Ralia slipped on the leather outfit that Nathaniel had made for her. She honestly hadn’t seen anything like it. The legging completely covered her legs save for her upper thighs as the groin area was open so that her tail could fit through. Nathaniel was adamant that she wear the leather thong to cover herself. The leggings connected to the upper covering, but she couldn’t close it. Two metal bars with teeth lined either side of the opening, and no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t get them to close.
“Master, I think this outfit is defective,” Ralia said stepping out from the privacy screen, “I can’t close the front.”
Nathaniel laughed as she stood there with her hands on her hips and her exposed cleavage. He walked over to her and connected the two bars together by a strange clip.
“It’s called a zipper,” Nathaniel said zipping the suit together, “This will secure the suit together better than buttons. How does it feel?”
“It’s a little tight, especially in the chest, but it shouldn’t hamper my movements,” Ralia said.
“That’s good,” Nathaniel said with a sigh, “It’s supposed to be formfitting so that will explain the tightness.”
“I noticed runes sewn into it,”
“That’s right,” Nathaniel said with a large smile, “I found a way to create arcane thread. Now, I can imbue runes into cloth material.”
Nathaniel punched her in the side. Ralia acknowledged the punch with a grunt, but she barely felt it. Nathaniel on the other hand was holding his hand and growling in pain.
“More effective than I expected,”
“Master… why,” Ralia stared at him is fear and shock.
“I wanted to show you the rune’s effects,” Nathaniel said, “I imbued it with a special transfiguration rune that will harden the material upon blunt impact. I got the idea from armor that was in my old world. I also imbued it with a durability and a recovery rune.”
Ralia looked at the suit, “So… it’s armor?”
“This is just the under armor,” Nathaniel said pulling her to the other side of the workshop to a strange metal cylinder, “Alright Seneschal, open her up.”
The cylinder opened with a hiss as white mist poured out. Ralia stared wide-eyed at the suit of armor sitting on the mannequin in front of her. It was a full set of plate armor, and it was dark blue in color.
“Do you want to put it on?”
Ralia nodded. Nathaniel helped put the armor on her. It fit perfectly. Ralia slipped the open-faced helmet onto her head, and she immediately felt armor’s buffs affect her. It felt like fire surging through her body.
Ralia smiled, “I’m unstoppable in this,” she said.
“Not quite,” Nathaniel said, “I’ve imbued the armor with strengthening and durability runes, but I also inscribed some new runes into it.”
“Like what,” Ralia’s smile grew.
“I inscribed speed runes in the boots, so your running speed with be faster. The breastplate has a standard defense rune, but the helmet has a new rune I’m calling an awareness rune. It’ll warn you when enemies try to attack your blind spots, but the good runes are in your gauntlets,” Nathaniel went to a chest and pulled out a spear with a foot long shaft, “You’ll need your weapon for this.”
Ralia took the weapon and immediately recognized one of the runes, “This has a telescopic rune,” she pressed the rune and the spear extended to its proper length.
“Of course,” Nathaniel said, “I’ve also inscribed a special rune that will let you call the spear back to your hand,” he took the spear to the other side of the room, “Hold out your right hand and say ‘return.’”
Ralia held right hand, “Return!”
A rune on her right gauntlet glowed and the spear flew out of Nathaniel’s hands and into her outstretched one. Ralia couldn’t stop the joyous laugh from coming out.
“There’s also a shield in the left gauntlet,”
Ralia looked at her gauntlet and pressed the rune on the forefinger. A round shield formed from her wrist, and she started moving towards Nathaniel. She pressed herself against him and stared into his eyes.
“Thank you master,” Ralia said through heaving breaths, “I’ll cherish these for the rest of my life.” Her tail started wrapping around his waist.
“I’m glad you enjoy them,” Nathaniel said, “I’m glad I was able to get them ready before our trip to Rumand tomorrow. We won’t have to worry about any bandits now, will we.”
“No, we won’t,”
Nathaniel held the reins loosely in his hands as he and Ralia waited in line to get into Rumand. The others waiting in line occasionally glanced over to Ralia who stood tall next to the wagon. She was imposing, decked out in her full armor with her spear at the ready. Nathaniel couldn’t help but smile as her tail happily waved back and forth.
“Next!”
Nathaniel ushered the drebin forward and stopped in front of the guards.
“Business?” the gate guards said.
