A couple days have passed since the fight with Brosjak, the archoneldwyn that seems to have been pulling at least some of the strings behind the scenes of the Demon Covenant. Ryuogriar and Geirahoel have mostly recovered, though they are still weary as their mana recovers. Given their massive mana pools, like Hekate, it takes a long time for them to get back up to full magical stamina.

Daniel scrolls through his phone’s various documents. He has plenty of engineering handbooks, technical manuals for the various equipment he has worked on, a few survival guides, and lots and lots of manga and light novels, as well as videos of various topics. He hasn’t shown anyone the videos yet, since most of them are fiction, and he is worried they might get addicted to the unprecedented type of entertainment in this world.

Though, if he could entertain people with fiction, perhaps there would be fewer idle hands seeking war. Naturally, Daniel knows that it is not an inoculation against war, of course. Warhawks will exist in every world, no matter how peaceful, and peace through superior firepower is the only way to deal with them.

And, in an attempt to learn from Daniel without explicitly asking, Choul took it upon himself to develop his own simple fuse-fired cannons. It shouldn’t surprise Daniel that much. When he asked, Choul said he recognized the smell of what this world calls ‘alchemical flash powder’. Daniel’s black powder isn’t the exact same blend, but when he made the first bullets for his rifle and revolver, he was able to use pure flash powder for testing.

The problem is the forging process, by the sounds of it. One of the cannons Choul had made exploded, rupturing the side and sending shrapnel flying. It could be that the projectile jammed inside, but it’s more likely that the metal was too thin or brittle.

Daniel writes down the process he used for his rifle, but adds notes that both the barrel thickness and tempering have to be done more carefully, especially when cooling the barrels. If the large metal barrel of a cannon is cooled too quickly, it can weaken the metal and create internal stresses. Coupled with the expanding gas pressure of the black powder burning, and potentially temporary or permanent binding of the projectile itself from either being uneven in roundness or variations in the barrel diameter, even a brief blockage would turn the cannon into a bomb.

As for the cannon that fired on its own long after the team had abandoned it to help recover those wounded by the cannon that exploded, the fuse smoldered for a time, finding a dry enough point to spark itself again and light, leading into firing. It unfortunately was merely a problem of quality control. The fuse didn’t burn evenly, and may have absorbed moisture. Daniel doesn’t have the know-how to make it, but he knows that the cannon fuses of Earth typically have an actual black powder core, wrapped in string, and coated with a lacquer of some kind to increase moisture resistance. Conversely, some of the earliest cannons on the Asian continent used a much smaller fuse or no fuse at all, and instead, used an ignition rod.

In this case, it may be simple enough to make a basic flintlock mechanism. In many regards, a flintlock is more reliable, faster, and easier to use. Though, the mechanical nature of the system means it is more complex to assemble and slightly more vulnerable to failure.

That said, for their purposes, there’s no reason to skimp. Not if they’re going to have to forge the body of the cannon again anyways.

Daniel draws up the basic designs of a flintlock mechanism. He doesn’t have to get too technical -which is good, because he’s terrible at highly accurate drafting drawings-. And, since Choul started the project on his own, it’s only fitting that Daniel minimize his assistance. Choul could requisition artillery pieces like the ones Daniel and Xyreko added to the Citadel, but instead, he’s trying to act as a self-sufficient general and handle his problems at his own level without relying entirely on Daniel’s power.

Once he’s satisfied, Daniel rolls up the drawings and puts them in a message tube, sealing it with the special binding twine that Xyreko made for him, since he can’t cast his own sealing spell yet.

Once it’s prepared, he hands it to the goblin messenger. “Take this to General Choul without delay.”

The goblin salutes as Daniel taught them, a hand to the temple like the American military. “As you wish, my Emperor! Krom… I ride with most fast!”

Daniel nods. Goblins don’t speak any language other than their own tribal dialects typically, so the ones that have learned any Eastern Imperial Trade are the rarity, and as can be expected, the messengers are those goblins. Their small size makes it easy for wing wyverns to carry them quickly without becoming tired, and though they aren’t the smartest race, they are dedicated to simple tasks.

The goblin bows, and he jogs to the flyway, where his tamed wyvern is waiting. He takes off into the sky, and Daniel watches.

“Everything alright?” asks Treia as she approaches Daniel. The control room is freely accessible only to everyone in Daniel’s inner circle, since most of them have administrator access. Shek and Skloe specifically asked not to be administrators, since they know they aren’t especially brave.

