Chereads / AΩ: The 17th – Reincarnation of the all knowing Mastermind / Chapter 8 - Death of the ruthless prince

Chapter 8 - Death of the ruthless prince

Tailin's eyes fluttered open, her consciousness returning with a jolt as she called out Clementine's name, her voice echoing weakly in the serene surroundings. Sensing movement, she glanced down to find her pet rabbit nestled atop her, a comforting presence in the midst of her confusion.

A shiver ran through her as she realized she lay naked beneath the thin veil of a blanket, her body exposed to the gentle caress of the morning breeze. With a start, she sat up, hastily pulling the blanket around her as she surveyed her surroundings. The soothing melody of the river's flow and the distant chirping of birds offered solace amidst her disorientation, but it was the crackling of a fire nearby that drew her attention.

Turning her gaze, she spotted a figure by the fire, diligently tending to a makeshift meal. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as she observed the stranger, her mind racing with questions. Who was this person, and why were they here?

As if sensing her gaze, the figure—revealed to be a young man—glanced in her direction, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he tossed her clothes towards her and gestured towards a nearby tent where she could dress in privacy.

Summoning her courage, Tailin voiced the question burning in her mind. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice tinged with uncertainty. The man met her gaze evenly, introducing himself as Xialdre before returning his attention to the cooking fire.

With a mixture of apprehension and determination, Tailin gathered the blanket tightly around her and hurried towards the tent, her faithful rabbit following close behind. As she disappeared inside, Xialdre's sigh carried on the breeze, a silent acknowledgment of the unfolding mystery surrounding their unexpected encounter.

As Tailin dressed inside the tent, her pet rabbit by her side, she noticed her clothes looked better than before, and her body was fully healed. She peered out at Xialdre, who was still by the fire, and summoned a pocket portal, pulling out a knife. Clutching it tightly, she slowly walked out of the tent, pointing the knife at Xialdre.

"Why did you save me? Is it because I'm the first princess?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance.

Xialdre looked at her with his emotionless eyes, seemingly unfazed by her threat. "The reason I saved you is because you were saying Clementine's name the whole time you were unconscious."

As Tailin remembered everything, she sighed and lowered the knife slightly. "Are you a comrade of Clementine?" she asked, her tone softening.

Xialdre nodded. "Yes."

Tailin noticed her pet rabbit, Hazel, seemed particularly interested in Xialdre. He glanced at the rabbit and asked, "What's her name?"

"Her name is Hazel, and I want you to have nothing to do with her," Tailin replied, her protective instinct flaring.

Xialdre merely nodded again, his attention returning to the meal he was preparing. Tailin, feeling a mixture of gratitude and confusion, decided to let her guard down a bit. She sat near the fire, keeping Hazel close, and watched Xialdre, trying to piece together the mystery of this stoic man who had saved her life.

As Xialdre took out the thing that he was cooking, he poured it to a bowl and gave it to Tailin as she stares at it, as she stop's pointing the knife at Xialdre Her stomach growl as she blushes, Xialdre look's at her as she drink it, her eyes went to sparkles off how good it is, As she finishes it easily Xialdre poured more at her bowl, as now she feel's comfortable around him.

Xialdre spoke in a very calming voice, "Your a princess right, ill take you back to your palace I know the way, their probably so worried about you right now." Tailin look's at xialdre's face as she blushes and look away "Why are you helping me, like actually...

As Xialdre didn't answer " Xialdre stand's up as he put's out the fire, It was already midnight, Xialdre then asked Tailin, If she could use Light magic, As she respond yes.

Xialdre hold's her hand as they walk this thick forest, As xialdre ask her as they walk, "So who is clementine to you?", for me well she's my bestfriend.. "And how could you say that? Tailin Explained to Xialdre how they met and what they did with such little time they have, "I see, Don't worry im sure she's probably just alright" Tailin look's at Xialdre and said "How could you be sure?" where Xialdre respond, "Trust me".

As the two walked and Hazel the rabbit followed them, they talked as Xialdre brought her back to the palace. At first, Tailin found Xialdre interesting, but now she had fully fallen in love with him. Finally emerging from the forest, a group of bandits surrounded them. Xialdre remained expressionless as the bandits laughed, and Tailin looked terrified by her current situation.

