Having said that, Uncle stood and brought me to his personal treasure room. It opened to his blood only, much like the grand treasury only opened for me and the treasurer. Thinking of that, that's why the signature or proof of my death was so important. So the Treasurer would register Aunt or Shere.
Anyways, Uncle grabbed his bag of holding down from it's pedestal. "Here we are." He said. Then he started putting all of his treasure and antiques into the bag, along with some books he collected. "Won't need this." He sounded tired.
"Uncle.. this isn't necessary." I said.
"Sure." He agreed. "But you're young and healthy. Everything here should be below your feet, Sev. It's rightful."
"Alright Uncle. I'll try to contact you from now on. Thank you." I said.
He petted my head, tugging my ear affectionately, while handing me his bag. "I'll look forward to it. Now, go give that cunt a stroke."
"I plan to. I have loyal guards now." I grinned.
"That's my girl." He said.
I helped him back to his seating spot where he'd been reading. Once he was settled, I headed out. Startling the guards. I winked, waved at them, then used Pass Without a Trace to leave the area. I went straight for the treasury. The treasurer was sitting and reading the ledger when I approached.
"So, do you wanna be hired as my Treasurer?" I asked.
He looked up, confused, "Welcome home, My Lady. What do you mean?"
"I mean, I have a new home. Either you come with me, or Aunt puts you to death when she learns I took all the money." I shrugged.
He looked startled. "That isn't funny."
"Do I look like I am joking?" I arched a brow at him.
"No. You look determined.." He took a deep breath. "Just the money?"
"Anything of value that touches my hands." I shrugged. "Uncle has said everything here is rightfully mine."
"Understood. He is correct." The Treasurer, Enres said. He even opened the vault for me.
We went inside and he helped me to fill my bag with everything in the room. "Is anyone else still loyal to me and my Father?" I asked.
"Several have been put to death." He replied.
"Haah. A single maid might have been nice. Oh well." I shrugged.
It took some time to clean everything out, then he took me to the stored jewels and such. Which I also took. I was just trying to maximize her anger. It would work. I stopped by the storehouse to take rice, Saki and Soju as well. The last thing I grabbed was my parents and my crowns. Then I touched my necklace, hoping he wasn't paying attention and setting the throne room on fire.
I set several more important rooms on fire before Enres and I were attacked. I set the people on fire, moving Enres and I into a room and locking it. Then I touched Enres and used the second scroll to take us to Dueling Rivers. I went straight back into Tibin's shop, with a small smile.
"I shouldn't have bothered locking it up. One moment." Tibin said. He went to another room and came back with my blade.
"You wouldn't happen to have any glyphs to set up a zone where others can't teleport in, would you?" I asked taking my sword and handing him the promised money.
"I have a few to put on doors, but nothing to cover zones. I'm just a general goods store. Something like that I could procure, though." He said.
"That's alright. I had been told to speak to a wizard in East Haven about it." I replied.
"Ah. Well, that's who I was gonna procure it from anyways. If you go there it'll be a little cheaper." Tibin said.
"Thank you." I said. "Good defenses on your store, by the way. The runes are very good ones."
"Well, thank you for noticing. This store I feel could stand up to an owlbear stampede." Tibin said.
"And then some. Good day, sir." I said, leading Enres out.
I headed to the square again, asking about a glass Smith. I was pointed to a Blacksmith shop. I went inside and was surprised to see glass weaponry and Dwarven crafted weapons together on shelves.
"Welcome to the Smithy, what can I do for you." A dwarf asked.
"I'd like to commission some things made of glass. Mundane and not lethal. Would this be the place, or is it only lovely things like those?" I asked, gesturing to the weapons.
"Typically it's just things like that, but what did you have in mind?" He asked.
I described the glass wall I wanted, as well as a type of dome to go in a treetop, and a greenhouse. "Do you think it's achievable?" I asked.
"From what I've seen her do, that's easily achievable. Now, if she'll have the time to do it? Well, we'll have to see for ourselves." The Dwarf said.
"I'm not incredibly pressed for time." I said.
