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Trials of the Inventor Hero
Ch.30 Hurt Feelings

Ch.30 Hurt Feelings

Ophelia huffed as she watched the scenery go by. Her fingernail clacked furiously at the wooden frame. She could feel Maria’s concerned gaze but didn’t want to engage with her friend. Ophelia quickly glanced and noticed Shizuka sitting across from her also pouting.

“I wish Nathaniel could have ridden with us.” Ophelia sighed heavily. “There’s so much I need to discuss with him.”

Maria patted her shoulder. “You’ll have plenty of time for that,” she said, “Once we get back to Rumand, we can stash his stuff with our own.” Ophelia gave her a small smile. “Besides, when we get back to the front. He’ll be staying in the camp, with you, alone.” Ophelia blushed at the insinuated tone.

“Don’t forget his slaves.” Shizuka mumbled and bit her thumb. “They’re probably hanging all over him now.”

Ophelia looked up at the view port behind her. She fought the urge to look through it, but in the end her desire to check on Nathaniel won. Just as Shizuka had said, Nathaniel’s three slaves sat close to him with the fey girl hanging off his shoulders. The four of them were laughing. The sight made her chest tighten and she couldn’t help but grind her teeth.

“I’m not surprised.” Shizuka came up behind her to look. “I wonder if they cosplay for him?”

Ophelia turned to the young mage. “Cause-play?”

“Dress up in costumes.” Shizuka said with slumped shoulders. “I bet that elf would look amazing in a bunny outfit.”

Maria gently petted Shizuka’s head. “Sweetie, now’s not the time for your fetishes,”

“It’s not a fetish!” Shizuka snapped with fiery eyes, “It’s the truth, men love bunny girls,” a strange smile came to her face, “The bunny girl is the ultimate symbol of feminine sexuality. Why do you think it’s a common outfit found in men’s clubs?”

Ophelia gawked at the idea of men having desires for a rabbit lycan, especially Nathaniel, “That’s… just disgusting!” Her face a deep red. “No man in their right mind would want that.”

“Wrong,” Shizuka said haughtily, “It’s a common trope that every harem protagonist have at least one animal girl, and they are either a cat, bunny, or fox.” she nodded imperiously, “Occasionally, they’ll have a dog, or wolf, and if the author is trying to be creative, then they’ll give them something unique like a dragon, mermaid, or fairy.” Shizuka gave Ophelia a serious look. “It’s the non-human elements that gives them that exotic appeal, and men love exotic women.”

Ophelia shook her head furiously and looked through the opening again. As much as she wanted to deny Shizuka’s claim, she couldn’t deny the possibility. Nathaniel’s slaves were all non-humans. She groaned when the dragon-heart wrapped her arm around Nathaniel’s shoulder and had her tail stroke his leg, the dark elf hugged his arm, and the fey kissed his cheek.

“Enough!” Maria slammed the slot closed, “You’re simply working yourself up.” she grabbed Ophelia by the shoulders and forced her to sit down. “This is Nathaniel were talking about. Do you really think he would abuse his authority and force himself onto his slaves?”

Ophelia nodded trying to fight back the tears. “You’re right.” she took several deep breaths. “Nathaniel is a proper gentleman.”

Shizuka stared at window with a depressive smile. “Who’s to say they didn’t initiate first?”

“Will you stop that.” Maria snapped. Ophelia started rubbing her hands. The very thought of Nathaniel being intimate with a non-human brought pain to her heart.

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Nathaniel was impressed as his wagon followed the heroes’ carriage through the gates. He had seen the ducal palace from a distance, but this was the time he saw it up close. Castle Rumand wasn’t nearly as large as Castle Gilbrant. The main keep was two-stories with two single-story wings on either side and two towers, and it was made entirely out of marble.

The carriages stopped in front of the castle, and a horde of servants rushed out to tend to them. The servants gave Nathaniel a side glance and went to work unloading the noble carriages. None approached his wagon.

“All right ladies.” Nathaniel turned to look at the contents. “How are we going to get this all off?”

“Excuse me.” a pompous looking servant approached. “Care to explain who you are and why you’re here?”

Nathaniel cocked an eyebrow at him. Ophelia quickly glanced over, and he smiled. “Should I tell him or continue the charade?”

Ophelia looked at him confused. “Of course you should tell him,” she said, “You’re the Inventor Hero after all.” she played with her hair. “You should be proud of your position.”