“I’m bringing in metal works to sell,” Nathaniel said gesturing to the crates.
The guards stared at Ralia, “What’s with the monster?” Ralia glared at them.
“She’s my slave,” Nathaniel said, “I purchased her to be a bodyguard.”
“Fine, you can pass, but you better keep your pet on a tight leash.”
Ralia growled but walked alongside the cart as they entered. They moved through the streets of the city. His [Intuition] marked several groups hanging around the side streets that were watching them go by. One of the groups was about to approach, but the glare they got from Ralia caused them to back off. The Guild’s still trying to stop us. Nathaniel drove the wagon to Porman’s trading house. An attendant ushered him to the loading docks, and the workers started unloading the crates.
“Welcome back master Light,” the attendant smiled as Nathaniel jumped down, “Lady Cymella is upstairs waiting for you.”
“Thank you,” Nathaniel said. He gestured to the long crate, “Can I get someone to bring this up. I have new products to show off.”
The attendant’s eyes shone, “Certainly sir,” he gestured for two workers to grab the crate, “Please follow me.”
Nathaniel and Ralia followed the attendant upstairs. He led them to a set of double doors on the second floor. Inside, Cymella sat at a desk at the far end of the room, and she smiled brightly at him when he entered.
“Nathaniel, welcome back,” Cymella gave him a tight hug and sly smile, “How have you been?”
“I’ve been well, ma’am,” Nathaniel said, “How about you and your husband?”
“Well doesn’t begin to explain it,” Cymella’s smile widened, “Thanks to you, our profits are exceeding all expectations. So much so that the Guild took their grievances to the King.”
“Really,” Nathaniel said, “Is he all right?”
“He’s fine,” Cymella said, “Our company is the greatest supplier to the kingdom’s war efforts. His Majesty isn’t going to take the chance to lose our support.”
“Do you supply weapons?”
Cymella’s gave him a toothy smile as she took his arm, “We do,” She looked over at Ralia, “Are you starting to craft weapons and armor?” She led him to the sofa.
Nathaniel gestured to the workers, and they set the crate onto the table. They opened it and Nathaniel pulled out one of the bronze telescopic swords.
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“A dagger?” Cymella said looking it over, “It’s made of arcane bronze, but I don’t recognize these runes.”
“Please give us a demonstration Ralia,”
Ralia bowed as she gave Cymella a glare and pulled out another dagger. She moved through a few simple strikes, then she pressed the activation rune which caused the dagger to transform into a short sword. Cymella stared in wonder and clapped happily at the sight.
“That’s amazing,” Cymella said.
“Can you sell these?” Nathaniel said.
Cymella hummed in thought, “I certain we can,” she said, “But I can’t give you an estimated value since I don’t have Porman’s [Merchant’s Eye]. I don’t know if anyone would take a risk to buy them.
Nathaniel scratched his head, “What about VuRant?”
“The marquess, he might take a chance on them,”
“I have some in arcane steel. What if we sold those first?”
“I see what you mean,” Cymella smiled, “We sell the superior product to the marquess, and then sell the cheaper product to the other nobles,” her smile grew, “That’s an excellent idea. It’ll take a few months to get your money though.”
“That’s fine, but I may ask for supplies instead,”
“Of course,” Cymella escorted him out of the office, “Are you staying in the city?”
“Yes, I was going to find an inn,”
“Nonsense,” Cymella scoffed, “You’ll be staying at the manor. I can’t let a valued friend stay anywhere else.”
“Very well,”
Cymella smiled as she walked him down to the ground floor. The workers unhitched the drebin from the wagon and guided it to the stable in the back, and they moved the wagon into storage so another wagon could pull into the dock. Pomran pulled the reins and stopped the cart. There were bags under his eyes as he jumped off the caged wagon.
“Welcome back son,” Cymella said, “How did the trade go?”
“Not as well as I wanted,” Pomran said running his hands through his hair, “Aramella took complete advantage of me.”
“What happened?” Nathaniel said.
“You remember that rabbit lycan,” Pomran said leaning against the cage, “My sister runs the trading house in ducal city of Danner which is on the Umvral border. So, I took the rabbit to her house for a trade. Problem is, she didn’t have much in stock.”
“She at least gave you the gold, right?” Cymella sighed.
“She gave me some, but she also traded this as well.” Pomran pointed to the cage, “It was a pain trying to keep her alive.”
