Chapter 121: Chapter 104 – Kanae’s Homecoming and an Audience with the Grand Eye

Will expelled the largest sigh of his life from the depths of his soul and stared out the window with a blank expression. Kanae and Edina sat in awkward silence across from him since they left Ehmvier City.

"You sigh any harder, and you're probably going to die. If you die, I'm not hesitating to raise your body as a personal death knight," Edina remarked so casually that Will snapped to his senses in horror.

"What? N-No, don't do that! When I eventually pass away as a paladin, I must go through several holy rites before being laid to rest to prevent such a thing!" Will exclaimed.

"You've been moping this whole time. Are you that against it?" Kanae asked him.

"Of course, I am! I left Radevic to be away from my sister… Why must I accompany you two to Lograin?" he questioned back.

"Because it was one of the conditions the Grand Eye made if we wanted to have this meeting. The other is that I stay in my true form. I wonder how everyone is going to react…" She sighed heavily and gazed out the window, too.

They were quickly closing in on the claw-like mountain formations unique around Lograin. There was no telling what the Grand Eye wanted, but if their meeting turned out fruitful, then obtaining the mantle of a Knight of Colors would further legitimize the Commonwealth of Sin as a nation.

"What about you? Why are you coming?" Will squinted at their pint-sized traveling companion.

"Estaline told me they got Bardell on display for public shaming. You think I'm gonna miss this chance to taunt the living hells out of him?" Edina smirked.

"Display for public shaming? L-Like in a pillory?" Kanae gulped hard.

"Not like that," both of them answered at the same time.

The carriage rolled to a stop surrounded by the mid-day bustle of Lograin. It was nostalgic, but also gut-wrenching for Kanae, who returned and was forced to be in succubus form.

Vestrid opened the doors to the carriage, and when Kanae and Edina jumped out onto the main thoroughfare, they were set upon by hundreds of stares right away. Some out of fear and apprehension.

When Will was about to emerge from the carriage, Vestrid put a hand up to stop him.

"Sorry, Will. Grand Eye's orders to bring you to her first," Vestrid said.

"Guh… I had a feeling…" Will grumbled dejectedly and slumped back into the seat.

"Are we not meeting with her yet?" Kanae asked.

The Saint Priest drakeling shook her head. "Preparations are being made out of an abundance of caution. You are, after all, a succubus meeting the Grand Eye. I know you're worried, but most of us want this to go well. Biggest threat is the one behind the Commonwealth, right?"

"In the meantime, I shall accompany you and Edina. Both to keep you and others safe, and also to catch up." Estaline bowed slightly and smiled.

Edina raised a hand. "Uhh. I actually wanna see where Bardell is. I need to kick him in the goolies a few times."

Will shuddered from within the carriage. Kanae did, too, out of phantom testicle pain.

"To see the traitor? Hop on back to the carriage then. Bardell's in front of the Cathedral of One where the meeting will also take place. As for Silver and Kanae, please come back at sundown," Vestrid said, helping Edina back into the carriage and taking off down the road.

"We'll see ya later!" Edina waved out the window.

Their carriage vanished into the sea of other vehicles and pedestrians, leaving Kanae and Estaline behind. The first order on Kanae's list of things to do was to visit the Red harpy. Hopefully, Renya was present. She wanted to thank her for the help back in Ehmvier.

On the way there, people made a wide berth around them. It was to be expected. Kanae was a succubus. A demon. She was their natural enemy.

"If you're worried about being attacked, don't worry. The mayor and Grand Eye put out a public announcement about your arrival. But should anyone threaten you, they will have to go through me," Estaline said.

"I still can't thank you enough for defending me last month. It's crazy to think about how we first met and where we are now." Kanae fondly recalled the mana-vamp and dragon incident in Orturic.

"And to think that we might soon be fellow knights." The drakeling knight beamed, her thick draconic tail swaying left and right behind her.