The bandits talked about why the princess was outside, but Xialdre was already behind their leader. He slammed the leader's head to the ground and fought off the bandits. Tailin watched in awe as Xialdre risked his life for her. As a bandit tried to take advantage of her as a hostage, he lost his head, and all the bandits were taken down by Xialdre alone.

Tailin looked at Xialdre as he grabbed her hand and carried her back to the front of the palace. She said her goodbye to him as he walked away. Tailin looked down, realizing she had officially fallen in love with someone. Blushing, she held both of her cheeks, and her pet rabbit jumped into her arms as she giggled, heading back to the palace.

As Xialdre left, he said to himself, "Tailin, the fourth princess, is merely a pawn to me. I made her fall in love with me through those acts. Clementine pretended to be an outcast, and she and Tailin will become friends. Asabe will come on the scene and make her fall into the huge ravine."

And the moment she falls, the river below is purposely not deep enough so she can hit her head and fall unconscious and at least make her feel the pain down to the river, so she can remember she was heavily wounded so I can make her think I was the one who healed her later on, As that situation will strive in her mind, she will realize I helped her and saved her life, ill then give her food when She wakes up, and let Natalia heal her while she is unconscious.

Anyways I made her feel affectionate towards me as she slowly falls in love with me, as I then walked with her directly at a famous place of bandits ambushes , so I can help her and make her fall for me even more since Tailin can never get out the palace she never knew that we were in a place famous for Bandits ambushes.

I then brought her back to the palace along with her rabbit, as now how the way she falls in love with me, is the same how she will fall in my palm as my invisible string is attached to her heart, as I have successfully manipulated the youngest princess herself, and as now she, is under my control.

As Tailin silently made her way back to her room, she sensed Arisawa's gaze following her every move. When she turned around, Arisawa's knowing expression greeted her, and she couldn't help but feel exposed under her sister's scrutiny.

"*Fufu, I never expected you to fall in love with that guy," Arisawa remarked, her tone laced with amusement. Tailin's gaze shifted to Sebas, who stood beside her sister, his eyes betraying no emotion.

Caught off guard by her sister's comment, Tailin felt a rush of uncertainty. She wondered how much Arisawa truly knew about her feelings for Xialdre and what her sister's intentions were. With a sense of unease settling in her chest, Tailin could only offer a hesitant nod in response.

The next day, as Rain, Natalia, Isayao, and Clementine slept, Asabe and Xialdre ventured out on a date. As they walked together, lost in conversation, a familiar fancy carriage halted their path.

Sebas stepped out of the carriage and approached Xialdre with gratitude. "Thank you for saving and guiding Tailin back to the castle," he said, handing Xialdre a bag of platinum coins. Onlookers watched as the prince made the generous gesture.

As Sebas and Arisawa departed, Arisawa peered out of her window, her expression serious. Xialdre met her gaze, prompting Arisawa to sigh before drawing the curtains shut.

Asabe then mentioned to xialdre that the girl behind the curtains seems to be off, As Xialdre explained to her the she might be a Reincarnation to Asabe, As he remained in one expression the entire time.

"Asabe, you're also a reincarnation, right?" Asabe was shocked by how he knew this since she had never mentioned it in her entire life. She asked, "Master, h-how did you know?"

Xialdre looked at her and said, "I just know."

Xialdre then thought to himself, "It has been a little over two years since my entire family was killed by Satra. I bet Isayao and Clementine are still seeking revenge. The same probably goes for Rain and Natalia as well."

"Well, that's beside the point. Today is my birthday, but I don't think we'll celebrate it since my sixteenth birthday wasn't celebrated either, probably because we were still in danger around that time. I'm finally seventeen now."

As Xialdre and Asabe finally headed back to their hotel room, Xialdre opened the door and was greeted with a chorus of "Happy Birthday!" from the girls. They held a cake, their faces beaming with excitement. For the first time, Xialdre hadn't predicted this would happen, as he lacked an understanding of emotions.

He remained expressionless as he said, "Thanks." He couldn't help but feel nothing in response. The five girls noticed his lack of reaction but didn't mind; all that mattered was that Xialdre was being celebrated by them.

The next day, Xialdre woke up to a scene of pure bloodbath. As he stirred, he glanced at the girls still sleeping before looking out the window. To his horror, he realized that Satra was raiding the town.