Nathaniel stepped up the cage, “What the hell?”
A young girl lay in the cage. Her auburn hair was so long that it was nearly the length of her body. Her soiled sackcloth dress hung loosely on her petite frame, but that wasn’t what caught Nathaniel’s attention. Her arms and legs were missing past the elbows and knees.
“Mother,” Ralia gasped, turning away.
“Who could do this to a little girl?” Nathaniel said, covering his mouth.
“This girl is probably older than mother,” Pomran said, pointing to the girls ears. They were thin and pointed with feathers at the tip, “She’s fey.”
Cymella leaned closer, “They’re one of the many fairy races that live in Everhall. They’re known for looking likes youths despite their advanced age,” she said, “Looks like the wizards used her up though.”
“What,”
“Danner has an academy,” Pomran said opening the cage, “Wizards train there and try to advance magical knowledge,” Several workers pulled the girl out, “Academies buy every fey they can get their hands on, and then sell them off when they’re no longer of use.”
Nathaniel watched as a worker walked past with the girl in his arms. Her hair parted to reveal glassy golden eyes. She looks dead. Her shallow breaths belied that.
“What are you going to do with her?” Nathaniel said clenching his fist.
“Breed her, if I can find a male fey,” Pomran sighed, “There isn’t much I can do with since she’s in this state.”
“Wait,” Pomran snapped his fingers to stop the worker. Am I going to do this again? Nathaniel glanced at the girl, “H-how much for her?”
“You don’t need to do this master,” Ralia said from behind, “She’s just going to drain your resources.” Nathaniel glared at her, and she backed off.
“Well,” Pomran said in thought, “Considering her current condition…one gold.”
Nathaniel flipped a coin to Pomran and took the girl. She smelled horrendously, “You don’t mind if I give her a bath?” he said looking at Cymella.
“Of course,” Cymella said, “Please show Nathaniel to the manor, and have a bath ready.
Nathaniel tucked the fey girl into the servant's bed. She looked a little better now that she’d been bathed, but her breathing was still shallow. Nathaniel closed the curtains to darken the room, and quietly left. Pomran handed the slave contract to a servant and sat down on the plush chair.
“I’m curious, why’d you buy her?” Pomran said.
“I… don’t know,” Nathaniel said sitting across from him, “But I felt like I needed to do something.”
“I understand,” Pomran said lighting a cigar, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“We’re needing to find a healer for the village,” Nathaniel said, “Could you keep an eye out?”
“Of course,” he stood up, “I’ll leave you to rest.”
An awkward silence fell on the room. Ralia glanced at the servants room then back at Nathaniel. Her tail swayed nervously, and her arms were crossed.
“If you have something to say then say it,” Nathaniel said.
“I don’t think you should have bought her,” Ralia said not looking at him, “She won’t be of any use to you in her current state.”
“So, I should have just left her?”
‘Yes,” Ralia glared at him, “The weak must be culled so that the strong can survive.”
Nathaniel rose and glared at her, “If you were in her position, would you want me to throw you away?”
“Yes, in fact, I would demand it,” Ralia said, her voice shaking, “I’d… hate to be a burden.”
“I wouldn’t do that,” Nathaniel sighed, “I understand what you’re saying, but I can’t do it,” he said looking her in the eyes, “We both know what it’s like to lose everything, and so does that girl. If I can do something to help her then I will, just like I would for you. So, please put up with my selfishness.”
Ralia nodded, “As you wish master,” she said with a soft smile, “If you aren’t careful, someone will take advantage of your kindness.”
“Thank you,”
Ralia’s smile grew, “I’m sleeping with you tonight correct, since you gave my bed to the fey girl,” she said. Nathaniel stared in confusion, “You wouldn’t make me sleep on the floor, would you?”
“No… you can sleep with me,” She did warn me.
Ralia pressed against Nathaniel with hooded eyes, “Thank you for being so kind master,”
Nathaniel was learning a lot today. For example, dragon-hearts had a higher internal body temperature than humans, because of this they tended to sleep naked. Thankfully, he was able to convince Ralia to stay in her undergarments. Nathaniel also learned that dragon-hearts liked to cuddle, since Ralia was holding him tightly with her legs entangled in his. Lastly, dragon-hearts snore…loudly.