"That's good. It'd be easier to work off her schedule than anyone else's. You'd never think she thought she'd never sell anything." The dwarf said, with a touch of affection.
While he was walking us back Enres said, "My Lady, might I inquire about these things you wish to purchase..?"
"You may, but I am only going to say it's my whim." I said.
It didn't take long, it was through a door, in the back, past a forge and through another door where a ... winged elf and normal elf were working in a glassmith shop. The elves looked at us upon our entry.
"Allow me to make introductions. This is out Master Glassmith Cassae, and her apprentice, Tilton." The dwarf said.
"Balnur. I am still in charge of the taxes on your shop." Tilton said.
Balnur, the Dwarf, put his hands up. "Just a bit of fun, Mayor."
Cassae touched Tilton's arm lightly. "What can we do for you both today?"
Balnur explained what I'd discussed with him, though I noticed Tilton eyeing me. Cassae then asked, "Were you looking for the glass to be Glassteel or to keep it mundane?"
"I apologize, I don't know the difference." I said, tilting my head.
"Basically, it's breakable or non-breakable." She answered.
"Oh. Breakable is fine.." I thought for a moment. "Perhaps the treetop dome should be unbreakable."
"Only? That's a neat choice. That could be fun. What do you think, Tilton?" Cassae asked.
"I do believe that could be accomplished. But I do have a question." He said.
I looked at him, "Yes?"
"What is your.. relation to Asmodeus?" He asked.
"Oh, that's simple. He owns my soul." I shrugged.
"I would prefer some more detail on that.. for safety reasons." Tilton said.
"Haah. Fine, since I saw your friends' reactions already. Do you know what a Rakshasa is?" I asked.
"Yes." He answered.
"Good. One of them were plaguing the Southern Empire. My parents made a deal with Asmodeus to get rid of the Rakshasa. It cost them their lives and my soul. For my part, I get to annoy the Hell out of him by not using his power." I said.
"You've said you met my friends.. who have you met?" He asked.
"Ashtar took me to Bibs and Kershka, and Gregor visited during that chat. Last night I accidentally came across.. I think Bibs said he's Jack.. and after a nice conversation, he noticed the pendant and panicked. Can't blame him. I finally met Asmodeus last night. And Bibs adviced me on how to handle my orders. Do you feel better now?" I asked.
"Relatively." Tilton said.
"Do you want any other information?" I asked.
"What orders did he give you?" He asked.
"To build an empire from Wellspring Town." I answered.
"And Bibs adviced you on how to take care of it?" He asked.
"Yes. He said do just enough to make it seem like I am complying." I said.
"Haah. That is solid." Tilton said. "How did you manage to fix the town?"
"Well, I recalibrated the machine and set it off based on the manual I found with it. My soul is owned, so the lack of magic im the area couldn't extract my soul." I explained.
"Well, it's about time he was useful for something." Tilton said.
I snorted, half laughed, cleared my throat and said, "You are gonna get me in trouble."
"If he dares set foot in my town, there are several here who will wipe that new avatar of his all over the flagstones." Tilton said.
"Ah, but I don't live here.. which brings us back to the business aspect, unless you have more to ask?" I replied.
"No, no. We can move on to business." He said.
We discussed the details of pricing and estimated time to complete and installation of the class items. With only the green houses price due for fluctuations, because I gave rough estimates to them on what I'd need. Once Entes understood my purpose for each thing he was more than willing to take over the transaction.
Though, he decided that my initial dome idea would be too small for me and scaled it up. He seemed.. excited.. when I pointed it out he grinned and told me of course he was happy to serve a true Silver instead of the imposing imposter. What made me start thinking was the comment that any of the loyalists would feel the same.
He remained in good spirits even when we paid the deposit to essentially schedule the things to be crafted, delivered and installed. Which was an extra fee. The dwarf and Tilton insisted on. I knew from the look Tilton gave her that he was enamored with her. This amused me some. She seemed to respect and like him just as much.