“Yeah, just sending a reply to Choul. He’s trying to make some cannons to defend Fort Twilight with, and they ran into some hiccups.”

“Cannons?” asks Treia curiously.

“Hmm? The big firearms. Like what’s mounted on the tank, or the artillery pieces around the Citadel.”

Treia gasps. “Y-... I thought… Are you sure it’s okay for anyone else to make your weapons?”

“It’s honestly only a matter of time before others manage to figure out how firearms work. Choul was able to get as far as he did because he identified the basic functions, as well as the smell of the black powder. And, Rikuto comes from a country that kept firearms out of the hands of its citizens at large, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know anything about them. He may be able to guide the creation of at least simple firearms, which could vastly change the art of warfare. Worse yet would be the creation of magic firearms, since the variations could be much different than what I’ve already come up with in the elemental blasters or the railgun.”

Treia approaches Daniel, taking position next to him to watch the wyvern as it flies further and further into the distance.

“Do… you worry that he’s trying to betray you? Even a little bit?”

“Nah. I’m not all-knowing, and I’m certainly not the most intelligent person in either world I’ve been in. But, something I’ve always noticed is that people that are capable of evil have a specific… feeling. Or, I have a specific feeling about them. It’s hard to put it into words, but it’s just a sense I’ve always had. Not a perfect defense, mind you, but Choul is… not unlike me. He’s too honest for his own good. Like building the cannons, he could find a thousand ways to work around his contract to kill me. But,...” Daniel looks directly at Treia, smiling. “He saved my life from Doephluev when we met on the battlefield. He didn’t have to do that. Why would he save me if he was out to kill me? That’s a relatively easy way to look at it, from my point of view. But, the skittery feeling I get has also been missing. And, for the record, the Red Lord gave me that feeling when we met face to face.”

Treia smirks as she plops down in a seat at the table that is present in the middle of the control room, where Daniel was completing his drawings quickly before passing them off to the messenger. She puts her feet up on the table to lounge in her chair, kicking back in a lean on the legs of the chair. “So, you have magical instincts for detecting evil, huh? I thought you didn’t have any magic.”

Daniel smirks at her in retort. He rolls his eyes before taking a seat beside her. He, too, kicks his feet up on the table, since he doesn’t get to act like a slob in front of anyone else, given that he tries to set a good example for Hekate, and everyone else has seemingly high expectations for him. Even when she’s being friendly with him, Treia’s expectations for Daniel are that of a fairly normal person, rather than a slayer of dragons and a hero of the world. She treats him very much like the regular human he is.

Treia calls out, “Two shots of Daniel’s rum, please!”

A few moments later, a golem appears with the shot glasses containing the most recent version of the rum Daniel is trying to replicate. It has good flavor, but also a very sharp alcohol profile.

“I didn’t think you liked the rum,” remarks Daniel as the golem sets the glasses down for Treia and Daniel.

She smiles. “I’ve gotten used to it. And, it actually does have good flavor, but one you have to be ready for.”

“You don’t have to lie if you don’t like it.”

She takes her shot glass and grins at Daniel. She gestures with the glass, clearly waiting on Daniel. Daniel takes his own cautiously, watching her for hesitation. They toast briefly, and then down their shots. Both of them sigh from the mild burn of the alcohol.

She grins at him, saying warmly, “There. Satisfied? How many do you think I can take?”

“Three at most,” replies Daniel. He’s going entirely off of when he first started drinking rum, and how many he could handle before feeling tipsy. He doesn’t need or want Treia to get hammered drunk.

Though, if she’s going to, she couldn’t be safer than the Citadel, where Daniel and the golems can watch over her.

“Is that a challenge?” asks Treia with a feisty tone.

Daniel hesitates at first, but a sudden urge to have fun comes over him. “Hm. Hardly. It’s not a challenge if I’m guaranteed to win.”

The gatonine leans over him as she retorts, “Huhhh!? Did you really say that to me of all people!?”

“Yeah, look at you. You weigh, what, maybe ninety pounds soaking wet and in full equipment? Three shots will have you under the table.”

She smacks the table, doing her best to corner Daniel, though he’s relatively unintimidated. Treia has a spicy personality at times, but she’s not violent. “You’re on, Daniel! But, when I win, you have to stop avoiding me.”

