437

After finishing with their morning exercise. 

Olivia finally resolved herself to make her presence known. Receiving permission, she entered the tent.

"Good morning Your Grace. Lady Rosemi, Lady Robin.

I came to report that your vassals Mizumi and Miku has already departed with the criminals along with Oliver and his knights. As you have clearly stated the need to prioritize speed and utmost efficiency. My men and I will also be shortly leaving, as upon your orders, we have finished taking all documents and evidence in which we could find. 

Do you have any last orders for me before I leave, Sir?"

Asai, having confirmed the usage conditions of his newest skill. Now realized, he could potentially reach 200 MP to utilize [Summon Meteor] before he waged his own attack on Armenes. Eying up Olivia who wore a stoic expression, but was strangely blushing somewhat. Asai also desired her body. However, as she was someone he considered to be within his sphere of influence, a vassal, a colleague or a friend. He didn't want to simply order her into warming his bed. Abusing his position to force his demands upon people he considered to be friends or allies simply wasn't appropriate.

As such, he decided to give her the choice.

"Knight Olivia. After careful consideration, I believe I am in need of your services. My next destination will be Par'Talucca, a war-torn kingdom with many people in need of medical assistance no doubt. Your healing ability will undoubtedly benefit them greatly. 

I understand that you've spent the majority of your life with your brother. And that the two of you excel most when together. But, he has already departed and I'm not going to recall him nor am I going to attempt to chase after him.

So, I will give you the option of following me or returning to Del Lagos with your knights."

Within the girl's mind, she feared being so far apart from her twin. On the other hand, she felt excited that the duke was once more showing her interest. Thus, she quickly made up her mind and nodded.

"My lord. I would be honoured to join you in your endeavours at Par'Talucca." The knight's imagination now wandered over to exotic worlds and lands. Wondering as to how beautiful or aesthetic the kingdoms far north would be. Even if they were war-torn. Being a human who had never left the confines of Del Lagos, having experienced only the mundane functional architecture of humanity. She almost saw her new deployment as a holiday.

"Good, have your knights return with all the evidence they collected. Also, send Bethel and Mel over to me."

"Yes, Your Grace!" Olivia saluted, before marching out to relay the news.

"It's a shame I can't collect the mana points from Miku and Mizumi, but I really should head back to Aevraury and check in with Sora Kaka."

Glancing backwards, Rosemi and Robin had finished equipping their gears and now appeared battle-ready. Now storing their items, bedding and tent away. They marched over towards the two ladies who were also heading in their direction.

"Good morning Duke." Bethel cheerfully smiled.

"Good morning Your Grace."

Asai simply nodded, accepting their greetings even if Bethel was still greeting him incorrectly. Seeing as their current clothing was still their prior disguise as mercenaries. Asai pulled out two sets of uniforms that were black gilded gold in colours. 

"Change into this, you're not travelling around as adventurers anymore. But as knights of Trichia. Let me know if they're too tight or baggy." 

The ladies accepted the uniforms. And although Asai had mentioned them being baggy, the outfits came with multiple belt straps that ensured a snug fit. Something that was implemented solely because Robin hated how her prior clothing would constantly drag against the wind whenever she vaulted.

Whilst Mel looked around to enter the closest cabin to change, Bethel just started stripping then and there. Only after she was entirely topless, and only in her black underwear did she pause, gazing up to see everyone staring at her in surprise.

"What?" Within her mind, these were NPCs, not real humans. And although she wouldn't allow them to touch her directly, she figured it would alright to change in front of the duke as he was the only human-male who didn't immediately try rape her upon seeing her tits.

Asai turned around, out of chivalry. Inspecting the surrounding proximity, he quickly found out that he was the only man as everyone else were women. "Man... If she trying to seduce me!?"

Robin Sol, seeing no problems at all with her strip-tease. Started to help her with the uniform. Ensuring her belts that covered both her hips and torso were snugly fitted. Before placing the cloak around her shoulders that fell just enough to linger around her ass. 

Although this wasn't the first variant of the uniform she had worn, since Asai had gifted her a set back at the colosseum. The minor adjustments and alterations had her slightly lost, as such, she appreciated Robin's swift assistance.

Rosemi equally went on to help Mel change. From what she had heard, Mel was supposedly Asai's first lover. With this in mind, she immediately forced the girl to strip, checking and inspecting her goods. Even going as far as lifting and dropping her suckle breasts, and groping her ass as she helped her with the kit.

As he awkwardly stood there, he figured he could explain the gears a little. Since it was Mel's first time receiving one.

"The uniform is crafted from high-quality tempered leather. Farmed from only the strongest and sturdiest beasts. Normal iron swords will struggle to even penetrate the material, whilst rain will also fail to seep in to sap body heat.

As for the temperature itself, the material is still thin enough that ventilation is optimized and breathable. Whilst the kit won't protect you from the extreme cold, in the off-chance we do experience a harsh winter. I'll provide overcoats on top of your cloaks.

Whilst I gave you the skirt variant, as the temperature is currently quite hot. If you prefer the men's version then let me know."

"We're done~" Rosemi announced.

Asai turned to see Bethel twirling around, deliberately making her skirt rise, revealing glimpses of her ass and panties. Her long pink hair was now tied into two braids that fell atop her breasts.

As for Mel, she was familiarizing herself with the fit, especially the cloak that ended just above her ass. Surprised to find it optimized for weapon draws, as the material didn't obstruct her hands from reaching her belt at all. For both her daggers and utility pouch that held a couple vials of potions.

The duke's gaze lingered upon Mel longer than usual. Wondering, whether or not it was a good idea to give her a mana-heart. "I need warriors, not assassins or rogues. And if I invest something this valuable, her fate would be filled with danger and risks... Do I really want to drag her through nightmares that might break her mind?"

Robin held his hand, as her soft golden gaze met his.

"It's okay. We're stronger than you think."

Olivia reappeared, having sent her men back to Del Lagos, she joined the little group circle.

[Asai de Trichia: Lvl 97]

[HP: 165 MP:157]

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[Robin Sol: Lvl 93]

[HP: 100 MP:200]

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[Rosemi de Lumix: Lvl 90]

[HP: 110 MP: 100]

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[Olivia: Lvl 80]

[HP: 100 MP:100]

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[Bethel: Lvl 69]

[HP: 160 MP:130]

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[Mel: Lvl 62]

[HP: 100]