They were a gorgeous couple, really. Anyways. After everything was worked out there, we went to Hearthstone Town. As we reached the entrance, much to our alarm there was a group of ten heavily armed people heading inside. Four of them entered without issue, the fifth and sixth were engulfed by flames and disappeared.
The guards immediately made the rest of the group enter and began questioning them, we were also made to enter and questioned. I complied with them. Haril came to see what was going on, and had myself released. When I asked, I was promptly informed about the safety precautions to the place. I had the briefest conversation about being unable to become one of the guards due to Asmodues' order.
Then I headed to Valor's Crest through the portal. I wasn't going to stick around for whatever was going on. In the city, I rented a room at the in Inn because it was too late to go to East Haven. They'd shut their gates by the time I got there. Enres rented his own room. I told him we'd finish our business and head home in the morning.
I ate alone, assuming he would, too. He did have his own funds. I also gave him leave to explore the city. I slept peacefully, the mild discomfort from the mornings cramps having lessened until gone in the night. I left the room, meeting up with Enres and left the inn. He wanted to have breakfast. So I told him to go do so.
Meanwhile, I contacted Plight and asked if he and Nia could come to the villa and talk with me in the afternoon. They accepted, which made me feel better. I stopped around a bit until Enres was trying to find me. After spooking him, I took him with me to East Haven and met the wizard. He was indeed an odd old man. But I got what I needed.
Enres and I then went to Wellspring Villa. He was not impressed with my efforts there. It didn't bother me. I sent him to pick out a room on the third floor of the mansion. Then I leaned against the tree. I ended up napping, though I didn't remember falling asleep or being tired.
I dreamed of walking through a field and flowers blooming, then I'd turned to my right, watching a lion emerge from a river. It roared and ran about playfully. I smiled watching it in the dream, then I woke up with Plight and Nia before me. I started, alarmed.
"..Hello." Plight said in a friendly way.
"Guess you were just napping." Nia said.
"Yeah- guess so." I frowned, not remembering the dream anymore. I shook my head. "Right. Thank you both for coming. I really appreciate it."
"Not a problem. Sorry for giving you such a start." Plighr said.
I stood up, "Let's go have a seat in the mansion, and I'll explain why I asked you here."
I lead them to the table and once they were seated, I explained about my Aunt's visit, Asmodeus, and the attempted assassination, and my payback. As well as my chat with Bibs. I finished it by saying, "So, I'd like to formally invite you both to move here at your convenience."
Plight looked at Nia, "Well, shall we?"
Nia seemed hesitant, but kissed Plight. Then said, "If we move here, I'd like a church of Pyreleos built for Plight. As well as the right to vet long term citizens."
"Then are you wanting an official title? Since it's supposed to be the buddings of an empire?" I asked.
"Sure." Nia said.
"Chancellor then." I said. "And a church to Pyreleos. Done.
"Alright. No payment is required. I've amassed my own wealth. We'll have to get Isarial to make some glyphs so we can go to and from everywhere we need to." Nia said.
Plight agreed with her. Enres came down and spoke with us all briefly. I told him, he'd be going to Hearthstone tomorrow to get some builders for the place. I also informed them a that I had some Bibs recommended guards coming soon. They accepted that and were planning on moving in a week after their home was built. Nia selected the area she wanted it.
After they went home, I set up the treasury in the basements furthest back room. Enres got to work entering every single coin and treasure into a ledger. Leaving him to it, I went and continued my construction efforts. I worked until the moon was high, then went to bed. The next day, after breakfast, Enres went along to handle contracting some people for building purposes, and I got busy laying out the plans for the buildings.
I noted that it'd really been a full week since Dirthin had been around. Feeling some kinda way about it, I noted that my schooling had actually come in handy, back when my aunt allowed me to be tutored.. my plans were comprehensible, even if it was only my opinion. Enres returned just before dark, and I took a blanket and pillow up a tree to sleep.
The following day I started putting the necessary glyphs in place. In the middle of this task, some men on horses arrived. They entered the gate, missing seeing me at first. I greeted them, they were the men Bibs had recommended. One of them, a magic user, began helping me with the task of etching the glyphs. It was a serious pain.
