I Own a Brothel in Another World Chapter 266 – Viva La Revolution!

“Alright. First, we should check this form that the clerk gave us.” I bring forth the list that I have rolled up and shoved into my pocket earlier. “Let’s see…”

I’ve gone through plenty of official docunts in my previous life, so I consider myself fairly ready for whatever insanity this one is going to put us through. Fortunately, it seems that Dwarves don’t find joy in making things difficult for no reason. Save for the monts when the case revolves around Humans, I guess.

However, Humans signing their rcenary company up must be an extrely rare occurrence, so they don’t have special admission papers on hand. What I hold in my fingers is decently clear and arranged rather well. Yet, as my eyes go through all the words and sentences, I arrive at a certain realisation.

“I’m afraid none of these nas ring a bell to .” I chuckle wryly and look down at my short friends. “I think I need to rely on your expertise for this part.”

A happy smile adorns Cecil’s fierce visage at my words while she reaches for the list. Daisy’s reaction is more subdued, resulting in a slight smirk that has to be her own way of concealing joy. I did stop her from helping out with the receptionist guy, but she’s definitely glad to take this chance to prove herself.

The raven-haired beauty reaches out. “No worries. I know this city like the shaft of my hamr. I’ll filter them out in secon—”

“Give that!” Her clan-sister snatches the paper from her fingertips.

“Wha—” Cecil jolts in surprise, then directs a vicious glare at the other girl. “What do you think you are doing?!”

“Compared to you, I haven’t neglected my political training by acting like a disgruntled runaway.” Daisy snorts dismissively as she throws a glance at the docunt. “It’s only natural I take care of this task to ensure you don’t lead us astray.”

“You cunt!” Cecil snarls at her, attempting to steal the list back. “You don’t even live here! You know jackshit about the families in town!”

Daisy evades her easily and frowns deeply. “I know most, if not all, the clans in the realm by na. Like a proper heiress should. This is better handled by soone of a high standing rather than so gutter rat.”

“A pompous ass like you will ruin our chances of securing allies in no ti!” Cecil is growling intensely at this point. “They don’t need to be bossed around by another narcissistic noble! All Stockhawkers abuse are small and weak families!”

“Good. They will be easier to take over by a bigger fish than so insignificant outer branch, then.” The other lady huffs at her. “Now shut your filthy trap and let your betters work in peace. You should be happy we are even humouring your presence instead—”

“Enough!” I raise my voice, making them both jump. “As much as I appreciate the thought, you should be aware that Cecil is the one better suited for this. She possesses the street knowledge we’ll have to rely on and might even be associated with so of the clans through her work. Right now, we need soone local, and you aren’t it. Your turn might co, but if you can’t stand not being in the centre of attention, I might start wondering if I should humour your presence during this operation.”

To her credit, our princess looks properly chastised as she drops her gaze to the ground and returns the list to .

“Sorry…” She holds the list out to Cecil with barely a whisper.

Cecil, in turn, remains completely frozen, eyes wide as she gapes at Daisy. Receiving the docunt almost absentmindedly, she raises her chin to look up at with pure disbelief, like she would have never in her life expected to hear any form of apology from the disrespectful lady.

“So, can you work with this?” I raise a brow at her.

She blinks a few tis before hastily stuffing her nose in the paper. “Ah, of course, give a mont.”

Even as she goes through the nas, Cecil sneaks a few peeks at her kin-sister, who continues to secretly asure my mood without being too obvious. That takes her aback even more, but eting my eyes again, she quickly refocuses on her job.

Hopefully, these two are going to be less of a problem going forward.

“I got it.” Cecil lifts her gaze confidently. “There are a few options, so it depends on what you would like us to go after.”

“And those options are?” I ask.

“I identified seven clans from this registry,” she continues. “All of them are suppliers if I rember correctly. They produce a wide range of goods, from everyday necessities to highly specialised products for specific groups of individuals. I can roughly sort the families by their size, manpower, or wealth.”

“Hmmm…” I stroke my chin thoughtfully. “What do you think, Daisy?”

“?” The glasses girl snaps her face up with clear surprise, then mirrors my action as she understands that I’m serious about her advice. “Ummm… We could go after the ones that produce the most, as they should be able to recover quickly if things don’t go well after the switch?”

“You are correct, but not for the right reason.” I chuckle lightly and ruffle through her bountiful hair to cheer her up a little. “If we are doing this, we might as well make it hurt as much as possible. Cecil, are you familiar with their operations enough to point out their biggest suppliers?”

