Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Morning.

I woke up from the fact that I felt a touch on my face. I open my eyes and see Olga bending over me, gently running her fingers over my cheek. She looked completely different from before: disheveled hair, swollen lips and traces of hickeys on her neck. I even took a picture to capture this new image of her forever.

"Good morning." — I greet the beauty and kiss her fingers.

"Not so loud." — She warned me, putting her index finger to her lips. — "Chloe is still sleeping. Yesterday you exhausted the baby to the point of memory loss."

I turn my head and stumble upon a blonde top sticking out from under the blanket under a quiet snoring. And it's true, I drove the poor thing last night, although I don't recall her expressing the slightest displeasure about it.

"It's not my fault that someone passed out at the most crucial moment and she had to restrain all my superhuman power for the next two hours." — I whispered about last night, smiling cheerfully at Olga. — "Who would have thought that in bed you would be so timid at the most crucial moment, with such a hot start."

"Don't remind me about it ..." — the girl immediately hid her face from shame. But, soon, she could not stand my gaze in the back of her head and turned back. — "What?"

— "(¬‿¬)"

— "Why are you looking like that?"

— "(¬‿¬)"

— "Stop it!"

"Just admiring. You're very cute right now." — I took pity on the poor elf maiden.

"Haven't I been before?" — The girl frowned, narrowing her eyes.

"You were always beautiful. Even while chained up in a cell." — I got up and crawl up to her, perched close to the side. — "But it was the stern beauty of a powerful lady." — I put my arm around his shoulders and turn him to face me. — And now you're like... — I thinked for a second to find the right word. — "soft. I would have eaten it."

I preferred to eat through a kiss, to which Olya willingly responded. There was no yesterday's passion, it would be unhurried and gentle. Homemade, I would say, to match the girl.

"I want to ask you something." — I said, tearing myself away from the sweet lips of my dark elf now for sure.

"Yes?" — Without hesitation, she agreed.

"Why yesterday? Why not earlier, I won't ask, I'm not a fool. But why not later, when there will be fewer problems?" — Yesterday, when everything started spinning, I didn't think to ask such questions, but now it's worth clarifying the situation. To understand how to behave further and what to expect.

"Will there be less of them?" — Olga was transformed: the fun disappeared from her eyes and voice, giving way to anxiety. — "For the last thousand years, I have diligently put the issue of relationships aside, considering it unimportant. I already had a lot of worries. And what is the female happiness of one dark elf in comparison with the well-being of an entire nation? That's how I lived until recently, devoting all my time to work."

The woman bent her knees, hugging them with her arms, and directed her gaze somewhere into the wall. — "And then Vult happened, and all my efforts went to waste. I was so scared… And if you hadn't burst into our lives like a hurricane, my first time wouldn't have been so wonderful."

At that moment, I already regretted asking. Knowing the true reason no longer seemed important to me. But the feeling of guilt knocked from the depths of consciousness, driving me into despondency. But I drove him away with an effort of will. Let her speak out now rather than break down later. She's strong, yes. But no one has an infinite margin of safety, no matter how strong herspirit is.

And I'll just be there, ready to listen.

"And now nothing has been decided, we are still one step away from defeat. And defeat is captivity, and there ..." — With trembling hands, Olya pulled her legs up to her chest, bending them at the knees. — "In general, I decided that since it would happen anyway, then the way I want it, and with someone who is pleasant to me, and it's so good to be with you ..." — With each word, the tremor in her voice was getting stronger. — "So now... if these bastards get to me... they won't enjoy my virginity."

The latter was said with some kind of malicious mockery. She really admits the possibility of such an outcome. And, reluctantly, I have to admit that it is not unreasonable. So far, we have been lucky, which is already a big miracle. And what happens if you suddenly get unlucky? I am only one, and I may not be able to cope with their protection.

We both understand this perfectly well, but it's better to say the exact opposite out loud now.

"That's enough. I understand everything." — I stopped the girl when she wanted to add something else. Then he picked her up in his arms and put her on his lap, starting to stroke her head. — "Sorry about that. But I had to understand what was driving you. And I say again: no one will touch you. As long as I can move even a little finger, no scum will even look at you without permission. Remember that, okay?"

"I belive you." — Olga whispered, relaxing in my arms. — "And let's close this topic. I don't even want to think about it."

We just sat in silence for a few minutes. I continued stroking the queen's head, rocking her in my arms.

"I could not even imagine that I would fall in love with a human." — Olga said suddenly, breaking the silence. — "So quickly, after just a couple of weeks of meeting."

"It's all because I'm the one and only." — I joked, internally breaking into an idiotic smile from her confession. — "At least on your planet."

"Yeah. There are no crazy altruists like you who will rush to help the first people they meet, even without really understanding the situation, during the day with fire." — Olya raised her head, looking into my eyes. A slight smile played on her lips, and I was immediately relieved that she was no longer reflecting and came to her senses. — "You're like Celestine in that." She, like you, is a kind person."

"An interesting comparison." — I nodded, agreeing that such a comparison takes place, with some reservations. "But her kindness is wrong."

"Why?" — The witch looked at me with interest.

— "The good should be, at least, with fists. And she doesn't know how to fight at all."

"Hmm. And that's right." — A chuckle escaped the Queen's lips.

"What about her?" I nod at Chloe, who is still dozing. It's interesting to find out how she got involved in this case.

"Well, I think you have a right to know." — Olga answered after a short thought. — "She was enslaved as a child. I found her dying on the street 30 years ago. Her gaze was empty, and her psyche was broken. Over time, I managed to bring her mind back to relative order, but... I had to act as an anchor. I became Chloe's best friend, mentor, mother. And an object of lust."

I had no idea that everything was so bad. It is necessary to find and visit those who have done this to this cutie. Moreover, the Bespectacled man even called the name of the one with whom she could spend that terrible time…

— "And now you've decided to give her what she wants?"

"Yes. I have no right to forbid her after I've gone all out myself. And a second anchor wouldn't hurt." — The girl shrugged her shoulders.

"Am I?" — I didn't believe it.

"Of course. You are the first human in my memory to whom she feels sympathy, not disgust." — The beauty dispelled my doubts, letting out a laugh.

"In business ... and no jealousy and love triangles." — It has come to me how cunningly Olga has settled everything. — "You planned it well, didn't you?"

"A years of intrigue experience are usefull something else, except for the intrigues themselves." — The elf gave a laugh — "Remember and learn."

"I will be happy to adopt your wisdom, my Queen." — I answer with a drawl, feigning obsequiousness. — "By the way." — Suddenly I remembered about today's business. — "Aren't we late?"

"Not yet, but it's time to get out of bed. We still need to clean ourselves up." — Olga reassured me, reluctantly slipping out of my arms and standing up to her full height. Eyes were immediately riveted to her charms, and the inhabitant of the pants began to show signs that he was eager to continue the banquet. However, he was immediately mercilessly rejected.

We'll will have time to enjoy each other in future, but now it's time to wake up baby Chloe and go do some damn diplomacy.

"Wake up, kitten." — I gently shake Chloes shoulder. — "Great things are waiting for us."

