I look down on the fallen Dwarf princess for a little longer, ensuring she hasn't suffered any injuries from the unexpected blast, then move my gaze to my violet-skinned companion. "So, we are dealing with another nexus, most likely."
"The chances of that are extremely high." Ailish nods her head, keeping her attention on the dangerous artefact. "I don't think Shino's party has encountered these contaminated trinkets yet, so we are safe to assume that this comes from a congregation at least as complex as the ones hiding the tears between our realm and Umbra's prison."
"Lilith's tomb is supposed to be located atop a rich spiritual vein in an area quite dangerous for anyone below Tier 6. If Abyssals managed to set up a stronghold out there, they can't be underestimated." I stroke my chin with a heavy frown. "I just hope they haven't found the vault."
My sexy demoness shudders slightly and I quickly wrap an arm around her seductive waist.
"It's going to be alright. Echo said she won't know if anything happens to the original, but I'm sure something will happen to the hilt if so. But, you know your people best. Assuming they stumbled on the sealed crypt, do you think they could break into it by force?" I affectionately rub her side.
She brings a nail to her lips and bites into it anxiously. "Spells and arrays from our peak are incomparable to today's techniques. Not even you would have been able to put a scratch in them as you currently are. But, Umbra's energy is unpredictable. We've seen what it can do with the Sahuagins."
"At worst, we still have time." Turning her towards me, I pull her hand away and place a soft kiss on those gorgeous lips of hers. "Since I'm now Tier 7 and have passed Lilith's requirements by a whole level, we'll be moving this operation to the top of the queue as soon as things calm down here a bit, alright?"
There's a shocked gasp on the side as I finish my sentence, but we ignore it for the moment.
"That's fine." Robbed of her finger, Ailish nibbles her bottom lip instead. "Still, you shouldn't rush it. Things have gotten even more dangerous than we thought with Umbra's involvement. I think I would sense it if the Allmother was starting to get corrupted. After interacting with Echo, I became slightly more aware of her presence. It's weak, but it's there. Sleeping. Waiting. Praying."
"Don't worry. I'm not going to overestimate myself. Besides, I now have people I can count on. And so do you." I smile at her warmly. "Shino will definitely be on board with this and so will her group. My capable mercenaries certainly won't sit idly either. I bet Elea has almost finished preparing the next regiment so we'll have even more forces to utilize for this expedition."
That draws out a charming chuckle from her. "Oh, you have no idea. If you thought Eden Beta was thirsty for your validation, you aren't ready to meet Gamma. Those girls know they have to compete with their seniors and they are putting in all the effort to catch your attention and praise."
"Hopefully that doesn't put the regiments at odds." I shake my head.
"Fat chance." Ailish snorts. "But, if it ever does, you'll just have to put all those bitches in their places. One night of formal training and they will be good as saints. You have the perfect stick to smack some sense into them."
"Great. Even bigger interracial orgies. Whatever am I going to do?" I lament playfully, making her snicker amusedly. "Jokes aside, what are we going to do with this vile thing?"
"Al! That's no way to talk about a girl!" She swats me on the shoulder while shooting a peek at Daisy, at which I deadpan at her. "Okay, okay, maybe that was a little too much, but you can't deny she's been quite a brat. Ekhm. You should be able to purge the evil energy from the stone by using your divinity. Now that we are aware of its corruption, we won't get taken off guard again."
"How do I do that?" I ask, moving a tad closer to the dangerous trinket.
"I'm not certainly sure, but Lumina will undoubtedly give you a hand, no?" Ailish glances into the ceiling as if addressing our friendly Goddess. "Just channel your godly side into it and that should do it."
"Keep Daisy safe in the meantime, understood?" I raise a brow at her and she salutes, putting herself between the poor, flabbergasted girl and me. "The Dwarf is already out of the forge so I might as well."
Connecting deeper with my divine side, I briefly consider going Avatar Mode for this, but that might be a bit too much. Especially for Daisy. We still need to have a chat with her about everything.