“With my eyes closed!” The Dwarf in question grins savagely. “Considering how much they boast around, it’s pretty much common knowledge. Not like anyone would be brave enough to ss with them anyway.”

“Pick the closest one and let’s go.” I ntally summon Diana, who surfaces next to us and nuzzles her head into my hand.

After showing my favourite beast so love through rough scratches and rubs, I grab the harness attached to her back and extend a hand to Daisy. The princess is still a bit uncertain and withdrawn after I’ve shouted at her earlier, so I offer her a soft smile to convey that I don’t intend to be angry with her for long. She responds with a tiny curl of her lips and accepts my help, getting hoisted into the saddle.

I follow after her, jumping behind the lithe girl, who stiffens a tad, not sure how comfortable she should get yet. Once more, I offer her reassurance by pulling her closer to , having her lean into my chest snugly. Next, I reach out to Cecil, bringing her up too. The stout warrior princess hugs my waist firmly, and the four of us move on.

Following our instructions, Diana takes us to our destination in a flash. We ride there the old-fashioned way to give ourselves so more ti to think things through, exchanging a few words now and then. This would have been so much easier if they were part of the bond, allowing the ladies to converse ntally inside our party. But, I guess the only thing standing between that happening is technically , as I’m starting to wonder if the rude nerd girl isn’t slowly starting to get the sa idea as her kin sister after the recent revelations.

Nevertheless, that’s sothing we’ll have to address at a later date. It won’t be exactly easy, considering that Cecil is slowly growing on and I did kind of promise her to let things develop naturally. I’m fairly sure the appearance of her mortal enemy from the core of the clan wouldn’t make her too happy about the whole arrangent.

Stopping a short distance from our target, we dismount and let Diana wander around. People need to start getting used to seeing the massive, shadowy wolf in the city if we want to continue relying on her services. Plus, at so point, she’ll make a fine advertisent for both the family and the businesses we start up.

Especially the rcenary branch.

We find ourselves in front of a dium-sized building resembling a cosy three-story ho with a massive warehouse-style hall behind it. That must be the production hall, most likely. Above the entrance to the house hangs a signboard depicting a wagon’s wheel with a symbolic crest in the spot where the axle would go through it.

“So, this is the place.” I put my fists on my sides. “It’s ti to get to work.”

“What are you going to do?” Cecil asks, glancing up at . “Stroll inside and demand to speak to the family head?”

“Not . You.” I peer down at her, causing the ladies to share a peek at each other. “This will go much better with the two of you leading the charge. I’m a Human, rember? I’ll play the role of your bodyguard, and that’s all. Using what we’ve discussed on our way here, try to secure their cooperation. Or is that too difficult for the heiresses of the Forgegraver Household?”

They seek each other’s gazes once more, this ti settling into a serious mood. In the face of such a challenge, the pair shares the faintest of nods, burying the hatchet for the duration of this mission with an unspoken agreent. It might not last for more than a few monts, but giving them sothing to focus on is the best approach I can take.

Falling into my own role, I shift my deanour too, appearing more like a watchful sentry-for-hire should. Cecil and Daisy move forward with shadowing them without delay. The entrance is thankfully compatible with taller races, so I have no issues going in while retaining that professional image. We appear inside a small lobby with a few counters, resembling that of a shopfront to a bigger workshop.

The rusty-haired princess waltzes right up to the first free clerk, the black-haired fighter following suit. Their arrival isn’t missed by the bearded clerk, who senses the weight of their importance just from appraising their gait. That’s why he is ready to welco them as politely and respectfully as possible.

“Welco to our humble establishnt, Lady…” He inclines his head while inquisitively peeking at the newcors.

“Daisy Forgegraver, the granddaughter of the Grand Patriarch of the main branch and his official inspector,” Daisy responds.

“Cecil Forgegraver, daughter of the Patriarch of the auxiliary branch and his official agent,” Cecil adds.

“What a blessed day for our household to host the bright future of the great Forgegraver clan!” The man brings forth his best custor service smile. “How can I help you today? Do your carriages require quick maintenance? Or are you in need of a new axle or two?”

“We are in need of an audience with the head of the family,” the princess states with her usual haughtiness. “There are important matters to be discussed, so you would be wise not to waste our ti with aningless seller pitches and pass the ssage.”

The clerk remains silent for a few seconds, considering the situation quietly. “With all due respect, I’m afraid the patriarch is a busy man and I’m instructed to disturb him only with a valid reason. You’ll need to describe in detail the matter you wish to trouble him with before I can forward the request to his consideration.”