"Um-m..." — The girl stirred sluggishly, sticking her head out from under the blanket. After walking around the room with a sleepy look, she first hooked me, and then Olga, and then froze, remembering yesterday. — "A-a-a…"

The shock and realization on her face looked very cute, and I stroked her head without hesitation. Chloe unconsciously leaned forward, putting the top of her head under my palm. It seems that her body has gotten used to me in just one night and is reaching for affection itself, bypassing consciousness.

But then she realized what she was doing. And she jumped away as if from a fire, throwing the blanket aside.

"N—no..." — the girl whispered with trembling lips. — "I can't... I... it was a mistake…"

I didn't even know what to say to that. The cockroaches in her head turned out to be much fatter than I expected. And no matter how psychotherapy with sex on Olga's part only made it worse.

Olga saved the situation by simply coming up from behind and embracing the blonde.

"It's okay." — And she began to calm down, gently passing her hand over her cheek — "Everything is fine…"

Chloe, without saying anything else, just burst into tears. Olga, continuing to cradle her, pointed her eyes at the door to the bathroom and I, taking the hint, went to wash.

A few minutes later, the front door creaked and two naked beauties slid inside to me. Chloe looked calm, though not in the best of spirits.

"Kay." — she called me, coming closer, while trying not to look at my naked torso. — You don't hold a grudge? For the fact that I, well…

"No." — I kiss the girl lightly on the lips and smile, pulling away.

It wasn't an expression of passion, just a sign of my attitude towards the girl. Although I really wanted more, looking at the seductive curves of the bodies of dark elves, it's inappropriate now, and time is running out.

Chloe hesitated, not daring to say something. In search of support, she turned to Olga, and she silently nodded to her, encouraging her. Then the girl turned back to me, took a deep breath, lowered her head and closed her eyes, and finally said. — "I need to tell you something. Tonight."

"Okay, I'll listen." — I agreed, realizing what it would be about.

That was the end of the conversation and the three of us took a shower. If you only knew how much effort it cost me to leave the washing just by washing. Eh.

 

***

We were again led towards the dining hall, where we had already gathered yesterday. At the same time, both the maids and the female guards, of whom everyone was here, tried not to meet our eyes and somehow shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. It seems that yesterday we were very loud, and one of them heard us and shared his impressions with the others in colors. Unpleasant. Not because Celestine and her squad of beavers find out about it, everything is just fine here. I personally don't care who knows or not, and Olya, I'm sure, will even be able to benefit from this.

The fact is that in one night the news spread all over the castle. Impressive speed, isn't it? And now we remember that somewhere here there may be spies of Walt's accomplices, which means that very soon he will know that we are here and will hurry as quickly as possible to finish what he could not last time.

If you think about it, everything is going well for him at all — several goals have gathered in one place at once, which, moreover, is already his first in line. And this leads us to the idea that he may come here much earlier than we expected.

Yes, and Celestine ... with her, too, nothing is clear. From Olga's explanations, I realized that she is something like the local apostle Peter in the flesh, a priestess and reincarnation of the elven goddess Larentia, and even a prophet. And the way she came to this city, which, again, is completely atypical for her and came straight to me, causes concern and a premonition of impending problems. Yesterday, she just mentioned her visions in conversation, based on which, I almost have the role of the Messiah in store for me.

And somehow I don't want to become a figure of worship for fanatics. Even for business. Because it so happened that for some time now I don't like them very much. Specifically, from the very day we cleaned up that fucking cult in Siberia. What I saw there has sunk into my soul for a long time, instilling in me an aversion to religion as such, and any manifestations of worship of anything or anyone, so I just can't help but wait for a trick from this elven priestess and her battle flower garden.

And Martha has been as silent as a fish since last night. No matter how much she was overwhelmed by impressions.

"What are you thinking about again?" — Olga noticed the work of thought on my face when we were on the spot. The owners of the castle were not there yet, although, in theory, they were supposed to meet us, and not vice versa.

"About Celestine." — I confessed, after I examined the walls with the help of thermal vision, and made sure that no one else was listening. — "I think she wants something from me."

"Yes, I also noticed her attention directed at you." — The woman agreed, sitting at the table and looking at me, propping her chin on her hand — "She usually does not stick her nose out of the capital, and then suddenly rushed here, at the very moment when we found ourselves here." — Olga paused to give me time to reflect on what she said, which was easy, since I myself came to the same conclusions. — "She saw something in her visions that made even her lift her fat ass and start doing something. She needs you. And we use it."

"I understand." — I answered reluctantly. — "But I still feel uncomfortable."

"What's the matter?" — Olga was surprised. — "How can something like that embarrass you?"

"It's not the attention itself that confuses me, but who it comes from. She's a priestess, and I can't stand anything to do with religion." —  I replied.

— "Is it because of the war at your world?"

— "Yes, because of it. But it's a long story, I'll tell you later."

At this point, the conversation had to be curtailed, because the front door opened, admitting the owners of this place and servants with trays.

"I'm sorry for the delay." — Celestine stepped forward, flashing a friendly smile. — "Please share this humble meal with us."

[Yeah, humble.] — I thought, looking at the abundance of dishes. — [Only their clothes are more humble.]

Like yesterday, we ate in silence. However, this time there were an order of magnitude less hostile glances in our direction, although they did not stop at all. Maya still didn't like me. Although it's hard to blame her for this, it's not every day you hear from some left-wing dude that your friends are traitors. If Celestine hadn't besieged her yesterday, I'm sure they would have tried to punch me in the face or cut me.

"And so, let's get down to business." — After completing all the formalities, Olga took the floor. — "I hope no one's violent temper will interfere with us this time."

At the same time, she shot a glance at Maya, because of whose rampage we had to interrupt yesterday.

"Hn!" — Maya snorted and turned away.

"On behalf of the people of all Free Cities, I ask you for help." — Ignoring the hairpin in the direction of the subordinate, Celestine got up from her seat. — "We can't do it without you."

"We are glad that you also decided to take part in eliminating the consequences of your actions." — The dark elf queen did not forget to point out the mistake of the interlocutor.

"It is." — The High Elf did not raise an eyebrow. — "I didn't see the enemy under my nose. This is my complete failure as a ruler. But I will do my best to save everyone I can."

The girls from the order in full force silently confirmed their agreement. Their loyalty to their leader inspires respect. And fear, because loyalty can be blind and we only have to find out how things are with them.

"Before we start planning, read this." — I get up from my chair and put on the table the little book that I took from the leader of the slavers. — "On the way here, we destroyed a group of human slavers, found this from them and rescued those girls who were with us. By the way, are they all right?"

"They are fed, clothed, and sleep in warmth." — Alicia answered, with the permission of the priestess picking up the book. — "But they don't want to sit around and ask for permission to serve you as a servant."

"They got it." — Olga replied.

Hearing the queen's word, the princess opened the book, starting to run her eyes over the text. And almost immediately her face froze in shock.

"Oh, no ..." — raising her pleading gaze at me, she threw the book on the table, clutching her head. — "It's not what I think it is, is it?"

"If you mean that this is a list of slavetrader's clients, then yes, this is the one." — I confirmed the girl's fears. — "Did you find a familiar name?"

