I walked inside and I could see my mom sitting with eleven stepmothers and stepsisters. I greeted them while putting my best smile.
I just did not know how to deal with them. It's strange to suddenly have eleven stepmothers.
Thank God, that former Dian Xianli did not learn manners. So this silent smile is just as usual.
"Son, come here, sit beside mommy!" my mom waved her hand.
I waved back and also greet sister Xinyue with a hand wave on the way. She dumbfoundedly waved back. Her mother, stepmother Yun giggled watching our awkward exchange.
The Dinning hall was the lesehan1 type. The men would have to eat while sitting cross-legged in the foot pillow. And the women would sit in seiza2 posture.
"Lord, I'll get my meal in the kitchen." Allescar awkwardly backs off with Mei and Juewang.
I nodded and let him go.
What a weird Rare Card he was. A named creature card, yet he's like this. Even though his rarity was that above Therese, but his treatment was worse than her.
I felt bad for him, but nothing I could do about it. If he felt uncomfortable sitting on the same table with my mothers, then I let him be.
I walked to my mom who sat on the main table and sat on her right. Awkwardly smiled at her. It is weird when your mother looks so young and beautiful.
Therese sits in front of me. Beside her is stepmother Yi Mingxiao, to the right, there are stepmother Han Yin, second daughter Ruyen, stepmother Yun Meizhu, third daughter Xinyue, stepmother Mu Hanxia, stepmother Bai Ning, fourth daughter Zhiqiao, stepmother Tie Xintong, and fifth daughter Linxue,
On my right, there is stepmother Qian Yuerou, sixth daughter Shixi, stepmother Hei Shujiao, stepmother Kang Rumeng, eighth daughter Qinshuo, stepmother Song Guyue, ninth daughter Meixiu, stepmother Li Suyun, and lastly youngest daughter Zhiyun.
Beside eldest daughter Lianyu and seventh daughter Lanyan and of course, father, everyone from my family is here.
What ..., so many stepmothers? Blame it on my lusty father. Well, actually he's not that pervert, he just desperate. He wanted a son, yet only daughters pop out. Maybe that's why I become spoiled, I'm the only son from the ten stepsisters after all.
We have our breakfast here. The meal wasn't something that I could handle on a normal day. However, after the long travel, I became glutton.
After the meal, I looked at Therese and asked.
"How's your night Priestess, did you sleep well? Ah, are the food to your liking?"
She looked at me with surprised eyes but soon she smiled and answered, "Ee, no need to worry about me, lord. The food's delicious, it's my first time eating with ..., two wooden sticks, " she raised her chopstick and showed her clumsy way of using it, "Lord also, did you have enough rest?"
"Well, yeah."
Mom looked at Therese and me alternatingly before she said.
"Son, now you have to explain it all to mommy! Where in the world did you recruit this girl and that old man?"
Now what? I could make up some story about them. However, I know perfectly what my mom in this world is. She is a cunning and calculative person. Even if I lied to her, she would immediately know. Do I really have to tell her the truth?
I looked straight into her eyes, and sighed, "I will say what I can. However, I will ask you to keep it as a secret." I looked at my stepmothers and stepsisters.
They looked at me with a difficult expression. Some had an uncertain gaze, some frowned.
"Little Brother Xianli, did you not trust us?" Dian Zhiqiao asked.
I have six elder sisters and three little sisters. And they all from different mothers. She is one of my elder sisters. Ah, come to think of it I also got an elder brother, but he was dead not long after his birth.
I silently look across the table. And nodded with a difficult expression.
"With our circumstance now, It's not that I distrust you. However, everything is possible."
"That, what does Young Master mean?" asked Mu Hanxia. The former legal wife of my father.
"Hmmm ..., Priestess Therese, can you cast barrier magic?"
"Lord means sound barrier right?" Therese closed her eyes and began chanting some sort of aria.
Even without me telling her, she immediately did what I wanted. At first, I thought she only could cast a simple healing spell, however, she seems to know a lot.
After the room wall soaked in faint white light, Therese opened her eyes and stated. "It's done, lord."
"Great, I never thought you're so capable. Well done!" I smiled praising her.
"Uhuhu, don't underestimate this Light God's loyal servant." she giggled.
"Okay, now I have something to tell you." I looked at my mom and other stepmothers, "First let's think about our situation. Right now father's well-being is unknown. However, I believe that he would survive from all of this and return to us."
Mom smiled wrily without saying anything as if saying 'go ahead, continue' to me. However, the others showed different reactions. Some nodded their head agreeing with me, but some frowned at my words.
"The problem is what will we do when he isn't with us," I said.