Carson was a human fighter, Orryn was a human rogue, Zash is a half-elf ranger and Feldman, the only woman, is an elf wizard. They all had really strong bonds as far as I could tell.
I made us all a big meal at the end of the day when we'd finished the glyphs and empowered them. We discussed their pay, and how it'd be handled, then I gave them a tour of the place and let them pick their rooms. The magic user used protective runes all throughout my room, ensuring assassins couldn't slip in easily.
The next morning, I made food and we all ate together. I got started rebuilding some of the destroyed wall to the mansion, setting it to have glass added in. Enres had decided this wall, when the glass was installed, should be made into glassteel. I didn't bother arguing. Honestly, I felt fatigued. The adventurers weren't leaving my side.
I felt someone approaching, and the guards grow watchful. "You've got to stop there."
"Cute." Dirthin said, "I'm guessing these are your guards?"
I set down the bit I was working with, and turned, "Yeah." I answered, I looked at them, "He's my lover, he's fine." I then went over to him and gave him a hug.
He gave me a tight hug, lifting me off the ground. "I- it has been a hell of a week. How have you been?"
"Tired." I said, sighing. "And busy. Asmodeus had a visit with me. The changes in my plans are related to him, though the guards are because of a failed assassination in front of Kershka. How bout you? You seem fine.."
"You know, in comparison, not much happened. So, someone tried to have you killed and the king of hell showed up." Dirthin replied, looking surprised.
"Just my Aunts actions. I wouldn't have needed Kershka's help if I hadn't been so tired." I said. "It's not a good excuse for being unobservant, but I was very focused on seeking assistance from someone who deals with the Archdevil. He's mad with me."
"Now, what could he be upset with you for?" He asked.
"I don't use his powers, nor did I take over my birthright. Or became the Empress." I said.
"He had some big plans for you, didn't he." He asked.
"He was gonna send me home to take over and become empress, but he decided to have me stay and build one here, so that it can go to war with the Southern Empire in the future." I sighed.
"Ah, that's uh, grand design he's come up with." Dirthin said.
"Bibs told to do as little towards it as possible, while doing enough to make it seem like I'm trying." I told him. "Oh! I saw some people die horrifically in front of Heartstone."
"That's more than likely fine." Dirthin said. "More likely they had ill-intent."
"That's what Haril said." I replied.
"There are several security features on that door." He said.
I snuggled him and said, "Are you tired? You've worked hard."
"Freakin' exhausted." He said.
"Do you wanna lay down, or have a bath?" I asked.
"I should definitely have a bath." He replied.
"You guys can relax while Dirthin is here." I told them, then I looked at him, "Let's get you a bath." I took him upstairs, drawing him a bath. "You coulda rested up before coming, you know. You don't have to hurry to see me."
"Hey, you wanted me to relax, I'm here. If I go home I might get sent off on another job." Dirthin said.
Once the bath was ready, he stripped and got in, then I joined him. I snuggled to his chest, relaxing against him. I started rubbing his arm and chest lightly. I noticed about then that he was bleeding from his ribs, below his pecs.
"Oh, you're injured..." I said, placing my hand over his injury. I cast Cure Wounds, healing him. I followed up by checking his body for poison with Detect Poison and Disease.
"I guess some of that was my blood. No wonder I was feeling so tired." He said.
I kissed his chest and gave him a snuggle. "There we are. You're not poisoned. Thankfully."
He placed an arm around me. "I'm glad you're okay as well."
"I'm so tired." I complained quietly.
"Well, why don't we get dried off and get some rest?" Dirthin suggested.
I nodded and helped him get dried off. We went and laid down in my bed afterward. We fell asleep quickly, waking to a knock on the bedroom door hours later around sundown. I jerked, waking up.
"My Lady, did you wish to have any supper?" Enres called.
I groaned. And looked at Dirthin, who had also woke. "Alright. We'll get up." Contrary to my words, I tucked my head against Dirthin and settled back in.
