Duncan stretched himself out in his bed, and his hand rested against something soft and warm. He glanced over at the beautiful woman sleeping next to him. His hand rested against her naked breast, and he gave it a quick squeeze. She gave a slight moan and turned over.

Duncan rolled his eyes. He remembered having a partner last night, but he couldn’t remember anything about her. Was she the duke’s daughter, wife, or maybe just a servant? Honestly, he didn’t care. If the nobility were going to throw their women at him, then he was going to take advantage of it.

With a chuckle, he rose from his bed and slipped on a robe before leaving the bedroom. In the common room, his attendant stood by the door. A plate of food sat on the sitting room table waiting for him.

“Did you sleep well sir?” His attendant said with a bored expression.

“I slept well,” Duncan chuckled as he started eating, “You can even ask my partner to confirm.”

“I’m aware,” the attendant sighed in frustration, “I hope we won’t need to find the Archmage another attendant like we had to find this one.”

“Shizuka can’t blame me for that,” Duncan smiled mischievously, “She was the one who took the fertility potion, not me.”

The attendant shook his head, “I understand sir, but if you could show a little restraint.”

“Restraint, isn’t this part of my responsibilities as a hero,” Duncan sneered at the old man, “If you people want me to show some restraint, then why do you keep throwing women at me!”

“I apologize if I offended you,”

“Damn, there went my mood,” Duncan said shoveling the food in his mouth, “I need to go let off some steam.”

Duncan stormed into his room and furiously dressed himself. The light reflected off a small glass vial sitting on the floor, and he sneered at the woman as she giggled in her sleep. Duncan grabbed his sword and slammed the door which caused the woman to yelp as she woke up. Before any words could be exchanged Duncan headed to the training ground.

“Damn, old bastard,” Duncan cursed under his breath as he stomped down the halls, “Why won’t they fucking make up their mind,” he passed a group of maids who curtsied to him, and out of the corner of his eye he saw them leering at him, “That’s all they ever do,” he bit his cheek, “It’s not my fault they’re a bunch of whores.” The midday sun struck his face, and he held up a hand.

“You’re up early,” Duncan turned to see Shawn approaching, “It’s not even the afternoon yet,” Shawn’s smiled turned devious, “By the way, Shizuka’s pissed.”

“Why is everyone getting onto me for sleeping around!” Duncan snapped, “You do it too, yet I’m the only one everyone seems to have a problem with.”

“I’m sorry man,” Shawn held up his hands, “Didn’t realize I touched a nerve.”

Duncan stormed off to the training ground with Shawn behind him, “I’m just frustrated,” he sighed, “One of the reasons they summoned us so that we could repopulate this world with Heroic ranked individuals. That’s one of the reasons why they haven’t pushed us to get married right?”

“You’re right,” Shawn frowned with a sigh, “And I agree with you. After fighting in this war for a year, I’m ready to start a real family.”

“Still hung up on the Queen,” Duncan said, “It’s hard to take these nobles seriously when they have no qualms with us sleeping with their wives. Even more so, when they’re glad to raise our kids.”

“Agreed,” Shawn scratched his head furiously, “Damn, now I need to work off this frustration!”

The two of them stepped into the training ground. Shawn grabbed a quiver of arrows and started piercing the training dummy in quick succession. Duncan grabbed a training sword and stood waiting for a soldier to approach. When one was foolish enough to enter, he didn’t hold back. After a hour of practice, several soldiers had to be carted off to the infirmary, and several of the practice dummies were destroyed.

“Do you two feel better now?” Maria scoffed as she watched the two men wipe the sweat off their necks.

“A little,” Duncan said genuinely, “Honestly, I’d feel better if I could go home.”

Maria nodded, “We all would, but that’s not going to happen,” she sighed, “You two need to get cleaned up for the ball tonight. Apparently, there’s going to be some important people visiting,” her gaze lingered on Shawn, “Including the Queen.”

Shawn licked his lips, “Alright,” he chuckled as he slapped Duncan and point to the window, “And we better hurry before they tear us apart.” The entire female staff of Castle Opren were staring hungrily at them through the window.

Duncan chuckled as he made his way back into the castle. After a bath and getting dressed, Duncan stood outside of the ballroom with the other heroes. Much like the first ball, they waited until they were called so that they each could have their time in the spotlight. Duncan quickly looked at the other heroes. Shawn straightened out his vest and coat and ran his hands through his hair. Maria and Shizuka stood in the back touching up their makeup. Shizuka’s attendant tied bows into Shizuka’s hair while giving him a suggestive smile. Duncan smiled while shaking his head while straightening his own suit.

