Belladryn sat on the wagon watching Nathaniel secure the drebin. Watching him work was strangely… amusing. Nathaniel was doing nothing different from what she could tell, but her eyes couldn’t stop watching him.

“Is something the matter Belladryn?” Nathaniel gave her a worried look.

Belladryn cleared her throat, “No, everything’s fine,” the human Pomran chuckled at her.

Nathaniel jumped onto the wagon, and Pomran waved at them, “I look forward to your return,”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not looking forward to that,” Nathaniel chuckled, “You’re a terrible friend.”

“Then it’s a good thing we’re not friends,” Pomran smiled, “You’re just a valued customer.”

Nathaniel shook his head and cracked the whip. The cart slowly moved through the city, and they were soon traveling on the open road. Nathaniel kept his gaze out on the brush to the side. Nothing happened. With a deep sigh, Nathaniel allowed himself to relax.

Belladryn gently massaged his shoulder, “You should relax more often,”

“It’s hard,” Nathaniel said letting out a moan, “Being a hero isn’t easy, especially when you three are counting on me.”

“I am grateful,” Belladryn said with a soft smile, “But you need to learn to rely on us as well. I promise, I’ll do everything I can to take care of you.”

“Thanks, Belladryn,”

She snuggled up to him, “Please, call me Bella,”

“All right. Do you mind if I look at your menu?”

Bella nodded. Nathaniel’s eye glazed over as he looked at her stats. She couldn’t help but smile as she watched him chew on his lower lip.

“You’re level thirty, but why do you have two classes?”

“I awakened to the Arborist class, but I unlocked the Green Lady class when I took over my mother’s position in the grove,” Bella twirled a lock of hair.

“I see,” Nathaniel said, “I surprised at how diverse your skills are. Which class is responsible for that?”

“Both,” Bella smiled, “The Arborist class has perks from the Druid, Archer, and Herbalist classes, even if my skills aren’t as strong as those. My other skills are enhanced by the Green Lady class.”

“I’m glad someone else will have household skills,”

“just leave the housework to me,”

It was late afternoon by the time they pulled into Treante. Nathaniel stopped the cart in front of his house.

“I need to stop by the dungeon first, do you want to come?” Nathaniel helped her down.

“I’d love to, but I want to get dinner prepared,” Bella smiled.

“God, I’m happy you chose to stay,” Nathaniel laughed, “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“I’ll have everything ready for you, master,” she bowed as he rode off.

Bella took a calming breath and stepped into the house. She sneered at the sight. It was worse than when she first arrived. Dishes littered the floors and tables, and spoiled food left out. Clothes were thrown around haphazardly with Ralia’s undergarments littering the floor in front of the door.

“Bella, you’re back!” Hope came running down the stairs only wearing nothing but her panties.

Ralia stood at the top of the stairs, completely naked, “So you decided to stay,”

“I did,” Bella said smoothing out her skirt, “Master Nathaniel sacrificed much for me, and now it’s my turn,” she took a disgusted look around, “Things need to change around here.”

“I think you need to know your place elf,” Ralia growled standing against her, “I was the master’s first slave.”

“Then how can you let the house look like this?” Bella scoffed, “The master works himself to the bone for you, and yet you two do nothing but put more work on him. This ends now.” Bella held her head high, “You two are to get dressed immediately, then you will start cleaning this mess. Hope, you’ll take care of the laundry. Ralia, you’ll do the dishes,” The two of them stared at her, “Now.” They both nodded and quickly headed upstairs.

[Skill leveled: Leadership Lv. 15]

[Class leveled: Slave (Arborist/Green Lady) Lv. 32]

A proud smile came to Bella’s lips, “Now to make things perfect for master Nathaniel.”

Nathaniel stepped into the central chamber of his dungeon, “How has everything been going?”

“Well sir,” Seneschal said, “Hope’s rank was increased to intermediate, as you commanded, and she has progressed to level seven. The fabricators have made an advancement while you were away as well.” A maintenance bot appeared from the side door carrying a glass lens that shined with a teal coating. “We’ve finally made arcane glass.”

