smart people Theon, so I’ll give you two choices. First, you can sign an unbreakable servant contract with me and starting in one year I will help you take over and expand Randier. You’ll be the group head and make all your wildest dreams come true. In return, you will do everything I say without question, I will have complete access to all Randier funds, and you will source rare materials and information for me. The second option is a lot simpler, I take the same fire magic you’re so good at and burn this house down until not even ash is left, it’ll be like you never existed, forgotten to mediocrity like the little fifth son Theon once again.”

It was a day of firsts for Theon, he’d never been stunned speechless before. There wasn’t really a choice, was there? Gulping, trying to wet his dry mouth to speak, the blade dug a little deeper into skin.

“I’d be happy to serve you ma’am.”

Alissa frowned at hearing ma’am but pulled back her dagger and took out a radiant blue gem. Inside was a complicated formation with concentric circles that spun opposite each other. Alissa tossed it on Theon’s chest hard enough to make him wince, sure something cracked.

“Hold that and repeat what I say exactly. I hereby swear I shall willingly and wholeheartedly serve Alissa Covenscar without pause, question, or doubt. I will not attempt to harm or mislead her or those near her in any way, shape, or form. Any thoughts of rebellion or violence will be met with soul tearing pain. I swear it on my very essence.”

As soon as Theon said the last words the stone emitted a strong suction, he felt a heart piercing pain as a quarter of his soul was forcefully ripped and twisted off, placed in the center of the stone’s formation. It was like thousands of needles stabbed him simultaneously, so bad his entire body tensed hard as a rock and he couldn't even scream to vent the pain.

“Good! Now I can know everything you’re thinking whenever I want. And if you aren’t useful, with just a thought I can get rid of you without leaving a trace. I’ll be back in a year so be prepared. Oh, and Theon? If you ever so much as look at a rabbitkin again I’ll show you exactly how much a soul can withstand before crumbling.”

Nodding vigorously, the middle-aged man losing all his usual imposing aura in front of the young demi-human. “That’s what I like to see. Have a good night Little Fifth.”

Alissa strutted out of the mansion the way she came, only one other knowing she was ever there.

The first of the moons was dipping under the skyline when Alissa made it back to their room, she wasn’t particularly tired, at her rank she only needed a few hours of rest a month. But, Adrest was waiting there so with a low flash of violet light, Alissa was ducking back into bed. As she got near him, Adrest seemed to notice and pulled her close once more, Alissa closed her eyes to enjoy the warmth.

Adrest got up and around, having a drink at the bar with the same dwarven man who’d sold them their rooms, Ron. He and his family moved to Radagon from the Crimson Mountains many decades ago, they found they were better at earning gold than mining it. He was a rough man all around, but honest and kind.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

When Adrest decided to wake the group, he had to take more time than normal to rouse the dragon, she simply kept burying herself under the blankets. Adrest had to pick her up sheets and all before she would open her eyes. Finally, after much delay, they were able to eat breakfast, where Ron brought plate after plate out, making sure they couldn’t eat another bite.

After somehow climbing out of their chairs, the party made their way out the double doors, they walked out their breakfasts on the way to the other warehouse they weren’t able to explore yesterday. Once inside, they saw it was just as hectic as yesterday, Adrest and the group being pulled along with the flow of people, only breaking out when they spotted something interesting.

“Ady! Can I have this?” “Big bro could we stop there?”

It was played on loop from the girls surrounding Adrest, as they bounced between the many tents and stalls. Alissa was delighted to find a small booth with many ceramic bottles on display and a fox-eared, three tailed woman manning it. Both her hair and tails were a deep blue and they waved happily as the four walked up.

Alissa excitedly leaned forward on the counter and asked the fox woman, “You’re a water spirit, right? Is this all spirit liquor and wines?”

The woman took a small step back at the over excited woman getting too close to her. Nervously she laughed, “You have a good eye! Most people think I’m a beastkin. My name is Lila and yes, our village produced everything you see here.”