“We’re ready to introduce you,” the castle herald motioned them forward. Duncan took his spot by the door. The doors flung open with fanfare, “Introducing Duncan O’Donell, the Champion Hero!”

Duncan strode into the ballroom with a bright smile, and he waved to the gathered nobles. The cheers sounded wonderful to his ears, and he winked at a group of beautiful noblewomen who tried getting his attention. The cheers started dying down which allowed him to hear the gossip.

“There goes the Champion, pursuing women instead of monsters.”

“He singlehandedly repopulated the kingdom with Heroic ranked children.”

“And that’s the problem! Those children should be birthed by noblewomen, but he’ll sire children with any woman he sets his sight on, regardless of birth.”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Duncan sneered as he took a glass of wine. By the time Maria entered the room, a gaggle of women gathered around him. Their hands lingered on his shoulders and arms, and they made certain to draw his gaze to their cleavage. He tried to keep polite conversation with the women, but their fake laughter and patronizing smiles got on his nerves quickly. The orchestral music helped in drowning out the buzz from the nearby conversations, and Duncan’s gaze lingered on the dance floor.

Maria danced with an unknown nobleman. She glared up at him when his hand lingered on her ass. The sight of her fighting the urge to slap him made Duncan chuckle. Then there was Shawn dancing with the Queen. Their height difference made it difficult for them to dance properly, but he could tell from their eyes that they were in their own world. Poor Shizuka was stuck in a corner trapped by the elderly wizards. Her face was a mixture of discomfort and frustration, and she shivered when one of them touched her shoulder. Something about seeing her in such a state made Duncan’s stomach turn, but he sighed in relief when Ophelia crossed the floor to save her. A flash of red drew his eyes, and he snarled when he saw Gabriella VuRant approach the Oracle and Archmage. The two were clearly arguing, but another woman drew his attention.

“It’s good to see you again Champion,” A beautiful, mature woman pushed her way towards him. Something about her seemed familiar, and his confused look caused her to smile, “Cymella Quarmane, we met in the capital about a year ago.”

“That’s right,” Duncan chuckled as she pressed her bosom against him, “How could I have forgotten.”

“I’m sure you have trouble remembering every woman you’ve taken to your bed,” Cymella chuckled laying her head on his arm, “Listen,” she whispered, “There’s something I wish to speak with you, would it be all right if I come to your room tonight?”

Duncan allowed his eyes to linger on her supple breasts, “Depends on what you want,”

“Trust me, you’ll love it,”

“Why don’t we go now,” Duncan finished his drink, “I’m getting tired of this ball anyways.”

Cymella ran a hand along his jaw, “Allow me to get presentable first.” She sauntered out of the ballroom.

Duncan’s eyes lingered on Cymella’s swaying hips, “Are you truly going to take her to your bed?” the noblewomen glared at him.

“Yeah, she’s hot,” Duncan laughed as he left.

Duncan ignored the nobles as they gossiped about him. He noticed Ophelia looking at him, and when he winked at her, she rolled her eyes. Same to you too bitch. He left the ballroom and found his attendant waiting for him.

“Isn’t it too early to leave the ball?” the elderly man glared at him.

“Someone requested an audience with me, alone,” Duncan smiled.

The attendant sighed in condescension, “Is now the time for this?”

“Yes,” Duncan snarled, “And if you don’t like it then go find another noble to serve. Actually, just leave, I don’t want you serving me anymore!”

“As you wish, sir.” The old man bowed with a tight frown.

Duncan growled as he turned down the hall and went back to his room. He was tired of dealing with the pompous nobles. Lately, they’ve been second guessing his decisions ever since they retook Fort Cadarn, and it was getting on his nerves. Duncan slammed open the door to his common room and fell onto the couch. He threw his feet onto the table and took several deep breaths.

He was starting to calm down when a knock came from the door, “Come in,” Duncan groaned.

“You look so tense,” Cymella smiled down at him.

A woman with dark brown skin with a green tint stepped in behind her. Her chocolate brown hair veiled her face, but he could see a green eye shyly looking at him.

“Didn’t realize you wanted to bring a friend,” Duncan smiled as he took in the dark-skinned woman. She had a nice figure even if it couldn’t compare with Cymella.

“No,” Cymella gave him a tight smile as she pulled back the hair revealing a collar, “I hear you’ve been having trouble with your servant, so I brought a gift.”