Kanae thought the stark contrast between the stoic demeanor and her excitable tail was cute. Almost like a guard dog. She remembered that drakelings had a special racial trait called Loyalty Fixation in a similar way that Mitty had Hobgoblin Ancestry. Did Estaline find a master yet? If not, Kanae wanted to make Estaline belong to her. 

It looked like a slow day for the Red Harpy. Then again, all the traffic usually came at night and the sun was still high.

Renya was speaking with several harpies at the front counter when they entered. Her full attention swapped to them immediately.

"Kanae!" Renya threw her arms out and led them to a dealer's table. "And to what do I owe the pleasure of having the Demon Queen of the Commonwealth of Sin and the Knight of Silver here?"

"I just wanted to properly thank you for helping me in the fight against Bardell. You risked a lot by doing that— Actually, you risked a lot by doing all that you did for me up to now," Kanae corrected herself.

Renya beckoned for the harpies to deliver wine, but Estaline declined. "Think nothing of it, my dear succubus! All motivations are spurred by selfish wants. Mine isn't so altruistic. I simply saw that there was more to gain from you, like allying with a growing kingdom who will need Rown. Also, staying on a succubus' good side because the sex is great!"

Kanae turned red and cleared her throat.

"That said," the dark elven businesswoman continued. "I will be heading to Radevic in a few days. Rown Company is seeing a major shift in business ventures and I intend to find out why. I hope to collect on a selfish favor. Do you remember that promise you made me? I'll need all the close friends I've got." 

To take over Rown Company.

"I'd never go back on my word." Kanae nodded, raising her glass of wine.

Together with Renya, they toasted and downed their drinks. But Renya was busy, she couldn't provide them with hospitality for long and saw them out the door.

"By the way," Renya began with a mischievous smile. "Knight of Silver, your leaders will be happy to know that Ortesia has retreated back to their borders."

Estaline's eyes briefly went wide, then recomposed to bow her head in thanks. "I shall let the Grand Eye know."

With a few hours before sundown, Kanae and Estaline spent the remaining time on a leisure walk through Lograin. They shared stories, caught up on what the other had been doing, and even their aspirations for the distant future.

"It is a testament to your strength that you have already achieved much. To be honest, I am a little envious," Estaline said.

"Of me?" Kanae asked in surprise. "If it's about me being the leader of a country, let me tell you… I'd put it aside if I could. All I want to do is have sex with Arenade and Mitty on a daily basis, rear as many children as possible, and then settle down with all my concubines after the kids are grown up. I'm only where I am because circumstances forced me to act."

The drakeling coughed into her fist. "Fitting desires for a succubus, I suppose. What I mean is you have people who are fiercely loyal to you, and you are loyal to your people. For me, my life has little meaning until I find someone to serve. Like my parents have. Like Vestrid has pledged to the Grand Eye."

Kanae leaped at the chance.

"How does that skill activate anyway? Can't you just… choose someone to serve… say, me?" she asked.

Estaline chuckled. "I've no doubt you would make for a great master. My race's dragon ancestry has a deep-rooted desire to be subservient and serve those who are strong of character. It doesn't matter if they are the evilest of demons or the purest of angels, Loyalty Fixation ultimately makes the decision. It is the greatest purpose to live out my life in service to someone. There are plenty of drakelings who live out their meandering lives without anyone to serve. I think that is a pitiful existence to toil."

The longing in Estaline's expression was sad and troubled. She didn't speak of the racial skill as a curse. To her, it was truly a blessing. The drakelings around her have found someone to serve, but she seemed almost lost without one.

"I know if it were me, I'd be honored to have you in my service. Since we might end up as colleagues soon and to return the favor, I wouldn't mind helping you find a master to serve. Though, I won't hide my disappointment if it doesn't turn out to be me." Kanae grinned.

"Thank you, my friend.  At any rate, the sun is quickly setting. We shouldn't keep the Grand Eye waiting. And… I'd like it if you call me Esta from now on," Estaline said.