“Our matters are between clan leaderships and can’t be divulged to anyone else. You should know better than to demand a direct representative to betray the trust of their family.” She squints at the servant angrily. “You would do well not to question us again and force us to be delayed in our duties. Your patriarch certainly won’t be happy when he learns what crucial dealings your lack of cooperation has hindered.”

He frowns back at her, hints of sweat bubbling on his pudgy cheeks and forehead. “Rules are rules, My Lady. I’ll get in more trouble making light of them than I would by making a small mistake in judgnt here. We are taught to treat all outsiders with the sa level of respect and order.”

“Curious thing to say by soone under the thu—”

“We’ve been dispatched to your family with the intent of negotiating a large order for our clan,” Cecil interrupts Daisy, earning herself a glare.

However, I’m inclined to agree that this was a good interruption and save. Our noble friend has been getting rather prickly from the continuous dismissals and got quite close to starting with the insults.

“That might be a bit troubleso.” The receptionist hums. “We are currently allocating most of our workforce towards fulfilling the contracts with priority custors.”

“And this is why our party has been sent to discuss this matter with your patriarch. We do not wish to invite trouble into your ho. There definitely is so room for negotiations that will allow your business to bring a splash of additional profit without disrupting your operations. But, only the clan head can make such an important decision, isn’t that right?” Cecil continues pressing him.

“Our funds are ready to be withdrawn for this order, no delayed paynts necessary as we are short on ti.” Daisy tosses her two cents in after catching up on the strategy chosen by her kin-sister. “We’ve chosen the most reputable family to fulfil this as quality is of utmost importance for us. Are you going to turn us around to browse through all those incompetent houses trying to imitate the mastery of your craft?”

Their combined efforts seem to have struck true as the clerk becos more and more unsure about dismissing their request.

Finally, deciding that this might be a bit above his pay grade, he nods in defeat and abandons his post to join us on the other side. “Please, follow to one of the negotiation rooms and wait here until I bring the news to you. I can’t guarantee a positive response, so I implore My Ladies to be considerate of my position.”

They accept, and we are led further inside. The man gives a sowhat suspicious look as I follow them closely into the guest chamber, but he quickly averts his gaze after noticing my unflinching cold expression and the massive greatsword attached to my back, which I shaped up with my Draconic Hilt before we ca in. The ssage is clear enough, even if my race bothers him.

We settle on the couches and the girls exhale in relief, so of the tension they have gathered leaving their bodies.

“Good job.” I smirk at them proudly. “Both of you.”

Cecil might have been who secured us this negotiation, but there’s no reason to antagonise Daisy when she’s surely tried her best to help. In the way she’s used to, at least.

In case anyone is eavesdropping on us, we refrain from speaking about important stuff. Or anything at all, to be honest. About fifteen minutes or so pass before I pick up the sound of footsteps, getting up and moving to stand behind the girls as their hired guardian should. Crossing my arms over my chest, I face the door, striking an imposing pose.

A lone older guy walks inside, closing the door behind himself. Judging by his work-suited attire, he must have been pulled out of the middle of his next project. No pompous robes or suits, just your daily expendable clothes that are suspected not to last throughout the day of intense woodworking. Still, they are at least sowhat presentable. Disregarding that, they still make it obvious that this man values his craft greatly.

“No bodyguard?” Daisy asks with a raised brow as he sits down across the table.

“Are you two ladies considering starting so trouble?” The gramps mirrors her amusedly.

“Not unless provoked.” Cecil’s lips thin out.

That draws a tiny grin from him. “Then all is fine. It’s only natural that the two most important daughters of the great Forgegraver Household are accompanied by at least one sentinel. Moving together, you must be a tasty opportunity for your enemies. This old man? Not so much. And if anything happens to , my people are ready to raise hell in the span of minutes. We have so powerful friends too.”

“I would have never thought you would call them friends.” Cecil snorts.

His expression grows a tad more serious. “And I would have never thought the respected Forgegraver family would be forced to hire a Human as a watchman for their princesses.”

“That Human is worth more than half of the king’s elite forces,” Daisy spits out offendedly, surprising him a little.

“There’s no easier enemy to deal with than one who underestimates their quarry.” Her kin-sister smiles maliciously. “Would you rather boldly send assassins after one Human or a dozen ard Dwarves?”

He doesn’t need to answer that.

“Let’s forget the issues of security and move on to the reason behind this eting,” the family head replies. “I’m Rozanov. It’s an honour, Lady Cecil, Lady Daisy. What do you require of this old man today?”

