"You're truly a nymph, how are you going to survive when I leave in an hour?"
"..."
"Shut up, and ravish me!" Cynthia cried out, as her entrance slammed by his massive dong repeatedly.
Yet, Oga's gaze unexpectedly lifted, met with the sight of Mendy, discreetly clutching what appeared to be an important missive.
"Ahem," Mendy cleared her throat delicately, the interruption breaking the intimate spell.
"Lord Oga, an urgent message," she spoke softly but distinctly.
Cynthia felt a flush of embarrassment, hastily disengaging from Oga's embrace, and clutching the dining sheet to preserve her modesty. "A bit more patience would have been appreciated," she gently reproached Mendy.
"My apologies, Milady. Lord Oga requested that any message be conveyed to him immediately, wherever he may be," Mendy explained, her tone apologetic.
"Leave us at once!" Cynthia's voice carried a mixture of exasperation and urgency.
Oga accepted the missive with a furrowed brow, each line etching deeper worry into his features. As he finished reading, an exasperated curse escaped his lips, a raw expression of his frustration. The profanity's resonance startled Cynthia, who had been servicing him moments before. She glanced up, a question unspoken in her eyes.
"Assuming we won't find closure," she surmised, her tone tinged with a hint of whimsy. Oga's response was a weary smile as she affectionately attended to the task of fastening his attire.
"Our moments together may be fleeting," Oga conceded, his voice a mixture of satisfaction and melancholy. With these parting words, he made his exit.
"Departing once more without a formal adieu," Cynthia whispered to his retreating figure, her words a soft sigh carried by the wind.
Soon after Oga, accompanied by the Alchemist and the imprisoned Orc, had departed from the Vinci Household, he took a moment to offer some guidance to Jard.
During his short stay with the Vinci, Oga maintained a reserved demeanor, he had indicated to everyone that his sole purpose was to deliver Jard.
He maintained a certain distance, and his interactions with the dead count's offspring were limited to brief exchanges of words.
As the flying boat soared through the skies, Yaya's weary figure lie back in the cockpit. Oga's attention shifted to the elderly man with curly hair seated next to him, breaking the silence that had lingered for a while.
"Zmos, you've been rather quiet," Oga remarked, his gaze fixed on the old man.
"...."
"Have you finally acknowledged my presence? Not only did you abduct me, but you've also ignored me for two days, hardly providing sustenance for my esteemed self. Do you still fail to grasp the gravity of your misdeeds?"
"Haha, my venerable friend, why assume such an air of importance? We had struck a bargain, after all. I promised you room for growth, and your compensation is assured. 'Kidnap' might be a tad harsh; they were already on the brink of lynching your 'esteem self'" Oga said
"Hmm, those ignorant buffoons are nothing more than pawns under Khan's influence, never daring to embrace independent thoughts. So, what if I were to undertake a series of a few hundred thousand Human Transmutations?" Zmos countered with a touch of indignation, his voice laced with a hint of pride.
"Among all the species, humans boast the third highest reproduction rates; a few of them go missing, and suddenly everyone is up in arms. If they truly held such concern, then why do we still witness beggars and slums? They're nothing but hypocrites, the whole lot of them."
Oga remained silent, attentively listening to Zmos' fervent discourse.
"No need for concern, my friend, for I am a man of integrity. Your research shall face no hindrance where you are headed; in fact, I am prepared to augment your funding," Oga reassured. With a graceful gesture, he unveiled a lavish tray bedecked with an opulent array of food.
"Your words flow as smoothly as a tranquil river, yet I do not see any tangible material," Zmos replied, his disdain palpable as he unabashedly helped himself to the seafood platter that Oga had presented.
Oga held no offense towards Zmos' eccentric personality. The meeting had been orchestrated by Oga's wife, Zamira.
Oga had confided in her regarding his urgent requirement for an Alchemist. In response, Zamira, his Consort, had put forth several reputable names.
Among these, the one that shone the brightest was Zmos. The others he had approached had either displayed disinterest or were shielded by prominent organizations.
As hope dimmed and Oga was on the brink of resorting to forcibly abducting the last individual on the list, luck appeared to align with their cause.
Zmos materialized right on schedule, thwarting a dangerous confrontation between Zmos and an enraged mob that could have led to his demise.