When I begin, something akin to a delicate ghost touch guides my movements. With a smile, I let Lumina aid my actions as much as she can without interfering directly. Thankfully, whatever she does seems to resemble the tiniest hints of knowledge, just teaching my body and mind how to properly handle this kind of power. Even if it feels like she's standing behind me and whispering instructions into my ear like a caring coach.
Reaching out, I touch the booby-trapped artefact again, this time prepared for its response. The violent tendrils lash out once more, but my divinity captures their attention immediately and they focus their efforts solely on me. A few wrap around my arms and torso while some strike other areas. It's rather uncomfortable, but my aura protects me from harm, overpowering the evil fragment embedded within the stone.
Taking it into my hand and tightening my fist around it, I try to flood the curse with opposing spiritual energy, aiming to take it over by sheer force. A small mana storm swirls around me, causing the nearby documents to fly again, but Ailish keeps her word and protects Daisy from any harm, letting me concentrate on my job.
Unfortunately, it's not as easy as I would like it to be. The artefact puts up a resistance, deflecting the positive energy I send its way. We are locked in a twisted version of tug of war. Or rather, push the rope. As much as I try to force myself onto it, it tries to corrupt me in return. This thing is truly dangerous. I have no idea what activation conditions it has, but if it reacted to anyone else, it might have corrupted them or worse. We'll need to come up with a way to seek these out somehow before they become an issue.
Nevertheless, this isn't getting me anywhere right now. My positive energy is not the answer in the current situation. The artefact is only becoming more violent, forcing Ailish to be more active in her defence. It pains me to see her delicious skin gain cuts and scratches as she protects Daisy with her own frame.
As for the negative energy—
Wait.
This won't work, will it?
There's no way, but…
I can sense the surprise in both women as my divinity partially recedes, allowing the dark power to engulf me. My aura weakens slightly, the pink glow fading. While the evil mana gradually seeps into me, I bid my time, analysing it and sending out feelers.
Then, I finally find it.
Pushing everything I can into my Void Affinity, I take control of the offensive spiritual pressure. The assault on me halts immediately. But, I don't give it time to react and draw all of the dark energy out of the object, gathering it into a swirling ball of endless night atop my other palm. The tendrils dissipate bit by bit until the storm calms down, only the tiniest tongues of shadow licking the air around the orb I have condensed.
As I bring it in front of my face, I can hear it calling to me. Urging me to consume it. Join its side. Bolster my own power with its reserves now that it has been bested.
"Do you have cookies?" I ask, causing the darkness to still and fall silent. "Then no, I don't think I will."
Before it can respond, I close my fingers and pop the bubble. With an audible wail, the evil presence vanishes and calmness returns to the workshop.
"Amateurs." I scrunch my nose, flick my wrist to get rid of the dark remnants, and then chuckle to myself. "The oldest cliche in the books…"
"What is?" Ailish appears by my side, glancing me over worriedly.
"Turns out I share a thing not only with Lumina's element but also Umbra's. You know, just in case I would like to decide to switch sides or something. The fall of the Hero and all that." I rub my temples in disbelief.
"That… couldn't have been the Goddess' intention, right?" She tilts her head at me.
"Most likely another thing that didn't go according to plan. Void Affinity is one of my earliest skills. Perhaps we have misunderstood Charm Affinity too. They might be opposing elements symbolising the Goddesses. Remember, Void isn't bad on its own just like Umbra hasn't always been evil. A sadistic bitch? Sure. But she wasn't a full-blown world-ending villain back then. My unintended arrival here could have somehow grazed both sides when passing through the summoning passage."
"What are you planning to do with it?" My lovely Succubus examines my face.
"Same as before, keep as many people safe as I can. It's just another tool at our disposal. It might help when it comes to confronting Umbra one day, but we'll see." I shrug lightly. "Anyway, I think it's time to address the elephant in the room."
The two of us turn to Daisy, who still remains on the floor, having crawled back to rest her back against one of the counters. Her wide eyes jump between me and Ailish. She did witness quite a bit, in the end.
I walk up to her slowly and extend my hand to help her up. She accepts it hesitantly, peering up at me with no small amount of incredulity and awe.
