The warm food and wine was soon brought over by beautiful maids of the mansion, while Martha and her crew started their performance.
Alex was charmed by Martha's inherent charm that she inherited from her mother, while her voice was also pleasing to the ears.
The girls moved akin to butterflies as they swayed their slender bodies to impress Alex.
Martha holding a microphone, swayed her hips and show offed her young body as if trying to seduce Alex.
She was completely different from the previously shy girl who was afraid of Alex.
On stage, she completely morphed into attractive little nymph that Alex wanted to bed as soon as possible.
Soon, the performance ended and the the lights gradually returned.
Alex now clearly looked at Martha from top to bottom in bright lights.
He had to accept that, she was really pretty.
There was some sweat on her forehead and she was breathing faster, while looking down and sometimes sneaking glances at him, as if waiting for his words.
" Miss Martha is really beautiful. I have been really charmed by you today, " Alex applauded.
Seeing Alex clapping in appreciation, other women present quickly followed.
" Thanks... " Martha thanked shyly.
" Brother, I can also dance very well! " Alina on the side pouted.
" Oh? If I remember you can't sing at all. Aren't you tone deaf? " Alex asked.
" That... That.. But I can dance! " Alina raised her voice.
" Okay. Okay. You're great, " Alex helplessly said, " Now it's time to have lunch. You must be hungry. So eat quietly."
Hearing so, Alina sat down regretfully, " But... Ah. Yes. "
Alex smiled.
Alina was at Stage 3 peak.
Even though she looked as light as kitten, her daily food consumption was astronomical.
In current world Stage 3 beings were not only powerful beings who could destroy cities, but also were endless resource pits.
' After tonight, I'll raise her to stage 4,' Alex decided in his mind.
" Master, I'll serve you, " Just then, Vienna who was standing behind him brought a plate to Alex.
She started serving him food.
" It's fine. I'll have madame Emory help me. You seat and have dinner with me, " Alex said with a smile.
" Master... " Vienna wanted to feed Alex with her own hands, but understanding the meaning behind Alex's words, she nodded, "... Okay Master. "
" Madame Emory, since you're also Master's woman. I'll compromise. Make sure, he doesn't even have to lift his hand if he wants something, " Vienna clearly explained to Emory with a hidden threat in her words.
Alex was thankful for Vienna's consideration, and nodded inwardly.
He then looked at Martha who was about to leave.
Martha feeling appreciated was about to leave happily, but just then she felt an invisible hand gently picking her up.
" Ah? " She was surprised, but next moment she found herself on Alex's left with his hand holding her waist.
Her eyes sure enough met her mother's on the side, who had already understood Vienna's words.
" Madame Emory, Miss Martha... What are you waiting for? " Alex asked.
Emory quickly moved her hands and reached out to gracefully feed Alex.
" Martha, pick up the wine and let Master have a drink, " Emory said.
" O-Okay... " Martha was shy, but she listened to her mother.
Picking up the glass of wine, she brought it to Alex's lips.
Alex made a displeased frown, " Miss Martha, you take a sip please. "
Martha was surprised, ' is he afraid that there is poison in wine? '
Alex was a big leader. It was normal to be cautious.
While hesitating for a moment she took a small sip from the glass in her hand.
But, even before she could gulp down, she felt a dominating warmth on her lips.
With invisible force her lips were gently opened up, as the sweet wine in her mouth flowed out and a tongue slipped into her mouth.
Martha's face turned red, as she stared at Alex in shock who was licking his lips now.
" Miss Martha, that's how you feed wine to your husband, " He smiled before winking to Martha.
Martha's anger on loosing her first kiss dissipated, as she heard Alex's words, " H-Husband? "
" Obviously. Do you think I'll let you get married ever? I'm the only man, you can call husband. Understood? " Alex domineeringly spoke, before taking a bite of meat piece, Emory was holding.
Martha was stunned, but Alex's dominant words forced her to understand her situation, " U-Understood. "
Finally when she accepted her fate to be only his, she felt a foreign sweetness in her heart that she didn't understand.
