The meeting was more subdued after that interesting development. Martin and Seraphina told me to not worry about their request for now, but did ask if I would be willing to help them out with one thing within the week. Seraphina called it fate that not only did Clarissa arrived much before the time when she should have, but that she brought me along with her. Martin just nodded, agreeing with his wife purely out of some sort of instinct. I totally understood that, although Cici was usually always right about things.
They told me for now just to enjoy the city, explore, and take part in many of the activities this city had to offer. Cici was definitely on board, although she was insistant that I take Clarissa out on a date as soon as possible. She thought Clarissa being drunk and kissing me was the cutest thing ever. I had also forgotten Marina was still here, being the quiet woman that she was, but she really didn't do or say anything. Honestly, the dumb little smile on her face as she seemingly daydreamed was kinda cute. She needed to loosen up a bit, and it looks like Terroth was helping her with that in more ways than one.
Valerie though? She looked lost in thought, but I occasionally caught her glancing at me out of the corners of her eyes. She didn't look unhappy, but neither did she seem very happy. She honestly reminded me of someone who simply had no idea what was going on, or what to do. I would help her see that the world can be better than what she's experienced... even if this world was hard on people. I felt responsible for her now, but it didn't bother me. I wanted to help her... I wanted her to smile more.
"By the way," Martin began, causing me to turn my attention to him, "I got in contact with Phillander Dewitt, the Guildmaster of the Adventurer's Guild, and explained a few things to him. The next time you visit there, he will take care of you. He said that the tests will be waived due to your actions against... their less reputable members, and all you'll need to do is have your Guild Amulet synced with the Framework, and you're good to go. I think he's even starting you off at Silver Rank."
"Really? That's very kind of you, Martin. Thank you." I said, and the man smiled at me.
"Think nothing of it, my new friend." He said, and I smiled right back, but had a question.
"The Guild Amulet is synced to the Framework?" I asked, and Martin nodded.
"Yes, but, Phillander would be the better one to explain all of that to you. I have never been an Adventurer, after all. I think you will do well." He said, and I nodded, accepting that answer.
We spoke for a little longer, although none of it was really important. Just about where they thought we should visit, and the things they recommended we do in the city. Topics and conversations changed, until Martin asked me something that I had forgotten about.
"Elias, you have Delvin Montenago's storage ring still, yes?" He asked me, and I blinked, and then looked at the finger that I had it on.
"Yeah. Right here. I wasn't really thinking about it... I'm sorry. Do you want-?" I asked, but he just chuckled and shook his head.
"No, Elias. That ring and its contents are yours to keep. I have my people looking for everyone, including the families, of those who Delvin has wronged. I will be personally repaying them and making sure they are taken care of. I can only feel that a lot of this is on me... had I truly known what they were doing..." He said, his face pained slightly.
That was nice of him. To be honest, I hadn't even really looked through the ring. I knew there were valuables, money, weapons, clothes, and whatnot inside of it, but I didn't really sit down and look. There might be some things in there that could point to more of Delvin's misdeeds.
"Okay. I'll took a good look inside of it later tonight. I'll see if there's anything in there that might prove helpful or useful. The skeletons in that man's closet must be terrible considering all he did out in the open. Naturally I'll come to you with anything I find." I said, and both Martin and Seraphina nodded at me.
"I just know this is going to work out wonderfully. I'm so glad we had the fortune of meeting you." Serephina said, and that made me smile at the woman.
"Me too. You've both been really nice. It's appreciated." I replied.
"Of course, Elias. You are easy to get along with." Martin said, making me smile again.
"Eli is fine. For both of you." I told them, and they smirked at me.
"Very well, then I expect all of you to call me Sera." The elven woman said.
We all turned to look at Martin expectantly, and he actually gave us a strained smile.
"Please, just Martin, yeah?" He said, making us laugh.
"You're no fun..." Sera said, then showed off her perfectly white teeth in a grin, "Marty."
Martin sighed, and put a hand on his forehead.
"You know I hate that name, dear." He said, causing Sera to give him an admittedly cute pout.
"I think it's nice..." She mumbled, and despite himself, Martin couldn't help but smile.
"You get a pass... the rest of you, I simply ask to be called Martin." He said, and I chuckled and nodded.
"Sure thing." I said, with everyone else in agreement as well.
We exchanged a little more information after that, but nothing serious. Martin told me of a few nice places in town that served food that "the girls" would like, giving me a wink as he did so. I smirked and nodded at him, which got me a little giggle from Cici, and a blush from Clarissa. The more I looked at her, the more time I spent around her, and the more her blue eyes peered into my very soul, the more I was sure of what I wanted. It might be selfish, and it almost felt like a betrayal in some ways, but... I wanted her.