“Avoiding you? When do I avoid you?”

“You know exactly when!” She straddles his lap, sitting down on him as he still keeps his feet on the table. Her tail swishes back and forth in frustration, and she pokes the underside of his chin, causing Daniel to lift his head as he smirks at her, unsuccessfully playing dumb while ceding control to her.

“Are you sure that’s something you want?” asks Daniel. “I was under the impression you’re more the adventurous type.”

Treia blushes and looks away from him for a moment. “Yeah, well… It’s not like I don’t want to be able to work for a living, but I don’t want to be an old maid, either.” She looks directly into his eyes, and she grips his collar, kissing him. She hugs his neck, enjoying her kiss for the moment.

Daniel offers when she finally frees him, “You know… we don’t have to wait, if you’re feeling so anxious.”

She blushes again. “I-... Three shots, Daniel. We have a deal, right? I just have to hit four, and I win.”

The human mechanic ponders pressing, but he figures there’s a reason she wants to wait. “Yeah, we have a deal. But, what do I get if I win?”

“You won’t.”

Daniel grins. “Confident are we?” Daniel pulls her close to him again, saying playfully just above a whisper, “The way I see it, either way I win.”

Treia bites her lip with a grin, and she gives in. “Fine! What do you want if you win? I-I mean, if I lose, specifically. If I can’t handle more than three shots. Per our deal.”

The mechanic grins. “I wouldn’t play word games on you, Kitten.”

“K-Kitten!?” asks Treia in shock with rosy cheeks.

Daniel grins. “Don’t like it?”

She looks to the side, trying to hide her embarrassment. “I… d-don’t dislike it…”

Daniel grins as he gently pinches her sides, and she squirms a little from being ticklish. “Then, for my prize,... How about an introduction to your sister.”

This kills all amusement for Treia, and she glares into Daniel’s eyes with the most lifeless gaze he has ever seen, like she’s now looking upon the epitome of scum.

He scoffs, adding with a chuckle, “I’m sorry, a terrible joke.”

“I will end you…” growls Treia with an icy tone.

Daniel pouts a little, trying to ease her anger. “Aww… I’m sorry, Kitten. If you’ll let me, I’ll tell you my real wish. I just wanted to tease you a little is all.”

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She grips his collar, pulling his face close to hers. “Daniel, if I EVER hear about you laying a single finger on my little sister, I swear I will use your bones to make jewelry for myself.”

“I won’t, I won’t. She’s around Eri’s age, right? Far too young for me.” He hugs Treia, who is still in his lap. She’s not impressed yet, but he adds, “Besides, I have the sexy sister already.”

She blushes a little and purses her lips. “Are you saying my sister isn’t pretty?”

“No, she’s cute. She’s the cute sister.” Daniel adds at a whisper, “Sexy is better.”

A smile finally cracks across her face again, and she pouts, “Idiot…” She leans behind herself to pat the table. “Two more shots please!”

The golem appears again, bringing the shots and placing them on the table while Treia looks at Daniel again, “So, what’s your prize, then? Hmm? You want to steal my underwear, you pervert?”

Daniel cocks his head, but he plays along. “Mmm. That’s an idea, Kitten. But, how about instead, we go on a camping trip together?”

“Huh?” asks the gatonine with confusion apparent on her face.

“A camping trip. You, me, a small island in the middle of the lake. I don’t want to stray too far, but it’ll be nice to get away.”

“And… Just you and me?” asks Treia a little skeptically.

Daniel nods. “Yeah. We won’t be far. Think of it as a… field exercise. You’ll be training me on gatonine survival techniques.”

She cocks her head. “Is… this some kind of… word play or something? Because I don’t understand.”

“No word play. Just a getaway on an island.”

“Why… would that be what you want for a prize?”

Daniel smiles. “Well, because I don’t want to ask for too much. I figured a getaway would be fun. A long weekend or something.”

She relaxes, still seated on his lap. “I understand. Well then, you’re on, Mister Artificer.” She climbs off of him, but only long enough to turn around and take a seat on him again, laying back against his chest and propping her feet up on his legs. Fortunately, she’s not very heavy, so Daniel doesn’t mind. She leans forward to take the shot glasses, passing one over her shoulder to Daniel. “I’m winning this challenge, your Grace.”