"What, are we going to do something?" asked Song Guyue.
"Stepmother Song, do you think we can just sit still and do nothing here? I might be ignorant about the world, but I know that my relative from Dian clan won't let go of this opportunity."
My mom and the stepmothers aside from the naive ones like Song Guyue and Han Yin crumpled their faces. They know what I said, and they also realized how grave the situation was.
"It's true that this city doesn't belong to Dian Clan, however, many from Dian family coveted Dali City and father's Bupati title. It's not surprising if they chase us out of this city. Mom, you already know the reason why I'm not going back to Clan Ancestral House, right?"
"Ee, I know the gist of what you were thinking." my mom nodded her head.
"I also thought about that, however, Young Master, aren't you overthinking about this matter. Would Dian Clan really do a cruel thing to us? Aren't we also a part of their clan?" Mu Hanxia asked.
"Well, in front of rich and benefit even a man would kill his family. I've heard something like that."
My mom nodded her head and added, "It's not strange. In a big clan or even the royal family, some internal conflict is unavoidable. I even doubted about the bandit attack, the second bandit attack yesterday might be not a coincidence. I think someone from Dian clan sent them."
"So Lady Liu also thinks that way." Yi Mingxiao agreed with mom argument.
"No way ..." Song Guyue shook her head, unable to believe it.
"Sister Song, just accept it. Us without lord husband is just a flower garden without an owner. If they could capture us, we will be their possession." Hei Shujiao said.
"..., then what should we do, Lady Liu?" asked Mu Hanxia.
"Me? Don't ask me, ask my son! What's the plan, son? Tell mommy about it!" She looked at me with a mischievous smile.
"As of now, we're in a stalemate. We can't do anything to them, and they can't do anything to us. At least not in the light, if they want to do something, then they will send some hitman or something. And their first target is-"
"..., you." mom looked at me. Her eyes were crescent shape because of her smile.
I nodded at her. "Yes, if they did this route then they will take me down first. I am the son of Dali City Lord, Dian Yuanli. I am the rightful heir to inherit this city. Let's assume if the father couldn't survive. However, if they eliminate me, this city will be lordless and they can take it anytime. If they can eliminate me, then they will get this city and you."
"Don't talk as if Lord Husband won't make it alive!" Bai Ning shouted.
"I'm saying, it's just assumption. Everything could happen, and it's the worst case."
"They will get us? What does Young Master mean?"
"Stepmother Tie, as what stepmother Hei previously stated, you and stepsisters are flower garden without an owner. When there are beautiful and excellent ladies like you in one place, some men cannot hold back their lust-filled mind. Of course, they won't kill you, at least they will cripple your cultivation and make you their pet."
"W-what, why is that? Aren't we married to Dian clan? Aren't we are their family, their in-law?" Song Guyue couldn't believe it.
"Becoming their concubine also means that you will be Dian clan daughter-in-law. If they keep this as a secret from your family, there will be no problem."
"That's imposs-"
"Sister Song, it's the most probable." Kang Rumeng from the side said.
"But, that just too cruel!"
"Song Guyue, I'm fed up with your naivety," said Yi Shixiao.
I thought she was a calm and kind lady, but this. I think I need to re-evaluate her personality. She's scary. Just with that sentence from her, Song Guyue went silent.
"So, what will we do, Young Master?" Mu Hanxia asked.
"We cannot oppose Dian clan, we lack in men as of the loyalist were with father. Also, we have no expert on our side. In number and power, it's our losses. Thankfully they cannot attack us. I don't know why, but right now they cannot enter this City Lord Manor. However, we also need to resupply and also buy daily necessities. That's why we will have to stay here and ask for external help." I glanced at the figure beside me.
"If its my family I cannot guarantee they will answer." Mom answered even before I asked her.
This, did she read my mind or something? Why she looked as if she already know my plan?
"Don't worry son, mommy can't read your mind."
'... as if I will believe that!' That was what I wanted to say.
[Host, I can read your mind, so don't worry about it.]
And what the hell with you! Suddenly ringing inside my head, and this voice ..., ahh, you were voiced by her? No wonder your voice sound familiar to me.
"Huhu ..., you're cute when you pout."
She poked my inflated cheek with her eyes became crescent from the over-smile. What a scary mother is this?
"That's unfortunate if Liu Clan could send someone, this matter already ends before it even begins. We have to ask help from someone else then."
"But who? You know that our lineage is just a normal family from the countryside?" second sister Ruyen joined the conversation.
From the stepsisters only Ruyen, Xinyue, Zhiqiao, Linxue, and Shixi who listened to the entire talk. As for the others, maybe they were too slow catching the grave of this matter or maybe they just didn't care. Well, they were the same age or younger than this body, maybe they couldn't understand what we were saying.