Her boyfriend had never managed to make her feel like this.
" Martha, serve Master some fruits as well, " When she was dazing out, she heard her mother's voice.
" O-Okay, " When she saw her mother's gaze, Martha understood that she wanted her to please Alex.
" Don't be so harsh on your daughter madame.... Miss Martha, this dish is quite good. Have a taste, " Alex said and a spoon magically flew up towards Martha's mouth.
Martha was shocked, at seeing such a magic trick.
She knew that, there were no hidden strings here. This was really force of mana!
She quickly opened her small mouth, and tasted the dish.
The family had gone all out in preparing the banquet and even Martha was eating such a good dish after a long time.
" Once you reach Stage 4, you can also do this easily and you can even fly in the skies, " Alex said as he maneuvered a napkin, to gently wipe Martha's lips.
The girl couldn't help but blush. Her heart was filled with sweetness, " T-Thank you Master... This dish is really good. I'll serve you. "
Taking another spoonful, Martha fed Alex gently without minding that she had also eaten from the same spoon before.
Alex smiled, noticing how easily she accepted his advances.
' Little girls are really easier to tame, ' he thought, while slowly reaching into Martha's pleated skirt and rubbing her thigh.
Martha only blushed in embarrassment and looked at her mother, seeing she hadn't noticed anything she sighed in relief, and continued to help Alex in tasting various dishes.
Alex obviously got bolder, and by the end of the dinner his hands were already into Martha's panties.
" Hmph! " On the other side of table, Alina couldn't help but snort jealously while watching Alex's gentle actions.
Obviously, the sound was akin to mosquito, as she didn't want to mess her brother's mood.
" Look how he is treating her carefully... Aren't you jealous? " Alina couldn't help but whisper to the woman besides her while biting the spoon in her hand frustratingly.
Vienna was long done with eating, as she didn't need to eat anything after reaching Stage 4. Natural mana was the best source of her energy.
She looked at Alex and the two women besides him.
Martha's face was flushed red, and she was breathing unevenly while completely leaning on Alex.
Her upper clothes were still okay. But, her skirt had long become the wet mess.
On other side of Alex, the mature Emory wasn't much different.
Even though she was trying to hold back her moans, but her muffled cries and red face gave her out.
Similar to her daughter she was also leaning on Alex.
" Hmm. I don't feel jealous, " Vienna flatly said to Alina.
" Really? " Alina was surprised.
Vienna gave her a small smile, " Department head Alina, you are Master's sister.... He dotes on you a lot. But... I know my place. It's enough for me, if he remembers my name. "
Alina was shocked, but then understood Vienna's reasoning.
' If brother wasn't adopted by my family. I might have been just like her... But, we have hurt him a lot, ' Alina sighed, ' Mom should be in the city. Later, I have to persuade her to apologize to brother sincerely. Otherwise, he might not treat her well... '
While Alina was thinking, the scene before her had already developed to the level where it wasn't appropriate for children to see.
* * * *
Meanwhile, Cecelia was flying around the skies of Melbourne.
The coquettish and loving expression she had in front of Alex was long gone, as she coldly looked down on the ghostly city.
The freezing breeze grazed her bare skin only to disappear in whitish haze because of her body heat, giving her appearance a sense of mystery.
" Not here... " She muttered in dejection as well as silent relief.
Deep down somewhere in her heart, she didn't wish to find her brother.
This hesitation stemmed from the incidence that happened a week ago, just when she had returned to the Hawks family.
When her father had found out that she was now in love with her Master Alex, a Player... his eyes had turned red with sorrow, grief and anger.
From other families, her father had heard that the only way to remove a Player's brainwashing effect was to kill him.
But, looking at Cecelia who still looked as obedient and filial as before, he had forgotten that she was also brainwashed.
In front of her, he directly cursed her Master and tried to persuade Cecelia to kill him.
Cecelia didn't know what had happened next, as when she had regained her mind she only saw a corpse of her father lying before her.
Her mother was crying while holding his cold body, and was cursing her.