The servant stared in awe as he looked between them. “I see.” Nathaniel chuckled. “I’m the Inventor Hero, Nathaniel Light. The beautiful lady Oracle brought me back from the dead to aid in the fight against the Horde!”

Ophelia blushed heavily as the servants started applauding. Duncan scoffed and stormed inside with his half-elf slave. Shawn joined in with a loud whistle which made every cheer louder. Ollimier shook his head but couldn’t hide the small smile on his lips. Maria held Ophelia giving Nathaniel a stern glare while Shizuka looked to the ground with a deep frown.

“Forgive my rudeness, hero.” the servant snapped his fingers and others quickly came to the wagon. “We’ll take your thing in. Is there anything you want taken to your room first?”

Nathaniel rapped his knuckles on the steel chest. “This one first please, and be careful, it’s heavy.”

“Of course.” The servants unloaded the wagon. It took four servants to carry the chest holding his armor inside.

“I’ll keep an eye on them.” Ralia hopped off the wagon to follow them.

Nathaniel, Bella, and Hope approached the other heroes, but Hope latched onto Nathaniel’s side. She glared at Shizuka and hid behind Nathaniel.

“What’s wrong sweetie?”

“N-nothing.” Hope buried her face into his arm.

Nathaniel rubbed Hope’s head and let her cling to him. They followed the other heroes into the foyer. The servants taking his stuff broke away from the other servants and headed down a different hallway. Nothing’s changed Nathaniel shook his head ready to follow.

“Pardon.” Ophelia called out to the servants. “See to it that the Inventor is placed in a room next to mine.” she gave him a shy smile. “I’ll need him close so I can assess his growth, and make sure his servants are close as well.” The servants looked at each other with concern but performed the task.

“Making sure I don’t run away.” Nathaniel chuckled as he followed behind her.

“No, I meant what I said.” Ophelia cleared her throat. “It’s been two years, and I need to check on your status.”

“And here I thought you simply wanted to enjoy my company.” Nathaniel sighed sadly. “I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up.”

“Well, I wouldn’t mind… spending time with you.” Ophelia tightly grasped her skirt.

“Master, you shouldn’t tease her.” Bella replied with a small smile. “You may give the Lady Oracle the wrong idea.”

“Yeah, stop being mean master.” Hope gently bopped his arm.

“Y-you were teasing me.” Ophelia turned to glare at him. “What’s wrong with you!” Tears ran down her face. “For two years… two damned years, I thought… that you’d hate me, because it was my fault you were left behind. I tried looking for you! Every day. I sought you out with my visions, and every level I lost was worth it… if I could apologize.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“Ophelia, I’m sorry.” Nathaniel reached out, but Ophelia slapped his hand away.

“Don’t touch me!” Ophelia cried. Many emotions filled her eyes, and she ran away with her cries striking his chest.

Nathaniel stood there dumbfounded until something hard struck his cheek. “What the hell is wrong with you!” Maria shouted. “For two years, she agonized over meeting you again, and you make fun of her.” Her glare felt like a knife stabbed him. “You should be ashamed of yourself Nate.” Maria stormed down the hall to chase after Ophelia with Shizuka close behind.

“Woof, woof.” Duncan and Shawn were laughing at him. “Enjoy the doghouse.”

Ralia glared at them. “Should I deal with them?” She said with a growl.

“No, this is my fault.” Nathaniel sighed rubbing his cheek. “It’s what I deserve for being an asshole.”

“I have to agree with you there.” Bella looked down the hall sadly. “Your words hurt her. You should apologize once she’s calmed down.”

Nathaniel nodded. “I think I’ll go see Porman and let him know I’ve been found out. Can you ladies take care of everything?”

“Of course, master.”

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Ophelia sat on her bed staring at her hands. The incident replayed in her mind constantly. She took some solace with Maria and Shizuka at her side.

“He’s going to hate me now.” Ophelia felt the tears running down her cheek.

“No, he won’t.” Maria cooed. “And even if he does, then that’s his loss.”

“She’s right Ophelia,” Shizuka earnestly said, “Do you really think Nathaniel would hate you, and then sleep with his beautiful slaves to spite you?” Ophelia let out a small sob at the very thought.

“Sweetie, stop talking.” Maria sighed and hugged Ophelia. “Look, I don’t know what Nathaniel’s feeling, but it did look like he regrets what he said.”

Ophelia looked up at her friend. “Truly?”

