"Is the tale you've shared here truthful, O Masked Devil?" asked Maya, her curiosity genuinely piqued.
Coming to a halt, Oga turned to face Maya and replied, "Arrived at Durk Town no later than the schedule date, or the deal is void."
"Hold on, Masked Devil! Among the rewards, there lies an Enchanted Carousel I have never heard of before. Could it be a potion?" exclaimed Vivian, her excitement evident.
Oga glanced back, finding himself facing a stunning Milf, her figure generously alluring, 'Remarkable curves, indeed,' he thought.
"It's something you'll undoubtedly cherish if you can gather all the items on this list. Then, perhaps, you shall experience it firsthand," Oga replied, his words carrying a touch of mystery.
His words alone would have sufficed, but that wasn't Oga's style.
He gently brushed his finger against Vivian's chin and leaned in, his words delicately dancing on the tip of his lips while his cape fluttered around him, leaving Vivian weak in the knees.
As his mask drew closer to Vivian's ear, he whispered, "Simply divine... So, my dear, what's your name?"
"Vivian," she stuttered in response.
"In truth, one could not help but be captivated by the exquisitely celestial name befitting a goddess of unparalleled beauty—a creation that surely demanded the gods' meticulous craftsmanship."
Oga's words flowed like sweet nectar, gracefully uttered with a subtle fixation on a particular aspect of her form, though Vivian could only discern the intensity of his gaze. "No doubt, a line of admirers vies for your affection," he remarked.
"I must admit, Lady Vivian, you truly have a great future behind you! If I may….I simply can't resist the desire to take a bite."
True to his words, Oga gracefully took a knee, causing Vivian to become startled, 'What in the world' Vivian cheeks blush a rosy hue, not expecting such a quick turn of events.
"Is he for real?" The surrounding crowd was stunned
But just as his masked face drew near, a predictable blade came crashing down.
With a smirk, Oga evaded Hanes' incoming attack.
The man seethed with rage, unable to contain his frustration.
"Ah, it appears that one of your suitors harbors some reservations about my culinary preferences, Lady Vivian," Oga remarked in a melodious tone, a twinkle of amusement glimmering under the mask.
"But fret not, my lady," Oga continued, his voice as smooth as the silken night breeze, "perhaps on our next encounter, I shall have the pleasure of a delectable home-cooked meal." His laughter cascaded like a gentle waterfall.
As Oga swiftly vanished from sight, he left his pursuer seething with anger. "Rascal, do not dare to flee! Come back here and confront me like a true man!" Hanes bellowed, his mounting frustration becoming increasingly apparent.
"Let it be, he's long gone," Maya interjected playfully, her smile a stark contrast to Hanes' serious demeanor.
Vivian stood there, momentarily entranced and flushed with embarrassment, feeling as though she had fallen prey to a dangerous man.
"Snap out of it, Hanes!" Hardlet admonished, his gaze icy as he observed Oga's departure, realizing that this masked devil wasn't as simple as he seemed. While Hanes hadn't intended to kill, the ease with which Oga dodged his quick draw was far from ordinary.
"Hey, did you see what happened over there?" asked one of the onlookers.
"Yes, what about it?" replied another nonchalantly.
"Stupid! I'm not talking about his shameless behavior... don't you find that masked devil's height a little strange, Nehil?"
"Not really, he could just be a really tall human," the grey hair Nehil retorted.
"How many tall humans do you know that are over 2 meters?"
"So what? Maybe he's an offspring of a giant and a human... Oh!"
"Took you long enough, dumbass! Let's go harvesting, boys!"
Following Oga's departure, panic spread among the gathered crowd. The rewards he offered were truly enticing, especially the Hematocrystallum Elixir. Some individuals, with more observant eyes, decided to test their luck and chase after the masked devil.
As for Vivian's group, they were still debating what to do. Hanes, still fuming long after Oga left, growled, "I swear I'll have you fed to it!" The mere thought of another man taking advantage of Vivian caused his blood to boil.
Once Hanes had let out all his steam and curses.
Hanes implored, "Old pal, won't you lend me a hand?"
"Eeh, I haven't seen my sister in a long while. But I can gather those humans for you," Hardlet said.
Hanes' mood seemed to lift upon hearing such good news. Then he remembered, "But you live in Fyorc City, that's a whole month away."
"Eeh, my new address is Rogt Town, I recently moved there, and it's only an hour from Durk Town where my sister lives," Hardlet said.
"Isn't your sister married to that fat bastard?" Maya chimed in.
"Don't tell me about it, she's really going to be the death of me. What does she even see in that Roslin?"
"Why not just live in Durk Town?" Vivian inquired.
"Sigh, I would love that, but she simply hates when I meddle with her life. I can only watch from afar," Hardlet lamented.
Maya, seeing the mood becoming sour, changed the topic, "Why don't you join us, Hanes? It would be much easier as a group than if you go alone!"