Just remembering the scene made current Cecelia uncomfortable.
She had not only murdered her only son back in Hiesta city, now her father was also killed in her hands.
She was afraid... That next will be her brother...
Rubbing her eyes silently, she felt her warm tears.
But, her Master's orders were absolute...
" I have already checked the whole city. Now, the only place remaining is... " Forcefully calming herself down, Cecelia looked at the northernmost part of the city and muttered.
There stood multitudes of tall buildings, the area controlled by the Governor Kennedy.
With a fluttering of her blue cape, she disappeared from her spot and appeared right above that area.
She cautiously dispersed her mana and started checking each person rapidly.
But, soon her eyes couldn't help but widen in surprise.
' What are they all doing here?... '
Observing all the top family Masters and Governor in a single hall, Cecelia knew that they must be discussing something important.
She silently focused her mana on that area, while diminishing mana fluctuations as much as possible to not be detected.
" Governor Kennedy, even if we follow this plan. It isn't doable... "
" Goldhart family head is right. Even if we calculate all Stage 3 humans in Melbourne they might not amount to 20. "
" Besides, not all Stage 3 humans are females. Governor, your plan is flawed from the start. Why waste out time by bringing us all together. If there is nothing else, I'm leaving. "
The various Family leaders showed clear discontent towards the man seating on the main seat.
He was an old man in his late fifties, with wide moustache clean shaved face and short white hair with commanding aura.
The man was undoubtedly the Governor Kennedy.
Governor Kennedy listened to everyone's disapproval silently.
Before speaking with his authoritative voice, " Listening to you all, I really can't believe you're representing the strongest families in the city. With your attitudes you won't survive another month. The Hawks family has already succumbed to a Player. Now, there is another Player in the city who is suspected to hold Stage 4 power. The Sheraton family Head isn't amongst us anymore. Do you all want to just sit now and wait till you disappear next?!"
Listening to Kennedy's anger filled voice, the family leaders felt suffocated under the weight of truth.
" Governor Kennedy...It's not that, we don't understand the situation. But, even if we pool all of our family's 'resources'. Getting a Stage 4 token isn't possible... Isn't it better to find some other way? " A middle aged man spoke, he was Geralt Walton, the head of Walton family.
Cecelia had a bad impression of this man because of the man's dead son Timothy Walton, who used to be her subordinate and Vienna's finace before.
" You're correct to question Mr Geralt. Currently we don't have enough Stage 3 females to get a Stage 4 token. That's exactly why I have invited a guest, who is willing to help us... " Governor Kennedy spoke, as he looked at the man who was silently sitting at one corner of the Hall appearing completely carefree.
Other family heads were stunned.
They hadn't noticed anyone else except themselves in this Hall all this time. But now suddenly a handsome young man appeared out of nowhere!
The young man, now seeing Kennedy looking at him, slowly stood up and flashed a smile to surrounding leaders, before walking towards the center of the Hall.
" Please express your words Mr Franklin... " Kennedy politely spoke.
" Who is this handsome young man Governor? " Miller Family head asked with a smile.
Others couldn't help but frown knowing Miller family head's unnatural appreciation of male beauty.
But, knowing what was important, everyone couldn't help but observe Franklin.
He was a tall, well built man with shoulder length hair. His appearance was undoubtedly handsome and heroic with appearance that stood out like a strong mountain.
Kennedy smiled, " He is the guest I invited. Franklin Hunters. A member of the mysterious organization, with power surpassing even our country's Royal Family."
All leaders sure enough were shocked.
For some time, family heads chatted with each other. Wondering about man's background and origin.
Finally Waltons family head spoke, " Mr Franklin, if you can give us a solution out of the current situation. The Waltons will forever consider you a friend! "
Watching Geralt Walton, other family leaders cursed him for bootlicking, but still followed the actions.
Outside, Cecelia who was keeping an eye on the situation also saw Franklin and her eyes narrowed.
As per Teresa, the reincarnated princess in Alex's harem. There were few people who were absolute powerhouses in future.
