At first, the bear kin began explaining a little about which powers were allocated in the Koran City. There were plenty, so Andrea decided to make a list.
Between all the names he told them, they kept their attention on the major ones. "The city has plenty of influential people. The main reason is that this city, although quite distant from the consequential areas, is a trading point between two outer cities of two of the Three Empires."
The bear kin guided them to a room and sat on an oversized couch. Our girls took their own from the spatial ring and sat before him. "Of all the powers here, you should pay attention to the elders from the Nine sects, generals from the Empires, and influential families from the thirty-three clans. Relationships between them are tense, but if another power begins to rise, it is known and quite common that they would cooperate for a while and eliminate that power unless it becomes part of one of the three large factions."
Andrea smiled. "That's interesting. We would like to know a little more in-depth since there isn't such a delicate power balance in our hometown."
Herian was doubtful. "So you do truly come from a far-away place. I thought that you were kidding. Who would expect something like a [Moon Phoenix] would be birthed in such a remote place."
Andrea shrugged. "Our master is a chosen one, favored by the heavens! Her parents had a small ancestry with the Moon Phoenix, but it was diluted. However, thanks to fate, she was chosen and her blood purified. Thankfully, it was possible to keep it a secret until the master gained enough strength. Now we want to spread our influence slowly."
The bear kin nodded. Andrea continued. "After hearing what you said, we've decided to create a shop in this city and expand from there. Would you be interested in cooperation?"
The bear kin nodded. "Sure, if you can provide a cubic meter of that material per year, we can have a deal. Where are you going to open the shop?"
Andrea shook her head. "We don't know yet. We have to consult it with our matriarch. Although master Cecile and master Kali has plenty of influence, we are still under our matriarch's rule, after all."
Herian's eyebrows twitched. "There is something more terrifying-Ehem! More dignified than miss Phoenix here?"
Andrea smiled mysteriously. "There is. Even master Cecile has to lower her head before our matriarch's bloodline."
The bear kin couldn't help but sweat. 'I almost fainted with the Phoenix's Bloodline pressure. I can't imagine what kind of monster can make this indifferent and aloof Phoenix obey them.'
Andrea suddenly asked. "By the way, master Herian. Do you know a way to make a lot of money fast? We would like to have a good foundation for our shop."
The bear kin rolled his eyes. "If there was such a method, do you think I would easily share it with you?"
However, he suddenly stopped speaking and got thoughtful. Then, he said. "Well, now that I remember, you have a chance to gain a lot of Parus quickly and easily."
They got interested. Andrea had asked randomly, but it seemed it wasn't in vain. Herian said. "Our city's most prestigious auction house will soon open for the yearly auction. I've also heard they've got their hands into a mighty treasure this year, and plenty of powers are coming from across the continent to bid for it."
Herian snorted a laugh. "Moreover, they are lengthening this year's event from one to three days. I heard they accept all kinds of treasures, and depending on the quality, they'll expose them on the first, second, or third day. The later, the better, of course. If your matriarch has something interesting she can sell, she will be able to participate in this event and make quite a lot of money. Moreover, as long as they are good with words, creating alliances and other connections won't be too hard."
Andrea asked curiously. "Master Herian, will the aquatic races also come?"
The red-furred bear kin nodded. "Some of them will surely come. Of course, not many can live outside the ocean, so not many will appear."
Andrea didn't want to ask blatantly about the [Sun Engulfing Ore Lobsters], so she didn't probe further. "Where do we submit our treasures?"
Herian placed his bear head on his paw and said. "You must go to the [Brilliance Auction House] before two weeks go by. It will be for the best if you can go with your matriarch. So many people are registering, and unless you have an imposing momentum and bearing, it will be hard to receive good attention. Maybe your treasures even get devaluated if you make a bad impression."
His eyes turned toward Cecile, and he said. "Well, even if only Lady Cecile goes by herself, it shouldn't be a problem. However, I'm going to be blunt, Lady Cecile. You are too beautiful. I would use something to cover the face if I were you. Also, try to control your temper when people deal with your slaves. Even if they have importance to you, some people will get very offended if they are slighted because of a human."
Cecile nodded and said curtly. "Thanks, I'll keep it in mind."
Herian released a sigh of relief inside. 'Thankfully, she didn't glare at me as if I were a dead person this time.'
Kali stored a vial she had on her sleeve into her ring.
He didn't know it, but the bear kin had been very close to death this whole time. Thankfully, he managed to calm our girls by telling them handy information.
Although attacking the pampered little girl was a sin hard to forgive, he showed his value enough to make our girls hold onto the decision.
The conversation continued for a while, and they learned about another five influential powers in the Koran City other than the Intercontinental ones.