Daniel scoffs. He puffs air in her triangular ear on top of her head, and it flicks as she hums in frustration just before she was about to drink her second shot. “I’m surprised you haven’t talked Hekate into making you a gatonine empress.”

Treia scoffs, having to pause once more before taking her shot. “Nooo thank you. Empresses and Queens get assassinated. Mistresses get a chance to flee or be made into new mistresses.“ She toasts her drink and downs it before Daniel can distract her again. She shakes her head, flicking her ears and hair as she exhales. Daniel drinks his shot as well, resting his hands around Treia’s waist, since he doesn’t have anywhere else comfortable to put them. She simply rests her own arms on top of his, letting herself settle with the second shot before asking for the golems to bring more.

“Speaking of the others,” starts Daniel. “I’m surprised we’ve had this long alone.”

Treia’s ears point straight up, and Daniel can feel her twitch. Her tail flips a little between his thighs, and Daniel can’t help but smirk and roll his eyes.

“I… uh… might’ve asked Xyreko to tell anyone else that you’re helping with the town latrines.” Treia looks over her shoulder with a sheepish pout. “I-It’s… difficult to just ask everyone else to give me alone time… with you.”

“Fair enough.” Daniel doesn’t tease anyone on the matter. After all, it’s precarious enough as it is that he has so many companions. He doesn’t want it to be systematic like business transactions, but there are times he ponders making a schedule. Assuming the more forward women would abide by it. Daniel offers gently and sincerely as he can, “You know, you don’t have to be embarrassed. I know it’s easy for me to say that, but… as long as everyone is sincere, I think no one is going to be cruel about their teasing.”

“I-I know… But, would you just… open yourself up to teasing?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. Regularly. It’s all in good fun.”

She sighs. The golem is already bringing the third shots for each of them, and she takes them. “Thank you. Be ready for number four.” She passes one of them back to Daniel, and they clink their shot glasses together this time for a toast. They down the shots and relax for a bit once more.

“Hey Daniel?”

“Yes, Treia?”

“That night… after you fixed my memory crystal, and I found you in the lounge… What were you and Gwen doing?”

“Hmm?”

“You were on the sofa together, right? I… kinda forgot about it with all the craziness, but… this made me think of it.”

“It wasn’t anything profound.”

“I know. I’m just… curious.”

Daniel takes a fairly deep breath and exhales. “Gwen asked me to rub her belly, and she sprawled out on my lap. We shared a few stories about ourselves, and then she fell asleep. I was dozing off, as I recall, when you burst through the door.”

“Mm… I have to apologize to Gwen.” Treia shifts her body back and forth, making herself comfortable. She wiggles her feet, seemingly realizing for the first time just how much smaller her feet are than Daniel’s.

Daniel stirs his thumb in small circles on her belly, teasing playfully, “You know, that was the day I actually learned that gatonines purr.”

Once more, Treia flinches in Daniel’s lap, and her cheeks fill with color. “I… I can’t do it on command, you know! It just happens on its own!”

Daniel chuckles. He begins gently kneading her navel region with his right hand, and she shifts again, slinking down a little bit more as she lays her head against his collar. “Mmm… I-I know what you’re doing, Daniel. But, I still have a challenge to beat.” She waves her hand a little sloppily at the golem, and it approaches with two more shots of rum.

“You sure you can do another, Treia? Don’t make yourself sick.”

“Ha! Nice try! But I told you I’m winning this challenge! So keep rubbing my belly, and maybe I’ll purr for you. J-Just don’t think I’ll do it every time.”

Daniel teases by whispering directly into her feline-like ear, “Is that a challenge, Kitten?”

She shivers while making a small, mouse-like sound. She quickly shouts to hide her embarrassment, “Don’t tease me! I have to focus on winning!”

She snatches the shot glass for number four, gulping it down without warning. “There! Four! You see that, Daniel!? I win!”

“Still have to see if you get sick, Kitten.”

She rolls over on top of him, positioning herself to flop down onto him in a lazy hug. Her tail swishes back and forth in a cozy, relaxed sway. “I won’t… But, that’s my last one. I just needed to win.”

“Seems like I’ve been hustled.”

“Mmm… Maybe you shouldn’t gamble, then.” She gets comfortable on his chest, all but curling up in a ball. Daniel carefully drinks his own shot over her head, handing the glass to the golem. “Thank you.”

The golem bows and retreats.