Nathaniel took the glass, “Do you think this will make the laser more stable?”

“I don’t think a traditional laser can be built in this world,” Seneschal projected the laser blueprint, “At least not yet, but if we use a magic crystal instead of a laser tube, then it may be possible to create a weapon using a beam of concentrated magic,” The projection changed. A magic crystal replaced the tube, “Magic crystals store less power than power cores, so the chances of explosion are less likely.”

“What about the rapid draining of magic?” Nathaniel said scratching his chin, “At most we’d get one, maybe two shots out of it before it’s useless.”

“We create ‘battery packs’ to charge the magic crystal,” another projection appeared. It was a metal, slender box with a rune on the top, “These cartridges will contain multiple smaller magic crystals to provide magic to the crystal in the weapon. This should increase their magic capacity and allow the weapon to fire several times based on the number of crystals in the cartridge.”

“They’ll also be rechargeable,” Nathaniel smiled, “I can design a station that charges these magic cartridges here in the dungeon. How would this effect Project Paladin?”

“I suspect that this will benefit the project in the long run,” Seneschal said, “The magic crystal and arcane lenses will be easier to incorporate into the armor than the laser tube, and you won’t have to worry about your arm exploding.”

“Excellent, begin making changes to the blueprints. I’ll be in tomorrow to start working on the new weapon.”

“As you command.”

Nathaniel handed the lens back to the maintenance bot and [Warped] to the dungeon’s entrance. It was late by the time he made it back to his house, and with a tired sigh, he pushed inside.

“Welcome home, master.”

Nathaniel stared dumbfounded. He had expected the house to be a complete mess but instead it was spotless. Bella, Hope, and Ralia stood in the main hallway, each wearing their best dress, and their makeup enhancing their natural beauty. Their smiles warmed his heart, and he fought back the tears.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“You all look lovely,” Nathaniel cleared his throat, “So, what’s the special occasion?”

“Does there need to be a special occasion for us to greet you?” Bella said with a chuckle.

“We haven’t seen you in forever,” Hope gave him a bright smile, “That’s special enough!”

“I have to agree with her,” Ralia smiled with a hooded stare, “It’s good to see you master.”

“Dinner is ready master,” Bella gestured to the dining room.

Nathaniel smiled, “I’m looking forward to it,”

Nathaniel headed to the dining room and sat at the head of the table. Hope sat on his right side with Ralia sitting next to her. She didn’t look happy about it. Bella pulled off the dish lids revealing the steaming chicken and roasted vegetables. She also poured him a glass of wine before sitting down on his left.

“This looks wonderful Bella,” Nathaniel said looking around, “And I’m surprised the house is so clean. I kind of expected it to be a complete mess.”

“That’ll be a thing of the past,” Bella gave the girls a tight smile, “Right?”

“Yes, we’ll work hard to ease your burdens,” Ralia returned the smile.

“Yeah, I’ll work really hard to keep the house clean,” Hope said, “That way I’m not a burden.”

Nathaniel rubbed Hope’s head, “I appreciate that Hope, but you’ll never be a burden,” They ate in silence for a few minutes. Ralia kept glancing at the other girls, “So, how did you determine seating?”

“We took lots,” Bella said, “After tonight, we’ll cycle seats daily. That way we each get the honor to sit by you.”

“You seem to have everything under control don’t you,” Nathaniel chuckled, “Be patient Ralia, you’ll have your chance later.”

Ralia’s tail thumped against the floor, “I’m looking forward to it.”

Happiness overwhelmed him, and he took Bella’s and Hope’s hands, “I’m grateful to count you all as family.”

[11:45 PM] sat at the top of Nathaniel’s vision. Ralia held him tightly as she snored into his chest, and her tail wrapped around his leg stroking his thigh. He lightly kissed her forehead which caused a goofy grin to appear on her lips. Nathaniel gently freed himself from her grip and slipped on a shirt before leaving his room.

A light illuminated the ground floor, and Nathaniel made his way down to investigate. Bella was working in the kitchen preparing for tomorrow. She wiped the sweat from her brow which left a smear of flour. He couldn’t help but laugh at the flour-coated beauty which caused her to jump.