— "Thomas Beasley…"

"S-Sir Beasley?" — Prim was in no less shock

"Yes, Prim." — Alicia swallowed. — "His name is on this list."

"Who is he to you?" — I asked.

"He is in charge of the treasury of the Feoh ..." — the princess replied, drumming her fingers on the table. — "I considered him my mentor, almost a father. And here... I can't believe it."

"Life is full of disappointments, young Princess." — Olga commented phlegmatically. — "I'm sure there are many more wonderful discoveries waiting for you."

"Mistress Celestine asked me to listen to you," — Alicia picked up the book again. — "I trust her completely. But this document... I can't just take it at face value. We need to make sure."

Reasonable. Trust, but check. Although, there is no sense of trust here yet.

"Really, what if this is a deception, a trick on your part to quarrel between us?" — Maya seemed to have her own opinion on this. That was what needed to be proved.

"Still don't believe that your friends may not be as good as you imagine?" — For the first time in my memory, Chloe entered into a dialogue with outsiders. — "You will be very surprised."

"Nothing has been proven yet!" — The warrior replied fervently. — "Why should we be sure that this is not part of your games?"

"You don't have to be sure of anything." — The sorceress pressed, raising her voice slightly. — "But think for yourself, girl, why do we have to drag ourselves here, if there are many easier and safer ways to throw you something like this? Why risk yourself? Or do you think I'm stupid enough to expose myself like that?"

"I don't know." — Maya muttered, not knowing how to object, but also not wanting to give up. — "Who knows what's on your mind? Pitting allies is just in your spirit…"

"Maya, please calm down." — Celestine was ashamed, it was easy to read in her eyes. — "Forgive her. She took the news about Volta hard."

"You should pick your subordinates better, Celestine." — Olga's wounded pride did not allow her to simply accept the apology. — "And the way I see it, some of them cannot adequately perceive reality and like to escape into their own fictional world."

Maya was ready to burst into flames like a candle.

So, something I don't like at all where everything is going. It is necessary to stop them before the farce begins, otherwise there will be no question of any joint actions.

"That's enough." — I typed, adding steel to my voice. So much so that everyone got cold feet. Even Olga lost her mask of an arrogant queen for a moment. — "We're not going that far. Since the alleged suspect is in this city, wouldn't it be better to leave the useless arguments for later and ask Beasley himself?"

"No, he's not here." — Without taking her eyes off the text, Alicia said. — "Sir Beasley left on financial business two days ago."

"I guess for what reasons." — I chuckled. — "I don't see a problem. After all, he should have his own office, or some other workplace. Maybe we should look for evidence there?"

"Yes. Probably, you are right ..." — Outlining the space in front of her with a glance, the blonde agreed. — "Come on, I'll show you."

"And you, too, suspect, come with us." — I called the red—haired skeptic. — "Check everything yourself."

— "You can be sure. I'll check it out."

"I'm going too!" — The pink-haired girl almost jumped up in her place, immediately attracting everyone's attention.

"Prim, are you sure?" — The high elf looked at her with concern, and I noticed for myself that these two are surprisingly similar: both in character, and in facial expressions and gestures. And I would even think that they are mother and daughter, if not for different races.

"If Sir Beasley is really a bad person, I have to find out about it." — The girl's tone was uncertain, but her look was determined. — "Mistress Celestine, please let me go too."

"All right, Prim, go ahead." — Closing her eyes, the priestess agreed.

Nodding, the girl followed her sister out.

"This way." — Alicia pointed the way with her hand and was the first to step in the indicated direction.

We walked in silence. All three girls were crushed after I stopped the conflict with a single word. At the same time, Maya did not miss throwing murderous glances in my direction, while the other two, although they tried not to stare, but curiously squinted from under the silence. For them, I was someone incomprehensible. A henchman of the Darkest Queen, whom they were frankly afraid of and whom they had to resist. And I was a henchman to match, literally just caught up with them horror. They didn't know what to expect from me and were warned, but they were still interested. And I, in general, also don't mind getting acquainted with future allies. At first glance, they are not as determined against us as Maya, for whom even Celestine's words were not enough not to spit poison. At least, I have a sincere hope for this.

So I decided to speak first. — "Ask already."

"What are you talking about?" — Alicia pretended that she did not understand anything and it was not she who opened her mouth a couple of times for a question, but she did not dare to voice it.

"Only a blind man wouldn't notice your curiosity." — I smiled, amused by her pug. — "No need to be shy, ask your questions, and I will answer them."

— I don't know what you mean… — Alicia tried to make me thenk, that she don't understand what I mean.

"Um... well ..." — but Prim took advantage of the invitation right away. — "Your skin is so pale… you've probably rarely been in the sun?"

"Why? No." — I was even a little taken aback. — "I spent a lot of time outdoors. It's been like this since birth. Is it ugly?"

"No!" — The girl instantly faded away, forcing my cavemeter to jump to a new value, it turned out so cute for her. — "It's just... very unusual."

"And how did it happen that you were among the dark elves?" — Alicia finally decided. — "Our peoples hate each other, and you calmly talk to their queen "on you". And you also know how to scare..." — she shivered, as if from a draft. — "Someone simple and ordinary can't do that."

"Oh, it's simple. I were in trouble." — I said, crossing my arms behind my back. It seems that the time has come to tell the half-truth about me that we invented with Olya for a couple, deciding not to deny that I am not a local, because you can't hide an awl in a bag, but to replace another world with another continent.

"And she saved you?" — The princess was surprised.

"No, not really. I saved her." — I explained.

"How is that?" — The girl made a funny surprised face. — "You said it was you who got into trouble."

"It is. You've probably already realized that I'm from afar." — I ran my hand along my clothes, the style of which, for obvious reasons, they see for the first time. — "My homeland is outside of Eostia, very far away."

"Outside of Eostia?" That is... beyond the Copper Sea?" — The eyes of both sisters lit up with interest. — "Incredibly, not a single ship was able to cross it, we thought there was nothing further there!"

"It doesn't sound very plausible." — Maya... was Maya. I almost forgot that this ulcer is here.

"As you can see, this opinion turned out to be wrong." — I ignore the obvious instigation. — "The world is much bigger than you can imagine."

Even more than I could have imagined myself until quite recently.

"So that's it." — I continued. — "When I was on this shore, I was very weak and soon lost consciousness. And I woke up already in the captivity of the Black Dogs, in the dungeon of the Dark Tower, that's where Olga and I met."

— "And you ran?"

— "Yes, we took off with legs legs tucked under our tails. And since then we traveled together until we came here."

"How convenient, You was at the right time and in the right place, and then You simply saved! And even managed to escape from the most dangerous place on the whole continent. Downright mediocrity itself." — Maya, of course, was ready to spray acid and harshly criticize every word I said. And it's already starting to piss me off.

"Listen, what's wrong with you, huh?" — I couldn't stand it and stopped, turning to her.

"What's wrong with me?" — Standing a meter away from me, the girl put her hands on her hips, looking defiantly into my eyes. — "I don't understand what's wrong with you!"

"But Mistress Celestine said they were telling the truth!" — Prim stood up for me. Pleasantly.

