Chapter 268: Arc 5-Qualifiers-101

Night falls. My home is clear of its unwelcome guests but there’s one more body than usual at the dining table.

I sit at the end. To my right is Kierra, sitting with her chin in her hand and a predatory look on her face. Across from her is Alana, fresh from a bath and dressed in my clothes. Her shoulder length blonde hair is fluffier than usual after being washed and dried through Geneva’s magic. It only contributes to her shy appearance as she fidgets in her seat, looking at us through her bangs. The exact opposite of her usual headstrong temperament. I can’t help finding it fascinating and my intense stare is probably contributing to her nerves.

Geneva intrudes on our tense silence pushing a silver cart, tail swinging. She places small plates with a handful of what looks like pieces of sausage wrapped in golden bread in front of each of us, along with glasses of wine.

Seeing as I’ve got Alana in my clutches, hehe, I have to make sure she doesn’t get away. I know she’s a bit of a glutton so Geneva is putting in a little extra effort. Nothing on the level of a royal banquet, a simple five course meal to show off the benefits of the Tome household. The fish has already taken the bait so now I just have to pull her in.

Predictably, Alana’s nervousness is superseded by her desire for food. She picks up one of the golden morsels curiously. It’s a testament to her trust in my succubus’ skill that she pops the entire thing in her mouth. She freezes after the first bite, eyes fluttering shut as a muffled groan of pleasure escapes her tightly shut lips. Her jaw works faster and her eyes snap open as she swallows, eyeing the rest of the treats hungrily.

“Take it easy,” I tell her, starting with a sip of wine. Kierra worked in tandem with Howie to make a decent elven fruit wine by her standards, which means its liquid gold by Harvest standards. Pure affinities are honestly unfair. Forget rapid healing and shapeshifting. She can accelerate winemaking. Utterly ridiculous.

Alana’s hand freezes as she looks toward me. She flushes as I smile, trying to cover it by popping another treat in her mouth, chewing rapidly. The silence is dragging on. I’m ready to say anything to break the awkward tension gaining strength but Kierra beats me to it.

“The elven continent is divided into five provinces,” she says between her own chewing. “I am from Violet Dusk. In Dusk, we have a tradition of representing the current ruler in the name of the province. As my aunt, the current queen, is violet-skinned, it is Violet Dusk. Her mother before her was of similar color but before her, the province was called Cerulean Dusk. Before then, Twilight Dusk. That was a little confusing but as the monarch of Dusk is often the strongest fighter in the province, the people could do little to change it.”

“Does that mean that your aunt is stronger than your mother?” Saints. She must be a monster.

“They’re a rare exception. Mother was more interested in finding worthy opponents than ruling. She would have fought to avoid being crowned.” Kierra turns her attention back to Alana. “As fearsome as she is, even her relentless pursuit of power was overcome by the call of motherhood. She stopped hunting beasts and instead began to hunt potential partners.”

Alana hastily swallows the food in her mouth. “What do you mean…hunting partners?”

“It is exactly what you’re thinking. She traversed different provinces and searched for the strongest men in each, though she tells me Dusk has the strongest warriors. If she found anyone that interested her…” She chuckles, flashing a bloodthirsty smile. “She made them an offer they couldn’t refuse.”

I pause, setting down one of the sausages. “Couldn’t refuse? Do you mean…”

“That she wrestled them down and rode them like they were wild stallions? Yes.”

Alana chokes on the sip of wine she was taking. I scoot my chair over and give her back a few pats. “It sounds terrible. Ah, scratch that. It is terrible but that is just the way they are. All elves are insane.”

“We simply value different things. Strength before all else. Might makes right. The…courtship may have been violent but her partners certainly didn’t hold her actions against her. Many became quite willing in the face of her prowess. Some, she took as lovers. She was unified with two, including my father. Her behavior is rather tame compared to some. Before, in the immediate years after the Great Spirit bestowed the elves their strength, it was the duty of the strong to procreate as often as possible, to pass down that power. I’m sure you know as well as I the power of tradition.”

Her smile turns wicked. “I say all of this to demonstrate that the romantic traditions of this kingdom are not the standard for the rest of the world, despite the way your nobles attempt to villainize anyone who strays from their beliefs. I will not debate what is right or wrong, but I will say that what you feel is not abnormal or even unique. There are many kinds of love, many kinds of expressing that love, and a vast number of different relationships in the world.”

I chuckle as poor Alana flushes but, to her credit, she doesn’t turn away. “I…” She clears her throat, visibly building her courage with several deep breaths.

“Come on, little light~” my wife coos. “You’re no coward.”

My friend, soon maybe more, scowls. She hastily scarfs down the rest of the sausages before meeting Kierra’s gaze. “Then we’re talking about this.”