“Master, what are you doing up?”

“I couldn’t sleep,” Nathaniel smiled, “Ralia tends to snore.”

“Would you like me to make you some tea?” Bella said pulling the kettle out, “I still have some work left to do before I go to bed.”

Nathaniel gently grabbed her hand, “I’m fine Bella,” he said, “Please don’t burden yourself with me.”

“You’re not a burden master,” Bella smiled gently at him, “It is my pleasure to serve you with my entire being,” Her eyes glistened, “So please, don’t hesitate to ask me anything.”

“Then, would you accompany me to the dungeon tomorrow,” Nathaniel said, “I need you present in order to make you an administrator.”

“I’d love to,”

“Then finish up and get to bed,” Nathaniel leaned down and kissed her hair, “I plan to leave early tomorrow."

“I’ll be finished shortly.”

Bella stared in awe at the blue core. The power from it tickled her skin, and its soft pulsing mesmerized her. Thanks to the humans and dwarves, the fairy-races had long since given up on acquiring dungeon cores of their own. The threat that owning one held wasn’t worth it, but she knew that Nathaniel had taken claim of the dungeon before becoming his slave, but she hadn’t realized how extensive it was, or how unusual it would be.

“Welcome lady Bella,” she snapped out of her musing when the core spoke, “I’m Seneschal, I assist master Nathaniel with running the dungeon.”

Bella curtsied with her head bowed deeply, “It is an honor to make your acquaintance,”

“The pleasure is mine, but you need not humble yourself to me. I am merely an extension of the dungeon, here to serve you all, so there is no need for such decorum.”

“Tail licker,” Ralia scoffed, but she looked away when Bella glared at her.

[Congratulations, you have been made administrator of the dungeon.]

Bella smiled and curtsied to Nathaniel, “Thank you for this honor,” she said, “I shall not let you down.”

“It’s good to have you on board,” Nathaniel said, turning to Seneschal, “Have you made the appropriate changes to the laser?” Bella’s ears twitched.

“I have, and I had the fabricators start working on making the components,” an image appeared in front of Nathaniel, “You should be able to make a prototype, as long as nothing breaks.”

“Excellent,” Nathaniel laughed, “Ralia, can you continue Hope’s training?”

“Of course,” Ralia smirked at the fey girl.

Hope growled at her, “I’ll beat you this time!”

Nathaniel leaned in and whispered to Bella, “Can you keep an eye on them?” Bella nodded. “Thanks. All right girls, behave yourself.”

“Yes master,” they all said.

Bella followed Ralia and Hope down the corridor until they entered a room with armor stands and metal counters. Ralia and Hope stripped down to their undergarments folding their clothes into the metal cabinets. Bella had seen them before, but she hadn’t paid them any mind, until now. She couldn’t help but blush at the sensual nature of Ralia’s scarlet unmentionables. It drew her eyes to places that weren’t proper. Hope’s on the other hand were adorable. The pink frills and lace made her look innocent and precious.

“Has something caught you attention?”

Bella cleared her throat trying to ignore the heat building in her cheeks, “I was admiring the master’s handiwork, that’s all.”

“He gets to admire it all the time,” Ralia’s crooked smile grew.

“You should have master make you some too Bella,” Hope said with bright eyes, “You’d look pretty in them.”

Bella’s smile turned to a smirk, “I think you’re right, and I’m sure the master would appreciate it to.”

Ralia slammed the metal door, “Enough, we have training to get to,” She had changed into a leather thong and was putting on a strange leather suit. “Hurry up Hope!”

Nathaniel looked at the components sitting on the work bench. The steel frame of the arcane rifle was already engraved with the necessary runes, and the fist sized magic crystal glowed with energy. The only thing out of place was the wooden stock that would be the butt of the rifle.