“Yes, I think he understands that he hurt you, and I think he’ll want to apologize.” Maria smiled. “And to prepare for that moment, we should get you cleaned up/” she laughed. “Wouldn’t it be nice to make his heart stop when he sees how beautiful you are.”

“I… think it would be nice to make him squirm a bit.” Ophelia chuckled.

“Then let’s go take a bath.” Maria pulled Ophelia to her feet. “I’m looking forward to get cleaned up after roughing it last night.”

The women gathered their things and headed down the halls to the bath. Unlike the other castles they had been to, Castle Rumand had a singular heated pool to bathe in. They stepped into a changing room with wicker baskets to place their clothes in. Ophelia slipped out of her dress and undergarments, neatly folding the clothes, when she noticed three baskets were full. Clothes were thrown haphazardly in two of the baskets with the clothes in the third properly stowed away.

“Looks like there someone in there.” Ophelia called out as Maria and Shizuka headed to the door.

“That’s fine.” Maria smiled as she opened the door. “They’re women’s cloths so we can all relax together.”

“This bath is so big!”

“Stop splashing you brat!”

“Enough you two, we need to be on our best behavior.”

Ophelia stared in shock at the three non-human women. The fey girl was running around laughing as each of her steps caused water to splash. The dragon-heart stood with her hands on her hips snarling at her fairy companion, and the dark elf sat on the edge running her hands through her hair. The three women stared at the door.

“Just great.” Maria sighed as she carefully walked inside. “I was hoping to enjoy a peaceful bath.”

“What are you three doing here?” Ophelia gawked at them.

The three non-human women looked at each other then back at them. “Taking a bath.”

“At this time of day, the bath is open only to the nobility and guests.” Ophelia blushed at how curvaceous non-humans. “Servants are meant to take a bath in the evening.” When Shizuka stepped in, the fey girl ran and buried her face into the dark elf’s bosom.

“No one told us that.” the dark elf comforted the fey. “And at this point, does it truly matter.”

“We were here first.” The dragon-heart scoffed as her tail slapped the water. “If you don’t like it then leave.”

Ophelia glared at the monster, but Maria gently grabbed her arm. “It’s fine.” She said with a calm smile. “The bath is big enough for all of us.”

Ophelia sighed but followed Maria into the water. Now that things had quieted down, she got a good look at Nathaniel’s slave. The dragon-heart and dark elf were both beautiful, and she had to admit they both had lovely figures. The fey girl was cute, and she felt a slight weight taken off her shoulders when she looked at the petite girl. Ophelia let out a relieved chuckle.

“Something funny.” the dragon-heart glared at her.

“N-no.” Ophelia cleared her throat. “I just thought that the fey girl looks cute is all.”

“Her name is Hope.” the dark elf said as she slipped into the water. “I’m Bella, and this is Ralia.” Hope slid next to Bella trying to hide in her curves.

“I’m Maria.” the Saint smiled. “This is Shizuka and Ophelia. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ralia scoffed. “I wouldn’t say that.” She dropped into the water.

“Behave, Ralia.” Bella scolded her companion. “Our actions reflect back on the master, remember that.” Ralia growled but nodded in response.

“I’m actually surprised Nathaniel bought slaves.” Maria said with a strained smile. “I expected it from Duncan, but not Nathaniel.”

Ralia smiled victoriously, “That’s because the master knows value when he sees it.” Her tail swayed in the water. “He practically bought me the moment he laid eyes on me.”

“That’s not how the master tells it.” Bella smirked.

“Shut up, at least he bought me.” Ralia sneered. “You two are strays he just so happened to take in.”

“The master seemed pleased to have me.” Bella chuckled. “Especially since I made his life easier. I can only image how frustrated he was with a slave who couldn’t even perform the simplest of chores.”

“I see.” Shizuka took them all in. “So you’re the prim beauty.” she pointed to Bella. “And you’re the firebrand.” she gestured to Ralia with heavy breaths. “Which means you must be the little sister!” Her shout caused Hope to flinch. They all looked at her in confusion.

“Shizuka… what are you talking about?” Ophelia looked at the Archmage.

Shizuka flinched and tried to hide in the water. “Oh no you don’t.” Maria pulled her back up. “Ophelia asked you a question.”

“It’s… their roles in the harem.” Shizuka chuckled shyly.

Maria rubbed her face. “Is this more of your otaku shit.” she sighed. Shizuka nodded. “Shizuka, I mean this from the bottom of my heart, but you really need to stop. This isn’t one of your weird games.”