“I’d hope so,” I said. “Five courses are four too long to spend in silence.”

“Okay. Alright.” She takes several more breaths.

I try to be patient but the eminent conquest has my feet bouncing. “For the love of the saints!”

“Allow me.” Kierra leans forward. “You are attracted to Lou, yes?” The future saint freezes. “Go on. Say it.”

She mutters under her breath. I let out a groan of annoyance and her eyes snap to me. “Fine. You’re attractive. At least when your mouth is closed.”

My grin falters as Kierra chuckles.

“She certainly is. But, are you attracted to her? Do you want to touch her? Kiss her? Lay—”

“Yes, dammit!” she shouts, her voice echoing and face flaming.

Geneva returns in the ensuing silence, pushing her cart. She smoothly replaces the empty plates with others containing small skewers and a small bowl of red sauce with enough spice to tickle my sensitive nose.

After a few moments for Alana to calm down, I hesitantly go in for another round. “…why does that upset you?”

She doesn’t look up from her food, sighing heavily. “Because Lou, I don’t know where this goes. Before I met you, I had a plan. I knew exactly what the future held. Or, well, at least what I wanted from it. I knew what to do for it. I planned to join one of knight orders of Victory and female knights are not allowed to marry as active members. Relationships of any kind weren’t something I ever thought about. Especially one with someone like you.”

I try not to be offended, knowing she is simply speaking her mind. “A woman?”

“That too, but I meant a troublemaker.” Her lips twitch as she suppresses a smile. “And…a rising star.” She raises her head and her gaze is firm. “I want Fort Victory and I want the James family. Maybe it’s sad chasing the place and the people who rejected me but I will make them respect me and I will make history conquering the Bleak Peaks. It means everything to me but a land of winter isn’t exactly a prize. Or…me, for that matter.”

I’m ready to correct her but she speaks faster, cutting me off. “You may be a bumbling, lecherous, violent—”

“Oi!”

“—fool, but you are also…exceptional.” She swallows. “You can be clever if only you’d put your mind to another discipline besides summoning. You are strong. Talented. Confident, bordering on arrogant. You are going places, far beyond an old fort full of idiots who have been willfully throwing themselves to their deaths for generations. I may think of you that way but…it can’t be something casual and I…”

She trails off, using her food as an excuse to stop talking. Meanwhile, I stare at her, flabbergasted.

I considered all manner of reasons for why she would reject my advances. My biggest worry was she isn’t attracted to me but that clearly isn’t the case. I worried then that she would be concerned by the fact that I’m already married, as I don’t see her being anyone’s mistress. I thought she might reject me for my arguably questionable morals and considered whether I could reform, or at least ‘behave’. All of that and a myriad of other things.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think she would be so uneasy and hesitant because, if I’m understanding her correctly, she thinks…she isn’t good enough for me.

This future saint, this bastion of morality, this paragon of justice and loyalty…thinks she isn’t good enough for me?

I can’t help it. Despite my best efforts to smother them, giggles escape my tightly shut mouth, shaking my shoulders.

Of course she notices, eyes narrowing. I hold up a hand to forestall whatever curses she’s ready to spew. “Sorry!” I gasp, pushing down my nervous humor. “Really, sorry. I’m not laughing at, well, I guess I am. I’m not trying to make light of your feelings, that’s the last thing I’d ever do, but I need to be clear. You think we won’t work because…” Still having trouble wrapping my mind around this. “Because you think I’m better than you?”

She scowls. “It sounds so condescending coming from you.”

“I didn’t—”

“Yes, Lou. I think you’re better than me. I think you’re more talented, more connected, and…that you could do better for a lover.” She gestured at Kierra who hides her own chuckles behind a hand. “I believe you care for me, I really do, and I think I care for you too beyond a mere physical attraction, which I am still trying to understand because you are the exact opposite of any partner I’ve ever vaguely imagined, but you’re already married to an elven princess for saints’ sake! Excuse me if I think I am a little out of my league!”

She deflates after she finishes her rant, truth released and courage expended.

“I don’t know why everyone in this kingdom insists on mistaking me for a princess,” Kierra says lightly.

I’m still gaping in shock. Alright, take a deep breath. Close your mouth. Think. This may be my one opportunity to make this right. Well, that could be an exaggeration but it’ll make things more complicated if I say the wrong thing now.

I mull over my response long enough that Geneva returns with the next dish, placing down three bowls of salad and refilling everyone’s glasses before departing. I down the wine in several loud gulps before facing Alana, who is also watching me.

“Would you ever leave a comrade behind?”

“What?”

“Would you ever leave a fellow knight behind? Past those mountains, when you’re fighting against the lords of winter and the hordes of monsters they control, would you ever leave behind a comrade?”