Herian's deep voice spread in the room. "Well, besides the powers I mentioned earlier, there are some you have to keep an eye on."
"First, the [Lotus Alchemy Valley]. Although less significant than the Nine sect dedicated to alchemy, they are one of the continent's largest providers."
"Then, our smithy. I've been respectful this time around because of Lady Cecile's presence. However, our Father Bear Blacksmith is ubiquitous around the continent. We are the largest subsidiary to the Nine Sect dedicated to Blacksmithing."
"Next, we have the [Silk Weaver Tower], [Perfect Formation Gate], and the [Mountain Traveling Merchants]. All of them have quite a bit of influence, so be careful when dealing with them."
Kali asked softly. "Oh? Are the Mountain Traveling Merchants that influential?"
The bear kin was excited to hear Kali speaking to him, so he nodded quickly and answered in detail. "Yes. Moreover, I've heard that there has been a large commotion."
"One of the powerful merchants has mysteriously died, and Jorey, a fox kin, has gained a lot of influence. If nothing goes badly, the Mountain Traveler Merchants will be unified for the first time since creation."
The bear kin saw an odd expression appearing on their face and asked. "Is there something wrong?"
Kali shook her head and stood up. "Nothing. Thanks a lot for your cooperation, master Herian. I hope that we have a pleasant cooperation in the future."
The bear kin stood up and lifted his paw to grab the air. Kali smiled under her veil and reciprocated the gesture. Cecile turned around and said. "Let's go home. The matriarch may have woken up from her nap."
The others hastily followed behind. Herian sighed. "Such a pure flower, a shame she is so small. I would've asked Father to propose marriage to their clan if she had at least half my height like that brown-skinned human."
Then, he walked toward the counter and began helping the other workers with the customers.
After exiting the smithy, they decided to return to their house and see if Tatyana and Yasenia had woken up. They've gained more than enough information to make solid plans.
As they walked with Sierra behind them, no one dared to bother them. Each time someone approached, Sierra would growl at them and scare them away so they could return home quickly.
They saw their dear dragoness sitting at the entrance when they reached the house. She was looking around, waiting for them with worried eyes. They couldn't help but feel a warm current entering their hearts.
When Yasenia saw them, she hastily ran toward them. "Where did you go? I know you are strong, but remember that we are in an unknown city! We don't know what danger lurks under the surface. Remember that Valeria, Mirrory, or Tatyana aren't omnipotent. What if someone they couldn't detect appeared?"
They looked at Yasenia and almost rolled their eyes. 'If someone like that appeared, would having you there make any difference?'
However, they knew their dear dragoness was worried, so they didn't correct her ramblings.
Andrea patted her head and kissed her snout, "Don't worry, dear. We went out to gather information. Since you were still entangled with Tatyana, we decided not to bother both of you and make something productive in the meantime. We've learned quite a few things. Let's go inside so you can listen."
As they crossed the door, Yasenia sniffed around their body and looked closely to see if they were injured. They didn't resist the inspection and even returned hugs and kisses as they went inside.
By the time they crossed the door, Yasenia's tail was wagging happily with her mouth arched in a beautiful smile, and if they had lipstick, the dragoness's face would be covered with kiss marks.
Tatyana sauntered toward them. "Leave a note or something next time. Little treasure was feeling frantic for a while." They were about to nod when Tatyana said with an annoyed tone. "She even stopped mid-intercourse because she was worried. I've been blue-balled by my little treasure for the first time!"
They tripped and almost fell face-first.
However, seeing the annoyance on Tatyana's face, they didn't dare comment and pleaded for forgiveness in their minds. 'Sorry, mother-in-law!'
Yasenia slapped Tatyana's butt with her tail and snorted. "So greedy, we were doing it for almost all the previous night and all morning. I bet that even if we kept at it, we would be caught "mid-intercourse" a week later!"
Their mouths opened. 'The mother-daughter duo are too mighty!'
Tatyana coaxed with a smile and a hug. "Oh, little treasure, don't be like that. How could I guess it would be so pleasant to have sex with you? Feeling everything so clearly is truly a delight. You have to become strong soon so you can fuck my real body like that too!"
They decided not to comment.
Andrea turned to the side and started speaking with Ebirah. The lobster princess smiled and asked about the city. Although she was originally from this continent, her birthplace was underwater, so it was her first time in a land city.
Each on their own, they walked toward the living room and sat around.
Yasenia laid her body across Cecile's and Angel's lap, her long tail resting on Kali's and Andrea's lap and her head on Evelyn's legs.
The five women didn't lose a second to start pampering their dear dragoness.
Tatyana just sat across them with a smile. observing Yasenia's happy expression.
With Yasenia's soft and deep purring sounds, they began speaking about what they'd heard from Herian.