“The issues of security are actually what we want to focus on, Patriarch.” Daisy crosses her slender legs.

The man studies them confusedly. “I thought this was about a big order?”

“A front to bring forth this eting.” Cecil joins her hands atop her lap. “We apologise for the dishonesty, but we bring an offer of sothing much more valuable to your clan than a few bags of gold.”

He works his jaw while pondering if he should humour them. Not surprising. He did just learn that he’s been lured out here.

“Let’s be completely honest from this point.” Daisy takes over. “The man behind us is the leader of an unimaginably powerful rcenary force originating from Human lands. He’s opening up a branch in our capital, and we need two more signatures for the official application. Originally, we intended to monopolise his services at first, but we are willing to concede so rights to achieve this goal.”

“And why would I help you out with that?” Rozanov appears to be thinking as he strokes his beard, but I can see the slight agitation in his eyes. “Our friends already provide our transport with proper security details.”

“Exactly because of that.” Cecil tilts her head at him. “Or would you prefer for things to remain that way for generations to co?”

The thinly-veiled ssage gets to him imdiately, pure shock overtaking his wizened face. “Are you two out of your minds?! You walk into my ho and suggest I start a revolt?! Did your elders not teach you anything about the clan and its people?!”

To their credit, neither of the girls takes offence at his words.

“Revolt is a big word for it. Almost sounds like whoever holds you in their grasp is on the sa level as the kingdom.” Daisy snickers indignantly. “Let tell you one thing. The days of the Stockhawker Clan are numbered. It will fall upon your shoulders to decide if this family falls alongside their oppressors or stands up for itself to rise from the ashes that shall be the only thing remaining in the place of those insufferable bastards.”

“You have no idea how dangerous—”

“We’ve fought off multiple attempts at assassination and obstruction of business as of today. Trust , we know.” She levels him with that high-born glare. “And we are getting tired of swatting annoying flies away every day. It’s ti to strike at the heart of the problem. However, we would be disappointed to see others hurt in collateral, as we have no doubt the Stockhawkers are going to use every last ounce of their power to force their subsidiaries to defend their core. And they do have that power, don’t they?”

A grimace worms its way onto the man’s lips as he peers at the floor. As expected, they can hardly say no to anything when it cos from those bullying shitheads.

“If you agree to aid us, we can keep you safe,” Cecil continues after her. “I’m sure you must have heard about a recent store that’s starting to send waves through the capital, both due to its assortnt of goods and ability to stay open regardless of all the efforts Stockhawkers expend to see otherwise.”

“The Pleasure Queen…” Rozanov mutters under his breath.

“His subordinates keep the place and the people secure.” She throws a thumb at over her shoulder. “And he has plenty of them. Plenty of such capable individuals that you don’t even notice them around. And neither does the enemy.”

Silence fills the room for a mont before he speaks up again, shaking his head.

“It’s not as simple as you think.” The patriarch sighs heavily.

“And why is that?” Daisy asks.

“The agreents that have been signed will be devastating when broken from our side. As predatory as they are, they remain official, backed by the governnt and all the laws. Regardless of whether they are good or evil, the Stockhawkers will always win when the matter reaches the court. I can’t help you. Not until they completely disappear alongside all their rights and privileges.” Raising his eyes, he looks straight at them. “But then, what reason would I have to get into another arrangent instead of finally appreciating freedom?”

He doesn’t an to sound dismissive, just realistic. And I can tell all of us appreciate and respect it to a certain extent. The man is honest, just as we’ve wanted this conversation to be. Knowing that we are coming after the Stockhawkers, the wiser thing for him might just be clenching his teeth and waiting a bit longer to witness their downfall without strings attached.

“We can offer a zeroed loan to help with the fallout,” Cecil suggests. “We know you’ll be able to pay it back as soon as the chaos stabilises. Your products are too essential to the masses.”

Rozanov chuckles wryly. “No clan will be willing to lend anyone this much money. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You might represent the patriarchs of your branches, but ultimately, the decision rests in their hands, not yours. I know how the world works, girls.”

Well, maybe everywhere else. He doesn’t know that, at this point, whatever these ladies say is almost undoubtedly going to co true. Cecil’s father is long in the bag, and Daisy’s grandfather has just been presented with an offer he can hardly refuse. To put it bluntly, we have him by the balls.

Unfortunately, without revealing these cards, we need sothing else to convince our potential partner to cooperate.