Quickly waking the girls, Xialdre saw Satra riding a horse outside, with Tailin tied up and unconscious behind him. Without hesitation, Xialdre jumped out the window, catching the girls by surprise. He landed on the ground and chased after Satra's horse on foot.

As he finally caught up, Xialdre kicked the horse's knee, breaking it and causing Satra to fall to the ground. Satra looked up, only to find himself face to face with Xialdre, who wore the same expression he had the last time they met.

As Satra stood up and saw Xialdre, he laughed, finally feeling the chance to get his revenge. "Finally, I can make you pay for what you did to my eye," he sneered.

Xialdre responded coldly, "You talk big, despite the fact that your horse was literally caught by me."

"That doesn't matter. My horse was probably sick; that's why it was easily caught by you," Satra angrily replied.

"And you actually used it to raid? Dumbass prince," Xialdre mocked calmly.

"Tsk, talk all you want. You're still going to regret this!" Satra retorted.

Xialdre's expression remained unchanged. "What you're doing right now could ruin your royal authority. You're raiding a country that isn't yours and kidnapping your own sister."

"It doesn't matter. No one will know about this anyway. I'll make sure to execute anyone who snitches on me. And besides, despite the risk, I'll be bathing in gold and platinum coins," Satra responded.

"Aren't you literally a member of the royal family? Why do you still tax and raid countries just for metal coins? Are you that poor, despite being a royal?" Xialdre asked.

"You know nothing about me," Satra replied.

After that, Satra charged at Xialdre, sword in hand. Xialdre calmly dodged the attack. Realizing his opponent was no ordinary foe, Satra quickly backed up.

Before he knew it, Xialdre was already on the move, punching Satra in the stomach and then kicking him in the chin, sending him sprawling to the ground.

As Satra attempted to stand up, Xialdre grabbed him by the throat, continuously punching him into the ground. Satra's face became heavily wounded, rendered almost unrecognizable by the brutal blows.

The girls jumped out of the window, witnessing the aftermath. They saw the Ruthless prince lying on the ground, his teeth scattered around his bloodied, unrecognizable face.

People and knights witnessed the brutal fate of the ruthless prince as he was being mercilessly beaten in front of them. Satra, with his last glimpse, saw Xialdre's eyes—eyes that conveyed nothing, despite all the suffering Satra had inflicted on him.

Xialdre remained unchanged even after Satra had murdered and raped his family, destroyed his hometown—all in front of him. Despite this, Xialdre's expression, emotion, and strength remained constant.

Xialdre then pulled Satra up, elbowed him in the back, and immediately kicked the back of his head, making Satra fall unconscious.

Xialdre looked at the people around him as he picked up Tailin from the ground. Turning back to the girls, he ordered Natalia and Asabe to obliterate the entire country.

As the knights and citizens heard this, some begged for mercy, some resigned to their fate, and some attacked. These attackers were swiftly beheaded by Asabe, while Natalia summoned a portal. Clementine, Rain, and Isayao entered, followed by Xialdre carrying the unconscious fourth princess.

As the portal closed, Asabe fully transformed into her dragon form, with Natalia riding on her back. They soared into the sky as Natalia chanted an explosive spell.

"By the ancient power of the inferno, I summon the wrath of blazing stars! Ignite, consume, and reduce to ash all that stands before me! Pyroclasmic Inferno!"

The entire country erupted in a massive explosion. Asabe unleashed a gigantic fireball, reducing everything to ash. With the country obliterated and all its inhabitants killed, the two re-entered the portal Natalia summoned in the sky, following the others.

Satra woke up and realized he was chained inside a slave cage. As he looked up, he saw Xialdre staring down at him.

"How dare you, Xialdre! I'll make sure you pay for this!" Satra shouted, but Xialdre's expression remained unchanged.

Moments later, the four girls entered, their eyes burning with the fury of the devil, pure rage directed at him.

Before the country was obliterated, Xialdre had taken the ruthless prince along with the princess, having other plans in mind for them.

Natalia, Rain, Isayao, and Clementine looked at Satra with grins on their faces, finally ready to exact their revenge. Asabe and Xialdre watched silently, observing what the girls would do next.