"Will you be joining us, Vivian?" Hanes inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Of course, but I have been hearing whispers about you," Vivian continued, "Hanes, is the rumor true?" she asked, a hint of intrigue in her voice. "Has it really spread that far?"
The ginger Hanes scratched his balding head, leaning in closer to whisper to his group, causing their faces to fill with shock. "Well, I just got lucky and stumbled upon a dying Earth Dragon," Hanes proudly stated.
Seeing the yearning face of Vivian, Hanes made up his mind, "No need to make such a face. I don't mind gifting it to you."
"But you worked hard to obtain it, and even lost your hair and sight?" Maya chimed in, acknowledging his effort.
The scar right eye of Hanes said it all.
"Maya is right, Hanes," Vivian added, patting him on the back. "Besides, I won't accept it. You're such a 'good friend,' and I wouldn't want to take advantage of you like that."
'Friend…' Hanes thought, feeling a pang of disappointment. 'Good friend…' he sighed inwardly.
As the group continued their conversation, Hanes couldn't shake off his desire for the legendary potion. He was determined to get his hands on the elusive masked figure and extract all the information from him.
The Earth Dragon's heart and essence were potent enough to transform him into a Divine Blood Knight.
With a Molten Dragon lineage, reaching Peak Rank 2 would be within his grasp. However, to truly become a hegemon he needed to attain Rank 3, a status held by the Headmaster of Academies.
The Hematocrystallum Elixir, on the other hand, increased the chances of unlocking the latent potential of that blood up to 60%, allowing it to ascend an entire rank depending on the blood's source.
In the depths of Hanes' soul, an insatiable ambition surged, compelling him to confess his true desires.
No longer was he content with mere friendship, After witnessing what that man just attempted to do with her; he yearned to break free from the suffocating awkwardness that enveloped them. "Vivian can we talk in private?" he began, his voice tinged with a mixture of determination and uncertainty.
Those within the group, simply give them space.
"What plagues you, Hanes?" Vivian turned around, sensing the gravity of the moment in Hanes' expression.
"I won't impose my desires upon you, and you owe me no explanation," he declared, his fingers tightly clenched. "But if you would, I'd like to become a pillar you can rely upon," Hanes said, hoping his offer would find a place in her heart.
Silence hung in the air, each moment pregnant with suspense.
"Hanes, I'd rather see you happy with a family of your own than miserable with me... I'm no good, and a woman like myself only brings endless trouble to a good man." Vivian said, her hand gently resting on his shoulder.
"I won't regret loving you, Vivian," Hanes' voice was resolute. "All I desire is a corner in your heart, even if you never see me in that light."
A heavy sigh escaped Vivian's lips. "You're not listening again... Just do what you want!" she relented, her heart torn between fear and affection, only to find a soft, foolish smile on the face of the man. She had underestimated—this balding fool's determination
"Does that mean yes?" The only response Hanes got in return was a smile.
Soon after Hanes's love confession, two figures adorned with black wings descended upon the cliff of despair. "Is that my goddess? Please, tell me it isn't so, Knox!" Hayden exclaimed.
"Here comes trouble," Maya mumbled
"I believe such a figure couldn't be mistaken anywhere, Lord Hayden!" Knox replied.
Both men were striking, but the tengu Hayden possessed a slightly more captivating charm.
Hayden hurried forward, attempting to grasp Vivian's hand, only to have it swatted away.
"As cold as ever… But that's just how I like it, Lady Vivian. Won't you do me the honor of sharing a glass? I promise not to bite," Hayden urged with a playful tone.
"Yea, leave those losers and accompany Lord Hayden for the night. That pathetic Hanes has nothing to offer. You should dine with a real man," Knox chimed in with a hint of arrogance.
Hanes smirked in response, undeterred by the provocation, and retorted, "A real man, where? Aren't you just an insignificant bird?"
The words hung in the air momentarily, until Vivian's firm voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "ENOUGH! Don't you dare…" she shouted, bringing Knox to an abrupt halt.
"I'm in no mood for your jest, Hayden. You're truly a piece of work. Not only do you lack respect for the Duchess, but daring to court a lady in public, do you believe yourself to have nine lives?" Vivian scolded, her disapproval evident.
Hayden remained composed, replying, "If you don't speak on it, why would I?"
Vivian's patience wore thin, and her tone grew stern. "Leave my sight this instant, and take the clown with you... I will pretend this conversation didn't happen."
"For a woman coming from that house, you sure love putting on air, or have you forgotten to whom your lineage hail from, a cheap whor–"
Before he could utter another word, Vivian's hand struck like lightning, sending him reeling to the floor. "You speak of that, and it won't end with just a broken jaw" she warned, her eyes locking onto Knox's proud wings.
"You dumb bitc–" Knox's words were cut off.
"Best watch your words. My hands have been restless," a sharp cane sword rested on Knox's throat.