"Look," Zmos exclaimed, peering down from their airborne vessel at the besieged caravan on the grassy plain below. A sizable group of Giantfrost Wolves had cornered the caravan.
"Could that be them?" Oga pondered aloud. "Seems I won't need to search any longer."
The flying boat began its gradual descent, prompting Amos to inquire, "Why are we stopping?"
"House Thornbrick always pays its debts!"
Oga attention focused back on Yaya.
Before anyone knew it, both he and Yaya were floating out of the vessel, gently descending. Meanwhile, the flying boat remained suspended in the air.
"Seriously? I'm still eating," Zmos grumbled.
"I'm not stopping you. This is an opportunity – caravans usually carry valuable items," Oga remarked, his gaze returning to Yaya, whose face displayed panic.
The Giantfrost wolf charged out of the encampment, only to find itself hurtling toward the descending trio
Slice
The charging wolf was cleanly severed in two.
"Who goes there?"
"Where's your master?" Oga's voice reverberated across the field as he eyed the three armored guardsmen rushing forward.
"Who do you think you are, questioning our master's whereabouts?" a man wielding a hefty blade demanded, pointing it at Oga.
Another guard on his right couldn't divert his gaze from Yaya, as if recognizing her. "Isn't she the woman we saw in the courtyard?"
"Yes, she is. She's the one the master ordered to capture," a shorter man confirmed.
Oga leaned in to whisper to Yaya, seeking confirmation and received a nod. Before the haughty knight could utter another word, the air around him grew thin, his hands grasping at his throat, desperately gasping for breath.
"Where's the cowardly bitch?"
"You—"
"I won't ask again!" Oga declared, as the sound of severe head falling to the ground.
"Cease this at once!" a commanding voice boomed.
A man with shaggy long white hair, and black wings, flew over with astonishing speed.
"I urge you to end this madness or face the repercussions of offending The Duchess. This caravan bears a tribute to Her Eminence. You've made your point."
"And who might you be?" Oga inquired as he scrutinized the newcomer – A dual swordsman with crimson countenance, silver shaggy hair, a lengthy nose, talon-like finger nails, short black feathered wings. His feet sported a pair of geta, traditional Japanese footwear.
'An authentic Tengu.' Oga's face lit up like a child in a candy store. Even in his past life, he had revered Japanese culture, with Tengu being a particular favorite among the Yokai.
Nevertheless, he couldn't afford to fanboy in this situation; after all, he needed to maintain the prestige of the 44th Heir of House Thornbrick.
"I am Sigurd of the Kotengu Clan. Why do you seek Lord Hayden?" Sigurd said as a matter of fact
"Kotengu, yet you look nothing like your crow clansmen. In Fact, you're more human-like. It would make more sense if you had stated you're from the main household of the Daitengu Clan" Oga said
"...."
"Why do you seek Lord Hayden?" Sigurd's brow was scrunched as he repeated himself.
'How does an outsider know about our hierarchy?'
With a simple wave of Oga's hand, the bubble around the armored guards dissipated, leaving them gasping for air.
Oga completely lost interest in this worthless trash, his entire focus was on Sigurd.
"Your master lacks respect for others' property. I simply wish to have a conversation. Now, guide me to where the little rat is hiding. Don't entertain any foolish notions; my patience is limited," Oga stated, the surrounding mana in the air palpable, causing the wind to grow chaotic.
"Do you not fear death?" Sigurd inquired
"I have yet to meet a man capable of invoking such fear. Now, enough with the delay," Oga waved his hand, and a crescent moon sickle materialized, cutting through everything in its path.
"Stay your hands, Lord Hayden and Advisor Knox departed half an hour ago. These are tributes for the Duchess," Sigurd cried out as he witnessed the plain stained with blood.
"Why wait this long?"
"..."
"Their death is upon your head. I already told you, I desire not repeating myself."
Oga's next words carried a note of taunt, "Isn't it rather cowardly for a race that prides itself on war? Are those blades of yours merely ornamental?"
"I'm inclined to believe you're indulging in baseless folklore. What reason have I to jeopardize my life? My warning has been issued. Whether you choose to heed it is entirely your business... unless the word 'idiot' is somehow engraved on my forehead.