'System ..., you there?'
[I'm always here, Host. Does Host need something from this system?]
She seems really happy with my call, I know from her tone, after all, it just sounds like her ..., ah forget it.
'I want to ask you about something, the materialized card, do they become true objects in this world? Are they indestructible?'
[It's not indestructible, it still has a limit on durability. In other words, the materialized object still could be destroyed.]
'But it won't return to card form on itself right?'
[The only person in this world that could return it back into card form is you, Host. I can guarantee that there are no Card Duelist in this world. And even if there is exist another Card Duelist, they can't manipulate card bounded by another duelist.]
'So if I materialize, for example, an Equipment Card ..., and give them to someone from this world. It's possible right?'
[Yes, but please be careful in that. Because some high-tiered card has a tremendous effect that could affect the plane itself.]
'Got it, thanks, Sys.'
I think I should really think of a nickname or something for this system.
Well, with this I have the answer to the thing that stuck in my mind. Let's continue the talk then.
"Son, what are you thinking?" mom noticed me dazedly staring at Therese, no that's not it, I was communicating with the Card System so I staring at the air.
I returned my gaze on mom and asked, "What about Gu Clan?"
"Ohh ...!" mom widened her eyes surprised with my word. Smiled mysteriously.
"Gu's?" Kang Rumeng frowned.
"Gu Clan? Young Master, I think it will be impossible," said Han Yin.
"Why? Is it because I'm a useless Young Master and isn't eligible to wed their clan Young Miss?" I asked sarcastically.
Well ..., that's right, even like this I was a son of a noble.
Albeit my father was not a high-ranked noble, he was once trusted direct subordinate of King of Bai. Some nearby old noble clan was also interested in building a connection with our city.
Like the Gu Clan, the Lord of Xianjing City in the north. To tied their alliances, the Gu Clan and Dian Clan agreed to married their heir. Me and their young miss.
But the true problem lied here, I was a useless Young Master. A wastrel with trash-talent, while she, Gu Fenglin, was someone with Rank 5 Talent. Of course, after knowing this Gu clan wouldn't let me marry her. Even if she was an average talent, the clan won't let her mix with me, a trash-talent.
But Gu Patriarch or Gu Fenglin's father wasn't someone who go back from his word. So he couldn't tear the marriage agreement he made with father.
Mu Hanxia then said, "That's the first problem, no, I'm not saying Young Master is useless, but-"
"It's okay stepmother Mu, it's true that I'm useless with trash-talent." I smiled wryly, "but not anymore."
"Son, don't just beat around the bush but not getting into the point ...!"
"Yes, yes mom ..., I am close to explaining it." I nodded at her repeatedly, I continued "right now, I possess a unique power. I can summon creature and artifact from another dimension."
"Huh? Did Young Master mean that this girl and the old man from before are someone from another dimension? How? And why?" Hei Shujiao asked.
"I also didn't know about how it works, but trust me. I just can do it, as if this power naturally belongs to me."
Well, let's see what will they answer after listening up to this. I couldn't say 'Xianli is death, I'm a soul from Earth currently borrowing your son's body.' to them.
"Alright then, can Young Master show us how you use it?" Yi Shixiao asked.
"Hmmm ..., okay," I operated the system and not long after that in my hand, there was a seven-card.
Before this, I could only use 4-card as a starting hand. It was because I only have less than 23 cards in my deck. But, after I bought the three Card Packs, now I have more than 50 cards in my deck. So now, I could use a seven-card as my starting hand.
[Card System has been initiated. Card Duelists are not detected, hostile creatures are not detected. Entering Summoning mode.]
[Starting Hand]
---
Single Stab Spear
V|U|N 4 VC
Significantly raises the attack power of a Colorless Creature.
The effect doubled if Creature using [Spear] Equipment.
---
Blue Heart Lotus Flower
B|R|R 3 VC or 2 BC
Add +2 Blue Soul upon materialize and add +1 for every turn.
---
Sapphire Gem Fragment
B|C|R 1 VC
Add +1/4 Blue Crystal on the next draw.
---
Cross Shield
W|UC|Q 2 VC or 1 WC
Add +1 Defense, +1 Magic Resist and +Shield Skill.
---
Pyromancer
R|C|C 3 VC or 2 RC
Fire Magician. Skill: Basic Red Spell (4)
---
Sword of Blaze
R|C|Q 2 VC or 1 RC
Add +Fire Damage and +2 Sword Skill.
---
Messenger of Peace
W|C|C 3 VC or 2 WC
When this card is summoned, the enemy can't use attack-type Magic Card or curse-type Effect card.