"Very good, my lady. The adventurers made food. It seems they caught a couple of pheasants and ducks." Enres called.
My head popped up, "That does sound kinda good. Do we wanna go eat?"
"Alright, let's go see how well the guards can cook. Necessity can create excellent house keeping skills, we should know." He replied.
I stretched, yawning. I really didn't want to get up. My life had gotten far too peopley lately. But I got up anyways, we dressed, and headed downstairs with Dirthin to where the adventurers were. I stopped midway to the table, smelling something horrible. The adventurers started to greet me, noticed my scrunched expression, Carson pointed to Orryn.
"He found wild Brussels and burnt some of them. We picked them out, but smell kinda stuck." Carson said.
"Hey, look. It would have been fine, just to pull it further from the heat. Lesson learned." Orryn said.
"But this was the twentieth time." Zash said.
"Actually, it was the twenty-fouth time. I did say we should quit letting him cook those." Feldra pointed out.
"Brussels are good and good for you." Orryn said.
"Suuure." Carson said. "Sorry bout the smell."
Dirthin looked at me, "You have already been poisoned once, I'm going to try this."
"Why would we bother poisoning our new employer?" Feldra asked.
Carson and Zash laughed over what Dirthin said. While Enres said, "Her highness knows the detection spell to check for poisons."
"It would seem my joke went over a couple heads. Let's give this a shot." He said. Taking a bite. He set the fork down, took away the plates, then wordlessly went to the kitchen and began cooking.
Enres looked confused, and everyone else went silent. I went to go help him in the kitchen. Making a sticky mango rice to go with the meal he was making. Once the food was ready, I helped him serve it and we all sat down to eat. Everyone seemed to be enjoying it, but it was Feldra that said, "Yeah, this is better."
I chuckled. "Food is more than just survival, you know."
"Everyone deserves decent food." Was Dirthin's only comment.
"For the record, I think I'll stick to cooking the meals. It still smells really bad in here." I told the group after we'd finished eating which was agreed to, then I looked at Dirthin, "Thanks for the meal."
He replied, "This rice is very versatile."
"Yes, you can make a lot of things with rice. It even has non food uses." I said.
"Non food uses? Such as what?" He asked.
"Glue, heating pack, cleaning, prevent tools from rusting, save silver from tarnishing, store and sharpen knives, dry out plants,.and ripen fruit." I listed the uses.
"Versatile does not begin to describe it then." Dirthin said.
I grinned at him. "Yep. I like it a lot. Do you wanna climb a tree?"
"My Lady, you really shouldn't go climbing about.." Enres said.
"Yeah, yeah, well how about I name his nephew my heir so you stop pestering me?" I said. "Seems like the kid has huge plans. He had made that cave-city."
"I don't believe he would want to personally." Dirthin said.
"It'd just essentially be a smaller bit of more land for him to play with." I shrugged. "But it was mostly a joke. The Tigrine back home wouldn't accept him and that's more of.a headache I'd put on anyone."
"Nah, he'd probably have the annoying ones dealt with. He doesn't like dealing with annoyances either." Dirthin said.
I laughed, "Hell, maybe he'd do fine, then."
"Oh, he probably would do fine." He agreed.
I nudged him lightly and headed outside. He followed along and we climbed up one of the taller trees. Once we reached the top, I said, "I made plans with Cassae and Tilton for a dome type observatory to be placed here, made of glass."
"Well, that would be interesting. How would they get it up here?" He asked.
"Cassae is a winged elf." I said.
"I haven't bothered to meet her." He said, noticing a pillow and blanket I'd left. "Have you been sleeping up here?"
"I like to. It feels safe." I said. "And no one's bother me up here."
"I would imagine no one bothers ya, I doubt they could find ya." Dirthin said.
"Doesn't that make it wonderful?" I asked, smiling.
"It does. It sounds like a wonderful time." He said.
"Is it odd to you to sleep in a tree?" I asked.
"It is. I've never done so myself. But I am open to new experiences." Dirthin said.
"I really hate so many people being around." I sighed.