Isayao drew her bow and shot Satra three times in the shoulder. He screamed in pain, thrashing against his chains. Natalia stepped forward, casting a spell. "May you burn in invisible fire, may you not die but may you feel the pain. Hellfire Suffering!"

Satra's screams intensified as he felt his body burning from within. The girls laughed, their satisfaction evident. Clementine then pulled out an assassin's needle and thrust it into Satra's hand, eliciting another agonized scream from him. Realizing he had no escape, Satra could only endure the torment as the girls relished their revenge.

Natalia brought forth a cage, and as Satra saw what was inside, his face went blank with terror. Inside the cage was a Tambaloslos, a horrifying creature known for its indiscriminate sexual violence against men, women, animals, or even inanimate objects. Satra began to panic, his eyes wide with fear as he realized his fate.

The Tambaloslos' eyes went black as its claws shattered the cage, allowing it to slowly crawl towards him. Isayao smirked, watching Satra's terror. "You like to rape women, right? This Tambaloslos will show you how it feels with his huge penis."

The creature's grotesquely large penis, as big as its torso, was revealed. Without hesitation, the Tambaloslos thrust itself at Satra, and his screams of pain and horror echoed as the girls watched with cruel satisfaction.

Satra's tears flowed as the Tambaloslos moved quickly, his body both burning and being violated. Natalia borrowed Xialdre's dagger and cut off Satra's fingers, amplifying his suffering. The Tambaloslos continued its assault, cumming inside Satra repeatedly as Natalia kept healing him to prolong the torment.

When the Tambaloslos finally retreated, Natalia teleported it back to her domain. Satra, still tied up, was healed again by Natalia, bringing him back to full awareness. Xialdre then began breaking Satra's healed fingers over and over, kicking him in the stomach until he vomited blood.

Xialdre then pulled out Satra's eyes, his screams filling the room. When Satra fell unconscious, Xialdre poured boiling water, at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, over him, waking him instantly as his skin burned. Isayao used Xialdre's dagger to cut out Satra's tongue, and once more, Natalia healed him.

The cycle of torture continued relentlessly, driving Satra deeper into madness. Each time his mind started to break, Natalia used a spell to restore his sanity: "Clear mind, focused thought, In peace and clarity, I am sought. With each breath, I find my way, In stillness and calm, I stay."

Satra's torment seemed endless, his body and mind caught in a nightmarish loop of agony and false respite.

The relentless torture continued until Satra's body finally gave out, his nervous system collapsing under the strain. His face contorted in agony as he died, the girls watching with satisfaction, except for Asabe, who held no personal grudge against him.

The next day, news of Satra's death was met with indifference, given his extensive record of crimes, including harming Tailin, the beloved member of the royal family, found unconscious in the obliterated country. Despite his infamy, a memorial was planned for him as the "Ruthless Prince."

In the northern part of the Satalias continent, where the king resided with his three wives, the entire royal family would gather to pay their respects. This would mark the end of Satra's notorious and violent life, even as his legacy of brutality remained etched in the memories of those he had wronged.

Xialdre and the girls purchased a boat using their wealth, intending to cross the Satalias Sea quickly to reach Satra's memorial, where Xialdre had further plans for the royal family.

Setting sail, they felt the cold breeze as they happily crossed the waters, except for Xialdre, who remained focused on his plans. Midway through their journey, Xialdre spotted a large ship in the distance, a pirate ship heading straight for them.

As the pirate ship closed in, the pirates jumped aboard Xialdre's boat, quickly overpowering them. Xialdre and the girls allowed themselves to be tied up and brought to the middle of the pirate ship, bound in a circular formation.

The pirates licked their swords, laughing and clapping. One of them leered at the girls, saying, "Woah, woah, woah! Looks like we hit the jackpot. I'm gonna have fun with these girls for sure."

The pirates were unaware of the formidable powers of Xialdre and the girls, a miscalculation that would soon cost them dearly.

One of the pirates hit his leering friend in the back, saying, "Bro, let the captain decide." The captain emerged from his quarters, and Xialdre noticed he was missing a leg. The captain met Xialdre's gaze and commanded, "Execute the boy, but let the girls go."

Before the captain could finish his sentence, Xialdre interrupted, "Are you planning to rape them?"

"You got a problem wi—" the captain started, but he didn't finish. Xialdre had already untied his knot and, in a swift move, kicked the captain directly in the head, sending him sprawling.