“No, not that I see how that has anything to do with this.”

“Not even to save your own life?”

“What kind of woman do you think I am?” she snaps.

I know exactly who you are. “Alright. Would you ever abandon Marthe as a friend?”

“This is getting—”

“What if a noble showered you with gold? Offered you your own title and land rivaling your father?”

She scoffs. “Yes, someone is going to wave their hand and make me a duchess.”

“Humor me,” I said, my lips turning up in a smile. “Would you? All it would cost is publicly denouncing Marthe and never associating with her ever again.”

“No, Lou.”

“Why not? Plenty of people would take that deal. All the gold you could ever want. Wealth to buy resources to improve your own strength. You would be owed respect from everyone who looked down on you. It’s a good deal.”

“Maybe for some but I’d never take it.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to be better than my father and all the assholes like him! There are more important things than wealth and status!”

My smile widens. “That’s right. There are more important things than wealth or status. More important than supposed talent or connections. More important than appearances.”

Her eyes widen as she slowly understands what I’m trying to say. Then she ducks her head shyly, poking at her salad. I slip from my chair and slowly move to her side. She tenses, quickly peeking up at me, before turning away.

“What I love about you Alana is who you are, despite how frustrating courting a saint can be. And your frequent attempts to beat me into a more respectable person.”

She chuckles but it stops abruptly as I run a hand through her hair.

“Though to be clear,” I whisper while leaning over her, “I think you’re beautiful.”

“I’m…” She glances toward Kierra but I grab her chin, gently turning her gaze toward me.

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“You don’t have compare yourself to anyone,” I say, my voice a bit stronger than intended. Really. If I was only attracted to fierce beauties like my wife, I would be scouring the elven continent for lovers. Saints, I might have never left. “I want you.” Her eyes say she doesn’t fully believe me.

Well, let me be more convincing.

“Want to know about my favorite fantasy of us? It starts with you and me on the Foundation Fields under my wife’s tender care. Yes, even you sweating in loose linens is sexy. But, back to the fantasy. After enduring my wife’s torture—”

“Training,” Kierra interjects.

“Training, yes. That’s what I meant to say. Anyway, she gives us a break and we’re relaxing on the grass when you complain about your aching body, which isn’t unusual. I innocently offer you a massage—”

“Which I always refused,” she whispers.

“Yes, but this time you don’t and I get to use the wonderful techniques taught to me by a succubus. Needless to say, after a few minutes, you’re biting your lip, trying not to moan and giving me that look you do when you’re about to hit me. As in, how dare I try to make you look weak by making you moan in pleasure? Of course, that only excites me—”

“Alright, alright!” Alana knocks my hand away, huffing, but I know she’s not upset. More amused than anything else. “Enough. I get—mmph!”

I cut her off with a kiss, mashing our lips together. She teeters on her chair but I stop her from falling, gently but firmly cupping her face. I pull away just as suddenly. “You have no idea the things I would do to you given half the chance,” I growl, heart pounding. “You thinking you aren’t enough to hold my attention is, frankly, ridiculous. It pisses me off a little. I can’t tolerate people insulting you, not even yourself.”

I let her go and return to my seat, giving us both necessary space. Seeing her big blue eyes staring up at me with a mix of confusion and excitement…mm. Almost lost control for a minute there. I distract myself with the crisp salad, reigning in my lust.

Once I’ve got a hold on my emotions, I clear my throat, drawing her attention back to me. “As to your status…I hope you’re not offended but I asked about your fight with Orphelia. And what she said.” I sigh. “Please tell me you don’t think I actually care about who sired you.” Please tell me you know me.

“I know,” she says softly.

Thank the saints. “Your talent. I’m going to be honest. Yes, I’m far more talented than you. I have secrets, Alana. Things I haven’t told you not because I don’t trust you but because that information would tie your fate to mine and that has to be your choice.” I could never let her walk away if she knew my secrets. I have no intention of letting her walk away at all but I would rather it be for romantic reasons than because I’m terrified someone will rip my secrets from her head.

“Here’s what I can tell you. I have a significant advantage over everyone in the kingdom.”

She gives me a look. “Everyone?”

I nod.

“Even Orphelia?” she says with distaste.

“Uh-huh.”

“Quin?”

“Who?”

“Ah, what do you call him…Mr. Talented?”

I sneer. “You gave him a nickname?”

“He asked me to call him that.” She shakes her head. “I don’t even remember his name.”

“Then call him Mr. Nobody.” That’s what he is.

“A nobody with four affinities.”

“Means nothing.”

“…you mean that.”