"What are you…?" She blinks slowly. "A god…?"
"No. Not yet." I smirk at her. "Maybe someday in the future. But, for now, I'm halfway there. Not exactly a normal Human, though."
"Then what?" The Forgegraver heiress frowns.
"A Primordial." Ailish puffs out her considerable chest, answering for me.
"No way…" Daisy almost loses her balance again but I catch her. "You are one of the ancients…? That explains so much…"
"Correction, I'm a new Primordial." I wave a finger at her. "Technically, I became one after being summoned here from another world by Lumina."
"So that was a Hero Sigil…" She takes a peek at the back of my hand. "I can't believe it…"
"You stand in front of not just the grandest Hero but also the Demigod of Lust." My tall demoness squints down at her. "I would advise you to rethink your manners going forward."
Daisy swallows thickly, turning to me once more. "And you are Tier 7?"
"Fairly new, but yeah. I guess you can take a look at my stats now." I fling at her the window and need to support her petite body the third time.
"Good Ancestors…" The short heiress shivers. "Those numbers are impossible…"
"Yes, they are. And I hope you understand that it's important they stay between us, don't you?" I lift up Daisy's chin to meet her pretty face.
A trace of rosiness tints her adorable cheeks. "O-Of course…"
"Great." I step back to give her some space. "As long as you don't do anything silly, you can count on us to help your grandfather with his unexpected vermin infestation problem."
Daisy blinks at me blankly a few times before her gaze clears up. "Grandfather! He's going to be in danger if I don't convince him not to go! Oh, Goddess!"
"Calm down, pipsqueak." Ailish tugs the panicking girl up by her collar. "Master just told you he is going to help."
"Ah, right." The distressed heiress takes a deep breath to regather herself. "I still need to talk to Grandpa before it's too late."
Whipping around, she materializes a rock in her dainty hand, which I quickly recognize as one of those sending stones or something like that which lets you speak over long distances. Sirgia used them as the basis for our local phones, to a certain extent. It's not surprising that the upper branch of the clan would have access to a few of these old artefacts. One look at Ailish confirms that it most likely comes from archaeological excavations.
After a moment, the rock starts glowing, the connection established.
"My, my, if it isn't my favourite granddaughter." A deep, rough voice of an older Dwarf resonates through the chamber. "How are you doing on your little trip to the lesser branch?"
"Grandpa, you need to call the next expedition into the wilds off." Daisy wastes no time getting to the point.
There's a moment of silence before a reply comes. "We already talked about it, dear. It's not the last chance for you to join. It's unfortunate you can't be around for it this time, but your mission is just as important—"
"It's not that!" She cuts him off exasperatedly. "It's too dangerous!"
"Of course it is. Like every operation leading into the unknown. Everyone knows that." He sighs tiredly. "As a scholar, you should understand it well too. Most of your toys come from such excursions."
"This one is different! There are Abyssals out there!" Daisy whines into the phone.
Once more, there's a pause. "That's… concerning. The last group didn't mention anything about them in their reports. If you are correct, thank you for the warning, it will help us prepare better. But, how would you know that?"
Daisy looks back at me over her shoulder. "I… I met a skilled mercenary who was on a job in that region recently. He is an expert on Abyssals. We travelled together on the way here and he saw my artefacts while I was studying them. If he hadn't pointed out one of them, myself or someone else might have ended up corrupted as the relic was full of Void mana lying in wait to attack somebody."
"Goddess! Are you okay?" Worry is more than clear in his tone.
"Everything is fine, Grandpa. But, surely, you understand why—"
"I do understand how serious this is, and that's why I'm going to heed your advice and hire a few people who have experience with Abyssals," the man interrupts her this time.
"But—"
"Listen, my dear, you know how much we need this." His tone turns more stern. "Things aren't looking good amongst the clans. These ancient curios might be what helps us gain an edge before the next evaluation. We need to come up with something great or we'll lose the crown's support. It's been a while since we showed anything worthy of a king. There are countless vultures eyeing our position. I can't let a bit of risk ruin our chances of bringing back glory again."