"Alright, Esta. Let's go see what the Grand Eye has to say to me."

They made sure to pay Bardell a visit on the way to the Cathedral of One. All four legs and both arms were chained and shackled to the ground. He was surrounded by a magic circle, as well as rotting vegetables that had been thrown at him. The former leader of the Outriders and former Knight of Emerald couldn't look more pathetic.

Few people were around to taunt him. Edina had probably already come by.

"Should have left me alone way back when. Now look where you are." Kanae sneered.

"Kuh… I'll get you back for this, bitch! This isn't the last you hear of me!" Bardell roared, but she had already turned a deaf ear to him.

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The two ascended the steps to the grand cathedral, currently guarded by numerous city guards and— to Kanae's surprise— Protectorate grunts.

As soon as Kanae stepped foot inside, her skin heated up. Not in the good and horny way that she was used to.

"Are… you sure I'm welcomed in here?" Kanae asked her escort.

"Yes, why?" Estaline, who likely wasn't feeling the same sensation, cocked her head to one side.

They continued down the walkway which was framed by a row of guards, leading all the way up to the front. Sitting where Father Morgan previously gave sermons was a human woman in a flowing, ivory and gold dress that gathered at her feet. Curly locks of golden hair draped down to her hands which were folded on her lap. Light originating from nowhere in particular seemed to bathe her. Or maybe she was the source of the light.

The only word that Kanae could describe the beautiful young woman was 'divine'. Even more so than Arenade.

By her side was Will, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. To either side of them were the Saint Priests, Vestrid and Delayn in their warrior priest regalia.

When Kanae reached the front, she noticed Edina was sitting in the first seat of the frontmost pew. The squirreling was hugging her legs and shivering.

"You're feeling it, too?" Kanae asked her.

"Th-Thank gods, Kanae… Hurry and get this meeting over it. I'm getting the heebiejeebies from that woman in the middle. You know how hard it is to keep from barfing? Ugh… I feel so sick…" Edina groaned.

"You will have to forgive me. That discomfort you're experiencing is from my passive skill, Holy Aura. It consistently deals minor damage to all things demonic and undead in origin," the seated woman said.

Delayn took one step forward. "You stand in the presence of her grace, the Grand Eye of Radevic, Analise Bellevue."

Kanae nudged Edina to get off the pew.

"Erm… I, uh… present to you… Kanae Toyomi," Edina said.

Unsatisfied with the introduction, Kanae nudged her again.

"Oh, right. Demon Queen of the Commonwealth of Sin," the squirreling hastily added.

"What are you doing? Drop the 'demon' part! It sounds less evil that way!" Kanae scolded.

"What? Who cares! They have eyes. They can see we're succubi. If you don't like it, introduce yourself next time, buddy!" she fired back.

"Ahem!" Delayn clear her throat so loudly that it sent shivers up Kanae and Edina's spines.

"Kanae Toyomi," Grand Eye began as she rose from her seat. "Bardell has confessed to colluding with the demons. The Protectorates in Lograin will be going through an intense restructuring to root out any Outriders. You have the Knights of the Order of Colors a great service for uncovering his treacheries. He will be dealt with accordingly once we return to Radevic."

Kanae breathed a sigh of relief. That explained why there were still Protectorates around. Hopefully, they were thorough.

"And… about my candidacy—"

Edina vomited. Wet goop splashed to the floor. There was so much that Kanae took a step away from her.

"Sorry…" Edina wiped her mouth.

The Grand Eye rolled her eyes, then beckoned to Vestrid. The drakeling came down with a lockbox and opened it to reveal two golden rings on a display cushion.

"There are no tricks. Consider these gifts as a token of the Grand Eye's graciousness. They grant Minor Holy Magic Resistance," Vestrid said.

Edina snatched the ring. "Three hells, why didn't you give this to us sooner?"

The discomfort vanished the moment Kanae put one on, too. She grabbed Edina's head and forced the squirreling to bow alongside her.