Daniel begins gently stroking Treia’s back, and she nuzzles his chest. “Daniel… I wub you… I don’s know if I say it mmnough…”

“Uh oh, sounds like you’re definitely drunk.”

“Mmmrr… You sound drunk…”

“That’s ‘cause I am, Kitten.” Daniel definitely feels the floating dizziness setting in, but he can’t help but relax.

“I see why you Earf people make this stuff… I feels all warm and fuzzy.”

Daniel continues to pet her back, relaxing with her as she remains snuggled against him.

Daniel flinches awake a little later, having fallen asleep at some point. Treia is still lounging on his chest, and a slight rumbling is coming from his chest. He cocks his head to listen, and he can hear it; the illusive sound.

Treia is purring.

And, she doesn’t seem to have gotten sick. They both fell asleep rather peacefully. Daniel stretches his arms, doing his best not to disturb her just yet. He pets her ear gently, and it flicks back and forth. He whispers, “Looks like you won, Treia.”

She stirs with a hum, stretching on Daniel’s chest. It takes a moment for her to wake up, and when she sees Daniel, she recoils back. “D-Daniel! I… Where are we?” She looks around as she sits up, and Daniel groans as he finally puts his legs back down, which are both asleep at this point. He helps balance Treia, who is still a little tipsy given her shifting to hold his shirt chest. “S-Sorry… I… should I still… be drunk?”

Daniel chuckles. “Yeah, it’s probably only been a couple hours. You feel okay?”

She nods, smiling at him. “I feel like a victorious Kitten, Daniel.” She giggles as she slides up his chest to kiss his cheek. “You have to keep your promise now. Heeheeheehee.”

“Whenever you’re ready, Kitten.”

“Soooon,” murmurs Treia before she lets out a big yawn. “You’re really warm, Daniel.” She lays back down against his chest, and Daniel sighs. “You know, I do have work to do…”

“Then why did you start drinking with me? Hmm?”

“Letting a lady drink alone? What sort of barbarian do you take me for?”

She giggles. “The kind who strips princesses naked, but never does anything untoward with me.” She puts on an impressive pouty face. “Am I not cute enough?”

“Oh for fu-...” Daniel finds the lace for the right side of the blouse she’s wearing, and he tugs it free to loosen it. He does the same for the left side, and she cackles. “Ohhh! Is today the day, Daniel?” She grins up at him, and Daniel ponders not bluffing. It crosses his mind to pin her to the table, which might give him the advantage. But, he comes from a world where forward masculine behavior like that was frowned upon by society at large, even if it is still what seems to be the thing women are attracted to deep down.

Daniel sighs. He’s in another world, and she’ll stop him if he goes too far.

He rolls their weight forward, standing up, which causes her to yelp as he supports her weight. They aren’t going far. He lays her on the table, and she gasps, now with Daniel gripping the front of her shirt. He smirks down at her, and her cheeks are a rosy color. “You know, little Kitten, I’m just drunk enough to have reduced self-control. You sure you want to keep playing…”

“Ahem…” Daniel and Treia both flinch with a start, The voice that just spoke is Ryuogriar. She’s wearing a nightgown, rather than her usual attractive form-fitting dress. She looks much more homely than usual, and her hair is a little messy.

“You’re getting as bad as Xyreko,” jokes Daniel.

“I resemble that remark, Daniel.”

“I came, Mukori, to request your permission to question the surviving archoneldwyn. I understand you have her under contract, yes?”

“I do, but… what do you want to talk to her about?”

“In a moment.” She studies the compromising position Treia and Daniel are in, even though they’re both still clothed. Treia’s blouse has ridden up her abdomen, so it looks like something imminent was interrupted. “Mukori, I insist you do this to me.”

“What? Nothing? Can do.”

She glares at him with a sarcastic smirk. Instead, she speaks to Treia, “Dear Treia, I am sorry for interrupting.”

“N-Not at all! We were just… drinking…” Treia blushes as she realizes her lie is pretty obvious at this point. “Well… It… it was just drinking, but then we started teasing each other…”

“Mm-hmm. I am not disapproving. I am simply informing Mukori that I want the same treatment. Daniel tends to hold himself back unnecessarily. It is charming and frustrating at the same time.”

Daniel sighs. “I got it, Mukori. Thanks. So, about Doephluev?”

“It has a name? How charming.” She straightens her posture, saying proudly, “I wish to convey the precarious nature the beast is in, and to insist it volunteer for the Racial Preservation Program.”