"No!" Daisy shouts at him. "You will put the expedition on hold right now or I'll bring my current investigation to the crown myself and we'll see how bringingback glory goes for you!"
The pause stretches for a good while before a response comes. "What…?"
"I'm not done yet, but I found out some stuff. And I don't think the higher-ups are going to be happy about it. Are they, Grandpa?" She puts quite some pressure on the old man.
"Daisy, my sweetie, are you truly alright? This isn't like—"
"Don't change the topic!" Daisy counters. "This is the first time I'm asking you for something meaningful, Grandpa. I've never been unreasonable with you, haven't I? When you said no, I always listened. But, this time, I'm not going to back down. Are you going to listen? Or are you going to force me to do something bad?"
"You don't understand the gravity of what you are—"
"Maybe I don't." She doesn't let him continue. "But, I don't think whatever it is, the fall-off is going to affect me personally. And even if it does, I've made some powerful friends, Grandpa. The question is, are you willing to become friends with them too or are you going to turn them into enemies?"
I can see her trembling slightly as she holds onto the communicator. It's obvious Daisy really hopes her grandfather listens. She's put on an amazing act, but deep down, it must hurt her to behave like this if her words about their usual interactions are true.
A slow inhale and a heavy sigh come through the stone. "We'll have it your way…"
"Good." Daisy relaxes too, her shoulders slumping a tad. "The expedition will still happen, just not right away. The mercenary I mentioned has unfinished business there and his company might aid us with our troubles. I heard they are very strong. Almost out of this world. And, if you want to be sure about their cooperation, there might be something that we can do for them too."
"How much is that going to cost us?" The Grand Patriarch switches tones in a flash.
Our little princess glances at me again, at which I dismissively wave my hand off.
"Nothing." She conveys.
"Nothing?" He repeats in confusion.
"As long as we put Stockhawkers in the ground," his granddaughter adds.
"Stockhawkers? Those audacious mongrels? What do they have to do with this?" The man snorts derisively.
"I'll explain later. Just know that we have a common enemy. And there are good reasons for that." She grunts in disgust. "This is an opportunity to get rid of those jerks and secure a good business and military partnership, Grandpa. Forgetting the wilds for a moment, I might have found someone who can help restore our clan's greatness even better than that. And they are already part of the family. If we don't ruin things."
"Are you talking about that device?" He hums ponderingly.
"I watched the recordings, Grandpa. It's just the tip of the iceberg." Daisy lets out a quiet giggle. "Our Extinction Exploder doesn't hold a candle to their inventions."
No one speaks a word for almost an entire minute, tension hanging in the air.
"Very well." The Grand Patriarch sighs again. "Don't keep me waiting too long. I can't delay this forever or the Elders are going to demand an explanation. I hope what you have in mind is going to be worth it."
And with that, the stone's glow fades away.
Daisy keeps looking at it for a moment longer so I approach from behind and pat her on the head. "You did great."
She turns around to peek up at me. "I didn't say too much, did I?"
"No, it's all good. You had to think quickly and you did well. I'm fine with what you negotiated. Honestly, I didn't think you had it in yourself." I smirk playfully.
The amazing heiress raises her nose in the air. "This much has to be expected from someone of my station. I might have never gone against Grandpa before, but he always taught me how to handle the clan's matters."
"I noticed." Ruffling through her hair, I grin a little.
"So… What now?" She looks around before bringing her cute eyes up to me.
"Well, since we do have to wait for the reaction from our friends in the other clan anyway, I guess we can take a step toward this Abyssal issue." I scratch my head. "I was planning to open up a branch here and could see to it now. The portal is going to be open soon, which will allow us to exchange troops."
"A good idea, Master." Ailish comes in smiling. "I'm sure the girls will want to accompany you on that mission. You could look around for some locals interested in joining our cause. Of course, they would need to go through the usual training routine at home, but with the gate present, that's no longer an issue, is it?"
"You are right." I pull her closer and land a gentle slap on that bubbly ass of hers. "It's time to speak with the Patriarch."
