"I wonder what they will serve us tonight," Cynthia said as she strolled next to Zack.
"I brought some fish from home just in case." Zack smiled.
Cynthia leaned against his arm rubbing against it. Yu saw this attempting the same thing. Kaya couldn't help but find Yu's actions adorable. The two had become very close since their threesome with Zack.
Kaya enjoyed how warm Yu's personality was, and no matter what she was always smiling. It was because of Yu she agreed to the terms set by Lilith, and Yuki. Yu helped her realized more partners weren't so bad. When observing Cynthia she realized her behavior was easy to deal with as well.
"Did you happen to bring something for me as well?" Cassandra asked.
"Madison told me you were very strict about only having animal blood so I brought enough," Zack replied.
"Why not just take some from him?" Ren asked with curiosity.
"I c-cant do something like that!" Cassandra shouted with an embarrassed expression on her face.
"Are you not allowed to?" Thea questioned.
"They're definitely allowed to. Didn't you see how Madison was staring at him the other night? There was more than lust in those eyes." Silas laughed.
'Would sis really do that with him? Even for her, that's too intimate...'
Not long after they arrived at the gate they had a series of servants waiting for them. It was the same ones from the auction along with a few butlers. Zack was amazed at the size of Mephisto's property.
As they approached the house a large fountain was coming into view, and it was made from solid gold. At the center of it was a statue of the founder of Blackreach. It was a rather large demon and on his back was a massive sword. Once they neared the steps to the mansion Mephisto came walking down with a human at his side wearing one of Destiny's dresses.
"You made it just in time because the guests are still arriving. I would like to introduce you to my wife Hannah." Mephisto told Zack as she gave a polite smile.
"It's nice to meet you." Zack smiled.
"Likewise, I've heard much about you. Thank you for the wonderful dress." Hannah told Destiny with a smile.
"Your praise means a lot, and if you need any alterations just let me know," Destiny replied.
"I've heard a lot about your work as well. Given the durability it makes me feel a lot better leaving for business." Mephisto said leading them inside.
"You've always been too protective." Hannah smiled walking at his side.
"It's just what people do when they really care about someone. There's nothing in this world more precious after all."Zack said glancing at his women.
"We faced many difficulties when we first got married. It was another excuse his brothers tried to use not to grant him ownership. After he was named the successor the hostilities halted so it was easy to forget. That was until I heard your speech earlier, and this Eden has really caught my curiosity. If this place really exists I would like to visit." Hannah told Zack.
"I'm sure he's gonna be busy getting ready for spring," Mephisto stated.
"I'll be taking some time off to work on things around town, and you two are welcomed to visit anytime," Zack replied.
"Don't you need a crown made before we leave?" Kaya teased.
"I heard you were given city rights but didn't think you were acting on it," Mephisto said as they entered a large living room.
"I had no intentions of being a king but they convinced me during the auction. My words were sincere earlier I still intend to live and work amongst my people. It's only to grant more freedom in our plans for change." Zack replied.
"That is the smarter choice. If you truly need a crown I can help with that." Mephisto said as he called his butler.
"Go tell the staff to begin setting the dining room, and notify our guest," Mephisto told the butler.
"We have rooms prepared for all of your companions." Hannah smiled.
"We all sleep in the same room," Yu replied pointing out Zack's group.
"And we brought our own bed for convenience. It's able to fit us all." Ren smirked at Zack.
"I have to check a few things, but feel free to make yourself at home." Mephisto nodded towards Ruby.
"I'll make the arrangements right away," Ruby told Mephisto.
"Who are we meeting?" Cassandra asked.
"A few representatives from the mages guild," Zack replied.
"Would they really travel this far?" Silas asked
"One of them was already here for the auction, and the other was nearby searching for deserters," Hannah stated.
"What's the meeting for?" Destiny asked.
"A chance to get some better equipment for those wanting to train, and a partnership hopefully," Zack replied.
"You gonna start spending more time in the classes then?" Kaya smirked.
"That's the plan. Are you gonna help me?" Zack smiled.
"Of course," Kaya replied.
"Guiding the next generation is important. If you want some help I got time to spare." Silas stated.
"You teaching will be fun to watch," Sera smirked bumping into him playfully.
"How many citizens do you have?" Hannah asked.
"Haven't done a count in a week, but it's over ninety residents for sure. We are also housing some seasonal workers for now. If you wish to visit I can make the arrangements in the morning." Zack replied.
Hannah continued to ask questions about Eden while they waited. A few minutes into her questions the butlers arrived leading Zack's companions to the dining room. Zack was taken to Mephisto's office where he was waiting with two members from the mages guild.
One of them was a young woman wielding a large wooden staff with a large emerald embedded into the tip of it. Her name is Vanessa, and she immediately began examining Zack thoroughly. When Zack waved she removed her hood revealing her pale complexion.
Vannesa has short black bangs that made it difficult to see her blue eyes. She seemed nervous about their meeting and continued to stare towards their feet. Zack got the impression that she wouldn't meet his gaze and kept his distance to be polite.
Vannesa is a member of the circle of mages that governed the guild. She was in Blackreach as a representative trusted enough to retrieve their earnings. When Mephisto asked if she would listen to a proposal from his partner she agreed out of formality.
She was a woman of few words, and would rather be studying than talking with people. The only reason Vannessa insists on getting the earnings is to prevent theft. Even a small loss could delay research substantially, and Blackreach was one of their biggest paydays.
Being around so many people would start to make Vanessa uncomfortable. This made her trips to the city rather short, and it was also the reason she had no escorts, but she didn't need them. Vannesa was a member of the circle for a reason.
Two years ago Vanessa became the youngest mage to achieve the rank of a senior alchemist, and this was through long nights of endless studying. This led to a breakthrough that gave her the idea for a new elixir that boosted her combat abilities. With her unique elixirs and deep understanding of the mystical arts, she is a formidable foe.
Standing next to Vanessa was a large man with chestnut skin, long black hair, and brown eyes. The man is covered in grade five artifacts that radiated immense power. His name is Nico, and he is a templar of the guild. Their duties are hunting down those who defile the tenants set by the guild, and they specialize in tracking abominations that escape dungeons.
Nico was in the southern territory searching for Elliot but could find no traces of him. He was unaware Zack was the reason for this. Nico watched Zack cautiously after hearing of his identity. The rumors of him being a Nephilim were heard while entering the city. He believed them to be exaggerations of a powerful mage but sensed nothing from Zack.
'I sense no mana from him. Can he really be a Nephilim?'
"What's this about? I have fugitives to find so excuse the bluntness." Nico investigated.