"You'd have had a hell of a time being a ruler, then." He replied.
I nodded. "I made sure the guards were necessary."
"What do you mean by that?" He asked.
"I set the palace on fire and took everything from the treasury and jewel vault." I informed him. "That's how Enres came to be here."
"Ah. I thought you just went and collected a follower." Dirthin said. "And I trust you know what you're doing in that situation."
"That makes one of us." I said. "It's only the second time I have retaliated."
"Well, you have back up now if you need it." He noted.
"Anyways, how have you been? Busy clearly. You aren't sore anywhere are you?" I asked.
"No, amazingly enough, I am not crazy sore in any way. I've been alright. A little sleepy. Can't seem to really get to sleep when I want to." He said.
"Cause of the job?" I asked.
"Yeah, probably. Had to deal with a lot of people I really didn't want to." He said.
"Aww. Aren't we the antisocial and grumpy pair." I joked.
"Indeed. And yet people still keep bothering me." He said.
"It's because you're cute." I grinned.
"Normally I would take such comments as provocation. But I don't think that's what you're shooting for." He said.
"Does it bother you?" I asked.
"I wouldn't say it bothers me. It's just different." He said.
"Hm. I mean it in the way when you see something adorable and wanna squeeze it because it's so loveable and sweet looking. Like a cub." I said. "Though you're also handsome enough that I desire you."
"Yeah, that's definitely gonna take some getting used to." He said.
"Mm. Maybe it's because you weren't raised in a feline society?" I suggested.
"That's entirely possible. I certainly wasn't." He said.
I smacked his chest lightly, "Oh, I just remembered, I had a weird dream a few days ago about a lion climbing out of a river. Isn't that weird?"
"Climbing out of a river, huh? Yeah, I'd have to say that is an odd dream." He said.
"I actually forgot about it until just now.uou must have reminded me." I said. "Are you still tired?"
"A little, but I am far more rested than when I got here. Usually that's quite the opposite." Dirthin said.
"That's because you made it a goal to fuck me stupid. It about worked." I joked.
"I dunno. You did go to a place you knew you'd get attacked for and set it on fire." He said. "I may have succeeded."
"I was super safe. Nobody expects the target to go to them." I replied.
"I mean, you're not incorrect, but, still rather risky." He said.
I flopped against him. "You're a little mean."
"I feel I'm a lot more than a little mean, but what do you mean?" He asked.
"A victory is still a victory, even if it's small. And they'll be trying to kill me regardless of how I strike them, unless I eradicate them." I said.
"There is always that option." He replied.
I sighed. "Yeah, I suppose. I've been asked about it a few times."
"I just don't see a way for it to end any other way." He said.
"Well, when I told Asmodeus why I was here, he said he'd crush the 'ant'. So there's that." I shrugged.
"Ah. I'd stay away for a while then. He very well may forget, but still." He said.
I stretched against him. "I don't intend to go back anyways. Do you want my crown?"
"Why in the world would I want that?" He asked.
"It's valuable?" I said.
"Nah, that's alright. I'm not exactly hurting for money." He replied.
"You took me to your house. I had assumed from it, your clothes and your equipment that you had money, Dear. I can still want to give you things." I said.
"Let me see it." He said.
"It's in the basement. We can go look if you want." I said. "It's a temporary location for it all, to be frank."
"Oh, we're done with the tree?" He asked.
"Don't have to be. I'm pretty cozy." I replied. "You can do anything you like."
"Eh, if I did anything I liked, I'm pretty sure we'd fall out of the tree." He said.
"Oh? Poor balance?" I teased.
"More like.. lack of practice." He said.
"Then you wanna practice?" I asked.
"Eh, why not. A little danger never hurt anybody. The fall might, but we'll get to that." He said.
"If we fall, I'll catch us." I replied.
"Well, with our safety ensured.." He said.
We started slowly, with kisses and gentle exploration. The branches made for excellent storage of our clothes and weapons. We also found interesting ways to use the branches in positioning ourselves. Just like every other time he'd been inside me, he was gentle at the start, and wild at the end.