"I'll go with you," Daisy chimes in, starting to pack up her things. "I still have lots of questions and you promised to help me with my investigation. We need to figure out what to say to Grandpa during our next meeting. And having a highborn Forgegraver by your side during dealings with the government will make things easier for you."
My sexy Succubus gives me the look at that but I just roll my eyes at her and slip my finger between those plump buns while our short friend isn't looking. A quick and very passionate kiss silences the blissful moan that escapes her throat when one of my digits finds a warm home to hide in, surrounded by slick heat. I yank it back and step away just as Daisy turns around, oblivious of the byplay. Only Ailish's sultry pout gives any hint about what might have transpired.
Knowing better than to bite more than offered, the dripping hot demoness retreats into my soul and the rest of us leave the workshop. We head straight for the Patriarch's quarters while chatting a little more about the whole Primordial thing and such. As long as there's no one around, of course. Then we switch to topics revolving around the clan and our other matters. But, it's apparent which interests the knowledge-hungry princess.
Arriving at Lord Grimm's main office, Daisy barges in as usual. The Patriarch doesn't even flinch, already used to it by now. She must have paid him quite a few visits since her arrival. Even if not that much time has passed since then. Almost none, to be honest.
Surprisingly, Sirgia is there too, discussing something with him. She withdraws after noticing our arrival, sending me a tiny smile as she stands to the side. There's also Cecil next to her father so it seems they have been talking about something important.
"Would it kill you to knock once in your life?" The fierce black-haired adventurer scoffs.
"Watch your mouth, savage." Daisy sneers at her mid-step, then stops in front of the Patriarch's desk and takes a peek at my dear mate, offering her the slightest incline of her head. "Lady Counselor."
That earns her a raised brow from the person in question, who then looks at me curiously before smiling even wider. All the while Cecil gapes at the pampered heiress in disbelief, not expecting any shred of respect from the haughty woman.
"Have there been any sightings of Stockhawkers and their responses to our recent operation?" Daisy asks without any care in the world.
Throwing a brief glance at his seething daughter who grinds her teeth in silence, Patriarch Grim clears his throat. "We've just been talking about it. So far, they haven't made any public statements, most likely trying to keep things under wraps, as we expected. We don't think they caught on yet either, though even if they won't ever, it's obvious they are going to put the blame on us at a certain point, with evidence or without. We do at least know that there's quite the chaos in their ranks due to Alastair's and Cecil's cunning actions."
"Glad to hear that." I sneak a wink at my partner in crime, soothing the fuming lady a little. "I've just learned about a slightly worrisome development in another region that will require our attention in the near future. Lady Daisy will fill you in on the details later. To partially prepare for that, I'm going out today to try and establish our mercenary branch in the city."
"Having a reliable mercenary force associated with the clan is a great advantage so I hope you can support Alastair with everything you have, Patriarch." Daisy crosses her arms over her chest. "I'm going with him to oversee the process and make sure things proceed smoothly."
"Smoothly? With you?" Cecil speaks up, walking closer to the desk to stab it with her finger as she speaks. "It will be a miracle if your ass over your head doesn't get you both kicked out of the place!"
"How dare you!" The other girl slams her fist into the same desk from across. "I'm the perfect person to negotiate with the officials!"
"You shouldn't be allowed to negotiate the disposal of your own shit-stained undies!" Cecil leans into her face. "It will be better for everyone if you stay locked in the family compound! I'll go with Alastair!"
"You?" Daisy laughs openly, meeting the issued challenge with her own glare. "What do you bring into the equation that isn't your pitiful social status or hideous mug?"
"Compared to your inexperienced cunt, I know a thing or two about mercenary work and won't make a laughingstock out of myself just by opening my mouth!" Cecil pushes further, making their noses almost touch.
"Ha! You are going to make me roll on the floor from amusement! A bottom-feeder such as yourself? You must have learned a lot from all those lowlife associates of yours!" Daisy strikes back. "He needs someone with good connections to the officials, not some floor-licking scum!"
Before another retort can come, a loud smack travels through the air and both girls snap back as if physically struck. Sirgia is standing next to the desk over which they are arguing with her palms joined together from the recent clap, an icy smile on her sweet lips.