"She must be mistaken!" — She doubts even Celestine. For a moment, in the one whose gift of foresight is a well—known fact. And this is in addition to the fact that the elf, in fact, heads the order in which they all belong. This is not only distrust of us, but also disrespect for their own colleagues. — "It just can't be! I know Vult, he's not like that!"

"Really?" — I started to boil. I understand, faith in friends and all that... but this is too much. — Now let's imagine for a second, what if he is? For a moment. What then?

— "Impossible!"

"Fuck, did you fall in love with him, or something?!" — I didn't understand this hysterical woman at all and blurted out the first thing that came to mind, but, surprisingly, it worked even better than I would like. Maya literally choked on a ready-made, probably caustic, phrase, indistinctly hiccupping and averting her eyes for a second.

So that's it. We have a fool in love here. Now a lot has fallen into place, but it won't work that way.

"Come here." — I quickly approach and grab Maya by the scruff of the neck and drag her to the nearest window with a view of the city.

"Take your hands off!" — The girl shouted angrily, trying to escape. Like last time, unsuccessfully.

"Take a look." — Taking her by the back of the head with my hand, I poke her face out the window like a naughty kitten. Below us, the Feo is spread out in all its glory: houses. people going about their business. Everything is quiet, peaceful and pretty. Much more than what one would expect from the Middle Ages. — "People live in this city. A lot of people. And they're counting on you." — With the arrangement, I speak directly into the ear of the girl who continues to twitch and hiss like a snake. — "That you will protect them from any danger, no matter how incredible it may be. Think about what will happen to them if I'm right and your boyfriend is not who you think he is. I give you a hint: the men will be killed, and the women will be turned into obedient penis attachments. Including you and all your close friends. But you don't want that, do you?"

A stifled sigh and a cough were heard from behind. I distract myself from the educational process for a second, glancing back: Prim was standing with her mouth closed with her palm, and looked at the unfolding action with all the breadth of her blue eyes at that time. as Alicia did not know what to do: whether to go to rescue her friend, or to run away with her sister far away, so long as they did not get caught. It's a bit embarrassing, of course, but, unfortunately, there's no other way with Maya, I've already understood that. And it's not a fact that even the fact that I'm putting pressure on her sense of duty now will help keep her from doing something stupid in the future.

"Just ask yourself the question, which is better: to prepare for the worst and exhale with relief if everything goes well, or to wander in the clouds, then to tear your hair out of impotence?" — I let go of the stubborn fool and take two steps back to the relieved sighs of the two princesses.

"One question, Maya, just one. You may not believe us and that's fine, but think about them." — I point my hand at the residents of Feo. — "Do you want to let them down?"

"...no, I don't want to." — The girl answered with undisguised tension, crossing her arms over her chest. — "But if I'm right, I'll personally chop off your head!"

You are reading story Kuroinu: Foreigner at novel35.com

"Whatever you say." — I shrug indifferently. — "Just to get busy."

— "And if you try to paw me at least once more, then your hands too!"

" Sorry about that, girls." — I apologized to the unwitting spectators, ignoring Maya's last remark. — "Shall we go further?"

"Yes..." — Alicia answered in a slow voice.

The rest of the journey passed as quietly as its beginning and ended near a carved wooden door, which was opened by the princess, pulling out a bunch of keys from somewhere under her dress. Where she hid them there, I did not understand. The room inside turned out to be rich. A lot of gold, jewelry and other attributes of the major. But there were enough purely working things, like paper documents. Without further ado, we entered and started searching, checking every little thing, and very soon we got the first result.

"The goddess..." — Alicia's voice distracted me from my search. Looking at the girl, I saw her standing near the table with panties in her hands. Yes, yes, with lace ones. In the Middle Ages. Yeah. And, apparently, they have a very definite owner. — "These are mine!"

"It seems that the owner of this office has quite definite preferences in women." — I commented on the find, which made Alicia, shuddering, hide the thing behind her back, throwing a hunted look at me. From her face, as well as from the face of Prim, who was nearby, it was possible to light a cigarette.

"T—that... doesn't mean anything yet!" — She tried to regain her composure. It came out weakly. — "Let's get back to the search!"

Is it worth mentioning that Maya sharply decreased in confidence after that? Oddly enough, it was she who later found the reinforced concrete proof. A letter in which a certain Mr. Beasley buys the virginity of Princess Alicia Arctus for a tidy sum from none other than the commander of the Black Dogs himself. Vult.

The scene that happened after what was written in the letter was voiced, somewhat resembled the ending of the notorious "Government Inspector".

 

A little earlier

The door closed behind Kay, cutting off the room from the outside world. After seeing off her love with her eyes, Olga returned her gaze to Celestine.

Beloved... this is the word she's been rolling around in her head all morning. Last night didn't go according to plan at all. Such a thing could be expected from some inexperienced young maiden, not from her, a dark elf with a colossal life experience. But the stress turned out to be stronger than Olga expected, and a little rest, combined with the discussion of important matters, resulted in... this. What efforts it cost her not to burn with shame upon awakening can be described in a separate book. But, nevertheless, it is worth admitting that sex turned out to be an effective means of relieving tension, even too much. For a second, the woman even regretted that she had not done it earlier, but she immediately remembered that there was simply no one with whom. There have always been few men born among the dark elves, and when, being young, Olga wanted love, there were simply no free ones. And then the war with monsters, long wanderings in search of power and a way to return greatness to her people very quickly erased love from her hearts. Yes, there were many men who wanted her body, but, please, do it with humans, or, even worse, with monsters? Fire me. Those that others caused only contempt. And all the more surprising against their background was Kay. After that night, it became finally clear that the woman was incredibly strongly attracted to intimacy with him. Both physical and spiritual. Only the short life span of humans is of concern, but maybe longevity is hidden among its many secrets? And even if not… Well, it wasn't just like that that she devoted most of her life to the study of magical arts? She can always think of something.

And she also need to figure out how to divert the interest of all sorts of ... not exciting personalities from her. One, the most problematic of them, is sitting right now opposite. In this bright fool Olga was infuriated by everything: starting from the appearance resembling a stuffed sheep, ending with her insignificant character, short-sightedness, weakness, and much more. Olga was well aware that after the loss of the Citadel, there was little she could reproach this fool, who did not see the breeding ground of spiders under her nose, even with her vaunted gift of foresight (and someone missed the uprising of monsters, so again one-one), who did not want to pull her little nose out of her garden with birds and flowers, and preferring only to talk about universal equality and the inadmissibility of violence, instead of doing at least something useful, and having recruited a team of the same narrow-minded girls. Instead of fighting, gnawing out the right to exist with her teeth, as Olga herself did, who decided to simply surrender to the mercy of the enemy, whom she herself created out of unwillingness to move her fat ass. And, most outrageously, this ass was torn off from the chair just in order to come and ask HER, Olga Discordia, man to solve her problems.

It was infuriating. And the desire to strangle this idiot. But Olga can't. As much as she hated the thought, they were in the same boat now. And they won't survive without each other. But Olga will not be herself if she does not squeeze the maximum possible out of this union.