Nathaniel freed one of his hands and rubbed his face. He wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight, and it wasn’t because he was excited by the half-naked woman next to him. No, between the uncomfortable heat and snoring in his ears, he couldn’t get to sleep. So, Nathaniel struggled to get out of Ralia’s grasp and get to his feet. Ralia’s arms lashed out and wrapped around his pillow. She buried her face into it, but it barely stifled her snoring. Nathaniel laughed and poked her cheek, and quietly left the room.
What time is it? [12:19] appeared in his vision, and Nathaniel shook his head. I should check on the fey girl. He stepped into the servant’s room and the smell of urine and feces assaulted him. Dammit, I should have checked on her sooner. He ran over and pulled the cord to call a servant. Thankfully, they arrived quickly.
“Can I get a bath ready for my companion,” Nathaniel said stripping the fey girl, “And I’ll need to have the sheets changed on the servant’s bed.”
“Of course, sir,” the maids bowed.
Nathaniel threw the soiled clothes onto the dirtied sheets and carried the fey girl to the baths. The lanterns brightly lit the stone room, and steaming water filled the wooden tub. He started washing the filth from her body.
“I’m sorry,” Nathaniel said, scrubbing her down, “I should’ve checked on you sooner. I promise I’ll do better next time.”
The fey girl was unresponsive through the scrubbing. He then slowly lowered her into the bath and used the large wooden ladle to rinse her hair and back. The poor girl stared into oblivion, barely blinking.
“Do you have a name?” Nathaniel said, “There wasn’t one in your menu.” There wasn’t anything on her menu. He couldn’t see any response but [No] appeared over her head. “So, you don’t have a name. We can’t have that,” he brushed the wet hair from her face, “I’ll have to pick a good one for you.”
A glance. She gave him a quick glance.
Nathaniel smiled as he sighed in relief, “I am getting through to you,” he said picking her up, “You had me worried.”
He dried her off and found a clean dress sitting outside. Thankfully, the dress was sleeveless with two thin straps, so it was easy to get on her. Nathaniel gently rubbed her back and hummed a soft tune as he carried her back to the common room. He smiled when she shifted her head to a more comfortable spot on his shoulder.
Nathaniel entered his common room, and the maids bowed as they took away the soiled laundry. He sat down on the high back plush chair and sat the fey girl on his lap. For a few minutes, he held her and hummed a simple tune. The fey girl took a deep breath as she leaned against him.
“So, about that name,” Nathaniel said, “Do you mind if I give you one?” [No] Nathaniel smiled as he petted her, “Let’s see, I better keep it simple,” he laughed, “Engineers have a bad habit of coming up with absurd names,” Nathaniel sat there for a few minutes, “I’m sorry, but it’s harder than I thought,” he laughed, “After all, this is your name, and it needs to be special. Something that I hope you come to cherish.” His eyes widened and he tilted her head up to look into her eyes, “How about… Hope?”
A single tear ran down the girls cheek, and her dull eyes became a little brighter.
“I think that name suits you quite well,” Nathaniel brushed the tear away, “After all, who wouldn’t want a little hope in their life.” A slight blush came to her face, and Nathaniel smiled as the name Hope appeared on her menu. He pulled her closer, “Can I tell you something Hope,” he whispered, “I’m not from this world. I was summoned as a hero, but I was thrown to the side because I have a crafter class,” He felt her shift, “I’ve… come to hate this world. The way it’s treated you, the way it’s treated me, I hate it,” his hand gently touched the stub on her left arm, “This should never have happened to you. I promise, I’ll do everything I can for you.”
They sat there for a few minutes. The quiet night started to make him drowsy, but he continued to hum and hold Hope. His hands brushed against the stubs of her missing limbs. If only I could give her new ones. Nathaniel chuckled. I’m an idiot.
“Back in my world, there were stories about people who were in terrible accidents and ended up losing their limbs,” Nathaniel said, “But then, they would meet someone who would then give them new ones. We called these people cyborgs. They were incredibly powerful,” he smiled at the memory, “These cyborgs could run great distances in mere seconds and were so strong that they could lift boulders with one hand. I was fascinated by the idea as a kid that I begged my parents to buy me a book on building machines. What do you think Hope?”
“C-C,” Nathaniel looked down in shock. Tears were running down Hope’s face, “C-can… I be…like them,” she said.
Nathaniel pulled Hope into a tight hug, “If you want to be a cyborg, then I’ll make you one,” he said, “Otherwise, I don’t deserve to be called the Inventor Hero.”