“What’s your product with the highest demand right now?” I chi in. “The one Stockhawkers are exploiting the most out of you?”

The Dwarf glances up at , visibly unhappy about my interruption of their important discussion.

“Answer him.” Daisy cos to my defence almost instantly. “He doesn’t provide his assistance voluntarily unless there’s sothing he views as having high potential.”

The man grunts, but stops glaring at . “That would be our refined axles. We pride ourselves on their durability and innovative technology to connect them with the wheels that minimise the friction, easing the strain on the horses.”

I stroke my chin thoughtfully. “That sounds impressive. But, what if I told you there might be a way to construct an arrangent that will make the journey over any kind of surface feel like gliding forward on top of the highest-quality cushion lifted above the ground through levitation?”

He snorts to the side. “There already is, boy. It’s called magic. And it doesn’t co cheap. But, it’s not surprising for the costs of enchanted gems and crystals to escape a Human like you.”

“I ant a chanical way.” I don’t get dissuaded by his comnts. “With just a bit of tal twisted here and there. And perhaps a tad of highly-pressurised air captured in a cylinder or two if we are feeling fancy.”

I might not know how car suspension works in perfect detail, especially the most modern ones, but the knowledge about the miraculous effects of coil springs and dampers has been available to the public for decades now. For this world, which hasn’t yet experienced these miracles save for pricy magical solutions that require recharging, a proper dampening for the axles should feel divine.

And it seems the craftsman in front of us is starting to realise that.

“How would you know such a thing?” Rozanov once more peers at with intense suspicion. “A rcenary conveniently coming up with a design that has a solid chance of shaking up the foundations of the transportation world?”

I shrug my shoulders. “Who else to secure a wide range of connections if not soone who travels throughout the realm while escorting countless geniuses and rich folks? I’m just saying that I might know a person whose inventive ideas have already revolutionised a region or two. Who knows? Maybe after I whisper a polite word or two to them, they might share a piece of their mind with a friend, who will then proceed to rake in a fortune as the first clan to secure a monopoly on the most comfortable and affordable way to travel anywhere. Perhaps even capturing the attention of the kingdom and scoring an exclusive contract.”

His eyes shimr with the promise of wealth and fa. I’m not sure which it is. It might also be the prospect of working on a new invention. Sirgia certainly isn’t the only freak who gets off on coming up with unique masterpieces that future generations are going to rember her by.

“Would sothing like that be able to cover your losses?” I quickly add, not giving him enough ti to co out of his stupor.

Rozanov blinks a few tis before coming to his senses. “Y-Yes. I think so. If what you are saying is true. We might still need to borrow so of that money in the beginning, but after that… And also hire more protection, expecting violent retribution. Thankfully, we don’t have any warehouses besides this place, so most of our people and products are on site.”

“He speaks the truth.” Cecil nods confidently. “You have my word, on the honour of my entire lineage, that he is an honest person who doesn’t lead friends astray. It’s only thanks to him that we can fight back against the Stockhawkers, as shaful as it is to admit.”

The man snickers at her. “Nothing shaful in that. Those bastards control almost everything and everyone in this city. It’s nigh ti soone gave them a good reality check. One they hopefully never wake up from again.”

After sharing a laugh, we discuss the details of this cooperation a bit more, spending another hour in the presence of the old patriarch. I promise to introduce him to Sirgia right away so that he can have a guarantee that we aren’t speaking out of our ass. Still, we manage to convince him to sign our petition and swear to think about the revolution we are cooking up after seeing the effects of her goodwill.

He is also kind enough to write us a letter to a family his clan is in a secret partnership, helping each other out in these trying tis. Luckily, that household is on our list too, so that’s what becos our next target. Gramps assures us that we should be able to secure their support easily after getting his approval. This might even turn into the start of sothing greater, a wider network of accomplices.

We leave his residence as soon as we are done, heading for the second family. The clerks let us in without a word, acknowledging the seal on the letter. In re seconds, we sit across a second patriarch today, just as sagely. The written ssage provides enough context for us to dive straight into discussing our plans. Rozanov’s friend trusts his partner implicitly, not needing any more convincing to strike Stockhawkers where it hurts. Even so, we end up promising his business so assistance from our resident genius girl. I’ll work on so ideas with Sirgia soti soon. She’ll definitely appreciate our inventive date.

Though, she might take Niel with us for it.

Which, I’m not exactly opposed to.