—"Celestine." — Olga called the interlocutor deceptively softly.

"Olga?" — Celestine raised her head cautiously.

"I want to clarify a couple of things so that there is no misunderstanding between us." — Olga leaned back in her chair.

"I... yes, I'm listening." — Light elf replied.

— "Why did you come here? No, I understand that you want to solve your problems, but you want to do it again, don't you?"

— "This? I'm not…"

— "Don't bullshit me, baby. You're constantly raking in the heat with someone else's hands, and all you can do is babble about the world."

— "What? No, to the ambassador…"

"You listen to this! You organized an alliance against me! Although you didn't even bother to get a little into what I was doing! I'm bad, I control monsters, obvious evil, right? How convenient! But if you strained your sweet empty head even a little, you would understand that I have done much more than you have with the entire order." — for a second Olga lost control and her eyes narrowed dangerously, and her body leaned forward, but only for a second, now she relaxed again. — "And now you've come here, like a sorrowful nun, with such a pure and sweet request. Save her. Hypocritical as always, my applause, miss, prophet. But you didn't take into account who you're asking from. He's mine, okay?"

— "What do you understand, my visions…"

"Well... welll, visions. I'm sorry, you've fucked up on all fronts, holy maiden. How in general can someone who is able to see the future fuck everything up so much?" — Chloe looked at Olga in surprise. How much it was necessary to anger her mistress so that she would condescend to such expressions and lose control of her face. The hand somehow fell on the soothing handle itself. — "Or is that your plan?" What are you trying to achieve, Celestine? What kind of intrigue are you up to? Your…"

"You don't know anything about me! You... You're so smart, huh?! You have no idea what it's like to see the future and not know what to do with it! When every day you feel responsible for those whom you may never have seen, but you already know their fate! When suddenly you find out that someone is going to die again, and there's nothing you can do about it!" — Celestine screamed so sharply that both girls flinched. It seems that Olga went too far. — Yes, I hired mercenaries because that was the only way I could save my people, and only after they left, I saw what it would lead to! And whatever I did, it would have led to even more victims, do you understand or not? Any of my opposition would have ended in blood! Any! Do you even realize how hard it is to live with this? To live knowing about the end and not having a chance to influence it somehow?" — Suddenly the shoulders of the light one sank, and the voice trembled. — "You know nothing, Olga Discordia."

There was silence in the room for a while. Olga was taken aback by this outburst of emotions, and from the picture that opened up a little from the other side, and Celestina had already exhausted her fuse.

"All I want is to save my people. I'm a terrible ruler, and I understand that, but that doesn't mean I'll just give up everything. If there's anything I can do, I'll try. Over and over again. Even if I have to negotiate with you, Olga." — this time the light one looked firmly. Yes, she is weaker as a politician and she does not have the same pressure that Olga has, but it seems that after recent events she has become much more determined. Perhaps too much.

"I see." — Olga looked at the woman differently. Yes, she still dislikes her, but now many things have appeared in a slightly different light. — "And yet, it does not change what you did and what it led to. You understand that no one will do anything for nothing."

"But we have a common goal, don't we?" — Celestine said — "And you are not a person I ccome to ask."

"Our goal is same, but I'm together with Kay, so if you want something from him, you'll have to negotiate with me. Either that, or we'll leave, and figure it out for yourself. — Olga replied.

The girls stared at each other for a while. Celestine was the first to break down.

"Okay. What do you want? What do I need to do?" — The green eyes of the elf stared intently at the interlocutor.

"To begin with, answer: why Kay?"— Olga asked the question with a serious face. — "What did you see there that you rushed headlong here just to meet us?"

Celestine furrowed her brows, thinking about something. After sitting there for a few seconds, she closed her eyelids, exhaled deeply and spoke. — "It's been a few days since the mercenaries, well... went after you. And then I saw what would happen when they returned. Every day I watched how we would all be rареd. You, me, this girl next to you, everyone else... and the country will be in ruins. It wasn't the same recurring pattern, the settings was always different, but it didn't change the outcome. So far, two weeks ago, everything has not changed. And He was the center of attention. I realized that if he wasn't there, we wouldn't be able to stand it."

"I understand." — The Dark elf has put together a time of changes. Two weeks ago. Just after Kay helped them escape. — "And you decided to be with him?"

"And help him in any way I can." — The priestess nodded in agreement.

Jealousy and dislike of the interlocutor required Olga to put the question straight and forbid Celestine to approach Kay. But she wasn't a fool. Let her feelings for him be strong, she will not blindly follow their lead and spoil the common cause.

"Okay." — The woman sighed. — "Let's try to start all over again. No matter how bad you are, you are very popular among ordinary citizens. They will listen to you. You will begin to straighten the reputation of the dark elves. For my part, I will do the same. It will be long and difficult, but we will manage. It is high time to put an end to this unnecessary enmity."

"You're right." — Celestine pulled herself up, straightened her shoulders, which made her look more like someone who rules and decides the fate of people. — "The real enemy will be here soon. And we will meet him. Together."

"Yes, together." — The dark elf repeated, looking at the light one in a new way. — "Keep it up, and who knows? Maybe I'll start to really respect you, Celestine."

— "I will do my best."

Attracting the attention of all three deushkas, the door creaked. Kay came inside. At the same time, he looked somewhat depressed, and behind him stood Alicia, Prim, and Maya, playing with a range of different emotions on their faces.

"Mr. Beasley is quite an entertainer." — The guy said, plopping down on the nearest chair.

— "Will you explain?"

"Why not ?" — The man chuckled. — "We dug up several correspondence and contracts with important people from him, in which they shared you all like a holiday cake. And all this was lying quietly among the documents, the idiot didn't even try to hide anything."

"Carelessness born of impunity." — Olga commented. — "But now we will know, if not all, then many of those who are definitely our enemy."

"And prepare." — Kay nodded and immediately developed his idea: — "First, we will strengthen the defense of the city as much as possible. Traitors will not risk acting on their own until Vult reaches the first successes. We will defeat him here, force him to retreat, and then we will be able to deal with internal problems."

"I'll notify the rest of the order. Let them strengthen their security defenses and keep an eye on traitors." — The priestess put in her word. The plan began to take shape before our eyes.

"I will try to contact the remaining dark elves loyal to me, help from that side will not hurt us either. The Dark Elf Queen added. — "In addition, I will do magic support. Traps, long-term rituals, I can do it all. Only resources will be needed."

"You will have everything we can provide." — Celestine said.

"Well, then we'll see what can be done with more traditional methods." — After which he looked questioningly at Alicia. — "The princess?"

"Yes." — The girl agreed with a note of anger in her voice. — "We will prepare a warm welcome for them."

— "Then let's not waste time."

 

***

In a matter of hours, Feoh turned from a relatively quiet town into a disturbed anthill. What could not be taken away from Celestine was the ability to speak beautifully: a short speech in the central square set the entire population of the city in motion. I wonder if she even understands what kind of power she has with such support from people? After all, they are really ready to tear her to pieces, and if she only pointed her finger, not a single conspirator would have been alive for a long time. The softness of this woman reaches the point of absurdity.