Why would I involve myself with someone pursuing Lord Hayden and Advisor Knox? I do not possess multiple lives to squander. Nor do I desire to die for others." This statement left Yaya and Zmos stunned, their mouths agape at Sigurd's honesty
In response, Oga's grin broadened, evidently entertained by the turn of events. "Fascinating," he mused, directing his attention toward his companions.
"Zmos, recover the spoils. Yaya, accompany him. If you come across anything that catches your fancy, you're welcome to claim it," Oga declared, casually tossing the bag.
"Not bad, young one. You're remarkably audacious," Zmos praised.
"So, what fate awaits us?" the kneeling Knight inquired.
"Death!"Swiftly turning their bodies into meat paste.
"You're now my prisoners, Sigurd" Oga declared.
"How delightful. My very first task as an escort, and I'm captured. Either you're a greater fool than I imagined, or you simply underestimate the Great Daitengu Clan. You could have merely stolen a few valuables and let us go." Sigurd said
"I've already provoked the Duchess by slaying her guards, so why stop there... Ga Ga Ga," Oga retorted, his laughter echoing like a bird's caw.
"....."
Not long after, Yaya and Zmos' departure, they return. Oga's face darkened like charcoal.
"What's the meaning of this?"
Four flamboyantly barely clothed individuals and a ruggedly handsome young man reaching the staggering height of 3 meters.
"Tributes, naturally. Her eminence has specific inclinations for exotic men" Sigurd stated
Yaya's face flushed, and Zmos was visibly infuriated, for the chests held nothing he desired: BDSM toys, a chest fill with ducat, jewelry, cotton, and satin cloths.
"Damn it, no wonder you were unconcerned. This was a diversion. The little rascal knew I'd come after them," Oga gritted his teeth.
"Why the grin? Have you forgotten you've been abandoned?" Oga glared at Sigurd
"Well, I'm but a pawn from the lower house. It matters little to me," Sigurd's laughter rang out. "What's our course now?" Yaya inquired as she gaze upon the five strangers and the shockingly tall young lad.
She has never come across anyone taller than the twins.
"What else. We take them with us. In fact, they might prove quite useful," Oga's face lit up, silencing Sigurd's laughter. He clearly disliked what he heard. Soon, a vessel returned on a scheduled flight to Hillside Valley.
"No matter how far you run, eventually all roads converge."
_________________________________
In a traveling carriage, two men sat facing each other.
"Why did you devise such a scheme, Knox?" Hayden stretched and asked
"Because you're dense and refuse to heed wise counsel. I warned you against causing trouble, and what did you do? Your actions have cost us a promising tengu, and a giant." Knox stated.
"Sigurd a mere pawn. The Kotengu are bred to die for us. As for the giant lad, it couldn't be helped, we had no way of controlling the brat."
"For the best, or do you fear competition?" Knox said as his eyes narrowed in
"Nonsense, why would I fear a bottomless swamp like that? It's his problem now," Hayden rebuttal as he tried to change the topic, "Did you see how ravishing Emily has become? I find it hard to believe a simpleton like Jard accomplishes such a feat. Don't you?"
"...."
"Don't change the topic, Emily isn't up for discussion here. You nearly cost the Duchess an alliance, why did you even order your men to intrude into another's courtyard?"
"Come on, can't be serious. You mean that mortal bitch with the ample bosom?"
"I care not for the woman, but rather her owner. You always doing some dumb shit without thinking. At least use your brain. Had I not left thirty percent of the tribute as a distraction, we would've been embroiled in a bloody battle.
Considering the Duchess's disposition towards those who squander her precious time, I cannot assure you that your life would have remained intact. What has transpired must absolutely not reach her ears." Knox spoke gravely.
"This must end here, as for the missing thirty percent, we can make a quick stop in Rogt Town, and make up for the lost good ... .A recent report from the clan, a group of giants in search of fertile land were spotted in Rogt Town. If we can entice them, our problem is solved."
"...."'
Hayden remains silent as though in deep contemplation.
"Whatever shit idea you're cooking up, kill it right now. Unless you've grown tired of living. I won't wipe your ass this time." Knox frowned
"Relax….So what should we do with that Oga?"