“If it makes you feel better, my little conqueror is far more talented than me as well,” Kierra adds, grabbing my unfinished salad. “Her ambition needs a little work but I will have her laying waste to kingdoms and hunting dragons eventually.”

“She’s joking. About the kingdom wrecking and dragons.” I think. I hope. “The point is, if I selected wives based on talent, I’d be alone forever.” Unless I discover whatever race my divine father is and summon a lady ooze. Or ask him for an introduction to eligible elemental goddesses.

I lean forward. “Besides, talent is overrated. Determination can trump talent but what trumps all is resources.” I imagine my smile is a little evil. “Strength is the last thing you need to worry about. I have every confidence you will become strong on your own but strong isn’t enough. I have the resources to make you legendary and I won’t settle for anything less. I intend to be with you for a long time. Can’t have you breaking on me.”

Alana laughs, hiding her face in her hands. “This is insane. What else are you going to tempt me with? Gold?”

“Have to spoil the wife.”

“You…” She hisses, rubbing her fae vigorously. “I’m trying very hard to take this seriously but it sounds too much like a fairytale. Bastard daughter of a duke is swept off her feet by—” She eyes me. “You’re not exactly a prince. The daughter is swept off her feet and promised everything and anything. What are you going to do next? Offer to build me a castle?”

“Do you want a castle?”

“Be serious!”

“I am serious. Do you want a castle? Tell me where.”

She swallows heavily. “Lou…”

“Do me a favor. Throw away all your common sense, forget what you think is possible. Then I want you to tell me what will make you happy. Anything and everything. Even the stuff you think will make me laugh at you.”

She doesn’t answer right away. Geneva returns with the main course, thin slices of meat drizzled with some kind of brown sauce along with a side of golden rice and chopped vegetables. I dig into the food, ignoring the way Alana stares blankly at the plate.

“I want…to conquer the Bleak Peaks.”

I glance up as she speaks hesitantly.

“It doesn’t have to be all of it. But I want my name to go down as the first member of the James family to lead a successful campaign and return alive after confronting the lords of winter.”

I set down my fork, giving her my full attention. “Alright, Alana.”

She looks up at me. “I want to punch my father in the face.”

My brows go up. “And not be assaulted or arrested, I’m guessing. Kick his ass up and down the fort. No one will lay a hand on you.”

“He’s a lot stronger than me.”

“Not for long, if you want. Or I’ll kick his ass for you.”

She smiles. “I want a nice house. I grew up in a saints damned closet and hated every moment of it. My room at the dorm isn’t much better.”

“Done. We’ve got space here if you want. I’ll get your stuff tonight.”

“A little fast, Lou.”

“Can’t blame me for trying.”

“…I want to be a hero. Not another asshole who thinks a shiny suit of armor and half-baked chivalrous code makes him a saint. Not even like Dunwayne, whose only claim to fame is slaying a monster. I want to be someone who helps, who changes things for the better. When I hear about someone abusing their power, I want kick down their door without a thought about who they’re related to or the law and make things right. I know you couldn’t care less—”

“I’m not a heartless beast. Besides, you can have things for yourself. I don’t expect us to be tied at the hip for the rest of our lives. I want you to come home to me.”

She flushes. “You’re making it hard to say no.”

“Then don’t,” I nearly beg. I would if she asked me to. Pride? What’s that? No point in keeping my pride if I lose my wife.

“…okay.”

“Okay?” I blink, taking a moment to process what I’ve just heard. Then I jump out of my chair, sending it clattering to the ground. “Okay?!”

“Yeah, ah.” She nervously tugs on her ear, voice even softer as she says, “We can, um. We can…be together.”

A thin strand of self-control somehow survives the torrent of my mounting excitement and I manage to keep myself from tackling her. Fighting not to bounce with happiness, I pick up my chair and retake my seat. “Alana~” I call out in a sweet voice.

“W-what?”

“I love you~”

“You don’t have to keep saying it,” she grumbles, turning away. “I, ah, don’t know…can we…er, I think I need time to—”

“She is saying she wants you to be gentle rather than take her like a horny beast,” Kierra says with a chuckle. My future saint jumps. Did she forget about the elf? She’s been unusually well-behaved tonight. I should give her something nice.

Alana is left sputtering while I nod eagerly. “I can do gentle.” Slow and steady, no problem. “Wait. I can still kiss you, right?”

“Lou!”

“What? I mean, I’m fine with whatever you’re comfortable with, of course.” Ugh. Us being together but being unable to touch her is going to be pure torture.

“…you can.”

Eh?

Alana shuffles in her seat, red as an apple. “Just don’t get carried away, pervert!” she snaps before attacking her dinner. I stare at her, heart fluttering. My chest feels so light, I’m half-afraid I’ll float away.

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