Personally, in all this turmoil, it fell to me, together with Alicia, to prepare defensive positions to counter the assault. Having outlined several points on the map of the city, we decided to first walk through them and see with our own eyes to figure out exactly what to do with each of them. Naturally, due to the different approach to military affairs, questions arose.

"And here it would be best to build a barricade, the place here is good: there is only one wide road from which you can not turn off, and many tall and strong stone houses." — Having examined, first of all, the outer wall as the first line of defense, we gradually moved deeper into the city and now we were in its rich part, which lies closer to the castle. — "If you put people in them, and provide them with everything that shoots or that can be thrown, those who will attack this position will wash themselves in their own blood."

"Why do you pay so much attention to ranged combat?" — and what did I expect at all? Of course, it's not a chivalrous thing to beat surreptitiously.

"Because we can't afford to lose people in a direct melee clash. But urban conditions will allow us to gradually exhaust the enemy, almost without incurring losses." — let's try to be gentle first, in case she at least tries to understand. — "Imagine what it's like when danger can be waiting for you from around every corner, from under every pebble under your feet. Yes, the bites, no doubt, will not be fatal, but very unpleasant. And when they pass through all the obstacles that we will prepare for them, weakened and tired, that's when it will be possible to strike with an armored fist."

"You say things that are the opposite of everything I have studied. — Disagreement with my methods just spilled out. — "I understand your idea, so we can really fight more effectively, but I'm not comfortable with having to resort to such vile methods."

"Princess, you should understand one simple truth." — So we'll have to explain everything more clearly. — Nobility and honor should be demonstrated only when you can afford it, and in relation to those who deserve it. You see, everything has its price. Especially the nobility. And this price is very high, are you ready to pay with the lives of the inhabitants for the opportunity to go out in a fair fight with the forces of the enemy, who has never heard of the code of honor?" — I sighed. — "We will be confronted by bandits and monsters who have nothing sacred, and they will definitely not fight honestly. Deception? Easy. Blackmail? Yes, please. Intimidation, demonstrative massacre of captives? As much as you like, and perhaps a little more from above purely for entertainment. And I'm not saying that there are more of them corny. Are you ready to bear the weight of this fee?" — I waved my hand at the townspeople dragging materials to strengthen the walls here and there.

"I..." — the princess wanted to object something, but I didn't let her.

"They are enemies, and enemies need to be destroyed. Don't stand on ceremony with them, but beat them with everything you have, and beat them so that they don't get up, licking their wounds. Only then can we hope for success." — Without giving a word to the girl to insert, I continued. — No, there is no honor in burying corpses. When you rule people, all bets are exclusively on their lives. Every soldier or citizen of yours becomes a bargaining chip. And it's up to you to decide whether you can afford to do honorably."

At first she looked at me with her eyes wide open, but after a second something broke in her eyes.

"I... I'll think about your words." — Somehow by itself our conversation subsided and we went to the next point in silence.

 

***

We returned to the castle when it was after midnight on the street. A rough defense plan was ready and had to be implemented. After briefly saying good night to the tired Alicia, whose eyes had been closing spontaneously for a couple of hours, I trudged towards my room to take a nap. And just near the entrance, Chloe caught me.

"Kay ..." — She called me uncertainly, while carefully avoiding meeting my gaze. In general, it seems to me that she has been waiting for me here for a long time and has managed to wind herself up. — "I promised to tell you something…"

"Come in." — Opening the door, I stood aside, letting the girl inside, but she was in no hurry to come in, standing in front of the doorway. — "So you're going to stand at the door?"

"Yes ... I mean ... no." — Chloe realized how her babble sounded, so she quickly fell silent, and, taking a deep breath, stepped inside. At the same time, creating the impression that she does not go into a simple room, but, at least, into a torture chamber.

With a gesture I point her to the bed, where she immediately sits down, hugging her knees, and I place myself next to her. Chloe, however, did not say anything right away, and I did not rush her, understanding what was going to be discussed. Such things are not so easy to tell someone, so I patiently waited for her to decide.

"When I was a child, my village was burned down by human slavers. John Mendeville's men. He has many slaves, all kinds. But I quickly became his favorite." — Chloe spoke softly, lowering her head to her knees, and still looking at me as if she was afraid to see something. — He tormented me every day, from morning to night. Himself first. Then, when he got bored of it, he called his friends, and then his soldiers, and even other slaves."

"For three years, they have tried everything possible on me. I was screaming. And he enjoyed my screams." — The girl's voice trembled from the images that surfaced in her memory. — And I do not remember at what point these screams were no longer from pain and fear, but from pleasure. At some point, I began to wait for him to return with a crazy and dirty smile.

She kept talking and talking, her body was shaking violently, and there were tears in her empty eyes. I was quietly blown away by the "entertainment" described to her. Rage bubbled inside me. The killing instinct, artificially twisted to the maximum, demanded to tear those who tortured her with their bare hands. Deep down, I already consider Chloe my own, and I just have to punish those responsible for her suffering. At that moment, I firmly decided for myself that as soon as we finish our business in Feoh, I will come to visit this Mendeville and wind his guts around his neck. Moreover, searching Biasley's office, we found a lot of information on him. Where he lives, including.

"When... when I realized what I had become... I hated myself. I stopped eating, drinking, moving and just somehow reacting to the environment. I just wanted to die so that all this would finally end. And they took me back to the wasteland, leaving me to rot under the scorching sun. It was there that the lady found me, giving a new meaning to my miserable life." — Apparently, Chloe sensed my mood, and, raising her tear-stained eyes, saw the expression on my face. But because of her inner demons, she took my anger at her own expense.

"Now you know what I am ..." — the girl said in a dejected voice. — Come on... despise me. Call me a dirty pig! hit me! Show me the place I really deserve.

"No." —  I said, but...

"Don't you understand?! My soul is vicious, and my body is defiled and stained! Mistress Olga is already too kind to me, I don't even deserve to breathe the same air with her!" — Chloe's self—deprecation was unstoppable. — "And yesterday I succumbed! Released her vile essence into the wild! I dared to touch a man that she chose as her own! I... I…"

In the middle of her tirade, I came close to her, wrapping her in my arms. Chloe immediately put her hands on my chest, trying to push me away, but almost immediately gave up. Tense as a string, the beauty's body relaxed and went limp, hanging in my arms, and she began to sob, resting her head on my shoulder.

"Goosey." — I couldn't resist stroking her creamy hair, which smelled very nice. — Olga wouldn't have taken you with us if she didn't want this to happen."

"Huh?" — Even with a tear-stained face, she still looked very beautiful, especially with this extremely surprised face.

"She loves you, and she knows what you need. What happened yesterday was not an accident or a mistake. It was for you too." — I explained.

— B-but how…

"You're being too hard on yourself. No one deserves what you've been through. And that certainly doesn't make you bad. It's not your fault that the overeager bastard had nothing else to do. And under constant pressure, anyone will break, not only a little unhappy girl." — Without stopping stroking, I take another step closer, pressing the girl closer to me. — "But never mind, he won't touch you again. No one will touch you, because I will tear off head of anyone who even looks askance in your direction.