“The what?” asks Daniel, confused. He helps Treia sit up, and she takes a cross-legged seated position on the table as she looks at Ryuogriar.

The dragon approaches, walking slowly and wearily. Daniel jogs to her aid, helping her reach the table and take a seat. “Thank you… I’m sorry that you have to see me in this state, Mukori. You must think me truly weak…”

“Ha! As if I can say anything. Just relax. In fact, I’d have rathered you stay in bed. But, since you’re here, please explain this… ‘Racial Preservation Program’.”

“As you know, Daniel, I regret my own inaction in the extermination of the feldroks. I am glad that Hekate remains, and we might still be able to recover them from the brink of extinction. Likewise, I would hate for another race to be eradicated by our hands, if I can help it.”

“And… your plan is to talk Doephluev into becoming a mother?”

Ryuogriar nods. “Granting it the title of mother is a little generous. From what I have heard and seen of all three of the archoneldwyn assassins, they are not fit to be parents. But, that’s no reason to let their race die out.”

“Alright, putting aside the potential for at least part of their… personalities being genetic, which of the two males would you have me revive? Currently, we have no remaining revival potations.”

“I am aware. And of course, I would never ask you to carry on the bloodline of those wretches.”

“Then…”

“Isn’t it obvious, Mukori?”

Daniel sighs. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am very serious, my beloved.” She cups Daniel’s cheek. “It is your right by conquest…”

“You know I don’t take war brides. I’m not about to start.”

“It’d probably be better to have a different father each time anyways,” suggests Treia.

“Trust me, I am not especially favorable of that creature receiving any privileges, but if the eldest child of the archoneldwyn is a princess…”

Treia’s eyes widen in surprise. “Ah! Then we have someone to establish as their governing representative.”

“Mm-hmm,” replies Ryuogriar with a warm smile.

“I could adopt the-...” starts Daniel, but Ryuogriar presses her finger to his lips.

“Shhh, Mukori. No one will dispute a princess by blood, even if she comes from a prisoner.”

Daniel grumbles as he clutches his head, taking a seat to lean on the table. “I hate that you’re making sense…”

“Mm-hmm. I’ll be sure to convince her, as well. Leave it to me.”

Daniel thinks, and Treia slides across the table to sit above him, petting his head gently. “There, there, Daniel. That’s what you get for being an Emperor.”

Ryuogriar chuckles, and Daniel sighs. The dragon adds as she also pets Daniel’s head gently, “It is as much a duty as a privilege, Mukori.”

“No,” replies Daniel. He finally sits up. “I agree with the logic, but I will make one exception. Doephluev has the right to choose the fate of her race, her partner, and the name of her children. I won’t compromise on those three things.”

Both of the women cock their heads. “Why do you not simply take what you want?” asks Ryuogriar. “It’s often surprising how reserved you are when you now command the strongest empire in the world.”

“I’m only a man,” replies Daniel, trying to remind them that he has no interest in being treated like an Emperor or a god. Not by his inner circle.

Ryuogriar huffs as she wraps her arms under her breasts, pulling her nightgown in to emphasize them. “Hmph! Then I am just a woman. And, I insist you treat me like one. Soon.”

Daniel rolls his eyes. He looks at Treia, saying, “Treia, I had fun. Let’s drink again sometime.”

She grins, revealing her varied teeth, including her modest canines. They’re more pronounced than human eyeteeth, but not quite as relatively long as true canines. “It was my pleasure, Daniel. Thanks. Oh, and don’t forget our bet. I’ll remind you soon.” She sways her tail behind her, curling it a few times in wistful patterns.

Daniel smiles and bows, “Of course, my lady. Now then…” He pivots crisply with his old military training, which is a little rusty, and he walks to Ryuogriar. She stares at him fearlessly, curious about what he’s going to do, but she does feign a feminine sheepishness, clutching the collar of her nightgown. Daniel simply swoops low, scooping her up onto his shoulder, and she cries out in surprise. He then faces Treia one last time, saying in a mockingly barbaric voice, “Me man. Me take woman.”

Treia begins laughing, and Ryuogriar blushes in embarrassment, but she plays along, screaming playfully as she laughs as well. “Mukoriiii!”

He carries her out of the room, though his destination is towards the prison cells with Doephluev. There’s time for mischief later.

***