"I think both of you bring something valuable into this matter and you should accompany Alastair together," she shares her thoughts with an even tone. "Cecil can ensure that he isn't underestimated and instead taken seriously by vouching for his prowess as a well-known adventurer in this region. Daisy can monitor the guild's officials and ensure that everything is up to code, using her position as the Forgegraver Heiress to solve any possible disputes and prevent any unsavoury individuals from maliciously altering the registration process. How does that sound?"
The angry duo gapes at her for a few seconds before Cecil scowls. "I'm not going anywhere with that pompous bitch! Lest her ego rubs off on me or worse."
Daisy mirrors the motion. "We agree on one thing at the very least. Walking beside that treacherous maverick will only hurt my image."
There's a loud whizz followed by a powerful crack and both ladies jump back. The Patriarch's desk is split in half, Sirgia's artefact hammer buried in its middle.
"That wasn't a suggestion." My lover holds onto her weapon with her smile never wavering. "Are we clear?"
They both nod repeatedly with wide eyes.
"Good. You can go, then." Sirgia withdraws her hammer and directs a polite bow at the Patriarch. "I apologise for the desk. We'll make a new, better one before the night comes. My friend is an incredible woodworker."
"It's alright." Lord Grimm chuckles, wiping off his forehead. "I was planning on replacing it soon. You've done me a service, Lady Counselor."
While they engage in a respectful conversation, Cecil and Daisy hastily head for the door. Walking up to my adorable wife, I leave her a parting peck on the cheek before hurrying after my companions. As expected, they are back to glaring at each other the instant they get outside.
I make a show of passing between them. "Let's go. We have lots of work to do."
The short Dwarf ladies catch up to me right away, taking my sides. That doesn't stop them from throwing jaded looks at each other, but at least they have enough tact to stay quiet. I sigh inwardly, already knowing how difficult this outing will be. Contrary to what Sirgia thinks, my sole presence isn't enough to pacify them. Not when both of these troublemakers are in one place.
Finding my way to the outer plaza, I call Diana in and my trusty furry friend answers without delay. That's a girl I can always count on. After dispensing some rubs to the loyal doggo, I hop onto her back and lean in to help the others join me.
"Step aside. I'm riding in the front." Daisy bumps Cecil away with her hip, which requires quite some effort from the much slimmer female.
Cursing under her breath, the black-haired woman does her best to keep herself in check and not explode. I offer her a reassuring smile while helping our arrogant princess into the seat. She goes next, hugging my back tightly. She then realises that it might be too tight and leans to the back, retracting her arms. As I'm about to ask her to at least hold onto me, they return to my waist and she grips me with doubled if not tripled strength. I register two soft presences getting squished into me too.
Did she just… unfasten her armour to press her tits into my back?
One glance over my shoulder provides the obvious answer as I meet Cecil's knowing grin, her boobs getting smushed even harder.
I guess she isn't that mad about her choice of seating anymore.
Trying to ignore the pair of excited nipples cutting into my clothes, I guide Diana through the streets. The naughty lady lets me know where to go before our princess can get her bearings around the city. It's clear which one out of the pair is more familiar with the capital.
We reach our destination without a problem and stop in front of the Mercenary Guild Headquarters. Daisy jumps back swiftly while I help Cecil down, who starts tying up her chestplate, which isn't missed by the other Dwarf.
"Can't even secure your armour properly. Pathetic." The rusty-haired scholar scoffs.
Cecil nibbles on her bottom lip in an attempt not to chuckle, our gazes meeting knowingly. She makes a show of putting her breasts into the armour, giving them a few squeezes when she's certain that I'm looking.
Someone has gotten more aggressive these days.
Her clothing issues resolved, we slip inside. The main hall isn't anything special, just another tavern-like space with a line of counters at the back and corridors leading to private booths on the sides. However, everything is scaled down for the Dwarves, which isn't surprising. At least the ceiling isn't low so I don't have to worry about bumping into a chandelier or something.
Knowing her way around, Cecil leads us to one of the free clerks. The older male with bright blond hair and beard raises his gaze from whatever way of passing time has he been entertaining himself with.