Hearing this, Chloe sobbed again and already leaned towards me, grabbing my clothes with her hands.

"Don't you dare scold your body anymore. It's beautiful." — I said sternly. — "Anyway, the body is such a thing that you can do anything with. Break, repair, take out, huh, spare parts and put new ones in their place. It can even be completely replaced, there would be a desire! Believe me, I know it like no one else."

That's true. I was really sorted out several times, like the engine of some car.

"You must understand, the main thing is what you have here" — I pull away from Chloe and touch her chest near her heart with my hand. — "And here." — And then I lightly poked her forehead with hmy finger. — "And I like what I see there. You are a good, smart girl, a skilled warrior, and a reliable support for Olga. You just have to learn to appreciate yourself, that's all."

— "S-stupid... human. Don't flatter me so rudely…"

"No flattery." — I objected. — Only the truth.

"Yes?" — The elf immediately jumped up, looking at me defiantly. — "Then prove it!"

— "Prove it?"

"Prove it!" — Although her voice was angry, only the returned trembling and fear mixed in her eyes showed the true mood of the girl. — "Prove that you don't disdain me!"

"Hm, okay." — I replied.

Without thinking twice, I pull the beauty to me again and kiss her. A human will never touch with his mouth what he is disgusted with, that's how we are arranged. I don't think the elves have any other way with this, so this step on my part should be more than indicative. Chloe's lips tasted salty because of the tears she shed, but I even liked it that way. Using the effect of surprise, I penetrate her mouth with my tongue, deepening the kiss, and, after a couple of seconds, Chloe begins to answer me, ceasing to pose as a statue.

"Delicious." — I said, finishing the kiss and leaning over to the girl's ear. — "But I don't think that's enough to convince you."

I run my tongue along the entire length of the ear, biting its tip. I confess, from the first time we met, I wanted to do something like this.

"A-a-ah!.. W-what are you doing.?" — There is a hit! The ears turned out to be quite sensitive.

"I'm proving." — I smiled slyly and pressed my lips to her neck. — "Maybe if I taste you everywhere, you'll realize I'm right."

Tearing myself away from her neck for a short moment, I looked into her eyes.

"I want you to remember. Once and for all. You are a delightful and beloved girl. Everything else is bullshit. Remember this, and don't let me hear such nonsense from your sweet lips again, do you understand?" — After saying this, I smiled and returned to her swan neck.

Under the deep breathing of the girl who is not trying to resist, covering the thin neck with kisses, I go down to the collarbone, and then to the upper part of the chest, caressing the back with my hands all the while.

"Kay..." — Chloe breathed excitedly, burying her fingers in my hair with both hands.

What turned out to be convenient open suits of local women, is that they can be easily and quickly removed, which I did, exposing Chloe's breasts. Last time I almost didn't pay attention to her, I was too excited and focused on my own feelings, but now I was able to appreciate her in all her glory. The perfect shape and amazing softness, which I immediately appreciated with the help of my hands, causing the first moan from Chloe's mouth. Small, but already hard nipples beckoned to me, and I caught one of them with my tongue, grabbing the second with my fingers.

"A-aha-aa.!" — Chloe tightened her fingers on my hair even more, arching her back and starting to move her hips excitedly. With my free hand, I went down to her panties and was surprised to find that they are already thoroughly wet. Sliding under them, I feel the cherry of the clit and start playing with it, to which Chloe immediately responds with languid moans, gradually increasing their intensity. Having found the right path, I increase the intensity of attacks, and my efforts were rewarded very quickly. Clutching my hand between her thighs, Chloe exhaled loudly and fell back on the bed.

Well, it's time for the main course.

Defiantly, so that she could see, I lick my fingers smeared in her juices. Now the girl looked like a rabbit that froze in front of a boa constrictor. Slowly and without breaking eye contact, I spread her slender legs apart and take off her panties soaked through with grease.

Perfectly smooth, without a single trace of hair, Chloe's pussy was dripping with juices, asking to do something already, to stop this deluge, until the whole room was flooded.

"Kay... are you... sure?" — Chloe, of course, guessed what my "try everywhere" meant, but still didn't believe that I would really do it, after everything I heard recently. I decided to answer the question with an action, picking her up with my hands under her hips and lifting her to the level of my face. I dug my lips into her pearl, immediately penetrating my tongue inside. Every movement of my lips or tongue responded with a spasm and a moan from Chloe. Throwing her legs over my shoulders, she crossed them behind my head, so that I could feel her elastic hot thighs on my cheeks. At the same time, we continued to look into each other's eyes, and the incredibly vulgar expression on her face only spurred me to increase the pressure. It was as if I was playing a musical instrument: as I changed the intensity and amplitude of movements, so Chloe moaned in response, quieter or louder, faster or slower. It didn't take five minutes to bring her to the second peak, she was so sensitive. When this moment came, the breath of the beauty was lost, and her legs clenched so tightly around my head that she could easily have wrung a neck in a fit of passion to someone else, as well as pull out a clump of hair with her fingers, which painfully pulled my head by my hair. Fortunately, I turned out to be strong enough not only not to feel uncomfortable from this, but also to get genuine pleasure from a job well done.

However, I still did not take into account one nuance: we have an audience.

"What I see." — Olga's stern voice rang out from the door. — "Are you indulging in debauchery, but you didn't invite me?"

 

Three weeks later.

Standing on the castle wall, I watched Thomas Beasley's carriage drive through the gate. This fact makes it clear: action will start soon. This is also confirmed by the latest reports of scouts who noticed an army of mercenaries and monsters moving in our direction three days away from Feoh. And it was the day before yesterday, that is, a day, two at most, and they will be under the walls of the city.

"And here he is." — On my right hand, Alicia stopped, who also watched the man she sincerely considered her friend return to Feoh. She looked and frowned, tightly pursing her lips and not removing her hands from the hilt of the sword.

In the three weeks that we have been working together, I have managed to get to know the girl well and have studied her facial expressions at a sufficient level to understand approximately what she is thinking by her facial expression alone. And now she was in turmoil. Although Alicia carefully hid it, holding herself confidently and firmly in public, the news of Bizzley's betrayal hit her hard.

"Are you worried?" — I asked, looking at her. Over the past time, we have managed to switch to you.

"I'll handle the emotions, don't worry." — The girl reassured me. And I'm inclined to believe her. If you do not take into account her bend with chivalry, she always showed herself from an adequate side.

When I heard the answer, I returned to watching the carriage. Everything that could have been done in the time allotted to us has been done. The time of the battle is approaching, which, most likely, will decide the fate of all the peoples inhabiting this continent. And we have to win it.

 

***

Thomas Beasley was feeling elated. Very soon his old dream will come true and he will be able to show this silly girl her place. The princess attracted his attention from the first meeting. For many years, he watched from the sidelines, imagining how he would tear her, wrapping his hair around his fist. But all these thoughts were just unrealizable dreams. Through good friends, it was not difficult to get young slaves with the same color of hair and eyes, even though it cost a pretty penny. But the feelings were not the same at all. Beasley knew that even the best of them would not give him the same pleasure as Alicia. He even tried quite honestly to knock wedges to her, but the fool did not understand the hints at all, having driven a bunch of different shit into her head. How he wanted to show her what it means to be a woman, to hear her sweet voice, with pleasure shouting his, Thomas, name…

And so, at one of the gatherings with friends, he learned about the plan of the uprising, which he gladly joined. What self-respecting man does not want to live in a state where everything is created for him? Moreover, this is a great chance to get what he so ardently desires.