"Don't think like that, darling. I like her too, and I think she'll be a great addition to our family, but you two have a lot to talk about. And... I want to see you two kiss again." Cici said into my head, which actually made my expression faulter a tad as my own cheeks colored slightly before I schooled myself. It wasn't fast enough for my kitten not to notice it, and she almost laughed outloud.
"Well, I think that's everything for now. Like I said, just relax, enjoy the time in the city. I'll come to you with some of my ideas, and a few plans later in the week. And don't forget about that ring." Martin said, and I smiled and nodded at the man.
"Thank you, Martin." I said.
All of us soon stood, Seraphina walking over to Martin and whispering something in his ear. She was pretty quiet, although Martin's face actually turned a bit red as she spoke, and she giggled sweetly as she turned to us and winked.
"I need my husband for a personal task..." She said, and I didn't miss the heat in her eyes as she said that, but I pretended not to notice.
Martin coughed.
"Yes... well, lets go take care of that, shall we. Everyone, thank you for your time, and we shall speak again soon. And please, make yourselves at home. My staff knows to treat you all with the same care and respect they'd give to my wife and I."
Wall nodded in thanks before Martin was dragged off.
"My lady..." Marina said a moment after the two left, "Since there isn't much going on...may I..." Marina said, trailing off as her cheeks heated, and Clarissa laughed.
"Go, Marina. Please, enjoy yourself." Clarissa said, and Marina smiled as she bowed, before exiting the room with a pep in her step.
"She's oddly cute when she wants to be." Cici commented, causing Clarissa to chuckle.
"She is... I'm glad she's finally found someone she finds interesting. She wouldn't stop talking about... well, I'll not share what she told me in confidence, but it was a lot more than I expected." Clarissa said, then she looked at me, and her face went bright red, "Also... about last night... I.... well..."
I just smirked as I stood, helping Cici up as I did so. Valerie simply stood up, put on a respectful smile, and stood there patiently. She was really good at that. I then walked over to where Clarissa still sat, and offered her my hand.
"Baroness Osark, I was hoping you'd do me the honor of joining me for dinner tonight. Perhaps we can also just take in the sights, and find a few things to do." I said with smirk, making her eyes widen, her cheeks going pink.
"Don't tease her so bad." Cici chastised me with a giggle, and I chuckled.
"Fine, fine." I said, then locked eyes with eye beautiful blue eyed woman, "Clarissa, will you let me take you out tonight?"
Clarissa stammered, her eyes going unfocused for a moment, before she broke out in a hopeful smile, and took my hand.
"Y-yes... I would like that very much." She said, and I smiled as I pulled her up.
I looked down at her, and she looked up at me, her rosey cheeks making her look both adorable and sexy simultaneously. My eyes were soon drawn to her lips, which my brain kept telling me looked oh so kissable.
"Do it, darling. She's begging you with her eyes." Cici said in my mind, making any hesitation I had melt away as I saw deep in Clarissa's eyes what Cici was talking about.
I put my thumb and index finger of my right hand under her chin, and tilted her head up. Her eyes widened, and then proceeded to bug out even further as I began to lean down, bringing my face closer to hers. Her breathing picked up, but soon, she was closing her eyes and pursing her lips as I soon locked them together in a soft kiss. Her lips were soft, wet, and inviting. The way she kissed me was... well, it was cute. The soft kissing and low suction of her lips against mine made it probably the most gentle kiss I'd ever shared with anyone.
The kiss lasted for much longer than our last. Finally, our kiss ended with a soft little pop, and she practically panted as she gazed into my eyes.
"I... want to do that more often." She said after a moment, her cheeks as red as molten lava.
I smiled, and leaned in for one last quick peck. It quite literally worked like a crowd control skill, stunning her for a couple of seconds. I chuckled.
"We can get plenty of more of those in later. And... it'll be nice just to sit down with you and talk." I said, and her embarrassment turned to happiness instantly as she beamed at me.
"I can't wait." She said, hugging me tightly, to which I hugged her back.
The door soon opened, and a couple of maids came inside, and kindly asked us to leave so they could clean the room. It really wasn't that dirty, but we agreed all the same. I took Cici's hand in my right hand, and offered my other to Clarissa. I didn't necessarily expect her to take it, but I couldn't help the surge of happiness in my chest when she actually did take it.
"Come on, lets go back to our room and relax. You're welcome to join us Clarissa." I said, and then peered over at Valerie.
It was about time I did what I said I was going to do for her, and I didn't mind Clarissa being there. If she truly was going to join our family, she deserved that much. Plus, I felt she deserved to know more about me too... Valerie as well, if she stuck around. I may not be able to help everyone, but I could, and I would, help the poor Dhampir that was with me. I'd make sure she never experienced anything like she did in her life ever again.