The trip to Martin's manor took roughly 25 minutes. This city was fucking massive, and we had to weave around the crowded streets as we went. Again, word got around fast, and people were talking about the tall white haired and red eyed man who had killed Delvin, putting an end to his newly exposed evils. I got many stares, although I was sure half of them were because I still had my beautiful catgirl clinging to my body. I paid none of it any mind. If my woman wanted me to carry her, I would without a second thought.
All of us arrived at the gates to a very large estate, golden gates opening for us as many of the men stationed outside noticed Martin's arrival. He told them that we were all his guests, and they all let us through without question. Again, many stares were directed my way, but they were mostly curious, although I did notice a few of the men checking out Cici's curves, which I couldn't blame them for, but I also did not appreciate. My glare caused their eyes to dart away incredibly fast.
"Hey, uh..." One guard said, and I turned to see a younger man dressed in silver armor looking a bit nervously at me, "I heard what you did, and what that man was like. On behalf of the people here... we thank you, Vanquisher. If someone did something like that to my love... I don't know what I would do."
I raised my eyebrows. It appeared that I already had a nickname amongst many of these people. I guess I didn't mind it. It was a hell of a lot better than the Master title Benji insisted on.
"Of course. He deserved far worse than what he got." I said, and he grimaced.
"I heard it was bad." He replied.
"Not bad enough for scum like that." I said, and he just nodded, his face going a little pale.
Cici chose that time to nuzzle my neck, and one of her ears tickled my nose, making me chuckle. I, as well as the rest of my companions, proceeded to followed Martin past the gates, and down an elaborate stone walk way. There were colorful gardens on each other side the walkway, and towards the end of it, there was a staircase that led up to a large pair of bronze and silver doors that marked the entrance to the manor. There were a pair of statues on either side of the doors, and they looked to be in the likeness of dragons. I hadn't really thought about it, but hell, I'd love to see a fucking dragon.
"This place is... wow." Cici said from my arms. She had actually stopped rubbing her face all over me for the past couple of minutes to pan her gaze around the outside.
"It puts anything in Bergast to shame." Clarissa said, her eyes wide like this was too expensive, even for her.
"Never thought I'd ever be in a place like this." Terroth said from behind us.
Serena and her brother said nothing, mainly because they had yet to pick their jaws up off of the ground as of yet.
"It's... too much." Sheila said, and I actually had to agree with her on that.
I don't care if I somehow became the richest man in the world. There is no way in hell you'd catch me living in a place like this. It was too guady, and far too big.
"It's not so bad once you get used to it." Martin said, but he didn't seem to disagree with anyone, "Although, to be fair, this place was appointed to me by right of my title. My previous home was very modest, but it was all we ever needed." Martin said with a sigh as we walked up the stairs.
The whole time, Valerie said nothing, she merely observed. I felt bad for the poor woman, as this was probably the most freedom she has had in quite some time. Later, I would make sure she was completely free, but I wanted privacy for that.
"I'm ready to get down now. I don't want to make a bad impression." Cici said, causing me to chuckle as I gently set her on her feet.
She did still wrap her arms around my right arm. Her emotions were pretty all over the place, what with the day's events as well as being in heat, but she was holding up pretty well despite that. She was definitely leaning on me as a source of stability, both mentally and physically, but I didn't mind. She kept me grounded, and made me feel loved. I was happy to do to the same whenever I could.
"Here we are." Martin said, and as he said that, the doors opened as we reached the top, and a group of butlers and maids greeted us and beckoned us inside.
"Fancy." I muttered as we made our way inside, many of the staff eying us strangely, or with curiosity.
The place was extravagant white and black, with fancy paintings on the walls, and intricate tapestries of green and gold, with various different symbols and depictions on them like swords and shields, warriors fighting in a large scale battle, and one had a badass looking winged creature, almost like some kind of Griffin type thing.
"Wow." Cici said, her heading craning this way and that, taking everything in. This was way too damn expensive for my blood.
"It might be a little much, but it is home. My wife really likes to decorate." Martin said, a small smile on his mouth.
Almost like a summoning spell was cast, one of the far double doors opened, and the woman that stepped out was not what I expected. Martin himself looked like he was about 30 years old, despite the salt and pepper style he had going on. The woman with long pointed ears that came out of those doors looked to be roughly my age, with pale and unblemished skin, long golden hair, a face that would put any model on Earth to shame, and a ridiculous figure that was both slim and curvaceous as hell.
"You look like you've had a day, love." The Elven woman said, and Martin smiled as he walked up to her, and embraced her.
"Oooh.... you could say that." He sighed, before leaning back and giving her a quick peck on the lips. He then turned to use, and gestured to her, "Everyone, this is my lovely wife, Seraphina."
After he introduced her, he personally introduced everyone to her, of which she smiled and bowed. She gave Valerie a longer look, studiying her collar closely. She frowned at it, but after a moment, she looked at Valerie with a smile, and gave a small bow as well. She eventually made it to Cici, myself, and Clarissa. Well, Marina was still standing behind Clarissa like her shadow. Honestly, she was so stoic most times that I forgot she was there. Seraphina's eyes lit up like stars as she looked at Cici.
"You are absolutely beautiful!" She exclaimed, giving a little hop in excitement. That did some... interesting things, and no one noticed more than Martin, who wore a kind of shit eating grin as if saying, "Yeah. That's mine."
Cici blushed, but her smiled showed just how much she appreciated the praise.
"Thank you, ma'am. I'm Cecilia Crosse... and it's a pleasure to meet you." Cici said a little shyly, and Seraphina beamed.