“A… slave,”

“Of course,” Cymella came over to sit next to him, “They’re loyal, they won’t question your actions, and, from what I understand, you heroes are more accepting of other races.”

“I guess,” Duncan looked at the slave. Something about her drew his attention, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“She’ll also satisfy you when you’re away,” Cymella whispered in his ear, “From what I understand, wood elves are highly desired as slaves, even half-elves like her.”

“Fine,” Duncan smiled at her, “I’ll take her.”

“Excellent,” Cymella snapped her fingers, and the half-elf unfurled a scroll. Duncan signed the scroll, and had his thumb pricked. He pressed his bloody thumb against the collar and it flared violet, “Congratulations, I hope she serves you well.”

“Is that all,”

“One more thing,” Cymella pulled out a fertility draught, “A child… your child.”

Duncan looked at the vial, “That’s not a guarantee,”

“I’m willing to give it a try,” Cymella downed the vial.

Duncan’s gaze slowly took her in, “Why not,” Cymella pulled him off the couch, “You can go to sleep in the servant’s room.” He smiled to Veyl as he disappeared into the bedroom.

Duncan woke with the sun shining in his eyes. The other side of the bed was empty save for a single letter with red lip prints on it. He rolled his eyes as he tossed the letter aside and dressed himself. He noticed Veyl standing next to the sofa with a warm plate of food on the table.

“G-good morning…master,” Veyl said with a bow, “I…brought you breakfast.”

Duncan sat on the sofa and nibbled on a sausage, “Have you eaten already?”

“I’m not hungry,” Veyl’s stomach growled.

“Why are you lying?”

“A s-slave should eat after her master,” Veyl hid behind her hair, “I’ll eat later.”

“No,” Duncan shoved the rest of his food in her mouth, “You’ll eat now,” Veyl stared in shock as she chewed on the sausage, “If you’re hungry, then you eat. I don’t care if it’s before or after. You can’t take care of me if you don’t care for yourself.”

Veyl nodded as she swallowed, “T-thank you master,”

Duncan look her over, “Do you have any other clothes?” Veyl shook her head, “Then let’s go get you some clothes.”

Duncan dragged Veyl out of the room and down the hall. He stopped one of the servants and they led him to Duke Opren’s personal tailor. He sat by the side as the tailor stripped Veyl of her simple dress. The half-elf woman tried covering up her naked body, but the tailors forcefully dragged her to the stand to get her measurements. The tailor kept glaring at her but didn’t say anything since Duncan was in the room. After the tailor was done, she threw Veyl’s dress at her and disappeared in the back.

“I… don’t need more clothes, master,” Veyl quickly got dress. He could make out the slight blush from under her hair.

“We’ll be out in the field for months,” Duncan scoffed since the dress blocked his view, “One dress won’t be enough.”

“T-thank you, master,” Veyl gave him a small smile.

Duncan couldn’t help but smile back, “Look, you’re serving me, which means you need to look like it. I can’t have you running around in the same dress day after day,” he stood up and gentle grabbed her hair, “Also, you’ll need to cut your hair.”

“No!” Veyl jumped back in fear. Horror filled her one visible eye, “I-I’m sorry,” she cowered, “But, please…don’t make me cut my hair.”

Seeing Veyl shake in fear stung Duncan, and he lightly touched her shoulder, “I’m sorry,” he whispered, “You don’t need to cut your hair. I just wanted to see your face.”

“No, you don’t,” Veyl sniffled, “My hair keeps people from seeing my hideous face and ears.”

“Let me decide that.” Duncan pushed her hair back. He gasped at the sight.

A large scar ran down the right side of Veyl’s face. Whatever caused it had damaged her eye as it was now a white orb. Her earlobes were scarred and crinkled as if someone had cut the ends off, but they still had the pointed structure. Veyl trembled as he gently touched her cheek. She would have been a plain beauty if it weren’t for these defects.

“See, I’m ugly,” Veyl sobbed.

“What are you talking about?” Duncan scoffed as he pinched her slightly upturned nose, “Only cute girls have noses like this, so stop calling yourself ugly. That’s an order,” Tears leaked from her eyes as she nodded. “Good.” He let her hair fall back into place.

Veyl rested her head against his chest, “T-thank you…for being kind,”

“You just remind me of my little sister,” Duncan scoffed, but he couldn’t stop his smile from growing, “I can’t stand seeing cute girls get hurt, that’s all.”