"A man needs to have respect when speaking to a lady, won't you agree, Hayden, or should I address you as Consort Hayden Monteau?" Hardlet's imposing presence caused even Hayden's carefree smile to vanish.
"Divine Blood Knight?" Hanes was astonished, as were all those gathered around.
"You really hid it well, old friend," Hanes said, patting Hardlet's back happily.
"Hehe, I got lucky!" Hardlet chuckled.
"Oh my, how did you get your hand on a Sylvanid bloodline?" Hayden interrupted, shoving Hanes out of the way as though he were a mere insect.
"???"
"Those short pointed ears of yours weren't there the last time we met, so don't play dumb!" Hayden remarked.
"I don't believe it's any concern of yours, right? Or have you forgotten I can squash you like the sniveling shit you are!" Hardlet retorted, not backing down.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Of all these greedy bastards here, not one of them dares to make a move. Yet you are making a scene simply because you've become a Divine Blood Knight. Or have you forgotten to whom I'm married? They don't call her the Raging Storm for nothing!"
Hardlet's complexion couldn't help but become dark. "So let's stop talking nonsense since you know. For old times' sake, maybe you don't know this, but that bloodline you have, you'll come to regret it!" Hayden said
"Pick your teeth from the ground, Knox, and let's go! Truly a shame, I couldn't stay much longer to chat, Vivian. Maybe next time, my love" With a wink, Hayden and Knox took to the skies.
Once they were far enough.
Hayden turned around with a wicked smile. "That idiot, he truly doesn't know the Sylvanid plight, but this might be an opportunity to get on Milady's good side. After all, for a dominatrix like herself, such a fine specimen would simply be hard to pass up," he mused but couldn't help shivering.
"I must confess, Hayden, that I find it rather intriguing to witness a young man of such striking appearance as yourself embrace the role of a cuckold," Knox remarked, a playful note dancing in his voice.
Hayden, in response, maintained an air of composure, skillfully deflecting Knox's comment to prevent any disruption. He seamlessly shifted the discourse, inquiring, "Have you effectively affixed the tracker to Hardlet and the others?" He treated Knox's initial question as if it were a fleeting zephyr.
Knox chuckled sheepishly, his playful disposition undeniable as he replied, "Did my performance give it away? I suppose my acting skills have room for improvement."
Hayden's gaze remained steady, never wavering from Knox's countenance. "I know you all too well, and I must admit, your thespian talents leave much to be desired. Was the dramatic fall truly necessary?" he asked, his tone unaffected.
Knox, spitting out blood with a rueful grin, retorted, "That wench shouldn't be underestimated; she certainly packs a punch."
"And you're merely spewing nonsense."
"...."
"So, what approach do you suggest for handling Vivian?" Knox inquired, dropping his earlier theatrics with graceful ease. "Hmm, reminiscent of her great-grandmother from two millennia past, that Household appears to have failed in acquiring wisdom.
She not only defies my warnings but also parades herself alongside a troupe of inept buffoons." Hayden's voice trembled with an undercurrent of barely contained fury.
"Could it be that she lacks comprehension regarding her lineage's sole purpose, which is to foster the creation of hybrids akin to our own existence?" Hayden followed up, his tone measured.
"If you seek a target for your blame, perhaps you should direct your ire towards the resting place of the former chief."
"Are you genuinely proposing that I desecrate your brother's grave?" Hayden's eyes narrowed, a storm of conflicting emotions brewing within.
"If you deem such a task to be difficult, I could effortlessly engage the services of a street urchin for such an endeavor!" Knox's laughter echoed lightly.
"....."
"Your audacious tongue shall undoubtedly pave the way for your eventual downfall. Instead, assemble a small group of men to handle Hanes and Maya – they are becoming increasingly bothersome to the eye."
"Why not entrust the task to me?" Knox inquired, his voice carrying a chilling eagerness. "Your methods, though effective, tend to lean toward excessive cruelty.
I would rather see their downfall occur through inconspicuous means, detached from any potential association with me.
This would grant me the opportunity to play the role of a hero," Hayden replied, gracefully dismissing the notion.
"The cliché of rescuing a damsel in distress—how utterly original. What could possibly go wrong?" Knox rolled his eyes.
"Perhaps that's why you struggle with the fairer sex," Hayden retorted.
"That's not what your mother said!" Knox quipped, quick to follow up.
"Distasteful, uncle!"
"..."
"As for that signboard… Vivian and her group intend to carry it out," Knox informed.
"Dispatch a Hupo to have the book depository examine the authenticity of this elixir. If its legitimacy is confirmed, we must secure the owner; otherwise, eliminate them," Hayden commanded with unwavering determination.
"How long until we reach the Vinci Fief?" Hayden asked, shifting the topic again.
"We should arrive in an hour if we fly there, but I understand little Hayden would prefer the carriage," Knox jested.
"I'm just glad you're finally taking your duties seriously," Hayden said
"Hehe, is that an attempt at sarcasm?"
" Let's hurry back to the procession," Hayden ignores Knox.