Lancelot was not entirely confident about this gift either. Earlier at the bridgehead, he had confirmed that the Succubus Lord was not wearing any jewelry.
"In the coming period, this will be our base of operations, and it's essential to be on good terms with the Lord, considering your old man is working for her, isn't he?"
"That's logical enough. But your actions still don't match my impression of humans." Bruto stroked his chin, "Are you sure you haven't been charmed or hit with some sort of suggestive technique? Do you need me to hit you with a shield? No offense, just to be safe."
"No, thank you. A person under the influence of these spells could come up with so many reasons?"
"They can, but they can only convince themselves with strange logic, unlikely to articulate it completely to others as you do."
"Well then, that settles it." Lancelot put away the small box but suddenly became hesitant again. "I've changed my mind, hit me after all."
"Kneel down."
"...Alright."
Clang (a loud crash).
"Any new thoughts?"
"Yes, lots of regrets."
"As expected, you were charmed."
"No, I deeply regret cooperating with you."
"Was my strike too light? Do you want another one?"
"Can you pull me out of this hole first?"
"Sorry about that. As you've seen, this is Riverheart Island; the soil is quite loose."
"That was quite a heavy hit just now, enough to break most controlling spells." Lancelot climbed out of the hole, rubbing his head. "Let's get going and see what tasks our hostess has in store for us."
-------------------------
Lancelot and Bruto waited for almost two hours before they were finally summoned by Tijana.
It was a typical fortress-style castle, likely designed by human or Dwarf craftsmen, or possibly magically copied from a template in the Mortal Realm.
After entering the main gate, the first area was a waiting zone for servants to dine and stand by, which also served as the first line of defense inside the castle during wartime, as the narrow passage could only accommodate two people side by side. Meanwhile, guards could be positioned along the second-floor corridor for ranged attacks, cross-firing at invading enemies from various angles.
At the end of the waiting zone were two returning staircases, and after stepping onto the steps and passing through two reinforced doors, Lancelot and Bruto entered the main hall used for audiences with the Lord and hosting banquets.
The main hall of the castle was spacious and splendid, fit to host banquets for hundreds of people. Long tables were set up in the hall for banquets, plush carpets covered the floor, and lifelike gargoyle statues served as candle holders on the walls. Thin gauze hung on the corridors of the second floor, obscuring the view inside.
This was a Succubus's castle, with a large number of Succubi moving about as both servants and guards.
Tijana was leaning against the throne at the high podium, with several Succubus Maids standing behind her.
Lancelot had heard many stories about women who brought disaster to their countries, and the Succubus Lord before him was the embodiment of such tales, brazenly displaying her Demon Horns and bat wings.
Lancelot carefully performed a Knight's salute, and Bruto mimicked the gesture.
"Honorable lady, we request your permission to become residents of this town and to receive your protection."
"Interesting," Tijana didn't rush to answer but instead turned her head to look at the Dwarf. "It seems you are different from your father, not intending to spend your life comfortably beside the Iron Anvil and forge."
"Dwarves can get hot-headed too." Bruto said lightly, "And right now, you have one standing in front of you."
"We are an adventure team." Lancelot took over, reaching for the box. "Furthermore, we have prepared a gift for you."
"Oh? A gift?"
A gust of wind blew past, and Lancelot's eyes narrowed, for he saw Tijana raise her whip and swing it towards him.
He suppressed his body's reflex, as the target of the whip was not him. The shadow of the whip flashed past his hand, and the small box appeared in the Succubus Lord's hand.
First, Tijana cast several Detect Magic spells on the box with suspicion, then, after confirming it was not a trap, she cautiously opened it.
All eyes curiously turned towards us.
The entire hall seemed to flicker for an instant as the succubi let out murmurings of admiration, their gazes turning fervent.
Lying within was a diamond necklace. The size of the main diamond was close to that of a mortal's pupil, weighing at least ten carats. The setting and the chain were crafted from mithril, sparkling under the candlelight.
These were the spoils of war Lancelot had obtained from slaying the Sandworm Lord. Although the diamond was exceptionally beautiful, it did not contain nature's spiritual energy, so he felt no pain in parting with it.
Tijana delicately picked up the necklace, and instantly, everyone in the hall was dazzled.
Seeing the familiar expression on all the succubi's faces, Lancelot knew his gift had achieved the desired effect.
"I hope you enjoy this gift," he reminded, snapping the indulged Succubus Lord back to reality.
"This is the first time someone has given me a gift in the literal sense," Tijana giggled, her smile bringing a touch of spring to the hall.
"Only a lady as beautiful as yourself is worthy of this necklace," Lancelot asserted, while Bruto watched him askance.
"Very well, as a token of gratitude..."
The Succubus Lord stood up and gracefully walked towards Lancelot.
"I will allow you to kiss my hand."
With her wings subtly folded behind, she bashfully extended a jade arm, as if inviting him, while the revealing leather she wore emanated a primal allure, making one want to pull her into an embrace without a second thought.
Lancelot rolled his eyes inwardly; this woman's acting was a bit over the top.
He removed his steel gauntlet from his right hand, tucking it under his arm, and then cautiously cradled the succubus's palm, pursing his lips to lightly brush the back of her hand.
The fingers were rather firm, certainly capable of piercing his throat with not much difficulty. The palm, however, was incredibly soft.
"I'm not one of those disgusting toads, and I don't have poison glands in my skin," Tijana commented, apparently surprised by Lancelot's restraint. She was well aware of the actions males might take under her charm and had rich experience in dealing with them.
She returned to her throne, resuming her lazy posture, and began:
"To become a resident of Twin Bridges Town, you must prove you can be of use to me. Dwarves make excellent craftsmen, so their value is beyond question. If you wish to stay as mercenaries, you must show you're at least capable of completing low-level tasks."
"Please give your orders."
"It's simple, just accompany me for one night," she stated.
Lancelot began to cough dramatically, Bruto silently stepped back several paces during their exchange. Tijana had said 'you' not 'you all,' right? So this had nothing to do with him whatsoever.
"Cough, cough, I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"Hehe, I'm just joking, seeing that look of panic on you," Tijana played with her hair idly. "That stench called 'kindness' emanates from you. I can smell it from this distance."
"I apologize, please don't put me in a difficult position."
Upon hearing this, the Succubus Lord's face darkened.
"What do you mean? How is that putting you in a difficult position?"
Oops. Sweat instantly broke out on Lancelot's forehead.
He hesitated for a moment, then decided to speak candidly:
"I believe that in this dangerous world, any sexual conduct is extremely crazy and perilous, even if the proposition comes from someone as charming as..."
"A succubus," Tijana interjected.
"Lady," Lancelot corrected.
"That's quite right, your thinking is indeed very accurate," Tijana suddenly flashed an ambiguous smile. "Gentlemen, let's end this topic here."
"I just so happen to have a little matter that needs handling, consider it a test for you. The task involves rescuing helpless maidens from the hands of demons, which should suit the tastes of you altruists just fine."