"Thank you, Grand Eye! We're grateful that you trust us enough to grant us these gifts!" Kanae exclaimed.

"I do not need or want a demon's gratitude." The Grand Eye waved a dismissive hand. "Which brings me to why you are here. I cannot grant you candidacy to become Knight of Emerald. You see, each color title is relegated to a race. Emerald represents the centaur. Silver represents the drakelings. In fact, Vestrid previously held the mantle of Knight of Silver until she graduated and Estaline inherited it. It is so in order to instill pride in each race, and that knight shall serve as a beacon of greatness to strive toward."

"Wait… then does that mean because I'm a demon, there's no chance for me to obtain knighthood in the order?"

"Not unless I will it so. As I understand it, the Commonwealth is home to several succubi. By allying with your nation, then there is an impetus to create a new mantle. One for a succubus," she said.

At which point, that would establish a lineage of sorts. In time, Kanae might even pass that mantle off to Teana. But…

"I'm guessing there is going to be resistance to that?" Kanae asked.

The Grand Eye nodded. "Ortesia will not accept you under any circumstances. We have knights from and based there as well. It will take a few years before you can come to the capital as I skirt delicate diplomatic and bureaucratic processes. The final choice in the matter, however, lies with me. All of this is beside the point because there is more to becoming a member of the order than you think."

"If I may?" Estaline asked, waiting for a nod from the Grand Eye before continuing. "You must swear allegiance to the Grand Eye and the king, attend and train at the Knights' Academy in Radevic for two years under the mentorship of a guardian, and complete a trial at the very end. Only then will you obtain knighthood. Even Bardell, as much as his name besmirches our order, had to be of strong mind and body to accomplish that."

Two years… Away from the Commonwealth and everyone Kanae loved. However, doing so would establish lasting peace and prove she wasn't aligned with Charron. On the plus side, there would be plenty of strong individuals to have sex with and gain levels from. This was a win-win.

Analise Bellevue looked Kanae dead in the eyes. "Before we bear witness to the establishing of a new knight branch, I must ask you an important question: did you lay with my precious William?"

"Eh?" Everyone was stunned by the question. It came so out of left field that her own Saint Priests made a face.

"Sister…" Will covered his face.

"I… didn't…" Kanae answered through gritted teeth, drawing a hard and terrified look from Edina.

"Then if I were to have my Saint Priests cast Zone of Absolute Truth, will your answer be the same?" she asked.

As Vestrid was about to cast the spell, Will leapt from his seat.

"Ana! I-I promise you, we did not! I did, however… have sex with plenty of prostitutes in Lograin. Yes, so many!" Will exclaimed.

"Oh, William." Analise returned and embraced him not at all like a sister, stroking the back of his head and placing a hand on his chest. "That doesn't make me happy, but I'm glad this succubus didn't sully you. After all, you belong to me. I'm relieved though, that no whore of Lograin shall have your virginity. Isn't that right? For I already have it."

"Eh?" This time, everyone's attention snapped to Will.

"I… I don't want to… talk about it," he quietly replied.

Kanae whispered a prayer to Will. May the Supreme One protect both of them if Analise one day found out.

The Grand Eye ushered Will back to his seat and faced Kanae again.

"I'm satisfied, succubus. Good on you for not touching my William. I would have had to destroy you otherwise, but now we may proceed."

Kanae and Edina swallowed the lumps in their throat.

"Commanding Voice: Kneel," Delayn bellowed.

The two of them dropped to their knees and eyes cast to the floor as the Grand Eye walked up to them.

"With all in this cathedral bearing witness," Analise began, "I, the Grand Eye of Radevic, hereby establish the Knight of Amethyst and bestow upon that title to the succubus race. From henceforth, the Commonwealth of Sin and all her citizens are our allies. See to your businesses in your country, Kanae Toyomi, for you must answer the oath when we call to you at last."

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