"Are you crazy? You were to one that started it, just be grateful you still have your head!"
"You're jesting... Who would dare harm the Consort of the Raging Storm?" Hayden said
"Someone who simply disregards your title. You're fortunate that person was in a deep slumber when you acted foolishly."
"Why the fear?" Hayden inquired.
"Not fear, fool. If you'd read the report I sent to the Duchess, among the individuals I warned her about were a pair of twins from Bervin City. You might not know, but there was once a notorious bandit group that terrorized the Southern lands.
And if I recall correctly, the person you nearly provoked was their former leader. From a young age, the trio was infamous for their cruelty and battle madness.
The eldest was even dubbed a Demon. These lunatics even kidnapped some prominent noblewomen, causing quite the scandal upon their release."
"Well, you're a master of fabricating tales...Who cares about some mountain bandit? How's my plan regarding Vivian and the Masked one progressing?"
"Is women the only thing on your mind?" Knox inquired
"What other things should I concern myself? The crazy bitch hasn't summoned me to her chambers for almost a year, I too have needs." Hayden replied
Sigh
"The clan hasn't confirmed the elixir yet. As for Vivian, the men I hired to tail them should arrive as we speak," Knox replied. "And the Masked individual? Have we identified them?"
"Not as of yet."
____________________________________
The bells chime seventeen times, ushering the gathering, Lord Oga returned to the airship last night. With him came six new faces, each with their own distinctive traits.
Among them was the big fellow known for his hearty appetite, accompanied by the persistent old man whose nagging seemed unending. Alongside them were four handsome men, each possessing their unique attributes.
Among the four, I noticed a young man of similar stature as Sir. Phi, another with a remarkably feminine appearance and elongated ears, suggested he might be an elf, and the remaining two were of human origin. These details, however, held no relevance for me; my focus was on my duty.
"Milady, His Lordship requests your presence in the banquet hall," I informed respectfully.
"Very well, give me a moment, Gayle," Milady replied.
Shortly after, I guided her down the deck and into the hall, where a sense of togetherness permeated the atmosphere. All present were gathered around the round table, resembling a harmonious family.
Among those in attendance were members of House Phi, The Night Wenches, Lord Nuu, and his family, and presiding over it all at the head of the table was His Lordship. However, there were a few people of note missing, Sir Yanis, and Sir Gregor.
The seating arrangement reflected the closeness of each individual to the Master of the House. The guest of honor for the occasion was undoubtedly Lady Nylah's son, Menos.
As for myself, I stood humbly behind Milady, a mere servant amidst the grand assembly.
"Porter, take Menos to the gift room," Lord Oga commanded.
Porter gave a knowing smile, "Let's go, young master!"
"Porter, wait a moment! We haven't sung the birthday song," Nuu interjected, infusing the gathering with a sense of anticipation.
"Oh, my apologies! Let's not forget, bring out the cake!" Oga exclaimed, observing Menos' face light up with excitement.
Before long, a towering cake measuring two meters in height was brought forth, marking the commencement of the song:
Orunin'de nøril, šenom kæl,
[May your days be bright, and your heart be light,]
Zorintəladrim dəlomonə jedom,
[With each passing year, wisdom takes flight,]
Vorindis solan, rilaz dekta,
[Under the moon's gaze, find strength anew,]
Jorunin'de šalp, vithos'ta ekta,
[In life's grand tapestry, your colors are true.]
Larinol'ta lykta, viren tæl,
[As you venture forth, let dreams take flight,]
Ucrezi'en rithan, Tembul'ta ræl
[Embrace each challenge with all your might,]
Kyras'en zephyr, noktal'ta lom,
[May the years ahead be rich and grand,]
Zorin'en isdar, jedom'ta solan,
[Guided by destiny, hand in hand.]
Jorunin'de nøril, šenom kæl,
[Happy Birthday, to you dear]
Vorindis solan, rilaz dekta,
[May life's journey be filled with joy and grace,]
Haize Haize Haize, Øgart.
[Hip Hip Hip, Hooray!]
"Now you may leave, as for everyone, let's eat and be merry," Oga shouted, followed by the sounds of music.
"Why are you brats still around? Go after him." Nuu said causing s boisterous laughter