However, the rumors that reached him from Feoh are somewhat alarming. Informants brought him the news that Celestine had arrived in the city, and, at the same time, a strange company of a man and a dozen dark elves, whom she had received in her castle. It looks suspicious, because it is uncharacteristic for her to leave the capital, Thomas does not recall a single case when she did so. If you combine this with the fact that the arrival of the Vult is on the nose, and the loss of a detachment of slavers who were taking new slaves to sell to Sir Mendeville, it seems that she may know something about the uprising. But then why did she come to a place that would be attacked at first? And wasn't it those dark elves she took in that diasspered on the road and not reached their destination? Something doesn't add up here… No, it's nonsense. She couldn't have suspected anything. Anyone could, but not this stupid slut.

In any case, Thomas was sure that even if she tried to do something, it was already too late. And, therefore, there is nothing to worry about.

When the walls of Feoh appeared on the horizon, Thomas felt a slight uneasiness. The very instinct that had helped him for years to do his business in secret from those who did not need to know about it told him that something was wrong. And this feeling only intensified when, being close enough to the fortress wall, he noticed that there were more armed guards on it than usual. What if…

Beasley just shook his shoulders, pushing away the uninvited thoughts. Everything is fine. It remains to be patient a little, and his triumph will come, there is nothing to feed paranoia without a reason. Well, big deal, more guards, for sure it's because Celestina is in town, and Alicia decided to strengthen her security, that's all. Nothing that could interfere with the plan... yes, nothing.

However, when the carriage passed the gate, a premonition screamed with a good obscenity: the streets were full of armed people, and instead of a measured city life, Thomas saw a picture of a disturbed anthill. Everywhere you could see workers scurrying back and forth with tools and materials, and the streets bore signs of preparation for street battles. A drop of cold sweat rolled down Sir Beasley's forehead.

"Hey, you!" — He called out to the nearest soldier, sticking his head out of the carriage window. — "What's going on here?"

"Your Excellency!" — The man rapped out, bowing politely. — "The city is preparing for a siege!"

"Against whom?" — Thomas asked, barely able to keep his voice from trembling.

"A large army of monsters is moving out of the wasteland, Your Excellency!" — Soldier replied.

"I see. Go ahead." — Beasley said and slumped heavily into the seat, covering his face with his hands and exhaling noisily. At the same time, his knees trembled treacherously, and his weak heart beat faster, threatening to lose its rhythm.

His thougts were racing widly in his head. — [They know! But how? From where?! And why the hell wasn't he informed? Have the informants been exposed? If so, then his too! Damn... damn!]

Taking a deep breath and exhaling, Thomas tried to calm down and figure out what to do. Probably, if Celestine had known something about the uprising, she would have already raised her pocket order on their ears, but this, as far as the man knew, did not happen. And he himself would have been captured at the entrance and placed in custody, which also did not happen. This gives hope that the secret of the uprising is still preserved. Most likely, it's all the fault of another vision of Celestine, and, judging by the lack of fuss anywhere but Feoh, she didn't see much in it.

The conclusion made cheered Thomas up quite well, returning his thoughts to order. But this does not mean that he should relax. He need to send a message to the allies as soon as possible. They need to find out what's going on in Feoh, especially Vult. After all, storming fortified positions with defenders ready for battle is not the same as attacking an unprepared city. Beasley, of course, will help from his side, but additional training will definitely not hurt his friends. It would also be nice to figure out what kind of dark elves are quietly walking around the castle, and find out the real reason for Celestine's arrival.

Having reached the castle, Sir Beasley hurried to his office as soon as possible to write a couple of letters and give some important orders before finding Princess Alicia and trying to find out something interesting from her. He reached his office without incident, inserted the key into the lock, turned it, and, pushing the door forward, stepped inside.

And he almost stumbled, frozen with his mouth open, because a man was sitting at his desk and reading some document.

"Oh! Mr. Beasley!" — The stranger raised his head, meeting Thomas's gaze and waved his hand invitingly. — "Come in, don't be shy."

He looked like a young blond-haired guy, no older than twenty, with a rather pretty face. His skin was pale, as if he didn't spend much time in the sun, and his clothes were unusual. Thomas had never seen anything like it anywhere. The gray eyes radiated mockery.

When the stupor has passed, and anger has replaced it. — [By what right is this bastard here at all and where are the damn guards looking?!]

"What the hell are you doing in my office, brat?!" — Frowning and almost spluttering, Thomas walked deeper into the office. The rational thought that he could not have entered his office just like that, except for himself, and this whole unhealthy situation is possible only either under absolutely fantastic circumstances, or with the permission of the Princess, although it flashed through his head, but was quickly swept away by a flash of negativity directed at the uninvited guest.

"I'm sitting." — And the man at the table did not move an eyebrow.

"What do you mean, you're sitting?!" — Such a simple, and at the same time such an impudent answer angered Beasley even more. — "Guards!" — He shouted into the corridor, turning around for a second. The sound of armored boots was immediately heard outside, while Thomas continued to step on the young man who thought he was.

"Sit, if you are not in the course," — the stranger snorted. — "is to rest the lower part of the trunk on any surface, holding the trunk in a position close to vertical. However, I'm not a bit surprised that you don't know such simple things, because your brain, judging by what I know, is the size of a mouse."

"Wha... how dare you!" — Beasley snarled, choking with anger. — "Do you even know where you got into?! Do you even know who I am?!"

At the same moment, three armored women entered the door.

"Take him!" — Thomas pointed at the intruder with his finger, however, for some reason the guards remained in place. — "What are you waiting for?!"

"Yes, grab him." — The guy threw, and that's when, shocked by such a turn, the man was hit under the knee and, crying out, fell to his knees. Immediately, his hands were brought behind his back, and handcuffs were snapped on his wrists.

"What are you doing?!" — The frightened man screamed, running his bulging eyes over the guards.

"They're catching a rat." — Stranger, meanwhile, got up from the table and sauntered over to Beasley, who was kneeling, looking down at him. — "It's amazing how you lived up to your age? You seem to be an elderly man already whitened with gray hair, and you didn't even think of intelligence like a sparrow, not that you could hide evidence of the existence of your little club of conspirators in a safe place, but at least it would be elementary to get a lock for a drawer in your desk."

"Wh-what?" — And that's where Sir Thomas Beasley's Soul sank into his heels. — "What are you talking about?"

"Take him to the cell." — Ignoring the question, the guy turned to the guards. — "Princess Alicia just wants to discuss with the esteemed Mr. Beasley the issue of her price. I'll join you soon."

"It will be executed." — The eldest of the three put her hand to her chest.

"N-no! It's not my fault! I can explain everything!" — Driven by kicks and blows, and pouring curses at his captor, Thomas Beasley trudged into the jail.

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