In area nearby Albigion one of those names rang loudest, and that was Franklin Hunters.
The fearsome Knight classed human, who had a powerful ability.
The ability allowed the man to surpass a gap of one stage and for a limited time, to reach the Stage of his opponent.
That means, if at Stage 3, his opponent was a Stage 4 person then for a specific amount of time, he could reach Stage 4!
In previous life he completely dominated the initial time period by holding Stage 2 strength while everyone was only at Stage 1 peak.
But, Franklin wasn't just famous for his ability. His real strength was in his ability to Master any technique he saw.
His combat ability was top notch and at same stage few could be his opponents.
Also, in other timeline he had rallied a huge army and had ruled in a small country west to the Albigion.
Cecelia focused on what was happening.
Franklin once again smiled and started to speak.
" I won't beat around the bush. Knowing your current dire situation. Our organization's regional leader, has sent me to make a deal with you, " Speaking so, Franklin clapped his hands.
Soon a middle aged man walked in from the side room, surrounded by exactly 9 women.
The family leaders sitting around were experienced people, and they were also all at Stage 2.
Looking at 9 women behind that middle aged man, they felt invisible pressure on themselves.
" T-They... Are these women at Stage 3? " Geralt Walton asked.
" Walton family head has discerning eyes. This my friend here is a Player and those 9 are my friend's lovers. All at Stage 3, " Franklin smiled and patted the middle aged man's shoulder who had unwilling and disgusted look on his face.
No one asked how Franklin was controlling the Player.
There were too many ways for it, planting a bomb in the Player's head was one of them. There were more obviously.
Franklin further spoke, " So here is my deal. You give my friend here 11 Stage 3 women. In return he will give you a Stage 4 Promotion Token which you can use however you want. What do you say? "
The family leaders all listened quietly.
Taking the deal meant, permanently loosing a Stage 3 human in family while gaining a Stage 4 powerhouse in Melbourne.
Everyone was weighing losses and gains, and wasn't ready to speak first.
Just then Governor spoke again, " As the Governor, I have decided to take first step. If we decide to take the deal. I'll exchange two Stage 3 females, so each family only has to provide one. "
There were 9 family heads here, so Governor taking now speaking so was in a good favor of the deal.
Still, Head of Hernandez family couldn't help but ask, " How can we trust Mr Franklin? If we provide 'resources' and then you simply decide to run away with Stage 4 promotion token, then what can we do? "
Franklin still smiled and simply said, " I don't need help. You need it. "
Hearing his words, people felt he was too arrogant.
" If this is your sincerity then I don't need it. If worst comes to worst. I'll just leave the city. "
" Same for me. My private jet has enough fuel to reach other side of the world. "
" How wasteful. It seems Governor's guest is simply a fraud. No wonder... After all, who will give up a treasure that can instantly make you the overlord of a country. "
Seeing everyone standing up, Governor couldn't help but panic and curse these bastards in his mind.
" Please wait. Please wait. Discussion isn't over.... " He then turned to Franklin, " Mr Franklin, please don't make things difficult for us. Didn't we already decide the cooperation method. "
" Tsk. It was just a joke. Please dont mind me. Governor Kennedy has already discussed a method, " Franklin on the side laughed.
He then spoke clearly, " While, the deal is ongoing my friend here will stay with you all. Once, he has the Stage 4 token, he will promptly provide it to you. Then, once the deal is done I'll take my friend back. "
" As for... If you people decide to betray us? I'll simply say that, you'll regret it... "
Franklin ended his words in a dark tone, as a powerful pressure appeared in the Hall.
The family heads were all terrified, as they felt the suffocating pressure on them which was beyond Stage 3.
The man standing before them...
He was a Stage 4 human!
But, just then Franklin's arrogant attitude changed, as he sent a thick beam of mana up in the roof.
" Who's hiding there!? " He asked loudly, before suddenly flying up.
The roof effortlessly broke.
Cecelia above the roof, held her bleeding shoulder and moved back rapidly.
She was discovered!