The pirates were stunned, and the real fight was about to begin.

The captain dropped to the deck, screaming, "KILL HIM!" The crew lunged at Xialdre, but the girls sprang into action, defending him and killing the captain's crew one by one. Fear etched across the captain's face as he watched his men fall.

Xialdre grabbed the captain by his hair, pulling him up to look him directly in the eyes. The captain saw the cold, sociopathic gaze before Xialdre threw him overboard.

Clementine and Isayao searched the ship, efficiently eliminating any remaining pirates. Meanwhile, Natalia gathered the pirates' treasures, placing them in her pocket dimension. Xialdre and Asabe tossed the dead bodies overboard, claiming the ship as their own. Rain observed the water, keeping a vigilant watch.

Below the surface, a massive creature lurked, drawn by the falling bodies. It devoured both the dead and the still-living pirates, its immense form writhing through the water as it feasted on the remnants of the pirate crew.

Rain, sensing danger below the ship due to her heightened instincts, alerted Asabe and Xialdre. They noticed bubbles rising from beneath, indicating the presence of underwater reptiles. As the rest of the girls finished clearing the ship, they rushed to Xialdre. Suddenly, a massive violet tentacle emerged from the water, shattering the ship.

Natalia made herself and Isayao float using magic, while Asabe transformed into her dragon form to catch Xialdre, Rain, and Clementine. The tentacle extended about five hundred meters, and the colossal body of an octopus surfaced. Natalia immediately cast an explosive spell at the octopus's head.

The octopus, hit by the explosion, thrashed its tentacles wildly. Asabe breathed fire onto the octopus, causing it to scream loudly, the noise wreaking havoc on their ears. In its frenzy, the octopus grabbed Asabe, dragging Xialdre, Rain, and Clementine underwater.

"May enchant both of our lungs as we dive in the water," Natalia cast a spell on herself and Isayao, allowing them to breathe underwater. They dove deep to rescue their friends, but the octopus saw them and swung another tentacle, hitting them both and plunging them deeper into the dark ocean.

Xialdre held his breath as best as he could. Rain and Asabe, still in dragon form, had already passed out from the lack of air and the pressure. They were a thousand meters deep when the octopus opened its large mouth to devour them. Asabe regained consciousness just in time and breathed red fire into the octopus's mouth, causing it to release them.

The underwater creatures, including leviathans and megalodons, fled in fear. Xialdre closed his eyes, raised his arm, and summoned a powerful force. The entire array of deep-sea creatures, including the gigantic octopus, were brought to the surface in a massive surge of water and power.

With the creatures now at the surface, Natalia and Isayao quickly regrouped with Xialdre, Rain, and Clementine, preparing to confront the octopus and any remaining threats from their underwater ordeal.

Xialdre looked at the terrified octopus and pointed his hand at it. Using his unknown power, he forced the octopus to transform back into its human form. Asabe caught the naked girl, with Natalia and Isayao flying close by underwater.

The octopus girl was stunned by how easily Xialdre had transformed her. Xialdre grabbed her by the head and slammed her head against Asabe's back, causing Asabe to struggle with the added weight and Xialdre's strength.

Xialdre then forced a slave contract onto the octopus girl's back. She struggled to transform or move, but the contract was too powerful. Once the slave contract was completed, Xialdre and the girls, now wet from the ordeal, surrounded the helpless octopus girl.

The girls exchanged glances, knowing that with this new addition to their group, their journey had just taken a significant turn. They prepared to continue, knowing that the confrontation with the royal family awaited them and that this former enemy might prove to be an unexpected asset.

Xialdre looked at the terrified octopus, pointing his hand at it. Using his unknown power, he forced the octopus to transform back into its human form. Asabe caught the naked girl, with Natalia and Isayao flying close by.

The octopus girl was stunned by how easily Xialdre had transformed her. Xialdre grabbed her by the head and slammed her against Asabe's back, causing Asabe to struggle with the added weight and Xialdre's strength.

Xialdre then forced a slave contract onto the octopus girl's back. She struggled to transform or move, but the contract was too powerful. Once the slave contract was completed, Xialdre and the girls, now wet from the ordeal, surrounded the helpless octopus girl.

---

Xialdre then interrogated her as she cried, now bound to him by the slave contract.

