"Well, Miss Beau here has a few hours to spare in regards to checking out your produce so far and giving you an estimate on how much the Government is willing to spend on each of your crops per pound. Like you learned in the Academy, everything is bought in relative bulk to whatever it is that you sell, usually to the pound or to 10 grams depending on what it is."
Lady Von Goldiue gave me a smile before gesturing back at the Airships, which were still so impressive to see up close; I had seen many in my life before, but still marveled at seeing them so close and in person instead of as a drawing or from afar.
I disliked flying though; not incapable of flying, nor did I have air sickness, but I did dislike being away from solid ground since that was where I felt the most comfortable, and the idea of not being able to do something to protect myself should something happen to the Airship was a lingering fear of mine.
"Do you have a lot to sell off already, Hildegarde? Or have you not made too much progress just yet in overflowing your stock?"
"I have enough to sell, yes, and I have something to report about my wheat here. It's mutated somewhat to be more bountiful and hardier, which means I can produce far more flour than a usual crop of wheat should be capable of. The rest though are still rather normal, and sorry, Lady Von Goldiue, I haven't had the time to get to that request of yours just yet; I was going to start it tomorrow or the day after."
She waved her hand at that, unbothered by what I said as she began to walk down from the airstrip and onto the gravel path that led over to the manor that I now called home; Beau walked beside me, my Aunty still staring pointedly at my stomach as she winked and otherwise tried to embarrass me.
"It looks rather quaint, Hildegarde. All the crops are luscious and prosperous too, whilst the area is clean and well kept. Ah, and those must be the lucky ones you found at the market? Freshly hatched?"
Giving Aunty a slight glare when she poked my belly, I turned back to see Lady Von Goldiue smiling softly at me and Regina staring at me with a slight frown, the pink Catkin's tail swishing around constantly.
"Yes; Clara the Cowkin, Lucille the Goatkin, and Hannah the Sheepkin. There is the black wooled Sheepkin egg incubating right now, and soon there will be two Wolfkin eggs too..."
"I would have brought the little kitten that hatched from Regina's egg over, but she's still acclimating to her home, but she is the shyest, most adorable little thing you've ever seen~! Isn't that right, Regina~?"
The pink Catkin nodded once and said "Luna is adorable, yes...", and I caught her eye once more at the mention of this kit that had been sired from my seed, my cheeks darkening somewhat as the Catkin held my gaze, though I did notice that she blushed a little as well, which was...
Arousing.
"The next time I visit I'll bring little Luna along as well, Hildegarde. Now, let's go ahead and do business first before moving on to pleasure, hm? That would make the most sense... Shall we head in?"
Peeling Aunty off of me, I nodded and made my way to the door, holding it open and gesturing for everyone to filter into the manor, watching as everyone made their way in with various expressions of gratitude.
Clara, Lucille and Hannah were all quiet and shy, their first time meeting Human's that weren't me pushing them into their shell somewhat, while Crima just winked at me and shepherded them inside, giving them the guidance and reassurance they needed.
Then there was Aunty, who gave me a flirtatious wink and whispered "I'll show you some pleasure after the business is concluded, Hildegarde~!", before skipping into the manor, her age never really matching her personality, though that was what made her such an incredible person and an even better worker.
Regina just gave me a small nod as she walked in, remaining quiet lest she disappoint or anger her 'Mistress', heading into the manor and taking a spot near the door as she continued to watch Crima from afar, the genetic dislike of Canines making it hard for her to not do so, while Crima just ignored the Catkin, which only seemed to irritate her even more.
Finally, Lady Von Goldiue stopped at the entrance and gave me a smile, the Noblewoman and Government Official showing off her beauty and ability to charm anyone as she said "I am quite looking forwards to a continued partnership between me and you, Hildegarde... and no pressure, but I am 'judging' you based on how much you can earn. I want worthy partners in my circle, and I think you have the talent... but don't worry, I will give you more than enough time to set yourself up before I make the judgement."
Leaning closer, she ignored my blush as she added "And there are a few different 'needs' that I require to be fulfilled... so perhaps there will be many uses for you, Hildegarde. Well paid, high satisfaction for both parties... those sorts of 'uses'..." before heading inside as well, leaving me at the door with a conflicted mind.
I was aroused by the woman - she was not only beautiful but also very seducitve - just as much as she scared me with how casually she could ruin me should I mess up, be it with a word here or there in the Government or even something more direct with Regina...
It should never get that far, but the fact that she had the power to do so worried me, and her talk of uses made that fact drift up to the surface to frighten me, even if that wasn't her desired effect.
All in all though... I was able to push that unlikely event out of my mind and instead focus on the more important thing; making money.