Ethan sat forward, interrupting the fun around the table. To Shaw's embarrassment, the woman did not stop jiggling their breasts, and Penny joined the fun. Ethan took this as an opportunity: They were in a good mood, and he would just ask.
"Alas, Grace, might I join this hunt for the Catoblepas? The meat goes to the inn, and I do not need compensation. I am an accomplished hunter with years of experience."
"I thought you would never ask. I will be delighted to have you join me. Penny and Shaw will make sure your treasures stay safe."
Wendy and Lucy blushed, trying to hide their faces, but they looked adorable. Ethan grinned as he drained his mug.
"Alas, a hunt. Thank you, Grace. When do we leave."
Wendy interrupted him.
"We have training in the morning at the academy."
Ethan rubbed the back of his neck.
"Alas, I forgot in my excitement."
Grace took Ethan's hand, holding it, her eyes alive with excitement.
"We can hunt until it gets dark. I will pick you up after lunch tomorrow. I must do so many things to get ready."
Grace disappeared out the door before anyone could say anything. She returned two minutes later, slipping in next to Ethan. Her stomach growled.
"Hunger has won the day. I cannot cook to save my life, and my coin goes into the guild."
Penny laughs and explains that Grace cannot find a group to dungeon with.
"Meow, her income has suffered because of this. The monsters she kills drop manna gems, but the guild only pays two silver per stone. Grace lives free at the guild hall but must cater for anything else. Grace has been looking after Lucy here, ensuring she eats well and has easy missions to complete. People have not wanted Grace on their team since the incident."
Grace slaps her hand over Penny's mouth. She smiled at them, but Ethan could see that this was a secret she did not want them to know.
"Alas, what has happened is in the past, so let's look to the future. Grace, I will partner with you anytime. Let us enjoy this hunt tomorrow and bring home meat."
The meal, a stew from the monster, delighted their senses with its spicy aroma. Penny complained that the monster meat supply neared the end. Shaw sat down, explaining that monster meat was highly valued because it contained much manna. Grace donating the meat gave them higher than usual profit margins and made it possible to treat Grace to meals and drinks free of charge. He gave Ethan a knowing look, then sat back with his fingers interlocked on his stomach.
"Should Ethan join Grace on hunts regularly, we might let you and the girls eat for free."
Penny hoisted her mug in the air, purring. She looked at everyone, her excitement bubbling like boiling water.
"Meow, that is a great idea, my love. They love my food. Grace will have three new friends, one of whom is a man."
Grace and Penny blushed as they looked at each other. Wendy and Lucy stared at them, their eyebrows furrowed and arms folded. It looked like they wanted to stand and sit next to Ethan.
"Alas, we accept your offer. We will be delighted to hunt with Grace."
Ethan thought of the dungeon and the monsters inside. He would investigate the possibility of a dungeon run with Grace. The girls would benefit, and they could hunt monsters and bring the meat to the inn. Penny would ensure they ate for free and obtained food to give them the resources to grow stronger.
Grace ate in record time, rushing out the door as soon as she ate. Penny sighed.
"Meow, Grace is young and has no friends but us. She looks so excited to have someone to hunt with. Ethan, look after her, please. She is a dear friend."
Ethan nodded and ate the last piece of meat on his plate. Sophia said he had enough monster meat to complete his objective with the girls and have enough for his day ahead. She explained how he should share his essence with the girls to maximise the essence received without ploughing them. Ethan confessed to Sophia that he was not confident enough to plough them. Ethan barely knew them, wanting to build their relationship first. He wanted them, but he had to keep himself in check.
"Alas, come, it is time. Good night to you all."
Ethan took Wendy and Lucy by the hand and walked up the stairs. Whispering could faintly be heard. He is going to impregnate them again tonight. That man is a beast in bed. I could hear them moan outside the inn from across the street last night. Three blushing figures entered their room, not daring to look at each other.
"Alas, you two take a bath first, and I will follow. Get yourself ready for Essence absorption. Remember, no underwear."
Ethan's face felt hot, looking at the floor as he talked to them. His hands were sweaty, and his heart wanted to race out of his chest. The girls did not look better by all means. They disappeared out the door as soon as he stopped talking. Ethan spoke under his breath as he exhaled.
"Alas, this might kill me. Why me."
Sophia giggled in his head.
"Alas, Ethan, girl troubles. They have the same shyness that you have. Be brave, and you will see results in time."
Ethan climbed on the bed between the two. He gently pushed on their inner thighs, and they opened their legs. He placed his hands over their flowers, and the moaning began louder than before. Ethan focused on sharing the essence. After a few minutes, Sophia warned him that it was enough. He felt tired after the hammer and now the girls. Ethan did not remove his hands as he fell asleep.
There was a knock on the door by Shaw as arranged by Wendy. Ethan opened his eyes, his senses coming to life. Soft flesh encased him from the sides. He could feel that his hands were still on their flowers.
Sophia spoke in his head.
"Alas, congratulations—you have unlocked skills for your subordinates. Would you like to see their stats and choose skills for them?"
Ethan closed his eyes and was back on the mountain again. Sophia shields the screen. Ethan waved the screens to the side. He walked up to Sophia and the four other women. Ethan hugged them and kissed them on the forehead.
"Alas, good morning. You look refreshed and beautiful, ladies. Keep up the good work."
Their eyes widened, and they looked at each other. Sophia held her hand before her mouth, and Ethan could see she was hiding a smile.
"Alas, how did you know."
"Alas, I could smell you and see you. You are as real as I am. You used to be real people, right."
"Alas, we were chosen by your mother to be with you when you were born."
"Alas, I will treat you as my flesh and blood from now on. Thank you for your sacrifice. I will not disappoint you."
Ethan bowed his head before them. They were speechless, and tears rolled down their cheeks.
"Alas, I will attend to each of you personally as time allows. Then we can have conversations with each other. Please do not hesitate to ask if you need any physical stimulus."
Sophia looked to the side, her face red, her hands clasped before her. She looked vulnerable and shy.
" Alas, please kiss us on the lips next time. It would be agreeable to us. Please do not hold yourself back with us."
Ethan realised what she had said, rubbing the back of his head. Could he do that with them, he thought? Sophia answered immediately.
"Alas, please do, Ethan. We long for your love."
Ethan looked at the screens. It was time to choose skills for the girls again.