"So, what is your name?" Xialdre asked.

The octopus girl looked at Xialdre and responded, "People usually call me the Kraken, but I don't really have a name given by someone who is like a guardian or parent of mine."

"Why did you attack us?" Xialdre asked.

"Well, I was hungry. I'm sorry," she replied.

"Since I own you now, I should probably give you a name," Xialdre said.

The Kraken crawled toward Xialdre until she was only an inch away from kissing him and said, "Will you really?"

Xialdre was confused by her confidence but sighed and said, "Yes."

"Awesome! So what is it?" she asked eagerly.

Xialdre thought for a moment, considering a suitable name. "Xyrene," he finally decided.

She smiled happily. "I like it," Xyrene said, accepting her new name with joy.

As they finally reached the northern Satalias continent, Xialdre glanced down and saw the bustling crowd below. People pointed up at the dragon carrying Asabe and Xialdre along with the rest of the girls.

As Asabe landed near an abandoned barn, Xialdre and the girls dismounted, and she transformed back into her human form. Since Xyrene was naked, Xialdre took off his uniform vest and used it to cover her body. Xyrene looked up at Xialdre's face and blushed, while the rest of the girls couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

The seven of them headed toward the capital, where they split up. Natalia and Isayao searched for a hotel where they could stay for about three weeks, while Clementine, Rain, and Asabe purchased the resources that Xialdre had instructed them to buy.

As Xialdre and Xyrene entered the clothing store, they were greeted by Kaori, the same girl who had made clothes for Asabe back in Alisha's ruled country. Kaori happily waved at them as they approached.

"I thought your store was in Alisha's country?" Xialdre asked.

Kaori smiled and replied, "Nah, I own different shops. Since the memorial for Satra will be held here, I thought it'd be a good opportunity to set up shop for three weeks. I'll probably get more sales and earn more currency, like metal coins and paper money!"

Xialdre nodded in understanding. Kaori noticed that he hadn't changed since their last encounter.

"Anyways, I need some new clothing for myself and for this girl, just like last time," Xialdre said, gesturing to Xyrene.

Kaori looked at Xyrene, who looked away shyly. She smiled mischievously at Xialdre and asked, "Something like last time...? Clothing that disappears and reappears?"

Xialdre nodded again, and Kaori couldn't help but wonder how many girls he had with him.

Kaori reached below her desk and pulled out a box, smiling as she handed it to Xialdre. She had something prepared for requests like his.

Xialdre took the box, and Xyrene watched eagerly as he slowly opened it. Inside was a violet clothing, and Xyrene was overwhelmed by the sight. Kaori observed her reaction with satisfaction.

"Why don't you try it on?" Kaori suggested to Xyrene.

Xyrene nodded and went to the changing room. Meanwhile, Xialdre and Kaori exchanged a few words, catching up on how they had been since their last encounter. Xialdre mentioned that everything was going fine, nothing particularly special. Kaori giggled, finding their conversation reminiscent of their previous interactions.

As Xyrene emerged from the changing room wearing her new clothing, she looked flustered but pleased with how cute it looked on her. She asked Xialdre, "What do you think, Master? Do you like it?" Xyrene smiled as her Master complimented her.

Exiting the clothing store, Xialdre put his uniform vest back on. Curious, Xyrene asked him, "Why do you always make the same face? I've never seen you express any emotions, Xialdre..."

Xialdre looked at Xyrene, contemplating her question. After a moment of thought, he replied, "You know, I understand why I often seem expressionless and emotionally detached, but I'm still figuring out how it really affects me inside. It's like I can see why I'm this way, but the deeper feelings it stirs up within me are still a bit of a mystery. I guess I'm trying to make sense of it all."

Xyrene listened intently, then asked another question, "Can you at least tell me the cause, Master?"

Xialdre responded confidently, "Only if I get the feeling I should, and since then, I'm not telling anyone."

Changing the subject, Xialdre asked, "Anyways, since you've been traveling across the ocean, can you tell me how many continents there are?"

Xyrene thought for a moment before replying, "There are twenty-two, although I only know information about twelve of them since I live in the Eastern Ocean."

"I see," Xialdre nodded. "Then tell me about those twelve continents you know information about."

"Of course, Master," Xyrene replied, ready to share her knowledge.