"Welcome to the Mercenary Guild." His gravely voice welcomes us. "If you would like to submit a job, take form 11-A on the left. If you would like to submit your company for hiring, take form 21-A from the right. If you would like to file a complaint on the group you have chosen, kindly fuck off to their base of operations. You can find such information in our database, accessible through the door at the end of the assistant stations. Thank you."
Daisy is visibly unhappy about the treatment, but Cecil inserts herself in front of her before we have to salvage the situation from the very beginning.
"We would like to register my friend's company with the guild," she informs the clerk. "He leads a group of capable mercenaries who have previously operated mostly in Human lands. But, since their ranks are made of mostly other races, I suggested he set up a base of operations here too. Our people are definitely going to show them a bit more appreciation."
"A mixed band? Led by a Human?" He gives me an unamused look.
"It would be wise not to judge him like any other Human." Daisy pushes herself to the front. "I've witnessed his prowess with my own eyes. And my personal escorts can testify to his strength and character too."
"And you are?" The man raises a bushy brow at her.
"Lady Daisy Forgegraver, granddaughter of the Forgegraver Clan Grand Patriarch." She puffs out her chest. "We would like to endorse this individual."
His eyes widen briefly before he nods in respect. "Greetings, My Lady. Allow me to quickly grab the correct form."
As he shuffles some documents behind, Daisy smirks at Cecil, who snorts to the side.
"Here it is." The helper slides a single sheet towards us. "Bring this back to me after you gather three signatures from this list of reputable clans who are willing to vouch for you. Filled in, of course."
"What?" Daisy's head snaps to him with a frown, her smirk disappearing. "I already said my family stands behind him."
"That's great. Consult the list. If the Forgegraver clan is on it, you need only two more signatures." The man does his best customer service smile.
Cecil smirks at her in turn, fishing out some kind of a badge from her inner pocket and placing it on the counter. "I don't think it's necessary to complicate the matter that much. The Tempest Wolves are happy to put in a recommendation. That should allow us to skip these troublesome formalities and grant him a probatory rank under their jurisdiction, isn't that right?"
He picks the token up, examines it between his thick fingers, and then flips it back at her.
"That would be true if he was a Dwarf," the clerk replies indifferently. "I'm afraid there are no shortcuts for outsiders. Oh, and in case you are unaware, you have three days to fulfil this prerequisite from the moment you receive this form. I shall await your successful return. Next!"
Both Daisy and Cecil seem ready to share a piece of their mind with the rude guy, but I drag them away before we cause an unneeded scene in the middle of the guild. They huff and puff as soon as we get outside.
"Can you imagine that bastard?" Daisy throws her arms into the air. "What a fucking racist!"
"That's the first time I hear about a rule like that!" Cecil growls as she kicks some sand. "I watched a full Elf company sign up on the spot and everyone hates those pointy-eared freaks here!"
"We should get back and demand to speak to the guildmaster!" The incensed researcher spins around.
"We don't need to do that." I catch her before she walks off. "Yet."
"What else are we going to do?" The worried adventurer spreads her hands to the sides. "We were supposed to form an exclusive partnership. This document demands we share you with two rival families."
"You know, sharing isn't always as bad as it sounds." I wink at them. "And if you are worried about finding someone trustworthy and loyal to form a partnership with, I have an idea."
They share a look before snarling at each other and turning to me again, a hint of curiosity in their eyes.
"A woman as wise and cunning as she is beautiful once taught me, an enemy of my enemy is my most valuable friend." I exude an aura of a respected sage while speaking.
They blink at me confusedly.
"She also showed me that the most efficient way to destroy someone's business is to steal his most essential contractors." I snicker lightly, reminiscing about those good times. "So, do any of you know of any oppressed families working tirelessly under the firm hand of Stockhawkers?"
Their faces light up as soon as they realise what I'm after. The girls share another look, one full of deviousness and eagerness to act, their differences set aside for the mutual goal to fuck over our common enemy.
It's time to fuck shit up Ria's style.
I'll make her proud.