Pacify: Forcibly end every Effect Card.
---
"What's that?"
"Young Master, where did you hide those cards? Is this some new trick ..."
"Oho ...,"
Mom and the others were looking at me with a curious gaze. I picked one of the cards and summon it.
[Do you wish to summon Messenger of Peace? You need three Void Crystals or two White Crystals to perform this action. Confirm?]
"Confirm ..."
And the card went with shinning shooting star visual effect before it materialized into a little pure white dove. It tilted the head looking at me with its golden eyes.
"Krukkruukk" the dove chirped, it flew to where Therese was.
"Oh my ...," Therese smiled and gently stroked the dove's feather.
Yi Shixiao tried to stretch her hand and stroked its little head, the dove let her hand on its head like a docile pet. Second sister Ruyen watched the little bird with sparkling eyes but she didn't make a move and just staring at it intently.
"What a beautiful little bird, what is her name?" Yi Shixiao asked.
"Her ...?" did she know the gender of this bird in an instant?
"That's right, what is her name, Lord?" Therese also asked.
"I don't know, you name it."
"Oh my, is it fine?" Therese surprised with my word.
"Just do it." after seeing Therese beautifully smiled, I looked at the rest and said, "anyway that's my power. I can summon creatures or an object from another dimension."
The first one minute's thirty-second interval was up and another card drawn to my hand.
I pinched another card and summon it, "Come forth, Pyromancer!"
[Do you wish to summon Pyromancer? You need three Void Crystals or two Red Crystals to perform this action. Confirm?]
A figure appears after an explosion of red light, a figure with red-hood robes and a face mask. Aside from that, she also has metal gloves or something. Oh, what a cool Pyromancer we have here. Pity that she hides her face with a mask.
"Pyromancer Arianne greets lord!" she said with an uninterested tone.
She just slightly bows her head before it raised again and watching the entire room with blazing arrogant eyes.
So the Pyromancer is a female. I thought it would be male since the illustration just shows a hooded figure with a mask. To think behind that attire was a woman. But, well ..., most of the illustrators in my company are middle-aged-virgin men, so this is something normal.
"Then ...," Arianne raised her left hand that clad in metal gloves, "who shall I burn?" a fire spell was initiated on her hand.
The stepmothers greatly startled, even sister Xinyue, Ruyen, Shixi, Zhiqiao, and Linxue raised their saber and sword at her.
"Stop, stop Arianne, stop!" I hastily tried to stop this pyromaniac.
"Hmmm ...? Are they not enemies?" She ceased the fire on her hand with a finger flick. Damn, that's awesome!
"No, they are not! I'm sorry, but this is not a battlefield. They are my family, so don't do any harm to them."
Arianne crossed her hands on her immodest chest, silently watching the room with her sparkling ruby eyes. Hell, that pair of a mountain might be bigger than Lina. Ahh ..., what a great source of sinful thought. Calm down, me! This is not the first time you saw something this big.
"Is that templar slave also lord's family?" Arianne pointed at Therese with her thumb.
"Oh my, what rude thing did you just say, arsonist?"
Therese gripped the poor dove with more strength. I could see that the dove struggling, I felt bad for the bird. Poor little pigeon.
"Hah? What? You wanna fight, slave?" Arianne didn't back off and provoked her more.
Therese face went stiff before she stood up and pointed her finger on Arianne, red-faced, "You ...!?!"
"Hey, stop it you two!" I tried to stop them, however, it's useless. They wouldn't listen.
"That's enough." Mom suddenly said.
"I understand Lady Liu." Therese got a goosebump before she sits down.
"And who are you?" however Arianne didn't even care about my mom.
"Hmmm ..., I'm the mother of your lord? You're rude one, aren't you? Should you give me some face? At least show some basic respect. Sit down for a moment!"
"Face or whatnot, my lord is the only one who can command me. Even if you are his mother, you have no right to do it."
"Umu ..., I see," she nodded and glanced at me, "Son, after this can you let me borrow this rude fire girl for a moment?" Mom asked for my permission, however, her eyes were telling that she didn't permit any objection.
"Certainly, mom." I nodded without much thought.
"W-what? Lord, why would you?"
"Arianne, you are now under my mom command, got it?"
"W-why? No, that's not how it's work!" Arianne raised a protest but I ignored her.
"Umu ..., that's my boy, come here. Let mom hug you for a moment."
I just went with the flow and snuggled into her tender body.
She stroked my black hair while hugging me. This feeling, I don't hate it.
I don't hate it, but ..., with my mental age, it just unbearable. I feel my pent up lust would burst out.