The mont we secure the second signature, the three of us make a mad dash back to the guild atop Diana’s back. Neither of the girls get any naughty or rude ideas, too excited about the matter ahead of us. It’s really nice when they are of one mind, working together instead of jumping at each other’s throats. This clan would be so much more if they could keep it that way. The Forgegravers would thrive with their combined knowledge and experiences.

The clerk who received us before is still at his spot and doesn’t manage to hide his disbelief at how quickly we managed to take care of the requirents. I have a feeling he doesn’t trust us, especially when he disappears into the back for over an hour, most likely trying to find sothing wrong with the form. Not spotting any issues, he begrudgingly acknowledges my rights and fully registers my company in their database.

As I’m collecting all the docunts and IDs, he sneaks a small smirk my way. “One more thing, sir. Tomorrow is the date of routine check-ups with all the registered companies to confirm that they continue to operate within the regulations. One of which is the possession of a dedicated office or base of operations within the city proper. Since your company is considered to be on its probation period for the first month, any negative annotations from the official inspectors will result in the agreent between the subject in question and the kingdom getting imdiately revoked. I hope you can avoid such a cruel fate, sir.”

Without waiting for our response, he slinks into the back again, marking his post as temporarily closed.

Cecil snarls openly, smashing her fist into his counter. “Cocksucker! That was why he took his sweet ti! We are left with barely half a day to find a place, rent or purchase it, register the change of ownership, and submit the information to the guild! I bet my right tit he is going to send the inspector after us first thing in the morning, so we have only until they close tonight to wrap everything up!”

Before Daisy can cause a scene too, I drag them both out of the establishnt and bring us into an empty alleyway. The ladies continue to bristle and seethe at the disrespect, not noticing that they are vehently agreeing with each other on how they would ruin the clerk’s life and the entire guild.

“Girls, girls, enough.” I place my hands on their shoulders, glancing down at them warmly. “Don’t let him get to you. Rules are rules, unfortunately, but we can also get back at him by getting everything settled perfectly. And perhaps in the most annoying way possible. But, the thing is, we have to act instead of wasting ti on insults and curses.”

“I know that much!” The fierce warrior growls unhappily. “But that fucker is dedicated to seeing us fail! He should have provided us with a hint about available buildings! Now, he must have told the others to deny us too if we go back! And what if he contacts the owners to sar our nas? This is complete bullshit! I’m going to kill that beardbrain!”

“I appreciate the concern, but if he is going this far, do you think he is willing to go after the company you ntioned in the beginning?” I ask.

Cecil freezes, her eyes turning wide. “Fuck… I need to warn everyone…”

“You do that and we’ll proceed with acquiring our headquarters,” Daisy joins, peering into the city. “If the common ways are off the table, we need to aim higher. The Bureau of Architectonics. They hold all the rights in the capital, including past, present, and future. The building doesn’t need to be fully finished, only serviceable. And these won’t yet be in the hands of public estate agents who conduct the sales. It will be pricier, but it’s the fastest way, skipping possibly all the steps.”

“There’s no chance I’m leaving.” The raven-haired beauty whips at her. “I’m going too.”

“Your presence isn’t required.” The bookish girl ets her gaze. “Only the heirs of the core of the clan are privileged to speak with the representatives. There are many strict rules which are ant to keep the families in check from abusing this system. Though, the closer you are to the current head of the nation, the easier it is to cheat.”

Cecil bites into her lip. “I’ll send a ssage. Whatever happens, happens. I’m not letting you two go alone. I’m part of this, am I not? If worse cos to worst and they disband Tempest Wolves, I’m sure Alastair can just recruit us back, right?”

She peers up at hopefully.

I smile at her mischievously. “Depends. Do you think they can handle our training regi?”

Her eyes skip to my belt before she catches herself, not without catching it, which results in a noticeable blush on her sharp cheeks.

“So of them…” Cecil whispers, ideas swirling through her head.

Daisy lets out a small sigh. “Very well. But, you really need to let lead this ti. No interruptions like previously. The officials won’t be as easygoing as the patriarchs of those small clans.”

“She’ll behave.” I wink at the proud warrior, then smile gently at the cute scholar. “It’s all you, Daisy. I trust you’ll do great.”

A tinge of rosiness blooms on her soft cheeks as she nervously fixes her glasses with a finger. The other woman gazes at her from the side, unnoticed, gears turning behind that stare. Cecil might not last much longer without directly addressing the change in the previously extrely haughty and prejudiced towards female. And I do kind of owe her a small explanation about myself, I guess. I ended up spilling my secret to Daisy before her.

We’ll cover that soon.