“Let’s begin,”

Nathaniel started by setting the two lenses into their sockets in what would be the barrel. Their placement needed to be precise as it would condense the magical energy into a concentrated beam. Once they were set, he attached the top of the barrel which consisted of two steel rods connected to the two curved frames that secured the lenses in place. Then, he attached the trigger which had a special rune that would fire the energy when it met its partner rune on the chamber. Last was the crystal chamber. The magic crystal was stored into an orichalcum attachment that connected to the barrel. One thick wire sat right over the trigger with a metal slide to act as a safety and another wire leading to the handle for the magic cartridge.

[New item created: Arcane Rifle]

[New skills developed: Gunsmith, Firearms]

[New skill acquired: Gunsmith Lv. 1]

The magic cartridge was easier to make. Nathaniel set five small magic crystals into the orichalcum frame. The frame swerved in an S shaped pattern so that each crystal was in series with each other. He set the frame into the steel cartridge and sealed it with solder. Nathaniel nodded as he looked at the prototype rifle, but his attention was drawn to the door when it opened.

Hope ran up to the table, “Is that the new laser?”

“Yes, if it works,” Nathaniel petted her.

“It’s a little…underwhelming,” Ralia leaned against him staring incredulously at the gun, “I was expecting something more.”

Nathaniel laughed and kissed her cheek, “This is just the prototype,” he said, “If it works, then it will lead to many new weapons. I might make something special just for you.” Ralia smirked at him, but Hope pushed them apart.

“Stop it!” the two girls glared at each other.

“Enough you two,” Bella snapped causing the two of them to stop, “Behave yourself in front of the master.” Her eyes lingered on the magic gun, “Could I…hold it?”

Nathaniel handed it to her, “Be careful, I haven’t tested it yet.”

Bella held the gun at a distance as she took it in. Her eyes lingered on the magic crystal in the chamber, then onto the arcane lenses. A small smile came to her lips as she handed it back.

“I was about to go test it out. Do you want to come?” Nathaniel said.

“Yes,” they all said.

Nathaniel led them to the training area, “Seneschal, have a target set up please,” a maintenance bot appeared and started building a wall, “I need you three to get behind the safety glass.” After the girls were safe and the wall was built, Nathaniel shouldered the rifle, “Test firing commencing!”

Nathaniel lined up the shot and pulled the trigger. The magic crystal’s glow brightened, Nathaniel had to look away because it was so bright, and a beam of condensed magic shot through both lenses. The intensified beam flew and melted through the brick wall and into the metal wall behind it. The maintenance bot destroyed the test target before going over to fix the wall.

[New skill acquired: Firearms Lv. 1]

“That’s…more effective than I expected,” Nathaniel rubbed at his eyes, “But I’ll definitely need to get it plated before firing again.”

“Are you all right master?” Bella rushed out to him.

“I’m fine Bella,” Nathaniel said, “I just wasn’t expecting it to be that bright.”

“Another excellent weapon master,” Ralia laughed at the damage, “This easily exceeds anything you’ve made so far. To bad I don’t have any ranged weapon talents.”

“I bet I can use it,” Hope said staring at the gun with wide eyes.

“I’ll let you all practice once it’s completed,” Nathaniel smiled at them, “This is the most dangerous weapon I’ve made so far, so you’ll need to be properly trained.”

“May I ask for something master?” Bella said, rubbing her hands nervously.

“Of course,”

“I…would like…” her face was a dark purple, “Could you make me some undergarments?”

Nathaniel sighed heavily, “I kind of expected this,” he chuckled, “Bring them in Seneschal.”

A maintenance bot flew into the room carrying a whicker basket. It set the basket in front of Bella, and she looked at the clothes inside.

“Y-you already made some,” Bella said, not looking at him.

“I had these made during your first week with us,” Nathaniel said, “It seems that every woman who finds out I can make these asks me to make them, so I was certain you would want some too.”

“M-may I try them on?”

“Of course, they’re yours after all,”

Bella smiled and took the basket back to the changing room. After a few minutes, she came out wearing a set made of black silk and red lace.

Bella gave him a nervous pose, “How do I look?”

“You look beautiful,” Nathaniel cleared his throat.

“That’s enough of that!” Ralia said as she and Hope pushed Bella back into the changing room, “Time for you to get dressed.” Nathaniel couldn’t help but laugh at the girls' jealousy.