“I’ll take it!”

Lila nodded her head, “One bottle will be 2 platinum, It’s a long and dangerous trip, not to mention all the herbs and treasures that go into it.”

Lila was quickly explaining the reason for its price and the many benefits, trying to keep the customers from just walking away after hearing a ridiculous price like so many had already done today. She was happy and forgot her previous fear as Alissa brought out a cheap spacial bag filled with a few cores and tossed it to her.

Lila tilted her head seeing what was inside, she was happy to take the cores as they were used in some brewing recipes, but why were there so many?

“That’s enough for all of them, right? Can I start putting them away?”

Alissa grabbed one of the bottles near the counter as Lila caught on, shocked at the big spender. “Of course! It’s all yours! If you’re ever near Tearmoon Lake, I will make sure to show you the wines our village really treasures. Thank you so much!”

A few other minor stops and the gang were done with the second warehouse of vendors, not much standing out to them. As for their evening, the party watched a high quality play in the entertainment district, the girls using it as an opportunity to wear their new dresses and Adrest to try his new suit.

Adrest slipped on the perfect wrinkle-free black jacket and did a single button, pulling a hand back through his hair to push the few stray locks back into place. He fiddled with the muted red tie’s knot one last time as he knocked on Rin’s door where the girls were changing.

“Wait one more minute Adrest.” Rin’s voice answered from inside.

It was in fact closer to fifteen before the door swung open and Adrest was stunned still by the three inside. Alissa was just putting the finishing touches on Belle’s makeup, carefully lining her eyes with the smallest bit of a blue green that created a striking backdrop for Belle’s crimson irises. She was wearing a similar blue-green dress, it came down to her knees and fully covered one arm in a tight sleeve, whereas the other arm and shoulder were left exposed.

Alissa herself had a bit of gold streaking her eyes, blending in with her tanned skin and shining in the right light, drawing the eye. She was wearing a black sleeveless dress that looped around her neck and fully exposed her slightly paler shoulders. Alissa was feeling quite happy with Adrest’s reaction, now sure the makeup she’d bought a few days ago was worth it.

Rin was looking at the ground under Adrest’s gaze as she wore a modest short sleeved orange dress that showed off her well trained figure underneath. The makeup Alissa helped her carefully apply was hidden by the intense blush.

Finally finished with Belle’s makeup, Alissa’s heels clicked as she walked over to Adrest and linked her arm in his, leading him to the others, “Well Ady, anything to say?”

As Alissa elbowed his side, Adrest cleared his throat, “Hm! I can’t believe I get to spend the evening with the three most beautiful women in the city tonight.”

Rin was steaming and Belle was quite happy with the compliment, coming over and giving the handsome young man a hug, “Thanks Big bro Ady, you look really nice tonight too!”

Adrest let Belle take his other arm, and Rin followed along, near steaming and unable to speak. Adrest led the women out the door, every man in the bar going silent and staring at the three, some getting hit by their wives for being so obvious, while the other wives were busy staring just as intently at Adrest. Under the attention and a low whistle from Ron, the walked out the door and into a high-end carriage they rented for the night.

Adrest stood to the side and helped each one walk the steps leading to the spacious sitting area inside. Last one in, Adrest took a seat near Alissa, opposite Belle and Rin. Adrest noticed Rin still looked quite stiff, “Not used to the clothes or the attention?”

Rin jumped out of her thoughts and looked at Adrest embarrassed, “Both. I don’t really know what to do with so many people staring at me. And I had a few classes on etiquette and dancing, but it just feels weird, this doesn’t really suit me.”

“I think you look even prettier than normal Big sis Rin.”

“She’s right Rin, we really need to work on your confidence when I get back, huh?” Alissa reached across to pat Rin’s leg as she teased the little hero.

It was a fast ride to the huge multistory theater, where well dressed workers were waiting at the entrance to greet them, assisting the passengers down and leading them to their seating.