The World Is Mine For The Taking

"It seems like Shreddy's got him hooked, Leon," Titania whispered, poking her head out from behind the bush where we were hiding.

I had to admit, things seemed to be going smoothly. I had anticipated Hereon being more stubborn, but it seemed his infatuation with Shredica was working in our favor. I just hoped Shredica didn't mess things up.

Titania grinned mischievously at me. "You're more cunning than I give you credit for, Leon."

"Why do you say that?" I asked innocently.

"Don't play dumb," she chuckled. "You used Hereon's feelings for Shreddy to rope him in, didn't you?"

It seemed Titania had caught onto my strategy. I had indeed capitalized on Hereon's infatuation with Shredica to get him on board. It might have been a bit underhanded, but it was necessary. I was impressed that Titania had picked up on it, though. It showed she was paying close attention to me. I felt an urge to kiss her right then and there, but before I could act on it, Hereon spoke up.

"I have a question first."

"Go ahead, ask," Shredica prompted.

Hereon opened his mouth, but no words came out. He seemed hesitant, as if whatever question he had was difficult to articulate. After a moment, he finally spoke up.

"Are you and that bastard... that skillless... are you two lovers?"

Shredica's response was immediate. "No, we're not," she stated firmly. The very idea of being considered lovers with me seemed to disgust her. "Why would you even entertain such a thought?"

"Nothing," he muttered, closing his eyes and rubbing the back of his neck. I recognized the gesture; it was a sign of embarrassment. So, Hereon was a tsundere, huh? His tsun side was nowhere to be found, and his dere side was on full display right now.

"Seeing them like this... I can't quite put my finger on it, but it looks really cute, don't you think, Leon?" Titania teased me. "I think Hereon might win Shredica over if you keep dawdling around."

"Don't worry. I don't particularly have a desire to make Shredica my woman. In fact, I kind of ship the two of them," I confessed.

"Huh? Is that so?" Titania asked, sounding surprised. "I thought you wanted Shredica in your harem too, considering how much time you spend with her."

I shook my head. I don't like Shredica, so I have no desire to dominate her. She doesn't have a skill for me to copy either, so why bother trying? I'm not interested in controlling her.

After brushing off the topic earlier, Hereon glanced at Shredica and remarked, "I'll think about it. I'll give you an answer tomorrow."

"Is that so? I understand. I hope you'll consider it carefully and see the benefits of teaming up with us," Shredica replied.

"Yeah, yeah," Hereon nodded. "Well then, I'll take my leave now."

"Alright."

With that, Hereon walked away from Shredica.

It seemed like everything was falling into place somehow. That was a relief. Tomorrow, we would find out whether Hereon would accept or not.

***

I returned to Leonamon and headed straight to my office, where I found Maya still holding the bottle of wine. Had she been holding onto it this whole time? It seemed she was eager to engage in some wine-pouring play while we indulged in each other's bodies.

"Welcome back, Master," she greeted me with a bow.

Taking my seat, which Maya had pulled out for me, I perused the day's report, noting the gradual increase in Leonamon's finances. It was mentioned that we would be establishing branches in the Holy City and Market City. With three company buildings in the Milham Kingdom, it seemed inevitable that Leonamon would soon become an international enterprise.

Ayane's role as our brand ambassador has been instrumental in the flourishing of our company. Her stunning beauty has captivated the masses, leading to increased sales whenever her posters adorn establishments or products bearing our company's name. We're also planning to enlist the idol group of Leonamon as additional ambassadors.

Erica and the girls are gaining fame rapidly with their hit songs; they've already produced five successful tracks. In less than two months, we'll be showcasing Ayane alongside the idol group to further boost our company's renown. Additionally, the idol group will embark on a tour to the Kingdom of Bethlan, Principality of Rodan, and Republic of Shaira, further expanding our reach.

This is promising. The influence of the company is steadily growing. I believe that within five years, we could even expand into the Empire of Rodonia. It wouldn't be unreasonable to expect further expansion, perhaps even into the Holy Country of Seena, allowing us to establish our company there as well.

"Our company is growing rapidly. I think this calls for a celebration, Maya," I said to the maid beside me.

"What kind of celebration do you have in mind, Master?" Maya inquired.

"Hm... Perhaps we could have a drink or something? Why don't you open that wine and pour us a drink?" I suggested.

"Okay," she replied with a blush. Maya then uncorked the wine bottle, took a sip, and held the liquid in her mouth. She then approached me, kissed me, and transferred the liquid from her mouth to mine.

After feeding me wine directly from her mouth, Maya leaned back slightly, her cheeks flushed with a blush. She took another sip of wine, holding it in her mouth before repeating the gesture. It was evident that she was eager to engage in sexual activity with me. I recalled that beastkin were mortals who desired to procreate with those they deemed superior.

It was a tradition among them that if a male beastkin defeated a female in combat, they would marry and eventually have offspring. Maya, being a beastkin, would naturally follow this instinct. However, she had been kidnapped and nearly forced into prostitution. Now, having been saved by me, she likely viewed me as superior and strong, hence her behavior.

I didn't mind what she was doing at all. In fact, I found it rather enjoyable. Having her do this every once in a while was a pleasant treat. After ten sips, I finally signaled to Maya, "That's enough now."

She promptly corked the bottle of wine.

"I'm going to take a bath now. Thank you for doing that," I said.

"You're welcome, Master," she replied with a bow. Then, hesitantly, she spoke up again. "Um, Master...?"

"What is it?"

"Do you want... Do you want us to join you and provide service in the bath?"

Maya was unusually bold today. What was going on?

"Are you sure about that, Maya?"

She nodded immediately. "Actually, five of us agreed to do it," she said. "Me, Trisha, Emy, Filia, and Lady Marie."

So they were all set on going through with this, huh? But wait, Marie was joining too? I had a feeling something bad might happen if she was involved, but since the five of them had made up their minds, I supposed I had no choice. I just hoped that loli hag wouldn't do anything reckless.

"If you're all set on it, then I guess I have no choice. Would you mind preparing the bath for me then?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed enthusiastically before heading to the bathroom, which happened to be a large open hot spring. I could see her small ewe tail shaking happily.

After she left, I called out a name to summon one of my shadows, "Bernadette."

Immediately, she appeared before me, having been concealed all along using her skill Cryptic Coloration.

"Yes, Master?" she inquired.

"Have you completed the task I assigned to you?" I asked.

"Yes, Master. Would you like me to provide you with a report?" Bernadette responded.

"Yes," I confirmed.

Bernadette proceeded to update me on the current happenings in the Capital City.

"The kingdom is currently under martial law," Bernadette reported. "Following the recent incident in the Capital City and the significant loss of life, many people are directing their anger toward the royal family. They're frustrated with the perceived lack of swift action and the poor governance displayed by the current king, which has exacerbated economic hardships and grievances.

Despite the incident occurring just yesterday, riots and civil unrest are already breaking out. The royal knights are struggling to maintain public order, prompting the King to issue a declaration of martial law this morning in an attempt to quell the growing civil strife and prevent the looming threat of rebellion and civil war."

So the King had declared martial law, just a day before the King's Game? Seems like the kingdom's situation is even more dire than I anticipated.

"Also, we've confirmed that the perpetrator behind the bombing was Prince Julius Milham III," Bernadette revealed. "That's all for my report."

Not only that, but our own kingdom's prince was involved in something shady too.

"Good job," I praised. "You're such a good girl." I patted her on the head, which elicited a giggle from her.

It seemed like something major was brewing. But who was behind it all? That was what I couldn't figure out.