"What a gorgeous name! Your hair and fur are positively lovely!" Seraphina said, causing Cici to redden further. I couldn't help but smirk. She truly deserved the praise, but I knew how much it embarrassed her.
That's when the blonde elf finally regarded me.
"You certainly are big, aren't you? I asked if you are related to this one here, but I don't see any cat features." She said, her eyes tracing my face, my hair, and my body. Then, she finally settled on my eyes again, "Those are some intimidating eyes you have. And those clothes... almost insidious if you ask me."
I looked down at my attire, and actually considered if I should begin to wear something else for a half a second. I dismissed the thought almost immediately. I'd definitely wear some different clothes around here, and when I was about and about, but I really liked this outfit.
"Hello, Mrs. Seruud. My name is Elias Crosse, and Cecilia is my wife." I said with a grin of my own, and she looked between us both, and then smirked as Cici pressed herself into my side, and her tail coiled around one my legs.
"You are a lucky man." She said pointedly, and I nodded without hesitation.
"Oh absolutely. She's the best thing to ever happen to me." I said, and her smile became more warm, and genuine.
"You definitely don't act how you look. Very modest, and very respectful." She said, and then turned to Martin with an even brighter smile, "This is so exciting! Martin never brings home any friends!"
Martin looked like he was about to say something, but he took one look at how happy she was, and just closed his mouth and sighed.
Seraphina finally got to the last person to meet, which was Clarissa, and once again, her eyes sparkled.
"If I didn't know you as well as I do, I'd be jealous with how many beautiful women you've brought home today." Seraphina said, which made Clarissa flush, and Martin roll his eyes.
"This is the Baroness I told you about. They just arrived a lot eariler than expected." Martin said, and Seraphina's eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh! I heard you were young, but you're still practically a child!" Seraphina said, and now Clarissa just gave a cute little pout, which was goddamned adorable.
"I'm almost 20..." Clarissa mumbled, before she straighted her posture, and smoothed out her clothes, "Clarissa Osark, Baroness of the town of Bergast, and this is my personal guard, Marina Costelle. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Seruud." She said with a small courtesy.
"Please, all of you, Seraphina is just fine. Or if you are comfortable, Sera." Seraphina said with a smile.
"Yes, Lady Seraphina." Clarissa said, and Seraphina giggled.
"Good enough." She said, still laughing, "You're so cute, you know that right?"
Clarissa went so red I thought her cheeks would start smoking. This made Cici start giggling as well.
"If that's the case, then call me Cici." She said, and Seraphina smiled even more.
"That's so adorable! Please tell me you are all staying with us while you are here." She said, and then turned these cute little puppy dog eyes on Martin, who just sighed even more.
"That was the plan, dear." Martin said, and Seraphina actually jumped up and down enthusiastically this time.
"How wonderful! All of you lovely ladies, please come with me! Dinner is being made, but I'd love it if you'd all let me help you dress for the occasion. This is a dinner, and not a battle." She said, eyeing the girls with a big grin on her face.
At those words, a handful of maids who were standing to the side came forward, taking the arm of one of the women each, and began leading them towards Seraphina, who began walking towards a staircase on the left side and was not walking up them. None of them even tried to object, although Sheila and Serena looked lost. Cici and Clarissa both looked back at me, and I just shrugged. Marina, of course, said nothing as she just dutifully went where Clarissa did.
"Have fun, girls." I called out, waving to them as they were led up the stairs.
"That woman... I swear." Martin said, his dopey smile revealing his true thoughts on the matter.
"She's... definitely not what I expected." I said, and Martin nodded.
"I met her 15 years ago now when I traveled to the elven lands, to the city of Telepigo. The moment I met her, and she spoke to me... I knew I wouldn't be able to live without her." He said, a fond smile on his face, "She just drew me in. Her personality, her exuberance, her beauty... I sure am glad she felt the same way about me."
I reached over and patted him on the shoulder.
"Lucky men, aren't we?" I asked, and he chuckled as he patted my arm.
"Indeed, my friend." He said, and then turned to look at Terroth and Benji, "Well, if the ladies are getting all fancy, why don't we do the same? Come, I'm sure I have some things that will fit all of you. The staff will come and get us when dinner is ready. I'm sure my wife is dying to know about today. I'm sure she'll be happy to hear about what you did today." He said, and I raised an eyebrow at him.
"You think she'll be happy that I basically tortured and killed the leader of Tempest?" I asked, and he nodded.
"I'll let my wife tell you. She has a very interesting class, and even more interesting skills." He said, and I nodded as he gestured for us to follow him, waving off the butlers that began to come forward, "Carry on with your tasks. I can handle this."
I had actually forgotten to use Abyssal Eye on Seraphina, so I'd definitely do that once I saw her again. I think I was just baffled by the fact that Martin's wife was a gorgeous elf to even think about it.
As we followed Martin up the stairs, I couldn't stop thinking about today's events. Definitely not how I expected the first few hours to go, but looking at how my life has been since I got here, maybe I should have. I always seemed get in the middle of this kinda bullshit all the time without even trying.
I shook my head, getting rid of all of that for now. It was done, and Martin's people were taking care of the rest. Instead, I thought about what kind of clothing Sera would be dressing all of the girls in, and those thoughts... were definitely more up my alley. The thought of Cici in a tight dress that showed off her curves, as well as her long and beautiful legs had my brain going prehistoric for a second. Hell, all of the women were gorgeous in their own right, and now, my mind began focusing more on Clarissa as well. I'd definitely have to spend more time with her while we were here. I hoped, and I mean, truly fucking hoped, that no more bullshit like today happened, at least not for a while.
"Give me at least a few days of peace." I muttered.