“Of course it is.” Shizuka stood up pointing at the group. “And we have Nathaniel’s harem to prove.” She started breathing heavily. “A arrogant dragon lady with a fiery temper, yet has a tender side. The mature dark elf who exudes maternal charms that is a comfort to those around her. Lastly you have the adorable fairy girl who is clearly is the ray of sunshine of the three.” There was a strange glint in her eyes. “I bet Nathaniel’s created costumes to fit all of them!”

“Is she alright?” Bella looked worried. “Is the heat getting to her?”

“No, she’s just a freak.” Maria shook her head. “Please ignore her.”

“Ignore me all you want.” Shizuka huffed. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if Nathaniel’s sleeping with Bella and Ralia.”

“I sleep with the master too!” Hope snapped. The three human women looked shocked.

“Not in the way they’re talking about sweetie.” Bella chuckled as she gave Hope a hug. “Truthfully, I haven’t been intimate with the master yet either.”

Ralia chuckled. “Poor you. The master’s just satisfied with me.”

“Y-you’ve had…” Ophelia looked horrified at Ralia.

Ralia’s smile grew bigger. “Of course.” she ran a hand down her body. “Why wouldn’t the master want me?”

“I can’t deny that.” Shizuka’s eyes followed Ralia’s hand.

“Nathaniel wouldn’t indulge in something so abhorrent.” Ophelia snapped.

Ralia glared back at her. “What do you know.” Ophelia flinched as Ralia stood up.

“Ralia, don’t,”

“No, I will.” Ralia snapped pointing at them. “It’s because of them I lost my wings, my Mother was killed, and family enslaved. The humans experimented on Hope, then sold her when they had no use for her.” Hope nodded while burying her face into Bella’s arm. “Not to mention, they invaded your home and enslaved you with a defective collar. The humans have ruined our lives, and yet they talk as if he’s one of them.” Her glare made the human women flinch. “He’s nothing like them.”

“S-she’s right.” Hope squeaked as she stood up.

For the first time, Ophelia noticed the metal arms and legs. “Why are your wearing metal in the bath?” Maria asked with a slight smile.

“These are the limbs my master made.” Hope screamed with tears in her eyes. “After the evil men like her cut them off.” She pointed to Shizuka. “Master took care of me, gave me a name, and put all his heart into making these cybernetics for me. He… sacrificed so much, and so did Ralia.” The dragon-heart looked shocked. “I know you sold your armor so the master could get the resources to build my arms and legs. That armor… was specially made for you. Thank you.” Hope rubbed her eyes as the tears flowed freely.

Ralia smiled softly as her tail wrapped around Hope’s waist. “Stop crying brat. It wasn’t that much of a sacrifice.” She hugged the fey girl.

“B-but you loved that armor.” Hope sniffled into Ralia’s stomach. “I remember you always had a big smile every time you looked at it.”

“I-I’m sorry.” Maria looked ashamed.

Bella sighed sadly. “You should be. You call yourself heroes, but what have you done to deserve it?” She ran a finger across her collar. “The master, even though he bought us, has never treated us as slaves. Truthfully, he’s hesitant to issue commands because he knows that damage these collars can inflict, and that frightens him.” Ralia and Hope looked sadly at Bella. Bella stood up and gestured to the door. “Nathaniel may not be a hero to you all, but he is our hero, and we will support him with everything we have.” The three slaves headed for the door.

“I know he’s a hero.” Ophelia shouted at them with a challenging glare. “I’ve seen it in my visions.” She clutched at her chest. “I know the type of hero he is!”

“Do you, now.” Ralia scoffed. “So, you’ve seen a few glimpses of the future. You still don’t know anything about him. All you’ve done is fallen for an image and are forcing him to fit into that mold.” There was a mocking tone to her chuckle. “Isn’t it interesting he came into his own away from your influence?" Ophelia’s chest tightened and she stared at the floor.

“Why don’t we all sleep with the master tonight!” Hope smiled as she left.

“What, it’s my turn to have him.” Ralia scoffed.

“That’s a wonderful idea Hope. The bed is big enough for all of us. By the way.” Bella smiled mischievously at Shizuka. “I’m interested in hearing about these costumes you think the master would like.”

As the door closed Ophelia fell to her knees “They’re right” She wiped at her face. Maria and Shizuka hugged her as she cried.